avatarAnne Bonfert

Summary

The website content describes a captivating personal account of witnessing a double rainbow in a picturesque village, reflecting on the beauty and ephemeral nature of this meteorological phenomenon.

Abstract

The author recounts a serendipitous moment of a double rainbow's appearance while comfortably reading indoors on a rainy evening. The sudden brightness of the sun breaking through the rain prompts them to venture out despite the downpour, equipped with a camera and GoPro to capture the vibrant spectacle stretching across the valley. The narrative conveys the author's awe and urgency in documenting the rainbow before it fades, emphasizing the unique and fleeting nature of such natural wonders. The author also provides an educational perspective on rainbows, citing National Geographic's explanation of the optical illusion and the conditions necessary for their formation. The experience culminates in a tranquil evening filled with the sounds of nature, leaving the author in a state of peace and reflection, encapsulated by Maya Angelou's quote about being a rainbow in someone's cloud.

Opinions

  • The author views the rainbow as more than just an optical phenomenon; it's a fairytale-like moment and one of nature's wonders.
  • There is a sense of urgency and determination to capture the rainbow, disregarding potential water damage to camera equipment.
  • The author disagrees with those who might trivialize the experience of seeing a rainbow, emphasizing its significance as a unique event.
  • The rainbow's disappearance is described with a touch of melancholy, highlighting the author's deep appreciation for the experience.
  • The author finds the village's atmosphere tranquil and indescribable, suggesting a profound connection to the natural environment.
  • The inclusion of Maya Angelou's quote implies the author's belief in the importance of positivity and inspiration in life's experiences.

Where Rainbows Decorate the Sky and Fairytales are Written

Another rainy day in the village

Credit: Anne Bonfert

I was sitting on the couch curled up in my blanket reading lovely stories on Medium when I looked at the window and jumped up all of a sudden. As we had returned from our evening walk it had started to rain. We had the window open in our living room and listened to the soothing sound of the rain.

But all of a sudden it got bright. The last rays of sunshine came through with full force. Which meant the sun was shining and it was raining at the same time. And this resolves in a colorful festival in the sky.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

As I reached the window I could see it already. A bright-colored rainbow. I couldn’t get it all in frame from our window but had to get out on the terrace. It was pouring down rain. But with the sun in my back, I saw a rainbow stretching from one side of the valley to the other one.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Now, this is truly a fairytale-like moment. Even the second rainbow above shimmered through. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Running in and out of the house, changing lenses on my camera and grabbing the GoPro. The rainbow was so close I couldn’t capture its size even with my wide-angle lens.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

I went down the stairs in the garden. In the rain. With a kitchen towel above my head and half of the camera. Who cares about water on the camera not me anymore. This is a unique event. I have to capture it. It’s a double rainbow!

Credit: Anne Bonfert

And as I was taking my last picture with the GoPro the rainbow slowly disappeared. At first, the second one vanished. Then a cloud moved in at the middle of the main rainbow. And slowly but surely the rest of it dissolved as well.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Wow.

I can’t believe what I just witnessed.

Some might say it’s just a rainbow what is all the fuss about. But I disagree. It’s not just a rainbow. It’s one of nature’s wonders. A colorful spectacle happening due to changing weather and different lights.

“A rainbow is an optical illusion—it does not actually exist in a specific spot in the sky. The appearance of a rainbow depends on where you're standing and where the sun (or other source of light) is shining.

The sun or other source of light is usually behind the person seeing the rainbow. In fact, the center of a primary rainbow is the antisolar point, the imaginary point exactly opposite the sun.” — National Geographic

Credit: Anne Bonfert

And as I turn around I get to see blue sky and some majestic-looking clouds.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Peace and quiet took over the valley. It stopped raining. The sun set. Birds are singing. Frogs are croaking in the distance. The moisture is rising from the woods creating a light fog above the forest.

Such a tranquil moment and indescribable atmosphere.

Credit: Anne Bonfert

Just another day in this quaint little town. Where Buddha statues are watching over a whisky distillery and a beer garden is opposite the church. Deer are grazing on the meadows surrounding town at this time of the day.

“Try to to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Maya Angelou

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