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Paper boats sail into my mind when it rains

With our sleeves rolled up, we'd place the wobbly creation on the stream. It would always lead to a few seconds of anxiety - will it float?

Over the last few weeks, Dubai added another season to its calendar, the rainy season. Now, there is a lot you can do when it rains - sing and dance, jump in the puddles, have a cup of coffee, and read a book. Or you can revisit a childhood activity - make paper boats.
During my growing up years, I was a big fan of Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, to create lovely items. In fact, I still am. But, much before I learnt how to spell Origami, I'd gotten acquainted with the magic of using my hands and any paper to create little wonders called paper boats.
It would start with the skies turning purplish-blue. Mum would call out for us, to help her get the laundry indoors. And then came the moment when we'd hear raindrops on the roof, it was time. Since pretty Origami kits were yet to arrive (in our lives), we'd head to the cupboard that held old newspapers, magazines, and school notebooks (from our previous classes, which we would at the end of the year check diligently with our red felt pens, as we played teachers). Yes, no pastel sheets or stripped square pieces.
I remember the steps, clearly. A rectangular piece - fold in half, fold in half again, then the corners.squish the bottom and pull the sides up! But, what I remember far more vividly is the excitement around the activity. The rustling through piles of paper and eyeing the glossy one, the expression on mum's face as we learnt how to use a pair of scissors, the serious discussions held to decide on the name of the boat (which, we'd scribble on it), and the hurry to finish the task before the showers ended.
We'd run outdoors to find the perfect stream for our boat - with a few spots near the drainage pipes as well. With our sleeves rolled up, we'd place the wobbly creation on the stream. It would always lead to a few seconds of anxiety - will it float? Followed by squeals of delight on watching the boat in action. We'd run along with the path as well, just in case the boat needed a push. We'd wonder if there was a way to make a waterproof version of the same? It would topple because of the pebbles on the way or sometimes get stuck in the leaves of a wild plant. The journeys were mostly short.
What was it about the boat with a lifespan of just a few minutes that brought us so much joy? If it rains this weekend, I will definitely step out and look for the answer. I do have many shiny restaurant menus floating at home. If not, perhaps I'll try to remember if I know how to make a paper plane take flight.
purva@khaleejtimes.com