Wise Investment

One of the best things I ever invested in was a large clear umbrella.  Two, actually- one for me, one for Daya.

Mine lives at work.

There are serious advantages to a clear umbrella:
1) You can keep the rain off and see where you are going, regardless of wind direction
2) If you are short like me, and your face is right at umbrella-spoke-end height, the clear umbrella serves as a very effective armor. Umbrellas are dangerous to short people. Especially short people with contact lenses.
3) Folded up, it makes a great weapon, if necessary.

Times Square,

as seen from inside umbrella

NOTE 1: FYI the absolute most disgusting place in NYC in the rain is Canal Street.
NOTE 2: I don't mind Times Square in the rain, especially with my umbrella armor, because THE CREEPY CHARACTERS ARE NOT OUT.