Margosha's Walk in Meise

WE WALKED!

Despite the extraordinary weather, we walked!  This is thanks to Kyung-Sook, Dawn, Isobel and Margosha who insisted that they were not going to be put off by a bit of wind and were going to accompany me (Janet) to Meise! 

But mostly our thanks must be given to Margosha who led us on an alternate route because the Jardins Botanique, like every other public garden in Brussels, was closed due to the weather.

So, my apologies to anyone else who would have been brave enough to face the elements but had assumed (because of my email) that there would not be a walk.  I had to make a decision early in the day about whether to go ahead, but as I was going to go anyway (just in case anyone hadn't seen the message) a walk ended up happening.  

We met at the Church in Meise

Some nearby bells - we are sure they have a history!

We wonder what this tree is.  Does anyone know? It has cherry-like fruit.

We didn't stay around long enough to find out the history of this statue

These sweetcorn stalks made a wonderfully musical sound - and gave a good indication of the predominant wind direction in the last few days!

Gathering rain clouds!

It cannot be denied that it was windy. Very.  Nor can we ignore the fact that we did get a wee bit wet.  As in soaked to the skin in some cases!  A heavy downpour was followed by some consistently wet rain, so Margosha found a short cut back to the cafe.  We are very grateful to Isobel's meteorological powers - a harsh word from her and the rain stopped and the sun returned!  If only you'd thought to use those powers a little sooner Isobel!

Does anyone know what this purple plant is?  Is it unique to Meise?!

Sorry Isobel - didn't realise you had your eyes shut!  Margosha found us a welcoming cafe for drinks where we were able to swap stories about where the rain had penetrated and discuss whether to sue the makers of our rainwear!