Travel is about discovery for me — new cultures, food and architecture…sights, sounds and colors. But who expected to find nature’s take on Donald Trump’s penis in a Belgian forest?
A splash of color from Mother Nature
It all started on a walk through Tervuren Park in Flanders on a December morning. Out of the corner of her eye, my friend Sarah saw a splash of red in a green field. At first glance, it looked like a piece of plastic, but closer examination revealed a small mushroom that looked like a Mario video game character. It was what I imagined a certain world leader’s personal parts would look like, after hearing the TMI description shared by Stormy Daniels, the adult film star who claimed a romantic frolic in the sheets with a New York billionaire, which he hotly contested.
My friend and I had a good giggle and carried on with our walk around the lake, but not before I noticed a “45” signpost indicating a walk or cycling “knooppunt” that guides cyclists through Flanders. Was I the only one who found that amusing?
Hunting in Park van Tervuren
The next day, I returned to the scene of the crime with my friend’s dog, altering my regular route to get another look at the mystical mushroom.
Tervuren Park — a must-see side trip on your trip to Brussels — was once the hunting grounds of the Dukes of Brabant. The irony wasn’t lost on me. Here I was hunting for mushrooms.
On day two, I expected the little red projectile to be trampled by animals in the park, but to my surprise, it was still there in its fire-engine red glory. It had opened a bit, losing its distinctive Trump form. I was captivated and sat on the wet ground to capture a few photos.
Obsessed by a Mushroom
It was official. I was obsessed. What would the mushroom look like on day three? I wandered back to the park, walking past a magnificent heron and a raft of ducks swimming across the lake. I was focused on just one thing: the return to the red mushroom. It seemed to be the only one in the park. Was I was the only one to discover it? Ah, serendipity.
Day three presented subtle changes with red fading to burnt orange, the round heat flattening. I was back on the wet ground with my camera.
“It looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland,” said one friend.
A Frosty Exit
A few days later, a hard frost left the mushroom with a badly fitting, white ice cap reminding me of 45’s hair. Yet, the mushroom still clung to life, brightening up a small corner of the field. I guess I’ll be back again for another look.
Usual anti-Trump nonsense and idiocy, Please do grow up and take a look at how Trump has improved the economy, lowered the unemployment for every body including Hispanics and Blacks. The USA is in MUCH better shape now !
Amen to that, Pam.
Haters are gonna hate.
Do you have eyes, ears or a brain.? Your man is the biggest hateful, hate filled hater on the planet. You Trumpies sicken me.
He has divided the country like never before, spread hate, embodied racism and chaos, lied a staggering amount of time, flip flopped on everything imaginable, alienated allies, spewed nonsensical aggression at every turn, fired or egasperated most of his cabinet. And more (I’ve left out the obvious treason and criminal activities too numerous to begin)
He inherited a strong economy that was on an upward trajectory, and trust me that’s about to turn. You brainless soulless Trump supporter, you will be ashamed very soon.
so true Pam..Why is it always anti-Trump liberal left wing brainwashed nonsense!!!
Great report…Great writer and extremely good sense of humour!!! As Big Ben chimes in the New year …with the band Madness playing us into 2019 …Happy New year from all of us in London!!xxxx
Wow what a mushroom…!!! What a lovely park..!!!.just reading this reminds me of the immense surprise to discover this beautiful park in Tervuren. A breathe of fresh air literally from the city…awesome…I need to go back …thanks for this lovely report!!! It reminds me of how beautiful it all is!!!!
Grow up.