The Typhoon Lekima caused a few days of rain in Suzhou and at times the wind was very strong and nearly strong enough to knock you off your feet. I wore my wet weather gear yesterday but apparently it is only designed for showers and not a full blown typhoon. My trousers were waterproof, but my shoes and jacket were not but they did take quite a pounding. I was out for over about two hours and I was only a little bit damp and so I think they did a good job. I could not wear my real waterproofs because the temperature was still close to 30c even although the rain was horizontal at times.

This morning was calm and there was even a hint of sun as I sat outside having breakfast. After which I made my way to Central Park for my morning exercise to wake up the body and to burn off the breakfast I’ve just had, I’ve got to make room for lunch.

The paths were strewn with leaves and branches and the park cleaners certainly had their work cut out for them today. The water that flows through the park joining onto the canals was at least 400mm higher than the other day but it will soon dissappear when they open the sluice gates further along the system.

I enjoyed walking in the rain yesterday and it was good to give the clothes a run for their money to see how that coped. If I had been able to wear my winter jacket and if I’d worn my hiking boots I think I would have been as dry as a bone.