This is Belgium

Trip (part 2 of 2)

2012-02-24T10:08:00.000+01:00

After the carnival break, back to Alabama for the second half of a holiday week. In Thomasville, I visited Barbara's charming Antiques store in the downtown area, learned much from a true antiques expert and bought these two small pink art deco bowls, or as they say there, depression glass bowls. They perfectly match a vase from the same period which I already had in our Brussels' home.

Also in Thomasville, Buford's barber shop offers unique photo opportunities. I had a great chat with the barber and his one client at that time. It was very obvious that they were wondering how someone with a funny accent ended up in Thomasville, AL showing a genuine interest in life there and taking pictures of their picturesque barber shop.

In Mississippi, in a city called Meridian, I was impressed that the local sheriff did not object to having his photo taken. To the contrary, he was happy to be photographed and did not ask where his picture would end up.

I also wanted to show the colorful fiberglass carousel horses, painted by local artists that are on permanent display with plaques that designate the artist and the sponsor of each horse. The idea behind this open air expo is that art is continuously available to all.

Binche carnival

2012-02-21T21:50:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday afternoon I drove to Binche, located about an hour south of Brussels, looking for the illustrious Gilles who make the carnival there so very special. Was I disappointed not to find them anywhere! I learned that they appear mostly on Tuesday, the actual mardi gras, or maybe Sunday late at night.

I photographed a poster in a window in Binche to show you what a Gille looks like with his colorful outfit, wax mask and hat that stretches high up in the air with white ostrich plumes. The Gilles carry baskets of oranges they throw to the public as they march. Local businesses and residents protect their doors and windows because the orange throwing can get rather vigorous at times. The inhabitants of Binche also dress in costumes and dance relentlessly around the town to what seems to be a never ending beating of drums in a special Binche rhythm. You have to be there to fully appreciate it.

Carnival - Mardi Gras

2012-02-20T20:12:00.001+01:00

Stay tuned for pictures of how the people from Binche celebrate carnival.

Trip (part 1 of 2)

2012-02-18T14:05:00.005+01:00

Last week's trip took me to the United Sates. I promised a short report for which I am trying to demonstrate a link with Belgium or at least with the phenomenon of blogging.

I had the pleasure of visiting Washington, DC.
I made a photo not only of the obvious, the Belgian Embassy on Garfield Street, but also of another of the most photographed buildings in the world.

I then went to Alabama, the state where my husband grew up, and had a great time visiting family.
While there I met fellow blogger Virginia, with whom I share a few interests, such as photography, blogging and a dear love of Paris. She also invited Janet to our get-together. Both of them had been in touch through blogging but had never actually met. The three of us met in Janet's home city of Selma, whose bridge over the Alabama River shown above became world famous in 1965.
We had lunch in Selma (thank you Jenna for taking the picture of Virginia and Janet and thank you, Janet and Virginia, for allowing me to share it) and then went for a shoot in the beautiful and very old cemetery where the Spanish moss just took my breath away.
Distances in Alabama not being what they are in the tiny Belgium, I did not make it on this trip to the southern most city of Alabama and very much regret not having had the opportunity to meet Genie from Mobile.

Janet is blogger of Selma, Ala. Daily Photo
Virginia's blogs are http://birminghamalabamadailyphoto.blogspot.com
and http://paristhroughmylens.blogspot.com

Paris and Beyond is Genie's blog.

After just this short trip I now have enough photos to start a blog about the South. Inspired by the name of Genie's blog, what would you say if I'd call mine "Belgium and Beyond"?
In the same spirit as Genie and Virginia who travel regularly to Paris to capture pictures for their blogs, which they write from Alabama, I could do the opposite.
For the time being, I will close the chapter on this trip with only one more post coming soon, because I really want to introduce you to some other people I met.

Hotel Metropole Brussels

2012-02-16T11:50:00.007+01:00

I have been on a short holiday and have to catch up on things. I will prepare a short posting on my trip and introduce you to two great women bloggers I met non-virtually. A whole lot of fun.
For today a copy/paste article on hotel Metropole built in 1895 and the only 19th century hotel in Brussels still in operation today. (the hotel has 298 rooms and 15 suites).

"In 1890, two brothers with a brewing company opened Café Metropole as a place in the city to sell their beer. The café was a huge success and the Weilemans-Ceuppens family then purchased the building next-door, a former bank, which would become the Hotel Metropole, inaugurated in 1895. Today, the hotel’s reception desk is easily recognizable as the desk of the former bank, a significant historical and heritage glimpse of the past.

The brothers commissioned French architect Alban Chambon to be the chief designer of the hotel. Today, Chambon’s design of modern comfort and luxury is still a prominent feature of the heritage hotel, which is considered an important historical landmark in the city.

Not only was Hotel Metropole one of the first luxury hotels, it was also the first to have electricity and central heating, and is now the only existing 19th century hotel in Brussels. In fact, many heritage tours of Brussels visit the Hotel Metropole to look upon its facades and design.

The hotel’s reception, lobby, and lounge are overtly ornate with Corinthian columns, rich furnishings, gilded details, and glittering chandeliers – all which can still be seen and experienced today at the hotel. Similarly, the meetings and conference rooms of the hotel are decorated in a Renaissance style.

The Metropole is famous for having hosted the first Solvay Conference in 1911. Moreover, it is the birthplace of the Black Russian cocktail, which was created in 1949 by barman Gustave Tops for the United States ambassador to Luxembourg, Perle Mesta."
http://www.metropolehotel.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Metropole,_Brussels

Valentine

2012-02-14T00:02:00.000+01:00

February 14, wonderful occasion or perfect excuse to capture a special moment?

Location location

2012-02-12T13:16:00.000+01:00

Not much progress has been made here. This is a prime real estate location in uptown Brussels, surrounded by exclusive shops. It has looked like the middle picture for some time now and is quite an eye sore - not to mention a major blemish on the face of a city not exactly noted for wise urban development decisions. The third picture shows what is about to happen to this prime piece of real estate, but who knows how long that will take. I will keep an eye on this and keep you posted.

Jeanne

2012-02-09T14:44:00.000+01:00

Portrait of Jeanne in her apartment in Ostend at the Belgian coast, not long before handsome little Sam's birth

Food for thought

2012-02-06T13:31:00.000+01:00

The many early markets in Brussels and elsewhere seem to have become more and more a place for socializing. The traditional visitors are still there while coffee drinking has become part of the thing to do when visiting the market.

La Hulpe castle, church and sportscar

2012-02-03T08:29:00.000+01:00

I took these pictures in La Hulpe, located south of Brussels. It was chilly and raining making this otherwise lovely and appealing area look gray and unattractive. I wanted to photograph the Solvay castle but did not feel like making the walk through the rain to get close enough. The grounds around it are magnificent (especially in better weather). In the center of town an open uncovered sports car looked rather out of place in front of the church when it started pouring down rain. I am surprised to see that the rain doesn't show up in the photos! Did I imagine it? No, this is Belgium after all.

The small Saint Nicholas church was built in the 12th century on the instructions of the Duke of Brabant. I have never been inside but the church is said to have wonderful acoustics and classical music concerts are regularly held there.

http://chateaudelahulpe.wallonie.be/apps/spip/

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belgium/Province_de_Brabant_Wallon/La_Hulpe-352963/Things_To_Do-La_Hulpe-TG-C-1.html

End of sales

2012-02-01T07:56:00.001+01:00

Tastes vary according to age and sex, also -especially?- at times of sales.

General strike

2012-01-30T13:44:00.000+01:00

The general strike is aimed at the austerity plan of the government and coincides with the summit of the European leaders held in Brussels today.

The photos show the unions blocking the tram tracks to prevent them from riding out.

Sofi then and now

2012-01-28T15:45:00.000+01:00

Sofi is the daughter of friends and came by for a visit today. I dug into my archives because I remembered having taken a black and white picture of her with my old Canon a few years ago.

Sisisi bar

2012-01-26T17:31:00.000+01:00

If you walk by this beautiful art deco café, you can not fail to be impressed by the huge frame with the text of a law dating from 1938 called "Arrêté-Loi relatif à la répression de l'ivresse - Besluitwet tegen Openbare Dronkenschap - Loi contre l'Ivresse Publique", which translates as Law against Public Drunkenness. The cafe itself is beautiful, and it is unfortunate that it does not seem to attract customers, at least that was the case when I passed by.

Sisisi
Chaussée de Charleroi
Bruxelles

Bullhead

2012-01-25T12:32:00.000+01:00

Proud that the Los Angeles Film Academy nominated Rundskop/Bullhead for the Oscar for the Best Foreign Language movie!

Red croco by Orlinski

2012-01-23T14:48:00.000+01:00

Sculpture by young French artist Richard Orlinski on square d'Arezzo in Brussels.
His sculptures are "built around the concept of "Born Wild", reflecting core values in a contemporary style, which never yields to the trash, to extravagance or ephemeral. .. The challenge of Richard Orlinski through the concept "Born Wild" © is to transform the negative impulses vital positive emotions, to move from the primordial instinct to emotion civilized.

Supporter of the arts accessible to all, Richard Orlinski draws on popular imagery of the icons that serve his purpose.

The man and the crocodile have in common the reptilian brain, one of three human brains, a brain without memory governed by innate reflexes, the seat of our violent impulses. The crocodile, a species dating from the Mesozoic era, also symbolizes the adaptability and survivability".

http://galeriecannes.com/oeuvre_art_happy_art_gallery.php?id=368&page=2&langue=gb

Sounds Jazz Club - Fabrizio Graceffa Quartet

2012-01-21T12:36:00.004+01:00

Those of you who are faithful viewers of This is Belgium have met two of my three sons, Warren Dekko, the author of Appointment in Milano (http://whatisbelgium.blogspot.com/2011/11/meet-author-warren-dekko.html), and Graham the globetrotter (http://whatisbelgium.blogspot.com/2011/12/belgian-cowboys-in-colombia.html).
My youngest son Jason saw the Fabrizio Graceffa Quartet in the Ixelles jazz club "The Sounds", took this picture with his phone and sent it to me with the request to post it on this blog. Thanks, Jason!
Fabrizio is a fantastic jazz guitarist and composer whose enthusiasm infected and inspired Jason, who has himself become a great guitar player and songwriter.
What follows is an excerpt from the club's website: "You are not in Chicago or New Orleans, you are in Ixelles. But if you are under the impression of being somewhere else, that’s understandable : the atmosphere, the fragrance, the warmth and the music have the color of true, authentic jazz.And there is not only the music, but also the style, the cocktails (Sergio !), the delicious Italian dishes (Rosy !!) and the quality of an authentic Brussels venue.The « Sounds », run since 1986 by Sergio Duvalloni and Rosy Merlini, has had the best Belgian and international jazzmen on stage, and the numerous memorable concerts make it a ‘must’ for all jazz fans and lovers of good music in general."
http://www.soundsjazzclub.be/
http://www.fabriziograceffa.com/
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/appointment-in-milano/16519093

Around the Ixelles ponds

2012-01-20T11:41:00.000+01:00

The Ixelles ponds near Place Flagey are both an oasis of calm and a nature preserve right in the middle of the city. This is one of my favorite areas, especially on Sunday mornings when you can combine a quiet stroll around the ponds with a visit to the open air market on Place Flagey, with perhaps also a visit to café Belga for an invigorating cup of coffee with a delicious pastry or a healthy yoghurt or salad. I need an excuse to return to Belga to make a "reportage" for you!

This is not a glass of wine

2012-01-18T08:05:00.001+01:00

For Graham,
happy birthday "à la Magritte"!
a very special wish for a very special person,
my son, the globe-trotter (see http://dg.strobot.com/)

Tram stops

2012-01-16T08:20:00.000+01:00

Brussels unfortunately has its share of graffiti and vandalism. Here are a couple of examples: Van Eyck on Chaussée de Vleurgat and Janson on Chaussée de Charleroi. Janson experienced both. Could it be that someone simply didn't like the advertisement?

Royal green

2012-01-14T10:24:00.000+01:00

Looking at the Royal Palace in Brussels from the cafetaria of the Belvue Museum while waiting for a friend to meet me for lunch. I will have to return to shoot the museum itself. It traces Belgium's history from its independence until today. Before it became a museum it was home to the royal family and a hotel for dignitaries.
BELvue museum
Plaleizenplein 7 Place des Palais
1000 Brussels
Website: www.belvue.be

Once a girl, always a girl......on way to sales?

2012-01-12T11:24:00.000+01:00

Mostly ladies on the tram that afternoon..

Wonder whether they were heading downtown for the sales... It is that time of the year.

Unique pieces

2012-01-10T10:05:00.000+01:00

It is only the same name that makes me want to show these pictures, the first one of a second hand clothes store in Brussels, the second of an art gallery in Paris.

Dotspot

2012-01-09T09:29:00.000+01:00

Not far from Gallery Botier (previous posting) is Dotspot. It was not until after I got home and looked at the pictures on the computer that I noticed that the atoms of the Atomium were Brussels sprouts.
The Atomium symbolizes an elementary crystal. It was the main pavilion and icon of the World Fair of Brussels (1958), known as Expo 58.
http://atomium.be/
http://www.dotspot.be/

Dotspot
rue de la Madeleine 31
Brussels

Bortier Gallery

2012-01-06T23:57:00.001+01:00

The Galerie Bortier in the center of Brussels is a covered shopping arcade constructed in 1847 - 1848 by the architect J.P. Cluysenaer. Initially it was part of a larger complex including the Madeleine market, which today does no longer exists. The gallery remains a beautiful example of the simultaneous use of cast iron and glass. The narrow passageway built on two levels has a mainly Neo-Rennaissance style. The gallery's entrance is located at Rue de la Madeleine and its facade incorporates part of an old town house, the former Van Gend transport company.

Today the gallery mostly houses bookshops and art galleries.
From a comment by Frans, a blogger and expert on cameras and photography (http://thecameracollector.skynetblogs.be/), I just learned that this gallery also houses the antiquarian shop of Tristan Schwilden, a renowned Belgian author on XIX Century photography. Schwilden is the co-author of "The First Daguerreian Studios in Brussels," a survey of the development of photography in Brussels, beginning with the opening of the first studios in 1842, and including biographical details of the photographers concerned.