Photographers (3)

As you know, photographers in action is a favorite subject.

The people of Lille

By now you are able to tell that I have trouble getting off the subject "Lille". Time to move on ... but first a few typical Lille people scenes. 
I have been gone for a short holiday and apologize for not having been able to look at your work and comment on your blogs. I will catch up in the coming days.

Lille, its goodies

It is almost mandatory that a trip to Lille includes a visit to patisserie Meert, Lille's oldest tearoom with the famous waffles filled with sweet Madagascar vanilla. They were adored by Charles de Gaulle, who was born in Lille and would buy a box or two to present as gifts to visiting dignitaries. It is said that they were a favorite of Belgium's King Leopold.

I also found beer from Wallonia and butter from Flanders ... not to mention a ubiquitous Dutch cheese.

Lille - architecture

 A lot of Flemish influence in Lille's architecture. In the last picture, for instance, the Musée de l'Hospice, was home to a hospital founded  in 1237 by Jeanne, Countess of Flanders, for the poor in the city. The ground floor of the museum recreates a typical Flemish house centuries ago.

http://www.viator.com/Lille-attractions/Hospice-Comtesse-Museum/d824-a1858

Lille part 1

Coming from Belgium, one has to cross the border to visit Lille in Northern France of course but even so I assume that most visitors from Belgium do not experience the international travel feeling that goes with going abroad.
The Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille is showing BABEL, a contemporary exhibition on the theme of the most famous of architectural allegories in art history : the Tower of Babel. BABEL features a set of paintings, photographs, sculptures, installations, films and original comic strips illustrating the many facets of the Babel myth in contemporary art. In keeping with the Bible story, the selection addresses the building and destruction of the Tower as well as its symbolic aspect. From German painter Anselm Kiefer through to British artists Jake and Dinos Chapman, the allegories illustrate the episodes in Genesis that resonate with our world as we know it. 
In an adjacent room is a model of Ypres where some of the most important battles of WWI took place. 
http://www.hotel-flandreangleterre-lille.com/en/tourism-lille.php

Fun in the sun

When the sun is out, Place Flagey in Ixelles is a favorite spot.  Often while people watching I wonder where everyone is from. The three men in the first picture for instance.. I am almost certain that they are Italians, do you agree? 
And of course, Belgian beer is always present, it even matches some customer's socks -:). 

Markt, Belgian restaurant in New York

It is true that if feels a little strange to walk into a restaurant in NYC and first thing you see is a text in Dutch about the North Sea on the wall. From the website about 'Markt':

Markt is a precise and detailed recreation of a classic Belgian brasserie in New York’s Chelsea/Flatiron district. With our antique bar and furniture, expansive selection of Belgian beers, and authentic Belgian cuisine, guests will enjoy a true Belgian dining experience in this welcoming and cozy spot.

http://www.marktrestaurant.com/