Tag Archives: brussels
“Jerusalema” on the Parvis
A wedding party is spilling out of the sternly robust 19th-century church that stands on the edge of the Parvis. The eye is immediately drawn to the splendid bride, skin like molten chocolate against the white lace dazzling in the … Continue reading
No (Proper) Post Today
Scribe Doll is busy packing and saying goodbye to Brussels. For further information, see Westvleteren. Scribe Doll
Pictures of Saint-Gilles
In the heart of bas Saint-Gilles, the cobbles of Le Parvis are lined on both sides with cafés, brasseries and a couple of Moroccan cake shops. Tables are put outside at the first glimmer of elusive Brussels sunshine. People sit … Continue reading
Place de Bethléem
The early evening light bathing Place de Bethléem carries flecks of sunlight. Since moving to Brussels, I’ve had to arrange my timetable according to the sun. In other words, as soon as I glimpse a rare hint of a sunbeam, … Continue reading
Jazz and Three Women Carrying Water
In the Place du Jeu de Balle/Vossenplain, the flea market is being packed up. Small china ornaments, wood carvings, worn-in leather jackets, incomplete sets of cut-crystal glasses and frayed canvasses with oil paintings of forest clearings are wrapped in creased … Continue reading
Three Brussels Quirks and Three Delights (at least for a Londoner)
Quirk No 1: The Milk Issue “I don’t think we’ll be getting any semi-skimmed milk this week.” I stare at the sales assistant of our local Carrefour supermarket. I am suddenly propelled into a parallel universe of Surrealism where I … Continue reading
Easter in Brussels
M., the neighbour upstairs, asks if I am going to plant flowers in the large pots overgrown with weeds and dusty, pollution-corroded rosemary. She looks disappointed when I say that I’m not going to bother planting anything, since we’re staying … Continue reading