​Yesterday, I shared some photos and thoughts from a basketball game we attended over the weekend in Kortrijk, Belgium. The game was lively, the crowd full of energy, and capturing the fast-paced action was a real challenge—but I managed a few decent shots!

Reflecting on that, I looked back through my archive and found this gem: kids—or perhaps young adults—playing basketball in Brooklyn with the Manhattan skyline as a stunning backdrop. A different version of this photo was once featured in the printed edition of LFI, but I’ve never shared this variation before. 

Brooklyn, NY, USA

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending a basketball game, invited by my daughter and son-in-law, who is a former basketball player and still a passionate supporter of the sport. The atmosphere was lively, with plenty of energy from the crowd and the players. The show around the game reminded me of a toned-down version of an American football event, but overall, it was a fun spectacle to experience.

Photographing the game, however, was a real challenge. If you’re not used to capturing such a fast-paced sport, it’s tough to get the timing and angles right for an interesting shot. That said, I managed to snap a few decent ones!

As for the game itself, it was a tough evening for the home team. The Giants suffered a painful defeat against the Kortrijk Spurs (113-67). 
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Kortrijk, Belgium

San Franciscans have strong opinions about just about everything, especially their iconic landmark. One thing they can all agree on? It’s a good thing the Navy didn’t get their way when it came to the bridge’s design. Naval officials wanted a massive concrete span with caution-yellow stripes, but thankfully, the elegant Art Deco design by architects Gertrude and Irving Murrow and engineer Joseph B. Strauss won out. And the rest, as they say, is history! – San Francisco, CA, USA

Yesterday in Ghent, a crowd of 7,000 people gathered at the bustling Vrijdagmarkt to sing along to the iconic Flemish song Mia by Gorki. The event was a heartfelt tribute to Luc De Vos, the frontman of Gorki, who passed away 10 years ago. In Flanders, Luc De Vos is remembered not only for his music but as a cultural icon and artist. Known as a poet, a lively entertainer (or, as he liked to call himself, a "party animal"), he was admired for his creativity, his philosophy, and his warm, generous spirit.

The singalong moment, accompanied by Gorki’s musicians and vocalist Filip Kowlier, created an unforgettable atmosphere, bringing goosebumps to everyone present. Held at 5:30 PM, the event was broadcast on all major national platforms, including TV, radio, and online channels.
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"Luc was an icon and always will be," echoed the sentiment among the crowd. For many in Flanders, this collective tribute was not only about remembering a musician but celebrating a voice and a spirit that defined a generation.

Downtown San Francisco—a city of contrasts. This shot captures a homeless individual crossing the street, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many here. With one of the highest rates of homelessness in the U.S., second only to New York, San Francisco continues to grapple with a complex crisis that is impossible to ignore. – San Francisco, CA

This classic Seattle view is from Kerry Park. I managed to capture the iconic skyline with the Space Needle on the left, and I got lucky with a clear day—Mount Rainier popped beautifully in the background. It really doesn’t get much better than this! Whether it’s sunrise, sunset, blue hour, or even moonrise, Kerry Park delivers amazing views any time of day. – Seattle, WA, USA

Captured on the Albert I Promenade in Ostend, this image features Rock Strangers by Belgian artist Arne Quinze - an installation of bright orange-red blocks meant to spark curiosity and challenge perceptions. In the foreground, three children, accompanied by their caregivers, exploring the space – Ostend, Belgium

​Seascape from the Albert I Promenade near the Casino, looking toward Middelkerke. In summer, the beach here is packed with people, but on this cold and windy mid-November weekday, it feels completely deserted. The distant apartment blocks are a classic feature of the Belgian coast—though not exactly its finest - Ostend, Belgium

Captured this moment on the Albert I Promenade in Ostend, a favorite spot along the North Sea. The promenade offers sea views, wide beaches, and a mix of history and culture. Highlights include the Casino Kursaal, a modernist gem from 1950, and the Royal Galleries, elegant arcades built by King Leopold II. Scattered sculptures like The Four Elements add an artistic touch, though the cafés here tend to serve overpriced food and drinks. In summer, the promenade buzzes with life, but on this mid-November day, it was quieter—a perfect setting for a peaceful stroll in the brisk sea air – Ostend, Belgium

This image is a glimpse of the Thermae Palace in Ostend. I've always been fascinated by this place—over 20 years ago, I even stayed at the hotel. Built in 1933, the Thermae Palace is a historic complex that includes a hotel and thermal baths. It was originally conceived by King Leopold II to boost Ostend's status as a premier seaside resort. Designed in the Art Deco style, it featured a luxurious hotel, a seawater swimming pool, and various spa facilities. 

Sadly, the complex is now in a dire state, with structural issues affecting the roof, façades, and foundations. Only about 30% of the site is currently in use. After nearly four years of negotiations, a restoration plan is underway to revive this iconic landmark. The project, estimated at €94 million, aims to transform the site while respecting its rich history. The city of Ostend, Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV), and Restotel have teamed up to save the Thermae Palace. Despite challenges like funding gaps and heritage preservation rules, there's hope that this grand old place will get a new lease on life.
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Ostend, Belgium