One last check please:In this picture, taken by me at Buckingham Palace in May 2013, is a guard wearing the classic uniform of the Queen's Guard. While modern warfare favors camouflage to blend into the environment and make soldiers less visible to the enemy, historical warfare had different tactics. The red tunics were chosen in the 17th century during the English Civil War because they were easy to spot on the battlefield. Battles often occurred in open fields where visibility wasn't hindered by dense foliage or urban environments. In such conditions, bright colors like red were chosen to make soldiers more visible to their comrades, reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents. The bearskin hats were introduced by the Grenadier Guards in the 19th century. Originally worn in battle to make soldiers look taller and more impressive, they are now purely ceremonial. Each hat is made from the fur of Canadian black bears and weighs about 1.5 pounds.
The striking red tunics and tall bearskin hats remain famous symbols of British tradition, recognized worldwide. They represent Britain's rich past of power and influence, a legacy that many Britons miss. This sentiment may have influenced some to vote for Brexit, hoping to revive Britain's former glory. However, the outcome may not have met the expectations of many. Britain's once-strong position in the Commonwealth, a group of nations with historical ties to the British Empire, continues to fade - London, UK
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The last couple of days we have finally been enjoying some spring weather, and as spring unfolds, cities worldwide are once again graced by the beauty of cherry blossoms. From the streets of Tokyo to the charming avenues of Washington D.C., Paris, and Seoul, these blooms transform urban landscapes with their pink and white hues. Also, here at home in Ghent, the Bijloke site offers its own annual spectacle of blossoms. The image displayed was captured in March 2022 in London's Chelsea neighborhood. For those not familiar with London, it is a nice, maybe slightly posh neighborhood within walking distance of the River Theems and Battersea Park. What I want to emphasize is that each city provides a unique experience, yet during this time of year, they all share in the timeless allure of cherry blossom-lined streets. Unfortunately, their beauty is fleeting; a gentle April storm can quickly scatter the petals. Nevertheless, let's savor their presence while we can -Chelsea , London, UK
Children enjoying a game of soccer in the picturesque park surrounding the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. I captured this moment during my visit to the Paris Photo exhibition in November 2021 - Paris, France
Today, I’m sharing a snapshot from downtown Ghent. This apartment block sits at the intersection of Ketel Canal (Ketelvaart) and the Leie River, directly across from the old courthouse. There's something about this image that captures my attention - perhaps it's the serene reflection in the water or the soft slightly desaturated cold colors. Though it may not be a masterpiece, there's an undeniable charm to it that I can't quite put my finger on – Recollettenlei, Ghent, Belgium
If the weather cooperates, this beach will quickly fill with people enjoying the sun. The chairs behind the typical red and white striped windbreakers will be occupied by tourists soaking up the rays. Visitors will be seen reading, playing, eating, walking, and running along the shoreline, their skin gradually bronzing under the sun.This image was taken during a hike in Sint-Idesbald, a coastal village in Belgium within the municipality of Koksijde. Sint-Idesbald exudes an artistic essence that is difficult to define. It was once home to one of Belgium’s greatest painters of the 20th century: Paul Delvaux, who both resided and worked here. His former residence, now transformed into a museum, offers a glimpse into his life and artistic journey. – Sint-Idesbald, Koksijde, West-Flanders, Belgium
Today, I'm sharing a photo taken during our visit to the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken in May last year. The image showcases the Chinese Pavilion in the Royal Gardens of Laeken. Built between 1901 and 1910 under the commission of King Leopold II, the pavilion reflects the fascination with exoticism and Orientalism prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But the story of the Chinese Pavilion goes beyond its architecture and Europe's fascination with Asia at the beginning of the 20th century. During Leopold II's reign, Belgium was eager to expand its global influence, including in Asia. While Congo became the primary focus of Belgian colonial efforts, Leopold II's interest in Asia was unmistakable. Before acquiring the Congo Free State, he explored the idea of establishing Belgian colonies in various Asian territories, including China. It's important to remember that at the turn of the 19th century, China was highly desired by nations worldwide for its strategic and economic significance. Leopold II was among those captivated by China's potential, envisioning a colony similar to Congo in this vast and mysterious land. Today, the Chinese Pavilion serves as a reminder of King Leopold's colonial ambitions and enduring fascination with far-off lands – Laeken, Brussels, Belgium.
Despite the unpredictable Belgian weather, we embarked on a leisurely stroll along the pier in Ostend the day before yesterday. The heavy sky looming overhead added a touch of drama to the surroundings, making it a very photogenic setting. As I mentioned yesterday, Ostend's coastline may not boast the pristine beauty of other seaside destinations, but it possesses a certain charm, a je ne sais quoi, that continues to draw us back to Ostend - Ostend, Belgium
Yesterday, we had a little outing with the grandchildren to the Belgian Coast, braving the unpredictable Belgian weather. As we strolled along the Pier of Ostend, I was drawn to the heavy sky looming over the coastline. Yes, Ostend's coastline may lack the traditional allure of pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, and it has been described as one of the ugliest in the world. But hey, we had fun, and the ever-changing weather treated us to a spectacle of dramatic clouds dancing in the sky. In just one hour, we experienced the whims of nature – rain, sun, threatening clouds, and gusts of wind – Ostend, Belgium
This moderately good image of a person cycling along the Bijlokekaai in Ghent is the outcome of practicing panning. I captured this shot a few weeks ago during one of my extended walks in Ghent - Ghent, Belgium
You don't always have to go far to enjoy a nice walk or the outdoors. This is a photo I took from an observation point during a countryside stroll in the river Schildt region east of Ghent. The weather was far from optimal, and we got caught in a few rain showers, but I believe the dramatic sky adds to the photo's appeal – Berlare, East-Flanders, Belgium
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WELCOME TO MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG AND PORTFOLIO. MY GOAL IS TO DOCUMENT THE WORLD AROUND ME, FROM THE SMALL DETAILS OF EVERYDAY LIFE TO THE GRAND LANDSCAPES THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY. WHETHER I'M AT HOME OR TRAVELING TO NEW PLACES, I AM ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW AND INTERESTING SUBJECTS TO PHOTOGRAPH. MY PHOTOGRAPHS ARE A VISUAL DIARY OF MY EXPERIENCES AND A WAY TO SHARE THE WORLD AS I SEE IT WITH OTHERS. I HOPE YOU ENJOY EXPLORING MY COLLECTION AND DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD THROUGH MY LENS.
About me:
Before: Healthcare Exec. Based in Brussels; Heidelberg; Los Altos Hills, CA; The Hague, Geneva, Nijmegen, Groningen
Now: Non-Executive Director in the Healthcare Industry based in Ghent. A travel buff with a passion for photography, photography books, Leica, wine and Asian food. Last but not least: proud grandfather of William, Nicholas and Mateo. |