Palaces and gardens, laid out on the orders of Peter the Great, and sometimes called the « Russian Versailles », attract tourists to Peterhof (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the Soviet Union, tourist guides, who were allowed to meet foreigners and spoke several languages, enjoyed a privileged status. This lady in the gardens was probably one of…
Szechenyi Bath is the biggest and most popular of all thermal baths in Budapest, with eighteen different pools. In one of the outdoor pools, local chess players meet and seem to play endless games. November 2012. Les bains Szechenyi sont les plus grands et les plus populaires thermes de Budapest, avec dix-huit bassins différents. Dans…
It was Palm Sunday in Cordoba. The city was quiet until I came upon this procession that made me feel I was in an El Greco painting. Incense smoke, drum and trumpet bands, heavy pasos (floats) with Passion scenes: the Holy Week in Andalusia is one of my favorite events. April 1999. C’était le dimanche…
Established in 1670, Café Hoppe is a traditional « brown café » in Amsterdam. The name « brown cafés » comes from their dark wooden interiors and the nicotine-stained walls and ceilings. There is always a fresh layer of sand on the floor and a few interesting characters to watch. November 2007. Fondé en 1670, le Café Hoppe est…
The Middle-Age béguinages host communities of pious women, nuns or laywomen, who are self-ruled. The elderly beguines in Bruges are known for their talents as lacemakers. September 1992. Les béguinages médiévaux abritent des communautés de femmes pieuses, à la fois religieuses et laïques, qui vivent en autonomie. Les béguines âgées de Bruges sont connues pour…
Donoussa is an island in the Cyclades with only 120 inhabitants. Most of them live in rude dwellings like this lady who has just hung out her laundry. September 1991. Donoussa est une île des Cyclades qui ne compte que 120 habitants. La plupart vivent dans des habitations rudimentaires comme cette dame qui vient d’étendre…
