Tunis, Tunisia

This was before the 2011 ‘Arab spring’ in Tunisia. National flags and portraits of President Ben Ali could be seen everywhere. But you could also read dissatisfaction in people’s eyes. November 2008. C’était avant le « Printemps arabe » de 2011 en Tunisie. On pouvait voir partout des drapeaux nationaux et des portraits du Président Ben Ali.…

Oaxaca, Mexico

I love Mexican markets for the colors, the smells and the incredible faces you meet there. The Oaxaca market is probably one of the best. It is also a place where you may enjoy roasted grasshoppers with a glass of Mezcal. August 2007 J’aime les marchés mexicains pour les couleurs, les odeurs et les incroyables…

Kano, Nigeria

The Durbar festival is one of the most outstanding ceremonies in northern Nigeria. It takes place twice a year (in September and December) during the Muslim Eid al-Mubarak and Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations. The square outside the palace of the Emir of Kano is packed. Several hundreds of Hausa horsemen ride through the old city wearing…

Beijing, China

Winters can get very cold in Beijing. Ponds and lakes get frozen and the locals enjoy walking through them. You may use skates but you also often see people renting old wooden school chairs. These chairs become sleds on ice. January 2005. Les hivers peuvent être très rudes à Pékin. Les étangs et les lacs gèlent et les locaux aiment les…

Krakow, Poland

For centuries, Poland was threatened by Orthodox Russia and Protestant Germany. For most people in Krakow, to be Polish is to be Catholic. Many believe that without Catholicism, the Polish nation would not survived after centuries of troubled History. During the Communist era, the only way to voice dissent was to be a good Catholic.…

Tokyo, Japan

Kimono are often worn by women on special occasions. It is not uncommon to meet ladies wearing them at the Shinto shrine in Meiji Jingu. This young girl could have been a perfect Madama Butterfly. February 2012. Les kimonos sont souvent portés par les femmes lors d’occasions spéciales. Il n’est pas rare de rencontrer des…