Saturday, June 30, 2012

Le Tour Fini

That's it, the Prologue is finished. I've not been converted to a bicycle fan but it was fun and for once Liège was the centre of international attention for a good reason. All that's left to do is the cleaning up.

Les spectateurs

A few shots of the spectators, who valiantly defied the heat and the sun all day to support the cyclists. Some had reserved seats on the specially built platforms, some were standing all day and had to lie down on the lawns from time to time and some were the subject of special hospitality, with complimentary T-shirts and drinks.

Les coureurs

Some more Tour de France cyclists going past.

Le Tour de France à Liège

Finally, some cyclists. It's a bit of an anti-climax really, not much is happening. From time to time a cyclist turns up, preceded by a police motorcycle and followed by a support car. That's all...

Le Tour des Filles

Advertisers are convinced that all you need in order to sell stuff is pretty young girls in shorts and T-shirts.

Le Tour des Pubs

Le Tour de France is not just a bicycle race, it's also an advertising opportunity for its numerous official sponsors. Consequently, before watching the race, the spectators have to watch the advertising parade. It's a low-key event, characterised by good taste and discretion.

Le Tour des Flics

Hundreds of policemen have gathered in the city. Here, a group of them are patrolling the circuit before the start of the advertisers' parade (in search of donuts?).

Le Tour de France

For those of you who are uninitiated to the pleasures of sporting excellence on two wheels and steroid allegations, today the Tour de France starts in Liège with the Prologue. I will be posting updates throughout the day. Thousands of people are gathered around the Place Saint Lambert and the rest of the circuit. This is apparently the biggest post-it drawing in the world! On the facade of the Galeries Saint Lambert.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Skywatch at last

It's been a long time since my last Skywatch. It was about time...

Itagliaaaaa!


As soon as yesterday's semifinal finished, the streets of Liège were flooded by celebrating 3rd generation italian immigrants. The party went on until 2am, horns, vuvuzelas, sirens, firecrackers and all. I have nothing against italians but why on earth should we lose sleep in the far end of Belgium when Italy wins? DSCF2110

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Leafy sunset

The sun sets behind the trees.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Demolition complete

They've finally finished demolishing the old building of the Meuse newspaper. Now they're cleaning up and flattening.

Notre Dame des Bruyères

Two views of the hospital of Notre Dame des Bruyères.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Sunny countryside

Just on the outskirts of town.