Paris at Night: Eiffel Tower and Bir-Hakeim Bridge

It happened again.

The sky looked damned tempting when I glanced out of our window: puffy balls of cotton back-dropped by dark storm clouds. In between those clouds was a celestial commodity that had grown rare in recent weeks: blue sky. I threw the tripod and camera in to my backpack and headed to the metro in pursuit the increasingly elusive Parisian sunset shot. Emerging from the Javel – Andre Citroen stop in the 15th arrondissement I glanced upwards—the skies still looked promising.

Tonight could be the night. I quickly took some shots of some apartments lining the Left bank of the Seine before heading across the Pont Mirabeau (“Mirabeau Bridge”) to the Right Bank.

It had rained a lot recently and the waters of the Seine were the highest—and brownest—I’ve ever seen. In fact, the riverside highway, Georges Pompidou, was closed due to flooding. I joined a handful of Parisians who assembled, by foot and wheel, to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

Unfortunately, an enormous storm cloud moved in that, while only giving periodic spits of rain, kept every other cloud in the sky from absorbing the light of the setting sun. Tonight won’t be night, as it turns out: the atmospheric unicorn eludes me yet again. The dry lining to this storm cloud, however, were reflections shots afforded by several puddles underneath Pont Bir-Hakeim. Both pools swelled and receded with each passing barge.

A passing French photographer, Pierre-yves Calvat, captured me taking a photo with the Eiffel Tower in the background. It is now featured on my about page: be sure to check out his website.

It was a nice, mostly dry evening photographing two bridges, some brown water, and a large metal spire.

Apartments and office buildings along the Left Bank.

High water rushes past Pont Mirabeau, completed in 1897. This sculpture—one of four gracing this bridge—depicts “navigation on inland waters”. She’s got her work cut out for her … but she’s facing the wrong direction.

Two trains approach one another on the Line 6 metro while crossing Pont Bir-Hakeim.

The one fourth sized replica of the Statue of Liberty, built three years after its larger cousin in 1889
as a gift from the Parisian-American community to the French govermment.

The elevators pass each other towards the top of the tower.

A tourist boat passes underneath Pont Bir-Hakeim, built in 1905 and later named for the victorious battle against the Nazis in Libya in 1942.

A half-submerged Georges Pompidou highway, looking south towards buildings on the Left Bank.

Eiffel Tower with Bir-Hakeim Bridge in the foreground.

A train passes on Line 6 on top of Bir-Hakeim Bridge.

A tourist boat passes the Eiffel Tower, as shot from top of Bir-Hakeim Bridge.

A long exposure shot of the Eiffel Tower “light show” that happens every hour, on the hour, after sunset.
In this photo, flashbulbs appear to all be illuminated at once when in fact they fire rapidly in quick succession.

February 7, 2013May 13, 2023

Paris by Night: The Two Arches

Say “Parisian Arch” and most will think of the Arc de Triomphe. For good reason, too: the “Triumphal Arch” is one of the most famous monuments in Paris. The 164 foot stone structure was commissioned in 1806 by Emperor Napoleon after he defeated the Russo-Austrian Army at the Battle of Austerlitz (and completed three decades later). True to its origin, the Arc de Triomphe has been a pivotable symbol of France’s military might for two centuries. To this day, the French government celebrates Bastille Day every year by parading every type of vehicle it owns—from tanks and armored personel carriers to backhoes and small fire trucks.

Every other hour of the year, however, the arch hosts a more unrelenting and chaotic procession of civilian hardware unhindered by lanes or traffic signals. In fact, insurance companies refuse coverage to drivers who dare to enter this swirling mass of liability.

The Arc de Triomphe held its ground as the world’s largest triumphal arch until a larger one was built in 1982. Any guesses where it was built? Modern day world leader with a Napoleon-complex and careless disregard for misappropriating scarce resources? Yup. Kim Jong Il built one 33 feet taller in Pyongyang to commemorate his father, the founder of the Democratic People’s Republic of (North) Korea.

The Arc de Triomphe is also pivotal in the urban design of Paris, literally. It serves as the linchpin on the historic axis that connects Champs Elysées and the Louvre to the east with La Défense—and the second arch of Paris—to the west.

In 1989, La Grande Arche was built as a 20th century interpretation of Arc de Triomphe. Despite towering over the aforementioned arches at 330 feet, Pyongyang’s placement in the record books holds firm; La Grande Arche emphasizes humanity instead of military might (and thus is not a “triumphal arch”).
It serves as a government office building.

La Grand Arche is the architectural highlight of a business district built in the 1980’s to compete with London and Switzerland. Actually, this district was originally slated within historic Paris, but once the first high-rise was built (Montparnasse), the French cursed the ghastly addition to their cherished skyline, mandated that no future construction could challenge the height of the Eiffel Tower, and built La Défense to the northwest of the city, at the terminus of the “historic axis”.

I took an evening in late January to photograph both arches, starting with La Grande Arche at sunset, and ending with the Arc de Triomphe later that evening. They are only two metro stops away from one another. Unfortunately, most of the clouds cleared before they could be illuminated by the setting sun.

La Grande Arche, La Défense

High rises of the La Défense business district.

The unusual art installation at the base of the arch.

View from the steps of the La Grand Arche.

A carousel spins near a metal art installation. La Grand Arche looms in the background.

A woman stands in front of a spinning carousel.

Looking southeast on the historic axis towards Arc de Triomphe.

L’Arc de Triomphe

Jump on the Metro Line 1 and in 10 minutes, you will arrive at the Charles de Gaule station, directly underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

Le Arc de Triomphe with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

The blue flashing lights of a police van convoy pass the arch.

Resources:

January 30, 2013May 13, 2023

A Birder in Paris (2012 Recap)

When my eyes met binoculars in 2012, they were likely in pursuit of the feathered occupants of Paris, from tits to creepers. My wife and I moved to the capital of France in early June and I averaged about one morning of birding every week until late November, when we traveled back home to Seattle by way of Eastern Europe for a month. I mostly birded in green-spaces near our flat just southwest of Paris (in the city of Boulogne-Billancourt) with periodic trips further afield.

With moderate effort, I tallied 72 species in the City of Light.

There aren’t many birders in Paris. I met four of them and while I learned quite a bit, I almost always birded solo (during the week). Consequently, my ears failed to find the less common songs/calls and I am sure my eyes missed a few of the expected fall migrants in all their dull greatness (i.e. phylloscopus warblers). I also missed spring migration entirely.

Highlights include a Lesser Redpoll working an alder with two European Goldfinches on November 8th, a European Honey-buzzard migrating over Parc des Beaumonts in mid-August, separate sightings of Tawny Owls in two different parks southwest of the city in the summer, two sightings of Black Woodpecker in the Bois de Boulogne, a pair of Hawfinches in early November, and several sightings of Eurasian Bullfinches throughout the year—the handsomest of the European line-up.

Biggest miss: Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. I’ve heard a couple but so far these small trunk-climbers have eluded me.

I’ve included a full species list below, with codes denoting where I saw them. Most locations are slightly outside Paris proper but all are easily accessible by the Paris metro system. Each code links to a full description (and MAP) in my blog post, “Birdwatching in Paris.”

Bois de Boulogne (BdB)
Parc de l’Ile St Germain (PiSG)
Ile de Seguin (IdS)
Parc du Beaumonts (PdB)
Jardin des Plantes (JdP)
Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise (CdPLC)
Bois de Vincennes (BdV)

Canada Goose (BdV) — Flock on Lac Daumesnil, Bois de Vincennes.

Mute Swan (BdB–BdV) — Easy to spot in many of Paris’ waterways, especially in large park lakes.

Mallard (BdB–BdV) — Common on any large lake and on the Seine.

Common Pochard (BdV) — Wintering flock found in Lac de Minimes, in east Bois de Vincennes.

Ring-necked Pheasant (BdB) — Seen a couple times in the deeper recesses of Bois de Boulogne.

Great Crested Grebe (BdV) — Found in winter on Lac de Minimes, Bois de Vincennes.

Great Cormorant (BdB–PiSG–BdV) — Can be seen flying over many points in Paris, especially near water.

Gray Heron (BdB–BdV) — Hard to find on the fortified banks of the Seine. Can be found on smaller lakes with vegetated shores.

European Honey-buzzard (PdB) — Uncommon migrant through Paris. I joined expat birder David Thorns at his beloved Parc du Beaumonts on an afternoon in mid August and this was the first, and closest, raptor to pass us during the two hour skywatch.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (BdB–BdV) — Uncommon but can be seen any time of year in wooded areas.

Eurasian Moorhen (BdB–JdP–BdV) — Common near lakes and streams. Surprisingly, I found a couple in Jardin des Plantes, well away from any lake.

Eurasian Coot (BdB–BdV) — Common in lakes, even the Seine.

Little Ringed Plover (IdS) — A pair were spotted in the dirt construction areas of Ile de Seguin in July.

Black-headed Gull (BdB–PiSG–IdS–BdV) — Widespread.

Herring Gull (JdP–BdV) — Uncommon but can be seen at or near any body of water, especially the Seine.

Common Tern (IdS) — Seen during migration on the Seine on Ile de Seguin.

Rock Pigeon (BdB–PiSG) — Widespread.

Stock Dove (BdB–JdP–BdV) — Widespread but uncommon and can be difficult to separate from the abundant Common Wood-Pigeon.

Common Wood-Pigeon (BdB–PiSG–IdS–PdB–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Widespread; one of the most abundant species in Paris. You can’t scan the skies without seeing several of these guys. Their silhouette is frustratingly similar to a raptor in flight to North American eyes.

Tawny Owl (BdB) — The alarm calls of Eurasian Blackbirds alerted me to my first Tawny Owl in Domaine Saint-Cloud (across the river from Boulogne-Billancourt). My second was seen the following week after hearing the startled call of a Green Woodpecker on a run through the Bois de Boulogne.

Common Swift (BdB–PdB) — Look upwards in Summer, and you can’t miss Common Swifts—a fixture of Parisian skies.

Common Kingfisher (BdV) — A single bird fishing a small stream in Bois de Vincennes.

Middle Spotted Woodpecker (BdB–BdV) — I encountered this species on four separate occasions in the Bois de Boulogne; once in Bois de Vincennes.

Great Spotted Woodpecker (BdB–PiSG–CdPLC–BdV) — The most common woodpecker in Paris. Uncommon to common in nearly any park with mature trees.

Black Woodpecker (BdB) — Chasing down the sounds of a foraging woodpecker yielded fantastic views of my first Black Woodpecker in Bois de Boulogne in August. I found a second, more vocal bird in November.

Green Woodpecker (BdB–PiSG–BdV) — The second most frequently encountered woodpecker. Very vocal.

Eurasian Kestrel (BdB–BdV) — Six sightings, all flyovers or perched on edge of open patches in wooded parks.

Eurasian Hobby (CdPLC) — One quick fly-by in Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise in mid October.

Rose-ringed Parakeet (BdB–PiSG–JdP–BdV) — Most frequently seen at Jardin des Plantes, but possible elsewhere as the breeding population has expanded in recent years.

Eurasian Jay (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Common, likely in any wooded park.

Eurasian Magpie (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Widespread and abundant (and vocal).

Rook (BdB) — Three flew over Bois de Boulogne in early November.

Carrion Crow (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Widespread and common throughout the city.

Barn Swallow (PdB) — Two flew past skywatch hill at Parc des Beaumonts in August.

Common House-Martin (BdB) — Common at north end of Lac Inferieur in Bois de Boulogne in summer.

Marsh Tit (BdB–BdV) — Uncommon in more wooded parks. Often in mixed flocks of tits.

Coal Tit (BdB–PiSG–CdPLC–BdV) — First sighting was two birds behind our flat in a construction area. Possible (but uncommon) in many of the cities parks.

Crested Tit (BdB–BdV) — Uncommon in parks with patches of conifer trees.

Great Tit (BdB–PiSG–IdS–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — The most common tit. Pish in front of anything green and you’ll attract a Great Tit.

Eurasian Blue Tit (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — The second most common tit (see location instructions for Great Tit)

Long-tailed Tit (BdB–PiSG–BdV) — Flocks of varying sizes were found in several parks.

Eurasian Nuthatch (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Possible anywhere there are mature trees.

Short-toed Treecreeper (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Likely anywhere there are mature trees. Even saw one working a grave in Montparnasse Cemetery.

Eurasian Wren (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Possible anywhere there is a thick understory.

Goldcrest (BdB–JdP–BdV) — Flocks of varying sizes are possible year-round, especially in stands of conifers.

Firecrest (BdB–CdPLC) — Most likely to be seen during migration, but a smaller number stay for the winter.

Willow Warbler (BdB–PiSG) — Most easily seen during migration. Paler legs than more common Chiffchaff.

Common Chiffchaff (BdB–PiSG–PdB–CdPLC) — Song can be heard all summer. Less numerous but still possible in winter.

Blackcap (BdB–PiSG–CdPLC) — Widespread in Parisian parks and very responsive to pishing. Breeds in parks and gardens throughout Paris.

Greater Whitethroat (PiSG) — I spotted my first during fall migration in Parc de l’Ile St Germaine.

Spotted Flycatcher (BdB–PiSG) — Breeds in wooded parks throughout Paris but I found my first in late August during migration in two locations.

European Robin (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Common and widespread wherever there is decent understory.

European Pied Flycatcher (BdB–PiSG–CdPLC) — Uncommon migrant. Found my first in Bois de Boulogne, my second in Parc de l’Ile Saint Germain and my third during a small migratory fallout in Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise.

Black Redstart (Domaine de Saint-Cloud) — There was a reliable pair across the river from Boulogne in Parc de Saint-Cloud.

Eurasian Blackbird (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Widespread and common in any city park.

Fieldfare (PiSG) — A thrush that winters in Paris. I found my first in November.

Redwing (BdB) — Another wintering thrush. I found my first in Bois de Boulogne in November with a flock of Eurasian Blackbirds visiting a fruiting conifer tree.

Song Thrush (BdB–PiSG–CdPLC–BdV) — A boisterous songster. Present in Paris year-round but most abundant during migration.

Mistle Thrush (BdB–PiSG–BdV) — I found my first in October in Bois de Boulogne and had three additional sightings (in other locations) through early November.

European Starling (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Abundant and widespread throughout the city.

Dunnock (BdB–PiSG–JdP) — A member of the accentor family. It took me several weeks to find my first but it’s a fairly common bird in parks with brambles.

Western Yellow Wagtail (IdS) — Seen along the fortified banks of the Seine, across from Ile de Seguin.

Gray Wagtail (BdB) — Seen near water in Bois de Boulogne.

Common Chaffinch (BdB–PiSG–BdV) — One of most common contributors to the dawn chorus in spring and summer. Can be found year-round.

Eurasian Bullfinch (BdB–PiSG) — In my opinion, the most attractive of Europe’s urban birds. I chased down some soft call notes in June to find a pair foraging quietly in the grass (beneath a stand of conifers) just north of the Reserve Ornithologique in Bois de Boulogne. I didn’t see any others until I found a small (but reliable) flock visiting some fruiting shrubs in Parc de l’Ile Saint Germain. Handsome devils.

European Greenfinch (BdB–PiSG–JdP–CdPLC–BdV) — Possible in many parks, especially in fall. Had several males singing from rooftop TV antennas near our flat.

Lesser Redpoll (PiSG) — Probably the most unexpected bird I found in Paris. While birding in early November in Parc de l’Ile Saint Germain, I was attracted to a small flock of European Goldfinches flying amongst a small patch of alders. I noticed that one was particularly tan. Once I noticed the subtle reddish cap and black mask, I knew I had a redpoll but I had never seen one so awash in brown. I studied the bird as it foraged for several minutes. My Princeton Birds of Europe guide was printed in 1999 and only had Common and Arctic (Hoary) Redpoll. Once I returned home, I learned that the cabaret subspecies that best matched this bird (as depicted in my book) was split in to a new species: Lesser Redpoll. I returned to this patch of alders several more times and never saw any other redpolls.

Eurasian Siskin (PiSG) — I finally found my first siskins near the patch of alders that hosted the Lesser Redpoll above. After several attempts, I found four that were visiting a small pond as I was leaving the park via the western entrance.

European Goldfinch (BdB–PiSG–IdS–BdV) — This was one of the first birds I saw on my first morning of birding in Paris (in Parc de Saint-Cloud). It was a full month before I found another five working some thistle on Ile de Seguin. They became more common, and formed larger flocks, in early November, when I found them at several different locations.

European Serin (PiSG–IdS) — In summer, Ile de Seguin was the most reliable spot for this species, where they were the most boisterous songster. A small flock joined the finch fest that had formed in early November in Parc de l’Ile Saint Germain.

Hawfinch (BdB) — Early November brought a pair of Hawfinches to the parcours sportif, a fitness trail that is my favorite place to bird in Bois de Boulogne.

House Sparrow (PiSG–IdS–JdP–BdV) — As one might expect, this species is fairly widespread but not as common as it is back in North America.

January 24, 2013May 13, 2023

Crapping on Napoleon’s Head

Carved in stone or forged in metal, statues are designed to make generation of people stop, gaze upward in awe, and reflect on someone who liberated/reigned/invented/ruled/fought/decreed/conquered themselves in to a pivotal moment in the evolution of a country or culture.

A statue is an eternal reminder that all who pass underneath should be forever indebted to the greatness this person bestowed on history.

Or maybe it’s just an easy place for a bird to take a crap.

I’ve recently noted the subtle humor in how many of the world’s statues, which depict the powerful men and women in chiseled greatness, are now little more than a perch on which a bird can take a momentary break from the shackles of gravity and relieve itself of the weight of its breakfast.

Imagine a self-aggrandizing ruler – a dictator perhaps – commissioning an imposing representation of himself, forged in metal, to loom over his fearful subjects as a constant reminder of his Draconian rule. Well, place a pigeon directly on top of his head and that foreboding presence dissipates as quickly as the whitewash running down his iron cheek.

I have had several opportunities to photograph birds on statues in Europe. Maybe it’s because Europe has a long, eventful history formed by powerful people. Maybe Europe has especially productive ironworkers and stone masons. Or maybe it’s because Europe is home to some particularly irreverent birds.

Zurich, Switzerland

On top a large, muscular stallion with a well-worn battle axe at his side, Hans Waldmann—15th century mayor of Zurich—could do little to dissuade this insolent Black-headed Gull. The bird was fortunate that this depiction of the Swiss military leader had a head on which to perch; Waldmann was relieved of his in 1489, due to accusations of financial corruption and sodomy.

Prague, Czech Republic

The neck of St. Ludmilla buckles under the weight of two complacent Eurasian Jackdaws. This statue is one of thirty lining Charles Bridge, a top tourist destination in Prague. While patron saint of many things—including converts, duchesses, Czech Republic, problems with in-laws—corvids and avian excrement are not listed among them.

Prague, Czech Republic

A Rock Pigeon cranes its neck pensively a top a statue of Joseh Jungmann, widely regarded as the creator of the Czech language and phrases like Slez z mé zasrané hlavy! (“Get off my bleeping head!”)

Prague, Czech Republic

The perfectly coiffed coils of Jan Hus are too irresistible to the dirty feet of this Rock Pigeon, who returns the favor by looking unabashedly in an opposing direction. Huss’ resisted the Catholic Church by insisting to preach in the native vernacular instead of mandated latin, a heresy that had him burned at the stake and the catalyst for the Hussite Wars between Catholics and Protestants. Hus became a symbol of strength for the Czech people as they suffered under oppressive regimes throughout history, including Habsburgs, Russians, Communists, and now, Guano.

Prague, Czech Republic

Neither his proximity to cultural icon Jan Hus, nor the fact that he was exiled during the Thirty Years War in the 17th century, nor his smooth, bulbous dome spared this gentleman from the ignominious talons of a pair of Rock Pigeons.

Versailles, France

A Black-headed Gull oblivious to the angel directly beneath it—unperturbed by her much larger wings. Perhaps the gull feels vindicated by dominating a statue at the entrance of one of the most opulently-decorated castles in the world. Gulls hate extravagant excess. Unless it involves french fries.

Vienna, Austria

Neither the armor depicted in this statue, nor the plumes that could have come from a distant cousin, could scare away this Hooded Crow. Instead this disinterested corvid casts an aloof gaze from this 18th century perch down on to the 1,441 room Schönbrunn Palace beneath it. Maybe the crows are the ones who literally defaced this statue and replaced it with a log. Crafty birds.

Marseille, France

A Yellow-legged Gull barely musters a yawn as Jesus Christ – the inspiration for one of the world’s most prolific religions – coils in pain directly underneath him. The bird doesn’t much care for the expansive view of France’s second largest city directly behind it, nor the fact that Jesus’ consoler is buckling under its weight, pushing her face directly on to his crown of thorns.

Pisa, Italy

A male pigeon struts amorously towards a female on the back of the Capitoline Wolf, a statue that depicts the founding of Rome. Most wouldn’t consider a metallic depiction of twin babies suckling from the plump teet of a she-wolf to be a powerful aphrodisiac, but pigeons are perhaps the most sexually-depraved of any bird.

Seville, Spain

The powerful pipes of Antonio Mairena, a famous flamenco singer from southern Spain, couldn’t scare off this domestic pigeon, nor could his smooth, bald head prevent the pigeons feet from grabbing hold. Somewhere deep inside the psyche of pigeon must lay at least some appreciation for this art form native to Seville: of all the white wash streaming down the side of Antonio’s head, almost none made it inside his capacious mouth. Classy.

Rome, Italy

Recent studies suggest that pigeons don’t believe in the afterlife, which probably explains this birds lackadaisical gaze towards an angel on the Sant’Angelo Bridge in the heart of Rome. Neither the freakishly large wings of this angel nor the fact that it was armed with a lance dissuaded this bird – nor the House Sparrow on the top her head – from roosting.

Venice, Italy

Pigeons are notorious for having exceptionally low literacy rates amongst birds. Certainly this individual didn’t even know it’d taken residence on the head of Niccolo Tommaseo, a “Dalmatian linguist” and writer from Italy. I believe this means he wrote about the tongues of spotted dogs, which seems like an awfully esoteric topic. That didn’t matter to this pigeon; it was just thankful that Niccolo wrote about enough canine tongues to warrant a tall and intricately carved perch.

Resources

January 9, 2013May 13, 2023

Paris by Night: Cathedrale Notre Dame

What do you think of when I say “Notre Dame.”

OK, now stop chanting “Rudy” and imagine that I said it in a more dignified air: “NOOOH-truh DAAAAAAHM.”

Yup, that one.

After several months in PEH-reee, Kristi and I had walked past this stone postcard model numerous times, pausing briefly to take snapshots. This church—arguably the most iconic in Europe—was worth more. One October afternoon, I dusted off my tripod and descended into the tourist hive to take some shots at sunset.

As one might expect, this building is really, really old. The first stone was laid in 1146 under the direction of Maurice de Sully, Bishop of Paris, on a site that had hosted various religious buildings for a millennia. Amazingly, many of those who built the church did so without payment (and probably working more than 35 hours a week) nor the hope they’d ever live to see it completed. Or that their children would; or their children’s children. Notre Dame was completed eight generations later in the 13th century.

It is widely considered to be one of the best examples of the French Gothic style of architecture. The flying buttresses—arches that follow the roofline out to large external pillars—distributed the weight of the roof out away from the building. This architectural innovation allowed for taller, thinner walls and deflected the overwhelming pressure away from the stained glass windows (thereby sparing churchgoers from the resulting technicolor shrapnel).

By the mid-19th century, it had fallen victim to centuries of neglect and was slated for demolition. It was ultimately saved by a spinally-impaired occupant penned by Victor Hugo who reinvigorated interest in both the church and medieval architecture.

Homes and other urban clutter in front of the church were cleared in the late 19th century to create Place du Parvis Notre Dame. Aside from improved sight lines to the church facade, this square affords visitors an opportunity to stand at Kilometre Zero, the point from which all distances to Paris are measured throughout the country.

The first two photographs are from Pont de l’Archevêché to the east, showing what a 90° turn of a polarized filter can do for the clouds in the sky. The sunset shots are from across the river, further east over Pont Saint-Louis. The night shots are from Place du Parvis Notre Dame on the west side of the church.

Cathedral Notre Dame (f25 / 0.5 sec / ISO 100 / no polarized filter) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f25 – 0.5 sec – ISO 100 – no polarized filter) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f25 / 1.0 sec / ISO 100 / polarized filter) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f25 – 1.0 sec – ISO 100 – polarized filter) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f11 - 1/6 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f11 – 1/6 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f25 - 1/3 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f25 – 1/3 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f16 - 15 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f16 – 15 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f16 - 10 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Pont de la Tournelle (f16 – 10 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f16 - 30 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f16 – 30 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f20 - 20 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f20 – 20 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f18 - 30 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f18 – 30 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Cathedral Notre Dame (f18 - 15 sec - ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley — Cathedral Notre Dame (f18 – 15 sec – ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

December 28, 2012May 13, 2023

Paris by Night: Place de la Concorde

Located in the 8th arrondissement to the north of the Seine, Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous public squares in Paris. Built in 1755 as Place de Louis XV, it was later incorporated by Georges-Eugene Haussmann in the late 19th century as a pivot in a grand avenue that connects Arc d’Triomphe and Champs d’Élysées to the west and Tuileries Garden and The Louvre to the east.

After the French Revolution in 1789, the statue of Louis XV (where the obelisk currently stands) was replaced with a guillotine and many notable members in French history—including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette—were relieved of their heads. The execution device was finally removed in 1795, perhaps driven by the unbearable stench and an overly dull blade—over 1,300 people were beheaded in a single month during the peak of activity the prior year.

The 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk standing in the center once graced the entrance to the Luxor temple. It was one of two gifted to France by Egypt in the mid 19th century; the other proved too difficult to move and remained in Egypt.

After photographing the Eiffel Tower from the nearby banks of the Seine, I set up my tripod to capture this ancient obelisk with the temporary ferris wheel as a backdrop. The moon was a nice, gleaming white cherry on top.

Place de la Concorde (f25 / 6 sec / ISO 160) -- © Adam Sedgley — Place de la Concorde (f25 / 6 sec / ISO 160) — © Adam Sedgley

Place de la Concorde (f25 / 10 sec / ISO 160) -- © Adam Sedgley — Place de la Concorde (f25 / 10 sec / ISO 160) — © Adam Sedgley

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_de_la_Concorde

December 27, 2012May 13, 2023

Paris by Night: Eiffel Tower

I peered outside our apartment window and saw a thick cluster of clouds smothering a blue sky.

Today could be the day.

I recently decided that it was morally deplorable to live in Paris for six months and not have a picture of the Eiffel Tower at sunset. At 3:30pm, I packed up my camera and tripod and headed for the Trocadero metro stop. Located on the other side of the Seine, this location features two imposing buildings that form the sites on top of an old rifle, perfectly framing the Eiffel Tower at the end of the barrel.

I was set up by 4:20pm. Unfortunately, the anticipated sunset colors never materialized, but despite that and freezing temperatures, it was still worth my time.

The Eiffel Tower is arguably the most iconic landmark in the world and, surprisingly, it was widely derided after it was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle. The Eiffel Tower was to be dismantled in the early 20th century but a radio antenna installed by its designer Gustav Eiffel in 1909 proved too valuable to the French Army. Two and a half million rivets hold together the “iron asparagus.”

Eiffel Tower (f10 - 1/6 sec - ISO 100 - polarized filter) — Eiffel Tower (f10 – 1/6 sec – ISO 100 – polarized filter) — © Adam Sedgley

Eiffel Tower (f22 / 2 sec / ISO 100) — © Adam Sedgley

Eiffel Tower (f25 / 10 sec / ISO 160) — © Adam Sedgley

Eiffel Tower (f11 / 2 sec / 160 ISO) — © Adam Sedgley

Eiffel Tower (f11 / 3 sec / 160 ISO) — © Adam Sedgley

Eiffel Tower (f11 / 6 sec / 160 ISO) — © Adam Sedgley

Eiffel Tower (f7.1 / 2.5 sec / ISO 160) — © Adam Sedgley

Unfortunately, my battery died and I had forgotten my spare at home. Fortunately, I already had plans to meet Kristi at l’Opera. I walked from Trocadero to Opera, received my charged battery, and moved quickly to Place de la Concorde on the Seine. I was only able to snap a couple of photos of the Eiffel Tower during its hourly light show—consisting of hundreds of pulsating flashbulbs—before it returned to its normal nocturnal state.

Eiffel Tower (f11 / 4 sec / 160 ISO) — © Adam Sedgley

Eiffel Tower (f16 / 25 sec / ISO 160) — © Adam Sedgley

Turning the camera directly across the Seine, I captured a photo of Assemblée Nationale with Pont de la Concorde to the left. I especially love how the tree shadow projects over the river.

Assemblee Nationale (f25 / 30sec / ISO 160) — © Adam Sedgley

Resources:

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/eiffel-tower-landmark.htm

December 14, 2012May 13, 2023

Sh-t that wouldn’t fly back home: Paris edition

Tasting unfamiliar foods, taking wild forms of transportation, or immersing yourself in an incomprehensible language are the types of experiences that drive most to travel. Some are locked away in travel journals, others are fodder at cocktail parties, but it’s those rare experiences that challenge a persons fervent beliefs of what’s right, what’s wrong, what’s normal, and what’s just plain weird.

Like sweet mayonnaise and canned corn on pizza (Japan); like a young teenager using his finger to plug the barrel of his aging Kalashnikov assault rifle as he boards your bus (Laos); like hearing someone loudly clear their throat on an airplane, and expel the contents on the carpeted floor (China). I like to categorize such experiences as “sh*t that wouldn’t fly back home.” While they can be mystifying, or even infuriating, at moment of exposure, I’d argue that they keep the soles of our walking shoes thin and our frequent flier portfolios plump.

Here’s my first installment: Shit That Wouldn’t Fly Back Home – Paris Edition. Neither wrong, nor right—just different.

Parking

As with most densely populated metropolises, parking in Paris is at a premium. Subterranean garages exist largely for day-tripping tourists, so if residents don’t want to pay $350 a month to park the cars, they need to duke it out on the streets to find a rare vacant piece of curbside real estate. And some are forced to get creative. A Smart Car, one of the smallest vehicles on the road, can wedge its sub-nine foot chassis nearly anywhere. But what if the parking spot is even smaller than that? How about backing your car up perpendicularly to the curb and gunning it?

Sidewalks are saved from parked cars through ample use of metal pillars, which are spaced close enough to both each other and the curb to dissuade even the smallest vehicles from blocking the pedestrian thoroughfare. But this “out-of-the-box” thinker found a solution: just park on the actual sidewalk.

On a recent walk near the Eiffel Tower, I watched a new Audi park at the apex of a corner, throw on his emergency flashers, get out to admire the fact that he was effectively obstructing both crosswalks, and tucked into a local café for dinner. These brazen infarctions are startling for a Seattleite who received a $75 ticket when six inches of his bumper was hanging over a yellow curb (thank you City of Bellevue).

Dog Sh*t on Street

I’ve explored this topic in another post ad naseum (literally, I almost threw up) but this ranks high in the “shit that wouldn’t fly back home.” I am well aware that plenty of dog excrement isn’t picked up in the U.S. but few owners would have the audacity to encourage it in broad daylight, on a sidewalk, in the direct line of sight—and smell—of numerous passerby. Fines for such infarctions may be relatively light in the U.S., but public scorn is strong enough to keep such activities in dark alleys and secluded parks.

The speed with which cars approach pedestrian crosswalks

Rules for pedestrians across the planet are generally the same: wait for the little red guy on the other side to turn green. Seems simple right? Well, wait until you are in the middle of a crosswalk and a car approaches your side at 80 miles an hour. The confidence that you are in the right-of-way will crack as quickly as your fibula when it meets the bumper of a Renault. French drivers don’t appear to be crazy, but place an occupied crosswalk in front of one and they suddenly turn into Michael Schumaker approaching his pit crew. The driver, of course, will stop but not until it is very clear to all parties that he or she decided to spare your life. To save face, reduce the size of your eyes, complete your crossing, and go find a clean pair of underwear.

Dogs, Cigarette Smoke, and $75 steaks

Fortunately for the few people who don’t regularly suck cigarettes in Paris, smoking isn’t allowed inside restaurants. Outside spaces, however, are free game, even if said space is the enclosed atrium of a five star hotel. Pardon my stubbornness, but if I purchased a $75 steak prepared by a culinary artist, it’s hard for my taste buds to appreciate the harmony of ground pepper and cumin when my nose is battling the Marlboro to my left, and Virginia Slim to my right. If any smoke is to be obscuring the view of my meal, especially an expensive one, it better be hickory.

But the dog sitting in the chair next to me, he can stay. Assuming he doesn’t growl and snip at anyone that passes the table, like the little shi-tzu (pun intended) pictured below.

Visa paperworks, a gluestick, and 738 euros in stamps

The long and arduous process to obtain French work visas is worthy of its own post (perhaps its own blog) but one step struck me as particularly absurd.

Kristi was instructed by her office to go buy stamps. Not postage stamps mind, but “fiscal stamps.” The reason for purchase was unclear, but she was given instructions to buy them from a Tabac, a bar that sells cigarettes (our local tabac also functions as a off-track betting facility to equally serve all vices). Handing over 738 euros, Kristi received a small stack of stamps of varying denominations, held together with a paper clip. I’ve never been so underwhelmed with what $1000 can buy you.

Fast forward a week until we were seated in front of a French bureaucrat, one meeting away from finally receiving our cartes sejours (French ID cards) and the freedom of being able to come and go from France as we pleased (our tourist visas were about to expire). When prompted, we handed over our stamps. He flipped over a piece of paper and took out an Elmer’s glue stick—the first I’d seen since the 1st grade. With a heavy hand, he applied three vertical lines of glue and neatly placed each stamp one over the other. It took several minutes for him to create a grid with all eighteen stamps before my incredulous eyes. Once they were all neatly in place, he took his large and shiny date stamper and cancelled each stamp. The definitive, rhythmic sound … ka-chunk ka-chunk … must be auditory porn to a bureaucrat.

In the day when technology allows you to deposit a check with your phone, it’s mystifying that any payment process, let alone one as important as a visa approval process, would still require a mediocre adhesive.

Closing business for entire month

Most Parisian shops are closed in August, some for a week or two, others for the whole month. An entrepreneurial mind would realize the opportunity to stay open and steal customers from their closed competitors but this urge is either suppressed or overridden by the healthy need for time off. If you need anything from a small neighborhood store better get it in July or you’ll have to wait until September. Most Parisians take vacation during this month as well, which may or may not be related to the fact that their local bakery is closed for several weeks (Lonely Planet states that 80% of Parisians eat bread three times a day).

Requiring three months notice to fire someone

I am not experienced in any sort of labor law (let alone French) but it is commonly understood that holders of certain work permits, especially civil servants, are impossible to fire. If your employer is somehow able to circumnavigate the quagmire that is Human Relations, they can give you no less than three months notice. While three months notice is certainly more humane than making an employee pack a box on the spot and be escorted out by security, I can’t imagine that said employee would be terribly effective at their job; the term “dead man walking” comes to mind. Similarly, if an employee wants to quit, they must give three months notice, six times the standard two weeks given in the states.

Getting hit on by your doctor

The penultimate step in our visa process was a perfunctory medical checkup. The efficient process took place in a corridor lined with doors. Chairs down the middle allowed applicants to wait, facing out, for their names to be called. Kristi got called up first and, because the chairs were only a couple feet away from the doors, I could hear most of her conversation with the middle-aged, male doctor.

“Wow, you are very beautiful. Why did you come to France?”
“My company moved my husband and me to Paris.”
“You are married? Oh, that’s too bad…”

His tone conveyed true disappointment, but neither her marital status, nor the fact that her husband was sitting within earshot, dissuaded him from continuing to flatter my wife. After a few minutes, their time was brought to a close and he was legally obligated to call my name. For some reason, he didn’t display half of the warmth during our interaction, but thankfully he didn’t refuse to stamp my paperwork or subject me to invasive tests out of disdain. He was a sweet soft-spoken man so the situation was more comical than anything, but I couldn’t help but think which of his statements to Kristi would be more indemnifying in front of a North American review board.

Moving your dinner table to sit down at a restaurant

Space is at a premium in Paris and fashionable eateries can be as tightly packed as a box of madelines. If a North American approaches a packed café, they may be dissuaded by the possible lengthy wait. But if you are a small party of two, you may be surprised at how quickly you’re waved forward: just expect to move some furniture. When we visited the popular Entrecote restaurant (which serves all you can eat steak and fries), the maître d simply gestured us to our table, as depicted by the illustration below, and walked away.

It was physically impossible for anyone to sit down on the other side of the table, save a Russian gymnast or the little Chinese guy from Oceans 11. Used to this now, Kristi and I moved the chair and the small table into the narrow aisle, moving it back once Kristi was seated. American eateries need to have aisles of a width mandated by the ADA and no one ever expects to move more than a chair, and in nice restaurants those are moved for you.

No stars at Thai restaurant

French people don’t like spicy food. Our first indication should have been when the waitress made no mention of stars when taking our order at a well-regarded Thai restaurant in Paris. Asking for sauce piquant (spicy sauce) at our local Korean restaurant yielded a small dish of garlic-infused ketchup. Unfortunately, the bill is the only thing that makes my brow sweat when visiting any Asian restaurants in Paris.

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Fortwo
http://www.parkingsdeparis.com/EN/reservation-car-parking-space-parking-Pyramides.html
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0727/p17s01-lifo.html
http://www.expatica.com/fr/essentials_moving_to/country_facts/Public-holidays-in-France-2012_15286.html

November 8, 2012May 13, 2023

A Beer-watchers Field Guide to Belgian Brews

When presented with a four-day weekend, my wife and I made the decision to travel through Belgium–a short train ride from Paris. The cool-gray architecture and graffiti of Brussels had grabbed our attention on a train trip from Amsterdam several months prior. We selected three cities to visit—Brugge, Antwerp, and Brussels—and looked for a theme to tie the three popular tourist destinations. Whether from the French South or Flemish North, the Belgians are known for their beer, chocolate, and fries. Fearing the effects of continuous blood sugar spikes over four days, we quickly decided to avoid a chocolate tour of Belgium. And who wants to eat just fries?

Beer it was, and successful we were. We tallied a total of 34 different Belgian beers over four days—from sour ales, to native IPA’s, to seven Trappist monastery brews. We even had time for some fries and a chocolate or four.

We’ve assembled a beer-watchers field guide to help readers find their own Belgian suds: including measurements for each beer; a description of where that beer naturally occurs; tips to help users identify the beer, in bottle or glass, in the field; and notes on what they should expect when their quarry reaches the lips.

I should warn readers that, like the $8 million nose of Dutch wine-maker Ilja Gort, my taste buds are insured by Lloyd’s of London, albeit for a slightly smaller amount: $3.70 (coincidentally the cost of postage to mail my policy). Consequently, readers should take our tasting notes with a pinch of hops and, if more informed descriptions are required, readers should scan the comments at www.beeradvocate.com.

Many terms used in our field guide will be familiar to birdwatchers, but the content will hopefully be of interest to a wider population (although I read in the 2010 census that “beer drinking bird nerds” are a growing demographic). Here’s a glossary to help bridge the gap.

Abundant: widely available for purchase at a variety of venues, from trains to corner stores.
Common: likely to be encountered at least once on a long night out in an urban center.
Uncommon: findable in areas with a high density of beer drinkers, though may provide a challenge.
Rare: exists but will require specialized knowledge to find.
Accidental: confirmed sightings may be sporadic, finding requires considerable luck and skill.

Jump to Beerwatching Hotspots in Belgium

Family Aledae (Ales)

A diverse family of beers, the ales vary in color from golden yellow to charcoal brown, and even one with pinkish plumage. These species represent a variety of tastes. For the purpose of identification in glass, these species have been arranged in order of coloration, light to dark.

	Species: Delirium Tremens Genus/Family: Brouwerij Huyghe / Pale Ale Measurements: 9% ABV, 8€* Range: Widespread and common in Belgium. Locally uncommon in other parts of the world. Status: Population strong and increasing. Field ID Marks: Opaque white bottle is diagnostic for the genus. The pink elephant—another shared attribute—is unmistakable. Description: One of the more common of the four species in the Delirium family, the Tremens will delight the tongue with sweet hops with a finish of tart raspberry.

	Species: Jupiler (blond) Genus/Family: Brasserie Piedboeuf / Pale Ale Measurements: 5.2% ABV, 2€* Range: Abundant throughout Belgium, especially train stations, corner stores, and domestic sporting events. Uncommon elsewhere. Status: Stable wherever students or down-and-out populations persist. Field ID Marks: Most commonly encountered with a shiny metallic exterior. Carcasses are frequently found amongst urban detritus. Expect bold red and black coloration; black bull diagnostic for the species. Description: A light European lager. Tastes like a sour Budweiser, perhaps a good choice for those who taste buds are overwhelmed by the more flavorful options in Belgium.

	Species: Cuvee des Trolls Genus/Family: Brasserie Dubuisson / Belgian Strong Ale Measurements: 7% ABV, 4€* Range: Uncommon to common in Belgium. Rare in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Status: Belgian population remains stable. International populations are increasing. Field ID Marks: Unremarkable brown bottle reveals gold details at close range. A rosy-faced leap-frogging troll is diagnostic for the genus, on bottle and in glass. Description: A sip should reveal a smooth mild fruit taste, with a bit of cantaloupe.

	Species: Deca Papegaei Genus/Family: Deca Brouwerij / Strong Ale Measurements: 8% ABV, 3.80€* Range: Rare in Belgium. No international records for the species. Status: Little data but population apparently stable. Field ID Marks: Look for a green bottle with a sky blue label at the base of its slender profile. Black, backward peering parrot is a helpful fieldmark for the species, on both glass and bottle. Description: This beer is smooth and positively delicious ale with a smidge of light fruit.

	Species: Palm Amber Genus/Family: Brouwerij Palm NV / Pale Ale Measurements: 5.4% ABV, 3.50€* Range: Distributed widely throughout Belgium. Abundant in transportation centers, corner stores, and sporting venues. Uncommon elsewhere. Status: Steady. Field ID Marks: In both glass and aluminum plumages, green body and gold horse are diagnostic. Description: Despite its pedestrian origins (train refreshment cart) taste was surprisingly refreshing: light malt with a hint of lime and honey.

	Species: La Chouffe Ardens Blond Genus/Family: Brasserie Duvel-Moortgat / Blond Ale Measurements: 8% ABV, 4€* Range: International—mostly European—with smaller populations in North, Central, and South America, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. Status: Common in Belgium. Uncommon to rare elsewhere, but has increased since sold to the larger Duvel Brewery in 2006. Field ID Marks: From a distance, look for a small brown bottle with a short, squat neck. If visible on bottle or glass, a red-capped elf donning a whispy white beard is diagnostic for the genus. Description: Once in hand, expect a delightfully smooth and sweet beer, with hints of apricot.

	Species: Brugse Zot Blond Genus/Family: Brouwerij De Halve Maan / Blond Ale Measurements: 6% ABV, 5€* Range: Limited distribution. Locally abundant in Brugge, Belgium; uncommon to rare elsewhere. Status: Steady. De Halve Maan is the last brewery within city limites in Brugge, a popular tourist destination. Field ID Marks: In glass or bottle, a jovial jester is a reliable fieldmark for this genus. Separated by the closely-related bruin by its consistently paler complexion. Description: Taste is clean, light, and refreshingly hoppy.

	Species: De Koninck Genus/Family: Brouwerij De Koninck NV / Pale Ale Measurements: 5% ABV, 5.20€* Range: Locally abundant in Antwerp (where the population was first discovered in 1827). Common across Belgium and rare internationally. Status: Population large and stable. Field ID Marks: Most frequently encountered in draught, where a relatively low and wide profile is helpful. Bold white lettering will show well against its greenish brown body. Description: Despite its abundant popularity, taste is flat and relatively tasteless.

	Species: Brugse Zot Bruin Genus/Family: Brouwerij De Halve Maan / Brown Ale Measurements: 7.5% ABV, 5€* Range: Limited distribution. Locally abundant in Brugges; uncommon to rare elsewhere. Status: Steady. Population sustained by tourists seeking a taste of the only brewery in the popular destination of Brugge. Field ID Marks: A jovial jester is a reliable fieldmark for this genus, on bottle or pint glass. Look for a light brown plumage, darker than the closely-related blond, though the two should be best separated in good light or side-by-side. Description: The beer is smooth with little aftertaste. Unfortunately, this smoothness also leaves the beer a little lackluster.

	Species: Kwak Amber Genus/Family: Brouwerij Bosteels / Amber Measurements: 8.1% ABV, 5.60€* Range: Uncommon to common in Belgium, rare elsewhere. Status: Small but stable population. Field ID Marks: Amber brown body with thin white head detectable from medium range. Unmistakable in intended glass, a dramatic tall hourglass with robust wooden handle. Description: This amber beer tastes almost as if it has been sweetened with a pinch of candy sugar, but overall the impression is flat and aftertaste metallic.

	Species: Rodenbach Genus/Family: Palm Brewery / Red Ale Measurements: 5.2% ABV, 3€* Range: Abundant in Belgium. Uncommon elsewhere. Status: Steady population is maintained by one of the largest breweries in Belgium. Field ID Marks: In the field, look for a brown bottle with a subdued red label. Reddish brown coloration apparent in glass, which is plain in shape and unadorned. Description: Strong sour cherry smell with an acidic fruit taste, owed to being 1/4 oak-aged by volume.

	Species: Ciney Bruin Genus/Family: Brouwerijen Alken-Maes / Brown Ale Measurements: 7% ABV, 2.60€* Range: Uncommon in Belgium. Rare in Europe. Scattered international records. Status: Population small by stable; sustained by one of the largest breweries in Belgium. Field ID Marks: As a distance, subtle brown label blends with color of bottle; orange horizontal demarcation may be visible in ideal conditions. Description: Despite its brown coloration, this malty species tastes like a red beer with a bit of raspberry.

	Species: Delirium Nocturnum Genus/Family: Brouwerij Huyghe / Dark Ale Measurements: 8.5% ABV, 6.80€* Range: Widespread and common in Belgium. Locally uncommon to rare internationally. Status: Population strong and increasing. Field ID Marks: The specked eggshell bottle should allow most to identify this bottle to genus, even from a distance. At closer range, a large pink elephant—largest in its genus—is a helpful identification tip. Pictured is the species in draught plumage, exceedingly rare to find outside of Delirium Café in Brussels. Description: This dark beer starts slightly sour but completes smoothly with a taste of barley.

	Species: Alvinne Undressed Genus/Family: Brouwerij Alvinne / Sour Ale Measurements: 6.9% ABV, 3.50€* Range: Rare in Belgium. Only a handful of records outside Belgium borders. Status: Stable. Field ID Marks: Species is difficult to identify from distance but short greenish bottle with curvaceous neck can help distinguish it from other species. Glass is tall with a long, thin stem. Dark body when poured. Description: This dark ale is a surprise to drink: flat, acrid, sour apple. Not a pleasure.

	Species: DeRanke Noir de Dottignies Genus/Family: Brouwerij De Ranke / Dark Ale Measurements: 9% ABV, 3.70€* Range: Locally uncommon in Belgium. Spotty distribution throughout Europe, North America, and East Asia. Status: Stable in Belgium. Increasing elsewhere. Field ID Marks: Green bottle is a helpful identification mark in the field. Label is black, much like the complexion of the species when poured. Description: This strong dark ale with please the tongue with a hint of bitter chocolate and a smooth finish.

Family Trappidae (Trappist)

This diverse family is not grouped by color, taste or style, but by a common supervisor: Trappist monks. The populations of all of these species are from one of eight Trappist monasteries (seven in Belgium, one in The Netherlands). Trappist beers must be brewed in a Trappist monastery where any profits beyond what is needed to maintain the monastery and the clergy is donated to charity.

	Species: Achel Trappist Genus/Family: Brouwerij der Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis / Trappidae (Trapist) Measurements: 9.5% ABV, 4.30€* Range: Uncommon to rare in Belgium. Scarce in Europe. No reported sightings outside the continent, but vagrancy is possible. Status: Stable. Field ID Marks: Bottle is brown and medium build. Tan label with a black wave at the bottom is a helpful field mark from a distance. In alternate plumage, look for a red wave and a plentiful, frothy head. Description: As for taste, expect a hint of fruit with a slightly metallic aftertaste.

	Species: Westhalle Tripel Genus/Family: Westhalle Brewery, Trappidae (Trappist) Measurements: 9.5% ABV, 8€* Range: Widespread and common in Belgium. Range has expanded to other parts of the world, but remains rare. Status: Population strong and increasing. Field ID Marks: The tall brown bottle will confuse the amateur beer hunter, but the diamond-shape label is indicative, and circular red label at top diagnostic, of this respected genus. Description: In glass, expect smooth, plentiful head, taste of apricot and honey, and a smidge of bitterness in a prolonged aftertaste.

	Species: Orval Trappiste Genus/Family: Brasserie d’Orval / Trappidae (Trappist) Measurements: 6.9% ABV, 4€* Range: Common in Belgium. Rare to uncommon elsewhere. Status: Population, established in 1931 to support the rebuilding of the Orval Abbey, is steady throughout its range. Field ID Marks: The plain brown bottle can be separated from similar species by a white label located low on the neck. Glass has a wide mouth but tapers quickly to its strong base. Description: The peachy hops of this brew will please the taste buds with a pinch of spiced apple.

	Species: Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren (1979) Genus/Family: Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV / Trappidae (Trappist) Measurements: 7.5% ABV, 9€* Range: Locally rare. Population centered at St Sixtus Monastery in western Belgium. Species population is limited to a handful of locations in urban centers. Status: Population of genus is steady. This species is considered accidental throughout its former range with only a handful of records annually, primarily in Belgium. Field ID Marks: Look for a brown bottle with faded red label. Jovial, and likely inebriated, monk is diagnostic for the genus. Beware that species this old may wear a light grayish coat of dust for camouflage. Smooth dark brown coloration in glass with no trace of a head. Description: For those lucky few whom can get close enough for a sip, expect a syrupy texture with no carbonation. The taste of light molasses and licorice will please the tongue.

	Species: La Trappe Quadrupel (2010) Genus/Family: Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven / Trappidae (Trappist) Measurements: 10% ABV, 3€* Range: Population centered in the Netherlands—unique for this family. Uncommon in Belgium, rare elsewhere. Status: Stable and increasing. Field ID Marks: Brown bottle is tall and slender from a distance; label is yellowish and tapers to a subtle point. Glass is wide at the top; at closer range, decorative gold writing may be distinctive against the plentiful head. Description: Taste is smooth and malty (what can I say, this is the last of multiple beers this evening).

	Species: Chimay Blauw (2010) Genus/Family: Bieres de Chimay / Trappidae (Trappist) Measurements: 9% ABV, 3.80€* Range: Abundant in Belgium. Common in Europe. Uncommon worldwide. Status: Steady, population increasing internationally. Field ID Marks: Short and brown in bottle form, with a tapered—almost concave—neck. In glass, look for a wide mouth, straight sides, and bold white logo outlined in red. Description: The smooth taste is fruit neutral with a hint of chocolate.

	Species: Westmalle Dubbel Genus/Family: Westmalle Abbey / Trappidae (Trappist) Measurements: 7% ABV, 3.20€* Range: Locally common in Belgium. Rare to uncommon elsewhere. Status: After being established in 1836, it took two decades before this population was discovered and quickly increased in 1921. Population remains steady throughout its range. Field ID Marks: The tall, thin profile will do little to remove this species from a mixed flock of brown bottles, but the diamond shaped label is indicative of the genus, red label diagnostic. In glass, look for a wide mouth tapering softly to a rounded bottom with a dark complexion. Description: Tasting notes for this drinkable species include molasses and subtle fruit. Worth chasing.

Family Dubbelae (Belgian Dubbel)

Typified by somewhat strong, brown beers with a note of fruitiness, this family of beer was split by taxonomists from the Trappidae family as the population grew beyond the Trappist monasteries after World War II. “Abbey” or “Abbey-style” are helpful identification marks for this family in the field.

Species: Floreffe Dubbel
Genus/Family: Brasserie Lefebvre / Dubbel
Measurements: 6.3% ABV, 2.60€*
Range: Established in 1916, the population is based in French-speaking Belgium, but the species remains uncommon throughout the country. Limited records outside the country.
Status: Small but stable.
Field ID Marks: Bottle an unremarkable brown with red labels on the base and neck. Glass is wide with a reddish-brown complexion. Blue/yellow logo is a helpful field mark, but requires closer study.
Description: Supple apple and raisin, but metallic finish may surprise the more timid taste buds.

Family Tripelidae (Belgian Tripel)

A family of strong pale ales that have a common ancestor: Westmalle Trappist. Some taxonomists still lump species like Westmalle Tripel and St Bernardus Tripel with the Trappidae Family, as they’ve been done in this guide. Their more secular counterparts—which have proliferated throughout Belgium since World War II—are introduced below, from light to dark. Look for “Abbey” or “Abbey-style” in the field.

	Species: Bersalis Tripel Genus/Family: Brouwerij Oud Beersel / Blonde Tripel Measurements: 9.5% ABV, 6€* Range: While old (discovered in 1882), this small population has not expanded beyond the borders of Beligum. Uncommon. Status: Steady, but poised to increased (hired its first sales staff in 2010). Field ID Marks: Brown bottle has an iridescent golden neck and black base with a clear golden band in all plumages. The species is pictured in draught plumage, rare to find even in its home range. Description: Smooth, almost savory, flavors of caramel cookie await lucky hunters.

	Species: Brugge Tripel Genus/Family: Brouwerij De Halve Maan / Abbey Tripel Measurements: 8.7% ABV, 5€* Range: Limited distribution. Locally abundant in Brugge, Belgium; uncommon to rare elsewhere. Status: Steady, supported by the influx of tourists to De Halve Maan brewery, the last brewery within Brugge. Field ID Marks: Look for a tall brown bottle with highlighted with blue and gold on its neck and base. Equal height in glass with a wide top and narrower bottom: may be difficult to separate from similar species from a distance. Description: Wheaty flavor with a hint of honey, but not terribly smooth.

	Species: De Proef Reinaert Tripel Genus/Family: De Proef Brouwerij / Abbey Tripel Measurements: 9% ABV, 3.70€* Range: Locally rare in Belgium. Records from outside the country are few. Status: Limited observations suggest population is stable, but vulnerable. Field ID Marks: Short brown bottle and green label my be visible from a distance. A poised fox—black on bottle, gold on glass—is diagnostic. Description: Taste is smooth with strong apricot and subtle peach.

	Species: St Bernardus Watou Tripel Genus/Family: Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV / Trappist Tripel Measurements: 7.5% ABV, 3.50€* Range: Common in Belgium. Uncommon to rare in Europe. Rare outside Europe but small established populations exist. Status: Stable. Field ID Marks: Relatively nondescript in bottle, with tan label contrasting little with brown body. Glass is bowl-like with bold typeface. Description: Taste is a clean mix of citrus and peachy that lingers pleasantly on the palette.

	Species: Maredsous Zwarte Stop 10 (2006) Genus/Family: Duvel Moortgat / Abbey Tripel Measurements: 9.5% ABV, 6€* Range: Genus (Maredsousii) is common in Belgium, rare to uncommon worldwide. Species (2006) is limited to small, isolated populations. Status: Population of genus is stable, perhaps increasing internationally. Population of this species is declining. Field ID Marks: When encountered in the wild, look for a short, squat profile in bottle; bulbous in glass with a honey-brown complexion. Description: Smooth on the palette with the subtle taste of a porter taste, with a dash of raspberry. Finishes light with a hint of fennel licorice.

	Species: Straffe Hendrik Tripel Genus/Family: Brouwerij De Halve Maan / Abbey-style Measurements: 9% ABV, 5€* Range: Locally uncommon in Brugges, Belgium. Uncommon to rare elsewhere. Status: Steady. Population sustained by tourists visiting the only brewery in popular Brugges. Field ID Marks: Gold-trimmed green label separate this species from other brown bottles. Stern, left-facing half-moon is diagnostic for the species, on bottle and in glass. Description: Expect less fruity hops with a frothy head.

Exotic/Introduced Species

Populations for the following species are established in Belgium (and therefore countable to listers) but belong to families found outside Belgian borders, namely from the U.K. and Germany.

	Species: La Chouffe IPA Genus/Family: Brasserie Duvel-Moortgat / India Pale Ale Measurements: 10% ABV, 6€* Range: Genus has the highest density in Europe but small populations are established on every continent, minus Antarctica. Status: Common in Belgium. Uncommon to rare elsewhere, but has increased since sold to the larger Duvel Brewery in 2006. Field ID Marks: Short, brown bottle with a squat neck. A bearded elf with a red cap is diagnostic for the genus. Note: this species is pictured in plain plumage during the draught season. Hard to find but worth the search. Description: Seekers will be delighted with a hoppy, almost wheaty brew: smooth with tastes of honeycomb and lemon.

	Species: Viven Imperial IPA Genus/Family: Brouwerij van Viven / India Pale Ale Measurements: 8% ABV, 3.50€* Range: Rare and local in the Flemish region of Belgium. No international records. Status: The genus is relatively young (1999) but new species have been discovered as recently as 2010. Population poised to increase. Field ID Marks: Similar to Viven Porter in bottle, but in glass plumage is a much lighter chestnut brown. Best distinguished in the bottle by its red label details. Description: This Belgian interpretation of a North American staple is hoppy with a nice finish of grapefruit.

	Species: Viven Porter Genus/Family: Brouwerij van Viven / Porter Measurements: 7% ABV, 4€* Range: Rare and local in the Flemish region of Belgium. No international records. Status: The genus is relatively young (1999) but new species have been discovered as recently as 2010. Population poised to increase. Field ID Marks: Bottle relatively non-descript, save a tan label on its body with black details. In glass, red writing contrasts greatly with its chocolate brown plumage. Description: Those lucky enough to taste it will notice a flavorful porter with strong tastes of coffee and dark chocolate.

	Species: Maes Pils (malt) Genus/Family: Brouwerij Alken-Maes / German Pilsner Measurements: 5.2% ABV, 2€* Range: Abundant in Belgium, especially in population pockets that demand inexpensive beer with relatively high alcohol content. Status: Stable. Considered a nuisance species, though poses little threat to native Belgian beers with flavor. Field ID Marks: Look for a blue can with bold white lettering, then move the other direction. Description: Strong malt flavor with little to no redeeming qualities. Stronger than Jupiler. Should be avoided.

	Species: Floris Pomme Genus/Family: Brouwerij Huyghe / Wheat Beer Measurements: 3% ABV, 6€* Range: Widespread and uncommon in Belgium; accidental outside country borders. Locally common at Delirium Café in Brussels. Status: Stable. Field ID Marks: This species is vibrantly colored in bottle and could be mistaken for superficially-similar fruit sodas. In glass, expect a light golden coloration with small to medium head. Description: A refreshing, low-alcohol brew with strong apple flavor and a hint of honey rose.

Beerwatching Hotspots in Belgium

We worked with local beerwatching experts to bring you a list of favorite bars and pubs where you can expect to tally quite a few different species.

Brussels

Delirium Cafe (Impasse de la fidélité 4. 1000 Bruxelles) MAP – WEBSITE

Antwerp

Kulminator (Vleminckveld 32, 2000 Antwerpen) MAP
‘t Oud Arsenaal (Maria Pijpelincxstraat 4, 2000 Antwerpen) MAP

Brugges

Brugs Beertje (Kemelstraat 5, 8000 Brugge) MAP – WEBSITE
Poatersgat (Vlamingstraat 82 Brugge) MAP – WEBSITE

November 1, 2012May 13, 2023

Fringe Hobby Spotlight: Plane Spotting

I’m a birdwatcher. I get out of a perfectly good bed well before normal people. I drive long distances to visit locations as inviting as sewage treatment plants. I seek birds that are a range of sizes (most often small) and a flurry of colors (most often brown). Set my iPod to shuffle and you’ll find songs by Tool and Jurassic 5 intermixed with short interludes by Clay-colored Sparrow and Virginia Rail.

As a birdwatcher, I am intrigued by other hobbies that are a little off of center. On a train trip to London for the Olympics, my friend Mike and I sat with a gentleman from Quebec who collected Olympic postmarks. Not just stamps mind, nor Olympic stamps, but the circular cancelation stamps post office employees place over postage stamps. He showed us a binder—one of twenty-four in his collection—bulging with envelopes and postcards with postmarks for every Olympic competition since 1896.

On a weekend trip to Zurich Switzerland in late October, I met a gentleman who was well respected amongst followers of another esoteric hobby: plane-spotting.

I first learned of plane spotters several years ago; how they positioned their long lensed cameras near airports to capture images of commercial airliners of different makes, models, and carriers.

I periodically thought of my fellow peripheral hobbyists whenever I watched an airplane fly overhead. While I’ve trained myself to identify the subtle differences in flight profiles of Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks, I couldn’t tell you what separates a Boeing 747 from the equivalent Airbus though I know it must be obvious to the trained eye. The parallels with my beloved hobby birdwatching, including similar tools and techniques, nonetheless intrigue me.

[Editor’s Note: Adam promises to all his friends and family to not pursue another hobby that will alienate him even further from mainstream society.]

None of this was on my mind when I stumbled across Buch Air Center, a model plane store across the street from our hotel near the Zurich airport. I was drawn through the doors because I had never seen anything like it: hundreds if not thousands of model planes of different makes, models, carriers, and sizes. A pocket-sized Thai Air Boeing 737 to a four-foot long Airbus A340 donning the Swiss Air logo.

I asked the nice Swiss store owner behind the counter who’d collect such models. Some people only collect models of a certain size, he said, while some collect every make and model flown by a specific carrier. Some people just want a personal memento, for example the exact plane a couple flew on their honeymoon. Model companies are mostly British and German with some emerging from China, where he estimated 98.5% of the models are already manufactured. Carriers, like Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines, will allow companies to use their logo if they are able to give one to each of their employees for free.

I asked if he had many customers who were plane spotters. “Of course!” he responded, “I am one as well.”

This was a rare opportunity to better understand what drives the plane spotter so I identified myself as a fellow fringe hobbyist and proceeded to ask a bunch of questions. It turns out plane-spotting and birdwatching are quite similar.

Spot planes, helicopters, gliders, balloons …

No two birdwatchers are the same: some prefer scoping open water for birds while others specialize in birding by ear. Some only keep a list of birds they’ve seen in their backyard while others fly to each corner of the continent to build their “ABA list” (the American Birding Association list for continental United States and Canada). In plane spotting, some enthusiasts chase only commercial airliners, while others prefer military aircraft. A smaller and more … umm, enthusiastic subset chase any manmade object in the sky, including helicopters and business aircraft as well as gliders, drones, and even hot-air balloons. It is believed that plane spotting started in England and, like birding, the British have a reputation for producing the most manic participants.

Plane spotters keep life-lists

Armed with digital cameras and telephoto lenses, plane spotters grow their life-lists by successfully capturing images of their quarry, whether it be World War I German aircraft, or every make and model flown by a specific carrier. To an even greater extreme, some plane spotters collect images of every plane flown by a carrier (identified by unique serial numbers on their fuselage). The Swiss gentlemen with whom I spoke hadn’t tallied his list recently, but he estimated to have images for around 35,000 different commercial, military, and business aircraft in his collection.

Plane spotters employ similar strategies to birdwatchers

Every spring, birdwatchers flock to birdwatching hotspots like the Texas coast and the Florida Keys to tally scores of songbird species as they are migrating north from their tropical wintering grounds. These coastal areas are the first opportunities for birds to land after long flights over the Caribbean, thus serving as bottlenecks for dense flocks of birds you’d otherwise have to travel great distances to see. For example, a fortuitous bush could host both a Swainson’s Warbler and a Blackpoll Warbler, two species that, to see just weeks later, would require travel between the floodplains of southeastern United States and the boreal forests of Canada, respectively.

Similarly, plane spotters make efficient use of bottlenecks in the distribution of planes. Large airports that serve as hubs for multiple international carriers are effective targets as well as production facilities where planes can be “captured” as they come off the assembly line before they are delivered to more distance locations like Germany and Singapore. This Swiss gentleman had just returned from a trip to the Seattle where he visited Sea-Tac, Boeing Field in south Seattle, the Boeing production facility in Renton, and Payne Field in Everett.

Plane spotters have specialized field guides

No self-respecting birder goes in to the field without their trusty field guide, whether it be Sibley, Audubon, National Geographic, Peterson, Kauffman, or any combination thereof. Claudio Müller’s Airplanes of the World is an illustrated publication that provides short profiles on over 150 types of planes, including illustrations of its profile from above, side, and head-on. It is published annually to include all the most recent models, but with each addition, an older model is dropped, thus requiring a multiple volumes if a comprehensive reference is desired.

Source: Amazon.de (Germany)

Plane spotters go on field trips

Every year, the World Economic Forum is held in Zurich and financial leaders arrive from all over the world to attend. This summer, the local chapter of plane spotters requested permission to access the tarmac where the planes were parked. Far from a small event, buses were used to transport well over a thousand international plane spotters to and from the airfield.

A recent field trip that made waves in the international plane-spotting community was a chartered flight into Pyongyang North Korea. Different from birdwatching, they are no professional guiding companies. Plane-spotting field trips are typically organized by individual hobbyists (perhaps inspired with the incentive of having their expenses covered by the group). Need help organizing a trip? You can purchase up-to-date catalogs of aircraft manufacturers, including detailed information on models names and serial numbers.

Our conversation was broken by the sound of the door opening. A gentleman with a spectacularly curled moustache entered the store and the two made a quick friendly exchange in German. A friend from a nearby plane-spotting chapter, the owner confided.

After monopolizing the storeowner’s time for nearly thirty minutes, I was happy to purchase the 2012 airplane field guide in my hand, even though it was in German. He threw in a small desktop calendar of commercial airliners for free.

Provided with free time, I’ll still opt to visit a verdant wetland over, say, Payne Field, unless the grassy perimeter holds a Sprague’s Pipit.

But I may learn the flight profiles of a few jetliners … and maybe a jet or two. Just a couple.