There was a clear strategy in place for the end of May. However, health issues forced me to remain in Belgium. There were no 2000 kilometers of asphalt to explore on my Harley Davidson. It was a shame because I had been looking forward to exploring France, especially Normandie.
Because I couldn’t travel, I took a short trip from my house to Antwerp, Belgium. A huge harbor and a deserted city are both nearby. The city is called Doel, and it has been on my radar for quite some time to visit with my Leica Camera!
It’s incredible to see how large Antwerp’s port has grown in Belgium. We used to go to the port with the school when I was a kid; today, more than 30 years later, much has changed, and it has become a large space. There is no limit, and they continue to grow.
Doel is one of the cities nearby the port. It’s been a village for dock workers. However, the government decided to expand the harbor a few years ago. Doel, a small town, needs to make room for a larger industrial zone.
While riding my bike alongside the Schelde river, I noticed an ancient mill as I passed by the nuclear power plant. The mill has been renovated into a cafe with a spectacular view of the river.
When I arrived on my Harley at Doel, it was clear what had been written about it in several newspapers. Normal living had been destroyed, and the neighborhood felt abandoned.
Metal plates were used to close windows and doors, and graffiti art covered the buildings. It felt to have become a ghost town, although there were still some residents…
It’s heartbreaking to see families being driven out of their hand-built homes because everything needs to expand. This is due to the desire of the global economy to distribute more and more.
The church is the only building that is in great shape. As I photograph the empty streets, I can still feel the children playing football on the same streets.
This life difference is mind-boggling, and it makes me think of those who live in conflict zones. They must leave everything, and the only thing that matters is that they survive!
Life can be a living nightmare.
I am grateful for what I have and thankful that my loved ones are safe.
If we complain about harsh weather, consider those who do not have a roof to keep them dry.
It’s all about feeling fortunate!
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