Doors of Lille

We love to explore and so during my walks each day I try a new route as does John on his way to the pool. If we see something that will interest the other, we cycle back that way to have another look together. Truthfully, John gets tired of the doors I’m pointing out so the photos below are of doors that had some interest to me. But don’t get me wrong; doors, at least in a symbolic way, are very important to both of us as John grew up with his Dad encouraging him to walk through any open door, given the opportunity. And, I suppose that is what has allowed us to experience life in many places, given his penchant for following his Dad’s advice. Before we married I was more of a stick-to-your-career type and had primarily lived in Toronto, not far from my birthplace. After marrying John. . .well some of you simply ran out of space in the old address book to keep locations and numbers current. But I can say this . . . there has not been a door that we have gone through that did not hold something exciting or challenging or possibly difficult on the other side. It was always new and different and potentially surprising. So, the symbol of the door reminds me that we have likely many more to go through…at least we hope so and frankly, French doors are just wonderful. In Paris, they are sophisticated with the brass generally shined to a high polish. In Toulouse, the door knockers were frequently a woman’s gloved hand in the residential area where we lived. Here in Lille there is a mixture, due to the Flemish heritage, and what I like most is the fact some still have doorbell pulls, long chains with handles that one yanks to ask for entrance. The lion is a favourite theme for guarding the entry. The doors hide courtyards big and small, rough and refined, beautifully gardened or cobblestoned. You just never know what’s on the other side. As a very curious person it’s wonderful to catch a peek of a particularly interesting one. In passing a very old convent the other day I caught a swift glimpse of espaliered fruit trees, very green grass and turned over flower or vegetable beds before the workman shut the door…I hope to have a better look! 

The Worried Old Lion has seen many people cross his lintel

Behind this Convent door lies an amazing garden

Note the Bell Pull...no kid can reach it nor any short person

Formality

Egyptian Themed and polished

A Good Solid Knocker

These tall doors are heavy and need a good pull to close...these work

Somber and Utilitarian
 

These doors belong to the Opera Hall, a magnificent structure near our roof top apartment

Grand! with Grande Place reflected in the glass

Beautiful design and in need of a scrape and paint job

Aged door pull

Weathered 

Lots of wood used in these

Clearly Marked

Large and Significant

Green Door

Midnight, one more night without sleepin' 

Watchin', till the morning comes creepin'

Green door, what's that secret you're keepin'?

( recall that song?...1956 composed by Bob Davies, lyrics by Marvin Moore and sung by Jim Lowe topping the US charts. )

Purple Door...Remember those VW's in the 1960's?

Needs Work!

Elegant  glass entry door, but this was taken through an ironwork fence 4M high

A Favourite and you can see why in the photo below

A Magnificent Lion..just look at those paws!

News and Mail

Slipping in the view from our kitchen window...that's the Chamber of Commerce building with famous clock. . . and yes it strikes. . . I don't hear it but some others do!

Isn't this a lovely door knocker!

Until next week 🙉