To read the first three parts of this post, you can click on the following links:
CONNECTING WITH NATURE, OUR FUEL FOR CREATIVITY (EUROPE 2024) part 1 of 4
CONNECTING WITH NATURE, OUR FUEL FOR CREATIVITY (EUROPE 2024) part 2 of 4
CONNECTING WITH NATURE, OUR FUEL FOR CREATIVITY (EUROPE 2024) part 3 of 4
LUXEMBOURG
Our arrival in Luxembourg on the afternoon of October 1, 2024 was a bit delayed because we got confused with our connecting train in Koblenz Hbf. Some trains in Europe happen to have two destinations and upon reaching a certain station, split into two directions and if you are unaware, not that alert or cannot understand the announcement on the train, it would be more likely that you end up on the wrong part of the train and arrive on a different destination. The train we were supposed to take from Koblenz had two destinations, Luxembourg and Mannheim and was supposed to split in Trier. We were unsure of the train waiting on the platform (everything written and the announcement was also in German) so we did not enter but by the time we realized that was actually our train, it already left. We had to wait for another hour for the next one.
We've always been curious to visit the richest country in the world, Luxembourg. Apart from our unpleasant experience in Frankfurt, we've actually been anxious before our arrival because we also read online that the atmosphere in the Luxembourg main train station (and few blocks radius near it) is not that safe. But upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised and immediately felt at ease by the presence of so many policemen, like one policeman in every 10mtrs. and we've never seen so many compared to other places we've visited in Europe. From time to time, we'd also see a policeman in the buses and trams. We appreciated that very much and because of that, we enjoyed and felt at ease and secure during our stay in this country. In addition, all modes of public transportation and public WC is free for everyone, including tourists too.
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| At the Monument of Remembrance/Gëlle Fra/Golden Lady, a 21 mtr. granite obelisk and war memorial situated on Place de la Constitution. This monument is dedicated to the thousands of locals who volunteered for service in the armed forces during World War II and the Korean War and in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War. |
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| view of Palace Grand-Ducal at Rue de la Reine |
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| Palais Grand-Ducal where the Duke of Luxembourg is residing |
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Casemates du Bock (1644), a vast complex of underground tunnels and galleries used during Word War II as bomb shelters.
GRUND DISTRICT
Neumünster Abbey, remodeled church building that hosts exhibitions, concerts and conferences
view of Klouschtergaart Garden from the Casemates du Bock
artistic Saxophone sculpture on top of one of the restaurants near Casemates du Bock
a great view of the Bock Casemates from the city park below
“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” — Pedro Calderón de la Barca
Alzette river
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| view of the Bock Casemates from Neumünster Abbey |
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| view of Grund District from the Palais de Justice elevator/ascensuer |
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Palais de Justice
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| colorful lanterns lined this street near Chemin de la Corniche |
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| Another panoramic view points near Chemin de la Corniche |
DINANT, BELGIUM
Our day trip from Luxembourg to this idyllic riverside town of Dinant, Belgium took 2.5hours by train with 1 change at Libramont, Belgium.
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| rows of cafe and restaurants near Dinant Train Station |
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| It was around 9:40AM when we arrived but the town was still covered with very thick fog |
Dinant is also known as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of Saxophone in the early 1840s and patenting it in 1846. He also invented the saxotromba, saxhorn and saxtuba and redesigned the bass clarinet in the fashion in which it is used to this day.
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| Each Saxophone sculpture has a unique design and apparently donated by various countries |
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| Jef with statue of Charles de Gaulle who was a platoon commander of the 33rd regiment during the Battle of Dinant in August 15, 1914 in World War I. He was among the wounded. He later on became the President of France (1959-1969). |
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| view of Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant and the Medieval Citadel fortress from the bridge |
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| Meuse river |
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view of the cable car station on the right (between these rows of buildings and Notre Dame de Dinant)
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| Aside from the cable car, visitors also have an option to climb the 408 rock-hewn steps/stairs up to the citadel. |
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| Cable Car station on top of the citadel |
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| View from the cable car station on top of the citadel. |
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery — air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy.’”
— Sylvia Plath
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| World War II plane |
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| a well at the entrance of the Citadel fortress |
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| Battle of Dinant Memorial Statue |
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| Citadel fortress entrance |
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courtyard leading to the many exhibit rooms in the castle museum
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| exhibits about the first World War at the Citadel museum |
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| a very accurate replica of a WWI trench built in the early 1920s |
In the afternoon, we went back to the cable car station and descended to visit the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame de Dinant.
From there we headed to Mr. Adolphe Sax's house which commemorates his life and his inventions.
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| along Rue Adolphe Sax/Adolphe Sax road |
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| Le Maison de Monsieur SAX |
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| Saxophone monument |
And so, we headed back to the Dinant Train station and took more photos along the way.
The lighting that afternoon was so warm and beautiful so Jef captured the views from our moving train.
“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.”
— Barbara Ward
NANCY, FRANCE
(City of Golden Gates and the cradle of Art Nouveau in France)
Our train from Luxembourg to the "City of Golden Gates" lasted for 1.5hours. Nancy is one of France's large cities which was established in the 11th century by Gerard the Wonderful, Duke of Lorraine, to protect his lands from that feudal period. It was only in the 16th century that the city started to flourish.
The City is composed mainly of the medieval Old Town (Ville Vieille) and a modern new town (Ville Neuve) which was built to house a growing population. The fortifications which were ultra-modern for their time, were the talk of Europe during that time.
In the 18th century, Stanislaw Leszczynski, a.k.a Stanislaus I of Poland (installed by his son-in-law King Louis XV) achieved a feat of town planning, uniting the Ville Vieille and Ville Neuve with an ensemble of royal buildings of which Place Stanislas/Place Royale was the centerpiece. His role was to prepare the reversion of the duchy to the kingdom of France under King Louis XV, on his death in 1766. This ensemble which was later on recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is the pride of the city's inhabitants and admired by visitors from all over the world up to this day.
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| Nancy Train Station |
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| One of the many beautiful Art Noveau buildings |
we passed by as we walked from the Nancy train station to Place Stanislas (Old Town/Ville Vieille)
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| Taken on the street near Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Annonciation |
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| Beautifully gilded wrought-iron gates which serve as entrance to Place Stanislas square |
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| Royal symbols are featured in the gates design |
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| The gilded wrought-iron gates by Jean Lamour is further enhanced by Rococo fountains |
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Place Stanislas is one of the most beautiful squares in the world and gives Nancy its name as "The City with the Golden Gates". This square, together with Place de la Carriere, Place d'Alliance and the triumphal arch, form a monumental 18th-century ensemble that has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.
The square measures 106mtrs by 124 mtrs. The top of the surrounding buildings are adorned with 100 mascarons. The four pavilions house the Lorraine Opera and the Fine Arts Museum. |
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Old Hotel de Ville building which houses Nancy City Hall in the southern side of Place Stanislas square
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| At the far end of Place Stanislas is the Arc de Triomphe. On top of it is a golden allegory of Renown/Angel of Fame, blowing her trumpet. And below her is the portrait of King Louis XV, to whom this whole architectural ensemble was dedicated. The Latin inscription means: "Terror of enemies, craftsman of treaties, glory and love of his people!"
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| Entrance to Place de la Carriere, a medieval square which was used for horse training, equestrian exercises and tournaments. In the18th century, the Government Palace, seat of the Intendant/representative of the French crown was built. Emmanuel Héré, architect of Stanislas, remodelled all the facades and built the elegant mansions on the corners. The central reservation planted with 4 rows of trees accommodates small fountains topped with cherubs. This square marks the entrance to the old town and leads towards the Ducal Palace. |
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Entrance to Ducal Palace which houses the Lorraine Musuem which was closed at the time since it was undergoing major renovations and due to be completed in 2029.
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| Église des Cordeliers de Nancy which houses a permanent exhibition which recounts the history of the duchy of Lorraine. The church also houses the tombs of the Dukes of Lorraine. The monumental funerary recess of Duke Rene II and the effigy of his spouse Philippa of Guelders are particularly noteworthy. |
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| street leading to Porte de la Craffe |
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| leading to Porte de la Craffe |
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| Porte de la Craffe, a restored gate in the city's 14th century defense wall with bas reliefs and two watchtowers |
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| Porte de la Citadelle at the far end of the old town |
On our way back towards Place Stanislas, we passed by this beautiful park adjacent to Place de Carriere called Parc de la Pépinière. It's a wooded park with walking trails, rose garden, statues and a mini zoo.
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| Beautiful and very artistic gazebo inside Parc de la Pépinière |
Nancy is also known as the Cradle of the Art Nouveau movement. In 1871, the local economy received a significant boost with the arrival of a prosperous new population bringing capital, businesses and expertise. The conditions were ripe for the emergence of a new, modern style centered around artists, industrialists and patrons.
In 1901, these artists, architects and industrialists formed the Provincial Alliance of the Industries of Art, which later on became known as the "Ecole de Nancy". Founded by the glassmaster and furniture maker Émile Gallé, they promoted collaboration between different fields and encouraged research and innovation and the training of skilled workers. Their enlightened social policy advocated "Art for everyone, and art in everything".
As an Art Nouveau capital, Nancy celebrates World Art Nouveau every year on the 10th of June.
Today, Nancy's Art Nouveau heritage is comprised of some fifty buildings in different parts of the city, as well as two major art collections housed in two museums: The Daum collection at the Fine Arts Museum and the Ecole de Nancy Museum collection.
Around 23 mins walk southwest from Nancy Train Station, we headed first to Ecole de Nancy Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated solely to Art Nouveau.
This place is literally a feast for the eyes and very inspiring for creatives like us.
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| Musée de l'École de Nancy, which is housed in the 1909 villa of Eugène Corbin, a Nancy businessman and supporter of the Art Nouveau. |
Art Noveau was strongly influenced by the natural world and by floral elements in particular. Émile Gallé, the founder of Ecole de Nancy was not only a glassmaster and furniture maker, he was also a trained botanist which is why most of his works are inspired by nature, in particular the flora in the Lorraine region.
People often get confused, but Art Deco and Art Nouveau are two different styles. Art Deco actually emerged just before the First World War and is a development of Art Nouveau. While still inspired by nature, Art Deco abandoned the curved forms of Art Nouveau in favour of a return to more stylised, geometrical forms.
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| Stained glass as well as huge collection of decorative glass works in Ecole de Nancy |
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| decorative glass vase |
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| beautiful glass sculpture by Émile Gallé |
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| another beautiful glass sculpture by Émile Gallé |
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| Stairway leading up to the second floor exhibits |
I thought my eyes would literally pop out from all the beautiful, artistic and intricate things we saw in this museum.
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| One of my favorites, a bed with moth as motiff |
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| Ecole de Nancy garden |
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| Ecole de Nancy garden |
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| Gazebo in Ecole de Nancy garden |
From there, we walked for 10mins. north to Villa Majorelle. This beautiful three-storey house was built in 1901 for furniture designer Louis Majorelle and his family. It was designed and built by architect Henri Sauvage (25 yrs old at the time) from 1901-1902. Two other noted Parisian decorative artists, ceramist Alexandre Bigot and stained glass artist Jacques Gruber were also involved in its creation.
The villa is one of the first and most influential examples of Art Noveau architectural style in France and it served as a showcase of Majorelle's furnitures and works of other decorative artists (as mentioned above) from that period.
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| Villa Majorelle features semi-circular windows and floral motifs covering the exterior. The wrought-iron decorative elements, interior furnishings, wood panelling and staircase were made by Majorelle himself. |
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| Ceramic terrace balustrade by Alexandre Bigot |
Bringing with us a lot of inspiration, we walked back to Nancy train station and called it another day.
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| view from our train from Nancy and back to Luxembourg |
ONE FULL CIRCLE, back to PARIS, FRANCE after 2 months
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| Arc de Triomphe/ Triumph Arc |
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| view of Eiffel Tower at Place du Trocadero |
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| Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris |
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| Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris |
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| Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris |
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| Monument du corps expéditionnaire russe. In memory of the fallen soldiers of the Russian expeditionary corps fighting on the french fields between 1916-1918. |
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| Pont Alexandre III bridge, a late 19th century ornate arched bridge in the Beaux Arts style. |
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| Pont Alexandre III bridge |
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| View of the golden dome Hotel Invalides from the French Architecture and Monuments Museum |
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| Place du Trocadero |
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| view of the Eiffel tower from the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine, a museum dedicated to French architecture and national monuments |
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| Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine |
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| Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine |
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| Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine |
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| Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre Museum |
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| Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre Museum |
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| Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre Museum |
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| Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre Museum |
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| Petit Palais houses paintings and sculptures by old masters |
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| Petit Palais courtyard |
Hôtel des Invalides which houses army museums and a church containing tombs of famous officers like Napoleon
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| Tomb of Jerome Napoleon I |
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| Pantheon |
And finally, below are Jef's artworks inspired by and accomplished during this trip. He started some artworks during our trip and completed them when we got back home.
Some artworks will be exhibited in the group show entitled, "SEASONS" under Art Lounge Manila during Art Fair Philippines from February 21-23, 2025. Jef will exhibit together with Michael Cacnio, Septieme Rebelle, Christian Mirang, Jaspher Penuliar and Meneline Wong.
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| Lucent, 12" x 9", Gouache on paper |
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| Lucent II, 12" x 9", Gouache and Acrylic on paper |
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| In the Shade II, 12" x 9", Gouache on paper |
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| In the Shade III, 12" x 9", Gouache on paper |
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| Frost, 12" x 9", Gouache on paper |
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| Frost II, 12" x 9", Gouache on paper |
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| Frost III, 12" x 9", Gouache on paper |
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| Spring, 12" x 9", Gouache on paper |
If we were to choose between luxury items or other material things vs. travel, we would always choose the latter in a heartbeat. We're both looking forward and saving up for our next travel. Thank you for supporting our art.
“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” –Unknown
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."
-Anonymous
Event Dates: February 21 - 25, 2025 
Location: Ayala Triangle, Makati
Booth: Tower 2, 2nd Floor, Booth 43 
