23 Feb BLINDS, BRICKS AND BUSHES
BLINDS, BRICKS AND BUSHES
Niel-bij-As is a small, quiet village in the province of Limburg, Belgium. To a Belgian, it looks just like any other small village. To a Swede, it appears differently.
The windows are covered with solid, dark blinds or lighter, even curtains. No one can look inside, but neither can no one look out.
People have two gardens. One towards the street, with styled, high, protective hedges. Another garden in the back: this is where people grow plants, sunbath and socialize.
For most Belgians it is normal to protect their private spaces. Compared to most of Europe it seems to be Sweden, where you can look at your neighbors having dinner or watching tv, that is the exception.