Caprice by Peter-Paul de Meijer in Sluis, Netherlands

You don’t see a lot of big American cars around here due to high fuel prices and taxes, but my friend Robin drives a 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. On this particular day we drove off with plans for Bruges in mind, but ended up in Knokke, an upscale sea community, just across the border. A lot of the villlas in Knokke are owned by Belgian people who spend their summer on the beach and winters in warmer places. Sluis gets a lot of tourism from people from Knokke and vice versa, which is why there is such a large selection of shops and restaurants here. Although Sluis is usually very busy during summer, there’s not much going on during winter. The winter scenery is beautiful though.

Name:Peter-Paul de Meijer

Place you live: Sluis, Netherlands

Place your photo was taken: It was taken just outside of Sluis, we were heading for Knokke (Belgium).

Can you sum up your city? I’m from Sluis, a small town in the Southwestern part of the Netherlands situated right up against the Belgium border. I grew up here, studied medicine in Rotterdam and just moved back again. Although its small size, Sluis is a pleasant and lively place to live with good people and good food. Sluis is mainly tourism driven, which is why it can be crowded here on a warm summer day and deserted during cold winter days. I would like to start general practice here some day.

Occupation: Professional Photographer

Preoccupation: Medical Student

A perfect day in Sluis? Wake up, drink a coffee, jog, and do some photos, although something usually comes up somewhere in between.

If someone was visiting, what must they do? Have a look in Sluis, and either go to Ghent or Bruges afterward.

A perfect meal? Stewed Meat and French Fries.

What is the best thing about your spot? Good people, good food.

What is the worst? Without a car, visiting cities in the Netherlands is a hassle, since there is no rail transportation here.

A little known fact about where you live? Sluis used to be an important outport for Bruges during Medieval times. “He who owned Sluis, owned Flanders.”

Where is your favorite place in the world? I’ve seen many, but Sluis is definately in my top three.

Who are your three favorite photographers? Henri Cartier-BressonThomas SweertvaegherChris Burkard.

ppdemeijer.com

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