TL;DR: A spontaneous drive whisked us away on an adventure through snowy landscapes, leading us to the quaint corners of Durbuy, the smallest city in Belgium. As twilight deepened, we found ourselves wandering its charming, cobblestone streets, immersed in a winter wonderland.
There's something undeniably magical about snow. It's like nature's own alchemy, turning the familiar into scenes from a storybook, each flake a whisper of the winter's tale. So when the urge for a drive hit us yesterday afternoon, we succumbed to the call of the road, not knowing that our journey would lead us to a page from a fairy tale in Durbuy.
The kilometers rolled by, a mosaic of wintry scenes blurring past our windows. We passed through towns and fields, over hills, and alongside rivers, each painted with the delicate brush of winter. As the day's light began to wane, we found ourselves drawing near to Durbuy, the smallest city in Belgium, nestled like a secret gem in the snow-dusted Ardennes.
By the time we pulled into Durbuy, the clock had struck 9 PM. The night had cloaked the city in its embrace, but the snow reflected the moonlight, bathing everything in a soft, ethereal glow. Without a second thought, we stepped out into the crisp night air, our breaths turning to mist before us.
Our footsteps were hushed on the cobblestone streets, the only sound the soft crunch of snow beneath our boots. The first image, with its narrow alley and medieval buildings looming like silent sentinels, whispered stories of the ages. Street lamps cast a warm, inviting light, guiding us along the path that has welcomed travelers for centuries.
The second picture captured the enchantment of the season with garlands and lights strung across the alley, the snow gently resting atop, as if nature itself was decorating for a celebration. The silence around us was profound, a quiet so pure that it felt like we were the only souls awake in this slumbering city.
The third snapshot was of whimsy and charm – a building straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen tale, adorned with festive lights that twinkled like stars stranded on earth. It stood there, a beacon of warmth, the café below inviting passersby to partake in the joy of the season.
And then the river, the fourth scene of our nighttime stroll, a ribbon of silver cutting through the landscape, the trees on its banks standing as quiet witnesses to the tranquil beauty of the night. The reflection of the lights on the water was a dance of fireflies, a serene contrast to the cold touch of winter.
Durbuy, in its snowy splendor, was like a scene frozen in time. The smallest city, yes, but with the heart of the grandest metropolis during our nocturnal promenade. The serenity of the surroundings, the historic architecture softly lit by the ambient light, and the sheer joy of an unexpected walk in a winter wonderland were a balm to the soul.
As we walked, we spoke in soft tones, our words floating away on the winter air. There was a sense of connection, not just to each other, but to the place and the moment. It was a reminder of the spontaneity of life, how a simple drive can turn into an unforgettable experience.
By the time we returned to our car, the hands of the clock had moved imperceptibly onward, but our spirits were timeless, filled with the quiet joy of our snowy adventure. Durbuy may be the smallest city in Belgium, but for us, it held an expansive and beautiful space in our hearts that evening.
And so, with the memory of the night's tranquility still with us, we drove back home, the car's heater a stark contrast to the cold outside. But inside, we carried the warmth of Durbuy, a warmth that would linger far beyond the melting of the snow.
Shot with iPhone 14 Pro Max, edit with Adobe LR using my own presets (you can get them too soon!).
All photos are taken by me. If you want to know more, head to beheydt.be/en/photography or shor.by/BjB for more info.
Check out https://shor.by/BBphoto to see all the gear I’m using
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