An afternoon in Lille

On a cold, wet January day Lille is a grey city.

The buildings and pavements merge seamlessly with the sky.

Only the light from shop windows alleviates the gloom.

MrM is determined to visit the Palais des Beaux Arts

and so we march along cobbled streets,

stopping only to puzzle over the map at street corners.

The lure of the shops must be resisted,

Even those with accessories for dogs,

But, occasionally, MissM and the Lovely MissE

make a break for freedom.

After we have obediently admired

the great art treasures of Lille

our reward is a visit to Rue Esquermoise.

We step into the magical world of Meert,

a tiny salon of antique gold and mirrors,

and eat jewel-like patisserie.

And then it is time to go home.