It was the first year in my bachelor of photography and the school took us for a week to Liège, the capital city of the Ardennes; also referred to as La Cité Ardente, meaning it has its clashes in architecture, neighbourhoods and people. One side is still suffering from times of economical recession and failing industrial significance, while other parts feel historical, modern and open. One can walk from restorated historical places and streets into a rundown area worn out by neglect.

In came a bunch of students arriving at the hostel, a major brand collaborated and offered all its premium cameras and lenses. Something any young photographer would dream about.

The teachers layed out the options, I chose documentary and portrait and the following day the hunt began.

I did not have a smartphone back then, all I had was a map of the buses and the address of the hostel. In this strange city I found myself wandering and eventually thirsty.

That is where the Sicilian café crossed my path.

As I sat down and slowly drank my drink all eyes where on me. After all I was a strange face in a place of habit. I waited out the situation, that day I did not make a single photo in that café. It was my first stepping stone in approaching people for a photograph.

The next day I returned every day for four days in a row. The people opened up, asking what this was for and started talking about things they wanted to share.

As I look back now I can see the appeal as to why people came here every day and imagined a time with less screens and disposable options for entertainment. Despite it being one of my earlier series, I think it still stands today.

Have a peek, entrate!