BxlConnect
Dec 2013 / Jan 2014
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
T UI AT E GR FRE TIS A
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Useful Resources, Contacts and much more
5 5 Interview with Belgian philosopher, Philippe Van Parijs
10 Derek Blyth’s Hidden Secrets of Brussels
BxlConnect
CALENDAR 2
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
The BxlConnect Calendar
The BxlConnect calendar aims to gather and provide as much information as possible about key happenings and interesting things to do in Brussels within the art, drama, sports and social scenes. Below is an extract of some of the exciting events happening in December and January. For a more comprehensive list, please have a look at the online calendar on www.bxlconnect.com which we update daily. Have a great Christmas period! The BxlConnect Team
Exhibition. The Art of the Brick 22
Nov 2013 to
21
Apr 2014
Concert. Les Nocturnes du Conservatoire 2
5
9
12 13 19
The Brussels Stock Exchange Place de la Bourse 1 - 1000 Brussels www.expo-artofthebrick.be
On
The exhibition “The Art of The Brick” shows over 60 works of art made with Lego blocks by the American artist Nathan Sawaya. The exhibition has already attracted more than 1.5 million visitors in North America, Australia and Asia. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 7:30 pm (last entry at 6:30 pm). Late evening opening on Wednesday till 9 pm (last entry at 8 pm)
The Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles. Rue de la Régence 30 - 1000 Brussels www.conservatoire.be
and
20
Dec 2013
Seven concert evenings by the students of the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles. Concerts begin at 7pm and entry is free of charge.
Theatre. A Map of the World 7
to
21
Dec
Royal Flemish Theatre (KVS) Quai aux Pierres de Taille 9 - 1000 Brussels http://www.kvs.be A Map of the World is about opposing views, how the West and the Third World see each other, and about how various journalists and writers handle fact and fiction. The show begins at 8.30. It is in English, with subtitles in Dutch and French.
Elton John and his Band 16 Winter Wonders & Christmas Market 29
Nov to
5
Jan 2014
Centre of Brussels: Grand-Place – Bourse Sainte-Catherine - Marché aux Poissons (Vismarkt) Winter Wonders animates the heart of Brussels during the Christmas festivities. The event takes place at the Grand-Place in Brussels and around the Bourse, the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons. Winter Wonders includes a large Christmas market with over 250 stands, ice rink and fairground attractions.
Dec
Palais 12 Place de Belgique, Esplanade 1020 Brussels Legend among legends, Elton John makes music history for over four decades with multiple albums and singles, for which sales and rewards are countless. Extraordinary talent boundless singer/songwriter, the fabulous rock star knows the magic formula to win the admiration of an audience. His most famous titles such as ‘Your Song’, ‘Daniel’ or ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ to name a few, have influenced an entire generation of artists and will remain essential references. In 2010, the artist came to Belgium with his accomplice Ray Cooper, and gave an exceptional concert at Forest National.
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
3 This time he will be accompanied by his entire group for his comeback. To celebrate the release of a new album in September, “The Diving Board” recorded with another legend: T Bone Burnett, Sir Elton John announces a new tour that will also be an opportunity to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the release of his legendary album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”! A big party ahead! For ticket reservations: www.ticketnet.be
Fireworks at New Year 2014 31
Dec
Mont des Arts, Central Station www.sibp.be
Jazz festival. Djangofollies 2014 at Riches-Claires 16
to
18
Brussels celebrates the transition from 2013 to 2014 with a large firework: Iris Fireworks. The fireworks are shot from the Mont des Arts. There is also musical entertainment with a DJ from 10:30 pm and after the fireworks. People can watch from: Place Royale, Rue Montagne de la Cour, Place de l’Albertine and Boulevard de l’Empereur.
Jan 2014
Cultural centre of the Riches-Claires. Rue des Riches-Claires 24 - 1000 Brussels www.brosella.be 20th edition of the jazz festival that takes place in the whole of Belgium, including Riches-Claires at the City of Brussels. ‘Djangofollies’ is a festival with concerts in honor of the birth of Django Reinhardt (23 January 1910), one of the greatest guitarists ever known and famous for his jazz manouche. Concerts start at 8:30 pm.
European Motor Show Brussels 2014 16
to
26
Jan 2014
Brussels Expo at the Heysel. Place de Belgique 1 - 1020 Brussels (Laeken) www.salonauto.be With over 114,000m² of space dedicated to cars, motorbikes, bikes and their accessories, the 92nd Car Show in Brussels is the place to visit for any auto enthusiast. The show is open each day from 10 am to 7 pm. Late night opening until 10pm on Friday 17, Monday 20 and Friday 24 January 2014.
Meeting of the Consultation Committee Roads – Department of Urbanism 18
Dec 2013 &
7
Jan 2014
Brussels administrative centre. Boulevard Anspach 6 - 12th floor - premises 36 - 1000 Brussels Metro: De Brouckère - Train: Gare Centrale www.bruxelles.be/5010 The Consultation Committee gives advice on municipal town planning. The meeting of the Committee contains a public meeting where everyone can express themselves: applicants, inhabitants, associations, members of the Committee etc. To speak at the meeting, a written demand ahead of the meeting is necessary.
Be Film Festival 2013 26
to
30
Dec 2013
at several locations in Brussels. Bozar - rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Brussels Cinematek - rue Baron Horta 9 - 1000 Brussels Website : http://www.befilmfestival.be The Be Film Festival has a diversified program of Belgian films of the year. The most diverse Belgian productions: social movies, road movies, romantic or comedy. Prices: Films: 4 euro (Cinematek), 6 euro (Bozar), Pass: 20 euro (15 euro till 19 December)
Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair 2014 25
to
2
Feb 2014
Tour & Taxis. Avenue du Port 86c - 1000 Brussels www.brafa.be 130 Belgian and foreign exhibitors from the art world come to Tour & Taxis for the 59th Antique Fair (BRAFA). Visitors and buyers will find works of art from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, including Antiquities, Oceanic art, Tribal art, Oriental art, silver, jewellery, furniture to ceramics, old comic books, engravings, sculptures, carpets, tapestry, antique and modern books, coins and contemporary art. Open from 11 am to 7 pm.
CONTENT
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
BxlConnect Calendar 2
5
Interview with Belgian philosopher, Philippe Van Parijs
Art & Culture 7
10
Derek Blyth’s Hidden Secrets of Brussels
Employment 12
With Kind Regards, The BxlConnect Team
Winter getaway in Belgium The Ardennes
com
ISSUE 01
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ART & CUL ART & CULTURE RESTA TURE FES FESTIVAL S CONCER URAN TIV NOTICES REAL TS EMPLOYM ENT CULTUR TS SER ALS CO ESTATE HEALTH WORK HOUSING E NCERT RESTAUR ANTS & SERVIC FESTIVALS VICES LIF PUBLIC S EMP EST SERVICES LIFESTYL WELL-BE ING GOING OUT ES LIF HOTELS & OFFERS ESTYLE CONCERT YLE LEARNI LOYMEN E LEARNIN G T WO REAL ESTATE PROMOTI EDUCAT ION DEALS NG ED CULTURE LEARNI S EMPLOY RK HOU ONS MUSEUM ADS UCATI MENT NG ED FESTIVAL S EXHIBITIO N SING S CONCER ON DEA WORK NOTICES DESIGN ART & UCATI PUBLI TS EMPLOYM ENT ON HOU REAL LS C WORK ESTATE NO SIN DEA HOUSING G PUBLI AD TIC & WELL-BE S OFF HEALTH LS ADRESTAUR PUBLIC ERS RE ES S OFF ANTS REAL ING GOING OUT C NOSERVICES LIFESTYL HOTELS TIC ERS EST AL OFFERS E & ES EST LEARNIN ATE RE REAL AL ESTATE EDUCAT AL ESTONS ATE PRO G HEA PROMOTI ESTATE RE LTH & ION DEALS & CULTURE FESTIVAL ATE MUSEUM MOT SIONEXHIBITIO S PRO S MU WEL MOTION TSHEAEMPLOYM N L-BEING CONCER LTH & NOTICES REAL SEUMSDESIGN WELENT GO L-BEIN WORK ESTATE HEALTH S MUSEU HOUSING EXHIBIT ING OUT G GO & WELL-BEMS ING EXH INGHOTELS GOING HO IONS OUT OUT IBITION DESIG TELS & DESIG HOTELS & N ART RE N ART & & CULTUR STAURAN TS E FES
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BxlConnect is a free monthly magazine and useful resource guide for the expat and English-speaking community in Brussels. It contains articles, news, information, deals and offers. Pick it up to get inspiration and ideas about things to do in the city. You can find the magazine at one of our many distribution points throughout the city.
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On the Cover One of the pieces from Nathan Swaya’s current exhibition in Brussels: The Art of the Brick BxlConnect sprl Publisher: Jonadav Apelblat jonadav@bxlconnect.com 02 450 00 91
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INTERVIEW 5
Interview with photo Bernard Van Parys
Belgian philosopher, Philippe Van Parijs
P
hilippe Van Parijs is a Belgian philosopher and political economist. He studied philosophy, law, political economy, sociology and linguistics at the Université Saint Louis (Brussels) and the Universities of Louvain, Oxford, Bielefeld and California (Berkeley). He holds doctorates in the social sciences (Louvain, 1977) and in philosophy (Oxford, 1980). BxlConnect met with Philippe to discuss some of his views on Brussels, economics, philosophy and the impact languages have on shaping this international city.
Q. Why “Marnix”? As an homage to Philippe de Marnix de Sainte Aldegonde, a Brussels-born 16th century humanist. He spoke seven languages and wrote books in three of them: French, Dutch and Latin — the English of the 16th century. In one of these books, he made the first known plea for the early and simultaneous learning of several languages. Q. Why did you initiate the Marnix plan?
Q. Your academic background contains a wide range of fields, in particular many philosophical and economic topics. What is the role of philosophy on economic policy making? A. The economist John Maynard Keynes famously emphasized the power of the ideas of political philosophers, whether right or wrong. The world, he wrote, is ruled by little else. He may well be right. Q. As both a philosopher and economist, what should the main role of governments be? How much should they interfere in the market and how should their performance be measured – GDP growth or citizen happiness? My short answer to these great questions is that the aim should be neither to make our societies richer, nor to make them happier, but to make them more just. Both markets and governments have a central role to play in the service of this objective. But it is crucial that governments should determine the rules. Q. You are one of the initiators of the “Marnix plan”. What is it? A. The Marnix Plan is a collective initiative aimed at promoting the learning of languages among the people of Brussels, giving priority to French, Dutch and English while encouraging the transmission of all native languages.
The impetus came from realizing the growing tension between two trends. On the one hand, triligualism with French, Dutch and English is becoming ever more important in Brussels, both in the job market and for the sake of connecting Brusselers with each other, with the two neighbouring regions and with the European institutions. On the other hand, the proportion of Brusselers who cannot speak either French or Dutch or English has increased from 2.5% in 2006 to over 8% today. If we don’t want unemployment to keep rising and the Brussels population to become hopelessly fragmented, we need to urgently develop competence in French, Dutch and English in all layers of the Brussels population. Q. How will this goal be achieved? A. Schools need to do a better job, especially the Frenchlanguage schools, which cater for 80% of Brussels’ pupils. Most of these are still monolingual when graduating from secondary school. Dutch and English should be taught from an earlier age and in a more interactive way. There should be more collaboration with Flemish schools in and around Brussels. At the same time, the European school system should expand. I don’t mean that we should create yet another bunker school reserved for the children of Eurocrats. This would just perpetuate the current apartheid regime. One should rather develop so-called type II schools cofunded by “Europe” and “Belgium” at the kindergarten
INTERVIEW
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
6 and primary level, operating in several languages and open to all local children. Q. Will this suffice? A. Certainly not. In matters of language learning, one should not expect too much from school. The Marnix plan also wants to systematically promote the use of subtitling rather than dubbing in the media. It wants to help strengthen channels through which volunteers, especially retired people, can share their linguistic competence through conversation tables and the like. And it wants to disseminate knowledge among parents — especially those who have neither French, nor Dutch nor English as their native language — about what they should do and not do if they want their children to learn these three languages properly without losing the family language. Above all, the Marnix Plan wants to help propagate an attitude: speaking a language different from your mother tongue is not a treason to your own community, but a privilege, an expression of respect and an opportunity. Q. Is it possible to help? A. Certainly. The Marnix Plan has a website (www. marnixplan.org), where you can subscribe to its free newsletter and contribute to its forum. And any initiative that can contribute to the aim of making all Brusselers trilingual+ can be mentioned on the website and in the newsletter. Q. Why do you think English should be one of the official languages in Brussels? A. In the first place, because it would make Brussels a better capital of the European Union. Over the last couple of decennia, English has emerged as the de facto working language of the European institutions and of the pan-European civil society that has been agglomerating around them. Many people arriving in Brussels because of its European function are already multilingual, with English in their repertoire but neither French nor Dutch. Administrative procedures and public communication in English would facilitate their lives, accelerate their integration and make them feel more welcome. In addition, English can be viewed as just a sloppily pronounced mixture of French and Dutch. Even when addressing Belgians, therefore, the use of English increasingly provides a handy compromise. Note, however, that I am not proposing to add an English version to the existing French and Dutch versions of each street name. A modicum of adjustment to the local languages won’t harm anyone. Q. Do you think making English a “lingua franca” or a common working language would present a risk for cultural loss?
A. The learning of a common lingua franca is essential at the European level because we need a cheap and efficient way to communicate, coordinate, negotiate, cooperate and mobilize across borders. However, if there is a lot of contact between people with different native languages, there is a tendency for the stronger one, the one that is most widely known, to displace the others, at the expense of cultural diversity. The only way of securing the long-term survival of the weaker ones consists in protecting them through what is often called the linguistic territoriality principle. Coercive rules regarding public communication and public education make it realistic to expect from people who settle in a particular territory that they will have the humility and the courage to learn the local language. Those who choose to live in Flanders or in Wallonia must accept this. Q. What about Brussels then? A. Brussels is different, because of its European mission. But it is only because Dutch and French are protected in the neighboring regions that trilingualism FrenchDutch-English is a realistic ambition for all those who grow up in Brussels. Q. Many expats are working hard in Brussels and will eventually retire here. Will they face an "existential" problem which philosophy could help them overcome? A. A very old philosophical lesson is that you must distinguish between things you cannot change and things you can do something about. Don’t waste your time complaining about the former: there are other cities in the world that have nicer weather and more majestic architecture, and your sense of belonging to a particular nation will never be quite the same as if you had stayed put where you were born. But whereas you’ll never be a Belgian, you can and must regard yourself fully as a Brusseler, with the corresponding rights and responsibilities. The Brussels population is now made up of a growing third of non-Belgians, a growing third of Belgians of recent foreign origin, and a shrinking third of Belgo-Belges. Healthy and competent retired expats must see it as part of their job to make their city a better city. Q. Finally, to finish off with something lighter. As a philosopher, have you found out the meaning of life yet? A. I’m not sure this qualifies as lighter, but the answer is positive and it can be short: hope. Note, however, that many of your hopes only have a chance of being realized after your death. It is therefore crucial to identify with one or more things that are much bigger than your little self: a family, a movement, a community — or indeed a city.
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ART & CULTURE 7
Every end is a new beginning
V
EN TE
FREE ESTIMATES EI L I AND N G OTHER SERVICES:
mardiOur - dinsdag • 10 •are 2013 - 19 experienced8specialists at your service to .30 estimate works of art, objects and paintings. They are also intervening in estates, shares, and insurance and will visit you by appointment in Belgium or abroad. Tel. Brussels Art Auctions +32 2/511 53 24 Free estimate of your works of art by appointment every Monday between 10 -12 am and 2- 5 pm.
E
XPO
GENT
BRUXELLES-BRUSSEL
21 & 22/9/2013
28/9/2013 – 6/10/2013
Een selectie UPCOMING EVENTS: Expo complète van de Van Buuren-collectie zal worden tentoongesteld Volledige tentoonstelling 10 December 2013: in de Bank DEGROOF
A new museum opens its doors! fin-de-siecle-museum.be
ART & ANTIQUITIES AUCTION – 331 OBJECTS Fleurusstraat 2 7-9, Rue E. Allardstraat (Sablon-Zavel)
9000 Gent
Bruxelles 1000 Brussel
Une sélection de la collection Van Buuren sera exposée à la Banque DEGROOF
(en semaine / weekdagen)
(week-end)
(week-end)
14-17 u.
11 h.-17 h.
14 h.-17 h.
7 – 9, RUE ERNEST ALLARDSTRAAT (SABLON-ZAVEL) • B-1000 BRUXELLES - BRUSSEL T. +32 (0)2 511 53 24 • INFO@BA-AUCTIONS.COM WWW.BA-AUCTIONS.COM
Contact: Ernest Allardstraat 7 & 9 / Zavel 1000 Bruxelles Email: info@ba-auctions.com Web: www.ba-auctions.com Philip Serck: 0475/704 216 Isabel Maenaut: 02/511 53 24 Eric La Pipe : 0475/41 44 92
Art & Antiques Auction in Brussels Next Auctions: 16 & 17 December 2013, and 20 & 21 January 2014 Contact: Hôtel de Ventes Horta, Av. de Roodebeek 70/74, B 1030 Brussels. Direction: Dominique de Villegas info@horta.be - Téléphone +32 2 741 60 60
ART & CULTURE
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
8 GALERIE HUBERTY-BREYNE Presents
“FEMMES”
by: MILO MANARA & PAT ANDREA The masters of eroticism and new subjectivity have come together to organize an exhibition around a subject that is very important to them: “Women”. The two artists explore different methods and objects to express a common fascination.
The Jewish Museum of Belgium
21 November to 12 December 2013 Place du Grand Sablon 8A rue de Bodenbroeck - 1000 Brussels From Wednesday to Sunday – 11am to 6.30 pm Tel : 00 32 (0) 478 31 92 82 contact@petitspapiers.be www.petitspapiers.be
Jewish Museum of Belgium Rue des Minimes 21 1000 Brussels Telephone: 02 512 19 63 Opening Hours: Every day from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays Night showings available upon inquiry
The Curent Exhibition A German passion for Jewish art – the Lammel collection From 2 November 2013 to 2 February 2014 Vernissage: 31 October 2013
Thanks to an exceptional donation and generosity by Christel and Manfred Lammel, the Jewish museum of Belgium enriched its collection of art work in 2012. These include a total of 653 objects of paintings, sculptures, books as well as posters and historical prints. During a period of thirty years, the Lammel couple from Eifel in Germany amassed a vast collection of art and literature dedicated to Jewish culture. Their efforts proved a commendable spirit to conserve and spread Jewish culture in the aftermath of the Second World War. Due to health reasons, the Lammel couple decided to offer our institution the collection which comprises of, amongst others, works of art by German Jewish artists, many of whom emigrated to Israel. Artists such as Jakob Steinhardt, Lea Grundig, Jakob Pins an Yigal Tumarkin and many others are presented in the exhibition.
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
ART & CULTURE 9
Improv Group: Brussels Improv group looking for new members. Please send email to brusselsimprov@hotmail.com if are interested or would like more information about us.
Jazz and Blues Band for all events: Perfect for all your events! Ilja Scotch’s soulful piano and vocals, and clarinet and sax ace Dan McB offer music you can listen to, dance to, and get down to. Entertainment and class. Great live music is a must for your party. We bring it - you swing it! More info : http://www.iliasdanmcb.com
Brussels Writers’ Circle: The Brussels Writers’ Circle is a group for English language prose writers, poets, playwrights, non-fiction writers, screenwriters (and everything in between) based in Brussels. Although we write and discuss in English, you do not necessarily have to be a native speaker in order to join. Apart from English, Scottish, Irish, American, Australian and South African writers, we also have Dutch, French, Russian, Slovak, Romanian and Seychellois members, and even a Belgian or two. Where and when do we meet? We meet three times a week at nights, three separate locations in Brussels: Tuesday from 7pm: La Maison des Crêpes, Rue du Midi 13, 1000 Bruxelles. Thursday nights, from 7pm: Falstaff, Rue Henri Maus 19, 1000 Bruxelles. Sunday afternoons, from 3pm: Garden City Brasserie, Place de la Liberté 6, 1000 Bruxelles. To join the Brussels Writers’ Circle, sim ply send an email to brusselswriterscircle gmail.com and you at will be added to our mailing list.
The Autrique residence is a typical Brussels’ middle class home from the end fo the 19th century. Today the house forms the setting for an exhibition on one of the favourite pastimes of those times: magic lanterns.
Exhibition takes place from 6th March 2013 to 26th January 2014 Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from noon - 6pm
Located at the heart of Brussels and just around the corner from the “Grand Place”, the Actor’s studio has been well known over the past 20 years as a point of reference for Arthouse films in Brussels. The motivated team behind this picture house work effortlessly in order to put together a well-balanced program consisting of both European and Belgian films as well as an appreciation of work from other corners of the world. All the movies are shown in their original version and none are dubbed.
Address: Petite rue des Bouchers, 16 17-19 rue de la fourche 1000 Bruxelles Tel: 02 5121696
Shadows and Lanterns Magic of the Precinema
Contact: Maison Autrique Chaussees de Haecht 266 B-1030 Schaerbeek (Brussels) Website : www.autrique.be
Cinema - The Actor’s Studio
BLYTH’S BRUSSELS
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Derek Blyth’s Hidden Secrets of Brussels WIELS CAFE
since the 1960s. One of the strangest works in this underground gallery was made by the French artist Jephan de Villiers for Albert station. He has created an imaginary archaeological museum containing relics from the invented lost city of Arbonie. A massive wooden cart transporting a giant rock stands in a glass case and an underground pit contains several hundred strange oval objects covered in baffling writing. Albert Station Forest
Located in the old Wielemans-Ceuppens brewery, Wiels art centre was meant to revitalise a gritty urban neighbourhood close to the railway tracks, the way Tate Modern transformed London’s Bankside. But this is Brussels. Things happen more slowly. The neighbourhood is still run-down, although the art centre has become an inspiring hub of contemporary art. The huge ground-floor café is a cool place to drink coffee and talk art next to enormous copper brewing vats. Avenue Van Volxem 354 Forest www.wiels.org
PENCIL STREET ART
GALERIE DES MINIMES
Several street artists are bringing smart urban art with a touch of humour to our grey city buildings. The artist known as Pencil Man sprays big colourful pencils on abandoned buildings. They started appearing in the St Boniface neighbourhood of Ixelles in the summer of 2010 and have slowly spread across the city. Now there are about 400 dotted around town on abandoned buildings and forgotten walls.
A cavernous antique warehouse near the Sablon is filled with ancient tables, stuffed bears, chandeliers and paintings. The stock comes from 20 different dealers with an eclectic range of tastes. One wall is covered with stuffed heads of animals shot dead in distant lands while an entire room is stacked with paintings in gilt frames. At night the massive warehouse doors are pulled shut to reveal a striking mural painted by the Sarendip collective. Rue des Minimes 23 Sablon www.galeriedesminimes.com
OLD ENGLAND CAFÉ You can visit the café at the top of the Musical Instruments Museum without paying for an entry ticket. You take the ancient iron lift to the top floor where you have a panoramic view of the old town. It gets crowded at lunchtime but if you arrive at 9.30am (10am at weekends), just after the museum opens, you will probably have the whole place to yourself.
ALBERT METRO STATION The Brussels metro is more than just an overcrowded transport system. It is also filled with works of art that have been commissioned by the transport authority
Montagne de la Cour 2 Central Brussels www.mim.be
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BLYTH’S BRUSSELS 11 API STUDIO WINDOW
Four enthusiastic young artists took over an old shop in Ixelles earlier this year to create a unique creative workspace. One of the resident artists decorates the window every month. It is currently filled with silkscreen prints, recycled T-shirts and odd messages painted on the glass window. Rue du Collège 40 Ixelles www.apistudio.be
PATISSERIE GARCIA Here is the perfect place to escape on a cold December afternoon. Confeitaria Garcia is a traditional Portuguese cake shop opened by Rui Manuel Garcia Borralho in 1990. You enter a bright room with a splashing fountain, tiled roof and fake swallow nests. Melancholy Fado music plays in the background while customers eat the little Portuguese custard tarts called Pastel de Nata. Avenue de la Couronne 75 Ixelles www.patisseriegarcia.be
EXPO 1958 CLOCK Brussels is dotted with odd relics from the 1958 Expo including a clock at the bottom of the Mont des Arts that no one knows about. Look closely and you can see that it is decorated with 12 figures representing people from Belgian history. They include a soldier of the First World War at 11 o’clock and a drunken workman at midnight. But not one woman. Mont des Arts Central Brussels
PESSOA BENCHES The painter Antonieta Jorge worked with the C.Ramic café in 2006 to create two colourful tiled benches that stand in a corner of Place Flagey. They are decorated with scenes of Lisbon, portraits of the melancholy Portuguese writer Pessoa and pages from his books. The streets around here are dotted with Portuguese football cafés and small family restaurants that could almost be in Lisbon. Shell Garage Place Flagey Ixelles
ARTABLE Two friendly young women in matching turquoise aprons run this bright lunch café. It opened just a couple of months ago in a forgotten 19th century arcade filled with secondhand bookstores and antique print shops. The café has an informal arty feel with folding wooden garden chairs and large photographs on the walls. The menu includes interesting lunch formulas such as soup, quiche and coffee. Not open at weekends. Galerie Bortier 12 Central Brussels www.artable.be
Derek Blyth is the former editor in chief of The Bulletin and author of the bestselling The 500 Hidden Secrets of Brussels. He picks out ten of his favourite hidden secrets every month for BxlConnect.
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Engineering Marketing HR Legal Public service English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels Marketing Sales Public service PROFILE GROUP is a leading supplier of recruitment services within Belgium. We recruit different kinds of profiles for our clients (small and medium sized Sales Transport / Logistics… companies) active in the following sectors: Transport / Logistics…
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EMPLOYMENT
PROFILE GROUP is a leading supplier of recruitment services within Administrative Belgium. Werecruit different kinds of profiles for our clients (small and medium sized companies) active in the Architecture / Designthe Visit our website to discover wayfollowing we worksectors: and all • Administrative • Legal Banking / Finance available vacancies: • our Architecture /Engineering Design • www.profilegroup.com Marketing • Banking / Finance • Public service HR • Engineering • Sales Legal ONTACT US C • Transport / Logistics… • HR
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Group ONTACT CProfile USPublic service Visit our website to discover the way we work and all Sales 54 Boulevard Louiswww.profilegroup.com Schmidtlaan our available vacancies: Profile Group Transport / Logistics… 1040 Brussels CONTACT US 54 Louis Schmidtlaan profile@profilegroup.com 02Boulevard 732 75our website Profile Group01Visit to discover the way we work and all 54 Boulevard Louis Schmidtlaan our available vacancies: www.profilegroup.com 1040 Brussels 1040 Brussels 02 732 01 75 profile@profilegroup.com CONTACT 02 732 01 75 US profile@profilegroup.com
Communication & Marketing Manager, European Association, Brussels
Communication & Marketing Manager's Offer Competitive Salary + Benefits Package Interested? For more information: call EMMA WAITES on the number: 02 738 02 63 GSM 0475 614967 One of our clients, located in Brussels, is active in biotechnology serving the food, feed, personal & health care, and industrial markets. To reinforce their sales team based in Brussels, they are looking for 2 area sales managers.
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EFFICIENCY, QUALITY, ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY Why not become one of the 100 million Active Volunteers in Europe? Join a campaign for human rights, to preserve the environment or simply lend a helping hand in the steps to help someone to a decent life. Make new friends and find a sense of belonging... Your talents will be put to good use and we need you… so roll-up your sleeves!
Looking for a volunteer job in Brussels? Check out our listing for volunteers at www. volunteeringbrussels.be or stop by and get a copy.
Make a difference! Volunteer in Brussels! Some good examples…
Need help in defining your volunteer skills or aid in finding a suitable match between your volunteer skills and possible organisations? Come by! Volunteers from Het Punt vzw are at Muntpunt to help you: Munt 6, 1000 Brussels (next to the Munt/La Monnaie Opera House). Look for our team at the yellow colour-coded reception desk on the ground floor. • Monday to Friday from 11am to 2pm (11:00-14:00 hours);
• Monday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm (16:00-19:00 hours); • Saturday from Noon to 3pm (12:00-15:00 hours).
Serve coffee, have a talk and play a game at Het Anker! Contact: Ruben Brabers | 02 217 52 91 | ldc. hetanker@skynet.be
“Het Regenbooghuis” is looking for motivated volunteers to help organize projects such as Pride Week and World Aids Day. Contact: Jill De Wolf | 0491 56 52 25 | jill@ rainbowhouse.be
Buddynamic organizes contacts between volunteers and people who experience difficulties connecting to others. Contact: Ellen Van Ighem | 02 514 33 01 | brussel.buddynamic@ buddywerking.be
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EMPLOYMENT 13
INTERNATIONAL REACH, LOCAL EXPERTISE SPECIALIST PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT
Consilio/A First Advantage Company is currently recruiting Romanian Speaking Lawyers to join us on a project in London and/or Brussels. Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies. In Belgium, we recruit across the following disciplines: • • • • • • •
Robert Walters is one of the world’s leading specialist professional recruitment consultancies. In Belgium, we recruit across the following disciplines:
Accounting & finance Tax & treasury Legal Human resources Engineering & supply chain Banking & insurance Interim management
Successful candidates will be currently admitted to a bar in any jurisdiction and will have a valid work permit in the respective location (i.e. UK or Belgium). The command of foreign languages will be a great plus. Should you be interested in this position, please send a cover letter and CV to reviewers-eu@consilio.com or call us on 0044 (0) 207 029 4107.
We provide recruitment services to national and international organisations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium sized businesses.
• Accounting & finance • Tax & treasury Contact • us Legal Robert Walters Avenue 250 • Louise Human resources 1050 Brussels • 66 Engineering & supply chain T: 02 511 88 E: belgium@robertwalters.com • Banking & insurance AUSTRALASIA ASIA AFRICA EUROPE AMERICAS • Interim management To discover more and to view our available opportunities, visit: www.robertwalters.be
We provide recruitment services to national and international organisations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium sized businesses. To discover more and to view our available opportunities, visit: www.robertwalters.be Contact us Robert Walters Avenue Louise 250 1050 Brussels T: 02 511 66 88 E: belgium@robertwalters.com AUSTRALASIA ASIA AFRICA EUROPE AMERICAS
Client Support and Meeting Representative Internship, MSCI Inc. Brussels, Belgium MSCI Inc. is a leading provider of investment decision support tools to investors globally, including asset managers, banks, hedge funds and pension funds. MSCI products and services include indices, portfolio risk and performance analytics, and governance tools. For further information on MSCI, please visit our web site at www.msci.com. We are looking for interns who will support the Brussels Global Proxy Distribution team during the peak proxy voting season. “ProxyPartner Belgium* – Client Support and Meeting Representative” (fluent in Dutch and/or French plus very good English level); This internship is remunerated (€ 1000 monthly + lunch vouchers + bonus if appropriate) and will run for four to six months starting between January and March. Applicants should email a cover letter along with a CV in English to hrbrussels@msci.com using the title above as subject *Please note that applicants applying for the Belgian market should be in the possession of a valid driver’s license and own car in order to be able to represent our clients at general shareholder meetings of Belgian companies. Petrol expenses will be refunded for any meetings attended.
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THE INTERNSHIP MARKETPLACE BxlConnect INVESTIGATES
Y
oung people are allegedly suffering long hours, low pay and exploitation working for Brussels-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs). That´s the claim of campaign groups battling to get a fair deal for interns and people on traineeships with the hundreds of NGOs in Brussels. The issue hit the international headlines recently after the death of a "dedicated" German student who had won a sought-after placement at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Moritz Erhardt, 21, had won a place as a summer intern at the London city offices of the US bank and was nearing the end of his placement when he was found dead on 15 August. Campaign groups say the tragedy highlights not only the ´long hours´ culture but the exploitative and poor conditions endured by many trainees as they try to secure their first job. Hugues Thibaut, head of Group S International Department, the leading Belgian payroll provider and business portal, says that employment law in Belgium is "per-
fectly clear" on pay. An NGO hiring anyone over the age of 21 (most trainees/interns are over 21) under an internship contract should give an allowance of at least €751 per month. Furthermore, the contract must clearly specify the objectives of the training as well as the tasks to be carried out by the trainee. Finally, the internship should get prior agreement by “Brussels Formation”. If these conditions are not respected, the internship contract could be reclassified as an employment contract whereby the 1500 Eur gross minimum wage would be applicable.
Many NGOs in the city fully comply with the legal requirements, he points out, but some fail to do so. He said, "Some trainees work a full 38-hour week but are not paid the legal minimum. There is no excuse for this. We have about 30 NGO clients and one or two of these did not meet the legal requirements under Belgian labour law until we pointed it out to them." The EU has now intervened, with MEPs calling for "better and secured" traineeships and the establishment of a "European quality charter" setting out minimum
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ARTICLE 15
standards to avoid exploitation. A 2012 European Commission policy paper highlights another issue, stating, "Lack of compensation in a large share of traineeships raises concerns about equity of access as those from a less privileged background may be effectively excluded from them." Internships and traineeships with NGOs can be great opportunities for students but they can also be exploitative and it is smaller NGOs, with low budgets, that are more tempted to break employment laws by not paying the minimum wage.
not agree to work for free, there will be five other candidates in the queue to replace him which leads to a rapid race to the bottom." Ben Lyons is an official with Intern Aware which campaigns against the abuse of the internship process. He says, "The minimum wage is being undermined because young people are so desperate for experience that they are prepared to work for free or very little. Unpaid interns are in a vulnerable position, afraid to take action against dodgy employers. It makes a mockery of human worth."
The so-called ´professional immersion convention´ is the Belgian legal framework which employers, including NGOs (irrespective of their size) must comply with. But Group S and others point out that some continue to flout the law.
"I also wrote legal briefs, translated, and researched for them - and was paid €450 per month. I did not realize until I had left that they had been seriously underpaying me." "My former supervisor probably doesn´t care because, in a place like Brussels where so many NGOs are based, there is always another batch of interns or trainees waiting in the wings anyway. If one graduate does
In the conclusions of the latest European Council (24-25 October) European leaders called for “rapid implementation by the Member States of the Youth Guarantee and the Council declaration on the European Alliance for Apprenticeships”. About 300 people, including well paid trainees, recently protested in Brussels to show their support for action on the issue. In a letter, Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, head of the Youth Intergroup in the European Parliament, said that “low-quality internships do not guarantee access to the labour market or to proper employment”. "These so-called internships are in fact simply regular, unpaid work, classified as internships in order to avoid paying regular salaries, benefits and associated taxes."
Russian-born Zhenya (who asked us not to use her real name for fear of reprisal) said she once went for an interview for a position at a human rights organisation, which campaigns against unfair labour conditions, and was told they were not planning to pay her at all. She said, "It's not just that they're wrong but some organisations are clearly breaking the law." Simon, a 24-year-old Briton, recalled his recent experience as a trainee with a diplomatic mission in Brussels. He said, "I worked for them for six months and happily did all asked of me, calling up numerous organizations to secure attendees for events and spending hours googling funding opportunities.
The Brussels-based European Youth Forum welcomes an EU-wide charter, saying that intern/traineeships should never lead to job replacement and should be decently remunerated.
"The first priority has to be the establishment of a consistent set of criteria and rules that can ensure the respect of the rights of the interns.”
Ben Lyons Lyons co-founded Intern Aware as a way of tackling inequality. "We set it up because we were angry at seeing friends of ours, who were bright and hardworking, being priced out of professions because they couldn't afford to work for free. It's not just that they're wrong, but lots are breaking the law." All this is this highly relevant (and topical) because in December EU Commissioner László Andor will announce a proposal on a ´European Quality Framework for Traineeships,´ which aims to correct the most common flaws of traineeships and boost the employability of young people. The Commission wants to see the framework in place by early 2014.
A spokesman for the Parliament´s Youth Intergroup said, "The situation is clear - a vast number of internships in Europe lack learning content, payment and any quality criteria that enable a young person to benefit professionally from this first experience of the world of work." The good news is that several moves are afoot to tackle the problem of unfair intern/traineeships. The ´Internship Black List´ is a network aiming to identify internship conditions which breach Belgian labour law while ´InternsGoPro´ is an initiative to develop an internship quality label, based on ratings given by interns to their institutions in an online survey. The organizers of that recent Brussels demonstration can only hope that these and similar efforts will finally bring some change.
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How is Bikram Yoga practised? Bikram Yoga is practised in a hot room, heated to 40ºC, with a a humidity of about 40%. The heat facilitates deeper stretching, prevents injury, relieves stress and tension and helps detoxify the body. This is a complete system of wellness, restoration and rejuvenation. Each class is 90 minutes long. This allows the body to become accustomed to the heat, but also develops focus and determination. Classes at Bikram's Yoga College of India Brussels are taught by a number of certified Bikram teachers, including Feroze Khan, founder of the studio and a number of other studios around Europe. Opening of new studio at Merode on 15th November 2013. Special offer for BxlConnect readers: 50% off on all new subscriptions. Offer valid until 31 January 2013.
CROSSFIT POWER FACTORY
Contact details: Bikram Yoga Merode, Avenue de Tervuren 8 1040 Etterbeek 0495 99 95 41 info@bikramyogabrussels.com www.fbyci.com
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perience, and very skilful in helping people with personal, relational and family problems, as well as problems with children’s education. This does include, amongst others, also mourning and gender problems, but it does not include dementia. Psychotherapy can be provided in 4 languages (Dutch, English, Italian, French) and from different perspectives according to the needs of the people presenting a problem. Cost: 70€ to 120€ per hour. Location: near important Metro station in 1200 Brussels. Contact 0032486/299029.
At CrossFit Power Factory, we have one purpose: to transform you into the fittest and healthiest version of yourself among a community of people pursuing the same goal. How do we help you reach your true potential? CrossFit. Through CrossFit, we perform constantly varied functional movements at high intensity. The foundation for these movements is found in fields such as gymnastics, Olympic- and powerlifting, kettlebell sport, rowing, running, and more. We are getting back to “basics” because the roots of our methodology are already written in your DNA. However, the ultimate key for guaranteed results will always be the intensity factor. This is why, if necessary, we adapt our workouts to your level in order to optimize your performance. The harder you can push yourself, the greater the benefits. We provide you with the tools to improve your fitness, and you have the power to make the difference. Are you interested to join us for a free trial session? Send us an email at info@crossfitpowerfactory.com and mention BxlConnect Contact Details: Website: www.crossfitpowerfactory.com Adress: rue d'idalie 9 1050 Brussels
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tion... Highly professional services of coaching in Brussels, www.veronspersonaltrainer.com.
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MASSAGES AND BEAUTY TREATMENTS BIO MASSAGES WITH OIL ESSENTIALS At the shop “Be Positive” place Jourdan, 26 - 1040 Bruxelles (first floor)
For an appointment:
Patrizia Troisi 0488 986 196 Private Yoga Lessons: In the comfort of your own space, enjoy
the benefits of the ancient practice of Yoga, from a cetrified teacher with 8 years of experience. All levels are welcome. It is not necessary to be already flexible to begin! For people with sincere interest and an open mind for change. Possibility to create a small group. For more information please write or call theodosiayoga@gmail.com 0498 57 35 68
Presentation of this magazine entitles you to a 20 euro voucher. This voucher can be used for Reflexology, Massages and Facials. Valid only for the months December 2013 and January 2014. Pre-bookings are required.
Thai Yoga Massage: Need a moment for yourself to release
stress, tension, emotion & balance your inner energies? So you should try the Thai Yoga Massage experience, a two hour deep relaxation experience that compile shiatsu, stretching & Massage. For more information don’t hesitate to contact me. I would be pleased to answer your questions. 0475799568, voie-de-traverse.com
Serendip Spa is a five star oasis in the heart of the cosmopolitan and fashionable Avenue Louise quarter, created specifically to help you cope with all the stress of daily life. The Spa offers a unique set of treatments from around the world. Your body will be replenished, the mind will be restored, the spirit will be released…total relaxation. Serendip Yoga, a yoga & meditation studio offers private lessons with highly qualified teachers in a beautiful and tranquil environment as well as various yoga classes for groups and corporate teams – English/French classes, Yoga Lunch classes, Kids and Family Yoga, Vinyasa, Gentle Yoga, Candlelight Yoga and more. Serendip Store, a wellness store offering natural, organic and bio dynamic products sources from around the world and retailed exclusively at Serendip Store. We also stock a wide range of wellness, beauty and health books, mediation CD’s, organic hand crafted teas and aromatherapy candles. Offer for BxlConnect readers Please mention BxlConnect when making your booking and benefit from a 10% discount on new Serendip Reviving Body Treatments & Harmony Rituals. Practical Info: Tel. +32 (0)2 503 5504, info@serendipspa.com , www.serendipspa.com Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10h to 20h, Sun 10h to 18h Address: 18 Place Stephanie, 1050 Brussels
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18
S Sama MASSAGE CENTER
Sama Massage Center Rue Général Leman 25 (50 meters from Place Jourdan), 1040 Etterbeek. +32(0)2 324 89 47 or +32(0)488 66 77 85 www.samamassage.be
ama Massage is your partner in all aspects of health and well-being. This massage center, situated in the middle of the European quarter, offers relaxing and soothing massages in a respectful, welcoming and exotic environment where your body and mind are honored to the fullest. From stressed back massages (with sciatica focus), to specialized cranial massages, Sama Massage offers wonderful tools to relieve any physical pain you may experience. In addition to the more physical therapy specialized treatments, Sama Massage also offers a wide range of more relaxing and tender treatments. Would you like to share this soothing and de-stressing experience with your partner? Chose the “duo massage”.
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Personal trainer and nutritional advice: Indoor, outdoor and
online personal training, strength and conditioning training, running classes, small groups 1/3, fitness testing, training programs, nutritional advice and motivation. Brussels area with surroundings. Flexible hours, in the park, in the gym or during your lunch hour break. Whatever suits you best. We speak Slovenian, English, German, French, Spanish, Croatian and Serbian. Decision is always yours! Please call 0473 66 36 87 or send mail to barbara.fitatelier@gmail.com
Doctor YANG acupuncture massage therapy in woluwe saint pierre: Prices: Acupuncture: 35 Euro for 40 minute,
Tui na (chinese massage): 30 Euro for 30 minutes, Integrative treatment (acupuncture, massage, cupping and other treatments) to get out your stress, pain and other problems: 50 Euro for 60 minutes. Book appointments 02-7725792 or 0484631380. Email: sshbc@hotmail.com Address: RUE AU BOIS 292, 1150 Bruxelles. www.acupuncture-massage.be
Your well-being even in winte At Aspria, we pamper you even more during the gloomiest months of the year: sports, fitness, yoga, pool, spa… Aspria restores colour to your winter! 02 508 08 08 | www.aspria.be Unique members’ clubs for culture, business, sport & well-being
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ARTICLE 19
Winter getaway in Belgium The Ardennes
L
ooking for a short festive break in Belgium but short of ideas? If so, give the Ardennes serious thought. It remains one of the best things about this country and winter arguably sees the region as its very best. There are many delightful places to visit and they don't come any nicer than Bouillon. Little wonder that on any given weekend in winter, the place can be bristling with visitors from far and wide, including those from just over the border in France. It's no surprise. Bouillon is dominated by its fantastic, 1,000-year-old fortress (www.bouillon-initiative. be), probably the most beautiful example of military architecture in Belgium where very enjoyable guided tours (in English) are available. As wonderful as this is, there's more to Bouillon and its 13 local vil-
lages than the sprawling medieval spread that towers above the meandering River Semois. Several 17th and 18th century patrician houses remain in use and the town also boasts the 'Turenn' college, the 'Les Sepulcrines' convent and fine museums. The town lies in the province of Luxembourg, 70 per cent of which is covered by forest and Bouillon contains Belgium's biggest single forest. Its mixed oak and beech woodlands stretch all across the plateau of Menuchenet and the slopes of the Semois, all punctuated by dramatic views. The area boasts an amazing 600km-long network of paths, making it ideal for that brisk winter walk while the gentle Semois offers some great canoeing. The nature is great but for those with a bit more time to spare, an-
other excellent indoor attraction nearby is the Euro Space Centre (www.eurospacecenter.be) which has a real-size American space shuttle, space shows and also overnight accommodation. You even get the chance to do a ´moon walk.´ A couple of good child-friendly places to visit are Chlorophyll Park, an innovative educational and artistic forested park with 27 wooden attractions and Le Parc a Gibier whose inhabitants include a herd of fallow deer, stags, wolves, owls and lynx. Both are well worth a visit as is the Archeoscope Godefroid de Bouillon (best visited before going to the castle) which takes you back to the Middle Ages. After all that energy you´re likely to have worked up quite an appetite and the 150-seat brasserie/restaurant at Hotel Le Val de Poix (www.
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20 to places like Trier, Luxembourg or the Champagne Region. Either way, you´ll be assured a particularly warm and friendly welcome from Bar and Chrissy (not forgetting their two lovely golden retreivers!). Another particularly excellent eating option close by on the heights surrounding Bouillon is the terrific La Ferronniere (info@laferronniere. be), a Relais due Silence wellness hotel which also boasts a high class restaurant. With fabulous panoramic views, it occupies a scenic site of 'La Bouillonaise', an old iron factory closed down at the end of the 1960s.
levaldepoix.com) just up the road at St Hubert will not disappoint. It has adapted the traditional Ardennes ´terroir´ to provide classic locally-sourced dishes but with a sophisticated twist. The delightful food here is both hearty and healthy. A family business since 1928, the two go-ahead sisters who own it plan a big renovation in the New Year, including a shop selling mostly local produce. For overnight stayers, you really should pencil in Hostellerie Du Cerf (info@hotelducerf.be), a genuine haven of tranquility and culinary delights, set amidst the luscious pine forests of Bouillon nature reserve. It boasts a quaint garden and each of the 13 cosy rooms commands lovely forest views, providing a relaxing sojourn for couples, families or anyone else just wanting to get away from it all on these dark winter nights. There´s a great breakfast, with regional specialties and the very friendly (much travelled) owners, Bart and Chrissy Castenmiller, also prepare scrumptious evening meals, all made from natural products, which can be enjoyed in the hotel´s charming, 25-seat dining room. They serve an exceptionally reasonable €29, three-course dinner, including seasonal specialities such as
deer and venison but they also cater for veggies. For those extra special occasions (maybe Valentine´s Day?) there are ´gastronomic weekends.´ After a lifetime travelling in the Far East and Africa, Bart, from the Netherlands, and English-born Chrissy have run this delightful hotel-restaurant, a former family inn, for 20 years. It was the local HQ for the Gestapo in WW2 before being liberated in the Battle of the Bulge. Both speak three languages, including perfect English. With some great walks on its doorstep, it also makes for a great base for venturing a bit further afield
Chef/owner Wim Philips and his wife Angelique try to use bio products and there are various menus, including a four-course ´prestige lunch´ at a very affordable €45 pp. For readers who like game, there´s also a menu special featuring products available during the hunting season which lasts until mid-January. Getting to Bouillon is relatively easy - there are direct trains on the Brussels-Libramont line, via Namur, and it's a comfortable 90 minutes by car from Brussels. Bouillon stages its popular annual Christmas market on 21/22 December but whether it's forests, castles or top class cuisine you seek, this pretty corner of the Ardennes makes for an ideal short getaway anytime this winter.
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BANKSY’S BITES
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
21
T
his is a gem of a restaurant - a little bit of Rome transplanted to Brussels. Opened a year ago by the very welcoming Filippo La Vecchia and his business partner, this cosy but classy 22-seat Italian is situated at the top end of the city´s Avenue Louise.
Osteria Romana, Av Legrand 11,Brussels Tel 02 648 1395 www.osteriaromana.be
The vast bulk of ingredients used by the Portuguese-born chef are flown in directly from Italy and it shows in the fabulous cuisine. Everything from the appetizer soup made from parmesan cheese to the mouth-watering linguine truffle, the menu is packed with top-notch dishes. Starters are just as good and include bacon and cheese aubergine and pork roasted at low temperature to make it extra crispy. Everything is authentic, from the home-grown herbs to Japanese beef. After working on America´s east coast for six years, Rome-born Filippo is now happily settled (with a newborn baby) in Brussels. His mission is to bring the finest Italian cuisine to his adopted home and there can be no doubt that with his lovely restaurant he has succeeded brilliantly. Highly recommended.
Banksy’s Bites T Chou, Place de Londres 4, Ixelles www.restaurantchou.eu Tel 02 511 9238
his is a terrific little restaurant in an ever-bustling square, close to the European Parliament.
Dominique, the owner and chef, says that cooking is an “act of love” that he likes to share with his guests. With a range of deliciously-prepared dishes, all sprinkled with a touch of flamboyancy, you have to say that he succeeds brilliantly. Starters feature fried cod in prawn sauce and raw scallop, with potato and grilled bread (the humble le pain is an ingredient much favoured by Dominique) while mains include very tasty sweetbread, cooked in salted butted served with mashed potato. The deserts are equally lovely, including a Bavarian cheesecake on a biscuit pie and warm apple tart with caramel and salted butter. Opened seven years ago, this intimate restaurant with an open kitchen seats about 40 and is closed at weekend. It also boasts a particularly impressive selection of wines, many of which can be seen in the wellstocked cellar beneath the restaurant’s translucent floor. Dominique (who’s also a wine importer/exporter) says he likes to surprise customers and must be one of Brussels’ most imaginative chefs. It shows in the wonderful creations he serves. Best to go with an open mind and, yes, ready to be surprised. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Martin Banks is a British journalist and has worked in Brussels since 2001. He covers a wide range of topics from EU affairs to cuisine and sport.
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LEARNING
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
22 Guitar lessons: I offer guitar lessons in French, English and Spanish. I can come to any location within Brussels. If you are interested, please get in touch on: 0495/187/885
Piano lessons / vocal coaching: by an experienced and professional teacher. (Eng.Fr.Dutch and Germ.). Classical - Jazz - musical- and pop. Children and adults beginners and advanced students. ABRSM or Trinity-Guildhall exams possible. Contact: 026872887 – 0478303248
Confucius Institute in Brussels Belgium-China Association n.p.o. ParlonsCuisine: Join the very special French conversation course in Brussels
布鲁塞尔孔子学院 92, Avenue Paul Deschanel - 1030 Schaerbeek T : 02 803 80 33 F : 02 502 77 15 sec@belchin.be www.belchin.be
Who likes to always learn with books? Under the motto "learn cooking practice French" I offer gourmet conversation classes where we cook and eat and talk French and have a lot fun doing so.
Chinese langue courses at all levels For adults and for children
It is a nice opportunity to meet people and spend a pleasant and relaxed evening out.
workshops for schools internships in China possibility of scholarship in China
If you do not speak any French and still want to take part in the cooking lessons just find 5 or 6 friends and apply as a group for cooking lessons in English. For more information please contact Catherine
www.parlonscuisine.be
Chinese culture courses taijiquan / qigong / calligraphy painting / Chinese cooking
Bookshop Grande Muraille Galerie de la rue de Ruysbroeck, 5 1000 Brussels Tel : 02 512 14 56 Fax : 02 513 83 73 Mail : zijun@grotemuur.be http://users.swing.be/grande_muraille/
www. FlandersActingStudio.com www.FlandersActingStudio.com Located in Bruxelles (St. Gilles) Located in1060 1060 Bruxelles (St. Gilles) EMAIL : John@FlandersActingStudio.com EMAIL : John@FlandersActingStudio.com TEL./GSM : :0498 5454 20 55 TEL./GSM 0498 20 55 FLANDERS ACTING STUDIO - BY AN ACTOR, FOR ACTORS
FLANDERS ACTING STUDIO - BY AN ACTOR, FOR ACTORS
The Flanders Acting Studio provides intensive, ongoing training for those who want to pursue acting seriously or professionally. We help actors identify blocks that prevent them from realizing The Flanders Studio provides intensive, forcamera. those who want to pursue their Acting full emotional potential at auditions, on ongoing stage or intraining front of the We use on stage and acting seriously or professionally. We help blocks prevent them camera work with improvisation, sceneactors study, identify monologues and that scenes.
from realizing their full emotional potential at auditions, on stage or in front of the camera. We Weekly Introductory and advanced classes are conducted with a concentration on English to use Help train actors for the growing English European markets. We work with the deepest respect for on stage and camera work with improvisation, scene study, monologues and scenes. those of us who share and portray the most profound experiences of the human condition. Weekly Introductory advanced conducted with a concentration on English to Private acting, and dialect and publicclasses speakingare coaching is also available. Help train actors for the growing English European markets. We work with the deepest Mention forportray a privatethe meeting John Flanders and toof audit Respect for thoseBxlConnect of us who magazine share and most with profound experiences the one of our sessions. human condition. Private acting, dialect and public speaking coaching is also available.
Internal Combustion workshop: is the second in a series of creative writing workshops run by new Brussels enterprise small hushed waves. Sunday 12 May 2-5pm. Upstairs at Sterling Books. During the Internal Combustion workshop we will explore, through readings, exercises, what drives a story. And we will find ways to get your story really moving. As small hushed waves focuses on the structure and mechanics of storytelling, this workshop is suitable for non-native English speakers, and those working or experimenting in prose, drama and screenwriting. Places are limited. To reserve your place, please call 0477 831 722 or email smallhushedwaves@gmail.com. Read about our first workshop Nuts & Bolts at http://smallhushedwaves.…
Improve your French: To develop confidence in real life situations, learn and practice conversational and written french with an experienced and friendly Belgian teacher. Private lessons .1170 Bxl, or via Skype Info 02/6733178.
Spanish lessons, private Spanish teacher: For all levels. For one person or a small group. Home Tutoring. My name is Sebastian. I am a native Spanish teacher with more than 5 years experience. Certified by ELE to teach Spanish. I live in Brussels. I teach conversation grammar and vocabulary. The classes will be held at a place that suits you (home or office) and will be adjusted to your needs and pace! About 20 euros an hour (depending on the region and the number of people) Please contact: espagnoltuteur@gmail.com
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LEARNING
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
23 Drum Lessons in Brussels: Interested in playing the drums? Come and learn the basics, learn to play along to your favorite songs, you will be surprised how quickly you will sound great! Already a drummer? Learn advanced techniques and broaden your musical horizon with Rock, Jazz, Pop, Latin, African, Funk, HipHop, ... rhythms. Maxime Lenssens, all round Professional drummer / educator with 20 years experience is currently accepting new students. All ages above 6/levels welcome. You don’t need a drum kit to start. See Maxime in action: search ‘Maxime Lenssens’ in youtube. References available. Lessons take place at 1020 Brussels (Laeken). Flexible: weekly, biweekly, monthly lessons of 1h, 1,5h or 2h. For any info: email maxlenssens (AT) gmail.com Now also teaching at ISB (students only). email for info. Rates: €50/h.
Singing Lessons: All types of voices, all levels. Shadi Torbey, Bass-baritone 0478 714 690 (for more information about the teacher: http://www.kulturkontor.de/english/shadi_torbey.html)
Piano lessons by a professional musician - for kids and adults, beginners or advanced! If you love music, don’t hesitate to contact me at svetagigova@hotmail.com
French Tuition: French lady, former teacher Berlitz London, provides French classes, all levels, children/adults, pls phone 02/7367148 (Schuman area). Weekends also suitable.
lf yourse e g n s e Chall height w e n ach r. Try a e and re Y w e Ne for th agliding! Par
Paragliding Belgie is the leading paragliding school in Belgium and offers a number of courses from beginner level to advanced, as well as trips to other countries.
Contact Info: Philippe Vangeel Provinciestraat 28 2018 Antwerpen tel : 03/227.16.32 gsm : 0475/323.058 e-mail : info@paraglidingschool.be www.paraglidingschool.be
Private Lessons of Brazilian Portuguese for individuals and groups/Companies: Brazilian economy has been growing, creating new businesses opportunities, attracting international investors. Besides, Brazil will hold the World Cup in 2014 and The Olympic Games in 2016, important events which will attract visitors from all over the world. Learn Brazilian Portuguese properly spoken without accent. Contact on: brazilian.portuguese2013@gmail.com
Clarinet Lessons: Learn the clarinet with an independent music teacher who has wide experience of teaching international students of mixed abilities and ages, including adults. Lessons include repertoire, technique, ensemble work, music theory, aural appreciation, and tuition towards exams if required. More info at www.clarinetwithliz.com or phone Liz Walton on 0496/06.54.46
Spontaneous drawing workshop Serge Goldwicht 23, rue Wéry 1050 Brussels Phone : 02.644.18.07 / Mobile : +32473.50.00.72 serge.goldwicht@skynet.be Bring Your BxlConnect Magazine For a Free Trial
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ARTICLE
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
24
Snapshot of current EU Affairs the Little Englander mentality.’ He also advises the European Commission to ‘buy the Daily Mail. Take it over. Install a new editor and start putting facts about the EU in there.’
Long-running efforts to resolve the EU´s seven-year budget from 2014 have cleared their final hurdle after the European Parliament approved the so-called “Multi-annual Financial Framework.” After months of tough negotiating, MEPs gave the green light to the €908 billion budget for 2014-2020. Victims of catastrophic flooding and drought in 2013 and areas such as employment, research and innovation, border management and humanitarian aid are all taken on board. The European Parliament has adopted a new law obliging publicly-listed companies in the EU to increase their female non-executive directors to at least 40 percent by 2020. The current share of women in middle management positions is 17 percent, with women holding 14 percent of senior management positions. The 16-year old Pakistan Malala Yousafzai, who campaigns for girls’ education rights and survived a killing attempt by the Taliban, has formally received the EU´s prestigious Sakharov prize. The prize is awarded by the European Parliament every year to dissidents and human rights campaigners. In an interview, British singer songwriter Billy Bragg says the upcoming in/out referendum in the UK is an ‘expression of the worst aspects of
Europe’s film industry has received given a much-needed lift after the European Commission published new rules making it easier for governments to subsidise movie-making. The EU executive body unveiled plans to update the EU’s existing twelve-year old rules, extending the scope of government support from the production stage to all phases of film-making, including the cinemas themselves.
budget of 91m Eur, involve 44 SMEs as well as universities and research organisations to develop new antimicrobials or vaccines. Alexander Alvaro, a prominent German liberal MEP and European Parliament vice-president, reportedly had cocaine in his blood when he was involved in a car crash that killed a 21-year old passenger last February. The German daily Bild quotes attorney Ulrich Bremer as saying that the blood test on Alvaro, who was badly injured in the crash, left no doubt that he was under the influence of drugs. Gazprom has warned that Ukraine might not have enough gas to supply EU transit customers in the coming winter. The deputy chairman of the Russian firm, Vitaly Markelov, cautioned that Ukraine should have stored 21.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas in its underground vats, but that it is likely to have just 14 bcm by the onset of winter.
Controversial politicians Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders have confirmed plans to work together ahead of next May’s European elections with the creation of a political group uniting Europe’s far-right and anti-EU forces. Dutchman Wilders said the new group will seek “liberation from the European elite, the monster in Brussels.” The EU is stepping up the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by funding 15 new research projects, as new data reveals that Europe’s health systems are increasingly relying on a frail last line of antibiotic defense. While the EU has witnessed a decrease in antibiotic use since 2009, data shows a significant increase of the multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria in Europe. The projects, with a
Renting out guest rooms on a private basis in Brussels will become subject to stricter rules after Brussels Region approved a law that imposes a number of obligations on landlords. Those not complying with the new rules, risk fines between €250 and €25,000.The number of people renting out a room or apartment in Brussels on a private basis is estimated at some 5,000.
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
ARTICLE 25
The EU Chapel of Brussels
I
n the heart of the EU quarters, close to all EU institutions in Brussels, one can find two red-brick and white buildings which attract the attention of the passers-by. They used to belong to a Roman Catholic convent which was built in 1908 as a replica of a mediaeval convent in the center of Brussels. The larger building to the left is the former church which now belongs to the European Commission. The first floor used to harbor a Visitors’ Centre which recently was moved to the Charlemagne building at Rue de Loi 170. The flags of the EU member states used to be at display there with plates containing geographical data. The Central Library of the European Commission is located on the fourth floor. There is a reading room in the spacious attic, where acting and retired officials can find daily newspapers from several countries, professional journals and legal reference literature.
The other building was re-inaugurated in 2001 as the Chapel of the Resurrection, a Roman Catholic Chapel which is managed by a non-profit organization. The pastoral responsibility for the chapel has been entrusted to the Society of Jesus. In 2004 the name “Chapel for Europe” was added as an expression of its ecumenical spirit. The chapel is open to all those who work, live or simply pass through the “European Quarter” of Brussels. The chapel describes itself as a place of communion, prayer, silence and dialogue and sharing for all those involved in European integration. The ground floor is used as a meeting and exhibition space. Below is a crypt, inductive to personal prayer. The liturgical main room is located on the first floor and is accessible by an interior staircase and a lift. Besides religious services, conferences on European policies are also organized.
Practical Information: Chapel for Europe Rue Van Maerlantstraat 22-24 Phone: 02- 2309242 E-mail: welcome@resurrection.be
Open: Monday to Friday 11 am - 15 pm. Daily morning prayers at 8 am. Weekly ecumenical service every Thursday at 13 pm. Monthly mass every first and third Sunday at 19 pm.
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SERVICES
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
26 Architect, for your home or office, extensions or interior design, building permit etc: Do you have plans to reshape your home or office? Thinking of alteration, renovation, extension or building something brand new? Being an architect, I will guide you in all stages: design, building permit, finding builder, contracts and execution. References of projects in Brussels and abroad available. My fee is competitive, I am up to date with green building technology. Spoken languages: English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish. Call 0499 710 797 or write info@wimjacobs.nl. See also my website: www.b-ap.nl.
Rent a Man With a Van ( known as ‘SimonWithVan’ within the expats community) offers: professional, friendly, no stress, punctual removal services at very competitive rates. short/long distances within Belgium and throughout Europe. Delivery services (e.g. Ikea, etc.) house, garage, attic, cellar, clearances etc. Choose from two impeccable vans: 20M3 van (see photo) which has a hydraulic lift which brings all your items safely from ground level to the van. or 10M3 van. Outside lift. Packing materials available on request. FREE QUOTE Don’t delay, call me today! 7/7 SIMON MOBILE: 0474220495 or e-mail: simonwithvan [at] hotmail.com
Experienced Child Minder: Experienced mother and child minder takes care of your babies & kids. Can also help with cooking & some cleaning. No driving licence. Available whole week. English, French spoken. 0485 32 94 97.
Experienced English teacher (native) looking for part-time babysitting/childminding: My name is Christine. I am an experienced ESL teacher looking for some part-time child minding in the evenings. I am a native English speaker and I also speak a little French. I love children as I’m friendly, fun and caring. If you’re interested please contact me by email: christinekiernan1@gmail.com.
Cleaning Lady: Hello. I’m looking job as a cleaner. I can dust, wash and iron. I’m 25 years old and have experience. I am the person responsible and conscientious. I prefer titre service but not necessery. If you have a question please contact me. joanna.nowak08@gmail. com Regards Joanna.
“Comme chez Moi” - “Like at Home”: Leaving for the WE or a longer period of time? Want a cosy home and family environment for your doggy to play, walk and have fun in? I will take care of your cuddly, canine friend on 4 legs together with mine! Long daily walks in the forest, petting and meticulous attention. Family house with fenced garden (Tervuren area), located close to the forest and Brussels! Also at short-notice: Just give me a call: 0476/71 49 48
Wedding singer: To add elegance, sophistication and style to your Wedding, please allow me to put the icing on the cake of your ceremony, and sing during your wedding ceremony, wedding breakfast or reception. For more details, please call 0474 990 631 and I’ll be happy to provide more details. Make your Wedding extra special. English Skilled Handyman: NO JOB TOO SMALL. VERY EXPERIENCED AND VERY RELIABLE. References avalaible. Hanging Pictures, Curtain Poles, Sealing Sinks, Showers, Baths. Furniture Assembly, Painting and Decorating, Electrical, Plumbing, Kitchen Fitting, Gardening, Renovation & Property Maintenance. Contact Details for quick response Glenn 0498 72.38.65 glennw8@googlemail.com
Nanny/cleaner searching for a job: Legal Filipina lady with legal stay in Belgium, speaks fluent English and French, and with great experience, looking for domestic jobs; babysitting, petsitting, cleaning and ironing. Contact me on my number 0485898193 or on my e-mail address-dumayaileen@yahoo.com.
Live in or out Nanny/ Domestic Helper: Mature experienced, and realiable Nanny/ Domestic Helper looking for Work. I am available and flexible, can work as a live in or out. References on request. Don’t hesitate to call 0491 03 86 00 or email me edithrebs@ gmail.com.
Portuguese Cleaning Lady: Dynamic, hard working and serious Portuguese cleaning lady in Brussels with references; clean, cooks windows, iron etc, TS and 8,5€ p/h please call 0498233802 or email : amarques@live.com.
-20€
off your next glasses at davidrose, upon presentation of this coupon. davidrose optique
Rue de Trèves 16, Next to Place Luxembourg Votre opticien davidrose vous propose un accompagnement 1050 Brussels 025126610, personnalisé dans le choix de vos lunettes et de vos verres. www.davidrose.be Formé à l’optométrie, davidrose est spécialisé en adaption
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
SERVICES 27
Order flowers online and send them the same day anywhere in Belgium Belgium Flowers Online provides flower delivery throughout Belgium. You can quickly and easily send flowers for any occasion: Christmas, New Year, birthday, Valentine, birth, funeral, flowers for spring, flowers for Easter etc etc...
For more information or to place an order, please visit our website: www.belgium-flowers-online.be Special promotion code for BxlConnect readers gives you 10% off on total order amount: bxlpromo Promotion code may be used one time per user and is valid until 31/12/2013.
Your event merits a video: Are you planning a conference, anniversary celebration or other important event? Offer your visitors and all those who are unable to attend a video. Simply capture the highlights with a film, portray your most important guests and recreate the atmosphere so that the day after your event there is something worth watching to remember it by. When is your next event? There are many reason why a film fits the bill. Creativity and empathy are frequently required. Not everything is possible, but almost. Never before has digital technology offered so many, yet affordable, possibilities to make your personal film project a reality. Do you already have something in mind? Event film in Brussels or Strasbourg from € 390, all inclusive price for a video of up to 4 minutes duration. www.eu-media.info or call +32-486 60 00 98
Brittania Bathrooms
Brittania Bathrooms are proud to present our latest collection of fine quality bathrooms, traditional fittings and accessories that have origins in the late 19th century and culminate in the cubist designs of the 1930s. The philosophy of Brittania Bathrooms is to offer high quality English sanitary ware and accessories at affordable prices. Contact details: Petite rue des Minimes 5 (Grand Sablon) 1000 Brussels – Belgium Tel: 02 353 23 83
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SERVICES
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
28
GROUP S
Creation of enterprises Payroll provider Social Fund for the self employed Legal assistance
PLEASE CONTACT Group S International Department + 32 2 507 18 81 international@groups.be www.groups.be
WILL YOU CELEBRATE TAXFREEDOMDAY ® *
EARLIER THIS YEAR?
TAXPATRIA expatriate tax assistance
www.taxpatria.be ANTWERP OFFICE
Sint-Paulusplaats 2 2000 ANTWERP
BRUSSELS OFFICE Culliganlaan 1B 1831 DIEGEM
*Tax Freedom Day® is the symbolic date on which the average taxpayer stops working for the public treasury and begins earning for himself.
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
SERVICES 29
Community Help Service (CHS) is a non-profit organisation established in 1969. We provide information, support and mental health services to anyone in Belgium who needs help and prefers to speak English. We are committed to offering assistance, support and mental health information to the community at large regardless of nationality and taking into account individual financial circumstances. CHS Help Line: The CHS Help Line is an anonymous, 24 hour, English language, crisis, support and general information telephone service. It is operated by volunteers, who are trained, supported and supervised by professionals. The Help Line is an English speaking service for children, adolescents and adults. Call +32 (0)2 648 40 14. An anonymous and confidential 24 hour Crisis and Information telephone service offering advice free of charge. Why CHS? Moving to a new country for work or as an accompanying spouse can be fraught with confusion, anxiety and complexity which in some cases can lead to culture shock and depression. This can be not only a significant personal crisis for the individual concerned, but this emotional state can have a detrimental impact on colleagues and the employer. “Relocation experts anecdotally add that most failures of expatriate assignments are because of personal, not professional, issues, and divorce rates are higher than average…” Robin Pascoe, author of many books for expatriates. How CHS Helps: CHS clients come from over 50 countries. They call the Help Line, they come in for therapy, or they seek testing for children with learning difficulties or emotional problems. By contacting CHS, clients take the first steps toward understanding and adjusting to the demands life away from home may bring about. Whether it’s the working partner or their entire family CHS can provide practical guidance on living in Belgium, from finding the right school to finding a local English-speaking doctor or tradesman etc. Help Line Volunteers: Every year thousands of adults and adolescents contact the Community Help Service (CHS) in need of our help. The HELP LINE provides an anonymous and confidential, crisis, support and information service to the English-Speaking community.
We are looking for volunteers who are: • • • • •
Good listeners Non judgmental Empathetic Fluent in English Have day and evening availability (approx. 10 hours per week)
No previous experience is necessary as following the interview process, comprehensive training and professional supervision are provided. Please do not mention your application to anyone but those closest to you, as confidentiality and anonymity are essential.
For more information or to volunteer on the Help Line please call us on 02/647 6780 or email volunteer@chsbelgium.org
Office Volunteers: A commitment of 2 days per week is ideal. You will be part of a small team and
involved in many aspects of the organisation. A knowledge of office systems as well as a friendly, sympathetic work manner are prerequisites. Confidentiality is of course a priority.
ALISON’S ESCAPES
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
30
Alison’s Escapes
Artisanal, Organic Belgian Beer at Caracole Brewery, Dinant Dinant’s Brasserie Caracole brews artisanal and organic Belgian beer over an open fire, just as they have since the 18th century.
E
arlier this year we went on a Wallonia Food Tour and as we pulled up outside a brewery, in Falmignoul (near Dinant), I admit I was less than thrilled. I’m not a beer drinker and a ‘certain someone’ has dragged taken me to a fair number of Belgian Breweries over our years here. Stepping inside, however, I could tell the Brasserie Caracole, was something special. As a fan of all things artisanal, nothing excites me more than stepping into a place that looks the same as it did 100 years ago. When my eyes adjusted to the dim light I could see this Belgian brewery was just such a place. In the centre of the front room stands one large vat for mixing the 850kg of malt with hot water. (Caracole is apparently the last beer to be brewed
over an open fire in all of Europe.) Hops and spices are added to the mix as the beer gradually ferments. From there, the beer is piped into a holding tank, for 15 days, where it will become clearer as it cools. The main vat was being cleaned when we visited. Interestingly, the brewing waste was being picked up by a local farmer. It turns out even Belgian cows enjoy the results of the beer making process. My favourite part of the Brasserie Caracole was tucked behind the brewing room. Here, the building opened into a large hall, filled with tables, and the prominent bar displaying Caracole’s Belgian beer varieties. The walls were decorated with posters of the colourful and quirky beer labels, each one sporting a ‘caracole’ or snail-shell.
Caracole produces four beer: Saxo (8%) is a strong blond, somewhat dry and fruity with hints of apple/pear. A good all round beer to have with friends.
Troublette (5%) is a cloudy, lightly spiced white beer. Its refreshing hint of citrus and dry finish make it a nice aperitif on a sunny terrace before dinner.
Caracole (8%) is an amber beer which is quite round and fruity, with hints of orange rind, and caramel. Enjoy this to finish off a nice evening with friends.
Nostradamus (9.5%) is a strong, full-bodied beer with strong hints of chocolate and pear. Enjoy this beer during a cold evening, preferably with a nice warm fire.
The room was filled with character, and as we were there for a Walloon Foodie Tour picnic, it quickly filled with food too! We had brought the spoils we had gathered on our tour so far: Wépion strawberries, Flamiche, bread from Wallonia’s best bakery, some beautiful goat cheese and patés to spread on the lovely bread, and perfectly crisp frites (from a stand near the Freyr Castle viewpoint. You know, in case you want to recreate our picnic for yourselves). Of course my fellow diners washed it all down with Caracole beer. Andrew was pretty happy I brought mine home for him instead. However, there was a small string attached to his gift. He had to promise to review each beer for this post. So, I now turn the tasting notes over to Andrew.
Some of these beer are also available in organic versions which does alter the flavour palatte somewhat. However, they are still very good beer. The Brasserie Caracole is well worth a visit. It’s open every day during July and August and Sunday afternoons the rest of the year. To organize a tour, be sure to contact them in advance.
Practical Information: Brasserie Caracole Côte Marie-Thérèse 86 5500 Falmignoul Tél : 082/74.40.80
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
ALISON’S ESCAPES 31
Fossilmar House of Wunders – Natural Decor Shop in Brussels
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magine decorating your home with beautiful objects, filled with colour and warmth, all from nature. At Fossilmar House of Wunders in Brussels, you can do just that. On the bustling Place Jeu du Balle, in the Marolles neighbourhood of Brussels, Fossilmar House of Wunders is an oasis of calm and beauty. So much more than a fossil and rock shop, Fossilmar is a home design store that teaches you how to incorporate the natural world into your everyday life. Walking through this bright and airy shop, you’ll be hard pressed not to want to fill your home with these beautiful pieces. Fossilmar House of Wunders is the creation of Steve and Siobhan, world travellers with ties to Morocco, Canada, the USA and Belgium. The pieces in their shop come from around the world and some date back in time to 550
million years ago. While some of the pieces (fossils, rocks and crystals) are very close to their natural state, others have been lovingly polished and crafted into decorative pieces and useful everyday items, like the tabletops, sink basins, and bowls all created from fossil-filled stone from Morocco.
Whether you’re looking to furnish your home or add a pretty touch of the natural world to your existing decor scheme, Fossilmar has something for you. It’s impossible to browse this shop without being awed by the beauty and resilience of nature.
There are beautiful all-weather furniture pieces made from recycled wood from fishing boats. Imagine the conversations started by a bookcase created from half of a retired Dhow boat from Madagascar. Fossilmar’s collection even includes meteorites and petrified wood. There are plenty of smaller items to choose from as well: beautiful jewellery created from semiprecious stones (and even animal skeletons), tiny trilobite fossils, palm-sized selenite hearts, and collections of shark’s teeth. You can even buy your very own crystal ball.
Practical Info: Fossilmar House of Wunders Tel : 0497 67 00 37 76 Place du Jeu de Balle, 1000 Brussels
Alison Cornford-Matheson is a Brussels based expat and writes about life, food and travel in Belgium. Find more of her discoveries and escapes in this diverse and exciting country in her website: cheeseweb.eu
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Rue Archimède 93b | 1000 Bruxelles | 02 732 88 32 Info@archimede-realestate.be | www.archimede-realestate.be ARCHIMEDE REAL ESTATE is a real estate agency located at the heart of the European institutions. We deal primarily with buying, selling and letting of residential properties, and specialize in the European quarter. Our clientele is highly international and includes both investment professionals as well as private individuals.
LD
SO
Brussels – Square Marguerite 13 – Apartment of 90 sqm – 2 bedrooms – 4th floor – possibility parking place For sale: 240.000 €
Brussels – Rue Murillo 3 – House divided in 3 apartments – Good investment in a top localization For sale: 425.000 €
Brussels – Square Ambiorix 40 – Flat of 40 m² – 4th floor at the back side of the building – Terrace For sale: 125.000 €
Visit our website to view a list of all our current offers: www.archimede-realestate.be
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
33
BRUSSELS
Apartment - 112m² - Schuman area,Living room , equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms ,bathroom, shower, terrace , Possibility garage.
ETTERBEEK
Apartment - 50m² - Living room, kitchen, 1 bedroom, shower, terrace, cellar, 3rd floor
EVERE
Apartment - 60m² - Living room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms,2 terraces (south-west), 3rd floor
LAEKEN
Apartment - 111m² - Living room, full equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, terrace (south), Nice view
SCHAERBEEK
Apartment - 80m² - Living room, equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 terraces.
€ 235.000
€ 155,000
€ 159,000
€ 199,000
€ 229,000
BRUSSELS
BRUSSELS
PORTUGAL
WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM
IXELLES
Apartment - 85m² - Confortable furnished duplex, opposite to the European Institutions. Kitchen entirely equipped with a balcony, spacious living room, one large bedroom with a bathroom. Possibility to have a second bedroom or an office in the mezzanine
€ 900/month
Apartment - 80m² - Pleasant duplex in the center of the European district, entirely renovated, unfurnished, one kitchen totally equipped, a dining room, a living room. two bedrooms with one bathroom and a separated toilet. Small private yard.
BRUSSELS
Flat (furnished) - 44m² - Schuman area, living room, full equiped kitchen, bathroom, free now
€ 1000/month
€ From 700/week
Detached house - 200m² - (7km Schuman) Living room, dining, equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, shower, terrace, garden 1100m²,cellar, garage. € 520,000
BRUSSELS
ETTERBEEK
IXELLES
Apartment - 60m² - Schuman area, living room, 1 bedroom, full equiped kitchen, bathroom, free 1 january 2014
€ 850/month
€ 850/month
House - 140m² - Winter in the sun ! Nice house 2 bedrooms, full equiped (Praia d’El Rey Golf & Beach Marriott Resort) , 45’ from Lisbonne.
Apartment - 95m² - Schuman area, living room, 2 bedrooms, equiped kitchen, bathroom, free now
Apartment (furnished) - 125m² - (Av Louise area) Living room , full equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms ,bathroom, Study, For 1 day, 1 week, 1 month,…
€ 900/month
Short-term
Apartment - 125m² - (Av Louise area) Living room , full equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms ,bathroom, Study, patio, Exclusive apartment !
€ 795,000 BRUSSELS
Apartment (furnished) - 50m² - All our suites are beautifully furnished, fully equipped and spacious (aprox. 50 sqm). High-quality double bed, cozy living room with free cable TV, an office space with direct phone line and free WI-FI, a fully equiped kitchen and a beautifull bathroom.
Short-term
Virtual Tour ERA Do not disturb : visit under way. Whether you are selling your house or you are looking for a new place to live, our virtual tour allows everyone an exact idea of the property More information on www.era.be
ERA PROFIDI Schuman (IPI nr 202982) Rue Archimède, 17 – 1000 Brussels TEL : +32 2 230.24.24 - profidi@era.be Sales – Rent F/U (short and long term)
www.era.be/profidi
HOUSING
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FOR RENT
FOR RENT
FOR SALE
Contemporary and spacious Villa with outside pool te Keerbergen: With 7000 m2 land. This splendid villa counts 5 bedrooms - with possibility to make 7 - 3 bathrooms, large office and fitnessroom. Indoor parking: 2 - outdoor parking 5+. Seperate acces - ideal for resedent housepersonel. Please contact me for brochure: dijlestraat87.keerbergen@gmail.com or phone: 0478639302
2 bedroom apartment + garage + cellar: Schaerbeek European district quiet, residential area. In the immediate vicinity of the European institutions, ring, airport. Ultra bright apartment (87m) located on the 5th floor. Free: immediately, built: 2004. Low charges. Parlophone, videophone, security door, elevator, hardwood floors everywhere, double glazed windows, 1 separate toilet, 1 classic bathroom with natural light. public sale. ph.0472781662
Furnished ground floor Apartment Woluwe-StPierre: Exceptional apartment/ Furnished ground floor, consisting of an entrance hall, fully fitted kitchen, utility room, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1shower, 2 toilets, large 155 m² terrace & access to the large private south facing garden. Basement & 2 cars garage. Charges + -500 €. Close; schools, public transport & shops. Possibility transforming children room; office/ sofa bed., maid and gardener. Possibility rent unfurnished. Call 0472/56 70 09/ omembre@gmail.com. €2 500/month
FURNISHED APPARTMENT IXELLES: Very charming one-bedroom apartment located in a very well kept turn-of-the-century town house on 232 Avenue Brugmann, just off the Place Brugmann (500m) in Uccle. The apartment has recently been renovated, hence in very good condition. It consists of a bedroom with a terrace (very nice view), bathroom, separate WC, living room and kitchen, and a closet in the hallway. Sort term rental possible (6 month minimum). Rent is 900 EUR. Call 0478 78 24 63
FOR RENT
FOR RENT
FOR SALE
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To rent – EU area: Nice, quiet, fully furnished flat, 6th floor to the rear at Square Ambiorox. Living room with sleeping corner, well-equipped kitchen, bathroom with washing machine, hall, cupboards, balcony, parquet flooring. Rent: 675 € + ca 100 €. Contact: 0475 68 95 26
A cozy apartment in Rue Washington (Chatelain) available now: Hi everyone! Unfortunately due to the end of my work contract I must let go of my nice and cozy apartment. It is fully furnished and equipped, located in Rue Washington, 200 meters away from Place du Chatelain and close to transports 93, 94, 38, 60, 54 and 81, available from 1st DECEMBER (I can show some flexibility regarding the availability). The apartment is nicely decorated, renovated in the last few years and nicely planned. There is everything one might need – a wardrobe, bedroom with a double bed in a mezzanine, TV, Wi-Fi, all kitchen utensils and a ceramic stove, a small cozy balcony, bathroom with a huge mirror and a shower and – the most important – friendly landlord J Also, in the hallway there is a washing machine, that is shared with one more tenant. The price is 640 + 130 charges and ALL costs (water, heating, electricity, Wi-Fi, communal area cleaning etc.) Call Javier at 0477261755 to make a visit!
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ARTICLE 35
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