BxlConnect
November 2013
bxlconnect.com
Setting up a business in Belgium Interview with Hugues Thibaut from Group S, the leading business portal and payroll provider for international clients in Belgium
ART & CULTURE FESTIVALS CONCERTS
Derek Blyths hidden EMPLOYMENT WORK HOUSING PUBLIC NOTICES REAL ESTATE HEALTH & secrets of Brussels
S RA TI |G E RE |F IT AT U
Interviews with expat entrepreneurs
WELL-BEING GOING OUT HOTELS & RESTAURANTS SERVICES LIFESTYLE EU-Affairs LEARNING EDUCATION DEALS ADS OFFERS REAL ESTATE PROMOTIONS MUSEUMS EXHIBITIONS DESIGN Useful contacts, ART & CULTURE FESTIVALS CONCERTS resources andHOUSING muchPUBLIC more EMPLOYMENT WORK NOTICES REAL ESTATE HEALTH &
GR
ART & CULTURE FESTIVALS CONCERTS EMPLOYMENT WORK HOUSING PUBLIC NOTICES REAL ESTATE HEALTH & WELL-BEING GOING OUT HOTELS & RESTAURANTS SERVICES LIFESTYLE LEARNING EDUCATION DEALS ADS OFFERS REAL ESTATE PROMOTIONS MUSEUMS EXHIBITIONS DESIGN ART & CULTURE FESTIVALS CONCERTS EMPLOYMENT WORK HOUSING PUBLIC NOTICES REAL ESTATE HEALTH & WELL-BEING GOING OUT HOTELS & RESTAURANTS SERVICES LIFESTYLE LEARNING EDUCATION DEALS ADS OFFERS REAL ESTATE PROMOTIONS MUSEUMS EXHIBITION DESIGN ART & CULTURE FESTIVALS CONCERTS
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
CALENDAR 2
BxlConnect
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 November. For a more comprehensive list, please consult the online calendar on our website, www.bxlconnect.com which we update daily. Have a great month! The BxlConnect Team
Brussels Light Festival 1
to
3
November
Canal Sainctelette www.brusselslightfestival.be The first edition of the Brussels Light Festival takes place along the canal in Brussels. This free festival brings a spectacular and unique experience along the waterway and a cosy winter barbecue.
Meeting of the Consultation Committee (not in English) 5
Opening hours: Tuesday till Sunday from 10:30 am to 6 pm closed on other holidays
November, 9 am at the
Brussels administrative centre, Department of Urbanism Boulevard Anspach 6 - 12th floor - premises 36 - 1000 Brussels Metro: De Brouckère www.brussel.be/5010 The Consultation Committee gives advice on municipal town planning. The meeting of the Committee contains a public meeting where everyone can express himself: applicants, inhabitants, associations, members of the Committee etc.
Bob Dylan Concert 10
November
Forest National Avenue Victor Rousseau 208, 1190 Forest The man they call a ´living legend´ is heading to Brussels for what is sure to be another sell-out concert. Yes, Bob Dylan and band will be back in town on 10 November for a much-awaited appearance before his adoring fans. In an age of instant celebrity stardom, it is perhaps easy to forget that in a career spanning an amazing five decades, Dylan has produced 42 albums and raked up over 2,000 concerts worldwide. Classics such as The Times They Are A-Changing, Blowing in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone have gone down in musical history. Little wonder, then, that interest in his appearance is, as usual, intense. It is part of an 11-country European tour this autumn that started in Oslo on 10 October and ends in London on 28 November. His Brussels show will be his only performance in Belgium. Clearly, even at the ripe old age of 72, adoration for this great American singer songwriter remains as strong as ever. Tickets for the show at Forest National are priced €64 and €74 and, relatively rare for the venue, seats will be numbered.
Exhibition. Johan Muyle – Indian Studio 7
Nov to
9
They are available by visiting www.sherpa.be or calling 0900 84 007.
Feb
Centrale for contemporary art Place Sainte-Catherine 44 – 1000, Brussels www.centrale-art.be An exhibition by Belgian artist Johan Muyle, in collaboration with Chennai-based poster artist Jagan Perumal Krishna. The exhibition consists of a series of monumental installations that make use of the typography and painting methods of the typical Indian poster art. The exhibition is part of Europalia India.
Brussel celebrates women 11
November, noon to 7 pm
Magdalena Hall. Rue Duquesnoy 10 - 1000 Brussels The City of Brussels organizes the first edition of ‘Brussels celebrates women’. It is an informative and fun day for women with a debate and lots of free activities and tryouts such as zumba, self defense, games for the children and performances.
BxlConnect
CALENDAR
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
3 Mont-de-Piété. Jewelry sales
Cocoon Fair
12
16
November
to
24
Nov
Mont-de-Piété Rue Saint-Ghislain 23 - 1000 Brussels http://www.montdepiete.be/
Brussels Expo (Hall 10) Place de la Belgique 1 - 1020 Brussels www.cocoon.be
Exhibition of jewelry from 10 am till noon, sales at 1 pm. The Mont-de-Piété of the City of Brussels is a public institution with a social character which aims at granting loans against pledge of movable property and value and the organization of exhibitions and public sales.
Fair with the latest trends about housing and interior design for the kitchen, bedroom, sitting room, dressing room, bathroom and dining room… with over 300 exhibitors. Opening hours: every day from 11 am to 7 pm late night opening on 22 November until 11 pm
Youth theatre. International Festival Paroles au solstice 2013 12
November to
19
December
Théâtre La montagne magique Rue du Marais 57 - 1000 Brussels www.theatremontagnemagique.be 14th edition of the youth theatre festival with performances directed for children by different artists from Belgium, France and Switzerland.
Autumn Falls 25
November to
1
December
Different venues in Brussels www.autumnfalls.be Autumn Falls is a weeklong music festival taking place in the city centre of Brussels. Prepare to enjoy a wide variety of quality alternative music from many different backgrounds, all while checking out the city’s various renowned concert halls and trendy clubs. If you are passionate about music, this is a must-see.
Brussels Innova Fair
Nocturnes of the Sablon 2013
14
28
to
16
Nov, 10 am to 6 pm
Brussels Expo (Hall 10) Place de la Belgique 1 - 1020 Brussels Website: http://www.brussels-innova.com Brussels Innova (inventor fair) presents the best in inventions, innovations, gadgets and new technologies. It is free of charge - registration via the website
Fair: ExpoItalia 14
to
17
Nov
The exhibition is a showcase for Italy, with different products and performances. This is the fourth edition of the event which promises to be a unique experience for everyone. The exhibition offers you the possibility to come and taste all types of typical Italian dishes, specialties and delicious wines. Aside from culinary delights, there will also be events dedicated to tourism, fashion, design and transalpine culture. The exhibition is open 10 am to 6 pm (6 pm to 10 pm on Thursday).
1
December
Place du Sablon - 1000 Brussels http://www.sablon.org The Sablon quarter, known for its antiques trade, keeps its famous Nocturnes or Late Night Openings. The merchants and antique dealers open their doors to the public with the organization of numerous activities. An ideal opportunity to discover the galleries, restaurants and shops of the Sablon.
Winter Wonders 2013 29
Brussels Expo Place de la Belgique 1 - 1020 Brussels www.expoitalia.be
November to
Nov to
5
Jan
Centre of Brussels: GrandPlace - Bourse - SainteCatherine - 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.
CONTENT 2
BxlConnect Calendar
5
Art & Culture
10
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
Derek Blyth’s Hidden Secrets of Brussels
12 Employment
15
Setting up a business in Belgium Interview with Hugues Thibaut from Group S
Dear Readers, 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. With Kind Regards, The BxlConnect Team
com
ISSUE 01
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Brussels Expats Gone Entrepreneurs
English - Speak bxlcing Resources, Conta cts, Deals
bxlconnect.com
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18 Housing
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Snapshot of Current EU Affairs
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26 Learning
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Unique Holocaust Museum in Mechelen Promotes Human Rights
31 Services
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The Folon Foundation a Collection of Jean-Michel Folon’s Masterpieces
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........................................................................... BxlConnect sprl Publisher: Jonadav Apelblat jonadav@bxlconnect.com 02 450 00 91 Advertising Please contact us on: info@bxlconnect.com for more information about advertising opportunities. If you would like to place a small classified ad, you may do so through our website: www.bxlconnect.com ...........................................................................
BREL
AVEC À BRUXELLES
J’AIME L’ACCENT
BREL
W
BRUXELLOIS A
L
K
PROMENADE-WANDELING-SPAZIERGANG
By punctuating your path along the avenues and alleyways of Brussels with interviews, accounts and of course Jacques’ songs, I present to you the memories of Miche, his wife, my sister Isabelle and many of Jacques’ friends. Additional commentary on Brussels also highlights the rich diversity ofour city. I wish you an enjoyable walk. France Brel Place de Brouckere MÉ HÔT TR EL OP OL E
APPROXIMATE DURATION :
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ES Y LL HA T GÉR IN
J’AIME
OP ÉR
17 PONT DE LA CARPE
SA
1H15
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Five intimate locations offering you a special encounter with a more secret, more sensitive Jacques Brel as he shares his passion for his homeland with a sense of modesty, humour, derision and sometimes excess. Interviews with Jacques, his songs and the accounts of his nearest and dearest lay bare the complex world of his relationship with Belgium.
2H40
HOW TO FIND US 150 metres from the Manneken Pis, along Rue du Chêne. Train / Metro Gare Centrale. Bus: nos. 48 and 95 Parlement Bruxellois / Brussels Parliament stop. Nearest car park: Albertine
WE ARE OPEN : From September to June, Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 6pm. Saturday and Sunday: from midday to 6pm. Open every day in July and August. Closed on 25 December and for the first 15 days of January. Last entry 6pm.
PRICES : Walk with audio guide : 8 € Exhibition with audio guide : 5 € School group exhibition : 2 € Combined Expo + Walk : 10 €
EDITIONS JACQUES BREL We are pleased to welcome you later than other tourist and cultural locations in Brussels. instead of Vieille Halle aux Blés 11 / B-1000 Brussel / Tel : + 32 2 511 10 20 / Fax : + 32 2 511 10 21 / www.jacquesbrel.be / Email : editions@jacquesbrel.be
ART & CULTURE
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
6
Cinema - The Actor’s Studio 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
Ensamble Tarrazú, a chamber music group focused on research, diffusion and teaching of music for flute, violin and viola, was created in 2011 as its members’ collective initiative, to present high quality, but lesser known chamber music during The World Orchestra chamber music series in Mexico and Spain. The Belgian - Costarrican music trio will present a very attractive program at the Hotel Métropole, (31 Place de Brouckère, 1000 Bruxelles) on the 1st of December 2013 at 20h00
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
ART & CULTURE 7
Established in an old station entirely restored in Saint-Josse-tenNoode (Brussels), the Jazz Station is a unique place devoted to jazz. Through an eclectic program, the actors of the Jazz Station try to reach an audience as large as possible and offer for example starters-concerts every Saturday at 6.00 pm. Those concerts are representative of what is done in Jazz today, but also of the origins of that music. The Jazz Station defines itself like a living cultural place and anchor in our capital where Jazz is alive, in all its diversities. - Open Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 7pm. - Activities such as conferences about Jazz history every two weeks - “Country Themed Jazz Night” once a month (October: Germany, November: Canada, December: France - Jazz themed exhibitions with free entrance
Contact Details: www.jazzstation.be Chaussée de Louvain, 193A à 1210 Bxl tél: 02 733 13 78
Jerry Delfosse Presents Floating Moments by abstract artist: Rachel Trost
Exhibition from 6/11/2013 to 24/11/2013 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11.30 to 18.30 (Sundays by appointment) Vernissage: 6/11/2013 from 18.30 to 21.30 Contact: 35, Rue Lesbroussart, 1050 Ixelles Tel: 0497 57 71 20 Email: eag.gallery@gmail.com Website: www.espaceartgallery.be
L E STYX
Created in 1967, Le Styx is an Arthouse cinema located in the Ixelles district of Brussels. This “smallest cinema” in Brussels is one of those rare neighborhood cinemas which have managed to resist the trends of mainstream cinematic development. The two small screening rooms with 37 and 39 seats were renovated in 2004 and offer today a high level of comfort and cinematic experience.
Adresse :
Styx
Despite facing many difficulties throughout its history, Le Styx has managed to survive and maintain its quality and identity thanks to its host of loyal cinema goers who are attracted by the exciting and unique movies on offer. The program of Le Styx offers a second chance to those artistic works often neglected by mainstream picture houses and also revives the good old classic masterpieces.
Rue de L’arbre Bénit
CZECH FILM YEAR: Every last Monday of the month, we present a Czech movie at 19:30 pm in OV with English subtitles (in collaboration with the CZECH Centrum) ALLEMAGNIFIK: Every first Thursday of the month we present a German movie at 19:30 pm in OV with French or English subtitles (in collaboration with the Goethe institut)
1050 Bruxelles (Ixelles)
02 512 21 02
English - Speaking
ART & CULTURE 8
Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
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
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.
Shadows and Lanterns Magic of the Precinema 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.
BxlConnect
Contact: Maison Autrique Chaussees de Haecht 266 B-1030 Schaerbeek (Brussels) Website : www.autrique.be
Exhibition takes place from 6th March 2013 to 26th January 2014 Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from noon - 6pm
The Jewish Museum of Belgium
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 three separate locations in Brussels: Tuesday nights, 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, simply send an email to brusselswriterscircle at gmail.com and you will be added to our mailing list.
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, work of art by Jewish Germans artist, many of whom emigrated to Israel. Work of art by artists such as Jakob Steinhardt, Lea Grundig, Jakob Pins an Yigal Tumarkin and many others are presented in the exhibition.
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
ART & CULTURE 9
Bar concErts
V
EN TE
FREE ESTIMATES AND OTHER EI L I N G SERVICES:
mardiOur - dinsdag 8specialists • 10 •are 2013 - 19to .30 experienced at your service 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 van de Van Buuren-collectie zal worden tentoongesteld in de Bank DEGROOF
Expo complète Volledige tentoonstelling
Fleurusstraat 2
7-9, Rue E. Allardstraat
9000 Gent
Bruxelles 1000 Brussel
Une sélection de la collection Van Buuren sera exposée à la Banque DEGROOF
(en semaine / weekdagen)
#5
09 > 12.2013
EvEry first thursday of thE month
(Sablon-Zavel)
14 h.-17 h.
(week-end)
(week-end)
14-17 u.
11 h.-17 h.
- 19 -
9, RUE ERNEST ALLARDSTRAAT (SABLON-ZAVEL) • B-1000 BRUXELLES - BRUSSEL 35 7I –JEAN-JACQUES GAILLIARD 3 000 / 5 000 € (1890-1976)
“La corbeille de souhaits” 1936
T. +32 (0)2 511 53 24 • INFO@BA-AUCTIONS.COM
Huile sur toile. Signé en bas au milieu. Signé et titré sur le châssis. Olieverf op doek. Onderaan in het midden gesigneerd. Op de rugzijde gesigneerd en getiteld. 73 x 59 cm.
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
Exposition / Tentoonstelling : 1995 Antwerpen, Campo Vlaamse Kaai, Autour de Gustave van de Woestyne. Réserve du Musée David et Alice Van Buuren, 25/9-8/10/1995.
© Dr. F. Van den Bremt
- 58 -
thEatrEmarni.com
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Blyth’s Brussels
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
10
Derek Blyth’s Hidden Secrets of Brussels
ATELIER MAX HASTIR This is a lovely secret place in an old Brussels town house filled with a jumble of oil paintings and mementoes. It was once the home and studio of the artist and resistance hero Max Hastir, but following his death it became a cultural centre where intimate classical concerts and film screenings are sometimes organised. It is quite chaotic but full of Brussels charm. Rue du Commerce 51 European Quarter
THE UNDERPANTS MUSEUM It is hard not to like Brussels when you find out that it is the home of the Musée du Slip, the Underpants Museum, which once made the list of the ten weirdest museums in the world. The founder, Jan Bucquoy, now displays his collection, ranging from a porn star’s panties to a Belgian finance minister’s boxers, in the Dolle Mol café. “Underpants worn by Noel Godin on Saturday 18 March 2006 at the Paris Book Fair during the seventh custard pie attack on Bernard-Henri-Levi,” it says mysteriously on one label. A poster of the new King and Queen with underpants on their heads went up on the day that Philippe took over as King. In any other country, the person who did this would be sitting out a 15-year jail sentence. But Belgium is very relaxed about that sort of thing.
NOVA This small alternative cinema run by volunteers looks like a squat. The rough brick walls, busted sofas and old car seats might not look too inviting, but don’t run away. This is one of the most exciting arthouse cinemas in Belgium. Look out for the season on censored films coming up at the end of November. Rue d’Arenberg 3 Central Brussels www.nova-cinema.org
PAINTED SHOP SHUTTERS You only see them at night when shops have pulled down their shutters. But it’s worth taking a stroll down through the city after dark to look at the work of the graphic art collective Sarendip who have decorated many shutters with naïve art. They have done some of their best work on shop shutters on the Chaussée d’Ixelles. De Dolle Mol Rue des Eperonniers 52 Central Brussels
THE FLYING BIKE MAN You often see him on his big blue and black cargo bike heading off to mend someone’s puncture or fix a broken cable. Amor Mistiaen launched his bike repair business Velofixer in 2011. He now covers 11 communes on his bike, although outlying communes like Evere and Uccle remain beyond his reach. Rue des Pierres 9 Central Brussels 0473 48 06 98 www.velofixer.be
Chaussée d’Ixelles Ixelles
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Blyth’s Brussels 11
FELIX NUSSBAUM
LIMEHOUSE DOCK
The German-Jewish artist Felix Nussbaum and his Polish wife Felka Platek hid from the Nazis for two years in a small attic room at Rue Archimède 22. The couple were found after a friend gave away their hiding place. Two simple brass plaques with their names and dates have been placed in the pavement in front of the house.
The lower town is dotted with huge comic book murals painted on the side walls of buildings. You find them in the most unlikely locations where tourists never stray. The best ones blend seamlessly into the urban setting, like the scene from Edgar Jacobs’ Blake and Mortimer thriller in which the cartoon lamp-post looks as if it belongs to the Brussels street.
Rue Archimède 22 European Quarter
GARE DE LA CHAPELLE Only a few trains stop at the Gare de la Chapelle in the Marolles. The walls of the deserted station are now covered with graffiti dating from various periods. Some of the wildest work goes back to a festival held at the station in 2005. A more gentle humorous style has emerged in recent years, put up by the anonymous Belgian artists such as Bonom and DIN DIN.
Rue du Houblon 24 Central Brussels
ALTERED STREET SIGNS Someone has been going around altering street signs in Brussels with little black stickers that turn a no entry sign into a bird perch or a heavy plank. Most of them are removed within a few hours but two have survived (at least until now) at the crossroads outside Café Le Perroquet.
Gare de la Chapelle Marolles
Ernest Allardstraat Sablon
THE LAST SEAMSTRESS She is the last invisible mender left in Brussels. MarieJosé has been working in a little shop at the end of Rue Haute since 1939. She once repaired a burn mark in a jacket belonging to King Baudouin. Another time, a palace official brought in a torn pair of trousers belonging to the young King Albert. She has several framed letters of thanks from the palace hanging in the window. You can see her working at a table in the window almost every day of the week. Stoppage Rue Haute 15 Central Brussels
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
EMPLOYMENT
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
12
SAP Technical Project Manager
Our client is one of the global leaders in their industry area. The company has been committed to understand and fulfill the requirements of their customers over the last years, providing high quality products as well as innovative solutions for modernization and maintenance. Tasks include: • Lead Technical work packages of the SAP Data Consolidation project • Tuning and optimisation of critical migration objects (top tables) • Ensures that the appropriately sized and configured systems are in place at the times they are needed at an acceptable cost and quality • Systems migration plan with critical path timing (coordination with Netapp storage and HW refresh) • Technical project plan Experience / Profile • International experience and ability to work in a virtual team • Good SAP and SAP architecture knowledge • Experience leading a diverse team of both local and global resources • Min of 8 years of experience required leading, managing and motivating highly skilled professional teams, preferably teams of 20+ resources • Experience with any or all of the following areas is desirable: SAP ERP4.7, SAP ECC6, Portal, PI 7.1, BW7 • Fluent in English • Strong oral and written communication skills • For more info, please contact Jonas Harlophe - e-Mail: jonas. harlophe@experisbelgium.be
Facility Manager
We are looking for a facility manager for our client. You will be responsible for all the facilities and the general administration services in several buildings in different cities in Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands. Tasks • Responsible of the Facility Management : • °Building maintenance • °Cleaning, catering, waste, security, health & safety management • °Space management • °Supports communication infrastructure • 10 to 20% of your activity is also to be responsible of the General Administration Services (mailing, mobile telephony, office supplies, archives, document management) Experience / Profile • Bachelor level or equivalent by experience • At least 10 years in Facility management area • French & Dutch bilingual + good command in English • Mobile and dynamic person • High customer oriented attitude • Strong organizational and planning We Offer Our client offers an undetermined contract with a very attractive salary and package. Do you recognise yourself in this new challenge? Do not hesitate to send your application to feriale.amrouni@experis.be
Security and ICT Officer: EED - European Endowment for Democracy. Brussels, Belgium Main functions of the post: Designing, developing, implementing and monitoring policies and procedures for the administration of computer and telecommunication software, hardware, networks and information systems to respond to EED internal rules, regulations, procedures and practices as well as those under Belgian law; Overseeing, maintaining data entry and ensuring quality control of EED databases. Application For further information and requirements regarding this post and others at EED, please view www. democracyendowment.eu In addition to it please send a copy of your CV as an attachment to email address:vacancies@ democracyendowment.eu, with Security and ICT Officer in the subject line. Applications should be submitted no later than 18 November 2013
OTC Manager Beno, Levi Strauss & Co., Brussels, Belgium
Reference no: BENO00348 Job purpose Ensure that the Country & European strategies for the OTC Process are applied in the most effective & timely way by driving the achievement of agreed targets in terms of Order Book conversion, sell-in opportunities , credit management and customer service to achieve company commercial and financial goals. Job requirements • Beno region local market language; • Corporate language; • Min 2 years experience within comparable role/industry Go to www.levistrauss.com/careers to apply for this job and view other possibilities
BxlConnect
BxlConnect is a small start-up made up of a young and international team with an entrepreneurial mindset and outlook. We are now looking for a developer with strong skills in PHP and Wordpress. If you fit the requirement, we would love to hear from you. Please send us an email to info@bxlconnect.com with your CV and a few words about yourself and your experiences. We look forward to hearing from you!
In addition, we are also looking for people to join in marketing, client relationship management and other functions. If you have strong language skills and are ambitious, driven and a self-starter with an optimistic and down to earth mindset, then we would love to hear from you. Please send us an email to info@bxlconnect.com with your CV and a few words about yourself and why you would like to join the team. We look forward to hearing from you!
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
EMPLOYMENT 13
INTERNATIONAL REACH, LOCAL EXPERTISE SPECIALIST PROFESSIONAL RECRUITMENT
Ogone – Ecommerce Specialist
Curious what the electronic payments industry can offer you? At Ogone we work with complex products in a numerous variety of sectors, at national and international level. Joining a major player in a continuously evolving, fast-moving industry, challenges your skills every day again. 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
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
Our open corporate culture supports you in achieving your goals and further developing your career. Committed colleagues, open communication, trainings and regular feedback stimulate all of us to constantly grow and learn. We are always looking for talented Sales and IT professionals to join us in Belgium as well as abroad!! Interested in a career in e-commerce? Don’t hesitate, apply now. Send your motivation letter and CV to Ogone, HR Recruitment: hr@ogone.com. For more info, visit our website: www.ogone.com/
EMPLOYMENT
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
14
A movement of volunteers serving cities in practical ways & inspiring people to be givers in this world. We believe that many people doing small things together can make a big difference in our world.
Office: Place van Maeyl 15A, 1040 Brussels Phone: 02 / 734.35.02 Email: info@servethecity.be Web page: www.servethecity.be Facebook: Serve the City Brussels Twitter: Serve the City @stcbrussels
Currently during the day we have visits to a hospital on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 14:30 to 16:00. We serve coffee, tea and cake in the geriatric ward of Brugmann Hospital, Site Paul Brien, where many of the patients don’t get visitors and are delighted to chat.
Every Wednesday, 18:30 we connect with the various families that are living in the VUB squat, with the objective to better understand the families and their needs, to provide educational activities as learning french, to do some arts & craft activities with the children and to do a little clean-up around.
Fridays at 14:00, we have a project at FEDASIL spending time with asylum seekers there. Currently during the evenings we have the following projects:
Every Thursday at 18:30 we are helping a group of 150-200 refugees, children and adults, all living in an old abandoned church. Volunteers will provide educational activities for the children also meet with the adults to discuss their problems.
Monday and Thursday, 18:30 at the Gare du Nord outside the main hall, ground floor, volunteers will be serving soup, coffee, tea and waffles. This is a time for chatting with our homeless friends. We hear their stories, we listen to what they need, we build relationships and leave lasting impressions on each other.
On our Weekly Serving Projects we are not serving in the weekends for the moment, but we do have Monthly Focus Days on Saturdays with the possibility to serve Asylum seekers, Children in need, Disabled, Elderly, Homeless, Victims of abuse, in various neighborhoods in Brussels. This event will gather about 100 people willing to serve Brussels from 12:00 to 17:00.
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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Interview 15
SETTING UP A BUSINESS IN BELGIUM Interview with Hugues Thibaut from Group S
T
hinking of setting up a business but put off by the legal minefield involved in going it alone? Well, Group S, one of the biggest payroll providers and Business Portal in Belgium, aims to ensure that your entrepreneurial spirit is not dampened.
A recent survey by the World Bank showed that the costs and paid-in minimum capital for launching a business in Belgium are higher than in most OECD countries. It´s one reason why Group S, which has existed since as far back as 1939, has itself branched out and is now operating an English-speaking division for its international clients. The aim is to make it easier for someone to take those first tentative steps on the rocky road to self-employment. The not-for-profit company, which has a 1000-strong workforce and is based in Brussels, entrusted legal expert Thibaut Hugues with the task of launching the new strand to its bow. Hugues Thibaut, who has studied in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden, joined Group S in 2011. Prior to that he had spent seven years with a Belgian consumer organisation and two years at BEUC, its pan-European version. A French speaker who is comfortable in numerous other languages, this young, go-ahead Belgian now has the city´s expat community in his targets.
Q: What was the inspiration for starting the company and international division? A: Basically, Group S is a ´one stop shop´ payroll provider & Business Portal and was launched to help explain all legal obligations related to doing business in Belgium. The aim then, as now, is to make the start-up smooth and correct and, most importantly of course, legal.The international division was started to meet a growing need for the same service in English. This need has become all the more apparent with the arrival of thousands of expats to Brussels and Belgium over the years. Q: What are the types of clients you work with? A. The international division deals only with non-Belgian customers. Some 80 per cent of our new clients are French SMEs and we receive inquiries on a daily basis, often from French companies who want to invest in the Belgian market. But we also help people like Brussels-based expat journalists who are interested in working both as an employee and independent. They need to know how to comply with all the legal implications. Q: What are the success rates and how do you make a difference to clients´ lives, particularly expats? A: It is difficult to quantify this but a good yardstick is that the vast majority of clients who have experienced
the services we offer stick with us. There are 14 payroll providers in Belgium but, having tried us, most if not all are happy to remain with us. We try to make a difference by reassuring customers that the service we offer will match their needs and help guide them through the complexities involved in a new start-up. Q: What is the allure of starting a business in Brussels for foreigners? Is it an entrepreneur-innovator friendly city? A: The main appeal is that it´s a multi-cultural, multi-lingual country where many international organisations, such as NATO and the EU, are based. Things are improving for the would-be businesses as was evidenced by a recent World Bank survey showing that the time needed to start a business here in Belgium is much shorter than the average in the OECD zone (13 days). Belgium has managed to simplify start-up procedures. The time you need to complete the administrative formalities to set up your own business has been slashed from 56 days to just three. Q: What are the challenges? A: Belgium is a high-tax country and that makes it quite expensive to run a business here, mostly because of the high labour costs. I hear from our clients that these are of major concern. Another challenge going forward is to raise general awareness of the international division. You’d also be shocked at how little potential investors
Interview
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
16 know about the Belgium system. It’s important that these people, in particular expats, know about services such as ours. Q: What do you predict will happen in the next five to ten years in regards to foreign investment and business growth? A: It was predicted that more and more Chinese companies would start to invest in Belgium. That remains to be seen but we have already moved to meet that possible demand by launching the service, not only in English but Chinese as well. The big growth at present is with the large number of French companies seeking to increase their activities in Belgium which they see as being more ‘business friendly’ than their own country. To a lot of French SMEs, Belgium is almost like the U.S. A lot are coming to us for advice so that is clearly a positive thing for Group S. Q: How would you describe the overall cultural and business atmosphere in Brussels? A: In a word, unique. That is made possible by the presence of a huge international community and the fact that it is a country with three official languages (French, Dutch and German), plus English. Without these things it would be like a village but all these things make it a
generally good place to do business irrespective of your nationality. Q: What makes Group S unique? A: Our company offers services to everyone from the one-man business to large organisations, corporations and embassies. We have a long history and handle over 450,000 pay slips per month for over 85,000 clients, both companies and self-employed persons. We have 32 offices in Flanders, Walloon and Brussels and are also active in France. Also, as I mentioned before, we now have a China desk dealing with Chinese companies thinking of investing here. There can be few, if any, other payroll providers in Belgium which are able to say this. Q: What’s the best advice you can give to someone hoping to start a new business in Brussels? A: Do not be afraid of ‘going it alone’! The important thing is to have a signal point of contact which, like Group S, is recognised by the Belgian authorities, where you can turn to for help and advice. These organizations are where you ask about the different possibilities, including the least expensive options, when it comes to taking, what can be a very precarious but challenging step, of launching your own business.
Group S - International Division Avenue Fonsnylaan 40 1060 Bruxelles Tel : +32 2 507 18 81 Fax : +32 2 507 16 32 www.groups.be international@groups.be
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English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
Interview 17
BRUSSELS EXPATS GONE ENTREPRENEURS
D
ario Ceccarelli, 31, is an Italian expat living in Brussels. He set up Cebudeco two years ago, whereby he represents and exports beer from small Belgian breweries internationally. Q: What inspired you to set up your business and how did it start? A: Very simple: I managed to get myself fired from my Antwerp job as an engineer by massively surfing the internet all day long. It took my boss no longer than a week to notice my behavior and call me in for an “HR meeting”. This was in 2009 and by then I was tired of working as an employee and dreamed about creating my own company. I wanted more freedom. At that time I was unsure about what I wanted, but I knew I did not want to go back working as an employee nor an engineer. Q: What triggered you to set up a beer business? A: The idea came when I saw a friend filling a truck full of beer that he transported to Italy. I then start-
H
aving worked for Hermes and Ferragamo, French designer Nathalie Bouhana decided to set up her own clothing company and launched knitwear label Chauncey six years ago. Using only the highest quality yarns, Chauncey prides itself on European craftsmanship that goes into making smart, graphic clothing. Q: What inspired you to do your own business and how did it start? A: For years I was a designer for big companies and eventually I wanted to create and develop my own ideas without being restricted. There are things that you can’t do when you work for others.
ed to visit smaller breweries and realized most of them didn’t have any specific export strategy. I offered them to outsource this activity to me and little by little I gained their trust. My first sale was the Belgian “Brunehaut” beer to a small pizzeria in Italy. Today, we export to Spain, England, Germany, Norway, France and even to Hong Kong. Q: How did you prepare to set up your business? A: After I left my job as an engineer, I took a management course run by Actiris (the Belgian unemployment agency). It is an excellent free course in collaboration with Brussels region that everyone can sign up to if you pass the interview stage. It prepares you as project manager and provides training in accounting, finance, sales, negotiation, pay-roll management and much more. Q: What have been the biggest challenges in running your business? What advice can you give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
Q: How did you prepare to set up your business? A: I wrote a business plan that was presented for all the administrative procedures. But simply having a business plan doesn’t mean a lot. It is an idea and ideas mean nothing until you implement them. You have to role up your sleeves and work. Q: What have been the biggest challenges in running your business? A: I’m a designer and I think the biggest challenge has been to become an entrepreneur. As for all private companies, I think that the challenge lies in striking the right balance between doing what you love to do and doing what makes mon-
A: Gaining the trust from the suppliers. I have managed to slowly build good relationships with the breweries and we now work closely together. I think it is important to try. Don’t be afraid of trying and then be persistent and adaptive. Everything will likely not go as you thought but it’s important to keep going and be flexible along the way. Q: What would you have done differently? Nothing. Mistakes happen and you learn by them. Success begins with failure and as Rocky Balboa once said, it’s all about “how hard you can get hit and still keep moving forward“.
ey. This conflict may be even more evident when you are involved in creative work or in something that you are passionate about. Just as a painter or film maker is passionate about their work, I’m passionate about knitwear.
HOUSING
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
18 1040 Etterbeek
Sorimo Val des Seigneurs 9A 1150 Bruxelles
1180 Uccle
Ref: 1536439 Schuman - new apartment furnished of 110 sqm - 2 bedrooms - bathroom - terrace possibility parking place EPC B- 91 kWhp/m²/an
Tel : 02 772 80 20 Fax : 02 772 86 05 E-mail : info@sorimo.be www.sorimo.be For Sale : price on request
1180 Uccle
For Rent : 1.450 €
1040 Etterbeek
Ref: 1521595 Next to cemetery of Ixelles - groundfloor apartment of 130 sqm - living room of 45 sqm - terrace of 10 sqm and garden of 1 are - 2 bedrooms - bathroom shower room - garage. EPC in process 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
For Rent : 2.375 €
For Rent : 1.400 € Ref: 1588997 Area Cerisiers apartment ground floor duplex of 130 sqm - living room of 32 sqm 3 bedrooms - bathroom shower room - terrace and garden of 130 sqm - garage box one - EPC in process
For Rent : 2.500 € Ref: 1540999 Montgomery - apartment of +/- 300 sqm - large reception - 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms - office terrace - garage box - EPC in process
1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Ref: 1529210 Tomberg - apartment duplex of 200 sqm included a living room of 50 sqm 2 terraces of 20 sqm and 15 sqm - 4 bedrooms bathroom - shower room - EPC in process
1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
For Sale : 695.000 € Ref: 1494896 Area drève de Lorraine - apartment groundfloor of 210 sqm - large living room of 90 sqm - 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms - terrace and garden of 6 ares south west - garage box 2 cars - EPC C+ 100 kWhEP/m²/an
Ref: 1563474 Area Coghen - new construction of 8 apartments - 1 to 3 bedrooms - between 82 sqm to 180 sqm - terrace - 10 parking place.
1050 Ixelles
For Sale : 340.000 €
For Rent : 1.600 € Ref: 1607989 Area Roodebeek apartment duplex of 45 sqm - living room of 38 sqm - terrace south of 10 sqm - 3 bedrooms - bathroom shower room - parking place - EPC in process
1040 Etterbeek
For Rent : 2.700 € Ref: 1599728 Montgomery - 2 sides house of 260 sqm - living room of 60 sqm with open fire - court of 50 sqm 5 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms shower room - small garage box - EPC in process
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HOUSING
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
19
WOLUWE-ST- LAMBERT
Flat in resthouse - 40m² - Profitability , 7,50% per year
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.
€ 90.000
€ 155,000
€ 159,000
€ 199,000
€ 229,000
EVERE
BRUSSELS
ETTERBEEK
WEZEMBEEK-OPPEM
IXELLES
Duplex - Penthouse - 130m² - Living room (A/C) , full equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms,study ,bathroom, shower, terrace 13m² (south), Possibility garage (25.000€) € 345,000
Duplex - 138m² - Living room , full equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms ,bathroom, shower, terrace 31m², Possibility garage.
BRUSSELS
Flat (furnished) - 44m² - Schuman area, living room, full equiped kitchen, bathroom, free now
Detached house - 200m² - (7km Schuman) Living room ,dining, equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms ,bathroom, shower, terrace, garden 1100m²,cellar, garage.
Apartment - 125m² - (Av Louise area) Living room , full equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms ,bathroom, Study, patio, Exclusive apartment !
€ 445,000
€ 475,000
€ 520,000
€ 795,000
BRUSSELS
ETTERBEEK
SINT-STEVENS-WOLUWE
BRUSSELS
Apartment - 60m² - Schuman area, living room, 1 bedroom, full equiped kitchen, bathroom, free 1 january 2014
€ 850/month
House (workshop + app) - 300m² - Possibility 2 apatrments 1 room and 1 duplex 2 rooms, Workshop 200m² - to renovate
€ 850/month
Apartment - 95m² - Schuman area, living room, 2 bedrooms, equiped kitchen, bathroom, free now
House - 180m² - (5km Schuman) Living room ,full equipped kitchen, 5 bedrooms ,bathroom, shower, terrace, garden ,cellar, garage.
€ 1000/month
€ 1850/month
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
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HOUSING
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
20
FOR SALE
FOR SALE 1 BDR apartment: situated in the sought after EU area (rue Scailquin, 35) - 50m from Madou metro station - very good condition - 50 sqm - 5th floor with a view onto the Cinquantenaire - small hall, separate toilet, kitchen, small terrasse, spacious living room with a lot of natural light - 1 bedroom - bathroom with tub and plumbing for washing machine - in house parking available for 65 euros per month with direct access to lifts - Direct sale by owner - FURTHER INFORMATION AND VISITS 0475.809.811. b.fellendael@gmail.be 125,000 EUR
STUNNING 5-BEDROOMED TOWNHOUSE w CITY GARDEN: Montgomery, on a quiet & very attractive street, a truly lovely family house (+-291sqm gfa), 4 bedrooms, 1 studio, garage on a plot of 1,65acres. It is impeccably maintained. The ground floor has a studio with bathroom, dressing and a city garden. The first floor offers dining and reception rooms with fireplace, fully equipped kitchen. On the second and third floors there are 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms + italian shower and a lovely open terrace. A 1-car garage, parking space, laundry and 2 cellars. Luminous. Quietness. Pending EPC. Viewing by appointment, please call on 0493 131 471 €790 000
Spacious new flat, 4 bedrooms in Auderghem: low-energy, modern heating/ ventilation, south facing garden, quiet street, 300m to metro (Hermann-Debroux), shops and Rouge-Cloître. Ground floor: garage, hall, studio/ bedroom or private practice (with own wc&shower room). First floor: spacious open-plan living with south-facing 18 m2 terrace and access to garden. Second floor: 3 bedrooms (14, 10 and 9.5 m2) with wc, bathroom. Price : 560.000 euros. Phone 0476/909 449, Fred@aspropos.be
FOR RENT To rent – EU area: Nice, quiet, fully furnished flat, 6th floor to the rear at Square Ambiorox. Living room with sleeping corner, wellequipped kitchen, bathroom with washing machine, hall, cupboards, balcony, parquet flooring. Rent: 675 € + ca 100 €. Contact: 0475 68 95 26
CHATELAIN 2 bedroom bright spacious modern apartment with PARKING: Available from mid December/ 1 January (negotiable). Oak floors, modern fully-equipped kitchen, large living/ dining room, 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms -1 ensuite, utility room, excellent storage, large shelved Cellar, low monthly charges. Gas. Consierge. Enclosed parking included. Metres from CHATELAIN bars/restaurants & public transport. €1500 . Contact owner reginabruges@gmail.com.
Beautiful 2 bedrooms apartment fully furnished in Woluwé: Very nice modern apartment in a calm residential area of Woluwé near Stockel. Recent building well isolated, double glazing windows. Surface inside: 80 m2: living room, American kitchen fully equipped, 1 bedroom with bathroom, 1 bedroom with shower room, laundry (washer and dryer), hall, separate WC, closets, terrace (SW), garage, cellar. The apartment has just been repainted and is fully furnished: beds, cupboards, TV, sofas, dinner table, Schools, shops (Delhaize Proxy, Carrefour Market, …), and restaurant at 400 m. Nearby public transportation: bus (36 & 28), tramway (39) and metro (Stockel). Monthly rent: 1200 EUR+ 100 EUR provision for charges (common+water). More pictures or infos: Tel : +32 485 183 393 or +32 486 632 703 – Email : michel.julien1960@gmail.com. €1 200.00
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
HOUSING 21
Fully Furnished 1-bedroom flat EU-Schaerbeek area: A nice apartment fully equipped and renewed in 2006 and 2011 (70m2): 1 bedroom with walk in wardrobe, living/dining/wooden floors. Kitchen fully equipped (dishwasher and washing machine). Bathroom and separate WC, double glazing and 2 cellars. Perfect for one person or a couple. Close to public transport. Located in Schaarbeek/ European Institutions/ bus and metro (Plasky/Dailly/Botanique/Madou/Schuman). Well situated. Available from end of November 1st of December for 9 -12 months. Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/87963919@N05/. Phone after 5pm 0473942647. Opportunity for internet and cable TV. Price par month: 750 euro+ charges (150 euro)
Fully renovated apartment, close to EU: Superb apartment in the capital of Europe, at a walking distance from the European institutions district. Schaerbeek (Brussels), EU & British International School area. Fully renovate, bright apartment 92m2 with high ceilings on 2d floor in ‘maison de maître’. Quite neighborhood. Close to public transport. 2 bedrooms, bathroom with bath and 2 sinks, fully equipped kitchen with fridge, oven and gas stove, living room, dining room, cellar, 12m2 south terrace. Convenient for 2 adults without children or 1 adult. For visits or more information, please contact us by phone (+32 495 46 51 76) or by mail (yna(at)yna.be) For more info, please visit www.yna.be. 875 Eur / Month
Appartment SAINT-GILLES/ Ma Campagne/Place du Chatelain : Appartment on the 2nd floor with: entrance hall, living room with wooden floor and fireplace, fully equipped kitchen with vitroceramic stove, night hall with built-in closets, bathroom with shower and toilet and a bedroom at the back. Cellar. Slate floor. Intercom with automat dooropener. Central heating with natural gas and counters. Private counters for gas, electricity and water. Phone and TV cable connections. Rent: 780 euros + 65 euros for heating provision. Deposit 2 months. Available from the 1st of November. Contact: jfherbecq@gmail.com 0477 35 14 16
High class 2-BR apartment in Woluwé Saint Lambert: Recent building in quiet residential area near European School and Woluwé Shopping Center (Avenue de Calabre 26), 3rd floor, 94 m². Bright & spacious living room with south-facing terrace, 2 bedrooms, parquet floors, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, separate WC, storage room, underground car space. Monthly rent 1050 € + charges 150 €. Call German owner 061/511.531 for more information and pictures.
SHARING EUR475 / 150ft² - Flatmate Wanted - Beg of December ‘13 (Brussels - Parc Royale): Hi everyone, Our nice flatmate is leaving our great apartment (follow link below for pics), so we are looking for a young and friendly professional for our flatsharing starting 01 Dec 13. We are a girl and a guy, very international and who speak English, Spanish, and French. It is a Penthouse Duplex in the 3rd floor w/ lift. First Floor: three separate rooms equal size, a big living room, toilet and big bathroom. Upstairs: extra big kitchen, dining room; “library” and terrace with barbecue! The apartment is aprox 150sq meters (yes its very big and spacious!) and located 2min from Metro “Parc” and 5min from Metro “Madou”, a clean and calm area with lots of restaurants around, next to the Royal Park. It is also furnished, including a fridge, washing machine, Wireless internet, fixed phone and TV w/ DVD. The rooms are about 15sq meters (furniture available to buy from previous flatmate). For Pics: www.flickr.com/photos/28141509@N07. Rent is 475Eur + 100 Eur for all charges (electricity & water, wireless internet, cable, fixed line, building charges, etc). Contact: Val at: valentin911@yahoo.com. Please include info about yourself.
Flat Mate Wanted: Street level room with double bed 4m x 4m with shared shower. 1 minute to tram which is 2 minutes to Montgomery metro, alternatively 5 minutes walk to Montgomery metro. 5 minutes to Woluwe Park, 30 seconds to Carrefour Express and 3 restaurants. Any interest please contact ed.readcutting@ gmail.com or text 0486534512. €600.00
BxlConnect
EU Affairs
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
22
Snapshot of Current EU Affairs
F
lemish composer Dirk Brosse has chosen an unlikely subject for his latest creation ....Herman Van Rompuy. Brosse plans to set some of the haikus written by the President of the European Council to music. It was Van Rompuy himself who posted the news on his Facebook page. Haikus are a form of Japanese poetry greatly loved by the ex-Belgian PM. Called 'Haiku Cycle One' it could be the surprise hit this Christmas!
I
t costs some €180m a year and produces 19,000 tonnes of CO2 but moves to abolish the European Parliament´s Strasbourg seat have moved a step closer. MEPs have voted for an EU treaty which could finally signal the end for the parliament´s monthly trek to Strasbourg. Most of the Parliament's work is done at its huge complex of offices and debating chambers in Brussels, but once a month 766 MEPs, 3,000 staff and
25 trucks carrying documents and equipment all decamp to Strasbourg to sit there for three days. But 78% of MEPs want the split-site arrangement scrapped, a call backed by some 1.3m EU citizens in an online poll.
K
ate Moss is a fan, as is Leonardo DiCaprio. With an estimated seven million users in Europe alone, electronic cigarettes are definitely on-trend. But public health experts are sharply divided about e‑cigarettes, with some arguing they could substantially cut deaths from tobacco while others warn they will only glamorise smoking, especially among the young. MEPs have now joined the debate by throwing out a European Commission proposal to treat e-cigarettes as medicines. The suggestion had been put forward by the Commission as part of measures to tighten tobacco regulations. Euro MPs voted to tighten other rules aimed at putting young people off smoking.
A
n information campaign has been launched by the European Parliament with the aim of raising the EU’s public profile and boosting turnout in next May’s Euro elections. The money will be spent on ‘publication, information and participation in public events' as well as ‘audiovisual information' and organizing ‘seminars, symposia and cultural activities'. Called, "This time it's different", the initiative is particularly keen to promote the fact
that, for the first time, the 751-seat parliament will elect the next European commission after the 22-25 May elections. A parliament source said, “With the majority of laws now being shaped at EU level, the European Parliament is at least as powerful as any national parliament. It is therefore important for voters to know what decisions are taken and how they can shape those decisions.”
P
akistani campaigner for girls' education Malala Yousafzai is the European Parliament´s laureate of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought 2013. She will receive the award at a ceremony in Strasbourg on 20 November. "By awarding the Sakharov Prize to Malala Yousafzai, the European Parliament acknowledges the incredible strength of this young woman. Malala bravely stands for the right of all children to be granted a fair education. This right for girls is far too commonly neglected", said Parliament president Martin Schulz.
BxlConnect
HEALTH & WELL - BEING
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
23
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
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
S Sama MASSAGE CENTER
Sama Massage Center Rue Général Leman 25 (50 meters from Place Jourdan), 1040 Etterbeek.
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”. Special Offer for readers of BxlConnect: 15% off on any 1h treatment (expect on other promotions), valid also on duo Massages. Please call to book an appointment.
+32(0)2 324 89 47 or +32(0)488 66 77 85 www.samamassage.be
Sama Massage is open all days of the week from 10am to 9pm.
HEALTH & WELL - BEING
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
24
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 30 November 2013.
CROSSFIT POWER FACTORY
Contact details: Bikram Yoga Merode, Avenue de Tervuren 8 1040 Etterbeek info@bikramyogabrussels.com www.fbyci.com
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 Boot camps and Personal training: Personal training programs tailored to each
individual client based on health and fitness history, personal goals and lifestyle, given by Certified Personal Trainer....at your home or outside in the nature. Women - only Boot Camps given by Certified Personal Trainer on different location at the morrnings or lunch time..in the Bois de La Cambre or Tervuren Park... new trimester starts after easter hollidays..Go at your own pace.Class is adapted for your fitness level. Get your space...classes are limited..first class is for free. All information on katjakosirnik@gmail.com
Doctor YANG acupuncture massage therapy in woluwe saint pierre: Prices: Acu-
puncture: 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 Personal Coach/ Coach Personnel: Lose weight, tone up, strengthening, wellness,
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
physical preparation, gain muscles, nutrition... Highly professional services of coaching in Brussels.
HOLISTIC BODY BALANCE AND POWER YOGA CLASSES: EVER WANTED to learn YOGA in a physical, hands-on approach using
your body and your breathing? (with self-compiled tracks that accompany each of your movements and soothe your mind) EVER WANTED to gain back your STABILTIY, FLEXIBILITY, CORE BODY STRENGTH, CONCENTRATION AND CALM while improving your BODY AWARENESS/CONFIDENCE? (using mainly YOGA, but also TAI-CHI and PILATES postures and moves). Contact Jean-Marc (40 Euros single coaching (at your home as well), coaching for groups of 2-4, 60 Euros). 0477 923 789 or jean-marc.nilles@education.lu
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
Banksy’s Bites 25
Banksy’s Bites
T
his cosy Indian restaurant is just outside Brussels in Uccle but is well worth visiting. Run by the ever-welcoming Rajesh Dalaya and his charming wife for the past three years, it has all the favourite Indian dishes that expat Brits in particular will probably miss from back home. The versatile Rajesh is also executive development chef for a leading airline but his passion is being in the kitchen at this 25-seat restaurant. His wife´s brother helps with the cooking but it is Rajesh who´s responsible for preparing the exquisite dishes.
Mumbai Dreams Rue Basse 9, Brussels Tel 02 375 4093 www.mumbai-dreams.be
There´s a la carte or the Nirvana menu, a choice of starters and mains which, at €25pp, is excellent value for money. There´s a particularly good choice of veggie dishes, not always common at Indian restos. The couple plan to introduce a revamped menu soon featuring monthly specials and, for the first time, that old favourite, biryani. If they are anything like his other dishes they will be absolutely delicious! A word of warning - it´s popular so it is best to reserve. Highly recommended.
Garuda, Adolphe Buyl 25, Brussels Tel 02 513 0592 www.garudabrussels.eu
I
ndonesia has no less than three embassies in Brussels but only one restaurant.... yes, Garuda remains the only Indonesian resto in town. It doesn´t matter as you´d be hard pressed to find anything better. Owner Sydney Houyoux wants the menu to reflect the fascinating cuisine of this sprawling country of 17,000 islands and, together with his very talented chef Yudi Yahya (who is from Java), he succeeds brilliantly. Particularly recommended is the delicious duck, cooked twice for up to four days to give it that extra flavor. When you think of Asian food, Indonesia still lags behind the likes of Chinese and Thai which is a great shame because when it is as good as at Garuda, it really is hard to beat. Opened four years ago, it seats 55 and there´s also a very pleasant garden. Sydney has filled the place with intriguing artifacts imported from Indonesia and is set to launch new winter entertainment, including a traditional violinist (2nd Wednesday every month) and an Indonesian dancer (by candlelight) every Thursday. He also produces a wonderful peanut sauce and chili sauce for sale to diners and is thinking of wine tastings in the New Year. If you´re tired of other Asian food, you really should try Garuda... 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.
BxlConnect
LEARNING
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
26
PRIVATE AND IN –COMPANY FRENCH/ENGLISH/DUTCH/GERMAN/ SPANISH/ ITALIAN/PORTUGUESE/SWEDISH/ NORWEGIAN/ RUSSIAN/POLISH/CHINESE/ARABIC/ TURKISH/ GREEK etc… • Schedule and content of the lessons (conversation, grammar, business, school examinations etc…) tailored to meet the student’s needs. • Same price for 1 up to 5 students. • Excellent qualified and dynamic teachers. • Certificate upon completion. • Courses in our facilities or at your place (in which case transport charges apply, from 15.00 EUR/lesson). Prices (courses in our facilities): • FR: from30.00 EUR/60min • EN: from 33.00 EUR/60min • NL-DE-IT-ES: from36.00 EUR/60min • OTHER LANGUAGES: from 48.00 EUR/60 min. • Teaching material & Registration fee: 15.00 EUR/student for the entire course.
• • • • •
SCHOOL GROUPS FRENCH/DUTCH/ENGLISH MORNINGS/EVENINGS/SATURDAY MORNINGS FALL LANGUAGE COURSES MORNINGS/EVENINGS/SATURDAY MORNINGS “LAST MINUTE”SUMMER LANGUAGE COURSES MORNINGS/EVENINGS Learn and put into practice immediately. Maximum 6 students in one class. Excellent qualified and dynamic teachers. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Certificate upon completion.
Prices (courses in our facilities): • FR: 275.00 EUR • EN: 285.00 EUR • NL: 295.00 EUR • Teaching material & Registration fee: 15.00 EUR/student for the entire course included in the above prices.
The Teaching material and Registration Fee (15.00 EUR) are offered to the readers of BxlConnect when presenting this ad at registration (offer valid until November 30, 2013). CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A LEVEL TEST 02-347.44.11 http://www.elsb.be e-mail: elsb@elsb.be
Internal Combustion workshop: Internal Combustion 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.… Private Violin Lesson: Experienced in teaching violin for kids and adults of all levels with solid and flexible methodology according to the needs of the student. I am currently finising my master degree for violin performance at Royal Music Conservatory of Ghent. Lesson is taught in English or Flemish or Indonesian Price: 20€/h (+5€ at your place) Location available: Grimbergen, Strombeek, Humbeek, Vilvoorde, Meise, Brussels, Ghent. Contact: amelia.tionanda@gmail.com or +32473624953 PRIVATE TUITION - MONTGOMERY AREA: Former teacher gives private English and Dutch tuition. Conversations. All levels, children/ adults. Mother-Tongue English (British). Dutch and French education. Phone calls only +32 477 761 962 ENJOY BRUSSELS WHILE YOU LEARN FRENCH IN A FUN AND EFFECTIVE WAY: As the seasons change and a new autumn is begun, why not come out and have some fun? Learn to talk and write, Cook and play, Belgian style...En Français. Native Belgian teacher, 20 years experience teaching: individuals, groups, businessmen / women, students, children, stay-at-home parents, “bons vivants”, complete beginners or savvy speakers... No problem. My office or yours. Together we’ll design a programme customized for you. First lesson free. References available. Tel: 0496 289 629. Location: 1150, Woluwé Saint Pierre. Walking distance 8 mins from metro Tomberg. 3 mins from tram stop 44/39 (Chien vert). E-mail: c_donnay@hotmail.com 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.
Lessons to you : French and Tutoring in Family & Children: I am qualified to teach French as foreign language for non-native speakers of French. I give private lessons to young children ( Preschool and Primary), students (High School ), and also to their parents. I create teachings games with movies. I assist their parents in their search for a job as in their dealings with the Belgian Administration. Brussels and Waterloo area. €350 for 10 hours. Invoice if requested. Cell Phone: 0496 380949, Claire Plisnier.
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
LEARNING 27
French classes for Expats We help you to settle more easily in your new life! Experienced teachers Classes custom - made for you Courses adapted to your interest At your place or in our school
Satisfaction
Intensive classes Small groups of maximum 3 students, 5 days, 3 hours/day, 15 hours in total, morning, afternoon, evening. We take the time to take care of each participants. EcoleDeLangues.be offers you French classes custom-made for you.
Private classes At your place or your work place. Flexible schedule. Classes are tailor-made and often updated during your training.
Group classes in companies Learn French with your colleagues at your work place. Small groups, experienced teachers. Flexible schedule.
Discount upon presentation of
this magazine! 0474 74 93 83
Guitar & Bass + Music theory Lessons: A music career? Be a guitar hero? A hobby? Dare! Lessons for Guitar: Electric/Acoustic/ Classic or Bass - Music Theory lessons - Mini-workshops for Practice or for Music theory - Theoretical & practical fundamentals; hand techniques; rhythm; chord theory; all chords dictionary; chord combining; in and out scales (harmony) ; scale analysis and use; improvisation etc. - All supported by exercises and pieces of your choice in a variety of styles... And GERO: the exciting collective experience! For more info, options & prices check: www.guitar-embassy.com Tel.: 0486 177 085 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
Test your level Now ! ecoledelangues.be/level-test
Piano lessons / vocal coaching: Piano lessons or 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
edlangues@gmail.com
EcoleDeLangues.be
for children from the age of 3 to 18 yrs
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
LANGUAGES on HOLIDAY
www. FlandersActingStudio.com www.FlandersActingStudio.com Located in 1060 Bruxelles (St. Gilles)
EMAIL : John@FlandersActingStudio.com TEL./GSM : 0498 54 20 55
FLANDERS ACTING STUDIO - BY AN ACTOR, FOR ACTORS
Languages: Arabic, German, FLANDERS ACTING STUDIO - BY AN ACTOR, FOR ACTORS English, Chinese, Spanish, French, The Flanders Acting Studio provides intensive, ongoing training for those who want to pursue Greek, Italian, Dutch & Russian. 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 Sports: Tennis, multisport, dance, 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. basketball, football, horse riding,… those of us who share and portray the most profound experiences of the human condition. Programs: immersion, half-day language, SOS exams, language + activity
Non Residential: Brussels, Etterbeek, Woluwe Laeken, Uccle,
Activities: cooking, music, circus, Weekly Introductory advanced conducted with a concentration on English to Private acting, and dialect and publicclasses speakingare coaching is also available. dance, photography, scuba diving, impro, art, cooking, science, first Help train actors for the growing English European markets. We work with the deepest Mention forportray a privatethe meeting John Flanders and toof audit aid,… 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. Residential: Stoumont and La Panne
Mention BxlConnect magazine for a private meeting with John Flanders and to audit one of our sessions.
Bring your copy of BxlConnect and receive a 10% discount upon enrolment!
Kiddy & Junior Classes 50 RUE DU TACITURNE – 1000 BRUSSELS TEL: 02.218.39.20 – FAX: 02.217.64.51
www.kiddyclasses.net
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
LEARNING
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
28 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.
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
Music Classes for Children: Parents sometimes wonder: “When is my child going to LEARN music?” At DingDong’s Music Together classes, instead of focusing on learning musical concepts, we support learning through immersion. Classes are not goal-oriented; we create musical experiences for your child rather than measuring his musical achievements. Your child will develop musically with this support and with the parents’ music-making model. DingDong offers music and movement classes for children ages 0 and up. Spring Term starts 16 April. Registration ongoing. http://www.dingdong-music.com/
Looking for a French trainer?: Dear expat, You have just arrived in Belgium and you hardly know a word of French? But you definitely need it in your dayto-day life and you feel completely lost? No worries, I’m there to help you and together we can work this out! I can be your linguistic coach who will not only teach you the basics of French but together we will also practice it “for real”: going to the supermarket, the post, the bank… Tailor-made and practical exercises will help you to quickly improve your French. If you would like to progress even quicker, I can offer immersion lessons or complementary practice through Skype. You are still hesitating? Well, give me a call and let’s meet then! The first lesson is free for mutual evaluation and for fixing the objectives. References can be sent upon request. Talk to you soon! Véronique Hamesse – SpAn Languages (Mont-SaintGuibert). 0476/25 40 13
Confucius Institute in Brussels Belgium-China Association n.p.o.
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
Chinese langue courses at all levels For adults and for children Chinese culture courses taijiquan / qigong / calligraphy painting / Chinese cooking workshops for schools internships in China possibility of scholarship in China 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/
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.
Bring your photography to the next level by exploring up your creativity!
You have invested in a brand new digital camera but you are only using the camera in “Auto” mode?
You see the perfect image but when you click, the image you capture is…. something else?
All those numbers and menu on your camera is "Chinese" to you?
Join us in an international, fun and highly interactive photography workshop. The workshops are conducted entirely in English through interactive discussions, live demonstrations. No textbooks. No jargon. No sweat! For more information : www.creatifimage.be
BxlConnect
English - Speaking Resources, Contacts, Deals and Offers in Brussels
Interview 29
Photos: © Christophe Ketels
Unique Holocaust museum in Mechelen promotes human rights A 20 minutes’ drive by car from Brussels takes you to Mechelen, a beautiful city with an imposing medieval cathedral. The reason for our visit was the brandnew Holocaust museum, located opposite to the so-called Kazerne Dossin. These former army barracks served as an assembly place from where more than 25 000 Jews and 352 Roma were transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 28 trains in 1942 – 1944. Only 5 % survived. The permanent exhibition tells us the story how this happened. The museum also organizes seminars and temporary exhibitions on atrocities and violations of human rights in modern history. Currently (until 11 November) a photo exhibition, “Enduring Srebrenica. The aftermath of genocide”, by the photographer Claudia Heinemann is shown.
Museum director Herman Van Goethem
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he museum building itself – a white monolithic building – is extraordinary. But what matters is of course the concept and content of the museum. Museum director Herman Van Goethem, a historian and legal expert by profession, was involved in the planning of the museum from the very start and explains to our readers why this museum leaves no visitor untouched. Q: Kazerne Dossin is a very special museum with a mission to remember the Holocaust in Belgium and to raise awareness about other genocides in our time. How would you describe the visitors to the museum? Do you receive study visits by school classes and visitors from abroad? A: Very much. Since the opening of the museum in December 2012, we have had 90 000 visitors, and this despite that the museum is hardly mentioned in any
tourist guides. A previous museum on the Holocaust used to receive 35 000 visitors per year. The number of visitors is growing all the time. Half of the visitors are school classes from all over Belgium. In fact, the Belgium parliament has issued a resolution that all schools should visit the museum. Ca 8 % of the visitors comes from abroad. Our concept on how to Kazerne Dossin— Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on Holocaust and Human Rights. Goswin de Stassartstraat 153, Mechelen, ph 015 – 29 06 60, www.kazernedossin.eu Open: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10 am – 17 pm
Interview
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Photos: © Christophe Ketels
30
present the Holocaust and link it to human rights today has attracted a lot of interest because of its universal message. Q: Some civil servants in Belgium refused to cooperate with the Nazis and tried to protect the Jewish inhabitants. Many children were hidden in private homes. But overall, the Holocaust in Belgium, as in other countries, was partly made possible by the cooperation of local authorities and police with the Nazi occupation forces. How does the museum explain this? A: The museum presents what happened in Belgium in a chronological way. A common thread runs throughout the permanent exhibition and is picked out by its historical structure: the behavior of the mass in the context of a collective fracturing of society. The separate registration of Jews was done early during the occupation although it was illegal according to Belgian law. Why? Anti-Semitism isn’t enough to explain it. People thought at the time that Germany was going to win the war and install a new order which would mean the end to democracy. In this new order there was no place for the Jews. They had to leave Belgium. The extent of the Holocaust wasn’t known yet. Cooperation with the occupation forces was mainly an expression of defeatism. What emerges from our research is that civil servants had a margin of discretion during the war. It was possible to resist and refuse to turn over the Jews without endangering one’s life. In Brussels, local authorities decided that it wasn’t allowed to carry out roundups of the Jews. In Antwerp and Liege the authorities collaborated. This is partly explained by regional differences in ideology at the time.
were imprisoned as collaborators but not for their persecution of the Jews. Because so many collaborated with the Nazis, it wasn’t possible to prosecute all of them and by 1950 only ca 400 persons remained in prison. Q: The museum is full of moving personal stories, shocking pictures and revealing documents. What are generally the impressions on the visitors? A: We haven’t evaluated this…the museum aims at presenting the facts in a serious and objective way. The text and pictures speak for themselves. The museum leaves hardly any visitor untouched. I as a director have to try to keep some distance but it’s impossible not to get emotionally involved. Designing the museum took three years and aroused strong feelings. It’s still an emotional effort to talk and lecture about the museum. The images from the museum will stay with you all the time. Q: Which are the lessons we can learn from the Holocaust in Belgium to prevent discrimination of minorities, violation of human rights and genocides? A: It’s easy to say that this must not happen again. Our museum wants to teach a universal lesson about the mechanisms behind the Holocaust. It’s true that the Holocaust is incomparable to other genocides in history but some mechanisms were similar: intolerance, discrimination, polarization, demonization and the use of increasing violence against the victims. A kind of Crystal night occurred in Antwerp in April 1941. It could be compared with the lynching of black people in the US. Our museum underlines that the foundation of a civilized society is human rights. The perpetrators of the Holocaust were very often normal persons but with a totally different set of moral values. The museum encourages the visitor to reflect about the meaning of a democratic society and the responsibility of the individual within it.
Q: After the war some collaborators and war criminals were tried and sentenced but many remained free or were released after a few years. Was there reluctance in Belgium, as in other countries, to deal with the Holocaust and the collaboration with the Nazis? Was the public not ready for a museum like this until now? A: It’s only in the last 20 years that we have assembled the documentation and gained the insights which made this museum possible. From that point of view the museum could hardly have been established earlier. Directly after the war 80 000 people
Photos: © Christophe Ketels
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SERVICES 31
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ARTICLE 35
THE FOLON FOUNDATION a Collection of Jean-Michel Folon's Masterpieces
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he Folon Foundation describes itself as strong, magical and astonishing, and these seem apt words to paint a picture of this unique spot just twenty minutes outside of Brussels’ city center. Arriving at Folon is a true escape from the sounds and stresses of quotidian city life. It is expansive, green and restorative--a place of both history and beauty. If you haven’t visited the Folon Foundation, it’s a gem waiting for you. Opened in 2000, the foundation is located on the bucolic farm of the Chateau de la Hulpe, deep in the heart of Solvay Park. The foundation opened as an initiative of the government of the Walloon Region, a way to turn the castle’s farmhouse and land into a symbol of Belgian culture. Artist Jean-Michel Folon was the perfect person to head the initiative of the space. His work has traveled museums and galleries around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Correr Museum in Venice, the Gaudí Museum in Barcelona and the Picasso Museum in Antibes. Folon donated the works to the Folon Foundation in 1998. As for the work itself, it’s a full and creative melange of watercolours, engravings, posters and sculptures. The work is in constant and stimulating dialogue with the space it inhabits, and music, film and optical effects are also an important part of the overall emotional impact of the exhibit. In total the work includes 39 watercolors, three ink paintings in colored and Indian ink, five oils on wood and collage, one oil on canvas and collage, 100 engravings, 50 color tests, 20 line drawings, 50 original engraved copperplates, 11 screen prints, 15 original objects, 12 sculptures in wood, 25 sculptures in plaster, two sculptures in polystyrene, 70 sculptures in patinated bronze, 154 original posters, 18 reproductions of illustrated envelopes, 18 sheets of stamps, eight Aubusson tapestries, two colored stained-glass windows, one automaton in painted resin, one mosaic, one fountain in pink marble, four photos and eight sundry objects. The foundation also has a social purpose, aiming to make art and beauty accessible and beneficial to all.
Admission is free for disabled visitors and profits from the foundation go to organizations working to help those with disabilities. Jean-Michel Folon, the artist and inspiration behind the foundation, passed away in 2005. In memorial to him, the foundation describes his impact on the world and those around him: “The serene and tender way he looked at people, his pure and clear gestures, the colours of his pallet that filled our dreams, his sympathy for all for all the great causes in this world.” There’s no better place to experience for yourself the colors of his pallet, the serenity and tenderness of his regard for art and beauty, than a visit to the Foundation Folon. As Folon himself described in an essay exploring his re-discovery of the Chateau de La Hulpe, a place from his youth: “The classicism, the sense of measure, the harmony of the place touched my heart. The spaces and the pathways had found in me a mysterious echo. We left the park taking the long path leading to the main entry. It took me right back to my childhood.
Practical information: Ferme du Château de La Hulpe Drève de la Ramée 6 A 1310 La Hulpe 02/653.34.56 Permanent exhibition open every day except on Mondays From Tuesday to Friday from 9h00 to 17h00 Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 18h00 Average visit duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Rue de la RĂŠgence 3, 1000 Brussels www.musee-magritte-museum.be