DAY TO DAY_19

Brussels, open to dialogue

Photo: Sven Laurent - Les soirées afterwork du @7au Mirano chaque jeudi

Guy Vanhengel, a non-conformist minister Distribué en partenariat avec

Supplément réalisé par La Tribune de Bruxelles - 28 novembre 2008

Edito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Very European Person 4-6 Cultural Diary. . . . . . . 6-9 Contact. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-18 Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Avant Propos

Afterwork . . . . . . . . . . 28 Pleasure . . . . . . . . . 22-26 Moving . . . . . . . . . . 27-28 Dolce Vita . . . . . . . . . . 30

S'intégrer c'est comprendre On entend de moins en moins de voix

pages de notre dossier : une politique

pour

qui

hermétique, un monde culturel lointain,

découleraient de la présence à Bruxelles

des difficultés administratives... Et c'est

des institutions européennes. Les erreurs

un repli sur soi qui découle de cette

du passé ont servi de leçon et aujourd'hui,

absence de repères… Alors que Bruxelles

l'Europe est vraiment vécue comme une

est une ville qui foisonne d'activités et

opportunité par les Bruxellois. Mais dans

d'occasions de s'ouvrir sur le monde !

l'autre sens, est-ce pareil ? Les Européens

L'essentiel est donc d'avoir accès à ces

sont-ils heureux de s'installer à Bruxelles ?

moyens d'intégration mais aussi de

Pas si sûr... Or la capitale compte plus de

comprendre la ville dans laquelle on vit.

déplorer

les

tracasseries

30 000 fonctionnaires et 150 000 expats internationaux, soit plus de 10% de la population régionale ! Une proportion significative qui justifie de se pencher très attentivement

sur

la

problématique

d'intégration de tous ces nouveaux habitants. Car on peut se sentir citoyen européen mais pas du tout citoyen d'une ville…

Nombre

de

travailleurs

C'est dans cette optique que le Bureau de Liaison Bruxelles-Europe propose depuis ce mois de novembre des Master Classes destinées à des fonctionnaires européens installés depuis un certain temps à Bruxelles et qui veulent approfondir leur connaissance du système belge.

Intéressés ? www.blbe.be

des

Institutions en ont fait les frais, ils sont nombreux à témoigner de cela dans les

Une idée, une suggestion, une réaction ?

Voici une adresse mail à votre disposition : d2d@tbx.be.

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V E RY E U RO P E A N P E R S O N

Guy Vanhengel, a non-conformist Brussels is the keystone in an arch consisting of Flanders of one side and Wallonia on the other. Take away the keystone and the arch collapses." The Brussels Foreign Affairs minister, Guy Vanhengel, doesn’t mince his words!

What do you like about Brussels?

W

hen it comes to defending the capital, the city where Guy Vanhengel was born and has lived for 50 years, the liberal Fleming (VLD) doesn’t miss a chance to strike a blow against his adversaries. "I’m a liberal. Yet, sometimes I think I’m a lot more leftwing than the socialist prime minister of Brussels, Charles Picqué, he jokes. In fact people often confuse capitalists, who look after money, with socialist liberals, who look after people. I’m one of the latter."

I

adore

the

non-conformity

and

cosmopolitanism. I also like this human scale, which you don’t find in many big European metropolises. Finally, I find that there is an incredible range of things to do, culture, good food … I would also add with a wink to the ex-pats - that Brussels has a big park, the Ardennes, and on one side, the North Sea! A lot of foreigners don’t really know Belgium but do know

Politics: this fun-loving character and fervent supporter of Anderlecht football club, got into politics through journalism. At 17, he was already working as the Brussels correspondent for Het Laatste Nieuws, a Flemish newspaper. Somewhat later, he launched a radio station, at that time a pirate radio station, with some friends. "These jobs enabled me to get to know the city at a very young age and to get involved in community life ", the minister recalls. Bit by bit, the trainee journalist, working as a teacher, became interested in politics and joined the VLD. He became spokesman for the Secretary of State, Annemie Neyts, then a certain Guy Verhofstadt… who was to be elected prime minister. Guy Vanhengel naturally took on the role of conseiller communal then of député régional, and finally of minister … A job which he has no intention of dropping once the regional elections finish next June. "I find it hard to accept the community problem which is paralysing the proper operation of institutions. I believe that this region is the economic powerhouse of any country.

"I intend to continue putting a lot into it. I’m too young to retire", he says, before giving one of those noisy laughs he is so good at.

Brussels. Conclusion: they think that our capital is on the coast!

What, in your opinion, is Brussels’ biggest fault ?

Without doubt, the fact that education does not reflect the cosmopolitan social profile of the city. There is a Dutch language education system, which I’m in charge of, which is small; and a wide French language system which has always operated within the framework of the greater Frenchspeaking world. They demand specialised knowledge of French and despise other languages. That gives rise to some really bad failures.

Is Brussels a city people integrate into easily?

Definitely. Brussels is cosmopolitan and has a historical tradition as a friendly city. In the past, we have had to welcome all sorts of foreigners: the Spanish, the Austrians, the

Currently the minister for the budget and finance, the liberal Fleming’s brief also includes foreign affairs. Something which Guy Vanhengel is particularly fond of, as someone who tries to maintain a balance in Brussels, above and beyond conflicts, to make the capital of Belgium a world-famous city.

Dutch. We also enjoy a geographical position on the frontier between Germanic and Roman cultures . That makes things easier … I believe that Brussels is the most cosmopolitan city I know. You can find at least one representative of every nationality in the world and the most widely spoken second language is English, ahead of

4/ VERY EUROPEAN PERSON

V E RY E U RO P E A N P E R S O N

Flemish. All these people have procreated!

This means that every individual in Brussels has a multiple identity.

This puts the Belgian problems into context …

community

When the community debate blows up, Brussels residents from all over the world cannot understand this bipolar Belgian logic.

They don’t feel involved. The only symbol they know is the Belgian flag … so they put it up at their windows!

People sometimes talk about a European ghetto in Brussels, do you share this view?

Some people like to exaggerate! I know ghettos in the world which are as big as the whole of the Brussels region. You can walk through the site the institutions are on in Etterbeek in ten minutes… So for me, the term ghetto is totally inappropriate. The only problem which I can see for the European quarter is its monofunctionality. The place literally empties at night because there is nothing but offices. That can’t be a good thing.

The Brussels government wants to change that …

We want to reintroduce mixed usage thanks to a project in the rue de Loi and surrounding area. The idea is to spread the offices out more and put residential accommodation in between. We’re working on it, but it will take several years yet to develop the idea.

Doesn’t Europe need to expand as well?

Indeed, the Union will have to find additional land in future. The government is proposing two sites: Delta, near the ULB, and Josaphat, between the boulevards Léopold III and Lambermont, in Evere. I think the latter is an ideal site because it is situated on an axis easily accessible from the current European quarter and which leads to Brussels Airport.

The Brussels Region has launched a master classes for Europeans project (see “Focus” ahead). What is the point of this?

We have found that new residents were not always sure about our institutions. And these new residents, many of whom are university graduates, were really interested in finding out more. They are especially intrigued by the Belgian federal system: it offers a mix between community and regional territorial authority, in an even more complex way in Brussels than elsewhere. This system is of particular interest to new members of the Union, who have to face the problems of minorities.

What does "being integrated" mean to you?

That exists, does it? This kind of concept causes me problems. We live in a cosmopolitan environment which runs according to rules and customs which evolve with the sociological profile of the city. The goal is that each and every one of us behaves in this environment with as much individual freedom as possible, provided that they don’t harm the freedom of others. If everyone abides by this rule, everyone is integrated!

Some people say that in order to be integrated, you need to know the everyday local language. In Brussels, that could be said to be English. Yet our public institutions in Brussels don’t use this language very much.

The rules of community communications mean that our administrative bodies lack the spontaneity and goodwill to speak English. So for me, it’s the public authorities in Brussels which aren’t integrated enough !

Thrust and Parry A writer: Willem Elschot. One of his books has been translated into many languages: "Cheese".

A book: "Lijmen en het Been" [Soft Soap and the Leg] Willem Elschot. The story of a swindler which is still very up-to-date.

A composer: Mozart A hero: Charles Buls, Mayor of Brussels at the end of the 19th century.

A place of rest: Avoriaz, in the Alps What I hate: Everything which is wrong, both intellectually and factually.

The biggest lesson I have learned in my life: I had a breakdown. Since then, I know that the physical capacity of a human being is not unlimited and you have to manage your time.

A Belgian expression: "Tes vui Buls" which means "for your, it’s free", when you offer someone a drink, for example.

VERY EUROPE AN PERSON /5

C U LT U R A L D I A RY

Design rendez-vous, Christmas in the bag!

Pro Materia has selected designers and design brands which will transform more than forty rooms and the lobby of TheWhiteHotel into solo creative exhibitions and temporary miniboutiques for two days. On the ground floor, a customised bar featuring design installations and performances will welcome guests with drinks. Come and take a look at and buy Love Collections by talented designers and design brands.

Gifts with a Belgian or Norwegian feel will invade every floor. Luc Vincent’s “Dark on the Hotel Front” lighting installation is a final tribute to the 50th anniversary of Brussels Expo ‘58. Selected pieces will feature in the e-boutique at www.thewhitehotelselection.com.

Surprising Nordic Sunday brunch.

Saturday 13 December from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday 14 December from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

THEWHITEHOTEL, 212, Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels. www.designr-rdv.be.

Free admission.

6/ C U LT U R A L D I A RY

Festival of Magic in Wavre On 12, 13 and 14 December 2008, for the fifth year in a row, the Macamagie non-profit making association is venturing into the world of magic and enchantment, as it organises the Festival of Magic and Enchantment, Macamagie 2008, at Wavre Town Hall, with the support of the Province of Walloon Brabant and Wavre Town Council.

Following “Harry Potter” in 2004, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in 2005, “In the Realm of the Snow Queen” in 2006 and “In Fairyland” in 2007, this year we are delving into the universe of Jules Verne with “Voyage to the Centre of Magic”. From the festival’s opening night to the breakfasts and afternoons, this year’s magical weekend will feature the Compagnie de la Sonnette, a wide variety of events and a giant puzzle game, bringing

together the laughter of children from Macamagie with the brilliance of the stars from our magical universe.

The evenings will spotlight internationallyrenowned magicians.

The public will be able to show its appreciation for Huang Zheng (China), Doug Spincer (Belgium), Bob Alan (Belgium), Juan Mayoral (Spain), Alain Slim (Belgium), Yukki (Japan), Rafael (Belgium) and Arnow (French Magic Champion 2008), under the mentorship of Gaëtan Bloom (France).

From 12 to 14 December. Wavre Town Hall. For more information and tickets, visit www.macamagie.be.

The scarf scarpers Three years ago, the Le Fourquet Cultural Centre knitting circle set itself a challenge, namely to get into the Guinness Book of Records by beating the record for the longest scarf. Over time, the record was beaten and the members of the knitting circle decided to stop.

Today, the scarf measures 2.7 km long!

Stas, Leïla Foulon and Tatiana Bohm.

The Le Fourquet team wanted to create an artistic, unifying and festive event, and so the Cultural Centre called on various artists/visual artists for projects which would give the scarf a new lease of life. A selection panel chose three artists, Perrine

Le Fourquet Cultural Centre in the town of Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December. For more information, visit www.lefourquet.be or call 02/469 26 75.

All three have invented textile installations which you can see during the weekend of the Berchem Christmas Market on 13 and 14 December.

C U LT U R A L D I A RY

Miouzz.com: an improvised live concert F

amous in Belgium, France and Quebec for their musical improvisations, The Extincteurs put on more than 800 shows, including Forest National, Cirque Royal, Flanders Expo, Wallonia Festival, etc. The group subsequently split and, convinced that they complemented each other artistically and musically, some of the group’s musicians then decided to come together in a new configuration to continue to create and perform musical/theatrical shows aimed at as wide an audience as possible.

improvised song to which the lyrics and music are totally original.

This led to the creation of miouzz.com, a unique and ephemeral show, featuring three musicians, three comedians and a host (link between the public and the stage).

On 4 December at Biéreau Farm in Louvain La Neuve and on 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13 December at Espace Delvaux, Place Keym in Boitsfort.

Members of the public shout out the themes, musical genres and categories at random, and the musicians and comedians only have a few seconds in which to come up with an

For more information and tickets, call 0495/ 28 26 14 or visit www.miouzz.com

A totally wild interactive show!

With comedians Katia Mele, Perrine Delers, Olivier Leborgne, Stéphane Pirard and John Dumon, musicians Franck Heymans, Philippe de Meersman, Michel Linthout and Pierre Poucet and hosts Thibaut Nève or Eric Lefèvre.

DANSE

Barbie's story After having revisited Alice in Wonderland, the choreographer David Sonnenbluck is going in search of Barbie. “Barbie Story”, his new contemporary ballet, features Barbie through the ages, from one fashion to another, and magnifies his dancers, sometimes on points, sometimes in stiletto heels. The Brussels Ballet Company founded by David (a former student of Maurice Béjart) is made up of dancers from all backgrounds, who pirouette to powerful music. The costumes designed by Johanne Riss are ravishing, and transport us in a single bound from the 1950s to the modern day!

On 29 and 31/12/08, 14 and 15/01/09 at the Woluwe-SaintPierre Cultural Centre, 93, Avenue Charles Thielemans 1150 Brussels – www.fnac.be; Tel. : 0900 00 600

C U LT U R A L D I A RY

BOZAR

MEMO

Cinema for good children

Equestrian purity

All children (whether or not they are good) will be spoilt on Sunday 7 December at the Palais des Beaux-Arts! They will be able to watch the incredible adventures of Krtek, the little mole, and meet Father Christmas and Black Pete, who will be there especially for the occasion. Krtek, the little mole, lives in the middle of the forest, surrounded by lots of friends, including the pretty little mouse, the lazy hedgehog, the smart rabbit, the lisping bee and many others! The Little Mole is also smart, whimsical, funny and exciting, and will enable young and old alike to enjoy themselves in an atmosphere of charm, gentleness, poetry and euphoria.

The Cadre Noir de Saumur will be performing in Brussels on 5 and 6 December, accompanied by Julia Migenes, the Brussels Orchestral Ensemble and the European Union Choir!

A genuine social phenomenon in the Czech Republic for over 40 years, tiny tots are just as captivated by it today. The showing is a compilation of short animation films by Czech animator Zdenek Miler, each depicting a new adventure for Krtek and his friends. Nonexistent dialogue is replaced admirably by highly evocative music and sound effects.

Father Christmas and Black Pete will greet the children after the film to give out sweets.

Brussels Expo. For tickets, visit HYPERLINK www.sherpa.be or call 0900 84 100.

Sunday 7 December 2008 – 11 a.m. Palais des Beaux-Arts - Henry Le Boeuf Hall.

Suitable for children over the age of two.

Czechoslovakia, 1976, animation, colour, 1965. No dialogue, no subtitles. For information and tickets, call 02 507 82 00, or visit www.bozar.be

CO N TAC T Every month, Day to Day describes a Brussels commune from a practical point of view. Who do you need to approach regarding administrative matters ? How are you welcomed in your commune?

What are its pro-European initiatives ? Here you will find all the information you need !

Etterbeek, the European lung Plus d’un quart des habitants d’Etterbeek sont européens.

M

ore than a quarter of Etterbeek residents are Europeans. That just shows how the immediate proximity of the main institutions based in Brussels influences the composition of the foreign population living in this commune. In fact, it is right next to the European district, but does not, however, include administrative buildings housing the European Communities, except for the Borschette conference centre in Rue Froissart. In the north of the commune can be found a large number of European representations, and numerous services which come under the Commission and, especially, the European Parliament.

However, Europe’s influence on Etterbeek isn’t just seen in its foreign population figures.

There are a large number of European shops.

Just think of Place Jourdan, where almost every EU Member State is represented, and where European officials make up a large proportion of the customers.

10 things you mustn’t miss: • The Hap foundry, the last sand foundry in Brussels (66, Rue Louis Hap, www.fonderie-hap.be) • The chip shop in Place Jourdan • The Albert Hall Art Deco complex (651, Chaussée de Wavre) • The studio of master glass artisan, Pierre Majerus (54-64, Avenue de la Chasse) • The Cauchie Art Nouveau house-cumstudio, and its examples of scratch work (5, Rue des Francs) • La Baronnie, the oldest residence in Etterbeek (56-58, Chaussée de SaintPierre) • The relatively unknown Félix Hap small park (on the corner of Avenue d’Auderghem and Chaussée de Wavre) • The René Carcan Foundation, dedicated to engraving (122, Rue Champ du Roi) • The Brussels-Europe Liaison Office (www.blbe.be) • The Arrière-Scène friendly theatre workshop (www.arriere-scene.be)

10 / CO N TAC T

Demographic situation • Demographic situation : 44,334 (as at 03/10/08) • Number of registered European nationals: 12,968 (as at 03/10/08)

The 10 most represented nationalities: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

France: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.065 Poland: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.622 Italy : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.523 Spain : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.007 Portugal: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .932 Germany: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 886 UK: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .784 Romania: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .397 Greece : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379 Netherlands: . . . . . . . . . . . . .368

Mindful of this European dimension, Etterbeek was one of the first communes to place European Affairs within the remit of the council. At its initiative, an Advisory Committee on European Affairs has been set up. It includes several tens of members who live in the commune and reflect the various nationalities represented within the EU. This committee meets regularly to discuss all kinds of issues, debates and proposals related to the presence of Europeans in Belgium or in Brussels. www.etterbeek.be

Etterbeek Town Hall 113-115, Avenue d'Auderghem 1040 Brussels

Silence, on joue…

Ssh, it’s about to start…

“Yes, peut-être” by Marguerite Duras.

Women reinvent the past and talk about our ridiculous warlike society dominated by the US model. Espace Senghor, on 7, 8, 12, 13 and 14 November at 8.30 p.m., www.senghor.be “50° Rio Festival” Film showings, concerts and dances to warm up in a tropical atmosphere. Espace Senghor in association with the Brazilian Embassy.

From 16 to 19 November, www.senghor.be

- Population Service (to renew your identity card): 02/627.26.02 population@etterbeek.be - Administrative Office for Foreigners (to register with the commune): 02/627.24.32 etrangers@etterbeek.be - European Affairs: 02/627.23.28 affaireseuropeennes@etterbeek.be

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FOCUS

BECOMING INTEGRATED, means becoming a citizen Every year, 1500 new arrivals come to the Belgian capital to work in the European institutions or foreign businesses. They do their best to understand this city, which is completely new to them, and to get used to it. Fortunately, initiatives have been set up to make their lives easier, like the Master Classes launched this autumn.

B

russels and Europe – a story of love

citizens of Brussels. Brussels has more than

and

European

30,000 officials and 150,000 international

Léopold

expats, which comes to more than 10% of

district, they brought disillusionment to this

the region's population (1,048,491 people in

part

been

2008). This is a significant proportion, and

requisitioned to become an administrative

justifies taking a very careful look at the

haven. In the years that followed, many of

problems of integration of all these new

the people of Brussels continued to take a

residents.

hate.

Institutions of

the

When

the

invaded

city,

the

which

had

dim view of this bureaucratic influx … The financial black hole of the Berlaymont asbestos removal work, the bottlenecks

The Tourist’s view

during the European summits, the rent rises blamed on the high spending power of

“Integration starts with acceptance of

European tenants … all conspired to worsen

change…”

the negative image of this whole section of

Council of the European Union.

the town.

travelling

But things have changed since then. Lessons have been learned from past mistakes, and Brussels now sees Europe as an opportunity.

“The European authorities have understood that on the heels of the French “non” to the

Suzana Carneiro works at the a

great

deal,

this

After Franco-

Portuguese lady has landed in Brussels. “I have integrated easily, in the sense that I get on very well with my colleagues, but otherwise I find it difficult to integrate in the city in general, because I really want to go back to live in Paris or Portugal one day. So

Constitution, they need to open up more to

I often tend to criticize everything here.”

the City.

Likewise, the Brussels authorities

While the ability of the European officials in

themselves must put something back into

the city to integrate undoubtedly has its

the district”, commented the Brussels

personal and sentimental side, it must also

Minister for Tourism, Evelyne Huytebroeck, in

be admitted that arriving in a city one

the spring of 2007.

doesn’t know is disorienting.

The Assises du

The lack of

Tourisme, held in Brussels at the end of 2005

known landmarks turns one in on oneself.

to revitalize the sector, also highlighted the

Now, Brussels is a city bustling with cultural

fact that the focus should no longer be “on

activities and opportunities to open up to the

inward-looking bureaucratic Europe, but on

world. So the newly-arrived expat can get to

the real Europe, which is being built up day

know the city where he or she is preparing to

by day, the Europe of the people, the Europe

live as a tourist first of all.

of “L’Auberge Espagnole”, not the Europe of the international lobbies.”

Aware of the cultural and tourism assets of the Belgian capital, the BITC (Brussels Tourist

For while there is a crucial need, from

Bureau) has, at the initiative of the Minister

planning and functional points of view, for

for Tourism, Evelyne Huytebroeck, developed

integration of the Institutions in the city,

the

what is much more important is enabling the

(www.brusselstofpeople.eu). The idea is to

people who work there to become true

propose to Brussels residents from the 27

12 / Day to Day in Brussels

concept

of

Tof

People,

FOCUS

member States of the European Union who have been selected by the BITC that they should promote their city throughout the world and, in particular, in their countries of origin. These ambassadors, backed by tourism professionals, create blogs on the Internet to talk about why they love living in Brussels, the places they like, the restaurants and shops they go to, the activities they take part in, etc. This will enable newcomers to look at the website and find advice on how to make the most of Brussels, often in their own language. In exchange, the BITC regularly invites these "Tofpeople" (“tof” means “great” in the Brussels dialect) to cultural events to enrich their knowledge of the capital.

“The idea is really to bring the European dimension of Brussels down to a human scale”, explains Patrick Balcaen from the

Treaty of Rome, and has already enabled hundreds of Europeans to express their feelings on the Web. In 2009, the BITC will select a hundred new "Tofpeople" to extend the experiment.

stress management and change”, says Suzana Carneiro, a Council employee. “To help new colleagues in Brussels, the Commission provides a two-day welcome and around 8 days' training during the first year. Thanks to the first two days’ welcome,

Formalities for residents But this “postcard” view is, of course, only one aspect of the integration of the European officials in Brussels. Red tape, made more complex by the Belgian political situation, often makes arrival in Brussels chaotic, or at least complicated. “When I joined the administration and discovered that they didn’t even take credit cards, I was horrified. I felt as though I were in Paris in the ‘70s”, says Aurélie Poinsot, a Frenchwoman working at the Commission.

new colleagues quickly set up a network of acquaintances within the Commission”, says Norman Jardine, in charge of training at the Commission. A website called Intracomm, exclusively for officials, and containing lots of information, is also available.

This is why, in 1991, the Brussels Region created - and still subsidises 100% - the Bureau de Liaison Bruxelles-Europe (BLBE).

“Our mission is to promote the image of Brussels as European capital and to make the people of Brussels aware of Europe”, says Carlo Luyckx, Director of the BLBE. ”Our first task is to give the Europeans a warm welcome to our city, in particular via free administrative assistance.”

So the BLBE

helps newcomers to handle all the necessary formalities via a website (www.blbe.be) and personal advice. “Our site has 300 to 400 hits a day and is already full of information.

Since we came into existence, we have already handled 50,000 cases. We are more in demand every year. In 2007 alone, we had 5,000 requests”, says Carlo Luyckx.

But the Bureau de Liaison is also proactive.

“We try to solve the problems at the source”, insists Carlo Luyckx. At one time, it sometimes took residents a year to get a telephone line, because there was an administrative problem with the operators.

We made the decision-makers get together to sort it out.” Today the Bureau de Liaison is looking at another set of problems - the work permits of the wives of officials, especially those from countries new to the Union. “We also help nationals who so wish by checking their leases, because some owners take advantage to add exorbitant clauses”, adds the Director. office of Evelyne Huytebroeck. “We have realised that when people want to explore a new town they look more and more to the Internet and the experiences described by other travellers, and less and less to the official statements of the tourist offices.

Recently, on the Tripadvisor tourist site, internet users classified Brussels as the most boring city. We must adapt our strategy to show on the internet that this view is false.”

This experiment started in 2007, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the

The European authorities do have in-house tools to help newly-arrived officials in Brussels. “There is a “Privilege and Immunities” department which deals with administrative procedures. A mentor who came to Belgium before us is also allocated to us. We can contact him, because he already knows a lot of places and can advise us on places to go to, things to do in general, (shopping, restaurants, outings, and so on). Finally, we have four days’ training, when we talk, among other things, about

In the same context of integration and understanding of Brussels, the BLBE offers a Starter Kit to any expat who would like one.

This consists of a lunchtime session on the topic of Brussels, its history, its growth, and its future; a cultural visit, and an excursion to explore the city.

FANNY BOUVRY

13

FOCUS

The authorities, promoting integration Once they have settled in, European residents can, little by little, integrate more durably in Brussels life .. and gradually become full citizens.

I

f the Europeans are to feel at home in Brussels, the local authorities have their part to play. Today, most of the districts making up the capital have their Euorpean affairs councillor. His mission is to help European nationals with their procedures, and also to involve them in the life and management of the district.

often provide interesting solutions which have

“I am convinced that in order to give Europe new impetus, we must build a Europe for the people. And the local level, close to the people, has a vital part to play in this”, says Delphine Bourgeois, the councillor in charge of European matters at Ixelles. In this district of 80,000 inhabitants, 25% are non-Belgian Europeans. In addition, the Parliament is situated within this district. So the policy of Ixelles with regard to the Europeans is relatively developed.

European nationals to vote in the local

In addition to the administrative assistance offered to new residents in the various districts of the capital city, Ixelles holds meetings every six months. The Europeans are invited to come and give their opinions on how the district is working. “I have realized that all these people are actually more in touch than the Belgian residents, and

14 / Day to Day in Brussels

come from their countries of origin, on topics such as cleansing or safety, for example. The Europeans are increasingly willing to invest in their adoptive city”, observes Councillor Delphine Bourgeois. European citizenship is thus developing little by little at local level.

And this is reinforced by the possibility for elections. “At the last elections, there were many more Europeans registered to vote than in the past.

F.B.

FOCUS

Master-Classes to get to know Belgium better

Š Ruslan Kerimov | Dreamstime.com

16 / Day to Day in Brussels

B

ut this increasing commitment by the new inhabitants is still often held back by a lack of understanding of the Belgian system. “I don’t understand it at all”, exclaims a Commission official.

"And that totally prevents me from integrating. A few days ago, my optician was talking to me about Joëlle Milquet (a Federal Minister and President of the CDH party). “And I didn’t know what to say. In Belgium, everything seems to me to be doubled up… It’s ridiculous!”

It is in this context that the Bureau de Liaison Bruxelles-Europe has, this November, started offering Master Classes for European officials who have been living in Brussels for some time and would like to know more about the Belgian system. The courses are in 4 parts: themed explanations of the urban dynamics of Brussels, excursions, meetings with the institutions of Brussels, and an introduction to the cultural life. The course,

made up of 20 modules, is organized jointly

Luyckx, Director of the BLBE. This is why the

by two Brussels universities, the Université

authority

Libre de Bruxelles and the Vrije universiteit

organizes activities to make the European

Brussel, and is designed for senior officials.

district and its institutions more accessible

“Within the European institutions, there are

to the people of Brussels. For example, the

officials in charge of buildings, security, or

Bureau de Liaison has set up an on-line

transport - they should be able to find out

game

more about how Brussels works”, considers

(www.europeisbling.eu) designed for young

Minister Guy Vanhengel, in charge of the

people, to explain what Europe is.

External Relations of the Brussels Region. A

Bureau also regularly holds training courses

class in English, accommodating 29 people,

for local authority administrative staff so

is now under way, and one in French will be starting at the beginning of 2009.

The

results of this programme will then be analysed in order to continue this cycle of classes in the longer term and make it

that

subsidized

called

they

can

by

the

“Europe

Region

is

contribute

Bling"

to

The

the

administrative aspects of the arrival of these Europeans, a complex, changing matter, especially after the enlargement of the EU. Many citizens’ associations, such as the

accessible to more people.

“Brussels must get rid of its Belgo-Belge shackles. The image of Europe in Brussels now is of a bureaucracy, not a project. The people who are being paid to build Europe

Atelier de Recherche et d’Action Urbaine and Provelo, also organize regular visits to the European quarter, which help to demythologize this temple to bureaucracy.

should consider how to build the city, and

And, again with a view to communication,

vice versa,” says Eric Corijn, the VUB

the

professor behind this course project. “The

(www.brusselsinternational.be) has set up

Europeans who are building Europe in

the map guide “Brussels. My Capital, My

Brussels are not all well integrated, and, if

European Districts”, which suggests a

they are, this is often only individually, as

European route from the Mont des Arts to

residents. They should be integrated as

the Parc du Cinquantenaire.

citizens and have intentions with regard to

Brussels

tourist

office

All these initiatives have a single ultimate

the future of the city.”

aim - to ease the borders between Europe and Brussels through the men and women who live and work there. In coming years,

And vice versa

the reallocation of the Rue de la Loi and

Full integration – although the term is still

the discussions on the guideline plan for

relatively stigmatizing, as Guy Vanhengel

the European Quarter will – it is hoped –

points out in his interview (see page 4/5) –

bear their first fruits, giving the European

thus involves commitment to the city as a

Quarter a new mix of housing and offices.

citizen.

But the integration of Europe in

Then Europe will be able to pride itself on

Brussels is also a matter for the people of

having achieved its integration in Brussels -

Brussels

and vice versa!

themselves.

For,

while

the

European district and the people who work

F.B.

there must open up to the city, the opposite is also true. And this is one of the tasks of the Bureau de Liaison Bruxelles-Europe “We want to make sure that the Europeans feel more as though they belong to Brussels,

www.blbe.be;

and at the same time that the people of

www.brusselsinternational.be;

Brussels feel more European”, insists Carlo

www.brusselstofpeople.eu

FOCUS

Between ourselves I

ntegration is also crucial in the leisure sphere, in order to be able to enjoy the capital and develop there. While new residents often join in with activities in Brussels quite quickly, they are also happy to meet other expats from time to time to discuss their careers, find people who can advise and guide them, or just have fun together. This is one of the aims of the @seven evenings held in the Mirano night club at Saint-Josse.

Every Thursday evening, from 7 o’clock onward, expats can have a bite to eat and then dance, and the evening ends at a reasonable hour.

Admission is by membership card. “When somebody new arrives, we test him out a little on his knowledge of English when he comes in, and we ask him for his business card," says Catherine Jacobs, the organizer.

“The idea is really to bring together the

18 / Day to Day in Brussels

international community and open-minded people who speak English.”

The public come from the Commission and the Parliament, and also from international businesses. Generally, 700 to 800 people meet up at the Mirano every Thursday, including many Italians and Spaniards, plus Germans, Britons, and people from the new Union member countries. “We have been in existence for 5 years, and we’re still successful”, says Catherine Jacobs. “The profile of Brussels has changed in 10 years, and there was a real demand for this - a British-style party, not going on too late, and with open-minded people.”

F.B.

SOCIÉTY

HERITAGE SITES

A tool for integration, awareness and cultural exchange In 2007 the European Union set itself a new cultural agenda intended to intensify cooperation in the era of globalisation. More than ever it promotes learning from the experiences of other countries and sharing those experiences with other interested partners. In such a context restored buildings play an important role as centres for training, integration and new contacts.

T

oday no one would deny that culture can play an essential role in the integration process because of its many social, economic and political implications.

Heritage restoration sites established for training purposes are good examples of this.

In recent years associations all over Europe have been running courses in restoration on historic sites. Each group of volunteers, each course, social network or school outing has its own objectives but all make a full contribution to conservation and awareness through promoting our cultural heritage.

In Belgium for example for almost ten years the old Cistercian abbey of Paix-Dieu has housed a centre for improving heritage skills. Through a series of courses aimed at various professions in the heritage sector, this centre managed by the Wallonian Heritage Institute passes on architectural know-how in a unique and remarkable fashion. Some forty courses combining theory and practice are run on different sites and in the abbey itself, which is still under restoration. Excursions are organized for schools intended to make children more aware of their heritage and the quality of their environment (www.paixdieu.be).

In the same spirit the German foundation for the protection of monuments, the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz has created a programme designed to introduce children to Europe’s cultural heritage.

The Jugendbauhütten are practical and theoretical one-year courses covering all disciplines linked to monument conservation. As well as gradual

20 / S O C I E T Y

skill acquisition, young people enjoy work experience in groups and also the pleasure of contributing to the visible success of a project to restore part of their common heritage (www.denkmalschutz.de/jugendbauhuette0.h tml). There is also the “International training centre for the conservation of buildings’ in Bontida in Romania which has already trained some 800 people from 13 European countries while contributing to the renovation of the baroque Castle of Banffy (www.heritagetrainingbanffycastle.org).

These three associations have recently received awards from the European Union and Europa Nostra. Rempart, a French association, has been organizing holidays with a difference for thousands of young people every year for forty years. They can volunteer to restore historical sites across France and even abroad. There is no need for prior experience since the enthusiastic team teach the children traditional restoration techniques as part of a project. But as well as being educated and learning about their heritage, these sites provide the opportunity for intercultural contacts and exchanges, for dialogue and new commitments (www.rempart.com).

In Great Britain the Historic Houses Association organizes several events to celebrate its history and heritage, and the National Trust of Scotland coordinates a series of restoration programmes for volunteers. The Isle of Saint Kilda is a highly successful and unique natural reservation which has

UNESCO world heritage status. Every year some twenty volunteers with different types of experience spend time on the island restoring its historical buildings. In the nineteen fifties the island was bequeathed to the National Trust after its last inhabitants were evacuated (www.nts.org.uk).

Apart from these few examples which combine training in heritage professions with a desire to know more, to exchange ideas and promote a cultural dialogue, the Atelier Vendéen du Patrimoine focuses on another social issue – integration. Teams made up of professionals and individuals on rehabilitation programmes restore and maintain the region’s historic monuments. These mixed teams working on a site enjoy mutually beneficial friendships, while those with social problems learn they too can contribute. Working under a specific contract, these disadvantaged workers are constantly assisted on site and attend external courses in both building professions and more general top-up education such as literacy and computer skills.

When a site is completed 20% of the workers are ready to join the ordinary labour market and 50% continue their rehabilitation in a positive spirit. This would never happen without the continuous backing of the Atelier Vendéen du Patrimoine, and the financial aid of many partners (asso@avep.fr).

Donatienne de SEJOURNET

A F T E RWO R K

THE RIGHT COURSE Heirloom beat the crisis!

vegetables

Eating out at Pimprenelle et Nicolas is like going in search of seasonal dishes made using wild flowers and plants, heirloom vegetables and spices from around the world. It’s refined and fairly surprising, and it must give you lots of energy since the owners of the place have decided not to let the crisis which is shaking the world get them down. From their little restaurant in the Quai aux Barques, they are cocking a snook at it by creating a welcome meal deal.

A 1 Euro meal deal is available Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. If a table of at least 4 people opts for a 3, 4 or 5 course meal (drinks not included), one person will pay 1 Euro for their meal. What’s more, this meal deal will be on offer for the duration of the crisis.

Is your mouth watering already? Here are a few suggestions from the menu!

For starters, how about salmon carpaccio marinated in vodka and lovage, buckwheat blinis and soured cream? For mains, what about chorizo-scented mullet, puy lentil and plantain velouté with crispy flowers or fillet of cod with a herby crust and heirloom vegetable millefeuille? Not forgetting dessert, including seasonal fruit en papillotte with wild clover honey and pear sorbet.

Nicolas et Pimprenelle Restaurant, 4, Quai aux Barques, 1000 Brussels - Tel./Fax: 02 219 99 98. www.nicolasetpimprenelle.com

PREPARATIONS X-PERIENCE Dining in the dark won’t pass unnoticed...

From 4 December, Only4Senses is taking up residence for six days a month in the vaulted cellars of the Saint-Hubert Galleries in Brussels to offer a unique experience, namely spending the duration of a meal in complete darkness. Guided and served by a team of blind people trained for the purpose by the Braille League, Only4Senses is an experience which sharpens all of your senses, with the exception of sight. Once you are in the dark, the other 4 senses (hearing, touch, smell and taste) are heightened. The meals which are served at Only4Senses take into account known tastes and textures, but are prepared in such a way that the guests embark on a journey of (re)discovery of the products. The menu is always a surprise, and its theme varies every month. It has been devised by the excellent chef of the Vaudeville Restaurant, and includes a starter, a main course and a dessert.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

After work you then have to start work on your Christmas preparations! When it comes to the tree, we’ve got it covered. From 5 December, Silex, together with Ricochet, will be holding its traditional Christmas tree sale and opening its Christmas shop. Silex and Ricochet are two associations based in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert which promote friendly meetings with the mentally disabled and their integration into today’s society. This sale, which has become something of a tradition over the past 37 years, makes a major contribution towards the financial resources of both associations. It is vital now more than ever so that they can keep up and extend their activities, because grants are insecure. Buying your Christmas tree at Silex is also about spending some time in the friendly atmosphere of the place and in its brilliant Christmas shop. It’s about taking the time to find out about our projects, meeting people, and perhaps celebrating Christmas early with the friends you meet there.

Starts Friday 5 December from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., 7 days a week. Silex, 82, Rue Voot, 1200 Brussels (at the junction Amazingly calm. This unique experience enables sighted people to share in the everyday between Boulevard de la Woluwe and Rue Voot). existence of non-sighted people for a short while and, most importantly, to be able to share their Tel.: 02 762 40 09 - www.lesilex.be - www. feelings with them at the end of the meal. For businesses, associations, clubs, etc. Only4Senses is a lericochetasbl.be unique opportunity to share an extraordinary experience, and indeed to bring team members together.

The experience is shared on several levels, both with the blind people and with the actual group within which each person experienced an extraordinary situation, each in their own way. At the end of the meal, the public find themselves in a lit room, in a calm, more “conventional” atmosphere, where they can discuss their feelings with their fellow diners, as well as with the non-sighted guides, whose living conditions they have temporarily shared. The Only4Senses taste experience will take place one week in every month – from the 4th to the 9th of each month (regardless of what day it is). By booking only (maximum of 54 covers per sitting). 2 sittings: 1st sitting: between 7 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. – 2nd sitting between 9.30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Sundays: 1st sitting: between 6 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. – 2nd sitting between 8 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. The bar is open before each sitting, and the sharing can continue afterwards at the bar.

“Bruxelles en Scène”, 15, Galerie de la Reine - 1000 Brussels. By booking only on: 02 772 34 26 0476/34 42 04 - Fax: 02/772 83 45 - E-mail: info@only4senses.com www.only4senses.com.

A F T E R W O R K / 21

PLEASURE

Les grands préparatifs Décembre, c'est le mois le plus sombre, heureusement illuminé par les fêtes qui se préparent. Encore faut-il, pour en profiter, qu'elles se déroulent dans une certaine sérénité. Le secret : se préparer à l'avance. Plan d'attaque en trois leçons.

Taille de guêpe C'est simple, il nous la faut. Cette ceinture a beau être une simplement... une ceinture en cuir vernis rouge framboise, c'est elle qui fait tout le look !

>> 1 on se détend

Dooms. Tél : 02 537 13 32. info@yvesdooms.comMer du Nord, 107€. www.merdunord.com

Des ongles en vedette ProNails de Professionails est la grande marque belge de modelage d'ongles de Catherine Claus qui a su s'implanter dans plus de 50 pays du monde en 20 ans. La qualité des vernis y est certainement pour quelque chose : En une application, l'ongle est laqué, immaculé, magnifique. Au rayon nouveauté : « Chameleon », un nouvel effet de mode.

On pose d'abord une couche de vernis noir, puis l'un des vernis Chameleon (or et vert). L'effet est spectaculaire : en journée et le soir, les ongles ont des reflets lumineux changeants...

Pronails Chameleon, 23,85€

Femme fatale, femme Dooms Jouer la femme fatale et mystérieuse, ça n'est pas tous les jours qu'on se le permet... Dans la collection du créateur belge Yves Dooms pour cet

Le juste accessoire

hiver, les silhouettes sont très élégantes. Depuis

C'est toujours pareil : juste avant

trois saisons, il décline son talent en prêt à porter

de sortir pour le grand soir, on

mais c'est la haute couture qui accapare le

s'aperçoit qu'il manque « l'acces-

coutirier dans sa boutique de la rue Jean Stas.

soire qui fera tout ». Alors pour prévenir la

Cette robe du soir noire en mousseline rebrodée

déception, on court rue des Tongres à Etterbeek, là

de perles et plumes, décolletés profonds retenus

où est située la maison Passy, une référence en matière de

dans

maroquinerie. Depuis 40 ans, elle propose des sacs notamment

silmplement...somptueuse !

à tomber ! Comme cette pochette « Bow » d'Avril Gau argentée.

Rue des Tongres, 26 – 1040 Etterbeek. Www.passy.be

24 / P L E A S U R E

le

dos

par

des

Dooms. Tél : 02 537 13 32. info@yvesdooms.com

bretelles

est

PLEASURE

Un intérieur... pompidolien C'est un événement annuel : le catalogue Ligne Roset édition 2009 est sorti ! On y découvre des collections nouvelles, des reportages sur l'entreprise et l'inspiration Ligne Roset et... on (re)devient fou de la ligne Pumpkin de Pierre Paulin. Inspirés des créations réalisées en 1971 à la demande du président français Pompidou, les sièges Pumpkin ont conservé toute leur fraîcheur...

Catalogue édité en 9 langues disponible gratuitement dans les 20 espaces Lignes Roset Belux.

Www.ligneroset.be

Une crème merveilleuse Un soin fermeté gainant pour le visage aux notes subtilement épicées. Cette crème est ultraconfortable et procure immédiatement une sensation de maintien. Le visage est comme remodelé, la peau, plus souple et tonique. Un véritable elixir précieux !.

Crème merveilleuse de Stendhal. 50 ml, 69,50€.

SOS peau extra sèche La crème sent délicieusement la bergamote mais c'est surtout l'effet immédiat qu'elle pro-

Bijoux exclusifs et sensuels Or et argent, perles, diamants noirs et larmes en cristal de montagne : les matières sont nobles et précieuses et à partir d'elle, la créatrice Elke Peeters réalise à la main chaque bijou de sa collection La Sensuelle. Ses créations portent des noms de femmes qui ont traversé (ou marquent) l'histoire de manière très sexy ! comme Cleopatra, Dita, Venus, Lady Chatterly ou encore Emmanuelle... www.elkepeeters.com

cure à la peau dès qu'on l'applique que l'on remarque le plus : C'est la combinaison d'ingrédients actifs comme l'huile de calendula et le Dexpanthenol qui permet ce petit miracle quotidien ! En cette période de froid, la peau tire, elle est réactive et ce lait qui coûte trois fois rien est un véritable bonheur tous les matins.

Nivea SOS lait réparateur, 4,99€. Déclinaison en SOS crème mains et SOS lip balm

P L E A S U R E / 25

>> 2 on anticipe

>> 3 on les prépare

La victoire Victorinox Un cadeau masculin... mais

Beau comme un sou neuf

que c'est difficile ! Par déf-

Au chaud mais avec classe grâce ce look

inition, un homme, ça

gavroche revisité par des matières bien

n'aime pas la babiole...

actuelles.

Alors quoi ? Ouf, le fameux

www.jean-bourget.com

couteau suisse Victorinox nous sauve les fêtes avec son nouveau Signature SilverTech. Une petite taille pour le glisser en poche (58 mm), un look techno, une utilisation multiple (coupe-papier, ciseaux, lime à ongles et tournevis, stylo bille, ...) et la vedette:

Un tout petit rock'n'roll

la minilampe LED de couleur blanche très lumineuse ! Un must on vous dit...

Signature SilverTech : 22,50€. Rens. Points de vente : 02 218 00 86.

Levi's se lance dans une ligne arty et vintage pour les plus jeunes et cela commence même

Chez Lucia...

au berceau avec d'adorables

Il y a toujours comme un air

petits bodies pour les 3 à 12 mois

de fête chez Lucia Esteves

qui seront encore plus à croquer...

mais là, cela chatoye carré-

Présentés dans une boîte en fer

ment! Que ce soit côté déco,

ronde, c'est aussi un cadeau de

textile ou vêtement d'intérieur, le

naissance original...

choix est exclusif et en un seul

www.eu.levi.com

lieu, que de bonnes idées à tous les prix ! Mini-sélection parmi une foule d'objets bien vus...

Un cadeau rock' n' roll pour son

Ado Dim

homme, c'est pas génial ça? coussin

Les petites culottes Dim, c'est

Punk en cuir vernis, 172,5€.

le

Ce tabouret bas résille, un vrai clin d'oeil

début

de

la

lingerie

coquette des adolescentes et

pour apporter de la fantaisie chez les

de toutes les femmes en

amis ! Tam Tam, 41€.

général. Avec Dimania, les filles

N°104 by Lucia Esteves.

se la jouent carrément fraîches

104 rue Franz Merjay – 1050

et fashion. Trois modèles : string,

Ixelles. www.104.be

slip brésilien ou boxer, disponibles en look denim et en différents col-

Le chocolat, version ultime Dans la catégorie mais qu'est-ce que je vais bien pouvoir offrir à Tante Josette ? voici du bien belge qui fait plaisir : Godiva a innové avec ce petit carré lait spéculoos en édi-

oris avec une ceinture à motif fleuri rayé ou ethnique africain.

Dimania, de 36-38 à 44-46. De 10,75 à 12,95€. www.dim.be

tion limitée que l'on peut offrir en petits paquets. A l'autre extrémité, on gâte vraiment ses proches avec la boîte Ultimate, un assortiment somptueux (60 chocolats, 23 biscuits; 29 noir, 24 lait, 7 blanc) tout ce qu'il y a de plus délicieux.

Ultimate Box. 860 g, 100€. www.godiva.be

Chiens & chats, « thin & well » Les animaux domestiques ne cessent de grossir, sans que leur maître ne paraissent le remarquer.

C'est ce qui ressort d'une enquête menée par Hill's Pet Products. En Belgique,

globalement,

quatre

chiens sur dix sont en surpoids (et un Belge sur trois en moyenne !). Les animaux sont en fait souvent surnourris par affection : une petite gâterie alimentaire, c'est un témoignage d'amour... Mais mieux vaut prendre conscience d'un animal en surpoids : l'aider à perdre ses 20% de surpoids en moyenne, c'est l'aider à se sentir mieux !

Vous saurez tout sur www.hillspet.com

26 / P L E A S U R E

PUBLI-REPORTAGE

L’excès de poids est provoqué par des HORMONES Les médecins font une découverte scientifique Hormones

Ma lutte contre l’obésité n’était pas unique. Beaucoup d’hommes et de femmes ont suivi tout comme-moi-en vain différents régimes. Heureusement que je n’étais pas encore désespérée au moment où je pris connaissance des résultats du programme de régime individuel du TLC chez un spécialiste médical qui travaille à TLC International dans l’équipe de recherches, nous raconte Ariena van der Ree, 32 kilos en moins en un délai de trois mois, pleine d’énergie, sachant que ses tentatives antérieures d’amaigrir ne reposaient pas sur un manque de persévérance et mangeant à nouveau normalement.

Ariena introduit avec la collaboration d’une équipe internationale de spécialistes médicaux le régime dans des établissements situés en Belgique. Le programme TLC de régime individuel est une méthode indolore pour perdre du poids. Fitness durant des heures est permis, mais ce n’est pas une nécessité pour perdre les kilos superflus grâce à ce programme de régime.

A la base de ce régime est la mise en équilibre de trois hormones: le déséquilibre entre l’insuline, la sérotonine et l’hormone de croissance cause un problème de métabolisme, ce qui provoque entre autres un besoin constant de nourriture, la nourriture est transformée en graisse au lieu d’énergie, les régimes offrent un résultat temporaire, l’eau est maintenue, Il y a un risque de développer un diabète et à avoir des intestins irrités. Le programme alimentaire suivi par Ariena et entre-temps par beaucoup d’hommes et de femmes, de par le monde, y compris beaucoup de médecins de l’équipe médicale internationale, permet de rétablir le déséquilibre hormonal dans votre corps.

L’équipe médicale internationale L’équipe médicale internationale se composant de cardiologues, de gynécologues, d’endocrinologues et autres disciplines a mené longuement un examen à l’obésité.

Ariena raconte que les spécialistes, après un examen de longue durée, ont dépisté les trois hormones citées ci-dessus de l’obésité.. Leur conclusion est que l’obésité est une maladie. Ariena:” Ce fait me donnait la force pour m’engager dans cette affaire avec cette équipe médicale internationale. Je me reproche toujours un manque de volonté: Maintenant, je sais mieux, j’avais un problème de métabolisme qui s’était produit par un déséquilibre des hormones. L’équipe médicale internationale composait, d’après un test sanguin un régime adapté au corps d’Ariena. Ils utilisent la nourriture comme médicament.

En réparant le déséquilibre Ariena et beaucoup d’autres femmes et hommes sont guéris de l’obésité et ils sont en permanence en bonne santé, sans grossir.

Participer au programme alimentaire Celui qui se présente au TLC Centre de style de vie traverse sous l’assistance de Ariena (ou d’une des autres consultants) quelques phases. D’abord, on veille à ce qu’il y ait une prise de sang (votre médecin s’occupera de la prise de sang et de l’analyse au laboratoire) et les données seront envoyées à l’équipe médicale internationale. Cette équipe compose d’après les résultats, un programme alimentaire personnel et fixe un poids idéal. Le régime peut se faire dans les deux semaines qui suivent. Un régime appétissant qui, selon les valeurs, se compose de par ex. Du poisson, de la viande, des légumes, des fruits, du fromage et des cracquottes. La force se situe dans les quantités prescrites. Celui qui s’y tient perd, par mois, entre 7 et 15 kilos.

Dès que vous êtes à 2 – 4 kilos de votre poids idéal, une nouvelle prise de sang se fait et s’ensuit un programme de stabilisation et après une vingtaine de jours on peut à nouveau manger normalement sans grossir. Durant votre régime alimentaire, vous serez suivis professionnellement.

Ariena Martens : Je me reprochais toujours un manque de volonté.

Maintenant je sais mieux.

Téléphonez pour une consultation gratuite sans engagement : 02 736 02 73 Pas de pilules, pas d’injections et pas de poudres

TLC Belgique, Chaussée de Charleroi 137 - 1060 BXL Tel : 027360273 Ou visitez le site pour une inscription online (gratuit et sans engagement ):

www.tlcbelgique.be

MOVING

Antwerp

“Open days” at the Antiques dealers F

the town. This year it is the Augustinus Muziekcentrum which will enrich the day with a musical selection. On the programme, ancient music and music associated with other genres, cultures and artistic expressions.

or 30 years now, the antiques dealers in Antwerp have traditionally held an “open day” event on the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December. These walks attract tens of thousands of enthusiasts each year, from Belgium and beyond. The 24 galleries taking part have decided to mark this year’s event with a special programme. Foreign antiques dealers will be exhibiting at the galleries of their Antwerp colleagues.

“Open days” at the Antiques dealers 28/11: from 2 pm to 10 pm, 29-30/11: from 11 am to 7 pm 5/12: from 2 pm to 10 pm, 6-7/12: from 11 am to 7 pm Ann De Pauw - Tel 03 213 37 41 / Mobile: 0496 31 08 36 E-mail: ammatribalart@pandora.be

These open days will also focus on the new generation of art dealers … So Boris Vervoordt, Naïry Vrouyr, Jenny Zeberg, the sons and daughters of antiques dealers who caught the professional bug at a very young age, are carrying on the tradition! Each year the open days collaborate with a museum in

France

The Opal Coast : the sea in its natural state L ess than 2 1/2 hours away from Brussels, and more precisely between Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer, is the Opal Coast. The villages of Wimereux and Wissant lie alongside a nature reserve which is home to numerous species of marine birds. A magnificent walk along the coast links Cap Griz Nez and Cap Blanc Nez, one of the most beautiful parts of the coast. In Boulogne, don’t miss Nausicaä and its giant aquariums.

With its penguins and sharks and its numerous species of marine life, this national sea life centre will transport you to the depths of the oceans and make you more aware of the importance of protecting them. Nestled along the seafront, the watersports clubs in

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this small town offer you a chance to take part in numerous water sports, and in particular land yachting. At low tide the long, deserted beaches serve as race courses for these high-octane wind-powered machines.

The region also offers numerous gastronomic tours in the small, rural gites in the area. An excellent alternative for lovers of the sea in its natural state.

Office de Tourisme Intercommunal Calais Côte d'Opale Tel : 0033 - 3 21 96 62 40 www.calais-cotedopale.com

MOVING

France

Les Deux-Alpes, walking or skiing O

ne of the top places in the world for snowboarding, and from this year Freestyle as well, the area of Les Deux Alpes is also undeniably a family resort. Nestling at the foot of the glacier, 225 km of swept pistes over 1200 hectares, of which 765 off-piste, this resort has retained all the charm of the resorts of old - wooden chalets, little traditional restaurants and a Michelin-starred restaurant with comfort as well.

When there’s a full moon, evenings are arranged in the high-altitude restaurant for skiers to return with just the moon to guide them. And for non-skiers there is no shortage of things to do. A croisière blanche [literally “white cruise”] in a minibus on caterpillar tracks takes you to the viewing point with views over the Alps, Vercors and Oisans. A walk on snow shoes will take you to the Bergerie Takana and its village of igloos.

Sylvain and Stéphane, both shepherds who turn into “igloo-keepers” during the winter season, will welcome you with a fondue and no shortage of drink. Their hospitality, washed down with a glass of génépi, the local alcohol, is like nothing else! The village of Vénosc, which can be reached on foot or by cable car, will open up the doors of its traditional chalets to you. The craftsmen invite you to discover, amongst other

Feel like getting away?

The town of Carcassonne is only two hours’ flying time away. In the winter, the former Medieval fortress looks petrified by the weather. The tourists who come in their droves in summer are nothing more than a bad memory. And it’s good to wander round the streets, to get inside the world of the Cathars. In the new town, a very tasteful guesthouse run by interior decorators Emmanuel and Michel, will introduce you to other aspects of this lively city. Just opposite this little jewel, Robert Rodriguez, an artisan of taste and a person mad about cooking, will explore with you the subtleties of French cuisine and its regional wines. An ideal destination for a gastronomic and cultural weekend break.

www.carcassonne.org www.maison-coste.com

things, honey making, weaving sheds, wooden toys, a donkey farm …

And of course, you can find activities such as snow-bike rides and, when the pistes are closed, paragliding. Ice-skating and swimming can be accessed using the ski pass and even snow dodgem cars. Who said mountains are only for skiers?

Les Deux Alpes www.les2alpes.com Office du tourisme : +33/476 79 22 00

URGENT Seeking for immediate opening

An English speaking journalist Background • English mother tongue • Capacity to write in French as well as in English • Degree in journalism or communication • In close relationship with the community of Europeans of Brussels • Main interests : Outings, arts, social and nightlife • A good knowledge of life and activities in Brussels • Professional experience of at least 5 years

Tasks • Writing articles • Create a network of European contacts • Give support with coordination of the two press titles La Tribune de Bruxelles et The Brussels' Tribune.

Qualities • Dynamic and enthusiastic • Avaliable • Human relationship

DO YOU MATCH THIS PROFILE ?

Please urgently send your handwritten application along with your C.V and a photo to Arlette POMMIER, HR Director, Rue des Francs 79 - 1040 BRUXELLES or ressourceshumaines@saipm.com.

D O LC E V I TA

L'INSTRUMENT

MIAM

Un crémeux qui fouette

Le miel se diversifie

Battre des blancs d’oeufs ? C’est facile. Mélanger des ingrédients ? Tout simple! Mais c'est encore plus fastoche avec le nouveau fouet duo de Cuisipro, les bras fatigués font désormais partie du passé. Le secret ? Une technologie sophistiquée où le coeur du fouet est composé d’une boule céramique enfermée dans une autre boule de fils inoxydables. Ces deux boules se trouvant au coeur du fouet multiplient le transport de l’air et augmentent ainsi l’effet du fouet et la légèreté du mélange.

Cuisipro fouet duo: 19,95 euros. www.cuisipro.com, www.demeyere.be

BON PLAN La Suisse au Chutney’s En cette fin d’année, tout le mois de décembre durant, le Chutney’s, le restaurant du Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place, se met à l’heure suisse. Avec les deux cents chalets du Marché de Noël alentours, il faut dire que cela donne envie ! A la carte : de multiples préparations agrémentées de différents fromages suisses, viande de Grisons ; la Fondue valaisanne ou vaudoise, la Croûte au fromage, la légendaire Raclette, mais aussi différents Rösti Bernois ou encore la fabuleuse poire Williams…Cette gastronomie Suisse est complétée par le célèbre Fendant Pirouette et la Dole du Valais.

Croûte au fromage accompagnée d’un verre de vin : 9.50 euros par personne Fondue au fromage moitié /moitié: 15 euros par personne A partir du 4 décembre au Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place. 5 Rue Duquesnoy 1000 Bruxelles Tél 02 505 55 55 .

LE DELICE Canard à l'orange Ingrédients (Pour 6 personnes, durée : 20 minutes, cuisson : 1 heure 30) • 1 canard fermier, • 4 oranges, • 3 morceaux de sucre, • 2 cuil.à s. de vinaigre, • 1 citron, • Sel et poivre.

Préparation Commencez par faire cuire le canard pendant 1 heure au four thermostat 7. Arrosez-le fréquemment durant la cuisson.

Une fois le canard cuit, versez les 2 cuillères à soupe de vinaigre sur les 3 morceaux de sucre et faîtes-les caraméliser sur feu moyen.

Ajoutez le jus de cuisson du canard préalablement dégraissé, puis replacez le

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canard couvert dans le four thermostat 4.

Nettoyez une orange et le citron à l'eau bouillante puis prenez-en les zestes que vous détaillez en petites lamelles très fines (julienne). Versez un verre d'eau dans une petite casserole puis ajoutez les zestes et faitesles bouillir 2 minutes puis égouttez-les avant de les verser dans la sauce.

Faîtes un jus avec 2 oranges et le citron précédent et ajoutez-le à la sauce. Coupez les 2 oranges restantes en rondelles et versez-les également dans la sauce. Laissez-la cuire 30 minutes à feu très doux.

Il ne vous reste plus qu'à couper votre canard en morceaux et le servir accompagné de pommes de terre bouillies nappées de sauce et décoré de rondelles d'orange.

Recette extraite de www.maison-facile.fr

Le leader belge du miel, Meli, ajoute des arômes naturels à son miel. Si minime soit le changement de sa composition (de 100% de miel à 99% de miel + 1% d’arôme naturel !), son goût change terriblement ! Trois parfums qui correspondent à trois types d’utilisation spécifiques.

Meli Citrus a un effet rafraîchissant dans les boissons chaudes (thé, eau chaude, jus de citron chaud, etc.) et donne aux plats une touche surprenante (poisson, poulet, etc.). Meli Menthol: Une cuiller de Meli Menthol pur, du miel doux à la menthe fraîche et à l’eucalyptus, soulage les maux de gorge et les voies respiratoires. Meli Menthol se prête également à la préparation de nombreuses sauces, dressings, vinaigrettes et plats exotiques. Meli Balsamic marie la douceur du miel et le côté piquant du vinaigre balsamique. Il relève aussi les légumes, le poisson, la viande, les woks, les salades et les sauces. Et il est tout à fait irrésistible avec des fraises, des framboises !

LES CHIFFRES Bière d'abbaye : un must 80 % de Belges sont convaincus par le mariage de la bière d’abbaye ou de la bière spéciale avec la gastronomie.65 % des consommateurs ont indiqué cuisiner déjà de temps à autre avec de la bière d’abbaye, les participants francophones (78 %) ont une nette avance sur leurs homologues néerlandophones (56 %).

En accompagnement des repas pris à la maison, la bière d’abbaye obtient un score de plus de 46 % C'est ce qui ressort de l’enquête nationale réalisée à la demande de la bière d’abbaye Grimbergen.