Day to Day in Brussels N°10

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Germany in Brussels Leisure in Paris

Supplément à La Tribune de Bruxelles - 28 février 2008

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Edito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Very European person . . . 4-5 Cultural Diary . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Germany in Brussels . . . 10-19 Multimedia . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Avant Propos

Shopping: Batibouw . . 24-27 Moving in Paris . . . . . . . . . . 28 Dolce Vita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Des accents germaniques Ce numéro de février du Day-to-Day in Brussels met à l'honneur l'un des pays fondateurs de l'Union qui est aussi un membre très actif de la construction européenne. Vous irez à la rencontre d'une communauté bien établie en Belgique. Elle y a vraiment trouvé ses (Deutsche) marques ! Le journal que vous tenez entre vos mains a connu une sérieuse refonte tant au niveau graphique qu'éditorial. Dorénavant, vous aurez droit à vos petites rubriques préférées chaque mois : VEP (Very European Person), dossier, moving, leisure, shopping, multimedia, dolce vita... De quoi vous donner sérieusement envie de partir à l'aventure dans Bruxelles et ailleurs.

De quoi parlons-nous ce mois-ci? De bien des choses! Outre ce grand dossier sur les Allemands de Belgique, nous avons été à la rencontre de l'un des nombreux porte-parole que compte la Commission. Il nous explique, entre autres, son amour pour la capitale européenne. L'agenda culturel figure en bonne place tout comme la présentation du Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée, une grande fierté nationale. La double page multimedia fait le point sur la téléphonie mobile pendant que la rubrique moving vous emmène dans la « Ville-Lumière » pour une escapade very trendy. Salon Batibouw oblige, nous faisons aussi le point sur les poêles et foyers avec quelques précieux conseils. Bref, une source presque intarissable d'idées, de loisirs, de découvertes... Bonne lecture !

Dossier réalisé par RGP sous la coordination générale d’Henry Visart et de Luc Bolsius.

Rue des Francs, 79 - Tèl.: 02.211.28.49 Fax: 02.211.28.70.

TEXTES: Elodie Weymeels, Laurent Depré, Frédéric Maes SOURCES: Mouvement européen, Bureau de liaison Bruxelles-Europe, Xpats.com, agence Europe, La Tribune de Bruxelles, Bruxelles Environnement, Immoscan, www.photos.com.

COORDINATION RECHERCHE PHOTOS: Bénédicte Maindiaux.

EDITEUR RESPONSABLE: François le Hodey / MISE EN PAGE: Azur graphic IMPRESSION: Nevada-Nimifi INTERNET: www.tribunedebruxelles.be

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

“Brussels has been attracting me for 8 years” They work in the heart of the European institutions. Their lives are now written in several languages. Uprooted but passionate about their task, they live and sometimes finish their lives in Belgium. Let’s go and meet some Very European Persons

F

rom this February, in conjunction with

about the complex, technical and often

out our monthly file and the country

controversial work of the commission in a

highlighted in Day-to-Day in Brussels, we

multitude of languages.”

will meet someone and learn something about them. He/she will talk to us about his/her work,

his/her

life

in

Belgium,

his/her

community, “his/her” European Union. That’s why this month we have “handed our microphone” to Martin Selmayr. This 37 year old German is currently one of the many spokesmen for the commission. He is active within the Information society & media section run by the European Commissioner Viviane Reding (Luxembourg).

It was in the sancrosanct Berlaymont where we met this month’s guest, a Very European Person. A lawyer by trade, Martin Selmayr first crossed swords with the European courts in

Data sheet <<

the late 90s, after he had finished studying. “I started at the European Central Bank when it

> Martin Selmayr > Born 1970 in Bonn > Married, lives in the Schuman district > Studied international and community law at Geneva, Passau, Berkeley and King's College London > Doctor of law > Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Russian (basic) > Author of a thesis on “The Law of Economic and Monetary Union” > From 1998 to 2000 worked as a lawyer for the ECB > From 2001 to 2003 he joined the private international group Bertlesmann > On 1 November 2004 he rejoined the European Union and the Commission as a spokesman on “Information society & media”

had just got up and running in Frankfurt. I did my spiritual apprenticeship there with a young Community institution whose role was (and still is) to ensure the stability of the European currency, something of major importance for my German compatriots.”

After a spell in the private sector and passing the obligatory competitive examinations, Martin joined the Barroso commission in 2004 and started working for the Commissioner for Luxembourg. A change of direction in his professional development which, until that time, had been concerned solely with law. “I quickly noticed that Brussels is the capital of Europe. There are more accredited journalists

Martin Selmayr explains, with confidence in his voice, that at the end of the day his greatest professional success was convincing his wife to join him on his Belgian adventure. His bright blue eyes sparkle at the thought. “She had to leave her country, change her job and learn a new language... And today, believe me, she’s more Belgian than the Belgians! She has become an ardent supporter of life in Belgium.»

When we raised the subject, with this dashing young man, of the danger of withdrawing into his own community, his reply was clear and qualified. “It’s a real danger because people from the same national group have an enormous number of things in common. It can also serve as a refuge. When we arrived in Belgium, we were very lucky to soon find an invitation in our letter box from people living in a nearby street. The established people in the district welcoming the new ones as it were. It was simply sensational. That’s what makes us feel at home. You need a bit of luck but above all you have go towards others...”

But Belgium is not only Brussels. “We are interested the historical wealth of the country.

Which is why we like going off discovering towns like Mechelen or Ghent. And then the Belgian coast is very nice. If you’ve only got a single day off, the Belgian coast is a destination of choice.

Germans have got a soft spot for De Haan, which looks like the German seaside towns.”

in Brussels than in Washington! The working

But for six months, Belgium has also been a

environment consists of representatives of the

serious institutional crisis to which we don’t

press from the 27 Member States and external

yet know the outcome. A question which is

countries. I find it fascinating to communicate

embarrassing the European Commission?

4/ VERY EUROPEAN PERSON

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

“Not at all. We still admire the capacity of the Belgians to settle what, in another country, would have constituted an even greater crisis.

For all Europeans living in Belgium, it’s an example of successful federal coexistence, albeit difficult, between different communities.

The European Union is keeping a close eye on things. If it goes wrong, it will pose a big problem for the Union”.

>> My life here!

Where do you live in Brussels?

“I live in the Schuman district, not far from Berlaymont. I think it’s a real privilege to be able to walk to your place of work. All it takes for me is 10 minutes’ effort!”

Your first contact with Belgium.

Tell us about “your” Brussels.

“As I go through it each morning on my way to work, I will mention the Cinquantennaire Park first. It’s a really lovely place. I’ve already explained my appetite for good restaurants. At one stage in my life, I was on a work placement here. I always tried to put a bit of money aside to treat myself to one outing a week “chez Léon”. Today, when it’s my turn to play host to young trainees, I always take them to this Belgian temple which is truly symbolic. I’ve also got a soft spot for the Belga Queen where I take my in-laws!”

>> My Europe

“Already as a child, when I used to come and visit my uncle who worked for NATO, I had a great affinity with this European capital. Even when I was very young, I was struck by the range of restaurants, the warmth of the people, the quality of life... It’s a real childhood dream to be able to come and work in Brussels.”

Why do you think so many expatriates decide to stay in our country when their careers are over? It’s true of many Germans.

“For me and my compatriots, Belgium represents an excellent compromise between France and Germany. You find the best aspects of both cultures here. Also, the Belgian mentality is more easy going. I can say that the notion of the Belgian-style compromise, which isn’t an outdated concept, is useful, interesting and allows things to run smoothly.”

People talk about quality of life. Have you got a specific example?

“The easiest example is the number of highquality restaurants. But what struck us, my wife and me, were the parks. In Brussels, these green pockets are meeting places which everyone protects. For the citizen, there’s an element of common land about it. There’s a lot of respect for this environment and very little destruction.

Obviously, that makes life very pleasant.”

Other plus points of Belgium?

“An incredibly central position which enables you to quickly go off in any direction. In Brussels, you are an hour from the Belgian coast, just over an hour from the lush green valleys of the Ardennes, two hours from London, an hour and a quarter from Paris...”

Brussels, a multicultural city.

Crédit: European Commission

on the European map and yet we knew nothing at all about it. It’s fantastic what we have learned about it and so enriching.”.

“The challenge today is to make sure that the Union of 27 works. The single currency and the new treaty in particular should bring development and stability to the continent. The Commission needs to show itself to be more human, closer to the people and to carry on dreaming. You must always have visions for Europe. I am an ardent supporter of the idea of a United States of Europe, like Guy Verhofstadt, in the service of its citizens.”

Martin Selmayr in a nutshell My main character trait – Open to new challenges The quality which I prefer in men - Friendship The quality which I prefer in women – Friendship again My main weakness – I can’t resist chocolate My main quality – Discipline My idea of happiness – The continuous love of my wife My motto – Unity in diversity My hobby – Taking the time to read A film – The Remains of the day A song – The songs of Carla Bruni A refuge - The little university campus at Passau in Bavaria What you’ve never dared to do – A personal interview with a Belgian journalist What you’d take with you onto a desert island – My wife A German gastronomic speciality – Königsberger Klopse Your favourite German football club – Bayern Munich

“It’s undeniable. I’ll give you a specific example. In our building, we have made friends with an Icelandic couple. This country is

VERY EUROPE AN PERSON /5

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C U LT U R A L D I A RY

Fair, fanfare and plenty of good fare The theme of this year’s Book Fair is “Words in Anger”. However, as its president, Ana Garcia, points out, although it pays homage to literature which acts as a “weapon against injustice, discrimination and abuses of all kinds”, the Fair itself has every reason to rejoice. This 38th event has the best possible patronage! The sponsors of this year’s fair are Marek Halter, Boualem Sansal, Russell Banks, Sophie Chérer, Jean Hatzfeld and Le Chat, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The Fair will, of course, be punctuated by over 300 debates and meetings. 700 authors and illustrators will be there at some point for meetings and dedications. More than 1,300 publishing houses will be represented, 158 exhibitors will have small stands there and, in total, the Book Fair will take over 18,000 m2 of the Tour et Taxis building! It is one of the year’s “biggest” events! Sufficient to produce a terrific commotion and a perpetual hubbub over these four days. However, as the bubbly exhibition manager states with great pleasure: “We are not the Salon du Livre, we are the Book Fair, and we take on this higgledy piggledy and gigantic bookshop aspect very well, all together! This brings out the solitary charm of a quiet read even better!”

FOCUS On several debates and conferences >> Thursday 6 March at 7 p.m., “Between yes and no, a new world: the European whodunnit” After having been a military and religious entity, then a philosophical land, before turning into a territory of stock exchanges and finance, Europe has become a paradoxical continent: a barricaded fortress as much as an agora which is the driving force behind the new globality. European exploration of the new thriller through its whodunnit and newcomer authors.

With Nadine Monfils (“Babylone dreams”, Belfond), Charles Williams (“Des clopes et des binouzes”, Série Noire, Gallimard), Alain Berenboom (“Périls en ce royaume”, Bernard Pascuito) and Antoine Chainas (“Versus”, Série Noire, Gallimard).

ZOOM The authors’ compartment. Authors will be reading from their books, pondering and talking about their work and their artistic concerns. A space fitted out in association with the SNCB. The workshop. A space where the public will be able to interact with professionals, whether they be comic strip artists, scriptwriters or writers. Writing workshops and writing clubs will be organised every day, within everyone’s reach.

Late night opening on Thursday and Friday. 6 March will be dedicated to Belgian publishing (at 5 p.m.) and Friday to the comic strip, particularly Geluck’s Cat which, at the age of 25, still doesn’t have one wrinkle (at 7 p.m.).

Advance sales. To avoid queuing at the tills, think about buying your tickets at www.ticketnet.be.

6/ CULTURAL DIARY

>> Friday 7 March at 8 p.m., “Writers tomorrow” In tomorrow’s world, new narratives are essential for journalism (Internet), for the novel (Kindle, Google, printing on demand, etc.) and for the reader too. So what place and power will the novel and writers have?

Exploration of the issue with Dominique Sigaud (“La Corpulence du monde”, Le Seuil), Russell Banks (“La réserve”, Actes Sud) and Philippe Geluck. >> Saturday 8 March at 1 p.m., “My mother, meeting with a stranger” On International Women’s Day, this meeting (chaired by Kerenn Elkaïm) is extremely fitting.

Whether she is present, omnipresent or absent, part of a mother is always a secret garden. How can you understand and accept her as she is?

With Tahar ben Jelloun (“Sur ma mère”, Gallimard), Florence Noiville (“La Donation”, Stock) and Laurence Tardieu (“Rêve d'amour”, Stock). >> Saturday 8 March at 5 p.m.

“Identities, conflicts” Disaster writing: conflicts and identities in a world of conflicts and globalisation? With globalisation, conflicts are spreading terror across all regions, just when these regions are globalising. For both countries and mankind, the very notion of identity is shifting. What courage, what interpretations and what possibilities can the novel give to these new paths?

With Léonora Miano (“Tels des astres éteints”, Plon), Christophe Ono-dit-Bio (“Birmane”, Plon) and Alain Lallemand (“La Femme héroïne”, Luce Wilquin). Chaired by Hubert Artus.

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>> Sunday 9 March at 1 p.m., “Simone de Beauvoir, the art ofmoving us”

PHOTO

To commemorate the centenary of her birth, it is interesting to look into the career and work of an extraordinary woman. What is her heritage today?

>> 34 views against oblivion

With Natacha Polony (“L'homme est l'avenir de la femme”, Lattès). Chaired by Kerenn Elkaïm.

All these events will be taking place in the “Grand-Place”

APPOINTMENT >> Americana The Brussels Choral Society and the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Eric Delson, present “Americana”, a concert of American music. The programme includes George Gershwin: Porgy & Bess (extracts), Leonard Bernstein: Overture to “Candide”, West Side Story Concert Suite, Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring and John Corigliano: Fern Hill.

On 13 March at 8 p.m. Hall of the Brussels Royal Conservatory. 30, Rue de la Régence, 1000 Brussels.

Ticket prices: 40€ - 30€ - 20€ - 10 € (under the age of 26).

Tickets: 02 241 5148 and bcs.tickets@gmail.com.

For more information, visit www.brusselschoralsociety.com.

>> Italian Roots Jazz Two evenings of concerts featuring extraordinary combinations of Italian music (jazz, traditional and classical). While the second evening on 6 March will unveil the CD by Al Funduq (with Pierre Vaiana), the first will unveil no less than the first CD by the excellent trio Florizoone-Massot-Horbaczewskiainsi and the magical duo Trovesi-Coscia. Of interest to the curious and those with a good ear for music!

On 29 February at 8 p.m.

Florizoone/Massot/Horbaczewski and Gianluigi Trovesi & Gianni Coscia.

On 6 March at 8 p.m.

Pierre Vaiana & Al Funduq, Zoumana Dembélé, Fabian Fiorini, Carlo Rizzo, Nicolas Thys and Giovanni Di Salvo.

Molière, Galerie de la Porte de Namur, 3, Square du Bastion, 1050 Ixelles.

The Book Fair is supporting the work of Médecins du Monde by hosting a major exhibition, “34 views against oblivion”, so as to accurately illustrate this year’s theme: “Words in Anger”. 34 Belgian and foreign photo reporters have chosen one of their photos symbolising oblivion. Several volunteers, journalists who are close to Médecins du Monde, have completed this memory work with their own accounts, their own words. Everything is taking place in a dark room illuminated with red.

So that Liberia, Bam in Iran, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Chechnya and so on do not fall into oblivion for good.

It should be pointed out that the European Commission’s DG Humanitarian Aid (Echo) is a partner in this operation. In fact, the European Union has a strong presence in humanitarian aid programmes since it finances more than 50% of institutional humanitarian aid.

From Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 March, every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(Late night opening: until 10 p.m.).

Tour & Taxis, 86c, Avenue du Port 1000 Brussels.

Admission: 7 (full price) Information and tickets: 070 660 601 and www.ticketnet.be

>>Abbey Road 2 extraordinary concerts to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the most symbolic of Belgian tribute acts to The Beatles and the 40th anniversary of the release of the fabulous “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.

An opportunity to see “Abbey Road” in a different form from the usual concerts!

Accompanied by two extra musicians, Walter Prevoo and Christophe Genette (keyboard players), Yves Laloux, Dimitri Deboutte, Christian Willems and Alain Pire revisit the mythical “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album and many other Beatles tracks.

On 6 March at 8.30 p.m.

At the Royal Circus, Brussels, 81, Rue de l’Enseignement, 1000 Brussels.

Information and tickets: 02/218 20 15 www.cirque-royal.org.

>> Brussels, my love After these hectic times, perhaps you want to make a small declaration of love to Brussels?

Take part in the second poetry competition by text. This year’s theme is “Bruxelles, mon amour, Brussel, mij Liefste”. The competition is being organised by Brussels City Council in association with Base, Plaisir du texte, Passa Porta, the Brussels Royal Conservatory and the Riches Claires cultural centre.

It enables anyone with a mobile phone to send their poem by text via any operator to an abbreviated number (3264). Maximum characters: 160 characters, including spaces.

Cost: 0.30 ( 0.15 each to send/receive).

The competition is open until 24 March.

>> Il mastino dei Baskerville A hound which howls at night on the heath... all in Commedia Dell’Arte! An original concept based on “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at the Espace Théâtral Scarabaeus by the Venice Teatroimmagine company.

The closing evening and the announcement of the results of the poetry competition by text will take place on Friday 11 April in the Grand Hall of the Brussels Royal Conservatory in Rue du Chêne. Concerts, declamations and other artistic performances will be on the menu during this festive evening. More to follow!

On 7 and 8 March at 8.30 p.m. Espace Theatral Scarabaeus, 19-27, Rue Creuse, B- 1030 Schaerbeek.

Information/Tickets: www.scarabaeus.net, Tel.: 02/241 44 02 and 02/649 79 16 and by e-mail: scarab@scarabaeus.net.

Ticket prices: 15 (adults), 10 (concessions).

CULTURAL DIARY /7

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LEISURE

Crédit : CBBD

Belgium and the comic strip: quite a story

B

listering barnacles! What the…? Are we there yet Papa Smurf? Hubba Hubba!

These Romans are crazy! I'm a poor

lonesome cowboy... All of these interjections have clearly entered our language over time.

Today, they form part of our mental universe and our bearings. Do we dare? Yes, we might almost refer to them as being like a lighthouse in the night! Here in Belgium, if Belgians have a brick in their stomachs, then they also have a bubble in their heads, and it has nothing to do with the Champagne method!

Located a few streets away from the GrandPlace, the strip comic museum has taken refuge in a building equal to the enthralling mission of providing the public with an in-depth look at Belgian and European works in the field of cartoon strips. What joy to stroll around inside one of Victor Horta’s finest creations. Fan of phylacteries? You will be overjoyed because you

The Belgian Strip Cartoon Centre (CBBD) is the veritable temple of comic strips in Belgium. Over 4,000 m2 dedicated to paper characters. Between boxes and bubbles, discover one of the country’s great sources of pride

will be able to see numerous examples of the vigour of this art form, from its development up to its most modern forms. Take the time to walk around

the

permanent

and

temporary

exhibitions, the quality library, the creative workshops and so on.

As you are undoubtedly aware, Frenchspeaking Belgium played an active role in the

8/ LEISURE

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LEISURE

development of the comic strip in the 20th century. Back in 1928, Georges Rémi, alias Hergé (who created Tintin in 1929), became responsible for the “Petit Vingtième”, a children’s supplement of a major newspaper of the time. Ten years later, it was the turn of “Spirou” to see the light of day. In 1946, following the Second World War, the weekly “Tintin” also appeared.

In the 1950s, Belgian supremacy was not a vague concept. The “Marcinelle School”, headed up by Dupuis Publishers, was to show the full extent of its talent, with people such as Franquin, Yvan Delporte, Morris, Peyo, Will and Jijé. In the 1970s, the monthly magazine “A Suivre” was to bring the Belgian comic strip into the adult world, revealing talented authors such as Schuiten, Sokal, Comès and Servais.

The names of series such as Spirou and Fantasio, Gaston Lagaffe, Tif and Tondu, Lucky Luke, the Smurfs, Buck Danny, or more recently Le Petit Spirou, Largo Winch, Thorgal and Kid Paddle, have all spilled over the borders of the French-speaking world. You will be able to discover this fabulous epic dating back more than 75 years at the Belgian Strip Cartoon Centre. What an excellent idea for an outing for both children and grown ups.

Ask for the programme!

The Belgian Strip Cartoon Centre is organising several temporary exhibitions throughout 2008.

It is kicking off the year, as we have seen, with a major retrospective about the 70 year existence of Spirou Magazine, which will last until June.

Then, up until November, place of honour will be given to those little blue creatures. To celebrate 50 years since they were first created, the Smurfs will be landing at the Centre to celebrate this anniversary fittingly. An opportunity to revisit the fantastic universe of the late lamented Peyo.

Finally, to round off the year beautifully, there will be a special focus on the new comic strip for children. An opportunity to show that, aside from their output for adult audiences, storytellers such as Sfar, Trondheim and Robin have also turned their attention to younger audiences. A fine programme to warm up for 2009, when the CBBD will actually be celebrating its 20th birthday!

>> Exhibition: Spirou is celebrating its 70th birthday!

It’s true. The famous bellboy is now a septuagenarian. Spirou Magazine emerged for the first time from the rotary presses of Dupuis, in the suburbs of Charleroi, on 21 April 1938. This editorial venture, which is unique in Europe, will be illustrated in a number of ways thanks to quite exceptional

interaction can, of course, be seen in the adventures of Gaston Lagaffe, an office junior at the magazine, who stands out more because of his repeated escapades than because of the quality of his work.

Since Spirou Magazine has always endeavoured to keep up to date, the special exhibition will provide a snapshot of the state of the world decade by decade. You will also be able to admire 500 selected covers. In addition to all the rare documents, an impressive number of original plates will be available to the public, enabling the public to discover the magazine from the inside. A ripping time to be had, which you should experience without delay.

documents, including original plates, photos, videos and other objects. Did you know that in Wallonia, Spirou is used to refer to a mischievous, rebellious boy.

To give you an idea of the phenomenon and its influence in Europe, let us share a statistic.

Since Spirou Magazine was created, over 500 characters have been invented by as many cartoonists and writers. Just think, across the whole of the European continent, only the Journal de Mickey (France) is four years older and is still around today.

The

Centre

will

provide

keys

to

understanding the magazine’s success and

From 12 February 2008 to 8 June 2008 Spirou Magazine The adventures of a magazine office Belgian Strip Cartoon Centre 20, Rue des Sables, 1000 Brussels

longevity. In particular, it will look at Spirou’s

Smurfs Exhibition 10/06-16/11 New Comic Strip for Children Exhibition 18/11/08-22/02/09

great transparency, very often blending fiction and reality, as well as the special relationship with its readers. Fans will be able to experience the magazine office as if they

Open every day (except Monday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tel.: 02 219 19 80 Visit@cbbd.be

were really part of it. The peak of this special

LEISURE /9

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FOCUS

Munich Credits: Photos.com

Germany in Brussels T

he magic of the Christmas markets has only just finished, with their glühwein, their gingerbread and their inimitable way of warming up the winter, with hearty and convivial German culture. Last month, the Kafka Marathon at Passa Porta was a great success, then the following evening it was the Viennese Ball which presented its pretty debutantes at the Concert Noble in Brussels.

At the end of the month, a play by Bertolt Brecht will be set to music by Claude Semal at the Théâtre de la Vie... Germany is everywhere, you only have to listen, look around you and you’re struck by so many events, so much going on ... such dynamism!

And it’s true that the Germans living in Brussels are spoilt: over the years, this small community with some 15,000 members throughout Belgium (although the vast majority live in the region of Brussels), has arranged itself in order to find a little bit of “Deutsche Leben” right in the heart of the capital of Europe: from the bakery to the bookshop via the Biergarten, Brussels a moult bons plans allemands... open to everyone !

>> Brussels, seen from Germany: the European stereotype Inga Hoff is a journalist for the German TV channel ZDF. A 24 year old trainee, she arrived in Brussels from Leipzig in October 2007 and is sad

10 / Day to Day in Brussels

Deutschland en miniature in Wezembeek Eine kleine deutsche Gemeinschaft hat sich in Wezembeek-Oppem angesiedelt, wo die Deutsche Schule Brüssel auf einem weitläufigen grünen Campus ihren Sitz hat. Träger der Schule ist der Deutsche Schulverein Brüssel, von der Bundesrepublik Deutschland finanziell wird sie unterstützt.

Die Schule zählt ca. 550 Schülerinnen und Schüler in der Primär- und Sekundarstufe, weitere 90 Kinder besuchen den Kindergarten.

Die Schulgebühren belaufen sich auf über 3 000 Euro im Kindergarten, 5 000 Euro in der Grundschule und fast 6 000 Euro im Gymnasium. 50 Lehrkräfte unterrichten auf Deutsch und in manchen Fächern der Sekundarstufe auch auf Englisch. Rund um die Schule hat sich zwischen Buchladen, Bäckerei, Lebensmittelgeschäft und Schreibwarenladen in gewisser Weise ein Deutschland en miniature entwickelt. Nicht weit vom Schulgelände gibt es sogar einen dieser in Deutschland so überaus beliebten Biergärten, wo man zusammen mit Freunden an langen schmalen Bierbänken draußen im Grünen oder auf einer schönen großen Terrasse ein Bier trinken kann. Das Lokal, das früher Schinderhannes hieß, wurde vor kurzem übernommen und renoviert. Unter dem neuen Namen Bistro Berlin ist es heute eine gemütliche, trendige Mischung aus Restaurant und Bierbar. Und da das Wetter nun einmal so ist wie es ist, kann man in diesem Biergarten selbst dann sein Bier trinken, wenn es regnet, heißt es schmunzelnd auf der Internetseite des Bistro Berlin.

to be going back at the end of February... Yet like many Germans who have to come and work in Brussels, she didn’t have a very exciting picture of the Belgian capital: “As far as I was concerned, I was going into a grey city where it rains a lot and which, above all, was the capital of the European Union, with loads of offices”.

When I left for Brussels, people said: “Say hello to Barroso”, joking. She quickly found out in the course of both her professional and leisure activities that “It’s a very lively city, where there are a lot of young people, cultural activities, pretty places”. The little Belgian plus point which soon struck her when she was out and about: the extraordinary number of sauces to accompany... chips!

On the other hand, whilst contacts between “expats” sharing the same language are very easy, Inga regrets that she was unable to meet Bruxellois as easily. “When you’re new, it’s very easy in a work situation or on online German sites, to make friends with other Germans or other expats”, she remarks. “However, I had the impression that the Bruxellois do not really seek contact with “foreigners”, they’ve already got a whole network after all”. And it’s true that only a very small minority take part in events such as apéros urbains, @seven or other ways well used by Europeans for making friends outside of work.

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A German tradition in Brussels: for years young Germans have had a set time to meet in Brussels at a place which is soon passed on to newcomers : the Assiette de Bernard, place Jourdan, is the “place to be” for Germans, who happily meet up there on Tuesday evenings (see the address in the practical guide).

>> The Germans, seen from Brussels: caricatures wellentrenched Annick comes from Cologne. Now working in the assets sector, she is rather amused by the image which Germans have amongst the Bruxellois. “Definitely, a German has no sense of humour, he works hard making solid cars, for example. He’s also a solidly built, big eater who is not much of a connoisseur, so he eats only cold meat in the morning, eats potatoes with every meal, can’t do without his dark German bread and drinks even more beer than a Belgian! On the good side, we’re very concerned about the environment... These are crazy stereotypes but they’re wellentrenched”, says the smiling young woman

who has nevertheless integrated fully into Brussels society.

>> The “Brussels way of Life” Once set up in their new life in Brussels, it nevertheless has to be said that the Germans see the good side of life. “Natural” links are forged with the Dutch-speaking community in particular. For whilst it’s true that the Frenchspeaking Belgians tend to turn towards France and Paris, the Dutch speakers have greater links with Germany and Berlin. It is also estimated that in Flanders, 20% of pupils and students learn German, whereas in schools and universities in the French-speaking zones, the figure is only 4%.

kitchens and gardens ... like you can see so many of in Wezembeek-Oppem, a district very popular with the German community (see elsewhere).

Furthermore, almost 80% of the Germans who have come to work here for the European Union decide to stay in Brussels when they retire. Like all the other European civil servants, it’s not so easy to give up an “international” life in a capital and return to what in some cases is a provincial town where you haven’t necessarily got friends any more...

And then they discover here a city which gradually gets under your skin, with its large parks, its green surroundings, its history, its elevated cultural level: proportionally, Brussels has more plays performed than Paris or London! They appreciate the sense of comfort here peculiar to Northern Europe and are pleased to find residential districts like in Germany, namely big white houses with big

En pratique >>Drinking and eating Tiroler Stüberl - Chez Melitta Av. De l'Hippodrome, 124 - 1050 Ixelles Tel. : 02 640 02 70 Weinstube MaxBurg Rue Stevin 108 - 1000 Bruxelles Tel. : 02.230.22.67 Bistro Berlin (Biergarten) Lange Eikstraat 82 - 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem Tel.: 02 731.93.11 Assiette de Bernard (au rendez-vous des Allemands) Place Jourdan 48, 1040 Bruxelles Open from 12 to 3 pm and from 6 to 11 pm.

Closed Saturday lunchtimes, Sundays and public holidays - Tel. : 02 230 89 35

>> Specialities Gunter Laden (Traiteur) Av. de Burbure, 10 - 1970 WezembeekOppem. - Tél. : 02 306 70 72 Deutsche Bäckerei und Konditoreï Brüssel (Boulangerie) Place Saint-Pierre, 15 - 1970 WezembeekOppem. - Tel. : 02 273 21 73

12 / Day to Day in Brussels

Brinkert Deutsche Bäkerei (Boulangerie) Rue Henri Vandermaelen 77 1150 Woluwe-St-Pierre

>> Culture Lesezeichen (Librairie) Rue F. Vander Elst, 38 1950 Kraainem - Tel. : 02 784 23 34 Deutschsprachige GutenbergBuchhandlung Rue de Louvain, 34 - 1000 Bruxelles 02 512 45 10 Rue d'Argile, 26 - 1950 Kraainem 02 731 83 29 KUB. A literary get together for German speakers is organised by KUB. Avenue de la Liberté, 17 - 1081 Koekelberg.

Tel. : 02/412.42.16.

Goethe Institut.

Rue Belliard, 58 - 1000 Bruxelles Tel. : 02 230 39 70 www.goethe.de/brussel Papeterie Paper Ranch Newspapers and magazines, educational material

Lange Eikstraat, 82 - 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem.

Tel. : 02 766 16 10

>> Miscellaneous Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Avenue de Tervueren, 190 - 1150 Woluwe-StPierre - Tel. : 02 774 19 11 It keeps a list of German-speaking doctors.

Belgieninfo.net An Internet site supplied by some 50 contributors which talks about German current events in Belgium and Belgium in all areas: hot topics, culture, ecology.... All in German. www.belgieinfo.net Association belgo-allemande Belgisch-Deutsche Gesellschaft Brüssel Rue E. Clausstraat 7 -1000 Brüssel Tel.: 02 647 41 35 Association belgo-allemande Flandre Belgisch-Deutsche Gesellschaft Flandern Donksesteenweg 58 a - 2930 Brasschaat Tel.: 02 36516838

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Koln at night Credits: Photos.com

Schreiben in der Sprache der neuen Heimat Im Rahmen des Europäischen Jahres des interkulturellen Dialogs 2008 organisiert das Goethe-Institut eine Ausstellung zu Schriftstellern, die nicht nur in ein neues Land, sondern auch in eine zweite Sprache einwanderten, in der sie fortan schrieben.

Eine Ausstellung mit Fotoporträts der Chamisso-Preisträger bildet das Rahmenprogramm zur Lesereihe. Seit 1985 vergibt die Robert Bosch Stiftung den Adelbert-vonChamisso-Preis an ausgewählte Autoren.

Dieser Preis ist nach dem deutschen Dichter und Botaniker französischer Herkunft benannt, dessen Werke im 19. Jahrhundert in Deutschland außerordentlich beliebt waren.

Die Ausstellung der Porträts aller Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger ist vom 30.

Januar bis 17. April 2008 in den Räumlichkeiten des Goethe-Instituts Brüssel zu sehen. Sie umfasst 50 gerahmte Porträts mit kurzen Textbeschreibungen.

Ausstellung bis 17. April im Goethe-Institut Brüssel, Eintritt frei.

Tel.: 02 230 39 70

14 / Day to Day in Brussels

The Goethe Institut, the point of reference for German culture A t an international level, the Goethe Institut is Germany’s most important cultural institution. Founded in 1959, the Goethe-Institut Brüssel has been in the rue Belliard since 1963.

Its mission is to promote the German language abroad, to encourage international cultural cooperation and to communicate an image of Germany which is as complete as possible, by informing people about the cultural, social and political life of the country.

It organises and holds cultural events (conferences, exhibitions, concerts, dance shows and lectures), always in cooperation with other institutions in the host country. But the Goethe Institut is also language courses for all levels, workshops and seminars for those teaching German as a foreign language and a very varied programme of exams.

More broadly, the Information Centre of the Goethe-Institut Brüssel provides information about cultural aspects of the cultural, social

and political life of Germany. Finally, all the departments of the Goethe-Institut Brüssel play an active part in the European dialogue. The Goethe-Institut Brüssel is considered to be a European cultural institution. The GoetheInstitut Brüssel is a member of the consortium of European cultural institutes in Belgium – CICEB, and in this capacity organises projects with other cultural institutes, as well as with other European institutions.

Dynamic and active, it’s a point of reference for all Germans working in Brussels and Belgium who happily attend the numerous events organised by this cultural hub.

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A Bertolt Brecht on stage At the Théâtre de la Vie, from 26 February to 22 March, they will be performing “Homme pour homme” (“Mann ist Mann”), a comedy by Bertolt Brecht, in 11 scenes, based on a French text by Benno Besson and Geneviève Serreau. .

The story : in the legendary and mysterious décor of the British Colonial Empire and the hundred thousand soldiers of the British Indian Army, the army of Her Majesty the Queen of England, we follow Galy Gay, an Irish commissioner and a man incapable of saying no. Around him, a myriad of characters, each one more unique than the others and even an elephant... The whole thing has been set to music and song by Claude Semal... you can be sure it won’t be sad.

One of Bertolt Brecht’s early plays (he was 27 when he wrote it) which he wrote as a reaction against romanticism and naturalism. In its tone, form and scenic devices, “Man ist Man” marks the start of a revolutionary theatrical style.

This play, one of his most surprising, is still very influenced by cabaret and its vicious humour, Karl Valentin reminds us, and by the silent movies of Chaplin. With Clément Thirion, Dominique Rongvaux, JeanFrançois Politzer, Laurence Warin...

From 26 February to 22 March at the atelier théâtre de la vie, rue Traversière 45 1210 St-Josse.

Res. : 02/ 219 60 06 . www.theatredelavie.be

On German plates E

ven if it is less “international” than French or Italian cuisine, German food should not be looked down on. High quality cold meats are the stars, as well as the sausages which form the basis of copious meals. Among the typical dishes based on bread, you absolutely must try the inimitable “knödels”, as well as feasting on “schpazzles”, the German noodles which are poached and then fried. Another facet of German food is the great diversity of its beers, which you can try at any time: we won’t get into describing them, suffice it to say that there are 5000 different ones !

Germany is also the country for bread, without a doubt : 95% of Germans say that they eat bread very regularly, and this craze shows no sign of abating. There are over 300 sorts, not counting “brötchen”, those little rolls in all shapes and all flavours: 1200 sorts have been counted throughout Germany, with varying names such as Semmel, Wecke, Schrippe, Schusterjunge or Pfennigmuggel.

Whilst Germans are fond of accompanying their simple dishes with potato salad made with onions and various herbs, you can obviously also find other more complex dishes in German kitchens, such as roast port with spices, pikeperch with mustard butter, Bavarian-style pork knuckle (cooked with onion and carrot, flavoured with cumin), pichelsteiner (meat cooked in stock with potatoes and other vegetables, with paprika), leberkäse (meat loaf made from pork loin), himmel und erde (grilled black pudding, heaven and earth).

Everything will be accompanied by mustard, a product which the Germans are famous for being mad about. Extra-strong mustard is generally served with cold meat; strong mustard is an essential accompaniment for sausages; mild mustard often complements the taste of Leberkäse (a sort of meat loaf with a delicately spongy texture also known as Fleischkäse) or any kind of pâté; finally, sweet mustard is served with mild sausages and is very popular in Bavaria.

In bakeries, you commonly find Weissbrot: white bread; Schwarzbrot: black bread; Vollkornbrot: wholemeal bread (filled and covered with seeds of all kinds!); Pumpernickel: the black rye bread of Westphalia.

Nor can you get away from the famous “Wursten” prepared in numerous different ways depending on where they come from: the Weisswurst of Munich (the famous big white sausage); Bratwurst: a very popular pre-cooked sausage made from veal (or veal and pork); Knackwurst which is very like Frankfurters; Leberwurst: a liver sausage from the Kassel region; and Currywurst which originates from Berlin and is obviously curry flavoured.

On the dessert side, the patisseries are worth going out of your way for … their enormous creamy cakes defy measurement in calories! The most popular: Käsekuchen (a cake made with fromage blanc),and the famous Swarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest gateau).

15

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Politics, economics, art, sport... the wealth of the German people from 1945 to the present day

Germany’s big dates 1945

1963

1990

2 May, the red flag is flying over Berlin. Nazi Germany has been beaten. The country will have to rebuild itself after the folly of the war.

Europe is divided between East and West. We are at the start of a long period of cold war which will last more than 40 years.

The Porsche factory presented the legendary 911. This car was to enter the annuals of motor car history for ever. Numerous technical developments separate this model from the Porsche 911 Carrera which fans love.

For the third time, Germany won the world cup. The team was coached by the Kaiser himself. Franz Beckenbauer and his troops beat Argentina 1-0 in the final. It was Brehme’s penalty which gave them the victory five minutes from the end of the match, just like in 1954.

1969 1948 Creation of the German Mark following an economic reform carried out by France, Great Britain and the USA. Poverty and inflation were a major concern for Germany at the time. In 1949, the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) took shape. In response, the GDR (German Democratic Republic) was created by the USSR.

1951 Creation of the ESCS. This European cooperation in the field of coal and steel was the first manifestation of a future European Union. Six countries signed a treaty which created a common market: Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Italy, the Netherlands and the FRG. In the case of the latter, the signatory was Konrad Adenauer, the first president of the Republic.

Willy Brandt became the West German Chancellor. This politician was to battle to reunite the two Germanies (Ostpolitik). His work earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1971.

1972 During the Olympic Games in Munich, eleven Israeli athletes were killed by a group (Black September) of Palestinian terrorists. Many years later, Steven Spielberg made a film about this dramatic subject.

1974 More than 35 years after the Beetle (it was to “die” four years later), Volkswagen launched its worthy successor: the Golf. Its success was as formidable as that of its mythical “ancestor”. The Golf is now an integral part of the VW universe.

1954

1985

The FRG won the world cup against Hungary’s “golden eleven” or Puskas’s team. Having been humiliated 8-3 in the first round match, the Germans took their revenge thanks to a goal by Rahn in the last five minutes of the game.

Boris Becker won the Wimbledon championships. At 17, he was the youngest player ever to win this British international tournament. He beat the American Kevin Curren in four sets. The German tennis player went on to enjoy a highly successful career.

1961

1989

The building of the Berlin wall was well underway. The GDR authorities decided to separate the city’s occupied zones with concrete and barbed wire. The objective was two-fold: to stop the emigration of East German citizens and to suffocate West Berlin.

The month of November will remain engraved on our memories. The Berlin Wall came down.

On the evening of the 9th, thousands of Berliners opened the border posts. Two days previously, 1 million inhabitants of Eastern Berlin had demonstrated, leading to the collective resignation of the communist government.

16 / Day to Day in Brussels

1990 In October, less than a year after the fall of the wall, Germany celebrated its reunification. A new Germany was born. Berlin was to be its capital.

1992 Two events: Michael Schumacher won his first F1 Grand Prix at Spa in Belgium and Arte was born. The Franco-German cultural television channel is a great example of the friendship between the two countries. Fifteen years later it is still enjoying undoubted success in the audio-visual landscape.

1999 The Reichstag once again became the seat of the German parliament. A glass cupola towers 47 metres above it; glass was chosen as a symbol of the transparency of democracy.

Berlin was in the midst of an architectural boom.

2005 Angela Merkel was the first woman to become German Chancellor. She replaced Gerard Schröder.

2006 After a European Cup in 1988, Germany organised the final phase of a World Cup. The local team reached the semi-finals, losing the match to Italy.

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M U LT I M E D I A

Mobiles for doing everything Over the last few years, the uses and functions of GSM have just kept on growing, to the point that it is a companion at all times which most of us today would have trouble doing without.

I

n 2008, GSM will talk 3G + (the high-speed

Revolutionary? Yes and no. Already in recent

mobile), wi-fi will get new television

months the major manufacturers have unveiled

channels. It is capable of reacting to the

a host of multifunctional models.

stimuli of an index finger run over the touch screen. It aids navigation in towns thanks to

Here is a quick overview of all the possibilities

GPS. Obviously the technology is invisible and

offered to us today by this tool, whose

the object is stylish as the latest invention of

performances and qualities have not stopped

Steve Jobs. The mobile phone industry is

surprising us yet.

gambling that beautiful tools and ingenious services will make the use of this equipment take off for something other than making phone calls. 1.137 billion mobile phones were sold around the world in 2007 for 3.2 billion

>> The star of the market, the iPhone

subscribers - i.e. one in two people. Now all they need to do is give them a taste for change.

The iPhone is presented as a revolutionary

The same terminal for making phone calls,

mobile phone, an iPod with a

surfing the Net, swapping multimedia files,

screen with tactile controls and an innovative

watching

Internet communication device with e-mail,

television

programmes...

panoramic

web browsing, search and cartography functionalities worthy of an office computer.

The whole thing in a small, light case with a stunning design. The iPhone is 11.5 cm high, 6.5 cm wide and 65 mm thick. The arrival of the iPhone and its concept based totally on this type of integration, enabled new standards to be defined which are today being developed by all the competition.

>> Samsung G800 This offers you a sliding keypad, HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), an LED screen, a 5 megapixel digital camera with autofocus and a 3x optical zoom, Bluetooth 2.0, multimedia reader, FM tuner and a microSD memory port, all only 14.9mm thick.

20 / M U L T I M E D I A

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M U LT I M E D I A

>> Sony Ericsson XPeria X1

.

The Xperia X1 therefore offers a 3.2 megapixel APN with autofocus, 3G and 3G+ (HSUPA compatible), a 3" touch screen with VGA resolution, namely 640x480 and 65K colours, Bluetooth with A2DP, WiFi b/g, FM tuner, an integrated A-GPS compatible GPS, 400Mo of internal memory, a microSD memory port and not a Memory Stick M2, all under Windows Mobile with an XPERIA welcome interface, in 110x53x16.7mm and weighing 145g.

>> Nokia N96 This smartphone, known as the "Nokia N96" is quadriband GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and HSDPA. Compact (103 x 55 x 18 mm with a volume of 92cm3) and light (125 grams), the smartphone comes more under the category of â&#x20AC;&#x153;musicphonesâ&#x20AC;? with no less than 16 Go of internal memory, in addition to a slot for a Micro SD memory card, thus enabling it to potentially have 24 Go of memory space!

The Nokia N96 will be marketed during the third quarter of 2008.

Motorola RIZR Z8 HSDPA compatible, 3.6 Mbps, the Moto Z8 has a 2.2" QVGA screen (240 x 320 pixels) with 16 million colours, a 2 megapixel APN and Bluetooth connectivity. Amongst the accessories supplied are the MotoROKR S9 Bluetooth headphones with A2DP profile control (wireless stereo listening) and AVRCP (remote control from headphones).

M U L T I M E D I A / 21

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IAC DELTA

IAC MEISER

IAC DROGENBOS

IAC BERCHEM

IAC VILVOORDE

Gar. LAMBERT

210-220 Bd des Invalides 02/674 45 11 1160 Bruxelles

770 Chée de Louvain 02/702 31 24 1030 Bruxelles

GroteBaan 332 02/334 40 40 1620 Drogenbos

1255 Chée de Gand 02/481 65 80 1082 Berchem-Ste-Agathe

Mechelsesteenweg 306 02/252 16 63 1800 Vilvoorde

Rue Vanderkindere 211 02/343 53 95 1180 Uccle

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IAC MEISER

210-220 Bd des Invalides 02/674 45 11 1160 Bruxelles

770 Chée de Louvain 02/702 31 24 1030 Bruxelles

Page 23

IAC DROGENBOS IAC BERCHEM GroteBaan 332 02/334 40 40 1620 Drogenbos

1255 Chée de Gand 02/481 65 80 1082 Berchem-Ste-Agathe

IAC VILVOORDE

Gar. LAMBERT

Gar. MEURIS

Mechelsesteenweg 306 02/252 16 63 1800 Vilvoorde

Rue Vanderkindere 211 02/343 53 95 1180 Uccle

Av. Albert 1er 302 02/653 22 72 1332 Genval

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SHOPPING

Bien se sentir chez soi, c'est important Dans le cadre du salon Batibouw 2008, nous vous invitons à découvrir les tendances actuelles salles de bain et feux ouverts. Des idées pour vous aider à peaufiner votre cocon à votre goût

Batibouw 2008 mise sur la durabilité Le salon annuel de la construction et de la rénovation, ouvrira ses portes le 28 février prochain.

Jusqu'au 9 mars, toutes les nouveautés en matière de construction et d'aménagement intérieur seront présentées sur le plateau du Heysel. Batibouw mise plus encore que les éditions précédentes sur la durabilité et l'économie d'énergie. L'orientation de la future construction, le choix des matériaux, la récupération des eaux de pluies font entre autres partie des paramètres à prendre en compte. Le nombre d'exposants passera à près de 1000 qui seront répartis dans les 12 palais de Brussels Expo. >> INFOS: www.batibouw.com

© Photographer: Tomasz Markowski | Agency: Dreamstime.com

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SHOPPING

C

haleur,

convivialité,

prélèvement

bonheur

d'air

de

l'extérieur,

la

simple... Les poêles et feux ouverts

circulation de l'air chaud dans la pièce et sa

sont une source de bonne humeur

diffusion vers une pièce voisine.

et de joie dans une habitation. Entendre le bois crépiter, voir les flammes consumer le

Enfin, les encastrables au gaz connaissent

bois, quel luxe ! Visite de la famille, fêtes de

aussi un certain succès ces derniers temps.

fin d'année, soirée romantique, coup de

Leur design moderne, leur sécurité et la

froid... Les occasions sont toujours bonnes

présence d'une belle flamme en longueur

pour lancer un bon feu. Dans ce domaine,

assurent leur popularité.

vous l'aurez compris, si vous vous y êtes

Poêle extérieur : il prend plus de place que

intéressés récemment, le choix est vaste. Il

le feu encastré et se transforme souvent en

sera influencé par le budget et les goûts du

objet de décoration au design particulier

ménage. Le rendement du système aura

imaginé par le fabricant. Les poêles assurent

une influence sur votre portefeuille et sur

le plus souvent un meilleur rendement et ne

l'environnement. Ce dernier point n'est

nécessitent pas de ventilateur. Le point

plus anecdotique aujourd'hui.

négatif tient au fait que le risque de brûlure est plus élevé. La taille de la pièce, son

>> Plusieurs systèmes coexistent et offrent des possibilités vraiment variées.

isolation, un bon système de cheminée d'évacuation interviendront aussi dans le rendement élevé de votre poêle. Dans ce segment

aussi

l'offre

est

assez

impressionnante: poêle en stéatite (pierre

Le feu ouvert : C'est le plus ancien type de

naturelle réfractaire), poêle en céramique

foyers. Les formats sont très diversifiés. Son

(pierre inifuge et carrelages), à 3 fonctions (feu vitré/feu ouvert/feu continu), poêle

point fort ? Le bruit et l'image dont profitent directement les amateurs. Son point faible ?

Une consommation importante de combus-

© Bodart - Phnenix © Stûv

chaudière...

Cette

dernière

possibilité

s'inscrit dans un esprit de développement d'énergies alternatives. La poêle chaudière

tible et un rendement faiblard. Il existe

chauffe l'eau et l'envoie dans les différents

aujourd'hui des systèmes qui offrent le choix rapide entre feu ouvert ou fermé d'un

de maîtriser le feu et d'en restituer toute

radiateurs de la maison via des vannes

simple geste ! Ainsi, comme sur notre

l'énergie. Le côté esthétique est bien

thermostatiques. Pour faire fonctionner

illustration, la gamme Phénix de Bodart &

entendu très important aussi. Les différentes

cette poêle chaudière, on utilise des pellets

Gonay permet de jouir à la fois du spectacle

marques rivalisent d'ingéniosité pour rendre

(sciure de bois en granules) ou du bois. La

des flammes et de se sentir sécurisé avec un

votre intérieur unique. Des modèles comme

Région Wallonne offre de sérieuses primes si

feu fermé via une porte escamotable.

cet In Fire (Bodart & Gonay) sont de

vous optez pour ce type de chauffage.

tendances

multi-combustibles

(bois,

Cassette encastrable : ce type de foyer

briquettes, charbon). Cet appareil d'angle

reste certainement le plus populaire chez

permet aussi une large vision sur le feu.

nous. Nichée dans le mur, elle doit être équipée d'un ventilateur pour souffler l'air

Il sera aussi important pour votre confort de

chaud. Ce système offre le grand avantage

vérifier que le modèle choisi favorise le

Quel bois choisir?

Les différentes essences ont des rendements calorifiques différents.

Optez davantage pour des bois durs comme le chêne, le hêtre, le frêne, le charme, les fruitiers. Ces familles produisent de belles flammes, beaucoup de braises qui restent longtemps incandescentes.

Le bois doit impérativement être bien sec. Un bois trop mouillé dégage beaucoup de fumée, encrasse le foyer, la vitre et la cheminée... Lorsque votre bois sèche, protégez-le de la pluie et assurez-lui une bonne ventilation. A quoi reconnaît-on de bonnes bûches? Leur poids est léger et elles produisent un son clair quand on les entrechoque. A éviter, les bois qui ont subi un traitement chimique comme des traverses de chemin de fer, de l'aggloméré...

>> Infos: http://www.livios.be http://www.stuv.be http://www.b-g.be/ http://www.girretzpierre.be/

S H O P P I N G / 25

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SHOPPING

>> The superstar shower Showers are for every generation, bringing everyone together. Ousting baths, which were previously seen as being more comfortable, they will be the stars of Batibouw. And with just cause. No more old-fashioned square boxes enclosed by rickety Plexiglas panels or tired shower curtains. Now surrounded by fine, almost invisible glass walls, the shower stall has become a space ship. Hydromassage column (with side, back and neck jets), hammam, essential oils diffuser, sounds and flashing lights in green, yellow, blue

Photos: K-Création

and red, all combine to take the “traveller” into another dimension.

No more dreary shower head. The latest

A new room for pleasure B

thing is a great flat or round ceiling fixture where the water falls like the rain of your dreams. Sometimes, in fact, as with Fantini, the downpour comes from everywhere, from the ceiling and the perforated walls.

atibouw, being held at the Heysel

This is about masses of water, and the

from 28th February to 9th March, will

clients, manufacturers tell us, love that. The

be taking an all-new look at

shower now is also synonymous with

bathrooms. No other area of the home has

pleasure and astringency, compared with

changed as fast and as radically as the

the bath, seen as emollient.

bathroom. In just 10 years, sober, functional bathrooms have become living

There are many new items from the very

spaces, dedicated to well-being. Pleasure is

innovative

the new watchword. In this room, which is undergoing the same revolution as the

rooms – now almost anything goes!

big brother, the “Stone One”, but made of Plasticryl, an innovative material similar to plastic, which is 100% recyclable and

T he hygienic, almost clinical bathroom

smooth to the touch. Presentation: “Dip

has definitely left the building, making

Softies” come in cheerful colours (yellow,

space for a hedonistic, cosy space where

blue, red, green, orange, white, black,

the layout and the ambiance can change

translucent), “Dip Bicolour” baths are white

several times in a lifetime.

inside, with black gloss, white, silver or gold, and, last but not least, "Dip-lighting"

The bathroom is stylish, curvy, and filled with

baths are designed in translucent Plasticryl

light. The fittings, the bath and the radiators

equipped with micro-leds and state-of-the-

have taken a stance against the traditional

art technology for every colour.

give a real “waterfall” style shower.

The many shower heads, lit up with integrated LEDs, like those from Bossini (Dream Light shower ceiling) or Cristina Rubinetterie (Sandwich Colours shower head) finally confirm the research into new sensorial perceptions in this new world dedicated to well-being, while the “Hammam” steam function is fast gaining ground.

white and now appear in lively shades of red, yellow, apple green, orange, and

Light

fuchsia. Their shapes have swapped angles

functionality of the past, today’s bathroom

and straight lines for gentler curves and

is a place for relaxation and pleasure as well

rounds or ovals. Finally, the bathroom has

as hygiene. The versatility of the Corian®

lights everywhere - the ceiling, the walls, the

design makes this a material that can be

shower, the bath, and the wash hand basin.

used for the most daring designs – fittings

years

away

from

the

cold

with no visible joins, “zen” baths, surfaces At Aquamass, you’ll always find great

with ergonomic curves – while its warm

innovations. This time it’s the “Dip” range

feel and its resistance to heat and rust help

of baths – the same simple shape as their

to create a welcoming environment.

Photo: Dornbracht

26 / S H O P P I N G

manufacturer

Side Rain and Waterfall modules, which

kitchen – a closed technical area which has become a living space open to the other

German

Dornbracht, but the most striking are the

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MOVING

PARIS pas pareil A la rencontre de Paris, entre centre historique et ébullition nouvelle, du Marais au XIXe arrondissement, des Tuileries au canal Saint-Martin... de Colette à Quai 71 ! >> Photo photo photo

>>> Le thé du plaisir

Entre l'église St-Paul et l'Hôtel de Ville, un lieu à ne pas manquer : la maison européenne de la photographie. Voué à la création contemporaine, l'endroit est une bulle de calme et allume la curiosité à travers quatre expositions, quatre angles de « regard ». A ne pas manquer : Edouard Boubat - Révélations (jusqu'au 30 mars) : "Correspondant de paix", selon l'expression de Prévert, Edouard Boubat est une des grandes figures de la photographie humaniste française.

5/7 rue de Fourcy - 75004 Paris.

33 (0)1 44 78 75 00.

>> Trendy Les couleurs so flashy de la nouvelle collection Patrizia Pepe, la boutique Galliano aux écrans exubérants, la fourmillière qu'est devenue Colette, la classe Burberry's et puis la place Vendôme, les Tuileries, la Concorde belle à s'étourdir... la rue Saint-Honoré s'offre à profusion. Une petite halte ? Préférez un des cafés autour de la place du marché St-Honoré rénovée, à deux pas.

St-Martin vs Ourcq On connaît bien le canal St-Martin, lieu de convivialité s'il en est dans le Xe arrondissement où l'on peut flâner en paix le dimanche puisque les rues qui le longent sont interdites aux voitures alors que les boutiques (Antoine et Lili, Stella Cadente, Quai 71, ...) sont elles toutes ouvertes. Chouette !

Mais il existe un autre canal en pleine expansion : le canal de l'Ourcq dans le XIXe . Entre le complexe cinéma MK2 Quai de Seine (Non loin de la place Stalingrad) qui accueille nombre d'expos et d'événements et le parc de la Villette, lancez-vous dans une balade tranquille sur les larges quais à pied ou à vélo (www.velib.paris.fr) !

Envie d'une pause ? Le Bar Ourcq (68, quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris), représentatif de l'ambiance du coin qui prête des transats l'été pour paresser devant le bassin de la Villette.

28 / M O V I N G

La technologie n'a qu'à bien se tenir, elle n'a d'un coup, plus aucun intérêt quand on passe la porte de la boutique Mariage Frères dans le Marais. C'est délicieux. L'odeur, le bois, les boîtes... Tout. L'adresse est connue et il y a du monde mais quel bonheur de se laisser guider par des vendeurs concernés et passionnés à travers ces mille et une saveurs. Mille et deux d'ailleurs parce que le thé « Marco Polo » est définitivement hors compétition. Evidemment, on se pose au salon de thé sous la verrière. Pour prendre le temps de savourer tout ce plaisir...

30 rue du Bourg-Tibourg, Paris 4e.

Ouvert 7j/7. 33(0)1 42 72 28 11.

>> Coup de coeur Le musée du Jeu de Paume Il y souffle toujours un vent d'étrangeté, le coeur y bat toujours un peu plus vite... Là, des mondes nouveaux apparaissent et c'est étonnant, fascinant dans cet espace si historique ! Et l'expo en cours trouve définitivement sa place dans cet espace dédié à l'art contemporain. Eija-Liisa Ahtila est une des figures majeures de l'art vidéo. Elle met en scène des personnages aux prises avec leurs émotions, avec leur entourage et un environnement instable. C'est secouant !

(Jusqu'au 30 mars) 1, place de la Concorde - 75001 Paris.

33 (0)1 47 03 12 51

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BRUSSELS Choose the address of your future well-being.

AUDERGHEM - CLOS CÉRÈS 2 to 10 Clos Lucien Outers

0L% 4O D S

Group of 3 apartment buildings, each comprising around 20 flats, Clos Cérès is an invitation to calm and serenity.

Clos Cérès is located 10 minutes away from the three loveliest parks in Brussels, in the European quarter, on the campus of the Université Libre de Bruxelles and close to the main transport links.

VISIT OUR SHOW FLAT - INFO: 0475 45 45 97

L

SPECIA

OFFER

AUDERGHEM - CHASSE ROYALE - 2 to 10 Clos Lucien Outers Duplex penthouse: Brand new - Living area: 42 m - Kitchen: very well-equipped - Utility room 2

3 bedrooms : 14/11/11 m2 - Bathroom: 1 - Shower room: 1 - Toilets : 3 - Large patio area - Underground parking.

COME AND VISIT THIS DUPLEX PENTHOUSE - INFO: 0475 45 45 97 COMING SOOM

AUDERGHEM - DELTA Construction of a new building on 4 to 6 levels, housing 25 flats (1,774.35 m2), offices (3,500 m2), a large specialist shop (1,455 m2) and a service production business (1,906 m2)

Info: 02/679 20 20

www.pointbreak.be www.bouygues-immobilier.be L E I S U R E / 29

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D O LC E V I TA

D

LE LE BON PLAN DÉLICE Petit, futé et belge en plus !

L'Allemagne nous invite à sa table. On pourrait vous donner 3200 recettes de pains différents, l'une des grandes spécialités du pays mais cela serait peut-être un peu répétitif alors on a opté pour les galettes de choucroute au saumon fumé, soit, dans la langue de Goethe : « Sauerkraut-Puffer mit Lachs ».

Ingrédients (Pour 4 personnes)

LA PAUSE Chocolat, quand tu nous tiens...

Miranda Ingram avait tout bon quand elle disait « Ne croyez pas que le chocolat soit un substitut à l'amour.

L'amour est un substitut au chocolat ».

Le lounge du Barsey l'a bien compris et lance le « Buffet de Chocolat », soit une valse de desserts 100% chocolat ainsi qu’une abondante fontaine aux deux Cacaos, que l'on accompagnera de thé, de fines bulles de champagne, ou des deux ! Le tout dans le cadre raffiné et trendy de cet hôtel non loin du Bois de la Cambre....

Buffet de Chocolat + 1 thé: 14€ ; Buffet de chocolat + 1 thé + 1 coupe: 24€ de 14 à 17h, du lundi au samedi.

Barsey restaurant & lounge Warwick Barsey Hotel Brussels 381-383 avenue Louise - 1050 Bruxelles Tél. 02 649 98 00 www.warwickhotels.com www.barsey.be

- 400 g de pommes de terre déjà cuites; 300 g de choucroute; 1 oeuf et 1 jaune; sel et poivre; 1 pincée de cumin; 1 cuillère à soupe de farine; 200 g de crème fraîche; 1 botte de persil; 200 g de saumon fumé.

Voilà l'ouvrage qu'il vous faut pour montrer que décidément la Belgique, cela ne se résume pas aux moules-frites et aux blagues racontées avec l'accent du cru... « Le Petit Futé Belgique » offre un aperçu exhaustif de l'étonnante diversité historique et culturelle du pays, et, des plaines de la mer du Nord aux forêts ardennaises, de Gand à Bruges, en passant par Anvers et bien sûr Bruxelles, des grottes de Han à la meilleure des Gueuze : tout est visité et commenté ! Une bonne base pour s'organiser des petits week-ends à vocation touristique et de détente...

Préparation Peler et écraser les pommes de terre. Les mélanger à la choucroute. Ajouter ensuite la farine, les épices et les oeufs.

Faire chauffer une poêle, y verser un peu d'huile. Y cuire des galettes de choucroute : elles doivent être dorées.

Servir avec du saumon fumé en tranche accompagné de crème fraîche au persil.

Le Petit Futé Belgique 2008 - 2009 11e Edition. 164 photos - 23 cartes & plans 624 pages quadri. 14 euros.

L'OBJET Du sel, du poivre, de la gaieté Rien de plus bête qu'une salière et son époux le poivrier ? Erreur, triple erreur ! Il faut vraiment ne pas connaître « Mr et Mrs Chin », l'irrésistible collection d'Alessi, designée par Stefano Giovannoni qui présente de petits personnages aux couleurs éclatantes ! Pour que la morne demande «Passe-moi le sel, chérie» devienne peps et enlevée !

De la même façon, les « Chin » Poivre et Sel ont des cousins minuteurs, de différentes couleurs...

Sel et poivre "Mr & Mrs Chin" Alessi 33 € le set. Minuteurs, 31 € / pièce En vente notamment chez BUSS JADOUL Chaussée de Charleroi 18 - 1060 Saint-Gilles Tél. : 02 538 14 45 - www.marialiste.com

30 / D O L C E V I T A

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DECORATION • CADEAUX • ACCESSOIRES • PAPETERIE LES NOUVELLES COLLECTIONS SONT ARRIVÉES

Le bien-être passe aussi par le bonheur d’offrir.

Petrusse

Les Mille et une idées cadeaux

Avenue Madoux 44 - 1150 Bruxelles Tél. / Fax 02 771 79 57 Ouvert de 10h30 à 18h30 - sans interruption - english spoken PARKING PRIVÉ DEVANT LE MAGASIN

IAC DELTA 1255 1082 Bruxelles 02/481.65.80

Mechelsesteenweg 306 de Strooper 146 1800 Vilvoorde 1020 Bruxelles 02/252.16.63 02/478.62.60

Av. Albert 1er 302 1332 Genval 02/653.22.72

Gar. Meuris

Bergensesteenweg, 751 1600 Sint-PietersLeeuw 02/356.61.44

Gar. Vanni

you are, we car.

Rue de la Lucerne 19 Ch. de Waterloo 1072 1030 Bruxelles 1180 Uccle 02/773.56.15 02/374.07.50

BERCHEM IAC Vilvoorde Gar. Auto-Metro Gar. Auto Torino Gar. Maubert IAC DROGENBOS IAC Chée. de Gand Av. Houba

Blvd des Invalides Ch. de Louvain 770 Grotebaan 332 210/220 1030 Bruxelles 1620 Uccle/Drogenbos 1160 Bruxelles 02/334.40.40 02/702.31.24 02/674.45.11

IAC MEISER

fiat500.be

15:22

Photo non-contractuelle. Consommation mixte: 4,2 l/100 km, émissions CO2 110g/km sur version 1.3 MultiJet 16v 75cv.

Information environnementale A.R. du 19.03.04 : www.fiat.be

25/02/08

DE DERRIÈRE, JE SUIS TOUT AUSSI CRAQUANTE.

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