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Where to travel? Nice, Geneva, Vienna, Prague and Berlin
When to travel? From 22/12/2007 until 20/03/2008
When to book? On Thursday 13 December 2007, from 6pm until midnight on brusselsairlines.com
Privilege: earn miles on every flight you book!
Warsaw, Krakow, Munich, Hamburg, Budapest from €49,99
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Use EuroTravel, the one-stop site for travel to and within Europe.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
God Bless Belgium - YouTube
Half a year has gone by since the 10 June national elections and still Belgium has no national government. The French speakers cannot agree to terms set by the Flemish majority and despite many rounds of talks, we are still at impasse.
Many have raised the question of splitting Belgium into two countries: Flanders and Wallonia.
This commercial was aired to raise the spirit of the proud Belgians to keep the country whole.
Many have raised the question of splitting Belgium into two countries: Flanders and Wallonia.
This commercial was aired to raise the spirit of the proud Belgians to keep the country whole.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Center Parcs - €150 Discount
As today marks the arrival of the holy man from Spain, Saint Nicholas (De Sint), he has brought a fantastic present for everyone: a discount of at least € 150 on a fun weekend or midweek stay in any Center Parcs!
This special Saint Nicholas discount is only valid on bookings made by Saturday 15 December, for arrivals up to 10 March 2008. Only a certain number of cottages are available in the offer, so when they are full - they are full.
What about a great stay over the Christmas or New Year period? The two Belgian parks are located in Limburg and have every facility you could need.
De Sint and his Zwarte Pieten wish you lots of fun in A State of Happiness!
Center Parcs Saint Nicholas discount Use booking code CP2461.
My sons had lots of fun at a Center Parcs in Holland in August 2006 and keep asking when can we go back.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Vrouwensportdag Limburg, 13 November 2007
On 13 November 2007, over 700 Limburg women of all ages, shapes and sizes joined the 15th annual Vrouwensportdag in De Souverein sports centre, Lommel.
For only 4€ our gemeente Heusden-Zolder organized a coach, soup and coffee and we could choose from eight different programmes, each consisting of three sports.
Sports included: nordic walking, nature walk, laughter walk, yoga, pilates, aerobics, step, African Djembe dance, NIA, percussion, Latin Aerobics, spinning, aquagym, country dancing, folk dancing and bowling,
I chose Nordic walking which I always enjoy. Unfortunately, the initiation course was cancelled in my gemeente for the second year running so I am still looking for a beginners course to build on the odd lesson I have had in other places.
After nordic walking came spinning. I should have known not to enrol for this. Spinning is fast exercise on a stationary bicycle, sometimes sitting, sometimes standing, sometimes leaning on the handlebars and as if it was not difficult enough, varying the resistance so you are in effect going uphill. It was too much for me and I really do not know how the older ladies kept going, except for the fact that "Belgians are born on bicycles". I could barely walk for two days afterwards and going downstairs was painful in my calves.
The best part for me was discovering NIA brought to us by Gitte. She describes NIA as the balance of T'ai Chi, the strength of eastern martial arts such as Tae Kwon Do, expression, creativity and spontaneity of dance and the relaxation of yoga.
"Het evenwicht van T'ai Chi + de kracht van Oosterse krijgssporten + de expressie, creativiteit en spontaniteit van dans + EN de rust van yoga."
It was wonderful, combining all my favourite activities in one class which was at times powerful, graceful, free flowing, harmonious and always fun.
Gitte is the only teacher of Nia in Belgium and you can reach her on her Nia website. The site has beautiful poetry and illustrations.
If you are a Limburg woman, look out for the 16th Vrouwensportdag in November 2008.
Antonia Stuart-James is an English Hypnotherapist in Belgium helping people to make positive change.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Flanders-Netherlands merger?
Over five months since the 10 June election and Belgium is still without a government. Recently the Dutch newspaper 'Dag on Monday' announced that nearly half of the Dutch would be happy for Flanders and the Netherlands to unite in one country. (54% Dutch men, 36% Dutch women)
Many Dutch supporters of a merger think a new country with a population of 22 million people might enhance their political and economic power in the European Union.
80& of Dutch nationals say they are very fond of the Flemish. The Dutch like the Flemish Burgundian attitude towards life, their accent and their good mood and gentle character.
A Burgundian lifestyle generally indicates a more relaxed approach to life; open, frivolous and exuberant with emphasis placed on good food and drink, notably beer. The 'Roman Catholic' Burgundian lifestyle in the historically strongly Catholic provinces of Noord-Brabant and Limburg can be contrasted to the 'Calvinistic Protestant' more sober lifestyle of the Dutch living north of the rivers Rhine, Waal and Meuse. The Burgundian lifestyle is considered to be closer to the 'Latin' lifestyles in the southern, Catholic part of Europe.
Many Dutch support a Flanders Netherlands merger. Nowadays, however, according to US academic Luke Fleeman, "the term is used more as an identification layer to differ oneself to others, than that it is a true way of life. More in the Netherlands than in Flanders, true differences between the historically Catholic and Protestant regions have greatly diminished."
The newspaper said it decided to poll the Dutch because of the political crisis in Belgium. "Belgium is lame and the government formation continues to fail," the newspaper writes. "The language barrier between the Flemish and the Walloons appears to be an obstacle. It is high time for the Dutch to help out the Flemish. How? By merging Flanders with the Netherlands."
Between 1815 and 1830 the two countries formed the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and strong historical and cultural ties continue to exist, the text of the petition continues.
"We welcome the Flemish if they want to merge with us. Anticipating a possible merger, the Dutch Protestant reformed crown-prince has already married a Roman-Catholic wife," the petition says. "Princess Maxima may become the Belgian queen and Crown-Prince Willem-Alexander the Dutch king, but the Belgians can also retain King Albert."
The petition also points out a merger might end the competition between the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, enhance the chances of the new merged state at the Eurovision song festival and strengthen the Dutch language.
Readers of the newspaper also suggested a new name for the merged countries: Netherbelgium, Orangeland, Deltaland, Lowlands and the Dutch-Flemish Federation.
source: Expatica 12 November 2007
This is all very well but in 1830 the Belgian people rose to a revolution to gain independence from the Dutch. I do not think they are in any hurry to reunite.
Many Dutch supporters of a merger think a new country with a population of 22 million people might enhance their political and economic power in the European Union.
80& of Dutch nationals say they are very fond of the Flemish. The Dutch like the Flemish Burgundian attitude towards life, their accent and their good mood and gentle character.
A Burgundian lifestyle generally indicates a more relaxed approach to life; open, frivolous and exuberant with emphasis placed on good food and drink, notably beer. The 'Roman Catholic' Burgundian lifestyle in the historically strongly Catholic provinces of Noord-Brabant and Limburg can be contrasted to the 'Calvinistic Protestant' more sober lifestyle of the Dutch living north of the rivers Rhine, Waal and Meuse. The Burgundian lifestyle is considered to be closer to the 'Latin' lifestyles in the southern, Catholic part of Europe.
Many Dutch support a Flanders Netherlands merger. Nowadays, however, according to US academic Luke Fleeman, "the term is used more as an identification layer to differ oneself to others, than that it is a true way of life. More in the Netherlands than in Flanders, true differences between the historically Catholic and Protestant regions have greatly diminished."
The newspaper said it decided to poll the Dutch because of the political crisis in Belgium. "Belgium is lame and the government formation continues to fail," the newspaper writes. "The language barrier between the Flemish and the Walloons appears to be an obstacle. It is high time for the Dutch to help out the Flemish. How? By merging Flanders with the Netherlands."
Between 1815 and 1830 the two countries formed the United Kingdom of the Netherlands and strong historical and cultural ties continue to exist, the text of the petition continues.
"We welcome the Flemish if they want to merge with us. Anticipating a possible merger, the Dutch Protestant reformed crown-prince has already married a Roman-Catholic wife," the petition says. "Princess Maxima may become the Belgian queen and Crown-Prince Willem-Alexander the Dutch king, but the Belgians can also retain King Albert."
The petition also points out a merger might end the competition between the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, enhance the chances of the new merged state at the Eurovision song festival and strengthen the Dutch language.
Readers of the newspaper also suggested a new name for the merged countries: Netherbelgium, Orangeland, Deltaland, Lowlands and the Dutch-Flemish Federation.
source: Expatica 12 November 2007
This is all very well but in 1830 the Belgian people rose to a revolution to gain independence from the Dutch. I do not think they are in any hurry to reunite.
Chimay Beers and Cheeses
The BIERES DE CHIMAY is a company is based in Chimay, a small town in the south of Belgium. It employs 75 persons and the turnover for 2002 was 23 millions euros. Bières de Chimay bottles and sells the Trappist beers of Chimay, brewed within the Abbey of Scourmont under the control and responsibility of the Trappist Monks. Since 1862 the monks have brewed their premium beer, known today under the name of " Première " (75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.)). The Chimay beers are authentic Trappist beers, since they meet the necessary three conditions :
*They are brewed within the Trappist Abbey.
*Under the control and responsibility of the religious Trappist community.
*The majority of the revenue generated from its sale is used for charitable purposes.
Quality has always had priority over quantity. The success of the beers has led, step by step, to a present production level of 123.000 hectolitres (2.706.000 gallons) per year.
The Trappist Beers of Chimay, positioned in a constantly growing speciality beer market, are available in more than 40 countries around the world. They are Chimay Red, Chimay Blue and Chimay Triple
Chimay is an authentic Trappist beer that is it is brewed within a Trappist monastery, under the control and responsibility of the monastic community. Only 6 beers in Belgium can carry the appellation "Trappist": Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel.
Chimay also produce 4 cheeses. They have a truly unique character born from secular know-how and they appeal to every sensitive palate. Covered with forests and pastures and crossed by numerous rivers, the countryside of Chimay has always been a livestock-rearing area. And dairy herds mean cheese!
Since 1876, the Trappist monks of Scourmont have known the secrets of making this semi-hard cheese made from good milk from their farm and matured in the vaulted cellars of the abbey. Today, Chimay cheese is made exclusively with regional milk and the Trappist monks have modernised their production equipment. Technology has combined with tradition for the greater happiness of the connoisseur and Chimay cheese has adapted itself to high consumption whilst retaining its authenticity.
All production respects the great monastic brewing tradition and takes place, even today, in the original abbey buildings in spite of a net increase in productivity.
Since its renovation in 1989, the brewery uses all its modern technology to back up its exclusive knowledge which dates back to 1862. Even though the brewery only operates from 07.00 to 16.00 out of respect for the schedules of the monastic life, it produces every day two batches of 250 hectolitres (52,850 pts) each.
How to drink Chimay?
From what type of glass should you drink your Chimay?
Whatever Chimay you are tasting, it is essential to have a perfectly clean glass, with no finger marks or traces of grease. The Chimay glass is essential: only this chalice-shaped glass (called a Gourmet in the 18 cl (6 fl.oz.) version) will permit you to experience the aromas and flavours of a beer on which scrupulous care has been lavished throughout its production.
At what temperature should you taste your Chimay?
Chimay Red and Chimay Blue are ideally drunk at the ambient cellar temperature: from 10 to 12°C (50 to 53.6°F); a temperature which gives Chimay Blue a great richness of body and soul!
Triple Chimay should be drunk cooler, between 6 and 8°C (42.8 to 46.4°F).
Note however that Chimay Blue and Red can also be drunk colder, at about 8°C (46.4°F), when they will be found to be particularly refreshing.
What is the correct way to serve a Chimay?
Tilt the glass slightly and pour the beer slowly. Be very careful not to touch the glass or the head with the neck of the bottle. Then pour the beer in one go being careful to leave one centimetre of beer in the bottle. Don't forget to hold the glass by the stem to avoid any fingermarks.
What should you eat with Chimay?
It goes without saying that Chimay goes perfectly with the 4 Chimay cheeses. But Chimay can also be used as an ingredient in many culinary preparations.
Source: Alan McCulloch's blog
Visit Gueuze for information and book reviews on Belgian beers.
*They are brewed within the Trappist Abbey.
*Under the control and responsibility of the religious Trappist community.
*The majority of the revenue generated from its sale is used for charitable purposes.
Quality has always had priority over quantity. The success of the beers has led, step by step, to a present production level of 123.000 hectolitres (2.706.000 gallons) per year.
The Trappist Beers of Chimay, positioned in a constantly growing speciality beer market, are available in more than 40 countries around the world. They are Chimay Red, Chimay Blue and Chimay Triple
Chimay is an authentic Trappist beer that is it is brewed within a Trappist monastery, under the control and responsibility of the monastic community. Only 6 beers in Belgium can carry the appellation "Trappist": Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel.
Chimay also produce 4 cheeses. They have a truly unique character born from secular know-how and they appeal to every sensitive palate. Covered with forests and pastures and crossed by numerous rivers, the countryside of Chimay has always been a livestock-rearing area. And dairy herds mean cheese!
Since 1876, the Trappist monks of Scourmont have known the secrets of making this semi-hard cheese made from good milk from their farm and matured in the vaulted cellars of the abbey. Today, Chimay cheese is made exclusively with regional milk and the Trappist monks have modernised their production equipment. Technology has combined with tradition for the greater happiness of the connoisseur and Chimay cheese has adapted itself to high consumption whilst retaining its authenticity.
All production respects the great monastic brewing tradition and takes place, even today, in the original abbey buildings in spite of a net increase in productivity.
Since its renovation in 1989, the brewery uses all its modern technology to back up its exclusive knowledge which dates back to 1862. Even though the brewery only operates from 07.00 to 16.00 out of respect for the schedules of the monastic life, it produces every day two batches of 250 hectolitres (52,850 pts) each.
How to drink Chimay?
From what type of glass should you drink your Chimay?
Whatever Chimay you are tasting, it is essential to have a perfectly clean glass, with no finger marks or traces of grease. The Chimay glass is essential: only this chalice-shaped glass (called a Gourmet in the 18 cl (6 fl.oz.) version) will permit you to experience the aromas and flavours of a beer on which scrupulous care has been lavished throughout its production.
At what temperature should you taste your Chimay?
Chimay Red and Chimay Blue are ideally drunk at the ambient cellar temperature: from 10 to 12°C (50 to 53.6°F); a temperature which gives Chimay Blue a great richness of body and soul!
Triple Chimay should be drunk cooler, between 6 and 8°C (42.8 to 46.4°F).
Note however that Chimay Blue and Red can also be drunk colder, at about 8°C (46.4°F), when they will be found to be particularly refreshing.
What is the correct way to serve a Chimay?
Tilt the glass slightly and pour the beer slowly. Be very careful not to touch the glass or the head with the neck of the bottle. Then pour the beer in one go being careful to leave one centimetre of beer in the bottle. Don't forget to hold the glass by the stem to avoid any fingermarks.
What should you eat with Chimay?
It goes without saying that Chimay goes perfectly with the 4 Chimay cheeses. But Chimay can also be used as an ingredient in many culinary preparations.
Source: Alan McCulloch's blog
Visit Gueuze for information and book reviews on Belgian beers.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Belgian beer wins prizes
Belgian beers breweries won prizes in several categories of the 'European Beer Stars Awards in Nuremburg, Germany. The competition took place during the Nuremburg beer fair 'Brau Beviale'. More than 570 beers were judged and awards prizes in 40 different categories.
Affligem Brewery got the gold medal for its blond (white-coloured) abbey beer named after the brewery. The Affligem Double and Affligem Triple yeasting brews were awarded silver medals. Affligem Brewery is in Affligem, East Flanders. Het Anker Brewery from Mechelen won a gold medal for its 'Gouden Carolus' classic. The brewery De Landstheer in Antwerp province was awarded a gold medal for 'Malheur 10°' (Malheur is French for bad luck!).
The brewery De Halve Maan from Bruges received a silver medal for its 'Brugse Zo't and a bronze medal for its 'Brugse Zot Double' brew. 'Zot' is Dutch for 'crazy'.
Silver medals also went to the Brouwerij Roman brewery in the East Flemish town of Oudenaarde for its 'Sloeber', and to De Ryck brewery in Herzele, also in East Flanders, for its 'Arend triple'.
Source: Expatica 19 November 2007
Affligem Brewery got the gold medal for its blond (white-coloured) abbey beer named after the brewery. The Affligem Double and Affligem Triple yeasting brews were awarded silver medals. Affligem Brewery is in Affligem, East Flanders. Het Anker Brewery from Mechelen won a gold medal for its 'Gouden Carolus' classic. The brewery De Landstheer in Antwerp province was awarded a gold medal for 'Malheur 10°' (Malheur is French for bad luck!).
The brewery De Halve Maan from Bruges received a silver medal for its 'Brugse Zo't and a bronze medal for its 'Brugse Zot Double' brew. 'Zot' is Dutch for 'crazy'.
Silver medals also went to the Brouwerij Roman brewery in the East Flemish town of Oudenaarde for its 'Sloeber', and to De Ryck brewery in Herzele, also in East Flanders, for its 'Arend triple'.
Source: Expatica 19 November 2007
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