In the fairy tales the hero jumps on a black ram who would take him to the Underland. There he experiences different challenges or finds magical objects which would then help him to go back to the Upperland (again on the back of a ram but this time, for a change, a white one), triumphs … Continue reading
Category Archives: Life
Human Rights and Art in One World Festival
A Czech friend arrived last night and less than an hour later I found myself at the One World international human rights documentary film festival. It is an annual event, organised by the foundation my friend works for – People in Need, a Czech NGO. The film, we saw, was Give Us the Money of … Continue reading
Tango for Lunch
Writing about tango has been inevitable. Just a question of time and timing. And the time has come. In a city where tango is pretty usual I needed an occasion to finally get there. I got there this Wednesday by attending the tango practice De Markten @ Brussels at the old square just behind the … Continue reading
Butterflies and Balloons
It has been the longest winter ever. Why do I have the feeling I have written this sentence before? Maybe I have. But it really felt too long. The good news is that it’s over. Brussels is back to life. And I am back to experiencing it in my private way by noticing the beauty … Continue reading
The Tree of Life in Matonge
The African quarter. I have always liked its colourness and vibe. It’s lively and authentic. When my Sudanese friend visited me to Brussels a few years ago and I took him there, he exclaimed: “This is like Africa here”. If he says so, it must be the case. And indeed strolling around one crosses streets … Continue reading
My Very Private Brussels
Brussels appears right in the beginning of my novel Annabel (2010, Janet 45). The plot does not take place here but in Amsterdam. Nevertheless I am choosing to start my blogging year with the following extract: “This story starts in my attic studio apartment in Brussels. My first apartment after a series of rooms of … Continue reading
Italian Wine, Street Opera and Free Massage
All of this packed in one night. Last Friday. Here we go: 7:00 pm I arrive with an hour delay to the expo Arte in Tavola, hosted by the region of Calabria in the former home of the Dukes of Brabants in the Grand Place. The visit is again organized by the InterNations Brussels Singles … Continue reading