The End of Belgium (2)

14 June 2010 - This cartoon by Joep Betrams from the Dutch newspaper Parool symbolizes the state of affairs in Belgium. Yesterday the Belgians held parliamentary elections, which could bring the country closer to a constitutional split. The Flemish separatists party is reported to have more than 20% of the votes, with the party's leader openly advocating a separation of the Dutch-speaking Flanders from French-speaking Wallonia. However, the Flemish will have to form a coalition Government with a French speaking party, most likely the Socialists. For years most of Belgiums' politics has been defined by endless debates over language and the allocation of public resources. Voting is mandatory in Belgium and more than 7 million people would have cast their vote.

The End of Belgium

2 June 2010 - I am still in Belgium, and I cannot help but thinking of the end of Belgium. Belgium is placed on one of the main cultural default lines in Europe, with a northern part speaking Dutch and a southern part more 'francophone'. The two halves of Belgium correspond with the language divide, but in reality it is more complicated. However, two sub-nations have formed that keep on drifting further apart. It is sometimes said that Belgium would have split up already if it had not been for Brussels. Traditionally Flemish, the city is now 80% francophone. The Flemish have always been reluctant to let go of Brussels, but the attitude is changing. For many Flemish, the end of Belgium is possible without them holding on to the capital. So what would happen if Belgium cease to exist?

Back to The Expo

31 May 2010 - The last weeks there was a lot of attention for the Shanghai Expo, the worlds' party for China. In 1958 the World Expo, than called International Expo, was organized in Brussels... The landmark building of this Expo, the Atomium, is still standing and has become a major tourist attraction in town. The building was designed by Andre Waterkeyn, is structure that is half between architecture and sculpture, symbolising a iron crystal by the scale of its atoms, magnified 165 billion times. I read it made the top 25 most strange buildings in the world.

Manneken Milk

31 May 2010 - One of the main tourist attractions in Brussels is Manneken Pis, just behind the Central Market. The Manneken is a famous bronze fountain sculpture, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a basin. The story goes that the little man got stolen a few times, but he always returned home. It is now reported that on June 1st Manneken Pis will become Manneken Milk, as he will urinate milk all day. The idea comes from a group of veterinarians, who want to raise awareness about the problems with the milk production and distribution in Africa. In some countries - like Mali - there is not enough water and food for the cows, and poor hygiene and a lack of trained veterinarians contribute further to the mounting challenges. Maybe it would be an idea to organize Manneken Champagne next?

Tintin in the Congo

11 May 2010 - Belgian roving reporter Tintin, who earned worldwide recognition for his adventures in the company of a faithful dog and a drunken sailor is in trouble. Some time ago Tintin faced public scrutiny as he was dragged before a court in Belgium to be accused of racism and xenophobia. Lawyers told a judge in a Brussels civil court that Tintin in the Congo — the second book in the series — should be banned in Belgium or at least sold with a warning that it contains material likely to shock readers. The case was brought by Bienvenu Mbutu Mondondo, 41, a Congolese accountant who says that the work, first published between 1930 and 1931, perpetuates colonial stereotypes. “This book contains unacceptable racist and xenophobic words which are designed to convey the idea that the black man is inferior,”. I had the book as a kid and maybe I was too young and naive to pick up the racist element, but I am in support of a good discussion about the content of book.

Belgian Cuisine

11 May 2010 - People may get the wrong impression that I am mainly in Belgium to eat, eat, eat, but such is not the case. In fact, yesterday I spent ten hours in a meeting-room. However, at the end of the day it was time to go to the local restaurant. The Belgian cuisine may not be world famous, but still has some treats on offer. On top of the list are "moules frites" or mussels with chips. Unfortunately its not the season. So there is stoemp: potatoes mashed with vegetables, and served with sausages. Its a bit heavy. Alternatively there are eel in green sauce of mixed herbs, salade liegoise (green beans salad) or waterzooi ('watermess') - a kind of rich chicken soup from Ghent. And of course they serve the best beer in the world..

Pralines

9 May 2010 - The 'bad' thing about Belgium is that they sell pralines. There are pralines everywhere! I was told that the translation of 'pralines' into english is Belgian Chocolates, which says it all.  It is a small miracle what Belgians can do with a bit of butter, sugar, water or milk, cacao or vanilla and a few grinded nuts. I can eat pralines 24 hours per day, but I believe they are originally meant as dessert. There are many good brands available, but I like the delicacies made by Leonidas. Today is Mothers' Day - so I treated myself to some Leonidas on the good health of my dear mum.

Moonview

9 May 2010 - I am in Belgium. Fog, grey, cold. Sometimes people think that the only man-made structure visible from the moon is the Chinese Great Wall. However, that is not true. The only visible attraction is the Belgian motorway system. It is visible as a small glittering spot, due to the lights all along the motorway network.