One of the goals of the Belgium trip was to study the situation and challenges of entrepreneurs in this country. Tuesday has been by far the busiest day for us.
It started with breakfast at the Unizo office in Verne. The customary breakfast was served of course; bread, cheese and jam with tea or coffee. Then was the formal business of learning how each group operated. It was a healthy discussion that felt a bit short. We were on a tight schedule and we were already running late. We had to start the enterprise visits.
First stop was a cheese shop. Well, they sold mainly cheese but also carried fruits, wafels and wines. They told us the story of how the shop was begun by the grandparents and how it grew until the time that the husband and wife took over. We took the opportunity to load up on some take home stuff.
An interesting note was mentioned by one of the Unizo employees escorting us, Evelyn. She pointed out pictures that were displayed in the shop windows. They were pictures of other entrepreneurs in the area. The business owners who participated took two pictures, one of themselves and their product and the other was a photo of a fellow Unizo member.
Next stop was lunch near the coast. We had lunch at Resto Real. It was a sumptuous lunch. Enjoyable as it was, again it was big portions that we could hardly finish. This was almost a fine dining restaurant. The place was spacious and bright with glass walls on three sides.
Next, up was a graphic artist who just happens to be a city councilor as well. That is a good point because being an entrepreneur, he understands the needs of the sector so he can consider these when he is helping to formulate regulations. He was prepared for our arrival. He had arranged glasses on the table and three bottles of a local apple juice were on the ready. He also gave away copies of the magazine his company produces in which he writes 80% of the material.
We next went closer to the beach. There was a shop called the Black Sheep. The owner showed us how he makes ice cream. We also saw how his wife prepared waffles and pancakes. Of course, we sampled their cuisine on their terrace on the beach. He was a jolly old man and that was most enjoyable.
From the Black Sheep, it was off to more animal products at the Fur Shop. We saw how they repaired fur coats. The shop actually started as a dance studio before the family dabbled in selling stuff for those who came to dance. The surprise of the visit was that some of the stuff sold there was imported from the Philippines of all places.
Finally, it was off to dinner at the Tapa Tapa. The owners told us how they were inspired by the Spanish tapas.
And then finally we went home, tired but happy really.
Trip to France
When Germain and Christine Fonteyne picked up Libay and me they showed us a map of the area and pointed out their village. It turns out they were one kilometer from the French border. So instead of going straight home, we proceeded to the border. The border turned out to be mainly a street where France was on one side and Belgium was on the other. We went a little further into France and then
That is one point about the European Union. Aside from the visit to parliament, this border crossing was proof that Europe is one community. As far as commerce is concerned, there is no question about a Belgian selling to the French or Germans for that matter.
Then we got hto their house.They gave us a tour of the grounds. Christine liked gardening. She grew her own vegetables. Germain also liked the outdoors. He was building a swimming pool froma water tank., He was also preparing the grounds for summer campers who would be trekking up the Red and Black hills.
It was also interesting to note that Germain's married son wasliving next door. They talked about their newest grandson and specially liked the idea that he came often enough. They would have showed us the baby but the family was not home at the time.
And of course the day ended with a discussion around the dining table.
That is one point about the European Union. Aside from the visit to parliament, this border crossing was proof that Europe is one community. As far as commerce is concerned, there is no question about a Belgian selling to the French or Germans for that matter.
Then we got hto their house.They gave us a tour of the grounds. Christine liked gardening. She grew her own vegetables. Germain also liked the outdoors. He was building a swimming pool froma water tank., He was also preparing the grounds for summer campers who would be trekking up the Red and Black hills.
It was also interesting to note that Germain's married son wasliving next door. They talked about their newest grandson and specially liked the idea that he came often enough. They would have showed us the baby but the family was not home at the time.
And of course the day ended with a discussion around the dining table.
Parliament Day
The tour of Brussels would prove to be just a prelude to what would happen the next day. When we walked around the city we had nothing on us but our wallets. On the next morning, we understood what luggage really meant.
We checked out of the hotel early. We were to move our bags to the Trias office. Their volunteers would be the ones to take the bags via train to Westhoek where the bags and our host families would be waiting for us in the evening. So first we had to go from the hotel to the office.
But it was rush hour.
In Brussels, there are no escalators going down into train stations. The moving stairs only went up. So we carried our luggage down the stairs going to the Metro station. We weren't really rushing but lugging those bags around is not a walk in the park either. Then there was the fact that the trains near our hotel did not go directly into the area where the offices were so we still had to change trains. That meant climbing up ad down some more stairs.
Finally, we got out of the correct station. We had to smile when we found out that the Trias office was the first door to the right when you got up to street level.
After meeting with Trias officials, we had to move to the Unizo offices. That was not much of a rush although it was still a few blocks walk. What happened after that meeting was the highlight of the day.
We finished the Unizo meeting a few minutes behind schedule. The next stop was the European Parliament. Since we were running late, Anna Marie literally run. The race was on then and there was also a slight drizzle. The girl did not believe in taking cabs or there were few cabs in the area. Anyways, we rushed to the Parliament building.
When we got to Parliament, there were the requisite security measures. We were accommodated by the aide of Marianne Thyssen, a Belgian representative from the Christian Democratic party. He explained how the EU system worked as far as legislation was concerned. He showed us the session hall and allowed us a few shots too. It really is interesting what cooperation can do. I would also like to mention that culture does play na important role and should never be ignored.
After the meeting at Parliament, it was a leisurely walk back to the Unizo building,
But the day was not yet over.
We checked out of the hotel early. We were to move our bags to the Trias office. Their volunteers would be the ones to take the bags via train to Westhoek where the bags and our host families would be waiting for us in the evening. So first we had to go from the hotel to the office.
But it was rush hour.
In Brussels, there are no escalators going down into train stations. The moving stairs only went up. So we carried our luggage down the stairs going to the Metro station. We weren't really rushing but lugging those bags around is not a walk in the park either. Then there was the fact that the trains near our hotel did not go directly into the area where the offices were so we still had to change trains. That meant climbing up ad down some more stairs.
Finally, we got out of the correct station. We had to smile when we found out that the Trias office was the first door to the right when you got up to street level.
After meeting with Trias officials, we had to move to the Unizo offices. That was not much of a rush although it was still a few blocks walk. What happened after that meeting was the highlight of the day.
We finished the Unizo meeting a few minutes behind schedule. The next stop was the European Parliament. Since we were running late, Anna Marie literally run. The race was on then and there was also a slight drizzle. The girl did not believe in taking cabs or there were few cabs in the area. Anyways, we rushed to the Parliament building.
When we got to Parliament, there were the requisite security measures. We were accommodated by the aide of Marianne Thyssen, a Belgian representative from the Christian Democratic party. He explained how the EU system worked as far as legislation was concerned. He showed us the session hall and allowed us a few shots too. It really is interesting what cooperation can do. I would also like to mention that culture does play na important role and should never be ignored.
After the meeting at Parliament, it was a leisurely walk back to the Unizo building,
But the day was not yet over.
Walking In The City
It was morning when we heard a knock at the door. The other ladies were ready for breakfast. My roommate Joy and I just got up. Anyway, when we went down to the dining room they were gone.
As expected, we had bread and cheese. There was a chocolate nougat for a spread. I liked that a lot. I had coffee and Joy had juice. It really was good that we had a relaxing morning . It was a walking day.
Trias rep Anne Marie picked us up at 9:30. We first went to Circle des Voyagre for coffee and to discuss the schedule. The drinks were good. The discussion was even better. The only part we were not so happy about was that there was not much time to venture far from Brussels.
After that, we met up with Unizo rep Evelyn who brought a couple of people. One of them was a Filipina married to a Belgian. She was our guest actually. Over lunch she told us her story. We asked her about how she coped with the difference in culture. From her and her husband, we learned how open minded the Belgians are. There are no negative stereotypes of Filipinos. The Belgian or Brussels community is multicultural based on history so they easily welcome people from other cultures. Of course there are not that much Asians, much less Filipinos in the country.
After lunch, we had a tour of Brussesls or at least the city center. It was a walking tour so we were not expecting to get the suburbs into the picture. That did not mean it would be a walk in the park. The program was scheduled from 2:30 to 6 in the evening. So from where we were, we first looked at the architecture in the area. Brussels has a mix of old and new buildings. What's interesting is how the Belgians reused old buildings.
There were residential buildings dating to the 1800s that were made of brick or chalk or limestone. The old cobblestone streets were binded with lava rock. The guided pointed out sidewalk tiles and wall additions that were placed at different times. That day, there were still colorful decorations because there was a gay parade the previous evening. It was a pity we did not venture too far from the hotel when we were looking for food. If we did, we would have been able to watch the parade as well.
We visited a small church that began at the time of the reformation. We also went to the cathedral which was built during the time of King Leopold. The guide also mentioned other churches built at other times that are now within city limits.
We went through the old marketplace which is described as the center of activities of the city. We also visited the grand market which is the current active marketplace, actually a tourist shopping district. We also passed the more upscale shops. Brussels is organized in such a way that the shopping distric and the office sector is well defined.
We went through a park that was said to be the former hunting grounds of kings. It was outside the royal palace which was the office of the king but not his residence.
Finally, we had dinner in an Asian restaurant. The others went on to explore and do some shopping but I went back to update this blog/
As expected, we had bread and cheese. There was a chocolate nougat for a spread. I liked that a lot. I had coffee and Joy had juice. It really was good that we had a relaxing morning . It was a walking day.
Trias rep Anne Marie picked us up at 9:30. We first went to Circle des Voyagre for coffee and to discuss the schedule. The drinks were good. The discussion was even better. The only part we were not so happy about was that there was not much time to venture far from Brussels.
After that, we met up with Unizo rep Evelyn who brought a couple of people. One of them was a Filipina married to a Belgian. She was our guest actually. Over lunch she told us her story. We asked her about how she coped with the difference in culture. From her and her husband, we learned how open minded the Belgians are. There are no negative stereotypes of Filipinos. The Belgian or Brussels community is multicultural based on history so they easily welcome people from other cultures. Of course there are not that much Asians, much less Filipinos in the country.
After lunch, we had a tour of Brussesls or at least the city center. It was a walking tour so we were not expecting to get the suburbs into the picture. That did not mean it would be a walk in the park. The program was scheduled from 2:30 to 6 in the evening. So from where we were, we first looked at the architecture in the area. Brussels has a mix of old and new buildings. What's interesting is how the Belgians reused old buildings.
There were residential buildings dating to the 1800s that were made of brick or chalk or limestone. The old cobblestone streets were binded with lava rock. The guided pointed out sidewalk tiles and wall additions that were placed at different times. That day, there were still colorful decorations because there was a gay parade the previous evening. It was a pity we did not venture too far from the hotel when we were looking for food. If we did, we would have been able to watch the parade as well.
We visited a small church that began at the time of the reformation. We also went to the cathedral which was built during the time of King Leopold. The guide also mentioned other churches built at other times that are now within city limits.
We went through the old marketplace which is described as the center of activities of the city. We also visited the grand market which is the current active marketplace, actually a tourist shopping district. We also passed the more upscale shops. Brussels is organized in such a way that the shopping distric and the office sector is well defined.
We went through a park that was said to be the former hunting grounds of kings. It was outside the royal palace which was the office of the king but not his residence.
Finally, we had dinner in an Asian restaurant. The others went on to explore and do some shopping but I went back to update this blog/
Quick Night Out
It was past 10pm when we got to Hotel Manhattan in Brussels. It would already be 5am in Manila by then. Most of us had been awake for almost 24 hours. We were all tired from the long trip. But for some of us, we were more hungry than tired. So the five ladies in our party of nine decided to take a look around and see if we can not find some warm food.
But we were tourists so of course we had cameras on hand when we walked out of the hotel. In the elevator, we just happened to meet a Frenchman named Jacques who was also staying in the same hotel. While outside, he noticed we were clicking away and decided to help us out so all five of us can be in the picture at the same time.
After he had gone off, we noticed a car stopped in front of us and the men inside were loudly talking. We all felt that they were discussing us. Maybe it was just our stereotype but we feared they were considering us in a negative light. So we stowed the cameras and walked on.
We walked into a convenience store and got ourselves some instant noodles
. I was going to buy chips but flavors like paprika and chili turned me off. Anyway, the noodles were satisfying enough.
And we got back to the hotel in time to catch the announcement of the Eurovision winners.
But we were tourists so of course we had cameras on hand when we walked out of the hotel. In the elevator, we just happened to meet a Frenchman named Jacques who was also staying in the same hotel. While outside, he noticed we were clicking away and decided to help us out so all five of us can be in the picture at the same time.
After he had gone off, we noticed a car stopped in front of us and the men inside were loudly talking. We all felt that they were discussing us. Maybe it was just our stereotype but we feared they were considering us in a negative light. So we stowed the cameras and walked on.
We walked into a convenience store and got ourselves some instant noodles
. I was going to buy chips but flavors like paprika and chili turned me off. Anyway, the noodles were satisfying enough.And we got back to the hotel in time to catch the announcement of the Eurovision winners.
Off to Belgium
So we are finally on our European adventure. We got here last night. Manila time that would be Sunday morning already. We moved back in time. Actually, we went back about six time zones.
KLM has some good services. It starts with the free newspapers while waiting to board the plane. Then there is the flight tracking system onboard. I really liked that a lot, being able to track where we passed and what's below us. The system also showed data about temperature outside, the speed of the plane, the distance we have gone and how far we still have to go, and how high we are flying. I liked the graphics
, the details of the display, the terrain.
KLM also has a good set of entertainment. You get to watch movies and tv programs or listen to your favorite music. There are also games for adults and kids. There are even language courses so you can study how to talk with the people at youur destination.
Then of course there is the onboard meals. We had two full meals, several snacks and lots of drinks. My seat was in the middle so I had to disturb my companion who was in the aisle seat several times to go to the lavatory. Anyhow, the food was great. We were full and we really felt full after we landed.
Finally, we landed at the Schipol airport in Amsterdam. After getting off the plane, we had to walk a long ways off to get to the exit. I appreciate the fact that although there was a long line at passport control, it was a quick pass. Then we had to get train tickets. Our tickets were prepaid so we only had to get the ticket. Then we had to find our platform and get on the right train.
It was still sunny outside when we boarded our train. We enjoyed the view of the countryside of Holland. We also got a view of the sunset. Even after the sun started to go down, it was a long time before it got dark outside. One of my companions said he was getting tired of waiting for the darkness.
At every station, we checked the station name. Our station was supposedly the last station but we were not sure how far that would be. We were all getting nervous, tired as we were from the trip.
At last, we got into Brussels. Then we found out there were tyhree train stations in the city. It's a good thing we were told we had to get off at the last station. So we waited for the announcement that it was the last station before we got off.
Then we met our host or the representative of our host. She guided us to the hotel by first getting us on the Metro. Then we navigated the station with our luggages before we finally got to the street level near our hotel.
After three hours waiting to board a plane, fourteen hours in the air and four hours on the tracks, we were finally able to lie on our beds. But the day was not over yet,
KLM has some good services. It starts with the free newspapers while waiting to board the plane. Then there is the flight tracking system onboard. I really liked that a lot, being able to track where we passed and what's below us. The system also showed data about temperature outside, the speed of the plane, the distance we have gone and how far we still have to go, and how high we are flying. I liked the graphics
, the details of the display, the terrain.KLM also has a good set of entertainment. You get to watch movies and tv programs or listen to your favorite music. There are also games for adults and kids. There are even language courses so you can study how to talk with the people at youur destination.
Then of course there is the onboard meals. We had two full meals, several snacks and lots of drinks. My seat was in the middle so I had to disturb my companion who was in the aisle seat several times to go to the lavatory. Anyhow, the food was great. We were full and we really felt full after we landed.
Finally, we landed at the Schipol airport in Amsterdam. After getting off the plane, we had to walk a long ways off to get to the exit. I appreciate the fact that although there was a long line at passport control, it was a quick pass. Then we had to get train tickets. Our tickets were prepaid so we only had to get the ticket. Then we had to find our platform and get on the right train.
It was still sunny outside when we boarded our train. We enjoyed the view of the countryside of Holland. We also got a view of the sunset. Even after the sun started to go down, it was a long time before it got dark outside. One of my companions said he was getting tired of waiting for the darkness.
At every station, we checked the station name. Our station was supposedly the last station but we were not sure how far that would be. We were all getting nervous, tired as we were from the trip.
At last, we got into Brussels. Then we found out there were tyhree train stations in the city. It's a good thing we were told we had to get off at the last station. So we waited for the announcement that it was the last station before we got off.
Then we met our host or the representative of our host. She guided us to the hotel by first getting us on the Metro. Then we navigated the station with our luggages before we finally got to the street level near our hotel.
After three hours waiting to board a plane, fourteen hours in the air and four hours on the tracks, we were finally able to lie on our beds. But the day was not over yet,
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