23.11.2020

Europe on Track is a project from the European Students’ Forum (AEGEE) run entirely by volunteers, who aim to raise awareness, to create a space for discussion and to capture the opinions of young people in Europe on important social issues.

Thanks to Eurail, 6 ambassadors will travel by train across 22 cities in 1 month divided in 3 teams to deliver workshops, interview young people and organise events in cooperation with 200 volunteers. Besides, this year Europe on Track will have an extra online route to reach as many cities as possible in Europe. Through non-formal education, the ambassadors will encourage young people to be socially and politically active. The project intends to cultivate a society in which ideas and beliefs are inclusive and not dividing people based on their nationality, place of birth or discriminated communities. In Europe on Track, we want to inform and empower young people to take the lead in their own future, after the pandemic, through activism at the local, national and European levels.

As an Europe on Track Ambassador, you’ll travel by train with an Interrail ticket for a month (8th April – 6th May) across circa 10 cities encouraging youth to take the lead of their own future through activism. All the expenses are covered by Erasmus + and the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe! 

Do you want to become part of the change traveling around Europe as one ambassador? Welcome aboard the #ActivismExpress!  

VÍDEOS YOUTUBE

– OPEN CALL AMBASSADORS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plmVjeIXy5Y 

– TOPIC EUROPE ON TRACK 8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ExVHkLbQWc

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.europeontrack.org/

AUTHOR: This text was written by the team Europe on Track.

Der Beitrag Become an Ambassador with Europe on Track! erschien zuerst auf MH English.

By Alessandra Ivaldi / 18.11.2020

In the previous articles of this series we explored with our imagination the towns of Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein, making a stop at the wonderful Rhine Falls. Now it is time to end our journey with the last, very famous destination: St. Gallen.

The symbol of the town is its baroque cathedral, which is part of a wide and spectacular religious complex. A sumptuous library is also part of this complex and contains about 170.000 volumes, some of which are hand-written and a thousand years old! The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The library contains the beautiful Rococo hall of Switzerland, an unrivalled masterpiece, which can be visited only after having worn proper “slippers” that make it possible to walk through this magic place without ruining the sumptuous floors in inlaid wood. The slippers are distributed by the staff of the library at the beginning of the visit.

In addition to the very precious and ancient volumes, visitors will also find inside the hall an Egyptian mummy from the 6th century B.C. and a fascinating item: a faithful copy of a sixteenth-century globe based on one of the first maps of human history – the original was stolen and is now in Zurich.

After the library, do not forget to visit the wonderful cathedral, work of the late Baroque period, with its imposing facade characterised by beautiful decorations that are just a taste of the magnificence waiting for you inside.

The town’s name derives from the legendary Irish monk Saint Gallus, who founded a hermitage in this area in the 7th century A.D…. and over time that humble hermitage turned into one of the greatest Benedictine abbeys of Europe, a center of power and culture. In fact, the abbot was for many centuries also the Lord of the town and the confining territories.

According to the legend, Saint Gallus gave a piece of bread to a hungry bear, an animal that at the time represented a dangerous threat for the local community. To reward Saint Gallus for his generosity, the bear helped him to build a chapel of the future monastery by bringing him the wood needed for that hard work. Today the bear is still one of the symbols of the city, and you will find statues and other representations of this animal throughout the old town of St. Gallen.

In this regard, the old town is really lovely and the local authorities decided to protect and keep its beauty by closing the entire area to traffic. Take your time to visit this fascinating place, where important evidence of the rich past of St. Gallen mixes with the vibrant life of a modern university town. St. Gallen and its old town offer many opportunities for visitors who want to have fun between one visit and another…

And that concludes, for now, our journey among the marvels of Switzerland. Do you know other places that you consider worth a visit in the north-western area of this little but fascinating country? Let us know your opinion by commenting on the Meeting Halfway website or on our social pages!

Author

Alessandra Ivaldi (Italy)

Speaks: Italian, English, German, French

Europe is... a cultural heritage.

Website: https://iva1794.wixsite.com/home

Proofreader

Alexandra Wood (Great Britain)

 

Languages: English, French

 

Job: Freelance Translator (Alexicon Translations)

 

Europe is... a mezze of languages and culture packed into a little continent.

Der Beitrag The Marvels of Switzerland: a rich historical heritage erschien zuerst auf MH English.

By Alessandra Ivaldi / 13.10.2020

The first article of our short series on the ‘Marvels of Switzerland’ lead us to Schaffhausen. There, we admired the old town and the banks of the Rhine, including the spectacular Rhine Falls, where the power of nature amazes even the least sensitive visitor. Around 20 minutes from Schaffhausen, there is a village where a very valuable treasure is hidden. It is accessible by car or public transport. The village is called Stein am Rhein, and is the meeting place of  Lake Constance (Bodensee) and the Rhine. In 1972, it received the Wakkerpreis (Wakker Prize), a prize awarded the Swiss Heritage Society awards yearly to a Swiss municipality that is committed to the preservation and development of its architectural heritage. Stein am Rhein was the first municipality to be awarded this prize. Certainly, no other town would deserve this prize more than this wonderful, medieval village. The village’s old town will leave you speechless. Despite its limited dimensions – you can explore Stein am Rhein on foot in a short time – it would be easy to spend a whole day among the old town’s buildings and admire the details of their facades. Even if you were to explore the old town again the following day, you would still find some new and surprising details! The buildings are unique. It seems as though the magnificent frescoes, with their beautifully decorated and colour facades, can lead visitors into a fabulous world, far away from the chaos of everyday life.     

There is no common thread linking the stories represented by the frescoes on those buildings; each building is a universe in itself. The names of the different buildings are taken from the decorations characterising them. The House of the Sun, for example, was named after the legend on its walls, where you can see Alexander the great and Diogenes, the philosopher. In the fresco, they are illuminated by the long rays of a sun with a human face looking at both of them.                                                                                        

Legend has it that the great leader wanted to pay tribute to the famous philosopher, and offered to grant Diogenes a wish. As an extreme example of his commitment to self-control and self-sufficiency, Diogenes lived in a barrel. Thus, in order to talk to him, Alexander had to enter the barrel. In doing so, he covered the sun’s rays, which were illuminating the philosopher’s ‘house’, with his body. Thus, Diogenes used his wish to ask Alexander, the mighty king, to ‘move away from his light’.

Another remarkable building is the ‘Haus zum roten Ochsen’ (House of the red Ox). Of course, the name of one of the oldest taverns in Switzerland derives from the animal, which can be found below the numerous details on the walls of this building.

If you have the opportunity to visit Stein am Rhein, you can admire the oldest fresco in Switzerland. You can recognise it by the white eagle depicted on it. Not surprisingly, the building is called ‘Haus zum weißen Adler’ (House of the white eagle). The fresco dates from the 1520s and represents images from the stories of the Dekameron by Italian poet Giovanni Boccaccio and from the Gesta Romanorum, a collection of 13th- and 14th – century anecdotes and tales.

The list of sights you are able to admire on a simple walk through the old town of Stein am Rhein is endless. The village did not only win the Wakker Prize because of its beautiful old town. One of its museums, the Museum Lindwurm (the name of a legendary creature of the past, comparable to a dragon), was in fact awarded the title of ‘European Museum of the Year’ in 1995. You can recognise this museum by the dragon figure depicted almost everywhere around the building. The museum depicts 19th-century middle class life. 

Another highlight is the Kloster St. Georgen which overlooks the Rhine. It is a Benedictine monastery with a church from the 12th century. Its well-preserved rooms contain a history museum.

Our imaginary journey through North-eastern Switzerland continues: in the next article, we will reach the famous city of Sankt Gallen.

Author

Alessandra Ivaldi (Italy)

Speaks: Italian, English, German, French

Europe is... a cultural heritage.

Website: https://iva1794.wixsite.com/home

Translator

Martine Wilmes (Luxembourg)

 

Studies: MA in English Literature

 

Languages: Luxembourgish, German, French, English, a bit of Spanish

 

Europe is... forging cross-cultural relationships.

 

My LinkedIn profile

Der Beitrag The marvels of Switzerland: The discovery of a hidden treasure erschien zuerst auf MH English.

By Alessandra Ivaldi / 26.08.2020

Our journey starts in Schaffhausen, the capital of the canton of the same name, at the northernmost corner of Switzerland, on the banks of the Rhine and not far from the German border. The town was founded here mainly because of the nearby river, which allowed for the transport of goods. However, the location also caused a problem that was difficult to solve. The Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe and impassable for ships, is situated in the immediate vicinity. In order to cross the Rhine Falls, a safe harbour is needed in which the goods transported along the river to this point can be deposited. This is why the present-day town of Schaffhausen was founded. Previously, it served as a place of unloading for the merchants on the Rhine. Today it is a very popular destination, not only for European tourists. Due to its proximity to the Black Forest and the Bodensee, and the spectacular surrounding vineyards, Schaffhausen is the perfect destination for exciting excursions and longer stays.

The impressive Munot fortress, one of the main symbols of Schaffhausen, rises above the old town. It was built during the turbulent period of the Reformation in the 16th century. Every day at 9pm sharp, a watchman living in the tower of the fortress rings a bell. In the past, those chimes indicated the closing of the town gates. 

Schaffhausen’s old town impresses with its façades painted in the traditional style of this region and its generously decorated balconies. There are a few particularly noteworthy façades, including that of the Haus zum Ritter (The Knight’s House), decorated with Renaissance frescoes depicting chivalric traditions. Another example is the gate of the Schmiedstube, located in front of the house of the old blacksmith’s guild. It is characterised by its Baroque style, as well as its profession-specific decorations.

The Fronwagplatz (Fronwag Square), a former market place in the Middle Ages, lies at the heart of the city. It is particularly well known for its 16th-century fountains, on which the statues of a mercenary and Kaspar, one of the three Magi, are seated. Much to the delight of shopping fans, this square is situated right next to the pedestrian zone with a wide variety of shops.

Another must-see is the Kloster Allerheiligen (All Saints Monastery). The so-called Schillerglocke (Schiller bell) from 1846 is located in its courtyard. Its name can be traced back to the famous author Friedrich Schiller, who, during his stay in Schaffhausen, was inspired by the sounds of the monastery bells to write das Lied von der Glocke (the song of the bell). The monastery includes a church from the 11th and 12th century, and a museum containing various prehistoric and medieval artefacts as well as collection of sculptures and paintings of Swiss origin.

After your visit, you should definitely take a trip to the beautiful Rheinfall (Rhine Falls), situated a mere 4 kilometres from Schaffenhausen. If you like hiking, you can also reach the falls by foot. You just have to follow a clearly signposted trail starting in the old town. As mentioned before, this is Europe’s largest waterfall, measuring 150 metres in width and 23 metres in height. I recommend that in order to admire the mesmerising beauty of the waterfall up close, you prepare an exciting excursion or take a boat trip on the Rhine. Either way, you will not be disappointed by this incredible natural spectacle!

In the middle of the river, there is a mighty rock that has been withstanding the sheer force of the water for centuries. A viewing platform, which can be reached by boat, has been built on it so that visitors can admire the magnificent Rhine Falls at close range.

Finally, you can see the Schloss Laufen (Laufen Castle) over the Rhine Falls. The medieval fortress is open to tourists, offers a unique view, and invites you to relax and enjoy the sights from above the falls.

If all of this has not satisfied your curiosity just yet, keep travelling with us in our next article about the wonders of Switzerland! The next stop is Sankt Gallen and the marvelous city of Stein am Rhein.

Author

Alessandra Ivaldi (Italy)

Speaks: Italian, English, German, French

Europe is... a cultural heritage.

Website: https://iva1794.wixsite.com/home

Translator

Martine Wilmes (Luxembourg)

 

Studies: MA in English Literature

 

Languages: Luxembourgish, German, French, English, a bit of Spanish

 

Europe is... forging cross-cultural relationships.

 

My LinkedIn profile

Proofreader

Fern D (UK)

 

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"As conservative politics tries to push the UK further and further away from the continent, it's now as important as ever to make individual efforts to bring it closer."

Der Beitrag The marvels of Switzerland: Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls erschien zuerst auf MH English.

By Julia Mayer / 25.05.2020

As its name suggests, the EU Quarter is characterised by a high concentration of EU institutions. In order to get an overview of the European institutions, it is advisable to choose “Station Europe” as a starting point. In the former Bruxelles-Luxembourg train station, you can explore the European Parliament using an “Augmented Reality” model and get more information about Brussels’ sights and the EU Quarter. 

If you want to get a deeper insight into the moving history of Europe, the Parliamentarium, the Visitor Centre of the European Parliament, and the House of European History are highly recommended. Both sources of knowledge are free and anything but boring. In the Parliamentarium, for example, a 360° panoramic film allows you to experience what goes on in the European Parliament’s plenary chamber and feel like a Member of Parliament for a moment. A wide range of interactive multimedia services will enable you to get to know the 751 MEPs better or listen to the voices of Europeans explaining what Europe means to you. An interactive map gives you a further opportunity to see what the EU has already achieved in your region. The House of European History illustrates international, continent formative events and presents experiences from different perspectives. 

As interactive as the presented sources of information are, there is one thing you cannot replace; an actual visit to the Parliament. And this is also possible for visitor groups and even individuals after appropriate registration! So take advantage of this offer and experience the European Parliament, which is humorously also called Caprice des Dieux because of its similarity up close toFrench soft cheese.. 

As most people know, the MEPs who work in the European Parliament are elected by us every five years during the European elections. However, the European Quarter would not bear this name if there weren’t other EU institutions in the district. For example, the European Quarter is home to numerous buildings of the EU Commission, including the so-called Berlaymont. This is also the office of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The Commission corresponds to the government in state systems and, for the most part, has the sole right of initiative in the EU legislative process, i.e. it can submit a draft law to the other institutions for approval. Some Commission departments are also located in Luxembourg. 

Speaking of locations: the official seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg. Twelve four-day plenary meetings are held there each year. However, as Parliament’s committees and political groups meet in Brussels, two-day plenary sessions are held here up to six times a year. The Secretariat-General of Parliament is in turn based in Luxembourg. How complicated! In short, the majority of MEPs are actually in Brussels during the week, mostly at home on weekends and once a month there is ‘Strasbourg week’. Even if you do not know when it is, you will notice it very quickly, as the European Quarter will be quite empty. 

The European Parliament, together with the Council of the European Union, is the legislative authority in the European system. This committee is often referred to as the Council of Ministers and should not be confused with the Council of Europe or the European Council. The Council of Europe is a European international organisation and debates European issues. Unlike the other two committees, this one is also based in Strasbourg. But what distinguishes the European Council from the Council of the European Union? Both have at least a seat in Brussels in common. In the European Council, however, the heads of state and government exchange views, whereas the Council of the European Union represents the governments of the EU member states and is actively involved in legislation. 

What all EU buildings have in common is that they are architecturally impressive buildings. These are surrounded by beautiful parks, not least the Parc Léopold, which is practically directly adjacent to the EU Parliament.

The European Quarter also offers numerous cafés and restaurants. Particularly popular with young expats from the EU institutions, the Place du Luxembourg, also known as the “Plux”, is a real insider tip for tourists.. On Thursday evenings you can make international contacts here without a problem.

Finally, a few more useful tips: to reach the European Quarter quickly by metro, it is best to choose the Schuman station, named after the former French Prime Minister and President of the European Parliament, Robert Schuman. I also recommend the following map to help explore the district, which shows you where the EU institutions and the Permanent Representations of the Member States are located: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/29697/qc0214964enn.pdf

Enjoy your tour of the heart of Brussels! 

Author

Julia Mayer (Germany)

Studies: Public Management

Languages : German, English, and French

Europe is… a community that unites, founded on peace and common values, unique in this way, essential for our coexistence.

Proofreader

Fern D (UK)

 

Languages: English, French, Russian

 

Study: MA in Applied Translation

 

"As conservative politics tries to push the UK further and further away from the continent, it's now as important as ever to make individual efforts to bring it closer."

Der Beitrag The European Quarter – international exchange point and power centre of the EU erschien zuerst auf MH English.

By Alessandra Ivaldi / 12.05.2020

Time travel is a unique experience… and we are not talking about something from a science fiction novel, but rather a very special place not far from Mulhouse and Colmar, the two cities described in the previous articles of this series. The place we are talking about exists halfway between the early 20th century and our future: it is known as the “Ecomusée d’Alsace” and is the largest ecomuseum in France, as well as one of the most important in Europe.

To start with, what is an “ecomuseum”? An ecomuseum is an institution intended to protect and enhance territories with a significant cultural and natural heritage. Such a museum is neither bound by walls, nor “confined” in a building: its territory and the indwelling community that keeps its traditions alive, are the ecomuseum itself. The visitor has the opportunity to experience life within the community and the local cultural heritage first hand. 

Now let me be clear… Let’s take the Ecomusée d’Alsace as an example. In the 1970s Alsace witnessed a peculiar building phenomenon: the beautiful and traditional Alsatian houses, built using ancient techniques, which had characterised the local landscape from time immemorial, were rapidly being destroyed to make way for more anonymous and less suggestive modern buildings. Among the causes of these demolitions there were physical reasons (like the exodus from the countryside to the big cities) but also reasons of status (to keep up with the times, erasing the region’s rural past).

Fortunately, a group of resourceful students and volunteers decided to commit themselves to the preservation of these dwellings. The original idea, that allowed them to achieve this ambitious goal, was to dismantle the original houses in question and rebuild them in another place: something like a “shelter” for the Alsatian tradition.

This shelter was located in a vast area of land once occupied by a closed industrial plant, made available by the Municipality of Ungersheim. The dwellings were reassembled here in such a way as to appear exactly as they were originally built. This is how the village that we now call Ecomusée d’Alsace was born. 

Over the years, the interior of the houses have been filled with objects of Alsatian tradition, as well as photographs and documents donated by families from every corner of the region. Today visitors can enter the village, look around the buildings and see how the residents’ lives unfold.

The village is brought to life by a group of guides/entertainers that live according to the rhythms of the past, impersonating different professional profiles: the barber/dentist, the smith, the peasants and the shepherds, the teacher with her small school, the violin manufacturer…

Several women, dressed in charming and traditional Alsatian costumes, cook delicious meals staying true to the local tradition, sometimes disclosing the secrets of a few recipes to the most curious visitors.

Along with the food, there are a thousand other ways to spend your time inside the Ecomusée. For instance, you can play the games with which the children and adults used to enjoy, or you can explore the vast territory of the ecomuseum aboard a horse-drawn cart. Furthermore, you can hear the villagers’ stories and explanations about the ancient working techniques as well as get to know in detail the peculiar history of the region and its different dialects: halfway between French and German. The reason behind this is that Alsace is a very peculiar region whose culture has been heavily influenced by its troubled history, having always been the subject of contention between France and Germany.

In addition to the historical and cultural aspects, the ecomuseum also aims to preserve the natural heritage of the place. In fact, many animal and plant species are protected and cared for in its interior. The most obvious example is the numerous storks that nest on the roofs of the village houses. If you have the chance to visit the museum at specific times of the year you can see many specimens of this elegant bird up close. 

Another peculiarity of the ecomuseum: even if you visit several times during the same year, you will always be faced with something new, because the life inside the museum has to keep up with changes imposed by climate change, exactly as it used to do. The inhabitants of the village follow the passing of the seasons through the celebration of festivities and events that were typical of the Alsatian past and that were connected to folk beliefs and religion.

However, an ecomuseum should not only be connected to the past. In order to be preserved, traditions need to be lived, not simply just remembered. This is what the inhabitants of the village continue to do today, while also keeping an eye on the future. 

How? While exploring the Ecomusée you will find an area characterised by the presence of rather bizarre buildings. At first glance you might think that they were built using the traditional techniques, but the amenities within them belong to the modern world, or rather to the society of the future. These buildings are part of the project “Living the 21st century in Alsace” and they serve as an experiment to prove how future generations could benefit from the techniques and knowledge of our past to build a more environmentally friendly society.

This everlasting dialogue between past, present and future and the ability to continually evolve without ever losing sight of the original goal represents the true meaning of the Ecomusée.

Author

Alessandra Ivaldi (Italy)

Speaks: Italian, English, German, French

Europe is... a cultural heritage.

Website: https://iva1794.wixsite.com/home

Translator

Eleonora di Gaetano (Italy)

Studies: Degree in Interlinguistic and Intercultural Mediation Science

Languages: English, French, Russian

Europe is... a chapter to begin.

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Lucy Gannon (United Kingdom)

Job: Aupair and English Tutor

Languages: English and Spanish

Europe is... a home away from home

Der Beitrag Let’s explore Alsace: the Ecomusée d’Alsace erschien zuerst auf MH English.

By Julia Mayer / 20.04.2020

If you are looking to enjoy a longer break in nature, Brussels offers many more beautiful green spaces, of which I would like to present my two favourites. 

Firstly, there are the aptly named Jardins du Fleuriste (the Florists’ Gardens). In these gardens, which are integrated into the royal parks and gardens of Laken, many rare plants can be found. Owned by the royal donation, the park became a place for experiments and exhibitions of these rare plants through the management of Brussels Environment. 

At the end of the 19th century, land acquired from King Leopold II was used to grow these exotic plants and ornamental flowers for the royal residence. It fulfilled this purpose then and continues to do so now. The open space and the greenhouses, which were built in the 19th century, still exist today in their original structure. After the death of King Leopold II, the ownership changed and the park now belongs to the Belgian state. 

What has not changed over time are the remarkable plants in the Florists’ Gardens. Their individuality is partly linked to the absence of them in other Belgian parks, which is due, among other things, to the fact that they require special care. This care has been provided and guaranteed not only today, but throughout the long history of the park, demonstrated by the many plants that are over a hundred years old. 

The opening hours of the flower garden are based on those of the neighbouring colonial garden: both of which are open all year round from 8.15 am. The closing times vary (depending on the season) from 5.00 to 8.00 pm.

To go directly to the park, it is best to take the metro to Stuyvenbergh. Alternatively, I would recommend to get off at Bocksteal to have a look around the Laken district which is worth seeing before setting off in direction of Castle Stuyvenbergh and the Jardins du Fleuriste. Those who choose the latter option should definitely make a detour to the Église Notre-Dame de Laeken. This church is called the Royal Church because of the adjoining Royal Chapel, whose crypt houses many Belgian Kings. The neo-gothic church from the 19th century was built by order of King Leopold I to store the remains of his wife, Queen Louise-Marie of Orleans. Since then, the objective has been extended to the Belgian Royal Family. Nevertheless, the Church of Our Lady is strongly attached to social doctrine, so that in it a form of religious life is practiced which is directly dependent on the social reality surrounding it.

Another attraction and my second recommendation is in the municipality of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. This is an area with two parks and many lakes, which is particularly busy at weekends, but also attracts joggers during the week. And not without reason: especially after a long working day, the lakes, watercourses, green spaces and lovingly designed bridges provide a great balance. 

Here you can find the Parc des Sources, whose name is derived from the numerous water sources available there. Around the watercourses and lakes you can admire the most diverse vegetation. The park’s landscape, laid out in the English style, will enchant you with its pretty rockeries and romantic bridges. Nearby you will find the Parc Parmentier, which offers an equally high biological value. This park is privately owned and managed by a non-profit organisation. There are also beautiful places here that invite you to relax and enjoy nature. These parks are easily accessible, on foot or by public transport, and provide further access to various activities offered in the Brussels conurbation. 

As you can see, Brussels does not only offer sights in the form of buildings, museums or food. No, the Belgian capital also has a lot to offer biologically and it is worth experiencing this diversity in its entirety!

Author

Julia Mayer (Germany)

Studies: Public Management

Languages : German, English, and French

Europe is… a community that unites, founded on peace and common values, unique in this way, essential for our coexistence.

Proofreader

Lucy Gannon (United Kingdom)

Job: Aupair and English Tutor

Languages: English and Spanish

Europe is... a home away from home

Der Beitrag The Green Soul of Brussels erschien zuerst auf MH English.

By Alessandra Ivaldi / 7.04.2020

Today, under the persecution of the invisible threat of the coronavirus, we remember nostalgically the “good old days” when we were free to get out and to travel, crossing the borders between the EU countries with ease. At first I was hesitant about writing this article, wondering whether it was appropriate to go on with our series “Let’s explore Alsace” at this moment in time, when travelling has become a potential threat to our safety.
After some consideration, we have decided to go ahead. It will not always be like this. Soon we will see the end of this pandemic and our lives will continue from the point where they were interrupted in such an unexpected way. We will rediscover the joys of travelling. In a way, it will be even more precious than before, because, for an unnerving moment, we experienced the limitation of movement caused by closed borders which has never before been a problem for most of us.
So, here we are, ready to discover a new part of the magical region of Alsace. For now, we will have to make do with using our imagination, all the while safe in the knowledge that we will soon be free to travel again.

After discovering the secrets of Mulhouse, it is now time to move to another place, one which is a must for anyone planning a trip to Alsace. We are not talking about Strasbourg, even if it is the most famous city of the region, but the lovely Colmar. With scenery which seems to have jumped straight out of a fairy-tale book, Colmar will make every visitor fall in love.
If you still have not read the first two articles of our series “Let’s explore Alsace”, just click on the following links to discover all there is to know about Mulhouse and its attractions.

Maison des Têtes

Colmar is the third city of Alsace and is located at the foot of the Vosges mountains. The first thing any tourist should do when visiting this city is simply walk around and enjoy the beauty of the ancient buildings.
Colmar is characterised by its very peculiar architecture, largely of medieval origin. Lovely half-timbered houses with wooden frameworks, sometimes finely decorated, establish the fairy-tale landscape. Each building boasts an infinite number of teeny details which the eye of the most attentive observer can notice and admire. See for example the Maison des Têtes (the House of the Heads), which actually differs slightly from the other buildings in Colmar because of the absence of the visible wooden framework, but above all because of the multitude of small heads that protrude from the walls and the balconies of this unusual house.

The many decorations used by the inhabitants of Colmar to adorn their city make these incredible buildings even more enchanting – from colourful flowers that cover the balconies and little bridges during the warm seasons, to the elaborate signboards of shops and boutiques, some veritable pieces of art in themselves.

Absolutely unmissable is the aptly named Petite Venise (Little Venice), located in the oldest part of the city. This area is named after the famous Italian city because of the breathtaking beauty of its picturesque views, its canals that recall the uniqueness of Venice and the colours of the ancient buildings reflecting in the water.

After a tour through the city streets, why not also explore the covered market of Colmar? Here visitors can find food products and handicrafts typical of this region.

Finally, here are two tips for the art lovers. Those who rely on guidebooks or suggestions found on the Internet will have surely been recommended The Unterlinden Museum. Located in a former Dominican convent, it contains many works of art of unmatchable value dating back to different historical periods: from paintings from the 1500s to the more recent Renoir and Picasso. If you want to discover every hidden treasure of this charming city, do not miss the wonderful Madonna in the Rose Garden by the painter Martin Schongauer, jealously preserved off the tourist trail in the Dominican church.

When you have seen enough of Colmar, take some time to explore its three neighbouring villages: Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. Do not expect bustling tourist spots, but dainty villages every bit as picturesque as the Alsatian architecture found in Colmar. It is not by chance that these very villages inspired the sets for one of the most famous Disney movies, “Beauty and the Beast”.

If you are wondering which is the best time to explore these extraordinary places, the answer is quite simple: always! In spring and summer it is a pleasure to walk in the open air, surrounded by the colours of Colmar and its fragrant flowers, while in winter the city turns into a magical and wonderful place, where the magic of Christmas reigns over all and the delicious scent of warm pastries floods the streets of the center and invites visitors to stop to and taste one of the many local delicacies.

Author

Alessandra Ivaldi (Italy)

Speaks: Italian, English, German, French

Europe is... a cultural heritage.

Website: https://iva1794.wixsite.com/home

Proofreader

Lucy Gannon (United Kingdom)

Job: Aupair and English Tutor

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Europe is... a home away from home

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By Julia Mayer / 27.03.2020

Just outside the city centre is the landmark of the 1958 Brussels World Fair, the Atomium. A real tourist attraction and a popular place for selfies, which proves to your followers that you really are in Brussels. But what is it about this building? This symbolises the billion-fold magnification of an iron crystal, which in turn is related to the atomic age and is intended to draw attention to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. And it succeeds very well, not least because of its size of 102 metres and the effect that this has. By the way, originally the building was supposed to be about a quarter larger. However, this could not be executed in the end due to flight safety that had to be guaranteed. The Atomium is not only beautiful to look at from the outside, as the balls and connecting tubes have an inner life which is also worth seeing. There are escalators in the tubes and a lift in the middle tube that takes visitors to the top sphere in seconds. From there you can enjoy a coffee and a view of the whole city. How far you can see of the roofs of Brussels naturally always depends on the weather. That’s why it’s advisable to take a look at this attraction on a clear day – although the fog of Belgium of course has its charms too, no doubt about it.

And while we are on the subject of beautiful views, you can also enjoy them at Brussels’ Palace of Justice, the country’s most important court building. It was built in the 19th century and was influenced by various different styles. Thus, on this building, which is located on a hill in the south of the city, you can bear witness to ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and classical-antique styles. These have made the Palace of Justice a monument that shapes the cityscape. A stone’s throw away from the Palais de Justice, there is a Ferris wheel, which at its highest point reaches about half the height of the Atomium and offers an equally magnificent view over the city.

The architectural styles found in the Palace of Justice are also reflected in the various buildings in the city. From the outside, Brussels is therefore an interesting example of the coexistence of different architectural styles and traditions, from the high Middle Ages to the modern age.

Furthermore, not far from the city centre is the Jubelpark with the Arc de Triomphe. The triumphal arch is intended to illustrate the magnificent history of Brussels and serve as an entrance gate for visitors to the park. However, there are many entrances to the park, as it is used very frequently for sports and leisure activities.

Those who wish to further their education of the city after a walk through its nature have the possibility to do so in three museums, which are adjacent to the Arc de Triomphe. There is the Museum of Art History for art and history enthusiasts and the Autoworld Museum for classic car fans. The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History presents a military history spanning 12 centuries – from medieval armour to the F-16 jet fighter. The 130 aircrafts in the aviation hall are particularly worth seeing.

One art form that has achieved a broad impact thanks to its original ideas and should therefore not go unmentioned is comics. Very little is known to most people that the three most successful comic series originated in Belgium; the detective comics following the life of global adventurer “Tintin” and his little dog, the hugely popular series “The Smurfs”, and finally the western hero “Lucky Luke”. If you are in the Belgian capital, however, it will become apparent after a while that these figures do in fact come from Belgium, as you will find these comic heroes on many buildings. They represent an embellishment of the cityscape as well as an appreciation of this art.

Now we come to culinary specialities, which I already mentioned in my first report “On the move in the heart of the EU”. What you should definitely try in Brussels is fries, better known as French fries. This dish, which is usually eaten in Belgium not as a side dish but as a main course, originally comes from Belgium and is different from other variations of the dish such as German French fries. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, double-fried and offered with a variety of possible sauces – this is the true Belgian specialty. You can get this in many places in Brussels, but the best known are the Frit Flagey and Maison Antoine, where many famous figures, such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have dined. According to this, the queues are also a little longer, but in the meantime, you can start thinking about which of the roughly 30 sauces you would like to have with your chips.

Another special feature here in Belgium is that many bars and pubs situated around these French fries stands have a sign reading “Frites acceptées”. This means that you can take the fries with you to the pub if you want to enjoy them alongside, for example, an excellent Belgian beer. Which brings us to the next culinary specialty this country has to offer; beer. Belgium is at the top of the league in beer consumption per capita. Only Bavaria can keep up in this regard. Belgium is not subject to any purity law and has an almost surpassing variety of beer types and brands. As flexible as the Belgian beer drinker is, the right beer is chosen depending on the situation, mood, weather, or food. A “real” Belgian would concentrate mainly on top-fermented beers from wheat beer to Alt and on Lambic in its variations from Kriek to Gueuze.

But the Belgians also take the lead at the front of the ‘dessert race’. Around the Grand Place, as well as in very many alleys of the city centre, a sweet smell can be found, which denotes that there are many delicacies in this area. You can find here anything from a wide variety of chocolate, pralines, and famous Belgian waffles. These are thicker than those known in Germany and have a patterned design. Here too, there are no limits to the imagination when it comes to toppings – almost all sauces, fruits, and decorations are conceivable ideas.

Hopefully by now you have gained a good insight into Brussels’ specialities. Yes, most of them are a bit fatty, but you don’t have to try all of the possible variations and you don’t need to eat them every day! In addition, you can balance the calories gained from the delicacies with leisurely strolls in the beautiful parks, which will be discussed in more detail in my next article on Brussels.
Additionally, there are also salty dishes that contain less fat, such as tartes, which by the way are also available in many different forms. Yes, you read correctly: in Belgium it is customary to buy not just one piece of a tart but the whole thing!
What these Belgian dishes have in common is that they are all prepared with great love and care, which should be tasted for yourself!

Author

Julia Mayer (Germany)

Studies: Public Management

Languages : German, English, and French

Europe is… a community that unites, founded on peace and common values, unique in this way, essential for our coexistence.

Proofreader

Fern D (UK)

 

Languages: English, French, Russian

 

Study: MA in Applied Translation

 

"As conservative politics tries to push the UK further and further away from the continent, it's now as important as ever to make individual efforts to bring it closer."

Der Beitrag Brussels’ cultural and culinary attractions erschien zuerst auf MH English.

 By Julia Mayer / 16.03.2020

The first days were a big change for me, because besides the new culture, I had to get used to both the English and the French language again. Fortunately, this happened relatively quickly, so after just one week I was already able to get along well in everyday life, such as using the subway, tram, and the supermarkets. 

On my first day in Brussels I knew immediately what I wanted to do. I wanted to look at the institutions of the EU – at least from the outside. This was easy to achieve, given that if you get off at the Schuman metro station, all the institutions are actually just a stone’s throw away. The first thing you notice is the Commission’s main building. Additionally, there are other Commission external offices specialising in specific subjects throughout Brussels, particularly in the European Quarter. In any case, these tall, modern buildings are splendid and beautiful to look at. They are very impressive and at the same time symbolise how many people from different nations work every day at the heart of the EU to create a Europe worth living in.

Very close to Place Schuman is the European Parliament where MEPs, elected by EU citizens, work. This building is even larger than the previous institutions and much more glazed, which conveys the transparency that is present in these institutions.

There is not a lack of nature in Brussels either. There are many parks right in the city centre that encourage you to go for a walk. However, the parks are probably used most often by the staff of the Brussels authorities, who often go jogging through the green surroundings during their lunch break. 

The Belgian capital also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. I will shed further light on the many specialities in a separate article. But this much can be said: very close to the European Parliament, on the Place de Luxembourg, you can eat one of the best French fries in the world, (or rather just in Brussels). Ms. Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, has already spent at least one of her lunch breaks at “Maison Antoine”, as the snack bar is called. 

But are there many more sights in Brussels? Of course!. For example, probably the most famous man in the city, the Manneken Pis, the big (in reality it is actually rather small) landmark of the city. In any case, he instils a good mood in visitors from all over the world. And anyone who thinks the little man is always undressed is wrong. About 1.000 costumes are available for Manneken Pis to be able to present himself appropriately on special occasions. But what’s the big deal with this landmark anyway? As with almost every landmark, there are many legends surrounding the Manneken Pis, which explain his existence. Probably the loveliest one is that with the help of the water jet of the Manneken Pis it was possible to extinguish a burning fuse of a bomb which was supposed to destroy the Grand Place. 

Although the fountain was built under royal rule to supply the area with drinking water, the previous history is the one most often told here; it is also more likely to be remembered by visitors and for us provides an appropriate transition to the next attraction: the Grand Place.

The Grand Place represents the heart of the city centre. It is not without reason that the town hall can be found here, which, like all the surrounding buildings, impresses with its detailed architecture and elaborate decorations. This square is not only a meeting place for tourists, but also for Belgians who meet in the surrounding cafés to enjoy the great view of the beautiful houses over a cup of coffee and a Belgian waffle or Belgian chocolates.

Adjacent to this plaza there are many winding alleyways that invite you to stay and shop. All these alleys are pervaded by a light sweetish scent of chocolate and waffles. These smells are ones you simply have to experience yourself. Adding to this ambience are the buildings, which are often very narrow and detailed, not only on the Grand Place but in a large area around it. This is also shown by a beautiful plaza very close by, at which one inevitably passes on the way from the Gare Central to the Grand Place. Souvenir shops are aplenty here also, so you can choose your personal souvenir of Brussels.

I have only been here for about  two weeks and have already experienced a lot, not least through my internship at the European Office of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities. Thanks to this work experience I have been able to get to know the Parliament and the Commission from the inside and have come into contact with decision-makers and, at various events, also with stakeholders. I am looking forward to my future here and for many more enriching experiences!

Author

Julia Mayer (Germany)

Studies: Public Management

Languages : German, English, and French

Europe is… a community that unites, founded on peace and common values, unique in this way, essential for our coexistence.

Translator

Julia Mayer (Germany)

Studies: Public Management

Languages : German, English, and French

Europe is… a community that unites, founded on peace and common values, unique in this way, essential for our coexistence.

Proofreader

Fern D (UK)

 

Languages: English, French, Russian

 

Study: MA in Applied Translation

 

"As conservative politics tries to push the UK further and further away from the continent, it's now as important as ever to make individual efforts to bring it closer."

Der Beitrag On the move in the heart of the EU erschien zuerst auf MH English.