Pannenkoekenslag

... it's getting a kind of a habit, eating pancakes with the girls from time to time. Kathelijn, you missed out something!

Winterpret @ Brussel

Another afternoon with my friends; Christmas atmosphere at Brussels including "smoutebollen" (aka "oliebollen" for the East- and West-Flemish ;-))



Opera with lights on the facade of the city hall -- impressive!

Alumni gathering

... according to an old tradition, current VTKers and alumni joined this Monday for a drink in the Paganini for a goliarde!


Katrien and me

Beauty of traffic jamming...

Sun rise above Brussels - notice the basilica in the back!

Bedroom make-over

After one year on a 1m20-wide ('nen twijfelaar' ;-)) comfortable sleeping coach, I finally bought a 'real' queen size bed :-)

Galabal VTK Leuven @ Brasschaat

With a bunch of young KVIVers we had first diner, then went partying and gambling in the casino.

Ladies @ Knokke

Nevertheless icy wind and some drain drops in the evening, Kathelijn, Marijke, Johanna, Daisy and I spent a lovely afternoon & evening in Knokke; walking along the beach, shopping (they, not me ;-)), eating pancakes with hot chocolate milk, gossipping, etc.

Girls' (after)noon out @ Ghent

Since I hadn't seen my friends for a while, we lunched at Godot, drank coffee (and a shared dessert for Kathelijn & Daisy) at Koffie&Curiosa and dared to enter the shopping area.

Bergen, Norway (2)

Scandinavian design isn't always superb...
E.g. Radisson SAS Royal @ Bergen


A somewhat old-fashioned, busy-decorated room versus baroque fashionable lounge (note the lights designed by Philippe Starck) I prefer the latter!

Bergen, Norway (1)

I definitely switched season last two days, the Maltese warmth and sun became Scandinavian icy cold wind (and later rain). Nevertheless, I grabbed the opportunity to do some sightseeing in Bergen as the 2-days workshop only starts tomorrow...

My conclusions of that afternoon outside:

1. Bergen is rather pretty, no surprise the center is Unesco classified -- Jérémy, did you know that?
2. Norway is worth a second and longer visit, preferably in spring or summer!
3. Sauna is perfect afterwards to re-warm your bones and body :-)

Malta (5)

Also the last late afternoon was spent on the beach near the hotel

Malta (4)

Company visit, where airplanes get their C and D checks. Not just impressive, overwhelming... and tangible ;-)


Cruise in and around Valletta's inner seas, marinas, etc.

Malta (3)

Prehistoric 'housing'... as disappointing as Carnac's dolmen :-( Luckily the coast was superb!


Blue Grotto - another impressive part of the Maltese coast

Malta (2)

Room with a view - those bungalows (with pool) must be amazing during summer!


First real contact with the sea... not a sand beach but still verrrrry nice setting.


My travel mates and I at the church of ??? - can't remember the name :-$


Apetizer at the church square...


Lunch in a pittoresque setting... with a french-speaking waiter who learned the job in Belgium!?!


Cliffs with the natural gate - impressive that sea!

Malta (1)

After flying via Italy to Malta and a terrific bus ride to the coast, we headed for Gozo!


Il Castil @ Victoria (Gozo)


A typical Maltese public bus. Notice the lack of doors - what a safe feeling!


Sunset near our 'bungalows' that evening

Que pizza!

After a thorough inspection of my brother's new place in Brussels, we went for diner... The pizzas were awesome!

Bye bye UK

The project is over! I took me last flight back from sunny Manchester airport. I can start dreaming where to fly to with the VLM points collected ;-)

Mountainbike @ Zoniënwoud, Bxl

Although I slipped in the small stones, the mountainbike was fun!

Working @ UK (3)

It's even getting better - one night @ London in the Crowne Plaza "The City". Thanks to the fashion week, better affordable hotels near the London office are fully booked... I don't mind ;-)

Terrasjesweer

Vrijdagsmarkt... Sun... Tourists... and a 'coupe' - la Dolce Vita for Mieke and I this afternoon at Ghent!