SHAPE International Women´s Club
SIWC Spring Luncheon
 |
 |
 |
Last but definitely not least of the SIWC season was the International Luncheon, hosted by the NMR ladies, on 19 May. The 170 guests enjoyed a spring menu of garden salad, turkey breast and profiteroles, ably prepared and served by the SHAPE Club catering team. The international scene had already been set by a variety of vendors outside the ballroom, whose eye-catching displays enticed the crowds – for as we all know, even a hungry woman can’t resist a bargain!
The luncheon was also a poignant and significant event, being the setting for the change of SIWC presidency. Mrs Ewa Hoidal made her last speech as president, thanking the NMR ladies as hosts, her board for all their hard work and support, and wishing her successor, Mrs Else Pedersen of Denmark, all the very best for the coming year. In particular, Ewa paid tribute to Jennifer Cunningham, her vice-president and friend. The two have been a winning team and a great asset to the SIWC.
Mrs Wanda Praestegaard, of the Danish NMR, replied with a warm and welcoming speech, after which the first course was served. Hardly had the plates been cleared away, when the lunch guests were treated to an excerpt from the musical ‘Grease’ – ticket sales must have rocketed after this sizzling performance by the SHAPE Players. Next, the tombola numbers were drawn and prizes collected, as always, an amazing array of international finery… NOT a dissatisfied winner to be seen! After the main course, it was time for the change of presidency.
Mrs Linda Craddock made a brief but moving speech about the SIWC and changes during last year. It was a reminder to all of us that this club is now open to ALL women at SHAPE, offering friendship and international information sharing on an equal basis. Mrs Craddock’s sentiments were underlined by the inaugural speech from Else Pedersen. She impressed everyone with her clear and confident manner, warm words, air of hope and optimism for the coming year. Most of us at SHAPE know how difficult it is to manage two or more languages, and to communicate regularly in a tongue other than your own. In Ewa, Wanda and Else, we have three shining examples of how to do it best!
As the last event of the 2007-2008 season, the lunch marked the beginning of a long and well-deserved summer break. The 2008-2009 season will commence with the welcome coffee on 15 September . Until then, we at the SIWC wish you all a pleasant, and hopefully warm, summer, and look forward to welcoming old friends and new faces in the autumn.
Happy holidays!
INTERESTING INTERNET SITES:
www.opt.be for touristic and cultural information about Brussels and Wallonia in 6 different languages; Tourist attractions at www.tourist-attractions.be
www.trabel.com Belgian travel site in English, provides information on the main cities in Belgium
www.visitbelgium.com is the site of the Belgian Tourist Office
www.brusselslife.be in English and French: a key to the best of Brussels.
www.brusselsinternational.be in English, Flemish and French: the official site of the Tourist and Convention Bureau, very well done.
www.mons.be or www.monsregion.be for Mons interactive agenda or local touristic information, unfortunately not in English yet.
Some “subject” sites:
Belgian railroad, for train schedules and tickets on line at:
www.sncb.be or www.b-rail.be
Local bus schedules at:
www.infotec.be
Antique fairs information at:
www.artexis.com or www.antiek.com
The best antique market takes place in Tongeren, every Sunday morning: www.tongereninfo.net
Restaurants at:
www.la-carte.be or www.restaurants.be
Outlet villages at:
www.maasmechelenvillage.com or www.mcarthurglen.fr
Information about the Royal family, the opening of the Royal Green Houses to the public in the Spring (19 Apr to 12 May 2008) and the opening of the Royal Palace to the Public in the summer: www.monarchie.be
Another internet tip: if you are searching for an event in Belgium, go to www.google.be instead of google.com and select “Belgian pages”. It is a lot more efficient.
CULTURAL EXCHANGE INFORMATION:
Crêpes de la Candeleur (2 February):
In Belgium and France, everyone makes "crêpes" (thin pancakes) for the "Chandeleur" on 2 February. The chandeleur is the feast of the lights. It celebrates the first presentation of Jesus Christ to the temple.
Why pancakes? Women were not admitted in the temple... they stayed home and prepared the meal. They prepared a flat bread that looked a lot like a pancake. We think that's where our pancake tradition comes from.
Anyway, should you decide to join the crowd in preparing pancakes on 2 February, here is the deal: you have to hold a coin in one hand and "flip" the pancake with the other hand. If you succeed, it gives you good fortune for the year to come!
Recipe for 12 crêpes: 150 gr of flour, 3 small glasses of milk, 3 eggs, a spoon of sugar and a spoon of melted butter.
The Mons Yearly flower market, Ducasse de Messines:
The large yearly flower market - part of the Ducasse de Messines - takes place in Mons on the Sunday the closest to 25 March. It is located in the Messines church area (rue de Bertaimont and Avenue d'Avesnes).
Flowers and plants are at very competitive prices and the walk through the colorful market can be pleasant if it is not too crowded. Tip: go early in the morning.
Lilly of the Valley tradition (1 May):
In Belgium, it is traditional to offer Lilly of the Valley on the 1st of May. It is supposed to bring good luck to the person who receives it. You will see vendors everywhere and of course, flower shops will sell them too. 1st of May is also Labor Day in Belgium, traditionally a day for political speeches.
Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges on Ascension Thursday (1 May 2008):
Annually since the year 1150, the historic city of Bruges has been attracting thousands of visitors to one of the great religious pageants in Europe, the Holy Blood Procession. For eight centuries the relic has been venerated by a mile-long procession of 1,500 Bruges citizens, many in the colorful medieval garb of Crusader or knight. The relic of the Holy Blood was brought to Bruges by Thierry d'Alsace, Count of Flanders in 1149, presumably given to him by the Patriarch of Jerusalem in recognition of his contribution to the First Crusade in the Holly Land.
The procession during which the relic is paraded through the town for veneration dates to 1303. Except for being in hiding during the two World Wars it has never left Bruges and is kept in the Basilica of St. Basil in the Burg Square.There are two parts to the procession : the first by tableaux and floats enacts scenes from the Bible up through the coming of Christ and His Resurrection. The second part depicts the return of the Count of Flanders to Bruges. Places along the route of the procession can be reserved through the Tourist Office in Bruges. Tel: ( 3250) 44-8686 - Fax: (3250) 44-8600
Mons’ famous folkloric event: the “Doudou”:
The most popular weekend of the year in Mons, called the "Doudou" takes place on Trinity Sunday - the Sunday after Whit Monday (18 May in 2008). The festivities start on Friday night with a free concert on the Main Square of Mons at 2200 hrs and finish on Tuesday evening with the fireworks display at 2300 hrs.
The highlight is the historical procession Sunday morning followed by the fight between St-George and the dragon on the main square. Following are a few "tips" from a local in order to enjoy the show and avoid the trouble (it is also a big drinking event)
The procession leaves at 0945 hrs from the collegiate church. One of the best and nicest spots to see it is on the main square of Mons. An alternative, if you want to come a little later is around 1045 hrs in the small park in the street going up from the train station to the collegiate church. You will then see the procession at its end, coming back to the church.
The procession dates back to 1349. It now illustrates the history of Mons through different corporations and religious groups including the famous canoness. With it's 1.500 beautiful costumes it is considered the nicest procession of Wallonia. At the end of the procession, the Golden coach (a wooden baroque chariot) carries the reliques of St-Waudru who founded the town of Mons in the 7th century.
The wildest part of the procession is at the very end, at 1200 hrs, when the population of Mons "push" that golden coach up the cobble stone street at the left of the church (going up). You do not want to be too close but, if you happen to be in the small park, listen to the crowd - it's quite something.
The fight between St-George and the dragon takes place from 1230 to 1300 hrs on the main square. It is packed with people. Don't try to get within a five meter radius of the rope. That's where people push each other to catch the dragon's tail and pull its hair for good luck (it is really wild and can be dangerous). Large screens are set all around the main square, try to get close to one of those screens. It might be your best chance to see anything. The best show, anyway, is to see the crowd try to catch the dragon's tail.
Those of you who have children might want to bring a stepladder for the kids. Also, for your children, the same fight between St-George and the dragon takes place on the next Wednesday at 1800 hrs. The actors and the participants are children and it is safe to let the pre-teens get close to the rope. The younger ones might want to stay back or, even better, on daddy's shoulders.
Sunday, at 1630 hrs, there is a very nice International Festival of Military Music at the soccer stadium (Tondreau stadium – follow the signs to R.A.E.C.). You can see the same bands on the main square of Mons every evening from Saturday to Tuesday. The nicest performances are Monday at 2030 hrs and Tuesday at 2100 hrs, before the fireworks.
Website, unfortunately not in English: www.ducassedemons.be
The Ommegang in Brussels (1 and 3 July in 2008)
A costumed procession re-enacting the arrival of Charles V and his court in Brussels in 1549. More information at: www.ommegang.be
The feast of the Giants in Ath (4th Sunday of August):
On the fourth weekend of the "Ducasse" festivities take place in Ath's historical centre. The whole town is vibrant with enthusiasm for its traditions and folklore. On Saturday, after Goliath's wedding, the giant fights against the shepherd boy David. Giants' wedding in St-Julian's church at 3 p.m. The fight between Goliath and the shepherd David in front of the town hall takes place around 5 p.m.
The highlight of the weekend is on Sunday. There is a procession with several giants, floats and picturesque groups going through the streets of the city. Ath Center is fairly small but this procession goes on for a while. It goes through the city twice. The morning is usually less crowded.
10 a.m. : starts from the station. 3 p.m. : starts from the "Esplanade" (opposite side of town. In both cases, it goes through the main square. The event is free but bring a few coins... When the giants stop to dance, the crowd throws coins.
The flower carpet on the Brussels Main Square:
Every other year, on even years, there is a beautiful flower carpet on the main square of Brussels during the weekend of 15 August. 14-17 August in 2008. More information: www.flowercarpet.be
Saint-Nicolas (6 December):
Did you know that Belgian and Dutch children receive their presents from Saint-Nicolas on 6 December every year ?
Nicolas lived from 270 to 345 or 352. He was the bishop of Myre, in Asia Minor, the actual Turkey. Known for his generosity, Nicolas was particularly interested in the well-being of children.
According to the legend, during one of his numerous trips, he resuscitated three children who had been slit by a butcher and hidden in his salting-tub. He was canonized after his death and became the Saint patron of schoolboys (and girls). Saint-Nicolas is also the Saint patron of office employees and lawyers. According to the catholic calendar, his feast is celebrated on 6 December.
The evening of the 5th of December, children put their shoes by the chimney. They also prepare some food for Saint-Nicolas’ donkey: carrot, potato, turnip. Saint-Nicolas comes during the night and fills the shoes with candy; there are some special candies for that event, such as decorated marzipan, nic-nacs (small round cookies topped with colored sugar), Saint-Nicolas shaped chocolates, etc. Saint-Nicolas will also bring toys to the children who were especially good.
Everything is left in the house, unwrapped.
The gifts and toys ordered by the grandparents, godparents, etc. do not get delivered to the children’s home but to the grandparents’, godparents’, etc. Therefore, after the 6th of December, children go visit their family to collect all their presents and candies.
Père fouettard is Saint-Nicolas’ black helper. He carries a small whip and is supposed to correct the children who did not behave. In the old ages, children who did not behave found coal in their shoes instead of candy but, everyone knows that, nowadays, all children are real angels!
The Mons Monkey:
The most famous inhabitant of Mons is called the “Singe du Grand Garde” or Mons Monkey – the mascot of the people of Mons.
Though this medieval figurine has obscure origins dating back to the Middle Ages it is known to bring a year of happiness when its petted on the head with the left hand. In fact, its rubbed so often by the citizens and by tourists of the whole world that its head is extremely shiny. Many famous people have paid the Guard’s Monkey a visit in the past: Emperor Charles V of Habsburg, Emperor Napoleon of France to mention a few.
Belgian Beer:
Belgium is famous for its breweries. Many of them can be visited. More information:
www.belgianstyle.com or www.visitbelgium.com/beer or www.beerparadise.be
Belgian Wine:
Don’t laugh… Belgium produces some very decent wines. Visit a wine castle:
www.wijnkasteel.be
The Shopping sales in Belgium:
There are two authorized sales period in Belgium: January and July.
Discounts are progressively increasing through the month. The sales are not only on clothing items and shoes but also on decoration items, furniture, etc.
Keukenhof:
Another yearly event attracts many SHAPE members: the Keukenhof flower park in Holland. Recommended from mid-April to mid-May. More information at: www.keukenhof.nl