Understanding Belgium: A beginner's guide to getting settled here

 

Few countries are more complicated to explain than Belgium, with its many governments, parliaments, languages, regions and identities. It might seem baffling when you first arrive here, but it has always been a crossroads of business and culture, offering a warm welcome to foreigners.

Belgium is a constitutional monarchy and a federal state divided into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia and the officially bilingual Brussels- Capital Region. 

These regions have considerable powers: each has its own economic, trade, employment, housing, agriculture, environment, energy and transport policies, while the federal state takes care of foreign affairs, defence, justice, health and social security. 

Education, welfare and culture are the responsibility of the French, Flemish and German language communities, which each have separate administrations.

To read more about Belgium  CLICK HERE

Relate: Relationship Support

 

A survey by UK charity Relate found that nearly a quarter of people felt lockdown had placed additional pressure on their relationship. Lockdown created a 'make or break' environment, the charity says.

To help couples through the 'new normal', Relate have put together some useful relationship tips. For further help, relatehub offers 30 minute online chats with Relationships and Wellbeing Advisors, and access to online self-help resources.

If your partner makes you feel anxious or threatened, you should get help immediately and contact Refuge (for women) or Respect (for men) - see below.

 

• Relate - relationship tips
• Refuge - for women and children against domestic violence
• Respect - men's advice line

Things to do; Le Ronde Maison

 

An old go to favourite of ours, Ronde Maison. We enjoy these woods because they are close by, easy to get to and lovely any time of the year. They are a great choice for a pleasant, peaceful walk, bike ride, trail run or just general explore!

 

There are tables to sit down and have a bite to eat. This is a beautiful walk to do and discover.

 

Map - this will take you to the woods, there is parking there;

 

Dogs Allowed; Yes

 

Buggy friendly, Not really

 

Cafe and toilets; No

Distance from SHAPE; 15 minutes drive

 

For more information;

For other things to do near SHAPE and Brussels; HIVE Blog Spot

 

 

 

Things to Do - Chateau de la Hulpe

Château de La Hulpe stands in the heart of an estate that is a listed Exceptional Heritage Site in Wallonia.

Formerly owned by Count Solvay, this French-inspired castle has such splendor it is well worth a visit and walk in the grounds.

This is a lovely place for a walk, the grounds are vast so there is plenty of space to wander off and explore.

Map; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Distance from SHAPE; 38 minutes by car

 

Opening Times; 8.00 -18.00

 

Dogs; Allowed on a lead

 

Paths are buggy friendly

 

Cafe; Usually Ice cream vans and waffle to take away vans here. Is a cafe; La Taverne de l’Homme Bleu, we didn't pop in but looks lovely. Website is; https://www.homme-bleu.be/

 

Address; Chaussée de Bruxelles 111, 1310 La Hulpe

 

Website for Chateau is; https://chateaudelahulpe.be/domaine/en/home

 

Recommended walks found HERE

 

For other idea's of things to do, check out shapehiveblog; http://shapehive.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20O

 

 

 

Things to do; Château de Seneffe

Château de Seneffe is an 18th-century château located in the municipality of Seneffe.

The Chateau is currently closed, however the grounds are open to walk around with a lake, statues and fountains. This is a charming place for a lovely Autumn walk only 25 minutes drive from SHAPE

 

There are often exhibitions inside the Chateau and within the gardens. My children love running around and exploring. If you reach the top of the hill it's a great point to shout out and hear an echo!

 

Cost; Grounds are free and currently open

 

Distance from SHAPE; 25 minutes by car

 

Map; https://www.google.com/.../data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4...

 

Where; Rue Lucien Plasman 7, 7180 Seneffe

 

Cafe & Toilets; There are toilets but may not be open. Coffee shop and restaurant are currently closed.

 

Dogs; Not Permitted

 

Open; Grounds are open 10.00 -18.00

 

Website; https://chateaudeseneffe.be/en

 

Chateau prices (when open) Adults -6 euro. Children over 12 -5 euro and children under 12 are free.

 

 

 

Things to do - Domain De Gavers

 Provincial Domain De Gavers (near Harelbeke)

We went here recently for a day out, we took a picnic and set off early. Despite kid's groans about the hours drive, all was forgotten when they saw the amazing playground! The play equipment is fantastic for kids of any age. 

 

The Domaine is large and has something for everyone. There are lots of different wood walks and nature trails depending on your energy levels. (map and details below) 

 

We walked around the lake which was approx 4.5 km. There were things to see and do along the way and smaller play parks dotted about. Equally the paths are good so you can take bikes. 

 

 

 Swimming Beach Area; 

 

In the summer there is a beach and swim area (life guarded) which costs between 1 - 6 euro. For more Information CLICK HERE This opens on the 26th June 2023.

 

The lake has pedalos, boats, Kayak's and other water activities which you can book either before hand or there. These incur a cost.

 

There is a also a climbing wall and High Ropes course. 

We had a great day out at Domaine de Gavers, it is an hours

drive but well worth it. Top tip - Get there early!

 

Cost; Free (extra activities there is a fee for)

 

Distance from SHAPE; 1 hour by car

 

Map (this is to the west carpark nearest the playground) 

 

Cafe & Toilets; Yes to both. Toilets are open. Cafe, Restaurant and Visitors Centre open.

 

Open; From Sunrise - Sunset

 

Website; https://www.west-vlaanderen.be/domeinen/gavers

Dogs; Are welcome and there are two unique dog walking area's where dogs can run without a leash.

 

Address; Provinciaal Recreatie- en Natuurcentrum De Gavers, Eikenstraat 131, 8530, Harelbeke, Wegbeschrijving

 

Map of the park can be found here;

 

 

Christmas Shopping - Online Safety

 

To view this helpful leaflet online please click HERE
 

Anti-Bullying Helpline For Defence Personnel

A confidential helpline launched to provide support for defence personnel experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment or discrimination.

Set up by the Ministry of Defence and employee support organisation Health Assured, the helpline is staffed 24/7 by trained bullying, harassment and discrimination advisers and qualified counsellors. The advisors, who are independent from the chain of command, can provide emotional support, information and guidance to callers.

Individuals will be able to anonymously report incidents to independent advisers and seek help on how to take issues forward, including through local support networks or the service complaints system, where necessary.

 For more information CLICK HERE

Things to do - Park d'Enghein

The medieval city of Enghien, at the edge of the Eastern part of the Hainaut region, is home to a superb 182 hectares park, considered major cultural heritage of Wallonia. It's themed gardens, water structures, historical buildings are enjoyed by all.

We often head over to Einghein Park, it is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. My children love going to the lake in the middle and spotting the gold fish (picture below) There are lots of different parts to walk about and things to see in the grounds.

There are often exhibitions or show at the park. 

Cost; Grounds are free.

Distance from SHAPE; 30 mins by car

Where; Avenue Elisabeth, 7850 Enghein

Cafe & Toilets; Yes a small cafe in the park and lots of cafes and restaurants in the town. Toilets sometimes open.  

Park: There is a small children's park out side the main entrance to the left near the car park.

Dogs; Permitted on a lead

Open; Grounds are open 8.00- 18.00

The small town is lovely and also worth a little wander round. Great to grab a refreshing drink after a long walk.

 

 

Feeling Anxious, Fearful or Stressed

 

 

  

For more information please click HERE

Things to do; Provincie Domein Huizingen

Domaine Huizingen is a great place to visit for all. A substantial wooded area for play and woodland walks, a lake, two large playgrounds, an small zoo/ animal area, there are also optional extra's you can pay for such as mini golf, pedalo's and trampolines.

 

There is a cafe and several blocks of toilets. 

There is also a little train that goes around the domain. 

 

This is a great park for a day or afternoon out. The children really enjoy it. We often take a picnic and grab ice creams later in the day. Dogs allowed on a lead. 

 

Cost;

Children up to 3 years old: free Young people up to 12 years: 1.50 € Adults Flemish Brabant: 

2.50 € Adults not Flemish Brabant: 4.00 €

 

In Winter Season access is free of charge 

 

Note; Often ask to see Belgium ID at cash desk if paying. Have them with you in case 

 

Distance from SHAPE; 35 minutes by car

Parking; Free parking and plenty of it

 

Where; Torleylaan 100, 1654 Huizingen (Beersel)

 

Map; CLICK HERE

 

Cafe & Toilets; Yes to both. 

Website; https://www.vlaamsbrabant.be/nl/vrije-tijd-en-toerisme/provinciedomein-huizingen

 

Dogs; Permitted on a lead

Open; Open every day all year round. Paid entry: April 1st to September 30th.

April to September: 9am to 8pm,

October: 9am to 6:30pm. 

November to the end of February: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March: 9 am to 6:30 pm

Swimming pool (paying): 1-05 to 15-09 (Need to book tickets - extra cost) Click to translate to english.

Things to do - Bois de la Houssière

 

 

Cost; Free

Distance from SHAPE; 25 mins by car

Where; Bois de la Houssière, 7090, Braine le Comte

Cafe & Toilets; Cafe and toilets are currently closed.

Dogs; Permitted 

Open; All the time

These are fabulous woods, you can bring the dog, the bikes, skate boards! There are fun things for the children or adults to exercise on as you go along the main path.

There is a cafe just beside the woods, near the big car park. Unfortunately this is closed at the moment but post covid is a lovely place to get a drink and bite to eat after a long stroll! 

Things to do - Chateau de Seneffe and grounds

 

Cost; Grounds are free. For information about interior visits of the chateau see more information. The orangary and Library are currently closed. Adults - 6 euro, Children over 12 - 5 euro, children under 12 free.

Distance from SHAPE; 30 mins by car

Where; Domaine du Chateau de Seneffe, Rue Lucien Plasman 7-9, B-7180 Seneffe

Cafe & Toilets; Toilets, yes, but may not be open. Coffee shop is currently closed.

Dogs; Not Permitted 

Open; Grounds are open 10- 18.00

Disabled Access - Yes

The Château of Seneffe or Château de Seneffe is an 18th-century château located in the municipality of Seneffe in the province of Hainaut, Belgium.

This is a great place for an afternoon visit not far from SHAPE. There are lovely grounds to walk around with lakes, statues and fountains. Often there are exhibitions on also, inside and out in the gardens. For a beautiful Autumn walk, this is a lovely place to visit.

For More Information Click HERE

Five Principles For Good Sleep Health

The 2-Memorial Sonian Forest Walk

This 11 km circular Sonian Forest walk takes in memorials to foresters killed during World War One, and the terrorist attacks in Brussels in 2016.

Cost; FREE

Distance form SHAPE; 40 mins by car

Where; Sonian Forest

Cafe & Toilets; No

Dogs; Permitted 

Open; All the time

 For further details click HERE

The walk starts off at the car park of the Bosmuseum Jan Van Ruusbroek, Duboislaan 2, 1560 Hoeilaart. An alternative starting point is the car park at the intersection of drève du Comte and drève des Tumuli. This is accessible by transport from the Coccinelles bus stop or the Boitsfort railway station. You then follow the route southwards and the Bosmuseum will be your halfway stop.

The walk is especially beautiful at this time of the year with the autumn leaves in their full splendour, but anytime of the year has its attractions. 

 For further details click HERE

 

 

Looking for Belgian heroes? - A fun musical video celebrating a number of them!

Here’s a short, delightful and informative musical video celebrating a number of well-known Belgian heroes. Starring Pippa the dog! 🐶

To watch the video click HERE or above

Things to do; Bois d' Havre

 

Cost; FREE.

Distance form SHAPE; 12 mins by car

Where; Bois d'Havre, Mons

Map; CLICK HERE

Parking - Yes and free

Cafe & Toilets; No

Dogs; Permitted 

Open; All the time 

Originally an integral part of the estate of the Dukes of Havré, the Bois de Havré are fantastic woods with an area of 250 hectares.

On the outskirts of Mons, it has many species of trees  such as oaks, ash, cherry, larch and pine

These are great woods to spend an afternoon exploring. Bring the dog or running gear or bikes. Close to SHAPE, perfect for a last minute outing!

 

Things to do; Troll Finding, De Schorre Park, BOOM

My children loved finding the huge trolls at Trolls of De Schorre Park. We had a lovely afternoon, lots of fresh air and exercise completed with a lovely hot chocolate at the cafe afterwards 😊

The Domaine is huge and is great for walking. It has lots of other activities also (See link to website)

Cost; FREE!

Distance form SHAPE; One Hour by Car

Map; CLICK HERE

Where; Troll Park - Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre, Schommelei 1, 2850 Boom

Cafe & Toilets; Yes

Dogs; Permitted on a lead

Open; 10.00-19.00 

Buggy Friendly; Yes mainly..some muddier parts

Parking; Free Parking, easy walk, kid and pet friendly. It takes about one or two hours of walking to find all seven trolls. 

Website;  https://www.deschorre.be/

Once upon a time there were seven giant trolls hiding in the forest of the De Schorre Provinciaal Recreatie domein in Boom, Belgium.

The huge creatures are the most recent project of artist Thomas Dambo who has been creating massive wooden trolls and hiding them throughout forests and wilderness areas all around the world. 

With a personal goal to create awareness of the potential for materials that often go to waste, the Copenhagen, Denmark based Dambo uses only recycled materials to craft all of his works.

If you want help finding the trolls CLICK HERE

 

Loads of great ideas for days out with the kids!

 Loads of great ideas for days out with the kids - click HERE

Things to do in the local area, October 17-18, 2020

NATO Special Operations Headquarters Compiled by your Host Naon Advisor

Things to do in the local area, October 17-18, 2020  

Visit the Belgian coast 

Highlight this week on Knokke-Heist and area 

Even in Autumn and Winter time, you will discover numerous sites of interest on the Belgian coast. Put on your boots and windproof gear and explore one of the below suggestions: 

The Zwin nature reserve 

 

The Zwin is a nature reserve on the border of the Belgian-Dutch coast and a former tidal inlet. It was formed original ly by a storm in 1134, creating a tidal channel that reached some 15 km inland. The new waterway offered access to  the sea to the inland city of Bruges, which consequently rose to become one of the foremost medieval port cities of  Europe. 

 

However, from the late 13th century onwards, the channel was affected by progressive silting, which ultimately caused the waterway to become unusable and cut off the harbour of Bruges from the sea. The present-day  nature reserve is famous for its large variety in salt-resistance flora, such as sea lavender. It is also popular with bird watchers.

 

Visitors can walk or cycle the various trails inside the nature park. The roof of  the visitors’ centre is accessible to visitors and gives a panoramic view over the reserve. Several observation shelters are spread inside the  reserve. Dogs are not authorized inside the reserve. 

Where: Graaf Léon Lippensdreef 8 in 8300 Knokke-Heist 

When: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5  p.m. 

Cost: Entrance tickets are at €10 per adult; €5 for youth 5 up to 17 years old; free under 5 years old. Prior registration and purchase of tickets is mandatory at https://www.zwin.be/nl/ 

tickets

         

 

 Knokke-Heist Art City 

Knokke-Heist is well known for its art galleries. No less than 80 art galleries can be visited most of them in town and some in neighboring cities. 

 

To see a listing of all the art galleries CLICK HERE

 

The weekend of Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 50 of the art galleries will open for the 29th edition of Art Knokke-Heist,aiming at making art accessible to all.

 

You can also discover the 11 sculptures spread through town. 

 

 

For Freedom museum

Dennis Jones, Normandy veteran from Crewe/Cheshire (UK) married a girl from Knokke-Heist in 1947. The military uniform that father Jones wore during his mar

riage will later form the first uniform of the collection. Ever since, the World War II  collection has grown and every item in the museum has a personal story.

Where: Ramskapellestraat 91/93, in 8301 Knokke-Heist 

When: Open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. up to Nov. 16, after which the museum is only open during school holidays and weekends (same times) 

Cost: €10 per adult; €6 for children 7 up to 12 years old incl. the audio experi ence, or free without the audio experience. No prior registration needed. While there, go to Zeebrugge (6 km from Knokke Heist)

 

Seafront 

The theme park Seafrontis all about sea, shipping, fish and  fisheries. Real-like

sceneries, videos and images witness the  hard life of fishermen over the years. 

 

Learn about the wide range of fish in theNorth Sea, about the North Sea itself, about fish auctions and more. Visits can last up to 2 hours. 

Where: Vismijnstraat 7in 8380 Zeebrugge 

When: On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  

Open also during the Autumn break (same times). 

Cost: €13.50 per adult; €9.50 for children under 12 years old; free for children under one meter. 

 

Prior registration is required at http://www.seafront-zeebrugge.be/en/zeebrugge/ 

book-your-visiting-time-here. 

 

You can purchase your tickets  on line or you can book your visit and pay your tickets upon arrival. 

 

Fietskotje (25 km from Zeebrugge) 

Ever had a meter long pancake? At “Fietskotje” (tea-room) you can get one or half a  meter pancakes with either sugar, apple, egg, ham, cheese, and you name it...  

Where: Zandstraat 69, 8450 Bredene  

When: Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. 

If the weather is bad, prior reservation is recommended at 059/323007 

Note:  On the way from Knokke-Heist to Zeebrugge, you can also visit the well known  Sea Life in Blankenberge, Belgium’s famous aquarium and sanctuary for sea creatures. For information, go  to https://www.visitsealife.com/blankenberge/en/