Times of crisis require hope found in the margins.
1858, Lourdes, extreme south of France. Cholera epidemics ravage. Bernadette Soubirous, suffering from asthma after having caught cholera, has visions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto. A cult with Lourdes grotto replicas will spread across Europe.
1915, behind the Yser river, extreme west of Belgium. The First World War came unannounced and took country after country. But Belgian troops withstand the enemy on a small territory. In occupied Belgium, people pray for these soldiers. In Jette, a Lourdes grotto replica is erected for this purpose. The original rock curves and cracks are carefully emulated. On top, on a Calvary Hill copy, a crucified Jesus promises salvation. 20.000 people attend the inauguration. After the war, a park with 14 Stations of the Cross, 15 Rosary Chapels and a second Calvary Hill is added.
2020, Jette, extreme northwest of Brussels-Capital Region. Corona tightens its grip across the globe. More than 1000 Lourdes grottos are strewn across Belgium. I enter the Jette Our Lady of Lourdes domain. Before me, a blue neon 'Ave Maria’ flickers in the dying day. It reminds me of Bruce Naumann’s art, just a little less profane. I touch the piece of real Lourdes rock, smoothened over the years by many hands and hopes that spring eternal. I read requests, thank-you notes and death cards.
An apparition. My late grandmother, Maria, and her Lourdes water on the windowsill after my grandfather died.
When all this is over, I’ll come back here. To hope in the margins.
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Chyl is a very cute café/restaurant with an excellent plant game. It's the place you bring your girlfriends for a healthy brunch to cure your hangover.
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They have the tastiest Philly cheese steaks, Italian BLT, pastrami sandwich and filter coffee refills. Take the counter seats for the ultimate experience.
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Fun family activity - check! Original date - check! Fun afternoon with friends - check! Mini golf shouldn't just be known as a camping trip activity!
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I was impressed by the Pommes Dauphine with de Herve cheese, but what stole my heart was the Hamachi, sliced perfectly, and it came with labneh & fig leaf.
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When I come to Sao Thai with my friends, we order a couple of plates of the “Assiette Sao”, which includes an assortment of 6 different warm starters...
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The main idea is to order different plates (meat, fish, veggies) and share them! And according to the best Indian tradition, the food gets quite spicy...
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"Knees to Chin" in Brussels can be both a healthy snack joint and a fully-fledged Vietnamese restaurant! I love the vibe and their famous spring rolls...
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Astrid Parc, Anderlecht’s crown jewel, boasts royal roots, lush views, and the cozy Astrid Parc Café — perfect for strolls, soups or a summer ice cream.
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The "Flagey Building", which used to house the National Radio Broadcasting Institute, has become one of Brussels' leading cultural institutions!
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"Boitsfort Market" in Brussels makes for a relaxed Sunday in a green area among locals. I regularly go there and I really enjoy the village feel!
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The watermelon with baked halloumi and honey will make you wonder how come you didn’t put these two together before. Be prepared to stay long...
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292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters