I Love Culture

Algiers

The troubled history of Algiers is manifested in its cityscape, architecture and culture. The capital (and the largest city) of Algeria holds impressive monuments and curious surprises for visitors. French and Islamic influences exist next to each other and make it a place as diverse as its people. Visit richly coloured mosques, discover sights and ruins of days gone by, and taste the spicy and delicious food of northern Africa.

Carcassonne

Hilltop town in the south of France, Carcassonne lies at the crossing of two major routes: from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast and from the heart of France to Spain, both used since antiquity. The medieval fortified Cité is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No wonder Carcassone is home to a unique historical and cultural past. If you add the local traditional dishes, the hospitality of its inhabitants, and some of the best vineyards in the south of France, your stay holds promise of being a most memorable one.

Chongqing

Located in the southwestern region of China, Chongqing is surrounded by rivers and mountains, which lend a unique beauty to this rapidly developing city. With its unique geography, vibrant culture, and modern architecture, Chongqing is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's history, enjoying the natural beauty or simply marvelling at the modern skyline, Chongqing is a destination that should not be missed.

Conoce a nuestros lugareños: Pieter, el artista [SPANISH]

Pieter Janssen es un artista de Leuven que trabaja principalmente como escenógrafo, constructor de decorados y escultor para el mundo del cine, el teatro y los museos. Las manualidades y la escultura siempre han sido su pasión y el hecho de que haya conseguido convertir su afición en su profesión le sigue pareciendo increíble. Su entorno es muy importante en su trabajo. Pieter tiene su taller en el barrio del Vaartkom, en Leuven. Allí vive en su propio mundo de fantasía. Cuando sale le gusta ser inspirado por el vibrante barrio.

Recontrer nos habitants: Jochem, le rebel [FRENCH]

Jochem Daelman est l'un des membres fondateurs d'Onkruid, un studio qui propose une combinaison réussie d’architecture, de marketing, de musique et de culture pour lancer des projets originaux dans les villes. À Leuven, Onkruid est notamment derrière des projets comme l' and& festival,un événement bisannuel, et la réalisation d'une place dans le nouveau quartier branché du Vaartkom. L'organisation constitue également l'une des forces motrices derrière Stelplaats, un lieu d'expérimentation pour les jeunes.

Abu Dhabi

With glass skyscrapers that reflect the bustle of daily life, magnificent buildings such as the Emirates Palace, its lively souqs, excellent restaurants and long stretches of white beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a city of outstanding contrasts. The throbbing heart of the city lies 250 metres off-shore on an island linked to the mainland by the Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge. Home to the respected Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation and the Al Hosn Palace museum, along with numerous venues for the arts, the wealthy city is the cultural as well as commercial hub of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Altenburg

If you fancy a hand of cards, Altenburg is the place for you: playing cards has been practised here for over 500 years, and the national card game ’skat’ was first played here. The town has a history of 1000 years, and boasts an impressive castle set on a rocky outcrop. Buy collapsible top hats on Rossplan Square, and baptise your cards at the Skat fountain: it brings good luck!

Chennai

The site of former Indian, Portuguese and Dutch settlements, today’s Chennai was established by the British in the 17th century as a trading port. This colonial town, formerly known as Madras, has since grown into India’s fourth-largest city and the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This bustling and colorful Indian city is bound to have something on offer for everyone.

Treffen sie unsere einheimischen: Gie, Café-chef [GERMAN]

Jeder in Leuven kennt Guy. Von einer Party in seinem legendären Festsaal Rumba oder von einem Bier in seinem Traditionslokal Leuven Central. Er sagt von sich selbst, dass er „mit dem Gastronomievirus infiziert“ ist. Und er weiß genau, was der Leuvener will: „Echtes Stella und guten Kaffee. Das ist die Basis.“ Wenn es nach ihm geht, serviert er diese bis zum Umfallen.

Beirut

Beirut is the perfect destination for seasoned travellers: here, East and West intertwine in intricate ways, creating a city so magnetic that few are able to resist its powerful draw. Much has changed over the latter half of the twentieth century – Beirut rising to become glitterati central in the 60s but falling from grace during the bloody Civil War — but the city is alive and kicking, enticing travellers with superb gastronomy, the Middle East's most vibrant nightlife and close proximity to the ancient towns of Byblos and Baalbek.

Conoce a nuestros lugareños: Jochem, el rebelde [SPANISH]

Jochem Daelman es uno de los miembros fundadores de Onkruid, un estudio que combina experiencia en arquitectura, marketing, música y cultura, con el fin de realizar intervenciones creativas en las ciudades. En Leuven, el estudio organiza, entre otras cosas, el and&festival bienal, diseñaron una plaza en el nuevo y moderno Vaartkom, y es una de las fuerzas impulsoras del Stelplaats, un lugar experimental para los jóvenes.