Biking in Brussels

Until recently Belgium was in fierce competition with Cambodia and Iraq to win the least-desired title on Earth: the world record for the number of days without a national government. After winning this title - which many Belgians would have preferred to concede to the runner-up - the country's attention is now on the south. Running from Saturday 2nd July to Sunday 24th July, the Tour de France will bring a lot of Belgian fans to the roadside, and all are hoping to see their new hero Philippe Gilbert win several stages and catch the ‘maillot jaune’.

What do the Irish miss most in Brussels?

Brussels has long been a popular destination for Irish expats, with plenty of jobs on offer for native English speakers, a more international setting than Dublin could offer and (many of you may be shocked) an ever so slightly better climate than our fair isle.

Ask any Irish expat in Brussels what they miss most about home and you'll hear a range of answers from ‘proper’ tea (none of this Lipton's nonsense) to Tayto crisps.

But when it comes down to it, the things we really miss are far more basic...

What do Italians miss most in Brussels?

I'm from Sicily, an island in the south of Italy which is pretty different from the rest of the country because of its past and its culture. Excuse this preamble, but I must tell you this because I'm sure that people from Padova don't miss the same things...

What I miss most from this sunny and sour land is the wild and windy sea that lets me feel so far from everywhere and yet so close to another continent; crazy and warm people who start talking with me, just for the pleasure of talking, looking into my eyes and expressing their thoughts with just a gesture of the hands, all feeling part of the same human mess; the slow way of life; a less stressful rhythm, taking the time to go for a slow walk on the beach and not seeming invisible to others.

Sandra Incorvaia,
DG JRC

What do Germans miss most in Brussels?

Pain gris?! German bread is the best in the world!

You don't believe me? Then you have never been to a German bakery and smelled the amazing scent of freshly baked bread in all kinds of shapes and sizes. And yes, they actually contain cereals!

Taking a break from the 21st century

Moving to Belgium one would expect to be moving into civilization, not out of it. Little did I know how medieval my experience here would be...

Traineeship Tunes I: Pop songs to not freak out about the future

This three-part series tells you what pop songs have to say about traineeships - one part for each working language of the European Commission. Today, we start with part one: German Gems.

Swirl, sniff, swirl – wine tasting for dummies

Ever been to a wine tasting? If not, you should definitely give it a try! If you have been to one before though, you will understand the need for a wine tasting survival guide!

 

Poo-like dessert and other Easter traditions

From egg-hiding, -breaking and -eating to something that looks like it already went through your digestive system – Easter traditions from around Europe come in a delightfully broad variety.

How to spend your first pay cheque...

Bulgaria: Got your first pay cheque? Great! But remember: in order to have a prosperous career you need to do something really simple. Tradition says that after receiving your first pay cheque from your new job, you have to go out and buy some nougat or Turkish delight and give it to your friends and colleagues. The sticky sweets will ensure that your salary will stretch indefinitely and that your work is sweet.

Martina Marinova,
DG COMM