PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU!

Transcription

1 BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Hotel: MMF Staff: Hotel Leopold Rue du Luxembourg Brussels Phone: +32 (0) Corinna Hoerst, Deputy Director Christina Elvers, Program Assistant Matthieu Amouroux Transatlantic Center, German Marshall Fund of the US Residence Palace Rue de la Loi 155 Wetstraat 1040 Brussels Belgium Phone: Fax: Taxi Belgium, Historical Background Since its independence in 1830, Belgium gradually evolved into a federal state, respecting its different cultural and regional entities. The constitutional reforms led to the creation of a federal state in Regional assemblies are directly elected, and the regional bylaws have the same juridical power as the federal laws. Belgium has 3 regions, responsible for planning, economic development, infrastructure, environment: Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels Belgium has 3 cultural communities which are responsible for culture, language, education, welfare: Flemish community: Flanders + Dutch speaking population of Brussels; French speaking community: Wallonia + French speaking population of Brussels; German speaking community: Small community in Wallonia Nearly 50% of the national budget is managed by the regions and communities. PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 29

2 Saturday, February 9 07:15 AM ARRIVALS, TRANSFER AND HOTEL CHECK-IN A driver will pick you up after you pass customs he will hold a sign GMF 2:30 PM MEETING IN THE HOTEL Dress: Casual INTRODUCTORY BRIEFING BY CORINNA HOERST AND CHRISTINA ELVERS, GMF BRUSSELS OFFICE Hotel Leopold, Brasserie Restaurant All Fellows 3:00 PM LEAVING THE HOTEL FOR A WALKING CITY TOUR OF BRUSSELS WITH GMF STAFF Dress: Casual optional (good walking shoes) About Belgium. Well situated between France and Holland, the Kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer in an area no bigger than Maryland. Within the span of one day you can take a romantic cruise down a canal in Bruges, hunt for diamonds in Antwerp, enjoy waffles on the beach in Oostende, frolic in a festival in Binche, get lost in a castle in Namur, discover antiques at an outdoor market in Liege, and explore a fine art museum in Brussels. A dense train network connects all of Belgium and makes navigation simple and comfortable for travelers. Often called the Essence of Europe, Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Flanders in the north, a flatland criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its medieval art cities, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. To the south in Wallonia, you will find the rolling hills of the Ardennes, countless castles, and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai. The city of Brussels is one of the world's great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as a wealth of international trade and finance companies. Belgium's history has always been linked to both commercial and cultural exchange and much of its character is due to its role as the great meeting place of Western Europe. It would be difficult to name a European country who didn t want to stake their claim in Belgium at one time or another. Traces of the Austrians, Spanish, French and Dutch can still be seen in its architecture and in the lifestyle of its people. You will see superb examples of art and architecture past and present - Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau. Somehow, Belgium has maintained a low-key approach to all of this international sophistication. It is a country for connoisseurs, but connoisseurs who do not take themselves too seriously; because the Belgians themselves certainly do not. And after all this we didn t even mention the beer & chocolate. About Brussels Brussels is the ultimate European city. As the headquarters to the EU (European Union) and NATO it is often referred to as The Capital of Europe. It is an international metropolis a mosaic of languages, cultures, and traditions. Aside from the splendid and varied architectural styles of the city, Brussels also hosts over 80 museums, numerous tourist attractions, a vibrant nightlife, and more restaurants than you could count. The starting point for any visit to Brussels is the Grand Place which was built as a merchant s market in the 13th century. It serves as the center of the city and hosts numerous concerts and festivals including the Ommegang pageant held every July. Shopping in the distinctive fashion boutiques, lingering over a delicious lunch in a bistro or a top restaurant, people watching from a street cafe, or picking up a unique antique on the Sablon - Brussels is a city you can call your own. FREE EVENING PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 30

3 Sunday, February 10 9:00 AM MEET GMF STAFF IN THE HOTEL S LOBBY Dress: Casual We will take the train to Bruges 10:05 AM TRAIN DEPARTS TO BRUGES FROM BRUXELLES-MIDI About Bruges Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is located in the northwest of the country. Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. In 2000, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city's stirring history. There are many worth seeing buildings, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire at 122m makes it one of the world's highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges is also famous for its 13th-century Belfry, housing a municipal Carillon comprising 47 bells. The city still employs a full-time bell ringer, Aimé Lombaért, who puts on regular free concerts. Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders. Bruges has, because of its port, a significant economic importance and is also home to the College of Europe. 11:02 AM ARRIVAL IN BRUGES AND TOUR OF BRUGES Tour provided by Westvlaamse Gidsenkring Meet the guide at the Tourist Office in the Station 13:30 PM LUNCH WITH STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE OF EUROPE Restaurant Brouweij De Halve Maan Walplein Brugge AFTER LUNCH: FREE TIME Trains back to Brussels leave at --:31 and --:58 past the hour (3:31pm, 3:58pm, 4:31pm). It takes 57 minutes back to Brussels. 7:30 PM WELCOME DINNER WITH GMF STAFF AND GUESTS Dress: Business GUEST SPEAKER: Mia Doornaert, Diplomatic Editor, De Standaard Belgium A European Country with the Capital of Europe Location: Hotel Leopold, Salon Elisabeth Monday, February 11 7:30 AM MEET CHRISTINA IN THE LOBBY. WE WILL WALK TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT SECURITY PROCESSING: PLEASE BRING YOUR PASSPORT! PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 31

4 8:00-9:00 AM BREAKFAST IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT HOSTED BY JULES MAATEN, MEP Dress: Business WITH: Jonathan Evans, Chairman Delegation for relations with the United States; Conference of Delegation Chairmen; Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs Rosalind Travers, Political Assistant to Jonathan Evans Zoltan Simon, Political Advisor in the European Parliament - Mediterranean and Middle East The European Parliament is the only supranational institution whose members are democratically elected by direct universal suffrage. There are 785 members, elected every five years in 27 member states, who are involved in drafting numerous laws (directives, regulations etc.) that affect the daily life of every citizen. Together with the Council of the European Union (the Council), it forms the bicameral legislative branch of the Union's institutions and has been described as one of the most powerful legislatures in the world 9:15 AM VISIT OF THE EU INFO SHOP 10:00-11:30 AM BRIEFING AT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION ON CLIMATE CHANGE TBC The main role of the European Commission's Environment Directorate-General (DG) is to initiate and define new environmental legislation and to ensure that agreed measures are put into practice in the EU Member States. The Environment DG is based in Brussels and has around 650 staff. The role of the European Commission is to make proposals for European Union legislation. It also monitors how this legislation is implemented once it has been adopted by the EU Council of Ministers. However, in the area of Justice, Freedom and Security - a new area of European Union competence - the European Commission shares its right to make legislative proposals with the Member States. The main role of the European Commission's Environment Directorate-General (DG) is to initiate and define new environmental legislation and to ensure that agreed measures are put into practice in the EU Member States. The Environment DG is based in Brussels and has around 650 staff. 12:00 1:30 PM BRIEFING OVER LUNCH WITH MICHAEL MATTHIESSEN, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL, COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Location: GMF Office, Meeting Room, 5 th floor Résidence Palace, 155 Rue de la Loi 1040 Brussels Tel: The Council of the European Union is the institution which represents the 27 Member States within the Union s decision-making structure. Holding a dual role, the Council acts as a supranational body when dealing with Community issues and as an intergovernmental institution when foreign policy, security and justice, and home affairs are being discussed. This duality reflects the political nature of the Council and contrasts with the Commission which acts as an impartial body. 2:00 6:00 PM TIME FOR INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS Dress: Business 2:00pm 3:00pm: INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT FOR KEBLAS Meet Carina de Becker, Communications Officer and Hugo de Greef, General Director, Flagey Cultural Center Location: Flagey Rue du Belvédère 27/5, B-1050 Bruxelles How to get there: From the GMF-office, walk to the Schuman-Roundabout. Take the 60-bus Direction Ukkle-Calevoet (it departs on the corner of the Schuman-Roundabout and Rue Archimede). Get off at Place Eugene Flagey. Walk down Chaussee de Boondael. Take the first right into Rue de Belvedere. PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 32

5 Alternatively, you can take a taxi. It will take approximately 10 minutes. 3:00pm 4:00pm: INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT FOR ESTRADA Meet Christian Danielsson, Head of Unit Turkey, DG Enlargement, European Commission\ Location: European Commission Charlemagne building 5/118 Rue de la Loi 200, 1040 Brussels How to get there: The Commission building is right across the street from the GMF Office. When you are in the building, present yourself at the reception. Tell them you have an appointment with Mr. Danielsson and his assistant, Laurence de Wouters, is supposed to pick you up. 4:00pm 5:00pm: INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT FOR BROWN, BRYANT, TRAN Meet Joost Kuhlmann, Head of Unit - Economy of the euro area and EMU, European Commission Location: Avenue de Beaulieu 5, 1049 Brussels How to get there: From your hotel, walk down Rue du Luxembourg to Trone Metro station. Take the Metro Direction Simonis one stop to Arts-Loi. Change to Metro 1A Direction Hermann-Debroux. After 8 stops, get off at Beaulieu. Take the exit to Avenue de Beaulieu. Walk down Avenue de Beaulie to Number 5. Alternatively, you can share a taxi. It will take approximately minutes. Upon arrival, ask for Mr. Kuhlman s assistant, Francoise Briard, at the reception. She will come and pick you up. 4:30pm 5:30pm: INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT FOR ENGLISH Meet Christelle Verstraeten, Policy Officer, American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union Location: American Chamber of Commerce Avenue des Arts 53, 1000 Brussels How to get there: From your hotel, walk down Rue du Luxembourg in the direction of Trone Metro station. Just before the station, turn right into Avenue des Arts. Walk down to number 53. Ask for Christelle at the reception, she will come and pick you up. HOST DINNERS Dress: Casual Estrada, Kelty Dinner with Jakob Nielsen, Columnist, Politiken newspaper (EMMF 2004, Denmark) Location: TBD Short, Bryant Dinner with Katharina von Schnurbein, Spokesperson, European Commission (EMMF 2007, Germany) Location: TBD Keblas, Teague Dinner with Luca di Preso, Member of the European Parliament (EMMF 2002, Italy) Location: TBD 8:00 PM Reis, Rodusky, Sherwin Dinner with Paulo Casaca, Member of the European Parliament (EMMF 1990, Portugal) Location: Restaurant Bifanas Rue des Dominicains Brussels How to get there: From the hotel, walk to Metro Station Trone and take Line 2 direction Simonis; get off at Art-Loi. Change to Line 1 A/B direction Erasme/ Roi Baudouin; get off at De Brouckere. Walk down Boulevard Anspach for a little bit and then turn left into Rue de l Eveque. After about 300 meters, turn right into Rue des Dominicains. The restaurant is right on the corner. PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 33

6 Tuesday, February 12 PLEASE BRING YOUR PASSPORTS! 07:45 AM MEET THE GMF STAFF IN THE HOTEL LOBBY 08:00 AM DEPARTURE TO NATO HEADQUARTER BY BUS Dress: Business The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an alliance of 26 countries from North America and Europe committed to fulfilling the goals of the North Atlantic treaty signed on 4 April The fundamental role of NATO is to safeguard the freedom and security of its member countries by political and military means. To this purpose, NATO provides a forum in which the United States, Canada and European countries can consult together on security issues of common concern and take joint action in addressing them. NATO is also committed to defending its member states against aggression or the threat of aggression and to the principle that an attack against one of its members would be considered an attack against all. Dialogue and co-operation with non-nato countries finally help to overcome the divisions of the Cold War era and to extend the security and stability well beyond NATO borders. N.B. Please note that according to NATO security rules, cameras are not allowed within the building. Therefore, all the cameras and telephones with camera will have to be consigned at the entrance and will be returned after the visit. 08:45 AM ARRIVAL MET BY JAMES SNYDER, U.S INFORMATION OFFICER & JUDITH WINDSOR, PROGRAM ASSISTANT 9:00-12:00 AM BRIEFINGS WITH NATO INTERNATIONAL STAFF AND DELEGATIONS 12:00-1:45 PM LUNCH WITH NATO INTERNATIONAL STAFF 2:00 PM DEPART NATO BY BUS TO GMF OFFICE 3:00-4:30 PM BRIEFING: LOBBYING THE EUROPEAN UNION WITH MARIA HELENA ANDRE, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL, EUROPEAN TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION Location: GMF Office, Meeting Room, 5 th floor Résidence Palace, 155 Rue de la Loi 1040 Brussels Tel: The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) was set up in 1973 to promote the interests of working people at European level and to represent them in the EU institutions. The process of European integration, with the Euro, the European Constitution, and the growing impact of EU legislation on daily life, has changed the setting in which trade unions operate. To defend and bargain for their members effectively at national level, they must coordinate activities and policies across Europe. To influence the economy and society at large, they need to speak with a single voice and act collectively at European level. This is the challenge that the European Trade Union Confederation has taken up. The ETUC s objective is an EU with a strong social dimension that safeguards the wellbeing of all its citizens. At present, the ETUC has in membership 82 National Trade Union Confederations from 36 European countries, as well as 12 European industry federations, making a total of 60 million members. The ETUC is one of the European social partners and is recognized by the European Union, by the Council of Europe and by EFTA as the only representative cross-sectoral trade union organization at European level. PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 34

7 5:00pm 6:30pm TIME FOR INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS HOST DINNERS Dress: Casual Carroll, Doughty Dinner with Filip Kaczmarek, Member of the European Parliament (EMMF 1996, Poland) Location: TBD English, Tramble Dinner with Sinne Backs Conan, Head of Brussels Office, Danish Industries (EMMF 2008, Denmark) Location: TBD Brown, Hiraga, Tran Dinner with Cristian Busoi, Member of the European Parliament (EMMF 2008, Romania) Location: TBD Wednesday, February 13 DEPARTURES Brown, Hiraga, Keblas, Short, Tramble: Flight at 8:50 am (SN 2623 Brussels Hamburg) Doughty, Kelty, Reis, Teague, Tran: Train to Paris (09:13 Thalys from South Station) Bryant, Carroll, English, Estrada, Rodusky, Sherwin: flight at 9:25 a.m. (SK 1592 Brussels Copenhagen) Useful Contact Information: Corinna Hoerst Christina Elvers Mathieu Amouroux Taxi: +32 (0) PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 35

8 PRACTICAL INFORMATION SHIPPING Please, note that GMF cannot take charge of shipping your boxes. However, GMF staff will be happy to assist you in arranging Fedex/UPS pick-ups from your hotel or from GMF office. Ordering pick-up: Fedex: +32 (0) (to order a pick up); +32 (0) (customer service) UPS: +32 (0) (customer service) Boxes & Forms: GMF occasionally has Fedex boxes, envelopes and sending forms available upon request (but please note that we only have a limited stock). Alternatively, you may ask Fedex/UPS to bring them for you when arranging the pick-up. Payment: If you do not have a Fedex/UPS account, you can ask for an invoicing at your home/business address or for a credit card payment, by filling in the appropriate box in the form with your credit card details. N.B.!!! If you plan to send goods, commercial or pro forma invoices need to accompany the delivery. If you plan to send food, the delivery must be accompanied by the FDA (Food and Drugs Association) form. INTERNATIONAL CALLS The best and cheapest way to call the US (or other countries outside Europe) is by using an international prepaid phone card. You can buy such cards in most of the newspaper shops (minimum price is 10). To call the US, you have to dial area code + phone number INTERNET CONNECTION Each of your hotel rooms is equipped with wireless internet connection. You also have a small business centre in the hotel (please, ask the reception for further information). PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 36

9 Here are also some addresses for Internet Cafés in the city. EasyInternetCafé Place de Brouckere, 9/13 (outside metro station De Brouckere on line 1A or 1B) 1000 Bruxelles Opening hours : From Monday to Sunday : from to Avenue Cybertheatre Avenue de la Toison d Or (5 minutes walk from Metro Station PORTE DE NAMUR on Line 2) 1050 Brussels Tel: +32 (0) Internet Center Chaussee de Charleroi 182 (15 minutes walk from Metro Louise on Line 2) 1050 Bruxelles Tel: + 32 (0) PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TICKETS For those of you who have to take the metro/tram/bus to go to their individual appointments or elsewhere in Brussels, you can purchase the tickets at the desks or automatic machines located in the metro station or in the bus or tram (ask the driver). TICKET OPTIONS: Single Fare JUMP ticket (JUMP 1 VOYAGE): The price of each individual (one way) ticket is 1.50 EUR (2.00 EUR if you buy it on the coach). These are valid for ALL public transports (Metro, Bus, Tram). 5 and 10 journeys JUMP tickets (JUMP 5-10 voyages): You can also buy 5- and 10-journey tickets for the price of 6,70 and 11,00 EUR respectively. 1 day JUMP ticket (JUMP 1 jour): On the day of validation this ticket allows an unlimited number of journeys on the entire public transport network of trams, busses, trains and the underground within Brussels during 24 hours. On Saturday, Sunday and holidays this ticket is valid for 2 persons traveling together. N.B. Please validate your tickets in the appropriate orange boxes in the Metro station or inside the buses and trams. After you validate it, you can use it up to three times within the same hour. Some ideas for your free time.. PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 37

10 1. EXHIBITIONS AND MUSEUMS The Brussels-Capital Region is home to some 80 museums. They cover areas such as art, technology, industry, science, folklore, literature, history and many other subjects, each presenting a different face of Brussels. Here s a short list of the more famous museums and exhibitions in Brussels with all the information you need to know (address, opening hours and admission fees). MUSEE DU CINQUANTENAIRE Description: The «Musée du Cinquantenaire» is the biggest museum in Belgium. You will be able to discover collections reflecting all the artistic disciplines (except from the painting) from the five continents. These collections are divided in four sections: Antiquity, national archeology, the non-european civilizations and the European decorative arts. Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire, 10, 1000 Brussels Tel.: Access: 15 minutes walk from the GMF office OR Metro: Line 1A or 1B, Station Merode Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Admission Fee: Adults: 5 THE ROYAL MUSEUM FOR CENTRAL AFRICA Description: Situated in one of the most beautiful Public Park of Belgium, the Royal Museum for Central Africa is home to some truly remarkable collections. Its collection of ethnographic objects from Central Africa is in fact the only one of its kind in the World. Address: Leuvensesteenweg Tervuren Access: From the GMF office, 25 minutes by cab OR 40 minutes by public transport (cheaper): take the Metro Line 1B (direction STOCKEL) and step out at the station Montgomery. Take the tramway line 44 (direction TERVUREN) to the end of the line. You will be at 2 minutes walk from the Museum. Opening hours: Friday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Admission Fee: Adults: 4 THE ROYAL MUSEUMS OF FINE ARTS OF BELGIUM Description: Founded two centuries ago, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium hold some twenty thousand paintings, sculptures and drawings. Located in Brussels, the two main Royal Museums are: - the Ancient Art Museum (XV - XVII century) Address: Place Royale 3, 1000 Brussels Tel.: Access: 15 to 20 minutes from the GMF office by public transport: take the Metro Line 1A (direction ROI BAUDOUIN) or 1B (direction ERASMUS) and step out at the station Art- Loi (2 stops after Schuman Station). Change to Line 2 (direction DELACROIX) and step PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 38

11 out at the 2 nd stop, station PORTE DE NAMUR. You will be at 5 minutes walk from the Museum (follow the Rue de Namur to the Place Royale) Opening hours: from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Admission Fee: Adults: 5 - the Modern Art Museum (XIX & XX century) Address: Place Royale 1-2, 1000 Brussels Tel.: Access: see the Ancient Art Museum Opening hours: from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Admission Fee: Adults: 5 THE ROYAL MUSEUM OF THE ARMED FORCES AND OF MILITARY HISTORY Description: The Royal Military Museum (RRM) offers an insight in the fundamental changes which have taken place in armament and military technology over the years. The collection of the RRM consists of imposing suits of armor and masterly crafted swords, hundreds of uniforms from tens of countries as well as textile such as flags and pennants, exceptional medals and rare musical instruments, weapons and equipment of every kind, planes or armored vehicles. Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire, 3, 1000 Brussels Tel.: Access: 15 minutes walk from the GMF office OR Metro: Line 1A or 1B, Station Merode Opening hours: from 9:00 am to 12:00 am and from 1:00 pm to 4:45 pm Admission Fee: free entrance ART NOUVEAU: HORTA MUSEUM Description: Victor Horta was one of the most famous architects representing Art Nouveau in the World. There are numerous facets to Art Nouveau: from the exuberant ornamentation of Gaudi in Spain to the rustic simplicity of Serrurier-Bovy or the Japanese style of Mackintosh in Glasgow. The style was born, developed and died between 1893 and Initially based on the use of the arabesque and naturalist decoration, by the turn of the century it was gradually becoming more geometric. Just as a plant could be adapted more or less faithfully, the abstract curve expressed vital energy, growth and blossoming. Address: Rue Américaine 25, 1060 Bruxelles Tel.: Access: From your hotel, the easiest way to get to the Horta Museum is to take a taxi (around 10 minutes). The Metro station Louise (on Line 2, to be taken at the station Arts-Loi from the GMF office or at the station Trone from your hotel) is the closest but you will have to walk for about 25 minutes using your map to get to the Horta Museum. Opening hours: From 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm Admission Fee: Adults: 7 2. WALKING TOURS SABLON AREA PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 39

12 Access: From your hotel, the easiest way to get to the Sablon Area is to take a taxi (around 10 minutes). The Metro station Louise (on Line 2, to be taken at the station Trône near your hotel) is the closest but you will have to walk for about 15 minutes using your map to get to the Sablon. Main attractions: The Church of Notre Dame de la Chapelle (remarkable due to its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, it s one of the most interesting in Belgium; situated next to the Place du Grand Sablon). Antiques Square du Petit Sablon Palace of Justice (situated Place Poelaert, next to the Metro station Louise on the Line 2) Marcolini chocolates shop (situated Place du Grand Sablon, Rue des Minimes 1) GRAND PLACE/LA BOURSE Access: From your hotel, take the Rue du Luxembourg to the Metro station Trône on the Line 2. Take the Metro direction Simonis and step out at the next stop, Arts-Loi. There, take the line 1A/1B direction Roi Baudouin/Erasme. Step out at the station De Brouckere and walk down the Boulevard Anspach. You will see the Bourse (Stock Exchange Building) on your left after a while. To get to the Grand Place, walk behind the Bourse and go forward. Main attractions: City Hall (the most important building on the Grand Place; the Grand Place itself is a remarkably homogeneous body of public and private buildings, dating mainly from the late 17th century. The architecture provides a vivid illustration of the level of social and cultural life of the period in this important political and commercial centre that was Brussels at that time). Manneken-Pis (situated Rue de l Etuve): This bronze statuette, created in the 17th century by J. Duquesnoy, embodies the irreverent spirit of Brussels. Also known as Little Julian, it was one of the many fountains serving the city and has become a legendary figure. He has been given numerous costumes and decorations and his wardrobe now comprises some 654 items (see Museum of the City of Brussels). Stock Exchange Building Cafés/Bars/Restaurants (the Grand Place area is full of cafes, bars and restaurants where you will be able to drink Belgian beers and eat Belgian food) 3. SHOPPING AREAS Avenue Louise: Take the Metro (Line 2), step out at the Station Louise and follow the Avenue Louise exit. Avenue de la Toison d Or: Take the Metro (Line 2), step out at the station Louise or at the station Porte de Namur and follow the Avenue de la Toison d Or exit. PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 40

13 Rue Neuve City 2 Shopping centre: Take the Metro (Line 2), step out at the station Rogier and follow the Rue Neuve exit. PLEASE ALWAYS BRING YOUR MAP AND THE SCHEDULE WITH YOU! 41