Gateway to Belgium –Episode 3

Europe Episode -3

I always taught and mistook that most of the Namur University, FUCID   immersion students live near Namur city in Belgium. But they all live in and around Namur and elsewhere in Belgium, due to their higher studies.  July was the Summer break is always the break from the 1st of July until the 31st of August - so could not able to meet many of my friends - who have planned their holidays much head of my travel plans. 

Since I left Indian Social Institute –Bangalore , after serving 30 years in 2013 December, I decided to take some rest and do nothing. During that time it occurred to me that, what would be my status with FUCID and students immersion programme.  Therefore, I wanted to have a discussion with Dr. Marcel  Remon  and Ms. Rita Rixen.  I stayed in the Jesuit house for 4 days to meet them to have a discussion.  I was asked to continue the student’s immersion programme. The FUCID team and students who visited India were happy about by performance and the arrangements by and large. That, means, I will be continuing the Staff immersion programme in January 2015 and students programme in the same year.

Here are some of FUCID pictures

 with Dr. Marcel Remon, Director, FUCID 

 Ms.Rita Rixen 

 FUCID

Jesuit Community 

Gateway to Belgium –Episode 2

Gateway to Belgium –Episode 2

My second part of the travel purpose was to meet some of the Indian immersion programme friend in Namur and Belgium. My assumptions went wrong. I could not able to meet many of them since, the summer holidays were declared. Therefore, I could meet only three out of five last batch (2013) girls. This time all the five were pretty girls. Two others were missing in this episode are Marie Pouline and Dominique. I had a great time with them. They traveled from Brussels to Namur to meet me and spend half-day with me. Thanks dear  friends!

 

In India during their two weeks study tour and stay in Indian families,they took lots of pictures. Once point of time their harddisk was getting full. I was woundering why so many pictures! But they did a very innovative thing! They selected Girls life in Rural India and organized a Photo exhibition for the university students. There was television interview as well . Thanks to FUCID, a centre, (for more information www.fucid.be) part of Namur Univesity   (https://www.unamur.be/en) Thanks once again my dear friends. Some of the pictures below for your view.

With  Cassy Di and Funny

With Elise Thielemans and Cassy Di

With Funny

Lucy man

C.S.Saravanan

Gateway to Europe-Episode 01

Gateway to Europe

Episode 01

When I planned my trip to Belgium and Netherlands – I did not plan much. I believe that take things as it comes. Which will have hardship, unexpected happiness and adventure? Therefore, I have asked few friends to find me a place to stay in Brussels for 2-3 days. Camille and Christophe both welcomed me to their place and shared their room. Great friends!

I reached on the 17^th July mid noon to their place called ‘Albert’ which a outskirt of Brussels. It so happened that Christophe’s friends were meeting that evening – then what “party time” I had a nice welcome party and spend a day with them on outing. My recent profile picture is one of them. Went around Brussels – which brought back some of the memories of my visit in 2009 along with my Food & Nutrition security – (WU-Netherlands) course friends.

Both, Camille and Christophe are from Media background and were working on projects. Naturally, some of their friends are also from media. It gave me an opportunity to share their experience. Their friends accepted me as a friend –even though BIG age difference was there.

Next day was a dinner party with old friends – Camille, Eleonore and Bruno Blömeling

Unfortunately, Belgium had its Railway workers strike on the day – I am suppose to travel to Namur for my official work. Again my friend Camille came forward to drive me to Namur which is an hour journey from Brussels. I had a nice car drive.

Finally I reached Namur. (Use google map to find NAMUR) .

Episode 02 will continue