The weekend before Christmas 2024, Dennis and I went to Münster in North Rhine-Westphalia for the Weihnachtsmarkt, the Christmas market. Germany is a master in Christmas markets. And a successful excursion to Bonn in 2023 left us wanting a sequel. On our way to Germany on Friday night, we learned about the 2024 Magdeburg Christmas…
Month: August 2025
27 SEPTEMBER 2025 | Farewell Tour for ‘Benelux’ Intercityrijtuig (ICR) coaches in the Netherlands and Belgium
On Saturday 27 September 2025, a special heritage train will operate across the Netherlands and Belgium to mark the approaching withdrawal of the last Intercityrijtuig (ICR) coaches from regular service.
Brussels Airlines adds five more Airbus 320neo aircraft to its fleet
The Board of Directors of Brussels Airlines has approved the addition of five brand-new Airbus A320neo aircraft to the fleet, bringing the total number of this next-generation aircraft to 13. This investment underlines Brussels Airlines’ commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, enhancing the passenger experience, and growing sustainably and profitably.
End of the line for Grand Bazar: Antwerp’s and Belgium’s shopping centres face new reality
The Grand Bazar shopping centre on Antwerp’s Groenplaats is set to disappear entirely to make way for the expansion of the Hilton Hotel, both Het Laatste Nieuws and Gazet van Antwerpen report. The once-busy mall will be largely dismantled, with only the ground-floor retail units remaining. These shops will no longer be accessed from within…
Brussels Airlines carried nearly 2 million passengers this summer
Brussels Airlines reports a strong 2025 summer season, having transported over 1.9 million passengers on almost 13,000 flights in July and August, a 12% increase compared to 2024. The addition of more aircraft to the fleet enabled the airline to expand capacity and meet high demand.
SICILY | Catania
March 2025. We’re embarking on a train trip to Sicily. We fly from Brussels Airport to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport with ITA Airways. Then we take an Intercity Notte sleeper train by Trenitalia from Roma Termini Railway Station across Italy to Syracuse. Yes, the train is loaded on a ferry to cross the…
NMBS / SNCB’s AM30 / MR30 order faces political and legal headwinds as costs of delay mount
The Belgian national rail operator NMBS / SNCB is under mounting pressure over its planned order of new trains from Spanish manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF), as political debate, legal challenges and international criticism threaten to delay the procurement.
ANTWERP QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL 2025 | A Night Called Quest, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August, at De Studio
Antwerp Queer Arts Festival returns with a month of queer artistic activities in Antwerp. Sometimes it’s just in the name. Antwerp Queer Arts Festival 2025 runs from Saturday 2 to Saturday 30 August. As usual, it’s intertwined with Antwerp Pride.
Gemini Trains partners with Uber for Stratford to France Channel Tunnel route
Gemini Trains in the United Kingdom has revealed ambitious plans to launch high-speed rail services beneath the Channel Tunnel from Stratford International in east London.
JEJU ISLAND | Hamdeok Beach – Seongsan Ilchilbong volcano – Ilchulland with lava tube – Wonang Waterfalls – Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls
Autumn 2024. Ten years after my first trip to Seoul in 2014, I am returning to the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Not solo this time, but with Oriol, who has never been to Korea. On the itinerary: flying with Qatar Airways to Incheon via Doha, the capital Seoul, the historic city…
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