I Love Culture

Perugia

Perugia is the provincial capital of Umbria, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. The ancient heart of the city, packed full of Etruscan and Roman monuments, perches on a hilltop with the modern city spread below. With a prestigious university, the city has a lively student population, good shopping, fun bars and great restaurants. If that weren't enough, Perugia is the setting for one of Europe’s best jazz festivals: Umbria Jazz.

Trivandrum

Kerala’s first city, with its knotty official name of Thiruvananthapuram (often substituted by the shorter, more manageable Trivandrum), is a rich introduction to southern India's urban and cultural life. Trivandrum tends to be unjustly overlooked en route to the state's beachside settlements but easily warrants a few days of its own.

Seoul

Seoul is a city of contrasts in which the ancient and the modern coexist in harmony. In one sense, it is a hi-tech 21st-century city awash with neon lights and the sights and sounds of a 24-hour metropolis, while at the same time, a city retaining the majesty and graceful ambience of ancient dynasties that once ruled over it. Like the river Han on which it sits, Seoul is constantly moving as it strides boldly into the future, yet simultaneously managing to keep one foot firmly entrenched in its historical past.

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.

Treffen sie unsere einheimischen: Linde, der Bäcker [GERMAN]

Linde ist Eigentümerin der Bäckerei Korst in Hal 5. Sie hat ihre eigenen Ansichten über Brot und Lebensmittel im Allgemeinen. Mit Korst sucht sie nach einem neuen Konzept für ein jahrhundertealtes Handwerk. Das Ergebnis? Herrliches Sauerteigbrot. Ihre Bäckerei ist nicht zufällig in Leuven. Nach Erfahrungen in ganz Europa entschied sich Linde für diesen Ort, weil sie hier mit den lokalen Erzeugern von BoerEnCompagnie zusammenarbeiten kann, die solidarische Landwirtschaft praktizieren. Und weil sie Räumlichkeiten in Hal 5 fand. Diese leerstehenden historischen Eisenbahndepots wurden in einen pulsierenden, urbanen und nachhaltigen Treffpunkt für Kreative und Kreatives verwandelt.

Bhutan

Long isolated from the outside world, Bhutan is a relic of a more traditional Asia, preserved in time and with little in the way of tourist infrastructure. In an increasingly connected world, this small, beautiful, and utterly enchanting Himalayan country is one of the last truly off-the-beaten-path destinations on the planet. It is a challenging country to visit, but to those who choose to venture there, it soon reveals itself to be an especially rewarding one, as well.

Tasmania

Tasmania is an island at the edge of the world. Small enough to get around easily, big enough to explore diverse landscapes and make countless discoveries. In one day, wake to the cleanest air in the world, hear stories of early convict life, cruise soaring sea cliffs, sip whisky at cellar doors, and devour paddock-to-plate food. In Tasmania, anything’s possible.

Taif

Rose fragrance fills the air in Taif, a scenic Saudi town whose fertile lands are dotted with abundant rose and fruit orchards. Nestled amidst the Shafa Mountain range not far from Mecca, Taif was once a major commercial hub for the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it has evolved into a popular summer retreat, boasting excellent infrastructure, breathtaking natural beauty, and a mild climate that offers a refreshing contrast to much of Saudi Arabia.

Kunsthaus - the "Friendly Alien"

The Kunsthaus is Graz's museum of contemporary art. Due to its striking architecture it soon became the modern landmark of the city.

Guangzhou

Also known as Canton, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China. It has long been one of China's main commercial and trading centres and is one of the first cities that opened to the world. As one of the fastest growing cities in Asia, Guangzhou has also seen fast growth in tourism, attracting visitors with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, world-renowned Cantonese cuisine and its vibrant nightlife.

Ontmoet onze locals: Linde, de bakker [DUTCH]

Linde is eigenaar van bakkerij Korst in HAL 5. Ze heeft een hele eigen visie op brood en voeding in het algemeen. Met Korst gaat ze op zoek naar een nieuwe formule voor een eeuwenoude stiel. Het resultaat? Overheerlijk zuurdesembrood. Haar bakkerij ligt niet toevallig in Leuven. Na omzwervingen in gans Europa koos Linde deze plek omdat ze hier kan samenwerken met de lokale producten van BoerEnCompagnie, een CSA – coöperatieve. En omdat ze een ruimte vond in HAL 5. Deze leegstaande historische spoorweghallen werden omgevormd tot een bruisende, stedelijke en duurzame broed- en ontmoetingsplek.