I Love Culture

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.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, alongside Jerusalem, is a top Israeli destination and the heart of the country's culture and economy. Known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, the city’s eclectic Bauhaus architecture, vibrant street art, and world-renowned culinary scene set it apart. Often called 'the city that never stops', Tel Aviv boasts a lively nightlife and dynamic cultural festivals, making it an irresistible draw for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Treffen sie unsere einheimischen: Pieter, der künstler [GERMAN]

Pieter Janssen ist ein Leuvener Künstler, der vor allem als Szenograf, Bühnenbildner und Bildhauer für Film, Theater und Museen arbeitet. Gestalten und Bildhauerei waren schon immer sein Ding. Dass er dies zu seinem Beruf machen konnte, findet er auch heute noch großartig. Seine Umgebung spielt bei seiner Arbeit eine große Rolle. Pieter hat sein Atelier im Leuvener Stadtteil Vaartkom. Dort lebt er in seiner eigenen Fantasiewelt. Wenn er sein Atelier verlässt, findet er in diesem lebendigen Viertel zahlreiche Inspirationen.

Ontmoet onze locals: Gie, de cafébaas [DUTCH]

Iedereen kent Gie in Leuven. Van op een feestje in zijn legendarische fuifzaal de Rumba of van een pintje in zijn volkscafé Leuven Central. Zoals hij zelf zegt is hij ‘gebeten door de horecamicrobe’. Hij weet perfect wat de Leuvenaar wilt: ‘echte Stella en goeie koffie. Da’s de basis.’ En als ’t van hem afhangt serveert hij die tot hij er bij neervalt.

Bruges

Places that stir all your senses and that pluck your heartstrings are extremely rare. These are the places that touch you deeply, yet whose secrets you can’t unlock completely. Bruges happens to be such a unique place. Cultural and artistic, cosmopolitan, unashamedly Burgundian, mysteriously medieval, and a Unesco World Heritage site to boot. Strolling along the narrow alleys, picturesque canals and verdant ramparts you cannot help but fall hopelessly in love with its elegant mysteriousness.

Guilin

Guilin has long been a favourite among travellers to China. This compact city is most famous for the green mountains, crystal clear waters, unique caves and the beautiful cliffs in its outskirts. The karst peaks and the surrounding areas are world renowned for its beautiful scenery. Yet it is not only this stunning landscape that draws visitors to Guilin, but its unique folk customs, that make for unforgettable experiences in themselves.

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.

Recontrer nos habitants: Jochem, le rebel [FRENCH]

Jochem Daelman est l'un des membres fondateurs d'Onkruid, un studio qui propose une combinaison réussie d’architecture, de marketing, de musique et de culture pour lancer des projets originaux dans les villes. À Leuven, Onkruid est notamment derrière des projets comme l' and& festival,un événement bisannuel, et la réalisation d'une place dans le nouveau quartier branché du Vaartkom. L'organisation constitue également l'une des forces motrices derrière Stelplaats, un lieu d'expérimentation pour les jeunes.

Hofuf

Nestled within the lush Al-Ahsa Oasis in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, the city of Al Hofuf (also known as Al-Ahsa or Al-Hasa) sprawls over the palm-tree-covered lands inhabited since prehistoric times. Al Hofuf is packed with historic sites, architectural monuments, and natural wonders, from forts and palaces to the whimsical Qara Mountain Caves and natural springs.

Meer our locals: Linde, the baker [ENGLISH]

Linde owns the Korst bakery in Hal 5. She has her own personal take on bread, and on food in general. At Korst, she searches for a new formula for a centuries-old craft. The result? Delicious sourdough bread. It is no coincidence that her bakery is in Leuven; after wandering all over Europe, Linde chose this place because she can collaborate with BoerEnCompagnie, a community-supported agricultural cooperative, and use the local products it provides. And because she found a space in Hall 5: empty, historic railway halls that were transformed into a vibrant, urban, sustainable place to meet others and to settle down.