I Love Culture

Pau

Nestled in the corner of rural south-west France stands Pau, the capital of the Béarn province, a bastion of history and culture. The town occupies a unique geographical position in the foothills of the Pyrenées. With its awe-inspiring views of the mountain range, Pau is only a few hundred kilometres from the major towns of Bordeaux and Toulouse and even closer to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. A springboard to sunny beaches or snow-capped mountains, Pau’s pretty streets, and excellent gastronomy are enough to ensure leaving will be difficult.

Ankara

The heart of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, is the second largest city of Turkey after Istanbul. The city lies on the border where east between west. The European and Middle Eastern cultures merged and coloured the city's architecture, food, wine, nightlife, fashion and arts. Drop the anchor in Ankara, as its name suggests, cross the border between tradition and modernity.

Hammamet

Holiday-geared Hammamet has long attracted international vacationers, a fact to which the glorious decades-old Yasmine resort complex serves as testament. The town itself offers just the right dose of thrills to culture enthusiasts looking to break the lethargy of an all-inclusive respite with some sightseeing and shopping – all within the ancient walls of a cream-colored, low-rise Medina.

Ontmoet onze locals: Jochem, de rebel [DUTCH]

Jochem Daelman is één van de stichtende leden van Onkruid. Een studio die expertise in architectuur, marketing, muziek en cultuur combineert om creatieve interventies te doen in steden. In Leuven organiseren ze onder meer het tweejaarlijkse and&festival, ontwierpen ze een plein in de nieuwe hippe Vaartkom, en zijn ze één van de drijvende krachten achter Stelplaats, een experimenteerplek voor jongeren.

Ontmoet onze locals: Pieter, de kunstenaar [DUTCH]

Pieter Janssen is een Leuvense kunstenaar die vooral werkt als scenograaf, decorbouwer en sculpteur voor filmwereld, theater en musea. Knutselen en sculpteren was altijd al zijn ding en het feit dat hij hier zijn beroep van maakte, vindt hij nog elke dag geweldig. Zijn omgeving is heel belangrijk in zijn werk. Pieter heeft zijn atelier in de Leuvense Vaartkom. Daar leeft hij in zijn eigen fantasiewereld. Als hij buiten stapt laat hij zich graag inspireren door de bruisende buurt.

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.

Hamburg

The Elbe River, lakes and canals, the historic Town Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus, the nightlife on the famous Reeperbahn and the traditional Hamburg fish market shape the image of Hamburg, Germany’s green city on the waterfront. The HafenCity offers modern architecture and the new landmark, the concert hall Elbphilharmonie. In Hamburg — Germany's second biggest city — prestige, elegance and creativity are combined to create an edgy, modern vibe.

Chongqing

Located in the southwestern region of China, Chongqing is surrounded by rivers and mountains, which lend a unique beauty to this rapidly developing city. With its unique geography, vibrant culture, and modern architecture, Chongqing is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's history, enjoying the natural beauty or simply marvelling at the modern skyline, Chongqing is a destination that should not be missed.

Locals in the spotlight: Jochem, the rebel [ENGLISH]

Jochem Daelman is one of the founding members of Onkruid Studio. It combines expertise in architecture, marketing, music, and culture to make creative interventions in cities. In Leuven, they organise, among others, the biennial and& festival, they designed a square in the trendy new Vaartkom district, and they are one of the driving forces behind Stelplaats, an experimental zone for young people.

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.

Locals in the spotlight: Pieter, the artist [ENGLISH]

Pieter Janssen is an artist from Leuven who mainly works as a scenographer, set builder, and sculptor for the movie world, theatres, and museums. He’s always crafting and sculpting and still constantly loves the fact that he was able to turn his passion into his profession. His surroundings are very important in his work. Pieter has his studio in Leuven’s Vaartkom district, where he lives in his own fantasy world. When he steps outside, he happily lets the vibrant neighbourhood inspire him.