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The phenomenon of Louvain-la-Neuve
Yesterday evening I arrived to Louvain-la-Neuve all the way from London. The Eurostar train was quite comfortable to travel with and I was pleasantly surprised at the Brussels train station, when I wanted to buy a ticket to Louvain-la-Neuve. The ticket guy had told me I didn’t have to buy any extra ticket but could go to any Belgium station with a Eurostar ticket.
Then, upon arrival, I somehow realised that my ignorance of French could be quite a challenge. The first encounter was a nice proof of that. I wanted to find out where Bia Bouquet (the street where I live) is. The guy only spoke French and I not a word of it … but then luckily I bumped into a girl who knew a few words in English and I found my way ‘home’.
The next morning, which is today;), I went on another adventure - I had to find the CMC (Centre de Politique Comparee) and my new office. With each step further into the heart of Louvain-la-Neuve I began to realise it was no ordinary town. My assumptions were confirmed at lunch time, when my friend took me to a stroll across the city. He explained the concept behind the town. The centre is actually based on Leonardo da Vinci’s idea about showing what is nice and hiding what is not. The town thus appears as a three-level department store. On the underground level (-1), there are car parks and ways in (roads, trains). Then the ground level (0) it’s only pedestrian. It is the place where people meet, socialize, walk etc. Above that (+1), there are places to live (apartments) and work (offices). Really an impressive structure!
Photos to be taken and published soon;)
By Nana | January 12, 2006 | Topics: Les Voyages, Personal, PhD |