Paragliding over Neuschwanstein

Me and Bonen (longtime friend) took the train to Southern Bavaria for a week of paragliding and a visit to the paragliding festival Free Flight Tegelberg.
We were flying from the mountain Tegelberg, just next to the famous castle Neuschwanstein.
All in all a great week with lots of fun, good flying and nice food :-)

Market in Annecy

Yesterday afternoon and this morning I spent in the beautiful little city of Annecy, researching for a story. Here are some quick photos.











Yesterday afternoon and this morning I spent in the beautiful little city of Annecy, researching for a story. Here are some quick photos.

Flying at Chamonix

Today, we drove to Chamonix for some flying. The thermals weren't really there, but the views were still magnificent.

Paragliding around Lac d'Annecy

This week, I've been staying in the area of the Annecy, in a cute little wooden chalet at Maison du Moulin. This is a famous paragliding area, and that's why I am here.

The weather has been great and sunny, so I've had some lovely flights. I am flying together with the Swedish pilot and instructor Fredrik Angrimer, who is also giving me a little course.

You can see tracklogs (3D GPS tracks) of my flights here - just click on the red symbol to the right of every flight to see it on a map.

Coupe Icare

This weekend, it was finally time for me to visit the famous paragliding festival Coupe Icare in the little French mountain village Sainte-Hilare. Thousands of people from all over the world gather here to have fun, party, see new paragliding films and check out new equipment.

Not to mention the paragliding costume competition, the acrobatic shows and all the fun bands that are playing.

Here are some photos. Maybe I see you there next year?

Museum day in Brussels

After the brilliant night out yesterday, I took it somewhat slower today. Started with a visit to the new Magritte Museum, which was rather OK. Some of his art is quite fun.

But the new Hergé Museum (the creator of Tintin), which I went to afterwards, was much more fun. The exhibition is interesting, and the commentary (get one of those headphones) excellent. And, the house itself is a beauty. I bought a Tintin album in Dutch to somewhat better my language skills.

In the evening, I met Vicki on Place Lux. She is an old friend of Femke, they studied together in Strasbourg. Last time we met, she was living and working in London, but now, she just landed herself her dream job, as an assistant to a Member of the European Parliament. Always nice to witness people fulfilling their dreams.

Meeting at Place Lux is a nostalgic event - I used to wait for Femke here when she worked in the parliament. Going here a Friday evening is somewhat chaotic. The terraces are overspilling with young Eurocrats flirting, mingling and lobbying in an unholy mix.