Kaat Cleenewerck

Different Worlds – Alternating Between Skies that are Sunny and Grey

February 18, 2020 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

“It never rains in Southern California”, sings Albert Hammond in his classic. “And the sun always shines in Los Angeles” – some of the generalized clichés we take for granted. Yes, winter is mild in […]

Different Worlds – Broads and Strong Women

December 3, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

Citing the ‘Urban Dictionary’: “a broad (slang for woman) – often used in the context of show business – is a singer, dancer, actor, or filmmaker who sings loudly, parties hard and is often abrasive, sarcastic […]

Different Worlds- Transcontinental Friendships

October 9, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

Friends, … most of us have a lot of virtual ones on Facebook, whether or not we know them in person. More meaningful is to have friends in real life. During the years I lived […]

Different Worlds – Outdoor public swimming/activities

August 13, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

It is high summer, and most of us love it. We seek quality time outdoors. From relaxing on the lawn in the parks or in the garden (if you’re lucky to have one) – with […]

Different Worlds – At the Farmer’s Markets

July 16, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

On Sunday (late) mornings, I like to go to the local farmers market. For me that’s the one near the South (train) station (gare du Midi), and is (consequently) called le Marché du Midi. It is the biggest […]

Different Worlds – Cafés and Brasseries in Brussels

June 16, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

Belgium is well-known for its “café culture”, as much in the small villages as in the big(ger) cities. A café is a place to gather, drink a beverage – often a beer – and talk […]

Different Worlds – Remembering Agnès Varda

April 23, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

“Sans Toit ni Loi” (English title: Vagabond), by Agnès Varda won Best Feature Film at the Venice Film Festival in 1985, and the leading actress Sandrine Bonnaire, Best Actress. The film – about a young woman […]

Different Worlds – Belgian Fries vs California Avocados

March 21, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 0

In Europe, Belgium is known for its fries. Most American menus erroneously call any fried potato strip “French fries.” In fact, “French fries” are thin, what you Americans sometimes call “shoestring fries.” Genuine Belgian fries […]

Different Worlds – Winter Blues

February 21, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 2

Winter has kicked in in Brussels. It has been getting very cold the past few weeks, with freezing temperatures and snow storms, taking my ‘reserve’ of Californian sun and warmth energy in a blink of […]

Different Worlds – A View of Life in the US/EU

January 24, 2019 Kaat Cleenewerck 2

Upon my return in Brussels from visiting Los Angeles, I went for a little check-up with my doctor and he said to me: “Welcome back to the real world.”… I was a bit taken aback. […]