Bonjour and Happy Friday, the very LAST Allez les Belges of 2018! Wow, this year has really flown by! Since I like a good Bordeaux and most people enjoy a nice Cognac after dinner, let's visit the Bordeaux-Cognac Region of France where Olivier and Tinne operate a B&B!
See you again in 2019!! Happy New Year and best wishes to everyone for the year to come!
What is your current job/role in the tourism industry?
Since 2014, My wife and I have owned and run our Bed and Breakfast in the Southwest of France.
Located in the heart of the Bordeaux-Cognac region, Les Mirandes offers an exceptional setting, where one can come to enjoy an authentic French experience, culinary treats and an accommodation that meets the highest standards. Our beautifully restored 19th- century manor house offers 4 spacious and comfortable rooms, all with modern amenities. Les Mirandes typifies what the area has to offer: Openness, space, hospitality, peace and relaxation.
Your own favorite vacation destination? I personally don't have a favorite destination. The world is just too big of a place and there are too many wonderful destinations to have a favorite...What makes a vacation perfect for me? meeting interesting people, discovering new cultures, tasting local food and enjoying quality time with the family, wherever that may be... What is the motto you live by? Respect each other. Always and Anywhere...I truly believe in the 'you reap what you sow' principle. Especially when traveling, I have experienced that making an effort to speak a few words of the local language, trying local food, respecting other cultures and habits and above all, respecting the local people, no matter their status, color, gender or believe, gets you a long way. Professionally speaking I live by 2 mottos: 1. Whatever you are, be a good one 2. Dreams never work unless you do
What do you miss most about Belgium? There are a lot of things that every self respecting Belgian should miss when living abroad: Chocolates from Brussels, an authentic Trappist from Orval, Chimay, Westmalle or Westvleteren, Rochefort or Hamont Achel, waffles from Liege, Endives from Haacht, Asparagus from Keerbergen, mustard from Ghent, Fries from 'frietkot number 1' in Antwerp, the incredible selection of fine, cozy, authentic and classy restaurants, spread all over Belgium and not to forget 'pistoleekes with americain' and 'het stamcafe van op den hoek'... BUT...what we miss most is of course family and friends!
