AKWABA

Meaning "welcome" in the national vernacular of the Ivory Coast, this ancient African expression "AKWABA" seems very appropriate for the Bed and Breakfast that we have set up in our home in Hoeilaart, near Brussels.

We are a Belgian couple, close to retirement, and our house feels quite empty now that our children have left the nest.

Consequently, we decided to renovate the second floor, that of our children, into two guest rooms. Since we have recently returned from Africa, we felt that African themes for the rooms would be of interest to our guests. Therefore, one room, called Ebony, is on the theme of black Africa; the other, called Marrakesh, is based upon a Moroccan theme, where, by the way, our daughters, Delphine and Florence have established a "ryad" style Bed and Breakfast of their own (http://www.tchaikana.com/ and http://www.darsaria.com/).

We undertook extensive renovations, most notably in the creation of the bathrooms in a style of days gone by, to transform the children's rooms into relaxing spaces where guests can enjoy listening to music, reading books, thinking, and chatting. If the spirit moves them, guests are also welcome to play ping-pong or foosball in the game room.

We are delighted to receive our guests as in Africa where a guest is always considered as an envoy sent by god; we therefore receive our guests in French, Dutch/Flemish, or English knowing that they will always bring us new ideas and perspectives from other places that will refresh our own views of the world.

Akwaba! and enjoy your site visit.