Un peu de chaleur dans un monde de béton

A little warmth in a world of concrete Immeubles en fête What if we invited our neighbours for a drink in our garden, in the courtyard or hall of our building, or even at home? It is not only about those we have long been friends with, but also the others. Those we pass in the lift, merely nodding at them (if that!). Other forms of encounter can also be imagined: organising a children's snack, playing cards, gardening together, offering flowers from the garden. Why? Because in an urban environment anonymity and loneliness sometimes weigh very heavily, and sympathy and solidarity are more pleasant than exclusion. To signal to others that you are opening your door, simply put up a clearly visible poster with your name, the time and the place where the gathering is being held. In France, the event has existed since 1999. It has already brought together more than two million participants who, since then, have been trying to live their city differently. Perhaps all it takes is to dare. - P.N. < 27 May 2003 > From 7 to 10 pm (and later if you get on well!). Posters can be obtained from the newspapers La Dernière Heure, La Libre Belgique, La Tribune de Bruxelles… from Tuesday 20 May. Postcards to slip under your neighbours' doors are available throughout the boomerang network in Brussels, in the town halls relaying the event, and on the website: www.immeublesenfete.be