Invite a neighbor over

BRUSSELS The idea seems a bit artificial, but apparently there is a demand for it. Open your doors for a few hours for your neighbors, treat everyone you want to get to know to a cup of coffee and have a chat. And maybe the neighborhood will immediately become a lot cozier. This is the third time that 'Party in the building, the neighbors' party' is taking place. On May 31, the organizers hope to attract 200,000 people. The concept originated in the nineties in Paris, as an attempt to create a barrier against alienation in the big city. In 2003, the first Belgian edition of 'Party in the building' took place in Brussels. About 10,000 Brussels residents participated then. In 2004, 'Party in the building' already mobilized 30,000 Belgians. This year, the organizers are aiming even higher. The concept of the event is simple: you just have to register and on May 31, 2005, between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., open your door to people from your neighborhood, so you can get to know them better. Tuesday, May 31 is the European Neighbours' Day. Throughout Europe, about 300 cities will participate in the action. The organizers hope to mobilize about four million people. Registration forms are available in the 4,000 independent bookstores in Belgium. This year, registration is also possible via the internet. An internet forum will also be opened to promote contact between neighbors. www.feestinhetgebouw.be