Justine Henin, Tennis Player

Where do you come from in Belgium and where are you living now?

 

I grew up in the commune of Rochefort, but I currently live in the Brussels area.

 

What do you really miss from Belgium when you travel?

 

I have always been very attached to my country. I have had the opportunity to travel frequently, and while I am always happy to go abroad, I am as happy to come back and be rooted again. It is my family and my friends that I miss most when I am abroad. But when I come back to Belgium, it’s a combination of various things that make feel good.

 

Your favourite place to relax?

 

I like to go back to the Ardennes, where most of my family lives. It is a quiet and relaxing area with some amazing landscapes. But although I am a country girl, I am getting more and more used to living in the city. Brussels is a very human and green city, and it is a very pleasant place to live!

 

Your favourite Belgian dish?

 

I am afraid it’s not a very original answer, but I really enjoy a pack of Belgian fries or some chocolate. But not too often...

 

If you were a comic strip character, you would be…. because…?

 

Tintin perhaps, because he loves travelling and discovering the world... And he is always accompanied by his dog ;-)

 

What does make Belgium / Belgians special?

 

Belgium is a small country, but it has a great cultural wealth, a modern economy, some high level sportsmen, and respected artists... These are all aspects that make it a ‘small but rich country’. Abroad, Belgians are known for enjoying life and having a great sense of self-deprecation. They like to party, and they are welcoming, open-minded and sympathetic. All of those traits make them special!

 

For you, the European Union is…

 

Multi-culturalism, open-mindedness, a source of wealth and the future