The Eclectic Charm of Ixelles

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mon sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zan]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh meh-duh-san]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard juhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tewn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dee ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kond ay luh proh-shang (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Ixelles, located just south of the Brussels city center, has origins that trace back to the early Middle Ages. The area was initially a rural settlement, with its name believed to derive from the Latin term 'Excellentes,' referring to the fertile lands around the Ixelles Lacs. By the 12th century, it had developed into a small village, which was part of the Duchy of Brabant.

In the 19th century, Ixelles experienced significant growth due to the industrial revolution. The establishment of factories and the arrival of the railway transformed it from a quiet village into a bustling suburb of Brussels. This period saw the construction of many beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, with architects like Victor Horta influencing the architectural style of the area.

Throughout the 20th century, Ixelles became a vibrant cultural melting pot, attracting a diverse population, including immigrants from various countries. This demographic shift has contributed to a rich tapestry of cultures, reflected in the local cuisine, festivals, and markets. The Flagey Square area became a hub for cultural activities, including music and art, highlighting Ixelles' role in the broader cultural landscape of Brussels.

Ixelles has a history of political activism and social movements, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The neighborhood has been at the forefront of various social issues, including housing rights and multiculturalism, reflecting the broader societal changes within Brussels. The local community has actively engaged in discussions regarding integration and the preservation of cultural diversity.

Today, Ixelles is recognized for its dynamic atmosphere, combining traditional Belgian culture with modern influences. The neighborhood hosts various markets, such as the Matongé district, known for its African shops and eateries, alongside classic Belgian cafes. Ixelles remains a vital part of Brussels, with its blend of history, culture, and contemporary life attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Ixelles is well-connected to other neighborhoods in Brussels. You can easily access Ixelles via public transport. The Brussels Metro has several stations in and around Ixelles, including Louise and Trinité, which are serviced by Line 2 and Line 6. Tram lines 81 and 82 also run through the area. If you're coming from Brussels Central, you can take tram 81 directly to Ixelles. Buses are another option, with routes that connect to major points in the city.

Ixelles is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, the Brussels public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and metro, is efficient. Biking is also popular; you can rent bicycles through the Villo! bike-sharing system available throughout the city. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for those who prefer a more direct route.

Ixelles is generally safe for tourists, but like in any urban area, it is wise to stay alert. Certain parts, especially around the Flagey area at night, can have higher incidents of petty crime, such as pickpocketing. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded places. It's advisable to refrain from wandering alone late at night in less populated areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is the Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, located just a short distance from Ixelles. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the neighborhood. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly; Ixelles has a trendy vibe. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches; modest attire is appreciated. Public Transport: Do maintain a quiet demeanor and yield seats to those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Salut.' A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like waffles and frites. Don’t refuse offers of food or drink, as it can be viewed as impolite.

To experience Ixelles like a local, explore the vibrant markets such as the Ixelles Ponds and the Flagey Market on Sundays. Try to visit local bars and cafes that serve traditional Belgian beers and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Engaging with locals is encouraged; they are often happy to share insights about the neighborhood’s history and culture. Don’t miss the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture scattered throughout the area, and take a stroll through the Ixelles Cemetery for a peaceful retreat.