The Modern Marvel of Guillemins: Where History Meets Futurism

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn. 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 vwar 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 se-kur]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-play lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-play uhn may-deh-sahn]
• 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-sheh-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohn-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 bay-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 oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• 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)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

Guillemins, originally a small village, began to take shape in the 19th century. Its strategic location made it an essential point for transportation and trade, particularly with the establishment of the first railway line in Belgium in 1835. This development facilitated economic growth and attracted a diverse population, laying the foundation for what would become a bustling neighborhood.

In 1905, the Guillemins Railway Station was inaugurated, designed by the architect Paul Séjourné. This station became a pivotal part of Liege's transportation infrastructure and was known for its striking architectural style, featuring a grand steel and glass structure. The station not only connected Guillemins to major cities but also symbolized the industrial power of Liege during the early 20th century.

During World War II, Guillemins faced significant challenges, including damage from bombings. The railway station was heavily affected, but it was rebuilt and modernized in the post-war period. This reconstruction effort represented a broader trend of revitalization throughout Liege, as the city sought to recover from the war's devastation and reestablish itself as a key industrial hub.

In recent decades, Guillemins has undergone a transformative revival. The new Guillemins Railway Station, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2009, has become a modern architectural landmark. The area has also seen a surge in cultural activities, with the establishment of numerous cafes, restaurants, and art spaces, reflecting the vibrant and evolving identity of Guillemins within the context of Liege.

Today, Guillemins serves as a cultural and transport hub, embodying the spirit of Liege. The neighborhood hosts events, exhibitions, and festivals, contributing to the rich tapestry of Belgian culture. Its proximity to the city center and its historical significance make Guillemins a vital part of Liege's urban landscape, attracting both locals and tourists eager to explore its history and contemporary offerings.

Guillemins is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Liège. The main transport hub is the Liège-Guillemins railway station, which connects to major cities in Belgium and neighboring countries. From the city center, you can take a direct bus (line 1 or 4) or a short taxi ride. If you're arriving from Brussels or Antwerp, high-speed trains like Thalys or Eurostar will bring you directly to Guillemins station.

Guillemins is well-connected by public transport. The Liège-Guillemins train station serves as a central point for regional and international trains. Local buses operate frequently, with stops throughout the neighborhood. Bicycles can be rented from various locations, and the area is relatively flat, making it suitable for cycling. Walking is also a pleasant option, especially to explore nearby parks and attractions.

Guillemins is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night. Areas with higher crime rates include some streets near the train station. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded settings. Stick to well-lit areas after dark, and consider using taxis or rideshares instead of walking alone.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Local police stations and hospitals are available. It is wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For less urgent health issues, pharmacies are located throughout Guillemins where you can obtain over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, but avoid overly casual attire when dining. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be mindful of your belongings and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like boulets liégeois. Don't refuse food or drink when offered by locals, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Guillemins like a local, visit the nearby Parc de la Boverie, where you can enjoy a picnic or simply relax. Check out local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals at cafés, and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations. For an authentic dining experience, try a brasserie that serves traditional Liège cuisine. Lastly, take time to admire the striking architecture of the Guillemins train station, which is a masterpiece of modern design.