The history of cod has been deeply linked to the sea and the trade routes of the North Atlantic for over a thousand years. The Norwegian Vikings were the first to fish for and preserve cod, developing methods of air-drying that provided them with a sustainable food source for their long sea voyages and colonisations. Later, during the Middle Ages, cod began to be traded on a large scale in Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it became the basis for many iconic recipes. Its popularity grew considerably under the influence of the Catholic Church, which banned the consumption of meat during Lent and other fasting days, making cod the ideal substitute due to its ease of preservation and nutritional value.

Cod is preserved dry and in salt for practical and technological reasons dating back to ancient times. Fresh fish is highly perishable and, in the days before refrigeration, it was impossible to transport it inland. By salting and dehydrating cod, bacteria growth is inhibited and the product's shelf life is extended for months or even years, making it easier to transport and consume far from the sea. This method, known as salting, not only preserves the food, but also enhances its characteristic flavour and exploits its culinary and nutritional qualities long after it has been caught. This is why salted cod has become an essential part of the diet of sailors and many European populations, particularly in Spain and Portugal.

Photo taken at a fish market in Malaga, Spain.

The Boeing 777-300 is a long-range, twin-engine wide-body airliner manufactured by Boeing, recognised as one of the largest twin-engine aircraft in the world. It is an extended version of the 777-200, with a length of 73.9 metres, a wingspan of 64.8 metres and a height of 18.5 metres, capable of carrying between 300 and 550 passengers depending on the configuration chosen by the airline. Its modular and spacious cabin allows for a variety of configurations, including three-class, two-class or maximum economy class. The 777-300 was designed to replace the Boeing 747 on certain routes with significantly lower fuel consumption and operating costs.

In terms of performance, this model also impresses with its very powerful engines — the most powerful civil jet engines in the world — offering thrust of up to 515 kN and a cruising speed of approximately 900 to 920 km/h. Its range varies from approximately 11,000 to 12,000 km for the standard 777-300 version, and up to more than 14,000 km for certain variants such as the 777-300ER. Equipped with a six-wheel landing gear on each leg, it also has cameras to assist with ground manoeuvres and devices to prevent tail strikes during take-off. It is particularly appreciated by airlines for its flexibility, long-range performance and passenger comfort.

Sources: Perplexity.ai, Artheau Aviation & Emirates.com 

Femmy Otten worked on a wooden version of this sculpture for nine months, throughout her pregnancy. By taking her time, she was able to create some distance from her work. Femmy Otten noticed that there are relatively few representations of pregnant women in art history, especially in contemporary art. Works by female artists who are mothers are also underrepresented in public spaces.
This new marble version is again preceded by nine months of precision work. The sculpture was not modelled by a man's gaze. Its nudity is in no way erotic, but rather disarming.

Without the weight of clothing, we are all equal, which is comforting. You can feel the gentleness and love that the artist has put into her work. Unlike a classical sculpture, it does not rest on a pedestal. The woman's hand touches the surface of the water, which becomes a kind of fluid support.

The woman is lying in a very uncomfortable position. She has what looks like a ball and chain on her leg: at her feet lies a tangle of body parts. At the same time, she seems to be able to keep everything in balance. The maternal figure possesses the primal power to give life and is at the same time very vulnerable.

Source: www.visitwestvlaanderen.be

The Mein Schiff Relax, launched in 2024 by TUI Cruises, is a new-generation cruise ship belonging to the InTUItion class. Built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, it is approximately 333 metres long and 42 metres wide, with a gross tonnage of 161,000 GT. The ship can accommodate up to 3,984 passengers in nearly 2,000 cabins, served by a crew of up to 1,500. It has 19 passenger decks and features a wide range of modern amenities, including 14 restaurants, 17 bars, and a multitude of leisure and relaxation areas.

Focused on well-being and comfort, the Mein Schiff Relax offers a high-end experience with a large panoramic spa, a 25-metre swimming pool, themed saunas and innovative relaxation areas, such as a therapeutic cold room at -110°C. It also stands out for its eco-friendly technology: dual-fuel propulsion (LNG and fuel oil), Euro 6 catalytic converters, a heat recovery system and shore power connection. The interior design favours open and bright spaces, offering a relaxing cruise experience in a modern and sustainable setting, mainly dedicated to German-speaking guests.

Sources: Perplexity.ai & TUI Cruises

The Rackham livery of Brussels Airlines is a distinctive and artistic aircraft design inspired by the famous Belgian comic character Tintin, specifically the "Red Rackham's Treasure" album. This Airbus A320 aircraft is painted to resemble the iconic black shark submarine from that story, stretching 37 meters long along the fuselage, based on the original drawings of Hergé, Tintin’s creator. The project was made possible through a collaboration with Moulinsart, the company managing Hergé’s legacy. Beyond the exterior, the interior cabin also features Tintin-themed artwork, including images of Tintin and Captain Haddock, enriching the flying experience with a strong cultural connection to Belgium. This livery celebrates one of Belgium’s greatest cultural exports and reflects Brussels Airlines' dedication to showcasing Belgian heritage worldwide.

Since its unveiling in 2015, the Rackham aircraft has become one of the most photographed planes globally and a flagship example of Brussels Airlines’ "Belgian Icons" series—a fleet of special liveries designed to represent Belgium’s culture and artistry. After the initial paint began to fade, Brussels Airlines and Moulinsart extended their partnership to restore and refresh the livery to its original state, ensuring that Rackham remains part of the fleet for at least five additional years. While the exterior remains nearly identical to the original design, the interior cabin has been updated with even more Tintin illustrations, reinforcing Brussels Airlines' role as a cultural ambassador of Belgium. This commitment underlines the airline's mission to always maintain at least five special Belgian Icon liveries in its fleet, making Rackham a symbol of Belgian pride and creativity in aviation.

©José Calatayud - Photo taken at the planespotters' area of runway 25L of EBBR airport

Text Source: Perplexity.ai and Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines has created a special series of ‘Belgian Icons’ liveries for some of its aircraft, celebrating Belgian culture (such as Tintin, Magritte, the Red Devils, Tomorrowland, etc.).

The Atomium livery pays tribute to the Atomium in Brussels, an iconic monument built for Expo 58. The livery features a large image of the Atomium on the tail fin and rear fuselage, with its interconnected metal spheres. It incorporates metallic effects and a silver-grey design to replicate the texture of the Atomium. It reads “brussels airlines – we fly you to the home of the Atomium”. It has an elegant and futuristic look, in keeping with the unique architecture of the Atomium. The decorated aircraft is an Airbus A320. The registration number of the first aircraft to carry this livery was OO-SNB, but this registration number initially carried the Tintin livery (‘Rackham’). The current Airbus aircraft sporting the Atomium livery is the OO-SNC (registered in 2016). It mainly operates European flights.

Source: Brussels Airlines