Hilde Maes: Good afternoon, Hilde. Welcome here in Bonnevaux. Hello. How did you come here in Bonnevaux? I heard about the WCCM through an interview with Herman Van Rompuy, and I subscribed to the daily message of wisdom. And then I read about the retreat from Mark Burrows about beauty and about poetry. And so I came here to Bonnevaux to follow that retreat. You are especially interested in beauty or also meditation? Perhaps beauty was a very attractive subject as being an art historian and having been a teacher and speaking a lot about beauty and I have to say the retreat was totally, was very interesting. And it was an experience I very much appreciated- And what is your idea about Bonnevaux itself? This is something that has it has been a very special experience. I didn't know anything about Bonnevaux and I have discovered a place in a wonderful nature, but also a place where real hospitality is
Hilde Maes: the sensation of being welcomed as a guest. In many ways, it was really a very positive experience, and I'm in awe for the people who have created this place, recreated this place, the people who live here in the community, the friendliness, I haven't heard not one unfriendly word this week. There was a total friendliness. and also the accommodation, I didn't know what to expect, but I am really in awe for the way the buildings are restored for the state of the art architecture. There's a beauty in it that is so in harmony with all the rest of the experience. And then the food, the food in abundance beautifully presented really very, very tasteful. And so, so generous. Such a generous way also of being welcomed as as guest. So, I would like to thank the community and everyone who works here and who is concerned about continuing this tradition of welcoming guests in such a wonderful, generous way. Thank you very much, Hilde.
