Here comes the time of the ... boats. Small, big, blue, wooden,etc, boats come in all shapes and sizes but the "Chalet Robinson" (situated in Bois de la Cambre) plays it up "New York" style. The boats used will be identical to those used at the infamous "Central Park". But that's not the only reason that the owner chose them they're also really easy on the eyes and very safe.
Completely rebuilt 15 years after the fire that destroyed it, the cabin as regained all of its former glory. A footbridge was installed during the reconstruction and the renovations, it is now possible to access by foot the Robinson island situated in the middle of the lake. But now it is also possible to take the sceenic route by boat. Some thirty crafts will be accessible to the public for 18 euros an hour or 10 euros for half-an-hour. Piece of advice for all you hopeless romantics, there's nothing like a heart-to-heart, to make her dream. If you prefer a family outing, it's also possible and for the less adventurous ones no worries lifejackets can be acquired if necessary.
The schedule will be determined in accord with the weather sometimes quite unpredictable, but if the weather is nice the boats will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Let's hope we have a nice summer, if we don't, don't worry you can try out the boats until the 31st of October (yes, Halloween).
The cabin is not the only address in Brussels were you can rent boats. From summer 2010 the "Mellaerts" ponds are back in service. Closed for renovations, they were refilled and are reopened to the public for rides in boats and pedalos.
Lara Ronayne Casimiro
