‘Travelling was an integral part of my professional life. Belgium served as the perfect home base. As a young boy, I dreamt of far-off lands. My job took me all over the world. Where you were born does not matter. Nor does how you look. What really counts is what lies within. Not the complexion of your skin but the colour of your soul. I never quite understood the word foreigner, what does it really mean? I don’t perceive any fundamental differences between Belgium and Germany – except, perhaps, that in Germany, people tend to arrive fifteen minutes early for an appointment, while in Belgium, they’re usually fifteen minutes late.’