Please implement
ProfilePage
::column_col2()

or create a file
"/var/rox/deployment/www.bewelcome.org-641c114/htdocs/../build/members/templates/profile.column_col2.php"

roelguldemond Roel Guldemond

About me

I am a freelance trainer (Details: http://www.linkedin.com/in/roelguldemond).

I like cycling, being in the garden or warm me near a wood stove.
Plus I like relaxed, healthy meals.

A passion: improving systems.
During my agronomy study (1978-1982) the "system theory" attracted me. I re-read often my biology books on the trans-disciplinary approach on trying to understand influences on life.
I am influenced by biologist Karl Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1901-1970) known as one of the founders of general systems theory (GST) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_theory.
Later I studied business administration (1982-1986).
And again "system theory".
From a book by Jan in 't Veld (1926-2005), I remember Kenneth E. Boulding (1910-1993) has a beautiful definition: "Systems are that which is not chaos".
More extended explanations: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_thinking.

Today I like bringing different disciplines together.
I like try to improve:
- solar heating systems;
- Information systems,
focussing on:
- http://www.drupal.org, to manage websites;
- http://www.ubuntu.com, to operate desk tops;
- http://www.freebsd.org, to operate servers;
- http://www.inkscape.org, to draw;
- http://www.gimp.org, to edit images.
- http://www.moodle.org, to help people learning, I am building rich learning environments in this amazing electronic learning environment;
(Example of Moodle: http://moodle.bbws.nl/)
(Example of Drupal: http://lille.drupalgardens.com/ or http://nek.wifisoft.org/ )

I see myself as a person working PROFOUNDLY and THOROUGHLY.

I think I am quite economical. I see it as "stingy in a positive way". I try not to spoil. According my conviction every individual has some influence on our future. I try not to buy from greedy organisations. I promote to consume less.

I was raised in a big family. I had a terrific childhood. I have three children: Stan 1991, Geertje 1989 and Ruud 1988. All three are living on their own. They are doing great.

.

Spoken languages

Dutch ^{Mother Tongue}
English ^Fluent
French ^Intermediate

My interests

Hobbies:: open source
cycling
Books:: Franz Kafka's "Das Proces" impressed me.
And I have lots of books I would like read.
Summer 2009 finally I read Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's "Flow".
Since 2009 I mainly read books to practise open source technology ... .
Music:: "Let it Bleed" of Rolling Stones was first record which impressed me.
And I am impressed by the music played by my sons (they got their talent via their mother). My daughter? She is as gifted as me I suppose: we both listen...
Organisations I belong to:: lesser and less

Travel experiences

Past trips:: France since 1960.
Hungary, Romania, Poland
Bit of western Europe.
France again.
Being a student I visit Israel and Egypte. Then I was impressed by differences between people.
Since I hitch hiked to France in 2008, where I met Patricia, I stayed in France.
Planned trips:: Non.
I think I would love to visit Algeria.
I sure I would like to enjoy falafel in Mediterranean countries.
For the rest: cycling around Lille in Flandres.
And cycling back to Brabant.
Hope to cycle back to my mother for just some more time.
(After passing away from my father at 91, now my mother has been hosting me very warmly).

Belongs to the following groups

Cyclists

Like to combine bewelcome-ing & cycling.

Show all groups

Accommodation

Max number of guests:: 10
Maximum length of stay:: Depends. Cooks seems to stay longer.
I Live With:: Patricia.
Please bring:: What you think is necessary (but really do not bother about gifts, really don't).
We have blankets.
A kitchen too.
Do not hesitate to cook for us.
I can offer my guests:: = = = > s a d l y / m a l h e u r e u s e m e n t:
we have no possibilities to host at the beginning of 2013.
We moved towards another house.
Which has to be renovated.
And we have to install a new heating system!
So we are now staying, with a suitcase, with friends!!
Till spring ???... summer ??? ... we will not be at home!!!!
I can offer my hosts:: I love to help preparing meals.
If you wish I can take the initiative to prepare something for you.
While couchsurfing I often made "omelette au poireau". While it is very simple to make. Moreoften I came with eggs, leak, good bread, white wine or tea. And enjoyed conversations over this simple meal.
Other information for guests:: - No pets (probably we are getting two homeless cats!)
- No smoking.
- There are blankets

Amount of days to stay depends on the interaction we have among each other. Cooks tend to stay longer.

We go to bed around 22h-23h, rise at 7h-9h, and although apartment is really small
Your sleeping room is independent from living room and kitchen.
Computers:
- We have some computers
- Internet via wifi (password = caramour1)

Fun things to do and local landmarks in Lille:

* DRINK, EAT & MEET
On places I can probably advise you.
I like a beer! Or wine. And I do enjoy coffee. Coffee? I have a lot of doubts how Europe is protecting european coffee-industries ...
In Lille it is easy drinking champagne on terrasses. Or beers, wines, coffees and other refreshing drinks. Plus dinners: E.g. Algerian, Breton and French.

* BE OUTSIDE: Lots of parcs like: Parc 'Jean Baptiste Lebas'. A big parc you'll find around Citadelle of Lille. On walking distance of centre of town. There is a small zoo (entrance free) and lots of beautiful trees and lawns. Using our bikes might be an idea.
Or enjoy good weather in our garden.

* VISIT SHOPS & TOURISTICAL ATTRACTIONS: Lille Centre
I can indicate them on a map, you will rarely find me there.

* SMELL HISTORY: Church Notre Dame de la Treille
Never I have great joy visiting churches. But in this church I like the nice little exhibitions on several subjects. I was able to get to known how this part of Flandre went French again. In 1713 by the "Paix d'Utrecht". So in 2013 this part of Flandre will be 300 years French!
(If you like to the changes of European borders over 1000 years you might like to see 11 minutes lasting video on changing of European borders over 1000 years this moving map shows who ruled Flandres over these years.)

* FEEL ART: Palais des Beaux Arts
Biggest museum in Lille. There are several more. Personally I do not often appreciate art. But in this museum I liked the most the basement. In some big rooms you'll find the maquettes (in French: plans de relief) of the "Fortifications of Vauban". These consists of fortified sites along the northern border of France. They were designed by Vauban (1633–1707). You'll find maquettes from fortified cities like Lille and Maastricht. (info: www.fortified-places.com)
I like to learn about history. I am interested to understand about Europe. How we developed towards the richest people in the world. I wonder why we do not act according the facts that we have far enough to eat. Why do we keep on buying these things which polute our world and misabuse animals and a lot of people? . I personally do not like buying meat, but eats cheap porc from time to time, which I try to avoid more often.)
Back to art!
Personally I tried to see the value of art for myself. Rembrandt, van Gogh or more contemporary artists have been making beautiful paintings: I just do not feel too much inside, looking at their work.
My girlfriend however appreciates art very much.

Luckily she and I do have mutual interests. Both we like going to the market. Searching good and tasty food. I like vegetables. Especially good carrots, leak, cabbage, potatoes, apples, pears, etcetera, etcetera. And products from the Mediterranean. I hope they have used not too much fossil energy to transport it from south up here to the north.
I can be quiet puzzled in trying to improve the world.
My attempt is: be modest.
I am typing this on a computer probably made in China. I search for the cheap and solid computers, which are probably made under not optimal circumstances.
I more and more feel pessimistic.
I try to be a realist.
Any way: the older I get the more I realise how little I know.

If you visit Lille: may be you appreciate I have quiet some knowledge on what is written at Wikipedia on Lille/Rijsel. I find so much there, that you might get lost in all data.
I would sure like to be your guide!!!

Public transport:
good buses, good metro.
In Lille you'll find a lot on walking distance.
You can rent a public bicycle: called 'V'lille'.
I might have one of my bikes ready for you.

Lille for me is a mix between Antwerp and Paris:
- More pleasant than big Paris.
- And very much more French than Antwerp.
I love to live in Lille.
And I am in love in Lille too.
Public transport:: Two main trainstations of Lille: "Lille Flandres" and "Euralille" at 4 kilometres.
Train station "Gare de Porte de Douai" at 800 meters.
Metrostation Porte Douai is at 1,6 kilometres, 20 minutes walking.
And a bus running very frequently at 400 meters.
Close to the highway.
Restrictions:: No smoking,
No drugs
Other restrictions:: Communication via this site, or via e-mail.

Family and close friends

Karlo

Karlo, written with a "k" I think this can be this block on Open Community Camp. Karlo is of the age of my children. And Karlo is an enthousiast and gifted talent in open source technology. As I have been possible to see during a week of very destressing camping & doing some open source software chats.
By the way Karlo did not make a very stressfull impression ;)

Latest comments

Good
from guaka - 2012-10-09 19:10:04

Roel is dedicated to free software and he has one of the best hitchhiking stories I've ever heard! (and I've heard quite a few)

Good
from Fhina - 2012-06-01 10:41:34

Roel is a very respectful guest. He stayed here after a conference, and came to the gathering. We had a nice evening, and a too short night :-)) Still a lot to chat about, so, I hope we'll meet again.

Show all comments