S.H.A.P.E: come with me inside the NATO military base!

 

 

Have you ever been inside a NATO military base? Have you ever wondered how it is and what you can do there?

First of all NATO ( North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a military and political alliance born on 4th April of 1949 in Washington which allows almost all countries of Europe and North America to meet in order to promote the values of freedom, democracy, peace and international law, to ensure their common security and defence and to discuss all together the main issues related to those dimensions world-wide.

This alliance includes Albania (2009), Belgium (1949), Bulgaria (2004), Canada (1949) , Czech Republic (1999), Croatia (2009), Denmark (1949), Estonia (2004), Finland (2023), France (1949), Germany (1955), Greece (1952), Iceland (1949), Italy (1949), Latvia (2004) , Lithuania (2004), Luxembourg (1949), North Macedonia (2020), Montenegro (2017) , Norway (1949), the Netherlands (1949), Poland (1999), Portugal (1949), United Kingdom (1949), Romania (2004), Slovakia (2004), Slovenia (2004) 7, Spain (1982), United States (1949), Turkey (1952) and Hungary (1999). 

Now, you may think that a NATO military base is an area only reserved for the military and civilians working there, but that’s not exactly true!

In fact, it is a place almost separated from the world, immersed in different reality, where they seem to lead a parallel life.

I’m telling you all this because I lived this experience in September and November in S.H.A.P.E (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe ), a NATO military base near Mons in Belgium. I hope, in my turn, to make you feel the same way I felt when I tell you about it. 

 You should know that SHAPE is so huge that the first time I entered I got lost. The great thing is that it is a well-organized place, divided into several areas, each of them used for a specific activity. There are areas dedicated to hobbies, such as a gym and a swimming pool, or to study, such as the SHAPE International Library, where students of many nationalities have the opportunity to explore bookshelves filled with books from all over the world. 

There are also areas dedicated to shopping or leisure, meeting areas for teenagers from 13 to 18, such as Starbucks and, especially, Pizza Bowl.

Pizza Bowl is a favourite meeting place for young people, where students of the two schools in SHAPE, one American and one Belgian, meet during the lunch break or in the afternoon after school to play bowling, billiards or just to hang out together.  

This is a picture of the American school.

Precisely for this reason, I told you that SHAPE is not only the operational base of NATO but also a fortunate opportunity for cultures to meet and learn from each other. This wonderful union of cultures was celebrated on 9th September 2023 with the SHAPE Fest, during which each NATO member state set up its own stand, allowing others to learn about its traditions and customs. To think that authentic international relationships thrive right inside a military base… isn't that amazing? 

Today’s Blogger

Hello, I'm Beatrice Scifoni, a liceo classico student and an 18-year-old enthusiast with a passion for exploring new horizons and discovering diverse cultures. From a young age, I've been interested in travelling and connecting with people from around the world.

In my spare time I work as a tour guide at the Monastery of San Benedetto in Subiaco, where I find joy in sharing the rich history and cultural heritage with visitors. However, my most cherished experiences come from the lasting friendships I've made with individuals from various nationalities during my time at a NATO military base in Belgium.

I’m glad to be part of Let’s Blog Staff and I hope you’ll enjoy following my posts!