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Brussels: A City Without a Soul?
I just spent a few days in Brussels. It's been a long time since I visited the capital of Belgium, well before it became the EU-conglomerate that it is now. Back then, the only thing I remembered about Brussels is that I didn't really remember anything. Not because I was intoxicated, mind you. The city just didn't make a huge impression on me.
Still, I wanted to keep an open mind about Brussels. Although I went there for a journalism conference hosted by the EU, not for pleasure, I liked it. The old town is picturesque and diverse, both architecturally and culturally. I had a couple of good Belgian beers, overdosed on pralines and even had a decent falafal.
On the plane back I was thinking about Brussels. I liked it but it didn't really make an impression on me. I didn't love it. I didn't even hate it. I think I figured it out. Brussels is a city you visit for its particularly good elements (chocolate, beer, buildings...) not for the city's soul.
(Thanks to Melanie & John for the picture of Brussels.)
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Europe, Belgium
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Amelie Nov 11th 2008 11:00AM
I totally agree. Right now my boyfriend got a job in Brussels so I visit him every now and then. Many people in my family and group of friends have told me the same thing: I don't like this city at all. So when I went there for the first time after 15 years, my expectations weren't very high. But I must be honest and admit that for me it was nice. Just as you are saying, nice architecture, great cultural spots, meeting points, nightlife and of course excellent chocolates (Leonidas ;) and beer. While my general feeling was positive, there was no "chemistry" ;) Nothing as I experienced with Lisbon, Paris or London.. just a nice city, nothing more.