Breaking it down in Brussels. I really loved the city architecture but I was suprised at the absence of personality. For a city that created Tin Tin and French fries and produces some of the best chocolate in the world - you really didn't see anyone with strong national pride or a sense of their own culture. Maybe it was because it was such a small city - with loads of immigrants and tourists - who diluted the originial culture to have a new culture. However, it seems like no one keeps up or locals (concierges, taxi drivers) don't want to share with tourists where real hot spots are in case we dilute the last remnants of their culture. Sally and I had many issues with the concierge who directed us to a restaurant of 80 year olds for our nice Saturday night meal. Thankfully we found a beautiful garden restaurant after some significant wandering. However, there were great things to see in Brussels. 1- The atonomium. I need to go back to go up it. 2 - Grande Place. 3 - Royal Palace. 4 - Marcolinis - best choco shop in the city. 5. La Romantiqos - a bonifade latin dancing place in st. catherine palace. It was good feeling and actual locals.
