Brussels. This was always only ever a short stop-over in between trying to work out how to actually travel across Europe, however part of me wishes I'd spent a little more time here and I will probably go back at some point.
I found it very different to Bruges even though it's only an hour or so away.
My hostel was odd, reception and lobby in a building about 50m from where the beds were, and it has to be said, not the nicest part of town. But looking past all that, it's actually a really cool city. More stunning architecture and lots of big gardens.
It was also home to the music museum which had something like 1300 different instruments. They give you a radio with headphones and as you walk up to the various bits and bobs, you get to hear what they sound like! Nifty!
I met a couple of Canadian guys who seemed pretty decent, we went for a bite to eat at this "totally awesome place dude". I was excited. The menu was all half Flemish half Dutch half German with lashings of what seemed like Russian so I didn't have a clue what I was ordering. But I settled for a dish which seemed appealing, at least in the photo. €8 too, it must be good, I thought. Ham and cheese toastie is what I had for dinner that night. Hmmm.
Losing faith in the Canadians I made an excuse and went my own way, where upon I ended up in the delirium bar. Favourite. Bar. Ever. I don't think I need to say much more.
It's all a different attitude and culture though. Sure, some beers are crazy strong but you only get served 25 or 30 centilitres and it takes ages to get through so everyone remains in fairly good form!
The next morning was Cologne...