Rarely do I visit a place and not enjoy it. In fact, I can't name a place I did not enjoy. Yes, there are places I wouldn't go back to ( a handful) but there is no where that I did not enjoy one bit.
That was before Brussels. Yes, I know I shouldn't bash a city. That's why i am writing this 48 hours I have left that city. To give it time to sink in. To let me think about it. Not stew, because I was off enjoying another city. But to give it a couple of days to allow me to think about everything.
The bottom line is, I disliked Brussels. Let me explain why.
First off it was rainy nearly the entire time I was there. Not just rain, but downpours. When it wasn't raining, it was cold and gloomy. Depressing weather. But, I've never let a little rain get me down. Hell, when I was in Paris it rained a good bit.
Second, the transit system. It's confusing. There is no subway or bus map. Instead, it is all one map. Not really a problem eh? Let me explain, when you have a line number for bus and metro be the same, yet different colors, yet another line uses the same color and stop names. On top of having a tram as well whose lines are marked on top of everything not to mention the names of the lines. For instance, the 3 &4 line (same line until the last two stops will have a name. There is also the end of line name which may or not be the same as the line name. Confused. So was I. I consider myself pretty good at figuring out public transportation.
Third, the city has an identity crisis. They speak French and German as well as English. Yet, will switch between the three in the middle of a conversation. They fly both the French and German flags. Are they a new city or old city. I say outdated city. It seems they are still riding the wave from the worlds' fair that was held in the 50's and the fact that they are the seat of the EU.
Fourth, there in nothing to see, nothing to do. The main attraction is the Manekin Piss. Yes, a statue of a pissing baby that is dressed up periodically. There is also the atomic statue that was built for the worlds' fair. But unlike the Eiffel tower, this structure leaves you going.. That's cool.. What's next? But wait, there isn't.
The optimist in me believes that I should take a moment and point out the good things the city has to offer: the food, culture, and well, there isn't anything else.
The food was great. Brussels does qualify as a food city. The French fries are great (double fried like they should be) and the chocolate is to die for. One of the most unique things is mitraillette. Mitraillette is a sandwich, but not any ole sandwich. It starts with a hamburger patty that is sliced in half, from there, salad mix is added (think green and red cabbages along with shredded carrots). From there caramelized onions and an ass load of French fries are added. To top it off is mayonnaise, either plain or spicy (I went spicy) this is all placed on a hoagie that has been slightly toasted on the outside and is slathered on the inside with more mayo. Yes, amazing. Another thing Brussels is known for is the mussels, by the bucket full. They are steamed in the oven in cast iron pots with the slightest bit of celery, onion, a squeeze of lemon juice along with water of course. Served with fries and a beer. Beer is beer, not true. But beer here is good. Light, pale beers are typical, think bud light, but actually good.
The culture here is also a strong point. It seems that it is very laid back. The I don't give a fuck mentality. It's not the I don't care mentality. Instead, it's blunt honesty. Dry sense of humor, have a dance party in the street a block away from a sporting event that's taking place in the city center five blocks away from a carnival all while getting shit done mentality. This is what makes Brussels unique. This is what makes Brussels dare I say, likable. This is it.
In the end I can see why, and how, Brussels sprouts got their name. They are good in small quantities. They have to be prepared just right and take a special knowledge to do so. They are best in moderation. And above all else, never quite fully understood.
Here's to Brussels and sprouts!
-Until
Matt
No comments:
Post a Comment