Best City

If I were a judge on a contest called "Best City of the World", Gent, Belgium would win hands down. I wouldn't even have to think for a second.

I first visited Gent two years ago on my first trip to Belgium and as soon as I got off the train I felt like home. There was something in the air that said "Welcome" and I loved it so hard, I didn't want to leave.

I had a chance to go back a few days ago, and loved it just as much. It felt almost better than the first time, even though you wouldn't expect to recapture that same joy. I even confessed to my sister, over the famous Belgian fries (did you know they claim they are the true inventors of the French fry? based on the taste, I kind of believe it) that I plan to own property there in ten years.


She said "You do realize you'll be only 29, and perhaps not afford several houses?". I replied simply "I'll buy my first home here then." And I do intend it. Truly.

My pictures don't really do it justice, because it was already evening and what you're seeing are slightly edited versions, to add some light, but if you ever have a chance to visit, don't hesitate. It's wonderful. It's A+ and then some.

Gent is really nice - not overly big, but big enough, fashiony, young, vibrant, cultural, pretty. It's got everything.

What about you, friends? What's your favourite city?

I've been set loose in Brussels...

... and I love it!

The capital of Belgium (and the European Union) is really a beautiful city, completely underrated if you ask me. I've stayed here before two years ago and thought it was nice, but this time around it's like 'wow' all over. I don't know if it's the new neighborhood or the fact that I'm here to stay (for at least three years, OMG) but it's absolutely gorgeous. Green, ever-moving, young, diverse and hip.

And these were taken just on a walk around the neighborhood. The city bustles with old buildings (in excellent state) and modern buildings and just generally sights to be seen.

 

It also just so happened that the Royal Palace was exceptionally open to the public on a Monday (it's open to the public all summer, except Mondays). It's a beautiful place, sober on the outside and as luxurious as it gets on the inside. We're talking dozens of crystal chandeliers and gold on the walls/ceilings, not to mention Belgian millinery and other things like a gorgeous harp.

I can't wait to explore the fashion side of the city, I've already seen a lot of fashionable people - I just have to get up the nerve to ask them if I can take their picture (in French!) and I'm good to go. How about you, friends? Do you dare ask stylish people if you can photograph them? Are you into streetstyle?