Brussels - a city of allsorts, mixed & enriched

This is what I'm on about

Last week I was in Brussels at the European Commission for a review of a project I'm responsible for. (It went very well, thanks.) I've been to Brussels quite a few times in the past, and my impression until now was of a city that has some nice monuments but is, all in all, a bit unspectacular. This time I realised I was completely wrong.

It all started with the bus ride from the airport to the Schuman quarter, where lots of the European Union buildings are. Catching a bus instead of waiting for the inevitably delayed and unfrequent train to one of the main stations is a bit of a power-tip for Brussels visitors. You get to see some of the nicest leafy parts of Brussels with very inviting cafés and boutiques, and the ride only costs €3.50. If only you didn't have important meetings to be getting to …

But what really struck me was the multiculturalism, which you first notice in public transport and on the street. It seems to the casual visitor, like me, that they all get on very well and it's not an issue, just a nice thing. A bit like my home city, Birmingham!

Going out at night only serves to confirm the impression of a city of allsorts, mixed and enriched. It's a great example of how multiculturalism should be lived.

By contrast, we went for a couple of drinks at an English pub (which is only acceptable because I live abroad these days), and The Churchill was nice, but not where it's at (except for the singer who took requests from a list of over 800 songs.) Much like my Jubilee celebration in Hamburg earlier this year, it reminded me that Britain has moved on since the days of tea and cucumber sandwiches and places that embrace diversity are much the better for it.