Brussels

Gosh, you have to laugh. Everything went so smoothly up until I arrived in Brussels. Firstly, after collecting my suitcase (which wasn't a problem - it hadn't been sent to Helsinki as I had expected) I then made my way out to the Hotel shuttle service (2 floors down from the taxi service) and nobody could tell me where to get the bus to Hotel Orts. A million buses arrived but whenever I asked about this hotel, none were going there and nobody could tell me where to find one. Eventually I found the airport information desk and the guy there said I had to catch a train into the city first. Not trusting my ability or stamina to do that with all my stuff, I went to the taxi stand and, having heard that you had to take an 'official' taxi rather than the black taxis I suspiciously asked a taxi driver if his cab was 'official' and he seemed to be looking askance at his mate in the next taxi (which made me suspicious) but assured me it was an official taxi, so I took it. It turned out OK, though. It was a longish trip into the city and cost me 43 euros.

I checked into the Hotel Orts and was given a key to my room  but when I got up to the 3rd floor the staff were still cleaning the room. Much discussion ensued and they gave me 2 beers in the bar while I waited for another room to become available. Even then it was the wrong key. Finally got into my own room - a tight squeeze but clean and with all the amenities. I plugged in my phone and the computer and everything worked. I have French doors onto a balcony which looks onto one of the main streets in Brussels - a pretty good spot I think (although it might be noisy when I try to have a sleep). Breakfast will be in the bar downstairs (quite nice) but the restaurant isn't opening until the end of the week so I will have to go out somewhere else for a bit to eat tonight.

Weather is nice (a bit grey but warmish). Brussels is huge. Lots of tall narrow buildings like there are in Amsterdam. The people speak a wierd language that I can't understand (I know it must be Belgian, but it is nothing like French or German and I can't even guess what they are saying). I have spoken some broken French to them and it gets me by. The place feels different from Paris, even though they are so close.  I haven't experienced this culture before. Very matter of fact and even though they are disorganised they don't seem to care and people aren't prepared to help you.

Will tidy myself up and venture out for a stroll and a bite to eat before coming back for a much needed sleep.

Here are some shots of the Hotel Orts - a pretty cute place!