I am writing this piece with one mission and one mission alone- to dispel the prevailing attitude that Brussels is boring and lacking in soul. Yes Brussels is strange and there are many strange people there. Yes it is tangibly confused in its multi-lingual almost federal capital of Europe identity and YES there are a whole lot of diplomats there. But focusing on these aspects has led to a tendency to overlook the very positive, attractive aspects of this rather grand European capital.

Let's start with a quick look at what Belgium has contributed to the world. Tintin, here immortalised in a bust, is the hero of a comic series by Herge. If you've never heard of him then your childhood should have been happier. As Tintin is popularly mistaken for a French creation Brussels goes so far as to erect an entire museum to this emblematic character and it's not a bad museum either.

French fries, like many foods are claimed by many nations including the Dutch, the French and the English. Given the quality of Belgian chips and their central geographical location to all of the above countries I'm on their side. Belgian food in general is under rated. I found it to be much like the Dutch situation, open minded to outside influences, hearty and filling. And if you want an argument about the best chocolate in the world take it to the Belgians. Personally, the jury is out between Belgian chocolate and Swiss chocolate but the Belgians definitely have better PR!

I really liked walking around Brussels. It's odd that parts of it are so derelict and run down but by and large there really are some wonderful sites to be seen in Brussels. I was captivated by La Grand Place and would even go so far as to say that it's one of the nicest squares in Europe! If you're in Brussels it's worth sitting down in this square for half an hour (preferably during the day) and looking carefully at the details adorning every building. The atomium is one of the most under rated monuments in the world- it's a giant hydrogen atom which you can climb inside for God's sake!

Also worth a visit is the Jardin Botanique which are surprisingly diverse for such a harsh northern European climate and, when I visited, it was hosting a funky outdoor art exhibit.

Let's not forget the beer either. Even the beer proud Dutch and Germans give credit to the Belgians on this score and that says a lot.

I have cumulatively spent not much more than two weeks in Brussels and I do not think I would recommend it as a longer stay destination. A weekend to five days though will do the job nicely. Get some good food, stroll the boulevards and enjoy a tipple or two not forgetting to bring some chocolates for the folks back home.

One word of advice, don't bother finding the manequin pis- the souvenirs are far more entertaining than the real thing!