Right after Bruges I headed for Brussels, which is the European Union capital (I guess that's the best way of describing it). In Brussels they actually have 3 main languages, French, German, and Nederlands or Dutch, but from what my ears could tell me French was the most common. Brussels was actually a wonderful, I'd had mixed opinions by some of my friends saying its gross and dirty where other friends said it was a beautiful city. In a way I kind of agree with both descriptions. I believe the outer areas may be a little bit dirtier, but I also think that center part of the city is just magnificent. I actually wish I'd had more time there, but alas I only had one full day to spend there. Sme of the sights I did see were the Grand Place square, the Musical Instrument Museum, mannekin pis (who really is as small and some what dissapointing as everyone says he is), the Royal Palace which is now only offices for the royal family, and many other things. But like I said I truly did not have enough time in this city. I ended up missing many things I just couldn't get to. So I will definitely wing going back to Brussels with more than one full day to spend there.
When I left Brussels I headed for Luxembourg, which is another major European Union city. Luxembourg is another mostly French speaking country, but they also speak German and Luxembourgish. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time here in Lux City either, this last month of my trip I think was a little too poorly planned and I've squashed so much into such a short time. There is a bright side though, the next time I come to Europe I will know which cities I want to visit the most.
Strasbourg was next after Luxembourg. Now you can guess that Strasbourg being a city in France that yes they also speak French. My opinion so far from Strasbourg is a good one. The city although quite small is quite nice. They have the Notre Dame Cathedral and it is truly a sight to make you say wow. When I first got there I was actually quite surprised to see that the cathedral itself is like an orangey brown color, not what I was expecting. But the building truly is unique. It has only one tower that stands 466 ft above ground. The front facade is just littered with architectural beauty, the whole front side is detailed like you could not believe. The inside is just as spectacular. One thing they do have that I had not seen before is an astrological clock which was pretty cool. I didn't get to see it working but I've been told that it counts down to astrological noon at 12:30 pm if I remember correctly. Unfortunately you have to pay to see it working, that's why I didn't get to see it working
Strasbourg also has an area within this center called Petite France. It's an area that used to house tanners, millers and fishers but now is quite peaceful, although it is the most touristic part of the city. It is still beautiful with the half-timbered 16th and 17th century houses. Definitely a sight worth checking out.
One thing I was told about France is that the people here can be quite ignorant and rude, and also that most people don't speak English; I have a theory about this. Most of the French people I have come across have been quite polite, there has been the odd slightly rude person, but for the most part I haven't had any problems. Now the stereotype that most people don't speak English I think is mostly true. Walking around I barely hear any English being spoken, including most tourists have been able to speak French. My theory is that after English, French is probably the most spoken language, I'm not drawing that from any facts it's just my personal opinion. Therefore when people come to visit France most of them speak some portion of the French language causing most native French speaking people to have no immediate need to learn the English language. They may be slightly rude towards those who do not speak or even attempt to speak French simply because it must be frustrating have such a language barrier. I can't say this is also true about Paris, as I have not been there yet, but as for Strasbourg that is my theory.
Strasbourg was next after Luxembourg. Now you can guess that Strasbourg being a city in France that yes they also speak French. My opinion so far from Strasbourg is a good one. The city although quite small is quite nice. They have the Notre Dame Cathedral and it is truly a sight to make you say wow. When I first got there I was actually quite surprised to see that the cathedral itself is like an orangey brown color, not what I was expecting. But the building truly is unique. It has only one tower that stands 466 ft above ground. The front facade is just littered with architectural beauty, the whole front side is detailed like you could not believe. The inside is just as spectacular. One thing they do have that I had not seen before is an astrological clock which was pretty cool. I didn't get to see it working but I've been told that it counts down to astrological noon at 12:30 pm if I remember correctly. Unfortunately you have to pay to see it working, that's why I didn't get to see it working
Strasbourg also has an area within this center called Petite France. It's an area that used to house tanners, millers and fishers but now is quite peaceful, although it is the most touristic part of the city. It is still beautiful with the half-timbered 16th and 17th century houses. Definitely a sight worth checking out.
One thing I was told about France is that the people here can be quite ignorant and rude, and also that most people don't speak English; I have a theory about this. Most of the French people I have come across have been quite polite, there has been the odd slightly rude person, but for the most part I haven't had any problems. Now the stereotype that most people don't speak English I think is mostly true. Walking around I barely hear any English being spoken, including most tourists have been able to speak French. My theory is that after English, French is probably the most spoken language, I'm not drawing that from any facts it's just my personal opinion. Therefore when people come to visit France most of them speak some portion of the French language causing most native French speaking people to have no immediate need to learn the English language. They may be slightly rude towards those who do not speak or even attempt to speak French simply because it must be frustrating have such a language barrier. I can't say this is also true about Paris, as I have not been there yet, but as for Strasbourg that is my theory.
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