Mimosa pudica

On to the other extreme.

Bormes-les-Mimosas has charm that is hard to explain. It could be the medieval doorways, the chapel with all its amazing secrets, or just the sense of time stand still.

In any case, if you're looking for a pocket-size seaside resort with interesting sites, this is it.

http://www.bormeslesmimosas.com/

Austerity

Brussels made me think about Helsinki. There my advice is different. Visit that city during the darkest time of the year, like late November. Stay in public transport, especially trams, and look at the quiet and serious or heavily intoxicated and talkative fellow passengers.

The hipster paradise created in the city centre is not real.

Une histoire belge

It's hard to promote a city where you've lived for eleven years as a tourist destination. But I'll give it a try.

In Brussels, your best bet is a neighborhood called Ixelles. Book a hotel at Avenue Louise, take a stroll by the Ixelles ponds (photo), have a coffee at Cafe Belga and have dinner at Place Chatelain. It's going to be worth it. Brussels is a very strange place that has a character that cannot really be compared to any other city. English works almost everywhere

If you really want to check out the centre, take rue du Midi and head south. You'll run into amazing shops that are a goldmine for all kinds of collectors (books, instruments, stamps, etc.).