I just returned to Germany from the utterly absurd capital of Europe, Bruxelles....
From a distance the place might be quite amusing, but if you need to survive there for more than a few hours, it becomes quite annoying. Make sure to have dinner before 9pm, for the capital of Europe likes to go to bed early. Even the gas stations close at 6pm for the most part. There is only one working ATM in town, a fact that is reflected in the length of the line in front of it. I don't even want to get into standing in line at supermakets. They won't serve you, by the way, unless you address them personally, requesting service, just standing at the register with items and money won't do. I guess they figure you might be resting there or something. When I refused a baguette, they offered me a hamburger bun for my shish kebab which makes me wonder about the stereotypical American....
Anyway, I much prefered Cologne, despite the sickening smell of perfume that lingers above the city....