leaving Amsterdam, Brussels is a bust...

I left Amsterdam yesterday. And for a place that I at first thought was just 'okay', I sure didn't want to leave...

I stayed with Sjaan and her cat Kookai, who likes to chew on her own tail.
Staying with someone from Amsterdam was nice and I recommend it... at least anywhere you travel.
The first night, she took me to this poetry slam/spoken word/music show that her boyfriend was performing in. It was absolutely amazing. True art at its finest.
Then we hit up a dubstep/reggae party.. partying Amsterdam-style. amazing.
The next day we just chilled out..! walking around, yummy food, coffee break and even a little dance class.
And to top that day off, I found €20 on the ground! word up.

I was kind of ready to move on to Paris, however, and the lady at the train station recommended I stop in Brussels for at least in an hour since its so 'beautiful'. I thought, 'even better. I'll stay a night'.
BAD idea.
My first experience in Brussels was almost being a victim of some pickpocket thievery. for real!
But me being ever so quick and observant, I noticed what was happening and walked away.

Untainted by this failed attempt of crime, I continued on to find the hostel. Unfortunately, it seemed like everyone was looking to make a quick buck out of me; there were so many sketchy people walking around! And the part of the city that I saw certainly wasn't enticing me to stay. So, I picked up some delicious Belgian chocolate and continued on to Paris instead.
And to make bad matters better, I ended getting a 1st class seat on the train. Meal and all. And a beautiful countryside ride to Paris...
nice.

Now, I'm in Paris. about to check out of this nasty hostel and stay with some friends that I met at the Youth Exchange in Sweden.
whew.
But, now that I'm seriously backpacking, my legs and shoulders are so sore.
I wouldn't trade this experience for anything though.
Despite all of the pain and fear that is surfacing I am still so glad that I am seeing the world.. and people.
It's comforting to know that as big as this world is, we are all essentially the same.
There are still 'bad seeds' out there. and inherently 'good' people that have indirectly guided me along this way.
Just because it's Europe doesn't automatically make it better. and different. Which a small part of me always thought it was.

It can be interesting to see the picture you paint of something out of ignorance and compare it to reality.

Guess which one is better?