It’s been almost a year since I left Brussels to go and live in Prague. Being back in Brussels was strange in many good ways. It felt strange to be back amidst the hustle and bustle of the city which I know so well. Do you know the feeling you get when you find an old pair of comfortable slippers that you had forgotten you had, but then you put them on and realise the cat may have urinated in them? That’s the feeling I’ve had over the past 2 weeks.

Here is a brief list of what made Brussels seem better than when I left it:

I’ve written another article about stuff I love in Brussels. Check it out!

1. Place St Boniface is all cleaned up. Sitting out in the shade of one of the many trees, eating a calm lunch in the sunshine in the now pedestrianized square with a nicely scrubbed church benevolently looking over us was a great way to while away some time. Previously this was a dust filled piazza and had been for donkey’s years.
2. The restoration work in the Grand Place is progressing nicely. Now that another facade has been carefully renewed, the gold leaf motifs and decorations shine brilliantly during the day making this plaza even more breathtaking than it was before.
3. The culinary scene has continued to boost itself with excellent options. From Lucy Chang’s in Chatlaine, to the soon-to-be reopened Britxos, there are more and more places for a dedicated foodie to enjoy.
4. Hats off to Gare Du Midi for placing train information terminals on the platforms. I’d lost count of the number of times I had ignored the garbled tinny voice on the tannoy, and then dashed down from the platform to check and see where my train was going to leave from.
5. Better organisation, clear signs and a welcoming look at the Brussels airport train station can easily soothe the nerves of the most frazzled traveller.

Not all is as rosy as it may seem though; here are 5 points that Belgium needs to keep in mind before I next make my way back:

1. Having a train on the platform with a huge sign that says “Do not board” but which changes to show that this is your train 30 seconds before departure is not on. Especially when people have luggage. More especially when these people step on my foot to board before me. Repeatedly.
2. Construction is all well and good and is certainly necessary the world over. A sign saying that the construction we can see around us will be finished in “April 2013” just invites jokes. Botanique metro station – I’m looking at you.
3. While we’re on the subject, it looks like the construction in the Schuman, Rogier and Arts-Loi metro stations progresses by moving some signs and bricks from one platform to the next. Will they ever be completed?
4. No wireless access in the airport? In this millennium? And it costs € 10.00 an hour in the business lounges too. Who are you kidding Brussels Airport?
5. You’ve allowed a Hard Rock Cafe to open up on the Grand Place. W. T. F.