Brussels , General info:
8/10

Brussels is the capital of the European Union. Some parts of it are not so interesting, but a lot of it is very interesting. It is well worth visiting. It has nice musea, a few thousand restaurants, a lot of nice pubs and brasseries in the French style and it is one of the greenest cities of Europe.

Brussels , Cheap stuff:
8/10

There are a lot of cheap secondhand shops where they sell books (FR, ENG, NL...), cd's and dvd's on the Bouelvard Lemonnier/Lemonnierlaan, between the Bourse/Beurs and the Place Fontainas/Fontainasplein and in the Rue du Midi/Zuidstraat, not far from the Place Fontainas/Fontainasplein. Especially the Pêle Mêle (Bouelvard Lemonnier/Lemonnierlaan 55) is well worth a visit. Thousands of books are waiting for you!

Brussels , Safety:
9/10

In my opinion, Brussels is a very safe city. I have been working iin Brussels over 20 years, and never anything happened to me. But you should look after your stuff in big train stations, like everywhere else.

Chicago , General info:
7/10

Two airports -Midway or OHare (ORD).OHare is major airport; both convenient to downtown (called The Loop)

Chicago , Different stuff:
6/10

flee market - great fun!

Chicago , Don't miss:
5/10

sambucca

Chicago , Food:
9/10

Food in Chicago is excellent! There is so much variety. There are many places for steak (Carmine's, Wildfire). There is also great Italian (Sappori Trattoria). Many ethnic restaurants if you want tasty affordable alternatives. My advice - go to a BYOB with a bottle or two of wine and you'll save.

Chicago , Hotels:
7/10

Hotels along Michigan Avenue are fun yet expensive. For a cheaper place in a great location, try Congress Plaza hotel.

Chicago , Safety:
6/10

OK for the most part. Just plan out your route in advance. Take cabs, buses, or trains.