Frankfurt, Auf Wiedersehen und Danke! Bruxelles, Bonjour!
Stresemannallee/Gartenstraße Tram Stop
I was not supposed to get off the tram at this stop. But anyway…
I therefore changed my plan. I got a share bike and made a brief visit to the nearby neighbourhood.
Untermainbrücke – Frankfurt am Main
I was shocked yet exhilarated at the same time when I saw many of the roads were free of traffic. As a result, I could see the city and take photos of it from much more different angles.
I subsequently realized that many of the roads along and the bridges across River Main went pedestrianized because of the Museum Embankment Festival (Museumsuferfest).
Bridge of Sighs (Seufzerbrücke)
The medieval buildings are definitely a beauty but the hanging bridge did draw much more of my attention.
The bridge is part of the north wing of the ‘Roman’ (Romer) which was the city council in the 15th century. And the Frankfurt citizens, who paid taxes in the north wing, named the covered bridge Seufzerbrücke (Bridge of Sighs) in reference to the other Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
St. Paul’s Church
St. Paul’s Church has an important political symbolism in Germany because it was the seat of the 1848 Frankfurt Parliament which was the first publicly and freely-elected German legislative body.
Römerberg was so vibrant on Saturday
The square was even more vibrant on Saturday with an enormous number of tourists.
Finally I returned my share bike here.
‘Dear Share Bike, Danke!’
History Museum of Frankfurt
I wished I would have had enough time to see the paid exhibitions in the museum. But I was already so grateful that many of the areas were open to public and I could use the bathroom for free. Danke!
Iron Bridge (Eiserner Steg)
It is an iron cantilever footbridge over the River Main and is known for the magnificent views of the city.
And there were many padlocks attached to the bridge (by the romantic couples?)
Schaumainkai
Schaumainkai is a street on the south bank of the River Main and it was teeming with people because of the once-in-a-year summer event, Museumsuferfest (Museum Embankment Festival) which happened to take place that weekend.
Frankfurt Main Station (Hauptbahnhof)
It’s time to say ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Frankfurt. I really have to say, I enjoyed myself very much in this clean, modern, safe and orderly city!
Danke!
The train bound for Brussels departed at 14:30 and the total travel time was around 3 hours. The midway stops including Cologne, Aachen and Liege are all famous city and I hope I would visit all of them some day.
The train was so quiet as though I was traveling in a library. Compared with the city I live in and the environment that I was bought up, the German people are obviously quieter, chat much less in the public and usually speak in a low tone. I felt so much more comfy in this situation.
I was satisfied and happy 
Bruxelles-Midi Railway Station
So glad the train reached Brussels on time and very grateful that the lady who checked my mobile ticket on board was so nice and cheerful.
What is my first impression of Brussels compared with Frankfurt?
- changed from German to French
- Bruxelles-Midi Railway Station is less roomy than the one in Frankfurt
- more colours used, particularly the brighter colours
- more people and more things happening at the same time
- more messy but more vibrant
Bruxelles-midi Premetro Station
My horizon was broaden again when I first heard about Premetro.
According to Wikipedia, Premetro refers to a tramway which includes segments built to rapid transit standards or a metro-standard railway, usually by the construction of tunnels in the central city area.
On top of the 4 conventional metro lines, there are 3 premetro lines. The premetro lines consist of 3 tram lines that partly travel over underground sections that were intended to be eventually converted into metro lines.
De Brouckere Station is so 70s
The metro system began operation in the 70s. And it seems to me that most of the stations have not undergone major renovation since then, so I was literally transported back to the 70s by the retro stations.
Rue de I’Ecuyer
Narrow streets and alleyways surrounded by beautiful and ornate historical buildings is the first impression of the area where I stayed. It is in the city centre of Brussels which is so different from that of Frankfurt.
Brussels is cramped while Frankfurt spacious.
Brussels is classical while Frankfurt modern.
But at the end of the day, both are lovely cities and I wished I could have stayed longer.
Hotel Hubert – Grand Place is hip
The hotel room was small but the design and decorate were new and chic. And the hotel gym really rocked for this price.
My Travel Journal ONE 