Travels as a Brussels Scout

In a modern rendition of the Grand tour of Europe, Nick set out to seek the truth behind the myths the British like to propagate about their European neighbours..... The Belgians are boring, the French eat nothing but Frogs legs and garlic and the Germans are officious and efficient. He followed a trail of contemporary sights and experiences that every well-rounded Eurocitizen should encounter. This assessment of the EUtopian ideal (then just 15 countries) ranges from the frozen forests of Finland to the elegant salons of Milan. It confirms some stereotypes but inevitably confutes others, shining light on as wide and eccentric a cross-section of humanity as he had met on earlier travels to far more exotic climes.

'With his eye for detail and his ear for the absurd, Middleton could be funny on the Gatwick Express'

Guardian