I guess this thread doesn't really fit here but there's no other place to put a thread like this.

Title says it all. I need a visa in 15 calendar days. I know the rules - need to apply to country of max stay. Two questions:

1. Who can process it in 15 days? I know there are no guarantees, but based on past experience? I'm flexible in terms of which country I end up visiting but I leave out of Belgium and am definitely thinking of spending 3-4 days in Brugge if not more. I'm thinking the Germans and the Swiss can probably process a visa the fastest. What about the Belgians? The French? The Portugese? Trying to stick to going to Western Europe. I think the Greeks and the Italians are out for fast processing.

2. Can I show max stay in the country where I apply and then reduce the no. of days there after getting a visa such that it is not max? I know it's frowned upon to not visit the country you applied from but is this also a big no-no? FWIW, I've had multiple Schengen visas before incl. a German residence permit.

I will also be throwing in a trip to Croatia since Indians can visit visa-free with a Schengen this year but will not show this to the Schengen embassy and will change flight tickets later. Take it that's not a problem...