A simple fact about our relationship is that Greg had about a 10-year jump start in the international travel department, so Mandy is always seeking the opportunity to scoot a bit closer to her competitive conspirator. But, once she knocked one off for Belgium, she realized that was not sufficient. Thus, along came a six-hour, flu-inducing solo ride to one of Europe’s exorbitantly tagged micro non-micro states in late December to edge her up to 63. Hmmm….for that reason, so worth it. But, what is with this pint-sized Richy-Rich country not even boasting a landmass the size of Rhode Island and its alien-esque Luxembourgish language? It was time to find out!
Because Belgium was offering 50% off round trip tickets within the country, Mandy rolled to the (drizzly) border with the first ticket and then bought a one stop ticket to the (sunny) land of Lux, grand totaling 28 euros, instead of the normal 50. Take that! 🤣 Of course, this also included a canceled train literally three minutes prior to departure and some bonus time waiting for the next one in the Brussels station. Considering this, she had just 2.5 hours to give Luxembourg a spin.
Because the train was infested with so many kindly sharing coughers and hackers, Mandy never took off her mask to eat her lunch. This in retrospect was not worth starving herself for considering she would get deathly two-week “dreaded lurgy” regardless.
Instead, once in the fresh air at 2:30, she popped a seat on Cannon Hill next to the National Monument of Solidarity. Although Luxembourg was officially “neutral,” during World War II, this monument recalls the resistance and the solidarity of the Luxembourg nation in the face of their 1940-1944 Nazi occupation. By the way, before you get all flag-ist, Luxembourg did NOT copy the Dutch flag. It’s a totally different shade of blue, evidently 😏
Mandy’s chickpea salad meal saved at least 15€ and still landed her the right to say she’d been in Luxembourg. Ah yes, the age old traveler’s controversy on whether or not you can “count” a country. Our rule is you have to leave the airport/station and eat a meal. What’s yours?
After quashing her starvation, it was time to pound the pavement of Luxembourg’s ridiculously safe capital city….conveniently named Luxembourg City for your geographical pleasure. The city, founded in 963, has an upper and lower level and is inundated with more fortresses, castles and palaces than a four-year-old Disney princesses’ bookshelf.
It naturally also has a picturesque winding waterway called the Alzette flowing through. And lots of gold hued soaring residences up on cliffs, or rather, fortress walls.
Luxembourg has some resemblances to France almost immediately. But definitely more uppity. Apparently, the country is the wealthiest country in the European Union and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. It’s also the second richest country per capita in the world.
The entire historic center is an UNESCO world heritage zone and is quite cliffy.
Loved the contrast of the Rumigny medieval fortress walls with the high speed train zipping by, clustered near some remnants tossed about.
Nearly half of Luxembourg’s workers commute from outside the country…France, Germany or Belgium…to their high power banking jobs in Luxembourg.
After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, the Congress of Vienna made Luxembourg into the only Grand Duchy in the world, aka a territory ruled by a Grand Duke or Duchess. (Expatica.) Like nearby Switzerland, but with a much smaller landmass, the roughly 500,000 people from Luxembourg are typically at minimum trilingual. Their native language is Luxembourgish, which has similarities to Dutch, German and French. Their second primary school languages are then German and French. And by secondary school, they’re learning English. While there, Mandy encountered mostly French, or rather that’s the only one she even attempted to speak. 🤣 But for the record, the people were friendly. But perhaps that was because it was Christmas week. And/or sunny?!
Luxembourg City has loads of fun passages to wander through and some of them were utterly empty as well!
And you have no idea what type of cuteness you’ll arrive upon. It was around here Mandy started looking around for Luxembourg’s legendary ice wine. Unfortunately, she never found any. Perhaps iced season is the wrong time for iced wine?
The fountain called “March of the Sheep” is dedicated to centuries-old traditions associated with the holiday fair of Schueberfouer, in this case bringing the sheep to the fair for sale. Just don’t forget to count them first or that’d be baaa-d.
Moving on to a different holiday fair and a flashy Gluhwein sign. Surprisingly, despite the glitz, it cost the same as in Belgium at 4€ a cup.
Mandy got so lucky with the weather.
Good thing Mandy already backpacks with 6 Hermes scarves or she might be tempted. 🤣
The Bourbon Plateau is one of the most iconic sites of the city. Its name refers to the former Fort Bourbon and it had been included in the fortification of the city for ages.
Since no ice wine was to be found, Mandy settled on hot wine instead. It was pretty nice to wrap her paws around as well.
The Christmas carnival as the sun was starting to set.
Only in Luxembourg can you ride in a glitzy holiday ornament, although Luxembourg’s version of Notre Dame was not overly enticing.
The 1572 Grand Ducal Palais is, you guessed it, where the grand duke lives. And Luxembourg is so safe there’s not even an outer gate to protect the guy.
A typical street scene
Discoveries around every nook and cranny.
For the last 45 minutes, Mandy wandered down to the lower part of the city, which was a very different perspective.
Everything is so elegant and regal, even the tiny little men used to hold the shutters open 🤣
Catching the last rays of sunshine.
One of the many withstanding fortifications.
Luxembourg also has a vast network of underground defense tunnels known as the Bock Casemates. The first underground tunnels were used in 1644, an era of Spanish domination and used for hiding in many wars. They consist of 23 kilometers of winding and burrowing tunnels. It consisted of 25 artillery slots but also stables, storehouses, workshops, kitchens, bakeries, slaughterhouses, and barracks for 1200 soldiers. Although it’s one of Luxembourg’s most notable tourist attractions, it’s unfortunately closed now because it’s been deemed unsafe.
Time to head three hours back to Brussels!!
