tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30166171042595844522024-03-13T02:19:13.875+01:00LuxemblogThe education of a House Frau, in and around Luxembourg.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-49665556171506329002011-12-15T17:44:00.001+01:002011-12-15T19:11:11.548+01:00Trees & Schnee<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pi4FDX8GH0s/TuojJwt2vaI/AAAAAAAAIVI/6_FZmGtKe-Y/s1600/weather.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pi4FDX8GH0s/TuojJwt2vaI/AAAAAAAAIVI/6_FZmGtKe-Y/s200/weather.PNG" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Sorry...I can't give up Fahrenheit!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">First, some good news: the first snowfall of December for Lux Ville is forecast for this weekend. At the moment, my phone tells me that there might be a few flakes of <i>schnee</i> tomorrow; on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, a few more. After weeks of cold, wind and rain, these snowflakes are practically a Christmas miracle!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And second, a few words about Christmas trees.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Finding Your Tree</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully you have your <i>sapin de noël</i> already, but if not, never fear: it’s still possible to find one. And you don’t even need a car to do it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last year, Nick and I found ours at <a href="http://bit.ly/tOcxHD" target="_blank">Gamm Vert</a> in Gasperich. The store is about two kilometers from our apartment, which meant that we had to get a bit creative in order to bring it home… So, we decided to take it on the bus! Lucky for us, the ticketing rules only apply to people, so we didn’t even have to buy a ticket for our Christmas tree. We received a few surprised, inquisitive, and “you people are crazy” looks from the driver and other passengers, but it was worth it! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In addition to Gamm Vert, you can also find your tree at other home and garden stores like <a href="http://bit.ly/uNczgp" target="_blank">Hornbacher</a> in Bertrange or <a href="http://bit.ly/s6Jlb5" target="_blank">Bâtiself</a> in Strassen. Both are reachable by bus. I seem to recall that last year a tree stand popped up in the parking lot at the intersection of Route d’Esch and Rue de Hollerich. I haven’t been down that way, but that might be another place to check. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have a car, Ikea in Arlon (<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region>) is advertising that they sell trees <a href="http://bit.ly/vZzVEU" target="_blank">at this link</a>. If you buy your tree at Ikea, you can return it to the store after Christmas for 2,50€ and it will be used in a biodiversity project in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Namur</st1:city></st1:place>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, if you find yourself heading to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Metz</st1:city></st1:place>, check out <a href="http://bit.ly/ukhB7X" target="_blank">this web site</a> for a map of Christmas tree stands around the city.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Disposing of Your Tree</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">We bought our tree as early as we possibly could last year, so, naturally, our tree was dried up and ready to be taken down by New Year’s Eve. (I believe most people here leave their trees up until Three Kings Day on January 6, the official last day of Christmas.) I was a web-surfing, Googling fiend in trying to determine how to properly dispose of our tree, but couldn’t dig up anything. So, I went to my #1 resource for all living-in-Luxembourg information in English: the Luxembourg City Tourist Office in the Kneudler. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SllyURAyZKk/TuojkvKVctI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/4-FwNxpOU2o/s1600/nicktree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SllyURAyZKk/TuojkvKVctI/AAAAAAAAIVQ/4-FwNxpOU2o/s1600/nicktree.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and our Christmas tree, waiting for the bus.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">It was a cold January afternoon and there were no tourists to be found, so two nice ladies generously spent at least ten minutes with me to try to help me find an answer. They told me that they thought I could just leave my tree outside of my apartment building on garbage day. I was suspicious. Could it really be <i>that</i> simple? They tried calling various city departments to confirm, but couldn’t reach anyone (I’m pretty sure this all happened within the 12pm-2pm lunch window), so they sent me off with a few numbers to call to follow up.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A couple of days later while walking through the Parc de Merl, Nick and I noticed a large garbage bin that held someone else’s discarded Christmas tree. Following their lead, the very next afternoon I took our tree downstairs, left it outside while I carefully vacuumed up the needles I’d left in the hallway, and then carried the tree a half kilometer down the street to put it in the bin. My coat was covered with the few pine needles that hadn’t fallen into my purse, but at least I was finally rid of it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Naturally, when I returned home, I found someone else’s Christmas tree lying on the sidewalk in front of our apartment building, and needles that they hadn’t bothered to clean up strewn throughout the common areas. But a couple of days later after the garbage service came by, the tree was gone. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So: lesson learned. It really <i>is </i>as easy as that. To get rid of your tree, just leave it outside your home on garbage day and someone will come by to pick it up. Unless, of course, you want some fresh air, lots of funny looks and a purse full of pine needles. In that case, I definitely recommend walking it down to the Parc de Merl.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-54263681136758329662011-12-09T05:58:00.002+01:002011-12-09T06:09:34.908+01:00Weekend Roundup, Dec. 9-11 (and beyond)<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the last weekend roundup of the year – and my very <a href="http://bit.ly/tzN4KI" target="_blank">last</a> appearance on Sara Flanagan’s 9-11am block on <a href="http://bit.ly/t8NmA3" target="_blank">ARA City Radio</a> (103.3 & 105.2). Please feed my ego one last time (on the radio, anyway...) and tune in!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few events for this weekend follow below...but we all know that the <i>real</i> stars of the show this time of year are the Christmas markets. So, be sure to check out my <a href="http://bit.ly/ti9XLX" target="_blank"><b>Christmas Market Roundup</b></a>, a compilation of dates and links to markets throughout <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> and along the French, German and Belgian borders. </span></span></div><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Friday, December 9</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vjVbGj" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Organic Wine Tasting</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">Sniff, sip, savor, swallow, repeat. Four wines available for tasting from the line of Italian winemaker </span><a href="http://bit.ly/utd5Pz" style="color: #222222;" target="_blank">LeFabriche</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">Green Art Café, at the </span><st1:place style="color: #222222;" w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Natural History</st1:placename></st1:place></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Lux Ville</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 9 at 6:30pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15€. Reservations are required, so e-mail <a href="mailto:info@greenart.lu">info@greenart.lu</a> or call 27 47 88 77.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://bit.ly/sfokhH" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">International Motor Show</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dads of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>: hand your credit cards over to your wives and children and let them do the holiday shopping this weekend while you indulge your inner dude at a car show.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luxexpo</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday from 1pm-8pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 10am-7pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">15€ for adults, 12€ for ages 8-18, kids under 8 enter for free</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday, December 10</span></u></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://bit.ly/sOOfU6" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Two of Voices International Christmas Concert</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get in the holiday spirit by taking in the harmony of performers from 22 nations singing together. Check out their web site for some free samples of their work.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When:</span></u></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 10 at 7:45pm at the Église paroissiale de Bonnevoie, or December 11 at the Église de Koerich at 5pm.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Cost:</span></u></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Entrance is free, but they’ll be collecting money for charity so be sure to take some cash.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://bit.ly/tSGLCL" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Le P’tit Baz’Art</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">More than 150 artists, jewelry-makers, painters, sculptors, clothing-makers are on hand to sell their wares while you stroll about enjoying the atmosphere and a long lineup of musical and other performances. View the agenda </span><a href="http://bit.ly/tSGLCL" style="color: #222222;" target="_blank">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2pm to midnight; Sunday Dec. 11 from 10am-8pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">Alstom (cultural building), 50 rue Oberlin in </span><st1:place style="color: #222222;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nancy</st1:city></st1:place></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Don’t forget:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;">CFL offers a special one day </span><a href="http://bit.ly/tXvUi3" style="color: #222222;" target="_blank">Saar-Lor-Lux ticket</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> on weekends for one to five people on the same ticket – a great way to get to </span><st1:city style="color: #222222;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nancy</st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> and back on the cheap.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sunday, December 11</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.christmas.lu/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Original Christmas Parade</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The annual Luxembourg Ville Christmas parade, full of dancers, characters, and a special appearance by a certain Mr. Claus himself. This parade is not to be confused with the other, non-original Christmas parades, of course… </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Down the Avenue de la Libertie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Activities and entertainment on stages by the Gëlle Fra (Place de la Constitution) and Rousegärtchen (Ave. de la Libertie) start at 3pm, the parade begins by the Gëlle Fra at 5pm. Click <a href="http://bit.ly/uxWI9R" target="_blank">here</a> to view the parade route.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://bit.ly/rITQ3r" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Christmas Tree Workshop</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kids ages 8 and up are invited to drop in to a design-your-own-tree workshop. They’ll be able to decorate their own small wooden tree and play with electricity at the same time as they attach an electrical circuit to the tree to give their creation real lights. Don’t worry, parents – it’s supervised.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Where:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Musée Tudor, 9 rue Henri Tudor, in Rosport</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, Dec. 11 between 2 and 5pm. The workshop lasts 30-45 minute.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Cost:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5€ + regular 4€ museum admission fare for accompanying adults </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_251524985"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Kidslab: Touri-Sapin</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kids get crafty by creating their own spinning Christmas tree ornament.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2pm-5pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kulturhuef, 54 route de <st1:place w:st="on">Treves</st1:place>, in Grevenmacher</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free, no reservation required. Workshops available in French, German, English and Luxembourgish. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vf1jKF" target="_blank">Shopping Sundays</a></span></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Retail stores in Luxembourg Ville are open on Sundays for your holiday shopping pleasure.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 11, 18 from 2pm until 6pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And Beyond…</span></u></b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://on.fb.me/v9n6Pi" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Xmas Design Delights</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 day + 1 street + 6 designers = you’re a hero for finding awesome, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for family and friends.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 15, 9:30am – 6pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rue des Capucins in Luxembourg Ville</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://bit.ly/uqbAk8" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Christmas Crochet</span></a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Sashay your way over to the Christmas Crochet workshop to learn how to make your own Christmas baubles, mistletoes or hearts. Who wouldn’t love a holiday gift that’s made by you? You might give away your bauble, but you’ll get to keep your new crocheting <i>skillz</i>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">December 19, 6:30pm to 8:30pm</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></span></u></b><span style="color: #222222;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Café Konrad, 6 rue du Nord in Lux Ville</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></span></u></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">40€ per person, or 65€ if you take a friend (that’s 32,50€ each for the math-challenged)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969);"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>You can also check these web sites for more events in and around Luxembourg Ville:</b></div><ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;" type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Visit <a href="http://bit.ly/tODT84" style="color: #2288bb; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Agendalux.lu</a>, you can search for current and upcoming events of all kinds,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Subscribe to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Delano</st1:place></st1:city> magazine’s <a href="http://bit.ly/v926CH" style="color: #2288bb; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ten Things This to do This Week</a>,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Stop by the Luxemburger Wort’s weekly list of “<a href="http://bit.ly/mTbb1E" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>Wort’s On</b></a>” every Friday,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Find events throughout the Greater Region on <a href="http://bit.ly/ujmDEY" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b>Plurio.net</b></a>,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Check out <b><a href="http://bit.ly/pY7rew" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Luxembourgticket.lu</a></b> for concerts, performances and more, and, as always</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Consult your free monthly <b><a href="http://bit.ly/vOTWqR" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">CityMag</a></b> for a full month’s look at what’s on in<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-49782761648057790212011-12-08T18:21:00.001+01:002011-12-11T21:55:43.839+01:00Bittersweet News<div class="MsoNormal">Hello there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well, I wish I didn’t have to write this post, but I suppose it’s better to spread the word sooner rather than later… So, here goes:</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">We’re moving.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alO7BXSoAxs/TuDZFs_ObhI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/9GseW7dxCu0/s1600/TV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-alO7BXSoAxs/TuDZFs_ObhI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/9GseW7dxCu0/s200/TV.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need a TV? (<a href="http://bit.ly/ulKhrI" target="_blank">Click here.</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick accepted a job with a new company based in <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state>, so we’re headed back to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place> next month. Of course, when he told me the news of his offer, my first reaction was to ask how he’d feel about a commuter marriage between <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>. (Surprisingly, he wasn’t so into the idea.) And since Luxemblog doesn’t exactly pay the bills around here – <i>sigh</i> – I guess I’m going with him. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m sad to be leaving. We both are. We’ve really enjoyed adjusting to life in Europe, exploring <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and working on our always-in-progress French. I’ve had great fun writing this blog, <a href="http://bit.ly/sJFb1h" target="_blank">freelancing</a> for the <i>Luxemburger Wort</i>, and making appearances on <a href="http://bit.ly/vMu1tV" target="_blank">ARA City Radio</a>, and we’ve both had the opportunity to meet so many kind and interesting new friends along the way. But even though we’ve really just barely unpacked, Nick and I both feel like we’ve made the most of our short time here and wouldn’t trade a minute of it. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgJKMEUFVLw/TuDZEtCXEiI/AAAAAAAAIUM/8Rk5lBrpw6Y/s1600/vacuum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PgJKMEUFVLw/TuDZEtCXEiI/AAAAAAAAIUM/8Rk5lBrpw6Y/s200/vacuum.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about a vacuum? <br />
(<a href="http://bit.ly/ulKhrI" target="_blank">Click here.</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But hey, there are lots of positives about moving back to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>: there’s a Starbucks on every corner, free water at every restaurant and all the ice cubes a person can handle. And there are certainly worse places to have to live than the <st1:placename w:st="on">South</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype> area of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>! [Insert <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New Jersey</st1:place></st1:state> joke here.] Really, the funny part about all of this is that for my entire adult life, I’ve wanted to move to <st1:city w:st="on">San Francisco</st1:city> – that was, of course, until we moved to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>! Now we’ll be living less than an hour away. Oh well. Watch what you wish for, I guess.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ll be around until mid-January and then we’re off to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>. In the meantime, I’ll be perfecting my latest hobby: worrying 28 hours a day about finding my own job, locating temporary housing, permanent housing, buying cars, what cell phone plan we should sign up for, managing the international move, canceling our visas…(this list could go on and on and on and on). If you’re so inclined, you can help me to worry less about how we’ll get rid of our electrical appliances by checking out <a href="http://bit.ly/ulKhrI" target="_blank">items we’re selling on this page</a>. (Yes, that was a shameless plug to hawk our <a href="http://bit.ly/ulKhrI" target="_blank">stuff for sale</a>. If you missed the link, it’s <a href="http://bit.ly/ulKhrI" target="_blank">on this page</a>.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lfCtXBTGx4/TuDZIpYR9YI/AAAAAAAAIUg/2tmr5z2yo8E/s1600/handheld+mixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lfCtXBTGx4/TuDZIpYR9YI/AAAAAAAAIUg/2tmr5z2yo8E/s200/handheld+mixer.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">You <i>know </i>you want this handheld mixer.<br />
(<a href="http://bit.ly/ulKhrI" target="_blank">Click here.</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">You’re not rid of me yet, though. I’ll be back on the radio betwen 9-11am tomorrow, and back on Luxemblog tomorrow morning with a post about what’s on for the weekend. And I’m planning to continue writing as long as I feel like what I have to say might be relevant to you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, let’s not say “addi” just yet, okay?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-51504490902427123732011-12-02T01:10:00.006+01:002011-12-09T05:59:04.878+01:002011 Christmas Market Roundup<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgWhAAbvkOI/TtgREeDK-aI/AAAAAAAAITw/gmcD3Pbibf0/s1600/PC230014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgWhAAbvkOI/TtgREeDK-aI/AAAAAAAAITw/gmcD3Pbibf0/s200/PC230014.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad at the Strasbourg Marché de Noël</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">I’m just going to come right out and admit it. I’m a Christmas market junkie. I love the wooden chalets, I love the lights, the festive tunes, the holiday bustle, the treats and of course, the <i>glühwein</i> (or <i>vin chaud</i>, depending on where you’re sipping it).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last year, in addition to Luxembourg Ville, we enjoyed visiting the markets in <st1:city w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/trGhtu" target="_blank">Trier</a></st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/vETJNp" target="_blank">Kassel</a></st1:city>, <a href="http://bit.ly/vw66zY" target="_blank">Bad Hersfeld</a>, <st1:city w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/tF4bq7" target="_blank">Strasbourg</a></st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/rZ8eZO" target="_blank">Maastricht</a></st1:place></st1:city>, <a href="http://bit.ly/urerOD" target="_blank">Valkenburg</a>, and (pausing for a breath) <a href="http://bit.ly/sqWGn7" target="_blank">Montreux</a>. If you’re heading to any of those for the first time, I’m happy to share thoughts or recommendations for all of them if you e-mail me at <a href="mailto:luxemblogger@gmail.com">luxemblogger@gmail.com</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On tap for us this December: Köln, <st1:city w:st="on">Brussels</st1:city>, small towns in <st1:state w:st="on">Alsace and </st1:state>the Black Forest, <st1:city w:st="on">Stockholm</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Paris</st1:place></st1:city> and Besançon – whew! (Something tells me that I’m going to need to borrow a pair of pants from Santa Claus himself by the time this month is over…)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have nearby markets to add to the list or any tips, recommendations or maybe a glühwein recipe to share, please contribute to the comments section below!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Joyeux Noël!</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Luxembourg</span></b></st1:country-region></st1:place><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vfwHJR" target="_blank">Clervaux</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 11, from 10am-8pm</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ViL0Bodby4U/TtgU3L-S6wI/AAAAAAAAIUE/nT1kDNf03-A/s1600/PB260015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ViL0Bodby4U/TtgU3L-S6wI/AAAAAAAAIUE/nT1kDNf03-A/s200/PB260015.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These trees got the moves like Jagger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Weihnachtsmarkt, the town’s Christmas market. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Visit the Clervaux tourism web site <a href="http://bit.ly/vfwHJR" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><a href="http://www.plurio.net/5/eid,268700/marche-de-no%EBl-a-cruchten.html" target="_blank">Cruchten</a></b></span><br />
<u>When:</u> December 11<br />
<u>What:</u> Marché de Noël à Cruchten<br />
<u>Where:</u> Centre Culturel Cruchten on the Rue de l'Eglise<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/smLu4t" target="_blank">Diekirch</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> The annual Diekirch Christmas fair weekend.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 17-18, 11am to 6pm both days. More information <a href="http://bit.ly/smLu4t" target="_blank">at this link</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/udOp8K" target="_blank">Differdange</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> The town’s 35<sup>th</sup> annual Christmas market offers all the traditional treats and trimmings, in addition to cross country skiing and a toboggan run. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> The Christmas Market runs from December 2 - 23 from 3pm to 7pm daily (8pm on Fridays)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cross-country skiing and the toboggan run are available from December 10 to 23, from 3pm to 7pm on Mon-Thurs, 3pm-8pm on Fridays and 10am-7pm on Saturdays and Sundays. More information online <a href="http://bit.ly/udOp8K" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/ucHkH2" target="_blank">Dudelange</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Medieval Christmas Market</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 9 to 18 from 4pm-8pm on Mon-Fri, Saturdays from 2pm-9pm and Sundays from 2pm-7pm. More information available <a href="http://bit.ly/ucHkH2" target="_blank">here</a> - and be sure to check out their festive video. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/sUfhTQ" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Echternach</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 9, 10, 11<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u><b> </b>"Chrestmoart an Eechternoach," the annual Echternach weekend Christmas market. <a href="http://bit.ly/sUfhTQ" target="_blank">Click here</a> to view this and other Christmas events on the December agenda.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vc4BBA" target="_blank">Esch-Sur-Alzette</a></span> <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Escher Krëschtmoart, the town’s annual Christmas market </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> Opens at 5pm on Nov. 18, runs through January 2. Full market event schedule <a href="http://bit.ly/tmRNGd" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Where:</u> Esch-sur-Alzette, in the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybv2RWXn1pc/TtgTRwXqBBI/AAAAAAAAIT4/hRmOnNQAbbk/s1600/PC050067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybv2RWXn1pc/TtgTRwXqBBI/AAAAAAAAIT4/hRmOnNQAbbk/s200/PC050067.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maastricht</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vKN9hn" target="_blank">Ettelbruck</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 2-4</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Ettelbruck’s Christmas market weekend. The firefighters are offering a three course lunch for 15€, view the menu <a href="http://bit.ly/rXxaaZ">here</a> (in Luxembourgish…but with pictures!). Or, view the fuller agenda <a href="http://bit.ly/vKN9hn" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/tzbwIY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Grevenmacher</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 10-11</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Chrëstmoart, weekend Christmas market in Grevenmacher. You can find a few more details <a href="http://bit.ly/tzbwIY">here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/uvVhew">Leudelange</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 3, starting at 3pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Chrëschtmaart, the town’s one-day Christmas market. View the agenda <a href="http://bit.ly/uvVhew">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/rXcjwn" target="_blank">Luxembourg Ville</a></b></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><u>When:</u> November 25 to January 1, 11am to 8pm daily. Markets are closed on Christmas Day. </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><u>What:</u> Luxembourg Ville's <a href="http://bit.ly/tB8nS9" target="_blank">Winterlights</a> is a festival of markets, concerts, and a Christmas circus. Weihnachtsmärkte in centre ville on the Place d'Armes is the main show, with plenty to eat, drink and several chalets to wander. Concerts daily. The Saint Nikolaus Markt is smaller and located toward the train station on Place de Paris (it closes Dec. 23). For a complete list of events, view the brochure online, <a href="http://bit.ly/rXcjwn" target="_blank">here</a>.</o:p> <br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/uzzNLW" target="_blank">Mondorf-les-Bains</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><u>When:</u> December 10 to 18, weekdays from 3pm to 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 8pm.</o:p><br />
<o:p><u>What:</u> The annual Christmas market in Mondorf-les-Bains</o:p><br />
<o:p><u>Where:</u> Place des Villes Jumelées</o:p><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/sgEP4c" target="_blank">Remich</a></b></span><br />
<u>What:</u> Annual Christmas market and outdoor ice skating rink<br />
<u>When:</u> December 3 to 23. Ice skating rink is open Sundays through Fridays from 2-8pm and on Saturdays from 10am-9pm.<br />
<o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/uUcVZM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wiltz</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 9-10</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> The annual Wiltz Christmas market, complete with something called "ice smashing." (If you go, will you e-mail to let me know what that is - with a photo, if possible?) View the agenda <a href="http://bit.ly/uUcVZM">here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/sAUWKs"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Vianden</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 10 & 11 from 3pm – 6pm<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Magie d’un Noel Feerique, an afternoon of artisans selling crafts and foods at 30 different stalls and jazzy Christmas music. Takes place at the Vianden Castle and more information can be found <a href="http://bit.ly/sAUWKs">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><br />
</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Germany</span></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><br />
</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/trGhtu" target="_blank">Trier</a></span></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 21 to December 22</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO3g6NJhhus/TtgT3xAbNVI/AAAAAAAAIUA/eXzcuPbdfrk/s1600/PC140016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO3g6NJhhus/TtgT3xAbNVI/AAAAAAAAIUA/eXzcuPbdfrk/s200/PC140016.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kassel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Monday through Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> The Trier Weihnachtsmarkt is scattered throughout the downtown pedestrian area and boasts more than 95 booths. For more information, visit the Trier Christmas market <a href="http://bit.ly/trGhtu">web page</a> (in English). And don’t forget, CFL runs a special 8€ one-day ticket to/from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Trier</st1:place></st1:city>, <a href="http://bit.ly/lx1WqX">details here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/voz03O"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cochem</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 24 to December 18, daily starting at 11am. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Cochem’s annual Christmas market. On Dec. 10 and 11, you can be part of the castle Christmas festival, Cochemer Burgweihnacht, where actors and animals will perform a living nativity and treats and other Christmas items for sale. Entry is 5€ adults, 3€ kids or 14€ for a family. Burgweihnacht info is <a href="http://bit.ly/smkDzz">at this link</a>: </div><div class="MsoNormal">View the Christmas market program <a href="http://bit.ly/vE5HKn">here</a> (in German) </div><div class="MsoNormal">Note that the CFL runs a special one-day ticket from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> for 23€, <a href="http://bit.ly/lx1WqX">details here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/tgCXh5">Wittlich</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 25 to December 18</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Wittlich Weihnachtsmarkt, in the historic downtown from 11am until 7:30pm daily.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The CFL runs a one day train ticket special for 14€, <a href="http://www.cfl.lu/CFLInternet/Espaces/01EspaceVoyageurs/03TitresEtTarifs/04Titresettarifsinternationaux/Allemagne/AllemagneTAGESRCKFAHRKARTE.htm">details here</a>. More information is available <a href="http://bit.ly/tgCXh5">here</a> (in German), and if Google Translate got the translation right, it looks like there are free pony rides on the weekends…which is obviously awesome.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/t6DKod">Koblenz</a></b></st1:place></st1:city><b> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 18 to Dec. 22, from 10am-8pm on Monday-Thursday, from 10am-9pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am-8pm on Sundays.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> More than 130 stalls and Christmas decorations galore at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Koblenz</st1:city></st1:place> annual Christmas market.</div><div class="MsoNormal">For more information, click here (in German). And remember: the CFL offers a special one-day ticket to <st1:city w:st="on">Koblenz</st1:city> from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> for 32€ round trip, <a href="http://bit.ly/lx1WqX">here</a>. Or, if you’re traveling within one day with up to 5 friends, you can take advantage of the Rhineland-Pfalz one day ticket. Check out my previous blog post on that, <a href="http://bit.ly/niI4Pk">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/sS3nyc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Köln (<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cologne</st1:place></st1:city>) </span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 21 to December 23, 11am to 10pm daily.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Seven markets scattered throughout old town and surrounding areas make up the Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt. More details on <a href="http://bit.ly/sS3nyc">this web site</a> (in English), or view a printable map of the seven markets <a href="http://bit.ly/uO0kiH">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal">CFL offers a special Luxembourg to Cologne train ticket for 19€ each way, <a href="http://bit.ly/usFieA">details here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/sUwIVY">Saarbrücken</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 24 to December 23 </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Saarbrücken’s annual Weihnachtsmarkt.</div><div class="MsoNormal">View the Weihnachtsmarkt web site <a href="http://bit.ly/sUwIVY">here</a> (in German). CFL offers a one-day 14€ round-trip bus ticket. <a href="http://bit.ly/u0unPq">Click here </a>for info.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Belgium</span></b></st1:country-region></st1:place><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPwzDDUt7f0/TtgTgcOjCxI/AAAAAAAAIT8/4SKL7AXIEuA/s1600/PC100109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPwzDDUt7f0/TtgTgcOjCxI/AAAAAAAAIT8/4SKL7AXIEuA/s200/PC100109.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montreux</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/rVcDlV"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Arlon </span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 16, 17, 18</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Arlon’s annual weekend Christmas market. 40 vendors will be selling their wares all weekend and for the opening on Friday, Dec. 16<sup>th</sup>, you’ll find fire eaters and jugglers between 4pm and 10pm, and Old Saint Nick will make a special appearance for the market opening at 6:30pm that day. A few more details can be found <a href="http://bit.ly/rVcDlV">here</a> (in French).</div><div class="MsoNormal">CFL runs a special one-day train ticket to/from Arlon for 9,80€, <a href="http://bit.ly/ut7t8l">details here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/udtoPJ"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Brussels</span></a></b></st1:place></st1:city><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 25 to January 1, on Mondays to Thursdays from 12pm to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> The web site promises “2km of fun,” with hundreds of chalets, ice skating, a ferris wheel and tons of other activities. And every night at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm you can enjoy “Nuits Electrabel” a laser light show on the Grand Place. For lots more information, check out their terrific web site, <a href="http://bit.ly/udtoPJ">here</a> (in English).</div><div class="MsoNormal">CFL offers a round trip ticket to anywhere in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Belgium</st1:place></st1:country-region> for 41€ for a single traveler, 60€ for two people and 79€ for three people, <a href="http://bit.ly/usBmkY">details here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/tj6exL"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Liège</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 25 to December 30, open from 11am to 10pm on Mondays – Wednesdays, 11am until midnight on Thursdays to Saturdays, and Sundays from 11am to 10pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Liège’s Cité de Noël - Village de Noël. It’s the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Christmas market here, complete with 200 chalets and a large sledding run. Find more information about the market <a href="http://bit.ly/tj6exL">at this link</a> (in French).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">France</span></b></st1:country-region></st1:place><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJvhz3_Or-A/TtgRspKOMzI/AAAAAAAAIT0/ithV31bEYtA/s1600/PC040031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJvhz3_Or-A/TtgRspKOMzI/AAAAAAAAIT0/ithV31bEYtA/s200/PC040031.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valkenburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/s3najm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Metz</span></a></b></st1:city></st1:place><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 19 to December 29</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Five markets make up the Metz Marché Noël. Check out <a href="http://bit.ly/s3najm">this link</a> for a map and additional details.</div><div class="MsoNormal">CFL offers a one-day train ticket special to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Metz</st1:place></st1:city> for 16€, <a href="http://bit.ly/sxp9P8">details here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/t0yX5S">Nancy</a></span></b></st1:city></st1:place><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> November 24 to December 24, daily from 10am to 7pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nancy</st1:place></st1:city>’s annual Marché Noël. View a map and a lovely little movie <a href="http://bit.ly/t0yX5S">at this link</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal">CFL offers a one-day train ticket special to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nancy</st1:place></st1:city> for 21,40€, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1847533720"></span>details here<span id="goog_1847533721"></span></a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/s649aX"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Rodemack</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>When:</u> December 10 and 11, from 4pm –11pm on Saturday from 11am – 6pm on Sunday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>What:</u> Rodemack’s medieval Christmas market. For more information, <a href="http://bit.ly/s649aX">click here </a>(in French). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-22654776398247765922011-11-24T16:27:00.003+01:002011-11-25T09:44:58.117+01:00Weekend Roundup, Nov. 25-27<div class="MsoNormal">It won’t come as a surprise to you to hear that there’s lots more to eat and drink this weekend as the holiday season officially kicks off. So, loosen your belt buckle and get ready for some serious noshing!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And please tune in to <a href="http://bit.ly/oDVPji" style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">ARA City Radio</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> (103.3 and 105.2)</span> between 9-11am tomorrow to hear me dish details on these events and more!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Friday, Nov. 25</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://www.wort.lu/wort/web/en/culture/articles/2011/11/168309/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Winterlights</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> Ville’s Christmas market extravaganza. Music, mulled wine, food and shopping – what more could you possibly want? What? You’d like a special parade and appearance by old Saint Nick? No problem – he’s scheduled to arrive on December 4, <a href="http://www.vdl.lu/Cort%C3%A8ge+St+Nicolas+_+dimanche+4+d%C3%A9cembre-p-118832.html">info here</a>. And check out the Wort/English article with a larger Winterlights overview <a href="http://www.wort.lu/wort/web/en/culture/articles/2011/11/168309/index.php">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span>November 25 to January 1<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u></b> </span>On and around Place d’Armes and Place de Paris. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://karlblanchet.artblog.fr/">Noel en <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Provence</st1:place></st1:state></a> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>It’s described as the largest miniature nativity scene in the world, with more than 300 animated figurines set up over a 250 square meter area, in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> for the first time ever. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> November 26 to January 15</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u></b> </span>Home du Sacré-Coeur, rue du <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Fort Elisabeth</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>-Gare</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Cost:</u></b> </span>Entry is 5€ for adults, 3€ for children.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Moules au Fiederweissen</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>Enjoy a winery dinner of mussels cooked in Fiederweissen, with all the frites you can eat.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> <a href="http://www.domaine-ruppert.lu/">Domaine Henri Ruppert</a>, 1 Markusberg in Schengen </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u> </b>Nov. 25 and 26, at 7pm both evenings. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></u></b> 18€ per person. Reserve your spot by calling (+352) 26 66 54 54 between 3pm and 9pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Expostion de Noël at Domaine Sunnen-Hoffmann</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>Join <a href="http://www.sunnen-hoffmann.lu/">Domaine Sunnen-Hoffmann</a> at their wine shop for some wine tasting and to peruse their hand-picked Christmas items available for purchase.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> Domaine Sunnen-Hoffmann, 76 route du Vin in Remerschen</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span>Nov. 25-27. On Friday from 2pm to 7pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 7pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/sYBCGm">Fête des Vins et Crémants</a></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> Tour the Luxembourg Moselle wine region in one day as 41 winemakers offer samples of their wines for you to discover and enjoy. Watch 12 wine industry professionals vie for the title of 2011 Best Sommelier of Luxembourg on Saturday from 3-5pm, or take the kiddos on Sunday for family day, where kids’ activities will be on offer for free between 2-5pm. More info <a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/fr/accueil/index.html">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> November 25-27. On Friday, November 25 between 4pm and 9pm; Saturday, November 26 between 2pm and 7pm; and on Sunday, November 27 between 2pm and 7pm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> On the Glacis (the large car park at the Schuman roundabout), beneath the circus tent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></u> </b>Free to enter, 5€ for a souvenir glass and unlimited wine tastings. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday, Nov. 26</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bazar-international.lu/">International Bazaar</a> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>Walk around the world in a matter of hours at the 51<sup>st</sup> annual International Bazaar. More than 57 nations will be represented at stands selling grocery items and food to eat on site. I haven’t been yet, but I hear the free samples are incredible… (Americans: think Costco on steroids.) More information from the Wort/English <a href="http://www.wort.lu/wort/web/en/culture/articles/2011/11/167120/index.php">here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span>November 26 & 27. On Saturday from 11am to 7pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> Luxexpo</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.missluxembourg.lu/soiree-de-gala.php">Miss & Mister <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place></a></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> If you’re in the mood for a night of fanciness, fashion and beauty, you can take part in watching <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s annual beauty pageant to elect Miss and Mister Luxembourg</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> Saturday, Nov. 26 at 7pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Namur</st1:city></st1:place>, 2 rue de Bitbourg in Luxembourg Ville</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Cost:</u></b> </span>It’s a steep chunk of change at 180€ per ticket, but it includes an aperitif, three courses and unlimited wine. And really, can you even put a price on beauty?? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>And as always, here are more places to check for art exhibits, concerts and other events:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Visit </span><a href="http://bit.ly/tODT84" style="background-color: white; color: #2288bb; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Agendalux.lu</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, you can search for current and upcoming events of all kinds</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Subscribe to </span><st1:city style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Delano</st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> magazine’s </span><a href="http://bit.ly/v926CH" style="background-color: white; color: #2288bb; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Ten Things This to do This Week</a></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Stop by the Luxemburger Wort’s weekly list of “</span><a href="http://bit.ly/mTbb1E" style="background-color: white; color: #2288bb; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;"><b>Wort’s On</b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">” every Friday</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Find events throughout the Greater Region on <b style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://bit.ly/ujmDEY" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">Plurio.net</a></b></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Check out <b><a href="http://bit.ly/pY7rew" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">Luxembourgticket.lu</a></b> for concerts, performances and more, and, as always,</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Consult your free monthly <b><a href="http://bit.ly/uBkgBy" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">CityMag</a></b> for a full month’s look at what’s on in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-38711952598457165762011-11-17T23:35:00.004+01:002011-11-19T09:14:17.851+01:00Weekend Roundup, Nov. 18-20<div class="MsoNormal">I'll be highlighting a few of these events on Friday morning between 9am and 11am on <a href="http://bit.ly/oDVPji">ARA City Radio</a> (103.3 and 105.2), so please tune in! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And as always, if there's an event you'd like me to highlight, shoot me a note at <a href="mailto:luxemblogger@gmail.com">luxemblogger@gmail.com</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are my picks for the weekend, and some additional event-finding resources:</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Friday, Nov. 18</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/vc4BBA">Escher Krëschtmoart</a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> ‘Tis the season, and Esch-sur-Alzette’s Christmas Market is the first ongoing market to open in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> (that I can find, anyway!) for the holiday season. So, head on over and get your jolly on, because they’re giving away free mulled wine and cake today from 5-6pm to celebrate the grand opening.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> Opens at 5pm on Nov. 18, runs through January 2. Full market event schedule <a href="http://bit.ly/tmRNGd">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span>Esch-sur-Alzette, in the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/vcX6Lv">Festivasion</a></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> An event that bridges together the European “Year of Volunteering” with next year’s “Year of Active Ageing” in two days of multicultural, multigenerational activities designed to bring folks together through food, yoga, coffee, creative arts and karaoke. Oh yes: karaoke. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span>Nov. 18 and 19</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u></b> </span>Kulturfabrik, 116 rue de Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u>Made in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region></st1:place></u></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> The name says it all. If you need something that was made in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Spain</st1:place></st1:country-region>, head over to Luxexpo this weekend and you’ll probably find it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> Luxexpo</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span>Nov. 18-20. Friday between 2pm and 8pm, Saturday & Sunday from 10am – 8pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u>Wine Open Houses</u></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tasting days at various wineries in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> continues this weekend. These open houses below are a great chance for you to drop in unannounced, sample some wine and stock up for the holidays.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a full list of all November wine open houses, <a href="http://bit.ly/vSUOAu">click here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u> </b><a href="http://bit.ly/v0DtgF"><b>Domaine Kohll-Leuck</b></a>, 4 an der Borreg, Ehnen</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u> Nov. 18, 19, 20, from 3pm to 9pm each day<b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u></b> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/u1UZxn"><b>Cep d’Or</b></a>, 15 route du Vin, Hëttermillen</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>When:</u> </span></b>Nov. 18, 19, 20, from 10am to 9pm each day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday, Nov. 19</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/vuiSLw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Marché des Tissus / Stoffenspektakel</b> </span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>Get crafty at this giant fabric fair. Fabric for clothing, lining or curtains, as well as patterns and pattern books will be for sale from more than 140 vendors. Demonstrations will be given of the latest in sewing equipment, and fashion schools may be on hand to share the latest news in technique and style.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10am to 5pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> Luxexpo </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Cost:</u></b> </span>Free</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vwDKfL">Fête Régionale de la Truffe et des Produits du Terroir</a> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>The truffles of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Lorraine</st1:state></st1:place> are the focus of this event. A special truffle meal will be served on Saturday (35€) and Sunday (65€) for those who RSVP. Learn about the truffle in talks given at 2:30pm and 4pm each day (in French) and from 3pm onward, see cooking demonstrations or pick up some advice about truffle cultivation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u></b> </span>At the Abbaye des Prémontrés, Pont-à-Mousson, in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Located about a 15 minute walk from the Pont-à-Mousson train station. (<a href="http://bit.ly/ssn0qm">walking map</a>) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Remember:</span></u></b> Pont-à-Mousson is a train stop on the way to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nancy</st1:city></st1:place>. On Saturdays and Sundays, CFL runs a special one-day <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Lorraine</st1:place></st1:state> ticket. Ask for the Saar-Lor-Lux ticket and two people travel for just 30€ round trip. The ticket is available for up to five people, <a href="http://bit.ly/tXvUi3">details and pricing info here.</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sunday, Nov. 20</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/sWAyCc">Journées du Goût</a></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> Centre Culturel Schungfabrik, 12 rue Pierre Schiltz in Tétange</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> Sunday, 11am - 7pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> Vendors from around the country will set up shop for this day of deliciousness. Cooking demonstrations and gourmet items for sale (and hopefully for tasting!).Les chocolates d’Edouard, Brasserie Simon, Austrian food and wine importer Sissy.lu, Restaurant Lea Linster, and Domaine Kox are just a few of the food and beverage sellers you’ll find at this foodie event.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></u></b> Free<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/w5dRN8"><b>Mulled Wine River Cruise</b></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>What:</b></u></span> Warm up with a hot mug of glühwein on a one-hour cruise of the Moselle. I did this boat ride over the summer and can vouch that it's a scenic and relaxing ride! (Though I'd probably need more than one mug of glühwein to stay warm this time of year...but, 'tis the season!)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>When:</b></u></span> Nov. 20 at 3pm (Note: This boat runs on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays until Dec. 22. View a brochure <a href="http://bit.ly/rW90Ze">here</a>.)<br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b>Cost:</b></span></u> 9€ includes a mug of mulled wine</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>You can also check these web sites for more events in and around Luxembourg Ville:</b></div><ul style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2.5em; padding-top: 0px;" type="square"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Visit <a href="http://bit.ly/tODT84" style="color: #2288bb; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Agendalux.lu</a>, you can search for current and upcoming events of all kinds,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Subscribe to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Delano</st1:place></st1:city> magazine’s <a href="http://bit.ly/v926CH" style="color: #2288bb; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Ten Things This to do This Week</a>,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Stop by the Luxemburger Wort’s weekly list of “<a href="http://bit.ly/mTbb1E" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><b>Wort’s On</b></a>” every Friday,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Find events throughout the Greater Region on <a href="http://bit.ly/ujmDEY" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;"><b>Plurio.net</b></a>,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Check out <b><a href="http://bit.ly/pY7rew" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">Luxembourgticket.lu</a></b> for concerts, performances and more, and, as always</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">Consult your free monthly <b><a href="http://bit.ly/uBkgBy" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">CityMag</a></b> for a full month’s look at what’s on in<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-5199563446697507042011-11-15T20:21:00.001+01:002011-11-15T20:21:22.523+01:00How to Saber a Bottle of Crémant<div class="MsoNormal">Today is the 20th anniversary of the release of the very first bottle of Crémant de Luxembourg. But I’m not writing this post to tell you about that. You can read all about crémant and how it came to be such a success for the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> wine industry in my Luxemburger Wort article <a href="http://bit.ly/vO3MCG"><b>at this link</b></a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, I’m here to teach you the ultimate party trick. I’m going to tell you how to saber a bottle of crémant.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Before we begin, here’s the dirty little secret about sabering crémant: anyone can do it, with any bottle of sparkling wine, and you don’t even need a saber to be able to slice open the bottle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Follow these ten simple steps and you’ll be savoring the results of your sabering in no time!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1. Find a saber.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you don’t have a saber lying around your house, any large, sharp kitchen knife will do.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2. Remove the foil.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Completely remove the foil label that covers the neck of your sparkling wine bottle. You don’t want anything to get in the way of your saber.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m79wOR7eRMM/TsK6gz6if7I/AAAAAAAAITE/QqR9DdhJ0VM/s1600/cremant_defoiled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m79wOR7eRMM/TsK6gz6if7I/AAAAAAAAITE/QqR9DdhJ0VM/s1600/cremant_defoiled2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3. Untwist the cage.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Untwist the wire cage that fits over the cork to keep it in place, but do not remove it from the bottle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RrjAbwFVcHU/TsK6xPbcTvI/AAAAAAAAITM/CpM5sgRz_BI/s1600/cremant_before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RrjAbwFVcHU/TsK6xPbcTvI/AAAAAAAAITM/CpM5sgRz_BI/s1600/cremant_before.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cage, before untwisting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">4. Twist the cage back into place.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Move the cage up slightly so the bottom ring of the cage sits just below the lip of the bottle. Re-twist the cage back into place. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This part is really important. I can’t remember why, exactly, but I’m pretty sure it has to do with keeping the top glass part of the bottle intact with the cork once you slice the bottle open. Or maybe it keeps the bottle from shattering? Anyway – the point here is, make sure you’ve tightly re-twisted the cage back into place.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqdFQbdMV4U/TsK65uE76tI/AAAAAAAAITU/xX2wgqZ8OUg/s1600/cremant_after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqdFQbdMV4U/TsK65uE76tI/AAAAAAAAITU/xX2wgqZ8OUg/s1600/cremant_after.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cage after re-twisting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">5. Find the seam.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Run your finger around the top of the bottle neck and you should feel a seam from where the bottle was fused together. Sometimes the seam is prominent, but sometimes it will be very thin and difficult to find. The seam is going to be the line your knife follows in order to slice the top off of the bottle.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">6. Move every<i>one</i> and every<i>thing</i> out of your way.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The top of your bubbly is going to <i>fly</i> when you slice it off, so make sure there’s nothing in front of your aim. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Also keep in mind that a little bit of the bubbly is going to spill out when you slice it open, so grab a towel and keep it nearby.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">7. Grab the <s>knife</s> saber and get ready to slice!</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tilt the bottle forward at about a 45 degree angle. Lay your knife perpendicular to the bottle, and position the middle of the knife along the seam of the bottle. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5LtBh3LyIM/TsK5jyL6cnI/AAAAAAAAISs/bLr4hLbgiSg/s1600/cremant_knifeplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5LtBh3LyIM/TsK5jyL6cnI/AAAAAAAAISs/bLr4hLbgiSg/s1600/cremant_knifeplace.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">8. Pop the top!</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hold the knife steady and take a deep breath. Double check to make sure there’s nothing in front of you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, in one quick motion, slide your knife upward along the neck of the bottle. As soon as the sharp knife meets the weak point where the lower bottle neck is connected to the seam of the bottle, the top of your sparkling wine will pop off and fly forward at a powerful force!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9JxfNOtzvKk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">9. Go find your souvenir. </span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Because you’ve done such a good job with re-twisting the cage on top of the cork, the top of your sparkling wine will have sliced off in one single piece. A pretty sweet souvenir from your evening, if you ask me! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwIZhUe8-mU/TsK49hP0sKI/AAAAAAAAISk/A4sV33d3Ywo/s1600/cremant_top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwIZhUe8-mU/TsK49hP0sKI/AAAAAAAAISk/A4sV33d3Ywo/s1600/cremant_top.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">10. Pour (carefully) and enjoy!</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve cut myself a few times already, so I’m speaking from experience when I tell you that the glass at the bottom of the caged cork piece and at the sliced-open mouth of your crémant will be very, <i>very</i> sharp. Please be careful when pouring and when disposing of the bottle later. I’d hate for you to slice your finger and lose the ability to type “Luxemblog.com” into your web browser! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUvinej6Uqk/TsK41k7XcuI/AAAAAAAAISc/Getth-auVUg/s1600/cremant_drink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUvinej6Uqk/TsK41k7XcuI/AAAAAAAAISc/Getth-auVUg/s320/cremant_drink.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, there’s nothing left to say but: <i>santé</i>! Enjoy your bubbly and all the attention from everyone you’ll impress with your brand new sabering skills!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-15572791774363064312011-11-10T23:21:00.003+01:002011-11-11T09:15:55.105+01:00Weekend Roundup, Nov. 11-13<div class="MsoNormal">I’m stopping by during Sara Flanagan’s 9am-12pm block on <a href="http://bit.ly/oDVPji">ARA CityRadio </a>(103.3 and 105.2) on Friday morning to talk about a few of the events below. I hope you can tune in!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you have an event you’d like me to include on next week’s Weekend Roundup? Or a funny joke I can tell on the air? (I need all the help I can get, folks…) If so, send me a note: <a href="mailto:luxemblogger@gmail.com">luxemblogger@gmail.com</a>. </div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Friday, Nov. 11</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/rAL0KE">Veterans Day Memorial</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b>American Military Cemetery, 50 Val du Scheid, Hamm (Via public transportation, take Bus 15 to Hamm, Käschtewee and walk 1.8km or take Bus 14 to Cents, Waassertuerm and walk 1.8km.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> 11am</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> that is held every November 11 in honor of all <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> war veterans. Every year on the 11<sup>th</sup> hour of the 11<sup>th</sup> day of the 11<sup>th</sup> month, ceremonies are held to commemorate the signing of the Armistice that ended WW1 on the same day, month and hour in 1918. (The holiday is celebrated in other countries as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At the <st1:placename w:st="on">American</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Military</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Cemetery</st1:placetype> in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the 11am ceremony will begin with a flyover by the <a href="http://1.usa.gov/vpJaXw">480th FighterSquadron</a> will fly four F-16 fighter jets in a missing man formation, weather permitting. Following this, the <a href="http://1.usa.gov/s9JWTD">52<sup>nd</sup> Fighter Wing Honor Guard</a> will present the colors and then<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> </span>Capt. Zachary Nash, 52nd Fighter Wing chaplain will give the invocation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Newly arrived <a href="http://bit.ly/vuGsnd"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> Ambassador Robert Mandell</a> will give remarks, and a Presidential proclamation will be read (read it <a href="http://1.usa.gov/sgpp7x">here</a>). This will be followed by the laying of the wreaths, the playing of TAPS, and then the cemetery carillon will sound the Luxembourgish and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> national anthems. Afterward, the colors will be retired.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Following the Veterans Day ceremony, a separate ceremony will follow. Coordinated by the <a href="http://bit.ly/tSjYLe">Patton Foundation</a>, a wreath will be laid at the site of General Patton, who is buried at the cemetery before his fallen soldiers. November 11 marks the anniversary of what would have been Gen. Patton’s 126<sup>th</sup> birthday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/sh5SnI">Science Festival</a> </span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> Nov. 10-13</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Where:</span></u></b> </span>Cultural Center at the <a href="http://bit.ly/vWCVLs">Neumünster Abbey</a> and the <a href="http://bit.ly/uzc2Pf">National Museum of Natural History</a> in the Grund<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> Sponsored by the National Museum of Natural History and the National Research Fund, this 8th edition of the Science Fair is a free event intended for children and adults to discover the secrets of science through demonstrations and hands-on workshops. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Wine Open Houses</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">November is a great month to stock up on wine for the holidays, straight from the source. The open houses below are a great chance for you to drop in to wineries where you’d otherwise need to be part of a larger group or make an appointment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a full list of all November wine open houses, <a href="http://bit.ly/vSUOAu">click here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b>Domaine Mathis Bastian, 29 route du <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>, Remich</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span> November 10, 11, 12, 13, from 1:30pm to 7:30pm each day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b><a href="http://bit.ly/ttl98S">Domaine Stronck-Pinnel</a>, 5 Azengen, Grieveldange</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u> </b>November 11, 12, 13 </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b><a href="http://www.vinsmoselle.lu/">Domaines Vinsmoselle – Caves Wellenstein</a>, 37 rue <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">des</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Caves</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Wellenstein</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span>November 11, 12, 13 </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b><a href="http://bit.ly/vbfgky">Caves Pundel-Err</a>, 49, route du vin, Wormeldange</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u></b> </span>November 11, 12 & 14, from 3pm to 10pm each day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b><a href="http://bit.ly/stAYp4">Domaine Henri Ruppert</a>, 1 um Markusberg, Schengen. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">When:</span></u> </span></b>November 12, 13 </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday, Nov. 12</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/um6Y99"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Wanterfeeling</span></a></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">When:</span></u></b> </span>November 12 & 13. On Saturday from 2-10pm and Sunday from 11am-6pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> In the park of the Château de Sanem</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>Lamps will be lit, activities will be hosted, and music will fill the air in the park by the Château de Sanem, and more than 40 vendors from 5 countries will sell seasonal decorations and treats at this free event.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/uIkZkX">Mess for Masses</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> From 4:30pm on Nov. 12 to 3am on Nov. 13</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u></b><span style="font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span>Centre Roudermer, the cultural center in Steinfort, 7A r. de Hagen, Steinfort</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> It’s an indoor music festival with a little something for everyone. Eleven bands will perform everything from hip hop to funk rock to electro to neo-folk. So, if you like it; someone performing is probably playing it – and you shouldn’t miss it. Tickets 12€ at the door. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/uCW0pN">Cercle Artistic de Luxembourg</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> November 12 to December 4, 2pm to 7pm daily. Guided visits on Thursdays at 6:30pm and on Sundays at 4pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u></b> </span>Carré Rotondes, 1 rue <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">de l’Aciére</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>-Hollerich </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b> </span>The Cercle Artistic de Luxembourg hosts a show of artwork from 40 local <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> artists. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sunday, Nov. 13</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/v1r1J4">Red Cross Bazaar</a></span> </b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>When:</b></u> </span>Nov. 13, 10am to 6pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> Hall Victor Hugo, 60 avenue Victor Hugo in Luxembourg Ville</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> An annual fundraiser for the Red Cross, the bazaar features Christmas gifts, international dishes, clowns, magicians, music, a raffle and a special appearance by a certain Mr. Santa Claus himself.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/rIt08s">Journée Nationale de la Natation</a> (National Swimming Day)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> </span>Nov. 13, 9am – 1pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> 13 pools around the country, view the full list on the <a href="http://bit.ly/rF6HSJ">event flyer</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> Dive in and discover the fun and fitness of swimming with free entry to 13 swimming pools around <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking ahead:</span> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://bit.ly/u8fXiT"><b>Scottish National Day Reception</b></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Friday, November 25, 7-9pm</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Brag to your friends and neighbors that you’ll be having cocktails at the British Ambassador’s Residence in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> for St. Andrews Day, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Scotland</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s National Day. Held every November 30, the day celebrates the <a href="http://bit.ly/uz4oUV">patron saint of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Scotland</st1:place></st1:country-region></a>. (Note that the Scottish Association in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> likes to get the party started early, so they’ll be holding their celebration on the 25<sup>th</sup>.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You don’t have to be Scottish to attend the event, but you’ll probably have such a great time that you’ll wish you were by the end of the night. Buy tickets for 35€ per person <a href="http://bit.ly/u8fXiT">at this link</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>You can also check these web sites for more events in and around Luxembourg Ville:</b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square"><li class="MsoNormal">Visit <a href="http://bit.ly/tODT84" style="font-weight: bold;">Agendalux.lu</a>, you can search for current and upcoming events of all kinds,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Subscribe to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Delano</st1:place></st1:city> magazine’s <a href="http://bit.ly/v926CH" style="font-weight: bold;">Ten Things This to do This Week</a>,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Stop by the Luxemburger Wort’s weekly list of “<a href="http://bit.ly/mTbb1E"><b>Wort’s On</b></a>” every Friday,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Find events throughout the Greater Region on <a href="http://bit.ly/ujmDEY"><b>Plurio.net</b></a>,</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Check out <b><a href="http://bit.ly/pY7rew">Luxembourgticket.lu</a></b> for concerts, performances and more, and, as always</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Consult your free monthly <b><a href="http://bit.ly/uBkgBy">CityMag</a></b> for a full month’s look at what’s on in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-54102483807519513282011-11-02T12:11:00.002+01:002011-11-07T12:14:34.888+01:00User’s Guide: What the U.S. Embassy Wants You to Know<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpQ98MjxXH0/TrEkX7Llg_I/AAAAAAAAISQ/vrTS9AeoUFM/s1600/embassy_brochure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpQ98MjxXH0/TrEkX7Llg_I/AAAAAAAAISQ/vrTS9AeoUFM/s200/embassy_brochure.JPG" width="94" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read their <a href="http://bit.ly/uCgA5t">brochure</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>About three years ago, a small group of Americans walked up to the U.S. Embassy in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> and rang the buzzer to alert the guard. When he answered, they announced that they were there for dinner. It was Thanksgiving, after all, and they had heard that the Ambassador always prepared a large holiday feast for all <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> citizens in the area.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While the U.S. Embassy offers a number of services to Americans living in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet is not one of them. (Though I definitely think they should reconsider this policy, don’t you?)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So just what is the Embassy good for, if not for a decent slice of turkey? I had the opportunity recently to sit down with David Fetter, the Embassy’s chargé d’affairs (i.e. the guy holding down the fort until the <a href="http://bit.ly/u8nIDk">new Ambassador</a> arrives in a week or so) and Dr. Stephanie Shaheen, the Embassy’s public affairs officer, to ask a few questions, like: <i>When is it appropriate to go to the Embassy with a problem, and when it is not?</i> <i>How long should a person expect to wait for a response from the Embassy? </i>and <i>Why doesn’t the Embassy ever update its web site?</i><br />
<a name='more'></a></div><a href="" name="more"></a><i><o:p></o:p></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If there’s one thing the Embassy wants you to know, it’s that behind the iron gate, through the metal detectors, past the guards, and beyond the armed escort to a sterile room where an official waits behind bulletproof glass to answer your questions; there are actually real, live, friendly people who are there to help you if you need them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mostly, though, they hope you <i>don’t</i> need them. “Success for us means not being involved in the daily life of Americans,” said Mr. Fetter. While he wants U.S. citizens to know how to reach the Embassy if they have a question or an emergency, he hopes that you don’t<i> </i>have to deal with a serious emergency, that you don’t lose your passport, and that you don’t ever find yourself in serious legal trouble (which they can’t really help you with anyway; while living here, you’re subject to the laws of Luxembourg, after all). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Have feedback? They want to hear it. (Really.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Watch their web site for a “suggestion box” button that will be added soon. But in the meantime, the Embassy wants your feedback via <a href="mailto:Luxembourgconsular@state.gov">Luxembourgconsular@state.gov</a>. If you have a comment, compliment or complaint about the U.S. Embassy in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, they want to hear it. The good, the bad, the ugly – they can take it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe you’ve got an organization that would like to hear from the Embassy on a particular topic? Invite them. (They tell me that they particularly enjoy opportunities to speak to young people.) Or, perhaps you’ve thought of a brilliant way that they can better serve or connect with <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> citizens or the foreign community? Tell them. Maybe you’ve found some irregularities in information presented in their materials? Let them know so they can fix it. They can’t take action on things they don’t know about, so help them out. Here’s that e-mail address again: <a href="mailto:Luxembourgconsular@state.gov">Luxembourgconsular@state.gov</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Keep up with the Embassy.</u></b> </span>Mr. Fetter and Ms. Shaheen are keenly aware that the Embassy’s web site needs an update (watch for new content later this month), that their <a href="http://on.fb.me/ty6l8u">Facebook page</a> has gone silent (though not for much longer, so <a href="http://on.fb.me/ty6l8u">click here</a> to “like” the page and keep in touch). They’re also working to fix a glitch with the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> e-mail list for the U.S. State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) listserv. This is the tool they use to send notifications to citizens living abroad, such as; changes to consular hours, travel alerts, changes in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> law that affect Americans, or changes to <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> laws that may impact Americans living in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. You can sign up for STEP <a href="http://bit.ly/tsjQaY">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, some good things are in the works. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But what if you just want to know whether the Embassy will be holding an informative Q&A, or speaking at an event that might be of interest to you? Mr. Fetter and Ms. Shaheen explained that they do not promote events that they have been invited to speak at as a guest. So, your best bet is to be on the e-mail listserv of an organization for Americans living abroad that likely keeps in close touch with the Embassy, such as the <a href="http://bit.ly/tKwxrV">American Women's Club of Luxembourg</a>, the Luxembourg chapters of <a href="http://bit.ly/u3VlIs">Democrats Abroad</a> or <a href="http://bit.ly/vzqJFh">Republicans Abroad</a>, or the <a href="http://bit.ly/u0o4t0">American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When should you go to the Embassy?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #993300;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">While notarial services will always require you to be present, there are several services they offer that may not require you to physically go to the Embassy. Scan their <a href="http://1.usa.gov/sG8uUT">web site</a> before calling or heading over because, as Mr. Fetter put it: “Chances are good that your question has probably been asked several times before.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Scanning their <a href="http://1.usa.gov/sG8uUT">web site</a> first is also a good idea because, depending on your issue, there may be forms to fill out before you can receive assistance. You’ll save time if you’ve printed them at home and filled them out in advance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Embassy services.</span></u> </b>The Embassy’s most popular services are passport renewals, page additions and replacements; registration of <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> citizen births abroad and visa services for foreigners requesting entry into the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>. On their web site, the Embassy has also compiled helpful lists of English-speaking <a href="http://1.usa.gov/vB00u8">attorneys</a>, <a href="http://1.usa.gov/edwkAd">hospitals and medical specialists</a>, sworn <a href="http://1.usa.gov/rX2Uzu">translators</a>, information about <a href="http://1.usa.gov/ss63eP">marriage</a> in Luxembourg as well as a list of <a href="http://1.usa.gov/vHTLL9">funeral homes</a> and how to make arrangements in case of a death abroad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a general overview and description of their most commonly used services, as well as fees associated with each service, <a href="http://bit.ly/uCgA5t">check out their brochure</a>. (Note that prices are accurate as of the writing of this blog post, but are subject to change.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And for the full list of all the services available to you from the Embassy, <a href="http://1.usa.gov/vy8qKN">click here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Last, a personal tip: having something notarized at the Embassy will cost you $50. So, if your document doesn't need to be certified by a U.S. official, head to your commune office and have it done there for 2€ instead.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hours & Contact Information.</span></u></b> Drop-in hours at the U.S. Embassy in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> are every Thursday from 8:15am to 11am and 1:30pm to 3pm. Depending on your needs, they also take appointments on Tuesdays. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The advertised office hours aren’t the only times at which they’ll talk to you, however. In fact, quite the contrary. Anyone with a question is welcome to call the Embassy (phone: 46 01 23, the number is the same for after-hours emergencies) or send an e-mail (<a href="mailto:Luxembourgconsular@state.gov">Luxembourgconsular@state.gov</a>). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Sending an e-mail is best. The more detailed, the better,” advises Mr. Fetter. The more information and background they have to go on about your specific question, the easier it is for them to try to assist you with what you need. (And, since an e-mail is easier to document than a phone call, it’s also easier for you to follow up if necessary.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">72 Hours</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">In general, you should expect to hear from the Embassy within 72 working hours. If you haven’t received at least an acknowledgement of your question, it’s appropriate to call back or e-mail them again after three working days have gone by.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If your situation is serious, or perhaps you’re having trouble getting what you need through regular channels, you can also seek assistance by contacting your member of Congress. If they contact the State Department on your behalf, the Department must respond within <a href="http://1.usa.gov/uSFy98">seven days</a>. Your member of Congress would be the last Senator or Representative that served the district you lived in before moving to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, i.e. where you last registered to vote. (If you’re not sure who that was, you can look up your Senator <a href="http://1.usa.gov/tHlAkx">here</a>, or your member of Congress <a href="http://1.usa.gov/sZFfm8">here</a> with your last U.S. address.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The good thing about living in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, though, is that it’s a small country, which means that the Embassy has a smaller pool of people making requests for their assistance. (So, unless you already have a relationship with your member of Congress, you probably don’t need to go that route.) In fact, the Embassy often finds itself helping citizens who live outside of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s borders. So, if you need something: ask. If they can’t help you, they’ll try to refer you to someone who can.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">What exactly <i>do</i> they do at the Embassy?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbryAAdpe5w/TrEjUjF9o8I/AAAAAAAAISA/L8FuvBybY2A/s1600/embassy_englishteachers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jbryAAdpe5w/TrEjUjF9o8I/AAAAAAAAISA/L8FuvBybY2A/s200/embassy_englishteachers.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/uGvGKm">English Teachers' Day</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">By the Embassy’s count, there are 1,800 <st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region> citizens residing in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and about 15,000 Americans visit the country each year. “Only 20 percent of what we do is related to American citizen services,” explained Mr. Fetter. The remaining 80 percent of their work is focused on outreach to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> and the European community.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To this end, they have met recently with <a href="http://bit.ly/uGvGKm">English teachers</a> in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region>, talked to students in Ettelbruck about the American approach to Halloween, and, when asked, they facilitate informational sessions or help make connections that can pave the way for American businesses thinking about setting up overseas offices in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> (Amazon.com is one example). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gxYJ9KnPPs/TrEkBUa0RUI/AAAAAAAAISI/9M-cHQI2N1c/s1600/embassy_halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1gxYJ9KnPPs/TrEkBUa0RUI/AAAAAAAAISI/9M-cHQI2N1c/s200/embassy_halloween.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Explaining the American perspective<br />
on Halloween in Ettelbruck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">They also work with Fulbright Scholars, a prestigious group of teachers, researchers and students that have been given a U.S. government grant to study/teach/research abroad or in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> And they’re finding ways to educate the next generation about American culture and business by partnering with the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:placename></st1:place>, which requires all students to spend a semester abroad. The Embassy raises funds from <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> businesses in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> to provide scholarships to university students who want to spend their time abroad studying in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Read a little more about that <a href="http://bit.ly/uOYI59">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Final Word</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Guard your passport.</span></u></b> “People don’t always realize that their passport is not their passport. It is the government’s,” said Mr. Fetter. “Protect it, and don’t lose it.” Also keep in mind that if you do lose your passport, the Embassy can’t reissue a new one to you on the spot, it’s going to take a few days. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Should you carry it with you everywhere? Mr. Fetter advises that if you’re visiting <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> on vacation, just keep it with you at all times. If you are a resident in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> and you have another official form of identification, you’ll probably be fine in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, but you should take your passport with you if you cross the border. (Learn from my mistake by reading about the time I almost got kicked out of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place> <a href="http://bit.ly/rVlBlk">here</a>.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">You play a role in how <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> is perceived.</span></u></b> “Luxemburgers are very well-traveled people, but not everyone has been to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place>,” said Mr. Fetter. “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> is bigger and more diverse than <i>we</i> [Americans] think it is, so it’s probably bigger and more diverse than they [Luxemburgers] think it is. A negative action from one person can have a disproportionate impact." And on the other hand, he clarifies, positive actions can also make the same kind of impact. "People will take the actions of one person and magnify it.” (Translation: Pretend your mother is watching you and mind your manners!) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you have a question, ask.</span></u></b> Even if they can’t help you, the Embassy will help point you in the right direction of a resource that can. Even Ms. Shaheen still asks for help when she has a question. Once, a question to the Internal Revenue Service office in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Paris</st1:place></st1:city> paid off in a big way when the agent offered to do her taxes for her. It was a service normally reserved for the elderly, but the agent had the time so he helped her out. So, you really never know what kind of help you might receive unless you ask... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-48057779491820216822011-10-28T09:02:00.003+02:002011-11-10T22:26:57.467+01:00Weekend Roundup, Oct. 28-30<div class="MsoNormal">I’m headed back to ARA City Radio (103.3 and 105.2) this morning with City Magazine’s November <a href="http://bit.ly/uBkgBy">cover model</a> (!), Sara Flanagan again this morning around 10am with a few highlights, and I hope you can tune in! Because there’s so much going on in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> this weekend, it’s scary.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No, really: it’s scary. There are plenty of events around town this weekend for children and adults who want to celebrate the American tradition of Halloween, from a spooky castle tour to horror films and chances to get freaky on the dance floor. The Wort/English has a great list <a href="http://bit.ly/tIeiwA">at this link</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But there’s one Halloween treat that’s not a trick: daylight savings time ends this weekend, so clocks fall back one hour. After all of that spooking, you’re going to need that extra hour to get some rest.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Friday, October 28</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dk-fest.de/">Koblenzer Debbekoochfest</a> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u> </b></span>It’s a festival full of regional treats, music and more. I’m sold. Expect plenty of potatoes, ham and onions, and more local specialties like honey and mustard. Check out their Facebook page <a href="http://on.fb.me/uAEe9F">here</a>. It’s held in a tent, so there’s no need to worry about the weather.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>Where:</u> </b></span>On the Münzplatz in <st1:city w:st="on">Koblenz</st1:city>, on the Moselle, near the point where it converges with the <st1:place w:st="on">Rhine</st1:place>. Click <a href="http://bit.ly/vTZlXA">here</a> for walking directions from the train station (about a 20 minute walk). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>When:</b></span></u> Starts at 12pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 11am on Sunday.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Cost: </u>Looks like it’s free to enter, food will be available for purchase. Don’t forget: the CFL offers a <a href="http://bit.ly/lx1WqX">day trip ticket</a> to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Koblenz</st1:place></st1:city> for 32€. Or check out my previous post on cheap trains to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> for information on how to <a href="http://bit.ly/niI4Pk">get there for even less</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/thmYad"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><b>Cleveland</b></st1:city></st1:place><b> Orchestra</b></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>What:</u> </span></b>I’m an <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Ohio</st1:state></st1:place> gal, so I feel it’s my official duty to urge you to see musicians on tour from my home state. The Cleveland Orchestra is <a href="http://bit.ly/twfGl5">in residence</a> at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vienna</st1:place></st1:city>, on their eleventh European Tour, performing thirteen concerts in seven cities. Luckily, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> is one of the seven.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Where:</b></span></u> Grand Auditorium of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> Philharmonie in Kirchberg</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>When:</b></span></u> Friday, Oct. 28 at 8pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Cost:</span></b></u> Regular tickets are 40€, 65€ and 80€. Discounted tickets are available for people 27 and younger for 24€, 39€ and 51€.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday, October 29</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/sAUWKs"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Soiree Mysterieuse Halloween (& Spooky Castle Tour)</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>What:</b></u> </span>Children of all ages are invited to the “Soiree Mysterieuse Halloween” party at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Vianden</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Castle</st1:placetype></st1:place>. The afternoon begins with games and music in the basement of the castle and then moves through the castle for a “spooky” tour where witches, vampires and warewolves will make special appearances. There are two tours, one for younger children and a slightly gorier version for older children. Afterwards, children will be treated to a performance back in the basement that involves juggling fire. Children are encouraged to dress in costume.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>Where:</b></u> </span>Vianden Castle</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u> </b></span>Halloween activities begin at 4pm with music, games, food and beverage. The first, less-spooky castle tour starts at 5pm for the younger children; older children go on their haunted tour at 5:45pm. After the tours, the fire juggler will perform at 6:30pm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>Cost:</b></u> </span>Regular castle entrance fee plus 4€ per adult and 2€ per child to attend the Halloween event in the basement/cave of the castle. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/spWrjz"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Deewali</span></b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>What:</b></span></u> Deewali is the traditional Indian festival of lights. Live dancing and percussion performances, a traditional Indian dinner, and DJs will help you celebrate the night away.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b>Centre Sociétaire et Culturel An der Eech, 6 rue Eich, Leudelange</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>When:</u> </b></span>Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6pm</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Cost:</u> </span></b>40€ for non-members, 25€ for students, children 10 and under are free. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">More info:</span></b></u> Call 621 622 892, 621 309 148, or 691 307 733 for more information or to reserve a seat.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/qVtVR3">Trauliicht Brennen Procession</a> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u> </span></b>The procession starts at 6pm on October 29. Beetroot carving is offered as an activity at the museum until November 3, 10am to 7pm (full day entry), or 2:30 to 7pm (half day entry)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Where:</b></span></u> ‘A Robbesscheier’ <a href="http://bit.ly/oKN4U1">http://bit.ly/oKN4U1</a> the rural museum in Munshausen, in northern <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>What:</u> </span></b>The Luxembourgish tradition of “Trauliicht Brennen” takes place this time every year. While there’s no door-to-door begging for sweets involved during this late October event, it’s tradition to carve a beetroot (a turnip) into a scary lantern into which a candle is placed; the frightening glow is meant to scare away evil spirits of winter in order to usher the young and old healthfully and happily into the New Year. The procession is the biggest Trauliicht Brennen event put on by the museum. Beetroots will be carved – get one there or bring your own – and then paraded through Munshausen in a procession. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>Cost:</b></span></u> </span>12€ for a half-day, and 20€ per person for the full day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sunday, October 30</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/rDTrI5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Daylight Savings:Fall back!</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour! <st1:place w:st="on">Central Europe</st1:place> (CET) ends daylight savings time officially ends at 3am, when clocks get set back to 2am.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-38126263466726748332011-10-26T22:08:00.006+02:002011-10-27T19:32:16.832+02:00Vacationing with Vauban<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXxA7_NdylA/TqgIdNC2LVI/AAAAAAAAIPI/ZeWWnUhHmcE/s1600/PA070115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXxA7_NdylA/TqgIdNC2LVI/AAAAAAAAIPI/ZeWWnUhHmcE/s200/PA070115.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cancale oysters, fresh from the ocean.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Three weeks ago, Nick and I were on the Brittany coast of France, in the town of Cancale, sitting in the sunshine on concrete steps and slurping raw oysters pulled fresh from the ocean, pried open by women who spend their entire day shucking oysters of all sizes and shapes for locals and tourists who visit their stands. There are normal-looking oysters for the ridiculously inexpensive price of 5€ to 8€ a dozen, and there are also oysters for sale as large as your hand that you’ll wonder how in the world people eat without dripping oyster liquor all over themselves. Then there are the briny Plate-Belons, <i>les plates</i>, the flat regional specialties that the women will tell you to eat as they are; you won’t even be allowed to buy a lemon to take away with your <i>douziane</i>. And no matter which stand you buy your <i>huîtres</i>, you’ll hear the same advice: when you’re finished eating, oyster shells get tossed into the sea; lemon rinds and plastic plates and knives go back to the stand.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OXW8RFTbVI/TqgKAEgzUFI/AAAAAAAAIPs/Ap-LVubHB-c/s1600/PA070043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OXW8RFTbVI/TqgKAEgzUFI/AAAAAAAAIPs/Ap-LVubHB-c/s200/PA070043.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a lineup!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">When the tide is high, those concrete steps disappear into the ocean. When the tide is out, sailboats sink lazily into the muddy floor of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Mont-Saint-Michel</st1:placename></st1:place>. Nearby, men in waterproof bucket pants work the oyster beds on foot or by tractor, meters from where the fruits of their labor are distributed to happy stomachs. All day long, the silhouette of <st1:place w:st="on">Mont-Saint-Michel</st1:place> sits on the horizon, an especially breathtaking sight against the tangerine glow of sunrise.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Even though it ends in an “r” – as the best oyster-eating months do – October is the off season in Cancale. Which is why we love it there. It’s the only place we’ve been to twice on vacation while living in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>. I mean, let’s face it: fall colors + quiet seaside town + cheap, fresh oysters + the most unreal deep turquoise ocean you’ve ever seen, well, that all adds up to a pretty stellar vacation for this household. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0eWW62EZJgY/TqgKZS8yyEI/AAAAAAAAIPY/RfE_3aKtPzY/s1600/PA070012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0eWW62EZJgY/TqgKZS8yyEI/AAAAAAAAIPY/RfE_3aKtPzY/s200/PA070012.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oyster beds in Cancale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Lest you think I’m in cahoots with the Cancale Tourism Office by using fancy phrases like “tangerine glow” to describe the sunrise, this post isn’t actually about my vacation. It’s actually about something interesting I <i>learned</i> while on vacation that ties back to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(But I’m including a few more Cancale tidbits at the end of the post, in case you want to go.)</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, if I had my way, I’d still be sitting on those concrete stairs right now, chucking oyster shells into the sea. My husband, however, is actually a normal human being who, despite his love of oysters, can only eat so many in one day. So, we added a few non-oyster activities to the list, like a coastal hike and a day trip to nearby <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saint-Malo</st1:place></st1:city>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUFY2EmXDdA/TqgKFHNW8ZI/AAAAAAAAIPU/TPDgoGf8t4E/s1600/PA070028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUFY2EmXDdA/TqgKFHNW8ZI/AAAAAAAAIPU/TPDgoGf8t4E/s200/PA070028.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Port-Briac circuit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">We had decided on the <a href="http://bit.ly/rOAtfZ">Circuit de Port-Briac</a>, an 8.5 km circular path that follows an old customs trail along the coast, turns inland through cabbage fields and forest and then leads back to the upper town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cancale</st1:place></st1:city>. We climbed the Pointe des Crolles at the edge of town, investigated a monument to the town’s fallen soldiers from the first and second world wars, and took in the view of Cancale and its oyster beds from above. Trekking up and down the dips and rises of the dirt path, we eventually spotted what looked like some kind of a fort sitting on top of a small rocky outcrop in the ocean. Nick checked the brochure and reported that what we were observing was the <st1:placetype w:st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">des</st1:placename> Rimains, constructed in the late 18<sup>th</sup> century based on plans drawn up by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a battery designed to protect the larger eastern citadel of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saint-Malo</st1:place></st1:city>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vauban? I was surprised. That guy is <i>everywhere</i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8ngbJ6tIrg/TqgJHyuqOXI/AAAAAAAAIPM/UZSZ0rTwXeI/s1600/PA070021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8ngbJ6tIrg/TqgJHyuqOXI/AAAAAAAAIPM/UZSZ0rTwXeI/s200/PA070021.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort des Rimains in Cancale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Those of you living in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> are probably quite familiar with <b><a href="http://bit.ly/uZ2F1m">Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban</a></b>. In fact, you’re probably<i> so</i> familiar with him that you probably refer to him simply as Vauban. He’s the man behind the star attraction of the <a href="http://bit.ly/tLa6lR">Vauban Circular Walk</a>, which follows much of the third and outer ring of fortifications that he added to Luxembourg Ville after the French took control in 1684. And you know him as the namesake of the <a href="http://bit.ly/sFkGR9">Villa Vauban</a> art museum, which is constructed atop the ancient site of the western guardpost of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Vauban, now buried beneath the city park</st1:placename></st1:place> (head to the museum basement to check out some of the remains).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, as I wrote earlier, we had been to Cancale before, but I hadn’t previously read or heard (or paid attention to) even a whispered mention of Vauban. So, I was even more intrigued when we visited Saint-Malo the next day, where more of Vauban’s fortification handiwork also still exists, in the form of the <a href="http://bit.ly/tPPzUY">Fort du Petit Bé</a>, walkable from the<i> intra-muros</i> (“within the walls”) of the Saint-Malo citadel, formerly a fortress island that has since been connected to the mainland. Vauban’s work in <st1:city w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/vTyIgp">Saint-Malo</a></st1:city> included strengthening the town’s fortifications and adding the Fort du Petit Bé as well as two others, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1290205792"></span>Grand Bé Fort<span id="goog_1290205793"></span></a> and the <st1:placetype w:st="on"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1290205799">Fort</a></st1:placetype><a href="http://bit.ly/ul4kn9"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Royal</st1:placename></a> (or <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">National</st1:placename></st1:place>). Although <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saint-Malo</st1:place></st1:city> was heavily damaged during WW2, the city has been reconstructed so well that you’d never guess what was destroyed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Snapshot of Vauban</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyGQq4XT5zA/TqgK6UG_aeI/AAAAAAAAIPk/v1NWRutswGI/s1600/PA080056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GyGQq4XT5zA/TqgK6UG_aeI/AAAAAAAAIPk/v1NWRutswGI/s200/PA080056.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint-Malo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Vauban’s <a href="http://bit.ly/tDNa2i">story</a> is one of hard work, intellect and luck. He was born in 1633 and raised as a peasant child in a small town about 100km west of Dijon, called Saint-Léger de Foucheret at the time (Napoleon had the town renamed Saint-Léger-Vauban in 1867). The local priest taught him how to read and write. At 10 years old, he was sent to live with a relative, where he continued his studies and learned math, drawing and <a href="http://bit.ly/slwz4M">fortifications</a> – apparently a required subject that time in many schools.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He went on to graduate, enlisted in a rebel army (glossing over this piece because it’s complicated and I don’t quite follow it myself) and after being captured, found a lucky break and eventually voluntarily switched sides and spent the rest of his life in the service of King Louis XIV. (Who, incidentally, adored oysters and had them sent from Cancale to his palace at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Versailles</st1:place></st1:city>.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vauban was only 22 when he received his commission as an engineer for the King. He advanced quickly, making a mark both with his ability to lay siege and capture towns in a strategic manner that often preserved the lives of his troops, and with his keen understanding of how to build and improve upon fortifications to strengthen defensive positions. He was also a military marshal who was known to have fought bravely – even when he didn’t have to – and was injured several times. It sounds like at the end of many battles, he was the guy in charge of making repairs to fix fortification battle scars and make improvements to them to further protect new or existing properties of the King.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8OHM-xqUek/TqgKxoMBJrI/AAAAAAAAIPc/S6IynEv87RM/s1600/PA080049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8OHM-xqUek/TqgKxoMBJrI/AAAAAAAAIPc/S6IynEv87RM/s200/PA080049.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort du Petit Bé in Saint-Malo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Innovative militarily, he invented a form of warfare called “parallel trenches” that was <a href="http://bit.ly/rQT6d7">used</a> until the end of the 19<sup>th</sup> century, whereby his troops would build trenches parallel to the walls of a city where it was more difficult for defending troops to fire at their attackers. Here, it was easier for Vauban's troops to plant mines that could make a breach to enter the city. The first and most famous use of this was in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Netherlands</st1:country-region>, in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/rTbuBw">Maastricht</a></st1:place></st1:city>. Vauban was also innovative where water was involved, fortifying cities near water sources in a way that involved flooding if enemy troops got too close. He is also believed to be among the first (if not <i>the </i>first) to employ<a href="http://bit.ly/smggJs"> ricochet</a> warfare, firing rounds that could take out other artillery and would "bounce" inside a fortification's walls to create further damage from the same round.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Rewarded with several promotions, including governorship of <st1:city w:st="on">Lille</st1:city> in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region> (within a citadel he constructed), Vauban remains one of the greatest military engineers in French history. And history continues to reward him; in 2008, <a href="http://bit.ly/ttBrSz">twelve</a> of his fortification sites in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region> were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Vauban Elsewhere</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">In addition to his work in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region>, <st1:city w:st="on">Saint-Malo</st1:city> and Cancale, Vauban’s handiwork was utilized all the way toward <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region>’s Rhine (Louis XIV was pushing to control all land west of the river), at Aix-la-Chapelle (today’s <st1:city w:st="on">Aachen</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region>) and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Frieburg</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place>. In all, he built or modified more than <a href="http://bit.ly/udEuHO">130</a> – or <a href="http://bit.ly/rQT6d7">160</a> or even <a href="http://bit.ly/uZ2F1m">300</a>, depending on where you look – fortifications. (There's an interesting map of some of his work in France <a href="http://bit.ly/udEuHO">here</a> if you scroll down the page.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Closer to Luxembourg, you can see great examples of Vauban’s designs, of course, here in <a href="http://bit.ly/tLa6lR">Luxembourg Ville</a>, but also in <a href="http://bit.ly/txg1XZ">Bitche</a> (France), in <a href="http://bit.ly/ttdfxH">Bouillon</a> (Belgium), in <a href="http://bit.ly/sHwFWS">Namur</a> (Belgium), <a href="http://bit.ly/rO1vBy">Longwy</a> (France), <a href="http://bit.ly/teyPxP">Strasbourg</a> (France), and in <a href="http://bit.ly/vi2wMn">Lille</a> (where the citadel is still occupied by the French army) and <a href="http://bit.ly/scO2kc">Douai</a> (France). And that's just the tip of the iceburg – there are plenty more examples further afield.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(See? He really is everywhere.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If You Go to Cancale</span></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OuIu97-k_Ag/TqhkFvzJvAI/AAAAAAAAIPo/95uaC0haFh8/s1600/PA070038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OuIu97-k_Ag/TqhkFvzJvAI/AAAAAAAAIPo/95uaC0haFh8/s320/PA070038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cancale</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Transportation</u>:</span> </b>Last year we rented a car and drove, this year we took trains for most of the ride; I highly, highly recommend trains. You won’t have to fuss with traffic, filling up at the gas pump, or fumble for euros at the <i>péage</i>. Connections from <st1:city w:st="on">Paris</st1:city> are frequent to both <st1:city w:st="on">Rennes</st1:city> and <st1:city w:st="on">Saint-Malo</st1:city> and you can rent a car at the train station in either spot, or take a bus to Cancale from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saint-Malo</st1:place></st1:city>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Activity Planning</u>:</span> </b>Obviously, sitting outside and eating oysters all afternoon is a great place to start... If you want to rent bicycles, go on a hike, visit museums, take a boat ride or a horseback ride on the beach: visit the <a href="http://bit.ly/ucKMnC">tourism office web site</a>. Earlier this fall, there was a link where you could request free brochures, but I can’t seem to find it now. So, if you can’t decide what to do by looking at their web site, give them a call at +33 02 99 89 63 72 (they speak English) or e-mail them at <a href="mailto:ot.cancale@wanadoo.fr">ot.cancale@wanadoo.fr</a> and ask for hiking brochures, an activity guide, bicycle route maps and a Cancale city map. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7U_-xEsPZbM/TqhoAHdxklI/AAAAAAAAIPw/vZHUSQmHRrU/s1600/oysters.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7U_-xEsPZbM/TqhoAHdxklI/AAAAAAAAIPw/vZHUSQmHRrU/s200/oysters.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Obviously, the best meal in town.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where to Stay:</u> </span></b>There are several hotels that are probably perfectly lovely, but we’ve enjoyed staying at <a href="http://bit.ly/uTmc0b">Le Querrien</a> on both trips. The rooms are decorated in a nautical theme, complete with wooden oars as headboards. The hotel is away from the cluster of hotels next to the lighthouse and oyster beds, so it’s a little quieter while still being seconds away from seaside bars and restaurants. Their off season prices are a steal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where to Eat</u>:</span> </b>Every restaurant that you see is going to offer their version of a seafood tower – a massive, two to three tiered platter of oysters, langoustines, crab, mussles and other seafood delights. It’s something to try once, and it makes for some good photos. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We visited <b>Le Surcouf</b> (7 Quai Gambetta) both last year and this year and had excellent meals both times and really, really wonderful service – I highly recommend it. There’s a restaurant for tasty <i>galettes</i> that’s appropriately called <b>Le Crêperie du Port </b>(1 Place du Calvaire). We also had a nice dinner at <a href="http://bit.ly/w08JB0">Le Cancalais</a> (skip their <i>soupe de poissons</i>, though). <b>Au Pied d’Cheval </b>is a good place for oysters and bowls of mussels and has a fun rustic atmosphere. By the lighthouse, <b>Chez Victor</b> is good for a cup of local Val de Rance cider.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you go, have a wonderful trip! And be on the lookout for sightings of Vauban's handiwork... </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-71849438031000249472011-10-21T00:42:00.004+02:002011-10-21T10:50:11.390+02:00Weekend Roundup, Oct. 21-23<div class="MsoNormal">This face was meant for radio and today, it's going to do just that: I'm making my debut this morning on Luxembourg's <a href="http://bit.ly/oDVPji">ARA City Radio</a> for a very brief, shining moment during Sara Flanagan's 9-11am block to plug a couple of events going on this weekend in Luxembourg. This might be my only shot at radio fame, so wish me luck! (If it goes badly, at least Urban is on my way home.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Or, instead of wishing me luck, perhaps you could help everyone else out and chime in below? Overall, I have to say that this is a pretty awesome weekend to be a kid in Luxembourg (check out the Saturday events). But what other activities should be included in the Weekend Roundup that you've got your eye on? </div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Friday, Oct. 21</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/nFxj40">Foire d’Automne</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>When:</u></span> </b>Runs through Oct. 23. Friday 2pm-9pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-7pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u></span></b> Luxexpo</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>What:</u></span> </b>If you’ve got a construction, renovation or home decorating project on your to-do list, this is the place to be. More than 480 exhibitors from a dozen countries are available to talk about their services and show off products that will make your home more fabulous.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Cost:</u></span></b> Free tickets are available all over town (or <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1610844760"></span>e-mail me</a> for one). If you have to pay, adults are 5€ but children 18 and under are free. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/rtFyy4">BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When:</span></u></b> Runs through October 23</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u></span> </b>CK Sportscenter Kockelscheuer (2, rue Léon Laval, Leudelange)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>What:</u></span> </b>Though called different names under different sponsors, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s international tennis tournament has been running for nearly 20 years. Check out the web site for the order of play on <a href="http://bit.ly/pP0QAu">Friday</a>, <a href="http://bit.ly/qbtxmE">Saturday</a>, and <a href="http://bit.ly/q2xUv6">Sunday</a>. A few special activities are going on this weekend at the tournament, from a magic show to autograph signings to brunch – check out the event list <a href="http://bit.ly/pXaNAU">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Cost:</u></span></b> Adult tickets for the singles and doubles ¼ Finals are 31€, Semi-Finals are 37€, and Finals are 43€. Ticket information <a href="http://bit.ly/nyj9fm">here</a>, but tickets are also available online at <a href="http://bit.ly/pY7rew">LuxembourgTicket.lu</a>. Slightly discounted tickets are available for children 15 and younger.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday, Oct. 22</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/oKUyzv">Dragons for Breakfast</a></span></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>When:</u></span> </b>Saturday Oct. 22 only, 10am to 1:30pm (session one), and 2pm to 5:30pm (session two).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> Gonderange, 14km northeast of Luxembourg Ville. The address of the event will be sent to you when you RSVP.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>What:</u></span></b> Twice a year, in June and in October, a small group of <a href="http://bit.ly/p9bMpM">artists</a> get together to run this hands-on arts event. It’s a chance for your child, age 1½ to 16, to get creative with paint, clay, tiles, paper, and lots of other colorful mediums. Children choose three activities per session from a list that includes; silk painting, mosaics, t-shirt design, making clay gargoyles, lantern-making, creating dragon puppets from recyclable materials, and painting baby ceramic dragons, mugs, and other items to take home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Warm fall foods like chili and pumpkin soup will be available for purchase on site, as will curry and pizza donated by local businesses. Proceeds raised from entrance fees and food sold at the event go to a great cause: 90% of what you pay goes directly to <a href="http://bit.ly/quKX2s">Let the Children Live</a>, an organization which supports street children in Medellín, Colombia by providing them with food, shelter and education. (In the last five years of hosting children’s events like this one, Dragons for Breakfast has raised an impressive 50,000€ for the organization.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br />
</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Cost:</u></span> </b>25€ per child, per session. RSVP required; spaces are going fast, so e-mail now to reserve a place for your child at <a href="mailto:info@dragonsforbreakfast.com">info@dragonsforbreakfast.com</a>. (Tip: They've got more availability for the 10am - 1:30pm session.) Parents of young children are encouraged to stick around, but all parents are invited to participate. Art smocks will be provided, but children should dress appropriately for the weather and wear clothes that can withstand a few new art-inspired stains.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Volunteers:</u></span></b> They’re still looking for helpers; if you’re interested in volunteering for a shift or for the day, e-mail <a href="mailto:info@dragonsforbreakfast.com">info@dragonsforbreakfast.com</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/qVtVR3">Trauliicht Brennen</a></span> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>When:</u></span> </b>October 22 to November 3, 10am to 7pm (full day entry), or 2:30 to 7pm (half day entry)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> ‘<a href="http://bit.ly/oKN4U1">ARobbesscheier</a>’ the rural museum in Munshausen, in northern <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">What:</span></u></b> The Luxembourgish tradition of “Trauliicht Brennen” takes place this time every year. While there’s no door-to-door begging for sweets involved during this late October event, it’s tradition to carve a beetroot (a turnip) into a scary lantern into which a candle is placed; the frightening glow is meant to scare away evil spirits of winter in order to usher the young and old healthfully and happily into the New Year. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a special addition to the rural museum’s regular lineup (for kids to adults) of several workshops including; baking, gardening, beekeeping, candle-making, honey-making, pottery-making, animal-feeding, wool-collecting, milling, saw-milling, wheat-harvesting, pony-riding or a colonial carriage ride, scary-turnip-carving (a.k.a. Trauliicht Brennen) has been added to the list. Each workshop lasts for 30-60 minutes and for a full day, up to five workshops can be completed. Workshop registration takes place when you enter the museum. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you and your child(ren) would like to take part in something really unique, mark your calendars for <b>October 29</b>, the biggest Trauliicht Brennen event put on by the museum. Beetroots will be carved – get one there or bring your own – and then paraded through Munshausen in a procession. This begins at 6pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br />
</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Cost:</u></span> </b>A half-day at the museum is 12€ and a full day costs 20€, per person. Calling ahead for the Trauliicht Brennen workshop is a good idea; you can reach the ‘A Robbesscheier’ rural museum at 92 17 45. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u>Sunday, October 23</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/p6RVIW">Rugby World Cup Final</a> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><b>When:</b></u></span> 10am CET</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><u>What:</u></b></span> If there’s an excuse for a Sunday morning pint, this is it. France and New Zealand battle it out this morning for the Rugby World Cup.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> <a href="http://bit.ly/oT4AnK">Urban</a> (2, rue de la Boucherie, old town) is serving a full Irish breakfast, <a href="http://bit.ly/o4rIiI">Fu Bar</a> (57 Rue de la Tour Jacob, Clausen) is serving a full breakfast (English, Irish or Scottish, depending what you order), <a href="http://bit.ly/rf2MHn">The Tube</a> (8 rue Sigefroi, old town) is serving a full English breakfast, and <a href="http://bit.ly/oFfqA3">The Black Stuff</a> (15 Val de Hamm, Pulvermühle) will be showing the game as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This certainly isn’t the full list of bars showing the game; if you’ve got an addition, please drop it in the comments section below.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/oiPFxK">Jazz Brunch at Neumünster Abbey</a></span></b></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>When:</u></span></b> 11:30am</span></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>What:</u></span> </b>This week’s weekly jazz brunch features the Big Band Echternach. The concert is free, but you’ll want to stick around for brunch afterward.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Where:</span></u></b> The concert and brunch take place in the Brasserie Neumünster in the Grund; reservations recommended. Call 26 20 52 981 or make a reservation online <a href="http://bit.ly/rsuQNN">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: bold;"><u>Cost:</u></span><b> </b>30€ per person for the brunch buffet. The jazz is free. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/pDfDvw">Mantelsonndeg</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>When:</u></span></b> Sunday, Oct. 23 from 2pm – 6pm<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Where:</u> </span></b>Luxembourg Ville, Esch-sur-Alzette, Ettelbruck, Differdange, Grevenmacher, Foetz/Mondercange, and shopping centers: Auchan, Belle Etoile, Belval Plaza, City Concorde, Topaz, the Shopping Arena in Strassen (Batiself), and the Walfer Shopping Center in Walferdange.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">What:</b> </span>352LuxMag reports that this is a more modern <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> tradition, the five-year-old initiative of an organization called “Fédération de la mode”. Shops in larger shopping centers across the country are allowed to open on a Sunday before All Saints Day to give people an extra day to enhance their winter wardrobes. I was out of town last year, but I hear folks really get into it, with crémant stands and everything. (Brilliant, because if you’re like me, after a glass or two of bubbly, I’m definitely in the mood to do some shopping!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>More info:</u></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span>Check out these articles in the <a href="http://bit.ly/oiBleR">Luxemburger Wort/English</a> and in <a href="http://bit.ly/oFmHO8">352 LuxMag</a>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bon weekend!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-32337580788452172392011-10-05T18:04:00.000+02:002011-10-05T18:04:15.897+02:00User’s Guide: Getting to Germany for a Klein Price<div class="MsoNormal">Over the past several months, I’ve shared tips for getting to <a href="http://bit.ly/kVLMYJ">Paris</a> (and the rest of <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region>) on the cheap, I’ve told you how to get to and from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> on <a href="http://bit.ly/dFTCXt">Ryanair</a>, and I’ve told you how to visit wineries in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Provence</st1:state></st1:place> <a href="http://bit.ly/oPEyuN">via public bus</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, it’s <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s turn. And there are a lot of <i>wunderbar</i> deals to be had on the Deutsche Bahn (DB). Of course, the standard rule applies: the earlier you can book, the better your chances of scoring a cheaper ticket from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. But there are several ways you can be creative about booking your travel, and several options for last minute trips from Luxembourg Ville.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">CFL Day Trip Specials</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQbf81bHixo/Tox_tmToTLI/AAAAAAAAIPA/Y-8_U8USfUM/s1600/trier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQbf81bHixo/Tox_tmToTLI/AAAAAAAAIPA/Y-8_U8USfUM/s200/trier.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trier's old Roman gate, the <br />
Porta Nigra, at night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">CFL, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region>’s national train service, and DB, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s national train service, have partnered to offer several discounted fares to places that make great day trips. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These round-trip tickets can be purchased from the CFL or DB ticket windows and are valid for same-day travel in 2<sup>nd</sup> class. (First class tickets are also available, but not really worth the money…save those extra Euros for pretzels and beer when you get to Deutschland.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The price is the same whether you start your day trip in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/lx1WqX">Luxembourg</a></st1:country-region> or in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/p1iWUp">Germany</a></st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Town<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>2<sup>nd</sup> class fare<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Trier</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">8,40€<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Wittlich<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">14€<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Bullay<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">20€<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Cochem<o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">23€<o:p></o:p></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 95.4pt;" valign="top" width="127"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Koblenz</st1:place></st1:city><o:p></o:p></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.5in;" valign="top" width="144"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">32€</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Read my post about pairing <a href="http://bit.ly/mcehpP"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Trier</st1:place></st1:city> and Cochem</a> for the ultimate day trip, complete with maps.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Beyond the Border Area</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">There are three tickets available that you can use either to see the cities themselves, or to get to airports and larger DB train stations, which may cheapen train and airfare for you to further away places in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> and beyond.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">Köln/Cologne:</u> </span>CFL offers discounted tickets to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cologne</st1:place></st1:city> for just<b> 19€ each way</b>, every day of the week. The offer is not valid on every train to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cologne</st1:city></st1:place>, so you’ll be asked to select your train times when you book your tickets. Check my previous post about <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cologne</st1:place></st1:city>, <a href="http://bit.ly/hXdwfK">here</a>.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In <st1:city w:st="on">Cologne</st1:city>, you can catch fast trains or airplanes from the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cologne</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bonn</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Airport</st1:placetype></st1:place> (airline list <a href="http://bit.ly/rqHPEg">here</a>). So, let’s say you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berlin</st1:place></st1:state>. As of today, looking at flights that depart on Dec. 28 and return on Jan. 3, a round-trip flight from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> is 316€, but there are no direct flights. On the same dates, a round-trip, nonstop flight from <st1:city w:st="on">Cologne</st1:city> is only 75€ plus 38€ for your train ticket (19€ each way) to and from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u>Saarbrücken:</u></span></b> For 14€ each way, you can take a bus from the Luxembourg Gare to the Saarbrücken Hauptbahnhof (Hbf). You are required to reserve your bus departure and return time when you book your ticket, and you can consult the schedule in advance online <a href="http://bit.ly/pMCqnR">here</a>. <span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is another place to look for cheaper train fare and cheaper airfare. To wit: at the moment, the New Year’s flight to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berlin</st1:place></st1:state> I mentioned above is 124€ from Saarbrücken, plus 14€ each way for bus fare.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Saarbrücken -Ensheim Airport (SCN) is a 25 minute bus ride (2,40€) away. Check bus timetables <a href="http://bit.ly/pSg1D6">here</a>, or view the airport’s web page <a href="http://bit.ly/qVkA7U">here</a> for their advice on transportation to and from SCN. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zN9V7kG9_U8/Tox_NaDutPI/AAAAAAAAIO8/5BQBoXcHwF8/s1600/saarpfalz.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zN9V7kG9_U8/Tox_NaDutPI/AAAAAAAAIO8/5BQBoXcHwF8/s200/saarpfalz.JPG" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/qCZyDy">Click here</a></b> for a map of all<br />
stations on the<br />
Saarland/Rhineland-Pfalz <br />
ticket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The Länder-Ticket:</span></u></b> Every federal German state has a special ticket called a Länder-Ticket that is valid any day of the week for unlimited travel on “all network traffic” which means trains, the S-bahn, U-bahn, trams and buses, within one federal state for 1 to 5 people. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> borders the Rhineland-Pfalz and <st1:state w:st="on">Saarland</st1:state> states of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and the DB has kindly combined these two states into one ticket: the Saarland/Rhineland-Pfalz Länder-Ticket. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You will need to get yourself to a train station in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> to “start” this ticket. If you’re trying this for the first time, I recommend buying the CFL 8€ ticket to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Trier</st1:place></st1:city> and starting your journey within Saarland/Rhineland-Pfalz there. Of course, you’re going to have to do a little bit of math, but if you’re traveling with at least one other person, it’s probably going to be a good deal.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For example, let’s say that your wife’s parents are visiting next weekend and you’d like to head to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Koblenz</st1:place></st1:city> to see the final weekend of the <a href="http://bit.ly/oHUByS">BUGA</a> flower show. You could buy four tickets at the day trip rate above for 32€ each, for a whopping total of 128€. Or you could buy four day trip tickets to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Trier</st1:place></st1:city> for 8€ each, and one Saarland/Rhineland-Pfalz Länder-Ticket online for the four of you to share for 30€ and pay a total of 64€ instead, for the very same day trip. (See? Who said math wasn’t fun?)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Book the Länder-Ticket online <a href="http://bit.ly/pqhzSJ">here</a> or buy it for a couple more euros at a DB kiosk or ticket agent in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Here is <a href="http://bit.ly/qCZyDy">a map of all the stations</a> you can travel between within the Saarland/Rhineland-Pfalz region. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center"> <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.7pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>People<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.65pt;" valign="top" width="118"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Online Ticket Price<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.7pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">1</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.65pt;" valign="top" width="118"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">21€</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.7pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">2</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.65pt;" valign="top" width="118"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">24€</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.7pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">3</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.65pt;" valign="top" width="118"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">27€</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.7pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">4</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.65pt;" valign="top" width="118"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">30€</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 56.7pt;" valign="top" width="76"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">5</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 88.65pt;" valign="top" width="118"> <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">33€</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is, however, one funny thing to keep in mind with this ticket: dogs count as people on the Länder-Ticket, so if you are traveling with Fido, you need to count him in as one of the people traveling on your ticket.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">A Happy Weekend (With Friends)</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Of course, you can book the Länder-Ticket for your group of 5, any day of the week if you’d like. Or you can book the <a href="http://bit.ly/r5GVKr">Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket</a> (Happy Weekend Ticket). This ticket is valid for up to five people for 39€ on Saturdays and Sundays from midnight until 3am the following day, and is valid for unlimited trips within the same day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(I’m not sure how this ticket is a better deal than the Länder-Ticket, but if I find out, I’ll let you know…)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy travels!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-28039945353064196842011-09-28T02:14:00.006+02:002011-09-28T11:04:13.726+02:00The Mythbuster Tour<div class="MsoNormal">It’s taken me two days to sit down and write this post because I haven’t been able to walk to my computer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Okay, that’s a <i>slight</i> exaggeration, but my legs have been a bit sore. That’s because Nick and I did a Very Awesome Thing this past Sunday: we went on a 6.5 hour guided walking tour around the former fortress fortification lines of Luxembourg Ville. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a program that has been offered once a year for the past four years by the <st1:place w:st="on"><a href="http://bit.ly/qbpNtC">Luxembourg City History Museum</a></st1:place> and this year, I happened to stumble upon it on the museum’s web site. (A notice also appeared in Lux Ville’s <i>CityMag</i>; order your free subscription by e-mailing your <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Lux</st1:country-region></st1:place> mailing address to <a href="mailto:citymag@vdl.lu">citymag@vdl.lu</a>.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The walk was essentially a combination of the Vauban and Wenzel city walks, with some passages through outlying neighborhoods thrown in for good measure. There were only nine people in the English-speaking group including Nick and myself, so I’m guessing that you may not have been able to make it to the event. But don’t worry, I’ve got a few fun facts from our fabulous, fearless guide to share that will make you feel like you went along for the tour...</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1. One of the oldest trees in the city is in the courtyard of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Lux</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">History</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-62i2HM180/ToJfD-P4oRI/AAAAAAAAIOk/ompK0jR_17M/s1600/big+tree+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-62i2HM180/ToJfD-P4oRI/AAAAAAAAIOk/ompK0jR_17M/s200/big+tree+before.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tour group, next to the old tree.<br />
<i>Photo by André Rosa.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Just a little tidbit that you can impress your friends with the next time you head to the museum's courtyard for a drink or a bite. (Don’t worry, these fun facts get more interesting as you continue below.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To get to the courtyard, enter the museum at 14 rue du Saint Esprit and turn left when you walk inside, pass through the gift shop and turn left through a door that leads outside to the courtyard brasserie.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p><br />
</o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">2. People actually<i> live</i> here.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuWPayVt1hI/ToJgdX4zx4I/AAAAAAAAIOs/uy66jQ6Bgt4/s1600/P9040014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuWPayVt1hI/ToJgdX4zx4I/AAAAAAAAIOs/uy66jQ6Bgt4/s200/P9040014.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient tower,<br />
current housing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">There are several towers around town that have been preserved from centuries past. I thought that they were just lovingly repaired or reconstructed, empty monuments left to show how fortified the old fortress of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg City</st1:place></st1:city> used to be. Apparently, I thought wrong: many of these old monuments also double as <i>homes</i>! Our guide told us that people have been living there for generations and that rent to the government is as low as 500€ per month. </div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have no idea how to fact check this, but if you happen to be reading Luxemblog and you live in one of these <i>trés</i> cool accommodations, will you please e-mail me at <a href="mailto:luxemblogger@gmail.com">luxemblogger@gmail.com</a> so we can chat? I am so curious to know what life is like inside one of these towers…and even<i> more</i> curious to know how you moved in your furniture! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3. The casemates are longer, darker and way more accessible to you than you think.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m guessing that we’ve hosted guests for about four solid months of the year and a half we’ve been living in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. (And yes, we have had a lovely time with all of you, though we’ve <i>particularly</i> loved those of you who brought us bags of Starbucks Italian Roast...wink, wink!) Which is to say that I’ve been inside the Bock and Pétrusse Casemates more times than I have fingers and toes. They are interesting and a definite must-see in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, but if you’ve read the brochure that you get for free with your entrance fee, you’ll see that there are actually 23 kilometers of tunnels that run beneath the city – much, much more than you get to see on your self-guided tour of the public casemates. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftEqknbCPHg/ToJgXcVHbzI/AAAAAAAAIOo/MW2tt96mwEA/s1600/vaubancasemates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftEqknbCPHg/ToJgXcVHbzI/AAAAAAAAIOo/MW2tt96mwEA/s200/vaubancasemates.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Vauban casemates.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(A quick interlude for those who have no idea what I’m talking about: the casemates are a vast network of tunnels carved into the rocky underground to the west and valley walls to the eastern side of central Luxembourg Ville. They were carved for military purposes in defending the city, and date mainly back to Spanish rule of Luxembourg in the middle 17<sup>th</sup> century, but were extended by the Italians, Belgians, French, Dutch and Prussians, and especially improved upon during Austrian rule. The casemates were even used during the two world wars as a shelter in case of attack. For more background, take a look at this <a href="http://bit.ly/neTinw">very helpful brochure</a>.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9nj-DPA_eI/ToJohNYVAbI/AAAAAAAAIO4/ZJT0JoUcfm0/s1600/FFGL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9nj-DPA_eI/ToJohNYVAbI/AAAAAAAAIO4/ZJT0JoUcfm0/s200/FFGL.JPG" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit the casemates beneath <br />
Plateau Saint Esprit on Oct. 2!<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/r4F9uz">Click here to view the flyer.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>As part of this walking tour, we had the opportunity to enter casemates not regularly open to the public. The tunnels opened for our tour ran near the site of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Vauban</st1:placename></st1:place>, a former outpost that lies beneath today’s Villa Vauban art museum, where fortress ruins can be partially seen from the basement. Nearly the entire western wall of the fortress lies beneath the city park, so if you see a discreet set of rocky stairs leading underground to a locked door, chances are probably good that you’ve stumbled upon an entrance to the casemates.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To enter, we walked down a set of stone stairs that I must have passed a hundred times before while living here, but never noticed. (Find them on the left side of Boulevard Prince Henri after it crosses Avenue Emile Reuter.) We quickly learned why we were told to bring flashlights on the guided walk: it is d-a-r-k down there! Tealights had been lit along the way by the casemate key-holders, the Frënn vun der Festungsgeschicht Lëtzebuerg (Friends of the Fortress of Luxembourg), but they only lit the way enough to see white markings on doorways naming tunnels that led elsewhere beneath the city park, surely added long after the fortress was dismantled in 1867. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We walked only a short loop, but I think it’s fair to say that it left everyone in our group with a taste for exploring more of the non-public casemates that lie beneath our city. Lucky for us – and for you – the Friends of the Fortress have organized a tour of the casemates that lie beneath the Plateau Saint Esprit. <u>It takes place this <b>Saturday, October 1</b> <b>at 2:00pm</b>.</u> Meet in the Cité Judiciare, outside the elevator that travels down to the Grund. Cost is 4€ (kids are free) and you should bring a flashlight. <a href="http://bit.ly/r4F9uz">Click here to view the flyer </a>(in German) or contact the <a href="http://bit.ly/oZboSM">Friends of the Fortress</a> with questions.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NSVlal3nkg8/ToJhl4OKtWI/AAAAAAAAIOw/kBXl4V7B0lk/s1600/P8280041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NSVlal3nkg8/ToJhl4OKtWI/AAAAAAAAIOw/kBXl4V7B0lk/s200/P8280041.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misleading high water marks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">4. The high water marks in the Grund are fake.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Apparently, some years ago the marks noting high water from record flooding of the Alzette and Petrusse rivers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries were painted over. According to our guide, the signs that are there today are just somebody’s best guess.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">5. The Gëlle Fra never went missing after WW2. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Gëlle Fra (Golden Lady) is the Luxembourgish equivalent to the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>’ Statue of Liberty. She is the gold-plated statue of a woman draped in a toga-like dress, holding a wreath of laurel. The Golden Lady was created by artist Claus Cito after the first Word War to commemorate fallen Luxembourgish soldiers who fought with the French. It was installed in Place de la Constitution in 1923…much to the objection of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s Cathedral Notre Dame, which was not so keen on the public display of a woman wearing such scant clothing practically across the street. So, they pushed to have the statue elevated so high above spectators below that people would be less likely to see her true appearance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6xc6lUylw8/ToJjMDbEK_I/AAAAAAAAIO0/gc6v96phcOI/s1600/gelle+fra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6xc6lUylw8/ToJjMDbEK_I/AAAAAAAAIO0/gc6v96phcOI/s200/gelle+fra.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gëlle Fra </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">During the second World War, the Gëlle Fra was seen by locals as a symbol of resistance against occupying forces. Viewing it as a thorn in their side, the occupying Nazis tore down the Gëlle Fra. She disappeared for the next several decades. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In most books or documents you’ll read, you’ll find only a gap between when the statue was torn down in 1940 and when it was reinstalled in 1985. There were several rumors and assumptions about her disappearance. Some believed that the Nazis had melted the statue because they thought that it was pure gold, others assumed that the Gëlle Fra had been destroyed completely and lie buried, never to be found again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But, thanks to a teacher from Wiltz, the Gëlle Fra was “found” in the early 1980s. The teacher was one of several throughout the country who had learned the open secret that the statue had been rediscovered and then banished to the catacombs of the national football stadium, the Stade Josy Barthel. (Allow me to remind you where she had previously been installed and the powerful organization that didn’t care to look at her scandalous attire every day…) The teacher decided to do something about it and approached <i>Escher Tageblatt </i>journalist Josy Braun with the scoop of the decade.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a 2010 <a href="http://bit.ly/pAYlZ3">interview with the <i>Lëtzebuerg Revue</i></a>, Braun recounted the tale of how he broke the story nearly forty years earlier, in 1981, that the Gëlle Fra was hidden in plain view. From what I can gather via Google Translate, Braun acted on the advice of the aforementioned teacher and went to the stadium to investigate. He took a photographer along and the two were able to convince a janitor to take them to the statue. The janitor would not allow photographs, but the two could observe the statue where she was kept, beneath the bleachers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Naturally, they took a photo anyway. Braun then took the picture to the city mayor at the time, who admitted to having known for two years about the statue’s whereabouts (and was none too pleased that the secret would surface on his watch). Faced with a national scandal on his hands, the mayor agreed that he would have the statue reinstalled in its permanent home in Place de la Constitution after Braun’s story ran. And so it did, under the headline “Prominent Luxembourger kept hidden for 40 years” on June 22, 1981: the eve of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s National Day. Braun got his story and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> got its prized Gëlle Fra. She was reinstalled to her former glory on National Day (June 23), 1985.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now <i>there’s</i> a fun fact to remember the next time you notice the large gap of “missing” years in the Gëlle Fra’s history...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>(Further reading: If you know German, or have the patience to copy and paste into Google Translate, <a href="http://bit.ly/pH1ojv">this booklet</a> released as part of the Gelle Fra’s tour to the 2010 World Expo in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Shanghai</st1:place></st1:city> may be of interest.) </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-29328195841024574142011-09-06T15:58:00.002+02:002011-09-06T17:21:15.631+02:00Bragging Rights for the Unathletic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTzxA51wA40/TlzkKhupIII/AAAAAAAAILM/LkS_l6-uUFg/s1600/P8210054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTzxA51wA40/TlzkKhupIII/AAAAAAAAILM/LkS_l6-uUFg/s200/P8210054.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">As a newlywed, there are certain things you agree to because you think your significant other will eventually forget about them. Like riding your bicycle halfway across the country.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A few weekends ago, we finally completed a ride that Nick has wanted to do for over a year: the Piste Cyclable 2, a bike path that stretches from Luxembourg Ville to Echternach on the Luxembourg-Germany border, a one-way ride of 42 kilometers. It wouldn’t be our longest ride ever, but I was nervous because we had ridden part of this path last summer; I remembered more than one large hill, and had a nagging fear that there could be a lot more. And if there’s one thing that this House Frau does <i>not</i> like, it’s hills. (This would be in addition to wind and rain, if you’re asking.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While I secretly prayed for a thunderstorm, we went ahead and made plans to ride to Echternach on a Saturday and spend the night. On Sunday, we would cycle home along the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sûre</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place> on Piste Cyclable 3, a short 24km and mostly flat ride to the Wasserbillig train station where we’d catch a train back to the city.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday Morning</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick practically rolled out of bed wearing his bike helmet. I, on the other hand, tried to delay the inevitable by working my procrastination magic: I drank my coffee as s-l-o-w-l-y as I could, I hemmed and hawed about what kind of clothing and toiletries to pack in my backpack, and then I made sure that every single plant in our apartment had been watered.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, Nick had had enough of my little game and threw the ultimate guilt card at me: “Well, if you really don’t want to go, we don’t have to go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, we went. And it actually turned out to be one of the most interesting adventures we’ve taken yet in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>, and one that I’d highly recommend. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m pretty sure I’m the Least Athletic Person in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, so, if I can do it: you can, too. Here’s the play-by-play so you know what to expect if you go:</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0Cjx-klg2U/TlzjbRU9EfI/AAAAAAAAIIM/Q66haZZsey4/s1600/P8200001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0Cjx-klg2U/TlzjbRU9EfI/AAAAAAAAIIM/Q66haZZsey4/s200/P8200001.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling up at the free air pump.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Starting the Trail</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">On our way out of town, we stopped to fill up at the free air tank at the top of the city park, next to the Vel’oh station at the Schuman roundabout. The city installed it earlier this year and it’s a godsend to anyone on two wheels. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We crossed the red bridge over to Kirchberg and pedaled the low uphill grade along Boulevard Konrad Adenauer toward Luxexpo; staying left at the roundabout, we turned onto the paved forest path that leads toward Senningerberg. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In Senningerberg, the path crosses a busy street into a residential area before passing a small playground and descending into another forest. When this hill flattens out, you’ll get to choose your own adventure and continue to the left or to the right. Both paths reconnect after a few kilometers – so, it’s impossible to take a wrong turn here – but turning left will take you uphill for a very, very long way. We continued to the right, crossing the short wooden bridge and eventually coming to a clearing that offered an expansive view of Hostert, Oberanven and Rameldange down below.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3SMYJOrfdc/TlzjeQ8Oa6I/AAAAAAAAIIY/NfEWFrjm6tY/s1600/P8200004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3SMYJOrfdc/TlzjeQ8Oa6I/AAAAAAAAIIY/NfEWFrjm6tY/s200/P8200004.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Hill</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">The trail carries on through the small town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ernster</st1:place></st1:city>; once through the town, we crossed a busy street to pedal up a hill that is shared with vehicle traffic. It looked a little steeper than it felt. Toward the top, we followed the signs left and the route turned into bicycle path once more, taking us into rolling farmland that makes up a part of the “Gutland” agricultural region of central <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is where things got a little painful. The hill, which I think is called the “Headhaff,” starts so slowly that it’s a bit deceiving. We had done this part of the trail before, and this was the hill I was dreading. It’s the kind of hill that begins in such a way that you don’t even realize you’re starting to pedal up a hill, until after you round a slight bend and see <i>more</i> uphill that will feel like it just keeps going and going. (When you get there, you’ll know what I’m talking about.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I took my time and eventually made it to the top, with the help of the face-saving strategy of telling Nick that I took such a long time to catch up because I “stopped to snap a quick picture” and that I also “paused for a little swig of water.” <i>Certainly</i>, I didn’t need to stop because I was <i>so</i> out of breath that I thought I might keel over! (wink wink)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pYEY3Mj7-c/TlzjizVxzQI/AAAAAAAAIIo/hUgVZHv_V9A/s1600/P8200008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3pYEY3Mj7-c/TlzjizVxzQI/AAAAAAAAIIo/hUgVZHv_V9A/s200/P8200008.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic lunch, with <i>moutarde</i>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, when the path flattens out on the “Mouerbierg” plateau, pat yourself on the back because you’ll have just completed the very worst hill of your one-way adventure. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Downhill From Here</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now we had entered new cycling territory. Our bike trail map had fooled us into expecting two more giant hills shortly after the Mouerbierg plateau, but the hills (thankfully) turned out to be giant downhill slopes from our direction. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To celebrate, we stopped for lunch that included a number of delicious items including – you guessed it – moutarde de <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> (which you may remember me blogging about <a href="http://bit.ly/n4PcKi">here</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/iX8Z9r">here</a>).</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKQI13NEHlg/TlzjkrNxj8I/AAAAAAAAIIw/F34XkbHsJLQ/s1600/P8200010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKQI13NEHlg/TlzjkrNxj8I/AAAAAAAAIIw/F34XkbHsJLQ/s200/P8200010.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many charming villages.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When we picked back up after lunch, we came to a sign that told us Echternach was only 17km away: so close, we could practically touch it! We kept pedaling and a few kilometers later, another sign told us we were 19km away; then another that told us we were 21km away. The numbers I’m recalling now may not be exact, but they were definitely moving in the wrong direction. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I ignored the growing dent from my cheap bicycle seat and kept pedaling on. The countryside views were lovely and, as a further distraction, we were crossing into the forested Müllerthal region of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> where the trees began to thicken. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1901 Railway Tunnel </span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBspYn7xn6Q/Tlzjok5LRtI/AAAAAAAAIJA/yIniRfWzQ9M/s1600/P8200014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xBspYn7xn6Q/Tlzjok5LRtI/AAAAAAAAIJA/yIniRfWzQ9M/s200/P8200014.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1901 railroad tunnel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Riding in the woods, we eventually approached a tunnel. In the middle of the archway, we noticed a stone carved with the date “1901” and realized that what we were about to ride through was an old railway tunnel that had been carved for the “Charly” train, nicknamed after <a href="http://bit.ly/nzGRpr">Charles Rischard</a>, who managed Luxembourg’s transport lines at the time this rail line was created. For forty years between 1904 and 1954, a train ran between Luxembourg Ville and Echternach; it was a slow-moving train that only reached speeds of 25km/hour, but it connected people in the country to new jobs in the city, and farmers and artisans to new markets in which to sell their products. Today, its former route makes up much of the Piste Cyclable 2. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Exiting the tunnel, we rode past an <a href="http://bit.ly/qyKv4I">old railway station</a> in the town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bech</st1:place></st1:city> that serves today as a tourism office, if I remember correctly. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Bomb in Consdorf</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">A short while later, we entered the town of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Consdorf</st1:city></st1:place>. There is a memorial here that has intrigued us when we’ve passed by bus, but have never been close enough to inspect: an unexploded, now defused bomb from WW2. A nearby plaque shares the story of how it came to be located here:</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2LLmNy_b88/TlzjxnWWlBI/AAAAAAAAIJg/f1GpHtIVmRk/s1600/P8200023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d2LLmNy_b88/TlzjxnWWlBI/AAAAAAAAIJg/f1GpHtIVmRk/s200/P8200023.JPG" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Consdorf WW2 memorial.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>In October 1990 this aerial bomb, equipped with an infernal rocket was dug out and defused under especially hazardous conditions by the mine clearance department of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> Army.<o:p></o:p></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>In returning from a mission to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region> in autumn 1944, a bomber plane of the type B17 F “Flying Fortress” of the 8<sup>th</sup> “<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> Army Air Force” had to unballast against its wall two delayed-action bombs each weighing 907kgs and loaded with 447kgs of tritonal.<o:p></o:p></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Penetrating fields near the villages of Consdorf and Breidweiler, they dug six-meter deep bomb craters.<o:p></o:p></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Half a century later, a specimen was put in this place to remember one of the most murderous wars of all times. <o:p></o:p></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>The Council of Consdorf, 1994<o:p></o:p></i></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Into Little <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region></st1:place></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctVD7TCg_Ro/Tlzj1Kg_4oI/AAAAAAAAIOg/DYPE6iI1oOE/s1600/P8200028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctVD7TCg_Ro/Tlzj1Kg_4oI/AAAAAAAAIOg/DYPE6iI1oOE/s200/P8200028.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through Little Switzerland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Following the path from town, we were led back into the forest through the “Little Switzerland” area of the Müllerthal region, so named for the thickly canopied, craggy forest floor that coils around other-worldly rock formations; Luxembourg’s more petite answer to the real thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Little <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region> is a terrific place wander on foot, but zooming past on bicycle was a wholly different experience. The path sloped downward, so all we had to do to enjoy the scenery around us was grip the brakes from time to time and make sure we kept at least one eye on the trail. Apart from the crunch of a few leaves beneath the whirr of our bicycle tires, it was almost eerily quiet; the entire way through, I think I can count on two hands the number of people we passed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Relaxing Among Ruins</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwZvMz8Q2Fc/Tlzj12D57TI/AAAAAAAAIJw/DpCPBfwpI6k/s1600/P8200029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwZvMz8Q2Fc/Tlzj12D57TI/AAAAAAAAIJw/DpCPBfwpI6k/s200/P8200029.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Echternach Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">At the end of the long, downhill forest ride, we followed signs toward the <i>Lac d’Echternach</i>, a man-made lake that sits on 24 acres of parkland. We’ve been to Echternach probably two dozen times since arriving, but still hadn’t made it to the lake, so, we rode the short 2km loop around it to investigate. There’s a playground, plenty of paths for wandering, biking or rollerblading, several small docks, paddleboats, the inevitable mini-golf course and a small snack stand with a large terrace full of umbrella-covered tables overlooking the lake. We decided we’d reward ourselves on the terrace after paying a visit to the lake’s most famous attraction, the <i>Villa Romaine</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The archeological remains of an ancient <a href="http://bit.ly/mZDiZG">Roman villa</a> were discovered in 1975 by workers digging the site for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Echternach</st1:placename></st1:place>, says our <a href="http://bit.ly/lh7Kgg">guidebook</a>. After the ruins were unearthed they were moved nearby and reconstructed in their current location near the northern shore of the lake. The villa is thought to be one of the largest, wealthiest estates of the northwestern <st1:place w:st="on">Roman Empire</st1:place>, with up to 70 rooms on its 118 x 62 meter (387 x 203 feet) ground floor alone. The 1,50€ entrance fee is a small price to pay for an unlimited wander through this treasure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWzBTyLhuXk/Tlzj4KWdFMI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/RcB-uuePBAI/s1600/P8200031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWzBTyLhuXk/Tlzj4KWdFMI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/RcB-uuePBAI/s200/P8200031.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVb0zOwgml0/Tlzj6MdO7QI/AAAAAAAAIKA/Gv1mkYCvBX4/s1600/P8200033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WVb0zOwgml0/Tlzj6MdO7QI/AAAAAAAAIKA/Gv1mkYCvBX4/s200/P8200033.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking east from the Roman ruins, we were reminded of a sight we’ve been curious about for a while: a rocky outcrop with what looks like holes or windows near some kind of domed building, at the top of a large forested hill perhaps a kilometer or two away, on the German side of the Sûre River. Since our friendly host at the ticket sales counter had invited us to ask him any questions we might have, we asked him about the rocky outcrop.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I do not know. That is <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oT2t2BHiW-c/Tlzj9DYv8TI/AAAAAAAAIKM/ynstLzKpUlA/s1600/P8200036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oT2t2BHiW-c/Tlzj9DYv8TI/AAAAAAAAIKM/ynstLzKpUlA/s200/P8200036.JPG" width="200" /></a>Someday, I guess we’ll just have to walk the whole extra kilometer over the Sûre bridge and up the hill to find out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the meantime, it was time to cool off with a cold beer on the snack shop terrace, where we were entertained by a flock of geese who snuck up on an unsuspecting family in search of food.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sunday</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvYFT_hCay0/TlzkRSy0ZQI/AAAAAAAAILo/Is6-91ppA9M/s1600/P8210061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvYFT_hCay0/TlzkRSy0ZQI/AAAAAAAAILo/Is6-91ppA9M/s200/P8210061.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Eau de vie</i> distillery on the PC3.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning we woke up to pouring rain. Nick wanted to tough it out and get started with our ride to the train station. I bet you can guess who<i> didn’t</i> want to get going quite as quickly... We waited it out, and with only a 30 minute delay to our departure, the rain tapered off. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This was a familiar path, and a favorite for taking guests on bicycle when they visit. The Piste Cyclable 3 follows the Sûre southward to where it joins the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Moselle</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It’s a relaxing ride that takes about 1.5 hours from Echternach; it has a few effortless dips and climbs but apart from one not-too-bad hill, it is a relatively flat ride beneath apple trees and through small villages most of the way. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If You Go</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCER_zMldWg/TlzkW31YUXI/AAAAAAAAIMA/wBc3Lcs6jHs/s1600/P8210067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCER_zMldWg/TlzkW31YUXI/AAAAAAAAIMA/wBc3Lcs6jHs/s200/P8210067.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bikes always ride for free <br />
on the <a href="http://www.cfl.lu/">CFL</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">If the promise of seeing an enormous swath of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s landscape isn’t enough to convince you to go, hopefully the centuries of history you’ll pedal through on this particular ride will encourage you. If that’s still not enough, just think about the bragging rights you’ll earn by riding halfway across the country! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Unless the person you’re bragging to has the last name of <a href="http://bit.ly/odzZcG">Schleck</a>, of course.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are a few resources for your trip:</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><a href="http://bit.ly/rnE5JB">National Cycle Network</a>, Administration des Ponts et Chausses (in English)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.biking-tours.lu/cycle-luxembourg/">Luxembourg by Cycle</a>, Office of National Tourism (in English)</li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/o2oSOL">Luxembourg by Cycle (map)</a>, Amazon.co.uk. Also available for 5€ at bookstores and tourism offices around <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg.</st1:place></st1:country-region></li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-1364766108464773952011-08-31T21:58:00.002+02:002011-09-12T11:33:12.239+02:00Time to Wine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aSFbbFl55A/Tl6OjiQJsII/AAAAAAAAIOI/KuFybDxqE2I/s1600/P5290165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aSFbbFl55A/Tl6OjiQJsII/AAAAAAAAIOI/KuFybDxqE2I/s200/P5290165.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>It’s a given that the wines of Luxembourg are delicious: grapes for wine have been grown in this country for over 2,000 years, so, winemakers here<i> obviously </i>know what they’re doing. Taste aside; moving to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> last year, I immediately discovered two wonderful reasons to drink Luxembourgish wine.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First of all, wine is <i>bigger</i> in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>. Oh yes, you read that correctly: in one of the world’s smallest countries and the only Grand Duchy on the planet, the wine is bottled in 100ml bottles that are 25 percent larger than a normal wine bottle. Which makes your lovely dinner last about 25 percent longer. (Don’t worry, it’s available in normal 75ml bottles, too.) We’re talking co-operative produced table wine in big bottles here, but it’s tasty, crisp and refreshing and – to get to the <i>second</i> reason I love Luxembourgish wine – it is<i> so</i> much easier for me to recycle. Instead of walking my grocery cart full of empty jars and wine bottles <i>all </i>the way down the street, nearly a full mile, to the nearest recycle bin like I normally do, I can just skip to the grocery store two minutes around the corner with my giant empties. (Score!) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Alima grocery stores in Luxembourg Ville have a large, boxy green machine, usually near the registers, where you can insert your empty 100ml wine bottles and – <i>voila! </i>– out pops a coupon refunding the 20 cent bottle deposit that you didn’t even <i>realize</i> that you paid because the wine was so inexpensive to begin with. You can use the coupon toward groceries. Or toward more giant bottles of wine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, and did I mention that these giant bottles can be purchased for less than 5€ each?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Keep reading and you’ll get a primer on <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> wine, and a heads up on<b> two</b> can’t-miss wine festivals taking place in September.)</div><a name='more'></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Intro to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> Wine</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92bhFdIhbA4/Tl6N38VLPJI/AAAAAAAAIOA/_-CDbxhKgAM/s1600/P8110356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92bhFdIhbA4/Tl6N38VLPJI/AAAAAAAAIOA/_-CDbxhKgAM/s200/P8110356.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest time in Lux starts <a href="http://bit.ly/pA97Dw">Sept. 12</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The most widely grown grape varieties in Luxembourg are Riesling, Rivaner, Auxerrois, Ebling and Pinot Gris, but a growing number of vintners also grow Gewürtztraminer, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. In addition to traditional wines, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> also produces late harvest wines (<i>vendanges tardives</i>), ice wine (<i>vin de glace</i>) and straw wine (<i>vin de paille</i>). And of course, you already know that sparkling wine in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> is called<i> crémant</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If you’re looking for the ultimate gift or souvenir, Luxembourgish wine is what you’re looking for: you can’t buy it many other places. Most of the wine produced in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> stays in the country and is consumed here. (That might be my fault, sorry.) Of the wine leaving <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region>, 66 percent is exported to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region>, 28 percent to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region>, 5 percent to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region> and the remaining 1 percent to a very, very tiny group of lucky countries elsewhere. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m not a wine critic (I never criticize wine), so you might want to check out <a href="http://bit.ly/pHCyGP">this blog post</a> about Luxembourgish wines, or take a look below at what the experts over at the Vins et Crémants de Luxembourg promotional commission have to say about each variety and how it tastes:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center"><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/riesling.html">Riesling</a></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">Cultivated on the best-oriented terroirs, it gets its elegance and finesse from its bouquet. Considered the “king of wines”, it is a proud and virile wine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/pinot_gris.html">Pinot Gris</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">Of a rare elegance, this semi-early variety of vine is derived from a mutation of the Pinot Noir variety. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/gewurztraminer.html">Gewürztraminer</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">A wine of great elegance, it offers an intense bouquet, dominated by a spicy touch.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/pinot_blanc.html">Pinot Blanc</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">This wine of generous character presents an elegant “pinoting” aspect. This semi-late variety of vine is derived from a mutation of the Pinot Gris variety.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/chardonnay.html">Chardonnay</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">Very sensitive to the qualities of its terroir, this wine presents a pleasant fruitiness. This rather sturdy Burgundian variety has only been introduced recently.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/auxerrois.html">Auxerrois</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">Delicate with many nuances, this is a keeper's wine with timber flavours. This early variety yields a supple wine with a delicate bouquet, typical of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/pinot_noir.html">Pinot Noir</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">As a rosé wine, it has a delicate flavour of red fruit and little acidity. As a red wine, it is pulpier and subtly wooded through the casks it has been raised in. As a white wine, it is very fruity with an elegant bouquet. It's a Burgundian variety, which can be turned to red, rosé or white wine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/rivaner.html">Rivaner</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">This is a mild wine with a musky aroma, which is to be drunk young. This variety is a crossbreed between Riesling and Chasselas.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 97.45pt;" valign="top" width="130"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.vins-cremants.lu/en/wines/elbling.html">Elbling</a><o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 339.95pt;" valign="top" width="453"><div class="MsoNormal">A dry wine with a little acidity, it ripens rather early and has a discreet fruitiness. One of the oldest varieties cultivated in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> 's <st1:place w:st="on">Moselle</st1:place> region.</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Wine Tasting in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wine tasting in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> is a very different experience than in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>. In the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place>, most wineries that produce at least a certain amount of bottles per year have a tasting room that serves as a daily open house for anyone driving by who wants to stop in and taste, usually for a small fee. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axP2J5JH7BU/Tl6QmOyKCpI/AAAAAAAAIOU/re2QlJPSo4M/s1600/ashley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axP2J5JH7BU/Tl6QmOyKCpI/AAAAAAAAIOU/re2QlJPSo4M/s200/ashley.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Ashley, crémant tasting <br />
at Bernard Massard. It never disappoints! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>In <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, there are a small handful of wineries that have regular hours (at least during the late spring to fall tourist season), but most of the smaller, family-owned wineries are too busy and too resourceful to keep a staffer sitting at a tasting bar all day long. They’re more than happy to let you try their wines, however; all you need to do is call ahead first to make an appointment. You’ll be welcome to taste as many wines as you’d like, but you won’t ever be pressured to buy (even though you should).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Vins & Crémants promotional folks have a terrific web site that lists most, if not all, winemakers in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> on an interactive map, which you can find <b><a href="http://bit.ly/rmtqvH">here</a></b>. Take a look, click around, and call ahead to make an appointment to taste and buy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’re pressed for time and want to stick with a place that has regular opening hours and a nice terrace, I give high marks to <a href="http://bit.ly/p3FDO5">Bernard Massard</a> in Grevenmacher. They are open until 6pm, seven days of the week during tourist season. If you want just a small taste of two or three wines, they’ll probably give it to you for free. But, if you want to do a proper tasting in their tasting room or on their sunny terrace, ask for the menu. For less than 10€ you can sample six varieties of wine or five samples of crémant. The glasses are small shot glass size servings, but they are poured <i>to the brim</i>. And tastings are usually delivered with a smattering of snacks. You won’t leave disappointed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">September Wine Festivals</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that you’ve been properly introduced to the wines of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, why not find a place to sample them? Here are two festivals coming up in September:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">September 9-11: Grevenmacher’s <a href="http://bit.ly/nybHeG">62<sup>nd</sup> annual Fête du Raisin et du Vin</a></span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5tB0Eqtcfc/Tl6Ou1goX2I/AAAAAAAAIOM/MlB-mFs1WVA/s1600/Grevenmacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5tB0Eqtcfc/Tl6Ou1goX2I/AAAAAAAAIOM/MlB-mFs1WVA/s200/Grevenmacher.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View the fête <a href="http://bit.ly/oqbrwg">program</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Grevenmacher’s Fête du Raisin et du Vin is the largest wine festival in all of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>. The woman who answered the phone at the tourist office laughed as she summed up the party: “It’s a holy day” – (or maybe she said “holiday”) – “to the Grevenmacher people.” Either way, having attended last year, I can honestly tell you that it’s one heckuva street festival. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The main event starts on <b>Saturday the 10<sup>th</sup> at 3pm</b> when the music starts playing and the wine and crémant starts flowing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To get to the festival from Luxembourg Ville, take bus 130 to stops “Grevenmacher – gare quai 1” in the middle of town, or “Grevenmacher – Enner der Bréck” opposite Bernard Massard and on the bank of the <st1:place w:st="on">Moselle</st1:place>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Voyages Emile Weber is offering extended bus service into the wee hours of the morning on line 450, and bus service on line 130 will also be extended - and free - between Luxembourg Ville and Grevenmacher on Saturday and Sunday for fête-goers. View the full schedule for Saturday <a href="http://bit.ly/pYryK3">here</a> and for Sunday <a href="http://bit.ly/oJCAQj">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The full 2011 festival program can be viewed <a href="http://bit.ly/oqbrwg"><b>here</b></a> (in French and German). I was going to create a brief rundown for you of weekend events, but the video that the festival folks have put together is <i>much</i> more entertaining (and it’s in English):</div><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MY3XEgVkShI" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">September 16-18: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/qBlYAJ">Riesling Open</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Ehnen, Wormeldange, Ahn and Machtum will open their cellars and plenty of wine bottles the weekend of September 16-18 for the area’s annual Riesling Open. This will be my first year attending, but this multi-town festival sounds like a terrific way to explore four of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region>’s charming <st1:place w:st="on">Moselle</st1:place> wine towns in one swoop. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppd7wdUboDc/Tl6PxJhAc9I/AAAAAAAAIOQ/nZ_0xXm3rXk/s1600/riesling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppd7wdUboDc/Tl6PxJhAc9I/AAAAAAAAIOQ/nZ_0xXm3rXk/s200/riesling.JPG" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View the <a href="http://bit.ly/o4LaAz">brochure</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It's a rare event: small, family-owned wineries in Luxembourg are not typically open for unscheduled visits. Take a look at the <a href="http://bit.ly/o4LaAz">brochure</a> and you’ll see that several winemakers and their addresses are listed. All of these places will open their doors and invite you in for tastings (which are typically free) on Saturday and Sunday. Many wineries will entertain visitors with bands and bottles of wine will be available to drink on site or to take home. Most wineries will also offer food for purchase as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To get there by bus from Luxembourg Ville, take bus 135 to Machtum or bus 150 to Ehnen, Wormeldange, or Ahn. From there, buses and the MS Princesse Marie-Astrid will take you from town to town. On Saturday, boats and buses will follow their regular schedule and fee structure; don't forget that a 4€ one day bus ticket will buy you an unlimited number of bus rides. On Sunday, boats and buses between these four towns will be offered free of charge; buses will make regular stops along the Route du Vin and boats will depart every 30 minutes from each of the four towns. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The festival brochure mentions a late night bus for getting home on Saturday evening, but no further details are listed. Check <a href="http://bit.ly/pbsO8w">Mobilitéits Zentral</a> for the bus schedule a few days before the festival to plan your trip.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once again, here’s the link to <a href="http://bit.ly/o4LaAz">view the Riesling Open brochure</a>, but here’s the gist:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center"><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 131.4pt;" valign="top" width="175"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Friday, Sept. 16<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>8pm<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Crowning of the Reine du Riesling at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Wormeldange</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Cultural</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 163.8pt;" valign="top" width="218"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Saturday, Sept. 17<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>3pm<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The opening ceremony for the wine festival will be held at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Worlemdange</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Cultural</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> at 3pm. Afterward, open houses, wine tasting and merry-making will ensue.</div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.85in;" valign="top" width="178"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sunday, Sept. 18<o:p></o:p></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>11am</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Wine caves are open and tastings are available from11am onward. Free bus and boat transport is offered today (it's also typically the busiest day of the festival).</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Enjoy the wine and the festivals and, as we say in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>: <i>santé</i>! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-3759415707886095522011-08-25T11:51:00.002+02:002011-08-27T11:39:45.526+02:00Fête de la Mirabelle (August 27 & 28)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjk-ITBLAlM/TlYahBdB9wI/AAAAAAAAIFI/71vJYXzoLnU/s1600/mirabelles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjk-ITBLAlM/TlYahBdB9wI/AAAAAAAAIFI/71vJYXzoLnU/s200/mirabelles.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Adding to the list of delicious things to discover in this part of the world is the colorful assortment of fruit available this time of year. Take the plum, for instance. Red and black plums are nothing new to me, but when I shop here, these old standards are part of a rainbow of selection of more colors and varieties of plum than I ever even knew existed: like yellow plums, the green <a href="http://bit.ly/q7Xj7o"><i>Reine</i> <i>Claude</i></a>, smoky purple <i><a href="http://bit.ly/p959XJ">quetsch</a></i> and, of course, the golden <i>mirabelle</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mirabelles are the tiniest plums I’ve ever seen, about the size of a shooter marble. They taste plummy, but not as tart; they’re a much more mellow, sort of sugary sweet. You’ll find them in countless ways; cooked into <i>tartes</i> and <i>tartelettes</i>, preserved in syrup, made into <i>confiture</i>, and perhaps most popularly, turned into <i>eau de vie</i>, the fiery, alcoholic after-dinner digestif created to burn a hole through the large dinner you’ve just eaten.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This weekend in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Metz</st1:place></st1:city>, you’ll have a chance to find mirabelles in all of these forms and more, at the 61st annual Fête de la Mirabelle.</span></div><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9etQAMjuzso/TlYagYS2v0I/AAAAAAAAIFE/7_hGqGHgKOo/s1600/mirabellefete.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9etQAMjuzso/TlYagYS2v0I/AAAAAAAAIFE/7_hGqGHgKOo/s200/mirabellefete.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://bit.ly/nB9X5B">Click here</a> </b>to download the festival program.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Technically, the festival started last weekend with the election of the mirabelle queen on Sunday and a dance performance on Wednesday, but the biggest affair is set for this weekend, <b>Saturday, August 27</b> and <b>Sunday, August 28</b>. It will be a full day of music, food, performances, fireworks, a parade and more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Getting to Metz</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Metz is only 45 minutes away by train and, conveniently, Luxembourg's CFL runs a special one-day train ticket from Luxembourg for only <b>16€</b>. Trains leave <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> hourly. (Keep in mind that the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> one-day ticket is <u>not</u> valid on TGV trains…so, watch which train you board.)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">CFL tells me that the <b>last train home</b> on Saturday night that is valid on this ticket leaves <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Metz</st1:place></st1:city> at 11:21pm. You’ll arrive in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> at 12:19am. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Schedule of Events</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The full schedule is available <a href="http://bit.ly/nB9X5B">here</a> (in French). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr> <td colspan="2" style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.15in;" valign="top" width="590"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Saturday, August 27</span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10am – 5pm</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Esplanade<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At the <b>Marché du Terroir</b>, 50 local vendors will be selling mirabelles in all forms – baked, boiled, pressed and preserved – for you to purchase and take home (if you have the willpower not to eat your treats on the spot).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10am – 5:30pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Place de la Comédie<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The <b><a href="http://bit.ly/pBx2ic">Compagnie Lavifil</a></b> will be on hand all day long to entertain young mirabelle fans with their performances, concerts, and stories (in French). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10am – 5pm</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Place du Marché Couvert<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The mirabelle tasting continues inside at the covered market, where workshops and cooking demonstrations will be presented. There’s a confiture-making demonstration at <b>10:15am</b>, followed by a cooking demonstration pairing unusual combinations with the mirabelle, such as truffles (yum) at <b>11:30am</b> and again at <b>2pm</b>. Mirabelle aperitifs will be available from <b>12:30pm</b> onward, and more than 100 mirabelle products will be for sale throughout the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">8:30pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Parc de la Seille<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy a free outdoor concert by <b>Gaëtan Roussel</b>, who performs contemporary French rock. Preview one of his songs <a href="http://bit.ly/pqpeqc">here</a>, on YouTube.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10:30pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fireworks</b> will sparkle above the city. Afterward, help complete the show by turning on your cell phone and letting it shine to be part of the Fête de la Mirabelle’s 2011 flash mob. <o:p></o:p></span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr> <td colspan="2" style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.15in;" valign="top" width="590"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sunday, August 28</span></b></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">10am – 7pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Esplanade<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">At the <b>Marché de l’Artisanat</b> (artists’ market) you’ll find crafts galore; jewelery, furniture, embroidery, paintings, pottery, and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3pm – 5pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Floats, musicians, performers and of course, Queen Mirabelle 2011, will make up the <b>Parade de la Mirabelle</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The parade begins at the corner of avenue Louis le Débonnaire and avenue de l’Amphithéâtre, and will then wind through rue Vauban, Place du Général de Gaulle, rue Gambetta, Place Raymond Mondon, rue Harelle, avenue Schuman, rue Serpenoise, rue du Petit Paris, rue du Palais, rue du Faisan, Place de Chambre, and rue d’Estrée.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 113.4pt;" valign="top" width="151"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">4pm<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Place d’Armes<o:p></o:p></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 329.4pt;" valign="top" width="439"><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wrapping up the festivities, the Israeli dance troupe <b><a href="http://bit.ly/r4fchA">Karmiel Flowers</a></b> will delight spectators with a final performance to greet the parade at the Place d’Armes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy the festival!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-45667485750780202032011-08-18T20:49:00.004+02:002011-08-24T21:10:15.557+02:00The 671st Schueberfouer (A Bit of History)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1umtwRiO5o/Tk1dWl6MkdI/AAAAAAAAICs/J7qYUl4kmcE/s1600/schuberfouer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G1umtwRiO5o/Tk1dWl6MkdI/AAAAAAAAICs/J7qYUl4kmcE/s200/schuberfouer.JPG" width="140" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">You’ve seen the posters up all over town; you’ve read articles in the news and on blogs in recent weeks, the <a href="http://bit.ly/oQJd99">program schedule</a> has been released and finally: the Schueberfouer is here. It officially opens tomorrow (Aug. 18) at 5pm, though restaurants open at noon and rides are available from 2pm onward. This is the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> version of the summer state fairs you’ll find in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>, but without the farm animals and without the deep fried pickles, Coca-Cola, Snickers and Twinkies. (Yes, world…Americans really<i> have</i> deep-fried everything.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Schueberfouer is a big deal. It attracts more than two million people annually, has been the subject of documentaries and a number of books, and is one of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s oldest traditions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But like most things in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>, there’s more to the Schueberfour than meets the eye.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">How it Started</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Way, way back in the year 1298, Henri VII was count of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> and took the initiative of establishing a six-week long summer market in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The market fell apart over the years, after Henry VII was elected in 1308 to become a Holy Roman Emperor. As you can imagine, this bigger duty distracted him from building the economy of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fast forward to 1340 and Henri VII’s son, John (known as John the Blind, Jean l’Aveugle, and Jang de Blannen), is at the helm as count of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> and king of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bohemia</st1:place></st1:state>. Following in his father’s footsteps, he, too, decides to create a grand market in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> that will draw merchants of all kinds from surrounding areas to sell their wares. He proclaimed the market would last eight days and would coincide with the eve of Saint Bartholomew’s feast day, opening the 23 of August and closing on the 31<sup>st</sup> at noon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a huge hit. Merchants paid a fixed fee to participate, but that was all. No additional customs duties and no taxes on sales. What’s more, John the Blind guaranteed their protection – and presumably, protection of their goods – while they participated in the market. Over the years, the merchants valued the event so much that they eventually pooled their money to erect a statue of Jean the Blind, which sits in a park near the Glacis to this day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To wit: you can visit John the Blind to pay your own respects, if you’d like. His remains rest in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s Notre Dame Cathedral, in a large and decorated tomb on your left as you reach the bottom of the stairs to the crypt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePSyrlAal3M/TlVMeazjJtI/AAAAAAAAIFA/n633Iiem7nA/s1600/hammelsmarsch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePSyrlAal3M/TlVMeazjJtI/AAAAAAAAIFA/n633Iiem7nA/s200/hammelsmarsch.JPG" width="150" /></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Hämmelsmarsch</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">On the first day of Schueberfouer, a herd of sheep are the first to “officially” enter the fair after the opening ceremony ribbon has been cut. (Really!) A tune titled the “Hämmelsmarsch” is played by musicians accompanying the sheep to the fair. The tradition seems to remain somewhat of a mystery, though historians believe it began taking place prior to the early 1400s. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Opening ceremonies start tomorrow night at 5pm, and I hope you’ll join me there to watch the Hämmelsmarsch! It should be a good time. In fact, in an article in today’s <i><a href="http://bit.ly/nBQ5dl">Luxemburger Wort</a></i>, Mayor Paul Helminger mentioned that part of his mayoral duties on opening night of the Schueberfouer require him to “avoid stepping into whatever is left on the pavement by the preceding herd of sheep.” (So, watch where you walk…)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jdg9wVVHDr0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Funfair Evolution</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Until the early 1600s, the Schueberfouer was held in town on the Plateau du Saint-Esprit, where today you’ll find judiciary buildings and the elevator down to the Grund. It grew too large and was <a href="http://bit.ly/oeVlTq">moved to Limpertsberg</a> in 1610, to an area that had recently been cleared to provide more security for the fortress city; enemies would no longer be able to hide quietly in the vegetation as they approached the fortress walls. We know this spot today as the Glacis. (In French “glacis” means “ice”. Get it? The land was flat – like ice – and a slippery spot for an enemy to be caught.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNH1qEWlVJc/Tk1dxkAvs2I/AAAAAAAAICw/bk-lcrbr3gc/s1600/schubwheel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNH1qEWlVJc/Tk1dxkAvs2I/AAAAAAAAICw/bk-lcrbr3gc/s200/schubwheel.JPG" width="150" /></a>Over the years, the market evolved from a trading post to a carnival that mixed the young and old, city folk and country folk. In the 18th century fairgoers were entertained by jeu de quilles (bowling), music, dancing, singing and gambling and, as the industrial age grew into the early 19th century, mechanical rides and automatic game machines could be found on the scene. At this time, more variety shows began to take hold, including one performed in the late 1800s by the famous Luxembourger John Grün, the self-proclaimed “strongest man in the world”. The first roller coaster was found at the fair in 1910 (the “Figur 8 Bahn”) and not far behind, the Carrousel Galopant (galloping carousel) and the Grand-Roue (Grand Wheel, or Ferris wheel).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Schueberfouer in…<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">America</st1:country-region></st1:place>?</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">A large number of Luxembourgers emigrated to the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the mid-1800s, during the golden days of the American rail system. New frontiers had been opened and cheap farmland was up for grabs. The Midwestern U.S. was the most popular with Luxembourgers, large populations of which still remain today in <st1:state w:st="on">Illinois</st1:state>, <st1:state w:st="on">Iowa</st1:state>, <st1:state w:st="on">Minnesota</st1:state> and <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:place></st1:state>. Interestingly, <a href="http://amzn.to/qoqRjy">one book that we own</a> claims that “it is now believed that there are more people of Luxembourgish descent in <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city> than there are in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg City</st1:place></st1:city> and more American-Luxembourgers than inhabitants in the Grand Duchy”. (Fascinating, eh?)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In any case, the Schueberfouer was so ingrained in Luxembourgish culture as an anticipated annual event – and one of the year’s last tastes of summertime – that Luxembourgers abroad decided to <a href="http://bit.ly/nNStu5">recreate the tradition</a> in their new communities. The first documentation of this dates back to a September 20, 1917 newspaper article in the US-based <i>Luxemburger Gazette</i>, which told the history of the “Lëtzebörger Gard”, a military unit established in 1871 and based in Brooklyn, New York, that included 80 Luxembourgers. They decided to organize an annual event to remember the Schueberfouer in their homeland; they called it “Schueberméindeg” – Schueber Monday – held the first Monday in September. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-556bukDuo/Tk1eMhQmGnI/AAAAAAAAIC0/uvNc305y5Ew/s1600/schubride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S-556bukDuo/Tk1eMhQmGnI/AAAAAAAAIC0/uvNc305y5Ew/s200/schubride.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The tradition took hold and spread to other <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> communities, with the Luxembourg Brotherhood of America starting their own Schueberfouer-style event entitled the “Schobermesse” in 1904. Click <a href="http://bit.ly/osYlMk">here </a>to view an old Schobermesse program from 1907, or <a href="http://bit.ly/owPoKp">here </a>to view programs from 1907-2009 (in English from 1940 onward).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And: yes, you can still find Schuberfouer events taking place in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> today. Contacting one of <a href="http://bit.ly/r2lsoR">these organizations</a> will point you in the right direction of finding an event near you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Funfair Today</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">This year at Schueberfouer, you’ll find all of the typical fair food fixings, plenty of carnival games and the usual assortment of large, fast and loud rides. And, randomly, you’ll also find a beer pong tent. (Really. There's actually even a <a href="http://bit.ly/qqleh3">beer pong club </a>in Luxembourg.) Also this year, Bernard-Massard has partnered with Luxembourg Ville to offer a limited “Schueberfouer 2011” edition blend of crémant, wrapped with labels displaying this year’s funfair poster design. (Find them at the fair or at stores in town.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am-3Il3ptUM/Tk6QlxiG06I/AAAAAAAAIDY/F2nKXKI0a2o/s1600/P8190377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Am-3Il3ptUM/Tk6QlxiG06I/AAAAAAAAIDY/F2nKXKI0a2o/s200/P8190377.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>While today’s Schueberfouer is a far cry from what it was 671 years ago, some traditions remain. The fair still begins in mid-August, as it always has, and the beat of the Hämmelsmarsch continues to lead the sheep toward the festivities. And it’s still a family affair: many of the rides and food stands have been Schueberfouer staples for decades, many of them having been run for generations within the same family. Grab a waffle from Jean le Gaufre and you’ll be supporting a family business that’s been serving up treats at Schueberfouer since 1960. Or hop on the century-old wooden horse carousel and you’ll be riding the oldest ride at the fair. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But whatever you do, don’t forget that when you attend the Schueberfouer, you’re part of more than just a fun fair; you’re part of a multi-continental cultural tradition dating back 671 years.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Additional <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Reading</st1:city></st1:place>:</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="square"><li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/oQJd99">Schueberfouer 2011 Program</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Kayser, Steve. (2007) <i>Schueberfouer: Déi Lëtzebuerger Traditioun Zënter 1340.</i> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Esch-sur-Alzette</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>: Editions Schortgen.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/nBQ5dl">Schueberfouer – A Retrospection</a> (Luxemburger Wort) </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/rlVnFB">Schueberfouer: A Little History</a> (News352) </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/nwykYi">Traditions and Holidays</a>, from the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/oeVlTq">401 Years of the Schueberfour in Limpertsberg</a> (Funfair.lu)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://bit.ly/pwhWxG">Luxemburger Americans</a></li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-17893408031902624522011-08-16T13:44:00.001+02:002011-08-16T13:47:19.410+02:00Congé Annuel<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyL1z1xfjRY/TkpWj9fqHtI/AAAAAAAAICg/4CwCq0rc0d0/s1600/closed2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyL1z1xfjRY/TkpWj9fqHtI/AAAAAAAAICg/4CwCq0rc0d0/s200/closed2.JPG" width="200" /></a>The congé annuel is a beautiful thing. As long as you’re not me, trying to take my father on a pastry hunt.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last summer, my parents visited <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> for the first time. Nick and I whisked them off on a grand tour of the country and the greater region, but, I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that my dad’s favorite part of the trip was scoping out window after window of colorful, mouth-watering pastries and crusty loaves of bread at the <i>boulangeries </i>and <i>pâtisseries </i>that adorn so many street corners in this part of the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Honestly though, who can blame him?) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Seeing this, I knew there was one window that I<i> had</i> to take him past: Jean-Claude Arens, a <i>pâtisserie</i> and <i>chocolaterie</i> near our apartment that has a window display that knocks my socks off every time I walk past. With a puffed chest, I led my dad around the corner to show him what would surely become his very favorite window of treats in town and… the shades were drawn, the lights were off, and a sign on the window read: Congé Annuel.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">This summer my parents returned to Luxembourg and alas, Jean-Claude Arens was closed on <i>congé annuel</i> - annual closing - once again (…though something about the word “annuel” should have tipped me off that they’d be closed during the same two weeks in August again this year).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3_yzcl4_RI/TkpWlMXbgwI/AAAAAAAAICk/wo-6EFxXD6Q/s1600/closed1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3_yzcl4_RI/TkpWlMXbgwI/AAAAAAAAICk/wo-6EFxXD6Q/s200/closed1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sorry, Dad. Maybe next year we’ll plan your summer trip for late July instead?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, while this was a small disappointment, it didn’t last long because over the last two weeks, my parents, Nick and I went on our own congé annuel to <st1:city w:st="on">Köln</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region>; <st1:city w:st="on">Lucerne</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region>; Garmisch-Partinkirchen in the Bavarian Alps, to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Liechtenstein</st1:country-region> and back by way of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Alsace</st1:place></st1:state> – and we saw plenty of other windows full of treats along the way. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’ve visited <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> in August, you have probably noticed that things are a little less bustling than you might expect. This is because August is a popular vacation month; small businesses reduce their hours or close their doors for a few weeks to give their employees some time off, and offices around the country are quiet as workers take advantage of some of the generous five weeks of vacation time that are mandated by law. (And these five weeks can be taken as early as January 1 each year, provided the employee has worked for at least three months at their company.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In fact, it seems like everyone takes time off. Even the print version of the free daily French language newspaper <i><a href="http://bit.ly/qBMGPX">L’Essentiel</a></i> is on annual holiday leave for the month of August.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwW3JQQiCPo/TkpWuuNafZI/AAAAAAAAICo/b55AYM_uh9w/s1600/lessentiel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gwW3JQQiCPo/TkpWuuNafZI/AAAAAAAAICo/b55AYM_uh9w/s200/lessentiel.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">L'Essentiel, on congé annuel<br />
from August 1-28.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Why August? Well: why <i>not </i>August? Just like in the U.S., August is the last month before students head back to school, so it’s the last chance for a little rest and relaxation before the world starts humming along again in September. And because everybody does it, it’s not a big deal; you won’t find much guilt among European vacationers about being away from their desk, e-mail and voicemail for a week or two, because all of their colleagues do the same thing at one time or another.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The permission to relax and clear one’s head from the stress of the workplace is a wonderful thing. But if you’re heading here on vacation and are depending on a certain <i>pâtisserie</i>, restaurant or specialty shop to be open while you’re in town…you might want to call ahead first.</div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-60707688338919799032011-07-27T20:05:00.005+02:002011-07-27T23:31:01.997+02:00Luxembourgish Delights (and a new place to find them)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjMGuuAqORM/TjBQEAMwk2I/AAAAAAAAICI/rlG2SoctXlg/s1600/moutarde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjMGuuAqORM/TjBQEAMwk2I/AAAAAAAAICI/rlG2SoctXlg/s1600/moutarde.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I never, ever, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i> leave <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> for a visit back to the <st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region> without several tubes of <a href="http://bit.ly/ntEl9J">Moutarde de <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place></a> in my suitcase. Really! In fact, my brother, who recently received a tube in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Afghanistan</st1:place></st1:country-region> (where he is temporarily contracting), thinks I carry it around with me everywhere I go. He has a point: I probably should.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First of all, it is absolutely delicious. Second, at a cost of about 1€ per tube, it’s cheap. And third, since it comes in a toothpaste-like tube, it’s easy to pack…which is also a good thing in case I get hungry while I’m on the road!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But lest you think that I’m a lover of <i>moutarde</i> alone, I’ll also have you know that I have been stopped at least three times by tourists scouring the wine section of Alima, and I always point them toward my favorites of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s predominant grape varieties. And, no guest ever leaves our apartment without a small bottle of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> wine or <i>eau de vie</i> as a souvenir to take home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you live in the Grand Duchy, you already know that there are more delicious foods and beverages produced in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> than you’ll ever have time to taste, and that each region of the country comes with its own specialties. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But, did you know there’s a map to help you find all of those tasty treats??</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I was perusing the <a href="http://bit.ly/ncS5jP">Luxembourg National Tourist Office</a> web site this afternoon, clicked on “Local Products” and was whisked away on a delightful picnic – or so you’d think from the red gingham tablecloth-like background – to <a href="http://bit.ly/nazj0H"><b>Foodmap.lu</b></a>. The main course: <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s regional specialties.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s an interactive map that allows you to select one or more categories of delicacy, from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">charcuterie</i> producers to specialty markets to producers of wine, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">crémant</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">liqueur</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eau de vie</i>, dairy products, honey and farms that will sell their fruits, vegetables and other items to you directly if you visit.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUkqz9EyVJ0/TjBSK6-3CzI/AAAAAAAAICM/FVW2imqvzdc/s1600/foodmap.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUkqz9EyVJ0/TjBSK6-3CzI/AAAAAAAAICM/FVW2imqvzdc/s320/foodmap.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find Luxembourgish delicacies on <a href="http://bit.ly/nazj0H">Foodmap.lu</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Quick warning: the site is completely addictive. I’ve been playing with it for the last two hours! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fancy a beer-brewing workshop? Check out <a href="http://bit.ly/qWOLG9">Den Heischter Béier</a>, which offers seminars for 40€ per person for groups of 10 or more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Looking for a present for your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">honey</i>? You can <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bee</i> smart about your purchase by taking a look at the web site of <a href="http://bit.ly/nKPSYt">Apisjungels</a>, beekeepers and producers of honey and other bee products! (Sorry, I’ve never met a pun-making opportunity I could resist…) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Want to wow your friends and family with a few new Luxembourgish recipes? Luxlait has you covered with hands-on classes taught by chefs and cookbook authors at its education center, <a href="http://bit.ly/oGmsbq">Vitarium</a>, where there are also plenty of activities on hand for children and families. (Fall 2011 cooking classes are listed <a href="http://bit.ly/phE34W">here</a>.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As you peruse <a href="http://bit.ly/nazj0H">Foodmap</a>, you’ll find that not every producer has a web site, but many do. If nothing else, you'll almost certainly find a phone number and an address.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So: happy clicking, and please report back to me on the good eats you discover! I'd love recommendations for some new treats to carry with my <i>moutarde</i> the next time I head back to the States...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-6855346021010034062011-07-21T16:15:00.007+02:002011-09-05T18:06:26.092+02:00User's Guide: Getting a Haircut<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTH7Eab3xAs/TigxgrrinfI/AAAAAAAAIBg/CKmkQzX5H-8/s1600/addamsfamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTH7Eab3xAs/TigxgrrinfI/AAAAAAAAIBg/CKmkQzX5H-8/s200/addamsfamily.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cousin Itt" (circled).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There comes a time when living in a new place that the thing you’ve been avoiding finally becomes inevitable. A time when you finally have to confront the fact that you’ll soon be confused with “Cousin Itt” if you don’t take action soon. And a time when it becomes painfully obvious to everyone that your natural hair color is not actually the lovely shade of sun-soaked golden brown that you <i>hope</i> people will think is natural.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Ladies: you know what I’m talking about. I’m talking about making a hair appointment.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Finding a new stylist is a traumatizing experience for me. I’m not really sure why…but I’m going to blame it on too many bad perm jobs in the ‘80s and on succumbing to the Jennifer Aniston haircut craze in the ‘90s.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I’m a stylist monogamist: when I find someone I like, I will continue to go to them until it is absolutely, positively no longer possible for them to style my hair. Case in point: I followed <a href="http://bit.ly/pQJBH4">Olivier Roumy</a> from salon to salon for more than 10 years in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Washington</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">D.C.</st1:state></st1:place> When I moved to Dallas, TX for a year to live with Nick (oh, the things we do for love), I was absolutely thrilled that my wonderful D.C.-based company allowed me to telecommute from Dallas for many, many reasons; not the least of which was the excuse to make several trips back to D.C. for work…and for haircuts by Olivier.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Unfortunately, popping back to D.C. from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> to get a haircut isn’t entirely practical. So, late last summer, I bit the bullet and called a salon. The receptionist did not speak English, but I somehow managed to make an appointment in French, and (thanks to some help from Google Translate) asked very clearly to be scheduled for my haircut and highlights with a person who spoke English; the receptionist very clearly told me “O.K.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I showed up for my appointment the next day, was ushered to a chair and a few minutes later, Flaurent appeared.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">“Bonjour,” he greeted me. “<i>Voulezagoughvosezyepqmiuegasldjias?</i>” (Or, something like that...)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I swallowed. “Parlez-vous anglais?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">“Non.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Then I panicked. “Um… Est mon primer coupe. Je suis trés nerveux. C’est possible pour une personne que parle anglais?” I knew that what I said was not anywhere near structurally or grammatically correct, but I had to at least <i>try</i> to get my point across; I was hoping that there was just some kind of mix up. (After all, the receptionist <i>did</i> say “O.K.” when I requested a stylist and colorist who spoke English....)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">He just stared at me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, I knew I’d just have to get on with it already. Thanks to Olivier, who wrote down some key phrases for me before I moved, like <i>coupe brushing</i> (cut and style) and <i>dégradé long</i> (long layers, the style of cut I like), and with the help of several rounds of hand gestures on both sides, Flaurent gave me a great haircut. Fortunately, the woman who colored my hair spoke some English,which was a terrific relief since I had forgotten to ask Olivier how to ask for highlights in French.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But as Flaurent started blow-drying and styling my hair, I realized that I had a new problem: I didn’t know what to do about a tip!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>, it is customary to pay a tip of 20% of the total bill directly to your stylist for their service. Before I worked up the courage to make a hair appointment in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>, I had spent some time on Google to try to figure out what the standard was for salon services here, but I hadn’t found a thing. Now I was stuck, and in less than twenty minutes, I’d need to make a decision. I didn’t want to be rude and under-tip, but I also didn’t want to look like a fool by tipping way too much.<br />
<br />
In the end, I tipped way too much. And then I really felt like a fool when a friend living in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Paris</st1:place></st1:city> wrote me back later that evening to tell me that she tips “one Euro, nothing more.” </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Which brings me to today. My hair needs some <i>serious</i> attention right now. I’ve been back to the salon a few times since my first stressful visit, and while I am no longer tipping 20%, I still haven’t quite sorted out the tipping thing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, I decided to call Olivier – something I should have thought of sooner, frankly.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Q&A with Olivier</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzMuRKBP4yU/TigyeVuX_UI/AAAAAAAAIBo/g721HYHsgcs/s1600/hairku.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="95" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzMuRKBP4yU/TigyeVuX_UI/AAAAAAAAIBo/g721HYHsgcs/s200/hairku.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find a stylist, see their work, and follow<br />
them from salon to salon on <a href="http://bit.ly/pxKHui">Hairkü.com</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Olivier is originally from <st1:city w:st="on">Tours</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region>, where he began his stylist career before moving to the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> twelve years ago (see his profile <a href="http://bit.ly/pQJBH4">here</a>). These days, he’s still in D.C., busy with clients and traveling to do hair for the occasional fashion show in New York City, but he’s also behind a helpful new web site called <b><a href="http://www.hairku.com/">Hairkü</a></b>, a service that one of his business partners describes as “what would happen if LinkedIn and Facebook had a baby.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It’s brilliant: stylists sign up on this site (it’s free) and keep their page updated with services they offer, photos that show samples of their work and a list of past and current salon information. Stylists can even make referrals for beauty service providers in other cities. Hairkü allows current clients to always be able to find their favorite stylist, and potential new clients can find stylists in their area and see samples of their work by searching by location. (<st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> stylists, take note: nobody has signed up yet from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Join now and help us English-speaking expats find you!)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Q. Let’s cut to the chase. Assuming that <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> follows the same tipping etiquette as <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>, what should I tip my stylist at the end of my service?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A. Tipping is not expected in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The cost of your service and a commission for the stylist are already included in your total bill. It is not necessary to tip but it is, of course, a nice thing to do if you like the result. A tip of 2€ to 5€ is nice and a 10% tip would be considered to be very generous and is probably the maximum a person should tip.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Note: To confirm that the policy is the same in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region> as it is in <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region>, I called <a href="http://bit.ly/pMnzlS">Guy Mathias Salon</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/r9FC6f">Studio Cophia</a> in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> Ville. After explaining what the word “tip” meant, the women on the other end of the line confirmed that a tip is not expected, but if a person wanted to leave something, a tip of 2 to 5 Euros would be considered nice.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Q. Let’s say I’m new to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> and I don’t know anyone to ask for recommendations. Do you have any advice on how to find a good hair stylist in a foreign country?<o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ8FnFZZsNw/Tig0MiTeAbI/AAAAAAAAIBs/IFTkhUeC3gA/s1600/cheatsheet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ8FnFZZsNw/Tig0MiTeAbI/AAAAAAAAIBs/IFTkhUeC3gA/s200/cheatsheet.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/pcdZGr">Click here</a> to view Olivier's <br />
hairstyle cheat sheet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A. Not really. But it’s a lot harder to find a bad salon in Europe than it is in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Q. When you sit down for the first time in the stylist’s chair and you don’t speak the same language, what’s the best way to get started?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A. You know the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words”? It’s a universal thing; it’s really true for hair. If you have a communication problem as an expat, the best thing you can do is take a picture with you when you go to the salon.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Q. What do you think is the biggest difference between getting a haircut in Europe and getting a haircut in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A. The biggest difference is that in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>, everyone is trying to look different, to find their own style or enhance their personality or their natural beauty. Some don’t mind stepping away from their natural color, which is why you see a lot more people with brighter shades of red, shorter hair, or different color streaks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
In the United States, people visit the salon more often for their cuts and color maintenance than in europe.<br />
I do a lot more blonde highlights here and long hair hairstyles. Though, trends can be different in different areas of the States, too.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8ja_MTsxfs/TigyEm1G2xI/AAAAAAAAIBk/riVDRZDP6yY/s1600/menneckline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8ja_MTsxfs/TigyEm1G2xI/AAAAAAAAIBk/riVDRZDP6yY/s200/menneckline.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Square (left) vs. tapered (right).<br />
Read more on men's necklines <a href="http://bit.ly/rq5eII">here</a>.<br />
<i>Photo by <a href="http://bit.ly/njObFb">Dave Alexander</a>.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Q. Is there anything special that a man should know before he gets his first haircut in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A. Not really. In Europe, men who wear shorter cuts don’t have a straight square line like you would see in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> It’s more of a fade in the back. When the neckline grows out, they won’t have a big line on their neck. It’s a more technical, smooth finish.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Q. What do I ask for if I want to get highlights in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A. You can ask for color in foil, by asking for <i>meche alu</i>. This is the way highlights have more often been done in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S. in the past.</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In France and much of <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place>, there is a style of highlighting called <i>balayage</i>, which involves the stylist “painting” the highlights on the client’s hair and letting it sit instead of wrapping it in foil. This looks more natural. Balayage is becoming more and more popular in the U.S., thankfully!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Q. Can you share translations of a few common hair phrases?<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A. Bien sûr! <a href="http://bit.ly/pcdZGr">Click here to view Olivier’s helpful guide to haircut vocabulary.</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-33470304933268624632011-07-12T14:58:00.001+02:002011-07-12T15:07:30.571+02:00Sunday Funday: Women’s World Cup & Wine (July 17)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It’s never really too early to start thinking about the weekend, is it? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">(I didn’t think so.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I just hope you’ve recovered your voice from cheering (or jeering) during the exciting Germany v. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region> v. USA women’s football matches over last weekend, because you’ve got more cheering/jeering to do this week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But, if football isn’t your thing, maybe you’re in the mood for a wine festival this weekend? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Or, maybe you're interested in <i>both</i>? I am, too. So, read on...</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Éiner Wënzerdag (Ehnen Wine Day)</span></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzhjyGGbmPo/ThxCo1Z9n3I/AAAAAAAAIBM/d_HfhyEFNqI/s1600/ehnenwine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzhjyGGbmPo/ThxCo1Z9n3I/AAAAAAAAIBM/d_HfhyEFNqI/s200/ehnenwine.JPG" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/p5pJkv">View the event program here.</a><br />
(in Luxembourgish)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">While most of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s wine festivals typically take place in August and September, you’ll get an early taste of fun this Sunday (July 17) in Ehnen at the annual <a href="http://bit.ly/phvHBu">Éiner Wënzerdag</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A small parade will take place in the morning, but the real wine festival takes place from 2pm onward. There will be music, performances, children’s activities and stands selling food, wine, crémant and the always potent <i>eau de vie</i> throughout the entire town. The tourist office also tells me that while wine will be flowing at wine stands on every street, wineries will also be open to visitors. A public viewing of the Tour de France will also be shown on a large screen outside of the cultural center, Centre Maurice Senninger (11 rue Mathias Wellenstein).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Your best bet for getting there and back from Luxembourg Ville is on <a href="http://bit.ly/nX5Mre">bus 150</a>. Pick it up at Boulevard F.D. Roosevelt and exit the bus at Ehnen-Bromelt or Ehnen-Ieselsbreck. (Click <a href="http://bit.ly/h1rJep">here</a> to search the bus schedule online.)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Public Viewing: Women’s World Cup</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Semi-Finals, July 13:</b> The Women’s World Cup Semi-Finals take place tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 13. There are no official public viewings planned, so, take in the match at home on Eurosport or head to a café. The <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> v. <st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region> game starts at 6pm and <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region> v. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Sweden</st1:country-region></st1:place> begins at 8:45pm.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-je0s5qYbZSc/ThxDd2-_3-I/AAAAAAAAIBQ/9HYd01rH1ck/s1600/football.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-je0s5qYbZSc/ThxDd2-_3-I/AAAAAAAAIBQ/9HYd01rH1ck/s200/football.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/r2tVQm">Click here to view the program.</a><br />
(in German & English)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Final & public viewing, July 17: </b>The Final match is scheduled for this Sunday night (July 17). But don’t watch it at home! Pack a picnic and watch it live in the park, instead.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A large screen will be set up in the Kinnekswiss, the large, grassy field at the top of the city park (near the Fondation Pescatore bus stop). The event will be wheelchair accessible and there will be an additional screen displaying subtitles for the hearing impaired. (More info <a href="http://bit.ly/pEPVjd">here</a>.) Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kickoff for the Women’s World Cup Final is at 8:45pm, but gather in the park from 7pm onward and you’ll be treated to a pre-game “show” of interviews with Luxembourg football players (in Luxembourgish), as well as game commentary and analysis. The game will be broadcast in German, but you can rest assured that it will be a good football match, no matter what language you speak.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If it’s raining, the event will be canceled. Keep your fingers crossed for sunny weather on Sunday! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-2871630078155911082011-07-06T01:08:00.002+02:002011-07-06T01:35:26.973+02:00Wine Tasting in Provence…by Public Bus<div class="MsoNormal">I try to make it a rule to never turn down the chance to go to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Provence</st1:place></st1:state>. And a little over a month ago, I had the opportunity to spend exactly one day there.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nick was headed to a work site near <st1:state w:st="on">Provence</st1:state> on business, and then on to the <st1:placename w:st="on">Loire</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype> area before heading back to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>. He would be gone for a few days, and, once he realized that he’d be in a car by himself for 20+ hours, decided that it might be a good idea to invite his charming, intellectually stimulating and always entertaining wife to join him for the ride. Oh, okay, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fine</i>: he really just wanted a co-pilot along to help keep him awake and to plug addresses into the GPS. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Figuring that four days in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region> would more than make up for the week of French classes I’d be skipping, I went along for the ride…with an ulterior motive, naturally. Hey, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">someone</i> in this household has to build our French wine collection while Nick works, right?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(This is the part of this post where I have to warn you: this one’s a long one. But there’s a helpful how-to section at the end, if I do say so myself, and some pretty pictures along the way. So, just make sure you’re comfortable before you continue reading…)</i><br />
<br />
My first time in <st1:state w:st="on">Provence</st1:state> was two years ago when Nick and I were living in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> and visited on vacation. Inspired by a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New York Times</i> <a href="http://nyti.ms/lekB2S">article</a>, we had decided to spend the first part of our vacation on a four day, self-guided bicycle tour of the region. The cycling trip would start and end in Avignon, which – luckily for us – was also home to François, who runs <a href="http://bit.ly/kqxod9">Avignon Wine Tours</a>. He’s a former sommelier who traded in a life of late evenings and weekends for a more regular gig of driving six people around each day in his car to go wine tasting in the area. His tours are incredibly informative (among other things, you’ll learn the “six steps” of tasting wine like a pro) and wildly entertaining (wait until he cranks up a little “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">French</i> Sinatra” on the ride home). If you find yourself heading to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Avignon</st1:city></st1:place>, I honestly cannot recommend this tour enough. The day of our tour, François drove us to Cairanne and Rasteau in the Côtes du Rhône-Villages appellation, and to Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape; all towns that I hoped to be able to visit again. Assisting as navigator for Nick’s work week on the road was my ticket back.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk7jvG_nPVo/ThOVdQ59oUI/AAAAAAAAH_U/vCS3qhpwUts/s1600/P5230001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk7jvG_nPVo/ThOVdQ59oUI/AAAAAAAAH_U/vCS3qhpwUts/s200/P5230001.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montélimar, the nougat capital of France.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our first stop was Montélimar, the “nougat capital of <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region>” and a stone’s throw from the border of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Provence</st1:place></st1:state> (tourism info <a href="http://bit.ly/jHsTfF">here</a>). Montélimar is less than an hour north of Avignon by train, so it was tempting to head back to spend another memorable day of wine tasting with François, but, after a few months of intro-level French classes and a bit of the lay of the land from my last trip, I was empowered. I decided to wing it and create my own adventure. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While Nick worked, I had a full Tuesday to myself, and, I hoped, enough roaming data coverage left on my cell phone plan for the month to get me through any unexpected twists and turns and travel hiccups. I decided to hop on a morning train to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Orange</st1:city></st1:place> and from there, catch the public bus into wine country.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Orange</b></span></st1:place></st1:city><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdd0wSuizec/ThOVhBo8QsI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/RyjijT599BY/s1600/P5240012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kdd0wSuizec/ThOVhBo8QsI/AAAAAAAAH_Y/RyjijT599BY/s200/P5240012.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Theatre in Orange</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Orange</st1:place></st1:city> is a fine place to spend a couple of hours. The old town is full of shops and restaurants and is about a 10-15 minute walk from the train station. The old town is also where you’ll find the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Roman</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Theatre</st1:placename></st1:place>, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Théâtre Antique d’Orange</i>, a well-preserved theatre constructed by the Romans between A.D. 10-25. It’s an impressive sight to stroll around – or into, if you’re so inclined. Both the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Roman</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Theatre</st1:placename></st1:place> and the town’s other major ancient structure, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Arc de Triomphe d’Orange</i> (about a 10 minute walk north of the theatre) are recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage list (Watch their two minute video <a href="http://bit.ly/mk02VX">here</a>.). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Roman</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Theatre</st1:placename></st1:place> checked off my list, I sat down to enjoy an early lunch, where I also ate up every last bit of my cell phone roaming data to download a new bus schedule. I had been planning a return to Gigondas, my favorite of the towns we had visited two years ago with François, but decided that if I wanted to make this a “real” adventure, I should dive in head first and try something completely new. I decided on the towns of Sablet and Séguret, towns that seemed to be just 2 kilometers apart, according to Google Maps. Besides, the bus stop in Séguret was named “Cave”, as in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wine </i>cave. When I finished there, I would just walk the 2km back to Sablet to find places to taste and buy wine. I also knew that there was a bus to Gigondas from Sablet, so if I still wanted to visit a familiar spot, I could do that, too. Most importantly, however, all of these towns – Sablet, Séguret, Gigondas – were listed in my terrific new <a href="http://amzn.to/j8FgQN">French wine guide</a> (thanks, mom!), so I could read up on the way out of town. It sounded like a winning afternoon to me. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsVOjaDiba4/ThOUpHyHggI/AAAAAAAAH-w/-bQ-qL1cvWw/s1600/P5240064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GsVOjaDiba4/ThOUpHyHggI/AAAAAAAAH-w/-bQ-qL1cvWw/s200/P5240064.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a good way to start the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Armed with the new plan, I headed back toward the <st1:place w:st="on">Orange</st1:place> train station, where my bus to the countryside would depart. With a quick stop into a surgical clinic near the train station to beg for bandages for two nasty blisters that had already developed on each foot just from walking around that morning; I was finally ready to start my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i> adventure of the day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The bus pulled up, I hopped on, paid the 2€ fare and grabbed a seat toward the front on the right so I could more easily monitor names of towns and bus stops along the way, within earshot of the driver…just in case. It was a short but scenic ride as we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">squeeeezed</i> just barely past tight corners in small agricultural towns and whizzed past vineyards, most of the way in view of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Les Dentelles</i>, a craggy limestone range named for their teeth-like appearance. About 20 minutes later, I pressed the button and hopped off the bus at Séguret–<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cave</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Séguret</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTnQxEqKVsg/ThOU8fc9q6I/AAAAAAAAH_E/EcWbIQhLFio/s1600/P5240034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTnQxEqKVsg/ThOU8fc9q6I/AAAAAAAAH_E/EcWbIQhLFio/s200/P5240034.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Séguret–<i>Cave </i>bus stop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Just as most of my stories end up at this point, the rest of the day didn’t quite go as planned. The Séguret–<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cave</i> bus stop was true to its word and was indeed across the street from a wine cave, a cooperative for winegrowers from Séguret and the neighboring town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Roaix</st1:place></st1:city>. But that was it. I was much further in the middle-of-nowhere than I had expected to be. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was still wine to be tasted, however, so I crossed the street and walked toward the door…which was locked. I checked my watch: it was 1:50pm, so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of course </i>the place was closed. This was rural <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>, after all, and everyone would be at lunch until 2pm. With ten minutes to wait, I strolled along the road, took some photos and inspected an educational garden planted with each grape variety grown in the area. At a respectful three minutes past 2pm, I went in to see what the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cave des Vignerons</i> had to offer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoNhBzp7SJ4/ThOU6HyCMyI/AAAAAAAAH_A/57nqyVVGkg8/s1600/P5240036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoNhBzp7SJ4/ThOU6HyCMyI/AAAAAAAAH_A/57nqyVVGkg8/s200/P5240036.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Cave des Vignerons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">I didn’t stay long. A woman had come out to the tasting bar to assist me and I got the feeling that she had much more important things to do than entertain yours truly. She probably did, so, fair enough. I hurriedly tasted three wines, bought two bottles to be polite and went on my way. As I departed, I asked her how to get to the actual center-city of Séguret. The blend of surprise, sarcasm and disbelief displayed in her single raised eyebrow was an artistic masterpiece as she reacted to me explaining, in elementary French, that I’d be traveling on foot, in flip-flops. Apparently, not many tourists swing through on the public bus. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8ymZDHsEyE/ThOXJvEce9I/AAAAAAAAH_c/I1y_Tbjbo_U/s1600/P5240046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--8ymZDHsEyE/ThOXJvEce9I/AAAAAAAAH_c/I1y_Tbjbo_U/s200/P5240046.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Séguret.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">The direction she pointed was up a slight hill, which seemed to lead to another slight hill, and who knows where beyond there… As Nick will attest, whether I’m on foot or on a bike, I am most assuredly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> a fan of climbing<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>hills. So, I stopped for a minute to think about my options. On the one hand, Sablet was only 2km away down the road I had arrived on, but, the walk would be along a busy country road that was the main artery through the area and probably not the safest place to walk. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure how far away the actual town of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Séguret</st1:city></st1:place> would be on foot, and I wasn’t sure how far Sablet would be from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there</i> once I finally arrived, and I couldn’t check the distance on my phone because I no longer had roaming data service. But, the sun was shining and there wasn’t a single cloud cluttering the sky blue sky, I had a full bottle of water in my purse and there are worse things I could do to myself than get a bit of exercise. I decided to hoof it to Séguret. Honestly, it would have been silly to have gone to all the trouble of getting out there, just to leave without seeing even a peek of the actual town, right? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, I walked. And walked. And about 3km (according to Google Maps) and 35 or so minutes later, I arrived at the final ascent to the hill town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Séguret</st1:place></st1:city>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBoc4O1VMao/ThOToFNvnWI/AAAAAAAAH-c/pjGISoNd-kA/s1600/Seguret.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBoc4O1VMao/ThOToFNvnWI/AAAAAAAAH-c/pjGISoNd-kA/s200/Seguret.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Séguret, from the D23.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">The name Séguret comes from the Latin word, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">securitas</i>, and approaching this lovely little town, it’s easy to see why. The town <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> the hill; newer buildings are built into the lower part and the oldest section of town is at the very top, the most secure and hardest place to reach. There are cobblestone streets, a 14<sup>th</sup> century castle belfry and a 10<sup>th</sup> century church, as well as remains of old city fortifications. While the area has been occupied since the Stone Age, today’s Séguret is a charming village of about 900 that has landed a spot on a list of 155 villages in France deemed most beautiful by the organization <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/miHorM">Le Plus Beaux Villages de France</a></i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sablet</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vUThn0nzWkw/ThOX6ubyaSI/AAAAAAAAH_k/NFzls8r9zz8/s1600/P5240066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vUThn0nzWkw/ThOX6ubyaSI/AAAAAAAAH_k/NFzls8r9zz8/s200/P5240066.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Les Dentelles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Several photos and a large dose of charm later, it was time to leave Séguret and start the back road, 3km walk to Sablet. It took a bit longer than it should have because every time I turned around, I gasped out loud at the view and stopped to take another photo. If you go, the D23 heading northeast from Sablet is most certainly the best way to get to Séguret. From this direction, the hill town looks like an island oasis popping out of a sea of lush green vineyards. Add in Les Dentelles, which will be in close view the entire stretch of this road, and you’ve got yourself a jaw-dropping – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dent</i>-bearing, in fact – scene. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azdxxTMTqfk/ThOUZ4HFJoI/AAAAAAAAH-s/-dozyXIOWWI/s1600/P5240074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azdxxTMTqfk/ThOUZ4HFJoI/AAAAAAAAH-s/-dozyXIOWWI/s200/P5240074.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Sablet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Finally, I reached the Sablet rotary that I had passed through by bus earlier in the day. I walked up the incline into town and immediately headed for a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pâtisserie</i>, to buy a few bottles of water. Not far from here, I finally saw it: the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Caveau des Vignerons de Sablet</i>, which advertised<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> dégustation</i> (wine tasting) and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vente </i>(wine sales), and also doubled as the town’s tourism office.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Inside, I found a small bar and a desk, behind which sat a woman at a computer. She stood and asked how she could help me, showed me around the wall of wines available for sampling and then handed me a book of prices and label information for each of the wines. Such a different experience from earlier in the day, and so many wines to choose from! There were even wines available from producers who also grew grapes in the Gigondas appellation, so I didn’t have to worry about trying to figure out the bus schedule to Gigondas, after all. What a relief! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I selected a first wine to try, but before she poured any of it into my glass, she poured a sample into hers and took a long sniff. She wanted to make sure the wine hadn’t gone off since being opened for the last visitor. As I made more selections, she repeated this test again and again, and on at least three occasions, opened brand new bottles because the tasting bottle had gone bad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Parlez-vous anglais?” I asked. She paused, gave me a studious look and said “En français.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, we chatted in French. I was so impressed with how slowly she spoke to me, and with her patience in general as I ravaged my brain for the latest vocabulary words and verb conjugations I had learned in class. I tried to ask simple questions about the wine and she asked me simple questions about where I was from, whether I was on vacation, where else I had visited in the area and whether I worked in wine – my dream job, for the record, and a question for which I wanted to jump over the bar and hug her for asking! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Every now and then, a townsperson or local merchant popped in with a question, some kind of news, or to drop off a fresh stack of tourist brochures. So far, I was the only out-of-towner. It was such a pleasant place to spend part of the afternoon, and never once did she indicate that I was bothering her…in fact, she reiterated two or three times that I could stay all day and keep tasting if I liked. What temptation!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then, a woman walked in and addressed my new friend, Séverine, in a thick Australian accent: “Hello, I’m back. I’d like to book the boat cruise that we talked about when I was in here earlier today.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was stunned. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Your English is perfect!” I blurted, shocked. I couldn’t believe it. I had been there for at least 30 minutes by this point, struggling through my elementary French and never picking up on a single clue that Séverine spoke English. She smiled. As it turns out, she spent time in the United States as an au pair when she was younger, and, in an even more interesting twist: she lived in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, not that far from where I have relatives living in northern Ohio. Small world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I stayed for a short while longer, but even with a dump bucket nearby, I was starting to feel a bit light-headed (surely from the long, hot walk and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> from the wine sampling…wink, wink), so I sampled my last taste and made my selections. I bought nine bottles, bringing my tally for the day to a not-too-shabby eleven. Séverine boxed my purchase and offered to hold on to the wine while I took a stroll around town, an offer I took her up on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_R2QZ2llRo/ThOUS8CgQSI/AAAAAAAAH-k/EZ4MPaqWF4c/s1600/P5240081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_R2QZ2llRo/ThOUS8CgQSI/AAAAAAAAH-k/EZ4MPaqWF4c/s200/P5240081.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sablet bus stop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">My feet were sore and the rest of me was sun burnt and exhausted, so I chose to sit in the shade on the terrace of a nearby restaurant and make notes on my day instead of sightsee, but that’s a decision I’m regretting right now, as I type this with non-blistered feet. If you find yourself in Sablet, save time to stroll around and take in its history, from remains of old city walls to centuries-old religious sights such as the Église St. Nazaire, a 12<sup>th</sup> century church with a bell tower that stands higher than any other point in the town. (<a href="http://bit.ly/jYjLzD">Click here</a> for more information on the church and other chapels in Sablet.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRU2hWjlSyI/ThOUNvVkC6I/AAAAAAAAH-g/fD3WykStlQs/s1600/P5240083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRU2hWjlSyI/ThOUNvVkC6I/AAAAAAAAH-g/fD3WykStlQs/s200/P5240083.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hard day's work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And Back Again</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">After a short rest in the shade, I stopped by the tourism office to pick up my wine and started walking down the road to the stop where I’d pick up the bus back to the <st1:place w:st="on">Orange</st1:place> train station, to travel back to Montélimar. I had amassed quite a collection on my day of public bus wine tasting. And I have to say, from the bus driver to the train conductor and everyone in-between, it’s quite incredible how many polite Frenchmen will offer to “help” by taking a box of wine off a girl’s hands… </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Plan Your Own Public Bus Adventure</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">If I can go wine tasting in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Provence</st1:state></st1:place> on my own, in flip-flops and with a blistered and bandaged toe on each foot; you can, too. Here are the resources you’ll need to plan your own wine tasting tour by bus:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>1.</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A giant map.</b> Take a look at the full map of all bus transportation lines within the Vaucluse department to pick the towns you’d like to visit. View or download the comprehensive map <a href="http://bit.ly/mu0Hxt">here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>2. </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The bus timetable.</b> Now that you’ve chosen the town(s) you’d like to visit, head over to the Département de Vaucluse public transportation page, <a href="http://bit.ly/mmMtL4">here</a>. On this site, you’ll find links to download the most recent PDF or text version of bus timetables. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Heading from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Orange</st1:place></st1:city> to Sablet, Séguret, Cairanne, Rasteau or Roaix? <a href="http://bit.ly/lQCcj9">Click here</a> to view or download the bus schedule.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>3. </b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Remember the two hour lunch.</b> The lunch hour – which is actually two hours, from 12-2pm – is sacred in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>, even more so in smaller towns. Keep this in mind as you plan out your day and make sure you find yourself in an area with at least a couple of restaurant options so you can also eat during this window. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>4. </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Have a plan. </b>Unless you enjoy slightly-aimless wandering as part of the adventure, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">à la</i> yours truly, do your homework before you go and save yourself the blisters. Know how many <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">maisons</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">caves</i> or wine cooperatives are in the town(s) you plan to visit, when they’re open and whether you need a reservation to taste, and mark them on a map so you know how far they are from your bus stop. Buses don’t always run regularly and a taxi back to your hotel will probably be pricey – so, make sure you’re never further than running distance from your bus stop! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’re headed to Séguret, there is a list of wineries <a href="http://bit.ly/kgky32">here</a> (in French). If you visit Sablet, try <a href="http://bit.ly/l1CfGN">this list</a> (in French).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bon voyage! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Link Roundup</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/kqxod9">Avignon Wine Tours</a></b> This is a must-do if you’re visiting <st1:city w:st="on">Avignon</st1:city> and taking in the wines of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Provence</st1:state></st1:place> for the first time. Tour routes change daily, Monday to Saturday, and visits are capped at 6 people per day, so reserve early. Owner François will tell you “Trust me, I’m French,” and you should – he knows his stuff. Cost is 75€ per person, and worth every penny. (In English.)</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/pq44fa">Orange Tourism Office</a></b> The tourism web site for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Orange</st1:place></st1:city>. (In English.)</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/mu0Hxt">Département de Vaucluse bus map</a></b> This is the full map of all bus lines available throughout the Vaucluse.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/mmMtL4">Département de Vaucluse transportation web site</a></b> Once you know the bus line you need, this link will take you directly to the section of the web site that holds the most current bus schedule.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/mFDoQM">Sablet Tourism Office</a> </b>This web page lists information about the opening hours of the tourism office/wine tasting room, including wines available for tasting. Note that the tourism office is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. (In English.)</li>
<li>Joseph, Robert. <a href="http://amzn.to/j8FgQN" style="font-weight: bold;">French Wines</a>, London: DK Publishing, 2005. Currently my favorite wine guide on the planet. Read a synopsis of French wine history, learn how to taste properly, how to build a wine cellar, and more. This guide gives a terrific overview of all of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s wine regions. </li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/kyweWc">Vignerons Roaix Séguret</a></b> Web site for the wine cooperative located at the Séguret–Cave bus stop on line 4.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/n6jt0N">Village of Séguret</a></b> The web site for the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Village</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Séguret</st1:placename></st1:place>. Still a work-in-progress, but it does include a helpful page of history of the town. (In French.)</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/kgky32">Syndicat des Vignerons – Séguret</a></b> A list of winemakers and cooperatives in Séguret, with guidance on who offers <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dégustation</i> and who doesn’t (in French).</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/lrqqgG">Village of Sablet</a></b> The web site for the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Village</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Sablet</st1:placename></st1:place>. (In French.)</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://bit.ly/jYjLzD">Sablet and its Church and Chapels</a></b> A blog post written by a couple who owns a vacation rental home in Sablet. Worth reading for great ideas of places to visit in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Provence</st1:place></st1:state> and beyond.</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-34815047162058553562011-06-29T18:52:00.005+02:002011-07-06T02:28:47.783+02:00American Independence Day, Luxembourg Style<div class="MsoNormal">Last summer was our first 4<sup>th</sup> of July overseas. I spent the day stealing several moments to scroll through Facebook, wistfully reading through status updates of friends who were headed to cookouts or neighborhood picnics, Independence Day parades, and eyeing their plans to watch local fireworks displays that night. I was jealous…and more than a little bit homesick. Nick often jokes that I'm "America's #1 patriot" and, when it comes to the 4th of July, he's right! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp6hlyrHEMM/TgtSmkp39JI/AAAAAAAAH98/jqNgxibMabg/s1600/4thjuly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp6hlyrHEMM/TgtSmkp39JI/AAAAAAAAH98/jqNgxibMabg/s200/4thjuly.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Captain Mike" leads the Independence Day parade <br />
in my old neighborhood in Ohio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, one of my favorite days of the year was the 4<sup>th</sup> of July, when my mom spent the entire afternoon popping a giant paper grocery bag full of salty, buttery popcorn that would double as dinner and a treat when watching the fireworks later that night from the high school football field. Years later as a teenager in Ohio, our neighborhood began the terrific tradition of decorating bicycles, wagons and lawnmowers in red, white and blue; parading them up and down the streets in an unofficial Independence Day parade, complete with a “lawnmower brigade” of several dads pushing walk-behind lawnmowers that stopped to perform military-style drills at points along the route! And for the decade that I lived in <st1:city w:st="on">Washington</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">D.C.</st1:state>, not even the oppressive heat and humidity could squelch the patriotism I’d feel while watching the fireworks from the lawn of the U.S. Capitol building, beneath the <st1:placename w:st="on">Washington</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Monument</st1:placetype> or along the banks of the <st1:place w:st="on">Potomac River</st1:place> across from the Lincoln Memorial. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ahh, there I go, getting wistful again. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I digress. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway, instead of sitting at home scrolling through Facebook and feeling sorry for myself again this Independence Day, I’ve found a cookout to attend. And you can come, too!</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHw2PGwUowM/TgtV_OoxVrI/AAAAAAAAH-A/KRnGLsYa3nc/s1600/July3cookout.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YHw2PGwUowM/TgtV_OoxVrI/AAAAAAAAH-A/KRnGLsYa3nc/s200/July3cookout.JPG" width="156" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/kwGLX3">Click here</a> for a larger version<br />
of the event flyer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">For anyone in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place> reading this blog who is American or who wants to celebrate like an American, mark your calendars for this <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sunday, July 3</b>. This Independence Day cookout has been a tradition in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region> for more than a decade and typically attracts 400-500 people.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Everyone<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>is invited to attend and to enjoy American music, children’s games and American-style food and drink. It’s <u>free</u> to attend, but be sure to RSVP in advance if you can so there’s enough food and drink to go around. (But don’t worry: if you only find out about the cookout the morning of July 3, I’m told that you can still attend without a prior RSVP.)<br />
<br />
(And before or after the cookout, you can continue the festivities by heading to Place Guillaume II in Lux Ville for the 2011 edition of <a href="http://bit.ly/l7sTy3">Rock um Knuedler</a>.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Details</span><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 5.4pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-insideh: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-border-insidev: .5pt solid windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When:<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal">Sunday, July 3</div><div class="MsoNormal">12pm – 6pm</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Where:<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.conterstuff.lu/"><b>Conterstuff</b></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Address: 2, Place de la Mairie, L-5310 Contern</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tel: 26 70 17 26</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Conterstuff is a restaurant that has a large barn; enter through the barn to get to the cookout.<o:p></o:p></i></div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What:<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal">Independence Day cookout with American food and drink available for purchase, American music and face painting and games for the kiddos.</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Getting There:<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">By car: </b>Conterstuff is about 11km and 20 minutes away from Luxembourg Ville by car. <a href="http://bit.ly/kjvfG6">Click here</a> to view directions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">By public transport: </b>Unfortunately, there are no buses leaving Lux Ville on Sunday that will get you anywhere near this address. Train service is available, however; take the train (RB toward Wasserbillig) and exit at the Sandweiler-Contern stop. Trains depart Luxembourg Gare Centrale this Sunday every hour at :52 after the hour. To look up other CFL train times, <a href="http://bit.ly/lXsyZR">click here</a>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Conterstuff is 2.8km from the train station. Walking/biking <a href="http://bit.ly/kutXaJ">directions here</a>. Remember: your bicycle rides for free on trains throughout <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 63.0pt;" width="84"><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RSVP<o:p></o:p></b></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal">In advance, if possible, by e-mailing <a href="mailto:reinardr@pt.lu">reinardr@pt.lu</a>. If you’re a current member of the American Women’s Club of Luxembourg, you can RSVP to<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15pt;"> </span><a href="mailto:clubhouseawcl@gmail.com">clubhouseawcl@gmail.com</a> or post a note to their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_44579872954">Facebook page</a>. </div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Hope to see you this Sunday, fully decked out in your brightest red, white and blue! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3016617104259584452.post-697013888580092722011-06-22T10:11:00.004+02:002011-08-19T16:30:53.143+02:00Luxembourg National Day Events (June 22-23)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kirdfpAZSWM/TgGisiM3AyI/AAAAAAAAH9g/50nOsv17vCQ/s1600/fetenationale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kirdfpAZSWM/TgGisiM3AyI/AAAAAAAAH9g/50nOsv17vCQ/s200/fetenationale.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s the big day, folks: today is the start of celebrations marking the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #282828; line-height: 18px;">Fête</span> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nationale</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s National Day. The weather looks a bit iffy at the moment, but Weather.com <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/today/LUXX0003:1:LU">claims</a> that the rain should move out of Luxembourg Ville by about 6pm…let’s hope their forecast is correct, because we’ve got a lot to do this evening!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the actual National Day is tomorrow, June 23, the celebrating starts today with concerts all over town (and all over the country), a torchlight parade, a dazzling fireworks display and more food and drink stands than a merry-maker would ever need to make merry. Read on for the schedule.</span></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For information about traffic diversions for National Day, click <a href="http://bit.ly/jbC3W1">here</a> (in French).</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m5sjUVlGFQ/Tk5zH3dnWtI/AAAAAAAAIDM/CGpCXTQeT_M/s1600/P6220370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m5sjUVlGFQ/Tk5zH3dnWtI/AAAAAAAAIDM/CGpCXTQeT_M/s200/P6220370.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live outside of Luxembourg Ville? Check out the News352 roundup of events throughout Luxembourg <a href="http://bit.ly/j4XTFW">here</a>.</span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">A Bit of History</span></b></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luxembourg National Day began as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i><a href="http://bit.ly/l77YUh">Groussherzoginsgebuertsdag</a></i>, or “the Grand Duchess’s Birthday.” It was a celebration to commemorate the birthday of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s beloved<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/lZ3k2P">Grande Duchesse Charlotte</a>, who reigned from 1919 to 1964. Her birthday was actually January 23, but in 1962 the date of the celebration was changed from January 23 to June 23 because the weather was much more pleasant five months later in the year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When her son, Grand Duke Jean, took the throne in 1964, the date of the celebration remained the same, but its purpose became a bit broader; in addition to celebrating the Grand Duke (or Duchess) the festivities also mark a national day of pride.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">June 22 Agenda</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-insideh: 1.5pt double windowtext; mso-border-insidev: 1.5pt double windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828; font-size: 11pt;">1</span><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2:15pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free concerts begin in the Place d’Armes as part of the final day of the Fête de la Musique. Full schedule <a href="http://bit.ly/maixvh">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Solemn changing of the guard in front of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Grand</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Ducal</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #282828;">Grand Duke Henri and </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">Grand Duchess Maria Teresa will pay a visit to </span></span><span style="color: black;">Oberanven (<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Municipality</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Niederanven</st1:placename></st1:place>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess will pay a visit Esch-sur-Alzette.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Music will fill the air in Place Guillaume II when the <i>Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg</i> strikes up cinematic tunes you’ll recognize for “<a href="http://bit.ly/kurIEX">Kneudler Goes Showtime</a>”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">Torchlight Procession.</span></b><span style="color: #282828;"> A <a href="http://bit.ly/lB5EG9">procession</a> of firefighters, scouts, clubs and community organizations will march through town holding torches. The procession will begin on Boulevard Royal, continue down the Grand-Rue, onto Rue du Fosse and will end in Place Guillaume II, where the military band will perform in the presence of members of the Grand Ducal family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #282828;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #282828;"><a href="http://bit.ly/jKselq">Click here</a> for a map of the torchlight procession route.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11:30pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">Fireworks.</span></b><span style="color: #282828;"> A large and dazzling fireworks display presented in honor of the Grand Duke will take place over the Pont Adolphe. If you can see the sky above the bridge or the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Pétrusse</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> from where you’re standing, you should have a great view. (It gets crowded, so find your spot early.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4am<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Concerts and merry-making continue throughout town; the last concert ends at 4am at the Rue du St-Esprit stage. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">June 23 Agenda</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-insideh: 1.5pt double windowtext; mso-border-insidev: 1.5pt double windowtext; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 480;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"> <td style="border: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10am - 6pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-left: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" valign="top" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">Kanner Spillfest. </span></b><span style="color: #282828;">Games and activities for children will take place all day long in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Pètrusse</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place> by the Schlittenhiwwel, the large grassy sledding hill. Adding to the fun, <i>free</i> rides will be given all day long on the tourist train, the Pètrusse Valley Express; rides depart from Place de la Constitution in front of the Gëlle Fra.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10:30am<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" valign="top" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">Te Deum</span></b><span style="color: #282828;">. The Te Deum is a religious ceremony that takes place inside Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It is attended by the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess and members of the Grand Ducal family, as well as national and city government officials, foreign diplomats and dignitaries. While the service is open to the public, seats are limited, so the best viewing point will actually be from your couch, as the ceremony is typically televised on RTL.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11:15am<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" valign="top" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">101 Gun Salute.</span></b><span style="color: #282828;"> A typical honorary salute of 101 guns will be fired from the Fetschenhof, in Clausen; you’ll hear it throughout the city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11:30am<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" valign="top" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">Call to Arms.</span></b><span style="color: #282828;"> The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prise d’armes</i>, or call to arms, will take place outside of the Cathedral before Grand Duke Henri and the hereditary Grand Duke, </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333;">Prince Guillaume.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" valign="top" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">Parade.</span></b><span style="color: #282828;"> A military parade will proceed down Avenue de la Liberté. If you head toward Martyrs, you’ll be in a prime spot to watch. For a map of the parade route and traffic deviations, <a href="http://bit.ly/lW9jR5">click here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" valign="top" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;">Free Concert. </span></b><span style="color: #282828;">Amicale Garnisounsmusek Dikkrech performance in Place d’Armes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"> <td style="border-top: none; border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .95in;" valign="top" width="91"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></td> <td style="border-bottom: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-left: none; border-right: double windowtext 1.5pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-border-top-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 5.2in;" valign="top" width="499"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Free Concert. </span></span></b><span style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big Band Opus 78 & Ladies of Soul will perform, featuring Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer. This will take place in Place Guillaume II.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Additional Information</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/jbC3W1">Modification des trajets et transports spéciaux à l'occasion de la fête nationale 2011</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> (Ville de Luxembourg) Information about disruptions and changes to public transportation during National Day (in French).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/iAQtYC">Festivités autour de la fête nationale</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> (Ville de Luxembourg) Official list of authorized festivities from Luxembourg City government (in French).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/j8S3Fo">Fête de la Musique</a> (Luxembourg City Tourism Office) Brochure listing concerts in Luxembourg Ville and throughout the rest of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Luxembourg</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/lBlAIz">Fête Nationale</a> (Luxembourg City Tourism Office) Brochure listing all National Day events as well as summer concerts.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #282828; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #282828;"><a href="http://www.journal.lu/2011/06/21/ein-%E2%80%9Efest-vun-der-freed%E2%80%9C-steht-bevor-2/">Ein „Fest vun der Freed“ steht bevor</a> </span><span style="color: #282828;">(Lëtzebuerger Journal, 21/6/11)</span> Article about National Day events. (in German)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/ms0XoK">Luxembourg: Fête nationale 2011</a> (Le Quotidien) Article about National Day events (in French).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/jQZccQ">Fête Nationale 2011</a>, official calendar published by the national government.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/lZ3k2P">Grande-Duchesse Charlotte</a>, official background (in French). </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/l77YUh">Fête Nationale</a> Background on the national celebration provided by the national government (in French).</span></li>
</ul><div class="blogger-post-footer">--
Thanks for reading Luxemblog!
Find Luxemblog on Facebook, or join me on Twitter for Lux-specific tweets: @Luxemblog</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4