Glorious Exploration

Well, we found a house after a week of seeing just about everything for rent in the area.  In fact, we found it on the first day and we are extremely pleased.  But, more on that later.  I promise to provide a more detailed description of the house and the town later this week.

The weekend provided an excellent opportunity to do a little exploring.  Thursday, we explored Luxembourg City.  Friday we spent some time people watching and poking around Ettelbruck and then took a drive to Trier, just over the German border with our friend Melissa.  Yesterday, the three of us tried out the train and headed to Brussels for the day.  I can't remember having that much fun on a weekend's vacation in a long time.  One of the major differences between Ohio and Luxembourg, besides all the cultural differences of course, is location.  While it takes most of a day to get to anywhere besides Cleveland, Columbus, or Pittsburgh by car, it only takes about 30mins to get to Germany, a couple hours to Brussels, and about just as much to get to Paris.  And, it takes just a little longer to get there by train, something that we certainly do not have access to at home.  Of course, this is an attribute somewhat unique to Luxembourg because of its size and location in Europe.  It is certainly going to be nice enjoying that advantage.

Anyway, here are some pictures from the last few days.  These were taken down in the Grund, or the lower part of the city.  The old city walls run along the ridge, below is a river with an extensive park as well as lively night life spots.

These are all from Trier, the oldest city in Germany.  The highlight of which is the Porta Nigra, a 2,000 year old Roman gate.

We also ate at a wonderful German restuarant, where I order the Stag,  because I could.

And now for Brussels:

For the cathedral lovers, Brussels has plenty to choose from.

Lunch in the Grand Place

The Belgians have a thing for enormous buildings.

Panorama of the Museum district.

Brussels and Lux City are full of these bicycle rental stations.

 

For those of you who enjoy a good beer, you know the best are brewed in Belgium.  They also make delicious chocolate and waffels.  We visited the Belgian Beer Museum and a chocolatier, and sampled the famous waffles.  Brussels may be one of the greatest places in the world.

The House of Master Brewers, in which lies the Belgian Beer Museum.

Of course you have to try a beer with a presentation like this!

Inside the Belgian Beer Museum

One of the many beer stores in Brussels; they only stock Belgian brews.

This waffle was a revelation.

Inside the tasting room of the Beer Museum

Entrance to one of the many beer caves.

That's all for now.  Tomorrow we wrap up the rental process and may head back to Trier for more exploration.