Have you ever had the chance to live abroad? My first semester junior year of college I lived in Luxembourg (a very small but wealthy country in Europe) and it was six of the most amazing months of my life.
During my time in Luxembourg I lived with a host family in a town called Bettembourg. Everyday I would take about a 40 minute train ride to my school (that was in a Chateau..no big deal…) in Differdange. I must say, sitting on the trains in Europe is a little more enjoyable than sitting in bumper to bumper traffic in Chicago for 2 hours to get to work everyday. I miss it!
Luxembourg has 3 national languages: French, German and Luxembourgish (which is sort of a combination of French and German with some of its own words thrown in). Because I speak none of those languages, most of the time I was there I walked around smiling and nodding (which apparently is considered being fake/rude – so essentially just walk around and don’t be overly friendly)
A few months ago when I was working in Germany (see Germany post) I had the opportunity to drive to Luxembourg for a weekend to reminisce on the golden days. I don’t think I truly appreciated it while I was there, but going back as an “adult” made me realize how amazing of an experience I had and what a great place Luxembourg is.
Differdange:
Bettembourg:
Luxembourg City:
Barrio Grund:
Palace of the Grand Dukes:
Luxembourg American Cemetery Memorial:
The Guillaume II statue:
Places to Stay:
Sofitel: My parents stayed here when they came to visit me while I was studying abroad and loved it. The rooms are a little different in that they have an all glass shower in the middle of the room (a little awkward when you’re staying with your parents…) but overall this is a very nice place to stay.
Park Inn by Radison Luxembourg City: I stayed at this hotel when I went for the weekend this year. It was nothing fancy but it was a good price and a great location right next to the train station and walking distance from the main square in Luxembourg City.
Places to Eat & Drink:
French Cafe with delicious pastries
Strongbow Honey Apple Cider is… how do I put this…. AMAZING!!
You choose a spoon with a block of chocolate on the end and they will serve you a cup of hot milk. Melt your chocolate stick in the milk and enjoy (the best hot chocolate I have ever had)! YUMMM!! It’s also a great place to get cute chocolates to bring home as gifts.
Spanish Tapas restaurant that is a little outside the downtown area of Luxembourg City so I recommend taking a cab depending on where you stay. They had excellent tapas and drinks.
The Pyg Irish Bar:
Small Irish pub by les rives de Clausen.
Located on les rives de Clausen. It has a Oktoberfest vibe (lots of steins!)
Fire & Ice Shots Bar:
Last but not least, the fire and ice shots bar. This has sadly changed into a new bar since I was there but this place used to be great!
Xoxo,
Kirsten
Brings back such wonderful memories. You are one lucky girl.