Coffee

On Friday morning I attended a coffee at the British Ambassador's Residence.  This is all part of my plan to become friends with the Duchess of Luxembourg.  Ha!

Jeremy took a picture of me on my way out as I hoped I was dressed properly enough (I was).  

Arriving at the British Ambassador's house, I rang the buzzer at the gate and was greeted in French by the butler.  That was kinda weird... I really thought I would hear a British accent at this point.  He escorted me upstairs into the drawing room.  I wish I could have taken a few photos.  If you have seen classic British interiors, it was right on par with gold tone floral wallpaper and drapes to match.  

Hosted by the British Ladies Club of Luxembourg, the coffee was a fundraiser benefitting a cancer foundation.  About 40 ladies were there and all very friendly.  Most of the Ladies (that I spoke to) were British, but not exclusively. I did not meet the Ambassador's wife, as she was unable to attend the event.  So, I will have to work on getting invited back :)

Moien

That's "hello" in Luxembergish.

It's neat how one little word opens the door to learning and experiencing a little bit of life, even if through someone else's experiences.  The well educated Luxembourgers speak quite good English.  Even my 97 year old neighbor apologizes for her English at the start of each conversation, but I can understand everything she says.

There was famine here in 1918 that drove many Luxembourgers to the US to "work hard and make millions".  That is the American dream, or at least it was.  That's how the women I met on the bus had so many relatives in the US.  She told me all about her post collegiate travels in California and the East Coast years ago. She had a funny story about an old racist man and wanted to know if it was still like that.

My neighbor, Marc told me about a town in Wisconsin, named Belgium, where some of his ancestors migrated and everyone was from Luxembourg, spoke Luxembourgish and even built their houses and towns the same way as they did here.  He said he went into the pub and everyone spoke Luxembourgish as if he were back here.  I looked it up and look what I found... http://www.village.belgium.wi.us

Following the famine came the booming (or roaring) 20's.  That's when my neighborhood was built.  I'm told it was the first upperclass neighborhood to be built up outside of the city center.  It is also why all of the big old schools are located nearby.  A friend of mine lives in a really cool house built in 1920 with original stained glass and very interesting architecture... Apparently on the most desirable street in our neighborhood.  Before hearing this, I knew that street was standout in that the houses are especially beautiful and much of their original details have been well-preserved.

That's all for now.  I have to get back to taking care of sick kids!

Ghent, Belgium

While cleaning up breakfast last Saturday morning, Jeremy decided to look for a city to visit in Belgium for the day.  It turned out to be such a lovely day to leave drizzly Luxembourg and see some sun!

Ghent, pronounced with a soft G or a J sound, is northwest of Brussles in the Flemmish region of the country.  I expected to use my French in Belgium, but not in Ghent! 

There was some sort of festival with sporting challenges all around the downtown that were entertaining for the kids.  A cool old castle and several gorgeous church's.

Everyone was riding bikes and walking in the streets.  It was nerve racking as Jeremy drove through to find a parking spot as the people mostly only moved out of the way for the trolley trains.
I do not know which of the two rivers this is, but the building built along the banks were lovely!

When in Belgium... I only had a few sips, but it was fun to taste!  Jeremy not only enjoyed his favorite Duvel, but some local Ghent Beer as well.  I also ordered the caramel apple pie, specialty of the region.  It was different...very good with a soft pastry crust and spiced different than any apple pie that I've had before.

When stopping to buy bread and chocolates at the end of the day, I realized how foreign it is to not recognize any bit of the language spoken!  I can see how someone moving abroad with no knowledge of language could find the experience overwhelming.  I'm lucky that I can get along so well in Luxembourg... It really makes the adventure so much fun for me!

A Week of Firsts

Last week was full of many new experiences and was so busy that I am just now stopping to write about it.

We started the week with a visit to Les Poussins, the boys new school.  School is not in session until mid-September, so this is just "warm-up" for the real thing.  Colden was a bit shy entering his class, but the sweetest British girl came to the door and reached out her hand to him saying "it's ok, English is my first language too".  After they sat down at their spots, she assured him that she would teach him the French words if he doesn't know what to say.  It was so sweet.  Later in the week, I met her parents and learned that she was new at Les Poussins and didn't know any French either :).  Blakely also visited his classroom and with lots of tears, we separated for an hour!  That should not surprise any of you!

And for a little fun in the afternoon, we played in Centre... The boys think daddy should have one of these!

Tuesday, with the boys at school, I went for an hour walk... A whole glorious hour to myself walking wherever I wanted!  I had been eyeing a street that was much too steep to take the boys on and found several hiking paths and stairs off it.  Down these stairs I eventually found beutiful vegetable gardens.

Another path led thru the trees.. So beautiful and only about 5 mins walk from my house in the middle or the city!

Wednesday, I drove the car without the GPS.  That was huge.  I'm worried about driving in bus only streets and one-ways, so was always using GPS as a crutch.  A week later it seems so silly!

Thursday, I walked home from school so I could explore.  I found a craft shop with yarn (finally!) and thought of all my friends (Kristi, Sherry, Michelle, Gail, just to name a few!!) who love French Country.

Friday, I put 56 liters of EuroSuper in my car.  I know you are curious what that costs... About $100 and that was not even a full tank!

5 Years Old

Turning 5 years old has definitely been the most anticipated event of the last few months, at least for the birthday boy!

Happy Birthday my big boy!  We love you so much and have had so much joy watching you grow up.

Loving his birthday gifts!!

More Around Limpertsberg

Back to our afternoon bike rides as we enjoyed our last week with no school.  Well, school doesn't start until Sept 16th, but we will start a little early this next week as we need some time to get used to it.  Never mind the fact that its been a really long summer for mommy and I can't wait to go for a long walk and sip a coffee in one of the beautiful Luxembourgish parks before the weather turns too cold.

This landmark here is one we have passed on just about every bus ride, never paying any attention to how beautiful it is or curious about what it is.  We decided to head to a park for a little time with Dad which happened to be right in front of La Foundation Pescatore... A "nursing home" for the aged Luxembourgers.  Gorgeous and huge...the picture doesn't nearly show it's vast size.

The crest of the Grand Ducal...

Apparently we live next to all the high schools!  We were told that the best schools are in Limpertsberg.  I've introduced you to the Lycée de Garçons and this one, even closer than the latter is high school of arts and trades.  Beautiful!

On our bike ride yesterday morning, we passed this one... Lycée Robert Schumann, another massive building that is maybe 2 city blocks large with original sections like this...

And then much more modern areas.  Again, I can't really capture the size of this place in my pictures.

I think this completes the tour of Limpertsberg... Have to save a few gems to show you when you visit!  Taking reservations now :)