I am now in country #19! That’s right, first time in:
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
I took 2 trains yesterday; train 1 from Bruges to Brussels and I was only going to have 6 minutes transfer time to train 2 (Brussels to Luxembourg). But things worked out in that the first train was quite a bit early so I didn’t have to run to the next train (but I actually did run, along with a lot of other tourists heading to this charming little country). Luxembourg is indeed tiny. There is only 1 train station and I had the misfortune of being ogled by old dudes speaking French at me as I walked to my AirBnB (another first! – using AirBnB, not getting ogled at). I’m quite glad I didn’t understand them. I probably would have spoken back to them if I did.
My AirBnB is really nice. I have my own large room and share a bathroom with two very nice Italian guys. I can’t figure out if they’re a couple or not but one left and took his toothbrush last night so I can only figure they are “partners” for this side gig of renting out a room in their spacious home.
Today, before doing anything remotely resembling sightseeing, I had to be domestic. I was on my last bit of clean clothes (using that term very loosely since my jean shorts aren’t standing up by themselves, by my traveling standards, they are still clean. And febreeze helps with the smells). Up first, laundry. The Italians (I forget who is who) said I could use their washing machine and it was FREE. I never thought I would be so happy for free laundry and in the comforts of a home. Not my home, but a home nonetheless. They don’t have a dryer so I hung my clothes outside to dry all day. As my clothes were in the washing machine (which does a much better job than I ever will at really getting things clean), I walked to the supermarket and spent 32 euros on food/drink for the next few days. At this rate, I’m only spending 10 euros on food per day. This makes me feel like I’m actively not trying to blow through my savings. I still need to live my life when I get back home and am unemployed in December.
When laundry was done, I gathered myself up and left to explore the Old Town part of Luxembourg City. It’s got quite a storied history with fortress walls and old world charm. I went to the Notre Dame church and then did the famous Corniche walk otherwise known as “Europe’s most beautiful balcony”. It really is spectacular and although the day was cloudy, it was still impressive. Here are some pictures from various angles.
Somehow after all that walking, I decided to walk some more. So I paid 6 euros for entrance to The Casemates – UNESCO World Hertiage Fortifications and Old Town Gibraltar of the North. I honestly didn’t know what I paid for but the words on the sign said “crypt” and you all know how I like things of a more cryptic, supernatural nature. I think the coolest thing I saw there was Melusine’s well (pictured below).
The legend is as follows:
She was the wife of Sigefoy, 1st count of Luxembourg, living in the castle atop of this fortress rock. When they go married, she told him there was a particular day and night of the week that he could not see her – I think she just knew she needed alone time and I might require that of my husband if I’m ever getting married. One day, he couldn’t resist and he spied on her taking a bath (pervert) and saw she had a fish tail. She saw him and disappeared forever into the Alzette river. Dear future husband, I do not have a fish tail. Love, Amy.
Finally, doing what I do best, I found this empty street that just screamed, “take my picture.” And this, is exactly how I thought Luxembourg would be: charming, fascinating, old and quiet.
There She Goes... 