“Exploring Luxembourg With Laura”
A Blend of Old World Charm and Modern Innovation
Nestled between Belgium, Germany, and France, is a small country with a population of 640,000 and dimensions of 51 miles by 35 miles. Despite its size, it serves as an economic hub for the European Union.
During my first night exploring Luxembourg City, I was struck by its pristine and almost eerie cleanliness, reminiscent of a Disneyland-esque atmosphere. The only thing I could compare it to would be if Salzburg and Singapore had a baby and named the city Luxembourg. It has fantastic fortress architecture, reminiscent of Salzburg, and features high walls, ingenious elevators and funicular systems for navigating between the different levels of the city.
With a population in the city of around 100,000 residents and 200,000 daily commuters, this compact city has made all public buses and trams free to ease traffic congestion. While initially feeling odd to ride without paying, I quickly adapted and became a pro at jumping between lines.
During my visit, I explored the city on a full-day e-bike tour. Marco, our guide, skillfully navigated us through hidden routes, unveiling the seamless connections between the old and new town. We pedaled alongside the charming river into the Petrusse valley that is framed by the city’s ancient fortifications.
The Aldophe Bridge
Another highlight was cycling across the Aldophe bridge where we took in the breathtaking city vistas and stunning landscapes. The city's hilly terrain was manageable thanks to the e-bikes' turbo mode. Marco's infectious energy was evident as he cheered us on with his trademark phrase, "It's Turbo Time!" making the uphill climbs surprisingly fun and easy.
Spring in Luxembourg!
The pink and white cherry blossom trees lined the streets. While the magnolia trees, with their large pink blossoms, have also captured my heart. These flowers, reminiscent of those fit for a princess, feel particularly fitting in Luxembourg, a town whose name translates to ‘little castle’ or ‘little fortress’.
Living in the Belair quarter was like stepping into an idyllic city suburb. The neighborhood exuded a warm, family-friendly vibe, with the steady procession of baby prams and playful dogs passing by my window as I enjoyed my work-from-home routine. Among the delightful characters of the neighborhood was a Beagle, his tail wagging with unbridled joy as he accompanied his family on the morning walk to school.
Amidst the daily rhythm of life in Belair, the nearby church bells chimed on the hour, adding a melodic touch to the neighborhood symphony. And as evening descended, a special celebration unfolded with the resounding peal of bells marking the close of another day, weaving a timeless charm into the fabric of our shared experience.
My residence in this charming quarter was a shared house that I had discovered through Airbnb, a melting pot of cultures and professions. From Italy, Slovenia, India, and Singapore, my flatmates brought a diverse tapestry of backgrounds and experiences. Some were engaged in study projects with the European Union, while others pursued careers in the financial sector or the tech giants that called the city home. Even my taxi driver expressed surprise at my divergence from the predominant path, assuming I too was part of the bustling tech scene dominated by Amazon.
The vegan food scene was exemplary with so many great restaurant options. One restaurant of special mention would have to be “Lokaal”. The 100% vegan buffet was an ornate rainbow of culinary mastery. The Ecuadorian chef greeted every diner with a bow and a hearty “Bon Appetit!” The host and wait staff were also beyond friendly and welcomed me as if I had always been a part of the family. The community environment that had been built was so palpable as office workers, young families, and college students all mingled together and chatted amicably while collecting their food and sitting at the long family style tables.
A Serene Easter at the Notre Dame Cathedral: A Hidden Gem in the City Center
Easter at the Notre Dame cathedral in the city center, not to be confused with its Parisian counterpart, was a truly enchanting experience. It was constructed in the Gothic architectural style by the Jesuits in 1621. Despite its age, the cathedral continues to be a spiritual cornerstone of the city with a consistent flow of worshipers coming to light candles and pray.
Upon entering the cathedral, I was struck by its subdued lighting. Unlike many modernized cathedrals, which often feature bright floodlights, the interior of Notre Dame exuded a tranquil darkness, illuminated softly by natural light filtering through its thick, dark stained glass windows. Even on a cloudy day, the ambience was serene rather than somber.
Finding a seat near the front altar, I settled in for a moment of prayer journaling. As I reflected in the quietude of the nave, I was also inspired to pen a few reflective cards to loved ones back home in the States. Despite my initial reservations about the dim lighting, I found myself embracing the cozy atmosphere, which lent an unexpected warmth to the sacred space.
Easter at the Notre Dame cathedral was a reminder that beauty and tranquility can be found in unexpected places. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, this hidden gem offers a sanctuary for quiet contemplation and spiritual renewal. I smiled to myself as I noticed that slow travel had once again found me, guiding me to moments of serenity and connection in the most unexpected corners of the world.
