Zoetermeer - Luxembourg (23rd April 2003)
The idea of driving to wine countries were somehow enchanting although I almost thought it will not come true. The choice of type of vacations and modes were quite difficult to draw to a conclusion but we finally settle for this one - a driving trip.
The landscape changes from flat to hilly where we began to see mountain after mountain and the valley views of green farms, sometimes full of green grass and cows, sheep's and sometime was a ray of golden yellow flowers which we debated for awhile still have no clue what it is and what it is for. The outbound journey were rather stress and full of uncertainty, no maps, no clue and no expectation of what to get apart of a night of confirmed accommodation in Luxembourg. We went via Liege and was forced to detour to some country road due to highway closed for construction. It was then a journey of up hills and down hills on those considerably small and winding road. It took us almost 6 stressful or rather tense hours to get to Luxembourg and along our ways we really looked into many mountains and kidding quoted the scripture "I look at the mountains, where will my help come from, my help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth".
As soon as we entered into the city, I beginning to see a completely different view of the city. A city that were divided by its geographical landscapes and link with some mighty arch shape bridge with gardens and cassmates under the bridges called "Grund". Luxembourg appeared to be a very (1) clean, (2) neat, (3) charming city with most ladies modestly dressed in french chic and men professionally dressed in suits. It is no surprise of such dress code as Lux is a financial city for many renounced banks and financial institutions around the world. The first evening out were full of excitement to me, to a city which I have not set any expectation and yet it exceeded my expectation !!!
We first stop by the "Care"area of Luxembourg, even then I already find Lux quite special and unique with the design of the shops and items they sell. Lux is indeed small especially the "Center"with lot of building in quite an considerably old design but yet with a new look bricking together forming the city routes. I particularly like the surprises that I can get everywhere I walked to, entering into a building and there is a quiet and nice inner court awaiting for my arrival. There were plenty of such experiences when I entered into a building and surprised by a nice garden, classical monuments, fountains and mostly the cafes or restaurants that form the main road, they look like just another ordinary restaurant/cafes yet from the inner court they looked completely special and stylish in their own ways. We settled our night at a nice undisclosed Mexican restaurant situated in an inner court. It is a small Mexican themed restaurant with nice people greeting and warm setting. The superb music came from my favorite Veuna Vista Social Club - Ibrahim, Omara and the gang from Havan. The music is bet enjoyed with a glass of red wine just like what I used to do back home and now I am able to enjoyed it in a nice atmosphere and most importantly with the one I love.
Luxembourg - Strasbourg (24th April 2003)
We started the day in the city again where Johannes showed me the garden and the arch design bridge. WE made attempts to get to the garden or rather "grund"but couldn't find the stairs and have access to it. So we walked from the "Center" to the "Gare"again. It is indeed very neat and manageable walk while trying to find an English guide book of Northern France. I also like the Rue de A'mes - a square in the city center. Even fast food become more "cultural" over here with the nice open space terraces. I must thanked God for the really nice weather that we were able to enjoyed the sunshine and the cool breeze outdoor with long sunlight hours as if summer is already set in quietly.
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