Luxembourg City, The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Saturday, 19th May, 2018
While re-confirming the train to Vianden, I was surprised to find that after 07:55, the next train to Ettelbruck was only at 16:55! Sensing something amiss, I mentioned this to Urmila who suggested I call up the railway station. Found their number on the net and dialled. The lady who answered confirmed that services on that line were disrupted owing to some maintenance work on the tracks, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. If one wanted to travel, then one would have to take the bus to Dommeldange, then the train to Ettelbruck and finally the bus to Vianden! We decided to postpone the visit to Monday.
As we had decided to explore Luxembourg city, we took it easy. Set off at 10:45, after breakfasting in the room on biscuits, wafers, curd and fruit. Spent a lot of time just before the viaduct, where four roads meet. The roads - spic n' span - went up and down, bordered
by neatly trimmed grass or hedges or beautiful trees. So much greenery in a capital city! It was truly difficult to believe! Shot a couple of videos. Resumed our stroll towards the city centre, guided by GPRS. Passed the court building (seen the previous evening) and walked to a mini square. Turned left and soon found ourselves near the royal palace - a mind-blowing area comprising cobbled roads, incredible buildings painted in soothing shades of pastel and housing shops on either side; with lanes and by-lanes branching off left and right at regular intervals. Another surprise thrown at us by Europe! It being a bright, Saturday morning, there was a sizable crowd milling about. Many kiddos sucking candy or
slurping ice-cream were accompanying their parents. Pet dogs on a leash were also around. We took our time exploring the entire area, stopping outside a few shops and entering others. At one point we reached the end of the shopping arena and spotted a lovely viewpoint, complete with a fountain, to our right. Lost no time in reaching the spot and
were instantly rewarded by a super view of the city - the railway viaduct, a high bridge for vehicles to our left; and the area of Grund with its constructions oozing old-world charm, nestling amidst unbelievable greenery to our right, down below. We also spotted a passage-like structure extending into the valley, to our left. There was an open (transparent glass) lift to reach the observation deck, from Grund. Walked back, turned right, again right, through
an elegant garden and right into the passage, at the end of which were the observation deck with its glass frontage and the transparent lift. The view from the deck was simply incredible! Shot a video, then took the lift down. Admiring the views from the transparent glass of a lift as we descended, was a unique experience. Following GPRS, we climbed back to the shopping arena. Halted for lunch (Irish draught beer, chicken pizza and hot chocolate) at Bistro Art Scene, then walked towards the city circle, which turned out to be
the mandatory town square. This was very lively with scores of people - eating, drinking, laughing and talking. The entire square was lined by restaurants and shops. It was truly wonderful! We spotted an inviting looking bakery called Paul and tried the local sweet - a custard filled pastry sandwich; and dark chocolate bordered by a thick biscuit crust - both extremely delicious!!
Resumed our stroll, now in the quest of Grund. Following GPRS, we soon came upon a descent where Urmila was apprehensive, though the road was broad and had buildings on either side. We negotiated this part slowly and soon found ourselves in Grund - the area we had admired from the observation deck, earlier; the area with old houses-similar in size and shape; each with the grey roof that lends Luxembourg its charm that is different from the rest of Europe. There was also a canal with green, tranquil waters, situated in a trough. It was surreal! Urmila disagreed - the uncomfortable descent did not justify the end, she thought. Started the return to our hotel, this involved an ascent in the direction of the main viaduct, but the road being broad, was easy to navigate. In minutes we were at the junction of the four roads, at the beginning of the main viaduct from where we had started the exploration this morning.
Purchased some stuff at Express supermarket for tomorrow's breakfast, then explored the area to the rear of our hotel - this was a seedy area, full of night clubs and strip joints! Back in our room at 17:00. It was a fantastic day where we had discovered the hidden treasures of the grand duchy's principal city -a city and hill station and capital all rolled into one!
Grand, indeed!