Fun-Fax!

Squeaky clean and now cooperating

We've now been in country for a little over three months. In this time some things are becoming easier. Like grocery shopping. We have also, more or less, tamed theat beast in the upstairs bath. We've learned that some of the oldest remedies still are the best. For example, Luxembourg has some seriously hard water, and we have learned that white vinegar works best for cleaning glass and chrome.

Hotel des Postes

Yep, we're settling in well...even if it does take us two to three attempts to get anything accomplished. Like our phone service. I thought I had us signed up for a bundle deal with the Luxembourg Post and Telecom. You know, TV, Internet and cell phones all on one bill...or so I thought. Yeah, well we get two bills? Not quite sure why, but to set things straight I had to make another dash down to the Hotel des Poste. Their internet link to manage an online account isn't working right now...nor has it since I signed up two months ago!

Well, all these thrusts and parries in our 'fencing match of civil duties' with the Ville have uncovered some really interesting 'Fun Facts' about the Grand Duchy. Facts you may not find out unless your living here. Such as;

1.) They still have loads of phone booths laying around

2.) Since most businesses have little or no web presence, phone books are still a viable option

I mean, really? Before I realized this I tossed ours right into the recycling bin!

3.) Staying with phone statistics...it is a law here that every household have a fixed land line! 

4.) There are no apartment numbers! We simply live at number 220 along with eight other families. Our name on the mailbox is how mail is delivered to our unit. Needless to say things get mixed up every once in a while.

5.) The current Grand Duchess, Maria Teresa,  is Cuban...yeah, as in Havana!

Apparently she met the Grande Duke in college - talk about a Cinderella Story!

 6.) Women out earn men in the Grand Duchy. Way to go ladies!

7.) Soda cans are made of steel.

...and liquor bottles are only 700 ml. What a rip!

8.) Rugby is HUGE here! 
(Please disregard any crocodile articles :)

9.) Luxembourg has a standing army of approximately 900 soldiers. 

Six of whom are currently in Mali!

10.) Finally (for now), Luxembourgers were at the tip of the spear when investing in satellite TV in Europe.
I only discovered this researching our building's parabola when setting up our television.

Who Knew?