Luxembourg's Blue Bridge

Bridges are a big deal around here. They are the main way we traverse the amazing river valleys that surround our lovely capital. There are three major bridges in the Ville. The newest (ca 1966) is the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge which is affectionately referred to as the Red Bridge. This spans the Alzette River and the Pfaffenthal neighborhood. The Red Bridge does have a bit of a dubious past. Certainly a fall from 275 feet would do the trick.

Photo - www.ekimpix.lu

The oldest of the main bridges is the iconic Viaduct which links the Bonnevoie neighborhood and Gare to the main city center. The "Old Bridge" as it's referred to was built in 1861 to create access to the train station which was located away from the city center to preserve the strategic nature of the city-fortress. Known in French as the Passerelle it stretches over the Petrusse River with a series of arches that are breathtaking to see. It's amazing to think that a bridge built in the 19th century still allows modern trucks and traffic to flow into the city center!

That brings us to the Pont Adolphe, or the "New Bridge"named for Grand Duke Adolphe who ruled Luxembourg during its construction. Built in 1903 this is now the main way out of the city center on the way to the Gare (our train station). The Adolphe Bridge has become a sort of unofficial symbol of Luxembourg…much to the chagrin of folks living in other parts of the Grand Duchy. It really is a lovely bridge, and it affords some of the best panoramas of the City of Luxembourg.

The view from the Pont Adolphe last Autumn

Unfortunately the years of wear and tear on the old girl have taken their toll. The city has decided to completely overhaul the overpass. In order to do this, the city elders have decided to erect an entirely new "New Bridge"! Nicknamed the "Blue Bridge" the temporary span went up in just months and is set to be fully operational in March. The Pont Adolphe isn't scheduled to reopen until 2017, so if you plan of visiting Luxembourg anytime soon, you'll be treated to our latest and most temporary crossway over the Petrusse Valley.

It's incredible to see something this huge go up so fast!

Photo - www.wort.lu

French People Really Do Say, "Ooo-La-la"

Here in Luxembourg, this term has been somewhat Germanized, and so we say, "Oop-lah!" I have become very fond of this because it is a universal word that can express a range of emotions from surprise (example: "Oop-lah! I had no idea snow tires were that expensive!") to despair (example: "The dogs have to go potty, and it's 9pm and it's raining. Oop-lah!") and even anguish (example: "Oop-lah. That was the last of the wine.")  So, it is with utmost sincerity that I say, "Oop-lah, I haven't posted in forever!"

Photo - Shutterstock

The first crocuses of Spring have just pushed through the sodden ground, and it appears that our winter this year has been rather meek. According to our top meteorologist winter is over, and there hasn't been a winter without snow in Luxembourg since 1974/1975! That said, I will be writing next week to describe the "Blizzard of Biblical Proportions" that is certainly on the way. Many thanks to those of you on the East Coast of the States. It appears you've taken the brunt of winter this year! 

It really has been a quiet Winter so far this year. Jeni went back to Ice Station Zebra for another deployment back in January, so I have been focusing on little things around the house and improving my French. At least this way she'll be back here in Luxembourg for the Summer months! This summer we look forward to welcoming loads of friends and family to experience the true Green Heart of Europe. 

One noteworthy event occurred this month. I was invited to wine tasting at a private club down in the Grund. Cercle Munster is an 'old school' supper club in the style of the British Gentleman's Club. Needless to say, I was slightly overwhelmed with the Maître d'hotel at the front door and with the servers dressed like naval-officers . Once I got past the stodgy exterior, the kind members were most hospitable, and by the end of the evening the folks at my table were all on a first name basis. Photos of the event would have been awkward to take, but I did sneak a few pics when no one was looking.

There were sixteen (16!) white wines form Burgundy and Côte du Rhone…now that's a tasting!

You may recall this next photo from Freda's visit…

Yep, the building on the river just over Freda's right shoulder is the Cercle Munster.

In the lavatory…it took me a few moments to noodle this through.  Apparently you dry your hands with the ones on top then slide it to the bottom. I, however, figured out how to unlock the system :-D

In other news, I took the boys on yet another hike through the Müllerthal. This time we followed a creek through the forest.

A creek than Gwen Stefani may not approve of...

Oh, yeah. There was that brief appearance in the local rag. I did not expect to see my whole face in the article.