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.