Pneus d'Hiver

Poster - 'In winter, winter tires - Obligatory October 1'

Today's title refers to the new law in Luxembourg. The statute stipulates that all vehicles are required to have winter tires (pneus d'hiver) when weather conditions present "ice, packed snow, slush, black ice, or frost." The law's debut coincided with our arrival in October of 2012. Similar laws exist in Germany, Belgium and other neighboring nations, so it's not surprising that the Grand Duchy would adopt such an ordinance. Since we have been told by several sources that 'it never snows in Luxembourg...mostly it's just gray and rainy all winter' - and since we've been shelling out money like nobody's business (see posts Decision 2012 and Miss Vicki) - we opted not to drop the Euros on a set of new tires...that decision may be reevaluated after our most recent storm.

It has been snowing all day today (January 15, 2013). Fortunately the Ville has a solid public transit system, but as of sunset we're at about six inches here in town. Jeni says it's more like 8"+ out by her office in Capellen. 

My co-conspirators

We're off!

So what to do? Since 'it never snows in Luxembourg', I decided to photo-document the event. Luxembourg is a stunningly beautiful city, and the snow only adds to the romantic feel of this place. As is good and right, Toby called off and decided not to join our expedition. At his age no one can begrudge him a day of relaxation inside away from the snow and ice. Plus he's so low to the ground he may have just froze solid on our way through town. Therefore JoJo and I set off in the afternoon when the light was 'bright' and the snow subsided for a bit. Please enjoy our little winter walk!

JoJo likes the snow very much

The city's central park - Parc Municipal  d'Edouard André

I did mention Jonas LOVES snow...I think he may have broke something on this one!

Crossing the park...

...past the statue dedicated to Princess Amélie de Saxe-Weimar

...the fountain

...and into the center of Luxembourg.

View of the Pont Adolpe and the upper Petrusse Valley from Place de la Constitution

Believe it or not, that's a bank (not a castle) on the other side of the valley!

The Gëlle Fra at the Place de la Constitution

A monument to Grand Duchess Charlotte at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Looking down on the Grund in winter.

The Viaduct (1868) crossing the Pertusse Valley

The snow covered Palace

Place Guillaume II with the Hôtel de Ville de Luxembourg (City Hall) in the background

Then back to the Rollingergrund...

...Whew! Back home with our Snowy Gnome

JoJo climbed into 'the Cave' under our strairs

...and I enjoyed an adult beverage! This is the Leffe we really like!