Currently I am living with my daughter and my husband as an expat in Luxembourg since past three years .Though earlier i have lived in UK for more than one year ,the experience of living in this part of Europe is totally different .
During our stay in Luxembourg we have visited many other European cities and countries,I would like to share my experience as a tourist and traveler with you .
Starting with the country I am currently residing is Luxembourg or the Grand duchy of Luxembourg as it is known is founding member of European Union .It is a tiny country sized 51 by 32 miles sharing its border with Germany ,France and Belgium .Whenever we go for a drive we do take our passport along as it just take you a 40 mins drive to cross the border be it France, Germany or Belgium just 40 mins and you are in different country. Beside sharing border Germany and France also share the status of being official languages .Luxembourg has three official language Luxembourgish, German and french .With 44.5% of its total population being foreign nationals and large number of people commuting daily from the neighbouring countries its is perfect example of globalism and internationalism .It has world largest per capita income and one of the richest country in the world (which can be felt while living here) . Nobody would believe , but this small country, though size of it is like a part of my place New Delhi , back in India.
Its land locked , its small , yet extremely picturesque and above all its not at all boring. Famous for its castles and case mates, its is a treat for a nature lover with many natural trails for trekking and hiking .Its a vibrant country with events and celebration happening throughout the year .
India’s every state has its own airport even some major cities are also having their own ,they are busy with many flights connecting them to different parts of world . There is no direct flight to Luxembourg from any other part of the world except some of the European countries which make the travel time for people like us a bit longer .What really amuse me that without having direct flights to any other part of world except Europe still it is ranked Europe 5th busiest airport .Some people use it on very regular basis if not daily then deffinately 2 or 3 days a week for their work purpose .It usualy takes no longer than 2 hrs to reach any other European country from here (A delhi -mumbai flight), I personally have used this airport for different destinations its a very small and quite ,offer some fantastic food and coffee joints and you can buy best of European chocolates ,make up perfumes ,accessories .
Coming to the second part of this small country , and for coming to it this time its the railway network, backbone of any country, we were taught as students how railways was introduced to our country by the Europeans.
Gare centrale or central station of Luxembourg is situated south to the city center and very near by my home. All trains domestic as well as international stops here . It has direct services to its neighboring countries from line 80 , Germany, France and Belgium which further connect it to different part of Europe .
The original railway station was built entirely from timber, and was opened in 1859. The position of the new station on the south bank of the Pétrusse, away from the original built-up area of the city, was on account of Luxembourg’s role as a German Confederation fortress. The first connection to the city proper came in 1861, with the construction of the Passerelle Viaduct.
The old wooden station was replaced by the modern building between 1907 and 1913, at the height of an economic boom, fuelled by iron from the Red Lands , this was the time when Luxembourg started as an economic boom for whole world. The new Station has been designed on MoselleBaroque Revival style that dominates Luxembourg’s major public buildings.
Its imposing Clock Tower can be seen from a considerable distance.
Don’t get confused , though i was also surprised when i saw it for first time , it very much look like netherlands which is exactly the same but with a darker blue French Flag also have same colour but in vertical pattern. Indian flag is also tri colour but with different colours.
In my following blogs i would be writing more on life ,culture places to visit events,seasons,celebrations in and around Luxembourg and also about my trips to different European destination ………
