June 11 – Off to Luxembourg

On our way down we missed a turn. That turned out to be a stroke of luck since we got to see marvelous scenery as we moved through the little towns along the way and watched the farms go by. This trip had another amazing feature. We were quite surprised how quickly we went from flat to hilly to “mountainous” environments. I personally am amazed at how quickly ecological zones can change.

Once we got to Ettelbruck the address we were looking for was easy to find. Chant was a gracious host and we met the rest of the family. They allowed us to park in their garage and they used the car park on the other side of the river. I am always blown away by how generous people can be to complete strangers. Yes, Chant knew Kay but she really knew nothing about the rest of us. It’s always a risk to take strangers into your home.

Mark, Chant’s husband, wasn’t due home from work for a couple of hours. After we got settled in Chant to us to town (that’s five blocks or less away). We walked around did a little shopping and then stopped for coffee and a snack. I had the best piece of strudel I have had since I can remember. The coffee I had with it was great but the strudel was out of this world. After the snack we returned “home”.

Mark had returned home from work and David and Clara had returned from school. We were

introduced to all and the conversation began. At one point we told Mark we had spent the previous night in Hasselt, Belgium. He asked why we stayed there. We were the first people he had met that had stayed in Hasselt without having business there. Questions about Luxembourg, Alaska, and the USA in general were asked and answered.

Mark excused himself and Chant’s sister Lille was introduced around and continued the conversation. Turns out she has been to Alaska and really enjoyed her visit. She

 is a very interesting lady. Chant then excused herself so she could help with the table and dinner.

Chant and Mark on the ends

Mark prepared a wonderful Luxembourgish dinner. We started with asparagus soup. I could have made a meal of just that it was so delicious. The main course was a puff pastry shell in the shape of a cup and then spooned full of a creamed chicken dish that was out of this world. There was a green tossed salad served as well. We had choices of two torts for dessert along with wine and coffee. Dinner was exceptional.

Viandan Castle

We went on a little trip after dinner to Vianden Castle. When we arrive the sun was still up and the castle was very lovely. It sits high on a hill overlooking the surrounding valley and is very beautiful. After some time looking at the castle we entered a little “pub” (I’m sure they don’t call them that in Luxembourg) and had something to drink. Upon leaving the castle was lit up and looked even more impressive that during the daylight. This was a wonderful evening trip.

We then returned to Ettelbruck and the best part was we didn’t have to look for a hotel. Chant and Mark were sharing their home with us for the next two nights.