EuroYank Discovering Luxembourg

Fine Dining In Luxembourg

2010-06-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Luxembourg Fine Dining Photos

Luxembourg City, because of its large number of international diplomatic and business visitors, has many fine restaurants offering international cuisine. It also has just as many small cafes and bistros featuring traditional dishes. In smaller towns and villages, hotel restaurants are often quite good, as are the small local cafes.

Here is a small sample of the atmosphere, and foods
available in many fine restaurants, and other establishments

Although many of the fine beers of Belgium and Holland are available here,
Luxembourg has its own that take a backseat to none -- look for such brand
names as unfiltered Mousel (pronounced "mooz-ell"), Bofferding, and Henri
Funck.

Winemaking along the Moselle has a history that dates back to the Romans.
And, of course, the Moselle wines (mostly white) will top any list.

Look for Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Rivaner,
Elbling, Gewürztraminer, and Crémant de Luxembourg, and for the National Mark,
which certifies that they are true Luxembourg wines.

love those oysters

Typical Luxembourg food of grilled sausages (red and white), burgers and
meaty steaks - all served with grilled onions - are sold at this stand along
with grompere kichelcher (fried potatoes).

wine, cheese, bread

wine, bread, jams, cheese, fish, meat deli

party tray samples

smoked ham platter includes
Ardennes ham smoked in saltpeter; hare, wild boar, and other game
(during the hunting season); and lovely small plum tarts called quetsch
(in Sept). Other tasty treats include the national dish of smoked neck of
pork with broad beans (judd mat gaardebounen)

buffet style

seafood platters include trout,
crayfish, and pike from local rivers
also
a friture of fried small river fish such as bream, chub, gudgeon, roach,
and rudd; calves' liver dumplings (quenelles) with sauerkraut and
boiled potatoes;

black pudding (treipen) and sausages with mashed potatoes and horseradish;
and a green-bean soup (bouneschlupp).

French cuisine also features prominently on restaurant menus,
and German and Belgian influences are felt as well.

cheese melts

take home samples

Luxembourg Food Recipies ....

*Luxembourg Foods
(click a village, see the recipies and pics)
*Luxembourg Home Cooking Recipies
(Luxembourg cook it yourself recipies)

Schéi Chrëschtdeeg is the standard Christmas greeting in
Luxembourg which translates into "have nice Christmas-days."

Kleeschen can be seen in various locations in cities and towns as he comes
to the shops, and receives the children for photo sessions.

"Kleeschen" is another name for St. Nicholas who comes from the heavens
to reward children who have been good. His feast day is celebrated on
December 6th.

On evenings before this date, children put their shoes in front of their
bedroom door, or on the windowsill, expecting St. Nicholas to fill them
with a small gift during the night.

On the eve of December 6th, children place a plate on the kitchen or
dining-room table which St.Nicholas fills with sweets during the night
when he brings gifts. The kindly saint also pays visits to children in schools.

From the beginning of December, streets and store windows in
all major cities are richly illuminated and decorated. Christmas
trees adorn public squares and out-door Christmas markets
throughout the country attract many shoppers.

From wooden huts that are set up in town squares, all sorts
of Christmas goods are on sale: locally produced arts and crafts
(candles, Christmas tree decorations, cribs, etc), and of course plenty
of food and drink to warm you from the inside.

The latter includes the popular spiced wine which is served hot,
usually in special mugs, and is a regular part of the menu at Christmas
Markets all through Europe.

Foods on sale include various soups (with or without Mettwurscht -
a local sausage specialty), crepes, and Thüringer. The air is filled with
the wonderful scents of sausages cooking, fresh bakery goods, mulled
wine, and fresh-cut pine boughs while music is everywhere.

Christmas Market concerts are presented in bandstands and on
special stages set up for the occasion. Local bands, brass quartets,
string trios, choirs, and soloists all contribute to the Christmas atmosphere.

Most people in Luxembourg, a Catholic country, celebrate Christmas Eve
with family and close friends.

Many attend Midnight Mass, after which the family gathers for supper
consisting sometimes of a typical Luxembourg winter menu: black-pudding
with mashed potatoes and apple sauce.

The Midnight Mass in the Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice and
St. Maure in Clervaux (a small picturesque Ardennes town) is of
great renown and has been televised throughout Europe in recent years.

Clubs and associations also organize Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities.
Some cities produce Nativity plays, with children as actors, others give concerts
in the afternoon of December 25th.

There is no Santa Claus in Luxembourg at Christmas time. Instead the
Christ child usually brings the Christmas gifts during the night, although
the tradition of Father Chrismas is practiced by some families. If the family
attends Midnight Mass, always a welcome excuse for children to stay up late,
the gifts are sometimes opened when they return from the church service.

Traditional foods during the holiday season include "Stollen", a kind of
fruit loaf often laced with rum and "Bûche de Noël" an ice cream cake
confection, covered with dark chocolate to resemble the appearance of
a Yule log.

On Christmas Day the traditional dinner often features black pudding or
civet of hare, sometimes venison, or perhaps turkey. After the meal the
family may go for a walk which is particularly fun if there's snow.

Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) is a day for visiting with friends and relatives whilst
eating vast quantities of holiday food.

Luxembourg Photo Album ....
*Luxembourg Photo Archive
(click a village, see the pics)

Luxembourg Video Tour

2009-06-17T19:26:00.001-07:00

Walking around Luxembourg city center part 1.

Walking around Luxembourg city center part 2.

Christmas and Dining In Luxembourg

2008-12-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

Note
Use the links on the right under
"Recent Posts Quick Links" to navigate further.

First Some Videos To Set the Mood

- Luxembourg Christmas Market - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg - A Visual Tour -

- Luxembourg at Night Part 1 - Luxembourg at Night Part 2 -

Christmas Parades Luxembourg (2nd video please bear with the 24 second lead in English & Luxembourgish Language versions) -

Luxembourg City Downtown Pics
Overlooking the Square Celebrating Christmas

Downtown Square Christmas BoothsOne of many Christmas booths (Sweets & Gingerbreads)
Christmas Mass In the Cathedral

Luxembourg City market night view

Downtown On the Square
Downtown square in Luxembourg eating christmas yummies... brats, crepes, belgium waffles, potatoe pancakes, and of course hot spiced wine

A Luxembourg Christmas
One of many booths in Luxembourg serving all kinds of sausages,
hamburgers, wieners, brats, and tons of local goodies

Two hour lunches are standard in Luxembourg. This again is the downtown square at Christmas time where people socialize, and enjoy the special goodies of the season

More of the Christmas market downtown

Elegant Luxembourg Dining

Luxembourg City lights at Christmas time

The Christmas look all around Luxembourg

Entering Luxembourg City from the East

More of Luxembourg at Night

Holy Family Manger Downtown Square

Luxembourg Chefs grilling made to order yum yum goodies

Luxembourg Wines, Babes, Casinos and Stuff

2008-08-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

First, Special photos
country of Luxembourg

Night view approaching downtown

Luxembourg city, Luxembourg

The Luxembourg
National Diet

Some Luxembourg Bars

Luxembourg Babes

(mellow and spicy)

Gambling, Golf

and more links ...

Casino 2000 Luxembourg
Luxembourg Golf

Luxembourg -
2000 Year Wine Tradition

Seeing the Luxembourg Moselle vineyards for the first time can only be described as a shock.

There is a 2000-year-old tradition of wine making here, and immaculate and beautiful vineyards climb breathtaking slopes from the flower-filled villages that dot the wine route.

How come then, that the wines of Luxembourg are such a secret? The answer is that Luxembourg has - so far at least - felt no pressure to export. Almost half a million people live here, and happily consume the bulk of production.

And yet many wine makers that I spoke to are painfully aware of the suppressing effect this has on their industry: outside national boundaries, the wines of Luxembourg have no reputation.

So the locals - who can drive to France or Germany in half an hour - will not pay French or German prices. The result? A bottle of finely-crafted Riesling can be picked up for three or four Euros.

The Moselle Valley's wine festivals begin in August and run through November's 'New Wine' celebration in Wormeldange, Luxembourg.

Wine Festival Links

*Luxembourg: the Moselle valley and the Little Switzerland
*Wine Festivals

Luxembourg Wine Tradition

Luxembourg Wine Secrets

Some producers are pushing the envelope in terms of quality. In particular, they are ignoring the high yield limits set by the authorities, and taking an altogether more serious approach.

Legally, growers can harvest up to 140 hectolitres per hectare of grapes like Elbling and Rivaner, and up to 120hl/ha of Riesling, Pinot Gris and the other noble varieties. But the most serious growers are halving these levels, bringing in more concentrated juice from 60hl/ha or so.

There are only around 50 producers in Luxembourg, and all twelve producers that I visited offered wines with pristine clarity of fruit, excellent varietal character (blends are not allowed for still wines) and delightful balance. With their low prices these wines will find many fans.

Some great Luxembourg wine links ...

Luxembourg wine museum

Luxembourg's little-known wines
Wine Production in Luxembourg
Our vineyards and estates

(Click this pic for expanded view - Beautiful)

wine on the vine

See you there ...

Saint Patricks Day Celebrations Luxembourg

2008-03-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

St. Patricks Experience 2007

New Years Day Irish Eve

Wild Rover

Irish Links Luxembourg
*Irish Club Luxembourg
*St Patrick Day Luxembourg

Luxembourg City Tourist Office (English Version)

2007-12-12T05:02:00.000-08:00

Check out the new Luxembourg City Tourist Office webcam
(English Version)
at *Luxembourg City Tourist Office

Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Video Tour

2007-12-12T03:21:00.000-08:00

Video Tour of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

2007-06-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg Gibraltar of the North

Luxembourg May 2007

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg - A Visual Tour

Timelapse Luxembourg By Night

Skateboarding In Luxembourg

Northern Luxembourg Camp Fire Spring

American Roadrunners In Luxembourg 2007

Ferrari 60 Relay in Luxembourg

In and Around Luxembourg

Luxembourg City Town

Christmas Parade Luxembourg

Sport Touring Luxembourg

Welcome To Luxembourg

Welcome To Discovering Luxembourg

2007-05-12T07:45:00.001-07:00

Luxembourg In the Heart of Europe

*Luxembourg Live Music & Videos

American Universities In Luxembourg

Miami University
Is an American Campus in the heart of Europe since 1968. The campus is in a very beautiful, charming and romantic medieval castle and is surrounded by a lovely, spacious and tranquil park. Located in the center of Luxembourg’s third largest city, our students experience a truly European setting in which they are encouraged to pursue serious studies and where they feel comfortable and secure and enjoy all modern conveniences.

A challenging, relevant and European-focused curriculum taught by distinguished European and American faculty, offers an exciting learning experience and gives our program its excellent academic reputation.

Our host family program provides our students with the unique opportunity to observe European family life and become part of it. Life-long friendships between host families and students are testimony to its success.

Center-sponsored and independent weekend travels enable our students to explore Europe, to reinforce formal classroom learning and to observe, experience, and feel comfortable in Europe’s various cultural settings.

In fact, the combination of an exciting and rigorous curriculum, host family life and travel turns Luxembourg and Europe into our students’ classroom and laboratory.

Read more ...
*Miami University of Luxembourg
*Welcome to MU’s Campus in Luxembourg

Sacred Heart University
This American University in Luxembourg recognizes that today’s marketplace is definitely global, drastically increasing the need for people in every professional environment to be both culturally adept and knowledgeable about international business practices.

Luxembourg offers a world of diversity. With close to 40% of its population originating from other countries, it boasts the highest percentage of foreign residents among all members of the European Union. Students have the opportunity to learn about diverse cultures by working closely with their colleagues of various origins and professional backgrounds, in Luxembourg and in the USA.

For example, the intensive two-week seminars Comparative Management and Intercultural Communication, and Contemporary Issues in Global Management, are specifically designed to allow US or Luxembourg-based students to cross the Atlantic and experience a different global setting first-hand. MBA and Certificate students may also tailor their program to divide their time as they wish between the Luxembourg and USA campuses.

Read more ...
*Sacred Heart Academic Programs
*Sacred Heart University In Luxembourg
*U.S. Department of State Post Reports Luxembourg

Luxembourg Automotive Heart of Europe

2007-01-28T03:43:00.000-08:00

Highlighting

American Delphi Corp
Luxembourg

The Bank of New York opened its doors in Luxembourg City. On that day it became part of one of the leading financial centers. The tiny Duchy in the center of Europe is host to over 215 banks from all over the world. Although the number itself is impressive, the quality of these institutions tells the real story: most are affiliates of top-ranked international banks.

Banking and finance aren't the only strong sectors. Automotive components play a big role in the country. Goodyear Technical Center is also in Luxembourg and Delphi Automotive Systems of Troy, Mich., has been in Luxembourg for 15 years. Recently Delphi announced another $13.2 million investment in its technical center in Bascharage, 10 miles southwest of Luxembourg City.

The investment is supported by the Luxembourg government, which particularly encourages new investments in research and development projects.

Delphi's choice of Luxembourg for their new operations is motivated by the country's central location in Europe, its growing educational and research environment, its multilingual tradition and the presence of highly educated professionals.

For three decades, Luxembourg has been a leading center for research and manufacturing with glass, steel, metal, rubber and plastic products being shipped from Luxembourg to the EU and United States.

Lower taxes make Luxembourg attractive to suppliers. At 30 percent, taxes are lower than any other EU member except Finland, which has a maximum 28 percent tax rate.

With over 16 million new car registrations each year, Europe remains the largest automotive market worldwide. In 2004, more than 20 million light vehicles have been sold alone in Europe compared to 58 million worldwide for the same period of time. By 2010, the European demand for light vehicles is expected to exceed 22 million cars, which makes the automotive industry a highly dynamic sector of the European economy.

Luxembourg Automotive
Heart of Europe

Luxembourg is centrally located in the automotive heart of Europe. At the crossroads between Germany, France and Belgium, it offers “just-in-time” access to the major European car manufacturers and assembly plants. It is an ideal location for component suppliers with a multi-customer base to deliver their products easily and directly.

State-of-the-art infrastructure, and direct air cargo connections to cities on the five continents make Luxembourg an ideal gateway to the European market, be it in investment, research and development or trade.

The economic development and diversification policy implemented by the Government encourages investment and research and fosters Luxembourg’s position in the automotive components industry.

Luxembourg has become a key location for first and second tier suppliers to the automotive industry. They employ nearly 8,000 people on 30 sites. Key component suppliers have chosen Luxembourg for its highly competitive business environment. Luxembourg provides a most stable and predictable economic, social and political climate.

All car manufacturers in Germany, France and the United Kingdom as well as the assembly lines in Belgium and the Netherlands can be supplied from Luxembourg on a same day delivery basis.
Over thirty companies are directly or indirectly involved in the automotive component industry. Accumalux, Delphi, Dometic, ELTH, Fanuc Robotics, Faurecia, Goodyear, International Electronics and Engineering (IEE), Raval Europe Tarkett Sommer Luxembourg and Textilcord, to name but a few, have chosen Luxembourg as a manufacturing or R&D base.

Companies such as CTI Systems, GE Fanuc, Hitec and Reichert are specialized in design and building of special machines, automated handling/storage systems as well as electronic measuring and automation technology.

These companies deliver their products to over 20 car manufacturing plants within a range of 300 km and to over 50 plants within a range of 600 km.

Thanks to the central location and the outstanding technologies, all car manufacturers based in Europe, be they BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, PSA, Renault-Nissan, Toyota or VW use to their highest satisfaction products “Made in Luxembourg”. Automotive components are also exported to assemblers in the USA and in Asia.

Delphi Corp Links
*Delphi Homepage
*Delphi Job Openings
*Delphi Launches New Technology for Diesel Oil Condition Sensing

Delphi is a leading global supplier of mobile electronics and transportation systems, including powertrain, safety, steering, thermal, and controls & security systems, electrical/electronic architecture, and in-car entertainment technologies. Engineered to meet and exceed the rigorous standards of the automotive industry, Delphi technology is also found in computing, communications, consumer electronics, energy and medical applications. Headquartered in Troy, Mich.,

Come to Delphi and you will immediately become a member of a cross-functional, globally integrated team empowered to achieve best-of-class results. Our goal is to recruit, hire and develop the skills of the world's most innovative and talented professionals.

For over 100 years, we have changed how people control and interact with their cars. Today, we are using our rich heritage to advance our growth as a global provider of breakthrough technology solutions. We are bringing Delphi innovation to more automotive and non-automotive systems than ever before.

Over the next three years, Delphi plans to bring more than 350 new products and/or processes to market.

Christmas Markets of Luxembourg

2006-12-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

Luxembourg City Downtown Square
Overlooking the Square Celebrating Christmas

Luxembourg City market night view

Downtown On the Square
Downtown square in Luxembourg eating christmas yummies... brats, crepes, belgium waffles, potatoe pancakes, and of course hot spiced wine

A Luxembourg Christmas
One of many booths in Luxembourg serving all kinds of sausages,
hamburgers, wieners, brats, and tons of local goodies

Two hour lunches are standard in Luxembourg. This again is the downtown square at Christmas time where people socialize, and enjoy the special goodies of the season

More of the Christmas market downtown

Elegant Luxembourg Dining

Luxembourg City lights at Christmas time

The Christmas look all around Luxembourg

Entering Luxembourg City from the East

More of Luxembourg at Night

Holy Family Manger Downtown Square

Luxembourg Chefs grilling made to order yum yum goodies

Luxembourg News and Media

2006-07-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Luxembourg Total Media
*Luxembourg Breaking News
*Examiner Luxembourg News
*Film Fund Luxembourg
*Luxembourg Business News
*U.S. Business News in Luxembourg
*Luxembourg News
*All You Can Read
*Luxembourg Crime News
*Beauty and history in Luxembourg
*Luxembourg Globe
*Luxembourg News Service for Global Professionals
*The University of Luxembourg
*Luxembourg Media
*Luxembourg News Media
*Wort LU (German)
*Tageblatt (French)

Luxembourg National Day of Celebration June 23

2006-06-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Luxembourg
963 - 2006

*Welcome To Luxembourg
Luxembourg National Day of Celebration also the Grand Duke's birthday - June 23. Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839, but gained a larger measure of autonomy.

(Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg)

Luxembourg - American Cultural Post

2006-05-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

(Battle of the Bulge General Patton Memorial)
Great News, Videos, and Reports from the Luxembourg American Cultural Society ...
*Luxembourg American Cultural Society
(see the video at bottom of page)
*Luxembourg-American Video
One of the main reasons Americans visit Luxembourg (and/or live there) is because
Read more ...
*Luxembourg American History
*Beyond Borders
*New Expat American Meetups
*4 Meetups near Luxembourg
EARLY SETTLERS Chicago, USA
*Luxembourgers Rogers Park Exhibit

The earliest settlers of the region were the Native Americans. Irishman Philip Rogers came when white settlement opened in the 1830s. Among those who followed were English, Swedish, Italian, German and Luxembourgers. Rogers Park was incorporated as a village in 1878 and West Ridge in 1890. Both were annexed to Chicago in April 1893.

Luxembourg's Best Kept Secret

2006-05-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

Bofferding Beer Luxembourg's
Best Kept Secret
*Bofferding Tour
(real beer not yellow water)

Luxembourg Music News 2006 (English)

2006-05-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

Luxembourg Music Scene 2006
*Luxembourg Non-Stop Hits Music Radio
*Luxembourg Music News
*Events Calendar 2006
*The Bluetones Luxembourg
*Artists in Luxembourg
*Luxembourg Bands
*Bands Area Music Selections

*Luxembourg Alternative Music
*Tascha
*Philharmonic Grand Concerts
Special Events
June 2-4 New Orleans meets Luxembourg. Three days of non-stop music from New Orleans. Marching and Stage Bands. Gospel Church and Jazz. For further info see
*Luxembourg City Tourist Office

Luxembourg News Wires (English)

2006-02-14T10:39:00.000-08:00

London - Luxembourg yesterday unveiled a draft takeover law that would help Arcelor, the country's biggest private employer, fend off a hostile $23.7 billion bid by Mittal Steel.
Read more ...
*Luxembourg law protects Arcelor
(Bloomberg) -- Arcelor Chief Executive Officer Guy Dolle has the backing of Europe's political elite against Mittal Steel Co.'s hostile $28.2 billion takeover bid for French- Luxembourg steelmaker Arcelor SA.

Read more ...
*Europe Leaders Scorn for Mittal Unshared by Investors (Correct)
India and the European Union criticised French politicians for trying to prevent prominent Indian origin industrialist Lakshmi Mittal from taking over France-based European consortium Arcelor in a £13 billion deal.

Read more ...
*India, EU back Mittal's bid on Arcelor

Jean - Claude Juncker
Prime Minister
of Luxembourg

Constantly updated news for Luxembourg ...
*Luxembourg News Service for global professionals
*central on-line information service in English for Luxembourg
*Inside Europe - Luxembourg

The Many Sides of Luxembourg

2006-01-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

Luxembourg has great Cabarets, Strip Bars,
Discos, and Casinos. Here are some sites ...
*Blowup
*Pulp Club
*Salsa Spirit

*Cabaret Splendid
(Site Has Free Videos)
*Cabaret Spectacle

At night, Gare becomes the seedy side of Luxembourg. The bustle turns to hustle, as both locals and tourists converge to sample food, fun and pleasures of the flesh.

Read More ...
*The many sides of Luxembourg

In response to growing numbers of sex workers, restrictions were placed on the issue of permits for cabaret workers. The European Parliament reported in 2000 that reform of the penal code was under consideration with a view to reinforcing the available means of action against prostitution networks and rings trafficking in women for purposes of prostitution.

Residence permits are granted to cabaret artists and are often used as a route of entry for sex workers. Traffickers use this guise to import foreign women to the EU via Luxembourg.

The main legal form of recruiting foreign women is the residence permit granted under an artist's contract … 1073 artists' have been identified in the country's 21 cabarets' - 60% from eastern European countries.

Luxembourg Breaking News

2005-12-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

Europe has too much money. Last week, Luxembourg's Arcelor proved the point.

Luxembourg Steel "Arcelor," perhaps the largest Steel Company in the World, has started a trade war.

Other Breaking News ...
*Luxembourg News Headlines

Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra

2005-12-29T11:07:00.000-08:00

The Luxembourg population being a mix of French and German cultures not only enjoys the highest per capita income in Europe, but has a first class Philharmonic Orchestra.

Read more ...
*Photos Grand Duchy Philharmonic Orchestra
(click the thumbnails for more photos)

Since its founding in 1933, the orchestra has played a vital role in the musical life of the Grand Duchy. Being in the heart of Europe, with many international coroprations represented here, this is rightly so.

The national orchestra of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has performed in Europe’s finest concert halls, and its recordings have won all the major prizes.

Read more ....
*Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra

Other Info ...
*Luxembourg Society For Contemporary Music

Christmas, Winter, Foods & Dining In Luxembourg

2005-12-03T23:45:00.000-08:00

Luxembourg Fine Dining Photos
Luxembourg City, because of its large number of international diplomatic and business visitors, has many fine restaurants offering international cuisine. It also has just as many small cafes and bistros featuring traditional dishes. In smaller towns and villages, hotel restaurants are often quite good, as are the small local cafes.

Here is a small sample of the atmosphere, and foods
available in many fine restaurants, and other establishments

Although many of the fine beers of Belgium and Holland are available here,
Luxembourg has its own that take a backseat to none -- look for such brand
names as unfiltered Mousel (pronounced "mooz-ell"), Bofferding, and Henri
Funck.

Winemaking along the Moselle has a history that dates back to the Romans.
And, of course, the Moselle wines (mostly white) will top any list.

Look for Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Rivaner,
Elbling, Gewürztraminer, and Crémant de Luxembourg, and for the National Mark,
which certifies that they are true Luxembourg wines.

love those oysters

Typical Luxembourg food of grilled sausages (red and white), burgers and
meaty steaks - all served with grilled onions - are sold at this stand along
with grompere kichelcher (fried potatoes).

wine, cheese, bread

wine, bread, jams, cheese, fish, meat deli

party tray samples

smoked ham platter includes
Ardennes ham smoked in saltpeter; hare, wild boar, and other game
(during the hunting season); and lovely small plum tarts called quetsch
(in Sept). Other tasty treats include the national dish of smoked neck of
pork with broad beans (judd mat gaardebounen)

buffet style

seafood platters include trout,
crayfish, and pike from local rivers
also
a friture of fried small river fish such as bream, chub, gudgeon, roach,
and rudd; calves' liver dumplings (quenelles) with sauerkraut and
boiled potatoes;

black pudding (treipen) and sausages with mashed potatoes and horseradish;
and a green-bean soup (bouneschlupp).

French cuisine also features prominently on restaurant menus,
and German and Belgian influences are felt as well.

cheese melts

take home samples

Luxembourg Food Recipies ....

*Luxembourg Foods
(click a village, see the recipies and pics)
*Luxembourg Home Cooking Recipies
(Luxembourg cook it yourself recipies)

Schéi Chrëschtdeeg is the standard Christmas greeting in
Luxembourg which translates into "have nice Christmas-days."

Kleeschen can be seen in various locations in cities and towns as he comes
to the shops, and receives the children for photo sessions.

"Kleeschen" is another name for St. Nicholas who comes from the heavens
to reward children who have been good. His feast day is celebrated on
December 6th.

On evenings before this date, children put their shoes in front of their
bedroom door, or on the windowsill, expecting St. Nicholas to fill them
with a small gift during the night.

On the eve of December 6th, children place a plate on the kitchen or
dining-room table which St.Nicholas fills with sweets during the night
when he brings gifts. The kindly saint also pays visits to children in schools.

From the beginning of December, streets and store windows in
all major cities are richly illuminated and decorated. Christmas
trees adorn public squares and out-door Christmas markets
throughout the country attract many shoppers.

From wooden huts that are set up in town squares, all sorts
of Christmas goods are on sale: locally produced arts and crafts
(candles, Christmas tree decorations, cribs, etc), and of course plenty
of food and drink to warm you from the inside.

The latter includes the popular spiced wine which is served hot,
usually in special mugs, and is a regular part of the menu at Christmas
Markets all through Europe.

Foods on sale include various soups (with or without Mettwurscht -
a local sausage specialty), crepes, and Thüringer. The air is filled with
the wonderful scents of sausages cooking, fresh bakery goods, mulled
wine, and fresh-cut pine boughs while music is everywhere.

Christmas Market concerts are presented in bandstands and on
special stages set up for the occasion. Local bands, brass quartets,
string trios, choirs, and soloists all contribute to the Christmas atmosphere.

Most people in Luxembourg, a Catholic country, celebrate Christmas Eve
with family and close friends.

Many attend Midnight Mass, after which the family gathers for supper
consisting sometimes of a typical Luxembourg winter menu: black-pudding
with mashed potatoes and apple sauce.

The Midnight Mass in the Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice and
St. Maure in Clervaux (a small picturesque Ardennes town) is of
great renown and has been televised throughout Europe in recent years.

Clubs and associations also organize Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities.
Some cities produce Nativity plays, with children as actors, others give concerts
in the afternoon of December 25th.

There is no Santa Claus in Luxembourg at Christmas time. Instead the
Christ child usually brings the Christmas gifts during the night, although
the tradition of Father Chrismas is practiced by some families. If the family
attends Midnight Mass, always a welcome excuse for children to stay up late,
the gifts are sometimes opened when they return from the church service.

Traditional foods during the holiday season include "Stollen", a kind of
fruit loaf often laced with rum and "Bûche de Noël" an ice cream cake
confection, covered with dark chocolate to resemble the appearance of
a Yule log.

On Christmas Day the traditional dinner often features black pudding or
civet of hare, sometimes venison, or perhaps turkey. After the meal the
family may go for a walk which is particularly fun if there's snow.

Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) is a day for visiting with friends and relatives whilst
eating vast quantities of holiday food.

Luxembourg Photo Album ....
*Luxembourg Photo Archive
(click a village, see the pics)

Luxembourg Special Info Links

2005-11-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

Members of the U.S. Marine Force Atlantic Color Detail raise the national flag of Luxembourg. The ceremony culminated in the raising of the U.S. and Luxembourg national flags while the Atlantic Fleet Band played their respective national anthems.
Link ....
*Luxembourg - American National Day Flag Raising

Luxembourg, known as The Land of the Haunted Castles, is located in Western Europe along the Moselle River, and bordered by Germany, France and Belgium.

Luxembourg - east of France west of Germany

This tiny country of only 999 square miles has over 100 castles, most of which rise on hilltops like huge gray ghosts.

Luxembourg was once a land of warlike feudal knights who were quick to attack their neighbor's land or to defend their own. One third of the land is now covered by forest. Not more than 150 years ago, however, it was complete forest.

Children start school at the age of 6, and go for 8 years. They learn Letzeburgesch, a Germanic language with some French added in the first grade, and then French in the third grade. They also learn English in high school. This country has no universities, so students must go to neighboring countries for further education.

Links ....
*Luxembourg Emigration
*A Visit To Luxembourg
*Luxembourg Stock Exchange
*LuxAir National Airlines
*Luxembourg Wines
*The Virtual Jewish History Tour Luxembourg
*60th Anniversary of Battle of Bulge

Radio L u x e m b o u r g ONLINE

2005-11-25T00:02:00.000-08:00

the World's Most Famous Radio Station
Link ....
*Radio Luxembourg
(Old Home of American Armed Forces Radio Europe)
(click "Live Stream Starten)

Elvis Was Here

How It Was Historic Archives
Link ....
*Historic Radio Luxembourg

It was Europe's biggest commercial radio station.
Today it is a legend in the world of broadcasting.
the LEGEND Lives On ....

Well Researched Site
Links ....
*A Visit To Luxembourg
*the World's Most Famous Radio Station

Link ....
*Hello Old Radio Freaks

RTL Letzebuerg

Thanksgiving News Luxembourg

2005-11-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

Links ....
*Stars & Stripes Luxembourg Thanksgiving Issue
*60 Year Anniversary National Military Museum
*General Patton Memorial Museum Luxembourg
*General Patton Memorial Museum Site2 Luxembourg
*Friends of Patton's 26th Infantry Division - Luxembourg
*Battle of the Bulge Research Site
*The Luxembourg Page

Other Thanksgiving Day News

It looks like Microsoft's lawyers will be spending Turkey Day in a Luxembourg courthouse.
Read the story ....
*Microsoft Lawyers In Court

Lux Info (English)

2005-10-20T04:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween Time
Links ....
*Information service in English for Luxembourg
*Luxembourg English Language Daily
*Welcome to Luxembourg!
*Historical Grand Duke of Luxembourg Photo Album
*Luxembourg Photo Slideshow
*Luxembourg News Wires
*Miami University Luxembourg

Links ....
*Luxembourg Traditions and Holidays
*Luxembourg Music News
*American Women's Club of Luxembourg
*Historical Luxembourg In Postcards
*Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Old Postcards
*Luxembourg American Cultural Society

Luxembourg National Statistics

2005-09-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Luxembourg National Anthem

Where the Alzette slowly flows,
The Sura plays wild pranks,
Where fragrant vineyards amply grow
On the Moselle’s banks ;
There lies the land for which we would
Dare everything down here,
Our own, our native land which ranks
Deeply in our hearts.

O Thou above whose powerful hand
Makes States or lays them low,
Protect this Luxembourger land
From foreign yoke and woe.
Your spirit of liberty bestow
On us now as of yore.
Let Freedom’s sun in glory glow
For now and evermore.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vianden Chateau

This stable, high-income economy features solid growth, low inflation, and low unemployment. The industrial sector, initially dominated by steel, has become increasingly diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and other products.

Growth in the financial sector, which now accounts for about 22% of GDP, has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Most banks are foreign-owned and have extensive foreign dealings. Agriculture is based on small family-owned farms.

The economy depends on foreign and trans-border workers for more than 30% of its labor force. Although Luxembourg, like all EU members, has suffered from the global economic slump, the country has maintained a fairly strong growth rate and enjoys an extraordinarily high standard of living.

GDP (purchasing power parity): US$ 25 billion (2003).
GDP per capita (purchasing power parity): US$ 55,100 (2003)
GDP growth rate: 1.2 % (2003).
Unemployment rate: 3.6 % (2003).
Currency: euro (EUR).
Industries: banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum.

Population: 462,690 (July 2004).
Population growth rate: 1.28 % (2004).
Life expectancy at birth: 78.6 years.
Religions: 87% Roman Catholic, 13% Protestants, Jews, and Muslims.
Ethnic groups: Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, Slavs (from Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo) and European (guest and resident workers).
Languages: Luxembourgish (national language), German (administrative language), French (administrative language) .
Nationality: noun - Luxembourger(s). Adjective - Luxembourg

Active Links *
*SIX REASONS TO VISIT LUXEMBOURG
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Luxembourg English Language Daily

August 19 - September 7 Schueberfouer
Luxembourg Carnival Time

*Radio Luxembourg Online
(click Live Stream starten)

American WWII War Dead In Luxembourg
*Luxembourg English Language Daily
*Luxembourg News Wires
*Luxembourg-China Relations
*Luxembourg freezes Abacha accounts

Prime minister: Jean-Claude Juncker

Mr Juncker, of the conservative Christian Social Party, has been prime minister since 1995 when his predecessor, Jacques Santer, became president of the European Commission.

He carries on as premier in coalition with the Socialist Workers Party following general elections in June 2004. For the five years before that his party had formed a coalition government with the Democratic Party.

Mr Juncker was born in 1954 and is a lawyer by training.

Luxembourg Media

Despite its size Luxembourg exerts immense media clout and has a long tradition of operating radio and TV services for pan-European audiences, including those in France, Germany and the UK.

The Luxembourg-based media group RTL is behind much of this activity. RTL's radio stations have been a part of the broadcasting landscape in France and Germany for decades.

Generations of British listeners grew up with Radio Luxembourg, which beamed pop music programmes into the UK on the legendary "208" wavelength. "The Great 208" is no more, but RTL's TV and radio stations remain key players in media markets across Europe.

Luxembourg's media empire extends to the skies. The country is home to Europe's largest satellite operator, Societe Europeenne des Satellites (SES), which operates the Astra satellite fleet.

RTL and other privately-owned radio and TV stations broadcast to domestic audiences. The constitution guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. Print media are privately owned and reflect diverse viewpoints.

*Radio Luxembourg Online
(click Live Stream starten)

Discovering Luxembourg

2005-06-17T02:20:00.000-07:00

National Day of Celebration & Grand Duke's Birthday

One Country, a Hundred Fifty Nationalities

One of Luxembourg's most remarkable characteristics is
its capacity for integrating different nationalities - Luxembourgish, French, German.

Multilingualism has been legally defined since 1984
with Lëtzebuergesch as the national language,
French as the language used for legislative
matters, while French, German and
Lëtzebuergesch all share the status
of judiciary and administrative languages.

This trilingualism is a reality lived by about 290,000 native
Luxembourg people. More recently, as a side effect of the
outstanding economic growth and a policy of
social promotion, the mother tongues of some 170,000
foreign nationals now living in Luxembourg,
enrich the linguistic landscape of the Grand Duchy today.

In fact, as no language bears the status of the official language in
the Grand Duchy, French, German and Lëtzebuergesch are
omnipresent, at different degrees,
and share the roles of language in the workplace,
for publication and for communication,
be it formal or informal.

What languages for the state?

Laws are drafted in French and henceforth it is important to note
that on the judicial level only the French language text is authentic,
which is true for all levels of the public administration.
On the other hand, spoken French has progressively vanished from Parliament,
in spite of the fact that sometimes Deputies prefer French when
making important declarations.
In this official place no spoken language is clearly defined,
and politicians choose the idiom corresponding to their personal preferences.

The fact is that these days regular debates in Parliament are
held in Lëtzebuergësch. The language borrows many words from French (de Congé pénal,
en Débat an der Chamber ) and from German (d’Gleichberechtigung ).Hence, accounts of public parliamentary
sessions published in the daily newspapers illustrate the mix of languages:
the debates are transcribed in
Lëtzebuergësch (which represents the highest amount of
regular written production in the vernacular),
while questions to the Government as well as
the legal texts are usually in French.

In order not to lose sight of the bigger picture,
it is important to note that the law of February 1984 states
that in administrative and judicial matters, "use may be
made of French, German or Lëtzebuergësch".
Citizens enjoy the right to choose a language when they
make an administrative application, yet the Administration
is not strictly bound to respect their preference.

Generally speaking, the weak presence of German at the national level of
public life is counterbalanced by its strong presence at the
local level, both spoken and written
(publications from local councils). The manner in which the
Luxembourg State is administered is based on a
clear balance, preferring French in written texts and Lëtzebuergësch as the spoken language
(in the workplace and for communication purposes).

This situation has however become standard practice at the
highest level: in 1996, for the first time in the history of Luxembourg,
Prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker
delivered the annual "state of the nation address" in Lëtzebuergesch.

What languages for school?

Since the beginning of the waves of mass immigration, compulsory
schooling has started at the age of four, while before children
were sent to school at the age of five.
This initiative, which was mainly launched in order to expose immigrant children to
the Luxembourg language as early
as possible, was supplemented by the implementation of
a scheme offering preschool education
to children from the age of three.

Depending on the composition of the class, teachers speak German,
sometimes Lëtzebuergesch or French.

While preschool education and during the two years of
compulsory playschool, teachers use Lëtzebuergësch, in so far as possible,
when speaking to their young pupils.
The principal concern is to develop all the children’s linguistic abilities,
particularly those of foreign pupils,
for whom school often provides the first contact with the Luxembourg language.

Primary school introduces the other two languages.
At the age of six children learn to read and write in German,
considered to be the written version of Lëtzebuergesch.
The following year they start learning French.
The lingua franca of primary school education is German.
However, depending on the composition of the class
(the number of children from immigrant families),
teachers speak German, sometimes Lëtzebuergesch or French.

In 1991, local schools began a programme offering some classes in
Portuguese and Italian, studied two hours a week.
Since then, these courses, run in parallel to the official curriculum,
have been replaced by integrated mother-tongue courses at the primary school level.
They give children the opportunity to develop their native
language by maintaining contact with their own culture.
Subjects appearing in the official curriculum are taught in Italian
or Portuguese during two lessons a week.

During the first years of secondary education, most classes are
taught in German. Then the lingua franca for all subjects other
than language courses becomes French
in grammar schools, while German prevails in comprehensive schools.

The recent University of Luxembourg, created by the law of
12 August 2003, replacing a certain number of
post-secondary education schemes, like the Centre Universitaire,
also operates along the lines of multilingualism:
among the university’s fundamental principles
figures the "multilingual character of its teaching".
Numerous Luxembourg students continue to go
to universities abroad, be it in German-, French- or English-speaking countries:
theoretically no linguistic border can stop them.

Last but not least, the foreign schools in Luxembourg
- French, British, international - account for 7% of pupils.
In these private schools, where high tuition fees reserve entry
to the wealthier classes of the population, French and English are
the dominant languages, even though German
and Lëtzebuergesch courses are mostly on offer as well.

In daily life, language is multi-coloured.
Everybody chooses different linguistic paths in their daily lives.

For a Luxembourg person to be spending an entire day
speaking just one language would be a first!
Similarly, among foreigners, all generations considered,
how many of them could survive on their mother tongue alone?
In the land of mixed marriages,
the following figures provide some of the answers:
17% of residents speak more than one language with their children,
53% speak more than one language with their friends,
56% speak more than one language in their workplace.

There is no doubting the fact that everybody chooses different
linguistic paths in their daily lives. Today, linguistic variation
blends together and is superimposed: people speak more
and more languages in more and more varied places.
The juxtaposed bilingualism of times past has been
replaced by a superimposed multilingualism:
now the same people juggle with different languages
according to place, time and circumstance.

Regional differences also come into play as well.
From a statistical point of view, Lëtzebuergësch is used
45% of the time in the Capital, 54% in the remainder of the central
part of the country and 68% in the north.
Farmers use Lëtzebuergësch without exception as their
working language, the figure amounting to 75%
among teachers. For workers without any
professional training, French dominates, with 46%.

Coming across English in an evening dress is no surprise when
you consider the sizable international community in the capital
enjoying the nightlife. Whether they are from Iceland, the United States,
Scandinavia, Asia or from Slavic countries,
English is the preferred language in all their relationships.

The larger immigrant groups - Italian, Spanish, Portuguese -
become apparent by the considerable number of meeting places
which exist in Luxembourg (associations and clubs, bars, restaurants, etc.),
as well as by the use of their respective mother tongues in
their different workplaces (especially in the building sector,
the hotel business and the cleaning sector).

As far as French is concerned, it puts on an unusual face.
It is not exactly the French language from France because the
influences of Belgian Walloon are rather strong.
But examples of that influence are extremely subtle.
When Luxembourg people have to speak in French,
they are very conscious of grammatical rules, a remnant of strict teaching in school.
They speak a careful and formal kind of French, sometimes too correct,
which runs wild only when penned by poets and authors,
or when spoken by younger generations.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is slightly smaller than Rhode Island
at 999 square miles. But do not let its tiny capital city of 82,000 people
fool you.
With 189 banks, three official languages
and 50% of its population foreign born,
Luxembourg City is an international dynamo.

The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg occupies a very special position
among the Member States of the European Union.
One of its most remarkable characteristics is certainly its
astonishing capacity for integrating different nationalities.

The demographic evolution Luxembourg knew during the last century
is exceptional. From 200.000 in 1900, the population
passed to 451.600 people today,
which corresponds to an increase of more than 100%.

Nearly 39% of this population is of foreign origin. This percentage,
which corresponds to a figure of 174.200 foreign residents,
exceeds even 50% in the capital of the Grand Duchy.

At first, it was mostly the steel industry and the construction sector
which attracted a great deal of Italian and Portuguese immigrants.
Nowadays the immigration is mainly French, Belgian or British.

According to the last figures, more than 150 different nationalities create
the demographic richness of the Grand Duchy:
a community of ethnic groups that is remarkable.

Of these numerous communities, the ones present since several generations
are Portuguese, French, Italian, Belgian and German.

Amongst the methods by which Luxembourg managed
the integration of such a high percentage of people from diverse origins,
mixed marriages seem very important.

One couple out of four is thus mixed and 30% of the people in possession
of a Luxembourgian passport have at least one direct ascendant of foreign origin.

Obviously, the demographic situation of the Grand Duchy is
reflected on the national work-market. The foreign workers constitute
thus more than 60% of the working population.
This percentage results from the immigration rate on one side
and is reinforced by workers from abroad.

As a matter of fact, during the seventies, the explosion of
the financial market in conjunction with acute unemployment in the
bordering areas resulted in a daily immigration of people
living near the border of the Grand-Duchy.

Whereas these people represented only 30.000 workers in 1990,
one counts currently more than 100.000 on a total of
approximately 275.000 employees in Luxembourg.
This working population constitutes more than 38% of
all the wage-earners of the Grand Duchy and even 52% in the capital.
The majority of them (53%) live in France, 27,3% in Belgium and 19,7% in Germany.

These figures make of Luxembourg an astonishing country where,
in spite of a strong proportion of people from foreign origin,
one knows nearly no intercultural tensions.

Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg

Besides Luxemburgish, the Grand Duke speaks French, English and German.
He attended secondary school first in Luxembourg,
and later in France where he passed the baccalaureate (1974).

In 1975, Prince Henri successfully obtained a Staff College Certificate at
the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst (UK).
He then studied economics and political science at the University of Geneva
where He graduated in 1980 with an Honours degree (Licence ès sciences politiques).

His Royal Highness has been conferred an Honorary Degree of
Doctor of Humane Letters of Sacred Heart University, Fairfield,
Connecticut, (USA) as well as an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Law of
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (USA). He is also an Honorary Doctor of
Economics of Khon Kaen University, (Thailand) and Doctor rer. pol. h.c.
of the University of Trier (Germany).

While continuing His higher education His studies took Him to other countries,
both in Europe and overseas. In 1978 and in 1979 He visited the United States
as a trainee in order to gain practical experience and to complete His studies.

As Honorary Chairman of the "Board of Economic Development",
set up in 1977, Prince Henri has visited numerous countries all over the
world to promote the Grand Duchy as a center for industrial investment.

He was Member of the "State Council" (Conseil d'Etat) from
1980 to 1998 and in connection with this nomination.
He became familiar with the legislative branch of Luxembourg's
Parliamentary system. Since the Nagano Session of February 1998.
He has been a member of the International Olympic Committee.

He is also President of the Organizing Committee (Comité de Patronage) of
the International Trade Fairs of Luxembourg and Chairman of the
above-mentioned Board of Economic Development.

His Royal Highness is an active member of the Mentor Foundation which
was recently created under the patronage of the World Health Organisation.
The aim of the Foundation is to prevent substance abuse among young people.

On the 4th of March 1998, He was appointed according to
article 42 of the Constitution "Lieutenant-Representative" by
His father, the Grand Duke.

The Grand Duke is very much concerned about nature and its preservation
as well in Luxembourg as abroad. He is Chairman of the
Galapagos Darwin Trust Luxembourg and member of the
Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands.

He spends most of His leisure time reading or listening to
classical music. His favourite sports are skiing, swimming,
water-skiing, sailing, tennis and hunting.

The 7th of October 2000, H.R.H. the Royal highness Henri became
Grand Duke of Luxembourg, succeeding to his father, the Grand Duke Jean.

reference ....
*BBC News:Luxembourg's new Grand Duke

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was born in Havana, Cuba, on 22 March 1956,
to José Antonio Mestre and Maria Teresa Batista-Falla de Mestre

In October 1959, at the time of the revolution, Maria Teresa Mestre left
Cuba with her parents. The family settled in New York where, as a young girl,
she was a pupil at Marymount School.
From 1961 she carried on her studies at the Lycée Français.

In June 1965 her parents settled down for a few months on their family
estate of Santander in Spain, before taking up permanent residence in Geneva.
Maria Teresa Mestre first carried on her studies at the Institut Marie-José at
Gstaad, then at the boarding school Marie-Thérèse in Geneva,
where she successfully passed the French General Certificate of Education
(baccalauréat) in June 1975.

In 1980 she graduated at the University of Geneva in political sciences.
Miss Mestre met Prince Henri at this University. For four years they both
carried on similar studies, working sometimes in the same study groups
to which Miss Mestre reported on numerous occasions;
she was for instance the author of a report on the compared
legislations within the EEC, on woman's work and on motherhood.

During the same period Maria Teresa Mestre took an ever increasing interest
in social and human problems, following the family tradition which had brought
her grand-parents to devote themselves actively to
philantropical and cultural tasks in Cuba.

Besides her studies, Miss Mestre was in Geneva a member
of a group taking care of the residents of old people's homes.
She also taught children in a Geneva classroom.

Spanish being her mother tongue, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa knows French
thoroughly for having carried on her studies at the French School (Lycée Français) and
in Switzerland. In her prime youth she learned English.
After her marriage she learned Luxembourgish and
she speaks also German and Italian.

In her childhood, Maria Teresa Mestre took ballet and
singing tuition courses. She loves music and literature and is interested in
painting. Devoted to sport, she practices skiing, ice-skating and water sports.
She has two brothers and one sis.

Since 1997, the Grand Duchess acts as a Good-Will Ambassador of UNESCO
and supports in this respect specifically organisations which are
active in the field of micro-credits and child protection.

The Grand Duchess is showing a strong interest in the social situation
in her country, dedicating her efforts mainly to the children and families in danger,
to the social integration of persons who are physically,
mentally or socially handicapped and to gender related issues.

She has granted her patronage and active support notably to the
Luxembourg League of Blind People, the National Nurses' Association
and the Alzheimer Association of Luxembourg.
She is furthermore chairing the Foundation Prince Henri-Princess Maria Teresa
for the handicapped and occupying the Honorary Chair
of the Foundation for Research on Aids.

She is member of the Council of Trustees of the Mentor Foundation (London)
which is concentrating on the prevention of substance abuse
among children and young people and which is maintaining
a special relationship with World Health Organisation.

In October 1999, HRH Crown Princess Maria Teresa
is named Docteur Honoris Causa to the Seton Hall University,
School for diplomatics and international relations in the USA.

Luxembourg History

Luxembourg's history reads a bit like
the storybook background its landscape suggests.

Though the area's occupation actually extends back further than the Roman era,
present-day Luxembourg stems from the loins of Count Sigefroid of Ardennes,
who raised a castle here in 963 AD and sowed the seeds of a
dynasty that's spawned rulers throughout Europe.

By the end of the Middle Ages, Sigefroid's city had the Burgundians,
Spanish, French, Austrians and Prussians all waging bloody battles to conquer and secure it.

Besieged, destroyed and rebuilt more than 20 times in 400 years,
it grew to become the strongest fortress in Europe, after Gibraltar.

Listed as a French 'forestry department' during Napoleon's reign,
Luxembourg was included in the newly formed United Kingdom of the
Netherlands, along with Belgium, in 1814.

It fragmented 16 years later, when Belgium broke
off from the Netherlands, taking half of Luxembourg along for the ride.

This division heated up the Grand Duchy's desire
for independence, and in 1830 the Dutch portion became present-day Luxembourg.

The 1867 Treaty of London reaffirmed this autonomy.
Soon after, the country declared itself neutral in international
affairs and - an appropriate symbol of its nascent neutrality
- torched its much contested fort.

The discovery of iron ore around 1850 ushered Luxembourg
into the 20th century and pushed the country to the frontline of
European economic influence. (Steel exports continue to make up
roughly a quarter of the country's export trade.)

When the industry slumped in the mid-1970s, the Grand Duchy
reacted quickly by wooing big spenders from abroad with
favorable banking and taxation laws.

In 1948, after Nazi occupation during WWII, Luxembourg gave up
its position of neutrality to join in various economic,
political and military organizations, including NATO and the United Nations.

The formation of Benelux - an economic union between Belgium,
the Netherlands and Luxembourg - was among the more prominent
of these groupings. It also served as a model for today's European Union,
of which Luxembourg was a founding member.

Places like Luxembourg have long been noted for significantly
lower prices on a host of items, including gas, tobacco, coffee, tea and alcohol.

Many far-Western Germans fill their tanks in the Grand Duchy
during the week as well as on Sunday,
when a car wash is nowhere to be found in the Federal Republic.

With Green party-inspired taxation causing German
petrol prices to soar, Luxembourg offers
pleasant diversions and Sunday shopping.

Other Luxembourg facts ....
Luxembourg is the sixth-smallest country and the only
Grand Duchy in the world. The country measures just
51 miles (max North-South) by 32 miles (max East-West),
and has a population of 450 000 comprising the highest proportion
of inhabitants with a foreign passport among the EU countries.

Political Overview

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is an hereditary
constitutional monarchy ruled until recently by
head of state Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg.
On 7 October 2000 Grand Duke Jean abdicated in favour of his son
Prince Henri of Luxembourg, now titled the Grand Duke Henri of
Luxembourg. Legislative power is exercised by the unicameral
Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Députés) with 60 members
elected by universal adult suffrage for five year terms
under a Party-list proportional representation system.
Some legislative functions are also entrusted to the advisory
State Council, with 21 members appointed for life by the
Grand Duke, although decisions made by this body
can be overruled by the legislature. Executive power is
vested in the Grand Duke, but is normally exercised by
the Council of Ministers, led by the head of the government
(Prime Minister). The Grand Duke appoints ministers,
but they are responsible to the legislature.

Although Luxembourg is divided into 12 counties for
administrative purposes, it is subdivided differently during
general elections and for the purpose of local government.
During elections, Luxembourg is subdivided into four
electoral districts or constituencies: Center, East, North
and South. In relation to local government, the Grand Duchy is
subdivided into three administrative districts:
Diekirch, Grevenmacher and Luxembourg. District Commissioners
serve as intermediaries between the central Government and the 118 municipalities.

Major Parties

The main political parties are the Christian Social Party
(CSV - Christian Democrats), and the Democratic Party (PDL - Liberals).
Other political parties include the Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP),
Five-Sixths Pensioners' Action Committee (since 1992, the ADR)
the Green Party, the Ecology Party and the Communist Party.
The CSV has consistently been the largest party
and has provided the Prime Minister for 64 out of the last 69 years.

Political Developments/Current Issues

The political situation has been remarkably stable,
dominated by the centre-right
CSV with strong associations with the Catholic Church.
The CSV has been in government either in its own right or
in coalition since 1919, except for the period 1974-1979.

The 13 June 2004 elections saw the demise of the
Christian Democrat/Liberal government which was elected in
1999 and the renewal of the Christian Democrat/Socialist alliance
between the CSV and the LSAP. A new Christian
Democrat/Socialist government has been formed by a
coalition between the Christian Social Party
(the Christian Democrats) and the Socialist Worker's
Party (LSAP). Mr Jean-Claude Juncker (CSV) has retained
his position as Prime Minister and also holds portfolios as
Minister for State and Minister of Finance.
The CSV also retains its position as the senior partner in the
coalition government. Mr Jean Asselborn (LSAP) is the new
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration.

Economic Developments

Luxembourg has a stable economy featuring low inflation
and low unemployment rates, although economic growth slumped
between 2000 and 2001 from 8.9 per cent to just 1.2 per cent.
Financial services is the dominant sector in the economy,
offsetting a steady decline in Luxembourg's steel industry.
More than 30 per cent of Luxembourg's labour force comes
from outside its own borders. Luxembourg's nearest neighbours
of Germany, France and Belgium account for 66 per cent of its
imports and are the destination for 55 per cent of Luxembourg's exports.

Foreign Relations

Luxembourg is one of six founding members of the
European Union and tends to favour closer integration within the EU.
Luxembourg is also a signatory of the Brussels Treaty
providing for collective self defence between its members,
a NATO member and favours the further development of the
EU's security role. Luxembourg held the Presidency of the
EU from July to December 1997 and the Presidency of the
Council of Europe from May to November 2002.
Luxembourg will again hold the Presidency
of the EU from January – June 2005

Residential Palace

Luxembourg plays host to several European institutions
including the Secretariat-general of the European Parliament,
the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank.

American Cemetery War Dead
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photos: Luxembourg Top Secret

Luxembourg:The Millionaires' Paradise
Luxembourg Facts (Top Secret) Not In the Tourist Guides

There are countries which are more significant than their
size would suggest. In Europe one of them is Luxembourg
without any doubt. The smallest state in the European Union
and one of its 6 founders, the Grand Duchy means much more
than green rolling hills, medieval castles and quiet life.

For the close neighbors this country is an inexhaustible source of cheap gas.
For all the others, especially for those who count their funds by millions,
Luxembourg may be the best place for their money.
Benefiting from special treatment for non-residents and
foreign companies as well as from the relatively lower taxes,
many foreigners prefer to invest at least some of their assets in this paradise.

Luxembourg City Looking Into the Valley

Luxembourg was founded more than 1,000 years ago
with a population of predominantly German origin.
Famous for its strong fortifications and being at the crossroad
between the France and German states, this region was invaded tens
of times during the Middle Ages as well as in the modern times.
In the last 100 years it was twice smashed under the
German military machine. So it isn't surprising that in Luxembourg
people prefer to call their own dialect of the German language "Luxembourgish".

The authorities also prefer to assert the presence of the French language.
In the official lingo there is almost no place for the German.
On the other hand, it's widely spoken among the general
population, influenced by the myriad of German TV
cable channels. People who already have moved to
Luxembourg suggest the newcomers to try to learn
Luxembourgish to show their respect for the local people.
In fact a third of the working force in the country is born
elsewhere, mainly in France, Belgium or Germany so you
may not have to practice your Luxembourgish
very often outside official correspondence.

Luxembourg City Danish (Viking Invasion Day)

Luxumbourg is a paradise for tourists. You can easily see
most of the landscape in almost no time. You can also do it in
almost every season because the weather in Luxembourg
varies within a relatively small corridor. Even if prices are higher
than in neighboring countries, some tourist facilities
could be found even for budget-concious tourists.

(Year 2002 Data)

For those who wish to move permanently to Luxembourg they
should be aware of the prices that are among the highest in Europe.
Not so big old apartments of 800 sq.
feet are priced at $200-250,000 and up.
The new construction is even more expensive.
The resale houses of 1,500 sq.feet begin at $250-300,000
and the newly built at $500,000. These prices should be adjusted
to include the cost of property registration (6%) and the
additional transcript tax (1%). The municipal property
tax varies between 0.7 and 1.0% per year.

(Year 2002 Data)

For those for whom renting is an option, small apartments can
hardly be found below $1,000 per month. As for the houses,
their rents start at $2,500. The conclusion could easily be drawn;
Luxembourg is fine for those who are invited to some
executive positions or for those for whom the tax savings are
the main concern. For the rest of the public
Luxembourg will remain just another pleasant tourist destination.

Bridge View

Country profile:Area: 2,586 sq. km Population:
448,569 (July 2002 est.) Population growth rate: 1.25% (2002 est.)
Net migration rate: 9.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Life expectancy at birth: 77.48 years
Languages:
Luxembourgish
German
French
GDP per capita: $44,000 (2002 est.)Now $54,000 (2004)
Main trade partners: Germany, France, Belgium, US.
Internet users: 100,000 (2001)

Source: CIA - The World Factbook 2002)

Not the USA

Luxembourgers love their dogs. Dogs are welcome in
restaurants, bars, shopping malls, anywhere people congregate.
They are well trained and accepted everywhere without question.

African, French, German, English, Luxembourgisch,
Danish, Dutch, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, even Mexican
and Spanish are spoken here openly. Nobody gives it a second
thought, or feels insulted if you speak a foreign tongue.

LuxembourgCountryside

Every school kid speaks their language and two others.

The city center is lined with wide and narrow cobbled streets.
Every corner a new discovery of fashion, crafts, jewelry,
glassware, stoneware, collectibles, most from local craftsmen.

Luxembourg City Walkway

Even American rock and blues bands stop by regularly.
Festivals and circuses are numerous. Six weeks paid vacations here are
the norm. Credit cards at 3% are standard. Here people live
the good life, and are warm and friendly.

Blue Jeans is the dress code here, and even though
Luxembourg city is packed with banks and bankers,
suits and ties and formal dress is seldom observed here.

Yes, Luxembourg is proof what Europe should be and could be.

local residents

In the city center square, a music stage faces the
surrounding restaurants. Blues, Jazz, Brass bands, rock, mayan
and inca music, brasilian and eastern europe music
and dancers, even American military marches, entertain.

Luxembourg City Downtown Square

In spring and summer the atmosphere is a sea of sun umbrellas,
an open air market, not only fast foods but specialty
restaurants offering many ethnic dishes unknown in America.

Lobster, Steak,French specialties

Gourmet restaurants and ice cream parlors abound.
British, and Irish, and even student pubs and bars are numerous.

The best kept secret in the world Luxembourgs own
"Bofferding" beer (not for export) is gulped down greedily.

Mexican Restaurant

In the city the custom here is to buy fresh daily.
The smell of fresh baked bread and roasting pecans fill the air.
Specialty pastries of every sort are in full display.

French-German Restaurant

Huge shopping malls are just outside the city.
Excellent public transportation is everywhere.
Buses arrive every ten minutes, trains are nearby.
Here people love to walk, but Harley Davidson
and Kawasaki motorcycles are popular.

Brats Grilling In the Open Air

Luxembourg City Suburban View

Fresh Goods Daily

Cheese & Wine Specialty Restaurants

Fresh Fruit Stands Everywhere

Luxembourg Home Garden

Luxembourg Countryside

European Courts In Session In Luxembourg

Luxembourg Court of Auditors

The mission of the European Court of Auditors is to
audit independently the collection and spending
of European Union funds and, through this, to assess
the way that the European institutions discharge these functions.

Luxembourg European Parliament

The European Parliament is committed to
enhancing public awareness and participation
in the democratic process on all levels and
in all areas of the European Union. This commitment
results in a responsibility to contribute to an
increased interface with national parliaments.

Luxembourg Court of Justice

The court interprets EU treaties and legislation.
Although it may attempt to reconcile differences
between national and EU laws, ultimately its
decisions overrule those of national courts;
they have tended to expand the EU's domain.
Increased litigation over the years led to the establishment
(1988) of a lower court, the Court of First Instances;
appeals to the Court of Justice are tightly restricted.

reference ...
*THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS

Luxembourg Sports

*Hockey Club Luxembourg

Luxembourg Professional Basketball

*EuroBasketball Luxembourg
*Luxembourg Youth Basketball

Luxembourg Model Car Racing
*Luxembourg Model Car Racing

Luxembourg Model Car Racing Track

Luxembourg Women are Racy To0

*Luxembourg Virtual Racing

*Goodyear Tire Luxembourg Racing Gallery

Luxembourg Ice Hockey
*Luxembourg Skating

Europe PGA Tour
*Europe PGA Tour

World Tennis Tour

Tennis Under the Water

*Underwater Tennis
*WTA World Tennis Association Tour

*2005 Dodge Tour de Georgia set to rock

Luxembourg Other Sites ....

*Luxembourg National Military Museum
*Luxembourg Carriage Museum

reference ....
*Luxembourg Country Brief

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Luxembourg Online:What's Up?

*Luxembourg Online/English

*Luxembourg News Online/English

*Luxembourg Events/English

*Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Luxembourg Sport & Leisure

*Luxembourg Attractions

*Luxembourg Facts for the Traveler

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Luxembourg Classic Cars

American EuroYank's 1939
Souped Up Ford Roadster Classic

Luxembourg Classic Car Club Links

*Classic Lux Cars 4 Sale
*Luxembourg Global Cars
*Luxembourg Classic Auto Art

Random Luxembourg ....
Luxembourg In the City

Luxembourg City White House Version

Luxembourg Countryside

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City View

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City Winter View

American War Dead Luxembourg

German War Dead Luxembourg

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City Valley View

Luxembourg City Valley Upward View

Luxembourg City Below In the Valley

Luxembourg City 150 Year Old Main Bridge

Luxembourg Favorite Smoked Meats

Luxembourg East of France West of Germany Somewhere

Luxembourg Local Harvest

Luxembourg Standard Desserts

So with backpack heading out
into the Luxembourg countryside.

Heading up a Nature trail

Taking a snooze along the way

Beautiful river views

Up on a castle tower overlooking a valley

Luxembourg wine growing region

Walking under a bridge looking out

Good place to stop and reflect

Many interesting rock formations

Luxembourg into the woods

Some of the many local creeks

Shade, water, woods, moss hanging everywhere.
Smell of nature in full display

Getting directions along the way

A bike path through the woods

Luxembourg city limits

A wall of Fortress Luxembourg.
Ramparts built into the mountain.

Inside looking out, cannon in background

Luxembourg's Notre Dame Cathedral with the Golden Lady
(protector of Luxembourg)

Entering a city walkway

A local festival in the streets

Approaching the cafe and
restaurant center of Luxembourg city

Restaurant stop; smoked ham, wine, trimmings

Luxembourg city square in the shade;
cocktails, beer, ice cream and chat.

Laying back in the city square.
Band stage in the background playing:
blues, jazz, brass,modern and you name it in the background till dusk.

An Internet Cafe hangout

Luxembourg train station; a bullet express arriving from Paris,
Berlin, Rome, Madrid, or London, or anywhere.

Luxembourg city at night. End of a perfect day.
Thinking about the night life.