RED RIDING HOOD

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a small landlocked country in western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. Its capital, Luxembourg City, together with Brussels and Strasbourg, is one of the three official capitals of the European Union. 

The repeated invasions by Germany, especially in World War II, resulted in the country’s strong will for mediation between France and Germany and, among other things, led to the foundation of the European Union.

The residents are speaking german, french and letzeburgish which is a mixture of both mentioned languages.

Although it is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe it is the popular center for bank headquarters.

As a representative democracy with a constitutional monarch, it is headed by Grand Duke Henri and is the world’s only remaining grand duchy.

The history of Luxembourg is considered to begin in 10th century, when count Siegfried I acquired a rocky castle.

By 15th century – the House of Luxembourg became so powerful that it produced Kings of Germans and Holy Roman Emperors.  

The bridge was named after Grand Duke Adolphe, who reigned Luxembourg in 19th century.

Another reminder to the succesful battle times is the Golden Lady or the Gaelle Fra. The Monument of Remembrance is a war memorial  dedicated to the thousands of Luxembourgers who volunteered for service in the armed forces of the Allied Powers during both World Wars and the Korean War.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Luxembourg City. It was originally a Jesuit church, dating since 17th century. It is the only cathedral in Luxembourg.

I have actually visited Luxembourg two times and managed to enter the Museum of the Luxembourg city where I discovered the legend of Meluzines seducing a fisherman on the night of full moon, plotting the destiny of Luxembourg.

In 2020 – one of the worst years to be traveler, I went to Luxembourg again to do the haircut. It was the only country in the neighborhood of Brussels with open hair saloons. The Christmasing times had just begun and Luxembourg just opened its advent squares. The gluhwein was smelling from every corner.

As the bars and restaurants were open, we have decided to give please ourselves after 3 months of curfew.

I have noticed as well that the gastronomy of Luxembourg changed, offering us verities of locally produced kraft beer. I have to say, after walking around on the cold weather, exciting for every new corner, the meal felt very well.

After a good meal, we strolled down to the old village. The walk next to the river Alzette was inspiring. Are you familiar with the Melusines? If not, perhaps the links on my blog should tell you a story.

Melusina is a figure of European folklore and mythology, a female spirit of fresh water depicted as a woman who turns into a mermaid during the nights of the full Moon. I have discovered the similar legends when visiting Warsaw and London.

Especially the House of Plantagenet  (kings of England) and the French House of Lusignan (kings of Cyprus in 13-14th century) and for shorter periods over Armenia and Jerusalem) are said in folk tales and medieval literature to be descended from Melusine.