Let Them Eat Pig

After our first couple of days in the Belgian cities of Gent and Brussels, the next stop on our little drive was a new country and city to us – Luxembourg. Luxembourg has always been one of those cities that JB and I have always had on the list – but it just never worked out. With our new found freedom of driving about Europe like maniacs – we figured we’d give it a whirl. After a rather scary experience of climbing out of the steepest parking garage known to man (remember – I’m a little rusty at driving a manual transmission car), We set off down the N4 and made it to Luxembourg in about 2 hours.

When we arrived at Luxembourg we had a little trouble finding the Hotel – The Melia Luxembourg. We actually drove by it three times before we noticed it – thanks Google Maps. After check-in we headed out into the city to do a little exploring. Luxembourg is a very picturesque city – tall pointed spires of churches rise out of the green tree cover at every corner. In addition the approach path for the airport runs almost directly over the city – so for an airplane geek like me – it was perfect.

Our first stop was the Notre Dame Cathedral. This building was amazing – I didn’t capture it very well in my photos. But the stained glass windows in this church were beautiful. It was a little newer than some of the buildings we saw on this trip – it’s cornerstone was laid in the 1613. So it’s a baby by European church standards.

Following this we made our way to the “most beautiful balcony in Europe” – or the Corniche. It’s a road that is perched above the old city of Luxembourg. It overlooks the Neumunster Abbey and the Uelzech river. It’s gorgeous. Very green – there is a large garden along one side that just adds to the quaintness. In the short time that we spent walking along that road – it worked it’s way into one of my favorite places in Europe. It’s that nice.

After walking along the Corniche and stopping at Scott’s Pub (where the wait staff ONLY spoke English – which was weird) and having a couple of local brews. We decided that it was time to find some dinner. We agonized over online recommendations for a few minutes and finally decided on a place called Mousel’s Cantine. I am SO glad that we did. First – it was a nice walk through the old city and back along the river to the small restaurant. Mousel’s is set in the old brewery where previously Mousel Beer was brewed. It’s a charming little spot with a very homey feel. They only serve on type of beer there – Clausel Gezwickelte. Gexwickelte beer is an unfiltered lager that was actually very tasty – probably the best lager beer I have ever had. It is also a style that originated in Luxembourg – so it was cool to try a little local flavor.

Now on to the main attraction. The pork knuckle. I don’t think I have words to describe my love for this piece of meat. It was amazing – slow smoked. The skin was hard and crunchy like meat candy. The meat fell off the bone. It was just bonkers good. I am in love.

After that great meal – we decided to hoof it back to the hotel through a VERY dark city park. We got some great night time views of the old city – but decided to call it a night when a couple of bats swooped a bit too close for JB’s comfort.

Luxembourg is a must see for anyone who wants to go a little off the beaten path in Europe. It’s small, walk-able, and one of the prettier cities I’ve encountered. Don’t forget to go to Mousel’s and get that pork knuckle. Bring me back one too.

Next Stop – Cologne and Aachen!