Luxemborg. Were you will be assimilated, but more politely.

Woke up early via the cheapo travel alarm bought last minute at Schipol. Glad it worked, but if it lasts past this trip I'd be surprised. Nice early morning tram ride. Amsterdam is very serene in the early morning on Sunday. Nobody walking around, morning light making everything pretty.



Off to the station and on the train out. I LOVE the trains in Europe. I've always loved train rides, but 1st class (Eurail passes are always) - in a big comfy seat and a huge window, watching the scenery go by. I could do this forever. Give me a backpack and let me loose through Europe.

Anyway, arrive and Luxemburg and find the hostel simple. Its one of the big Hostel International ones. Clean, big, impersonal, but nice. I dump off my stuff (roommate trying to take a nap) and heading into downtown.

Luxemburg city is small, but fairly built up, They also are having a festival of lights, though much smaller. So two night markets, an ice skating rink, and an amusement park. I wander the streets, people watching. My impression is that Europeans take care of themselves a LOT better. They look fit and healthy, plus they dress nice. Luxemburg city is built on top of a hill, with bridges and battlements in various states of disrepair.

The hostel itself is at the bottom of a steep walkway, right next to an ancient bridge.

I have a nice brot in a bun with sauerkraut for dinner, then wander about and drool at the chocolate (this one's for you Janie - Luxemburg shares Belgium love of chocolate).

People watching aside, I head back to the hostel and have a couple beers. I meet my French roommate more formally and find out he lived in Medford on a student thing in high school. We talked about Oregon and how he should come back and check out Portland if he liked Medford so much.

Anyway, tired wop needs to head to bed for a snooze. I'll be up early to check out Luxemburg before I start heading back to Amsterdam.