Luxembourg

Luxembourg was one of the two countries I hated in geography quizes. Lichtenstein was the other. Never knew where to place them on the map of Europe. As luck would have it, Luxembourg is just a two and a half hours up the road. What better opportunity to put a rest to my geography anxiety.

On Sunday, June 18, a group of us went to Luxembourg. (Theresa, Jane, Gabi, Gabi's mom Irma, and Joe Grabczak. Joe was visiting from Indy on a business trip.).

Come to find out that:

1. The city of Luxembourg makes up nearly all of the country of Luxembourg.
2. Actually, Luxembourg is a Duchy...a Grand Duchy...as if Duchy's are ranked in size like Starbucks Coffee.
3. The flag of Luxembourg is the same as the French flag with the bars going the other direction.
4. The city arose as a fortress in the middle ages. It was know as the "Gibraltar of the North" because of it's appearance of invincibility.
5. Evidently, the invincible piece was only an appearance. The place was conquered frequently and changed hands like a hot potato.
6. Today it is an international banking capital, similar to Switzerland. More banks than Carter's has pills.
7. Which makes me wonder....How do you get to be an international banking capital anyway? Wouldn't every country want to get in on this racket??? What are the countries like Switzerland and Luxembourg willing to do for their customers that other countries will not?

Following are some pictures of Luxembourg for your enjoyment.