Luxembourg, oui, sil vous plait!

We. Are. Here.  I can't believe I get to live in this amazing country for the next several years of my life!  It is truly more lovely and beautiful that I even imagined.  I want to share some of the highlights with you!

Lufthansa Airlines:
I didn't know there were airlines like Lufthansa that still existed.  Lufthansa was so fantastic - we had unlimited use of our own personal TV with 18 movies and over 20 TV shows to choose from, free headphones, free beverages, really good food, a pillow and a blanket.  The last time I flew a less than desirable airline that will go unmentioned (ahem, American) they told me I had to pay to use a blanket.  All this to say, when you come to visit or ever have the option, FLY LUFTHANSA! 

Funny Things:
Luxembourg is a very wealthy country but it is very French so there are going to be things that differ greatly from our culture in the US.  When we arrived to our hotel, we noticed right away that there were no sheets on our bed.  There was a bottom sheet and a duvet but no sheet or blanket.  Alex and I requested a sheet but they didn't have any so we're settling for a blanket.  Also make note - bring a hair dryer.  A photo of the devise I'm using to dry my hair is below.  The amount of air that blows out is equal to that of a whistle.

The most widely used language in Luxembourg is French and, unlike what we've heard, NOT everyone speaks English here.  I'm more motivated than ever to learn French after the hilarious thing that happened to us at lunch yesterday.  We went to an adorable patisserie (bakery) called Oberweis (very popular for afternoon pastry and coffee) and the menu was in French.  Alex ordered the filet Americain and out came a 100% raw ground beef patty.  When I say raw, I mean that this patty hadn't been near a flame of any sort.  It was stone cold and still bright red inside and out.  After we chucked a little, we tried to tell the waitress to add heat / fire / grill to it - anything that resembled cooking it - but we didn't have any luck.  Never order anything like a burger here because it may not be cooked.  At all.

The last language story I have for you is embarrasing on my part.  My French spans about 10 phrases.  "I love you" and "My name is..." are two of them.  Alex and I met with our new banker to open an account early this week and I got the two mixed up.  "I love you," I told the banker as I shook her hand to meet her.  She was very sweet (and a female, thank goodness) but I'm sure she was cracking up inside at the silly American that she was about to do business with :) 

Before I tell you about the apartment hunting, here are a few pictures of our beautiful new country!



We found an apartment!!  After looking at almost 20 apartment buildings, Alex and I compromised on a few things to be in the City Centre - the old cobblestone streets, shops and restaurants are too fantastic not to be in the middle of.  We decided on a 2 bedroom, 1000 sq ft. unit right above the Centre.  Its perfect and I won't need a car for things during the day with the exception of major grocery store runs (for things that I can't buy at the market below) and weekend excursions.  Alex can even ride the bus to work, which is only about a 10 minute ride.  Every Wednesday and Saturday, the Centre has a fresh market with tons of veggies, meats, flowers, etc. to buy. Everyone does their shopping on those two days and I'm excited to use the "poussez" below to cart my groceries back to my apartment.  Isn't it CUTE!!??

Our fantastic relocation consultant, Audrey, told me about the poussez above and so many other helpful things.  She is amazing and I love her to pieces!  Audrey is 30 years old and a few months pregnant.  She has carted us around this city for several days now and we've become great friends.  I'm so thankful for her and for my first friend.  She is a blessing!

Today, we are off to check out phone plans, sign the lease and eat more pastries :) Au revoir!

Love until next time...Melanie