Mary, Amy and Ellen didn't have much time in Luxembourg so, when they arrived from Paris, we hit the ground running! First on the itinerary was a raclette dinner because you can't be in this part of Europe and not experience it! This is special cheese, my friends!
The next day, a Saturday, Alex and I showed the girls around the city - we ate breakfast at our favorite spot, the Coffee Lounge, perused the market, did a little shopping and gave Mary, Ellen and Amy the chance to sample the chocolate shops in town. Finally, we ended up about 30 minutes down the road on the Luxembourg / German border town of Schengen. Schengen houses one of Luxembourg's white wine houses, Domain Henri Ruppert, which happens to have the loveliest view overlooking the Moselle River. Here we are about to head inside...
Henri Ruppert didn't disappoint, nor did the view. We're standing on Luxembourg soil but behind us, on the other side of the river, begins Germany. Even more strange, less than a mile to the right, you have France. Schengen is the city where the three countries connect. Just another fun fact about little Luxembourg :)
Our plan for Sunday was to leave for Bruges, Belgium after church so, after the service, we made a quick stop by the Schueberfouer (Luxembourg's annual fair) to pick up some lunch before heading out of town. This is one of my favorite photos from the trip - Amy and Mary diving in to their big bratwurst, a Luxembourg fair staple! I think they look pretty happy, don't you?
After the brief, yet memorable, stop at the Schueberfouer, the four of us girls piled in the car and headed to one of my favorite cities drivable from Lux - Bruges, Belgium! Luckily, the 4-person room at my go-to little hotel, the Boterhuis, was available so we were cozy and comfortable just off the main town square. I highly recommend this charming boutique hotel if you ever find yourself in Bruges...which you should!
The girls loved Bruges - the chocolate, the lace, the canal boat tour, the shopping and, of course, the food. Here I am with Mary at our new favorite little restaurant, the Olive Tree...
After a long dinner, some free food (just one benefit of a girl's getaway) and much conversation with the young restaurant owner, it was evident that he'd developed quite a crush on Amy, the lovely musician of our bunch. It wasn't long before Amy's album was playing throughout the restaurant and our new friend appeared to be a little starstruck. I think its safe to say that we won't be strangers in the Olive Tree if we ever make it back. What a memorable night and fun week with friends!
Love from Luxembourg...
Melanie
