Luxembourg

 Chris and Lisa and David and I went on an over-nighter to Luxembourg.  It was a 2 hour drive there and Lisa and Chris (and of course, David or I) had never been there and we didn't know very much about it until we got there.  Luxembourg is a small country also called the Grand Duchy, and the capital is Luxembourg. "The capital of one of the world’s smallest countries is a vibrant, dynamic city nestled within a romantic, peaceful countryside that gives it plenty of natural space to breathe. The city is a modern, open and friendly place that has embraced the opportunities of high-tech life without losing its soul. It is the home to a number of EU institutions."

There is a valley that goes through the middle of the city, where bridges cross, and where the Old Quarters is.  The newer city is on the hills.  It is really beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring it for the day.

 Below is the current palace of the Grand Dukes situated in the center of the Old Town.  There were plans underway for a royal wedding two day later, and pictures of the couple all around.

 City Palace

Late Gothic,  Cathedral of the Blessed virgin started in 1613.

The walk down to the Bock Promontory, the old fortress, and the Alzette valley

 That is a door behind Chris.....he has grown!

Bock Promontory, Alzette valley and Neumunster Abbey

It was awesome to explore the ruins of the old fortress....the Casemates.  It had once been the most envied fortresses in Europe.  The Bock Casemates immense underground military defense system came well after the foundation of the first stronghold, erected in the 10th century.  There had been 23 km long underground galleries and two stories carved out of stone.

Those stairs were soooo steep and uneven....and quite dark.

 From the caves and casemates, we walked down to the valley floor.

 Looking back up to where we had just been.

 We were very hungry and had quite a time trying to decide where to eat...lots of choices and prices.

 Then we drove out of town a little to our hotel.  It was very modern and clean, but this bathroom was quite a surprise.....no walls or curtain, or separator at all between the shower and the rest of the bathroom!  You can do everything at once!