Hello. We're planning a last minute mini break to Luxembourg in a couple of weeks, that oddly enough was inspired by a tobacco run I did 6 months ago (me and a few mates, err normally do Belgium but decided Luxembourg was slightly cheaper and the difference covered the cost of the extra fuel and a campsite so we made a weekend of it).
Anyway, a bit of context (sorry I might waffle on here). We were chatting away to the owners of the campsite we were on, and one of the things I asked is what language the locals generally speak, we I know they have 3 or 4 "official languages". I expected it would be regional. My reason for asking was I can speak German to a degree. I'm not fluent but I can hold a decent conversation so I was hoping that would be useful. She explained to me that German is only really spoken close to the German border (no surprise there) and by roadworkers. Then she said generally, the younger generation tend to speak French, and the older generation speak Luxembourgish. And then the one sentence that insured this trip - "there's a problem at the moment that the younger generation of carers and the older generation who need the carers cannot converse because they don't know each others language, even though they are of the same nationality as each other". This said to me that the country is in a real time short term evolution of language. This is now the time that within a generation, Luxembourgish will become a drowned out language that's more of a hobbyist language, to French becoming the new norm. Within a generation (sorry to emphasise the timescale, it's what makes it so fascinating to me). Essentially, I want my kids to see this and experience it. I think it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see, and be within, something that can give them such a rich understanding of culture and the evolution of language.
I've never known much about Luxembourg itself. It's never been high on the agenda, but I'm massively intrigued now.
We don't have much time there unfortunately. We'll be leaving home early Saturday 17/8, arrive that evening and aim to have tents pitched around 7 or 8pm ish, then aim to be packed up ready to set off home around 10am Tuesday 20/8 to get home late that night.
I'd like suggestions of where to visit bearing in mind the inspiration. We don't like "touristy" places. We like to see and be involved in real culture. Being able to use German language is also a bonus. Our kids are 7, 9 and 12 (nearly 13, going on absolutely teenager lol) so obviously I want to keep them interested, but also see what I'm trying to show them.
Suggestions very welcome
Thanks
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Probably a totally useless piece of information, but quite by chance we stood and watched the Wedding of a high ranking Government offical, and a Countess from Luxembourg who had met there. They were friends of some of the younger members of the British Royal family, and held their Wedding on the Sandringham Estate a couple of years ago, in the famous little Church used by the Queen and her family on the Christmas Morning service every year.
The open Carriage that they had the use of to transport them to Church for their wedding, was one used by the Queen, and loaned to them as transport on their big Day. The entire service was covered by the BBC, and relayed back to the local news service back in Luxembourg.
I did feel a little sorry for them though, as many of the tourists clearly got in the way when they were trying to pose for Photographs and Videos, or insisted on having their own picture taken with the fancy Horse drawn carriage as they were preparing to depart for their reception.
Julia
Post last edited on 03/08/2019 10:45:52
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
When I was working for Sky, they flew me and 20 colleagues out to Luxembourg on a small jet, which was like being in a flying cigar tube.
Any the reason was so I could visit the Astra SES satellite control centre at Betzdorf, well worth a visit if you can.
Also as we were there for a week, there was some down time, and we went on a guided bus tour of Luxembourg, the most interesting part was the Euro area schools and offices, the guide told that even the cleaners were on €50 per hour, and that was back in 2003.
We were in a hotel in the centre of Luxembourg and what struck me was how spotlessly clean the streets were.
No doubt you've been and gone by now but we did a two night stopover be Luxembourg city at the start of this holiday. Loved the country, but also a little lost as to which language to speak in - I speak more German than french but as you say the latter won out plus I used plain old English most of the time.
Hope you had a good time - we loved our day visit to the city, so much to see
Quote:
I'd like suggestions of where to visit bearing in mind the inspiration. We don't like "touristy" places. We like to see and be involved in real culture. Being able to use German language is also a bonus. Our kids are 7, 9 and 12 (nearly 13, going on absolutely teenager lol) so obviously I want to keep them interested, but also see what I'm trying to show them.
If you are interested in hiking and nature, I can highly recommend a visit to the Müllerthal: http://www.mullerthal.lu/en
Forest, brooks, rocks to climb over, small waterfalls...
And even if it may be a "touristy" recommendation, our children found Vianden Castle great.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Luxembourg mini break
via mobile 03/8/2019 at 9:06am
