Ex-expat John M. Edwards is invited as a “standby” to a sumptuous Parisian dinner party near Passy, where perforce playing the devil’s advocate comes with no pricetag at all. . . . “Hello John, how would you like to come to a dinner party tonight,” queried fair friend and picnic partner Julie, a fellow Servas member. A world peace organization affiliated with the United Nations, “Servas,” we joked with devil-may-care abandon, should … [Read more...]
The Most Romantic Destinations in Paris
Paris, France has long been considered the mecca for romantic destinations across the world. It's clear this starry-eyed reputation is well deserved from the moment you step into the city. From the charming cobbled stone streets to the beautiful and exceptional cafés, there's a lot to love in this most vibrant part of beautiful France. Although your average romantic is certainly capable of finding plenty of amorous destinations from simply … [Read more...]
Waltzing through the Kaffehaus Kultura Vienna
“The [Café] Central is a place for people who have to kill time, so as not to be killed by it. . . .” --Alfred Polgar “I AM SIGMUND SPIELBERG!!!” The obviously unemployable flaneur with umlaut eyes landed at my marble-topped table without a proper invite, brusquely pushing aside a Thonet wooden chair. Brandishing a copy of Der Spiegel on a wooden rolling pin in his left hand, and reeking from an unfortunate cologne resembling turning … [Read more...]
Finding the roots of our heritage
I have been fortunate to track down some of my father's heritage - from Luxembourg to Los Angeles. Now it was turn for my mother's side of the family. They come from a very beautiful part of Italy - in the hills along the Italian Riviera. We visited the small town of Casarza Ligure; the "Gallo" name is everywhere which is my mother's maiden name. The homesite of my great Grandfather, Guiseppe Gallo is situated high on a hill above Casarza and … [Read more...]
Schueberfouer Fun Fair, Luxembourg City – December 2012
The Schueberfouer Fun Fair is an annual event (or "Fouer" for short as the Luxembourgish say), held in Luxembourg City starting every August 23rd through early September. At first glance this might be just another carnival or fair, but delving into its history one quickly discovers that this fair has been held annually since the year 1340 - that's 670+ years in a row! For those who are used to going to carnivals and seeing people dressed in their … [Read more...]
Blown Away by Bruges
I was originally planning to be in S. Korea this trip but when a friend canceled due to a family emergency I flew over here instead to explore my family's roots in Luxembourg and the countryside. This has been an inspirational trip so far, from the people I've met to the amazing towns and countryside. Usually when I think of travel I want to visit Asia but now I'm craving more of Western Europe! I came to Bruges, Belgium for one reason and one … [Read more...]
Bruges
I was originally planning to be in S. Korea this trip but when a friend canceled due to a family emergency I flew over here instead to explore my family's roots in Luxembourg and the countryside. This has been an inspirational trip so far, from the people I've met to the amazing towns and countryside. Usually when I think of travel I want to visit Asia but now I'm craving more of Western Europe! .... Read more here … [Read more...]
Cafe des Artistes, Luxembourg City – September 2010
Cafe des Artistes Luxembourg City is one of those cool nostalgic places you sort of stumble into out of the blue. In our case we stumbled into it with a friend, at night...out of the dark. Its a small piano bar located in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. This is one of those intimate and romantic places that appeals to groups of all ages. It is not large, merely two rooms with a small bar. The drink of choice here is most definitely beer. This is the … [Read more...]
More Benelux Travels
It is so awesome to be able to travel between countries with no stops at borders. The only indication you've left one country and entered another one these days in the European Union is when the carrier on your mobile phone changes! The public transportation system works extremely well - you never have to wait very long for either buses or trains. Today's highlight was a visit to the picturesque town of Vianden. Cobblestone streets wind their … [Read more...]
More fun in Luxembourg!
Did you know southern California born General George S. Patton is buried just outside of Luxembourg City at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm. He is the most famous American buried in Luxembourg! This is well worth the short drive from Luxembourg City - hundreds of white marble crosses mark each grave. Patton's grave is marked the same way, yet his grave is solitary "at the head of the troops" in front of all the other … [Read more...]