It was another typical Sunday: grading and preparing for classes. So let me give you my two European tips. I haven’t seen them anywhere else, so maybe they’ll even be new to you.

First, always carry at least one €0.50 and one €2 coin. The first you may need to use a public restroom, and will need if you want to use a shopping cart (you’ll get it back, just like at Aldi in the States). The second will buy you a Luxembourg train/bus ticket good for two hours. The ticket machines do not take bills or American credit cards (i.e., with a magnetic strip).

Second, if a web site gives you a choice of languages, do not choose English (unless the site is from an English-speaking country). The English pages tend to omit information (usually helpful information, like “we’re closed today”) and often reverse dates.