Went to Chocolicious in Esch today. It took me at least half an hour of walking to find it. Finally, I saw a small sandwich board sign that said something like “Psst…looking for chocolate? It’s in here.” I don’t remember it exactly. The “Psst” is right, as is the ending (ok, technically it said “Il est ici”). I think the middle was funnier than what I wrote, but anyway…. I was outnumbered by the employees two-to-one. When the clerked asked if she could help me, I couldn’t really say no (it’s a small shop). So I tried to explain that I wanted chocolate to have with espresso at home. As always, it’s the small words that cause the most problems. I thought I was good at multiple interpretations, but she was excellent. Did I want to have a coffee with chocolate there? Did I want a chocolate bar with espresso in it? Did I want chocolate for melting into my coffee? And about three others that I cannot remember.

I would like to report a theft. Someone stole this day from me. That is all.

I forgot to mention about the windstorm on Monday. It didn’t seem like a very windy day, but it was windy enough that about half of large tree just outside the château’s courtyard fell onto the ornate fence. Fortunately, no one was hurt. In fact, all of us who were inside when it fell—which was nearly everyone—didn’t even hear it fall. The walls of the château are probably a meter thick so not much street noise can come in. Anyway, city workers were on the scene within an hour. For whatever reason, they had to barricade the area around the fallen tree rather than removing it. This closed off the path behind the château to the train station and supermarket, as well as to the elementary school where some of our students volunteer. A number of townspeople also use the path, so we all had some additional exercise this week. Finally the tree was cleared and the path opened back up. As you can see, the tree did some substantial damage:

The buildings behind the fence are private residences. The path is on the left and the right, with the château behind me.

Today begins Toussaint (All Saints) break. I did not realize until recently how popular this week is for vacations. I was warned by several people that it would be difficult to find a hotel at this late date, and that if I did, I’d pay a premium. The few places I looked into confirmed this. Some hotels were charging triple their normal rate. So…anyone who is planing on living in Europe during the fall: if you want to travel during this break, make reservations early!

I’m not disappointed. I like just being here. I mean, I’m living in a castle in Europe. It’s a bit difficult to complain.

Today was the last day of my spring class (the class that went at double speed) so I was busy talking with students about their finals and grading those finals.

I’m afraid nothing too exciting to report for today. I went to Cora and had a second goodbye dinner with my departing colleagues.

Today is the last day of my “sprint” course. As the name suggests, it’s a very fast, high energy class. We met twice as often as a normal class would, which means that we could end in the half the time. I had a great bunch of students. I think we did an excellent job of being the first philosophy class at MUDEC in its 46 year history.

To say goodbye to the spring course only instructors as well as to celebrate the end of the term, the Dean and Assistant Dean took us out to an authentic Luxembourgish Restaurant, Brideler Stuff. If you look at the menu, you’ll understand how Luxembourg could have the greatest per capita meat consumption in the world. To me, it looks like Luxembourg has the second greatest consumption of “other” kinds of meat, after Iceland. All the supermarkets here carry rabbit, horse, and deer meat—just to give you an idea what might be included in “other.”

I knew I’d have to do this eventually: two days in one post, if this is even worthy of being called a post. I’ll have to work on leading a more interesting life….

Today is Columbus day in the States, but of course not in Luxembourg. One of my classes ends next week, so there is the usual “end of the semester” rush. Aside from a run to the supermarket, I have nothing interesting to report, alas.

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.