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Neatly tucked between France, Belguim and Germany is one of Europes (and the worlds) smallest soverign countries. Im talking about Luxembourg (or the official name - Grande Duche de Luxembourg). With a total territory of 2,585 sq kilometres (or 1000 sq miles) it is about the 20th smallest country in the world. A founding E.U. member, the official language is Luxembourgish. But hey, French or German are fine. And while it can be a bit harder to find someone, English should get you around reasonably OK. Just be aware, most people in ticket booths, retail or hospitality can't speak English very well once you get of Luxembourg City, so if you need to get off at a stop write down any directions or place names as this will really help. One thing you notice pretty quickly is that Luxembourg is a real "melting pot" of nationalities. In fact Im 99% sure I read in one of the tourist books that the poulation of about 475,000 is almost 40% immigrants. There are many different Europeans mixed together. Luxembourg is a very safe place to visit and you do feel safe there. **** For 6 Euros (price OK March 2007) , you can use the public transport for 24 hours. This includes all buses and trains. The public transport system is excellent, clean and cheap. The buses cover almost the whole country. And the trains run on time and have good connections with buses. If you have a Eurail pass, you can catch the trains into or out Luxembourg City really easy. Driving around is another option and the roads are very well signposted. Parking near the capital (Lux City) is expensive though. However, the Duke likes his citizens to be happy, so you will notice that Luxembourg has some of the cheapest petrol in Western Europe, so you can afford to take a few wrong turns. Cigarettes and alcohol are almost tax-free. Some gas stations have cigarettes stacked on pallet displays. Just be aware of border inspections when heading of Luxembourg as there are quantity limits on tax-free smokes and alchol.**** One beautiful little spot I stumbled across is the country town of La Rochette. There is an old castle to explore (see photos), bushwalking, a crystal clear river through town, and quaint Swiss-style streets and houses. Its also close to 4 or 5 other townships and each town has its own unique charm and surrounded by scenery. There is alot of untouched forest and pristine rivers around and plenty to see. The train station of Mensch is 9 km from La Rochette. The Youth Hostel in La Rochette is 35 Euros for a double room and the breakfast here was one of the best I had in any accomodation in Europe. **** Luxembourg City is a great place to kill a day. In some parts of town, you'd almost swear you were in Paris. The malls are all really amazing and full of interesting and unique shops. Im no shopper, but I was blown away by the variety of shops and little botiques. Prices are a bit high, but its free to look. I reckon its almost impossible to have a bad food experience in town . With French/German influence, the cakes, pastries and restaurants are of very high standard. (If you dont try the raspberry/rhubarb tart from a shop called Oberweiss, then, you have missed out. The best pastry Ive ever eaten). Have your camera ready, as part of the city is set in a valley that looks spectacular. Yes just wander, and around every corner there is something to surprise you. Luxembourg in my opinion is 10/10. (They should pay me for this I think).**** Til next time, Crackly.

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