A night run in the sun and jazz in the morning
Trip Start
Mar 07, 2008
1
13
19
Trip End
Jun 09, 2008
Kirchberg, Luxembourg
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Saturday
So first, what did I do for the rest of the day? The sun was out and it was beautiful so I decided to go into Luxembourg centre for a wander round. The centre was very busy- lots of tourists seemed to be there for the marathon but also the good weather must have encouraged people. I had planned to stop in somewhere to get some lunch but I wanted to sit outside and I couldn't find much space so I settled for a waffle and a walk instead! I went into the tourist office to pick up some up-to-date info about things to do in the area and they warned be that the buses to the stadium, where I was going later, would be 'manic' after around 2pm. Around time they were starting to cordon off some of the areas and set up stages for the bands that were playing as part of the event.
I've decided that I don't really like shopping in Luxembourg - which for my wallet I guess is a good thing! There are lots of designer shops in the centre and a couple of normal ones such as C&A, H&Ms and Zara plus chocolate shops and food outlets but not too much else. It's hard to browse around for long and when I actually need something is particularly hard to find. One thing I'm not used to, and not a big thing, but there are no card shops. I've been trying to get a couple of birthday cards and the only place that sells them are the newsagents, with quite limited selections. Sorry mum I wanted to get you a 'mum' card in French but I just can't find one anywhere!! I guess there is an excess of them in the UK and it's just one of those strange things that are different.
After a while of wandering, and getting a bit frustrated with the shops I went home for a quick siesta before tonight - I was expecting a late night and with my walk in the sun it was nice to have a quick hour snooze :)
I got up in a bit of a rush and suddenly realised that I hadn't quite worked out how I would get to the marathon. I was going with a couple of people from work and 2 of their friends, who were all driving in from Trier.With work we had signed up to be supporters which meant we had access to the runners lounge in the the Coque sports complex (with the Olympic swimming pool that I mentioned in an earlier entry), and I had arranged to meet them there. I had a choice of taking the car and going to a park and ride or trying the 'manic' bus. I decided that the free drink meant that the bus was the sensible idea and caught a bus into town from just near the flat. As I got on I asked the driver if he knew where I could then get a bus from the centre to the stadium and he told me that they were all finished now...I wasn't entirely convinced so I got on anyway. As we got into town even our bus driver was caught in his tracks and we all had to get off early because the road was blocked early for the run. I asked a few people about the bus and eventually found one steward that told me about a bus. He and his friend were exclaiming that the bus stop was very far away though - a whole kilometer (!) I don't think people are used to walking very far here...anyway it was quite straightforward and on the way it took me through a lovely park that I hadn't realised was there. I got to the bus stop and jumped straight on a free shuttle to take me to my destination.
So a bit about the marathon...the course is an interesting one and leads from the Kirchberg banking and financial district through the historic old town and back again - the start and finish point is the Coque. The finish line is actually within a covered 5,000-seat stadium 'where your family and friends can wait to cheer you home' and runners are greeted with confetti, music, lights and cheerleaders.
There were runners and supporters everywhere when I arrived and it took about 45mins and a few difficult mobile calls (because of the volume and language) to find each other. After that it was fine, we had a walk along part of the course, watched the many drummers that were dotted around and then headed for the runners lounge.
It certainly wasn't a bad deal for free because the Runner's Lounge package included:
- Fingerfood and show cooking with five great cooks of the region (yum yum yum)
- Cocktail bar with the Classic Bartenders (very willing to top up the glasses!)
- Marathon runner's bag and marathon shirt (good for the gym)
- A good view of the finishing line and podium
I ate: Boulette de veau avec pommes purrée à l´ail des ours et champignons (From the kichen of Eurener Hof, Ralf Urland), Sushi and then Vacherin glacé de framboise avec fruits de la passion (From the kichen of Schloss Monaise, Hubert Scheid)(Yum yum)
It was a nice evening, and I saw one or two other faces from work that I recognised. It was a little quieter than I expected though and rather than stay late and have to get a taxi I left about 11.20pm and caught the shuttle bus then the train home (The train station is just at the end of my road). All in all I spent a grand total of 3 euros for the evening (1 bus + 1 train)!
Sunday
When I first came to Luxembourg I found a 'meet up' website where people arrange events and meet ups around a common theme. I had found an expat group here in Luxembourg but today was the first one that didn't clash with my other activities. It had been posted pretty late in the week and the group is very quiet anyway so it ended up with just me and the organiser, Marcia, but it was nice to have a chat and to discover a couple more places.
We met up around 11am for the Jazz Apéro at L'Abbaye de Neumunister in the old town. I had heard about the place before - it has a few outdoor concerts - so had been looking forward to seeing it. I couldn't have asked for more perfect weather - warm, blue skies and sunshine, and the surroundings were beautiful. The Jazz band 'exit' were all very young but had won a young jazz competition last year and were really good. With a coffee in the sun they really made a great Sunday morning - finally something for the 'dead day'! After the concert (which had been free) Marcia and I went for lunch in 'Colors' a restaurant/brasserie in town. Again we sat outside and I had cordon bleu (pork with coating and stuffed with some cheese and ham) with chips and salad, followed by tiramisu and a coffee. (I really really need to be doing more at the gym with all of this!).
After lunch, at around 3pm we headed our separate ways and I had a walk around Grund - I hadn't really had a chance before and it was beautiful I took a couple more photos and then my camera's battery ran out so I'll have to go back for sure! I stop in 'Oscar Wildes' pub for a single beer and headed home around 5pm.
It's now 8.15pm and although I thought I had covered up I now see I have a bit of a rosy nose and chest :) Just a little bit though. Right now I should be doing some work but I put it off to do this first. In fact I have put it off all weekend but really have to get a few bits out before tomorrow... a bientot!
