How to discover this destination with a mining tradition which this year is the European Capital of Culture? For a weekend, visit the third city of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette. The first day: consult the cultural program of the week on Esche 2022 and put on your most comfortable sneakers to attend the exhibitions, events or concerts that take place in the different districts of the city.
As examples : on the “Day 1” photomontage (below), 1., the rehearsal of a show at the National Museum of the Resistance, with its impressive architecture which will reopen at the end of April. 2., the Escher Theater. 3., 4. and 5., frescoes and graffiti in and near the cultural center Kulturfabrik, where you can also attend concerts. The second day: nature and history with the visit to an old mine and train museum at Minett Park Fond de Gras. From May, you can experience the Train 1900 (from Pétange to Fond-de-Gras and vice versa) or the Mining Train ‘Minièresbunn’ (Fond-de-Gras – Lasauvage – Fond-de-Gras).
Here is an original accommodation, the Château de Clemency: an unusual warm guest house in a small castle from 1660 that will delight decor maximalists. The Sherlock Holmes suite looks like a film set: with its living room like a cabinet of curiosities including a collection of pipes, stuffed animals flying over the room and in the entrance, the coats and caps of Holmes and Watson. A journey through time ! 18 Rue de l’Eglise, 4965 Käerjeng, Luxemburg, Phone: +352 51 26 52 60.
Comment découvrir cette destination proche, de tradition minière qui cette année est capitale européenne de la culture ? Le temps d’un week-end, visitez la troisième ville du Grand Duché du Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette. Le premier jour : consulter le programme culturel de la semaine sur Esche 2022 et chaussez vos plus confortables baskets pour enchaîner les expositions, animations ou concerts qui ont lieu dans dans les différents quartiers de la ville.
A titre d’exemples, sur le photomontage “Jour 1” (ci-dessous) : 1., la répétition d’un spectacle au Musée National de la Résistance, à l’impressionnante architecture qui rouvrira fin avril. 2., l’Escher Theater. 3., 4. et 5., des fresques et graffiti dans et à proximité du centre culturel Kulturfabrik, où l’on peut aussi assister à des concerts. Le second jour : un peu de nature et d’histoire avec la visite d’une ancienne mine et d’un musée de trains, au Minett Park Fond de Gras. Dès mai, vous pourrez expérimenter le Train 1900 (de Pétange à Fond de Gras et inversement) ou le Train Minier ‘Minièresbunn” (Fond-de-Gras – Lasauvage – Fond-de-Gras).
Une proposition d’hébergement originale : une maison d’hôtes chaleureuse et insolite dans un petit château qui remonte à 1660 et fera le bonheur des maximalistes en déco, leChâteau de Clemency. La suite Sherlock Holmes avec son salon tel un cabinet de curiosités comprenant une collection de pipes, des animaux empaillés qui survolent la pièce et dans l’entrée, les manteaux et casquettes d’Holmes et de Watson, ressemble à un décor de film. Un voyage dans le temps! 18 Rue de l’Église, 4965 Käerjeng, Luxembourg, Tel: +352 51 26 52 60.
Hi everyone! On the front page of the blog this exciting article on Curaçao again. During this winter period, we need a bit of a dream! And for the lucky ones who plan to go there, some suggestions and addresses to help you plan your trip! Enjoy!
1. Vamos a la playa!
Driving from beach to beach ! Because there are a lot! So, a good option to discover several in one day (especially if your stay is short) on the west coast of Curacao! The water is turquoise and the beaches are often smaller than in the other Caribbean islands, which gives them a more intimate character. You have to rent a car in order to be truly autonomous and fully enjoy the island.
2. Where To Eat
Here are a few restaurants that I really liked. Above, 1 & 2: the beach lounge restaurant Karakter, with a laid back “vacation” setting, the food and the nonchalant atmosphere. I really enjoyed eating with my feet in the sand. 3 & 4: in the center of Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, Plasa Bieu is a covered warehouse close to the main market, with 6 restaurants serving local cuisine. We sit at large tables facing the cooks who prepare your order in front of you. Tasty spicy Creole dishes based on fresh products. The atmosphere is simple and friendly, we chat with our neighbors at tables, a mix of locals and tourists.
Below: 1 & 2, at the Kas di Piskado Purunchi, located a small house with a wood terrace on the water, near the fishermen’s boats. The Krioyo-style fish (local Curaçao cuisine) is delicious. The owner and her team are very warm, I didn’t want to leave. Better to book, because it is often full. 3 & 4: in a colonial house, the Number 10 is an eclectic and rather trendy restaurant. One of the lounges where we ate reminded me of Havana. The portions are generous and my salad was yummy.
3. Taking a Kiting Lesson
When I was offered an initiation to “kiting“, I did not understand that it was kitesurfing (lost in translation, lol!). I was more curious than motivated. Then we drove to Tjapko (the instructor) playground, a salty land near a salt lake in the middle of nowhere under a blazing sun. Tjapko is an excellent teacher who before going into practice, explains in detail the basics of kitting (the wind), in order to avoid any accident.
Feet on the sand, you learn how to let the sail evolve with the wind. Not so obvious at first. And right there, I got caught up in the game. Sometimes I direct the sail in the air, sometimes I follow it as long as possible. It’s exciting and your arms work hard. At the end of the lesson, I will go a bit in the lake and only with the sail to discover the sensation of the wind and its strength in the water. A unique experience, awesome!
4. Street art dans Willemstad
Following our guide Chris, found of street art, we discover the capital of Curaçao from a creative perspective. From paintng to painting, we walk in different neighborhoods of central Willemstad, including Punda, Otrobanda and Scharloo. A mix of historic colonial buildings and contemporary constructions. It’s really hot and the sun burns my skin. Through street art, we learn more about the history of the city and island. I really liked this street art tour which we ended with a drink at De Broeders (photo ci-dessus / Insta : @debroederswillemstad).
You Need A Cool Place To Stay …
Two very nice accommodations in Willemstad: a stylish room in the picturesque house of the Terra Boutique Hotel, with an amazing view of the sea and fantastic (super) host, Janette. Or the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino with a small artificial beach overlooking the sea and very convenient parking. Two very pleasant and very different atmospheres in two cool districts of the capital of Curaçao.
5. Diving And Relaxing In Klein Curaçao
A little before 7 a.m., we arrive at Spaanse Water pier, the starting point of our boat trip to Klein Curaçao, aboard the Serendipity boat of the agency Miss Ann Board Trips. This day trip takes you to this idyllic islet an hour by boat from Curaçao. The color of the sea is stunning, between turquoise and deep marine blue.
Once on the islet, I join the instructor for a 50-minute scuba dive to discover the drop offs and reefs. Back from the dice, a barbecue lunch with the best grilled chicken of all my stay in Curaçao! Then I return in the water till we leave the islet. I didn’t have the courage to brave the sun and the wind to visit the iconic abandoned lighthouse, Prins Hendrik, dating from 1849.
6. Quad In XXL Landscapes
Action! A little bit of quad with Eric’s ATV Adventures to have a glimpse of the East and North of Curaçao landscapes! Honestly, the pace is so fast with sometimes, very narrow paths lined with cacti that I let my friend drive the whole tour. Usually, I drive the quad half the tour. Landscape level: cave, small mountain and gorgeous panorama! Energizing! And don’t forget your sunglasses and a thin cotton scarf to protect your nose and mouth from dust.
7. Sunset At Sea
After the quad (and a quick shower), we have a fantastic sunset on the elegant sailboat of Hilde and Norbert, the lovely owners of Maxie Sailing who organize tailor-made trips. An absolut exclusive Curaçao experience! Hilde has prepared really good apetizers. We had such a magical time with our warm hosts. Imagine ending a boat trip under a starry night while chatting with friends. My definition of luxury. Thank you so much Hilde and Norbert! www.maxiesailing.com
8. A Very Physical Hike!
This morning walk begins early from 6.30-7 am to avoid the strong heat and too many people during the ascent (very physical, soldiers train there) of the highest point of Curaçao, at 372 meters: the mountain Christoffelberg which is located in Christoffelpark, the biggest National Park of the island. The start of the mountain is at level 0 and like in video games, as you get closer to the summit, there are larger and larger protruding blocks of rock and increasingly narrow passages that challenge the muscles of your legs, knees and arms. But the view is stunning.
