This Op was the grandest Op in the Duchy of Luxembourg, but with a reserved grandeur that would allow even the most common of citizens to feel quite at ease on its well-worn cobblestone lanes. (8/12/04) *

Luxembourg was cast in grey for the three days that I spent as a stranger in this strange land. It is odd that this country is even permitted to exist at all in this day and age. Luxembourg City, the capital, is the hypostasis of suburban perfection, perhaps because the sub-urban is never forced to confront the urban. Imagine a village of plenty set in a stunning river gorge with rows of houses neatly maintained, sparkling Mercedes buses plying the streets, a benevolent scandal-free Prince Henri ruling the land, pastries for every man, woman and child, and everyone a perfect bilingual. Although it is difficult to comprehend - or possibly even to imagine - I can now report that such a fantasyland truly exists secreted away between the borders of France and Germany. (8/13/04)

As I mentioned previously, glorious pastries for every man, woman and child within the borders of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. (8/13/04)

I forgot to mention that when I was en route to Luxembourg I accidentally made a wrong turn into Belgium. The French border town of Longwy (across from Petange, Luxembourg) is also right next to Belgium, and it is very easy to get misdirected. When I looked up and saw the border demarcation for Belgium and that I was crossing it, I was like, what the . . . and renavigated back toward Luxembourg. In so doing I rode my bike in three countries in less than ten minutes, which was fun. This is one of the main thoroughfares in the capital. I thought it was great that such a small capital had such broad and ostentatious avenues and Ops. (8/13/04) *