The Bodleian Library in Oxford
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Like curious schoolgirls, we sat under the armorial shields and dark oak bookcases of Duke Humfrey’s Library, and listened to our guide, a slim senior woman with shrewd blue eyes, as she revealed the bibliographical pilgrimages of the oldest collection … Read More

A Hidden Gem in Southern Luxembourg
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Mother Marie-Joseph Max, a ninety-something Benedictine abbess was resplendent with joy. She shared her knowledge with us with extreme generosity, and made history come alive. The following material was gathered orally. Fleeing the Kulturkampf: from Germany to Luxembourg The Benedictine … Read More

Bruges: a walk down memory lane
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We stroll along the little colorful houses snugly jammed into one another, with carved effigies of saints over their doors. We wander through tiny back alleys and winding cobbled streets that abruptly end in one of the many canals. A fragrance … Read More

What is Liichtmëssdag in Luxembourg?
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  If you happen to be in Luxembourg on the 2nd of February, chances are you’ll come across groups of children in the streets holding a paper lantern. Perhaps you’ll even have a few kids ringing at your door. Don’t be surprised … Read More

The Linha do Douro… or where it all began
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  Young, wild and free: life was full of promises… At 18, Kerstin and I flew to Portugal. It was our first journey together. And the summer was long…   We were hosted by her family’s friends. They lived in … Read More

Brancion: A Secluded Medieval Village in Burgundy
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It was 5 pm as we crossed the Brancion Pass. The road turned northward and abruptly stopped after 300 meters. No trespassing with cars. We parked on the spot, and continued on foot.   We followed a never-ending line of … Read More

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