Sunday, February 24, 2013

Hello, Luxembourg

Luxembourg, the third European country I set foot - captures my heart with awe. Prides itself with its majestic mountains and plateaus which I missed so much, the views of trees and mountains from the window of the moving train makes the ride more fun and exciting. To add more to the excitement, the five of us don't have any idea where the location of our hostel is. We just knew that it is near the airport - armed with our "charm" and the city map - we tour around Luxembourg like crazy tourists. We braved the -6 degrees temperature and explore the city by foot. Despite the language barrier we're able to survive, good thing that Aurelia still remembers her French like 'merci', 'bon jour' - we got lost several times, but still manage to get back safely in the Netherlands, 'our home away from home.'

Thanks to my Mahmood's Angels travel buddies - the very amazing Lyda Chea, the quiet and shy type Natsuko Kobiyama,Aurelia Munene - the blessed one (as she fondly introduced the word to us while were on the train) and of course the ever-on-the-go girl Maecel Cayanan - let's do this again sometime. More forays to the unknown. 

Directions which made the
journey even more confusing.
Parliament Building - the symbol of Luxembourg is carved in this gate.


Touring around the Parliament Building.

The breathtaking view,
it made time stand still.
The Ponte Adolphe Bridge, I was mesmerized by its beauty.
How can they possibly do such strong and
grandiose bridge which stand for more than a hundred years.



Visiting Luxembourg is not complete
if you haven't seen this place.

Population Studies course, you rock!


The economically challenged international students of ISS
- armed with charm unravel the forays of the unknown.
This modern bridge is a bit misplaced.
I traveled back to 1800, it's amazing how European countries were able to maintain it's more than a hundred-year old architectures.
A panoramic view of the bridge. 





Dorus Rijkersplein 133: My Home Away From Home

The never ending fixing and cleaning my room
to make it more cosy and  homey.
Another angle this time with lights on to make
have dramatic effect. The magic of yellow lights!

And within a few months - the empty spaces were filled in.

My room feels so empty.
Bazarlaan - another Filipino student with the same name as mine lives there.
Hello there, Annabelle Magno..

The ISS Building - shot taken from my window.
Perhaps it is impossible to come late in classes since I am just 5minutes away from my school.

I was taken out of my comfort zone - this space will be my home for the next 15 months of my existence. After cleaning the room - I decided to move around the tables, chairs and other stuff to make it more cozy and homey. I added some personal touch so that I will not miss the place where I came from. Whenever sadness nails me down, this space will give me peace and serenity that I need to overcome the loneliness in my heart. This little space will have its own share of stories about friendship, laughter, triumphs, glories and even failures; valuable lessons in life which will make me a better person. It will always have a special place in my heart and will always be remembered as long as I live. I am grateful to You Dear Lord for giving me this rare opportunity. To God be the glory.