Gymnasium for All

No worries if you don’t have a gym membership in Luxembourg. Head to grund. In the year 2014 an open gym was conceived in grund. I personally like the concept. Among others, few cardio training machines like bicycle and cross-trainer have been installed for workout. The mechanical devices are quite similar to those you find in any regular gym. The best part, it is freely available 24*7 throughout the year. So during sunny days especially from April to September you may find couple of family exercising and utilizing it fully.

One thing I have observed, while staying abroad is that, the government of developed nations,   do keep on implementing new schemes one after another for the betterment of city and its citizen resulting in the total development of the nation at large. There are about ten to twelve machines. There is a picnic bench, a drinking fountain, a sunbath chair and a rock climbing activity nearby. Anyone can enjoy a summer evening out, with family in the vicinity of Petrusse River. It has been a while now and the machines have started squeaking and squealing, but still in relatively good condition. 

Unlike Americans, Europeans are fitness freak, you will find so many people jogging, running or cycling during summers. But since winters are too harsh people are confined to homes, no outdoor activity, gym is the only alternative for exercising, and that’s why gyms are so very popular here.

 I have a lifetime membership, of the French chain, Amazonia gym in Bonnevoie. It conducts several classes like zumba, stepper, abs etc; during lunch break and late in the evening, timings suits all office goers. All workout machines are of techno-gym brand. The electronic interface in machines gives the account of calories burnt, one of the main reasons people join gym and few add-on information. There are specific machines for weight and strength training. Two trainers are always available for guidance. I love my gym but recently my frequency has reduced drastically. Personally one needs to be highly motivated to go to gym regularly.

Open gym is a good option. Earlier people used to walk or jog or run or cycle in Grund but now they can even do a bit of exercise as well.

Hike in Mullerthal Region

We recently went hiking through woods, meadows, streams and quaint villages of Luxembourg. The trail stretches from Medernach to Larochette, two small villages of the Mullerthal region, known as little Switzerland of our very own Luxembourg.

The Ardennes Mountain in the north east bordering Belgium comprise Mullerthal region. There are many well marked hiking trails with varied length and difficulty level. The trails are explicitly marked, no chance of getting lost in woods. After doing a recent hike, I can vouch all trails are easily navigable, though the difficulty level may vary according to the terrain. There is no fear of wild animals while passing through jungles. Either the region doesn’t have any wild animals or the natives might have killed all.

We came across few domestic cows, goats and horses, grazing in the lush green meadows. One can board hundred number bus from Badanstalt stop in the city for Medernach. It takes about an hour to reach Medernach from city centre. The trail starts from the Medernach church. There are two trails going towards Larochette. We followed the M4 trail to Larochette, which is about 5 kms long.

After about half a kilometre, passing through the village of Medernach we reached the unpaved road which finally led to the forest trail. After waking for about two kms through woods and passing by streams and meadows we reached a junction point where several Mullerthal trails merged for Larochette, coming from different directions. All the different trails are measured precisely to the nearest meter. From here it was another two kilometers. There was nobody in the forest only two of us. When you approach Larochette one can see few houses along the stream. Few benches are available all along the trail, at strategic location, just after a steep climb where the hiker really needs a break. Hiking in the woods was a real bliss with unpolluted air all around. The only sound was that of chirping birds and meandering streams.

We had energy packed lunch of Aaloo Parantha and banana; just before descending to Larochette village. From the lunch-point we had a great view of Larochette castle. We visited the castle later in the day, (Write-up for another post). From Larochette Mullerthal trail continues further in different directions. We took the same hundred number bus from Larochette, and returned back home after a very fulfilling excursion. It is a highly recommended day trip from Luxembourg City and now I can be a good guide as well. Nothing much required just carry enough drinking water and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Flora 2 – Rapeseed Fields

This year I came to know the correct name- rapeseed. Up till last season, I presumed them mustard fields. One can easily misinterpret the yellow flowers. The plant and flowers are quite similar to mustard; which we Indians are quite familiar with. In fact rapeseed and mustard belong to the same family of plants.

The fields are not in countryside but serenely located in Cloche d’Or, the business district of Luxembourg City. In the month of April-May when rapeseed is in full bloom; it becomes a favorite walking destination for office goers during lunch break.

The edible oil which we get from rapeseed is popularly known as canola oil. The vegetation is also used as animal feed. Luxembourg has cold climate throughout the year hence not much cereals cultivated. The agriculture produce is mostly used as animal fodder.

Whatever said and written the fields look stunning under the bright sun.