Luxembourg American Military Cemetery & Memorial and Trier.

There is just so much to see in Europe and I want to see it all!  So, I've been frantically planning day trips ever since we found out that we would be stationed in Germany.  
For another day trip we decided to go to the American Military Cemetery and Memorial in Luxembourg, and then spend the afternoon in Trier.  We didn't actually venture into Luxembourg City, instead just went straight to Trier after we were finished at the memorial, so I've got another trip in the planning stages ;o).   

First, we went to Luxembourg- the second country we have visited this year (besides America)!  It is one of the smallest countries in Europe, measuring only 51 miles long and 37 miles wide.  Eric wanted to see the American Military Cemetery and Memorial outside of Luxembourg City.

    
There are over 5,000 American soldiers buried here, most of whom died at the Battle of the Bulge.  It is very similar to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.  It is serene, humbling, and beautiful.

This is where General George Patton is buried.  He died in a car accident in Europe in 1945.  He was a controversial General who led troops at the Battle of the Bulge and wanted to be buried here with his men so that he could watch over them.

After we were finished here, we went straight to Trier.  Because we have been busy every single weekend, and had a big trip planned for a week following our day in Luxembourg and Trier, we were exhausted and grumpy, and very much needing to spend time relaxing at home.  But before we let our grumpiness get the best of us, we walked around the Hauptmarkt, I took pictures (of course), and we saw the Porta Nigra and Cathedral.....

Trier (pronounced "treer") is the oldest city in Germany and was an ancient Roman capital.

The Porta Nigra was built by the Romans, so even though it is in Germany, it is Roman architecture.  It was originally a light sandstone color but has darkened over time and now looks black.  This was a gate entrance, and of the original four that were built in Trier, this is the only one that has survived over the centuries.

The oldest Christian church is in the oldest city in Germany.  Makes sense.

Eric says that it's probably not going to be possible to see everything in Europe.  But I can't accept that.  I just can't.  Grumpy, or not, the next three years will go fast!  And I don't want to feel like our time here was a wasted opportunity.
But, truth be told, on this day trip, we were exhausted and really wanting to spend a lazy day at home.  By the time we got to Trier we didn't care about our massive travel list anymore- we. were. tired.  And I feel bad because Trier didn't get the attention and time it deserved.