Years of experience as a journalist in Luxembourg:
I first started writing for the Luxembourg News in 1991, so I guess that makes it almost 27 years. Wow!
I will remember 2017 as the year that Luxembourg…
Made international headlines for the right reasons. The space mining venture has caught the imagination of the whole world, and is perhaps one of the best examples of how the grand duchy continues to be innovative in terms of economic diversification. It illustrates that what is needed for real positive nation branding is audacity and forward thinking.
And then Gilles Muller at Wimbledon did his bit to promote Luxembourg in the international headlines, as did the national football team in holding the star-studded French team to a draw and FC Niederkorn by beating Rangers.
The Delano story I worked on that gave me most satisfaction…
Was the cover story about Luxembourg companies doing business in Asia with my old colleague Stephen Evans, one of the most experienced business journalists in Luxembourg. There is so much more to the grand duchy’s export market than the financial industry, and showcasing the contribution made by businesses like Bernard-Massard, Bofferding and Paul Wurth is important. And the cover photo with Antoine Clasen and the elegant Makiko Witolla Hayasho was fun to shoot.
The most interesting person I interviewed…
Was Ray Liotta. Going in to the interview, there were stories that he was being cantankerous at best, belligerent at worst. But he proved to be charming, fascinating and down to earth.
My favourite quote published on Delano.lu…
Was soon-to-be US ambassador Randy Evans telling the senate at his nomination hearing that “I’ve made a pretty decent living out of getting more money out of people than they wanted to [give].”
This was a hint that he will attempt to persuade Luxembourg to increase its financial contribution to Nato. Delano was the only Luxembourg media to pick up on this. To be fair to Evans, he also had plenty of positive things to say about the grand duchy, which we explored in another article.
The cultural event I enjoyed most…
Was undoubtedly the Luxembourg City Film Festival, though I am biased as I am on the artistic selection committee. But each year the festival manages to programme some true gems and also serves as a great youth platform, not only introducing young children to film but also encouraging older kids to see the film industry as a viable career opportunity.
The best plate of food I had at a Luxembourg restaurant…
Everything I tasted at the Al Schoul. Each dish is made with skill and love for the ingredients, and some of the wine pairings were simply sublime. All in a relaxed atmosphere that makes diners feel welcome rather than intimidated. Kamakura still comes a close second.
In 2018, I am most looking forward to...
The parliamentary elections in October. It’s going to be interesting to see how the current coalition partners campaign on the back of the government’s achievements and in the face of a string showing from the CSV. Will they stick together or will they, as most suspect, be vying to flirt with the CSV as its potential partner in the next government?
Finally, we get to turn the tables. My advice to Auntie Eleanor…
Go see a shrink. Reading your answers to our readers’ questions, it is clear that you have multiple personalities.