Hamburg
by admin on April 25th, 2012
filed under Guest articles
When we hear the name Hamburg, often what first comes to mind is, of course,d the hamburger. But this German city in the northern part of the country has much more to offer. It has been called Germany’s “gateway to the world.” Many historic buildings are located here. These include the sandstone Rathaus or Parliament Building, erected in 1897 and designed in the “neo- Renaissance” style, and the Börse (House of Commerce). Visitors may also like to see the Hygieia- Brunnen, the fountain located between the two buildings. Old churches also dot the city, though some, like St. Nikolai, were badly damaged during World War II; this church has, in fact, been left in that condition to remind passersby of the horrors wrought by the war. Two medieval structures— the 9th century Hammaburg, from which the city takes its name, and the 11th- century bishop’s tower.
This photo of Hamburg
This photo of Hamburg
This photo of Hamburg
Other tourist attractions include:
• two artificial lakes— Binnenalster and Außenalster, where sailing events are held during the summer.
• two famous bridges— the Trostbrücke, flanked by the statues of Graf Adolf III and Bishop Ansgar, and the 17th- century Zollenbrücke, Hamburg’s oldest.
• a few synagogs which survived the Holocaust; others were either destroyed or converted. A new one, the Synagoge Hohe Weide, was completed in 1960.
As elsewhere in Germany, the inhabitants must learn to speak English; but in Hamburg, there are whole communities who speak it as a native language; they have formed organizations, including the British Club Hamburg and the American Club of Hamburg. They even have their own theatre, the English Theatre of Hamburg, near U3 Mundstation. It was founded in 1976 by two Americans and has performed all kinds of plays written in English, from Shakespeare to musical comedy.
Of course, there is much German- language theatre in Hamburg too. The largest in Hamburg— and, in fact, in all of Germany— is the Deutsches Schauspielhaus, which dates from 1901.
Two ships moored in the harbour of Hamburg. One of these, the Rickmer Rickmers, fought in World War I and was also sailed under the Portuguese and British flags.
China Southern is the cheapest way to travel to Germany from Australia, while Qantas is a bit more expensive but regarded as higher quality. No visa is required. The best time to go there is from June to September, when the weather is most pleasant. And do not forget that the seasons there are the reverse of what they are in Australia.
Bike rides around Paris
by admin on December 1st, 2011
filed under Guest articles
Enjoying a bike ride around Paris could be a truly wonderful experience that you will never forget. Riding a bike around Paris requires your attention and car, but once you are off from the main boulevards and thoroughfares, then it could be very relaxing. It is very wise to book for a guided bike tour, since when you have an experienced guide to take you around, then it will be much easier for you to find your way back to your Paris apartment. In this way you will also be able to see things that otherwise you will miss, if you are on your own.
This photo of Fat Tire Bike Tours Paris
In the city of Paris there are many streets open only for pedestrians and many paths that are only for cyclists and for roller bladers. There are also bus lines and different cycle tracks on the main roads. It should be mentioned as well that on Sundays, the roads placed along the side of Seine River are open only for cyclists and pedestrians. Actually the city of Paris is considered a safe place for those who love to go on bike rides around it.
This photo of Fat Tire Bike Tours Paris
In case the tourist wants to combine a bike ride with the public transport, that could be tricky and possible only to a limited extend. The RER trains accept people with bikes but not in the peak hours, while the underground system allows bikes only in Line 1 on the weekends and the public holidays. Buses in Paris do not allow people to get on them with a bike. However, travelers are allowed to ride their bikes on the bus lanes, when there are such. There is something, which is quite new for Paris city and this is the self-service known as bicycle transit system.
This photo of Fat Tire Bike Tours Paris
There are several companies in Paris, which organize bike tours around the city for tourists. These include the tour “Paris at Dawn Cycling Tour”, which lasts for three hours and goes in the early hours on Sunday from April until November. The tour visits Montmartre region. Another possible bike tour is “Paris at Night Cycling Tour”, which also lasts for three hours and covers the ancient districts and the Marais narrow streets, the Palais Royal and the Louvre. This tour is also seasonal. There are also “Paris Cycling Tours” that lasts for 4 or 5 hours and come with English speaking guides. These tours could be during the day and during the night. In addition, there is also “Heart of Paris Cycling Tour”, which covers Marais streets, the Halles and Palais Royal, the Louvre and Seine River, the Islands or actually the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts of Paris.
There are also other tours around Paris with a bike that should be mention here and they include the ‘Villages of Paris Cycling Tour” for three hours, which covers the former villages set around Paris. Also interesting is the “Versailles Cycling Tour”, which lasts for eight hours and includes a picnic in the Versailles gardens. The last bike tour around Paris to be mentioned here is the “Monet’s Garden Cycling Tour”, which also lasts for eight hours.
A guest post written by Elise Morel who writes about Prague apartments and London apartment
Prague castles
by admin on November 29th, 2011
filed under Guest articles
The Czech capital, Prague, is a city famous for its many castles, which are among the reasons why the city is so popular with the tourists from all countries in the world. The city of Prague however, has one big castle and many smaller ones very close to your apartments in Prague. The Prague Castle is a major landmark of the city and home to the Kings of Bohemia, the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and office of the Czechoslovakia presidents and later the presidents of the Czech Republic. In the Prague Castle are being kept the Crown Jewels of the country.
The Royal Palace
It is an interesting fact that the Prague Castle is the biggest ancient castle in the world, according to information given by the Guinness Book of Records. The castle is approximately 130 meters wide and 570 in length. It was constructed in the 9th century, in year 870. The first building that was surrounded with a wall was the church of Our Lady. Later, in the 10th century were constructed the Basilica of Saint George and the Basilica of Saint Vitus. Many first things are connected with the Prague Castle. For example, here was founded the first convent in Bohemia, set next to the church of Saint George.
St. George Basilica
In the 12th century, here was constructed a Romanesque palace, that was later rebuilt in a Gothic style during the reign of Charles IV and the fortifications of the castle were strengthened. The basilica of Saint Vitus made place for a large Gothic church that was fully completed after six centuries. The huge Vladislav Hall was later added to the Royal Palace during the rule of King Ladislaus II Jagello. At that time were also added the defense towers on the northern end of the castle. The last big renovation of the castle was made by Queen Maria Theresa during the second half of the 18th century. In year 1848 the Prague Castle became home of Ferdinand V, after his abdication from the throne. In more recent history, the Prague Castle became a seat of the Head of the State of the new Czech Republic, after the split of Czechoslovakia.
Prague Castle
Today, the Prague Castle is among the main landmarks of the city and it attracts the tourists with its churches and basilica, its palaces and special halls, as well as its other buildings such as the Dalibor Tower, the Powder Tower, the Golden Lane, the Ball Game Hall, etc. Quite impressive are the Royal Garden, the Riding School Terrace Garden, the Paradise Garden, etc.
Besides Prague Castle, the city has many other castles as well, among which being the Biskupsky dvur castle, the chateaus Chvaly, Ctenice, Cakovice, Dablice Chateau, and also Devin Castle, the Chateau Dolni Pocernice, the Hloubetin Castle, the Castle Hradek na Zderaze, the Jinonice Chateau, the Kolodeje Chateau, and the chateaus Krc, Kuglvajt, Kunratice. Other chateaus that deserve to be mentioned are Lethohradek Hvezda and Lethohradek Kinskych, Liben, Lochkov and Malesice, Motol, Petrovice and Suchol, as well the Troja Castle.
Another European destination famous with its castles are Krakow and Warsaw, where you can find accommodation in Krakow apartments and apartment in Warsaw.
Ten Best Things To Do in Europe
by admin on September 16th, 2011
filed under Guest articles
There are many things to do when in Europe. My suggestion is to find cheap airfares and start your trip in Spain.
Pamplona Spain is one of the best places to visit. However you really want to see what the main attraction is called the Festival of Sanfermines in Sam Fermin. Anyone can run with the dozen bulls they let loose and the only requirement is be at least 18 and be ready to run. The event is held every year since the 14th century from July 6th to the 14th.
This photo of Pamplona
Few cities match the beauty and charm of Venice and few activities in any city can rival the romanticism of a gondola ride in Venice. A regular gondola ride will last about 40 minutes and you will be amazed at how narrow the canals really are in person and how skilled these gondoliers are.
Dubrovnik has many amazing rock formations but there is one that is only a short walk from the town’s main square. The walk will not prepare you for the grandeur and incredible heart pounding anticipation of jumping off the rock known as Hole in the Wall. You don’t have to jump off the highest point however, there are smaller jumps that will be just as exciting.
How many times in your life can you say that you waited in line to be turned upside down in order to wrap your lips around a stones that is over 500 years old? Cork, Ireland is the home of the Blarney Stone, part of the Blarney Castle. Legend has it that kissing the stone will give you the gift of gab.
Go Hiking in Switzerland. Switzerland has over 48 marked trails that are both breath taking and filled with fresh clean mountain air. With so many trails you can often find yourself alone with the stunning views that nature has created in Switzerland.
Car lovers are not the only ones that love to visit Bologna, Italy. Art lovers who appreciate and can see the art in automobiles can visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini Museums. Both have on display some of the most iconic and sought after automobiles ever created.
This photo of Bologna
The Monte Carlo Casino is one of the most famous building in all the world let alone Monaco. The Grand Prix of Monaco passes by this iconic building. Dress up in an expensive rented tuxedo and pretend to be James Bond. Gamble the night away in one of the most iconic places in Europe.
Rent a bike and go around the beautiful city of Amsterdam. Few places in Europe are as perfect to bike in as Amsterdam. There are so many places to rent your bike around making the perfect way to sight see.
This photo of Amsterdam
Millions of tourists every year go to one place in Paris, and that place is the beautiful and magnificent Eiffel Tower. The lines are long but the views are worth every moment you have spend in them.
This photo of Paris
Munich,Germany is home to one of the greatest open air festivals called Oktoberfest. Where else can you eat all the sausage and drink all the beer while singing songs with fellow travelers as well as fellow Germans?
This photo of Munich
Natasha is travel blogger writing for CruiseAbout, Australia offering great selections of last minute cruises
Staying healthy on the road
by admin on September 6th, 2011
filed under Guest articles
As you get ready to hit the road for a long trip, a family vacation or maybe a work trip you have a lot of things to think about. You have to think about what you are going to pack, who is going with you, where you are going to stay, the cost of everything, and along with all of those things you have to try not to get sick. There is no visitors guide to go with each state or country that will tell you exactly what to do, what foods to avoid and how often you should wash your hands as you enter them. Because there is no guide you should follow the tips given here along with doing some research on where you are going and what things you should know.
There are tons of ways for you to catch germs and diseases as you travel, what you want to know is how to avoid them.
Learn how to avoid disease, sickness, and germs while on your road trip by going over and following these tips:
- Planning. If you traveling to an area where a certain disease is more prevalent then planning ahead will be a tremendous help. Plan ahead by researching the place you are going to be visiting and then go to your doctor to talk about the vaccines you might need or prescriptions you might be able to get in order to prevent catching diseases and or combat the symptoms.
- Packing. Pack like you are getting ready for every kind of disaster, sickness, disease, and broken or bruised body part imaginable. You should always have a travel medical kit, even when you are not on the road for a long period of time.
- Eating and drinking. If you have chosen to travel someplace more foreign to you and you do not know much about the food and water then choose the food and water you eat and drink very carefully.
- Washing. This should go without saying but it is still important to remember, wash your hands. While you are traveling it is a good idea to bring antibacterial wipes or hand cleanser for the car and for situation when water and soap are not available.
- Protecting. Protect yourself and your family from insect-borne diseases and sunburn. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Malaria is not something you want to catch so when you travel to countries where malaria is more prevalent use bug spray and sleep under a mosquito net.
Madison Hewerdine is an author who likes to write visitors guides for road trips and has a passion for singing.
Eating out and dancing in the capital of Belgium
by admin on May 23rd, 2010
filed under Brussels
Amelia is a complete chocoholic and the capital of Belgium wasn’t selected by chance, when I decided we should go on a holiday. Stores for candy of different dimensions were existing on almost every road in the downtown zone and very close to our Brussels apartment, so if she wanted some candy, the only thing I should do is to go down and buy some. Amelia’s favorite candy stores were Leonidas which are very well liked with the locals, Marcolini which is considered the finest store for top-quality Belgian chocolates. Then we found out that more affordable are the candy in Chocopolis and Maison Renardy stores.
This photo of Brussels
Our evenings in Brussels were spend in some great dining places and good pubs, where we tried the local beer that we discovered might be sour or sweet – based on cherries. An additional cocktail that the local people love is a specific blend of sparkling wine and white wine. Amelia loved most the Brasserie De l’Union nightclub with its wooden bar, but I appreciated most the Bier Circus because of the vast selection of beers. The pub closest to our own holiday accommodation in Brussels was Delirium Café which was also very close to the Grand Place as well.
Dejoncker_Brussels
On one of the nights we went for some dancing and we first visited the Dirty Dancing night clubs where they played house music, after which we went to Recyclart club for some drum and bass. On the next night after we’d a great dinner, we visited a jazz club that was recommended, named Sounds Jazz Club where we stayed until the morning hours.
Pub house belgium
Amelia was satisfied that we got a lot of fun outside at the pubs and clubs, to go sightseeing and to be able to relax a lot in our serviced Brussels accommodation. We truly appreciated our stay, got engaged and decided to return.
A day of shopping in Brussels
by admin on May 19th, 2010
filed under Brussels
After my question the evening before and the amazing dinner we had at the restaurant, we were not so willing to go out of bed on the following morning and we had a peaceful pleasant morning having espresso and eating breakfast in our Brussels holiday apartment. We decided to spend this day researching and walking along the streets of the Belgium capital. Thus, we first went to the Dansaert area where we went into some nice stores and later to the la Bourse location where we had a snack at a trendy café there.
Dansaert Area Brussels
This photo of Place de la Bourse (Place Royale)
Next we headed towards the Rue Neuve, which is a longer road of stores which however could be very costly.
Our subsequent stop was the City 2 Mall where Amelia purchased a few dresses and I bought a couple of books I was searching for back in my home town and couldn’t find. Then we’d some fun moments at the Galleria Agora, which is a type of a bazaar with lots of unusual but low-cost goods. The next stop we made was very opposite with regards to quality, style and price. The last shopping stop we made was at the uptown Haut De La Ville area where we came into fantastic jewellery shops and haute couture boutiques.
This photo of Place de la Bourse (Place Royale)
On the way returning to our Brussels, Belgie short stay apartment, we passed through the symbol of the city – the Manneken Pis and were astonished to see there were not numerous people in front of it. Thus, we made some great images there.
Then, exhausted from the shopping, but happy with all the items we bought, we went back to the Brussels holiday accommodation we had and had a good long sleep before our next evening out, during which we wanted to make some night photos and to drink ale at a nearby pub.
Vital question in Brussels
by admin on May 15th, 2010
filed under Brussels
I’ve been dating Amelia for an year by now and I wanted to enjoy several days with her on a holiday, where to relax and ask her an important question that was in my head for some time now. I knew she adores sweets and she has never been to Belgium, and so in February I got tickets for our Easter trip to Brussels. This was her gift for the Saint Valentine’s Day and she was so delighted and pleased that she spent a lot of time choosing the ideal apartment in Brussels for the two of us.
We were both earning a living very hard and needed a good rest, even for a couple of days and considered this trip as an escape from everything and a possibility to get good night’s sleep and to be pampered. Therefore, Amelia picked an excellent one-bedroom holiday apartment in Brussels, which was presented nicely arranged and furnished and could be hired for 5 days at a reasonable price.
When we showed up, a taxi cab brought us to our Brussels holiday apartment and went out right away, as we were thrilled explore the city. Amelia had a comprehensive plan of what shall be seen and done here and we headed towards the Statue of Europe, the Royal Palace and then the Museum of Musical Instruments.
Brussels Place Royale
Right after this short visiting sites visit we went back to our vacation apartment in Brussels, that was very easily accessed, had some sleep and a bath and dressed for our first dinner out. Before heading towards the restaurant we liked during the day, we went to the Grand Place-Grote Markt and enjoyed the huge flower carpet. Now there, among so many people and wonderful flowers with head-spinning aroma, I asked Amelia to be my wife. Just like that. She was absolutely amazed and overwhelmed and could not talk at all, thus she just nodded her head.
Grote_Markt_Haarlem
Nightlife in Berlin
by admin on March 24th, 2010
filed under Berlin
Berlin is a city where travelers like to party and the bars are available till the following day. Like I found out for myself, the nightlife here is so fascinating that one is not willing to go back for a rest to one’s Berlin holiday apartment. Thus on the last day of my stay in Berlin, my friends took me to a pub where we’d a little something to eat and some cocktails that is a favorite activity for all college students in Berlin before they go to the night clubs. We discussed where to go as Prenzlauer Berg, Mitte and Friendrichshain regions were just as good and all to be found in the eastern part of the city and offering lots of discos, bars and brasseries.
This photo of Park Plaza Prenzlauer Berg Berlin
This photo of Friedrichshain
We spent some hours in the pub right up until one o’clock and then headed towards the Magnet Club. I was wearing a sports T-shirt and jeans and therefore I asked whether my outfit would be a problem, but all my local freinds asserted me that in Berlin nobody cares how old are you or what you wear. In the Magnet Club we listened to some brit pop music and then we headed towards the Pfefferbank Club, after which we finished the night at the King Kong Club.
Seems like I had some more drinks that I really should have and in the morning I said good-bye to my local freinds and went to my Berlin apartment where I’d several long hours of sleep.
Once I woke up my hangover was gone, but I was starving that I ate everything I had stored in the fridge the day before. Then I packed my baggage and started for the international airport. My trip back home was pleasant and short as I slept throughout the entire trip.
Strolling tours in Berlin
by admin on March 20th, 2010
filed under Berlin
Back in my country I do not have lots of time for sporting activities, because almost all of my time is spent looking at the computer doing work or in front of the TV set, watching films. Therefore, when I decided to travel to the main city of Germany for the duration of the weekend, I looked for a Berlin property which is in the centre of the metropolis, in close proximity to the parks and the walking areas. I further tested the free walking tours and I picked one with an English speaking assistant. The trip covered numerous cultural landmarks and some heritage sights which were placed in the downtown area and listed the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and the Checkpoint Charlie border point.
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Check point Charley
On the day after I made a decision to go to the Brewers Berlin Tour, but there after I was sick and tired of this type of guided trips and decided to see the other of the sites by myself but nevertheless on foot. In this way I was able to see the Berlin Dome church, the German Parliament Bundestag, and the Tiergarten which is the largest park in the city.
Victoria Park
The next morning I woke up quite early, made myself a chocolate and a breakfast at my Berlin holiday accommodation and headed towards the local zoo where I made some wonderful photographs of the panda bears and the polar bear. After that I visited the Aquarium where I saw a number of crocodiles and fish. I had lunch at the Viktoriapark where I appreciated the views over southern Berlin. I was pretty exhausted because I got up early and thus I returned my Berlin holiday accommodation and had a great sleep before I met my friends for an early dinnertime meal and a trip to a bar they love to visit.
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