Tag Archive | "Germany"

The Undisputed Charm of Ostallgäu

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Ostallgäu can be a word which is associated to regal, unique, and also exceptional. This Bavarian area could be located over the boundaries of Austria and Germany. Filled up with amazing tourist attractions, this district provide gorgeous panoramas that may be in comparison to pictures in kid’s storybooks. It really is noted for its blankets of rich, natural woods as well as its crystal-clear streams and also ponds. Grand castles, farms, as well as modest towns or villages are also present in its different landscape. All of them share an abundant, fairytale-like historical past which continues to astound the hearts and minds of thousands of nearby as well as foreign visitors. Tourism has never been a problem in this region of Germany.

The most well-known sights in Ostallgäu would be the Neuchwanstein Castle, positioned in Bavaria. There are a number of fortifications in this area simply because in the past, the kings of Bavaria took notice with the Ostallgäu location. They constructed their own castles presently there because in 1803, Ostallgäu just became part of Bavaria.

The Neuchwanstein Castle is without a doubt probably the most beautiful castles within Germany. The castle, often defined as the Fairy Tale Castle, appears on the small town of Hohenschwangau. The castle is among the most frequented sites in the area. It attracts no less than one million tourists from all areas of the planet every year.

The Neuchwanstein Castle has been designed for King Ludwig II. King Ludwig II was nicknamed “Mad King” along with “Dream King” because of his penchant for sky-high dreams. The son of King Maximilian II along with Queen Maria of Prussia was raised in Hohenschwangau Castle. King Ludwig II reveled within the myths of heroes, unaware to the tough facts of state policies in royalty. While his father passed on in 1863, King Ludwig II took over his father’s empire. The Neuchwanstein Castle stands out as the product of his grandiose wants. The King commissioned architect Eduard Riedel to develop the Gothic Revival castle. The lavish castle was designed to stage the operas of Richard Wagner, the particular king’s favorite musician. Among the notable suites in the citadel, the Grotto, principal purpose is to become an artificial cave along with stalactites in addition to waterfalls. The layout of this particular area ended up being motivated by the opera Tannhuser, a piece of Wagner.

The Hohenschwangau Castle is an additional favorite tourist site in the area. This castle ended up being rebuilt throughout the reign of King Maximilian II of Bavaria, the biological father of King Ludwig II. The complicated woodcarvings and also the turning staircases showcase its neo-Gothic fashion. Just like his sons castle, the Hohenschwangau Castle can be evidently well-maintained. It stays to be very stopped at structure by vacationers in the neighborhood.

Visiting Ostallgäu is a great eye-opener in case you have always taken their own understanding of history with no consideration. Modern features, spas, cross-country skiing paths, resorts, and tennis courts by now abound in this area. Despite these improvements, the vintage charm of the whole location remains unmarked. Even the design and style of structures and homes in this area carries on to reflect the rich design history of Germany. An excursion in Bavaria will definitely motivate you to unveil your camera and take pictures of the stunning constructions around you. If you are strolling over the Neuschwanstein Castle or you are simply wanting to take pleasure in the view of lavish woods and crystal-clear lakes, every part of the rich Ostallgäu location will always continue to be picturesque.

Stay at the excellent hotel füssen near the Castle Hohenschwangau.

Top Ten Places to Live in the World

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Top Ten Places to Live in the World

There are many factors that make the place we live the place we love to call home. Environment, weather, history, politics, economy, infrastructure, social climate, and entertainment all play a part. When choosing a place to live, your decision should be based on what issues are important to you. Finding the right combination of features is the key to loving where you live.

 

Meuse River, The Netherlands

Healthcare and Tolerance – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

 

In 2009 the Netherlands was named as having the best healthcare system in Europe by the Euro Health Consumer Index. Six criterion examined were patient rights and information, e-health, waiting times for treatment, outcomes, range and reach of services provided and pharmaceuticals. The Netherlands is additionally praised for its minimal bureaucracy and patient empowerment.

 The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, has become infamous for its tolerance of the taboo. The Dutch believe that people should make moral decisions with little interference from government. Marijuana is legal. Tattoo parlors, sex shops, and the red light district draw tourists. Hostels are packed during the peak summer season.

As far as culture, there are famous museums where you can see work by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. One can learn the story of Anne Frank, relax in beautiful parks and ride a bike almost anywhere. According to Claudio.Ar, “It is said that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice, more cafes than Vienna and more bridges than Paris. The tours let you discover them and other secrets of the city.”

 

Best Place for Singles – New York City, USA

 

Hudson River, New York

 In the mood for love? Although the cost of living is still high in New York, it has become slightly more affordable due to the recent economic downturn. In fact with many singles now unemployed, unmarried folks are taking advantage of their severance packages and enjoying all the city has to offer. With 35,000 restaurants, 3,800 bars, and 734 museums there is definitely plenty to do in New York City. The popular dating site, Match.com, has more active accounts in the NYC area than any other locale. Living in New York does, however require a high tolerance for crowds of people.

 “The City That Never Sleeps” comes by its title easily. From piano bars to jazz lounges (and a few dozen dives of course), New York’s nightlife keeps the city hopping until early morning hours. Nightclubs like the Marquee feature world famous DJs for the partiers who love to dance. Other locals favor the Gotham Comedy Club, which Frommer’s guide declares New York’s “trendiest and most sophisticated comedy club.”

 Whatever your interest, you’re sure to find it in New York City – day or night.

 

Mild Climate & English Speaking – Malta

 

Maltese islands 

The island nation just 60 miles from Sicily, Republic of Malta, is a repeated winner of Quality of Life Index awards for best climate. With a daily average of over five hours of sunshine, mild winters, and hot summers – Malta is considered ideal by many. Diving, sailing, and colorful festivals abound. Golf and horseback riding are popular pastimes.

 There are few sandy beaches and yes – sometimes it does rain on the Maltese islands. If it’s raining you can head indoors for opera, theater, music, and ballet at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta. The Manoel is the second-oldest theater in Europe.

 The government is politically stable in Malta. Cost of living is low. Crime is minimal. Locals are hospitable. Travel is not difficult, despite island status.

 If you lived in Malta you could check off each item on list, 101 Things to do while on Holiday in Malta.

 

Family-Friendly – Virginia, USA

 

 Virginia Beach

 The state of Virginia has beautiful shorelines and beaches. Virginia is very family and community oriented, with plenty of fairs, festivals, and community events. The people are diverse and friendly. Many of the schools are highly-ranked and offer plenty of extracurricular activities and elective courses to choose from.

 Virginia takes the health and safety of its children very seriously. According to the official Virginia government website, $515,405 was awarded to 17 projects that support youth substance abuse and violence prevention programs for 2010.

 Low Cost of Living & Retirement – Brazil

 

 Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

 

Brazil is the largest country in South America and therefore offers a broad range of opportunities for travel and diversity. From the Amazon jungles, to famous beaches, you will find the inhabitants friendly and hospitable. Although the nightlife is well known in Brazil, few are aware that Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are among the cheapest cities to live in (according to the Economist Intelligence Unit).

 Want to pay off debt? Brazil is a good place to retire. Retirement visas are available with proof of income. It is common and legal for permanent residents to apply for Brazilian passports and keep their current citizenships and passports. Brazilian health care is very good. You do not need to be a citizen to use the national health care system. Patients pay nothing out of pocket for most care. For the highest quality health care private market providers are also available – for a fee. Even so, the fees are much less than purchasing independent health insurance in the U.S. In general, you get more for your money in Brazil.

 Due to the well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service industries, the economy of Brazil outweighs other countries in South America, and is quickly expanding its presence in international markets.

 Simply Beautiful – Belize

 

 

Belize – Central America

Belize, considered one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, has it all. Belize touts great beaches, subtropical climate, diverse wildlife, and a low cost of living. The scuba diving and snorkeling is fabulous. The gorgeous waterfalls underneath the Maya Mountains are rivaled only by the hundreds of colorful species of birds flying the skies. Rent of a large house in Cayo district is only $300/month. Food at the local markets is very reasonably priced. The official language is English. The Retired Person’s Incentive Program starts at the ripe young age of 45 and allows tax free living.

 Consider a snowbird lifestyle when it comes to living in Belize. The wet season is May to October. It rains all the time and there is a chance for hurricanes. But I’d stay November through April in this beautiful land, which is just where I’d like to be rather than the cold snowy land I call home that time of year.

 

Stunning Scenery – Cape Town, South Africa

 

 Table Mountain, Cape Town

 Cape Town features some of the most beautiful beaches and fascinating attractions in all of Africa. Families enjoy swimming in the warm waters along the False Bay coast, where whale watching is also popular. Kids swarm to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, and for a small fee, even swim with them. The hallmark of Cape Town is Table Mountain, a gigantic slab of sandstone with breathtaking views, trails for hiking, and paragliding for the adventurous. (Cable cars are available for the not-so-adventurous.)

 The second most populated city in South Africa; Cape Town is known for being socially tolerant and culturally diverse. This coastal city is mild and rainy during the winter months, but dry and very warm the rest of the year. The bistros and restaurants offer a variety of world class cuisine to satisfy every palate, and are famous for their delicious wines. Clubs, lounges, and other entertainment venues make Cape Town ideal for the musically inclined. Thanks to the 2010 World Cup, business is booming in Cape Town. The real estate market is also on the upswing as more people relocate to this beautiful coastal city.

 

Economic Opportunities – Frankfurt, Germany

  

 Frankfurt, Germany

 Those looking for a certain quality of life find their high standards met in Frankfurt, the economic capital of Germany. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is the largest in Germany, and one of the world’s most important. According to the Mercer Quality of Living survey, Frankfurt has the highest concentration of jobs in Germany, with 922 jobs per 1,000 residents.

 Frankfurt inhabitants enjoy their city for more than its economic security. The museums, historical sites, and shopping districts are popular with the locals as well as tourists. Frankfurt is easy to travel in and out of, with one of the busiest airports in the world. Frankfurt Central Station is one of the biggest train stations in Europe, and few can resist the allure of the Autobahn. The views along the Main River are lovely, and Frankfurt is home to a number of beautiful landmarks such as the Imperial Cathedral, and the 50-acre Palmengarten flower garden.The cost of living is high, but is compensated with a low unemployment rate, easy transportation for business trips, and the fact that it is an industrial and financial powerhouse.  Germany’s businesses are booming.

 

Most Romantic – Paris, France

Paris at Dusk

 The air in Paris simply breathes romance. Not only is the enchanting ambience the perfect setting for romance, (who can see the Eiffel Tower without thinking of L’amour?) the cozy bistros and dimly lit restaurants are ideal for couples in love. Paris is not just for lovers; its rich heritage and stunning architecture draw millions. The Louvre, Palace of Versailles, and Notre Dame are just a few of the beautiful buildings that grace the Paris skyline. An incredible array of paintings and art are sure to please museum goers.

 As the fashion capital of the world, Paris is home to some of the most popular designers. Those looking for a career in fashion couldn’t find a more fitting place to study or work. The drawback for Parisians is a high cost of living. The good news is- Paris features some of Europe’s largest corporations, and researchers expect an increase in employment opportunities in the future. So for those who can swing it, the comfort and quality of the French life is a truly unforgettable experience. Not to mention, absolutely delicious.

 Sizzling and Sexy – Miami, Florida USA

  

 Miami, Florida

 Miami is known as the “Magic City” for good reason. With the sensual Latin flavor combined with its tropical location, Miami is home to an eclectic group of fun-loving people. Singles flock to Miami for the beaches and exciting nightlife, and then discover attractions and career opportunities that offer more than they were expecting.

 As the “Gateway to Latin America”, Miami is a city of diverse ethnicities. This sunny city is bursting with new developments, has surprisingly low rent and taxes, and an exceptional education system at the University of Miami.

 Miami ranks highly with the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network, which rates each city’s importance to the international economy. Professionals work in a number of fields including tourism, trade, and international banking. Sports and recreation enthusiasts adore Miami for the wide variety of watersports and boating activities. Everything from snorkeling to sailing, kayaking to kitesurfing; Miami’s beaches offer it all. For landlubbers, Miami features rock climbing walls, golf courses, and tennis courts. Wherever you travel, wherever you call home, remember to make the best of where you are. The people you meet, friends you make, experiences you acquire – those are the things that make life worth living.

 By: Terra L. Fletcher, owner Fletcher Freelance

 

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Beautiful and Intriguing Bridges in the World

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The Seven Mile Bridge, Florida, USA

Total length :  10 km

Construction completion : 1982

The Seven Mile bridge connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Strait. The length and spectacular view of the bridge have attracted many film makers. True Lies, 2 Fast 2 Furious, The James Bond thriller License to Kill are few movies that were filmed along the Seven Mile bridge.

Oliveira Bridge, Brazil

Total length : 1.6 kms

Construction completion : 2008

The Brazilian cable-stayed bridge, which is 453 ft tall and 1.6km long, is one of the most wonderful bridges that you come across in South America. It is built over the Pinheiros River. The bridge deck has the shape of the alphabet “X” and it is the only bridge that have two curved tracks. It was opened in May, 2008 and since then it has become a popular shooting spot for automobile advertisements.

Magdeburg Water Bridge, Germany

Total length : 918 m

Water depth: 4.25 m

The most noticeable thing about the bridge is that it is not cars and buses that run through it, instead the vehicles are boats and ships! Canal engineers in Germany started the plans for building the Magdeburg Water in the year 1919. But the project was put on hold by the East German Government because of the World War and Cold War that took place later. The project was reopened in 1997 and the bridge got built in 6 years.

Hangzhou Bay Bridge, China


Total length : 35.673 kms

Hangzhou Bay Bridge is the longest trans-oceanic bridge in the world, connecting the municipalities Jiaxing and Ningbo in China. The entire bridge is 35.673 km in length and has 6 lanes of express ways. The bridge was built in 4 years but it was opened to the public only in 1st May, 2008, 1 year after testing and evaluating the work.

 Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

Total length : 1.149 kms

Construction completion : 1932

The Coat Hanger or the Sydney Harbour Bridge is not only the world’s widest span bridge but also the tallest steel arch bridge. The construction of the bridge began in 1923 and it was completed after 9 long years on 19th January 1932. The dramatic view of the Sydney harbour, bridge and the Opera house have attracted millions of tourists and film makers and they have become an iconic symbol.

Tower Bridge, England


Total length : 244 m

Construction completion : 1894

The most important fact to be pointed out about Tower bridge is that it is not “London Bridge” as many people seem to believe. The bridge is 244 m long and was opened to the public on 30th June, 1894. About 40000 passengers passes through the bridge and it is regarded as one of the busiest bridges in the world.

Alcántara Bridge, Spain


Total length : 194 m

Construction completion : 106 CE

The Roman stone arch bridge, built over the Tagus river in 106 CE, is also known as Puente Trajan. The 194 m long bridge was first damaged in 1214 when the Moors destroyed the smallest arch. In 1543, it was rebuilt but the second arch was destroyed by the Spanish to stop the Portuguese. Again in 1809, it was blown up to stop the French. That’s one historic bridge!

Si-o-se Pol, Iran

Total length : 976 ft

Construction completion : 1602

Si-o-se Pol, the Bridge of 33 arches, is also called the Allah-Verdi Khan Bridge. This  bridge, built in 1602, is 976 ft long and was built in just 3 years. The bridge is famous because of its wonderful structure and also  because it is the finest example of Safavid dynasty bridge design.

Cooper River Bridge, South Carolina, USA


Total length :  10 km

Construction completion : 2005

The structure of Cooper River Bridge, also known as Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, is so strong that it can withstand any hurricanes (even in excess of 300 mph) or earthquakes (about 7.3 or 7.4 on the Richter scale). With a main span of 1,546 ft, it is one of the longest cable-stayed bridge. Total cost: $531 million.


Donghai Bridge,China


Total length :  32.5 km

Construction completion : 2005

The bridge connecting Shanghai and Yangshan, was longest sea cross bridge before Hangzhou Bay bridge opened. It also contains cable stayed sections for the passage of large ships.

Vasco Da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal


Total length :  10.7 miles

Construction completion : 1998

Vasco da Gama bridge, the 9th longest bridge in the world, is the longest bridge in Europe. The speed limit for vehicles is 120 kmph (100 kmph in one section). During windy, rainy and foggy conditions, the speed limit is reduced to 90 kmph. The bridge has also proven that it can withstand hurricanes, even with speeds of 250 kmph!

Chengyang Bridge,Sanjiang, China


Total length :  64.4 m

Construction completion : 1916

This bridge, also known as the Wind-Rain bridge, contains wooden handrails on both sides and is a perfect combination of painting, bridge, corridor, veranda and Chinese pavilion. It consists of 2 platforms (at the two ends of the bridge), 3 piers, and 4 spans, 5 pavilions, 19 verandas, and 3 floors. The piers are made of stone, the upper structures are mainly wooden and the roofs are covered with tiles.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy


 

Construction completion : 996

Ponte Vecchio (means Old Bridge) is a medieval bridge, built across the Arno river in Italy. The bridge is noted for the shops that are built along it, which were occupied by butchers at first. Later, jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers occupied the place.

Golden Gate Bridge, California, USA


Total length :  2.7 km

Construction completion : May, 1937

The Golden Gate connects San Francisco and Marin County and is reported as the seventh-largest suspension bridge in the world. The overall cost for the construction of the bridge was $26 million!

Hoover Dam Bridge, Nevada & Arizona, USA


Total length :  580 m

Also known as Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. The bridge is being built over Colorado river linking Nevada and Arizona in the US. The bridge is expected to open in November, 2010, and the estimated cost of the bridge is around $240 million!

King Fahd Causeway, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain


Total length :  28 km

Construction completion : 1986

Location : Saudi Arabia, Bahrain

The causeway was built to better the relationships and bonds between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The construction officially began in 1968 and it took 18 years to complete, costing a whopping $1.2 billion! Census reports in 2001 reported that over 10 million passengers traveled through the causeway in a single year.

Penang Bridge, Malay Peninsula, Malaysia


Total length :  13.5 km

Construction completion : 1985

Location : Malay Peninsula, Malaysia

The bridge connects Gelugor to Seberang Prai in Malaysia. Currently the bridge is expanding from 4 lanes to 6 lanes to accommodate the increase in traffic.

Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy


Width :  22.9 m

Construction completion : 1591

Location : Venice, Italy

Rialto bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand canal in Venice. It is the oldest among them.

Weinan Weihe Grand Bridge, China

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Length :  79.7 km

Construction completion : 2008

The bridge is a part of the Zhengzhou – Xi’an High Speed Railway Line, connecting Zhengzhou and Xi’an. Even though the bridge was completed in 2008, it was open to the public only on 6th February, 2010.

Mahtma Gandhi Setu,  Bihar, India


Length :  5.57 km

Construction completion : 1982

The bridge is built over the holy river Ganges connecting Patna to Hajipur in Bihar. Before the bridge was built, it was a tedious process for the passengers to travel from Hajipur to Patna and vice versa. Either they had to take ships or they had to take a longer rail route. The bridge became a solution to all these problems.

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Oktoberfest celebrates 200 years

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People from around the world flock to the biggest and most famous beer festival Oktoberfest as it marks its 200th anniversary this year. 

 

 

The Munich beer festival kicked off Saturday with millions of visitors from around the world expected to raise a glass or two to celebrate the event’s 200th birthday over the next 17 days.

Munich’s mayor Christian Ude was to launch the German extravaganza that is “Oktoberfest” by “tapping”, or opening up, the first beer barrel on the stroke of midday (local time), following a tradition begun in 1810.

As a nod to the historic nature of this year’s event, billed as the world’s biggest people’s party, the festival has been extended by two days and expanded to include special grounds for horse races and exhibitions.

A historic reconstruction of the Bavarian festival in former centuries including an old Oktoberfest tent also aimed to pull in the punters, especially younger visitors less interested in the beer fest’s main draw.

 

 

For those who come for the amber nectar, however, six of the southern city’s breweries have set aside their usual rivalry to brew jointly an ale from a prized recipe dating back to the festival’s beginnings.

The city hopes this year to break both its visitor record of 7.1 million and that revellers will do their utmost to break the record of 6.9 million litres of beer downed.

But such historic fun does not come cheap. For the 200th anniversary of the beer festival, the price of a one-litre Mass (“measure”) was upped to a sobering cost of between 8.30 euros ($A11.54) and 8.90 euros ($A12.35).

And for the first time, smokers hoping to enjoy a cigarette with their ale were best advised to leave their packets at home after the state of Bavaria decided to ban smoking across the state in all pubs, cafes and beer tents.

Although the Oktoberfest enjoys a special exception for this year, most beer tents were expected to observe a voluntary ban.

The ban has led one enterprising German to invent a cocktail of microbacteria that “eat” the putrid smell of stale beer and sweat formerly masked by smoke. This was primed to make its debut at this year’s festival.

While this is the 200th anniversary of the beer fest, it is only the 177th edition, as the event was cancelled due to two cholera outbreaks, World War I and II as well as economic and political crises.

The global financial crisis dampened the enthusiasm of revellers last year, with a disappointing 5.7 million visitors coming through the gates amid Germany’s harshest post-war recession.

This year’s jubilee edition runs until October 4.

AFP

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Adventure Germany Travel

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Travel to Germany for the usual tourist includes Berlin and other major cities. Finding the secret Adventure in Germany when you travel can be found at Lake Constance. The Lake is on the border of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Lake Constance has scenic views fed by the Rhine and sitting at the base of the Alps. It is one of the main sources of water for Germany. Here you will find your choice of hotels along the lake. Take a tour from the water by tour boat, enjoy fresh caught fish from the lake at restaurants in the area, and some of the famous German Beer. Hike into the alps and have an adventure that people have enjoyed for centuries.

Have you ever wanted to be a Duke or a Duchess? For up to four weeks you can be at Camp Buldern located in a genuine castle. Here you will be staying at a real German Castle with people from all over the world.

You will stay and adventure travel around the scenic village, enjoy the park like grounds pond included, hike around the area, enjoy scenic views and learn a little german.

Travel along the Rhine in Germany and you will find an area rich in history and adventure around every turn. The castle at Wurzberg is on the World Heritage List it was partially destroyed during World War II. The castle was completely restored to its fine example of Baroque style. The frescos were repainted and paneling replaced it is a beauty. The gardens are done in english style and wandering about the grounds will take you to times gone by.

Adventure down the Rhine a bit further and you will find Wertheim a village where you will wander along cobblestone streets among half timber houses. The Art of Glass blowing has been going on here for for generations. You will find it fascinating to watch as the artists create the fragile art pieces.

If you would like to know more about world adventures visit my website at http://searchforadventure.net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lanette_Higham

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New Zealand makes Best in Travel guide top 10

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NEW Zealand has been named one of the top 10 countries in the world to visit next year.New Zealand

 

Australia didn’t make the grade in the Lonely Planet’s new popular Best in Travel guide, although the south-west of Western Australia won a spot in the top 10 regions worldwide.

The travel bible named New Zealand on the basis of the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

The authors said the last time they checked, “the land of Maori and hobbits certainly didn’t need repairing”.

The annual guide, which drew on the knowledge of Lonely Planet’s staff, named the country’s most inspiring activities as flying over Fiordland, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park and paragliding over Queenstown – all South Island activities.

But the North Island’s Tongariro National Park, prized for its iconic one-day crossing hike, also rated a mention.

Other countries named in the top 10 were El Salvador, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Portugal, Suriname and the USA.

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World’s Most Successful Countries

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Finland is named the best place to live.Top 20 Countries

Dr William Inboden, senior vice president of the Legatum Institute, said:

The Scandinavian country boasts universal health care, superb air quality, low crime rates and one of the most competitive economies in the world.

Finland topped the survey of the most prosperous countries to live, is famed for its snow and igloos, topped the survey

Switzerland, which has beautiful cities like Basel , was runner-up and Australia, which has famous landmarks like Sydney Harbour Bridge, came sixth.

Sydney

Unsurprisingly, Zimbabwe, with its economic chaos and social unrest, is at the bottom of the index. France and Germany trail the UK but still make the top 20.

Of the world’s 25 most populous nations, the report finds that the UK, Germany, and France all trail the U.S. in both economic measures as well as key quality of life measures.

The UK is the only other country besides Germany in the top 15 to rank below 20 on three key measures. It ranks 21st on education, 23rd on health, and 22nd on domestic security.

On the plus side, the top five most entrepreneurial and innovative countries in Europe are, in order of rank, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1223033/Unhappy-UK-fails-make-10-worlds-prosperous-countries.html#ixzz0V7hirdNx

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Oktoberfest Party – Roll Out the Good Times

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Oktoberfest Party

It doesn’t get much better than a well planned Oktoberfest party. From its humble start as a wedding party in 1810 Oktoberfest has swept the world to become one of the most recognised party themes. In fact the traditional Bavarian costume of lederhosen and felt hat which has been associated, rightly or wrongly, with the drinking culture of Oktoberfest is now the fastest growing Stag Night themes around.

 The October Festival (translation of Oktoberfest) began with the state fair that was proclaimed to celebrate the wedding of King Ludwig I to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hillurghausen during the October of 1810. The celebrations continued annually and were soon incorporated with the agricultural show held around the same time and from this beginning has grown the Oktoberfest we have today.

Starting during the second week of September and running through to the end of October, Oktoberfest has become an enormous festival with huge tents raised on Theresienwiese field in Munich along with huge fairgrounds with shooting galleries, fairground stalls and side-shows along with all manner of other amusements and activities.

 Simply know to the local population as ‘Wies’n the celebrations commence with a procession of the brewers drays (wagons) which are decorated especially for the occasion and the tapping of the first barrel of the specially brewed Wies’n beer by the Mayor of Munich, a celebration which takes place precisely at midday and which is greeted by a salvo of cannon.

 If you are throwing your own Oktoberfest party then we have a few useful ideas to assist you. First, let’s look for some unusual ideas for your invitations. The most common ‘snack’ food at Oktoberfest is the pretzel and one great idea is to get some large pretzels and either attach an invitation to it, or if they are large enough to be boxed, write the invitation inside of the box lid. To attach an invitation to an individual pretzel the best idea is to use a luggage label or any label that fits with the overall theme. If you are using the luggage label trick, the words ‘let us transport you to ……’ always fit well.

 If you are designing your own invitations, Oktoberfest is always represented in the blue and white chequer board design which is part of the regions identity. This design and these colours would naturally flow through your room or yard decoration and most on-line party stores stock Bavarian themed decorations including flags, Oktoberfest bunting, hangers, beads and other goodies.

Oktoberfest costume

One of the fun parts of an Oktoberfest party is the costumes. This is a great opportunity for a themed fancy dress party with both the men and women dressing in stylised Bavarian costumes complete with long plaited wigs – er, for the ladies, and a choice of either the traditional pointed grey felt Bavarian hat or one of the green or brown hats complete with feather, the grander the better! Again, most online costume retailers will be able to offer you a selection of costumes to choose from based around lederhosen for the men and charming Heidi or Bier Maid styled dresses for the ladies.

 Clearly, any Oktoberfest party should have some German beer but if you can’t find any then lager is a perfectly acceptable substitute. With the food, its pure indulgence with traditional foods like, German sausage, potato salad, sauerkraut, sweet or pickled cabbage with scrumptious Black Forest gateaux for dessert. There are some fantastic on-line recipe sites which will give you a selection of food ideas as well as itemising a complete Oktoberfest menu. And don’t forget the pretzels.

 Oktoberfest Party Decorations help you celebrate Oktoberfest when you can’t make the trip to Germany. Host an Oktoberfest Party in your own home with our Oktoberfest party supplies and costumes. We have a large selection of Oktoberfest themed party supplies available from stock and which are sure to make your party a success.

 

Oktoberfest

Discover an extensive range of Oktoberfest fancy dress costumes and decoration ideas by selecting the following link and browsing our specially selected Oktoberfest catalog. Browse the section for ideas or use the search feature to find a specific Oktoberfest party item http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Oktoberfest_Fancy_Dress_Costumes.html

 If an Oktoberfest themed party is not what you are looking for, Karnival Costumes is sure to have something just for you. Discover the complete range of themed costumes and for other party ideas when you visit our website, browse our costumes and accessories for as long as you need before making your final selection. Purchase with confidence and security from one of the leading costume suppliers in the UK. Visit our vast array of costumes at; http://www.karnival-house.co.uk

We also have a large selection of articles on a wide range of party themed topics. Why not join our newsletter for up to date information on the latest trends in costumes, news and notification of our special offers?

Article submitted by: KV Sinclair. Keith Sinclair has nearly 40 years of business experience and in addition to being a part time University Lecturer on Business Studies, he is CEO of Karnival House; a group of companies operating in the party sector. Karnival Costumes is part of this group and specialises in fancy dress and fancy dress costume accessories. Karnival Costumes can be found at karnival-house.co.uk and is one of the UK’s fastest growing internet Fancy Dress Retailers. With massive stocks for immediate dispatch and an ever expanding range, Karnival Costumes continues to strive simply to offer outstanding service combined with outstanding value.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Sinclair

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European Train Tour

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Euro pass TrainI planned my itinerary before I left.  I found a great deal on a Euro pass Train ticket to go from Athens to Amsterdam. The 5 day pass allowed me to travel by Train (with sleeper for the long trips) to any destination for say a day, get of  and spend as much time as I required before leaving to the Next City. It took me 3 weeks of  Travel to use the 5 day pass and It included my ferry from Greece to Italy.  Unlimited travel on the entire network of the following 21 countries:  Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

h2>With So many cheap flights,cheap hotels,& Airline tickets available for International Travel deals,from Budget to Luxury. Booking Vacation packages online, is EASY.

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20 Craziest Party Hostels Around the World

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wild_party_girls
 
Everyone wants to party on the road but with a million hostels in the world, where should you go? I’ve searched high and low, drank with the best of them, and endured sleepless nights by the toilet to find the best party hostels out there.
 
Here are twenty that will keep you drinking, dancing, flirting, and hugging the porcelain goddess until the sun comes up:

 

 

Surf N’ Sun   :                 Surfers Paradise, Australia.surfers_paradise_pic

With a swimming pool and open courtyard, the Surf N’ Sun packs the young, the wild, and the alcoholic. Bar Crawls take place every night and the hostel offers punch and free club entry. Boxes of goon start flowing late afternoon when people come back from the beach.

 

 

The Clown and Bard   :      Prague, Czech Republicclown-and-bard

With a 36 person dorm room, this place is always hopping. There’s a bar downstairs with a two for three happy hour beginning a pillow lounge, the Flying Pig is the spot for those looking to channel their inner Bob Marley. There’s a constant cloud of smoke seeping out into streets at all hours of the day and night. Don’t worry if you run out- there are two coffeeshops across the street!

Base  :                                  Melbourne, Australiabase-backpackers-st-kilda

Base features a downstairs club that pumps out music every night. You won’t get any sleep as the music filters up the floors and entices you to come down and party until dawn. The young and the restless fill the dance floor after drinking pitchers of beer and cheap, colorful shots. There’s usually theme and karaoke nights that let you embarrass your self all night long.

 

 

Loki   :                                        Cusco,  Peruloki-peru

Located in a 450 year old building, Loki is known throughout South America for its parties. With regular events, an open lounge, and theme nights, I wouldn’t expect any sleep here either. The bar is regularly packed so tight, you’ll be practically grinding against your neighbor.

 

 

#11 Happy Guesthouse : Phnom Penh, Cambodia11-happy-guesthouse-cambodia

Why: Located by the lake in Phnom Penh, #11 Happy Guesthouse features a huge patio, two big screen TVs, a pool table, and one dollar beers. Always packed, this hostel is filled with the party seekers who spend their days sightseeing and night drinking beer before heading to the infamous Heart of Darkness.

 

 

St. Christopher’s Inn  :                London, Englandst-christophere28099s-inn-london

A bar, karaoke, cheap drinks, and a license to go until 4am all means that this hostel is bursting with partygoers and one the busiest in London. After you drink it down, you can take it off at the rooftop hot tub. People here know where the action is and if you play your cards right, it just might be your room.

 

 

Kabul   :                                     Barcelona, Spainkabul-spain

Located in the center of Las Ramblas, Kabul has a very open second floor where all parties happen. Happy hour officially begins at 7, which is usually a few hours after everyone wakes up. With a reputation for partying, this place keeps drawing those who start partying at 2 a.m. and sleep until 2 p.m. This place gives new meaning to the term “late night.” I was called a quitter for sleeping at 5 a.m.

 

 

The Rising Cock  :                      Lagos, Portugalrising-cock-portugal

The Rising Cock is infamous for its parties and it’s well deserved. Two things happen at the Rising Cock: drinking and drinking.

Start your day with the hostel’s booze cruise on which the majority of people get naked, and then keep the partying going with drinking games at the hostel. If you can’t handle 24 hour partying, this hostel is not for you.

 

 

The Pink Palace     :                         Corfu, Greecepink-palace-corfu-greece

The Pink Palace is one of the world’s most famous party hostels in the world and with good reason: toga parties, cheap shots of ouzo, happy hours, and theme nights. After a day at the beach (which is just minutes away) or their booze cruise, you’ll be spending the night dancing at their club, Palladium, until the sun comes up. The hostel has over 300 beds- there’s a good chance, you might not end up in yours!

 

 

The Treehouse    :                        Ko Chang, Thailandtreehouse-ko-chang

Every night is a bucket night at the Treehouse, and it’s the perfect blend of a relaxed hippy vibe and partying with a very active dance floor and a lot drinking. This place has all the ambiance you need and you don’t have to stay there to party there. People trickle in from all over to have fun, making this a hotspot on Lonely Beach.

 

 

The Yellow Location  :          Rome, Italyyellow-location-rome

With a bar downstairs and semi-nightly pub crawls, it’s pretty easy to meet people at the Yellow. It’s not a huge hostel either making the close quarters also convenient for meeting fellow travelers.

 

 

 

Ostello Archi Rossi   :        Florence, Italyostello-archi-rossi

This place has been popular for a long time as evident by the walls covered by the names of past guests. A big courtyard and common dining area keep people mingling and drinking vino rossi. There are some clubs down the street and, when they close, you can move back to the courtyard to keep the party going. The rooms are a little away from the action so you can actually get some sleep if you want.

 

 

Wombats    :                                    Berlin, Germanywombats-berlin

Known for its partying, Wombats rarely sees anyone over 25. With an ultra-chic bar, everyone breaks out their best attire and pickup skills here. Cheap drinks keep travelers mingling all night long. If you can’t meet anyone here, you can’t meet anyone anywhere.

 

 

The Jazz on South Beach  :   Miami, Florida USAjazz-on-south-beach-miami

Located right near the beach, The Jazz on South Beach has an excellent bar that hosts the bold and beautiful of South Beach. This is the place to stay if you’re looking to be seen in South Beach.

 

 

 

Carnival Court  :  Capetown, South Africacarnivalcourt-capetown

There’s no chance of a good night’s sleep at Carnival Court. Located near a lot of bars (there’s also a bar in the hostel), this place is a hangover waiting to happen.  It’s wild here and everyone is looking to break a new drinking record. The staff will point you in the direction of the parties but you just might have trouble walking there as the fun here starts well before the sun goes down.

 

 

Millhouse Hostel :                     Buenos Aires, Argentinamillhouse-hostel-buenos-aires

The music is on 24-hours a day at the Millhouse and the atmosphere is extremely social! Each night has a different activity such as dance party, karaoke night, and tango lessons. Definitely a hostel for those that want non-stop fun and excitement right at home! Most commonly heard line: “Were those moans from the porno shop next store or did you get lucky last night?”

 

Auckland Central Backpackers     Auckland, New Zealandauckland-central-backpackers

Located right down town, this hostel draws upon the fact its part of the Base chain. That means all the craziness of Melbourne spills over with people getting down and dirty all night long. It will give you another reason to keep staying longer in Auckland.

 

 

India House  :  New Orleans, Louisiana, USAindia-house-new-orleans

A funky converted house that was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, the India House features eccentric local characters and travelers who just can’t leave. Maybe it’s Bourbon St. Maybe it’s the jazz. Maybe it’s the beer vending machine in the kitchen. Whatever it is, people here know how to have a good time.

 

 

Tina’s Backpackers  :             Caye Caulker, Belizetinae28099s-backpackers-belize

Located right on the beach, Tina’s Backpackers keeps people in close quarters. Everyone here is into island living – sun by day, drink by night. Though the crowd tends to be a bit older (30ish), you wouldn’t know it by the way people party here. It is way off the beaten path but it’s worth it.


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