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9 tips to really relax on holiday

PatrickJullien
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9 tips to really relax on holiday

[no_toc]The holidays are a precious time – the chance to spend time with our loved ones and basically do whatever we feel like doing. However, there is no magic switch that will make real life disappear for a week. Here are 9 tips to make the most of your downtime.

  1. Be organized

Before you even set off, you should get in the mood for the holiday. Making sure everything is organized will make the start of your trip far less stressful. Traveling is always a bit stressful, no matter how much you plan, but if you take enough time for all the unplanned events, you can go on vacation with a clear head. If you are well organized, you won’t waste time and nerves at the airport. We would recommend that you book an alternative parking space near the airport in advance. This not only saves you time, but also money.

  1. Do without technology

This is easier said than done. How nice it would be to no longer have to answer the phone or to hear the constant beeping of the various WhatsApp groups, Facebook requests and Instagram updates. A complete technology withdrawal sounds great, but in reality it is difficult to achieve. Instead, try to give yourself a time each day when you can turn off the phone.

  1. The art of doing nothing

It’s really an art that you have to master. It may seem daunting at first, but in our hectic, modern world, where we have infinite interactions and stimuli, a time of doing nothing can be magical. When was the last time you allowed yourself to just sit and watch the world go by? Take a few days when you don’t make any plans. Who knows, maybe this will be the best day of your trip.

  1. Read a book

Relax with a book about holidays
Relax on holiday with a good book, Image: LOGVINYUK YULIIA / shutterstock

The holidays are the perfect time to pick up that book that’s been on your bedside table all year. Immersing yourself in a good book is a good way to switch off from everyday life. Research from the University of Sussex has found that reading a book can reduce stress levels by up to 68% in just 6 minutes!

  1. Spend time outside

Time in nature is always a good time. From reducing stress to boosting short-term memory, restoring mental clarity and boosting creativity, to reducing the risk of disease, spending time outdoors has many benefits.

  1. Take action

Get your body and mind going by moving! Try to move a little every day. In the mountains you can go on great hikes. But great walks are also possible at the stand. In the city you are on your feet a lot anyway. A little exercise provides relaxation and feelings of happiness – you can never have enough of it!

  1. Get creative

Studies have shown that relaxation has an amazing effect on our creativity. When the brain relaxes and stress levels drop, our ability to think clearly and creatively increases. Why not take an art class near you and learn new skills, or let someone teach you privately? It’s worth a try!

  1. Discover the local food

Good food is so important! Discover the local cuisine and try new things. Get advice from the locals on where to find the best restaurants. This is not only food for the body, but also for the soul.

  1. Continuing at home

When your time abroad comes to an end, use it as an opportunity to reflect. Promise yourself that you won’t just relax on vacation anymore. Do a technique detox on the weekends, take an evening off from work, book regular massages and attend the yoga class you’ve always wanted to try. Take days off to adventure in the area to spend time outdoors, be active and let your creativity run wild.

Use your meals as moments to talk to the people around you and discuss when you’re going on vacation next. We wish you a nice holiday!

 

Acapulco – cliff divers, dream beaches and nightlife

PatrickJullien
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Acapulco – cliff divers, dream beaches and nightlife

The famous seaside resort of Acapulco is located on the Mexican Pacific coast and developed into the favorite resort of the US jet set from the 1950s onwards thanks to its excellent natural conditions, such as miles of sandy beaches and year-round bathing weather. Especially after the revolution in Cuba, when this exotic holiday destination was no longer accessible, Acapulco quickly took one of the top places in the favor of the Americans. In the decades that followed, many wealthy Hollywood personalities bought a villa here, spent their luxurious honeymoons under Mexico’s tropical sun, and ensured that exclusive bars and nightclubs were established. However, due to drug problems and the high crime rate, the number of tourists in Acapulco has been falling for years.

General information about Acapulco

La Quebrada Rock, Acapulco
The rock La Quebrada, Image: Anton_Ivanov / shutterstock

The city with around 690,000 inhabitants stretches along a wide bay on a strip of only 800 m wide between the sea and the mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Today, the image of the village is mainly shaped by the many high-rise buildings that were built in the heyday of tourism. Playa La Icacos and Playa La Condesa are just two of the beautiful sandy beaches of Acapulco, which extend over a total length of 16 km. Since the region has a tropical climate with year-round temperatures between 23° and 30° C, beach vacationers and water sports enthusiasts get their money’s worth at any time of the year, but the rainy season is from June to October. The Pacific Ocean offers ideal water temperatures that never fall below the 25°C mark, so swimming, snorkeling and diving are among the most popular activities. Even on the more than well-visited beach sections, there is still a relatively intact underwater world. For water sports enthusiasts, Acapulco is an excellent area with a varied offer – for example, you can surf, water ski or simply go on a relaxing boat tour.

Sights, excursion destinations and possible activities

Island “La Roqueta” in Acapulco, Image: Jorge Zorrilla AM / shutterstock

One of the main attractions of Acapulco, which hardly any vacationer misses, are the cliff divers (clavadistas) of La Quebrada. In earlier times, pearl divers jumped from this rock into the depths – today it is only a purely tourist event. If you want to save the entrance fee for “the show”, you have just as good and unrestricted a view from a small bridge on the opposite side as from the visitor platform, for which a ticket must be purchased. Acapulco’s most significant historical attraction is located in the city’s harbor, where the 17th-century Fort San Diego can be admired. The complex with its unusual five-pointed shape is one of the most beautiful examples of the former Spanish defenses on the Pacific coast and has housed the city’s historical museum since 1986. It is worth strolling through the exhibition rooms and getting a comprehensive impression of the time of colonization to Mexico’s independence.

Despite the distance of almost 200 km, many culturally interested tourists, for whom the holiday package of sun, beach and sea is not enough, take part in an organized tour to the silver city of Taxco. The village is located at an altitude of 1515 m in the mountains and even the drive over a winding serpentine road is an adventure. Taxco is an authentic small colonial town and a national monument. Visitors stroll through the alleys with the whitewashed houses and like to sit in the cafés on one of the many squares. If you are enthusiastic about silver jewelry, you are guaranteed to find one or the other beautiful piece in the shops of the municipality, because Taxco is the center of Mexican silver processing. Under no circumstances should you miss a visit to the baroque cathedral of Santa Prisca, which was built in the 1750s and is one of the most beautiful churches in the country due to its ornate interior decoration with rich carvings and magnificent paintings.

Mexico is also a destination for animal and plant lovers and so numerous tours are offered from Acapulco. One of the most popular excursions is a trip to Laguna Coyuca, a beautiful bird sanctuary that can be discovered on an organized, guided boat tour or in a rented kayak. The small island of Isla de la Roqueta, which lies about one kilometre off the coast in the bay of Acapulco, is also worth a stay of several hours and scores with its lush tropical vegetation. Snorkelers and divers are happy about the intact reefs, but families with children will not get bored either, because the zoo and a lighthouse provide suitable activities on the 8 km² island.

There are several excellent golf courses in Acapulco and tennis is also one of the sports practiced by many holidaymakers here. For many holiday guests, the unforgettable experiences include horseback rides along the beach and romantics like to extend their stay with a picnic afterwards and enjoy the fantastic sunset over the Pacific.

Although Acapulco has lost many tourists to other resorts, such as Cancun, in recent decades, the noble myth of this seaside resort on the Pacific Ocean still lives on. If you want to spend a beach holiday with all amenities and a very good infrastructure, appreciate a varied entertainment programme and perhaps sometimes want to turn night into day during your holiday, you will find the best conditions for this in Acapulco.

Hiking in autumn and winter: What equipment is needed?

PatrickJullien
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Hiking in autumn and winter: What equipment is needed?

When the forests change colour and the temperatures drop as well as the leaves, it invites you to take a closer look at nature. A short or even a more dissolute hike is always nice. After all, you always stay active and on the move. Even in winter, when there may even be snow, it is always worthwhile to go out into the fresh air. The crunch of the freshly fallen snow under your hiking boots feels very special. A winter hike is very relaxing if you wear the right shoes on your feet.

The same questions over and over again

Hiking boots in the snow
Image: kasakphoto / shutterstock

At the same time, there are a few questions that arise again and again in this context. Which material is best for winter shoes? And which model is the best for hiking boots? However, the questions cannot be answered unequivocally, as they always depend on the individual hiker or factors such as place and time. After all, when hiking in winter, you move on a completely different surface than in summer. Shoes made of leather or imitation leather are particularly popular here. The answer to the question regarding the best model is also difficult to answer. The factors mentioned above are also important here. For this reason, shops such as Decathlon offer winter shoes ideal for ice and snow in addition to shoes for the summer. The optimal fit in particular is vital when hiking. For this reason, Decathlon also has many local branches in addition to the online shop. This makes it easy to try on and test the different models.

For the winter, the most important thing is that the hiking boots warm the foot and that they are waterproof. After all, it is quite possible that you will encounter the first snow in an alpine area as early as autumn. In general, the subsoil is very humid and deep in many places at this time of year. Good protection against cold and water up to above the ankle is therefore highly recommended in a shoe for winter hikes. Depending on the course of winter and spring, however, it can also happen in high alpine locations that you move over extensive snowfields that cover the actual hiking trails. On such a hike, you are always happy about the extra warmth on your feet.

It’s all about the right size

Leather or imitation leather is therefore the ideal material for winter hiking boots. But how do you find the right size for hiking boots? In any case, the size of a hiking boot is almost never the same as that of an ordinary street shoe. After all, most hikers also wear correspondingly thicker socks. This is especially true in winter, when you try to fight the cold with several layers. In general, a hiking shoe should be half a size to a full size larger than the street shoes you normally wear.

However, the socks are not the only reason why you should choose the shoe size a little larger. When you’re off-road, you also hit the edge of your shoes very quickly. This is not always very pleasant, especially in the front area, on the tips of the toes. A kind of “crumple zone” is therefore highly recommended. Your feet will thank you, especially on a longer descent where the front end of the shoe is heavily stressed. A shoe chosen large enough can withstand the load longer and is even more comfortable to wear.

Raleigh – the young, lively capital of North Carolina

PatrickJullien
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Raleigh – the young, lively capital of North Carolina

In the heart of North Carolina lies the bustling, eclectic capital city of Raleigh. The life-affirming atmosphere with the largest beer garden in the world, with many bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants is proverbial. Historic attractions meet modern buildings and facilities.

Raleigh was founded in 1792 to be the new capital of North Carolina . At the same time, Raleigh also replaced the previous administrative center of Wake County in New Bern . The county, Wake County, has since been governed from Raleigh. The name is a reminiscence of the explorer of the North Carolina coast, Sir Walter Raleigh. Curiously, however, the Englishman was never here, but steered the expedition from London .

Today, Raleigh is the second largest city in North Carolina. It invests a lot of education and training facilities and thus attracts young innovative entrepreneurs. In association with the neighbouring towns of Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham, research and training capacities have been pooled. Under the term “The Triangle”, the focus is on technology from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. In this way, the region has created attractive conditions for young companies, students and young professionals. This explains a predominantly young population and a diverse cultural scene.

Historic Raleigh

Skyline von Raleigh
View of the Raleigh skyline, Image: Farid Sani / shutterstock

Even though modernity has found its way into the city, history and historical sites are still cherished and cared for.

  • The North Carolina State Capitol now houses only the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor. It is one of the most impressive old buildings.
    Historic buildings that are worth visiting are often located in beautiful, well-kept parks. For example, a walk through the “Mordecai Historic Park” leads to the birthplace of the 17th President Andrew Johnson. Five generations have lived in the house and visitors today get an impression of what everyday life was like back then.
  • In “The Historic Oak View County Park” you can recreate country life in the 19th century. It is vividly depicted with the house of a large landowner. A pecan nut plantation and a gin museum complete the picture. In front of the historic houses, where well-known personalities have lived, there are signs pointing out the prominent residents.
  • History also lives in downtown Raleigh in the historic district, “Historic Oakwood”. Mighty oak trees have given the district its name and line the streets flanked by beautiful old houses.
  • One of the most exciting projects is the “Dorothea Dix Park”. In the heart of downtown, historic architecture on rolling hills and mighty trees combines with stunning views of Raleigh’s modern skyline.

Raleigh’s Museum World

The “City of Raleigh Museum” shows the history of the city in changing exhibitions. The building alone is worth seeing. The “Briggs Building” from 1874 has retained its special features. The museum gallery is spanned by a remarkable tin ceiling.

Captivating, state-of-the-art exhibits introduce the history of science with extensive collections at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.
For children, the “Marbles Kids Museum” is exciting. They discover child-friendly exhibitions and educational programs and in the Marbles IMAX they experience an oversized film.

Raleigh’s nickname as the “Smithsonian of the South” comes from the abundance of high-quality, free museums and attractions.

Sports activities in and around Raleigh

As the third most athletic city in the USA , Raleigh has a special reputation. Rock walls for climbing, golf courses, tennis parks, ice rinks and aquatic centers, and horseback riding compete with parks and lakes. Outside the city, a total of 180 miles of greenway trails invite you to hike and bike. The best mountain biking trail is in Lake Crabtree County Park.

The “Neuse River Greenway Trail” is popular. It goes over beaten paths, over bridges, through picturesque swamp landscapes and past historical sights. As part of the “Mountains-to-Sea Trails” long-distance hiking trail, it leads through all of North Carolina.

Due to the mild winters and warm summers, Raleigh is in season all year round.

Raleigh’s Dining Scene

St. Patrick's Day in Raleigh
Great atmosphere on the streets of Raleigh on St. Patrick’s Day, Image: EPG_EuroPhotoGraphics / shutterstock

In the “Morgan Street Food Hall” or in the “Transfer Co. Food Hall”, an abundance of fresh seafood tempts you to try bagels, tacos and gourmet ice cream.
International restaurants such as the “Garland” offer exotic delicacies. Specialties from Laos are available in the “Bida Manda”.

America’s best chef, Ashley Christensen, has built a wide-ranging food scene. She serves at Poole’s Diner, is also the owner of a burger joint, a “chicken and waffle” spot, an underground liquor bar and runs a wood-fired contemporary restaurant.

For “Happy Hour” people meet in the “Raleigh Beer Garden”. With 350 types of beer, the world’s largest selection of different beers is available.

Beer is a big topic in Raleigh. More than 10 years ago, Sumit Vohra started to give space to his passion and started producing high-quality ales. His “Lonerider Brewing Company” now has a reputation as one of the best beer producers in the country. This means that a West Texas-style brewery that produces a German-style Hefeweizen is run by a man from India . When night falls in Raleigh, Raleigh becomes a welcoming Southern small town.

You can try delicious cocktails in bars with live music and various types of beer on the roof of the largest beer garden in the world. Nightlife pulsates in five entertainment districts of the city.

Why there are different currencies in the countries

PatrickJullien
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Why there are different currencies in the countries

Although the euro has been around for many years now, and serves as the currency in most countries of the European Union, there are still a variety of currencies around the world. How does this come about and what reasons prevent agreement on a global world currency? After all, this would make a lot of things easier for travellers. For the foreseeable future, however, it will only remain a wish to be able to pay worldwide with one currency.

First of all, it must be noted that historically there are already far fewer currencies today than there were 300 years ago. In the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany alone, there were many small regional currencies at that time. Each prince minted his own coins and had the minting monopoly.

This meant that when trading between different principalities, at least one party had to exchange its currency for that of its trading partner. The profession of money changer was born. They earned their money by profiting from changes in the exchange rate. Today, anyone can do that. The prerequisite for this is an investment account with a provider like https://www.fxforex.com/de/, where you can also find detailed information about this form of speculation.

Its own currency is a sign of sovereignty

Minting your own money and later printing it was a sign that you were a sovereign state. After all, it was possible to control monetary policy on its own territory. By increasing or tightening the money supply. This was used in particular to control the price in the national currency for imports from abroad.

For many countries, their own currency is still a symbol of their own strength. The formation of a regional currency, as the euro area has done with the euro, usually fails due to differences between neighbouring countries. That’s why there will probably be no second regional currency in the foreseeable future.

For travelers, this means that they will still have to be prepared for payments in the local currency. The credit card can be used at least in holiday regions with urban infrastructure. This can help, for example, on a short trip if you don’t have that many expenses anyway.

The dollar is widely accepted

For many years, the US dollar was something like an unofficial world currency. It is only an official means of payment in a few countries. In practice, however, it is often accepted or at least exchanged for the local currency on site. Therefore, the tip for travelers to distant countries is to always carry a small amount of cash in US dollars with you. Since the euro came into existence, a similar development has been observed with this currency. The euro can also be used as a means of payment in many holiday countries without the euro.

In the future, the Chinese currency may also reach a similar status. At the latest when more and more Chinese travel abroad and bring their currency with them. Anyone planning a trip through several countries should find out beforehand how to pay locally. There are still states that prohibit the import or export of their national currency. Here you must have a way to get cash immediately after entry.

Phoenix – The Hot Heart of the USA

PatrickJullien
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Phoenix – The Hot Heart of the USA

Phoenix, the capital of the “Grand Canyon State” Arizona, is not necessarily one of the top places on the list of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from Europe, because the high temperatures deter many vacationers. It’s true that it’s not exactly chilly, especially during the summer months, but it’s still worth a detour to Phoenix. The city with its many modern, air-conditioned high-rise commercial buildings and shopping centers still scores with a nostalgic cowboy and gold digger atmosphere.

General information about Phoenix

Phoenix is located approximately at the height of San Diego in the southwest of the United States in the so-called Sun Valley, i.e. the Valley of the Sun. In fact, the sun shines here on 312 days of the year and the thermometer usually shows at least 38 °C during the day and not infrequently even over 45 °C during the months from May to September. However, since it is an extremely dry desert air, the heat is much more bearable than in other areas of the world. Statistically speaking, rain only falls on three days per month, which is definitely an advantage for many outdoor activities. Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the USA and where a few decades ago there were endless cattle pastures, there are now state-of-the-art building complexes. There are several interesting museums in Phoenix, so that not only outdoor activities must be on the program during a stay, but also cultural experiences are possible.

Sights and excursion destinations

Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix
Out and about in the Desert Botanical Garden, Image: Oleg Kovtun Hydrobio/shutterstock

One of the main attractions of Phoenix is definitely the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park, where 50,000 desert plants can be seen. Most visitors are amazed at how diverse the vegetation in the desert can be. On the extensive area alone, 250 different agave and 1320 different cactus species grow, so that the park is an absolute must for friends of botany. If you are interested in the culture of the indigenous people of Arizona, which is about half the size of the Federal Republic of Germany , you should also pay a visit to the Heard Museum. Here, both works of art of the Native People are exhibited and information is provided about their eventful history. In the beautiful outdoor area there are numerous impressive sculptures, the contemplation of which can be combined with a refreshment in the beautifully situated café.

The Phoenix Zoo is also definitely a worthwhile destination. Around 3000 animals live on the site, which are housed in appropriately designed areas according to their origin. In addition, the park is involved in various international breeding programs and specifically supports the conservation of many local animal species.

The region around Phoenix is an ideal area for numerous outdoor activities. For example, tourists like to come to the area for hiking or horseback riding. From October to May, the temperature conditions are such that you can walk Camelback Mountain, which is very characteristically located in the landscape near Phoenix. The beautiful view of the city from above compensates for the efforts of the route, which offers hardly any shade and must be described as challenging.

If you have always dreamed of a ride through the desert, you can make this dream come true in Phoenix, because there is a wide range of rides of different lengths under experienced guidance. Alternatively, you can also experience the Sonoran Desert from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon – guaranteed to be an unforgettable holiday experience. Although almost all hotels in Phoenix have a swimming pool where you can refresh yourself after a long, hot day of sightseeing, many tourists also choose the Six Flags Hurricane Harbour water park for a few hours of splashing fun. In the largest theme park in the state of Arizona , in addition to a huge wave pool, attractions such as slides and fast-paced inflatable boat rides provide a lot of fun for young and old visitors.

From Phoenix, it is not far to Scottsdale, a city in the Sonoran Desert that is one of the favorite destinations of rich Americans who would like to spend their time on an excellent golf course or in an exclusive SPA. Scottsdale is also a shopping paradise with a wide range of offers and, with more than 120 museums and galleries, it is also extremely interesting for art lovers.

Local gastronomic specialties

In Arizona, today’s native cuisine is based on the typical dishes of the indigenous people. The use of pumpkins, beans and corn is an integral part of many dishes. Something very special here is the blue corn, which differs not only in color from the one we know, but also in taste. It is often used to make delicious cakes. If you want to eat away from the well-known fast food chains or pizzerias in Phoenix, you will find numerous restaurants serving local specialties. The desert dwellers, for example, know how to make a syrup from the fruits of some cactus species, which is then used in various barbecue sauces. Steaks on an open fire, grilled in the style of cowboys, are on the menu in all steakhouses in the city. You should also try one of the soups with beans and meat, which are often thickened with shredded cedar ash, which gives them an unmistakable, slightly malty taste. A tip for vegetarians is the scarlet, jelly-like soup made from the small red sumac berries.

Phoenix is a great destination for vacationers who are enthusiastic about the fantastic Arizona scenery and still don’t want to miss out on a certain luxury.

Trieste: The quaint Italian city with Viennese charm

PatrickJullien
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Trieste: The quaint Italian city with Viennese charm

There is probably hardly any other city in the world that has as many different names and epithets as Trieste in Italy. Trst, Tergeste, Little Vienna, City of Coffee, City of Three Winds and much more is called Trieste. In addition to all these imaginative names, Trieste’s special location envelops the idea of the city of a good 200,000 inhabitants with a good portion of enchantment and fairy dust. Trieste is still very close to Italian territory, Slovenia borders directly to the east. But between 1382 and 1918, Trieste was part of Austria-Hungary. Although the inhabitants felt more and more emotionally and culturally connected to Italy . This resulted in an exciting cultural mix that can still be felt in every fiber of the city today.

The cultural diversity of Trieste

Castello di Miramare, Trieste
Castello di Miramare, Image: leoks / shutterstock

The cultural heritage of the city is particularly anchored in the architecture of the city. There are a lot of stately-looking magnificent buildings that could just as well stand in Vienna, Prague or Budapest as they do here. While strolling through the city, I experience an architectural K.u.K. empire in miniature. But other ethnic groups, such as Jews, Serbs and Greeks, also left their mark on the picturesque port city. In addition to many Catholic church buildings, there is also an opulent Serbian Orthodox church in Trieste, the Church of the Holy Trinity and Saint Spyridon.

The largest Serbian Orthodox church in all of Italy was built between 1861 and 1866 in the neo-Byzantine style. Both its façade and its interior are worth a look. There are elaborate mosaics and depictions of saints to marvel at. Around Piazza Unità d’Italia beats both the Austrian and Italian heart of the city. The square is surrounded by numerous representative palazzi, which were built and furnished in an Austrian-Italian style mix. For example, the town hall, the Palazzo Municipio, which dates from 1875, and the Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino. You feel like you’re in the middle of Venice on the Grand Canal in the Theresian Quarter. The canal is lined with numerous traditional bars and cafés from which you can watch the hustle and bustle of boats sailing along the Grand Canal.

The most impressive sights and cultural institutions of Trieste

Promenade of Trieste
The promenade of Trieste, Image: Boerescu / shutterstock

On the subject of sights in Trieste, one thing should be said in advance: The number of worthwhile places to visit is almost exuberant. During a holiday, hardly anyone will be able to appreciate all of Trieste’s outstanding sights and cultural institutions. So it’s best to plan another travel date after your first trip to Trieste in order to be able to continue the cultural walks through the city. One of the highlights is the Teatro Romano, which at the foot of the Colle di San Giusto once formed the ancient center of the city. The theater was built in the first century AD and held 6,000 spectators.

Of course, it looks a little dilapidated today, but it is still in good enough condition to act as a performance venue for the Teatro Romano Festival in summer. The Teatro Verdi is dedicated to the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi. Around 1850, premieres of several Verdi operas took place here. Today it is one of the best opera houses in all of Italy. The opera building, which was built in 1798 in the classicist style, is also a visual delight. Right next to it is the city’s Old Stock Exchange, which was inaugurated in 1806. One of its sides looks like a Doric temple, the rest of the building was designed in the Habsburg style.

If you are in Trieste, you should not miss a visit to the Castello di San Giusto. The medieval castle is considered a landmark of the city. The castle is located a little above the old town on a hill. From here, visitors have a wonderful panoramic view of Trieste, far beyond the Gulf of Trieste and the Karst, the rocky and calcareous plateau that surrounds the city.

Highlights around Trieste

In the immediate vicinity of the city there are even more places to visit, first and foremost the Miramare Castle, which is located in the middle of a marine park. Access is via the picturesque village of Duino, which sits above the bay of Grignano. Maximilian von Habsburg once had the castle built directly on a rocky outcrop. In the interiors, magnificent furnishings can be viewed. Miramare Castle is surrounded by a spacious park, which is designed in English and Italian garden style. Below the castle, in the marine park, visitors can get up to eye with numerous sea creatures during dives. The city tram line number 2 takes you to the karst mountains. From a height of 300 meters, you have a wonderful view over the sea, especially at sunset. The Grotta Gigante, in Borgo Grotta, is 15 kilometers from Trieste. Its nickname is the Giant Cave of Trieste, which is not surprising given a length of 380 meters. The cave may be visited.

Trieste’s Viennese-style coffee houses

In the 18th century, Trieste was a centre of the international coffee trade. This resulted in a deep rootedness of the city with the black drink. The coffee beans here are still of selected quality today. The city’s quaint coffee houses are bursting with Viennese charm. In the past, they were the meeting place for numerous writers who stayed in Trieste to be inspired by the unique city. James Joyce and Italo Svevo appreciated coffee houses, such as the Caffè degli Specchi, the Antico Caffè San Marco, or the Stella Polare. Today, there are numerous courses in Trieste for amateur baristas who want to learn how to prepare coffee perfectly

Moin – discover Hamburg!

PatrickJullien
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Moin – discover Hamburg!

The Elbe metropolis of Hamburg is characterized above all by its numerous sights and many different facets. There is a lot for visitors to discover in Hamburg, whether the Stadtpark, the Alster, the harbor or the most sinful mile in the Federal Republic of Germany on an extensive tour of the Reeperbahn.

The Hanseatic city presents itself as historic, green and maritime. The following article explains which landmarks, sights and other highlights in Hamburg should not be missed during a visit.

The Elbphilharmonie

The recently completed concert hall can undoubtedly be described as the new landmark of the Elbe metropolis. The Elbphilharmonie is thus one of the most impressive sights in Hamburg. The concert hall can either only be admired from the outside or get to know it in detail as part of an extensive guided tour.

The Große Freiheit and the Reeperbahn

The Reeperbahn is probably the most famous street and at the same time the most sinful mile of the Hanseatic city. The area around the Reeperbahn and the Große Freiheit has a lot to offer not only for party-mad night owls, but also for musical fans or theater lovers, for example. For particularly hungry visitors to Hamburg, we recommend the best schnitzel Hamburg.

The Speicherstadt

Hamburg Speicherstadt
The Speicherstadt in Hamburg, Image: foto-select / shutterstock

Hamburg is probably just as famous as the Reeperbahn for the Speicherstadt, which is a unique World Heritage Site. When visiting the Elbe metropolis, a detour to the Speicherstadt should therefore not be missed. There, for example, an impressive traditional ship harbour, the moated castle and the Miniatur Wunderland await you.

The Landungsbrücken

One of the most famous photo motifs of the Elbe metropolis is certainly the Landungsbrücken. The striking ensemble of buildings should therefore not be missed when visiting Hamburg. At the Landungsbrücken in St. Pauli, for example, you can see the Old Elbe Tunnel, the Rickmer Rickmers and the Cap San Diego.

The Hamburg Michel

Hamburg’s Michel is the most traditional landmark of the Hanseatic city. In the city center of Hamburg, the Michel is always present, which he owes to his tower, which measures a whole 132 meters and thus towers over all other buildings in the city.

The Planetarium

Hamburg is also home to the planetarium, one of the oldest star theatres in the world. After extensive renovations, the planetarium is now also one of the most modern theatres in the world.

The Alster

Hamburg, Elbphilharmonie
The Elbphilharmonie, Image: sunfun/shutterstock

In the heart of the Hanseatic city is the Alster. Visitors should not miss a round trip on the beautiful lake. Those who prefer to travel on land can also enjoy the Alster on a long walk along the shore.

The Planten un Blomen Park

In hardly any other park can you find such diversity as in Planten und Blomen. Whether large play areas for the little ones, an impressive Japanese garden, tropical greenhouses or breathtaking water light shows – the most multifaceted park in Hamburg offers all this and much more.

The fish market

The to-do list for Hamburg should also include one of the world’s most famous weekly markets, namely the fish market. Every Sunday, around 70,000 people come together at the fish market on the Elbe and stock up on tropical flowers, fruit or fish. In addition, the fish market also celebrates until noon.

The St. Nikolai Memorial

In the old town of Hamburg is the memorial and memorial of St. Nikolai in the form of a soot-blackened church tower. At the same time, the memorial is one of the highest vantage points in Hamburg.

Masuria – untouched landscapes and cities steeped in history

PatrickJullien
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Masuria – untouched landscapes and cities steeped in history

Masuria (Mazury) has hardly appeared internationally as a travel destination so far. Wrongly, because the landscape in the north of Poland still offers a dreamlike, almost unspoilt nature, in which visitors can relax wonderfully with a wide variety of leisure activities. With its forests, rolling hills and the fantastic Masurian Lake District, the region, which used to be part of East Prussia and belonged to the German Empire, is an ideal destination for nature lovers.

General information about a holiday in Masuria

Masuria is a landscape of around 10,000 km², which has so far attracted the majority of locals. The capital of the area is the former Olsztyn (now Olsztyn) with 171,000 inhabitants. The historic city offers a variety of historical monuments, so that tourists interested in culture and art will definitely get their money’s worth here. The Masurian Lake District with its “thousand lakes” is an absolute paradise for all kinds of water sports. Whether by houseboat, on a canoe tour or a sailing trip, active holidaymakers will be thrilled by the excellent conditions, especially since there is always plenty of space on the water. As is well known, this is not always the case on other waters. For Masuria, insiders often use the phrase “More lakes than boats”!

The most beautiful holiday activities in Masuria

Lake Selment Wielki in Masuria
Lake Selment Wielki, Image: ysuel / shutterstock

Masuria is considered one of the last, almost untouched natural landscapes in Europe. If you want to discover them, the best way to do so is on a kayak tour, on horseback or by bike. If you decide to use the bicycle as a means of transport, you have to know that pure cycle paths in this part of Poland are only slowly being established and you will usually be on roads with little traffic. However, this does not detract from the enjoyment of driving over ancient, winding avenues, for example. If you are interested in a paddle tour, you will find one of the most beautiful routes in the country on the 100 km long Krutynia River. A great way to get to know Masuria and the local flora and fauna.

The approx. 3000 lakes of the Masurian Lake District are partly connected to each other by canals with many locks. The entire scenery, which you can experience up close on the waterways, is wonderfully idyllic and has a decelerating effect. The famous Masurian Canal, which was never completely completed and was actually supposed to connect Masuria with the Baltic Sea , is extremely popular among water sports enthusiasts. Especially during the Polish school holidays in summer, however, there are a lot of boats here. If you don’t want to be a captain yourself, you can also take part in one of the many excursions offered by the ships of the so-called White Fleet and enjoy the surroundings on board in a relaxed way.

For hikers, the Johannisburg Heath (Puszczta Piska) is also an excellent holiday area. In the largest forest area in Poland, you can either take part in a guided tour or explore the area on your own. Anyone who likes to be out and about on foot is guaranteed to be thrilled. The Rominc Heath in the border area between Russia, Lithuania and Poland was once the favorite hunting ground of Kaiser Wilhelm II. An original wilderness still prevails here, which gives trekking tourists unforgettable experiences.

East Prussia is the home of the Trakehner and a destination of longing for many enthusiastic riders. Riding through the endless forests on horseback can actually come true here, as numerous farms specialize in this type of tourism. Horse fans should not miss a visit to the Trakehner Stud Liski, which was founded in 1732. Animal lovers can also be recommended the Popiellnen nature reserve, where several herds of Konik horses live, which are directly descended from wild horses. There is also the only beaver farm in Poland and a deer park on the site.

Sights in Masuria

Baroque chateau Dönhoffstädt in Drogosze
Baroque castle Dönhoffstädt in Drogosze, Image: Eryk Stawinski / shutterstock

Even though the unique nature is the most important reason for most visitors to stay in Masuria, tourists interested in culture will not miss out here either. A visit to the baroque Dönhoffstädt Castle in Drogosze should definitely be on the program. The current complex was built in the early 18th century and, with a façade length of almost 100 m, was the largest residential palace in East Prussia. Today, the building is privately owned and can also be entered for a small fee.

As part of German history, the “Wolf’s Lair”, one of several headquarters of the “Führer”, regularly attracts tour groups and individual holidaymakers. The huge complex included various massive bunkers, countless outbuildings, its own railway connection and two airfields. Due to perfect camouflage, the area, which is located deep in the forest near Rastenburg and was at times inhabited by 6000 people, was never bombed.

One of the most important castles of the Teutonic Order, which was built in the 14th century in Olsztyn, today’s Olsztyn, is also on the must-see list for many tourists to Masuria. The building, which was managed by Nicolaus Copernicus, among others, has housed a museum since the 1920s. One of the most impressive exhibits is the only surviving astronomical instrument, which was constructed by Copernicus himself.

The Owczarnic Open-Air Museum is a great place to learn about life, traditions and culture in the area, as it gives visitors a great insight into a wide variety of areas.

The unknown Masuria is an ideal destination for people who want peace and quiet and contact with unspoilt nature at their holiday destination

Vallée de Joux – Where the clocks go a little slower

Dr. Daniela Egert
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Vallée de Joux – Where the clocks go a little slower

Anyone who wants to know what time it is today reaches into their trouser or jacket pocket and pulls out their mobile phone. And those who still wear a wristwatch on their wrist often only do so because the good piece represents a kind of jewelry for him or her. Sometimes, however, watches are simply an investment, as a quick glance at the “Espace Horloger”, a museum of timepieces in the Swiss Vallée de Joux, canton of Vaud, convinces you. Here, a small, fine army of watches represents part of the past of the remote valley in the canton of Vaud. Tick-tock, tick-tock, it’s that easy to slow down. You will usually look in vain for analogue chronometers here, this museum place is still dominated by the hour and minute hands.

We are in the very northwest of Switzerland, where the valleys are still rough and the people are sometimes a little reserved, but honest. In this francophone part of the country, some people prefer to remain silent rather than babble out too much. Nature in French-speaking Switzerland is still genuine, unbreakable. Two Jura chains nestle close to the “Lac de Joux”, the lake that gave its name to the area that is still unknown to many. Sun lovers quickly get shivering, the average July temperature in Le Sentier is below 14 degrees. In winter, however, the water freezes over quite quickly, which is very convenient for the ice skaters. They then glide more or less elegantly along the largest natural ice rink in Europe. The surrounding mountains are great for skiing, but this is still more of an insider tip among winter sports enthusiasts. The Vallée de Joux still has a lot of capacity for tourism, those who want to enjoy the good air here will find relaxation and recreation. And he goes a little away from the hustle and bustle of the world: “We live here in a completely closed valley,” the residents like to say, “and that has shaped us.” You often drive quite far in the heights until the next farmstead comes, even today.

Lac de Joux
The Lac de Joux, Image: German Egert

But because people in the Vallée also liked to think outside the box in earlier centuries – in this case over the local mountain ranges – one or the other former inhabitant courageously hiked to nearby Geneva to the south. Where Swiss watchmaking has its cradle, so to speak; the father of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born in 1712, was already active in this respectable trade in the then city-state. So it was obvious that this exclusive skill was purposefully exported by foreign apprentices or master craftsmen to their home countries. At home, these well-travelled artists showed their newly acquired art to the farmers of the area. What quickly revolutionized their everyday life: In summer, the farmers of the Vallée de Joux continued to be in the field in all weathers. In winter, the living room was dedicated to the complex assembly of pocket watches, which were trendy at the time, as an additional means of earning a living. Having a fine hand has always been a fundamental prerequisite for the creation of the filigree pieces. To this day, the valley is known worldwide and famous for the particularly sophisticated “complications”, i.e. the additional functions of the movement.

During a guided tour of the “Espace Horloger” in Le Sentier, you can hear more details about the history of this part of Vaud: “From the first half of the 18th century, iron parts were produced in the Vallée de Joux, which were initially used for large clocks,” explains Sonja Pousset from the “Espace Horloger”, the museum of this art. Gradually, the production of timepieces gained ever greater importance, and the Technical School has long since trained the masters of tomorrow. After all, the noble timepieces are supposed to keep ticking here. The long line of prominent brands that have moved their production to the humble village of Le Sentier is also impressive: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin – the oldest continuous watch manufacturer in the world –, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Gérald Genta. Most of these companies have the typical Swiss understatement, and some producers are also bluntly self-confident. In another village here, Le Brassus, for example, the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet has pitched its luxurious tents. There, too, you notice at first glance that the brand plays in the upper class of its league – and they are by no means willing to hide this. The “Musée Atelier”, which was only built in 2020 with selected exhibits from its own history, testifies to undisguised pride in its own skills and will.

“Le Pré de Bière”, Image: German Egert

From the dazzling gold and silver that caresses the works of Audemars Piguet, it is much simpler to climb up to the alpine pasture “Le Pré de Bière”. The farm is located at lofty heights in the middle of 116 hectares of Jura pastures, where over 100 cows find their feed between June and September. The cattle of the Vallées are used to harsh conditions and calmly consume the grass of the high valley. On “Le Pré”, which belongs to the village of Le Bière, a long line of food products is produced. Visitors will find a shop and an outdoor show dairy, and the tasty, home-made products are welcome to take away. Alpine meat, cheese and sweets – meringen, homemade ice cream or honey – are among the best sellers.” We use traditional production out of conviction and rely entirely on the unadulterated products of nature,” emphasizes the Germain family, who farm here at 1345 meters above sea level.

At the end of an exciting journey, the Vallée de Joux reveals itself to us as a place where apparent opposites – such as pure luxury and lived, simple tradition – coexist peacefully. The people of Vaud are proud of their rich history. They have successfully brought the barren mountain soil and the skills of their ancestors into modern times. For sports, watch and nature lovers, it is worthwhile to discover this gem hidden between mountain ranges all year round. Everyone else will certainly find their own way to discover their love for this formerly rather remote Swiss valley. Here, where the mostly handmade watches tick a little differently than elsewhere; but certainly always correct to the hundredth.

 

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