Wait and see and drink beer! This comes very close to the philosophy of life of the people in the Czech Republic. They had to exercise patience and humility for a long time before the tender buds of the “Prague Spring” developed into a blossom of freedom. At that time, in the spring of 1968, a “socialism with a human face” was supposed to emerge, but with the so-called “Manifesto of Two Thousand Words” the hope for an end to Soviet influence sank. The troops of the Eastern Bloc destroyed all dreams. This period of history has long been a thing of the past – Czechoslovakia gave rise to Slovakia and the Czech Republic. And this, in contrast to the armed conflicts in Yugoslavia, was done peacefully. Today, peace has returned to Prague, the historic heart of the Czech Republic. Wait and drink beer – the latter can be enjoyed in the capital’s cosy pubs.
Trdelník – A traditional Czech pastry, Image: LALS STOCK / shutterstock
Many holidaymakers say goodbye to the beautiful and old city on the Vltava after their stay with the feeling that this metropolis is still allowing itself a breather after the time of political turmoil and oppression. A certain melancholy has settled over Prague, and the familiar silhouette with the pointed towers and the aging bridges over the wide river are by no means a contradiction to the architectural playground of the “Dancing House”, which has become one of the city’s greatest attractions. The builders got their inspiration from the legendary dance couple Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. The glass Ginger snuggles up to her dance partner Fred and his “hat” is a tubular construction borrowed from Greek mythology and the head of Medusa.
At the foot of the “Dancing House” the tram still twitches. If you want to explore Prague at a leisurely pace, you should buy a ticket for the “tram”. Its route length is more than 140 kilometres. Of course, as a holidaymaker, you should stroll through the famous Wenceslas Square, which is now lined with restaurants, hotels and boutiques and is basically more of a boulevard than a square. It got its name from the Czech national saint, Wenceslas of Bohemia. Wenceslas Square is the epitome of historical events in this country, not only for the Czechs.
The castle in Český Krumlov, Image: Veronika Galkina / shutterstock
The Old Town Square with the Týn Church, the Kinsky Palace, the House of the Stone Bell and the Town Hall is the traditional meeting place of the inhabitants of Prague, and it is here, in addition to the Baroque Hussite Church of St. Nicholas, that the birthplace of the writer Franz Kafka is also located. There is really no shortage of sights in Prague , but if you want to fortify yourself after an extensive visit, you will also get your money’s worth in this metropolis. For example, in the Deminka restaurant, where you can take a seat at wooden tables and be served everything that makes up Bohemian cuisine under the stucco-decorated ceilings: garlic soup, goulash and dumplings. In the pubs, by the way, you shouldn’t be surprised if you get a glass of beer without having ordered it. This is so common – even in the evening restaurant with the strange name “Zum ausschussenen Auge”, which resembles a witch’s house from the outside.
And if you leave the slightly dusty charm of the city of Prague here and there, you will soon find yourself in an idyllic nature with hills that turn into mountains here and there, with green valleys, dense forests and pointed rocks. If you hike there, you can’t really get lost, because the Czech Republic can rightly boast of having one of the best hiking systems in the world. In the Giant Mountains, the source of the Elbe beckons, in the west, holidaymakers walk in the footsteps of former precious metal miners and in the wonderful landscape of South Moravia, fine wines mature.
Historic towns, picturesque villages and well-preserved castles line the tourist routes of the Czech Republic. They are all worth staying there for more than just a flying visit.
Many tourists choose Amsterdam as their vacation spot. But before the trip, they always get good information about the city.
The city on the Amstel River was first mentioned in 1275. In 1317, Amsterdam joined the County of Holland and received privileges – the right to duty-free trade. In less than two centuries, a small fishing village has become an important port and an important economic center. At the end of the 15th century, the city received the right to free trade in the Baltic Sea from the Hanseatic League and carried out up to 70% of all transports via the Baltic Sea.
Picturesque houses in Amsterdam, Image: Yasonya / shutterstock
After Amsterdam’s main competitor Antwerp was conquered and destroyed by the Spanish in 1585, the city’s wealth and power doubled. Fleeing from the riots of the Inquisition, Antwerp merchants and craftsmen flocked here, especially Jews. They brought the diamond cutting technique to the capital of the Netherlands, which led to the growth of jewelry and gemstones.
By 1658, the area of Amsterdam had been enlarged fourfold. A well-thought-out development opportunity – the “Three-Channel Plan” – ensured the construction of an adequate infrastructure and brought the city the fame of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Since the second half of the 18th century, Amsterdam’s well-being began to deteriorate due to the French occupation and the continental blockade. In the years 1810-1814, the Netherlands was part of the French Empire and the city temporarily lost its capital status. Nevertheless, Napoleon considered Amsterdam to be the third largest city in Europe after Paris and Rome.
In 1900, the number of inhabitants of Amsterdam exceeded half a million people. The rapid industrialization and the revival of the trading port led to overpopulation. The housing problem was solved with great difficulty.
The First World War, in which the Netherlands remained neutral, did not have a significant impact on the life of the city. During the Second World War, the population of the capital suffered greatly.
In the post-war years, Amsterdam’s economy was reoriented from unprofitable industries to trade, tourism and services. Today it is home to the headquarters of major international corporations as well as the headquarters of Greenpeace.
Amsterdam is a real cycling city. Explore the city on two wheels, Image: Yasonya / shutterstock
There is only one airport in Amsterdam, which is about 15 km from the city center. You can get there by train, bus or taxi. Of course, it’s much cheaper by train. Trains depart every 15 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Station, which is located right inside the airport building. To get to the city center, you need to reach Amsterdam Centraal station. The journey time is only 20 minutes. The ticket price is €4.10.
The exact train timetable can be found on the website of the Dutch Railways . There you can buy a ticket online. The hotels in Amsterdam are not cheap, you have to accept this as a fact. Even small hotels like B&B Level 2-3 stars can cost €100. But there are several Trevelhaks that you can use to save money in Amsterdam. First, it is traditional to recommend booking accommodation in advance, as the most profitable offers are quickly gone.
Secondly, it is advisable not to visit the city on weekends, as many Dutch, Belgians and Germans often spend a weekend in Amsterdam. This immediately leads to higher prices compared to working days.
From November to mid-December and from mid-January to March, prices in Amsterdam are reduced by 30-50%.
Water in Holland is one of the purest in Europe, and that’s why locals almost always drink from the tap. While walking through the city, you will find free drinking fountains.
If you want to see how local people live, just look through the window. Most Dutch people don’t draw the curtains in the living room (or don’t have any at all) and don’t mind if someone looks at them through the window. If they notice you, smile and wave your hand. If you’re in the suburbs, you’re in luck. The windows are larger and they are lower, so you can better see everything.
In the western part of the center is the Jordaan area. In the past, poor people and workers settled here. There are a large number of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Narrow labyrinths of streets, cozy courtyards attract tourists. Just 20 km from the capital, you will find idyllic landscapes, old houses and mills of the Zaanse-Schans ethnographic complex, as well as the authentic atmosphere of the fishing village of Voledam. Cheese lovers will be delighted by the tasting of the famous Dutch cheeses. And the fishermen will spoil you with freshly caught herring and smoked eel.
An evening walk through the red light district is very popular. Here you will also get a lot of interesting information about the history and traditions of this place.
Facts about Amsterdam
Canals: Amsterdam is known for its picturesque canals that stretch for 100 kilometers through the city. These man-made waterways are a distinctive feature of the city and add to the unique atmosphere.
Bicycle capital: Amsterdam is considered the bicycle capital of the world. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes, and bicycles are a popular way to get around. There are more bicycles than inhabitants in Amsterdam.
Tulips: The Netherlands is known for its tulips, and Amsterdam is home to the famous Keukenhof Garden every year, which is considered one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world.
Coffeeshops: Amsterdam is known for its liberal laws regarding the use of cannabis. There are numerous coffee shops in the city where the sale and consumption of cannabis products is allowed.
Royal Palace: The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, also known as the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, is a magnificent 17th-century building. Although it is no longer constantly used by the royal family, it is an important historical and cultural landmark of the city.
Multiculturalism: Amsterdam is an extremely multicultural city. People from different countries and cultures live together peacefully here, and this is reflected in the variety of restaurants, markets, and cultural events.
Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is the hiding place where Anne Frank and her family lived during the Second World War and where she wrote her famous diary.
Flower markets: Amsterdam not only has the Keukenhof, but also various flower markets, including the famous Floating Flower Market, where you can buy flowers and souvenirs.
Windmills: Although there are no traditional windmills in the city itself, you can find some of the famous Dutch windmills around Amsterdam that you can visit.
Gay-friendliness: Amsterdam has a reputation for being one of the most cosmopolitan and LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. The annual Gay Pride Parade attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Museums in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its rich cultural scene, and there are many museums in the city that cover a wide range of topics and interests. Here are some of the most famous museums in Amsterdam:
Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in the Netherlands and is home to an impressive collection of Dutch artworks from different eras, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals.
Van Gogh Museum: This museum is dedicated to Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh and houses an extensive collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters.
Anne Frank House: This museum is located in the former hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during World War II. It tells the moving story of Anne Frank and her diary.
Stedelijk Museum: The Stedelijk Museum is the museum of modern and contemporary art in Amsterdam and is home to a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, design objects, and more.
The Rembrandt House: Located in Rembrandt’s former home and studio, this museum offers insight into the life and work of the famous painter.
The Hermitage Amsterdam: This branch museum of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, features rotating exhibitions from the St. Petersburg museum’s extensive collection.
The NEMO Science Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to science and technology, especially suitable for families and children.
The Amsterdam Historical Museum: This museum presents the history of Amsterdam through exhibitions, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
The Tropenmuseum: This museum is dedicated to the cultures and traditions of the world, especially the countries and peoples of the former colonial empire of the Netherlands.
The Maritime Museum: This is all about the maritime history of the Netherlands, from historic ships to interactive exhibitions.
This landscape is more than just a touch of paradise. For many holidaymakers who are on safari in the savannah in Tanzania, this region with its many animals and natural beauty is without a doubt a piece of this side of Eden. Although this country was also exploited in the colonial era and the population of animals was drastically reduced because they were hunted and killed by poachers, Tanzania’s natural wealth has been preserved. Lake Victoria is one of the sources of life in this African country.
It is the “Mediterranean of East Africa” and its floods also wash the coasts of Kenya and Uganda. Nowhere else in the world can people admire such biodiversity as in Tanzania’s magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. The peoples of the world must help to preserve this paradise on earth – and tourism can also play an important role in this.
On a safari through Tanzania you can probably also see giraffes, Image: Delbars / shutterstock
On safari in the Serengeti and then a beach holiday on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar – that could be a successful mix. The landscapes that a holidaymaker encounters south of the equator in Tanzania are fundamentally different. There are the subtropical zones with lush vegetation in the mountain forests of Gombe and in the Mahale Mountain National Park. This is the refuge of the chimpanzees, who proceed very carefully in their search for the sweet and sour berries, their favorite food. It was the Englishwoman Jane Goodall who studied chimpanzees for three decades. Today, the endangered primates are visited by tourists accompanied by experienced guides.
But the highlight of every stay in Tanzania is undoubtedly the Serengeti with its almost endless expanse and its huge population of animals. All this is Africa in its most original form. The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater present themselves as a wonderland of nature. Seven thousand white-bearded wildebeest live here alone. Bernhard Grzimek has set himself a monument with his appearances on television and let the world look at this pasture of wild animals. “The Serengeti must not die” was the title of a successful film by the legendary zoo director from Frankfurt am Main. Grzimek’s urn was buried somewhere on the edge of the crater – at the side of his son Michael, who died in an accident while filming in Africa.
Pamunda Island, Image: E X P L O R E R / shutterstock
The proud Maasai call this region “Siringet”, which means “Endless Steppe”. If you travel through Tanzania, you won’t want to miss out on comfortable hotels or lodges on your safari. He finds them in an astonishing abundance. And if he’s in the right place at the right time, he’ll be able to watch up close as millions of zebras and wildebeest cross the rivers in search of fresh grass, some of them becoming prey to crocodiles.
Above this spectacle towers a mighty mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises from the green rainforest. Those who dare to do so can climb to the “roof of Africa” in a route lasting several days, to the snow-capped summit of the almost six-thousand-metre-high giant. And after the exertions of this unusual mountain tour, many will look forward to the beaches of Zanzibar. The sea is almost always around 27 degrees warm and the white sand, which looks like it is made of powdered sugar, is perfect for walks and hikes. Tranquil fishing villages stretch along the coast like pearls on a string and their inhabitants are happy to welcome guests from another world. They willingly let themselves and their centuries-old culture look into the cards. The time is over when Zanzibar became a plaything of the powers that be, because the island was an important stop on the historic trade routes between the African continent and the countries of Arabia.
It is a special life experience to submit to the rites of the host Buddhists in a South Korean monastery and to observe the everyday life of the monks. Four hundred kilometers southeast of the metropolis of Seoul also have the chance to achieve the enlightenment of the dawn. And this in the sense of the word, because in the temple Golgulsa in Kyongju there is bed rest at 9 p.m., but the night is already over at three o’clock when the pious men of the monastery gather for the first morning prayers. But when the first rays of the sun unfold their splendor over the picturesque Chungjuho Lake, none of the guests regrets getting up so early. Because this can be one of the visual highlights of a trip through South Korea. A journey across a varied peninsula between two seas.
View of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, Image: ESB Professional / shutterstock
Korea is a country divided into two parts with political, social and societal contrasts that could hardly be greater. The north is ruled by an aging communism, while the south has risen to become an economic world power. Hardly anyone books a trip through the last remaining dictatorship of Stalinist influence, while south of the 38th parallel and the border river Yalu, which separates the north from the south, holidaymakers experience the historic “Land of the Morning Calm” on their round trip by bus or rental car and at the same time a successful product of the so-called “tiger states” in Asia.
In the lively capital Seoul , holidaymakers immerse themselves in the dazzling world of an Asian metropolis. Ten million people live here, but when they leave the canyons under the skyscrapers, they soon find themselves in a landscape of lovely valleys, raging rivers, high mountain ranges and many deep forests. Seoul is a melting pot of surprises, with a neon-lit entertainment district, the historic tombs of past royal dynasties, and the palaces that UNESCO has added to its World Heritage List.
Sacred to the Koreans is their Chongmyo Shrine in Seoul, where people worship their ancestors and are aware that they are very close to their deceased. Chongmyo Shrine is also dedicated to the Joseon Dynasty, which ruled Korea for a long period of history between 1392 and 1910. The capital Seoul is not only a high-tech Eldorado, but also convinces with its gardens at the Gyeongbokgung Palace. They are oases of silence in an often very noisy city.
Busan at night, Image: ESB Professional / shutterstock
Holidaymakers should get used to some things during their round trip through South Korea. This is especially true of kimchi, a fermented cabbage that simmers next to the cash register in all restaurants and even fashion stores. This typical Korean dish is something like a culinary matter of course for the people in this country. You have to like kimchi or not. But anyone who has tried the Korean version of German sauerkraut can hardly imagine that it could find its way into European eating habits.
South Korea is framed by the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. In 1946, the country underwent the transformation from a centuries-long kingdom and colony of Japan to a republic. On the island of Jeju with its subtropical climate, the largest lava cave system in the world is fascinating. But also the Cheonjeyeon waterfall, which the Koreans have christened “Pool of the King of Heaven”. Jeju is the typical “wedding island” for the people of the country, and those who spend their holidays there meet numerous young couples during their honeymoon.
Not far from Gyeongju, holidaymakers experience a gem of the history of this country on their round trip. The Buddhist temple Bulguksa has its roots in the 8th century and is the creative and cultural crowning glory of the kingdom of the Silla. The temple with its grotto is considered a natural treasure of Korea, while the Hwasong Fortress with its six-kilometer wall is the highlight of any round trip.
The sun flashes between the roof of the palm trees, a gentle murmur can be heard from the nearby sea and the cry of a monkey from nearby. Sri Lanka is an exotic paradise for dreaming, and the vervet monkeys are called “hat monkeys” here because of their “hairstyle” and middle parting. They populate the country’s rainforests and feed mainly on fruits, of which there are many in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is an island nation south of the Indian subcontinent, and the country has been overshadowed by a bloody civil war between Tamils and Sinhalese for a long time. For almost ten years, the large island with its numerous ethnic groups has been pacified, and people hope that this peace will not be fragile in the future. Sri Lanka has woken up from a nightmare and has very willingly opened up to tourism, because this is an important source of income for the country, which is otherwise financed by a plantation economy with the production of rubber and tea.
The Sigiriya (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka, Image: SylvainB / shutterstock
Sri Lanka is an animal and cultural paradise in equal measure. The island is manageable and hardly larger than the German state of Bavaria. It is crisscrossed by a species-rich jungle and green hills, where hard-working hands are needed on the tea plantations. The most beautiful photo experiences on a round trip always occur when elephants are looking for refreshment in one of the many quiet lakes on the island. The pachyderms are slightly darker than the Indian elephants and only a few males have tusks, which largely protects them from ivory poachers.
The national parks enjoy the special attention of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and are the pride of the country. In the Udawalawe Reserve, holidaymakers go on safari in an off-road vehicle – or on foot accompanied by experienced rangers. Only the leopards have survived the era of wars in Sri Lanka and are multiplying magnificently. Especially in Yala National Park, where there is said to be the largest population of spotted leopard beauties and where there is a good chance of getting them in front of the camera. Ferns grow tree-high in some parts of the national parks, and they are the refuge of crocodiles, mongooses, monkeys and numerous bird species.
A coral reef in Sri Lanka, Image: Dudarev Mikhail / shutterstock
Sri Lanka has many faces and the island is both wild and beautiful. And that’s why we speak of the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, which is not taken from the brochures of international tourism, but is a very old predicate. As early as the Middle Ages, Sri Lanka was given this nickname by sailors because they particularly liked the white beaches lined with palm trees. The natural healing method Ayurveda was born in Sri Lanka and is practiced in many hotels and resorts on the island.
The picturesque beaches at Kikkaduwa and Beruwala are also so popular with holidaymakers because the beaches there slope very gently into the sea and because snorkelers and divers are taken with the coral reefs. “Trinco” is the name given by the inhabitants of Sri Lanka to a coastal town in the northeast. It is the short form for Trincomalee, which can be translated as “temple” and is deeply rooted in the consciousness of the islanders. According to legend, a huge temple once stood here under the rule of the Tamils – the largest in all of Asia. But so far, no one has found the remains of the so-called “Tirukoneswaram”, and no one knows whether the temple was destroyed by the Portuguese conquerors or whether it was the victim of natural forces.
The roads in Sri Lanka are mostly very winding, but behind every serpentine a new miracle can open up. The island, which was still marked on the maps as “Ceylon” some time ago, is full of secrets and surprises and is a region for experienced globetrotters that wants to be rediscovered after the past of a civil war.
Travel information Sri Lanka
Capital
de facto: Colombo
de jure: Sri Jayawardenepura
Seat of government Sri Jayawardenepura
Times have also changed in Romania, although travelers can remember that just a few decades ago they had to knock on the door of the village priest to secure a camp for the night. In the meantime, Romania has shed the status of a tourist developing country, and even in the most remote regions of Maramures or the Banat, the sign “Retea turistica” can be read on the freshly painted wooden houses. The charming guesthouses of rural Romania almost without exception have a shower, and the price of accommodation often includes a hearty dinner and, of course, the family connection. Once upon a time, the dreaded Romanian despot Ceausescu had forbidden guests to be accommodated in private houses under penalty. The course of history overthrew the dictator and released the land between the Black Sea and the Pannonian Plain from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest – One of the largest buildings in the world in terms of surface area
For centuries, a number of peoples have shaped the face of this region and also its cultures. In the beginning, it was Romans and Greeks who left their mark on Romania, later came Jews, Germans and Austrians. And so there are still numerous traces of history in Transylvania today. Viennese cuisine has influenced gastronomic idiosyncrasies since the era of the Habsburg monarchy, and in the once fortified Transylvania, around 150 fortified churches can still be visited. They once had the task of protecting themselves from the pillaging Tatars and the Turks.
Slender towers and roofs covered with shingles are the hallmarks of the impressive wooden churches in Romania. They are made of wood for a good reason, because the villages were forbidden to build Orthodox places of worship out of stone. UNESCO has declared eight historically particularly valuable churches in Maramures as World Heritage Sites. On a round trip through Romania, the picturesque landscape with its wide fields is particularly fascinating. On them, it is almost always the horses that take over the work – as they have always done. Here and there, holidaymakers have to do without their usual comfort in the West in the hotels and guesthouses if they are off the beaten track or have even set off on a trekking in the Carpathians.
One of the many beautiful waterfalls in Romania, Image: Vania Tonova / shutterstock
Many a traveller searches Romania for the traces of the legendary “Dracula”. Although there was a prince named Vlad Dracul III, who served as a model for the blood-sucking demon and saw the light of day in the colorful and fairytale Sighisoara, “Dracula” is actually just a movie character. Sighisoara, with its winding medieval streets and the colourful houses of the old town, is a real eye-catcher and a Transylvanian showpiece. But there are no vampires here either – and hardly any inhabitant hangs a bundle of garlic on the front door to ward off the supposed bloodsuckers.
However, said Prince Dracula is said to have been a feared fighter who, according to tradition, slew his opponents with stakes, which earned him the nickname “Vlad the Impaler” during his lifetime. In 1477, however, he was defeated and his severed head is said to have pleased Sultan Mohammed II in Constantinople. Supposedly, the bones of the prince found their final resting place in the monastery of Snagov on a small island near Bucharest.
The capital Bucharest is proud of its past and presents it with an impressive Palace of the President, the Square of the Patriarchs and a triumphal arch, among other things. It is a metropolis with confectioner-style houses and a remarkable art and culture scene. Sibiu, which can also be found on the maps as Sibiu, became the European Capital of Culture in 2007, and Brasov is something like the stony conscience of historic Transylvania. For many visitors, the picturesque centre with its baroque and Gothic facades serves as the starting point for their activities in Romania. And thus in a country with a social divide and many hospitable people.
No question: Paradise can hardly be more beautiful! Réunion is not just any island in the Indian Ocean – it is probably the most versatile. Anyone who stands on the summit of the two-thousand-metre-high Maido and looks down at the white beaches and the exciting coral gardens is undoubtedly an enviable person. Experienced mountain guides accompany holidaymakers to the volcanoes and many a Creole hums the enchanting anthem of this island on the way. She tells of the bourbon vanilla that once gave this island its name. “P’tit fleur fanée” – the product of a small fragrant flower made Réunion famous all over the world in the 19th century, because bourbon vanilla is considered one of the most expensive spices of all and is still an important export good.
View of Saint Denis, Image: julienjanusko / shutterstock
This island is something like the French outpost in the waters of the Indian Ocean. It is manageable and has a land area roughly the size of Luxembourg. Since the end of the Second World War, Réunion has been designated as a department of the European motherland. Here you pay your bills in euros, and it is an advantage to know at least a few chunks of the French language if you stay in one of the beautiful hotels or resorts there. On the nautical charts, Réunion can be found two thousand kilometres away from the African continent, and it was the discoverers of the seafaring nation of Portugal who were the first to land here in the 16th century.
Rocky coasts and almost impenetrable rainforests can be found in the south of the island. Les Hauts and Saint-Joseph are a hiking area that is being visited by more and more holidaymakers because the flowering gardens extend to higher altitudes and where the island has retained its original appearance. The most impressive beaches are located on the west side of Réunion and invite you to take long walks on the fine black or white sand. The lagoons open up to the open sea where the coral banks are intact and where a colorful underwater world spreads. An interesting agricultural museum has been housed in a former factory in the centre of Saint Leu, where the story of coffee and sugar cane cultivation is told.
One beautiful beach follows the other, Image: Balate Dorin / shutterstock
As a holidaymaker, you should not miss the cemetery of the seafarers. Among other things, the notorious pirate La Buse has been laid to rest on it. The buccaneer of the seas was brought before the judge in shackles on Réunion in 1730 and sentenced to death. But the poet Leconte Delisle, who put his lyrical verses on paper based on the model of ancient Greek tragedy, is also buried in the cemetery of the seafarers.
Many inhabitants of Réunion have lost their hearts to the sport of surfing. Dancing on and with the waves is their passion, because they find the best conditions for practicing their daring jumps off the coast of Saint Leu. A special speciality and part of the World Cup there is the “Left Wave”. At the Kélonia Centre, turtles are nursed back to health and later released on the beaches.
At Boucan Canot, water sports are at home in all its facets. There, a six-hundred-metre-long steel net protects holidaymakers from possible shark attacks.
Almost exactly in the middle of the island lies the town of Cilaos with its thermal springs. It is located in a valley basin and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Settlers ploughed this lovely valley at the foot of the often snow-covered Piton de Neiges as early as the 18th century. If you want a special adrenaline kick during your holiday, you can try canyoning in the “Iron Gorge” in the Fleurs Jaunes. Rèunion is an ideal long-distance destination for people who are enthusiastic about trekking or hiking, but also want to switch off on deserted beaches and bays.
Facts about Réunion
French Overseas Department: Réunion is a French overseas department and thus an integral part of France and the European Union.
Currency: As it is a part of France, the official currency is the Euro (€).
Population and language: The majority of the population speaks French, and there are also a variety of creole languages. The island has a diverse population with African, European, Malagasy, and Asian roots.
Landscape and topography: Réunion is of volcanic origin and is home to two volcanoes: the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and the Piton des Neiges, the highest point in the Indian Ocean.
Economy: Réunion’s economy is mainly based on the service sector, but agriculture, especially the cultivation of sugar cane, also plays an important role.
Tourism: Known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, beaches and water sports, Réunion attracts many tourists.
Nature and biodiversity: The island is home to many endemic species, i.e. species that do not occur naturally anywhere else in the world. There are also three marine nature reserves around Réunion.
Climate: Réunion has a tropical climate, with a warm and humid period from November to April and a cooler and drier period from May to October.
Culinary diversity: Réunion’s cuisine is a mix of French, Indian, African, and Chinese influences, and it’s known for its spices and flavors.
Piton de la Fournaise: The Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most frequently erupted volcanoes in the world and a major attraction for tourists and scientists.
Education: Réunion has a high literacy rate, and there are various institutions of higher education on the island, including a university, the Université de la Réunion.
The main festivals in Réunion
Various traditional and cultural festivals are celebrated on Réunion. Here are some of the festivities that take place on the island:
Fête de la Liberté: This festival is celebrated on December 20 and marks the end of slavery in Réunion. It is a public holiday on the island and is celebrated with music, dancing and parades.
Fête de la Musique: On June 21, Réunion, as in other parts of the world, celebrates the Fête de la Musique, or World Music Day. During this festival, there are many free concerts and music events.
Le Dipavali: The Dipavali, the Festival of Lights, is an important Hindu festival in Réunion that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is celebrated with processions, dance performances and the lighting of lamps.
Mardi Gras: As in many other parts of the world, Réunion celebrates Carnival or Mardi Gras, with parades, masks, costumes and music.
Fête du Miel Vert: This festival usually takes place in January and is an important agricultural festival dedicated to honey and other local products.
Fête du Choca: This is a culinary festival dedicated to the Choca plant. During the festival, there will be tastings and the opportunity to taste traditional dishes.
Tamil New Year: The Tamil New Year is celebrated every year in April and includes traditional dances, music and culinary specialties.
Grand Raid: Also known as La Diagonale des Fous, this ultra trail running event is one of the toughest in the world, attracting thousands of participants and spectators every year.
Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Réunion, as there is a significant Chinese community. It is celebrated with dragon dance, lion dance and fireworks.
National Day: On July 14, Réunion, like the rest of France, celebrates National Day with parades, fireworks and other festivities.
Where in Europe can you find a city with no less than 5,500 houses that are protected by a monument? The answer can be found in Poland – in Krakow! Trips to this tradition-conscious country lead to a region on Germany’s doorstep and to a diverse nature. Sometimes it is wild and unspoilt, then again lovely. And it harmonizes with the historic metropolises in a country that is characterized by the religiosity of its people and lives on the memory of a long struggle for freedom. Poland is the largest of the European agricultural countries with tiny farms that are hardly profitable. But a new idea developed in the country that gives tourism a chance. Since then, many a farmer has opened his homestead to holidaymakers.
View of Warsaw, Image: PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek / shutterstock
A wild world even spreads in abundance here and there in Poland. It is a charming wilderness with centuries-old oaks – for example, in the reserve of Bialowieza. Some of these trees reach astonishing proportions and heights, and among them graze the last of the continent’s free-living bison. Anyone who hikes through these quiet forests as a holidaymaker hears unusual sounds of nature and smells that they can hardly describe. The four Polish national parks in the northeast are the green lungs of the country and stretch up to the border with Lithuania. Storks find their food in the meadows, and with a little luck you can even observe a moose from the observation towers along the hiking trails.
It is said of the youth in Poland that they were born in the East and at home in the West. Many of them have acquired the German language after completing their studies and are very open-minded towards holidaymakers in their country. The pubs, discotheques and restaurants in Poland have largely given themselves a modern touch, and the capital Warsaw is one of the rising stars among European metropolises. Hotel skyscrapers grow into the sky there, and if you want to see Warsaw from above, you should go to the observation deck of the 234-meter-high Palace of Culture.
Gdansk is also worth a visit, Image: Tomasz Guzowski / shutterstock
Krakow, which was the real centre of power in Poland until 1596, is completely different. In this city, a thousand-year history is alive and shows itself in a golden-shining splendor. Many see Krakow as a mixture of Jewish wit, Viennese humour and a pinch of oriental charm. In St. Mary’s Church, the high altar by the German carver genius Veit Stoss is a real eye-catcher, and the historic market square has always been a meeting place for the people of this city. In the famous Café Novorolski, the tradition of a coffee house is maintained, and the people of Krakow speak of it somewhat irreverently as a “cake temple”.
Krakow’s unique atmosphere has been attracting artists and students alike for many years. This is also because this town was never destroyed and the Wawel Castle was preserved, as were the almost one hundred monasteries and churches. A special flair spreads in the mountains of the Sudetes, which are crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails and attract skiers in winter. Gerhart Hauptmann lived here. “The Weavers” were created there. The Museum of the Hauptmann Brothers opens its doors in Szklarska Poreba, and a German-Polish meeting place has been established in the Gerhart Hauptmann House in Jagniatkow.
Although historic Wrocław has Polish, Bohemian and Prussian roots, it is mainly Silesian. The Oder flood of 1997 hit the city deeply, but it has since spruced itself up again. The so-called “Centennial Hall” by architect Max Berg fascinates with the largest free-floating dome in the world, and the old town with the cathedral island in the Oder is a listed building.
“Panama,” said the little bear, “Panama is our dream country, because it smells of bananas from top to bottom…” And then he set off with the tiger to the supposed dreamland, which the two never reached in Janosch’s children’s book. Rather, some time later, they realized that the country of their dreams was not to be found in central America, but on their own doorstep. “Oh, how beautiful is Panama” is the title of this sympathetic bestseller. And Janosch was undoubtedly right in his assessment, because Panama is indeed beautiful. Very beautiful, in fact, because it consists of lush pastures, white beaches with many palm trees, a breathtaking jungle and cities worth seeing from the colonial era of the country. And then there is the Panama Canal, which is still of paramount importance for world shipping because it spares the giants of the seas the detour via South America on their journey from San Francisco to New York .
The Panama Canal, Image: Galina Savina / shutterstock
The floods of two oceans wash around the country – the Atlantic and the Pacific. In some places, Panama is so narrow that the idea of a canal was born early on. After all, the sea route was shortened by a whopping almost 15,000 kilometres. The North Americans in particular had a great interest in the realization of this bold plan for economic and strategic reasons. Thus, the United States was the owner of the important waterway until the end of the last century. Actually, the French diplomat’s offspring Ferdinand de Lesseps had also wanted to build the Panama Canal, because it had already rendered outstanding services to the Suez Canal. But in the late 19th century, his plan failed because malaria killed seven of his workers every day and drove de Lesseps into bankruptcy. The bankruptcy estate was acquired by American President Theodore Roosevelt, thus securing American dominance in Panama.
Panama City, Image: Gualberto Becerra / shutterstock
On August 15, 1914, two hundred passengers stood at the railing when the mail steamer “Ancona” became the first ship to cross the 82 kilometers of the canal. Three locks have to be passed, which compensates for the difference to Lake Gatun. The Panama Canal is still hailed as a marvel of engineering, and tourists on board praise the scenic beauty on both shores near the Soberiania National Park. The tropical rainforest is home to numerous endangered animals, and the cries of capuchin monkeys and colorful parrots accompany travelers on their leisurely passage.
UNESCO has placed some of Panama’s scenic and historical wonders on its World Heritage List. For example, the Spanish fortresses of San Lorenzo and Portobelo as well as the old town of Panama City with the mighty cathedral from 1796 and those ruins that are the work of destruction by the Welsh buccaneer Henry Morgan. In his heyday, said Morgan was the commander-in-chief of no less than 36 ships.
Where is the Southern Cross? This is a question that many holidaymakers near the equator ask themselves. On the enchanting Robinson Islands off Panama, the stars have a particularly intense shine. On Isla Colon with its Bocas del Toro National Park, there is even a “Beach of the Stars”. But this is more due to the numerous starfish that can be found here near the beach. This is the ancestral region of the Kuna Indians, and since they gained sovereignty over the San Blas region after a rebellion, any tourist who wants to enter one of the almost deserted islands must submit an application to the Kuna village council.
The Indians of the Embera tribe are also proud owners of their land. They accompany vacationers in their canoes on the Chagres River, which winds lazily through Panama’s deep jungle. Panama has many faces, and those who are good on their feet and do not suffer from shortness of breath are even drawn up to the picture-book volcano Baru.
Forests, clouds, water – these are the attributes of one of the most beautiful countries in the world – Norway. Norwegians are said to have a certain gratitude for their nature, if only because the gigantic fjords and mighty mountains of their homeland separate them from the rest of humanity. This is certainly a little exaggerated, because a large part of the five million inhabitants are cosmopolitan and meet travelers with great open-mindedness.
This is a country where the waterfalls shine almost magically, where the sea loses its excitement in the fjords and where almost all the cities are located on the coast. “Yes, we love this land that, gnawed by the sea and furrowed with a thousand homes, rises out of the floods”. With these words, a certain Björnstjerne Björnson wrote the lyrics of Norway’s national anthem. It is a declaration of love to a country where the magic of the North reveals itself in many aspects and in images that will never be forgotten.
View of Oslo, Image: Damien VERRIER / shutterstock
Norway is a destination in all seasons. The days of summer are long and usually blessed by a mild climate. The weeks of winter in Lofoten are clear and cold and convey a very special charm on the threshold of the Arctic. This is a large and quiet region that reaches up to the waters of the Arctic Ocean on the maps and is the epitome of vastness and nature in its original state. Someone once said that Norwegians are born with a backpack. And there is probably a little more than just a pinch of truth in it, because in hardly any other refuge on the old continent are there so many hikers between the romantic Oslo Fjord and the Nordic Hammerfest.
Historical places in Bergen, Image: Grisha Bruev / shutterstock
This is a rich country, because the people of Norway grabbed their luck with both hands when the oil fields were discovered off their coasts. Since then, a certain prosperity has set in in the Scandinavian model country. Which in turn means that traveling through Norway is not exactly cheap. And yet nature with all its gigantic facets is worth booking a holiday in Europe’s northernmost country. The hiker – but also the car driver – is enthusiastic about landscapes that could be the product of the third day of creation.
Almost all round trips through Norway start in the capital Oslo, and the fjord of the same name winds its way to the metropolis for exactly one hundred kilometers. If you stand at the railing of one of the large ships that plough through this slender sea passage, you get a taste of what awaits you inland. In the harbour of the capital there is a town hall that looks like a fortress to the arrivals and of which the holidaymakers probably only learn from the travel guide that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded there every year.
Oslo is dedicated to culture and Norwegian memory. Both are evident not only in Gustav Vigeland’s sculpture park, but above all on Museum Island on the periphery of the harbour, where Heyerdal’s raft Kon Tiki and Fridjof Nansen’s “Fram” can be admired. With it, the Norwegian drifted through the ice of the Arctic. And this as early as the end of the 19th century. Towering above it all is the legendary Holmenkollen, where the cradle of Nordic skiing stood and where the huge ski jump cannot be overlooked even from the ship.
Bergen with its local mountain Floyen presents itself as a good parlour of pop music and yet is first and foremost a port for fishermen. One of the most popular regions in the country is the Geirangerfjord, and anyone who has ever experienced the waterfall of the “Seven Sisters” will never forget this picture. The passengers on board a Hurtigruten ship humbly see the unique panorama from below. This is a visual highlight in this fascinating revue of the elements.
Travel information Norway
Capital
Oslo
Form of government
Hereditary Monarchy
constitutional monarchy with strong parliamentary features
