Tel Aviv is the cultural center and heartbeat of Israel and much more than a city. Tel Aviv is a feeling. A feeling that attracts more and more tourists every year. The Mediterranean city is known for its unparalleled nightlife, miles of beaches, laid-back residents, and the largest collection of Bauhaus buildings in the world. There are many reasons to travel to the LGBT-friendly start-up metropolis, especially in June.
Let’s start with one of the biggest and most colorful events of the year, which not only inspires the LGBT community. We are talking about the annual Gay Pride Parade, which is one of the biggest events of the year with up to 250,000 participants. Every year in June, during Pride Week, the whole city is decorated with rainbow flags, which are the symbol of the LGBT movement. The week is celebrated with numerous parties and events and the Pride parade on Fridays as the highlight. The colourful parade starts at lunchtime in the heart of the city and stretches along the seafront to Charles Clore Park, where it finally comes to the grand finale. What makes the Gay Pride parade in Tel Aviv so special and different from others is not least the fact that the event takes place in a country where state and religion are not separated, and Tel Aviv is still one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world, unparalleled in the Middle East.
The beaches
With its miles of sandy beaches and location on the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is the perfect place for sun worshippers and beach lovers who particularly appreciate warmer waters. Each of the beaches in Tel Aviv has its own character, which can be felt very well when walking along the promenade. There, especially in the summer months, you can see a lot from bathing beauties, fitness junkies, to yogis, musicians, surfers and dog owners. With such a wide range of beaches, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. Particularly worth mentioning is the dog beach “Alma Beach” or also called “Jaffa Beach”, which is located in the south of Tel Aviv and offers a beautiful view of the old port city of Yafo, which is now considered part of the city. What gives the hip beach its unique atmosphere is above all the mixed crowd. If you bathe here, you may be lucky enough to hear both the sound of church bells and the call to prayer from the nearby mosque in Yafo at the same time, making for an unforgettable experience.
The food
What makes Israeli cuisine special are the influences of many different countries and dishes that Jewish immigrants brought to the country, and thus contributed significantly to the diversity of this cuisine. Tourists and locals alike enjoy flavors from countries such as Yemen, Iraq, Morocco or Lebanon, which make Israel and its hip center Tel Aviv a culinary experience. Probably the most famous dishes in the country include hummus, falafel, shawarma and shakshuka, a delicious stir-fry dish with eggs, tomatoes, peppers and many spices, which is typically served for breakfast. If you want to enjoy these and many other delicacies, it is best to visit the markets and the many trendy restaurants in the city. The best place to go for foodies and the heart of the city is the “Carmel Market”, which is located in Kerem HaTeimanim, one of the most interesting culinary districts of the city. Fans of market halls and gourmet cuisine should definitely pay a visit to Sarona Market and the surrounding restaurants. Israel’s cuisine is not only tasty, varied and healthy, but also steeped in history and always worth a visit.
Nightlife
Tel Aviv is known for its nightlife, Image: Dmitry Pistrov /shutterstock
Tel Aviv is also known as the city that never sleeps and lives up to its name. The city is famous for its extensive nightlife, which can last until the early hours of the morning and beyond. Tel Aviv’s nightlife is electric, authentic, sexy, and extremely appealing. The best place to plunge into the wild nights of the city is the heart of the metropolis, the famous Rothschild Boulevard, as well as the adjacent Allenby Street. There are some of the best clubs, bars and restaurants in the city in the immediate vicinity, making the boulevard an unbeaten nightlife mile. A little further north, on King George, as well as the popular Dizengoffstraße, there are countless bars and restaurants that invite you to linger. In the south of the city there are several other techno clubs, including the probably hippest club “The Block”, which is known for its outstanding sound and is often compared to the “Berghain” in Berlin . Somewhat cheaper, but still hip, are the bars in the hipster district of Florentin. For those who like it a little more relaxed, the “Shuk Hapishpeshim” flea market in Yafo and the surrounding area is just the thing. Shuk, which translates to market, is home to some of the most charismatic and beautiful bars in the city, giving the former port city its special atmosphere.
The weather
Last but not least, the weather in Israel speaks for itself. Although summer in Tel Aviv peaks in July and August with maximum temperatures, warm weather can be expected almost all year round. In June, there are already extraordinarily hot temperatures, but this makes the month ideal for relaxing beach days and making Tel Aviv the perfect destination for summer enthusiasts.
When you think about your holiday, you usually dream of sunny beaches, dreamlike landscapes or snow-capped mountains. The gray tiles of a doctor’s office, on the other hand, are unlikely to come to mind. But even abroad, no one is immune to illness and injury – which can be quite expensive under certain circumstances.
This is because the statutory health insurance sometimes does not cover the complete treatment costs, even in countries of the European Union. The dream vacation can quickly turn into a financial disaster. Fortunately, however, no one has to do without long journeys. Because international health insurance ensures security even in faraway countries. So the holiday can be enjoyed carefree.
Basically, an international health insurance works exactly like its domestic counterpart: You pay a monthly contribution and the costs are covered in the event of illness. Abroad, however, there is another special feature: Especially in the case of serious injuries, a normal return journey to Germany may not be possible at times. In this case, the international health insurance also covers the return transport to Germany. Under certain circumstances, this can be considerable costs – for example, if a special aircraft with medical equipment is needed. For this reason alone, taking out supplementary insurance makes sense and is urgently advised.
Who needs special insurance for abroad?
In Germany, health insurance is generally compulsory. However, this does not apply to trips abroad. From a legal point of view, no one is forced to take out a corresponding policy. For the reasons mentioned above, however, it makes sense to take out a policy in most cases. Basically, the further away the trip is and the longer it takes, the more sensible it is to take out international health insurance. So if you only go to Switzerland for shopping, you can probably do without the additional protection. For air travel to distant developing and emerging countries, on the other hand, the situation is quite different.
Where can international health insurance be taken out?
The business also seems to be quite lucrative for the providers. At least the number of offers has continued to increase in recent years. For example, international health insurance is sometimes already included in credit card contracts or automobile clubs. In order to avoid unnecessary duplication, it is therefore advisable to take a closer look at the transcript of benefits. Often, international health insurance can also be booked for an additional fee. Alternatively, traditional health insurance companies also offer corresponding offers. This large number of providers can be a bit confusing for the customer at first. But it also ensures that prices remain affordable.
What do I have to pay attention to when taking out international health insurance?
Before taking out a new international health insurance, you should therefore compare the different offers and pay particular attention to the following points:
The price: Logically, who wants to pay an unnecessary amount of money?
The range of services: The costs for medical treatment and medication should be covered in any case. The same applies to the possibly necessary return flight to Germany.
The duration: Often the policies are only valid for a certain period of stay abroad. In this case, you must take out international health insurance that conforms to your own travel plans.
Pre-existing conditions: In some cases, there are special exclusion clauses for customers with chronic illnesses. It is imperative to read the fine print here to ensure that the insurance company actually covers the costs in an emergency. The same applies if you are already travelling abroad with an injury – such as a foot in plaster.
Additional services: Only when these three essential points have been clarified should it be looked at which additional offers the providers use to advertise for customers.
Does international health insurance cover all risks?
If you choose the right insurance, you can go on holiday with peace of mind: an injury or illness will not cause unbearable costs. However, even the best insurance cannot cover all risks. For example, self-employed people can suffer severe financial losses if they are absent for a longer period of time due to illness.
However, this risk must be additionally covered by both statutory health insurance in Germany and international health insurance. The same applies, for example, to certain special forms of treatment – such as homeopathy. As always, it is therefore advisable to determine in advance exactly which protection is required individually – and then to take out the appropriate insurance.
Conclusion: Health insurance abroad is important
Medical treatment abroad can quickly cost you your financial existence. For example, there are known cases in the United States in which patients were presented with bills in the high five-digit range after their stay in the emergency room. In the case of longer-lasting treatments, the costs can also quickly rise to even higher ranges. Because the statutory health insurance often does not cover this in full, an appropriate supplementary insurance should be taken out before every trip abroad. This does not prevent the stay in the hospital from possibly overshadowing the vacation a little. But at least it ensures that there is still enough money left over for further trips in the next few years.
Angaza Ecoventures is a small tour operator based in Western Kenya that organizes and operates individualized tours in Kenya and other parts of East Africa. The unique selling point of Angaza is its sustainable and social orientation: Managing director and activist Evarastus Obura pursues the goal of promoting biodiversity and the preservation of livelihoods in the regions he visits. Thus, the unforgettable experiences on a trip with Angaza are at the same time a benefit for local communities and ecosystems.
Image: Vivien Riener
When I came to Kenya for the first time in 2010, I had little more idea of Africa than the stereotypical images that “The Lion King” on the one hand and the posters of various aid organizations on the other hand had conveyed to me. As a recent high school graduate, I wanted to “see the world” and when an old school friend invited me to visit him in Kisumu on Lake Victoria during his year abroad with a volunteer service, I sensed the opportunity for an adventure – cut into digestible morsels. As it turned out, the right track. And at the same time much more than I could have imagined. Thanks to Evarastus.
Image: Vivien Riener
When Evarastus takes visitors like me to the shores of Lake Victoria to observe hammerhead birds and kingfisher species, he has a lot to tell and the enthusiasm shines from his eyes. As a teenager, Evarastus saw the reed belt and swampy zones around the lake shrink. Sediments washed in from the higher altitudes caused the peripheral zones to silt up – a consequence of unsustainable agriculture.
Another problem was introduced plant species such as the water hyacinth, which spread rapidly and disrupted and greatly altered the original ecosystem network. The habitat of diverse plant and animal species was about to disappear. But as an enthusiastic amateur ornithologist and with a great appreciation for the natural abundance of his homeland, Evarastus decided to become active. Together with five classmates, he started an action group for the care of the sensitive biotopes; a high-profile commitment that ultimately resulted in the protected status of the areas as Important Bird Area (IBA). As it turned out later, this was the cornerstone of Evarastu’s career as a social entrepreneur with an ecological mission.
Image: Vivien Riener
The success of his first nature conservation project was followed by many more years of commitment, during which he founded and implemented various eco-social projects in cooperation with organizations such as Birdlife International, Nature Kenya, even the UN or NABU Germany . Among other things, one of his projects was also a place of assignment for volunteers from Germany, who were taught ecological basics here – like my old school friend, through whom I came to Kenya for the first time.
Today, Evarastus is the director of Aganza Ecoventures, a social-ecological tourism company that aims to offer guests a unique and authentic travel experience by meeting criteria of sustainability and social sustainability. Evarastus
Image: Vivien Riener
Experience and passion for the environment and the strengthening of local communities can be experienced up close when you are on tour with him through Kenya or other parts of East Africa: whether cycling through Hell’s Gate National Park, hiking in the rarely visited Kajulu Hills, cooking together in Amboseli National Park or in unique accommodations with wild hippos in the back garden: Evarastus knows what he is doing and, above all, why. His life’s work is to support nature and people in his home country through his company.
Latest project of Evarastus is a program to promote global citizenship, also known as Global
Kenya Assemblies of God, at Imani Café Building Ring Road P.O. Box 9362-40141 Kisumu Evarastus Obura Email: evarastus@yahoo.com Tel & WhatsApp: +254 723 412 576
Citizenship. It is primarily intended to promote exchange between young people in Kenya and other places in the world in order to demystify misconceptions and stereotypes about cultures, lifestyles and perceptions. Evarastus was inspired by his own experiences on international educational trips and clichéd ideas of the “West” in his own country – and in dealing with naïve visitors like me.
Through my journey with Evarastus, I learned that in a country like Kenya, which as part of the Global South is structurally disadvantaged by global trade and power politics, there is a need for doers like him. When people like me from the Global North use our capital and powerful passports to “see the world,” it matters who shows it to us so that we can come home with a richer and more complex picture. At least richer and more complex than cartoons and billboards can convey to us.
Everyone knows the film “Home Alone”, in which the family goes on vacation and forgets his son at home. I don’t want to keep it so dramatic, so I’ve listed a few things that I have already forgotten personally or that like to stay at home in the heat of the moment.
At the top of my list is a small tool set. You can use it on every camping holiday.
Image: robert paul van beets / shutterstock
What I can’t do without on vacation is my coffee machine. I almost don’t dare to say it, but honestly: We even take our fully automatic coffee machine with us. I’m on vacation, why should I do without good coffee?
I’m also a big fan of the awning floor. This is a carpet made of synthetic fibres that you spread out in front of the motorhome. For example, if you stand on gravel, you can still walk barefoot out of the motorhome without stepping into anything. You should also think about a broom or even a handheld vacuum cleaner for the interior. Patchwork quilts always find their way into our motorhomes. Whether as a small doormat or just to protect the ground in the motorhome.
The motorhomes and caravans all have mosquito screens, but if a creature does get lost, you are well served with a fly swatter .
Especially when you are on a beach holiday, you often have the problem: Where to put the wet towels and bathing suits? If you have a simple clothesline and clothespins with you at that moment, it’s ideal. Simply stretch it between two trees and this problem is solved, and the things dry much better.
What used to be common practice on camping holidays still makes sense today: a flashlight. Be it for going to the toilet in the evening or to check something on the motorhome in the dark.
Think about your camera to capture all the holiday moments. Smartphones now take very good pictures, but nothing beats the quality of a camera.
Many campsites now have Wi-Fi, so you can also pack a tablet or laptop .
And to make sure that all the electrical appliances mentioned work, please be sure to think about all chargers for them!
You spend a lot of time in the great outdoors when camping, which is why we love it. However, there are other creatures as well. That’s why mosquito repellent in the form of mosquito candles or sprays ́ is also indispensable. It doesn’t matter whether you sit comfortably outside in the evening or are hiking during the day. Just like sun protection such as hats, caps or sunscreen.
Since we are already in the protection category, one more thing: spray disinfection. An absolute insider at this point: “The Toilet Bag” – A cotton bag with Sagrotan, toilet paper (is sometimes made of … very impractical at that moment) and possibly paper seat pads from the drugstore.
In addition, you must not forget the cable drum to attach to the power box. And please think about the power adapters.
A personal tip from me: I always have twodishwashing bowls with me. Sounds strange? In one bowl there is dishwater, in which I wash off. I use the other bowl to put down the clean, washed dishes. This saves me a mess at the dishwashing station and I don’t have to pick up each part several times.
The motorhome offers the advantage of getting from one place to another quickly, Image: Andrey Armyagov / shutterstock
Last but not least, there are some “nice-to-have ́s”. First of all, a grill, we have a so-called safari chef here, who offers you many different applications. Or an awning lamp to fold. Looks like a folded plastic bowl and can be unfolded when needed. Due to the small format, it takes up little space, which pleases the camper’s heart.
But the most important thing to know: At most campsites there are shops where you can buy the most important utensils.
With my personal tips at hand, your next camping holiday can start right away. I wish you a lot of fun and always a good trip!
Hamburg, Berlin and Bremen are Germany’s city-states. All of them are federal state and municipality at the same time, with Bremen having another special position: Bremerhaven, which is about 60 kilometres away and surrounded by the state of Lower Saxony, also belongs to the Hanseatic city on the Weser. The exclave has a good 117,000 inhabitants, making it the only major city on the German North Sea coast.
Strictly speaking, however, the North Sea only begins north of the city area, but this is hardly noticeable in view of the width that the Weser estuary has at Bremerhaven. The eye perceives it – in the truest sense of the word – as a flowing transition.
Bremerhaven – With a structural change from the past to the future
Thiele’s Garden, Image: Emma Sauer
For a long time, the city, which is just under 200 years old and whose history is the focus of the Historical Museum on the banks of the Geeste, was a stronghold of fishing and shipbuilding. However, the cod wars in the 1970s and the shipyard crisis that began a little later forced the development of new economic mainstays:
Since then, favored by the settlement of the Alfred Wegener Institute and other institutions, there has been an increased focus on research, car handling, the offshore wind and food industry and, last but not least, tourism.
Over 450,800 hotel overnight stays were booked last year by visitors to Bremerhaven who spent an average of two days in the city. Raymond Kiesbye, Managing Director of Erlebnis Bremerhaven GmbH, puts the volume at “a total of more than 1.81 million guests”. On the other hand, the museums and tourist facilities of Seestadt were not able to enjoy a plus: their balance sheet closed with a slight minus.
Attractions in Bremerhaven’s city centre
The Emigration Center, Image: Emma Sauer
The Emigration House, which was created with the development of the inner city area of Havenwelten, and the Climate House are still high in the favor of interest.
In the former, you can relive the stories of German emigrants who once set off for a new life in the USA by ship at Bremerhaven’s Columbus Quay. Since 2012, the multi-award-winning museum has also focused on immigration to Germany. Only a few steps away, the futuristic-looking Klimahaus opened in June 2009.
On a good 18,800 square meters, visitors can go on a virtual trip around the world along the 8th degree of eastern longitude to be confronted with climatic phenomena and the effects of climate change at the various stations.
Also just a stone’s throw away, the Zoo by the Sea and the Maritime Museum, two other and much more renowned attractions of the seaside city can be explored. However, less time can currently be allowed for the latter, because the main building, which was put into operation over 40 years ago, will be renovated and redesigned by 2021.
Until then, only the Kogge Hall as well as the outdoor area and the museum ships in the Old Harbour can be visited. Even older is the one opened in 1928 as an animal grotto, located at the foot of the Loschen lighthouse Zoo by the sea. Since its last renovation between 2000 and 2004, the facility has been completely redesigned, and the almost 300 mostly Nordic and aquatic animals – including polar bears, seals and penguins – are presented in attractive, near-natural enclosures.
The Sail City observation deck, Image: Emma Sauer
A permanent fixture in the programme of every visitor to Bremerhaven is the Weser. With long benches and flood steps, it invites you to take a look at the ships. If you want to experience Bremerhaven and its surroundings from the air, you can take an elevator directly behind the dike to the 86-metre-high, all-round glazed viewing platform of the Sail City Hotel.
Another nine meters higher is a second platform, which is open to the wind and can be reached via a staircase. From here, the 114-metre radar tower also seems close enough to touch, with its weather-protected, barrier-free viewing platform at a height of 66 metres.
Thinking outside the box
The radar tower in Bremerhaven, Image: Emma Sauer
There is a distance of a good 15 kilometres between Wulsdorf in the south and Weddewarden in the north of Bremerhaven. The topography really doesn’t make it easy for visitors to leave the relevant paths and explore districts outside the centre. But it is also worth getting to know sides of Bremerhaven that existed long before flourishing tourism in the city.
Thiele’s garden in the Leherheide district is one of these places: On about 20,000 square meters, the Thiele family of artists created a sculpture garden that is as impressive as it is bizarre, which has also been open to the public since 1990 and has made a name for itself as a cultural event venue. Lehe’s district of Speckenbüttel is also recommended for a detour: The park of the same name is one of the green lungs of the seaside city, and a visit to the open-air museum with its geest farm and marsh house can provide insights into rural life in past decades.
The open-air museum with geest farm, picture: Emma Sauer
Further south, in the Geestemünde district, greenery also invites you to take a walk: Directly behind the main station is the entrance to the 64-hectare Bürgerpark with meadows and forests, the boat pond and landscaped gardens.
Here you will also encounter the oldest sculpture by Hein Mück, the Bremerhaven symbolic figure, who became famous from 1930 onwards through the hit song “Hein Mück aus Bremerhaven”, which was made popular not least by Lale Andersen, who was born in Bremerhaven-Lehe. Another attraction in the district is the weekly market on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz: Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, up to 70 traders offer their goods for sale at the largest market in the state of Bremen.
Fish and Ships
The 64-hectare Bürgerpark, Image: Emma Sauer
As befits a port city, thick pots can of course also be admired at close range in the fishing port: several times a day, the MS Dorsch departs for one-hour harbor tours . But the majority of people visit the fishing port because of its promenade with many quaint to chic fish restaurants and maritime shops.
If you need some food for your brain after eating and shopping, we recommend the Phänomenta experimental exhibition , whose secrets from science and technology amaze young and old.
The container terminal, Image: Emma Sauer
The ships in the overseas port with the three basins of the Kaiserhafen, the Columbus quay and the container terminal are even larger. At over 4.5 kilometres, the latter is the longest river quay in the world. Superlatives – admittedly not in comparison with Hamburg and Rostock – the Columbus Cruise Center also contributes to Bremerhaven’s image: 111 cruise ship calls were registered here last year.
The best view of the fascinating hustle and bustle at the terminals, shipyards and locks is from the 15-metre-high container observation tower, but the closest you can get to the ships is on one of the one-hour harbour tours that start in the New Harbour. Alternatively, the HafenBus takes you right into the centre of the action.
Sail 2020
Sail 2020, Image: Emma Sauer
A major event, the likes of which only takes place every five years in Bremerhaven, awaits visitors to Seestadt 2020. More than 250 windjammers – led by the barque “Alexander von Humboldt II” – as well as large and small ships from over 20 nations will fill the ports at Sail 2020 from 19 to 23 August. More than 1.2 million guests did not want to miss the last edition of the festival days.
Mallorca – the pearl of the Balearic Islands is one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean climate, the diverse landscape, the hospitality of the inhabitants and, last but not least, the very good infrastructure are just some of the reasons why this sunny island has been one of the top travel destinations in Europe for decades.
However, the island has also made a good reputation among pensioners and pensioners. After a busy life, the omnipresent stress of everyday life and suboptimal climatic conditions, many have moved their retirement home to the Balearic island. In addition to the particularly relaxed, positive and unagitated lifestyle, Mallorca also offers an optimally developed network of social facilities and meeting places for Germans due to the high number of emigrants. This means that there is always a piece of home with them, which makes the new start on site less complicated and making friendships easier.
Living in Mallorca in old age – what are the advantages?
Many people dream of living in the south, but only a few actually dare to take this step. Especially after the end of their professional career and retirement, many people ask themselves the question: What still keeps me here and where could I enjoy my well-deserved retirement with a higher quality of life?
Mallorca is ideal as an emigration destination due to its mild climate all year round, among other things. While it can get moderately hot in summer, but the location in the sea rarely causes unpleasant heat, the island also convinces with its warm winters. The climate not only has a positive effect on the mind, but is also good for the body. Especially the small aches and pains of old age, but also one or the other serious illness, have already been greatly alleviated by moving to the Mediterranean climate zone.
Well-developed flight connections, which often connect the island several times a day with all major airports in the German-speaking world, ensure ideal accessibility. This makes it easy to organise personal contact with family at home – as well as visiting friends in Mallorca.
The financial side – How much does it cost to live in Mallorca?
The offer on the real estate market is large: From small city apartments to villas with pool and dream views, practically every wish can be fulfilled. A renowned provider with an extensive range of products is mallorcaresidencia.com. Real estate prices are at a Central European level. Financially, a German pension in Spain is a good way to make ends meet, as the income level is low even on the island of Mallorca, which is very “rich” by Spanish standards. Nevertheless, it is important and always recommended to keep a financial cushion for emergencies. Especially in the case of unforeseeable illnesses or need for care, the “nest egg” should be sufficient for the return trip to Germany in any case.
How does the perfect new start begin?
It is nice if you were able to learn a little Spanish before the move. This not only makes it easier to establish contacts in the neighbourhood, but also reduces the language barrier in everyday life, for example in the supermarket or with authorities.
Today, however, around 35,000 residents (foreigners with residence) live in Mallorca, a large proportion of whom come from German-speaking countries. German-speaking doctors, pharmacists or service providers can be found throughout the island. Products from Central Europe are also readily available in grocery stores, so culinary homesickness rarely arises.
From a legal point of view, moving to Spain is hassle-free. Thanks to the EU’s freedom of movement, residence can be chosen freely. The recipients also receive their pension abroad without any problems, while health and long-term care insurance continues in Spain . However, there are some hurdles: In addition to buying or renting a property, Spanish tax laws are sometimes a challenge. But even the biggest problem is only half as big when it is compensated by the breathtaking landscape, the view of the blue sea and the golden sandy beach almost on the doorstep.
A few weeks ago, we reported on the necessary protection of orangutans and Benni Over’s commitment. Yesterday he published a moving video on his YouTube channel.
Filzmoos’ legend begins with the sound of a bell. When they searched for the origin of the sound, two shepherds found a carved statue of Jesus as a child, dressed in magnificent robes, standing on a tree stump. In his hands the figure held a globe and a bell. It stood there in the middle of nowhere on a tree stump and had raised its bell-bearing hand in blessing.
Painting of the Filzmoos Christkindl in the original chapel in Filzmoos, picture: Thorben Sanz Karl
The shepherds brought the sculpture to a church in nearby Altenmarkt. Overnight, however, the sculpture disappeared again. It was found again at its previous position, on the tree stump. The baby Jesus was then taken to St. Peter’s Church in Vienna , where he stayed.
At the place where it was found and to which it had returned, the Filzmoos original chapel stands today. A small building in which a painting of the baby Jesus can be seen. The figure can be admired in the Filzmoos pilgrimage church.
In Filzmoos, Austria , there are several downhill runs. Visible from Filzmoos are the Großberg, the Papageno and the Bögrain. It is important to know that ski slopes are usually divided into colours depending on the level of difficulty and marked with signs. Blue stands for easy, red for medium and black for hard.
The Bögrain Slope, Image: Thorben Sanz Karl
The Bögrain is a comparatively flat slope classified as blue with a drag lift and perfect for practicing skiing as a beginner. By the way, from here you can also ski comfortably to the Papageno valley station and save yourself a walk in ski boots.
Then there is the descent on the Großberg. From the mountain station of the Großbergbahn, which is a four-seater chairlift, there are several ways down. There are blue routes here, some of which are a bit more demanding than the Bögrain Slope, but also a few red sections. For a few years now, there has also been the “Michaela Kirchgasser FIS course”, named after the local Michaela Kirchgasser, who won World Cups in slalom and giant slalom, among other things. FIS stands for Fédération Internationale de Ski and is the International Ski Federation. This FIS course is classified as black and requires a lot of skill and skill to get elegantly from the beginning to the end of the section. The last slope of the Großberg may seem steep, but it is classified as blue. If you want it to be as flat as possible here, you should stick to the right side of the slope. It is less steep than the left side.
Once you have descended the Großberg a bit, you can find a connecting route that takes you to the Mooslehen lift, and a T-bar lift that takes you back to the Großberg. The Mooslehen slope has both blue and red sections and offers a pleasant change from the Großberg. From the Mooslehen, however, you can still get to the Schwaigalm lift, and the Schwaigalm, and the red slope of the Geierberg by means of a blue slope. Both are T-bar lifts and the Schwaigalm lift also takes you back to the Mooslehen.
Near the village square of Filzmoos is the Papageno Bahn, a cable car that takes you to the Papageno, which is classified as red, and to the Schörgi Alm. As the red suggests, the descent is a bit more demanding and, above all, takes a little more time. From the final slope of the slope you also come back to the Bögrain.
Skiing for young and old in Filzmoos
Ilona Schörghofer in front of her Filzmoos ski school, Picture: Thorben Sanz Karl
If you want to learn to ski or snowboard, there is a surprisingly large selection of ski schools in Filzmoos for a rather small town. Three, to be exact. The Exklusiv Ski & Snowboard School, the Bögei Ski School and the Filzmoos Ski School, which also includes the Filzmoos Snowboard Academy.
You might think that so many companies with the same concept in such a small space are a bit many. Ilona Schörghofer, head of the Filzmoos ski school, thinks it’s nice that guests in Filzmoos have the opportunity to choose. And there are undoubtedly enough guests in the high season to make it worthwhile for everyone.
Food turns an excursion into a holiday
When you come back from skiing and hiking, you need exactly one. Delicious food!
Good food can be found everywhere in Filzmoos. But finding the best treats in the town’s well-stocked menus requires a certain amount of luck and skill.
In the heart of Filzmoos, there is already a lot of delicious food right on the village square. The Pizzeria Pinocchio reliably supplies you with delicious stone-oven pizza. Whether you go to the restaurant or order for a cozy evening in the accommodation of your choice.
The star hotel Hanneshof also delights you with star-worthy food. And also with atmosphere. The pine parlour in the house is a nice place to have a meal. The room exudes a friendly and inviting fireplace atmosphere, with the light wood paneling, the decorations and the impressive stuffed animals and antlers displayed on one of the walls. However, if you want to dine in the Zirbenstube, it is advisable to reserve a table, as the popular seats are quickly all occupied. Particularly worthwhile here are the changing dinner menus, as they never disappoint, or the Hong Kong plate, which seems even more exotic between the local food. And for celebrating and enjoying, the Hanneshofplatte is ideal for 2 people or more, a combination of different types of meat and vegetables and several side dishes.
In the house of the Hanneshof there is a butcher who partially supplies the Hanneshof. But you can also pre-order a grilled chicken from him yourself, for example.
The Bischofsmütze restaurant offers extremely fresh fish, in front of the restaurant you can still look at the trout in the aquarium, and good meat. And fantastic garlic bread, if you like it. This is available, for example, with the spare ribs, from which everyone is now really full, because the portion is impressive.
The Hotel Hubertus, Image: Thorben Sanz Karl
The Hubertus serves dishes by Michelin-starred chef Johanna Maier. This sets expectations high, but it is safe to say that these expectations will be exceeded. However, the kitchen is exclusive for house guests and only available for others on special request.
And then there is the Fiakerwirt, whose grounds are not only teeming with cuddly rabbits and where you can also rent a nice carriage ride, but also serve you a Wiener Schnitzel the size of a plate.
And that was only the town centre. If you search a little further, you will quickly find La Vie, where you will be cooked by Ivan, who has been cooking in Filzmoos for years before moving into this kitchen and who has internalized his recipes so much that every time I eat with him, they taste better than the nostalgic thought of them. La Vie offers a wide range of dishes. On special occasions I can recommend the Tatar hat. This is a cast-iron hat with a brim, which is equipped with small hooks on which you can hang meat. The brim is filled with vegetables and broth and is ideal for tipping bread. There are also various sauces, of which I can’t determine the best one, as they are all delicious. If you want to try the Tatar hat, however, you have to order it in advance.
Then there is the Pilzstub’n restaurant, which shines with home cooking. Here I can especially recommend the vegetarian options. Both the mushroom risotto and the baked camembert are my go-to dishes here.
Of course, the feasting does not stop in the valley. The surrounding mountains are home to a number of alpine pastures. There is the Oberhofalm, which is easiest to reach by taxi or carriage from the Fiakerwirt, and the Unterhofalm, which is located slightly above the Oberhofalm in terms of altitude. However, the farms to which the two alpine pastures belong are again arranged the right way around. The alpine pastures are idyllically located a little deeper in the mountains by a small lake. In summer, you can walk well through nature and cow pastures on the landscaped paths. At Christmas time, there is the Christmas idyll here. A tour with small attractions. The alpine pastures are homely and persuade you to come back with delicious local dishes.
If you like to let your gaze wander over the mountains and the horizon, while enjoying a refreshing elderflower spritzer or a hot chocolate, the terrace of the Schörgi Alm at the Papageno gondola lift is the place where you want to be. And if it suits you, you can also upgrade your view with a hearty Brettljausen, i.e. delicious local breads with various cold cuts, or a Kaiserschmarren with apple sauce.
Then there is the Kleinbergalm at the Großbergbahn. The Filzmooser and their naming. The alpine pasture also has a beautiful sun terrace with a good view and also very tasty yeast dumplings, which you should have tried. But don’t underestimate the portion, this “dessert” makes you as full as a whole 2-course menu!
And if you are ever a guest at Gasthaus Wurzer, try one of the milkshakes!
Small place, big people
Mrs. Brigitte Habersatter-Totschnig with her Olympic medal and her grandchildren holding two of her World Cup trophies. Image: Thorben Sanz Karl
The name Schörghofer can be found a little more often in Filzmoos. Opposite the Großberg there is the Aparthotel Schörghofer, they own the Filzmoos ski school, the Schörgi Alm is run by the Schörghofers and then there is Philipp Schörghofer. He won the Alpine Ski World Cup in the giant slalom and two FIS World Ski Championships in the team competition with gold.
Another well-known name in Filzmoos is Michaela Kirchgasser, after whom even a separate section of the route in Filzmoos was named. Kirchgasser, also known as “Kirchi”, won three World Cup gold medals in slalom and giant slalom.
And because two world-class skiers are not enough, Brigitte Habersatter-Totschnig still lives in Filzmoos. Mrs. Habersatter-Totschnig won the Olympic silver medal in the downhill category in Innsbruck in 1976. In addition, she has won the Ski World Cup with gold a total of eight times! Seven times in the downhill and once in the giant slalom.
Despite the international fame, she would never have dreamed of moving away from Filzmoos, as she told me in the interview. Instead, during the last season of her career, she built a hotel and restaurant in Filzmoos with her husband, which was appropriately christened Olympia , and ran it for almost 39 years after ending her career until 2017 before selling it. Nowadays you can still spend the night there, but the restaurant has been converted into a café and a bed and breakfast for guests.
“For me, Filzmoos is the most beautiful alpine village in the world,” Mrs. Habersatter told me. She tells us how you can go on beautiful hikes in the surrounding mountains in summer and how you can ski just as you want in winter. “Filzmoos is not so crowded in winter. You can drive the way you want and you don’t have to take care of the other people as you do in other villages.”
In general, everyone I asked had something good to say about Filzmoos. Ilona Schörghofer loves to walk through “my our town” and thinks it’s nice that the centre of Filzmoos has been preserved over all the time that Filzmoos has existed.
Every year again – Advent season in Filzmoos
Santa Claus at the Filzmoos village square, Picture: Thorben Sanz Karl
On Christmas Eve in the late afternoon every year, you can gather at the Filzmoos village square. Santa Claus comes there with the Christ Child and a few angels. The spectacle is especially nice for children, because after Santa Claus has read a story, they also get something sweet from the angels. While waiting for Santa Claus, you can get a mulled wine or a children’s punch and a fruit loaf. In addition, sparklers are distributed, which are lit when Santa Claus comes to the village square in his sleigh.
A popular, recurring tradition is the Perchtenlauf, which has been held annually in Filzmoos for over thirty years now. Perchten are creepy-looking figures that resemble the Krampus very much, but they have a few more horns. Despite their unfriendly appearance, the myth of the Perchten is a good-natured one. Perchten gather with large bells and march noisily through places to drive away the evil spirits and winter.
Hexe am
31. Filzmooser Perchtenlauf, Bild: Thorben Sanz Karl
Pertechenlauf, Bild: Thorben Sanz Karl
Perchten runners gather in clubs to maintain this very old custom. Some with masks and costumes that are more than a hundred years old. When I asked some Perchten why they take part in the runs, they told me, on the one hand to keep the tradition alive and on the other hand also because of the community. The clubs are a colourful mix of old and young. I talked to people over fifty, but also to an eleven-year-old girl who was enthusiastic about the production of the costumes. A chairwoman, i.e. an association leader, told me: “My grandparents were Perchten, my parents were Perchten and I and my husband are also Perchten. I’ve been doing this for 17 years, since I was 14, and I took over the management after my father. I couldn’t imagine not running as a Perchte. It’s just too good a time for all of us.”
Every New Year’s Eve, the Filzmoos ski schools organize a torch relay in which the ski and snowboard instructors ski down the final slope of the Papageno with torches. They put the number of the New Year in torches in the snow. It is definitely beautiful to see how up on the mountainside the year burns and announces the beginning of the new year. After that, there is always a speech by the ski school directors. If you’re lucky, you can get hold of one of the ski instructors’ torches and use it later to light your New Year’s Eve firecrackers.
In Malay, orangutan means “forest man” – an apt name for the orange shaggy fur animals of Indonesia. Hardly any animal is as similar to us as the clever apes. They are the thinkers of the jungle and the largest animals living on trees. They use self-made tools, they kiss each other and they lovingly take care of their offspring. And: They are extremely threatened!
Due to a dramatic development, an overwhelming project was created: Many responsible people, Benni Over, probably the best friend of the forest people, and “Henry saves the rainforest” give hope and appeal to human reason.
If the rainforest dies, then the orangutan dies too!
In the wild, orangutans live worldwide only on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo. In recent years, countless palm oil plantations have sprung up on the islands. The animals are robbed of their habitat. The bitter result: orangutans are endangered and threatened with extinction. The orangutans play an important role in the rainforest. Based on their food selection and subsequent excretion, they ensure the continued existence of healthy forests. These forests produce the oxygen that the world so desperately needs in times of climate change. Due to the destruction of the rainforest, the great apes are displaced and banished. They often starve to death in search of food. About 54,000 animals are highly endangered in Borneo .
An unforgettable encounter
Great apes are intelligent, that is no longer a secret. Researchers have found that when orangutans are not painting pictures, they practice speaking or imitate human sounds.
There are countless wonderful experiences with the red shaggy animals. It is a privilege to observe the animals at close range. For a brief moment – very close to an orangutan: a massive patriarch snuggles up to a tree trunk as if it were his sofa. Next to it, the teenager sits, emphatically bored, his head resting on his arm. However, he guards his surroundings from his branch with alert eyes. Meanwhile, a friend of the teenager makes himself big and sticks out his chest. Clever: He lingers in this posture until the guides give him a piece of melon. Not far away, the little orangutan child with fluffy hair steals his mother’s banana and catches one for this impudence. Each of these animals has its own personality. A look into the deep brown eyes looks incredibly familiar. In a world without bars and fences, in great peace, humans and animals obviously feel a deep connection. A fleeting touch feels like a small miracle. Orangutans are simply human.
On the one hand, this wonderful encounter, on the other hand, the dramatic development: the habitat of the great apes is becoming increasingly narrow. Many animals have already fallen victim to the saw or fire. This is also worrying: Orangutans are strictly protected in Borneo. Nevertheless, they often sit in cramped cages, frightened and imprisoned – trapped by poachers. It is a sad sight that often presents itself to the police and gamekeepers. Irresponsible people offer the great apes for sale for the equivalent of 250 euros.
It’s time – time for a change!
One-year-old Mona on Bennis’ lap, picture: Klaus Over
It is very important to me to report on Benni Over and his great orangutan project at this point. His mission is enlightenment!
Benni Over from Rhineland-Palatinate is probably the best friend of our red brothers in Indonesia“>Indonesia.
And then there is “Henry”, the little orangutan, who has bad nightmares. Depressing experiences become present in his dreams. Desperately, Henry searches for his mother and finally finds her motionless on the floor. ‘When he wakes up, his surrogate mother, Mary, gently strokes his head. Mary accompanies orphaned apes in a camp. It is difficult for her to answer Henry’s recurring question: “Why are our moms killed”?
Benni is curiously sniffed by orangutan cub Boy, Picture: Klaus Over
Henry is the little orangutan, invented by Benni Over, probably the person with the biggest heart for the red-haired forest people. On 34 colourfully designed pages, his character (Henry) goes through many stations that make you sad, make you think and at the same time make you concerned. Readers follow this journey with excitement. Henry can’t believe it: people are cutting down the rainforest to create palm oil plantations. He learns that many animals have been deprived of their dwelling, that they are simply killed or kept as pets. The habitat of the lovable animals is visibly dwindling. It’s time to do something. Finally, Henry meets the Pope, the German Chancellor, the President of the USA and, last but not least, the Dalai Lama. The most famous people in the world occupy an important place in the project.
The picture book “Henry saves the rainforest” can be obtained from Papierfresserchens MTM-Verlag, bookstores or Amazon, ISBN: 978-3-86196-673-9
The motto on the back of the book cover is: “A movement must get going”. For someone who has only been able to move his fingers for several years, this is not an easy thing. Benni Over, now 28, suffers from muscle atrophy (DMD) and has been in a wheelchair since he was 10 years old. He also suffered a cardiac arrest in December 2016. After a life-saving tracheotomy, he is mainly ventilated by a machine. Despite his limited resources and handicaps, he is committed to the red-haired forest people with all his strength. He was named “Ambassador for Orangutans” by the local organizations. He is always accompanied by his father, who supports the project extensively and also with great passion.
This is particularly close to Benni Over’s heart
The fact that the extraction of palm oil kills life is based on our culinary delights. Living creatures lose their homes – orangutans die. The fatal thing is that the demand for palm oil is increasing.
Benni Over sends an appeal to people and hopes for a rethink in consumer behavior. When buying, you should pay attention to what is in the food. The consumer has the power to shape supply through demand.
Christina Schott – In a Wheelchair to the Orangutans can be obtained from the publisher, bookstore or Amazon, ISBN: 978-3-86196-760-6
The adventure takes its course. Despite his illness, Benni Over is touring Germany. He is a popular guest at the schools. The arc of suspense rises when he reports in kindergartens and public institutions about the palm oil industry, the rainforest and, above all, about the life of orangutans. It is his mission and he pursues it with admirable strength. Benni Over receives literary support from the German journalist, Christina Schott, who lives in Indonesia>Indonesia . With her travel and non-fiction book “Im Rollstuhl zu den Oran-Utans” (In a wheelchair to the orangutans), she addresses young people, parents and teachers.
It should be the concern of all of us to support Benni Over’s project.
For many young parents, the question arises from the age of two or three at the latest whether it is already time to take a first trip together with the child. Many are afraid of stress or lack of relaxation on holiday together with the toddler. There are many ways to make a holiday with a baby a great memory.
The birth of a child is a life-changing event and especially in the first two or three years, many parents usually refrain from taking long trips with the toddler.
At some point, however, the distance calls again, the desire for beach and sun, shared relaxation and, above all, shared memories with the child. However, young parents are often reluctant to embark on such an adventure. They are afraid of stress outside their usual four walls and German infrastructure. Many travel providers have now adapted to these needs. They offer specialized trips and thus allow parents a mixture of short vacation with children and one or two private moments.
The destination as a critical point in planning a holiday with a baby
The travel destination with baby
In many cases, choosing the right region is probably the most critical point in planning a holiday with small children. Not every area is suitable and not every region has the necessary infrastructure to give young families a great holiday. In addition, it is important to think about what the activities should be. For example, it may not be advisable to go on a hiking holiday or a city tour in the first few years. On the other hand, parents should not make the mistake of focusing their vacation entirely on the child. After all, adults also want fun and relaxation – often together with the child, but some hours all to themselves.
There are many destinations that can meet the needs of both sides. It is important to have a realistic assessment of your own child’s abilities. Holidays with babies should be fun and not a stressful affair. To guarantee this, it is also a good idea to pay attention to a suitable hotel. It is precisely here that providers have positioned themselves well in recent years.
The children’s hotel as an experience for children and parents
While there are of course hotels where small children are not welcome, on the other hand there are providers who specialize entirely in the well-being of small children. So-called family hotels offer the necessary infrastructure and staff to cope with the needs of all travelers. The advantages of such a hotel are obvious:
Child-friendly approach and many other families who have traveled on vacation with a similar premise.
Special equipment that is completely geared towards the child. This includes appropriate beds, but also the chair for the dining room and, in case of doubt, painting materials for the long dinners.
Childcare services at fixed times. These are different from the Bambino clubs of normal hotels. Professionals can also take over the child for a few hours, as in an after-school care centre or a daycare centre.
Special excursion and wellness offers for parents, which are optimally coordinated with the care for the child and thus allow a few hours without children.
Family hotels are therefore the right choice for a holiday with a baby. They not only bring the necessary equipment and staff, but also the atmosphere you need on a holiday with a small child.
Corresponding offers can now be found in most popular regions. From mountain hotels or ski hotels with a family-friendly atmosphere to children’s hotels on the beaches of Turkey or Spain. So parents also have the opportunity from time to time to break away from their role and treat themselves to a few hours all to themselves. This is good for the child and good for the parents, who of course also need a little rest from time to time.
Holidays with babies – Plan your trip in an organised and structured way
In the end, the success of a holiday with a toddler always depends on the organisation. This includes not only the right regions and the right hotel. The trip itself is also to be planned. These include, for example , appropriate vaccinations. A visit to the pediatrician before the trip is worthwhile, as is a well-stocked first-aid kit for all eventualities. Activities for the hours in the car or plane should be packed and especially when traveling by car, appropriate breaks should be planned. Although it is usually the case that young children in particular sleep through a large part of a long journey anyway, in the end you want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
In addition, early planning is of course worthwhile. By means of comparisons on the Internet and simple bookings, it is not only possible for the holiday to be well organised. Booking in time can also save a lot of money. The savings are then perfect for spending at the holiday destination together with the child.
