Located in Turkey Istanbul is the second largest city in the world with a population of 13.9 million. History: Istanbul is strategically located along the Silk Road and the only sea route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Language: Turkish, not "gobble gobble" Try these on for size: Hello - Merhaba! (MARE-HA-BA) Do you speak English? - İngilizce konuşur musunuz? (INN-GLIZ-JE CON-NUSH-OR MUS-UN-UZ) How much does it cost? - Ne kadar? (NAY KAD-AR) Fun Facts: It is a transcontinental city stretching over both Europe and Asia. It has also served as the capital of four empires - Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman To Do: Go underground and walk the fascinating ancient 6th century water-storage system with its tunnels and tanks. Look out for the statue of Medusa hidden in a corner. Be dazzled by a tour of the Blue Mosque. Inside it there are 260 stained glass windows and around 20,000 shimmering blue-green tiles. Find it on Sultanahmet Square. Look up at the golden tiles lining the dome of the ancient cathedral, Aya Sofia. It was built back in AD 537 in the days when the city was called Constantinople. It was later turned into a mosque but is now a museum. Relax in the steamy surroundings of a traditional Turkish bath.The Cemberlitas Baths is one of the oldest, dating back to the 1500s. Go bargain hunting at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 5,000 shops spreading over 60 streets. Smell the spices and leather goods. | Tips and Tricks: Istanbul's travel card, sold at newsstands, can be used on trams, the metro, buses and ferries. Use it on a ferry across the mile-wide Bosphorus, which separates Asia from Europe. It gives some of the finest city views in the world. Food Forum: Simit - Simit is commonly eaten at breakfast and is also one of Turks' most beloved snacks, often accompanied by a strong glass of traditional Turkish tea. Mezes - No visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to a meyhane, or taverna, to sample mezes. The tapas-style small plates, which come in both warm and cold varieties, are a product of the city's cultural melting pot. Among the most popular mezes are those made with the ubiquitous eggplant, which is served fried, smoked, stuffed, and just about every other way it can be cooked. Hamsi - Anchovies caught along the country's Black Sea coast (technically known as the European anchovy) are among the most well-loved types of seafood served on Istanbul tables. Tavuk Gogsu - The name of Turkey's most unusual sweet means "chicken breast," famous for that unusual (for a dessert item) ingredient. Boiled, finely shredded chicken breast is used as a thickening agent in the pudding. Served plain or with a dusting of cinnamon on top. Does not taste like chicken! |
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Language: German Fun Facts: Cologne has its own beer, known as Kolsch. It’s a pale, straw-coloured beer that is said to be refreshing and sweeter than other German beers Alos, Cologne was one of the most heavily bombed cities in Germany during WWII. The bombing reduced the population by 95% and destroyed almost the entire city. The rebuilding creates a very mixed and unique cityscape, with its founding in 50 AD and its near destruction during WWII. Things to do:
Cruise the Rhine: Day cruises, dinner cruises, or nightly party cruises are available to see cologne by boat and experience the famous Rhine river! Cologne Cathedral: A monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture. Provides an impressive view of the city from the top. Cologne's Schildergasse is Germany's most visited shopping boulevard Christmas Markets: Beginning the last Monday before Advent millions flock to the christmas huts called "Buden" to get christmas music, arts and crafts, toys, decorations, mulled wine, hot chestnuts and gingerbread Museum Ludwig: Has a diverse collection ranging from Dali to Warhol, to one of the worl'd largest Picasso collections Hohenzollern Bridge: Couples have fixed locks to the bridge since 2008 as a sign of love and commitment Rheinseilbahn: Soar over Cologne in this Panoramic Cruise by cable car Chocolate Muesum: Located above the city's famous chocolate factory, this museum includes a diverse collection of chocolate art creations and chocolate-wrapper artwork Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and its most populous city. It is actually part of Scandinavia, which is the peninsula in northern Europe occupied by Norway and Sweden, and also considered a Nordic country, which distinguishes it as belonging to a region of northern Europe and north atlantic. Language: Danish Currency: Kroner (DKK) Denmark is famous for its delicious food, its Danish pastries to be exact. The Danes eat about over 10 Kilograms of these cakes and pastries each year. Fun Facts: Copenhagen is fast becoming one of the leading gastronomic destination in the world. Don't know what gastronomy is? Look it up! Culture: Denmark has a high affinity for etiquette and equality. Deliberately trying to draw attention to oneself could be looked on with hostility in the Danish culture according to Jante's Law, the unofficial code of Scandinavian conduct. Musts: If you're planning on being ambitious the Copenhagen Card may be an economical way to see several museums and attractions, as well as included free public transportation and discounts at restaurants. Things To Do in Copenhagen: Rosenborg Castle: Home to some of Denmark's greatest treasures, including the Danish crown, jewels, the coronation throne, and famous Rosenborg tapestries. Frilandsmuseet Open Air museum: One of the oldest and largest open air museums in the world covering 86 acres of land. You can see the history and environments of the country life from 1650-1940. Nyhavn: Originally a commercial port for international ships this is a place to get dinner or just relax by the water and listen to jazz music. The author of "the Princess and the Pea" lived at house no. 20 and wrote his famous stories there. Stoget: Copenhagen's largest shopping area. You may also find street performers here and in Amagertorv Square you can find acrobats, magicians and musicians Bakken: At 426 years old it is the world's oldest amusement park. It now has 34 roller coasters and amusements, more than any other park in Scandinavia BEWARE: of the money games, especially involving guessing where the ball is beneath three cups "have det sjovt!"
A spectacular little city in the middle of the Alps, nestled between two great lakes and surrounded by numerous mountain resorts connected by cable car, Interlaken is famous for adventure sports, hiking, deep fried goodness. Interlaken started being a tourist attraction back in the 19th century.
Because of it's long history of tourism Interlaken is now a very expensive place to visit. If you're looking to save money, try taking your own food or buying food at a market to cook in your hostel if you have a kitchen. This could save you a lot of money and allow you to experience the hostel and it's residents. Language Interlaken is situated in the German speaking part of Switzerland. In addition to German, however, many locals also speak English and French. Helpful Phrases Thank you | Danke Please | Gefallen You're welcome | Gern geschehen Help me | Hilf mir Lost | Verlorene Train Station | Bahnhof Currency The currency used in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (SFr) and one is divided into 100 centimes (known as Rappen in German speaking Switzerland). Bills come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 10000SFr and coins are divided into 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes and 1, 2 and 5SFr. Currecy Exchange As well as in banks, money and travellers' cheques can be changed at the train station or post office where the exchange rate is almost the same as in any of the banks. ATMs can also be used to obtain foreign currency. This applies to holders of major credit cards or bank cards linked to the Cirrus and Plus networks, Eurocheque cards. Some can also be accessed by the major charge cards. Activities Hiking: Enjoy Alpine pearls such as sparkling streams, fantastic falls and extraordinary mountain scenery including the famous peaks of the Eiger, the Moench and the Jungfrau. Jungfrau area: Look at www.myjungfrau.ch for excursions Ballenberg open air museum -www.ballenberg.ch Biking Canyoning Skydiving Bungie Jumping Kyaking Basically any kind of thrill seeker sport Sights to enjoy in Interlaken Cloister Interlaken Wonderful Gothic cloister Harder Alpine Wildlife Park Ibex and marmot enclosures Town hall square in Unterseen Mediaeval buildings Harder Kulm Interlaken’s local mountain Höheweg Town promenade Kursaal gardens Magnificent gardens with a unique flower clock And if you get a chance, check out Zermatt, a nearby villiage, home to the Matterhorn. Electric vehicles and horse-drawn cabs and sledges are the principal means of transportation in this car-free town. Thirty eight, four-thousand-metre peaks, dominated by the world-renowned Matterhorn, the world’s most-photographed summit, rise to the heavens around the village. Do you want to take a picture of the Matterhorn? With the train you can reach Zermatt from Interlaken within two hours. Miscelaneous Information Electricity Swiss electricity is currently 220 volts. Tipping Because the service charge is included in the prices of all the principal services; hotels, restaurants and taxis, tipping is entirely at your discretion. Tourist Office The tourist office in Interlaken is located at Hoheweg 37 in the Hotel Metropole. It is open in July and August, Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 12.00pm, closes for lunch, and reopens at 1.30am until 6.30. It opens on Saturday from 8.00am to 5.00pm and Sunday from 5.00 to 7.00pm. From September to June it is open from 8.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 6.00pm from Monday to Friday and from 8.00am to 12.00pm on Saturday. It does not open on Sundays. For any further information telephone 033 822 21 21 or e-mail [email protected] Opening Hours In general, shops in Interlaken are open on Monday and Friday from 8.00am to 12.00pm. They close for lunch and reopen at 1.30pm until 18.30pm. On Saturday they remain open from 8.00am to 16.00pm. Note that these times can vary, particularly in summer. Last but not least, have fun, be safe, and most importantly, SURVIVE! -B Not Venice, but also known as "The Venice of the North", Bruges is in fact a canal - based city. Here's some history and facts about Bruges and traveling there for a weekend trip! Language: Flemish is the official language for Western Belgium, but nearly all of Bruges citizens speak English and French. History: Bruges (Brugge) was founded - probably in the 9th century - at the end of the little river 'de Reie'. The name Bruges is probably derived from the old-Scandinavian word 'Bryggia', which means 'harbor, or mooring place'. Because of the proximity of the North Sea, the settlement very quickly became an important international harbor. Bruges gained fame of an important port and a manufacturing center in the Old World. Specifically, the first stock exchange in the world was established in Bruges, adding to its superior stand in trade. Starting from Grote Markt square, visitors are recommended to enjoy the magnificence of City Hall and Burg square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Saint Salvator’s Cathedral. Famous For: Bruges is famous for its lace. There are many shops where you can buy lace souvenirs, most of them however sell lace "made in China". Head to the Lace Centre in Peperstraat or 't Apostelientje (small shop around the corner from the Lace Centre), these are the only two places where they still sell handmade lace. It's a bit more expensive, but it's the real deal. To Do: Cycle tours are big business in Bruges. QuasiMundo Bikes is highly recommended. The guy who runs this company has been involved in cycle tourism for more than a decade. Three tours with English commentary are offered: a 2½-hour (8km) tour of Bruges; a four-hour (25km) cycle to the Dutch border and back via Damme; or tours of Bruges by night. Bookings are necessary. Without a tour: You can rent bicycles just about anywhere. Maps with cycling routes are available at the tourist office in the train station or Concerthall. These cycling routes only cover the area around Bruges. If you want to cycle a bit further afield, then cycle along the canal to Damme. About 5 miles there and back, but nice easy riding, and Damme itself is a pretty little place worthy of a visit; it is also possible to return [ with your bike] on the canal boat (Lammegoedzak) from Damme. For a longer ride, pedal on to Sluis [in Holland!] about another hour's easy cycling beyond Damme. Bruges' centre is the historic Markt, a large open square flanked by medieval-style buildings and bustling with horse-drawn carriages, open-air restaurants and camera-clicking tourists. Go to the market on 't Zand on Saturday morning, they do great food. Canal trips are good fun and you see things you can't see from the road. There are 5 boat companies (marked on the map which you can get at the tourist office) which are all located inside the city centre. They operate daily between March and November, the first boat leaves at 10h00, the last one at 17h30. There is a departure every half an hour and the tour takes about 30 minutes. The price is € 7,60 per person The horse drawn carriages are romantic, but expensive (€ 39,00 per carriage, max. 5 people in one carriage, 2013 price) and go places you'll probably walk to later. Not To Do: The brewery is a good tour, but you can just go to the bar for a drink. It gets very busy in the afternoons and can shut early. Eatery: Kaffee Pergola Address: Steenhouwersdijk City Centre Follow the fairy lights to this most romantic of outdoor addresses, hidden among greenery beside a quiet and very picturesque stretch of canal right in the centre of Bruges. Book one of the four tables perched along the canal, and settle back to the sound of birdsong and the glow of fading light as evening mellows. A limited range of delicious Belgian specialities are offered. 2be Address: Wollestraat 43 City Centre Occupying a 15th-century Gothic mansion, this sleek emporium stocks a tantalising array of artisan chocolates, wines, jenevers, conserves, sweets, biscuits and other 100% Belgian goodies including a superb selection of beers, such as the local Brugse Zot, which you can try at the canalside café. Ask staff to fill you in on the escapades of the resident ghost of Perez de Malvenda, the former Spanish mayor whose house this mansion once was. Treat yourself to a 'wafel met slagroom' (this means waffle with whipped cream) in a cafe. Check out De Kelk if you want to find a bar away from the crowds of tourists. Doesn't open until after 7. Other Tips: The buses from the train station to the centre are good. You can easily walk to the centre from the train station, but ensure you take the nicer route, head around the ring road a little and walk down Katelijnestraat. Wear comfortable footwear and be prepared to walk many miles on cobblestones. Also Bruges is a great place to wander around, but confusing. Invest in a good map with street names on. Maps and guides can be found at the three tourist offices, at the railway station, inside the Concerthall on the 't Zand square or Historium on the Market square. 2013: maps are free, visitors guides are 4,99 euro. This is a city that you can spend two days exploring and still have only scratched the surface. For people who spend the night in Bruges: just wander around in the evening (after 8/9 pm), and enjoy the tranquility. Of course it's more crowded in the summer period. It is less than one hour from Brussels by train (2 direct trains every hour). NEED TO KNOW The nearest US Embassy is in Brussels, Belgium, should something happen Embassy of the United States25 Boulevard du Regent Brussels, Belgium tel: 011-32-2-508-2111 The EU emergency number is 112 Link to a Train Schedule for Bruges and Brussels Bruges City Map Last but not least, have fun, be safe, and most importantly, SURVIVE! -B |
AuthorBecca Peets Archives
November 2013
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