Discount Euro Travel

I am a certified beer drinker. I prefer the said alcohol compared to the hard drinks found anywhere. If you need a drinking buddy, then you found a friend in me. I assure you that I'll drink to the last drop. Maybe, we can even go find you a hot chic if your girlfriend broke up with you. As for me, I would like to believe that I am a one-woman-man. Yeah right! I must admit that I am up for some game. Besides, I am not actually committed. I find solace in dating around.

Well, going back to beer drinking. There is one such place that I would never drink beer from. It's from the The Starkenber Beer Myth resort. Let me rephrase that. What I meant was that I am not going to drink beer from the said resort's beer pools! Who knows what other men must have done in those pools. Besides, I don't know anyone crazy enough to drink from the pools even if the other gys don't anything anomalous in those pools. Hell! They immerse themselves in their... right down to their naked backsides. Incidentally, the pools are 13ft in length.

Anyway, you can visit the Starkenberger castle if you would like to experience the one of the seven pools of The Starkenber Myth resort. The castle is at the Tyrol region of Austria. By the way, don't worry about the beer being served. They get it from the bars beside the pool.

The Republic of Portugal is a European country situated in the western portion of the Iberian peninsula, bordered on the north and east by Spain and on the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. The islands of Azores and Madeira are considered integral parts of the geography of this beautiful country. Ponta do Pico, found in one of the island in Azores, is the country's highest peak. It has a total area of 92,391 sq km including the two islands. It is slightly smaller than the state of Indiana. Lisbon or Lisboa is the country's capital.

The land of the Portuguese has a long and rich history dating back to the early civilizations that once survived in its vast plains. Among which are the Iberian civilization, Tartessian, Phoenician and Carthaginian, and even the Greek and Roman all of which contributed to the culture, language and history of the people of the country. The name Portugal itself tells an interesting history. Portugal was said to have originated from the Roman Names Portus Cale which means "beautiful port." Very apt indeed because Portugal has some of the most breathtaking ports and alluring beaches in the continent, making a favorite destination for honeymooners and people who want no less than the ordinary.

Three centuries in the history of Europe, many societies were plagued with alleged witches that are living within their communities. Witch hunts particularly in the Protestant countries of Central Europe, were pervasive resulting to the torture and persecution of tens and thousand of victims mostly women. It was that time in history where women have been the target of inquisitions where they were labeled as witches and heretics , burned at the stakes or tortured to death.

Witch hunts of early Europe claimed to be a search of witches or evidences of witchcraft, wherein the possible target are held under a witch trial. After trial, the alleged witch is sent through what they call an "ordeal" wherein they were tortured. The torture methods include the most horrific treatments like hot pincer and thumbscrews. Those who were not lucky are then passed on for execution. The most common forms of which are burning, hanging and drowning.

The origin of teh witch hunts up until today is blurry. Historians proposed several theories which may have been the possible reasons for the witch hunt. Some of them believe that it was due to some neurotic illnesses that infected the "witches" justifying their execution. While others believe that the witches were part of some Satanic cult. While still others believe that it was due to the pressure of the Reformation where Protestants and Christians used witchcraft to attack each other.

Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco is French and Italian, respectively, for 'white mountain.' It is the highest mountain in Western Europe located in the Alps bordering both France and Italy. But if you exclude the Caucasus Mountains of Russia from Europe, than Mont Blanc is the continent's highest peak. It stands tall at 15,774 feet or 4,808 meters but the height may vary depending on the weather conditions and the amount of snow fall. The two most famous cities near Mont Blanc are Chamonix, in Haute-Savoie, France where the first Winter Olympics was held in 1924 and Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley in Italy.

During the summer months, Mont Blanc is a good place for nature lovers and trail hikers. A climb to the top of the Mont Blanc's summit maybe a tough journey but nothing beats the feeling of having to reach the top. You get a view of snow-capped mountains and deep abysses in every direction. If you're lucky, you can even locate the three countries which borders the Alpine range. And that also includes Switzerland.

Beneath the mountain is the Mont Blanc Tunnel which stretches to a length of 11.6 kilometers from Chamonix and Courmayeur. After completion in 1965, the tunnel became one of the major Trans-Alpine routes in the region. On March 24, 1999, a tragic accident occurred in the tunnel wherein 39 people died. A Belgian transport truck carrying flour and margarine caught fire inside the tunnel. Over the past 35 years, 16 other truck accidents occurred in the tunnel.

This might shock many people as it appears to be very morbid, but the town of Las Nieves in Galicia, North West Spain celebrates death. Although not the actual death, but near-death experiences. Every 29th of July, people who have had close calls gather in the small Spanish Town near the border with Portugal to observe The Festival of the Near Death Experience. The theme of the festival may give you the creeps, and I can only imagine how most of you would get goosebumps when you see people attend the festival in a coffin.

The Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme is where people tell stories about their different experiences in cheating death. They participate in the procession by lying in a coffin which is carried by their loved ones all throughout the procession. At ten in the morning, thousands of people have already flocked the narrow streets of the tiny town in preparation for the Mass to be held at noon. After the mass, the procession heads to the local cemetery and back to the church. A large statue of the Virgin Santa Marta is paraded in front of the procession. I'm sure I have ignited your curiosity, especially that part of you that wants to explore the mystery of death.

Famous buildings and structures have something interesting about them. Not only because it overwhelms the naive observer but because deep beneath each structure is an interesting story to tell that is seemingly drawn from the pages of an old storybook. An example of which is the Frederiksbog Castle in Denmark. An interesting tale surrounds this unique structure located in the middle of Hillerød on three islands in the castle lake.

In the 1560s, King Frederick II acquired a country manor called Hillerodsholm from a naval hero named Herluf Trolle. Trolle had a wife named Birgitte Goye. King Frederik renamed the house as Frederiksborg. When the king died his son Christian IV succeeded to his thrown. It took 20 years for Christian IV to beautify the castle his father left him. The castle was built in Dutch Renaissance style with sweeping gables, sandstone decorations and copper-covered roofs and spires. But in 1859, a tragedy swept the castle. Fire almost burned the whole of the main building including its roof. It was rebuilt in 1860-1864 with the financial support of a brewer named J. C Jacobsen of Carlsberg. The Castle provided a fairytale backdrop to the wedding of Prince Joachim and Princess Alexandra in November 1995.

Saint Patrick's Day is a very momentous even in the lives of the Irish people. It's by far the largest crowd-drawing celebration in the country that is being celebrated once a year on March 15- 19. The recent celebration drew the attention of over a million spectators coming from all parts of Great Britain. The gathering involves people of all ages enjoying the fun and merry-making that the party has to offer. Music, food, games, carnivals and people in costumes surround the city of Dublin at the onset of Saint Patrick's day. the week-long celebration highlights a spectacular fireworks display at night, a street parade showcasing many talented Irish and an open air music that signifies that it's time to party.

The celebration is symbolized by a three-leafed Shamrock clover which St. Patrick used to represent the Holy Trinity (the Father, the Son and the Spirit). It is also considered a lucky emblem among Irish people playing an important role in their history. When the English invaded the Celtics, they wore a shamrock to show their nationalism. Although the celebration was contemplated to be a religious one, in recent times it has become more of festivities and a celebration of Irish nationalism.

You may know this place as what the controversial best-seller The Da Vinci Code refers as "In London lies a knight a Pope interred." The Westminster Abbey served as the site where the story reached its climax and the real enemy was unmasked. Apparently, the knight that was being referred to was Sir Isaac Newton. The renowned scientist was buried in the Abbey and was not interred by a Vatican Pope, but by his friend Alexander Pope.

Formally known as The Collegiate Church of St Peter, Westminster, the Abbey is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs. It is situated in Westminster, London, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. According to tradition, a fisherman on the River Thames saw a vision of Saint Peter. A shrine was first founded in on the present site, then known as Thorn Ey (Thorn Island). King Edward the Confessor built the stone Abbey around 1045–1050 which he chose as the site for his burial. Initially, it served as a coronation site of Norman kings like King Harold and William the Conqueror. Together with Newton, other historical persons buried in the Abbey include Charles Darwin, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Laurence Olivier.

Although it has been celebrated in major cities all over the world, like Acapulco, San Francisco, Tel Aviv, and Santiago, Berlin still serves as the birth place of the Love Parade. It is usually held during the middle weekend of July. The event features loud Trance, House, Techno, and Schranz music, and the crowd is so much bigger compared to most concerts. The wild party lives on trucks with water-cooled sound systems producing a sound floor of many megawatts. The Love Parade had been flocked with controversy over the years for housing people's exhibitionist tendencies. Not only will you have to look out for what people will wear, but also what they would not wear.

The Love Parade was first celebrated in the German city in 1989, four months before the fall of The Berlin Wall. Matthias Roeingh, also known as "Dr. Motte," and his fresh Berlin Underground initiated the event as a political demonstration for peace and international understanding through music. It was originally held at the famous Berlin "Ku'damm," but by 1996 it was moved to "Straße des 17. Juni" to accommodate the growing crowd. People from other countries travel to Berlin to take part in the Love Parade. Over a million people was recorded to have participated in the Parade from 1997 to 2000.

A lot of people would wonder what part of the world is Turkey geographically located. Some would say it's part of Asia while others claim it's part of Europe, while many other say it's part of both continents. Let's remove the misconception once and for all.

The Republic of Turkey is a Eurasian country found in the Anatolian Peninsula in Southwestern Asia. A relatively small portion of the country is located in the Balkan region of Southeastern Europe. Bordering Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia, Armenia and the Nakhichevan exclave of Azerbaijan to the northeast; Greece to the west; and Iraq and Syria to the southeast, this country has a total land area of 2770,760 sq km, 29.81% of which is arable land. It is slightly larger than Texas. The highest point is Mount Ararat while the Mediterranean Sea is its lowest point. It enjoys temperate weather; hot during the summer months with wet winters.

Because it is strategically located between Europe and Asia, it has become the favorite spot for a number of historical civilizations. Some of which come from the Neolithic era like the Catalhoyuk, Cayonu, Nevali Cori, Hacilar, Gobekli Tepe and the Mersin. Battles have also transpired in the country. It's a region where east meets west.

If you happen to visit Barcelona, Spain one of these days, drop by at one of its best and most popular attractions. Located just a mile outside urban Barcelona is the La Sagrada Familia or the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. It’'s a large Roman Catholic basilica designed by a Catalan architect named Antoni Gaudi. It was built in the 1880s and was under the previous supervision of another architect Franceso del Villar until it was assigned to Gaudi in 1883 due to conflict in the structure’'s design.

For over 40 years, Gaudi took the finishing of the project until his dying days. After Gaudi'’s death in 1926, several Spanish architects continued his work. Architects like Isidre Puig Boada, Fransesc Quitana, and Lluis Gari. In 1935, with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, the construction came to a sudden halt until it was recommenced in the 1950s after the end of the Second World War.

Being one of the most, if not the most, popular attractions in Spain, the basilica received over two million visitors in 2004. Contrary to other people’'s notion, the basilica is not Barcelona'’s cathedral, but it is the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia. The most notable feature of the structure is the 18 spindle-shape towers, each one representing a religious figure. The tallest of the tower represents Jesus Christ.

I know I am not the only one who was dumbstruck with the term. I bet you, too, have not heard what Charivari is. If you're a newly wed couple and have decided to leave the town for your honeymoon then you're probably trying to avoid the faire le charivari. Charivari or shivaree is an old wedding custom dating back from the Middle Ages. It originated from France, and was a commonplace in most French provinces. Later on, it became a protest for socially disapproved marriages. Actually, there were attempts in history to dislaw or prohibit its practice like in the 1600s. The Council of Tours of the Roman Catholic Church forbade Charivari, but the custom continued in the rural areas. Oncidentally, the said custom is also called “horning” and “belling.”

From France it was brought to Louisiana by the Acadians and the Creoles. It was practiced in Louisiana as well as in New England. In Canada, Charivari was practiced in Ontario and Quebec. The custom is done by making noise through the banging of pots and pans at the newlywed's room to keep them awake all night and to drive away evil spirits from them. In some instances, the custom is also done to force an unmarried couple to tie the knot.

An enchanting place called Blue Lagoon has made tremendous impact in the tourism of Iceland. It's a 40-minute drive from Reykjavic, the country's capital and 20 minutes from the Keflavik Airport. Once you reach this spa haven, you'll notice that there's a lot of people swimming in the warm blue waters of the lagoon. People say that this body of water has curative effects and has the temperature that can reach up to 40 C (104 F). It's that warm even if Iceland is known for its biting cold climate.

It's probably the most scenic place in such a barren land. And some say it's the most photographed too. To give you an idea how blue the water is, it's similar to the blue Gatorade drink. People can spend the whole day swimming and also touring the amenities available like a cafe and a restaurant. The place has changing facilities.

This place may be located in the middle of nowhere and looks more like a creation of Mother Nature but it's not. The lagoon is actually man-made. It was created from the geothermal heat released from a plant near the location. I'm telling you that it's safe to swim here.

One of the darkest periods in the history of Europe and the world, the Holocaust is the systematic killing and genocide of the Jews under the government of the Nazi Germany. While the Jews may have been the prime target of this state-led persecution, other minority groups in Europe and Africa also became the poor victims of this inhuman and senseless carnage. Estimated number of victims is six million both Jews and non-Jews

Under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, the Nazis came to power in Germany in January of 1933. With the believe that the Germans are the superior race and that the Jews are the inferior race, the state organized programs to exterminate every possible Jew. In addition, the Nazi regime also sponsored the Euthanasia Program where some hundred thousand people with physical and mental disabilities were murdered.

At the heart of the holocaust are the concentration camps under the Camp System and the extermination camps. Concentration camps where the people were confined places people under harsh conditions without regard to humane considerations. On the other hand, the extermination camps serve as the Nazi's slaughter house where millions have been mass murdered usually through poisoning by gas as well as by shooting.

Europe is the second smallest continent in the world in terms of land area, yet ranking third in terms of population. It is a vast land rich in natural resources with a very diverse culture and history. But a problem plaguing Europe today is managing its energy, primarily its fuels for vehicle consumption, according to the giant oil company, Total. Heck, I even heard on the news that the prices of oil have gone up in Europe, at such a ridiculously high rate!

Europe is a big exporter of gasoline but also imports diesel from other countries, mainly from Russia and Middle East countries, due to the reason that most vehicles make use of diesel. One of the senior figures in Total, in an interview with Reuters, claimed that the continent needs more alternative forms of fuel like biodiesel in order to keep up with the increasing demand. As such, there is the exigency to bolster the production of biodiesel instead of focusing on ethanol. In addition, the dire situation poses some problem regarding the inevitable importation of oilseeds that are needed to produce biodiesel especially so that EU has set a target to use the fuel source to contribute 5.75% of all transport fuels by the end of the decade.

On April 26, 1986 at 1:21 AM a catastrophe happened that shock the whole world. The Chernobyl nuclear power station in Pripyat near the city of Chernobyl, Ukraine, former USSR, exploded due to the flawed design of one of the four reactor units in the facility. A nuclear reaction resulted from a poor experiment. The Chernobyl Disaster, as we all know today, had created an event that is best forgotten in infamy. The disaster is considered as the worst nuclear accident in the history of mankind, killing 32 people and displacing thousands of families.

The explosion released a very massive radiation amount into the atmosphere . Most of the victims died of radiation. Some of the radioactive debris even drifted to far off areas such as in Eastern and Western Europe, Scandinavia, Great Britain and even as far as North America due to the lack of a containment facility in the plant. Ukraine and the other surrounding countries suffered serious contamination. Twenty years have passed but people in Chernobyl are still paying the price inflicted by the tragedy. Thousands of people developed cancer and babies were born with birth defects caused by the radiation. Now, those are terrible things that can happen and I just hope that no other similar incident occur.

A tourist who would want to experience a serene one-on-one with nature and the sea, has to be in the Isle of Capri in Italy. A trip to this magical island is not complete without a tour of the whole island surrounding the mighty Mediterranean sea. Taking a private boat is probably the best way to tour the island and discover its beauty. In fact, when you have a natural resource like this, some of the most beautiful parts of the island can be seen only when traveling on a boat.

If you opt for an organized tour, you might want to join the Capri boats led by Captain Costanzo De Simone. The boats provide drinks, wine, and snacks during the four hours of travel. The boat ride charges each passenger 300 euros. Or you can arrange private tours via the Capritime Boats luxury speed boats. I know that is quite an amount there, but hey, you can travel the whole island, search for beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing or swimming. There are several secluded beaches in Capri, far from the maddening crowd. So if I were you, take time to explore the island, if you can afford , on a private yacht.

Costa del Sol is located in the city of Málaga, Andalucia in Spain. It is fast becoming a popular tourist destination in that part of the Mediterranean due primarily to its temperate climate, whitewashed villages, and historical structures. A trip to this part of Spain will be very much fulfilling especially if you've been dying for a tan under the Mediterranean sun, not to mention if you want to sunbathe alongside those sizzling Spanish babes under the equally hot sun.

The coastal line of Malaga is the perfect backdrop for fashionable white-sand beaches and resorts, while the charm of antiquity can be seen in its baroque castles and age-old houses. The people have kept their old ways of living, but that doesn't mean the place is boring. It's also a place for thrill-seekers. You can go back-packing and explore the old villages that make the area so popular to tourists. Or dig this, enjoy the Andalucian night life. While Malaga is known for its “locos veranos” or crazy summer in its amazing beaches, it also prides of an anything but dull nightlife in the city's famous pub areas. You can try visit the fashionable clubs in Pedragalejo or the more modern ones at La Malagueta.

Think the Germans had us fooled? No, it's nothing like that. It's just that the Czechs have been drinking beer since time immemorial. Early civilization in this country had brewed beer earlier than most Europeans. The first brewery in the country was established in 1118. Today, I must say the beers that come from this wonderful place is the best in the world. According to the Czechs themselves, the secret of their world famous beer is the perfect agricultural condition for growing hop, a plant used in making beer.

Beer drinking in the Czech Republic has become a way of life. Although, they prefer to drink beer in pubs than at home. Pubs (the original ones) are very popular hangout places where friends and families meet to do their favorite activity-- drinking beer. It's no wonder why Czech men have bloated bodies and bulkier physique.

Beer goes best with the national meal of the country: roasted pork, Czech dumplings, and cabbage. But you can also go for a modest selection of cheese, white roll, or salami. But the Czechs can do better than that. They go spree drinking and eat nothing. So if you're planning to visit Czech just to drink beer in a pub in Prague, learn their pub culture first.

Matahari is one word I have been hearing for some time now, and I have just recently decided to research on it. Matahari, which means 'eye of the rising sun' in Hindu, is the stage name of the famous belly dancer and prostitute. Because of her incarceration as a spy she was tried and found guilty by the French. This lead to her death by firing squad on October 15, 1917. Matahari's name has since been associated with espionage.

Born on August 7, 1876 in Leeuwarden in the Netherlands (although she claims she is from India) her real name is Gertrud Margarete Zelle. She was born from an affluent family. She was married to John Rudolf Mac Leod. She then became an exotic dancer in a Parisian club by the early 1900's. Eventually she became a prostitute and a plaything for military officials of France and Germany during the First World War. For this reason, she became a spy for both the German and French camp. When the French found out about it, she was arrested and tried. She was killed in front of a firing squad. Although it seems pretty vague why the French military accused her as a spy, some people believed that Matahari was innocent and that she was merely a scapegoat.

Remember my article entitled “Discover Brussels”? I've mentioned there, although in passing, about the city's famous land mark – the Atomium. I bet you haven't done your homework and research about it but I did. In fact I just went there two months ago.

The Atomium, touted by many as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels, had reopened last February 18, after a year and a half of renovation, entailing the replacement of stainless steel over the faded aluminum sheets composing the balls. The renovation costs about a whopping $32 million dollars. The monument was built in 1958 in honor of the Brussels World Fair. The structure is a very large version of an iron crystal, magnified 165 million times. It stands tall at 103 meters and has nine large atoms that are all connected by large cylindrical tubes that have escalators in them.

A climb to the top sphere will give you a breathtaking view of the city. The atomium serves today as a museum, showcasing exhibits from contemporary artists. It has drawn crowds of tourists and locals to Brussels and continues to be one popular tourist destination in Europe.

A poet named H.B. Miller once said and I quote "One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." This is in fact true for people who journey to Europe; not to see sights but to experience what it means to be at that place at that particular time. A traveler often comes home empty-handed. But if you look closer, his big grin on his face will tell you that he has earned more than what he has spent: experience. If there is one country in Europe that offers experience and so much more, it would be Cyprus. And I would bet my money for that.

Cyprus has been in the list of foreign invaders, from the Greeks and the Romans of the ancient world to the Turks and the British Colonial Rule in over 9,000 years. This being so, it has a history as rich as its culture and a natural beauty like no other country can offer. The city of Salamis is the country's most significant pre-Christian city. It prides itself as a world-class archaeological site filled with Romanesque structures like an amphitheater and gymnasium and other important ruins from the Roman and Byzantine empire.

I've been to the Netherlands quite a few times, and with those visits I never fail to include the Van Gogh Museum in my itinerary. What sets this museum apart from all the other museums in Europe is that it has by far the largest collection of art works from the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh, who is a native of the country. It houses more than 200 paintings and 600 drawings from the gifted Dutch artist.

It was a long queue but with the help of my iPod mini and chitchat with some Dutch friends, I was patient half the time. After a considerable time, we were ushered into the museum's interior. The artworks have always amazed me even if I'm quite acquainted with them already. The tour was short but fulfilling, as always. The best time to check the museum is during the evening, but the evening schedule is available only once a week. At this time, there is a number of visitors, so you can have a lot of time to examine each artwork.

I especially love 'Starry Night Over The Rhone' which quite resembles another of his famous works, 'Starry Night.' If you happen to see the painting or visit the museum itself you'll notice the difference between the Starry paintings. 'Starry Night Over The Rhone River' has human elements. The thing that is missing in the 'Starry Night' painting.