Thursday, January 25, 2007

The Splendid Cruise of the Alpine Road

No trip of Germany is complete without going out and about the Alpine Road - a long strait of majestic castles, ancient abbeys, fairytale-like palaces, and the beauteous products of nature - gentle hills, alluring valleys, sparkling lakes, crisp mountain peaks, plush forests bathed in green, and the luscious elegance of the alps. Even non-mountaineers like me get to enjoy the sights without even having to touch the peaks after a tiring tour to the top because the sight on the ground alone adequately keeps my eyes busy and full. The wide view available to virtually every traveller whether you chose to go barefoot, on a bicycle, car, or train is one great reason to put Germany in the expedition list every once in a while although the mode of transportation you opt to go with defines how much fun you will have along the way. For instance, a train ride may be the fastest way of covering the Alpine Road but on the flipside, it does not offer the time to stop by an exciting joint one after another unlike when you are greatly in control of your trip. Don't undervalue the stopovers either because the Alpine Road not only offers exciting sights but also relaxation and cultural hubs that will enrich any traveller's holiday.

Great Dyad of Folk Tale Compilators

When I was a tot, I adored listening to and reading fables and fairy tales. Even as a grown up, I still adore watching cherished Disney animated fairy tales like Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. Not only do they have attractive heroines, the soundtracks are admirable as well. However, it was not Walt Disney himself who came up with this popular bedtime myths. These three fairy tales plus several others were issued by the famed Grimm Brothers of Germany.

The Grimm Brothers are Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm, professors who are well known not only for their folk tales and fairy tales but for their important contribution in the branch of linguistics. The twosome started acquiring tales in 1807 and by 1810 already have over a dozen stories, which are compiled into a collection. The brothers accumulated these stories by inviting different people into their abode and noting down what these storytellers tell them. However, it was regarded that the Grimms revised and rewrote most of these stories, which resulted in several different adaptations of the stories. In any case, the narratives the Grimm Brothers issued became known around the world.

Because of their contributions to the realms of literature and linguistics, the Grimm Brothers became renowned German people. In fact, their pictures can be seen in the 1000 Deutsche Mark bank note, revealed in 1990 and 2002. A Hollywood feature film founded on the two siblings were also created in 2005 starring Heath Ledger and Matt Damon.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Having A Honest-To-Goodness German Pickles Merry-Making

There have always been memorable and enchanting stories about the German country in general. Maybe it is because of the distinctive historical happenstances associated with Germany. But on a lighter side, Germany is widely famed as a land where the acclaimed Octoberfest originated. But for a fruit and vegetable lover like me, I would always opt for Germany as a country where my cherished pickled vegetables come from.

During my excursion to Germany, I indulged myself in the distinctive pickles recipes around. I cognized that the Sauerkraut recipe, which is prepared from salted shredded cabbage, is the most famous kind of pickles, but there are different kinds of flavorful pickles that I have also tasted. There is the mixed pickles, which has colorful vegetables combined together to bring about a lovely serving. The other pickles recipes are the German Gherkins variety or the crunchy pickles that can be added on top of a burger for a more pleasing flavor, while the cornichons, which are baby gherkins good to mix with meals. The German pickles are said to be healthful and appetizing. There have been abstractions that show the myriad nutritive values and the benefits of eating Sauerkraut. Indeed, my German pickles treat was a fitting and venerable experience.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Awesome Shopping Merriment in Schwerin

When your poor little feet get tired from all the sight-seeing, I suggest trying another kind of authentic German pastime -- shopping in the interesting streets of Schwerin. It would only take you minutes to get to the great shopping section from the Schwerin Castle. There you will find eye-catching arcades and specialty stores on each side of the long, historical street that would sell almost anything your heart yearns for.

In the old town of Schwerin, you will come across a web of lovely streets that cross each other at specific points, bringing you nothing but pure, unadulterated street shopping joy. Mechlenburgstrasse is only of the great streets of Schwerin where you can buy yummy delicacies and other German memorabilia. Nearby shops found along the busy yet colorful streets of Schlossstrasse, Friedrichstrasse, and Puschkinstrasse sell your basic shopping commodities with just a pinch of German taste. You might also want to stop by the great Marienplatz' "Worm" and Schlosspark Shopping Center, known for their hip entertainment attractions and superb retail outlets. Park your shopping bags at surrounding casinos, cinemas, and discos to put an exclamation at the end of a exciting shopping day. If you're looking for awesome shopping fun or just out to find great trinkets to take home with you, you will definitely enjoy yourself in Schwerin.

Perfect Guesthouse For Budget-Conscious Excursionists

Just last year, one of my husband's establishments was shut, and my youngest sister met an accident so the family desired big money for her operation. Nevertheless, despite the disagreeable things my whole family, especially my progeny, were still in good shape. Life must go on, and nothing in the way we were living our cheerful lives must revolutionize.

And as part of our annual holiday celebration was a retreat either within the area or out of the country. For this year, our plot was to go on a spree visit to Austria and Germany. However, due to uncontrollable events, and since we do not want to ruin our kid's anticipation, my husband and I decided that we spend just a few days in Germany.

To lessen our payments, we hunted for a hotel that will not cost us the whole world; and thankfully we found the Euro Garden Cologne. It was a three star and one of the most inexpensive guesthouse in Cologne. Though some photos on the analyses we found did not represent the hotel exactly the way it was, we were glad that it was way better than the shots and reviews. Though it was just a small hotel- with a small bar and our guestroom was rather small- everything about it was sweet. Shipshape room, bright and lively ambiance, amicable and helpful staff, and food was heaven- there was nothing to regret.