The Eminent and Prolific Contribution of The Berlinale

Every February, The Berlin International Film Festival, sometimes also called The Berlinale, takes place in the grand German city and features only the leading films from all over the world. This renowned film festival has been at par with other world-renowned film festivities like The Cannes Film Festival and The Venice Film Festival when it comes to respecting the greatest achievements in the global cinema in the past year. Now, the annual cultural event is among the leading priorities of the German officials in for moral and financial encouragement. Every year, the festival committee provides up to 150,000 movie tickets to around 350 remarkable films from all over the world.

Established in 1951 by Americans who initially took over a part of the city after World War II, The Berlin International Film Festival intends to promote the prolific film culture in Berlin and to promote and honor international film talents. Since the movie "Rebecca," directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starred Joan Fontaine, launched the first festival, various director and movies have earned the precious Golden Bear Award. Among the internationally applauded directors in history who have had their own triumphs in Berlin include the likes of Ingmar Bergman, Roman Polanski, and Robert Altman. Other popular Hollywood blockbusters, like "Magnolia," "The Thin Red Line," and "The People vs Larry Flynt" have also taken the prestigious Golden Bear honor.

The Tale Of The Imposing Schwarzwald

As a kid, I was told the story of two small kids and how they wandered into a forest, narrowly managing to avoid being eaten by a nutty, old witch. I was also told the story of a little lady wearing a red hood who got eaten by a wolf and was rescued by a tracker. While the ending to the latter story, I now know, was a lot less-kid friendly than the modern variation, I know for sure that the setting, Germany's popular Schwarzwald, the black forest, is a prevalent element.

The black forest, called so because of the thick blanket that the countless trees form that immerses anything underneath in a great shadow, is located in the southearn area of Germany. The region in and around Schwarzwald is the birthplace of the beloved cuckoo clock, among a few other, less-known German things. While I found that there are a number of famous sites around the area, what appealed to me the most to the location had to be the forest.

The trees all seemed serene but, as you walk deeper and deeper into the woods, you start to feel just a little bit unsettled. The blackness inside the forest isn't really that bad but there's an eeriness to the place that I can only liken to being put back into your childhood and facing the creature under your bed. There's also a sensation of isolation that, for some people, can be very relaxing, even if you constantly get that nagging feeling that a wolf just might be waiting behind that bush, or the sweet scent you're smelling is coming from some old hag's cottage.

German Food of Tender Roast With Beer Dressing

When I hear any person say "Germany," I could normally think of two things -- Adolf Hitler and German sausages! But I'd easily veer my thoughts on sausages, since they give a more positive reflection with their mouthwatering varieties and spices. But of course, the excellent German cuisine could not only be summed up into sausages, when it is also more renowned with stews, marzipan, and strudels. However, I would have to bet on a roast for late night get-togethers or hearty feasts with the family.

German classic cooking also paves the way for tender roasts, but I never dared thought that even beer could be such a delightful dressing. Obviously, the love of the Germans for beer as the most renowned beverage, has turned into a zest of new dressings for pork loin. I actually learned about it from a German pal, who served this amazing recipe during a night out with family and friends.

"Roasted Pork Loin with Beer Sauce" obviously turned a simple dinner into a true feast with great herbs and spices oozing from the boneless meat. A mix of beer, mustard, cinnamon, honey, and cumin spiced up the dish as these ingredients also serve as marinade mixed with crisp red onions sauteed in butter. I'm all thumbs up for this mouthwatering German course!

The Origins and Ideas of the Present-day Corporate Identity

I thought Germany is only renowned for its premier car designs, but I have discovered that this wealthy country is also the owner of what modern designers refer to as corporate identity. In 1920, the wealthy company AEG assigned the renowned stylist, Peter Behrens, to produce a new corporate style. This designer, then, followed the footsteps and associated the philosophy of Bahaus in his works; later on other companies perceived Behrens creations' as the official corporate identity.

If you are musing what exactly is this corporate identity all about, well, basically, it is all about simplicity and grandeur. Displayed particularly in the things that are found in the corporate environment, such as office furniture, the design that defines this kind of identity is usually comprised of aesthetics and function. Thus, many would say that this group of design or office fashion is in line with the modernist view: sleek but minimal, nice but functional.

Though this side of Europe is rather renowned for its one-of-a-kind innovations, it never really occured to me that Germany was the brainchild of the blacks and basics that we usually see in the office environment. See, I am more versed with Scandinavian designs, which employ other unfamiliar materials. But given the designs that the early Germans have put in their architecture and design, I guess it's only apt for their creations to now be widely used in the rooms and corridors of various corporate offices around the world.

Fundamental Notes on Diverse German Hotels

If you have plans of making a trip to historic Germany in the near future, one important thing that you need to set up for is finding a place where you can possibly stay in. Essentially, it has to be comfy and must, at the very least, have the basic necessities.

It is quite understandable if you may feel ill at ease or apprehensive when seeking to speak with a hotel staff, but this should not be so, since most hotel employees are actually very gracious and more than willing to offer assistance to guests. Language is not really a difficulty because in many cases, even in small hotels, even the manager is more or less knowledgeable on the English language.

German hotels vary in type and can run from the affordable kind to the more high-priced suite. The large ones will likely have a regulation of asking for deposits from guests who are making room reservations, while the smaller ones will often likely ask if you have credit cards.

Common rooms in most German hotels feature either a single queen-size bed or a duo of twin beds which guests or the hotel staff can push together to come up with a single bed. Typical features will include the ubiquitous TV, telephone, and cabinets for the clothes.

Most ancient castles in Germany are known to have been modified into hotels. You can try requesting for a room in any such structures if you feel that you need to experience life during the Royal period in Germany. Additionally, most castles are nestled on hilltops, which will provide you with some really attractive scenery.