Thursday, March 08, 2007

Outrageous Parties Teem Germany's Oktoberfest

Germany is known for its great nightlife accentuated with the most recognized product that is virtually all over the place and is the inspiration behind a month-long celebration of hot partying called Oktoberfest: beer. Beer is as recognized in Germany as tequila is to Mexico and there is probably no better way of enjoying the rich relish of German beer than to have it with your buddies while Oktoberfest is ongoing.

The celebration mainly starts mid of September with recognized night spots putting up tents that offer nonstop servings of barrels after barrels of beer until you knock yourself out. The space in Munich is sparkling with carnival rides and souvenir shops that not only beer drinking individuals will fancy but also family members as well. The first time an Oktoberfest is held in 1810, it was meant to solemnize the royalty wedding of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, which initiated with an exciting race of horses on the second week of October and ended just five days later. Through the years, the festival were repeated, the activities were prolonged, and the opening was moved to September for people to fancy beer drinking at its best, prompting Germans and tourists alike to shout 'bottoms up' at the end of the day.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Berchtesgaden National Park is a Radiant Culture of Germany

When I first heard of Germany's Berchtesgaden National Park, I thought of stalls, lilacs, cottages, balloons, ice cream, constructed figures, and monuments. Little did I know that Berchtesgaden National Park means viewing the country's second tallest mountain, which is the Watzman, embracing the blooming of dreamy farmland villages, sighting the prominent Lake Königssee, and seeing a bunch of horses and cows.

So enamored with the lovely paradise, I walked around the place and discovered the magnificence of nature. I momentarily stopped at the flawless lake, which made a perfect reflection of the infinite blue skies. Then, a soothing wind caressed my cheeks and enveloped me with amazing warmth. The chirping of the birds and the neighs of the horses altogether made a musicality that is distinctive to a still place such as Berchtesgaden National Park.

But Berchtesgaden National Park not only takes gratification in the enthralling tapestry of nature. Imagine a population that venerates and lives harmoniously with the richness of the flora and fauna. It is stimulating to distuingish that with conscious efforts, the locals have preserved their old traditions and culture, such as alpine farming. Also, even up to the modern age, they happily wear cultural trousers, jackets, and hats. Altogether, these make the Berchtesgaden National Park a splendid culture of Germany.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

A Gaze At Some Of Germany's Tasty Dishes

Germany is famous for its tasty Wursts, or sausages, and high-quality breweries. However, unknown to many, the country is also famous for its various tasty dishes, which include the Maultaschen, a ravioli dish filled with spinach, calve's brains, and ground meat. This dish is undeniably worth one's appetite since the relish of its fillings are well-blended together. But there's one particular German dish that I was encouraged enough to taste and it is more locally known as the Rostbraten -- a braised beef served with Linsen mit Saiten, a lentil stew with slices of sausages. Along with this tasty dish, I also had the opportunity to taste the tasty Sauerbraten, which is a slice of soft beef infused with spices and wine vinegar. Indeed, the spices in the said dishes do not overpower the meat's tender flavoring, making the dishes a favorite in Germany both among the citizens and foreigners like myself.

As for German sweets, I happen to have the Quarkkeulchen, which is made from boiled potatoes, sugar, curd, flour, and raisins, and is appropriately dashed with applesauce and cinnamon. However, a sweet tooth like me found it hard to resist other German desserts such as the full-bodied pastry known as the Pickert, which is a potato-based cake mixed with fresh raisins.

Lastly, because of the country's snowy climate, I was compelled to try Germany's soup servings, which prove to be very warm in the chilling stomach. Among these soup servings is the Aalsuppe, which is made of sweet-and-sour flavored eels combined with slices of bacon, fruits, and vegetables. It is indeed a sufficient soup serving, which makes me think of coming back to Germany for yet another food trip.

Monday, March 05, 2007

The Value of Super in the Profession Supermodel

Fashion in Germany would not be perfect without the fantastic Heidi Klum. Heidi Klum, who was born in June 1, 1973 in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a famed and hot German supermodel. Her career started when she became the first German model to become the cover girl of the famed Sports Illustrated magazine and stardom followed her since then.

Heidi Klum is not just a big star, but she is also a TV host, fashion designer, singer, television producer, and supporting actress. She has modeled in tons of fashion shows, grazed the covers of the most famed magazines as well as produced and hosted a reality show called "Project Runway." She has also acted minor roles in various movies like Ella Enchanted and Blow Dry. Today, she designs Birkenstock shoes, swimsuits, jewelries, and has even opened a perfume assembly. But despite all these achievements, this upscale big star still have her feet planted on the ground. In November 2006, she released a debut single called Wonderland and the proceeds were bestowed to a charity in her native land.

This popular fashion superstar is really a gem in her own right and a supermodel in its truest sense – with her great looks, super talent and caring heart, its no wonder that a rose was named after her.

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Unusual People Are Welcome In This Wholly Unique German Hotel

Part of the excitement that comes when you journey into a foreign land is the fact that you get to meet people coming from divergent backgrounds, and the fact that in these places, some things are done a little differently. In Germany, for instance, being divergent is actually celebrated such that people who are gays or are heavy smokers need not get holed up inside their hotel rooms and cry silently all throughout their journey.

The case of City Centre Hotel Neue Krame in Frankfurt is a rather fine one, as there is no hatred. As such the zone considers itself as a gay-friendly hotel. Non-smokers, in the meantime, can avail of guest rooms intended specifically for them.

Apart from these divergent accommodations though, there are other characters that the Neue Krame holds that no other German hotel can boast of. For starters, it is settled near several prominent German shopping centers and exhibition complexes. Museums, parks, and plazas are also just a few meters away, making the hotel the convenient place to stay in if ever you get to reach Frankfurt. As for transportation systems, subways and train stops are likewise within walking distance, so you need not really be apprehensive as to how you can move around.

The hotel rooms are each constructed with modern amenities, including satellite TV, telephone, and Internet access, just to name a few, but what makes the rooms special are the noise-proof windows, which conveniently block out noises emanating from the nearby pedestrian zone. Food-wise, you will absolutely have a good start once you partake of the buffet breakfast presented daily by the hotel.