As illustrated in the well-know poem “Twas the Night before Christmas,” the story of Santa Claus warms the hearts of children around the world – or so we thought. The story explained in the famous poem is actually one of many versions which seem to vary from country to country. The following are a few examples of different Santa-like entities, their helpers, as well as some of their counterparts:
Sinterklaas (Netherlands/Belgium): Sinterklaas may look like the North American Santa that we’ve all come to know and love – but he is not. Sinterklass is not from the North Pole and he does not preside over elves. It is from Spain where he sets off in a steamboat to Amsterdam. Guided by the careful navigation of his Zwate Piet (his “helpers,”) he set off from Spain and reaches the port of Amsterdam by the end of November. This is a nationally televised event, watched by people all over the country. He is a serious man with long white hair and beard who carries a golden staff and wears a red cape, ruby ring, as well as a red mitre (a hat generally associated with the pope). Upon his arrival, he docks his boat and hops on a white horse accompanied by two to five Zwate Piet. Their jobs vary from co-pilot to chimney climbers. He visits hospitals, schools, shopping centres and homes. The evening of his arrival, children leave there shoes near the fireplace filled with hay and carrots for Sinterklaas’ horse. Cookies and traditional almond pastries are left for Sinterklaas himself. In the morning, the good little boys and girls are bestowed with presents and candy, the bad children receive coal and the threat of being kidnapped back to Spain with Sinterklaas and his crew.
(images courtesy of dullhunk and hotfield)
Krampus(Austria/Slovenia/Italy): In the Alpine regions of Europe, Krampus acts as an anti-Santa of sorts. Generally, the creature is fur-laden from head to toe, bearing long horns atop a gruesome, sometime blood stained face. On December 5th of each year, young men dress up as Krampus and take to the streets, on the prowl for bad boys and girls. For those who are naughty during the year, they are beaten with long sticks; anyone in the street is fair game. In recent years, the practice has become controversial as the beatings are sometime considered brutal.
La Befana(Italy): On January 5th, the people of Italy celebrate Epiphany, a feast commemorating the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. As legend dictates, on the night before Jesus’ birth, La Befana gave the Magi (or the Three Wise Men) a place to stay and a hot meal as they continued their journey to see the baby Jesus. It is said that she was an exceptional hostess, always keeping her house spotless. The morning after, the Magi invited her to come see the Lord, but she declined as she had more housework to do. After they left, La Befana had a change of heart and set off in search of the infant. Unfortunately, she was unable to find Him or the Magi, and to this day she searches for the baby Jesus, leaving toys, candy and fruit for the good children along her path. Garlic and onions are left for those who were naughty during the year. Today, La Befana is a national icon. Take your car rental in Italy to the Epiphany celebrations where people dress up as her and entertain children by juggling and dancing in the streets. A story of a similar woman is told in Russia by the name of Babushka (or grandmother.)
Gryla (Iceland): The arrival of the giant, Gryla has been a time-honoured tradition in Iceland for hundreds of years. It is said that she descends from her mountain home during the Christmas season to seek out naughty children to put in her stew. She is always accompanied by her sons, referred to as the Yuletide Lads. The lads begin to show up on December 12th with the arrival of the first son, Stekkjarstaur, who steals milk from farmers’ sheep. On each day until the 24th, a new brother appears; some are known to peep through windows, others slam doors, steal food or toys. The story was not associated with Christmas until the 17th century, which subsequently had lead to an outright ban on using the story to scare children. Despite the ban, which has since been lifted, the people of Iceland keep the story alive by dressing up as Gryla and her children every year around Christmas.
Maine is located in the Northeast United States and makes up the northern part of New England. It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Quebec and New Brunswick to the north-northwest and New Hampshire to the west; its the only state in the US that borders just one other state. People come from all over the world to experience the pristine terrain among the high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, the dense forests of the interior and the jagged 3,500 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Maine – which also features 4,613 islands. 6,000 lakes and ponds dot the landscape, offering exponential locations to relax in the serine Maine wilderness. To put things in prospective, the total area of Maine is 33,215 square miles and 26,562 square miles are undeveloped.
Maine Culture
The people of Maine live a slow-paced New England lifestyle and have a strong sense of community. Most of them live in small fishing villages or quaint mountain towns, where you will find the essence of the people among the many farms and early colonial homes. Even Maine’s largest city, Portland, has a population of only 63,194 people and holds true to the traditions of a small town. It is common place for people to smile and wave as you pass by, whether it is on foot or in a car, casual conversations are had in line at the local grocer or variety store. Among Mainers, it is also generally understood that if someone needs help, you help them. Whether they be broken down on the side of the road or struggling with an armful of whatever, rules of common courtesy dictate that you should step in.
Maine Cuisine
Maine Lobster: For years, lobster has been harvested along the coast of Maine. Originally thought of as a disgusting bottom feeder, it was usually found on the tables of poor Maine families. In the early 1800’s, the crustacean began to grow in popularity and today, it has become world renowned and considered a delicacy. In the summertime, Mainers have feasts called lobster bakes which also include steamed clams, corn on the cob and Maine potatoes.
Maine Blueberries: Wild Maine Blueberries can be found almost anywhere in Maine. For years, Maine’s first inhabitants – the Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Abenaki, and Penobscot Indians – have used the berries for their healing properties and rich nutrients. It wasn’t until the mid-1800’s that the berries were harvested on the commercial level. Best enjoyed during the summer months, wild Maine blueberries can also be frozen to be had year-round.
Historic People from Maine
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882): A world renowned poet and educator, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is well known for his poems “Paul Revere’s Ride” and “The Song of Hiawatha.” He attended and taught at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine and took professorships at Harvard College in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as at many colleges in Europe. His contributions to education and literature around the world were profound and live on to this day.
Hannibal Hamlin (1809-1891): Founder of the Grand Old Party (Republican Party,) Hannibal Hamlin served as US Senator from Maine three times, then preceded to sit as Governor of Maine for one term and finally served as the Vice President of the United States from 1861-1865 during the American Civil War under Abraham Lincoln. Hamlin also served as US Ambassador to Spain and held a number of other public offices both nationally and on the state level. This great diplomat played a key part in the history of the United States.
George J. Mitchell, Jr. (born 1933): Between 1989 and 1995, Senator Mitchell sat as US Senate Majority Leader until he was appointed as United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland under President Bill Clinton. He chaired the peace negotiations that lead to the Belfast Peace Agreement; signed in 1998, it ended tensions between the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland which had lasted for decades. More recently the senator has been appointed as US Special Envoy for the Middle East under Barack Obama and has compiled reports on the Arab-Israeli conflict which have been pivotal in on-going peace negotiations. He is a true Mainer and to this day, he gives back to his home state in substantial ways.
Other Well-Known People from Maine
Stephen King, Milton Bradley, Patrick Dempsey, Edmund Muskie, Margaret Chase Smith, Nelson Rockefeller, Jud Nelson, EB White, LL Bean, Thomas Reed, James G. Blaine
Historic Places in Maine
Portland Head Light: Located in Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Portland Head Light was commissioned by George Washington in 1791, making it first lighthouse in the United States. The lighthouse continues to warn sailors as they navigate the rocky coast into Portland Harbor and is the most photographed lighthouse in the world.
Acadia National Park: The first national park on the eastern seaboard, Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island showcases the beauty of Maine’s rugged coast in close proximity to Cadillac Mountain, the largest on the Atlantic Coast. The park was donated by the Rockefellers in order to preserve such a magical place. Words do not suffice when attempting to describe the significance and fascination of these profoundly preserved seaside gem. Come see for yourself when you book your car rental in Portland, Maine.
For some people, parties include enjoying artichoke dip while wearing pressed linen slacks, and the possibility of engaging in some playful toe tapping is not too far off. For other people, a party includes body paint, dancing under the moon, and grooving to the world’s most renowned DJs. The Full Moon Party is for those who enjoy the latter. For some time now, (mostly British, mostly 20-somethings) tourists have visited the sandy beaches of Koh Phangan, a small island off the coast of Thailand, each month to let loose under the full moon.
Though the party may start at sunset, you may want to get your feet wet (both literally and figuratively) while socializing around one of the scattered tables along the shore earlier in the day. Crowds reaching 7,000 to 10,000 participants are regularly seen, but it is not impersonal; there is a good chance you will meet other party-goers with whom you start long lasting relationships. This is a great time to grab a “Yo-Yo Bucket,” at only 200THB ($9USD), it includes a pint of vodka and enough energy drinks to keep you going all night.
(photos courtesy of joestump and permanentlyscatterbrained)
Music blares and summons everyone towards the stage, and the mass of painted bodies meld into a sea of glow-sticks and lights. The soulful, rapid movements of Dubstep and Trance play loudly and jugglers and fire-eaters entertain the crowd with daring stunts, sometimes asking for audience participation. Leaping through fiery hoops and flaming jump rope are common spectacles at the Full Moon Party.
After awhile, the effects of dancing and leaping through hoops may leave you feeling a bit fatigued at which time a dip in the warm ocean waters may be in order. Many vendors and traders sit at the edge of the beach offering everything from liquor to food and souvenir bobbles, providing anything you may need. There are also designated areas, or “chill-out zones” that are guarded by security officers, providing a safe place to rest your head for a moment or the entire night. For a night at the Full Moon party, leave your car rental at the hotel and follow these party tips:
Take your passport copy, leave original at your hotel
Don’t bring anything of value
Take down your hotels details in case of an emergency
Throughout history people have been mummified for reasons both intentional and unintentional. To some, the sight of a withered corpse may be grotesque, but these remnants of former kings, victims, and scholars will continue to educate and bring insight into their lives and the times in which they lived for years to come. The following are 4 examples of mummies from all over the world that have been brought to us for very different reasons:
King Tutankhamen (ca. 1343 B.C.)
The tomb containing the most famous boy king of Egypt was discovered in the Valley of Kings in 1923. In 1343 B.C. King Tutankhamen was sent off into the afterlife with priceless treasures gilded in gold, which have been displayed in museums worldwide. For many years his mummified body had gone unseen – until now. The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas, as well as the Pacific Science Centre in Settle, Washington are offering the rare opportunity to see his body, the sarcophagus in which it was held, and the priceless cache of treasures found in his tomb
Tullund Man (ca. 4 B.C.)
The Tullund Man was thought to be a murder victim upon his initial discovery by a group of hunters in 1950. Known as a bog body, the corpse had gone through a process similar to that of a pickle, where body fluids are replaced by acidic bog water, leaving the flesh inhospitable to bacteria, thus preventing decomposition. It is confirmed that he was hanged, most likely as a sacrifice, evidenced by rope fiber found in his neck. Come see the Tollund Man on display at his new home, the Silkeborg Museum, when you book your car rental in Denmark.
Jeremy Bentham (ca. 1832 A.D.)
(Courtesy of Matt From London)
Known for his philosophies of social reform, Jeremy Bentham’s final request (as written in his Will) was to be mummified and displayed at the University College London. Originally his body was kept by a friend until he died in the early-20th century. Now Mr. Bentham can be seen in a glass case within the corridors of UCL. A wax head was incorporated for aesthetic reasons; his real head is safely locked way in the university.
“Life Museum” (ca. 2000)
In Thailand, the “Life Museum” at Wat Phrabaht Nampu HIV/AIDS hospice takes an unconventional approach to heightening the reality and awareness of the HIV/AIDS virus. In their final days patients come to grips with the morality of life, so much so that some opt to be mummified and displayed in the museum; allowing them speak out beyond the grave about the dangers of HIV/AIDS for years to come. For some people this may be disturbing but the people at Wat Phrabaht Nampu have a more poetic understanding of the process, referring to death as a new beginning:
“The spirits of those who have died here teach us how to think…
We forget that we are connected to all of life.
Death is part of life and we forget to accept this truth:
If you’re looking for a destination that offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in whatever the heart desires, then Montreal is the place for you! Whatever you’re into, whatever you want to see and do, you can find it in the city that was recently described as “Canada’s Cultural Capital” by Monocle Magazine.
Montreal was largely settled by the French as far back as 16th century, though it was settled by the Iroquois several thousand years prior. Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city and home to about 1,620,000 people. It is consistently rated as one of the world’s most livable cities, and offers a limitlessly diverse mix of art, recreation, and culture… but where to start?
Historical Drama – If you want to be dazzled by examples of architecture and iconic landmarks, Montreal is one of your best bets. There’s a reason it has the highest number of historical sites in the entire country – cathedrals! There are so many outstanding churches in Montreal you’d be hard-pressed to visit them all before your trip ends. Start with Notre-Dame Basilica, featuring Gothic Revival architecture considered amongst the most dramatic in the world. The cathedral offers a spectacular organ boasting over 9,000 pipes and was the site of Celine Dion’s 1994 wedding. Also worth a visit: Saint Joseph’s Oratory (Canada’s largest church) and Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral.
Nature’s Bounty – Those wishing to enjoy the great outdoors should definitely head to the Botanical Gardens. This 190 acre park is considered one of the most important in the world given its’ extensive collections. Be sure to hit the renowned Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden! If you have the time: Take a trek up famed Mount Royal, an extension of a vastly eroded ancient volcanic complex.
Good Sport – Ice Hockey is by far the most popular sport in Montreal, so be sure to take in a game if your trip is “In Season”. The Montreal Canadiens boast a 24 Stanley Cup Championship record! Soccer is also big in Montreal, and the city hosted the 2007 FIFA World Cup. Stock car racing is popular in the warmer months and you can enjoy both NASCAR and Grand Prix Formula One races at the famous Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Lavish Landmarks – If architecture is what excites you, then you’ll be thrilled to discover Montreal has more than just beautiful, old churches (though, it really DOES have a lot of churches!). Head to Olympic Stadium first and visit the stadium built specifically for the 1976 Summer Games that cost a staggering $1.5 billion and took 30 years to pay off. You’ll also want to make time to see the Montreal Biosphere at Parc Jean-Drapeau and Habitat 67 on the Marc-Drouin Quay on the Saint Lawrence River.
Art Attack – No shortage of options here! Head to Place des Arts, home to festivals, performance and concerts, and the world-renowned Montreal Symphony Orchestra. Montreal also hosts the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs comedy festival, Montreal World Film Festival and the Montreal Fireworks Festival each year. And don’t forget Cirque du Soleil! Based in Montreal, the “Circus of the Sun” is a regular staple of Quebec’s performance scene.
I Love the Nightlife – Here is where you’ll see the most diversity – amongst the options for entertainment! There is a seemingly limitless supply of fantastic restaurants, including Toque, le Jardin Nelson and Bonaparte Restaurant. If you enjoy bar hopping, then hop to Pub St-Paul, Les Foufounes Electriques, Brutopia and Casa del Popolo. If you’d prefer to dance the night away, then your best bets are Club Unity, Parking and Copacabana.
Viva Diversity! – Since I did say that there’s something for everyone, then head over to Montreal’s Gay Village on Rue Ste Catherine East for shopping, restaurants, clubs, and bars. And since anything (and everything!) goes in Montreal, those who are daring can check out the strip clubs for fully nude dancers. The men go all the way at Campus (muscles), Stock (jocks) and Taboo (diversity!), while you can enjoy the females at classy Club Wanda’s or busy Kamasutra Club.
You’ll have a fabulous time in Montreal, but remember – French is the primary language! In fact, Montreal is the second largest primarily French-speaking city in the world, after Paris. So what’s the best option for you? Well, you won’t know until you try them all…
Enjoy!
Contact Auto Europe for all your travel needs, from hotels in the U.S. to car rental in Paris.
So, like, there are WAY more Vampires in the world than you probably realized. Even after we destroyed Sunnydale, California (sorry about that!), they’re everywhere. All over the place, doing their vampy best to bring about the apocalypse, or whatever. Vampires suck, both literally and figuratively.
I would NEVER suggest you regular people hunt them, because that’s so not safe and best left to us Slayers and chosen one. Ones. Vampires with souls will hunt their own too, but that’s really complicated. So I’m just going to tell you where MY favorite places are to kick Vampire butt! Make sure you stay out of my way, and if the apocalypse comes send me a text!
1. Transylvania – this is a no-brainer. It’s so old, and there are so many medieval castles and churches that a Vampire could lurk in. They do that a lot, you know: lurk. With their brooding and beady eyes and… wait. Where was I? Oh yeah – Transylvania! So anyway, you’ll find Bran Castle in Transylvania, which is Dracula’s Castle. THE Dracula (who I expected would be a lot taller). It was built back in 1212 and is now a museum which is so like a buffet for Vamps. There’s also Densus church which is REALLY old, older than my Dad even. Built in the 7th century by Romans… I think?
2. Salem – right in the Unites States! Massachusetts, no less. I think that the Witches – oops, I mean Wiccans – totally have this place locked down, but you just know that Vampires are all over this place because like 100 million people go there every Halloween to see House of the Seven Gables (a colonial mansion) and the Witch House, which was actually used in the Salem Witch Trials back in 1692! I can NOT talk about this to Willow, because she FREAKS about that, so let’s move on!
3. Los Angeles – Big city, even BIGGER vampire population. Don’t let all the sunshine and tanned bodies fool you – this city is teeming with fangs. Even so… the beaches are amazing. And the shopping is to DIE for! Ha ha, get it? Also, there’s so much to see and do: Disneyland in Anaheim, Hollywood, Dodger Stadium, Staples Center, Capital Records, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Mann’s Chinese Theatre… wow.
4. Puerto Rico – You probably think it crazy that I’d suggest this tropical country as a prime spot for Vampires, but hello, Chupacabra? That nasty beast has been spotted there, and I will so take it down. And hey, if I get to spend a few hours on Corcho Beach in Vieques or tour the remains of the Spanish forts and colonies in San Felipe del Morro, I’m down with that!
5. Cleveland – sorry Ohians, but that nasty Hellmouth that Sunnydale sat upon? You’ve got one too. You may be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World, but there is major Vampire activity in “C-Town”. Sure, you have some awesomely beautiful sites within your city – the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Museums for Art and Natural History, and teams for pretty much all the major sports (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Ice Hockey) – but you’ve got a dark side that’s a magnet for bloodsuckers.
So, there you have it. If you go to these places, be warned. Enjoy your fancy hotels and car rentals in Los Angeles, Puerto Rico or wherever, but don’t forget to pack garlic and a cross. Leave the Vampire slaying to me!
Few countries in the world are such a “hot button” topic of conversation like Israel. In fact, a lot of people probably wouldn’t even think of Israel as a vacation destination due to the long history of political and religious turmoil. They are mistaken!
I myself was one of those people. Truthfully, I didn’t know a lot about the country and the specific details surrounding its history. I was kind of scared (okay, a LOT scared) to go. I had no idea what to expect. Fortunately, I had a great friend born in Jerusalem who took me and acted as Tour Guide/Library/Guardian/Mom.
First a few preliminary tips on what to expect:
* It is hot, sunny, and dry most of the year. So drink lots of water, pack your sunscreen, and dress appropriately. That said, the country experiences drought conditions most of the time, so be conservative – no 30 minute showers!
* Military personnel are everywhere, all the time and armed. You’ll have your bags checked going into the mall or even street fairs. Even so, I never felt uncomfortable seeing soldiers walking around with machine guns. In fact, quite the opposite! Despite the initial viewpoint that their military is aggressive and scary, they have a much more relaxed approach. Every citizen – male or female – is required to serve, gays can serve openly, and I saw female soldiers wearing make-up and jewelry. Because it is ‘no big deal’ to them, it became no big deal for me.
* Be respectful of their culture and religions, and they will treat you fairly and politely. If you have tattoos and show them, they will stare (just cover up when entering holy sites). Amusingly, the majority of the Jewish population seemed indifferent about my mohawk, but the Arab men LOVED it!
I spent 10 days in Israel, and felt like I could have used another month to take in everything the country has to offer. The historical and religious energy is palpable. Even if you are not devoutly religious, you can’t help but be moved and humbled by all that has come before you there, and the power that it evokes.
Start your vacation with a trip to Tel Aviv, an incredibly progressive and vibrant Mediterranean city. Its 24-hour culture makes it a top destination for tourism, with an abundance of clubs, restaurants, shopping, and parks. Visit the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the Eretz Israel Museum for art, history and archaeological exhibits. Luna Park is an amusement park option for the family, Hayarkon Park is a popular venue for rock and pop concerts (I – along with 50,000 other people – saw Madonna perform!), and the beaches on the edge of Tel Aviv are considered some of the best in the world.
After a busy visit to bustling Tel Aviv head to nearby Old Jaffa, an ancient port city believed to be one of the oldest in the world. Enjoy the beaches or indulge in history at St. Peter’s Church, Al-Bahr Mosque, and Jaffa Museum.
Next head to Jerusalem for an experience like no other. As Israel’s capital and largest city, Jerusalem offers the Israel Museum, Botanical Gardens, Jerusalem Theater and numerous options for sports and education – but this isn’t your primary reason to visit. The religious significance and impact of Jerusalem cannot be ignored, so enjoy it! Take a tour through Mount of Olives for a stunning view of the city. It contains the Church of Maria Magdalene, the tombs of Zechariah and Benei Hezir, and an extensive Jewish cemetery. The Western Wall (or Wailing Wall) is over 2,000 years old and one of the most recognizable – and important – icons of Judaism, while the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been one of the most visited destinations for Christian pilgrimages. It is here you will find a series of chapels containing breathtaking art, gorgeous domes and rotundas, and the Tomb of Christ.
Finally, consider heading north to some of the less trafficked but no less stunning destinations of Israel. Haifa is the third largest city and a major seaport, located on the slope of Mt. Carmel and offering amazing views of the region. Nazareth is an iconic religious destination and considered the childhood home of Jesus. Visit Basilica of Annunciation, the largest church in Nazareth with an impressive collection of art and artifacts. Both the Sea of Galilee and the famous Dead Sea are definitely worth a day trip.
I left Israel dazed, dazzled, and overwhelmed by all it had to offer – and I can’t wait to go back.
There are bad movies. Then there are really bad, really horrible movies. And then there are those movies that are so God-awful horrendous, such complete eye-gouging garbage that they come back around to being almost… good. At the very least, you can’t take your eyes off them, like a train wreck or the lady in your office wearing the bedazzled sweater.
“Troll 2” is that movie. While watching it, I hated the friend that forced me to sit and watch it. Then came the amusement that somebody actually made this movie and for maybe even a moment took it seriously. Suddenly I was a part of Mystery Science Theater 3000, with no choice but to mock the movie. And you know what? I had the best time mocking this movie!
First of all, they aren’t even trolls. They’re goblins. They eat people, but only after they turn them into potted plants (Are they vegetarians?) They’re led by a witchy enchantress Druid lady who, and I’m not making this up, shows up in the dictionary under the entry for OVER-ACTING. There are so many elements to this movie that defy belief. Plot “twists” so ludicrous that you’ll wonder how someone could produce this movie and then show their face in public again. For instance:
The family in the movie decides to vacation in the town of “Nilbog”. Nilbog! Do you get it? It’s goblin backwards! So clever!
The trolls – which don’t ever chase so much as shuffle or, at best, stand still – use plastic shovels and bags of sandwiches when they attack.
The local Sheriff – who looks like the missing brother “Darryl” from Newhart – is named Sheriff Freak. Sheriff FREAK.
Anyway, my point – and I do have one – is that this got me thinking about the trolls from Norway and how offended they must be by this movie. Perfectly respectable trolls that live in the forests, have big noses, and cook elk whole in their giant kettles. If I were those trolls, I’d be furious!
Norway is a beautiful country, filled with staggering mountains and majestic fjords. You can enjoy meals with delicious traditional offerings such as lutefisk (fish) and Lefse (potato flatbread). The natives are incredibly warm and friendly, and you’ll feel right at home (Nilbog it’s not!). Norwegian culture offers a bounty of rich and diverse offerings – music, literature, art, and winter sports.
Book your flight and your car rental in Norway and rest assured that you’ll have a fabulous time! And if you do run into a native Troll, thank them for being respectably scary, not plastic mask from Wal-Mart “TROLL 2” scary. Also, apologize to them for any injustice they have suffered because of that movie. Or, better yet, don’t admit you ever saw it.
Germany’s Autobahn is one of the most exciting and interesting places to visit in the world. Thrill seekers from every country on the planet travel to Germany in hopes of experiencing the adrenaline rush of driving at top speeds. Lucky visitors enjoy the fast speeds and competition of the fellow drivers. If you are planning on traveling to the Autobahn, here are the top five things you need to know.
Lane Size
In each direction there are generally two to three lanes for driving, although in some places you may find four lanes. Each lane within the grassy or more rural areas is generally 3.75 meters wide. In the areas that are urban or more city-like the lanes are 3.5 meters wide.
Center Size
To separate the different directions on the Autobahn there is a lane of green shrubbery. Landscaping in this area is between 3.5 and 4 meters wide. There is also a double-sided railing that is built within the center of the greenery. There are also blinders that can be used around the winding areas of the grass.
Maintenance
Maintenance on the Autobahn car rental Germany is actually quite impressive. There are crews that inspect every part of the Autobahn system on a regular basis. Crews use new, high-tech equipment that scans the road digitally.
Prohibited Travel
Pedestrians are absolutely prohibited from walking or hiking on or around the Autobahn due to the fast speeds. Mopeds and bicycles do not reach the top speeds necessary to keep up with the flow of traffic, so they are banned as well. Vehicles on the Autobahn must have a maximum speed higher than 60 km/h or 36 miles per hour.
Miscellaneous
One of the most random laws the Autobahn enforces is that it is actually illegal to run out of gas on the Autobahn. As it is illegal to stop for any unnecessary reason and gas shortage can be prevented, stopping can warrant a heavy ticket. Also, parking, making a U-turn and backing up is also illegal and strictly enforced against on the Autobahn.
Planning a trip to the Autobahn? Auto Europe has great deals on car rental in Germany!
The holidays will be here before you know it, and if you are looking for unique gifts for your family and friends, you have to head over to the Marienplatz Holiday Market in Munich. The Christmas market, also called Christkindl Markt, has been a Bavarian tradition since 1642. The historical market takes place from November 25th to December 24th and are held in St. Mary’s Square, in the middle of Munich. When the Market first started in Marienplatz it was known for delicious gingerbread, chimney sweep figurines made from plums and handmade nativity sets.
These days there are over 160 booths which are seasonally decorated. You cannot miss the giant 100 foot, light covered Christmas tree that keeps watch over the vendor’s stalls. You can shop for Bavarian wood carvings, crafts, candles, sweets, food, mulled wine, cakes, cookies, fruit breads, crystals and traditional toys. You can even find holiday ornaments and traditional Christmas decorations for your home. Be sure to bring your appetite. You will want to try everything that the market has to offer. You can snack on baked apples, plum puddings, gingerbread stars and roasted chestnuts and almonds. If you want something a bit more filling try the potato pancakes or sausages.
Every stand has something unique.
Take your children to the Heavenly Workshop where they can learn how to bake Christmas cookies and make traditional arts and crafts. You can listen to Christmas concerts which are held on Munich’s Town Hall balcony. These free concerts begin at 5:30 every day. You will not want to miss the manger scene, the carol singers or the brass band that plays on the Rathaus balcony.
Monday through Saturday you can get into the holiday spirit and browse the Christkindlmarkt from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays the markets are open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and December 24th, the holy night, the Marienplatz Holiday Market in Munich is open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
This season you will not want to miss the world renowned Marienplatz Holiday Market in Munich. It will truly get you into the Christmas spirit. Book your car rental in Munich today!
“helpers,”) he set off from Spain and reaches the port of Amsterdam by the end of November. This is a nationally televised event, watched by people all over the country. He is a serious man with long white hair and beard who carries a golden staff and wears a red cape, ruby ring, as well as a red mitre (a hat generally associated with the pope). Upon his arrival, he docks his boat and hops on a white horse accompanied by two to five Zwate Piet. Their jobs vary from co-pilot to chimney climbers. He visits hospitals, schools, shopping centres and homes. The evening of his arrival, children leave there shoes near the fireplace filled with hay and carrots for Sinterklaas’ horse. Cookies and traditional almond pastries are left for Sinterklaas himself. In the morning, the good little boys and girls are bestowed with presents and candy, the bad children receive coal and the threat of being kidnapped back to Spain with Sinterklaas and his crew.
Krampus (Austria/Slovenia/Italy): In the Alpine regions of Europe, Krampus acts as an anti-Santa of sorts. Generally, the creature is fur-laden from head to toe, bearing long horns atop a gruesome, sometime blood stained face. On December 5th of each year, young men dress up as Krampus and take to the streets, on the prowl for bad boys and girls. For those who are naughty during the year, they are beaten with long sticks; anyone in the street is fair game. In recent years, the practice has become controversial as the beatings are sometime considered brutal.
sheep. On each day until the 24th, a new brother appears; some are known to peep through windows, others slam doors, steal food or toys. The story was not associated with Christmas until the 17th century, which subsequently had lead to an outright ban on using the story to scare children. Despite the ban, which has since been lifted, the people of Iceland keep the story alive by dressing up as Gryla and her children every year around Christmas.
Lavish Landmarks – If architecture is what excites you, then you’ll be thrilled to discover Montreal has more than just beautiful, old churches (though, it really DOES have a lot of churches!). Head to Olympic Stadium first and visit the stadium built specifically for the 1976 Summer Games that cost a staggering $1.5 billion and took 30 years to pay off. You’ll also want to make time to see the Montreal Biosphere at Parc Jean-Drapeau and Habitat 67 on the Marc-Drouin Quay on the Saint Lawrence River.
Next head to Jerusalem for an experience like no other. As Israel’s capital and largest city, Jerusalem offers the Israel Museum, Botanical Gardens, Jerusalem Theater and numerous options for sports and education – but this isn’t your primary reason to visit. The religious significance and impact of Jerusalem cannot be ignored, so enjoy it! Take a tour through Mount of Olives for a stunning view of the city. It contains the Church of Maria Magdalene, the tombs of Zechariah and Benei Hezir, and an extensive Jewish cemetery. The Western Wall (or Wailing Wall) is over 2,000 years old and one of the most recognizable – and important – icons of Judaism, while the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been one of the most visited destinations for Christian pilgrimages. It is here you will find a series of chapels containing breathtaking art, gorgeous domes and rotundas, and the Tomb of Christ.
