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Why Germany’s Bread Culture Deserves UNESCO Recognition

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 When I first arrived in Germany I believed that bread was bread. A loaf which can be cut, toasted, or eaten with butter. That fantasy was soon dispelled when I entered a bakery in Germany.   Shelves and shelves of loaves of all sizes, colors, and shapes, crusty rye breads, soft wheat rolls, sourdoughs, seeded dark loaves, which seemed nearly too firm to slice.   Side note: Before travelling, make sure to check airport parking Heathrow to secure an affordable deal. More Than Just Food   It is not just a bread one eats in Germany but a cultural anchor. Families continue to share a meal called Abendbrot, or evening meal, which consists of fresh bread, cheese, cold cuts and spreads. It is plain, but strongly tradition based.   Every land contributes something: Bavarian pretzels, Westphalian pumpernickel, Swabian "Seelen". The country has more than 3,000 officially registered types of bread with each bearing tales of place, history, and craftsmanship. At ...

Carnival in Cologne: Germany’s Wildest Festival

You think that Mardi Gras is crazy, you should wait till you visit Carnival in Cologne. The festival is also addressed as the fifth season locally and the city turns into a tornado of costumes, parades and unbridled happiness.   Carnival in Cologne is not merely a phenomenon: the Carnival is a mood, an opportunity for all people to forget about their everyday life, and throw themselves into the celebration.   Side note: For a stress-free trip, make sure to book  Meet And Greet At Stansted . When the City Comes Alive   The season starts on November 11 at 11:11 a.m., but it reaches the height of madness in the week before Ash Wednesday. It is marked by the opening day Weiberfastnacht (Women Carnival Day).   Offices close, the streets are full of music and women before going out to have a good time, symbolically cutting the ties of men. Since then, the city has not slowed down.   Costumes, Crowds, and Chaos   You will see everywhere people...

Walking the Old Town Walls of Dubrovnik at Dawn

 Dubrovnik is enchanted in some way when the world is still asleep. No crowds on the cruise ships, no camera clicks, just the echo of your own steps, and the soft murmur of the Adriatic on old stone. The First Light On the Adriatic   The ancient walls of the town have been in existence since the centuries that they have taken care of Dubrovnik against invaders. In the morning they protect something different: a quiet beauty that is rare.   You scale up as the first blush of light touches the terracotta rooftops and watch the city stretch and yawn. The sea is as though it had been polished in the night, and the islands all about are asleep in the morning mist.   Make sure to book  cheap Luton airport parking   if you want to experience a stress-free trip.   A Other City in the Morning   A stroll around the 2 kilometers course is like an epistle to the city in the form of a love letter. You go past watch towers that h...

Coffee Lover’s Guide to Rome’s Hidden Cafes

  Rome wakes up slowly. No blaring alarms, but the hiss of an espresso machine and the smell of coffee winding through the alleys of cobbled streets.   Rome is one big invitation to take time, drink coffee and enjoy the passing scene. However, although the large piazzas and the tourist cafes are quite charming, they do not contain all the magic in the city.   Wake up in Trastevere . Stroll along ivy covered walls until you reach a small cafe with two tables out front, people at the bar and a glass case filled with fresh cornetti.   Order an espresso, not to-go but al banco-it is less expensive, and you will feel like you are one of them. It is not a coffee which is hurried here, but it is all within the rhythm.   One thing that you need to remember if you want a luxurious travel experience is to book  cheap Heathrow airport parking  and travel stress-free.   To get a change, duck into Sant Eustachio Il Caffe of Pantheon . Their beans are...

How to Feel Safe as a Solo Female Traveler in Malta

Solo female travel is an empowering experience but safety is ever in the equation.Traveling to Malta by yourself, you will not regret that this is one of the safest places in Europe, particularly, if you are a female traveler.   Making it a warm yet not overbearing destination, Malta is the perfect island with its relaxed ambiance, local people and fascinating history.   Side note: Start your trip stress-free by booking meet and greet Heathrow . Select Central and Accessible locations.   Stay in lighted, central areas such as Valletta, Sliema or St. Julian. These are not only walking areas but also have people in the streets even late in the night.   The public transport is good, yet there are rideshare services such as Bolt that are popular in case you do not feel safe using the bus at night.   Believe In Your Gut   The Maltese are a generally warm and respectful people however, as it is in any place, trust your instincts. In case a chat do...

How to Use Public Transport in Vienna and Beyond

  Using the public transport in Vienna is delightfully easy and effective and you begin to realize that fact as soon as you get out of the plane.   The city is like a clockwork, so is the network of trams, buses, trains and the U-Bahn (subway).   Regardless of whether you are going to spend a couple of days in the city or use Vienna as a hub to explore the rest of Austria, public transport will become your best friend.   Vienna Start Up   You should first purchase a travel pass. A Vienna City Card, 24-, 48-, or 72-hour ticket, or a weekly ticket gives unlimited access to the majority of types of transport. They may be bought online, in the kiosks at the stations, or from ticket machines.   All you have to do is make sure you validate your ticket before your first trip in case it is not already time-stamped.   Getting to know the System   The U-Bahn (subway) of Vienna is quick and easy. It operates between 5 AM and midnight and ...

Thrift Shopping in LA: Where to Score Vintage Treasures

    When I arrived in LA, I wanted to achieve my dreams and didn’t have much money which made me fall in love with thrift stores. I soon saw that there’s more to Los Angeles than the famous shops on Rodeo Drive.   In reality, the most interesting fashion in New York comes from the hidden-away thrift stores found in interesting areas.   Hunting for vintage items can be very exciting. Every faded Levi’s jacket, 80s band tee and well-worn pair of boots has its own story. And LA? It includes many stories.   Note: if you are travelling on a budget then you can save money by booking short stay parking Heathrow   and have some extra money for your trip. Jet Rag (on Melrose Avenue)   The place is full of fun in a chaotic way. Their Sunday Sale is well known and customers treat it like a major shopping day, searching through tons of items. I came across a suede jacket that looked as if it came from a '70s movie. It was comfortable, big enough and the ...