German Beer is Hop Happy
Posted in Germany on 19. Feb, 2010
It’s been a tradition of this blog to write about food on Fridays, but what’s food without a nice beverage to go alongside it?
Today, we’ll be writing about German beer, which is set apart from the rest of the world’s beer production. In the early 16th century, the Reinseitsgebot, or “purity order” was established, making the only ingredients allowed in beer production to be water, hops, and barley malt. Beer that doesn’t use barley malt is also required to be top-fermented.
Overall, there are about 1,300 breweries in Germany, second only to the United States which has 1,500 breweries. Germans also know how to drink! They are only behind the Czechs and the Irish in their per capita consumption of beer.
Each year’s Oktoberfest in Munich brings more and more excitement than the last. What started as a horse race in celebration of a marriage, Oktoberfest is now quite a large event, with tents hosting traditional and guest beers in the city each year so revellers can toast Bavarian tradition.
To begin Oktoberfest, the first key is tapped by the mayor of Munich who cries, “IT’S TAPPED!” along with a 12-gun salute. Then Oktoberfest goers can partake in beer and traditional cuisine including sauerkraut, roasted ox tails and apple pancakes.
Even though Oktoberfest takes place in Munich from September 20th to October 5th, tourists should think about affordable accommodation in Munich now before hotels reach capacity.
Next time you enjoy a nice cold beer, think about all of the tradition and history that goes into beer making, and remember the Germans!
Top Yoga Studios in Europe
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP…
Ah yes, the less-than-comforting sound of an alarm clock. There you were, in a perfectly blissful state of slumber, and that awful blaring of competing tones disrupts your bliss and you are forced to leave that safe, warm place and go out into the harsh world.
But, what if you could take that warm, peaceful feeling with you to work or school?
Yoga allows that to happen. By syncing your body and mind through different poses and meditation, you become more focused. For me, yoga gives a greater sense of purpose for all of the day’s tasks, so I don’t become overwhelmed or stressed, but take things one step at a time. Doing this doesn’t make getting out of bed difficult, but almost exciting to make the most of your day.
Travel & Leisure posted an article of the top 25 yoga studios around the world. Here are a few located in Europe:
- Hamsa Yoga Studio: Copenhagen, Denmark – Offering Vinyasa yoga, this studio also offers advanced back-bending and Thai massage. English classes available on request.
- Triygoga: London, England – With locations in Primrose Hill, Covent Garden and Soho, this studio also offers acupuncture, naturopathy and massage.
- Airyoga Munich: Munich, Germany – About a four-minute walk from Mandarin Oriental Hotel, this studio offers massages, facials and pedicure in addition to all major yoga styles. English classes available upon request.
- Rasa: Paris, France – This studio focuses primarily on Vinyasa yoga, but still offers classes in Mysore, Ashtanga and Yin. English classes available upon request.
- Airyoga Zurich: Zurich, Switzerland – Here, a variety of 10 different yoga traditions are taught in a convenient location in Bellevue Plaza. Almost all classes are taught in English.
Of course, there are many yoga studios around the world you can attend. Just try out a few sessions and see if it’s a good fit. Hopefully it will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed. With plenty of hotels in and around Copenhagen, London, Munich, Paris and Zurich, be sure to check out affordable hotels at Eurobookings.com.
If all else fails, perhaps a more soothing alarm clock could also do the trick. But trust me on the yoga thing.
Cultures Come Together in Berlin
Posted in Berlin on 16. Dec, 2009
From beatnik to tribal, and traditional to just plain eccentric, thousands of people march to the beat of their own drums in the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin each year. The idea behind the Carnival stems from Berlin’s extremely diverse population. (More than 450,000 of Berlin’s 3.4 million residents have a non-German citizenship, resulting in a plethora of mixed cultural and social backgrounds in Berlin!)
What a better way to learn and appreciate these cultures than a four-day street festival?
More than 1.47 million people celebrated at the parade in 2009, and it is expected to grow even more in 2010. With large numbers of young people celebrating the Carnival too, it is a perfect event for all ages.
If you will be in the Berlin area from May 21-24, it would be worth your while to check out the Carnival. Find a great hotel in your budget and proximity, and let the good times march on at the Carnival in 2010!
