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What You Need To Know About Tubingen, Germany
Located around a 40-minute drive southwest of Stuttgart is the small little town of Tubingen. History Tubingen has a rich history, with a medieval castle atop one of the many hills dating back to 1078. Home to one of Central Europe’s oldest Universities (Eberhard Karls University) in 1477 and the earliest settlement first recorded during the 6th and 7th centuries. Schloss Fortunately, during the Second World War, Tubingen was left relatively unscathed, and many of the medieval buildings remain intact. If you are willing to take the small hike up a hill to Hohentubingen Castle (Schloss), the view is the reward. From its perch, there are spectacular views of the river…
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From Balloch to Tarbet – The West of Loch Lomond
Where the sun shines fair on the banks of Loch Lomond Britain’s largest loch (or lake) is one of the most beautiful destinations in Scotland (and trust me there are a lot of places to chose from). I have spent many childhood summers visiting my grandparents who are only a 10-minute drive away. Situated in the heart of the ‘Trossachs’ Scotland’s first national park, is a miniature version of the highlands, only an hour from Glasgow. Balloch The start of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs park is Balloch, which has plenty to do and see. Balloch Castle Country Park Initially developed in the early 19th century, the country park and…
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Its More Than A Game In Russia’s Football World Cup
‘The World Cup is a very important way to measure the good players, and the great ones’ – Pele The beautiful game of football is played worldwide by millions of men, women, and children. Played first (official association football) in 1863 and how the game has grown since this scoreless draw between Barnes and Richmond. Now represented by an estimated 265 million people across 207 member associations, and the pinnacle of association football is the World Cup. The World Cup Hosted every four years since 1930, Russia hosts the 2018 competition which starts on Thursday 14th June. This tournaments’ hosts are Russia, and the bidding was not without scandal or controversy. Allegations…
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Top 7 Things To Do In Budapest
Budapest is a city of contrast. From the gently sloping hills of ancient Buda to the flat terrain of Pest. With a history of Celtic, Roman and Ottoman occupation, and pivotal during both of the World Wars, Budapest has something for everyone. Here are the top 7 things to do when you visit Budapest 1. Take In The Architecture Of The Parliament Building The outstanding Gothic building on the banks of the Danube is one of the largest buildings in Hungary. Still, a fully functional parliamentary office, stunning from virtually every angle, forming part of the UNESCO site as a central element in the Danube panorama. Tickets are available daily to…
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The Magical Healing Of The Budapest Thermal Baths
Budapest sits on a complex network of almost 125 thermal springs, and this thermal-water reserve is one of the largest in the world, especially for a capital city. Budapest is therefore rich in world-class healing baths and ‘taking the waters’ has been a part of everyday life. There can be few places in the world where water is as lavishly celebrated. The healing powers of the hot springs were first discovered in 100 AD when Romans settled at Aquincum, which is now part of Budapest. Then it was the Turks, who occupied Hungary during the 16th century, who built the baths and developed the spa culture. The water contains calcium, magnesium, hydrocarbonate, alkalis, chloride, sulfate and fluoride. Some of…
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From Ruins to Rebirth – Budapest’s Ruin Bars
In the quiet heart of the old Jewish Quarter of Budapest, there is an unexpected emerging bar scene. From the abandoned homes and businesses, has grown an eclectic nightlife. Humble Origins The Jewish Quarter is the smallest in Budapest, yet it currently has the highest population density. The Jewish district is full with the historical remains of the Jewish community that once thrived there. There are three synagogues in the area, with the Dohány Synagogue being the largest and, indeed, the second largest in the entire world. Sadly, the tragic effects of the Holocaust ravaged the area and stripped it of its population and identity. Luckily, the Jewish culture is not only something of the past. The district…
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Brainstorming Ideas of Things To Do In Budapest
Before travelling, it is always recommended to do your research so that you are prepared for your destination. Whether that is confirming which country you are going to, the currency they use or the language. For this trip, this is unfortunately things that have required investigation before we travel today! When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable Ideas of Things To Do In Budapest Budapest is voted as one of the world’s most beautiful cities worldwide. From a quick google search, it is easy to see why. The architecture, spanning neoclassical to art…
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The Forgotten British Languages And Their Resurgence
International Mother Language Day is recognised by UNESCO on the 21st February each year. This day celebrates linguistic diversity and promoting multilingual education worldwide. Out of these languages, there are an astounding 2464 languages listed as vulnerable and at risk, from almost 6000 internationally. Nearly 10% of these languages (approximately 600) may become extinct in a single generation. There are 9 British languages listed as vulnerable, and UNESCO previously registered 2 of these languages as extinct, but a resurgence and revitalisation have forced UNESCO to reconsider this classification. Manx Manx or Manx Gaelic is the native Gaelic derived language of the Isle of Man. This small British dependency is nestled…
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The Top Sights In The French Capital of Paris
Paris is just 300 miles away from London, and with fantastic transport links with the Eurostar, Eurotunnel and Channel Crossing Ferry, I have visited the French Capital on some occasions. Here are the best things to do and see in Paris Arc de Triomphe The icon Arc de Triomphe is found at the end of the Champes-Elysees and is a monument to the fallen during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It is located in the centre of a roundabout with 12 avenues radiating from the centre. This means this junction a little bit scary as it is jam-packed with cars, best to use one of the two underpasses available!…
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Feeling Festive at the Christmas Markets in Esslingen
The smell of Bratwurst fills the air, with the gentle hum of excited visitors. Gluwein (the local mulled wine) flows freely as everyone warms up cold hands enjoying the starry strewn sky above. This is Christmas Markets in Esslingen. Where is Esslingen? Esslingen am Neckar is a small medieval town close by to Stuttgart, Germany. In 2017, I visited Esslingen for a company workshop and had a chance to attend a traditional German Christmas Market. However, this isn’t your typical German Christmas Market. With more than 200 booths, the Esslingen Market is one of the largest in the region and has a big medieval influence. Not surprising as there is so much…