Sort out your visa

Probably the first thing you’ll want to look at getting done is to sort out your visa. For people with Western European Residency, getting into Canada will not be a problem – however, people living in Eastern Europe and countries such as Russia and Romania may have to apply for a visit visa.

Book your flight to Vancouver

For those of us who are living in Europe, Canada can be quite an expensive place, particularly the air tickets which are always costly; no matter what time of the year you’re travelling. The most advisable European Airlines which fly directly to Vancouver International Airport are British Airways and KLM.

Pack warm clothing

While Vancouver has one of the mildest climates of any City in Canada, it’s worth bringing reasonably warm clothing, as you’ll probably be sitting inert for large amounts of time in-between events. Remember particularly to take a firm pair of boots or shoes as you may spend some of your time standing in snow, and of course a woolly hat and gloves.

Book your Vancouver accommodation in advance

Winter Olympics or not, Vancouver is a popular destination so it’s probably worth your time booking accommodation well in advance. A good location to stay is in the Downtown Area, otherwise known as Vancouver’s Central Business District, which contains some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the city.

Pack  your camera gears

As far as equipment goes, it’s probably worth investing in a pair of binoculars in order to get a better view of the events – sitting at the very back of the crowd as to only see a little colourful speck skiing far off in the distance is unlikely to be particularly thrilling without magnification. For those who enjoy taking photographs, you’ll likewise want to purchase a big zoom lens just in case. Remember also to stock up on memory sticks for the camera – nothing’s worse than running out of space halfway through the event and having to just stand there helplessly watching everyone else snap away. Be careful though as flash photography is prohibited, as well as video recording. Some events may not allow photography altogether.

Research the rules and current news of winter sports

The amount of events happening at the Winter Olympics is quite extensive. These include Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Speed Skating, Snowboarding, Bobsleighing, and many others. It’s probably worth taking the time researching the rules and current news of these sports, as viewing the game before knowing how it works properly is seldom interesting. You’ll likely find that each of the Eighty-Six events taking place is a world within themselves.

Hope you enjoy your time at the Winter Olympics! Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

2010 Winter Olympics Accommodation recommended by Venere.com:

• Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort – A cozy 4-star hotel in Whistler ski resort, venue for alpine skiing, bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions.
• North Vancouver Hotel – A budget hotel in Vancouver offering easy access to both Whistler and Downtown Vancouver
• The Westin Grand Vancouver – A modern 4-star hotel in Downtown Vancouver

Photo of Inukshuk ice sculpture (Vancouver Winter Olympic’s symbol) by Tim in Sydney

Dubai’s extreme temperatures in summer with record humidity and very low wind may be rather off-putting for even the most hardened water sport fanatic, although for the other 7-8 months of the year, it’s quite bearable and can even be a little cold for beach activities, but more or less it’s ideal. Unfortunately, due to massive population increase and development by the waterfront, the sea surrounding Dubai is no longer as pristine as it once was. However, that doesn’t stop there being a plethora of exciting beach things here to accompany your holiday

.

Surfing/Wind Surfing/ Kite Surfing in Dubai

Dubai has a fairly active surfing community, and although the waves are nothing to write home about, they may be suitable for beginners. Wind Surfing is also practiced, with ample facilities available. Kite Surfing is more popular than the other two, with many clubs and a beach allocated by the authorities for this. The beach hotels are the most advisable places to stay, both for the view, activities, and relative solitude.

Yachting in Dubai

Dubai’s many rich visitors and residents own and rent Yachts, and with marinas and places to “park” them, it’s become a very popular past time. There are around 5 Yacht hire companies that hire out luxury yachts, as well as many facilities for those who own Yachts and are just stopping over. The Festival Marina, at the end of Dubai’s creek, has a Venetian theme, 74 permanent berths for Yachts, and an outdoor artificial canal and many poolside restaurants and cafes, all attached to a luxurious, well-designed shopping mall.

Jet Skiing in Dubai

With so many super-tall skyscrapers such as the Burj Dubai and the Burj al Arab, Jet Skiing is another popular sport, and will cost about €20 for a half hour. With such a high turnover, the Jet Skis offered will be some of the latest models of brands such as Yamaha and Kawasaki. It’s quite safe as well as there are very few rocky crags which so many inexperienced Jet Skiers dash themselves to pieces on if not cautious. Be careful also where you Ski, as it’s banned in some areas.

Scuba Diving in Dubai

With much ocean wildlife and water temperatures averaging about 24°C during the cooler months, Dubai is a well known spot among Scuba divers. Additional places to dive with even more promising sights exist around the coastline in other Emirates such as Fujairah, and it’s even possible (with a hired car) to visit the Musandam Peninsula, a tiny, rocky portion of Oman, where the waters are so clear and unpolluted that sting rays and numerous other forms of wildlife are visible 10 metres from the surface. It will take about three and a half hours to drive to Musandam, and about €6 for a tourist visa, but it’s absolutely recommended for scuba diving fans for its solitary, untouched beauty.

Photo of  kite surfs on Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, by Ericsson Beach

My mom and I have spent three recent summers following the Tour from start to finish, without any official connection to the race. No press passes, no family members working for a cycling team, no friends on the staff – it was just the two of us, chasing cyclists around France weeks on end!

We’ve gained a lot of experience, and with Lance Armstrong back in the saddle for this year’s race, I thought I’d share some of the packing tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re going to the Tour for a couple of days or the whole thing, it’s important to be prepared.

1. Pack Light

This is key, especially if you’re visiting multiple stages of the race. You’ll probably find yourself switching hotels frequently, and nothing is more tiring than lugging your suitcase in and out of each hotel room, through small European hotel hallways, and up and down the stairs. We discovered that by carrying a small suitcase, we could leave a lot of stuff in our rental car and limit the amount we were hauling.

2. Pack a Spare Bag

Your spare bag – preferably a duffel that can be stuffed, empty, into your other luggage – will be your lifesaver as you collect free stuff from the publicity caravan each day. You can also use this bag to store groceries for picnic lunches, bottles of water, and emergency provisions like umbrellas and ponchos. Anything you don’t need to carry inside with you every night can go into this bag.

3. Pack for the Wait

What do you like to do to pass the time? At the Tour, lots of hours are spent waiting on the side of the road for the race to come by, so I recommend packing a couple of books, some cycling magazines, or maybe a deck of cards. Some days you’ll be near food vendors and restaurants, but you could also end up hanging out in the countryside all day, so I recommend always having enough food on hand for an impromptu picnic. Handy, easy-to-find picnic foods include baguettes, croissants, fresh fruit, cookies, and crackers. If you’ve got the chance, think about following our lead and buying a small charcoal grill. While camping on Alpe d’Huez, we grilled sausages, potatoes, and mushrooms for one of the tastiest meals of our trip!

4. Pack Like a Fan

Do you have a favorite cyclist or team? Think about how you can support your favorites! Scour ebay for deals on things like flags adorned with your team’s logo or official jerseys. Once in France, you can buy a plain white sheet at any old supermarket, as well as paint. Painting up a sheet and draping it across your car is a great way to show support for the teams you love. If you want to be particularly daring, buy some high-quality house or wall paint to use on the roads – be careful, though. You only want to do this when it’s clearly accepted by the locals and the police force.

5. Be Prepared

Don’t forget sunscreen, umbrellas, bottles of water, snacks, some spare change to buy a newspaper with the latest race details, and your camera! Plus, if you’re going to the start or finish line, have a pen handy for autographs. You’ll need a good set of maps, a guidebook for the Tour, and if you don’t speak French, a handy multilingual dictionary.

Photo of  Tour de France fans in Haute-savoie, French Alps, by virtualfred&lamartina

If you’d rather just use the bike to nip to get a pint of milk then you might want to think again. The Pyrenees are some of the most baron and beautiful mountains in Europe. If ever the French and Spanish wanted to become enemies all of a sudden then they wouldn’t have to waste time building a wall between them. These mountains do a pretty good job on their own. But if you’re going to get your bike around and in between them though, you’re going to need to do a bit of reading first.

Your personal Tour de France could be from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean cutting across roughly 1000 miles of mountainous roads. This will get people talking straight away. Then there’s another pretty impressive figure that’s says it’ll be nearly 100,000 feet of climbing for one to take on. If this hasn’t put you off then nothing will.

Your trip will take in 22 mountain passes, some that will take you up to seven or eight thousand feet. Don’t go thinking that this will take you a weekend though. The tour will be roughly 12 days on the bike and 2 days in bed or on the sofa probably. It begins on the Atlantic side in Biarritz and heads across the passes via St Girons, eventually getting to Perpignan and then onto the actual Mediterranean for a little rest. This will take roughly eight days, with a rest day in the middle to help you last the distance. Then the way back isn’t quite as long and will only take four days, as it goes the rolling hills on the north side of the mountains, which is mostly down hill and so will let you ease of and into a lower gear for the most part.

On average this sort of trip will mean you’re on your bike for just under 6 hours a day, which might seem like a lot to most but to those who’ve now read this far, will probably seem quite reasonable. It’s not all about riding though, it’s holiday too remember? So when you’re off your bike, you can relax at the finest hotels and guesthouses along the way, some of them in pretty remote locations too, and you’ll get to see some truly breathtaking villages and towns that simply defy gravity.

Photo of Cirque d’Estaubé National Park, French Pyrenees, by danielguip

If you’re in France in the month of the July, the Tour might just be the perfect day trip for you!

To find out if the route of the race corresponds with your travels, check out the official map, available at www.letour.com. Every day, the race has a start and finish line, and you can find out about every town along the way by looking at that stage’s individual details and timetable. If you are traveling or staying anywhere near the course, here’s how to make a day of it!

Choose your location

First, decide what kind of spot you want. Do you want the chance for some close-up photos and one-on-one interactions with the cyclists? Your best for chance for that is at the start line, where each athlete is introduced before joining the group to wait for the stage to begin.

There is a lot more action at the finish lines, but there are also usually a lot more people, too. Spectators crowd in to see the race finish, so get there early if you want to be at the front of the crowd. The athletes may be accessible after the stage is over, but remember that they are exhausted and probably don’t have much energy leftover for fan encounters.

Along the route there are limitless options for Tour viewing. In the country or the small towns, there aren’t many barricades, letting you cross the road at will. It’s also more relaxing out in the country, where the crowds tend to be thinner.

A final option is to see the race on a mountain. Getting a spot on an uphill climb will allow you a full day of Tour action. The riders will be slower as they chug uphill, so you won’t just see them all whirring past in one big group.

Prepare appropriately

After you’ve chosen your location, your second task is to prepare appropriately. You’ll never know what sort of spot you’ll have until you’ve found it, so your best bet is to prepare for everything. Sunscreen, bottled water, umbrellas, toilet paper, and picnic essentials are all great ideas. The wait can be long, so it’s also a good plan to take along some time-passing activities like a book or deck of cards. Bringing along a bottle of wine to offer to the spectators around you will also be a big hit and endear you to your Tour neighbors. Just be sure to bring enough extra glasses for the sharing!

About an hour before the race comes through, a publicity caravan drives the course, throwing out tons of free swag to everyone on the sidelines. You could be going home with anything from keychains, hats, and necklaces to ground coffee, coupons, and phone cards. Ta-daa! Souvenirs for family and friends back home!

Show up early

Your third and final preparatory task is to show up early. However early you think is a good idea, show up at least an hour before that. The road closes down to vehicle traffic in the hours before the caravan, so if you’re driving to the spot, you need to get there before that road closure happens. If you’re walking or biking, you have a bit more time to waste, but you still want to get there with enough time to find a place that’s not crowded with people or boasting an obstructed view of the course.

If you’re going to the mountains, you might consider leaving the night before, especially of the roads are closing the day ahead.

The Tour de France is an exciting event, as the millions who see it firsthand each year can tell you. The roads open up as soon as the last official car passes, so try to hurry to a local bar or restaurant afterwards if you want to catch the rest of the stage on TV.

Now go have some fun at the Tour!

“Tour de France Land Art” photo taken in Mauvezin, French Pyrenees, by Anduze Traveller 

• Are you spending some Spring time in Paris? Do not miss to visit at least one of the Top 10 Paris Pavement cafes by Travel_Trips.

• Marianocubi offers you the last hotel rooms for the Catalunya Moto GP.

• Visit Pure Travel announces that one of the 7 modern wonders, the Empire State Building in New York, is currently going green with a project that should be finished in two years.

• Are you in love with the most sensual dance in the world? If you’d enjoy to attend to a tango performance but instead of being in Argentina, you are in Slovenia, Visit Ljubljana proposes you the 2009 Tango Festival.

• Need to book a budget plane ticket? Lazy Tourist tells you how.

Yes, so we’ve got city tours, beach tours, river tours, cruises, gastronomical holidays (which just means “culturally-based eating” by the way), but what about occupations for one of mankind’s most forgotten parts, his humble legs? Hiking is not only healthy and great for physique, it’s rewarding, exciting, and is almost (provided you don’t stumble off the edge of a craggy rock face) guaranteed to make you live longer, and can be both romantic (lots of “alone time” and forced companionship) and is a great way to shift that flab you’ve been building up – not to mention the fact that it’s pretty cheap as well, convenient for these times of the new depression. You don’t have to bother with so many hotels, tours, restaurants and the like – a bottle of water and some pre-packed sandwiches should be enough to see you climbing every mountain and fording every stream.

So here are some of Europe’s best Hikes:

Tuscany, Italy

Beautiful part of Italy where man and nature co-exist more naturally than osmosis (excuse the lame metaphor) – hills, castles, and farms, with a lovely warm climate, mules, peasants, sunflower fields, world- famous wines, amazing food (gastronomy, I hear you mutter? not at all), what’s not to like?

Tirol, Austria

Ski-Resort in Winter, Walking place in Summer, Austria is highly recommended – this isn’t the first time I’ve sung its praises, and won’t be the last. Despite often being rather humid and sticky in summer, accommodation is not only incredibly cheap but also rather charming, most often being of the Chalet-type with Mountains to gaze at either side when you’re not trying to dash up them. Austria is both magical and slightly unreal – Food’s very expensive here by the way – you’ll really have to pack your sandwiches or risk jeopardizing the Children’s inheritance.

Meteora, Greece

Meteora is an absolutely remarkable part of Greece where, quite simply, there are enormous chunks of rock on top of which monasteries are built upon – originally 20 of them, but only six remain today. Meteora is Greek for “in the heavens above”, and upon seeing these giant fingers of rock, it’s easy to see why. What’s fascinating is that originally the only access to these lofty monasteries was up several ladders lashed together – partly due to theological issues at the time which have thankfully been overhauled with steps cut into the rock during the 1920’s, which probably saved a fair few lives. Fascinating, eh?

Argyll, Scotland

Argyll is a secluded (don’t read as desolate), peaceful county in the west of Scotland. There is fantastic scenery and an amazing view of the strangely titled Loch Eck. It’s considered fairly easy stuff, compared to other hikes, with even octogenarians reportedly pottering about around up there. Also, it’s not too isolated to stumble upon a wee little pub to enjoy a well-earned glass of scotch whiskey at the end of your day.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

Photo of people hiking in Tuscany, Italy by pinkcanoe

For thousands of years now, Lake Geneva has attracted invaders and international travelers alike. The landscape is one of great geographical diversity. So much so, that it is oftentimes referred to as “Switzerland in miniature.” Key features are the countryside’s verdant green fields, the Jura’s serene wooded slopes, the lake’s peaceful shoreline, and of course you can’t overlook the Alps and their snow-covered peaks.

There are five primary cities around the lake that attract the largest amount of tourist traffic – Geneva, Lausanne, Nyon, Vevey, and Villeneuve. The area is just as popular a winter destination as a summer one with a wide array of attractions, events and festivals, nightlife, restaurants, and shopping to entice all types of international travelers. One thing about the restaurants and the cuisine – it is second to none and no matter where you choose to eat, chances are you won’t be disappointed.

There are so many activities that you can indulge yourself in (summer or winter) that you may find this somewhat challenging when it comes to planning your itinerary. Hopefully, the following will give you an idea of some of the more popular activities to get involved in while you are visiting Lake Geneva. These are all activities that you can partake in, not just attractions or events.

1. Lake Geneva Cruise

Cruises are offered on most all of Switzerland’s lakes and Lake Geneva is no exception. Of all the recommended activities here, this should be the #1 on your agenda. The lake usually comes to life in the summer months with countless sailboats everywhere you look. Sitting in the shadow of the Jet d’Eau, the large fountain that is situated where the lake empties into the Rhone River, this is the most famous landmark of the lake. The water jets 459 feet (140 meters) into the air.

2. Cycling Lake Geneva

This is not as strenuous as you might think and there is quite a variety of the types of cycling paths and trails that you can take on. In fact, there are roughly 2,050 miles (3,300 km) of trails that you can travel and most of them are fairly easy to deal with.

3. Hiking the Lake Geneva Region

With over 31,000 (50,000 km) miles of paths and trails, it will be hard to decide on which one you want to enjoy. Varying degrees of difficulty from leisurely to strenuous exist, so go at your own pace. Regardless, the scenery is spectacular and disappointment is non-existent. The Swiss Hiking Federation is always available for any information you need or questions that you may have.

4. Visit One of the Lake’s Health Spas

This is a definite recommendation, especially if you have spent the day cycling or hiking. The ones located at Arosa, Davos, Klosters, and St. Moritz are the most popular and suggested. The Geneva area has always been renowned for its health and recuperation venues, so no matter which one of these that you choose, you will be very pleased and refreshed by these state-of-the-art facilities.

Photo of Giant Fork in Lake Geneva, Switzerland by Lomyx

1. San Siro – Milan

There’s no where like this in the whole world. The home of two of the biggest football clubs, Inter Milan and AC Milan, The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza di San Siro, as it’s fully known, is proud to boast one of the best atmospheres in any stadium in the world. On a usual weekend in the ground you will be glared at by flares, flags and fans of all ages. It is a real sight to be seen.

Originally opened in 1926, it has always prided itself on packing in the crowds. Before the age of all-seated stadiums, it reached a peak of 150,000 in the 1940s. Nowadays it seats around 85,000, with Inter fans one weekend and Milan fans the next. The steep arrangement of the seats and the closeness to the pitch make the San Siro one of the most electric places to watch a football game and the likes of the great 2006 clash between the two Milan football teams that ended 4-3 to Inter are proof of such.

2. Stadio Olimpico – Rome

There have been some pretty historic moments in the great Olimpico, which is home to the great Roman clubs AS Roma and Lazio. Built in 1952, the stadium quickly found itself at the forefront of the world when it housed the 1960 Olympic Games. The 72,000 capacity is adorned with a wide circular roof and stands that stretch back as one rather than in blocks of tiers. The running track around the touch line sometimes makes for some distance between fan and player, but the atmosphere isn’t deterred by such and every weekend the locals around Lazio Via di Santa Cornelia are more than aware of a game being played. It was also the site of much of the 1990 World Cup including the final.

3. Stadio Delle Alpi – Turin

More former that current, it’s fair to say that the home of the great Italian teams Juventus and Torino was not the most loved of places to watch a football match. The reason it’s being talked about in the past tense is because it’s closed for business now, having only lasted 18 years. Those 18 years were quite something though which is why it’s getting mentioned here.

Although it always guaranteed some of the finest standards of play and is worth a mention for being such an ambitious project, the view was never the best in the world and it was a bit of a white elephant. In the late eighties the previous stadium in Turin was the Stadio Comunale but with the World Cup looming and the size not being big enough, a new ground was needed so the Delle Alpi was rushed into production. Home fans got the best seats and therefore the best views but guests at the stadium often complained about the poor visibility.

Photo of football game at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy by lazymood

Enzo Ferrari was a former racing car driver who during his lifetime created many sports cars including the first Ferrari race car which won the British Grand Prix in 1952. After this first Grand Prix win, Ferrari went on to dominate the world of Formula 1 racing and in the recently concluded 2008 season, team Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa finished second after champion Lewis Hamilton though Ferrari went on to win its 16th constructors title with its F2008 race car. Ferrari has also recently unveiled its F60 in preparation for the 2009 season.

Over the years as Formula 1 racing has become immensely popular and team Ferrari which has been headed by great drivers like Niki Lauda, the almost invincible Michael Schumarcher and current team leader Kimi Raikonen have contributed greatly to the cult like following that brand Ferrari enjoys today. If you are a sports car lover and do follow Formula 1 racing then perhaps you should consider making a perhaps once in a life time trip to Maranello, the home of Ferrari S.p.A. and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team.

1. Visit Ferrari S.p.A.

The main Ferrari factory which is located on Via Abetone is out of bounds for the general public though guided tours are sometimes offered for dealers and their customers so if you are not a cherished Ferrari owner you can kiss that tour goodbye though you can have a peek at the factory’s entrance hall which is open to all. The entrance hall often has displays of current production sleek and sexy sports cars and powerful Formula1 race cars.

2. Visit the Scuderia Ferrari

Ferrari’s hallowed racing car department is located on Via Ascari , a street which is named after Ferrarri’s first Formula 1 champion Alberto Ascari. This establishment is also heavily guarded but at least here you have a chance of espying test models of Ferrari race cars as they traverse between the factory gate and the Pista di Fiorano, which is Ferrari’s private test race track that is located at the end of Via Ascari. These test cars often use the Via Fornace, Via Dino Ferrari located near the Galleria Ferrari and Via Ascari to get to the Pista.

3. Visit the Galleria Ferrari

There is no need to skulk about near the Galleria Ferrari for this Ferrari museum is accessible to the public. You can gain admission into its hallowed interiors after you have paid the single adult admission charge of 13 Euros(2009 prices). At this Ferrari museum, which is located on Via Dino Ferrari you can totally immerse yourself in the various Ferrari exhibits which include a constantly changing display of forty Ferrari models, trophies, engines, photographs and production models . You can also trace the evolution of Ferrari by observing recreated models of Enzo Ferrari’s shop and residence in Modena which preceded the creation of the Maranello factory. The museum is filled to the brim with Ferrari memorabilia including vintage posters and even Enzo Ferrari’s desk and reading glasses. There is even small projection room that continuously shows racing footage as well as a life size race pit and two simulators (a GT and an F1) on which you can try out your driving skills by paying an additional 5 Euros. A gift shop is also located within the Galleria Ferrari where you can shop for official Ferrari merchandise. Galleria Ferrari also has a bookshop which sells several publications associated with the Ferrari brand, a coffee shop and a Photo point where you can arrange to take a souvenir photo of your visit to the museum.

4. Eat and drink Ferrari

Ristorante il Cavallino located on Via Abetone across the factory is known to be a favored pit stop of Ferrari engineers and managers and if you want to bask in their hallowed presence this is the ideal place for you to grab a bite. Ristotorante Montana is another such institution which is often frequented by Formula 1 drivers though it is not technically in Maranello but in the town of Fiorano. Ferrari’s famous test race track is in fact visible from the restaurant.

5. Shop Ferrari

Though both the Galleria Ferrari and the Ferrari factory both have official Ferrari merchandise stores, there are number of other stores like ‘Warm Up Ferrari’, ‘Hors Ligne’ and ‘Shopping Formula 1’ that also sell a wide range of Ferrari memorabilia like T-shirts, caps, models, key rings, all of which would be perfect as souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family from your visit to Maranello.

Photo of Ferrari logo by Gaetan Lee

From the snow-capped majesty of Sierra Nevada’s mountains to the cool pristine waters of the Mediterranean, via the desert sands of Tabernas, Andalusia offers the traveller an extraordinary diversity of spectacular landscapes. And if you’re pressed for time here’s how you can experience all the best that nature has to offer in less than 24 hours.

Sierra Nevada

Start your day with a swoosh down the slopes of Sierra Nevada. Europe’s most southerly ski resort includes some of the highest peaks in Europe and typically enjoys a long ski season, from the end of November until the end of April. The drive up from Granada is on an excellent road that winds its way through the mountains. The scenery is as spectacular as you might imagine, you are spoilt by soaring peaks and deep valleys. The skiing is fantastic; watch the mountains hurtle pass you at breakneck speeds as you slip and slide your way down the 90 km of pistes. The resort caters for all abilities; nursery slopes for beginners, several runs for improvers and intermediates and black runs for the truly expert skier. If the idea of slapping two skies on your feet sends a shiver down your spine then there are plenty of other activities to enjoy such as sledging and ice-skating. Or for a more leisurely pursuit take a gondolier up to the station at Borreguiles and watch the activity from the luxury and comfort of a deckchair on a restaurant terrace. Plaza de Andalusia is the resort’s main square and a good spot for a light lunch and some refreshments. Then shake the snow off your boots, climb back into your car and head for the desert wasteland of Tabernas – a little more than a snowball’s throw away.

Tabernas Desert

Europe’s only true desert is a barren beauty; a vast wilderness of dry riverbeds, gulleys, eroded ravines and dramatic canyons. Situated between Sierra de Alhamilla and the Sierra de Filabres it’s one of the driest places on the planet. There are a number of ways to explore the badlands of Tabernas; by foot on a guided walking tour, from the back of a horse on a desert trail or reclining in the relative comfort of an all terrain vehicle. Kids in your party might want to pop into one of the three movie park attractions in the area. Tabernas provided the stunning backdrop to many spaghetti westerns and the movie makers left their film sets behind. Dry and arid the landscape may be, but you’re only 30 minutes from the coast and the beaches of Almeria.

The Beaches

Even in the winter months it’s possible to top your tan in sun-soaked Andalusia. The region enjoys 3000 hours of sunshine per year and the average annual temperature is 18/19ºC. There are so many pretty beaches to choose from including the blue flag beach of San Miguel, Nueva Almeria and Costa Cobana. And as the shimmering sun sets on your day and over the Mediterranean slip into a beach front chiringuito and enjoy a cool beer or glass of the local vino tinto.

Zurich is considered to be one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in the world. Surprisingly, it has only been within the last 10 to 12 years that the city has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The city’s increasing cosmopolitan population, cultural liberalization, and cuisine have been the key reasons for Zurich’s rise in popularity. However, it is most renowned for being the gateway to Switzerland’s Alps – the home of the finest skiing in all of Europe and quite possibly the entire world. Zurich has been appropriately nicknamed the “portal to the alps”.

The concept of alpine skiing was one of the Alps’ best kept secrets for many years. Only a few people were aware of it but now it has become quite popular with this area being a targeted destination for skiing vacations. Gradually, as more and more tourists started coming to the Alpine ski areas, more lodging facilities began appearing. As a result, the activity grew from a few hundred participants to over 40 million per year. Listed below are 5 of the most popular skiing destinations in and around Zurich.

1. Beckenried

You will find 14 ski lifts here capable of transporting up to 10,000 skiers/snowboarders per hour to 15 pistes and over 40km of downhill skiing. Beckenreid is facilitated by three different airports that are situated within a two hour drive of the resort, with Zurich being an hour away (in good driving conditions).

2. Flumserberg

With 17 ski lifts available, Flumserberg is one of the busier ski resorts situated within an hour’s drive of Zurich – pending good driving conditions. The highest lift takes you up to 2,220m and there are 20km of cross-country trails to choose from.

3. Oberiberg – Ybrig

13 ski lifts, 30km of cross-country trails, and 50km of downhill skiing make this area a desirable skiing destination. It is facilitated by three airports within 2 hours of the resort, Zurich being an hour away based on weather conditions.

4. Andermatt

Four airports within two hours (Zurich within an hour and a half based on driving conditions) facilitate Andermatt. There are 13 ski lifts, 20km of cross-country trails, and 56km of downhill skiing. (NOTE: Rated for intermediate skiers and above)

5. Engelberg

Located within 1.5 hours of Zurich (based on the weather), Engelberg is a premier ski resort with skiing for all levels – beginner, intermediate, and expert. It is rated as 4-star for snowboarding as well. There are 23 lifts, the highest of which tops 3,000m, 41km of cross-country trails, and over 80km of downhill chutes to choose from.

Photo of Flumsrberd, Switzerland, by MuntyPix

Andorra is lank-locked tightly between France and Spain deep in the heart of the Pyrenees. It is only 180 square-miles, which makes it the 6th smallest country in Europe. There is suggestion that the name comes from the Arabic al-Dorra, which means forest but little is actually known of its name. The country became an entity unto itself officially in 1288, when the surrounding rulers created the Principality but still all co-inhabited the mountainous area none the less. It actually wasn’t until very recently in 1993 that France loosened its reigns enough for Andorra to become an independent state. There are now seven parishes that all each have their own mini-governments and govern law and order for their inhabitants.

As a tourist in Andorra, you’d be very welcome indeed. After all it does account for over 80% of the country’s annual GDP. Roughly 9 million people flock to Andorra every year and much of the magnetism comes from the fact that it’s a tax haven where you don’t pay duty on anything due to Andorra not yet being part of the European Union.

• Skiing in Andorra

The ski resorts are the biggest earners for the tourists industry in Andorra. It’s probably the best place for a skiing holiday if you’ve never been before or are a little bit new to the sport. The ski slopes are all quite manageable and there are some of the largest ski schools in Europe there to help too.

• Hiking Tours in Andorra

As well as skiing, there are some cracking hiking tours in Andorra and this is very popular with visitors. These are best explored though in the summer when all the snow has melted.

• Shopping in Andorra

Shopping is as famous in Andorra as skiing. There are around 2000 shops in the tiny mountainous state, which works on about 1 shop for every 40 people living there. The best shops are found in the capital Andorra la Vella, which is pretty much the one place you want to be to sample more than just the world of skiing.

• Sightseeing in Andorra

Some of the new and luxury buildings will make you think you’re in Monaco but in the mountains. Some of the older buildings though in the historic area designed in a Romanesque style in the 11th Century. The highlight of this area are the churches Santa Coloma and Sant Esteve, which was made even grander in the 1960s and boasted some very impressive wood carvings.

• Nightlife in Andorra

If you want to round your trip off with a drink, some food and a dance then head to La Borsa at Avinguda de Tarragona 36 in the Historic Quarter. There’s also a good chance you’ll come back as rich as some of the inhabitants too as there’s a casino inside.

Photo of Andorra by lorentey

Germany boasts a variety of cosmopolitan resorts, glacier skiing, and serene mountain hideaways that will accommodate nearly every taste imaginable. Situated in central Europe, Germany offers easy access to a multitude of accommodations and ski resorts that are sure to please. The numerous ski areas that dot the Bavarian Alps’ landscape are probably some of the better choices for skiing and snowboarding as well. Additionally, if cross-country skiing is what you are craving, you will find an abundance of that in Germany’s ski areas as well.

1. Berlin area

Though most would think that Berlin is too flat of an area to afford any decent skiing, you might be surprised. Schöneswochenende offers a nice network of cross-country opportunities and the next village along the route – Braunlage – offers you some decent downhill skiing. You can travel to Altenberg which lies on the Czech border if you want the best cross-country skiing in the area.

2. Garmisch

Garmisch was the setting for the 1972 Summer Olympics but it is also the gateway to Germany’s most renowned ski area in the Bavarian Alps – Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Located at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, the resort is one of the Bavarian Alps’ principal health resorts as well. In addition to world-class skiing, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the visitor culinary and cultural delights, as well as pristine landscape, serene relaxation, and upscale shopping.

3.  Oberstdorf

Located between Lake Constance, Munich, and Stuttgart is Oberstdorf -Germany’s 2nd most popular ski area and rival of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in both popularity and quality of skiing. Though Oberstdorf is considerably more cosmopolitan, it is renowned for its wide array of lodging facilities and ski-jumping competitions. The skiing opportunities here are the most extensive anywhere in Germany, with Fellhorn/Kleinwalsertal being the principal ski area.

4.  Willingen-Upland

Located about 2½ hours to the north of Frankfurt is Willingen-Upland Ski Resort. The ski area has 13 ski lifts that serve 13 individual pistes and features 15km of downhill skiing. The natural snow is also augmented by 6 snow cannons and with the 13 lifts, it can facilitate 12,500 skiers/snowboarders per hour. The ski runs at Willingen-Upland are perfect for the Beginner or the Intermediate skier. Since this is lower altitude skiing, the snow cover periods may vary greatly.

5. Baden Baden

Sitting literally on Baden Baden’s doorstep is the Mehliskopf and it is literally a paradise for cross-country skiers having over 600 miles of ski routes. There are also several snow-making machines to enhance the pistes as well.

In recent times, these top German skiing destinations have had footfalls from all over the world. If you are planning a trip to any of these skiing destinations, make a good travel itinerary and enjoy the German hospitality.

Photo of Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort by Bernd Braglmann 

1. Romania is cheapest

Romania has some of the cheapest ski breaks, with a package trip in Poiana Brasov going from £200. Slovakia and Bulgaria are great places for people holding the euro as there are favorable exchange rates with the Koruna and Lev at present.

2. Fly the budget route

The price of flights can make up a large part of ski breaks, so cut these out by flying with one of the many low-cost airlines to Geneva rather than a smaller and more costly airport. From there, ski resorts like Megève or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are less than an hour’s drive away.

3. Plan the route ahead

When booking an airline it is essential to look at the cost of the road ahead. Will the hotel provide an airport transfer or is the resort reachable by public transport? There are trains to some resorts from Geneva Airport and ski buses.

4. Stay away from the piste

Not only will you get a better night’s sleep by staying away from the main towns in the resort, but you will save on currency too. There are transport options from the more far flung hotels which are well seasoned in getting ski fans on the slopes early.

5. Steer clear of package deals

Not only do they suck up time, but money. Hanging on for the missing people in a tour group can be a pain, but paying for the privilege when there is ski to be had? No thank you. Savings can be made by breaking trips down into smaller parts, choose the cheapest places to eat food and book affordable accommodation early online.

6. Time it right

Don’t go around Christmas, New Year or February half-term. The start and end of the ski season is best for in-pocket trips to the piste.

Photo of skiing in Chamonix, France, originally posted by moggsy

The Parisians really take their winter ice skating seriously and have great rinks dotted throughout Paris. The figurehead being the 1300m rink at the front of Hotel de Ville. Yeah there is the Rockerfeller Centre in New York, Somerset House in London, but in my humble opinion you can’t beat Hotel de Ville for wow factor. Also it has very tasteful but very sparkly lights for the festive season!

On rinks in other countries I have come across annoying prissy girls in ice skating skirts doing triple Axels or other twirly things in the middle of the rink. Have no fear.. this is not to be found in Paris… the rinks here have much more street cred. The rollerbladers who take over the streets every Friday night, take to the ice in the winter and seriously cut up the ice, flying around and doing all sorts of tricks! If you are a bit intimidated by the boys in the baggy jeans and hoodies they are great entertainment to watch from the spectator area all around the rink. There is no reason to be intimidated though, even though these are super cool edgy street boys (!) like the majority of French people they are uber polite, shouting back ‘excusez moi‘ when they cut you off and picking up kids from the ice as they swoop-by backwards!

The good thing all of this is free with just 5 euro for skate rental (if you don’t pack yours in your hand luggage!). Queues can be a bit long at busy times which is a bit of a pain in the current Paris cold weather, but school holidays are over now so things should quieten down. And then you are in such a great area you can take a walk to Notre Dame to stretch out those legs after all those fancy moves or just retreat to the Marais for a restorative Vin Chaud!

Ice rinks in Paris

Patinoire Hotel de Ville
20th Dec 2008 to 10 March 2009
Mon to Thurs – 12h – 22h
Fri 12pm-12am; Sat 9am-12am; Sun 9am-10pm
Metro: Hotel de Ville – Line 1

Patinoire Montparnasse
1 Dec 2008 – 10 Mar 2009
Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm; Sat & Sun 9am-8pm

Photo of ice rink in Paris, France, originally posted by Panoramas

Ski slope in Manchester

The £31 million Chill Factor is the first indoor ski slope in the northwest of England, opening its doors in November 2007. The 250,000 sq ft snow dome offers visitors the chance to try real tobogganing on an ice luge, tubing down the snow in special tyres and a ski slope for skiers and snowboarders.

There’s no need to be a professional, with several courses on offer for novices to learn the ropes. Prices for one and a half hours on the slope range from £19 for adults. Find the Chill Factor at Junction Ten of the Manchester M60 ring road by huge shopping arcade the Trafford Centre, which has its own bus depot with services to and from the city centre.

Snow slide in Manchester

Piccadilly Gardens in the centre of Manchester has been turned into a gigantic 50-metre snow slide suitable for adults and children. Stroll through fir trees and Christmas lights after grabbing a drink and a bite in the alpine chalet or at the Christmas market in from of Manchester Town Hall nearby.

Children under 1.1 metres must be accompanied by an adult, but anyone can join in the fun on the white AstroTurf slide until January 4th, 2009. The ‘Snow Slide’ is open from Sunday to Friday from 11:00 to 21:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, but is closed on Christmas Day. The price for a ride is £1.50. Bring the family along for some winter time fun.

Ice rink in Manchester

Manchester’s open air ice rink is back for people who want to celebrate winter holidays in a more traditional way. The skate is located at Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, which is off Deansgate until January 4th and is closed on Christmas Day.

The dazzling ice rink has sparking Christmas trees and contemporary decorations with plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. At busy periods it is advisable to book in advance on 0870 066 6848 or for a small fee with quaytickets.com. The ice rink is open from Sunday to Friday from 10:00 to 21:00 and Saturday at 09:30 to 21:45. A ticket for an adult aged 17 and over is £8.50 with discounts for children, disabled people and senior citizens.

Photo of Chill Factor ski slope, Greater Manchester, originally posted by Pew!Pew!Pew!Lasers!

Huskie-mushing, icefall climbing and diving under the ice and into the eerie depths of Lake Montriond are kilometers away from this picturesque town.

Dog Sledding

Become the White Witch out of the Chronicles of Narnia by driving a sleigh led by huskies through the Mont Blanc scenery. These dogs do not need Turkish delight to keep them going; Laplanders have been using this mode of transport to get around for generations. Tour operators offer ten minute trials to a day’s adventure through the winter wonderland.

Contact: Cham Adventure

Icefall Climbing

Sound insurmountable? Far from it, tour groups run climbing trips up the side of frozen falls and iced rocks for children over the age of ten. The sport has become so popular that Champagny has a practice wall that looks like the gigantic legs from a Star Wars AT AT.

Equipment, including axes, ropes and protective gear, is included in excursions. The experience is exhilarating for anyone who likes to mix snow and sport to warm up from the cold.

Contact: Gorzderette

Dive under ice

This sport comes with a health warning: not for the claustrophobic. It is strange that dive operators should say that because Lake Montriond is 1320 meters long. Dry scuba suits help swimmers brave temperatures of between two and three degrees Celsius at depths of up to ten meters under a meter-layer thick sheet of ice. One of the most magical descriptions of the world under water is that pockets of air stick to the frozen lake ceiling like huge bubbles.

Contact: Cameleon Organization

Photo of Mont Blanc, France, originally posted by Alain Wibert 

But winter tourism in Bulgaria is special. Bulgaria probably has some of the best winter resorts in Europe, or even the world. Come winters most European tourists and ski enthusiasts seem to make a beeline for the several destinations in Bulgaria. With a whole host of mountains in the country this shouldn’t come as any surprise though. The Balkan mountain range runs through the width of the country dividing it into two clear halves and it is in the south western part of the country that most of the ski resorts are located.

• Bansko

Probably the best developed Winter Resort in Eastern Europe is Bansko. At 925 meters above sea level Bansko is located at the foot of Mount Pirin. Until 1912 Bansko was a part of the Ottoman Empire. It was only after the First Balkan War that it got incorporated into Bulgaria. Of all ski resorts in Bulgaria Bansko has the longest spanning ski season. It stretches from mid December to mid May. The best luxury and super luxury hotels make this resort a pretty upscale place. The two main ski runs are at Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika. Both of them can be reached easily on the Gondola lift which starts from the main town and goes up about ten kilometers to the beginning of the runs. Bansko is also home to the firstfun park on the Balkans. Extreme sports lovers can build their own jumps. Snowboarders from all over participate in the daily competitions on Shiligarnika’s new piste. Also available are slalom and giant slalom rides. The cross country track at Bansko is five kilometers long. All in all Bansko offers something for the skier of any ability.

There is much to do other than or after skiing too. Though there is no consensus on the historical particulars, much of the houses and buildings in Bansko date back to 100 BC. The archeology buff will find the remains of Staroto Gradishte, an ancient fortress and the Thracian mound hills. UNESCO includes the National Park Pirin in its list of cultural and natural must-see sights. The park not only has beautiful waterfalls and caves but also several historical sites. After skiing and sightseeing are all done, sit at a Mehana, a tradition Bansko tavern, and enjoy the local cuisine and some great Bulgarian wines.

• Borovetz

Borovetz is Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort. It is located on the northern slope of a mountain called Rila. At 1350 meters above the sea level it is one of the higher mountain resorts of Bulgaria. Until the middle of the last century Borovetz or Borovets was known as Chamkoria. From being the hunting grounds for Bulgarian kings Borovetz has become a modern mountain resort that caters to all types of tourists. With a good mix of luxury hotels and budget motels, five star restaurants and late night bars no visitor to this resort will go back unhappy. Twice it has played host to the World Cup Alpine Skiing rounds. Borovetz has one of the best Biathlon tracks in the world.

An extensive web of ski runs and lifts across the Rila Mountains makes sure that all types of winter sports can be enjoyed here. Another reason why several ski enthusiasts visit this mountain resort is the ski school here. With much lower prices than the average resort in Western Europe its instructors and instructions is of a very high standard. Not only are there instructions for every skill level, the ski school also runs a ski kindergarten for very young children. A special pass also allows skiers to ski until ten in the night. On Wednesdays a ski jumping show is put on by the local instructors. There is a small entrance fee to the show for those who have not enrolled in the ski school but it can be watched from any of the locals bars.

• Mount Rhodopes ski resorts

Chepelare has one of the longest ski runs in Southeastern Europe. It is located in the in the central part of Mount Rhodopes, the mythical birthplace of the Greek god Orpheus. The town of Chepelare is also famous for being the location of the only factory in the Balkan Peninsula that manufactures skis and snowboards. Close by are the Wonderful Bridges, the natural rock formation on the Rhodopes mountains formed by erosion of the once high level water. The remaining structures look very much like bridges and hence the name. Pamporovo is the other ski resort on Rhodopes. With more than a hundred and twenty days of sun, in spite of a lot of snow, in the winter, it is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. Uzana, located in the Central Balkan National Park and Vitosha, a mountain mastiff formed as a result of volcanic activity are the other two popular winter ski resorts in Bulgaria.

It’s not just for snow enthusiasts that the Bulgarian winter offers a myriad things to do. There are several festivals like St Barbara’s day on the fourth of December is celebrated with cooking and baking while St Trifon’s Day in February is all about wine. There is the International Festival of Masquerade Games in Pernik. Celebrated only in the even years this is a unique event which no audience forgets. It is a combination of all these things that makes Winter Tourism in Bulgaria great for all tourists.

Photo of Bansko ski resort originally posted by Nickolette22

1. Munich Oktoberfest

If you’re going to Munich in September, you might be interested in Oktoberfest. The festival begins on Sept. 20th and lasts through Oct. 5th. The festival is great fun for kids and adults alike and offers rides, a carnival, and many tents where you can get everything from souvenirs to beer.

Oktoberfest’s history began in 1810 when the Crown Prince of Bavaria, Ludwig was married to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival continued yearly and is now known as Oktoberfest. The festival actually takes place in September so that the festival goers can enjoy the warm nights.

Oktoberfest features a festival called, “Die Wiesn.” The festival is named after Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. It is beloved by locals and the highlight of the event is the Oktoberfest Costume and Rifleman’s Parade.

There are other important events as well such as the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, as well as the Official Tapping of the Keg, and the Oktoberfest Mass. BollerschieBen is another exciting event. It is known as a handheld salute by cannons.

The Oktoberfest website says that it is best to leave your car at the hotel you’re staying and use public transportation to get to the festival. There are several ways to do this. The P&R-area at the “Garching-Sued” exit is a great way to get there from the A-9 on Nurenberg. The U-Bahn line or subway line runs from the PoccistraBe stop every 10 minutes. There are various other park and sites such as the Studentenstadt on U6 and the Michaelibad on U5.

2. The Deutsches Museum

If you’re a techie, you’ll love the Deutsches Museum! There are a variety of great exhibits such as scientific works, exhibits about energy, and many others. The pieces about science include such topics as astronomy, chemistry, physics, and biology.

Another exhibit they offer covers the materials and minerals we have used over the years to ensure our survival. Some of these include coal, iron, glass, petroleum, and gas. Other exhibits include the transportation industry and our use of energy over the years. Follow the history of communication through ancient times to modern day in their communication and information exhibit.

They also have a children’s museum which has exhibits like Technical Toys, where your kids can see a large exhibit of construction-based toys. They also have the Children’s World that boasts 1001 exciting things to see!

You can also see the first ever motorcar which was created by Karl Benz in the transportation exhibit. It also houses the first motorized plane ever flown by the Wright Brothers and the U1 submarine.

The Deutsches Museum’s hours of operation are daily 09:00 to 17:00 with the exception of November 1 and December 10 when it opens at 1 p.m. It is closed Dec. 24, 25, and the 31st. Admission is 8.50 for adults, 3.00 for children and 7.00 for groups.

The Deutsches Museum is located at Museuminsel 1, 80538 Munich, Germany. To get there, you can take the public transportation like the S-Bahn to Isator station or the Underground station U1 and U2. Driving there is not recommended as parking is very limited. You can contact them at (+49) 89 2179-1. You can also fax them at (+49) 89 2179-324 or access their hotline at (+49) 89 2179-433.

3. Mike’s Bike Tours

Are you the active type? Do you love to get out there in nature? Mike’s Bike Tours is a great way to get your exercise while getting a good view of the sites and surroundings. The tour is led by a guide and the group rides on bikes through the streets of Munich. The tour lasts four hours and includes a 15 min. background on the history of Munich. It also includes a tour of Marienplatz and a 45 min. break.

The tour is designed for all ages Helmets and child seats are provided for children under the age of four. They have bikes for children at 16”, 20”, and 24”. The tours’ meeting place is underneath to tower at Old Town Hall. The average group size is 16 people. There is no need for reservations. The tour is scheduled for Sept. 1 through Nov. 10th daily at 12:30 weather permitting. Tours after Nov. 10th scheduled by appointment.

The tours’ cost is 24 for four hours. For those under 14, it is half price and for babies it is free. They offer a discount for backpackers for those who stay in hostels. The price is 18. If you choose to the all-day tour, it is 39 euros. You can choose to either pay upfront with your Visa or MasterCard or at the end of the tour with cash or traveler’s checks.

4.  Hofbrauhaus

You just can’t come to Germany without enjoying an authentic German beer! For that, you can go to Hofbrauhaus, which has been in operation since 1644. If you’re looking for an authentic place to get a real sense of German life, this is the place.

The Hofbrauhaus has an interesting history. It was founded by Wilhelm V. Duke of Bavaria who didn’t care for the beer brewed in Munich at that time. After several meetings with his royal court, they decided to start a brewery of their own to make the beer to their liking and Hofbrauhaus was born.

The Hofbrauhaus features a beer hall on the first floor. It was where the beer was originally brewed. You can sit at tables which have been used since 1897 and carve your initials on them. Just don’t sit at the ones labeled, “Stammtisch” as those are for regulars of the brewery.

The brewery has a lot of great things to see and do. They have live music and authentic German celebrations. There is a room in the brewery which is named, “Stadelheim” after the local prison. If you are visiting the Hofbrauhaus, be sure to check out two racks of beer steins which are locked up. This is something that is found nowhere else in the world and is storage for regulars to keep their beer steins.

The Hofbrauhaus is located at Am Platzl 9, 80331 Munich. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You can contact them at +49(0)89/22 16 76 or by e mail at hbteam@hofbrauhaus.de.

5. Olympic Park

If you are a fan of the Olympics or just want to see where they came to Munich, visit Olympic Park. It is a beautiful park with many lakes, bike paths, and eateries. There are also various sites for sporting activities and even a football arena. You can also take advantage of their swimming center and even an ice rink.

The Olympic Park is a hotbed for activities and live events year-round. Every fall, they have football their designated football arena and their Olympic Hall, which holds upwards of 14,000 hosts many concerts and live events.

The Olympic Park is located at Olympiapark Munchen, GmbH, Spiridon-Louis-Ring 21, D-80809 Munich. You can contact them +49(0)89/30 67-0 or e mail them at info@olympiapark-muenchen.de The park is open 24 hours year round. The Olympic Tower is open from 9 a.m. to midnight and the Stadium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo of Munich Olympiapark originally posted by john.d.long