While destinations further east continue to draw the masses looking for cheap thrills behind the former Iron Curtain, Vienna will remain one of the most refined cities in Europe.

The selection of exclusive luxury hotels in Vienna is excellent. The presence of the UN, IAEA and OSCE in the city means that it is used to catering for high ranking international delegations. Visitors can choose between the refined and elegant Old Masters or the chic and stylish modern additions. Either way, visitors are guaranteed an indulgent stay with masterful service.

The cuisine in Vienna is different to that in other Austrian towns, primarily because of the large migrant population in the city. Excellent restaurants are dotted around the city in almost every culinary style imaginable. The famous Weiner Schnitzel is part of traditional Austrian cooking or visitors could try something a little more exotic.

Vienna is particularly well known for its cultural attractions. These include world class theatre and opera, exquisite museums based on the former Royal collections and magical architecture. Depending on your tastes you could spend days or weeks here, lost in the world of fantasy that produced Mozart, Klimt and so many other artistic greats.

But Vienna is not just about culture, it is about exploring the finer things in life in many different ways. A number of quality private spas are located in and around the city, many building on Austrian tradition but giving them satisfyingly modern twists. Many are also built to run on renewable energy sources so a day of pampering need not come at a cost to the environment.

Just forty-five minutes from Vienna is the Neusidler-See, an inland lake that is a haven for sailing and boating of all kinds. The lake is also situated in the middle of Burgenland, the wine centre of Austria. A string of top restaurants around the lake shore mean that visitors can call in to taste the freshest fish pulled from the lake and sample the local wines.

Vienna International Airport hosts direct flights from all over the world, especially North America and the Middle East. Easyjet flies from the UK but most other budget carriers prefer to use other airports in the region, which makes them inconvenient for getting to Vienna.

For one hundred and fifty years as the capital of an empire Vienna honed the skills of providing luxury, pleasure and indulgence to those that mattered. Nowadays these skills are available to discerning guests as well as Royalty. While the travel herds head west to the coast of Spain or east to the emerging tourist markets, Vienna knows that it will always be able to attract those with suitable taste and sophistication.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Vienna

• Ambassador Hotel – Double room from €216
• Hotel Bristol – Double room from €275
• The Ring, Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel – Double room from €259
• Grand Hotel Wien – Double room from €209
• Hotel The Levante Parliament - Double room from €160

Photo courtesy of  The Ring, Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel

The illuminated work was composed by Monks in 800 AD and is arguably the most famous Celtic manuscript. Named after the Abbey in Kells that housed the manuscript for centuries, the 340 folio work was given to Trinity College in the 17th Century. It was bound in four volumes in 1953 and now resides on permanent display at the Old library.

To get to the illuminated manuscripts, you must enter through Fellow’s Square. There is normally a long line at the entrance and an admission fee of 9 Euros for Adults, 8 Euros for Students and Senior Citizens, and free tickets for children under 12.

The first room past the entrance is dimly lit and framed by warm dark wood. It has large panels entitled, “Turning Darkness into Light,” explaining how the book was made. Only four pages from two volumes are ever displayed at once. The current illuminated pages on display are from the Gospel of St. Luke and Folios on the entombment of the body of Jesus. Text pages are from the Gospel of Saint John. The volumes are under glass, and many visitors will anxiously crowd around to peer at the elaborate lettering and gilded illustrations.

The Book of Armagh is another early manuscript housed in the library. Written mainly in Latin in the 9th century AD, many believed in was produced by Saint Patrick himself. Actually, it was written in part by a scribe named Ferdomnach of Armagh, for a member of Saint Patrick’s family. This book is also very special to the Irish people, and the current pages on display are from the Revelation of Saint John.

The final Celtic Tomb in the collection is the Codex Usserianus Primus, written in Irish. It has been badly damaged and discolored over the years, but it retains its grandeur as the oldest surviving Irish Manuscript.

To leave the Book of Kells exhibit, visitors must walk upstairs through the Long Room. It is more akin to walking through a time machine than onto another floor: The Long room is majestic and antiquated. It is 65 meters long with over 200,000 works of some of the library’s oldest books. The shelves reach two stories high, with exhibitions of beautiful botanical illustrations under glass. Marble busts line the hall, in tribute to great writers and philosophers of the past. The overall experience in the room is reverential and impressive.

Although hassles such as a relatively high admission fee, lines and a predominant gift shop at the entrance may cause a minor annoyance, the Book of Kells and the Long Room are definitely worth a visit during your next trip to Dublin.

Top 5 Dublin Hotels near Trinity College:

• Hotel The Lombard – Townhouse – Double room from €64
• Hotel  O’Donoghue’s – Guesthouse – Double room from €90
• Holiday Inn Dublin City Center – 3-Star Hotel – Double room from €75
• Hotel The Westin Dublin – 5-Star Hotel – Double room from €179
• Maldron Hotel Cardiff Lane – 4-Star Hotel – Double room from €199

Photo of Book of Kells design by Psd

Some want to experience Italy’s well-preserved culture, others to tie the knot (yes, couples do go to the so-called “City of Romance” to get married), and some to simply have a wonderful time exploring the city’s laidback lifestyle. Aside from the wonderful things stated above, what made Venice more interesting and well-known around the world is the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by water. So what are you waiting for? Read on and I’m sure these fun facts are more than enough to make you want to go to the “Queen of Adriatic”, Venice!

1. Geographically Unique

Venice captured the impression of a magical floating city by setting wood pilings on the 118 submerged islands in the Northern end of the Adriatic Sea. 400 foot bridges and 170 boat canals connect the city to make it easily accessible to the local populace.

Fun fact: Many famous people in history were born in Venice including the playwright and famous lover Giacomo Casanova, the explorer Marco Polo, and composer Antonio Vivaldi.

2. Get Lost on a Scenic Maze

Venice can be compared to a one big adventure. Once you are caught in the winding and seemingly endless streets and bridges of confusion, you would have no other choice but to keep on walking— which is actually a good thing! There’s no better way to explore Venice than getting lost and be surprised in what it has to offer at your every turn.

Fun Fact: Breaking away from the sea of tourists flocking at the city center in Piazza San Marco and heading for the narrowest alleyways is the greatest way to discover Venice! Don’t forget to bring a good map though.

3. Gondola, Gondole! (Gondola, Gondolas!)

Taking a trip to Venice and failing to ride a Gondola is like going to France and ignoring the Eiffel tower. These traditional and symbolic boats have been used as transport around the narrow Venetian waterways for more than 10 centuries. Evolving and perfected through time, Gondolas are designed to be easily operated by a highly-skilled oarsman known as a Gondolier.

Fun fact: Only 3 to 4 Gondolier licenses are issued annually. To qualify, applicants must be able to finish an extensive training after passing a rigorous exam. There are only 400 licensed Gondolas operating in Venice today.

4. Venice’s Cursed Palace

Ask your tour guide or anyone who knows the city well about the eeriest place in Venice and I’m sure they will point you at Ca’Dario, a Palazzo with an attractive Venetian Renaissance architecture along Grand Canal. The series of unexplainable deaths which seem to affect all of its owners first started way back when the structure was built in 1847.

Trivia: It has been said that the latest victim of the curse is John Entwistle, famed bass guitarist of “The Who.” John was leasing Ca’Dario during his untimely death in 2002.

5. Rialto Market

The Pescaria (Fish section) and Erbaria (Vegetable and Fruit section) make up the whole of Rialto Market. This is the place to go if you want to see the local lifestyle or buy a newly-caught fish from the Adriatic Sea, garden-fresh vegetables, and colorful flowers in Venice. It is best to walk around Rialto Market early in the morning, when the crowds are thin.

Fun fact: Remember to never ever touch the produce!!! This does not only apply in Rialto market, but in the whole of Italy. Ask the vendor of what you want and they’d be more than happy to give their best products to you.

Popular Venice Hotels

• Hotel Villa Edera – Double room from €40 per night
• Hotel La Meridiana -Double froom from €42 per night
• Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo – Double room from €90 per night
• Hotel Ca’ Dogaressa – Double room from €115 per night
• Hotel Antiche Figure – Double room from €94 per night

Photo of Venice by Barabeke

Vanished and forgotten, the walled city of Pompeii in Naples, Italy was accidentally discovered 1,669 years after the eruption of its neighboring volcano, Mount Vesuvius, on the 24th of August 79AD. Pompeii’s awful ordeal left at least 2000 people trapped and without a choice but to silently accept their imminent demise. At present, the 150-acre city of Pompei is one of the world’s largest archaeological excavation sites, side-by-side with modern amenities such as pubs, bars, restaurants, tourist facilities, and flourishing commercial areas. Read on and get in-depth with more interesting facts about the lost ruins of Pompeii and the modern city of Pompei below.

1. Life in Pompeii

So what’s it like to live in the past? Top archaeologists and experts of the historic excavation site are still baffled. There are lots of artifacts still needed to be analyzed to somehow depict a story or a scene which can show how everyday domestic living went in Pompeii. But the huge villas, with its walls and floors decorated with intricately designed mosaics; the Thasian dolomitic marbles that line up the bars and bath houses; and a sophisticated water, drainage, and sewage system for public and private use provides us an idea that people in Pompeii lived in a very comfortable manner and sheer opulence during their time.

2. Sealed Through Time

The remains of Pompeii are so incredibly well-preserved that you could walk around and see the Greek-inspired buildings such as residences, water fountains, commercial establishments, brothels, and an amphitheater; standing erect along the deserted cobble-stoned streets where the city’s ill-fated inhabitants used to walk through. People and their pet animals, eternally captured till their last breath in plaster casts are also found in the area. You can almost feel the impression of how sad and scared they must have been at the face of certain death.

3. Brothel in Pompei Re-opens

Don’t get the wrong idea here but the Lupanare, an ancient brothel in Pompeii is back in business- as a tourist destination that is! Ready to serve curious travelers, the fascinating 2-story brothel in the middle of Pompeii reveals signs of the open and systematic flesh trade in those times. Erotic Frescoes found at the walls of the rooms set the ambiance. Even more, names of the women who worked there, their “special talents” to please their clients, and prices of services are etched on the brothel’s walls.

4. Mother Nature Joins the War

While the Second World War was happening all across Europe, American airmen stationed at the Pompeii airfield caught a glimpse of the last known eruption of Mount Vesuvius. At least 2 feet of volcanic ash and football-sized rocks blanketed the area. Army tents, military equipments, and 88 aircrafts have also been severely destroyed.

5. The Santuario

Off to the past and on to the present! Not far from the Pompeii ruins, most tourists in Pompei often miss visiting the Santuario or the Shrine of Madonna del Rosario, a church built in 1876. The whole structure is shaped like a Latin cross which is dominated by a 53-meter high dome in the center. The church altar features the shroud of Madonna di Pompei in a bronze frame encrusted with gems. But the real attraction here is the 80-meter bell tower, the top easily accessible by an elevator where you can get a breath-taking view of Pompei and the surrounding area of Naples.

Top 3 Hotels in Pompei, Italy

• Hotel Diana – 3-star hotel – double room: €73
• Hotel Pompei Resort – 4-star hotel – double room: €85
• Hotel Degli Amici – 3-star hotel – double room: €90

Photo of Villa dei Misteri, Pompei, Italy, by Nick In Exsilio

Tracing its history back almost thirteen centuries Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe, and probably the world, whose tourism is based more in its villages than its cities. Discovering rural Bulgaria is an incredible experience for any tourist. So unique are the villages here that they seem to exist in some strange timelessness, as if nothing has changed in the last several centuries. People in the lowlands still concentrate on agriculture, and those on the mountains earn their livelihood from raising animals and gathering herbs and fruits.

The hospitality that the locals extend to all tourists is what has made discovering rural Bulgaria so beautiful. Several people open their homes up to serve as guesthouses and bed and breakfast places. While history, culture and warmth are common everywhere in Bulgaria, the villages in every region are different. Even the rural homes look different in different regions. The list of beautiful villages is endless and so here we will concentrate on mostly the mountaintop villages that will take every tourist’s breath away.

Villages in the Balkan Range

Some of the more popular regions in the Balkan range are Bozhentsi, Tryavna, Zheravna, Elena and Koprivshitsa. Bozhentsi is not just a village but also an architectural reserve in the central part of the Balkan Mountains. It is famous for its pre- National Revival Bulgarian architecture that has been very well preserved. UNESCO lists this Bulgarian village as one of its world cultural monuments. To preserve the look of the village, no building that does not fit with the general style of architecture of the village is allowed to be built here. Stone plate roofs, corner fireplaces, wood carved ceilings and verandas are all features of typical Bozhentsi architecture. All streets in this village are lined with cobblestone.

Across a Roman bridge at the east end of the village is a forest path that leads to our next destination—Tryavna. Tryavna is well known for its textile industry. It is home to a hundred and forty museums and cultural monuments. The town square of the village dates back to 1814. The clock tower and the Kivgireniyat bridge are popular tourist attractions. It is in Tryavna that one of the first secular schools of the country was established. The Daskalov house is the more popular of many museums of icon painting and art and wood carving in the region. It houses the famous wood carved suns. Its ceiling is a work of art in its own right made as a result of a bet between two famous wood carvers Ivan Bochukovetsa and Dimitar Oshanetsa. With modern hotels and restaurants Tryavna is the preferred destination for many tourists.

Just twenty kilometers away is Voneshta Voda, a resort known for its mineral springs. Tryavna homes have their own architectural peculiarities. While irregular forms make up the ground floors, wooden bow windows are the marked features of the upper floors. Well cut and neatly arranged rocks cover the roofs. The Central Balkan National Parks has the most vibrant ecosystems in Bulgaria and is accessible from all the villages around. Just north of the Balkans are several monasteries like the Ivanovo Rock Monastery which is under UNESCO protection. Close to Gaborvo is the Etara Architectural-Ethnographic complex which is an open air museum dedicated to Bulgarian customs and craftsmanship.

Villages in the Pirin Mountains

Villages like Melnik and Dobarsko have been declared architectural reserves. Melnik has architecture from the National Revival and the Ottoman periods. One of the more famous wine growing areas of the country, Melnik is home to the famous Melnik wine. At the foot of Pirin Mountain is Bulgaria’s best ski resort, Bansko. But Bansko is not just a ski resort. It is a small town with buildings that date back to 100 BC. Here you can enjoy the annual Bansko Jazz Festival, Just about five kilometers away is the small village of Banya that is famous for its twenty seven thermal mineral springs.

Villages in the Rhodopes Mountains

The birthplace of Orpheus, Rhodopes is also known as the ‘Green Heart of Europe,’ so vast are the old pinewood forests here. Shiroka Laka is a quaint little village with architecturally authentic Rhodopean houses located on both banks of the local river. The houses are all two storey with a small yard that is closed in by thick white walls. All the yards are covered with slab and have a fountain in the middle. Every March, performers perform the Thracian ritual koukeri dance in a festival here. National Revival style architecture dominates the skyline of Dolen. Chepelare is a famous ski resort town on the Rhodopes Mountains. Other scenic villages include Zlatograd, Kovachevitsa and Boukata.

Villages in the Strandzha Mountains

Strandzha mountains has some of the most rare vegetation in the world. Just small treks from the lovely little villages on the mountain can take you to any of these botanically exciting trails. The pagan tradition of fire dancing is performed every June in the southern part of the mountain range. In Brashlyan mountain hiking and nature observation are included in the rural tourism package. Malko Tarnovo which literally means ‘Little Tarnovo’ is a small town just five kilometers from the Turkish border.

Go mountain hopping and discover rural Bulgaria for yourself. It promises to be unforgettable.

Top 3  Rural Holiday Accommodation in Bulgaria:

• Bio-Hotel Moravsko Village – Predela (Bansko)
• Holiday Villa Stresov – Borovets mountain resort (73 km from Sofia)
• Skaviva B&B – Madara (Shumen)

Photo of , Bulgaria, by Boby Dimitrov

This can all seem like a long time ago in the days of Schengen, EU expansion and budget airlines, but the legacy of these years is still to found stretching across the continent of Europe ‘from Stettin on the Baltic to Trieste on the Adriatic’.

The city that was affected more than any other during this period was Berlin. In the heart of the divided continent was a divided city, the infamous Berlin Wall separating families and loved ones as well as Germans from other Germans. Perhaps it is a result of the ferocity with which the Cold War struck the city that it has been so eager to move on. Reconciliation and development have changed Berlin almost beyond recognition, although some stirring attempts at remembrance exist within that. Checkpoint Charlie is today a mere parody of itself, but the dotted brick line in the streets winding its way through the city where the wall used to be, and especially the killing zone on the eastern side, are eerie reminders of the horror of the wall.

Elsewhere in Europe the legacy can be more tangible or more esoteric. Travelling by train across borders that were once tightly closed, or circling in planes over the outskirts of former Communist cities, the difference in wealth is immediately obvious. The countries of Eastern Europe have metaphorically rushed westwards in the last twenty years but two decades of boom cannot reverse the effects of four decades of stagnation and the most destructive war the planet has ever seen. In things as mundane as un-swept streets, peeling paint and pavements cracks can the legacy of the Iron Curtain be seen.

Across Eastern Europe, drab Communist era tower blocks advertise the land that architecture forgot but these are usually complemented by castles and cathedrals from before the Cold War period or exciting modern buildings demonstrating that dreariness is a thing of the past.

It would be a mistake to think that the legacy of the Iron Curtain is positive on the West and negative on the East. Communism was a harsh and vicious master but it has left the people mostly free of the consumerism and wastefulness obvious in the west. On a more personal note, I love the railway stations of the east. These usually remain from the days of steam and carry with them an atmosphere of romance and anticipation, even, or perhaps especially, when seen through a curtain of rain. Western railway stations are, generally speaking, soulless, unfeeling places that rob travel of any of its romance and turn it into an endurance rather than a pleasure.

Top 5 Berlin Hotels near Checkpoint Charlie

• Mercure Hotel & Residence – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €97
• Apartments Checkpoint Charlie Berlin-Mitte – Price: €110
• Adina Apartment Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €95
• The Mandala Hotel – Luxury Hotel – Room Price: €185
• Hotel NH Berlin – 4-Star Hotel – Room Price: €129

Photo of Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin, Germany, by f-l-e-x

The Warsaw University Library, The Agora Building, and Metropolitan all demonstrate a bold commitment to sustainable design rarely seen even in the most progressive cities. The buildings showcase a remarkable blend of technology, aesthetics and function often with a wonderful integration of plant life as an integral part of the architecture.

1. The Warsaw University Library

Designed by Marek Budzyński & Zbigniew Badowski with the landscape by Irena Bajerska, the Warsaw University Library is located east of the city center, falling between the main university campus and the banks of the meandering Vistula River.

The main facade consists of a long and gentle concave curve dominated by green copper and tinted glass. A huge inscription “Biblioteka Uniwersytecka” dominated the top of this curve while 8 large copper panels visualize excerpts from Polish Renaissance writer Jan Kochanowski, Plato, an old-Russian chronicle, Arabic and Indian classics, and from the Bible. To complete the gesture there is a score by composer Karol Szymanowski and sample mathematical formulas engraved on these tablets.

This main street facade is complimented by flanking facades where plants and gardens have grown to dominate the architectural expression. Copper trellises bring vines climbing up the walls, connecting ground to roof garden. A series of hills, ramps and stairs lead the visitor up the side and onto the roof of the building were they are introduced to one of the most magnificent spaces in Warsaw, a 10,000 square meter garden overflowing with colors, textures and smells of flowers and plants, while offering stunning views of the city’s skyline and the gently flowing river. From within and without the building is overflowing with life, making nature a vital element of the building’s expression and thus clearly demonstrating the architect’s aspirations of making a building that is fully integrated into its surroundings.

2. The Agora Building

The Agora Building is also located a bit outside the city center, this time to the south east. Designed by JEMS Architekci - a local firm – the office block contains a magazine and newspaper group and demonstrates the value of how the architecture of a building can promote an egalitarian work environment.This building has grown into a great example of how to combine ecological awareness with innovative design.

The facade consists of a series of wood louvers that act as a sun screen while the seemingly boxlike building has gardens and terraces carved out to both bring natural light into the interior work areas and to provide natural ventilation deep into the structure. Inside, a cascading garden atrium connects the floors and allows for visual connections as well as easy circulation while once again allowing daylight to stream in. Balconies ring the building between the sun screen and the glass curtain wall, giving the workers access the outdoors. Vines have been planted at strategic locations and have slowly grown up the walls to provide a living element in the aesthetics of the building.

3. The Metropolitan

Metropolitan, designed by the world renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, has the most prestigious location of the three being located on Pilsudski Square just outside the historic old town. This building also took the most technological approach to sustainability. Rather than using plants and wood as the main expression, Foster and Partners have opted for a high tech look with sleek glass and metal curtain wall the curves and flows around the site.

A series of vertical stone fins line the facade providing protection from the sun while also serving an important role in the aesthetics of the building – when viewed straight on the building appears to be open and transparent while from the side it becomes a solid stone mass relates to the surroundings. The building wraps around a central plaza with a fountain and planted trees, giving the city a quiet and shaded place for people to gather. It also keeps the building to a manageable depth allowing decent penetration of natural light and ventilation.

These three buildings have not only changed the face of a city but also charted the course into the future of architecture in Warsaw. Most visitors will visit the historic town square, the stalinist tower and other popular tourist destinations but no trip to Warsaw will be complete without seeing these three pillars of a sustainable architectural future.

Top 5 Hotels in Warsaw:

• Mamaison Hotel Regina – 5-star Hotel – Room Price:  €86
• Polonia Palace Hotel – 4-star Hotel – Room Price:  €72
• Hotel Rialto – 5-star Hotel – Room Price:  €70
• The Westin Hotel – 5-star Hotel – Room Price:  €89
• Sheraton Warsaw Hotel – 5-star Hotel – Room Price:  €113

Photo of the  Warsaw University Library by Jussi-Paavo

New York at Halloween is an absolutely transformed place and you can’t help but wonder at all the things you can try out at this time of the year.

Fun Halloween events

New York gives you great options for some spooky fun. Here is a look at what you should check out:

The Village Halloween Parade features some of the most amazing Halloween costumes. You can dress up and take part in the parade or just watch it from any of the surrounding buildings. The parade starts in the evening at 6th Avenue and Spring Street and goes up 6th Avenue to 21st Street.

Halloween isn’t just a time for trick or treating. It’s also the time to explore the eerie parts of this city and the NYC Gotham City Ghost Tour let you do just this. This tour takes you around all the spooky and haunted places in Greenwich Village such as the Washington Square burial ground, the hanging elm, Edgar Allan Poe’s home and so on.

The New City Theatre comes alive every year during Halloween, by playing host to the Annual Halloween Festival and Costume. It’s the place to come for enjoying events such as costume contests, tarot card reading, dancing and much more.

Kids’ fun

Halloween is when kids usually get unusually creative in trying out the spookiest of things. Here are a few places that are bound to be a scary treat:

Visit St. John the Divine on Halloween morning to enjoy a reading of the Night of the Gargoyles and then move on to various workshop activities like making paper masks, gargoyles and much more. The American Museum of Natural History is just right for people who want to celebrate Halloween with their families. Everyone gets to have a great time participating in time honored Halloween traditions like trick-or-treating, wearing costumes and much more with many other families. And as the saying goes, the more, the merrier!

Costume couture

If you want to enjoy the best of the macabre fare in New York, you will definitely need a look that befits the occasion. There are many many many places to choose from. One interesting place is New York Costumes. This place has a wide selection of costumes and you can find movie-theme costumes, scary costumes, fun costumes and much more here for your costume ball. I also found the Abracadabra Superstore to be really impressive as it offers not only really flamboyant costumes, but also a wide range of accessories to enhance your preferred look. Those who are looking for a good costume rental store should try out Creative Costume. This store provides some of the best rental costumes and you will find their rates to be really reasonable.

This is just a bare bones guide. After all, we’re talking about New York! So get out there and discover the hair-raising magic of Halloween in NYC!

Photo of Jack ‘o lanterns in New York by Angela Rutherford

And I should know. I’m one of those travelers that voraciously reads every book I can get my hands on before I travel to a new place. One of the reasons I chose Turin to stay for several months was the fact that there is so little written about it. It is most often a footnote listed after Milan in books about the Piemonte and Northern Italy. However, the city is quite the treasure trove of interesting history. So here are nine completely random facts you probably won’t find in any guidebook on Turin….

1. Black Magic and Piazza Statuto

Those who are superstitious or wary of so-called “black magic” or satanism would do well to avoid Piazza Statuto, near the train station Porta Susa. Built on top of an ancient Roman necropolis (”a city of the dead”), the square was once a place where prisoners were tried and executed. The piazza is said to be one point of a black magic triangle that includes London and San Francisco (really? I know San Fran is a den of sin and all but…). In case you were wondering, the white triangle consists of Lyon, France, and Prague. Also, it is said that satanic rituals still take place here, near a small obelisk, now conveniently scrawled with “666″s and upside down crosses. Of course, this is ignoring the fact that the obelisk is a relatively recent geographic marker, and marks a line of 45 degree latitude. Even better…look to your right and there are the gates of hell!!! Or, just a manhole cover…you decide.

2. Punto Positivo

This point, in the middle of the gates to Palazzo Reale in the Piazza Castello, is where the “white energy” from Gran Madre meets the “black energy” from Piazza Statuto. The Holy Shroud, once stored in the nearby church (and now hidden in a secret place while the the church’s dome is rebuilt) was on public display on this spot at one point in its history. Supposedly, this is is where thousands of pilgrims came to pray on their way to Rome, and you rub it for good luck. I’m not sure if it has brought me good luck yet, but perhaps it lost some of its power due to the years and years that the piazza was a parking lot for everyone’s FIATs.

3. Gran Madre

Yet another source of “white energy,” this time streaming from the fact that supposedly the Holy Grail has been buried beneath the church for 300 years. The evidence for this is based in the fact that one of the statues straddling the entrance steps is holding a chalice up to the sky, but whose eyes are strangely looking down towards the ground. The inside of the church is remarkably spare and white compared to other churches in Italy, which lends a bit of credibility to its storied hiding place.

4. The Roman Quarter / Quadrilateral Romano / “Party Central”

Ah yes…the “Soho” of Turin if you will… This area of town used to be one of the more dangerous and avoided areas of Turin until the city decided to take a few years to fix it up. Now, it’s chock full of hipster Italians and festive (and expensive) wine bars every 20 feet. It’s within the old Roman boundaries of the city, so has the “dark winding narrow cobblestone streets” that tourists crave in Italy as well. It also lays claim to being yet another source of “black energy” in the city. The evidence for this? One of the crossroads within the Quarter contains four buildings all with crazy, angry animal faces glaring from above each doorway, apparently in effort to keep the evil spirits at bay.

5. The Lovers of Ponte Vittorio Emanuale I

Turin has its own version of the famed Ponte Milvio in Rome. Thanks to a best-selling book by Federico Moccia and a subsequent movie, (and now, by a moderately cheesy website: lucchettipontemilvio.com) the bridge in Rome is covered by padlocks on chains, put there by lovers who then throw the key into the river below, proclaiming the permanence of their love. I’ll be honest, when I saw the padlocks on the bridge over the Po River near Gran Madre, I thought they were a desperate attempt to stop people from stealing the flower boxes that line the railings. Now that I learned the real reason, even if it’s a newly made up tradition, it’s still a little bit of romance on my daily stroll.

6. The Legend of the Mole Antonelliana

Legend has it that it is very bad luck for university students to set foot near this fabulous structure until after they graduate! This seems hard to do considering it offers such great views of Turin, and it’s smack dab in the middle of the school’s campus.

7. Panettone

Part of the way to avoid getting killed while walking around in Turin is to keep a concrete barricade between yourself and the cars as often as possible. Case in point, the Taxi that this very morning was driving down the sidewalk straight at me, just so it could get around a bus… The most common barricade is lovingly called a Panettone, since its dome shape is very similar to the famed Milanese cake usually eaten during Christmas.

8. Luci d’Artista

Perhaps kept away during winter by Turin’s reputation as “the Detroit of Italy,” or its horrific weather (think grey and wet like Seattle, but much colder), most tourists never see the Luci d’Artista. Turin, as always straddling both the old and the new, puts on amazing light show starting around the middle of November. Contemporary artists from around the world install amazing light displays, from angelic blue halos surrounding Monte dei Cappuccini, to representations of the constellations stretching down a main thoroughfare. It’s a sight to behold.

9. Torinese Yellow (Giallo)

Get to know a true resident of Turin well enough, and invariably the 2006 Winter Olympics will come up. First, the Olympics had a massive effect on not only the city, but also the psyche of its residents. It’s also one of the reasons there are so few tourists here in this hidden gem, even though it is the fourth largest city in Italy. As recent as 10 years ago, Turin was a “closed” city. Everything took place behind closed doors in the courtyards behind the porticoed facades of the buildings. Wealth and fashion was understated, and the rich chocolate history of the city was virtually a secret society. In preparation for the Olympics, the city made a conscious decision to update the city’s master plan (a plan in which even Napoleon had a part!). Parking was created underground creating beautiful piazzas for socializing (including the largest in all of Europe, Piazza Vittorio), cars were limited within the city center creating pedestrian thoroughfares, buildings were cleaned of decades of industrial soot and repainted, and the people of Turin woke up! Nowadays, you cannot find a seat outside during lunch, the piazzas are full of people walking arm in arm, and many new delicious restaurants, hotels, chocolate shops, and discos were born. Part of this reinvention was the abandonment of “Torinese Yellow.” It is an unfortunate maize color (made worse by cloudy skies) that was in fashion for centuries. Even Palazzo Reale was a dingy yellow before being painted it’s current French-influenced white and blue-gray. Now it’s in fashion to use a lighter palate of white, pink, and gray….brightening up the streets and the hearts of those who visit.

Top 5 Hotels in Turin

• Hotel NH Santo Stefano, a superb hotel close to the trendy Roman Quarter
• Hotel Le Meridien Lingotto, a beautiful hotel housed in the former Fiat car factory
• Boston Art Hotel, a sexy design hotel in Turin city center
• Best Western Hotel Genova, an elegant hotel near Turin central station
• Hotel Golden Palace, a luxury hotel in the heart of Turin

Photo of Luci d’Artista light show in Piazza Palazzo di Città, Turin, Italy, by Pietroizzo

With dramatic scenery, a thriving cultural scene, numerous shopping opportunities and a host of excellent bars and restaurants – all delivered with a healthy dose of friendly celtic hospitality – Scotland’s beautiful and historic capital city is the ideal location for a romantic city break.

1. Take in some culture

Whether it’s art and literature, music and theatre, or simply a taste of traditional Scottish heritage that you’re looking for, Edinburgh has something to suit all tastes. The imposing Edinburgh Castle, which has overlooked the city from its rocky outcrop above the streets for nearly three thousand years, is an excellent place to start.

Or try a leisurely stroll round one of Scotland’s three most important art galleries, all of which are within walking distance of each other. The National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, house some of the best in Scottish and International art, and are an excellent way to while away an afternoon.

If all that walking seems like a bit too much effort, why not sample some of Scotland’s best known export at the Scottish Whisky Experience, a great little museum next to the castle, where you can taste the amber nectar for yourself!

2. Shop till you drop

Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers with a wealth of bargains and luxury goods to be found. From independent boutiques and jewellers along Rose Street (ideal for that most special of romantic purchases), to the traditional Scottish goods found on the Royal Mile, such as shortbread and lambs wool sweaters, there is something for everyone.

Check out Harvey Nicholls’ huge store at St Andrew’s Square for designer goods, and don’t miss a visit to Jenners, one of Scotland’s oldest and most loved department stores.

3. Bring back cocktail hour

Edinburgh has a vibrant and cosmopolitan café and bar scene, which makes it an excellent place to relax with a pre-dinner drink. Whether it’s an old classic that tickles your fancy, or a new local creation, there are plenty of bustling venues to choose from.

George Street alone has several good examples, including Tiger Lilly, The Living Room and The Opal Lounge, where rumour has it Prince William was a regular customer during his time at St Andrew’s University.

4. Enjoy a candlelit dinner

No romantic weekend is complete without a cosy candlelit dinner, and The Witchery is one of the most intimate and atmospheric dining destinations imaginable. Nestled in a dramatic 16th Century building at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, this beautifully decorated restaurant offers fine dining in the most luxurious of settings.

Surrounded by antique gilded candlesticks and opulent red leather upholstery, The Witchery has a truly magical atmosphere. One of the dining rooms, the intriguingly titled Secret Garden, is even reached by a hidden stone staircase and enjoys views over a secluded courtyard.

5. Catch a rickshaw home

After all that fine food and wine, the trip back to you hotel over Edinburgh’s famously cobbled streets can be something of a challenge. Instead of grabbing a taxi, why not take the weight off your feet by hiring one of the numerous rickshaws that trundle round the city centre?

These novelty cycle transports, which are usually peddled by students and backpackers, may be considerably more expensive than jumping in a cab, but what more romantic way to end your trip than snuggling under a blanket with your loved one and watching the city lights flit past on your way home?*

6. Romantic Hotels in Edinburgh

• Hotel Ben Doran – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £ 75
• Dunstane House Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £  75
• Apex City Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £ 85
• The Rutland Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £1 50
• Dunstane City Hotel – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room: £ 89

Photo of Edinburgh, Scotland, by Nestor M

There are numerous wineries in the region and many of them are open for tours and wine tasting, as well as some excellent choices for lodging. Whether it’s the wineries that the region is so renowned for or the historic castles, this is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy.

Sightseeing tours of Chianti abound and are very affordable whether. Whether it’s a tour for a couple seeking a romantic getaway or for large families or groups, there is something for everyone to take part in. The following is a list of suggested places to be sure and visit if you are planning a vacation to Chianti.

Galleria dell’ Academia Renaissance Art Tour

This tour will definitely enlighten you to the fact that Florence, Italy was truly the birthplace of the Renaissance. The various collections of art and sculpture found here in the Galleria will hold your interest for hours as you see first hand examples of the many creations of some of the masters of this historical period of world history.

Piazza Matteotti of Greve in Chianti

A weekly market in the main piazza of Greve in Chianti takes place every Saturday morning and is well worth exploring. It’s a shopping extravaganza to say the least with a wide array of merchandise at reasonable prices for the visitor to take advantage of.

Antiques and Collectors Fair

This fair takes place only twice a year on Easter Sunday and the second Sunday of October. You could easily spend the day exploring all that this event has to offer as well as bringing home some memorable reminders of a wonderful holiday in Chianti.

Plants and Flowers Market Exhibition

This colorful event happens only once annually on the first Sunday in May and is a testament to the beautiful colors that typify the Tuscany countryside. This is another must-see destination if you are prone to traveling before the summer crowds are out and about.

Grape Harvest

Usually takes place in late September or early October, but the date oftentimes varies from one year to the next. If you ever want to experience a celebration of the grape, then the Grape Harvest is well worth taking in when you are vacationing in the region.

Chianti Wine Festival

Occurring on the 2nd weekend of September, this festival spells out what the region is so renowned for. Chianti wine travels to all parts of the globe from this region, and this festival will entertain you to no end.

Photo of Chianti by Sara Carnati

If you happen to visit France, I very much recommend dropping by its southwestern part which is the near-coastal region of Bordeaux. Easily reachable via road, train or plane, you might know or heard of Bordeaux as a beautiful place where they take their wine seriously. And they should because wine-making in Bordeaux is a tradition which started 2000 years ago. At present, the thriving wine-making business is a billion dollar industry. But surely, there’s more to Bordeaux besides its top-notch wines. Here’s a few remarkable stuff worth mentioning about the wine center of France, Bordeaux.

1. Travel through Time

Like a grandiose 17th century setting out of a fairytale book, Bordeaux has at least 5,000 uniquely-styled gothic-baroque inspired buildings which portray the region’s rich historical background.

Fun fact: Bordeaux features some of France’s oldest museums that houses important specimens and artifacts, ranging from zoological samples to historic documents and displays from the French resistance in the Second World War.

2. Culture and Art on Wheels

People from Bordeaux are passionate about art just like they are passionate with wine. To help facilitate art and culture awareness in Bordeaux, the Modern Art Bus was established to travel all around Bordeaux in search of different art exhibits.

Fun Fact: The Modern Art Bus is a great way to see the works of famous visual artists such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.

3. Shop till You Drop

Known as the longest shopping strip in Europe, the Rue Saint Catherine is a 1.2 kilometer-long stretch of high-end shops, brasseries, cafés and shopping centers. This includes the famous department store “Galeries Lafayette” which has its interiors designed to resemble a royal palace.

Fun fact: Bring your walking shoes and be careful when walking around Rue Saint Catherine when it’s raining because the polished pavement can be pretty slippery!

4. Authentic French Cuisine

It’s not difficult for restaurants around Bordeaux to get the freshest ingredients to whip up the best dishes. Try a delicate-tasting foie gras (fattened duck’s liver) or choose from the many different cheeses of the region. How about some fresh Atlantic oysters?

Fun fact: A scrumptious meal is best accompanied by a great-tasting wine so try to find that perfect vintage to complement meals at the many wine bars scattered around Bordeaux.

5. Dynamic Bordeaux Nightlife

There’s a wide variety of things to do in Bordeaux after sun down. Chill at the local pubs, cafes and bars around Place de la Victoire for some live music paired with a relaxing atmosphere for a stress free evening. Or check out the night scene at Quai de Paludate if you’re into loud music and wild dancing.

Fun Fact: along the Rue Saint Catherine is the 250-year old Bordeaux Grand Theater. Wouldn’t it be nice to catch an opera, concert or ballet on stage after dark?

Top 5 Hotels in Bordeaux City Center

• Hotel Burdigala – 4-Star Hotel – Double Room €210
• Quality Hotel Sainte-Catherine – 3-Star Hotel – Double Room €87
• Hotel Le Chantry – 2-Star Hotel – Double Room €57
• Best Wester Grand Hôtel Français – 3-Star Hotel – Double Room €139
• Hotel Gambetta – 2-Star Hotel – Double Room €96

Photo of the Fontaine des Trois Grâces in Bordeaux, France, by Arnaud Bertrande

This string of islands, atolls and coral reefs in the middle of the Indian Ocean can seem like a tourist paradise and the islands have capitalised on this in recent years, with the creation of several tourist enclaves.

This type of tourist destination is not usually to my taste as it caters purely for those who want to lie on a beach in the sun, probably with some kind of terrible book, before returning to the hotel bar in the evening.

However, that is not the only attraction of the islands. They have an interesting, if quite strict, interpretation of Islam which I would like to explore, the people sound open and friendly and the cuisine looks delicious. As with any island chain the food is primarily brought from the sea but the tropical location means that in the Maldives the food can be every colour of the rainbow, freshly caught, lightly cooked and delivered to your plate.

The main attraction of the Maldives, however, is the islands themselves and this is what I really want to see before rising sea levels subsume them forever. The shores of the islands and the lagoons are teeming with abundant and rare aquatic life, the water is warm and clear and it is, in short, a scuba diving paradise.

The greatest attraction of the Maldives is also its most fragile. The islands are now faced with a problem because the influx of tourists in recent years has brought money that can be used for conservation and helped spread awareness of the problem in the western world. However, those same tourists have to fly half way around the world to get to the Maldives and are therefore contributing, through the exhaust fumes of high altitude jets, to one of the worst causes of climate change.

This is why I will probably be unable to visit the Maldives for some time. It is possible to get to the islands by boat but it is a difficult and expensive proposition that I am as yet unable to afford. Visiting the islands to admire their fragile habitats while at the same time contributing to their demise would make me feel uncomfortable but I am prepared to wait until I can make the journey in a more environmentally friendly way.

Photo of storm in the Maldives by David Salvatori

Well, this list relates to nations that take the problem of a warming planet very seriously, rather than just their Politicians moaning about it at Global Summits and never taking any practical action. For “Greenies” out there who really do want to save the planet and yet don’t want to forsake their well-earned holidays, here are a few countries worth considering.

1.  Switzerland

You’d be hard pressed to find a nation that isn’t more internationally envied than Switzerland. Their economic policies, political system, and landscape are absolutely world beating, with a wealthy populace still able to support their traditional way of life. While it is possibly the most expensive country in the world bar none, there are an enormous variety of green resorts and hotels as well as a power system which is around 95% derived from hydroelectricity and nuclear power- impressive considering most countries can’t even seem to get 5% of their energy from sources that aren’t directly from filthy fossil fuels.

2. New Zealand

With the great wealth of natural beauty that New Zealand has as its greatest asset, you can see why the government has put quite a lot of effort in protecting it all. While many of New Zealand’s fascinating creatures such as the Flightless Moa, a 12ft high bird hunted to extinction by the Maori Tribes, have already become extinct, there’s still plenty left to see and discover. Eco-friendly travel options include Wildlife Tours on the South Island at Dunedin, where Penguins, Seals, and Albatross, among others, can be seen and learned about, and just off the coast of the North Island is the idyllic little Waiheke Island, where the Crescent Valley Eco Lodge offers eco-friendly accommodation and restaurants serving locally-grown organic produce for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also offer Mountain Biking, Kayaking, and Snorkelling as activities.

3.  Japan

Konnichiwa! Whilst the vast majority of Japan’s population are crammed into incredibly dense, often quite polluted cities, they have consistently led the way internationally for action to combat climate change (for instance, launching the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, at a time where the thought of a warming planet was relatively unheard of and when SUV’s were more fashionable than Beatles haircuts in the 1960s, if that were even possible), and some of their largest super-corporations, have led the way with a real interest in saving the environment, putting massive research into carbon-neutral technologies. But how does that translate into an eco-friendly holiday? Well, Japan, with its complicated language and culture, can seem inaccessible for the non-Japanese tourist, with information hard to come by. There aren’t a large amount of eco-friendly resorts or hotels advertised per se, but if you visit around mid-March to early April, you’ll be able to see the beautiful cherry blossoms that Japan is so famous for, as well as tours of Japan’s mountains and many of its fascinating shrines and temples.

Photo of recycling logo by Pylon757

Spain, with its culture, beaches and favourable climate has been for years an almost ubiquitous tourist trap. But all is not rosy in the land of España. Much of the southern parts of the country are at considerable risk of desertification, from Almeria all the way to Tarragona. Excessive irrigation, inadequate rainfall, and overgrazing are resulting in an ever larger growing area of sandy wasteland. It’s already got so bad that it’s not even cold enough for birds to migrate to Africa for their summer break, and they’re instead choosing to stay in Spain (really). On a rather miserable plus side, it means that in the future, tourists won’t have to travel as far as North Africa to experience the tranquil charms of the desert.

2. Canada

Canada’s amazing forests and natural parks have long been considered incredible destinations by gap year students and experienced hikers alike. However, the Boreal Forest (a scientific term for forest between temperate forest and tundra) has been disappearing at an alarming rate. The Boreal Forest teems with amazing wildlife, such as the Woodland Caribou, Wolf, Moose, Bald Eagle, and Black Bear, to name a few. Of course, all this will disappear with the forests – additionally, disappearance of the forests will add to more CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, as less CO2 photosynthesis can take place, giving Canada’s environmental problem possibly global consequences.

3. Iceland

Iceland’s melting glaciers are a testament to the fact that beauty in its purest form just doesn’t last. Geysers, Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and nearly every form of fierce natural beauty can be found here, although Global Warming appears to be catching up. That’s not to mock Icelandic efforts at combating it though – major attempts are under way here to study and analyse the causes of climate change and how to control it. One plan several years ago was as ambitious as containing CO2 deposits in basalt rocks which are commonly found in numerous parts of the world, a possible ray of hope. What the more long-term plans are remains to be seen. While it’s an expensive holiday destination, it’s surely worth it while everything’s still relatively unspoilt (don’t forget Reykjavik’s famous nightlife, either).

4. Cuba

The Caribbean Island of Cuba shows little sign of political change, with the communist system still having an iron grip on the country. However, the Obama Presidency’s new foreign policy could well shine through some of the ideological feud that has been going on for half a century, and there have been whispers of dropping America’s long standing trade embargo with Cuba. Of course, while American Influence will probably work wonders for Cuba’s pint-sized economy, it’s probably not going to be very good for their ecology, with Cuba’s history of pristine, sparkling beaches and very low traffic density (due to a desperate lack of refined oil) something that is likely to vanish in the wake of increased greenhouse gases which will inevitably accompany their modernization.

Photo of Almeria, Andalusia, Spain, by Cuellar

One of the most common criticisms heard about town, and from visitors themselves, is that the museum looks too modern for the antiquities it houses. But to understand this design, one must consider the motivations for building it in the first place: To encourage the British Museum to return the Elgin Marbles to their country of origin. As such, the construction shows off modern engineering designed to protect the statues and metopes from earthquake damage, and the multiple levels of security to support their importance. Be prepared to wait in a number of lines, first for tickets, again to have any handbags x-rayed, and then again for something else (I wouldn’t know for what, as an archaeologist I’m a grateful line jumper). As someone who remembers the old Acropolis museum up on the hill, there is no comparison. The natural light, the high ceilings, the arrangement of the artifacts, as well as the integration of the archaeological site they uncovered during construction make for a relaxed visit and lots to see.

Glass floors at ground level give a top view of the early Christian settlement uncovered during the construction of the museum. As a 3000 year-old cosmopolitan there are few places in Athens where a shovel in the ground is not met with pot sherds and wall stones. The integration of the site to the museum was not in the original conception, but was nicely executed. However, I questioned the social sensibility of the designer as I looked upwards to see more levels of glass floors…my only piece of advice for visiting the museum: don’t wear a skirt.

The organization of the Pathenon marbles on the top floor recreates their original order and relationships, to the best of our knowledge. Included are casts of pieces missing from the collection, with specifications when the original lies in the British Museum. This is done even when the only fragment in the New Acropolis Museum is an arm or a leg from an entire metope or statue. The entire third floor is surrounded by windows looking out to the Acropolis and the surrounding city. This element was probably my favorite, as it allows the visitors to appreciate the marbles in the context of a vibrant city, an effect that simulates being on the actual ancient Acropolis. Enjoying a coffee on the second floor cafe terrace allows one to continue appreciating the parallels of the ancient and modern city.

I won’t open up the debate on whether the Elgin marbles should or will be returned to their country of origin, but the Greeks have fulfilled their part of the deal. They have demonstrated that they can appropriately house the marbles that, in my opinion, rightly belong to them as a unified set. While I agree that the outside design would make for a nice contemporary art museum, the interior flow and light are a beautiful venue for the marbles. As a promotion, admission is only 1 Euro until the beginning of next year.

Athens Hotels with Views of the Acropolis

• Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel – 3-star hotel – double room from €115
• Hotel Divani Palace Acropolis – 5-star hotel – double room from €148
• Hotel Acropolis View – 2-star hotel – double room from €99

Photo of the New Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece, by Dinstereo

Learn a language on the bus

Vilnius was the first in the world to offer language classes while you travelled on public transport. While you whiled away the time getting around the city, the ‘language buses’ played a collection of phrases in Polish, Lithuanian and English. There were worksheets inside the bus to allow you to follow along with the tape as it plays. All of the stops on the route were announced in the languages. Launched in 2007 it was funded by the EU for a year and proved hugely popular.

Do you believe in the Easter Granny?

Forget that silly old bunny. He’s nothing but a minion for the real master of ceremonies in terms of Easter egg distribution in Vilnius and the rest of Lithuania. The real star of the show is the Easter Granny. Every year the Velyku Senele (Easter Granny) brings the colourful chocolate Easter eggs to all the children in the family. The bunny is relegated to helping her paint the eggs.

Who found Vilnius?

Not in the geographical sense because it was never actually lost, but in terms of making the city what it went on to be, the Grand Duke Gediminas from the 13th and 14th Century is the man with the idea for a habitation of the region where the city now lies. It is said that the Duke has a dream one night that involved one wolf howling with the volume of a thousand wolves on a hilltop. That hilltop soon become a fortress and then finally Vilnius.

What’s with the bread and the salt?

If you are a visitor to Vilnius then you might find you’re presented with bread and salt as a mark of hospitality. It’s a tradition dating back hundreds of years. The Lithuanians even hand it to married couples on their wedding day. It’s something Lithuania shares with many other Baltic states.

Top 5 Hotels in Vilnius, Lithuania

• Hotel City Gate – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €69
• Hotel Vingriai – 4-star Hotel – Room Price: €55
• Centrum Uniquestay Hotel – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €38
• Hotel Comfort Vilnius – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €36
• Hotel Telecom Guest House – 3-star Hotel – Room Price: €35

Photo of Gediminas Tower, Vilnius, Lithuanian by Vlumi

Yet as the years go by, more and more of the icons are taken off the streets, mostly because of vandalism and lack of profitability, in an era where mobile phones are used more and more because of the portable convenience they are.

In the early 1900’s, the telephone started to become more of a commonplace piece of technology, and was available at many shops and places where often it would be operated by an attendant.

There was no standard centralised designed, with each town having its own type of kiosk.

In 1921 the United Kingdom Post Office produced and distributed the K1, (which stood for Kiosk No.1), a rather elegant red and white booth with highlighted brackets around the window panes and a Elizabethan looking metal decoration on top.

However, the London Metropolitan Boroughs resisted the design and efforts by the Post Office to place them on the streets, so in 1924 a competition was set up with an objective to find a design that the fussy London Boroughs (meaning areas of a city) would permit. The Royal Fine Art Commission, after some fuss about building materials and various other design and architectural issues, decide to limit the competition so that only three respected architects could submit designs. The eventual selected design was from Giles Gilbert Scott, which the Post Office decided (against his wishes) to make it out of Cast Iron and paint it Red for visibility. It was a success and 1200 were produced.

Over the years, later attempts were made at phone boxes, including an effort to integrate the phone box and a letter box, and a move back to creamy-white boxes. The most popular design, called the K6, had over 70,000 produced and resembles closest the original K2, only less expensive and less prone to vandals.

Nowadays, however, with over 95% of households in the UK having a built-in landline, there seems little point economically in having phone boxes anywhere, what with their cost, size and expense of maintenance. Most of the surviving old fashioned boxes are in London and other touristy and traditional parts of Britain, but are vastly out-ranked by the ugly standardised “glass and steel” BT boxes, called the KX range, often with a numerical classification (such as KX-100). Even the name sounds horrible. However they still come in handy for study-abroad exchange students and people with family abroad, because international calls from them are cheaper than using a mobile phone, although even that trend seems set to die with the recent surge of internet telephony, such as Skype, which can be utilized without the need for having to step outside.

Nowadays I find they’re most often missed when it’s raining like only it can rain in England, and you’ve forgotten your umbrella.

Photo of London phone boxes by Spoungeworthy Redux

1. A mouse robbed a bank

Imagine popping to the cash machine to get some money out and finding a half-eaten bank note sliding out of the hole. You’d think something funny was going on wouldn’t you? But would you immediately think that it was the work of a little mouse who had found his way into the ATM in Tallinn and chewed his way through hundreds of Estonian Kroons? The mouse had made a nice bed out of the notes and had munched a few over the course of the weekend.

2. Where Skype comes from

No offense but would any one guess that the world communication phenomenon Skype came from Estonia, and more strangely was developed by a group of men including an Estonia man called Jaan Tallinn? It’s true. The company were also responsible for the file-sharing site Kazaa. Skype currently has offices all over Europe and some in America, with one of the largest ones in Tallinn.

3. The last Gothic town hall

This might surprise some people but Tallinn can proudly play host to the only surviving town hall to have been built in its original Gothic style. The hall dates back to the 13th Century and is a fine example of the period’s architecture. The most famous and appealing part about it is the weather vane high up on the top of the building. It’s a figure of Old Thomas, who is said to guard the city. He was a young boy who was an expert archer and could knock wooden parrots off the top of the spire using his crossbow. The original vane now lives inside the Town Hall, as it was knocked off during WW2.

Hotels near Tallinn Town Hall

• Hotel St. Petersburg – 4 star hotel – double room from €95
• Merchant’s House Hotel – 4-star hotel – double room from €89
• Hostel Vana Tom – Double room from €35

View of Tallinn Town Hall, Estonia, by I3aac

Having said that, I should also point out that Amsterdam is still in developmental stages and so, sadly, parts of the city is still striving to improve or build on such facilities. Stated below are a few accessible friendly options offered in various parts of the city. If you would like to find out more information, please check out Toegankelijk Amsterdam (Accessible Amsterdam).

Accessible options: airport and public transport

Amsterdam Airport Schipol offers a number of accessible friendly options. The Schipol branch of the Dutch Railway Station is one of the easiest ways to reach the airport. Services offered at this station include mobile ramps, lifts that ensure ease-of-access as well as the option of Journey Assistants. The latter are station employers who help visitors with special needs. There are a few features catering to hearing-impaired visitors where at certain points (transfer desks as well as information desks), users can hook up their hearing aid to the loop provided at these spots. The airport also boasts services of staff members called Axxicom Airport Caddy (AAC) who will help travelers.

Dutch public transport is also geared towards helping those with functional disabilities. Like the Schipol branch of the Dutch Railways Station, almost all other stations also offer ramps and escalators. The trains themselves are also designed for easy of access which means wider doors on certain compartments and mobile ramps to help enter and exit the train easily. There are also journey assistants who will help travelers get on or off the train. Do note, that you might have to arrange for one beforehand and thus, it is a good idea to contact the relevant NS (Dutch Railway) branch. The variety of services offered to travelers with special needs differ from station to station and it is recommended that you inquire with NS about this as well.

Traveling via trams might be a bit more restrictive but there are a few options open to those with limited mobility. A few tram stops (tram haltes) along certain lines are built a bit higher so as to more accessible. When looking for wheelchair accessible trams, there are two types of trams to watch out for – the Combino with their lower floors and older trams with a lowers mid-section. The tram company has provided the timetable for tram lines via the internet where they have indicated the lines with raised platforms which are accessible. Look out for the words rolstoeltoegankelijk (meaning wheelchair accessible) which is marked as a black-out tram stop. In addition to this, they have also noted which of the trams themselves are not wheelchair friendly (thus, pointing out what to avoid) by assigning an ‘A’ next to the tram number. Find out more at their website, GVB.

Accessible Attractions & Restaurants in Amsterdam

Quite a few attractions in Amsterdam include accessible-friendly features. Unfortunately most of these sites may not cater for the needs of all travelers. The popular Rijksmuseum, with its accessible-friendly rooms, is a good choice for visitors with limited mobility. The same goes for Van Gogh Museum which has easy access to each floor via the elevator. Their services include free wheelchairs for visitors. Amsterdam Historical Museum is another noteworthy attraction. This charming museum also boasts easy navigation to all parts of the building. Then there is Keukenhof, Amsterdam’s most popular destination, which is specially designed with wheelchair accessible sidewalks.

The city lists a few restaurants that offer accessible features although all of them cater to travelers with limited mobility. Located at Leidsekruisstraat 13, restaurant Granada is a charming tapas bar that also specializes in other Spanish cuisine. For a more extensive range of Mediterranean food, try the Restaurant November at Spuistraat 266-268. If you are up for something idyllic and cozy, try Restaurant Il Boccalino, the Italian eatery at Utrechtsestraat 133. Those who want to find out more eateries and perhaps narrow down various features, try the DinnerSite website.

Top 5 Wheelchair accessible hotels in Amsterdam

• Tulip Inn Amsterdam City West – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €79
• Eden Hotel Amsterdam – 3-star Hotel – Double Room from €100
• NH Barbizon Palace – 5-star Hotel – Double Room from €168
• Amstel Intercontinental – 5-star Hotel – Double Room from €415
• Hotel Okura – 5-star Hotel – Double Room from e175

Photo of wheelchair sign by John Carleton