Frankfurt Germany - The Essential Quick Guide

November 29, 2008 at 3:03 am · Filed under europe

Frankfurt is a city in the German state of Hesse. Resting on the banks of the Main River, the city is the fifth-largest in Germany and it boasts a population of 648,325 inhabitants. This historical city was the electoral city for the Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation between 855AD and 1792AD. During the revolution of 1848-49, Frankfurt was the chosen revolutionary capital and it was also the seat of Germany’s first democratically elected parliament. Frankfurt suffered strong bombing during World War II and much of the city has been rebuilt in a modern, simple style. Some of the city’s more historic architecture has remained however, not least the stunning Saint Bartholomeus’ Cathedral, which was built in the 14th and 15th centuries in a Gothic style. Another beautiful building is St. Paul’s Church, which was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been lovingly restored. Since the rebuilding of the city, Frankfurters have developed a taste for skyscrapers and the city is one of the few European cities to have a significant number. Skyscrapers of note include: the Commerzbank Tower, MesseTurm and Kronenhochhaus.

For nature-lovers, Frankfurt offers an abundance of attractions, not least the lovely Palmengarten botanic gardens and Grueneburgpark - Frankfurt’s largest public park, which is often populated by the city’s younger residents as it is close to the Frankfurt’s two universities. Frankfurt also boasts an impressive zoo, which is involved in the European Endangered Species Programme. In the south of the city is the lovely Frankfurt City Forest, the largest inner-city forest in Germany. For those less interested in outdoor pursuits, the city boasts an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars. The city is dotted with plenty of unusual boutiques, but for those interested large department stores or upmarket shopping, the Zeil area must be visited.

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Travel to Milan, Italy

November 27, 2008 at 2:04 am · Filed under europe

Situated in the North of Italy, Milan is the largest city in the province of Lombardy and second largest city in Italy.

Milan is the business hub of Italy and a very busy city to visit at any time of year.

Home to the Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci, Milan has a rich history in art and has some of the most priceless works of art on display in its galleries. The art galleries of Milan also reflect the history of the city, but be advised, if you do plan to visit some of the galleries book in advance.

Milan’s main attraction, The Duomo is the third largest church in the world, and took nearly 450 years to build. The construction of the Duomo began in 1386 and was completed in 1805 by Napoleon. This fabulous Gothic style church is a must see for any tourist.

Built in 1386 the Castello Sforzesco is a massive fortress located in the centre of Milan. The Sforza has many great museums and hosts the work of many great artists including Michelangelo.

For the sporting fans a visit to the Meazza Stadium, better known as the San Siro should be rewarding. This is one of the best football stadiums in Italy. Daily visits to the San Siro are available with access to the stadium and changing rooms.

The winter months in Milan can be extremely cold, while the summers are very hot and humid.

A trip north to the Alps or to the lake region is very advisable, and should be most memorable. The Italian rail system is excellent, and daily trips to the lakes should not take too long. Hotel prices vary during the year - winter being an excellent time to visit.

Also known as one of the main fashion capitals of Italy, Milan hosts some of the best fashion designers in the world. Most of the main shopping outlets are located near the city centre. Expect very large crowds during the sales, which attract people from all over Europe.

Milan is well suited to cater for the needs of travellers. From the moment you arrive you will be met with an excellent transport system, both efficient and economical. Avoid travelling through the streets of Milan by car if possible - traffic can be chaotic.

Where possible it’s best to use the public transport system. If you must use a taxi be very careful , use official taxis, which are white or yellow in colour. These are a lot cheaper than the private cab who will charge you double the price.

Milan is a cosmopolitan city and offers a wide range of restaurants. Prices vary considerably from place to place. Restaurants are very crowded at weekends so book in advance where possible. Menus and prices are usually posted outside restaurants - its also standard to leave a small tip.

The main tourist season starts in Milan during the summer months, but this doesn’t mean that cheap accommodation is available during the off-season. Milan is a very busy city all year round and hotel prices can be expensive.

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Ya Mule! - Backpacking In Siena, Italy

November 26, 2008 at 6:02 am · Filed under europe

Ah, the glamour of backpacking through Europe. Of course, the glamour comes with a price as I found in Siena, Italy.

Siena

Siena is located an hour or so outside of Florence, Italy. My handy dandy guidebook suggested it was a side trip that just had to be made. A medieval structure located behind protective walls on the top of a hill. The central area was generally closed off to cars and it was a taste of true Italy. Who was I to argue?

As I sat on the train, I check my backpack for any excess weight. I had already discarded or sent home unnecessary items and was feeling pretty light on my feet. Next thing I knew, the train had stopped and I was standing on flat road next to a rolling hill covered in trees and homes. Siena proper was at the top.

The thing about rolling hills with lots of foliage is they are simply evil. You can never get a grasp on how far it is to the top. You keep thinking the top appears to be a few hundred feet in front of you until you reach it. Then you discover it is just a dip before another upward section. The hill up to Siena is just such a rolling hill. Throw in a road that twists all over the hill like a drunken sailor on leave, and you’ll never scoff at a moped again.

Getting in touch with my inner mule, I began to climb and tame the great beast. As I trudged along, I thought of all the great people that must of walked up the same hill throughout history. As I stood in the shade panting, I thought all of those great people probably hitched a ride instead of walking like me.

After thirty-five minutes or so, I was seriously starting to think about hitching a ride. Of course, this would mean admitting defeat. The battle between my genetic male stubbornness and “this sucks” attitude was intense. Like a mule, I kept going. Five bends, three dips that I could have sworn were the top.

Just as I was giving ina wall. A really big wall. I passed it and suddenly was in a large parking lot area with tourist buses. Hands on knees, shirt soaking, I tried to maintain my dignity as the tourist looked at me like I was insane. Did that moron walk up here? One even took a picture!

After composing myselferr, getting my breath back, I booked a room in a little hotel. The young lady working the desk seemed hesitant, but I made some comment about it being a long way up from the valley. She started giggling and I had the room.

I showered and went looking for trouble. Well, trouble that was on a flat surface. In the town centre, I stumbled upon a small caf

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