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Summer Chasers

Tag Archives: European Tour

European Wishlist: Germany

21 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Tags

Bavaria, Beer stein, Berlin, Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Cologne, Eastern Bloc, European Tour, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle, Wishlist

I seem to have a fondness for anything German, especially the language. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Deutsch has a certain appeal to me that I cannot quite explain. While I can’t quite recall any memories from my childhood that might have contributed to this unusual preference, I do remember however, that while my father was alive, he spoke very highly of German automotive engineering. Not that it would be anything related. Years later, here I am, about to visit Germany.

Anyways, we tackled the United Kingdom, France and Italy. It’s time for Deutschland! Here are my choice picks for sights and sounds to see in this amazing country:

 
 
 
 
The Gothic Cologne cathedral in Cologne, Germa...

The Gothic Cologne cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

What: 
 
Cologne Cathedral 
 
Where:
 
Cologne, Germany
 

Why:

One of the most visited attractions in Germany, this beautiful Gothic Cathedral boasts incredibly unique architecture and houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, one of the largest reliquaries believed to be the traditional resting place of the Three Wise Men whose clothes and bones are within. Taking a cue from peasants and knights during the Medieval Ages, a pilgrimage to this holy place beckons.
 
 
 
 
 
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany Deutsc...

The Brandenburg Gate. Enter Berlin here.

What:
 
The Brandenburg Gate
 
Where:
 
Berlin, Germany
 
Why:
 
It is the only remaining city gate, one of eighteen such constructed, that used to be the entrance to Berlin. Just to the north of the gate is the Reichstag Building, where the German Parliament meet.
 
 
 
 
 
Remains of the Berlin Wall (Potsdamer Platz)

Remains of the Berlin Wall.

What:
 
The Berlin Wall
 
Where:
 
Right in the middle of the city…
 
Why:
 
Just imagine that someone erected a wall effectively cutting off half of the city you live in. Anyone attempting to cross from the East to the West would be shot on sight. That is just a tiny glimpse of the horrors the citizens had to face during the Cold War. Though very little remains of the wall, it is a place that has profoundly contributed to modern history. It’s amusing to remember the world maps in my old elementary classroom back in the 80’s when the wall divided these into two vastly polar countries. Having been erected by the Eastern Bloc, President Reagan later challenged General Secretary Gorbachev to tear down the wall, leading to the reunification of Eastern and Western Germany. 
 
 
 
 
 
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany.

What:
 
Schloss Neuschwanstein
 
Where:
 
Near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany
 
Why:
 
Neuschwanstein Castle looks sort of familiar doesn’t it? It should be. It was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. This castle is the global symbol of the era of Romanticism, and as such, it’d be a perfect choice for tourist couples! While you are here, be sure to get on the Romantic Road, where you will find the best scenic route in Germany with historic castles, towers, towns, some preserved in their full Medieval majesty.
 
 
 
 
Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus, where you dare not touch someone else's beer stein.

What:
 
Hofbräuhaus
 
Where:
 
Munich
 
Why:
 
Seriously? No trip to Germany would be complete without beer! And since I won’t get to visit during Oktoberfest, it would be sacrilege not to drop by the world’s most famous beer hall. They serve the beer only in one-liter glasses!
 
 
 
 
 
German Souvenirs of Choice
 

Beer Stein owned by Friedrich Kellner to comme...

Für ihn:
 
 
For guys, I would recommend a beer stein. A well crafted piece of art such as this would be well suited to embrace that smooth brew, keeping it cold enough until you pour it down your belly. Nothing else shows how serious you are about your beer than this.
 
 
 

Dirndl with cording and green apron Deutsch: D...

Für sie

For the ladies, how about trying on a dirndl? This traditional garb worn by der frauen are not just a common sight worn during Oktoberfest, they are traditionally worn in formal occasions and other such events. Perhaps I am just biased… but it *does* look good on the ladies. 🙂 
 
 

European Tour Wishlist: Italy

16 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in The List, Travel

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Tags

Colosseum, Europe, European Tour, Florence, Italian Wishlist, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Roman, Rome, Rubicon, Souvenir, Statue of David, Venetian Mask, Venice

Wow, with England and France done at this point of the Euro Tour, this will probably be one of the busiest legs of the trip! There’s just soooo much to do in Italy. Every city has something unique about it that is a must-see. I can’t wait to see Rome, Venice, Pisa, shoot… I could go on and on!

 
 
 
English: A 4x4 segment panorama of the Coliseu...

The site of bloody gladiatoral duels, mock naval battles and ancient army clashes.

What:
 
Coliseum, aka Amphitheatrum Flavium
 
Where:
 
In the heart of Rome, Italy
 
Why:
 
This is perhaps the greatest work of the Roman Empire’s engineering. Built by Emperor Vespasian and finished by Emperor Titus, both of whom had the same family name, Flavius, where the coliseum derived its name from. This is a must-see during my trip, and as NWA knows well, I need to punch him in order to cross off an entry on my bucket list. 
 
 
 
 
 
English: Cathedral of Pisa (Duomo di Pisa), Pi...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo di Pisa.

What:
 
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
 
Where:
 
Pisa, Italy
 
Why:
 
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is famed around the world. It’s one of those pictures that says “Yep, I’m in Europe.” This bell tower of the nearby cathedral is also the source of many comedic pictures employing a bit of forced perspective by trying to push the tower upright. You can bet that we’ll be trying our hand at getting a funny shot of this.  
 
 
 
 
 
Venice

A Venetian Canal.

What:
 
The Canals of Venice
 
Where:
 
Venice, Italy
 
Why:
 
These gorgeous (and possibly smelly) canals are legendary. I  remember a couple of James Bond flicks that took place here. I can’t wait to drive down the waterways! Ooh! And I totally have to get in a gondola too (preferably with one of the cute locals.) 
 
 
 
 
 
English: The Pantheon in Rome, Italy

The Pantheon houses all the Roman gods and goddesses.

What:
 
Pantheon
 
Where:
 
Rome, Italy
 
Why:
 
Since I probably won’t get a chance to visit the Parthenon in Greece this time around, I think it would be a good opportunity to get a little taste of what I’m going to be missing out on by seeing the Roman Pantheon. The difference between the two temples is easily distinguishable. The Greek Parthenon is dedicated to Athena, goddess of Wisdom and War while the Roman Pantheon is dedicated to all the Roman gods and goddesses.
 
 
 
 
 
English: Michelangelo's David (original statue...

The Statue of David.

What: 
 
Statue of David
 
Where:
 
Florence, Italy
 
Why: 
 
Possibly the most famous statue in the world. Created by Michaelangelo. I’ve seen the duplicate at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas… but somehow, I don’t think that one’ll stand up when compared to the real thing.
 
 
 
 
Presumed course of the Rubicon

Rubicon derives its name from the latin 'rubico' meaning red. The river gets its red color from mud deposits.

What:
 
Crossing the Rubicon
 
Where:
 
Between the towns of Rimini and Cesena
 
Why:
 
As a huge enthusiast of history, particularly of the Roman Empire, I’d like to get some insight as to what Gaius Julius Caesar must have felt when he defied his enemies and crossed the red river with his legion, effectively initiating the Roman Civil War and taking him down his path of glory. The term “Crossing the Rubicon” has forever after become an idiom for “Passing the Point of No Return.” 
 
 
 
 
 
Italian Souvenirs of Choice
 
 
For La Signora:
 
 
A tasteful Venetian Mask will allow the ladies to feel like they’ve been to a Renaissance Masked Ball and bring out the charm and grace in them (we hope.) It’ll be a very elegant centerpiece reminding you of the sights and sounds of the Italian Peninsula.
 
 
For Il Signore:
 
 
Well, I know for a fact that my buddy, NWA, is planning to get a suit tailored for himself. While I have my concerns as to how much this will end up costing, I really do want to get one for myself also, so long as it doesn’t drain me of my adventure fund, that is. Besides, getting a suit tailored for yourself in Italy is like learning to woo women from Casanova himself. And if this doesn’t pan out, you could always go for that Ferrari Key Chain…
 
 
 
 

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