By Karen Bradbury
Published: August 29, 2007
Is it just me or did the summer of 2007 pass by way too quickly? Then again, don’t all summers vanish in the blink of an eye? If the German fall is as wacky as this past spring was, maybe there will be more 80 degree F days to look forward to. And maybe the UK’s wet spell will finally draw to a close. Those of you who might be suffering from oppressive heat, send some our way, please!
So, what to do on this, the traditional “farewell to summer” weekend? Here’s a list of just some possibilities. For the most part, these suggestions were found on the fabulous www.whatsonwhen.com Web site, one of my favorites for general events information. Combine that with the sites of the country’s national tourist boards (a handy directory of them all can be found at www.towd.com) and you’ll give a pretty good idea of what’s going on, wherever you may be headed.
By Karen Bradbury
Published: August 27, 2007
Planning to hit Oktoberfest this year? A rather quirky means of making your way down there would be to take the Oktoberfest-Partyzug, or party train.
German Rail’s party trains allow you to get the party started before you even reach your destination. It offers a wagon with a disco, a DJ and presumably many happy and -- do you think? -- tipsy German co-passengers. These “Sonderzuge,” or special trains, are laid on in addition to regularly scheduled trains throughout the year to whisk the partying masses not only to Oktoberfest but to events such as the Dürkheimer Wurstmarkt, The Rhine in Flames and various fests and dances all over the land.
By Karen Bradbury
Published: August 22, 2007
There are times of the year when hotel rates in the greater Frankfurt area shoot way up, and booking a room becomes a difficult task. Why is that? It usually means a major trade fair is coming to town. One of the biggest and most important of these fairs, the International Motor Show, will be Sept. 13-23. This year's slogan is "See what's driving the future," with a theme of sustainable mobility. This event is billed as the world’s most important and comprehensive trade fair for the automobile industry, and is sure to be a huge hit for any lover of fast and flashy wheels. Not only passenger cars, but virtually everything associated with them, goes on display.
While the first two days are devoted to trade, the event opens to the public on Sept. 15, and is open between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is 15 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for children ages 6-14, with discounts on entry during the evening hours.
By Karen Bradbury
Published: August 16, 2007
When I consider the things that make up an essential part and parcel of our world's cultural heritage, I usually consider those firmly fastened to a particular place- the Eifel Tower, Big Ben, The Colosseum. But happily, some things are portable, and an important collection is set to conquer the U.K. next month.
The British Museum has announced the pending arrival of "The First Emperor: China's Terracotta Army." According to an article in ChinaDaily, the exhibition represents the largest group of material from the tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, to ever be loaned abroad. It will run from September 13 through April 6, 2008.
By Karen Bradbury
Published: August 13, 2007
One of the first blog entries posted here was about staying in hostels and other budget types of lodging. From the responses that post garnered, I gather that many of Stripes readers prefer mid-range to out-and-out luxury accommodation when traveling. But booking a hotel on-line can be an iffy proposition, especially when searching out something from the “moderate” category. How many times have you booked an unknown but seemingly-OK-for-the-money 2- or 3-star place based on photos online only to check in, open the door to your room, and feel vague disappointment, if not utter dismay? What to do?
On many of the past few trips I’ve taken, I’ve decided to dispense with the off-chance opportunity that I might find a hidden gem and just go with the more known names in accommodation. My tried and true recommendation for short-duration getaways in Germany and northern Europe? A room from the Accor hotels line.
By Karen Bradbury
Published: August 6, 2007
With today’s depressingly low U.S. dollar to British pound rate, anything cheap or free in London is certainly worth passing on.
The journal Time Out, supported by Arts Council England, is presently promoting an initiative titled “First Thurdays.” These evenings out take place on the first Thursday of every month, when galleries and museums throughout East London stay open until 9 p.m. Most if not all of the participating venues will offer free entry. Don’t know where to begin? Go online and sign up for a professionally guided bus tour that will take you to an ever-changing cross-section of museums and galleries.
By Karen Bradbury
Published: August 2, 2007
I find walking a pleasurable way to get around. While I’ve never gone out for a Volksmarch, I do look at that column in Stripes’ travel section on Thursdays and think “someday.”
But on Friday, Aug. 10, my love of walking will be severely tested. My husband and I have signed up for the 38th International Dodentocht, or Death March, which takes place in Bornem, Belgium, some 30 km southwest of Antwerp.
