Thursday, March 28, 2013

Religion & Weather in Germany

Religion

Freedom of religious practice is guaranteed in the German Constitution. Catholicism, one of Germany's two principal religions, originated with the eighth-century missionary work of Saint Boniface and slowly spread east.. In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Knights of the Teutonic Order spread German and Roman Catholic influence by force of arms along the southern Baltic Coast and into Russia.

Now, nearly half of the religious population is Lutheran and the other half is Roman Catholic; however, most Germans have little church participation, except at such events as weddings and funerals. There are also over three million Muslims, from 41 nations, who live in Germany, most of them coming from Turkey. After the World War II and the persecution of Jews, only a few thousand people of Jewish origin remained in Germany. Today the Jewish communities have nearly 100,000 members, a number that is expected to increase. The largest and fastest growing Jewish community in Germany exists in Berlin with more than 11,000 members.

Today, the number of Germans who claim a religious affiliation and those that practice their religious beliefs has dropped dramatically, especially in Eastern Germany where Communist Rule outlawed religious institutions. In the Old Eastern Germany, recent studies showed that less that 5% attended church once a week.




Weather 

Germany is temperate throughout the country with warm summers and cold winters - prolonged periods of frost or snow are rare. You could find rain any time of the year; but, it is most likely in the summer. The highest annual temperatures tend to be in the southwest, where you'll find  a Mediterranean feel in the area. Unsurprisingly, this is where much of Germany’s wine is grown.
The average January daytime temperature is 3°C (38°F) and in July is 22°C (72°F). Extremes commonly reach -10°C (5°F) in winter and 35°C (95°F) in the summer months.

Other than the unpredictability of rain, May to September are the most popular months for tourist. However, the Spring and Fall offer good weather without the high tourist levels of summer.
Because of the Christmas markets, Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and Stuttgart are popular in the winter as are the ski areas. 
As you would expect, prices tend to be slightly higher over the summer months.

What should you wear going to Germany?



While visiting Germany, you have to adjust to the seasons and always be prepared for rain. Especially in the mountains where you should have waterproof gear and extra layers with you, no matter when you visit hiking is popular in Germany. If that is your interest take waterproof hiking boots as well.













Tuesday, March 26, 2013

About complaining...

If you are complaining about things in your life, you are on the complaining frequency, and you are not in a position to attract what you want.

Get on to the frequency of good with your thoughts and words. Firstly you will feel good, and secondly you will be on the frequency of receiving more good.

Rhonda Byrne


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Language, Capitol & Currency in Germany

Language

German is not the world’s first and most important language. It is not spoken by as many people as Spanish; but, it is an important language and to learn, especially in fields of science and medicine. Speaking it will give you a leg up on your peers.

Over 95% of Germans speak German or German dialects. There are 4 main minority languages, each spoken by less than 1% of the population : Sorbani, Romain, Danish, and North Frisian.

Many Germans also speak English, French, Latin, Dutch, and Russian as a second language.

First-generation immigrants may, of course, speak the languages of their former countries. This includes over 2 million Turkish immigrants.


Capitol

Berlin is now the Capitol of Germany but here is another little secret - Quedlinburg was the first Capitol and it would be hard to find a more charming town than Quedlinburg! The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with over 1300 half-timbered houses.

Germany was united into a central government in 1871, under the leadership of Prussia. Berlin was also the capital of the Kingdom after 1918 in the State of Prussia. Then, in 1949, after the formation of Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) Bonn was chosen as the new capital, while East Berlin became the capital of the rival German Democratic Republic (East Germany). When Germany was reunited in 1990 Berlin was formally proclaimed the Federal Capital ('Bundeshauptstadt'). Berlin had a special status in international law, at least nominally, from 1945-90.

The city has a very rich history but also offers the latest in art, architecture and fashion. Berlin is changing constantly and there will always be something new to explore.

Currency






Since late March 2002 the only legal tender currency in Germany has been the Euro (€) . The Deutschmark is no longer legal tender.







Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Introduction to Germany

I am very excited to talk about Germany since I have been there twice. It is a beautiful country, full of breath-taking nature, amazing food, fantastic architecture, so many beautiful places to visit. I studied German for a while; but, it is a difficult language to learn. I have met some people who say that Germans are rude and cold; but, that was not what I experienced - the Germans I met were very nice to me. I guess by the time you get to know them things change.
I have a good friend from Germany, Sabine, she is a beautiful person; I just wish we lived closer  to each other.

So, if you ever have a chance to go to Germany, do not hesitate, you won't regret it!

Germany is one of Europe's largest nations, with one of the largest populations. Although it has played a major part in European and World history, it has been a single, unified nation for less than 130 years. The area that now makes up Germany originally was a cluster of partially independent cities and states. In 1871 the Prussian chancellor Otto Von Bismarck created a unified Germany. In the twentieth century, Germany was the aggressor in two world wars (World War I, 1914–1918, and World War II, 1939–1945), and lost both.

Germany has an area a little smaller that  Montana at 137,810 square miles. Germany slope up from the North to the Alps in the South. It's primary area are:

  • The Northern Plains bordered by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea
  • The German hill region and the uplands border on the East by Poland and the Czech Republic and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands
  • The Bavarian Alps in the South, bordered by Austria and Switzerland



Major rivers include the Rhine in the west and the Danube, which flows from west to east. The capital city, Berlin, is located in the northeastern part of the country and like the country, the city was divided during the cold war. Today, Germany has been unified again with East and West Germany coming under one government.

The German economy is an export economy which drives its full employment policies. It also has the lowest birth rate in Europe, leading to population growth from immigration. In the 90's the population was over 82 million. Economic strife in Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy has lessened the demand for German made cars and appliances and taken its toll on worker solidarity. It's primary output is:
  • Industry: Iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics
  • Agriculture: Potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets; cattle
  • Exports: Machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures, foodstuffs, textiles

German is the nation's official language, but many other dialects are spoken throughout the country.

Germans take great pride in their homes; most spend about 10 percent of their income on home furnishings and decoration. Families live in small houses or apartments with a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and one or two bedrooms. Young children often share a bedroom. Most Germans have small families.









Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Where should you stay in Dublin, Ireland

There are several beautiful hotels in Ireland to choose from, I have browse the web for you and found some that I really like, so I hope you like them too.

 

 

The Ritz-Carlton Powers-court (5 Stars)

This hotel is absolutely beautiful! If I were looking for luxury in Ireland, this is where I would stay.
It is located on Ireland’s beautiful east coast in Wick-low County. As you can see from the photo at the right, the Ritz-Carlton Powers-court is situated in woodlands with a lovely golf course. Its opulent rooms have amazing amenities:
  • Marble baths
  • Rain forest showers
  • Feather-beds
  • Large floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful views
  • Terraces
  • Sitting areas
  • Free WI-Fi.

There are also stunning spa facilities with
an exercise room, a state-of-the-art thermal suite and 20 treatment rooms, 2 private spa suites, and a breathtaking 66 ft pool, lit with Swarovski crystals. If you love to play golf, that is the place to stay.


Not to be left out, the "Gordon Ramsey at Powers-court" restaurant  earned 4 of 5 stars.

Address: Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, Ireland 
Phone:+353 1 274 8888
Price: Starts at $253 per night


O' Callaghan Alexander Hotel (4 Stars)

This is a metropolitan property, located in central Dublin, O' Callaghan Alexander is within walking distance of:
  • National Gallery of Ireland at Merrion Square
  • National Museum of Natural History
  • National Library of Ireland
Nearby points of interest also include Trinity College and The Grand Canal Theater.

The 4 star property features a crisp, clean design with features demanded by the modern traveler:
  • An Irish bar/lounge to meet fellow travelers
  • 24 hour room service
  • Hot & cold breakfast buffet
  • Fitness facility
  • Business center with small meeting rooms with modern AV equipment
  • Wireless Internet access throughout the property (charge)

Address: 41-47 Fenian St, Co. Dublin 2, Ireland 
Phone:+353 1 607 3700
Price starts at $ 107 per night


Best Western Plus Academy Plaza Hotel (3 Stars)


Located in the center of historic Dublin just off O'Connell Street, this modern seven-story hotel is close to two leisure travel mecca's:
  • Writers' Museum
  • Temple Bar and its lively nightlife

Best Western Plus Academy Plaza Hotel also offers
  • WIFI (complimentary)
  • 24 hour manned front desk with currency exchange
  • Hotel Brasserie where you can get a refreshing drink after a long day of exploring
  • Room Service during limited hours

Address: 10 - 14 Findlater Place, off upper O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 817 4141
Price: Starts at $97 per night


Reasonable accommodations:

Glenogra Townhouse

If you prefer amore homely atmosphere, then this family-run guesthouse is a great place to stay. Close to the Royal Dublin Society and many foreign embassies, Glenogra Townhouse is also a short stroll from Dublin City Center and surrounded by great restaurants and authentic Irish bars.
The Glenogra Townhouse has some of the creature comforts of a hotel as well as all of the charm and high-quality personal treatment you associate with an Irish guesthouse.

Address: 64 Merrion Road | Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 668 3661
Price: Starts at $ 64 per night












Friday, March 1, 2013

Where to go in Dublin, Ireland

Dublin was founded over 1,000 years ago by Viking conquerors, it is a city with a long and vibrant past. Remnants of this past can be seen all over the city, and visitors will find a wide variety of fascinating places to explore. Dublin is a very compact city and you can walk to almost everything. So here are a few places that you should see.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Ireland's largest church and the National Cathedral - this special status was conferred on a church where no bishop actually has his seat! Founded in 1191 by Archbishop Comyn the building was substantially renovated between 1844 and 1869 by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness. Visitors will find a neon-gothic cathedral with some older parts. You will also find the graves of Dean Swift ("Gulliver's Travels") and his beloved Stella.




Dublin Castle

Well, not a traditional castle in English style, Dublin Castle is the "Irish Stew" of castles, a little of this and a little of that. The original Viking fortress was expanded, renovated, torn down and rebuilt over the centuries. Today a massive tower and the Royal Chapel look medieval while all administrative buildings are in more modern styles. The defensive character is gone but the beautiful gardens and impressive state rooms make more than up for it.




Phoenix Park

The world's largest enclosed municipal park can keep you busy for days - from the magnificent residences of the Irish President and the Ambassador of the United States to the quaint cricket and polo fields, from Ashton Castle to the Garda Headquarters and from the herds of deer roaming free to the animals in Dublin Zoo. Do not miss the Phoenix Statue and the Papal Cross nearby. Martial history is emphasized by the massive Wellington Monument and the much-raided Magazine Fort on Thomas Hill.



National Gallery

Ireland's National Gallery is a "must see" for anyone interested in Irish and European art. Opened in 1864 it has around 500 major works of art on display - among them Hogarth, Gainsborough, Poussin, Monet, Degas, El Greco, Velasquez, Goya, Picasso, Titian, Caravaggio, Brueghel, Vermeer and Rubens. Especially strong on Irish artists and Irish portraits the National Gallery has recently been expanded by the "Millennium Wing". You will find it at Merrion Square West and right in the center of Dublin.





Trinity College and Library

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I on the grounds of an Augustinian priory that was a victim of the dissolution. Trinity College dominates the city landscape and the oldest buildings (the brick-built "Rubrics") date from 1700. Most of the impressive buildings were built during the renovation phase of 1759. Trinity College Library is home to more than an million books and priceless manuscripts, the most famous being the "Book of Kells" - expect long lines in summer.



Dublin Writers Museum

 

Many famous Irish writers came from Dublin. This museum is dedicated to Irish literature and lives of James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw and many other famous Irish names. The museum is located in an 18th century house which also raises the feeling of the history.