EuropeUpClose

European Beer: Tipple Across Europe on St. Paddy’s Day

Andrea MacDonald — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:03:39 +0000

In time for another of Europe’s favourite days for a tipple of beer - St. Patrick’s Day – here is a guide to five countries where you’ll get a history lesson with every pint (don’t worry, you won’t be quizzed).

When you think European beverages, you probably conjure up French wine, Italian Limoncello, Russian vodka, or maybe Greek ouzo if you’re adventurous. European beer, although always a reliable standby, might not be the first beverage on your lips.

Truth is, beer is as much a part of European culture as fine art, food and architecture. America might boast more breweries than any other country, but there’s something special about sipping a 200-year-old beer in a European bar that’s even older. It’s no surprise that one of the continent’s most beloved festivals – Oktoberfest – is a celebration of all things hops.

Czech Republic
The Czech Republic makes a good argument for being the home of beer as we know it. Pilsner, which today describes any light beer, originated in the Bohemian town of Plzen in the 19th century. Budweiser, North America’s number 1 beer, was brewing in the Czech town of Ceske Budejovice for 100 years before the Americans put it into a six-pack. And in case anyone doubted their claim as the Masters of Beer, the Czechs have topped the list of most beer drinkers per capita. So when in the Czech Republic, pick a side in the Budweiser debate and enjoy a few pints, because chances are everyone around you will be having one too. See more on Czech Beer

Belgium
It’s one of Europe’s smaller countries, but with over 125 breweries and 800 varieties, Belgium is one of its largest beer-producers. Not to mention, officially-”the best”. Rate Beer, which surveys over 100,000 beers worldwide, consistently places Westvleteren 12 ale, from the Trappist Abbey of Westvleteren, at the top of their list. Belgium is home to six of only seven Trappist breweries, the oldest dating back to 1836. Some of these breweries, including Westvleteren, only sell beer at the Abbey itself, making Belgium simultaneously the producers of the world’s most exclusive beers, as well as the most commercial beers, such as Stella Artois and Hoegaarden, which pour from taps the world over. You’ll know a Belgian beer from its brown bottle: each beer lable has its own, many even have their own glass with a shape that is specially paired with the flavour. Whether you’re drinking a Stella from its goblet, or a fruity Fruli in a tulip, the choices in Belgium are endless.

England
Whether it’s a cold lager by the river, an after-work bitter in a busy London bar, or a cream ale in a pub full of leather wingbacks, drinking beer is as quintessentially English as a cuppa. Its Irish neighbours have made stout their own, but English porter, named for the 18th century London Thames porters who loved it, was the original dark beer. Wander into any city or countryside pub and you’ll find many varieties of English porter that are as fun to order as they are to drink: my favorite’s a Santa’s Butt!

Ireland
The English might have invented stout, but the Irish perfected it, painted it black, and named it after the man who was so confident in his beer that he signed a 9000-year lease on the brewery. The rumours are true: Guinness tastes better in Dublin. No city is prouder or more protective of its beer; visit the Guinness Brewery, or just sit next to any Dubliner, to learn all about the art of the perfect pour, the perfect temperature and wait-time, and whether or not it should be topped with a shamrock. On any given day, 10 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide. On St. Patrick’s Day, that number shoots to 13 million pints: tenfold the amount of beer drank daily at Oktoberfest! But long before the rest of the world put on a leprechaun hat and dyed its beer green, the Irish were licking their Guinness mustaches and shouting “My Goodness! My Guinness!”. Here’s a tour of Irish Breweries and a Guide to Irish Beer

Germany
When it comes to German beer, it’s more about quantity than quality. With 1300 around the country, including the world’s oldest, Germany is second only to the U.S. in number of breweries, despite having just a quarter of the population. Germans trail the Czechs and Irish for most beer-drinkers per capita, but they make up for it during Oktoberfest, when nearly 7 million litres of beer are consumed in just 16 days. Thankfully for those taking part in all that guzzling, German beer itself is no slouch. Since 1516, the Germans have adhered to the Reinheitsgebot, the German Purity Law, which states that beer can only be made with water, hops, yeast and barley. The law, which originated in Bavaria and applies to all 5000 varieties of beer brewed around the country, goes a long way towards keeping beer clean and preventing hangovers; in a country that downs their beer by the stein-full, you’ll need all the help you can get! Our guide to German Beer.

Malaga, Spain: A Moorish Masterpiece

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:11:48 +0000

One of eight provinces in Andalusia, Spain, Malaga dazzles with its regal architecture and glistening blue waters. Once considered the less-sophisticated little brother of Andalusia’s capital, Seville, Malaga is now a star in its own right. The home of a “one-armed woman,” the Moorish Alcazaba fortress (dating back to 1065), and the birthplace of the creator of “Guernica,” it is the perfect destination for history, architecture and art lovers alike.

What to see in Malaga

Tourism to Malaga has increased since the opening of the Museo Picasso in 2003. A fitting homage to Malaga’s favorite son, the Picasso Museum is located in the old city, housed in the Palacio de Buenavista, a magnificent example of 16th-century Andalusian architecture (a mixture of Renaissance and Moorish styles).

The city’s baroque cathedral is called “La Manquita” (“the one-armed woman”), because of the missing bell tower to the east. Up the hill from La Manquita is the Parador, a state-owned building that stands on the former site of a Moorish castle. The park surrounding the Parador is the perfect place from which to take panoramic photos of the city.

Head to Malaga’s city center to soak in Andalusian culture while strolling down small, winding streets that open into lively squares. Shoppers will want to head to Calle Marqués de Larios, a street that was turned into a pedestrian walkway in 2002. Here you can browse in a wide variety of boutiques and enjoy some of the vibrant café culture in Malaga. At the top of Calle Marqués de Larios is the main square of the city center, Plaza de la Constitución. Though I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing it around the holidays, I’ve heard that it is festive and quite lovely this time of year. I highly recommend heading to Malaga for either the annual International Jazz Festival (typically during the first two weeks of November) or the Film Festival (held early in March).

What to eat in Malaga

From the traditional chiringuito (beach bar) serving espeto sardines (cooked outside on a skewer) to the renown Adolfo Restaurant’s (12 Maritimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso) innovative seafood creations, there are plenty of delicious options in and around Malaga. For traditional Andalusian eats and an extensive wine list, I suggest the homey and delightful La Rebana or Mesón Astorga

Where to stay in Malaga

For an energetic, modern ambiance, try Hotel Larios or Hotel Lola , both centrally located. Hotel Larios and Hotel Lola are two in a chain of Roommate brand hotels located throughout Europe, Mexico and the U.S., however they have a very boutique feel and excellent staff.

Atarazanas Malaga Boutique Hotel is located in the old part of the city, close to myriad shops and restaurants. Enjoy breakfast or an evening cocktail in the hotel’s traditional Andalusian courtyard.

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

Book Now for Lufthansa Air Deals to Europe

Joan Malling — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:57:52 +0000

Book Now For Lufthansa Air Deals to Europe
Lufthansa flies to many locations and this spring has some wonderful deals. You must purchase your tickets by March 23, 2010 and depart by May 15, 2010.

If your origin is New York, choose these or other destinations:
•   Belgrade       from $386*
•   Dublin           from $302*
•   Gdansk       from $471*
•   London       from $255*
•   Minsk          from $565*
•   Zagreb          from $407*

If your origin is Los Angeles, take a look at these possibilities:
•   Bucharest       from $384*
•   Kiev              from $487*
•   Prague           from $439*
•   Venice           from $366*
•   Vienna           from $535*

Many other departure cities are available.
*One way based on round trip purchase. Taxes and fees are additional.

For more information, contact your travel agent or Lufthansa.
•

Karlsruhe, Germany: Royal City Gone High Tech

Sascha Matuszak — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:59:19 +0000

Karlsruhe is one of Germany’s youngest cities, founded in 1715 by Margrave Karl III as the new regional capital. The city’s name means Karl’s quiet and might point to Margrave’s desire for a peaceful place to conduct his business after repeated problems with the citizens of his previous capital, Durlach. Karlsruhe’s design is centered on the palace, from which 13 streets fan out across the cityscape, giving Karlsruhe the nickname, “Faecherstadt” (Fan City).

Situated on the Rhine River with a population of 289,000, Karlsruhe has two dominant features: the palace and the university. The palace, the focal point of the city, is a stunningly beautiful edifice demanding of a tour, but the Schlossgarten (gardens) to the north of the palace are a real treasure. The Schlossgarten is one of the largest urban parks in Germany and holds more than a few very interesting sites, such as the Botanical Gardens, which stretch north into the woodlands; and the majestic Grand Ducal Burial Chamber, a cathedral-like mausoleum concealed in the trees of the park. Germany’s sole arts-ceramic manufacturer is also nestled in the Botanical Gardens where a blue streak of ceramic tiles link the manufacturing base with the palace. The palace and its surrounding gardens are good for a days walk and maybe a weekend’s full exploration.

Karlsruhe’s Institute of Technology is Germany’s premier technological university and also the nation’s oldest. The university is part of the massive behind the scenes operation that gives Germans their world-wide reputation for technological prowess. The Institute’s grounds are spread out across the city, but its main buildings are to the southeast of the palace, along one of the radiating avenues. A walking tour of the university campus is well worth your time if you are interested in university life, technology and the educational atmosphere of a famous school. For a more centralized and accessible view of Karlsruhe’s technological contributions, visit the ZKM, the Center for Art and Media Technology, where cutting edge multi-media is on display.

While Margrave Karl III left his previous capital of Durlach behind, creating a modern, classic city built along radiating avenues, one might consider heading back to the original capital, Durlach, which has not changed much since the Margrave left. Durlach is a small German town with a quaint, well preserved old town that is easily accessible from the Karlsruhe bus station. It is only one hour away and the authenticity and antiquity of Durlach (founded in the 12th century) will surely charm you.

Karlsruhe is a city in the Baden-Wurttenburg department, located very close to the French border so it has the beer and sausage of Germany, as well as the pastries and flair of French cuisine. Some specialties are Baden’s own Maultaschen, which are basically German ravioli, and Kaesespaetzele — Karlsruhe’s version of southern Germany’s staple potato pasta. The French added their sensibilities to the local Flammekuchen, which are similar to crepes, but heartier.

There is a good food and night life scene going on here, primarily centered around the university and the southwest part of town and around Kaiserstrasse. There are student pubs with student fare in that area as well as several high brow restaurants catering to the intelligentsia (i.e. professors) of town. For local fare, the center of the city and Ritterstrasse are good spots to hear the Baden dialect and see the older generation get down.

One of the best times to go to Karlsruhe is in the middle of summer, during the 3-day long Das Fest in July. After a week in Karlsruhe (more or less) walking the gardens, drinking local brew and enjoying the festivities, you can head north to Heidelberg or south to Freiburg depending on your tastes. If you go north, you will find the wooded valleys of the Neckar and Rhine rivers, while heading south puts you in the Black Forest where you can view the peaks of the Bavarian Alps. If its time to go home, a train ride to the Frankfurt airport takes one hour with the ICE and 3 with a regular train.

Up Close Picture of the Week

Morgen Young — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:53:07 +0000

A melange of color awaits around every corner in mysterious Istanbul. For more information on this bright and vibrant city see Enchanting Istanbul

Photo by Morgen Young for EuropeUpClose.com

Serenity & Luxury at Château de La Messardière in St Tropez’

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:40:14 +0000

Since the early 20th century, Saint Tropez on the French Mediterranean has been the muse of many poets, famous artists and movie directors. Although many yachts and world famous resorts lie in this town, it still maintains the character and charm of a fishing village, proud of its heritage and traditions. With over 300 days of sunshine and over 400 km of beach and shoreline, it’s no wonder many consider the French Riviera a paradise. There are so many activities throughout the year to experience in this area such as formula 1 racing, wine tasting festivals, regattas, and polo and golf tournaments. Sites such as Calanques de Cassis (coastal Fjords) and the Verdon Grand Canyon are less than 60 miles from this area and make for great day trips for those interested in the environment and exploring natural wonders unique to the area.

Amid all the glamor and luxury, the hotel that seems to stand out is the 5-star Chateau de la Messardiere, located just a few minutes from the buzzing center of Saint-Tropez . This internationally renowned fairytale style hotel has modern décor but also has a Moorish flair. The hotel has flagstone walkways, mashrabiyas and lava bathrooms. It also boasts wrought iron railings, carved stone columns and original art mosaics which make this hotel elegant and unique. The panoramic views over the bay of St Tropez and beaches of Pampelonne are incredible and would be of interest to any photographer. All rooms have terraces and there is not a bad view in the hotel. The grounds are filled with every tree possible including eucalyptus, pine, palm, olive, cypress and box trees. All plants and trees on the grounds are treated and maintained with environmentally friendly techniques and products. There is an Olympic size solar heated mirror pool and an extensive well-being spa. There is something for everyone to be able to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. There is even a free 24 hour shuttle to the nearest beach and to city center.

An important part of the hotel’s motto and philosophy is that it strives to respect the environment. It has earned its green reputation thanks to an efficient management policy that the hotel has been putting into practice over many years. The hotel has an environmental charter, drawn up by the staff that has a list of concrete measures intended to promote continuous awareness and responsible environmental behavior of the hotel. The hotel is located on 25 acres of an official French Bird Protection League and Birdlife ornithological reserve. The hotel’s manager Gerald Hardy is committed to sustained development and states “it’s not enough to be green simply as a fashion statement” Château de La Messardière takes numerous measures to economize and preserve natural resources.

If you have the choice, come here in May, June or September; without the crowd’s one can take the time to admire the charming little streets and alleys in St Tropez. Whether you are a local who is getting away from the hustle and bustle or a tourist who is seeking the vacation of a lifetime on the French Riviera, the Chateau de La Messardière is the place for you.

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for Europeupclose.com.

Book Now for this Cheap Paris Deal!

Joan Malling — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:14:45 +0000

Book now for this Cheap Paris deal: six nights in Paris – including airfare – for as little as $799*! This Paris Deal is for specific dates in April, May, September, and October.

You must book by March 16.

The Comfort Lamarck hotel is located in the 18th district of Paris, with a convenient Metro stop.

This Paris package includes:

•   Roundtrip airfare from New York** City to Paris on British Airways.
•   Six nights, including breakfast daily, at the Comfort Lamarck
•   Many taxes and surcharges.

*Additional taxes and conditions pay apply.
** Other departure cities are available, as are hotel upgrades.

For more information or to book your package, call your travel agent, call 800 227-3235 or click here Go Today Use the promo code TZPAR1 for instant savings.

Cluj, Romania: City of Many Denominations

David Hill — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:19:09 +0000

Welcome to Cluj, Romania: a city that for centuries has embodied the religious diversity typical of its region, Transylvania. Survey downtown Cluj, Romania, from atop the citadel hill to its north, and you can see churches of six denominations. Scanning left to right, you first see the tall domed tower of the Romanian Orthodox church, then the spire of the Unitarian church, which swells into a bulb before rising to a point. Next is the white-topped Lutheran church. Then look into the distance to find the massive bulk of the Calvinist church, before bringing your focus back to the foreground to observe the largest church, a Roman Catholic one. Finally, there is the small gray roof of the Greek Catholic church.

Then, consider that the Unitarian, Lutheran, Greek Catholic and Orthodox buildings are not just any old churches, but cathedrals: the seats of bishops in their respective denominations.

Since it would be overwhelming to tour all these churches in one go, I will focus on the two biggest cathedrals: the Orthodox and the Catholic. The four smaller churches - and a couple of interesting others that don’t happen to be visible from that hill – have their own curious stories to tell, so they will be the subject of a whole different post.

The Orthodox cathedral, with its carved stone facade built onto a skeleton of concrete, serves the Romanian community which, today, is the largest ethnic group in Cluj. It was erected between 1923 and 1933, after Transylvania became part of Romania. Intended as a monument of Romanian national pride, the building has neo-Byzantine architectural features – most notably its central cupola. The church is 64 meters tall and has room for 2,000 worshippers. Its interior dazzles with large mosaics and murals in many colors, with gold predominating. Walking straight ahead from the main entrance, you eventually reach a grand iconostasis with icons arranged in five rows. From the huge alcove behind it, a mural of Mary and Jesus gazes down at you. Hanging far down from the interior of the cupola is a massive chandelier shaped like a crown, which was a gift from Carol II, King of Romania.

The Orthodox cathedral stands on a square called Piata Avram Iancu, one of the main squares in Cluj. And just a few blocks west is another, similarly sized square, Piata Unirii, home to an older, Catholic church. This, the tallest church in Cluj, is, in fact, the tallest in Transylvania, at 80 meters including the cross on top. The magnificent Gothic church, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, is not a cathedral, because Cluj is not a Catholic episcopal seat but, in stead, falls under the bishopric of nearby Alba Iulia.

Catholicism made a comeback at St Michael’s after a couple of other denominations held it for a while. In 1551, St Michael’s became a Lutheran place of worship, and then became the seat of a Unitarian bishop in 1566. It has been a Hungarian-speaking Catholic church since 1718.

St Michael’s was built between 1350 and 1487, although some of what you see today is reconstruction, including the clock tower which was rebuilt, in neo-Gothic style, in the 19th century. The likeness of St Michael (killing a dragon) above the main door is original. To its left is an inscription in Latin proclaiming that the depiction was installed there in 1444. Still older is the church’s 24-meter altarpiece, made in 1390. The colossal, richly adorned pulpit, carved from wood, is a comparative youngster, dating from 1750. The interior is massive, with huge arches bolstered by two-meter thick pillars separating the side naves from the main one.

There is evidence of conflict between Catholics and Protestants on the church’s interior walls. When they were in control of this building, Protestants obliterated almost every trace of rich, 15th century frescos. But some patches of fresco painting can still be seen, having been uncovered when the church was restored in the mid 20th century. At the rear, under the clock tower, is a small chapel where there is a whole mural showing the Crucifixion.

The rich history of Cluj and its diverse population is indeed reflected in the outstanding art and architecture of every church you visit.

Written by David Hill for EuropeUpClose

Lecce, Italy: A Top Ten City to Visit in 2010

Mattie Bamman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:42:08 +0000

The Italian city of Lecce, located in the far, far south of Italy, is a city on the rise. Voted one of the top ten cities to visit in 2010 by MSN Travel and Lonely Planet, it has tons of qualities that you won’t find anywhere else in Italy. Sure, it doesn’t have gondolas or the Sistine Chapel. Fine. It’s not even located near Rome; in fact, it’s a 5-7 hour train ride from Rome. And yeah, you do have to extend your Italian-language skills as far as they go, but isn’t that part of what traveling is all about? Of all the qualities of Lecce worth listing, there are two that I should get out of the way first: low prices and stunning architecture.

Puglia, the region in which Lecce is located, is one of the poorest regions in the European Union; this is because most of its economy focuses on agriculture. Everywhere you go in Puglia, you will find groves (more like forests) of olive trees and fields of grapevines. This adherence to tradition is my favorite attribute of the region, and you can taste it everywhere you go. Besides great food and wine, the region boasts low prices. Hotels and beautiful B&Bs commonly run 50-80 euro a night for doubles. A complete meal for two with wine can cost as little as 30-40 euro. So, unlike many of the more popular tourist destinations in Italy, Lecce won’t steal your wallet along with your heart.

Its architecture is Lecce’s primary asset, most of which came into existence during the 17th Century, thanks to a period of gentrification spurred on by the Hapsburg Dynasty. Lecce demonstrates Baroque architecture unlike anywhere else on earth. The façade of the famous Santa Croce church is a stunning mix of religious figures and mythological creatures. The church’s beauty makes it a prime location for Italian weddings, and every summer the church’s steps are carpeted with flower petals. The city’s numerous other churches are nearly as immaculate as Santa Croce, and jump out around every corner. Even the homes in Lecce tout impressive carvings and sculptures because the stone with which everything in the city is made, Lecce stone, is a high-quality limestone that is ideal for sculpting.

I began visiting Lecce in 2006. After seeing so many other cities in Italy, I hadn’t expected to find Lecce’s Duomo or ancient ruins so impressive. Furthermore, many of the other towns and cities in Puglia that I had visited did not have the sheer beauty that this “Florence of the south” promised. But Lecce pays off, and I’ve returned regularly ever since.

The best times to visit the city are April through the end of June and August 27th through mid-November. Summer in Lecce is beautiful and there are an endless number of outdoor events, such as outdoor symphonies, jazz concerts, and cultural arts of all sorts. And the city is very, very busy with Italian, Greek, and German tourists. The best accommodations are the B&Bs located in the city center. They are an unparalleled way to experience the town’s old history.

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

I Love Paris in the Springtime: Paris Spring Events 2010

Jen Westmoreland Bouchard — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:17:20 +0000

Planning to be in Paris over the next few months? Need an excuse to go? The only reason I ever need to visit Paris in the spring is the possibility that I might find myself strolling on the banks of the Seine in the mist— straight out of a Doisneau photo. However, if you’re looking for a bit more excitement, here is an eclectic smattering of interesting events and openings happening in the City of Lights this spring. Bon voyage et amusez-vous bien!

Le Festival Européen du Film Indépendant
March 12-March 14 2010
(European Independent Film Festival) Between March 12- March 14, Paris will welcome over 60 of the top independent films made in Europe last year. Tickets range in price between 5-8 Euros, and all of the films are shown at these two locations:

Cinéma Le Grand Action
5 rue des Ecoles
75005 Paris
Métro : Cardinal Lemoine ou Jussieu

Théâtre le Triomphe
5, Rue Blainville
75005 Paris
Métro : Monge

elles@centrepompidou, women artists in the collections for the National Modern Art Museum
Centre Pompidou
May 27, 2009-February 21, 2011
If you’re a fan of contemporary creations by female artists, head to the Centre Pompidou this spring (and into next winter) for this multifaceted exhibition. www.centrepompidou.fr

Le Carré des Ateliers de Paris (Paris Artist Expo and Sale)
First Saturday of the month between March and December 2010
From 10am to 7pm, artisans and artists in a variety of genres offer products for sale (including decorative objects, fashion accessories, jewelry, clothing, furniture, sculptures and lamps). Located on the Boulevard Richard Lenoir near Breguet Sabin metro station.
Métro : Bastille lines 1, 5, 8 or Bréguet Sabin line 5

The Paris Opera Ballet presents Siddhartha
March 18 - April 11 2010
With music by composer Bruno Mantovani and set design by visual artist Claud Lévêque, choreographer Angelin Preljocaj explores the story of the man who was to become Buddha.

Yves Saint Laurent at the Petit Palais
March 11 – August 2010
On March 11th, the Musée des Beaux Arts at the Petit Palais will open its first ever exhibition dedicated to high fashion- and the subject of the show is none other than the beloved French designer, Yves Saint Laurent (deceased in 2008). This comprehensive retrospective is sure to please design lovers and fashion aficionados.
Musée du Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
75008 Paris
01 53 43 40 00
Metro station : Champs-Elysées-Clémenceau or Concorde
RER C, Invalides ; RER A, Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
Full price: €11
Reduced price: €8
Half price: €5.50

Indochine at Stade de France
June 26, 2010
The 80s band Indochine is celebrating their 30th year performing together at Paris’ premier sports arena. Ticket prices range from 40-60 Euros and can be purchased online at