| Nov 29, 2011 |
| Find that Christmas Feeling in Frankfurt, Germany |
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| The days are almost at their shortest, the sun is low in the sky and snow threatens from the lowering clouds. Tourists are thin on the ground in Europe, making it a lovely time to explore atmospheric streets and cafes without the thronging summer crowds. Germany holds a special allure for those who choose to travel here in the weeks leading up to the winter solstice: the traditional German Christmas Markets. |
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Last week our guide in Munich detailed some of the lively Christmas markets in Bavaria; today Marion from Frankfurt is here to tell us what it’s like to take a few hours to explore her city’s Christmas markets.
Maybe December is not the nicest-weather month to travel to Germany...Germany is a cold country and in December temperatures sometimes go down to -7°C (18°F). The days are short and you have to navigate icy streets as well as snow or rain showers. Considering all that, there IS one very good reason to travel to Germany in December: it's the German Christmas markets! These markets, which are spread all over Germany, brighten up the picturesque little towns in that darkest time of the year.
Strolling over a Christmas market inspires all your senses: the smell of roasted chestnuts and malted wine, the taste of sugar almonds and the rich glow of beeswax candles. You see colourful decorated stands with nutcrackers, handcrafted wooden Christmas decorations, linen tablecloths and fine porcelain, while warming up with a cup of spiced "Gluehwein" in your hand, listening to the joyous sound of Christmas carols, trumpet concerts and church bells ringing.
A visit to a German Christmas market is like a walk through "once upon a time". Mostly located in the old part of the town centres, the markets offers a beautiful background with half timbered houses and broken stone walls, while your feet stroll over old fashioned cobblestone streets.
Why not take a flight to Germany to get in the right mood for Christmas? Or why not take the opportunity during your layover at Frankfurt airport to take a few hours to get inspired by that wonderful atmosphere?
There are several Christmas markets in the Frankfurt area, most of them opened for business on November 24 and will stay open until Christmas Eve. Get in touch with our guide Marion, who is ready to help you find that German Christmas feeling! |
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| Nov 26, 2011 |
| Off the beaten track in Romania |
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| Have you ever been to Romania? Do you plan to go? Tucked into Europe’s South East corner, it’s a bit off the beaten tourist track, but rewards richly those who choose to make the trip. Our Romanian guide Radu – a PhD student in tourism at Bucharest University – joins us today to tell us how we can explore Romania’s mountains, and access some of Europe’s last remaining wildlife habitats. |
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One of the most important attractions here in Romania is the country’s wildlife. About 60% of Europe’s bear population and 40% of wolves are here, in the Carpathians.
Besides world famous Bran Castle, Orthodox painted monasteries, medieval towns and the capital city of Bucharest, this medium size country in Central South-East Europe has much more to show to the world, and even to its own inhabitants. The Carpathian Mountains cover a third of the country's surface, a third are hills and plateaus, and the plains make up the last third. Because of Romania’s hard economic problems in the last 20 years after communism, the agriculture suffered the most, yet there is still a chance for revival of the land and wild species. Danube Delta is the largest water land in Europe and since 1991 is listed as UNESCO heritage. In this part of Europe you might find some of the continent’s most genuine wildlife habitats.
Our mountainous country begs for you to be adventurous! Here are some alternative destinations for you to consider if you travel to Romania:
1. Caliman Mountains (instead of Bran Castle).
The Carpathians are the largest mountain chain in Europe. Here in their far east, they are covered in some of the greatest virgin forests. The brown bear is at the top of the food chain and easy to spot in its natural environment. Nice mountain lodges and also horse riding farms can provide you with a wonderful stay right on the border with the true wilderness.
2. Danube Delta (instead of Parliament Palace - Bucharest)
The Danube Delta is the second largest delta in Europe (after Volga's delta) and is the meeting point for hundreds of species of birds from 3 continents. If you are an enthusiast of birds this is where you need to be. The Dalmatian Pelican is to be found here in the greatest number, nesting here for the summer. Ducks, egrets, cormorants are also to be found in large numbers.
3. Piatra Craiului Mountains (instead of Astra Museum - Sibiu)
The third largest wolf population in the world lives in Romania's Carpathians. Hunting wild boar, read and rod dear and rodents, the wolves are also attacking the livestock of the mountain dwellers. In a country with over 5 million inhabitants in the mountain region, it is easy to understand why their protection is needed. At the special reserve set here you can easily have contact with this fearless and precious animal.
4. Ceahlau Mountains (instead of Moldovita painted Monastery - Bukovina)
Here, in the upper part of this holy mountain of Romania, you can encounter the wild goat. A medium hike is needed in order to reach the upper plateau. On the way up, in the thick Zada forest (locally knows as Crin, Larix deciduas is the only conifer that loses its needles for the winter) the Lynx (the largest solitary wild cat in Europe) is watching us while hiking.
5. Vanatori Neamt (instead of Sapanta Merry Cemetery - Maramures)
In the north of Romania there is an important nature reserve that hosts the largest number of Bisons in Romania. Once haunting the region, this wonderful creature makes you realize how fragile we are in comparison with the mighty animals. Along with bison here there are deer, wild boars, wolves, brown bears and birds specific to the Carpathians.
Thank you Radu! Your knowledge and passion for Romania’s outdoors and the country’s wildlife is evident. If any traveler is heading to this intriguing Eastern European country anytime soon, consider getting in touch with Radu for an “off the beaten track” experience. |
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| Nov 23, 2011 |
| Where to Find Manatees in Central Florida |
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| November marks the beginning of Manatee Viewing Season in Central Florida. Our local guide Jack loves showing off these unique aquatic animals to visitors to his home state. He's here today to tell us a bit about the marine mammal, and when, where and how you can see one for yourself. |
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The West Indian manatees could be dubbed "The Comeback Kid" of Florida's aquatic mammals. Manatees were placed on the endangered species list in 1967 with estimated populations of fewer than 900 by the early 70's. During January of 2010, a Florida manatee survey estimated the population to be over 5000. Over the past four decades, many smart ecologists, government agencies and boating organizations have pooled their efforts to bring this unique animal back from the edge. However, extinction was the fate of its 30-foot cousin, the Steller’s Sea Cow - extinct in 1769.
Travelers and locals alike love observing these Florida "river cows". Manatees are found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, bays, estuaries and coastal water ecosystems. They can live in fresh, brackish, or salt water. Manatees prefer waters that are about one to two meters (3-7 feet) deep, and they are rarely seen in areas over six meters (20 feet) deep. This habitat provides them with sheltered living and breeding areas, a steady, easily obtainable food supply and warm water - all of which they need to survive.
Spotting manatees in the wild during the months of May through October is a hit 'n miss proposition for most people. November through mid-April is the best time to actually see a herd of manatees. The reason is temperature-related. Though manatees look as if they could thrive within the Arctic Circle, they are very sensitive to cold waters. During these months when river temperatures drop, they congregate in areas that have warmer waters.
Florida’s natural springs, such as Blue Spring in Orange City, will get a herd of up to 200 manatees on the colder evenings. Blue Spring provides a consistent flow of 72 degree temperature. Manatees cannot tolerate temperatures below 68 degrees for extended periods. Blue Spring was the setting for oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau’s film documentary on these animals in 1971, The Forgotten Mermaids. Normally the best time to see the manatees is up until late morning. As daily temperatures moderate they go back into the St Johns to forage.
Blue Spring is a favorite nature and cultural stop with or without the presence of the “magnificent manatee”. The Blue Spring stop is included in our St. Johns River tours.
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us about these special animals, Jack. If any travelers are headed to Central Florida this winter, consider having a chat with Jack and gain some local insight on the places you visit. |
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| Nov 21, 2011 |
| Off the beaten track in Aruba |
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| Today our local guide in Frances, Frances, returns with a look at “off the beaten track” activities on the island of Aruba. Frances is a local guide who moved to Aruba from the Netherlands many years ago. She works closely with her sister-in-law Esther, a native-born Aruban; this partnership gives her strong insight into the European/Island culture that is unique to Aruba. |
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Sights off the beaten track in Aruba are harder to come by nowadays as the island is fairly populated. Having said that, both Esther and I know where to find them...! We try not to divulge them too much, in case of the competition catching on and bringing more crowds. After the collapse of the island's famous Natural Bridge people became more aware of the lesser known spots, one of which I believe is much better than the more famous one. To get there though you need to be very fit as it involves a climb down a rocky path. Once there, the reward of doing so is fantastic. Photo opportunities without doing the exercise are also possible...!
The donkey sanctuary is a local charity after my own heart. I love going to see my "family" there and show them off to our visitors. We still have wild donkeys roaming on the island but there lot is not always comfortable. The sanctuary helps those donkeys that need a little extra help.
Oranjestad our capital, has recently undergone a facelift. Our monarch, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, will be visiting this October and the city has been painted, re-planned and cleaned up. Traffic has also been banned from the inner city and this now makes it very interesting to go about on foot.
The new linear park, which is to lead from the airport to the tip of the island where the California lighthouse sits, is on schedule. This should be fun for both visitors to the island and locals to meet up with each other and enjoy pleasant time outdoors.
Last but not least I would like to mention San Nicolas. This town is where you will find the “real Caribbean” as I call it. Here is the melting pot of the Caribbean Islanders. The Refinery which is based there was an attraction for labour from the islands and many stayed and founded their own families on Aruba. Here you will hear the West Indian English spoken more often than the local Papiamento which is spoken on the rest of the island.
I should also mention that Arikok Park (the national park which covers almost one third almost of the island) is also a beautiful place, but a visit here will take at least 3 hours if you want to do it justice. Nature lovers can really enjoy themselves here while taking a look at the rough coast of Aruba.
Thank you Frances! It’s wonderful to get a local’s perspective on where to islanders like to spend time. If any travelers are planning a trip to Aruba sometime this fall or winter, consider starting a conversation with Frances. You can find her guide profile here. |
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