Europe

Germany Excerpt from “Our Book”

Germany Excerpt from “Our Book”

“PROST to München!” we toasted Munich, the big city with small town ideas. Gemütlichkeit is what Germans call the convivial atmosphere of Bayern’s (Bavaria’s) capital. Even the uptight northern Germans come here to unwind in the vibrant setting of beer gardens shaded by giant chestnut trees, cavernous raucous beer halls, and endless eateries serving hardy, homey fare. On Sundays and holidays, most shops outside of the central area are closed. It is a day for locals as well as visitors to walk through gardens, take in some of the many museums, or stroll through the Marienplatz, Munich’s most famous...

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Slovakia – A Rising Star for Travellors to Europe

Slovakia – A Rising Star for Travellors to Europe

“Off train,” commands a burly Polish Customs Officer, “Need Visa.” An armed guard is by his side. Escorted to the door, amid curious heads poking out from compartments along the way, I feel my face redden with embarrassment. “How did we miss the little tick indicting Canadians need a visa for Poland?” I wailed, pointing to the visa requirement section in “Lonely Planet”. My husband, Rick, and I stood motionless enveloped in the blackness of the night as the Poland bound locomotive pulled away. “Look, a train on that far track with a light on,” Rick said. As we...

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