Lucerne, Switzerland ****

Lucerne is a tourist favorite partly because it embodies the storybook image of a Swiss town. Located at the north end of the lake, the city abounds in narrow cobblestone streets, slender spires and turrets, covered bridges, frescoed houses, and fountains. Its residents are quick to tell you that you're "never very far from the snow" -- Mounts Rigi and Pilatus form the southern gate to the city, and the snowcapped Alps loom in the distance.

Lucerne's strategic gateway to the south and the rich markets of Italy lie between Rigi and Pilatus. The city's history has always been tied to the St. Gotthard Pass. During the 13th century, the routes leading to it were simple mule paths. By 1820 the road had been widened enough to allow the easy passage of carriages. By 1882 Lucerne had a railway tunnel. Once a satellite vassal of the Hapsburgs, in 1332 Lucerne became the first city to join the Swiss Confederation. Unlike Geneva and Zurich, Lucerne did not support the Reformation and has always remained a stronghold of Catholicism.

The city is a renowned cultural center. Richard Wagner spent several of his most productive years in Tribschen, on the outskirts of Lucerne (there's a Wagner museum here). Arturo Toscanini was a founder of the Lucerne Festival of Music, one of the most important musical events in Europe, which takes place annually in April, and its companion event, the Lucerne Piano Festival, an event that transpires every November.

The residents of Lucerne are a sports-oriented people. Every summer there are international rowing regattas on Rotsee. Swimmers go to the lido (lake beach) and golfers head for the 18-hole golf course on the outskirts, or to any of several others that lie within a 35-minute drive. Other sports include tennis, hiking, and mountaineering. Residents seem especially fond of horse races, and there are plenty of international horse-jumping contests.

You'll find Lucerne at its best between May and September on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, when it becomes a lively market town. The markets are sheltered by stately arcades on both banks of the Reuss River.

Source: Frommers Travel Guide

Horumersiel-Schillig, Germany ****

Horumersiel-Schillig with an annual 1.2 million overnight guests is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Germany. This is certainly also due to its special geographical situation as a peninsular, which bestows on today's North Sea Health Resort not only a bracing climate similar to that of the East Friesia Islands, but also a length of beach far from common in the region. Here, as long ago as 1860, at a time when in other parts of Germany tourism was unheard of, the first official bathing beach was opened.  To this day the region has maintained this tradition.adition. The typical Friesian hospitality, coupled with the most up-to-date facilities, around 6,000 guest beds of all categories and one of the largest camp sites in Germany all contribute to the resort's huge popularity. Families with children in particular feel very much at home in Horumersiel-Schillig, which has won several awards in the National Family Holiday Contest, and count frequently among the regular visitors.

Source: wangerland.de

Gewurztraminer ****

Gewurztraminer is the most typical Alsatian wine. Gewûrz means "spicy" in german. It is the main characteristic of Gewurztraminer. Traminer means "coming from Tramin", a small city in south Tyrol of Austria where the grape is coming from. Gewurztraminer is the name of a grape but also the name of the wine made from the grape!

Gewurztraminer was first grown in Alsace around the 19th century. The grapes now cover roughly 20% of the vineyards in the region. Gewurztraminer replaced a grape called Klevener or Savagnin. Nowadays klevener wines can only be found in the village of Heiligenstein and around. Klevener is a dry white wine with slight spicy flavor while less aromatic than Gewurz, it sould be drunk young.

It is obviously in Alsace where Gewurztraminer grapes give the best results. The wine is delicious, fruity and with strong aromas, a very perfumed and flowery bouquet. Gewurztraminer is sweeter than Riesling, which is a dry wine.

Thick and rich wine, which can age, Gewurztraminer is better with sauerkraut, sausages and the Alsatian cheese Munster, curry seasoned dishes, chinese and mexican cooking and other spiced dishes. A Gewurztraminer can even be served as a dessert wine.

Gewurztraminer is better when served at 10°C (50°F). Gewurztraminer can last up to 10 years in their best years. 

Source:terroir-france

Quiche ****

In French cuisine, a quiche (English pronunciation: /ˈkiːʃ/) is a baked dish that is based on a custard made from eggs and milk or cream in a pastry crust. Usually, the pastry shell is blind baked before the other ingredients are added for a secondary baking period. Other ingredients such as cooked chopped meat, vegetables, or cheese are often added to the egg mixture before the quiche is baked. Quiche is generally an open pie (i.e. does not contain a pastry covering), but may include an arrangement of tomato slices or pastry off-cuts for a decorative finish.

Although quiche is now a classic dish of French cuisine, quiche actually originated in Germany, in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, under German rule, and which the French later renamed Lorraine. The word ‘quiche’ is from the German ‘Kuchen’, meaning cake.^[1] The Lorraine Franconian dialect of the German language historically spoken in much of the region, where German Kuchen, "cake", was altered first to "küche". Typical Alemannic changes unrounded the ü and shifted the palatal "ch" to the spirant "sh", resulting in "kische", which in standard French orthography became spelled "quiche."^[2]

To this day, there is a minor German influence on the cuisine of the Lorraine region. The origin of Quiche Lorraine is rural and the original Quiche Lorraine had a rustic flair: it was cooked in a cast-iron pan and the pastry edges were not crimped. Today, Quiche Lorraine is served throughout France and has a modern look with a crimped pastry crust. Consumption of Quiche Lorraine is most prevalent in the southern regions of France, where the warm climate lends itself to lighter fare. The current version of Quiche Lorraine served in France does include cheese:either Emmental or Gruyère. Unlike the version served in the United States, the bacon is cubed, no onions are added and the custard base is thicker.^[4] 

 ^{Source:Wikipedia}

^{Yummy: Recipe} 

La petite Venice, Colmar ****

If you have been to Colmar...

...from the bridges over the Lauch, beyond Rue St-Jean, there are attractive views of Colmar's "Little Venice", with picturesque old houses and willow-trees lining the river, and the tower of St Martin's church.

Padua, Veneto, Italy ****

Padua (Italian: Padova listen (help·info), pronounced [ˈpadova], Latin: Patavium, Venetian: Padoa) is a city and comune in the Veneto, northern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Padua and the economic and communications hub of the area. Padua's population is 212,500 (as of 2008^[update]). The city is sometimes included, with Venice (Italian Venezia), in the Padua-Venice Metropolitan Area, having a population of c. 1,600,000.

Padua stands on the Bacchiglione River, 40 km west of Venice and 29 km southeast of Vicenza. The Brenta River, which once ran through the city, still touches the northern districts. Its agricultural setting is the Pianura Veneta. To the city's south west lies the Euganaean Hills, praised by Lucan and Martial, Petrarch, Ugo Foscolo, and Shelley.

The city is picturesque, with a dense network of arcaded streets opening into large communal piazze, and many bridges crossing the various branches of the Bacchiglione, which once surrounded the ancient walls like a moat.  Padua is the setting for most of the action in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.

Source:Wikipedia

Leuven, Belgium ****

Leuven (Dutch, pronounced [ˈløːvə(n)] (help·info); French: Louvain, often used in English, German: Löwen) is the capital of the province of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish Region, Belgium. It is located 26 kilometers (16 miles) east of Brussels, with as other neighbouring cities Mechelen, Aarschot, Tienen, and Wavre.

The township comprises the historical city of Leuven and the former municipalities of Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, a part of Korbeek-Lo, Wilsele and Wijgmaal.

It is home to Anheuser-Busch InBev, the world's largest brewing group and one of the top five largest consumer goods companies in the world; and to the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the largest and oldest university of the Low Countries and the oldest Catholic university still in existence.

Source: Wikipedia

Staying in Leuven

Zürich, Switzerland ****

Zürich or Zurich (see Etymology below) is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. It is located in Eastern Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich. While the municipality itself has 380,500 inhabitants, the Zürich metropolitan area is an urbanised area of international importance constituted by a population of nearly 2 million inhabitants.^[1] Zürich is a mixed hub for railways, roads, and air traffic. Both Zürich Airport and railway station are the largest and busiest in the country.

Permanently settled for around 7,000 years, the history of Zürich goes back to its founding by the Romans, who, in 15 BC, called it Turicum. During the Middle Ages Zürich gained the independent and privileged status of imperial immediacy and, in 1519, was the place of origin and center of the Reformation in German-speaking Switzerland, led by Ulrich Zwingli.^[2]

Zürich is a leading global city and amongst the world's largest financial centres.^[3] The city is home to a large number of financial institutions and banking giants. Also, most of the research and development centers are concentrated in Zürich and the low rate of tax attracts overseas companies to set up their headquarters there. According to several surveys from 2006 to 2008, Zürich was named the city with the best quality of life in the world as well as the wealthiest city in Europe.^[4][5][6]

In addition to being Switzerland's main commercial centre, Zürich is sometimes called the Cultural Capital of Switzerland.^[7] An impressive number of museums and art galleries can be found in the city, among which the Swiss National Museum and the Kunsthaus.^[8] Zürich also hosts one of the most important theatres in the German-speaking world.^[9]

 ^{Source: Wikipedia}

Hotels in Zürich

Culinary Use of Kale ****

Kale or borecole is a form of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), green or purple, in which the central leaves do not form a head. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most domesticated forms.

Kale freezes well and actually tastes sweeter and more flavorful after being exposed to a frost.  Tender kale greens can provide an intense addition to salads, particularly when combined with other such strongly-flavored ingredients as dry-roasted peanuts, tamari-roasted almonds, red pepper flakes, or an Asian-style dressing.

In the Netherlands it is very frequently used in the winter dish stamppot and seen as one of the country's traditional dishes, called Boerenkool.  In Ireland kale is mixed with mashed potatoes to make the traditional dish colcannon. It is popular on Halloween when it is sometimes served with sausages. Small coins are sometimes hidden inside as prizes.

A traditional Portuguese soup, caldo verde, combines pureed potatoes, diced kale, olive oil, broth, and, generally, sliced cooked spicy sausage. Under the name of couve, kale is also popular in Brazil, in caldo verde, or as a vegetable dish, often cooked with carne seca (shredded dried beef). When chopped and stir-fried, couve accompanies Brazil's national dish, feijoada.

A whole culture around kale has developed in north-western Germany around the towns of Bremen, Oldenburg and Hannover as well as in the State of Schleswig-Holstein. There, most social clubs of any kind will have a Grünkohlfahrt ("kale tour") sometime between October and February, visiting a country inn to consume large quantities of boiled kale, Kassler, Mettwurst and schnapps. These tours are often combined with a game of Boßeln. Most communities in the area have a yearly kale festival which includes naming a "kale king" (or queen).

Curly kale is used in Denmark and Holland, Sweden, to make (grøn-)langkål, an obligatory dish on the julbord in the region, and is commonly served together with the Christmas ham (Sweden, Holland). The kale is used to make a stew of minced boiled kale, stock, cream, pepper and salt that is simmered together slowly for a few hours. In Scotland, kale provided such a base for a traditional diet that the word in dialect Scots is synonymous with food. To be "off one's kail" is to feel too ill to eat.

Kale is a very good source of iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K and Carotenoids (which provide vitamin A).

Source: Wikipedia

A recipe for yummy gruenkohl-mit-kasseler-kochwurst.

Salzburg, Austria ****

Salzburg (Austro-Bavarian: Såizburg; literally: "Salt Fortress") is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Salzburg. Salzburg's "Old Town" (Altstadt) with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The city is noted for its Alpine setting. It is the birthplace of 18th-century composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In the mid-20th century, the city was the setting for parts of the musical and film The Sound of Music, which also features famous landmarks in Austria. With three universities, Salzburg is filled with the liveliness of a large student population.

Source: Wikipedia

Recommended hotels in Salzburg.

Straße der Megalithkultur, Lower-Saxony, Germany ****

You will find them almost everywhere in Northern Germany: megalithic stone graves, colossi weighing tons from a past time. These 4000-5000 year old structures from the Neolithic lie in a belt, which stretches from the east of the Netherlands, over Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxonia-Anhalt. According to the researchers, these 1000 stone graves are said to have served as burial or bone storage places for whole clans.

Archaeologists frequently find pottery from the Beaker culture, stone axes, arrowheads, amber disks and beads. Human remains are only rarely found, and allegedly never complete skeletons. Some theories about the dead cult of the Neolithic age assume that the bones of humans in these stone graves were arranged, into separate groups of long bones and skulls. Many researchers have come to the conclusion, therefore, that the dead bodies were first exposed on frames, trees or even on the ground until their flesh was completely decayed suspended. The remains of the skeleton were later placed within the grave chambers.

The megalithic graves in Germany were built mainly from granite foundlings (erratics) from the last ice age, which were shifted by the ice masses from Sweden and Finland to Northern Germany.

The main part of the structure is an even chamber comprising two 'yokes' set in an east-west direction (a yoke = 2 wallstones and a capstone) and two smaller end stones. The soil of the burial chamber was paved with small foundling-fragments and boulders and the large joints between the wall and capstones were filled with drystone walling. The entrance of the "Emslaendischen Kammer" lies to the south. The entire construction was covered by the designers with a mound of earth which was ringed at the base with an oval stone setting to prevent the earth from slipping down.

In the past humans were unable to explain how these large and heavy stones were moved and stacked one above the other, leading to speculation that they had been created by giants. For this reason these structures or 'foundlings' were given names such as "Hünensteine", "Hünengräber" or Hünenbetten Definition (Hüne means giant) - Giant's Stones, Giant's Graves, Giant's Beds.

Unfortunately there are now only few constructions remaining intact. Many prehistoric sites were banished during the course of Christianisation as being pagan and devilish. Therefore another name commonly used to describe these megalitic constructions, is "Devil's Stones". Some of the stone blocks were also taken in the past and used for building material in roads and houses.

There is a legend surrounding one site known as the Karlstones (Charlemagne) in Osnabrück:

Emperor Karl had defeated those Saxons. In the Ohne (grove) the Germanic pagans had a large sacrificial offering place. It consisted of a powerful flagstone. However all effort to destroy this place with fire and iron remained unsuccessful. When emperor Karl heard that the Germanic leader, Duke Widukind, was concentrating a new army, he lost all his courage, abandoned the stone and decided to take off with the army. Seven brothers told him to trust God's assistance. Opposite the pagan victim stone they established the first Christian altar in our area. There they knelt down and prayed to God for assistance. Emperor Karl however had lost all hope and said, whilst striking the victim stone: as do not know how to break this stone, I also knowthat the neck of the Saxons will not bend! He had hardly spoken these words when the flagston esplit into three pieces. All regarded this as an indication from heaven and they trusted God that he would not abandon his servants in the fight.

Suentelstein near Osnabreuck Other megalithic structures include the Süntelstein (Suentelstone) near Osnabrueck which is a 4m high stone, a so-called menhir. It is likely that there was a stone circle around the Suentelstone in earlier times, but its meaning is now unclear. Legend has it that this stone was rammed into the soil by the devil, after it had tried to block the entrance to the church of the neighbouring village Venne.

Source: stonepages.de

Staufen im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany ****

The city of Staufen im Breisgau lies in the Land district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald (Breisgau-Upper Black Forest) in the German State of Baden-Württemberg. It has approximately 7700 inhabitants and forms, together with the community of Münstertal, a community administrative unit.^[1]  It is noted in history and culture for its association with Dr Faustus who, according to legend, sold his soul to the Devil at an inn here.

Source: Wikipedia

Staying close to the beautiful wine yard town:

A little bits and bites of Staufen:

Vienna, Austria ****

Vienna (pronounced /viːˈɛnə/; German: Wien [ˈviːn]; Austro-Bavarian: Wean) is the capital of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.7 million^[3] (2.3 million within the metropolitan area,^{[citation needed]} more than 25% of Austria's population), and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre. It is the 10th largest city by population in the European Union. Vienna is host to many major international organizations such as the United Nations and OPEC. Vienna lies in the east of Austria and is close to Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary. In 2001, the city centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site^[4] and in 2005 an Economist Intelligence Unit study of 127 world cities ranked it first equal with Vancouver for the quality of life.^[5] This assessment was mirrored by the Mercer Survey in 2009.^[6][7]

Source: Wikipedia

Staying in Vienna:

I want to have:

Berlin, Germany ****

Berlin is the capital city and one of 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city and the eighth most populous urban area in the European Union. Located in northeastern Germany, it is the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Area, comprising 5 million people from over 190 nations. Geographically embedded in the European Plains, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. Around one third of the city's territory is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers and lakes.

First documented in the 13th century, Berlin was successively the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), the German Empire (1871–1918), the Weimar Republic (1919–1933) and the Third Reich (1933–1945). During the 1920s, Berlin was the third largest municipality in the world.^[6] After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a de facto West German exclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall (1961–1989). Following German reunification in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of all Germany hosting 147 foreign embassies.

Berlin is a major center of culture, politics, media, and science in Europe. Its economy is primarily based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations, congress and convention venues. Berlin serves as a continental hub for air and rail transport, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU. Other industries include optoelectronics, traffic engineering, IT, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, and biotechnology.

The metropolis is home to world-renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and personalities. The urban and historical legacy has made it a popular setting for international film productions.^[17] The city is recognized for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts, extensive public transportation networks and a high quality of living.^[18] Berlin has evolved into a global focal point for young individuals and artists attracted by a liberal lifestyle and modern zeitgeist.

Source: Wikipedia

Hotels in Berlin:

Berlin has ...