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

Lyon, France ***

With two rivers running through its heart -- la Saône and la Rhône -- Lyon is blessed with a rich 2,000-year-old history. Lyon is the third largest city in France and a long established business center, yet it possesses plenty of Old World attractions, including place Bellecour and the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls. Lyon is also said to have "more restaurants per square metre than any place on earth." Old Lyon stretches out along the Saône and invites tourists with its Florentine architecture. Quartier Merciere and the surrounding area form the central commercial district, offering a number of cafés and shops. Visitors will want to view the collection of Egyptian fabrics at the Historique des Tissus; the masterworks of Rubens and El Greco at Musee des Beaux-Arts; and the history of cinematography at the Lumiere brothers' house.

Source: 10best.com

      

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

Groningen, NL **

by burohba.nl

Groningen is the major city of the Northern Netherlands and, with a population of 186,000, the eighth largest city in the Netherlands.

Groningen has a university, a university of applied sciences, a school for fine art and design, an academy of music and many more training institutes. Because of all these institutes, half the population is under 35, allowing Groningen to be able to call itself the “youngest” city of the Netherlands. Besides being a university city, Groningen is also at the leading edge in the development of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. In other words, Groningen is a real City of Talent.

Groningen strongly believes in the riches of the arts and therefore generously invests in creative talent. Annually it hosts several festivals like the Eurosonic Noorderslag pop music festival, the Noorderlicht photography festival and the Noorderzon performing arts festival. Also its wide range of museums is bound to provide a few surprises.

Groningen is a city with varied opportunities for living, working, shopping and relaxing. It is rich in history and offers plenty for the visitor to see. Around the Grote Markt is a shopping area with a choice of stores, shops and boutiques providing everything one can possibly wish for. Three days a week there is a busy produce and goods market in the two central squares Grote Markt and Vismarkt. When tired from sight-seeing and shopping you are welcome to enjoy a cup of coffee and more in one of the many cafés, pubs and restaurants.

Source:groningen.nl

 

Lindt & Sprüngli *****

Lindt & Sprüngli is the world’s leading manufacturer of premium chocolate, generating more than one billion dollars annually in worldwide sales. Based in Switzerland with sixteen worldwide subsidiaries, the Lindt & Sprüngli trademark has been a symbol of quality, using only first-grade materials, distinguished by purity and unequalled flavor. We spare no effort to continue earning the confidence of chocolate connoisseurs all over the world. 

The word “quality” has a special significance and a special tradition in the company. In 1879 Rodolphne Lindt set a standard with hi “Chocolat fondant Rod. Lindt fils,” which was unique in its time. It became a standard by which all successive generations of chocolate manufacturers worldwide strive to meet. In 1899, the Lindt brand name, the manufacturing process, and the obligation to maintain supreme quality, became the company: Lindt & Sprüngli AG. The preoccupation with quality has been emphasized by the fact that there has been a master confectioner in each of the five generations of the family, an expert who by professional training knows the Lindt product inside and out. Quality is the basis for, and the key to Lindt & Sprüngli’s success.  

Source: monster

Top Ten European Cities to Visit (by StudentUniverse)

Milan, Italy

One of the world’s fashion and design capitals, Milan is said to represent the “new” Italy as it is the most modern among Italian cities, yet it has kept most of its historic centers intact. If you want to experience this city with an extreme lifestyle, search for cheap flights for students and expect an easy travel to this city, which is recognized as having one of the best international connections, courtesy of its two major airports and efficient railway system and road network. Milan is located in the plains of the Italian region of Lombardy.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, but many also consider it the capital of the European Union. Though Brussels is the headquarters of both NATO and the European Union, you don’t have to worry about being surrounded by just international diplomats. This beautiful city has several vibrant areas, such as Elsene, which is packed with restaurants and bars. Brussels is surrounded by parks and one of the coolest is the Cinquantenaire park. The entrance from the city is a huge arch and you can walk or take the elevator to the top for a fantastic view of Brussels. Students looking for a fun trip to Europe might find Brussels to be a great starting point. You can find cheap flights to Brussels and since this beautiful and scenic city is right in the heart of Europe you can easily get to other European hot-spots from there.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin has played a key role in several tragic historical events; it was the base for Hitler’s Nazi army, the battleground of the cold war, and it was later divided by the Berlin Wall. Berlin remembers its past with several monuments and museums that are all worth seeing. Today Berlin is the heart of Germany and a wonderful and exciting city. Students traveling to Berlin can enjoy trendy restaurants, shops, pubs and boutiques. Berlin has great public transportation, so you’ll be able to get around the city easily. Berlin is a popular tourist destination and for many students it is also a popular destination because of its festivals, urban charm and the fact that it has a busy rail hub.

Munich, Germany

Munich, the largest city in Germany, is home to more than 2 million people and a fabulous culture. With its world famous architecture and culture and its famous Oktoberfest beer celebration, Munich is a great place for fun. Historical and grand, Munich also features some of the best museums in Germany which are said to outrank even Berlin. Haidhausen is a really popular nightlife district with great clubs such as Kultfabrik and Optimolwerk. With museums by day and clubs by night, Munich is a great place for any tourist to stay!

Istanbul, Turkey

Guidebooks write about how “Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia,” but that’s not the reason you should visit the city formerly known as Constantinople. The real reason is the sense of mystery and intrigue you feel when you arrive. Turkish pop music blares against the call of the muezzin. Carpet dealers bully and charm you into buying a rug as you wander down smoky alleyways to lavish palaces. Women in headscarves and long skirts, men in jeans and Billy Idol tee-shirts rush by as you lose your way in the invigorating chaos of a back street bazaar. Istanbul is shrouded in history, layered in religion, and wrapped up in theatre. Muslim life blends seamlessly with the business of the street. Food vendors offer delicious samples of lokum, a young boy hawks electronics from Taiwan while a man stops and prays at a street-side mosque. Shopping is like swimming in an ocean of people – carpet sellers, shoeshine boys and salesmen from stores push at the tide of bodies wandering through the streets. Cars roar past, and the air is thick with the smells of spice, fish, and flowers – and the treasures of Turkey. Make sure you spend some time in Istanbul to experience its rich culture.

Manchester, England

Manchester, located in north-west England, has a classy culture with a historic vibe. With it’s 2.5 million people in the greater area, Manchester is never short of party-goers. Old meets new in Manchester with some of the oldest buildings in England sitting right next to some of the hottest clubs. Throw in a fantastic soccer team and tons of music venues and you have a great time ahead of you! Manchester never fails as an exciting stay for students!

Athens, Greece

Athens is more than just a city. It is the birthplace of modern civilization, the beginning of the creation of the west, and the start of democracy and rule. The capital of Greece and a major metropolitan with 3.7 million citizens, this city has a lot to offer to college students looking for an experience. With a gorgeous skyline, many old and beautiful buildings, and ruins that date back to B.C. It is a really amazing place for anyone to visit, especially to stay in for a while. It’s a great way to get the full feeling of Athens and see it through the lens of the locals.

Seville, Spain

Seville draws in tourists from around the world annually. The colors and vibrant nature of this Andalucian city has been luring students to visit for years. Located in southern Spain and the capital of Andalucia (southern region of Spain), Seville is not just a pretty city. It is also the cultural and financial center for Spain. With a little over 1.6 million people living here, this city rounds out the top four largest in the country. The orange tree-lined streets are filled with businessmen, college students, and tourists looking for a good time. A myth is that Hercules himself founded Seville and it was at a time ruled by Romans, then later the Moorish. The history alone is fascinating. However, the sights and attractions will blow you away and the coast is to die for. See why thousands of students come here every year for culture and history of Seville.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Even in the rain, Edinburgh is just downright beautiful. From the ruggedness of Edinburgh Castle and the mannered Georgian mansions of New Town, to the emphatic Scottish culture of the capital, Edinburgh is a city that welcomes tourists. This city is built not just on hills, but on history, romance, and culture. The city is filled with everything a student traveler could ask for. History, festivals, and great nightlife make the city a great place to visit. Travelers can experience a wide variety of activities from visiting Edinburgh Castle to enjoying a rugby match. It also allows you to explore a country that is at times overlooked due to its more popular neighbors, Ireland and England.

Marseille, France

Next to Paris and Lyon, Marseille is the most populous commune in France and the second largest in terms of land area. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is listed as a major center of art and history. It is an excellent destination for student travelers as this city presently finds itself fashionable in different aspects, without abandoning any of its rich history. Check out the nineteenth-century basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde where you can get a wonderful view of this beautiful city. Marseille also offers great bars that double as ice cream parlors and fun around every corner. Don’t miss Marseille on your list of great places to visit.

Source:studentUniverse

Hieronymus Bosch

Netherlandish painter, named after the town of 's-Hertogenbosch (Bois-le-Duc) in northern Brabant, where he seems to have lived throughout his life. His real name was Jerome van Aken (perhaps indicating family origins in Aachen, Germany). Bosch married well and was successful in his career (although his town was fairly isolated, it was prosperous and culturally stimulating). He was an orthodox Catholic and a prominent member of a local religious brotherhood, but his most characteristic paintings are so bizarre that in the 17th century he was reputed to have been a heretic. About forty genuine examples of Bosch's work survive, but none is dated and no accurate chronology can be made. 

Works attributed to his youthful period show an awkwardness in drawing and composition and brushwork somewhat limited in its scope. Such paintings as The Cure of Folly, Crucifixion, The Epiphany, The Seven Deadly Sins, The Marriage at Cana, Ecce Homo, and The Magician are representative of this period. In these early paintings Bosch had begun to depict humanity's vulnerability to the temptation of evil, the deceptive allure of sin, and the obsessive attraction of lust, heresy, and obscenity. In calm and prosaic settings, groups of people exemplify the credulity, ignorance, and absurdities of the human race. However, the imagery of the early works is still relatively conventional, with only an occasional intrusion of the bizarre in the form of a lurking demon or a strangely dressed magician.

To Bosch's fruitful middle period belong the great panoramic triptychs such as the Haywain, The Temptation of St. Anthony, and the Garden of Earthly Delights. His figures are graceful and his colours subtle and sure, and all is in motion in these ambitious and extremely complex works. These paintings are marked by an eruption of fantasy, expressed in monstrous, apocalyptic scenes of chaos and nightmare that are contrasted and juxtaposed with idyllic portrayals of mankind in the age of innocence. During this period Bosch elaborated on his early ideas, and the few paintings that survive establish the evolution of his thought. Bosch's disconcerting mixture of fantasy and reality is further developed in the Haywain, the outside wings, or cover panels, of which recall the scenes of The Seven Deadly Sins. The cursive style that he worked out for the triptych resembles that of watercolour. In the central panel, a rendition of the Flemish proverb "The world is a haystack from which each takes what he can," Bosch shows the trickery of the demon who guides the procession of people from the earthly paradise depicted on the left wing to the horrors of hell shown on the right one.

The paintings for which he is famous are completely unconventional and are immediately recognizable by the fantastic half-human half-animal creatures, demons, etc. that are interspersed with human figures. The basic themes are sometimes quite simple, but heavily embroidered with subsidiary narratives and symbols. Scenes from the life of Christ or a saint show the innocent central figure besieged by horrific representations of evil and temptation - The Temptation of St Anthony is the most spectacular instance.

Bosch's late works are fundamentally different. The scale changes radically, and, instead of meadows or hellish landscapes inhabited by hundreds of tiny beings, he painted densely compacted groups of half-length figures pressed tight against the picture plane. In these dramatic close-ups, of which The Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross are representative, the spectator is so near the event portrayed that he seems to participate in it physically as well as psychologically. The most peaceful and untroubled of Bosch's mature works depict various saints in contemplation or repose. Among these works are St John the Evangelist in Patmos and St Jerome in Prayer.

Although his father was a painter, the origins of Bosch's style and technique are far from clear. His manner had little in common with those of Jan van Eyck or Rogier van der Weyden, the two painters who most influenced the development of style in the Low Countries until c. 1500. There is, indeed, something strangely modern about Bosch's turbulent and grotesque fantasy and it is no surprise that his appeal to contemporary taste has been strong. But attempts to discover the psychological key to his motivation or to trace the origin of his imagery or find a coherent interpretation of the symbolism remain inconclusive. In his own time his fame stood high and a generation or so after his death his paintings were avidly collected by Philip II of Spain. Through the medium of prints his works reached a wider public and imitators appeared even in his lifetime. But it was not until Pieter Bruegel the Elder that another Netherlandish artist appeared with a genius strong enough to extend Bosch's vision rather than simply pastiche it.

Apart from the riot of fantasy and that element of the grotesque which caused the Surrealists to claim Bosch as a forerunner, the haunting beauty of his genuine works derives largely from his glowing colour and superb technique, which was much more fluid and painterly than that of most of his contemporaries. Bosch was also an outstanding draughtsman, one of the first to make drawings as independent works.

Source:wga.hu