Living in Europe
Aquariums in Germany and Austria
Aquarium Berlin The Aquarium Berlin has an extreme case of biodiversity in its tanks, and has gone under extensive renovations in the past few years. It features exhibits like a shark tank, a reef basin and a naturalistic saltwater basin full of rays. They also have different types of fish, reptiles, lower animals, amphibians and [...]
World Heritage in Danger–Georgia and Serbia
This is the last of the series of 31 international properties that the World Heritage Committee feels are in danger. It may not always be appropriate or even prudent to become involved in some local issues, but as an expat, if you live near any of the properties on the list you can consider how to show support for their [...]
New Year’s Eve in Western Europe
Great Britain In England, people believe that the first male visitor to the house, after midnight, is good luck. It is bad luck if this is a woman, or if this man is red or blond haired. This man brings a gift, which could be coal, bread or money, to ensure luck for the family. Many people make the voyage down to London to celebrate the new year [...]
Christmas Customs in Western Europe
Italy Christmas is celebrated in Italy from December 24, Christmas Eve, to January 6, Epiphany. It used to be that Epiphany was the main day when Italians would give presents, but Christmas day is becoming more common. La Befana brings these presents and fills children's Christmas stockings. Lights and Nativity scenes, or presepe, are displayed [...]
Christmas Customs in Central/Eastern Europe
Central Eastern Europe has some interesting Christmas customs. Many of these traditions have survived in spite of Soviet occupation for so many decades, when religious practices were banned. There are some similarities with traditional dishes among citizens of this region in the world. Czech Republic In the Czech Republic, the common [...]
Christmas Markets in Europe
The Christmas Market is a market held in the town marketplace or central streets and traditionally opens with Advent, or the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day. Christmas Markets began in the Late Middle Ages in the German speaking part of Europe and are also known as Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, and [...]
Eleven Tallest Freestanding Structures in the World
1. Burj Dubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates Height: 2,684 feet This is currently the tallest building in the world, being built in 2009. It is still under construction. It is a skyscraper that functions as an office, hotel and residential center. 2. Guangzhou TV and Sightseeing Tower Guangzhou, People's Republic of China Height: 2,001 feet This [...]
European Halloween Customs
Austria Traditionally, some Austrians will leave out a lit lamp, bread and water on the dinner table before they go to sleep on Halloween night. They believe it will attract the dead souls back to earth, as the night had an extreme commotion of cosmic energies. Belgium Belgians will light candles in honor of their deceased relatives on Halloween [...]
Best Art Museums in France and Italy
If you are a museum hopper or general art lover, France and Italy are great places to land as an expat. The capital and major cities all hold amazing cultural institutions for art history and aesthically minded types of people. Musee du Louvre, Paris, France The Louvre is a famous museum which often sets the standards for all others. It is both [...]
Navigating Major European Rivers
Volga Length: 2294 miles Goes to: Caspain Sea The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. It is known in folklore as "Mother Volga." It originates in the Valady Hills, which are northwest of Moscow. It is a slow flowing river, because it comes from a low elevation. In Moscow, it is connected to the Moscow and Oka Rivers. Seine Length: 482 [...]
