Living in Europe
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 [...]
Five Safest Cities in Europe
If safety is an important factor in moving to or visiting Europe, make sure to check out your city's crime rate and law enforcement statistics. Stable governments also call for safe lifestyles. Many safe cities in Europe are financial and international centers with high standards of living. Luxembourg City This tiny country has only 500,000 [...]
Europe Sightseeing via 12 Photos
You've probably heard the saying "a picture is worth 1000 words" but my personal opinion is that they're worth much more because they can provide a window into an experience and trigger your memory or imagination. With that said, take a look through the photos below, courtesy of Kent Odgers and see if they don't strike your imagination on what it [...]
