Around the World

Winding, cobbled alleys lead visitors through the small, scenic village of Zermatt. Old, sturdy, wooden chalets line streets and lend a cozy feel to the car-free medieval village filled with pedestrians breathing in the fresh, alpine air. As pretty as this traditional Swiss village is, the visitor’s eye is drawn upward to the majestic peak of the famed Matterhorn, which soars up to 4,478 meters (14,692 feet).

The Matterhorn is not the only peak in town, though. There are 29 mountains surrounding Zermatt that rise over 4,000 meters (13,200 feet). The Matterhorn Ski Paradise covers three ski areas: the Sunnegga-Rothorn, the Gornergrat, and the Klein Matterhorn. There are 250 kilometers (155 miles) of trails with 22 percent designated for beginners, 50 percent for intermediates, and 28 percent for advanced skiers. The intermediates have the advantage in Zermatt with miles of scenic runs but there is excellent off-trail skiing, as well as special heli-skiing trips for advanced skiers.

Zermatt welcomes snowboarders as well. Boarders are allowed on most of the resort’s slopes and there are two snow parks with two half-pipes. There are also good schools for snowboarders including the Swiss Ski & Snowboarding School and the Stoked Snowboard School.

The terrain for cross-country skiers is somewhat limited and is located near the bottom of the mountains and requires natural snowfall. However, skiers enjoy several loops and trails sheltered by trees. There are 30 kilometers (18 miles) of hiking trails. Snowshoers can follow these trails, as well. The trails provide magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including the Matterhorn and there are cozy huts along the way to warm up in. For hikers that prefer more of a challenge there are local guides available to lead the way. There are also other winter activities to enjoy in the area, including tobogganing, ice skating, and ice climbing.

Zermatt runs a highly efficient lift system that includes 74 transport facilities with high-speed cableways, mountain railways, and ski lifts moving 17,188 people per hour. This system also provides access to Cervinia, Italy, where visitors can ski down the slopes and enjoy a tasty Italian meal.

Great restaurants are easy to find in Zermatt. The village is home to over 100 restaurants. Many are located along the Bahnhofstrasse, Zermatt’s main street. Food served ranges from traditional regional dishes of Raclette and fondue to Chinese, Italian, and Japanese dishes, among others. The restaurant Le Mazot offers high-class dining while Tony’s Grotto is a great place to enjoy a pizza. There are 38 mountain restaurants, as well. Many diners move on to a bar or nightclub with entertainment ranging from jazz to disco.

Skiing is not the only way to spend a day in Zermatt. Fun excursions include the Glacier Grotto, the world’s highest ice museum with its blue, frozen sculptures. A cable car lifts visitors to the top of the Klein Matternhorn to explore the unique glacial caves. Air Zermatt offers helicopter rides with stunning views of the Matterhorn and other nearby peaks. The Alpine Museum in Zermatt is also fun for winter sports lovers and details the history of mountaineering and skiing in the area. Shoppers are happy in Zermatt, as well. More than 300 shops sell products ranging from Swiss army knives to cuckoo clocks. Some shops sell touristy souvenirs while others offer designer fashions, ski wear, and expensive jewelry. For those who aren’t shoppers, there’s a very popular casino in Zermatt.

Zermatt provides everything needed for the ultimate alpine vacation. From a thrilling ski run to a cozy dinner in an old chalet, a Zermatt winter vacation is what dreams are made of.

Also, the Alps - the perfect place for skiing and snowboarding. Know how to ride? If not, then you can get driving lessons from the world's best snowboarders. Snowboard Academys unique coaching system will have you snowboarding like the pros in no time by using tried and tested techniques.

Vienna Austria is the country’s capital and is located on the scenic River Danube. This city was the political center of the Austrian Empire and is home to ornate palaces and museums. Many of these were built for or by the Hapsburg family and trace the family history as well as the country’s history. 
 
Visiting Vienna
 
The city has many hotels and other accommodations near the airport and in surrounding areas. There are hotels in every price range. The inner city is home to monuments and parks that are popular tourist attractions. Old, ornate churches can be found here as well as other building such as Parliament, the University and Opera house. 
When planning your trip, be aware that most attractions are closed on public holidays in the city. Public holidays include: January 1, January 6, the Monday after Easter, May 1, Ascension Thursday, The Feast of Corpus Christi, August 15, November 1, December 8, December 25 and 26. Just about all museums, palaces and many shops are closed on these days.
 
Museums
 
* Kuntshall Wien is a museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art. The artists are both Austrian and International artists. This museum is run by the city of Vienna.

 Vienna is home to several palaces built for the Hapsburg family. The Imperial Palace is located in the inner city and it was from here that the Hapsburgs ruled for seven centuries. It was constructed in the early 13th century. The Gothic chapel on the site is still open on Sundays for services. The Vienna Boy’s Choir sings here. The palace is open for tours during the week. 
The Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephens is located near the Imperial Palace. Construction on this ornate cathedral was started in the thirteenth century and completed in the fifteenth century. The steeple of St. Stephens can be seen from all over the city. 
Schonbrunn Palace was built as a summer residence for Empress Sisi. The grounds include a park, zoo and large labyrinth that are open for tour as well as an ornate, Baroque style palace. There is so much to see at this palace that you should plan an entire day here. 
The Belvedere Palace is also built in the Baroque style. This palace was the heart of the former Hapsburg empire. The Austrian Gallery Belvedere is located here. In addition to viewing the artwork, you can tour the palace and gardens. 
The Imperial Burial Vault is located below the Capuchin Church and is open for tours. This was the burial place for members of the Hapsburg family. The vault contains 146 aristocrats, 12 emperors and 19 empresses.

On March 29th the German capital features one of the bravest nights in terms of shopping fever… the so called “The Long Shopping Night”. Every year Berlin celebrates long shopping night for over 500,000 shopaholics to indulge in a extra spate of retail therapy among 350 shops, stores, restaurants and bars.
Shops and entertainment venues stay open until midnight to the delight of big spenders everywhere. So if you're in Berlin this Spring bring your flexible friend and cut loose; If not, then you'll have to wait until Autumn for a second bite of the Long Shopping Night cherry. 
On this regard, there’s a new tendency among young Europeans that is travelling in small groups of 3-5 people. This way of travelling, apart from being safer especially for girls who seem to be the best travellers in terms of kilometres run per year, is also cost-effective. There are many ways we can demonstrate this: from the train tickets that often apply reductions to groups, to museums entrance, up to accommodation and food expenses. If you think about it, many places offer jugs of beer for as cheap as 8-10 euros and you can drink as much as you want for 2-3 euros only. 
Not to speak about some ‘pizzerie’ where they cook giant pizzas for up to 6-8 people at ridiculous prices. Then if you look for cutting off the accommodation costs, many young backpackers, students or travellers often opt for private apartments where they can cook their own meal, chill out after a day in the city, guest new friends for a drink, or whatever they wish. We too have often chosen this alternative as prices range from an average of 80-120 euros for a central apartment in an European Capital city. 
Take the Berlin example, with less than 80 euros per day, you can rent out studios for 3-4 people. Basically with 25 bucks guys, you can make your day and save a lot! And more and more, apartments owners are renting out their apartments to tourists, not only to residents.
Getting back to our shopping topic, if you are in Berlin the following little suggestions and info may be of some help. KaDeWe is the biggest store of the continent from clothes to food (Tauentzienstr., 21; Shunenberg; ph. +49 (0) 30 21210; U-Bahn Wittenbergplatz) whilst the cheapest one is Wertheim in Charlottenburg district (Kurfrstendamm 231; ph: +49 (0) 30 880030; transport: U-Bahn Kurfьrstendamm). Specialized in backpacking gears is the Bannat (Lietzenburger Str.65, Charlottenburg; ph: +49 (0) 30 882 7601) whilst for unceasing readers you should try Dussmann a huge Emporium for books, cds and software right in Mitte (Friedrichstr.90; ph: +49 (0) 30 2025 2400) or East of Eden in the heart of East Berlin. 
It’s an international independent second-hand book shop hosting regular events (readings, open stage, exhibitions and live music) in the reading room. You can choose among 10,000 second-hand English language books! (Schreinerstrasse 10, Samariterstr; U-Bahn Samariterst). If you are in the area and still prefer to indulge in small cosy bookshops why not try the “Books in Berlin”?It has a good section for English narrative too and used books in general (Goethestr.69, Charlottenberg; phone number: +49 (0) 30 3131233). 
Well we hope this brief introduction to Berlin Shopping fever was quite exhaustive to give you an idea of what you can do and expect while there. So save up some money and let’s meet there!

Countless words have illustrated the Colosseum, and its fearless gladiators; the Pantheon, and its gateway to the gods; and the Roman Forum, once heart of the mighty Roman Empire. But what of the hidden tourist attractions of Rome and those that receive fewer column inches?
For a taste of the macabre try the Capuchin Crypt, the original haunted house. Ghoulishly decorated with the bones of long dead monks, the Crypt is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Those monks privileged enough to retain their bones in skeletal form have been propped up against the wall and dressed in hooded robes. Be sure to greet your hosts as you savour the creepy ambience and explore for lost souls. It’s a place you will either love or hate, though it’s probably unsuitable for young children.
The Gothic Sacro Cuore del Suffragio church claims to have evidence of paranormal activity. Enclosed in a glass case to protect from contamination, several handprints are believed to be those of lost souls awaiting their journey to heaven.
Egyptian influence is evident in the Pyramid of Caius Cestius. In ancient Rome many built their tombs in Egyptian fashion, but today, this is the only survivor. Constructed as part of a wall defending the city, it remains a compelling monument for the Tribune of the People for whom it was intended.
According to inscriptions upon the stones, the tomb was built over a period of 330 days and stands 118 feet (36 metres) tall. Completed in 12 BC, though the tomb may have the Egyptian signature, it differs in regard to its finish. The Romans loved marble, and in keeping with their tastes the pyramid was completed with marble slabs over the brick.
The Romans - indeed Italians in general - are justifiably proud of their culinary expertise, serving the world with their recipes. The National Museum of Pasta proudly reveals the origins of pasta in the heart of Italy, dating way back to the conception of the foodstuff some time in the 12th century.
The museum goes to great length detailing correct cooking procedures and the million and one variations on the theme that make the dish so versatile.
Learn how to cook the perfect pasta and discover how rigorous chewing can aid your digestive system.