Thursday, December 27, 2012

NEW YEAR IN ARMENIA


    In reality Santa Claus  has been  a clergyman. He  is one of  the most beloved  saints  of the Universal Church-Pontiff Nikoghayos( Nicholas the bishop). In   his time Greek pontiff  Nikoghayos  used  to  go  from  home to  home  and to  put  money  or  gifts on the windowsills   of the houses of the poor.  The  image of Santa Claus  derives  just from  that fact.  The translation  of Santa  Claus  means  St. Nikoghayos ( Nicholas ) .  That’s why  children  admit  the  gifts  of  Santa Claus  as God-granted  gifts.   For the  Armenian  nation the New  Year  is an appeal,  an  invitation  to  celebrate  a  feast.
  In  Christian sense  the new Year  is  a day  of special  analyses  when  all  deeds  done during  the year are  summarized  and  thought  over.
  The Feast  of the Holy Nativity  and Theophany  of Our  Lord  Jesus Christ  ( Christmas) ,  which  is the commemoration of the  Birth  and Baptism  of  Jesus  Christ,  is one  of the most important and beloved  feasts of  Christians throughout  the world. Both  by its essence  and sacrament Christmas  is  more  important  than  the  New year.  The New  Year is merely a change  of calendar  year  and has no sacrament. Whereas Christmas  itself  is the sacrament  of the Birth of the son of   god which  becomes a new and endless  beginning  for the mankind.  That’s why  it is already more than  2000  years  that  all  calendar  calculations are conditioned  by the Birth  of Christ  and are  divided into BC ( before the  birth  of Christ )  and AD ( Anno Domani  in the year since the  birth of Christ).
  The Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany  of Our Lord  Jesus  Christ ( Christmas ) is preceded  by  a fasting period starting  on December 30and  ending  in the evening of  January  5, when  a Candlelight  Divine  Liturgy  is  celebrated.  Any food of animal origin is  forbidden  during  that period.  Clergy  exhort the faithful  to  meet  the New Year in the Church, to  ponder over  the spiritual state and  to receive  God’s  blessing.
  By the order of His Eminence  Archbishop Navasard  Ktchoyan, Vicar  of  Araratian  Patriarchal  Diocese,  on the night from  December 1 to January 1  all  central  churches  of Yerevan  will be open till 2.00 a. m.

This material has  been  courteously  provided by the press service of the  Ararat Patriarchal  Diocese at    qahana.am/



Friday, December 21, 2012

Intoxicating tradition

     It is agreeable  to your palate, it creates  mood,  it soothes  your  soul and clears your mind…
  Wine-making  has been  one of Armenia’s calling cards forever.
 However, to be able to share in the mystery of wine-making, one would have  to at least peek in through the crack  in the secret  door of vilification or enology.  To do that, you do not necessarily  have to wander through  various  departments of a wine factory.  All you need to do is  just partake  in one of the traditional  festivities  of wine-making  held  in Armenia annually.  Observing  the ancient ritual of wine creation will help imprint  the flavor and fragrance  of the divine beverage in your memory and imagination.  The gigantic wooden containers filled with sun-flavored ripe grapes will transform  into an immortal fluid under the feet of the beautiful  young women.
  Wine intoxicates the fools, but inspires the sages…

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

DAY:3

More  Vegas  freebies
  Vegas  offers plenty more affordable  activities.  There are the fountain shows at the Bellagio Hotel and Caesars Palace, the brilliant  lights and booming sounds of the  Fremont Street Experience, the Sirens of Treasure island  pirate  battles, and the volcano at the Mirage Hotel. While at the Mirage, the white tigers are also always good for a gawk,  as well as the wildlife habitats  at The Flamingo and at the MGM Grand Hotel. Here are some other frugal  ways to spend a day: 
Hit the clubs  on an  off day
   For example,  there  is usually no  cover charge at  the Voo Doo Lounge on Sunday  nights  since the place isn’t as “happening” as  it is on other days of the week. Some clubs also have restaurants where you can eat first,  then stay longer and not pay a cover charge. Just ask,  and you may receive.
 Golf outside the strip
  Don’t  even try to golf at the hotel-chain courses.  In most such instances,  you need to be a guest to play on the course. And even as a guest,  you’ll still need to dish out about $500  for 18 holes. And why do that when a short drive beyond the Strip will find you  quality courses for a fraction of the cost?
   Extra economical  tips
Use the concierge. The concierge is there to help.  He  can really assist you in finding the best deals for  tickets to shows,  nightclubs,  restaurants, and more. Remember to tip your concierge for his assistance.
 Ask a local
      Locals can suggest deals and attractions “ off the beaten path”, like  high-quality restaurants that are close to the Strip and  not too expensive. If you can charm some local ladies into partying with you, bringing them to certain places on certain nights can translate  into free drinks and cover charges.
Dress  sharp
  If you really have to ask why you should  put a bit of effort into your appearance, just check  out the herds of retirees in  their matching warm-up  suits. Try  to  be  comfortable  and look your  best  at  the same  time.  Sometimes the  illusion  of  wealth  can  make  others believe your  part  of the “in”    crowd,  and  you might get  away with  some special  treatment  at  clubs,  restaurants  and on the casino floor.  Since you’ll  be on your  feet  for extended periods,  break  in your new  shoes well  before the trip.
  Viva Las Vegas
 Remember! You could easily drop your life savings on a single game at just one casino,  but with a  little planning you can  have a great time  in Las Vegas and still  have open bank accounts  when you return to the real world. 


Friday, November 2, 2012

LAS VEGAS


 DAY:2

Get   around in Vegas 
  Once you’ve landed, you’ll want to move freely-or should we say, cheaply. You can save  bucks by renting an economy car from the off-airport and off-brand agencies, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of doing so beforehand. Parking is free in Vegas, but be prepared for tipping if you park at the casinos. Also, traffic on the Strip is typically heavy, so even simple drive can be a pain. So, if your hotel doesn’t offer a low-cost shuttle from the airport, try public transportation or let  a cab  take you. Just be sure to verify the rate before you roll, as this is a prime chance to get gouged. Be wary of quoted fares over &20, even to the Fremont area and off-Strip  hotels. You can also grab a limo for around  &35.
  Cheap Vegas food & drinks
  Las Vegas has no shortage of urban  legends, including tall like the &1.99 steak buffet. Think about it: Would you really trust a two-buck trough-o’-been?  Don’t be discouraged,  though. There are plenty  of ways to fill your stomach without draining your  wallet. A few buffets under &15 on the Strip include the New York Steak Buffet at the hotel and Casino, the Surf Buffet  at the boardwalk Hotel and Casino, or the Circus Buffet at Circus Circus. Here are a few more cheap eats:
  Breakfast chow
Breakfast specials under &2 are found at Café Siena, Cannery Casino Hotel, Ellis Island, and Texas Café. Stretch your breakfast budget to &5 and you can hit at least a dozen joints, including Barbary Coast, Boulder Station, the California Hotel and Casino, the Fiesta Casino and Hotel, the Las Vegas Club Hotel, the Marriott, Pink Pony Café, and Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall.
 Cheap drinks
  But of course!  That’s another Vegas specialty. A lot of places have specials for the ladies, but we can get buzzed for less with a little effort. Even if you hit the cheap slots at casinos, you’re bound to score some free drinks. Just don’t expect stellar service, even if you tip well. After all, you’re at the nickel slots, Slick. Gilley’s lets you suck ‘em down to your liver’s content Thursdays after 9 p. m. for one flat price.
 Economical entertainment
 If you haven’t already guessed, there’s more  to Vegas than sitting at casinos, blowing your vacation  budget one game at a time.  Online and print attraction  guides and coupon books are prime sources for discounts on attraction. You can also score club and show tickets on websites like Craigslist and eBay, or on the street-just be careful you don’t buy fakes.
  If it’s free entertainment  you’re after, there’s no shortage of options.  Make it a point to hit the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino and catch Pete Valley as” Big Elvis” (what’s Vegas without Elvis?). At the imperial,  head up to the fifth floor to the Auto Collection, featuring a constantly changing display of over 300rare and celeb-owned  cars. 
 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

LAS VEGAS


   DAY 1:
When  reading  Arthur  Hailey’s ‘  Airport”  as  an adolescent,  I  would  never imagine  that  I would  once  myself  appear in the focus of such ironic circumstances and moreover,  that the scene of action would be on other place than, one of the  airports in Illinois,  this time the O’Hare International airport in Chicago.
  …Weather forecast for December 15,  despite the heavy snow and severe wind, had predicted “favorable” conditions for the flight. I  had checked in and had several minutes (that  later turned into hours) before the flight, so  I decided to have a refreshing cup of coffee  reviewing my holiday plans for the upcoming  several days that I had managed to make  out from my busy schedule.
  Las Vegas… a city that has an appeal  so frustratingly unfathomable for people that are unaware of its secrets. I  had anticipated  this journey for a long time with most serious  preparation and eagerness.
  In a few more hours I would be on the scene of the Phantom of the Opera  and David Copper field’s  miracles, I would be watching Le Reve and admiring the stunning light  and sound effects of the Blue Men show. I had taken care of the tickets long in advance, on the internet. By the way, that is what I would recommend to everyone, otherwise standing in the line for the tickets just before the show is sure to leave you excommunicated from the “ myth” of the Phantom.
  Chicago-Las Vegas flight on US airways will be delayed for an indefinite time… This single message from the endless myriad of airport  announcements was referring to me. I recalled  the scene from Hailey’s Airport and smiled at the semblance of circumstances. Realizing that the airport and carrier staff were doing their best to deal with the bad weather conditions and the situation at the airport, I decided not to appeared before the information counter, and looked around…
  Just like me, Collin had “ scratched out” a few days off to visit the capital of world hedonism,  surprisingly with no more than a thousand US  dollars in his pocket. Five minutes later we had made friends and in ten more minutes we  were enveloped by a pack of other passengers  from the delayed flights who were watching  spellbound the smooth movements of Collin’s  miraculous fingers. Before the boarding there were five such “ Origami’s” formed.
   After a “brief” seven-hour waiting (that were easily whiled away thanks to Collin and his “Origami’s”) we were on board exchanging some cost-cutting solutions  on how to “conquer”  Las Vegas without spending a lot.
 Cheap  Las Vegas
 Perhaps the best way to begin to understand Las Vegas is to  see it firsthand. If you've never been to Las Vegas, plan a jaunt immediately. Not enough  cash to party like the casino whales?  No worries.  You can still have a decent time on a guppy’s  budget. After all, in this  desert mirage, the suggestion  of wealth is  often just  a fallacy  supported by “ comps.” We’d like to take in as much as we can without  maxing our accounts and suffering a vacation hangover when it’s all over. So here are some easy ways to cut expenses when visiting Las Vegas. We’ll look at cutting costs without sacrificing the  fun factor. 
  All amounts are listed in U. S. dollars.
 Cheap rooms in Vegas
Hotel  accommodations  in Las Vegas  are an easy way to either spend a fortune or save a  bundle. Considering our mission, we’re obviously shooting for the latter. Think about it: You really just need a place to crash and wash up. That doesn't  necessarily  mean that you’ll end up in a sleazy roach motel with hourly rates. When you research airfare or hotels  on the major  discount travel websites, consider lodging around Carranza International Airport, Fremont Street ( the old-school, downtown casino area),  at the north end of the Strip, or off the Strip altogether.
You’ll still be close to the big attractions,  and a few extra steps can mean big savings.
                                                                                                                         DAY:2

Saturday, September 29, 2012

PRAGUE: OPEN 24 HOURS


          Early  in the  morning, the minute  you get off  the plane  you find yourself  in a miraculous  dream called  Prague
   “ Ahoy’  is the  first  word you hear when  arriving  in the  Czech  Republic.  Whenever  you hear “Ahoy”  be sure that they are welcoming you and offering a closer acquaintance  with their wonderful  country.  Thousands  of people  visit  Czech  to just  stroll  along  the ancient the inimitable  architecture.
    The city,  with a population of 1,21  million,  is astounding  with the fusion  of Czech,  German and Jewish  cultures.  The variety  of architectural  styles, the ancient  monuments  and the   well-preserved  Old town  make  Prague  one of the most  beautiful  cities in Europe.
 An  ancient legend  goes that the legendary Princess Libuse,  who had visionary  powers,  exclaimed in her  dream:  “I see an  enormous  city and its fame will reach the stars and  its name will be  Prague!  Thus ,  in the  seventh  century  the Princess predicted the future glory  of the city. 
  Why  is Prague  so enthralling  and what is the secret of its attraction?  Maybe it’s the romantic  evenings  when the city  turns  into an illuminated  scene, or maybe it’s the enchantment  of the hundreds of cozy  pubs inducing  beer-lovers.  Maybe it is the indescribable  thrill  to be in the homeland of Franz  Kafka or the  exhilarating  moment of walking with  someone  close to  your  heart along the Carl’s  Bridge. Maybe…  By  the way,  about Carl’s  Bridge or the Karlov Most as  the  citizens  call it…
  This  structure  is  one  of  the most  famous  historic  monuments  of  Prague.  It was  built  according to the  designs  of Petr  Parlor  .  The  exact  date and time  the  cornerstone  was  laid  was July 9,  1357  at 15:31.  If  you  regard  this  date closely,  you will  see  that  it consists  of odd  numbers  in an  increasing  and  decreasing  order: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 5, 3, 1.  The  date  was specifically  chosen  by  mathematicians and astrologers  as the most  favorable  time for construction.
   Each  of the 30 statues  located along  Carl’s Bridge has  a peculiar  history,  but the most incredible is the story of  Jan  Nepomuck or St. John Nepomucene. In his fully  developed legend he was the confessor of the Queen  of  Bohemia.   Her husband,  Wenceslas  4  King  of Bohemia  and emperor  of  Germany  was  very jealous   and suspicious  of the Empress,  who  used to spend  hours  in the Church  praying.  The king  called St. John Nepomucene  and  ordered  him to reveal  what his  wife had  told him in confession,  but the confessor  refused  to  divulge the secrets of the confessional,  for which he  was tied up and thrown  into the Vltava  River  from  Carl’s  Bridge.  When  peasants found  his drowned  body in the river,  golden stars were  shining above his head.  Since then,  sculptors  have been  depicting  St. John Nepomucene with five  stars circling  his head.
  People still believe  that if they touch the bas-relief  beneath the sculpture with a dream in their mind, it will certainly come true.
 Strolling along the streets in Prague is  sheer delight.  It  helps explore this wonderful  city more thoroughly  and  intently.  One of the most  magnificent structures in the Old Town is the Casle,  presently the Presidential  Residence. The Prague Castle is the largest  medieval castle  complex in Europe and the ancient seat of Czech kings  throughout the ages. A little charming  passageway leads into the famous Golden  Lane,  yet another interesting part of the Prague Castle  complex. The tiny colorful  houses that were once inhabited by the castle servants, perhaps  goldsmiths and castle marksmen, take you back to a childhood fairy tale. Dating from the 15th  century,  this small street is lined by 11 historic houses,  which exhibit medieval armory and textiles,  as well as selling tourist  souvenirs.  From 1916 to 1917  house  No.22  was inhabited by the writer Franz Kafka.
  Throughout centuries , one of Prague’s most notable and popular  attractions was the
Prague Astronomical Clock or the Prague  Orloj  mounted on the southern wall of the Old Town  City Hall in the old Town  Square in 1338 and  featuring the procession of the Twelve Apostles.
    The nearby Jewish Quarter with its historic buildings and monuments is an  important part of the  history of  Prague.
  On the opposite bank of the Vltava  River rises the world-class Dancing House (Tancini Dum),  a  masterpiece of contemporary architecture and a most daring experiment.  Built between 1992-1996, by  Yugoslav-born Vlado Milunic and the renowned American architect Frank  Gehry, the Dancing House forms a strikingly modern contrast  to  Prague’s historic attractions.  At first the citizens  of  Prague were too reluctant to accept the “gigantic  Monster” covered in glass and iron in their beloved fairy-tale city.  But in a short time span they reconciled  themselves to its existence and even  named it the “Ginger & Fred Building”, after the legendary dance  duo. In  fact,  amidst the daring, curvy outlines of the building there is a fine love melody as if the famous dancers are giving their best performance in front of the audience.  Dancing House is home to one of the city’s leading restaurants, La Perle de Prague Restaurant that offers magnificent views over Prague.  Prague is the political and cultural  center of the Czech Republic. More than 2000 cultural events take  place every month in this wonderful city. Aside from aesthetic pleasure,  Prague offers a large variety of entertainments.
   Cafes have always been  a favorite  venue  for   artists and intelligentsia  alike who can freely discuss  various political  and cultural  issues inspired  by the peaceful  coziness. Café “Medusa” ,  for  instance,  hosts a  diversity of exhibition sales by  modern  artists.  This is a popular  meeting point, as well as  a place for  round  table discussions and, of  course,  drinking.  You are sure to find something  amazing here. Majority of pubs and  cafes are open  until 1 o’clock  in the morning and even 04:00  or  05:00  a.m.  on weekends. Night  clubs are normally  working  until 05:00 a. m.,  but if you  are not contented you can attend  the so-called “ after-parties”, the  clubs that are open 24 hours. After sunset, Prague  divulges its  night  life. If you are a real  party animal,  then  this is just the place  for  you to go.  The  city has  numerous  top-scale  night clubs and you  are sure to  like at  least one of them. Night life in  Prague  opens endless  opportunities  to  meet  interesting  people and spend the night  in a friendly  environment.
  During the entire trip I could not  help  but recall  the saying that  “Prague  is like a woman:  tender and  persistent,  impulsive  and deep, like  a well  where you can  recognize  your  real  face.” Who  knows,  maybe  Yaroslav  Seyfert’s  words reveal  the  whole truth about  Prague
  “Prague  is  like a woman: tender and  hard,  capricious and deep as a well  in which you can recognize your real  face.” 

Friday, September 14, 2012

DUBAI


District  guide

Set between Europe and  Asia,  Dubai  is the jewel  in the crown of the United Arab  Emirates It offers  visitors an  oasis from the surrounding  desert. At the  same time, it remains  mostly  sunny and  warm  throughout the year.  Dubai  is  the second largest  of the seven  Emirates (  Abu  Dhabi,  Dubai, Ajman,  al-Fujaira,  Ras al-Khaimah ,  Sharjah,  and Umm  al-Qaiwain)  and  is located on the south-western  shore of the Persian  Gulf.  Dubai’s  population in  2001 was approximately  1,029,000.  Visitors from the four  corners of the earth  make their way to Dubai by land, sea and air.  The  Dubai  International  Airport is a  vital  link for business,  commerce and  tourism.  Its  state of  the art  facilities and runways permit daily  take-offs and landings  whacking  visitors in and out of the emeriti. 
  City of contrasts  
   Tourists and business travelers will  find something to provoke their imagination in this busy and cosmopolitan  city.  The central city itself  is designed with ultra-modern offices,  hotels  and shopping malls all set alongside  the Creek. This natural  sea-water inlet cuts through the center of the  city.  But just around the  corner, you might  come upon an ancient  house or  other testament to  the rich  heritage  of this city.  Don’t  think the inhabitants  of Dubai  are  living  too  abundantly  with their  dwindling  oil supply though. They  were smart enough to plan ahead  economically  to soften  the blow,  and  tourism  is one of their main plans.  Dubai  is able to  boast an Arabian  experience in a protected, open- minded  city.  Even the  desert  itself  holds tourist  appeal.
   Dubai’s  central business  district  is  divided into two parts: Diera on the  north  side of the Creek  and Bur Dubai to the south. They are connected by a tunnel and two  dirges.  But no  matter which side  you find yourself on, a stroll along its banks  will remind you of the  city’s  centuries-old trading  traditions. And each side  has everything you might want, from  great hotels and stores to mosques  and  bustling  markets  (souks.)
 For a glimpse of Old Dubai,  head to the old Bastakiya  distrist.  The narrow streets  remind you of days  gone  by and the old wind towers  are the mark  of Dubai. Before  electricity, the wind towers brought  air into the homes to help cool them.  This district is  being restored to show tourists the true old Dubai. Just outside the central city to the  north is the neighboring  emirate of  Shariah. Andto the west and south are the neighborhoods of Satwa,  Jumeirah, and Umm Suqeim.
While  in Dubai, you may want to  visit the Duabi Museum which will introduce  you to the heritage and  culture of the emirate. Another  great  site is the Diving Village. The Duabi Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Arabian  peninsula. If  your interests  run to Archeology,  there are three  main excavations in that area. One  at Ghusais, another at al Sufooh  and another at  Jumeirah.  The first  two are 2,000  year old graveyards  and the third dates from the 7th to 15th  century and contains artifacts  and  more. Visitors  must obtain  a  permit from the Dubai  Museum.
 Climate                                                         
   Temperatures  run from a mean  daily  maximum  of about 41 degrees Celsius  in July to a mean daily  maximum of 24 in January.  The climate in Dubai is classed as  sub-tropical,  arid. But if you’re  expecting predictable  weather,  guess again. Although Dubai is relatively regular, it does have its  share of rain, wind, and storms. Dubai is a truly international city and  it has an abundance of lodging options for the  business or leisure traveler. Depending on your circumtances you  may select from a number of fine hotels to meet your needs. For the ultimate Seven-Star Deluxe  comfort, spend your visit at the Burj Al  Arab Hotel. For Five-Star Luxury, there’s the Sheraton dubai creek hotel & Towers. A bit less luxe-plush, but still more than adequate, with all the amenities a world traveler should expect, include:  the  Fairmont Hotel; Crowne Plaza Hotel Dubai; Ritz- Carlton Dubai Hotel; and the Shangri-La Hotel.  The locally run hotels are also generally  excellent. Swimming pools, health center, and restaurants are not uncommon features to Dubai’s accommodations. But for the budget traveler, there are also self-catering apartments  and hostels. 

Monday, September 3, 2012

MUNICH: MADE FOR MEN

DAY: 3

  Tying  up loose ends
   Presuming  you have put off another drinking  binge  for a later time, it is on this day,  call it a day of “rest”,  that you should  do Munich  proud. Rest assured, you’ll  still try out some famous beverages,  but you can’t leave the city  without visiting more attractions.
 Top attractions
First on your list, after you’ve overcome your hangover,  should be  the Residenz and Koenigsplatz.  These two areas are dominated by several museums,  beautiful  buildings from the 1600’s and other famous landmarks. 
 
   Watch your watch at the  Residenz museum,  as it is easy to spend your  whole day looking at the Bavarian treasures housed here. Instead,  divide your time between here, the Egyptian  Art Museum and the Lenbach House, which holds several  masterpieces from Kandinsky,  among ohers.
   As you continue northwest from Residenz to Konigsplatz and beyond, it only makes sense to stop at the Schloss Nymphenburg. Don’t worry, it’s not  another  museum. The Schloss is a Baroque palace that defines  opulence and excessiveness- built by royals” the rooms  are all open to the public and give a peek into a rich world  of art and desing.  Not to be missed on the large grounds are the witch’s  cottage and Chinese teahouse.
   Beautiful   beemer  museum
A late lunch  might now do you good,  so head over to the Olympiazentrum,  the site of the 1972  Olympics  .  At  Caf   Oly,  you  can grab  a light but  hearty meal before exploring the park area.  Really,  though, this sports  complex  and relaxing spot is just a gateway to something much cooler.
   Across  the street, there is an impressive  building that will catch  your eye.  Shaped like the four cylinders of an engine, it is BMW’s   headquarters and you should  definitely make a pilgrimage.  Next to the unique  edifice is  the BMW  Museum;  a must-see  with over 400cars,  and tons of machinery  and facts  sure to get your  testosterone  pumping.  Tours are free  and there is only a small  entrance  fee  to pay.
   Quench your thirst
  Having  been  alcohol-free  for the whole day, you are  surely suffering  from withdrawal by now. As  night  creeps in on your  third day,  more partying is in order.  A wise  choice is to head to Kunstpark  Ost,  a revamped  industrial  complex  which features a wide  selection of bars,  nightclubs  and restaurants.  Have a late  dinner,  then make like the locals and club-hop to find a place you like.  Entrance  fees are between  5 and 7  euros at  the clubs, so decide on a spot fairly  quick  and save your money for drinks.
  Miss the Oktoberfest? You can always make your way there instead, as last  call for alcohol is usually  around  midnight. It it’s not the right  season,  party  it up at  Wien’s  world,  a  beer hall  and club that celebrates  Oktoberfest year round.
 More than beer paradise
    
   Even  a versatile  itinedrary  such as  this one cannot divert too far from Munich’s true beer-drinking  roots.  With this as a teaser,  millions  of tourists  have  flown to the Bavarian  city  and been impressed by more than just the drinks.  A proud people,  dozens of world-renowned  landmarks  and gastronomic  pleasures (sausage,   and  more sausage) make Munich  more than a dream for lager-lovers; it is a must-see for anyone who  can appreciate art and a rich culture. Visit Germany’s  fastest-rising tourist spot: you won’t regret it, though  your liver might
 Tips for the trip
a/  Forget taxis or driving yourself: Use Munich’s punctual public transportation  when needed,  especially when going to the busy Oktoberfest. The  metro (subway  is efficient and runs until at least 1 a. m. on weekends.
b/ Munich can get very expensive, so save up beforehand and keep  an eye out for tourist traps. The city has a wide selection of shops and restaurants, so don’t settle for something until you’ve looked at other places.
c/ Know the names of the beers before you drink: doppelbock is the strongest,  usually at over 7% alcohol. Wizen, a wheat beer,  packs a punch at over 6%. Enjoy!

Resources: http://www.askmen.com



Saturday, August 18, 2012

MUNICH: MADE FOR MEN

DAY:2




Did someone  say Oktoberfest?
  With  about  three  months of planning needed  to properly  enjoy the self-proclaimed  world’s  biggest  festival, Oktoberfest  should be a big, if not integral part, of your  trip. Six  million  visitors arrive in Munich to eat drink like crazy,  so this means you have to be in the ball for this party.
   Pick a tent, any tent
    Located  in the  Theresienwiese  area, the grounds  of the  festival  are huge, and comprise 14  sprawling  tents, each serving  pints upon pints of  different  beers  and pounds of mouth-watering  pork sausages.  
  Arrive in  the  morning  to  ensure  a spot  in one of the tents-recommended  above all  is the Schottenhamel  tent,  where the goal is  not only to consume as much beer and Bratwurst  as possible, but to socialize  with the hundreds  of people around.
  More to  fest  then beer
 When you feel  the need to stretch  your  legs  and give  your  stomach  arrest,  cruise  the  grounds  and scope out  the popular  brass  bands on outdoor  stages,  as well as the Rifleman’s  and  folklore  parades. Explore other tents  as well,  not necessarily  to have  another  drink,  but  to get a glimpse  of the fair  maidens  serving the alcohol.
  These tempting  and traditionally-dressed  Bavarian  babes can handle  what seems  like a dozen  glasses in their hands  and never  spill  a precious  drop.  Feeling adventurous? Pass up on yet another pork  sausage and try the oxen or pork knuckles  instead.  Should be interesting

  If you thought  a beer garden was too  good to be true, Munich  also has the largest  city park in Europe  and it’s  filled  with  nude,  sunbathing  goddesses.  Not to mention a BMW   museum…
  Babes in the buff
  As  the evening  wears on, the crowds and prices  may get a bit much.  It was only a matter of time  before Oktoberfest  became tourist-infested,  but don’t despair  since  there is still  lots more to do. Slam back a few more beers  if you want,  but if you have had your fill but still want to enjoy the early evening, stroll through the English Garden, north of the Asltadt  area you visited  yesterday.
 Another Munich claim  to fame ( at 900 acres, it is Europe’s largest  city park), the highlight of this green  space is undoubtedly  the nude  sunbathing.  That’s  right, it’s not just the beer that’s affecting  your vision;  if the  sun is not yet down, you are likely  to  see fair-haired  babes  catching  some rays  in the buff.
 Chill  in the  burbs
 As  you must  be weary from the long day of drinking and eating, grabbing a seat and just relaxing might be the right call. This can be done nearby in the happening  suburb of Scwabing,  as there are  numerous  cafes and  restaurant  where you can have something light to eat or drink and take in the sites of the city.
  Late night draws festivities, Oktoberfest and  otherwise,  to a close,  which  may be  welcome if the strong German brews are taking effect.

                                                                                                                       DAY:3

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