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ALAAF YOU – Cologne’s carnival guide

10 November 2016

If you haven’t been to Cologne, the 5^th season is definitely the best time of the year. The fun starts on November 11^th, 11:11 am, and ends in February or March. In between that time, you will meet several costumed and drunk people, who celebrate “Fastelovend”. The high season of parades and carnival session is between “Weiberfastnacht”, a Thursday, and Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is famous for eating fish and finishing the 5^th season.

Where to go at “Weiberfastnacht”?

On the 11^th of November, you will find most of the people in the old town. The famous carnival bands will open the season at the “Heumarkt” or “Altermarkt”.

You have to be early at those squares to get a good spot. As it is free, everyone wants to be there. Be aware that no glass bottles are allowed! After the musical highlights and drinking a couple of beers, you go to a pub. Which one? That depends on you! All students celebrate in the pubs in “Südstadt”. The pub, ”Zum Goldenen Schuss”, has a wide choice of drinks, fair prices, a great atmosphere and cool people.

Gaffel am Dom is also famous for its great parties for all ages!”

Personally, I like the parties at the “Alten Wartesaal”. It is always great fun, and resides very close to the main train station, which makes it easy to get home.

The biggest carnival session will be on the 12^th of November, this year, at the Kölnarena. Even if the tickets are around 30€, it is worth it! You will experience cologne carnival just within a few hours; all well-known carnival bands will be on stage, as well as carnival speakers and the best carnival dancing groups! I am sure that you will love it!

What to eat?

Typical and traditional food in Cologne:

Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth) – a mixture of mashed potatoes and apple pieces
Kölsche Kaviar – Not real caviar 😉 It is black pudding, rye oll and onions
Flönz – sausage and black pudding
Rheinisher Soorbrode – beef dish with a sauce of raisins, dumpling and red cabbage
Halver Hahn – Rye Roll with Dutch cheese, butter and mustard
Mett – MY FAVORITE!!! Ground pork with onions on a roll

Koelsch beer, served in 0,2 litre glasses, is a light ale and only brewed in Cologne. So don’t forget to try it!

Basically, all breweries such as “Früh”, “Sion”, “Malzmühle” etc. serve local food and are worth taking note of. They are also inexpensive. Once a year, I always visit brewery “Päffgen” and I love it!

Although the waiters, also known as “Köbes” in Cologne, aren’t the nicest, the atmosphere is always great!

What to wear?

Don’t worry if you have no costume yet. There a loads of shops in the city where you can buy a costume. Deiters, for example, has a wide range of costumes.

As a woman, you should always be careful. The shorter, the more dangerous it will be! 😉

Have you always wanted to dress up as super hero, clown or princess? If yes, carnival in Cologne will be the right place for you!

To get into the right mood & to know one traditional song, listen to “Viva Colonia”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YuRjCvNXLU

10 photos that will inspire you to visit Zurich!

4 November 2016

by fastenurseatbelts

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Zurich, Switzerland, Schweiz, Zürich, Zürichersee, Lake Zurich, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Quaibrücke

Lake Zurich

Bürkliplatz

Grossmünster,Quaibrücke, Quay Bridge, Zurich, Zürich, Lake Zurich

View from cathedral Grossmünster

Münsterbrücke

Hotel Helvetia

Cheese Fondue

View from Cathedral Grossmünster

On my way to and from the Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa, I came across Zurich. I could not resist traveling to Zurich without exploring the city.

I flew into Zurich, and did not expect such a huge airport. Honestly, if you fly to or from Zurich, plan with extra time to spare to have a look at all the shops at the airport. By the way, the airport is only 10 minutes away from the main station (by train). The main station, alone is worth it to come to Zurich! Don’t miss the Nana at the main station.

I stayed at the Hotel Helvetia which is a 7 minute walk away from the main station, or just one station by train. The train station is right in front of the hotel, but you cannot hear it in your room! My room was really big and clean. I love the modern furniture and living right in the city centre. I really felt an urban experience. The large windows made all the rooms bright and fresh.

After checking into the hotel, I decided to go back to the main station, as I heard that the best shopping area start at Bahnhofstrasse.

Definitely do not miss to cross Rennweg from Bahnhofstrasse

Rennweg is one of the oldest streets of Zurich, what you will recognize for sure when you see the lovely traditional Swiss houses. You will not only see the colourful houses, but also many restaurants, cafes, and small shops. From Rennweg, cross Münzplatz and stop at the beautiful flower shop. From Münzplatz, you will go back to Bahnhofstrasse by crossing Augustinerstrasse. Now, you are situated in the luxurious part of Bahnhofstrasse. All luxury brands, which you know, are settled here. Don’t worry, if you need more money, you will come across Paradeplatz, which is the headquarter of the big Swiss banks and also one of the most expensive places of real estate.

Finally, you made it to Bürkliplatz, which will have the biggest surprise for you.

Bürkliplatz is right in front of lake Zurich. From here, you have the best view over the lake, as well as from the Quaibrücke (Quay Bridge). From here, walk to to cathedral Grossmünster. I wanted to climb up the tower to see Zurich from above. The 5-minute climb was totally worth it, and compared to all the expensive places in Zurich, it costs only 4CHF or 4€. Afterwards, I experienced the area around the Cathedral. You have to walk through the alleys and enjoy all the little shops.

You cannot visit Switzerland without trying cheese fondue!

Before I went back to my comfortable bed, I had a cheese fondue at restaurant Swiss Chuchi. The courteous staff will explain how to eat a cheese fondue, and if you are not sure what to order, just ask them; they are more than happy to help you. It was the first time that I was served a cheese fondue with a cherry liquor, and it was really tasty!

Walk around Zurich by yourself and watch my video about my trip!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0AUf7O8OQ8

Do you want to live in the mountains? Then visit Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa!

1 November 2016

by fastenurseatbelts

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Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa , Tschiertschen, Switzerland

Relaxation and pleasure are at top priority at the Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa hotel. The hotel is located in Tschiertschen, which is a small village close to the oldest city in Switzerland, Chur. Tschiertschen lies 1350m above the sea level. Marlies and Michael Gehring attach great importance to the wellbeing of their guests. All 27 rooms are luxurious and comfortably furnished. The attention to detail and the passion for quality cannot only be seen in the rooms, but also at the spa area and the panorama restaurant.

How to get to Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa
If you want to undergo this unique experience, you can either fly to Zurich and take the train to Chur, take the train (if you are in Europe), or drive by car. I flew to Zurich with Eurowings and took the train from the airport to Chur. The train ride was wonderful! It takes about one hour and a half from the airport and you will come across beautiful lakes such, as the lake Zurich. The breath-taking scenery makes time fly. Check the Swiss train ticket website early to pay only the half the price (around 20CHF). The price for a one-way flight ticket varies between 30€ – 100€. It depends when you fly, and how far in advance you book your ticket. The spacious and comfortable hotel shuttle will pick you up at the train station in Chur.

Enter the world of pleasure and delight

At my first evening, Oy spoiled me with an one hour Thai massage. Afterwrads, I enjoyed the delicious three-course meal. I could not resist the apple strudel with ice. Yummy!!! Feel free to order a la carte if you would like to have something different, or just a salad instead of the three-course menu. Besides the delicious temptation, you have a gorgeous panoramic view! Try to be at your table for the sunrise or sunset! It doesn’t matter at what time you go to the restaurant, bar, or any other place at the hotel, the employees are extremely friendly and courteous.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of sweet, healthy and savoury specialities.

Pure relaxation in your room

After a long day in the mountains, skiing, or just in the spa, savour your generous room and the balcony with the enormous panoramic view!

You won’t want to miss anything! Celebrate the mini bar, as it is for free. Personally, I loved the provided body lotion and the shampoo! It is produced from natural products. The cold alpine air will let you have the best sleep! So don’t forget to open your window during the night.

Allow your body and mind to become one

Ride a bike down along the mountain paths, go mountain-hiking, play tennis or go skiing at Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa in Tschiertschen. Around the hotel are loads of trails, and during winter time, you are able to ski right up in front of the hotel or the hotel bar. I drove an e-mountain bike for the first time in my life. Unbelievable! I had so much fun and I could drive until the top of the mountain within one hour. The hotel has six of them, and they can also be driven during the winter time. Don’t forget to take a scarf, thick socks and gloves; it will be cold the way down.

After my short trip, I was glad that I could use the spacious spa and wellness area. First, I went into the bio sauna for 15 minutes, then I used the Finnish sauna, and afterwards, I chilled in the whirlpool with the sensational landscape.

If you haven’t seen enough, see more in my video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyes4RhWJHM

Best cities to celebrate Halloween in Europe

28 October 2016

by fastenurseatbelts

Edinburgh, Scotland

To get into the right mood, be part of Edinburgh’s dark side haunted walking tour, to explore the mysteries, murder and legends of Edinburgh. Isn’t a castle the right place for Halloween? Visit Edinburgh Castle to feel the spooky atmosphere. Experience Scottish Whiskey during the night at the Scotch Whiskey Experience. Another great place for whiskey, beers and burgers is the Holdyrood 9A. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance; this restaurant is always packed.

London, England

The creepiest locations in London are the Greenwhich Foot Tunnel, Hunterian Musuem or the pub, Old Queen’s Head. Of course, you can do a Ghostbus tour or a Halloween walking tour,similar to Edinburgh and Dublin, but you could also visit a sinister stately. Many of London’s theatres offer a ghostly tour during Halloween. The Sky Garden in London hosts a great Halloween Party with an exceptional view over London.

How to fly for 10€ in Europe? 5 Steps helping you to get the best deal!

24 October 2016

by fastenurseatbelts

TOP activities in Amsterdam – Must do’s!

17 October 2016

by fastenurseatbelts

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Canal Cruise

I met such nice people on my cruise with Rederij Paping! The cruise felt like a picnic with friends. Everyone can bring their own food and drinks, and sit together around a table. Paap, the captain, made us feel very welcomed on his boat, and gave us blankets so that we did not freeze during the tour. His guided tour through the magnificent canals of Amsterdam was like a story telling, and the 90 minutes passed so quickly that I was sad when I had to leave the boat. Paap, who is a local, could answer every question about Amsterdam. He did not just show us the center of Amsterdam, but also the wonderful surroundings of Amsterdam. He also offers private tours, and an Amsterdam Light Festival cruise. A cruise with Rederij Paping should definitely be on your list when you visit Amsterdam!

If you want to be your own Capatin, and explore Amsterdam’s canals on your own, rent one of Sloepdelen’s electric boats. It is so easy to rent them, just book the boat online, start the boat with your smartphone and discover Amsterdam yourself! You don’t need a boating license and the boats are for up to 12 persons. It is not that difficult to drive the electric boat but you should feel comfortable enough to do it on your own.

Bike tour

Feel like a local and explore Amsterdam on a bike. Honestly, this was one of the most fun activities I have done. You will see so much of Amsterdam in just two hours and the bikes from Yellow Bike are so comfy and easy to ride! Amsterdam is a bicycle city for sure!

Red Light District Tour

A totally different tour compared to the other tours is the Red Light District tour, offered by 360 Amsterdam. Before you start the tour, you are welcomed with a typical Dutch tasting to feel ready for the tour. During the 1,5 hour walking tour , you will see the beautiful ladies working behind the windows, Amsterdam’s night scene and sex clubs. The Red Light District tour will be in Amsterdam’s oldest area. You will learn things about Amsterdam, which you have never heard before!

Shopping

Like every city, Amsterdam has Zara, H&M and so on. If you want to see small individual shops, go to the following streets: Reestr., Hartenstr., Berenstr., Wolvenstr., Runstr. and Huidenstr. .
Don’t worry if you don’t see dozens shops at first sight. They are spread all along the streets. These unique shops sell clothes, accessories, art, gifts, furniture and beautiful flowers. In between you will see several small cafes and restaurants, which are worth visiting, too! Winkel 43 for example has the best apple pie with cream!

Food

Don’t forget to visit one of Amsterdam’s supermarkets. I went to a supermarket called, Marqt! It is a total new experience with all the local products. I bought chocolate sprinkles as a souvenir for my brothers.

Foodhallen is an indoor food market with different types of restaurants. Whether you like to eat Italian, French or Asian food, everything is there. I ate a burger with chips and drank a cider. It was so delicious! Foodhallen just opened a year ago.