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Software jobs in Germany

Software jobs in Germany are very popular and appear in German job listings very frequently even in todays tough economy. If Germany attracts you as a country with its great culture and great people you can try to find yourself a job. General requirements are not really different from those in another countries.

Here are a list of basic requirements for software jobs in Germany:
 
  • Knowledge of programming languages - it's better to be an expert in the particular field instead of knowing all languages at the basic level.
  • University degree - really preferable for those who don't have 5+ years of experience.
  • Certifications - be sure to list all relevant certificate you got because they are valued in Germany. The more you got - the better.
  • Basic German - this is more a help tool in your life in Germany than a requirement. If you really want to move to Germany you may want to take part in German classes while searching and applying for software jobs in Germany.

Also there is a little tip not only for Germany but for your career in general. Try to be a specialist in your field. The more specifically you are educated and knowledgeable the more value you will have. For example, a programmer who writes all kind of apps will earn about 45k at start while a guy who is into writing navigation software only is about to make around 60k per annum. Makes sense, doesn't it?

If you're not so experienced in the field you may want to search for Junior and Trainee positions which will make a boost in your German career and guarantee you a well-paid permanent position if you do well. These are the basic tips on finding software jobs in Germany. You may want to continue reading general tips on Finding Work in Germany.

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Holidays and City Breaks in Germany

Germany is home to thriving cities with endless beautiful natural landscapes to explore. Holidays in Germany are extremely popular especially with visitors from neighbouring European countries throughout the year. The country is home to the towering Alps as well as the Bavarian Plain famous for its gothic churches, medieval houses and bustling modern cities; it is easy to see why so many people enjoy holidays in Germany. Berlin and Munich are two of the more popular places to enjoy city breaks due to the abundance of tourist attractions including numerous World Heritage Sites, museums, international airports and world class football stadiums.

Discovering Munich


A huge part of Munch's tourist magnetism lies within its unique culture where visitors will find historic buildings dotted between contemporary skyscrapers offering an eclectic mix of old meets new. The arts scene is vibrant with world-renowned operas through to theatrical performances that can be seen here regularly. 

City breaks in Munich offer visitors the opportunity to taste local specialties such as weißwurst that are served with sweet mustard and pretzels but be warned that these should be consumed before 12:00 if you want to keep up to date with the local traditions. The largest festival in Germany, Oktoberfest, is held in Munich and attracts millions of beer guzzling visitors from around the world who come to taste various beers that are served in tents. 

The markets in Munich are another major tourist draw and the Viktualienmarkt is the oldest and most popular market that sells fresh foods every week. The local market women dress in traditional costumes and dance during the Fasching Carnival held in the square where the Viktualienmarkt is located. Christmas markets are another popular attraction in Munich. Over the festive period, thousands of visitors spend their holidays in Germany searching for the ideal Christmas gift. 

The nightlife in Munich is lively to say the very least and there are more than 6,000 establishments to enjoy in the bustling city where everyone from students to office workers can be found. On the outskirts of the city there are many natural landscapes to explore and these include the famous English Garden where a Japanese teahouse, a Chinese pagoda and a Greek temple can be seen.

Exploring Berlin


City breaks in Berlin attract millions of people every year and it lays claim to being the third most visited city in Europe. Its tourism sector is thriving and there are more than 700 hotels to choose from, boasting over 100,000 rooms to cater to the tastes and budgets of every visitor lucky enough to stay in Berlin. There are many waterways in Berlin that can be traversed by one of the 979 bridges in the city.

Berlin is famous for many of its noteworthy attractions. Here is a list of the top landmarks and must-see places:
 
  • There are an impressive 420 art galleries in Berlin.
  • Many travel guides refer to Berlin as being the premier nightlife destination in Europe.
  • With almost 200 museums to explore, the city is famous for showcasing art.
  • Three of Berlin's most notorious museums can be seen in an area known as Museum Island
  • 12 restaurants boast Michelin status – more than any other German city.
  • Celebrity polar bear Knut can be seen at the Zoologischer Garten Berlin.
  • The River Spree is home to numerous beach bars and cafés.

With such varied tourist offerings, it is no wonder that millions of visitors flock to explore Germany's cities everyyear. The transport systems in both Munich and Berlin are of high quality allowing visitors to get around with ease. From parks and gardens through to museums and top restaurants, why not enjoy your next city break in one of these interesting cities in Germany.

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6 Places To Visit in Germany

You can read all of the Germany travel guides but they all recommend different places to visit but the guide may not always help. There are numerous famous places that are worth visiting after you book your holiday accommodation in Germany.

Whether it's historic or modern culture, Germany is sure to never disappoint its tourists. From entertainment to adventure, Germany is well set to ensure you come back and visit time and time again.

1) Cologne Cathedral

Located at the banks of River Rhine, the Cologne Cathedral in Germany is alleged to be the most visited tourist attraction of Germany. The cathedral is over 600 year old and has magnificent architecture to see, reflecting Gothic style. The Shrine of the Three Magi, the most sacred place of the cathedral, is a brilliantly coated tomb. It is believed by locals that the remains of the Three Wise Men are kept here. To gain access to the cathedral you must climb 500 steps, if you want to reach the summit of the south tower. When you eventually arrive, you will see the most spectacular panoramic view of the city.

2) Neuschwanstein

Built by King Ludwig II, this world famous castle proudly stands adjacent to the fantastic setting of the Alps in the southern part of Bavaria. Neuschwanstein happens to the be the most well regarded fairytale castle and is frequently visited by many tourists in Germany. Neuschwanstein was designed during the medieval periodand the most fascinating fact is that this castle inspired Sir Walt Disney to base his magic kingdom on this, and the ever so popular Disney Castle was built on this spectacular Bavarian sight.

3) Heidelberg Castle

Located in south-western Germany, a visit to this very charming city of Heidelberg really should not be missed. This castle ranks among many of the most fantastic attractions of the world and also within Germany. Heidelberg which, houses Heidelberg Castle is beautiful. The castle stands proud in the heart of a medieval castle complex. The picturesque quaint town is stunning.

4) Checkpoint Charlie

Established in 1962, Checkpoint Charlie was a border crossing point. The most popular attraction about this place is the "Haus am Checkpoint Charlie" Museum, which accommodates the history of the Berlin Wall and the partition of the city exhibition. All of the original artifacts that were used historically, are showcased in the museum.

5) Saxony

One of the most visited places of Germany is The Saxon Switzerland National Park. Here, the beauty of the place and its scenery will steal your heart and imagination. Do not forget to take your camera, there are magnificent views of the rock needles, cliffs and deep gorges which make a perfect picture photo.

6) Black Forest

Known as Schwarzwald in Germany, The Black Forest is said to be the most popular tourist attraction located located in south west of Germany. There are amazing views of dense forests, mountains and waterfall - don't forget your camera.

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Remain Connected With Loved Ones

Many a time, flowers are the most convenient gift items. One can find them at a neighborhood florist and it also does not take much time in choosing a bouquet or a floral arrangement, once we are aware of the tastes and preferences of our friends or family members for whom we are buying the same. Some difficulty could come up when the people for whom we are buying flowers are physically far away. But, with the availability of specialised services, this difficulty is also being taken care of. To take a specific case in point, a person can now send flowers Cologne Germany, or any other part of that country and that too in the shortest possible time.

One can send flowers Cologne Germany to felicitate many a special occasion. From birthdays and anniversaries to other equally important events, a person can send special flowers to their loved ones staying in Dresden, Frankfurt, Berlin, or Hamburg. This becomes important in building bonds with loved ones; as it is, the pressures of modern day living have taken their toll and many of us are finding it difficult to stay grounded to our roots. In such a circumstance, the idea of sending flowers Cologne Germany or sending flowers Hamburg Germany, or to any other part of the world is finding a lot of takers. Many people are making the most of the recent developments in the technological front and ensuring that they remain connected with all the important people in their lives.

While sending flowers Cologne Germany, one can also exercise a lot of choice. There are many different varieties of attractive flowers to choose from. The colours are equally attractive and the person wanting to send flowers would not be limited due to a lack of options. He or she can also go for exotic orchids or ornamental plants and surprise his or her friends and relatives.

So, all you people out there who have been contemplating on sending a gift to your friends in Cologne Germany or any other city in that country now have help at hand. There are many providers working specifically in that region. You can take their help and send flowers Cologne Germany or any other place. With such a provider by your side, you can never go wrong.

To know more about how to send flowers Cologne Germany. You can also take the help of this online flower shop to send flowers Bamberg Germany, flower Dresden Germany, flowers Frankfurt Germany, or flowers Berlin Germany.

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Germany - the World's Most Experienced Market Economies

Germany as an economic hub

Germany is one of the most highly developed industrial nations in the world and, after the USA and Japan has the world’s third largest national economy. With a population of 82.3 million Germany is also the largest and most important market in the European Union (EU). In 2007, Germany’s gross domestic product (GDP) totaled EUR 2.42 trillion, which translates into per-capita GDP of EUR 29,455. With an Export volume of EUR 969 billion or one third of GDP in 2007.

Germany is the biggest exporter of goods worldwide, and as such is considered to be the “export world champion”, more of a global player than almost any other country and more strongly linked to the global economy than many other countries. Most recently, the German economy has seen a robust upturn, growing 2.5 percent in 2007. The increase in corporate investments was especially pronounced at 8.4 percent. The economic growth, stimulated by factors both inside and outside Germany, sparked a reduction in the number of registered unemployed. Economic policy has improved the overall conditions and companies have sharpened their competitive edge. Thus, ancillary wage costs have been reduced, the labor market made more flexible and red tape slashed.

An attractive location for foreign investments

Germany is one of the most attractive countries world-wide for International investors. On an international country comparison, Germany does especially well as regards R&D, skill levels and logistics. Moreover, it enjoys a central geographical position, offers strong infrastructure, legal certainty, and the right workforce. 

The labor force’s high level of qualifications is seen as an important plus point. Around 80 percent of employees have undergone formal training and only 20 percent hold the degree from a higher education institutes or university. The “dual system” for vocational training provides the bedrock here, combining on-the-job and college training, a policy which results in the well-known high standard of education.

Technology leader in many sectors

Germany is one of the leading nations regarding numerous technologies of the future that have exceptional growth rates. These include bio-technology, nano-technology, IT and the numerous high-tech divisions in individual sectors (aviation and aerospace, electrical engineering, logistics). 

Companies specializing in environmental technology (wind energy, photovoltaic power and biomass generation) have emerged as front runners. Today, Information and communications technology follows car-making and electronics engineering as the third largest economy’s sector. As per to genetic engineering, Germany is second to the United States worldwide and already has cutting edge in numerous fields of nanotechnology.

The key industrial sectors

The key industrial sectors are car-making, electronics, mechanical engineering and chemicals. As is the case in all western industrial nations, for several years now German industry has been in the midst of structural transformation. Some traditional industries (steel, textiles) have in partly shrunk considerably in recent years, with target markets now elsewhere and strong pressure from lowwage countries, or, as in the case of the pharmaceuticals industry, through M&As have come under foreign ownership.

Successful: Germany in the global economy

Given its high level of exports, Germany is interested in open markets. The most important trading partners are France, the USA and Great Britain. In 2006, goods and services worth EUR 85 billion were exported to France, EUR 78 billion to the USA and EUR 65 billion to Great Britain. 

In addition to trade with the original European Union member states, since the EU’s expansion eastwards (2004 and 2007) there has been a pronounced increase in trade with the east European EU member states. In total, a good ten percent of all exports go to these countries. The importance of trade and economic relations with emerging nations in Asia such as China and India is growing continually.

Economic system: Performance and social balance

Germany is a Social market economy. This is other strong reason why Germany enjoys a high degree of social harmony, something reflected in the fact that labor disputes are so rare here. On average between 1996 and 2005 the work force went on strike for on just 2.4 days per 1,000 employees and thus less than even Switzerland, which saw 3.1 days of strikes. 

The social partnership of trade unions and employer associations is enshrined in the institutionalized settlement of conflicts as outlined in the collective labor law. The Basic Law guarantees the social partners independence in negotiating wages, and they accordingly have the right themselves to select the working conditions. All the latest information about Germany economy is available at German Information Centre. So if you are interested in knowing about Germany economy please visit at German Information Centre.

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Travel tips and information for Germany

The Germany is the most influential country of Europe. It has witnessed the most controversial details of saga like Nazism, Holy Roman Empire and the house and demolition of the Berlin side. With many magnificent castles it has wealth of art and civilization. German is the local tongue in Germany, but outsiders can find many English-speaking locals especially in the everyday tourist destinations. 

April and May are the months of spring, which brings in plump blush of fruits and flora. Months from May to September have very fragile climate with sunny skies and offers the best time for roaming and site seeing. People who have a passion for sports like swimming, climbing, and cycling can have the best time here during these months. Winter sports can be enjoyed at the resorts in the months from November to early March. The temperatures are below freezing and the existence is too short (compose of only six to eight months) in winter.

Local Customs
Locals greet one another by handshaking and motto “Guten Tag”. To say goodbye, people use “Auf Wiedersehen”. Guests are expected to produce uncovered and odd number of flowers, especially roses, when visiting superstar’s home. The guests are welcomed with delicious food or refreshments.

Moving Around
The best way to get around is to buy the Welcome cards or the city passes which allows the purchaser to avail unlimited bus facility in many cities of Germany. It also gives unique agreement on certain tourist attractions. For flexibility one can rent-a-car or go for chauffer driven cars. Along with the rent, VAT of 16% is allocated. Car assurance should be presented beforehand in case of any accident. The speed limit within the cities is commonly 50kph and 100kph on the highways.

Nine stars:

The nine stars of Southwest Germany compose of Baden-Baden, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, Mannheim, Pforzheim Stuttgart, and Ulm. They are considered to be some of the pleasing cities of Europe. Each of the cities plays a critical part in the ethos of Germany. Baden-Baden has few of the finest resorts and has Europe’s next major opera and concert passage.

Travel

The resident airline that serves Germany is Lufthansa. Bwelin-Tegel airport is situated at 8 km away from the city and it takes about 20 minutes to contact there. There is a provision of free of charge shops, banks, publish company, eateries, and conference corridor, car hire and tourism information for the passengers. Another active airport is the Frankfurt airport, which is located at 13km away from the city. Taxis are offered at any time. The Intercity railway complex at the airport also provides international army to Hungary, Switzerland and Austria.

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Leonardo Germany Hotels

When looking for accommodation in Germany you need to know some facts about this country. Germany is stretched from the northward from the Alps to the Baltic Sea; in fact it is the only European country that is connected to the Scandinavian countries. Germany borders the countries: Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria and Luxemburg. This is an industrialized and density country, so a first glimpse of it will make you feel it is not the ideal location for the naturists. However, a first introduction with the German surface will prove you differently. 

This is a country that offer an abundance of endless landscapes where the vegetation is seen everywhere. The tourists that will travel from one area to another will never be bored, not even a minute. Especially unique and romantic road in Germany is the one that sprawl from Wirzburg in the center to Posen in the south. The numerous vicissitudes that Germany went though and her share in the history of Europe are being expressed by her rich and variety culture. 

You can find them all from the high influenced philosophers, gifted musicians and artists and magnificent architecture. Germany brought to world the famous artists Bach, Beethoven and Richard Wagner. Excellent choices of hospitality options are available in any of the Germany Hotels from the one and two stars hotels and up to the luxury five star hotels. It is highly recommended to visit in one of the famous hotels chain the Leonardo Hotels that is spread in various cities in Germany and offer a great service for the business and tourist travelers.

Transportation in Germany

Germany is one of the main European transportation centers. There are various options to get to Germany from the international airports that are located near the main cities as well as the trains that are easily accessible for both international, domestic and inner cities rides. Busses, taxis and car rentals can use the wide and fast roads all over the country.

Berlin

Perhaps one of the things that most characterize Berlin is the rhythm of changes that city is undergoing and those can be seen almost every corner in town. Alongside the historical part of Berlin, that is known for its complex past, stands with her full strength the modernity which is reflected by the futuristic buildings, skyscrapers, fancy shopping centers and a vibrant atmosphere full of life. 

This is without turning the back to the past which is an integral part of it. When visiting the city you should consider staying at either Best Western Leonardo hotel, Leonardo hotel Berlin, Leonardo Royal hotel Berlin, Leonardo Airport hotel Berlin or the  Speewald Inn Hotel which located nearby Berlin. All of the mentioned hotels are part of the Leonardo Berlin Hotels chain that offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all of their guests.

Cologne

Cologne or Köln is one of the biggest cities in Germany. The city has its own unique authenticity which is reflected by the local dialect and the annual festival that is being held at the beginning of every spring. It is one of the largest festivals in Europe. The city’s gothic cathedral is the most touristed monument in the city. 

The buildings from the medieval period are remarkable beautiful together with the museums are the best in the country after Berlin, Munich and Dresden. All of this makes Cologne one of Germany’s pearls that should not be missed. After a long tour day you should rest at the Leonardo Köln Hotel which is ideally for the business traveler as well as the touring traveler with his good location and service and it is defiantly one of Germany Hotels you should take into consideration to stay with.

Dresden

This is the capital city of Saxony state in Germany. It is located in what was previously known as the “Valley of the fools” because the city is surrounded by mountains and hills and there for the West Germany T.V. broadcasts were not received in the shelters of Dresden’s residents. The “new city” (Neustadt) is the blooming and prosperous area in the city where various parks and amusements and recreation areas are adding to her beauty. In Dresden you can stay in the L Hotel Dresden Altstradt which with his central location makes it a perfect point to start and end your exploration of the city sights.

Frankfurt

For many Frankfurt is the Manhattan of Germany. More than half of the city was destroyed in World War II and the new construction works were focusing more on renewal than on recovery and that created a city with a modern façade full with sky crapes. The city has two faces: It is the financial capital of Germany, but also one of largest major cultured city in the country, and one of the cities that invested the most in arts than any other cities in Germany. 

In Frankfurt you could find the Leonardo Hotels chains in perfect locations that make them a great hospitality solution among the Frankfurt Hotels. You can choose either the Leonardo Frankfurt city center that as its name is ideally located in the center of Frankfurt or alternatively choose the Leonardo Hotel Frankfurt Hotel which is a great place to rest if you have a plane to catch the day after or you just came from a very long journey and need a good place to rest.

Freital

This is a town in the Sachsische Schweitz-Osterzgebrige district in Saxony, Germany. It is located alongside the Weiberitz River which is eight kilometers southwest of Dresden. The city is based on a mountain grove while the lowest place in the city is on 195 centimeters above sea level. In Freital you can stay at the Leonardo Hotel Freital which offers a hospitality option in the countryside and just few minutes away from the city of Dresden.

Hamburg

Hamburg is an old city and elegant that not only that she is the second largest city in Germany it is also the second largest port city in Europe. The city is situated on the riverside of the Alba River, surrounded by lakes and full of small canals that brought her the nickname “Venice of the North”. Hamburg is also hosting some of the finest Germany hotels, among them you can find the Mercure Hamburg Airport and the Leonardo hotel Hamburg-Stillhorn, both are part of the Leonardo Hotels chain, that offers a good location and fine service for their visitors.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is the home of the most veteran university in Germany. It lies on the riverside of the Nicer River, between the forested hills, in a magical landscape that contains the ideal German view. The best place to observe from it on the landscape around the city is the Schloss palace. After the day tour you can rest in one of the 124 comfortable rooms of the Leonardo Heidelberg hotel and restore your energies for the next day tour.

Mannheim – Ladenburg

Mannheim is the second largest city in the state Baden – Württemberg, right after the capital city of the state, Stuttgart. The city is located at the merging of two rivers, the Rheine and the Neckar. The city is unique by its architecture as the central area was built in a grid pattern and the main route that goes through the square leads to an 18th century huge palace. Today this palace is acting as the University of Mannheim.

Munich

Scattered around the city of Munich are several of different tourist sights that are worth visiting. The ancient structures are evidence for the rich history and the green parks that are offering great places to rest from the daily modern life. Munich is a very large city offering some of the finest Munich Hotels to choose from and enjoy them.

Nuremberg

The city was founded in the 11th century and quickly became the official capital of Germany because of her position ion the junction of several important trade routes that led to her economic prosperity followed by a political force. The ancient city center is remarkably fits with the modern city and it becomes vibrant especially during the summer, then the historic city center, the Altstadt, is filled with street shows, music shows and concerts that are taking place at the parks and the various stadiums.

Weimar  

Weimar is located in the Bundesland of Thuringia, southwest to the cities Halle and Leipzig. Among the famous residences that used to live in Weimar are: Johann Sebastian Bach, Uziel Gal, Peter Cornelius and more. There some great museums worth visiting like The Goethe’s Home, the Bauhaus Museum and more. The green parks of Weimar should be visted while going from one attraction to the other. It is clear now that Germany has a lot to offer to her visitors through her cities and landmarks as well as her excellent choices Germany Hotels to choose from. Sticking out are the Leonardo hotels chain of hotels that are located in all major cities and offer an attractive location with outstanding service.

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German Wedding Traditions

Most citizens in the United States are aware of the traditions related to marriage in the U.S. June is the favorite month for a wedding. "Something borrowed, something blue", the "groom's party" for the parents and wedding party, a "dowry (perhaps)", it is "unlucky to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony", the father of the bride making that long trip down the aisle with his daughter, and men, let's not forget the "stage party"!

But in Germany the preferred month for marriage is May. The traditions related to marriage in Germany are many and vary by region. Also, some of the younger generations may not practice the following wedding traditions any longer.

Eheringe (Wedding rings)
During the engagement period both the bride and groom wear a ring on their left hand. After the wedding they wear the wedding ring on their right hand. Usually the rings are gold with no diamonds.

Brautkleid (Bride's attire)
In Germany, as in the U.S, the bride wears "white". But in Germany brides wear either very short trains or usually none at all attached to their wedding dress. If veils are worn they are of fingertip length and typically never worn over the face as in the U.S. Often in place of veils a flowery headband with ribbons is worn. Other accessories included may be a Diadem (Tiara), a little draw string purse and gloves. The custom is for the bride to dress at her home or her parent's home and then drive to the ceremony.

Brautigams Kleidung (Groom's attire)
The groom usually wears a black suit or a smoking jacket (dinner jacket)

Die Standesamtliche Trauung (The Wedding)
Before a church wedding the bride and groom will have been married in the Standesamt (Registry Office) by a registrar which is most often in the Rathaus (town hall). A witness is needed for the bride and also for the groom.

Die Kirche-Hochzeit (The Church Wedding)
Together, the bride and groom will enter the church and walk down the aisle. Because it is not legal to have only a church ceremony, the couple will have already been legally married by a Standesbeamte. Unlike in the U.S. it is not customary for there to be bridesmaids, groomsmen or flower girls.

Andere Deutsche Traditionen (Other German traditions)
Brides often carry salt and bread as an omen for good harvests and the groom carries grain for wealth and good fortune.

Before the wedding the bride's possessions are transported to her new home. These may include linens she has collected, a cradle into which a doll has been secretly placed, and for the wedding of a farm girl, her parents second-best cow.

Hochzeitslader
This Bavarian tradition has an official inviter clad in fancy clothes decorated with ribbons and flowers going door to door extending a personal rhyming invitation to the invited guests. Guests accept by pinning one of the ribbons to the Hochzeitslader hat and by offering a drink or two at each stop. Should the invited guests be numerous and the Hochzeitslader be of the nature to accept the offered drinks he may need a day or two to complete his duties!

Junggesellenabschied (Bachelor Party)

Some weeks before the wedding the groom and his male friends go to a Kneipe (pub) to drink and have fun for his last time as a single man.

Polterabend (Wedding Eve)
At a party on the evening before the wedding plates and dishes are smashed to scare off evil spirits. Only china can be used. Anything else would bring bad luck. The bride and groom have to clean up everything. This is to indicate that they can work together.

Hochzeit-Schuhe (Wedding shoes)
Another tradition is for the bride to collect pennies for years to pay for her wedding shoes in which to insure that the marriage "gets off" on the right foot. The bride's mother would place some dill and salt in her daughter's right shoe.

Baumstamm Sagen (Log sawing)
Another old Bavarian tradition occurs right after the church ceremony. When the couple exits the Church there is a log on a sawhorse and the couple has to cut the log in half! This is to symbolize the first tough tasks of their future they can accomplish together.

Fichtenzweige (Fir boughs)

As the couple walks to the wedding car, fir boughs are laid along the path to pave their first newlywed steps with fresh greenery to symbolize hope, luck and fertility.

Reis Werfen (Rich throwing)
In this tradition it is said that the amount of rice that stays in the bride's hair is the number of children the couple will have.

Hochzeitssuppe (Wedding soup)
The Hochzeitssuppe is made from beef, dumplings and vegetables and the guests eat if from a large bowl.

Eine Weisse Band (A white ribbon)
As the guests leave the church the bride gives a white ribbon to each driver of a car in the procession to tie to the radio antenna of the car. This procession then drives through the town honking their horns. Other drivers on the route honk their horns in return to wish the newlyweds good luck in their marriage.

Hochzeitstanz (Wedding dance)
The first dance is danced by the bride and groom and is traditionally a waltz. The next dance is only for the bride with her father and groom with his mother, while the bride's mother dances with the groom's father.

Brautbecher (Bridal cup)
A customary toast at the reception in the southern part of Germany is done with a special brautbecher (bridal cup). The pewter or crystal cup is in a form of a maiden holding above her head a small cup. Both ends of the cup (the bride's skirt and the top cup) are filled with champagne or wine and the bride and groom drink their first toast from this cup together at the same time signifying their union as one. This age old tradition stems from centuries ago in the small town of Nuernberg.

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When You're a Tourist, Mind Your Manners

When preparing to go on vacation, remember to pack your manners. No matter where you end up travelling, the locals are going to base a lot on your behaviour, including how they perceive your culture in general, on how you behave.

It seems as though many who travel abroad forget to be polite to those that host them when they are away from home. Some suggest that behavior on vacation is directly related to whether or not you've visited before. The thinking is that, once you've had a taste of the culture, surely you'll be more sensitive the next time? Others argue that, regardless of how many times you've come around, tourists remain a painful necessity to any economy.

While it's not limited to one demographic or culture, there are some tourists that are notoriously worse than others. However, no matter where you're from, you're getting a bad rap for one thing or another. So, how does the bad behavior break down? We've got a quick overview of who's notorious for what when they're on vacation.

A recent survey has given Brits the top nod for bad behavior when they're travelling abroad. They've been labeled as noisy, rude, badly dressed and terrible tippers. In addition, recent research by the popular online travel agent Expedia shows that Britons are thought to be untidy. Maybe that is a direct result of their sometimes haphazard dress. While not as obvious as it used to be, for some reason, people are still able to tell a Brit from anyone else. Things are looking up though; seven years ago, a survey similar in nature labeled Brits the worst tourists overall, while they now place fifth.

Other badly behaving tourists include those that call Germany their native land. Considered the absolute worst tippers, one might think that they are stingy. If you consider the tipping system they are accustomed to, it may shed a new light on things. In Germany, wait staff do not work on a small hourly wage plus tip system, they work on an hourly wage, period. So, when you go out to dinner in Germany, you don't tip. Maybe their bad tipping behavior is not stinginess as much as it is a lack of knowledge.

Living in America and think you've packed a fashionable wardrobe? Think again. Americans are notoriously the worst dressed tourists around. Many also find the Americans to be lacking in manners and obnoxiously loud, albeit not as bad as the Brits, Russian and Danes. Those from the U.S. do score points though for at least attempting to learn and speak the native language of the countries they are going to visit.

Attempting to take the bull by the horns, the Chinese government has taken the liberty of posting the "do's" and "don'ts" of travel etiquette in train stations, bus stops and hotels across Beijing. Although many of the Chinese are angered by what they feel is degrading treatment by their own government, the government is not budging. They are trying to curb the Chinese bad behaviour before the Olympics next year. They've even gone so far as to issue pamphlets and make travel agencies and their tour guides responsible for correcting the tourists' behavior. Talk about uncomfortable.

So, who gets kudos for being the overall best behaved on their summer vacation? The Japanese. Considered both polite and tidy, they seem to ruffle no one's feathers. In Reuters's 2007 study, they scored a full 35% higher than the Americans who came in second.

Remember, when on vacation, do like the Romans do... or like the Japanese do. Be courteous and keep in mind that you are representing your entire nation when you are out and about. Figure out local customs and, if you're really brave, learn a little bit of the language before you go. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how well your efforts are received.

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Five Things To Do In Thuringia

Thuringia is a small state of Germany and is situated in its central region. Though earlier it was a place that was not much known to people far and wide but as with the developing state of this place, it is fast becoming a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

As Thuringia has emerged as an incredible place after its years of re-establishment, it has actually begun to be favored by people from all over to spend their vacations so that quality time can be spent with family and friends. If you are too looking forward to make a trip to Thuringia then it is certainly a wise choice. German rentals are very popular in the Thuringia region, with a wide choice of rental accommodation in the towns and countyside.

The very place called Thuringia is an exciting destination with inviting countryside, world class cultural centers and vast lush forests to make a spectacular view. Offering high quality recreational and entertainment facilities for you, Thuringia can render this very trip as the most memorable one. There is so much to see, enjoy and to do at this wonderful place.

Thuringia is known most for the picturesque castles and palaces that it holds to add grace to its remarkable culture. There are about 400 such incredible medieval castles, palaces towers over mountain tops, rocks and hills and great castle ruins to visit over to relish at lying at the beautiful expanse of the valleys.

Along with featuring the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Friedenstein Castle in Gotha, Wartburg Castle and the great Palaces of the Dornburg, other enthralling romantic medieval castles and palaces can also be found here. The exotic and exciting knight plays, medieval fests and the historical festivals can be attended in order to experience the very essence and the history of various past centuries of Thuringia.

When you come here, be it any season, you will never fall short of activities that need to be done. You can always enjoy the very unspoilt nature of Thuringia and experience the freshness of the forest cover it holds. The deciduous forests, the exquisite valleys by rivers Werra, Unstrut and Saale and the great Hainich National Park can render your trip as really worthwhile and momentous.

The very remarkable historic gardens, private gardens and the parks of Thuringia too add certain charm to the feel of this place incredibly. Having over 2,000 of the garden monuments, Thuringia features theme gardens of medieval Egapark in Erfurt and Bad Langensalza as well.

If you are coming here with your family then you can have a blissful experience. You can hike all the way to the most popular and longest ridge rail and discover the intoxicating environs of the Rennsteig. You can also cycle the entire way to challenge the hill down dale tracks and explore the natural landscapes on your own.

You can also indulge in mountain climbing tours, riding, canoeing at the sea, skiing, golfing and tobogganing as well. The great fairy tale world can come alive if you dig in the mines, grottoes and the caves of Thuringia. Among all the cave sites, Saalfed Fairy Grottoes are most popular and greatly cherished.

So, when you have decided to hit this incredible place of Thuringia on a rental holiday these vacations, pack your bags fast and fly over to relive history and experience the best of the cultures of the world.

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