Travel to Germany

Germany is a beautiful country teeming with a rich history and an even richer culture. Its landscape is filled with a variety of different atmospheres-- it has the charms of sophisticated big cities, the picturesque visage of small towns, the fascinating qualities of pagan-inspired harvest festivals, a vast array of truly interesting art, history and culture, the wild allure of huge tracts of forests, old and elegant castles, and of course, the German food culture of ever-flowing wine and beer.

Located in the very heart of Europe, Germany is known all over the world as its history is deeply ingrained in several nations world wide, not just in modern times (such as the world wars) but on continental history as well. Its wide berth of historical events include the great Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire, the Otto von Bismarck's German Reich, Nazism, the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, has shaped Europe in a way no other nation has done-- whether for better or worse.

When traveling to Germany, most people make it a point to visit sites that hold much historical value. Germany is a good vacation destination all year round, though it would seem that most tourists tend to visit around the months of May to September, where there is much sun and more activities occuring outdoors. Some also stay til October to experience authentic German Oktoberfest, where every corner offers free-flowing beer up the wazoo. May to October are also the months with the most festivals, which explains why its the time of choice of many tourists. 

The flipside of going to Germany during the summer is really contending with the massive number of other tourists-- meaning larger crowds in attractions, more traffic, and possibilities of running out of accommodations-- though this is very rare. Months after October and before May, while having less tourists, enjoy other benefits, such as lowered accommodation prices, and more consistently pleasant weather.

For fun and excitement, tourists will have plenty to look forward to. There is no closing hours in plenty of Germany's food and drink establishments-- beer gardens and a variety of cafes are open 24/7. Festivals and other outdoor events bring much color to cities and villages, and offer precious sounds, smells and sights to delight even the hardiest of visitors. Athletic tourists will be delighted with the endless opportunities for physical activities-- hiking, swimming, cycling, rappeling, and even extreme sports such as bungee jumping. 

Ofcourse, most outdoor activities rely on weather, so pray that the weather forecast gives good news on the day of your plans. Germany is a place that can't be encapsulated in a series of paragraphs, so it is truly best to grab the chance to experience it in all its finery when the opportunity comes.

More and more Nepalese are coming to Germany for studies these days. Although English speaking nations like the United States and the United Kingdom are top destination as yet, Germany is picking up rapidly. German institutions are renowned in the world for their state of the art educational facilities and academic excellence. And a handful of Nepalese have already made their way to being recognized as top-class students in Germany. 

Getting access to Germany is not that difficult for talented individuals and because the universities are run on state fund, there is a fair chance of free education here. Hence Nepalese students should try their luck for a free education and high standard of living in Germany rather than pushing desperately hard for a place in the United States or other attractive destinations. Many people may not realize that German institutions also offer courses based on English language but there are plenty of such courses in German universities. However, learning German language will yield further benefits.

At present there are thousands of Nepalese students all over Germany. The difference between these students and the majority of the students in the US, UK or Australia is that those who have landed in Germany have the opportunity to concentrate their time and energy fully on their study and research. While others may have to struggle to manage work and study together, those in Germany have fewer things to worry about. Nepalese students here are doing very well in here and many of them have experience of a better society than they had perceived of the Germans while in Nepal. 

It is obvious for people to remember the history of Germany before they make their mind to come here. But the truth is history has changed upside down in Germany. Today this is a land, which provides equal opportunity for all. So there is lot in the offing for the Nepalese students here. In this article, I am explaining how the Germans have left behind their forgetful past and why it is perfectly sensible for international students to grab the opportunity to come here and learn the German way of life and education.

History is an identity and normally the history of a nation glorifies itself around the world. But when it comes to Germany, the modern history of the country corresponding to the early twentieth century, paints a gloomy picture. The Hitler era and the Nazi atrocities caused millions to suffer at that time. Today time has passed and the wounds have been healed but still when anything related to German comes in people’s mind, the first thing they remember is Hitler’s mischief. However, the Germans have left behind the scars of their past and developed themselves as friendly, peace loving and hard-working people. 

So it’s unfair to judge them on the basis of the notoriety their grandfathers and great grandfathers did during the beginning of modern history. Most Germans I meet are not bad, they are very nice people. Today’s generation has it up to the back teeth with this constant blame and the more a country is unjustly made to feel bad for, well, being that country, the more right-wing minority proof are given fodder to feed uneducated, disadvantaged youths looking for someone to blame. Any person who believes that the German society is racist should look at the way many parents react when their daughter or son has a black partner. 

In majority of these cases, there is a general level of acceptance. But some will refuse to regard their child as a member of their family and people highlight these exceptions and make a loud noise. As usual in such matters, one should be careful not to generalize. Most Germans are extremely open-minded. Certainly there is some degree of racism in any country, but I still have to say that Germany gives a particularly good picture, especially compared to other European countries.

Germany sure has a much more difficult way to go than other nations concerning these problems because as soon as something is happening somewhere, as soon as one fool acist attacks a black person, the image of all of Germany has to suffer a lot more of this terrible accident than it would be the case in any other country. I know that this comes still from their bad image they got during the 2nd world war, but people should be aware that lots of water has flowed through the Rhine since then and Germans have transformed themselves.

People say Germans are sweeping the holocaust under the rug but there is not much substance in their rhetoric. Neo Nazis are very much in the minority in Germany, and the German government has taken some pretty bold strides to limit their movement. Many German corporations that did not even exist during the Holocaust have contributed vast amounts of money to various reparation funds. The German government has been extremely proactive in returning stolen valuables and art work to their rightful heirs. The site of Dachau serves as a museum and a sombre reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

There is no doubt the Holocaust was a terrible thing and the consequences still have significance in the lives of the children of the suffered Jewish people. It is a sombre reminder of the nature of humanity and the cruelty we are capable of and also a warning that may happen again somewhere, either in Germany of outside. But my point is that we should not lay a blanket of guilt over the entire German populace for something that had many dynamics driving it. 

I think the German people are well aware and have taken full responsibility for the actions of the Nazis. Let there be no mistake that sixty years ago, a majority of the German people did not agree with the ideology of the Nazis, and most Germans were not aware of the crimes being committed on their own soil. As for the death camps, very few Germans were actually involved in the genocide and murder we now call the Holocaust.

Given that sixty years have passed, and the responsible parties for the Holocaust have faced their crimes, I think the response from the German government has been one of compassion, understanding, and remorse for a piece of history it can never eliminate. German society doesn’t encompass more racism today than any of its European counterpart and for that matter of the rest of the world.

Therefore, start looking for study opportunities in Germany. Don’t bother about Hitler and the past and make serious efforts to grab a slice of chance in this land of Einstein and Max Plank. Germany offers a lot for deserving students of everywhere, fairly and equally.

Rhineland Palatinate is a magical state for all those people who want to have leisure filled time during vacations. Rhineland Palatinate is a federal state of Germany and is regarded as one of the most visited states of Germany. German rentals are very popular in the Rhineland Palatinate region. This is because there is lot in store to explore here.

Be it museums, cultural sites or amusement parks, it has everything one can ever desire in a destination. The travelers can view beautiful castles and old mills that were used in the ancient times. All these cultural heritage sites give an edge to Rhineland Palatinate and history buffs always get fascinated while visiting them.

Rhineland Palatinate is basically an assortment of traditional villages and bustling city life. Despite major advancements in technology and infrastructure, Rhineland Palatinate has preserved its culture and history in historical monuments and museums in a beautiful way. When one travels here, it is unthinkable to miss top rated attractions including cathedral of St Peter and roman monuments to name a few.

If you are true connoisseur of wine and want to taste the world's best wines, then here this is the ultimate place that can cater to your taste buds. Nahe and Moselle, located in Rhineland Palatinate are the major producers of wine all over the world. Both these terrains are incredible wine producers ranging from red to white wine.

These wines are exported worldwide and Rhineland Palatinate also organizes wine festivals wherein you can have a wide array of wines. This festival is attended by thousands of people from all over the world. Holiday rentals in this state give a visitor a true feel of the German way of life.

Rhineland Palatinate is best suited for all those travelers who want to be in shopping spree. This is because Rhineland Palatinate has a wide range of shopping malls, retail outlets, markets and shopping complex.

These shopping places have various kinds of designer wears including Gucci, Levis, lee copper and Spykars; art and craft displays such as antiques and collectibles of 18th century watches, paintings, wall papers, and vases; hi-tech gadgets like computers, iPod, water game machines and mobiles.

Rhineland Palatinate is a treat for all those people who have craze for the sport of golf. Golfing activity is widely spread here as we have hundreds of golf courses dispersed all over Rhineland Palatinate. These golf courses are maintained using the latest technology, to which you can enjoy vast views of lush greenery. These golf courses are generally visited for their serene landscapes that captivate hearts and provide peace of mind.

Spas are the new watchword that attracts thousands of visitors here. This is because spa treatment offered in Rhineland Palatinate help in rejuvenating body, mind and soul in an exotic way. The exclusive range of spa treatments provided in the resorts make the whole experience absolutely rocking.

So, embark upon this beautiful destination and gather memories for life time as Rhineland Palatinate entertains all age groups in a mesmerizing way.

The diversity of the Rhineland Palatinate region make it a very popular area for self catering holidays, giving the visitor the time and frredom to explore the culture, food, shopping and scenery and make it a truly great holiday.

Munich is located on the river Isar, North of the Bavarian Alps. This is the third largest city in Germany, right after Berlin and Hamburg. Munich has a population of about 1.35 million people. Its native name, Munchen is derived from the old German word for Monche, or Monks in English. This is why there is a monk on the coat of arms for the city.

Origin

1158 is the year that is assumed to be the foundation date, or the earliest date that the city is mentioned in any document. Almost two decades later Munich was officially granted city status and received fortification. In 1255, when the Duchy of Bavaria was split in two Munich became the ducal residence of Upper Bavaria.

Duke Louis IV was elected German king in 1314. He strengthened the city's position by granting it the salt monopoly, assuring the city additional income. In the late 15th Century Munich went through a revival period - The old town hall was made larger and the largest gothic church was now made into a cathedral - the Frauenkirche.

Hard Times

Life in Munich became quite difficult during World War I in 1914. The allied blockade of Germany let to shortages of food and fuel for Munich. During a French air raid there were three bombs that fell on Munich. At the end of the war the city was the centre of political unrest. Ludwig III fled Munich November 1918 on the eve of revolution. While the republican government had been restored, Munich had quite a few right wing politics, such as Adolf Hitler and the National Socialism.

Post war in Munich after American occupation in 1945, Munich was rebuilt with a rather conservative plan which saved its pre-war street grid. In 1957 Munich was on the rise again, and its population reached the 1 million mark.

Art

Munich has some of the best known museums in Europe. You can choose what you want to see from the last 500 years of art history. You can expect to see art from artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and many different works of art from all over the world.

Hofbrauhaus

Arguably the most famous beer hall worldwide, it is located in the city centre. Built in 1607, it was originally an extension of the Hofbrau Brewery. The general public was admitted in 1828. The building was remodeled in 1897. In the bombing of WW II, everything but the ground floor was destroyed, and it took until 1958 to be rebuilt.

Adolf Hitler organized the first of many propaganda events to be held here. During this event he outlined the basis with his twenty-five point program of ideas and founded the basis of the Nazi Party.

Walking into this building you can expect a good Bavarian meal and of course, plenty of beer or wine. This beer hall even has its own song, and is known worldwide. The song was composed in 1935 by Wilhelm "Wiga" Gabriel.

The beer here is provided by the brewery Staatliches Hofbrauhaus.

Munich is what most people think of when they think of Germany, it is here you will get your sausage and beer and see people in lederhosen. Lots of polkas enjoyed daily, and lots of good food and beverages. However, this city has a history; it is not just sausages and beer.

Dortmund is a marvelous urban area with plenty of history and an important industrial tradition. It was heard of for the first time in the second half of the 12th century, during the sovereignty of the famed Emperor Barbarossa (his real name was Frederick). At that time, Dortmund was just a small village, with nothing interesting happening. In 1150 it burned in a big fire. Nobody noted if the fire was natural or intentional, but what we do know is that Frederick the 1st decided to reconstruct it and transform it into his official home. He and his close ones stayed in that town for a couple of years.

In the 13th century the settlement was proclaimed & ldquo; imperial free & rdquo;, which implied no more tribute collecting and they were done with civilian enlisting for the military forces of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. By the way, this term, the Holy Roman Empire, must not misguide you into thinking that the Romans lived in Germany in those times. This name was chosen only because it symbolized the religious trait of the Empire and its ruler.

After that, the settlement (which had started to be called in scholars' writings as “Dorpmunde”) begun to be most attractive for the trading organizations of the Hanseatic League, which was an alliance of traders who maintained a trade monopoly on a large area of Germany, and several regions in the Netherlands.

Centuries later, in the times of the industrial age, Dortmund became a mining town, thanks to the rich coal and metal deposits in the vicinity. They delivered large amounts of coal and steel in those times, and this determined a quick growth of the town. Nowadays there are more than 500000 citizens in this place, placing it number 7 in Germany in terms of population, and no 34 om the European continent.

There are numerous things to see in Dortmund, and some say that the most important is the marvelous Westphalian Industrial Museum Zollern Colliery, which promises to accompany you on a grand excursion in the evolution of our technology. They've got lots of stuff there, including a full-sized steam train engine that was cut in the middle to display all the parts that made it work.

Of course, this attraction is for technology lovers, however Dortmund has other attractions, for other types of visitors. For instance, you can visit three, fully reconditioned, moated castles to visit in this city. First, there is Haus Bodelschwingh, originally built in the 13th century, and reconditioned in the 19th century. Also made in the 13th century, Hous Delwig, the most known of the three, preserving more authentic parts, like the whole front side, a couple of towers and two nearby buildings. The third is Haus Rodenberg, a stupendous moated castle.

The medieval buildings, the Gothic churches and the bicentennial town hall building are in contrast with the new city center, suspended trains and other sci-fi buildings you can see in Dortmund. The public gardens are tranquil and quiet, the taverns are loud and lively. This is why Dortmund is worth visiting, besides its prominent historical and industrial legacy.