Europe Travel> Eurail Global Pass

Image: Travelling across Europe

Image by: Mis Roug

Text by: Tanya Munshi

A Eurail Global Pass allows you an extensive traveling opportunity across the European continent. Is this a kind of rail pass that you're looking for?

An unlimited travel that allows you to cover around 18 Global Pass countries starting from –

• Austria (including Liechtenstein)
  
• Belgium
  
• Denmark
  
• Finland
  
• France (including Monaco)
  
• Germany
  
• Greece
  
• Hungary
  
• Italy
  
• Luxembourg
  
• The Netherlands
  
• Norway
  
• Portugal
  
• Republic of Ireland
  
• Romania
  
• Spain
  
• Sweden, and
  
• Switzerland

Validity

The validity of the Global Pass varies from –

• 15 days
  
• 21 days
  
• 1 month
  
• 2 months
  
• 3 months
  
• 10 days in 2 months
  
• 15 days in 2 months
  

Types of Eurail Global Passes

The types of Eurail Global Pass range from –

1. Adult Passes: for individual travelers who are 26 years or older on their first day of travel
   
2. Saver Passes: for group travelers
   
3. Youth Passes: for individual/ group travelers who are 25 or younger on their first day of travel

Europe Travel> Know the Airport Rules

Image: Security check at the airport

Image by: Redjar

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Beginning September 26, 2006, certain amendments in the airport security rules have been made. The Transport Security Administration (TSA), have lifted their ban on certain hang-baggage rules. Here are some vital points you need to know before you pack.

• Ensure the gels, deodorants, lotions etc. are within 3 ounces/ smaller in size.
• Note that half used/ rolled toothpaste tubes in your toiletry bag is not permitted in your hand baggage.
• Pack all the gels, deodorants, lotions etc. in a separate zip-lock/ air-tight transparent bag. The sizes of these bags should be quart size, anything larger than this size, like a gallon size bag, non-transparent bag etc. are not permitted.
• You have to remove this zip-lock bag and place it on the tray for an x-ray screening to allow the airport security personnel to check your belongings.
• Carry your medical prescriptions for any kind of over the counter drugs (OTCD). The list of items that can fall under OTCD are – eye drops, saline solutions etc.
• In case your medicines exceed the 3 ounce size limit, you must declare it to the security personnel. In such cases, keep your prescriptions ready.
• There is no problem on carrying medicines such as pills and inhalers. But keep your prescriptions ready during the screening process.
• You can choose not to send your medicines through the x-ray. In such cases, you can ask for a visual inspection by the security officer. This would depend on the type of medication you are carrying.

As the Transport Security Administration (TSA) suggests the 3-1-1 for your hand luggage/ carry ons.

• 3 ounce bottles or less
• 1 quart size zip-lock/ air tight plastic bag
• 1 hand baggage/ carry on per passenger

For more information regarding prohibited and permitted items go to TSA

Europe Travel> How to Choose a Travel Website

Image: Flight
Image by: Leginmat

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Getting the cheapest airfare for travel can be the hardest part. Hence a thorough online research will help you find the cheapest airfare and discounts. And how do you go about this hunt? A range of travel portals will give you options of itinerary and its respective fares. But then again, you are faced with another dilemma as to which is the best travel portal!

Here are some tips to help you find reliable websites that will offer you a good deal on airfares:

1. Check if the travel website is registered under any authoritative body – such as the Better Business Bureau.
2. Some travel websites have a tie-up with several universities and only specialize in student traveling. These websites are worth a try.
3. Read up testimonials for the given website to give you an idea of the services and fares offered by that site.
4. Remember, you need to be a student to avail of special airfares, so try not faking any details. Usually the travel website will verify your details from your school for further processing.
5. Check whether the special discount rates offered to you are inclusive all taxes.
6. Student travel websites should offer valuable inputs and updated travel information to its readers.
7. Ideally, a travel website should offer you flexible options such as – date change, one way fares, and open tickets etc.
8. The travel website should be able to provide you with links to other local/ international travel agencies, hostels and hotels in Europe for you to make prior bookings once you reach there.
9. And yes, don’t forget to bookmark the sites that you have short listed.
10. Popular student travel websites worth checking out are –
    ~ Studentuniverse
    ~ STAtravel
    ~ Travelcuts

Europe Travel> International Student Exchange Card (ISE)

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Image: Students traveling in Europe
Image by: mtnwa

Traveling through Europe can be very exciting. You keep jotting down all that you see and where all you have been by the Eurail. When you reach Paris you are pleasantly surprised that one of the student discount cards offers you discounts on the ticket to see the Eiffel Tower, up close and personal. Better still, while buying souvenirs for folks and friends back home you get meaty discounts on certain purchases. Now what kind of card could this be?
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What is an ISE?
Recognized worldwide, the International Student Exchange Card (ISE) is just like the ISIC that offers discounts to young travelers for domestic/ foreign travel.
The ISE Card is the only international identity card that guarantees its discounts are at par/ exceed the amount, as stated by any retail establishment and in competition to other student discount cards. In case you have made a purchase where you find the discount is more than offered on the ISE card, then you will be refunded double the amount and your ISE card validity extended for another year, free of cost.
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Discounts
Some of the benefits offered on an ISE card internationally are:

1. Discounts on sight seeing and tourist activities across Europe – such as 20% discount to all ISE Cardholders under the age of 25 and 20% on the Super Saver package on Mount Titlis in Switzerland etc.
2. Savings on the Eurail while traveling from one destination to another
3. Discounts on food, shopping, site seeing etc.
4. Calling card
5. Medical benefits
6. Hostel/ hotel reservations
7. Airline Bankruptcy Protection – being an ISE card holder, you will receive $2000 as airline bankruptcy protection on buying your air tickets.

Eligibility
There are three categories under which you can be eligible to apply for an ISE card:

Student – minimum age of 12 years and above. There is no upper limit, as long as the student is enrolled for a program for the current/ previous year.

Faculty/ teachers – all educational establishments are eligible to apply for an ISE card for their faculty and teachers. This is in case, our group ropes in a teacher to travel with them. (By the way, this is Merril’s idea.)

Under 26 years of age – this caters to those who are not students or faculty/ teachers, yet they are still eligible to apply for an ISE card – Youth Version. This Youth ISE Card does not provide discounts as it does for students/ teachers, but covers travel insurance and medical benefits.

Payment
You can buy an ISE card for $25 –Online – payment through debit/ credit cardPhone – (800) 255-8000 (toll free from North America and USA) and (480) 951-1177 (for all international calls)Mail – International Student Exchange Cards, Inc., 11043 N. Saint Andrew's Way, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Fax – (480) 951-1216. You have to download the order form (PDF format) form the website isecardAgent – You can contact your local student travel agent for an ISE card
In order to activate your ISE card, go to: isecard/activate

Documentation

• Photocopy of school identity card (it should be valid).
• Photocopy of your report card for the current academic year.
• Photocopy of proof of age, be it passport, driver’s license or student identity card, as long as your age is mentioned on it.
• Photocopy of your employment/ contract as a teacher/ faculty.

Europe Travel> International Youth Travel Card (IYTC)

Image: Part time student travel discount card
Image by: mtnwa

Text by: Tanya Munshi

If you're a part time student and wish to travel in Europe, you can look for a student discount card meant just for you. So wipe off the frown from your face, just because you are not eligible for an ISIC. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is meant particularly for full time students. So here's what you can go for and fullfil your desire of traveling across Europe by the Eurail.
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What is an IYTC?

You can apply for the International Youth Travel Card or the IYTC, which is an exclusive travel card meant for part time students. With an IYTC, you can save money during your Europe trip through discounts on travel, boarding and lodging.
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Discounts

The International Youth Travel Card is issued by the ISIC. The discounts offered by the IYTC may not be as wide ranging as the ISIC, but its worth checking out –

1. Travel insurance
2. Discounts on airfare international/ domestic
3. Discounts on food, shopping and stay
4. Eligible for 24 hour Traveler’s Assistance Help Line – this includes legal, financial and medical emergencies
5. You can call the Help Line at 44 181 666 9205, which is a free 24 hour service exclusively offered to IYTC card holders

ISIConnect – international calling card, can also be used for internet, fax and voicemail
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Eligibility
To be eligible for an IYTC, you need to 12 years or older, up to the age of 26.
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Payment
Your IYTC card will cost you $22 and will be valid for one year, from the date of purchase.
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Documentation

1. IYTC application form
2. Passport size photo
3. Proof of your age:
   - Photocopy of passport/ birth certificate/ driver's license

Europe Travel> Types of BritRail Passes

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Before heading for a Europe trip, a little bit of homework on other popular rail passes can be of help. Available in England, Scotland and Wales, this is one of the easiest ways to see Great Britain with a pass option that fits into any travel plan.

BritRail Classic

1. Available in Youth, Adult and Senior passes
2. Travel days range from 4, 8, 15, 22 and 30 days
3. Also available in BriRail Flexipass – in Adult/ Child, Senior, Youth, Family, Family Senior and Party Pass
4. Age criteria for passes - BritRail Classic Youthpass – 26 years and below

BritRail Flexipass

1. Available in Youth, Adult and Senior passes
2. Travel days range from 4, 8, 15, 22 and 30 days
3. Also available in BriRail Flexipass – in Adult/ Child, Senior, Youth, Family, Family Senior and Party Pass
4. Age criteria for passes - BritRail Classic Youthpass – 26 years and below

BritRail England Pass

1. BritRail England Pass offers you the flexibility of unlimited train travel throughout England at a more affordable cost, than a regular BritRail Pass
2. Travel days range from 4, 8, 15, 22 and 30 days Age criteria for passes - Youth Pass - 16-25 years

BritRail England Flexipass

1. In a BritRail England Flexipass, you have the flexibility of non-consecutive train travel in a 2 month travel validity period throughout England however, this pass does not include Scotland and Wales
2. Travel days include 4, 8, 15, 22 or 30 days
3. Age criteria for passes - Youth Pass - 16-25 years

BritRail Regional
BritRail Ireland Pass:

1. Just like the BritRail Flexipass, this pass includes Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
2. This pass also entails the ferry crossing between England and Ireland
3. Includes 1st / 2nd class travel for any 5 or 10 days in a 1 month travel period

BritRail London Plus Pass:

1. This is a regional pass that covers most parts of southern England
2. This pass includes London, Oxford and Cambridge
3. Includes 1st/ 2nd class for any 2 or 4 days in an 8 day travel period
4. Or, 7 days in a 15 day travel period
5. This Pass is valid on both the Gatwick Express and the Stansted Express

BritRail Scottish Freedom Pass:

1. This pass allows you to travel all around Scotland
2. Includes 2nd class travel for any 4 days during a 8 day travel period
3. Or any 8 days during a 15 day travel period

Europe Travel> One night in a train

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Are you planning to travel through Europe especially at night? Here are some travel tips to give you an idea to explore Europe.

Cisalpine
Have you thought of traveling by the Cisalpine? This train guarantees one of the most comfortable train journeys with the lowest possible noise decibels. The Cisalpine train connects Northern Italian cities such as Venice, Florence and Milan, including Switzerland. It has a capacity of 475 seats in first and second class, with complimentary newspapers and magazines offered in first class travel. Power sockets are also provided in the first class compartments for those who wish to catch up on work/ contacts back home.

Euro Night Train
Usually these Euro Night trains are more popular. This is because, while you travel at night, by the time you reach a new destination in the morning, you have the entire day to explore. First class sleepers are equipped with berths, wash basin, fresh linens and towels. For the second class sleepers, wash rooms are provided at the end of each car.

Reservation tips

1. You need to reserve your seats for sleepers or couchettes, especially on all night trains.
2. You need to book your seats at least 60 days in advance of the date of travel.
3. Couchettes are equipped with open bunks in a compartment, with a pillow and blanket.
4. Usually first class accommodation is enough for two people.
5. Second class accommodation is enough for two to four people, so ideal for a group travel.

Europe Travel> Traveling solo in Europe

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Believe it or not, but it is an experience of a lifetime. Getting to be in a whole new country all by yourself, with only you and your conscience tasting an entirely different culture and way of living, is quite exhilarating. There are thousands of people young and old traveling across Europe, out which the number of solo women travelers is quite overwhelming. Hence, one should not find it hard to comprehend if your girlfriend/ daughter/ sister wants to travel to Europe all by herself. In fact, several women across America prefer traveling solo. So here are some tips for first time solo women travelers to keep in mind while heading out.

It’s very important that as a solo woman traveler you are on your guard. As far as possible, avoid too much of eye contact with other fellow travelers/ localities if you’re not too sure of their background.

If you come across any person whom you instinctively don’t like, avoid telling him/ her that you’re traveling solo. Tell the person you will be shortly joined by a friend in the next destination. Best would be, to avoid telling just anyone whom you meet that you’re a solo traveler.

Before heading out solo, inform your folks/ friends back home of your whereabouts. Keep your identification, address, and emergency contact numbers handy for any kind of emergency.

It’s always advisable that you check before hand with a taxi the total fare from your hotel/ hostel to the next destination. This will prevent your taxi driver from charging you extra at the end of the journey.

Dress up simple and neat. The idea is to not attract too much of attention, hence avoid revealing clothes, flashy gadgets like your latest cell phone, jewellery etc.

Preferably try and ask for directions from the tourist information booths only. At least the inputs that you get will be reliable.

Be very clear before hand where your next destination will be. Do your research by asking the hostel owner, tourist booth, read up maps etc and look confident when hailing a taxi or taking a bus ride.

Keep a first aid kit, medicine kit handy in your back pack. Whatever it is, avoid sharing any lotion, water from a fellow traveler. Carry your own supplies.

It is no longer a popular trend to hitch a ride while traveling solo. It is not only unsafe, but you never know where hitching a ride maybe illegal.

But to avoid all this, it’s best you get hold of a bus pass, if you wish to travel by road. Or make friends with a fellow woman traveler and share a taxi or hire a car.

For a solo traveler, finding a single room for stay can be a little tough. Check for the room rates at the hotel/ hostel price list. Single rooms are the cheapest but may not be all that comfortable. If you have a flexible budget then paying a little extra for a bigger/ better room should be a good idea.

Finally, before setting out on your Europe trip, talk to people who have been on similar trips before and do enough online research so that you know what to expect upon reaching there.

Europe Travel> How to find a hostel

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Backpacking and traveling across Europe is fun and adventurous. You open your mind to a whole new life, a country so beautiful that will enrich your life for ever. But backpacking and traveling low budget does have its own side effects, especially when it comes to a place of stay.

Hostels are predominantly meant for backpackers who are traveling across Europe within a specific budget. These hostels are equipped with rooms, bunk beds, showers, security and also offer an opportunity to meet like minded travelers.

Since these are budget stays, hostels provide you with the basic amenities. Ensure the hostel that you plan on staying has dining areas, bathrooms, cooking area, laundry, lockers and in some cases, tourist booths and internet access. Remember, most hostels don’t offer you frills such as – room service and may/ may not provide towels. If at all they do, you may have to pay a towel deposit.

Keep your mind open as some hostels maybe spotlessly clean or may not match up to your expectations. Check with the hostel if they have any curfew time, so that you don’t run into trouble during late nights.

A typical hostel/ hotel should have all kinds of rooms – budget, single, sharing etc. At times, double occupancy rooms maybe taken up by couples out on a weekend trip, while single rooms taken up by budget businessmen.

Before paying for a room, ask if you can see the rooms. Check if the door locks work fine, whether the kitchens and bathrooms are clean and hygienic and beds made neatly with clean sheets. Small details such as these make a lot of difference in your overall Europe travel.

Before putting up in a hostel ask for their rules and regulations – especially the ones concerning deposits and refunds. Just in case you don’t like the place, you know you can leave anytime with your deposit in return. There are instances where hostels don’t refund any money, if you have paid them in advance. So it’s best to check for such minor, but important details beforehand.

These places may not be the best of the places to stay that you have imagined, but this is what most backpackers do. After all, you don’t live here for too long. A night or two, or maybe even more and you’re off to your next destination on your map.

Travel & Culture> Walled Cities of Europe

Image: A view of Girona from the City Wall

Image by: Malouette





Text by: Tanya Munshi

Planning a theme for your Europe trip? Maybe you could plan a trip to the famous European walled cities. Here are some of the best European walled cities that travel guides recommend.

The Walled City of Catalonia, Girona, Spain – Girona is worth a visit. This city is interesting with a confluence of several cultures of Christians, Jews and Arabs. Originally a Roman empire, Girona gradually evolved as a medieval centre in the later years. Girona is known for its amazing architecture and gems.

The Walls of Girona had been destroyed and re-constructed in the 19th century. The passeig de la Muralla or the Walled Walk is open between 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. The Passeig Arqueologic, is another wall walk on the outside of the town walls, that gives you a view of the old city lined with flowers and cypress trees.

It only takes about an hour to reach Girona and is situated to the north of Barcelona, in the Catalonia region. With limited options for boarding and lodging, it is advisable that you visit Girona with prior bookings.
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The Walled City of Rhodes, Greece – The city of Rome, is draped by medieval walls of seven gates, a moat and castle. Also known as Rodos, this is a walled city situated on the coast of the island of Rhodes. The Knights of Saint John had taken shelter inside the Rhodes Walls in 1309 when they were exiled from the Holy Land.
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Carcassonne France Walled City – Probably the only place, where you can find 6th, 7th and 8th century walls. A beautiful medieval hilltop town, Caracassonne is situated near the canal du midi that has been entered in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. A small town, Carcassonne is situated south of Paris bordering Cathar County. A river, castle ruins, and the lit up La Cite at night makes this a memorable experience.
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Avila - Walled City in Castile-Leon, Spain – A day trip from Madrid to Avila is enough to visit one of the best persevered walled cities in Spain. The Walls of Avila date back to the 11th century and has been declared as a World Heritage Site. Here, apart from the Walls of Avila, you can also visit the Cathedral and Museum and the Monastery of Santo Tamas de Avila. You can hop on to a train that runs 24 hours from Chamartin Station in Madrid to Avila.
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The Walled City of Luca, Italy – Luca is a cozy town enveloped by 16th century walls that you can walk around. In the town of Luca, you can also cycle or walk along the three mile stretch of these historic walls.

Travel & Culture> Magic of the Moors

Image: La Giralda de Sevilla

Image by: Cayetano

Text by: Tanya Munshi
When you visit Spain, you will find an indelible mark of the Moors, right from well planned cities, architecture, food (especially the lamb stew), gardens, walkways and squares all over the cities.

The Moors had spent a lot of effort in planning the city; mainly irrigation that kept the vineyards, gardens and orchards alive. You can still see the horticultural expanse in the Patio de los Naranjos or the Court of Oranges, in the city and at Medina Azarhara.

There was an amazing amalgamation of Spain’s Muslim and Christian cultures. Beginning from the 9th century, within a short span of time there evolved an ever so elegant form of architecture. Even now you will find pavilions with Gothic and Arabic inscriptions.

The Great Mosque: The ‘La Mezquita’ or the Great Mosque in Cordoba was known to be the largest mosque in the world, after the Kaaba in Mecca. It has now been converted into a cathedral after the Christian Reconquest in 1236. After all these years, it has stilled regained its grandeur with the Baroque style of architecture.

La Giralda: Seville too has the reminiscence of the Moorish architecture, especially the La Giralda. A 92 meters or 320 feet high minaret that was built around 50 years before the Christian Reconquest, is now used as a tower for the cathedral.

Gate of Justice: One of the finest Islamic architectures in Granada, is the baronial Gate of Justice. The entrance is surrounded by thick woods that were planted by the Duke of Wellington during the Peninsular Wars.

Royal Palace: Or the Casa Real in Granada is built entirely on wood and stucco, adorned with fine and intricate designs, patterns and calligraphic inscriptions from the Holy Koran. This architecture is a perfect example of symmetry, order and principal themes of fountains and pools that offered a perfect respite from the heat and dust.

Albaicin: A settlement found in Granada, Albaicin was set up by the Moors who were driven from Baeza in the 1200s. Their signature styles of horseshoe arches are still present on the city gates and the western wall of the old Moorish bastion.

Food & Travel> Waffles, Frites and Belgium

Image: Melt-in-the-mouth waffles

Image by: Belgian Chocolate

Text by: Tanya Munshi


History has played a significant role in influencing the food habits in Belgium. German, French and Latin cultures have a dominant presence in their food habits. Over the years, the natives came across a wide range of people from all across Europe. Through several experiments they evolved their own food habits and style. With just five percent of agricultural population, Belgium produces over 165 different kinds’ food products, including cheeses. Follow the Eurail map and land up in Belgium to feast on the delicious cuisines!

While visiting Belgium try out the Frites (French fries) and Flemish beef stew. Sea food, especially mussels is a favorite, along with beer, waffles and chocolates. Don’t miss the carbonnades flamandes which is the traditional Belgium beef stew with beer.

Characterized by the medieval cooking style, Belgium cuisine incorporates a lot of dry fruits, almonds, herbs, spices, mustard and vinegar. The endive herb dishes such as gratin or in soup, are a must try.

More popularly known as the white gold, endive was first introduced in Paris in 1872. Today this herb is cultivated in Belgium, in a variety of patches, be it in the fields or in kitchen gardens.
During your trip to Belgium, try the Waterzooi which is a fish or a chicken stew, flavored with butter, cream and egg yolk and lots of veggies that makes this a wholesome meal.

Roasted chestnuts, waffles and frites are popular road side food! During a window shopping spree, pick up paper cones full of frites garnished with mayonnaise or a flavored sauce. Did we miss the waffles? The waffles taste divine, especially when they melt in your mouth. Take a lazy stroll while the aroma of roasted chestnuts adds to the ambience of gorgeous Belgium.

Note: Rail Pass and Rail Europe both have online booking for cheap point to point and select eurail passes.

Travel & Culture> Markets of Europe

Image: Temple Bar at night
Image by: Infomatique

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Traveling to Europe involves sight seeing, experimenting with different kinds of cuisines, shopping and much more. The best way to feel the pulse of a country, city or town is to go to a local market place (not a supermarket or a mall) and watch the lives of the locals go by. You can window shop, munch on a fruit, taste an exotic local dish, buy some souvenirs, take lots of photographs and add them to your memories.
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1. Belfast, Northern Ireland, St. George Market at Oxford Street:

Voted as one of the best UK markets in 2004, this market has around 248 stalls. From meat, seafood, fresh veggies and beautiful flowers, there are stalls dedicated to antique items, clothes and jewellery as well. The first Saturday of every month has a live cookery performance by one of the best chefs in town at noon.

2. Birmingham, West Midlands, England Wellsbourne Market (Avon):

It’s a huge market, mostly open on Saturdays and bank holidays. It has almost everything from books, cards, camping gear, clothes, shoes and electronics. Bargaining here is highly recommended. Situated on an airfield, Wellsbourne Market can get very windy and uncomfortable when it starts raining.
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Antique Fairs: If you’re interested in antique items, then this is a place to visit.
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Rag Market: Want to pick up toiletries, camping gear, herbs and spices, branded make up, CDs, designer clothes or maybe even second hand clothes, then drop by at the Rag Market. Open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, look around before you buy.

3. Cardiff, Wales, Queen Street:

Cardiff has been rated as one of the top five shopping cities in the UK. At Queen Street you can pick up branded watches, designer clothes, cameras etc.

4. Dublin, Ireland, Temple Bar:

To the south of the River Liffey, Temple Bar is situated in central Dublin in Ireland. With narrow cobbled streets, Temple Bar is a popular hangout for tourists for its zippy nightlife.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands, Flowermarket Amsterdam:

A place for souvenirs and beautiful flowers, Flowermarket is situated in the city centre of Amsterdam. It is recommended that you buy flower bulbs with certification only, if you wish to bring back home. Summer is the time when the Flowermarket is full of vibrant colors. This is a popular place where everyone comes to buy their Christmas tree. The market is open on all days, Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and Sundays 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.

6. Barcelona, Spain, La Boqueria:

A food lover’s paradise, La Boqueria is one stop destination to buy veggies, fruits, meat and fish. This market is frequently visited by the best chefs in town. If you want to do something different, then take a walk down La Boqueria and have a good time tasting food and filling your tummy.
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Las Ramblas: A part of the wide pedestrian avenues, Las Rambla de les Flors is one of the 5 Ramblas. If you’re visiting Barcelona, it would be a crime to not make a trip to Las Ramblas. You can pick up something you like, or simply stick to window shopping and watch the ‘living statues’, flower shops and pet shops.

7. Berlin, Germany, Tiergarten Fleamarket:

One of he most colorful and the biggest markets of Berlin, the Tiergarten Fleamarket is mainly open on weekends and bank holidays. This market is divided into two sections. The first part has shops sporting antique items, clothes, furniture etc. while the second part is full of artisans of all kinds. It is advisable to go early to get the best bargains on antiques. But if you’re only interested in looking around, then pay a visit during the peak hours of 1:00 pm and enjoy the energy of the market place.

8. Paris, France, Marche aux puces de Saint-Quenn:

A fun place to shop and get good deals on branded and second hand clothes, old radios, antiques and what not. There are two more main flea markets in Paris – Porte de St-Quenn and Porte de Clignancourt. The puces de Saint Quenn is a home to second hand mattresses, old junk and the like. The shops are open on Saturdays and Sundays, on Mondays most of the shops are closed. Sundays are the busiest days of the week and it is also very crowded.

9. Vienna, Austria, Meinl am Graben:

Famous for coffee and the quality of food, Meinl am Graben is also home to an amazing stock of wine. By midnight, the Wine Cellar is transformed into an up market wine bar. Here different kinds of wines are offered for tasting every fortnight. From the wide range of wines, you can pick the ones that fit your budget. You can also whet your appetite at the sushi bar, health cafes, or a coffee shop that sells Viennese coffee, made from Meinl coffee beans. This is slightly an up market area, but worth a visit to get the real essence of Vienna.
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Published in Eurailing.com, on June 18, 2007
Link: http://www.eurailing.com/category/Travel-Guides/Markets-of-Europe/

Culture, Travel & Food> More than Moussaka

Image: Dial 'M' for Moussaka
Image by: Wasaby

Text by: Tanya Munshi

A perfect combination of good food and ambience, that’s what Greece is all about. Greek food is influenced by its neighboring countries by that Balkans, the Middle East and Turkey. Apart from olive and lemon trees aplenty, the vineyards offer some of the most exotic wines the world ever has tasted.

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You get a variety of baked, grilled or fried sea food that will keep you wanting for more. In meats, lamb, pork, beef and chicken are widely consumed. Casserole lamb which is braised, skewered and broiled and served with veggies is a staple diet. Meat and veggie combination is quite popular here, that is topped with cinnamon spiced tomato sauce, known as the avgolemono.

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The moussaka is a popular baked dish made with garlic scented meat sauce/ mince meat, egg plant, with a crusty white sauce on top. A heaven for amazing salads, thanks to the abundant vegetables grown there, to the feta i.e. a white and salty Greek cheese made from goat/ sheep milk and homemade bread is what makes all the difference.

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A hearty meal is best completed with butter nut cookies, honey fila pastries and thick Greek coffee. Did we miss the fruits? Orange, apple, figs and melon constitute a lazy bite.