Almost by chance we found during research these fascinating circular buildings. It is a closed inherently functional form of settlement in China. On the one side it was a residential accommodation for large families and clans, on the other side through meter-thick outer walls a passive protection which for weeks withstands enemy attacks, while self-sufficient through small areas of farm land to grow food for daily needs and stables for livestock. An exciting concept, which shows like almost no other from this time how sustainability in practice work on a small space, while at the same time is a practical advice for today’s needs, according to the motto “Think global, act local!”. read more…
The majority of us associate with the Alps romantic mountain cabins, scenic valleys, small villages, which blend into the mountains, of course winter sports, tourism, alpine horns, the Tour de France and wonderful diversity, species richness and originality, peace and serenity. The inevitably association with tourism by people from around the world, however, only contributes 3 – 4% to the over GDP of the Alps regions. Many do not know that the number of the inhabitants of the small towns are dramatically declining, so is the use of agricultural land and the people who live here are facing major challenges. What to do in order to not only use the relevant regions in Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Switzerland, South Tyrol and Slovenia as transit regions for the north-south traffic, to stop the depopulation and to keep and preserve the originality of the region? According to studies a minimum of 700 inhabitants are necessary for a healthy and sustainable community development. Most communities do not achieve these populations anymore so that there is a clear need for creative plans, based on local-and regional-specific cultural and traditional developments. read more…
Windsor is home to two of the UK’s Top 20 visitor attractions – Windsor Castle and Legoland Windsor – and this is not all. Why not add Ascot Racecourse, Royal Windsor Racecourse, Eton College, the Changing of the Guard, the Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park, or seasonal attractions such as the Royal Windsor Wheel, plus many others to your itinerary for the perfect trip? read more…
The French Riviera is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and diverse areas in Europe. This is where the sophisticated charm of St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo meet the original and rural life in Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur. The incomparable play of color on the beaches and in the landscape meet the Maritime Alps. You simply have to experience it oon your own. Off the main tourist track even today there still can be found refuges at acceptable prices. Some of this places are included in this article. The names of the villages and cities are linked with the local tourist sites. read more…
La Cité, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the beautiful old part of the City of Carcassonne with its medieval walls on the banks of the Aude. Many restaurants, shops, domes and towers are located in the winding cobblestone streets. At the other bank of the Aude the La Bastide district offers the charm of an old French country town. Every Saturday a market is held here. You can explore La Bastide perfectly with the car, but it is recommended to take the free shuttle service to the Cité and then walk around by foot. Do not miss to visit the castle, the Château de Peyreperteuse. You can find hotel and restaurant recommendations: tripadvisor.com. read more…
Copenhagen (in Danish København) is the most visited northern European city, located on the largest Danish island of Zealand (Sjælland), home to Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid and Tivoli Gardens. Copenhagen is not only the capital of Denmark, but also the most diverse city in Scandinavia. A quarter of all Danes live in the greater Copenhagen area. With the huge bridge link across the Sound (Øresund) over to Sweden Copenhagen grew in the new millennium to even greater importance as a hub in Scandinavia. read more…
Visitors are very quickly attracted by the very special atmosphere of Brussels. The city clearly shows serenity and joy in the small, beautiful things of life. Enjoy the typical Belgian way of life in Europe’s capital! read more…
What looks like a somewhat bizarre fashion show is actually the Carnevale di Venezia with its over 900 years old history. Today however, is almost exclusively only for the entertainment of the countless tourists from all over the world and takes place in the historic city centre. read more…
Berlin has a lot of culinary delights to offer. The traditional Berlin dishes are distinguished by the fact that they are more hardy and hearty to give hard-working workers the necessary calories back. It looks as if some Berliners eat in anticipation of hard work upfront. The little dishes for inbetween got a truly national and international boast. read more…
