What are some interesting facts about medieval Europe?
Europe I don't know, but medieval England I know a little about. Couple of interesting facts – Firstly people bathed a lot more often than they get credit for today. Public baths were relatively common, although they almost certainly didn't change the water as often as you or I might like. Eventually they did become associated with prostitution and became less popular. But even if they didn't bathe that often, they didn't necessarily stink. Experimental historians have found that if you change your underwear reasonably regularly, and wash your face, armpits and crutch the smell never gets particularly offensive.
Which are the best countries to visit in Europe during July?
Best countries to visit in Europe in the month of July:-Rome:Rome is hot and crowded in the month of July, so if you can go in April. May, September, or October, you'll be at least a bit better off. But Rome is also one of the world's great cities and the evenings are cool enough that it's still very enjoyable.Florence:Another great thing about Florence is that it's an ideal base for day trips to Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre, and some lovely hill towns nearby, so this is a good place to pad your Italy trip.Venice:Since Venice is located on an island in a lagoon, it doesn't get quite as hot as the other Italian cities on this list. Still, it'll be hot and humid, and most of all insanely crowded. Nevertheless, if you are going to Europe in July and especially to Italy, you have to stop in Venice for at least a day or two.The crowds in Venice are nightmarish even in the winter months, or at least they are during the day. So the trick to visiting is to book a hotel on the main island and do as much walking around and sightseeing in the early morning and evening as possible. Most of the daytime crowd heads off to buses or hotels on the mainland, so Venice is surprisingly peaceful in the off hours.Paris:Paris is obviously one of the world's most popular tourist cities, but it's also a major business city as well. And since there are very few meetings or conferences in July, most of the business hotels are less full than normal. So not only do you get the excellent weather, but sometimes you can find bargains at 4-star hotels in the city center.August is a more popular month for French holidays, although some people do get the entire month of July off instead. This means that a few things will be closed, but all the attractions will be open and you'll have no problem doing whatever you want to do this month.Switzerland:If you want to visit the Swiss Alps to witness the most amazing scenery in all of Europe, Interlaken is the best place to go. This is the main reason I wrote an article called where to go in Switzerland on a short visit. July is actually one of the wettest months in this part of Switzerland so you might need your umbrella, but still it'll be worth it.The top attractions here are the mountaintop visits of Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch, which are reached by cable car and tourist train, respectively. Things can be foggy or wet up top even in July so it's best to schedule your visits immediately once you know that things are clear at the moment.
Where are some of the most abandoned places on earth?
I have pictures of some extremely interesting abandoned sites from around the world. Enjoy. Mirny Diamond Mine- Eastern Siberia, RussiaThe mine is 1,722 fts deep (4th in the world) and has a diameter of 1,200 m 3,900 fts, and is the second largest excavated hole in the world. House of the Bulgarian Communist Party- Mount BuzludzhaBuzluca in Turkish means 'glacially or icy.' Buzludzha is a historical peak in the Central Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria and is 4728 fts high. In 1868 it was the place of the final battle between Bulgarian rebels led by Hadji Dimitar and Stefan Karadzha and the Ottoman Empire. Gulliver’s Travels Park- Kawaguchi, JapanGulliver’s Travels Park is a failed theme park in Japan, based on Jonathan Swift’s classic tale. The park was demolished in 2007 as a result of poor ticket sales and its rather unfortunate locale: although located at the foot of Mount Fuji, the park was adjacent to Aokigarah, Japan’s infamous “Suicide Forest. Abandoned comune and medieval village of Craco, ItalyCraco is a ghost town and comune in the Province of Matera, in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. The old town was abandoned due to natural disasters. The abandonment has made Craco a tourist attraction and a popular filming location. Royalty Palace - PolandIn 1910, this grand palace was built as a home for Polish Royalty. The rest of the century proved uncertain for the country and under communist rule the palace became an agricultural school, as well as a home for mentally handicapped adults and children. The former palace was deserted following the fall of the USSR.
Did art and architecture flourish in the Dark Ages in Europe? If so, then how?
Yes. The Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian I who ruled from 527–555 was a great builder. He (meaning the workers and architects he hired) built the Hagia Sophia, the greatest Christian church of the middle ages. He also commissioned great mosaics throughout the empire including those at the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. There was a wealth of Byzantine icons, mosaics and churches built during the European Dark Ages that I do not have the time to list.The Islamic states of southern Spain also created some great art and architecture. The prime example of this is the Mosque of Cordoba built in 784 CE. Indeed, southern Spain was a major center of art and culture during the period of Muslim rule.Art and architecture could flourish in parts of Europe due to the continued existence of the Byzantine Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire) and of the Islamic states of Spain. These were wealthy and cultured societies that are sometimes ignored when we talk about European history between 476 and 800 AD. Often, Europe is framed as a dark and lawless place from the fall of the Western Roman Empire until the rise of Charlemagne. I think this comes from focusing on the history of France, England, and Germany during this time-period.I would recommend looking into the history of the Byzantine Empire from 476 onward. The Western Empire did fall in 476, but the Eastern Empire persisted until 1453.
In January I will travel to Poland so which places I have to visit?
Warsaw is nice but very modern-looking since it had to be completely rebuilt after the war. Krakow still looks medieval bcz it was not destroyed. Auschwitz is a sobering experience but I think everyone should see it. The Wieliczka salt mines are impressive but DRESS WARMER than usual because it can be 40 degree colder that far underground and you're already going in wintertime. Zakopane (pronounced Zacko-PAHN-ee) is a good town to visit to see the Tatra mountains but it's also kind of quiet. It has the nicest little cemetery, I think it's called Old Cemetery. The headstones are made out of stone, wood and metal and there are no two headstones exactly the same. When it's getting dark it's really cool because of all the little candles on the graves. There are some cabins you can stay at right next to a rushing stream which may sound noisy but it put us right to sleep. These cabins don't furnish stuff like a hotel does so you'd have to bring your own towels, soap, bedding, etc.
TRAVELLING TO USA. BEST PLACES?
Top things to do IMHO: 1) The Grand Canyon 2) Yosemitie National Park 3) San Francisco Area 4) New York City 5) Yellowstone One suggestion for an itinerary would be to fly into LA or San Francisco and make a big loop around California, Arizona and Nevada, where you can see: The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas (not my idea of a good time personally, but a lot of people want to see it), Yosemitie National Park, San Francisco, the California coast in between SF and LA, and anything interesting around LA or San Diego. On the East Coast I would recommend Boston, New York, and Washington DC, as all being very interesting places to visit. A lot of non-Americans I've met want to drive across the US. I've done it three times myself, and personally I'd advise that it's not all that interesting--it takes several days, and a lot of the middle of the country is flat and dull.
Traveling western Europe?
DEFANITLY VISIT MUNICH!! Arrgh, i cant tell you how much you should visit it! that area of Germany is AMAZING! wile your there you can do lil trian journys to Slazberg (In austra and back in the same day with a tour guid from munich, its the place where the sound of musik was filmed) NEWSWANSTEIN!!! i whent there (again another 2 hour train ride that you go with there and back the same day with a tour from munich) Here is Newswanstein http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MHzefouE_y... You can drink beer at aged 16 in that area of Germany so youll be fine! They LOVE beer there, its even classed as a food! You cna visit Dacua too wile your there, again go with a tour its 13 miles away from Munich city center, its a concentration camp, so go if you like history or are intrested. Wile your in France, you CAN get a train from france to England through the big tunnle that runs across the Enflish chanul (underwater) You could visit London too, I would say from paris (france) to London it would take about 3-4 hours on train. London is AMZING! you have big ben the London eye, buckingham palice and everything! So many places to see in London, even shakspear Globe! Wile your In Munich (wouth Germany) you could go to switzerland (about a 3 hour train joury) or even get a train to rome, (about a 4-5 hour train journey) However ive heard Rome isnt all that nice. I realy Hope you enjoy your stay! Personaly, although ive been to spain 5 times (Im English) on vacation, if i was you, i would spend most my times in other countrys rather then spain. But spain is nice to see! I would spend most of my time in Germany. Hope you enjoy! Europe has LOTS of places to see. Oh and as for Germany, it is VERY safe. Trust me, I would say for women, Italy and spain would be the least safe out of the countrys i mentioned. Good luck!! Enjoy! :] Sorry about my awfull spelling to! Im typing very fast and my spell check has gone! :] Oh! and wile you in England you could visit Liverpool! (a 2 hour train from London) Good luck! Its all up to you, there are so many places! i recomend you get a map or google earth and plan out a route across europe. Enjoy! You will love it! :] Ive been to France Germany Austria Spain Scotland and i loveeed germany much better then all the others. Munich is known as Europes safest big citiy Good luck :]
What are the most amazing places to visit in Japan?
Japan is a country which is as beautiful as it can get. There is so much to see and so much to love. It is truly called “The Land of the Rising Sun”. It is the perfect blend of modernity and Japanese traditions and cultures.Here are a few places in Japan which truly are a must visit:1.Akiba Fukurou, TokyoThe very first owl cafe. Come and mingle with the owls and enjoy your coffee, both at the same time. You don’t have to worry about the bird poop since the rooms are very clean and relaxing. You being a traveler has a huge advantage that you don’t have to stand in big queues and you can smoothly go in.Find out more at: Akiba Fukurou2. Miyajima, HiroshimaMiyajima is a small island which is less than an hour away from Hiroshima. It is a romantic and historical island where Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage site, is located, along with the Virgin Forest of Mt. Misen, and numerous preserved shrines, temples and historical monuments. This place is absolutely perfect.Find out more at: Miyajima3. Koyasan Okunoin, WakayamaIn the most popular Japanese cemetery along a driveway of rustling woods, encounters with souls of long ago may surprise you if not careful. But, for a more adventurous kick, it is advised to visit the cemetery at night. A night time visit indeed provides a special atmosphere that is quite different from that of a day time visit, but note that some parts of the path are poorly lit.Find out more at: Koyasan Okunoin4. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, KyotoThe magical, seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills behind Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is dedicated to the God of Rice and Sake. It is perfect for a delightfully eerie stroll in the late afternoon and early evening, when the various graveyards and miniature shrines along the path take on a mysterious air.Find out more at: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine5. Mount Misen, HiroshimaMount Misen is must visit and can be visited while you are visiting Miyajima since Mount Misen is in Miyajima only. The hike to the top is tiring as well as refreshing and the view is breathtaking.Find out more at: Mount MisenSo, as I said, Japan is a beautiful country and every place here is worth visiting. Why not find out more about these places and more about Japan from unbiased visitor reviews at: Best Attractions in Japan
Which are the best places to visit on Christmas?
Here are the best places to visit on Christmas:-1. Vienna, Austria:- Vienna offers the chance for a delightful old-fashioned Christmas with the smell of gluhwein in the air, twinkling holiday decorations covering imperial architecture and three outdoor Christkindlmarkts. Visitors can have their pick of a wide variety of artisan wares and ornaments as well as tasty finger foods and that wonderful spiced mulled wine. Of course, the Vienna Boys’ Choir concerts are a must during the holidays too.2. Valkenburg, Netherlands:- If you’d like to do a little Christmas shopping, and pick up some one-of-a-kind gifts like traditional Polish handicrafts, Marlstone products and more, there is no better place than the Valkenburg Christmas market. It’s the oldest and largest subterranean Christmas market in Europe, set up in a labyrinth of passages of caves that are underneath the town. The cavern houses sculptures and an 18th-century chapel, as well as preserved mural drawings dating back to Roman times.3. Nuremberg, Germany:- Germany’s Nuremberg Christmas market draws over two million visitors each year with its 200 select vendors putting up incredible displays while competing for the Most Beautiful Staff Design award. And, you won’t find any fake, mass-produced plastic decorations and other items – here, the market council is said to be very serious about making sure that only traditional handmade toys and holiday goods are sold.4. Strasbourg, France:- Strasbourg offers a series of themed Christmas villages that transform the city into a fantastic wonderland of holiday sights and gastronomic delights. At the Village of Alsace Farmhouse, visitors can taste prune, apricot and other holiday-inspired variations of farm-fresh foie gras.
If countries were houses of Game of Thrones. Which country would represent which house?
This is just my somewhat vague interpretation based on the post-WWII scenario (not getting too much into the technicalities).House Baratheon (Ours is the fury): United StatesRulers of the world, although their power is slowly waning.House Lannister (Hear Me Roar): ChinaLatent power behind the Crown. The Crown is also heavily indebted to the Lannisters, much like the US-China scenario.House Tyrell (Growing Strong) : United Kingdom"A large, wealthy house that can field the greatest armies.Additionally, if they call the fleets of their bannermen, they can command a navy that equals if not surpasses the royal fleet" The British military is among the largest and most technologically sophisticated in the world. From the end of the 17th century until well into the 20th century it was the most powerful navy in the world, playing a key part in establishing the British Empire as the dominant power. Politically, it is more often than not, allied with the US. House Stark (Winter is Coming): RussiaThe Kingdoms of the North (USSR) which eventually disintegrated and Russia (House Stark) emerged as the front-runner.House Targaryen (Fire and Blood) : Germany (Nazi Germany, to be more specific. Mad King= Hitler, maybe?)House Clegane: IsraelNot a very old House, but rose to prominence due to their fighting capabilities under the patronage of the US.House Greyjoy (We do not sow) : North KoreaThe Greyjoys have remained aloof from the other Great Houses, rarely taking part in events on the mainland, and are at present, in conflict with the crown (which can be equated to North Korea's nuclear arsenal and it's withdrawal from the NPT much to US' chagrin)Night's Watch: United NationsMilitaristic aspect aside, the main aim of the Night's Watch is to defend the realms of men from what lies beyond, much like the United Nations whose ultimate aim is to prevent another World War and curb the 'Others' (the various terrorist groups, maybe?)The following two were just random:House Martell (Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken): IndiaOn the outset of the War of the Five Kings, House Martell, initially, wished to stay neutral in the conflict, much like India during the NAM days. Also, Dorne is culturally distinct, with ethnic diversity and spicy food. House Tully (Family, Duty, Honor) : CubaMaintains close ties with Russia cemented by their similar socialist ideologies.