Friday, May 29, 2009

Speeches, fight, sing serenades.

What should we do in Naples? "Speeches", recommends the best-selling author Luciano de Crescenzo, the world could learn from the Neapolitans. blogs ONLINE editor Annette Langer can be explained by the chaotic metropolis drive palavert - and listen out.

 


"You have 24 hours for Naples? What a fool!" Meckert my old friend Agostino, shortly Schtino - and thus as always right. On a single day the most exciting, most difficult and chaotic metropolis of southern Italy to try to discover is not only bold but measured. But nothing good, because I'm nearby and curious.

To me the flash to get started, I am looking for an expert on, so to speak, a specialist in matters Napule ", born in Santa Lucia, connoisseurs of the matter and the Neapolitan women, creator of the show everyday philosophers Bella Vista - Luciano de Crescenzo.

The world-famous bestselling author receives me in bed. "Ah, my dear, come inside," says the 80-year-old jokingly and suggests the sheet back. His first memory of the home town? The Vesuvius, of course! "I had the great good fortune, in Santa Lucia to the world came to be. The first thing I as a child from the balcony of our apartment saw was the volcano, the smoke ausstieß" he recalls.

De Crescenzo lives in Rome - and this is significant. One can love Naples, but to live, we must also be a little crazy. "Nevertheless, I am always NEAPOLITAN remained," he says. His apartment in the heart of the Eternal City is filled with knick-knacks. Everywhere are little tin soldiers, Harlequin and the famous Neapolitan crèche figures. The work room has a huge jukebox wide made of plush seating, there is a frightening view of the Piazza Venezia.

What I am not to be missed in the "Nea Polis", the "new city" as Napoli was called in Greek? The cornflower blue eyes begin to glow Luciano: "You have to be the church in Piazza San Domenico Maggiore visit," he implores me. "There is a sculpture by Giuseppe Sanmartino, the" hidden Christ "- just fantastic!" As for the thin cloth meant Jesus so elegantly hide, let me know. "It shows us that he is very close, but is separated from us."

I am reporting from my Zeitnot. "What should I do just in one day, in beautiful Naples, but also the waste, corruption and Camorra stronghold is?" "Speech!", We recommend the expert. "If there is something about the world of the Neapolitan can learn, then it's just that" Nobody could be a single day in the city without having to be approached by someone who has close friendship with him wanted. "And if two people are entertained, there's De Crescenzo sure," then they may be someday. "


Verkehrte Traffic


De Crescenzos Alter Ego, the wise teacher Bella Vista, says: "In Naples, a red light no prohibition, but a recommendation." Oh yes, still. I was just at the Via Duomo with three other small cars to a sort of cloverleaf plate verkantet. Nobody moves, all grumble, croak hundreds behind us honking at all pitch.

A policeman pushes annoyed his motorbike to a car passing the ball and looks at me with contempt. While all the other upset with delight, running the sweat of my forehead down. Suddenly, nobody knows how or why, the jam dissolves completely and all alone on the road as if nothing had.

I'm waiting for Raffaele, an architect, not far from the cathedral in the historic center of a Bed & Breakfast operates. "Ciao, bella", I hear more, and then suddenly a kind of stretches of modern D'Artagnan put his head through the window - instead of a Federhuts, the journeyman spitzbärtige a soldier helmet from World War II, his faithful horse is an olive motocross machine with a golden rims. "Follow me", says the musketeer and rast ever happening.


"Give me your camera!"


In Vico Giganti, the small alley of giants ", governs the cliché: washing lines through the narrow streets, the cries of mothers for their children bounce on crumbling plaster from walls of houses. A big boy of about seven years, crashes on me and asks: "Give me your camera!" I refuse and catch me an evil look to his mother, which in pajamas sitting by the window and blows tribulation.


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At one house passes the altar are many wrong geschlurfte stairs, Raffaele then opens the door to his kingdom - and this is from another world: bright, clean, uncluttered and very tastefully decorated, the five rooms. Whether handmade carpets, designer lamps or washstands from Vesuvgestein - everything here is perfectly designed and beautifully combined. A big, seductive blumenumrankte rooftop for breakfast and reading - that's it, my urban oasis!

I open a window, look into the depths and listen to the noise. A little dark and Gothic, the yard to my feet. Pigeons nest in decaying brickwork, compared to a canary sings against the bars on. A plump blonde in tight skirt calls her lover from the balcony to Frotzeleien. The laughter of the two mixed with the rattle of Motorini and a sea of voices.

Still undecided if I can just drive or the city should tap touristically, I schlendre through the streets to the entrance of "Napoli Sotterranea" a fantastic, 80 kilometers long and up to 40 meters deep cave labyrinth, in which since the 4th Century BC, people lived, to celebrate rites themselves from bombs or covert persecution. The lady at the box office blow two hair from the face and makes my decision easy: "The last tour was a 16 clock, we have closed."


Expensive Selbstdarstellung underground


Nevertheless, a little background should be, so I decide to send me the metro stations of line 1 a.m. to 6 p.m., just the part of a major urban metro-art concept are. At the Piazza Dante, the Greek artist Jannis Kounellis shoes wedged behind the railway tracks, his Italian colleague, Nicola de Maria a floral mosaic in a universe without bombs "contributed. Michelangelo Pistoletto designed a decorative wall installation, the traveler is on the escalator of its mirror image can adopt.

The subway art is colorful, modern, and irritating, does what art should do in public spaces, create new contexts, confused and perhaps cheer up. However, there are also critical voices: "The modernization of Naples takes place after Bourbon patterns, it is bursting with desire and self-application", outraged the renowned journalist Giorgio Bocca, in his book "We are Naples'. Projects like the Metro-kind cost a lot of money, but had no social relevance, produced no progress, and could certainly not between rich and poor mediate.

I run the time of the waste of government funds, anarchy and corruption have to wait, I have Bella Vista promised me the Homo Neapolitanus up close view.

On the Spaccanapoli, a like with an ax through the city streets beaten, I discover him: Because he is about 70, has a hat on, as it formerly was. He smiles, stutzt and meckert, stretches his arms in the air and lets his fingers to tell stories. And of course he speaks, talks a lot and friendly, relaxed and unloading, he had nothing, absolutely nothing better to do.

A view over the Piazza shows: He is not alone. At each corner, on benches, fountains and mopeds will chat, and getratscht flirted like mad. Between Old and philosophizing excited teenagers romping children, beautiful, wild and exuberant Racker, which the street belongs to - that they no doubt. They fool the adults, laugh it off and be royally entertained, if these reminding the finger lift.


Napule è ...


Architect Raffaele waiting on the evening in a bar on me. Tired, I plop into a basket chair and run tourist Total denial. Basta, I will no longer see or hear, "I lament - but Raffaele knows no mercy. Already we fly on a motorbike with a golden rim around the city without a helmet, through streets so narrow that they make pedestrians fear. With 90 km / h chasing D'Artagnan to the corners, while I am determined to claw him and my children in the orphanage Think.

Sometime I may get off, it goes back stairs to the roof, a great roof, from which you look at the whole city looks. This is peculiar reason in blood red light and has a chic coat overturned. On the Vomero illuminates the Fort Sant Elmo, while Raffale for guitar picks and such an excellent version of Pino Daniele "Napule è" shakes off-the-cuff that I almost come to tears.

Naples, which are a thousand colors and a thousand fears, says the song. A city like a dirty piece of paper, so everyone does not matter. But even a place where you can speak beautifully and can hear even better.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Hotel at the end of the world.

The food is poor, the barren landscape: Who is a tourist after Barentsburg in Svalbard comes, must be suffering. But the Russian branch in the high Arctic offers unique experiences.

 


The landscape is barren and fantastically beautiful, deep below the ice-cold sparkling water of the fjord Green, on the surrounding hills are remnants of snow. But two noises disturb the Arctic idyll: there is first of all the cries of the gulls, which are on the window ledges of a green wooden house have domesticated. Constantly, they must loudly Turf battles fight out. And then the constant hum of the nearby coal-fired power plant. He prefers a smoke gray-black flag over the fjord and verpestet so the fresh air.

Barentsburg, the Russian outpost on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, is a wondrous place. Only 300 people live here, 250 men and 50 women. To better times were almost ten times as much on the payroll of the coal company "Arktikugol". In those times was in Moscow the money for the Arctic Dependance something loose, and coal from Barentsburg was estimated on the world. But all this is gone, although the fierce looking bust of Lenin in the city center, the memory of the past alive attempts.


Book Review

Christoph Seidler:

Arctic Monopoly

The battle for the raw materials of the polar region. A mirror-book.


German Verlags-Anstalt, 288 pages.

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For about 90 years, encouraging Russians on Spitsbergen coal, an international treaty of 1920 gives them the right to do so. But several villages have been abandoned some time ago and are now ghost towns in the arctic cold. Only in Barentsburg keep the coal miners are still equipped with a capacity for suffering and hope. Russia has to make a tremendously important strategic outpost in the North Pole area.

Only 120,000 tons of coal per year scraped the Russian and Ukrainian residents of Barentsburg last out of the mountain. That was only four percent of what their Norwegian counterparts in situated 100 kilometers southeast Mine "Svea Nord reduce annually since 2001. There can be the next 25 to 30 years of energy-rich coal promoted. By contrast, the Russian stocks nearly exhausted. And after a fire in April 2008 is the mining of Barentsburg anyway meanwhile dense.

For tourists there are in Barentsburg little to do. In the Palace of Culture, you can take a look at the preparations for the new cultural program throw. A Russian flag is in the stage decoration suspended, under the instructions of a director repeatedly moved back and forth - and finally left. A laborer carries a huge balalaika in a storeroom.


Jehovah's Witnesses advertise on the main


Photo: blogs ONLINE
Video: blogs ONLINE


By far the most representative building in Barentsburg, the Russian Consulate, which is behind a monstrous gray metal fence on the outskirts rises. But the doors are locked, the consul has little Sprechzeiten. A few steps further reminds a little homemade wooden chapel on the 141 miners and family members who in August 1996 in a plane crash were killed. Its Tu-154M was due to problems with the landing on a mountain near the island's capital, Longyearbyen gekracht.

The main road with its concrete and green bins in penguin form, you quickly ran up and down. Apart from a few filthy Kohlekumpeln which any cleanup and repair work will come here - surprise! - Four Jehovah's Witnesses. You are a total of four tenth to come here, they say. A considerable number, if the entire population of the village remember. On the main faith advertisers distribute their writings in Russian - and the baffled coal miners, they are still not back. Are you brave the papers to them hingehalten, and go their own way.


PERSONAL


Sabine Sauer / DER blogs


Christoph Seidler, 29, has international relationships in Dresden, Lausanne, Berlin and Oslo studied. After a working visit to the United Nations in Geneva, he reports today as a science editor for blogs ONLINE Others on developments in the Arctic. 2007 he was awarded the Friedrich-Bird Junior Research Award for Business Journalism. His book "Arctic Monopoly: The Struggle for the raw materials of the polar region in May 2009, DVA published.

The advertisers have faith tents on the edge - and a gun in case a polar bear should attack. Those who are staying a little more comfortable, you can stay in a hotel accommodation on the outskirts, just before the somewhat battered-looking of Russian polar stations researchers. Tourist Guide Oleg Kostenko advertises in broken English for the hospitality in the brick building - and then praises once arrived in his souvenir shop and Matrjoschkas from Russian fur cap production.

When you checked into the hostel at the end of the world there will be Russian service mentality. The key to come is a marathon. From the bar you will be sent to the reception, then head into the office, then back into the bar on the floor expressed a sullen blonde then a key word in the hand. That the room with the number 18 in the second floor on the left side, you have to find out.


Bed linen is clean, possibly even washed


The house has the grace of a holiday home FDGB: pitched brown linoleum floor in the rooms and corridors of the smell of the old days. The fact that guests rarely get lost here, the brown slug, when the turn comes from the tap. But still: the light goes, the bed linen is clean, perhaps even freshly washed. The TV receives an indoor antenna with four Russian noisy channels. They are used by a television station end, on the mountain above the village stands.

For dinner there is a Russian family in holzvertäfelten dining room, with reindeer antlers, plastic flowers and pictures decorated Arctic. On television there is a war documentary. The operation brings a speisüßes braunes drink, which further composition with the best will not be to decipher. Then there's one after the other with a plate of salami, cheese and bread, a cabbage salad and mayonaisestrotzenden finally goulash with rice. A few hours later, the stew serves then as a breakfast, this time with swollen grains and pancakes.

The food supply in Barentsburg is not without its problems: Just 90 pigs are still in the stables. The Kuhställe and greenhouses, which it formerly existed, are now filled with garbage. Provide the location by boat from Murmansk. The wheel loader, the bucket on his big meat in the canteen of the company delivering coal, used only a short time later to transport garbage.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

"You're crazy !".|| The village of Corleone was not only home of the Mafia in Sicily, it is mainly through the adaptation of Mario Puzos novel "The Godfather" has become famous. Four friends from Germany to the fiction into reality - their role play, however, rarely acknowledged.   Nicolo, our Sicilian friend, is the whole thing very embarrassing. Somewhat reluctantly, he wrestles a smile, in which we do not know whether it expresses despair or resignation. Then he closes our Nissan Micra and said simultaneously: "Moritz, you're crazy.", Where he is "ü" as a "u" pronounce. Well, we dressed in the legendary Sicilian village of Corleone mafia daring. Julia, Christian, Till, I - Nicolo, and of course, our Italian friend and driver. Christian is clearly Don Christo, Julia just a princess, Till, our soldier, an absolute killer machine, and I probably will remain nothing more than the role of Consigliere, the adviser of the familia. And Nicolo?! Well, he is apparently the only sensible. But he is also native. For it must be our role playing about as effective as an Italian tour group that disguises itself as a miner in the Ruhr in Gelsenkirchen "four Currywurst with French red and white" ordered. When we decided to fly to Sicily, Corleone was the only goal to which we may determine in advance. And shortly before our departure in Bremen, I had a humiliating defeat plug - as a Christian and I have two elderly ladies in the pedestrian street Bremer Christian responded and asked "Do you understand me?", Both replied in unison: "No, you, we would not have mentioned, You're so like a bro! " Before me, they had no fear. Mom and pasta for the Sicilians Sure, to Palermo, we first made a detour and photographed us in front of the opera, particularly in "The Godfather III" Mary Corleone is shot and Don Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, his dying daughter in the hands desperately holds. But neither the scene n! or the third part of the filming are among our favorites, cons! equently

Monday, May 25, 2009

And every day whistling marmot.

Hundreds of meters in altitude away from everyday life: On a mountain hike in the eastern Alps hikers can the vastness and tranquility of nature without having to forgo a little comfort to have - Kraxel after two exhausting days, the "castle in the mountains" unaccustomed luxury.

 


Virgen - By car, it only takes a few minutes to get from upper walls after Hinterbichl to come. The two small towns in Virgental are connected by a road, and there are traffic jams in this corner of Osttirol only when harvest times vehicles blocking the route. Vacationers can choose the path of the upper walls after Hinterbichl but take two and a half days - with a tour from hut to hut on the offshoot of the Osttiroler
Eagle Way, which takes its name primarily because of its shape contributes to the Tyrol map.

The line in the Hohe Tauern National Park leads to heights of almost 2800 meters, offers excellent views of the three thousand Lasörling and Großvenediger - and also many marmots can meet there.


Day 1: From top to Bonn-walled hut Matreier


For Walter, the Eagle Zörer a light training route. More than 60 times was the 38-year-old mountain guide already on top of the Grossglockner, three peaks in Asia and the Aconcagua in the Andes, he has defeated. There are almost 1350 meters of altitude on this day not a big challenge - it looks quite different for "Tyrolean lowlands", which even the heavy backpack is not used to.

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The route leads first through a thick larch forest, lots of moss growing on the trees - and it goes right off steeply. But Zörer has enough air to move from the Tyrolean Eagle to tell the tourists in two different variants can run: close to the bottom of the valley on a "trail" - or with the metallurgical nights - on the "mountaineers route." At a leader they can then usually abandon - all without alpine experience is not.

The offshoot of the long-distance Osttiroler have compared to "big brother" to the north of the Alps an advantage that the guide says: "In northern Tyrol is often in stark limestone underway. Here, the landscape is lovely." This is also the stops after the first steep piece: At the Chapel of All Saints is it worth to a big rock to climb and the view over the green slopes of Virgental to enjoy.

250 m altitude difference further in the Gottschaunalm, where the tree line is already in sight, the Kuhweiden spread in all directions. In the fountain in front of the hut running cold water, which cools the milk Senner - just the right reinforcement before the next rise.


Obstler pot and swirl


In the serpentine is now climbing again and again sounds the whistle of the marmots in the air, which is now noticeably thinner. Or is the only way the walker before? The steps are slower in any case, the difficult terrain - big boulders and slabs come in place of the narrow Erdpfades.


TMN
On the southern edge of the Alps: The Virgental extends between the three-Grovenediger and Lasörling


Five hours walk is called the electronic guidebook as a guide for the ascent to the Bonn-Matreier hut in about 2750 meters altitude. But that is probably too optimistic estimate, the clock on your wrist is far more.

In the thirties built-Bonn Matreier Refuge is the only one with a German and an Austrian alpine section jointly. In the cellar bullert the stove. Wolfgang Heinz Hüttenwirt gives a Obstler, for pot strudel with whipped cream served a hot chocolate. "If at least 15 guests to stay over night, there is a buffet dinner," he announces. Schade, today there are not many: The selection of the 18 beds and 50 mattresses camps remains high.

Clouds are raised, a view of the valley is no longer possible. Outside it is quiet, only the wind roars around the hut. The feeling of being alone with them and to be more to life than just a few hundred meters in altitude distance to have won, comes on rapidly. At the end of the world to think that this is not just a lonely island in the Pacific or in the vastness of Siberia, but also between the bunk beds with fitted sheets and checkered pillows.

Canyon in the basement.

Piazza is the top, bottom Tost a glittering waterfall of the Rio Sass canyon runs directly beneath the Italian village of Fondo. Until a few years ago, the residents knew little of the natural spectacle in their homes.

 


It is in the mild spring term in Trentino. The sun shines from the azure sky. The numerous apple orchards and vegetable fields in the Val di Non provides the already warm climate for the first cracks in dry soil. Even the pretty village of Fondo Lenz gives a picture of the weather. Amidst this scene Well stapft a dozen tourists. Wrapped in yellow rain jackets, the head covered with helmets - although it does not really look after rainfall. Let alone after rockfall.

In geese, the group marching on the Segantini, past historic buildings, farm gardens and two ancient mill wheels that seem decades ago in a stone wall have been rectified. Allen Giulia marches forward. After about a hundred meters zückt them a key and gives the group access through a gate. A medieval-style Brücklein, which today is no longer used, rises above the heads. It connects the western and eastern part of the Fondo. The city is passing through Canyon Rio Sass.

After just a few meters, it becomes clear why the inlet into the gorge with leaders such as Giulia and advance booking is allowed: the steel pier visitors doing a raging torrent on. With the thundering roar of the river roars through the valley Sass sometimes very narrow gorge, gushes over rounded rocks and splashing in some places specially meter wide by narrow passages. The water reaches a speed of up to 40 km / h. It flows through several detours end up in the river Adige.


Impressive and scary


The landscape in the Val di Non is partially strongly furrowed. Streams and rivers have long, arduous process, the erosion of the cliff effect, which in addition to the Canyon Rio Sass further emerged. Some are on their own walkable. But the Canyon Rio Sass is undoubtedly the most spectacular.


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It offers an impressive and at the same moment eerie backdrop. The forces of nature are at the same time to hear, see and feel. Especially at the beginning of the small hike. After a few meters, namely verdüstert the canyon abruptly. Looking upwards it becomes clear why no daylight between the damp walls arrives: The valley is overbuilt at this point, it is located below the Piazza Dante. Approximately 15 meters above the heads of visitors makes Signore Zanoni, the local jeweler, his business. Next cue family sells women's and men's clothing.

The old foundations of houses are partly equipped with steel cables and carriers secured against slipping. The whole thing inevitably gives the appearance of an intermediate solution. But in improvisation, the Italians know, master, and some apparent Bauprovisorium holds for centuries.

The Canyon Rio Sass is only seven years for everyone. Previously, researchers could only Bautrupps and specialized in the depths - of course only with climbing gear. 2002, a nearly one kilometer long pier for the public is created. Moreover, in order to allay concerns, a very stable and look anything but improvised works.

Round trip, about one and a half hours walk is required. For the first few visits after the opening were the inhabitants of Fondo deeply impressed - because they have been roaring through this pharyngeal gehaust had. "Moved but nobody is," says Giulia. The participants listen through headphones. In some places, it is because of the water noise is too loud for a live speech.


Bottlenecks and gaps


Shortly after Piazza Dante sunbeams fall again into the gorge. It is early afternoon, the best time for light and shadow. Because the gaps between the rocks vary widely, there are fascinating light effects in all colors. At the narrowest point of the canyon is barely 40 centimeters wide at the widest 30 meters. Sometimes visitors have to squeeze past Felsbeulen slippery, while among them up to 50 meters in depth.

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Giulia indicates a colony of small, heart-holes in the rock. "Here were formerly petrified shells in it," she explains, "but the water has, over time, ripped out." Shortly thereafter, it reverently, and he shows once again on the rock. Here, the freak of nature a pattern in the stone behind which a human figure to remember.

A few meters away, the visitor the baptism Canyon: groundwater gushes as from a watering can on the bridge, everyone is happy now, the rain jacket anzuhaben. But no, the water's murky mood, especially as the sun's rays again a magical light on the rock throwing. In the rear part of the way to red rocks have a color on it. The intense red comes from algae, which in turn striking tinge of strong iron-water.


Windfall for the tourism industry


"The opening of the canyon is a godsend for the Val di Non," says Giulia. Tourist highlights are otherwise scarce. Most, thus promoting the tourism industry is supported by the wildly romantic mountain and valley provided. For mountain bikers, the hype around the lake to escape, the region is a good tip. In addition, for mountain hikers who are aiming high. Because the Non Valley is a good base for excursions into Ortler massif and the Brenta.

At the foot of the massive mountain range lies the idyllic Tovelsee. Gamekeeper want already brown from the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park have been sighted, as they have a bath gegönnt. Worth a visit is the Monastery of San Romedio above the town Sanzeno. The plant, one might take the Walt Disney fairy tales have served to present. Verwunschen it flashes between the forest and rocks.

It is no longer just a flash of its rays, the sun the visitors towards the end of the canyon tour treat. The gorge is wide and always runs in a lovely meadow from. Birds overpowers the Rio Sass, the only harmless dahinplätschert as if nothing had. No comparison to the deafening roar just a few steps before.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Abseiling for beginners.

Playground for adrenaline junkies: In Ireland, Active vacationers spectacular scenery before climbing, kayaking and surfing to learn. In some sports disciplines of the green island is still an insider tip - this is hardly crowded places.

 


Bell Harbor / Killaloe - feverishly looking for the eyes after the next gap in the cliff, nearly vertical towers. Now not only see to the bottom, although the prospect would be so tempting: On the waves glistens the sun, the sea spray splashing high cliffs, the sea extends to the horizon. This environment has the climbing teacher Michael Crawley for beginners hours selected. There is only one of many spectacular training places, the active holiday in the Shannon region in Ireland to find.

"Climbing, surfing, canoeing, mountain biking, hiking: Ireland offers ideal conditions for outdoor sports of all kinds," says Roisin Finlay of "outsiders" in Dublin. Ireland's only magazine, which deals with these issues, came five years ago on the market. Since then, the number of people who are for the active lives of "Green Island" enthusiasm, has steadily increased: "Regardless of whether locals or tourists, the demand is enormous," says Finlay.

Rivers, hills and mountains dominate the landscape of the Shannon region. In addition, the Irish Climate: impermanent, but mild. The area is perfect for outdoor activities. "Nevertheless, the individual locations are not yet overcrowded," says Joanna McInerney from Burren Outdoor Education Center in Bell Harbor. The Center on the outskirts of the bizarre karst landscape in the vicinity of the Cliffs of Moher offers courses in various sports.

For the climbing hours, the team usually uses the steep limestone cliffs of the Burren area. The units are not only physically exhausting, "they also strengthen the self-confidence," says McInerney. Surrender is not in it for a short time everything else is unimportant. It counts only the next touch, a few inches higher brings. After a good fifteen minutes is the end of the eight meter high wall reached. Fairly exhausted, but proud to infinity, it is the rope slowly back to the ground.

"Abseiling" is the English term for another form of climbing - here is the cliff top vanquished. With helmet and waist belt secured, it is backwards on to the abyss. Over the cliff to sit in the depth hinabzulassen, requires courage and overcoming, adrenaline shoots through the body. From below, there climbing leader Michael calm his instructions. A little later, even these "Mutprobe" existed. Now it finally time to enjoy the view. "This is no job that is fun," says the Irishman, while the next equipment Kletterin explained.


For after surfing Lahinch


Who the water sports on the beach of Fanore at the Galway Bay watch, knowing what Michael says. On this day finds there a body-boarding time. As with surfing, it is important to make the best waves to catch, to enable fast turns and small jumps out. With their clothing can easily surf in the cold Atlantic waters probation. Lahinch, a little farther south on the coast, is in terms of surfing as one of the best places in the whole of Ireland.

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From saltwater to freshwater: At Killaloe, some 30 kilometers northeast of Limerick, has the river Shannon, to a large lake geweitet - the third of the island. Lough Derg offers ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts. On its shores is twelve years since the Activity Center of the University of Limerick hosts. A large part of the sports will take place on or in water.

First, it is one of the big red canoes. The boats can be in different places of the lake also be rented. Trainer Matt szlachta paddles with force. Can be relaxed so the landscape of the "red hole" enjoy. The kayaking is more strenuous. "Grooving, slightly rotate rausnehmen the next page, there szlachta of instructions from his boat. With momentum durchpflügen students the smooth surface of Lough Derg and become quite a sweat.

With the learned technique may also interested in the Shannon south traffic. Where the river leaves the lake, it will be wild - perfect for beginners who are into whitewater kayaking want to introduce. Water also sprays the "Powerboating" in all directions. By speedboat flies just over the surface of the lake, raindrops sting like tiny needles into his face.

The mountains that encircle the lake, forming an imposing backdrop. They also serve as training grounds for orienteering. With a compass and a map, participants need to pave the way to find checkpoints - on time and without restriction, as it suits them. The Kilfinane Outdoor Education Center, 50 miles south of Limerick, offers courses. Here you can find mountain biking, hiking through canyons and climbing - also shows Ireland as a great playground for active vacationers.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Children at the cannons!.

Messer-Jocke cannon and Karla are on board: In July, two sailboats crossing under the skull-flag over the Baltic Sea. Twelve ports away from the "Jachara" and the "north" children and their parents in the world of the privateer - quite legally.

 


Eckernförde / Kiel - Pirate? When the keyword think many people currently in Somalia hijacked and container vessels. Such pirates like nobody wants to face. At the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein, on the other hand, many are delighted locals and tourists on the arrival of freebooters - albeit with a different type: In the summer of Glücksburg Scharbeutz to set sail on two ships, the flag with the skull on the tail are underway.

Twelve ports are participating in the "Pirate Week" in July, the Baltic Sea-Holstein Tourism Society organized. And Eckernförde in August to celebrate the 13th Time pirate spectacle. "


Messer-Jocke has been three weeks not shaved. "Especially for the children", he is the dark beard grow, admits the young man who, together with cannon and Karla "Capitano Muerte" taking care of the young pirate on the "Jachara" has taken over. All children receive from them a scarf and a black eye patch, a make-pin ensures nasty stubble and scars on the cheeks. Ruck zuck transform delicate six-year-olds in dark characters, the Captain loose Armdrücken in defeat.

Wide black belt, in which ancient pistols stuck, plus many gold chains, under the far-shirts dangle aufgeknöpften: Messer-Jocke and his colleagues themselves into powerful tools to create an atmosphere like in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" to "Jachara" to conjure. In the interplay with the "North" sails the 29 meter long fishing boat in the summer along the Baltic Sea coast, to as many children as possible into the world of the privateer to kidnap.


"We are already stinkreich"


On deck are then pulled up the sails, to accordion music funny songs sung and stories told - even if not all guests geheuer is. "Your Ãœberfallt also ships?" Wants a Steppke know - perhaps from the concern, even to Enter hooks to draw them. "Nee," Cannon replied Karla, "we are already stinkreich."

ON TO ONLINE blogs

Diving in the Baltic Sea: dancing lights at sea (24.04.2009)

Sea Life Aquarium: Lippfisch looking grouper (20.04.2009)

North Sea island of Foehr: Watt worms for all (14.05.2009)

Ameland island Frisian: Sheep grazing on the beach (20.05.2009)

Children in motion - is what the "Pirate Week", which in July 2009 for the third time. It should motor skills and dexterity, and coordination should be encouraged, says "Capitano Muerte" in the civic life and Jorge Olivares says sports is. While he and his team with the schooner, the shallow Baltic Sea waves abreiten, take on other pirates on the beach of the Baltic Sea town just visited the command and organize treasure hunts as well as a big tug of war, in which after returning to the port also Messer Jocke & Co. mitmachen.

In the summer of 2008 was also the Eckernförde stations of the "Pirate Week" - this year, the Baltic Sea are not on the route plan. In the style of Captain Hook is still celebrated as the "pirate spectacle" has long been a good tradition in Eckernförde become. For three days - this time from 14 to 16 August - the place falls into the hands of freebooters. "The pirates attacked the town, take the Town Hall, set the mayor in chains and adopt on Sunday with a large torch moving again," says Borgmann Stefan of the Eckernförde tourism festival history.


Plush parrot on the shoulder


Many residents prefer to divide the pirates and accompany the program, which focuses on the harbor. Many food booths, a Ferris wheel and games stalls to ensure there Kirmes mood. Even the waiters in Eiscafé play with, painting is dead heads on the arms and attach small plush parrot on the shoulder.

"On the three days we have here estimated 100,000 visitors. This is our biggest festival and the highlight of the summer season," says Borgmann. Many tourists booked their holidays in and around Eckernförde so that they in any case, the "pirate spectacle" in the city.

This is reminiscent of a pirate tradition, Eckernförde certainly has: "In the 15th century, from here on real pirates Beutezug gone," says Borgmann. Unlike today, the 'Pirate Week "were the inhabitants of the coastal towns, however, anything but cheerful, when one of the ships direct course they took - because as nice as Messer-Jocke cannon and Karla were not pirates then.


PIRATES ACTIONS IN ONE SCHLESWIG-HOLST

Schedule Tickets Information Internet

Twelve objectives are at the "Pirate Week" in July on the program of sailing ships "North" and "Jachara". Be controlled: Scharbeutz (July 12), Neustadt / Holstein (13 July), Grömitz (14
July), Kelle Husen (July 15), Dahme (July 16) Fehmarn (17 July), Port St. (July 18), Hohwacht (July 19), Laboe / Probstei (20
July), Damp (July 21), Maasholm (July 22) and Glücksburg (23
July).


The trips with the ship "North" and "Jachara" last approximately two hours. Tickets cost 12 euros for adults and for children 7 euro.


Ostsee-Holstein Tourism
Beach Allee 75a
23669 Timmendorfer beach
Tel: 01805/70 07 08 for 14 cents per minute
Touristik Eckernförde
24340 Eckernförde
Tel: 04351/717 90


www.piratenwoche.de
www.ostseebad-eckernfoerde.de


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"As if we were at war."

Inanimate and eerily empty: L'Aquila is weeks after the earthquake is not returned to normalcy. An Italian hotelier fears that the historic city even more destruction is imminent - a soulless reconstruction.

 

blogs ONLINE: Mr. Kihlgren you have in the Abruzzi several historic mountain villages to rural holiday resorts in the old style expanded. What is the situation in L'Aquila, barely six weeks after the earthquake in which nearly 300 people were killed?


Daniele Kihlgren: It is as though we were at war. The situation is dramatic, even when we see the world public has already forgotten and we made the headlines are gone. The historic center of L'Aquila is deserted and eerily empty. Here, no one lives, almost all former residents have left the city.


blogs ONLINE: The chairman of the Journalists Association in the Abruzzi, Sergio D'Agostino, has criticized the fact that L'Aquila is now a completely militarized zone was. It Wimmel of bans, nobody could move freely.


Kihlgren: That is so, because still many buildings are in danger. In this way, but also prevents the people to loot.


blogs ONLINE: What about in your holiday complex in Santo Stefano, about 27 miles east of L'Aquila, from?


PERSONAL


Sextantio SpA


Daniele Kihlgren, son of a Swedish and an Italian industrialist, has studied philosophy in Milan. On a motorcycle trip he discovered the village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio Abbruzzen in the first and had the idea of the abandoned city building and tourist use. In 2000 he bought a third of the vacant houses, and built his "Albergo diffuso on. Meanwhile, the company, which he chairs, bought ten of these villages, including in the cave city of Matera.


Kihlgren: The emblem of the village, a tower from the 13th Century, it has collapsed and damaged two of our houses. The remaining buildings are all intact - for me a proof that one is simultaneously traditional and build earthquake-safe and can be remedied. Access to the village, however, is still locked. Therefore, we currently do not receive guests. We will, however, the end of the month again organize a concert.


blogs ONLINE: You have five million euros in your unusual ambitious project - from today's view, a misjudgment?


Kihlgren: No, not at all. Life goes on, someday, the visitors come back. In Abruzzi, there were over the centuries with the earthquake, as in 1915, when at least 30,000 people died.


blogs ONLINE: The head of the Anti-Mafia Commission, Giuseppe Pisanu said in regard to a commitment of organized crime in the reconstruction: "Cosa Nostra, 'Ndrangheta and Camorra have already arrived in Abruzzi."


Kihlgren: Well, no surprise that, after all, they even landed in Germany. The Abruzzi were never traditional Mafia territory. That the honorable companies now in the reconstruction bid for public contracts and force mitverdienen, it is sad reality - but not the biggest problem.


blogs ONLINE: But?


Kihlgren: I fear that the reconstruction of the historical center of even greater damage than the earthquake itself I fight with all means that the architectural heritage is preserved. Unfortunately the past has shown that in Italy a snobbish concept of culture prevails - this is only valid as bewahrenswert what is great and famous, ancient or Renaissance - Monuments, churches, arenas. But what happens to the streets, the houses, the so-called small historical heritage, the atmosphere, the spirit of a city represents? This is true but it is also to protect!


blogs ONLINE: You are against modern buildings in the center, no matter in what form?


Kihlgren: Of course. L'Aquila, I want to see - and not any of the creations of famous architects! Renzo Piano, Massimiliano Fuksas, or may be the right ones for Dubai - but not for L'Aquila.


ITALY-QUIZ


Corbis


Do you belong to Tuscany Group? Italy is the favorite destination of Germans and their country of refuge and longing. What do you know about the unique relationship between the two peoples? Find out in Reisequiz!


blogs ONLINE: In the village hotel, you almost manic emphasis on historical authenticity - building materials and floor plans of medieval buildings were well maintained as rough peasant smoky kitchen furniture or walls.


Kihlgren: We preserve the traces of the people in their habitat left. This is important, it remains
Identity of the place preserved. The inhabitants of Santo Stefano have us so much about their craft taught. Recently declared me an 89-year-old, how to color naturally produces. Then there are the traditional kitchen, the old recipes. We constantly learn about this.


blogs ONLINE: Sounds highly social romanticism ...


Kihlgren: No, we mystify the rural life with all its poverty and ignorance are not. Finally, exactly why so many people have emigrated, and entire villages deserted hinerlassen. We want this time but not as embarrassing and backward displace, but the memory of it preserved. For cheap folk and country-style others are responsible, believe me.


blogs ONLINE: Who then?


Kihlgren: All the standard kontextlose, sterile accommodations offer in which medieval stereotypes are sold.


blogs ONLINE: How do you assess the current crisis of government?


Kihlgren: It can and I will not judge. I can only say: Those responsible are in what they do now, to be measured. This is not
to alleged scandals and insulted women, but about the impending death of a historical city.


blogs ONLINE: What do you think of the plan of civil protection director Guido Bertolaso, in July, the G8 summit going to be in L'Aquila hold, where there are still aftershocks, and the infrastructure has collapsed?


Kihlgren: Come on out. If everything is well organized, it might even be helpful for us. If the foreign guests with their own eyes how the city is, perhaps even more financial assistance.


blogs ONLINE: What put you in the present situation?


Kihlgren: I hope it succeeds in Italy, to its great history and culture to see and the world to show that it is capable, one of the most beautiful cities of the country rebuild. Whether it is in a position to meet this challenge - we'll see.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Each step is a risk.

In rusty iron steps to the summit: The hike to the highest mountain in the Dolomites is not for timid souls. As the scene of the First World War attracted the Marmolada also interested in history - some forgotten before loud enthusiasm, to think about their safety.

 


From all sides fly the white scraps approached. Above the sella floor is parked in a thick cloud layer, the deeper drops and already the Piz Boé tickles. We watch the game from the clouds a few kilometers away, about the sun still casts its powerful light on the blue, red and yellow climbing helmets.

Still, the Marmolada summit is not reached, but the very last meters to the Cross of the Dolomites highest summit (3343 meters) run on a broad, non-hazardous burrs, so that the carbine Klettersteigsets just dangle on the belt and no longer have to slip over the wire.

The climb is a mixture of high-alpine trip with glacier crossing and historic Ferrata, even here in the Dolomites is unique. After a harsh winter may rise on the west even in July from a sheet of ice covered the mountain with crampons must step on the ironing go. We did not. After the small glaciers, we have our shoes from the lifts free from the backpack and the harness herausgekramt.


FOUND IN ...

Alpine - The Mount Magazine

Issue 6 / 2009

Contents
Heft bestellen
www.alpin.de


Otmar Mountainguide Prinoth is first finished with the retooling and uses the opportunity for a small crash course on the history of the Marmolada: She was a field of combat in the First World War. The Austrians are deep tunnels in the thick ice and blown up an underground Eisstadt have built to the hill against the Italians to defend. In times of climate change are of course no longer visible traces, the sun is strong on the ice genagt.

Prinoth will later between Marmolada Summit Cross hut and build with only a few meters apart, on tiptoe, and his arms extended toward heaven. "So highly were still snow and ice fifteen years ago." Now this is the bare rock, the glaciers begin until two or three meters below.


On the route of the soldiers


The Marmolada is the war but not deleted from their memory. During the ascent dive a few meters away from the old steel cables, to himself, stainless electricity pylons on. And finally, via ferrata itself is a relic from the bloody time. Of course, improvements have been made, repaired, assistance. Many steps are still original, you see the years they do not necessarily have to.


CLIMBING CLIMBING WITH SELLA-GLANCE

The Val Gardena lies at the western edge of the Dolomites, and bordering the Veneto. It is the perfect starting point for tours around the sella floor. About 10,000 inhabitants the valley, with its principal places of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena. Many of the inhabitants speak Italian, German and Ladin.

Mountainguide Prinoth has always pointed out, when another section is old. With weak nerves guests he should not necessarily make. Which already sounds like climber that he just boots on a 90-year-old bracket will kick? And on the Ferrata Marmolada is also used by people who are not looking for absolute thrill. It is easy Dolomites ratios. Dangerous is the tour, however, the descent on the glacier, which now lies ahead of us.

The summit photos are made, the cottage industry has on our Teekonsum happy and Sella is now shrouded in clouds, from his already narrow southern hardly something to see. The way back to the cable car station is, apart from a small Felsband completely on ice, but it is quite normal walkers from its peak storm has held. And then slide the tourists ahead of us over the bare ice. Without a rope, in shorts, not even sticks, they have it. This is good.

Tourists, climbers, hikers, mountain guides are at the foot of the glacier from a gondola, which hinabführt to Fedaiasee and for the long journey is enough time for brooding. One or the other is the question of what the German TÜV probably garbage baskets with iron rods would say that in every major city between department stores and fast food restaurants might be, but here two walkers in more than 2000 meters above the sea of blogs A to B transport.

We displace the subject and prefer to steer our thoughts on yesterday, the launch of our Ferrata short trips with the motto: always the sella floor in sight. Already on arrival at our hotel in Val Gardena, we have a piece of the mountain massif seen the Italians quite boring "Gruppo di Sella" have baptized.

There were the German-speaking Alto Adige uniquely creative. The mountains around its highest peak, the Piz Boé (3152 meters), actually looks like an oversized Hackstock. Especially from the West's perspective, where we have our first Sella-within-a-glance Ferrata have started: on the summit of the Col Rodella small.


THE TOURS (TOTAL TIME | HEIGHT METERS | DIFFICULTY)

Via Ferrata Col Rodella, 2484 m


(2? 3 hrs | 350 Hm | hard)

Even experienced skiers need to Klettersteig the key body good nerves.

Best time: July? September.

Starting point: Sellajochhaus (2180 m).

Route: You have the way to start looking, there's no marking, as a rough guide: on the left below the mountain station of the Col Rodella train heading west. At the outset there are a few vertical ropes before going into a gully, the three iron-ironing is overcome. Then it's easier to continue. It is more difficult with regard to the key point, exposed corner, where only one cable is tensioned. The builders here have deliberately avoided artificial steps and therefore ensure thrill. It closes on a piece of smooth stone, well graded before rocks lead to the flat summit.

Punta Penia, 3343 m, west-Marmolada


(5? 6 h | 1000 Hm | medium)

King's trip on the highest peaks of the Dolomites hochalpinem character.

Best time: mid-July? Mid-September.

Starting point: Fedaia Lake (2020 m); Bergbahn to Pian dei Fiacconi (2626 m).

Route: From the mountain station is about 100 Hm downhill before the climb begins with a map. At the last piece crosses a small glacier. Long rows of iron dominate the Klettersteig, initially through the shady north side runs. Here are some easy tightrope insured Crossings on rock slabs on the west. Then, always at the ridge to the summit in the rubble. Descent: The best over the glacier back to the lift station.

Small Klettersteig Cir, 2520 m


(2? 2 ½ hours | 250 Hm | medium)

Pleasure trip at the end? constantly in mind: the jagged Dolomite peaks in the East? Summit overlooking the rolling green Gardena.

Best time: July? September.

Starting point: Selva, Kabinenbahn Dantercepies.

Route: A grassy slope is in short switchbacks upward direction via ferrata. After a steep gully man stands before the entrance ladder. Now partially exposed without artificial steps further. After waiting Südgrat the finals, the vertical peak upswing. Descent: An wire-rope/rope-end down into a saddle and a ravine full of boulders.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

IA and much much more powerful.

Amaranth and vanilla to the bar: the asses both carry the baggage and they know better than the walkers, where it's at. Namely, always in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson, as the tourists now grazed by the Cevennes - including stubborn accompaniment.

 


Saint-Jean-du-Gard - Amaranth head their ears. Even a slight jerk on the halter, and the Eseldame already marching on the narrow path in the middle of the Cevennes in southern France.

Again and again the two branches streak filled panniers, the Amaranth on the back helps. It is steep, but the animal balances the approximately 30 kilograms, and cleverly brings his charge with small steps to the valley. Eselwanderungen like these with Amaranth are the rugged mountainous region between the Rhône and the Massif Central to a trademark has become: There are several providers, the four-legged and give guided tours organized.


The Cévennes are a wild migrant region. Characterized by the dry plateaus and deeply incised, wild river valleys like the Ardeche and Tarn. Often you will see hours of no house, no true man. However, there is a network of huts - in French: Gites d'etape - hikers record.


Break every two hours


With a good map and tips from locals equipped, is also an overnight tour is no problem. Who's with the donkey is on, you need a hostel, however, also feed and paddock space for the animal to keep. It is therefore recommended that a tour by a Eselvermieter put together for you.

It should also be included that a hike with the Grautier rather tranquil affair is jagged and less of a march. Although it is a prejudice that donkeys are basically lazy, but they go at it more leisurely. Between three and four kilometers submit an ass back in an hour - that yes, he has the baggage of up to 40 kilograms. Moreover grow right and left foot height exactly on a variety of delicious grasses.

If you are not constantly on his ass eating dissuade you should at first walking miles to make it clear who the boss is eaten and when. Every two to three hours, a break on the program, then the luggage bags removed, so the animal can graze and drink.

There should be an extra-long knit in his luggage. How to order an expertly Anbindeknoten ties, is the "donkey-owners on time" before the tour in a Crash Course explains. Although no prior knowledge of riding or Eselführen necessary - a degree of animal lovers, however, is a prerequisite.

The Eselvermieter, which usually keep an entire herd, show patience, how the animal is captured the morning, where the halter should sit and how Striegel and Hufkratzer properly used. Since the lodge hosts on the route often have experience with donkeys, visitors can enjoy while still good advice, so if something does not work as intended.


On the paths of Stevenson


Even if Eseltouren through various regions are: The original route through the Cevennes carries around 200 kilometers in the footsteps of author Robert Louis Stevenson from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-du-Gard in the southern mountainous region. Among the works of the famous Scots include "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and of course, "Treasure Island", to his lesser-known titles, the "Travel with a donkey through the Cévennes.


blogs ONLINE
Donkey Route: 200 km on the footsteps of Stevenson


It describes his adventures on the side of Modestine, a rather stubborn Eselstute. 1878 Stevenson broke as a young man to walk on - today, one would say it was a kind of self Strip. From locals laughed at, made the writer 150 years ago to prepare for an important segment of the tourism industry in the mountainous region.

On the walks of holidaymakers from happening and to abandoned villages, which come from a time when the Cevennes were still densely populated. At that time operated the people agriculture and built, among other things wine, olives and peaches on. In the higher altitudes were harvested chestnuts and large sheep and goat herds guarded. In the 17th Century there was a significant sericulture in the region. By epidemics and cheap imported goods, however, broke this industry together, and more and more people migrated from.


Donkey with elephant memory


Meanwhile, there are many cottages, small hotels and guesthouses in the Cévennes - mostly for nature lovers and tourists who enjoy sports. For dinner lure to reward for a hard day's specialties from the region such as chestnuts, hearty pies and roast venison, the most in the huts of the economy people are prepared. It is customary for all guests together with their hosts in a large dining table - with a lot of time for conversation, stories and a bottle of Rhone wine.

At one point on the hike are Amaranth and its companion vanilla but still very stubborn: they want partout a certain way not down. Only after lots of persuasion pound they become increasingly steep path downward. To that end, the panniers are removed, with front legs stretched and almost on the back of the donkeys slipping controls a small slope down.

So steep paths are actually unusual for the specified route, the Eselverleiher into a map - and in fact: The walkers are wrong turn. Exactly at the intersection where the animals are not weiterwollten. The donkey tours run regularly and have a good memory.


ESELWANDERUNGEN in the Cévennes

Cost information from suppliers Eselwanderungen:

Eselwanderungen in the Cévennes are recommended for families with children from about eight years. However, even young children can come when a "Krax" can be taken and the daily stages are short.
A donkey will cost the lender on the spot about 200 to 250 euros for a week. A night in a hut costs about 15 euros in the dormitory and 25 euros in a double room.


Maison de la France
Zeppelin Allee 37
60325 Frankfurt
Tel: 0900/157 00 25 to 49 cents per minute
http://de.franceguide.com
http://www.ardecheinfo.de
http://www.chemin-stevenson.org


http://anegenti.free.fr
http://www.eselwandern.de
http://www.wandernmitesel.com


  ->

Sheep grazing on the beach.

Dunes party with drums and trumpets: If Ameland in the Dutch old-distress lifeboat to the water left, it is with the rest of the island over. They say this other horse and sheep good night - and the cars barely get tourists to face.

 


Hollum - Ameland is usually before the Dutch coast an ideal area for cyclists. Each corner of the small island is accessible by bicycle. But on this Saturday to help in Hollum only descend if there is a traffic there, he would now Chaos Report. Crowds of people move through the Johan Wilhelm Burgerstraat, at intersections, there is congestion. Who the wheel has not turned off, you must push. Hundreds of spectators want to be there when the "Abraham Fock", the old lifeboat of the islanders, water is left.

In the summer happens regularly Saturday mornings. This time everything is still louder than usual: In Hollum is Musikfest. And one or other music group that started the afternoon, is already underway in the direction Reddingsmuseum. Timpani strokes are to hear a tuba growls, rich trumpet sound is a - well, it can no longer be. The more the quantity of the Reddingsmuseum Abraham Fock approaches, the more it will close on the narrow streets.

Used the old lifeboat no more. Long island, the sea rescue cruiser, in the Ballum bay at anchor, and from there to sail, if someone needs help. The old boat used to bring, was and is difficult, if only because it Hollum on a hanger with horse power transported to the beach and into the water to be withdrawn. Nevertheless, the Amela made it a tradition that is now far beyond the coast also is known.


Ten horsepower before boot


The "tewatering" is a blend of folk and traditional care. It recalls the time when the rescue people in distress from an even more risky undertaking than today was. As long as it is still not produce until the end of the eighties, has a modern lifeboat Ameland get after several horses in the waves were drowned when the "Abraham Fock" had to use.


TMN
Many beach Mileage: Ameland is one of the five islands off the Dutch coast - the four island villages, such as on a string strung together


Before the museum, where "Abraham Fock" is housed, has been a human grape. The oversized buoy in front of the museum are two children climbed in order to be able to see better.

Pairs are placed on the horses, ten pieces in total, and finally the trailer forward, the lifeboat in the stores. The signal is hard to hear, then they are already in motion - and the audience too. Hundreds of good-humored people prefer the horses behind her in the direction Dünenkamm, and the cyclist must move again. One group has horns on the advocates of a tractor taken place and is therefore all the better to hear. A band plays "Beautiful is the world to be."

It is how Carnival on the Wadden Sea. Many islanders are running, but the great majority are tourists. On the dunes are hundreds of people. Again, there is a signal with the whistle, and even the horses pull the trailer with the "Abraham Fock" on the beach. Then the lifeboat under heavy applause into the water left. Quite the front of the dunes to weigh De Amelander Juttersvrouwen "in the rhythm, so brides beach robbers. And he who is not the same as the text mitkommt, the melody is easy to recognize: "We are not banning the singing."


Four villages and lots of beach


But that is Ameland in a state of emergency. Usual way, the small island watts very differently: as a single giant sheep pasture with a long sandy beach on the side. In the sky are clouds white fluffy cuddle, like motionless from cotton. On the willows blooming clover, rape of yellow lights to the horizon. And in the white dunes of the beach reckt his oats straws high. Four villages there are here and who should decide what the best is to have long pondering.

Lineker Blokker Hollum lives in on a former farm and rented rooms in the former barn, which is particularly popular with guests who arrive in groups. "Most of the Germans come for the beaches and sea," she says. "The beach of Ballum changes almost every week, the nature is really an artist." One may, with the car ferry to take. "But you do not need it here," says Lineker. "Most Amela have one, and some go so well every week. But if I get it six times a year to use, then that's a lot."

One can well understand: Cycling is much nicer than driving a car, even though there are some rules. "Niet op het beach!" and "Een persoon per fiets!" are the two most important rules of cycling distributors: not on the beach, not five people on the racks you. Then you can sightedness.

All villages are connected to the wheel quickly reached. From Boer to Nes, where many restaurants are found, it is a stone's throw until Ballum not much further. The houses here are small and cozy, almost none has more than two floors. There are many very old, like the digits from Anke travel on the front page: Many have been in the 18th Century, when some Amela as whaling captains on ships came to assets. The streets are paved with red bricks, which you consider that they are a bit longer. Sometimes you can take a tractor from the village in the direction of grazing land, cars are rarely seen. The tempo-30-plate on the edge is actually superfluous.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

License to do nothing.

From worthless to plaice fillet expensive piece: Mallorca's beaches have an almost unparalleled career lying. No wonder - but are they the best Wellness idea of nature. The story of the invention of a Badeparadieses.

 


The "Brünnchen of Kuhhirten" - is a name not fit for travel books and postcards. But when Oliver Francisco Berga around the year 1915 his hotel "Terminus" at Pouet d'en Vaquer opened, thought the fisherman from Palma also not yet in mass tourism and charter flights. However, Berga Oliver sensed the potential of the border strip between the water and earth. Although he too close to the sea was unpredictable and was sandy and salty, as it for the benefit of a substantial landowner had. Coastal land was worthless on Mallorca, so it was always the younger inherited.


That changed after ebenjener poor overseas Fischer Berga Oliver the beaches of Cuba and Jamaica had seen, equipped with beach chairs and Badeschaluppen for the European nobility. He knew: We can do this too. So he put a single house on the deserted beach of Palma - in the desert, between flat sloping rocks, sand seegrasbedeckte surfaces and scrub. Along the sea line he planted North African date palms and waited for the first summer. You, he presented the Caribbean on your doorstep.


FOUND IN ...

MERIAN
Mallorca

Heft bestellen
www.merian.de


Today is called the region for the sake of simplicity Arenal, Sandy, 40,000 beds are made for the visitors. The bay is the prototype of a vacation model, which itself has survived several previous occasions: Sol y Playa, time and again fallen into disrepute, but not totzukriegen. Why?

Because there is nothing better than an afternoon in the warm sand to spend. No other natural experience is so much associated with relaxation, all other outdoor recreation activities call muscle working and push sweat. When you sweat, the sun also, but that is only cause to swim in the waves. Warm sand and cool water - the best wellness idea of nature and the perfect invitation to idleness. Faul, which we must now only be on the beach.


Beaches were fishing because


"Your footprints in the sand? Which I found yesterday?", Sang Howard Carpendale 1975. At that time in Germany linked to the beach idyll with, leave, brown skin. And Mallorca was synonymous with the beach. Those who already knew the island inside? Who knew about the possessions, the vast country estates, where until the 1950s was beneficial gewirtschaftet? Who knew from the peasant families that their Selbstversorgerhöfe only once every holy time left, perhaps for a vigil on the Nachbarhof to stand?

Palma? This was of some place a multi-trip away. The sea? People died, without ever seen up close it. The beaches? In Sa Ràpita outdated with the oxcarts Alluvial seaweed fertilizer to the fields. In Ses Salines salt is collected. In one shot Estellencs seals in the Cala of the camp appeared to get to pops, octopus, after raors, sword fish knife, after llagostas, crawfish. When you plucked Son Real fonoll Marí, sea fennel, so great to Mallorcan lunch plate pa amb oli fits. But swimming? Baden? Sunbathing?

Upon arrival of the first tourists in the two-parter, the Mallorcan really need to avert their eyes - even in the 1950s forbade the government in Madrid, out of water swimming clothes to wear. Did you move in the bathhouse. Were men and women in separate sections of beach. On Sunday afternoon, they joked with each other, drank geeiste almond milk, sang. In full clothing. Bikini, what then? Brown, why?


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Monday, May 18, 2009

Frontal assault on the senses.

Smell, taste, indulge in flavors: Hardly anyone knows the wild, beguiling in Pollino Nordkalabrien - and this is a shame. Nowhere else can you feast as well, through canyons and experiencing nature up close, as in Italy's largest national park.

 


Giuseppe looks grimly through the car windscreen, "Where the hell is this supposed to be?" He asks offended and typing on the paper with the address of the "Agriturismo Acampora." Behind him rise the mountains of the Pollino massif in the sun sky, between us hangs the scent of honey and bitter herbs.

"Give me the number," he bids kramt and gruff in his denim jacket after the mobile phone. In the rough dialect of the mountain people he chats with a lady at the other end of the line, then his face brightens at. "I bring you out," he was still buzzing and is already with his pitch-black Vespa disappeared behind the curve.


In madcap pace is 350 meters up the switchbacks, faster, until finally Giuseppe fully meets the brakes in front and an old farm with a very steep ramp to stop coming. Good mood, he welcomed a small, suntanned woman in the antique rose knit sweater - House mistress Maria Francomano, as it turns out, someone knows that he knows, and thus something of a family member. Maria mustered their new host by the cautious side, and then kindly invited to dinner.


"The outrageous good fortune, to be born here"


All make it to the covered terrace and comfortable blink in the sun. "Glorious", Giuseppe sighs and looks over the valley a few miles distant beaches of the Ionian Sea. Meadows, thickly forested hillsides, sheep and shepherd dogs dominate the picture, it smells of shrubs and herbs unknown. The first almond trees begin to bloom, the earth räkelt after the long winter in the sun.


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"Thank God back in the homeland!" Three decades has spent Giuseppe in Milan, as a bricklayer and carpenter earns his money. Now he's finally returned after Calabria, "where the olives grow in your own garden and caves to invite bathwater."

Rosa Maria's daughter shares his enthusiasm. "I was simply outrageous luck that I was born here," she says and leaves the ice on her left eye compared to rest. "I love this country, our animals, the wine that we ourselves grow." Fruits, olive oil, sausage, honey or jam - in the case of Mamma Maria follows the concept of agrotourism simple rules: everything on the table, even bred, reared, made - and so overwhelmingly delicious that you prefer the whole day only would eat.

Already with their first astonished the hostess snack: It ranges even anise-baked bread and a kind of apple panettone. Both looks unspectacular, but is exceptionally tasty. There is a shimmering glass of reddish liqueur, which I am skeptical of the cost, but am completely confused: An aroma armada, my taste buds gestürmt - Nelke front is followed by a laurel and citrus notes that I can not identify partout.

The heavy sweetness burns so much that it is tilted, the miracle drink only in homeopathic doses to enjoy - unless you have the constitution of Giuseppe, the cheerful glass after another drink, and be satisfied with both hands on the belly knocks.

Already, I am captivated by the city and its delights. Here everything goes its course and is a sublime way of course. The limbs are sluggish and sleepy, but Maria and her husband Salvatore have no time for leisure: "Mangiai, mo u vaju fatigue," is the name of a Calabrian proverb - "I've eaten, now I go to work."


Clack and crash into eerie depth


After hens, dog, rabbit, goats and pigs fed and the house has put in order, Maria decides to send me to show the area. We run through the karst landscape and sunny looking for peonies, which here in large numbers and flourish for centuries as a cure for gout, epilepsy, children's and women's diseases.

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Santa Sanctuary Madonna delle Armi in Calabria

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Maria pushes me velvet, farnähnliche a leaf yarrow in hand. Nothing special, you should think, but when I find it between his fingers grinding, spread it a beguiling scent of parsley, rosemary and bergamot. Even Achilles, in the Trojan war hemostatic effect of the herb have used - even today many Calabrian swear to his healing power.

In a grove rests Mary on a rock, and indicates an inconspicuous opening in the thicket. "Throw a stone purely times," she says. I'm looking for a brotlaibgroßen chunks and throw it into the hole. But instead of a muffled crash is a vastly clack and crash to hear incessantly dancing with the stone walls of the cave, until he barely 700 meters in depth to rest.

We are on the "abisso del Bifurto," also a "wolf cave" called karst cave near Cerchiara di Calabria. Already in the 10th Century monks lived here, and later studied predator and pastoralists in the abyss refuge. Today dare only tourists and well-equipped cavers not easy descent into the underworld.

Life in the karst landscape has shaped Maria: "I make perfume or chocolates with no joy, I do prefer stones gift," she says smiling, while a huge chunk admired by the wayside. "Looks like a foot, or?" Would prefer the 60-year-old monster, the same take, but common sense and the pain in the knee to keep the upper hand.


Drama about the stolen Madonna


A bit of wellness for the afflicted limbs would not be bad, but the nearby thermal pool of the nymph grotto only opens its doors in June. Already in antiquity the Sybariten bathed in a bubbling, sulphurous springs and enjoyed the shade and scattered sunlight, the interior cave diving in milky light. Today, a modern bath and Spa established.

We take a look into the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Armi ", a lavishly restored sanctuary, which is about ten kilometers from Cerchiara away to the slopes of Mount Sellaro hugs. In the elaborately decorated Mamorkapelle stands at the heart of the former monastery: the black stone engraved portrait of the Madonna delle Armi. Many miraculous cures and Marian apparitions will be here over the centuries have given the belief in the Madonna is still unbroken.

As the thieves on the evening of the 6th May 1977 at the Sacred Stone is pulled, there was bewilderment among the faithful: "You have given us the Madonna delle Armi stolen, we are now motherless," it was in a folk song. "Let us not in the lurch," prayed the town, "because without you we can not be." And lo and behold: Only a day later Carabinieri discovered the relic in the fields of Sibari, where the robbers had hidden them. The world was back in order.

ON TO ONLINE blogs

Cultural city of Lecce: Stop Folklore! (13.05.2009)

Dumplings after Dolomite type of cuisine Ladiner (12.05.2009)

Fascination Gargano wonders between heaven and Earth (08.05.2009)

Diving in Liguria: In the sanctuary of the whales (05.05.2009)

Stromboli: Uphill to Purgatory (04.05.2009)

Italy Quiz: Do you belong to Tuscany Group?

Eng rooted in the Albanian culture is the soul-1000-Civita place. From here we descend down to the Roman "Devil's Bridge" in the shadow of the mighty "Timpe" spectacularly steep rising cliffs, looks like a tiny toy model. Heaps rises the red desert rock wall across the river Raganello, its icy cold waters in summer canyoning groups wade to the gorge close-up. Also rafting and hang gliding is offered here - the dramatic perspectives are sometimes staggering.

After so much fresh air and mountain scenery, exciting longs of "agrotourism" after only one: that Mary finally disappears into the kitchen to prepare their delicacies. Farewell is personally gezwirbelte Raschiatelli pasta with tomatoes and ricotta. I eat so much that hardly any room for the main course - a discreetly seasoned, salt-rich but very meaningful organic lamb, which I would love a few weeks. As a supplement, there are scrambled eggs with fried potatoes and fresh peas.

By sitting at the table Salvatore Maria's husband, a thoughtful man with sharp creases around the mouth. He cares for nature, his heart: "Many Calabrian destroy their environment because they are ignorant," he laments. Only in summer 2007, arsonists had 2000 hectares of pine forests were destroyed. "One should not always just think of the profit, but also the friendship," says Salvatore. "People like to take is to go to school - you always learn something new."

I would like to learn how Maria prepared her delicious tarts. Oranges, figs, almonds and fragrant roses after jam, I acknowledge, but there was still something else inside. Mary just smiles and gives wine.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Watts for all worms.

An island of Eco-Energy: Föhr will now expand its total electricity with solar cells and wind turbines deny. And attract more young visitors - for example with high-tech gadgets for mobile.

 


Wyk on Föhr - For courageous natures boots do not come into question: Ins watts before the North Island Föhr go, at least in the summer semester only barefoot. But on this spring day, the water not ten degrees. Even the sun warms the Ostwind little. Stubenrauch Walter, director of the National Center on Föhr Wyk, Watts knows that his fascination as well as its pitfalls. He picks today prefer to protective boots. "Many underestimate the Wadden Sea," says the 52-year-old former biology and history teacher.

Stubenrauch grave stands a steel fork firmly in the North Sea floor in front of the South Wyker and promotes a remarkable worm watts to light. Of these, up to 20-centimeter-long worms live up to 50 on a square meter. They dwell in the j-shaped tubes, eat their way through the soil, digest the organic material in it and try to do not even hungry birds to catch.

Because life in the most productive ecosystems in the world largely in secret rages, tourists have the ground beneath their feet hold. "We have a Bück National Park," explains Stubenrauch guests.


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From their island and sisters Amrum Sylt shielded against the North Sea, is located in the middle of the Föhr Nationalpark "Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea." In addition to pensioners and patients come mainly school children and families with children Walter Stubenrauch guides.

Indeed, in recent years, the nearly 83-square-meter island a reputation as a family vacation goal. This should remain so. However, the classic family is rare, Föhr looking for alternatives. Singles, young couples without children and travelers in the retirement age have some other claims, knows the head of the Tourism Marketing GmbH Föhr, Sandra Lessau.


Master suites in the house


The season in the spring and fall outside of the holiday should be extended. "We can not with families with school-age children, plus we have people from 50 or 55", said Lessau. The suppliers must be based on shorter-term bookings and shorter travel setting. These are more hotels with higher levels of need.

A first step in the marketing Föhr has already been made. Since early 2007, all communities in the tourism GmbH. They offer a unified Internet presence and a common reservation platform. Last year, a tourism concept Föhr decided by 2012 to achieve its goals.

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Pellworm: Pullovers animals Teletubbieland (17.07.2008)

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North Sea island Spiekeroog: Still Life at the beach (23.06.2008)

Föhr in the spring: Gaul Greetings (07.04.2008)

Marianne and Brar Roeloffs have already reacted and her small bed and breakfast hotel "Rackmers yard" in the contemplative Friesdorf Oevenum expanded. In the old master of the house and in two new buildings, they offer eleven suites under thatch to meet the specific needs of couples and young families are. "The bookings are very short and usually for a few days," confirms the trend Roeloffs Marianne. "2009 is indeed a Spätbucherjahr how the experts have predicted."

Although the recent opening of the new building with four suites, only a few weeks ago, the landlord already look to the future: "We now have a size that is economical for us, but we plan to have a café with a terrace open," says Marianne Roeloffs.


Fries Museum comes to mobile phones


Besides the traditional attractions like the beach, sea and mudflats, and thatched-roof villages Fries romance, golf and sailing marina wants Föhr future other accents. Sun wants the island as a pioneer in the use of renewable energy market.

Many farmers have realized that with large solar panels on their barn roofs not only a green image, but also a lot of money can get. For years now rotate, 19 wind turbines on Föhr distributed. "We want to make it through five more to replace and spatially summed up," says the mayor of Wyk on Föhr, Heinz Lorenzen. There are a nation politically but still no green light.

The 63-year-old honorary chief of the island's capital, before he retired teacher, can be a body of information on renewable energy on Föhr imagine. "We have a hundred-percent target and do not want to stand still," says Lorenzen. That is, to be Föhr with solar and wind energy and geothermal energy at least as much electricity to be produced, as residents and tourists consume. That is a lot. Because the islanders to come throughout the year at least 200,000 guests, for a total of 1.9 million overnight care.

Even with modern communications Föhr wants to stay ahead. Young people who prefer an SMS Feriengruß tap as postcards to write, it should well find that their Internet-enabled mobile phone photo is now also a travel guide is: At 140 points like the Cathedral in Nieblum or Fries museum in Wyk, they need only a sign with a sign code can be photographed and then on a special Web page to read the pertinent information. "Föhr, this new technology as the first widely available," says Lessau.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Tuff, Trulli, Tarantella.

Hardly a region of Italy has with its dusty image to struggle as the Salento peninsula. They start here at the coolest parties, dumbfound makers engaged with interactive art for everyone. An ode to the young and modern Lecce.

 


Lecce is the sun-rich, fragrant queen of the Baroque, a city that lascivious plays with her curves and a dress with lavish ornaments bears. But the lady who embraces the sometimes threatens to smother: "O God, how tired I am the eternal folk have," groans Mimmo, trendy DJ with the right glasses and a master's degree in philosophy in the luggage. "Tarantella and the trulli - the only thing the people of Apulia mind."


Indeed, the region has far more to offer than the famous Trulli, round houses with pointed roofs, and traditional dances - and the 34-year-old cultural workers hopes that the world is finally responsible. Especially, the dark-haired giant with the child's face in a top-up location - a villa in the middle of a giant olive grove, surrounded by lemon trees and a grotesquely large cactus figs.

While a man with a stunning resemblance to Jim Belushi Gassenhauer of the eighties under the People's will, is booming in the next room a contemporary electric sound. Already in the afternoon hundreds of fans crowd in a small space together, drinking bad wine cellar from Mamas and dance as Pogo omitted that one believes in a time machine to be advised. "Great, how are all rauslassen steam and everything," says bookseller Walther, who is also now and then turns to the controls. In times of crisis and total political apathy is the best way, sometimes off.


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Mimmo do not want to leave the hook plate and developed with friends from the club "world of Kappa" the concept for a culture magazine. Under the name "Krill" is to appear three times a year - the avant-garde in Lecce has a penchant for the unusual in Italian "K" with its crunching the consonant combinations.

Antiakademisch and easy to understand it in the booklet to "points of contact between external and subjective fantasy world" go. "Knowledge is for everyone, it must not be elitist," says Mimmo, in schools of philosophical and cultural concepts are discussed. "We see ourselves as a translator."


"Young Ideas for a better Apulia"


Friends Mimmos Maurizio and Michele, the concrete thing: They want to bring art and accessible for all. Away from the conventional exhibition in the center of Lecce, the two in an effort to "manufacture Knos" established a laboratory in the wild with all the ingredients of a modern culture cocktails will be juggled.

30 years is working metal workers and electrical engineer at the massive workbenches, the 4000 square-meter hall in the Via Vecchia Frigole. Then the training center was closed and was abandoned ten years. "When we first came, the water dripped from the ceiling and the whole room was filled with rusty machines that have not wanted to have," recalls the photographer and recycling fan Maurizio Butazzo.

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They have always had him isolated, deserted places fascinated, stood fast for him and his partner Michele Bee said: "The place is fantastic, let us revive him!" The two designed a concept for a multimedia event center and presented it to the province of Lecce. And lo and behold: It allowed them to use the premises, provided that they themselves put it back into standard Bee Butazzo and sold all the machines and made with a starting capital of several thousand euros to the work.

For months, was planned, rehabilitated, renovated and fantasises. Numerous projects and clubs emerged, until in November 2007 "Knos" was born: The giant complex, presented in a new guise - with cinema, recording studio, editing rooms, a media library, a children's library, exhibition spaces, workshops, rehearsal rooms for music, theater and dance - and, of course, a chic bar, even an in-house radio station went on air.

"We want not just art exhibit, we want to produce here on the spot," says Bee, a small, athletic man with clear ideas and stunning Hollywood smile. The concept "Knos" sit on experiments, research and education, "it could be almost a kind of Bauhaus new name," he says smiling. Anyway, it was important that people from the neighborhood to the creative processes teilhätten.

With the offer for children in the first year was significant: There were courses in creative writing and street art, had a chilling drama with the name "Calixte Hountondji Kokou" African puppets dance. In the "smallest circus in the world" could the kids acrobatics and magic tricks to learn, and true to the motto "Even scientists were times children" in laboratory experiments.


The cultural program was filled with nano-tech design, vintage digital art, architecture, evenings and short presentations. Work courses in the body ( "What comes after the exhaustion?") Competing with projects such as citizens' ideas for a boy Apulia better. "

German, French, Japanese and Latin American artists represented - and also the meta-level was not too short: "What do I to the culture?" asked the makers of the OST (Open Space Technology), one in the eighties in the USA by Harrison Owen developed technology in the public discourse.


Unemployment and emigration: "We'll stay here"


Currently, the entire area of the factory from the ground up restored - an expensive venture, to be part of the "Film Commission" of the province of Puglia and Lecce is supported. "A General sponsor would be great," says Michele, but in southern Italy is not so easy to find. "Yet we are urgently looking for economic independence, in order not to get political."

Puglia has always been an economically weak region. Unemployment is rising, and increasingly well-educated young people are choosing to emigrate. Solo from 1995 to 2004 left more than 120,000 graduates their homeland, not a few in just four million inhabitants throughout the region.

All the more worthy of respect the commitment of the "Knos collective" because all the volunteer work here and put a lot of time and energy into her job. PR woman Gemma has just completed her MA in Literatures made, Michele is his main philosophy lecturer at the University of Lecce.

ON TO ONLINE blogs

Dumplings after Dolomite type of cuisine Ladiner (12.05.2009)

Diving in Liguria: In the sanctuary of the whales (05.05.2009)

Stromboli: Uphill to Purgatory (04.05.2009)

Fascination Gargano wonders between heaven and Earth (08.05.2009)

Of course, all in northern Italy can stay where they studied or worked there. "Even though we are in Milan, Bologna and Turin had a better chance - we will try anyway, here something to move and build," says Michele. "With the mentality that prevails with us, there are sometimes severe storms, but then again grow flowers," says Maurizio and added a wink: "With thorns."

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Ladiner the culinary arts.

Lived a long time the people of the Dolomites in Ladiner Clinch with the larger neighboring states. The convergence takes place nowadays in the kitchen instead of - for example, when pasta-cooking course.

 


To the whitewashed walls sneaks an inconspicuous figure. The work is simple clothing style, face weathered and tanned from working outdoors. Fleetingly she mustered the visitors out of sight angles. Short nod, but no greeting. When did the shape of this place is not much to report. A day laborer, perhaps. One, based on the old farm in South Tyrol Val Badia (Ladin Name: Val Badia) erschuftet his daily bread.

Due to a heavy wooden door to get inside. The iron door handle is angeraut of rain, snow and the sweat of the occurrence. The
Court Sotciastel lies on 1400 meters altitude in the municipality Abbey (Ladin: Badia) and near the famous Heiligkreuzkofel. The photogenic mountain is at sunset in the mountain discipline "Alpenglow" the rival relaxed in the shade and is on many postcards and paintings.

In the living room of the house, everything is in place: the stove in the corner, the photos of the grandparents on the wall, the crucifix above the door - and half a dozen tourists on the corner, at the house mistress Erika Pitscheider want to learn how the ladino peasant generations before cooked. And it still do today.


Men on the runway, women in the cooking class


Erika Pitscheider chef wears a checkered apron, her forearms are strong with flour pollinating. Traces of the preparations for her cooking class, they once a week to deter and to the mostly German and Italians to participate. In the majority are women, their husbands not to the famous ski slopes of Alta Badia, or the wildly romantic hiking trails to follow.


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Ladin dishes live from simple ingredients. The barren soil in the steep slopes of the Dolomite valleys is just under a lot of physical effort to elicit more than grass for cattle. Fruit, cereals, meat and vegetables were previously hard-earned. Today, much of valleys with a milder climate was introduced.

Paradoxically, the cooking classes, in which Erika Pitscheider the simple regional dishes prepared in the Val Badia, a decent Zubrot for the family. It has to a certain degree of local notoriety brought - as the preservation of the Ladin cuisine. And so part of the Ladino culture.

My favorite shows Erika Pitscheider the manufacture of Turtres. These are fried dumplings filled with spinach and curd. There is also what with potato or sauerkraut filling. In neighboring German Pusteria, the gateway to the Val Badia, the Turtres under the name Tirtlan known. The names come from the Latin word from torta "round bread".

"A simple dish with simple ingredients," says Erika Pitscheider, "and simply nachzukochen". The Turtres were a symbol of the history of Ladiner: The best of the what could be found. In every respect. Ladiner centuries lived in complete isolation and abject poverty. Until the fifties the tourism gorgeous mountain panorama of the Val Badia discovered, and especially the National Park Fanes-Senes-Prague, the picturesque effect almost unreal. The stranger brought prosperity in the mountains.


Plaything of politics


But the mentality of many Ladiner is still characterized by restraint. Guests encounter it polite, but reserved. They rented rooms, but strangers can not look into the innermost. "It takes a long time until a Ladiner opens," says Erika Pitscheider, "it remains under himself and does not talk much. Just like my husband out there." When the supposed day laborers in front of the house is therefore the husband of Erika Pitscheider, the owner of Sotciastel.

For centuries, the ball Ladiner a game of politics. This has worked for generations in the mind of the people dug. Once populated mountain peoples romanische an area from the Adriatic to the Gotthard in Switzerland ranged. Migrations and territorial losses restricted territory are increasingly one. In Italy, about 30,000 live Ladiner. They are spread over five valleys in three different provinces are: Alto Adige, Trentino and Veneto. Their language is much more familiar with the Romansch used in the Swiss canton of Grisons maintained.

Neither Ladin or Romansh dialects are Italian, as is often erroneously suspected. "It hurt our pride," says Erika Pitscheider. Even their Italian guests, it must, by its own tutoring in geography type. "Many do not know that we speak a language of its own," says Erika Pitscheider. Only three town - in Italian, Ladin and German - can be found in some ring.


Culinary approximation


Between the Ladins and their guests will find rapprochement today for the sake of simplicity to culinary paths instead - Against man's heart is through his stomach. A few miles the valley well wealthy tourists love about the award-winning cuisine: Nowhere else in Italy is the density of Michelin stars as high as in Alta Badia on the southern end of the Val Badia. One of the three-star restaurants in Alta Badia is the "de Stüa Michil" in Corvara. The Turtres be here with Ladin barley soup served.

Eponym is the gourmet cellar Michil Costa. With his Hotel La Perla and a strong sense of style and Feingeistiges he has ensured that Alta Badia after a meeting in the Alps has moulted celebrities. Until recently, president of Costa ladino community of interest "Uniun Generela di Ladins". He is considered one of the architects of the ladino thing. Unhurried he quotes Goethe and wisdom of the Dalai Lama. The former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, he mentioned in passing as "a very good friend."

In the background of his
Hotel La Perla outshines the mighty mountain Sassongher the scene. In his private salon is Mürbegebäck and Costa coffee with a shot of grappa kredenzen rare. "Works only with the past present and future," he ponders. "As a minority, we have only one chance, if we create this balance."

Change is regarded with suspicion in the Val Badia. Few hoteliers dared so far to step into the modern age. Anders Walter Craffonara. In the village asterisk (Ladin: La Ila), not far from Corvara, had a good going Craffonara hotel - and had it demolished to make it against the modern four-star hotel, "Lara Ciasa" einzutauschen. "I would have to retire," says Craffonara, "but my wife and I wanted to know it again." The modern architecture of his hotel, while the guests, but not by the older villagers loved. "We Ladiner must move with the times if we want to survive," says the experienced hotelier.

Change is in the farmhouse kitchen by Erika Pitscheider not an issue. Guests looking for here is the old Ladin - and in the form of Turtres they can even try and ausbacken. Prepared by an old recipe, which remained unchanged until today.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Irrgänge included.

Stony hills, enchanted oak forests - and always a terrific view of the sea: the island continue until 140 kilometers trail leads far beyond the Serra Tramuntana. Step by Step Discover a quiet wilderness hikers that no one should underestimate.

 


On old Köhler, post and pilgrim routes from one end of the Tramuntana Mountains, on the other eight days this walk from the yacht harbor of Port d'Andratx to the 2000 year old Roman bridge near Pollença. A challenging tour, 140 kilometers walk along beaches, to luxury villas, farms, cliffs, in a cemetery full of graves of artists, in a reservoir, at the NATO radar equipment for the western Mediterranean Sea and holiest monastery in Mallorca.


The GR 221 (Gran Recorregut - big route) is also known as Ruta de Pedra en Sec known, the dry stone route. He leads through rocky hills, enchanted woods, postcard villages, Ölbaumhaine and over mountains, the Alps, according to smell, and is the first island-wide trail.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Pop producer Cretu must demolish his villa.

18 million euros, a lot of trouble now and the end: After years of litigation, the former Sandra-producer and "Enigma" founder Michael Cretu his luxury estate in Ibiza off. The reason? A violation of the building.

 


Ibiza - The excavators have already begun with the demolition - now there is no turning back. 13 years ago from Romania had the pop-born producer Cretu its 3150 square meter property in Sant Antoni in the west of Ibiza in a nature reserve built. According to media reports, he had among other things, a wooded hillside can be removed. Environmentalists complained against the construction and got now by the Supreme Court in Madrid right.

"This is a historic victory," said Neus Prats from the environmental organization GEN-GOB. Jaume Roig Cretus lawyer criticized his client had been punished particularly hard because he is a prominent foreigners had. The other side has admitted that the demolition in the fight against the architectural on the island an example had been.

The cypress and palm trees surrounding property, which the newspaper "El Pais" as a mixture of the monastery and castle describes, is more than 18 million euros worth. Cretu is initially received a building permit. This was later revoked, it was said. The former Balearic Government have even passed a law specifically to prevent demolition, but also did nothing.

Cretu is, inter alia, as a producer of pop singer Sandra ( "Mary Magdalene") announced that he 1988 to 2008 and was married some 32 million albums sold. The couple lived with their two children in Ibiza. In the nineties, he celebrated with the project "Enigma" world success.

Boris Becker was also on the neighboring island of Mallorca in the past with his villa problems. The former tennis star had about half of his estate in Artà tear, because it is in a conservation area had been built.