Laboratory for Vision.

Summer in Montréal means above all: jazz. The world-famous festival keeps music fans for nearly two weeks in a good mood. But who is the eyes and ears open holds, check out the whole year on music and art to enjoy, without even a cent or greater.

 

Gerrys working in the metro will start the evening at half past six and lasts just two hours. More is not there. Later he may not stay and work. At least not here in the central Berri-UQAM Métro station. Gerry is 54 years old and a musician. From Wednesday to Sunday, it stands for two hours in the metro station, plays spiritual songs on the guitar and sings in French.

Further outside the city center, he should play for three hours. So are the rules. Thereupon, the Association of Independent Métro musicians with the city and the transportation company agreed. "We have founded the association to the right of making music in the Métro to obtain funds without penalty to pay," says Grégoire Dunlevy, president of the association. On the hundred-Métro musicians are currently working in the city, he predicts.

A permit needs Métro Gerry for his music but not. He may even use a small amplifier. "I am artist, but I'm not famous," he says smiling. And then he reveals in a solemn tone, as he is every year a part of the jazz festivals in Montreal is: "Then I play the station in St. Laurent, where the upper stages are built. And the people who come, I welcome with the words: Ladies and gentlemen. The festival begins here. " Since 1994, he regularly with his guitar under the blue sign with white harp - the official sign that at this point in metro station music must be made.

Art Exhibition at the houses

Jazz Festival or not - on Rue Prince Arthur, not far from Berri-UQAM away there all summer long brisk traffic. Many people, especially tourists who stroll along the street, studying the offers of the premises or simply enjoy the food and the sun on the terraces of the restaurants. For cars, this section of Boulevard St. Laurent and Rue Laval locked. The air is filled with various food aromas and vibrant street music.

Since last September it enjoys a busy and popular street close to the crowded restaurants and bars yet another attraction to linger and wonder inviting: a huge painting, an oversized piece of art under the open sky decorated with warm colors and soft forms of the formerly bare, white exterior wall of a row of houses. The much-photographed mural by Carlito Dalceggio is one of the largest and best known in the city. More than a hundred paintings, the 38-year-old artist in various countries have already realized, including in India, Mexico and France.

A typical element in his painting is a female person apparently, he held various positions in the scene. With its images will Dalceggio by the unity of man and the universe tell. He wants the people to show how they in the modern digital world can live. "Street art is a universal language that all over the world is spoken," he says. Montreal had a very lively street art scene and an incredibly good atmosphere. "You can live a very carefree."

Support for his art in Montreal gets Carlito Dalceggio by the mu-art organization. Employees of the organization are looking for suitable houses in the city walls to speak with the owners and obtain permits, and sponsors. Mu-Art has set itself the goal of art in public places to beautify the city. "The city is like a laboratory where one can realize his vision," says the artist.

Mosaic of languages, skin colors and cultures

Only a few street corners to the north of the Latin Quarter is the plateau. The neighborhood of mostly two to three houses, formerly inhabited mainly by workers, is now mainly among young people, artists and intellectuals popular. Typical trademarks are the brightly painted and curved stairs to the outer sides of the houses.

"The plateau is the best neighborhood to live in Montreal. It is very quiet, you will always walk out and there are many trees," says Yannick Picard, who is also an artist at the art mu-operate. A few years ago, the 28-year-old under a UN project in Honduras walls painted. His paintings look so realistic that they can hold photo collages.

But Montreal was not attractive. "I did last year, a wall painting in St. Michel made. So, I would like to live there is not." In his paintings continues Picard is mainly concerned with social issues and environmental problems. The plant in the St. Michel focuses on the coexistence of different cultures in Montreal. People from all over the world are drawn to the Québecsche Métropole; a colorful mosaic of languages, skin colors and cultures. For Picard, in a small town in Quebec grew up, was this diversity as an important reason to go into the city.

Among the musicians will be solved

Also Prométhée Huard, who in his murals on ornaments specializing appreciate the coexistence of very different ethnicities. "There is no race in Montreal separation, not as in the U.S.. All races live together in peace and there is little violence." The 36-year-old artist lives on the plateau, and works mainly on behalf of companies or business owners. For the movie Aviator, he has a painted backdrop - the New York of the twenties.

"It is not difficult, in Montreal received an order for a wall painting to get," says Huard. "I go into the shops and talking with the shop owner, and then tells me what he wants." His paintings are spread over the entire plateau, and also on Rue Prince Arthur ornaments adorn its a small shop.

In the Métro station Berri-UQAM Gerry has already guitar, microphone and amplifier together. It is quiet in the station. After he goes home but not yet. First it must be with the other musicians, the list for the next day to create. "We meet here at eleven clock at night to the next day to plan. Everyone writes his name on a piece of paper and throws it into a hat. Then withdrawn. The first eight are then on the list and the next day to play . For longer ranges, the time window is not enough. "

The competition is not currently large. Yesterday came just five musicians of the day planning. Gerry will certainly be back here tomorrow and sing under the blue sign with white harp.

Delicate dirt pile.

As the Berlin Mannheimer maintain an often rough "mouth". For the most famous sweet specialty of the town even the daily incidental debris as namesake sponsor of the "filth Mannemer" defended tenaciously against the confectioners official Regelwut.

 

While it is neither Mannheim Rotterdam, Vienna and Istanbul yet - and yet it has something for everybody. In the small city, as its inhabitants like to call them, meet the Baroque, Art Nouveau and fascinating modern architecture grisly purpose buildings from the postwar period, a port reaches a nature reserve, and a Catholic church vis-à-vis one of the largest mosques in Germany. Urbanity pure.

On the road widths are talking strictly two veiled young women in a Turkish-German melange to their infants quengelnden A. The tram screeches miserably on the rails, the ripple of the fountain Grupello on the parade square is only audible in its vicinity.

Mannheim is a constant contrast. The capital of Kurpfalz is not a classic beauty, certainly not, but there will never be boring. Change was always here. While they are good 400-year history witnessed the former residence town of Elector both times glorious splendor as well as absolute destruction, and repeatedly.

The start of a sustained economic recovery took place in the first half of the 19th Century. After decades, mainly caused by wars phase of decline Mannheim began to grow again, and some unsavory problems grew. 1822 - a sewer, there were not - forbade the then city manager Philipp Anton von Jagemann by police "in the house with the collected Kothe Kehrricht" on the road to dispose of.

Violations were recorded with a hefty fine punished. A witty Mannheimer Baker will be the first time a suspicious-looking, brown baking goods on the market that are still under the name "Mannemer dirt" is known. A creative form of protest? Quite possible.

Delicious with "Shut up"

With the authorities here had been at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar its early problems. As the 1605 Elector Friedrich IV, the strategic location for the construction of a fort used to, when he met with the residents of the village, home to man indignant resistance. In order to calm the minds granted the Regent of the urban settlement privileges. The protest had an impact, and perhaps this is the origin of the self-conscious and highly disputable setting Mannheimer mentality. It is times like angeeckt, the local tone, the infamous "Berlin snout" in no.

Gewöhnungsbedürftig is also the local dialect, which, inter alia, by strangely monotonous word endings concerned. Foreign Nichtverstehenden wash their inability to quickly whether the head. Kurpfälzer finally see their region as the navel of the world, and how can you not speak his language?

Who they are closer acquaintance, it is noted that most Mannheimer very lovable contemporaries are. And they know this life to enjoy. Mr. Hans Degen is one of them, a man who for hours about quality coffee, cake magic and history of his native city can tell. 31 years conducted in 1935, born the same master confectioner, 1838 established family business. Two years ago, took his daughters Martina and Simone - both also confectioner masters - the business on the street corner E2, 4

The Lord Degens are sugar baker body and soul, and proud owner of the original recipe for "Mannemer filth." As evidence establishes Mr. Hans Degen abgewetzten a tape on the table. Adorn the cover discolored the remnants of a label with the sign "Mr Degen C." written in a clean fracture, including the year of the 1862nd It is the recipe book of his great-uncle Carl, Mr. Degen said. He and his brother Joseph had with Friedrich Bechter, the inventor of the "dirty", had befriended. The old master had his younger colleagues leave the recipe.

"Patience cookies" and "worm Cartridges"

The book is actually a guide for the fabrication of "dirt pile, 12 pieces". The rest is of course secret, and the slanted handwriting for ordinary people of our times do not decipherable. Even otherwise, the recipe collection contains some curious entries. In the category "Small Confeckt" There are, for example. "Patience cookies" and "worm cartridges. "Previously we had just been invented names," says Mr. Hans Degen with melancholy voice. The "dirt pile", however, have evolved over time to a "bunch of Mannheim, and then to" dirty Mannemer "changed. "The name is always something to become cultured," finds the master confectioner.

Nevertheless, he was a few decades ago bureaucrats a thorn in the eye. Dirt, so they were in 1984, is not in the German food items list of names belong therefore prohibited. The Mannheim Baker fought back - with success. The dispute went into the sand. Ten years later tried again Paragrasenhüter, the specialty renitente to domesticate. This should name the word "like gingerbread biscuits" are imposed. This action ended unsuccessfully.

"Mannemer dirt is not a gingerbread" outraged Mr. Hans Degen. The latter consists only of flour, sugar and spices, teaches the specialist for specialty Mannheims were opposed 14 different items on the list of ingredients. The delicate aroma of marzipan makes the "filth" in fact, something special, and an appetite for more.

Immigrants have always city

Back on the dead straight road, a few blocks from Mr. Degen's tradition is in the house showcase for Confectionery Taksin breathtakingly garish, surreal-looking cakes, according to the taste orientalischstämmiger Kurpfälzer. Around the corner it smells of fresh bread. Beside the door of a butcher-Helal hangs a Turkish-FDP election poster, Fatih Özdemir advocates for the Liberals to local.

Mannheim has always been a city of immigration. Already in the 17th Century were numerous Flemish, Dutch and French established. Many of them were religious refugees. The migrants brought many new ideas and cultural suggestions. That is until now has remained so. The city seems to be constantly re-invent itself to be, despite all crises, or they must be even. Some may regret this, as a character stamped loss, but at the same time, this dynamic has enormous opportunities for the future. And anyway, there is no alternative.

"Full Metal Mannheim" screams to the viewer a graffiti wall of a deserted courtyard opposite. Desire to challenge or help? Sprout from the pavement buntblühende Löwenmäulchen.

Double somersault in the Main.

Rare spectacle in front of the Frankfurt skyline: With Saltos and screws pounced Springer cliffs of a pedestrian bridge to the Main. Despite the depth of 16 meters left only minimal splashes of water - but the artful leaps were just training.

 

Frankfurt / Main - between athletes and the spectators are 16 meters in altitude. On a pedestal at the pedestrian bridge pier is Eiserner Orlando Duque. The cliffs Springer is the same, after a double somersault and a half twist in the middle of the river Main in Frankfurt diving. Down in the boats put forward their photographers with big cameras lenses before the eyes. Duque jumps and dives headfirst into the water, the minimum aufspritzt. The Colombian is a master of his craft, nine times World Champion, to be exact.

The orange crew of a boat of the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) helps Duque out of the water. The jumper is next to his colleague Alain Kohl, 26, from Luxembourg, shortly thereafter, the two run barefoot down the stairs to the iron bridge high. You still have to complete some jumps.

The two athletes are preparing for that Monday morning in Frankfurt at a competition on 29 August in Hamburg before: If they want next ten other athletes during the "Red Bull Cliff Diving Series 2009" from a 26 meter high masts of the sailing ship port ankernden Museum "Rickmers Rickmer" jump.

The "Series" to measure the cliffs Springer in eight competitions in different European countries measure and jump from each of at least 26 meters in height. The next step is Dubrovnik in Croatia on 11 July on the program. German venue is Hamburg, the final is on 20 September in Athens.

It was quite difficult in an urban environment in a river than to jump around from a cliff in a natural environment, says Duque. "We go here on the open water. Thus, there is evidence to us how far we are still up to the water surface." Who but too late or too early on him or her and with his jump is not yet ready, must reckon with point deduction. In Frankfurt behilft the master jumper with the Orange DLRG of the boat.

Cliff jumping before Skyline

The sponsor of the series has stars of the scene such as Steve Black from Australia, from Russia Artem Silchenko, Kent de moon from the U.S. and just cabbage and Duque won. The 34-year-old Colombian Duque jumps for 23 years and lives of these cliffs. The competition incentives him that even in urban environments is cracked. "This possibility has not so often," he says, as he is the Iron Bridge.

On this Monday, Duque, the fans' God of the cliffs Springer "called a good mood anyway. The sun is shining, the water of the river Main is comfortably warm 21 degrees, a few spectators applaud after each jump, and a desire for him was true. "On one of my many travels I have seen this bridge once. Since I want to jump down from here," he says on the pedestrian bridge made of steel, which since 1868 the northern and southern shores in Frankfurt / Main connects.

Then Duque back on the small pedestal at the top of the steel sheets. He is one of three to one, and jumps. Three to four meters deep, he plunges into the water. He can be somewhat careless, because divers before the river bottom to residues in water have abgesucht. Several rusty bicycles have the helpers at this morning lifted.

In the shadow of the cathedral.

Below the Domtürme been robbed, murdered and committed adultery began: The Catholic Cologne was never really sacred. A leader takes horror fans with the chilling scenes Kölsche criminal history - including the most famous of the city Wurstbude counts.

 

"Just here the accident took nearly 450 years before his run," says Ilona Priebe, "in a fight." The guide sets out a dramatic pause, her index finger points in the direction of the WDR broadcasting building: "Tillmann Iserhäupt was one adversary on the head, drew his sword and pursued the enemy to enter the cathedral, where the protection against the attack, was looking for. In vain - badly injured and bleeding, he survived just Iserhäupts attack. "

So something is not liked, not even in medieval Cologne in the 16th Century. Soon even worse than the act itself: The cathedral was desecrated by - and to understand the point of the Cologne no fun, neither today nor in the Middle Ages. "The court was also Iserhäupt to death by the strand convicted, he remained only a chance," the audience hang on Priebe lips: "Namely, the, 'freigeheiratet' to be. If a citizen of integrity with him to marry, would have the chance of parole. Iserhäupt seemed And a true heart breaker to have been - right two ladies declared themselves ready. "

Perhaps he was a heart breaker, but certainly he was consistent: After looking at the ladies wishing marriage Iserhäupt announced that the death by the strand of the marriage bond with one of them would prefer. How it survived the diary the Cologne Ratsherrn Hermann von Weinsberg from the year 1562 - a treasure of the dramatic collapse of the Cologne city archives 2009 almost has survived intact.

Priebe has a grip on their audience, they hoot, such stories to come. "Sex & Crime," that's called the two leaders, or "Crime Tour", depending on what the emphasis is upon: Ilona Priebe is flexible, depending on the customer's wishes - for eight euros per person one is here. Around the Domtürme, between the shopping paradise of the High Street and the dome of the main railway station, between H & M and a Reibekuchenbude played in medieval Cologne the bloodiest scenes.

Groaning from the confessional

It is a hundred yards further, to the old main portal of the cathedral, on the right hand of God the door is blocked. "Whoever has committed adultery, the punishment is threatened by a dishonorable. Often he had with a stone and a candle in his hand about public humiliation that is incompatible with - where the stone is symbolic of stoning was the candle for the light was God." And why were some in front of the cathedral? Priebe raises the questioner a look at honesty: "It's very simple: They are in the cathedral adultery!"

Today skateboarder on the cathedral's art piece, armed with digital cameras Japanese tourist groups are by their guide on the heels. On the edge of the fountain on hot days sitting with shopping bags laden Holländer, their feet dangling into the cool water can. A peaceful image - chaste and clear than what happened here earlier.

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Most pilgrims were in the area of present-day cathedral fun with whores. But even the servants had to love to watch: Which two of the "fornication" was caught, was able to serve in the "House of the beautiful women" are obliged, then something like an urban brothel. Had access only unmarried men, widowers and priests. Priests? Again, the leader knows the right answer: "A monk, the vow of celibacy and chastity of the store, which only the priests of celibacy." The point is the public opinion: Some things change until now.

But sometimes it was not observed with the chastity not done, even clergymen have been convicted as a murderer. Just as Peter Joseph Schaefer, the pastor of the Church of St. Mary in copper alley, right at the yard Appel: 1803, he suggested the sisters Barbara and Catherine Ritter in the vicinity of the Rhine with a willow stick them down and slit the throat by then. In his confession, the priest, with one of the two "secretly married" to be received later and the financial demands of the sisters no longer satisfy them.

The Dompropst and pimps

Headline-grabbing was in February 1995 of a robbery Vortragekreuzes from the 19th Century. In bright daylight, right out of the Treasury, the favorite of Cardinal Meisner cross - imagine the times before! To the outrage to halt, turned to the church and police to Heinrich Schäfer, because of its impressive olfactory organ "Schäfers Naas referred. The uncrowned king of the underworld Cologne - recorded inter alia owing assault, robbery and pimping - then there was also direct: "Dat jeht nit!"

And so proclaimed "de Naas" via "Picture" and "Kölner Express" the unknown perpetrators: "Either the cross comes back or there is trouble!" A threat that moved - a short time later, the cross was a means of man over and found undamaged way back into the treasury. On the reward of 3000 marks a waiver of the underworld king, the supply of Dompropst Henrichs, a trade fair for him to read, he took on the other hand, with the words "It does my soul good black" to be happy. As a shepherd of the Church man then confessed that he "had a few ponies run," said later that he had misunderstood this: "I thought that thinks the turf in Weidenpesch."

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Priebe could still spend hours telling: From Cardinal Frings, who in the 1946 New Year's Eve speech Cologne citizens quasi stealing his blessing to the coal and food were - in Cologne's speech as "fringsen" below. From beheaded, in the time of the French people as the cathedral last had in mind before she lost her head. From the custom of the "free run" of Frankenstein Severinstor tower, where the inhabitants of the city with clubs in the hands of honor were: Who is up to the bakery Schmitz Backes created, was free. Also it is a Kölsche proverb arose: "You better still nit och Schmitz Backes to pass." For all Catholic Anekdötchen around Cologne that never really was a saint, enough time simply not enough.

Style can be the tour of the Cologne "Tatort" known snack bar from the year 1951 end. In real life you can find this directly on the chocolate museum, just for the film is on the other side the Rhine done: If the Commissioners Schenk and Ballauf a currywurst treat, must be in the background, after the cathedral to be seen - everything else would be in this city also a crime.

Corn beer from the plastic bucket.

In Soweto helmeted cyclists are an attraction. This is one of the suburb of Johannesburg itself to the most popular attractions in South Africa. A township residents takes tourists on a bike ride - and in the centers of social life, the Shebeen bars.

 

Soweto - Soweto, a year before the World Cup: The red sandy paths between dilapidated huts are full of potholes. The rain of recent days has left puddles and mud. Freshly washed laundry flapping in the wind. At the roadside garbage bags pile up.

"If you drive through here, one sees not much. With the bike you get much closer," says Lebo Malepa. The young South Africans since 2005, organized bicycle tours for tourists in the South Western Township (Soweto). He is also the owner of Sowetos first backpackers - accommodation for young travelers from all over the world.

Just four kilometers from Johannesburg modern World Cup stadium, Soccer City removed the seeds here in the Orlando West district of the hope for an income through the mega-sporting event. When on 11 June of next year the first football World Cup on African soil will angepfiffen, Lebo wants its guests to a "Public Viewing" almost within sight of the events offer.

Today he is with a group of young Europeans on. In the working-class neighborhood Mzimhlope children play on a burned-out car wreck. They are immediately to the noticeable gelbbehelmten cyclists carefully. With a loud "Hello. How are you?" they run contrary to the cyclists and hold their hands to cast out. They have no fear, with some even trying to climb onto a bike. The older township residents curious to look skeptical, some greet and smile.

Cyclists live dangerously

A man with an umbrella hat approaching the cyclists. "Hey," he exclaims, "I'll show you something. Has anyone pen and paper?" Of numbers and letters, he designed a face in cross section. The artist writes his phone number like this. "Call me!" He says in the hope of new contacts and sponsors. A friendly old woman in front of a kindergarten grinning wide. "Even new people. Each week, new people."

Cyclists are a welcome change in the daily monotony. You are in everyday otherwise rarely see. Unlike in the rest of the continent, where the bicycle is a popular means of transport, it serves in South Africa more leisure at the weekend. Bicycle lanes do not exist, and most urban streets are dangerous for cyclists. Anyone who has no car, rising to one of the numerous minibus taxis, which are the backbone of public transport form.

Bongani Mazibuko, artist and art teacher, has agreed to the Rich visitors to show his home. It shares the building of the size of a garden cottage with his sister and her family. A small anteroom is crowded with Krimskrams, children's drawings, school bags, emblazoned middle of a brand new refrigerator. The adjacent bedroom is almost completely taken from a double bed. It smells a little musty, the corrugated iron roof does not seem to be waterproof. A bathroom does not exist: Toilets and showers are shared by the whole block is used.

Detour to Sheebeen

The life here is largely from outside, in the evening, it shifts into the so-called Shebeens, the township pubs in backyards and living rooms. Rather cool Pils there is homemade. Lebo guide opens a plastic bucket with a slightly pink shimmering broth. Glasses are not the traditional sour maize beer is straight from the bucket drunk. The will passed around until it is empty. The Shebeen locals gather to drink with. It is sociable - and a little later, a bucket with a thick sweet "energy drink" the rounds. He is also homemade and maize-based.

From out battle cries penetrate into the interior. There are supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party - in South Africa is currently campaigning. With sticks and shields armed dancing to the predominantly Zulu-tribe belonging to party supporters on the street and try to attract attention. Photographs they want to leave, however, do not - they had too often in a negative context of the images found on the Internet, says Lebo.

Johannesburg's famous black Soweto suburb consists of a total of 29 districts to 120 square kilometers. Two to five million people live here, nobody knows. In addition to immigrants from neighboring countries also provide job-seekers from rural areas of South Africa for a permanent increase in the number of inhabitants. In the days of government-mandated racial segregation was the bleak suburban world's epitome of oppression, rebellion, violence and protest. Today, however, is the nightmare of the past becomes a symbol for the life of a new generation has become.

Soweto burger with fries and a fried egg

Has long been Soweto no longer just a poor slum. On the way to the houses of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu to roll the bikes have smoothly paved roads. The sites are equipped with high walls and barbed wire secured. Children play here not on the road.

New shopping malls and restaurants, tennis courts and golf courses even have an appreciation for the care and municipal property prices can rise dramatically. Directly opposite of Mandela's former residence has one of these restaurants packed. Here, the traditional "Soweto-Burger" served white bread stuffed with hamburger and fries or fried egg. They are made Sattwerden.

The house of South African national hero in Vilakazi Street is currently 8115 for around 700,000 euros has been renovated and now open to tourism. Nelson Mandela moved there in 1946 with

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his first wife Evelyn, and lived after the divorce with his second wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was there. The family has been attacked several times, once a bomb hit the house. Today it is a national monument, museum and tourist magnet.

After the fatty meal is called for mountaineering. While the troupe gelbbehelmte climbs a hill, the bikes sit unguarded in a house wall. From the top you have a good view over the township and his best-known landmarks: the colorfully painted former cooling towers of the disused Orlando power station. Today plunge between them bungee jumper in the depth or dine on a platform with a wide view of Soweto.

Its population has turned to the more than 200,000 tourists annually accustomed. Township tourism is very popular among tourists, according to Johannesburg "trust". Once the visitor numbers following the xenophobic attacks in South Africa's largest city in May last year had fallen, they are now as high as before. Soweto has also suffered - although it is precisely there was little violence. In addition, there are many guesthouses in the famous township since late 2007 even
Four-star hotel
.

Curiosity about other countries

Lebos tour ends in another Shebeen. With regard to the international guests there is also this common commercial beers. Three o clock this afternoon is still not much going on. A local musician grabs a guitar from. Before some of his songs, he argues, it still ignites quickly to a joint. Dagga is the cannabis here - the sweet smell wabert in many places in the townships through the air.

Lebo, it is the locals involved. The concept comes. Shebeen Many guests like to tell themselves and their lives here. But they want in return, but also stories from Germany, the Netherlands and England heard. "I like to meet people from other countries. It is always exciting," says art teacher Bongani.

On the way back to the backpacker tells Lebo that he had his bicycle tours to the north of Johannesburg, the Alexandra township wants to expand. Residents as a guide, he has already found. Because without good contacts with the people at the place where such tours would be impossible - even in tourismuserprobten Soweto.

A little luxury, lots of eco.

There are no mini-bar, which also lacks air conditioning. This hotel offers the Wiener Stadthalle the very latest technology to save energy. The hostel is virtually self-supplied with electricity and Co. Guests must, however, to taking in some rules so that the concept works.

 

The converted hotel Stadthalle infrastructural asceticism will prevail: "It is neither in our hotel spa, sauna yet," said Michaela Reitter, owner and manager of the hostel in Vienna, "and if you are in the waiting rooms with a minibar, you'll probably also disappointed. "

But this reduction is useful: First, the hotel, a few steps from the famous Roland Rainers Stadthalle away, only three stars. And secondly, is located exactly opposite proper stocked grocery store. "No man is three euros for an orange juice, if he drinks the same vis-à-vis for a fraction gets. And if you go into the sauna want, we can go into the town hall. This is genuine."

The real reason for the lack of a minibar in the room, however, lies elsewhere. Refrigerators are incredible power eaters, "said Reitter," they would have thrown the entire energy market. " And that's important, finally, is the Hotel Stadthalle, the next November, with 38 additional rooms will open to the world's first city hotel with a zero energy balance. In other words: The hotel is across the year are expected to produce enough energy for their own consumption needs.

Fighting windmills

The list of technologies is long. Well water is drawn from the depths of the earth encouraged and for temperature control of the premises used. In the summer, the 16 degrees Celsius in specially cold water lines in concrete pumped through the ceiling, while the same installations for heating in winter serve - concrete core activation is called in the jargon. 150 square meters solar panels provide the same time, at least as long as the sun is shining, the bulk of the needed electricity.

For the coverage of the energy peaks in the evening on the roof is the installation of four wind turbines are planned. Still adorns the building, however. Since it is in Austria to date not a single reference project, there are some instances and are overwhelmed with the issue of the commercial permit for the turbines back. "The wind turbines are essential to the project," said Reitter this. "They rotate in fact, even if the solar collectors in the dark no longer functional. I will not give up before we are all convinced of the importance of this measure have convinced."

For most ecological construction projects in Central Europe, only a handful of different energiereduzierender methods. Michaela Reitter, however, a resolute woman with a clear business vision, wanted the building to attack luck strain. "Look, I have a clear idea of this hotel and I would like to express my deepest conviction of ensuring a timely and resource-friendly building on the footing."

Guests must be elucidated

Heinrich Trimmel, architect of the unusual hostel locates in the new zero-energy hotel is a great opportunity: "A hotel like this is an incredibly good propaganda," he explains, "while energetic efforts in a family house for the public almost always hidden and remain undetected, can the aspects of sustainable construction directly communicate here. " The healthy energy balance not only create publicity for the hotel, but ultimately for the design. "Advertising for themselves and for nature. That's two birds with one stone."

The only requirement for the host: he must be ready to play. "If I were in this hotel check-in and in the deepest winter doing a walk, while the locked room window wide open, then that is the organic farm is certainly not beneficial," said Trimmel, "while valuable energy is in the form of heat is lost. Furthermore, it takes quite long, the room back to a comfortable temperature heating. " For this reason, says the architect, it was important to the customers with the main features of the building represent.

"No problem," Reitter contends, "the guests are already booking for the choice of whether they prefer their room in the old building or new development in the wish to have." The old building, which is already three months ago was completed, it is thermally upgraded and low standard as to ask its people but not exceptional living culture. In part, however, new construction - and that every individual is at the latest at check-in attention - apply stricter morals. "There is throughout the house controlled housing ventilation, each room with fresh tempered anspeist. Hours of ventilation is not necessary."

Air conditioning is a taboo

The setting of the room temperature is also restricted. A maximum of four degrees Celsius, or from, the range of heating and cooling. "Enough for a typical Europeans and Americans for a European," says the hotel owner scarce. More flexibility, the system does not give her. Leading environmental awareness even when the lighting in all new development will not only Fadenglühbirne more. The widespread use of light emitting diodes (LED) in the corridors and rooms are a first atmospheric view of the period after the light bulb.

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Much effort for such a small city hotel, one would think. "The first to an example, it is always a high cost in buying take. This is the fate of pioneers," says Gerhard Heiling, for the entire energy plan is responsible. "In truth, however, we make nothing exotic, but simply summarize several proven technologies in a project together. But yes, it's true. In the dense urban area is used up this potpourri of 150 square meters of solar collectors on the facade and wind turbines on the roof so far unique."

The architectural design of the object will remain until the last unaufgeregt. Externally, the new building is in a similar manner Wohnhaus modest back, whistling gaily in the style of contemporary architecture. Inside, however - a standard room is already set - dominated by the classic sophistication expected of a three-star hotels. Nothing more and nothing less. "It is utopian to believe that I am in such a narrow gap site and in such a densely assembled an architectural highlight lane could stand up", says Michaela Reitter stated "I prefer to invest the money in building a future-oriented."

Leading by example

Whether the investment is for the new building a year earlier or later, pay-back is the 45-year-olds - with the words spoken of this city - quite cold. It was by no means its just about the financial profit, it stresses. No, there you go to the thing itself. "Of course it cost time, money and above all, nerve. But someone must indeed make a start on the climatic mismatch, and to lead by example, as always only talk about it."

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The first zero-energy hotel in the world has its price: While in the hotel construction in this category depending on the size of establishments, with around 80,000 euros per room investment costs had to be ready, climb the Cost Center in the hotel at around 90,000 euros per room. That is an increase of over eleven percent. The financial return is assured, however: "As soon as the new Green Electricity Act is decided in Brussels, will be the excess electricity into the public grid," said Reitter. If the EU negotiations, everything goes according to plan, the producers of green electricity for every kilowatt-hour fed will receive 39c. The repurchase of green, however, costs only 11 cents per kilowatt hour.

At the guests' wallets is the zero-energy near the Wiener Stadthalle have no influence. Between 79 and cost 89 euros single, 116 to 126 euros must be for a double room berappen. At night it is then of the sauna and mini dream.

UFOs on the Seine.

Paris without the flat boats on the Seine? For capital-tourists unthinkable. The "Bateaux-Mouches" are among the four most popular attractions of the metropolis and have been in use for 60 years. The founder was responsible for his enlightening ideas notorious.

 

Paris - You belong to the classic Paris-visit as a stroll on the Champs Elysees or a trip on the platform of the Eiffel Tower - the excursion boats "Bateaux-Mouches on the Seine. On Wednesday, they are 60 years old and to celebrate the day, the trip cost for adults only six instead of ten euros. Over the past 60 years more than 120 million visitors, thanks to the flat boats with large glass panes of the French capital from the Seine discovered. Particularly impressive is the view of the venerable cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris.

The trips are also because of the main attractions in Paris: On the ranking of tourist attractions, they come with around two million passengers per year in fourth place - after the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Georges Pompidou Center, with its Museum of Modern Art. In the high season travel excursion boats in the 15-minute rhythm, then a total of daily 30 rides offered. To put the boats back a distance, which corresponds Erdumrundungen Five times a year.

The ingenious business idea had Jean Bruel, a Paris original. He bought 1949 a ship named "The old Mouche", named after the shipping company Mouche in Lyon, a remnant of the Paris World Exhibition in 1900. Bruel converted it into a cruise ship and offered to the first rides on the Seine at. The success was so convincing that he had built new ships, which today's models with their flat transparent roof.

From crisis to feel nothing

Today, the fleet included 14 vessels, reported the daughter of the founder, Charlotte Bruel-Matovic. The family-owned company, depending on the season from 200 to 400 employees and its owner seems that nothing of the crisis to be felt. The "Bateaux-Mouches" are in many films to see, for example, in "The Lovers of the Pont Neuf with Juliette Binoche. Since 1950 her name is a registered trademark.

For 60-year anniversary of the tour operation has Bruel-Matovic lots of anecdotes ready by the business acumen of her deceased father's 2003 show. Thus, the enterprising Frenchman, long before the Seine bridges and the magnificent buildings along the shore were illuminated in darkness, its own lighting technology: He was on the plane ships strong headlight install - and so startled at the Paris. "The police received calls from people who thought they had seen a UFO," reports the company's owner.

She remembers even good the first day trips with lunch on board: "We have picnic baskets herbeigeschleppt of the bridges." So it is certainly long gone: Five of the boats have their own restaurant. Who in the ride on the Seine to eat, this can be for around 100 euros to do so.

Ancient Free for dizziness.

Athens ancient treasures have a new home: The Acropolis Museum opens on Saturday - after years of infighting, setbacks and delays. With the ceremony, the Greeks want to increase pressure on Britain, the ancient Parthenon frieze returned.

 

Athens - "Now we can again be proud and dream that the stolen parts Fries come back to Athens," says a 49-year-old barman at the center of Athens, the impending opening of the new Acropolis museum big on 20 June.

Buses and trains in Athens with photos of the Parthenon, the main temple on the Acropolis, adorned. But parts of the frieze depicted are still in the British Museum in London. For the opening of the new project is preparing a big celebration Athens, which in all the world should be transferred. Heads of state and government from at least 20 countries in Europe and around the Mediterranean are invited.

Tickets for the first three days after the opening are already sold out. Only lasted a few hours of sales per
Internet, on Monday evening had begun. "The total of 2250 tickets were up this morning (Tuesday) were sold. The people bought tickets for the whole night through," said the architect in the Ministry of Culture, Athens, Evgeneia Kalogeratou. The entrance is in the first seven months, only one Euro. Even after 1 January 2010, the only entrance to five euros.

The new museum at the foot of the Acropolis has three floors and a total area of 25,000 square meters. The construction of large steel and glass built monumental building has more than eleven years.

"Glass and steel are ideal for this new art museum," says the museum's archeology professor and chief Dimitris Pandermanlis. From the museum is the view of the Acropolis, but also to the exhibits and the foundations of the building. Thus, only the ground floor suitable for vertigo-free, where the view through the plastic glass on the floor about eight feet deep at the foundations do not mind.

Rings around the Parthenon

"I felt I was floating in the air. I was dizzy," said Marianne Jordan. The German from Schleswig-Holstein lives permanently in Athens and the museum was already a few weeks before the opening view. The pillars of the museum are on excavated foundations and walls of residential buildings from antiquity to the 13th Century. The plans designed by Swiss star architect Bernard Tschumi.

Athens wants the planned celebrations and the UK under pressure, the ancient Parthenon frieze returned. "You belong here," had in the eighties, the Greek actress and Socialist Culture Minister Melina Mercouri (Never on Sunday ") said repeatedly, and thus the dispute between Athens and London triggered. Beginning of the 19th Century, the then British ambassador in Istanbul, Lord Elgin, the best preserved parts of the Parthenon and other monuments of the Acropolis dismantled and brought to England.

56 of the 96 panels of the Parthenon frieze are up today in the British Museum in London. The new Acropolis Museum, the vague parts as holograms and duplicates made of white marble are presented to the lack of stress. "The frieze includes parts of the world and must be brought together. They do not belong to the English," says Greek Culture Minister Antonis Samaras again.

The British Museum had previously argued that in Athens there is no suitable storage space for the relics. This deficiency is compatible with the new museum is now eliminated, say the Greeks. The Parthenon ( "Virgin chamber") is one of the greatest surviving monuments of ancient Greece.

Next stop Hollywood.

The film plot is set in Amsterdam, Moscow or Paris, but the audience sees Berlin: The German capital is the favorite mausert the location scouts. A bus tour shows filming locations and lots of film clips - only sometimes the reality can not keep up with fiction.

 

Berlin, it is usual for Double Major and Nicer to be. Filmmakers had already Moscow, Paris or London resurrected. So was the British capital for "In 80 days around the world" on the Gendarmenmarkt transplanted. The German Cathedral mimes the Bank of England and the Schauspielhaus, the Royal Academy of Science. Only when Big Ben Berliner Structures had to fit the computer was eventually smuggled into the picture. "In 80 days around the world" was filmed six years ago, now the film flickers on the screens in the bus.

It is the prelude to the
"VideobusTour" on the film city of Berlin. In London, the film crew would have hardly found a suitable place, the two weeks they seized it. Easy does it, in Berlin. The city is working steadily upwards in the list of location scouts throughout the world for suitable locations for filming comedies, action thrillers or dramas are looking for. In Germany, Munich has long been squeezed from the top. Thus, the organizers of the cinematic journey of choice and need to restrict some 20 films from which they show.

THE STAR IS THE CITY

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The basic principle is the same as for any other sightseeing trip: The bus stops in front of the visual object, and the man at the micro explains the key facts. But instead on the Gendarmenmarkt, for example, something about the architecture of Karl Friedrich Schinkel to learn, learns of travelers here, as the Schiller statue for filming was cleverly veiled.

And there is something quite different: the view constantly changes between the original and the illusion, thereby blurring the boundaries. Suddenly, the passersby seem like extras to move, and the movie scenes are real than reality. In Wedekindstraße where a large part of the Oscar-winner "The Lives of Others" is playing, the sun radiates the colorful graffiti on the building facades. The film crew had almost daily new paint over graffiti, to the scene again in Tristes DDR-gray ones. The original is disappointing and until the next stop already forgotten.

From "Run Lola Run" to "Goodbye Lenin"

In "Das Leben der Anderen" Berlin may still play himself. It is not that the city only as Double occurs. Finally, their own history so much to offer film-like - even though they are often sad and gloomy, is it primarily about war and the GDR past.

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The Videobus travelers get a lot of Berlin-scenes in the parallel reality and presented on the screen: You can see excerpts from "Herr Lehmann", "Run Lola Run" and "Goodbye Lenin". Most interesting are still scenes in which Berlin plays a different city: Berlin Armory makes to Paris, the Walter-Benjamin-Platz in Charlottenburg embodies Amsterdam, and the Tiergarten tunnel there is a chase through Moscow ago.

In Berlin, but it has no need to deal with self herumzuschlagen. Probably the German capital is simply the better Paris, Amsterdam, the better, the better Moscow. The film has also a stuntman role the pike over the car, because of the high-Star did not, and a double finger stretches for a close-up at the camera, so no one off the nails of the Diva looks.

Mr. Lehmann and the pig roast

About the film-book tour, travels with the Videobus against the tourists. The hotspots have already seen, here are also Notspots presented. Squares and streets and houses, which lie beyond, but perhaps reveal more about Berlin and its inhabitants than some attraction. As for the stopping in the middle of Kreuzberg. The group stands before the "World Market Restaurant", whose pork has gained national fame, since the anti-hero film "Herr Lehmann" here on and out.

It is not a tourist pub, outside in the spring sun keep two Gören Berlin with colorful hair and put a dump on to the cappuccino. Inside an elderly man dishes stories to his opposite again and again to a loud, disbelieving "Wat? Det glob ick dir nich 'lead. Not far from the pub advertises a hairdresser with the sharpest of the sharpest scissors haircut in Berlin ", and the window next to it extols" underground fashion from the best city in the world "to.

And then a tour in the Videobus enjoyable pastime once-and Berlin-anders-trip, even for those with less film on the hat have. The may not only from the beginning of something, an enormously tricky quiz, with film clips should be recognized. Already on the second task failed everyone, including the movie freaks. Nobody knew what cinema success on the Gendarmenmarkt was shot.

Citizens Park opened on stilts.

New York has a green oasis in the southwest of Manhattan Mayor Bloomberg opened the High Line Park on stilts built on the site was a disused railway route from the thirties years.

 

New York - New York's Central Park gets competition: The High Line park, which has opened since Tuesday, attracts about 2.5 kilometers from the southwest of Manhattan. The new Green follows the route of a disused elevated railway from the Meatpacking District to 34th Street.

"Instead of this valuable piece of our history to destroy, we have it in a modern park rebuilt much of the public square in the air and at the same time creating jobs," said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the opening. The railway line from the thirties once the cargo transported through the streets of the former butcher across district. It closed in 1980.

The Meatpacking District is one of the neighborhoods of the city scene. In the park built on stilts, the visitor a view of the Hudson River, lush vegetation and old industrial buildings of Manhattan. The 152 million U.S. dollars (around 110 million Euro) costly construction project extends more than ten blocks of flats, it will be in 2010, finally completed by. The architects had the railroad tracks are in their original condition.

The new park was built during the New York fashion week by celebrities such as designer Diane von Fürstenberg visited: They met with several Hollywood actors on the new green lung of New York.

Alt for all.

Whether "Füchschen", "confessional", "(Q) shed" or "ÜRIG": The bars and restaurants of the old town full of tourists, but, secondly, they are living in Düsseldorf. And from early morning until late evening.

 

'S Dommech emmol Kölsch! " Emphasis casually pushes his glass of Düsseldorf direction cone. The times are not looking, and the Alt hisses into it. The guest grinning - his ritual in the "Cross Men Eck," Old town 14 on the corner of Ursulines Street. A bar like a living room.

Since opening in 1954 has not changed much: 30 square meters with the bar, liquor rack, bar stools and kegs. What more could you want? This man fills the square. At such a place to start the debauchery monologues about the world and what they together with the announcement: "Isch red 'times from the pub?"

In the street Ratinger generations grew up, far more learned than beer to drink. In the "Kreuzherreneck" met the artists, and in the "Ratinger Hof" raged in the eighties punks. "No breathing space, history is made. It's progress," grölte the scene when in the "yard" the group "false" played. Or the "dead trousers" or "lunch break".

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Perdu! The "yard", there's no more. That is the real lunch break in the "Ohme Jupp" to take. Also here is the restaurant a spacious stage for the many guests who lunch real housewife kitchen eat, so Stielmuskartoffeln with meatballs or stew with carrots Mettwurst. In the kitchen are strong older women who are not afraid of a decent Mehlschwitze.

It is worth the Düsseldorf old town during the day to visit. From ten clock the first beer flowing from the taps of the brewery restaurants. Curfew knows nobody here. There is only so-called Putzfrauenstunde five to six clock morning. Opening times are otherwise discretionary. Mornings are the laggards on the road.

"How juut, dat isch Rhinelanders bin"

One needs at this time never longer than five minutes to wait until the typical old-Aboriginal past, and usually he is not alone. Today, there are two middle-aged men relaxed, with a slightly reddish face and broad smile, one of which sounds a loud voice: "How juut, dat isch Rhinelanders am."

As you certainly know where you landed. The men come from the "Füchschen," exactly the right address for the first beer a day. This will naturally brewed. Who blankgescheuerten one of the Standing in the glut ourselves, must be at the "confessional" over. For this glass box gave host and hostess of cigars and brandy. Today the Kabuff as a kiosk, where you can enjoy the wonderfully old-fashioned ironing bottles for home purchases.

One late breakfast or an aperitif already: The first Alt can be everything. Who works in the old town or stroll, goes like noon in the (Q) shed, "Short 3rd Street Outside the small kitchen of Julia Wenzel are in good weather tables set up, but inside you are in the small room, which is reminiscent of a snack. Three soups, salads and sandwiches here, everything is wonderfully fresh and uncomplicated.

And well it should, because here the food cooks from other restaurants old town. The bread comes from the bakery around the corner Hinkel in Mittelstraße 25 - the cult Röggelchen baker for the shiny, round rye bread, which only exist in a double pack. Between the Röggelhälften embeds itself like a piece of medieval Gouda, cremt with a sharp mustard Düsseldorfer ABB and makes the "Halve Hahn" - a specialty of the breweries. Then taste a really good espresso in the market-place Carl at "Coffee Rich", booth D 2nd

Already turn again two Düsseldorfer Lebemänner around the corner. They are a bit louder, but still emotionally formulate Rhine discharges sentence like "And yet isch sach ...". They come straight from the brewery "ÜRIG" - and later as a rebound back up there. That is no surprise, because everything meets in the "ÜRIG", one must only follow the nose.

At the corner Berger Street / Rheinstrasse is a light brown mountain, the steaming and fragrant. Every day after the brewing is Treber, what is left of brewing on the road geschüttet. Then slowly knattert a tractor with a trailer on the old plaster. A farmer from the area schippt the Treber to feed him and later to pigs and cows. Thus, the contemplative life around "ÜRIG" his. In the complex of four houses is a microcosm of guest rooms and brewery, and the mood of each generation space.

No Chichi - everything honestly!

"We make more in one evening to understanding as a family minister in a legislature," says host Michael Schnitzler in Rhenish Resolute. True! You sit and are confused, drinking in the late afternoon on the road in the milky light, and feels secure. The Köbesse so hot here the waiters are always present, the melody of the Rhenish monologue washes into your ears, and the beer is delicious - clear, of course, without Chichi - like the hamburger, which Schnittchen plate with Flönz (blood sausage) and liver or the plates of jelly Butchers, cited in the kitchen himself. All honest! And Saturday, there is pea soup - a fluid, but firm size in the life of Düsseldorf.

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There is no reason here is not another old to drink. The find also the two men with the now bright red faces. Particularly, they are again bent around the corner, based on a table and enjoy a moment silent. The view of the Rhine in its entire width can be beautiful on such a day should not miss.

Up to 18 clock is the Café "lantern" high up in the old castle tower on the Burgplatz open. The ideal place for an aperitif. To eat then go to the "Weinhaus Tante Anna". In the former chapel of 1593 provide old engravings, shiny brass and walls of the Rhine holzvertäfelte sophistication. Man eats "heaven on Ähd", ie apple, potato puree and foie gras. The wines are worth to an old refrain - but only for the duration of a meal.

A visit to Old Town would be incomplete without the finale in the "Et Kabüffke" opposite "ÜRIG": a glass Killesberg Pitsch, the Düsseldorf herb liqueur, such as the oil runs down through the throat. Guests are closely crowded. This is convenient, no one can fall over, and actually pays the one who sits in Kabüffke more than the stands. It comes closer, and that's worth it.

Boom end plate.

Once a rough spot, now a landmark and an experimental laboratory for architects: Düsseldorf Trade Port is in an effort to become the media port. Rarely is such a town planning has succeeded spectacularly - just why does the mile as lebensfern strange?

 

Among the largest in the world Dezimaluhr stretch the necks of the watchers. It is emblazoned on the Rhine tower, which is 234-meter high, was designed by Harald Deilmann and 1982 was completed. 62 lights shine here who they know are right, you can find out how late it is: Just after half past two, the sky above the power goes on his most innocent clouds.

Below unfolds the whole fascination of a micro-post-modern world. Not less than that in the last 20 years on the grounds of the old industrial harbor from the ground has been. And now this urban landscape of ambitious visions of urban planners and architectural designs of the official Mega Star in Düsseldorf flagship districts. From all over the country, suburbs and surrounding areas after the curious flocking Unterbilk to switch between new office buildings and historic Verladekrähnen strolling.

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Just behind the tower the dark tower clad arches that are close to the Rheinkniebrücke huge tree-like pieces to add new parliament. Farther southwest, from the majestic impressive facade of the double gate on the studio of the WDR country until well into old Kaigebiet inside, will have international and local architects their feathers cobblestone streets to spread, almost always with reference to the port. That is not always a price, but worth at least an explanation.

Naughty ensemble without right angle

For example, the "Grand Bateau" by Claude Vasconi a stone ship, and with bold swing through the mouth into the Zollhof rises. Or the house before the wind "Günter Zamp Kelp: a medium-sized cuboid whose vorgewölbte trading port on the front like a mainsail seems. Or Norbert Wansleben "cloud Ironing" at the end of the dock: a massive container construction, which - although self-supporting - a former engine house aufzuliegen seems. Such projects have been bold without the flexibility of the preservationists and short decision paths never been consistently implemented, should be able to Landesbauvorschriften were tested on their ductility.

The undisputed main players but are still those three crooked buildings, the American architect Frank O. Gehry to the representative body of the old Zollhof erected a naughty ensemble without right angles, which in the few years since the first occupation of 1999 marked another point of attraction of this city has become outdated. The equestrian statue of Jan Wellem, Castle Tower, courtyard garden, Königsallee: All that is just starring at the younger postcards and brochures, the Dusseldorf as an innovative mini-metropolis in Aufbruch propagate.

It was also a matter of marketing that the initiator of this ambitious construction projects of the eighties to end his personal campaign did. The advertisers Thomas Rempen thought to a new headquarters for its seams from the space agency, but also wanted a spectacular exclamation point for the appearance of a somewhat self-satisfied state capital of confusion.

It was not immediately receive the unanimous consent of the Council, as some like to claim. But the vision fits well with the official plans for urban redevelopment of the port area. Where since the end of the 19th Century ship items were deleted, was now largely dead trousers - from a few camps and to himself, grain mills malmenden apart.

"From the industrial port on the streets of the creatives"

How could Rempen as a trustee of the city a competition of ideas initiate the first, the London architect Zaha Hadid won - only one was not on the implementation of its draft agreement. As was the clever marketers at the last second with a new Gehry rabbit out of the cylinder, so the magic could finally begin. It took this first brand to make the quantum leap "from the industrial port on the streets of the creatives," said the official motto, vividly to life. From then on further milestones should the area into a park transform architecture - an appropriate backdrop for an El Dorado of new media, IT start-ups and agencies.

The bubble burst in the new market a few years later, but the media grew unperturbed port - although it is still too little parking and the connection to the tram network until early 2010 is expected. About 700 companies employed here at the end of 2008 approximately 8200 employees, a quarter came from the media sector, information, communication and advertising. The "high-quality mixed clientele" have mutually attracted and "clusters" are produced, is looking forward port coordinator Hans-Dieter Jansen in the best of planners-German, in his decent black cloth almost like a priest does.

As used by the community coordinator is Jansen the ball joint between the investors and users, and the city that comes to them quite contrary: The Department for Planning and Building was early to the location of the event, to just off the by Günther Uecker, Thomas Beucker layout " place of the media. " The short distances have to be the success story contributed by the city's coffers through a variety of tax revenues in a number of benefits. Well three out of four companies based here have their representative headquarters - and for this sporty take office rents of up to 23 euros per square meter without a murmur in the purchase.

Around one billion euros has been invested in private hands, and still there are the cranes are not silent. At 2006 the Holzstraße is far sweeping Capricorn house was completed, in which now an energy company sits - Neighbor of the liqueur glass factory Findeisen & Wächter. Immediately before the beginning of 2010 is the "Casa stupenda" by Renzo Piano and built by the end of 2010 the 20-storey office tower "Sign" of the Chicago architects Murphy / Jahn pulled up. It was also at the forefront of Speditionstraße already the construction of two pretty glaring twin towers started to be 2010 65 m high on the headland and collect a hotel and office tower act.

Wrangling to apartment blocks

At this sight is Helge Achenbach only get used to. The enterprising investor and art dealer has his office on the top floor of the building at the Kaistraße 18, includes a magnificent view of the headland, where he worked until three years ago, the interim popular beach cafe Monkey's Iceland was allowed to operate. Then showed him the city of Superior, to vacate the premises - and long before the for the construction of the twin towers was absolutely necessary, as he stresses.

The key men, which would otherwise be happy to praise a living quarters, was the nightly machinations seem too much of a good thing - and this is symptomatic of the impresario understand. "Poetry is the profit has been sacrificed," says Achenbach, and refers to the new buildings are always tight.

How's life may it be in the shadow of the colossi, also taking the long-machine? Gregory Bonin, head of the Department of Planning and Building, would like to express "no Kirmes mile" permit. Other hand, would be a bit more natural swarm help the still halbsterile scenery aufzulockern.

Sometimes the audience but, as ordered, which is given after the rush hour between multiplex cinema, Italian and Mongolian barbecue tummelt: small pack of suit makers in the scenes of multicultural themed restaurants. One may go unpunished drinking Kölsch and a monkfish with a view of the water dissect, but never finds a vegetable stand - not to mention a supermarket.

The district government, however, the amendment of the land, is required for the construction of several apartment blocks in the field of boiler street, temporarily stopped, although it is these buildings perfectly normal to pump life into the area could. The reason: They fear the complaints of the future residents, the emissions from the adjacent mills could feel harassed. In contrast, the Upper City before finding Oberlandesgericht complaint. "We are living in the port get," says Bonin convinced that only likes to "break the monostructure" wants.

Who in Dusseldorf apartment search goes on, should not rely too much: In ten years, the last stage of transformation will be completed, until then will remain the new showpiece boulevard - and a famous site.

My City.

Six Munich on the feeling in Germany's southernmost metropolis to live.

 

Non-covered Munich to the Bavarian metropolis many clichés one. Is the city actually an amalgam of Bussi-Bussi, FC Bayern and folkloric costumes for tourists? Six celebrities explain what it means for them, on the Isar to live:

Secret oases of merchants.

Hidden behind walls of Paradise: The Gardens of the noble city of Amsterdam Villas are usually inaccessible to tourists. Only for a few days in June, the most beautiful gardens open their doors - and surprise even the locals with stern baroque art.

 

Amsterdam - All is quiet in the garden of Jan LM Meulendijks. Twitter tits, a fountain splashes there, behind the magnificent city palace from the 17th Century on the noble Herengracht in Amsterdam. In the gardens are in bloom from March until the October. "Some people said that this was one of the most beautiful gardens on the Herengracht," says the retired Meulendijks. Once a year the house will open the doors to its green oasis.

In the Open Tuinen Dagen, 19 to 21 June 2009 - the days of the open gardens - Shares Jan LM Meulendijks the joy hidden in his city green with guests from near and far. More than 30 gardens will be the visitors at the Open Tuinen Dagen get to see - private as well as the green gardens of some museums. Gardens in the strict Japanese style are among them, but also the colorful world of flowers actress Barbara Gozens. It is the garden of her house on the Keizersgracht near Amstelfluss this year for the first time.

Ancient trees between multi houses

"In recent years, I was even a few times as a visitor to the garden on weekends," says the actress. "I thought that was very fascinating, this surprising insights to receive." Surprisingly, and full of secrets - this makes the charm of the Open Tuinen Dagen from.

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If you are a visitor to the Dutch capital on the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht stroll past, the suspects between the high-rise buildings hardly cared for the garden green with centuries-old trees. No gate opens the view, not a curious passage gives only a small piece of dormant world behind the elegant villas and town houses priced Kontorhaus.

Houses and gardens date from the 17th Century, the Golden Age of the Netherlands. Then came many of the Amsterdam East India Trading Company to wealth. The boats of the nots merchants brought coffee, spices, porcelain and silk fabrics from Ceylon, India, China and Indonesia into the country.

"Dagen TUIN OPEN IN AMSTERDAM

Private gardens and temporary museum entrance gardens

The tours through the private gardens start at the Open Tuinen Dagen, 19 to 21 Each June at one of the four following addresses:

Bijbels Museum (Herengracht 366-368), Huis Marseille (Keizersgracht 401), Museum van Loon (Keizersgracht 672), the Museum Willet-Holthuysen (Herengracht 605).

At these places there is also information on the characteristics of individual gardens.

Tickets cost 15 euros and are valid for the gardens and the taxi boat.
The opening times are from 10 clock and 17 clock.
For wheelchairs and prams are the garden tours because of the many entrance stairs is not suitable, dogs are prohibited.

The gardens of the Museum van Loon, the museum Geelvinck Hinlopen Huis (both at the Keizersgracht), and the Willet-Holthuysen Museum (Herengracht) are for the visitors throughout the year.

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Since 1996, there is the weekend of open gardens Amsterdam. Some owners participate in each year of the action, others in this June for the first time. Some rise times for one or two years, and then into the circle of the hosts back.

Garden art from the Baroque to the Modern

A good half a year, the Amsterdam garden designer Saskia Albrecht with the preparations for the weekend deal. She speaks the owner of the green oasis, it gets so much time on their gardener or caretaker contacts with new prospects. "That may be hard to believe as a stranger: But the inhabitants of the canal belt are well interconnected. Many of you might know personally of exhibitions and concerts," she says. "Every year we try some ten new gardens to present."

Friends of the garden art that is repeated on the green weekend travel to Amsterdam, can always hope for new discoveries. In the past year touched 7500 visitors through the hidden gardens, and were impressed by the works of art from the Baroque era, the Renaissance or even of modernity. The guests came from Germany, Belgium, Britain, France and Italy - and even from Japan and Finland.

Those who see all the open gardens, you should be good to walk. About ten kilometers long is the route along the canal ring that looks like a semicircle in the city center of Amsterdam surrounds. "The best we rented a bicycle. This is with us in Amsterdam anyway the movement's number one," says Saskia Albrechts. "If you do not grow on a bike might be a special taxi boat through the canals and channels to some of the gardens can go."

Dolce Vita hourly.

How much Rome fits in a day? For tourists can walk on the search for the Dolce Vita, as it is from Fellini films knows. You will experience a city rich in ancient treasures - but sometimes has trouble in arriving today.

 

Rome - Finalmente! After a painfully long week full of noise and hectic everyday life takes on the Tiber at last weekend up. If Peter is now tilted in St. Peter's and the sunlight wraps, then you can start the day, as he always should start with a cappuccino and a sweet-filled cornetto.

Whether museum and cinema, shopping or an extended trip to the Roman restaurant with an aperitif in advance - all but really wants to be moody begun. And even if the "Dolce Vita" of Federico Fellini with a light layer of dust covered the history and the Rome of Pier Paolo Pasolini in the past: to stroll and enjoy the Eternal City invites always.

So, what was with the cappuccino in the cafeteria at the top of the Terrazza Caffarelli with the view of the Palatine hill? At the bottom of the Piazza del Campidoglio by Michelangelo collects a wedding party, which still varies between composite and joyful countenance.

Espresso with a view

The army already attracts international tourists up to the treasures of the Capitoline Museums to admire. Since, the Romans rather not snake, but are straight on to the terrace on the smallest of the Roman hill and looks reverently - with a cup of espresso in his hand - on the mild morning mist in Trastevere neighborhood is on the right side Tiber.

Such a view invites further to stroll, the city is manageable and provides enjoyment of art in all corners and ends. Certainly, Rome is not a metropolis of boulevards such as the Seine-Paris.

TMN
The "Eternal City": Center of Rome is easily explored on foot - with the car to get ahead but only poorly

But Rome is littered with gems from the ancient and later times - such as the Quirinalspalast inhabited by President Giorgio Napolitano and only a short walk away from the cafeteria. In the former Stables - the Scuderie, which is now a museum - the art encounters interested trotter on works from the brilliant time, most recently about the high Renaissance masterpieces by Giovanni Bellini. And that is certainly not just a magnet for tourists Rome.

Before lunch with a light antipasto and a glass of Frascati wine sits the money yet not so loose. The shopping spree, to a vertrödelten day in the capital of Italy in any case, may be good but we still put the afternoon - perhaps in the Via del Babuino between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, that is, below the Villa Borghese, on the northern edge of the historic center . Severed with the New York's Madison Avenue, the street lined with boutiques trend known only as names, from Jil Sander to Tiffany's.

Too modern for Rome?

Before lunch, but still waiting for the Emperor Augustus on the banks of the Tiber a "buon giorno" - his Peace Altar and the Ara Pacis museum "are at least talk again in Rome. Because the post-new mayor Giovanni Alemanno likes the strictly contemporary building just do not know that the American star architect Richard Meier to protect the plant was designed. My favorite would have torn him Alemanno. So you have to hurry, the hyper-modern piece of architecture of glass and steel of the "Ara Pacis Augustae" to pay tribute.

ITALY-QUIZ

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Because actually doing it but the city with the past, overwhelming everything quite well, now and then a step to venture into today.

Now is the enormous appetite but "spaghetti all vongole" or rather the Involtini (rolls) on Roman Art? Let's see what "Il Gusto, near Augustus around the corner on the card. The well-known faces from the Roman cultural life are already there, it is a day when you outside on the terrace on the Piazza Augusto Imperatore place and that they can sit back. Herrlich!

"Il Gusto" is a gastronomic magnet concept in style and seems to have no end: Osteria and cafe, pizzeria and wine bar, cheese shop and shop with fine kitchen utensils - it's all that yes, the "Dolce Vita" in the 21st Century. Well, Fellini Via Veneto is the sterile realm meeting stunted, and Anita Ekberg increased today in the Trevi Fountain, and would rubberneck Carabinieri quickly on the spot.

Above all, Rome is no cinema metropolis of rank, as well helping the young, previously little-known film nothing. The Kinofan needs during his afternoon stroll but not go so far to get the latest Woody Allen movie in its original version to be able to see. Because there is the one the movie "Metropolitan" on the Via del Corso, a hotspot for cinema friends, from the outside it looks like a classic cafe with tables and bar

As an alternative, in the historical center would remain the "Nuovo Olimpio" in the small Via in Lucina. Popular with all that but on the Roman noses look is still hidden in the Trastevere, the "Nuovo Sacher", one of the director Nani Moretti equipped meeting place for cinema lovers of all nations. After the visit to the cinema loads a movie nearby bookstore to browse, as well as for brunch.

Buffalo mozzarella and balsamic Modena

About the cinematic debates would smooth the shopping list for the delicatessen shop in oblivion can. When does "Roscioli in the Via dei Giubbonari near the Campo dei Fiori is actually sealed? Well, lucky again, and as soon as look at the showcase will run one's mouth water: buffalo mozzarella and parmesan are matured well here, and the aged Edelessig "balsamico from Modena is also available.

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

Stromboli: Uphill to Purgatory (04.05.2009)

Montepulciano wine region: the small death of the Vino Nobile (29.09.2008)

Now the legs tired from the city running, it will be time for an aperitif. While the Romans usually a wide arc around the Piazza Navona tourist magnet, is in addition to a very silent street hidden "Caffe della Pace" - since time immemorial, it seems - an attraction of intellectuals and those who like to keep. The tired walkers opted, however, but now for the canapés in the "Salotto 42", the equally as cozy chic resort on the charming Piazza di Pietra to the Chamber of Commerce.

How does the evening? Another leap in the multi-museum before dinner - or maybe more after that? Indeed, following an equally successful as long renovation invites the Palazzo delle Esposizioni on Friday and Saturday for the late visit.

The magnificent building on the Via Nazionale moves only because of its magnificent architectural stockings interested in the arts - and the evening is not just a special atmosphere, one is also not on the feet. As for the exhibitions, there is the enormous bandwidth, and they sometimes threaten the general store to be. After a Mark Rothko retrospective in his high holy halls of the Palazzo bestach last example, with a large Etruscan review.

So it only to the museum and then "Perilli in the Testaccio district, the scene of Rome, the audience for some time for themselves discovered. Inconspicuous on the broad Via Marmorata located, is "Perilli" to those taverns to the "good old days" remember and thus for the day's finale almost obtrude. Lamminnereien or the traditional oxtail stew: The choice is difficult.

At the final chord Kastanienmus feel of a stroll then, as the day was exhausting. The dance in a disco-Testaccio falls flat this time - and the diary is full anyway.

City tour with a fitness factor.

Hechelnd by Salt City: When Sightjoggen Lüneburg run by tourists to the sights over and find out where the expression "vermöbeln", as the old Hanseatic their anger at the church said - and as house walls may be pregnant.

 

Lüneburg - now just do not stumble. On cobblestones is slightly uphill from the valley, below the 30-meter depth is pure salt, the white gold that is rich in medieval Lüneburg made, the traders and their noble magnificent half-timbered houses and brick owe.

Although Jürgen Thies jogs while talking, the City durchtrainierte not out of breath. He has half a dozen inquisitive runners in tow. In an hour they want to explore the city and also something for their fitness to do so.

For the "Sight Jogging", apart from tourists interested primarily participants in meetings and business people. Gern ran even before the breakfast starts, says Thies. "They are otherwise two days here and have seen nothing from Lüneburg." It is shortly after 18:30 clock, a spring day comes to an end. The evening sun bathes the lovingly restored facades of the old town in western golden light. Previously here was the lower middle class at home. "A nice atmosphere, almost like in the Middle Ages," says Thies.

Johann Sebastian Bach was a choir student

On the beams of a house in the Lower Ohlingerstraße a character falls into the eye: "Lord protect me and live here before the planners and Kulturbanausen the 1991st" This is clearly not historically, but the manuscript of the working group Lüneburger old (ALA). This citizens' initiative prevented in the sixties, the demolition of the historic Lüneburg and continues to pursue the preservation of old buildings.

While the runners shuddering to imagine that a hair concrete flat roof and the sins of the city had robbed the soul, appears on the gables of the tower of the church on Michaels. There was Johann Sebastian Bach Choir for two years pupils. Perhaps he also has the iron bar in the house walls noticed at the entrance of the alley "In Techt".

Between these systems spanned the residents in the Middle Ages chains at night to prevent possible attackers on their ride through the city to stop. 80 of these chain points to defend, there was once in Lüneburg. "And up from the first floor are the women then furniture on the attackers heruntergeworfen" says Thies. Someone was vermöbeln such dictum.

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Jogging with guide: Sightseeing in the blinking of an eye (29.05.2007)

Mozart Cycle Path: On the traces of a miracle boy (11.06.2003)

Jogging through Berlin: Sexy, because poor (03.12.2007)

The runners are now facing their first test: The Kalkberg, which despite its name from plaster, is a good 55 meters the highest peak Lüneburg. Slightly out of breath, the Group enjoys the view over the city - like the country gentlemen in their Luniburg the 1371 self-confident citizens destroyed. Thereafter, as the mountain Gipsbruch excuse. Meanwhile goats graze here - the countryside. The habitat is protected.

Locker is downhill, back to the lower area up to the "gateway to the underworld" in the Frommestraße. Two goalposts in the 19th Century show the effects of salt until 1980 operated mining. Through the movements in the soil are the posts already immigrated successive 1,20 meters. On the adjacent land investor plans a modern glass cubes. The residents fear that the excavation by construction could continue to worsen. Many houses in the area have cracks or should be. Over the past 100 years had Lüneburg even demolish some buildings, including a church.

In the near-ground Love can not tarnish the idyll. On the attachment, once outside the city walls was cavort like the couples in the Middle Ages. Walkers enjoy the chirping birds. Of the six city gates today, none more. Over the twelve-meter-wide rest of the oak-lined walls, the group returned to the Old Town. "If the city would still maintain, it would surely have long Lüneburg world," says Thies. But still adorns the Unesco.

This change also allegedly oldest row houses in Germany nothing. In the year 1558, they were for the armed Ratsdiener horse servant in the street were built, with dark brick facade, arms and artfully filmed "Tausteinen", a Lüneburger invention.

"Pregnant walls from plaster

On the market around the elongated runners City Hall. Its bricks are 800 years old - no German city hall is longer in operation. Compared to the scale road curves a centuries-old threat to the outside facade. It is the most famous pregnant wall "of the city, says Thies. "This is the cast of Kalkberg, burnt for too long, and then pours it through heat and cold like a dough."

At the church along Nicolai is back in the alleys and streets of the old town with its splendid trading houses. Some grimace schaurige äugt of a Renaissance portal on the culture of athletes down. In the street tree has Thies on the half-timbered house with the number 3 from 1538. The former owner made his anger against the Catholics with rough carvings air: There are a monk with a wine bottle in his hand and a nun who bared.

Runners jog on, the water district, to the smelt, the former port. Today there are bars and restaurants. A historical Holzkran invited once the salt in the Ewer. On Stint is also the oldest water tower in Germany, the Abtswasserturm of 1530. It also saves water for the once 80 breweries - an impressive figure for 14,000 inhabitants. The "Plempe" was popular, not only in the sweaty salt servants, in large salt pans of boiling brine had.

To an isotonic drinks are now also the runner is no longer a long wait. At the last piece of its seven-kilometer-long tour across the oblong space on the sands. Here is John's Church, a prime example of North German brick Gothic. Here are also the oldest pediment of the city, where the nobles gathered in ballrooms to the roaring celebrations. "As you can imagine, like 500 years ago the Post abging," says Thies and sets up a brisk pace.

World of Disney fairy tale garden.

Talking dolls, kid-friendly magic worlds, lots of kitsch: What the Giga Disney World theme park offers, there were small format in the years before Ludwigsburger fairytale garden. The characters there are in a direct comparison, however, a little grumpy.

 

AP; Horticultural Ludwigsburg

Disney World
Fairy Tale Garden

What?

Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom - Disney World is the largest amusement complex in the world.

What?

Dollhouses-fairytale park with retro charm and followed by scenes from stories such as Frau Holle, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella.

Where?

Southwest of Orlando in the U.S. state of Florida.

Where?

In the park Blühendes Barock in Ludwigsburg.

Attracts tourists, because ...

... no thanks to Disney Americans must leave his home to attractions such as Neuschwanstein Castle, or the Eiffel Tower to visit - or at least their replicas.

Attracts tourists to ...

... to them "in a contemplative Märchenstimmung to meet in our world today sober feel doubly grateful" (quote from the prospectus of the opening year, 1959).

Risks and side effects?

Some visitors reported later by nightmares in which big man Donald and Goofy plush characters play a role.

Risks and side effects?

If you think of mushrooms on the way to hear music, do not make your mind - hidden speakers make it possible.

Wen you here?

More and more pensioners - with flower festivals and advertising in magazines attracts seniors Disney World earlier today more than half earlier.

Wen you here?

A talking parrot, who said repeatedly, a donkey, the "gold ducats from excreting chocolate, lots of joyful message dolls.

Why go now?

Because the number of visitors because of the financial crisis are greatly diminished and it is particularly convenient package offers.

Why go now?

Because the earliest Märchenwald its 50th anniversary to celebrate - from mid-May there is a special exhibition on the history.

Stay at home only if ...... You as a child rather Fix & Foxi and yps have read.
Stay at home only if ...... You as a child rather Fix & Foxi and yps have read.

THE DUELL

Under the heading "The Duel" ONLINE blogs regularly compares a German and an internationally renowned tourist attraction. Applies in the future, among other things: Babelsberg to Hollywood, surfing in Munich against surfing in Hawaii and the Berlin Wall against the Chinese Wall. Click here to view all past articles to read!

Park Walk 18 meters in height.

Whether canoeing, horseback riding, lawn bowling - the Brits indulge in the middle of London, the capital of their outdoor life. Airy will be at the newly opened Baumwipfelpfad in Kew Gardens, while exhausting PowerKit with Lenkdrachen in Richmond Park.

 

London - Fast landed a little water in the channel lap, his arms are already wet. "No sports" Winston Churchill would have at this point groaned, but who is Danny Gillard aufmacht, London from the water to explore, who knows that he is not with the comfort of a Venetian gondola must reckon. He must even tackle. That is the appeal of the tour, the times of England's capital, a very different side shows as described in tourist guides.

The kayak drag the participants of the trip on the Regent's Canal between Camden and St. John's Wood itself to investors and allow it to water. Danny puts a paddle in each hand. Sitting down, not swing, keep your back straight, shoulders forward - then even less vigorous forward expeditiously. After half an hour to work even turning on the spot. This also allows easy navigation along the quay walls and passing boats.

And so it is on its way past London Zoo and the gardens of the villa owners endure. Visitors to the British capital on the canal found peace and seclusion, as London is just a few places has to offer. On this day know about this one except the group paddles only a few joggers on the waterfront promenade, the ducks on the water and the canal dwellers. They live in small house on the edge, so-called Narrow Boats, the straight than eight feet wide. This is approximately 2.60 meters.

Under the old stone bridges and through dark side arms scrapped, the tour boats to the lock at Camden Lock Market and back. And even if the traps do not hindsight wonderful idea, because in the murky water in which one or other beer or sandwich packing slips past: From the water from the old warehouse buildings here probably only a few visitors to view London.

Olympic cycling path along the Thames

There are water and greenery in London outside royal conservatories. The Thames durchmisst the city from the southwest to the east. Who in the Parliament at Westminster City ferry climbs, looks back on the trip to St. Paul's Cathedral, renowned museums like the Tate Gallery and Tate Modern, the New Globe Theater and the Tower of London. And he passed the Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.

In less than an hour day-trippers arrive by boat to Greenwich, where they are from investors between maple trees throughout the town and go to the park - a popular trip for Londoners in search of green. A piece of the hill takes visitors quickly to the famous zero meridian on the grounds of the Royal Observatory, the Royal Observatory.

In nice weather, the lawn full of strolling. A view from here on the Thames, the old docks and the Skyscrapers and the Olympic Park in the east. An approximately 13 km long cycle path through Woolwich and Charlton and leads along the River Thames under the name of "Ride the Games" by the District. In many places in the city is working under high pressure. London 2012 will be the Summer Olympic Games, this metropolis, the city of sport. The enthusiasm of the British football is already proverbial.

And in fact, is the jogging or cycling on the streets of the Londoners always a good topic of conversation. Only the tongue strike is different: Every resident of the British capital, it seems, has a story to tell, how harmful the fumes and the dangers of the dense traffic for sports fans can be. Many London therefore prefer to go the gym or play in a "Leisure Center" badminton and squash.

Baumwipfelpfad in Kew Gardens

Others take tourists, for example, on Sunday in Richmond. About half an hour by subway to the west of the city hinausfährt increases with some cyclists and triathletes from the train. They push their vehicles to exit and to make the nearby Richmond Park Visitors wheel without following them with the best bus route 85 or take about 5 pounds (about 5.50 Euro) a taxi.

Richmond Park is approximately five to six times as large as Hyde Park, he is more of a forest as a park and so large that it must be well trained in order to run once around. Walkers pass through it in about an hour and meet with a little luck on deer, woodpeckers, birds, ducks and squirrels, while at sea of ferns go along, between maple, oak and beech. Even riders cross the path on their horses, even in the rain here is usually not alone.

Nearly 40 percent of the city area of London to be green and water accounts, there are 148 parks and gardens as well as 8 large royal parks. One of them is Kew Gardens on the way back from Richmond in the city. The Royal Botanical Gardens have since the autumn of 2008, a new attraction, especially for families: the "Tree Top Walk". The strong current of 1.50 meters wide, in 18 meters height around 200 meters long by the crowns of chestnut.

Little black plates provide the generic name of trees, a small tree next to the customer entrance clarifies children and adults about what is in trees below the surface everything plays what pests they add and why trees in the city just as important. In the numerous greenhouses, on the 121-hectare green area are distributed, but also grow exotic flowers, palm trees and high cover coffee and olive trees - to see plants from all over the world.

Hang Gliding in Richmond Park

If such a visit too little sweaty, which probably in the wide green of the Richmond Park the right thing. Mark Parker has been here four years, "Power Kiting" with the dragon in flight. Anyone who posts an exercise unit, should the Saturday and Sunday free - depending on the weather mark the accessory pack in the one or the other day. Because if the fabric gets wet, it does not fly, but falls like a sack to the ground.

An e-mail with a map and a description leads to the interested agency in the park, where they mark under a seven-meter high flag can be found - in the summer near the entrance "Robin Hood Gate." Mark is the sport for 15 years. Fascinates him the "struggle with the wind," he says. Those who are challenged in this feels, should focus on muscles a day to adjust.

At a 30-meter-long rope can also tourists in two hours to learn how to deal with the dragon on wind hold. Advanced take a board or buggy added, then the sport is similar to the water-skiing or snowboarding. "Most are surprised at how much the train dragons developed - we need every muscle in your body tense up," explains Mark. There are no ideas more freely for annoying memories of the office.

Festivals, ankle-high shoes and comfortable, sporty clothes should bring interested. Ever have outdoor enthusiasts in London weather resistant. The photos of the city's tourism office seems always the sun. The cliché of London and the common sense to know, however, that this can not be true. And the statistics shows, for example, while Paris and Rome for a larger amount of precipitation - that it is raining in London but more frequently.

Bowling with rubber mat

Not that the Brits in a real house would hold: In the Mid-Surrey Bowling Club, for example, the tradition of lawn bowling maintained, a game similar to boules on the English proverbial lawn next to the Kew Gardens. White shirts and gray trousers are required in training, as well as a rubber mat. Her needs a foot rest, while the game is progressing towards the front leg and swing the ball there. According to ethics has a bar-towel before they dry and the right grip awarded.

Some people here have been playing for 25 years, and the list of club champion in the clubhouse is evidence of much longer tradition, as well as jackets with golden arms and the reverence with which the men on the green balls to throw. With Churchill's motto "No sports" Nobody needs this British coming.