Wintertime in the Upper Rhine Valley is the season for traditional Christmas markets. The beginning of Advent marks the opening of colorful and richly decorated stands that charmingly nestle in the town lanes. Visitors are tempted by hot mulled wine, gingerbread, and regional treats but also by the possibility of buying Christmas presents from the many artisans, potters, and goldsmiths. Music, singing, and nativity scenes spread the Christmas spirit. At special medieval markets, jugglers invite their audience to marvel and suckling pigs on original spit-roast grills promise hearty enjoyment. Even Santa Claus comes from the Upper Rhine Valley: Caricaturist Thomas Nast made the figure famous. The man from Landau, who later immigrated to the USA, drew the classic Father Christmas in re...
Read MoreDay: November 6, 2013
London taxis have been voted the best taxis in the world for the sixth year in a row, according to the annual global taxi survey from Hotels.com. London secured 22% of the votes, a clear runaway winner followed by New York with 10% and Tokyo with 9% in second and third place. London's iconic black cabs won nearly a quarter of the vote in the survey, which also saw Berlin reclaim its position in the top five list, in fourth place with 5% and Madrid, Mexico City and Amsterdam in joint fifth with 4%. The world's best taxis: Rank City % of votes 1 London 22% 2 New York 10% 3 Tokyo 9% 4 Berlin 5% 5= Amsterdam 4% 5= Madrid 4% 5= Mexico City 4% Of the 30 countries surveyed, London topped the list across five of the seven categories, including cleanliness (23%), knowledge of th...
Read MoreIndia celebrated festival of lights- Diwali, couple of days back. This festival is equally festival of colours as well. Beautiful colours are used to create designs (Rangoli) and decorate them. A glimpse of the creativity with dry colours, flowers, petals... lightened with earthen lamps lit with oil or wax and cotton. Enjoy...
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