Europe Everything about Europe

German cars

Mercedes Benz, owned by the Daimler AG (previously known as Daimler-Benz), is one of the most common names for luxury car manufacturing in the world. Mercedes is a name that has become synonymous with safety and technologically advanced vehicles, while keeping the luxury standards at the peak. Mercedes Benz came into existence soon after Karl Benz had made the first automobile in the year 1886. The first Daimler vehicle was engineered by Wilhelm Maybach in 1901. Soon after their initial success stories were written, Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler came together to form the company that we better know as Mercedes-Benz today. This company has been the frontrunner and has proved to be the prime example of German engineering for ages now. Mercedes and BMW are two of the most revered European car brands in the world, and are known for performance and luxury.
Today, Mercedes-Benz has a whole range of accolades to its name, especially in the quality section. It is known as the third most ‘quality conscious’ car brand of the world. Mercedes Benz has also been known as a brand that has a complete range of passenger cars, carriages and buses. Mercedes has also been constantly working on the concept of small city cars and has effectively been rolling out highly fuel efficient city car models since the year 1994. These fuel efficient cars have been a boon to the European market, Mercedes’ home ground, as the fuel costs here are almost double the fuel costs in the USA.
Although, there have been many famous Mercedes models in the past, the Mclaren SLR stands apart when it comes to the brand image of Mercedes Benz. The SLR is one of the most famous super cars in the world today. Built on the 5.5l V8 engine and a carbon fiber/fiber monocoque frame, the car can reach top speeds of 330 km/hr and comes with a hefty price tag of $500,000 approximately.
Apart from the passenger car range, Mercedes Benz is also a renowned name in the bus/van and the truck manufacturing section. Known for precise German engineering and the capability the weather all storms, buses and trucks from Mercedes are a revered lot all around the world. The Vario segment of Mercedes Vans is one of the most famous and used in the world. Because of their load-picking capacity and immense comfort, Vario vans have become a favorite with many transport corporation owners.
Sticking to their commitment to evolve and produce new technologies, Mercedes Benz has been working hard to produce great hybrid cars, with the F700 being the latest addition to its fleet of great hybrid cars.
Mercedes has meant a lot for the European car market, and therefore, should be regarded as one of the frontline European car brands that have existed for decades, now.

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Europe Drinking Age

Legal drinking age in Europe varies greatly with the country. The most varied ages spectrum is seen in the UK, where drinking is legal, even for a kid of 5 years, provided some rules are abided. Any one who is above 18 years of age can purchase alcohol in the UK, and people above 16 years of age can purchase alcohol chocolates. Kids whose ages are 16-18 with special licenses, can consume wines and spirits at a pub with their main course meals, provided the yare accompanied by an adult and the liquor is ordered by the adult. Children from 14-16 years of age can consume beer under adult supervision. Children below 14 years of age are not allowed into pubs, until of course, they are accompanied by their parents. For a kid above 5 years of age, drinking is legal in one’s home, provided it is supervised by parents.
For France as well, anyone under the age of 16 can consume alcohol within the boundaries of their homes under adult supervision. For purchase of beer and wine, you need to be at least 16 years old, and for purchasing harder liquor with more alcohol content, one should be more than 18 years of age. In Italy also, as well as in other parts of the continent, rules are almost similar. Anyone between 14-18 years of age can consume liquor in their homes and can purchase alcohol after having reached the age of 18.
Again, much like the legal drinking age, legal age for smoking and consuming cigarettes and tobacco products varies from country to country. In Europe, the legal age of purchase of cigarettes is 18 years in almost all the countries, with an exception to Netherlands, where this criterion is relaxed to 16 years of age. Similarly the legal age for smoking is also 18 years except in the UK and Ireland, where smoking is allowed after the age of 16. Netherlands and Isles of Man impose no such restrictions pertaining to smoking ages. Similarly, the legal ages for consent to sex are disparate, depending upon the country. In the Vatican, it is the lowest, set at 12 years of age, where as in places like Malta and turkey, it is as high as 18 years of age, which happens to be the highest in Europe. On an average, this age mostly revolves around 14-16 years of age.

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Europe Train

Europe train travel can be an exciting adventure, especially for those who want to enjoy the country-side. The most dramatic thing about in Europe is that there is a whole range of trains in Europe to choose from. From the TGV, which is one of the fastest trains in the world to those using standard and narrow rail gauges, you can get a taste of modernity, encapsulated in medieval serenity while traveling through trains in Europe. Trains in Europe are mostly electrified and use both AC and DC sources for deriving energy.

To ease rail travel between various European countries, the Euro-rail system was implemented, which later came to be known as the Eurail. The Eurail group is Netherlands based and operates mostly from Luxembourg. It is basically a conglomeration of various European rail and shipping companies and provides passes to the residents of carious countries for rail travel in Europe. The Eurail passes and the Inter-rail passes give the traveler an almost unlimited scope of traveling in Europe at a fixed fee per day, which is generally very nominal. Passes have various rules and laws associated with them. For example, there are passes that would provide unlimited travel per day for a particular charge, and there are others that would limit the travel to a certain number of days. Eurail passes provide you for free travel on all ordinary trains that are in association with the organization. There are some special trains which might be needing reservation before you could travel on them. The Eurostar, the TGV, Thalys and some night trains having sleeping compartments would require a small reservation fee before you could travel by them. Trains like EuroCity trains do not require any additional charges if you have the Eurail pass. Only non-residents of Europe can avail Eurail passes.

Train directions should be taken care of while traveling. It might be possible that the train you took for going in a particular direction might not be the same way back. Make sure that you have the time table with you and that you have counter-checked the train direction with fellow passengers. There are some historic rail routes such as trans-Manchurian and Trans-Mongolian, which can be checked out if you have enough time on your hands.

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Europe Oil Prices

Most of us are aware that Europeans pay a lot more than Americans do, when it comes to domestic fuel prices. Oil prices in Europe have been high since ages, when fuel in the USA was sold at $2/gallon; it was roughly priced at $5/gallon in many parts of Europe. The reason for such a marked difference is that there are mammoth oil taxes levied on oil by the governments in Europe. According to a study, the rate at which Europe gets its crude oil supplies is actually lower than the prices at which the USA gets it. So then, why is there such a telling gap in the final cost of fuel in America and the cost of fuel in Europe? The answer lies in the fact that in the US, only 10% of what the end-user pays goes to the white house, while in Europe, this percentage is roughly 70%.
People have adapted rather well to the spiraling costs of fuel in Europe by choosing some of the most innovative methods. People have started looking out for residences that are at a walking distance from the place they work, they have started using scooters that are far more fuel efficient than cars and they have also started opting for smaller fuel efficient cars than the gas-guzzling ones. SUVs are almost out of the market in European nations, with the cost of gas touching $9/gallon in some areas.
There is another peculiar, rather interesting feature of the taxes imposed and the cost of oil in European nations. Because the Europeans pay a lot more taxes on fuel, the present rise in the cost of crude oil, that has taken the world by a shock hasn’t affected much of Europe. The reason is that America has seen its oil prices double in the last few months, but in Europe, there has been a rise of just 40%-50% on their fuel costs, as the governments, particularly that of Nicholas sarkozy, have reduced the taxes levied. This step has acted as a buffer to the general public against the global surge in fuel prices.
Most affected though, are the people living in the isle regions of the Netherlands and Greece, because most of their commodities and supplies come via boats, and boats run on oil. Oil therefore, is pretty cheap in the Greek Isles as compared to the rest of the continent, and is priced at around $7/gallon.

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European Wedding

It is said that “marriages are made in heaven” and this heaven is beyond doubt based in Europe. A European wedding is a big occasion which is considered to be very sacred. European marriages vary from country to country but they have the same belief. These weddings are planned on grand scale with flamboyant arrangements for many weeks. European weddings are performed with ancient traditions and practices. Loads of these traditions have seen revival in recognition in current years as several younger couples are on the lookout for more traditional roots.
Generally, a European wedding is declared with humility in the respective families of the bride and the groom. The preparations start with the help of a family member or a wedding planner. And then starts the beautiful series of beliefs and traditions. For instance, in Czechoslovakia, bride’s friends sow a tree in her backyard and put some ribbons and red painted egg shells on it. This tree is a promise for her marriage’s existence, prosperity and fertility. The tree is a symbol of bride’s long life and the egg signifies the fruitfulness of the couple. The bride is supposed to water the seed everyday till her wedding day.
The wedding day is the most beautiful day in every woman’s life. It is made special in different ways. In England, the groom waits for the bride in front of the church and the bride would arrive with her best man. The best man hands over the bride to the groom with a promise that the groom will take care of the bride for his life time. Long back, Germany initiated the concept of the best man, which is now followed by many countries in Europe. In Hungry, the bride is presented with an egg, on her arrival to the church, to bless her with health and fertility all her life. A piece of bread or a cake plays a very important role in the European weddings. It epitomizes fertility and happiness in the couple’s married life. In Poland, the bride and the bridegroom are presented with bread, salt and wine and honey cakes for their flourishing married life.
In Italy, the groom and the bride exchange rings. The wedding day is called the D –day. The rituals are very sacred. They are performed with chaste in the holy church with a ribbon outside the church. All the enjoyment is done after the wedding at the reception party. Cultures may vary, but the feeling is the same. Each and every ritual, performed in a European wedding is special, which is cherished for a lifetime.

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European Restaurants

Europe has one of the finest eating places in the world that offer the best cuisines in the world. If you happen to visit England, you can’t do without visiting The Fat Duck Restaurant. It is the topmost restaurant in Europe. It has been listed as the second best restaurant in the world. The restaurant has been designed in a modest manner manifesting a conventional cottage look. The Fat Duck Restaurant, originally started as a French restaurant, was established by Chef Heston Blumenthal in Berkshire. This place has the rapture of true culinary seduction.

The Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant, Paris definitely holds the second position. It is undoubtedly the best restaurant in France. Chef Pierre Gagnaire experiments with French flavors efficiently and adds exclusivity to each recipe offered. The third best restaurant in Europe is The Noma, located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Noma is popular all over the world for their Martini Bars and Asian delight mixed with native touch. Fourth is the Gambero Rosso, located in San Vincenzo, Italy. They make the best meat dishes to flatter your palate. Holding the fifth position is the Le Louis XV Restaurant, located in Monaco, Paris. You will not get to experience the Le Louis fish delight anywhere else in the world. They make outstanding rock fish in indigenous flavors.

To complete your Switzerland tour, we have two of the world famous restaurants for you The L’Hotel de Ville, located in Crissier and the Brasserie Lipp, sited in the heart of Zurich. The L’Hotel, Europe’s sixth best restaurant, provides sophisticated presentation and premium quality food. The Brasserie Lipp, Europe’s seventh best restaurant, was originated in Paris. They make the best garlic dishes in the world. Their garlic butter chicken and the garlic tomato sauce are one of their most loved dishes.

Not forgetting about the Hof van Cleve, located in Belgium, the eighth best restaurant in Europe, gives an indigenous look, with cheese and bacon extravagance. Situated on the countryside, they present a beautiful ambience, surprisingly rustic. Netherlands is not far in offering palatial delight. The Oud Sluis, located in Sluis, Netherlands is the ninth best eating place in Europe. You can enjoy your drive to the restaurant as it is away from the country. They offer a wide range of fruit recipes. Their Oyster recipes are outstanding .The Cracco peck, located in Milan, the Fashion Capital of Italy, is the tenth best eating place in Europe. Their best offerings include the take on saffron risotto and breaded veal cutlet and steam cooked tiramisu. If you are planning for a vacation, a Europe tour is the best way to give yourself a culinary treat with all these remarkable places.

1. The Fat Duck Restaurant (England)
2. The Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant (Paris)
3. The Noma Restaurant (Denmark)
4. Gambero Rosso Restaurant (San Vincenzo, Italy)
5. Le Louis XV Restaurant (Monaco, Paris)
6. L’Hotel de Ville (Zurich)
7. The Brasserie Lipp (Paris)
8. Hof van Cleve (Belgium)
9. The Oud Sluis Restaurant (Netherlands)
10. The Cracco Peck Restaurant (Milan)

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Europe - Ghent Festival

If magnanimity, eloquence and grandeur are what you idealize in your perfect festival, then Ghent festival is the place for you to be this summer. With almost 2 million people attending the festival in 2008 in Ghent, Belgium, the festival became the largest open-air cultural festival in Europe by distance. The Ghent festival is composed primarily of three festivals- the International Street Theatre Festival, The International Puppet Buskers Festival and the Blue Note Festival, which is also affectionately called the jazz festival.
The Ghent festival evolved in the 19th century, when the ‘fathers’ of Ghent decided to organize the Sunday feasts by the peasants into a more civilized festivity in the form of the Ghent festival. The feasts that the peasants indulged in were nothing more than drunken orgies and often resulted in mass absenteeism on the part of the peasants on Monday mornings due to heavy liquor consumption on the weekends. This resulted the clergy of the town to ponder upon a solution to this menace, and they came up with the idea of festivities for the common-folk of the town, which later evolved into a full-fledged festival known as the Ghent Festival, which was organized by the governments and the richer strata of the society for the masses to enjoy.
For decades, the festival had carried on like this, and in its checkered history of more than 165 years, the Ghent festival has witnessed many ups and downs. With the rich folks occupying the paved areas and others celebrating in the dusty and dirty streets, the Ghent Festival was being stereotyped as being ‘pathetically middle-class’ by the late 1950s. It was with the entrance of Walter De Buck, who, along with his band of musicians and friends engaged everyone belonging to different strata of the society, including the priests, the commons and the classes of the society. He had brought the charm back to the Ghent festival and was a hit of his age. Since then, people from all over the Europe have been frequenting the Ghent Festival, which, in its modern form takes place in and around the city center and is the most famous for its Jazz festival, awesome food and electrifying environment.

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China Europe Trade

Most of China’s business with the outer world resides in the Yellow River basin, particularly in and around Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Guangdong provinces. For some one who has had an experience of trading in Europe, it should be relatively easier to adjust to the culture and demographical differences in China. Again, Hong-Kong should be the starting point for penetrating in to China because of the larger English speaking population that we have there.
Hong Kong is a city full of energy and passion, and there are a lot of similarities at the CEO levels between Hong Kong and some major parts of Europe. The main difference though is that, promises here are of lesser value, and promises made should not be taken for their word as traders can easily revert at getting better deals. Therefore, everything needs to be inked down after the corporate dinner and Binge drinking! The Chinese are relatively quick to make promises, but they should only be taken into account once the contract is through, because most of the time, they would not even remember the next day what they had promised.
Hierarchy also plays a prominent part in the way the Chinese carry out their business. The Chinese are totally bureaucratic and love to take into account the value of the signature. Assistants and lower level management have little or no say in taking the final decision, which are mostly reserved for those at the top of the lot. Therefore, you should use the lower level workers to network yourself up to the top of the pyramid to seal the deal. Unlike Europe, where employees at various levels, even at the ground-level have a say in the internal decision making of a corporation, in China, they might be fired for ‘poking their noses’ in the company’s internal affairs.
To be successful for trading in China, you need to network a lot. News and offers spread like wild fire here, and therefore, it is in your interest to make the best use of the grapevine to take your deal to those who matter the most. Versatility, public relations and networking therefore, are the pillars around which a foreigner needs to invest his time to be successful at trading in mainland China and Hong Kong especially.

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European Wine

We have appreciated European wine for years now. Wine, in Europe, is associated with prosperity. It is a rich part of European culture. Europe has the perfect conditions for wine making and its wine making methods are still traditional which is not found in any other part of the world. Although some of these methods have been replaced by advanced means, but the roots are the same. European wines have an ecstatic fruitfulness to them along with flavor and novelty.  We can say that wine is an essential element of life in Europe.  No wonder, people from all over the world visit Europe for classy wines.
Europe is one of the major producers of wine in the world. France, Italy and Belgium are very famous for their fine wines and other form of liquor.  France is the major producer of wine in Europe. Popular French wines like Cote du Rhone, Cote du Provence and Borgogne are the pride of France.   The fine quality champagne is made up of the best quality grapes of numerous varieties over here. Their richness can not be stated in words. If you happen to visit France then remember that French wines are as imperative as the Eiffel tower visit would be. Did you know that Champagne is a French invention?
Italy is no less in its wine production.  Italy is world famous for its pastas, pizzas and wines.  Some of Italy’s world class wines include the Frascati, the Chianti, the Bardolino, the Marsala, the Lacryma Christi, the Soave and the Valpolicella. The Marsala is the finest Italian wine made of aperitif. It is very popular in Europe especially served after the dinner as a desert as it has a special sweet taste to it which is palate enchanting. Another wine worth mentioning is the Soave which is made up of a special recipe consisting of lemon and almonds. Asti Spumante is a dazzling wine. It is the best choice for parties and celebrations.  It is world’s foremost sparkling wine after champagne. Borodino is a red wine made up of grape mix of Italy.
As we know that wine is a way of lifestyle in Europe, therefore, there are proper learning centers set up for educating people about fine methods to make wine.  European Wine Academy is an International Wine College.  They provide distant education through e-learning.  Learning to make fine wine is an art and Europeans have mastered it for years now.

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