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Prostitution is a controversial subject to say the least and one that almost everyone has an opinion on. Ask a group of people whether they think that prostitution should be legal or not, and most often you will get a colorful and impassioned mix of views. It seems that the same is true when you take this debate to an international level, and the rules and regulations regarding prostitution around the world vary greatly.

There are many countries in Europe where prostitution is legal for instance, and it might just surprise you where. For instance, contrary to popular belief the UK actually is one of the countries in Europe where prostitution is legal. Many people think that prostitution in the UK is illegal, but actually the act of exchanging sexual services for money is not a crime in itself. Rather it is the range of associated activities that are illegal in the UK – such as curb crawling, running a brothel, pimping, pandering and soliciting in public areas. In other words it is the institution of prostitution that is illegal, not the act.

There are many other countries in Europe where prostitution is legal in this sense. For instance it is legal in France, in Italy, in Poland and in Portugal to name a few. However in Germany and most famously Holland, prostitution is not only legal but so is the whole institution including the brothels and pimps. These are the countries in Europe where prostitution is legal in every sense, and this allows it to be properly governed. Many people travel to Holland specifically for this purpose in fact which is known as ‘sex tourism’.

However while there are many countries in Europe where prostitution is legal, there are of course also many countries in Europe where it is completely illegal in all forms. These countries include: Poland, Russia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovakia and others in the East.

Whether countries in Europe where prostitution is legal are a good thing or not depends on your point of view. On the one hand there is the argument that such countries are able to better monitor sexual activities and thereby ensure that there is a minimal occurrence of STIs and forced sex etc. There is no obvious victim in prostitution as long as all parties are willing and fully informed – and so it’s questionable whether it should be considered a crime. It may even prevent sexual crimes by providing an outlet. At the same time though, others will argue that such systems will always be abused and shouldn’t be encouraged, and will object to paid sex on religious or moral grounds. What do you think?

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A lot of higher education is about getting some life experience – getting live away from home, to learn things you never knew about but were always interested in, and to meet new people and forge the strongest of friendships. It’s a lot of money, but it’s these kinds of experiences that make university priceless.

However universities aren’t exclusive to America, and there are plenty of European universities that can offer all this too. If you consider pursuing a higher education at Universities in Europe then this will mean that you also get to experience a whole new way of life, to meet people from a different culture, and to explore a new area. There is no life experience quite like living abroad, and going to Universities in Europe allows you to do this and to get an education that will be universally recognized at the same time. There are some truly prestigious universities in Europe and any of them will help you to land the career of your dreams while becoming a more well rounded individual.

There are some differences however been universities in Europe and those in the US. For instance European universities do not require students to take general education subjects as a rule, and rather they will stick to the subject they major in (though another difference is that students from universities in Europe do not use the word ‘major’). However European universities as a rule also have a less flexible curriculum.

For those who want an American education but in Europe there are some American universities situated actually in Europe. These include: Webster University Vienna in Austrai, Boston University Brussels in Belgium, American University in Paris in France, Jacobs University Bremen in Germany, American College Dublin in Ireland, American Intercontinental University in the UK and many more.

However if you want to study at authentic universities in Europe, or if you just want to look around them (universities such as Oxford can be highly beautiful to explore) then there are many, many more options. According to the Times Higher Education University Rankings (2010) the top ten universities in Europe are: The University of Cambridge in the UK, University of Oxford in the UK, Imperial College London in the UK, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich in Switzerland, University College London in the UK, Ecole Polytechnique in France, University of Edinburgh in the UK, Ecole Normale Superieure Paris in France, University of Göttingen in Germany, Karolinska Institute in Sweden and École Polytechnique Federale of Lausanne in Switzerland.

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The European bull run or ‘Running of the Bulls’ as it is more correctly known, is an event that takes place primarily in Spain which involves running in front of a group of bulls let loose on a course around a town. The most famous European bull run takes place in the seven day festival ‘Sanfermines’ which takes place in honor of ‘San Fermin’ in Pampalona, Spain. However this isn’t the only European bull run, and you can also find such runs in other cities across Spain, as well as in Portugal and Southern France.

The European bull run is an incredibly dangerous and unusual activty, but is regarded as those who take part as also being highly exhilarating and cultural. Unlike the Bull fights which are also popular in Spain, the European bull run can be enjoyed by anyone over the age of 18 with no training.

The original purpose of the European bull run was to transport bulls from corrals to bullrings to be killed. While this was going on the route would be sectioned off, but young Spaniards would often jump into the paths of the bulls in order to demonstrate their bravado and speed. According to Spanish lore however, this did not develop into the European bull run as we know it today until the early 14^th century. This started when young adults tried to hurry their cattle through the market by using fear tactics and other things. This eventually turned into a competition, and at this point the youngsters would then attempt to race the bulls to the pens without being overtaken. Over time these activities became noticed by the rest of Spain and of course developed into the European bull run as we know it.

Today the event involves wooden barricades erected to keep the bulls on route, and often these will make it easy for the runners to exist in case of danger – with gaps large enough for people but too narrow for the bulls. The European bull run in Pamplona is broadcast live and is the largest event of the San Fermin festival taking place on the 7^th of July. It draws many tourists and there are many other celebrations and festivities to enjoy at the time. Before the race begins for instance the runners will sing a benediction – twice in Spanish and once in Basque. The full length of the course is 826 meters and is still a highly dangerous activity with 200-300 people injured every year. However only 16 people have been killed in Pamplona since 1910. Regardless of this fact, the European bull runs found across Europe remain some of the most unique and bizarre festivals on the continent.

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Gypsies are ‘travelers’ which by definition means they are likely to be found all around the world. This means that European gypsies are of course a common sight too, and in fact gypsies have a long history with Europe.

One of the most common types of European gypsies are called the ‘Romani’ who are also known as ‘Romane, Rromane, Romany, Romanies, Roms and other version of the word. Though their origins can be traced back to the Indian Subcontinent, the Romani of course originate in some ways from Rome, and they still have their largest concentrations in Europe. In 1932 an Irish Franciscan monk named ‘Symon Semeonis’ met the migrant group known as the ‘descendants of Cain’ outside the town of Heraklion in Crete. This is the first account of the Romani people in Europe. A fiefdom called the Feudum Acinganorum was established in Corgu in 1360, and many Romani serfs used this before moving Germany by 1424 and to Scotland and Sweden by the 16^th century. Though Europe was initially curious of these European gypsies, that curiosity soon turned to hostility and for five centuries the Romani were enslaved in Wallachia and Moldavia until 1856. These European Gypsies have also been subject to ethnic cleansing, abduction and forced labor in Europe. Some European gypsies have received better treatment throughout Europe however, such as in England in 1596 when a statute gave them privileges and rights over other nomads. European gypsies were also responsible for inspiring some movements and the culture has also inspired many works of art – such as the Opera ‘Carmen’.

Today the European country with the highest concentration of Romani people is Bulgaria with 4.67% of the population being Romani. Following close behind is the Republic of Macedonia with 2.85% and Romania with 2.46%.

The term ‘Gypsy’ meanwhile is an English term which comes from the Greek word for Egyptian. This comes from the false belief that the Romani people and some other Gypsies came from Egypt. However many Romani’s find the term to be derogatory.

Romani culture places a lot of importance on family, and is a patriachal society that considers virginity as essential for unmarried women. Their practice of ‘child marriage’ is highly controversial as is the practice of ‘bride kidnapping’ where girls are kidnapped from as young as 12 to be married to teenage boys. This occurs in Ireland, England, Bulgaria and other European countries (though these practices are not universally accepted by all Romani people). Some evidence of Indian heritage remains among these European gypsies including some Sanskrit grammar and vocabulary. Traditionally the Romani occupations mainly focused on singing and dancing as well as jeweler arts. Romanis often adopt the religion of the ‘host’ country, but historically are of Hindu faith.

While the Romani people are widespread across Europe, there are other European gypsies too such as the Irish Travelers of Irish origin found in Ireland and the UK. Their culture is different though it holds some similarities with the Romani people. Often they are highly Catholic and to follow a strict ethos known as the ‘travelers’ code’. Often they will live in caravans and grow up outside of the local educational systems resulting in widespread illiteracy. Like Romani European gypsies, Irish travelers also tend to marry young. Their settlements are very controversial and while some people argue for their right to travel as they please, others see them as a drain on resources who don’t give back to the communities in which they settle. Recently councils in England have been using means of force to remove Gypsies from their property such as in the case of Dale farm. As throughout history, European gypsies remain a source of controversy, but nevertheless add to the colorful history and ethnic diversity of the continent.

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For gay travel, Europe has a lot to offer and there are many exciting gay scenes and hot spots to visit. However while there are many clubbing areas and other gay tourist spots, nothing beats a gay parade which is a jubilant celebration that anyone can enjoy. But for the discerning gay tourist, where is the best gay parade to visit? Here we will look at the biggest gay parade in Europe, and some of the other close contenders.

The biggest gay parade in Europe is something that is not clear cut – partially as parades will vary in size year on year. However in Europe the best location for gay parades is Berlin – a true hot spot for gay travel and home to some of the largest and most vibrant gay parades in the world.

Sao Paulo in Brazil was home to arguably the largest gay parade in the world according to estimates and had over three million attendees. One of the largest parades in Europe however could have been the ‘Love Parade’ which took place in Berlin, Germany for some years. While it is theoretically an annual event, certain circumstances lead to some years being canceled. Not purely a gay parade, the love parade is however intended to spread love, tolerance and music. Sadly in 2009 the love parade was struck by tragedy when a stampede killed 21 people in attendance; and as a result the parade was called to a halt.

However the best way to find the biggest gay parade in Europe today is to wait for Gay Pride. Gay Pride parades take place in cities across Europe and each hosts huge celebrations. However, as one of the true capitals of the world for gay travel, the Gay Pride parade held in Berlin is perhaps the most impressive and is possible the biggest gay parade in Europe. The Gay Pride celebrations in Berlin include the Berlin Lesbian and Gay City Festival held in Shconeeberg and features musical performances, art, lectures, exhibits and more. On the final weekend of Gay Pride, the Berlin Gay Pride Parade then takes place in the same location starting at 12.30pm on the corner of Kururstendham and is followed by the Pride Rally.

As well as potentially Europe’s biggest gay parade, Berlin is also home to ‘Folsom Europe’ which is Europe’s largest fetish festival and is held in September. Both events are great fun and colorful celebrations that must be visited by gay travelers, but also anyone else looking for a unique and exciting experience.

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Europe is a highly modern continent and one of the ways in which it demonstrates this is with its adopting of new technologies. It doesn’t take much searching to find free wifi in Europe for example, and most of the big cities, certainly in Western Europe, do provide free connections that mean you can get on with work, surf the web and download media all while on the move without having to get charged from your service provider.

Cities like Paris, Berlin and London are great for finding free wifi in Europe (Paris is particularly good), but these offerings still pale in comparison to one particular city in Europe: the city of Tallinn.

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, and if you really want free wifi in Europe this is where you should go. In fact Tallinn provides free wifi for practically its entire city and you will find orange and black stickers on shop windows all over Tallinn promoting this fact. But not only do the shops and businesses provide this free wifi in Europe, but so too does the city itself.

Just to show how hot on free wifi in Europe Tallinn really is here are some facts. First of all Tallinn airport was the first airport in the world to offer free wifi across the airpot. In many other European and Western countries you still need to pay for internet usage at kiosks. Meanwhile even some of the buses offer free wifi (as well as flat-screen TVs and electrical outlets). The city is among the top ten in the world for free wifi, and in total there are over 64 wifi hotspots available completely free.

This is not the only example of Tallinn and Estonia being incredibly technologically advanced. Many people refer to Tallinn as something of a second ‘Silicone Valley’ and internet startups are one of the largest contributors to the Estonian economy (50% of which comes from Tallinn). Among these startups are the immensely popular Skype – the video conferencing software that is perfectly suited to free wifi in Europe.

Perhaps most amazingly of all though, Tallinn was also the home of the world’s first ever online election which truly may pave the way for the rest of the planet. Free wifi in Europe then is only the start of Tallinn’s digital pioneering, hopefully other countries will follow suite soon.

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Since the end of WW1, the Euro has been the dream of many a politician; the idea being to bind the member states of the EU together with a single currency that would facilitate trade and tourism and prevent war.

In some respects the Euro was a success, and certainly the ambition of having a single currency between multiple countries has been achieved. However in light of the current Eurozone crisis it’s hard to say whether this success is likely to continue, or even whether it should have begun in the first place. While this is a matter of opinion, and there is still everything to play for, the history of the Euro has no doubt been a colorful and fascinating one. Here we will look in more detail at the history of the Euro from its inception to the current challenges it faces.

 

1999

 

1999 is an important day for the history of the Euro and marks its inception.

 

2001

 

Greece joins the Euro

 

2002

 

Coins and notes are now introduced

 

2007

 

Slovenia joins

 

2008

 

More countries join the Euro: Malta and Cyprus. This is also the point in the history of the Euro when things started to become more complicated and the growing financial crisis leads the EU leaders to agree a 200 billion Euro stimulus plan to boost the economy.

 

2009

 

Slovakia joins. Meanwhile Estonia, Denmark, Lithuania and Latvia join the ‘Exchange Rate Mechanism’ which brings the currencies and policies in line with the Euro to prepare for joining.

 

The EU orders France, Spain, Ireland and Greece to reduce budget deficits (which is the difference between spending versus tax).

 

Concerns grow about the debts of some EU member states. Greece admits to debts of 300 billion Euros – the largest in modern history. This is 113% of their GDP which is double the agreed Eurozone limit. This is a difficult time in the history of the Euro.

 

2010

 

A report condemns inconsistencies in Greek accounting procedures and revises the budget deficit to 12.7% from 3.7% – four times the maximum allowed by EU rules. This is later fixed to 13.6%. Concerns grow regarding other heavily indebted countries – Portugal, Ireland and Spain. The Euro falls against the dollar and the pound.

 

The Eurozone agrees a safety net of 22 billion Euros to help Greece. Greece are told to cut spending and this results in riots and protests. The EU agrees to provide up to 30 billion in loans. Eventually in May the Eurozone members provide Greece with a 110 billion bailout package funded by wealthier members such as Germany. The Euro continues to fall and the Irish Republic comes under scrutiny before receiving a bailout package of 85 billion Euros. Rumors mount that Portugal will be the next bailout in the history of the Euro.

 

2011

 

Estonia joins the Euro as the 17^th member state. The Eurozone meanwhile sets up a bailout fund – the ‘European Stability Mechanism’ worth 500 billion. In May Portugal receives a bailout of 78 billion. Rumors mount that Greece will need to be the first country in the history of the Euro to leave the currency, but a new series of austerity measures (spending cuts) wins approval from the EU. They receive another bailout of 109 billion Euros.

 

European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso warns of contagion of countries outside the Eurozone. Yields on bonds from Italy and Spain rise dramatically and Germany falls to all-time lows as a result of investors needing huge returns. The European Central Bank commits to buy Italian and Spanish bonds. Spain and Italy restrict spending.

 

Evangelos Venizelos, Finance Minster for Greece, accuses the EU of using Greece as a scapegoat for their incompetence. Growth in the Eurozone’s private sector shrinks for the first time in 2 years. US and UK politicians urge the Eurozone to try to prevent the spreading of its financial difficulties. Franco Belgium bank Dexia receives a bailout.

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