Germany Travel Guide

Misunderstood by many, Germany is one of the most varied and charming countries on the continent. Anyone expecting a homogenous nation conforming to old Teutonic stereotypes is in for a shock. As a destination, it offers a clutch of truly lovely cities, culture served up in hefty portions and rural scenery so pretty you’ll wonder why it isn't on every tourist hit list. The country occupies a prime position at the heart of Europe – both literally and figuratively. It is home to the biggest economy on the continent, has more inhabitants than anywhere else in the EU and shares land borders with no less than nine other nations. It's no surprise, then, that today’s Germany is more diverse and cosmopolitan than old stereotypes suggest; mixing time-honoured nationalism and tradition with multicultural modernism and self-confidence. It’s the nation’s urban highlights that immediately draw the attention. Berlin is the definition of dynamism, having forged a good-time reputation for groundbreaking creativity while still keeping sight of its past. Elsewhere, the likes of Cologne, Munich and Hamburg provide the capital with able support. Not only are they rich in history, whether in the forms of classical music, fine art or medieval architecture, but they also put pay to the notion that Germans don’t do gastronomy. These days, you can dine and drink extremely well in Deutschland. Then there's the beautiful German countryside. From the sky-scraping peaks of the Bavarian Alps and pale cliffs of the Jasmund National Park to the castles of the Rhine and moors of the Mecklenburg Lake District, it's nirvana for hikers, cyclists, boaters, motorists and skiers alike. Travelling around this country is a piece of Black Forest gâteau. Costs are manageable, overcrowding is rare and, despite its size, it could not be easier to get from A to B thanks to an incredibly efficient public transport network. Which proves some of those old German stereotypes do hold true.

Festival Guide

Festivals in Japan are some of the most joyful and celebratory events in the country. While they can range from the spiritual to the light-hearted, visitors travel from across the globe to witness and participate in these national pastimes. Plan a trip around one of Japan's major festivals and you will get a true first-hand look at authentic Japanese culture.

Experience Japanese Theater

The pre-conceived notions behind traditional Japanese theatre are scattered at best, ranging from the ambiguously erotic to the potentially hazardous. The truth is, Japanese theatre is so extensive in its styles and genres that it actually gives New York's Broadway a run for its money.

Perhaps the most commonly recognized form of Japanese theatre is the art of Kabuki. In the early 17th century, a group of women from Kyoto would display erotic dances in public, to which they immediately received a captive audience. The government, none too pleased with these public acts of indecency, banned the female performers and replaced them with men. This Shakespearean decision warranted the need for beautiful, ornate costumes, sets, and theatrical effects, which were typically complimented with a traditional revolving stage. These same effects are still ubiquitous among the Kabuki community today, not to mention the inclusion of a runway that extends through the crowd so that the audience becomes a part of the performance. The passionate if not comical performances remain popular as well, and while it may not be as intellectual as other types of Japanese theatre, it certainly generates great amusement and excitement among local and visiting audiences alike.

If Kabuki were to be considered the exaggerated, bombastic drama style of Japanese theatre, then Noh theatre would undoubtedly be on the opposite side of the spectrum. As the oldest form of theatre, Noh implements a chorus to chant the script, complemented by a minimal orchestra containing a drummer and a flautist. To lighten up the audience, Kyogen, or short comedies, are performed during intermissions. Kyogen are basically the Japanese form of observational humor and are used to relate to the audience regarding the oftentimes humorous trials and tribulations of everyday life. Visit the Nagoya Noh Theatre and the Tokyo National Noh Theatre for a glimpse at this highly unique form of art.

Yet another type of theatre specific to the Japanese culture is Bunraku, or traditional puppetry. While puppets are typically reserved for children in western cultures, Bunraku features many themes directed towards adults. Employing themes similar to those featured in Kabuki, three puppeteers dressed in black will manipulate the face, arms, and legs of one puppet, often disguising themselves so well that the audience forgets they are actually there. To experience this highly entertaining form of Japanese theatre, visit the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka, Tokyo's National Theatre of Japan, and learn about each form of entertainment at Gion Corner in Kyoto.

Heritage

Japan values its cultivated traditions and practices as much as it values keeping in touch with the future. Whether grounded in history or in religion, Japanese customs are still widely practiced to this day. There are many ways travelers can experience authentic Japanese heritage without having to spend too much money. A visit to a shrine, temple, or castle would provide fantastic insight into Japan's diverse history and how Japanese society has developed. Additionally, Japan holds festivals year round that symbolize various aspects of culture and tradition, which are held in very high esteem by Japanese people. For anyone looking to delve further into Asian history and heritage, look no further than Japan.

Sunset Strip Music Festival

For two days in September, West Hollywood will shut down the notorious stretch of Sunset Boulevard known as The Sunset Strip for an incredible festival celebrating The Strip’s legendary musical heritage and its trendsetting future. This year’s expanded festival will occur September 20-21, 2014, with headliners Jane’s Addiction and Empire of the Sun. An eclectic lineup of bands including Cold War Kids, Mayer Hawthorne, Big Data and Iration will perform on the festival stages and in the music venues along The Strip, such as The Roxy Theatre, Viper Room, Whisky a Go Go and House of Blues Sunset Strip. West Hollywood hotels have created packages with complimentary festival tickets and discounted room rates. Participating hotels include Chamberlain West Hollywood, The Grafton on Sunset, Le Parc Suite Hotel, Mondrian, Ramada Plaza West Hollywood, The Standard and The London West Hollywood. In addition to tickets, some hotels are offering additional perks. The Grafton, for example, is bundling their SSMF package with a Jane’s Addiction CD, a bucket of beers, enhanced WiFi and a 10% coupon for Amoeba Records. For full details and instructions on how to book, go to http://www.visitwesthollywood.com/stay/packages-offers/sunset-strip-music-festival/. For more information on Sunset Strip Music Festival, go to www.sunsetstripmusicfestival.com.

Etihad to expand US network

Etihad Airways will launch daily San Francisco service on 18 November 2014. Daily flights will be operated to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) using a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft leased from its strategic partner Jet Airways, offering a total of eight seats in First Class, 30 seats in Business Class and 308 seats in Economy Class. San Francisco is the latest addition to Etihad Airways’ US network. The airline currently offers double-daily flights to New York and daily flights to Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). The forthcoming service to San Francisco will be followed by flights to Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport from 3 December 2014, marking its sixth route within the country.

USA New Security Checks

Flying to USA? Be aware of the new security checks! Passengers flying to the United States are to be subjected to new security checks that could see them delayed if their electronic device has a dead battery. According to NBC News, British Airways will not allow passengers to board the plane if their phone or laptop has run out of battery. A British Airways spokesman was unable to clarify if passengers would be allowed to board the plane if they chose to leave their device behind. U.S. officials last week asked airports handling U.S.-bound flights to tighten security amid fears al-Qaeda-linked terror groups might conceal a bomb within a fake smartphone or laptop. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is requiring airlines or security officials to perform the checks before boarding, says the measures are already in place at some international airports and will be formulated at others in coming days. All electronic equipment could be subject to examination, including laptops, cell phones, tablets and MP3 players. Passengers are being advised to make sure these are all charged before travel so that they can be switched on and demonstrated to be operational. Read our thoughts on the topic HERE