Europe String

Ski Republic wants to change the face of ski rental in French resorts. They make big promises such as great equipment, friendly service, good prices, and no more smelly boots.
I haven’t had a chance to try out their service first-hand, but Ski Republic has definitely piqued my interest. Their website is very user-friendly and comprehensive, and if their service delivers on its promises, it sounds like a great place to rents skis and snowboards in France.
Right now Ski Republic is running a 2-for-1 rental offer, so their rates are extremely affordable. If you find yourself near one of the resorts …read more

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Cities all over the continent grow lively and festive in the days and weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, which falls very early (February 5th) in the year in 2008. Although Venice has the most internationally well-known European carnival (and arguably the most beautiful costumes around), plenty of other cities put on world-class celebrations, as well. This week at Europe String I’ll be taking a look at some of these festivities.
Interested in attending some carnival fun yourself? The local tourist office should be able to tell you what’s planned in the city you’re in, or which nearby cities are worth …read more

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Super Bowl XLII is coming up – on February 3rd, 2008, to be exact. You don’t hear much about this American game over here in Europe, but all is not lost if you’re a fan who finds yourself on this side of the pond for the big day (assuming you’re willing to stay up late).
The game is actually broadcast live on free TV in many European countries, minus most of the pre-game shows, and, sadly, without all those fancy commercials. Broadcasts start at around midnight CET; check the local listings for the country you’re in to find out whether …read more

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Eurail is having a sale on passes purchased before March 31.
Tips for riding buses in London from Cottontimer.
Shipping containers make for cheap lodging in London.

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A Tinguely kinetic sculpture at Zurichhorn, on the shore of Lake Zurich. It runs daily at 6:00 PM for 15 minutes. It’s very loud.
See more of today’s Photo Friday posts.

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After only about three weeks of waiting, we have internet hooked up in our Munich apartment. I’m really looking forward to catching up on all the email, blog reading, etc., that I’ve been missing out on!
Not that I haven’t been keeping busy without the web. I’ve been doing a lot of exploring of my new neighborhood and city. I’ve figured out the cheapest options for the local public transportation. I’m getting a feel for the best places to shop. Each day I stumble across new restaurants and bars and shops and galleries that I want to check out. Munich is …read more

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There’s an exhibition of Andy Warhol’s photographs up in London.
Looking for a way to finance that honeymoon to Europe? Consider a honeymoon registry.
Renting an apartment in Paris for your vacation.
A bevy of budget travel tips in an article at the National Post.

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Way up north, beyond the Arctic Circle, is a hotel which appears and disappears again every single year. Sweden’s Ice Hotel has been enchanting visitors since 1990, and really is constructed out of ice and snow. Guests can choose between ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ accommodations, and appropriate cold-weather clothing is including in the price no matter where you sleep.
The hotel is decorated with (what else?) ice sculptures, and has a restaurant and a bar. Daytime activities include snowmobiling and dog sledding, while at night visitors can hope for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Given the novelty of such an experience, …read more

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Piles of fruit sculpted out of marzipan, a sweet almond paste that sometimes looks better than it tastes, on display in Milan, Italy.

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Super cheap fares to London (that have to be booked by next week).

One traveler’s hunt for the perfect backpack.

A fan of fish and chips? Here’s the best the UK has to offer.

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