When planning my trip earlier that summer, my mother had mentioned that one of her friends had a son who worked at the embassy in the “up and coming” formerly communist city. Considering I was low on money (one of the many appeals for traveling to Eastern Europe in the first place) and not knowing much about the place other than what I had seen portrayed in “Eurotrip,” I thought it might be a good idea to stop halfway through my excursion to stay with someone who had been living in the unknown city for a while.

I should have realized when Chip--yes his name was and is Chip--explained in brief communication via Email that he could offer a real bed, very appealing when traveling for a month while sleeping on trains and in stiff hostel bunks, was also offering, “quality American cooking,” from his wife Valaria--yes her name was and is Valaria--I was not going to have the normal traveler's experience in Bratislava.

Upon arrival to the city center, the first thing I felt was exhaustion. Not so much exhaustion from travel, which may have had something to do with my state of being, but, rather, an exhaustion of a peoples. A culture who, after struggling for generations to lift an Iron Curtain, had no energy left to live the life they had struggled for so long to obtain. Or maybe, more likely, those who were still alive had never understood or wanted this abstract entity called “Democracy”.

I, having lived in the US, a “Democratic Country“, have had--and still do--a hard enough time describing what exactly the term democracy is and means…then again, you never know the value of something until it is taken from you…Regardless, by the end of my rant, you will hopefully understand how Democracy has become contorted or what it means to the people of Bratislava.

Democracy to them: “A six inch wall was torn down”…1000 miles to the north…? Where's Berlin again?

When I entered the “whatever” Square, (there were no signs, there was nothing). I had expected to see a flourishing market with art and music; a place God shown down light even on rainy days, just because of the previous trials the city had undergone. I expected to see artists painting, as on the Charles bridge in Prague, or children laughing, as in most of the newly liberated Eastern European streets of the world, as in Krakow. Or, even, looking at architecture, rivers, and churches as I had while wandering the streets of Ljubljana, basically the Paris of Eastern Europe, something…well…something moving or breath-taking, to say the least….I…

I expected, naively (perhaps because of the travel magazines I had read on the train), a miniature, tourist-free Prague. Free from communism. Full of life. Full with expectations for the future. Something…

These misconceptions must have been fueled from just having spent five days in Krakow, a city overcome with the lust for LIFE, ART, and BEAUTY. (The only city, mind you, which Hitler had deemed successful in “solving the Jewish Problem”. Hence, why I expected so much, I guess). Regardless,

Bratislava is not Prague. It is no Krakow. And, by no means, Ljubljana.

I thought when leaving, however, of the people I met. The unexpected experience. The way of life…that is the beauty of travel and the ignorance of man…Do not expect. Do not trust what you have been told or what you have read. Just sit, have a drink, eat something new, and talk to someone who lives there…experience the culture, the people, and theirand way of life…

And please, for my sake and the sake of the people you'll meet, don't make the same mistake I did; Don't be an Ignorant American.

I began my research by talking to several food critics. Talking to them provided me with an insight as to how they went about writing a review for publication. Next, I re-read those articles; literally dissecting the written works, looking for the trends and similarities of each article. Testing what I found to be informative and what I didn't. Finding the words that made me wanted to check out a particular restaurant over another. At the end of the process, I found there were certain areas that were similar in each article. I've outline those below as a good basic guide for the budding food critic.

1. The atmosphere of the restaurant:

   Don't just say it's Italian. One person's idea of Italian is different from another's. You want your reader to formulate a good picture in their mind as to what the restaurant is like. So ask yourself some simple questions: What does the restaurant look like? Is the restaurant casual or formal? Is the restaurant family style? What is the noise level like? What type of décor does it have?

2. The restaurants menu:

   Describe the type of food they are serving. What type of food do they serve - is it Mexican, Asian, or an upscale Pizza place? Share some of the different dishes or specialties along with the costs. What was it about the dish that made it good - was it the way it's cooked, the ingredients or freshness, maybe variety? Were the foods hot that were supposed to be hot and the cold foods -- cold? In addition, let your reader know if the restaurant is inexpensive, average, or expensive. Also does the restaurant have a kids menu? You would be surprised how many don't.

3. The service:

   Was it good, bad, or indifferent? Were the employees friendly and knowledgeable? Was the service quick and efficient or did they rush you? Were the employees helpful in sharing how the dishes are prepared? Did the server suggest dishes or wine to accompany the dishes? Was there a Sommelier available to assist in wine selection? If there was a buffet, how many items were there and were items labeled?

4. The restaurant's uniqueness:

   What makes them different or special over a similar eatery? For example, I went to an Italian restaurant in California that had a wondering violin player. The violinist would move around the tables playing Italian love songs. That was unique and different from the normal intercom music.

5. Background or history of the restaurant:

   The usual how, when, where type questions. When did it first open? Is the restaurant a franchise or is it individually owned? Who owns the restaurant? Where is the restaurant located? Don't forget to include the phone number and website as well as the address. What are the restaurant's hours; do they serve breakfast, or only lunch and dinner? Is there parking? Are reservations required or should you expect long lines to get a seat?

6. Bad or Negative Reviews:

   Yes, cover both sides of the review coin; share your negative experience, but do so effectively. There can be many potential reasons you want to share a negative experience. Maybe the service or food quality was subpar. You just didn't enjoy the experience and felt you wasted your time and money. Go ahead and explain it. What was the problem? On one of my trips I went into a restaurant with the family - they had been raving how good it was. However, on a trip to the restrooms, I encountered a mouse heading for the storage closet -- I didn't feel like eating after that. Shortly afterwards, I made a call to the health department and the restaurant was shut down. That was one article that is was not worth writing about and the course of action was a phone call to the correct authorities.

7. Personal preferences and comments:

   It is fine to make personal comments, but it is always good to note why. For example, I like my salads at room temperate so I can taste the freshness of the tomatoes instead of ice cold. Most restaurants serve salads fresh but right out of the cooler and not everyone likes stuff the same way you do. So remember when you criticize with your own preferences, not why you are doing so.

Lastly, I like to recap the article with a little five star rating system. It gives the reader the bottom line and a quick reference point.

Food Rating: ****

Service Rating: ****

Expense Rating: $$

Atmosphere Rating: ***

Overall Restaurant Rating: ****

From here we still need to take a walk around 300 meters. The trip that must be taken by following through the steep ladder, headed towards the location three waterfalls. Fortunately the available steep ladder is made from concrete cement so as the visitor do not experience the difficulty when crossing it. Upon arrival at location, several sellers of food/the drink and the appearance memento lined up and a group of young man welcomed with the wave of pop music that was trend, hoped for the small change throw to empty tin on the way. It is not difficult to find the source of hot water of these small seven waterfalls, because located on the side right-hand from the road to enter. The small seven waterfalls personally indeed took the form of the hot water current that come out from stone gaps with the height approximately 1 meter. Water that flowed visible issue hot vapor and the stones that are passed by this water changed became colored red brownish. Investigated to the side of which hot water flowed, I found scenery that has never been seen by me whatever beforehand. One cliff brown young is come between by the green color of appearance emitted the smoke. All this part of cliff is passed through hot water that flowed slowly to the lower cliff, so as to appear like the stone to have vapor. The combination of the color that is interesting and very beautiful to be enjoyed, it proved something that the natural color indeed always harmonious and it is very beautiful scenery.

A ladder on the right side of this cliff, make the visitor able to descend, enjoyed picturesque scenery from the lower side of cliff. Apparently not all water that flowed in this stone is hot water, it proven from water that flowed close to the step is water with the colder temperature. As a result when this cold water reach at the bottom and the mixture both of them made the temperature of water to be colder compared with its upper part.

Close to this area, there is a box of the cleanliness contribution without the guard standing in the edge of the ladder. An article on this box is mentioned the "Sarabadak Cave". But when I try to seek what part that is acknowledged as this Sarabadak Cave, I can not find out the location that is meant. It is just several small gaps in the cliff that definitely do not deserve to be acknowledged as the cave. In a glance, nothing special in this cave area, but if you try to look at the detail of the gap between the cliffs, its unique scenery. You can clearly see the contents of the whole cave.

A part of the Sarabadak Cave, there is also the historic location that is located outside the gate of small seven waterfalls but it close enough, approximately 100 meter. Whether this place is used to be belonging to the king or the leading figure, no body knows. Apparently, when being found by the inhabitants has taken the form of the place like available now. This place consisted of the stone that is compiled formed the step ladder and the other one is cubical form. This place is named Batur Sengkala, that it seems the inhabitant's local words are often used by ancient senior figures as the resting place for a moment from the far trip.

The Legend

Sheikh Maulana Maghribi was a Muslim scholar / Mullah. He was a Prince from Turki. One day after At Daybreak, he saw the mysterious light shone on the side South-east. He wanted to know from where the mysterious light came and what meaning that. He broke to find out. And he was accompanied by his friend, the Pilgrim Datuk and his worker. They sailed headed to the side of the arrival of this mysterious light. Afterwards after Sheikh Maulana Maghribi arrived in the Gresik Coast, this mysterious light apparently on the side west and finally they arrived in the coast Pemalang, Central Java. In this place he asked his workers to come home. In the meantime he was accompanied by the Pilgrim Datuk to continue his trip by walking headed to the side of south while spreading the Islam religion. Afterwards Sheikh Maulana Maghribi lived in the Banjar Cahayana.

In this place he was affected by the serious itchy illness and had difficulty being cured. After middle night prayers he received the inspiration that he must go to the Gora Mountain. After arrive in the slope of the Gora Mountain he asked for the Pilgrim Datuk to leave him & was waiting at the place that emitted the smoke. Evidently there had the source of hot water and Sheikh Maulana Maghribi mentioned him "seven waterfalls" that meaning that a source of hot water that had seven springs. Every day Sheikh Maulana Maghribi bathed in an orderly fashion in the place, in this way he recovered from his itchy illness.

The inhabitants around this place acknowledged Sheikh Maulana Maghribi as "Man from above the sky" because he came from a far country. And Sheikh Maulana Maghribi was named the Pilgrim Datuk Rusuhudi (in the Javanese language meant the Just Shelf or the Loyal Servant). This place was famous and was named "Baturaden". The reason was that Sheikh Maulana Maghribi recovered from the itchy and safe the illness at slope of the Gora Mountain. Further he replaced the name of the Gora Mountain to Slamet Mountain. Slamet in the Javanese language was significantly safe. The place where Sheikh Maulana Maghribi recovered it was considered as the place of the shrine by the person around. Many people from other city around Slamet Mountain visited this place on certain shrine day.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps between Eastern and Western Europe, Vienna reflects a turbulent past while boasting of a luminous future. The capital city of the once great Holy Roman Empire as well as the second capital of the notorious Nazi regime, Vienna is a city busting at the seams with history. Find below why Vienna is the place to go to enjoy history at its best.

Schönbrunn Palace 

If Queen Victoria of England was called the grandmother of Europe, then Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresia of Austria is the great-grandmother. Orchestrating marriage after marriage (including the marriage of her daughter, Marie Antoinette, to French King Louis XVI), Maria Theresia not only built the Habsburg dynasty to its greatest size, but also built it's greatest palace, Schloß Schönbrunn. It was initially inspired by Versailles, but ultimately surpassed it in size (and some say even beauty!).

Kunsthistorisches Museum 

Many great European cities have art museums and, in that regard, Vienna is no different. But the KHM, short for Kunsthistorisches Museum (English: Museum of Art History), part of the 21 museum complex “Museums Quartier,” houses some of the greatest works of art in the world. Staples of the collection include Breughel, Rembrandt, and Raphael, to name a few. Recent rotating collections have included the famous Arcimboldo, whose paintings often famously parodied Habsburg lifestyles.

Imperial Vaults 

Near the center of Vienna is the final resting place of nearly every Habsburg. These morbidly beautiful vaults contain the sarcophagi of fallen Holy Roman Emperors, their consorts, and issue. Famous Habsburgs not buried in the vaults include Marie Antoinette (beheaded in France and buried in mass grave) and the infamous Franz Ferdinand, barred from the vaults for marrying below his social class.

Arsenal 

This World War I/II museum is adjacent to Vienna's Südbahnhof, making it a little out of the way for most, but what it holds inside is well worth the trip. Along with authentic Nazi propaganda preserved from the World War II, Franz Ferdinand's car (complete with bullet holes) along with his clothing from the day he was shot are in the heart of this very Viennese museum. The trip to southern Vienna is worth it just to see these two pieces of history.

Stephansdom/St. Stephen's Cathedral 

At the very center of Vienna is this beautiful masterpiece. This church is the most famous in Vienna and contains important historical references concerning Catholicism throughout the Holy Roman Empire as well as secret meeting places for the Austrian resistance during World War II. A guided tour is an absolute must, but the right guide must be chosen or the best material will be missed.

Schatzkammer 

Located in a hidden part of the Hofburg Palace, the Schatzkammer holds the Holy Roman Empire's most sacred jewels. Among the collection are Charlemagne's original crown (he was the first Holy Roman Emperor), the Holy Lance, and the bed Napoleon's son was born in. Though not as visited as one might think due to its location, this is the absolute best historical destination in all of Vienna. It's also centrally located (within the Hofburg complex).

So whether you're in Vienna for business or pleasure, there's no excuse not learn about one of Europe's most important family dynasties as Vienna is Europe's Best Historical Destination.

First, there are the usual airline carriers. They are fast, safe, and reliable. But they are also pricey and may not always be an option. The second choice would be to go with a budget airline, but their reliability is often in question and in order to get the best deal you may have to fly on dates that do not cohere with your long anticipated travel plans. Fortunately, there are two other very good options to keep your plans afloat without sinking your wallet.

Trains

Fast, safe, and often less expensive than traditional airline carriers trains are how Europeans travel within Europe - and who better to learn from than Europeans themselves? Trains are a great option because not only do they provide an affordable way between almost all cities, but they run more frequently than planes and afford you the opportunity to see more of the countries you are visiting. In fact, an entire trip can revolve around a train trip. Perhaps you wish to retrace the path of the Orient Express. By train it's easy to get off at any stop and stay for a few hours, then hop on the next train to wherever you were going. Non-reserved tickets can be purchased for almost all trains giving the bearer an option of several months within which to travel. The flexibility and affordability are hard to beat!

So why chose anything other than trains for travel within Europe? Well, when trains are an option, you shouldn't! But sometimes towns are too small or too remote for train stations. In that case, take the bus!

Bus 

Often regarded as unsafe travel in Eastern European countries, busses - minibuses included - are safe ways to travel to areas where trains don't go. Busses are ultra affordable and occasionally good alternatives to trains when traveling on a really tight budget. Busses run very frequently and offer smooth traveling - most busses are well designed for comfort, even during extended trips. In fact, many conclude on the end of their bus journey that even Polish minibuses are superior to the Greyhound services available in the United States! The one drawback to busses is that bus drivers rarely speak English and stops are usually announced only in the native language so riding prepared is a must!

For great places to travel by train or bus within Europe check out this list of undiscovered travel destinations.

Whether by plane, train, or bus, happy travels!

Without further ado, here is the list:

1. Krakow, Poland

   Situated in south eastern Poland (a geographic area known as Galacia), Krakow is not subjected to the harsh weather most of Poland receives. The capital of the Polish Kingdom from 1038 until 1596, Krakow contains some of Europe's most majestic churches and an impressive castle. Spared the destruction of World War II and largely spared communist development during the rule of the USSR, Krakow maintains an old world Europe feel similar to Prague or Budapest. Krakow is also an hour by train or minibus from Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp from World War II. Poland is a member of the European Union and is quite safe. Despite being a member of the EU, Poland has yet to join the Euro and is still quite affordable.

2. Budapest, Hungary

   Just three hours by train or car from the Austrian capital of Vienna, Budapest is a thriving center of culture in its own right. Budapest is well known for serving as a second and equal capital of the Austrian Empire following the Dual Compromise of 1867, but truthfully it spent equal time in the Austrian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the influence of both cultures, though vastly different, is quite apparent. Many buildings reflect Viennese type architecture, while surrounded by Turkish baths (which are quite famous!). Having spent so much time under the rule of others Hungarians, or Magyars, are a proud people with a troubled history. Hungary is also part of the EU and not on the Euro. It, too, is relatively affordable.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

   A well known city in Europe, Copenhagen is not as full of tourists as one might think. In fact, few enough tourists visit this city that many who do consider it “overlooked.” The established capital of a thriving, if small, western European country, Copenhagen is definitely worth a visit. Danish bread is particularly well regarded throughout Europe and there is no shortage of it here in the capital. The city is also Europe's most cyclist friendly, with cycle lanes that parallel main roads for maximum access. Copenhagen is also conveniently located to northern Germany (also beautiful) and Malmö, Sweden is just across the bridge. For its beauty, as well as its proximity to other great spots in Europe, Copenhagen is a must. Copenhagen is in the EU and has voted by referendum not to adopt the Euro. Despite this, prices in Denmark are quite high (as is true of all of Scandinavia). Copenhagen is less expensive than Stockholm and Oslo.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

   While it is true half the city lies in Asia, the old town, or Sultan Ahmet as it is called, is located entirely on the European side. Located in the political hotbed Middle East, Turkey is a surprisingly safe and out-of-this-world friendly country. Though it borders countries such as Iraq and Iran, Turkey is astonishingly democratic and very western. Turkey is the only secular Muslim country in the world. Furthermore, Turks, proud of their history and eager to tell their part of the story, have done a fantastic job preserving Ottoman palaces and relics. From the Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, Istanbul is sure to please and educate. Though not a member of the EU, customs is a simple process and visas are available at all entry points (by train, car, or plane) for a fee of $20 U.S.

5. Istria, Croatia

   Located on a peninsula to the north of its more famous relative, the Dalmatian Coast, the Istrian Peninsula is equally beautiful and less touristy. Begin your stay in Poreč, located only an hour south from Trieste, Italy. This town of 9,000 is easily accessible by car or bus and customs through Slovenia into Croatia are a breeze. Visit Vrsar and Rovinj on day trips, but be sure to be back in Poreč for every dinner, as Croatian and Italian cuisine are on display each night in some of Europe's finest restaurants. Fresh fish and other seafood are available in small markets around town and they sell only the current day's catch. Don't forget a boat cruise around the Adriatic like only Croatian tour guides can provide! In short, Istria provides all the beauty of the Mediterranean without being overrun by unappreciative visitors. But hurry, Europe's best kept secret is about to get out! Like Turkey, Croatia is not a member of the EU, but it is a candidate and should be admitted by 2009. No visa is required for U.S. citizens.

One final note: I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and have visited each of the aforementioned destinations. All of this advice is first hand information and comments will be quickly answered.

I met a chatter whose name is Ulrich in my favourite chat channel. She was very sweet and charming girl. I spoke with her for fifteen minutes. I was stunned when she told me that she lived in small village called Fucking.For a sudden, I thought that she was joking with me. She was serious and insisted on living there. I opened my Google Earth map and searched for Fucking. She was right.There has been a village called Fucking for more than 1400 years.

Fucking: A small village in Austria

Fucking is a small village in Upper Austria. The exact location is 33 kilometers north of Salzburg and near German border. It is in the municipality of Tarsdorf.

It takes it's name from a traveller whose name is Focko. As far as I know, Focko is the name of a man who travelled this village in the 6th century. Fucking means “the place of Focko's people”.

The most surprising thing in Fucking is the traffic signs at the entrance and exit of the village. Most of the people seeing this sign stop there and take the photo of it. However, this sign has been stolen many times.

Fucking is rich in oxygen and fresh air since it is situated in the forest region. Due to it's natural beauty, it is one of the beautiful picnic areas of Tarsdorf. Even though it is a very small village and it's population is only 93, it is one of the well-known villages in Austria as a natural result of media interest.

Would you like to go Fucking and be one of the Fuckers? So, this is your guide.

I have searched and surveyed about moving to Sweden so far.I've asked Swedish people about Sweden,life in Sweden and life conditions in Sweden.These are the results of my quick survey:

1. There is no war or possibility of war in Sweden.All Swedish people live in peace in their land.
2. There is a big opportunity for taking good education especially in engineering and natural sciences. Uppsala University,Lund University and Chalmers University of Technology are popular universities in Sweden and Europe.They all give good education.
   
   
   
   
3. There is a big opportunity for finding good job.Technology and Science is developed in Sweden.Sweden needs youth population.Rate of youth population in Sweden is very low.
   
   
   
4. There are very beautiful places to see in Sweden like Stan Island,famous war ship Vasa,Royal Palace,Theatre Building,Kunqsrad Park,Fjallgatan Hill,Residance Museum,Masthugget Church,Amelienborg Palace,Statue of Little Mermaid,Statue of Poseidon,Karl Johans Street and National Theatre Building.
   
   
   
5. Beautiful blonde girls of Sweden with blue eyes.