Archive for Countries

26 January, 2007 | No comments

Feeling of national consciousness of the British

It has historically developed so, that emigrants always seem to some British people as a threat of moral, social and to cultural values, someone whose presence will considerably change a society. However this sight absolutely overlooks difficulties of definition of the British norms during the different periods of history of the Great Britain. Emigrants, certainly, in the certain measure have changed the society and attitudes inside of it, but British Isles have always been occupied by several various cultures. There is a set of distinctions between four nations of England, the Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and also a variety of cultures inside of these countries. Such variety of the cultures and presence of communities of emigrants call into the question a definition “typically British”.
The “Typically British” behavior is attributed to all population of British Isles since 1070, when the Great Britain has been formed. Since then in this concept stability and central institute of management is put without damage to the developed of national traditions. But the history of British Isles prior to the beginning of XVIII century represents not the history of the united state, but the history of four absolutely different countries and their people, who quite often were in the state of war with each other.
The inhabitants of the present United Kingdom have kept the important national and cultural distinctions. Political terms, such as “British” and “Britain” seem artificial to much of them. Foreigners often name British Englishmen, and quite often hardly distinguish the British cultures and do not notice irritation of not English population connected with such reference.
Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish people basically are descendants of the Celts, while Englishmen are descendants of Anglo-Saxons. Critics notice, that many inhabitants of the Great Britain do not consider themselves as “British”, and consider, that is necessary to reconsider this term in a view of multinational country.
Certainly, for centuries, these four nations in any measure have mixed among themselves that was promoted by groups of the emigrants. There have been established political, public and state systems therefore all inhabitants of islands began to feel themselves as a united nation. However British are often confused to Englishmen because, Englishmen are the most numerous of people in territory of the Great Britain, secondly, the uniting of smaller Scots, Irish and Welsh has occurred under the English crown, and, thirdly, because all government is concentrated in England.
It turns out, that the nationalism of Englishmen dominates, and they do not see a special difference in definition of by British or Englishmen. Representatives of other people always differentiate people and the Great Britain in general, and, as a rule, do not suffer domination and influence of Englishmen, consider them absolutely distinct from Englishmen and prefer to  remain Scots (Welsh, Irish), instead of British.
 

24 January, 2007 | No comments

British cuisine

In modern British kitchen which can brag of an appetizing variety of dishes, advantages of various culinary traditions of all worlds have incorporated together. The British cookery has undergone significant changes for the last some decades. The Chinese, Indian, Italian and French food now is not less popular to the Great Britain, than traditional dishes of England, Scotland, the Wales and Northern Ireland. In many cities of the Great Britain after the Indian, Italian, Mexican restaurants Russian, Indonesian, Spanish, Mexican, Moroccan and Thai institutions have also appeared.  Taking to the consideration the fact that people from all over the world come to the Great Britain, they bring to this country their culinary secrets, new products, sauces and recipes. There, where before it was possible to hope only on traditional English meal “fish-and-chips” (the fish with a fried potato), now you may find the Italian linguine, Spanish paella, and Indian and Algerian dishes.  

The traditional British food is more various, than it can seem at first sight. In different parts of the Great Britain special dishes are prepared. In England, for example, it is a blood sausage and a pie (the pudding from the shaken up test with spices often moves to meat). Scotland is famous for veal meat and special seasoning, shortcake and oat flat cakes. In the Wales you will submitted with small breads from red seaweed, fruit bread and toasts with cheese. And in Northern Ireland gourmets will try chump (a potato with green onions) and a dish from the wiped vegetables and a potato. And for those who would like an even greater variety, it is necessary just to cross La Manche.  In the Great Britain it is accepted to cook food practically without sauces. But those who tried typically English dishes, understand, that sauces to them are not necessary. To such dishes concern, first of all, beefsteak with blood and a roast beef. Vegetables are prepared almost without thermal processing owing to what their natural taste is kept. The British table is characterized by a set of various cold snacks and dishes from natural meat, and bread is almost completely replaced with every possible pudding -vegetable, sweet fruit puddings etc. 

The British prefer to arrange two breakfasts. The first (breakfast) is usually served at 8 o’clock in the morning. It includes boiled eggs, an omelet with a ham, green peas or tomatoes, butter, fried bacon without a garnish, pastes, and porridge with milk. Among hot drinks is coffee or strong tea. A lunch (lunch, the second breakfast) is about one o’clock in the afternoon. At this time you are offered various sandwiches (closed sandwiches) with a ham, paste, language, boiled pork, a fish, drink juices and hot drinks. Five-o-clock is a well-known tradition of drinking evening tea. You may drink tea with milk the fruitcake, cookies, rolls with jam or a cream. A dinner is usually at 18-20 o’clock. The first dishes are vegetable cream soup or a broth with toasts and vegetables. On the second dishes you will be offered meat, game, a fish, a bird, and vegetables. Natural beefsteak from the beef cutting and boiled rice with tomato seasoning is the most favorite dish of British people.  For a dessert you will be proposed a compote, fresh berries and fruits, mousses, ice-cream, cocktails, mulled wine, punch, in the end of a meal - black coffee. By the way you will always see a butter and cold water on the British table. 

22 January, 2007 | No comments

London (Part 3)

London Eye
Big wheel - London Eye 135 m height - is the highest big wheel in the world. On it you can make half-hour flight above the capital of the Great Britain, admiring with magnificent kinds. The most romantic time for survey of London is evening when it starts to darken and set of fires are lit.
Kew Gardens
Royal botanical gardens (Kew Gardens) were stretched on the area in 300 acres. There it is possible to see more than 40.000 kinds of plants. In its territory the Japanese garden, a garden of stones and two art galleries are located. It works from 9.30 a.m. up to a sunset.
London Aquarium
 London Aquarium contains hundreds kinds of fishes and other inhabitants of the sea. This is a unique place in London where it is possible to see the sharks, huge sea eel and electric slopes. Visitors can even touch crabs or starfishes. London Aquarium works from 10.00 a.m. till 18 p.m. (the last input is till 17.00 p.m.).
London Dungeon
Vaults of London (London Dungeon) are located deeply under the stones of historical roadways. Here you will plunge into the severe and bloody past which has kept here in all terrible details. In these terrible labyrinths which are more than 2000 years old, awful histories realistically come to life which occurred during all history of London. London Dungeon is opened from 10.30a.m. till 17.30 p.m.
London Planetarium
More than 40 years the London Planetarium admires the visitors with star shows. Today’s visitors can make virtual star travel owing to the most perfect star projector in the Europe.
In interactive space attractions you can learn about black holes, take part in search of extraterrestrial civilizations and feel, what your weight would be on the Jupiter - the largest planet of solar system. London Planetarium is opened from 10.00 a.m. till 17.30 p.m.

21 January, 2007 | No comments

London (Part 2)

Tower Tower is an ancient fortress and prison which gloomy walls saw a lot of blood including royal. It is necessary to pay attention to security guards of a Tower - Beefeaters - in magnificent uniforms. 

Tower Bridge Above dark waters of the river Thames you will see a well-known Tower Bridge, which is, probably, famous all over the world. It became the same symbol of London, as Tour d’Eiffel in Paris, a statue of Freedom in New York. It seems even banal, how close its image is connected with the capital of England. Nevertheless, again and again it shakes the spectator by the grandeur and severity of forms.  

At night the medieval gloom of Tower Bridge disappears and, owing to modern illumination, it appears at us as a certain fantastic construction.  Buckingham palace  

England is the country of traditions which are supported by its inhabitants with love and even ridiculous meticulousness. Probably, monarchy is the most ancient and favorite national tradition.  Buckingham palace is the residence queen Elizabeth II. Nowadays it is opened for general public.  

St. Paul’s cathedral In the western part of London there is one of the most well-known monuments of London - St. Paul’s Cathedral (аrchitect-Christopher Wren). This Protestant temple has been conceived and constructed as the opposition to St. Peter’s Catholic Cathedral in Rome in 1666-1711.  

After a strong fire (the Great Fire of London) on a place of the burned down church of VII item, almost 8 years later works on restoration of a temple have begun. Christopher Wren has put the first stone in the basis of the future temple (on June, 21st, 1675) and has written about it the following - “the Temple will rise again”. He needed 35 years to construct a new temple. What is especially remarkable is that all people worked practically free of any charge. Cathedral’s decorative furniture does not contain any plentiful molding, gilding, sculptures, but architectural forms, their details are executed at a high level.   From the end of XVIII century St. Paul’s Cathedral is a traditional burial place of English celebrities (a tomb of Lord Nelson). Christopher Wren (has died in 1723) is also buried here. The inscription on a gravestone of the architect says that if you are looking for a monument you should look around.  

20 January, 2007 | No comments

London (Part 1)

Today we are going to start our trip to one of the most remarkable cities of the world! You are absolutely right-we are going to London! London is a unique mixture of interesting and surprising places what you will not meet in any other city of the world. The city, with its more than 2000 years history, has gone through rises and fallings, fires and epidemics. It was a capital of the most powerful empire of the world. Many London traditions take their roots in deep olden times, but they still remain interesting and surprising at the same time.  London plays the leading role in the political and cultural life of the Great Britain. The parliament, the government and the supreme bodies of justice are situated here.  As the cultural center of the state London has got its popularity due to the museums and art galleries, theatres and musical life.   The city is also known also for numerous ancient churches in which national relics of English people are stored.  London is center of the international business life.  Samuel Johnson said that “if you are tired of London this means that you are tired of life because London has everything that it is possible to wait from the life”.  You will get unforgettable impressions from the changing of the guard at the Buckingham palace (daily at 11.30 a.m.) and the parade of horse Guards (at 11.00 a.m., on Sundays - at 10.00 a.m.). We strongly recommend you to go for a walk in Picadilly Street and Trafalgar Square, and then to have a rest in the Hyde Park.  Westminster Abbey   Westminster Abbey is the place where the royal destiny begins and comes to its end: in its walls the British monarchs are crowned, here they find eternal rest. The Westminster Abbey is well-known for the Poet’s Corner. Many famous British poets and writers are buried in The Abbey. Westminster Cathedral is the chief Roman Catholic Church of the country. In general, Westminster Abbey is one of the oldest monuments of the Great Britain and it is one of the religious centers of the world.  Big Ben  It is impossible to pass by the well-known Big Ben, the clock on which the time is being kept since 1859. Actually Big Ben is a name not towers and not the clock itself, but of the clock’s bell.       

 

19 January, 2007 | No comments

Some facts about Hungary (Part 2)

Budapest is separated into two parts. Its hilly part is called Buda and it stands on the western bank of the river. The flat part of the city is situated on the east bank of the river Danube. There was a time when these two parts of city were separated in two cities and they have been merged together only in 1873.
The city centre begins on the Vörösmarty Square. The main street of the lower city is Váci Street, here you will find two best known cafes of Budapest - old Gerbeaud and Art Café. Vörösmarty Square is always noisy and always full of people.
You should obligatory visit the Inner City Parish Church is a small museum, it is the best display of various architectural styles of ages, and it is a true representation of Budapest’s history.
The Hungarian Sacred Crown and Jewelry of the Crown have been kept The Hungarian National Museum and then were moved to the Parliament.
The other places of interest are the Trinity square, the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion.
Trinity square is a basic subject of the Castle District, that shows the statue of the Saint Trinity, cautiously kept in the ancient Buda City, and Saint Matthias Church.
The Fishermen’s Bastion, built 1905 on site of the former fish market, was used for the protective purpose: it is an excellent point for observation. In 1988 the Fishermen’s Bastion was brought to the World Heritage of UNESCO.
 

 

18 January, 2007 | No comments

Some facts about Hungary (Part 1)

This small country acquires one of the most beautiful cities in the world - Budapest, specific culture and beautiful nature. It is possible to say that Hungary is an alive encyclopedia of architecture; here you will find Catholic two-thousand-year-old monuments and churches, neo-Gothic and modern Art buildings. Here, any fairytale becomes alive.
So, what is it possible to find in Hungary? For those who loves nature wed advise to visit the Lake Balaton, which is also known as the “Hungarian Sea”. It is the largest freshwater lake in the Europe!
If you like spa and water procedures then go to Hungarian thermal waters. For those who like to eat something tasty and delicious, Hungarian cuisine offers paprika chicken, Goulash soup, letcho, sour-cherry strudel and many other delicacies.
You can’t leave the country without buying a bottle of Tokaj wine!
If you like architecture monuments, history and nature, you should remember the following Hungarian sites: Pécs, Pannonhalma, Budapest, Hollókõ, Hortobágy, Aggtelek, Tokaj, Fertõ.
Here is a list of hotels which we recommend you when your stay in Hungary: Hotel Parlament, Opera Apartment, Hotel Taverna, Adina Apartment Hotel, Boutique Hotel Andrassy, Aquinqum hotel etc.

14 January, 2007 | No comments

Some facts about Tallinn (Part 2)

There are two opportunities to see Tallinn from the height of the bird’s flight: while walking in the streets of Wishgorod (the top city), it is obligatory to visit 4 viewing platforms or, to admire ancient Tallinn from the church Oleviste’s viewing platform. The church remained the highest building (159 m.) in Northern Europe till the end of 19th century. Since spring 2005 it is possible to rise on a roof of the church. You may also to observe the city from 64-meter height of the Tallinn Town hall tower. The octahedral Gothic tower is a symbol of medieval city.  No story manages without a wind vane Old Thomas (Vana Toomas) -the symbol of Tallinn, hung on a spike of the Town hall.
The city has a number of museums for all tastes. The Museum of mines seems unusual from the extensive list of the historical, architectural, sea, natural museums, the museum of an applied art etc.
 Here are some useful advices for tourists. As well as in many cities of the Europe, in Tallinn the city card (Tallinna Card) has actively started to operate from this year. This preferential city ticket enables to use public transport, to visit museums, exhibitions; some discos, having paid once cost of the HARDWARE.
If you have got hungry and have decided to have dinner/supper, there are a lot of opportunities and on the different price. In the center of Old city the price will be the highest, and they not always can correspond to the quality of the cuisine and a level of service. We advise to depart from central areas. The openness and goodwill of the stuff to the attendants will be the good check, and if they come to you with a smile, you may stay without any hesitation, and we are sure that you will be satisfied both with service, and with the meal.
Many tourists like to order the personal guide. In this case you will have the opportunity to look at the city with eyes of the person who lives in it, who perfectly knows it and loves it.

13 January, 2007 | No comments

Some facts about Tallinn (Part 1)

How often do we feel that there is no pleasure of life and energy of the sun, a salty sea wind and silence of green pines? And what if the rhythms of the big city and everyday problems have absorbed you completely? Can it be necessary to change the situation considerably?  Wish to come to be in small silent small town, waking up in the morning listening to a peal of medieval churches, and watching red tile roofs and peaked spikes of Gothic cathedrals? Wish to feel magnetism of medieval city, to have a rest from vanity and noise of a huge mega city? Then you should go to Tallinn! Tallinn, a capital of Estonia, is small city, even to the European measures, and on the American scales it is simply small. The population of the city is less than 400 000 citizens. 

The airport is in 2 km from the center, sea passenger port is on a distance of the pedestrian walk from the Town hall square, and a strongly cut in the sizes in the sizes within the last decade railway station is under the fortification wall of the Old city.  You should always remember that the heart of Tallinn is in the Old city. It was perfectly kept and brought into the register of the World heritage of UNESCO. The old medieval city amazes with the fabulousness, labyrinths of narrow winding streets, cafes, and charming visitors with a spicy smell of coffee and appetizing fancy bread, the restaurants, offering to the visitors the masterpieces of national cuisine.  

 

9 January, 2007 | No comments

Asian fairy tale

Have you ever thought of the harmony between the high-tech and nature? Then visit Singapore! This rather small city-state (just 699 km2) is well-known for having a clean and green environment. Singapore speaks 4 official languages: Mandarin, English, Tamil and Malay. Therefore, the population is a melting-pot of Chinese, Indians, Malays and other nationals. As it is not surprising, Singapore now is a highly-developed industrial country.
There are 58 smaller islands neighboring Singapore. One of the best known is Sentosa with a lot of museums, beaches, aquariums and sports centers for tourists.
The in Singapore has a tropical climate, the average temperature is 30C during the day to 22C at night.
So, what is Singapore famous for?
1. Shopping: here you can buy everything- from electronic devices to tea, and you can do your shopping everywhere- in Chinatown, Little India or in Arab Street.
2. Singapore cuisine- a fusion of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Arabs, Eurasians and Peranakan cuisines.
3. Beautiful nature and excursions: Singapore City Tour, Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island, Night Safari etc.
4. Friendly people and Asian hospitality.                  

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