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If you visit Europe and do not speak English well, or do not speak the local language either, then knowing the European gestures will help you in communicating with the locals. A few of the gestures are the following:
Fingertips kiss – this gesture can be done by gently bringing your right hand finger and thumb together, raise it to your lips, do a slight kiss, and joyfully toss your hand with the said gesture into the air. This gesture is used in France, Spain, Greece, and Germany as a form of praise. It can also their way of saying sexy, delicious, divine, or wonderful. If you got to do this gesture, be very careful of not overdoing it as you might look silly.
Hand Purse – another fun gesture in Europe can be done by straightening your fingers and thumb of one hand, bring them all together doing an upward point in front of your face at about one foot distance. You can held your hand still or move it a little up and down at your wrist. This gesture communicates for query in Italy like, “What, What is it, and more. However, this gesture can also be an insult like saying “you fool”.
Cheek Screw – to do the cheek screw, one can make a fist, stick out the index finger and screw it into his or her cheek without harming the skin. This fun gesture is widely used in Italy to communicate good, lovely, and beautiful and the like. Some of the Italian also uses this gesture to mean clever. However, if you are to use this gesture, make sure you are not in Southern Spain, as this gesture is used in calling a man effeminate.
Eyelid Pull – in regard with this gesture, one is simply saying “I am alert”, “I am looking”, or “You cannot fool me”. Done by placing you extended forefinger below the center of your eye and pulling the skin downward. However, when you are in Italy or Spain, this gesture is a friendly warning that means “Be alert, that guy is clever”.

Europe is a great place to visit for business or leisure with its great places, many things to do, and of course the availability of the railway service that allows you to do all this things and made the continent into t little playground for you. When traveling via rail in Europe, some of the helpful tips might be helpful for the safety of your journey.
Start learning the 24-hour clock. It is important for you to know that European timetable is using the 24-hour or some called it as the military time. Thus, they never use the A.M. or P.M. thing but instead use 13 hours for 1 pm, 14 hours for 2 pm, and so on.
In order for you to catch the train and be on your destination on time, you had rather go online and know the train schedules. You can get the schedules of train all around Europe at the German railway’s website.
With the confusions or with the ample time needed to understanding the big yellow departure schedules posted at stations ay bring, it is an advantage that you will take the chance to grab the free timetable available at train stations.
Taking the second-class travel at a price higher than 50 percent higher than the first class will give you the same comfort and speed as the first class, and you will get the chance to meet more locals at the second-class travel.
It is important that you know which station you catch the right train and where to get off. Keep in mind that European cities have numerous train stations. If you will notice, Paris has six, Brussels has three, and Switzerland’s Interlaken has two. Keep in mind further that train, subway, or bus connects all of these cities’ stations in general.
In order for you to have a good night sleep for an overnight train ride, make sure you have the couchette with you. You can reserve one from a local travel agency, at the station, or at the train conductor if available.

Spain’s Top Places to Visit:
Spain is one of the favorite places to visit around the world. Many travelers love to visit Spain because of their beautiful places and great views.
Granada, Andalucía, Spain is just one of the most beautiful places to visit when in Spain. When in Granada, get a chance to visit the World Heritage Site, the complex of the Alhambra and the Generalife, which is the most emblematic, known and visited monument of Granada.
Next stop is in Barcelona, wherein you got the chance to visit various museums like the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, the Museo Romantico in Sitges like the Can Llopis Romantic Museum, which happens to be a house in the late 18th century that represents the lifestyle of a rich Catalan family at the height of the Romaticism movement. In addition, you can see here a collection of 400 dolls that serves as an added interest to the travelers.
If you want to have a wonderful plunge on Spain’s best beaches, you will have it all in Valencia. They have beaches and coves that are hidden and sometimes hard to find. These large and majestic beaches of the Valencian’s will surely satisfy your craving for beaches and wonderful water.
Lovers, newly weds, couples or whatever you may call them will surely love the romantic place that is full of life, history and culture of Seville. In addition, this place is also the best place for nature lovers and children as well. Nature lovers will surely love what the Doñana Nature Reserve and the Sierra Norte nature Reserve has to offer, and the kids will surely enjoy at the Isla Magica Theme Park, Aquopolis Sville Guadalpark Water Park, and the nearby Mundo Park.
Madrid could be the best place to visit for those who love historic views. Alarcon is what I am talking about, which happens to be a beautiful medieval village that is set on the rocky surroundings of the River Jucar in Cuenca, which is about an hour and half drive from Madrid. A complete peace and quiet feeling is what the visitors can get they visit this walled village that consists of castles, churches and stone built houses that is blended with the surrounding beautiful landscape and winding river.
The San Sebastian could be the best place for religious people to visit, wherein in the oldest part of San Sebastian are the churches of San Vicente and Santa Maria del Coro are waiting to be visited on. You can also see in San Sebastian an Old Dominican Convent, which happens to be the San Telmo Museum of today. The museum has the archeological and ethnographic collections and paintings that are all worth visiting for.
Another great place to visit in Spain is the Bilbao. You can see in here the Cathedral de Santiago that has been surviving on its original site from the 1300s, and is later restored in the 16th century after the cathedral has been damaged by a fire. Since it is one of the original structures to be built in Bilbao, the cathedral is a landmark of the Old Quarter.
There are many wonderful places to visit in Spain. When you are going to travel to Spain, get a chance to visit all of them. Guangzhou Hotel

Inspiring Dance: Flamenco

Aside from its famous bullfighting and tomato wars, Spain has a very rich culture of music and dancing. Their festivals that usually involve folk dancing and music highlight their interest in music and dancing. One of the famous folk art that made Spain known is the flamenco. This is an ancient art that originated from the Southern part of the country. However, with the popularity of the flamenco, it is already had its own niche on the modern music under the form of a solo guitar that is usually mixed with jazz and pop music. The guitar that used to accompany the vocals has moved forward to take the center stage. The dancers have also changed as time goes on. The art of the flamenco dancing is not just about the art of dancing itself but is also blended with the personality of the dancer.

The flamenco comes in three forms: Cante, Baile and Guitarra. The Cante is the song, the Baile is dance and the Guitarra is the playing of the guitar. It was rumored that the flamenco in the early days does not include a guitar instead clapping in rhythm is used. The Gypsies perform the flamenco with its inspiring folk songs and graceful dance steps best. Obviously, the most important role among the three forms in the structure is that of the singer’s. The songs are usually improvised and impromptu. The themes vary depending on the performers. It can be something about politics, love stories, history and even funny stories. However, more often than not, the music and lyrics of the performances depicts sad stories of sufferings of the gypsies.

The dance speaks for the gracefulness of its origin, the gypsies. It has a sophisticated and complex footwork blended with wonderful folk inspired rhythm. Although western countries have the impression that the flamenco is all about dance, the dancing is not the heart of this art. The song has been the soul of this folk art and the guitar and dancing came along as an accompaniment of the music expression. The dance is composed of graceful movement of the arms and stomping of the feet. There are no memorized steps on this dancing form because the movements depend on the music that will be performed which is usually improvised. The dancers however still, practices and works hard on the dance steps but have the flexibility to dance without choreograph.

The songs have different inspirations and influences. However, the traditional flamenco found in its country of origin, which is Spain usually, comes in two styles: jondo and chico. The former is a showcase of the seriousness – an interpretation of sufferings. The latter is the happier version, full of fun and humor.

Flamencos are performed in fiestas as tribute to saints and people who fought for the Christian religion. Since this originated from the Spanish culture that was influenced by different cultures as well, the flamenco have an internal rules. The artists are there either paid or unpaid performing for days to entertain and share the art that have been passed from generation to generation.

Memorable Festivals to Experience

Spain have different festivals that tourist can enjoy. There are around sixteen festivals celebrated within the year.
The earliest is the San Sebastian Drum Festival during the month of January. The celebration is marked by a parade of people marching while playing drums on the first night of the month. The participants usually paraded through the entire city. The following day, the Child Drummer’ Ceremony commenced also called Tamborrada Infantil.

During the month of February, the locals of Cuenca in honor of Candelaria and San Blas are celebrating another festival. A group called “la endiablada” composed of men and kids dresses up with colorful blouse and trousers. Huge cowbells are tied on their waist that makes loud sound as they round the town. A main demon or diablo mayor will lead the group and wears clothing in the color of red. The group will make their round and dances on the street and church. On the second day of the celebration, the diablo mayor will reenact a mock act of the washing of the face of San Blas. The performers recite poems or verses for the Virgin or the Saint.

In Valencia, the spring starts with the Fallas de San Jose festival. Gigantic cardboard monuments called ninots are carefully made in a competition that involves art. Around 700 of the ninots are erected on streets and will be lightened up on the 19th showing off a spectacle of light, sounds and firework displays. The most voted ninots will not be burned with the others and will be later on the collection of the Fallero Museum.

After the Semana Santa, Seville celebrates April’s Fair with huge number of marquees all over the place. This Spanish annual event is celebrated with flamenco dancing, bullfighting and loud music. The festival ends with fireworks display that tourist and locals alike will surely enjoy.

Wine lovers will enjoy the Fiestas de Haro. This festival is famous for its Wine Battle that is held in Riscos de Bilibio of Haro, La Rioja. It is celebrated in time with the day of the saint, San Pedro. Celebrants with the objective of spraying everyone with wine squirt wines on people.

Red wine and seafoods are free during the celebration of the Romeria Vikinga, a marvelous celebration in Pontevedra in honor of the Christian natives who fought against the attack of Vikings. After the free food and wine, celebrants dances with the sounds from bagpipes. Everyone participates in the re-enactment of this invasion. Locals come dressed in pirates and native attire.

El Coso is celebrated for a week with different activities during the month of August. This is in celebration of Saint Augustine’s day. Activities includes sports, theatre and dance night festivities called verbenas where dancing outdoor are held at night.

Other dancing activities are held in La Borbollal, Asturias for their fiesta. Musicians and dancers perform and sing for the Virgin. This festival is celebrated in the middle of the month of August until September.

In addition, of course found here is the famous food fight, La Tomatina. Both local and tourist happily enjoy tomato wars during the last Wednesday of August. Prime targets by this tomato-throwing crowd are those people wearing a cap or holding a camera. It is a whole day of fun.

Other Spain festivals that interesting are the fiesta de Verano, Festes de Sants, Dia de Asturias and Misterio de Elche.

Bullfight, the Spanish Way

The sport that is identified as Spain’s traditional show is Bullfighting or tauromachy. Although some conservative group finds this sport controversial, this weekly event is still a crowd drawer particularly among tourist who wants to experience Spain’s culture. The Spanish-style bullfighting is called corrida de torros or fiesta brava, which is, literally means fierce festival can be dated back to 711 A.D.

Before, the bullfighting are exclusively participated by aristocrats until the King of Spain, Felipe V put it to a stop. The aristocrats used good bred horses and plays the game while in horseback. The citizens later on adopted it as a common sport sans the use of horse started and still in practice today. The traditional bullfights are almost the same with the modern ones. Although some of the practices are simplified, the rules of the game are quite the same. Instead of horseback, unarmed players dodge bulls on foot. This no horse playing started around 1700s after the aristocrats were banned from playing by the King.

Bulls who will enter the ronda (or bullring) usually weigh around 200 to500 kilograms. They are usually around four years of age. In traditional bullfight there are number of bullfighters called matador who will fight two bulls. The matador has an entourage that is composed of six aides: lancers, flagmen and sword page. There are two lancers also called picadores, the bandilleros (flagmen) are three and one mozo de espada. Inspired by Spain’s colorful clothing, the toreros or matadors wears Andalusian clothing.

The bullfight has three stages: the opening signaled by a trumpet sound, the tercio de banderillas and tercio de muerte. Initially, the matadors will asses the bull and from this, he will be able to come up with the best strategy to tackle the raging bull. A dress cape in gold and magenta color will be waved to tempt to bull to charge. The matador by this time confronts the bull and observes very carefully. The picaderos will follow after the trumpet sound signal was heard and the bull’s first draw blood will be done. Drawing blood between the neck and shoulder blades will weaken the bull. Bullfight passes will be shown here by the matador to please the crowd. The next stage will further weaken the animal by jabbing two sharp sticks called banderillas on the flank of the bull. The inflicted wounds will make the animal charged more wildly. The matador will soon re-enter without his entourage carrying a red cape called muleta and a sword. This stage is called the faena. The faena is the best part and most impressive on this game. On this part, the matador will show off his courage and elegant moves using the muleta to bring the bull in a position that will enable him to stab it in the heart through the shoulder. The plunging of the sword is called an estocada.

The crowd for the president to award a trophy to the matador waves the white handkerchiefs. Flowers are thrown to the matadors to show their enjoyment and respect to the hero of this game.

For those who want to see an action that has dated back to the time of King Felipe V, then Spain is for you.

Hotels in Spain
When in Spain, beaches and swimming will never be out of the list of places to visit and things to do in Spain. As we visit the best beaches of Spain, hotels always tops on our list when it comes to places to stay. When considering a hotel to stay, we always have something to consider like the prices, accommodation, availability, accessibility and more.
Le Meridien Barcelona – is one of the top hotels in Spain that is worth checking for. It has an interior design of mixed modern and traditional, combined with rich natural materials. It has luxurious amenities that include the pillow-top mattresses with a feather down duvets, a 42-inch plasma television on the bedrooms and a smaller LCD TVs in the bathrooms. Get connected with its high speed internet connection and enjoy their bathroom filled with a luxurious rain showers. You may also enjoy their complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, TV and trouser press and ironing facilities. Experience fine dining on their on site exclusive restaurant and bar called the Cent Onze, overlooking Las Ramblas. If ever you want some fine dining outside the hotel, you can see a wide choice of restaurants nearby. For those who love to stay fit, everyone can enjoy the hotel’s fitness center with cardiovascular and fitness machines and free weights. In addition, everyone would surely love the Le Meridien Barcelona, because it is located right at the heart of the city and in the heart of the shopping area, plus, the hotel is near to all the attractions, museums, theaters and more.

Majestic Hotel and SPA Barcelona – it is another luxurious hotel in Spain though an old one. Since 1918, the hotel is already located right at the heart of Barcelona. It is accessible to most of the exciting landmarks like the Las Ramblas, Plaza de Cataluna, Gothic Quarter, and Gaudi’s major architectural works. The Majestic Hotel has the exquisite accommodations and excellent service that every traveler would surely enjoy. With 303 rooms and suites, travelers will surely have a lovely stay at the hotel without the worries when it comes to availability of rooms. The hotels on site restaurant Drolma Restaurant is one of the finest restaurants in the city. In addition to the fine dining the hotel has to offer it also has a sauna and massage that everyone can enjoy, and the remarkable views from the pool will surely give a relaxing experience to every traveler. Even though the hotel is old, it has the most up to date technology, which includes a satellite newspaper kiosk to access 168 international newspapers. That’s not all, the hotel also has a business center equipped with broadband internet, five PCs with windows XO, CD player and recorder, DVD, laser and ink jet printers, photocopier, fax, scanner, shredder, and office supplies that will lets you keep in touch wit your family, work or business even if you are on vacation or on a business trip. The hotel also has a courtesy car with GPD in 10 languages so you can have a comfortable stroll around the city and the surrounding area.

Dublin, Ireland

When you visit Dublin you will be amazed by the rolling green hills and the babbling brooks. However, when you first arrive you will notice that the air is ripe with excitement and full of fun. The people are friendly and will welcome you as if they have known you their whole lives.

Before hitting any of the museums or landmarks it is imperative that you put on your most comfortable clothes and shoes on and check out the trendiest and best hot spots. The Temple bar is full of excitement, energy, and even creativity and is something that both you and your friends will enjoy. It is the perfect way to start off your visit. What good would it be to come to Ireland if you didn’t try some of the best beer in an old fashioned pub. Dublin is known for their pubs – which are comfortable, welcoming, and some of the best places where you can watch your favorite team play while you drink some good ole fashioned beer made from the finest hops from the country.

Music is something that the citizens of Dublin hold dear to their hearts. Bloomsday is a celebration in which those who live in Dublin dress up in their finest Joycean costumes and dance and march around the whole city. They will show of their best moves for the garden parties that are held in Trinity or will cavort down St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. The people are free to have fun and the entertainment is something that cannot be matched anywhere else.

Dublin is a very modern city – which means that you will have no problems finding a restaurant that the whole family will love. The portions are generous, the prices are affordable, and the view while you eat is spectacular. Some of the best dishes that they serve are the smoked salmon and oysters.
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London, England
London, England is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. It is a city that is full of life, entertainment, history, and a bit of excitement. When it comes to London you won’t know where to begin. Should you start off in one of the many museums and take in a bit of the culture that is still around today? Maybe you should visit the different areas of the palace and try to feel for yourself what it would be like to be a
princess or even a king. One of the best places to start with is the London Eye.

It is similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Empire State Building in New York
City. The Eye is the world’s largest observation wheel that offers a beautiful view of the whole city. While in the Eye you can view – from above – over 55 of London’s top landmarks. After you have finished here you should take a walk through Hampton Court Palace. Henry VIII built this palace during the 1520’s. Inside you will see the beautiful furnishings and paintings that adorn the whole palace and will give you a sense of awe.

Just outside the palace you can explore 60 acres of the formal garden. In between sightseeing you should take a break and stop at the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for a nice drink and some delicious food. This is London’s oldest pubs and has been around since 1667 right after the Great Fire burnt down almost all of London. The cellar of the pub has actually been around since the 13th century and is the ruins of a monastery. The nightlife in London is something that should never be missed. London has dozens of bars and clubs that you and your friends will enjoy.

Paris, France
Paris, France is probably the most romantic city on Earth. The French are known for their beautiful language, their hospitality, and the beautiful scenery. There are so many historical and wonderful sites to see while in Paris that it can be hard to narrow it down to just a few. The best place to start off in is of course the famous and well known Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower is a global icon of Paris and is one of their tallest buildings. It was built in 1889 and was the tallest tower in the world until 1930 when it was replaced by the Chrysler Building in New York City. You have to pay to climb the Eiffel Tower – but once you do it is worth it. The tower offers you a view of the city that is breathtaking and something that you will remember for the rest of your life. The Notre Dame is a wonderful piece of Gothic architecture that took around two centuries to be built. Inside you will see the beautiful designs that was used to create it and see just how large the cathedral is. Beneath the cathedral’s square is Europe’s most important archeological crypts that shouldn’t be missed.

The Louvre museum is something that is not to be missed. It is one of the most famous and greatest museums in the world. The Louvre has some excellent and breathtaking artwork as well as statues. They also host lectures, concerts, and other brilliant performances. Don’t forget to stop at one of Paris’ to restaurants like the Angélina. There you will be in a comfortable and fashionable environment. Everything that is served to you is of the best quality and truly authentic. They will serve you anything from salads, to tea, to sandwiches, cakes, and roast duck.

Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy is one of the most fascinating cities that you can visit.
It is full of exquisite and vast monuments, amazing views, and has managed to keep its charms after all these years. If history and culture is what you seek than you will not be disappointed. Every monument and palazzo that you pass is a little piece of history and they are everywhere you look. The city itself is often thought of as a museum in itself.

First on your stop is the Colosseum. No one can pass through Rome without stopping at this amazing arena and seeing exactly where the gladiators fought and the chariots raced. The Colosseum was first opened in 72 AD and is still able to hold 55,000 people. Many historians believe that it was named after the huge statue of Nero himself – which was very
close by. Make all of your wishes come true at the Fontana di Trevi. The tradition is that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder the fountain itself would make sure that you returned to Rome and again saw all of its beautiful and splendor. It has always been a landmark in Rome – but its popularity grew after the movie ‘Three Coins In A Fountain’ was made
and was centered around it.

Another amazing site that is not to be missed is the Pantheon. In the early 17th century Pope Boniface IV turned added a dome to the structure and turned it into a church. It was first built by Domitian who was ordered by Marcus Agrippa to build it. Later it was rebuilt by Hadrian. Its only source of light is the opening located at the apex of the dome. The Pantheon is also home to some very famous Italians who chose this spot as their eternal resting place. best wedding invitations