Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St. Albans, UK

This is an age-old pub in the UK that belongs to the ancient Egyptian era when the workers used to accept payment in beer only for building pyramids. This is the oldest pub in England and still attracts a large number of crowds even today. Even though cock-fighting is no longer allowed in the main bar area of this 550 years old pub, at one time it used to be the highlight of a Friday night. Even today, the pub visitors, can enjoy the beer garden found at the backyard where they are served with daily beer specials. People can also spend their night at any of its 8 traditional lodgings.

The Stag’s Head in Dublin, Ireland

This is the most favourite place for the students of the nearby Trinity College who love to hang out here after the classes.

In its earlier days, the pub used to run a popular music hall business within the quarters. Even today, the visitors of the pub can enjoy the traditional Irish folk music from live musicians. You can still see a small parlor lounge behind the main bar where once upon a time, the criminals and politicians used to meet for a smoke and some secret dealings.

The Potting Shed in Munich, Germany

People of Germany enjoy their pubs just as the residents of any other country and at the Potting Shed brewpub in Munich you can order for a delightful cocktail made with fresh Cachaca, a Brazilian sugar cane, or a Cucumber Martini. You may have experienced live music shows at a number of bars before , but a magic show is something unique that is presented for the visitors in this place. You will surely appreciate the entertainment value of the magic show.

Highlander Pub in Rome, Italy

Amongst all the popular European pubs with historic values, the Pub Crawl of Highlander Pub in Rome is something to go crazy about. This is considered as the biggest place to party in Italy. The pub features open bar, regular beer pong events, and a huge flow of beer to put anyone out. At some point of time, you may realise where the name of the bar event came from as you will find people crawling around after a few pegs. The party hoppers will be charged a flat rate for all-you-can-drink specials, fresh Roman pizza, and several games and dance floors for one night. This is the perfect place for people who are looking to enjoy a night for wild fun.

Le China in Paris, France

Want to know about the best pub in France? Well, there are many, but one will be surely impressed with the fantastic drink menu of the Le China in Paris and is the best place for gentlemen. The 5 star pub features the longest bar in the city as well as the red Shanghai-style walls. Its cigar bar is the place to enjoy red wine or you can go upstairs to the cellar and enjoy live jazz music and a Poire William, the famous pear-flavored brandy drink. All these create a romantic environment for you.

About Author: Julei Helen is the UK author writing guest post articles for UK travel blogs. Most of his articles are basically travel guide related to France and Europe, tips on various sites and cheap ferry travel.

One of the greatest pleasures of travelling is immersing oneself in new cultures and different ways of doing things and food is a big part of the experience, both socially and educationally. With a few pointers it’s easier to enjoy food abroad and by remembering a few dos and don’ts, everyone is more at ease with the situation.

There are many differences from country to country and some of these are deep-rooted in centuries of superstition and legend. For this reason, it’s wise not to try to interfere with this in any way, even if it feels alien to you and contradicts how you would normally do things at home.

Below are some things you should be aware of when travelling abroad on holiday:

Japan

The Japanese culture is unique and regarded as being very different from that of many countries in the western world and this is regularly evident across mealtimes. When indulging in a bowl of noodles in Japan, there’s no need to be too particular, as it’s expected that the contents are slurped or eaten messily! This suggests enjoyment and contentment. Japanese people never pour their own drink in company, as it’s seen as the height of bad manners. Instead, your companion will pour it and vice versa.

These ‘rules’ are typically similar across Asia, with the use of chopsticks throwing up many difficulties. When learning to use chopsticks appropriately, you will come to realise that it’s not a good idea to point them at anyone or pierce food with them. It’s important to note that chopsticks should not be inserted upright into a bowl, as this is reminiscent of the way rice is presented to the dead and is a grave insult.

Portugal

In some countries, such as Portugal, the local people take great pride in creating culinary delights, so refrain from asking for condiments if they aren’t already on the table. By requesting salt and pepper, or any other seasonings, you are seen to be saying that the cook’s food is not up to scratch, which is of course unacceptable, even if that was not your intention! It is also good manners to compliment the cook and be very enthusiastic in doing so.

Germany

When having dinner in Germany, it is expected that guests will remain standing until shown to the seat by their host. It’s also good manners to refrain from eating until signalled to do so, again by the host. Good etiquette states that diners eat everything on their plate, avoiding elbows on the table and lying the knife and fork parallel across the ride hand side of the plate when finished.

Mexico

One of the quirkier customs surrounding food involves a tradition in Mexico, where it’s polite to say ‘provecho’ (enjoy), whenever you catch the eye of anyone eating. It doesn’t matter if you know the person or not, this mannerly greeting is difficult to ignore, especially as it’s so nice to say and encourages polite conversation!

France

Not all faux pas are associated with the actual eating of food and sometimes table manners can descend into other areas. For example, the French loathe any discussion of money over the dinner table and find it poor taste to even talk about how the bill will be divided or paid. The French have perfected the art of table manners and insist that the correct knife and fork is used for everything, from fruit to cheese.

Middle East

We all have personal limitations as to what we will and will not eat, but sometimes these boundaries are pushed and we need to decide how to deal with that. We may all be used to delicate cuts of meat but in some countries, delicacies vary from the ones we know, so it’s important not to act horrified when obscure and perhaps unappetising cuts of meat are presented. In the Middle East, for example, prime cuts include most parts of the animal include the head and eyes. Be prepared for this if it’s something you are unfamiliar with.

When dining in Middle Eastern countries, eat with your right hand only and leave food on your plate when you are finished, otherwise the empty space will be continuously filled with more food and this could leave you feeling very uncomfortable!

Russia

Of course there are also things to be aware of when drinking in other countries and one such example can be found in Russia, where it is seen as bad luck to place an empty vodka bottle on the table. With this in mind, all empty bottles should be placed on the floor instead. Russians take their vodka very seriously indeed and it is frowned upon to mix the precious liquid, as everyone drinks it straight up.

Armenia

In Armenia, try not to empty a bottle into someone else’s glass as this obliges them to buy the next bottle; the best option is to put the last drops into your own glass instead.

Australia

Meanwhile, in Australia, it’s typically expected that you shout your drinks order and never leave the bar before at least paying for one round! Australians have a reputation for being very laid-back and relaxed but they appreciate fairness and honesty when it comes to social drinking.

Wherever you end up on your travels, there are some things that are pretty universal displays of good manners. Such customs as waiting to be seated, attempting all food offered, asking to be excused and complimenting the host, will all stand you in good stead and help dinner flow smoothly and without any hiccups.

With all this in mind, it may seem as though there are lots of things to remember, which can be daunting, but these examples are not always set in stone and some allowances will no doubt be made for non-locals. With a little bit of advance research, it’s possible to avoid all the major pitfalls and to ensure you come across as knowledgeable, polite and respectful when travelling on holiday in 2012.

As a listening post it was built and occupied by the American military and was used to spy on East Germany during the Cold War. Teufelsberg has been abandoned since the early 1990s. Its an amazing opportunity to see something steeped in such fascinating history with so much character, a beautiful view of the city and the best acoustics ever.

To get there, hop on the S-Bahn heading west towards the Olympicstadion. Get off at the station just before the last station which is the Olympicstadion. Make sure you go in the daylight and maybe bring a flashlight for inside and possibly some beer and a snack. Going with a friend and/or someone you just meant traveling is ideal. It is scary and I wouldn’t have made it up to it or inside it had I not had someone with me. Depending on when you are visiting, chances are there will be people inside hanging out about, taking photos, recording sounds, etc but the bottom line is that this place is eerie (either that or the bottom line here is I am a huge whimp).

Hang a left when you get out of the station and walk down the road, maybe five minutes later just when you think you have gone the wrong way, you will see a well-beaten path through the trees on your right-hand side, take it. This leads to a lovely clearing which is a wicked spot to find yourself when the sun is setting. You can see the listening post on top of the Teufelsberg hill (literal translation is Devil’s Mountain) from the clearing. At this stage you are likely thinking, ‘Erm, how do I get there?’ The answer is to do just what you think, go down the hill you are on and up the other one. There are mountain biking paths to follow. Again, when you are on your way up the hill and start thinking something went wrong, you hit a fence-lined perimeter. Follow the fence around and around (I went towards the right) and find a hole which hasn’t been fixed, get down on your hands and knees and get dirty – you have to crawl and wriggle your way through.

Now you are in. You can explore the buildings, climb the very dark stairs surrounding the empty elevator shaft (which should be avoided) and the cherry on this banana split is the top “ball”. The one at the very top is the one with the crazy acoustics- spit, click, kick, sing and be amazed.

Written By: Katie Chesher

Space

A nightclub that holds a dynamic atmosphere of about 20,000 people dancing and with an echo sound of spinning tunes from the best DJs in the world. While the DJs spin the crowd dances below the stars within a parking lot.  This way the music is transmitted throughout the club by the top sound system. Not only is this the top night club in Europe, but everyone from around the world hits up this hot spot. This club is located in the best party destination in Europe, The Spanish Island of Ibiza.

Cocoon

Just like the name this night club is 100m long with actual “Cocoon” style designs with each having a mini bar, light controls and the top sound system. It is 350 degree screen bounces of images and lights flashing everywhere to create a dynamic feeling all around. Once you enter the Cocoon it is said that you just don’t want to leave.  This night club is located in Frankfurt, Germany.

Fabric

One of the first night clubs in Europe to have a dance floor call “bodysonic.” This is a night club were the crowd can literally shake the dance floor to create a beat, only because the floor is hooked up to 400 bass transducers to pump the music out into the dancers bodies by their feet. It’s not only a nightclub to listen to great music, but also to experience something very unique and get your dance moves pumping out. This nightclub is located in the heart of London, England.

The three nightclubs are a must on your Euro-Trip. Your not living if you haven’t experience the vibe of one of these clubs.