Hôtel Ritz, Paris, France

This hotel is in the heart of the French capital on one of the most beautiful areas. It has become synonymous with the aristocratic luxury. Specific blue-blooded, business tycoons, political elite, celebrity fashion and film, arriving in Paris, choose this particular hotel. It was inspired by Marcel Proust, it was turned into a fashion house of Coco Chanel, it was here where the passionate novel of Ernest Hemingway was developed. And I still entering the doors of Paris’ Ritz – means to join the world of the rich and famous.

Bayerischer Hof, Munich, Germany

Back in 1832 Ludwig of Bavaria decided to build a huge hotel in Munich which will have a unique interior and exclusive appearance. Unfortunately, during the bombing in 1944, a significant part of the building was destroyed, but the owners decided to restore the famed hotel. During the Olympical Games in 1972 the hotel has been added with another wing – adjacent Old Palace Mongelas, and even after a couple of decades, opened a large swimming pool on the roof and the new-fashioned spa center. But despite the modern gloss, Bayerischer Hof is still the same good old Munich hotel.

Marriott Hotel, Cairo, Egypt

We all believe that in recent years everything has turned into a form of a modern skyscrapers, but we need only to cross the threshold of the hotel, and you have a completely different world – the realm of imperial luxury and bliss. Once, this luxurious hotel was called Al Gezira Palace. It was opened in the house of Napoleon’s wife – the Empress Eugenie. Since then, the hotel appears to have spa and fitness center, but has remained the same elegant atmosphere and kept some of the interiors.

Old Winter Palace, Luxor, Egypt

In this hotel with noble Victorian interior stopped a long list of famous people and celebrities around the world such as Agatha Christie. The hotel was built in 1886 in lush tropical gardens on the banks of the Nile. Now it is in the center of the city, next to the temple of Luxor. It can be reached in just a few minutes. Being on tour in Luxor you should make sure to look briefly here: admiring the interior and to have a cup of flavored beverage in a tea room.

The Imperial Hotel, Delhi, India

The history of the hotel began exactly a century ago, when King George V declared New Delhi the capital of India. The hotel has been conceived as one of the most original buildings of the city: the architect reflected in its interior the style of the outgoing Victorian era and spirit of our new age of art – art deco. One needs only to walk around the hotel, as before you will open up the most significant pages of Indian history. They even still carefully preserve the table at which the heads of the country were discussing the independence of India.

American Colony Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel

Prior to the beginning of the twentieth century in this ancient city there was not a suitable hotel with a decent level of service for the reception of travelers and pilgrims from Europe and America. And at the same time the Turkish inns could not meet the demands of wealthy gentlemen. This hotel opened in 1902, and named American Colony became the first high-class hotel in Jerusalem. Being the property of Americans, this hotel has always been known as a neutral territory, free from the hazards of local political life, and so it became a kind of oasis for meetings of heads of governments and diplomats of Arab and Jewish parties.This is called to be the first hotel to symbolize peace!

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Built in 1932 in Africa it looks like a typical hotel is a cozy Scottish hunting lodge. But instead of the nature of Northern Europe, the place has a view of peacefully grazing giraffes, and even not in the far distance stands the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro. The owners of the hotel are paying much attention to the nature reservation, protection of wild animals and that’s why they even opened up a whole fleet of giraffes. For hotel guests the entry is totally free there: they will have a plenty of time to admire the graceful animals.

The Grand Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan

Beautiful hotel is built in a traditional palace style. Under the elegant indoor shiny tiled roof with upturned edges of the amazing splendor of the interiors, the characteristic red bearing columns and grand arches – all reminiscent of imperial luxury apartments. Each of the eight floors corresponds to one of the dynasties of Chinese rulers, reflected in the form of paintings, furniture and decoration throughout. Today, this hotel has become a symbol of Taiwan.

Hotel New Grand, Yokohama, Japan

The hotel symbolizes the history of Yokohama – port city, which became a bridge between Japan and the modern Western world. It harmoniously combines different styles and eras in a single building: the main building have a quiet classic style, the interior successfully combines western elegance and brightness of the Asian endurance. It adjoined a separate tower in 1991 which has a modern design. In this hotel it is worth staying not only for the architecture but also for the wonderful views of various species of the bay of Yokohama.

Majestic Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Everyone who settled in this boutique hotel, built in 1925, feels surrounded with the old world charm. Elegant columns and vaulted ceilings characterize the classic French colonial design of the golden age of architecture. Of course, time has not stopped: after the last overall renovation of the hotel, an 8-stored department was attached to the main building. Also here you can use the service of the modern SPA center. At the same time the architects managed to keep the main thing – the spirit of a bygone era.

Suoi Tien Park, Vietnam

Do you have any plans to visit heaven? For this reason it is not necessarily to fly into the space, you can go to Vietnam. Huge colorful park can be simply regarded as heaven, as this is the way it is seen by Buddhists. There are all miracles, you will not find anywhere else! There is an abundance of giant sacred statues of various creatures. Just imagine that one of the fantastic dragon’s head weighs no less than 300 tons! An aquarium with one and a half thousand crocodiles, Unicorn des with mythical creatures, and the gatekeepers of hell – you will find a full immersion into the world of Buddhist mythology.
The park is a simple way of getting acquainted with the Buddhism culture and the ways they perceive the world.

Crocosaurus Cove, Australia

What an excellent proposal for a family vacation – a trip into the world of crocodiles! Surely, nobody’s going to give your family members to be devoured by the bloodthirsty reptiles. The fans of the extreme sceneries are getting thrilled watching scary creatures from inside the huge crowded crocodile tank, but being protected from them with the help of a solid transparent acrylic wall. The program includes good old-fashioned fishing, during which children and the adults tease reptiles to put on hook bait.
Do not forget to go to the store to buy souvenirs made of crocodile skin! Here this kind of souvenirs can be purchased for quite a reasonable price.

Dwarf Empire, China

In the southern part of the Celestial Empire in the town of Kunming there’s a hill open for the tourist. Right on the top of the hill there is a small and very strange park. All of people working for it – from the show artists up to the cleaners are shorter than 130 centimeters. In fact, this mini-community can be described with its own emperor, empress, and even Parliament. About a hundred young people live here, in small houses. For the life of the inhabitants of Lilliput there are multiple costume plays, dances and other shows.
The place host hundreds of tourists daily and its popularity is rising with each year.

Harmony Land, Japan

All the princesses, as well as all the Hello Kitty admirers of all ages should definitely visit this amazing Japanese theme park. The list of the possible activities is enormous: a walk in the castle of friendly cats,  a boat ride through the underground homes of her friends, soaring into the sky on the Ferris wheel, watching a movie with 3D-effect and of course, buying  tons of cute pink souvenirs. The girlish excitement is guaranteed here.
Be sure to stay on Fantasy Night Show – a beautiful musical laser show.

BonBon-Land, Denmark

Though this park, located in the southern part of Denmark, is named in honor of the popular candy inside of it there’s not to much that can awaken the appetite. The park is crowded with images of suffering from vomiting rats, urine and other ants are not the most beloved forms of living organisms. For the lovers of sweets in the park there are a few very naturalistic candies and thus it is appropriate to note their names of  “bird droppings” or “dead flies”.

However, unlike some of the disappointed parents, six years old children are just too much satisfied with such a “toilet” humor.

Dickens World, United Kingdom

Even if you’re not whiling away the winter evenings of leisurely reading the novels of Dickens, you may be interested to move to a couple of centuries ago and briefly immers in a world of hunger and poverty, to be among the beggars and fugitives. In 2007, the British opened a huge theme park, meticulously reproducing the atmosphere of the city in early XIX century.

The most popular attraction of the park is the boat trip based on the novel “Great Expectations”, while repeating Magwitch escape from the prison.

Love Land, South Korea

Situated on the southern coast of the island Haeju, this sex themed park was created in 2004 specifically to help the Korean newlyweds to explore the life of the married couples. This place was chosen not by chance: it was on this island where the locals love to spend their honeymoon. And now they are required to drive into the park to wander among the 140 sculptures and watch films about sex.
Isn’t this the best way to get the tutorials?

Ferrari World, UAE

The wonderful city of Abu Dhabi is hosting the world’s first theme park dedicated to the “Ferrari”. This is also the largest indoor park in the world: its territory is about 64 square kilometers. Inside there are 20 rides, race promoters and even the world’s fastest roller coaster, and the roof of this huge hall, of course, is decorated with the mark with a black horse on a yellow background,  largest in the world. It is assumed that the grand building will open up already in late 2010.

Holy Land Experience, USA

Not far from Disneyland in Orlando, Florida is a park that can impress any ordinary person, believer and unbeliever. The entire space of the park is like a great theater, which unfolds scenes from biblical history. You can stroll through the streets of ancient Jerusalem,  join the disciples for  the Last Supper.
No matter how you feel about the religion, but this place will give you a desire of getting peace in the world.

Dubailand, UAE

Emirates is known for thegrandiose projects. That’ also true about Dubailand – a huge, 278 square kilometer oasis consisting of several skyscrapers, modern resorts and the world’s largest water park with luxurious beaches and unique artificial reefs. In Falcon city of Wonders you can see a very realistic reconstruction of the Seven Wonders of the World (well, at least according to the creators of Dubailand) of the Egyptian pyramids and the gardens of Babylon to Pisa and the Eiffel tower.

Sakura-Jima, Japan

The volcano on the island of Kyushu is casting regularly since 1955. It is located in a very heavily populated area of the country, and therefore is considered to be one of the most dangerous in the world, it is even called ” Oriental Vesuvius”.  Kagoshima City, home to 700,000 residents, is located just a few kilometers from the mountain. That’s the main reason why the government designed a program with the help of which special shelters were built here, where people can shelter from the falling debris. Last eruption was in March 2009: at that time the ashes spread over a couple of kilometers.

Etna, Italy

This is the highest and most active volcano in the European territory. Potentially, it constitutes a serious threat to people living in villages and towns of the whole island of Sicily. Most terrible eruption occurred in 1669, when lava destroyed several villages in the vicinity and the “absorb” part of Catania – the ancient city on the eastern coast of Sicily. In 1992, two streams of lava threatened the whole municipality with a population of about 8000 people. And only a year ago the volcano started to cast even more intensively.

Vesuvius, Italy

On the beautiful coast of Naples lies a terrible volcano, which had once demonstrated all of its destructive force when destroying the whole population of the town. In the I century BC powerful eruption destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii and Herculaneum, killing about 25,000 people. Today, the giant is dangerous not only because 3 million Italians live in the vicinity of the volcano, but also because of the fact that it remains silent for too long already. And scientists believe that the more time it takes the rest, the stronger will be the imminent eruption. The historians even believe that during the last disasters the entire southern part of Europe was covered with ashes.

Merapi, Indonesia

This “mountain of fire”  is most dangerous volcano in Indonesia, erupting regularly, about once in ten years. Since the XVI century, it is constantly killing people, villagers in the vicinity. In close proximity to it is the city of Yogyakarta, and some villages are located even on its slopes – at a height of 1700 meters. In 2006, about 5000 people were killed and 200,000 were left homeless. It’s quite interesting why the villagers are staying so close to the mountain as the disaster abilities are obvious? While anyways this is not the most dangerous volcano for Indonesia.

Papandayan, Indonesia

This volcano located on the Indonesian island of Java represents a serious threat to a large amount of territory. In 1772, it has completely destroyed 40 villages, situated on its slopes, more than 3000 local residents were killed. The volcano is still considered very dangerous and settling in the vicinity of it is not recommended and even there are some charges for it. After all, emissions of smoke, earthquakes and minor eruptions occured in 1923 and 1942, and in 2002 recorded quite strong aftershocks.

Nyiragongo, Congo

This is probably the most hazardous of the African volcanoes. Nowhere else on earth the volcano appeared to have such huge lakes and rivers of lava. In 1977, the current lava killed 100 people, although, according to some sources, the number of victims has reached thousands. In 2002, another eruption of the giant has resulted in the city of Goma, at least 45 people died, 15% of buildings were destroyed and 120 000 residents were left homeless.

Popocatepetl, Mexico

A total of 70 km from Mexico City is hiding a born killer under a glacier. Rising to 5400 meters above the sea level, it represents a serious threat not only to the capital (where some 9 million people live), but also for numerous other towns and villages located nearby. This is the most ruthless of the 20 other huge volcanoes of Mexico. In 2000, tens of thousands of people were evacuated, and its eruption has caused even the melting of the glaciers. The locals believe that the volcano eruptions are the demonstration of the gods’ anger. Thus the only thing that can prevent volcano eruption is to behave properly.

Teide, Spain

The third largest volcano in the world is located in the paradise of Tenerife, on one of the Canary Islands. And although it is currently inactive, in the near future, the risk of eruption of this mountain is very high, and then its destructive power can be compared with Vesuvius. International Association of volcanologists called it one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. When the main reasons for such a conclusion might be too scientific, still it’s consideration is in our legitimacy.

Sierra Negra, Galapagos Islands

One of the largest volcanoes in the Galapagos archipelago, Sierra Negra last erupted in 2005. The Galapagos Islands are considered by scientists of one of the most active volcanic regions of the world. Over the past 200 years there were recorded more than 50 eruptions. So this unique nature reserve is regularly under threat of destruction which leads to the idea that nothing can be judged by the first impression. It is especially true when talking about the natural beauties.

Yellowstone, Wyoming, USA

Although the last eruption of this volcano occurred about 640,000 years ago, the area of hydrothermal geysers that spit on the surface of the hot jet and the mud is considered potentially dangerous for the US. Volcanologists say that if the volcano will erupt, this will lead to the catastrophic consequences for a large part of the United States and Canada. However, experts predict that this will not happen even in 90000 years.

Let’s hope that no matter of such a huge amount of active volcanoes we will not face any great eruptions in near future.

Yokohama is located 32 km south-west of Tokyo and is the second largest city in the country, the hosting place for the largest Japanese ports and the largest center of foreign trade of the country. The town amazes with its cutting-edge architecture and the rapid rhythm of life, for which it received the nickname of a semi-official “city that never sleeps.” In Yokohama there is a “street theater”. In Isedzaki-Cho – the largest entertainment district of the city the nightclubs, restaurants and discos are concentrated.

Osaka – the third largest city in the country is the symbol of modern Japan. Thanks to this ideal situation Osaka 1500 years became a commercial center of Japan. Today in Osaka is a masterpiece of engineering – Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island and connected to the shore with the help of four-bridge. Osaka is shared between two parts: the historical south and north of the business. The most interesting part of the city  is the southern one. Here are the shopping and entertainment districts and  the most famous temples of the city. Among them is Shrine Sumiesi, in which lie the souls of dead sailors. There is also the oldest Buddhist temple Sitennodzi, built by Prince Shotoku Tice still in the VI. North and south of the city are being cut with the Midosudzi Boulevard – the central highway of the city. This boulevard is planted with Ginkgo trees. As a city with deep business traditions, Osaka, always towards the future and lives in a crazy rhythm, which does not stop even at night.

Kyoto - the city of thousand temples was founded in the VIII century and until 1868 was officially considered the country’s capital and residence of the emperor. It was called the Heian (the “city of peace and tranquility”). This unusually colorful and romantic city, is hosting about 2000 temples and churches. Temples and palaces located near the waters of lakes and hillsides only emphasizing the natural beauty of the landscape. Parks in Kyoto Momiji are popular for the maple, which leaves are changing color from bright scarlet to the salad and lemon. Kyoto stores historical traditions of Japan, this city is the birthplace of kabuki and it is here in Japan where the last school of geisha is preserved.

Nagano is the administrative center of Nagano Prefecture. Located approximately 200 kilometers north-west of Tokyo, Nagano is connected with the capital of the country’s high-speed railway line “Hokuriku Shinkansen”, which was opened in 1997. The new line allows you to get to Tokyo for just a half hour. In 1998. the Winter Games were conducted in Nagano. In winter, when the mountains are covered with a thick layer of snow, Nagano – a Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts. Here, 100 ski centers and 40 ice rinks, a year of visiting over 20 million people. Very cold and snowy winter climate, complicating the lives of people in this mountainous area, turns into a valuable source of tourism. None of the winter sport lovers will be able to stay indifferent to this amazing place.

Hakuba – city to the north-west of Nagano. Located at the foot of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba has a great variety of ski bases, including spot “Happe On”, on the snowy slopes of which the downhill masters competed during the Winter Olympic Games in 1998. The resort is able to satisfy any skier, both beginners and professionasl. 13 different tracks in height from 760 meters to 1831 meters are equipped with 32 lifts and are able to deliver maximum enjoyment from riding.

Sapporo – a popular capital of the northernmost and second largest Japanese island of Hokkaido, whose name can be translated as “the way to the northern seas”. This is the most sparsely populated and least industrialized island of the “big four” islands. One-tenth of the island is occupied by national parks, which favors the development of active tourism on the island. The main attractions are the local botanical gardens, where plants seem to be quite differing from each other, as well as the entertainment district Susukino. But the main function of the city is the traffic – it’s the starting point for the countless tours and excursions around the island.

Nagasaki - a wonderful place, which is a grim of feudal castles, medieval Samurai manors, Western-style houses built in the second half of the XIX century, the unique historical and cultural monuments, steaming volcanoes, hot springs, islands with unspoiled nature, beautiful beaches – there is all for the most demanding guest. Nagasaki – the most western prefecture of Japan. The climate is warm and rainy.

In Akita it rains in spring and fall. Such a climate is due to local geographical features. Winds from the Sea of Japan, invading from the west to the valleys of Akita, leave here the entire supply of moisture, as with the other three sides it is surrounded by a relatively high mountain ranges, which do not produce a cloud. Most of the territory is occupied by Akita national and prefectural natural parks and reserves. Cedar forests, which have more than 200 years, and many meadows are included in all the tourist guides as the most beautiful green places of the country. Placed in the crater of an ancient volcano lake Towada and Tadzava (the deepest in Japan – 423.4 m) are considered the most beautiful in Japan. Another great lake – Hatirogata, the second largest in Japan, was waterlogged, and local residents filled it with earth, and founded on  the reclaimed from the water territory a major horticultural farm.

Nara – a cozy quiet small town, a magnet for lovers of history and ancient eastern relics. 1200 years ago in the modern bunks appeared the first capital of Japan, which entered the Imperial court for a permanent stay. The city was initially called Heydze – “Capital of the citadel of peace”, and then was renamed and became the city of Nara on behalf of the valley in which it is located. In Nara there is  a huge number of temples, each in its own beautiful and original. In a Buddhist temple Kofukudzi are two pagodas – and the three-tier five-storied pagoda Kofukudzi height of 55 m, which is considered a symbol of Nara and the second oldest pagoda in the country. Among the sacred primacy Nara took the Big Buddha Temple – Todaydzi. Todaydzi, or in literal translation “Great Eastern Temple” .

Hakone – mountain thermal spa, located in the famous National Park Fuji-Hakone. There are numerous lakes, Mount Fuji and the hot springs.

1. Japan

The first place ranking includes country of the Rising Sun. Its citizens are renowned for their long lives. With consumption of a large number of cruciferous vegetables such as kale, broccoli, zucchini, local residents differ harmony. And fish and soy used as the main source of protein promote a healthy heart. In addition, many Japanese are taught from childhood that rise from the table should done when you are still a little hungry because greediness is not typical for them.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 1,5%
Life expectancy: 82 years

2. Singapore

It may seem strange that a fairly monotonous diet, 80% consisting of rice, was named one of the healthiest in the world. However, Singaporeans seize rice with lots of vegetables. Fish and meat are being used as the main source of protein in various culture, are extremely rare on the tables of local residents. The passion to satisfy the hunger for sweet things Singaporeans are eating fresh tropical fruits or something cooked out of them such as puddings and casseroles without adding sugar.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 1,8%
Life expectancy: 82 years.

3. China

That version of Chinese cuisine, which you can while having a visit to your hometown Chinese restaurant is quite far from what the Chinese are eating at home. Basic diet is made up of various vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. Chinese cabbage, daikon, soy, ginger and garlic can be found everywhere. By the way, the last two spices miraculously speed up metabolism and promote harmony. As frying everything is extremely fast, literally taking only a few seconds, then this method of cooking food saves vitamins and minerals.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 1,8%
Life expectancy: 73 years

4. Sweden

It is unlikely that life expectancy is associated exclusively with the Swedish food habits. Most likely, the strong influence of the high level of medicine and life care in general. In this northern country they use only a little of fruits and vegetables and the basic diet are dairy products, brown bread, fish and berries. Calcium in dairy products helps the body to burn fat, fiber-rich rye bread and berries contain many antioxidants. And even the habit of eating oily fish such as salmon and herring might be considered reasonable as a good food for the heart. Except of the food Swedish are regularly skiing almost all year round and thus burning the fat.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 11%
Life expectancy: 81 years

5. France

Most people have heard a lot about the famous French paradox. This nation does not gain weight, despite the ardent love of the fatty cheese and chocolate, which certainly can not be called low-calorie. The secret lays in the fact that French do not have the traditional for many other countries, “snacks” and except this the portions served at main meals are so small that the body does not get excess calories. Despite the fact that the French are not shy to use the oil, they use it rarely, preferring hot food processing to be with more healthy methods: such as baking or stewing.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 6,6%
Life expectancy: 81 years

6. Italy

Traditional Italian cuisine has little to do with the huge portions of pizza or pasta, with plenty of meat and liberally seasoned with cheese, which are so popular in Italian restaurants around the world. In Italy itself people prefer to use more vegetables and legumes for their dishes, and pasta which is always made of durum wheat!  It is being used in very small quantities and not as a main dish. In addition, as it is known, Italians love olive oil, which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and promotes healthy heart. The main methods of cooking are usually grilling, cooking, baking or steaming.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 13%
Life expectancy: 80 years

7. Spain

Remembering the famous Spanish Serrano ham, jamon, you are unlikely to desire considering the kitchen of this nation to the healthy ones. But remember that jamon is being served with almost transparent slices, and as a snack rather than a main dish. The foundations of the Mediterranean diet are the fiber-rich vegetables and low-fat products. Spaniards look to cook in olive oil, using plenty of vegetables and legumes, and in addition, to eat a lot of seafood varieties, which are so much in Spain. Citrus and almonds, growing in this country, can also be attributed to the extremely useful food. Here frying is rarely used when cooking. Most used baking, stewing or cooking food.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 16%
Life expectancy: 80 years

8. South Korea

The basis of the Korean diet is low-fat foods: tofu, noodles, fish and vegetables. In addition, a significant place in Korean cuisine is placed on kimchi – seasoned with lots of hot spices pickled vegetables, which are eaten at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The only unhealthy meal of Korean cuisine, grilled beef, though loved by locals, but is used only on major holidays. For comparison, the average Korean eats just 7 pounds of meat in a year, while the ordinary citizen of the United States – 30 kilograms.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 10%
Life expectancy: 79 years

9. Israel

Israeli cuisine is full of such useful products such as beans, eggplant and olive oil. Also, when cooking they use a large variety of spices and herbs. There’s even a plant called yellow ginger growing only in Israel which contains many useful components that improve the digestion and metabolism. Mint, which is unthinkable without the traditional salad Tabbouleh, in its turn, is rich in manganese and vitamins A and C. Tajin, the main ingredient in hummus, supplies the body zinc, calcium and folic acid.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 24%
Life expectancy: 81 years

10. Greece

American nutritionist convinced that the Greeks suffer from obesity not because their food is unhealthy, but because of the ever-present fast food. The true Greek cuisine is based on cereals, legumes, vegetables and fish which we might say that fully denies the presence of something unhealthy.
The degree of obesity of the nation: 25%
Life expectancy: 80 years

General conclusions of the study are as follows. Eat less meat and more fish and vegetables, do not get carried away with hot food in deep fat and then you are healthy.

St. Patrick’s Day – a holiday which is celebrated by all true Irishmen, and all those who feel themselves Irish inside the heart. Worldwide holds festive parades, people are getting dressed and painted in bright green color, all listen to Irish music and sing funny songs. And of course, treat the Irish national dishes and drinks.

The symbol of the holiday and a national symbol of Ireland – shamrock clover, with the help of which, according to legend, Saint Patrick demonstrated the idea of the Holy Trinity. St. Patrick himself, who lived 4-5 centuries, is considered the patron saint of Ireland, and the date March 17 – the day of his death. History tells us that he baptized people and cast out paganism, and the Irish believe that thanks to him there are no snakes on their island.

However, from pagan times other heroes came into the holiday. Thus, some of his heroes are the indispensable leprechauns – fairy shoemakers who possess a hidden pot of gold. If fortunate treasure hunters can catch a leprechaun, this creature must tell the person where his hidden treasure is. However, if you suddenly catch a cobbler, remember that you must not trust him – these fellows insidious and mischievous and can easily fool the unsuspecting treasure hunters.

They say that leprechauns went to the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day recently – companies that sell cards on this holiday, needed a likeable character who could appear in the figures. A severe, though good, the preacher of St. Patrick is not quite suited for this role. In figures leprechauns are usually dressed in a peaked hat and leather apron.

Happiness in St. Patrick’s Day you can find also in some other ways – you just need to find the four-leafed Shamrock. This leaf clover brings good luck always, but in St. Patrick’s Day the happiness is being doubled. It is unclear just what do the people of northern countries, where the holiday falls on a cold early spring, when the clover is in the meadows, and there is no trace.

Indispensable companions in the St. Patrick’s Day – Irish beer and whiskey. There’s even a joke regarding Irish whiskey: “Why did God created whiskey? So that the Irish would never be able to rule the world.” Whiskey is not only drink, but also the basis for various sauces and dishes. The famous Irish beer is just being poured into the holiday river; some of them even paint it green with food coloring. However, the true Irish insist that St. Patrick’s Day they drink alcohol no more than any other day. Indeed, it can’t be more! And then they help themselves with food such as corned beef with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes with parsley and green onions – and generally any food of green color.

If you have never celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, then you have the opportunity to join a truly global community that supports this glorious tradition. For the Irish around the world is a “magical day when winter dreams begin to turn into the wonders of summer.”

But of course the most magnificent celebration of St. Patrick’s Day is held in Dublin – the capital of the Republic of Ireland. On this day, according to tradition throughout the city they arrange lavish parades, involving people dressed in costumes (red wigs and green caps) and also brass bands, each of which will certainly have some bagpipes. Noisy celebrations continued throughout the day, and ends late in the evening a grand display of fireworks.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day already has outgrown the boundaries of “Emerald Isle”, and now it is celebrated in all the major cities of the world. On this day people wear green clothes, “dress up” the building green, and in Chicago, they painted in green, even the urban river. After green – the color of spring, the shamrock and the national color of Ireland, no wonder this Irish Whiskey “Jameson” is bottled in green glass bottles.

Actually St. Patrick’s Day celebration lasts longer in Dublin. Here they begin a six-day festival dedicated to St. Patrick’s Day – the holiday of spring, beer and fun festivities.

Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast prepared a study of how St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world, including such seemingly unrelated to Irish tradition, such as Japan and Russia. “St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by many people outside of Ireland. On this day, they start to behave” Irish “: wear green wigs, drinking green beer and listen to Irish music,” – said the representative of the Institute for the Study of Ireland University Belfast Dominic Bryan.

In most Irish parades of the St. Patrick’s Day are being held in more than 30 cities, including major parades taking place in Cork, Galway, Limerick and, of course, in Dublin, with its grandiose celebrations.

It’s funny that in Ireland this holiday for a long time was exclusively religious, and until the seventies of last century, Irish law required all pubs to be closed on March 17!

Now the main streets of Dublin hold festive processions in pubs playing live music. Residents of the city wearing red wigs and green caps, which are sold in stores, take with pots with Shamrock (one of the symbols of Ireland – four-leaf clovers) and national flags. On the evening of fireworks are being made in the central squares. Celebration is always held in the unrestrained joy.

Parade in honor of St. Patrick are stretched and scattered like the Irish themselves, who are scattered all over the world.

Except the fact that the Irish holiday is giving a lot of joy to the Irish people of Ireland, the country also benefits from it. Every year the festival attracts millions of tourists to Ireland, bringing an additional 60 million Euros to the national treasury. Anyways this is actually the thing that happens in most of the countries which are annually hosting this kind of festivals.

Reason number 10. To meet new people

It does not matter who they are, these people – neighbors on the floor in a hotel or a couple of local office workers who log in a bar every evening. New acquaintances – an important reason to go away from home. You will be able to meet very different people and see a completely different life that you were not able to imagine. The new dating opportunities… Sometimes life can change greatly because of the chance encountered on the street of an unexplored city.

Reason number 9. To try new food

Most of us eat all the same food every day. Eggs for breakfast, a piece of meat with a side dish for lunch and a plate of dumplings for dinner. People are so conservative, that even in the most varied buffet people try to choose dishes, closest to what they eat at home. It is for this reason, it’s best book a hotel with only breakfast and every day to learn new and unusual tastes, perhaps even long-known products. For fruits and vegetables, which are eaten the place where they grow, differs greatly from the ones imported. Seafood caught in Northern pale in comparison with the frozen is something awesome. And this is not to mention the huge variety of alcohol, which is not always possible to try in your own country. And certainly, to drink beer in English pub is more proper than at home watching television.

Reason number 8. To learn flexibility

Travel always happens something that violates your plans. It can be forgotten in the last hotel your wallet and an unexpected pouring rain, while you were going to enjoy a walk in the fresh air. In any case, you have to urgently devise a way out of this situation. And  to do everything to get some  pleasure from your trip. For a man accustomed to ply on the route home-work-restaurant (bar)-home and will need a flexible working exclusively in solving problems.

Reason number 7. To buy new gadgets

Let’s be honest: men love shopping no less than women do. The only difference is that you do not prefer shoes and clothing shops, but visit places where they sell all sorts of gadgets, electronics or sports clothing and equipment. No real man would miss the opportunity, once in Japan, having a trip to Akihabara. And making a list of desired purchases when you travel to America or Europe, carries the stronger sex, no less than women’s choice of clothes. In addition, a separate pleasure is left for packaging (and sometimes pre-purchase) of all these high-tech stuff, ranging from digital cameras and ending with GPS-navigators, or watch for diving.

Reason number 6. To achieve goals

To visit an unknown place – not such a simple task as it might seem at first glance. Even if you buy ready-made tour via an agency (what self-respecting man should not do, if it is not a beach holiday in Turkey or Egypt), would still have to deal with the choice of the city or the hotel, preparing documents for visa application and the settlement of workers’ issues at the time of your absence. If the trip is organized completely independently and involves visits to several places, the very trip planning becomes extremely fascinating puzzle with many unknowns that need to be solved optimally.

Reason number 5. To test themselves

Even if in everyday life you have to avoid any complications and always have a careful planning, the journey always causes some contingencies. And this is good because teaching is one of the true masculine qualities: adventurous and enterprising. No matter what task you will solve for the first time: in any hotel stay or how to explain to a completely unfamiliar language. With each trip self-confidence will grow, and selected places will be increasingly elusive and interesting.

Reason number 4. To make yourself more interesting

The more you travel, the more interesting things are happening to you and all the more amusing things you can tell the others upon your arrival. And the stories will satisfy everybody’s taste- for severe male company, and for the enthusiastic girls that want to cheer. And besides, getting acquainted with the culture of different countries, you enhance your education and development, which also makes you much more interesting person. Agree that the phrase “Oh, dude, we had yesterday such a cool time to get drunk in …” and “Beer here is very similar to real English ale …” sound somewhat differently.

Reason number 3. To rate your hometown

Everything is better when in comparison. Admiring the most amazing and fascinating beauty of the world, you will sooner or later find yourself on that you are longing for the traditional snowdrift at the door. Spending time away from your native city, you’ll appreciate more what you have. And even a simple matter of talking “where you come from” will waft pleasant memories of home. And you will want to return. And if not, you will have the chance to find a better place to live.

Reason number 2. To gain self-confidence

There are many ways to do so, ranging from battle classes and ending with using all of the ways of earning large sums of money. But the best option – it is to put themselves in unusual situations, from which have come unscrewed. And the journey is the best opportunity to do this. Even a simple, to get oriented in one of the major international airports (take at least Bangkok), would require initially unlimited concentration. With experience, you can even travel alone through Japan by train or dare to go down to the most intricate subway in the world, the Tokyo one.

Reason number 1.  To ensure diversity of the world

One of the most pleasant moments of travelling is to return home. Recalling the trip, or looking at pictures of it, you begin to see the world differently, understanding that the place where you are, is just a tiny piece of a puzzle in a huge picture of the world. You may find that you enjoy the city, which, as you thought you hated in the beginning, or that a country in which you have always dreamed of visiting, disappointed you. Or you will miss formerly disgusting dishes. In any case, you will have a proper picture of the world, which does not depend on other people’s tastes and preferences. And you will gain the opportunity to choose.

The hint here is over the fact that each region is specialized on a particular type of alcohol drink and that’s why the best of no-risking is to choose the most popular drinks of the region.

Black Sea coast of Caucasus

Firstly I would like to advise you not to buy the draft beer, which is being sold almost in every corner of the crossroads. It is mostly wretched, with lots of preservatives. You better go along the option of drinking the best homemade red wine, which is being sold in all of the resort areas. Here you can find the solutions for every taste – dry to sweet or something in between. However consider the fact that the one being sold in some streets might somehow be over-sugary and that’s why before buying, you can consult with the locals – where they are buying wine for themselves. Good wine at the Black Sea coast usually costs around 10-15 rubles per liter which is a lot more than in regular malls. Manufacturers of really good homemade wine can not raise their prices high due to the high competition.

Japan

Well, of course, sake. Just do not expect from a special strength from it as from vodka. Sake has only 20-degree strength, and it’s being served in special earthenware bottles with a capacity of a glass. That is, after returning home, we can safely tell your friends about how “we took another Yasubari half a dozen bottles of sake and even crushed them out but this it wasn’t enough”.  This might simply be true. However, if you drink in Japanese way -with tiny portions then it may well be enough. Drinking alcohol in small portions enhances intoxication that’s why you cannot drink too much. There is even an old student recipe: a bottle of beer can be spelt into a soup bowl and eaten as a soup with a spoon.

And that’s how you get drunk from a single bottle of beer. Speaking of beer. Those who can not live without it so much that even in Japan don’t want to drink sake – I can recommend the traditional Japanese beer with a quite good taste and gorgeous name “Ebusya”.

France

France and the wine are inseparable from each other. But everything depends on the place. Parisians themselves recommend that visitors drink Bordeaux or Champagne. And a word about that in order to drink champagne “from the plow” (more precisely, “from the vine”), you must, of course, go to the province of Champagne. If you find yourself in any of the Provence, we recommend to fulfill your wonderful meal drinking pink Cote de Provence or Bandol Rose. In the south-east of France it’s best to drink red wine from local vineyards. Here, literally, find out the name of yonder vineyard on the outskirts, and compare with the inscription on the bottle. They should be the same.

In addition to wine, France is great for drinking cocktails. In Paris – all the exotic: Long Island, Mai-Tai, Weng Weng. In Provinces the traditionally strong drink is pastis – 45-50 degrees, driven from anise. Locals normally dilute pastis 50/50 with water and drink with ice. The parts close to the shores are very popular for the perroke – pastis with mint syrup and ice. One of the symbols of France – Absinthe – is now banned in the country, but in the French Alps, as its replacements can be called chartreuse and Génépi – up to 50-60 degrees. They are served free, but they are strongly recommended to dilute. By the way, though illegally in Paris, absinthe is still selling.

Ireland

Guinness. A thousand times Guinness. Nowhere in the world has Guinness had such gentle creamy foam, nowhere it has such taste, as in Ireland – where it is invented. No, seriously. In pubs Guinness tastes different from what we can get in Germany – at home a taste of Guinness is softer and fuller. The best Guinness is served in Dublin, you can try at the brewery. You can drink something else besides the Guinness – it will be whiskey. Ireland and Scotland are still arguing about who invented whiskey. The official version – whiskey, like Christianity, first appeared (thanks to St Patrick) in Ireland. And almost immediately migrated across the strait to the friendly Scottish tribes. As a fact, the Irish whiskey tastes milder than the Scottish one, and besides it’s cheaper. Whiskey on the island is being added in literally everything. Including the coffee. Irish coffee – is the limit of tenderness. The best thing ever is the whipped milk, coffee and whiskey. This is a favorite drink of women.

Italy

“And goes back to his room aboard the ladder / lodger, carrying grappa in his pocket / committed by a man in a raincoat / son who lost memory, a country, / hump on his crying in the forests of aspen, / if someone is crying about it all. «This is not a non-sense but rather the lines from Brodsky, after which you usually open the bottle. Grappa is an abandoned drink. It is made from marc – the remnants of grapes after they took out all the juice into the wine. It turns out such thing is rather brandy despite the fact that sometimes it is with a strange aftertaste and a slight smell of booze. However, if you suddenly find yourself in Batallya, where you can get this charming golden liquid grappa is of very high quality. At the local, privately owned plantations, grapes are being crushed with a special soft press, and therefore the overflow for grappa is a lot of juice. Drink grappa, but only if the wonderful Italian wine no longer amuses you.

Czech Republic

Beer, beer and more beer again! Naturally, draft. A mug of beer in the Czech Republic is cheaper than in a lot of places, and the quality – excellent. If you want to fully enjoy your time- go to any restaurant, which has its own brewery. Distinguishing them is quite easy – in the first place, usually such things are advertised at the entrance, and secondly, inside there are two giant closed basins. That is, it’s a natural brewery, which is built directly into the restaurant. The quality of beer in the restaurant breweries is often higher than in ordinary factories of Czech beer. .

Finland

In addition to the standard vodka exotics, in Finland is absolutely popular for its wonderful liqueurs: cranberry, cloudberry (Lakka Liqueur) and sea buckthorn. You simply cannot find them anywhere else. That’s why it’s really worth a try. But be reasonable: Duty free shops at the border sell them for five dollars, and in most of Finland – almost fifteen. That’s why you should decide which option will be more convenient for you.

1.Japan

Certainly in Tokyo you find a giant robotic Santa, but most likely he will only hint at the classic Christmas in this country. Holiday connected with the infant Jesus, there does not exist as the country is not Christian. But the Japanese love to have fun twisted it in his own way, actually turning it into a … Valentine’s Day!.Just imagine a Valentine Santa. Doesn’t it sound funny.

The most popular sweet for  December 24 becomes a huge cake that every self-respecting man presents the woman he loves. Lovers must go to a restaurant, and children are not left alone but rather with gifts received- toys and candy. It is also considered fashionable to rent a room in an expensive hotel and spend a romantic night over there.

In addition, the bustle of the shops give Japanese a custom to give gifts to each other at the end of the year. To do so, even there is a special industry: in the store it is enough to reach the shelf, where we can find presents laid of various amounts, so you choose the one that is of your desired sum and content, to fill in a form with the recipient’s address and pay for purchases at the checkout. The rest will be done by the  store: putting the gift in a beautiful paper, making a card and delivering to the recepient.

2.Saudi Arabia

If you like the  story of Grinch who stole Christmas, and always wanted to ban the celebration, go to Saudi Arabia as its one of the best places to do so. In the most conservative Muslim country of the world the birth of baby Jesus is not celebrated, and sometimes persecute those who try to do it. The religious police periodically withdraws from stores thematic holidays greeting cards, and customs at the airport – Christmas ornaments. It sounds so aweful, isn’t it?

The denial of any other religions in the country comes to the point that even aircraft are prohibited from flying over Mecca. For the simple reason that the shadow of the liner has a cross shape and fell to Kabbah, can defile it, so this sounds to be such a pity for the Christian popularity of the country which is a minority.

3.Algeria

Well, the flag of the country which has a moon and a star on it speaks up of itself.Those who want quiet Christmas meet in Algeria, do not pursue, but in the country, 99% of which adhere to Islam, this holiday is celebrated not accepted and some of it may still seem like an insult to Islam. For example, when a couple of years ago, reindeer, harnessed to a sleigh, carrying a Santa Claus, suddenly appeared on the main street of the Algerian capital, some passers-by a desire to pounce on the masks with his fists. Although the alleged eyewitnesses, in recent years in the country have become very popular Christmas cookies, and the only Christian in the parish of the country, even spend the festive liturgy. But other signs of Christmas here to search is not worth it and it’s better not to organize something as it might be very dangerous.

4.Iran

Despite the fact that the Iranian streets still are caught indecently dressed women, and along with the men who dared to something to stand out from the crowd, religious taboos in the country is not as strong as it is expected to be. In some places  they even arrange  “Christmas” sales, well of course the store managers explain it with the fact of the end of the year.

Typical picture is a showcase of expensive clothes shores, where there are mannequins in traditional hijab, but right next to it is a hug amount of  sparkling Christmas tree lights. Perhaps this is due to the fact that it was from Persia, two thousand years ago, that 3 Wisemen came to welcome the birth of blessed son, and therefore completely ignoring the holiday does not work.

5.Thailand

Once in Thailand, you are likely to simply forget that this is the time for Christmas, and at the same time  New Year. It is difficult to think about the Christmas trea and Santa Claus, when the temperature is increasing on the  street up to  30 degrees, and instead of snowing outside the window sparkles warm emerald sea.

Of course, the hotels always organize a special dinner, but if you go to the city, it turns out that it lives the usual bustling about Christmas and nobody thinks about it. However, Thais are not always averse  of celebrating, even the public holidays here are 14, almost twice as much as in some of the countries. So, for example, the local schoosl may be visited by elephants, dressed in red and white caps, and make a presentation to the distribution of gifts. And in Bangkok, you can admire the Santa made of condoms, which is not the first year to be presented next to the entrance of one of the restaurants as a symbol of the fight against AIDS.

6.Nepal

If the tourist part of India at Christmas is  all shining with  the glittering garlands, and the windows are  decorated with small Christmas trees, then in neighboring Nepal on a holiday  there’s nothing to remind anyone about the Christmas spirit present here  except of the date on your mobile phone. At 12 o’clock at night in the city will be  as dark and quiet as nowhere else in the world, and local residents will sleep, not even knowing that in many countries at this time the street lights are burning and there is a flowing crowd of many thousands of people. The country inhabitants even travel to the neighboring countries to take part in glamorous parties of the Christmas.

7.Turkey

As in many Muslim countries, Turkey is not widely spread custom to meet Christmas, but Turks are rather religiously tolerant. The country is hosting a lot of Christian population to meet Christmas in some of their resort places.  There are many cases where the first Muslim neighbors graciously accept from Christian neighbors Easter eggs, and then those same neighbors are Christians happily eat rahat delight at the Diabetes Day, which marks the end of Ramadan.

But, according to recent studies of Turkish scholars, the tradition of prank up the tree just came from ancestors of the Turks. True, they decked it on 22 December, the winter solstice, which is esteemed by them as a “feast of rebirth. A Christmas tree is, in turn, was considered a “tree of life”.

8.North Korea

It also happens that the policy is stronger than religion and everything that is happening in that country is all controlled by the police. For example, in North Korea the only person to celebrate Christmas is the great secrecy, because the only permissible holidays are gone birthday of Kim Il Sung and now Kim Jong Il’s ruling.  So you just cannot have any kind of parties for that day to be associated with any kind of Christmas traditions.Yes, and calendar here is not on the birth of Christ, but from the birth of Kim Il Sung. However, the chance to get a tourist in Korea is very small. And this year the country is, in principle, closed its borders from November to mid January.

9.China

Christmas in China is not officially celebrated, but the tradition to decorate anything and everything on the eve of the festival has established itself here as a presentation of the year.  Though even the New Year celebrated here is different from the one celebrated in Western countries. Even palm trees  are getting decorated and waiters of the  restaurants and shops sellers often put on the red and white caps. What is surprising, because in that country is more than half of Christmas toys for the whole world. And of course, such an abundance, combined with a love of Chinese to bright colors, could not affect the local traditions.

10.Any tropical island

And you can just rent any suitable tropical island or visit one of them if the financial afford allow you to do so. Proposals, launched with about 10 000 dollars per week are good enough. Oh, this is the place where  Santa Claus with his reindeer, presents and other Christmas tinsel just does not get to.

1.Russia

Tea is considered to be a national drink for Russian, and most of time it is as irreplaceable as such ingredients like bread or meat. It is taken at all hours of the day and night; tea is one of the drinks that believed in this country to help you while doing some mental work. Tea is drunk out of glasses in Russia. In the homes of the wealthy these glasses are held in silver holders as for the rest of the population the holders might be made of other varieties of non-expensive metals. These holders are decorated, of course, with the Russian hand-made arts. The typical Russian tea ceremony can’t be described without mentioning the Russian samovar, from the Russian “to boil itself”, its  metal body  is equipped with a cylinder two or three inches in diameter passing through it from top to bottom. The cylinder is filled with live coals, and keeps the water boiling hot. The Russian tea-pots are porcelain or wooden. Hot water to heat the pot is first put in and then poured out; dry tea is then put in, boiling water poured over it; after which the pot is placed on top of the samovar.

2.China

Tea-drinking ceremony is a nation-wide custom for the Chinese. It is a daily necessity for the Chinese to have three meals and at least a cup of tea a day. When a foreigner guest comes, it is a ritual to present a cup of tea to him/her. There are numerous tea-houses in every town and city, but the serving of tea varies here from the home-made ceremony. Tea-drinking in China is an art, something that needs a lot of time for learning. In some places the way of making tea is very complicated and has a local nature. And just as in Russia the tea utensils-the teacup, tea saucer, teapot, and tea tray-are works of art. Diansin (pastry), which goes with tea, both tasty and appealing, is loved not only by the Chinese but also by the people all over the world as a cool delicacy. There are hundreds of famous teas in China and there are a great many famous springs and streams to provide water to make tea as it is believed that those springs have mineral and curing features. And the tea fields or Tea Mountains are also marvelous sights to add beauty to the scenery.

3.England

As all of us are familiar with English stories, then most likely you know that there is not such a story where at least the word combination of “tea-drinking” is not mentioned once. Afternoon Tea is a social event governed by etiquette and accompanied by light sandwiches and cakes. This ceremony was nation-wide spread due to the queen’s official claim of doing so. Tea is poured in the cup first, then milk. Historically, this allowed the hostess to show off the best quality of her bone china (quality china didn’t crack with heat) and allows the milk to be added to suit the drinker’s taste. This early meal was adopted by the masses as ‘tea’ and now the word simply means the evening meal in many parts of Britain. Offering tea is considered polite and people have come to expect the offer as well. Event when a plumber is visiting your house to do his job he is also offered a cup of tea by the homeowner. Humans are comforted by ritual, but it is not just the ritual but the ingredients in tea that helps us to feel calmer and more prepared to return to the action-whether it’s back to the desk, building work, more errands or the grim task of dealing with bad news.Tea contains caffeine, which helps wake us up a bit if we’re slowing down, but it also contains an amino acid called theanine which works with the caffeine to allow us to be alert without the stress.

4.Japan

If the gathering is held at a tea house having a waiting bench the guests will wait at the bench until summoned by the host. They ritually clean themselves by washing their hands and rinsing their mouths with water from a small stone basin, and proceed along the roji to the tea house. Guests remove their footwear and enter the tea house through a small door, and are then seated seiza-style on the tatami in order of the prestige of the guests. The host may build the charcoal fire in the presence of the guests, to heat the water for making the tea. During that time guests may be served a light, simple meal called a “tenshin”, or a full-course meal called “kaiseki” or “chakaiseki”. If no meal is served, the host will proceed directly to the serving of small sweets. Each utensil—including the tea bowl, whisk, and tea scoop—is then ritually cleaned in the presence of the guests in a precise order and using prescribed motions. The utensils are placed in an exact arrangement according to the particular style of tea-making procedure being performed as there is a number of various ways. When the preparation of the utensils is complete, the host will place a measured amount of green tea powder in the bowl and add the appropriate amount of hot water, then whisk the tea using set movements. When each bowl of tea is ready it will either be served to the guests by an assistant or the guests will retrieve the bowl themselves in the order in which they are seated.

5.Morocco

Ataí (Moroccan tea culture) is defined by the way green tea is prepared and consumed in Morocco, usually accompanied with food. Moroccan-style mint tea is now commonly served all through North Africa and it’s rather popular among the tourists an Arabic nations. Just like in most of tea-drinking countries tea here is served all through the day. Usually the meal is cooked by women but tea is considered to be traditionally a man’s affair. Tea is something to be served to guests, and it is impolite to refuse it.  The preparation of tea is rather distinguishing here. First of all tea is being cleaned with boiling water before getting dried. It is believed to be that tea removes the dust and the bitterness of the tea.  Most of the time the tea is added into the boiling water and left to stir. Right after that the exact amount of sugar and mint are added to the mix.