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.

Baobab Tree Bar & Wine Cellar, South Africa

In the hollow of a huge 6000-year-old baobab tree you can not only drink a cocktail, but also rest from the suffocating heat of the Limpopo province. Once this safe heaven was known only to the Bushmen, but now this ancient tree is the object of pilgrimage for all kind of tourists.  Finally the locals got the idea of setting a bar in the baobab and “decorate” it with benches and even a dartboard.

What to order: Anything in a stein.

The Birdsville Hotel and Pub, Australia

At the edge of the Simpson Desert, among the sand dunes, which is the favorite spot for the mice, there is a hotel and a pub, which have become a cult destination for all travelers. The walls of this bar, remote from civilization, are decorated with old hats and posters of beer, the oldest of which dates from 1884. Most visitors of this building are the amateur of racings. They come to this village for the September competition. However, the pub is not empty also on other months: the airstrip is located nearby, so those who arrive to this point the first thing they do after the flight, of course, are going to have a glass or two of beer.

What to order: a pint of “Queensland XXXX” brand beer.

Cave Bar, Jordan

In 2000-year-old city of Petra it’s allowed to use only one single cave for commercial issues. And guess what?  Of course that’s a bar. The walls of the cave, adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Resort – is part of the ancient tombs, hollowed out many centuries ago by the Nabataeans. Tables are set as a large area outside and inside the cave, where the lights cast an ominous reddish light on the bloody walls of rough sandstone. Some tables are hidden in niches, which may be intended for individual graves.

What to order: local Jordanian red wine.

Floyd’s Pelican Bar, Jamaica

It appears that these huge palm leaves and trunks of the once fallen into the ocean of trees for a long time floated on the waves and then just caught in the pile sticking out of the ocean. That’s probably how the Pelican Bar, located about a mile from the southwest coast of Jamaica was built on. Part of its visitors that have no room to be fitted inside the bar drink, standing waist-deep in water. Do not want to get to the bar by swimming? A couple of local fishermen are always ready to take you there from the beach for a few dollars. And do not forget to immediately agree with them on the way back – you yourself will not be able to reach the shore.

What to order: cocktail Pelican Perfection, made from rum, ginger beer, lime juice and sugar.

Lagoon Bar, Iceland

Magnificent Blue Lagoon in Iceland is truly the place where you can get rid of all troubles and misfortunes. Here the soothing warmth of hot springs treats nature. Of course, next to the natural spa would have been better to arrange trade in fruits, fresh juices and yogurt, but amid this idyllic opened a wonderful bar. While you’re sitting in a milky-blue hot water, waitresses dressed in bikinis, bring you a range of cocktails.
What to order: cocktail “Blue Lagoon”, white wine and Blue Curacao.

Alux Restaurant & Lounge, Mexico

Just a short taxi ride from the beach Carmen in Mexico there is an underground bar, where you might need to go by a candlelight. Overcoming the stairs brings you to the hall, filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Alux (pronounced “ah-LOOsh») – a whole system of caves, which are now established into a restaurant, bar, VIP-lounge. People are thinking that those who will be ready to spend here a lot of time will see the mythical “little people” who, according to the ancient Maya lived in these underground shelters from ancient times.

What to order: a strange drink Aluxinante made of cucumber, orange juice and mescal.

Absolut Icebar, Sweden

Ice Baris located in the Ice hotel in the small village Yukkasyarvi in northern Sweden – a seasonal restaurant, open only from mid-September to mid-April. Of course, all over the world regularly occur more and more ice bars, it is precisely this was the first to occur every year in the same place. It is traditionally constructed of huge blocks of ice, cut down from the nearby Torne River. Despite this cold wall, the temperature inside is kept around 23 degrees.

What to order: of course, vodka Absolut! But not the pure one, but rather with cranberry juice – the national fruit of Sweden.

Cova d’en Xoroi, Spain

Bar in a cave in the cliffs above the ocean – a favorite place for recreation for local residents and tourists vacationing in the south of Minorca. According to  the legend, once this cave served as a refuge for Turkish pirate who had stolen a local village girl to make her his wife. In the afternoon, habitués of the bar usually sit under umbrellas on the outdoor terrace, admiring the Balearic Islands. At night, the Cova d’en Xoroi belongs to the DJs who turn it into a disco.

What to order: Local favorite drink Pomada of gin and lemonade.

The Red Sea Star, Israel

In the Gulf near the town of Eilat is an underwater bar and restaurant. Its interior transfers visitors into the ownership of the Sea King: chairs resemble jellyfish lamps – anemones, wavy walls are surrounded with the windows from which you can watch the fish swimming by phlegmatic, butterflies, fish, angels and other inhabitants of the depths of the Red Sea.

What to order: any of the refreshing fruit cocktails decorated with umbrellas which will definitely continue the underwater theme.

Faraday Bar, Antarctica

This unusual bar is truly at the edge of the Earth- on the Antarctic island Galindez in the complex of the Ukrainian Vernadian Research Station. Apparently, the local staff needed such a place so much that they used for its construction the timber, sent by the British Government for the new shipyard (before the station was British). This bar is available not only for Ukrainian meteorologists – this will quench the thirst of any of tourist who came to the extreme south of the participants of expedition cruises.

What to order: obviously, vodka.

I think this list of questions is long enough to be answered to satisfy all of your interest. So let’s start our steps to the legend discovery!

ICEHOTEL

Some of you might argue that there is nothing special about the  hotel built of ice and snow as there are several of them now. But if this comes to the first and the biggest one in the world,  there is nothing to be proved. No surprise that the place couldn’t be left without an unusual story which will be definitely told.

Just imagine a cool local river Torne which flows right in the middle of the village, the cold arctic climate, The Northern Light and the Midnight Sun which will appeal you with their charm.

Every season brings a unique and various atmosphere to the place. This doesn’t mean that there is a specific season for visiting the place but rather it’s good to know what to expect of each season.

The ICEHOTEL is not only one of the upper creations of  the human brain, but also a great combination of the human effort and the natural wonders.

You cannot simply call it a seasonal creation- it’s simply an art masterpiece which is being enhanced and richen every winter – creating a Swedish Lapland fairy tale.

If relying on the customer comments each of them gets so much of impressions that the sharing of them influences to the visit of their friends to this unique white snow castle.

Jukkasjärvi

Jukkasjärvi is a cute village of 400 year history, which has only 1000 inhabitants, but soon after you get introduced with some of them you simply get amazed. You’ll never guess that they have a list of very interesting stories to tell. The local miffs and the fairy tale creatures create a unique atmosphere around the place. The name of the village if translated sounds like “a gathering place”. If taking into account the fact that the villagers here are rather practical- the naming is not a coincidence. It is a gathering place where people over the country arrive to participate in annual fair.

The place is truly a culture mixture of Sami, Finnish and Swedish traditions. This adds even more exotic feeling to the place. You’ll never have a feeling that you are in Europe and not at the end of the earth. The winter is even more appealing here than the summer time. It’s the season of skiing and skating and also making fun with the snow and art combination.

The summer time here is rather quite. It’s an ideal place for those who are seeking to peace and silence, while associated with great food and the wilderness of the mighty river Torne.

History

In late 70s and the early 80s the main resource for the place was considered to be the water rafting, soon some other types of activities were added such as training over the survival of the region, fishing tips and canoeing. That’s the main reason why large groups of tourists started to make their vacations spent here. If at the beginning there were only business conferences and midnight sun viewers to visit the place, soon the picture shifted right to the opposite.

The main problem to be solved was to make something gorgeous to make the tourists to visit the place also during the winter time. This sounds to be a tough issue. And actually it was. The thing is that the neighboring countries were too popular to leave a spot for such a tiny village.

That’s how one of the local employees got the idea that they “are not using all of the ice in the Torne River”. Not long after some Japanese snow and ice masters visited the place. They organized a special seminar over the ice sculptors. The locals got really enthusiastic over the project and decided to try themselves in this field.Only a year after the first awesome building was created in the place. It was an art exhibition. The tourists flow to the place increased multiple times.

1992 was the starting point for the guest hosting. The thing is that the small village hotel didn’t have enough rooms and one of the employees suggested to host some of the guests in the exhibition room. The only thing that somehow bothered the exhibitors was the fact how the guests will handle the overnight stay in this icy room. That’s why a detailed instruction of security was told to the guests and they were given sleeping bags.

The upcoming morning was not only a surprise for the exhibitors to hear a long list of anxious comments but also for the guests – to receive a special diploma of -5C temperature survival. This was the most exciting PR action for the hotel. The tourist flows to the place never stopped until now.

Starting point

The starting point for the creation of the hotel is various year by year- the main hint is the time when the temperature goes below the zero by several degrees. That’s when the most creative artists all over the world visit the place to show their abilities.

As the local culture is unique- none of the artists uses anything else rather than the pure water-ice of the Torne River.

All of this takes a lot of effort and hard work for several days and sometimes even several weeks. The buildings turn out to be so fabulous that none of the creators thinks about the fact that it will be melted together with the spring sun rays- the impressions and the reactions of the tourist are just unforgettable together with the charming photos.

Just take a few minutes at the listing of the most interesting musical festivals in Europe and try to get tickets as they are never enough for all!

Netmage
Italy, 21-23 January 2010

One of the most recent musical trends is cinematographic festivals. So as it is expected in one of the best places of the Italy in Bologna is going to host such a festival soon, in January 2010. It will be providing various kinds of contemporary electronic art and will impress the audience with a range of surprise shows. In the framework of the festival lays the sense of improvisation and unusual atmosphere, created through various audio-visual effects. It might sound a little bit surprising but all of this will be surrounded by the buildings created during the Renaissance era in one of the most beautiful cities.

Springfestival
Austria, 12-15 May 2010

Each year for the May weekend, which is being announced to be the Ascension Day, the majority of clubs in the Austrian Graz transform their stages into the places of performance to the participants of  various  electronic music and art festivals. The program includes all kind of genres: Drum’n'bass dubstep, electro, techno, house, breakbeat, hiphop, reggae, raga and others. And all of this is being represented by not more not less than 250 professional and newer music groups. As the main background of the festivals serves the alpine scenery. In addition to musical performances, you can participate in seminars around various aspects of the creation of electronic music, to improve your skills concerning the audio and video, and learn a lot of new things about the electronic art in overall.

Hellfest
France, 18-20 June 2010

As we all know France is always trying not to be over- left by the neighbor countries with its variety of musical festivals. Like all good festivals this “heavy metal” one, seems to be a place where it is possible to imagine ghosts wandering around at night or looking for a meeting with their friends. In 2010, the headliner of the festival will be one of the most popular rock groups- Kiss.

St Magnus Festival
Scotland, Orkney Islands, 18-23 June 2010

For fans of the classic music the most outstanding opportunities will be Orkney Arts Festival the superior proposal of the next year. Here you will not enjoy a lot of performances of popular bands, but also witness famous poets reading their own poems, and soloists performing classical works. And all of this will just be at the backdrop of the picturesque Scottish island. As for the participation is not required to be a professional but rather being able to accept new and fresh ideas in those classical art interpretation.

Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Festival
France, 8-11 July 2010

This artist who has one of the world’s finest collections of music recordings, decided to have a representation of an insane combination of old and beloved Gil Scott Heron and the new stars Diplo French to the world in one of the awesome resorts  of France- Seth. Peterson festivals are considered to be the best and the most unusual ones among the fans of the electronic music due to a unique and original selection of performers. At this time the program is going to be finished by a fantastic 16-hour beach party on the resort town.

Tempo Latino
France, 22-25 July 2010

Salsa-lovers do not need to go to the faraway Brazil, to enjoy its rhythms and dancing for your pleasure. As before, the best festival of Latin music in 2010 will be held in Vic-Fezensac in late July. Here you can not only look at the best dancers, but also learn to dance yourself, and to more experienced ones- to learn new details of the moves. Moreover, master classes are conducted not only for adults but also for the children. Besides the main stage, concerts and dance parties are being held also in the local bars and restaurants.

Soundwave
Croatia, 23-25 July 2010

Although this Croatian Soundwave Festival is held in the old fishing village on the shores of the Adriatic Sea it is rather popular among the local and international audience. The action takes place either in the amphitheater or on the luxurious beach terrace, where you can get tanned under the afternoon sun, and the evenings promise not to be boring as you can dance till you drop until the morning. The beaches in this unique country that stretch for several kilometers are usually deserted and are always there to shelter the dance and music tourists, who got exhausted from the show. A delicious local cuisine will quickly restore power to you once again, so you can have fun enjoying the evening parties.

World Fleadh
Ireland, August 2010

Those who are just going crazy over the Celtic music simply cannot miss the Irish World Fleadh – a festival entirely devoted to Irish culture. You cannot just listen to music, but also have a glance at the inflammatory national dances, or even learn how to join them with simple movements, as well as participate in various performances. The festival makes it possible to distinguish guests and the locals, so you better buy a national costume to make yourself invisible.

No Fun
Sweden, September 2010

If you are familiar with the reputation of Brooklyn Festival No Fan, which is full of sticky traders, special effects overdone by the sound operators, and the atmosphere itself contributes to the noise of the public, then is might be rather weird if you will choose Sweden as a quiet and calm place for the European counterpart. The fall of 2010 in Stockholm, will be interesting especially for the fans of Wolf Eyes and Hair Police. I guess after these name announcements it becomes clear what happened to the “quite Europe” idea.

Iceland Airwaves
Iceland, November 2010

During the entire duration of the festival it seems like the capital of Iceland just breaths with it. Streets which are always overcrowded with music fans and the submission of bands of any genre are both in big clubs, and in tiny attics or cafes with only a few tables. If you are getting tired of loud music or excessive alcohol, it is possible to get a “detoxification» while spending a tour on a snowmobile, or close to the geysers.

Hotel-plane, Costa Rica
In the national park Manuel Antonio, located in 160 kilometers from the capital, there are lots of nice hotels and bungalows. The most original of them is built within a small vintage Boeing 727. From its illuminator-windows, opens up a magnificent view of the ocean coast. Liner was released in 1965 and served as faith-truth airlines of South Africa and Colombia, is set at a height of 15 meters above the ground. It has only a  couple of bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and dining room. The decoration of the rooms includes trees and hand-made furniture. The outside of the plane  there is a lovely wooden terrace . To reserve such a housing-plane will cost you $400 per day in no season (without taxes) and for 500 – during the season.

Hotel-plane, Sweden
Transit passengers will definetely get a chance for renting a hotel room somewhere nearby,  but the case with the hostels is rather difficult?  What can do those who doesn’t want to pay for a room ? In the Stockholm Arlanda airport, it was decided to set up a hostel in write-offs “jumbo” – “747″. The huge ship can place 85 guests. They may stay in small rooms, compartments with bung beds and flat panel TVs. The most spacious and expensive room – is drivers cab: with the panoramic view of the runway. It is clear that maids, who serve guests, are uniformed as stewardesses Bed in a hostel costs 350 Swedish kronor (about 34 Euros), individual single room will cost 950 Croons (92 Euros).

Hotel-tram, Netherlands
A couple  opened their own exclusive hotel by restoring old trams in Germany and Netherlands. The name of the hotel was announced Tram Hotel  in honor of the famous album of the singer Prince. Initially there were four thematic numbers in the hotel: English, American, Italian, and French.  Not so long ago the ” family” of the trams was enlarged by adding a wagon train. Guests will  not be made huddled in the compartment for sure. The spacious room has everything – from great TV to the spacious bath-tub shaped hat (in fact the main theme of the new rooms is Mexico). And the hotel owners themselves have settled in standing nearby two-story London bus, built the house. The cost of living is from 60 Euros per person per night.

Hotel-train, United States
In Southern U.S. state of Arizona, in the hotel Karrels Double K Ranch, guests can settle in a freight car. Thoug it was going by rail in the beginning of last century and now turned into an original and relatively inexpensive hotel. In the car all three rooms have a private bathroom, telephone, TV and refrigerator. And guests are not attracted so much by exotic views or decorations but by cozy and charming homely atmosphere. There is a garden with huge cacti and exotic flowers around. Hosts created little toy town with little houses between them on the tiny train ride the train. Living in a freight car is worth $135 per night for two people.

Hotel-ship, Sweden
If you are not  bothered  to spend the night in a room with strangers, you can stay in a very inexpensive hostel-hotel-ship in the heart of Stockholm. The ship was built in 1950 and plied the North Sea. The last voyage of the spacecraft was completed  in 2005, and was then converted into hotel. 45 rooms-cabins are designed for 130 people. On board there is a restaurant and grill bar. Night in a room with 11 neighbors will cost 220 kronor (21 Euros), individual accommodation – 750 crowns for a single or double room (73 Euros).

Hotel-ship, Russia
One can live on a ship at the heart of  Russia- in its capital. River cruise ship “Alexander Blok”, built in 1984, is now converted into a floating hotel and moored near the Fairgrounds in Krasnopresenk embankment. In the hotel there is a complex of 31 rooms. The list includes cabins, junior suites and suites. Facilities include a restaurant and beauty salon. The cheapest room (cabin for two persons) with shower and toilet, TV and refrigerator costs about 3640 rubles per night.

Hotel-helicopter, U.S.
The first hotel helicopter was built in the United States not long ago. IThe Soviet Mi-18 aircraft serves as a basis for it. Miracle Hotel has made its first test flight, and will soon begin booking rooms. The air-hotel consists of 16 standard rooms and 2 suites. All of them are equipped with the latest technology: LCD screens in rooms, internet. Guests have an opportunity for  not just sitting in a restaurant, but  to go to the fitness center, to take the SPA-procedures and relax in a small Japanese garden among the greenery and fountains. Wanna go there? The news of this unique hotel appeared only six months ago . Unfortunately, it was only an April fool’s joke. However, it is possible that soon someone from hoteliers will take advantage of making this idea into reality.

And though the arctic aurora can be met even on the Hindustan peninsula, on the northern hemisphere they are most often seen in the region, drawn by a circle, crossing Alaska, Big Bear Lake, Hudson Bay, the southern part of Greenland and Island, the north of Norway and Siberia. The more northerly the tourist goes in his travel, the more chances he has to watch the unique phenomenon of nature. The readers of the Guardian newspaper recommend places where it is possible to admire the arctic aurora. Maybe, it is worth making use of their experience?
Norway, Tromsø
A tour to Tromsø, in Norway is an inexpensive pleasure, but it is worth every penny spent. A small group, consisting of 6-8 tourists, is taken by a mini-bus to watch the sky act. Moreover, usually the tourist companies have only one lodge where the tourists have to wait until the clouds clear away. That is why it is important to choose the company, which will take the clients to the place where the arctic aurora will really be seen. And already there they will be able to take out the stands, place the photo cameras, and shoot as much as they need.

Spitsbergen, Norway
There is a fabulously beautiful area in Spitsbergen, and the geographical longitude allows feeling all the charms of the polar night with the amazing by their brightness auroras.

Cruises at the shores of Norway
The cruises along the shores of this country allow watching with comfort the life of the arctic regions and fascinate with the white silence of the islands, the sea is dotted with, and the bright arctic aurora, which color the sky.

Great Lakes in Ontario, Canada
It is only an hour’s trip from Upper Lake by snow vehicle, and deep-frozen travelers will be able to admire the sky northern lights as much as they want. Among the drawbacks are the great number of flights, including the flights by local air companies and also terrible cold. But, certainly, you may count on sauna and beer after the excursion.

Island
The financial crisis greatly reduced the prices for hotels and restaurants in Reykjavik, so that those who cannot afford expensive rest, the voyage to this country will be more attractive than the trip to Norwegian Tromsø. And the city itself is livelier, which will be pleasant for those tourists who are interested besides the northern lights in the night life of trans-polar. But it is bad to watch the lights in the city – the street lights are an obstacle. It is better to go out of the city, irradiated with artificial lights.

Kiruna, Sweden
It is one of the places in the north of Sweden, where many tourists managed to watch the bright northern lights. Though the sky here is far from being the clearest in the world, it is sometimes said in the tourist prospects. Again , in order to watch and especially to take photos of the northern lights without any obstacles, it is better to go out of the city, where the street lights will not compete with the sky.

Northern Finland, Utsjoki, Ivalo
In the northern part of Finland the level of air pollution is low, and in such places far away from the big world like Utsjoki, or Ivalo, the northern lights can be watched up to 200 times a year. And not far from Helsinki they appear much rarely.

1. Wild boars in Germany.
The recent couple of years these animals have become a real disaster for the German farmers. Not only those fang creations terminate harvest, they also often break into village houses and even attack people. You don’t need to look for the boars far away, since they can be found even in the gardens and parks of Berlin. However, to hide from civilization and to find the wildest ones you should set for the Central Franconia and walk with a rucksack on the back in the plains of Maine and Danube rivers. Here they can be found everywhere, like deer, and the local beer fans sitting in the tavern and drinking beer, like to tell stories about “Suuuuuuuuch a boar”, whom they came across just yesterday. There is a chance to add their stories.

2. Killer Whales in Spain.
Not less than the boars of German farmers, aid the fishermen of Andalusia suffer the “touring” whales-killers, significantly lessening the catch of trawlers. To admire the big sea mammals is possible while travelling along the hunting road of killer whales in Gibraltar bay, which is organized by the Society on protection of whales and dolphins. It is rather a rare performance, despite the fact that any person, who dared to cross the sea, met on his way the whales- killers, whales and dolphins. For the tourists not to suffer from monotony, the organizers of the trip also suggest seeing ancient Roman cities and diving.

3. Elks and beavers in Sweden
There is no place in the world where there are so many elks as in Sweden, and in this “adventure of the day off” in the Northern woods, experienced representatives of the host country guarantee that the tourist will certainly see “the king of the forest” in the process of walking. We’ll say confidently that the guides just attract the elks by the horn, imitating their call. And afterwards, at sunset, they send the holiday-makers to the lake Scarson, in search of beavers. In the tour everything is foreseen to get back to the nature: living in a tent at the shore of the lake, swimming in a quick river, wood chopping for the fire, and berry peaking for the 100 % natural supper. But everything picked by the tourists is carefully checked, before putting into the common bowl.

4. Portuguese reptiles
Waterlogged territories and sandy beached at the mouth Sado, which is to the south from Lisbon, swarm with numerous slippery and cold-blooded inhabitants. Anything can be found here – tuberous Spanish turtles, spiked lizards, marmoreal tadpoles, spotty frogs from the Western Iberia and snakes from Montpelier. So those who like reptiles will enjoy a visit to these places. Voles, otters, bats, and polecats inhabit this place, besides – this is one of the best locations in Portugal to observe the birds and dolphins at the coast.

5. Butterflies in Croatia
Croatia is one of the locations, which has recently become quite popular among the naturalists and numerous groups, organized by the butterfly humane society and amateur entomologists. Observing those delicate creatures which live on the shores of turquoise lake and waterfalls in Plitvice‎ goes quite well with living in a comfortable hotel as well as sightseeing tours to limestone gorges of Paklenica and to the Velebit Mountains, which are rarely visited by usual tourists.

6. Biking with bisons in Poland
During a 7-day biking tour through the North-Eastern part of the country, you can see the variety of magnificent European bisons, the population of which was preserved and increased thanks to a significant contribution by the Polish Government. Tourists spend 3 days in the forests of Białowieża waiting to meet few in number bisons of the Old World. This forest is all that is left from the once large and wild woods covering the whole continent. A hike through the animal routes in bison reserve smoothly turns into travel on a flat-boat to the far Nariva swamps, known as Polish Amazon, to the natural habitat of beavers, otters, elks, and martens.

7. Taking a glance at the puffins in Iceland
Iceland is a country where a variety of sea birds lives. Try travelling to the Snaefellsnes peninsula where huge colonies of birds nest on the cliffs on the both sides of the peninsula and most of those birds are puffins. Get to the Miway Lake where geese and ducks live during the nesting season. It would also be of interest to see the Namaskard geysers and heavy coasts of the arctic Laxa River.

8. Dances with Wolves in Spain
About 3000 Spanish wolves inhabit the land with a mysterious name Sierra de Culebra. It is possible to get closer acquainted with them – while being on a safe distance from them – by being a part of the tour, which is organized by the local wild-nature specialist Julian. The travelers are accommodated in a rural hotel and are invited in the sunset and sunrise times to fancy the life of the wolf packs, which generally remains hidden from the eyes of the outsiders. Information about the current location of the pack is received from the forest-guards. The rest of the time can be spent observing wild boars, foxes and deer, which become a good dinner for the wolves if caught.

9. Turtle catching at the Azores Islands
From the seven kinds of known in the world sea turtles, 5 were found in the Azores islands. And, of course, the scientists-naturalists from all over the world come here to explore these graceful creatures. To join the exploring expeditions, and to become a real naturalist can also ordinary tourists. The scientific ship sails into the Atlantics, where the travelers guided by experienced scientists set traps for turtles and catch them. And then they measure, stick a label and let them free, as a true scientist should do. At the same time travelers study the routs of migration of turtles and contribute to the saving and keeping of the population. They can also admire the whales and dolphins, which can, also, be seen in the surrounding waters.

10. Observation of marmot in Switzerland.
In summer marmots graze grass on the flood plains of Switzerland. One stays on guard and whistles loudly if sees an eagle, after which the whole company actively gets hidden in the shelter. To watch them in the mountainous national park is rather an amusing thing. Chamois and elks also live there, and vipers live in the forests, so beware!

For those who arrive by train, the acquaintance with the city starts from the railway station. When coming out, look around: it is a building of the beginning of last century – one of the most famous and recognizable works of Finnish architecture.

It is unlikely that someone bypasses the Senate Square, an architectural ensemble which was established when in 1812 Alexander I proclaimed Helsinki, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland and the city needed a new main ceremonial attire. To this end, was selected a solemn and majestic empire style, in which all the surrounding buildings are executed.

Turning to the side-street leading to the wharf, is like being transported into the past years: among the remaining houses in the century before, on an accurate pavement bridge there is an old phone booth.

Walking around the city assumes familiarity with the monuments. Sometimes very unusual, as this one, established in honor of the famous author of fairy tales Zacharias Topelius…

… Or with the indispensable seagulls on the head, this monument to Runeberg – a popular poet and author of the text of the Finnish national anthem.

Seabirds feel in the Finnish capital as full-right residents. They masterly saunter through the streets, and sometimes they manage even to out voice the city transport.

Helsinki is a port city. Huge terminals Viking Line and Silja Line are located almost in the center of the capital. Those who are not going to cross the sea on the giant ferry, it is worth to drop in to the shore at least to visit the small market at the pier. It smells like the sea, spices, sweets and has everything: vegetables, fruits, souvenirs, fresh fish, clothes, flowers …

And before Easter there also appear amusing bouquet-like ornaments of colored eggs.

Here with ordinary tickets for public transport, you can board on a tiny raft, floating to the island fortress of Suomenlinna, the journey to which takes only 15 minutes.

Now there is a residential area and several historical museums on the island. The very majestic castle with thick stone walls is a genuine monument of fortification technology.

And if you are on the island in a warm weather, you can swim and relax on a small beach marked as the other beaches of the Finnish capital, with a great funny duck on a pole.

If there is another day in the stock, why not to spend it, as do the inhabitants of Helsinki, going by bus for a walk in the park Seurasaari – an open-air museum?

Here you can see old wooden buildings – from ancient boats to old-age huts from all over Finland. At weekends, local residents are involved in Nordic walking, running; they stroll with children, dogs, feed birds, who immediately fly on crumbs, and those who are smaller, will even sit on your hand. And do not forget to grab along nuts! Squirrels are taking them directly out of the hands.

In the evening, returning to the city center, it is unlikely that you will want to go to bed immediately. To get started, dine in a restaurant: try a flavored soup with smoked salmon, a salad, lightly salted trout and other fish delicacies. Order local pies and drink cider – there is a tough combat against drunkenness in the country, and because of that this low-alcohol drink is very popular. And then you can not miss the acquaintance with the nightlife. In Helsinki, there are a lot of different bars and nightclubs, where you can easily find any of the popular musicians of Finnish groups (if you know them, of course, in person), and simply to have a good time. Only all people who still have at least a few years before retirement age, need to carry a passport. It will have to be regularly shown at the entrance to nightclubs and all other cafes where alcohol is served; alcohol can not be sold to persons under the age of 18, but the restaurants have the right to establish a higher age limit themselves.

The only generally accepted trend in contemporary literature can be described as travelogue. Travelogues – namely, the so-called works about travelling to different countries – take all the credit today. The publishing house “Amphora” even had a hotel series of travel, and the “European edition” – a series of Travel Series. In the West, the genre City-lit – literature about the most famous cities is gaining popularity. The latest novelty is collection of excerpts from famous works about cities. “Eksmo” released a book of travels, written by Andre Maurois, “Publishing House Meshcheryakov” is not lagging behind with a book “Paris from Caesar to Saint Louis” by Maurice Druon. “Publishing House Olga Morozova” prints impressive luxury editions of “Istanbul” by Pamuk and “London” by Akroyd. The trend is clear. Going on a trip, people want other than a guide with dry facts about the country, take along a book that could plunge them into the local atmosphere, describe the mentality, to disclose the country from a new, unknown side or simply harmoniously complement to the impression of the visit. Of course, the choice of such «atmospheric» books is subjective, so you can feel free to disagree. You also do not necessarily have to go to the countries mentioned in this article. You can simply choose a book about the country you are most curious about, and go on a tour, settled on the couch.

Sweden
Maria Ernest “Cocktail of Death”
Tourists usually go to Sweden for a calm vacation on the nature, cost effective shopping and socialist comfort. But this cold northern country has another face, which will open to you in the novel of Maria Ernestam “Cocktail of death”. There on the narrow streets of Old Town higher powers are on the loose, choosing for an unknown reason to intervene in the life of the ordinary Swedish girl Erica. With her eyes you will see the Stockholm, which is never seen, Stockholm, in which you can see the devil in the Historical Museum, and to drink black coffee in a cafe with the Death. Maria Ernest skilfully describes the city, and each part of it, including the most distant suburbs, scenes where one or another episode of this exciting novel is played out.

Selma Lagerlof “The Journey of Nils with Wild Geese”
Everyone has read in childhood the book of Nobel laureate Selma Lagerlof about the boy Nils, who travelled with the wild geese, or has at least watched the cartoon. But a few know that this book was written as a kind of textbook on geography: you see Nils with the geese actually flies over all Sweden- from its most southern point to the north, thus introducing children to their native country.

Finland

Erlend Lu «The best country of the world»
Many will be surprised to learn that «the best country in the world» for the Norwegian Erlend Lou is Finland, but wait to argue. All the salt of the book is that the hero, have never been in Finland, and is assigned to write a guide on it. And he enthusiastically agrees to do the work.

Norway

Erlend Lu “Naive. Super »
The most cult writer in Norway is Erlend Lu. In his novel «Naive. Super», he was able to convey the voice of the younger generation of Norwegians – a small nation (only some 4 million inhabitants!), but with a clear sense of national identity. Remember only the recent triumph at Fisherman’s victory in Eurovision. Erlend Lou’s funny and naive book is about a young man who throws his studies and works and begins to search for the meaning of life by playing ball in his backyard will help to understand this harsh and terse people whose ancestors were Vikings.

Karin Fossum “Do not look back»
Once it was said that in the books of one the most famous writers of Norway Knut Hamsun, in a small fishing village unfold passions stronger than in the ancient tragedies. Today, the role of Demiurge is assumed by Norwegian detective writers and the most popular of them – Karin Fossum. The plot of her novels «Don’t look back», «Eve’s eye» and the others always unravels in a small village where everybody knows each other and nobody says anything bad about the other. But the villagers only appear to be harmless; in fact, each of them – from a schoolgirl to a toothless old man – hides terrible secrets. For Karin Fossum, it is not important who kills, but the fact that anyone is able to do so. The exciting detective novels of Fossum are the best way to tickle one’s nerves while going to fishing in the calm Norway.

P.S. We suggest to use Readers Digest for your trip planning