Westminster Travel Trips

The beautiful region of Alsace Lorraine in France offers many exciting finds. Here we offer a guide to this part of France including its climate and gastronomical delights

Alsace–Lorraine has 7 departments consisting of; Haut Rhin, Bas Rhin, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Vosges, and covers the North East of region of France

Weather: The climate is very similar to the south of England, with cool winters and warm summers, but rarely extremes of temperature. The rainfall is quite high, with highest rainfall being in May and June.

The Region: Alsace-Lorraine has managed to maintain a strong identity, despite its extremely chequered history. The area, and various parts of it, have been alternately German or French many times over the centuries. Lorraine has a French language tradition, whereas Alsace has more German-speaking citizens, but the whole region has been part of France since 1945.

Nancy is the old capital of Lorraine, and Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace. Strasbourg is the home of lots of industry, but is still a charming city, with timber-framed houses leaning together and over the streets. The old buildings in this whole region are reminiscent of gingerbread houses!

The landscape of this beautiful area encompasses green fields and stacks of vineyards, which usually offer wine tastings. Other visits range from the sombre, thought-provoking and disturbing concentration camps of the 2nd World War, to the fascinating Kronenburg factory in Strasbourg – we will all know that it has been there since 1664!

Gastronomy: The food and drink of Alsace-Lorraine has a lot in common with that of its German neighbour. Alsatian wine is not to be missed! The whites tend to be exceedingly floral and fruity, which make them very satisfying to drink on their own, but with enough punch to go with most foods. Food-wise, Alsace-Lorraine is the home of sauerkraut, or ‘chou-croute’ in French. The French love this dish, which is more than simply pickled cabbage. It usually comes cooked with a whole selection of other goodies, and it is very worthwhile to try. Other local food to look out for includes the famous quiche Lorraine, foie gras, sausages, beer and the amazing pastries to be found in the bulging windows of incredible patisseries.

French Property Site –
Your complete guide to French Property for sale and Holiday rentals in France.
http://www.frenchpropertysite.com

The release of the film Final Destination 3 on DVD is a timely reminder to theme park fans of the dangers inherent in their favourite rides.

With 6 theme park deaths this year in the US and the UK(including an engineer at Gulliver’s theme park in Milton Keynes), as well as numerous accidents(including one a Alton Towers in which several people were injured) potential visitors need a reality check concerning the dangers. There is no such thing as a 100% safe theme park ride. And accidents are more common than you think according to the list of Verified Injury and Accidents at Theme Parks maintained by Theme Park Insider.

A number of the incidents of death and illness on U.S. theme parks might be attributable to riders not taking note of the health warnings posted outside the rides. Some undoubtedly had prior medical conditions which should have excluded them from the ride. Increasing obesity amongst adults and children is thought to be a contributing factor in the U.S and the same health trend
is apparent in the U.K.

So is it time for the theme parks themselves to vet the riders before they board? Should theme parks introduce weight restrictions as well as height restrictions? We cannot expect the average spotty youth that you find posted at the head of a theme park ride queue to make a medical judgement but if someone is obviously obese and red in the face should they be asked to sign something before they board the ride? I can’t see it happening, so the onus has to remain on the rider. Unfortunately there is often a high level of peer pressure amongst families and groups of youths during a visit
to a theme park and there is no doubt that some individuals find themselves on rides that they are not happy to be on.

So take care. Remember that theme parks can be dangerous places. Think carefully about your own health before you visit and take note of the health and safety warnings posted at each ride.

John Dunn is the webmaster of Loial Travel http://www.loial.co.uk and the U.K. Theme Parks Blog http://ukthemeparks.blogspot.com

The list of Verified Injury and Accidents at Theme Parks can be viewed at http://www.themeparkinsider.com/accidents/list.cfm

Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is popular among travel passionate individuals not only for its natural allure but also for its remarkable cuisine marked with the finest ingredients and a distinct Irish flavor. Dining out in Ireland is an experience as valuable as a visit to a national landmark. Experience this and more as you head your way to Ireland, one of Europe’s well recommended gourmet center.

Ireland has moved into a higher level of gourmet experience. This country has been flocked by tourists worldwide for its ground-breaking menus, solely Ireland can offer. Food expertise is mainly of sea food delights and excellently produced lamb, pork and beef meats plus the freshest and crispiest vegetables. And some may consider the excellent cheese, bread, pudding and wine products as an added bonus.

For the most discerning palate, the county to go is Cork. Why? Because this county is given a distinct recognition as the gourmet capital of Ireland. Kinsale, Cork is an excellent town to head on to for the finest and most delectable dining experience. And don’t forget to bring home some Gubbeen and Durrus cheese, still some of Cork’s proud creations.

And who would have left Ireland without a glass of Guinness? This country is the home of the well loved Guinness beer. The persuasive appeal of Guinness has lured countless tourists to come over to Ireland more than once. Tourists should understand that Irish people are not merely food lovers; they are drink lovers as well.

As food dominates Ireland, tourists should expect for a large number of dining venues here. From the vibrant urbanized cities to some rural country sides, outstanding restaurants abide. Tourists can actually find food satisfaction almost anywhere in the entire country. This makes Ireland one of the most convenient destinations to hit on for an adventure or a vacation.

Eating out may not be your primary reason in traveling to Ireland, but the unique enticement of Irish zest is worth a reason in itself. Discover how far your palates could go for the most satisfying flavor. One simple way to indulge in this exciting adventure is to travel to Ireland and have a taste of the most exceptional cuisine served with an Irish smile.

Hotels in Ireland is the comprehensive guide to hotels in Dublin, Galway, Cork and all throughout Ireland. With useful travel tips and relevant tourism information about Ireland. For more related information and for all your hotel booking needs, please visit Hotels in Ireland.