European Cities
European Slow Travel Living
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| European Cities - Slow Travel Living London, Paris, Rome, Madrid |
Whether in Europe or elsewhere, you’ll live in your own apartment aka flat for an extended time period, such as 3-months. You'll shop at neighborhood businesses, farmers markets, and grocery stores. You'll cook and eat most of your meals at home. You'll likely meet some of your neighbors and the shop owners will come to recognize you.
THE EUROPEAN UNION
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© Council of European Union Map
Slow Travel Tales
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After World War II, the European Union was established upon a democratic foundation. Its intention was to "make war unthinkable and materially impossible."
The people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016. However, as of June 2019, the UK hasn't been able to agree on the terms of leaving the EU. In the interim, investigations have pointed to Russian meddling in the democratic process in the UK, the EU, as well as in the USA.
The current 27 member states in the European Union are bound together to form a strong political and economic alliance, which benefits their estimated 510 million citizens.
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| Brussels, European Union Parliament |
Address: Willy Brandt Building, Place du Luxembourg, 1050 Brussels
Metro: 1, 5 - Maelbeek / 8 min walk
2, 6 - Trone / 7 min walk
NEWS
If you're interested in learning more about Europe (aside from tourist information) before your travel date, the online independent New Europe newspaper is a very good source. They have NO political affiliation and strive "to present factually-correct information"..."that enriches the public dialogue"...and " supports sound decision-making." Their audience "includes European Institutions, policymakers, politicians, governments, and NGOs," among others. You may use their search field to find topics of interest and then narrow your search further by checking filter boxes.
Euro News prides itself on being an impartial emissary of current information gathered and reported upon by a diverse team of 600 journalists across 30 nationalities with 12 editions that cover world news in 12 languages.
Euro News prides itself on being an impartial emissary of current information gathered and reported upon by a diverse team of 600 journalists across 30 nationalities with 12 editions that cover world news in 12 languages.
Another good source of information is the student run Brussels, Belgium organization known as Eyes On Europe. In addition to writing articles for their site, a newsletter and a magazine, they "organize conferences, debates, visits, social activities and partnerships with other European and local organizations." Their highest goal is striving to raise "awareness of European citizens, and the development of a critical goal of fairness toward the European Union." I suggest that you use a Chrome browser because in the top right of the address bar there is a "translate this page" link you may click on for easy site reading.
BERLIN, GERMANY
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| Berlin, Germany City Center |
Berlin has a history that dates back to the 13th century where it intersected with two important trade routes. Today, it's the capital of Germany. After World War II, the city was divided into West Berlin (American, British, and French allies) and East Berlin (Soviet sector / German Democrat Republic). The concrete barrier wall cut off West Berlin from all of East Germany and East Berlin from 1961-1989.
One of the former westbound border crossings is located at the Friedrichstrasse train, S-bahn, and U-bahn station. East German residents weren't allowed to travel into West Berlin. It was up to friends and family in the West to cross over to visit their loved ones. That crossing became known as the Tranenpalast, which translates to Palace of Tears due to many sad partings.
The Tranenpalast became a federal memorial site in 2008 and it now houses a free museum with exhibitions about Berlin during the cold war.
The River Spree flows through the center of Berlin. Taking a river cruise makes for an interesting and entertaining evening. Residing in Berlin for an extended stay allows you to participate more fully in everyday activities, such as attending services of worship in the Berlin Cathedral - The 1905 era Berliner Dom is located in the Mitte district on Museum Island. The church's history and the parish community date back to 1451. My time living in Berlin was from March 20 to May 3.
One of the former westbound border crossings is located at the Friedrichstrasse train, S-bahn, and U-bahn station. East German residents weren't allowed to travel into West Berlin. It was up to friends and family in the West to cross over to visit their loved ones. That crossing became known as the Tranenpalast, which translates to Palace of Tears due to many sad partings.
The Tranenpalast became a federal memorial site in 2008 and it now houses a free museum with exhibitions about Berlin during the cold war.
The River Spree flows through the center of Berlin. Taking a river cruise makes for an interesting and entertaining evening. Residing in Berlin for an extended stay allows you to participate more fully in everyday activities, such as attending services of worship in the Berlin Cathedral - The 1905 era Berliner Dom is located in the Mitte district on Museum Island. The church's history and the parish community date back to 1451. My time living in Berlin was from March 20 to May 3.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
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| Brussels City View @ Rue du Musee |
The city of Brussels is one of my favorite to live in. If you live within the center ring, you'll be able to walk to just about every place you'd want to see. My time living in Brussels was from July 3 to September 24.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
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| London City Hall and Tower Bridge |
MADRID, SPAIN
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| Madrid Telefonica Building, Gran Via |
MUNICH, GERMANY
Automotive
BMW
Castles and Palaces
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| Munich Schleissheim Palace |
Cathedrals and Churches
Asam Kirche
Music
Gastig
PARIS, FRANCE
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| Paris view from Sacre Coeur - Notre-Dame |
Living in Paris at any time of the year would be wonderful. However, if you can choose your slow travel dates, think about planning your extended stay during the months of April, May, and June. Yes, at the beginning you're likely to have some cold, cloudy, and rainy days. But, it's worth it to be able to blend in with the local residents before the throng of the summer tourist season. Do keep in mind, though, that you'll likely be sharing many of the sights with other European families and students on their spring break. My time living in Paris was from April 3 to July 3.
The summer of 2020 will mark the end of an era for the Paris Metro. The iconic paper Metro tickets, which have been used for 120 years, will slowly be phased out. For environmental and sustainable reasons, the City of Paris is opting to replace the paper tickets with a rechargable plastic travel pass, "Navigo Easy." They're also working to develop apps so you can add value to your pass via your smart phone. For slow travelers living in Paris on a budget, the best value is to purchase the monthly pass. It allows unlimited use of public transport networks in your selected zones.
ROME, ITALY
PARIS NEWS - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The summer of 2020 will mark the end of an era for the Paris Metro. The iconic paper Metro tickets, which have been used for 120 years, will slowly be phased out. For environmental and sustainable reasons, the City of Paris is opting to replace the paper tickets with a rechargable plastic travel pass, "Navigo Easy." They're also working to develop apps so you can add value to your pass via your smart phone. For slow travelers living in Paris on a budget, the best value is to purchase the monthly pass. It allows unlimited use of public transport networks in your selected zones.
ROME, ITALY
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| Largo di Torre Argentina, Rome |
ROME NEWS - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Rome has a new mayor, and on Friday, 14 June 2019, she opted to formalize and make permanent rules that were previously rarely enforced. Rome still welcomes tourists but is no longer accepting bad behavior. Starting now, there is zero tolerance. If you break one of the rules (and get caught), the local police can exile you from the historic city center for 48 hours, in addition to demanding a high fine. Rome has long been a UNESCO protected city, and is one of many European cities over run by tourists; many of whom have exhibited bad behavior and disrespectful gestures in addition to having participated in destructive and marring actions to sacred and historical sites.
As some individuals seem to lack common sense, Police in the area of the Spanish steps started telling people to stop drinking beer and to put their shoes back on. Some of the new rules include:
- No eating or drinking on stairs or at monuments
- No ruining or making monuments dirty
- No walking around partially unclothed
- No wading through fountains
- No feeding of birds
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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| Vienna Belvedere Gardens view to St. Stephens Cathedral |
