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In This Issue
Contest
Hot Travel Deals
Travel Gear
Travel Tips
Reader Recommendations
Tour Recommendations
Recipes
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Greetings from WAVE Journey.com!
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After stepping foot in 12 countries (England,
Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg,
Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic,
Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France) and more
towns and cities than we can count, we're
back in North America with a duffel full of
exciting and funny tales to tell;
recommendations for lodgings to stay at;
destinations to visit; best places to drink
great beer and eat locally; and how to save
money when the Euro is at its strongest
point ever.
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One of the most moving experiences we had was visiting the Anne Frank
House Museum in Amsterdam. We didn't know if we were actually going
to be able to make it due to time constraints, but we had a window of
opportunity our first Saturday morning before leaving for Den Haag. We
arrived at the museum about 10 minutes before the doors opened at 9AM.
There was already a line of about 40 people waiting in the cold to get into
the museum before the tour buses arrived. Put the Anne Frank House on
your "must see" list for a visit to Amsterdam. If you know when you will be
able to visit this museum, order your tickets online at: www.annefrank.org
New WAVE Journey photos can be accessed by clicking here.
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Be sure to enter WJ's exciting spring contest.
Joby is the sponsor of this giveaway.
You can win a Joby Original Gorillapod.
Enter at: www.wavejourney.com/contestsgorillapod.html
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Reader Suggestions
BestFlights.com.au is an Australian search
engine, useful for checking out deals on flights
around the world.
- by Cynthia.
www.bestflights.com.au
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Hot Travel Deals
Book your travel and check the weekly bargains from Expedia.com.
* cruises
* car rentals
* hotels
* flights
* vacation packages
* excursions
* hot summer vacations at 30% off
Click Here For Details...
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Readers Recommend:
The Hotel Adina Apartments in Budapest,
Hungary offer clean, comfortable and affordable
accommodation close to the city centre. Use of
swimming pool is included in prices. Breakfast
is extra, but good and reasonable. Rates from:
E130 per night. - by Julie in Canberra, Australia.
www.adina.eu
Spend time along the Italian Riviera in Rapallo,
Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. It is
easy to access Rapallo by train from all areas
of Italy and much easier than driving - very windy
roads. Take the train (E2 each way) 4km to
Santa Margherita and local bus (E1 each way),
the 1.5km to Portofino. All three towns are
unique and easy to walk around and explore.
Lots of great hiking between these towns and
neighbouring villages via footpaths. - by WAVE
Journey
For a unique travel experience take a look at
Rotel Tours - The Rolling Hotel. The website is
in German, but you can use Babel Fish
Translations Tool to translate the website:
http://world.altavista.com. Tours of the world in
your rolling hotel. - by Maria in Germany.
http://www.rotel.de/rotel-tours/de/index.php
SSSS on your airplane boarding pass? Then
this means you are in for extra security
screening - can take an extra 15-30 minutes to
get through security at US airports. Talk to a
few different airport security personnel and ask
them why you've been chosen for this extra
screening and they will all give you different
answers. Ranging from: "it's randomly selected
by the computer", to "oh, you must be on a list
for something", to "......." (silence). At this point
you are guilty of who-knows-what until they
prove you haven't got anything with you that you
shouldn't. - by Patricia from Canada.
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While we (WJ) were in Amsterdam, we took the 2.5hr train ride from Central Station to
Maastricht, in the very southern part of The Netherlands, then spent the day at TEFAF, The
European Fine Art Fair.
We were amazed by what we saw and heard. The galleries that attend this show keep their
finest pieces of work for this event - items that may not have been seen for decades as
they have been in a private collection in someone's mansion or chateau. A French fellow was
looking at a rather beaten-up, antique chair and explaining to the owner of the piece that he
was seeking a chair to use at his desk in his office in Paris. The chair owner explained to him
which King Louis had owned it originally and where it had been in the last 60 years and that it
was only E60,000.00 - or to us, that's a meager US$100,000.00. Hey, we'll take two! This is an
annual event and most worthwhile for anyone with a deep appreciation for some of the world's
most exquisite collector's items.
Plan your visit to TEFAF starting with their website at: www.tefaf.com
The High Sierra Sport Company luggage that we took with us on this trip was a lifesaver! From
planes, to trains, to automobiles, to buses and 45-minute walks pulling it over cobbled streets,
it stood the six-week gruelling testing that we put it through. With only a couple of nicks from our
very first of seven plane rides, these bags took some beating in all weather and conditions and
came back home looking almost as good as new.
Check out High Sierra's collection for your next trip or excursion: www.hssc.com
WJ won't be leaving home without them on future trips.
Borch Maps of Germany supplied us with a variety of their laminated, durable, water-repellent,
write-on/wipe-off, very detailed country and city maps.
We love these maps!
We sat on them, folded and unfolded them more times than we could count, found our way
across Germany with them and were able to easily find more of the city
sights/monuments/museums than with any other map we compared them to.
We suggest you get yourself a good supply of Borch Maps for your next trip anywhere in the
world.
Prices range from US$7.95 to US$11.95.
Order them online or pick-up at a book or map store in your area.
http://www.borch.com/englisch/frame_neu/frameset.html
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HIGH SIERRA SPORT COMPANY
For over 25 years, High Sierra Sport Company has strived to give
you the bags you need at a price you can afford. Specializing in
adventure travel, their dedication to function, design and quality
shines in each and every one of thier products. From athletes and
outdoor enthusiasts, to students, travellers and professionals, their
versatile, innovative products are sure to fit your needs.
To learn more about High Sierra products, click here.
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WJ's recommended top 5 things to
do on your next trip to Berlin:
1. Stay at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski and
book a room with a view of the
Brandenburg Gate. www.hotel-adlon.de
2. Take a city sightseeing tour with Berlin
City Tour - hop on, hop off for Euro 15
per adult. www.berlin-city-tour.de
3. Polish off a Berliner Pilsner beer at
Kartoffel-Laube - Euro 3.50. Address:
Das Kartoffel Restaurant & Bar,
Berlin-Mitte, Probststrasse 1. Tel: 24 72
21 21. Open noon to midnight.
4. Take a free tour of the Parliament
building, Reichstag. Write them in
advance of your visit and arrange this
tour of the Reichstag and then spend
time in the famous dome for some great
views of Berlin.
http://www.bundestag.de/htdocs_e/visitors
/besgrupp/fuehr.html
5. Pay a visit to the Brandenburg Gate at
night when it is quiet and there aren't
hundreds of tourists milling around.
Make sure to take your camera and get a
photo of the illuminated gate.
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Amadeus Waterways Releases 2009 Cruise Schedule
Amadeus Waterways released its 2009 cruise schedule, presenting a great selection of 17
vacation programs in Europe, Russia, Portugal and Egypt. Start your European vacation in
enchanting Paris, cruise along the Mosel and Main River from Trier to Nuremberg, before
ending in historic Prague. Discover magnificent Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest or
journey through Eastern Europe on their Black Sea Voyage. Those looking for a new adventure
can take an enchanting cruise from Budapest to Passau, before ending in Prague; looking for
a little romance - cruise Provence and Spain; and a lover of fine wine and rich history can
cruise the beautiful Douro River Valley in Portugal.
Amadeus Waterways is proud to announce two brand new luxury ships scheduled to debut
2009, the MS Amalyra in March and MS Amadolce in May. Both vessels will feature the same
state-of-the-art amenities as their sister-ships, MS Amadante (2008), MS Amacello (2008), MS
Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006). Guests will enjoy the luxurious comfort of
exquisitely decorated staterooms, equipped with a flat-screen TV, internet access, and will
feature French balconies on the upper two decks. The ships also have an elevator, a sun deck
with walking track, a whirlpool, and bicycles so you can explore the sights on your own.
Reservations are now available, and individual bookings made by September 30, 2008 will
receive a 5% Early Booking Discount! Dates and prices are currently available online; visit
www.amadeuswaterways.com.
The company's 2009 Europe & Russia brochure will be available in March; call today to reserve
your copy.
Amadeus Waterways offers a cultural adventure in an English-speaking, non-smoking
environment, with personal service, fine cuisine and daily included shore excursions as you
cruise the legendary rivers of Europe, Russia, Portugal and Egypt.
To make a reservation or to order a brochure, contact your Travel Agent or Amadeus Waterways
at 1-800-626-0126.
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Spend a day enjoying the countryside of
Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic when
you take the train from Budapest's Keleti Station
to Prague's Holesovice Station.
The 9:30AM train from Budapest arrives in
Prague at 4:24PM and a second class, one-way
seat cost 16,800 Hungarian Forints (Approx.
US$105.00 or E67.00). Credit cards and cash
in the form of the Forint are accepted at the train
station ticket office where you need to go to
purchase your ticket.
It is possible to find prices online -
http://www.elvira.hu.
Speaking with locals we hear that return tickets
are the best deal and first-class tickets are an
extra 50% (not worth it in our opinion).
- by WAVE Journey.
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JOBY GORILLAPOD
The Original Go-Anywhere, Do-Everything Tripod Your Compact Digital Camera Won't Want to
Live Without.
The Original Gorillapod is the lightest and most versatile camera tripod available today.
Featuring over two dozen flexible leg joints that bend and rotate, the Gorillapod will firmly
secure your compact digital camera to virtually any surface - anywhere and everywhere!
The Gorillapod is the ideal camera accessory for photographers on the go. Throw it in your
pocket or backpack and you'll be ready for your next adventure! While the Gorillapod serves all
the functions of a traditional camera tripod - steadying your camera under low-light conditions,
taking timed group shots, etc. - it is the only tripod malleable enough to provide you with the
perfect shot while wrapped around a tree branch, hanging from a pole, or perched on a jagged
rock. The possibilities are endless!
www.joby.com
Enter Now! WJ is giving away a Original Gorillapod, sponsored by Joby. To enter, email us
(tips@wavejourney.com) your favorite photo before April 15 - nothing obscene!
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The Restaurant Ferdinandt in Vienna,
Austria has a wonderful lunch menu with
delicious options that are reasonably
priced. WJ loved the Karntner
Kasnudein, a regional dish of dumplings
stuffed with cheese and spinach, with a
brown butter and fresh sage sauce -
E14.90 and to die for! Chase it down
with a local beer: Zwickl beer - 0.5 litre =
E3.60; Ottakringer beer - 0.5 litre =
E3.20. Great location near
Stephensplatz and St. Stephen's
Cathedral.
Address: Wiener Restaurant Ferdinandt
Zwickl-Bar, Neuer Markt 2, A-1010 Wien,
Austria. Tel: 01/5138991 Open: 9AM to
midnight.
Outdoor seating available.
Accepts Credit cards, debit cards and
cash.
Note: Prices include taxes.
After lunch, head across the street from
Restaurant Ferdinandt for coffee and
dessert at Kurkonditorei Oberlaa. Enjoy
a slice of the famous Sacher Torte -
E3.35, and a Viennesse coffee - Oberlaa
Melange = E3.30. If you sit outside
expect to pay the "Schlagobers Port" or
waiter service charge = E0.90.
Address: Kurkonditorei Oberlaa Wien,
1010 Wien, Neuer Markt 16. Tel:
01/5132936-0 Email:
Stadthaus@Oberlaa-Wien.at
- by WAVE Journey.
www.oberlaa-wien.at
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FEATURED RECIPE ~ STUFFED JUMBO PASTA SHELLS
by Rosemary from New Jersey, USA.
Wonderfully tasty and great for any occasion.
Serves 6-8
You will need:
1/2 box of jumbo pasta shells = 18 shells
2 x lg jars of your favorite pasta sauce
1 x 15oz tub of ricotta
4oz grated parmesan cheese
1 x 10oz box of frozen spinach - shredded works best and be sure to drain (squeeze the heck
out of it) once it is defrosted and before adding to recipe
2 egg yolks
1/2 tsp of chili pepper flakes - optional
2 tbls parsley
1 tsp basil
1 tsp thyme
1/2 cup of red wine - optional
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese - or Italian blend
1/2 tsp olive oil
salt & fresh ground black pepper
Preheat oven to: 375F
1. Cook pasta shells according to directions on box. Add large pinch of salt and 1/2 tsp olive
oil to water. When shells are cooked, remove from water and place on greased cookie tray to
cool - you can spray tray with PAM or a similar product.
2. While shells are cooking, in medium sized bowl mix together: ricotta, spinach, egg yolks,
parmesan cheese.
3. In a large pot, mix together pasta sauce, red wine, chili pepper flakes, basil, thyme, parsley,
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper, small pinch of salt - simmer for 10-15 minutes while
stuffing shells.
4. Stuff cooked pasta shells with ricotta/spinach filling - should be just enough to fill 18 of the
shells.
5. Spray 9"x13" baking dish with PAM, spoon enough pasta sauce on bottom of dish to cover,
place all 18 stuffed shells in dish and spoon remainder of pasta sauce on top to cover.
6. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top and place on middle rack of preheated oven for
approximately 30 minutes - or until sauce is bubbling and cheese is golden brown.
Serve with garlic bread and enjoy! Bon appetito...
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ZEN CITY SPA
On a recent visit to Prague, WAVE
Journey had the opportunity to visit the
Zen City Spa and experience the "Bali
Blossom" treatment and the Floatarium.
Tucked away in Prague's marvelous
Hotel Maximilian, you'll discover true Zen
Asian Wellness at Zen City Spa,
www.planetzen.cz. Whether in Prague on
business or pleasure, experience the
exotic ambiance in this tranquil retreat
and luxuriate with one of the many
calming and holistic massage therapies
and treatments on the menu at Zen City
Spa.
Indulge in Classic Thai massage,
stretching all parts of your body and
releasing the natural energy from within.
Or choose "Foot Joy" with acupressure
reflexology, stimulating many other parts
and organs of your body. Zen City Spa
caters to expectant mothers with their
"Pre-Mamma" relaxation massage. Or
experience the atmosphere of a tropical
paradise with the "Bali Blossom"
treatment ~ a massage from Bali Island
followed with a relaxing bath full or rose
petals and coconut oil, while you sip tea
and nibble on fresh fruit. The
comprehensive menu provides many
different treatments to alleviate stress
and tension and unleash the energy in
your body, while calming your mind.
It is here at Zen City Spa, where you will
find the Floatarium ~ a private room with
a salty mineral pool which allows you the
sense of the infinite lightness of being.
Soothe your body and mind and relax
muscles and joints while floating in the
warm water.
Zen City Spa is open daily 10AM to
10PM.
Address: Hotel Maximilian
(www.maximilianhotel.com), Hastalska 14,
Praha 1.
Tel: +420 225 303 116
Website: www.planetzen.cz
Open to both the general public and
hotel guests.
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WJ's Favorite European Lodgings:
Netherlands:
Hotel Estherea,
a lovely, four-star boutique hotel in Amsterdam is situated in a superb, central location to all the
major sights. Rates from: E179.00/night. Breakfast buffet E14.00. Address: Singel 303-309,
1012 WJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: 020 6245146 Email: info@estherea.nl
Website: www.estherea.nl
Paleis Hotel, in Den Haag/The Hague is a stylish and comfortable, four-star boutique hotel.
Excellent location for business and pleasure. Rates from: E149.00/night. Breakfast buffet
E16.00. Address: Molenstraat 26, 2513 BL Den Haag, The Netherlands.
Tel: +31 (0) 70 362 46 21 Email: info@paleishotel.nl Website: www.paleishotel.nl
Germany:
Spilburg Hotel, in Wetzlar is a basic but modern, clean and comfortable hotel. Located in a
quiet, light industrial/business area of the city, it is within close driving distance of the main
attractions. The schnitzel dinner buffet is very popular with the locals = E8.00. Rates from
E50.00/night incl. breakfast. Address: Schanzenfeldstrasse 13, 35578 Wetzlar, Germany.
Tel: (0 64 41) 952 001 Email: info@hotel-spilburg.de Website: www.hotel-spilburg.de
Hotel Ausspanne Zum Alten Krug, in Naumburg is ideally located for visiting the city centre.
With eight double rooms and one single room available, this guesthouse provides a true feel
of warm and friendly German hospitality. Great place to eat, drink and sleep whilst in
Naumburg. Rates from: E40/night incl. breakfast. Note: The restaurant/bar is popular with the
locals which is always a good sign. Address: Lindenring 44, 06618 Naumburg, Germany.
Tel: 0 34 45 / 20 04 06 Email: info@hotel-zum-alten-krug.de
Website: www.hotel-zum-alten-krug.de
Pension Falck, situated on a quiet street in Potsdam next to the Park Sanssouci is one of the
most modern and cleanest lodgings WJ has ever encountered. The location could not be
better for a visit to Potsdam, exploring the city and Sanssouci Palace. Rates from: E47/night
incl. breakfast. Address: Lennestrasse 39, 14469 Potsdam, Germany.
Tel: 0331 9678627 Email: pension-falck@t-online.de Website: www.pension-falck.de
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, is a five-star, full-service hotel with an amazing address. What
could be better than a location next to the Brandenburg Gate? The Adlon offers everything and
more that you would expect from one of the world's top hotels. Beautifully furnished, luxurious
guest rooms with elegant bathrooms and all the amenities you could think of. You just might
run into a dignitary or celebrity as The Adlon is where the rich and famous stay when in Berlin.
Exquisite breakfast buffet that must be experienced at least once - E36 per person. Rates
from: E450/night. Address: Unter den Linden 77, D-10117 Berlin, Germany.
Tel: +49 (0) 30 2261 1016 Email: hotel.adlon@kempinski.com
Website: www.hotel-adlon.de
QF Hotel - Quarter by the Frauenkirche, is a new and modern, five-star boutique hotel in the
heart of Dresden. Ideally situated next to the famous Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the
QF Hotel has beautifully appointed guestrooms and an elegant breakfast room. Friendly,
exceptional service add to the experience. Rates from: E149.00/night incl. breakfast buffet.
Address: Neumarkt 1, 01067 Dresden, Germany. Tel: + 49 (0) 351-56 22 09-0
Email: info@qf-hotel.de Website: www.qf-hotel.de
Hotel-am-Josephsplatz, is a three-star hotel situated in the old town of Nurnberg. Within close
walking distance of all the main attractions and sights, the hotel offers travellers a comfortable
respite from the hustle and bustle of this busy area. Great location for visiting Nurnberg's
Christkindlesmarkt. Rates from: E69.00/night incl. breakfast buffet. Address: Josephsplatz
30-32, D-90403 Nurnberg, Germany. Tel: +49 (0) 911 21 447 - 0
Email: josephsplatz@arcor.de Website: www.hotel-am-josephsplatz.de
Hungary:
Boutique Hotel Zara, is a four-star hotel offering exceptional service and a location that can't be
beat for quick access to Budapest's best shopping area - Váci utca. Two blocks to the Central
Market and within close proximity of many excellent bars, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Comfortable, well-appointed rooms, free internet access, cafe and bar. Rates from:
E95.00/night incl. breakfast buffet. Address: H-1056 Budapest, So u. 6, Hungary.
Tel: +36 1 357 6170 Email: info@zarahotels.com Website: www.zarahotels.com
Czech Republic:
Hotel Maximilian, a four-star boutique hotel situated on a quiet street in the heart of Prague.
Offering comfort, style and excellent service, the Maximilian is perfect whether visiting for
business or pleasure. Featuring sound-proofed rooms, free internet, library and drawing room
with honesty bar. Rates from: E163/night incl. a sumptuous breakfast buffet.
Address: Hastalska 14, CZ-110 00 Prague 1. Tel: +420 225 303 111
Email: reservations@maximilianhotel.com Website: www.maximilianhotel.com
Hotel Josef, located near the old Jewish Quarter - Josefov - the two buildings of Hotel Josef
(Pink and Orange Houses) are a relaxing counterpoint to Prague's active, urban lifestyle. In a
unique, peaceful location in the city centre, the Hotel Josef which was designed by Czech-born
architect, Eva Jiricna, offers stylish luxury. Perfect for business or pleasure. In-room
high-speed internet access free of charge, with Wireless internet in the hotel public areas also
free of charge. Rates from: E149.00/night incl. breakfast buffet. Address: Rybná 20, 110 00
Prague 1, Czech Republic Tel: +420 221 700 901 Email: reservation@hoteljosef.com
Website: www.hoteljosef.com
Italy:
Residenza d'Epoca ~ InPiazzaDellaSignoria, is a first-class, incredibly charming bed and
breakfast with one of the best addresses in Florence, just steps from Piazza della Signoria.
Comprised of 10 unique guestrooms, each beautifully furnished with antiques in the fully
restored house built at the end of the XIV (14th) Century. Amazing attention to detail is evident
throughout every aspect of your stay. Rates from: E160 per night incl. a delicious breakfast.
Address: via dei Magazzini, 2. 50122 Firenze (Florence), Italy.
Tel: +39 055 2399546 Email: info@inpiazzadellasignoria.com
Website: www.inpiazzadellasignoria.com
Hotel Continental Genova, is a four-star hotel in the old part of the city, conveniently located
across from the Principe Station. The hotel was completely renovated in 2002 and is within
walking distance of the city's main attractions. Rates from: E127.00/night incl. breakfast buffet.
Address: Via Arsenale di Terra 1, 16126 Genova (Genoa), Italy.
Tel: + 39 (0)10 261641 Email: info@hotelsavoiagenova.it
Website: www.hotelsavoiagenova.it
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