The Wealthiest European Countries

Although the wealthiest European countries are always changing, there are some that are always in the top five. It is the smaller countries that have the smaller economies that are traditionally the wealthiest European countries and are to this day very successful.

Luxembourg:

It seems as if Luxembourg always makes the top of the list for being one of the wealthiest European countries and has one of the top GDP per capita, around $ 86,000. Luxembourg is also the second largest investment fund center, United States being first, and the most important private banking center in Europe. Luxembourg was founded as a Roman era fortress site and Frankish count’s castle site in the Early Middle Ages. It was the principal European power influencing the whole western hemisphere and beyond in the 16^th and 17^th centuries.

Norway:

Norway is also one of the wealthiest European countries with a GDP per capita of $55,000. It also has one of the nicest, highest standards of living in the world due to the fact that Norway is very rich in natural resources. Resources including petrol, hydro-power, minerals, fish, and much more. Norway is the world’s largest producer of oil and gas outside of the Middle East, and accounts for 25% of the countries petroleum industry. Norway also has had the highest human development index ranking in the world from 2009-2011.

Ireland:

Yes, the recent economic crisis did indeed affect Ireland, but it still remains one of the wealthiest European countries and ............ more

The Search for the Long Lost Da Vinci

The long search for Leonardo Da Vinci’s lost masterpiece may finally be coming to an end. A new camera is being developed that can take pictures through a 5-inch thick wall. This wall that researchers believe the Da Vinci is behind is located inPalazzo Vecchio, a fourteenth century building located in Florence.It is believed that they mystery of Da Vinci’s lost painting could be hidden behind this wall. Some art “detectives” have found certain traces of paint that are the same as the paint used by Da Vinci to paint the Mona Lisa. “This was a type of paint specifically used by Leonardo and not found in the works of other artists” says Maurizio Seracini, the leader of a team of researchers.The discovery of this paint is definite proof that Da Vinci’s work can be found behind artist Giorgio Vasari’s work in Palazzo Vecchio. When looking at the facts of the story, it all seems to make sense.... more

Three Favorite things to do in Florence in the Spring!

See the Easter Cart explode at the Duomo

Every Easter Sunday at 11 a.m. the people of Florence gather in Piazza Duomo to see the Easter carriage explode! Thousands of people come together for this event. There are flag throwers, drums, trumpets, people dressed up, and then 4 white ox bring the cart the front of the Duomo where a rocket is lit and flies into the carriage igniting the fireworks. The fireworks show last for around 20 minutes, and it is a show that you will never forget! Easter is a big holiday for the Florentines, filled with lots of chocolate, candy, and gelato! Which brings me to my second favorite thing to do in the spring….more

 

Yummm..Chocolate

Every October, the chocoholics of the world venture to Perugia, Italia to join the most decadent food festival of the year. The Eurochocolate Festival takes the love of chocolate to a whole new level. A few weeks after arriving in Florence, I was walking in Piazza Santa Croce and noticed that the whole piazza was tented for an event. The event… The Chocolate Festival of Firenze! Talk about a welcoming event to Italy! The festival was magical. It is not only about delicious European Chocolate, even though that is mainly what it is focused on. It is also about art, and education on the history of chocolate. The chocolate festival features a variety of different flavors of chocolate from white chocolate with raspberries to limoncello chocolate to dark chocolate with smarties in it. You can get .... more

A Taste of Florence Has Come to California

While studying abroad in Florence, food became a large passion of mine. We all know that Italians have a love for good food. My friends and I tried many different Italian restaurants, and I assure you none of them gave a bad meal, however one in particular was our favorite. The name of the restaurant was Acqua al 2. My friends and I ate here many times, and tried almost everything on the menu. The best thing about this restaurant is their assagio menu. This a tasting menu. You can choose the assagio di primi, a two-person minimum, that is a sampler of five from the first course list, chef’s choice. You can choose the assaggio di formaggi, which is a sampler of four imported cheeses with focaccia bread. There is also .....more

All you need is... Aperitivo!

All you need is…… Aperitivo!

In Italian culture, a very important part of the social life includes gathering with friends for an aperitivo, a pre dinner drink and snack. Usually between the hours of six and eight, most bars set up lots of little appetizers for people who buy a cocktail. You can sit, socialize, relax, drink, and eat as much as you want! Aperitivo has become much more popular recently and now the bars offer a much nicer, broader selection of snacks. It used to be that people would go to aperitivo on their way home from work for a casual meet up with friends, but now many people actually get dressed up before they go!

Many bars set up the appetizers in a buffet style on the bar, and you can eat as much food as you would like! The only thing is that you have to buy at least one cocktail, usually around 8-10 Euros. The food usually includes meats, cheeses, pastas, mini sandwiches, crostini, mini pizzas, fruit, and sometimes-mini pastries.

            There are many great places to go for aperitivo in Florence...more

Eating in Florence on a Budget

Many people worry about traveling to Europe because they know that it is much more expensive. Well, for the most part they are right. However, there is a way to save money and visit Europe while remaining within your budget. It is actually much easier that you think. For this post, I am going to focus on visiting Florence and not draining your bank account. There are many ways to eat, shop, and enjoy all of the sites for very little cost.

Some of the best places to eat in Florence are actually the least expensive....more

The "Old Bridge" of Florence

Florence is a city that has everything to offer: history, culture, amazing food, great weather, and incredible beauty. Every corner you turn there is a beautiful church or historical statue to stop and admire. One place that cannot be ignored in Florence is the Ponte Vecchio. The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in the world and was the only bridge in Florence that stood through World War Two. If you walk along the Ponte Vecchio...more