Europa! 's World

Europa!'s mistake...

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 06:35:00 +0000

_
Darling, so sorry...

Europa was misinformed when she heard that the Socceroos were eliminated from the next round. As of this writing, they are still in contention for the World Cup. Truly sorry. Europa! must stop getting her latest "tips" from her bookmaker. He has been known to bend the truth.

*sigh* Now Europa! has to change all her bets...

Oh well...

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

Europa! Catches Fußball Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:07:00 +0000

_
Darling, my Precious,

What an exciting week this has been. Europa! in München ist, und everyone is delirious with the football fever. This year's World Cup is a sun-drenched parade of fans from all over, as the top teams vie for the most coveted football prize on Earth.

Everyone is having so much fun, darling, from the brave, athletic types who actually use their official World Cup balls in the local parks,...

Europa! sat in the shade and watched the local fußball prowess.

...to the more sensible people, who use this as an excuse to dance in the streets or crawl from pub to pub.

Don't be fooled by the silly hats - these are the sensible people. Click here to see the fun brought to München by the Brasil fans. (This is a 5+MB mp4 file which will take a minute or two to upload, and will launch automatically on your QuickTime Player... Follow Europa! down a München street during the unofficial World Cup festivities!)

Oh, but, darling... the best thing of all... Europa! was enjoying a wonderful, rich cappucino in the lobby of her hotel last Sunday when the Australian team, which was residing in the hotel, came out to play... They had a very important game against "Brasil" that evening, and anticipation was high everywhere in Deutschland. One by one, under very tight security, the Aussies calmly made their way to their bus. Well, Europa! was so thrilled that she almost forgot to take a photo for you. And of course, the ones that Europa! finally squeezed out are a little blurry. There is something about a parade of tall, athletic, Socceroos that makes Europa!'s camera hand shake.

The March of the Blurry Socceroos

Europa! was so enamored of the darling Socceroos that she was very disappointed to see them defeated in that day's game... and worse! Europa! just found out last night that the Socceroos were eliminated from the next World Cup round...

Goodbye, Socceroos, you will be missed. (Easter Egg)

But, darling, Europa! has a problem. She cannot find "Australia" or "Brasil" on the map of Europe. This is very confusing to Europa!, so please, if you can help, let Europa! know.

Prima, und nehmen Sie meine Küsse an, Schatzie! XX

Ciao!

Europa! 8-D

Spa-ropa! (belated podcast)

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 05:27:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Darling, darling, darling!

Now that Europa!'s voice has recoverd from her cold, you can download her audio reading of her last blog article for your "petit pois".

Europa! will have a photo-assisted podcast for you as soon she can fit such a big file on your little "vidéo petit pois".

Also, come back next week. Europa! will share with you her latest adventures in Nice, France. So picturesque and exciting, darling. Until then, Europa! says:

Ciao!

Europa! 8-D

Spa-ropa!

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 09:03:00 +0000

_
Oh, my darling,

Thank-you for your concern. Yes, it has been such a long time since Europa! has written to you. Europa! has had a bad cough which probably began that night of the snowstorm. The power went out and the chalet got very cold and damp. Of course, Europa! slept through the whole thing and woke up shivering. The next night, Europa!'s throat began to itch, then hurt, and you know the rest...

But Europa! has just the thing to recover. The local Swiss village has a very quaint old spa, and the heat and healing waters are just what Europa!'s snow-chilled bones need.

Come in! Europa! will show you around.

The idea of public bathing in this part of Europe began with the Romans, who were a deliciously decadent people. As they conquered the land, they built roads, homes, and baths. Soon, Europeans caught on to this extravagance, and as their body odors vanished, their population grew... It was not until the Fall of the Roman Empire, and the rise of the Catholic Church that public nudity, and bathing, became frowned upon. People in Europe became very dirty, and this is referred to as the "Dark Ages". Then, someone invented soap, which led to the "Enlightenment". And soon, people were busy giving birth again, a period known as the "Renaissance".

Of course, Europa!'s spa does not date back to this time. It was built in the sixties, and is due for renovations. So you will see how things were done. Of course, in those days, Switzerland was at the cutting edge of the health, youth, and beauty movement, and stars from all over came to receive diet treatments and to have massages and baths. You notice, darling, that Europa! did not mention exercise... People did not excercise for fitness in those days; it was a more civilized time. It is all very well and good to pursue sweat and muscle pain, but then, they expect you to pay for it? O, tempora! O, mores!

No, darling, at this spa, they make you lie down for hours in the old-fashioned way while they massage you and slather you in filth for you own good. Just look at this!

Call it what you will, Europa! knows: This is a jar of filth.

This disgusting, dirty stuff is mud from the shores of the Dead Sea. This dirt is so rich in minerals that it killed all the living things around it. It is toxic, darling... so, what does Europa! do with it? Slathers it on and waits for it to harden before washing it off. Slather on, wash off... This makes no sense. But, Europa! came here to rest, not to argue.

While Europa! is waiting, covered in dirt, she has time to notice all the antique facilities. A shower spout especially confuses Europa!

Europa! wonders: "Retro chic" or just very old?

Besides making her lonely for Hørst, Europa! cannot decide if she wants it in her bathroom, or out of her sight. Europa! does not like having a home décor confusion. It makes her newly-massaged muscles tense again.

But all this, of course, only points to the venerable history of Swiss spas. Europa!'s favourite Swiss spa story is the one about Elizabeth Taylor's face-lift. She actually had a film made around her operation, (Ash Wednesday, 1973) which at the time, many stars had, but few would admit it. And they always came to Switzerland, claiming a vacation, and returning looking suspiciously refreshed, with a new hairstyle combed over the ears. Well, the film was scandalous, Richard Burton was scandalized, the public was scandalized... Europa! loved it... It was "cinéma verité" complete with stitches. Of course, now, you can watch everyone's intimate little operations on the telly, but in those days it was horrible and fabulous... just like Liz Taylor herself.

Europa! wonders: Is Liz Taylor retro-chic? Oh, well, until next time,

Kisses, darling,

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

Europa! 's Nöel

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 07:09:00 +0000

Europa! won't be driving in this condition.

Today's blog comes in a podcast-able version for your "petit pois".

Ah, Darling!

In two days is Epiphany, the end of the Festive Season, and Europa! for one, is glad it's over! Not that Europa! would have changed a thing about the holiday whirlwind of dinner parties, skiing and "après-ski", but even Europa! gets tired.

Also, darling, Europa! prides herself on speaking many European languages, but Switzerland has three official and several extra ones. As a result, the more varied the party guests, the more likely Europa! is to get tongue-cramp.

Of course Europa! does not like to blame language only for being tongue-tired. Europa! has discovered that a Christmas tree is the ideal thing to hide and to sneak kisses from Hørst, the handsome man Europa! hired to harvest the tree in the first place. Don't you love when things come full circle, darling? Europa! does. It will be sad to see this year's tree go. Oh, well, maybe Europa! can leave the mistletoe hung for an extra few days.

Wait a minute... hung... Hørst... There is a joke in there, but Europa! can not find it. Oh, well...

Europa! also met a lovely couple from Wales who took a few French lessons before coming to Switzerland. They tried gamely to keep up, but were soon drowning their troubles in the large crystal punch bowl. Poor darlings! They woke up the next day with the kind of brutal hangover one gets from drinking and conjugating. Europa! is warning you: "le français" is not for the uninitiated. If you wish to learn it, you must heed this lesson in French from Europa!...

The first thing you must understand about the French is that they are talking about you. That's why they devised a whole different language. Just listen next time. If you overhear the words "il" or "elle" or anything that sounds like it, just smile and pretend that you are not paranoid. After all, if the French are not talking about you, that is much worse. They are likely refusing to look at you because you dress so abominably. It's true - they probably can't stand to look at that hideous thing you're wearing. And trust me, if you are not French, you are wearing it badly.

Also, if you speak English, chances are that every time you say a vowel, you are really pronouncing two vowels. This is called a "dipthong". So, when you say a long "i", or "eye", you are pronouncing "ah-ee". The French find this lingering on vowels wasteful, as it gets in the way of speaking quickly and with "élan". If several vowels are needed strung together, the French will write each one out, leading to unsightly spelling disasters like "bouillon", "cœur" and "œil".

So, you see why Europa! needs a rest.

Any how, do try to learn a few European words. It makes you smarter, and being brilliant is so much more fun than being dull, non?

"Allons, bonne et heureuse année" and kisses, darling,

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

Europa! 's Podcast

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 08:52:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Darling, sweet darling!

Europa! is very modern woman, so now you can hear Europa! read her latest blog entry, or download it for your "petit pois".

The Road Home

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 09:38:00 +0000

View of a lovely Swiss village taken over shoulder of Europa!'s driver.

"Schatzie", darling!

Europa! wanted to share the voyage to her Swiss winter hideaway with you, but the batteries in her camera ran out. So, you will not see the fall colours which are blazing through the Swiss countryside. These photos show the road as Europa! saw it a few months ago. Imagine this same cold and cloudy sky, but with the trees aflame and the ground a carpet of fallen leaves. That is how the foothills to the Alps look now.

And for fun, Europa! will throw in a picture of Luzerne, only because it is so pretty since they rebuilt the medieval footbridge...

Photogenic Luzerne.

Ah, darling, it was such a pleasure to find Europa!'s chalet just as it had been left. Europa! had only to unpack, do a little dusting, and light a fire to dispel the slight damp. Then, Europa! warmed some wine with mulling spices and enjoyed a glass before the fireplace. Tomorrow, Europa!'s scarves and sweaters all have to be sorted, and she will go looking for the perfect Christmas tree. It is never too early to pick one out, as the woodland hunt is much easier when there is less snow. However, Europa! does not like to cut it down before mid-December. In fact, Europa! does not like to cut it down at all, as this requires physical effort. Therefore, she hires a local man. Europa! prefers a handsome local man, and the hunt for the right man also takes some time. This selection process is also easier when there is less snow, so as you can imagine, Europa! is going to be very busy.

But, darling, you know how Europa! loves to be comfortable in the winter, and the selection of just the right handsome, handy man is crucial to her enjoyment of the season. Don't you remember how unhappy Europa! was in the winter of 2002? Ach, just say "yes", darling, and we will never speak of it again... So, wish Europa! luck, dearest sweet, and Europa! wishes you all the best in return.

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

Creepy Crawley

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Thu, 17 Nov 2005 10:16:00 +0000

Europa! lounges in the Club Class named for her.

Darling!

Europa! had small setback on her way to her winter abode in the Alps... Her connecting flight out of Gatwick airport was delayed. So, always curious about small English towns, Europa! decided to sneak out of the airport and to visit the nearby village of Crawley. Come see...

Crawley is a small town which owes its existence to London's secondary airport, Gatwick. It is loaded with English character, which makes the town very boring. Luckily, there is a very large complex of shops in the town center. Unluckily, the pubs did not open early enough for Europa! to take the edge off...

Europa! is stone cold sober... Oh, la-la!!

Luckily, the town of Crawley seems to be making an effort to conserve its character, probably in the hopes that it can bore future generations. This makes for lovely picture-taking, darling, so just take a moment to enjoy these shots...

A gorgeous, closed pub. Darling, is there a sadder sight in the world?

Crawley provides a gallows for the convenience of particularly bored residents.

Europa! appreciates the roadside art in Crawley. Bravo!

So, darling, after this small layover, Europa! jumped on to a jet and headed for Switzerland. Europa! is, as always, wintering in her cozy chalet in the Alps. But Europa! will not forget you, darling. From time to time, she will post a little something... news, advice or a recipe. So, until tourist season begins again, Europa! says...

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

What a Riot!

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Mon, 07 Nov 2005 05:09:00 +0000

Europa! makes a 'faux pas?' "Non, il ne faut pas"!

Darling,

Europa! is having now a bit of a headache. It seems that almost every time Europa! visits someplace, there is some kind of trouble... Floodings in Switzerland, bombings in London, and now, riots in Paris...

And, Europa! feels a little badly, because she mentioned the group responsible for the riots in her last blog. And now, they are rioting, saying "they do not feel accepted".

So, Europa! has something to say. First of all, when Europa! said that it is inevitable to smell a few armpits in Paris, Europa! was not referring to all the immigrants from the North African colonies... only the newest ones, among whom are some who sweat and who do not wash. Also, persons of all kinds who "ménage" water have sweaty pits, and other peculiar body smells. Besides, darling, rioting causes one to sweat more, so is it really a solution to the problem?

"Allons, allons", rioters of France, look at Europa!'s situation. Europa! is a stranger wherever she goes. Having chosen to become a citizen of the world, she is at home everywhere and nowhere. This was Europa!'s choice. But you do not see Europa! setting fire to cars. That is such hateful, wasted effort. And how can you accuse the people of a country of being hateful to you when you are so much more hateful in return? And how do you know that you haven't hurt people who thought well of you and were willing to give you an equal chance? By hurting your country, you only hurt yourselves.

Let me tell you what Europa! has learned about bigots... This is the distillation of all Europa!'s wisdom, and it may be a life-changing moment for you, so you may want to get yourself a tasty drink, a coffee, or a nice chocolate treat... Go ahead, Europa! will wait...

You're back? Good. Here it is... The truth about bigots is that they are a very small "minorité". But, they are very loud, and they repeat their bigoted views at every possible "opportunité", so you end up believing them to be everywhere. This is an illusion, and you must not let it ruin your life. If you have ears only for the bigots, you will not hear the many loving people, and you will become a bigot yourself. When you are this bigot, your mouth will spout forth your bigotry, and you will convert other loving people to their own brand of bigotry. It becomes a movement, with everyone going in different directions according to whichever group they choose. And, when the violence comes in, you have a real problem. Gone is the "possibilité" of discussion, of real, positive change. So, the rioters convince themselves that they have "une cause", when really, they are only bigots caught in the movement. And, their bigotry turns away the opinion of the loving people, and before you know it, Le Pen is "le Président". This is how dangerous "minorités" win elections.

Europa! speaks from experience, darling... No one can resist Europa! because Europa! makes herself irresistible, and she invites you to do the same. The way Europa! gains acceptance is by being bigger than her problems. No one can resist charm, nor education, nor humour, nor strength. Also, Europa! is always looking for a way to contribute. No one can resist being contributed to, it goes against human nature. But if you do not contribute, why should anyone give to you?

So, darling, find and cultivate your allies. If you live in a neighbourhood which is predominately one race, move. Mix. Love. Love more. Work. Be smart. Argue for the good. Think of someone else for a change. Take a risk. Trust Europa! you will find yourself loving your self and your life.

Darling, remember, no one can make less of a human of you but you. Always it is NOW, and now is always the time to choose who you are.

If that last sentence made you dizzy, sit down, have sip of your drink. You see? Europa! thinks of everything.

Bisoux, Darling,

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

Love on the mind in Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 07:21:00 +0000

You may have love on your mind, but does she? In Paris, the answer is "oui!"

Darling, "mon chèrie",

Europa! promised for you a beautiful and romantic surprise, and what in Europe could be more romantic than Paris?

The city of lights welcomes the visitor with a "panoplie" of museums and attractions like the "Tour Eiffel", "les Champs-Élysées" and the famed "l'Arche de Triomphe". Every corner exudes a picturesque charm distilled from centuries-old architecture tastefully decorated with that passionate Parisian flair. Flowers abound in the summer, and the scents of freshly-baked bread, fine coffee, and wine lend a faint, yet heady aroma to the air. Oh, yes, and armpits. With water restrictions and all the immigration from the North African colonies, darling, you are bound to smell a few armpits. But, pinch your nose and open your eyes, darling, this is Paris, after all...

Europa! enjoys taking her lover by the arm for a stroll through the "Louvre", followed by a climb up the stairs of "Notre Dame" Cathedral and a sumptuous meal on the "Rive Gauche". Public displays of affection are not only tolerated, they are "de rigueur" and only close relatives and the frigid are expected to keep their hands off each other. Also, darling, kissing builds the immune system. This, along with a diet rich in chocolate and wine contributes to the average Parisian's robust good health.

The dress code in Paris is "fabulous!"

The night life in Paris is even more spectacular, and full of wonderful surprises. Everywhere are concerts, shows, and amusements, with revelers stopping only to lounge at one of the many fine restaurants along the way. As you stroll from one "boîte de nuit" to another, you will surely run into at least one pair of drunken, singing carousers. And, darling, you will feel like joining them. Why not? In Paris, even accordion music is not out of place. So, really, if one can play the accordion on the street without attracting ire, one can do anything.

As long as you are not rude to the waiter. Oh, darling, nothing will guarantee you poor service like that... Unlike many other countries, waiting on tables is considered a noble "métier" in France. The "clientèle" is demanding, and the waiter must have a thorough knowledge of food and wines, food service "hygiène", and etiquette. French waiters are an impeccable and disciplined lot. Patrons who approach the waiter brusquely or with arrogance or who neglect to say "S.V.P." and "merci" will quickly be relegated to the back of the line. This is why tourists, who are often careless and dismissive of the wait staff sometimes get the wrong impression...

If you are looking for the essential Paris nightlife, the district of "Montmartre" must not be missed. The atmosphere made famous by Toulouse-Lautrec still reigns, as brightly coloured neons beckon you inside to watch equally brightly-coloured "danseuses". But, do not expect to see the whorish, silicone-busted "grotesqueries" depicted in the American videos. "Les Parisiennes" are classically trained dancers with lithe bodies, and approriately natural, pretty busts. This is a class act whose timeless erotic beauty has delighted generations.

When you go to the Moulin Rouge or to the "Folies Bergères" you may see a bit of the French can-can, the dance which made Montmartre famous. You would love to see the real can-can, darling. There is as much kicking as a "Réal Madrid" final and it is even more entertaining. So, don't be shy to yelp your approval. When it's done right, the can-can is a rigourous workout for everyone.

Have fun, darling, and remember... an evening in Montmartre begins and ends with the flow of Champagne, which leads to... more romance, of course! So, enjoy!

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

Glasgow Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 20:54:00 +0000

"Slainte mhoiz" means...Cheers!

Darling,

Europa! needed a break from her European travels of this summer, so as you can see, she has been relaxing and putting herself back together in Glasgow. Although it is a little off the beaten track of glamourous Europe, there is a lovely, free museum of art in the University, and a wide variety of places to shop, dine, and party.

But the thing that really makes Europa! wild about Glasgow...

...

...Oh, who is Europa! fooling, here? We must face facts, Glasgow is not a fun city. It is dull, so dull, inexpressibly dull. That is, unless a fight breaks out. If Europa! did not need a place to recover from her recent varicose vein injection therapy, she would not be here at all. (Yes, darling, Europa! knows you are shocked to think that someone as apparently flawless as Europa! would admit to such a thing, but after all, Europa! is a gadabout... Varicose veins are an occupational hazard.)

Darling, just look at this appalling architecture! Brown, stone-faced and forbidding buildings make the inhabitants feel small, powerless and locked out. Not at all charming, like say, Paris, whose architecture is grand, but which makes the citizen feel like a part of it all.

Europa! does not like social control.

Luckily, darling, the people of Glasgow are utterly charming and very friendly. Despite Scotland's reputation as the most violent country in Europe, the Glaswegians share Europa!'s taste for the finer things. So, this very industrial city has all the ingredients to become a completely civilized European centre, and it's well on it's way.

A large audience gathers for these buskers

Just avoid Bothwell Street at night. The insane freak-shows who pass for "ladies" there will set upon you for "not smiling". (Or for smiling, depending on their momentary, drug-induced whim.) Oh, and also avoid the local sausage and chips. The sausage is not hotplate grilled, but breaded and deep-fried. Greasy, thy name is pork.

Now, if only Europa! could understand a word the Glaswegians were saying...

Oh, yes, and Angus is much better, thank-you.

So, the travel season in Europe is winding up. Europa! needs to think of a romantic and exciting destination to show you... Ah, yes, Europa! knows the place. And in a couple of weeks, you will know, too!

Kisses, darling!

Ciao!
Europa!

Scottish "High" lands

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 15:30:00 +0000

Europa! laughs in her Glasgow hotel while what appears to be an alien craft hovers outside.

Greetings from Glasgow, darling,

But you are surely wondering what Europa is doing in the chilly city of Glasgow on this September day...

Well, darling, Europa! is visiting a sick auld acquaintance she could not bring herself to forget... It seems that Angus McScott has a touch of food poisoning. Europa! believes he got it from the haggis he single-handedly consumed at his best friend's weekend stag party, but Angus fiercely denies this. Between bouts of wooziness, he mutters something about risking deportation if he were ever to blame it on the haggis. Europa! thinks he may be delirious and will stay with him until the delusions clear.

But speaking of delusions, just look at that thing hovering over Europa! What fun! It looks like an alien space craft. It seems that even aliens can't get enough of Europa!'s charm and joie de vivre.

If aliens wish to be invited, why don't they just introduce themselves?

Well, darling, Europa! has to go. Besides ministering to Angus, she is looking for a Charles Rennie Mackintosh rose motif kilt pin, and they're so dear...

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

The Mysteries of Amsterdam

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 14:20:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Dear, Dear Darling,

Europa! was wandering along the "Spuiistraat" today and got to thinking about some of the ironies and mysteries of Amsterdam.

For instance, what is a "gay map of Amsterdam"? There was one on sale in the window of a sex-shop. But you would think that the streets and attractions are the same for everyone. Luckily, Europa! investigated this mystery for you...

A normal map has all the streets and attractions, and to help you find them, there is a little arrow or dot which says, "You are here." On a gay map, there are all the streets and attractions, and to help you find yourself, a little arrow or dot which says, "You are gay."

*wink*

Also, Europa! had time to wonder about the name we have for the people of Amsterdam, or "Amsterdammers". Amsterdam, as you know, is a very liberal place, in terms of civil liberties. It is accepted that if one does no harm to others or to oneself, then one is free to do as they wish. This attitude towards individual freedoms is evident in the relatively permissive laws governing cannabis use and prostitution. In contrast, American society, which claims to be freedom-loving, does not permit these things, so soft drug users are jailed and prostitutes are exploited by pimps. In Amsterdam, the kind of forced prostitution so common in the States is thoroughly illegal and condemned.

So, Europa! asks: Have you noticed that the people we call "Amsterdammers" actually refuse to damn you? And that by the same token, we should call Americans "Ameri-can'ts".

Europa! is very deep, no?

Kisses from Amsterdam, darling,

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

Swiss Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 07:19:00 +0000

_
_
_
_

Basel, with its high riverbank, stands a good chance against the rising waters.

Schatzie, darling!

Just look at this lovely river scene! It is hard to imagine that only a few days after this picture was taken, fear of major flooding has overtaken Switzerland. Darling, Europa! hopes so much that this willl not happen...

Basel is such a pretty town, with cobblestone streets and wildly overpriced cafés. Europa cannot decide if the high price is for the coffee, or for watching the people who can afford to drink there. Some of them are very charmingly dressed, which gives a certain "cachet" to your small, potent latté.

Now Europa! is not here to complain about Switzerland's high prices. Europa! would rather complain about the way certain shops treat her credit card. Listen, darling, it is the 21st century... Any shop which cannot accept the credit card, and which insists on Swiss Francs will lose Europa!'s business. Europa! does not waste time... she is in and out like a selfish boyfriend. "Bref", Europa! does not have time to linger. And if buying a small puzzle book for travelling results in a ten-minute wait in line only to learn that the card is not accepted, Europa! will politely but definitely leave. "Il y a quand même une limite!"

Oh now, Europa! does not mean to sound peevish,... She has not yet had lunch and is feeling a bit fragile. But a delicious serving of "rosties" will cure the travelling blues. Ah, a panful of finely sliced potato sautéed in rich butter and served with meat or vegetables in rich gravy or sauce... "Délicioso!"

Oh, and as for the floods... Darling, it is very important to avoid a flood, especially in your home. It only takes an inch of water to ruin all of one's shoes. Think about that, darling. It hurts, I know. But forewarned is forearmed. Europa! recommends you get some shoe racks. Just don't buy them in Switzerland. With the flood scare, there will be a run on shoe racks, and they are already overpriced.

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

Europa!'s advice for the jet-set.

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Sun, 21 Aug 2005 18:41:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Dear, Dear Darling,

Europa! took a short flight yesterday and darling, what is wrong with the modern air traveler? When the turbulence began, the seemingly charming man next to Europa! did not see the use of fastening his seat belt. So, "natürlich", when the plane began to bump the man was thrown from his seat. This caused Europa! to drop a very delicious-looking "profiterolle" she had been saving to help polish off her glass of "sekt". Also, the man had a bump to the head, and rolled to the floor, squashing the little Italian puff. Europa! did not understand why the flight attendants made such a fuss of reviving him when the last of the profiterolles were being consumed by Europa!'s fellow passengers.

Ah, Santa Maria! Tasty airline food is such a rarity, we cannot afford to lose even a morsel to the boorishness of the great unwashed.

Europa! sends kisses,

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

Europa by Rail

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Fri, 19 Aug 2005 03:27:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Darling, Europa! misses you so much.

Of course you cannot always join Europa! on her gadaboutings, so she will show you some pictures and take you on an imaginary European train ride.

This week, darling, Europa! took the train to several destinations within Deutschland. Of course, it is always a thrill to drive around Deutschland on the autobahns, but you cannot be seen or meet people when driving, and Europa! must make concessions to her fans. Luckily, the "bahn", or train is very punctual and very pleasant to ride. Europa! chose the ICE (ee-tsay-eh), which is the faster, express train, but the IC (ee-tsay) is also very pleasant.

Everyone loves the ICE train, except Deutschland's flying insect population.

Both Deutsche Bahn trains have a restaurant car where you can enjoy a cigarette with your "imbiss" and drink. Europa! does not smoke, of course, so she prefers to take her snacks and drink to her seat and to watch the passing countryside.

Like all good things in life, the countryside passes by very fast.

The ICE stops in the major cities, but for more tourism fun, try the IC, which stops in smaller towns. You see, darling, the smaller towns were not so damaged during that horrible war, and you can see charming old architecture and charming old people everywhere. Also, you are more likely to find local craftsmanship in the smaller towns, ranging from food and wine to crafts and fashion. So, put on your lederhosen or drindle, and come see Deutschland!

And now, a sight to make your mouth water...

Deutschland's vinyards are the crowning glory of the country's rich agriculture.

Ciao! 8-D
Europa!

Wilkommen in München!

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Thu, 11 Aug 2005 07:08:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Darling, Europa! has some lovely pictures of old Munich for you! Just enter the gate...

This fresco of a battle scene over the gate is not enough to frighten Europa! from Munich's Marienplatz beyond.

Of course, you are wondering why Europa! would go to München about one month before the Oktoberfest. Well, the spirit of Gemütlichkeit is very important, but is not the only attraction in the beautiful Bavarian city. And, although beer is an important part of a balanced diet, we must not let our natural love of the brew overshadow the other charms of this beautiful European destination.

If you enter the gates of the old city, you will quickly come upon the Marienplatz, the commercial and cultural centre of Munich. Here, you can see the "Altes Rathaus", or "Old Town Hall"...

The Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall

...and the "Neues Rathaus", or "New Town Hall"...

The Neues Rathaus

Now, darling, Europa! asks you, if "haus" means "house", and the word for "Town Hall" is "Rathaus" what does that say about municipal politicians?

Hahaha, Europa! made joke!

Müncheners have a great sense of humour. Just look at this... so many cathedrals and buildings have little statues of important people or saints decorating them. These important figures are being frightened by a dragon...

Oh, where is St. George when you need him?

Europa! loves these little touches... Next week, she will have more pictures for you. There are so many lively things to see! Do make a visit to Munich part of your travels to Deutschland! So, from München, kisses and hugs!

Ciao!
Europa!

Europa!'s Mail

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Tue, 02 Aug 2005 21:20:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Darling, Darling, Darling! Europa! has been running to and fro all week. That is what the English say, although Europa! has no idea where "to" is and how to get there from "fro"...

So, now is time for Europa! to answer your letter. The answer is "yes, yes, maybe".

Ha,ha, Europa! made joke!

But really, darling, you ask Europa! what is her greatest disappointment so far. Europa! does not like to dwell on sad things, darling, this only contributes to "the uglification of the world" as chronicled in the film "The Unbearable Lightness of Being".

But disappointments come in so many ways, and so Europa! will only kvetch about one for this year. It is the cancellation of the 2005 "Love Parade" in Berlin because, and listen to this... "there was no longer sufficient time to continue ne-gotiations with potential sponsors". Look it up for yourself, they say it here...

http://www.loveparade.de/portal/loveparade/
news/e_news_index.html

Ach, du lieber! Not for love or money could they have the "Love Parade".

This is the trouble darling, with trying to organize love. Next year, why not have everyone parade with their big portable stereos all tuned to the same "Love Parade" station, and forego the expensive DJ's and floats who spoil love with their marketing schemes.

But Europa! can talk on this subject. Europa! is a one-woman love parade. And of course, darling, so are you.

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

Viel Vergnügen in Frankfurt am Main

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 21:53:00 +0000

_
_
_
Darling!

Of course Europa! did not forget you. But this has been such a busy week, and Europa! was a bit distracted looking for her umbrella in Frankfurt.

Europa! wonders where she left her umbrella

But now, Europa! must snap out of it... Heute, heute is the time to live. So Europa! will share the delightful little wine cellar she found while on her umbrella hunt.

While wandering around... hmmm... was it the Brönnerstraße? the Bergerstraße? Europa's friend Anja suggested we have a drink at one of her favourite places... and led Europa! to this charming little cellar in a courtyard off the Straße.

Of course, it is always bad to be led somewhere; you never know the address for yourself. But look at this gorgeous picture... charming!

The eternal question: "Rotwein oder weißer Wein?"

It was cool and delightful in the cellar but we were received warmly. A small selection of French and foreign wines was complemented by a plethora of local favourites, so Europa! chose carefully. Once Europa!'s glass had been poured, she was ready to sit, but Anja suggested the garden... and she was right! Quiet, with lovely plants and comfortable chairs, it is the ideal place to enjoy the fading afternoon...

In Deutschland, Europa! recommends the local white wine, but settles on a Spanish viño tinto.

Quel dommage, darling, Europa! had the card with the address. She will rummage through her things and let you know when she finds it. Meanwhile, do get lost in Frankfurt am Main yourself. You cannot have a disappointment when the sun is shining and the company is genial.

And if you have Europa!'s brolly, let Europa! know... Europa! is tired of looking.

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

The Essential London

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 20:48:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Darling! What a delight London was this weekend! And such weather! Fine weather is a wonderful thing... fine weather in London is indescribable! The parks and squares are filled with sunning, strolling people, the billboards in the theatre district are more colourful than ever, and the neon signs of Picadilly are second in brightness only to the sun. Altogether a wonderful time! The whole city had a certain "je ne sais quoi" which Europa! does not know what it is. "Certes", Europa! is so sorry that you were not there, so she brought you some photos...

Europa! alit from the Eurostar and greeted her London friends in Waterloo station. She was chuffed to see that the very beautiful, sparkling Laura and her fiancé Jeff are happy together and doing well. Then, we set off on a lovely afternoon. Loverly, if Laura and Jeff had their say...

Not only weather was hot in London!

First, we enjoyed some of the London buskers who work the Embankment along the Thames. Many eccentric and colourful people come here, darlings, and Europa! feels right at home.

Europa! does not stand out so much in this crowd.

Then, we took in so many sights! The popular London Eye...

Now, this Eye needs a large pair of glasses!

Landmarks like the ironically named Big Ben...

"Is Big compared to what?"

Trafalgar Square, where the Hare Krishnas were having a rally...

Europa does not understand these costumes: "Where are the seams? Where is the craftsmanship? This is Hare Krishna? Oh, darling, for fashion, this is Hari-Kari!"

And the surrounding shops and attractions...

"Ah, now this is couture!"

Of course, we finished our glorious Sunday afternoon in a pub enjoying cold drinks and a "larf" or two. (Laura, who is a London burlesque comedienne, is always a large bucket of British fun.) Europa! was so glad to see her friends and to see her London again. It is a venerable town. Do visit some day!

A perfect close to a perfect day

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

Londres en après-guerre!

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 22:37:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Ah, London, darlings! Europa! cannot wait!

Europa! is packing her Gepäcken, she has exchanged some Euros for Pounds, and she will be in London by Sunday.

"But, Europa!," you say, "How can you visit London so soon after the train bombings?"

Train bombings? Darling, of course Europa! does not like to see the people of London suffer. But to stay away from the foggy city is to ignore what the people of London do best... drink and dance in the aftermath of war!!

Of course, Europa! will not go immediately to London. Europa! is no rubber-necked voyeuse of accident scenes. And the officials need to investigate and to clean up in peace, natuurlijk. Europa! will wait until the dust has settled. (You know, the dust, it gets in Europa!'s hair and it loses its bounce and shine... These people who do this to the trains... we must forgive them, darlings - they wish to keep their hair covered - they do not appreciate the good things.)

Hmmm... now where did Europa! leave her umbrella?

Ah, si! In Frankfurt, silly goose!

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

Letter from Europa! fan

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 22:30:00 +0000

Europa! received a letter today which looked a bit worn. And, indeed, it had been written in May but mailed only this week. It is from a fan named Grigor... Europa! will not reveal the contents of the letter, which are private, but there was a small note in the envelope which said:

Dear Europa!
I have a hard time getting this to you. I search for your address on the Riviera, but I don't have your last name... So, I can not find you. I know you need to keep privacy from your fans, but can you tell me? What is your last name?

Dear Grigor and all my other darlings...

Europa! cannot be kept like bird in a cage. Europa! cannot belong to one family, one community, one country... Europa! belongs to the world... and to Europe, natürlich. So, Europa! 's last name is an exclamation mark. This makes perfect sense, non? And when you live your life with the passion, the energy, and the love of all things European which is Europa! you also will have for your last name an exclamation mark.

Ciao!
Europa! 8-D

Europa! 's Tiramisù Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Sat, 09 Jul 2005 22:13:00 +0000

Darling! Europa! is so happy to have you here! And now, to celebrate, Europa! will share with you her recipe for the perfect tiramisù. Even if you do not cook read it; it is very charming...

Europa! cannot begin to stress how important it is to know a good tiramisù recipe. The inhabitants of entire regions of Italy could not survive the ardour of a long, hot Italian country afternoon without its magical energizing qualities. Energizing, you ask? Of course! Tiramisù is the Italian word for "pick-me-up". It's a tasty treat which can put even the most exhausted "I-spent-the-whole-day-cooking-and-washing-and-scrubbing-bambinos" Italian mamma back on her feet... And that's because tiramisù, besides being rich in nutrients such as chocolate, butterfat and coffee, is also made with the wholesome goodness of alcohol.
........................................................

Ingredients:

(this is a small recipe which serves 4 and makes a darling-looking little tiramisù
for a bigger cake, just multiply the amounts)

12 or more Italian ladyfingers, also known as Savoie biscuits
250 ml mascarpone
one egg
60 ml sugar
2.5 - 5 ml pure vanilla extract (Europa! is a vanilla lover)
1/4 cup of pure cacao powder or
50g of grated dark chocolate
125 ml espresso coffee, cooled

Parfum mixte:
50 ml Crème de Cacao
30 ml rum

Tools:
1 café au lait bowl
2 mixing bowls
1 or more spoons
1 fine mesh strainer
1 dinner plate

Look proudly at your assembled ingredients. Decide you have time to make yourself a double espresso and watch some Sky news. Enjoy a few sips, realize that Sky news is repetitive, and return to the kitchen.

Mix the cooled espresso with the ingredients for the parfum mixte. Take a moment to appreciate the superiority of this blend to the espresso you are sipping. Resist the temptaion to drink it. Take two mixing bowls, and separate the egg, putting the white in one bowl, and the yolk in the other. Beat the egg white with the remaining sugar until semi-stiff peaks appear. In the other bowl, add the mascarpone, the remaining sugar and the vanilla to the egg yolk and stir until creamy and all the lumps are gone. Fold in the egg white mixture.

Wash your hands, unless you are from Serbia. Pour the coffee mix into a flat plate. Place a biscuit on its side in the plate until it absorbs a small amount of the mixture (about one second) flip it over, wait again, then pick it up and place it into the café au lait bowl, tip at the center, radiating out. Do not worry if it is not yet forming to the contour of the bowl. If you have done this correctly, the core of the biscuit is still dry, but the liquid will absorb slowly. Repeat with a second biscuit, placing it's tip on the first biscuit's tip, but radiating in the opposite direction. Now, with two more biscuits, make a cross. They should be beginning to melt into the shape of the bowl, but if not, light pressing or adding a few drops of the mix can help. Do not be upset if your biscuits break. The cacao powder later on cures all ills. Now cover the remaining surface of the bowl with soaked biscuit until you have a wet biscuit shell. With the strainer, sprinkle cacao powder onto this shell.

Fill 1/3 of the biscuit shell with a layer of mascarpone/egg mix. Top this layer with cacao powder or grated chocolate. Cover with a layer of soaked biscuits (it is not a problem if little holes show) then repeat the mascarpone and cacao steps. Top off with a final layer of soaked biscuits. You should have reached the top of the bowl. If so, top with a plate, turn everything over, and chill without removing the café au lait bowl. This will allow your tiramisù to cool, solidify and to absorb its liquids in a perfect little round shape. You must refrigerate your tiramisù for at least 3 hours, (overnight is better) so this would be a good time to go out shopping. When you return and just before serving, remove the bowl by gently lifting it off your tiramisù. Sprinkle your creation with cacao powder, chocolate shavings, grated walnuts, vanillezucker, anything you like... You can serve tiramisù with fresh berries, whipped cream, or all by itself. It's lovely!

........................................................

Now, darlings, Europa! knows that every tiramisù lover wishes to put their own special je ne sais quoi into their recipe... Good for you, darlings! Europa! would not respect you if you did not show this independent spirit. The best way, of course, to alter the cachet of your tiramisù is to modify your parfum mixte. For a cooler-weather tiramisù Europa! recommends you experiment with the peaty, robust charm of a Scotch whiskey... an Irish whiskey will make your tiramisù more glib and poetic. But be careful, darlings. Use whiskeys only in small, aromatic quantities, or your tiramisù will become too garrulous and bold. Europa!'s favourite addition to the parfum mixte is a good XO Brandy from France. These are generally far less expensive than the similar Cognacs, so named because of their region of origin. Also, the XO's are deliciously aged, making them smooth, with a delightful, oakey quality which, when blended with coffee says "Ah, che la vita è bella!"... Only it says this in French, natürlich.

Ciao!

Europa! 8-D

Europa!

noreply@blogger.com (Europa!) — Fri, 08 Jul 2005 18:09:00 +0000

_
_
_
_
Willkommen! Bienvenue! Walkom!

Welcome, welcome, darlings to Europa! 's World.

Now, let Europa! know if you do not yet feel welcome...

No one? All is good, we move on.

I am Europa! and Europa! is me. And this page will be a home for all the news from Europa!... Also, you can leave comments for Europa! here. Tell Europa! your biggest fears, and Europa! will heal you with chocolate and a sprig of heather she received from a witch in Covent Gardens. Oh, darling, Europa! has so many adventures, and is completely in love with her favourite continent... Can you guess which one?

Of course, it is Europa!

Europa! loves intelligent people like you. Stay for a while. Europa! will make you a nice cup of coffee with the "kessel" here in the hotel room.

You cannot stay? Ah, Europa! understands. You are very important and therefore, very busy. Do come back another time, darling. Europa! will gather many interesting stories for you... Allons, au revoir! *Kiss, kiss*

Ciao!
Europa!