Five Great Spots to Relax in Europe
All of us have those spots that just make us smile and feel good; those areas that bring a rush of emotion. You might chuckle when you think about them walking down the street and you may even wonder where the person's next to you is. In the next few paragraphs I'm going to tell you all about mine.
Now now, don't let your mind travel down that path; I'm talking about those individual and specific places in Europe that hold a special place in your heart. These are the locations that you return to again and again to sip your favorite wine or relax as the tide rolls in. They are the little plots on this earth where you feel comfortable, relaxed and at home; no matter how far away your mortgage is paid. I can't say exactly why these places are dear to me. All of course bring back memories of great times or strong emotions but some seem to do this for so many people it makes me think that there is just something innate to the area.
1. Piazza San Marco, Venice Italy:
St. Mark's Square is accurately if not figuratively referred to as the center of Venice. With St. Mark's Basilica at one end and the Campanile (iconic bell tower) rising high as a symbol of Venice the piazza makes an impression. Lacking the din of automobiles that fill most Italian cities but still providing enough outdoor seating for high priced cafe's to hawk expensive coffee to tourists, the buzz of relaxed conversation supplies ambiance.
During the day the center of this massive space fills with pigeons and tourists. The similarity between the two is enough to bring a smile to your face. Both chase each other around; one feeding one with cracker crumbs the other nourishing its counterpart with spectacle (and one can't help think, disease). Early in the day I wander the city like any visitor to Venice should. Getting lost and with only one concern; finding a bottle of wine to enjoy. Personally I am no connoisseur of wine. If you slap an attractive picture on the front, it's red and inexpensive I'm happy. Still, in Venice, the bottle I end up with is the only thing I was ever destined to find.
As dusk begins to fall I make my way to the stairs surrounding the square. Taking a seat opposite the Basilica on one of the three stairs that run the length under the Museo Correr (or the Napoleonic wing of the Procuraties) I open my wine. People watching for the next hour or two in this spot at this time of day is repeatedly one of the best moments of my life. The sun falls slowly causing a slight chill in the almost enclosed area, people drift by arm in arm, violins compete softly with each other to bring crowds to their employer's cafe and all the while you are more aware than ever that you are in Europe and have accomplished your dream. As the glow of the lamps encircling the piazza brighten I know the time has come to finish my wine and walk slowly and appreciatively back to my bed for the evening feeling fulfilled and once again complete.
2. The Stiftskirche Steps, Tübingen Germany:
Surely this is one of those locations you just don't end up in like many other major cities in Europe. My personal attachment to this town was that I spent what was probably the best year of my life there during a study abroad experience. The memories I have most definitely influence my decision to place this location on my list but the simple setting and care free atmosphere incite me to share.
In the center of Tübingen, a University city south of Stuttgart, lies the Stiftskirche. Gothic in style and built in 1470 this church was among the first to make the conversion to Protestantism. The result is an intriguing juxtaposition of faith and architecture. At its base lie long rows of steps and in front of that a large round fountain that one finds either decorated with local flowers or sealed up to prevent damage in the winter. Narrow cobblestone pedestrian streets lead away and along the front of the church and guide strolling locals into half timbered buildings that house used book stores, bakeries and an assortment of other goodies. In the building to the immediate right of the fountain there is a window and from this window the smell of Turkish Doner kebabs and swarma rises.
In the warmer months as well as those times when snow is beginning to fall I would gather along those steps with friends from many different countries. Laying a foundation of Doner in our stomaches we would move on to purchasing bottles of beer from the tasty smelling window shop. At 1.80 Euro a bottle with a ten cent refund (pfand) with the return of the bottle the location is both cheap and convenient. The local shops would close for the evening and parents would push their children along snuggled in their strollers towards their destination. University students would begin moving about the city in search of good conversation and we could watch it all, knowing we had already found our destination as well as great conversation.
Sometimes hanging out for hours, the night would eventually grow cold and each would head home in turn, still thinking about the topics discussed amongst intelligent University students on the steps of the Stiftskirche.
3. The hill top in Kinskeho Zahrada, Prague Czech Republic
Just south of the Prague Castle there is massive park that is largely on a hill. Trails run their course back and forth through the green grass (in the summer) and lead travelers towards PetÅ(TM)ín Tower; the Eiffel Tower looking structure. If the sun is shinning and a cool breeze is in the air you'll want to take an afternoon and a small picnic down Karmelitska (which will be on your left after continuing west from crossing Charles Bridge). When you hit Helichova you will turn right. At the end of Helichova you can begin your stroll up the hill. If worst comes to worst and you get lost just head towards the tower.
On your way up you will pass joggers and other locals enjoying a park that many tourists never give the chance it deserves. As a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city you can start to hear the Czech birds chirp and the Prague trees rustle. Before long and without much effort you begin to get a nice view of the city as you rise above the rooftops of the neighborhood below. When the mood strikes you, wander off the trail and find a nice area to lie in the bright green grass and stare up at the sky.
On a beautiful Prague day I find little that is more relaxing than lying on this hillside with a nice breeze blowing along the grass and the sun shining brightly off the adobe colored rooftops below. With a warmth in the air and the coolness of the greenery around me I love to sit and watch as the clouds roll by. Trying to decide what each resembles seems like a game provided to me specifically to distract my mind from any care I have in the world and for awhile I can slip away from the stress travel can bring.
4. The wave break in Cinque Terre, Monterosso Italy:
Becoming more and more popular by the year Cinque Terre is developing into the go to place in Italy. Consisting of five distinct, small fishing villages connected by train and trail each town has a charm of its own. Whether you're up for lounging on the beach, eating some great seafood or taking a hike towards the next town while passing the grape vines that yield the local wine this place is beautiful. You will have to watch out for skyrocketing prices for accommodation however. The locals know you want to invade their city and they will make you pay.
The first town on the west is Monterosso. Here you will find what is probably the best and largest stretch of beach of all the villages and as I reported in an earlier article, the best seafood spaghetti I have ever had. Wandering the city during the day is a joy as locals stroll the streets and shop in local stores along side visitors from other countries. Small wine shops sell a huge variety of their wares and church bells ring at hours that seem odd to US travelers. When you arrive in the city you will have to leave the train station and head east through a long tunnel that takes you to old Monterosso. After you exit the tunnel and come down the ramp turn to your right to see the waves break gently on the beach. Along the cliff wall is a walk way that leads out to a rock wave break that prevents the larger waves from approaching too fast.
As night falls and with a bottle of local wine in hand I love to make my way out to the wave break area. Finding a comfortable spot I sit down open the bottle and relax to the sound of the sea just as generations of Italians have done before me. When the sun is down completely the city remains alive with the glow of the street lighting. The occasional fishing boat will head out to sea to work on tomorrow's fresh catch and periodically the train will rumble along the track that is raised high above those out for an evening stroll. Occasionally you may find another traveler enjoying this area but all in all the solitude the sound of the sea and removal of big city traffic provides is more than enough to sit back and dream of owning your own home in a fishing village in Italy.
5. Plaza de San Nicolás, Granada Spain:
Granada offers visitors a huge amount of sights to see, food to taste and culture to immerse oneself in. Standing with some of the best sights to see in all of Europe is the Alhambra which recently was up for the vote as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Still, while the interior of the Alhambra is not to be missed, catching a view of this Moorish stronghold from Plaza de San Nicolás is definitely a must see.
Located in the Albaicin area of Granada this plaza offers the best view of the Fortress and provides a great place to relax. Finding one's way can be a bit confusing amidst the maze of streets and alleys that make up this neighborhood so bring along a map or follow the small crowds of tourist. You will have to make your way up hill to reach this small plaza but the strain is worth it. All in all the area is not that large but looking south provides one of the best views anywhere.
I typically set out about an hour before dusk in search of this high white wall that creates the border of Plaza de San Nicolás. Travelers dangle their feet over the side of the wall, a small drum circle beats a calming atmosphere into existence and everybody's gaze is to the south. Across the way lies the Alhambra which at dusk begins to be lit up with bright spotlights that make the fortress look as if it is made of gold. Behind the Palace lies the snow topped mountains of the Sierra Nevada and as the sun sinks to your right you find it hard to take your eyes off the beautiful scene in front of you. Throw your legs over the side of the wall, snap a few pictures and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
Bottle Warmer - Five Great Spots to Relax in Europe
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