By Vicki Landes

Oberammergau by J. Salmoral

Located in southern Germany not far from the Austrian border, Oberammergau is adorably charismatic and enchanting. Streets are lined with half-timbered houses whose flower boxes are exploding with brilliant red blooms. Many of the buildings are adorned with ‘lüftlmalerei’ – ornate fresco-like paintings on the outside walls, meant to display the residents’ religious beliefs or family occupation. Since Oberammergau is a deeply religious town, many of the paintings depict saints or other characters from the Bible. However, two houses – nicknamed the ‘Red Riding Hood House’ and the ‘Hansel and Gretel House’ – are colorfully painted with children and are said to have inspired the classic fairytales of the same name.

Oberammergau is also home to some of the most talented woodcarvers in Germany. These thriving little businesses offer exquisite hand and machine-cut plates, bowls, decorative items, toys, and religious icons. Visitors can not only browse a shop’s selection but observe as the resident master creates a work of art out of a simple block of wood. The fresh scent of sawdust and wood chips linger in the air around the stores as if drawing customers in with a signature perfume.

Despite all of its charm and beauty, the magnetism of Oberammergau is its emotional Passion Play. Back in the dark days of the Thirty Years War, the little town watched as Europe fell victim to an even harsher enemy – Plague. This menace brutally ravaged home after home, community after community, city after city and leaving almost no one in its wake. As this Black Death crept over Oberammergau’s borders and her population started to feel its grip, the town cried out to a higher power for help. Not wanting to be obliterated as other places had been, the citizens made a solemn promise to God – the desperate prayer of a desperate people. They swore that if God saved their town, they’d reenact the story of Christ’s death and resurrection every ten years as a commemoration of His mercy. They made this ultimate deal in 1633 and by 1634, they were ready to make good on their bargain. Although Oberammergau lost some to the deadly disease, the town as a whole escaped extinction and the Passion Play began its long-running history. Its first performance was held in the town cemetery, perhaps so even the plague’s final victims could look upon this promise upheld. Even now in these modern times where religion sometimes falls in the cracks, the citizens of Oberammergau refuse to tempt fate and remain faithful to their ancestor’s word. Their beautiful rendition of ‘the greatest story ever told’ runs a whopping six hours and is performed in an open-air theater through all kinds of weather.

Picturesque and eternally grateful, Oberammergau takes its promises very seriously. The next ‘installment’ of that promise is scheduled for May-September 2010.

See more of Europe’s hidden treasures in “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal” by Vicki Landes and available on Amazon.com. http://www.EuropeForTheSenses.com

Initially a skeptic, Vicki Landes was not thrilled when her military husband moved her and their new baby to Stuttgart, Germany – in fact, she went kicking and screaming. She quickly took to Europe and ended up living in Germany for a full seven years. During that time, Landes became an avid world traveler and published author. With a current list of 45 countries under her belt, Landes strives to find the overlooked details that make each place distinctive and unique. “Europe for the Senses – A Photographic Journal” is her first book.

Visit her website: http://www.EuropeForTheSenses.com – access information on the book, Landes’ blog, book reviews, press spots, book trailers, links to purchasing options, sign up for Landes’ weekly newsletter, and her new online photography galleries!

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British Midland meal on Board

If you have a limited time in Europe, you can still fly using cheap European airlines. Sometimes, there are promotional flights for as low as a euro! Don’t expect rockstar treatment. Most of these flights are no frill flights.

Frills such as drinks and eats are still available but you’ll just have to make sure you’ve got loose change or small bills. I don’t eat the food on board since I eat before I board. Most of the food on the menu just don’t thrill me enough. No need for entertainment such as movies or music since flights are short. And these days, people have their ipods to keep them entertained.

Years ago, flying no frills used to be a nightmare. I remember laughing my head off watching the Carol Burnett Show – I still do! These days, flying on a European budget airline isn’t a sorry tale.

My Top Ten list of cheap Europe flights?

1. BMI British Midland
2. Transavia
3. Jet2
4. Air Berlin
5. Norwegian
6. EasyJet
7. Meridiana
8. Vueling
9. GermanWings
10. Ryanair

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Hotel Modigliani in Rome provides a discount for those booking last minute from march 15 to April 9, 2009. For a standard room, pay only 120 euros instead of 188 euros, per room per night!

I’ve booked a few clients at this hotel and only got rave reviews from them over the phone when they got back from their trip. Excellent service, no complaints whatsoever on the rooms, location was superb. If you’ve stayed at the Modigliani Hotel, I’d love to get some feedback.

Check out what’s just walking distance to the hotel:

Around the vicinity of Hotel Modigliani in Rome

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Photo by caribb

Fly to Europe with great deals from American Airlines. They’ve got discounted tickets to Europe — and at incredible prices! Take note, these prices are based on one way rates to make them look cheaper, but even if you do multiply the rate by two, it’s still a pretty good rate!

If you’re into last minute deals, you still have a few days – just click here. These fly to Europe deals don’t last long!

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