cafebabel.com

Scotland: address to haggis and Europe

('Arno van der Zwet',) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 -0000

25 January 2012 marks the 253rd birthday of Robert Burns, the most famous Scottish bard. Supermarkets all over are going haggis-crazy. Haggis is delicious, but not for the faint hearted. Recipe

Seadas or sebadas: how to make Sardinian cheese pastry

('Alexandra Baxter',) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0000

Originally simple dishes of rural origin, 'sebadas' or 'seadas' have been given a new identity and today are served as a dessert. This is the brief story of a Sardinian delicacy whose roots are buried deep in the ancient rustic tradition

Bonfire night: Guy Fawkes, Europe's first 'indignant' citizen

('Lucy Russell',) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:04:15 -0000

The image of Guy Fawkes is everywhere at the moment, inspiring the worldwide anonymous and occupy movements. What would he have thought if he had known that over four hundred years after his death thousands of people in Europe and beyond would be wearing masks of his face while protesting against today’s all-encompassing global political system?

Skopje’s ‘Albanian neighbourhood’ in Old Bazaar, Çarshia

('Anisa Ymeri',) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:03:26 -0000

There are essential traces of the history of Albanians and Macedonians, evidence of survival and revival after the Balkan or world wars. Skopje’s ‘Albanian neighbourhood’ is in a corner where the çarshia (bazaar) lies below the citadel, says Anisa Ymeri

Student duelling clubs in Europe: no Harry Potter magic in Germany

('Annie Rutherford',) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:03:54 -0000

In mid-June the Alte Breslauer duelling club in Bonn petitioned its national umbrella organisation to stipulate German descent as a criterium for accepting the currently 1, 300 students into these legendary student societies. In June, a society in Mannheim allowed a German of Chinese descent to join. The case drags the just over 100 German duelling clubs, which are accused of harbouring extreme right-wing ideologies, into a negative rather than magical light

Zagreb’s Miss Independents

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Thu, 19 May 2011 17:32:58 -0000

The higher educated woman in Zagreb is close to the 'western model' of female independence. In the Croatian capital a Serbian journalist meet feminists, students, musicians and actresses who she says are moving away from the ‘traditional’ – at least from a Balkan perspective

What are you doing on 29 April? European republicans on rise amid British royal wedding hysteria

('Lucy Russell',) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:01:08 -0000

As a Brit currently living in Germany, many people have recently been asking me excitedly about the up-coming British royal wedding. Mostly people are surprised, or even disappointed, when I explain that no, I won’t be watching the wedding, but rather probably inviting friends around for a 'this is not a royal wedding' party

Easter Monday tradition in Czech Republic: beat women with twigs

('Annie Rutherford',) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:07:28 -0000

This custom, which is particularly popular in the countryside, has nothing to do with violence though. The men ring at neighbours' and relatives' houses and hit the women on the legs with woven twigs; according to tradition the vitality and the strength of the young willow twigs are meant to pass on to the person struck – but not all women are fans of the custom

Knecht Ruprecht and his motley crew of Christmas meanies

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:03:26 -0000

Santa Claus is coming to town...and so what? Europe’s christmas traditions don’t always bring nice surprises

Sorry, we’re women: inside Istanbul’s modern-traditional Blue Mosque

('Caroline Prosser',) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:22:50 -0000

Guards make sure that everyone picks up a carrier bag and takes their shoes off before placing even a toe onto the carpeted steps of the Blue Mosque. We’re three German, British and Polish tourists who have come prepared with headscarves, but inside we see lots of bare-headed female tourists

Sise delle Monache: no toplessness nor religion behind Abruzzo's domed cakes

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:30:00 -0000

Yes, you've just sunk your teeth into 'nun's tits' - albeit made of sponge and cream. The name behind this regional Italian speciality hovers between mountain peaks and nun's habits

Ramadan: from Bologna with love

("naomi o'leary",) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:48:36 -0000

We’re hungry, and in a hurry. The evening sun is still strong enough to melt the tar between the cobbles. I’m in Bologna, Italy, and Badr is bringing me as a guest to iftar, the daily feast that breaks the ramadan fast.

Catalonia vs bulls: prohibition of Spanishness?

('Tash Frost',) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:49:59 -0000

When the Catalan parliament voted against bullfighting in the community on 28 July, the bullfighting world grouped together to defend their interests. The political opposition has announced that it will promote a law in congress to avoid further rulings of this type. The ‘Plataforma Prou!’, promoter of the popular legislative initiative that gave a place to the vote, announced that they would not give up in their fight to free bulls from martyrdom

Swedish royal wedding: boosting neither tourism nor young spirits

('Emilie Prattico',) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:40:49 -0000

Victoria Bernadotte, the 32-year-old heiress to the throne, will wed commoner Daniel Westling, 36, in the capital's cathedral on 19 June. Despite the smorgasbord of fun on display in Stockholm, the widespread feeling amongst Swedes and expats is that the merriment is wasteful and annoying

A brief history: döner kebab, fair ambassador to Turkey?

('Suna Ekmekcioglu',) — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:53:26 -0000

One of the most popular late night snacks in Europe is the flag bearer of Turkish cuisine outside of Turkey. Is this a source of pride or sorrow for the Turks? Plus, a recipe for green beans in olive oil

Ties and tees: three innovative fashion initiatives from Ljubljana, Lille and Berlin

('Annie Rutherford',) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0000

Between 20 - 22 January, the historic Berlin-Tempelhof airport compound served as the venue of Bread and Butter, the most prominent trade fair for urban and streetwear, for the second year in a row. We pick tie manufacturers, T-shirt street fashion and an eco-sports label as top of the crop

Mulled wine across Europe

('Annie Rutherford',) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:10:28 -0000

Sugarloaves, Swedish punch and grog: how Europe drinks to stay warm in the chilly run up to christmas

Evora, where life bumps to a different rhythm than in Lisbon

('Darren Thompson',) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 -0000

The economic development of the Alentejo region of the country poses the same problem faced by many Mediterranean countries. How can innovation and tradition survive side-by-side?

Bun in the oven

('Sarah Gray',) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0000

According to Eurostat, 5.4 million babies were born in 2008. Lithuanians are the most industrious breeders, while Germans are at the bottom of the chart. Some of Europe's expressions for motherhood

Nicolai Lilin talks tattoos, Bulgarians and Transdniestria

('Fiona Herdman Smith',) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:45:00 -0000

From Russia to Italy via Transdniestria. Siberian Education, the literary debut of Nicolai Lilin, tells the life story of a young man who, in spite of changing country and culture, has never forgotten the historic traditions of his original community. Interview with the 29 year-old writer and tattoo artist

Europe snacks between Spanish tapa and French aperitif

('Lydia Bigos',) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

A snack, a bite… any excuse is valid for a quick break and a chance to satisfy your stomach, with your friends or family. This is also called an appetiser; it’s the time in the day when many Europeans have a well-deserved respite. Plus a patatas bravas recipe

Crêpe Europe

('ClaireBrunel',) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Sweet, savoury, with butter, flambéd… when it’s the christian holiday of Candlemas, Dia de la Candelaria in Spain or la Chandeleur in France, crêpes are unavoidable. What about the rest of Europe?

The Turkish theologist who stopped wearing the headscarf

('Kinia Adamczyk',) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Her sisters thinks she’s ill and will ‘get better’ one day, her mother is upset, whilst her father calls her his most clever daughter, insisting she did the ‘right thing’ three years ago. Nuriye Duran- Özsoy’s story

How to survive ramadan

('Aatish Pattni',) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Fasting during Ramadan is a considerably difficult strain on the body, made up for by the communal breaking of the fast. Meal times are in the evening and the middle of the night

China, superstition and sport – from monastery to NBA

('Mary Maistrello',) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:15:26 -0000

In this giant Asian country, even sport needs a less bureaucratic and more open model in order to be more competitive

Do the French top German cuisine?

('Andrew Pritchard',) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Major names in the cookery world have backed France’s application to UNESCO to have its cuisine listed as a world heritage item. In multicultural Germany, the idea is stirring up mixed reactions

Easter in Europe: all about the egg

('Francesca Reinhardt',) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Everywhere you look, display windows, promotional offers, Easter markets and cards are covered with bright, beautifully decorated Easter eggs

St. Patrick's Day: drowning the shamrock in Dublin

('Angela Steen',) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Alcohol, religion and fireworks - we swoop over Dublin on 17 March, feast (and party) day of the patron saint of Ireland

Violins

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 -0000

One-horse town

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:31:00 -0000

The language of the republic is French

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Alsace and Moselle’s bilingualism has just weathered a political storm. From now on, electoral documents will have to be written only in French. Yet, the German language has opened a window of opportunity in Europe. Debate

Didier Awadi: 'Artists too often have big egos'

('Kate Stansfield',) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0000

The Senegalese hip hop pioneer, 38, invites his fellow rappers to speak out and campaign for a harmonious continent with his latest album 'Presidents of Africa'. Plus an exclusive video interview from Dakar

Try and sing the Spanish national anthem

('Erin Woycik',) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Talks of a European anthem were recently dropped, but to some Spaniards, it seems a shame to splice lyrics and lose what makes their country’s anthem unique

Horror Halloween

('Sarah Turpin',) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:17:00 -0000

Picturing faith in Vilnius

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Vilnius’ landscape is defined by the number of houses of worship scattered throughout it. This reflects the rich heritage Vilnius has with the number of religions that have co-existed together for hundreds of years

Being left on the Kosovan shelf

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0000

France - Italy: head-butting sweethearts

('Sarah Gray',) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Food, fashion, politics, football … a snapshot of the two countries in Alberto Toscano's words

The cut throat

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Ramon Kelvink Jr: 'there's not many of us in the world who do this job'

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0000

In Liguria, north-western Italy, we come face to face with the French tight-rope walker, 35, and hear his views from above on Europe and the world

Berlin - breakwater of nostalgia

('Ed Saunders',) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0000

The death and rebirth of two city icons provide an impressive picture of the nostalgia that characterises Germany

Polish losers?

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:20:00 -0000

The Poles have made up the second largest national minority in Berlin for years, but the eternal stereotype of Polish migrant workers has been disappearing of late. New blood is coming into the city - bringing students, artists and businessmen

Plunge into Portugal

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Journey to the southwest of the European continent in quest of ancient villages and avant-garde buildings

'It is our right to organise our fiscal system as we please'

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Switzerland’s stubborn neutrality and the fact that the country is considered a tax haven by many, these are the issues we want to discuss with the Swiss ambassador to the EU

The X-factor

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0000

A letter for all seasons

Marius Ivaskevicius: no straight answers

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:35:00 -0000

33 year-old Marius Ivaskevicius is a poet, playwright and director who explores the complexity and melancholy of the Slavic soul. His works are at once tender and humourous

Disappearing in the crowd: Vietnamese immigrants in Poland

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 12:44:00 -0000

Thousands of Vietnamese are repressed in their home country and are forced to leave Asia and try their luck abroad. For those who choose Poland, the transition is sometimes tough

Newsha Tavakolian, Iran's inside story

('Kate Stansfield',) — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:48:00 -0000

At the inauguration of Perpignan's 19th festival ‘Visa pour l'image’, the Iranian photojournalist focuses on the situation of women in the Middle East

Purchase power beats flower power on canals

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 02:00:00 -0000

Once a favourite of the flower power generation, living on a canal boat has become a privilege for the young and affluent. Today modern houseboats are not longer dingy eccentric dwellings for the marginal, but fully equipped modern pads

Mónika Miczura, a 21st century gypsy

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 01:16:00 -0000

As the owner of one of the most beautiful modern-day Romany voices, Mónika Miczura, 37, affirms her musical freedom, reclaims her own traditional instincts and modernity, and turns her back on the standard clichés of gypsy folklore.

Montenegro goes on sale

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 12:00:00 -0000

For years the unspoiled beauty of Montenegro used to be the best kept secret in Europe. Now the sights of old Venetian squares, spectacular mountains, bays, sandy beaches are once more a favourite destination for globe-trotters around the world