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City Breaks in Europe

City Breaks in Europe

Written by: HvOnAir
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About this listen

Listening to podcasts on your trips around Europe.

Welcome to this travel podcast series that primarily focuses on inspiring you to want to explore parts of Europe on your own. This can be in the form of City Breaks, weekend getaways, and holidays.

If you are looking for perfect ideas for a refreshing change from the familiar landscape, join us on this journey through the countries of Europe to exciting capitals and many fascinating cities and different destinations. In other words, the current travel podcast leads to places with their own compelling stories to share and experiences.

Enjoy your journey!

Links:
"City Breaks in Europe" is published via this website: https://podopshost.com/europe
Easy travel planning 24/7: https://book24h.online
Interested in a sponsorship? Please contact: HvOnAir@hvolmgaard.com

Dansk:
Denne podcast serie er også udgivet på dansk som: "City Breaks i Europa" by HvOnAir ©
"City Breaks i Europa" publiceres via dette website: https://podopshost.com/europa
Nem rejseplanlægning 24/7: https://book24h.online
Interesseret i et sponsorat? Kontakt venligst: HvOnAir@hvolmgaard.com

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ©2024 HvOnAir Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Wales (aka Cymru)

    Wales (aka Cymru)
    May 26 2023
    Episode 3: Wales (aka Cymru) Summary: What to expect in this episode: This episode begins with some facts about Wales, followed by a summary of the country's history. Then follows a more detailed journey through Wales’ history, which ends with the modern times and The Welsh Government. Furthermore, tourism today is described, and it concludes with a summary of nine travel tips and attractions in Wales. Finally, it is revealed which destination in Wales we will dive into in the next episode of this podcast series. This episode is dedicated to my youngest daughter, Josephine. Facts about Wales: Wales is a country located in the western part of Great Britain, bordered by England to the east, the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea to the west, and the Bristol Channel to the south. Wales is a part of both the United Kingdom (aka UK) and Great Britain. The United Kingdom is a political union made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Together, these countries form a sovereign state, with a shared system of governance and a monarch as the head of state. On the other hand, Great Britain is a geographical term that refers to the largest island in the British Isles, which includes England, Scotland, and Wales. Area: The total area of Wales is 20,735 km² (aka 8,023 square miles). Population: Wales had a population of around 3.1 million people in 2021. Capital: Cardiff is the capital and the largest city in Wales, with a population of 362,310 in 2021. Languages: Welsh (aka Cymraeg) and English are de jure official languages of the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd. Welsh is spoken by about 20% of the population, and is more commonly spoken in the north and west of the country. Currency: The currency used in Wales is the pound sterling (abbreviated as GBP). Like the rest of the United Kingdom, the currency is divided into pounds (£) and pence (p). The notes used are £5, £10, £20, and £50. The coins used are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50, £1, and £2. --- Summary: Historical timeline of Wales: Wales has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to prehistoric times. The country is known for its Celtic roots, which have contributed to its unique language, culture, and traditions. Over the centuries, Wales has faced many challenges, such as invasions from the Romans and Normans. Despite these obstacles, Wales has managed to maintain its identity through its literature, music, and art. During the Middle Ages, Wales experienced a tumultuous history. In the early part of this era, Wales was divided into small kingdoms that were frequently at war with each other. However, in 1282, King Edward I of England conquered Wales and established English rule over the country. Today, Wales is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities like Cardiff and Swansea. Yet Wales is also celebrated for producing some of the world's most talented actors, musicians, poets, and writers, like Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) and Richard Walter Jenkins Junior, aka Richard Burton (1925-1984). The legacy of Welsh culture can be felt far beyond the borders of this small country, with Welsh communities thriving in places like Patagonia, in Argentina. By preserving their native language (aka Cymraeg) alongside English as an official language in Wales since 1993, future generations will be able to celebrate their cultural heritage for years to come. The legacy of Wales will continue to inspire people around the world as a rich tapestry woven by old myths mixed with modern innovation! In the following, the history of Wales is told in a more detailed version. --- Prehistoric Times: Wales has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 230,000 BCE, according to archaeological sites. Neanderthals and Homo sapiens were prevalent during the prehistoric era in Wales. These early human populations were hunters and gatherers who left behind tools, weapons, and cave paintings as a record of their presence. Invading Celtic tribes from central Europe introduced new knowledge of agriculture, trade, and bronze-working during the Bronze Age. The Celtic Britons lived in Wales until the Romans began conquering the country in 43 CE. Wales, which was a part of Roman Britannia, became a centre for the lead, copper, silver, and gold industries. The Romans also built roads that connected Wales to other parts of Britain. After Rome was overthrown in 410 CE, Germanic tribes like the Angles and Saxons entered Wales and established their kingdoms in England. --- Medieval Times: During the Middle Ages, Wales experienced a tumultuous history. In the early part of this era, Wales was divided into small kingdoms that were frequently at war with each other. However, in 1282, King Edward I of England conquered Wales and established English rule over the country. Despite this, Welsh identity remained strong, and rebellions against English rule were frequent throughout ...
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    25 mins
  • Wrocław in Poland

    Wrocław in Poland
    May 21 2023
    Episode 2: Wrocław in Poland The following topics are discussed in this episode: Facts about Wrocław. Introducing the topic of this episode: Wrocław. The history of Wrocław. Tourism today. 15 travel tips in Wrocław. Bonus: How can a City Break in Wrocław proceed. Poland is also visited in other planned episodes. Next episode. This episode is dedicated to my eldest daughter, Stephanie. Introduction with some facts about Wrocław: Wrocław is Poland's fourth-largest city, with a population of around 700,000 in 2023. The city is the regional capital of Lower Silesia in the southwestern corner of Poland. The city's large network of buses and often older trams makes it easy for visitors to get around the city, which is built along the river Oder. There are more than 130 bridges and approximately 350 dwarf sculptures in Wrocław. The bridges are among the city's main attractions, as they span the Oder and the river's many branches and channels. The dwarf sculptures are a unique part of Wrocław's public art scene, with each sculpture depicting a profession, hobby, or character. They are small in size and often hard to find, but they have become a beloved symbol of the charm and distinctiveness of the Old Town, aka Stare Miasto. --- Introducing the topic of this episode: Wrocław: Wrocław in Poland is a city with a rich and complex history that spans over a thousand years. From its early beginnings as a Slavic settlement to its time as a German city - known as Breslau - and later developing into a vibrant cultural and economic center, Wrocław has seen many changes and developments throughout its history. --- The history of Wrocław: In the following, the story of Wrocławs is reported in a more detailed version. We begin with: The early history of Wrocław: The earliest evidence of human settlement in the area that is now Wrocław dates back to prehistoric times, with the discovery of flint tools and animal bones from the Paleolithic era. The first permanent settlements in the area were established by the Slavic tribe of the Silesians in the 9th century; they called the settlement "Vratislavia." In the 10th century, the Piast dynasty, which ruled over the early Polish state, incorporated Wrocław into their territory, and the city grew in importance as a center of trade and commerce. During this time, the city became renowned for its strong fortifications and strategic location along the River Oder. --- We are continuing with: The Medieval Period: In the 13th century, Wrocław was granted city rights and became an important center of commerce and industry in the region. The city's prosperity was further enhanced by its membership in the Hanseatic League, a powerful trade network that dominated much of Northern Europe during the Middle Ages. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Wrocław continued to grow and develop, with the construction of new churches, markets, and other public buildings. The city was also home to a thriving community of artists, writers, and intellectuals and played an important role in the cultural life of Poland. --- --- We are reaching: The Modern Era: In the 16th century, Wrocław became part of the Habsburg Empire, which ruled over much of Central Europe. The city's population continued to grow, and it became an important center of the Protestant Reformation, with many prominent theologians and scholars living and working there. In the 18th century, Wrocław became part of Prussia, and the city was renamed Breslau. The city underwent a period of rapid development and modernization, with the construction of new buildings and infrastructure, including the impressive River Oder bridges and the monumental City Hall. During World War II, Breslau (or Wrocław) was heavily damaged by Allied bombing raids, and was subsequently taken over by Soviet forces at the end of the war. Since, the city was incorporated into Poland, and its German population was expelled. --- We are now at: The post-war reconstruction: In the years following the World War II, Wrocław underwent a massive program of reconstruction and rebuilding, with many of its historic buildings and landmarks restored to their former glory. The city also became an important center for industry and technology, with the establishment of numerous factories and research facilities. --- Tourism today: Despite a tumultuous past, Wrocław is now a vibrant city, and in recent years, Wrocław has emerged as a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant cultural scene with many theatres, festivals, museums, and venues, as well as the city’s rich history. Visitors can explore the city's many historic landmarks, including the magnificent marketplace (aka Rynek), Saint Elizabeth's Gothic-style church, and the impressive Centennial Hall, designed by the famous architect Max Berg. Wrocław is also home to numerous bridges, numerous sculptures of ...
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    15 mins
  • Poland

    Poland
    May 8 2023
    Episode 1: Poland What can we expect in this episode? This episode begins with some facts about Poland, followed by a summary of the country's history. Then follows a more detailed journey through Poland's history, which ends with the new times when Poland has become a member of NATO, the EU, and the Schengen area. Furthermore, tourism today is described, and it concludes with a summary of nine of the country's largest tourist attractions. This episode is dedicated to Ole Jensby, Copenhagen. Facts about Poland: The Republic of Poland is a country in the central part of Europe. Poland has mainland borders to the west with Germany, to the south with the Czech Republic & Slovakia, to the east with Ukraine & Belarus, to the northeast with Lithuania & Russia (aka Kaliningrad), and the Baltic Sea to the north, where Poland has a sea border with Denmark and Sweden. Area: 312,696 km² and thus the 9th largest country in Europe and the 69th largest country in the world. Population: Approximately 40,000,000 (in 2023), which is the 33rd most populous country in the world. Capital: Warsaw. Language: Polish, one of the West Slavic languages. In addition, there are small groups who speak Yiddish, German, Kashubian, Belarusian, Ukrainian and Russian, as well as Romani (spoken by Roma). Currency: Zloty (abbreviated as PLN). Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Zloty. Coins: 1, 2 and 5 Zloty. 1 Zloty = 100 Groszy. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Groszy. --- Summary: Historical timeline of Poland: Poland's history is marked by the country's struggle for independence, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. In the period from 1914 to the present day, Poland has undergone significant changes and challenges, including the destruction of the First World War, nationalism, and anti-Semitism, the horrors of the Second World War and the subsequent Soviet occupation. During the First World War, Poland was occupied by Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. After the war, Poland restored its independence and became a sovereign state. However, this was short-lived as the country was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, leading to the deaths of millions of Poles, including Jews who were targeted for extermination. After the war, Poland was liberated by the Soviet Union, and a communist government was established, leading to a period of political repression and economic hardship that lasted for several decades. In the 1980s, Poland was hit by a wave of protests and strikes led by the Solidarity movement demanding political reforms and greater freedoms. The government responded with violence, but the movement continued to grow in strength, leading to free elections in 1989 and the end of communist rule in Poland. In 2004, Poland became a member of the European Union, which brought significant benefits such as access to a larger marketplace, increased investment, and greater political and economic integration with other countries in the region. Poland also became a member of the Schengen area, which has made travel within the EU much easier for Polish citizens and has helped promote greater cultural and economic exchange between Poland and other countries in the region. However, Poland faces significant challenges in the early 2020s, including political polarization, threats to democratic institutions, and a growing sense of nationalism and xenophobia. The ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) has been accused of undermining the independence of the courts and the media and of using xenophobic and anti-immigrant rhetoric to build support among its base. The government has also been criticised for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to a significant increase in cases and deaths in the country. These challenges have led to tensions between Poland and the EU, leading to a number of conflicts and disputes. For example, the EU has raised concerns about the government's attacks on the courts and the independence of the media, and Poland has been threatened with sanctions if the situation does not improve. In addition, Poland's resistance to accepting refugees and immigrants has led to conflicts with other EU countries, and Poland has refused to participate in the EU's common migration policy. Another challenge facing Poland is climate change. The country is still heavily dependent on coal, and the government has been reluctant to introduce ambitious climate targets and has even blocked the EU's goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Finally, Poland has also seen an increase in nationalist and far-right movements, which have led to violent protests and attacks on minorities, including LGBT people. The government has also strengthened its control over the media and censored critical voices, leading to concerns about freedom of expression and democracy in the country. By and large, Poland's history has been one of struggle and resistance against oppression and ...
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    27 mins
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