Museums go hand in hand with modern technology and continue to delight connoisseurs of art around the world. Anyone not indifferent to artifacts, paintings or sculptures can navigate in a virtual collection, and if desired, visit the museums in real life. What museums are worthy of your attention, read in our material.
Despite the rather skeptical attitude towards museums which has recently been observed in modern society, they do not even think of emptying and closing. Internet technologies that have conquered the world seem to be good for them: museum virtual representations are opened, and the computer has long since become a working tool.
Egyptian Museum (Cairo, Egypt)The Egyptian Museum has a huge number of exhibits (art objects, manuscripts, scrolls, and household items) representing the history and art of Egypt of different eras of several thousand years BC. It is breathtaking when you see mummies of the pharaohs, sarcophagi of the priests, famous treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamun, sculptures of the pharaoh Amenhotep III and his wife Tiaa, and others. Everything is ancient and mysterious, especially considering the fact that the purpose of many artifacts is still unknown, and modern science cannot explain the impact of some of them on the human body.
Louvre (Paris, France)Originally the Louvre Palace, the site of the world-famous museum of France, was a medieval fortress. Subsequently (especially during Napoleon's time) the building was repeatedly renamed and expanded, but still, its exhibition area is rather modest and does not allow to exhibit everything that would be interesting to visitors. For this reason, and also because of the exceptional world value of most of the exhibits, only a tenth of them are displayed in the halls of the museum.
Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy)According to the original plan, the Uffizi Gallery was to become a spacious palace that would have assembled all the administrative services of Florence 16th-17th centuries in its territory. However, the popular at that time portrait painting initiated the formation of private collections later joined by the works of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and other great masters.
Vatican MuseumsThe world's largest collection of historical and artistic values can be seen in the Vatican Museums, a gigantic complex reminiscent of the state in the state. The Vatican is tiny in size and has fabulous cultural treasures: 60,000 manuscripts of the Vatican Library, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's Frescoes, the archaeological artifacts of the Etruscan and Egyptian Museums, the gallery of geographical maps, the Bramante Chamber Scaffold, the Raphael Chamber, etc.
Prado Museum (Madrid, Spain)The connoisseurs of European art will undoubtedly like the Prado Museum where the paintings of four European schools, Spanish, Italian, German and Flemish, are exhibited. The paintings collection creation in Spain was initiated by Charles V Habsburg who carefully approached the selection of exhibits. Among them are canvases of Bosch, Botticelli, Santi, da Vinci and others.The Prado Museum leads an active life: often enough, exhibition collections from other famous museums of the world are brought here, or, conversely, the Spanish collection goes on a journey.
State Art Museum of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)The Art Museum in Amsterdam, open to public visits in 1815, 70 years later moved to another building and still remains there. A recent large-scale restoration has benefited him: artistic and historical collections, as well as collections of drawings, engravings, and photographs, have gained fresh momentum. The central object of the art exhibition is Rembrandt's "The Night Watch", a painting that caused the reconstruction of the building in 1906 because it was too large for the museum's halls.
British Museum (London, the UK)The exposition of the British Museum, collected in the 17th century from three collections, was originally located in an aristocratic mansion in the Bloomsbury area. Some of the exhibits of Greek and Egyptian origin that got to England under mysterious circumstances are still an apple of discord between the countries.In the 19th century, part of the museum's collections was transferred to South Kensington, and at the beginning of the 20th century the British Museum was replenished with collections of Middle Eastern art (Mesopotamia).
Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, the USA)The Metropolitan Museum was created as a national art gallery in the second half of the 19th century with the funds of businessmen and patrons. Its first exhibits were paintings by European artists brought by the organizers from Paris and Brussels.Americans are very proud of this museum and with the inherent patriotism continue to replenish the collections of the Metropolitan Museum, mainly by buying paintings that were previously in private collections. Thus, the canvases of such Western European artists as Titian, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Goya, El Greco and others are adornments of the museum.
National Archaeological Museum of Athens (Athens, Greece)The largest museum in Greece appeared in Athens after the city became the capital of the state. Until then, the National Archaeological Museum was located on the island of Aegina.The basis of its exposition is collections of sculptures and ceramics (ones of the richest in the world) found during centuries-old archaeological excavations. You can read about the progress of these digs in the books, scientific works, and publications in the unique archaeological library located here in the museum.
Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia)The collection of the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the best gallery in Russia and one of the most famous art museums in the world, includes works by world-famous masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt and many others. More than 2.7 million exhibits located in the seven buildings of the museum represent the art of different epochs from many countries of the world, from Ancient Egypt to Europe of the beginning of the 20th century.
Museums go hand in hand with modern technology and continue to delight connoisseurs of art around the world. Anyone not indifferent to artifacts, paintings or sculptures can navigate in a virtual collection, and if desired, visit the museums in real life. What museums are worthy of your attention, read in our material.
Despite the rather skeptical attitude towards museums which has recently been observed in modern society, they do not even think of emptying and closing. Internet technologies that have conquered the world seem to be good for them: museum virtual representations are opened, and the computer has long since become a working tool.
Egyptian Museum (Cairo, Egypt)The Egyptian Museum has a huge number of exhibits (art objects, manuscripts, scrolls, and household items) representing the history and art of Egypt of different eras of several thousand years BC. It is breathtaking when you see mummies of the pharaohs, sarcophagi of the priests, famous treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamun, sculptures of the pharaoh Amenhotep III and his wife Tiaa, and others. Everything is ancient and mysterious, especially considering the fact that the purpose of many artifacts is still unknown, and modern science cannot explain the impact of some of them on the human body.
Louvre (Paris, France)Originally the Louvre Palace, the site of the world-famous museum of France, was a medieval fortress. Subsequently (especially during Napoleon's time) the building was repeatedly renamed and expanded, but still, its exhibition area is rather modest and does not allow to exhibit everything that would be interesting to visitors. For this reason, and also because of the exceptional world value of most of the exhibits, only a tenth of them are displayed in the halls of the museum.
Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy)According to the original plan, the Uffizi Gallery was to become a spacious palace that would have assembled all the administrative services of Florence 16th-17th centuries in its territory. However, the popular at that time portrait painting initiated the formation of private collections later joined by the works of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and other great masters.
Vatican MuseumsThe world's largest collection of historical and artistic values can be seen in the Vatican Museums, a gigantic complex reminiscent of the state in the state. The Vatican is tiny in size and has fabulous cultural treasures: 60,000 manuscripts of the Vatican Library, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's Frescoes, the archaeological artifacts of the Etruscan and Egyptian Museums, the gallery of geographical maps, the Bramante Chamber Scaffold, the Raphael Chamber, etc.
Prado Museum (Madrid, Spain)The connoisseurs of European art will undoubtedly like the Prado Museum where the paintings of four European schools, Spanish, Italian, German and Flemish, are exhibited. The paintings collection creation in Spain was initiated by Charles V Habsburg who carefully approached the selection of exhibits. Among them are canvases of Bosch, Botticelli, Santi, da Vinci and others.The Prado Museum leads an active life: often enough, exhibition collections from other famous museums of the world are brought here, or, conversely, the Spanish collection goes on a journey.
State Art Museum of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)The Art Museum in Amsterdam, open to public visits in 1815, 70 years later moved to another building and still remains there. A recent large-scale restoration has benefited him: artistic and historical collections, as well as collections of drawings, engravings, and photographs, have gained fresh momentum. The central object of the art exhibition is Rembrandt's "The Night Watch", a painting that caused the reconstruction of the building in 1906 because it was too large for the museum's halls.
British Museum (London, the UK)The exposition of the British Museum, collected in the 17th century from three collections, was originally located in an aristocratic mansion in the Bloomsbury area. Some of the exhibits of Greek and Egyptian origin that got to England under mysterious circumstances are still an apple of discord between the countries.In the 19th century, part of the museum's collections was transferred to South Kensington, and at the beginning of the 20th century the British Museum was replenished with collections of Middle Eastern art (Mesopotamia).
Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, the USA)The Metropolitan Museum was created as a national art gallery in the second half of the 19th century with the funds of businessmen and patrons. Its first exhibits were paintings by European artists brought by the organizers from Paris and Brussels.Americans are very proud of this museum and with the inherent patriotism continue to replenish the collections of the Metropolitan Museum, mainly by buying paintings that were previously in private collections. Thus, the canvases of such Western European artists as Titian, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Goya, El Greco and others are adornments of the museum.
National Archaeological Museum of Athens (Athens, Greece)The largest museum in Greece appeared in Athens after the city became the capital of the state. Until then, the National Archaeological Museum was located on the island of Aegina.The basis of its exposition is collections of sculptures and ceramics (ones of the richest in the world) found during centuries-old archaeological excavations. You can read about the progress of these digs in the books, scientific works, and publications in the unique archaeological library located here in the museum.
Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia)The collection of the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, the best gallery in Russia and one of the most famous art museums in the world, includes works by world-famous masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt and many others. More than 2.7 million exhibits located in the seven buildings of the museum represent the art of different epochs from many countries of the world, from Ancient Egypt to Europe of the beginning of the 20th century.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said gradual interest-rate hikes are appropriate for the US economy.
Powell believes that the balanced approach of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has made a significant contribution to strengthening the economy. Going slow on rate hikes has also reduced the risk of “an unforeseen blow to the economy” that might have pushed the economy into recession, the Fed chairman noted.
The Fed has raised interest rates five times since December 2015. The last hike was in March. Currently, the federal funds rate is at a 1.5-1.75% target range. The Fed is expected to further raise rates twice this year. Meanwhile, economists do not rule out three more hikes in order to curb inflation and prevent the economy from overheating.
As for the US labor market, it gained 103,000 new jobs in March. Meanwhile, wage growth was 2.7%. A gradual increase in interest rates is also backed by Charles Evans, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. He said is optimistic that inflation will reach the Fed's 2% goal and that gradual rate hikes will be appropriate.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said gradual interest-rate hikes are appropriate for the US economy.
Powell believes that the balanced approach of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has made a significant contribution to strengthening the economy. Going slow on rate hikes has also reduced the risk of “an unforeseen blow to the economy” that might have pushed the economy into recession, the Fed chairman noted.
The Fed has raised interest rates five times since December 2015. The last hike was in March. Currently, the federal funds rate is at a 1.5-1.75% target range. The Fed is expected to further raise rates twice this year. Meanwhile, economists do not rule out three more hikes in order to curb inflation and prevent the economy from overheating.
As for the US labor market, it gained 103,000 new jobs in March. Meanwhile, wage growth was 2.7%. A gradual increase in interest rates is also backed by Charles Evans, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. He said is optimistic that inflation will reach the Fed's 2% goal and that gradual rate hikes will be appropriate.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said gradual interest-rate hikes are appropriate for the US economy.
Powell believes that the balanced approach of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has made a significant contribution to strengthening the economy. Going slow on rate hikes has also reduced the risk of “an unforeseen blow to the economy” that might have pushed the economy into recession, the Fed chairman noted.
The Fed has raised interest rates five times since December 2015. The last hike was in March. Currently, the federal funds rate is at a 1.5-1.75% target range. The Fed is expected to further raise rates twice this year. Meanwhile, economists do not rule out three more hikes in order to curb inflation and prevent the economy from overheating.
As for the US labor market, it gained 103,000 new jobs in March. Meanwhile, wage growth was 2.7%. A gradual increase in interest rates is also backed by Charles Evans, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. He said is optimistic that inflation will reach the Fed's 2% goal and that gradual rate hikes will be appropriate.
According to information provided by the Russian service for accommodation booking, Tvil.ru, over the past year not only traditional routes but also those that are located in some distance from settlements have got into the rating of the most popular pilgrim routes. Read about them in our material.
5 place – Solovki, Arkhangelsk RegionOn the Solovetsky Islands, located in the White Sea, there is a unique natural, historical and cultural complex which does not exist anywhere else in the world. On a small area of the archipelago, there is a lot of attractions the main of which is the famous Solovetsky Monastery.
4 place – Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl RegionA huge number of cultural monuments located on the territory of Rostov provided the city with the center position in the Golden Ring of Russia route. It should be noted that not less than a third of them are monuments of federal significance, and the famous Rostov Kremlin museum-reserve is included in the list of particularly valuable objects of the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia.
3 place – Diveevo, Nizhny Novgorod regionOrthodox Christians mostly go to the village of Diveevo to find evidence of the miraculous properties of local lands and plants. After all, it's the very place where the Monk Seraphim of Sarov had founded the Holy Trinity-Saint Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery where miracles later began to happen. To this day, childless couples come here in the hope of receiving God's blessing for the birth of a child, as well as all who wish to be healed.
2 place – Valaam Island, KareliaThe outlines of the rocky shores of the Valaam island, towering above the troubled waters of the Ladoga Lake, are softened by mists in the mornings, which gives pilgrims a chance to enjoy solitude, as well as incredible views. The relics of the brothers Sergius and Herman of Valaam lie here. They founded the majestic Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral on the island. The history of the cloister and the monastic brotherhood on the island is shrouded in legends since Valaam has suffered many challenges since its foundation: military clashes with the Swedes, epidemics, fortification works, and bombardments.
1 place – Sergiev Posad, Moscow regionThe Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is rightly considered the heart of the Sergiev Posad city. The relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the founder of the monastery, lie in the Trinity Cathedral. The spiritual significance of the Trinity Lavra goes far beyond the limits of ecclesiastical prayers and publishing activities. As a few centuries ago, the monastery sends its pupils to new and restored monasteries. The abbots of the majority of parish churches in Moscow and the Moscow region also came from the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. Its monks also carry missionary obedience in Siberia.
According to information provided by the Russian service for accommodation booking, Tvil.ru, over the past year not only traditional routes but also those that are located in some distance from settlements have got into the rating of the most popular pilgrim routes. Read about them in our material.
5 place – Solovki, Arkhangelsk RegionOn the Solovetsky Islands, located in the White Sea, there is a unique natural, historical and cultural complex which does not exist anywhere else in the world. On a small area of the archipelago, there is a lot of attractions the main of which is the famous Solovetsky Monastery.
4 place – Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl RegionA huge number of cultural monuments located on the territory of Rostov provided the city with the center position in the Golden Ring of Russia route. It should be noted that not less than a third of them are monuments of federal significance, and the famous Rostov Kremlin museum-reserve is included in the list of particularly valuable objects of the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia.
3 place – Diveevo, Nizhny Novgorod regionOrthodox Christians mostly go to the village of Diveevo to find evidence of the miraculous properties of local lands and plants. After all, it's the very place where the Monk Seraphim of Sarov had founded the Holy Trinity-Saint Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery where miracles later began to happen. To this day, childless couples come here in the hope of receiving God's blessing for the birth of a child, as well as all who wish to be healed.
2 place – Valaam Island, KareliaThe outlines of the rocky shores of the Valaam island, towering above the troubled waters of the Ladoga Lake, are softened by mists in the mornings, which gives pilgrims a chance to enjoy solitude, as well as incredible views. The relics of the brothers Sergius and Herman of Valaam lie here. They founded the majestic Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral on the island. The history of the cloister and the monastic brotherhood on the island is shrouded in legends since Valaam has suffered many challenges since its foundation: military clashes with the Swedes, epidemics, fortification works, and bombardments.
1 place – Sergiev Posad, Moscow regionThe Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is rightly considered the heart of the Sergiev Posad city. The relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the founder of the monastery, lie in the Trinity Cathedral. The spiritual significance of the Trinity Lavra goes far beyond the limits of ecclesiastical prayers and publishing activities. As a few centuries ago, the monastery sends its pupils to new and restored monasteries. The abbots of the majority of parish churches in Moscow and the Moscow region also came from the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. Its monks also carry missionary obedience in Siberia.
According to information provided by the Russian service for accommodation booking, Tvil.ru, over the past year not only traditional routes but also those that are located in some distance from settlements have got into the rating of the most popular pilgrim routes. Read about them in our material.
5 place – Solovki, Arkhangelsk RegionOn the Solovetsky Islands, located in the White Sea, there is a unique natural, historical and cultural complex which does not exist anywhere else in the world. On a small area of the archipelago, there is a lot of attractions the main of which is the famous Solovetsky Monastery.
4 place – Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl RegionA huge number of cultural monuments located on the territory of Rostov provided the city with the center position in the Golden Ring of Russia route. It should be noted that not less than a third of them are monuments of federal significance, and the famous Rostov Kremlin museum-reserve is included in the list of particularly valuable objects of the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia.
3 place – Diveevo, Nizhny Novgorod regionOrthodox Christians mostly go to the village of Diveevo to find evidence of the miraculous properties of local lands and plants. After all, it's the very place where the Monk Seraphim of Sarov had founded the Holy Trinity-Saint Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery where miracles later began to happen. To this day, childless couples come here in the hope of receiving God's blessing for the birth of a child, as well as all who wish to be healed.
2 place – Valaam Island, KareliaThe outlines of the rocky shores of the Valaam island, towering above the troubled waters of the Ladoga Lake, are softened by mists in the mornings, which gives pilgrims a chance to enjoy solitude, as well as incredible views. The relics of the brothers Sergius and Herman of Valaam lie here. They founded the majestic Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral on the island. The history of the cloister and the monastic brotherhood on the island is shrouded in legends since Valaam has suffered many challenges since its foundation: military clashes with the Swedes, epidemics, fortification works, and bombardments.
1 place – Sergiev Posad, Moscow regionThe Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is rightly considered the heart of the Sergiev Posad city. The relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the founder of the monastery, lie in the Trinity Cathedral. The spiritual significance of the Trinity Lavra goes far beyond the limits of ecclesiastical prayers and publishing activities. As a few centuries ago, the monastery sends its pupils to new and restored monasteries. The abbots of the majority of parish churches in Moscow and the Moscow region also came from the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. Its monks also carry missionary obedience in Siberia.
The future of the EU depends on an upcoming large-scale reform which will hardly succeed without mutual understanding between France and Germany. Fortunately, the two largest eurozone’s economies have been able to come to a compromise and started to work on a joint reform roadmap.
The first draft should be submitted to the European Commission in July. However, successful implementation of these reforms could be complicated by the victory of euroskeptic parties in Italy’s election. “For those who will have to draw the Franco-German blueprint, the message from Italy is that the policy framework that has dominated Europe since the mid-1980s no longer commands broad support. For three decades, the consensus on the need for market reforms and sound public finances has been strong enough to overcome opposition in small countries (Greece) and outlast procrastination in large ones (France). In the coming years, however, the eurozone playing field may well become a battleground,” Jean Pisani-Ferry, Commissioner General for Policy Planning, comments on the situation.
Financial relations within the EU are the matter of major importance on the agenda. At present, there is no legislation to guarantee a strict observance of the fiscal rules by all countries of the euro bloc. Sanctions and a threat of exit or even removal from the EU are certainly not a satisfactory solution. Therefore, Germany and France assumed responsibility for developing a clear-cut and viable mechanism of settlement of disputes, including financial ones. This will simplify a path for the better future.
The future of the EU depends on an upcoming large-scale reform which will hardly succeed without mutual understanding between France and Germany. Fortunately, the two largest eurozone’s economies have been able to come to a compromise and started to work on a joint reform roadmap.
The first draft should be submitted to the European Commission in July. However, successful implementation of these reforms could be complicated by the victory of euroskeptic parties in Italy’s election. “For those who will have to draw the Franco-German blueprint, the message from Italy is that the policy framework that has dominated Europe since the mid-1980s no longer commands broad support. For three decades, the consensus on the need for market reforms and sound public finances has been strong enough to overcome opposition in small countries (Greece) and outlast procrastination in large ones (France). In the coming years, however, the eurozone playing field may well become a battleground,” Jean Pisani-Ferry, Commissioner General for Policy Planning, comments on the situation.
Financial relations within the EU are the matter of major importance on the agenda. At present, there is no legislation to guarantee a strict observance of the fiscal rules by all countries of the euro bloc. Sanctions and a threat of exit or even removal from the EU are certainly not a satisfactory solution. Therefore, Germany and France assumed responsibility for developing a clear-cut and viable mechanism of settlement of disputes, including financial ones. This will simplify a path for the better future.
The future of the EU depends on an upcoming large-scale reform which will hardly succeed without mutual understanding between France and Germany. Fortunately, the two largest eurozone’s economies have been able to come to a compromise and started to work on a joint reform roadmap.
The first draft should be submitted to the European Commission in July. However, successful implementation of these reforms could be complicated by the victory of euroskeptic parties in Italy’s election. “For those who will have to draw the Franco-German blueprint, the message from Italy is that the policy framework that has dominated Europe since the mid-1980s no longer commands broad support. For three decades, the consensus on the need for market reforms and sound public finances has been strong enough to overcome opposition in small countries (Greece) and outlast procrastination in large ones (France). In the coming years, however, the eurozone playing field may well become a battleground,” Jean Pisani-Ferry, Commissioner General for Policy Planning, comments on the situation.
Financial relations within the EU are the matter of major importance on the agenda. At present, there is no legislation to guarantee a strict observance of the fiscal rules by all countries of the euro bloc. Sanctions and a threat of exit or even removal from the EU are certainly not a satisfactory solution. Therefore, Germany and France assumed responsibility for developing a clear-cut and viable mechanism of settlement of disputes, including financial ones. This will simplify a path for the better future.
In Flanders, there is the highest density of first-class restaurants in the world: almost one hundred of them are marked by the prestigious Michelin star! However, the historical region of Belgium can please with culinary masterpieces not only regulars of "star" restaurants but also all those who appeared to be at the right time in the right place, in this case, at one of the culinary festivals. Read in our material about when and where will take place the most interesting culinary duels.
Gent Smaakt! (Gent, May 9-13, 2018)In the capital and the largest city of East Flanders, in a month there will be a real gastronomic show, Gent Smaakt! For five days guests of the culinary show will try the best dishes and drinks from dozens of local cafes and restaurants, rest under luxurious dining tents and walk on cozy terraces. The site for the festival will be the town hall on the square Emile Braunplein.
Antwerpen Proeft (Antwerpen, May 10-13, 2018)Feel the "taste of Antwerpen" at the largest local culinary festival which will also begin very soon.Guests of Antwerpen Proeft will be presented a huge selection of chic restaurants some of which are located on the picturesque bank of the Scheldt river. Creative ideas for decorating restaurants and the festival itself also deserve attention.
Dinner in the Sky (Brussels, June 9-24, 2018)This year one of the most unusual restaurants, Dinner in the Sky, will prepare a lunch and two dinners for two dozen guests. The organizers of the festival offer culinary masterpieces made by the best chefs of the planet (Jo"el Robuchon, Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard) at an altitude of 50 meters where the hanging open platform rises.
Hapje-Tapje (Leuven, August 5, 2018)During Hapje-Tapje, many stalls are installed on the market square of Leuven which makes it look like a gastronomic camp. The routes that guests make during the day from one stall to the next, tasting various dishes and drinks, resemble real culinary trails.During the competitive part, it is possible to carry a tray with an order only through the crowds gathered on the market square, as there are no separate roads for the waiters. A pleasant addition to the holiday is festive events which include contests, concerts, and performances by street artists.
Bollekesfeest (Antwerpen, August 18-19, 2018)Another festival, which will be held this year in Antwerp, is called Bollekesfeest. It will take place in the historic center of Antwerp, the Grote Markt square. Directly in front of the audience, the best chefs of the city will prepare national dishes, and guests of the festival will be able to enjoy performances of various artists and music bands while sampling local beers.
EAT! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux (Brussels, September 13-16, 2018)Festival of street food EAT! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux takes place annually in the central park of Brussels, where, under the guidance of experienced culinary masters a variety of treats are cooked on the specially prepared street kitchens. You will be able to try it for a fixed fee.For the duration of the festival, visitors can purchase a wine pass with coupons and feel like real sommeliers having tasted wines in any pavilion.
Kookeet (Bruges, September 29 - October 1, 2018)The eighth season of the Kookeet Culinary Festival will take place in Bruges, Flanders gastronomic capital. It will gather under one roof more than thirty famous chefs who will compete during the five-minute culinary fights of En garde. The organizer of this festival is the chef Geert Van Hecke who received his Michelin star in 1985!Viewers are guaranteed the pleasure not only to experience the thrill of the battle of "culinary titans" but also to create their own menu from a wide range of dishes.
Tram Experience (Brussels, whole year)For five years in a row, the famous Tram Experience restaurant has been offering passengers to plunge into the atmosphere of a romantic two-hour journey through the most beautiful streets of Brussels and taste a menu of national dishes from prestigious Belgian chefs. Lionel Rigolet, the author of this project, heads one of the most prestigious culinary establishments, Comme Chez Soi.
In Flanders, there is the highest density of first-class restaurants in the world: almost one hundred of them are marked by the prestigious Michelin star! However, the historical region of Belgium can please with culinary masterpieces not only regulars of "star" restaurants but also all those who appeared to be at the right time in the right place, in this case, at one of the culinary festivals. Read in our material about when and where will take place the most interesting culinary duels.
Gent Smaakt! (Gent, May 9-13, 2018)In the capital and the largest city of East Flanders, in a month there will be a real gastronomic show, Gent Smaakt! For five days guests of the culinary show will try the best dishes and drinks from dozens of local cafes and restaurants, rest under luxurious dining tents and walk on cozy terraces. The site for the festival will be the town hall on the square Emile Braunplein.
Antwerpen Proeft (Antwerpen, May 10-13, 2018)Feel the "taste of Antwerpen" at the largest local culinary festival which will also begin very soon.Guests of Antwerpen Proeft will be presented a huge selection of chic restaurants some of which are located on the picturesque bank of the Scheldt river. Creative ideas for decorating restaurants and the festival itself also deserve attention.
Dinner in the Sky (Brussels, June 9-24, 2018)This year one of the most unusual restaurants, Dinner in the Sky, will prepare a lunch and two dinners for two dozen guests. The organizers of the festival offer culinary masterpieces made by the best chefs of the planet (Jo"el Robuchon, Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard) at an altitude of 50 meters where the hanging open platform rises.
Hapje-Tapje (Leuven, August 5, 2018)During Hapje-Tapje, many stalls are installed on the market square of Leuven which makes it look like a gastronomic camp. The routes that guests make during the day from one stall to the next, tasting various dishes and drinks, resemble real culinary trails.During the competitive part, it is possible to carry a tray with an order only through the crowds gathered on the market square, as there are no separate roads for the waiters. A pleasant addition to the holiday is festive events which include contests, concerts, and performances by street artists.
Bollekesfeest (Antwerpen, August 18-19, 2018)Another festival, which will be held this year in Antwerp, is called Bollekesfeest. It will take place in the historic center of Antwerp, the Grote Markt square. Directly in front of the audience, the best chefs of the city will prepare national dishes, and guests of the festival will be able to enjoy performances of various artists and music bands while sampling local beers.
EAT! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux (Brussels, September 13-16, 2018)Festival of street food EAT! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux takes place annually in the central park of Brussels, where, under the guidance of experienced culinary masters a variety of treats are cooked on the specially prepared street kitchens. You will be able to try it for a fixed fee.For the duration of the festival, visitors can purchase a wine pass with coupons and feel like real sommeliers having tasted wines in any pavilion.
Kookeet (Bruges, September 29 - October 1, 2018)The eighth season of the Kookeet Culinary Festival will take place in Bruges, Flanders gastronomic capital. It will gather under one roof more than thirty famous chefs who will compete during the five-minute culinary fights of En garde. The organizer of this festival is the chef Geert Van Hecke who received his Michelin star in 1985!Viewers are guaranteed the pleasure not only to experience the thrill of the battle of "culinary titans" but also to create their own menu from a wide range of dishes.
Tram Experience (Brussels, whole year)For five years in a row, the famous Tram Experience restaurant has been offering passengers to plunge into the atmosphere of a romantic two-hour journey through the most beautiful streets of Brussels and taste a menu of national dishes from prestigious Belgian chefs. Lionel Rigolet, the author of this project, heads one of the most prestigious culinary establishments, Comme Chez Soi.
In Flanders, there is the highest density of first-class restaurants in the world: almost one hundred of them are marked by the prestigious Michelin star! However, the historical region of Belgium can please with culinary masterpieces not only regulars of "star" restaurants but also all those who appeared to be at the right time in the right place, in this case, at one of the culinary festivals. Read in our material about when and where will take place the most interesting culinary duels.
Gent Smaakt! (Gent, May 9-13, 2018)In the capital and the largest city of East Flanders, in a month there will be a real gastronomic show, Gent Smaakt! For five days guests of the culinary show will try the best dishes and drinks from dozens of local cafes and restaurants, rest under luxurious dining tents and walk on cozy terraces. The site for the festival will be the town hall on the square Emile Braunplein.
Antwerpen Proeft (Antwerpen, May 10-13, 2018)Feel the "taste of Antwerpen" at the largest local culinary festival which will also begin very soon.Guests of Antwerpen Proeft will be presented a huge selection of chic restaurants some of which are located on the picturesque bank of the Scheldt river. Creative ideas for decorating restaurants and the festival itself also deserve attention.
Dinner in the Sky (Brussels, June 9-24, 2018)This year one of the most unusual restaurants, Dinner in the Sky, will prepare a lunch and two dinners for two dozen guests. The organizers of the festival offer culinary masterpieces made by the best chefs of the planet (Jo"el Robuchon, Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard) at an altitude of 50 meters where the hanging open platform rises.
Hapje-Tapje (Leuven, August 5, 2018)During Hapje-Tapje, many stalls are installed on the market square of Leuven which makes it look like a gastronomic camp. The routes that guests make during the day from one stall to the next, tasting various dishes and drinks, resemble real culinary trails.During the competitive part, it is possible to carry a tray with an order only through the crowds gathered on the market square, as there are no separate roads for the waiters. A pleasant addition to the holiday is festive events which include contests, concerts, and performances by street artists.
Bollekesfeest (Antwerpen, August 18-19, 2018)Another festival, which will be held this year in Antwerp, is called Bollekesfeest. It will take place in the historic center of Antwerp, the Grote Markt square. Directly in front of the audience, the best chefs of the city will prepare national dishes, and guests of the festival will be able to enjoy performances of various artists and music bands while sampling local beers.
EAT! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux (Brussels, September 13-16, 2018)Festival of street food EAT! Brussels, drink! Bordeaux takes place annually in the central park of Brussels, where, under the guidance of experienced culinary masters a variety of treats are cooked on the specially prepared street kitchens. You will be able to try it for a fixed fee.For the duration of the festival, visitors can purchase a wine pass with coupons and feel like real sommeliers having tasted wines in any pavilion.
Kookeet (Bruges, September 29 - October 1, 2018)The eighth season of the Kookeet Culinary Festival will take place in Bruges, Flanders gastronomic capital. It will gather under one roof more than thirty famous chefs who will compete during the five-minute culinary fights of En garde. The organizer of this festival is the chef Geert Van Hecke who received his Michelin star in 1985!Viewers are guaranteed the pleasure not only to experience the thrill of the battle of "culinary titans" but also to create their own menu from a wide range of dishes.
Tram Experience (Brussels, whole year)For five years in a row, the famous Tram Experience restaurant has been offering passengers to plunge into the atmosphere of a romantic two-hour journey through the most beautiful streets of Brussels and taste a menu of national dishes from prestigious Belgian chefs. Lionel Rigolet, the author of this project, heads one of the most prestigious culinary establishments, Comme Chez Soi.
According to experts, crypto funds have quite a short life span. Last year became a promising start for the cryptocurrency market. A desire to make a killing led people all over the globe to invest real money in virtual assets. However, the market can not only rise but fall and the year of 2018 has not been very lucrative for crypto investors yet.
Amid the ongoing decline, investors, both actual and prospective, have been losing interest in crypto funds, some of which are closed and even deleted their websites and profiles on Twitter and Facebook. For example, Alpha Protocol published the following message on its website: “Considering the potential regulatory and market risks, Alpha Protocol has decided that the best approach is to refund the private sale contributors”. Polychain Capital with around 250 million dollars of assets under management decided not to be listed in Canada. Billionaire Mike Novogratz rejected the idea of idea of creating a crypto fund and shifted his attention to opening a commercial bank.
It is difficult to say now whether this situation marks the end of cryptomania. Perhaps, the market will face a surge of investments soon. However, if last year ‘bitcoin’ was among the top words searched in Google and ‘cryptocurrency’ took the first place by search queries in Yandex, now these words are not even in the top 10. Among the three popular digital assets – bitcoin, ethereum, and litecoin - only bitcoin has held its status of the global cryptocurrency. Still, ethereum enjoys some popularity in several Asian and Eastern Europe regions; while investors have almost completely lost their interest in litecoin.
Experts advise investors who operate in the world financial markets to pay attention to the risks arising when working with large amounts of cash. The most common of them are presented in our material.
Analyzing the history of global financial markets experts pay attention to events that can lead to drastic changes in this area. They try to calculate the most likely risks that arise when working with a large amount of cash. Specialists also offer market participants options for getting out of difficult situations with minimal losses. Let us dwell on the most common risks faced by businessmen in financial markets.
The Return of InflationExperts believe that the appearance of inflation signs is one of the important risk factors. Investors can insure against this risk by investing in gold, commodities, stocks, bonds and real estate.
Extremely high debtExperts remind: the level of world debt is steadily growing. In March 2017, it reached $233 trillion. In many countries, such as Canada, France, Hong Kong, South Korea, Switzerland, and Turkey, a record level of private debt in the non-financial sphere was reported. The US public debt has exceeded $20 trillion, and this is not the limit. Investors are afraid of a rapid increase in interest rates. They can protect themselves by investing in precious metals and real estate.
The world market of bondsIn the world bond market for a long time - about 30 years - there is a "bullish" trend, analysts emphasize. Some investors get rid of bonds believing that the market of corporate and government bonds is highly overvalued. Many of them believe that it is better to buy shares and get rid of so-called "junk" bonds. This helps investors stay afloat.
Geopolitical risksAccording to experts, geopolitical events and conflict situations can lead to serious losses in the global financial market. The surprise factor plays a decisive role here. Most investors try to insure their assets fearing an armed conflict. They invest in cash and precious metals, and also seek to diversify their portfolio.
Excess overcautiousness of regulatorsMany large investors are concerned about the unpredictable consequences that have resulted from the actions of central banks of a number of countries. In order to ensure maximum security of their assets, investors have to invest significantly in gold and real estate. Market players believe that this minimizes the negative impact of implementing the programs of most leading regulators.
The White House released a list of Chinese goods that it will subject to a 25% tariff increase. The proposed tariff hike is part of the US plan to punish China for it its alleged theft of American tech and trade secrets.
The measures will escalate trade tensions between the two countries. The Office of the US Trade Representative issued a list targeting 1,300 Chinese products, including industrial robots and telecommunications equipment. The suggested tariffs are imposed on $50 billion worth of Chinese imports.
Earlier, China announced retaliatory measures on $3 billion worth of imports from the United States that came into effect on April 2. It imposed tariffs on 128 US goods. Thus, American products including nuts, fresh and dried fruit, ginseng, wine and pork, as well as some steel products will be hit by a tariff increase
Leading architects of the world, constantly surprising citizens with unusual constructions, this time offered a special product of their creativity - black buildings built from specialized materials. These creations are in our photo gallery.
Maison Noire in FranceMaison Noire (which means "black house"), erected in the south of France, is covered with black steel sheets. Steel is considered a very strong material, and if you make holes in the steel walls, the play of light will be impressive and unpredictable.
B"uhelwirt Hotel in South TyrolThis hotel was built in the distant 1910 in the vicinity of South Tyrol. During the expansion of the premises, the owners invited the Italian architectural studio, Pedevilla Architects, and asked to build a new unique building. As a result, the walls were covered with black larch, and inside, 20 rooms, a restaurant and a spa appeared. The building turned out to be black only from the outside: its interior, on the contrary, is very light and positive.
Kindergarten in CopenhagenDeveloping a project of a kindergarten in Copenhagen the architects were inspired by children's drawings. The result of their creativity is impressive: there are black constructions against the background of the two white buildings. They resemble schematic images of small houses painted by children.
Black Pyramid House in JapanHaving visited Hiroshima in Japan one cannot but pay attention to the unique building resembling a coal pyramid. Architects note that ancient motifs were used in the construction of the Black Pyramid House. The pyramid resembles an ancient Japanese dwelling, the so-called "Pit House". Similar constructions, only in a more simplified version, had been erecting two centuries before our era.
Black Pyramid House in JapanHaving visited Hiroshima in Japan one cannot but pay attention to the unique building resembling a coal pyramid. Architects note that ancient motifs were used in the construction of the Black Pyramid House. The pyramid resembles an ancient Japanese dwelling, the so-called "Pit House". Similar constructions, only in a more simplified version, had been erecting two centuries before our era.
Black house in PortugalThe main feature of the Portuguese FFAT house ("black house") is a very light interior decoration. Outside, the building is coal black. The facade was made of phenolic plywood, experts emphasize.
Black and blue L House in PolandThis blue and black house in the Polish city of Lodz is completely finished with special material, Termopian. Experts note that it is usually used only for roofs in order to increase heat and sound insulation. The architects of Moomoo have created such an unusual form of the house, taking into account local legislation, one of the requirements of which is the alignment of the building parallel to the boundaries of the site.
Schwarzes Haus in GermanyIn one of the settlements of Germany, there is a house with amazingly designed windows thanks to which you can enjoy the bizarre play of light and shadow. Its facade is treated with bitumen. The building was designed by Peter Haimerl. This project won the audience choice award of the Union of German Architects BDA.
Large companies in Japan intend to boost investment this year, despite the fact that the strengthening of the yen undermined their confidence. The country’s business sentiment retreated from more than a 10-year high.
According to the Bank of Japan’s closely watched quarterly “tankan” survey, the index for big manufacturers’ sentiment decline to 24 in the first quarter from 26 in the previous quarter.
Meanwhile, analysts had expected a fall to 25.
The indicator for non-manufacturers edged down to 23 compared with a revised reading of 25. The score was expected to fall to 24.
Nevertheless, companies plan to increase their investment by 2.3% in the fiscal year which will end in March 2019.
Among small companies, manufacturers' sentiment was unchanged at 15, while that of service firms rose to 10 from 9.
The lowest growth in two years and the yen appreciation suggest that the country's central bank still cannot abandon its stimulus measures, which are becoming more difficult to maintain. The further strengthening of the yen could undermine the growth of wages in 2018, which will damage the efforts of the Bank of Japan to accelerate inflation.
Spain, Portugal, and France have decided to increase the volume of gas supplies from Algeria. This step will be a partial liberation from Russia.
In order to reduce gas dependence on the Russian Federation, Spain, France, and Portugal agreed to sign a formal agreement, according to which European countries will receive gas from Algeria.
This decision diversifies the sources of gas, which, in turn, will significantly reduce the confrontation in the energy sector between the Russian Federation and the EU.
A meeting of energy ministers was planned, at which the main topic of discussion will be the MidCat gas pipeline, the branch of which ends in Ostalrique (Spain).
Spain will be represented at the meeting by the Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism Jose Manuel Soria, France - Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy Segolene Royal.
To date, MidCat has a throughput of 5.36 billion cubic meters. If the planned completion of the gas pipeline will be completed, its capacity will be around 15.1 billion cubic meters.
Despite the fact that Algeria is in the tenth place in terms of natural gas reserves, its pipeline capacity is only used half. According to the calculations of economists, in 2013, only 25 billion cubic meters of gas were used for gas exports of the possible 54 billion cubic meters.
