There's something in this headline that sent the call to almost every known writer to write an extended theory about its meaning which is actually very simple: Success and rest don't sleep together.
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Schwerin, Germany
Regardless of how many times you have visited Germany there is always something new worth to be seen. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state situated in the northern Germany, "the land of water" how their citizens like to call it, has more than 2,000 lakes and nearly the same number of castles and palaces. Its capital Schwerin and surrounding area attract tourist from around the world with their unique landscape and rich cultural heritage.
Wake up early and enjoy early morning silence watching people fishing, canoeing and sailing on Lake Schwerin, one of the largest lakes in Germany. Take the short lake boat tour along the lakeshore or a longer tour of surrounding lakes and enjoy the romantic view at sunset. On an island romantically situated in the lake you will see fairytale Schwerin Castle, three floors high capital's most famous landmark with a Castle Cafe inside.
Just opposite the island there is Alter Garten, one of the most impressive squares with 19th century buldings, which used to be the noble garden. If you like history the city's numerous museums will attract you with their architecture and collections. Visit Schwerin State Museum, the largest museum in the state. What you cannot miss even if you want to is the Cathedral with 14th century wall paintings in the chapel, a true brick Gothic beauty.
Bolzano, Italy Bolzano-Bozen province, also known as South Tyrol, is situated in the northernmost part of Italy. Its capital Bolzano (together with Innsbruck also capital of the Alps) is the biggest city in South Tyrol and its business and financial centre. What makes it attractive are high quality of life and its bilinguality, for it is the Italian city with Austrian touch. If your German is rusty and Italian too fast to understand then: "Sie haben ein Problem"/"Avete un problema". In plain English: you will be fine, we just like to scare people a little.
Bolzano's area has three castles, two of them are also museums and one is a conference centre. Big and small squares and parks are everywhere. Walther square is the elegant heart ofthe city and the most famous square build in the Austrian style while Talferwiesen/Prati del Talvera is a kind of the city's green belt. The true gem of Romanesque and Gothic architecture presents The Assumption of Our Lady Cathedral, the city's landmark.
Spend a day in nearest municipality Renon named after the high plateau. For the full experience don't go by car, take 12 minutes long travel with cableway from Bolzano to Oberbozen, the longest (about 4km long) one-track cableway in the world and see its centuries old unique earth pyramids.
Debrecen, Hungary
It was capital twice and around 1500 the wealthiest city in Hungary. It's Debrecen, the town which was completely destroyed during World War II. Today it is the second largest city in Hungary with many bilingual schools. It is a treasurer of rare books which are considered to be unique in both Europe and the world and - the host of the biggest windmill in Central Europe.
As a true European city Debrecen has vibrant cultural life for many events held there all year around. Add to that elegant restaurants, expensive high quality goods, charming small souvenir shops, parks and city's marvellous sights like the Calvinist Great church, the symbol of the city, and you won't notice how fast your wrist clock is ticking. Kölcsey Centre, the largest conference centre of the eastern part of Hungary seating 1,150 persons is situated right here, in Debrecen. So, regardless of a reason of your visit you will have a good time in Debrecen.
Spend the whole day in the city in walking, sightseeing (see Town Hall, the nicest city's neo-classical building), and taste the excellent Hungarian food. Then visit Hortobágy, the national park (take 2 hour coach-ride) and Nine-holed Bridge, the longest stone bridge in Hungary. At that place you might find a mirage, a naturally occurring optical phenomenon, a kind of a little Fata Morgana. ■
