German travel tipsThe German Tourist Board has some suggestions for those who want to see something new in the country. Among them are:
• In November 2006, the new Kennedy Museum in Berlin opened a few steps from the Brandenburg Gate, where President Kennedy spoke the words, “Ich bin ein Berliner.” It contains one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of photographic works, official documents, private papers and memorabilia on the Kennedys. It’s open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is 7 euros (about $9) for adults, 3.50 for children. Details at www.thekennedys. de.
• The Fassbender & Rausch Chocolatiers at the Gendamenmarkt in Berlin claims to offer the widest variety of chocolates and pralines. In addition, it has a chocolate cafe and the only chocolate restaurant in the world, which offers meals such as “lasagna of plantation chocolate Noumea with saffron-pineapple bolognaise” and “chocolate cannelloni.” Details at www.fassbender-rausch.com/ schokoladenhaus. html.
• Through April 29, the Babelsberg Film Park in Potsdam has 500 items and articles from the film trilogy “Lord of the Rings.” Developed by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the exhibit is making its first appearance in Europe. It’s open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Tickets are 12 euros for adults, 10 euros for children; family passes are available. Details at www.filmpark.de/index.html (in German).
• Those willing to brave the North Sea before March 20 might be interested in a package called the Carolinensiet-Harlesiel North Sea Spa.
The cost is 130 euros per person, double occupancy, and includes two nights of accommodations, two breakfasts, two dinners and entry into the Cliner Quella spa and massage. The spa has a 86-degree Fahrenheit brine pool, splashing pool, sauna and solarium. The countryside includes small villages to explore and mudflats for strolls.
For details, call (+49) (0) 4464-94-93- 93, e-mail info@harlesiel.de, or go to www.harlesiel.de.
‘Lord of the Rings’ onstage“Lord of the Rings” fans might want to head to London this summer to catch the stage version of J.R.R. Tolkein’s classic trilogy. It will open at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the city’s West End on June 19 after previews in May.
The director, Matt Warchus, says that the production will be a “hybrid of text, physical theatre, music and spectacle never previously seen on this scale.”
The show will run evenings Monday through Saturday with matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays. Prices run from 15 to 27.50 pounds (about $30-$55) in the balcony, 42.50 to 60 pounds in the Upper and Grand circles, and 50 to 60 pounds in the stalls.
Reservations can be made now. Details at www.lordoftherings.com.
Best BetsENGLAND: Get the latest on London fashion at the annual London Fashion Weekend in The Natural History Museum. On the program are Catwalk Theatre with the latest styles, Elizabeth Arden makeovers, manicures in the Superdrug manicure bar, a show of the latest cuts and colors by hairstylists Toni & Guy, a selection of clothing from the city’s hottest boutiques and lessons in how to make the perfect coffee at the Lavazza Espresso Experience. The show runs 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday (admission 15 pounds, about $30); 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday (5 pounds) and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday (10 pounds); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (10 pounds each day). Tickets are limited, so it’s best to reserve in advance. Details at www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk.
GERMANY: Fasching has finished and it’s time for Munich’s traditional Starkbierfest — a festival of “strong beer,” which will be brewed for the 40 days of Lent. The “strong” doesn’t refer to alcohol but rather to the greater amount of hops, malted barley and yeast that go into the beer to sustain those who are fasting. First brewed in 1682 by the Paulaner monks in their monastery on the top of Nockherberg hill, the beer today is made in several breweries throughout the city. The Paulaner Wirtshaus am Nockherberg season runs March 3-25 (www.nockherberg.com). The Löwenbräu- keller’s season is Feb. 23 to April 1 (www.loewenbraeukeller.com). The Augustinerkeller’s season runs March 8-24 (www.augustinerkeller.de). Reservations are advised for the more popular events. Find more information about Munich at www.muenchen.de/ home/60093/Homepage.html.
