Christmas Story - from Germany

Everything is good. One is unhappy because he doesn’t know that he is happy. Only for that reason. That is all, everything. Whoever recognizes that will become happy right away, immediately, at that same moment.

‘‘It’s just not working.“ With these words, Joshua flung his brush onto the paper so that the color squirted diagonally across his picture. His fellow students grinned as he stomped sullenly past them on his way to the coffee machine. There they were, magnificent, brilliant works of art all around him, and in the midst of them was his pitiful attempt to turn the assignment into a halfway worthy and interesting work of art.

For a year now he had studied at the Art Academy, and, until a couple of weeks ago, everything had been going well for him. However, recently, it seemed that all of his creativity had simply disappeared. It didn’t matter what he attempted, it just did not work. And slowly he didn’t know what else to do. With his coffee cup in hand, he stared outside toward the book bindery building that gradually disappeared as the sun set.
“Hello,“ said a familiar voice beside him suddenly. As he turned around, he looked at Sophie, who was in her first semester and with whom he had gotten acquainted in the past few weeks. Joshua considered her an extremely talented artist and loved all her works. Silently, they looked outside for a while.


“It’s going well for you, isn’t it?“, asked Sophie suddenly.
Joshua shrugged his shoulders. “No, not especially.“ He pointed with his head in the direction of the window. “Look at that. Soon it will be Christmas and it has not snowed once yet.“
Sophie laughed. She always acted so happy. How did she do that?
“Don’t always be so sullen and gloomy,“ she said quickly and disappeared back to her work station, just as suddenly as she come.
Sullen? He was certainly not sullen.

Joshua would have liked to blame his sleeplessness that night on all the coffee. He had to admit, however, that the trouble rested more with that one sentence that Sophie had spoken to him with that smile of hers. “Don’t be so sullen.“ Maybe she was right.

After he brooded for a couple of hours over the question and turned sleeplessly over and over in bed, he finally got up, got dressed and got on his bike. He knew that Sophie never went to bed before 3 a.m. in her community flat and often stayed up with her friends and roommates. As Joshua stood before Sophie’s door, she seemed astonished amazed at his visit.
“What brings you here?“ she asked him as they went to her room.
Joshua moved a mountain of sketches carefully to the side and sat down on the stool.
“Do you really think I’m sullen?“ he asked without beating around the bush.
Sophie laughed. “Yes, a little.“
He shook his head, deep in thought. “Perhaps a little bit right now, but just because it’s not going...“
Sophie grinned. “That has nothing to do with it. It shouldn’t,“ she said.
Joshua stared at her. “Really, how do you do that?” he blurted out suddenly.
“What do you mean? „
“Always so happy?“
Sophie laughed. “I think that you have perhaps not understood.“
And then Joshua asked her to explain what about it he had not understood.
Sophie laughed and replied that she could probably do that, but that it probably would take a little time.
Joshua didn’t see her for three days and he thought that she had forgotten her promise when, three nights after their chat, she stood outside his door.
She smiled. “Put on your jacket and come with me.“ Silently, they walked side by side through the dark city. It was cold, but it still had not snowed. Joshua was not sure whether it was coincidence or whether Sophie had planned it, but her steps were taking them to the Art Academy. Joshua stared at the dark building.
„In there hang all of your beautiful works of art,“ said Sophie. She stood still.
„And all of my bad ones,“ added Joshua. „I knew that you would say that.“
They walked slowly onward.
„And now?“
Sophie smiled. „Oh, Joshua, now just think about it.“
Joshua thought it over. Finally they stood in front of his house again. Sophie said good-bye and turned to go. Joshua stared at the door entrance without going in. He rolled it over and over in his mind and he came up with nothing...“Just think about it.“ Sophie had almost disappeared around the corner when he called, “Tell me. I don’t know what it means.“
She stood still and laughed and turned back around.
“One does not exist without the other. You would not have your good works without your bad ones. And it’s the same with happiness.“

And with that, she disappeared and left Joshua standing in the cold night air.

During the next few days, Joshua thought a lot about that night. What Sophie had told him seemed to make sense, but was that everything? Was that her entire secret?
They worked at different times and quite some time passed before they saw each other again. Christmas was coming, and it was on a clear, ice-cold night that Sophie stood at Joshua’s door again.
„Am I bothering you?“ she asked as he invited her in. She saw that he was working on a sketch.
He shook his head. „No, I can use a break.“
„Good“. He couldn’t even slip into his jacket before she took him by the hand and pulled him outside and down the front steps.
“Look,“ she commanded and pointed upward. Joshua stared into the night sky and expected to see something out of the ordinary, but only a few stars twinkled.
“What am I supposed to see?“ he asked finally. It seemed a silly question.
“Imagine how big everything up there is and, in contrast, how little it is where we are standing right now. “
Joshua laughed.
“I mean it – seriously.“ And Joshua was not surprised that she turned to go.
“What... is that another puzzle?“ he called, but she seemed not to have heard him.
Three days later he met Sophie in the cafeteria. It was Christmas Eve and she sat down at his table.
“I’ve got it now ,“ he said in greeting. Sophie laughed at the pride in his voice.
“I should be careful not to take myself so seriously.“ He looked at her and expected some kind of a reaction, an agreeing nod or something of the sort.
“Am I right?“ he asked.

“You should know that yourself ,“ she replied. Joshua gradually gave up the thought of asking further or hoping that he would get an answer. But there was ONE question he did have to ask.
“That’s not all. There’s something more, isn’t there?“
She leaned over the table and whispered in his ear. “You still don’t understand the most important and the most simple thing.“
He looked at her questioningly and she laughed.

‘‘Whenever you meet a person who always seems happy, regardless of what it might seem, behind it is nothing more than a resolution.“ It rattled around in Joshua’s head.
“That’s it? Happiness is merely a resolution? Isn’t there more to it?“ he finally asked in disbelief.
But Sophie had already stood up, heard his last words and laughed.
“That is it, Joshua. To be sure, that is whole story.“
And then she disappeared and left Joshua sitting deep in thought as he stared out the window.
And suddenly, as a telling and certain smile spread across his face, it began to snow.



Elisa
No reprint without permission 12/1/2008

This is a Christmas story with a special message, written by 18-year old Elisa, a student from Germany.

GPN Newsletter - Italy

Live the charm of Italy

Global Passenger Network's December 2008 newsletter features Italy, a fascinating mix of old and new, of tradition and innovation, of nature and culture. Busclick, GPN's Italian member, can provide you with the highest quality bus service anywhere in the country. For information or quotations for bus service in Italy or all over the globe, visit GPN's website: www.gpn.travel

Relax and visit Italy in comfort and style with Busclick

Busclick is a network of high quality coach operators with members in every region of Italy. Through a single website, www.gpn.travel, you access the Italy page and reserve services anywhere in the country. Busclick is based in Bologna, the capital of the enchanting and decidedly undervisited Emilia Romagna region. Avoid the crowds and explore a part of Italy that offers art, culture, sunny beaches, mountain villages, and lively night life.

Welcome to Emilia Romagna - the undiscovered jewel of Italy

Bologna, the capital city of the Emilia Romagna region, boasts the oldest university in Europe (founded in the year 1088) and a charming medieval city centre with characteristic porticos and towers. Bologna is famous for its rich cuisine; some well-known Bolognese specialties are mortadella, tortellini, lasagne, and ragù sauce, which have earned the city its nickname "La Grassa" ("The Fat"). The fairgrounds in Bologna attract important international trade fairs, and, along with the university, add a cosmopolitan flavour to this quaint city.

Some highlights of Bologna:

Porticos and the Sanctuary of San Luca

Bologna's sidewalks are sheltered by its world-famous porticos. These useful yet elegant arcades allow pedestrians to walk almost anywhere in the downtown area without suffering the effects of rain, snow, or sun. The portico that leads to the Sanctuary of San Luca, located at the top of a hill right outside Bologna,is the longest portico in the world, measuring 3,5 km. The sanctuary itself dates back to the 11th century A.D., and is home to works of art by the likes of Il Guercino, Donato Creti and others.

Medieval Towers

During Medieval times, it is estimated that Bologna had as many as 180 towers. Today, less than 20 remain standing. The most famous towers, which have become a symbol of the city, are the Asinelli (97 m.) and the Garisenda (48 m.). These two towers are next to each other, right in the city center. It is possible to climb to the top of the Asinelli, from which there is a spectacular view of the city' s rooftops and surrounding areas.

Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is Bologna's main square. Its most visible building is the immense Basilica of San Petronio, which is the 5th largest church in the world. Construction began in 1390, but was never completely finished. Today, its unfinished outer walls dominate the south end of Piazza Maggiore, but inside this monumental building, visitors will find many exemplary works of art. Next to Piazza Maggiore is Piazza del Nettuno, where a magnificent fountain featuring sculptures of Neptune and sea nymphs was made in 1565 by Giambologna.

Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati Factories

Emilia Romagna is the ideal place for motor fans. The Ferrari factory and the Lamborghini museum are a mere 50 km from Bologna. The Ducati factory is in Bologna, and visitors can reserve free tours in Italian or English.

GPN Newsletter - Lithuania

Lithuania is waiting for you!

This is the 4rd Newsletter of Global Passenger Network. GPN is an elite group of networks representing the best motor coach and travel companies in the world. We offer our clients high quality coach services and travel opportunities all over the globe through a single website: www.gpn.travel

GPN - Lithuania

Lithuania is represented by OLLEX, a company which offers passenger transportation and car hire services including minibuses and buses. In each case OLLEX consider client's individual requirements and make every effort to offer the best possible solution. Company render a full range of transport-related services including passenger transfer by buses or minibuses, self-drive car hire and, if requested, limousine services.
Ollex is oriented towards clients' satisfaction and convenience.

Trakai

Trakai is a town situated between three lakes, 28 kilometres to the west of Vilnius. On your way there you travel through the historic lands of the former Duchy of Trakai, whose centre, Old Trakai, was the capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages. Not tar away (3 km), in the midst of the lakes, an other settlement was founded which has grown into the present town of Trakai . This town did not grow much later on: therefore, Trakai today, together with its environs, is an area strongly representative of the history of the Lithuanian state. Its three castles point to the exceptional significance of its place in national life. Even after losing its military importance, the location long remained the residence of the rulers of Lithuania. The two castles which have survived to this day are the most famous works of defensive architecture in Lithuania. The process of founding the town and its surrounding settlements in the 13th century went hand in hand with the process of the integration of the Lithuanian territories into a unified state. In those days the newly founded and yet pagan Grand Duchy of Lithuania was attacked on a regular basis by the Teutonic Order, and for two centuries had to withstand invasions from Christian Europe.

Fortresses were built in all the strategically important locations nationwide. Trakai was mentioned as on e of the crucial political and defensive centres of the state. Enemies on the Crusades to Vilnius would avoid these locations in order to avoid their garrisons. The most Fierce bat tles took place at the Peninsula Castle . As early as 1377, however, the German chronicler Wigandus Marburgensis pointed out that the Crusades "in the land of Trakai " have besieged "the new castle ". Thus Trakai was first recorded in history with this reference to the Island Castle. Nowadays the restored Island Castle (late 14th and early 15th century) is the only one of its kind in Eastern Europe. In 1991 the national and historic park status was granted to Trakai.

Your choice in Trakai - tourist excursions, resting by the waterside, aboat ride, a yacht or motorbike ride, swimming, fishing, camping or simply a quiet time in a cafe on the bank ... In June you may want to see the " Amber oars" International Rowing Regatta. The "Living History" programme projects. Royal Palace Theatre performances, the Prehistory experimental centre with their social events in the Peninsula and Island castles add to and broaden the historical mind, enrich through living pictures and impressions, and it seems that the shadows of past ages come to life again... The Trakai Castle Festival, which is becoming increasingly popular, is taking on the status of a tradition. Its inspiration is the legendary Russian ballerina, a ballet-dancer with both Lithuanian and Russian citizenship, the world - famous Maya Plisetskaya.

Curonian Spit National Park

The Curonian Spit National Park (26461 ha, including 9761 ha of land, 4200 ha - Curonion Lagoon (Kursiu marios), 12500 ha - the Baltic Sea) is the most frequented protected area in Lithuania. Chains of North Europe's highest dunes, the soughing of the sea and rustling of sand as well as old Curonian houses smelling of fish accompany a traveller all along the spit, which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The formation of a small and narrow sand strip between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon from the sand carried by water streams and drifted by the wind started around 5 thousand years ago. The current landscape of the spit is the result or human activities and natural forces. After deforestation in the 15th-17th centuries, the sand dunes started moving and buried villages. Only well-planned human activities could provide protection against natural elements. The formation of a protective dune ridge and afforestation were commenced 200 years ago.

This area is distinguished by unique landscape, flora and fauna. That includes the Large Dunes ridge of the spit, the ancient parabolic dunes near Juodkrante, the Grey Dunes between Juodkrante and Pervalka, the drifted Parnidzio and Sklandytoju (Gliders') dunes, soils which have been buried beneath a layer of sand, sea and lagoon plains, natural complexes of kupstyne (tops of buried old dunes), and the protective seacoast dune ridge.

Tourists are attracted by interesting and original cultural heritage, including ethnographic fishermen's houses, old villas constructed in late 19th - early 20th centuries in Nida, Juodkrante and Smiltyne settlements, the old cemetery of Nida, the Evangelical-Lutheran churches of Nida and Juodkrante, and buildings of typical wooden architecture.

Every year, Lithuanian Sea Museum-Aquarium and Dolphinarium in Smiltyne, Weathercock Museum-Gallery in Juodkrante, the Nature Museum of the Curonian Spit National Park, Fisherman's Ethnographic Home, Amber Gallery-Museum, Neringa History Museum and Thomas Mann Culture Centre attract many visitors.

A 26-kilometer long cycling trail has been built in the Curonian Spit. Soon it will stretch along the entire Curonian Spit. Visitors to the spit can explore the landscape of the Grey Dunes on the sightseeing trail (1,2 km long) of the Nagliai Natural Reservation. A sightseeing hiking trail (1,6 km long) is built in Juodkrante old grove, and Parnidzio sightseeing trail (1,8 km long) - in the environs of Nida. Close to Juodkrante, bird lovers can observe the life of the grey herons and large cormorants. Lithuania's largest brooding place of these birds is here. Viewing grounds opening up scenic views of the Curonian Spit and the Baltic Sea or the Curonian Lagoon are built on Avikalnis, the Grey Dunes in Nagliai reservation and Parnidzio Dune.

The Open Air Museum of Lithuania in Rumsiskes

Rumsiskes is located 25 km from Kaunas near the Vilnius-Kaunas highway. It is an ethnographical open-air museum which depicts the life of peasants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exposition is divided according to the four ethnographical regions of Lithuania: Aukstaitija, Dzukija, Suvalkija and Zemaitija.

Each section is highlighted by buildings and farmsteads characteristic to the specific region. The interior of the farmhouses is traditionally decorated with linen tablecloths, towels and bedspreads. In summer songs and dances ensembles come to Rumsiskes on weekends perform. Traditional festivals are organized in the museum, such as for Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day), Midsummer's Day and for the harvest celebrations.

One can spend the day in a splendid way riding on horseback or taking a short drive in a coach.

GPN Newsletter - Canada

Canada is waiting for you!

This is the 3rd Newsletter of Global Passenger Network. GPN is an elite group of networks representing the best motor coach and travel companies in the world. We offer our clients high quality coach services and travel opportunities all over the globe through a single website: www.gpn.travel

GPN - Canada

Canada is represented by International Motor Coach Group, a consortium of 57 motor coach companies located in Canada and the United States. Canadian members include: Ambassatours Grayline, Halifax, Nova Scotia; Autocar Excellence, Quebec City and Montreal, Quebec; Beaver Bus Lines/Moose Mountain Bus Lines, Winnipeg, Manitoba and Regina, Saskatchewan; Charter Bus Lines of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia; and Pacific Western Transportation, Toronto, Ontario. These GPN members can fulfill all you travel needs throughout the country by providing transportation, tours, accommodations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Canadian Geography

Canada, made up of 10 distinct provinces and three unique territories, is the second largest country in the world after Russia. Canada stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic and from the border of the United States to the Artic.

Although very much a "Northern" country the terrain and geography of Canada is very diverse. As well as the popular image of Canada as a country of pristine forests and snowy vistas, there are also deserts and badlands, temperate rain forests and long and wide beaches. Canada has huge inland lakes, seemingly eternal prairies and evergreen forests, woodlands and meadows. Canada's coastlines are thousands of miles long, with fjords, and long, wild rivers leading to the oceans.

The Atlantic provinces of Eastern Canada are New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.), Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Not including Newfoundland and Labrador, this group of provinces is also known as The Maritimes. Here the ocean and the land almost seem to blend, so strongly has the sea influenced the culture and history of these provinces. The region has endless miles of beautiful rugged coastline and great beaches. Enjoy the picturesque port city of Halifax, with one of the finest natural harbors in the world.

Quebec

Although every part of Canada is unique, Québec is particularly so. Obviously, this is largely because of the French heritage. Although the French settled many parts of Canada, nowhere is the presence of French-Canadian culture so evident as it is in this beautiful province. This is reflected in more than buildings and institutions, Québec has an atmosphere and a feeling that can be experienced nowhere else.

Québec's two major cities, Montréal and Québec City are both splendid, with a multitude of novel cultural attractions and festivals, a well-preserved history, and a sophistication, that in North America is hard to match.

Toronto

Toronto, the largest city in Canada is here, and this is also considered to be one of the finest cities anywhere. The beautiful capital Ottawa is also in Ontario, as is the world famous Niagara Falls. Just these three places alone make Ontario one of the most heavily visited areas in the country. But there is considerably more to Ontario than these this. In contrast to the urban areas there is a lot of open countryside with many different types of landscape, from vineyards in the south to unspoiled wilderness in the north. Four out of five of the Great Lakes have part of their shore in Ontario, so a lot of the province has scenic lakeside views and beaches close by.

The Prairie Provinces include Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. These provinces are sometimes referred to as "the world's bread basket" and provide wheat and other grains to feed millions of people. The seemingly endless miles of grain fields, with the skyline only interrupted by the occasional grain elevator, certainly provide a spectacular landscape, something that will not be easily forgotten. There are large inland lakes with great beaches, such as Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, and Lake La Ronge in Saskatchewan, and these have excellent fishing opportunities too. In the prairie provinces are big, bustling cities, such as Calgary,which holds the world famous Calgary Stampede, Edmonton with the world's largest shopping mall and Winnipeg, home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

The Rockies

The Canadian Rockies consists of the southwestern corner of Alberta and the southeastern corner of British Columbia. People come from all over the world to experience their splendor. While there are many beautiful mountain ranges in the world, none can compare to the Rockies in terms of big skies, huge majestic peaks, and evergreen forests that go on forever. Here you can truly experience being at one with nature, and feel that you are the only person for miles around. Summer or winter the Canadian Rockies always have a multitude of attractions. A large part of the Canadian Rockies is divided up by different National Parks. The most famous of these are Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in the Alberta Rockies. Each has a townsite of the same name and these are well equipped with all sorts of accommodations from deluxe hotels to simple campsites, excellent shopping and museums, galleries and theatres.

British Columbia

The province of British Columbia has it all. There is a very wide range of types of country here. The City of Vancouver has a stunning location, situated right on the coast with a lovely backdrop of high mountain peaks. There is a countless selection of things to see and do in this city. The shopping is excellent including some great markets, and there are fine museums and galleries and some noteworthy parks. The other major city here is the provincial capital Victoria. Vancouver Island has some of the finest ocean beaches anywhere including Long Beach on the West Coast. North of Vancouver is the world famous ski resort of Whistler. Inland is the glorious Okanagan region with magnificent inland lakes and some of the best golfing you can find.

Northern Canada

Northern Canada offers a completely different perspective and to visit here is to experience a part of Canada that is a world of its own. The three territories that make up this region are the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The variety of wildlife here is unsurpassed and the many rivers and ocean coastline are clean and pure and great for fishing. Cultural events are held all over, and you can visit any number of communities and be warmly welcomed, and asked to join in the lives of the people who live here.

GPN Newsletter - Germany

Germany is waiting for you!

This is the 2nd Newsletter of Global Passenger Network. GPN is an elite group of networks representing the best motor coach and travel companies in the world. We offer our clients high quality coach services and travel opportunities all over the globe through a single website: www.gpn.travel

GPN - Germany

Germany is represented by EBERHARDT-REISEN, a company which stands for modernity, comfort and security in coach tourism. Efforts to improve the amenities of travelling have always been one of our central preoccupations, in order to optimize standards for our guests. Besides our sophisticated logistics, which offer solutions for all demands in the field of passenger transport, EBERHARDT-REISEN serves all what the heart of each traveller desires, from accommodations, restaurants arrangements to the organization of special events. We make the impossible possible and we are keen on serve "moving moments" at any time.

Karlsruhe: the radial city

Karlsruhe, with its population of 280,000 and set on the plains of the Rhine river between the Black Forest, the Vosges and the Palatinate hills, is a city justifiably described as a "stronghold of creative thought with added savoir vivre". Offering over 800 hectares of public parks and gardens, Karlsruhe has more islands of peace and relaxation than anywhere else in Germany. The botanical garden, the palace gardens, and the zoological gardens make a visit to Karlsruhe a green inner-city dream. Numerous street cafés, beer gardens and squares provide ample opportunity for winding down and taking refreshment.

Visit the "Ettlinger-Tor-Center" the largest indoor-shopping-mall in Southwest-Germany. The Pyramid, located on the marketplace and Karlsruhe's most famous landmark, is right at the heart of the city. The royal palace, now home of the Baden State Museum, is reached via the "Via Triumphalis" with its unique ensemble of classical architecture. The Centre of Art and Media, Germany's "Centre Pompidou" and otherwise known as the ZKM, offers an experience of a very special kind. Don't miss the world's first interactive museum! A whole array of other museums, too, invite you to browse and gaze in wonderment. Besides art and culture, the culinary delicacies are also an important aspect of Karlsruhe's renowned lifestyle. Baden cuisine has an excellent world-wide reputation, so this particular region will whet your appetite, too. www.karlsruhe-tourism.de

Contact: Stephan Theysohn; stephan.theysohn@kmkg.de Tel.: 0049 721 3720 5390

Wine and Beer Festivals in Southwest Germany

In the summer months wine festivals take place in the Baden wine area along the Rhine River and the Wuerttemberg wine region where people can enjoy a variety of wines and regional foods in a cozy atmosphere.

The Heilbronn Wine Village (Sept. 11-19, 2008) attracts over 300,000 visitors each year. 300 different wines and sparkling wines are served directly by associations, vine dressers and wine cellars. During the Stuttgart Wine Village (Aug. 27 - Sept. 7, 2008) visitors can also explore the viniculture museum and stroll through the surrounding vineyards of the city.

In autumn the Stuttgart Beer Festival (Sept. 26 - Oct. 12 2008) opens its doors, one of the biggest beer festivals in the world. Here you can enjoy not only a traditional procession and funny rides, but different kinds of local beers and a wide range of Swabian specialities.

Check www.tourism-bw.com for more information about Baden-Wuerttemberg and its festivals.

Pforzheim - The Town of Gold and Jewellery. The Black Forest.

Pforzheim is the ideal starting point for Black Forest holidaymakers. It is centrally located on the motorway 'A8' between Karlsruhe and Stuttgart; Stuttgart airport is only a thirty-minute drive away.

Pforzheim (116,000 inhabitants), the Northern 'Gateway to the Black Forest', was once the residence of the Margraves of Baden and the birth town of the humanist Johannes Reuchlin (1455-1552). From here, for more than 100 years hikers have set out on the high-altitude ridge trails across the Black Forest (Western, Eastern and Middle trail). As centre of the German jewellery and watchmaking industry Pforzheim rightly deserves being referred to as the 'Town of Gold and Jewellery'.

In a wide variety of museums visitors are provided with in-depth information on the Town of Gold and Jewellery, e.g. in the Jewellery Museum which is located in the 'Reuchlinhaus' and which displays a unique collection of original jewellery ranging from the third millennium before Christ to the present day.

In the "Schmuckwelten Pforzheim" (Jewellery World Pforzheim), an experience and shopping centre which is unique in Europe, visitors are taken through real and virtual worlds of experience covering an area of 4,000 square metres and a unique shopping palace for jewellery and watches.

In the Technical Museum of the Pforzheim Jewellery and Watchmaking Industry visitors are shown how jewellery and watches are manufactured using historical machines which are still functioning; five times a year, one-week hobby classes in jewellery-making are offered for those interested.

The 'Schütt Gemstone Exhibition' as well as various artists' workshops are also well worth a visit.

Information and anecdotes on the town history may, among other places, be found in the Pforzheim Town Museum (exhibiting the original 'Oechsle Scale' - the scale for wine and fermented grape juice devised by Ferdinand Oechsle - and the car of Bertha-Benz), the Castle Church and Collegiate Church of St. Michael's (housing the tombs of the Margraves of Baden), the Archaeological Site 'Kappelhof' (excavation site from the Roman period) as well as in other museums.

Art and culture is offered in the 'CongressCentrum' (the town's municipal hall), the Municipal Theatre, the art centre 'Kulturhaus Osterfeld' and many other locations.

Pure nature may be enjoyed in the 'Enzauenpark' (the park along the riverside meadows of the river Enz which was the site of the former state garden show) or the Wild Life Park.

ERFURT - Rendezvous in the Heart of Germany

Erfurt, the 1260 year old state capital of Thuringia, is characterised by its medieval city center, one of the best-preserved in Germany. It is a charming blend of wealthy patrician townhouses and lovingly reconstructed half-timbered buildings, overlooked by the towering spires of St. Mary's Cathedral and the Church of St. Severus. The Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke) is the only one of its kind in Europe - at 120 metres long and incorporating 32 houses, it is the longest inhabited bridge. Right next to the Cathedral Hill, Petersberg Citadel, the only extensively preserved baroque city fortress in the whole of Central Europe, invites you to explore its intricate maze of underground passageways.

But Erfurt is not just an architectural pearl; it is also the focal point for a culture which has taken centuries to evolve. As the centre of Thuringia's economic, intellectual, cultural and political life, the city has always attracted great individuals, especially ones who significantly influenced the spirit of their age: Martin Luther, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Johann Sebastian Bach and Napoleon Bonaparte. Buildings which have links with these figures, such as the Augustinian Monastery and the Imperial Hall, have been reconstructed and now give visitors a faithful and realistic image of the past.

Nowadays, Erfurt - the "gateway" to Thuringia - is one of the most attractive venues for exhibitions and conferences. It is a modern and welcoming Land capital.

The best way to get to know the city is with a city tour on foot, by tram or by carriage. A number of restaurants and cafés have the famous Thüringer Bratwurst and Thüringer Klösse (dumplings) and delicious traditional pastries for you to sample.

Good access by road, train and plane, sufficient lodging possibilities and the hospitality of our people will make your stay in Erfurt both comfortable and pleasant.

IMG – Launch New Website & Latest Technology

The International Motor Coach Group (GPN: USA & Canada) launched a new Website in May 2008 promoting their Motor Coach Members and their services. The site has a complete directory of every member with a profile page including the gateway cities that they service.

IMG also implemented a complete web based software solution to manage quotations using uTrack TravelManager. This allows customers to enter a quotation anywhere on the website and the request will automatically be sent to the IMG Member(s) that are eligible. The distribution is routed based on geographical location and using the ZIP code for proximity.

IMG are using the most advance web based solution for in the industry that also provides each company with a Dashboard to handle quotations in real-time both via the www.imgcoach.com website but also via each members website.

*This technology will be rolled out with GPN in the coming months.

Coach Charter & Tours in Sweden – Profile

Ramkvillabuss AB are the Swedish member of GPN with their office located in Ramkvilla, Sweden.

Ramkvillabuss was founded by "Grandpa" Einar Johansson in 1922 and celebrated its 85^th anniversary in 2007. It began as a truck with benches on the platform and a tarpaulin for a roof. Today Ramkvillabuss has approx. 30 vehicles of which 10 are well-equipped coaches.
The company is still run by the family and has now reached the third generation.

The company provides regular services to Länstrafiken Kronoberg and Jönköping Länstrafik with school services in the districts of Vetlanda and Växjö.

As well as a member of the Global Passenger Network, Ramkvillabuss is a member of approved Swedish trade associations such as BR (Svenska Bussbranchen Riksförbund), BRA (Bussresearrangörsföreningen), SVENSKA BUSS and SRF(Svenska Resebyråföreningen).

*For more information on Ramkvillabuss visit their profile on the GPN website.