Karnevalsumzug

February 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Karnevalsumzug is a procession that takes place during the main week of the Karneval season.

Taking place in many German towns, these involve a number of floats from local clubs and societies that often represent current political issues.  Particularly long processions can be seen in towns such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz and Hamburg.

Many floats throw sweets towards the on-lookers, causing the children to scramble after them.  There are also bands that play Guggemusik – which sounds somthing like modern hits being played by a brass band with steel drums.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Filed Under: Carnival, German Words Explained, Podcasts Tagged With: , , ,

What are the banks doing?

February 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

You would think that the banks would be taking a careful approach after what happened to them in the last few months.

Think again.

RBS are in the news the week, having first been bailed out by the Treasury they announced larged bonuses for their managers, only to announce 2,300 job cuts a few days later.  The final straw was the former chief executive, who apparently earned just over 4 million pounds in 2007, saying “sorry” for the mess that the banks are in.

So where exactly is the money coming from to sponsor the Six Nations tournament?

Maybe MP John Thurso’s idea isn’t that bad…

Filed Under: Cymeradwyo, Finance Tagged With: , , , ,

Apartment Sales Drive Lanzarote Property Market

February 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment

by Nick Ball

Demand for property for sale in Lanzarote priced above the €300,000 mark has fallen flat.  According to figures recently released by one of the islands largest property portals, Lanzarote Guidebook.

An analysis of 636 property enquiries received during the first two months of this year revealed that overseas investors currently have little interest in villas and houses.  And are instead opting for apartments and studios.  Suggesting that recent changes in market conditions and consumer confidence are stifling demand for the more expensive properties currently on the market.  Whilst investors instead turn to lower risk and lower cost options.

According to Lanzarote Guidebooks figures 83% of all enquiries received in January and February 2008 were for properties priced €300,000 or below.   Whilst properties priced below €150,000 attracted 43% of all enquiries.

And demand falls as price rises – with properties priced in the €300,000 to €500,000 bracket accounting for 10% of all enquires.  Whilst properties priced above the €500,000 mark proved to be of interest to just 3% of all overseas investors.

Filed Under: Accommodation, Lanzarote Tagged With: ,

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