Greek dancing is something that every person needs to experience once, if not 20 times in their lifetime (and I am not talking about some show at Epcot.) Now granted, I have seen my share of some pretty amazing dancing (Jabbawockeez anyone?), but never have I felt so apart of the culture without speaking the language!

Photo Credit: alexdecarvalho on Flickr

Zeimpekiko, or the drunkards dance, is probably the most entertaining you will ever get to watch! The rhythm is 9/4 as to allow an extra beat for the “drunkard” to have an extra beat to stumble around. One person is in the middle dancing on their toes, tapping their hands on the ground, doing kicks over people’s heads, and even sliding on the floor for the duration of the song.

The rest of the crowd gathers around the person (including you – the beginner – if you feel so inclined!), kneeling and clapping their hands to the beat. As my friend John says, “It’s a chance for a Greek to prove he’s a man,” (though I saw a few women dancing solo too). Now granted, the music played is that of that of traditional Greek guitar and singers singing about their long lost love, so don’t expect any MGMT or “Single Ladies.” Finally, it’s not a true Greek dancing place if there aren’t any napkins, broken plates, or broken glasses littering the floor.

The other dance that you will see quite often is the Syrto. This is the line dance that goes around in a circle and moves to the right. The pace is quicker and it’s a slow-quick-quick-slow in a left-right-left sort of fashion.

After watching for a while, feel free to join in at the end of the line (the right end is the leader, so join at the back) or if someone invites you in, join there and learn from them. Just don’t break the line if not invited to join in at that place if you’re not experienced. The good thing is that everyone is always willing to lend a hand to a newbie, and again, don’t forget that napkins probably will be thrown (apparently the less wasteful form of plate and glass breaking).

Luckily, dance is an international language so you have no excuse not to join in!

Opa!

Follow the rest of my travels on my travel blog.

As you all know, it’s our birthday and you only turn 30 once! The truth is everyone loves a good party, so it’s time to let loose, have a “yagabomb” and check out some of the best party cities in the world!

1. Ibiza, Spain - This Spanish Island is notorious for its debauchery. Home to a number of foam parties and bars, including Privilege, the largest club in the world (it can hold ten times the number of people that went to my high school) how could we not put it at number one?

“Hear no evil, speak no evil - and you'll never be invited to a party” - Oscar Wilde

2. Florianopolis, Brazil – Less known than its amigo Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis is the epitome of paradise. 42 beaches, check. Beautiful people, check. Awesome nightlife, check plus.

3. Ios, Greece – The island of Ios is MADE to party. When they don’t even serve breakfast until noon, you know it’s a good time.

4. Hvar Island, Croatia – With a number of waterfront bars for the night owl and beaches to explore during the day, Hvar Island is one underrated party destination that begs to be experienced.

5. Koh Phanang, Vietnam – Full moon party is what you get when you add gallons glow in the dark body paint, one beach, buckets of booze, and 20,000 people from all over the world. Just don’t mistakenly get literal and expose your backside.

6. Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul offers a range of party options for any student on holiday. Check out the clubs on the waters of the Bosporus during the summer that don’t stop till 4am or later.

7. Prague, Czech Republic – With pints for around a euro, the city of Prague is the one of the cheapest places to get silly. The party goes on till 4 am so plan to stumble around until the wee hours.

8. Melbourne, Australia – Hands down, the best partying I have ever done has been with a group of Aussies. With a lion’s share of pubs, chic lounges, and raving clubs, Melbourne reminds you that Oz is more than koalas and Fosters.

9. Beirut, Lebanon – Beirut has become a decadent spot for merry making. Just be sure to check the local guides for the best places to go, as sentiments on party palaces change almost daily.

10. Shanghai, China - Frequented by many famous DJ’s, Shanghai has many districts that have awesome clubs all within stumbling distance: great for the expat who can throw back a drink or five.

Let me know your take on the best city to get schwasty face in!

We’ve already covered the essential countries for European fashion in France and Italy. Now we’ll venture off of the catwalk a little bit with destinations in some of the less celebrated fashion capitals of Europe.

Munich:

Munich is the heart of Bavaria. Known for its mind-blowing beer, savory schnitzel and over the top oom-pah bands, Munich is also a great city to cure the common fashion bug for both the seeker of traditional culture and patron of modern conveniences.

Perhaps the best thing about Munich is that all the main sites are within walking distance of a number of shops. The area around Marienplatz, the most famous part of the city, hosts shops like H&M and Zara, some of the largest department stores of Germany, and Galleria Kaufhof.

Whether you are looking for some traditional Bavarian dress (tracht & dirndl), beer steins, Birkenstocks, or a new pair of shorts, you will find it. Easily accessible by metro or by foot, this pedestrian-only avenue from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz is perfect for shopping, beer, food, and people watching. (Karlsplatz is a 5 minute walk due east of the train station or take the metro to Marienplatz and explore the city from here.)

North of the Train station, starting at Oedonplatz, traverse down the old royal avenue of Brienner Strasse. A few blocks to the east you can find the Luitpold block. This mall hosts a variety of stores but most importantly, the lavish Café Luitpold. For a real delight, indulge in some of their cherries or chocolates.

From here, head east a few more blocks (or north a few blocks from Marienplatz) to Maximillianstraße to find the most exclusive stores of the city like Dolce & Gabbana and Escada.

If you need a refresher, the farmer’s market (Viktuailenmarkt) offers the best würste of all kinds, beautiful flowers and fruits harvested by local farmers. The Viktuailenmarkt also offers a chance to interact with the locals to practice your rusty German and get real insight on the best that Munich has to offer.

Zurich:

When you think of Switzerland, you think of bank accounts, watches, knives, and chocolate, but surprisingly Zurich offers some of the finest shopping in Europe.

Some of the best retail shops can be found along Bahnhofstrasse. Not only can you find enormous department stores (complete with food courts), but you can also find staples like H&M and Zara and everything from flowers, to wine and chocolate. I suggest enjoying this shopping avenue by starting at the train station and working your way south on Bahnhofstrasse.

Some of the more famous stores can be found as far south as Paradeplatz. Also, you can find more small shops and large department stores on the streets to the west. If you’re in need of some chocolate therapy, stop at Confiserie Sprüngli for some of the finest chocolates in the world! They have a café at Paradeplatz, a boulevard restaurant along Bahnhofstrasse, and another café closer to the train station at Lowenplatz.

On the opposite side of the Limmat (a five minute walk to the east and south of the train station) lies the Niederdorf district. Among the winding narrow streets and 14th century houses, you will find many inexpensive restaurants and eclectic boutiques. Also, due to its close proximity to the university, there are a great number of pubs and clubs for the night owl in all of us. Its charm will entertain you as you wonder among the fashionable boutiques and antique stores.

Barcelona:

Barcelona is the place to be for tapas, beaches, never-ending parties and Zara!

The main shopping route can be found from the lower end of Las Ramblas up to Placa de Cataluyna and all the way down Passeig de Gracia to Metro Stop Diagonal. I suggest starting at Metro Stop Liceu and walking (if you have the energy) all the way to Diagonal.

My picks: Custo (near Liceu),  Zara, H&M, Desigual, and department stores like Sfera and El Corte Ingles. If you forgot your swimsuit and your hostel mates invite you to go to Sitges, Sfera has an entire third floor devoted to Roxy/Billabong.

If you’re looking to hit the beach looking like a local, I suggest Calzedonia. Another Spanish must is Bershka; their styles for young women are sure to catch people’s attention. The more haute-couture stores like Chanel and Louis Vuitton can be found along Passeig de Gracia. While perfect for window shopping, there is no need to spend money at these lavish stores thanks to Barcelona’s abundance of amazing style at affordable prices.

While you are in Barcelona, you MUST check out the market on Las Ramblas near metro stop Liceu: El Mercat de la Boqueria. In addition to the mounds of fresh fish, fruit, and cheeses, the Mercat has a number of tapas bars where – if you’re lucky enough to catch a seat – you will be treated to some of the best seafood you’ve ever been delighted to try! Even if you do not have time to stop and grab some tapas, make sure you get a very refreshing smoothie from one of the vendors (from 1-2 euros each).

The other must in Barcelona is around Bari Gothic (the Gothic Quarter). Along the pedestrian-only Carrer de l’Argenteria and Portal d’Angel, you can find numerous boutiques and mainstream clothing stores. The shops along these streets among the Gothic Quarter have every good imaginable as well as the culture to make you feel at home. Best way to get here is to begin at metro stop Jaume I and explore the area between the church Santa Maria del Mar and Las Ramblas near the Mercat de la Boqueria.

Adios!

Around three weeks ago, I entered the STA Travel offices as a timid marketing intern. After getting accustomed to my new surroundings, I realized that STA has just about the coolest office environment in the world!

Sure, there may be Office Space-esque cubicles, but what serves as a barrier in the office world serves as protection from flying playground balls in the STA World. And there are no Milton’s here!

Each morning I am greeted by a parade of big-eyed toys and an Indiana Jones Mr. Potato Head. What more motivation do you need to start your day?

By about mid-morning there is usually a meeting or two in the marketing room nicknamed Djibouti,  which has wall décor of “Know Your Beer” and “The Chimp” posters.

If this isn’t enough to get your noodle juices flowin, perhaps put on the “Thinking Cap” or sit on the bean bag, but do not turn on the bubble machine.

Here at the STA HQ everyone makes their space unique. In finance there are a few friendly monsters hanging out on a wall, a plant named Charlie near IT, pictures of fabulous destinations in Human Resources, and some model airplanes over by B2B.

To encourage fun and take out your PhotoShop frustrations we have a ping-pong table, tons of comfy bean bags, and a Wii.

Since I have been here, there has been a Ping-Pong Tournament, Superbowl Snack party, and a Spicy Food Smackdown. Daily you hear the pings of the ping pong ball, sometimes a few shouts of glory, and always laughter.

All of which mean that STA’s HQ is having the Best Week Ever.

Check out the rest of my picture tour….