The American Kennel Club has registered the German Shepherd dog in its club since 1908. Actually in the 19th century it was bred for herding, because of its strength, intelligence and its excellent temperament. At that time it was already a German Shepherd mix because it was a cross breed between three types of shepherd dogs found in three different regions of Germany. They were the long-haired, short-haired and the wire-haired shepherd dogs. Used extensively by the police and the army, they became excellent guard dogs and guide dogs. They were also used for search and rescue purposes.

The Shepadoodle is a new hybrid dog, which is a cross breed between a German Shepherd and a Standard Poodle. It is one of the recognized crosses of hybrid dogs by the American Canine Hybrid Club. There are other combinations of cross breeding with German Shepherds, but unfortunately not all purebred dogs are 100% purebred, and hence it often becomes a multi generation cross.

Another name for the German Shepherd is the Alsatian. This dog is known for its obedience and loyalty, and because of these characteristics it is often used as a working dog. It learns extremely fast because of its intelligence. It can be trained very well and is always eager and alert to learn. But it is mainly a bold and confident dog, which can be direct and fearless. It is more or less a family dog, sometimes even a one-man dog and dislikes strangers.

The German Shepherd mix could, like any other mixed breed, be freed from some of the genetic diseases which are typical of the German Shepherd breed. Such a disease is hip dysplasia and often in the German Shepherd Mix the genetic disease could be absent because of the mixed breeding. Normally mixed breed dogs live a healthier and longer life than the purebred ones. Of course if both the parents have the same genetic disease, there is a great possibility that the disease will be automatically transmitted to the German Shepherd mix.

One hears often of the cross breed between the German Shepherd and the Great Dane. The German Shepherd mix that results is also a very good guard dog, but is also affectionate. The combination gives them the trait of being hyperactive and yet cute and well loved to be a popular family dog.

Yet some combinations may not prove to be too ideal for families with small children, because the hybrid German Shepherd mix may turn out to be aggressive and dominant. Such problems can occur with cross breeding with purebreds like the Chow Chow, Akita, Rottweiler and the Doberman Pinscher.

Also cross breeding with the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever or the Collie can be unsuccessful, because the neurotic characteristics of the German Shepherd totally overshadow the sweet temperament of the others. The hybrid dogs may turn out to be too shy or too aggressive. The Alaskan Malamute is an independent, stubborn and aggressive dog. When it is crossbred with the German Shepherd Dog, the German Shepherd mix can actually become a dangerous animal, and become difficult to handle.

If you would like to have more than a cursory understanding of **** Germany and why it happened I recommend the following course of action.

For starters read a history of Germany starting from medieval times to WWI. Learn about such people as Frederick the Great, Bismarck, and the German philosophers. Try and get an understanding of the German mindset. Don’t forget to read about German 19th and early 20th century royalty. Learn how they are related to the British royal family. Read books on WWI. Gain an understanding on why Germany was defeated. You are now ready to read a biography on Adolf Hitler, try John Tolland’s two volume book. You may want to read about some of the other **** leaders. You might want to read Mein Kampf although so many find this book boring you can learn about what ****** was planning. Read The Rise and fall of the Third Reich or some later books on the same subject. Learn how the ***** came to power. Try and find out what was happening in Germany to allow the National Socialists to come to power and launch the world into WWII. There is no shortage of books written about the **** era. Try and find some books written by Germans as to what happened. Get their viewpoint. Why did many Germans think that ****** was the solution for Germany’s problems? The events leading up to WWII are a sad but interesting time of the 20th Century. History does not repeat itself but there are many parallels.

Once you arrive in Germany, if you are American, you will notice that the German public transportation system is much more efficient and cost effective than that of America. There are many more options and for the most part, you can get anywhere any time. Keep in mind that you can purchase a train ticket from your current location to your destination and this ticket is valid for the train, bus and street car. ie. Take a train from Darmstadt to Hanau then use the same ticket for a bus from Hanau to Frankfurt.

Taxi Cab: Taxi cabs can be found around any airport or public location. If you walk up to a taxi parking area and there is a row of taxi cabs go to the front vehicle first. The price varies but can be expensive at times. The weekend taxi fees are generally more expensive than the fees on a weekday. If you can avoid using a taxi cab I would recommend it. If you are relatively pleased with the service provided by the cab driver a one or two EUR tip would be sufficient.

Street Cars (Trolley): Street cars were the first mode of public transportation in Germany. Street cars make frequent stops and have a map layout of each stop. Check the route and be sure the stop you want is close enough to your destination, if not you may want to take the U/S Bahn, a bus or a taxi. Street cars are relatively fast, about the same speed as a normal car in the city.

Train: The European rail system is set up to be a very cost effective and efficient means for international European travel. With a vast number of inner-city trains running constantly during the day, the German train system is just as effective. When entering a train station (Bahnhof) you will need to purchase a ticket from the machine. You can only buy a train ticket with EUR but you can use any denomination below 20 including coins or bills. Simply select your destination from the list shown, enter the destination number and push the ‘Einzelfahrt’ button. Your change will fall along with your ticket to the tray. If you are planning to travel by train from Frankfurt to Paris, for example, you may choose to use the ICE train. This train is designed to get you from point A to point B much faster than a normal train. ICE trains are a little more expensive but may be the smart way to travel if you are planning inter-country travel in Europe.

U/S-Bahn: The U or S Bahn would be the equivalent to the subway in the States. The U-Bahn covers city areas where as the S-Bahn covers city areas and up to 60 kilometers outside the city. Normally you will only find U/S Bahns in bigger cities. The U/S Bahn normally makes more stops than trolleys making them the smarter choice for inner city travel.

You can also purchase an all day ticket which is good for trolleys, buses and the U/S-Bahn by pressing the Tageskarte button instead of the Einzelfahrt button. It is possible to board the train or trolley without purchasing a ticket but you will be fined 60 EUR minimum and these checks do occur regularly. You can purchase train tickets online from the official homepage of Deutsche Bahn at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en.

Creative geniuses are seldom appreciated during their lifetime, as was ‘Mad’ King Ludwig of Bavaria. Now, his famous castle enchants the millions of tourists who visit her gates. Neuschwanstein, Ludwig’s most well-known realized dream, was never completely finished before the king was untimely carted off and labeled as ‘incompetent to rule’. Even today, the circumstances around his death are still highly questionable, giving the castle a mysterious air of deception and betrayal.

With visions of grandiose operas dancing around in his poetic imagination, Ludwig II began the construction of Neuschwanstein in 1869 where two smaller castles laid in ruins. He moved into the unfinished palace 15 years later. Truly a man born out of time, Ludwig’s new castle was to be his world of an era long past. His obsession with composer Richard Wagner and the Middle Ages fueled his creativity as he decorated the rooms - dazzling royal blue and reflective metallics, starry nights painted on the ceiling of his bedroom where the stars really twinkled, knights, the Holy Grail, corridors made to look like they had been carved out of the stark rock face of the mountainside, an indoor winter garden that could be enjoyed at any time of the year, and swan accents at every imaginable spot. Ludwig had hoped to enjoy Wagner’s work in the castle’s ‘Singer’s Hall’, modeled after the Banquet Hall at Wartburg Castle. Sadly, not a single note of the composer’s music would reverberate off of these intricately detailed walls until after the king’s death.

Originally called ‘New Hohenschwangau Castle’, the name was changed to ‘Neuschwanstein’ (New Swan Stone) after Ludwig passed. Many tourists know it as ‘The Cinderella Castle’ as Walt Disney used the spires as the inspiration for his storybook palace. From here, visitors can gaze down over Hohenschwangau Castle, Lugwig’s boyhood home where he spent his days fantasizing about the fairytale-come-to-life he’d one day build on the jutting cliff in the clouds. The Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge) is also a stunning site from the arched windows of Neuschwanstein. The brave can hike to the bridge where they are rewarded with a breathtaking view of this world-famous castle. Walk the dizzying span over the deep gorge while the chilly wind burns your cheeks as you wonder ‘how many camera-toting tourist *can* this bridge hold?’

Tragically, the shy ruler only lived in this exquisite dream for about 120 days before he was ousted as king and committed for his supposed mental illness. Since then, rumors have woven colorful stories of every imaginable scenario for his removal. From government conspiracy, being drugged to fake his mental state, double murder or murder ******* and even speculation on his sexual orientation, Neuschwanstein literally oozes with secrets and her walls maintain their silence. Perhaps part of the castle’s magical air is taken from these ‘what ifs’ that we may never know the answer to…or that by stepping inside these halls is the only way to truly appreciate Ludwig’s eccentric soul.

Your list of things to do when starting your move to Germany may seem a neverending one and don’t forget, your trusty pet has needs too!

For sure you won’t want to leave them back home, after all, you’ve loved and cared for them for so long, so how are you going to take them with you? What’s necessary to do and when should you think about it?

Of course, Germany is a very welcoming place for pets, even if the red tape and paper work makes you think otherwise. For example, it’s commonplace to see a dog owner sat at a table in a restaurant with his best friend. It’s also not unusual to find dogs sat alongside their owners on trains. In fact the dog has his own ticket too. Simply ask at the ticket office before you travel, just to make sure. You will often see dog owners WITH their pets in the most unexpected places, compared with your habits back home. Some places however, do draw the line at dogs other than Guide dogs for the blind, and this will be made clear at the entrance to the place with a picture of a dog in a red circle with a line through it, similar to a no smoking sign. Examples of such places include bakeries, butchers, kindergartens, hospitals, some bars and restaurants etc.

There is also a requirement that your dog is not considered a dangerous animal and that if it should be a type of dog that is known to bite, kill or maim, then you will be required to keep your dog muzzled at all times in public places. This rule is not so clear at the moment as there have been several high-interest cases in courts recently and so changes to these rules will surely happen soon. One point to mention here, you as the owner are completely responsible for the actions of your pet and any damage or injury caused by the animal will come under your responsibility to rectify. This is why lots of dog owners take out a third-party accident insurance on their pet that covers things like breakages in shops, injuries caused by tripping someone up in the street etc etc. Contact an insurance broker for more information on this topic.

Your dog is not allowed to make, lets say, solid deposits in any public place unless there are bags/gloves provided for the owner to clean-up after them. Failure to do so can result in a huge fine and many local walking places now provide these bags at all entrances to the paths. Take a plastic bag or two with you whenever you take your dog out just to be sure that you’re prepared. Remember also that even clearing up after your pet is not a tolerated behaviour in childrens’ play areas as it is thought that bacteria from dog dirt can lead to infantile blindness. Keep your dog tied up outside of such play areas just to be sure.

If you are flying with your pet, you will often find that the pet has to be locked-away in a special travel carrying device so that no ‘harm’ can come to the pet or the passengers onboard. You may even be allowed access to your pet throughout the journey, be it at your seat or at a designated part of the plane. It’s unlikely that your pet will be stored in the hold of the jet as temperatures in these areas could mean that your pet arrives as a frozen version of it’s former self!

Before you travel.

There are of course rules and regulations concerning the import and export of animals to and from any country in the world and Germany is no exception. You must not forget to comply with these long before you start your journey as you may find that your pet could be taken away from you for a period of quarantine, which is never a good thing for either of you.

If you are travelling within the EU, you now need a pet passport which contain the list of vaccinations recieved as well as any tagging info that may exist under the animal’s skin. This is an EU scheme to ensure or lower the danger of rabies spreading within the EU member states.

Do your research early.

Remember that you will need several documents that have to be readable to the German immigration authorities and do not think that they will not be checked, as they most probably will be. You will be required to visit a vetinary surgeon at your starting place and ask him for a list of vaccinations required and already received. This list must include rabies vaccinations and it should also be in a typed format. You then must take this list to your local Germany authority, be it the German Embassy or Consulate, depending on your country, and ask them to make a certified translation of this list of vaccinations in German - possibly even with an apostile (An apostile is a certificate that proves that the first certificate is really a certificate !! - well, not quite as ridiculous as that sounds, it is simply a wax sealed certificate to say that the two papers attached are identical for all content except language - it is often required for other documents such as birth certificates or driving licenses.) It may be possible to get an international vetinary certificate nowadays that has the list of check-ups and vaccinations performed and received and is in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian. One reader has told me of such a certificate that was issued by a vetinarian in Ireland some years ago.

If you are crossing International borders (and this includes flying from the UK to Switzerland for example), then you will need to prove that your pet has received all the required vaccinations within the month prior to your date of entry into the country and you need a document for each pet that you bring. This covers up to three pets and any more will require an Import license. Pets that require this type of attention include dogs AND cats. You should find that smaller house pets require no such attention and you certainly would not expect to provide certificates for hamsters or fish that you bring with you. You will not be allowed to bring birds, such as homing pigeons or parrots with you without prior written permission and a period of quarantine - due to current bird-flu restrictions. Snakes, ferrets and rats are not considered house pets, rather vermin and so you may face very hard times ahead when bringing these pets to Germany.

If you have brought a dog with you, as soon as you have got yourself settled into your new home you need to get yourself a dog license. Like in the UK and Ireland, this can cost up to 30 Euro’s a year but it also depends on which part of Germany you are living in. All other house pets do not require such a license. Simply make a point of enquiring about this license when you register yourself and your family at the einwohnermeldeamt.

Don’t forget that the person you rent a house or an apartment has the last say as to whether you may bring your pet or not, so make sure you check whether you may have pets/haustiere living with you. Many apartment owners say no to pets unless the owner is blind or partially sighted, due to reasons known only to themselves.

Bringing Dangerous Dogs into the country from the USA

In response to a series of dog attack upon humans, Germany’s state and federal governments have enacted measures to ensure public safety. The states bear primary responsibility in this area, and the regulations bearing upon the breeding and ownership of dangerous breeds vary from state to state. In some states, for example, dogs of certain breeds must be kept on leash and muzzled in public at all times. Travelers planning to bring their dogs with them to Germany are advised to contact the appropriate state authorities: a list of the breeds affected by state legislation is given below.

At the national level, the Bundestag has passed legislation banning the import of breeds deemed especially dangerous. The ban applies, notably, to Pitbull Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Dangerous dogs accompanying travelers remaining in Germany for no more than four weeks are exempt, as are public service and guide dogs. Any dog owner wishing to bring an animal into Germany must have appropriate documentation. Travelers are advised to contact the nearest German Consulate General for further information.

Breeds Subject to Dangerous Dog Regulations

The breeds of dogs listed here are classified as generally or potentially dangerous under the regulations of one or more of Germany’s states. Other breeds not listed might also be subject to regulations. Dog owners interested in bringing their dogs with them to Germany are advised to contact state authorities for more information.

- Akbas

- Alano

- American Staffordshire Terrier *

- Bandog

- Berger de Beauce (Beauceron)

- Berger de Brie (Briard)

- Bullmastiff

- Bull-terrier *

- Cane Corso

- Carpatin

- Chinesischer Kampfhund (Chinese fighting dog)

- Dobermann

- Dogo Argentino

- Dogue de Bordeaux

- Estrela-Berghund

- Fila Brasileiro

- Kangal

- Karakatschan

- Karshund

- Kaukasischer Owtscharka

- Komondor

- Kraski Ovcar

- Kuvasz

- Liptak (Goralenhund)

- Maremmaner Hirtenhund

- Mastiff

- Mastin de los Pirineos

- Mastin Espanol

- Mastino Napoletano

- Mioritic

- Mittelasiatischer Owtscharka

- Perro de Presa Canario

- Perro de Presa Mallorquin

- Pit-bull terrier*

- Polski Owczarek Podhalanski

- Pyren?enberghund

- Raffeiro do Alentejo

- Rhodesian Ridgeback

- R?mischer Kampfhund

- Rottweiler

- Sarplaninac

- Slovensky Cuvac

- Staffordshire Bull-terrier*

- S?rdrussischer Owtscharka

- Tibetanischer Mastiff

- Tornjak

- Tosa Inu

*These breeds are prohibited under all circumstances.

All dogs that reach a shoulder height of over 40 cm (approximately 16 inches) at full maturity or a weight of over 20 kg (44 pounds) are subject to dangerous dog regulations in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Some of the most wonderful scenery in the world can be found in Germany; the place is simply stunning. From charming rustic villages to sophisticated city this country has it all. The history of this country changed the world, and today the people of Germany are at the heart of Europe. Germany has been the home of some of the most influential humans in history. Beethoven was born in this part of the worlds and so were Neitzsche, Kant, Karl Marx, Bach, Kafka, and Mozart; as well as many more.

It is impossible to imagine the world today without Germany bit it didn’t actually exist as a country until 1871; prior to this the land was part of the Holy Roman Empire. After the Second World War it was divided into East and West Germany only to be unified again in 1990. Today there are over 80 million people living in the Federal Republic.

A place that all tourists to Germany must see is Heidelberg; this is a university city and the scenery surrounding it will take your breath away. The city lies on the banks of the river Neckar. This is the home of universities and castles and is considered one of the most romantic places in Europe. Nearly four million people visit the city each year and most of the local population are involved in the service industry; a lot of this dealing with tourism. The city is home to some world renowned art festivals, and is considered a great city of learning.

Berlin was one of the most important cities during the last century and for many decades it was the place where Russia and the United States fought their cold war. The city was divided during this time by the Berlin Wall and when this fell in 1990 the whole world looked on in amazement. As well as being the home of political intrigue Berlin has also produced some great music. David Bowie moved there for a few years, and U2 recorded one of their albums there.

Another city in Germany that has had great impact on the rest of the world is Hamburg. This is where the Beatles first became famous after leaving their homes in Liverpool. For three years they played three shows a day and this is believed to be the reason why they became so good. It could easily be argued that without Hamburg there would have been no Beatles and the world of modern music would be a lot different. Hamburg is a northern industrial town that is well worth a visit because it offers a different view of Germany.

Freyburg is another part of Germany that is well worth a visit. This had been described as the Tuscany of the North and is the part of the country devoted to producing wine. The city contains some quaint architecture and the nearby scenery makes a visit worthwhile. If you enjoy wine then this is the place to go because of the many wine festivals there each year.

Mainau is Germany’s garden island, hording seven kilometers worth of space from the Bodensee. Bursting with radiant color and exotic fragrance, this little oasis on the lake beckons anyone looking for quiet tranquility. Although only royalty live on this isle, all are welcome to visit for the day.

Easily reached from Meersburg, Germany or other ferry ports along the Bodensee (also called Lake Constance), Mainau is a relaxing thrill. Each visit offers beautifully manicured gardens that beg to be leisurely strolled through, the Palm House which protects the tropical trees from the elements while little chirping birds hide in the coarse leaves, every imaginable - and unimaginable - species of roses, and a view of the stately castle that overlooks the grounds. The castle itself cannot be toured but its adjoining chapel is accessible to the public. It’s even possible to enjoy live musical performances among the serenely perfect surroundings.

Vicki Landes describes this getaway in her book, “Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal”: “Get lost in the gardens to truly appreciate every single detail waiting patiently to be discovered. Explore the Butterfly House, a simulated paradise for hundreds of silent winged bugs in all stages of life. With its high temperatures, almost stifling humidity, waterfalls, brilliant flowers and exotic plants - step through a curtain of bamboo and you are immediately transported into a rainforest! Study the hanging cocoons where caterpillars await their rebirth or sneak up on a six-inch butterfly feasting on a dish of plump orange slices. Slip behind a waterfall for a cool break from the humidity or rest on a bench and wait for something to land nearby!”

See pictures of Mainau and more of Europe’s hidden treasures in “Europe for the Senses - A Photographic Journal” by Vicki Landes. Available at Amazon.com and other major bookseller sites.

www.EuropeForTheSenses.com

You want to see ‘Spree-Athens’? It surely is Berlin, the German capital, lying on the course of the Spree River, in the northeastern Germany. Often compared with Athens, the Germany’s “grey city” - Berlin has always been a major center of European history, culture, art, politics, sports, and science. It is home to world-famous universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums, and historic sites.

Berlin is one of the most popular top tourist destinations in the world; certainly, one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Europe. It is widely known for its numerous museums, palaces, historic sites, cafes, clubs, bars, and vibrant nightlife. Surely, you can pick numerous reasons to visit Berlin Germany, but here are top 10 reasons to visit the magnificent city.

Reichstag, the magnificent edifice with crowning glass dome, is one of the primary reasons to visit Berlin. Located near the Brandenburg gate building, the German parliament is the city’s top tourist attraction. It has been the seat of the German parliament since 1999, after it was redesigned by British architect, Sir Norman Foster. Queues at entrance are often lengthy, but you can sneak in thru the side entrance, having lunch at the Dachgarten Restaurant.

Berliner Funkturm or Funkturm Berlin (Radio Tower Berlin) is another worthy reason to visit Berlin. It is 150 meter high transmitting tower, with open-air observation deck 124 meter above ground. Often nicknamed “der lange Lulatsch” (”the lanky lad”), the tower was built between 1924 and 1926 by Heinrich Straumer. Standing on the Berlin fairground in the Charlottenburg, out of city center, the lofty tower is one of the best-known points of interest in Berlin.

Fernsehturm, a 368 meters high television tower in the heart of city, close to Alexanderplatz, is one of the most celebrated landmarks, in Berlin. Easily visible throughout the central districts of Berlin, the iconic tower was built between 1965 and 1969 by the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Its image was used as a symbol of Berlin by the GDR administration. The tower has an observation deck 204 meters above ground.

Siegess?ule (Victory Column), a 60 meters high historic monument with panoramic view in the very center of the city, is one of the famous sights in Berlin. Designed by Heinrich Strack after 1864 to commemorate the Prussian victory in the Danish-Prussian war, the Column on its top features an 8.3 meters high magnificent bronze (weighing 35 tonnes) statue of Victoria, designed by Friedrich Drake. On a polished red granite base, the column sits on a hall of pillars with a glass mosaic designed by Anton von Werner.

Berlin Wall, a 1.3km long stretch of intact historic Wall known as the East Side Gallery, is one of well known sites of Berlin, Germany. Located to the east of the city centre along the River Spree in M?hlenstra?e near the Oberbaumbr?cke, the East Side Gallery is an international memorial for freedom. On the painted east side of the Berlin Wall, the Gallery features approximately 106 paintings by artists from all over the world.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as the Holocaust Memorial, is one of the well known sites of Germany. It is a recently opened (2005) vast abstract artwork covering an entire block near the Brandenburg Gate, including an underground museum narrating the terrifying tale on the Holocaust. Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineers Buro Happold, the Holocaust Memorial features comprises a grid of concrete pillars with a disorienting concrete maze at the centre.

Berlin Zoo or Zoologischer Garten Berlin (Berlin zoological garden) is one of major tourist attractions of Berlin. Located in Berlin Tiergarten near the S-Bahn and railway station in the city center, the Berlin zoological garden is one of the biggest zoos in Germany, with largest number of species of the world. Opened on August 1, 1844, Berlin Zoo was the first zoo in Germany. The zoo boasts approximately 14,000 animals from 1500 species, and a marvelous Aquarium.

Tierpark Berlin is another fine reason to visit Berlin. It is another great zoo in Berlin. Founded in 1954, the zoo is one of the major tourist attractions of Berlin. Located in Friedrichsfelde, on the former grounds of Friedrichsfelde Palace, Tierpark Berlin, with 160 hectares of total area, is one of the largest zoos of Europe. You can watch numerous rare animals and species in the Tierpark Berlin.

Berlin Museums give you every reason to visit the city of Berlin. The German capital is widely known for its very wide array of museums and galleries; the city offers over 50 state run museums. Featuring Pergamonmuseum, Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bodemuseum, and Neues Museum, the Museuminsel (Museum Island) is the best known area for art lovers. Some other notable museums include Deutsches Historisches Museum, J?disches Museum, Gem?ldegalerie, and Neue Nationalgalerie.

Berlin Churches are also one of the major attractions of Berlin. The city has many historically interesting and architecturally remarkable churches. Some of the notable churches of Berlin include - Kaiser Wilhelm Ged?chtniskirche, Marienkirche, Nikolaikirche, St. Hedwigs Kathedrale, Berliner Dom, and Friedrichswerdersche Kirche.

Steven Scheinin asked:




I have some good news, and I have some bad news. The good news is that the State will not get your money if you die without a Will. The bad news is that the State will decide which of your relatives will get your money.

Maryland Testate Law, that is the law dealing with disposable property upon a person’s death, is very complicated. Should you die without a Will, then a decision must be made as to who will inherit your property. To prevent bickering among your survivors, the State has predetermined the right of succession, the order of preference. First, your surviving spouse will receive everything that you own together. Those items that you might not own together, for example, automobiles, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, insurance policies without a named beneficiary, just to name a few, will be divided in the following manner: If your spouse survives you and you have minor children, then your spouse will receive one-half of the remaining estate. If your spouse survives you and there are no minor children, but children over the age of 18, then your spouse will receive $15,000 plus one-half of the remaining estate. If your spouse survives you and you have no children and your parents are both deceased then your spouse will receive all of your property.

And now it gets really complicated. If all of your children are alive at the time of your death, then they will equally divide the remaining part of your estate that did not go to your spouse. If some of your children have pre-deceased you and they had children, then the share the deceased child would have gotten is divided equally among that child’s children. Wow! And don’t forget we haven’t even discussed your brothers, your sisters, your parents, your grandparents and aunts and uncles.

It is quite obvious that if you wish to control your assets after your death, then you should consider preparing a Will to designate which of your relatives shall receive your property. Further, it is only through a Will that you can designate who will get your heirlooms, those things that have great sentimental value to you but have little or no monetary worth.

Now is the time to think about writing a Will, while you have this article on your screen. Putting it off to a later date, or until you become ill or incapacitated, could cause your family and relatives great pain and heartache. Especially when they know you wanted your property disposed of in a certain way but, because you died without a Will, your wishes are not being carried out.

Smack in the middle of Europe and bordering nine countries, Germany is the ideal hub for entrance into other nations. Its landscape is varied, from castles sitting in the crevices of capped mountains to medieval villages bursting with life.

Famous places in Germany revolve around many major cities, like Munich where the annual Oktoberfest celebration is held. Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg also make up some famous places in Germany, each with its own distinction as unique and telling a story.

One “can’t miss” city in Germany is the capital of Berlin, which is well known for its past wall separating the socialists from the democrats. In 1990, the wall was torn down and a re-emergence occurred with the capital rebuilding itself as modern with more than 100 streets reconnecting to join a less modern city from the East and a towering, 21st century city to the West.

Besides this, Berlin is a cultural hub for international tourists and residents alike with many museums, theatres, and galleries like the Berlin Philharmonie concert hall to the Picture Gallery with an impressive collection of 18th century art. Its nightlife is also incredible along with parties taking place all year, including jazz concerts in November and dance parties in July.

Another famous place in Germany is the second largest city of Hamburg. This one is considered as the German version of Venice, Italy with its major ports and canal networks along with bridges and two lakes that make up close to 10 percent of the entire city.

Given its water, Hamburg is a city lush with parks and gardens along with 21st century buildings nestled in between classic Renaissance architecture. The harbor and seaside areas make up the cities largest tourist attractions.

For added camaraderie, there is a Red Light District called the Reeperbahn as well where revelers can engage in “quick fun.”

One final famous place in Germany is the southern wonder of Munich, arguably the most popular tourist destination with close to 6 million people taking part in the two-week long Oktoberfest festivities year after year. The city is well known for its breweries and beer halls along with an impressive selection of art galleries, museums, and both Gothic and Baroque architecture.

For a taste of winter sports, tourists would be pleased to know that Munich lies in close proximity to the Bavarian Alps which is a skiers paradise.

All in all, any of these top attractions are capable of fulfilling your travel wishes.

All the best,

Marcus Hochstadt

Founder of MyGermanCity.com