The Czech Republic’s economic growth slowed to 4.2 percent in the third quarter of 2008, which is down from the previous estimate of 4.7 percent. It, like many economies across Europe, is slumping. Slowing demand for Czech products as well as a strong currency helped to slow growth in the economy, according to the Czech Statistical Bureau. “This was due to a combination of external and domestic...
Several iconic projects that were meant to transform the skyline of Russia’s major cities have been forced to be put on hold due to the current economic climate. The Russia Tower in Moscow, designed by Sir Norman Foster and supposed to be the tallest building in Europe, has been put on hold. Other projects on hold include the Federation Complex in Moscow, the Crystal Island suburb outside Moscow and a...
Budget-concious skiers and snowboarders can turn to UK and Welsh hills that regularly open when there is enough snow. There are two hills in the Lake District, one in Northumberland, three in County Durham and one in Wales for those who want to enjoy some fun in the snow this winter. While the skiing in the UK may not be quite the same as in the Alps, it offers an economical alternative for those who...
It seems that the global crisis has made the Euro more attractive to the Polish government with the Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirming his position that the country will be ready to integrate the euro into the country in 2012. The polish zloty has dropped 23 percent against the euro from a record high set in July, and is headed for its first annual retreat since 2003 He issued his...
The UK pound fell to a new low against the euro in recent trading, ending up at one point at €1.1391. The fall was pushed by a selloff the currency as fears of a long recession drove traders and speculators. The pound has sunk nearly 20% against the euro in the past year as UK and is also down by more than 25% against the dollar since the summer. It was trading at $1.48 at one point compared to a recent...
Natal Brazil, which translates as Christmas, takes this holiday very seriously. Residents go to extra lengths to make sure that ‘Natal no Natal’ (‘Christmas in Natal’ in Portuguese) is a special celebration. While there are some similarities to the holiday in the UK, the biggest difference is the weather. There’s no chance of snow on Christmas Day in Natal. In fact the average December...
The Village Coconut Island in Thailand won two awards at the recent Homes Overseas Awards, which were presented in London at the end of November. Coconut Island is just 650 meters off the east coast of Phuket, which is Thailand’s vacation destination. This new development has won a number of awards in its short existence and is truly Phuket’s ultimate tropical retreat. This year The Village won...
Two new high speed ferries have just arrived and will dramatically improve service on the Red Sea between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The two Austral built 88 meter catamarans can carry both passengers and vehicles and will run between Dibba in Saudi Arabia and Safaga in Egypt. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Egyptian President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak marked the occasion with a ceremony for the...
Scandinavian countries are consistently hailed as having the best quality of life in Europe, an accolade which has turned their property markets into hotspots. One of these countries is Denmark, and it has much to offer the prospective buyer.A recent Knight Frank report described property in the Scandinavian countries as on the rise, explaining, “We are now seeing an increasing push towards remote and...
Dec 08 Homesgofast London Forbes’ annual top ten most expensive properties list shows that the credit crunch has even crept into streets paved with gold, as the homes are cheaper than last year and the wealthy are withdrawing properties from the market, unable to reach the price they want. Still, a property must be worth more than around £40 million to even make it onto the list, which only features...