If you think that getting a tattoo is a recent fashion, you are totally wrong. The tattoo art is as ancient as the human race. So much so, that even a mummy of the Neolithic period was found with 57 tattoos on his back. Surprised? Polynesia is the region which has the oldest tattoo tradition of the world and it was the first where, like today, tattoos were used as body ornamentation.

Throughout the centuries, different cultures have used tattoos in different ways: some have categorized it as art (Japan), some as a way of social stigma (ancient Greece and Rome), others as a symbol of maturity (North America) and even there were some cultures that have attributed supernatural powers to them (Egypt). But today tattoos have no other function than to adorn the body. The techniques have been refined to the point of turning it into an art-form. The tattoo artists are the masters of painting that draw the more outlandish and varied designs on the skin. The whole world has given itself up to the tattoo boom.

In recent years, tattoos have been progressively incorporated into the society and today they have settled down among all social sectors. Increasingly there are more tattooed bodies around the globe. So it is not surprising that important tattoo conventions are celebrated throughout the world. One of the most famous conventions is the “Berlin Tattoo Convention“, which has been celebrated in the German capital since 1991. There, the best artists in the world show off their talent. In fact, Berlin is considered one of the tattoo cradles of the old continent.

To many people tattoos represent a form of expression and a way of life; to another they simply represent a way of worshipping the body. There are tattoos that identify urban tribes, or musical tastes. “Tattoos show off our own style, tell people that we belong to a code and shows the integration of a group” say anthropologists.

Today, there are strong regulations to which the tattoo studios must adhere: single-use instruments (syringes and needles) unsealed in the presence of the user and perfectly sterilized; obligatory vaccination of staff against hepatitis B, tetanus and diphtheria and the workers will have to certify the completion of a training course on hygiene and health of 30 hours amongst other things.

Either way, it seems that the art of tattooing has come a long way. Do you want to learn more about the world of tattoos? Travel to the German capital to discover the most amazing tattoo artwork and rent Apartments in Berlin to enjoy a pleasant stay.

The ITB Berlin is the world’s largest tourism trade fair. This will be the 43rd edition and will take place at the Messe Convention Centre in Berlin, Germany from the 11th to 15th of March. In this year’s edition there will be over 180 countries representing all segments and tourism from Europe, Asia, Africa and America. In addition, there will be over 8,000 accredited media along with 1100 exhibiting companies and organizations that will be distributed in over 25 exhibition halls.

This year’s convention focuses on the effects of the crisis in the travel business sector and the best solutions to this global problem. Other items of interest are: the problems and remedies of travel visas in business tourism, legal and tax details to do with airlines and corporate social responsibility issues in the industry.

Despite the difficult global economic situation, in 2009 the touristic demands are outstripping supplies. Contrary to what one might think, business tourism has gained much weight in the entire tourism sector and represents an important part of its economy. For example, in Germany, business tourism accounts for 50% of the total spent.

Among the most important segments, ITB has stands for events and new trends, youth travel, ecotourism, cultural tourism, cheap accommodation, adventure tours and expeditions, technology, training and employment in tourism, welfare, and cruise reservations.

In addition, hot topics in the travel sector that may be of interest to businesses and individuals will be dealt with: reservation systems, destinations, hotels, and communication and information systems providers.

Year after year, the ITB Berlin has gained prestige and the number of visitors has increased. Last year, about 100 events attracted over 11,000 participants. The region’s guest of honour this year is the Cuenca del Ruhr, European Capital of Culture 2010.

This year’s ITB trade fair promises quality and optimistic figures. Companies as well as private individuals will both be catered for here. The first group will have every means at their disposal for promoting and developing tourism and the latter will be able to discover new trends in tourism, as well as the best holiday destinations.

If you do not want to miss out on this exciting trade fair, rent apartments in Berlin. Discover the city from another point of view and enjoy all the wonders of the German capital.

The long nights of Berlin’s museums

The weekend is about to arrive and your friends ask you what are your plans for these days, and you don’t feel like doing the usual things. Well, we have the perfect solution for you: Come to Berlin and take advantage of the long nights of the museums in the city of Berlin!

Twice a year the city of Berlin lets you enter the world of cultural and historical museums for one night. And you can visit a host of museums and exhibitions at very cheap prices. The “Lange Nacht der Museen” or Long Night of Museums will be held on January 31st on Saturday night Sunday morning. More than 110 museums open their doors and will offer countless exhibitions and collections in various shapes and sizes. This year celebrates the 24th edition of the event and this year’s theme is called “concepts and world views,” a very interesting and creative topic that will captivate you.

You’ll enter into a world of past, present and future as the majority of the exhibits are based on different world views and culture from different artistic points of view. This way, the city offers, apart from the usual exhibits, a wealth of interesting lectures, performances of dance, theatre, tours and exotic buffets for charging up your batteries on your trip through the famous museums of Berlin. A museum you shouldn’t miss is the Altes Museum, where you can discover the world of the ancient Egyptians, nor the Jüdisches Museum Berlin that will show you the reputation of Judaism and Islam in a society marked by Christianity. Another point that highlights this special evening are the two planetariums in Berlin that nicely ties in the theme of the long night of the Berlin museums with the international year of astronomy of UNESCO in a very creative and fun way.

Go to the Zeiss planetarium to hear the fascinating story of German astronaut Sigmund Jähn who presents his particular viewpoint on the subject of the world. These are just a few examples of the wide range of museums and exhibitions that you can visit this weekend. The city also offers a shuttle bus to transport all the museum hounds from to and from the different museums. You can enjoy the night of the museum getting a Kombi Ticket which costs only €12 (reduced rate €8) and allows you to use the bus and see all the museums that are found along the way.

If you still don’t have any plans for the weekend, then you are going to miss out! Come, invite your friends, book a flight and rent apartments in Berlin to enjoy your stay in the German capital that you will definitely widen your horizons.