Steffen Henkel’s Post

In our ongoing series on the European Championship 2024 we look at similarities and differences of the countries playing. ⚽ France and Poland share rich culinary traditions and vibrant cultural celebrations. While France features diverse landscapes such as the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, Poland is characterized by expansive plains, dense forests, and the scenic Carpathian Mountains, each contributing to distinct cultural and environmental identities. France 🇫🇷: Cheese love: France is home to over 1,200 different types of cheese, making it the country with the largest variety of cheeses in the world. It is said that tasting all the French cheeses would take a year if you tried one every day! 🧀 Baguette law: In France, the term “baguette tradition” is protected by law. It requires bakeries to make their baguette on site using traditional ingredients and processes. This regulation ensures that the traditional French bread culture is preserved. 🥖 Different time zones: France has overseas territories in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean that belong to different time zones. For example French Polynesia has a time zone that is 10 hours ahead of Paris time. ⏱ Poland 🇵🇱: Pierogi power: Poland is the land of pierogi - delicious dumplings filled with everything from potatoes to sweet fruit. There are so many variations that you could eat a different type of pierogi almost every day and never get tired of them (or maybe you would, but it would be a delicious tiredness). 🥟 Vodka variety: Poland takes great pride in its rich tradition of vodka production. With a wide array of types and brands available, Polish vodka caters to various tastes and occasions – from festive celebrations like weddings to everyday moments. 🍸 Salt Mine spectacular: Poland is home to one of the oldest salt mines in the world, the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine is so impressive - it even has an underground chapel, built entirely out of salt. 🧂 How do you think each country will represent themselves through their team? 🌎⚽ #globalmobility #hrconsulting #championship #france #poland #culturehackers #culture

The European Championship 2024 is about to begin – what better time to share fun facts about different cultures and countries than now? ⚽ Germany and Scotland play the opening match – let’s start there: Both countries have a rich and varied history and share beautiful landscapes and a love of soccer. Of course they also have their own distinct festivals and traditions: Germany 🇩🇪: Oktoberfest: the world's largest folk festival takes place in Munich. It attracts millions of visitors who want to experience German culture, beer and traditional Bavarian dress such as lederhosen and dirndls. 🎡👗 Beer culture: Germany has a strong beer tradition with over 1,300 breweries and more than 5,000 different types of beer. In 2023, the average beer consumption in Germany was around 91.6 liters per capita. 🍻 Sunday rest: In Germany, it is forbidden by law to mow the lawn or hang the washing on Sundays. So, if you need a really quiet day, move to Germany! 😴 Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿: Highland Games: These traditional events include competitions such as log throwing, hammer throwing and rope pulling. They are an important part of Scottish culture and take place annually all over the country. 🔨 Whisky: Scotland is famous for its whisky. There are over 120 active distilleries and the whisky trails in regions such as Speyside are very popular with tourists. 🥃 Kilts in everyday life: It is not uncommon for Scottish men to wear their kilts on formal occasions. And yes, the question of what is worn underneath remains a well-kept secret (at least to the rest of the world)! 🤫 We’re curious which cultural differences will be visible during the championship – how do you think each country will represent themselves through their team? 🌎⚽ #globalmobility #hrconsulting #championship #germany #scotland #culturehackers #culture

If you dream of living the good life in France – you’re certainly not alone, it’s a popular dream! Expats in France are numerous and from all around the world. Drawn by the diversity of the landscapes, the food, sunshine, wine – there’s lots to tempt. Here are some top tips for choosing your ideal place (and how not to do it!): https://lnkd.in/demg8-r9

The 15 best things to do in Croatia

The 15 best things to do in Croatia

Few cities in Italy are linked to coffee as Trieste, with a long-standing tradition and a peculiar language even to order a cup. The tradition of coffee in Trieste has to do with its history, in particular with the establishment of the “Porto Franco” (free port) in 1719 by Emperor Charles VI. The special legislation of the port of Trieste, that continues today, 300 years ago marked the birth of the city as we know it, giving life to one of the main commercial harbors in Europe. Thanks to the saving on tariffs for imports and exports, the proclamation of the free port stimulated trade by attracting companies, investments and immigration to the city. It was at that time that Trieste became the most important Italian port for the import of coffee: a gateway through which the precious beans destined for the consumption of the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire and beyond, just in the years when the beverage became fashionable among the European bourgeoisie. The coffee shops became the meeting place par excellence in the city, where to discuss art and politics or where to write some pages of literary masterpieces, such as Joyce sitting at the tables of Pirona. Several of those historic cafes are still in business today and are worth a visit.

"Piedmont is an Italian region that’s relatively off the radar – except for the gastronomes and oenophiles, for whom it’s hallowed territory." The mass has no cultural means to understand Piedmont. The mass comes to Piedmont, with the Italian kitsch in their mind then they discover that Turin was the capital of Savoy and get confused. If you travel to Italy thinking that this is a big Don Corleone country, not only you miss its best, but you will never understand its multi-faceted cultural context. The Italian State is the legal continuation of the County of Savoy, Duchy of Savoy, Kingdom of Sardinia and Kingdom of Italy, for finally arriving to our beloved Italian Republic. Count more than 1000 years. I am happy that we are a State that in its north, center, south, east and west can offer so much, respecting all its cultural minorities. The goal for Italy should not be nationalism: it should be universalism, starting from its so many different grape varieties and its leading position in what concerns Geographical Indications, for example. GIs are IPRs protecting also the heritage of a product. We need people with culture visiting us, respecting us and not mocking us. If you want to know more about Piedmont, just ask me. #respect https://lnkd.in/d7gsxZgv

Whiskey drinkers, the next time you raise a glass of whisky, consider venturing beyond the familiar and exploring the world of pioneering drams from unexpected corners of the globe. From the rugged landscapes of New Zealand to the vineyard-dotted hills of France, the world of whisky is vast, diverse, and ripe for exploration. In this era of the whisky revolution, let us raise our glasses to the daring distillers, the bold innovators, and the timeless spirit of adventure that infuses every dram. Here’s to world whisky — where tradition meets innovation, and each sip tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.

Havana's Historic Habanos Challenge: A Celebration of Cuban Cigar Mastery 🇨🇺 Last week, Havana pulsed with the excitement of cigar aficionados as Corporación Habanos, S.A. made history. The world leader in Premium cigars hosted Cuba's first-ever national Habanos World Challenge, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown of cigar expertise. Picture this: The luxurious Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski transformed into an arena of tobacco prowess. Teams from Gaviota, Caracol, Cimex, and Abel Cigar Lounge went head-to-head, their passion for Habanos on full display. The air was thick with anticipation (and probably some exquisite smoke). But this wasn't just any competition. The victorious duo earned the honor of representing Cuba at the 25th Habano Festival in 2025. Talk about pressure! This groundbreaking event followed on the heels of February's international Habano Festival, which drew an impressive 2,900 delegates from 108 countries. Clearly, the allure of Cuban cigars knows no borders. Let's not forget the powerhouse behind it all. Corporación Habanos S.A., founded in 1994, has been dominating the premium cigar scene for decades. With legendary brands like Cohíba, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta in their arsenal, it's no wonder they're in over 130 territories worldwide. The numbers don't lie: A staggering $721 million turnover in 2023, up 31% from the previous year. China, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and the UK? They can't get enough of that Cuban craftsmanship. As we eagerly await news of the winning team, one thing's certain: The art of the Habano is alive and thriving in its homeland. Here's to the skilled hands that roll, the experts who judge, and the passion that keeps this tradition burning bright. #habanochallenge #cubancigars #habanos #cigarmastery #cohiba #montecristoNYC #cigarlife #havana #premiumtobacco #cigaraficionado #botl #sotl #cigarculture #cigarnews #tobaccohistory

Down in southernmost Spain, in the region of Andalucía, where olive trees grow, olive oil is a precious good. Some go as far as calling it... liquid gold. Once or twice a year, most towns hold local races, where prices are awarded to the fastest runners, usually in cash. During rough times, when the town council's wallet is running low, winners will be awarded their weight in olive oil. Take a minute to imagine that. Well, we've taken that genius idea and brought it (....) km North of Andalucía, all the way to Budapest. The region of... ah, yes ... specialty coffee. (Ok, that might be an understatement to Budapest's rich, singular culture but bear with me a minute. Forgive me my Budapestrians) So specialty coffee. And what would be liquid gold to specialty coffee? Oatly of course. Well, we organised a race, in Budapest, with RLC, and since we too are running on a low budget, the fastest runner was awarded ... Wait for it... their weight in Oatly Barista. Take a minute to imagine that. This wouldn't be possible without Viktória Környei and Attila Nyari, leaders and founders of the amazing community behind the Running Latte Club. Big thanks as well to Lilla Veres and Jaime Ponce Martínez for being the "creative concept filter" and general support. We are Transtrade Group / Medist Hungary food & beverage distributors and brand developers for Central Europe.