Welcome to Viva La Europa! A weekly dose of European culture, news, travel and properties.

In this issue:

• ❄️ From Ice to Sizzle: Iceland's Burger Kingpin!

• 🛎️ Check-in to Checkout: Mastering the Art of Hotel Living!

• 🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• 🏡 A former presbytery, constructed in the 1860s and attached to an historic church

• 🏝️ Stay in an avant-garde hotel designed by famed architect Frank Gehry

❄️ From Ice to Sizzle: Iceland's Burger Kingpin! 🍔

Hey there, foodie adventurers! Ever wondered who's the genius behind Iceland's burger craze? Meet Tommi Tómasson, the man who swapped geysers for grills and made Icelanders fall head over heels for the humble hamburger. 🇮🇸

Tommi's love affair with burgers began during his stint in the US. Inspired by the American diner scene, he returned to Iceland with a dream: to introduce the land of elves and volcanoes to the magic of juicy patties and crispy fries. And boy, did he deliver! In 1981, Tommi flipped the script (and some burgers) by launching Iceland's first fast-food chain. The result? A sizzling success! 🎉

Reykjavík's airport kitchen saw the start of his culinary journey, but it was his American escapade that set his course. Today, at 70, Tommi's not just an Icelandic legend but a burger baron with joints spread across Europe, from the chilly coasts of Iceland to the bustling streets of England and Italy.

His mantra? "Conquer the world or die." And conquer he did, one burger at a time. So, the next time you're munching on a burger in Reykjavík or Rome, tip your hat to Tommi, the man who made it all happen!

Thought-Provoking Bites 🤔:

1. How did a burger become a sensation in a land known for its unique cuisine?

2. What challenges did Tommi face in introducing a foreign food concept to Iceland?

3. How do local flavors and tastes influence global fast-food chains in different countries?

Bon appétit and happy burger adventures! 🍔

🛎️ Check-in to Checkout: Mastering the Art of Hotel Living!

1. Hidden Fees Alert!: Always ask about those sneaky resort fees. Sometimes, just asking can make them poof disappear!

2. Early Bird or Night Owl?: Request an early check-in or late checkout. Flexibility is key!

3. Sleepyhead Special: Light sleeper? Get a room away from elevators and busy streets. Sweet dreams!

4. Final Sweep: Before you dash, check for left-behinds. Chargers are notorious for playing hide and seek!

5. Contact is Key: Drop your email at check-in. Get your bill emailed, skip the checkout queue, and strut out like a rockstar!

6. Tip Top Tip: Housekeeping is your hotel fairy godmother. Leave a tip to say thanks!

7. Queue? What Queue?: In a rush? If you've got your bill emailed, just walk out like you own the place!

8. Bill Peek: Always give your bill a once-over. No one likes surprise charges!

9. Upgrade, Please!: Want a fancier room? Ask nicely. Manners make magic happen!

10. Upgrade Bargain: If there's a cost for that upgrade, channel your inner haggler. Aim to pay just 10% more.

Remember: Stay savvy, sprinkle kindness, and hotel like a pro! 🥂

🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• Spain's Labour Ministry has fined the 'Big Four' consulting firms - Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG - a total of €1.4 million for excessive working hours, following complaints of employees working up to 16 hours daily. The investigation revealed a lack of proper hourly registers, making "marathon working days" commonplace. Despite the sector's record profits, working conditions have deteriorated, with some employees earning as low as €14,000 annually. The fines aim to address these exploitative practices.

• Despite Europe's labour market showing recovery signs post-COVID, job vacancies remain a concern. The job vacancy rate slightly decreased to 2.7% in the recent quarter, but the long-term trend indicates a rising rate since 2020. The Netherlands leads in job vacancies at 4.7%, while Bulgaria and Romania have the lowest at 0.8%. High-demand roles include software developers, sales assistants, and positions in marketing, manufacturing, and R&D. Labour shortages and skill gaps persist, affecting economic growth.

• Remote work's popularity continues to rise, especially among those keen on combining work and travel. A study by ExpressVPN highlighted the top overseas locations for expats and digital nomads. Two European destinations, Madeira in Portugal and Tallinn in Estonia, stand out. Madeira offers affordability and fast internet speeds, while Tallinn boasts advanced digital infrastructure and a flexible visa policy. Both locations provide a blend of traditional and modern cultures, making them ideal for remote work.

🏡 Property finds of the week

Brought to you by Cheap Property Europe

Looking for incredibly affordable homes throughout European countries like Italy, France, Greece and more? Cheap Properties Europe does exactly that and shares all their findings in their weekly newsletter! Sign up here.

🏝️ Stays of the week