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

In this issue:

• 🧹 There's an App for That: Spain's Solution to the Chore War!

• 🏰 Naples' Castle Offers a 'Hands-On' Experience with Braille Railing!

• 🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• 🏡 A 13 bedroom castle in Umbertide

• 🏝️ Watch the northern lights in a glass cabin on a lava desert

📱 There's an App for That: Spain's Solution to the Chore War! 🧹

Hey, ever felt like you're the only one doing the dishes, vacuuming, or just keeping the house from looking like a tornado hit it? Well, Spain's got your back! The Spanish government is rolling out a shiny new app to track who's doing what around the house. And guess what? It's free!

The Digital Nudge 📲

Spain's secretary of state for equality, Ángela Rodríguez, unveiled this digital gem with a mission: to spotlight the "mental load" that's mostly shouldered by women. You know, all those invisible tasks like remembering to buy dish soap or planning the grocery list. The app's goal? To ensure everyone at home pulls their weight, from kids to parents and even roomies!

The Price Tag 💰

With a budget of €211,750 (or about £184,000 for our British pals), this app isn't just about tracking chores. It's about equality, fairness, and maybe, just maybe, ending those age-old arguments about whose turn it is to take out the trash.

The Stats Don't Lie 📊

A recent survey revealed that 45.9% of women in Spain are the main chore-doers, compared to a mere 14.7% of men. So, guys, it might be time to roll up those sleeves!

Thought-Provoking Questions 🤔

1. App-tastic or App-alling? - Will an app really change household dynamics, or is it just another tech gimmick?

2. Equality or Equity? - Is tracking chores the key to gender equality at home, or is there more to the story?

3. Tech vs. Talk - Can technology replace good old-fashioned communication when it comes to sharing responsibilities?

So, next time someone "forgets" their turn to clean the bathroom, just say: "There's an app for that!" 📱🧼🎉

🏰 Naples' Castle Offers a 'Hands-On' Experience with Braille Railing!

Hold onto your spaghetti, folks! 🍝 Naples is making headlines, and no, it's not for their pizza. Castel Sant'Elmo, a star-shaped castle with killer views, now boasts a railing that's the talk of the digital town. Why? It's etched in Braille! Designed for the visually impaired, this railing doesn't just describe the view—it's pure art. Crafted by the genius Paolo Puddu, this masterpiece titled 'Follow the Shape' even snagged the 'A Work For the Castle' contest in 2015.

But wait, there's more sauce to this story! 🍅 This railing is also a poetic journey, featuring quotes from Giuseppe de Lorenzo’s "La Terra e L’uomo" in both Italian and English. And while Braille installations might be a fresh trend in India, they're popping up from Madhya Pradesh to Bengaluru.

So, next time you're in Naples, ditch the pizza slice for a minute (blasphemy, I know!) and "see" this castle in a whole new way. Braille and all! 🏰👆📖

🌍 What’s happening in Europe

• In celebration of National Insult Day, this article delves into Europe's rich tapestry of humorous insults. From Germany's compound word jibes like "Backpfeifengesicht" (a face that invites a slap) to France's food-related put-downs like "T’es une couille dans le potage" (you’re a bollock in the soup). Spain leans into excrement-themed insults, while Italy bursts with passionate exclamations. The Dutch focus on diseases, Norwegians on the word "Faen" (similar to 'fuck'), and Icelanders mix religious undertones with unique phrases.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that Europe's aging population will pose challenges, with those over 65 soon outnumbering those under 15. The WHO's report emphasizes the importance of promoting healthier lifestyles for well-being in later years. Governments are urged to invest in preventive health measures, emphasizing the benefits of physical activity and healthy diets. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of good health in combating diseases, making this a crucial time for preventive investments.

• In Brittany, France, environmental protesters confronted 'World Traveller' cruise ship passengers with chants of "shame on you!" and "go home." About 80 demonstrators, many dressed as polar bears and sea lions, criticized the luxury cruises for their environmental impact, especially those venturing to the poles for "last-chance tourism." The cruises contribute significantly to CO2 emissions and other environmental damages. While the cruise company emphasizes its sustainability efforts, protesters argue that the industry's existence is unjustifiable, prioritizing biodiversity over luxury tourism.

🏡 Property finds of the week

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🏝️ Stays of the week