SPRING FOOD AND WINEFESTS 2008
Spring food and winefests are coming up fast. To complement our suggestions for Spring Festivals, Travel Advice offers the following events to tickle your taste buds.
First up from February 29 to March 2, 2008 is the Boca Bacchanal, sixth annual winefest in Boca Raton, Florida, presented by the Boca Raton Historical Society.
The three-day event commences with Vintner Dinner’s where celebrity chefs and prize winning vintners will combine their respective talents to create gastronomic masterpieces, which are open to the public and held in private residences.
The highlight of the three days is The Bacchanal and Auction held on the Saturday at the Boca Raton Resort & Club with a lavish dinner and live auction of rare wines. On the third day there is a “Tasting Lunch” at the Centre for Arts at the Mizner Amphitheatre where you can try delicious food prepared by the top 25 restaurants. A new addition this year is “Raise your Glass,’ a lunch and culinary demonstration by the Florida Table and the Lynn University School of Hospitality. All proceeds go to the Boca Raton Historical Society. Many of the Vintner Dinners are already fully booked so do not wait too long before making your reservations
Each year The Southern Breeze Wine and Culinary Festival brings together fine wines, gourmet food and Gulf Coast culture into one weekend. The festival visits several Gulf Coast cities in turn, to celebrate the unique flavour of this region.
In 2008, you have a choice of three Spring weekends. Biloxi, Mississippi from March 7-9, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, April 4-6 and Orange Beach, Alabama, May 2-4. Each venue hosts exciting events, including a Winemaker Dinner where a top Gulf Coast chef prepares a five-course meal complemented by five elegant wines. On the Saturday is the Grand Wine Tasting where guests can sample up to 200 vintages from around the world, watch a “cook off” between local chefs and enjoy live music and purchase wines of their choice. The weekend ends with The Walkabout Brunch, sampling delicacies from 10 local restaurants and casting votes in The Peoples Culinary Competition. A perfect end to this great extravaganza of food and wine.
Finally, but by no means least, is The Blue Ridge Wine Festival, NC, held at Blowing Rock from April 10 – 13 2008. Thursday commences with the Commercial and Amateur Wine Competition where you can submit that homebrew you are inclined to boast about, Wines must use 70% of NC grapes. Friday, The Cashore Marionettes redefine the art of puppetry, there are cookery classes, Wine Education Seminars and The Gallery Stroll through the art galleries of Blowing Rock. The highlight is on Saturday with The Grand Tasting where you can sample 100 great wines followed by “Fire on the Rock,” a cooking competition between Blowing Rock’s finest chefs with the finale on the Sunday after The Champagne Brunch at a local restaurant. In addition there are Vintner’s Dinners in private residences. This is a fantastic festival in a fantastic setting, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains
ADVENTURE TRAVEL
What could be more adventurous than an African Safari?
From what I have read, once someone goes on Safari they can’t seem to get enough of these adventure packed holidays. They return year after year to various African countries to admire the wildlife, the scenery, the exotic birds and meet the people of Africa.
There are of course many companies that provide safaris and there is sure to be one to suit every budget and taste. You can really get back to nature and rough it in tents and land rovers or stay in luxurious lodges with pools and spas and be waited on every moment of the day.
Whatever you choose you are bound to have a great holiday. You should return home, fitter, tanned, relaxed and with enough stories and photographs to last until your next Safari.
When staying in one of the National Parks you usually see: lions, elephants, impala, zebra leopards, rhino, wildebeest, bushbuck, crocodile, buffalo, monkeys and an abundance of bird and insect life. You will probably see snakes too!
A good guide will keep you informed about all you see. They can teach you about every aspect of African wildlife, from the big cats to the tiniest insect. They will be the people to make your trip unforgettable. The guides find and take you to the most likely spots to view the animals and they try to ensure you are well informed about all of the animals habits, the best spots to view and photograph them and of course they also keep you safe. They do carry guns for the ultimate protection but usually the protection comes in the form of advice in how to dress, behave and take instruction when out in the wild.
Following your guides advice of being quiet and treading softly should get you up close and personal with a variety of large animals.
It is not all getting up at the crack of dawn to travel out to the bush. Although there is a fair amount of this. Afternoons are usually spent relaxing by the pool, drink in hand, snoozing or chatting as the mood takes you.
Then in the early evening as the sun goes down a quick Sundowner, frequently a gin and tonic and you are off again to observe the animals at night.
Most Safaris are a mix of walking and driving. Our Travel Advice would be to pack walking shoes you are used to and that are broken in, take neutral coloured clothes for your time in the bush, you will need good sun screen and a hat, cotton clothes with long sleeves are good for keeping you cool and keeping off the sun and mosquitoes and take a good pair of binoculars and a camera preferably with a long lens for all the wildlife you are going to see.
A Safari Holiday is great for adults and teenagers alike. It is not really the holiday for small children. The long drives in the bush and the need to be quiet at times are not really suitable for children. Your teenagers however will probably find they love the holiday. The excitement of being in a situation totally different from the usual, seeing animals previously seen only on television and actually living life as opposed to viewing it , all make this an adventure holiday with a difference.
MOBILE PHONES AND AIRCRAFT DO NOT MIX
This article definitely comes under the heading of travel advice. Believe me, mobile phones and aircraft do not mix.
Recent reports in newspapers tell of three passengers on an Alitalia flight from Milan who were arrested after refusing to turn off their mobile/cell phones. The pilot, who had asked passengers to switch off their mobiles on three occasions, aborted takeoff at the last minute after noticing interference with the plane’s navigation instruments.
The police boarded the aircraft at Linate Airport and the three passengers were arrested and removed. They now face prosecution for failing to observe safety regulations and could be jailed for three months.
Their arrest comes amidst speculation that a recent crash-landing by a British Airways Boeing 777 at Heathrow Airport in London, may have been caused by electromagnetic interference from wireless devices.
All of this is enough to convince me that everyone should switch off their mobiles before entering the aircraft and leave them switched off until after landing. Preferably leaving them off until you are in the airport building itself. After all you don’t inadvertently want to affect anyone else’s flight either.
I am a born coward, who although I love to travel and see new places, I hate flying. It is one great white knuckle ride to me. The thought of all the technical gadgets everyone is carrying interfering with the flying of the aircraft is enough to put me off flying for life. So think of your fellow passengers lives even if you are not worried about your own. Switch off all your high tech gadgetry unless given specific authority to use it. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight, you can manage without the toys for a few hours.
SPRING FESTIVALS IN NEW ORLEANS
After Mardi Gras in February, New Orleans is host to two magnificent festivals in April; you can join a free, three-day party at The French Quarter Festival. The French Quarter is the oldest area in the city, properly known as Vieux Carre and founded by the French in 1718.
Woldenberg Park, Royal and Bourbon Street and the Old Mint provide ten stages to offer musical entertainment from Country to Classic styles. The foodies can head for the booths in Jackson Square and Woldenberg to sample everything from crawfish pasta to alligator sausage. Kids can enjoy face painting, hat making and a chance to play in a jazz band at the Aquarium at the Americas Plaza. Do not miss a ride on the “Ladies in Red,” the famous streetcars in the streets along the banks of the Mississippi. There is fun, food and music for all at the French Quarter Festival.
The last weekend in April to the first weekend in May also sees another six day celebration in New Orleans, with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. This is an extravaganza of music, food, culture and crafts at the Fairgrounds Racetrack.
Music lovers can enjoy Jazz, Country, Blues, Pop, Gospel and New Orleans Funk, simultaneously from multiple stages. Three major Craft Fairs are also held at the Jazz Fest.
This is the Festival for food!! 100 booths will offer Louisiana and International dishes. How about, Crawfish Monica, Cochon de Lait Po-Boy, Pheasant-Quail-Andouille Gumbo, Smothered Cabbage and Cornbread and Italian Muffuletta. Your mouth must be watering!
These are two fabulous Spring Festivals – especially for the music and food lovers.
NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN TOURS
For a holiday with a difference why not try a Native American Indian tour. This type of holiday can be very eco friendly and if you chose a good tour operator as much as 50% of the money you spend goes to the Indian people themselves. You can chose to stay locally and purchase products directly. Some tour operators chose responsible locally based suppliers so that accomodation and food services are locally owned and operated to ensure the money stays locally. Many properties are chosen because they practise responsible tourism methods involving recycling, water use and energy consumption. Guides and drivers who practice and promote responsible tourism methods and techniques and participate in the National Park Conservation and Development programmes and Tribal Conservation initiatives can be hired.
Four interesting American Indian Tours that I have found are:
1. Spirit of the Wolf. This holiday is in South Dakota, North Dakota and Wyoming the Tribal lands of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, Crow and Wind River Tribes.
This unique journey delves into the physical and spiritual significance of the wolf to the Plains Indians. The wolf appears in sacred narratives of ceremony and origin; he is celebrated in song, and has taught and inspired hunters and warriors.
Highlights of this trip are: Yellowstone, Sacred Rock Art Sites, Traditional Tipi Camp, Storytellng, Native Arts Workshop, Wild Mustangs to name but a few.
2. Lakota Moon. This holiday is located in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. The Tribal Lands of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne and Crow.
This holiday is a journey into the culture of the Lakota Sioux Indians. Apart from learning the history of the people and about their great leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Time will be spent journeying across the wide open prairie, rolling plains, the mountains and rivers of the Lakota Nation.
Highlights of this trip are: Sacred Black Hills, Bear’s Lodge, Badlands, Pine Ridge Reservation Sitting Bull’s Birthplace, Fort Pierre Fetterman Battlefield and Wounded Knee.
3. Hoka Hey! The Great Sioux War. This holiday is in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. The Tribal Lands of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, Crow and Wind River.
This vacation will take you on a journey through the Great Sioux War Sites. You can follow the trails of Crook, Crazy Horse, Custer and Sitting Bull. It takes in the Little Bighorn, mountains, plains, forts and battlefields.
Highlights of this trip are: Sacred Black Hills, Fort Fetterman Reynold’s Battlefield, Crazy Horse Campsite, Sitting Bull Campsite, Little Bighorn and the 7th Cavalry Campsite.
4. Elk Medicine. This holiday is located in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. The Tribal Lands of the Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, Crow and Wind River Tribes.
Follow the history of the Lakota people through great leaders such as Red Cloud and Crazy Horse and appreciate the historic and contemporary realities of the Tetonwan Oyate, People of the Plains. This holiday offers an insight into the mysteries of the Plains Indians.
Highlights of this trip are: The Badlands National Park, Pine Ridge Tribal Lands, Sacred Black Hills and Devil’s Tower.
So for those of you who would like to explore the Indian Nation and learn more about its people a tour would be a great way to see their lands and learn about the people, their customs and culture. Any of these holidays will provide you with plenty of adventure, photo opportunities, Native American Crafts and the chance to learn some American History in the places where it was made.
SNOW AND ICE FESTIVALS 2008
The weather outside may be cold and dreary but this time of the year sees the start of wonderful snow and ice festivals. These wonderful fiestas of colour, light and imaginative ice sculptures take place each year during the months of January and February.
Travel Advice brings you details of three of the largest world famous events in China, Canada and Japan.
Harbin Ice Festival 5 January 2008 – 5 February 2008. Each year the North Eastern city of Harbin, the capital of Heilonjiang Province hosts a spectacular Ice Festival. China’s original ice artwork festival attracts 800,000 visitors from all over the world. The focal point is Zhaolin Park with the ice from the Songhua River used to construct fantastic pieces of artwork, arranged in themes depicting folk tales, buildings, gardens, flowers, churches, lions, dragons and more. With lights embedded in the sculptures the park at night becomes a colorful and amazing ice world. Experts from around the world also gather to participate in ice sculpting competitions. An entire village is built from ice on the frozen Songhua River. In December, 15,000 workers cut blocks of ice from the river to provide the 120,000 cubic metres of ice required by this event
The Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world. It runs for 17days in February and attracts over one million visitors. The Festival Ambassador is a giant snowman sporting a red cap who is presented with a key to the city by the Mayor of Quebec at the opening ceremony. The ceremony takes place in a huge Ice Palace built by 15 men over the previous 2 months. Since 1973 teams from around the world have participated in an International Ice Sculpture Competition. Judged by both the public and jury. Traditionally, a canoe race takes place between Quebec and Levis across the St Lawrence River, the crews having to paddle in open water and drag canoes over frozen Sections of the 3.2 Km course. Other events include a 6Km dog sled race and a snow bath where participants bathe in snow in temperatures of -20C. At the weekends, nightly parades take place with illuminated floats.
Sapporo Snow Festival 6 February – 12 February is one of Japan’s largest winter events. Hundreds of snow and ice sculptures are created in three areas of Sapporo:Odori Koen is Sapporo’s Central Park and hosts artistic snow sculptures, the festival launch and live entertainment. Satorando is great for all the family with hot air balloons, snow mazes and an ice bar. Susukino is the area where ice sculptures are carved with chain saws and power tools and is best visited after dark. In 2007 there were 439 statues all illuminated at night. The best view being from the TV Tower in Odori Park
All these magnificent festivals bring colour, illuminations and fantastic ice artwork to the dreary winter months and are well worth visit
CYPRUS - THE BEST PLACE TO RETIRE
An article in the Sunday Times lists Cyprus as the number one destination for retirees. This decision is based on eight key financial categories, income tax, inheritance tax, property tax, property costs, ease of gaining residency, healthcare, climate and culture.
Cyprus tops the list because it has an income tax rate of just 5% on pensions for retired residents. It also has low property prices and no inheritance tax. It is easy to gain residency, there are low property buying and selling costs and there are benefits for pensioners.
Southern Cyprus is favoured by retirees because of its climate, it is hot and dry in summer and mild in winter. Another benefit is that English is widely spoken there, making life in general easier.
To qualify for the low tax rate you must have lived in Cyprus for 183 days. If you have assets overseas or in your home country you may be liable for tax in those countries. Many retirees therefore move their assets offshore and then bring the income into Cyprus, in which case there would be no tax to pay.
To benefit from the no inheritance tax, you must sever all ties with your home country.
Property prices in Cyprus start at around £77,000 or $150,000. Other charges would be for stamp duty and transfer fees. Those foreigners wishing to purchase property must prove they have an adequate income or financial resources to live without working. The minimum requirement is approximately £8,000 or $16,000 a year.
Retired EU nationals do not need a visa to move to southern Cyprus but they do need a temporary residence employment permit and that should be applied for on arrival.
Now that Cyprus is part of the EU pensioners from other European Union countries are entitled to use the public health system.
Given all of these benefits I have to agree that Cyprus does seem to be the place to go, especially if you compare it to the other two retirement hot spots France and Spain. Tax in these countries is up to 49.8% in France and up to 42% in Spain. The only other country so far that I have found that compares is Panama but property costs there are somewhat higher.
So if you are a retiree looking for your place in the sun, why not consider Cyprus.
ARCHAEOLOGY VOLUNTEERS
If you are looking for a very unusual way to spend your vacation why not consider volunteering to help on an archaeological dig.
Volunteers play an important role on numerous projects around the world.
It is possible to learn about and be involved in excavation, surveys, documentary research and geophysics. There is also the possibility of learning about conservation and repair of artifacts. If you are a qualified pilot that would be very useful for aerial photography. Similarly qualified divers are needed for underwater research and recording.
Being a volunteer is suitable for both young and old. There are plenty of jobs to go around and something to suit all skill levels and physical abilities. Many young people have found the experience so interesting they have gone on to study archaeology and conservation.
Digs usually work closely with universities who frequently provide places for those wishing to study with them.
Accommodation and food may be basic but you will learn new skills, meet new people and work in the most amazing places and settings. It is also a relatively inexpensive holiday.
Whatever country you are in or would like to visit or whatever period of history you are interested in you are sure to find an archaeological dig looking for volunteers.
5 HOLIDAY IDEAS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
If you are thinking of taking your loved one away for a Valentine’s Day Holiday, we would like to offer five suggestions for a romantic getaway.
1. Our first is Dubai in the Gulf States. Hot, sunny and now a byword for luxury. Be pampered and waited on hand, foot and finger in some of the world’s most extravagant and luxurious hotels. Relax and feel the cares of winter evaporate in the sunshine. For a present for that special person enjoy the fantastic shopping in the dozens of immaculate shopping malls for diamonds and jewelry. All tax free of course and open to almost midnight!
2. Romance brings Paris to mind but as an alternative visit Reims the City of a Thousand Smiles. This medieval city in the Champagne-Ardennes region is the home of champagne with the famous brands such as Veuve Cliquot, Martel and Taittinger in town. Sample some of the world’s best bubbly over that romantic dinner before a walk around the grand squares and cathedrals in this beautiful city.
3. Verona in Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you are unlikely to suffer the same fate as Romeo and Juliet in the setting of this Northern Italian City. With its impressive Roman and Medieval ruins, Verona also offers easy access to the famous Lago di Garda and wine tasting in the nearby Valpollicella Valley.
4. After God created the World he had a few diamonds left and it is said that he scattered these off East Africa and thus the Islands of the Seychelles were born. The Seychelles is a superb and romantic destination for a St Valentine’s Break. Relax on dazzling white beaches protected by coral reefs and washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Some of the finest diving and snorkeling is there and of course the genuine Creole cuisine.
5. Finally, for a more affordable but equally romantic time visit Prague in the Czech Republic. This ancient city is the “Jewel in the Crown” of Eastern Europe. Its medieval centre is a warren of cobbled streets, passages and churches overlooked by an 1100 year-old castle. Stroll through the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter and the Lesser Town. Take a romantic cruise on the Vitaya River and sample the pork and dumplings washed down with the local beer in the local eateries. We guarantee romance in this ancient European City.
Wherever you choose to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day this year, enjoy it with the one you love.
KEY WEST - ANTIQUES AND ART SHOWS
Key West would be a beautiful place to spend a week or two recovering from the winter blues. At this time of year the weather is lovely and there is plenty to see and do.
For all you outdoor types you can swim, snorkel, dive, fish and sail to your hearts content. There is a wonderful living coral reef to see and numerous walks, hikes and eco tours to try out.
In Key West you will find something to suit everyone’s taste. Everyone from the shop till you drop holiday maker to the thrills and adventure seeker. It is a fabulous place for the photographers amongst you as well as the artists. The scenery is breathtaking both on and off shore.
If you happen to have planned your winter break for February of this year you might be interested in visiting the Key West Antiques Show which takes place from February 22 -24. Also on at this time is Key West’s Old Island Days Art Festival on February 23-24.
The Key West Antiques Show will have more than 30 dealers from around the United States. The antiques are to be displayed against the backdrop of a Civil War-era fort that is now a museum showcasing the island city’s intriguingly offbeat history.
The fourth annual Key West Antiques Show & Sale is to take place at Fort East Martello Museum and Gardens, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., next to Key West International Airport.
There will be a wide variety of antiques and collectibles during the event. Appraisals, antique clinics, snacks and a full bar will round out the attractions.
The Arts Festival, which originated in 1965, sponsored a show of original fine art to promote the cultural image of the island city. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-24, the 43rd annual Old Island Days Art Festival is to continue that tradition with works by approximately a hundred artists from throughout the United States and Canada.
Still presented by the Key West Art Center, the acclaimed open-air show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days in the historic Old Town district. Whitehead Street is to be closed to traffic from Greene to Caroline streets, creating a lively outdoor marketplace where art lovers can view exhibitors’ offerings while enjoying Key West’s typically warm, sunny February weather.
Booths will also be placed on Caroline Street within Truman Annex, a gracious enclave that includes the Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum where the late president spent 175 days during his 1945-1953 time in office.
The festival is to feature artists in media such as watercolor, oil painting, sculpture and photography.
The show is juried to ensure that its traditionally high standards of quality are maintained. Admission to the Old Island Days Art Festival is free.
We think these two events will add to what will already be an exciting holiday. They provide excellent venues to purchase quality art and antiques while still enjoying your sunshine holiday in Key West, Florida.
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