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Reagan Johnson
The French island of Guadeloupe is among the Caribbean's less traveled destinations ? but that's all part of its charm. For travelers looking for an authentic Caribbean getaway, Guadeloupe has much to offer, from Creole-influenced cuisine to the natural wonders of the protected Parc de la Guadeloupe.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Pop-up restaurants: dining for a new decade
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, North America, Oceania, China, India, Japan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, France, United States, Australia, News, Middle EastFirst, it was underground supper clubs. Now, everything's coming up pop-ups. As with food trucks, this form of guerrilla cheffing borne of economic need has become a global phenomenon. Equal parts dinner party and dinner theater, a pop-up refers to a dining establishment that is open anywhere from one to several nights, usually in an existing restaurant or other commercial food establishment.
The impermanent nature of pop-ups means no real overhead or utilities, and little food cost and labor. They're not enough to sustain chefs financially, but are instead a great way for them to make a name for themselves and draw some income in between (or during) gigs. Pop-ups also give chefs a chance to stretch themselves, stylistically or ethnically, although some prefer to let local ingredients shine. Most pop-ups give props to sustainability by sourcing product from local farms, which is part of what gives these fly-by-night operations such a wonderful sense of place.
I first heard about pop-ups while couch-surfing in San Francisco two years ago (my own pop-up form of survival after relocating back to the West Coast from Colorado). Chef Anthony Myint, the brainchild behind SF's Mission Street Food pop-up, which started in 2008, was serving much-lauded, locally-sourced dinners Thursday nights, each time with the help of a guest chef. The food was unpredictable with regard to cuisine or style. The location? Lung Shan, a nondescript Chinese restaurant in the city's vibrant Mission District (FYI, my favorite place for great, usually cheap, eats). I remember thinking at the time, "More, please."Continue reading Pop-up restaurants: dining for a new decadePop-up restaurants: dining for a new decade originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The impermanent nature of pop-ups means no real overhead or utilities, and little food cost and labor. They're not enough to sustain chefs financially, but are instead a great way for them to make a name for themselves and draw some income in between (or during) gigs. Pop-ups also give chefs a chance to stretch themselves, stylistically or ethnically, although some prefer to let local ingredients shine. Most pop-ups give props to sustainability by sourcing product from local farms, which is part of what gives these fly-by-night operations such a wonderful sense of place.
I first heard about pop-ups while couch-surfing in San Francisco two years ago (my own pop-up form of survival after relocating back to the West Coast from Colorado). Chef Anthony Myint, the brainchild behind SF's Mission Street Food pop-up, which started in 2008, was serving much-lauded, locally-sourced dinners Thursday nights, each time with the help of a guest chef. The food was unpredictable with regard to cuisine or style. The location? Lung Shan, a nondescript Chinese restaurant in the city's vibrant Mission District (FYI, my favorite place for great, usually cheap, eats). I remember thinking at the time, "More, please."Continue reading Pop-up restaurants: dining for a new decadePop-up restaurants: dining for a new decade originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Heavy Medal Tour: Skiers Get Armed Forces Sendoff
..... Steamboat Springs, Colo. (Ski Press)-In support of the U.S. ski team athletes departing this week on the Armed Forces Entertainment?s Heavy Medal Tour to visit troops, the athletes' hometown communities are enacting a Heavy Medal Tour Yellow Ribbon campaign.The Olympic medalists: Bill Demong (Vermontville, N.Y.), Johnny Spillane (Steamboat Springs, Colo.), Brett Camerota (Park City, Utah) and Todd Lodwick (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) and their combined seven Olympic gold and silver medals departed Saturday, April 3, to meet with troops in Southwest Asia. The first ribbons in support of the Armed Forces Entertainment Heavy Medal Tour were given out by the athletes to their families during the Hometown Heroes Celebration in Steamboat Springs on Friday, April 2. The Hometown Heroes Celebration in Steamboat Springs honored the achievement of the athletes in Vancouver during the Olympic Winter Games and featured a send off for this special trip overseas including the reading of Orders by USAF Colonel Ed Shock, Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment, statements by government officials, and a special note by the Commander of the Colorado Army National Guard. Similar homecomings were held recently for Demong in New York and for two-dozen Olympians in Park City, Utah. Beginning today, Monday, April 5, yellow ribbons are available in various locations in the athletes? hometowns. Fans in New York's Adirondack Region can get ribbons at the Saranac Lake Chamber of Commerce or at the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau. The U.S. ski team's Center of Excellence will have ribbons in Park City. Hometown supporters in Steamboat Springs will find ribbons at the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, the Steamboat/Hayden (HDN) Airport, and the Clark Store just outside of Steamboat. One of the biggest stories at the 2010 Olympics was the performance by the U.S. nordic combined ski team. Spillane started the two weeks of historic results off with the USA?s first-ever Olympic nordic combined medal, winning silver in the normal hill combined event. Spillane was then joined by teammates Demong, Camerota and veteran Lodwick for the team competition where they came away with a team silver medal. Demong and Spillane then capped off the historic Olympic fortnight with a gold-silver finish in the large hill combined competition.
If you're inspired by the London marathon?
A new holiday for runners in Kenya's Rift Valley offers top-notch facilities and a schedule that will leave you breathlessIten is an unlikely runners' paradise. High up in Kenya's Rift Valley, it's a small, chaotic town, typical of the region. The mitumba (secondhand clothes market) spills out by the side of the only tarmac road, as matatus (small buses) drive by day and night, beeping and touting for passengers. Donkeys and cyclists struggle by piled high with crates of chickens or sacks of charcoal, and sheep, goats and cows roam freely.The surrounding countryside is dotted with round mud huts; in hand-ploughed fields, children in torn clothes stand and stare, and dusty roads crisscross the fertile land in every direction. It is along these roads, usually early in the morning, that you will find the runners. One after the other after the other they shoot by, dressed in Lycra, the latest Nike running shoes and Gore-Tex jackets. It's an incongruous sight, but to an athletics fan, it makes perfect sense. Because from this tiny corner of Kenya hail most of the world's greatest distance runners.Lacing up your trainers and heading out for a run in Iten is a daunting experience. There don't appear to be any joggers. Every single person is fast. Even the other foreign runners who gather here are all international athletes. Luckily, I'm staying in Iten as part of a group ? the only one, it seems ? of non-elite runners. There are seven of us, ranging from someone hoping to run a half-marathon in two hours, to someone hoping to run a full marathon in precisely two hours, 24 minutes.We're in Iten as part of the Kenya Experience, a holiday for runners recently set up by English couple Gavin and Lauren Smith. A budding coach, Gavin knows the town and the Kenyan runners well. He regularly points out the various Olympic champions and world record holders we pass as we're running or walking around."That's the steeplechase world record holder," says Gavin, as a group of runners, including Saif Saaeed Shaheen, charge past. "The one with the yellow shoes." There goes the women's world half-marathon record holder, Mary Keitany, on the other side of the road.Gavin gives us all a personal training plan when we arrive and offers to take us out for runs, or ? if we're brave enough ? to find Kenyan athletes for us to run with. Although I like to think of myself as a fairly decent runner (my half-marathon time is one hour, 26 minutes), heading out with the Kenyans is a hair-raising experience.With another member of our group (the two-hour, 24-minute marathon hopeful), I join up for a Kenyan fartlek session ? which is basically a long run with fast bits and slow bits. From our base at the High Altitude Training Camp (HATC), owned by former world half-marathon record holder Lornah Kiplagat, it's a 20-minute jog just to the starting point. At the bottom of a long hill, by a bridge over a stream, we find a group of about 200 athletes, milling around and stretching. One man stands up on a mound like a preacher and explains what happens in the session. Spotting us in the crowd, he repeats the instructions in English. I give him the thumbs-up, to much mirth and giggling among the other runners.The plan is to run gently for one minute and then hard for two minutes. And then to repeat that pattern 17 times. I don't have a watch, but after a minute of jogging, a swarm of beeping watches tells me it's time to go hard. It's uphill, hot and we're running at 2,400m ? those are my excuses anyway, because almost instantly I'm drifting backwards, like something heavy falling through water.People ping by on both sides until I'm watching the main group disappear into the distance. Fortunately, though, I'm not the only straggler, and I manage to keep pace with the backmarkers until the end. The final stretch takes us up a ridiculous hill that has me almost walking.Afterwards, the Kenyans are smiling and friendly, telling me I did well. All the runners here are welcoming, with no one apparently concerned that I'm like a tortoise to their hares.When we're not running, we lounge around the upmarket facilities at the HATC. The place is crawling with international athletes, including six top British middle-distance runners. The camp has a lovely swimming pool, although as it's the rainy season, the air temperature is a little too cool to make the water irresistible.One day we get to visit a typical Kenyan training camp, which is more than a few notches down on the comfort stakes. Here, the athletes sleep in tiny dormitories, and their food is cooked over a wood fire in a kitchen that's a corrugated iron shack. The camp houses about 10 Kenyan athletes and top British marathon runner Tom Payn. He seems to be enjoying life in the camp, despite the basic conditions, although he does say that the one thing he misses is a sit-down toilet.Gavin and Lauren have arranged a packed schedule of visits and activities for us, some of which work better than others. We visit Iten's famous St Patrick's High School, which has produced dozens of Olympic and world champions and world record holders. Along one wall in the dining room, where beans are being dished out of huge vats for lunch, is the school's wall of fame. Among the star names are the former world 800m record holder and three times world champion Wilson Kipketer, and the 2010 IAAF world athlete of the year, David Rudisha, who still lives and trains on the school campus. Unfortunately, he's away competing in Australia when we visit.One famous runner we do meet is former world 10,000m champion Moses Tanui, who comes to give us a talk. He spends most of the time telling us why Kenyan runners are not as good as they should be, as torrents of rain batter the tin roof outside, making it hard to hear his soft spoken voice.By the end of two weeks, we have had a taste of life in Kenya's cradle of champions. It's a mad, bustling place, full of warm, welcoming smiles. Everyone is sad to leave, but thanks to Gavin's training programme and the high altitude, we're all going home fitter than we arrived.Read Adharanand Finn's running blog at guardian.co.ukKenyaHealth and fitnessAfricaAthleticsAdharanand Finnguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Ten ch�teaux on a budget
Charming g�tes and secret campsites are all very well, but staying in a stunning chateau can be surprisingly affordable. Here's our pick of 10 of the bestLes Fontaines d'Escot, near Pau, AquitaineA former monastery in an isolated valley below the Pyrenees, Les Fontaines d'Escot has been a haven for travellers for more than 600 years. A fascinating melange of architectural styles, the chateau has its own thermal waters ? first used by the Romans. Walks along the river or into the mountains are de rigueur, while adventurous souls can try out a section of the nearby Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.? Self-catering g�tes (sleep four) from ?49 a night, double rooms from ?31. +33 5 5934 5440, fontaines-escot.comLe Ch�teau Fort, Sedan, Champagne-ArdenneClaiming to be the largest fortified medieval castle in Europe, this mighty chateau dominates the ancient town of Sedan from its 30m ramparts. Its bright contemporary bedrooms add welcome homeliness. At night, you can join a torch-lit guided tour of the chateau followed by a medieval banquet. Any extra pounds can then be walked off moseying around Sedan.? Doubles from ?60 a night. +33 3 2426 1100, tinyurl.com/6cny7vs Ch�teau de Cherveux, Cherveux, Poitou-CharentesOn a high plateau rises the village of Cherveux, inhabited since prehistoric times. Its castle ? of the fairytale variety ? has a pleasingly complicated history, with its present incarnation built by a Scotsman, Robert Conningham, in the mid-15th century. You can buy food produced on the estate to recipes from the middle ages (check out the amazing mushroomy beer), or take a group and the staff will put on a medieval banquet.? Doubles from ?50 a night. +33 5 4975 0655, tinyurl.com/6gudetxCh�teau d'Alteville, near Dieuze, LorraineDon't be surprised if, on entering this chateau, you begin to feel like a Napoleonic general ? it was built for one and it retains the grandeur its owner clearly felt was his due. Set in 10 acres of parkland with its own lake, Alteville is a window on a lost world of opulence.? Doubles from ?77 a night. +33 3 8705 4663, sawdays.co.ukH�tel Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, near Chinon, LoireCovering 35 acres, Fontevraud is not so much a chateau as an entire medieval city. The extraordinarily well-conserved double monastery ? it housed both monks and nuns ? boasts a magnificent abbey church, seemingly endless cloisters and the tomb of England's Richard I. Happily, the 52 bedrooms are less spartan than the cells they once were. And if you can bear to step outside this Unesco world heritage site, there's the typical Anjou village of Fontevraud to be explored.? Doubles from ?66 a night (from ?52 for two-night stays). +33 2 4151 7316, tinyurl.com/5tfbrabCh�teau Font Guitard, Cambounet-sur-le-Sor, Midi-Pyr�n�esBuilt close to the river Sor, this 19th-century chateau may lack history, but it makes up for it with a rose garden and a park adorned with orchids, 100-year-old linden trees and more than a thousand species of flowers and shrubs. There's also an open-air swimming pool. To zip back in time, head for Cordes-sur-Ciel, a wonderfully preserved medieval town romantically perched on a hilltop.? Doubles from ?192 a week (daily and weekend rates available). +33 5 6371 7408, chateaufontguitard.comL'Hostellerie du Ch�teau, Bricquebec, NormandyUnusually, Bricquebec is believed to have been built by a Viking. Still a commanding presence on the Cotentin peninsula more than a millennium later, the castle has its own museum, while the knights' hall is a restaurant offering reasonably priced haute cuisine. For those craving more recent history, the D-day beaches are within striking distance. Thanks to Henry V, Bricquebec was in English hands for 32 years, but it's best not to mention this when booking.? Doubles from ?75 a night (three-for-two offers from mid-October). +33 2 3352 2449, lhostellerie-bricquebec.comCh�teau de la Guillonni�re, near Dienn�, Poitou-CharentesGuillonni�re was a favourite of King Fran�ois I, who came hunting here with the apparently gorgeous local girl Diane of Poitiers. Sitting prettily in its own 25-acre park, the 16th-century castle runs to a scattering of bedrooms and small apartments, one of which was once home to feisty novelist George Sand. Beyond the grounds, there's horse riding in Dienn�, or you can go all 21st century at a high-ropes adventure forest (parcours-aventure.eu).? George Sand apartment (sleeps four) from ?400 a week. +33 5 4942 0546, a-castle-for-rent.comCh�teau de Cautine, near Aurillac, LimousinThe Barons of Cautine have owned this chateau in the Dordogne since it was built in 1670 until two years ago, when it was captured (oh, all right, purchased) by an English couple. Cautine is awash with beams, huge fireplaces and a Rapunzel tower.? Doubles from ?44 (three-night minimum stay). 020-3287 9212, chateau-de-cautine.comH�tel Le Couvent Royal, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Provence-Alpes-C�te d'AzurTucked beneath the Sainte-Baume massif, just north of the C�te d'Azur, the Couvent Royal is one the finest gothic buildings in France. Built in the 13th century by Charles II of Anjou to house the relics of Mary Magdalene, the Dominicans' quarters have been converted into chic, bijou bedrooms. In summer, there's alfresco dining in the cloisters, while a vaulted hall serves as a bar. Try wine tasting with a twist at the Casino du Vin (oenosud.com).? Doubles from ?62 a night. +33 4 9486 5566, tinyurl.com/5u5tl3fFranceHotelsLuxury travelBudget travelEuropeShort breaksFamily holidaysDixe Willsguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Spotting leopards in Oman
In the mountains of Oman, visitors can join the only conservation project in the world trying to save the endangered ? and elusive ? Arabian leopardKhalid stopped the pick-up truck and inspected the ground ahead in the light of the headlamps. There were a few tiny greyish plants on a gently convex plateau of jagged loose rocks. It felt like we had landed on a small and rather inhospitable planet. There was no track, and hadn't been for the past few miles ? not since we had stopped to look at a wolf track in the dust."This is it," he said, "our campsite." He grinned. "It's not as bad as it looks: there'll be enough firewood to boil a kettle, and in the morning ? you'll see ? it's a good view."The rest of the team were coming up in two cars. "And leopards?" I asked, "Are they here?"Khalid made a face. "Insha'Allah [God willing]. There's a trail camera near here which we'll check tomorrow." He jumped out of the car and started unloading, a man used to this life of remote camps in the Dhofar mountains of Oman.As a wildlife protection officer with Oman's Arabian leopard project, Khalid is on the front line when it comes to saving one of the world's rarest creatures. There are probably fewer than 200 individual Arabian leopards left in the wild, mostly in Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. A few others, probably not viable populations, cling to life in Israel, Jordan and the UAE.Oman has the only programme to conserve the wild leopards ? an estimated 50 animals live in the mountains lining the country's Indian Ocean coast close to Yemen, around half of them in a protected area.This is wild country, a place where the British army fought a forgotten war against communism in the 1970s, a place once famous for its production of frankincense. Its people are the Jebali, hardy, semi-nomadic camel-herders whose mother tongue is not Arabic but an ancient South Arabian language related to that once spoken by the Queen of Sheba. Khalid is from that community: a former shepherd, he once hated the leopard but is now converted, with total conviction, to preserving this astonishing creature.Around the campfire, we sip sweet tea and eat biscuits under a vast vault of stars. We have come here with a group of Yemenis, all eager to learn how the Omanis created Arabia's only genuine wildlife reserve. If the leopard is to survive, Yemen is the key, because it has plenty of the type of environment the animal needs. Sadly it lacks the resources, the knowledge and the organisational skills required. The only efforts are coming from the Foundation for the Protection of the Arabian Leopard in Yemen which gallantly soldiers on without much support from the outside world. No surprise in that of course, since Yemen is normally only mentioned in the media in conjunction with tales of politics or terrorism.Visitors from other countries do come to Oman though. Conservation volunteer organisation Biosphere Expeditions arranges short volunteer placements to work with Khalid, and he's adamant that the foreign presence is important. "They do useful work helping us survey the mountains for leopards," he says. "And it makes a good impression for conservation with the Jebali community. We try to buy supplies from the locals, too."Next day we trek down a steep mountainside, so steep that one team member gets vertigo and has to be helped back to camp. In gulches and canyons there are some hardy plants, including the frankincense tree, a species that made this area economically important centuries ago. The only sign of human presence, however, is some cartridge shells from the Oman-Yemen war of the 1970s.Down in the wadi, we follow its bed until it stops at a vertical edge ? now dry but obviously scoured by water in the rainy season. There are rock hyrax droppings everywhere ? a vital sign as leopards love to eat these small mammals. We don't see any animals though, until we locate the trail camera that Khalid left here a month before.We cluster around, eager to see the digital images as Khalid flicks through them: the rear end of an oryx, the hunched figure of a striped hyena, then lots of blurred shots of hyrax scuttling past. There are no leopards, but I'm getting the idea now: this is a ghost safari, a trip where the only means of putting together the landscape and its inhabitants is the motion-triggered remote camera. This understanding is like a light bulb coming on. Suddenly all those shy, non-tourist-friendly creatures of the world can be part of the international business of tourism and conservation ? and that could be vital for their survival.And it is a gorgeous colourful world that we view later on a laptop back at the camp. Dusty rocks burst into life with wolves, hyenas, antelopes and more. No leopards, however, and as I wriggle into my sleeping bag under the stars, I allow myself a small pang of anxiety: what if we don't catch a leopard image? It's vital for the film I am making there with Al-Jazeera.I'm drifting off to sleep, noting the cold wind that has kicked up, when I hear shouts from Nasser, one of the Yemeni trainees. I am up in an instant, running across to cameraman Tom, jabbing him awake. I click on my headtorch and run across the rocks towards Nasser. He's pointing down the hill, his face glowing with excitement, and even fear. "Leopard! Leopard!"Shining my torch where he is pointing, I catch a glimpse of two silvery eyes, not 50m away. They come on like a pair of headlamps, then are extinguished as the animal turns and runs. I go after it, but my torch is at the limit of its range and, frustratingly, I can't see the animal, only those twin orbs of light. There is one instant, a fraction of a second, when it is framed against the far side of the wadi and I get a sense of its size ? certainly bigger than a fox, but maybe only as big as a hyena. Then it's gone.Behind me, Nasser is deliriously excited. He's a Yemeni farmer from a remote mountain area, Jabal Milhan, and he knows a leopard when he sees one. The animal, he tells us, was standing less than 10m away from him. He has tracked the animals since he was a child, but then it's about that long since the last sighting in Milhan.Khalid is diplomatic. "In all my years tracking leopards, I've never seen one." He holds out the prospect of proof, however. We can clamber down to another trail camera below where the animal appeared. There may be some visual support for Nasser's claim.As the sun rises, we are all already up. It's bitterly cold and we are scrabbling around for shards of thorny firewood to boil a kettle. But by 8am, when we get going, it's already hot.It takes several hours to get down to the hidden camera, on a cliff ledge. All along the sandy edge we find leopard tracks, very clearly heading up towards the camp. And at the camera we are rewarded with some marvellous shots of a male leopard. Nasser is particularly gleeful, feeling vindicated.That night, camping closer to the sea, I chat to Salah al-Mahthori, from the Omani government's Arabian Oryx project. He gives a sobering account of conservation efforts. The wild oryx population had been hunted to extinction by 1972, when the conservation effort began. It met with initial success: numbers grew from 40 to over 400. But with success came publicity, and with that poachers. Now the Omanis are once again fighting to rescue the oryx from the brink of extinction. Conservation, he reminds me, is a battle that goes on indefinitely.Silhouetted against the night sky we spot a distant fox, running away from our voices. It is the only wild animal we see with any clarity in an entire week of camping in the mountains and that fox's wariness of humans seems very well justified indeed.OmanWildlife holidaysGreen travelSafarisMiddle EastKevin Rushbyguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
How to Kick Turn with Glen PlakeGlen PlakeStep OneStep TwoStep ThreeStep FourStep FiveStep Six
The man with the mohawk gave us some tips on how to make kick turns. Ski ballet background helpful but not required.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Summer holidays: 10 of the best trips for couples
You may only have eyes for each other, but stupendous views and fantastic food and wine will only make things better. Here are our experts' tips for romantic breaks � deuxKeep it simple, Umbria, ItalyTuscany and Umbria have a reputation for being stuffed to the salami-hung rafters with braying, posh types in raspberry chinos, but it's easy to steer clear of the Chianti-quaffing crowds. The solar-powered Locanda della Quercia Calante on the Umbria/Tuscany border is a peaceful, eco-friendly agriturismo. The emphasis is on the simple things in life: good food (home cooked and mainly organic); wellbeing (Iyengar yoga in the onsite studio), and chilling. Even the wine is biodynamic, which must be good for you, surely? Owner Fausto makes much of the fact that the property is built on leylines and the rooms are free of magnetic fields, which he claims makes for a better night's rest. We were sceptical until my insomniac partner slept longer and deeper than he had in years. By day you can mooch around nearby towns ? historic Orvieto is 18km away ? and spookily quiet medieval villages. Evenings are for wining and dining in the cosy restaurant. We made the mistake on the first day of accepting second helpings of the fantastic meat-free lasagne, only to realise it was just a starter. Perhaps it's not the leylines that ensure a good night's kip.? Doubles from ?60B&B; +39 0763 627199, querciacalante.comIsabel Choat, Guardian online travel editor Very fine dining, Copenhagen, DenmarkUnless you're the kind of person who precision-plans their leisure time, you probably won't book a holiday in Copenhagen sufficiently far in advance to get a table at Noma, named Best Restaurant in the World for the second year running. But at Rel� (restaurant-relae.dk), former Noma head chef Christian Puglisi cooks in a way that's just as surprising and inventive, and a good deal cheaper. And Geranium (geranium.dk; this year singled out by Michelin as a rising star) is equally brilliant, in more of a polished, big-night-out way. Aamaan's Etablissement (aamanns.dk) was our favourite lunch spot, mainly for its steak tartare and citrus-and-spice marinated salmon. And for mornings after, the great coffee and the brunch menu (plus the cosy sheepskin-covered chairs) at caf�/deli Gourmandiet (gourmandiet.dk) made our hangovers almost pleasurable.? Doubles at 71 Nyhavn, a converted, canal-side spice warehouse, cost from �110 (+45 3343 6200, 71nyhavnhotel.com)Jenny McIvor, food writerRomantic retreat, Carswell Farm, DevonArrive in daylight and wear sensible shoes, the instructions from Carswell Farm advised. We pulled up after midnight after the long drive to south Devon. The directions from the farmhouse to the impossibly secluded Beach Hut were clear, but scrambling across cliff tops with bags and very unsensible footwear, we had only an inadequate torch and the alarming sound of crashing waves to make sure our romantic holiday didn't start with the wrong sort of splash. Once there we just climbed the little ladder to our bed in the eaves, so the next morning, we were unprepared for the picture-book adorableness of our surroundings. The Beach Hut is fairly basic, but no less lovely for that: there's no electricity, but a woodburner and gas hob ? and a wood-burning hot tub outside (everything is eco, including the loo)! And then there's the view ? this beach hut gives new meaning to the idea of a private beach. Nestled in a cove, unreachable except by that rocky footpath, this is as hidden-away a hideaway as you could dream of. It isn't cheap, but you could travel the world and not find such a romantic retreat. If the sun shines it is bliss, and if it rains it is bliss too.? Two nights at the Beach Hut costs �450 (optional organic dinner hamper �45); +44 (0)1752 830020, carswellcottages.com/thebeachhutLisa Allardice, editor of Guardian ReviewLife after children, Sicily"Why've we stopped?" whined our eldest, then 14. "There's nothing here!" "Here" was a quaint Italian riverside village with a bar with Prosecco on tap, but this was when we realised we'd have to put more effort into holidays with teens. So for a few years it was activities (rafting, canyoning) and cities (they loved Amsterdam). But teenagers grow up, go to university, and suddenly mooching around Europe is possible again. And cheap. Term time in Sicily and not only were hotel rooms almost half the summer price, half-board was sometimes thrown in. We stayed at friendly Pensione Tranchina in Scopello, an hour from Palermo, and ticked off all the things our offspring would have moaned about. No pool, tiny rocky beach, no shops, nothing to do after dinner except sit chatting with the owner over a digestivo. Worst of all, the rugged Zingaro natural park stretches for 7km up the coast, with footpaths for long bracing walks. There were even ? horror! ? wild flowers. Some things the youngsters would have liked: the fantastic food, and especially our cute black hired Fiat Cinquecento. But that's the sort of iconic vehicle only the child-free can bomb around Italy in. No room in the back for long teenage legs. Shucks, kids.? Pensione Tranchina (+39 0924 541099, pensionetranchina.com) offers half-board from ?55pp per nightLiz Boulter, travel writerCanaries in style, LanzaroteForget the sun, sand and sex-on-the-beach stereotype; there's another side to Lanzarote. Away from the big resorts, the easternmost of the Canaries is a heady mix of wild volcanic landscapes, surfer-friendly beaches, theatrical modernist architecture and vineyards made up of volcanic stone circles that could have been designed by Andy Goldsworthy. You can reach them all easily enough from the coastal resorts with a hire car, but a much better idea is to base yourself at Caser�o de Mozaga, an 18th-century country house in the centre of the island that's been turned into a very stylish boutique B&B with restaurant. Or you could book into a luxury yurt and cosy up under canvas at Finca de Arrieta on the north-east coast.? Doubles at Caser�o de Mozaga cost from ?63 (+34 92 852 0060, caseriodemozaga.com). Yurts at Finca de Arrieta cost from �385 a week (lanzaroteretreats.com)Rhiannon Batten, travel writerGrecian splendour, KefaloniaAlong a rambling road near Fiscardo in the north of Kefalonia lay our cottage, Villa Trizoni. It had all the ingredients for a romantic break ? the bare minimum, but done in style. We had three gorgeous bedrooms at our disposal, an airy open plan living space of white sofas, and an infinity pool surrounded by funky day beds. There was almost nothing to do, but that was fine by us ? all we wanted was to loll around in the sunshine and spend time together. Then it poured with rain all week. Instead of languorous afternoons in the pool our memories are of drinking Mythos beer behind a rain-splashed plastic awning, paddling in the drizzle at beautiful Daf Noudi beach, and getting caught in a dramatic storm while half-way across to the neighbouring island of Ithaca in our rented motorboat. There, we were revived at the magical Polyphemus restaurant by an inebriated communist chef who fed us Che Guevara rum and sun-dried octopus for hours, then insisted he drive us back to the harbour. We even made up a silly song about Polyphemus which make us feel like teenagers recalling their first kiss when we sing it now.? Villa Trizoni has weeks available in May, July and August, from �1,239 a week, with holidaylettings.co.uk. Villa Zouzouni, next door, sleeps two from �885 a week, and has weeks left in AugustGemma Bowes, Guardian Travel editorMountain highs, Slovenia We'd seen photos of the Soca Valley, and read reviews about the chic mountain retreat called Nebesa. But nothing prepared us for the staggering Alpine beauty of the region ? flower-filled meadows, crystal-clear rivers and lakes ? nor the views from Nebesa's chalets; snow-capped mountains to the east, endless valleys to the west, trailing down to the Adriatic. Four glass-fronted chalets are the base from which to soak up these views. From our terrace, we watched a storm come in, then get chased away by glorious sunshine. We hiked up the mountain one day and white-water rafted down the turquoise Soca the next. In the evening we took at taxi to Hisa Franko, Slovenia's answer to The Fat Duck, for a sublime gourmet feast. The X factor at Nebesa isn't the luxuriousness of the hotel ? it's actually fairly simple. What makes it so special is the setting and the isolation: it's a perfect place to hole up with a partner.? Two-night stays from ?255 for two including breakfast and use of bikes (i-escape.com/nebesa.php) Liz Simpson, deputy editor, i-escapeSurf and city, Biarritz, FranceI thought a trip to Biarritz would be ironically glam: pink cocktails and discotheques, that kind of thing. But at some point since the 1980s, it had morphed into a quietly hip surfing mecca. My then-boyfriend suddenly looked interested. We camped under the pines in the main surfie site at Anglet and walked down to the beach every morning. Compensating for the lack of kitsch, the boyfriend even serenaded me with Elvis Presley on the sand. Surf by day, cosmopolitan comforts by night: we ate outside at pretty old clifftop restaurants, drank wine from G�rard D�pardieu's nearby vineyards, and wandered along the pier that juts from the spectacular coastline out through the breakers. A little black dress and a surfboard are all you need in this town where la bonne vie meets Endless Summer.? Biarritz Camping (+33 5 5923 0012, biarritz-camping.fr) charges from ?23 for a pitch in summer. Hotel Alcyon (+33 5 5922 6460, hotel-alcyon-biarritz.com) has doubles from ?105 in summerSophie Cooke, novelistBeers and pintxos, San Sebasti�n, Spain We took the Eurostar to Paris and the sleeper train to Hendaye. When we woke, it was a short hop over the border to San Sebasti�n ? or Donostia, as it is known by its Basque inhabitants. We chose from one of scores of affordable pensions in the beguiling parte vieja (old town). We spent lazy days on the city's beautiful beaches, and late nights bar-hopping. The city specialises in pintxos, simple Basque tapas: we wandered from tavern to tavern, greedily sampling as many as we could. For a once-in-lifetime meal, try to get a table at legendary restaurant Arzak (arzak.info), ranked eighth in the world. We relaxed at La Perla (la-perla.net), a beachside spa; visited Eduardo Chillida's wave-lashed sculptures in La Concha Bay; and climbed Mount Urgull for the castle, enormous Jesus Christ statue and panoramic views. We bought a couple of beers just as the basic hilltop bar was closing and sat alone by the fig trees, watching the sun set over the bay.? For travel details see seat61.com/Spain.htm Rachel Dixon, travel writerI left my heart in San FranciscoI'd been obsessed by San Francisco since reading Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series ? the rolling hills, the smell of marijuana, the glamorous casualties of a life lived as though every day was 1969 ? but it wasn't until my 27th birthday that I finally visited, a surprise present from my boyfriend, who'd been choking on the secret for months. It was San Francisco I'd had in mind when I chose to move to Brighton for university, where the lovely gayness and scattered vintage shops charmed me, briefly. But it took a week in a budget downtown hotel ? queuing for breakfasts at Dottie's True Blue cafe, taking shy photos outside the house Maupin was inspired by ? an afternoon in Alcatraz, and various second-hand clothing purchases along Haight Street, for me to convince my boyfriend that this, one day, should be our home. Plans are in motion ...? Hotel Majestic (+1 415 441 1100, thehotelmajestic.com) has period styling and doubles from $115; at the other end of the aesthetic spectrum Hotel Tomo (+1 415 921 4000, jdvhotels.com/tomo) offers brightly coloured Japanese pop art and doubles from $129 Eva Wiseman, columnist, Observer magazineTop 10sDenmarkRomantic tripsUnited KingdomDevonCanary IslandsUmbriaGreeceSloveniaSicilySan FranciscoSan Sebasti�nFranceguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Ligety, Vonn Take Home World Cup Globes
..... Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany (Ski Press)-In a year when the success of the U.S. Ski Team was astounding, Lindsey Vonn and Ted Ligety capped off the excitement with some of the most prestigious awards in alpine skiing - Audi FIS World Cup titles.Vonn took the overall crown plus three other titles, while Ligety won his second giant slalom title in three years. The charge was led by Vonn who took three discipline titles in downhill, super G and super combined, to become first American to win three discipline titles in the same season. She also became the first woman to win three straight overall titles since Petra Kronberger of Austria in 1990-92. "It's so important to me. The overall title is one of the biggest things you can win in our sport. I always try to give my best every day, but it's a long season," said Vonn. "The last few years have gone really well for me. It's so hard to say whether you'll be able to win the overall title. To stand here in the finish and have a title in my hand is so rewarding." Only three other women have as many overall titles as Vonn -- Vreni Schneider of Switzerland and Janica Kostelic of Croatia have three each and Annemarie Moser-Proell of Austria leads all with six. Vonn also broke records this season with her 11 World Cup wins. She now holds the U.S. record for World Cup wins with 33 passing Bode Miller (Franconia, NH). Only one skier in the world ever had more World Cup wins in a season - Schneider with 14 in the 1988-89 season. Moser-Proell and Anja Paerson of Sweden also have 11 in a year. Finally, Vonn's career wins put her in a tie for sixth place on the all-time list with Hanni Wenzel of Liechtenstein, and Moser-Proell leads that list with 62. "It means the world to me. If you had asked me at the beginning of the season if I'd have been able to do that, I would have said 'not likely.' It takes a lot of hard work, not only by me, but from the team, from U.S. Ski Team coaches, from my husband, from Red Bull and my ski company Head," Vonn said. "It's everyone working together to make as successful a season as possible and I couldn't do it without them." Ligety brought the U.S. its only crystal globe in the men's World Cup to mark his career second giant slalom title after winning his first in 2008. With his success, Ligety joins Phil Mahre as the only American man to have two World Cup giant slalom titles. He earned the honor with four podiums in discipline this season, including one win. He also notched his first podium in super G with second at Val d'Isere in December. "Having two globes is awesome," Ligety said. "It's cool to have those and to be the best in giant slalom over the last couple of years is nice." Ligety also podiumed at first and last World Cup GS races, as well as won in Kranjska Gora for the third straight year. The success of the team didn't stop with World Cup titles, though, as the U.S. pulled in Olympic medals. On the women's side, Vonn took a win in the downhill and bronze in the super G. Teammate Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) racked in two silver medals in the downhill and super combined. On the men's side, Miller took in the trifecta of Olympic medals with a bronze in downhill, silver in super G and gold in the super combined. Miller was joined on the super G podium by Andrew Weibrecht (Lake Placid, NY) who took the bronze. With the season now closed, the alpine team will return to the U.S. to train this summer in preparation for the 2011 World Cup season opener in Soelden, Austria and the 2011 World Championships in Garmisch Partenkirchen, Germany.
The Radar: 10 Reasons to Visit London, Great Hotel Libraries, World Street Food in Photos
Forget the royal wedding, London is a great destination to experience art, culture, music, and general merriment. Airfare Watchdog‘s�David Landsel�gives Frommer’s ten reasons to visit this spring that don’t include the “I do’s.” [Frommer's] Leave the Kindle at home and get reacquainted with ink on a page at one of these great hotel libraries. Through…
Intelligent Spas publishes first Asia Pacific Spa Industry Report
Intelligent Spas? published the first Spa Industry Report for Asia Pacific which contains data on all 42 countries across the region. This new research covers total industry revenue and employment numbers by country, collected during Intelligent Spas? Global Spa Benchmark Program, as well as information relating to which spa markets are supported by industry associations and government departments, enforce legal requirements and training standards, plus practice traditional spa therapies. Each country was also analysed and categorised according to market status including mature market, growing market, emerging market or potential future market.
?The Asia Pacific Spa and Wellness Coalition (APSWC) is extremely pleased to have initiated the first-ever report covering all 42 Asia Pacific countries? explained Andrew Jacka, APSWC Chairman. ?Compiled by our Premier Research Partner, Intelligent Spas, the report was released to delegates of the 5th APSWC Spa Forum held from 23?25 March, 2011 in Phuket Thailand. Given this is the first time such a report has been published, it has served to highlight the importance of the spa sector to the tourism industry in the region, acknowledging the significant number of professional spas that are already in existence, while showing that a number of Asia Pacific countries have yet to establish their first spa.?
?This new Regional Spa Industry Report is a vital resource in understanding the spa industry across Asia Pacific and will prove useful in its continued development? stated Julie Garrow, Managing Director of 100% independent research company Intelligent Spas. ?Following the global economic instability the world has experienced over recent years, this research is timely to assist stakeholders within the industry to recognise changes in each marketplace, adapt their business strategies accordingly, identify new business opportunities and maximise overall performance.?
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Key research findings:
- There are over 3,500 spas currently operating in the Asia Pacific region.
- These spas collectively generate approximately US$2 billion in revenue per annum.
- The Asia Pacific spa industry employs over 50,000 people.
- Over 60% of countries are considered emerging or potential spa markets suggesting there are plenty of development and business opportunities across the region.
- The full report is available from Intelligent Spas website at IntelligentSpas.com.
Intelligent Spas is the only 100% independent research company specialising in the spa industry. Founded in Singapore in 2001, it has pioneered spa industry research in the greater Asia Pacific region and continues to publish a range of Spa Operations Manuals and Spa Benchmark Reports to assist the performance and growth of this essential industry.
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A Royal Beach in the Caribbean
Here at ISLANDS, we've made it through the entire spring without once mentioning the Royal Wedding (you're welcome). That is, until now.
In a perfectly timed announcement coinciding with the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton this Friday, April 29, local Antiguan governing authority the Barbuda Council has just divulged its plans to name one of Barbuda's loveliest stretches of unbroken beach in honor of the late Princess Diana. On July 1 ? what would have been Diana's 50th birthday ? the council will officially crown the shoreline near the former K-Club as Princess Diana Beach in honor of "her legacy and her spirit of humility and sophistication," according to the government of Antigua & Barbuda. A charity is also reported to be established in conjunction with the newly coronated shoreline, so stay tuned to the blog for more information on that.
In a perfectly timed announcement coinciding with the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton this Friday, April 29, local Antiguan governing authority the Barbuda Council has just divulged its plans to name one of Barbuda's loveliest stretches of unbroken beach in honor of the late Princess Diana. On July 1 ? what would have been Diana's 50th birthday ? the council will officially crown the shoreline near the former K-Club as Princess Diana Beach in honor of "her legacy and her spirit of humility and sophistication," according to the government of Antigua & Barbuda. A charity is also reported to be established in conjunction with the newly coronated shoreline, so stay tuned to the blog for more information on that.
Discoe, Kearney Take Moguls Gold
.....Squaw Valley, Calif. (Ski Press)-It was icing on the cake for one, and a new frontier for the other as 2010 gold medalist Hannah Kearney and Joey Discoe took moguls titles at the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships at Squaw Valley.Joining Kearney on the podium were two women who picked up the first World Cup wins of their careers this season. Eliza Outtrim (Steamboat Springs, CO), just off a win at World Cup finals in Spain, was second and Heather McPhie (Bozeman, MT) was third.Kearney was happy to share the podium with such distinguished talent."The podium was three individuals who have won a World Cup so you're really skiing against the best in the world, which makes it that much more difficult," Kearney said.The Olympic champ broke out some new moves Friday, throwing a mute grab off the bottom air to freshen up her run and set herself apart from the stiff competition."That was the first time I've ever thrown a mute in competition or qualifying and a new trick, it's always satisfying when that goes well," Kearney said. "I like to try to push myself because I've been stuck in a rut for a few years as far as my tricks go."For Outtrim the day marked another career landmark, which she said she was hoping for after her time in Spain."I've never been on a U.S. Championship podium before, so that's incredible," Outtrim said. "I really wanted to come off the win from last week, ski well here and follow up on that win."As far as her run went, Outtrim was pleased and plans to keep it up."I feel like I messed up my top air a little, but I was really happy with the rest of my run," Outtrim said. "I feel like I'm skiing faster and I've been trying to do that - to push the limits a little bit."Outtrim wasn't the only one making first impressions Friday, as Discoe took down his first Champs podium appearance as well."I'm really excited. It's an amazing feeling and I'm super stoked," Discoe said. "My skiing has been coming together for the last three events with a couple World Cups making the finals. I got a top 10 there and just kept the skiing going into here." Joining Discoe on the podium were Jeremy Cota (Carrabassett Valley, ME) who was second and Michael Morse (Duxburry, MA) who was third.Now with the champs win in Hand, Discoe has a plan for how he can keep his momentum rolling into 2011."Lots of training. I'm going to go home for the summer and take a little bit more of a break to clear my mind and then just get right back into it," Discoe said.Young Cota was also a happy camper on the sunny ski day as he also marked his first appearance on a U.S. Champs podium."It feels great. I skied really well and was happy with the way I skied. I did my harder tricks and landed them, so I was stoked on that. I'm just happy to be on the podium," Cota said.Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships continue Saturday with men's and women's skier halfpipe and aerials competitions.OFFICIAL RESULTS2010 Sprint U.S. Freestyle ChampionshipsSquaw Valley, CA - March 26, 2010MogulsMen1. Joey Discoe, Telluride, CO, 25.512. Jeremy Cota, Steamboat Springs, CO, 25.413. Michael Morse, Duxbury, MA, 25.304. Reed Snyderman, Winchester, MA, 25.295. Dave DiGravio, Farmington, ME, 25.17Women1. Hannah Kearney, Norwich, VT, 26.372. Eliza Outtrim, Steamboat Springs, CO, 25.413. Heather McPhie, Bozeman, MT. 25.024. Shelly Robertson, Reno, NV, 24.815. Laurel Shanley, Squaw Valley, CA, 24.31
How To: Wine and Cheese Tasting
Matador editor Kristin Conard takes a class on wine and cheese and shares all that she learned.
Win A Hawaii Vacation on Waikiki Beach!
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Discover the sights and sounds of world famous Waikiki Beach! You?ll love the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa for its personalized service, spacious guestrooms, and ideal location for exploring the incredible island of Oahu. Stroll the beach, take a surfing lesson, hike Diamond Head, or visit the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium ? there is so much to do and it?s all so close and easy when staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. This AAA Four Diamond paradise features an ocean view swimming pool, delectable dining choices, and the Na Ho'ola Spa with pampering treatments inspired by the Hawaiian royalty that once called Waikiki home.
Prize package includes a 5-night stay in a deluxe ocean-view room, plus breakfast for two daily at the SHOR restaurant, and a couple?s massage at the renowned Na Ho'ola Spa.
Dek:
Discover the sights and sounds of world famous Waikiki Beach!
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Discover the sights and sounds of world famous Waikiki Beach! You?ll love the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa for its personalized service, spacious guestrooms, and ideal location for exploring the incredible island of Oahu. Stroll the beach, take a surfing lesson, hike Diamond Head, or visit the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium ? there is so much to do and it?s all so close and easy when staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. This AAA Four Diamond paradise features an ocean view swimming pool, delectable dining choices, and the Na Ho'ola Spa with pampering treatments inspired by the Hawaiian royalty that once called Waikiki home.
Prize package includes a 5-night stay in a deluxe ocean-view room, plus breakfast for two daily at the SHOR restaurant, and a couple?s massage at the renowned Na Ho'ola Spa.
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Discover the sights and sounds of world famous Waikiki Beach!
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Thursday, April 28, 2011
Snowbird Delivers for Subaru Freeski Championships
..... Salt Lake City, Utah (Ski Press)-The 2010 Subaru Freeskiing World Tour came to a close today, on Snowbird?s North Baldy venue at the Subaru Freeskiing World Championships. The crowd surpassed Saturday?s semi-final by two fold; there were rows upon rows of dug out snow benches, the smell of burgers on travel grills and the random toots from horns and megaphones, all in support of the remaining athletes that have made it through the Tour gauntlet. The Super-Finals, were a collection of the top five women and 12 men from the Finals, and it was definitely a stomp to win situation on North Baldy, considering the level of skiers in the mix. For the men, an East coaster won, Lars Chickering-Ayers, of Mad River Glen, Vermont, skied a fast, aggressive line, getting huge air off of Flying Squirrel Cliff and then straight-lining it to a double-drop in the Amphitheater, earning him a combined score of 125.57. Following Chickering-Ayers in second was Drew Stoecklein, of Snowbird, Utah, with 121.37, in third was Oakley White-Allen, of Snowbird, Utah, with 119.5, in fourth, Nick ''little buddy'' Greener, of Snowbird, Utah, with 117.5, which also earned him the coveted Backcountry.com Sickbird Award. For the overall Tour standings, Arne Backstrom, of Squaw Valley, California, who took ninth today, hung onto to his season-long Tour Leader title, winning the coveted McConkey Cup. Of those that stomped hardest and landed, for the women, Angel Collinson, of Snowbird, Utah, was the definite leader, earning a combined score of 104.23. Collinson?s aggressive skiing and strategic double cliff drop in Amphitheater, not only earned her the top spot for today, but also was enough to push into the lead for overall Tour points, who also took third in Revelstoke, Canada and fourth in Crested Butte. Colorado. ?I went for it, because this isn?t about winning, it?s about skiing,? said Collinson of what she was thinking before dropping in. For her stellar skiing, Collinson was awarded the McConkey Cup, in honor of the man who not only pioneered big mountain skiing, but also started the International Freeskier Association. As we approach the one-year anniversary this week of the sports founding father's untimely death, it is only fitting that the overall championship award be dedicated to none other than Saucer Boy. "He is the overall, leader and inspiration of freeskiing," said Event Director Bryan Barlow, "It was Shane's vision to create a freeskiing competition, to bring the world's best skier to one place and demonstrate the progression."His legacy will continue to live on through the spirit of the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour and through the athletes that earn his Cup. We know he?d be proud of the progression all the athletes displayed today.? For a complete results, photos, videos, athlete profiles and more, please visit�www.freeskiingworldtour.com
Skiinfo.co: Still Snowing!
..... Andermatt, Switzerland (Ski Press)-Skiinfo.co.uk reports that new snow over the Easter holidays has given a great powder base for many of the resorts still open in the Alps, while across the Atlantic the latest round of huge snowfalls on the west of the North American continent has left more resorts extending their seasons with waist-deep April powder.Conditions remain good in Scotland and Scandinavia too. There were heavy snowfalls in the German speaking areas of the Alps over Easter with Andermatt seeing over a foot (35cm) of new snow.� This was part of a total one meter (40 inch) fall in the past seven days, the largest in Switzerland. The Andermatt-Gotthard region also reports the biggest snow depth in the country at present with 3.5m (nearly 12 feet) on upper slopes. St. Moritz also reported 15cm (six inches) of fresh snow on Sunday. Martin Berthod, the resort's sports and events manager, said, "The snow conditions are still excellent all over the Engadin." The 4 Valleys has also reported good snowfall in the past week, with 75cm (2.5 feet) of new snow and Laax has had yet another 60cm (two feet) taking its snow depth to 220cm (7.3 feet). Glacier ski areas currently have some of Switerland?s deepest snow with Engelberg reporting three meters (ten feet) and Saas Fee a few centimeters/inches less with 289cm.��������� The snow depth in the French Alps is very good for the end of season with 183.6cm (6.2 feet) average on the top of the slopes in the Northern Alps and 229.6cm (7.6 feet) average for the Southern Alps. It has snowed a lot the last week in the French Alps with Skiinfo posting 24 Powderalarms for snowfalls in excess of 20cm (8 inches) in 24 hours in Sunday. Serre Chevalier reported 65cm (2.2 feet) of fresh snow and Puy St Vincent 40cm (16 inches) just on the one day. In Austria sunny weather is forecast for the next few days and on many Austrian slopes there is still lots of snow - so conditions for spring skiing are fine. S�lden, for example, got fresh snow again and issued a powder alarm for more than 20cm (8 inches) of new snow on Monday.� 31 of the ski resort's lifts are still running and the sky there is cloudless. It received 40cm (16 inches) in total through the last week and currently has a snow depth of 251cm (8.3 feet). Lech Z�rs am Arlberg has had 35cm (14 inches) of new snow in the past week. There are a dozen Austrian resorts with two meters or more of snow on their slopes.� The M�lltal glacier has the biggest snow depth of 390cm (13 feet), Hintertux has more than three meters (10 feet), too. In Germany to the north the Zugspitze got lots of fresh snow again with 20cm (8 inches) more on Monday and 35cm (14 inches) on Good Friday.� Feldberg in the Black Forest also received another 20cm (eight inch) fall in the past week. Many French ski resorts are still open during April and six will remain open into May. Chamonix currently has the top snow depth with 405cm (13.5 feet), La Clusaz has 310cm (10.3 feet) and Alpe d'Huez and La Grave 300cm (10 feet).�Serre Chevalier is just behind on 290cm (9.6 feet). Italy has topped the table in Europe for the most snow in the past seven days with Madesimo reporting 1.2m (four feet) of new Spring powder. Arabba and the Marmolada Glacier was second on the continent withy another meter (3.3) feet and there was about 60cm (two feet) more in Val Gardena in the Dolomites and Monterosa in the alps. North America and particularly California and Utah in Western USA have seen the biggest snowfalls of the past week, with particularly huge accumulations reported at Brighton in Utah with 228cm (7.6 feet) in seven days.� Snowbird, Alta and Solitude have also reported more than two meter (6.7 feet) accumulations. To the north Whistler Blackcomb has announced the decision to extend skiing and riding on Whistler Mountain by one week. Whistler Mountain?s last day of operations will be Sunday, April 25 while Blackcomb Mountain?s last day of operations will be Monday, May 24.
Someplace with a Mountain
If you love islands, this film ? narrated by Chevy Chase ? will speak to you. Watch the movie trailer below, then check air dates in your area.
KCET Southern Cal ? May 3 at 9:00 pm
KBDI Denver ? May 3 at 9:00 pm May 5 at 9 pm and 11:30 pm
APT Alabama ? May 5 at 10 pm & May 6th at 3 am
MPTV Millwaukie ? May 22 at 8 am and May 29 at 6 am
Also keep an eye on the following stations for air dates that are not yet listed:
MPT Maryland KQED San Francisco KTEH San Jose KOCE Orange County WEDU Tampa KGTF Guam KHET Honolulu KET Kentucky Network WTVS Detroit KCPT Kansas City NORTH CAROLINA State network KEDT Corpus Christi FLORIDA PTV Gainseville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee
To learn more, visit: apuur.org
KCET Southern Cal ? May 3 at 9:00 pm
KBDI Denver ? May 3 at 9:00 pm May 5 at 9 pm and 11:30 pm
APT Alabama ? May 5 at 10 pm & May 6th at 3 am
MPTV Millwaukie ? May 22 at 8 am and May 29 at 6 am
Also keep an eye on the following stations for air dates that are not yet listed:
MPT Maryland KQED San Francisco KTEH San Jose KOCE Orange County WEDU Tampa KGTF Guam KHET Honolulu KET Kentucky Network WTVS Detroit KCPT Kansas City NORTH CAROLINA State network KEDT Corpus Christi FLORIDA PTV Gainseville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee
To learn more, visit: apuur.org
How to: Run a Successful Business By Giving It Away For Free
And three businesses that show how it's done.
Snowbird Delivers for Subaru Freeski Championships
..... Salt Lake City, Utah (Ski Press)-The 2010 Subaru Freeskiing World Tour came to a close today, on Snowbird?s North Baldy venue at the Subaru Freeskiing World Championships. The crowd surpassed Saturday?s semi-final by two fold; there were rows upon rows of dug out snow benches, the smell of burgers on travel grills and the random toots from horns and megaphones, all in support of the remaining athletes that have made it through the Tour gauntlet. The Super-Finals, were a collection of the top five women and 12 men from the Finals, and it was definitely a stomp to win situation on North Baldy, considering the level of skiers in the mix. For the men, an East coaster won, Lars Chickering-Ayers, of Mad River Glen, Vermont, skied a fast, aggressive line, getting huge air off of Flying Squirrel Cliff and then straight-lining it to a double-drop in the Amphitheater, earning him a combined score of 125.57. Following Chickering-Ayers in second was Drew Stoecklein, of Snowbird, Utah, with 121.37, in third was Oakley White-Allen, of Snowbird, Utah, with 119.5, in fourth, Nick ''little buddy'' Greener, of Snowbird, Utah, with 117.5, which also earned him the coveted Backcountry.com Sickbird Award. For the overall Tour standings, Arne Backstrom, of Squaw Valley, California, who took ninth today, hung onto to his season-long Tour Leader title, winning the coveted McConkey Cup. Of those that stomped hardest and landed, for the women, Angel Collinson, of Snowbird, Utah, was the definite leader, earning a combined score of 104.23. Collinson?s aggressive skiing and strategic double cliff drop in Amphitheater, not only earned her the top spot for today, but also was enough to push into the lead for overall Tour points, who also took third in Revelstoke, Canada and fourth in Crested Butte. Colorado. ?I went for it, because this isn?t about winning, it?s about skiing,? said Collinson of what she was thinking before dropping in. For her stellar skiing, Collinson was awarded the McConkey Cup, in honor of the man who not only pioneered big mountain skiing, but also started the International Freeskier Association. As we approach the one-year anniversary this week of the sports founding father's untimely death, it is only fitting that the overall championship award be dedicated to none other than Saucer Boy. "He is the overall, leader and inspiration of freeskiing," said Event Director Bryan Barlow, "It was Shane's vision to create a freeskiing competition, to bring the world's best skier to one place and demonstrate the progression."His legacy will continue to live on through the spirit of the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour and through the athletes that earn his Cup. We know he?d be proud of the progression all the athletes displayed today.? For a complete results, photos, videos, athlete profiles and more, please visit�www.freeskiingworldtour.com
Airlines that could kill you
Filed under: Europe, Angola, Germany, Spain, Airlines, Airports, Airline Reviews, Travel SecurityAviation safety is no small concern for the European Commission when it comes to airlines that could kill you. Airlines not up to standard are banned. Over 90 companies and 250 airlines are on the no-flight blacklist with African, Indonesian and Kazakhstan airlines dominating the list.
The 17th update of the so-called "blacklist" of airlines banned in the 27-nation European Union is serious business for the EU's Safety Committee.
"The European Union now has a coherent approach to banning airlines", said Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the Commission responsible for transport. "This black list will keep dubious airlines out of Europe. It will also make sure that all airlines operating in Europe's sky meet the highest safety standards".
Continue reading Airlines that could kill youAirlines that could kill you originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
The 17th update of the so-called "blacklist" of airlines banned in the 27-nation European Union is serious business for the EU's Safety Committee.
"The European Union now has a coherent approach to banning airlines", said Jacques Barrot, Vice-President of the Commission responsible for transport. "This black list will keep dubious airlines out of Europe. It will also make sure that all airlines operating in Europe's sky meet the highest safety standards".
Continue reading Airlines that could kill youAirlines that could kill you originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Photo Contest: When travel goes WRONG
"..in storytelling these bottom-places are often the cruxes, the moments that hold it all: the brief and priceless glimpses of ourselves not at our best but at our rawest, with the greatest distance yet to travel. From here we are able to measure whatever heights we've come from or may yet go on to achieve."
It Ain?t Over ? Utah Gets Rocked!
..... Snowbird, Utah (Ski Press)-While many ski areas are shutting down after the Easter weekend, it looks like Utah is only just getting started on the ?deep? season. April showers have resulted in ample powder at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, which has received four-and-a-half feet in the last week, pushing the season total to 440 inches with a mid-mountain base depth of 127 inches. With an additional 30-40 inches forecasted in the coming days, the mountain is in mid-winter form and skiers are raving about the spring storms. ?Just like last year, April is providing some of the best conditions we?ve seen all year,? said resort president Bob Bonar. ?With this deep snowpack we expect to offer skiing and riding well into May, continuing our tradition of offering the longest season in Utah.? And at Solitude (from whence we received a photo collection of nothing but over the head faceshots yesterday ? Thanks a lot Joe and Nick), 58? of snow last week brings the YTD total to 438?!!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The locals' guide to Paris
Bloggers from the Spotted by Locals network share tips on the French capital, from a reclaimed cultural centre to the Belleville cafe, once the hang-out of Piaf and ChevalierTour Montparnasse ? best view of ParisSpotted by: Willem VinkMost people, when asked for the best view of Paris, would immediately answer "from the Eiffel Tower" or "from Montmartre". But there is a far better view from the Tour Montparnasse. The building is one of the highest in the city and has devoted its top floor to the breathtaking view it has over the city. The big advantage over the Eiffel tower is that the capacity is much bigger, so you don't have to queue for hours before you can go up. The advantage over Montmartre is that you also have a view of Montmartre. You go up by high speed elevators. On the top floor (56th) you have an interesting exhibition on the history of Paris. You can take in the the view from the inside if the weather is bad, but even better is the large rooftop where you have lots of space. You will notice that Paris has a very strict policy on high rise buildings and that almost all buildings have about the same rooftop level. In fact the Tour Montparnasse, which is a tall and rather dark and dull monolith, is the living example of how things could get if no such limitations were in place ? a warning for all Parisians.? rue du D�part, Montparnasse (+33 (0) 1 45 38 52 56, tourmontparnasse56.com). Adults ?11. Open Apr-Oct: 9.30am-11.30pm daily; Oct-Apr Sun-Thu 9.30am-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 9.30am-11pmPoint �ph�m�re ? cool cultural spaceSpotted by Harriet O'BrienRun by Usines �ph�m�re ? a not-for-profit organisation that converts wastelands into cultural centres for young artists ? the Point �ph�m�re is a cafe, nightclub, exhibition centre and concert venue all rolled into one. Artists' and musicians' studios and workshops are also housed there, making it one of the most innovative cultural projects in Paris today. Simple food and inexpensive drinks are available until late and the canal-side terrace is a great hang-out and a perfectly protected sun-trap. Leaflets and flyers with information on concerts/club nights and exhibitions can be found in bars and on their website.? 200 quai Valmy, Belleville/Nation (+33 (0) 1 40 34 02 48, pointephemere.org). Open 1pm-2am daily (later if there's an event/concert on). Club nights ?10Le Tambour ? all night eating and drinkingSpotted by: Harriet O'BrienThe main thrill of the Tambour is undoubtedly its curious opening hours. Fancy a steak or an onion soup at 4am? The Tambour is probably the place for you. The food is traditional French: various cuts of meat, cheese boards and a good selection of wines. The place fills up with well-heeled post-show/theatre goers, hungry post-bar students and all manner of miscellaneous others. It's always busy and while there is no definite obligation to eat, ordering a plate of cheese will probably land you a table a bit quicker. Characteristic of old bistro culture, you'll be packed on to tiny tables next to strangers, so be prepared for a bit of inter-table banter. They also maintain that dangerous tactic of leaving a huge bottle of wine on your table for you to drink (and pay for) as much as you consume.? 41 rue Montmartre, Louvre/Les Halles (+33 (0) 1 42 33 06 90). Open Tue-Sat 12pm-6am, Sun-Mon 6pm-6am.Butte aux Cailles ? a different ParisSpotted by: Tamara Mesari?Butte aux Cailles is a really lovely part of the city, the 13th arrondissement, southern Paris; the northern limit is boulevard Auguste Blanqui, to the south is rue Tolbiac, rue Barrault to the west and rue du Moulin-des-Pr�s to the east. It has the atmosphere of a tranquil village with a holiday feeling. Just a few centuries ago, this area was covered with farms and windmills with the river Bi�vre running through it. The origin of its name comes from the 16th-century owner, Cailles, while buttes are hills. Today, history is visible through its distinction from its surrounding areas: Haussmann's Paris on one side and high-rises on the other. And the river went into the underground. In the evenings, and on weekends and sunny days, there is a great atmosphere all around. Lively, not stuffy or snobbish at all. Walk around before choosing a bar, especially in the rue Butte aux Cailles. Fine places are the Basque restaurant, Chez Gladines in the rue des Cinq Diamants, and La Folie en T�te, Le Diapason and Sputnik in the rue Buttes aux Cailles. Most bars open until 2am.Aux Folies ? noisy, frenetic and diverseSpotted by Harriet O'BrienOnce a caf�-theatre frequented by Maurice Chevalier and Edith Piaf (then local residents), Aux Folies embodies perfectly the spirit of the quartier, so cram yourself on to one of the tiny street-facing tables and watch the colour and chaos of local life unfold. The drinks are cheap and the service super-efficient; late afternoon even finds the terrace (a rare sun-trap amid the narrow shaded streets) bathed in somnolent rays. Aux Folies is usually packed at all hours, the clientele is made up of the local bohos, Chinese and north African residents, plus a selection of foreign students and artists too. Very cool, very Parisian. Aux Folies also featured in C�dric Klapisch's 2008 film Paris. Naturally.? 8 rue de Belleville, Belleville/Nation (+33 (0) 1 46 36 65 98). Open Mon-Sat 6am-2am, Sun 7am-1amVintage Desir ? go and look greatSpotted by: Karim FekarLocated in the famous pedestrianised rue des Rosiers, Vintage Desir is the address for secondhand vintage clothes. Once inside this little shop, the prices are reasonable ? from ?10 to ?15 for a shirt or dress, a little bit more for a leather jacket. I recently found a typical Austrian jacket for ?15 - and it's not difficult to negotiate if you buy a few articles.? 32 rue des Rosiers, Marais/Bastille (+33 1 40 27 04 98). Open daily 11am-9pmThese are edited extracts from the Spotted by locals blogParisCity breaksFood and drinkCultural tripsBars and clubsFranceguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Santorini The Lost City of Atlantis or Simply a Perfect Travel Destination
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean This volcanic island with the caldera and small islands of Nea Kameni where the sleeping but still functioning volcano resides and Palia Kameni where the hot springs are located, make the Santorini one of the most popular and unique in all of Greece
Hotel review: The Gallivant, Camber
With a relaxed, beach-house vibe and a chef from Tate Modern, this new seaside hotel gets you in the mood for gallivantingI am reliably informed that this small hotel used to be called The Place. The Place at Camber Sands has a nice ring but, now in new hands, it has a fresh identity as The Gallivant.H�l�ne, my London-dwelling French friend, has started gallivanting early. "They were offering free samples," she says, waving at the champagne bar at St Pancras station."How many did you try?""About six," she replies with a Gallic shrug, and hauls her luggage on to the train. We are whisked southwards, into rainy skies. By the time we reach the motel-style building across the road from Camber's wonderful dunes, needles of rain are lashing."Those won't recover from the winter freeze-up," says H�l�ne, surveying a sorry brown mass of palm trees as we dash for the door.From reception ? adjacent to the encouragingly seasidey Beach Bistro in which we'll be eating later ? we are shown past the guest sitting room to our twin room (there are 18 in total)."Lovely to see pins parasols from our window ? you get those in Provence," says H�l�ne, peering across the car park to a row of umbrella pines. A distressed wooden unit bears a large Samsung telly, a wicker tray with kettle (marks for teapot and big teacups, but no cafetiere) and Ty Nant water. There are tide tables, brand new paperbacks and vintage hardbacks. Each (very comfy) bed has a wall light.And ? hello, I've seen this before, at Shoreditch Rooms in London ? no wardrobe, but a row of Shaker-style pegs with shaving mirror, bathrobes and a stripy beach bag containing a picnic rug. Our only complaints are that we'd rather have bathroom shelves than a blue rubber duck, and a blind at the bedroom window.In general, the hotel appears child-friendly (room info is comprehensive in terms of things to do if it rains, if it shines, etc). They discourage children under 10 in the bistro after 8pm, which seems reasonable, especially as in summer there will also be barbecues on a covered terrace, where all ages will be welcome any time."This place doesn't look much from outside ? but inside it has lovely light and a casual beach-house vibe," says H�l�ne over the papers in the guest sitting room before we drift to the bistro for dinner at a candlelit table. There is a bar at the rear with draught ale, the menu comes with a cocktail selection, we call the background music "airport xylophone", and H�l�ne says the Lighthouse Bakery bread, which arrives with salt and a butter pat, looks "biblical".The menu is enticing yet unfussy. Rye Bay scallops with soured onions and a dark green pool of watercress puree get "10 out of 10", and so does a perfectly juicy grilled lemon sole. There are mussels, and clam stew, but I order roast Sussex black-leg chicken, which comes with celeriac chips and parsley butter ? it's really good.Breakfast consists of a full menu of cooked stuff, but also the most attractive hotel buffet I have yet to see, arranged around driftwood on a wooden trestle at the heart of the restaurant. Little Kilner jars of this and that, labelled on tiny chalked slates, dishes of dark red berry and apple compote, heavy glass jars of cereals."Well, you can say it's delicious," instructs H�l�ne, polishing off smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. To which I'll add, bravo ? roll on summer.sally.shalam@guardian.co.ukHotelsSussexUnited KingdomBeach holidaysShort breaksWeekend breaksSally Shalamguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Family outings for spring
If a pink cartoon pig doesn't do it for your kids, there is lots more that's new at Britain's family attractions and theme parks this yearMadame Tussauds, BlackpoolThe world's 12th Madame Tussauds (0871 282 9200, madametussauds.com) opens in Blackpool on 21 April. Take the kids to see heroes including David Beckham, Cheryl Cole and Ant and Dec. Adults may have to explain who "Blackpool Originals" Barbara Windsor, Benny Hill and Ken Dodd are.? Book online and go before 8 May for �7.20pp, or before 1 July for �9.60ppPleasure Beach, BlackpoolSeveral characters are making the leap from screens to screams at Nickelodeon Land (0871 222 1234, nick.co.uk/nickelodeonland) opening on 4 May at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Try SpongeBob's Splash Bash, the Avatar Airbender, or the Rugrats Lost River.? Wristbands for a family of four �86 online at blackpoolpleasurebeach.comCamelot Theme Park, LancashireThe new King Arthur's Birds of Prey Centre at this park near Chorley (01257 453044, camelotthemepark.co.uk) will wow young ornithologists. Eagles, owls, vultures and hawks take to the skies in two displays a day. As well as rides, there are daily jousting displays, and magic shows with Merlin himself.? Tickets for a family of four �64 online, �70 at the gateMartin Mere Wetland Centre, LancashireExplore this wetland centre (01704 895181, wwt.org.uk/martin-mere), by boat this year. Three people take to a Canadian-style canoe on a self-guided journey around reed beds, woodland and swamp, spotting wildlife.? Tickets for family of four �26.50. �5 per canoe; groups can pre-bookLegoland Discovery Centre, ManchesterLittle wizards and witches will love a new ride, Merlin's Apprentice, at the Legoland Discovery Centre (0871 222 2662, legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk/manchester) in the Trafford Centre. Each pod goes faster and higher the harder the kids pedal.? Minimum ride height 90cm. Tickets for a family of four from �30 onlineChester ZooPainted Dogs is a new African-themed area at Chester Zoo (01244 380280, chesterzoo.org), with porcupines and a pack of seven African hunting dogs. Later they will be joined by sociable guinea pig-like rock hyraxes.? Tickets for a family of four are �55, including an optional �5 donation to conservation programmes.Drayton Manor, StaffordshireBen 10: Ultimate Mission is a new roller coaster based on the cartoon show, from 23 April at this park near Tamworth (0844 472 1950, draytonmanor.co.uk). And the fun starts while you're in the queue.? Ride opens on 23 April. Tickets for a family of four �98Alton Towers, StaffordshireAs well as all the rides, Alton Towers (0871 222 3330, altontowers.com) has arts and science offerings for children over Easter. The Go!Go!Go! show in the Cloud Cuckoo Land Theatre is a live pop musical, and Mad Science is an interactive range of explosions and experiments ? don't miss the water rocket launches on the front lawns.? Tickets for a family of four from �102At-BristolChildren with a scientific bent will like All About Us, a new permanent exhibition about the human body at At-Bristol (0845 345 1235, at-bristol.org.uk). More than 50 exhibits bring biology to life, and there is even a real human brain to examine. Activities in the Live Lab over the holidays include dissection and DNA extraction.? Tickets for a family of four, �35.50, including voluntary Gift Aid donationBlue Reef Aquarium, NewquayThe snappy new attraction at Blue Reef (01637 878134, bluereefaquarium.co.uk) is Mini-Crocs, a South American habitat home to two dwarf caimans. Over the holidays, there is a series of predator-themed talks and workshops.? Tickets for a family of four �31.60Crealy, Devon and CornwallThe two Crealy Great Adventure Parks (01395 233200/01841 540276, crealy.co.uk) boast indoor and outdoor rides, and friendly animals. New at the Devon site are meerkats, marmosets and alpacas, plus the Crealy Show Dome, a big top with daily shows. The Cornish site has a new Dizzy Dina ride, and a pony area where everyone wins a rosette.? Tickets �14.45pp for four or moreLongleat Safari and Adventure Park, WiltshireJungle Kingdom, a new attraction at Longleat (01985 844400, longleat.co.uk) this year, boasts a walk-through meerkat enclosure and miniature monkeys. Visitors can now hand-feed rainbow lorikeets, giraffes and fallow deer. New arrivals include wildebeest, white rhinos, giant anteaters and cape crested porcupines. ? Online tickets �23.40 adults, �16.65 children; 10% more at the gateThe London DungeonOn 28 May, the London Dungeon (0871 423 2240, thedungeons.com) launches Vengeance, a "5D" laser ghost ride. Riders are taken back to a s�ance in what was said to be the most haunted house in London. And new for Easter is an enhanced version of the Jack the Ripper experience.? Minimum ride height 1.1m. Tickets from �17.33pp onlinePaultons Park, HampshirePre-schoolers will be excited about Peppa Pig World (02380 814442, peppapigworld.co.uk) new at Paultons Family Theme Park in the New Forest. As well as rides and various buildings from the show, there is Daddy Pig's Big Tummy Caf� and Miss Rabbit's Ice-cream Parlour. The Guardian's three- and five-year-old reviewers gave a big thumbs-up to George's Dinosaur Adventure ride and the Muddy Puddles mini-water park. Dad's advice: bring lots of towels.? Tickets for a family of four �74 online at paultonspark.co.uk or �80 on the gate; children under a metre tall freeChessington World of Adventures, SurreyChessington (0871 663 4477, chessington.com) is celebrating the 21st birthday of its Vampire rollercoaster until 1 May. The new Twilight Zone is an interactive dark walkthrough with screams around every corner. The first 21 children to arrive in vampire dress each day get in free. Over in the Sea Life centre, Azteca is a new display featuring sharks, rays and parrotfish.? Tickets for a family of four �88.80 online, �102 at the gateAdventure Island, SouthendThis is Enchantment weekend in Southend's amusement park (01702 443400, adventureisland.co.uk) with Shaolin monks, stilt walkers and more. New rides include a Kiddi Koasta at the end of April, and the terrifying Time Machine roller coaster in summer.? Wristbands from �7.75 to �23Thorpe Park, SurreyNew at Thorpe Park (0871 663 1673, thorpepark.com) is Storm Surge, a sky-high spinning ride involving a life raft, a 64ft spiral descent and a line of water cannons. Last one down's a sissy ...? Minimum ride height 1.1m. Tickets for a family of four �96 online or �105.60 on the gate W5, BelfastThis Easter at Northern Ireland's award-winning discovery centre (028-9046 7700, w5online.co.uk), kids can try out a new Race the Rainbow egg race. At the Sense exhibition they can see if they've got what it takes to be the next Alex Rider ? dodging detectors, cracking a safe ? and they can learn about slime or make edible explosions in regular interteractive floorshows.? Tickets for a family of four �23 Folly Farm, PembrokeshireFolly Farm (01834 812731, folly-farm.co.uk) is also a zoo, a funfair, an adventure playground and a classroom. Its new ride, the gentle Big Wheel, is suitable for all, from baby to grandma. Folly Interactive is a new sensory exhibit where visitors can get up close and personal with snakes and birds. But most memorable will probably be the "Whose Poo?" challenge.? Adults �9, children �8Scottish Storytelling Centre, EdinburghEvery child loves a good story, and there's no better place to hear one than the Scottish Storytelling Centre (0131-556 9579, scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk). Over the holidays, it is hosting events as part of the Science Festival and Puppet Animation Festival. Among other delights, kids can learn why snot is green and meet the Big Bad Wolf.? Entrance free, book for storytelling sessions, �4; performances from �4.50United KingdomFamily holidaysDay tripsRachel Dixonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Vail Throws Homecoming Party for Vonn
..... Vail, Colo. (Ski Press)-Vail Resorts will host a homecoming celebration for Lindsey Vonn in Vail, Colo. on Wednesday, March 31.The Vail resident recently won Olympic gold and bronze medals in Vancouver and captured her third consecutive World Cup Overall title, making her the winningest U.S. female skier of all time with 33 World Cup wins, including�a U.S. record�11 this season. The homecoming festivities will kick off at 3:30 p.m. in Vail Square, located in Lionshead. Supporters will be greeted with Lindsey Vonn commemorative pins and memorabilia as well as complimentary cookies, hot cocoa and�entertainment including a DJ and jumbo screen videos of Vonn?s racing career highlights to date. Guest speakers including�Co-President of Vail Resorts' Mountain Division John Garnsey, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail Executive Director Aldo Radamus,�Town of Vail Mayor Dick Cleveland�and former Olympian Chad Fleischer�will take the stage and introduce Vonn at approximately 4 p.m. followed by a special children?s press conference with the ski racing champion. Guests who ride one of several exclusive ?Welcome Home Lindsey? cars on the Eagle Bahn Gondola throughout the day can register to win one of five 2010-2011 Epic 7-Pack Passes. Winners will be announced by Vonn at the conclusion of the homecoming celebration in Vail Square. ?We could not be more proud to welcome Lindsey home to Vail after a season of unprecedented success on both the World Cup and Olympic stages,?�said John Garnsey, co-president of Vail Resorts? Mountain Division and chief operating officer of Beaver Creek Resort. ?Lindsey?s unwavering work ethic and poised representation of our country, our community�and alpine skiing continues to be an inspiration to all of us at Vail Resorts and particularly to the next generation of young athletes following in her tracks.?� Vonn fans can follow Lindsey through her ski racing career this past year via www.LindseyIsEpic.com. The site provides the most detailed background and insider?s view of Vonn?s endeavors this ski season including�27�webisodes and interviews with Vonn chronicling her successful ski career and season to date on the World Cup circuit. The webisodes give fans perspective on Vonn?s drive to becoming a World Champion from preparing and training for World Cup events in pre-season ski fitness sessions in the gym and World Cup race footage as well other unique surprises about Lindsey, including being an owner of three cows and a goat.
Childhood Education: Hiking With Andrew
Lindi Horton finds something less ordinary when hiking with a child in Texas' Warbler Vista.
Discoe, Kearney Take Moguls Gold
.....Squaw Valley, Calif. (Ski Press)-It was icing on the cake for one, and a new frontier for the other as 2010 gold medalist Hannah Kearney and Joey Discoe took moguls titles at the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships at Squaw Valley.Joining Kearney on the podium were two women who picked up the first World Cup wins of their careers this season. Eliza Outtrim (Steamboat Springs, CO), just off a win at World Cup finals in Spain, was second and Heather McPhie (Bozeman, MT) was third.Kearney was happy to share the podium with such distinguished talent."The podium was three individuals who have won a World Cup so you're really skiing against the best in the world, which makes it that much more difficult," Kearney said.The Olympic champ broke out some new moves Friday, throwing a mute grab off the bottom air to freshen up her run and set herself apart from the stiff competition."That was the first time I've ever thrown a mute in competition or qualifying and a new trick, it's always satisfying when that goes well," Kearney said. "I like to try to push myself because I've been stuck in a rut for a few years as far as my tricks go."For Outtrim the day marked another career landmark, which she said she was hoping for after her time in Spain."I've never been on a U.S. Championship podium before, so that's incredible," Outtrim said. "I really wanted to come off the win from last week, ski well here and follow up on that win."As far as her run went, Outtrim was pleased and plans to keep it up."I feel like I messed up my top air a little, but I was really happy with the rest of my run," Outtrim said. "I feel like I'm skiing faster and I've been trying to do that - to push the limits a little bit."Outtrim wasn't the only one making first impressions Friday, as Discoe took down his first Champs podium appearance as well."I'm really excited. It's an amazing feeling and I'm super stoked," Discoe said. "My skiing has been coming together for the last three events with a couple World Cups making the finals. I got a top 10 there and just kept the skiing going into here." Joining Discoe on the podium were Jeremy Cota (Carrabassett Valley, ME) who was second and Michael Morse (Duxburry, MA) who was third.Now with the champs win in Hand, Discoe has a plan for how he can keep his momentum rolling into 2011."Lots of training. I'm going to go home for the summer and take a little bit more of a break to clear my mind and then just get right back into it," Discoe said.Young Cota was also a happy camper on the sunny ski day as he also marked his first appearance on a U.S. Champs podium."It feels great. I skied really well and was happy with the way I skied. I did my harder tricks and landed them, so I was stoked on that. I'm just happy to be on the podium," Cota said.Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships continue Saturday with men's and women's skier halfpipe and aerials competitions.OFFICIAL RESULTS2010 Sprint U.S. Freestyle ChampionshipsSquaw Valley, CA - March 26, 2010MogulsMen1. Joey Discoe, Telluride, CO, 25.512. Jeremy Cota, Steamboat Springs, CO, 25.413. Michael Morse, Duxbury, MA, 25.304. Reed Snyderman, Winchester, MA, 25.295. Dave DiGravio, Farmington, ME, 25.17Women1. Hannah Kearney, Norwich, VT, 26.372. Eliza Outtrim, Steamboat Springs, CO, 25.413. Heather McPhie, Bozeman, MT. 25.024. Shelly Robertson, Reno, NV, 24.815. Laurel Shanley, Squaw Valley, CA, 24.31
Handstand iPad case secures your device unlike anything else
Filed under: Gadling Gear Review
If you like iPad accessories, then the number of available cases for your device will never let you down. Some cases are designed just to make your iPad look better, but others (like the one in this brief review) are made to protect and help make it easier to use your device on the road.
The Handstand case fits snugly around your iPad -- so far, nothing overly different from other cases on the market. Where the Handstand excels is a neat rotating hand grip on the back of the case. Simply slip your hand through the elastic strap, and you can hold your iPad with just one hand and rotate it in any angle you want. The rotating rear also doubles as a stand, allowing you to place your iPad on a flat surface and angle it up a couple of degrees for watching movies. The whole construction feels very solid, and even when you shake your arms around, your iPad won't budge.
The case is available for the original iPad right away ($49.95), and will be ready for the iPad 2 towards the beginning of March ($39.95). Cases for the the original are available in black and white, and iPad 2 Handstand cases come in black, white and pink. You'll find the (pre) purchase links at thehandstand.com.Handstand iPad case secures your device unlike anything else originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
If you like iPad accessories, then the number of available cases for your device will never let you down. Some cases are designed just to make your iPad look better, but others (like the one in this brief review) are made to protect and help make it easier to use your device on the road.
The Handstand case fits snugly around your iPad -- so far, nothing overly different from other cases on the market. Where the Handstand excels is a neat rotating hand grip on the back of the case. Simply slip your hand through the elastic strap, and you can hold your iPad with just one hand and rotate it in any angle you want. The rotating rear also doubles as a stand, allowing you to place your iPad on a flat surface and angle it up a couple of degrees for watching movies. The whole construction feels very solid, and even when you shake your arms around, your iPad won't budge.
The case is available for the original iPad right away ($49.95), and will be ready for the iPad 2 towards the beginning of March ($39.95). Cases for the the original are available in black and white, and iPad 2 Handstand cases come in black, white and pink. You'll find the (pre) purchase links at thehandstand.com.Handstand iPad case secures your device unlike anything else originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
100 great British woods and forests
Our woods and forests are one of the best shows on earth, see our top 100
Hilarious wipeouts from "Bring your own Big Wheel" race in San Francisco
Filed under: Biking, Festivals and Events, North America, United States, Video
Last weekend, on Easter Sunday, San Franciscans took to the streets for the annual big wheel race. The BYOBW (Bring Your Own Big Wheel) race takes place annually on Easter at Potrero Hill in San Francisco. It is a hilariously splendid event. Full grown humans dress up as luchadors, superheros, chickens, and even Michael Jackson and take to the hill on a variety of wheeled contraptions, including the eponymous big wheel. This video is a collection of some of the epic fails and crashes from the 2011 race. For a gallery of the many strange entrants on their racing wheels, click here.Hilarious wipeouts from "Bring your own Big Wheel" race in San Francisco originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Last weekend, on Easter Sunday, San Franciscans took to the streets for the annual big wheel race. The BYOBW (Bring Your Own Big Wheel) race takes place annually on Easter at Potrero Hill in San Francisco. It is a hilariously splendid event. Full grown humans dress up as luchadors, superheros, chickens, and even Michael Jackson and take to the hill on a variety of wheeled contraptions, including the eponymous big wheel. This video is a collection of some of the epic fails and crashes from the 2011 race. For a gallery of the many strange entrants on their racing wheels, click here.Hilarious wipeouts from "Bring your own Big Wheel" race in San Francisco originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Skiinfo: Return of the Big Snowfalls
..... Global Snow (Ski Press)-Skiinfo.co.uk reports that there has been fresh snow across much of Europe and North America in the past few days with many resorts in the Alps and the Pyrenees reporting at least 30cm (a foot) of new snow.The snowfall is continuing today with more fresh snow across both continents. Italy has seen some of the most snow in the past few days, especially in the north of the country. Two thirds of powder alarms issued today for snowfall of more than 20m in 24 hours have been issued for the country, with Limone reporting 60cm (two feet). Temperatures have dropped dramatically from up to 20 degrees last week to sub-zero temperatures by the weekend and more snow is forecast for the rest of the week. Arabba Marmolada has the deepest snow with a five metre (nearly 17 feet) of snow with the Pragelato glacier having 430cm (14.3 feet) and Courmayeur 330cm (11 feet) of snow. Germany had a snowy weekend with more than 30 powder alarms. Most of them were issued in the central and southern uplands (Sauerland, Harz and Black Forest). Gaby Baur of the Black Forest Tourism Board told the regional broadcasting corporation (SWR), ?The current winter season is one of the best we ever had.? The Allg�u saw some remarkable snowfalls, too. On Sunday Grasgehren there even reported the weekend?s biggest snowfall in Germany with 50cm (20 inches) of fresh powder within 24 hours. The Zugspitze had 20cm the same day. Oberstdorf had already reported 30cm (a foot) of powder on Saturday. Today (Wednesday) Austrian ski resorts like Gro�glockner, Katschberg and Ankogel reported another 10-15cm (4-6 inches) of new snow. S�lden got 9cm. The M�lltal glacier issued a powder alarm because of 20cm (eight inches) of fresh powder. Ski resorts in Switzerland were also busy issuing powder alarms on Sunday. Andermatt-Gotthard did so because of 20cm of freshly fallen snow. Peter Heinzer, director of Andermatt Gotthard Sportbahnen, told Skiinfo, ?It?s hardly possible to describe the snow conditions here without using many superlatives,? and so he described the ?finest powder snow? and ?unique skiing conditions.? France turned very cold on Sunday and the south of the country received some significant snowfalls, especially for March.� For example, in the Gard department (Southern France),�40cm of powder in the valleys, which at this time of year and in such volume has not happened since 1974. The Winter X Games Europe kick off in Tignes today for the very first time. Tignes was chosen to host this key event in freestyle ski and snowboard until March 12th.� Chamonix still has the deepest snow in the country with 407cm (13.5 feet), La Grave la Meije has 330cm (11 feet) and La Rosi�re 1850 290cm (nearly 10 feet). There have been big snowfalls in Pyrenees, and the nearby city of Barcelona ground to a standstill due to the weekend snowstorm.� Sierra Nevada continues to have the greatest snow depth in Europe with five metres on their upper slopes. This week this most southern resort in Europe will host the European Freestyle Championship gathering the best freestyle riders (ski and snowboard) in the disciplines of moguls and skicross. The Pyrenees are still looking very nice with more than 2mof snow on the top of the slopes with Boi Taull having the most with three metres.� Formigal has the most terrain open in the region with 240cm (eight feet) on upper slopes and 136km of trails open.� In Canada Banff-Lake Louise has just been named Top North American Spot for Spring Skiing by The New York Times (February 28, 2010) and received another dump of 25cm (10 inches) of fresh powder overnight.
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