Berlin festival of lights

Every year, Berlin undergoes a spectacular transformation with buildings taking on new colours and shapes

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The Radar: Guide to Kerala, Montreal?s Vintage Shops, Bing?s Airport Maps

The Radar: Top travel news, stories, trends, and ideas from across the Web. Got Radar? Follow us on Twitter @NatGeoTraveler and tag your favorite travel stories from the Web #ngtradar. Check back the next day for our daily roundup.

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Photo of the WeekFreeze FestivalValdez, AlaskaFirst Snow in Jackson HoleSwiss Ski TouringSnow Up High at LovelandKaj Zackrisson, scoring points for Team Europe at the Swatch Skiers Cup.The End of Summer Means the Beginning of WinterUSA Pro ChallengeWorld Heli ChallengeTanner Rainville, switch pow at La Parva, ChileWorld Heli ChallengeSummer Skiing at WindellsSouth Korea SkiiingWhistler/Blackcomb Mountain BikingWingsTim Durtschi films with Warren Miller at Points North HeliKayak Freestyle at the Teva Mountain GamesChris Davenport on the approach to EverestSig TveitKip Garre 1973-2011Looking up at the HeliLooking into Stone Creek chutes at Beaver CreekDevin Logan at the 2011 U.S. Freestyle Nationals at StrattonFabio Studer lays down a smooth cork 360

Every once in a while, we stumble across a brilliant amalgamation of composition, scenery, and athletic achievement?otherwise known as an action sports photograph. Check back every week for more eye candy that will make you itch to get outside.

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Skiing Halloween CostumesSaucer BoyHarry and LloydKaj Zackrisson Dexter Rutecki or TJ BurkeBryce KelloggSnowboarder

Halloween is next week and if you?re like us you probably don?t have anything planned and are going to be rummaging through your closet to throw together a zombie/eighties/ghost mash-up. But you can do better. So, we?ve rounded up the best skiing-related costumes we can think of and thrown in some video to help you get the mannerisms and outfits down pat.

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Photos: Where You Went

We are always impressed by our community?s passion for travel and exploration. That?s why every Friday we ask you the same question on�Facebook: Where are you traveling this weekend? See photos of�where you went. And get inspired to plan your next trip. Photos by readers like you. Upload your favorite travel photos with a caption…

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Photo of the Day - Barcelona jamon

Filed under: Food and Drink, Photos, Europe, Spain, Photo of the Day
The humble ham and cheese sandwich is a basic staple of the travel diet. In nearly every country I've traveled to, I can count on finding a cheap and tasty toasted ham and cheese at a snack bar or cafe while exploring a new city. With a nice glass of local wine or a cold beer, this simple sandwich can be sublime. The Spanish, however, have made ham an art form, noted by this display in Barcelona taken by Flickr user BaboMike. From the relatively cheap Pernil Bodega to the pricey (but worth it) Pernil Iberic de Gla, any of these would make a divine snack or a meal. Since I live in a Muslim country where pork is hard to find and expensive, I remember eyeing ham like this in Barcelona like a wolf in an old cartoon and contemplated bringing one home to be the envy of all my fellow expats in Istanbul.

Do you agree with the photographer that the Spanish out-do the Italians in the ham department? Where have you had the best ham? Upload your tastiest shots to the Gadling Flickr pool and we might salivate over them for a future Photo of the Day.Photo of the Day - Barcelona jamon originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

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From Egypt to Wall St. ? The revolution comes to America

Asmaa Mahfouz urges the Occupy Movement to stay strong.

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DH-er Scotty Mac Retires After 12 Seasons

..... Crystal Mountain, Wash. (Ski Press)-Two-time Olympian Scott Macartney announced his retirement from the U.S. Ski Team leaving a legacy of leadership at every level of the U.S. alpine program.In 12 years with the Team, 'Mac' amassed World Cup podiums, top-10 finishes at Olympics and World Championships and a record of World Cup points at every downhill venue he raced. "There's a lot of things that I'm proud of in ski racing, but some of my greatest memories are fairly recent," said Macartney. "Our speed team's trip to Moab mountain biking last summer was pretty amazing for our group. It was cool to get together and be competitive in something else other than ski racing. There are bonds I've built with these guys I'll hold my entire life." A skier from birth, Macartney's volunteer Ski Patrol parents had him on boards at age three. By seven he had started racing at Crystal Mountain and in 1998 made his break through with a bronze medal and the Junior World Championships in Megeve, France. Through racing, he continued his education through Dartmouth College and received a degree in 2004. His rise through the U.S. Ski Team program was something that Head Speed Coach Chris Brigham lived through every training camp, every race start and every injury. "Mac has always been a leader in this program," said Brigham, who has been with the U.S. Ski Team since 1997. "As a young guy he was pushing the veterans then it was him getting pushed and responding with outstanding performances. He's battled through a lot of injuries and came back charging and smiling. As a team, we're all bummed he's leaving. He's been a fantastic teammate and a friend for a long time. We'll miss him." His most notable injury, both personally and across the ski racing community was at the 2008 Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria. After finishing on the podium earlier that year in Val Gardena, Italy, Macartney was on laser point to what would have been a top 10 at ski racings biggest and most treacherous event when a crash off the finish jump sent him through the finish line unconscious. It was his 30th birthday. After completing an incredible recovery, he returned to the World Cup circuit the following season and was producing some of the best skiing of his career when another crash in Wengen, Switzerland ? the week before Kitzbuehel ? knocked him out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. The result was another year of waiting before returning to Kitzbuehel. "I was ready to charge it again in at Kitz last year. I had just come off an incredible race in Bormio, which is one of the gnarliest tracks in all of ski racing and then I blew my ACL at Wengen. It was pretty heartbreaking, but I'd been there before," Macartney said. It was heartbreaking to his coaches too. Brigham, more than anyone, was fired up to see him conquer the Hahnenkamm and knew that his skiing was in a place where he could, then the crash at Wengen. It hit teammate Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) especially hard. "That December, he was skiing better than ever," said Sullivan. "He basically came back from something that no one would have thought possible. He was super focused and then he blew out his knee, but he still came back to race at Kitz the next year. That showed a lot about his character. He has a unique passion for the sport and for him to put that out there is pretty inspiring." "To see him cross the finish line at Kitzbuehel, two years after that crash - as a coach - was one of the coolest things of my career. I couldn't have been more proud," added Brigham. Yet it wasn't the mark Macartney wanted to leave. "I never had just a check box next to Kitzbuehel," he said. "It wasn't that I just wanted to finish again, I wanted a top 10, I wanted a top 5, but by the time I got back there it became more about how my body felt. My back was hurting, my hip was hurting. I wanted to charge, but being in the finish again and on my feet, that was pretty special. While Sullivan's worries end when it comes to Macartney's next career, he does have some competitive fire left for the snow and plans to go head-to-head with Macartney in one more race this season. The friends plan to meet early April in Alaska for the Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic, a unique event deep in the Hoodoo Mountains that opens with a downhill, before the skier is intersected by a snowmobile and towed at 90 mph through a canyon then whipped down to the finish line. From the start, the course drops 1,700 feet to "hook-up" then climbs 1,200 feet to "release" before dropping 1,200 feet to the finish line. Both Macartney and Sullivan have Arctic Man victories on their resume, with Macartney, along with driver Tyler Johnson, holding the event record. On this line this year is a guaranteed purse of $25,000.

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Tropical Drink Recipe: Abuelo Sparkler

SERVES 1
? 2 oz. Ron Abuelo A�ejo ? 4 oz. sparkling wine? ginger ale
Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the Ron Abuelo, then the sparkling wine. Top with ginger ale to taste, and serve.

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Pacific Islands Mystery Sale

<< Back to the Mystery Sale Homepage
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Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.



Package TitleLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin elit. Lorem ipsum. I'm off for 10 days of adventure in the Dominican Republic, one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean with a seemingly endless variety of cultural, culinary and back-country opportunities.

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Kandersteg's Belle Epoque week: party like it's 1899

The Swiss village comes alive each January with dapper gents in frock coats on antique skis at its annual Belle Epoque week"And for you, Herr Mellor, we have ?" Volunteer wardrobe mistress Nicole scans the rather paltry selection of Edwardian-ish garments on a clothes rail. My small British crew and I have arrived in the little Bernese Oberland village of Kandersteg half a day into this year's Belle Epoque week celebrations, and are paying the price for our tardiness ? come our turn at the tourist office's dressing-up box, only drag dregs remain.As we emerge on to snow-choked streets backdropped by steep, forested mountainsides and towering cliffs striped with frozen waterfalls, Ben is Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins. Adrian has come over all late-Victorian funeral director while Simon appears to be channelling Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant. I am in a black frock coat, party-shop plastic bowler and improvised, pearl tie-pinned cravat. When I put on my comically inappropriate wraparound ski shades against the late-afternoon sunlight, I look like an Orthodox Jewish hitman from an as-yet-unmade Tarantino movie. And as the prematurely aged, time-travelling boy band we resemble sidles into the afternoon's tea dance at the Victoria Ritter hotel, we only suffer more by comparison. Elegant ladies in silk gowns, satin gloves and feathered proto-fascinators float around the ballroom on the arms of dapper gents in tailcoats and patterned waistcoats."Last year no one knew what to expect," says Rudi Schorer, Kandersteg's stationmaster, over champagne at the bar ? bubbly was perfected during the belle �poque, he tells me. "So people dressed in clothes belonging to their grandparents. But this year, the locals have really made efforts. Some have had outfits specially made. Some have hired costumes from other towns. And what is interesting also is that they turn society upside down. Workers dress as rich people, very nice and fancy, while professionals ? lawyers, bankers ? like to look like the farmers and labourers of the time."Kanderstegers can't be faulted on their commitment. Horse-drawn carriages cruise the narrow streets, captained by pipe-puffing old boys in caped greatcoats.That period of peace, optimistic social and technological progress, rude cultural health, and the (comparative) democratisation of international travel was a golden era for this tiny town. Thomas Cook brought his first British package holidaymakers here in 1864."The idea of Belle Epoque week," says tourism director Jerun Vils of the packed schedule of sporting, cultural and social events, "was to let people replay what a holiday would have been like at that time."Action-packed, it would seem. The next morning, my snowboard and I ride the gondola up to Kandersteg's titchy ski area. The 21km of runs are short and gentle, but they sit close to some heart-stopping, Unesco world heritage-approved scenery, including Oeschinen lake, whose thick ice today affords some hikers on snowshoes a bottom-to-top, nose-to-rock look at the sheer faces of the 3,663m Bl�emlisalp, which plunges vertically into its spring-fed depths. Although Kandersteg is nowadays primarily a summer destination, frozen water chutes make it a world-class ice-climbing spot.One schnapps-fuelled curling match later, I'm putting on skis for the first time in my life to try out another of Kandersteg's specialities. With 76km of prepared trails, the town's generous valley floor makes it Switzerland's number three resort for cross-country skiing. I skid across snow fields and nip into the perfect silence of thick stands of pines, before it's time to watch an olde-worlde bobsleigh race back in town. The local carpenter and blacksmith have built several sleds to authentic 1910 designs for the occasion, and the track is lined with spectators. Races done, there's barely time for a shower before my frock coat and I are due at the Waldhotel Doldenhorn for a musical dinner, with salon songs provided by a soprano and a pianist spirited in from Zurich.Even on my way to the station at the end of my trip, I'm still discovering just how much the local people have got behind this unique idea. In the window of the town's supermarket, transformed by some ye-olde window-dressing into a faux-early 20th century grocer's shopfront, a chalkboard announces a thrilling new advance in toilet paper technology. This tissue, it boasts, comes on a "roll".? Kandersteg's Belle Epoque week runs from 22-29 January 2012 (+41 33 675 8080, kandersteg.ch/en/belle_epoque). Swiss (swiss.com) flies Heathrow-Zurich from �115 return. Full board trips to Kandersteg, including flights, with Swiss Travel Service (0844 879 8002, swisstravelski.co.uk) cost from �535pp for a week, and �359pp for three daysSwitzerlandWinter sportsSkiingguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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5 train trips everyone should experience

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Food and Drink, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Peru, Hotels and Accommodations, Transportation, Budget Travel, Women's Travel, Luxury TravelWhile some train routes can seem long and boring, there are many that allow for great views of unique landscape or luxury service. Still, there are some train rides that go above and beyond your wildest imagination. Check out these five train trips that everyone should experience in their lifetime.

The Blue Train
South Africa

The Blue Train travels approximately 1,000 miles between Pretoria and Cape Town and is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. Some of the amenities include butler service, two lounge cars (one smoking, one non-smoking), an observation car, and sound-proofed carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, full-carpeting, an en-suite bathrooms (many of which include a full bathtub). Both kings and presidents have made this journey, as the train is marketed as a "magnificent, moving 5-star hotel". Along with luxury, the Blue Train also takes passengers through unique countryside scenery. Rolling vineyards, pristine coastline, and jagged mountain faces are all right outside your luxurious, gold-tinted view.Continue reading 5 train trips everyone should experience5 train trips everyone should experience originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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How to: Weave a Mayan basket

In the past, Maya women used spines from trees as needles.

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Great walking ideas

The National Trust Walking Festival, New Forest hideaways and a cottage for ChristmasTake me there: National Trust Walking FestivalThere's more to the National Trust than stiff old stately homes. The charity manages some of Britain's wildest and most beautiful landscapes and is encouraging people to explore them with the launch of its first nationwide Walking Festival (22-30 October). There are hundreds of walks to embark on, from gentle family rambles to challenging 18-mile hikes. All offer an interesting take on the landscape, from a night hike in Sheringham Park to see the nocturnal wildlife to an archaeology walk at Stonehenge. And the real beauty of walking on National Trust land is that you're never far from a tea shop. For details, visit tinyurl.com/68bejk9Joanne's travel clinic: A cottage for ChristmasThe dilemma I've been given the task of booking a cottage for Christmas for a family group of eight adults and four children. We want a big country house, but all the good places seem to be booked up. Have I left it too late? Julia MJo replies Large houses do get snapped up well in advance, but there are still some (Christmas) crackers to be found. Monaltrie House in Royal Deeside offers tartan and tweed, four-poster beds, open fires and skiing in the nearby Cairngorms national park (�4,535 for a week, hoseasons.co.uk). A cluster of small cottages can work just as well for a large group and will give everyone some breathing space. Treworgey is a group of 10 cosy Cornish cottages. Not only is there a fab games room and farm animals to keep the kids amused, but the owners will supply festive goodies, such as mince pies and a tree. Book three properties (sleeping six, four and two) for �3,469 per week (premiercottages.co.uk). The four cottages at Pilgrims House in Bacton, Norfolk, sleep 18 and come with indoor pool and sauna (�4,000 per week, norfolkcottages.co.uk). There's a beach nearby for a bracing Boxing Day walk and everything for the festive period is supplied. This being Norfolk, they'll even throw in the turkey.Three of the best: New Forest hideawaysWith autumn's colour in the trees and the first chill in the air, the New Forest is a magical place to be at this time of year. Here are three brilliant boltholes for a seasonal escape1. The Pig, Brockenhurst Stylish but unstuffy, the Pig promised to redefine the country house hotel experience when it opened this summer. Job done (01590 622 354; thepighotel.co.uk)2. The Master Builder's, Buckler's Hard Between forest and sea, this quirky hotel combines ethnic chic with a maritime setting (01590 616 253; themasterbuilders.co.uk)3. Chewton Glen, New Milton A country house classic which gets everything right, from the spa to the scones served with afternoon tea (01425 275 341; chewtonglen.com)? If you have a travel dilemma, email Joanne O'Connor at magazine@observer.co.ukWalking holidaysFamily holidaysSelf-cateringShort breaksHotelsJoanne O'Connorguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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Luxury camping in Lanzarote

An off-grid luxury yurt in Lanzarote proves there's nothing grotty about this Canary Island, with its golden beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes and fantastic foodI had assured friends that staying in a yurt in Lanzarote would be a treat, not a chore. But even I didn't realise just how luxurious the Eco Yurt Royale would be, nor how beautiful the island. I got a hint when my boyfriend and I were greeted at the airport with a chilled bottle of cava and taken on a chauffeur-driven tour through the mountains at sunset. And another when we arrived at the finca on the edge of Arrieta, a fishing village on the north-east coast, to see our private terrace lit by dozens of twinkling lanterns. Then we were whisked to El Lago in Arrieta (+34 928 848176) for Canarian tapas ? stuffed peppers, grilled octopus, garlicky prawns ? then fish and papas arrugados, the Canaries' addictive wrinkled potatoes, with mojo sauce.Back at the finca, we sat amid tea lights in the raised bamboo gazebo that would become our favourite spot, sipped white wine and listened to waves crashing on the beach. Our yurt was at one end of its own walled plot. On one side was a marble-floored wet room and toilet, a shaded daybed and the gazebo. On the other side was a covered outdoor kitchen with granite-topped breakfast bar and a covered lounge area, for rare rainy days or, more likely, a break from the sun: Lanzarote is sunny all year round. In February we lolled on sun loungers while freezing fog settle over England; in October, the average is 26C, falling to a still-pleasant 24C in November.The yurt itself was a vast circular space split into sleeping areas: a wooden frame made from criss-crossed poles with a domed ceiling covered by fabric skins and a skylight. The walls were scarlet, the floor tiled and inset with star-shaped lights, the furniture antique, the bed king-size and sumptuous.This was the most palatial of several yurts on the finca. But if sleeping under canvas doesn't appeal ? however far removed it is from a two-man from Millets ? a couple of stone-built properties have just opened, including a restored watermill four-poster bed. The owners' house is on site, and their four children and various pets add a delightful Darling Buds of May feel, tempering the stylish side and helping guests feel at home.Breakfasts were special: we were encouraged to rummage in the hen boxes for just-laid eggs, which were scrambled for us and served with coffee. Self-caterers can order a box of local fruit and vegetables, cheese, honey and corn bread. I began to fantasise about staying on our plot all holiday, emerging occasionally for a dip in the small communal pool, or to stroll to the beach, tapas bar and village.But guests in the luxury yurt also have use of a hybrid car. (The environment is taken seriously here: the retreat is off-grid, powered by wind turbines and solar panels.) We were duty-bound to explore. It is unfair that Lanzarote retains its "grotty" image. The landscape is a kaleidoscope of colours, albeit from a restricted palette: white houses, black volcanic rock, green cacti, golden beaches, sparkling sapphire seas.The main sights are linked to C�sar Manrique, the celebrated 1960s artist who prevented mass development marring his beloved island and made a virtue of its geographical quirks. The lower level of his house ? now a gallery ? is made from huge air bubbles left by flowing lava (+34 928 843138, cesarmanrique.com, adults ?25, children ?12). Concert halls, restaurants and a swimming pool are situated in volcanic caves; an old quarry is now a cactus garden; a lookout point and former gun emplacement is now a cafe/bar. Every roundabout has a Manrique sculpture or wind chime.He is rivalled only by the volcanic landscape he so loved. The Monta�as de Fuego in the west is the most dramatic example, an other-worldly, scarred landscape that saw cataclysmic eruptions in the 18th century. But Manrique managed to stamp his mark on this too, designing El Diablo there (+34 928 840056), a circular, glass-walled restaurant that uses volcanic heat to cook its fish and steaks.Volcano-fired fare was a novelty, but we preferred our barbecue at the yurt ? simple food in simply stunning surroundings.? One Off Places (oneoffplaces.co.uk) has a week self-catering for up to six at the Eco Yurt Royale from ?1,400. Other yurts cost from ?65 a night, see lanzaroteretreats.com. Jet2.com (0871 226 1737, jet2.com) flies to Lanzarote from Leeds Bradford, Manchester, East Midlands and Newcastle from �80 returnCanary IslandsSpainCampingFood and drinkShort breaksFamily holidaysRachel Dixonguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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The Radar: Happy Birthday Lady Liberty, India?s Top Hotels, How to Budget a RTW Trip

The Radar: Top travel news, stories, trends, and ideas from across the web. Got Radar? Follow us on Twitter @NatGeoTraveler and tag your favorite travel stories from the Web #ngtradar. Check back the next day for our daily roundup.

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Secret Venice

Real Venice, an exhibition of photographic works by 14 internationally renowned artists, including Nan Goldin, has just opened in London

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Want to be a travel writer?

Want to be a travel writer? Well here's your chance. Enter our 2011 travel writing competition and you could win a fantastic holiday to Mexico, California, Italy, the UK, Zambia or even Antarctica ? and see your story in printYes, it's that time of year again ? as summer draws to a close, we are inviting you to enter our fourth annual readers' travel writing competition. Why not have a crack at travel writing, and tell us about your holidays?In reward, you can win one of six brilliant trips ? to be written up as a travel article commission for this section. There are six categories to choose from.The best entries, including the six winners and top runners up, will be selected by a panel of judges, made up of our own team plus an independent travel expert for each category. The best will be published in a special issue of Travel later this year.The piece must be no longer than 500 words (anything over that will be disqualified). The judges will look for an entertaining, informative and colourful account of a trip you've taken over the last year, a piece that evokes a sense of place, reveals something new and provides useful information about the destination.The feature must not have been published before. You can only enter your piece once under one category, though you may write different pieces about different trips for each category if you wish.Entries should be emailed to travelwritingcomp@guardian.co.uk, specifying the category you are entering and your name in the subject bar. Your email must include your address and phone number. The deadline for entries is 23.59pm on 23 October 2011.Scroll down the page for terms and conditions of the competition and prizes.Here are the categories:The big adventureHave you done something really different, exciting, active or adventurous? Tell us about it and you could win an amazing trip to Antarctica with Gap Adventures (gapadventures.com), worth a whopping �11,339pp!The 20-day Spirit of Shackleton Antarctica trip must be taken on specific dates, 11?30 January 2012, which coincides with the centenary of Captain Scott reaching the South Pole on 17 January. The trip is for one person and includes a return flight to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires, up to the value of �1,500.The UK tripTell us about your travels closer to home and you could win a stay in a contemporary, glass-fronted cabin (with an outdoor hot tub) in Sherwood Forest with Forest Holidays (0845 456 6858, forestholidays.co.uk). The winner of this category will stay in a luxury Golden Oak cabin for up to four people for three nights over a weekend, or four mid-week, and enjoy activities such as biking and forest ranger guided walks. The cabin also features DVD, a log-burning stove, Wii and a verandah, and usually costs from �208 for a weekend.The summer holidayIf you've been on a fantastic summer jaunt, tell us about it ? you could win a seven-night summer break in Canc�n in Mexico for two people with Funway Holidays (0844 557 3333, funwayholidays.co.uk). It includes all-inclusive accommodation at Moon Palace Golf Resort & Spa on the Riviera Maya, a 4.5-star family-friendly resort (palaceresorts.com), two return flights with Virgin Atlantic (virgin-atlantic.com) on its new route from Gatwick to Canc�n, an excursion to Chichen Itza, the amazing archaeological zone and ancient capital of the Mayan empire and airport transfers.The short breakThis category covers the shorter trips that you may have taken abroad this year, such as a city break. Ideally this would reveal something different or unknown about a destination, perhaps in regard to its culture or food. In return you can win a lovely two-night trip for two people to the beautiful city of Aosta in the Italian Alps (aosta-valley.co.uk). It includes return flights from the UK, two nights at the four-star Hotel Albergo Milleluci (hotelmilleluci.com), a guided tour of the Roman town, including a visit to the Sarre Castle, a full day's hiking in the Gran Paradiso national park, and a visit to Bard Fortress with lunch at Ad Gallias restaurant (hoteladgallias.it/ristorante), a favourite of the chef Valentine Warner.The family holidayFamily holidays are never dull, so tell us about yours and you could win a snowboarding trip to California for a family of four (two adults, two children aged 18 or under) with Virgin Holidays (virginholidays.co.uk).The prize includes four economy flights on Virgin Atlantic (Heathrow?San Francisco), seven days' 4WD car hire; five nights' B&B in a hotel (family room) at Heavenly ski resort (skiheavenly.com), five days' lift pass and snowboarding equipment hire, three half-day lessons for everyone; plus two nights' room-only hotel accommodation (family room) in San Francisco.AccommodationHave you stayed somewhere really fantastic or unusual? Write and tell us about it. You could win a trip for two to Zambia with Wildestate Africa (wildestate.com) to stay for seven nights all-inclusive at Kotakota Hills (kotakota.com), a luxury safari lodge on Lake Kariba. The prize includes safari drives, watersports on Lake Kariba, birdwatching, golf and spa treatments, as well as return flights from London to Livingstone or Lusaka with either South African Airlines (flysaa.com) or Kenya Airways (kenya-airways.com), all transfers (including transfer by plane from the airport) and accommodation in one of the 12 lodges.FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS1. The Readers' Summer Holiday Travel Writing competition (the "Competition") is open to UK residents aged 18 and over ("You") subject to paragraph 2, below.2. Employees or agencies of Guardian News & Media Limited ("GNM", "We") its group companies or their family members, freelance contributors to GNM, or anyone else connected with the Competition may not enter the Competition.3. By entering the Competition you are accepting these terms and conditions.4. To enter the Competition, you must write a feature of no more than 500 words about a holiday you took over the last year in one of the following six categories: A big adventure; UK trip; short-break; family; summer holiday; accommodation.5. Your feature must not have been published before in any other publication (or on any website).6. You should email your entry to us at: travelwritingcomp@guardian.co.uk. You must state which of the categories you are entering, and include your name, address and daytime contact telephone number.7. If You have any questions about how to enter or in connection with the Competition, please email us at travelwritingcomp@guardian.co.uk with "Readers' Holiday Travel Writing competition" in the subject line.8. You are responsible for the cost (if any) of sending your Competition entry to us.9. Only one entry is permitted per person, in each category. You can only enter each story under one category, though you could write stories about different trips for each category.10. The closing date and time of the Competition is 23.59pm on Sunday 23 October 2011. Entries received after that date and time will not be considered.11. You own the copyright to your Competition entry as its author.12. By submitting an entry to the Competition, You give GNM:a. Permission for your entry to be published in any GNM publication and on guardian.co.uk and grant GNM a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to republish your Competition entry in electronic format and hard copy for purposes connected with the Competition (including, but not limited to, for the purposes and in the manner set out in paragraph 19 below); andb. The right to use your name and town or city of residence for the sole purpose of identifying You as the author of your entry and/or as a winner or runner-up of the Competition.13. Your entry must be your own work, must not be copied, must not contain any third-party materials and/or content that You do not have permission to use and must not otherwise be obscene, defamatory or in breach of any applicable laws or regulations. If We have reason to believe your entry is not your own work or otherwise breaches this paragraph 13, then We may not consider it.Picking the winners14. The Competition will be judged by GNM's expert in-house team of travel writers (Andy Pietrasik, head of travel; Gemma Bowes, travel editor, Guardian Travel; Richard Eilers, chief sub-editor, Guardian Travel; Liz Boulter, sub-editor, Guardian Travel; Catherine Nelson, sub-editor, Guardian Travel; Isabel Choat, editor, Guardian travel website; Gavin McOwan, sub-editor, Guardian travel website), together with an independent judge in each category. The judges will choose six winning entries for the Competition, and a number of runners up. There will be one winner in each category of the Competition, but the judges may select as many runners up in each category as they choose. Details of the independent judge are available on request to travelwritingcomp@guardian.co.uk.15. When choosing the winners, the judges will be looking for the most well written, lively and entertaining stories that evoke the best sense of place, and have an angle or say something new.16. The judges' decision of who the winners are will be made on or before 20 November 2011. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.The Prizes17. The winning prize for each category of the Competition is:a. The big adventure category:Prize includes one place on the January 11 2012 departure of XVSHSX Spirit of Shackleton cruise to Antarctica with Gap Adventures (0844 272 0000, gapadventures.com), worth �11,339pp.It includes a berth in a Category 3 cabin ? this is a twin cabin (two lower berths) with private en-suite facilities, larger window and located on deck 3.A flight budget for the prize winner is included for a UK outbound return flight to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires up to the value of �1,500, which includes all taxes, charges and APD. The flight must be booked by 1 December 2011 and is arranged by calling 0844 272 0000.This prize does not cover any additional extras or optionals such as kayaking or camping, an extra charge to ensure you have your own room (you may have to share with another guest depending on how busy the boat is), on-board expenses, bar expenses and flights unless where indicated as an integral part of the tour.The prize is completely non-transferable, non-refundable, cannot be taken on an alternative date or sailing.b. The UK trip category: Prize includes a stay in a luxury Golden Oak cabin for up to four people for three nights over a weekend, or four mid-week, in Sherwood Forest with Forest Holidays (0845 456 6858, forestholidays.co.uk).The holiday must be taken between 15 /4/12 and 15/09/12, excluding the month of August.Subject to availability. Additional meals and drink are not included.c. Summer holiday category: Prize is a seven day trip to Mexico for two people with Funway Holidays (0844 557 3333, funwayholidays.co.uk). It includes all-inclusive accommodation at Moon Palace Golf Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya, a 4.5* family friendly resort (palaceresorts.com); two return flights (economy) with Virgin Atlantic (on its new route); an excursion for two to Chichen Itza; return airport transfers and all airport taxes and charges.Tour must be taken between 12 June 2012 (when the flight route launches) and September 2012.Subject to availability.d. A short-break category: A two-night trip for two people to the beautiful city of Aosta in Italy, provided by the Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta.Prize includes two return flights from UK, departure airport at the tourist board's discretion.Two nights at the four star Hotel Albergo Milleluci (hotelmilleluci.com), a guided tour of the Roman town including a visit to the Sarre Castle, a full day hiking in the Gran Paradiso national park, and a visit to Bard Fortress with lunch at Ad Gallias restaurant. Additional meals and drink are not included.Trip can be taken anytime before September 2012, subject to availability.No alternative prize is offered.e. Family holiday category: Prize is a seven-night trip for a family of four (two adults, two children aged 18 or under) to California with Virgin Holidays (virginholidays.com). It includes four economy flights on Virgin Atlantic (Heathrow to San Francisco), seven days' 4WD car hire; five nights' hotel accommodation in a family room (including breakfast) at Heavenly ski resort including five day's lift-pass and snowboarding equipment hire; plus two nights hotel accommodation, in a family room (room only) in San Francisco.The prizewinner will need to travel in the snow season, between December 2011 and April 2012, excluding the period between 12 December 2011 and 10 January. Virgin Holidays will strive to book people in their first date preference but it will depend on availability.Winners will have to obtain their own travel insurance, as well as other extras including meals, petrol, hotel laundry, mini bar, room service, telephone calls etc.All travellers must travel at the same time on the same itinerary. Winners must arrange their own ESTA documentation.f. Accommodation category: The prize is a trip to Zambia for two people with Wildestate Africa (wildestate.com). The prize includes seven nights all-inclusive at Kotakota Hills (kotakota.com), a luxury safari lodge on Lake Kariba in Zambia. You'll be transferred by plane from Lusaka or Livingstone airport. The prize includes safari drives, water sports on Lake Kariba, birdwatching, golf and spa treatments, as well as return flights from London to Livingstone or Lusaka with either South African Airlines (flysaa.com) or Kenya Airways (kenya-airways.com), all transfers and accommodation in one of the 12 lodges.18. The winners will be notified by GNM by telephone or by email on or before 20 November 2011 and will be given details of how to claim their prize. If a winner does not respond to GNM within 7 days of being notified by GNM, then the winner's prize will be forfeited and GNM shall be entitled to select another winner (and that winner will have to respond to the phone call or email from GNM within 7 days or else they will also forfeit their prize). If a winner rejects their prize, then the winner's prize will be forfeited and GNM shall be entitled to select another winner from the runners up.19. The winners and selected runners-up will have their entries printed in the Travel section of the Guardian and on guardian.co.uk/travel on a Saturday on or after Saturday 20 November 2011 (at GNM's sole discretion). The runner-up entries that are selected for print and online use will be edited. Some or all of the submitted entries may also be added, in edited form, to the Been there readers' tips site on guardian.co.uk.20. The prizes cannot be exchanged or transferred by You and cannot be redeemed by You for cash or any other prize. You must pay all other costs associated with the prize and not specifically included in the prize including, without limitation, meals (other than those specified), personal expenses, insurance, visas and transfers.21. We retain the right to substitute the prizes with other prizes of similar value in the event that the original prizes offered are not available.Some other rules22. Entries on behalf of another person will not be accepted and joint submissions are not allowed.23. We take no responsibility for entries that are lost, delayed, misdirected or incomplete or cannot be delivered or entered for any technical or other reason. Proof of delivery of the entry is not proof of receipt.24. Details of the winners can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to the following address: Readers' Summer Holiday Travel Writing competition, Guardian Travel desk, Guardian News & Media Limited, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU.25. No purchase is necessary.26. The winners may be required for promotional activity.27. The Promoter of the Competition is Guardian News & Media Limited whose address is Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Any complaints regarding the Competition should be sent to this address.28. Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall exclude the liability of GNM for death, personal injury, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation as a result of its negligence.29. GNM accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by You as a result of entering the Competition or accepting any prize.GNM further disclaims liability for any injury or damage to You or any other person's computer relating to or resulting from participation in or downloading any materials in connection with the Competition.30. GNM reserves the right at any time and from time to time to modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, this Competition with or without prior notice due to reasons outside its control (including, without limitation, in the case of anticipated, suspected or actual fraud). The decision of GNM in all matters under its control is final and binding.31. GNM shall not be liable for any failure to comply with its obligations where the failure is caused by something outside its reasonable control. Such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, weather conditions, fire, flood, hurricane, strike, industrial dispute, war, hostilities, political unrest, riots, civil commotion, inevitable accidents, supervening legislation or any other circumstances amounting to force majeure.32. The Competition will be governed by English law.Travel writing competitionguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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Pacific Islands Mystery Sale Registration Form

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Business travel prices to increase convervatively in 2012

The need for companies to invest in business travel as a means to support business growth, as well as travel providers? discipline in managing supply, will likely lead to increases in business travel prices paid worldwide in 2012. Business travel rate increases are likely to be conservative in North America and Europe; however, Asia and Latin America are likely to see relatively higher increases as travel demand within and to these regions remains strong.
The annual American Express Global Business Travel Global Forecast, which has been produced for more than two decades, includes more than 2,200 individual predictions, including 136 air pricing predictions globally by type of flight and class of service; 932 country, regional, and city hotel rate predictions by mid-tier, upper tier, and overall property averages; and 35 country and regional ground transportation predictions on base rates and average daily rates expected to be paid worldwide next year.
?The travel industry remains a complex and ever-changing marketplace as it seeks to regain both pre-recession pricing and profitability levels in the face of economic anxiety,? said Christa Degnan Manning, director of Expert Insights research, American Express Global Business Travel. ?As business travel is both an essential part of global economic performance as well as an enabler of business growth, we expect the combination of demand and effective travel supplier yield management to likely push rates business travelers pay up across the board in 2012.?
North America Airfare Projections
American Express expects steadfast capacity restrictions by suppliers will likely boost airline prices, even in the face of a potential economic slowdown, resulting in average low to middle single-digit growth in contracted rates for businesses next year.
Notably, business class airfares are expected to see the greatest increase in 2012 as airlines take advantage of business travelers needing to be on the road to secure new accounts and market expansion where opportunities exist. These increases will likely be true even if consumers opt to stay home in the face of a potential double-dip recession in Western markets as travel suppliers target business people with the classes of service and productivity-based amenities preferred by the frequent traveler community.North America Short Haul (Economy):� 2 ? 5%
North America Long Haul (Economy):� 0.5 ? 3.5%
North America Short Haul (Business):� 5 ? 7%
North America Long Haul (Business):� 3 ? 5%
North America Hotel Projections
The low single-digit gains hoteliers were able to secure in average business travel rates in 2011 are likely to continue in the coming year as hoteliers seek to reach pre-recession room rate levels. Across the two primary business travel hotel categories of mid-range and upper-range properties, the Global Forecast predicts likely low single-digit increases in North America. Of note, metropolitan areas play a significant role in expected price increases which vary by individual city market.North America Mid-Range:� 2.5 ? 6.5%
North America Upper-Range:� 1.5 ? 5.5%
?To mitigate price increases in hotel in 2012, travel managers could benefit from benchmarking rates by property tier and city as supply pipelines and travel demand vary by location,? continued Manning.� ?Buyers should also carefully calculate and measure the value of employee productivity-enabling services provided by hotels such as Internet connectivity and business center usage, as hoteliers increasingly seek to remove these from contracted rates to drive their own revenue-generating opportunities in the face of low base rate gains next year.?
Car Rental Projections
Car rental rates in North America are expected to remain flat as a result of a highly competitive marketplace and excess capacity.North America Base Rates:� (-1)% ? 0%
North America Rate Per Day:� 2 ? 3%
?2012 is the year to aggressively target car rental contract negotiations as it promises the best opportunity for year-over-year savings in travel category management,? added Manning. ?Similar to air and hotel, car rental companies are seeking to recoup average daily rate declines of the past few years with additional fees and services, so companies should particularly pay attention to mitigating those costs in ground transport by clarifying policies and educating their traveler populations on which expenses will be reimbursed.?Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Airfare and Hotel Projections
Persistent economic anxiety underlies average low single-digit EMEA airfare predicted increases. However, travel volumes and capacity will likely vary throughout the region and result in a range of pricing changes, particularly by type of flight.� For instance, long haul and business class travel is expected to see relatively higher increases over short-haul and economy as European business people go abroad to Asia and Latin America to capitalize on growth opportunities in emerging markets.EMEA Short Haul (Economy):� 0 ? 4%
EMEA Long Haul (Economy):� 2.5 ? 5%
EMEA Short Haul (Business):� 1 ? 4%
EMEA Long Haul (Business):� 3 ? 7%

For corporate hotel rates in EMEA, the region is likely to see conservative increases; however, there will likely be declines in markets like Spain and Greece that are enduring particularly challenging economic conditions. This year the Global Forecast includes details for both upper-tier and moderate properties across 400 European, Middle Eastern and African cities, 273 more EMEA cities than included in the Global Forecast in years past.EMEA Mid-Range:� 0.5 ? 4.5%
EMEA Upper-Range: 1 ? 5%
Latin American (LATAM) Airfare and Hotel Projections
The combination of several strong economies in Latin America and consolidation among regional carriers is expected to push airfare higher overall for the LATAM region. However, country-to-country factors such as inflation and foreign exchange rates greatly impact expected pricing between destinations.LATAM Short Haul (Economy): 4 ? 6%
LATAM Long Haul (Economy): 3 ? 5%
LATAM Short Haul (Business): 6 ? 9%
LATAM Long Haul (Business): 5 ? 8%

The LATAM hotel market is similarly bolstered by strong economies and is projected to have moderate increases at both mid-range and upper-range properties. Hotel occupancy and pricing for the region are primarily influenced by the strength of business hubs including Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Santiago, and Rio De Janerio.LATAM Mid-Range:� 1 ? 5%
LATAM Upper-Range: 2 ? 6%
Asia-Pacific (APAC) Projections
The APAC region continues to be a relative bright spot in an otherwise uncertain economic picture globally, and is expected to lead in business travel demand. As such, airfare is expected to increase significantly in the region on top of considerable jumps in prices paid in 2011.APAC Short Haul (Economy): 1 ? 5%
APAC Long Haul (Economy):� 5 ? 9%
APAC Short Haul (Business):� 2 ? 6%
APAC Long Haul (Business):� 6 ? 10%
?Overall the Asian market appears to be poised to continue on its growth track, and business travel activity is expected to remain strong as companies within the region and across the world send travelers there to capitalize on its economic expansion,? said Manning. ?Accordingly, airfare in Asia Pacific is generally expected to rise next year, especially for long-haul flights.?
As with airfare, the increased volume of travelers in the Asia Pacific region, coupled with constrained capacity, is resulting in increased hotel rates. However, pricing fluctuations impact Asia Pacific as they do the rest of the world, with expectations for declines in some cities based on location-specific conditions. For example, Shanghai has abundant capacity, having added significantly for Expo 2010, so will likely see price declines. APAC Mid-Range:� 6 ?10%
APAC� Upper-Range:� 6 ?10%
?As more and more companies understand the importance of putting people on the road and its criticality to converting prospects, retaining clients, and ultimately driving growth, particularly in emerging nations, we expect to see travel prices go up,? Manning said. ?As travel suppliers have learned their lessons of the past two recessions and add capacity carefully, managed travel programs have to help companies strike the balance between increasing budgets to keep up with price hikes and business opportunities while reviewing policies and tools to most cost-effectively support the productivity and engagement of employees needing to hit the road next year.?
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Live ski Q&A!

Thank you everyone who posted a question on our Live ski Q&A. Our experts came up with lots of brilliant and detailed suggestions - take a look at their answers hereHave you been dreaming of winter all summer? Well, now's the time to start planning. For expert advice, join our Live Ski Q&A today on guardian.co.uk/travel. Whether you have a question about which resort is best for you, where to escape the crowds and save money, or even if you simply want to know where to get the best kit, our team, including Felice Hardy, editor of welove2ski.com, Guardian Travel and ski editor Gemma Bowes, Ian Davis, of Crystal Ski, and Nicola Iseard, editor of Fall-Line Skiing & Snowboarding magazine, will be online today. Post a question and the panel will do their best to answer as many queries as possible during the live Q&A.SkiingSnowboardingWinter sportsguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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An egg guy, an earthquake, and cross-cultural connection in India

In mid March, soon after the earthquake in Japan, Mithali, my 17-year-old neighbor, came to my house on one of her usual check-ins.

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Benedict Allen: my greatest mistake

Explorer Benedict Allen has been haunted for decades about having to eat his faithful dog to save his life when lost in the Brazilian rainforestSince the age of 10 I'd wanted to be an explorer. My dad was a test pilot flying Vulcan bombers and I wished I could be an adventurer like him. So in 1982, I saved up and planned my first trip across the north-eastern Brazilian rainforest.After five months of trekking, being passed from one indigenous tribe to another, not really knowing what I was doing, I came across some goldminers who attacked me in the night. I was only 22, naive and very scared.In the darkness I fled towards my canoe. With me was a dog I'd found in a village a few months before; I'd healed its paw, and it had become my companion. But in the chaos, the canoe capsized and I lost everything. I ended up walking on my own, lost in the rainforest with only the dog for company.As we walked we got steadily weaker and, after about three weeks, I was starving to death; I had malaria and I was delirious. But the dog had become incredibly important to me in terms of keeping my hopes up. We were both suffering, but we were in it together.I couldn't see myself, but I knew how bad the dog looked. I drew a little jokey cartoon in my diary of us both fantasising about eating one other; I knew it was becoming a very real proposition. I started thinking more about what I might have to do if I ever wanted to see my mum and dad again.I remember lying on my back one day and thinking I wouldn't get up again if I didn't eat something; the only thing left was to eat the dog. I managed to cook a few bits using a survival kit. It gave me a little strength to keep going but, in a way, I was even more terrified, as knew I'd played my last card.Some days later, miraculously, I saw a chink of daylight; I'd been in a dark tangle for as long as I could recall, but soon I was standing in a farmer's crop. He treated me with an anti-malarial drink and I was taken to hospital.When I got back to Britain I was too ashamed to tell my parents how badly things had gone. Then the local paper asked me about the trip. I let slip about the dog and before I knew it the nationals were on to it; my sorry tale became a two-page spread in the Daily Mail. The RSPCA came round with a sack of hate mail.I often wonder whether what happened was a mistake or not; obviously it kept me alive but it has also haunted me. In a way it has driven me in my career, fuelling my desire to understand why I had survived. But it has always been something I've wanted to rectify.Benedict Allen is speaking at deafblind charity Sense's annual lecture on 15 November (email lecture@sense.org.uk).Work & careersAdventure travelBrazilGraham Snowdonguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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Visiting a German bunker from World War Two

Filed under: Europe
Belgium had it tough in World War Two. Unlike in the First World War, when the Belgian army stubbornly held on to part of the nation and its allies rallied to beat the Germans, in the second war the Low Countries and France were quickly overrun by a German army that now enjoyed superior military technology.

Occupied Belgium was soon covered with fortifications. The Germans feared an Allied landing and dug in. In a park on the outskirts of Antwerp you can see a network of these bunkers at the Bunker Museum.

Not many tourists make it here. In fact, my taxi driver had to call ahead to get directions. Those who do make the journey will be rewarded with a rare look at the life of the German soldier in World War Two. There are eleven bunkers, including barracks, a hospital, a communications bunker, and two large command bunkers.

One of the command bunkers has been turned into a museum. The entrance, shown here, clearly shows the two-meter-thick concrete walls. The roof is 2.5 meters thick. Inside are recreated sleeping quarters, displays about the war around Antwerp, and a large collection of parts from the V-1 and V-2 rockets.

My tour guide was Pierre Koreman, one of the museum caretakers. He was a young boy during the war and clearly remembers the day in 1943 when an American bombing run went astray and destroyed much of Mortsel, the town near Antwerp where he lived. Two schools were destroyed, but the third, which he attended, was spared. A total of 943 civilians were killed. Koreman showed me a letter of apology sent by one of the American airman.

"They had nothing to apologize for," he said. "They just did their job."

The intended target was the Messerschmitt airplane factory, where Koreman's father worked as forced labor.

"He was the biggest saboteur there," Koreman told me proudly.

He wasn't the only one. The factory was supposed to test Messerschmitt engines. The workers discovered that the oil they were using separated at high temperatures, making the engine seize up. Of course they didn't bother telling the Germans that.

"Instead of running the engines they played cards," Koreman informed me with a smile.


Gallery: Antwerp's Bunker Museum
Continue reading Visiting a German bunker from World War TwoVisiting a German bunker from World War Two originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

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Windsong Resort

"Windsong Stays on Your Mind" when you book now for a stay (up to 30 nights) between January 1 and June 29, 2012 and receive up to 50% off our 2012 rack rates.
1-800-WINDSONG or 649-333-7700 Terms & Conditions: This offer requires full prepayment and is non-refundable. Cannot be combined with any other offer and cannot be changed.

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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.

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Photos: Where You Went

We are always impressed by our community?s passion for travel and exploration. That?s why every Friday we ask you the same question on�Facebook: Where are you traveling this weekend? See photos of�where you went. And get inspired to plan your next trip. Photos by readers like you. Upload your favorite travel photos with a caption…

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DH-er Scotty Mac Retires After 12 Seasons

..... Crystal Mountain, Wash. (Ski Press)-Two-time Olympian Scott Macartney announced his retirement from the U.S. Ski Team leaving a legacy of leadership at every level of the U.S. alpine program.In 12 years with the Team, 'Mac' amassed World Cup podiums, top-10 finishes at Olympics and World Championships and a record of World Cup points at every downhill venue he raced. "There's a lot of things that I'm proud of in ski racing, but some of my greatest memories are fairly recent," said Macartney. "Our speed team's trip to Moab mountain biking last summer was pretty amazing for our group. It was cool to get together and be competitive in something else other than ski racing. There are bonds I've built with these guys I'll hold my entire life." A skier from birth, Macartney's volunteer Ski Patrol parents had him on boards at age three. By seven he had started racing at Crystal Mountain and in 1998 made his break through with a bronze medal and the Junior World Championships in Megeve, France. Through racing, he continued his education through Dartmouth College and received a degree in 2004. His rise through the U.S. Ski Team program was something that Head Speed Coach Chris Brigham lived through every training camp, every race start and every injury. "Mac has always been a leader in this program," said Brigham, who has been with the U.S. Ski Team since 1997. "As a young guy he was pushing the veterans then it was him getting pushed and responding with outstanding performances. He's battled through a lot of injuries and came back charging and smiling. As a team, we're all bummed he's leaving. He's been a fantastic teammate and a friend for a long time. We'll miss him." His most notable injury, both personally and across the ski racing community was at the 2008 Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria. After finishing on the podium earlier that year in Val Gardena, Italy, Macartney was on laser point to what would have been a top 10 at ski racings biggest and most treacherous event when a crash off the finish jump sent him through the finish line unconscious. It was his 30th birthday. After completing an incredible recovery, he returned to the World Cup circuit the following season and was producing some of the best skiing of his career when another crash in Wengen, Switzerland ? the week before Kitzbuehel ? knocked him out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. The result was another year of waiting before returning to Kitzbuehel. "I was ready to charge it again in at Kitz last year. I had just come off an incredible race in Bormio, which is one of the gnarliest tracks in all of ski racing and then I blew my ACL at Wengen. It was pretty heartbreaking, but I'd been there before," Macartney said. It was heartbreaking to his coaches too. Brigham, more than anyone, was fired up to see him conquer the Hahnenkamm and knew that his skiing was in a place where he could, then the crash at Wengen. It hit teammate Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) especially hard. "That December, he was skiing better than ever," said Sullivan. "He basically came back from something that no one would have thought possible. He was super focused and then he blew out his knee, but he still came back to race at Kitz the next year. That showed a lot about his character. He has a unique passion for the sport and for him to put that out there is pretty inspiring." "To see him cross the finish line at Kitzbuehel, two years after that crash - as a coach - was one of the coolest things of my career. I couldn't have been more proud," added Brigham. Yet it wasn't the mark Macartney wanted to leave. "I never had just a check box next to Kitzbuehel," he said. "It wasn't that I just wanted to finish again, I wanted a top 10, I wanted a top 5, but by the time I got back there it became more about how my body felt. My back was hurting, my hip was hurting. I wanted to charge, but being in the finish again and on my feet, that was pretty special. While Sullivan's worries end when it comes to Macartney's next career, he does have some competitive fire left for the snow and plans to go head-to-head with Macartney in one more race this season. The friends plan to meet early April in Alaska for the Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic, a unique event deep in the Hoodoo Mountains that opens with a downhill, before the skier is intersected by a snowmobile and towed at 90 mph through a canyon then whipped down to the finish line. From the start, the course drops 1,700 feet to "hook-up" then climbs 1,200 feet to "release" before dropping 1,200 feet to the finish line. Both Macartney and Sullivan have Arctic Man victories on their resume, with Macartney, along with driver Tyler Johnson, holding the event record. On this line this year is a guaranteed purse of $25,000.

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Great trips from your favourite tour operators

From skiing in France and following a seafood trail in Scotland to walking in Alaska and cycling in Cuba, we pick the best trips from the winning tour operators in our Travel Awards 2011SMALL SHORT BREAK OPERATOR: SADDLE SKEDADDLE01912 651110, skedaddle.co.ukMountain biking weekend, DerbyshireMountain biking can be an adrenaline-fuelled adventure ? but it can also be a relaxing way to explore a beautiful part of the country. Saddle Skedaddle's introductory weekend in Derbyshire is aimed at beginners. The gently undulating routes crisscross former railway lines around Bakewell, Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House. Riders stay in B&Bs and pubs in Youlgreave, a small village in the Peak District.? tinyurl.com/derbyshirebike, from �225 for a two-day guided trip, including two nights' B&B, picnic lunches and transfers to/from Matlock station. Call for next departure datesEasy-paced cycling, CubaExplore Cuba on a revolutionary journey on two wheels. The easy-paced route begins in Santiago de Cuba, follows the dramatic southern coastline, then turns in towards the Sierra Maestra mountains, along deserted roads past sugar cane fields. Trek into the jungle to visit Fidel Castro's old hideout; carry on to Santa Clara, home to Che Guevara's mausoleum; cycle around the Bay of Pigs; and enjoy the back roads around Vi�ales. You'll stay in hotels with pools but also spend four nights in casas particulares (private houses) to get a taste of the real Cuba.? tinyurl.com/cubacycle, from �1,545pp for a 15-day guided trip, including most meals but excluding flights. Next departure 6 NovemberRoad cycling, Emerald Mountains, ColombiaMuch of Colombia has been untouched by tourism thanks to its turbulent history, but it is now safe to visit. Cycling is popular and the roads are in good condition, so it's an ideal place for a cycling holiday ? as long as you don't mind hill climbs. This pioneering new trip starts in the high mountain capital of Bogot� and ends at the Caribbean coast. Along the way you'll cross Andean mountain passes, coffee-growing regions and coastal flatlands. It's a challenging route with eight full days of cycling (80-120km a day).? tinyurl.com/colombiabike, from �1,735pp for a 12-day guided trip, included 80% of meals but excluding flights. Next departure 3 DecemberLARGE SHORT BREAK OPERATOR: HF HOLIDAYS0845 470 8558, hfholidays.co.ukDiscover the Victorians, Isle of Wight HF Holidays specialises in walking holidays but also offers a number of quirky leisure breaks to suit the most esoteric of hobbyists. This trip is a chance to see the Isle of Wight as it was in its Victorian heyday. You'll discover Victorian inventors and engineering, and follow in the tracks of Victorian writers and artists. Stay in style in an 18th-century coastal country house.? tinyurl.com/hfvictorians, from �479 for four nights' full board and three full-day guided excursions. Next departure 10 July 2012City break, Seville and C�rdobaAn architecture buff will guide you around fascinating Seville and C�rdoba on this four-night cultural break. Walks around Seville's narrow streets take in the medieval cathedral, the atmospheric Jewish quarter and the Moorish former palace. You also spend a day wandering around C�rdoba, capital of an Islamic caliphate during the Middle Ages. Accommodation is at a traditional three-star hotel close to Seville's old centre.? tinyurl.com/hfseville, from �349pp excluding flights or �529 including flights for four nights' B&B and guided sightseeing. Next trips 17 October, 12 March 2012Walking tour, AlaskaThis new trip offers unforgettable walking in one of the world's last wildernesses. Walks take place in three national parks, Denali, Wrangell St Elias and Kenai Fjords, and by the Chena river near Fairbanks ? look out for grizzly bears, wolves and beavers. You'll spend three nights in the historic mining town of McCarthy, surrounded by glaciers and 4,000m peaks, and cruise across Prince William Sound, a stunning glacial landscape that is home to orcas, seals and bald eagles.? tinyurl.com/hfalaska, from �2,650pp for 13 nights excluding flights or �3,660 for 14 nights including flights, guided walks and full board at hotels and inns. Next departure 23 June 2012SMALL TOUR OPERATOR: McKINLAY KIDD0844 804 0020, mckinlaykidd.co.ukScottish seafood trailThis self-drive culinary tour of the west coast of Scotland is based around three small, food-focused hotels. The first, on the Kyles of Bute, serves scallops, bacon and champagne for breakfast; dinner could be venison sourced by a local stalker. You'll also have a cookery lesson with the chef. The second hotel, just north of Oban, is the best place to try langoustines and lobster. Your final destination is a family-run inn in secluded Wester Ross, overlooking a loch and a tiny, pine-covered island. You'll join a local fisherman on his creel boat and eat a lochside lunch from the day's catch.? tinyurl.com/scotlandseafood, from �525pp for five nights' B&B, including cookery demonstration, fishing, ferry travel and maps. Departures between March and OctoberClassic car tour, ScotlandLeave the Volvo at home and let McKinlay Kidd arrange your holiday transport. How about touring the highlands in an E-Type Jaguar, Austin-Healey or Lotus Elise? Perhaps an Aston Martin or Bentley is more your style? You may even fancy zipping about in the latest ? convertible ? Mini Cooper S . Whichever car you choose, this touring holiday features beautiful scenery on a circular route from Edinburgh, passing whisky heartland Speyside, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and the Glencoe valley, and nights in boutique hotels.? tinyurl.com/classicscotland, from �545pp for three nights' B&B, including hire of a Lotus Elise and unlimited mileage for four days. Other cars cost more, except the Mini, which is less. Departures between April and OctoberMusic break, DonegalEnjoy the craic at a quintessential Irish pub with rooms in rural County Donegal. The pub offers home-cooked meals and the perfect pint of Guinness, plus plenty of music: jamming sessions, traditional folk songs and occasional concerts by famous musicians. Upcoming gigs include Grammy award-winner Rodney Crowell, singer-songwriter Damien Dempsey and Altan, an Irish folk band. The pub is set in a small village surrounded by beautiful countryside, and close to some of Ireland's finest beaches.? tinyurl.com/donegalmusic, from �229pp for three nights' B&B, two dinners and tickets to one live concert. Departures throughout the yearSKI COMPANY: PEAK RETREATS0844 576 0170, peakretreats.co.ukBrian�on self-cateringBrian�on is a new destination for Peak Retreats this season. Located in the southern French Alps, it is one of Europe's highest towns, and has an excellent skiing pedigree, having opened France's first ski school in 1902. Brian�on has 24km of pistes best suited to beginners and intermediates, but it is also part of the Serre Chevalier resort. This means access to 250km of interlinked lifts and runs with terrain for all standards. The town features several world heritage sites among ancient streets with pretty squares and fountains, plus great restaurants, museums and a theatre ? a far cry from purpose-built resorts.? tinyurl.com/brianconski, from �345 for a week's self-catering chalet sleeping two-four, including Eurostar crossing with a car. Ski hire, ski school, lift passes and car hire can all be booked for an additional costCycling holidaysFood and drinkShort breaksSkiingWalking holidaysRoad tripsUnited KingdomDerbyshireCubaNorth and Central AmericaColombiaSouth AmericaIsle of WightSpainAlaskaUnited StatesScotlandIrelandFranceEuropean Unionguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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Villa holydays are the opportunity for a relaxing and liberating holiday

If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday, in which you can escape from everyday life and you can let behind any stressful problem, villa holidays are the answer to your search due to the fact that they offer each tourist the flexibility and the freedom to spend the holiday as he wants, without preset itineraries or rigorous schedule of meals

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The Authentic Ski Tour: Bridger Bowl, Day 5

..... Bozeman, Montana (Ski Press)-We linger over coffee and bacon in the Summit Hotel at the base of Big Sky, hoping that the sun will soften the snow. But there is a cloud growing like a purple crown over Lone Peak, like ink into the early blue, and I imagine the high steeps like vertical white lanes custom frozen for human bowling balls. ?It?s slide for life conditions,? said the patroller at the top of Lone Peak when we walked in to see about signing out for the Snowfields. When Dax Schieffer and Doug Wales and I were the only three skiers on the tram that should have been a clue. For me, it?s just as well.� But Dax is devastated. He isn?t going to get to show off some of Big Sky?s most sensational skiing treasures, especially its adventurous alpine bridge to the expansive terrain of Moonlight Basin, and all morning he keeps glancing back up the hill. ?Sorry we didn?t hit it,? I told Dax. And with Lone Peak separating the sky with its cascading terrain like the flanks of a volcano behind him he said, ?How?d you know that?s what I was thinking about right now?? So that then it was just me and Doug driving to Bozeman, eating vinegar chips and drinking Gatorade, and losing count of all the white crosses by the side of the road. It is gorgeous country, expansive and glacial. With hot Augusts and frozen Januarys and sunsets that are among the most beautiful in the world. ?I?m glad to have lived in the East,? was the refrain that I heard. ?But I knew I would live in the West since I first saw the Rockies as a child.? That light going gold and red through the peaks as we drove into Bozeman at the end stop of my Authentic Ski Tour of Yellowstone Country, from Red Lodge to Chico Hot Springs to Yellowstone to Big Sky and now to Bridger Bowl, as I had the sense that I was finally going to ski the most authentic mountain of them all. I asked Doug, ?Who was it that wrote the story for Rolling Stone?? He said, ?Tim Cahill.? Published in 1985, before he became an outdoor writing legend first at Outside Magazine then with books like ?Jaguars Ripped My Flesh? and ?A Wolverine is Eating My Leg,? Cahill enshrined Bridger?s ?Ridge Hippies? in the article ?Going to Extremes ? Adventures in the Endo Zone.? With Bridger Bowl as the setting, the article introduced extreme skiing to much of America, explaining the passion for hiking past the chairs to ski the same chutes and gullies that in the summer you climbed with harnesses and ropes. And it focused on some of North America?s most soon-to-be famous ski astronauts like Tom Jungst, Scot Schmidt and Doug Coombs. That kind of skiing is the industry standard now, with open gates and steep skiing stars from Vermont to Vail. But in 1985, it was revolutionary. And at Bridger, the hike-to access for the Ridge had already been open for 12 years. Add the fact that Bridger Bowl operates as a non-profit, funded by lift tickets and association membership dues (membership being open to any Montana resident 18 years or older) instead of condo sales, and you?ve got a mountain with 100 percent focus on the ski experience, and nothing else. Or as Wales said, ?All of the net profit goes right back into the hill.? In the past few years that net profit has enabled Bridger to continue to lead the way in opening technical terrain, including the rugged Schlasman?s Lift (which you can?t board without a transceiver). It will also result in a new triple chair ? replacing the Deer Park and Bridger lifts next year. On the day we ski, though, the snow that had been baking in the sun for nearly a week is frozen as hard as a coral reef under a cold bank of clouds. On the steeps I feel as if I am at the top of a great frozen wave, trying not to skitter too quickly to the frozen ocean below. ?I?m pretty sure this is the worst day of the year,? Wales said, pointing to the top of the Bridger Lift where the crew has hoisted the Jolly Roger. ?Maybe the last two years.? ?It?s all a matter of degrees,? he said later, still thinking about it on the chair. ?Whether it?s temperatures or steeps, a couple degrees can make all the difference in the world.? Halfway through the afternoon Wales returned to his office to take another phone call about the history of skiing at Bridger. The same way he?s taken my calls for more than a decade, answering questions about open boundaries, avalanche control and now alpine hydration. And I kept skiing because there were still decent slopes, and the lifts haven?t closed. There were still people speeding down the steeps, even hiking the Ridge, and calling out to each other from the chair as if even a day like that there were still nothing better in the world to do. I laughed at the bumper stickers behind the bar at Jimmy B?s Bar and Grill that say, ?Did you move here to be in a hurry?? and, ?Custer was an out-of-stater, too.? At the Montana Ale Works we had bison patty melts and I heard a favorite song by Son Volt that I had never heard sung live before. In the morning it was snowing and I thought, ?what if I stayed for a few days more?? Links Bridger Bowl: www.bridgerbowl.com Montana Ale Works: www.montanaaleworks.com Good Lodging: www.cmoninn.com/midwest-hotel-locations/bozeman/ Special thanks to: Doug, Jeff, Robin, Dax and Colin.

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The Radar: Climbing Volcanoes, ?Dirtiest Hotel? Sues TripAdvisor, Beyond Napa Valley

The Radar: Top travel news, stories, trends, and ideas from across the web. Got Radar? Follow us on Twitter @NatGeoTraveler and tag your favorite travel stories from the web #ngtradar. Check back the next day for our daily roundup.

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Island-hopping in Gal�pagos

Andy Duckworth meets courting birds and the world's rarest giant tortoiseAndy Duckworth

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DH-er Scotty Mac Retires After 12 Seasons

..... Crystal Mountain, Wash. (Ski Press)-Two-time Olympian Scott Macartney announced his retirement from the U.S. Ski Team leaving a legacy of leadership at every level of the U.S. alpine program.In 12 years with the Team, 'Mac' amassed World Cup podiums, top-10 finishes at Olympics and World Championships and a record of World Cup points at every downhill venue he raced. "There's a lot of things that I'm proud of in ski racing, but some of my greatest memories are fairly recent," said Macartney. "Our speed team's trip to Moab mountain biking last summer was pretty amazing for our group. It was cool to get together and be competitive in something else other than ski racing. There are bonds I've built with these guys I'll hold my entire life." A skier from birth, Macartney's volunteer Ski Patrol parents had him on boards at age three. By seven he had started racing at Crystal Mountain and in 1998 made his break through with a bronze medal and the Junior World Championships in Megeve, France. Through racing, he continued his education through Dartmouth College and received a degree in 2004. His rise through the U.S. Ski Team program was something that Head Speed Coach Chris Brigham lived through every training camp, every race start and every injury. "Mac has always been a leader in this program," said Brigham, who has been with the U.S. Ski Team since 1997. "As a young guy he was pushing the veterans then it was him getting pushed and responding with outstanding performances. He's battled through a lot of injuries and came back charging and smiling. As a team, we're all bummed he's leaving. He's been a fantastic teammate and a friend for a long time. We'll miss him." His most notable injury, both personally and across the ski racing community was at the 2008 Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria. After finishing on the podium earlier that year in Val Gardena, Italy, Macartney was on laser point to what would have been a top 10 at ski racings biggest and most treacherous event when a crash off the finish jump sent him through the finish line unconscious. It was his 30th birthday. After completing an incredible recovery, he returned to the World Cup circuit the following season and was producing some of the best skiing of his career when another crash in Wengen, Switzerland ? the week before Kitzbuehel ? knocked him out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. The result was another year of waiting before returning to Kitzbuehel. "I was ready to charge it again in at Kitz last year. I had just come off an incredible race in Bormio, which is one of the gnarliest tracks in all of ski racing and then I blew my ACL at Wengen. It was pretty heartbreaking, but I'd been there before," Macartney said. It was heartbreaking to his coaches too. Brigham, more than anyone, was fired up to see him conquer the Hahnenkamm and knew that his skiing was in a place where he could, then the crash at Wengen. It hit teammate Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) especially hard. "That December, he was skiing better than ever," said Sullivan. "He basically came back from something that no one would have thought possible. He was super focused and then he blew out his knee, but he still came back to race at Kitz the next year. That showed a lot about his character. He has a unique passion for the sport and for him to put that out there is pretty inspiring." "To see him cross the finish line at Kitzbuehel, two years after that crash - as a coach - was one of the coolest things of my career. I couldn't have been more proud," added Brigham. Yet it wasn't the mark Macartney wanted to leave. "I never had just a check box next to Kitzbuehel," he said. "It wasn't that I just wanted to finish again, I wanted a top 10, I wanted a top 5, but by the time I got back there it became more about how my body felt. My back was hurting, my hip was hurting. I wanted to charge, but being in the finish again and on my feet, that was pretty special. While Sullivan's worries end when it comes to Macartney's next career, he does have some competitive fire left for the snow and plans to go head-to-head with Macartney in one more race this season. The friends plan to meet early April in Alaska for the Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic, a unique event deep in the Hoodoo Mountains that opens with a downhill, before the skier is intersected by a snowmobile and towed at 90 mph through a canyon then whipped down to the finish line. From the start, the course drops 1,700 feet to "hook-up" then climbs 1,200 feet to "release" before dropping 1,200 feet to the finish line. Both Macartney and Sullivan have Arctic Man victories on their resume, with Macartney, along with driver Tyler Johnson, holding the event record. On this line this year is a guaranteed purse of $25,000.

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