DON'T MISS OUT LA BELLE QUEBEC, CANADA'S EUROPEAN CITY

No funds for a rendezvous in Paris? Get your fix in Québec City and finish off the end of summer and fall, until mid-October, by touring some of Québec’s most beautiful regions. There is no better time than now to experience the magnificence of a Québec summer, beginning with Canada’s most European city.

Only a 2.5 hour drive north east from Montreal and situated on the St. Lawrence River, don’t miss your chance to get a taste of Old Europe. With its beguiling architecture, winding cobblestoned streets, hidden courtyards, and exclusive eateries, Québec City is about 500 miles from New York, less than 400 miles from Boston, and feels centuries away. Route your trip through Montreal and you have two choices for the drive: Highway 20 or the more scenic Highway 40.

After passing through Québec, continue north east to your first stop: Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. With a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Île d'Orléans and Québec City, feast your eyes on the enchanting 272 ft. waterfall higher than Niagara Falls! After that comes Charlevoix.

Do you enjoy discovering charming art galleries and craft boutiques? If so, be sure to stop in the pretty little town of Baie-Saint-Paul. See for yourself why it was nicknamed le paradis des artistes (“artists' paradise”) and why artists have flocked there for years attempting to capture its legendary beauty.

Be sure to continue past the area of Charlevoix, if you have the time, to discover the fascinating Whale Route, which begins in lovely Tadoussac. Flanked by the St. Lawrence River on one side and the mountains on the other, the drive itself brings you Québec at its most sublime. If you’re lucky, you may encounter some lazy seals sunbathing on the rocks or a whale frolicking in the water.

Once in Tadoussac, take the Fjord Route that brings you to the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, which is home to a majestic fjord whose breathtaking rocky walls and magnificent topography were sculpted by glaciers 10 million years ago. Whether you are travelling as a couple or with your family or friends, take the Fjord Route to encounter a variety of wildlife, from belugas and Atlantic salmon to moose, waterfowl, black bears, brook trout and various amphibians – a real “Vallée de la Biodiversité” as they call it!

Begin your journey in Québec City and discover the province's natural beauty, outdoor adventures, unique festivals and events, wine and culinary experiences as well as the cultural and heritage attractions...only hours away.

With an endless array of activities to stumble upon, QuebecMusts.com will satisfy all your researching needs by providing detailed itinerary descriptions and route suggestions to help plan your vacation to several of Québec’s incredible destinations.

To learn out more about Québec, or download road trip itineraries to begin planning your summer vacation, visit http://www.quebecmusts.com/.

From Quebec Musts, 18 August, 2010

Papuan man from the Sepik River region

THE PEOPLE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA, LAND OF THE LAST FRONTIER

On the islands of Papua New Guinea off the north-west coast of Australia, dress or the lack of it is a distinguishing factor.  In the Highlands attire is often a bunch of leaves hanging from a bark belt to cover the buttocks and a lap lap (a small piece of cloth) in the front covering the genitalia.  A bow with accompanying arrows slung over one shoulder is not just a fashion accessory.  It completes the outfit of a modern day warrior.

But it's during ceremonies and festivals that Papuan males in particular take on a whole new persona.  For them, self-decoration is an art form, an exhibition of culture and a celebration that identifies them with a specific clan.

Huli men wear elaborate crescent shaped wigs similar to a toreador's hat.  Made from their own hair, their wigs are trimmed with yellow daisies and crowned with sprays of long silky Bird of Paradise feathers, yellow cockatoo feathers and red and yellow parrot feathers.  Faces are painted canary yellow with red accents.  Earrings fashioned from toolbox oddments, shell necklaces and a slender twig, or a two-foot long feather through a pierced nose add to their adornments.  Like the male bird when out to attract a mate, Papuan men - handsome at best - are most glorious when dressed for a sing sing.



A warrior elder from PNG's Sepik River region

 The men of the Sepik River area are equally striking. Teeth are often stained a fearsome red from a habit of chewing beetle nut. A mixture of lime and beetle nut produces a red juice that stains everything it touches and spitting streams of juice after a period of mastication is a common habit on the islands. Not quite so colourful but equally splendid with their earthy-toned head dresses decorated with feathers, pig's teeth and shells,  men of the Sepik are the epitome of the noble warrior at traditional sing sings.

Mud men from Komunwe village in the Goroka area in the Eastern Highlands are more intimidating.  They wear grotesque mud masks and sharpened bamboo claws on their fingers.  With bodies covered with a whitish clay they could be creatures from the underworld.  Their aggressive dance and shaking of clubs and spears conjures up images of imminent war.

Attending the Mount Hagen festival in August is to see Papuans at their most magnificent.  Thousands of clansmen from all of Papua New Guinea's islands gather in this small Highland town to enjoy three days of competition and fun.

For more on Papua New Guinea, its beauty and fascinating culture, watch my blog....
http://www.pngtourism.org.pg/

Images copyright Anne Gordon

Posted by Anne Gordon on 18th August, 2010.

 TREASURES AT ENGLAND'S PORTOBELLO ANTIQUE MARKET

"Don't touch", she bellowed as she smacked the outstretched hand of a prospective buyer.  "Stop messing with my display.  If you're not going to buy, leave!"  At best, her paste jewellery was hardly valuable. 

When she finally dispersed the French students whose valiant attempts to buy some of her trinkets had been sternly rebuffed, my husband, an onlooker known for his cheerful outspokenness, said teasingly, "Now have you finally got everything under control?"  The wild-eyed vendor, iron gray hair springing from her head like electrified steel, rolled her eyes alarmingly.  It was obviously time to move on.  Portobello antique market with its 1300 eager
vendors beckoned.

Since Roman times dating back to 43AD, London has been a trader's city; a center for buying and selling everything from horses to love potions, medicinal concoctions to objet d'art, including what today we consider to be antiques.  Local street markets, boot sales, flea markets and antique markets do brisk business in a wide range of collectibles of varying antiquity.  At any of these attractions the odds are good for a knowledgeable, and on occasion a lucky shopper, to find a rare and priceless 'jewel'.

Topping my list of favourites is Portobello in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.  Considered to be one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, business is brisk well before daybreak.  The 'Good Fairy' opens at 4 a.m.  Between then and first light, local dealers anxious to acquire the latest valuable finds, meet out-of-town dealers in a literal scramble of snatch and grab.  As the vans and trucks pull in, torch-wielding antique hunters, like hungry lions on a kill, invade before the drivers are out of their cabs.  Why all the tension?  As the saying goes, "the early bird gets the worm". 

It's not uncommon for museum grade antiques to change hands during these early morning exchanges; a brief and frenzied spell when dealers with luck or quick judgment frequently acquire something of value.

Posted by Anne Gordon on 17th August, 2010.

TULIPS FROM AMSTERDAM

Favourite of Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, the darling of painters including Rembrandt and one of the most volatile investments of its time, the tulip ranks with the rose and lily in historic significance.

Descended from a wild flower of no particular beauty, tulips were first discovered growing in the mountainous regions of Turkey.  Before long the flower's simple beauty was to be seen as an enhancement in Suleiman's imperial garden and was even embroidered on the great man's underwear.  But it was in the small country of Holland that 'tulipmania' eventually reached stupendous heights in 1653.

Today, tulips are Holland's hottest property.  Hybridizers work in secret developing new varieties ensuring that millions of bulbs and flowers emanate from this country of gardeners.  In fact more flowers are sold by Holland each year than by any other country in the world.  Generous with their treasure, the Dutch have guaranteed that vast tulip gardens flourish in gardens worldwide in the spring, bringing colour and beauty to many a wintery landscape.

Tulips have not only brought great prosperity to Holland, they have also generated a massive tourist industry.  From March through to May garden afficionados come from Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe to see the tulip extravaganza that takes place in the bulb fields, in Keukenhof Holland's famous bulb garden, and to witness the flower auctions that move apace in the auction houses of this kingdom of flowers.

Posted by Anne Gordon, 17 August, 2010

POSH PICNICS IN LONDON'S PARKS

Happy Summer! Make the most of these last couple months of sunny weather and enjoy a luxurious picnic in one of London’s beautiful parks this summer.

You won’t need to worry about packing your own basket as there is a huge selection of decadent, ready-made picnic hampers on offer. Say good-bye to bland picnic tastings and open a basket of gourmet selections from some of London’s most notable places. Fortnum & Mason offers a fresh picnic hamper that includes the finest breads, salads, meats and fish, plus a bottle or two of wine or chilled wine.

Looking to take a British tradition outside? The Langham’s renowned afternoon tea complete with sandwiches, homemade scones, and pastries can be packed up and enjoyed under the sun in Regent’s Park.

Fortnum & Mason, telephone:  (44) 20 7734 8040, http://www.fortnumandmason.com/
The Langham (London's luxury hotel), telephone: (44) 20 7636 1000, fax: (44) 20 7323 2340, http://www.london.langhamhotels.co.uk/

From Visit Britain, http://www.visitbritain.ca/.

From Visit Britain

SOUTH AFRICA, SAFARI LAND

A South Africa safari is a blend of the civilized ‘Old World Africa’ and a modern developed nation. In South Africa you can escape into the solitude of the African wilderness and return within hours to cosmopolitan and vibrant urban environments where you enjoy the finest world-class accommodations and coastal cuisine complimented by select regional wines.

South Africa is a world in one country containing more species of native flowers on the Cape Peninsula than throughout North America or Europe.

One of the world’s oldest and biggest parks, Kruger National Park and the surrounding conservation reserves protect a diversity of ecosystems harboring the greatest variety of animals in Southern Africa including more than 500 bird and 49 fish species.

The Xhosa, Zulu and other ethnic groups present exciting cross-cultural opportunities, including emerging township tourism that takes you into the homes and schools of these communities.

Embraced by both the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the beaches are ideal for relaxation after your safari and snorkeling or SCUBA diving among the varied marine life. Travel to South Africa by joining one of Wildland Adventures scheduled departures or ask them to plan a custom trip.

From Wildland Adventures, telephone: (206) 365 0686, e-mail: info@wildland.com, http://www.wildland.com/

NORTHERN IRELAND'S DERRY~LONDONDERRY TO BE UK CITY OF CULTURE IN 2013

Derry~Londonderry made history recently when it won the bid to be the first ever UK City of Culture. The Northern Ireland City will take its prestigious title in 2013 after winning the judging panel’s vote, having been shortlisted among three other cities; Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield.


The momentous win means that in 2013 Derry~Londonderry will play host to a year-long celebration of culture in the city, opening its doors to visitors from across the world. It is anticipated that people will come in their thousands to experience the cultural life that has been at Derry’s heart for generations.

The City got great support in its bid to showcase its potential as a cultural capital, not only from locals and politicians, but also from some of its most loved celebrities. Liam Neeson, Seamus Heaney and Gabriel Byrne, to name just three came out in support of their hometown, with Heaney noting “the strength of Derry’s application is based on more than words” and Byrne adding “Derry has emerged from the shadows of the recent past and is undergoing something of a renaissance and, for a city of its size it has an extraordinary array of arts and facilities”.

“A historic city with a modern outlook, the walled city of Londonderry is one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting destinations, and with this well-deserved title Canadians will have yet another reason to visit”, says Jayne Shackleford, Manager of Tourism Ireland in Canada.

From Tourism Ireland, Canada