Travel Alert : Winter 2010-11
by Nada Eldib
Marrakech, Morocco
The paradox of Christmas break is you either ski or hit the beach. Morocco a dry cocktail to both these options. Marrakech is a great place to party, relax and enjoy good weather in December and January. Suggestions are to hit up the luxe ecolodge Terres D’Amanar which is 40 min outside the city, on the beautiful mountain-scape. A possible ride through the cliffs and valleys will show you where infamous Hollywood scenes were filmed. Don’t forget to hit-up Jamer el Fna (the market) where you can buy anything from spices and shoes, to eating snails, drinking fresh orange juice and dancing with baboons (yes, real ones).
Vienna, Austria
I am not sure how many of you would be into hitting up the Opera, but if you are a music buff, it is a must see. One of the world’s most incredible orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic, will be performing at the Vienna State Opera. This will bring you back to the lavish baroque days where excessive décor and indulgence comes to mesmerize every one of your senses—from the music, the opulent architecture and not to forget the literal icing on the cake (head to the Sacher Hotel and have a bite of their infamous and never to be forgotten chocolate Sacher Torte).
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh's Hogmanay (Thursday 30 December 2010 - Sunday 2 January 2011) is one of world's best New Year Celebration events to attend. It offers everything to a student who is ready to get their minds off school and wild onto the party scene—from fireworks and concerts to complete and utter drinking and fried food mania. Edinburgh is also a city that offers great insight into history and art, from the National Galleries of Scotland to the Historic Grassmarket. http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/
Palma De Mallorca, Spain
Even though we are living in Madrid, we always crave Spanish flavor after a few weeks (for some onlt after a few days!). The Festival of Sant Sebastià en Palma de Mallorca is the celebration of the patron saint. The daily activities include a parade, musical performances and more. On the Eve of the saints day there is a large bonfire that takes place with the backdrop of the beautiful Palma Cathedral decorated by the eclectic and vibrant Mallorquin artist Barceló.
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Travel Alert: October - the places you should have been....
by Nada Eldib
Marrakech, Morocco
The paradox of Christmas break is you either ski or hit the beach. Morocco a dry cocktail to both these options. Marrakech is a great place to party, relax and enjoy good weather in December and January. Suggestions are to hit up the luxe ecolodge Terres D’Amanar which is 40 min outside the city, on the beautiful mountain-scape. A possible ride through the cliffs and valleys will show you where infamous Hollywood scenes were filmed. Don’t forget to hit-up Jamer el Fna (the market) where you can buy anything from spices and shoes, to eating snails, drinking fresh orange juice and dancing with baboons (yes, real ones).
Vienna, Austria
I am not sure how many of you would be into hitting up the Opera, but if you are a music buff, it is a must see. One of the world’s most incredible orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic, will be performing at the Vienna State Opera. This will bring you back to the lavish baroque days where excessive décor and indulgence comes to mesmerize every one of your senses—from the music, the opulent architecture and not to forget the literal icing on the cake (head to the Sacher Hotel and have a bite of their infamous and never to be forgotten chocolate Sacher Torte).
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh's Hogmanay (Thursday 30 December 2010 - Sunday 2 January 2011) is one of world's best New Year Celebration events to attend. It offers everything to a student who is ready to get their minds off school and wild onto the party scene—from fireworks and concerts to complete and utter drinking and fried food mania. Edinburgh is also a city that offers great insight into history and art, from the National Galleries of Scotland to the Historic Grassmarket. http://www.edinburghshogmanay.org/
Palma De Mallorca, Spain
Even though we are living in Madrid, we always crave Spanish flavor after a few weeks (for some onlt after a few days!). The Festival of Sant Sebastià en Palma de Mallorca is the celebration of the patron saint. The daily activities include a parade, musical performances and more. On the Eve of the saints day there is a large bonfire that takes place with the backdrop of the beautiful Palma Cathedral decorated by the eclectic and vibrant Mallorquin artist Barceló.
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Travel Alert: October - the places you should have been....
We all wait with anticipation for the end of October to paint our faces, get into character and celebrate Halloween with candy, dancing and more non-PG activities, BUT the whole month is ahead of us, so here are a few travel tips to consider:
ZIP! EuroChocolate Perugia: International Chocolate Exhibit
When: 15- 24 October 2010
Where: Perugia, Italy
What: The name of the event says it all, if you like chocolate, don’t miss out on the opportunity to be in a city that will not only be literally covered with cacao goodness but also be informing about every aspect of chocolate as well as giving your taste-buds a rollercoaster of flavors to savor.
Bienal XVI De Flamenco: “Flamenco de viva voz”
When: 15 September – 9 October 2010
Where: Sevilla, Spain
What: Flamenco is not only a dance which we all have come to encounter over our time in Spain, but an art, a passion, and as the festival slogan puts it, it’s a voice of life. Every two years this love for music, dance and Andalusian tradition explodes onto the international scene of biennales and expos to exhibit old and new talent. For live music, and singing to the most emotional dancing on parquets stages check out
54th BFI London Film Festival
When: 13- 28 October 2010
Where: London, England
What: the London Film Festival is one of the most prestigious, this year having movies with stars like Natalie Portman (in Black Swan) and Colin Firth (in The King’s Speech) having their features up for awards and much more. Like any other film festival the city of London will be full of famous faces and many more events like square screening that one can squeeze into (or try to get a ticket).
Fiestas de San Froilán 2010
When: 4-12 October 2010
Where: Lugo, Spain
What: This is your chance to enjoy a new side of Spanish culture, that of Galicia. This festival will include the performances of 24 renowned artists. The festival opens up with celebrations in honor of the patron saint where the streets will be filled with magic shows, jugglers, craft stands as well as the infamous pulpo gallego (not to forget the fireworks show).
