The Modernists are Coming to Palm Springs
The 5th Annual Modernism Week in Palm Springs promises it will be bigger and better than ever, with expanded events over 10 fun-filled days.
Some of the 2010 Modernism Week’s highlights include:
A special tribute to renowned modernist architect Albert Frey.
An exclusive home tour concluding with a chic reception at a celebrity home.
A vintage fashion show. Architecture and design film series.
An exhibition of Airstream vintage travel trailers.
Sounds like a retro-good time to me. I hope the special celebrity will be Suzanne Somers. Second thought, the food would suck.
I hope it’s at Barry Manilow’s home.
Ancient Tribe Becomes Extinct
CNN.com reports that the last member of an ancient tribe that has inhabited an Indian island chain for around 65,000 years, has died.
Survival International, a group that campaigns for the protection of indigenous peoples said in a statement, Boa Sr, who was around 85 years of age, died last week in the Andaman islands, about 750 miles off India’s eastern coast. “The Bo are thought to have lived in the Andaman islands for as long as 65,000 years, making them the descendants of one of the oldest human cultures on earth,” it states. With her passing, one of its most endangered languages on earth, called Bo, was silenced.
Rest in Peace, Boa Sr.
Low-Cost Retirement Destinations Abroad
JVS in Panama in 2006
Global Post has a nice piece online covering low-cost retirement destinations abroad. Some countries you’d expect to appear on the list include Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. But I never would have thought about early retirement in Bulgaria. Not that I’m anywhere old enough or financially able to retire, still it’s fun to dream… Even of Bulgaria.
Cruising Solo Gets Easier, More Stylish
The Norwegian Epic, coming summer 2010
Ready for launch this summer, the Norwegian Epic will have something unique, and welcomed by solo travelers — a stateroom designed and priced for the solo traveler. At 100 square feet, with a flat screen TV, desk, even a window, it sounds like a respectably-sized NYC apartment.
“With our new Norwegian Epic Studio Accommodations, we’re breaking the mold of traditional cruising again – with a truly innovative approach to solo guest accommodations. You’ll experience a thoughtful, contemporary design, a comfortable layout, and best of all, pricing tailored to you. You’ll also enjoy exclusive Key card access to the Studios Lounge: your own private spot to meet up with friends, have coffee or make plans for the day.”
Studio Features:
• Full-size bed – so feel free to stretch out
• Private access to the Studios Complex & Studio Lounge
• Innovative bathroom design – separate sink and shower provide more personal space
• Window to the corridor – you see out but others can’t see in
• 100 sq ft of space also includes unique storage areas, flat screen TV and a desk
• 128 Studios – Many connecting
A Samba Version Of “I Gotta Feeling”
Carnaval revelers in the Pelourinho neighborhood or Salvador
In time for Carnaval….
I came across this video on Made in Brazil. Or click here for the direct YouTube Channel.
Even if you’re over this song, and the BEP in general, it’ll get you in the mood for Carnaval.
Travel + Leisure’s Top Travel Trends of 2010
In search of the next "It" holiday destination
Luxury train travel and China’s budding tourism industry appear in Travel + Leisure’s Top Travel Trends of 2010. Uruguay is also deservedly mentioned, specifically, José Ignacio, a ”tiny beach town on the southern coast, poised to become the next Punta del Este.” The article goes on to mention that in the last several years three new hotels have opened with prices ranging from $360 to $750 for doubles. Are you with me on this? Over $700 for a hotel room in a tiny fishing village an hour from Punta del Este… Is this simply another case of celebrity travel incest? Are supermodels and other famous types following each other like elephants on a catwalk, in search of the next “It” place? It seems so. And depending who you ask, that’s not always a good thing. The Independent online has a great article on the changing face of the next “It” destination in South America. Read it here.
Banned for Decades, Famed Scottish Export Returns
After a 21-year ban on haggis in the United States, The Guardian reports that this delicacy is set for a comeback. A traditional Scottish dish, haggis is made from sheep’s heart, liver and lung, minced with onion, oatmeal and spices, I’m sure there are foodies across our fine land willing to give it a try. It would take me more than a few shots of fine Scotch Whisky to get it close to my lips. Good thing for me, Scotch is one of the few liquors I don’t touch.
Seaside Luxury at Gay Owned Stevenswood Resort and Spa
A suite with quite the view at Stevenswood Resort
In this interview first published inPassport Magazine, owners of Stevenswood Resort and Spa in Mendocino, California, share the ups and downs of owning and operating a boutique inn. Through good times, and bad, they prove that love can conquer all. As for running a small hotel… See for yourself if it still sounds so romantic after reading this article. Click the above link to read the article.
Getting Away, From Near or Far, in San Diego
The historic Hotel del Coronado Hotel
San Diego is the ultimate place to get away from it all, no matter from where you’re coming… even if you call San Diego home. Luxe accommodations, vibrant nightlife, diverse dining and plentiful nature and culture adventures await you in this bustling (yet quaint) seaside oasis. Click here to read what makes San Diego such a wonderful place to explore, even for San Diegans.
Bahia-Online’s Guide to Carnival 2010 in Salvador da Bahia!
PHOTO CREDIT - Mauricio Simonetti
Carnaval (as it’s spelled in Portuguese) in Brazil 2010 starts Thursday, February 11th, and it runs through Tuesday, February 16th — officially. Unofficially (and actually) it runs to the morning of Ash Wednesday, February 17th. If you don’t already have your visa, tickets and hotel handled, chances are you’re not going. But it’s never too early to start planing for next year. There’s a terrific online resource for Carnaval in Salvador, Bahia to be found at Bahia-Online’s Guide to Carnival 2010 in Salvador da Bahia!. As many (if not most) Brazilians will tell you, the real Carnaval happens not in Rio, rather in Salvador da Bahia! Carnaval in Salvador really is the biggest party in the world. If you don’t believe me, just ask any of the more than 3-million people partying on the street.
Tips on London from Concierge Frank Laino of The Stafford Hotel
During a recent visit to London, Concierge Frank Laino of The Stafford Hotel London was kind enough to sit for a video interview where he shared some of his favourite London landmarks and hot spots. Click the above link to see the interview on Passport TV. Cheers!
Relax, Restore and Reboot in Desert Hot Springs
While endless towering palms await visitors in the Southern California gay Mecca of Palm Springs, they will find it difficult to locate any relaxing hot mineral springs, as the name suggests. But in nearby Desert Hot Springs, the small desert city lives up to its name with some of the best and most abundant hot mineral action in the entire country. Perfect for a post-holiday mental and physical detoxification, Desert Hot Springs is a great option for gay travelers who aren’t necessarily in search of abundant nightlife, but like to have that option nearby… just in case.
Built over one of the world’s finest natural hot mineral water aquifers, Desert Hot Springs’ naturally occurring mineral waters find their way into numerous spa-centric resorts. A popular regional destination for its spring waters for over 50 years, there are numerous boutique mineral spa resorts from which to choose. While there is no glitzy pretense in this quirky desert, there are ample ways to relax, restore and reboot.
Continue reading about Desert Hot Springs.
Home Away from Home, in Berlin and Beyond
Renting a room for short periods of time isn’t very usual in the US, but in Germany it’s fairly common. And I’m not just talking about the quintessential back-packing college kids on a budget. Renting a room from a private individual or family in a flat or house is a great way to get into the local culture and meet new people, even for open-minded young professional and active seniors. Berlin is an especially great city for short-term rentals, with loads of hard-up freelancers, interesting artists and cash-strapped students who are looking for supplementary income. Here are two sites with English text that help travelers and renters connect, making proper placement easy by covering personal details like smoking, sexual orientation and budget.
Visiting the German Reichstag building is easy, even on a budget.
