Friday, November 21, 2014

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DC-area Christmas bazaars provide a globe tour of holiday cheer
Polar vortex-proof wool sweaters from Iceland. Conventional Ukrainian religious icons. Reindeer jerky. These are just some of the holiday gifts you can cross off your list this weekend at holiday markets sponsored by neighborhood cultural organizations …
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Vacation hiring a boon to unemployed
The pair will man the Hickory Farms kiosk with other seasonal workers at the Red Cliffs Mall until the end of the holiday season when they will be back exactly where they began: unemployed. &quotEven my mom, with tons of knowledge below her belt, had a tough …
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AAA: Lower gas rates may possibly fuel holiday travel
AAA Travel projects 46.three million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from house in the course of the Thanksgiving weekend, the highest volume for the vacation given that 2007 and a 4.two percent increase over 2013.
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Colombian tourism promotion body rebrands as Procolombia

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Colombian tourism promotion body rebrands as Procolombia Bogota is one particular of the most visited destinations in Colombia

The Colombian trade, investment and tourism promotion physique Proexport has completed its rebrand to Procolombia following an eight-month process led by its president Juan Manuel Santos Calderón.

The move, which takes immediate impact, comes right after a survey of Colombian and foreign entrepreneurs concluded that the name Proexport did not reflect either the body's connection to Colombia or its broad remit, which covers promoting investment and tourism as well as exports.

In addition, a quantity of other overseas organisations and bodies shared the Proexport name.

By contrast, it was felt the new name Procolombia was not only self-explanatory it was much more inclusive and resounding.

Procolombia will perform to position the country's brand, consolidate Colombia as a tourist location and coordinate its promotional activities with public and private agencies that can aid capitalise on the country's name and position it as a supplier of top quality products and solutions.

To help in its aims of attracting a lot more inward investment and ramping up exports to markets such as the UK the physique will broaden its scope in the internationalisation of Colombian MSMEs (Micro, Little and Medium Enterprises), offering them with specialist trade assistance solutions in an incubator environment.

It will also strengthen its export culture applications to help Colombian entrepreneurs adapt their products to satisfy global demand.

Other new initiatives incorporate an Export Mentoring Plan aimed at strengthening alliances between Colombian MSMEs, businesses with export expertise and foreign investors in order to boost the overall competitiveness of the MSMEs.

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Positano (Amalfi)

Very best Cocktail

The drink of option along the Amalfi Coast is limoncello, an alcoholic lemon liqueur meant to be sipped in modest quantities (since of its potency). The region’s lemons, recognized as “sfusato amalfitano,” develop as huge as melons, and a lot of locals have their own recipes. You are going to find limoncello in each and every restaurant, as nicely as sold in several of the trinket shops lining the streets.


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Very best Souvenir

Ceramics decorated in sea blues and lemon yellows are popular products identified in Amalfi Coast stores. From serving ware to drink ware to dinnerware, shops carry lots of alternatives to take house and decorate your kitchen or dining area.


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Language

Italian is the official language. Most individuals you will encounter will speak and recognize some English but possibly will have a heavy Italian accent. You may possibly need to have to use a small charades to support communicate. Keep in mind grazie, which indicates “thank you,” and you’ll get smiles for the effort.


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Currency &amp Best Way to Get Cash

Italy, as part of the European Union, uses euros. For updated currency-conversion figures, pay a visit to www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. ATMs will dispense euros utilizing your debit card and are the cheapest way to acquire the currency. Credit cards are accepted in shops and restaurants in the busier locations of town, but you could locate you will require money in smaller sized shops and eateries on side streets or off the beaten path. Regional exchange shops are accessible, but will charge higher charges than your bank.


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Exactly where You are Docked

Amalfi was when known as the Duchy of Amalfi, essentially an independent state, and was the capital of the maritime republic in between 839 and 1200 A.D. Amalfi remains the biggest port along the coast, with the town beginning straight across the street from the pier (most ships tender). Some ships stop in Positano, which also calls for tendering to town, which begins proper off the dock.


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Hanging Around

The town of Amalfi is just measures from the pier. Cross the street to locate cobblestone streets and alleyways winding their way up into the hills. The main piazza in front of the Amalfi Cathedral is usually bustling with visitors enjoying gelato as they peruse ceramic and linen shops or sipping limoncello as they people watch from cafes.

Ferries from Amalfi to Positano take about 30 minutes and drop guests just before an additional really upscale town with steeper alleyways and streets lined with shops and restaurants that will cost a bit much more than Amalfi. A large stretch of beach with dining choices delivering drink and snack service is also bustling during warm-climate months. Positano is a hot destination for Italian summer season vacations and weekends.


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Getting About

On Foot: If you are staying in Positano or Amalfi, you will not need to be concerned about a taxi or bus since the towns are actions from port, and roads are not plentiful.

By Taxi or Bus: If you’d like to see other towns along the Amalfi Coast, you can employ a taxi at port. Buses operate among Amalfi and Positano.

By Ferry or Boat: The ideal way to go to numerous towns along the coast to is to hop on the frequent ferries that travel amongst Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and the island of Capri. Boat rentals are also offered for those who want the freedom to move along the coast at their own pace and check out areas ferries do not reach. Rental prices rely on the size of the craft. Boats are offered for complete- or half-day rentals.


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Watch Out For

The towns climb steeply into the hills. Many destinations may possibly require climbing many measures. They are not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly, and those needing help may well only be able to go to the decrease regions of the towns.


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Do not Miss

Situated in the heart of Amalfi at the Piazza del Duomo, the marble Amalfi Cathedral, or Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo, is a need to-see. The buildings that make up the church complicated date from the ninth century, with a basilica, church, cathedral, crypt and cloister available daily for touring church solutions.

With the mountainous terrain, coves along the coast beckon for exploration, with the most well-known being the Emerald Grotto (Grotto dello Smeraldo) in Conca dei Marini. Boats will take you to the grotto, which glows an emerald green inside, for 10 euros roundtrip. Entrance to the grotto expenses five euros per individual. Boats operate from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you’re new to this region of Italy, you won’t want to miss the nearby archaeological internet sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as nicely as a stop at Mount Vesuvius, which destroyed each in 79 A.D. Pompeii was destroyed by the volcano’s lava, while Herculaneum was destroyed the following day by its ash, and right now, the ruins of these cities have been uncovered to get a glimpse into the life of the people, centuries ago. Be warned: A trip there will take most of your day.


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Been There, Completed That

Stores sell the unique handmade Amalfi Coast paper that is thicker and more artistic in design, and the local paper mill houses a museum — Museo della Carta — showcasing how the paper is created. You can try creating your own paper, and of course, obtain stationery.

If you have already noticed Amalfi and Positano, take a ferry to the island of Capri. Ferries operate frequently, and based on how significantly time you have, a ride provides you a possibility to tour the island or its beautiful coastal surroundings. You can check out the Faraglioni landmark (3 rock spurs increasing from the sea), the Through Krupp scenic walking trail or the romantic Gardens of Augustus.

Perched high on a hill, Ravello personifies the luxurious side of Italian seaside living. With gardens, villas, charming restaurants and views to die for, the town has usually attracted a tony set D.H. Lawrence wrote Lady Chatterley’s Lover there. It really is a ideal place to even though away a couple of hours, wandering the streets or sipping Peroni.


Beaches

Beaches along the coast of Amalfi and Positano, as nicely as the little towns in in between, are lined with colorful umbrellas and beach chairs. Even though the sand is coarse and gravelly, nearly a gray color, the setting with the towns climbing into hillsides is straight off a postcard. Nevertheless, to nab 1 of those chairs or umbrellas, you are going to have to pay around 12 to 15 euros per individual.

Smaller sized, much more secluded beaches will not charge charges but are much more challenging to attain. A lot of beaches need visitors to climb steep stairs, and some are accessible only by boat, such as Fiumicello Beach. The major beach in Amalfi is the Marina Grande Beach, in the center of the city’s seaside action.


Lunching

Stick to the main street of Amalfi, past the cathedral and the gelato stations, pick any restaurant with its doors open to the outside breeze, and you will not go incorrect. Seafood is a mainstay there, with squid, shellfish, clams and sardines frequently utilised in pastas, entrees and sauces. Pizza got its start off just a few miles down the coast in Naples, and pies with tangy regional tomatoes and fresh cheese — buffalo mozzarella is a specialty — are provided everywhere. For dessert, look for sfogliatelle, a stuffed shell pastry that defines Italian baking. Lunch is the principal meal of the day, and several restaurants serve fixed-cost menus. Locals normally never eat just before eight:30 p.m.

Locanda del Marinaio serves up fresh seafood and homemade pastas in simple, however delicious sauces. (Via Lorenzo D’Amalfi, 20 open 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day)

Bar Bagni da Ferdinando is far more than a restaurant in Positano it also operates a section of beach. You can grab a seat along the water’s edge with sun chairs and umbrellas and take pleasure in beach service for meals, or consume at the cafe, just off the beach. (Spiaggia di Fornillo)


Staying in Touch

In Positano, La Brezza is an Internet/art cafe right at the begin of town from the docks. You can post photographs from your trip employing the free Wi-Fi although sitting outdoors and enjoying the sea view, as effectively as snacks and drinks. (Via del Brigantino 1)

Editor’s Note: Because of an anti-terrorism law passed in Italy in 2005, all passengers wishing to use Net solutions in a public facility need to present an internationally recognized document (or a passport) to the establishment.


Shore Excursions

Ideal for 1st-Timers: Tour the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Get pleasure from the lovely Amalfi Coast and Sorrentine Peninsula in a motor coach or mini-van excursion delivering a tour along the twisting, cliff-hugging roads with stops in Ravello, Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento.

Best for Foodies: Hit the meals and wine trail. Even though seafood is the center of most Sorrentine dishes, this area of southern Italy has a rich agricultural history, as well. These tours normally incorporate a cease at a limoncello producer, exactly where you can see how artisans make the lemon liqueur, just before heading to a regional winery for lunch.

Very best for Archeological Explorers: Tour Pompeii or Herculaneum. If you have been to the coast, join a tour that takes you to the nearby archeological websites of Pompeii and/or Herculaneum. These excursions require a lot of walking, so put on comfy footwear.


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Travel bans still in effect in big area

Travel bans nonetheless in effect in massive location
Travel bans remain in impact for the following locations: All regions of the City of Buffalo south of Genesee Street, the City of Lackawanna, the Town of Alden, Town of Aurora, Town of Hamburg, the Town of Cheektowaga, the Town of Lancaster. The Town of West&nbsp…
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Thanksgiving travel forecast: Crowded airports, climate delays — and some
1 — nearly double the combined total of 705,000 passengers Mineta San Jose and Oakland International Airports expect to deal with in the course of what has become the busiest travel period of the year. With blizzards blanketing large swaths of the East Coast and …
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Expedia acquires Wotif for $700m

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Expedia acquires Wotif for $  700m

US on the internet travel giant Expedia has completed the $ 703 million acquisition of Australia's Wotif Group.

The total consideration of A$ 703 million was comprised of a A$ 51 million specific dividend distributed by the Wotif Group to its shareholders just before closing and A$ 652 million in cash from Expedia.

In the coming weeks, Expedia expects to work with the Wotif Group group to conclude its ongoing evaluation of the accessible long-term strategic options for the Wotif Group organizations with an eye towards strengthening the potential of the Wotif Group's brands for its consumers and partners.

In the meantime, both businesses will continue operating under a "business as usual" philosophy.

"We are thrilled to officially welcome Wotif Group and its terrific brands to the Expedia family," mentioned Dara Khosrowshahi, president, Expedia.

"This acquisition will let us to continue expanding our organization in the Asia-Pacific region and will enable Wotif Group's customers and partners to advantage from Expedia, Inc.'s international portfolio."

Wotif Group operates on-line travel brands in the Asia-Pacific area which includes, Wotif.com, lastminute.com.au, travel.com.au, Asia Web Direct, LateStays.com, GoDo.com.au and Arnold Travel Technologies.

Its multi-product portfolio focuses primarily on hotel and air, supplying customers a lot more than 29,000 bookable properties in destinations about the planet.

"This is an fascinating milestone, and an crucial 1 for the Wotif Group team," mentioned Scott Blume, managing director, Wotif Group.

"By aligning ourselves with a powerful worldwide leader in on the internet travel we have taken a essential strategic step forward in our work to revitalize the iconic brands of the Wotif Group."

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‘STREIF – A single Hell of a Ride’ to debut at Planet Ski Awards 2014

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World Ski Awards has announced it will host an exclusive screening of 'STREIF – A single Hell of a Ride' in the course of the opening of its annual Gala Ceremony at A-ROSA Kitzbühel.

As major lights of the ski hospitality business collect at the Alpine resort, Planet Ski Awards will present the documentary as element of its Welcome Evening on November 21st.

A Planet Watch production, presented by Red Bull Media Home, the thrilling function follows 5 athletes in the course of the construct up to the most critical ride of their profession – the Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel.

For 75 years, the annual race has made unforgettable triumphs and unspeakable tragedies, a heritage that is full of myths and legends.

Nowhere else is skiing celebrated so intensely.

The city, the nation, and the entire winter sports globe go crazy for the battles that play out on the slopes, and the race down the Streif is the most anticipated occasion of all – the Super Bowl of skiing.

A uncommon insight into the minds of the athletes and their struggle in between threat and reward, the film is narrated by ski legends Didier Cuche and Daron Rahlves and requires a closer appear at the history of the race, as properly as the comprehensive preparation behind the scenes.

'STREIF – 1 Hell of a Ride' tells an genuine and emotional story of a race, which, annually, writes its own history.

Globe Ski Awards

Planet Ski Awards, the only international initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in ski hospitality, returns for a second year to welcome major international figureheads and choice makers to A-ROSA Kitzbühel on November 21st-23rd.

The full 3 day programme consists of luxury chauffeur driven airport transfers to and from the 5-star A-ROSA Kitzbühel, exclusive networking events, private skiing on the slopes of the globe popular Hahnenkamm, sight-seeing tours and a host of other networking activities.

As nicely as accolades for the best merchandise from the world's top ski tourism nations, awards for the 'World's Ideal Ski Resort', 'World's Greatest Ski Hotel', 'World's Greatest Ski Chalet', and 'World's Ideal Ski Boutique Hotel' will be presented by Planet Ski Awards in 2014.

New to the 2014 programme will be awards for 'World's Greatest Ski Tour Operator', 'World's Very best Ski Travel Agent', 'World's Greatest Ski Resort Company', 'World Greatest New Ski Hotel' and 'World's Greatest New Ski Chalet'.

Spain will also enter the pantheon of the best 21 ski nations to be honoured.
Globe Ski Awards is the sister organisation of Globe Travel Awards, which is heralded as "the Oscars of the travel industry".

Tickets to the VIP gathering are by invitation only.

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Isle of Pines (New Caledonia)

Ideal Souvenir

You can assistance the Melanesian neighborhood by acquiring from vendors’ stalls. Shop for sandalwood carvings or wood styles, as properly as the important oil of the fragrant tree. An additional item to appear out for is the pareo, also identified as a sarong.


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Language

In a nod to their colonial heritage, the locals speak French as nicely as the nearby Kanak language. Crucial English words are understood, but start off by speaking French, if feasible.


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Currency &amp Very best Way to Get Cash

The currency is the Pacific Franc, and it’s a good notion to arrive at Isle of Pines with cash. Luxury hotel Le Meridien will accept credit cards if you fancy an impromptu lunch or drink there. For currency conversion rates, see www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.


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Where You are Docked

The coral reefs surrounding the Isle of Pines imply ships drop anchor and tender passengers onshore. It is a short journey to the jetty where you will have quick access to two of the spectacular bays of the island: Kuto Bay and Kanumera Bay, with snorkeling accessible at each.


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Hanging Around

Your welcome to the Isle of Pines is low-crucial and genuine. Locals carry out tribal dances on the sand shore, and stalls with nearby goodies are set up for passengers to peruse. Some cruise ships will have a photographer present to take snaps of you against the idyllic backdrop.

A 15-minute stroll to the appropriate of the jetty is Kanumera Bay, a postcard best beach with white sand lapped by turquoise water. There is a sacred rock there and numerous places to lay down a towel and sunbathe. The water is shallow and protected, the best place for kids and tentative swimmers to cool down.


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Getting About

The Isle of Pines is tiny, a mere 12 miles wide, and there is no public transport.

On Foot: Two spectacular bays are within walking distance of the jetty exactly where passengers arrive.

By Tour Bus: On arrival, there are tour operators that provide a pay a visit to to up to 10 attractions on the island in a mini-bus or bus.

By Bike: The hotels and resorts on the island rent bikes, so head to the nearest house to the jetty, the Kou-Bugny hotel.

By Auto: You can rent a automobile for the day from the nearby Kou-Bugny hotel.


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Watch Out For

It is a relaxed island, but you should take the usual precautions you would on a beach at a property. Leave valuables on the ship or have somebody appear soon after your products if you go for a swim.

Simply because most of the activities on the island involve swimming or snorkeling, it is a good notion to come with no a lot more than swimwear, sarong, sunscreen, waterproof camera, towel and a modest amount of money for lunch and gifts.


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Do not Miss

Oro Bay is a real-planet aquarium. It is on the opposite side of the island from exactly where passengers arrive, but it is worth the endeavor of driving no a lot more than 20 minutes. The path to Oro starts beside the entrance to the five-star Le Meridien — where you can get pleasure from lunch after returning from the aquarium. Soon after a 20-minute stroll via mangrove forests and past modest black and orange crabs scuttling from their holes, you will emerge in a protected cove. The water is waist higher in most components, so even the weakest swimmer will take pleasure in this expertise. Wade to the middle of the pool and stick your head underneath the water to uncover a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. The tropical fish are anything but shy and look to swarm toward legs, so you are assured a show any time of the day.

Take an outrigger canoe crafted by locals from Upi Bay to the offshore lagoons. Even if you don’t hop aboard the traditional vessel, you will see men operating on them and with a smile be in a position to take some very good photographs.

Queen Hortense is renowned on the Isle of Pines as the leader who stood up to the French government in 1872 and refused its request that she and her men and women abdicate their island to make way for French political prisoners. “We would rather die than leave our island,” she reportedly told the authorities. She hid in Queen Hortense’s cave in the course of tribal conflict in 1855 for many months. A short stroll by means of forest will bring you to the cave and a torch is integrated in the entrance charge. It can get muddy and is dark even in the day, so use caution.


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Been There, Done That

Horse-riding is a wonderful way to see the island in a diverse light. Balade Kunie a Cheval provides rides by the hour or for a half day, perfect for your time ashore. The rides can take spot along the beach or along the clifftop coastline. (+687 499 307)

Climb the Isle of Pines’ tallest mountain, Pic N’ga, which rises 262 meters and takes less than an hour to summit. Given the length of this activity, it is best if you have visited the island previously.

The principal village on the island is Vao is worth a visit if time makes it possible for. The principal attraction of Vao is a church and a steep walk behind the church for a fantastic view more than the island.


Beaches

Closest: Kuta Bay is closest to your arrival point. The half-moon shaped beach is not the prettiest on the island but has deeper waters than most and for that reason attracts turtles and other marine life, which you can see when snorkeling.

Most Picturesque: Kanumera Bay is as immaculate a beach as we’ve found. The circular-shaped beach creates a organic swimming pool, protected by a massive rock that is sacred to the community. The sand there is pristine, and the water clear as gin.


Lunching

The food in New Caledonia is impressive, and the Isle of Pines is no diverse. A fusion of French tradition and tropical Pacific components makes for a scrumptious meal every single time.

The Isle of Pines is barely created, so the choices are mainly restricted to hotels and resorts that have dining establishments. One exception is Snack Kohu, a milkshake bar and bakery that serves reasonably priced sandwiches. (+687 461 023 open eight:30 a.m. to four p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and eight:30 a.m. to three p.m. Saturday)

Bougna is the nearby specialty. It is intended to be shared in between two, but could simply feed six. A sweet and mellow casserole baked for hours below the ground, it contains root vegetables, yams, sweet potato, coconut milk and meat cooked inside banana leaves. Gite Oro Chez Regis is the greatest spot to try this delicacy, and you can select amongst chicken and fish or ramp up the indulgence with lobster. You will want to order it a day before so they have time to prepare it. (+687 43 45 55)


Staying in Touch

There are no Web cafes on the Isle of Pines. Even so, you can pay for service at the Le Meridien resort.


Shore Excursions

Very best for Resort-Lovers: Spend the day at the five-star Le Meridien resort. A buffet lunch of meat, seafood, salad and dessert comes with a beer or water or soft drink. You can commit the day lounging by the pool or borrow the snorkeling equipment for use on the private beach. This is a half-day activity.

Ideal for History-Lovers: An Island Discovery tour is for these who wish to realize the history and culture of the island. It gives a commentary on a number of web sites, such as churches, Vao village and Queen Hortense’s cave. These tours normally take two hours.

Ideal for Marine Life: Take a 2.five-hour boat tour that travels to Brush Island and Turtle Bay. You will discover manta rays and loggerhead turtles to swim with. The boat continues to an atoll exactly where you can swim off a barren sand islet.


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