Blogs

Being a native San Franciscan, I have been fortunate to view many amazing sporting events up close. The San Francisco Giants, just last October provided a miracle finish, culminating in a World Series victory and parade, on of all days, Halloween, practically San Francisco’s city holiday. The San Francisco 49ers football team narrowly missed winning their 6th Super Bowl last year. During the month of September, “The City by the Bay” played host to the world’s most prestigious sailing regatta, th

by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte

Three images are especially iconic when it comes to Turkey: the Blue Mosque of Istanbul, the library at Ephesus, and the whirling dervishes of Konya. But despite all the time I’ve spent in this country, until I visited the dervishes’ annual festival last December, I didn’t truly know what they were all about. “Konya offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Sufi philosophy and the significance of the dance in the place where it all originated,” my Turkish friend

Being a native of America’s favorite city of San Francisco, we are blessed with world class restaurants, museums, theatre, winning sports teams, a tolerant city, in a mild climate where outdoor activities are possible year long.

In the summer of 2013, I was able to witness the grand dame of yacht racing, the America’s Cup. San Francisco played host to some of the most skilled sailors and yachtsmen in the world. A sailing regatta like no other in a world class city, like no other. From July 7 to S

Mountain bikers around the world: There's a new adventure race happening in August in Costa Rica – the 100-mile Rincón de la Vieja Challenge.

The mountain bike endurance race is set for Aug. 24, 2013, starting off from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin at Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste. The 100-mile race is the first of its kind in Costa Rica and Latin America, and according to race promoters, is the only race in the world to circumnavigate an active volcano.

Located in Costa Rica's northern Pa

Las Vegas’ very own Carnevale, inspired by the legendary annual event in Venice Italy bursting with masked revelers, glamorous costumes, and raucous street art, is happening now through Sept. 8th at the Venetian & Palazzo.

John Caparella, Prez and CEO of both properties summarizes Carnevale as “the perfect place to unmask your inner artist, adventurer, foodie, and romantic. The magic is never knowing what unexpected surprise is around the corner".

Now into its second year, Vegas’ Carnevale is set

The Thornton Winery in Temecula, CA is home to one of California’s longest running concert series. In fact, this year is the 25th anniversary of the Champagne Jazz Series. As you would expect, this summer’s lineup features some of the biggest and most popular of today’s Jazz performers (Dave Koz, Spyro Gyra, Kenny G, George Benson, Chris Botti, Boz Scaggs, etc.) I’ve enjoyed at least one concert at this intimate venue each of the last three summers and have been inspired by guitar god Lee Rite

The very name Cheltenham conjures up images of turf being thrown up by thundering hooves to a backdrop of shouts and cheers.  This elegant spa town in Gloucestershire in the heart of England is one of the country's most prominent horse racing venues, and each year in March the town's racecourse hosts a festival widely regarded as the "Oscars" of the horse-racing world.  The festival is commonly referred to as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, although strictly speaking it is the Cheltenham Festival, and

These are some of the most joyous (and exhausting) weeks of the year in various parts of the world, from Venice to Port of Spain and New Orleans to Rio de Janeiro.  But being as fond as I am of the Dominican Republic , I’ve got a soft spot for the pre-Lenten Carnaval celebrations down here – especially because unlike in many other places, here the party starts today and keeps poppin’ every Sunday in February in various towns and cities such as Santiago, La Vega (considered the country's best), a

For those who think China does not embrace the winter spirit, Harbin's festivals will be an unexpected delight.

Christmas carols, traditional ballet, concerts, art tours and exhibits, and the magnificent annual Parade of Lights are all coming to town this holiday season in San José, Costa Rica.

The vibrant capital city is looking very festive these days in preparation for Christmas, New Year’s, and the kick-off to the summer “fiesta” season for 2013. Stores have already put up holiday decorations and Christmas gift displays since October.

The holiday season moves into full gala mode on December 1, when Cost

Once again I can say that "I survived WTM London." World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry is held every year in November at London's Excel conference center. WTM is a vibrant must-attend four-day business-to-business event, presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to travel professionals from over 160 countries. By attending WTM, participants gain immediate competitive advantage for their business and stay abreast with the latest developments

Autumn is harvest season and that means tons of festivals across the world marking the occasion. Food, wine, and of course beer are all fair game. I was extremely psyched to attend Mohegan Sun’s First Annual Brewfest and have my pick of sampling over 100 different brands. I quickly discovered that not only a ton of local breweries were spreading good cheer but some established giants offered up some obscure seasonal offerings as well. Here are some I’ll be hunting down and looking forward to tas

Londoners suffered collective withdrawal symptoms when the Olympic Games ended on August 11 and are now hoping to recapture some of the drama and excitement when the Paralympics  begin  on 29 August. This is a good time to reflect on what the Games achieved and whether this fervour can be replicated.

Feelgood Olympics.

There is general agreement that London 2012 will be remembered as the ‘feelgood’ Games providing a break from reality with bad news pushed off the front pages.  The President of the

Is there a better time to visit Italy than in the fall? The summer madness has died down, yet Italy remains warm and inviting. In the town of Alba, in the Piedmont region, in the northwestern corner of Italy, is a food-festival lover's delight. The region is much less touristed than its Tuscan neighbor.

From October 6 to November 18 in the town of Alba, each weekend it's all about truffles. Yes, truffles, the key ingredient of many a gourmet meal.  Food lovers from all over the world travel to Pi

This year’s Costa Rica National Surfing Championship Finals promises to be one of the hottest surfing events of the year. For the first time ever, seven of Costa Rica’s top male surfers – all of whom are very close in points so far for the season – are vying board to board for the national Open Men’s Division title, making it the most closely fought matchup in Costa Rica Surfing Federation history.

“This is the first time that seven people have the same chances of winning the title,” said Costa R

Before the Olympics started, I wondered here on tripatini if Londoners knew how lucky they are right now. Well, it seems having the torch relay in London the week before, then the spectacular opening ceremony, and finally landing in third place in the medals tally have brought some positivity to the masses. That and a break from the near continuous rain we had endured for months.

Me dancing in the opening ceremony

 
Team GB fans cheered up when we got our first gold in women's rowing on 1 August,

2012 Daily Diversions

FANTASY CYBER SOUVENIRS  Visit the Fantasy Fest Store anytime at www.fantasyfest.com for memorabilia that makes the fantasy a reality! Official posters, t-shirts, and limited edition medallions. To purchase the Official 2012 t-shirt please call Keyboard Advertising at 305-292-9315.

INDECENT EXPOSURE  Party like Adam and Eve day and night at the Garden of Eden, clothing optional rooftop bar, above the Bull & Whistle on the corner of Caroline and Duval in the 200 block. Body pa

The London Olympics 2012 got under way with a spectacular opening ceremony viewed by an estimated 27 million people in the UK and one billion world-wide. A commentator described the curtain-raiser master-minded by award-winning film director, Danny Boyle, as bold, British and bonkers. This probably sums up most accurately the epic three-and-a half hour extravaganza which cost 27 million pounds.

The show traced the main stages of Britain’s history beginning with an idyllic pastoral scene featuring