Across the water is Kuramae, another old neighbourhood that has long been famous for its craft workshops and still hums with industry.
Get inspired
Get inspired
*Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau and Tokyo
Wednesday, 31 August 2022
[MONOCLE] Ryogoku and Kuramae neighbourhood guide
With any luck you’ll spot a sumo wrestler out and about in Ryogoku, the riverside neighbourhood that is home to Kokugikan, Tokyo’s distinctive sumo stadium.
Congratulations! Atsuko Goto ACJ2022 Winner!
The Aufguss Championship Japan, which competes for techniques and originality, was held in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture from July 4 to 9, and Ms. Atsuko Goto, who is active as a Tottori Sauna CEA, performed brilliantly. Won!
Ms. Goto gave a performance based on the theme of Yamata no Orochi, which Susanoo no Mikoto exterminates in Japanese mythology, and overwhelmed the audience with images that made use of the scenery of San'in.
In an interview after returning to the prefecture, he said, "I was able to put together the best parts of the San'in area in my performance. I want to aim for the top ranks at the world competition that will be held in the Netherlands in September."
Tottori Prefecture will continue to promote sauna tourism!
Check the Sites Below for the Latest Information from Tottori Prefecture
FB (Visit Tottori, Japan): https://www.facebook.com/tottoritouren/
IG (TottoriAwesome): https://www.instagram.com/tottoriawesome/
MANLY JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAM
The Manly Corso and surrounding streets and laneways will come alive with music over four stages, with music from more than 70 artists.
Tickets are on sale for the Director’s Choice big band jazz concert led by John Morrisson on 25 September 2022.
This year’s program also features an in-venue lineup, so visitors will be able to listen to music while enjoying food and drinks from local venues.
Australia’s longest running jazz festival is returning to Manly this Spring, with three great days of music on Friday 23, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September.
Now in its 45th year, Manly Jazz is renowned for its beautiful location, its stellar line up of musicians and its laidback beach vibes.
This year, The Manly Corso and surrounding streets and laneways will come alive with music and draw in thousands.
Over three days and four stages, visitors will enjoy jazz and other great music from over 70 artists.
This year’s program also features an in-venue lineup, so visitors will be able to eat, drink and relax to tunes while enjoying food and drinks from local bars and restaurants.
Keep up to date with all the latest Manly Jazz announcements on our Facebook and Instagram.
IHG Hotels & Resorts encourages Aussies to ‘Stay for Good’ this September
Participating IHG properties in Australia including the newly opened InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre, InterContinental Sydney, voco Kirkton Park, Crowne Plaza Adelaide and more, will donate $1 from every stay, restaurant, and bar bill. Additional touch points to support the initiative will also be made available through a ‘Dollar Diners’ promotion at selected hotels, as well as a donation page as part of the Stay for Good campaign.
Matthew Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We know travelers are increasingly seeking opportunities to give back to the communities in which they visit – as well as expecting sustainably-minded initiatives from the businesses they support. We are incredibly proud to continue our work with OzHarvest and believe that IHG has an important role to play in supporting Australians doing it tough amidst the steep rise in cost of living.”
Guests will also be able to order a specially created menu item, the OzHarvest burger, during the month of September which will see a further $1 donated from every order. The plant-based OzHarvest burger, curated by InterContinental Sydney Double Bay Executive Chef Denny Lohanda, is made with a delicious potato bun, blushed herbs and stem chimichurri, and is served with zero waste salt and vinegar potato skins.
Ronni Kahn AO, CEO and Founder, OzHarvest, said that the demand for OzHarvest services continues to grow. “There are so many new people needing our help right now. In the last few months, we’ve gone from serving 1,400 to 1,700 people a week at our OzHarvest Market in Waterloo and the charities we support say they need more food to meet demand. Campaigns like Stay for Good play a crucial role in raising much-needed funds, with every $1 donated allowing us to deliver 2 meals to those in need.”
Issues such as the pandemic, floods, and the most recent war in Ukraine have caused significant increases in the Consumer Price Index resulting in significant price rises in fuel and food, leaving many Australians feeling the cost-of-living burden and facing food insecurity.
“Food security for Australians is not the responsibility of a single organisation, which is why IHG has been a proud ‘Awesome Partner’ to OzHarvest since 2019, providing 560,000 meals to families across Australia,” says Tripolone.
The commitment to supporting OzHarvest forms a part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Journey to Tomorrowresponsible business plan that includes an ambitious goal of improving the lives of 30 million people over the next 10 years.
IHG Hotels & Resorts guests and communities across Australia are encouraged to visit a participating property during the month of September or to donate via the OzHarvest x IHG donation page.
For more information, visit www.ihg.com/StayForGood
Celebrate in Kyoto at Gion Matsuri!
 |
| Gion Matsuri |
Aside from the festivities, wealthy families and merchants in the Shinmachi and Muromachi areas share their private art collections for people to admire during the Byobu Matsuri.
Treasures such as screens, kimonos and art are put on display out the front of houses.
Gion Matsuri is held every year for the entire month of July with the main processions on the 17th & 24th.
Photo: @nonnon_0727 on Instagram #Tradition
Japan National Tourism Organization
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
Skift and Destination Canada Business Events Highlight Québec City’s Innovation
 |
| Québec |
The six different innovator profiles communicate the unmatched value of face-to-face meetings and why location matters.
In this article, Marc-André Fortin and Élodie Boisselier, professors at Université Laval detail how Québec City is a wonderful place to live and work. Both Fortin and Boisselier are working on ways to use gold to enhance medical treatments.
Québec City is full of biomedical innovations like the ones Fortin and Boisselier work on every day, creating an exciting professional atmosphere.
Read the full article and watch the video preview, produced by Skift and Destination Canada Business Events here.
Read the full article and watch the video preview, produced by Skift and Destination Canada Business Events here.
Coastal 18-hole golf course – A new symbol of MerryLand Quy Nhon
 |
| MerryLand Golf Club is the first golf course to be designed by Greg Norman in Quy Nhon |
Golfers and visitors in Quy Nhon City will have a chance to experience services at the high-end golf course in the MerryLand Quy Nhon world-class smart commercial and tourism peninsula city. Designed by Greg Norman, nicknamed the Great White Shark, the MerryLand Golf Club 18-hole course will be a masterpiece of challenging and unique terrain and offer visitors exceptional experiences.
Norman is one of the best golfers of all time. He clinched 91 worldwide titles and held the world number one spot for 331 straight weeks. Apart from his golfing experience, he has solidified his position in designing golf courses.
Golf great Greg Norman has designed over 100 golf courses in 34 nations in six continents and won numerous international prestigious prizes. Many of Greg Norman-designed golf courses have been listed among the world’s 100 best golf courses by Golf Digest Magazine. They are New South Wales Golf Club and Ellerston Golf Club in Australia, and Doonbeg Golf Club in Ireland.
MerryLand Golf Club is one of the projects into which the “Great White Shark” put heart and soul. He and his partners lauded the terrain of the golf course when they first arrived at the place for a survey, with Hung Thinh Group. The place boasting spectacular terrain lies between the bay and the sea, making it a suitable location of an impressive golf course.
MerryLand Golf Club is situated on a steep hill stretching to the sea, with a bumpy road. This is an ideal place to create some unique “traps” aimed at challenging golfers and arousing their interest.
With the motto of minimizing the impact on nature, Greg Norman conducted an on-site survey to make the most of the terrain to create challenges for golfers. He and his partners did a careful study so that MerryLand Golf Club can provide golfers of all levels and all ages with interesting experiences.
Besides its appealing tough challenges, MerryLand Golf Club will impress golfers with the stunning landscape of the blue sea, white sand and glorious sunshine. Standing at all locations in MerryLand Golf Club, which covers 89 hectares, golfers can admire the entire enchanting view of Phuong Mai Bay and Phuong Mai Peninsula, with the nearby Nhon Hoi bustling economic zone.
Owning a prime and connective location on Hai Giang Peninsula next to the heart of Quy Nhon City with a variety of transport systems such as roads, air routes, waterways and railways, MerryLand Golf Club will be an alluring destination for golfers nationwide and worldwide.
The impressive challenges and the thrilling view will turn the coastal 18-hold golf course into a new symbol for high-end experience at MerryLand Quy Nhon. Furthermore, Southeast Asia’s largest luxury catamaran there will also please and satisfy visitors and investors in the peninsula city.
In addition, upon arrival at MerryLand Quy Nhon, travelers can immerse themselves in countless one-of-a-kind experiences at high-end hotels, seaside villas and many other novel works and service facilities such as five record canals, the country’s largest music water stage, marinas, Koi streams, beach clubs, amusement parks, sports centers and spas.
The top-notch experiences, coupled with the 18-hole MerryLand Golf Club, will make the peninsula city more attractive, turning the place into a local and global destination of entertainment and exploration.
saigontime - english.thesaigontimes.vn - August 2, 2022
Tags: #MerryLand Quy Nhon, #golf course, #Greg Norman,
The opulent interiors of Leighton House, Holland Park, London
 |
| Leighton House, Holland Park, London |
Located on the edge of Holland Park in Kensington, Leighton House is known for its opulent interiors, including the extraordinary Arab Hall featuring exquisite mosaic floors and tiles acquired through Leighton’s travels to Turkey, Egypt and Syria.
Leighton’s Winter Studio, built at the end of the 1880s to allow him to work through the winter months, is now fully restored and integrated into the rest of the historic interiors.
The Entrance Hall has also been reinstated as it was in Leighton’s day, and a separate entrance to the house specifically used by Leighton’s models is revealed for the first time.
Two exhibitions at the house from 15 October 2022 to 15 March 2023 are :
- Artists and Neighbours: the Holland Park Circle examines the story of the ‘Holland Park Circle’, a community of prominent artists whose fashionable, purpose-built studio houses heralded the era of the artist as celebrity
- A Life of Drawing : Highlights from the Leighton collection” will showcase a rarely-seen selection of Leighton’s studies and sketches made within his studio and on his travels.
KATHRYN ROBERTSON APPOINTED CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER AT CARNIVAL AUSTRALIA
 |
| Kathryn Robertson |
Ms Robertson joins Carnival Australia from Air New Zealand where she was Group General Manager of Sales with wide leadership responsibilities for enhancing revenue, profit, operating efficiency and achieving growth targets through all channels.
Her Chief Commercial Officer role is a new position in Carnival Australia’s executive structure reflecting the organisation’s ambitious goals to rebuild and grow the business following the restart of cruising in Australia and New Zealand after a pause in operations of more than two years.
“Kathryn is joining Carnival Australia with its eight distinctive cruise brands at a very exciting time as we contribute to the rebuilding of Australia’s $5 billion a year cruise industry on the way to restoring Australia as the world’s most successful cruise market in terms of its market penetration,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Kathryn’s career background and many achievements are ideally suited to leading the commercial success of Australia’s main cruising organisation.”
Ms Robertson’s role at Carnival Australia will include responsibility for the commercial strategy through the development of activities relating to marketing, direct and indirect sales and digital capability with the intent to drive business performance, growth and market share.
"I am delighted to be joining Carnival Australia at such a pivotal time, where travel demand is accelerating and the cruise industry is rebuilding to pre-pandemic levels,” Ms Robertson said.
“I am excited to see this region reach its full potential working with our trade partnerships amid renewed optimism and confidence after what we have experienced.”
Ms Robertson will take up her new role at Carnival Australia in November
Guide to Bangkok
Get around in Bangkok
Ferry
The ferry on the Chao Phraya river is also convenient — if and only if — you are heading somewhere close to the river.
Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle taxis are cheap, fast but can be scary for the uninitiated. Tuk Tuks are used by both tourists and locals alike; please bargain before jumping on.
Skytrain and subway
The BTS Skytrail and the MRT subway provide another inexpensive way to get around town. Both train systems are limited and only cover portions of the city, so definitely map out your route before setting out. Also note that these two lines of public transportation run separately and don't share a ticketing system. However, they do have a few connecting stations—which is helpful if you need to cross from one to the other.
Taxis
The easiest way into the city is through a metered taxi. Do not use the limo or taxi services offered by touts. They can tend to swarm around you once you have cleared customs. These touts will charge rates that can be as much as 200% to 300% of normal metered taxi rates.
For more detailed information on getting around, you can refer to this article.
On the ground
What is the timezone?Indochina Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
220 Volts / 50 Hz. Plugs are Type A, B, C, F (https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
What is the local currency?
Thai Baht
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes and no. Cards are accepted very widely but if you intend to visit street stalls or use tuk tuks/motorcycle taxis, it is useful to have cash on hand.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes
How much do I tip?
Restaurants - Waiters get the loose change left in the plate unless there's a special service reward of 20 baht in the hand.Taxi - Get the fare rounded up to the next even number.
Spa/Salon - Only massage therapists get a substantial tip between 50-100 baht.
Hotel porters - Porters and others giving small services may get a standard 20 baht gratuity.
Are there local customs I should know?
The KingThe king is very highly regarded in Thailand, as evidenced by the pictures displayed everywhere. Do not say or do anything disrespectful of the king or the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a Thai coin or banknote which has been dropped and is rolling/blowing away. (It bears an image of the King's head, and is highly insulting to be touched by your feet.)
Royal Anthem
Before each performance at movie theatres, the Thai Royal Anthem - known as Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami (เพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมี) or sometimes more simply as "Kha Wora" is played. It is mandatory to stand up during the playing of this Thai royal anthem.
Hailing taxis
When hailing taxis, it is common to keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing down. Holding your hand with fingers up is considered rude.
Temples and Monks
When visiting temples, dress conservatively. Women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers and cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples state as you enter that photography is not permitted. Even if there is no sign, please be respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to be taking flash photographs in a place of worship. Even more so if monks are present worshipping.
Shoes
Always remove your shoes when entering temples (the same rule applies when entering a person's home), and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha. Sit either cross-legged, or with your feet tucked behind you.
Hygiene
One of the most important points of etiquette often overlooked by some travellers is basic personal hygiene. Thai people take their personal hygiene and appearance very seriously. Since Thailand is a hot, humid, tropical country, showering frequently is essential.
Cool heart
Loud or abusive expressions of anger and temper tantrums should be avoided at all costs. Many things in Thailand often don't go according to plan, and visitors are advised to take a very calm attitude to various nuisances. Try to remain calm and smile despite your annoyance, and in the end you will probably get what you want.
*Tripadvisor
Tuesday, 30 August 2022
THE BEST PLACES IN LA TO READ A BOOK
BUKOWSKI - FROLIC ROOM
Located on Hollywood Boulevard next door to the Pantages Theatre, the Frolic Room boasts one of the best neon signs of any bar and the famous two-panel mural by legendary artist Al Hirschfeld, which features caricatures of more than two dozen iconic figures, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Picasso, Albert Einstein and Louis Armstrong. The Pantages hosted the Academy Awards from 1950 to 1960, so it's fun to imagine Oscar winners like Marlon Brando and Audrey Hepburn stopping by the Frolic Room to celebrate their big nights.The Frolic Room was a favorite haunt of Charles Bukowski, dubbed the "laureate of American lowlife" by TIME magazine. For almost a decade, Buk lived at an apartment on De Longpre Avenue a couple of miles east of the Frolic Room. Order a boilermaker and dive into Bukowski's debut novel, Post Office, which he wrote in three weeks. Pro tip: there's free Jiffy Pop popcorn, you just have to ask the bartender (nicely).
COOKBOOK - GRAND CENTRAL MARKET
Whether you're a Top Chef at home, or your cooking skills are closer to the Top Ramen level, there isn't a more immersive, vibrant food experience in L.A. than the historic Grand Central Market, which opened in Downtown L.A. in October 1917 and has been in continuous operation ever since. The city's largest and oldest public market, GCM spans 30,000 square feet and houses a global collection of classic and modern food vendors. To coincide with its centennial, Grand Central Market released its first-ever cookbook, featuring 85 recipes from every vendor - Eggslut’s signature Slut, Sarita’s pupusas, Madcapra’s Sumac Beet Soda, Horse Thief BBQ’s Nashville-Style Hot Fried Chicken Sando, Villa Moreliana’s carnitas tacos, Jose Chiquito’s breakfast burrito, G&B’s yeasted waffles, McConnell’s cinnamon ice cream, and many more.DETECTIVE / HARD BOILED - MUSSO & FRANK GRILL
Opened in 1919, Musso & Frank Grill is the oldest restaurant in Hollywood and is as famous for its Martinis as the legendary clientele, which spans generations of celebrities, from Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe to Keith Richards and Johnny Depp. Musso's was also a mecca for famed writers like William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nathanael West, William Saroyan and Dorothy Parker. Ask the Dust author John Fante was also a Musso's regular, which inspired Charles Bukowski to emulate his idol and frequent the bar ("Fante was my god.").Fans of hard-boiled detective fiction will feel right at home seated at the same bar where Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett spent many a night. Order a dry Martini or a Gimlet (Hammett's favorite) and imagine you're drinking with Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep, which Chandler partially wrote at Musso's.
Throughout dozens of books and a seven-season Amazon Prime series, Musso's is also a favorite of Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch, who likes Ketel One Martinis and the Thursday special, Chicken Pot Pie.
FANTASY - FERN DELL
Situated at the southwestern tip of Griffith Park, Fern Dell Nature Center is a 20-acre botanical oasis that features a quarter-mile meandering trail, 20-plus waterfalls and 17 footbridges, all canopied by more than 50 fern and tropical plant varieties. The shaded, breezy spot has long been a favorite haven for Angelenos, especially on warm summer days. As you read your favorite fantasy author in the idyllic glen, it's easy to imagine elves, faeries and other magical creatures hiding in the trees.GARDENING - THE HUNTINGTON
For the green thumbs out there, it doesn't get much better than a day at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1919, The Huntington Library is world-renowned as a cultural, research and educational center. The Botanical Gardens at The Huntington feature more than a dozen specialized gardens spanning 120 acres, including the California Garden, Children's Garden, Desert Garden and Rose Garden.Completed in 1912, the iconic Japanese Garden features a moon bridge, koi ponds, the historic Japanese House, ceremonial teahouse and bonsai collection. Aspiring bonsai artists should bring "The Complete Book of Bonsai" and contemplate the Bonsai Collection. Started in 1968 with personal trees donated by the late Bob Watson, the collection has since expanded to hundreds of trees - some of the Huntington's bonsai are estimated to be over 1,000 years old!
ROMANCE - EL MATADOR
It's easy to daydream of being swept away on a romantic adventure when you're reading a sizzling romance novel at El Matador State Beach. Located about 10 miles northwest of Malibu, this secluded pocket beach has rocky shores, robust waves and some of the clearest water in L.A. But don’t be deterred by the lack of facilities or the rugged path to the shore - once you're there, you’ll find it’s the perfect place to imagine a romantic rendezvous in one of the hidden coves.SCI-FI - ACADEMY MUSEUM
 |
| Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Photo by Joshua White, JWPictures/ ©Academy Museum Foundation |
Sci-fi fans will love Inventing Worlds and Characters, located on the third floor of the Stories of Cinema exhibit - get up close to icons like R2-D2, C-3PO, E.T. and artifacts from 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien, Terminator 2, Jurassic Park and many more.
SHAKESPEARE - THE OLD ZOO
The Los Angeles Zoo was originally located at a different site and opened in 1912 as the Griffith Park Zoo. The original zoo closed when the Los Angeles Zoo opened in November 1966. Located off Griffith Park Drive, the abandoned Griffith Park Zoo is known today as the Old Zoo, with its cages and stone caves left nearly intact. There are tables, BBQ grills and a large grass area for picnics - one exhibit area even has tables within the enclosure, without a doubt one of the most unique places in the world for a picnic. Anchorman fans will recognize the stone pens as the setting for the climactic scene with the Kodiak bear.Founded in 1998, the Independent Shakespeare Co. has presented its summer festival at Griffith Park since 2010. Taking place from June to September, the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival is performed on a stage that’s built on the slopes of the Old Zoo’s natural amphitheater. Audiences arrive early to picnic and enjoy pre-show performances by local artists, the Salon Series (conversations about the intersection of Shakespeare and contemporary culture), and family-friendly, pre-show workshops about the plays. All of these summer events are entirely free.
SPIRITUALITY - SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP LAKE SHRINE
Bring your dog-eared copy of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, which is tucked away on a lush, ten-acre site in the Pacific Palisades a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950, the Lake Shrine offers a lakeside Meditation Garden with shrines and waterfalls, a hilltop Temple with weekly services and meditations, a retreat for silent renewal, and an ashram for monks of Self-Realization Fellowship. The Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial is a "wall-less temple" that features a thousand-year-old stone sarcophagus from China, which holds a portion of Gandhi's ashes in a brass and silver coffer. Elvis would make frequent visits to the Lake Shrine and became close with Sri Daya Mata, the worldwide leader of the Self-Realization Fellowship for over 55 years.SPY - WENDE MUSEUM
If you're a fan of Ian Fleming or John Le Carre, the perfect reading spot is the courtyard at the Wende Museum, located at the Armory in Culver City. What began as one man's quest to preserve Cold War era artifacts has turned into a full-fledged institution. Around the time the Berlin Wall fell, Justin Jampol was studying Russian and East European history at Oxford. When Communism collapsed, no one seemed to care about the statues, plates, figurines, posters and paintings of the Soviet empire. Jampol was able to scoop up many of them cheaply or for free. The result is a collection of more than 100,000 bits of Cold War ephemera, including Stasi Espionage Equipment, busts of Lenin, track suits from the East German Olympic team, decorative ceramic plates, vinyl recordings, menus from Soviet cruise ships and material from Checkpoint Charlie, the border crossing station between East and West Berlin. |
| Grand Waiting Room at Union Station |
TRUE CRIME - MILLENNIUM BILTMORE
The murder of Elizabeth Short, aka "the Black Dahlia," is one of the most famous unsolved murders in U.S. history. The graphic nature of the crime and its details have intrigued the public for generations, inspiring numerous books and films. In her 2017 book, Black Dahlia, Red Rose, British author Piu Eatwell makes a convincing case that Short's murderer was Leslie Duane Dillon, at one point a primary suspect in the case. Short was last seen alive at the landmark Millennium Biltmore, one of the most storied hotels in L.A. Grab a seat at the elegant Gallery Bar, order a "Black Dahlia" cocktail (Hangar One Citrus Vodka, Chambord, Kahlua) and see if you agree with Eatwell's theory.Journey around the world from your living room with new season of Luxury Escapes TV
The series showcases the most loved and desired hotspots in Australia and around the world — from Queensland, Fiji and Hawaii to Paris, Madrid and Canada to name a few. The program visits the best hotels, places to eat, drink and explore as Australians begin to plan and experience their long-awaited travel adventures.
Adam Schwab, Co-founder and CEO at Luxury Escapes, says the series hopes to inspire people to visit new places and try different activities now that travel is back and bigger than ever before.
“Connecting travellers with the world is at the core of what we do, so we’re super excited to be able to showcase the world's most incredible destinations with the newest and best ever series of Australia’s most watched travel show, Luxury Escapes TV,” says Schwab.
The first episode, beginning in the Maldives, takes viewers to two of the most luxurious resorts in the popular holiday destination, from a room with an underwater view to trips over some of the most iconic turquoise waters in the world. Explore bucket list activities including a dolphin sunset cruise, floating yoga, snorkelling and sound therapy meditation.
The series includes features on the following destinations: Maldives, Hawaii, Bali, Thailand, Fiji, Queensland, Milan, Sydney, California (Disneyland), Canada, Paris, Singapore and Western Australia.
Each week, by tuning into the episode, viewers will also get the chance to win an incredible prize.
Keep up to date at luxuryescapes.com/tv.
Countdown begins to nation’s largest country music festival, with first line-up announced for 51st Toyota Country Music Festival
Returning to its traditional 10-day timeslot in January, the 51st event will welcome iconic country artists, including the most decorated Golden Guitar winner of all time Troy Cassar-Daley, multi award-winning artist Lee Kernaghan, ARIA Hall of Fame Inductee Kasey Chambers, country music legend John Williamson, ARIA nominated and Golden Guitar winners The Wolfe Brothers, country rocker Casey Barnes, 2022 Golden Guitar winner and ARIA nominated Adam Harvey, 2022 Roll of Renown inductee Beccy Cole, top 2022 Golden Guitar winner Shane Nicholson, the unique duo of Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, 2022 Female Artist of the Year and Tamworth local, Ashleigh Dallas, 2022 Toyota Star Maker winner Max Jackson and festival favourite Fanny Lumsden.
Toyota Park – the Festival’s largest venue – will host a series of live and free concerts across the 10-days, including the multi-artist Opening Concert, Toyota Star Maker Grand Final, the very popular Back to the Bush spectacular, plus the Toyota Best of the Buskers.
Country music’s night of nights, the prestigious Toyota Golden Guitar Awards will be held on Saturday, 21 January at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre.
Festival Manager Barry Harley says the 51st Festival will mark a return to tradition and celebrate the very best of Australian country.
“2023 will see the Toyota Country Music Festival return to its traditional 10 days in January, which we know many people are excited for,” said Mr Harley.
“For more than five decades the Toyota Country Music Festival has been the nation’s largest celebration of Australian country music, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the nation’s biggest stars back to Tamworth in 2023.”
Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley will be performing at the Capitol Theatre during the 51st Toyota Country Music Festival, as well as Brad Butcher and the Weeping Willows, and The Whitlams, and Moonshiners will welcome two times Golden Guitar winner, Andrew Swift.
Performing at Wests Leagues Club and Diggers will be Amber Lawrence, Hurricane Fall & Jayne Denham, Sara Storer, Kevin Bloody Wilson, Melanie Dyer, the Hillbilly Goats, as well as the Country
Turns Pink fundraiser concert for the Cancer Council.
Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo said it was exciting to see Australia’s largest country music festival return to its traditional 10-day celebration in 2023.
“Celebrating Australia’s country music artists at Toyota Country Music Festival in Tamworth is something we all look forward to at Toyota, and we’re delighted to be a major sponsor for our 31st year.”
Other ticketed shows include Lyn Bowtell, The Bushwackers, Angus Gill, Melinda Schneider, Darren Coggan and Oliva Coggan, Michael Waugh, The Wolverines, The Ultimate Bluegrass Pickin’ Party with Kristy Cox, The Viper Creek Band, The Pigs, Music For McGrath in aid of the McGrath Foundation, Coal Miners Daughter with Amber Joy Poulton, The Tamworth Opry, The Tanya Tucker Story with Donna Fisk, and The Golden Fiddle Awards and Showcase.
“It’s fantastic to see so many iconic Australian artists on the Tamworth Country Music Festival line-up, from John Williamson and Fanny Lumsden to Kasey Chambers and Troy Cassar-Daley, making this an unmissable event for 2023.
“The family-friendly event attracts more than 55,000 visitors to Tamworth each year providing a significant boost to the visitor economy in the New England region,” said Mr Franklin.
The 51st Toyota Country Music Festival will also see the return of the iconic Toyota Star Maker competition, as well as the hugely popular Toyota Zone, FanZone Stage and Toyota Busking Championships, where the best of Peel Street’s buskers will go head-to-head. While country’s rising stars will once again battle it out in the Golden Gig, Sponsored by Macca’s talent quest.
Ticketed shows at Pub Group venues, Wests Leagues Club and Diggers are now on sale, while tickets to remaining shows and the Toyota Golden Guitar Awards will go on sale on 1 September, 2022.
Head to the Festival website www.tcmf.com.au for more information. Stay up to date on the official Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth at www.tcmf.com.au TCMF Facebook and TCMF Instagram.
The Tamworth County Music Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
MCEC NAMED VENUE PARTNER OF VICTORIAN PREMIER’S SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
The Premier’s Sustainability Awards recognises and rewards Victorian communities, individuals, education providers and businesses who are taking outstanding action in improving both their community and environment across the State.
This award celebrates those helping create sustainable and resilient communities, environments, and economies - something MCEC, as a leading Melbourne destination with big goals for the planet, holds a personal stake in.
MCEC has an ambitious sustainability strategy that has set targets to eliminate single-use plastic, divert 90 per cent of their waste from landfill, source 100 per cent of their power from renewable sources, and achieve net zero emissions.
MCEC sources produce locally where possible, and it couldn’t get more local than right on site.
Enter their Siddeley St car park, which has been transformed into Melbourne Skyfarm: a 2000m2 urban rooftop farm, growing a range of organic produce. Melbourne Skyfarm serves as a sustainable dining, education, and event space while providing around five tons of produce annually. Much of this is donated to MCEC’s community partner, OzHarvest.
Our vision is to lead extraordinary environmental change and amplify social impact. As partners in the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, MCEC has invested in a wind farm in regional Victoria that offsets up to 15 per cent of their electricity. MCEC is also a member of the Business Renewable Centre Australia, which helps facilitate a nationwide shift to large-scale wind and solar energy production.
Chief Executive Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Peter King said:
“MCEC takes sustainability seriously and it’s a privilege to be part of this incredible network of award supporters and sponsors.”
“Partnering with the Banksia Foundation, Sustainability Victoria, Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria and the Premier’s Sustainability Awards celebrates Victorians leading the way towards a sustainable future.”
The awards shine a spotlight on the innovators and changemakers in sustainability and entry categories align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are the world’s shared plan to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet by 2030.
The awards are presented through a partnership between Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian government, the Banksia Foundation and Keep Australia Beautiful (Vic). The awards ceremony will be held at MCEC on Tuesday 20 September.
Shima Onsen was established in 989
 |
| Shima Onsen |
Located in Gunma, Shima Onsen was established in 989 and is considered one of the top 3 onsen in the prefecture, along with Kusatsu and Ikaho. Part of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and surrounded by rich nature, choose from 35 different Japanese-style inns with hot springs, many offering private baths!
Photo: @shima.onsen.kashiwaya.ryokan #Relaxation
Japan National Tourism Organization
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
Destination Canada’s NYC Northern Lights Installation Recognized in the 2022 Skift IDEA Awards
 |
| Destination Canada’s Into the Lights exhibit in NYC |
The Skift IDEA Awards is an annual recognition of excellence in design, creativity, and innovation. Destination Canada’s Into the Lights exhibit in NYC won the category of Creative Thinkers, Physical Experience.
In December 2021, along with our US agency, Praytell, we brought the northern lights to Grand Central Station with a floor-to-ceiling mirrored light display that gave visitors the experience of walking under the northern lights.
The installation saw over 9100 visitors and received a total of 180 media placements and 2.23B+ earned media impressions.
We are proud to see this initiative recognized in the 2022 Skift IDEA Awards among many forward-thinking brands and businesses.
Vietnam among Asia’s best places for holiday: Australian travel magazine
 |
| FLC Luxury Hotel Quy Nhon. (Photo: flc.vn) |
It recommended December-March, when the weather is "pleasant," as the ideal time to visit the long, sandy beaches of Vietnam.
It particularly recommended Quy Nhon, the beach resort town on the south-central coast. "Long a staid domestic destination, beautiful beach-flanked Quy Nhon has acquired hipster mojo and is tipped as the next Da Nang."
The magazine also advised tourists to explore Ninh Binh, famous for paddleboat tours through limestone karsts and paddy rice fields.
In the Central Highlands, Da Lat, a summer retreat of the French during the colonial period, is well known for adventure sports such as trekking, mountain biking and rafting, it said.
A lesser-known destination in the northwest not to be missed is Dien Bien Phu, which used to be a major battlefield during the war, it said. "The province is developing eco-tourism and offering indigenous village homestays amid stunning forested landscapes and Hmong culture."
Other destinations on the list are Thailand, India, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Vietnam has allowed quarantine-free entry since March 15 and lifted most COVID-19 restrictions except for COVID-19 insurance cover.
VNA - en.vietnamplus.vn- August 8, 2022
Tags: #Asia's best places, #Traveller,
Three new island-hopping voyages with Heritage Expeditions
- Undiscovered Philippines & Indonesia
- Asian Island Odyssey, and
- Grand Pacific Odyssey.
Travel is aboard 140-guest expedition Heritage Adventurer, which has held records for the most northern and southern Arctic and Antarctic navigations.
Heritage Expeditions offers voyages for small groups of between 18 and 140 to remote islands, coasts and shorelines aboard their expedition ships Heritage Adventurer and Heritage Explorer on voyages ranging from 5 – 29 days.
Each expedition is led by a team of botanists, ornithologists and naturalists to maximise every opportunity to learn, discover and experience as much as possible, while minimising the impact of a visit.
CARMEN COMES TO COCKATOO ISLAND
Set in the industrial surrounds of historic Cockatoo Island, this edgy production will be complemented by customised dining offerings and pop-up bars onsite.
Opera on Cockatoo Island is supported by Destination NSW.
We are excited to be hosting 'Opera on Cockatoo Island: Carmen' – an innovative opera experience premiering in November 2022. Revellers will enjoy the modern classic seated in a raw, industrial setting or moored in the world’s best harbour.
Opera on Cockatoo Island: Carmen is Bizet’s gripping tale of fate and freedom, presented in an exciting new way – under the stars, against the backdrop of our iconic destination in the heart of Sydney Harbour.
The Opera Australia production can be experienced by ticketholders in one of two ways. People will be able to book seats on the island’s Eastern Apron and partake in a selection of dining options as they fall under the spell of Carmen’s memorable Spanish tunes, sultry story, and dazzling spectacle – think fire-twirling, car chases and fireworks! In a world-first for opera, there will also be an option for people to book a mooring for their boat at Cockatoo Island’s Bolt Wharf, and watch the live performance projected onto a giant screen.
Performances will run between 25 November 2022 and 18 December 2022. Tickets from $79 (excl. booking fee). Visit the Opera Australia website for more details.
We are excited to be hosting 'Opera on Cockatoo Island: Carmen' – an innovative opera experience premiering in November 2022. Revellers will enjoy the modern classic seated in a raw, industrial setting or moored in the world’s best harbour.
Opera on Cockatoo Island: Carmen is Bizet’s gripping tale of fate and freedom, presented in an exciting new way – under the stars, against the backdrop of our iconic destination in the heart of Sydney Harbour.
The Opera Australia production can be experienced by ticketholders in one of two ways. People will be able to book seats on the island’s Eastern Apron and partake in a selection of dining options as they fall under the spell of Carmen’s memorable Spanish tunes, sultry story, and dazzling spectacle – think fire-twirling, car chases and fireworks! In a world-first for opera, there will also be an option for people to book a mooring for their boat at Cockatoo Island’s Bolt Wharf, and watch the live performance projected onto a giant screen.
Performances will run between 25 November 2022 and 18 December 2022. Tickets from $79 (excl. booking fee). Visit the Opera Australia website for more details.
VENUE - Eastern Apron and Bolt Wharf, Cockatoo Island
LANGUAGE - Sung in French with English surtitles
RUNNING TIME - Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one interval.
Getting to Cockatoo Island - Cockatoo Island is accessible by the Opera on Cockatoo Island Shuttle Ferry, public ferry, or water taxi. We strongly recommend adding the Cockatoo Island Shuttle Ferry to your purchase during checkout as the public ferry and water taxi services have limited capacities.
Revved up at all hours, Bangkok remains one of the most intense places on Earth
Temples like Wat Pho are thronged with devotees all day. Street food sizzles all evening.
The heat never stops. And the nightlife—from sleazy Patpong to ritzy rooftop bars—is second to none. But the pleasures don’t end there.
Night markets, mega malls, and the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market all make Bangkok a shoppers’ (and souvenir-hunter’s) dream.
You’ll need to prepare yourself—Bangkok is intense. But for travellers craving local secrets and 24/7 energy, there’s nowhere in the world quite like it.
If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Thai embassy. You can check here for more information on types of visas.
The heat never stops. And the nightlife—from sleazy Patpong to ritzy rooftop bars—is second to none. But the pleasures don’t end there.
Night markets, mega malls, and the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market all make Bangkok a shoppers’ (and souvenir-hunter’s) dream.
You’ll need to prepare yourself—Bangkok is intense. But for travellers craving local secrets and 24/7 energy, there’s nowhere in the world quite like it.
What is the best way to get there?
Flying: Bangkok is served by two airports, the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Muang Airport (DMK). The latter is a hub for low-cost carriers including Air Asia and Nok Air and mainly offers domestic and regional flights.Do I need a visa?
Thailand has many bilateral agreements in place with other nations that allow visa-free travel. To see if your country is on that list please check here.If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Thai embassy. You can check here for more information on types of visas.
When is the best time to visit?
November through January: Bangkok is hot and steamy no matter what time of year you visit, however, the very best time to visit is late November to mid-January. Known as the “cool season,” the temperatures sit around 90 Fahrenheit (36 Celsius).Monday, 29 August 2022
A masterpiece of stained glass!
The museum spreads across 70,000 square metres of lush green garden space and was the very first outdoor gallery in Japan!
Marvel at the dazzling light as you ascend the 18-metre tall spiral staircase to look out on the grounds of the museum and across the mountains of Hakone.
Photo: Hakone Open-Air Museum 彫刻の森美術館提供l #Art
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
Marvel at the dazzling light as you ascend the 18-metre tall spiral staircase to look out on the grounds of the museum and across the mountains of Hakone.
Photo: Hakone Open-Air Museum 彫刻の森美術館提供l #Art
Japan National Tourism Organization
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU
The Holiday and Travel Magazine
Visit the historic Hearst Castle in California, USA
 |
| Hearst Castle |
The house museum located in San Luis Obispo County high above the ocean at San Simeon, was the creation of William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan.
Their collaboration began in 1919 and continued for nearly 30 yearsIt transformed an informal hilltop campsite into an estate that comprises the 115-room main house plus guesthouses, pool, and eight acres of cultivated gardens.
The main house itself, “La Casa Grande,” is home to Hearst’s art collection and has hosted many influential guests, including President Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin.
Ho Chi Minh City to host WTA Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony 2022
 |
| VNAT's Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh received the Asia's Leading Destination Award 2019 by World Travel Awards in Phu Quoc. Photo TITC |
WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
“A metropolis of boundless energy, Ho Chi Minh City draws together old and new Vietnam, representing the city’s past as well as its future. Wander through alleys and markets, explore the temples, and discover the designer malls beneath soaring skyscrapers in this fascinating fusion of different worlds”, WTA introduced.
Ho Chi Minh City was honour as Asia's Best MICE Travel Destination 2021 by World Travel Awards.
Vietnam has been honored to receive many prestigious awards of the World Travel Awards such as World's Leading Heritage Destination, World's Best Golf Destination, Asia's Leading Destination, Asia's Leading Cultural Destination, Asia's Leading Culinary Destination... Vietnam National Administration of Tourism was twice honored as Asia's Leading Tourist Board in 2017 and 2021.
This is the second time Vietnam to host the World Travel Awards. Previously, Phu Quoc Island was the location of Asia and Oceania Awards Ceremony 2019.
Tourism Information Technology Center
Tags: #World Travel Awards, #WTA, #Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony, #Ho Chi Minh City,
Central Station Precinct Renewal Program
Premier Dominic Perrottet said: "We have a once in a generation opportunity to reimagine this iconic part of our CBD and transform it into a world-class precinct of shops, restaurants, office spaces, parkland and additional housing.
Our vision will convert Central precinct into a must-visit part of our city for locals as well as for domestic and international travellers."
Key benefits
- A renewed Central Precinct will support the needs of a diverse community. This includes:Principles for Connecting with Country embedded from the start of the renewal
- Celebrating Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage and culture
- Reviving Central Station as a global transport interchange, meeting the needs of local, regional and international travellers, including revitalising the Sydney Terminal Building
- Three new parks, Central Green, Central Square and Mortuary Station Garden, for locals and visitors to enjoy
- Improving connectivity in this part of the city with new pedestrian connections in and around the precinct and to surrounding neighbourhoods
- High quality office space for small businesses, creative and research industries, start-ups through to established Tech companies, as part of Tech Central
- New community, cultural and recreation spaces
- Creating new dining and retail destinations
- A community and social services hub to support rough sleepers or people in disadvantaged situations
- Housing, including 15 per cent of all new housing affordable and target 15 per cent diverse housing
- Contributing to the NSW Government’s 2030 goal to reduce emissions by 50 per cent and reach net zero emissions by 2050.