Entradas
Designing for a good cause
Student helping to design website for Peru weavers
Posted By JENNY POTTER, THE NUGGET
Updated 1 day ago
Jeff Kielman is taking his design skills to a new level and another world.
The 23-year-old design student is taking his knowledge of multimedia design and using it to help weavers in rural Peru sell their goods online.
In two weeks, Kielman will fly to South America with 10 other students from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD.)With the help of a translator, they will learn the process the villagers use to make textiles and document it through photographs, video and text that will go into the multimedia site.
Right now they take their goods into the city and sell it to a man who sells it to North America," said Kielman. This way they can eliminate the middle man and get fair trade for their work."
Kielman said the majority of weavers are women and children, be-cause most men work in the city. The women make blankets, hats and shawls by weaving wool from alpacas, sheep and llamas. The tradition of weaving is passed down to children at a young age.
They are trying to keep their textile tradition alive and well," said Kielman. Not only are the students helping to create a direct source of income for the villagers they are preserving and sharing their culture with the world.
This is Kielman's first time on a trip like this. After three years in Canadore's design program and two years at NSCAD, Kielman knew he wanted to use his skills for more than corporate work.
Inspired by an instructor, Kielman and his classmates wanted to do something more meaningful.
Why just make posters for a cause when we can do something huge," he said.
Kielman and other students have been preparing for the trip by practising the language, though they will have a translator because in remote areas, a mix of Spanish and Incan languages are often spoken.
The students also have been doing research and creating prototypes of the web page. One of their textile instructors travelled in Peru and showed them pictures, giving them an idea of what to expect.
Kielman sees this trip not just as a cause, but a continuing commitment. Once the students have created the site, workers from a non-government organization will teach the villagers to operate it and sell their works.
Kielman wants to continue using his design skills to help charities and hopes this trip will give him some experience and memories.
I had never really thought about using my design skills to do something like this," he said.
martes, 12 de agosto de 2008
sábado, 9 de agosto de 2008
Australia reconoce Pisco Peruano
Peru: Pisco is not exclusively a Chilean product says Australia
According to Australia's ambassador to Chile Crispin Conroy, Australia has not recognized Pisco as an exclusive product of Chile in the recently-signed free trade agreement between both countries, the Peruvian Foreign Ministry said today."Australian ambassador Crispin Conroy called me this morning to clarify that the information reported by some Chilean media has been a manipulation of the bilateral agreement with Chile," said Peruvian deputy foreign minister, Gonzalo Gutierrez.Therefore, Gutierrez pointed out that in the coming hours the Australian government will issue a written statement clarifying this issue.Gutierrez explained that Chilean liquor company, Capel, wanted to surprise the public by stating that the trade agreement signed between Australia and Chile recognizes only the "pisco" denomination as a beverage of Chilean origin.Capel general manager, Roberto Salinas, said yesterday that the signing of the free trade agreement authorizes only the sale of Pisco produced in Chile.“According to the Australian ambassador's explanation, this information is absolutely false, since the Chile-Australia bilateral agreement establishes that Chileans are able to sell in Australia a product that is specifically called "Chilean pisco", said Gutierrez.
News source: ANDINA
According to Australia's ambassador to Chile Crispin Conroy, Australia has not recognized Pisco as an exclusive product of Chile in the recently-signed free trade agreement between both countries, the Peruvian Foreign Ministry said today."Australian ambassador Crispin Conroy called me this morning to clarify that the information reported by some Chilean media has been a manipulation of the bilateral agreement with Chile," said Peruvian deputy foreign minister, Gonzalo Gutierrez.Therefore, Gutierrez pointed out that in the coming hours the Australian government will issue a written statement clarifying this issue.Gutierrez explained that Chilean liquor company, Capel, wanted to surprise the public by stating that the trade agreement signed between Australia and Chile recognizes only the "pisco" denomination as a beverage of Chilean origin.Capel general manager, Roberto Salinas, said yesterday that the signing of the free trade agreement authorizes only the sale of Pisco produced in Chile.“According to the Australian ambassador's explanation, this information is absolutely false, since the Chile-Australia bilateral agreement establishes that Chileans are able to sell in Australia a product that is specifically called "Chilean pisco", said Gutierrez.
News source: ANDINA
lunes, 4 de agosto de 2008
Comida peruana en EEUU
Saturday in Downtown Hollywood: Chocolates, Cusqueña, and Cancha
Mon Aug 04, 2008 at 07:51:44 AM
After catching a midday play in Hollywood, my girlfriend and I spent Saturday afternoon in downtown, lounging on the sidewalk, eating, and drinking beers. Not a bad life, eh?
So have you been to Downtown Hollywood? For some reason, this place has a bit of a mar on it. Maybe it's the large portion of storefronts that are empty, maybe it's all the mess (unpaid grants, etc) credited by many to former Mayor Mara Giulianti. But Downtown along Hollywood Blvd. (and Harrison, too) is actually a pretty cool place to spend a Saturday. It's got interesting shops, places where you can buy vintage close or life crystals, and lots of cute, European style eateries where you can sit along the Boulevard.
We had wanted to eat at Lola's, actually, but we got to Downtown a little before 5 p.m., and Lola's doesn't open until 6. (I thought this was strange at the time to open so late on a Saturday, but at 5 downtown was pretty much dead, so makes sense for sure.) So we decided we'd pass the time until Lola's opened by drinking beers at a quaint Peruvian restaurant along the Boulevard called Delicias Peruanas.
It was really hot out Saturday, but the beer was cold and the cancha salty. Here's a tease:
Hit the jump for more descriptions and money shots...
Nothing refreshes you on a hot day like a cold, crisp, beer, and Cusqueña fits that bill perfectly. It's a light Peruvian lager brewed in Cusco, very similar to other sharp Latin American lagers like Club Colombia and Cristal. It's perfect with cancha, the salted, toasted kernels of large Peruvian corn that get served with any meal as something to nibble on.
Cancha basically tastes like those unpopped kernels of pop corn that sit at the bottom of the bag, only way less likely to chip your teeth (or stick in them). It has a crunchy exterior covered in kosher salt that gives way easily to the soft, mealy meat inside the kernel. When you bite into one your mouth gets very dry and very salty, which in turn leads you to more beer. So it does it's job. They're also pretty addictive.
We also ordered a plate of yuca a la huancaina (seen in the top picture) - fried yuca (the menu said steamed, but this was definitely fried) served with a bowl of the classic Peruvian cheese sauce to dip in. Delicias' huancaina was extremely smooth and mild, probably because it had very little aji amarillo (the traditional Peruvian pepper) mixed in. Even though I like my huancaina a little spicier, the mild nature wasn't a problem since it was served with a little bowl of pureed spicy peppers that you can douse everything with. A dab of pepper sauce, a smear of huanc, a bite of cancha, a sip of beer to wash it down... it's this kind of simple food that's hard to beat.
All told, 3 beers, huancaina, cancha, and a lovely hour on the Boulevard: $25 after tax and tip. Not too shabby.
I won't say much about Lola's other than it was a very solid meal. There's been a lot of people coming out and bashing the place lately, saying the food is overspiced or overdone, and I can't say I agree with that. But it's also not mindblowing. I will say the portions are very generous for what you pay - my girlfriend and I each saved half of our meals and had a sizable dinner the next night.
For dessert we hit up Chocolada. Just look at the picture... this place is great. It's a little bakery and cafe (with fab lunch specials, I might add) that makes all its own confections. Everything in their display cases, from the towers of mouse and fudge to the adorable chocolate penguins, looks amazing - like edible toys.
I mean, look at these penguins! How can you not want to bite one of those deliciously cute heads off?
We ended up with a triple layer stack of vanilla mousse, chocolate cake, and lemon mousse (Dantela, if I remember) and another with chopped nuts, chocolate mousse, and chocolate cake (Richard, I think). Chocolada's mousse is great stuff - fluffy yet holds its shape, extremely rich, perfectly smooth. $6 exactly, another great deal.
A play, some beers, some great food, and chocolate to boot. Maybe downtown Hollywood isn't so bad after all. What do you think about dining down there?
-- John Linn
Mon Aug 04, 2008 at 07:51:44 AM
After catching a midday play in Hollywood, my girlfriend and I spent Saturday afternoon in downtown, lounging on the sidewalk, eating, and drinking beers. Not a bad life, eh?
So have you been to Downtown Hollywood? For some reason, this place has a bit of a mar on it. Maybe it's the large portion of storefronts that are empty, maybe it's all the mess (unpaid grants, etc) credited by many to former Mayor Mara Giulianti. But Downtown along Hollywood Blvd. (and Harrison, too) is actually a pretty cool place to spend a Saturday. It's got interesting shops, places where you can buy vintage close or life crystals, and lots of cute, European style eateries where you can sit along the Boulevard.
We had wanted to eat at Lola's, actually, but we got to Downtown a little before 5 p.m., and Lola's doesn't open until 6. (I thought this was strange at the time to open so late on a Saturday, but at 5 downtown was pretty much dead, so makes sense for sure.) So we decided we'd pass the time until Lola's opened by drinking beers at a quaint Peruvian restaurant along the Boulevard called Delicias Peruanas.
It was really hot out Saturday, but the beer was cold and the cancha salty. Here's a tease:
Hit the jump for more descriptions and money shots...
Nothing refreshes you on a hot day like a cold, crisp, beer, and Cusqueña fits that bill perfectly. It's a light Peruvian lager brewed in Cusco, very similar to other sharp Latin American lagers like Club Colombia and Cristal. It's perfect with cancha, the salted, toasted kernels of large Peruvian corn that get served with any meal as something to nibble on.
Cancha basically tastes like those unpopped kernels of pop corn that sit at the bottom of the bag, only way less likely to chip your teeth (or stick in them). It has a crunchy exterior covered in kosher salt that gives way easily to the soft, mealy meat inside the kernel. When you bite into one your mouth gets very dry and very salty, which in turn leads you to more beer. So it does it's job. They're also pretty addictive.
We also ordered a plate of yuca a la huancaina (seen in the top picture) - fried yuca (the menu said steamed, but this was definitely fried) served with a bowl of the classic Peruvian cheese sauce to dip in. Delicias' huancaina was extremely smooth and mild, probably because it had very little aji amarillo (the traditional Peruvian pepper) mixed in. Even though I like my huancaina a little spicier, the mild nature wasn't a problem since it was served with a little bowl of pureed spicy peppers that you can douse everything with. A dab of pepper sauce, a smear of huanc, a bite of cancha, a sip of beer to wash it down... it's this kind of simple food that's hard to beat.
All told, 3 beers, huancaina, cancha, and a lovely hour on the Boulevard: $25 after tax and tip. Not too shabby.
I won't say much about Lola's other than it was a very solid meal. There's been a lot of people coming out and bashing the place lately, saying the food is overspiced or overdone, and I can't say I agree with that. But it's also not mindblowing. I will say the portions are very generous for what you pay - my girlfriend and I each saved half of our meals and had a sizable dinner the next night.
For dessert we hit up Chocolada. Just look at the picture... this place is great. It's a little bakery and cafe (with fab lunch specials, I might add) that makes all its own confections. Everything in their display cases, from the towers of mouse and fudge to the adorable chocolate penguins, looks amazing - like edible toys.
I mean, look at these penguins! How can you not want to bite one of those deliciously cute heads off?
We ended up with a triple layer stack of vanilla mousse, chocolate cake, and lemon mousse (Dantela, if I remember) and another with chopped nuts, chocolate mousse, and chocolate cake (Richard, I think). Chocolada's mousse is great stuff - fluffy yet holds its shape, extremely rich, perfectly smooth. $6 exactly, another great deal.
A play, some beers, some great food, and chocolate to boot. Maybe downtown Hollywood isn't so bad after all. What do you think about dining down there?
-- John Linn
Givenchy inspirado en el Peru
Riccardo Tisci’s Givenchy vs. Ancient Peru
By
Alexandra Stielow
August 04, 2008
The discipline of haute couture in Paris boasts the highest embodiment of craftsmanship in fashion. The exclusive couture houses see to it that the finest and priciest silks, wools, and chiffons are woven into elaborate fantasies for their most illustrious clientele. But far from the City of Lights, the overlooked countries of Latin America have yet to make their mark in the fashion industry. At Givenchy's fall 2008 couture show, Riccardo Tisci took us by surprise in trading European society muses to excavate the luxury of ancient Peruvian royalty. Likewise at New York's Metropolitan Museum, a special exhibition -- "Radiance from the Rainforest: Featherwork in Ancient Peru" -- eclipses neighboring European sculptures with a display of perhaps the finest featherwork in existence.
Tisci’s collection dares to tweak Paris, sending heavily blanketed, warrior-like women in tobacco browns and bone ivories down a runway of woodchips. The ideology of the Incas reflects Latin America’s humble passion for naturalism—a heavy burden for Tisci to bear when dealing with Parisian materialism. As the Incas built houses of stone and mud and hand-wove garments of cotton, feathers, alpaca, and llama, Tisci too aims for a comparable degree of excellence in arts and crafts, evident in his impeccable tailoring and precision despite such ponderous fabrics. Through playful items like fur pieces and leather gaucho boots, Tisci is able to unite the sophisticated Givenchy lady with her machismo spirit, suiting her for the rugged terrain of the Andes’ empire.
At the Met exhibit, great craftsmanship of the Incas zeroes in on featherwork from the 7th to 16th centuries. Feathers were greatly valued for their ”magnificent color and silken texture.” In a selective process, less than 2% of all bird species were used. Giant tabards hang like tapestries in geometric patterns and colors that reflect macaws and parrots, not excluding the brown and whites visible in Tisci’s folkloric ponchos. At a time when royalty glorified barbarism, it’s no surprise that the clothing was large, heavy, and built as protective armor. Yet the true craftsmanship shows in the Inca’s manipulation of such a delicate and precious material. “The gloss, splendor, and sheen of this feather cloth is of such exceptional beauty that it must be seen to be appreciated,” wrote Europeans who arrived in Peru in the early 16th century. Amid the 70 pieces on display are also crowns, ceremonial headdresses, and neckpieces.
With the spotlight on Latin America, it’s natural to review today’s concept of luxury. Whereas a luxury fashion brand manifests a romantic idea with boundless imagination to an exclusive patron, it tries to recycle and thus eternalize itself. What Tisci does, despite adding signature black leather and lace of Givenchy, is throw the luxury consumer from her comfort zone and suggest that more powerful and timeless than a brand is the transfiguration upon its use. The marvelous feather garments, long before couture and capitalism, transformed Latin American Indians into kings and queens of the highest wealth and status. Latin America may be catching up to the world of luxury, but in all its rawness, there’s certainly something to be learned from the accessibility of a garment so finely built.
By
Alexandra Stielow
August 04, 2008
The discipline of haute couture in Paris boasts the highest embodiment of craftsmanship in fashion. The exclusive couture houses see to it that the finest and priciest silks, wools, and chiffons are woven into elaborate fantasies for their most illustrious clientele. But far from the City of Lights, the overlooked countries of Latin America have yet to make their mark in the fashion industry. At Givenchy's fall 2008 couture show, Riccardo Tisci took us by surprise in trading European society muses to excavate the luxury of ancient Peruvian royalty. Likewise at New York's Metropolitan Museum, a special exhibition -- "Radiance from the Rainforest: Featherwork in Ancient Peru" -- eclipses neighboring European sculptures with a display of perhaps the finest featherwork in existence.
Tisci’s collection dares to tweak Paris, sending heavily blanketed, warrior-like women in tobacco browns and bone ivories down a runway of woodchips. The ideology of the Incas reflects Latin America’s humble passion for naturalism—a heavy burden for Tisci to bear when dealing with Parisian materialism. As the Incas built houses of stone and mud and hand-wove garments of cotton, feathers, alpaca, and llama, Tisci too aims for a comparable degree of excellence in arts and crafts, evident in his impeccable tailoring and precision despite such ponderous fabrics. Through playful items like fur pieces and leather gaucho boots, Tisci is able to unite the sophisticated Givenchy lady with her machismo spirit, suiting her for the rugged terrain of the Andes’ empire.
At the Met exhibit, great craftsmanship of the Incas zeroes in on featherwork from the 7th to 16th centuries. Feathers were greatly valued for their ”magnificent color and silken texture.” In a selective process, less than 2% of all bird species were used. Giant tabards hang like tapestries in geometric patterns and colors that reflect macaws and parrots, not excluding the brown and whites visible in Tisci’s folkloric ponchos. At a time when royalty glorified barbarism, it’s no surprise that the clothing was large, heavy, and built as protective armor. Yet the true craftsmanship shows in the Inca’s manipulation of such a delicate and precious material. “The gloss, splendor, and sheen of this feather cloth is of such exceptional beauty that it must be seen to be appreciated,” wrote Europeans who arrived in Peru in the early 16th century. Amid the 70 pieces on display are also crowns, ceremonial headdresses, and neckpieces.
With the spotlight on Latin America, it’s natural to review today’s concept of luxury. Whereas a luxury fashion brand manifests a romantic idea with boundless imagination to an exclusive patron, it tries to recycle and thus eternalize itself. What Tisci does, despite adding signature black leather and lace of Givenchy, is throw the luxury consumer from her comfort zone and suggest that more powerful and timeless than a brand is the transfiguration upon its use. The marvelous feather garments, long before couture and capitalism, transformed Latin American Indians into kings and queens of the highest wealth and status. Latin America may be catching up to the world of luxury, but in all its rawness, there’s certainly something to be learned from the accessibility of a garment so finely built.
Cusco es incluida en paquete Turistico de Disney del 2009!
Adventures by Disney Announces Eight New Itineraries for 2009
- South Africa, Alaska, Galapagos Islands among the exciting new destinations -
Last update: 10:15 a.m. EDT Aug. 4, 2008
BURBANK, Calif., Aug 04, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Adventures by Disney announced it will be adding eight new destinations to their list of trips, giving their guests a total of 23 destinations to chose from in 2009. The new destinations feature some of the most exotic and remote locations in the world -- including an exotic African safari, an astonishing expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and an exploration of Alaska.
Since 2005, Adventures by Disney has created family friendly adventures in places around the world. Each vacation includes VIP experiences, exclusive moments and unique itineraries specifically designed for families. Beginning in the spring of 2009, families will be able to enjoy these eight destinations as well as 15 returning trips: The eight new itineraries for 2009 are:
* Alpine Magic -- Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
* Beantown & The Big Apple -- Boston, Newport, New York City
* Bella Italia -- Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence
* Gateway to the Galapagos -- Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
* Golden Path to Yosemite -- Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San
Francisco
* Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales -- Montana and Alberta, Canada: Glacier
National Park and Banff National Park
* Safari to South Africa -- South Africa: Capetown, The Garden Route and
Kapama Game Reserve
* Taming the Last Frontier -- Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and
Kenai Peninsula
"In 2009, we will continue to be innovators in the family and group travel business. By offering 23 destinations, we are giving our guests the opportunity to enjoy authentic experiences and magical moments only Disney could create in more places than ever before," said Ed Baklor, senior vice President, Adventures by Disney. "Wherever we go, two specially trained Adventure Guides, along with a host of local experts, allow families to see, hear, touch and taste the history and cultures of destinations around the globe and in our own backyard."
Also new in 2009 will be the introduction of Adventures by Disney Signature Trips. Specified departure dates on the Safari to South Africa and Golden Path to Yosemite itineraries will be identified as Signature Trips. On these departures guest will enjoy an enhanced travel experience including upgraded accommodations, special amenities and events not offered on standard departures.
Amenities on the signature Safari to South Africa trip include upgraded accommodations in Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel and upgraded accommodations in the Main Lodge at Kapama Game Reserve. Other Signature enhancements include uniquely African VIP gifts, special evening entertainment, an exclusive spa treatment with a view of the African bush and a privately hosted dinner where elephants are up-close-and-personal at the Knysna's Elephant Lounge.
On the signature departures of Golden Path to Yosemite, guests discover rock climbing at the birthplace of modern mountaineering and view Yosemite the way Ansel Adams did -- through a camera -- on an expertly guided camera walk of the valley. Guests also enjoy upgraded accommodations at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite and at the St. Regis in San Francisco including in-room gift baskets.
Adventures by Disney's 2009 destinations will also include 15 returning trips. The trips families will continue to enjoy are: North America
* Spirit of America -- Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg,
Va.
* Quest for the West -- Jackson Hole, Wyo., Yellowstone and Grand Teton
National Parks
* Southwest Splendors -- Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab
* Backstage Magic -- Hollywood and Disneyland Resort
Southern Europe
* Viva Italia -- Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
* Treasures of Spain (Previously Grande Espana) -- Spain: Barcelona,
Seville and Madrid
British Isles & Europe
* The Emerald Isle -- Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
* Cities of Knights and Lights -- England and France: London and Paris
* Once Upon a Fairytale -- Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg
and Munich
* Flavors of France -- France: Provence and Paris
* Storybook Kingdoms (Formerly Imperial Cities) -- Czech Republic and
Austria: Prague, Salzburg and Vienna
Latin America
* Path to Pura Vida -- Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio
National Park
* Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities -- Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco
Asia & Pacific
* Enchanted China -- China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong
Kong
* Discovery Down Under -- Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and
Sydney
The Disney Difference
When traveling with Adventures by Disney, there is a difference, the Disney Difference. Each itinerary features two Disney-trained Adventure Guides who are experts on their destination. The guides lead families throughout the trip and provide unparalleled service for truly hassle-free travel. Having two guides allows guests to spend time making memories instead of worrying about the details. Each Adventures by Disney trip also features local experts and historians who provide an "insider's" perspective along the way.
Every Adventures by Disney itinerary is developed with families in mind. Kids become Junior Adventurers and enjoy activities and surprises just for them. Whether the groups are riding camels in the Australian outback or whale-watching in Alaska; learning archery in Germany or kayaking under the Pont du Gard in France; getting to know exotic animals in Ecuador or taking a jeep ride through the African bush, there is something of interest for everyone in the family. From a pasta-making class in historic Como, Italy, to scavenger hunts through world-famous sites like The Louvre, families experience hidden wonders of the world on a vacation specifically designed so that adults and children can make lasting memories.
Families traveling with Adventures by Disney experience a vast array of activities showcasing the culture and colorful history of each area. Whether meeting historical characters in cities like Boston, Philadelphia and Colonial Williamsburg, or private tile-making and flamenco-dancing lessons in Spain -- it's the special Disney touches that set each and every trip apart from the rest.
"Expert storytelling and excellent guest service are hallmarks of the Disney experience," Baklor said. "In 2009, each of the 23 Adventures by Disney trips will continue to be filled with magical moments and authentic stories, so that families can create memories and stories of their own."
About Adventures by Disney
As Disney Cruise Line revolutionized -- and in some ways defined -- the family cruise vacation, Adventures by Disney is re-creating the way families think about vacationing together.
Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney in 2009 provides immersive, hassle-free and exhilarating guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Families traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary experiences from Prague to Paris, Yellowstone to Costa Rica, the ruins of Pompeii to the ruins of Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Wall of China, and more.
With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights every member of the family. Guests wanting more information about Adventures by Disney can visit www.AdventuresbyDisney.com, call 877/728-7282, or contact their travel agent.
SOURCE Adventures by Disney http://www.AdventuresbyDisney.com
- South Africa, Alaska, Galapagos Islands among the exciting new destinations -
Last update: 10:15 a.m. EDT Aug. 4, 2008
BURBANK, Calif., Aug 04, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Adventures by Disney announced it will be adding eight new destinations to their list of trips, giving their guests a total of 23 destinations to chose from in 2009. The new destinations feature some of the most exotic and remote locations in the world -- including an exotic African safari, an astonishing expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and an exploration of Alaska.
Since 2005, Adventures by Disney has created family friendly adventures in places around the world. Each vacation includes VIP experiences, exclusive moments and unique itineraries specifically designed for families. Beginning in the spring of 2009, families will be able to enjoy these eight destinations as well as 15 returning trips: The eight new itineraries for 2009 are:
* Alpine Magic -- Italy and Switzerland: Stresa, Zermatt and Lake Lucerne
* Beantown & The Big Apple -- Boston, Newport, New York City
* Bella Italia -- Central Italy: Sorrento and Florence
* Gateway to the Galapagos -- Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
* Golden Path to Yosemite -- Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park and San
Francisco
* Rocky Trails and Mountie Tales -- Montana and Alberta, Canada: Glacier
National Park and Banff National Park
* Safari to South Africa -- South Africa: Capetown, The Garden Route and
Kapama Game Reserve
* Taming the Last Frontier -- Alaska: Fairbanks, Denali National Park and
Kenai Peninsula
"In 2009, we will continue to be innovators in the family and group travel business. By offering 23 destinations, we are giving our guests the opportunity to enjoy authentic experiences and magical moments only Disney could create in more places than ever before," said Ed Baklor, senior vice President, Adventures by Disney. "Wherever we go, two specially trained Adventure Guides, along with a host of local experts, allow families to see, hear, touch and taste the history and cultures of destinations around the globe and in our own backyard."
Also new in 2009 will be the introduction of Adventures by Disney Signature Trips. Specified departure dates on the Safari to South Africa and Golden Path to Yosemite itineraries will be identified as Signature Trips. On these departures guest will enjoy an enhanced travel experience including upgraded accommodations, special amenities and events not offered on standard departures.
Amenities on the signature Safari to South Africa trip include upgraded accommodations in Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel and upgraded accommodations in the Main Lodge at Kapama Game Reserve. Other Signature enhancements include uniquely African VIP gifts, special evening entertainment, an exclusive spa treatment with a view of the African bush and a privately hosted dinner where elephants are up-close-and-personal at the Knysna's Elephant Lounge.
On the signature departures of Golden Path to Yosemite, guests discover rock climbing at the birthplace of modern mountaineering and view Yosemite the way Ansel Adams did -- through a camera -- on an expertly guided camera walk of the valley. Guests also enjoy upgraded accommodations at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite and at the St. Regis in San Francisco including in-room gift baskets.
Adventures by Disney's 2009 destinations will also include 15 returning trips. The trips families will continue to enjoy are: North America
* Spirit of America -- Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Williamsburg,
Va.
* Quest for the West -- Jackson Hole, Wyo., Yellowstone and Grand Teton
National Parks
* Southwest Splendors -- Sedona, Grand Canyon and Moab
* Backstage Magic -- Hollywood and Disneyland Resort
Southern Europe
* Viva Italia -- Italy: Rome, Tuscany and Venice
* Treasures of Spain (Previously Grande Espana) -- Spain: Barcelona,
Seville and Madrid
British Isles & Europe
* The Emerald Isle -- Ireland: Dublin, Killarney and Shannon
* Cities of Knights and Lights -- England and France: London and Paris
* Once Upon a Fairytale -- Germany: Heidelberg, Trendelburg, Rothenburg
and Munich
* Flavors of France -- France: Provence and Paris
* Storybook Kingdoms (Formerly Imperial Cities) -- Czech Republic and
Austria: Prague, Salzburg and Vienna
Latin America
* Path to Pura Vida -- Costa Rica: San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio
National Park
* Sacred Valleys and Incan Cities -- Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley and Cusco
Asia & Pacific
* Enchanted China -- China: Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai and Hong
Kong
* Discovery Down Under -- Australia: North Queensland, Ayers Rock and
Sydney
The Disney Difference
When traveling with Adventures by Disney, there is a difference, the Disney Difference. Each itinerary features two Disney-trained Adventure Guides who are experts on their destination. The guides lead families throughout the trip and provide unparalleled service for truly hassle-free travel. Having two guides allows guests to spend time making memories instead of worrying about the details. Each Adventures by Disney trip also features local experts and historians who provide an "insider's" perspective along the way.
Every Adventures by Disney itinerary is developed with families in mind. Kids become Junior Adventurers and enjoy activities and surprises just for them. Whether the groups are riding camels in the Australian outback or whale-watching in Alaska; learning archery in Germany or kayaking under the Pont du Gard in France; getting to know exotic animals in Ecuador or taking a jeep ride through the African bush, there is something of interest for everyone in the family. From a pasta-making class in historic Como, Italy, to scavenger hunts through world-famous sites like The Louvre, families experience hidden wonders of the world on a vacation specifically designed so that adults and children can make lasting memories.
Families traveling with Adventures by Disney experience a vast array of activities showcasing the culture and colorful history of each area. Whether meeting historical characters in cities like Boston, Philadelphia and Colonial Williamsburg, or private tile-making and flamenco-dancing lessons in Spain -- it's the special Disney touches that set each and every trip apart from the rest.
"Expert storytelling and excellent guest service are hallmarks of the Disney experience," Baklor said. "In 2009, each of the 23 Adventures by Disney trips will continue to be filled with magical moments and authentic stories, so that families can create memories and stories of their own."
About Adventures by Disney
As Disney Cruise Line revolutionized -- and in some ways defined -- the family cruise vacation, Adventures by Disney is re-creating the way families think about vacationing together.
Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney in 2009 provides immersive, hassle-free and exhilarating guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia. Families traveling with Adventures by Disney receive exceptional service while taking part in extraordinary experiences from Prague to Paris, Yellowstone to Costa Rica, the ruins of Pompeii to the ruins of Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef to the Great Wall of China, and more.
With Disney-trained Adventure Guides, engaging activities, VIP experiences and personal touches throughout, Adventures by Disney excites and delights every member of the family. Guests wanting more information about Adventures by Disney can visit www.AdventuresbyDisney.com, call 877/728-7282, or contact their travel agent.
SOURCE Adventures by Disney http://www.AdventuresbyDisney.com
lunes, 28 de julio de 2008
Ica celebra Independencia de Peru con 5000 copas de Pisco
Peru: Ica celebrates National Pisco Day with 5,000 glasses of flagship liquor
On the ocassion of National Pisco Day, Ica’s people will gather tomorrow at the Main Square of this Southern city to celebrate with five thousand glasses of our flagship liquor, recognized worldwide.The mass toast is organized by the Association of Pisco and Wine Producers of Ica (Apropica), informed its president, Julio Sotelo, who said that attendants will able to taste liquor for free.At 10:30 hours (15:30 GMT), after the flag raising scheduled as part of the civic day to take place in this city, Ica’s people will participate of the denominated “Brindis de la Peruanidad” (Peruvian toast).There will also be a Pisco exhibition of 22 producers at Ica’s Main Square, indicated Sotelo to Andina news agency.“The purpose is to celebrate National Pisco Day as it should be done, with the participation of people and authorities, who, from this year on, have expressed their commitment in gathering different institutions in order to have the best Pisco celebration in Ica”, he added.
News source: ANDINA
On the ocassion of National Pisco Day, Ica’s people will gather tomorrow at the Main Square of this Southern city to celebrate with five thousand glasses of our flagship liquor, recognized worldwide.The mass toast is organized by the Association of Pisco and Wine Producers of Ica (Apropica), informed its president, Julio Sotelo, who said that attendants will able to taste liquor for free.At 10:30 hours (15:30 GMT), after the flag raising scheduled as part of the civic day to take place in this city, Ica’s people will participate of the denominated “Brindis de la Peruanidad” (Peruvian toast).There will also be a Pisco exhibition of 22 producers at Ica’s Main Square, indicated Sotelo to Andina news agency.“The purpose is to celebrate National Pisco Day as it should be done, with the participation of people and authorities, who, from this year on, have expressed their commitment in gathering different institutions in order to have the best Pisco celebration in Ica”, he added.
News source: ANDINA
jueves, 24 de julio de 2008
Playas del Peru
Travel blog: Beaches in Peru
Monday, 07 Jul 2008 11:08
Rhian Nicholson has swapped the bright lights of London for a three month journey across South America from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast. Here is her fourth blog entry: After a month of seemingly endless jolting journeys across potholed Andean roads the prospect of spending a few days lazing on the beach seemed like an inspired idea. And so it was off to Mancora, a small surf town on the Pacific coast swarming with backpackers from all corners of the globe determined to destroy as many liver cells in as short a time as possible. With the majority of the bars offering two for one cocktails for a mere ten soles (less than two quid) and blasting out cheesy music you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled into your old uni's student union during freshers week. In fact, the only landmark to get your alcohol riddled brain to register you're still in Peru is the Panamericana, the massive highway running the length of South America and lined with Mancora's bars, restaurants and shops selling knock-off surf clothing. The fun really starts when you're wandering out of one of the all-night bars after one Mojito too many and swatting off the tuk tuk drivers clamouring to drive you the 150 metres back to your hotel, when suddenly a heavily laden articulated lorry swooshes past less than a metre from your nose. As you may have gathered health and safety does not rank highly on South America's list of priorities. Unfortunately Mancora attracts as many bugs as it does tourists - and even extra strength DEET fails to stop them enjoying a three course meal on every available patch of skin. More benign but equally annoying - mainly due to their inexplicable desire to die in their dozens on the bathroom floor was the plague of crickets that covered the town's walls and had a nasty tendency to fly at your head. Mancora's drink till you drop nightlife tends to curtail daytime activities to lying on the fairly gritty sand like a stupefied, beached whale, necking juices in the beach cafes or browsing the market stalls flogging overpriced souvenirs. Even going for a swim in the rather nippy water can be taking your life into your own hands with surfers and kiteboarders cruising past - some of them not entirely in control. Technically it's Peruvian winter time now although those grey clouds hide a vicious sun, capable of turning pasty skin lobster red in just a few minutes. And talking of lobsters, Mancora is nothing short of food heaven for seafood lovers. From king prawns and crabs to slabs of freshly caught white fish, sit down at any of the greying plastic tables and the catch of the day will appear before you about an hour later (this is after all the land of mañana). In good old Inglaterra munching on lobster generally costs an arm and a couple of legs. In Mancora on the other hand, it's less than a fiver for a plateful with a few chips thrown in for good measure. And to give your taste buds a proper workout, the Peruvian speciality and supposed aphrodisiac Ceviche comes top of the pile. For the price of a Big Mac you get a mountain of mixed seafood marinated in chilli, lime and onion with a serving of sweetcorn and a boiled yam. Meanwhile if you're looking for something to enhance your night, a few of the health food cafes offer maca - otherwise known as Peruvian Viagra - baked into cakes. Further down the coast, the seaside town of Huanchaco also offers the chance to catch a few waves or savour the fruit of the fishermen's efforts in their famous cigar-shaped totora boats. More laid back than Mancora, it is bizarrely reminiscent of Hastings seafront with families taking a stroll along its rickety pier, groups of teenagers lazing about on its windswept rock-strewn beaches and the smell of fish floating on the breeze. All that's missing is the crazy golf course and the peeling Victorian railings.
Rhian Nicholson
Monday, 07 Jul 2008 11:08
Rhian Nicholson has swapped the bright lights of London for a three month journey across South America from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast. Here is her fourth blog entry: After a month of seemingly endless jolting journeys across potholed Andean roads the prospect of spending a few days lazing on the beach seemed like an inspired idea. And so it was off to Mancora, a small surf town on the Pacific coast swarming with backpackers from all corners of the globe determined to destroy as many liver cells in as short a time as possible. With the majority of the bars offering two for one cocktails for a mere ten soles (less than two quid) and blasting out cheesy music you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled into your old uni's student union during freshers week. In fact, the only landmark to get your alcohol riddled brain to register you're still in Peru is the Panamericana, the massive highway running the length of South America and lined with Mancora's bars, restaurants and shops selling knock-off surf clothing. The fun really starts when you're wandering out of one of the all-night bars after one Mojito too many and swatting off the tuk tuk drivers clamouring to drive you the 150 metres back to your hotel, when suddenly a heavily laden articulated lorry swooshes past less than a metre from your nose. As you may have gathered health and safety does not rank highly on South America's list of priorities. Unfortunately Mancora attracts as many bugs as it does tourists - and even extra strength DEET fails to stop them enjoying a three course meal on every available patch of skin. More benign but equally annoying - mainly due to their inexplicable desire to die in their dozens on the bathroom floor was the plague of crickets that covered the town's walls and had a nasty tendency to fly at your head. Mancora's drink till you drop nightlife tends to curtail daytime activities to lying on the fairly gritty sand like a stupefied, beached whale, necking juices in the beach cafes or browsing the market stalls flogging overpriced souvenirs. Even going for a swim in the rather nippy water can be taking your life into your own hands with surfers and kiteboarders cruising past - some of them not entirely in control. Technically it's Peruvian winter time now although those grey clouds hide a vicious sun, capable of turning pasty skin lobster red in just a few minutes. And talking of lobsters, Mancora is nothing short of food heaven for seafood lovers. From king prawns and crabs to slabs of freshly caught white fish, sit down at any of the greying plastic tables and the catch of the day will appear before you about an hour later (this is after all the land of mañana). In good old Inglaterra munching on lobster generally costs an arm and a couple of legs. In Mancora on the other hand, it's less than a fiver for a plateful with a few chips thrown in for good measure. And to give your taste buds a proper workout, the Peruvian speciality and supposed aphrodisiac Ceviche comes top of the pile. For the price of a Big Mac you get a mountain of mixed seafood marinated in chilli, lime and onion with a serving of sweetcorn and a boiled yam. Meanwhile if you're looking for something to enhance your night, a few of the health food cafes offer maca - otherwise known as Peruvian Viagra - baked into cakes. Further down the coast, the seaside town of Huanchaco also offers the chance to catch a few waves or savour the fruit of the fishermen's efforts in their famous cigar-shaped totora boats. More laid back than Mancora, it is bizarrely reminiscent of Hastings seafront with families taking a stroll along its rickety pier, groups of teenagers lazing about on its windswept rock-strewn beaches and the smell of fish floating on the breeze. All that's missing is the crazy golf course and the peeling Victorian railings.
Rhian Nicholson
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