Green Greetings from the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, which was the centre of activity this past Bank Holiday weekend on the Island. Monday was a National Holiday in Cyprus called "Green Day" whereby traditionally families and loved ones go for a picnic in the parks and rural areas of the country with special emphasis on the Troodos Mountains region. Sadly Monday was a grey day, which has been the norm in this winter of unusually (at least in recent times) frequent rainfall, which is in stark contrasts to the two previous years of virtual drought and water shortages. On the bright side, this means that at least the mountains were Green on "Green Monday", even if the sun did not appear too often, so you can’t have it all! What truly fascinates me is all the Cypriot families rushing to see the snow in the mini ski resort at the peak of the Troodos Mountains. They travel from all parts of the Island just to catch a glimpse of the crisp snow and the children seem to view this like something from another planet.
The origins of Green Monday comes from the first day of Lent. It is a day of joy, laughter and vegetarian picnics. Green Monday is followed by a fifty day fasting period, during which Christians prepare themselves to receive the Redeemer, shunning meat and dairy products and living on a purely vegetarian diet.
Happy Green week!
Grant Holmes
Editor
Perpetual Traveller
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Worldwide Top 10 Events in March, by Perpetual Traveller
For much of the world the early signs of spring are in the air and soon Northern Europe and North America will slowly start to thaw. We can even forgive ourselves for starting to think about the summer. The only trouble being is that the people on planet earth are somewhat gloomy at present and the Stock Markets reflect pessimism as they free fall into new historic lows.
Scientists say that optimists live 7 years longer than their pessimistic counterparts. Subsequently we felt a duty to cheer you up and remind one and all that despite the economic woes across the globe, there are some fun and exciting things happening our there.
Here is out top ten lists of the world’s best events in March 2009…
St Patrick’s Day – Ireland & Worldwide 17th March
The message is clear, “you don’t have to be Irish to join in”! All over the world in the Spirit of all things green including Guinness fueled celebrations will be taking place from Dublin and New York to Sidney. Being quintessentially Irish religious holiday, many will choose to attend a Catholic mass, whereby on March 17th it’s the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide. This of course is prior to when the serious celebrating begins.
Further Information: www.st-patricks-day.com
Dubai World Cup – Abu Dhabi 28th March
The brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; the Dubai World Cup is a fitting tribute to his love of horses and of horseracing. For more than two decades, horse owners and breeders from the Arab world have worked to establish the Arab presence in international thoroughbred racing, not only by winning top trophies in the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan, among others, but also by bringing world-class racing and breeding back home to the Arabian Peninsula.
Further Information: www.dubaiworldcup.com
Carnival Limassol Cyprus 22nd February - 4th March
Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Although festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls.
Further Information: www.visitcyprus.com
Carnival Miami – Miami USA 27th February – 15th March
The largest Hispanic festival in the US, with a variety of events including contests, tournaments, art and jazz performances, not to mention the wild parties Miami style! The biggest street party of them all is at Calle Ocho.
Further Information: www.carnavalmiami.com
The International Food & Drink Event, Excel London UK, 15th – 18th March
The only global food and drink event that is totally dedicated to innovation, whereby international decision makers increase their competitive advantage by sourcing a diverse range of unique and consumer driven products from all corners of the globe.
Further Information: www.excel-london.co.uk
Car Rally Mallorca, Spain 18th - 21st March
Noted as being one of the best of its kind, events in Europe. Moreover, this year the “Top Gear” presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will be personally competing in the rally, which the BBC will film as part of the new “Top Gear” summer series.
Further Information: www.mallorcatour.net
London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, the Camden Centre, London, England 18th - 20th March
'Celebrating Waterways’ theme, London’s local beer festival (don’t forget the Great British Beer Festival) is marking its 25th year. With over 70 real ales, plus imported beers, ciders and perries, to choose from, the Festival has plenty of tastes to suit! Live entertainment and food will be present in true British style throughout.
Further Information: www.camranorthlondon.org.uk
CowParade Madrid, Spain 16th January - 21st March
The CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the entire world. CowParade events have been staged in over 50 cities worldwide since 1999. The highest selling cow is Wage Moo from CowParade Dublin 2003, selling for $146,000. It represents a beautiful mosaic of thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal, designed by renowned designer John Rocha. The public display is followed by a live auction, which takes place 2 or 3 weeks after the public display ends.
Further Information: www.cowparademadrid.com
The European Fine Art Fair Maastricht, the Netherlands 13th- 22nd March
Over 220 art and antique dealers from 15 countries will gather in one of Holland's oldest and most southern city of Maastricht at TEFAF, the Maastricht Fair. TEFAF is known for its rigorous vetting and authentication process. Before the show opens to the public, all works are evaluated for provenance, quality and authenticity by experts from every imaginable specialty. Any item that is questionable in any way is removed from the exhibition.
Further Information: www.tefaf.com
Cape Town Festival Cape Town, South Africa 20th – 22nd March
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this cultural and heritage event offers fun for all the family. The Cape Town Festival will include concerts over 3 days. The popular Festival Imbizos or Cultural Talks, diverse foods representing different religions and cultures and a range of activities targeting youth.
Further Information: www.capetownfestival.co.za
Rome Marathon, Rome 19th – 22nd March
What a way to start a marathon in front of the 2,000 year old Coliseum! Not being a runner myself, I ask how can one concentrate with such fabulous surroundings. I don’t think my focus would be on the path in front of me! If 2008 is anything to go by, literally the tens of thousands are expected to turn out for this truly great marathon.
Further Information: www.maratonadiroma.it
Wherever you are in the world during March, enjoy yourself and be optimistic!
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
Scientists say that optimists live 7 years longer than their pessimistic counterparts. Subsequently we felt a duty to cheer you up and remind one and all that despite the economic woes across the globe, there are some fun and exciting things happening our there.
Here is out top ten lists of the world’s best events in March 2009…
St Patrick’s Day – Ireland & Worldwide 17th March
The message is clear, “you don’t have to be Irish to join in”! All over the world in the Spirit of all things green including Guinness fueled celebrations will be taking place from Dublin and New York to Sidney. Being quintessentially Irish religious holiday, many will choose to attend a Catholic mass, whereby on March 17th it’s the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide. This of course is prior to when the serious celebrating begins.
Further Information: www.st-patricks-day.com
Dubai World Cup – Abu Dhabi 28th March
The brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; the Dubai World Cup is a fitting tribute to his love of horses and of horseracing. For more than two decades, horse owners and breeders from the Arab world have worked to establish the Arab presence in international thoroughbred racing, not only by winning top trophies in the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan, among others, but also by bringing world-class racing and breeding back home to the Arabian Peninsula.
Further Information: www.dubaiworldcup.com
Carnival Limassol Cyprus 22nd February - 4th March
Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Although festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls.
Further Information: www.visitcyprus.com
Carnival Miami – Miami USA 27th February – 15th March
The largest Hispanic festival in the US, with a variety of events including contests, tournaments, art and jazz performances, not to mention the wild parties Miami style! The biggest street party of them all is at Calle Ocho.
Further Information: www.carnavalmiami.com
The International Food & Drink Event, Excel London UK, 15th – 18th March
The only global food and drink event that is totally dedicated to innovation, whereby international decision makers increase their competitive advantage by sourcing a diverse range of unique and consumer driven products from all corners of the globe.
Further Information: www.excel-london.co.uk
Car Rally Mallorca, Spain 18th - 21st March
Noted as being one of the best of its kind, events in Europe. Moreover, this year the “Top Gear” presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will be personally competing in the rally, which the BBC will film as part of the new “Top Gear” summer series.
Further Information: www.mallorcatour.net
London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, the Camden Centre, London, England 18th - 20th March
'Celebrating Waterways’ theme, London’s local beer festival (don’t forget the Great British Beer Festival) is marking its 25th year. With over 70 real ales, plus imported beers, ciders and perries, to choose from, the Festival has plenty of tastes to suit! Live entertainment and food will be present in true British style throughout.
Further Information: www.camranorthlondon.org.uk
CowParade Madrid, Spain 16th January - 21st March
The CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the entire world. CowParade events have been staged in over 50 cities worldwide since 1999. The highest selling cow is Wage Moo from CowParade Dublin 2003, selling for $146,000. It represents a beautiful mosaic of thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal, designed by renowned designer John Rocha. The public display is followed by a live auction, which takes place 2 or 3 weeks after the public display ends.
Further Information: www.cowparademadrid.com
The European Fine Art Fair Maastricht, the Netherlands 13th- 22nd March
Over 220 art and antique dealers from 15 countries will gather in one of Holland's oldest and most southern city of Maastricht at TEFAF, the Maastricht Fair. TEFAF is known for its rigorous vetting and authentication process. Before the show opens to the public, all works are evaluated for provenance, quality and authenticity by experts from every imaginable specialty. Any item that is questionable in any way is removed from the exhibition.
Further Information: www.tefaf.com
Cape Town Festival Cape Town, South Africa 20th – 22nd March
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this cultural and heritage event offers fun for all the family. The Cape Town Festival will include concerts over 3 days. The popular Festival Imbizos or Cultural Talks, diverse foods representing different religions and cultures and a range of activities targeting youth.
Further Information: www.capetownfestival.co.za
Rome Marathon, Rome 19th – 22nd March
What a way to start a marathon in front of the 2,000 year old Coliseum! Not being a runner myself, I ask how can one concentrate with such fabulous surroundings. I don’t think my focus would be on the path in front of me! If 2008 is anything to go by, literally the tens of thousands are expected to turn out for this truly great marathon.
Further Information: www.maratonadiroma.it
Wherever you are in the world during March, enjoy yourself and be optimistic!
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
By:
Progress
On 23:50
Mexico City Ramps Up Airport Security to Fight Crime
In the last several months armed robbers have attacked more than a dozen people exchanging money around Mexico City's international airport. To combat this escalating probem, the federal and local authorities have deployed nearly 800 additional police at the airport and in the surrounding vicinity.
By:
Progress
On 23:30
Canada / Russia Exchange Rhetoric Over Bomber Incident
The media and Canada's defense minister seem to be making a big deal about the Canadian air force "intercepting" a Russian long-range strategic bomber near Canadian airspace. The primary point everyone is making is that the incident happened less than 24-hours before U.S. President Obama visited Ottawa on February 19. Russian authorities, of course, claim this was a scheduled exercise and all countries along the plane's flight-path were appropriately notified. While Defense Minister Peter Mackay labeled the incident a "strong coincidence", a Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson called the flight "routine" and Mackay's statement a "farce." Since Russia took its strategic bombers out of mothballs in September 2007, these run-ins have become increasingly more common.
By:
Progress
On 23:29
Big Decrease in Air Transport Traffic in January
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), both passenger and cargo air transport around the world decreased drastically in January. The Director General of IATA says, "Alarm bells are ringing everywhere. Every region's carriers are reporting big drops in cargo. And, aside from the Middle East carriers, passenger demand is falling in all regions. The industry is in a global crisis and we have not yet seen the bottom."
By:
Progress
On 23:28
Proceedings from FAA Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium
The Federal Aviation Administration held the Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium last June. This was the first event sponsored by the FAA that focused specifically on managing fatigue in aviation. Today (2/26), the FAA has released the proceedings of this symposium that was not open to the public or media.
By:
Progress
On 23:27
Illegal Workers Found at Florida Airport
In Florida Tuesday (2/24), a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Supervisor noticed 21 people performing work on the grounds of West Palm Beach International Airport. These individuals were not displaying the required airport identification badges. When the Supervisor stopped to investigate, he discovered that 14 of these workers were in America illegally. CBP is processing them for removal from the country.
By:
Progress
On 23:26
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