Pop The Cork: Here's what's happening in 2010

You heard it here. 2010 is the year of big anniversaries, gonzo (re)openings, parties, special events, and massive developments. Here’s a sneak peek at some of what’s planned for the world stage.


Hug the Earth

The event: 40th anniversary of Earth Day
The date: April 22, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: When you pick up your new desk calendar flip to April. Lots have happened since the first Earth Day back in 1970 when former US Senator Gaylord Nelson started the movement. There’s been an oil crisis, genetically modified food and global warming as examples. Now hug a tree and get ready to celebrate Earth Day.
http://www.earthday.net/earthday2010


NORTH AMERICA

Cheers to the XXI Olympic Winter Games

The event: The 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics
The dates: February 12-28, 2010 and March 12-21, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: It’s the second time the winter games will be hosted in Canada. The sporting events will be split between Vancouver as the main host city with Richmond and Whistler. Athletes from over 80 countries are expected to descend on our favourite snow destinations. Tickets are available from $50-$350. Order by phone call toll-free 1-800-TICKETS (1-800-842-5387) or visit vancouver2010.com
http://www.vancouver2010.com/
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/olympics/index.htm


Cupid slings an arrow

The event: The 400th anniversary of Cupids, the birthplace of English Canada
The dates: August 17, 2010 - August 22, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: This tiny British settlement founded by John Guy helped spawn further British settlements inland. A fascinating site worth visiting.
www.cupids400.com/


Sizzling Santa Fe

The event: Santa Fe’s 400th anniversary
The dates: Year round
Why it’s a big deal: Here’s a city that boasts many accolades from the the highest capital city in the United States (try 7,000 feet above sea level) to reams of accolades from magazines like Conde Nast Traveler and Forbes Traveler. Now the city of 70,000 residents is planning a year-round birthday party. Hotels are putting together discounts and specials.
http://santafe400th.com/


Fab Florida

The event: Tampa to get a slew of openings perfect for the family market
The dates: Vary
Why it’s a big deal: Sure Tampa’s got lots of kiddy fun but now get ready for the new state-of-the-art 53,000 sq.ft Glazer Children’s Museum set to open in 2010 and watch for the already wildly popular Busch Gardens set to welcome the gang from Sesame Street with its Sesame Street Safari of Fun.

The event: Fort Lauderdale is the new home of the world’s largest (for now) cruise ship, RCI’s Oasis of the Seas.
Why it’s a big deal: The 5,400 pax cruise line dwarfs the skyline at Cruise Terminal 18, the new home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
www.oasisoftheseas.com/

Viva Mexico

The Event: Mexico’s Bicentennial Independence Celebrations + Centennial of Mexican Revolution
The dates: year round
Why the big deal? It’s 200 years of independence and 100 years after the big Mexican Revolution. One of Canada’s favourite sun destinations will be launching six history routes of which three will showcase military campaigns from the Independence Movement and three will retrace trails from the Mexican Revolution.
http://www.bicentenario.gob.mx/english/


SOUTH AMERICA

Lovin’ Lima

The event: the 475th anniversary of Lima
The date: January 17-18, 2010
Why it’s a big deal? This Spanish colonial city dubbed the “City of Kings” is planning big fireworks, music concerts and dance troupes strutting in colourful costumes.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Singapore facelift

The event: Three big hotel projects
The dates TBA 2010
Why it’s a big deal: Looks like Singapore is going head to head with the “other” gaming capital of Macau as three massive hotels are set to open. Watch for Marina Bay Sands, touted as Singapore’s first casino and resort. The multi-billion dollar development considered one of the most expensive to build in the world includes a “sky park” with gardens, lots of high-end restaurants, a museum, a mall and an uber chic swimming pool.

Over at the Fullerton Heritage Complex, which already has waterfront dining and entertainment to its newly refurbished hotel, there will be the new Fullerton Bay Hotel, a ritzy boutique property. Watch for the opening of Resorts World at Sentosa. This holiday island will be home to a Hard Rock Hotel and a Universal Studios theme park including the world's largest oceanarium and more.
http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/index.html

EUROPE

A Toast to France

The event: 100th anniversary of Lutetia Hotel in Paris
The date: year round
Why it’s a big deal: Considered an Art Deco masterpiece, the Lutetia when it first opened on the Left Bank in Paris was where the glitterati of the day sojourned. Think artist Pablo Picasso and performer Josephine Baker. It’s amazing what a department store can do and how it thought of everything. Built by Bon Marche, the department store sits across the street and makes a perfect resting pad from a busy shopping day. Special centennial packages are available.
http://www.lutetia-paris.com/en/?

Irish eyes are smiling

The event: The 1,500th anniversary of Enniscorthy
Dates: March 6, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: This wee town carries mass appeal. The former stomping ground of St. Senan who founded the town back in 510 A.D. will get an “Enlightenment Parade” packed with groups, bands and fireworks.

The event: The 800th anniversary of Athlone Castle
Dates: Early April-Early October 2010
Why it’s a big deal: Built by King John of England in 1210, this Norman castle dominates the town centre and commands the traditional gateway to the West of Ireland. Open from Easter weekend to early October, the castle features exhibitions and audio visual presentations, including the Siege of Athlone.
www.discoverireland.com

Guten Tag Germany

The event: Oberammergau 2010 Passion Play
The dates: May 13 – October 3, 2010Why it’s a big deal: The religious tourism market is heating up. Ever since this Bavarian town survived the Black Plague which swept through the town in 1633, residents staged the Passion Play as a thank you and vowed that every 10 years the play shall go on. Today, thousands descend in Oberammergau to watch a play that has been performed only by locals for centuries.
www.oberammergau-passion.com


The event: The Romantic Road turns 60
Dates: May-October 2010; opening ceremony May 7 and 8
Why it’s a big deal: Picture 400 km of nostalgia. The oldest holiday route in Germany --it’s purported to have spawned a series of Romantic Roads worldwide like Japan in ’82 and Brazil in ’98 -- will have revelers dressed in lederhausen and other fashion statements of the 50s for walks, bike rides and historical train rides journeying the road connecting 28 towns between Würzburg in Franconia and Füssen in the Allgäu. https://www.romantischestrasse.de/?lang=uk

The event: 200th celebration of Oktoberfest in Munich
Dates: September 18-October 3, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: The world's most famous beer festival will open its beer tents for the 200th time in history.
http://www.oktoberfest.de/en/

The event: Robert Schumann’s 200th birthday party
June 8, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: The town of Zwickau, in Saxony, celebrates a famous citizen’s 200th birthday with its annual Schumann Festival scheduled in June. Retrace composer Robert Schumann’s footsteps, stroll through the markets and beer gardens and see the composer’s birthplace.
http://www.schumannzwickau.de/en/default.asp

The event: 300 years of Meissen Porcelain
January 23, 2010 is the anniversary inauguration with special exhibitions and events planned year round.
Why it’s a big deal: For fine china buffs and lovers of the blue onion design, Saxony’s other famous patron concerns the famous Meissen porcelain factory. The crossed swords the company’s signature trademark is coveted by the finest art collections around the world.
http://friedrich.meissen.com/?lang=1

Turkish Delight

The event: Istanbul, Turkey becomes 2010 European Capital of Culture
dates: year round
Why it’s a big deal: The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one calendar year. Okay, Istanbul will share this title with Essen, Germany and Pecs Hungary. Istanbul is a big deal because the folks at ECOC say the city is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and as a result there are tons of cultural heritage sites spanning thousands of years. To boot, the city (population of approx. 13 million) is considered one of the most energetic cities in the world.
http://www.en.istanbul2010.org/index.htm


AFRICA

Cape Town Kick-off

The event: 19th FIFA World Cup 2010
dates: June 11-29, 2010 with the finals on July 11, 2010
Why it’s a big deal: It’s the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil. Insiders report this World Cup will inspire hope and aspiration throughout Africa. What a better way than having celebrities like South African born Academy Award winner Charlize Theron, soccer icon David Beckham and Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, lead the charge in presenting the Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup a couple of weeks ago. Tickets are now available. Prices vary.
www.fifa.com/worldcup/

My Black President

Mmabatho Ramoupi sings an a cuppella rendition of My Black President. This song by Brenda Fassi, is about and dedicated to Nelson Mandela. The song became a rallying cry for justice and freedom in South Africa and around the world.

Holiday Travel Survival Tips

This is the busiest time of year on the travel calendar. So how do you survive the stresses?

1. Advance Online Check-in 24 hours prior to Departure
To avoid the long line-ups try checking-in online at home. But before you actually book your seat, go to seatguru.com in advance and find out what airline you will be travelling on and make a list of seats that look appealing to you. This way you’ve done your homework and can better determine where you wish to sit. Often times, the airline will have pre-assigned you a seat which depending on the flight capacity, you might be able to switch.

The point about online check-in is you can only do this 24 hours in advance.

2. Check Flight Times Before You Leave Home
Visit gtaa.com, the Toronto Pearson International Airport schedule

3. Smart Packing
This is a big issue especially with gifts and things. Remember gift wrapping a present does not in any way mean your gift will be exempt from Custom searches. It’s quite the opposite. Everything needs to be transparent, making the Custom officials do their job faster.

Make sure your carry-on luggage is within restricted liquid limits. Remember the Liquids and 3-1-1 Rule. That's any number of 3oz (or 100ml) or less of any 1 type of liquid, all of which must fit inside 1 plastic zip-lock bag. You can pick up empty refill bottles or travel-sized toiletries from drug stores or hold on to the tiny toiletries from hotel rooms.

For rules on packing requirements visit either the Voyage.gc.ca from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada or CATSA, the Canadian Airport Transport Security and Authority.

The CATSA has a handy “Pack Smart” list you can check which has a complete item list or a search engine you can use if you are not sure of some of your items.

Packing oversized objects like skis, a snowboard. Check with your airline on this. You might find it’s better to leave your skis and snowboard at home. If you’re planning a short ski trip many of these resorts are fully equipped for rentals. And if they don’t rent there will be a local tour operator nearby who could.

4. Arrive to the Airport Early
If you have an early morning departure overnight in a hotel near the airport.

5.Getting to the Airport
Leave the car at home if you can. The TTC actually has a #192 Airport Rocket which is an express bus to the airport from Kipling Station. For the price of a TTC ticket you won’t need to worry about the parking.

6. Check-in Luggage
Check-in only one bag if possible. Even better if you can travel light and carry on all your belongings. Go to luggagelimits.com for all the handy info.

7. Airport Security
Make sure you have all your documents and forms on hand at all times. You want to dress without hassle as you’ll have to remove clothing and shoes. TripAtlas.com has come up with an easy Tip Sheet you can download online. It’s called Secrets to Getting Through Airport Security. The CATSE publishes a list online titled “Speed up screening” on how to manage your bins, understanding the physical search and more.

8. Keep Hydrated and Eat Properly
Pack healthy snacks, lunches for flights as most airlines with the exception of international flights no longer offer complimentary food.

9. Coping with Kids
Thankfully most of the holiday travel will be short haul flights under four hours. But if you find you’ve got connecting flights or will be on a long haul, be prepared. In both cases, parents should pack toys, treats and try to keep kids under control. Other passengers will love you for it. Things like being mindful of your child kicking the seat in front of them or pulling a passenger’s hair etc…

10. Medications
Some travellers need their prescriptions. Just make sure you pack this in your personal belongings and have the necessary documentation ready to show the Customs officials. The pills should also be in their original labeled bottle.

11. Stay Healthy
You want to be mindful of germs. You can pack small packets 100 ml (trial sizes) or less of hand sanitizer for the plane and remember to keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose. To help you survive holiday travel, Cheapflights.ca has a handy Top 10 list of “Things To Keep In Your Hand Luggage To Keep You Healthy.” you can read it on their web site.

The list includes: taking an inflatable neck pillow and using your coat as a blanket. Many airlines are no longer providing pillows or even blankets. Antibacterial wipes to wipe down your seat area like the tray and TV monitor. Also carry fizzy Vitamin C tablets. They dissolve in water and can be taken during your flight.

12. Talk to your Travel Agent
Travel agents have a wealth of knowledge about your destination and your flight booking.

Road to Castagno: A Renaissance Dream

From the timeless beauty and magic of Tuscany, springs this romantic tale of an artist's unfulfilled dream to paint the portraits of the town's people on the chuch walls of Castagno de Andrea.

The Road to Castagno is a portrait of a Canadian portraitist in his adopted landscape. Michael John Angel is a classically trained painter who studied in Florence in the 1960s and returned to live and work in Italy in 1989. Michelangelo is both his namesake and his mentor. Angel was inspired to become a painter at the age of seven when he first saw pictures of the Judgement from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.

The village of Castagno d'Andrea in the remote mountains of northern Tuscany is lovingly photographed in warm tones that evoke Renaissance images. Angel first visited the village when he went there in 1957 as an apprentice to his teacher, who was commissioned to paint a crucifix in the church commemorating the 500th anniversary of the town's most famous son, the painter Andre del Castagno. The film shows Angel's own work in progress, a commissioned mural in the same church that will eventually include more than 100 figures, all portraits of the villagers.

Angel works on initial portraits in his studio and painting en plein air. The indoor shots give scope to a discussion of the art of painting and portraiture, and the outdoor shots allow exploration of the intriguing, timeless countryside. Other than one conversation, the only voice beside that of Angel's is that of the local priest, who gives us a brief history of the town starting with its relocation in 1335 when a rock slide from Mount Falterona covered the town.

DVD available at: www.mycompass.ca

Young Leopard

A young leopard rests in the shade. Head Ranger of Ulusaba Karl Langdon talks about how the leopard hunts and the importance of the leopards long whiskers.

The leopard is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion and jaguar. Once distributed across southern Asia and Africa, from Korea to South Africa, the leopard's range of distribution has decreased radically due to hunting and loss of habitat, and the greatest concentration of leopards now occurs chiefly in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the loss of range and declines in population, it is graded as a "near threatened" species. Its numbers are greater than other Panthera species, all of which face more acute conservation concerns.

Authentic African Sound: The Nut Whistle

Two Shangaan musicians play an authentic African instrument. The whistle is made from the hollowed out nut from the black monkey orange tree. Three holes are cut into the nut to make the whistle. It produces a unique traditional African sound.

A Building Boon Hits Upstate New York

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK. Al Gore tells us. Sheryl Crow supports environmental causes, and hundreds of other celebrities are leaving their green thumbprint on the growing eco trend.

So what does a former industrial town in upstate New York do?

Syracuse, N.Y. -- quickly earning the accolade as “Emerald City” for environmental breakthroughs -- recently staged a Healthy Buildings Conference for academic researchers and other professionals from architecture, building products and services, public health, urban planning and environmentalist types.

And the timing couldn’t be better, report city insiders.