Baden-Baden, Germany » Russian star-conductor Valery Gergiev will heat up Baden-Baden from January 15 to the 21st. Gergiev will be accompanied by the choir and orchestra of the Mariinsky-theater in St. Petersburg to perform at the winter festivals in Baden-Baden. On this very special program are three operas classics Giacomo Puccinis stand: "Madama Butterfly", "Turandot" and "La Bohème". Follow this link for further information

London, England » St Pancras International is scheduled to open on November 14, 2007 as a fitting 21st century home for Eurostar the Channel Tunnel Rail Link named High Speed 1. St Pancras International will become the new central London station for Eurostar following the company’s move from Waterloo and is also the terminus for Midland Mainline services, Thameslink, London Underground and from 2009 high speed Kent commuter services using High Speed 1.

Originally built in 1868 by eminent railway engineer, Sir William Barlow, St Pancras International is being painstakingly restored with the intention of becoming the finest station in Europe. It will set new standards in terms of customer service and establish a new model for what a railway station should be. St Pancras International will have more staff per customer, welcome teams and more information more easily accessed.

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Dessau, Germany » The Bauhaus in Dessau has two reasons to celebrate this year. The Bauhaus Building will be 80 years old, and it shines, after 10 years of renovation, in an entirely new light. The Bauhaus Dessau Foundation will therefore be presenting the exhibition “Icon of Modernism”.

The exhibition focuses in particular on the building and the new insights into its history. This means that striking spatial configurations will be staged in special ways. The history and architecture of the building will be shown on the exhibition level; film sequences, photo shows and sound recordings will present the highlights of recent years. The exhibition is sponsored by the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. The Exhibition will be opened on 2nd December 2006

When we think of ghost towns, we think of the "Old West" in the United States, but Portugal has its share of unique places that have been abandoned over the centuries. Here is a quick guide to the most interesting ghost towns in Portugal:

+++The Lost Valley of Arouce is about 2 hours north of Lisbon in the Beiras/Centro de Portugal Region. Here you will find the ruins of a castle that once defended the tiny village of Arouce. The village is now overgrown with trees, its houses gone or mere remnants. The castle is now just a small keep(?), and a circular wall of brown, slate tiles. It sits on a hill, surrounded by mountains. According to legend, the castle was built by "King Arouce", who fled into this hidden valley with his daughter when barbarians overran the city of Conimbriga in the 4th century. Portugal later emerged as its own nation in the 12th century, and the town and castle of Arouce lost their importance. The valley fell silent and Arouce was gone by 1513, veiled in mystery and myth. Arouce is outside the quaint town of Lousã and is just one of many tiny villages abandoned now, but once dotting the Serra da Lousã landscape.

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Maastricht, The Netherlands » Over the past 20 years The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF), which will be held in the Dutch city of Maastricht from March 9 – 18, 2007, has transformed itself from a comparatively modest show into one of the most important events in the international art market calendar.

In 2007 TEFAF will open its doors for the 20th time under that name at the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre (MECC) when 218 of the world’s leading dealers will exhibit art and antiques worth about $1 billion.

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Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel» Israel’s vast new international airport terminal is located virtually midway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on a grand scale and a marvel of unique design.

What sets the new Ben Gurion International Airport apart from dozens of other new airport terminals around the globe is its singular sense of place. Where most new airports are concoctions of steel and concrete, this airport is fashioned from creamy Jerusalem limestone and glass. Frankfurt airport has its sex shops, Las Vegas airport has slot machines, London’s airports have Harrods. What distinguishes Ben Gurion International Airport is its towering interior walls into which are cemented glorious sixth century Byzantine mosaics discovered during the airport’s construction, as well as in Bet Shean and Caesarea.

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Los Angeles, CA » See sacred images of saints, angels, and biblical figures in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of icons from the Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai, the mountain where Moses is said to have encountered God. Learn the story of these glowing treasures, how they provide access to the divine, and how they survived the systematic destruction of icons over 1,200 years ago. Explore the exhibition in depth with a wide array of special tours, lectures, performances, family activities, and more. Through March 4, 2007
at The Getty Center Follow this link for further information

Bora Bora, one of the most romantic places on earth, will host the first annual Romance Film Festival in Tahiti December 2-9, 2006 (http://www.tahitifilmfest.com/). On a deserted motu (island) in the Bora Bora lagoon, lovers can snuggle under the stars to the cinematic charms of 12 full-length feature films – while judging the movies’ romantic qualities for themselves. Meanwhile a star-studded jury of celebrities including Pierce Brosnan, Natasha Hendstridge, Christopher McDonald and Bai Ling, will officially judge the entries.

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New York, NY » The delightful atmosphere framing the Mediterranean Sea – the pure light, saturated colors, the clear blue waters, the deep forests and lush foliage - has become most seductive to savvy travelers in the winter. Although the temperature drops, it hardly ever becomes cold, and as the number of visitors decreases, exceptional hotel specials bloom. In short – for the sophisticated traveler, winter in the Med, where the sun almost always shines, is an ideal vacation.

Kempinski Hotels in Sicily, Spain, Turkey and on the Maltese island of Gozo offer “Escape to the Mediterranean” vacation packages of luxurious wellness and spa treatments...combined with ideal home bases for cultural expeditions to ancient Greek, Roman and prehistoric sites.

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Helsinki, Finland » Finland's world-renowned Opera House offers an ambitious season of ballet and opera - including Don Giovanni and Tosca, the premiere of The Hour of the Snake. Festive holiday performances include The Nutcracker. www.operafin.fi. The Helsinki Philharmonic performs in Finlandia Hall designed by architect Alvar Aalto and offers a rich concert program featuring world-renowned musical directors. Follow this link for further information

Helsinki, Finland » Welcome to the Lively Season in Finland where those seeking diversions or experiencing the Finnish version of Christmas will find rewarding and delightful things to see and do. During this special season Finland's key cities, especially Helsinki and Turku, offer a diverse and rich cultural calendar that radiates with special performances of opera, symphony, ballet, Christmas markets, beautifully decorated shops and boulevards. A new Ice Park skating rink will open in Helsinki city center in November 2006. Follow this link for further information

Stuttgart, Germany » Children from ages three to 93 can enjoy a fairy-tale Christmas market on Stuttgart’s Schlossplatz. Stuttgart's Fairy Tale Christmas Market Appeals to Children of all Ages - The city of Stuttgart opens its "Fairy-Tale" Christmas market with a concert in the castle’s inner courtyard. A giant Ferris wheel, roundabouts, fairy-tale figures and a mini railway station with a real steam train delight the child in everyone. Clowns and magicians appear daily on the children's stage to narrate fairy-tales and give puppet performances. The romantic, wintry atmosphere is enhanced by the open-air skating rink, the smells of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air and the backdrop of the Old Castle, the Collegiate Church and the baroque grounds of the New Palace. Stuttgart, Germany

Lucerne, Switzerland » Rosengart Collection: "Picasso - as seen through the eyes of his photographer and friends", which includes photographs from Angela Rosengart's private collection. Special guided tour: "Picasso - the 50s", November 19 at 11.30 am; and "Picasso - the 60s", November 25 at 2.30 pm Picasso Museum: "Hommage à Picasso", with portraits by Hans Erni, until November 30, 2006 Further information at www.rosengart.ch and www.kulturluzern.ch

Jerusalem, Israel » The Israel Museum presents Prophets and Visionaries: Reuven Rubin’s Early Years: 1914-23, an exhibition that offers the public an unprecedented opportunity to study works from the hitherto largely unexplored early years of Israel’s artistic icon Reuven Rubin (1893-1974). The exhibition illuminates the early period of Rubin’s work, from 1914 when he lived and worked in Romania through his very first works in Palestine in 1923. On view from November 16, 2006, through June 30, 2007, Prophets and Visionaries features some 50 works by Rubin, from collections in Israel and abroad and from the collection of the Israel Museum, highlighting a number of works, that are on display for the first time.

On November 30, 2006, Iván Fischer takes the podium for the first time since being named Principal Guest Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra. He will lead a varied program that will be repeated on December 1 and 2; all performances will be in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

Maestro Fischer has chosen to begin his first program with a recent composition, Einstein’s Violin, by American composer Richard Henderson. “This,” Maestro Fischer explains, “is a kind of tribute to the National Symphony Orchestra and particularly Leonard Slatkin, who has pioneered so many new American works.” Works by Sibelius, Dvoøák, and Kodály complete the first half, and the program concludes with the Brahms Symphony No. 2. “Overall,” Maestro Fischer adds, “the program is designed so that there is great collective variety offering a taste of what will come in our work together.”

Maestro Fischer is internationally renowned for his work with the Budapest Festival Orchestra. In reviewing that ensemble’s most recent recording, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, The Washington Post called Maestro Fischer, “ a most welcome addition to the music community.” His next appearances will take place in February, leading concerts as part of “Shakespeare in Washington” and presenting two performances of an education program in the Kennedy Center’s Family Theater.

London, England » Brick Lane Gallery is pleased to present Peace Camp, a group show hosted by Bob & Roberta Smith which explores our perception and vision of Peace. The exhibition will bring together established and emerging artists all treating the notion of Peace through different mediums and disciplines.

At this time of global tension, Bob and Roberta Smith warmly invite you to set aside your fighting spirit and experience our ‘Peace Camp’: a rich and varied art utopia in London’s East End. Running from the 2nd to the 31st of December this year, Peace Camp will unite the cream of contemporary creativity in a series of talks, exhibitions and performances motivated by a contemplative and probing spirit which asks: “What is your vision of peace?”

Each day for the duration of this festive period, a separate musician, politician, writer or artist will camp out at Brick Lane Gallery exploring the notion of peace through his or her chosen medium; whilst surrounded with a plethora of work by established and fresh artists documenting this theme.

Scheduled events include visual art from Bob and Roberta Smith, poetry by Mikelev, printing for peace with Leigh Clark, music by the F*cks, performances by Mark McGowan and Fletcher Boote, talk by Freee, drawing by Rebecca Taber, projection by Ceri Buck, workshop by Frog Morris and many many more as well as a city-wide gallery ceasefire day. Follow this link for further information

New York- November 8, 2006 » Mahua Kothi - the first in a series of Indian safari lodges under the joint auspices of Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa) and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces - opened last week in central India’s Bandhavgarh National Park, home to one of India’s highest density tiger populations. The name, “Mahua”, is derived from one of India's most beautiful trees, the Madhuca Indica or butter tree, with “Kothi” meaning homestead.

The inspiration behind the design of Mahua Kothi is the local architectural style with its traditional, handmade clay-tile low slung roofs. “This vernacular lends itself perfectly to the CC Africa / Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces’ core ethos of leaving a light footprint,” says CC Africa’s Creative Director Chris Browne, “as the building materials are organic and the work was undertaken using the ancient methods of local tradition.”

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NEW YORK – November 6, 2006 – On Friday, November 3rd, Air France was awarded the Legacy of Flight Award by the Committee for Dulles. The award was presented at the committee’s 40th anniversary black-tie gala held at the Washington Dulles Airport Hilton. The Committee for Dulles recognized Air France for its 60 years of service to the United States and for its contribution to the success of the Washington Dulles International Airport for more than 40 years.

“We are honored to receive the Legacy of Flight Award. For more than 40 years, the Washington metropolitan area has been an integral part of our U.S. operations market. We look forward to finding more ways to better serve the community throughout the next 40 years,” said Marie-Joseph Malé, vice president and general manager, Air France U.S.A.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the unique role Air France has played in the growth of Trans-Atlantic air travel since the Second World War. This year Air France marks its 60th anniversary of scheduled air service between the United States and France. Not only has Air France been flying to the U.S. since 1946, but it is one of the longest-serving international carriers at Dulles having commenced operations in 1964. Consequently, Air France was an obvious choice as this year’s recipient of the Dulles Legacy of Flight Award which honors long-standing contributions to the success of Dulles Airport,” said Jeffrey Fairfield, president, Committee for Dulles.

About Air France

Recipient of Aviation Week & Space Technology’s “2006 Commercial Air Transport Laureate,” the Air France KLM group operates 2,370 daily flights out of Paris and Amsterdam to 247 destinations in 104 countries. In the U.S., Air France currently flies from 13 U.S. gateways seasonally and provides service from 125 U.S. cities through code-share agreements with SkyTeam partners, Delta, Continental and NWA. Follow this link for more information

Salzburg, Austria » The tradition and ambiance of Salzburg's Christmas market make an ideal setting to start off the Christmas season. Every year visitors are enchanted by the charm of Cathedral Square, the traditional booths, the strings of light and the quality of the diversified items on sale. Come and enjoy some of the magic this year: from traditional handicrafts, fine baked goods, aromatic tree ornaments and various objet d'art for the Christmas season. Salzburg's Christmas market is a feast for all the senses: the delicious scent of mulled wine wafts around booths adorned with precious, decorative, old and new items. Performances by traditional Salzburg choirs and children's school groups lure a crowd of visitors year after year. The market will be opened by the archbishop on the 1st Saturday in Advent right after the blessing of the Advent wreaths.  November 23rd to December 24th Salzburg,  Austria

Madeira, Portugal » Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in the Madeirans’ habits and are combined with the New Year celebrations in a varied programme of cultural, folk and artistic events, beginning in November, when the lights are switched on in the centre of Funchal, lasting all through December and only ending on Twelfth Night. In mid-November we start preparations for making Funchal a real, life-size Christmas crib.  -  The streets are decorated with lights of all colours and sizes, with designs allusive to the island and the festive season.  In December, the squares are decked with flowers. Poinsettias, holly and lady’s slipper orchids all help to brighten up the city’s streets. And then there are the Christmas carols ringing out in the streets as if by magic and creating a real festive spirit.

The streets fill with people in this atmosphere of great joy. Some are here to do their Christmas shopping, while others just want to enjoy the atmosphere of the days leading up to the festivities.  There are also cultural events, such as high-quality concerts and exhibitions about the season and the archipelago.  And the bustle doesn’t die down after Christmas, as the last day of the year has to be one to remember.  Funchal’s amphitheatre is transformed into a magnificent crib illuminated by more than 250,000 coloured lights, while the hillsides are dotted with white lights, setting the scene for an unforgettable display.  When the clock strikes twelve on 31 December, the skies are lit up with fire, colour and hope for the New Year, which could not get off to a better start.  November 17th to January 7, 2007 in Madeira, Portugal

St. Moritz, Switzerland - Fashion Box AG, a Swiss company based in Zurich with international operations, will launch a luxury fashion collection under the “St. Moritz – The Mountain Religion” label this autumn. The line will be distributed alongside other official St. Moritz products starting end of october, initially through the St. Moritz online store exclusively.

The first St. Moritz fashion line is designed by Andrina Lozza, Tobias Rössler and the internationally known designer-team Khadija Larens und Bülent Öca (ex Joop designers). Products will be available online starting october 2006 exclusively at the “St Moritz Virtual Flagship Store” Spring 2007 will see the introduction of a men’s bespoke tailoring service and other St Moritz luxury goods. More info

Rome, Italy » Sacred Monsters is first and foremost the meeting and exchange of two stars of the present day dance world: Sylvie Guillem and Akram Khan. Sylvie Guillem is perhaps the world's most celebrated ballerina, now Principal Guest Artist at the Royal Ballet of London. She has been invited to perform by some of the world's most prestigious companies, among which the Kirov theatre of St. Petersburg and the American Ballet Theatre of New York, well before she turned thirty. Akram Khan is the most acclaimed choreographer of his generation working in Britain today. A thirty-two year old Londoner of Bangladeshi descent, he has invented a style of dance that is distinctively contemporary and strongly informed by his classical kathak training.   November 8th to 11th at Teatro Olimpico, Rome, Italy

Amsterdam, Holland » Peter the Great called his city ‘the window on Europe’. Until the 1917 Revolution St. Petersburg was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, expanding rapidly in the 19th century as a result of industrialization and growing prosperity. The arts flourished, and art collections grew. This exhibition introduces four collectors, each with their own preference for a particular school, country or period. They collected ‘old masters’, paintings from the 16th to the 18th century, or concentrated on contemporary art from the mid-19th century. Currently until April 11th, 2007 at the Hermitage Amsterdam. Use this link for more information on-line

Vienna, Austria - The supervisory board of Austrian Airlines yesterday announced a restructuring of elements of the airline’s fleet and route system, says Paul Paflik, Austrian’s General Manager The Americas.

Starting in 2007, aircraft for Austrian’s long-haul flights will become all-American, utilizing Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 equipment, as the airline phases out its fleet of Airbus A330 and A340 long-haul aircraft. Austrian is currently upgrading the Business Class sections of its entire long-haul Boeing fleet, installing state-of-the-art lie-flat beds. Austrian’s Business Class is renowned for its signature 6-course meal service overseen by an on-board chef. In May 2007, Austrian will add a fourth North American gateway, commencing nonstop service, 6 times a week, from Chicago to Vienna, in addition to its daily flights from New York, Washington and Toronto.

Based at its Vienna International Airport hub, one of Austrian’s strengths is its unparalleled network of connections to Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and India. “Experienced travelers are indicating they would much rather connect through the efficient and manageable Vienna airport,” says Paflik, “instead of dealing with the buses, miles of walking and changing terminals at many of Europe’s mega-airports.”

Set to mark its 50th anniversary in 2008, Austrian Airlines operates the only non-stop flights from the U.S. and Canada to Vienna. Austrian is a member of the Star Alliance and flies to more than 130 cities in over 66 countries with a fleet of more than 100 aircraft. Austrian Airlines passengers can earn miles on Austrian’s Miles & More or United Airlines Mileage Plus programs.

More information on Austrian Air

London, England - This is the time of year when Hampton Court Palace launches its winter season of ghost tours. Guests get the chance to experience Hampton Court Palace by night and learn more about its eerie past through tales retold as the tour makes its way through the Palace. Tours last for just over an hour and include a presentation and coffee and cakes in Queen Elizabeth I's Privy Kitchen. Tours run every Monday, Friday and Sunday up until 6 March 2007. Tickets for this fiasco at £25.00 lets us know that price gouging is still alive and well in Britain.

Dublin, Ireland - A celebration of the artist’s ninetieth birthday -
As part of Louis le Brocquy’s ninetieth birthday celebrations in 2006, the National Gallery of Ireland will present an exhibition of fifteen portrait heads by the artist, on loan from private and public collections, featuring images of well-known figures; James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett, Pablo Picasso and Francis Bacon. The exhibition opens to the public from Saturday, 4th November 2006 until Sunday 14th January 2007 at the National Gallery of Ireland. Admission is free. Visit the National Gallery of Ireland on-line.