Tag: Travel

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Cite du Vin

Following the success of the major temporary exhibition Bistro! From Baudelaire to Picasso in 2017, La Cité du Vin will be presenting Wine and Music, harmony and dissonance (16th – 19thcentury) from 23 March to 24 June 2018.

The exhibition will include 150 works (paintings and pottery, music books, models, instruments, stage jewellery, etc.) from regional, national and European collections, as well as a selection of musical works (operas, ballets, drinking songs) illustrating the association between wine and music, based on themes ranging from the mythical to the profane, epicurean to moralistic. This original exhibition will be accompanied by a wide and eclectic cultural programme.

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A broad range of themes :

During the Renaissance period and the late 19th century there were numerous representations of wine and music, with inspiration taken from Antiquity. Such evocations appeared in new forms in every social category, whether princely, bourgeois or common.

The exhibition pays tribute to this diversity and is based on six themes (Dionysus, wine and music – Dance, bacchanal, ballet and the open-air ball – Love and intoxication – Figures and allegories – Home concerts and gracious tables – Banquets, taverns and cabarets).

The exhibition brings together all musical forms and artistic mediums, from court ballets to opera, from drinking songs to dance tunes, from paintings to tableware and popular imagery.

At the beginning of each section, an old work evokes the historical depth of the subject and the reference to ancient myths. Dionysus, followed by Bacchus, incarnated intoxication, sensual pleasures, fertility and creativity. The allegory of music is often associated with love, sensuality and wine.

The tour is accompanied by a soundtrack.

Eight individual listening points and three communal listening cabinets play excerpts from musical works (ballets by Lully, Rameau, Massenet, Duvernoy, etc.), videos of great operatic arias (Puccini, Verdi) and unique recordings of drinking songs.

The scientific committee with Florence Gétreau

The curator of the exhibition is Florence Gétreau, Director Emeritus of Research at the CNRS, Institute for Research in Musicology. Florence Gétreau is an art and musicology historian, working as Heritage Curator until 2004 (Museum of Music, Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions) and has directed two research teams at the CNRS.

An accessible exhibition, open to all

The layout and choice of works presented are suitable for all audiences. The explanatory texts are presented in different parts (by theme, group of works or major works), helping visitors in their discovery of the different sections. Some collections of sketches,

manuscripts and other written collections are presented on digital displays for visitors to browse.

A special tour has been designed for young people. Through an accompanying booklet and a selection of key exhibits, they will discover the history of instruments and musical genres, and the variety to be found in sets, costumes and stage jewellery.

Original scenography

The scenography was designed by architect-scenographer Loretta Gaïtis, who has also created projects for the Musée d’Orsay, Grand Palais and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

The exhibition progresses through an atmosphere of warm colours, structured by breaks and musical interludes. Extracts from sheet music, books and etchings provide the backdrop for the scenography. Different perspectives and transparencies gradually reveal the items on display, showcased behind glass using light effects. Three musical cabinets blend naturally into the exhibition, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the sounds of both familiar or original works.

Events during the exhibition period

La Cité du Vin is also offering an eclectic cultural programme in connection with the exhibition (the full cultural programme can be viewed at: laciteduvin.com) with conferences, symposiums, concerts, “Culinary cinema” screenings, workshops, guided tours and tastings etc. A small stage for musical performances has been included in the exhibition space.

An exhibition catalogue will be published by Éditions Gallimard.

This exhibition is brought to you with the support of the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

This exhibition is brought to you with the support of thecultural season Patrons of La Cité du Vin:

  • Bellot
  • CIC / CM-CIC Investissement
  • Castel
  • Clarence and Anne Dillon Trust
  • Keolis Bordeaux Métropole
  • Château Kirwan
  • Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
  • Duclot

With the support of La Maison de Champagne Krug.

In partnership with France Musique, live from La Cité du Vin on 23 and 24 March 2018, and Le Figaro.

Practical information

The exhibition Wine and Music, harmony and dissonance – 23 March – 24 June 2018

  • La Cité du Vin – 1, esplanade de Pontac – 33300 Bordeaux – France
  • Exhibition cost: €8 (full rate)
  • Combined ticket for the Permanent Tour with the interactive travelling companion (including a tasting of world wine in the Belvedere) and the exhibition: €24 (full rate)

The exhibition press kit and related cultural programme is available upon request. Visuals and acknowledgements may be sent upon request.

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Support the cultural seasons at La Cité du Vin with the Fondation pour la culture et les civilisations du vin:

Individuals and companies can support La Cité du Vin’s cultural events. Thanks to donations from Patrons and Friends, the Fondation pour la culture et les civilisations du vin, an officially recognised non-profit organisation, provides a rich and varied cultural programme all year round at La Cité du Vin, informing and enlightening as many people as possible about the millennial culture of wine and helping to protect this intangible and universal heritage.

=> As a company – by joining the Patrons of the cultural season from €5,000/year.

=> As an individual – with the ‘Friend’s Card’ (for a donation of €250/year), or the ‘Benefactor’s Card’ (for a donation of €1,000/year).

=> As an international donor – by joining the American Friends or International Friends of La Cité du Vin.

About La Cité du Vin:

La Cité du Vin is a unique cultural facility located in Bordeaux, dedicated to wine as a cultural, universal and living heritage. It offers a spectacular journey around the world, through the ages and in all cultures. Visitors can purchase tickets at www.laciteduvin.com and at La Cité du Vin.

 

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Airports and Instagram

A new survey reveals the most popular airports on Instagram.

Do you have a favorite? Is it because it’s close to you? Or, does it have something special? Maybe it has a terrific food scene or the best art.

Check out these that made the Instagram list. Agree…or disagree?

Los Angeles (LAX) may not be your favorite if you don’t like busy airports. But, with its great restaurants and entertainment…there’s a lot of photo ops.

Chicago O’Hare is number two on Instagram’s list. Have you ever had time to check out the impressive art collection? Or, were you too busy trying to catch your next flight?

San Francisco is considerably smaller than LAX and O’Hare, but is the major airport for the Bay Area and Silicon Valley. As expected, great food can be found here. Also check out the flight history museum.

Dallas/Fort Worth has an on-site pet hotel. Hmmm.

Miami…with it’s Miami style and great art exhibits, it’s an Instagram worthy placed.

So many of my favorites are missing from this list.

I love flying in over the entire downtown of San Diego, the simple yet stunning landscape surrounding Santa Barbara, the mountains in the background of Denver, and so many more. To me, they each have their Instagram shots.

What are some of your favorites?

 

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Did Your Luggage Make It?

Traveling with checked bags?

Preventing, or at least lessening the chance, of losing your luggage may involve a few preventive steps. This won’t guarantee your luggage arrives with you. But, it might increase the chances.

When you book your flight, think about the time of your layover. Chances are if it’s a short one, your bag might not make it onto the next leg of your journey. This is especially true if you are flying internationally. It would be a good idea to ask about time in between flights, before you book that amazing flight deal.

Think about putting some type of marker on your bag…especially if it is a medium sized, black bag. I mean…how many of those do you see on the baggage carousel? It’s easy to wrap a piece of red tape around the handle.

What’s your luggage tag look like? If you don’t have one and opt to use the paper ones provided by the check-in counter, the chances of it getting ripped off somewhere along the line are good. Instead, use one with a code or microchip so you can track your bag. At the very least, get one that doesn’t come off easily.

When packing, place a copy of your itinerary inside. Put it on top so if the airline has to open your bag to re-route it, it’s right there in front of them.

While you’re at it, take some photos of your bag. Use your phone and take a couple of the outside, the inside, and anything of value.

Check in early enough. Give the check-in desk and the baggage handlers enough time to get your bag on your flight.

Of course, you could always ship your bags and not worry about them. This might be best, and cheaper, if you need to have oversized or overweight bags.

 

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Do You Want to See the Mona Lisa?

Okay…you read all the brochures about the pristine, white sand beaches, looked at pictures of how romantic it is at the top of the Eiffel Tower, and have always wanted to see the Mona Lisa up close.

If this is what you’re striving for on your vacation…be prepared to do a little work before you go. Why? Advance planning goes a long way if you are joining a bunch of other vacationers who want the same thing as you.

I’m not advocating planning, planning, planning. But, there are certain times and events where planning gives you a better vacation.

Buy those Eiffel Tower tickets at home, print them if you can, and avoid the long wait lines at the base. And, I do mean long wait lines. Same goes for museums in Florence, Venice, and other popular places. Check the Internet for the specific site to see if advanced tickets are available. Many cities have ‘museum passes’ which are good for a series of days. Investigate to see if these will save you time and money. We buy our Paris ones at the kiosk at the airport when we arrive.

If you’re going to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre…go early. Go when they open. Once inside, go directly to see her. I know there are other great pieces of art on your way there. But, see her first and then see the rest. You’ll be glad you did.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to make pasta, or wondered why chocolate from Bayonne tastes so good, or wanted to visit with a winemaker in Saint Emilion. Here’s where advance planning is a must. Set up your classes or appointments ahead of time.

Having given you some ideas where planning is a good idea, I have another suggestion.

Be spontaneous. Don’t plan every moment. Sometimes these unplanned days are the best days of the vacation.

 

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Travel Habits

 

When I first read an article about bad travel habits, several things came to mind. Some made sense, and some aren’t really bad habits…just not the best way to travel.

What do you think?

Not Learning the Exchange Rate Before You Go:

Not necessarily a bad thing, but if you have an idea of the exchange rate, you won’t spend all your time figuring out what the costs are. Even better, get a currency exchange app for your phone. Problem solved.

Overbooking Your Vacation:

This seems like a problem to me. You’re never going to see it all, so why make yourself miserable by failing to get in everything?

Not Splurging When You Should:

Everybody has things they hate to spend money on. Think about this ahead of time and give yourself a budget or an item to splurge on. Then you won’t have to worry about it.

Booking at the Last Minute:

Sometimes this can’t be helped. Sometimes it bites you. Plan ahead.

Packing Issues:

Do you procrastinate and pack at the last minute? Does that cause you to pack too much or too little? Make a list and set aside a time to pack.

Not Learning Some Basic Words:

At the very least, learn Please and Thank You. Toss in Good Morning or Good Night. Put an app on your phone.

 

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2018 Destinations

 

Are you planning one trip or more for 2018? Want some ideas? I’ve read many different suggestions, from budget trips to best trips to trips with major events planned for this year. Here are a few things I learned…

San Juan Islands, Washington

Actually an archipelago located in the waters between Puget Sound and Vancouver Island, this unique chain is on the American side of the U.S. border with Canada. No passport needed. Plenty of water, beaches, marine mammals, and friendly locals.

Morro Bay, California

Surf, lay on the beach, hike, kayak, or just sit back and eat and drink…it’s all possible here. Located along California’s central coast, you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood, great shopping, and reasonably-priced hotels.

Mesa, Arizona

Foodies love this place with its Fresh Foodie Trail. Offering all types of food and food-related festivals, it’s a destination all to its own.

Jasper and Banff National Parks, Canada

Alberta’s Highway 93, or Icefields Parkway, links these two North American national parks. Take the road trip between them for views unmatched most other places. Depending on the time of year…waterfalls to glaciers, lakes to wildlife.

Cleveland, Ohio

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…need I say more? Oh…and the food with its emphasis on Northern and Eastern European favorites.

Louisville, Kentucky

Hit the Urban Bourbon Trail to visit more than 30 of the city’s best whiskey bars and restaurants. Not all in one day…

Quebec City, Canada

Located along the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec City showcases a historic, European-like vibe. Corner bistros, narrow streets, museums, and the Chateau Frontenac all add to the experience.

Orlando, Florida

In 2018 Orlando has new flight routes from Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit. It’s now easier to go see all the Disney destinations located here. And, there’s more than just Disney.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Super Bowl 52 on February 4 includes festivals, concerts, an interactive NFL theme park…and more. Come summer and the Summer X Games are here, along with the WNBA All Star Game, and the NCAA Volleyball Championships.

Malta

In the Mediterranean Sea between Europe’s mainland and Africa, this engaging capital of culture will host the year-long celebration in Valletta. Carnival, fashion week, maritime festival Pageant of the Seas, and more make this a destination for 2018.

Netherlands

New in 2018 are US to Amsterdam flights from Delta and KLM. Also new in the direct Eurostar high-speed train from London. Add in more than 45 major international events…what a trip.

South Korea

Winter Olympics…

Caribbean

Just because of all the hurricanes, many aren’t thinking of traveling here. As of now, more than 75 percent of the destinations here are already welcoming tourists. This might be the year to visit.

How about it? Are any of these on your list for 2018?

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Possible New Security Measures

Recently, I read this bulletin about new security measures for flying to the U.S. According to Reuters, US-bound flights will have to comply with the government-imposed security measures, which could end up delaying the process for passengers. If you’re traveling back to the US., expect a broad range of new measures, including short interviews.

According to Airlines for America, the new policies will affect 325,000 airline passengers on about 2,000 commercial flights arriving daily in the US. Those figures include flights on 180 airlines from 280 airports in 105 countries. That’s a whole lot of people on a significant number of flights, so be aware that you may experience more delays than usual.

Lufthansa said that travelers could expect to encounter short interviews at check-in or at the gate, and passengers on Lufthansa’s Swiss should check-in at least 90 minutes before departure. In addition, Cathay Pacific said that it’s suspending in-town check-in and self bag-drop for passengers on direct flights to the US. The carrier advised passengers on flights to the US to arrive three hours before departure and to expect short security interviews.

The Department of Homeland Security announced that it was ending the infamous electronics ban in June. In order for any of the 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa to drop the electronics ban for their passengers, they were required to implement new security measures. Those restrictions were lifted in July, but the Trump administration said that it could implement new security measures on a case-by-case basis.

In July, the Transportation Security Administration said it was imposing new security measures for domestic flights, which would begin being rolled out to airports across the country. Security measures here at home include passengers having to remove larger electronics than cellphones from their bag to go through the X-ray screening alone.

Have you encountered any of these?

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Ask TSA? Sure…

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration isn’t always looked upon kindly by weary travelers who have to endure long security lines at airports. But there’s another side to the TSA. It’s one of the friendliest government agencies you will ever meet on social media. If you have a question about air travel, what you can pack in your checked bags, or if you can tuck an orange into your carry-on, then ask away. The TSA will answer.

How do you ask them? Social Media…go figure.

So, can I pack snails?

The TSA has an active presence on popular social sites Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Usually Twitter and Facebook are the best places to ask questions. The TSA is available for your travel queries every day of the year, but it keeps Twitter and Facebook Messenger hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern on weekends and holidays.

Here’s a simple idea: The @AskTSA account on Twitter lets you send text-only questions or include an image. This is a quick way to find out if you can pack an unusual item in your carry-on or checked luggage. Just snap a photo and tweet it to @AskTSA.

The TSA has recently answered questions ranging from whether you can bring a bouquet of flowers through the security checkpoint (yes, but only with no water and you must put them in a bin or on the belt for X-ray screening) to whether you can take a drone with you (you can bring it through the checkpoint, but contact your air carrier for specific policies on bringing it aboard the aircraft).

The Ask TSA Facebook page looks pretty barebones because the agency will only respond to queries sent through the site’s Messenger service. You can’t leave comments or questions on the page itself. The TSA has earned Facebook’s hard-to-get “Typically replies instantly” badge for its snappy Messenger responses. Keep reading to find out what happened when we put it to the test.

If you don’t want to use Facebook or Twitter, you can still get in touch with the TSA the old-fashioned way by calling its customer service hotline at 866-289-9673 during the agency’s business hours.

Their answers come quickly… And, no matter how serious or how seemingly trivial your travel-security question might be, the TSA is there to answer it, so take advantage of its social media access. You will no longer have to wonder if you can pack a can of green beans in your checked luggage (the answer is yes).

 

While you can ask the TSA for guidance with specific questions, the agency also offers some general travel tips that will help make your experience go more smoothly:

  • Double-check carry-on bags before you leave to make sure you haven’t accidentally packed any knives, liquids over 3.4 ounces, or other prohibited items.
  • The liquid rule for carry-ons applies to more than just beverages. Common travel items like sunscreen, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, spray or gel deodorant, and insect repellants all come under the rule.
  • You can bring food through the checkpoint, but it is subject to X-ray screening and can’t include liquids over the limit of 3.4 ounces.
  • Medications, whether pills or liquids, are allowed in carry-on bags, but must be screened. There is an exception to the 3.4-ounce rule for medically necessary liquids or creams. Just be sure to inform the TSA security officer when you reach the checkpoint.
  • Arrive two hours before your domestic departure or three hours before your international departure to allow plenty of time to get through security.
  • Wear slip-on shoes if possible in order to get through the checkpoint quickly.

 

 

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Be Nice….

 

Things I’ve learned from flight attendants are really pretty simple and courteous acts we could all do when flying.

Here are a few:

They really do appreciate it when you board and de-plane quickly. This is their job, and they have things that need to be done after you leave the plane.

We’re supposed to listen to the safety instructions. Do you? Do you think it’s unnecessary to buckle your seat belt before take-off, or to make your seat full and upright? Well, according to the FAA, it is the job of the flight attendant to make sure that’s done…on every passenger. If not, they could lose their job. And, guess what? There are unknown riders on board who are watching what they do.

You know where the galley is, right? It’s not a free-for-all space. It’s for the flight attendants to prepare meals or snacks, and to talk to each other. They really don’t need you invading that space.

They are there to help you. So, if you feel sick or need something…ask. They can’t give you medicine, but they can bring you an airsick bag! In addition, most airlines prohibit crew members from helping you lift your bag into the overhead compartment. Why? Injuries. It’s about safety. Bottom line, if your  bag is too heavy for you to lift…check it.

Traveling with kids? Be sure to have everything you need, as supplies may not be available from the flight attendants. And, don’t ask them to hold your kids while you go to the bathroom and freshen up. They aren’t babysitters.

Do you wear headphones to block out the noise? So do I. But, flight attendants appreciate it if you remove at least one when they are coming down the aisle asking what you’d like to drink.

Passengers who are prepared are wonderful. Ones who block the aisle while they load their bag into the overhead bin, then remove their jacket, then take out their magazines, then readjust their shirt, then stretch…not good passengers.

Finally, flight attendants love nice people. You’d be surprised how many people don’t even say hello, one flight attendant told me.

 

 

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What Should I Give?

Wondering what to give for a gift this year? Looking for something different than your usual ideas?

You’re looking for a special gift for a special friend or loved one. But, you just don’t know what to do.

How about giving travel? That’s right…Travel.

Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking.

1…Accommodations: Give a free night at a hotel or a gift card to Airbnb, bedandbreakfast,com, or any hotel chain. These are usually open to dates the person chooses.

2…Airfare: While airfare is probably non-refundable, give a gift card from an airline. Check to see if that airline flies into the person’s home airport before you spend the money.

3…Car Service: How about an Uber gift card?

4…Museums: Check out museums in the person’s home town or one they like to visit and buy them a membership. If that’s not in your budget, how about a day pass?

5…Food Tours: Many cities have food or specialized tours. A gift certificate might be just the thing.

6…City Pass: Many cities also have City Passes, where attractions are discounted. Check to see if the city nearby has one.

7…Classes: Cooking classes, wine tasting classes, cheese tasting classes are all fun things they might not do on their own. Pick one which will interest your friend.

8…Eating: Face it…who doesn’t like to get a gift certificate to a restaurant? Give them one to a favorite or surprise them with a new and different place.

9…Surprise: Is there a NASCAR driving school they’ve always wanted to go to? How about an in-depth cooking class at the CIA? Maybe it’s a private lesson from a ski instructor in Breckenridge. Whatever it is…this might be your opportunity to give a bucket-list gift.

Whatever you do…it will certainly be different than socks!