Views of the Miami River
January 31, 2009 | Written by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte
Many visitors coming to Miami don’t even realize that there is a river. It’s there all right and an important waterway, coming from the Everglades and flowing into Biscayne Bay. Much care is taken by the authorities to keep pollution at bay, which is one of the reasons, that the river is home to a lot of manatees (’sea cows’ to non-Floridians). Now, they are migrating up-river to escape the dangers... [Read more]
Here Comes Carnival…In Montevideo
January 30, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
The festivities where scheduled to begin last night for one of (if not the) longest Carnival celebrations in the world. But something(one) upstairs was not ready to start; hence the strongest downpour of rain that I have seen here in the past 3 months arrived…along with the strongest wind.
But don’t fret, these Montevideans are not giving up and have scheduled to start the parade on Sunday - when the... [Read more]
Police Performance
January 30, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
In Mozambique, there are numerous police checkpoints along the roads and the underpaid policemen have perfected the art of fleecing South African tourists for a bribe. Nevertheless, I have successfully avoided ninety nine percent of road blockades. If there are no weapons in sight, there is no reason to stop. But a few policemen did actually bother standing in the middle of the road blinding me with spotlights, so I didn’t... [Read more]
You Buy From Me
January 28, 2009 | Written by Dawn Hagin
“Earrings, bracelets, pillow cover,” she said, waving a gnarled hand over her wares. “Necklaces, marijuana, hat, opium.”
Her deeply wrinkled face looked so innocent. Had I heard her right? She gestured for me to move closer, and I leaned in. Her wink confirmed that I had. Commerce, even the illicit kind, is booming and competitive in Sapa, Vietnam.
Located in the misty mountains ten miles south of... [Read more]
Kelly Clarkson, the Jonas Brothers, and more at Atlantis
January 27, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS (January 27, 2009) – Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas, a popular destination for its beach and water attractions, is now a popular concert location as well for some of the top acts in popular music. Within the next eight weeks, the resort will host shows by the Jonas Brothers, Lilly Allen, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato and Secondhand Serenade as part of the Atlantis Live! concert... [Read more]
Romantic London for Valentines
January 27, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
With the most romantic day on the calendar just around the corner, Visit London has put together a list of some of the quirkiest, dreamiest and most alluring ideas for a big date in an already magical city.
Go to Vegas
No, Sin City hasn’t changed postal codes. But for one night only, Las Vegas hops the pond to London for an evening of gambling, indulging and a serenading Elvis. The OXO... [Read more]
80s Tunes in Uruguay
January 27, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
I’m sitting in a small restaurant in an even smaller beach village on the east coast of Uruguay. I’m completely unconnected to the outside world (i.e. I had no internet connection and the mobile phone service was not too strong) and loving it.
Then the music starts up. It isn’t an Uruguayan or Argentine band. It’s the Stone Temple Pilots. Then follows a string of about ten 80s songs, including... [Read more]
Air New Zealand For $760 Roundtrip
January 26, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Jan 19, 2009) – Two weeks into the new year and you’re already craving a vacation? Air New Zealand has launched a week-long deal to fly from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland, New Zealand for just $760 roundtrip. The fare includes a Pacific Economy class seat down under and back, plus a stopover at one New Zealand domestic destination.
Travelers must book before January 26, for travel... [Read more]
Jamaica’s Winter Discounts
January 26, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – January 26, 2009 – As the temperature continues to drop and the snow piles up, travelers will find Jamaica offers an affordable and accessible warm-weather escape this winter season. The destination is a fun-filled getaway for families and friends, and a romantic retreat for couples, and for a limited time travelers can take advantage of specially priced winter packages.
“With the chilly... [Read more]
25% Off by Astra in Santorini
January 26, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
Santorini, GREECE, January 26, 2009 – One of the leading boutique properties in Santorini – one of the most popular Greek islands – is offering a spring special for the first time ever. From April 1 to 30, excluding the Greek Easter weekend, Astra is providing guests who stay for three nights, a fourth night free – a 25 percent savings off the regular rates. The “Savor Spring at Astra” package starts at about... [Read more]
A Monkey’s Lunch in Japan
January 26, 2009 | Written by Mary Anne Lonze
They hunker down. Watching. Waiting.
On a rock ledge, a baby sprawls on his belly playing with a silvery round stone. Bright golden eyes follow the stone as it passes from one paw to the other. A furry little arm stretches wide and suddenly the stone tumbles over the edge of the table. His tiny pink face flashes dismay, and I’m tempted to retrieve his toy. Then I remember the warning: do not interfere with the... [Read more]
Jamaica Jazz and Blues Begins Tonight
January 22, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – January 22, 2009 – The newly-branded Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival will kick off the island’s calendar year of exciting events tonight at the Aqueduct at Rose Hall Montego Bay. Situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Rose Hall golf course, the festival provides an idyllic but exciting atmosphere for the expected 5,000-7,000 tourists and thousands of attendees who flock to Montego Bay for music... [Read more]
Psychedelic Underwater
January 22, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
I am back underwater. In salt water. Where I should be. This is my special little quiet place – the ocean. I can soar above the reef, or hang upside down peeking under overhangs, or meditate to the only sound around – my breathing.
Yes, this would be time well spent relaxing. Trouble is, my nirvana is constantly interrupted by fantastically colorful creatures of all shapes and sizes. Even though my underwater... [Read more]
Welcoming Spring at Cumbre Tajín
January 22, 2009 | Written by Kimberli Waack
I believe each time I leave my home for a trip I will return a changed person. Sometimes I am more changed than others. Recently, I returned from my trip from Veracruz, Mexico and Cumbre Tajín,( pronounced Coombray Taheen) the Festival of Identity, more changed than I expected. Cumbre Tajin which began in 2000 now takes place every year during the week of the spring equinox at Takilhsukut Tematico Park adjacent to the... [Read more]
The Samba of Rio de Janeiro
January 21, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
I never became an extraordinary samba dancer in my week’s trip to the city. I tried three times, moved the feet, and acted like I knew what I was doing - but I didn’t. I still don’t understand the steps of the quick samba.
But I do understand the vibe and rhythm of the music’s energy. The samba scene is full of smiles, carefreeness, and unity. Look around a samba bar and you are... [Read more]
Five Kilometers to Adventure
January 20, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
Travel Africa by car; go ahead, I dare you. Flat tires and sore bottoms from endless dirt roads are guaranteed, and so is a generous load of adventure. In six month in Central America driving 1971 VW old-timer “GreenGo”, I haven’t had half the trouble I am now having with a 1997 Toyota Hilux named “Columbus”, a professionally maintained long-term rental.
Funny things have been happening... [Read more]
Shams Ensemble with Whirling Dervish
January 19, 2009 | Written by Devin Galaudet
This incredible performance comes to ITKT by way of Iran. I was fortunate enough to catch the Shams Ensemble on a recent tour of the US in Los Angeles at the Ebell Theater. The group was started by Kaykhosro Pournazeriin 1980 and was the first musician to compose music for the traditional Kurdish lute, tanbour. Their CD ‘The Voice of Endearment’ is also now available and a wonderful example of the sounds coming... [Read more]
Romance Packages in Edmonton
January 19, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
Romance Package, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Experience one of the most romantic hotels in Edmonton – The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Here you can enjoy a romantic evening for two in a setting of historic luxury where your every need is anticipated, and the mood is set for romance and quiet relaxation. Escape to the intimate splendour of one of our spacious, well-appointed rooms or suites.
Website: www.fairmont.com/macdonald
Romance... [Read more]
Aer Lingus to Ireland for $199
January 19, 2009 | Written by ITKT Media Partner
Aer Lingus have released their spring and summer air fares, and these prices are unprecedented! Visit between April 1st and June 15th, and Aer Lingus will get you there from as little as $199* each way. Travel between June 16th and August 31st and fares start at $249* each way. These fares are available exclusively at aerlingus.com January 9th through January 21st. The tip here is to act... [Read more]
January´s River, Brazil
January 16, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
There is no river here from what I can find, but still Rio de Janeiro goes by the name. It´s a huge bay with a lot of action coming in and out of its ports. But clearly that is not why I came here for a week (from Montevideo, Uruguay) - to get a glimpse of the culture was the goal. And in this goal, dance always has to be experienced…for me at least.
Enter last night in the center of town. Walking... [Read more]
On Africa’s People
January 15, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
It has just occurred to me how little I’ve told you about how beautiful African people are. But photographing them, I cannot escape the repulsive thought that doing this without their prior consent I treat them a bit like the animals in the national parks I visit. I sneak up to a watering hole and lay in wait, camera ready, until a graceful impala stretches her neck, or a careful mother baboon gently carrying her... [Read more]
A Lion’s Kill
January 12, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
Every African National Park is full of surprises. On one inconspicuous morning in South Luangwa I got out of my car to photograph some rare to the area lovebirds only to find out a pride of lions was killing a buffalo only a few hundred meters away.
The pride was young and strong. It tore into the still-alive buffalo eating it out through every hole they could get their fangs into, until the victim finally expired... [Read more]
“Bagging” Tallinn, Estonia
January 12, 2009 | Written by Susan Tornga
I felt like Alice falling through the rabbit hole as I walked into Tallinn from its port on the Baltic Sea. Or perhaps I stumbled into a time machine. The stone ramparts of this medieval walled village stand in stark contrast to the modern city surrounding them.
Because I like to “bag” countries, as dedicated mountain climbers bag peaks, I was delighted when this little-known city in Estonia appeared on my cruise... [Read more]
Hungry for a Hippo in Zambia
January 10, 2009 | Written by Sarit Reizin
It’s been a month since I began chasing hippos. I visited many places that had them, but seeing them in all their oval glory proved difficult. Only now, in Zambia’s South Luangwa, I’ve managed to get a perfect look at them.
You’ve got to love an animal that’s purple. You simply must. And the way they waddle out of the river late at dusk to graze, almost bouncing as they run away from... [Read more]
Punta del Este, Uruguay
January 10, 2009 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier
I have been hearing about this beach town since I arrived here in Montevideo. From everything I heard, it sounded like a Miami in Uruguay. I had to go, clearly.
2 hours outside of Montevideo rests the town of Punta del Este. During the months of January and February the place is packed with people - a lot of Brazilians and Argentines. People here have some money - some dock their mansion-boats, others drive... [Read more]
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