RAMATUELLE, FRANCE
Situated in the wine region of Provence, Ramatuelle is the perfect break from the sun, sex and sizzle of Nice and St. Tropez. But you’ll never be bored here. That’s because anyone who visits from the end of July through the second week in August will be compelled to sample the Festival de Ramatuelle which brings together music, theatrical performances, comedy and more, showcased on a Greek-style open air stage carved into the side of a hill.
The festival is the creation of co-founders Jacqueline Franjou and Jean Claude Brialy who launched the festival in 1985 and celebrated its 25th anniversary this past August. Loyal fans make it a point to visit the festival every year and it certainly is a big draw in the area.
Rent a villa, an apartment or a mobile home in Ramatuelle... or stay with friends. Wherever you lay your head here, your trip will be unforgettable.
THE ANTI-MAFIA SICILY
Business owners in Palermo and Corleone, Sicily, are fighting back against mafia influence by refusing to pay "pizzo" or protection money to local mafiosi. They've joined together to form the Addiopizzo Committee, and have now launched a tour to support their movement. ,
The Addiopizzo tour visits just a few of the 400 businesses the committee lists on its website that have refused to give in the mafia's demands. The tour also encourages travelers to frequent these businesses knowing their dollars won't be used to keep a mafia enforcer at arms length.
Tour guests, for example, are able to dine in a pizzeria owned by the brother of a man who was killed because of his stand against the mob.The tours also take in the lavish estates once owned by mafia dons, that have now been confiscated by the state and turned into agritourism farms.
While Addiopizzo is at the head of the fight against mafia influence in Sicily, protection money is worth over $263 million dollars to the organization and they're not likely to let go of this profitable enterprise anytime soon.
START PACKING.....
Great events around the world:
Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland is published
Michelin is the global leader in ratings for taste and luxury. The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland is an annual guide to UK hotels and restaurants.
Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow, Scotland
14 Jan 2010 - 31 Jan 2010
Celtic Connections 2010 music festival, sponsored by ScottishPower. Highlights include performances by The Chieftains, Ry Cooder, Bobby McFerrin, Natalie Merchant and Buffy Sainte-Marie among others.
International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo
14 Jan 2010 - 24 Jan 2010 | Monaco
International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo, introduced in 1974 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco & now organized by his daughter Princess Stephanie. Includes the presentation of the 'Golden Clown' award.
Art Palm Beach, United States
15 Jan 2010 - 19 Jan 2010
Art Palm Beach features international galleries presenting contemporary art, photography, video, installation art, public sculpture, & design
Monte Carlo Rally, Monaco
18 Jan 2010 - 23 Jan 2010
The Monte Carlo Rally is one of oldest and most prestigious rallies in the sport Visit : www.fia.com
Sony World Photography Awards, United Kingdom
19 Jan 2010
The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition global tour comes to London, Competition honors both professional & amateur photographers.
New York National Boat Show : New York City, USA
20 January 2010 to 24 January 2010 (105th annual)
The show showcases over 1000 new models including yachts, cruisers, canoes, kayaks and fishing boats, as well as electronics, engines, fishing gear, insurance, travel destinations and nautical gifts.
World's first and longest-running recreational boating show. Over 80,000 boating and fishing enthusiasts and industry professionals attend.
Sundance Film Festival : Park City, Utah, USA
21 January 2010 to 31 January 2010 (30th annual)
Leading showcase for independent ilm is also a major fixture on the global film calendar. Founded by actor Robert Redford in 1981. Expanded in recent years to include film culture events, panel discussions, youth programs, online exhibitions and live music.
World Buskers Festival – Christchurch, New Zealand
21 Jan 2010 - 31 Jan 2010
The World Buskers Festival is a street theater festival featuring circus, music & comedy acts from across the globe.
