In London, some 12,000 fireworks lit up the capital’s skyline, with 100,000 tickets being bought for the event. Big Ben’s chimes sounded the start of the display, despite them being silent this year while renovation work is completed.
Tag Archives: Travel
Hotels: “Waldhaus Sils” In Sils Maria, Switzerland – In A Venue Called “Heroic And Idyllic” By Nietzsche
111 Years of Waldhaus Sils ranges across the hotel’s life and history. Founders Josef and Amalie Giger and their descendants, by now in the fifth generation, have guided the “house in the woods” with skill and fortitude through good times and bad through the twentieth century and into the present. The owners and their exceptionally diverse guests—lively families side-by-side with intellectuals and artists of world renown—have created a unique blend of luxury and modesty, historic grandeur and playful fun, smooth professionalism and unexpected idiosyncrasies.
Those in the know are aware that Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel has a real-life counterpart in the Swiss Alps: The Waldhaus Sils, which has pleased and puzzled visitors for 111 years and become an icon of Swiss hospitality. Located above the small village of Sils Maria near St. Moritz, it overlooks a striking landscape of forests, lakes and mountains and offers a combination of Belle Epoque flair and modern comfort. Its distinctive charm comes from the fact that the Waldhaus has been family-owned and operated since its grand opening on June 15, 1908.
History Of Travel: “The Marketing Of Pan Am” From 1950 – 1980 (Podcast)
Moncocle.com spoke with Tom Geismar, founding partner of Chermayeff & Geismar, one of the top graphic design agencies in the world and the man responsible for the marketing of Pan Am in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.
From the Chermayeff & Geismar website:
The most important aspect of the identity design for Pan Am was to suggest that the name of the airline be changed to “Pan Am” from the long and cumbersome “Pan American World Airways.” The Pan Am logotype in capitals and lower-case letters was also adopted with an accompanying world symbol.
In addition to the corporate identity, our firm designed comprehensive graphics for the airline, including a poster campaign and the menus for the inaugural flight of the Boeing 747.
Arts & Culture: “Must-See Museum Exhibitions In January 2020” (Sotheby’s)
New Nature Videos: “The Falcons Of Heidelberg Castle” In Germany
In the middle ages, Heidelberg castle was a center of learning, the birthplace of the first university in Germany. Today, it’s a birthplace of a different kind: peregrine falcons.
Top New Travel Books: “New York In Stride – An Insider’s Walking Guide”
The book features eleven curated neighborhood destination walks–guiding the reader through the energetic New York streets, passing restaurants and coffee shops, historical sights, museums and galleries, parks, and the kind of authentic and timeless sites that one hopes to find when imagining the city. Interwoven throughout are insider guides on how to eat like a New Yorker; explore the city’s most beautiful parks and gardens; navigate transit via ferry, subway, and bike; visit some of NYC’s most iconic TV and film locations.
“A locals’ treasure map to the secret spots favored by true New Yorkers.”
The “must-visit, must-see” travel list given to you by the New Yorker friend you wish you had. Vibrantly illustrated throughout, this practical guide transports readers to discover an insider’s view of the Big Apple. The vivid watercolors illustrate destinations of the architectural marvels, cultural hubs, food and drink spots, and music venues that make New York so exciting. Cultural musings, accessible histories, anecdotes, and informative details accompany the illustrations throughout, making this volume as practical as it is beautiful.
About The Author
Jessie Kanelos Weiner is an illustrator, food stylist, and author of Paris in Stride (Rizzoli) and Edible Paradise: A Coloring Book of Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables (Universe). Jacob Lehman is the coauthor of several guidebooks to the city, including The Best Things to Do in New York: 1001 Ideas and In Love in New York.
To purchase or review (February 2020)
Art: “Bassins de Lumières” Opens As Largest Digital Art Center In World, Bordeaux (April 17, 2020)
Located in Bordeaux’s former submarine base, the BASSINS DE LUMIÈRES will present monumental immersive digital exhibitions devoted to the major artists in the history of art and contemporary art. The submarine base’s surface area is three times the size of that of the Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence and five times that of the Atelier des Lumières in Paris.
The digital exhibitions will be perfectly adapted to the monumental architecture of the submarine base and will be reflected in the water of the four enormous basins, thereby adding a new dimension to the immersive experience. Visits will be conducted on gangways above the water and along the quays of the enormous basins.
On 17 April 2020, Culturespaces will open the largest digital art centre in the world: the Bassins de Lumières. France’s leading private operator in the management and promotion of monuments, museums, and art centres, Culturespaces is pursuing the creation of digital art centres and immersive exhibitions.
Travel & Food: “Bellevue” Area Of Zurich Is Home Of Legendary “Kronenhalle Restaurant” (Podcast)
In 1924, Hulda and Gottlieb Zumsteg took over the erstwhile “Hôtel de la Couronne” on Rämistrasse 4, at the corner of Bellevue in Zurich. They reopened as the Restaurant Kronenhalle. Under the skilled management of restaurateur Hulda Zumsteg it soon became the meeting point of writers and artists.
The restaurant became popular with the local establishment and names such as Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, James Joyce, Richard Strauss, Max Frisch and Friedrich Dürrenmatt also graced the guest list. The Kronenhalle owes as much to its renowned guests as to Gustav Zumsteg, Hulda’s son, who followed in his mother’s footsteps, while putting his own inimitable stamp on it. His passion for art contributed to the Kronenhalle’s considerable prominence. Since 2005, his estate is being administered by the Hulda und Gustav Zumsteg foundation according to his last will.
Mobility In The 2020’s: Top 15 Electric Bikes (Video)
If you haven’t been up on the world of electric bikes you may think that bikes with motors are bulky, ugly contraptions with little power. But electric bikes are quietly revolutionizing commuting and fitness around the world, setting a newer, higher standard for versatility and strength for today’s riders. In this video, we’re bringing you 15 Electric Bikes Changing the Way We Travel in 2019-2020.
Top Camper Vans: “Yama Nomad” – Tiny 4X4 Homes
From the Yama Nomad website:
This sophisticated and badass 2018 Mercedes Sprinter van conversion is the ultimate #vanlife test drive. The 170” wheelbase allows for all the necessities of a tiny home, while the 4X4 will keep you safe on the road (or off).
THE CAB
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Custom, handmade leather seats (for those long road trip days)
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AUX, Bluetooth, USB
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Backup Camera
THE KITCHEN
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Click to Read Farmhouse sink with pull-down faucet
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Dual burner cook top
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Kitchen utensils, pots, pans & coffee maker
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Freezer & Refrigerator
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Outlet
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Control center – van monitoring
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Skylight
THE BATHROOM
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Shower with removable shower head
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Composting toilet
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Baby skylight
Boomers Daily 