tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91867139856928001602024-03-19T18:36:32.400+11:00Gourmet on the Road: Travelling, eating and drinking with Winsor DobbinExploring the world through the lens of wine and foodWinsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.comBlogger4994125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-22964366324264373672024-03-19T12:45:00.000+11:002024-03-19T12:45:07.208+11:00Well we can all dream, can't we? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4oljhSeOhaakALGBGla73byVDg7_b6oNM6PpPKCeDfKBxOs4iufuJptULtv9bvP3ectBwLkk5qx1ztSaUM1zw2IPxZklSCFtw0Ios0an2GjTBh0UJCZzF4UXaRPz19ggbBnin80sA_Vz09_GpwNgzbdtUDjNNENxQYv-xXqX8zjK09P7hxFhISsegRFs/s300/download%20-%202024-03-18T180037.135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4oljhSeOhaakALGBGla73byVDg7_b6oNM6PpPKCeDfKBxOs4iufuJptULtv9bvP3ectBwLkk5qx1ztSaUM1zw2IPxZklSCFtw0Ios0an2GjTBh0UJCZzF4UXaRPz19ggbBnin80sA_Vz09_GpwNgzbdtUDjNNENxQYv-xXqX8zjK09P7hxFhISsegRFs/w400-h224/download%20-%202024-03-18T180037.135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Pondering where to stay on your next European trip if money was no object? <div><br /></div><div>That's what I was doing when a press release landed that certainly grabbed my attention. </div><div><p>Casa Angelina, which sits high on the cliffs of Praiano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, reopens for an extended European summer season from March 28 to November 4. </p><p>It looks the goods, and has the right pedigree. </p><p>A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Casa Angelina has announced a "Spring Revival Offer" to celebrate re-opening and new guest accommodation and experiences. </p><p>I haven't stayed here, but they have good PR operatives and it certainly looks enticing. </p><p>Casa Angelina’s Spring Revival Offer is available for a minimum two-night stay from March 28 until May 15 and represents a 10% discount across Romantic, Relaxing and Terrace categories and 15% discount across Deluxe Corner, Grand De Luxe and Suite categories.</p><p>Inclusions are full buffet breakfast for two people, a bottle of Casa Angelina Champagne and in-season fruit platter in room on arrival, plus a free upgrade to next room category on availability as well as early check-in/late check out on availability. </p><p>This luxury doesn't come cheap. The lead-in rate is <span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">€</span>750,00 plus + 10% VAT per night for two people. </p><p>The summer accommodation options include new suite Vermarine, with sea views over Positano and Capri. </p><p>This suite is part of an ongoing project to craft more spacious accommodation for Casa Angelina’s guests, reducing the total room inventory to 36 rooms and suites.</p><p>Coming soon is the property's second yacht, Lady Angelina. </p><p>Designed in collaboration with local boat company Apreamare, it is billed as "a floating sanctuary tailored for those seeking a romantic escape along the breathtaking Amalfi Coast" </p><p>In other news, executive chef Leopoldo Elefante from Un Piano Nel Cielo at Casa Angelina reopens having gained as Michelin star in the <i>MICHELIN Guide Italy 2024. </i></p><p>Chef-led classes, squid fishing and reservations at the finest restaurants both on and off property are available through the concierge. </p><p>For more information visit <a href="http://www.casangelina.com"><b>www.casangelina.com</b></a><i>. </i>I'll be checking my Lotto numbers very carefully. </p></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-17137689380999831442024-03-19T08:00:00.001+11:002024-03-19T08:11:14.809+11:00Thais to turn from marijuana to gambling <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspCemYt2Nchyphenhyphengx5b5yXCV1F6vErAP0Fe9roN7q9RTOtiERf13X1NNzrLnOhJkQndvMsGgXI1VVxqJEDFuzfgqaHuWq-QmjCXMAD1qSW3k6uGGecWBr5nt0YovhJJ6-2yllAz3h3XK5XefzicU1-oROo1oLFU94HTFhIykpB8-fy7l9L43wjoqNzJ4qRtC/s4895/scopio-14f8b2bb-5650-462d-99c4-9868218217d5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4895" data-original-width="3204" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspCemYt2Nchyphenhyphengx5b5yXCV1F6vErAP0Fe9roN7q9RTOtiERf13X1NNzrLnOhJkQndvMsGgXI1VVxqJEDFuzfgqaHuWq-QmjCXMAD1qSW3k6uGGecWBr5nt0YovhJJ6-2yllAz3h3XK5XefzicU1-oROo1oLFU94HTFhIykpB8-fy7l9L43wjoqNzJ4qRtC/s320/scopio-14f8b2bb-5650-462d-99c4-9868218217d5.jpg" width="209" /></a><br /><br />Thailand flirted with marijuana and then did a quick reverse ferret. <br /><br />Now the Asian tourism hostpot is considering allowing casinos to boost international tourism.<br /><br />The Thai government is considering legalising casinos to draw investment and tourism, a study submitted to the House of Representative has shown, but previous proposals have failed because of unease among the public, the <i>Bangkok Post</i> reports. <br /><br />State-sanctioned horse race betting is currently the only gambling officially sanctioned, but insiders believe Thailand could rival the world's biggest gambling hub, Macau: the only place in China where citizens can legally gamble in casinos. <br /><br />Many travel industry leaders believe legal casino resort gambling would be a major attraction for overseas tourists, and successful, even if it remained illegal or heavily restricted to Thai citizens.<br /><br />Legalisation of gambling has been discussed in the past but no government has gone ahead due to public opposition. In a 2021 opinion poll, 46.51% opposed legalised gambling due to moral and crime concerns. Only 21.25% supported the idea.<br /><br />The previous parliament approved a similar study last year but the house was dissolved before the cabinet could consider it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-49922143360521437302024-03-18T13:05:00.001+11:002024-03-18T13:08:39.381+11:00The vigneron with the Midas touch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVKXc4d4CuPnrPJw_gZw7xdOwUJWnGFQRsjIKvgWVn9fYo_MnbO8U67K0EVW9TVjIGSyzQ6PALDyWJCEVprmCE0M1exVo52VLOM9R8i5KZW-KGczt6XLaPDNEiDr06FQD3nREGOOE44UPzPtxGhE8lIOvat2K1itJ70cH1JfeAZUMSbt6N6gBsxfNMPw9/s2016/IMG_2784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVKXc4d4CuPnrPJw_gZw7xdOwUJWnGFQRsjIKvgWVn9fYo_MnbO8U67K0EVW9TVjIGSyzQ6PALDyWJCEVprmCE0M1exVo52VLOM9R8i5KZW-KGczt6XLaPDNEiDr06FQD3nREGOOE44UPzPtxGhE8lIOvat2K1itJ70cH1JfeAZUMSbt6N6gBsxfNMPw9/w400-h300/IMG_2784.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Meet Jean-Claude Mas, the wine marketing genius who parlayed one small family vineyard into a wine empire with a global reach. </p><p>Mas created his tongue-in-cheek alter ego, The Arrogant Frog, to spearhead growth that now sees Domaines Paul Mas control over 20 domains across the south of France. </p><p>Mas once dreamed of being a big wheel in the motor racing industry - and will be in Australia for this week's Grand Prix in Melbourne.</p><p>But he also has wine in his DNA, and has made a huge impact since taking over that small Languedoc vineyard from his father a quarter of a century ago. </p><p>Multilingual and technically minded, Mas first created a brand that struck a chord with casual drinkers around the globe. </p><p>The Arrogant Frog - featuring wines that offer spectacular value - started as a light-hearted piss-take on a standard French stereotype but has blossomed into a huge business selling millions of cases of wine worldwide</p><p>The self-deprecating Arrogant Frog wines became a worldwide hit and helped boost the image of wines from the Languedoc. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippzy96jweJ6K_Gygf5isfE92Dgs3Hr9c_zagSvUD5C-7kwVAabxryvkWOqcY4ebWOIPjjYxOspPl7LkhhzxumxV6d2Si7GsLN3Hs8xsCLbSRJjgO4F46-q9DK8mStVNRGEA-O2tRI3CPwJE1pbo2K-OHLIZKrEksEgJJ7ONph5ARrGUWbyNIpGWw0KnFP/s2016/IMG_2778.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippzy96jweJ6K_Gygf5isfE92Dgs3Hr9c_zagSvUD5C-7kwVAabxryvkWOqcY4ebWOIPjjYxOspPl7LkhhzxumxV6d2Si7GsLN3Hs8xsCLbSRJjgO4F46-q9DK8mStVNRGEA-O2tRI3CPwJE1pbo2K-OHLIZKrEksEgJJ7ONph5ARrGUWbyNIpGWw0KnFP/w300-h400/IMG_2778.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Mas now owns around 20 domaines around the south of France (at the latest count), has launched premium wine brands, is dabbing in biodynamics and has planted disease resistance grape varieties under his new "La Resistance" label.<br /><br />As part of an eco-minded philosophy "the use of chemicals has been banned from our vineyards", Mas is using grape varieties like souvignier gris and floréal as part of a program to future proof the the industry with disease-resistant hybrid varieties. <br /><br />Under Mas, <a href="https://www.paulmas.com/en/"><b>Domaines Paul Mas</b></a> has undertaken a 10-year project working with disease resistant hybrids that are genetically disposed to withstand issues like oidium and mildew in the vineyards.<br /><br />Hybrid varieties are the product of European vines (<i>vitis vinifera</i>) crossed with hardy American vines, producing grapes which are significantly more resistant to disease. This means less spraying of copper sulphite fungicides on the vines, in turn reducing their carbon footprint.<br /><br />“The varieties we’ve planted we need to spray only once,” Mas says. <br /><br />“The project is about developing self-immunity with the vines - by having a clever approach and respectful approach in our vineyards we have managed to get the vines more resistant themselves."<br /><br />While Mas is organic focused, he is also a master of reading the market. <br /><br />If you want a bottle of wine between $12 and $100 there is almost certainly something in one of the Mas ranges to meet your needs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46cvP9_XaW-CBWcRBot640SzjQg8u79XAXcuh1lsHnZNn2bgvHXM4eu8_5IU0j19IeAjz4h7rXCPQSFedukENhytTjore3RWqdCT5MzY3dtOOia6aXwUOawYsbrrFtyO5iMpCq75GI94PDkUDicfzOgbQp9yXY9GIIU4nysHUQeQzxjFIYX7kKfOdV21L/s1280/981CEF84-56B5-4B27-BDCC-BF4290CCC48C.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46cvP9_XaW-CBWcRBot640SzjQg8u79XAXcuh1lsHnZNn2bgvHXM4eu8_5IU0j19IeAjz4h7rXCPQSFedukENhytTjore3RWqdCT5MzY3dtOOia6aXwUOawYsbrrFtyO5iMpCq75GI94PDkUDicfzOgbQp9yXY9GIIU4nysHUQeQzxjFIYX7kKfOdV21L/w400-h400/981CEF84-56B5-4B27-BDCC-BF4290CCC48C.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>He's a man who never sits still, is obsessed with quality and still has big plans. </p>At school and later at university, he studied economics and advertising, hence his savvy business approach, which includes a distribution deal with Dan Murphy's in Australia. <div><br />He lived in England and the US before returning home to make his first wine in France in 1995. He founded Domaines Paul Mas in 2000 - and has been on an upward trajectory ever since. </div><div><br /></div><div>Look for names including Chateau de Cres Richard (Terrases de Larzac), Chateau Martinolles (Limoux), Domaine de la Ferrandiere (Languedoc) and his showpiece wines under the Astellia label, named after the first names of his four daughters: Astrid, Elisa, Apolline and Estelle. </div><div><br /></div><div>All the standout Astellia wines are farmed organically according to biodynamic principles. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nowadays he is described as "a pioneer from the New Languedoc" and part of the "new wave" of producers from a region where wine production goes back more than 2000 years.</div><div><br />Recognising Occitanie has many microclimates, soils and growing conditions, he started to produce a wide range of wines in sufficient quantity to supply overseas markets. </div><div><br /></div><div>From Chateau Martinolles in the cool hills of Limoux, where bottle-fermented sparkling wines are crafted, to Domaine Ferrandière planted on old saltwater marshes close to Carcassonne, each estate produces its own wine, in its own vinery and matured in its own cellars.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNBsV0fNZubwuvjRPyAnY3wlseAYzcx5V-iX_VCMonpiMSypYQXJNiBsRWY_bfLo46eCYbw9TMBx1f9KCCuxo4vm8UsDhXh8JzLjlubDyuDgEnzzIFS_aKyTfgVL44hqReRRqIi3IL837TYlfegncli62Wac1w3JLdoRxGzCRJzOig-IKyjf3bWcFKV4G/s2016/IMG_2778.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNBsV0fNZubwuvjRPyAnY3wlseAYzcx5V-iX_VCMonpiMSypYQXJNiBsRWY_bfLo46eCYbw9TMBx1f9KCCuxo4vm8UsDhXh8JzLjlubDyuDgEnzzIFS_aKyTfgVL44hqReRRqIi3IL837TYlfegncli62Wac1w3JLdoRxGzCRJzOig-IKyjf3bWcFKV4G/w300-h400/IMG_2778.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But as well as owning many estates stretching from Nimes to the south of Perpignan, he is also the largest purchaser of grapes across the region, utilising over 50 varieties in total.</div><div><br />Mas has repeatedly created more labels, expanded the range of grape varieties and promoted the wines of the Languedoc to the world.<br /><br />And he also has big plans in the pipeline with more small-batch high-end releases, as well as a plan for a Languedoc take on wines like Penfolds Grange; a blend of grapes from right across the south of France reflecting the best of each vintage, regardless of site. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned. </div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-7981721621309187972024-03-18T08:30:00.016+11:002024-03-18T08:30:00.141+11:00Meet two wines crafted by an AI bot<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5tgN3Tkra91T5mo3_fJpuAD1ur_tgLTz6qJQcShFBT3HeTs27R189jZrnckDN3OwaBKBRI-nXWPwKFrA0Fukl2-NipQdZcBWaSBquaUS4T0i-2AiTWbWKDRZde9CcSs-ThQgkBRKVc-SAkNBQOlaarBmWrN9YNPZ9lThkwmXHIsxVUBmeKEqTVl_NofR/s800/IMG_3742.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5tgN3Tkra91T5mo3_fJpuAD1ur_tgLTz6qJQcShFBT3HeTs27R189jZrnckDN3OwaBKBRI-nXWPwKFrA0Fukl2-NipQdZcBWaSBquaUS4T0i-2AiTWbWKDRZde9CcSs-ThQgkBRKVc-SAkNBQOlaarBmWrN9YNPZ9lThkwmXHIsxVUBmeKEqTVl_NofR/w400-h266/IMG_3742.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="zoom-out" data-zoom="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-collapse: collapse; caret-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-left: 9pt; margin-right: 9pt; text-size-adjust: auto; zoom: 0.578635;"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 458.2pt;"></td><td style="padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.05pt;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.05pt;">\</td><td colspan="2" style="padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 458.2pt;"></td><td style="padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; vertical-align: top; width: 1.05pt;"></td></tr></tbody></table> Can an AI bot make a better wine than seasoned winemaking professionals? <div><br /></div><div>That was a question posed at the recent ProWein trade event in Dusseldorf, Germany, where wine professionals were asked to taste a red wine and a white wine made by the Chelaris bot. </div><div><br />The product of a collaboration between Moldovan winemakers, tech professionals and marketers, the two wines were presented for the first time at the <a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC7ZFHgBs9w60sEKlmp-2BRyRS7M22LgAv5P4WW9gChmGIYq9ww_xaHz3s5T6Hci3Qio34s0GETxYz3cizM2Vr8xkS9SePeu6DI7Oue0Ck6tvU-2B-2FJFLbhyL08SkiltEidgf05l4bdbcD0vKA0uf8pmFdK8jUdfWid9AoRV0vSIWd2Om7NnB2NAD1RgY0uc5BQZzIkmrsh8NCIwGp7TLrQg5rh2lYr-2FS2AUPd2aSlcwnlyoY3HXZicGi3IV6jnumePd2bolsCrXjxQ7kw-2FbZ58y3TxX0GUpdzqgtyIiFDrKWfwPupGVDlb9xe1OxcdgIZOdHiq3LTChQXLRp9OkYeVvHeGZura72u0ASp1bw8v-2Fyn8tcR8tz8RvOuSuZLK58roXlkZC5qbm8OSVe0Uiez2cQiHZP-2FRzI-3D"><b>Wine of Moldova</b></a> stand.<br /><br />The unveiling was part of a masterclass led by consultant Robert Joseph at which attendees were given a potential glimpse into the future of oenology - and the fusion of human and artificial intelligence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Participants invited to cast a vote after comparing the AI wines to their man-made equivalents. </div><div><br /></div><div>The audience were surprised to learn that the preferred white wine, a blend of feteasca alb, feteasca regala and viorica grapes had been made and blended under instruction from the bot. <br /><br />The two AI wines were also packaged using AI-generated labels. </div><div><br /></div><div>“Moldova has proved it has not only terroir and traditions but also a vibrant wine sector that embraces innovative technologies," said Joseph."It is becoming a leading wine nation.” </div><div><br /></div><div>The innovative project was headed in collaboration with the National Office of Vine and Wine (ONVV), using sophisticated algorithms to support human decisions when planning - and executing - every aspect of the production process: harvesting, vinification, blending, labelling, and communication. </div><div><br /></div><div>Diana Lazăr, AI Wine project lead, said: “Additional content for this project, including the marketing materials, were generated with the support and guidance of AI tools.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Chelaris is described as "an AI meta human winemaker used to personify the technology behind the groundbreaking artificial intelligence". </div><div><br /></div>Wine of Moldova is the national brand of Moldovan wines, representing a diverse range of wine styles and producers. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.wineofmoldova.com/"><b>www.wineofmoldova.com</b></a>. <br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-70127556988464095622024-03-17T15:30:00.000+11:002024-03-17T15:30:00.143+11:00A new Abode for visitors to Canberra <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKOJjO36hDLlEgjKr-zjnSFfgbb632S5DK_6T3KlTl_cxO7Vi9NOrDixrECuQGiZ7F7aD1HySFdtFuyc23xv1iYt6ss5Sze1uGVxZscoEJ6zzYrViH3JcWeTFN0S-h50ds2hTIrkiKsOvofvZ61pv6XAdgFVKGnXdFnmHdsSrjiBm02QjoyNZA1p1zqJ0/s4800/TravMedia_Australia_1620198_Lobby_Styled-4747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="4800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKOJjO36hDLlEgjKr-zjnSFfgbb632S5DK_6T3KlTl_cxO7Vi9NOrDixrECuQGiZ7F7aD1HySFdtFuyc23xv1iYt6ss5Sze1uGVxZscoEJ6zzYrViH3JcWeTFN0S-h50ds2hTIrkiKsOvofvZ61pv6XAdgFVKGnXdFnmHdsSrjiBm02QjoyNZA1p1zqJ0/w400-h266/TravMedia_Australia_1620198_Lobby_Styled-4747.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>Abode Hotels has unveiled somewhere new to stay in the Australian capital of Canberra.</p>Abode Phillip will be the ninth accommodation option in the Abode portfolio. <br /><br />With 54 self-contained apartment-style rooms, Abode Phillip accommodation is equipped with modern amenities including kitchenette facilities, a washer/dryer, and STAYCAST streaming. <br /><br />Located just "a stone's throw" away from major shopping and dining precincts, entertainment venues, parks, and public transport hubs, Abode Phillip is billed as being suitable both leisure and business travellers.<br /><br />"We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Abode Phillip," said Brett Walker, general manager of Iconic Hotels by Geocon. <br /><br />"Our aim is to provide our guests with a comfortable and convenient home away from home, offering a blend of modern amenities and prime location."<br /><br />Bookings are now open for stays starting Friday, June 7. See <b>h<a href="https://abodehotels.com.au/hotels/phillip/">ttps://abodehotels.com.au/hotels/phillip/</a></b>.<br /><br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-79605065229490445912024-03-17T09:00:00.011+11:002024-03-17T09:00:00.259+11:00Adelaide Hills icon springs back to life <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd7tSzhNl7tiToBeHRlg4bkC1xXbgOe0VovzVh0H4IOw9-2hxy_ZdQV8-_gubNPg5Ha0lOkpnnheK_D3Tw529SMOC9BhcU6aqCBaqkkKVHJv07MtkxiFKuRcfb0yyL3SE7zKraB8JgfyflO3mivtaclcqGIwEohHN5Wh_mKdSEN9PHde5KjUNakQHdYXz/s3000/43_FC_SoftOpening_24.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHd7tSzhNl7tiToBeHRlg4bkC1xXbgOe0VovzVh0H4IOw9-2hxy_ZdQV8-_gubNPg5Ha0lOkpnnheK_D3Tw529SMOC9BhcU6aqCBaqkkKVHJv07MtkxiFKuRcfb0yyL3SE7zKraB8JgfyflO3mivtaclcqGIwEohHN5Wh_mKdSEN9PHde5KjUNakQHdYXz/w400-h224/43_FC_SoftOpening_24.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It is all change in the Adelaide Hills with a major revamp of the former Maximilian’s site. <br /><br />Leading chef Kane Pollard and artisan distiller Full Circle Spirits are the new guardians of the iconic 1850s property at Verdun with a tasting experience showcasing luxury spirits paired with food offerings in a setting with vineyards, gardens and sweeping views.<br /><br />Initially, four tastings are being offered including a white spirit tasting; liqueur tasting; whisky tasting; and a non-alcoholic tasting. <br /><br />All the drinks are made by Full Circle Spirits, which has winemaker Rose Kentish as its award-winning head distiller.<br /><br />Chef Pollard, who is also the chef and owner of Topiary and Tasting Australia’s 2024 food curator, will showcase guests to a small-plate menu which has been inspired by the property, its surroundings and the seasons. <br /><br />To be known as Ondeen, the new project aims t give visitors an appreciation of the journey of flavours from farm to table.<br /><br />So think produce from local growers, botanicals foraged from nearby gardens or forests to use in spirits, or wild fennel and river mint enlivening a plate. <br /><br />The initial offering of tasting plates to complement Full Circle Spirits will be housed in a newly renovated part of the homestead, which is just 25 minutes from the Adelaide CBD. <br /><br />This is part of longer-term plan to turn this heritage site into an experiential destination. <br /><br />“Visiting Ondeen will be an immersive learning experience for guests, who will be given a close-up<br />view of makers, whether they’re in the kitchen or distiller’s apothecary,” Kentish says. <br /><br />“In tastings and workshops, visitors will be guided to use their senses to recognise flavours and aromas, and in some, they will be able to create their own cocktails using spirits such as Full Circle’s Honey Malt Liqueur or Orange and Bay Gin.<br /><br />“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests and encouraging them through aroma and flavour to<br />explore the abundance and beauty of the 35 th Parallel South. Stop in for a drink with friends, or stay <br />a while and enjoy a guided tasting or a deep dive masterclass.” <br /><br />Ondeen will act as a lighthouse for local producers and artisans, says Pollard. <div><br /></div><div>“This will be sustainable, personalised tourism that sits in harmony for and within the local landscape and community.” <br /><br />See <a href="https://www.fullcirclespirits.com.au/cellar-door"><b>https://www.fullcirclespirits.com.au/cellar-door</b></a><br /><br /></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-69120129967241779562024-03-16T15:04:00.001+11:002024-03-16T15:04:00.136+11:00New lease of life for historic Sydney kiln<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1LxnkD1c671LMYUwM60xR3YRFU2DJnIOez_zzdAHroELDrO7HkYsW8O17ddOHZdaHkfG0SPqyR_hgWX4cGtAN4quohkntW1Su-TUEvIPhZPesz6LWbdpCuD2oqfaT2v0tssDAT_ro1haOXGretrRo09BvT7NyQ0MFnDE9661o4XTxJ7_I_qK4pYufWE7/s1600/01%20Aerial%20View%20-%20RevC5.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1LxnkD1c671LMYUwM60xR3YRFU2DJnIOez_zzdAHroELDrO7HkYsW8O17ddOHZdaHkfG0SPqyR_hgWX4cGtAN4quohkntW1Su-TUEvIPhZPesz6LWbdpCuD2oqfaT2v0tssDAT_ro1haOXGretrRo09BvT7NyQ0MFnDE9661o4XTxJ7_I_qK4pYufWE7/w400-h250/01%20Aerial%20View%20-%20RevC5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>The historic brick kilns in Sydney Park are a local landmark - and one of them is soon to be given a new purpose as a venue for art exhibitions and small-scale community events.<div><br />The City of Sydney is restoring the interior of one of the brick kilns as part of a transformative project that will also improve park access, stabilise the structures as well as creating a publicly accessible space.<br /><br />The internal space in Down Draught Kiln 2, near Sydney Park Road, will be available for community gatherings and City of Sydney events each year.<br /><br />“This is the largest intact precinct of brick kilns in the state and opening up a small part of it for art exhibitions and other community events is a fantastic result for our communities,” Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said.<br /><br />“I can’t wait to see what our team and communities have in store for this vitally important part of our industrial heritage, which is now part of our cultural future.<br /><br />“But this work is about more than just the brick kilns. At the City of Sydney, we work hard to continually improve our parks and this project will improve access for the people of St Peters, Newtown, Erskineville and Alexandria.<br /><br />“Sydney Park has space to move, sporting and fitness facilities, a cycling centre, playground, a skate park, our city farm and a host of native wildlife. This project to restore the brick kilns and chimneys site will further improve this award-winning park.”<br /><br />Down Draught Kiln 2 will have a raised lawn area and plaza spaces for small outdoor gatherings. <br /><br />The selected kiln is the only one of the structures that can accommodate internal gatherings, with the larger brick kilns having very small internal spaces that are hard to access.<br /><br />A tender process will be undertaken to appoint a contractor with construction onsite due to start within the next 12 months.<br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/cityofsydney"><br /></a>The kilns were built in the 19th century and are located in the north-west corner of the park. They are seen as a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage and hold historical and cultural significance.<br /><br />The Sydney Park brick kiln and chimney precinct contains substantial remains from the brick making industry that once dominated the area. Shale was extracted from deep pits, crushed and pressed into green bricks that were fired in the large kilns.<br /></div></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-83648120755947700812024-03-16T09:00:00.000+11:002024-03-16T09:00:00.131+11:00A trip back to a rebellious time in Tasmania <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSVNab69yBSMuRa0RHZ5IeRRL2ao5WZ9On3EAJXO1KtYSdvzAeq1ccLCpLtxlxPsFG0pgVVGN5Oz9UUjP9mHcUo7YZmwkcAPOqe67DqvGVtWNeGffsbPLdZTmSA7UMPUWgl4RlqlPCZuRfV0Ktcf9wmi1tKeJ2Ew2dGCbV6VVf1aK1Tl5iI3qe5rRKnOO/s3715/POOR%20POACHER.jpeg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSVNab69yBSMuRa0RHZ5IeRRL2ao5WZ9On3EAJXO1KtYSdvzAeq1ccLCpLtxlxPsFG0pgVVGN5Oz9UUjP9mHcUo7YZmwkcAPOqe67DqvGVtWNeGffsbPLdZTmSA7UMPUWgl4RlqlPCZuRfV0Ktcf9wmi1tKeJ2Ew2dGCbV6VVf1aK1Tl5iI3qe5rRKnOO/w400-h323/POOR%20POACHER.jpeg" /></a><br /><br />A new exhibition at the <b><a href="https://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/">Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery</a> </b>will take a trip back to convict times in Tasmania before a nationwide tour. <br /><br />Thousands of English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish convicts transported to Australia, as well as people resisting colonial invasion and forced into the convict system, will be brought back to life in a first-of-its kind digital exhibition that aims at revealing a new understanding of the convicts’ contribution to the struggle for Australian democracy. <br /><br />The Monash University-led convict exhibition <a href="https://vimeo.com/799352534/6e2769c697"><b>UNSHACKLED</b></a> will be exhibited from now until July 28 at TMAG before embarking on a national and international tour.<br /><br />UNSHACKLED reveals how Australia’s convict workforce of 160,000 collectively resisted the exploitation of their labour in their place of exile, leading to improved conditions, embryonic unionism and ultimately the end of transportation. <br /><br />It also focuses on the more than 3,600 political prisoners who were transported to Australia as convicts for protest, democratic reform, media freedom, unionism, and anti-colonial revolution, many of whom had significant political impact advancing democracy. <br /><br />Monash’s School of Media, Film and Journalism and project lead, Associate Professor Tony Moore, said political prisoners are a major focus for the exhibition.<br /><br />“Few Australians realise their homeland was once the British Empire’s Guantanamo Bay, where about 3600 rebels, radicals and protesters were transported as political prisoners in the late 18th and 19th centuries. ‘Death or Liberty!’ was the rallying cry of a stream of political exiles including liberals, democrats and republicans; English machine breakers, trade unionists and Chartists; radical journalists, preachers and intellectuals; and of course Irish, Canadian and even American revolutionaries," he said.<br /><br />“This rag tag bunch of journalists and political activists accused of sedition, as well as industrial and rural protesters, trade unionists, rebels and revolutionaries will capture the hearts of new generations. Their political impact in their place of exile helped democratise Australia.” <br /><br />Over 20% of Australians have convict ancestry, and the figure is 70% for Tasmanians.<br /><br />Stories will be showcased through mini-documentaries, large scale animated projections, animated portraits, as well as collected material artefacts, from cruel instruments of punishment to weapons of resistance. <br /><br />UNSHACKLED has been created by Roar Film and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in partnership with Monash University. <br /><br />The exhibition will travel around Australian capital cities and regions, the UK and Ireland from September 2024 to 2026. Click <a href="https://www.monash.edu/arts/media-film-journalism/conviction-politics"><b>here</b></a> for more information, including the UNSHACKLED <a href="https://vimeo.com/799352534/6e2769c697"><b>trailer</b></a>.<br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-91380496175555405772024-03-15T15:30:00.000+11:002024-03-15T15:30:00.131+11:00Get on the fast train to dinosaur heaven <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbGCdQn_Whtx0-kD9cDInKPPvoCRrDIMUAyIMo9TztatG6NyOrBvHO001fQRMuqjCyOL6J-yjmnp84sxVl72dOSqded1uepjfIOG4VGIK6qe-pDEuzfXD7Y6lkeIT1P8_ngPJAR44_trAoV_IgaV2KJCClVjDp1tZp-642olHGnTaSlMiBwY38TsBbR5o/s2016/IMG_5455_%E5%8B%9D%E5%B1%B1%20%E7%A6%8F%E4%BA%95%E7%9C%8C%E7%AB%8B%E6%81%90%E7%AB%9C%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbGCdQn_Whtx0-kD9cDInKPPvoCRrDIMUAyIMo9TztatG6NyOrBvHO001fQRMuqjCyOL6J-yjmnp84sxVl72dOSqded1uepjfIOG4VGIK6qe-pDEuzfXD7Y6lkeIT1P8_ngPJAR44_trAoV_IgaV2KJCClVjDp1tZp-642olHGnTaSlMiBwY38TsBbR5o/w400-h300/IMG_5455_%E5%8B%9D%E5%B1%B1%20%E7%A6%8F%E4%BA%95%E7%9C%8C%E7%AB%8B%E6%81%90%E7%AB%9C%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /><br />The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, located in Katsuyama, Fukui, Japan, is a leading dinosaur museum and is renowned for its exhibits of specimens of dinosaurs that once roamed locally. <br /><br />It is impressive in both its size and scope. <br /><br />Fukui is located in the the Hokuriku region in the north-west of Japan's main island of Honshu - and is now a whole lot easier for tourists to get to.<br /><br />Starting from this weekend, the Hokuriku <i>Shinkansen</i> (bullet train) will begin the operation of 14 round trips from Tokyo per day. <br /><br />With Fukui City under three hours by train from the Japanese capital, tourism is set to boom. <br /><br /><a href="http://email.prnewswire.com/ls/click?upn=u001.mv-2B9oSMafTjGYJvGkUiSCKBvOoh-2BgPokkWOD-2BzKRpT94cWlnG3VsqcJltimdV2zjmexbJieRuHJiVMhAuL4t7l9IA6RziUHX-2Fd5ggM0O1pW7Ycz2Ffqidg52NX9IXEaSxHQKLiDjhfiPreBh4UxFi2Ha-2BMQnFv1Hh1BMcwDgm5SDicrTTcq-2FWOMnfyrAq7PoXToEykttP8nnk4V5kZDi3q4dwakHEU5XyP-2BX-2FOSIwB1xHiijiEvzy8Qyeq9TckgwbnRrLuvDcHcpMEAFRUN4ww-3D-3DC_LB_xaHz3s5T6Hci3Qio34s0GETxYz3cizM2Vr8xkS9SePfAY5ZOA4L20kJ3RB4b1SdonKqMqOe6ypuQlqEUienhHmCNvbwXDMaGn3V40EmzeUabQyGZC4OoJbGrVaeEdSDu0pHWe5dt51sFzOgh0iuRjyc4JKrimdFRWJ1tIwnnd9XwXONFXX-2F3CqL1iWXkv8bwYHdoAupMoMcrTzEEUL4ZNXCCdfTt2IaIdhiqU5oGMS0XWpkENM6V3En7Z-2Btlbm-2F6ULYGl-2BuR-2BnG8lCixc5ZgqKM0Zg-2FR-2FKHKfZMWU0IjxOfCFbO5izVhLeTgwLVvqPPbQKK8ItM7uKkeNZ8-2BHB9XvkWR6ju-2BtDRzvc5GAlE1Po9UWyPHZ4yDq-2FNUWdQUzdFevOpRtRZmhFqQlI7HMlZzDw-3D-3D"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NaE0D5w0D-1YnG7ICEyPXo312Ns5ypsQC8LL_kUGmBeR2yDpzWZzbBz-xLyuvZX6wuUS9ZIm8ON0NT77AiMBSBiLAPiqA_6rtsHfBHRoYfLON0dYHd59XpFvUAcUcncPw=w400-h300" /></a><br /><br />The capital of Fukui Prefecture is Fukui City, a small castle town with one of the greatest dinosaur museums in the world, already attracting over 900,000 visitors each year. <br /><br />Travellers also love visiting the city during cherry blossom season. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IhM71mEAycORumQRfZS8gexAiQ22NTLgeZC8XOXCmO5lkoqiLMZgOhvE6Su2-L5iiVIBOJEE1DMEziAB3epUOlrqHqDyRZmG4EJod882qwWmVoENDMIbLyriWHzllywruzYuRVtq2okSnv5cer3pR71ifMAs3s8UETj-S_8MtwWygG02O5shkjHt3qhS/s1632/IMG_8459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1632" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IhM71mEAycORumQRfZS8gexAiQ22NTLgeZC8XOXCmO5lkoqiLMZgOhvE6Su2-L5iiVIBOJEE1DMEziAB3epUOlrqHqDyRZmG4EJod882qwWmVoENDMIbLyriWHzllywruzYuRVtq2okSnv5cer3pR71ifMAs3s8UETj-S_8MtwWygG02O5shkjHt3qhS/w400-h300/IMG_8459.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Eiheji Temple lies deep in the Fukui mountains. It was founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244 and is where 100 monks practice devotion daily.</div><div><br />Other stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line include Awara Onsen, an ideal day-trip destination for hot spring fans looking to bathe in central Japan's geothermal waters, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) reports. <br /><br />Visitors to the Hokuriku area can benefit from using special JR rail passes to explore a variety of areas along the new <i>shinkansen</i> route.<br /><br />Those wanting to expand their itinerary to include destinations within the Kansai region may be interested in the <a href="http://email.prnewswire.com/ls/click?upn=u001.v-2BJ3gj6ki5QD5j-2Fn6dQLipjm9nDwWowQdEbnWR-2FrEraaFM41hO8-2BL8wev6EVVMxbInJw41hHISEWYiNfc4PNAlUGkV3ZCEOGR7I07uav5uM-3DAktt_xaHz3s5T6Hci3Qio34s0GETxYz3cizM2Vr8xkS9SePfAY5ZOA4L20kJ3RB4b1SdonKqMqOe6ypuQlqEUienhHmCNvbwXDMaGn3V40EmzeUabQyGZC4OoJbGrVaeEdSDu0pHWe5dt51sFzOgh0iuRjyc4JKrimdFRWJ1tIwnnd9XwXONFXX-2F3CqL1iWXkv8bwYHdoAupMoMcrTzEEUL4ZNXCCdfTt2IaIdhiqU5oGMS0XWpkENM6V3En7Z-2Btlbm-2F6NTzCoHJ31EqsjtfdJAGNVsS8zaGqlV2JcxOgnuziPv8wEQfSFO9PyoPbSYwFoxvFJrfCfqJYOxlPPu59R7YOkwdBd-2BzKBbLvxsOeEVMv7T0Rkqr-2BCO1e4LGMblP8Ic1yWwESw0Yjbk4lcToA8UB-2FqQ-3D-3D"><b>Hokuriku Arch Pass</b></a>, which is valid for seven days and offers unlimited rides from both Tokyo and Osaka to the Hokuriku region. <br /><br />Alternatively, the <a href="http://email.prnewswire.com/ls/click?upn=u001.v-2BJ3gj6ki5QD5j-2Fn6dQLipjm9nDwWowQdEbnWR-2FrEraaFM41hO8-2BL8wev6EVVMxbrzps5GjGTeLh6WOkGQLfjPQA0LWGOAWdnv-2B8q2U-2FxFc-3DbE3R_xaHz3s5T6Hci3Qio34s0GETxYz3cizM2Vr8xkS9SePfAY5ZOA4L20kJ3RB4b1SdonKqMqOe6ypuQlqEUienhHmCNvbwXDMaGn3V40EmzeUabQyGZC4OoJbGrVaeEdSDu0pHWe5dt51sFzOgh0iuRjyc4JKrimdFRWJ1tIwnnd9XwXONFXX-2F3CqL1iWXkv8bwYHdoAupMoMcrTzEEUL4ZNXCCdfTt2IaIdhiqU5oGMS0XWpkENM6V3En7Z-2Btlbm-2F6w4Sf7VSBupBkPwhvgcvDfnkr0n2LK-2BO8DfnoDqqg7w7f1BFx09GwWOHWQB4Rn7fnSPoH11KJTLekQtZNd-2Fch5yEJCTid3FNnMgjpxCx3TVxtRxccl0tF4nCXJCtXkaoTyjDuA2LnmfBMRFIW3e-2BnpQ-3D-3D"><b>Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass</b></a> allows for seven days of unlimited rides from Kansai to Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Info: JNTO. Images: Winsor Dobbin</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-62648201667542984492024-03-15T09:00:00.000+11:002024-03-15T09:00:00.131+11:00Meet a new waterfront destination for gourmets <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUupUU5otY8HymrcLZNzX8-8BEvv_I90H2d0X6jbzTBPPZZvn9Bv5IoaC-iHMN1PdsbfBAEbc6PuZUc-DDYYBInQAWFfrOKAJar8Xqbb6cqZgiUta9lo0b-RDCBfhvwab7UmT6_O9jxutAV4QC7S5sqFBz8BokUVKrpNarqJv0rBr-rMpKqUnEB-RPy5A/s980/ca4fb5_99f6d0e2ffca47769b37a4c99a90f131~mv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="980" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUupUU5otY8HymrcLZNzX8-8BEvv_I90H2d0X6jbzTBPPZZvn9Bv5IoaC-iHMN1PdsbfBAEbc6PuZUc-DDYYBInQAWFfrOKAJar8Xqbb6cqZgiUta9lo0b-RDCBfhvwab7UmT6_O9jxutAV4QC7S5sqFBz8BokUVKrpNarqJv0rBr-rMpKqUnEB-RPy5A/w400-h260/ca4fb5_99f6d0e2ffca47769b37a4c99a90f131~mv2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>The popular southern Tasmanian town of Cygnet has new rustic chic waterfront accommodation.<br /><p>It also has a new functions venue; a private dining destination and a providore producing jams, sauces and condiments showcasing local produce. <br /><br />All these elements come together at Helms Bay Cottage, the brainchild of local Jenny Hassett, which officially opened this week. <br /><br />Helms Bay Cottage is right on the water - with its own jetty no less - just a 10-minute drive from the township and its many cafes, galleries and artisan producers. <br /><br />Guests can use the on-site sauna and hot tub, or enjoy supper by the firepit.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuwSnyyF7WayoADaM1030ksjU_lsb6ieOdhs6WL0ZnFDwO9yLw1BirLuJ8dU2WFoHt4446CbY6JX-1S3PA9n3i_p2eW0YV5XSA92PJyRWExPa3XR9i7IImCSQPnzXa3LAr8jBfrgZOH1EsdiGcaY-0a6hVL9QNo-TchMM2mV-uzvNBO2Gb340S5NfFE0e/s2016/IMG_3754%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuwSnyyF7WayoADaM1030ksjU_lsb6ieOdhs6WL0ZnFDwO9yLw1BirLuJ8dU2WFoHt4446CbY6JX-1S3PA9n3i_p2eW0YV5XSA92PJyRWExPa3XR9i7IImCSQPnzXa3LAr8jBfrgZOH1EsdiGcaY-0a6hVL9QNo-TchMM2mV-uzvNBO2Gb340S5NfFE0e/w400-h300/IMG_3754%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> The accommodation comprises one suite with a double bed and en-suite bathroom (above); two double bedrooms with a shared bathroom and a separate bunkhouse for four with its own facilities.<br /><br />Hassett, former landlady of Cygnet's Commercial Hotel, also hosts private lunches/dinners for groups of between six and 10 ranging from Sunday roasts ($40 per person), to a three-course French banquet ($80 per person). Italian and seafood options are also available with diners free to BYO. <br /><br />With local wine producers including Chatto, Sailor Seeks Horse, Elsewhere, Kate Hill, Home Hill and Hartzview, you are spoilt for choice.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTp6XxLoUfSzKH1xew29NshUAV25iQ7Xha2dDn4k2RA0bwE99OyrW4ANI_dWvCc5rdTrauL5pW-r2-zfOCvE8_UUn2SXr9LNJSY_d5um3JKRKz6l5FxDDS-zQMZJJ2x8SBb0Vv1S_3FYo4Nix2JoRnweryMdSB-IONEmMSGaV-JY4BTFnAkFD8VnGFPlw/s2016/IMG_3761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTp6XxLoUfSzKH1xew29NshUAV25iQ7Xha2dDn4k2RA0bwE99OyrW4ANI_dWvCc5rdTrauL5pW-r2-zfOCvE8_UUn2SXr9LNJSY_d5um3JKRKz6l5FxDDS-zQMZJJ2x8SBb0Vv1S_3FYo4Nix2JoRnweryMdSB-IONEmMSGaV-JY4BTFnAkFD8VnGFPlw/w400-h300/IMG_3761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Each of the rooms offers views of Helms Bay and there is a private veranda with a barbecue and outdoor setting.</p><p>On-site laundry facilities and fishing gear are on offer, and you can pluck oysters from the shoreline. There is also free parking. <br /><br />The rooms are furnished in rustic chic style; old school but very comfortable.<br /><br />The set-up is perfect for family get togethers and small weddings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdhZkVl-TQyUM5ktY59euoa3ftIzomqj7Y8nADQJhGGQKV3ccxOVy7R1juQ1_ZRBO5iu-6iW656zLXCQJQa9WrXHKFyJLTB1vPsACv1ksku3KQfKzaMhIS2UOKiXNeIr6stqQKfdQXazdhBhSyYKsrYSrgZnAxxdIg0yJ-JkXWYlKwXHiQQ0MMU0ADD6B/s2016/IMG_3760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdhZkVl-TQyUM5ktY59euoa3ftIzomqj7Y8nADQJhGGQKV3ccxOVy7R1juQ1_ZRBO5iu-6iW656zLXCQJQa9WrXHKFyJLTB1vPsACv1ksku3KQfKzaMhIS2UOKiXNeIr6stqQKfdQXazdhBhSyYKsrYSrgZnAxxdIg0yJ-JkXWYlKwXHiQQ0MMU0ADD6B/w400-h300/IMG_3760.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The providore side of the business is born from Jenny's passion for gardening and cooking and will be on sale at a roadside stall, as well as at local markets. <br /><br />Think home-made jams, sauces, pickles, oils, and more - all gluten free and all cooked in-house.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8m4qzSs35iXvDZZLTFcWM6EwtMkCeJDdynEBUicDVzWaCqzuGBnHY28O7uxXRN20fEwxkqr9gE5rXOeRY_lK4Pegn7vBILNvt9_Z4HI1_No0REwNDLj2DGQ9NrFuVkHkBmJZT6FwvRSpFHq7bCYzAUcM-Lm7_QY-Gn6P9emZQTSW5Y9_CDvy9Mqu8hKx/s630/ca4fb5_7139119d5daa4024907005f9ec643955~mv2(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8m4qzSs35iXvDZZLTFcWM6EwtMkCeJDdynEBUicDVzWaCqzuGBnHY28O7uxXRN20fEwxkqr9gE5rXOeRY_lK4Pegn7vBILNvt9_Z4HI1_No0REwNDLj2DGQ9NrFuVkHkBmJZT6FwvRSpFHq7bCYzAUcM-Lm7_QY-Gn6P9emZQTSW5Y9_CDvy9Mqu8hKx/w225-h400/ca4fb5_7139119d5daa4024907005f9ec643955~mv2(1).jpg" width="225" /></a> <br /><br />Private dinners start from $50 per person and are held in the cottage dining room, which has superb water views. <br /><br />Call 0408 532 322 or for full details see <a href="https://www.helmsbaycottage.com.au/"><b>https://www.helmsbaycottage.com.au/</b></a> <br /><br /> </p>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-70149642407651541482024-03-14T12:24:00.001+11:002024-03-14T12:24:00.237+11:00Farewell to a one-time heavyweight charge card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwbQlfrSYJRKDcusiBTzkW1ub1BuQnq0bm5DbS90fZjQLtAKcknDv6Ikev9fPaoYFU6ytpkFdcS1fW8BKXaXf9xVlqLbP1rWESzHg3XgbszHwhJXyMnmXKmY1TtO6prTAaCJIOwG8jyQE69MqeYWZEFwoSk7w1VafPH1Gab3gWJXgrrp8Pe-DzIyYnQdg/s1600/s-l1600%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwbQlfrSYJRKDcusiBTzkW1ub1BuQnq0bm5DbS90fZjQLtAKcknDv6Ikev9fPaoYFU6ytpkFdcS1fW8BKXaXf9xVlqLbP1rWESzHg3XgbszHwhJXyMnmXKmY1TtO6prTAaCJIOwG8jyQE69MqeYWZEFwoSk7w1VafPH1Gab3gWJXgrrp8Pe-DzIyYnQdg/w400-h300/s-l1600%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Once upon a time there was a fourth global heavyweight credit/charge card.</p>There was Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club.<br /><br />I had a Diners Club card for years. It had a certain caché, like an Amex Platinum card.<br /><br />But Diners failed to keep pace with changing markets and became accepted in fewer and fewer shops and hotels.<br /><br />I probably gave mine up 25 years ago,<br /><br />Diners Club this week announced it is exiting the Australian market after almost 70 years.<br /><br />A statement on the brand’s website says: “As of 15 April 2024, Diners Club will no longer offer Diners Club Business Cards issued in Australia.”<div><br /></div><div>Full details at <a href="https://dinersclub.com.au/corporate.htm"><b>https://dinersclub.com.au/corporate.htm</b></a><br /><br />It will continue to operate in other markets.<br /><br />Members with Diners Club Rewards will have until July 30 to redeem or transfer their rewards balance, after which any unclaimed points will be forfeited, the website says.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-55539282486332283552024-03-14T06:00:00.000+11:002024-03-14T06:00:00.129+11:00Snoozefest: Both pilots fell asleep <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgZWA2d2T_PgbG0_IAFmiNrIs_TOAUfBZ5Lp-AORFDrqK4TNLW0GbktbfZjRrB6EFphdJmLO2KOKC7P5c6Ei49YPoSRwqRYkgNf4_fLZMJLG8N5uRBBgzNA3pX9em1C6bLJWSAPqIJLDl8XHX7Z6NadsIXD3IFV5RIui4j4BVGOxhITv6y2yxxmPPTgIb/s3840/scopio-1fa8665f-afc8-45dd-8fb6-fc16e2b094ca.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgZWA2d2T_PgbG0_IAFmiNrIs_TOAUfBZ5Lp-AORFDrqK4TNLW0GbktbfZjRrB6EFphdJmLO2KOKC7P5c6Ei49YPoSRwqRYkgNf4_fLZMJLG8N5uRBBgzNA3pX9em1C6bLJWSAPqIJLDl8XHX7Z6NadsIXD3IFV5RIui4j4BVGOxhITv6y2yxxmPPTgIb/w225-h400/scopio-1fa8665f-afc8-45dd-8fb6-fc16e2b094ca.jpeg" width="225" /></a><br /><br />It's nice to have a snooze during a flight. <br /><br />But probably best not to if you are the pilot and co-pilot. <br /><br />Both dozed off at the same time, causing their Batik Air flight to veer off course, an Indonesia National Transportation Safety Committee report says.<br /><br />It happened during a flight in January, from Kendari, Sulawesi, to Jakarta, the <i>Travel Mole</i> news portal reported.<br /><br />There were 157 passengers and cabin crew onboard the flight.<br /><br />The report said the pilots were both asleep at the same time for around 28 minutes - but the flight landed safely.<br /><br />The captain took a rest leaving the co-pilot in charge. <br /><br />He then "inadvertently fell asleep" with air traffic control unable to get a response from the cockpit.<br /><br />“Several attempts to contact the plane had been made. None of the calls were responded to by the pilots,” the report stated.<br /><br />Some time later the captain woke up with his co-pilot still asleep and realised the plane was off course. This was immediately rectified.<br /><br />The pilot initially told air traffic control there had been a "problem" with communications<b><i> </i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Image: Anda Sacracut, Scop.io<br /></i></b><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-52901413930189568692024-03-13T19:30:00.008+11:002024-03-13T20:33:28.188+11:00Meet the man who wants to re-create the Titanic <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4hZwUrx9Msds9gdLBX9Cj0ISRysvYAX3Qokn0ys_hLFK26jO1d8FLcRQ1QOjNBgC_mru0dkx2Lc062PsSmRAXBx96oXz9F9pyZtJmWfzaDqTQ0vZjlIQ0A-kUmdujff2W-bBU3PImUK-xjJYQIw-kCMqVdnvFrA_7bP3QI3grpGA4v_6GHxKN4ryMIsn/s1024/IMG_3744.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1024" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4hZwUrx9Msds9gdLBX9Cj0ISRysvYAX3Qokn0ys_hLFK26jO1d8FLcRQ1QOjNBgC_mru0dkx2Lc062PsSmRAXBx96oXz9F9pyZtJmWfzaDqTQ0vZjlIQ0A-kUmdujff2W-bBU3PImUK-xjJYQIw-kCMqVdnvFrA_7bP3QI3grpGA4v_6GHxKN4ryMIsn/w400-h241/IMG_3744.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Dear world. Meet Clive Palmer, controversial Australian businessman and failed politician. <br /><br />Palmer, 69, is the man behind a bizarre project to build a life-sized replica of The Titanic. <br /><br />Blue Star Line chairman Palmer announced today that design plans for Titanic ll were being finalised.<br /><br />“We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have reengaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life. Let the journey begin,’’ Palmer said.<br /><br />“The government lockdowns sent the cruise industry into a long-term shutdown but shipping is back in full business with passenger numbers now surpassing pre-Covid levels.<br /><br />“We are getting the best ship-builders, designers and engineers in the world back on deck to build Titanic ll.’’<br /><br />The bombastic Palmer says the project enjoys the continued support of Finnish-based ship design and marine engineering company Deltamarin.<br /><br />Deltamarin has undertaken a review of the Titanic II project ensuring the vessel will be compliant with all current safety and construction regulations as well as meeting Blue Star Line’s design criteria, he says.<br /><br />Other global partners include V.Ships Leisure who will be responsible for project support, building supervision and ship management services; and Swedish marine architecture and interior design company Tillberg Design, whose portfolio includes classic ocean liners Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDodlqEiqMzNZQMFbqvRsROIXC_x_z0ppUPObTSuKP0jIxdsS9H5NtJFaHbgoijpG8B_aF_p3TCzQGwdX6i7ZNm_1yU-KlqzQTwtL3_y28u16UnRjFVE5MJ0d0otjY84wz_wBLplHsgWcVnDWxQNZBGxgYbA18aNy285IGVr-lYZBcQJSUrfhZzyZEv2TN/s1024/IMG_3743.png"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDodlqEiqMzNZQMFbqvRsROIXC_x_z0ppUPObTSuKP0jIxdsS9H5NtJFaHbgoijpG8B_aF_p3TCzQGwdX6i7ZNm_1yU-KlqzQTwtL3_y28u16UnRjFVE5MJ0d0otjY84wz_wBLplHsgWcVnDWxQNZBGxgYbA18aNy285IGVr-lYZBcQJSUrfhZzyZEv2TN/w400-h224/IMG_3743.png" /></a><br /><br />“Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st-century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort,’’ Palmer said.<br /><br />“We are bringing in some of the best designers in the world for cruise shipping to make sure nothing is overlooked and we have a specification that is far, far superior than the original Titanic. It will be the ship of love and the ultimate in style and luxury.<br /><br />“The essence of this venture is to offer passengers an unparalleled journey back in time, immersing them fully in the opulence and splendour of life aboard the original Titanic, thus bridging a century with a voyage of unparalleled elegance.’’ <br /><br />The ship will follow the original - and disastrous - journey, carrying passengers from Southampton to New York, but she will also circumnavigate the globe, "inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivalled attention, intrigue and mystery in every port she visits".<br /><br />Titanic ll will weigh approximately 56,000t, comprise nine decks and will be designed to recreate the grandeurs of its namesake. The vessel will have an overall length of 269m and a width of 32.2m. It will feature 835 cabins including 383 1st class, 201 2nd class and 251 3rd class rooms, catering for up to 2,435 passengers.<br /><br />The new ship will feature modern technology and the latest navigation and safety systems.<br /><br />Titanic II will be powered by a diesel engine and will feature four smoke stacks like the coal-powered Titanic.<br /><br />“In 1912 the Titanic was the ship of dreams. For over a century Titanic’s legend has been powered by mystery, intrigue and respect for all she stood for,’’ Palmer said.</div><div><br /></div><div>Given his track record, a lot of people are betting it won’t happen. Like many of his plans. </div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-86408203505601796982024-03-13T13:00:00.002+11:002024-03-13T13:00:00.145+11:00Glaetzer lands major wine job in the US <div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_amVGVRzUZ-F3UpdiMaI2sHBEvgunFed4J_cTOCeV8BAWns2WHSH3JmGQkxQ_qvaYXLnj8J8QLze7kR9ce1vLC8GRJjZ6B5vsOEWvO0WR1BSmz_MxBRUgUy9NVuosHl8VeVjy7WV30LKwwJXNK7vyBsxf2AAjHOKt5JbkBMJmuh-jQ4BvKPx_u2dHSbw/s600/sam%20glaetzer.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_amVGVRzUZ-F3UpdiMaI2sHBEvgunFed4J_cTOCeV8BAWns2WHSH3JmGQkxQ_qvaYXLnj8J8QLze7kR9ce1vLC8GRJjZ6B5vsOEWvO0WR1BSmz_MxBRUgUy9NVuosHl8VeVjy7WV30LKwwJXNK7vyBsxf2AAjHOKt5JbkBMJmuh-jQ4BvKPx_u2dHSbw/w320-h320/sam%20glaetzer.jpg" /></a></div>The Glaetzers are a legendary family in Barossa wine circles. <br /><br />Of the current generation, Ben Glaetzer is a leading winemaker with his own brand, Nick Glaetzer is making excellent wines in Tasmania for Glaetzer-Dixon Family Wines and big brother Sam Glaetzer is making waves in the US. <br /><br />Sam Glaetzer was today named Executive Vice President and President, Wine & Spirits Division, for Constellation Brands, one of the biggest beverage brands in the world. <br /><br />Glaetzer will lead the company’s Wine and Spirits Division and will also serve as a member of Constellation’s executive management committee.<br /><br />“Sam is a well-rounded senior leader with a wealth of experience in wine and spirits and a successful track record of driving commercial and operational efficiency and effectiveness,” said Bill Newlands, President and Chief Executive Officer at Constellation Brands. <br /><br />“Now that our strategic wine and spirits brand portfolio transformation is largely complete, and as we turn our focus more squarely towards strong commercial and operational execution for this business, Sam is uniquely equipped to lead our wine and spirits division at this pivotal time as we look to deliver growth and improved profitability.”<br /><br />Glaetzer brings nearly 30 years of wine and spirits industry experience to this role. He joined Constellation Brands in 2014 as managing director of the company’s New Zealand and Australian operations. <br /><br />Over the better part of the past decade, Glaetzer has served in a number of leadership capacities in areas such as general management, international commercial sales, supply chain operations, product quality, new product development, acquisition integrations, and divestitures. <br /><br />"I’m excited about the opportunity to lead our wine and spirits team as we look to more fully capitalize on our portfolio transformation and accelerate the overall performance of this business going forward,” he said. <br /><br />“We have a solid strategy and foundation for growth in place, and one of the most talented teams in the industry. <br /><br />"I look forward to working with my colleagues across our wine and spirits division, as well as our wholesaler and retailer partners, to realise our full potential in the years ahead.”<br /><br />Big gig. <br /><br />Constellation Brands includes Corona beers. Robert Mondavi Wines, Simi Wines and Kim Crawford in New Zealand. <br /><br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-50562665047672566322024-03-13T08:41:00.002+11:002024-03-13T21:39:51.224+11:00A very special getaway in the hills of Bali<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AQbamPIoCb7ciMeejOPD9WRAMf3gkW35Iho8z2F6JIgSEDdtSc7SsBlE5atMG2UMIxhLN1BXmf78SKnw2jntX5u2CuFNPsc7i4b83Ot4Fo4wXEM9fy5581QgjGLkCDSBXysjXx0Unz1Hq8Oa1qbC_kRoKEZOtvPIna6NITFjtI_mn7D4D1DvzUaawixR/s3000/MasterPoolVillaDamai_Pool.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AQbamPIoCb7ciMeejOPD9WRAMf3gkW35Iho8z2F6JIgSEDdtSc7SsBlE5atMG2UMIxhLN1BXmf78SKnw2jntX5u2CuFNPsc7i4b83Ot4Fo4wXEM9fy5581QgjGLkCDSBXysjXx0Unz1Hq8Oa1qbC_kRoKEZOtvPIna6NITFjtI_mn7D4D1DvzUaawixR/w400-h266/MasterPoolVillaDamai_Pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Tucked away in the hills above the northern Bali coast is a superb rural getaway that allows guests to experience the authentic sights, sounds and tastes of the holiday island. </p><p>The Damai, which reopened last year after a three-year Covid closure, offers a luxury villa experience surrounded by temples, small farms and rice paddies. </p><p>The 15 private villas (in four configurations) all offer an essence of Balinese style (think <i>al fresco</i> garden showers), but each has its own swimming pool and western comforts, including fast, reliable wifi. Think simple, but elegant, in a serene garden setting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nYTWx6QOrjQ_sY8At9aiviLQbvzjxg6DISl_331xR5Hl5dVatNFS7zNtDThdhcCNUJ6bcOVqJLVMjrFUCEkmvO-tyjKAeBM2iyzdtBCXWb4W62DtT-IR96aeVIvG6dnAKVYORxDweJbLSpKzC9GtxBA33nR-s3DMvbsG9nZQT0M6q6ulg_B10NdZUbdt/s2016/IMG_3530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nYTWx6QOrjQ_sY8At9aiviLQbvzjxg6DISl_331xR5Hl5dVatNFS7zNtDThdhcCNUJ6bcOVqJLVMjrFUCEkmvO-tyjKAeBM2iyzdtBCXWb4W62DtT-IR96aeVIvG6dnAKVYORxDweJbLSpKzC9GtxBA33nR-s3DMvbsG9nZQT0M6q6ulg_B10NdZUbdt/w400-h300/IMG_3530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Damai's slogan is: "hard to find; harder to leave" and it offers a rare sense of tranquillity just a winding 4km drive up from the black sand beaches at Lovina, where visitors can go swimming with dolphins on a local fishing boat, and sample the many local <i>warungs </i>to maybe try some<i> babi guleng </i>(suckling pig). </p><p>It is also close to a number of spectacular waterfalls.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZb1foUcPudATgJ50N2LNM_-W1hbnXDbYRfNE2mSvaGUoanVeDX0leK3xDMGhxsWDM184SIK_QqbE0pYeZh7UoDPfyJn7ociFC9jElTvEUuwbroZNQ_l-trT4CsgBI99VLxYDkx_Wnmz7_RrjCRUVvVrXynaR0nfhJmzv6J7Dlks21YGli1_ppNJJGZTE/s3000/4GardenVillaDamaiOutsideBathroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZb1foUcPudATgJ50N2LNM_-W1hbnXDbYRfNE2mSvaGUoanVeDX0leK3xDMGhxsWDM184SIK_QqbE0pYeZh7UoDPfyJn7ociFC9jElTvEUuwbroZNQ_l-trT4CsgBI99VLxYDkx_Wnmz7_RrjCRUVvVrXynaR0nfhJmzv6J7Dlks21YGli1_ppNJJGZTE/w400-h266/4GardenVillaDamaiOutsideBathroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As the light fades, guests can sit on the terrace with spectacular views down to the water, and take in sounds wafting mellifluously across the landscape. </p><p>The soundtrack ranges from the call to prayer at local temples, the sound of gamelans practicing their art, resident frogs and local roosters.</p><p>The word damai means "peace", which seems totally appropriate. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDwi2mrdRG0zgDMN2qe4LAseBhhBlo8z93tpaRpHWfQClJSfxubqqyEDwv32xgUZHKJl-pn7A45jylM4iDHjAj06wcd-rAux0V6GLnKbQ5PMmBwpN_rV3HKrh-l8iI04j6rB75JRqXBeQVccjtX4t74tNnA8i21uDy4YOzvrquSrvzLmb4qCuaza8NWGF/s2016/IMG_3635%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDwi2mrdRG0zgDMN2qe4LAseBhhBlo8z93tpaRpHWfQClJSfxubqqyEDwv32xgUZHKJl-pn7A45jylM4iDHjAj06wcd-rAux0V6GLnKbQ5PMmBwpN_rV3HKrh-l8iI04j6rB75JRqXBeQVccjtX4t74tNnA8i21uDy4YOzvrquSrvzLmb4qCuaza8NWGF/w400-h300/IMG_3635%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Many guests choose to spend most of their time at The Damai, where local experiences are highlighted and most of the very impressive staff come from the hillside villages. </p><p>Think herbal shots made from local plants for breakfast, a daily menu of Balinese food specialities, and cocktails made with local ingredients that the bar staff have marinated themselves. </p><p>Meals are served either in the open-air dining room, at poolside, or in your villa's garden, should you be looking for complete privacy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wPB0ra98tzMiQ2WJH0ZCRVDj4ccXmjLRNsk8ha7PsgsLEGQ72Htl4KKrOVOs0xuJtu2hE-860tvqtb8rFyEDsTVgBAp2ZalI6HzofFeyufpzkXHFtbgBTKiak6RTLOi4L-oMha7bFWq9j7dTBC8pWDsPUkrp_PV-pEHQdV4lJYdPg78BZyt1xYxY2sFv/s2016/IMG_3627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wPB0ra98tzMiQ2WJH0ZCRVDj4ccXmjLRNsk8ha7PsgsLEGQ72Htl4KKrOVOs0xuJtu2hE-860tvqtb8rFyEDsTVgBAp2ZalI6HzofFeyufpzkXHFtbgBTKiak6RTLOi4L-oMha7bFWq9j7dTBC8pWDsPUkrp_PV-pEHQdV4lJYdPg78BZyt1xYxY2sFv/w300-h400/IMG_3627.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>If you are looking for a local breakfast try a colourful fresh fruit platter (above) followed by a spicy mie goreng and chicken skewers. </p><p>At dinner there is always a Balinese three-course menu choice, perhaps featuring a half chicken from a local village, or some crabs from local mangroves (below). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FEBzFDfZflOQMDMNyhgbnfc-Sjhr8X1GSs7ooddcoksEJTaYxVxq4xi2-osL7bSw4HJDff7a5MPVWPB06ZCKRtjuCEdR1FFiEJl4he4JzkMbqSMeUFHzgjXGwGNER9Jrp0i-9AYwvHACNlnLPXfcaMeb1n6ofT4lT4SkpUdt9j3S4jxuho8TU7zc0dcQ/s2016/IMG_3647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FEBzFDfZflOQMDMNyhgbnfc-Sjhr8X1GSs7ooddcoksEJTaYxVxq4xi2-osL7bSw4HJDff7a5MPVWPB06ZCKRtjuCEdR1FFiEJl4he4JzkMbqSMeUFHzgjXGwGNER9Jrp0i-9AYwvHACNlnLPXfcaMeb1n6ofT4lT4SkpUdt9j3S4jxuho8TU7zc0dcQ/w400-h300/IMG_3647.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>That said, the western food is also very good with the Balinese-style Angus burger for lunch a standout, and dishes like yellowfin tuna with mango, langoustine and green curry, or fish of the day with <i>beurre blanc</i> or a spicy soy sauce; served with pilaf rice or steamed greens.</p><p>The Damai uses organic ingredients where possible with herbs and salads from the on-site market garden, honey from the Damai bee and poultry, eggs and fresh coconut oil from the neighbouring village. When you dine you can see the local fishermen out at sea readying for tomorrow's catch.</p><p>The hotel can arrange for you to take a trip further up in the hills to visit "Vanilla Farm" where you can see vanilla, cloves, nutmeg and other spices being farmed and dried - as well as exotic fruits like jackfruit and dragonfruit.</p>The ambience here is totally relaxing, but if you really want to chill, the signature The Damai Massage is an excellent excuse to nod off. For just a few minutes, of course. <div><br /></div><div>The Damai offers a slice of the real Bali. A deserted beach; a dance class in a village; a glimpse inside a temple, or a moment of contemplation at a spectacular waterfall. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzoEQ7VkwqEDxtC8HLKffXwlf0vQ-941OPnfdMsia7LSuUAAR0kj5As6BU1UDHiGK1psCdyR1vMQ-mmp81-E5E8tuU3KhYSgwK11jwKNFNGvUuND4Qk0BvZqViYMKjlQBxidungQl7aBwoSqSYPdU8mS9BFI-Geh5L6AVxckgciy4FU3XWNNea46XsDqW/s1280/IMG_3639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzoEQ7VkwqEDxtC8HLKffXwlf0vQ-941OPnfdMsia7LSuUAAR0kj5As6BU1UDHiGK1psCdyR1vMQ-mmp81-E5E8tuU3KhYSgwK11jwKNFNGvUuND4Qk0BvZqViYMKjlQBxidungQl7aBwoSqSYPdU8mS9BFI-Geh5L6AVxckgciy4FU3XWNNea46XsDqW/w300-h400/IMG_3639.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A range of packages can be tailored to your preferences - and drivers are available to take you where you want to go (at extra cost, of course). </div><div><br /></div><div>For more details see <a href="https://www.thedamai.com/"><b>https://www.thedamai.com/</b></a> Villas start from well under $300 a night. Tell them I sent you. <br /><br />Qantas flies Sydney-Denpasar with daily direct flights operated on an Airbus A330 aircraft, fares start from $414 one way. Melbourne-Denpasar direct flights operate five times per week using a Boeing 737 aircraft. Fares start from $415 one way. See <a href="http://qantas.com"><b>qantas.com</b></a>. <br /><br /><b><i># The writer was hosted by The Damai.<br /></i></b><br /><br /><br /> </div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-22999488149529453122024-03-12T13:46:00.006+11:002024-03-12T13:46:00.156+11:00When tourists cannot behave themselves <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTctgIyDJOFiKC-Tymh1jrOwcK3Aq6iRzPR45giHf3cLBxq4kDi9aGln78x4rqQpgS6YgyJ377eSLo6G_JS7oJDrEFthnp1WJJrSyf2EKI8YHKnkwNjIGeDE6ixEsMzrRr9cz0PMB76WoCKxA56R7nb6QnmHOyUOBM1ozg_gRaoFiJgpBaqEugv9Tl9OLS/s300/Kyoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTctgIyDJOFiKC-Tymh1jrOwcK3Aq6iRzPR45giHf3cLBxq4kDi9aGln78x4rqQpgS6YgyJ377eSLo6G_JS7oJDrEFthnp1WJJrSyf2EKI8YHKnkwNjIGeDE6ixEsMzrRr9cz0PMB76WoCKxA56R7nb6QnmHOyUOBM1ozg_gRaoFiJgpBaqEugv9Tl9OLS/w400-h400/Kyoto.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Just like Venice and Machu Picchu in Peru, the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto has had enough of badly behaved tourists. <br /><br />Visitors will be banned from entering private alleys in Kyoto's famous geisha district, as the ancient city tackles over-tourism, <i>The Japan Times</i> reported.<br /><br />Kyoto residents have long expressed frustration with tourists, especially in the city's Gion district, home to teahouses where <i>geiko</i> - as geisha are locally known - and their young <i>maiko</i> apprentices, perform their duties.<br /><br />In December, a Gion district council comprised of residents urged the city of Kyoto to tackle the issue, saying their neighbourhood "is not a theme park".<br /><br />One member previously told Japanese media about an instance of a <i>maiko</i>'s kimono being torn and another who had a cigarette butt put in her collar.<br /><br />Overcrowding and ‘unruly’ behaviour, including tourists eager to get selfies with geishas, are at the heart of the problem. <br /><br />“We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate,” local council member Isokazu Ota said.<br /><br />“We are going to put up signs in April that tell tourists to stay out of our private streets.”<div><br /></div><div>The rest of this captivating city of many temples welcomes tourists. See <a href="https://kyoto.travel/en/"><b>https://kyoto.travel/en/</b></a> for suggestions, <br /><br /><div class="apPluginContainer bsaProContainer-134 bsa-block-728--90 bsa-pro-col-1" id="bsa-block-728--90" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #212529; font-family: roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; height: auto; overflow: hidden; width: 753px;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-15137570929190836102024-03-12T09:24:00.004+11:002024-03-12T09:34:14.813+11:00Here comes wine in a paper bottle <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ba_OFGNef0IeumAjx0wB158Tuzkdhko3L-xP9zVzj7xylp905JYiQiHmjHM_A_FdPtkyngceALOCuD9ZuwQDr7yRM1chEjY41td_wYu_Z52lKi-tgV9WeurUhHcVqDhvOqmQ0yJbANu9HfzbYT-v0oaRQ0iffQxwuwS9tJzREF0W56eq1W_aEcWcL1N0/s1024/Aldi-Frugal-Mockup-3-1024x1024.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ba_OFGNef0IeumAjx0wB158Tuzkdhko3L-xP9zVzj7xylp905JYiQiHmjHM_A_FdPtkyngceALOCuD9ZuwQDr7yRM1chEjY41td_wYu_Z52lKi-tgV9WeurUhHcVqDhvOqmQ0yJbANu9HfzbYT-v0oaRQ0iffQxwuwS9tJzREF0W56eq1W_aEcWcL1N0/w400-h400/Aldi-Frugal-Mockup-3-1024x1024.jpg" /></a><br /><br />How would you feel about enjoying your wine from a paper bottle? <br /><br />Leading UK supermarket Aldi has announced plans to launch two own-label wines in paper bottles, the first supermarket to do so in that country. <br /><br />The two wines - a shiraz and a sauvignon blanc from South Africa - will launch on March 18 to coincide with global recycling day, influential industry newsletter <i>the drinks business</i> reports. <br /><br />And the wines under the Cambalala label will not be super-cheap: retailing for £7.99 (around $15.50 in Australian money).<br /><br />The bottles are described as fully recyclable and are made from 94% recycled paperboard which is lined with a food-grade pouch that seals the wine. <br /><br />English company Frugalpac says the packaging is both light in weight and easy to recycle. <br /><br />It says the bottles have a carbon footprint 84% lower than a glass bottle. <br /><br />The bottle is also five times lighter than a standard glass bottle. <br /><br />Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said that shoppers are looking for small ways to make a big difference for our planet and become more sustainable in their daily lives.<br /><br />“Our buying teams are continuously thinking of how we can evolve our ranges to offer greater value and greener choices," she says. "We are proud to be the first supermarket to launch an own-brand paper bottle, helping to drive sustainable change.”<br /><br />I have no doubt that Aldi Australia wine buyer Jason Bowyer is monitoring the situation carefully. <br /><br />Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, said his company was thrilled to be partnering with Aldi UK on the new line.<br /><br />“Our ambition has always been to allow more people the opportunity to enjoy our paper Frugal Bottles, giving them greener choices,” he said. <br /><br />“Launching in a major UK supermarket means more shoppers can now drink responsibly and sustainably and we are so pleased to be part of that journey.”<br /><br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-63218199668074088742024-03-11T16:30:00.000+11:002024-03-11T16:30:00.134+11:00Vivid: Celebrating humanity at a time of peak inhumanity <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl1DQ0QTPKnbFNL-8oVnGXeMD8e6sqCrseLU_BY4_QE4U8R7SDGr-gdhVCVUFLgWh1ZLakm0sGHjlZahlViA5BkkQ_EDIgi0W4y7pp3OZArchf1g6taQnzwgw2g5qeMhjlo-12qg4tu89wJ3pxFQvI3R5ROmlaa6y6YA9T7kJm99LWdNPIduHL78_PoDQ/s6720/TravMedia_Australia_1619124_Destination-NSW_197998-109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDl1DQ0QTPKnbFNL-8oVnGXeMD8e6sqCrseLU_BY4_QE4U8R7SDGr-gdhVCVUFLgWh1ZLakm0sGHjlZahlViA5BkkQ_EDIgi0W4y7pp3OZArchf1g6taQnzwgw2g5qeMhjlo-12qg4tu89wJ3pxFQvI3R5ROmlaa6y6YA9T7kJm99LWdNPIduHL78_PoDQ/w400-h266/TravMedia_Australia_1619124_Destination-NSW_197998-109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Vivid Sydney, the southern hemisphere's largest multi-artform festival, has unveiled its program for 2024.<br /><br />Hilariously, at a time when Israel and Russia are demonstrating just how evil we can be, the program "spotlights the essence of humanity". <br /><br />Among the highlights: 40km-long laser beams to be projected from the city's tallest structure, Sydney Tower and 2023 Archibald Prize winner Julia Julia Gutman to transform Sydney Opera House for .<i>Lighting The Sails</i>.</p><p>Vivid Fire Kitchen returns in a brand-new space, Budjerah, Mos Def and Air will headline Vivid Music and, bizarrely, there will be an exploration of sex work in Australia's notorious red-light district of Kings Cross.</p><p>The run from May 24 to June 15, the festival runs over 23 nights exploring the theme of 'Humanity' through Light, Music, Ideas and Food.<br /><br />There will be light installations and 3D projections from Circular Quay to The Goods Line; genre-spanning music performances and creative showcases; a Vivid Ideas program and the popular Vivid Food program.<br /><br />John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy (hell of a job title John) said: “Vivid Sydney is an important event every year that Sydneysiders and visitors alike have come to love. <br /><br />"It's not just a light show, it's a celebration of light, music, ideas and food - a program full of rich cultural experiences that resonate with locals and visitors alike.<br /><br />“Vivid Sydney brings together important parts of Sydney's culture - Light, Music, Ideas and Food. It celebrates what's great and unique about our city, and our state and creates a uniquely Sydney experience. That's why it's been so popular over so many years.<br /><br />“This year's festival will have a variety of free and cost-effective events on offer to provide many opportunities for people to come together and celebrate."<br /><br />In 2023 the vent drew over 3.48 million attendees generating more than $206 million in visitor expenditure.<br /><br />Vivid Sydney festival director Gill Minervini said this year's festival looks at how creativity fuels our interconnected world.<br /><br />“Humanity is at the core of everything we do [duh], and this year Vivid Sydney is diving deep into what makes us uniquely human,” Minervini said.<br /><br />“We have curated a diverse program that explores the human spirit, designed to foster connections, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity enriches our lives. Everyone is invited to be part of this global event in the world's most beautiful city to connect, create and celebrate.”<br /><br />Staged across Sydney, Vivid Sydney festival locations and venues include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, State Library of New South Wales, Walsh Bay, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, University of Technology Sydney, The Goods Line, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Carriageworks. <br /><br />Tickets are now on sale. For more info see <a href="http://vividsydney.com" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>vividsydney.com</b></a><span style="color: #656565; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">.</span></p>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-64975512749148905892024-03-11T12:11:00.003+11:002024-03-11T12:11:37.980+11:00New airline deal links regional Australia to the globe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Q84bY4uEiJiAfgiC2-GxGKdMDPFh984ZvbK5kXj4TkbcUBrCUSVxSbLzYxpha4R8O5vgBdsglWpGe73C-gMRGRLln3OGjYGh5yctGfzphuYxKfWMBQwHv99lm7Z3anFM6NwGc-vJ-fWoAoEkWWA-3IRq1oy-dEQpjfRBFtcTC-leWnOS2qrT1gGgwMKl/s1024/Rex-new-livery-Boeing-737-8FE-VH-RQC-msn-33797-v1-1024x578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1024" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Q84bY4uEiJiAfgiC2-GxGKdMDPFh984ZvbK5kXj4TkbcUBrCUSVxSbLzYxpha4R8O5vgBdsglWpGe73C-gMRGRLln3OGjYGh5yctGfzphuYxKfWMBQwHv99lm7Z3anFM6NwGc-vJ-fWoAoEkWWA-3IRq1oy-dEQpjfRBFtcTC-leWnOS2qrT1gGgwMKl/w400-h226/Rex-new-livery-Boeing-737-8FE-VH-RQC-msn-33797-v1-1024x578.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Good news for Australians based in regional areas with Rex Airlines today unveiling a new interline partnership
with one of the world's leading airlines, Etihad Airways. <div><br /></div><div>The partnership between Rex and Etihad, the UAE’s national carrier, provides
passengers on Rex's domestic routes direct connections with Etihad's global network.</div><div><br /></div><div> “Partnering with a world-class airline like Etihad brings a new era of choice and connection for
Rex passengers,” said Rex’s general manager of network strategy, Warrick Lodge. </div><div><br /></div><div>“Passengers will be able to fly to either Sydney or Melbourne on Rex and thereafter connect
on Etihad to a further 72 destinations across the globe.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Etihad's extensive international network includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and
the US.</div><div><br /></div><div> “The entire journey, including Etihad and Rex connecting flights, can be booked under one
booking and passengers can enjoy the convenience of through-check baggage (where
permitted).” </div><div><br /></div><div>Arik De, Etihad’s chief revenue and commercial officer, said: "This exciting new partnership
significantly expands connectivity options for Etihad guests, providing them with effortless
access from our gateways in Sydney and Melbourne to pivotal destinations within the Rex
network, including Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. </div><div><br /></div><div>“We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Rex customers, enabling them to
seamlessly integrate into our expanding global network." </div><div><br /></div><div>Rex flights are now on sale on Etihad's website <a href="http://www.etihad.com"><b>www.etihad.com</b></a>, through travel agents and online agencies from today. </div><div><br /></div><div>The deal is the second interline agreement for Rex, which also has an interline
arrangement with Delta Air Lines.</div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-30130195803258776922024-03-11T07:30:00.002+11:002024-03-11T07:30:00.137+11:00Delta dawn: Sorry, your pilot's been on the piss <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHTOvE8TzN2EXxJiRMgfGxYmisKuqvmzxcmPyzs2PZ-Y5o4no5-fyry9RmX56Dzaj51goIKclGTALStUBPZctEowdia2LFYkEh0d7OB_5E67SxWtKh7CQ4MSh6u-R4rBtq1LlBk9NmXyo5xJsGc4aUr5_mu53bIlou-2ErLYoT-mK3VS9KXHkQGdEtftL/s266/download%20-%202024-03-10T150157.002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="266" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHTOvE8TzN2EXxJiRMgfGxYmisKuqvmzxcmPyzs2PZ-Y5o4no5-fyry9RmX56Dzaj51goIKclGTALStUBPZctEowdia2LFYkEh0d7OB_5E67SxWtKh7CQ4MSh6u-R4rBtq1LlBk9NmXyo5xJsGc4aUr5_mu53bIlou-2ErLYoT-mK3VS9KXHkQGdEtftL/w400-h284/download%20-%202024-03-10T150157.002.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />When you are responsible for the safety of several hundred people, you probably should have the intelligence and decency not to get drunk as a skunk. <br /><br />But a US-based Delta Air Lines pilot last week pleaded guilty to being over the alcohol limit before he was due to fly a transatlantic flight back to the US from Scotland in June last year, <i>Travel Mole</i> reports.<br /><br />Reporting for duty for an Edinburgh to New York flight, Lawrence Russell, 63, was searched by Edinburgh Airport security officers.<br /><br />They discovered two bottles of herbal alcoholic drink Jägermeister in his bag, including one which was half empty. <br /><br />Thinking he was possibly intoxicated, the officers required him to do a breath test - which he failed miserably. His reading was more than twice over the legal limit.<br /><br />Russell was remanded in custody at Edinburgh Sheriff's Court after pleading guilty to being impaired through drink as a pilot.<br /><br />In mitigation, Russell’s lawyer supplied records to the court of his treatment for alcoholism. A bit of a worry for his passengers.<br /><br />Russell said was "under no illusion" it was a serious offence.<br /><br />Sheriff Alison Stirling said a sentencing hearing will be held later this month.<div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-44642615937952181552024-03-10T15:39:00.002+11:002024-03-10T17:32:25.002+11:00Swanning around: a festival with a difference <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTLC2MhNIKps5_V7Iz0JoyO6W6hgCIFtDofMhcGA14Phb_USUpJ5JvkTTusnJ1b6Iazj2KHOjGQR_N4qxMa72HUmLYgGgF7AEavzbCLaEtjyYfjjYUXYmvooPCdL3yaj8Ych6bLxeZr3Bn7aKC7Fb-QReAC1pKHX0QTrvBhNkcGIIQBXcfW-oAEY1Zbgg/s889/TravMedia_Australia_1618927_Tourism-Yukon_SWANS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="889" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTLC2MhNIKps5_V7Iz0JoyO6W6hgCIFtDofMhcGA14Phb_USUpJ5JvkTTusnJ1b6Iazj2KHOjGQR_N4qxMa72HUmLYgGgF7AEavzbCLaEtjyYfjjYUXYmvooPCdL3yaj8Ych6bLxeZr3Bn7aKC7Fb-QReAC1pKHX0QTrvBhNkcGIIQBXcfW-oAEY1Zbgg/w400-h266/TravMedia_Australia_1618927_Tourism-Yukon_SWANS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Yukon is one the most remote - and fascinating - parts of Canada, and April is prime time for bird lovers to visit. <br /><br />Thousands of Trumpeter and Tundra Swans complete their migration north to their natural habitat in the Yukon, ready to rest, feed and breed.<br /><br />The Celebration of Swans is a spectacular display for locals and visitors alike, who will flock to various viewing areas in southern Yukon to observe the phenomenon and enjoy the accompanying festivities.<br /><br />“Each year, bird lovers eagerly await the start of spring in the Yukon, marked by the arrival of these magnificent, giant birds,” says Yas Yamamoto, market development manager, Asia Pacific, for Tourism Yukon. “<br /><br />"More than 10,000 swans can be seen flying over Whitehorse and nearby regions during the month of April. It's a remarkable phenomenon and a sight to behold.”<br /><br />The Celebration of Swans festival began in 1994. The first flocks signify the end of winter, as the Trumpeter swans return to western and central Yukon to raise their young after spending the winter in the Canadian Pacific Coast region.<br /><br />Just 40km south of Yukon's capital city of Whitehorse, the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre in Marsh Lake is a festival hub. <div><br /></div><div>The centre hosts interpretive events, viewing platforms, games and crafts that educate visitors on the swan habitat and migration patterns as well as offering photo opportunities.<br /><br />The Yukon is promoted as a bird over's paradise, and is home to more than 200 species of birds throughout the territory, including the Bald Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Bufflehead, Northern Hawk Owl, Great Horned Owl, Boreal Owl, and Horned Lark.<br /><br />In addition to swan haven, key places to observe swans and other birds in the Yukon include the <a href="https://yukonbirdobservatories.org/projects-ACBO">Albert Creek Bird Observatory</a> near Watson Lake, <a href="https://yukonbirdobservatories.org/projects-TLBO">Teslin Lake Bird Observatory</a>, and <a href="https://yukonbirdobservatories.org/projects-MMarsh">McIntyre Marsh Bird Observatory</a>.<br /><br /># Air Canada and Qantas offer direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada.<br /><br />For more information visit <a href="https://www.travelyukon.com/"><b>www.travelyukon.com</b></a>.</div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-88884775282494076582024-03-10T12:28:00.000+11:002024-03-10T12:28:04.771+11:00Can a new plan help lift the Australian wine industry? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-BMD98jqLkbfqTJWtXSADgvS1v9umgEnzXa0vP4eEjLrDBcnL3P881yGB6dHMRA43Czfl_Fb6_AAWa2-8Yh-Jz6y_gs5mUHwaTPeFEqPhXM_62eav0P8xZI3bP2Xco0jCqWbfGutju1HoEZyQhvYN3qvbMbPs0346iM87_o9VCrxFSA0p67pON5PfJgD/s1024/117984-banrock-station-1024x512%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-BMD98jqLkbfqTJWtXSADgvS1v9umgEnzXa0vP4eEjLrDBcnL3P881yGB6dHMRA43Czfl_Fb6_AAWa2-8Yh-Jz6y_gs5mUHwaTPeFEqPhXM_62eav0P8xZI3bP2Xco0jCqWbfGutju1HoEZyQhvYN3qvbMbPs0346iM87_o9VCrxFSA0p67pON5PfJgD/w400-h200/117984-banrock-station-1024x512%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>A new working group aims to help lift the Australian wine industry from the doldrums. </div><div><br /></div><div>A wine industry taskforce has been launched following following a meeting of the Commonwealth, state and territory agriculture ministers over the weekend. </div><div><br />Australian Grape & Wine CEO Lee McLean has welcomed the formation of the group as the wine industry battles against over-supply and reduced markets. </div><div><br />“Australian Grape & Wine has been encouraging a coordinated and collaborative approach to deal with the challenges our sector is facing and we are pleased ministers have agreed to form this working group” McLean said. <br /><br />As noted in the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting communique, ministers agreed to establish a working group, comprising representatives of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, Wine Australia, Australian Grape and Wine and other relevant groups as agreed by the working group, to provide recommendations to agriculture ministers to address the challenges facing growers.<br /><br />“We know there are a number of regions experiencing acute financial pressure as a result of supply and demand imbalances, including the Riverland in South Australia, the Riverina in NSW, and the Murray Valley in Victoria, and it’s pleasing the group will focus on ways we can work together to relieve these pressures, in these regions” said McLean.<br /><br />“Australian Grape & Wine has put a range of options to the Albanese Government ahead of the Federal Budget, including proposals to help rebalance supply, grow demand and boost regional tourism. </div><div><br /></div><div>“These proposals are all aimed at helping Australia’s grape growers and winemakers to find a pathway through the current challenges towards a sustainable and more profitable future.”<br /><br />Ministers expect the working group to visit regions most impacted by the oversupply situation, with the group to report back by the end of April. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following this, the group is expected to propose to ministers actions to support improvement in the grape and wine sector and its long-term viability by July.<br /><br />“The formation of this working group is a reflection of the strong working relationship Australian Grape & Wine has developed with the Australian Government” said McLean. </div><div><br /></div><div>“We look forward to working with ministers, officials and other industry representatives to drive a positive agenda in the best interests of grape and wine businesses.”<br /><br /># Australian Grape and Wine Inc is the national association of grape and wine producers. </div><div><br /></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-31166112806494706382024-03-09T18:36:00.006+11:002024-03-10T09:34:07.001+11:00Power play for a drinks icon <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPGC9jdcPcQURMipXIZXECl7wDHawRJcSpBXanEU94EQUzu8zVDfwQNoTygDocNCsItrry5prjpg1XtmWt_N3mIwTqDpbzVQtNnVaiPu7CaDT9XR7oejD1946rvGkO4GtwE4R0DOEw2tze9o23hMILWwRyJ2vxuf_R8JdgR6uLkXr6cjXWpaka2LSpWvv/s2000/Campari_BottleCocktail_Negroni_Single_FM_v03_4-5_LegalLine.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPGC9jdcPcQURMipXIZXECl7wDHawRJcSpBXanEU94EQUzu8zVDfwQNoTygDocNCsItrry5prjpg1XtmWt_N3mIwTqDpbzVQtNnVaiPu7CaDT9XR7oejD1946rvGkO4GtwE4R0DOEw2tze9o23hMILWwRyJ2vxuf_R8JdgR6uLkXr6cjXWpaka2LSpWvv/w320-h400/Campari_BottleCocktail_Negroni_Single_FM_v03_4-5_LegalLine.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Cocktail icon Campari has a new-look bottle inspired by its home town of Milan, the birthplace of the <i>aperitivo</i> boom. <br /><br />Campari will showcase the new bottle design at the 24th Biennale of Sydney arts exhibition at White Bay Power Station.<div> <br />The new bottle is said to "reflects the sleek, minimalist fashion and contemporary design that Milano is known for - it is a visual homage to the city, combining effortlessness and understated elegance."<br /><br />Campari will join leading artists for the Biennale, which runs until June 10. <br /><br />The main exhibition will be serving a range of Campari cocktails including Negroni, Campari Spritz and Campari Soda. <br /><br />The event will mark the first time White Bay Power Station has been opened to the public in over 100 years. <br /><br />“Since its creation, the Campari bottle has evolved alongside Milano, continuously drawing inspiration from its resourcefulness and its excitement, traits we feel are deeply bound to the spirit of our brand," says an enthusiastic Paolo Marinoni, marketing director of Campari Australia. <br /><br />"We wanted to continue to pay homage to Milano through the design of the new Campari bottle and we could not be happier with the story it tells. <br /><br />“We’re thrilled to showcase the new Campari design at the Biennale of Sydney alongside global artists and offer art enthusiasts a delicious refreshment.” <br /><br />Campari is available at [select retailers including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, First Choice, Liquorland, Vintage Cellars and selected independent retailers] for $50. For more info visit <a href="https://campariau.com/"><b>campariau.com/</b>.</a><br /><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-67938832396579872862024-03-09T08:48:00.006+11:002024-03-09T18:18:58.191+11:00Hunter winemakers to show off their wares <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq4hT_IFEBap0_UEZ8tWvYi8cJvHG9cT-8FmZna6leYdY5ejKwcJhPMOADVi6hMy2r3mPiBf-RrEJmvYKLTfHhQJHFVNIXvgs1BttLCpsj_yM6jl1GyTzYL0PDRKq5NRRePebin7hYRWrOmuVWIsJW2x-s0bVwBezDesQtx3hFpfSeIYOZ6q1MzzD1fCC/s1500/IMG_3659.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq4hT_IFEBap0_UEZ8tWvYi8cJvHG9cT-8FmZna6leYdY5ejKwcJhPMOADVi6hMy2r3mPiBf-RrEJmvYKLTfHhQJHFVNIXvgs1BttLCpsj_yM6jl1GyTzYL0PDRKq5NRRePebin7hYRWrOmuVWIsJW2x-s0bVwBezDesQtx3hFpfSeIYOZ6q1MzzD1fCC/w400-h266/IMG_3659.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Some of the finest winemakers in the Hunter Valley will be conducting Sunday tastings at new Newcastle venue Vecina throughout April.<br /><br />Vecina, Flotilla’s new neighbour in Newcastle’ trendy Wickham quarter, will transform into a pop-up cellar door during the fourth Newcastle Food Month. <br /><br />The dates are Sunday 7, 14, 21 and 28. <br /><br />So think wines, bites and cool tunes.<br /><br />Sunday April 7 - Hungerford Hill + Sweetwater Estate<br /><br />Winemaker Bryan Currie of Sweetwater Estate and Hungerford Hill, will showcase a selection of his best wines from both estates, perfectly paired with snacks from Vecina.<br /><br />Sunday April 14 – Vinden + Sabi Wabi<br /><br />The second session of the series is with winemakers Angus Vinden of Vinden Wine and Peta Kotz of Sabi Wabi, who will showcase a selection of their contemporary wines paired with snacks from Vecina.<br /><br />Sunday April 21 – Thomas + De Iuliis<br /><br />The third session of the series of four is with winemaking mates Andrew Thomas of Thomas Wines and Mike De Iuliis of De Iuliis Wines.<br /><br />Sunday April 28 – Charteris + Mercer<br /><br />The final session of the series of four is with lical stars Aaron Mercer of Mercer Wines and PJ Charteris of Charteris Wines, who will showcase a selection of their multi-regional wines. <br /><br />Tickets at <a href="http://flotilla.com.au/">flotilla.com.au</a>. $95 per person including wine tasting and snacks. Session times: noon & 2.30pm.<br /><br />Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9186713985692800160.post-56604327035815862782024-03-08T16:30:00.000+11:002024-03-08T16:30:00.131+11:00Amora hotel brand invests in Brisbane <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dmIdWG94G3WBxplauUs847kJ4YLBwEIEMTI5qtm9WTopH2Gllpas-YRpucDmtfoAtzQB8FpijNQWuOE0h79oS-4H4cOpVQH2VFqFT5QZ0mvCLc2C7s8OgGt7MHB2QhS_n-QjRq-W-XHOwptkXXVsftr9cYvrK6dA7sFok1Kd51E54TVBLy3urnlB5pDw/s458/IMG_3653.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="458" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dmIdWG94G3WBxplauUs847kJ4YLBwEIEMTI5qtm9WTopH2Gllpas-YRpucDmtfoAtzQB8FpijNQWuOE0h79oS-4H4cOpVQH2VFqFT5QZ0mvCLc2C7s8OgGt7MHB2QhS_n-QjRq-W-XHOwptkXXVsftr9cYvrK6dA7sFok1Kd51E54TVBLy3urnlB5pDw/w400-h328/IMG_3653.png" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px;"><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Farewell to the Novotel Brisbane - and hello to Amora Brisbane. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">The Thai-owned Amora group is the new owner and has spent $30 million on remodelling the CBD property.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">The hotel joins the group’s expanding portfolio of six owned and operated hotels and resorts under the Amora brand in Australia and Thailand.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Amora Brisbane is a short stroll from Central Railway Station, The Queen St Mall, Treasury Casino and Suncorp Stadium; and a five-minute ride from the entertainment precincts of Howard Smith Wharves and Fortitude Valley.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The re-branding comes as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics will place the city under the global spotlight.</span><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">“As a company, we are looking to cement our footprint as a five-star hospitality group in Australia and Thailand, and we will achieve that by expanding in key cities in Asia Pacific and in developing south-east </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Asian destinations,” says</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> owner and director Earp Siriphatrawan. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">“Our goal is to have 12 hotels in the region within the next five years.</span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">“Amora Brisbane is certainly a feather in our cap and we couldn’t be happier about the full potential of the property in the years to come.”</span></div><div><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;" /><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The 296-key Amora Brisbane features 11 refurbished conference and events spaces spanning 1,148 sqm; an elevated outdoor pool and deck, a fitness studio and a sauna.</span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; font-variant-caps: normal; max-width: 600px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td id="templateBody" style="background: center center / cover no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: rgb(234, 234, 234); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-top-color: currentcolor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-top: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-align: justify; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><p style="line-height: 24px; margin: 10px 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td id="templateFooter" style="background: center center / cover no-repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-color: currentcolor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-top-color: currentcolor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 10px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody class="mcnTextBlockOuter"><tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #656565; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 21px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-align: center; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>. <a href="https://delivering.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ad2df7ee00a1ee95e7cdcccb&id=e1dad53192&e=0758c981ac" style="color: #b20b12;">https://www.amorahotels.com</a></div><div> </div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 32, 32); color: #202020; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>Winsor Dobbinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212861404097138307noreply@blogger.com0