RELAXING IN RIMINI THE ITALY YOU SHOULD NOT MISS by Bonnie Carroll
Riviera di Rimini has been a favorite vacation destination for Italian royalty, politicians and celebrities for centuries, and let's not forget the late Maestro Federico Fellini, world renowned film director, who was born in Rimini and spent his hiatis time away from Rome at the Grand Hotel Rimini, which was also a location he used in several of his films. Located only two hours from the Bologna, Rimini, Forli and Ancona Airports, and a short distance to Rome by train, this enchanted destination, located on the Adriatic sea offers a milieu of historic castles and palaces to tour, including the Ducal Palace in Urbino; Montebello Village and Fortress; the Fortress of San Leo and beautiful museums such as the famous "Maranello Rosso" Ferrari Museum. Caffe Delle Rose on Viale Vespucci is my recommendation for a dinner that is delicious and an atmosphere made for fun. The Rimini region is also known for its lovely parks including the family park in Santarcangelo di Romagna, just steps from La Sangiovesa restaurant that serves divine food in an historic venue. The Italia in Miniatura offers a remarkable miniature tour through the great sites in Italy in a park setting that children young and old can enjoy. Although Rimini has been described as the 'Fort Lauderdale of Italy,' and does have its share of hot night clubs along a boulevard filled with elegant hotels, do not doubt that the surrounding educational and historical sites will provide a full and very interesting schedule during a family vacation trip to this region. Who does not love castles, torture chambers, and towers complete with all the secret stories of its former residents? Some highly recommended points of interest would include the charming Verucchio and Santarcangelo, where visitors can enjoy a stay at Hotel Oste Del Castello, with dinner at Ristorante "Alla Rocca", which is literally cut into a rock, and offers an extraordinary view with delicious authentic food and regional wines. Riccione and Gradara also provide fine dining and tempting shopping on the Viale Ceccarini, while walking to visit the new Convention Center. Gabicce Monte and Cattolica offer breathtaking views, and culinary surprises at Posillipo restaurant as well. Alitalia now has direct flights to Rome, and a connecting flight takes you to Bologna, where you can rent a car or catch a bus or train to Rimini. The journey is a long one, but once there it seems worth it. Rimini is the most relaxing and beautiful seaside resort area, and just makes you feel so peaceful. It is no small wonder that the Dalai Lama and Sharon Stone both take time to enjoy the air and sunshine at the Grand Hotel Rimini. Not only does this area offer lovely hotels or bed & breakfast options, but a family can find a charming villa to rent for several weeks at an affordable price and have fun learning Italian history. Viva Italia! For more information visit: www.riviera.rimini.it.
FEDERICO FELLINI REMEMBERED AT GALA IN RIMINI The work of Maestro Federico Fellini, a native of Rimini, Italy was the focus of a Gala held at the Grand Hotel Rimini, presented by Succi & Partners, Riviera di Rimini, and The Italian Government Tourist Board, following a week-long educational program attended by US travel agents and a group of journalists from America.
In attendance were (left to right) Pompilio Fabrizi, Italian Government Tourist Board Director Western US, American Journalist Bonnie Carroll, and the program sponsor Luigi Gianni Succi, President & CEO, Succi & Partners.
SPIRIT AIRLINES STARTS NEW DAILY NON-STOP SERVICE BETWEEN FORT LAUDERDALE AND PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Spirit Airlines continues to expand its Caribbean network as the ultra low cost carrier today begins another new route from its Fort Lauderdale gateway with non-stop service to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Port of Spain becomes Spirit’s 25th Caribbean/Latin American destination and the 43rd city it serves. Spirit is kicking off the new service with $9 introductory fares* available today and tomorrow at www.spiritair.com. Every day value season fares from $147 are also available at www.spiritair.com. “We couldn’t be more excited to introduce this new service to Trinidad and Tobago,” said Spirit’s Chief Marketing Officer Barry Biffle. “Trinis will look back on this day as the day they gained their independence from high fares!” Schedule for Spirit’s Fort Lauderdale-Port of Spain service:
| Depart | Arrive | Flight # | From Fort Lauderdale to Port of Spain | 8:55pm | 12:30am+1 | 949 | From Port of Spain to Fort Lauderdale (effective 6/13/08) | 1:30am | 5:30am | 948 |
AIR CANADA CUTS 2,000 JOBS Air Canada, faced with soaring fuel prices, will cut capacity in fall and winter, resulting in up to 2,000 job cuts, Canada's largest airline said on Tuesday. The airline said it would cut capacity by 7% in the final quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2009. But it said the cuts could be deeper than that if fuel prices remain at current levels. "Air Canada, like most global airlines, needs to adapt its business and reduce flying that has become unprofitable in the current fuel environment. If fuel prices remain at current levels, we can anticipate further capacity reductions," said Montie Brewer, chief executive. Fuel is Air Canada's largest expense and every $1 increase in the price of oil per barrel adds about $26-million to the company's annual fuel bill. The price of fuel has doubled over the past year and at current levels will cost the airline some $1-billion more in 2008 than it did in 2007, Air Canada said.
AMERICAN AIRLINES LAUNCHES IN-FLIGHT INTERNET TODAY Laptop Stand Converts Seat Back Tray Tables into Mile High Workstations Today, American Airlines began offering passengers high speed in-flight internet service. Keynamics LLC, the company that invented the AVIATOR Laptop Stand has been anticipating this historic event. The AVIATOR is the first laptop stand specifically designed for use on airplane tray tables. “A solution was needed for better ergonomics and comfort when passengers accessed the new WiFi enabled service”, said Greg Bright of Keynamics LLC The stand works by utilizing the space in front of the tray table, even when the passenger in front is reclined. From an ergonomic perspective, the AVIATOR angles and extends the laptop keyboard 2.5 inches past the front edge of the tray, providing a comfortable wrist position. The stand also raises the screen 3 inches off the tray table, achieving the proper eye level for reduced neck bending and back strain. Travel editors and ergonomists have praised the AVIATOR for its functionality, compact size and ease of use. Upon reaching their destination, travelers can use the laptop stand at the Hotel Desk, Coffee Shop or Office, as it will work on any flat surface. Weighing 9 ounces, the AVIATOR stores flat in the pocket of a laptop case. The AVIATOR is designed for stability to handle turbulence and bumping from other passengers. About Keynamics LLC: Keynamics LLC specializes in ergonomic products for the office and computer workstations. The company has exclusive licensing rights on the patent for its laptop stands.
ONETANK OF GAS EQUALS $3,000 IN SEATTLE TRAVEL SAVINGS
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