RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA CELEBRATES THE ARTS 

“E ia ka Manawa” (Here, Now is the Time), is the theme for the 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts, April 2 to 4, 2010 at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.  Every Easter weekend, Celebration of the Arts is presented complimentary to the public to reconnect the “host to the hosted.” 

“This year’s theme will inspire intellectual conversation to shape and align the future of Native Hawaiians,” said Clifford Nae`ole, event chairperson and hotel cultural advisor.  “In prior years, we have focused on bringing the past to the present, while this year the concentration will initiate thoughts from the present to the future.”

A recipient of the prestigious Kahili Award from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority in 2005, Celebration of the Arts is Hawai`i’s premiere hands-on arts and cultural festival.  Kama`aina (local residents) and malihini (visitors) are invited to experience the “Hawaiian heart and soul” through interaction with artists, cultural practitioners, workshops, films, food and music.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua overlooks one of the most significant sites to native Hawaiians, the Honokahua Preservation Site, and is a gathering place for Hawaii’s well-known and best loved artists, educators, cultural art masters and healers.  Maui visitors blend with island kupuna (elders) and keiki (children) in a rich tapestry with a common thread to learn about Hawai`i’s past, present and future.  Each event features a timely topic with emphasis on education, cultural awareness and sharing so that it can be perpetuated. 


Friday and Saturday, April 2 & 3
The panels and events are scheduled Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with traditional craft stations and continuous hula/cultural performances throughout the day. With this year’s theme, sessions and panels will include the following:

•   Can or No Can - a discussion of the pros and cons of establishing large observatories and telescopes on the volcano summits, regarded as sacred sites by many Hawaiians
•   2012…Huli Ia (to change) - a look at the Polynesian view of messages from nature that could become more evident in 2012
•   Passing the Torch - a lesson in mentoring ancient things in a contemporary time
•   The Mua, the Men and the Mission - details the challenge of adult Hawaiian males guiding male youth to become adults, while preparing themselves for the responsibilities of being kupuna (elders)
•   A Green Harvest with Executive Souz Chef Marc McDowell - returning for its second year with an informative tour through the hotels organic gardens
•   Got Poke? – new poke (diced tuna seafood salad) cooking demonstration hosted by Kumu Charles Ka`upu and respected kupuna Aunty Mapu Yasue
•   Contemporary artists from The Village Galleries and traditional artists from Ni`ihau to Hilo will offer hands-on art experiences throughout the resort for children and adults
•   Celebration After Hours in Alaloa Lobby Lounge - four-part harmony and contemporary beats of Vaihi will be featured on Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight; Waipuna, Hawaii’s newest musical stand out, will take the mic on Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight night to close out the festivities; no cover charge

For the children, Ke Kula Kamali`i (children’s learning center) offers a day of Hawaiian mana‘o (thinking) and art inspired by nature. Keiki are taught the language of Hawai‘i through counting, painting, crafts and outdoor activities. Hawaiian kumu (teachers) share the heart and soul of their native language and culture.

Saturday, April 3
The highlight of the weekend is the Celebration Pa`ina and Show on Saturday, April 3 at 6 p.m. in the Aloha Garden Ballroom. The entertainment filled evening will showcase a transition of music and dance in time with the talent of Master Chanter and Kumu Hula Charles Ka`upu and his kane kahiko (ancient men’s hula,) auwana (contemporary hula) from the women and children of Keoni Manuel, and the innovative vignettes of Hawaiian history presented by the creators and performers of the award-winning Ulalena. 

Hawaiian cooks join with The Ritz-Carlton chefs to create an abundant masterpiece of traditional lu`au foods along with those delicacies a visitor might only find if invited into a Hawaiian home.  “This feast and show is an evening of classic Hawaiian delicacies in combination with the cuisine of The Ritz-Carlton chefs,” said John Zaner, Executive Chef.  “Don’t wait too long to get your tickets, because this will certainly sell-out.”

Ticket prices are $90 for adults and $45 for children ages 5 to 12, inclusive. Advance reservations are recommended as the event sells out in advance each year.

Sunday, April 4
A complimentary Easter Egg Hunt takes place on the expansive Plantation Lawn. The lavish Easter Sunday Brunch is held in The Terrace Restaurant. Prices are $75 for adults and $37.50 for children ages 5 to 12.  Prices are exclusive of taxes and gratuity.  Please call (808) 669-6200 for reservations.

The 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts is sponsored by The Village Galleries, Hawaiian Airlines, Maui Visitors Bureau, MC&A, Kapalua Resort, Kapalua Villas and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.

For more information on Celebration of the Arts, please call Clifford Nae’ole at (808) 669-6200 or visit www.celebrationofthearts.org.  The event hotline is available 24 hours a day at (808) 665-7296.
The AAA Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua completed a $180 million transformation and features 463 guestrooms, including 107 one and two-bedroom Residential Suites; six restaurants; The Ritz-Carlton Spa; and Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment program with a variety of outdoor activities with trained naturalists. The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is located on 54 acres in the midst of the 23,000 acre Kapalua Resort, featuring two championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants, the new Kapalua Adventure Center and a historic pineapple plantation.
For room reservations, please call 1-800-262-8440, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua at (808) 669-6200, a travel professional or visit The Ritz Carlton website at www.ritzcarlton.com. Kama`aina Celebration room rates are also available.

              SANTA CLARITA COWBOY FESTIVAL APRIL 24 & 25

The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival Rides Again!

On Saturday, April 24th and Sunday, April 25th the City of Santa Clarita’s 2010 Cowboy Festival will bring to life the sights (men in hats & chaps and ladies in corsets), sounds (Don Edwards, Cow Bop and the Quebe Sisters) and flavors (the best peach cobbler this side of the Mississippi) of the Old West at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio. Steeped in Western lore, the working movie Ranch was once owned by Gene Autry and served as the setting for countless western classics including "The Lone Ranger", "Wyatt Earp", "Gunsmoke" and "Hopalong Cassidy". Festival hours are 10:00am - 6:00pm, providing a full day of entertainment, history, and children's activities. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children, a true value in today's economy. For additional information on the festival, including additional ancillary events, visit cowboyfestival.org.

 The Santa Barbara Garden Club Biennial Flower Show comes to       El  Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park

Featuring floral interpretations of some of Santa Barbara’s signature events

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park will host the Garden Club of Santa Barbara’s biennial flower show from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM on April 22 and 23, 2010. The historic site, located at 123 East Canon Perdido Street, provides an ideal venue for this year’s theme, “SANTA BARBARA CELEBRATES,” inspired by the city’s rich history, art, landscape and culture. Admission is free.

The floral designs and horticulture entries will be judged by certified Garden Club of America judges from throughout the United States. The show will include four divisions: Flower Arrangements, Horticulture, Photography, and Botanical Jewelry and Embellishments. Some of the highly anticipated entry challenges include underwater arrangements, floral interpretations of Fiesta, Summer Solstice parades, and a cascade bouquet for a wedding celebration to be exhibited in the Presidio Chapel. Other entries will feature plant material obtained from local Farmers Market’s and living walls, vertical arrangements of plants that naturally removes toxins and unhealthy contaminants from the air, innovative aspects of sustainable living and gardening. Photography will feature architecture of Santa Barbara, city celebrations, and Garden Club projects including the new fountain at the Santa Barbara Zoo and a school garden at Peabody Charter School. Special exhibits will offer information on native plants and the Santa Barbara Garden Club’s current restoration project at Gaviota State Park in collaboration with California State Parks.

About the Garden Club – Founded in April 1916, The Garden Club of Santa Barbara is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to stimulating the knowledge and enjoyment of gardening, the art of flower arranging, the conservation and protection of our environment and native plants, the beautification of our community and the education of the horticultural richness and diversity of our region. The Club has been associated with garden projects that have enriched and enhanced the community.  For 94 years the Club has raised funds to support school gardens and plant education, contributed to scholarship funds related to botanical studies, planted street trees throughout Santa Barbara. It has provided landscaping for institutions including the Santa Barbara Zoo, the Santa Barbara Mission Gardens, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, the Natural History Museum, the Music Academy of the West, the Family Service Agency, Girls Inc., Casa del Herrero, Santa Barbara County Veterans Memorials, and Lotusland

About the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation – The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) works to protect, preserve, restore, reconstruct, and interpret historic sites in Santa Barbara County. Founded in 1963 by Dr. Pearl Chase and other concerned community leaders, SBTHP operates El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park—Santa Barbara’s 18th century birthplace—under a unique agreement with California State Parks and recently purchased the neighboring building that housed Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, providing an opportunity to interpret the history of Santa Barbara’s Asian American community in the Presidio Neighborhood. SBTHP owns and operates Casa de la Guerra, the 1820s home of Presidio Comandante José de la Guerra and his family—the restored home is now a museum featuring original furnishings and rotating exhibits. Recently, SBTHP signed an agreement with State Parks to manage and develop the Santa Inés Mission Mills, located near the town of Solvang, as a future California State Park. With the help of continuing education programs and exhibits, SBTHP strives to encourage community involvement and foster an appreciation for Santa Barbara County’s distinct history. Learn more at www.sbthp.org.

WARWICK FIJI RESORT & SPA NAMED A FIVE-STAR RESORT

Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa (www.warwickfijihotel.com), a member of Warwick International Hotels, has been awarded AAA Tourism’s five-star rating. AAA Tourism is a private corporation set up in 1999 as the national tourism body of Australia's Auto Clubs. AAA Tourism provides tourism and travel products and services including guides that describe where to go, where to stay, how to get there and what to see and do. AAA Tourism also provides the unique STAR Rating Scheme for accommodation providers.

The Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa is a truly tropical getaway located on Viti Levu and the famous Coral Coast of the Fiji Islands. The resort is a 250-room all-inclusive deluxe hotel found midway between Nadi International Airport and the Fiji Islands' capital city, Suva. It has long been one of Fiji’s top holiday destinations.

“This is an honor well deserved after the extensive physical improvements that have been completed. I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work, and I am proud of having such a devoted team in this beautiful resort,” said Mr. Jamal Serhan, Regional General Manager and Vice President of Warwick International Hotels, who was also accorded the Special Citation award by the Fiji Excellence Tourism Awards for his significant contribution to the Tourism Industry.

Among recent renovations are upgrades to the former Café Korolevu restaurant, now named Bula Brasserie, at a cost of more than half a million Fijian dollars.  The Suva Wing Ocean View rooms and hallways have also been redesigned. The rooms feature new furniture and teak parquet tiles, soft lighting, elegant mahogany French doors and enlarged and re-decorated bathrooms with fine marble fixtures and raised ceilings. Hallway ceilings have also been raised, offering a more spacious and modern look complemented by stylish new lighting and carpet.

The beach-front Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa is home to the famous restaurant and bar Wicked Walu, which received the Best Restaurant Award’ at the 2009 AON Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards, and the “Sunset Bar” which was voted one of the Top 10 best hotel bars in the Pacific area by HotelClub.com and Wayn.com. Additional first-class dining experiences are available to indulge in, including Japanese and Italian restaurants, along with a variety of bars and a nightclub.

Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa also offers state of the art conference facilities, an indulgent beachfront Spa, a modern fitness gym created at a cost of $600,000 Fijian dollars, complimentary water activities and nightly entertainment to enjoy. The Kids' Club is open daily for kids between the ages of 3 and 11 years, with activities including crafts, fishing and meke, sandcastle building, crab hunting, seashell collecting, face painting, treasure hunting and much more.

Warwick Club South Pacific Loyalty Program

The Warwick Club South Pacific Loyalty Program offers a range of benefits to enhance stays at three Warwick hotels in the region -- Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa, Naviti Resort in Fiji and Le Lagon Resort in Vanuatu. To join, simply register by logging on to www.warwickclubsouthpacific.com (password is warwick) or e-mail info.warwickclubsp@warwickhotels.com

Torino to Display the Holy Shroud for the First Time in Ten Years
The Holy Shroud: said to be the linen cloth in which Jesus Christ's body was wrapped after Crucifixion. April 10th – May23rd, 2010, in Torino, Italy at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral 
                                         
All of Italy is preparing for the public exhibition of the Holy Shroud, at Torino, ItalyÕs St. John the Baptist Cathedral this spring. The 2010 Holy Shroud Exhibition is an event of worldwide importance from a religious point of view and Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Shroud on May 2nd.
 
According to tradition, the linen cloth that is stored in the Cathedral of Torino is the very same Shroud mentioned in the New Testament, used to wrap the body of Jesus Christ in the sepulcher after his Crucifixion. The Shroud arrived in Torino in 1578 upon request of the Savoy family. It has been preserved inside the Cathedral since 1589 and studied for years in order to better understand its origin and authenticity.
 
This momentous exhibit will offer tourists a unique opportunity to make a pilgrimage to discover the sacred face of the city of Torino in the Piemonte  (Piedmont) region of Italy. From its Baroque-style churches to the Royal Residences, from abbeys and monasteries to the Holy Mounts, Torino offers a rich religious and cultural setting. Throughout the duration of the ShroudÕs exhibition, there will also be a series of themed events organized by the Exposition Committee. A calendar will be available online.
 
The Holy Shroud: Exhibit listing
The Holy Shroud on exhibit at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Torino, Italy for the first time in 10 years. It is said that the Holy Shroud is the linen cloth mentioned in the Gospels, used to wrap the body of Jesus Christ in the sepulcher after his Crucifixion. 
 
From April 10th to May 23rd, 2010. Church hours are daily, from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Reservations  are  required: http://www.sindone.org/the_holy_shroud__english_/news_and_info/00024498_Online_reservation.html.    tickets will be sent to you by e-mail or/and mail and in the case of delivery by ordinary mail, the booking should be made at least 15 days in advance of the visit.
Or by phone: 01180007463663
It is also possible to make a reservation directly at the "reservations area" of the Cathedral.
 
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, located in Piazza San Giovanni (San Giovanni Square), Torino, Italy. Guests will find welcome desks and registration points to register visitors.
 
For organizing trips to Torino please go to: www.turismotorino.com and for more information about the Holy Shroud visit: www.sindone.org <http://www.sindone.org> 

Travel Trends for Europe’s Popular Vacation Rental Destinations by Lodging Directory Rentalo.com

MAGELLAN OFFERS TIPS FOR EASY TRAVEL                     

As a result of the failed in-flight terrorist attack on December 25th, the TSA recently announced that there will be increased screening for "passengers on U.S. bound international flights". In addition, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority has implemented a one carry-on bag rule for passengers traveling to the U.S., and many international carriers have followed suit.

Whether you're an occasional traveler or frequent flier, the prospect of passing through airport security can be daunting, and those traveling internationally to the US should plan for longer delays due to increased searches. While you cannot make the security line any shorter, there is much you can do to make the process easier.

• Pack in easily inspected modules - mesh cubes, mesh pockets and packing folders - that can be lifted out individually for inspection.
• Follow 3-1-1 rules when carrying liquids, gels and aerosols on board: use travel-size containers of 3 oz or less that fit easily in 1 quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag.
• Plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of scheduled flight departure times.
• Have your ID and boarding pass ready as you approach the checkpoint.
• Place coins, keys and other metal objects in your carry-on bag or jacket.
• Wear loafers or other shoes that are easily slipped on and off during screening.
• Remember, passports are required for all persons traveling outside of the United States.

Packing for Limited Carry-On
Increased carry-on restrictions need not decrease in-flight comfort. Here's how to pack all your en route essentials.

• Wear your carry-on. A multi-pocket vest or jacket is perfect for stowing electronics, book, pillow, water bottle and more.
  • Security is a breeze - just take it off and send it through x-ray
  • Takes virtually no space at your seat
  • Doubles as a blanket
• Carry a Slimline In-Flight Organizer for electronics, glasses, reading material, snacks, etc.
  • Opens completely to lay flat for x-ray
  • Takes up no leg room
  • Keeps in-flight items at your fingertips
• Roll a carry-on tote for overnight or business trips.
  • Fits easily under the seat or in the overhead compartment
  • Holds laptop, change of clothes and toiletry kit, as well as in-flight items

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