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beige travel 1
T R AV E L 1
spring/summer 2009
GUEST HOUSES BEACH FASHION GLOBAL PRIDE GUIDE ZURICH EUROPRIDE MASSACHUSETTS STOCKHOLM BEACHES MADRID
SPRING/SUMMER 2009
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beigetravel09contents
GAY GUEST HOUSES
EUROPRIDE 09: ZURICH
09 GAY GUESTHOUSES
48 MADRID
15 GAY BEACHES
53 STOCKHOLM
20 FASHION : SWIMWEAR
60 MASSACHUSETTS
25 PRIDE GUIDE 2009
64 DALLAS
40 EUROPRIDE ZURICH
72 WINE TRIPS
46 FASHION: SUNGLASSES
76 LONDON CONCIERGE
Beige looks at a selection of gay guesthouses that have caught our eye.
We look at some great places to stretch out and enjoy the sun.
Great beach fashion from some of our favourite designers.
Beige takes a look at some of the International Pride offerings in the 2009 season.
Zurich opens its doors for Europe’s greatest Pride.
Beige looks at the latest face fixtures to protect your eyes from the summer sun.
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Partying in sunny Spain has never been hotter.
The land of ABBA, Saab and SAS comes out all guns blazing.
From Boston to Matha’s Vineyard, a hidden gem in the US Northwest.
Forget JR and George W, Dallas is the heart of Texas.
Head to California for some wine sampling.
A quick look at London’s theatre offerings for this Summer. summer | beige travel | 5
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beigetravel09contents Editor: Darren Cooper darren@beigeuk.com Sales : Jeffrey Jones sales@beigeuk.com Magazine Design: MJL Design Cover Photography: Courtesy of Aussiebum Contributors Michael Doughman, Paul Barnes, Kevin Waite, Douglas Mayo, Darren Cooper Beige UK ISSN 1756-7211 Published by Next Phase Media Limited Suite 404 Albany House 324- 326 Regent Street London W1B 3HH T: 0870 233 2233 www.beigeuk.com
FROM THE EDITOR Hello and welcome to the first edition of Beige Travel, 80 pages of quality travel related articles with you the gay and lesbian traveller in mind. The last 12 months have been fairly turbulent for the travel industry with the number people expected to travel abroad down markedly on last year. Of course gay consumers are not immune from an economic downturn, but as a group we are perceived, probably correctly to be slightly more resilient than average. I strongly suspect there are many travel companies, airlines and destinations that have already indentified us as a lucrative niche target market in their marketing plans for 2009 and beyond, which of course we welcome. As gay travel gets more mainstream attention though we should expect not only more authentic and genuine advertisements depicting real life gay men and women but also more sponsorship and support of gay events and charities, a greater focus on diversity training and more content delivered on mainstream travel sites written specifically with the LGBT traveller in mind. So before you go spending your pounds, pink or otherwise on your next holiday just remember, there’s never been a better time to test the authenticity of any new found gay credentials on offer. Regards DARREN COOPER Editor
All rights reserved throughout the world. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written consent of Beige UK. The views and opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine may not necessarily represent the views of Beige UK. Beige UK takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements featured in this magazine. Beige UK can take no responsibility for unsolicited material. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness, and the opinions
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based thereon are not guaranteed.
Disclaimer: Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organisation, articles or advertising in Beige UK should not be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organisation or advertiser.
Š Next Phase Media Limited
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beige guesthouses
Hotel Elysium - Mykonos
Ten Euro Gay Stays
The benefits of booking into a gay run or owned guesthouse for most gay and lesbian tourists are fairly obvious. Friendly staff who know what you are likely to require as a gay guest and no embarrassing misunderstandings to contend with, so you can hopefully concentrate on being yourself and enjoying a well earned break. The down side however is that often what you gain in freedom and independence you can lose by compromising on service and standards. Thankfully though a new generation of European hotels has realised that to compete with a mainstream hotel market which has become increasingly gay friendly, a rainbow flag and a luke-warm Jacuzzi isn’t a substitute for great service, fantastic amenities and 100% cotton sheets. Here are our choices for gay owned or extremely welcoming accommodations which can deliver on all of your requirements, with excellent facilities, locations to die for and where the warmest of welcomes awaits you.
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Hotel Raxto - Majorca
Vista Salinas - Ibiza
Casa Alexio - Ibiza
Casa Portagioia - Tuscany
Vista Salinas, Ibiza, Ibiza, Spain. Gay Owned.
Casa Alexio, Ibiza, Spain. Gay Owned.
Casa Portagioia, Tuscany, Italy. Gay Owned.
A new arrival on Ibiza’s gay scene the Vista Salinas opened its doors for business in 1997 in a sleek modern villa surrounded by pine trees and olive groves. The guesthouse sits in a privileged position on a hill with far reaching views towards the sea halfway between the bars and nightlife of Ibiza town and the island’s best gay beaches. Decorated in a chic minimalist style inspired by the elegant 1940s the pleasure begins as soon as you enter through wrought iron gates into this private haven via the perfectly manicured garden. Inside the attention to detail continues in the plush entrance hall, complete with chandelier which all adds to the overall boutique feel of the property. A sweeping staircase leads up to five of the air-conditioned guest suites with over sized double beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, luxury bathrooms and private terraces which are standard in all rooms, including the three additional rooms in the renovated casita. Outside relax into elegant patio furniture and loungers with impossibly deep cushions, dive into the pool and enjoy the sea views from the terrace with a drink from the honesty bar, you’ll feel like you truly have arrived. If you can summon the energy there is always the option of a game of tennis on the private hard court although it’s not compulsory. http://www.vistasalinas-ibiza.com/
Funky, fresh and fun Casa Alexio perfectly captures the spirit of Ibiza with its contemporary take on life and style. Perfectly located on a hill overlooking the bay of Talamanca, the distant island of Formentera and Ibiza’s old town the hotel caters for holiday makers on island time. With a 24 hour bar and breakfast served until a civilised 1pm its just perfect for making the most of the islands legendary nightlife. Clean lines, whitewashed bougainvillea covered walls and modern styling set the tone at Casa Alexio, a stylish retreat from the excesses of nearby Ibiza town. All of the 16 bedrooms are conveniently situated around the pool and terrace where the bar and chill out area and Jacuzzi can also be found, illuminated with colourful mood lighting during the evenings to add to the property’s atmosphere. Away from the hotel, Ibiza town with its many gay bars is just 5 minutes by car so perfect for either a quick sun-downer or a whole evening’s entertainment, Pacha is also just 1km away. The local beach can easily be reached on foot but just 10 minutes by car is Es Cavallet gay beach at nearby Salinas. Massages are also available to sooth away any stresses, aches and pains and help you completely relax and unwind. http://64.71.55.76//eng.html
Lying in the depths of the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by the cypress tree covered hills of the Valley de Chio, Casa Portagioia is a perfect base from which to explore the two of great Italian regions of Tuscany and Umbria. With six en-suite rooms and two self catering cottages the guest house is made up of two classic stone houses topped with terracotta tiles and surrounded by classically inspired Italianate gardens and terraces. Many of the most famous Tuscan attractions are within easy reach from Casa Portagioia as well as the many timeless small villages that are just waiting to be discovered hidden in the depths of the countryside. The medieval towns of Arezzo, Assisi, Cortona, Montepulciano and San Gimignano are sure to captivate with their character and charm and are just some of the many fortified towns in the surrounding area. Of course no stay in Tuscany would be complete without taking in the Renaissance splendours of Florence, Siena and Pisa which can all be reached easily from the local train station. Two nights a week hosts Terry and Marcello offer a 5 course gourmet dinner at the guesthouse, on other evenings there are several restaurants in nearby Castiglione Florentine whilst Cortona and Arezzo offer a larger selection of dining options and a livelier atmosphere. www.gaytuscany.com
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beige guesthouses Masia Casanova, Sitges, Spain. Gay Owned.
Hotel Axel - Berlin
Casia Masanova- Sitges
Hotel Axel, Berlin, Germany. Gay Owned. Following the phenomenal success of the Axel hotels in Barcelona and Buenos Aires the Axel hotel chain is bringing its very own indomitable style to the über trendy city of Berlin. Situated in the fashionable queer quarter of Schöneberg the Axel’s latest offering to the world of gay travel will not only have a prime location, but will also offer the style and service which saw the Axel Barcelona win the accolade of best gay hotel in the world. Schöneberg is well known for the many bars, restaurants, book shops, discos, cinemas and fashion boutiques as well as its intrinsic style and glamour. Loaded with history this area was the epicentre of the action In 1920s Berlin, a time of hedonism and excess and the inspiration for the film Cabaret. This architecturally designed hotel has 85 rooms and suites designed with maximum comfort in mind and all equipped with king size beds, plasma TV, iPod On Stage loudspeakers, safe, room service and Wi-Fi connection. The public areas also receive the distinctive Axel touch and include a restaurant with outdoor garden terrace, the ‘Urban’ cocktail bar, the Sky Bar and lounge on the hotel’s roof as well as a wellness area, business centre and meeting rooms. This is the hottest gay hotel to open in the world this year and it won’t be long before someone asks you ‘have you been yet?’ www.axelhotels.com
Hotel Des Deux Amis - France
This former Catalan wine farm built in 1842 has recently been restored to its former glory and transformed into a charming and secluded mountain hideaway. Located in the hills of the Penedès wine region, Masia Casanova is located just 40kms from the bright lights of Barcelona and only 10kms from the gay beaches and nightlife of Sitges making it the perfect retreat after a day exploring the region, if you can drag yourself away that is. The owners have managed to retain much of the original rustic charm of the farm house and yet still offer all of the luxuries and comforts to make your stay as pleasurable as possible. Each of the seven distinctive suites has its own unique characteristics but all offer in room safes, mini bars, TVs and DVD players with five spread out over the spacious landscaped gardens offering extra privacy. Social life revolves around the large pool and terrace area where you can enjoy the sun, relax in the shade of the large palm trees or enjoy some of the excellent food and beverages on offer in relaxing and informal surroundings. For even more privacy and relaxation guests can head to the secluded spa area where the dry sauna and steam room are located. Evenings are uncomplicated affairs at the Masia, three course dinners accompanied by wines from the local vineyards, all served with complimentary panoramic views. www.masiacasanova.com
Elysium Mykonos, Greece. Gay Owned.
Hotel Des Deux Amis, French Riviera, France. Gay Owned.
The Elysium in Mykonos may need no introduction for those familiar with Greece’s most popular gay destination, however the recent renovations have further improved what was already one of the most delightful ‘Str8 Friendly’ hotels in the world. Set on the hill just above the whitewashed maze of streets of Mykonos town the hotel has some of the best views on the island including the famous sunset which is best viewed from the appropriately named Sunset Bar with a long cool drink and some new found acquaintances. 18 standard and 22 superior rooms plus the 2 suites have all seen the benefit of the recent refurbishments; traditional decor and subdued fabrics have been mixed with more contemporary finishes to achieve an effortlessly stylish atmosphere, the perfect mood for this most cosmopolitan of Greek islands. Of course one of the most enjoyable aspects of summers in Greece is being able to enjoy the great outdoors and the same attention to detail and comfort has been applied just as well outside as it has in. The spacious terraces surrounding the pool conceal quiet private hideaways to relax during the day and become the focal point for the Elysium’s evening entertainment where the emphasis is firmly on having a great time. Take time recuperating the next day with one of the assortment of treatments available from the spa to nourish the soul and a late breakfast to replenish the body before the sun sets ready for another evening Elysium style. http://www.elysiumhotel.com/
Perched in the hills of the peaceful village of Les Adrets de l’Esterel in the heart of Provence, just above the stylish French Riviera town of Cannes is the Deux Amis hotel. This gay owned and run property consists of just seven en-suite bedrooms, each with their own private balconies and stunning views across the huge terrace and 15 metre pool over the countryside to the coast. Although one of the hotels best attributes is the peaceful location it couldn’t be more perfectly situated. Just 30 minutes from Nice airport and 15 minutes from the beach, the best that the glittering Cote D’azur has to offer is just on the doorstep while the many attractions of the Provencal countryside are also within easy reach. The towns and villages of this region of the French coast have inspired many great artists with their natural beauty. St. Tropez, Nice, Antibes and Cannes are all within striking distance, each with their own charm, gay life and beaches and are all worth further exploration. Inland Provencal life remains much the same as it has for centuries, expect beautiful scenery, charming towns and villages and a relaxed pace of life where everyone stops for long, long lunches. www.hotel2amis.com
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beige guesthouses
The Lotus Tree - Provance
Hotel Raxto - Majorca
Casa Charneca - Algave
Ratxo Hotel and Spa, Majorca, Spain. Gay Welcoming.
Casa Charneca, Algarve, Portugal. Gay Owned.
The Lotus Tree, Provence, France. Gay Owned.
Located in the rugged mountains on the north coast of the Balearic island of Mallorca the Ratxo Hotel and Spa occupies a newly refurbished 16th century traditional Majorcan manor house where everyone is welcomed with open arms. Built on the former site of an earlier Moorish farmstead the lush valley in which the hotel languishes has been valued for centuries for its clean spring water, fertile slopes and stunning natural beauty. With just 25 rooms and suites, each with their own private terrace this small and intimate hotel makes the perfect place to escape from it all and enjoy the valleys peace and tranquillity and the stunning mountain scenery. The hotel is rightly proud of the gourmet restaurant located in the former oil press (tafona) of the manor house which serves a rich and varied menu using the finest local ingredients complimented by a comprehensive wine list. For more informal dining the summer bar offers a more relaxed, but no less inspiring selection of dishes served by the edge of the pool with views down the valley towards the sea. There are several walking routes from the hotel which are suitable for all levels of fitness, from a gentle stroll to more energetic hikes, but if that all sounds like too much work the small, but well equipped spa offers a selection of massages and treatments which will prove hard to resist. www.esratxohotel.com
Set in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara in Southern Portugal, Casa Charneca is the place to stay for those looking for a supremely quiet and relaxing holiday location in stunning surroundings. Situated just about as far south as you can go in mainland Europe the climate here makes this a wonderful year round destination but particularly from Spring through to Autumn as hot, sunny days are almost guaranteed from (early) April right until (late) October. The guesthouse itself has only four double, air-conditioned guest rooms, meaning there is always plenty of room in the swimming pool and no early morning dash to bag the best sun loungers in the morning. Tear yourself away from the breathtaking views that accompany breakfast each morning and the Algarve beckons with mile upon mile of the pristine coastline and beautiful scenery dotted with charming towns and villages to explore. Not far from the guesthouse the gay beach on Quinta do Lago (Faro Island) close to Faro airport runs uninterrupted for miles along the coast and is also one of the area’s finest. Backed by a nature reserve not only is the beach remarkably unspoilt but is also very popular with gay tourists and locals, particularly during July and August. www.casacharneca.com
Budget Busting Offer. Pay in £s at Lotus Tree in 2009 and get 2008’s exchange rate. Set amongst the olive groves, lavender fields and vineyards on the borders of Provence and Languedoc in the South of France is the delightful Lotus Tree guesthouse. Set in 8 acres of secluded gardens, the Lotus Tree offers an extremely versatile and comfortable selection of accommodation in three traditional stone buildings which blend in sympathetically to the local surroundings. Views from the Lotus Tree are as attractive as the guesthouse itself, the medieval village of Montclus on the banks of the river Cèze sits above a picture postcard scene of lavender fields and is well worth undertaking the short walk to explore further. If your idea of the ideal holiday is lazing by the pool all day doing nothing then this might just be the perfect spot for you to do just that, for the more adventurous there are a whole host of other possibilities. The roman cities of Avignon and Nîmes are a short drive away through the magnificent countryside which is littered with beautiful towns and villages and the Pont du Gard, the world’s largest surviving Roman aqueduct is also close at hand. To the north the countryside and rivers of the Ardèche region has some excellent canoeing, horse riding and walking to offer and to the south there are the excellent beaches of the Mediterranean, with several popular gay beaches to choose from. www.thelotustree.com
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Come out and play in Gran Canaria 6 Gran Canaria from £19 per night 6 ATOL protected 6 Price match promise 6 Fantastic offers 6 Secure online booking
Great value. Great holidays. Established for over seven years, Amro Worldwide offers you the very best in gay travel to Gran Canaria, all fully ATOL protected and with a wide choice of flights from your local airport. New for summer 2009, we’ve introduced special deals to the famous all-gay male resorts of Beach Boys and Los Almendros as well as unbeatable prices for
the most popular self catering and gay friendly hotels including Barbados, Carmen, Neptuno, Eugenia Victoria and Don Miguel. With year round sunshine, golden beaches, warm seas and a vibrant gay scene, now’s the time to check our website and book your holiday to Gran Canaria online or call our Reservation Specialists.
BEACH BOYS RESORT EUROPE, GRAN CANARIA
LOS ALMENDROS EUROPE, GRAN CANARIA
Book 11 nights at the all-male gay resort Beach Boys in Maspalomas during May/ June and pay for just 7 nights. Based on accommodation only.
Now back as an all-male gay resort, Los Almendros is just perfect for location, quality and night-life. Includes flights from Gatwick and 7 nights accommodation.
FROM ONLY £19 PER NIGHT
FROM ONLY £449
CARMEN EUROPE, GRAN CANARIA
NEPTUNO EUROPE, GRAN CANARIA
Very popular apartments, located close to the Yumbo. Includes flights from Gatwick and 7 nights accommodation.
An all-adult 4* hotel overlooking the Yumbo. Based on Half Board, accommodation only.
FROM ONLY £299
FROM ONLY £38 PER NIGHT
Call now 01462 434663 or visit www.amroworldwide.com The No1 ATOL licensed gay travel specialist Terms and conditions: All prices are per person, based on 2 adults sharing a twin/double room on selected travel dates between 16/09/09-07/10/09. Beach Boys offer based on stay 11 nights for price of 7 offer for stays in May/ June 2009. Accommodation as stated, flights are with Easyjet, subject to availability. Price match promise: If within, 24 hours of booking you find an identical holiday we will match the price - a genuine written quotation will be required. All prices quoted as correct at time of going to press and subject to booking conditions. We reserve the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time, without prior notice. Offer expires 30/06/09.
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Hit the beach!
Why not cool of this summer at some of the hottest gay beaches in Europe where only minimal packing is required, just remember that all important cheeky smile and some serious sun factor for those delicate bits. From secluded hideaways to city beaches packed to the gunnels with bronzed beautiful bodies there’s a whole host of homofriendly haunts where you can kick back, relax and enjoy the sun. We revisit some old favourites as well as explore some of the lesser known, but just as popular stretches of coastline around Europe to head for this summer.
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L’Espiguette Beach, France.
Quinta do Lago, Portugal .
St Tropez, France.
The beaches of France’s Languedoc Roussillon region are generally larger and sandier than many of those in neighbouring Provence and l’Espiguette is certainly no exception. This is one, if not the largest and wildest beaches in the region with mile upon mile of soft golden sands backed by a vast expanse of dunes. The beach is completely undeveloped with no buildings so go prepared with food and drinks although you might see the odd drinks seller during peak season. From Montpellier follow the signs to the “Montpellier Méditerranée” airport on the D 62 and then head in the direction of Carnon and then Grau du Roi to continue towards l’Espiguette, the further along the beach you go the gayer it becomes.
Portugal’s Algarve coast is world renowned for the sheer beauty and quality of its beaches and the breathtaking coast. The gay beach at Quinta do Lago, or Faro Island is certainly no exception, several miles of unspoilt sand backed by a nature reserve which runs from Faro Island to the town of Quateria just south west of Faro airport. The beach is backed by a large salt water inlet giving the area a secluded atmosphere as it is almost completely surrounded by water, hence the name Faro Island although it is not an island in the true sense. To reach the beach requires a 15 minute walk from either direction, either pass Faro airport going towards the sea, over the river and turn right along the coast or pay five Euros at Quinta do Lago a little further west and get the luxury of leaving your car in the shade.
If you fancy strutting your stuff amongst the jet set this summer then you could do worse than to head for the French Rivera’s hottest beach, Pampelonne six miles south of St Tropez which has been a famed celebrity hang out for decades. Although this three mile long sandy bay has plenty of public areas it is the 35 concessions or beach bars which is where the action really takes place with each one offering its own unique atmosphere. The notoriously hedonistic Voile Rouge is well known for its parties and draws a young, wealthy crowd but for a more sophisticated yet still fun atmosphere try Club 55 or Nikki Beach. The gay concession is called the Aqua Club mid way along the beach and Coco Beach is also another popular gay concession to head for.
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Barcelona, Spain. Few cities can offer a world class urban tourist attractions as well as blue flag beaches packed with beautiful gay men and women, but Barcelona is certainly one of them. This is a city perfectly integrates urban living with a beach lifestyle but just where is the gay life all happening along the four kilometres of beachfront? Essentially there are two main gay areas; the first and most popular is Platja de la Mar Bella, complete with the Lorenzo gay beach bar. Take the Metro to Ciutadella Vila Olímpica and the beach is located right by the windsurfing and sailing school. The second, San Sebastian is right underneath the first tower of the sky lift close to the harbour.
Platja des Cavallet, Ibiza, Spain.
Ibiza’s official naturist beach is not surprisingly also the most popular gay beach on the island. Located right at the southern tip of Ibiza Cavallet’s is located in a national park and so ensures an unspoilt environment and picture postcard scenery. Backed by extensive sand dunes this is also a well known cruising area, particularly behind the Chiringay beach bar which is a popular meeting place, just perfect to grab a drink and some refreshments. If you don’t have a car you can still travel the nine kms to the beach on the bus to Ses Salines from Ibiza Town. Get off the bus at the intersection with the road to es Caballet beach and just follow the buff cuties.
Viareggio, Italy. The small town of Torre del Lago on the Tuscan coast just north of Pisa has reinvented itself in recent years as the premier gay seaside resort in Italy. The beach at Lecciona in between Torre del Lago and the town of Viareggio now draws hordes of gay men and women each summer to this long unspoilt stretch of perfect Italian coastline. There are two sections to choose from, the public beach which is more informal and cruiser, especially in the dunes behind and the private Mama beach resort. A small entry fee is payable to enter Mama beach which entitles you to waiter service, your own sun lounger and plenty of fine young Italian specimens doing cool effortlessly.
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beige beaches Mykonos, Greece.
Sitges, Spain.
The legendary Super Paradise beach, known locally as Plintri is of course where most people head for when they are in Mykonos although it’s not the only gay beach on the island. Super Paradise can get extremely busy, so if you want to escape the crowds a little gentle exploring will reward you with some calmer Mykonian gems. In the south of the island Elia beach is the most popular with gay tourists and also has three excellent tavernas to choose from. Close by Agrari is also well worth the five minute walk, a smaller but more secluded bay than Elia it attracts even fewer people. The beaches on the north of the island are a good option when the winds, for which Mykonos is renowned start to blow from the south. Panormos and Aghios Sostis are the best and both also have excellent tavernas too.
The most popular of Sitges three gay beaches is situated in the centre of the main beach promenade in front of the Picnic restaurant and is certainly the place to be seen. If you are looking for a quieter spot and more space to relax then a short walk the other side of the church is where the mixed naturist beach of Platja d’Aiguadolç is located. Slightly further out of town is the almost exclusively gay naturist beach at Cala del Home Mort. The beach is best reached on foot and is about a half an hour from the centre of Sitges. Follow the promenade out of town towards the hotel Terramar and carry on past L’Atlàntida nightclub where the road ends and parking is available. The coast path carries on over the hill and the beach is the second bay which is easily to recognise thanks to the small beach bar with rainbow flag.
Cabopino, Marbella, Spain.
Rovinj, Croatia
Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol year round sunny climate has made it one of the most popular year round destinations in Europe for those looking for some guarunteed sunshine. Gay tourists are not imune to the charms of this part of Spain and the area has many gay beaches, the biggest and the most popular though is 10km east of Marbella in the small town of Cabopino. The beach attracts visitors from the nearby towns of Marbella, Fuengirola and the popular gay holiday town of Torremolinos which is about 20 miles to the east. The gay section is located just after Cabopino’s harbour between Las Dunas Beach Bar and the Villa at the end of the beach.
Rovinj is the most popular resort with gay holiday makers in north west Croatia close to the Italian border. Croatia is well known for the unspoilt coastline which harbours many secluded beaches and coves, one of the most popular being the gay beach at Punta Kriza just to the north of Rovinj. This is not the place for those seeking wild nightlife, if however a relaxing beach holiday is what you are looking for then Croatia has much to offer. Being outside of the Eurozone this is also one of the best value destinations in Europe and also has the added benefit of being close enough to venture to Venice for a day trip by boat. Punta Kriza Beach or Cape Cross Beach is north of the camping site Amarin where parking is available and then take the small dirt road behind the parking are.
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Global Pride Guide
Summer is all about celebrating and as luck would have it it’s also the pride season too. From Amsterdam to Western Australia there’s so many excellent prides taking place that your only problem will be how to fit them all in! Below is our selection of some of the best, dates for which are given for the main pride parade or street festival, but don’t forget that many prides have up to a month of events preceding their main celebrations. A full list of each programme is available on each pride website and dates can and do change for a variety of reasons, so be sure to check.
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beige global pride diary Gran Canaria Pride, Maspalomas, Canary Islands, Spain. 9 May 2009 Kicking off the pride season for 2009 is Europe’s most southerly gay enclave, Maspalomas in the perpetually sunny Canary Islands. This year’s week of events promises to be just about as scorchio as the weather with pool and sauna parties, club nights, an interactive screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, concerts, and an attempt to break the world record for the longest drag chorus line. Most of the organised activities will take place in and around the famous Yumbo centre but there are also sure to be impromptu entertainments aplenty all over Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. www.gaypridemaspalomas.com
Brussels Pride, Brussels, Belgium. 16 May Belgium’s largest gay pride event takes place in the country’s beautiful capital as Brussels celebrates with a weeklong calendar of events. The country’s gay community comes out in force for the annual Rainbow Week of events, political debates and festivities culminating in the traditional opening of the gay village and pride parade which winds its way down Boulevard Anspach right in the heart of the ancient centre of the city. The finale of the week is the pride concert which will be headlined in 2009 by Kate Ryan of Eurovision 2006 ‘Je t’Adore’ fame! www.blgp.be
Long Beach Pride, Long Beach, California, USA. 16-17 May 2009 20 miles south of the city of Los Angeles is the city of Long Beach, which lies in the south of Los Angeles County. Long Beach is home to a sizable gay and lesbian community and the annual pride event is now something of an institution and the third largest in the USA. 80,000 people arrive here for this May weekend of fun which attracts many of the residents of nearby LA and San Diego as well as the rest of the USA who come to soak up the atmosphere and some early southern Californian sunshine. Celebrations include 7 large dance areas and performances from the likes of Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson. www.longbeachpride.com
Bear and Leather Pride, London, England. 22-25 May 2009. London’s Bear and Leather Pride is organised by the UK’s premier bear venue, XXL and raises money for the British Heart Foundation, Terrence Higgins Trust and The Albert Kennedy Trust. The event has been running since 2003 and every year has built on the success of the previous events. Bears and leather fans now have a full weekend of events especially for them over this bank holiday weekend and the weekend now includes events in Birmingham also. In 2007 the main party went stratospheric when the Freemasons headlined the main party, their first gay gig ever in the UK. This year will be no exception with another great line up planned. www.bearpride.co.uk
Birmingham Gay Pride, Birmingham, England. 23 – 24 May 2009. Birmingham’s annual pride takes place as usual on the second bank holiday in May which attracts up to 70,000 visitors to the city centre’s gay village for one of the largest free pride events in the UK. Big-name acts are once again planned for the main stage and the hugely popular cabaret marquee is all set to make a welcome return. Also on offer is the massive fun fair, village green ‘best in show’ competitions, a fabulous market to browse, beer tents, community areas and of course the village’s many bars and clubs. www.birminghampride.com
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beige global pride diary Zürich Europride, Zurich, Switzerland. 6 June 2009. This year’s Europride will be taking place against the majestic mountain backdrop in Switzerland’s beautiful lakeside city of Zürich. From the opening ceremony on the 2 May the city will host a series of events which will make up a packed Europride programme in the run up to the main event on the weekend of the 6 June. Included in this year’s Europride is the Warmer Mai cultural festival which will feature three weeks of theatre and ballet, the Pink Apple LGBT film festival which will be integrated into the programme of events, lesbian and gay artists will show their work in some of Zürich’s major museums and galleries and a sports festival is also planned too. Finally the town festival will close the proceedings with street parties in the heart of the old town, the parade and a whole range of final night parties. www.europride09.eu
São Paulo Pride, São Paulo, Brazil. 13-14 June May 2009. São Paulo’s enormous pride celebrations are hard to beat simply for the sheer size of the event which attracts over 2 million people to the city every year. This is partying on a grand scale and in typical South American style it’s also one of the most colourful and vibrant events of the year, with the kind of carnival atmosphere that no one does quite like they do in Brazil. Outrageous costumes, marching samba bands and animated floats all take part in the huge pride parade and dancing in the streets is compulsory. For those with energy to spare after the parade Sao Paulo’s enormous clubs pack as much punch as the parade itself over the pride weekend, this is partying on a gigantic scale. www.paradasp.org.br
Dublin LGBTQ Pride Festival, Dublin, Republic of Ireland. 27 Jun 2009 Dublin will be celebrating its 26th consecutive annual event this year in what has become the most important event in the march towards equal rights for all LGBT people in Ireland. The recent economic boom which took place in Ireland over the last decade, plus membership of the Euro-zone has seen a raft of new equality legislation bought into force as well as significant, attitudes. This year a 10 day festival is planned with sports, a beach parties, ceilidhs, exhibitions, movie nights and workshops as well as the final Grand Parade and Pride Night Party.. www.dublinpride.org
Rio de Janeiro Pride Parade, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Jun 2009 (annual) Taking place right next to Rio’s famous Copacabana Beach there are few pride events with a more beautiful or dramatic setting than Rio de Janeiro’s. Brazil’s party capital pulls out all the stops as usual for the annual celebrations where any excuse for a good time is met with enormous enthusiasm with over 100,000 people arriving at the seafront to watch the parade and get into the carnival atmosphere. In keeping with Rio Pride’s organisers wish to represent all minorities of this diverse city many of the floats and groups come from women’s and black groups which helps to add to the inclusive mood of the event.
Los Angeles Pride Festival, West Hollywood, USA. 13 - 14 Jun 2009. LA’s annual pride event takes place in the city’s most glamorous queer quarter, West Hollywood. The festival attracts up to 350,000 visitors for the weekend’s celebrations the highlight of which is the parade along Santa Monica Boulevard, the epicentre of LA’s gay and lesbian community and which ends in the traditional parties and concerts and entertainment in West Hollywood Park. Of course there are also a huge number of peripheral events which take place in and around the Pride Festival as well as the excellent bars, clubs, restaurants, shopping and entertainment of West Hollywood to enjoy too. www.lapride.org
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beige global pride diary Chicago Pride Parade, Chicago, USA. 26- 28 Jun 2009. Every year in Chicago, June Pride Month features dozens of social, cultural, athletic and political events which take place in different areas of the metro Chicago area and are organised by various community organizations and individuals. The culmination of the pride celebrations is of course the parade of 250 floats which makes its way through the city centre from the corner of Halsted Street and Belmont avenue, onto Broadway and ends in Lincoln Park. The largest pride event in the Midwest naturally attracts visitors from far and wide with up to 300,000 visitors making the annual pilgrimage to the city for the event. Chicago is the place to be this June! www.chicagopridecalendar.org
Toronto Pride Week, Toronto, Canada. 27 Jun 2009.
From the official party to launch Toronto’s pride celebrations to the pride parade and closing ceremony there are few better times for gay and lesbian visitors to do Toronto than late June. Glorious weather, fantastic events and world class entertainment are laid on for 10 days of riotous fun as the most cosmopolitan city in Canada extends its warmest welcome to visitors from around the globe. The festival includes 8 signature events, plus may other smaller celebrations which make up the festival programme of arts, culture, entertainment, community and of course lots and lots of parties. www.pridetoronto.com
Christopher Street Day, Berlin, Germany. 27 Jun 2009. Many of the pride events that take place throughout the summer in Europe take the name Christopher Street Day, in memory of the Stonewall Riots which took place in and around Christopher Street in Greenwich in June 1969. The largest of all of these events in central Europe is unsurprisingly in the great city of Berlin which is home to one of the largest, most diverse and largest LGBT communities in Europe. The event is openly supported by the local government and draws massive crowds of locals, both gay and straight, to downtown Berlin who come to watch the parade and join in the all of the fun. www.csd-berlin.de
Lesbian and Gay City Festival, Berlin, Germany. 20 - 21 Jun 2009. Held in the traditional gay stomping ground of Nollendorfplatz, Berlin’s lesbian and gay community celebrate in grand style over 2 days for the annual LGBT city festival as 300,000 people turn out and turn the streets of Berlin into one enormous party. All aspects of gay and lesbian lifestyle are represented with Sports, Radio, Travel, Film, AIDS and Politics on the agenda as well as numerous market stalls, bars and various culinary treats. But that’s not all that’s on the menu; five high energy performance spaces serve up a great mix of dance, disco, pop and excellent live entertainment. www.regenbogenfonds.de
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beige global pride diary Philly Pride Parade & Festival, Philadelphia, USA. 14 Jun 2009. The birthplace of American Independence, Philadelphia well deserves its nickname the City of Brotherly Love with one of the best organised and most visible gay communities in any US city. A highly effective advertising campaign aimed at the LGBT community has firmly put this city on the gay map and the city’s gay scene and pride event is flourishing. Founded more than 300 years ago Philly has more than its fair share of American history, this is a city of beautiful cobblestone streets and historic architecture but also has plenty of culinary and cultural treasures too.
Paris Gay Pride, Paris, France. 27 Jun 2009.
The traditional route for Paris’ flamboyant pride parade is usually from Republique to Beaubourg through the city’s gay neighbourhood, the Marais although the final route is not confirmed until just before the parade begins which all adds to the excitement. Once the parade starts though there is no doubting which the direction to take as parade winds through the streets of Paris with true Gallic flair. Although Paris is perhaps the most liberal city in France the gay pride event still has a strong political message and still fights for tolerance and acceptance for gays and lesbians not only in Paris, but in the rest of country too. www.accueil.gaypride.fr
Mexico City Pride, Mexico City, Mexico. 27 June 2009. Mexico’s high altitude capital city hosts its very own high octane pride event annually each June, when the diverse and exciting gay scene of the city turns it up a notch, or two for some showy celebrations. There’s nothing the Mexicans like more than the excuse for a party and in typical fashion the pride parade sees the city erupt with true carnival atmosphere. Hundreds of thousands of people turn out to watch the thousands of people who make up the parade as it winds its way down Paseo de la Reforma to the central Zocalo, or plaza where absolutely everyone (and we do mean everyone) goes loco. www.mexcity.8m.com
San Francisco Pride, Market Street, San Francisco, USA. 27 – 28 Jun 2009.
New York City Pride, Manhattan, New York City, USA. Jun 2009 (annual).
The San Francisco pride celebrations take place for a full month preceding the official pride weekend which is held each year on the last weekend of June. There is a staggering array of activities and events planned in the run up to pride with entertainment, arts, music and cultural offerings as well as family orientated events, sporting activities, extreme sports and a myriad of social and community activities too. No matter what your scene, colour or sexuality you can be sure that San Francisco has just what you are looking for, plus a few other surprises in store for you too. www.sfpride.org
New York’s LGBT pride event is not only a massive celebration of the city’s diversity it also has a sense of history like no other pride event in the world; this is after all where it all started back in 1969 with the Stonewall riots which gave birth to the modern gay rights movement. Greenwich Village hosts numerous events over the Pridefest week but the main highlights of the event are the rally in Bryant park, the enormous parade down 5th Avenue which attracts half a million people and the landmark parties on Pier 54, one for the guys and one for the gals. www.nycpride.org
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July
Munich Christopher Street Day, Munich, Germany. 11 - 12 Jul 2009
Famous for its beer halls, lederhosen and of course, Oktoberfest Munich is the ancient capital of Germany’s most southerly region, Bavaria. Steeped in tradition this region of Germany is also one of the most conservative, but that doesn’t stop the city’s queer residents from camping it up for the week long pride celebrations in outrageous fashion. A full week long programme of events are planned during the build up to the pride weekend itself which includes the pride parade and party and a two day street fair for the expected 70,000 visitors. www.csd-munich.de
Madrid Pride, Madrid, Spain. 4 Jul 2009
Cologne Pride, Cologne, Germany. 3 - 5 Jul 2009
The success of Madrid’s pride event over the last few years has been nothing short of phenomenal and this has to be the hottest pride in Europe right now. During the festival the gay area of Chueca becomes the centre of the festivities, with numerous stages and bars set up to entertain the crowds and is constantly packed for the celebrations which end in the mammoth parade itself which heads down the central Gran Via finally arriving in Chueca itself. The fiesta doens’t sop there though, numerous after parties are all vying for your attention too, the largest of which is held in the spectacular Madrid Arena with a capacity for 15,000 people. www.cogam.es
One of the closest German cities to the UK Cologne is well known for the liberal attitude of its inhabitants which includes a thriving gay and lesbian population. This of course makes it a perfect destination for a weekend break and there is no better time than during the pride weekend which takes place over the first weekend of June. The city hosts a whole programme of supporting events which take place in the run up to the final weekend and the pride parade through central Cologne and street party which takes place on the 5 July and attracts nearly one million spectators. www.csd-cologne.de
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Pride London, London, UK. 4 Jul 2009. Central London comes to a standstill as the capital’s annual pride festivities come to their climax on the first weekend in July. The culmination of two weeks of entertainment, music, debate, art and culture is the pride parade itself which travels down some of the capitals most famous streets before finally arriving in Trafalgar Square where the main stage is situated. As usual some excellent entertainers will be on hand for the crowds to enjoy and there is also top cabaret in Leicester Square as well as the dance, Black, Asian and minority ethnic spaces and women’s spaces in Soho. www.pridelondon.org
Rainbow Parade, Vienna, Austria. Jul 2009 (annual)
San Diego Pride, Balboa Park, San Diego, USA. 18 Jul 2009.
Pride in the City, New York City, USA. Jul - Aug 2009
If you are looking for a little culture during your pride event then you could do worse than sashaying along to the Austrian capital of Vienna for the annual pride celebrations. The parade of 100,000 takes in some of Vienna’s grandest landmarks en-route to the pride rally. The Vienna Stock Exchange, Vienna’s University, the City Hall and Parliament are all on the way but the parade finishes in lavish style at the Austrian Imperial Palace no less. Finishing in the Heldenplatz, this large central square is then the venue for the after parade rally, party and concert. www.hosiwien.at
California’s most southerly city’s LGBT cultural festival is once again set to draw up to 50,000 people to the shores of the Atlantic for the annual two day event of music dance and entertainment which features more than 70 musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers plus 300 participating booths, an art exhibit, vintage car show, cultural presentations, and great food. There’s also the cantina dance tent, a Country Western area, a hiNrg dance floor, lavender stage, beer gardens, wine steals grotto, cool zone for those 55+, leather realm, interfaith pavilion and art from local artists to enjoy too. www.sandiegopride.org
(annual). New York’s pride event for the coloured community was started by the group People of Colour in Crisis to raise awareness and give support on issues that affect New York’s the gay and bisexual African and Afro Caribbean community. Pride in the City runs a series of events in Brooklyn and Manhattan including the moonlit white party cruise and the popular family day in Barry Park under the Brooklyn Queens expressway. There are few places where there is so much depth of black culture than New York, but only New York gets such a funky gay makeover, a sure fire Afro-disiac. www.prideinthecity.com
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Brighton Pride Festival & Parade, Brighton, England. 1 Aug 2009. It would appear that we do like to be beside the seaside, especially during Brighton’s summer festival of queer culture, the theme of which for 2009 is appropriately enough ‘Pride Beside The Seaside’. No doubt, once again, Brighton will see most of the residents of the south east and beyond abscond from their usual camping grounds and make a beeline for the largest free pride event in the UK. This year’s parade once again starts on Brighton’s seafront and works its way up to Preston Park for another massive party to finish a whole week if celebrations in our favourite homosexual haunt by the sea. www.brightonpride.org
Stockholm Pride, Stockholm, Sweden. 1 Aug 2009. Situated on an archipelago of islands is the beautiful capitol of Sweden, Stockholm, a city which has whole heartedly embraced gay and lesbian pride and where the whole city celebrates in unison. There are few places that can match Stockholm’s quality of life, clean air, excellent food and a warm and friendly atmosphere permeate this city where contrasting ancient and modern effortlessly mingle. The heart of Stockholm’s pride event is the central Tantolunden park in the ultratrendy Södermalm district, but be sure to visit the nearby Gamla Stan (Old Town) too, the cities other equally vibrant gay area which pumps throughout. Our verdict, definitely one to watch! www.stockholmpride.org
Belfast Pride Festival, Belfast, Northern Ireland. 1 Aug 2009. The most important date in Northern Irelands LGBT calendar the city now hosts a week of events in the run up to the important pride parade and rally. Nowhere in the UK is the political significance of pride more important than in Northern Ireland and community of Belfast comes out in full force for a show of unity and strength that brings greater visibility and understanding of the gay community. The pride parade itself ends in Belfast’s Custom House square for the rally with speakers, stalls and plenty of entertainment to enjoy too. www.belfastpride.com
Amsterdam Canal Parade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 1 Aug 2009. Every year the whole of Amsterdam comes alive for the legendary pride weekend held at the beginning of August with street parties, concerts, events and hundreds of thousands of people of course, but it is the ‘parade’ itself which really sets this event apart from any other pride in the world. This city is unique in the fact that instead of trucks, it is a flotilla of barges and boats which winds its way along the network of canals for a floating party to remember. Hundreds of thousands of people turn up to watch the procession from the banks of the canals and the bridges as the boats glide underneath for this unmissable event. www.amsterdampride.nl
Copenhagen Pride Week, Copenhagen, Denmark. 1 Aug 2009. Copenhagen pride packs a might punch for a city of its size with nine day programme of open air film screenings, events and parties including a gay day at the city’s famous amusement park in the Tivoli Gardens. In true Scandinavian fashion the whole city is invited, and joins the fun of the parade through the city centre which ends in the square in front of city hall for the free concert which takes place on Saturday 1 August. Following the parade numerous parties take place in the city including official boys and girls events with top DJs and Denmark’s hottest inhabitants. www.copenhagenpride.dk
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Cardiff Mardi Gras, Cardiff, Wales. 29-30 Aug 2009.
Manchester Pride, Manchester, England. 28– 31 Aug 2009.
After a one year absence due to the terrible weather in 2008 a resurgent Cardiff Mardi Gras is all set for a triumphant return in 2009. Once again Cooper’s field in the grounds of Cardiff Castle is the venue for the weekend’s proceedings as Wales celebrates the largest gay and lesbian pride in the country. More than 40,000 people are expected in the Welsh capital for the return of Mardi Gras and there’s plenty of entertainment arranged for the main stage, even larger cabaret and dance tents, plenty of stalls and this being Wales there is also a rugby planned too. www.cardiffmardigras.co.uk
Consistently ranked as one of, if not the best pride event in the UK, Manchester once again rolls out the pink carpet to welcome the world’s gay and lesbian population for the annual festival of arts, culture and of course fun. The 10 days running up to the August bank holiday weekend features a cornucopia of events and exhibitions which culminates in the three day street party which takes over the entire gay village in central Manchester. Several stages, dance areas and hundreds of stalls are all on offer plus of course some of UK’s best bars clubs and restaurants which pull out all the stops for a long weekend to remember. www.manchesterpride.com
Reykjavik Gay Pride, Reykjavík, Iceland. 6-9 Aug 2009.
Divers/Cité, Montreal, Canada. 1 – 2 Aug 2009.
One of the newest arrivals on the pride circuit is Reykjavík which has gone from strength to strength since the first pride event was held here in 1999. The city now attracts 70,000 for the weekend of events held around the second weekend in August, the height of the tourist season in Iceland and the time the country is at its most spectacular. The pride weekend is now one of the biggest festivals to take place in Iceland annually, so visitors should plan their trips well in advance to avoid disappointment as accommodation can sell out quickly. www.gaypride.is
Canada’s stunning city of Montreal mixes old world charm with new world panache for the week long Divers/Cité pride festival of gay life, culture and entertainment and what an event it is. The festival attracts more than 1 million visitors every year over the course of the week with art, theatre, cinema, concerts, entertainment and parties for every possible colour, creed and sexuality. 500,000 attend the flamboyant pride parade itself in the centre of the city before the official pride ball, just one of the many parties that take place throughout the city during this stunning pride festival. www.diverscite.org
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beige global pride diary Southern Decadence, French Quarter, New Orleans, USA. 2 - 7 Sep 2009. Southern Decadence started thirty eight years ago as a simple going-away party to mark the Labour day holiday in the USA and has now become one the of the largest gay and lesbian parties in the world. The French Quarter of New Orleans is the where the centre of the action takes place with a huge street party that runs around the clock in and around the many of the gay bars of the area which stay open as long as the part is still going. As well as the impromptu street entertainment there are also extravagant parties to enjoy too as well as the free concerts on the Bourbon Street stage. www.southerndecadence.net
Womenfest, Key West, USA. 8 – 13 Sep 2009. Key West pulls out all the stops during Womenfest to offer the best possible time to women of all ages, colours and persuasions with a range of activities events and social activities to enjoy. The event has been running since 1987 as a forum for women to get together and share their experiences and meet other likeminded individuals. As well as social events and of course parties there are also workshops, discussions and seminars on issues of interest throughout the week. There are also daily trips to the reef for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing on the water on fully female crewed charters too. www.womenfest.com
Dallas Pride - Texas, United States. 20 September 2009 Dallas decided to not try to compete with established venues like Miami, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta and San Diego. The parade and festival is always the 3rd Sunday of September, which wraps up a week of celebration starting the Sunday before. Nightly and daily events, Pride parties and activities include Gay Bingo, Gay Day @ Six Flags amusement park, a VIP reception for pride dignitaries and a Mr. Miss and Ms. Gay Pride contest.The parade starts promptly at 2:00 pm on Sunday and goes about ½ mile through the heart of the gay neighborhood and to the local park where a huge festival takes place. There is food, drink, entertainment, speakers and awards at the festival. Once the park closes at sunset, everyone goes back to the gay neighborhood to continue partying until the wee hours of the morning.The average attendance for the parade including participants and spectators is 50,000 and there are about 10,000 at the festival in the park. Booths from artists, vendors, service agencies and local and national businesses line the walkways of the festival and gays, straights, children and pets fill the park. It is a true community celebration and one of the most important of the Dallas calendar year.
Western Australia Pride, Perth, Australia. Sep - Oct 2009. As summer comes to an end in the Northern Hemisphere the summer is just around the corner in the southern hemisphere and there’s no better time of year to visit the closest major city in Australia to the UK, Perth. Located on the west coast the climate here is best in spring before the temperatures rocket and it’s also when the month long festivities of Pride WA take place. Fair day kicks off the proceedings, a huge picnic in Russell Square and for the next month parties, concerts, films, forums, shows and social events turn the city pink. The culmination is the pride parade itself complete with a huge party and enormous fireworks display. www.pridewa.asn.au
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Zurich For most of us Switzerland’s financial capital may not conjure images of hedonism and wild gay abandon, but that doesn’t mean that Zurich falls short when it comes to sampling the high-life. Standards of living here are consistently ranked as being some, if not the highest in the world and those seeking a sophisticated destination where the finest things in life come as standard will certainly not be disappointed. The modern face of Switzerland’s largest city is one of a cosmopolitan and international metropolis which is entirely comfortable with its status as a playground to the world’s elite and also the undisputed gay capital of Switzerland. Stylish without being pretentious, Zurich’s cafe and bar culture is thriving and proportionally this city has more clubs than any other European city and knows just how to show visitors a great time. The city is also no stranger at hosting large scale gay events with the Warmer Mai arts and culture festival and the Pink Apple film festival taking place here annually. These two long standing cultural events have been incorporated into an already jam packed Europride programme of culture, sport, parties, debates, exhibitions and workshops as well as the two day city festival and of course the parade itself. From the start on 29 April right through to the closing ceremony on 7 June this most central of European cities will also become the gay cultural heart of Europe too. 2009 has special significance for pride events worldwide as it marks the 40th anniversary of the famous 1969 Stonewall riots, a landmark in queer history that Zurich aims to mark in style. Information will be available from the Europride information booth which is to be located on Zurich’s Gemüsebrücke, the oldest and most central bridge in the city. Open from 2 May until the 7 June the information booth will also serve as a focal point for many of the celebrations taking part in the city. Here are just some of the main highlights which be held during Europride for the tens of thousands of tourists expected to visit the city during the month’s festivities. Kicking off this year’s Europride is the Pink Apple film festival which has grown from a tiny festival showing just 7 films in the small eastern Swiss town of Frauenfeld to become the largest celebration of gay and lesbian cinema in Switzerland. Now in its 12th year the festival first arrived in Zurich following the EuroGames which were held in the city in 2000 and this is where it stayed due to the huge success of the event. This year over 90 films will be screened during the weeklong festival including short independents as well as full length queer and mainstream offerings for the 7,000 people who will attend from the 29 April – 6 May. May is already a gay affair in Zurich and 2009 is no exception as the Warmer Mai celebrations once again take place in venues throughout the city. The main focus is as usual is the arts with ballet, theatre and concerts planned which tackle issues of homosexuality in one way or another. Zurich’s Opera House, Theatre and the city concert hall are all set to host performances which showcase a variety of LGBT cultural talent with other more suitable venues hosting, amongst other treats, talent contests, art exhibitions, sports contests, dancing, cabaret and of course parties including the glittering Europride opening shindig on 2 May.
From 30 May until 1 June sports men and women from all over Europe will get their chance to show the prowess as Gay Sport Zurich host the Europride Sports Festival. A whole host of sporting events, from ping pong to volleyball will take place over the weekend and while the emphasis is firmly on having fun and getting involved, more serious athletes are also catered for and can expect some stiff competition. The final weekend of Europride is given over the Zurich city festival on the 5 -6 June in the Old Town of the city, the long-established centre Zurich’s gay community. The streets and squares around the centre of the city will be closed for 2 days to host the official Europride village with its main stage and entertainment. There are also plenty of food stalls, bars and street performers as well as the numerous gay bars and restaurants which will all be hosting their own Europride fun well into the evening to keep the crowds entertained until the official Europride parties get underway. www.europride09.eu www.zeurich.com www.myswitzerland.com www.warmermai.ch www.pinkapple.ch
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Zurich offers a delight for the tastebuds as well as the eye (top left) La Salle Restaurant. Bahnhoffstrasse is a shoppers delight (top right). Dining is one of the city’s favourite pastimes. The Freitag tower is where the famous Freitag bag designs come from. Keeping in tune with their company motto, even the building is made from recycled ship containers (bottom right)
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While in Zurich don’t miss
Zurich is a shopper’s paradise, elegant shopping and boutiques along Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse sell top end designer labels and Switzerland’s famous jewellers and watchmakers so make sure you are packing plenty of plastic. For those on a budget the area of Limmat on the opposite side of the river is less expensive but has just as good a selection of shops, bars and restaurants on offer. The Kunsthaus Museum of Fine Arts houses one of Europe’s most extensive collections from 15th century religious iconography to the more modern art works of Dali, Arp, Hockney, Rodin, Cezanne, Monet, Gaugin, Munch and Picasso. The excellent reputation of this museum extends well beyond Switzerland, temporary exhibitions originating here have moved on to much larger art galleries world-wide including London’s Tate Modern. (picture left) The newly developed centre (‘Zürich West’) around Escher-Wyss Platz has become the in area with Zurich locals and the hip young crowd. This former industrial zone has been transformed into a hip urban hotspot full of bars, restaurants, unique independent shopping, galleries and clubs and gives an insight into what’s really happening in the city in the new millennium. (picture right) Fraumünster Church was founded as early as 853 and overlooks the central old town square of Münsterhof and the thin blue spire is the most recognisable of all Zurich’s churches. The ornate interior of the church attracts many visitors but most people come here to see the five stained glass windows designed by the 83-year-old Marc Chagall, one of the pioneers of modernism in 1970. (picture left) The Swiss National Museum is housed in an exquisite building by architect Gustav Gull in the style of a French Renaissance Chateau which is worth the visit on its own. The museum contains artefacts from the Stone Age, through the Middle Ages including its impressive armoury to modern times and is the most important record of its kind in the country. (picture right) Take the Polybahn and Rigiblick funicular trains to get above the city streets for fantastic views and some excellent photo opportunities. The recently renovated Polybahn takes visitors to the Polyterasse viewpoint while the ride to on the Ridiblick will reward you with a classic view of Lake Zurich and the majestic Alps beyond. Zurich’s Museum of Design is a design masterpiece itself, built by the Swiss architects Adolf Steger and Karl Egender it is a breathtaking example of modern architecture. Three permanent collections and numerous temporary exhibitions span a century of work from the world’s finest industrial designers, photographers, graphic artists and architects. Narrow lanes and cobbled streets characterise the Niederdorf area of Zurich’s Old Town where small plazas are lined with cafes and restaurants. An assorted mix of shops selling fashion, antiques and food and beverages fills the area and during the evenings the nightlife of this district draws in crowds of locals and visitors. The Centre Le Corbusier is the last work of renowned Swiss architect who pioneered modernism and who also laid the foundation for the Bauhaus movement. Located in Zurichhorn Park the centre houses the largest collection of Le Corbusier’s work including architecture, paintings, furniture, sculpture and writings, all in one contemporary and striking building. (picture left) If all that seems like too much hard work then why not hit the beach? There are many popular places for swimming on the banks of Lake Zurich but Tiefenbrunned Beach is the most popular with Zurich’s gay population and it’s where the beautiful people come to relax on hot summer days.
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Alpine Summer
Further afield Switzerland has much more to offer the intrepid traveller. Beautiful mountains, historic towns and villages, lakes, rivers and picture postcard scenery viewed during a bracing walk or a leisurely train journey. Whether you want to kick back and relax or challenge yourself with some activities to get the adrenaline pumping Switzerland has a dizzying array of options on offer. skiers and boarders honing their skills there’s The Glacier Express. One of the best ways to enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes is by taking one Switzerland’s scenic railways journeys, the most famous of these being the Glacier Express. The train runs throughout the year between the upmarket resort of St. Moritz to the lofty peaks surrounding Zermatt over the Oberlap mountain pass passing cascading waterfalls and crystal clear mountain lakes as it winds through Switzerland’s most unspoilt countryside. The dining experience on board just as delightful as the views, chefs will prepare your meal from an extensive à la carte menu in the elegant dining car. Switzerland’s other railway journeys include the Bernina Express, William Tell Express and Centovalli.
Hiking. From a pleasant stroll along the banks of a mountain stream to routes which will challenge the most accomplished walkers, the sheer variety of Switzerland’s hiking trails is vast with something to suit all abilities. There are innumerable short circular walks as well as week long guided hiking tours which can be combined with gastronomic and cultural highlights of the country. Many of the networks of cable cars are open to walkers during the summer months and can be used to reach some of the highest alpine meadows and pastures for exhilarating views across Switzerland’s enigmatic mountain landscape.
Mountain Biking. Touring by mountain bike is a thrilling way to explore Switzerland’s and there are over 130 trails and tours to choose from. One of the most popular is The Grischa Trail is a multi-day round trip from Lenzerheide to Arosa, Davos and back again. There are various routes to suit different abilities and by using the numerous cable cars and mountain railways available there’s more downhill than uphill to look forward to. The best thing about the Grischa Trail though has to be that your luggage is taken for you to each hotel along the route!
Summer Skiing. For those who can’t wait to get back on the slopes the resorts of Les Diablerets, SaasFee and Zermatt all offer the opportunity for summer skiing on their glaciers. Contrary to what you may believe summer skiing is available to suit all levels of ability with powder skiing sometimes available in the right conditions due to the extremely high altitudes. Zermatt offers the largest and highest summer skiing in Europe which is accessed by the Klein Matterhorn cable car which whisks skiers, snowboarders and sightseers on a spectacular ascent to the top of the glacier at 3,820 metres above sea level. The best skiing is from early morning to mid afternoon and with many professional
some pretty impressive action on show, particularly in the half pipes and fun parks.
Thermal Spas. Leukerbad is the largest spa and wellness resort in the Alps, just perfect for rejuvenating yourself in the gorgeous surroundings of the Valais region of south west Switzerland. The thermal springs here have been used for their therapeutic qualities since Roman times and visitors still use the thirty indoor and outdoor thermal pools all year round to unwind and relax. An inexhaustible supply of 3.9 million litres of 51°C water flows into the thermal baths of Leukerbad every single day but this isn’t the only reason visitors come here, the town is also popular with sporting enthusiast who come here to walk, climb, and play tennis too.
Golf Switzerland may not be the most obvious golfing destination but it is home to some of the most spectacular courses in Europe. As well as the dramatic scenery and crisp mountain air the high altitudes and thinner air means you’ll be driving distances the likes of which even Tiger Woods would be proud of. With around 60 courses and 42 dedicated golf hotels offering golfing holidays all over the country there’s something to suit every standard of golfer. The courses in the Alpine resorts of Arosa and Crans Montana are just two of the highest and also have some of the most breathtaking scenery.
Climbing. You don’t have to be an expert mountaineer to experience some of the most thrilling climbing in Switzerland thanks to a network of Vie ferrate ascents. This new approach to climbing is making a big impact in the Alps making it easy for those with little or no know-how to discover the sport. These climbing routes have permanently installed wire ropes, suspension bridges and hand and footholds along the way so that everyone can challenge themselves against the vertical rock faces and steep gorges of the mountains. Canoeing Tours and White Water Rafting. With so many lakes and rivers taking to the water is a must for many people who find themselves in Switzerland during the summer. Renting a canoe is the best way to explore the hundreds of lakes and more gentle rivers and find a secluded spot for a refreshing swim. The more adventurous can try shooting the rapids on a guided rafting trip, but it’s not for the faint hearted. Some of the most challenging rapids in the world are found here but it’s the only way to discover places like the awesome 350 metre
deep Rheinschlucht gorge, you won’t be disappointed.
The Schilthorn Cable Car. Of the many cable cars in Switzerland the Schiltorn is one of the most famous being the one that was used in Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Take the panoramic cable car up past thundering waterfalls and sheer rock faces to reach the 2,970 metre summit for breathtaking view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, an impressive mountain trio and the great Trümmelbach gorge. Once at the top enjoy lunch, a few cocktails and 360 degree views in the panoramic restaurant.
Water Sports.
Wakeboarding, windsurfing, sailing and water skiing are all popular ways to spend the sunny summer days on one of Switzerland’s many lakes. Estavayer-le-Lac on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel is just one of the most popular lake-side resorts ad is also one of the prettiest. The medieval town has changed little since the 16th century and is overlooked by an impressive 12th century Savoy castle set against the jaw dropping backdrop of the Jura Mountains. The town has earned itself the name of the City of Roses as during the summer flowers cover virtually every building, which are covered with cascades of bright, perfumed blooms..
Jungfrau Region The Jungfrau just to the south of Interlaken is where the most memorable mountain scenery is to be found in Switzerland. The area is dominated by the mighty triple crest of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau (Ogre, Monk and Virgin), three peaks over 4,000 metres which soar side by side. The train which runs from Interlaken Ost stops in a saddle just below the peak to what is claimed to be the highest train station in Europe and offers spectacular views. The towns of Interlaken or Grindewald make excellent bases from which to explore the area further.
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beige travel fashion Don’t get left behind in the accessory stakes this season, make sure you look part and have up-to-the-minute shades that ooze style and sophistication on the beach.
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Cool Shades
(1) Oxydo (OTTANTA 2) - £89 (2) Emporio Armani (EA 9570/S) – £95 (3) 55 DSL (DESEREE) - £90 (4) Smith (AMIGO) - £69 (5) Carrera by Safilo (CHAMPION-ADV) - £149 (6) Smith (BREAKBEAT) - £75 (7) Carrera by Safilo (CUP/P) - £77 (8) Smith (BREAKBEAT tortoiseshell) - £75 (9) 55 DSL (GECSON) - £100 (10) Carrera by Safilo (SAFARI/A) - £82 (11) Pierre Cardin (PC 6119/S) - £92 (12) Oxydo (X-TRAINER 1) - £75 (13) Carrera by Safilo (CHAMPION/P) - £77 (14) Carrera by Safilo (CHAMPION/SML) - £77 The nationwide stockist enquiry number for all is 01423 520 303.
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Madrid
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Madrid is without doubt one of the hottest gay destinations in Europe at the moment. Over the last few years changes in the laws regarding LGBT rights, which include both same sex marriage and adoption and a new liberal government, have transformed Spain into the most tolerant country on paper in the world. Nowhere is this new found freedom better celebrated than in the nation’s capital city Madrid, particularly during the spectacular pride celebrations which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors for a carnival atmosphere like nowhere else in Europe. It’s not just during the first weekend in July that this dynamic and welcoming city is worth visiting though. The gay area of Chueca is a pulsing hot bed of homosexuality with an excellent bar scene all year round and this elegant city also has world class attractions and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that’s infectious. One of the defining characteristics of Madrid is the inhabitant’s insatiable passion for life and leisure. It’s fair to say that on first impressions Madrid can appear to be a little rough around the edges, but don’t let that discourage you. This is the most welcoming, friendly and dynamic of cities where life firmly revolves around socialising and eating where you’ll find innumerable bars and tapas restaurants as well as a great selection of fine international dining too. Madrid also has a boundless energy where an early dinner is 10pm and the party doesn’t even start until the small hours of the morning, so siestas are not just recommended, they are essential! If it’s artistic and cultural institutions that you are searching for then Madrid is certainly no backwater either, concerts, exhibitions, ballet, theatre and some of the finest museums in the world can be found here. The Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia, collectively known as the big three are top of the list although there are also 70 other museums to choose from. If you can’t tell a Goya from an El Greco though wandering the city’s streets can be equally rewarding, there’s plenty of great shopping, majestic architecture, impeccable parks and gardens and a great cafe culture to enjoy too, this is a city that is built for living and living well in. Exploring Madrid is best done on foot, the old town walls fell as late as 1860 and so the old town, where most of the attractions are located is remarkably compact and easy to navigate, if you get your bearings right that is. Located in the very heart of the city the Puerta del Sol is the perfect place to start and makes a great point of reference as many of the city’s main roads converge on this large central square. From here all of the city’s central districts or Barrios are easily accessible, each one with its own distinct atmosphere and characteristics. Head westward on Calle Arenal and you will arrive at Madrid’s Royal Theatre
and Opera House as well as the Royal Palace, to the southwest on Calle Mayor is the 17th century Plaza Mayor and the historic Austrias area of Madrid. Eastward along Carrera de San Jerónimo you will find the Prado and Thyssen Museums, while Calle de Alcalá takes you straight to the grand Plaza de Cibeles, the Puerta de Alcalá and the Retiro Park. To the north are the main pedestrian shopping streets of Carmen and Preciados and Calle de la Montera which leads to Gran Via, cross this street and you arrive in the Chueca district. Los Austrias is the oldest area of Madrid is situated between Sol, the Plaza Mayor, the Palacio Real and San Francisco el Grande and is named after the Habsburg dynasty which ruled the Holy Roman Empire from Madrid until 1700. Although the most touristy area of Madrid the small winding streets are packed with old monasteries, tiny ancient churches, fine squares and its here you’ll find Madrid’s regal past. The first point of call for most tourists is Plaza Mayor, a vast cobbled square surrounded by shady arcades and beautiful tall mansion blocks. This was the ceremonial heart of the Hapsburgs where coronations, bullfights and fiestas used to be held as well as the execution of heretics who were burnt at the stake during the Inquisition. The square has been almost entirely abandoned by the locals to the hordes of tourists who flock here, this may well be a fabulous location for a coffee and something to eat but you’ll pay premium prices too. Right next to the Plaza Mayor the listed wrought iron food market which offers equally upmarket but less tacky tapas bars and restaurants, a much more economical option than Plaza Mayor itself. The 9 arched passage ways surrounding the Plaza Mayor lead off to some of the most important streets of 17th century Madrid. Follow Calle Mayor west to the small but incredibly beautiful Plaza summer | beige travel | 49
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de la Villa, one of the oldest squares in Madrid and the home of the Casa de la Villa or City Hall. Directly south of the Plaza Mayor, in Calle Toledo stand the twin baroque towers of San Isidro and west from here, the area between Plaza de la Cebada, Mayor and the Palacio Real is the oldest part of the city and the site of the morería or Muslim quarter plus medieval Madrid. The Calle Arenal was once the main processional route for the Habsburgs lined with palaces and convents, now this is one of Madrid’s main shopping streets. Continue further west along the Calle Mayor and you arrive at Madrid’s monumental Neoclassical Royal Palace, the splendid Palacio Real. Although the palace is no longer the royal residence it is still used for the majestic official functions befitting its grandeur. To the north of the palace are the tranquil formal Jardines del Sabatini, to the east is the manicured gardens and elegant cafes of the Plaza de Oriente and behind the palace are the extensive palace gardens of the Campo del Moro which tumble down the hill to the Manzanares River and offer some spectacular views back up to the imposing Royal Palace itself. An alternative and enjoyable way to take in some of Madrid’s sites is by taking the cable car from Madrid’s Paseo Pintor Rosales, in the Parque del Oeste north of the Jardine de Sabatini. Some of the best views of the city are seen from the cable car which runs for kilometres over the huge Casa de Campo Park, a popular leisure destination for Madrid’s gay community, especially the outdoor swimming pool on Paseo de la Puerto Angel. For those without a head for heights the pool can also be reached via the Metro and a short walk south from Lago station. The Paseo del Prado is where visitors can explore Madrid’s big three art galleries the Prado, the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza as well as various smaller, but no less interesting museums, the city’s botanical gardens (situated right next to the Prado) and the Retiro Park. The Prado is considered by many to be the finest museum in the world and houses the most complete and impressive collections from the sixteenth and seventeenth century masters as well classical sculpture and twentieth century works. The recently added extension to the museum is itself an impressive piece of modern architecture and allows even more of the museum’s collection to be shown at one time. The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum stands right on Plaza Neptuno to the north of the Prado in the old Palacio de Villahermosa and houses possibly the greatest private art collection in the world. The collected works on display covers just about every period in an eclectic ramble through the ancient styles of the thirteenth
century to the more avant-garde movements of the twentieth. Finally is the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia which is devoted entirely to twentieth century Spanish art with works by Miro, Dali and Picasso including his unforgettable masterpiece Guernica. To the south of the Prado passing through the formal gardens of the Botanic Gardens and you will arrive in the expansive Retiro Park, the perfect shady retreat from the heat of summer. To the south of the park on Paseo del Duque Fernan Nunez you will find the statue of the Fallen Angel (El Ángel Caído), the only public statue in the world which depicts the fall of Lucifer and also rather appropriately a popular place to pick up local guys. To the North of Sol the Gran Via is one of Madrid’s landmark majestic boulevards which sweeps across the city from east to west and links Plaza de Espana and Plaza de Cibeles. Gran Via is a quirky mix of Art Deco and Art Nouveau buildings, theatres and shopping and one of the busiest streets in Madrid which buzzes with energy at all times of the day or night. To the north are the once run down, but now ultra hip areas of Chueca and Malasaña where the city’s gay life and some of the most innovative restaurants in the city are to be found. By day the narrow winding streets and cobbled squares are perfect for strolling around and discovering some of the coolest boutique shopping in the city. Calle Fuencarral is home to top designer brands such as Diesel, Puma, Adidas, Hoss; and calle Augusto Figueroa but also check out calles Almirante and Prim for equally glamorous and funky designer fashions. At night a great selection of restaurants, bars and cafes make this the place to start your evening but remember that dinner is served late here, 11pm is a good time to arrive. A good choice are the great selection of forward thinking restaurants and New York style eateries serving everything from excellent tapas to funky fusion creations along calles Libertad and San Marcos, Cafe Diurno & Bazaar being 2 of the best. Gay owned restaurants Carmencita on Libertad serves excellent traditional Spanish fish and meat dishes, head to La Mordida on Las Fuentes for delicious Mexican specialities like spicy quesadillas and guacamole washed down with a killer margarita, Arroceria Gala on Calle Moratin is well known for its excellent paella which can be enjoyed in the relaxing atmosphere of the outdoor courtyard. The centre of Barrio activity can be found on Plaza de Chueca where the bars set up tables outside for their patrons, this is the place to be seen in gay Madrid. Don’t just limit yourself to just one bar though; the locals bar hop with a vengeance and with so many options to choose from it would be a shame not to join them. Just wandering around the area presents plenty of opportunities and it’s a great place for people watching and soaking up the atmosphere. To get started try
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beige travel Los Gabrieles on Calle Echegaray which is one of the most famous flamenco bars in Madrid and well-known for the exquisitely tiled interior as well as the live flamenco shows on Mondays and Tuesdays which exude the energy of Madrid’s nightlife. The Art Nouveau decoration at El Espejo on Paseo de Recoletos is also another treat not to be missed and for a more up to date experience the ultra modern bar La Sastreria on Calle Hortaleza is always busy and an energetic venue to check out. Liquid video bar on Calle del Barquillo attracts a young trendy crowd and is also another good starting point on a bar meander through Chueca. Madrid also has a large number of cruise bars and reportedly the largest dark room in Europe at Strong Centre on Calle de Trujillos, although this is just outside of Chueca close to Santo Domingo Metro station. O Clock on San Marcos, Leather, Bear Bar and the Eagle on Calle de Pelayo and nearby Cruising on Perez Galdos are all bars to head for if you fell the need for sleaze Madrid style. For the girlz bars, La Bohemia and Soho which are noth on Plaza de Chueca are probably the easiest to find but the others are Fulanita del Tal on Calle del Conde de Xiquena and Truco on Calle de Gravin, both are also in the Chueca district. Clubbing in Madrid is just as eclectic as the bar scene with clubs opening and closing often at short notice. Devotees to hedonism will definitely not be disappointed though, unless they don’t ask the locals or check out the free press in the gay bars before heading out. One of the newest arrivals on the scene is Boite on Calle de Tetuan just south of Gran Via which is packing in the crowds over the weekends as is the ever popular Spank just around the corner on Plaza del Carmen. Both are likely to be crammed to bursting with trendy, young, shirtless Spanish guys, expect heaving dance floors and a friendly atmosphere. Two other long running stalwarts of Madrid’s clubbing scene which have been keeping Madrid partying for years are the ever popular Ohm on Plaza del Callao right by the Callao Metro on and Goa at Fabrik on Avda. de la Industria. Fridays and Saturdays are the best nights to head to Ohm, but don’t even think about arriving before 1am. The Sunday afternoon tea-dances from 1pm until midnight at Goa are the place to go on a Sunday if you just aren’t quite ready to head home yet, one thing is for certain you won’t be the only person in Madrid who isn’t ready to call it a day. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to discover Madrid’s cultural and artistic institutions is by using the Madrid Card and Madrid Card Cultura. As well as giving entrance to over 40 of the most emblematic monuments and museums in Madrid and the surrounding area they also allow holders to join all the guided tours included in the “Descubre Madrid” (Discover Madrid) programme, run by City Tourist Board. For more information on the Madrid Card visit the www. madridcard.com website.
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Stockholm is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, awash with inland waterways and 750 years of history this is a city that packs in more than a few surprises. Sweden is a forward looking open minded country that encourages new ways of thinking, a world class destination and a leader in technology and functional, aesthetic design. Sweden has also been an innovator in other areas too, standards of living and sustainability are some of the highest on the planet and Swedish society is a model for openness and tolerance. Stockholm is also the first city to be awarded European Green Capital by the European Commission which will start in 2010. Here’s our quick guide to the country’s largest city and capital of the nation, Stockholm. Stockholm is built on an archipelago of islands in the south eastern corner of the country, this is a city which has a strong relationship with water. In total there are over 24,000 islands and islets which make up
the city which is interlaced with a maze of waterways. There are 14 major islands connected by 57 bridges which has earned Stockholm the nickname the ‘Venice of the North’ a title that it well deserves. This is also one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world. The network of waterways is clean enough to swim in and an important leisure facility that the locals make the most of at all times of the year. Water makes up 30% of the total area of the city, another 30% is made up of parks and green open spaces making this an urban wilderness which is packed full of open spaces, nature and wildlife. The city’s old town or Gamla Stan is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centres in the world and where Stockholm was founded in 1252. The area is a warren of winding cobblestone streets and charming buildings and completely pedestrian friendly. It’s here that you’ll find the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel museum and it’s also one of the city’s gay districts, the other being trendy Södermalm.
Life on RICHARD RYAN/SVB IMAGEBANK
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Gay Tours London Bespoke tours within London and beyond with qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guides who just happen to be gay. Coming to London and short of time - Want to see the sights, museums and galleries - Fancy a side of the city that only a local would know. How about an out-of-town visit to a stately home or famous garden? Travel with us and we can bring your trip to life. We can help plan your itinerary, advise on what to do in your free time, and give you the inside track from a gay and lesbian viewpoint. Tony, David, Hugh and Robina guide by foot, private vehicle, public transport and even bicycle! Tours in English, German and Italian email: info@gaytourslondon.com or Tel +44 (0)20 7737 1800 www.gaytourslondon.com
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Stockholm is outside of the Euro-zone which makes this a real budget busting destination. With so much cutting edge design it’s also the perfect place to do some shopping and pick some unique bargains. The neighbouring areas of Södermalm and Folkungagatan, collectively known as SoFo is the place to head for cool and creative shops and boutiques including new and second hand fashion, contemporary and classic design, home furnishings, music, jewellery and there’s plenty of dining options here too. Östermalm and the City just to the north of Gamla Stan is where you’ll find department stores and high street favourites. Nature’s pantry provides the inspiration for Swedish cuisine which presents a smorgasbord of flavours for the adventurous visitor. Traditionally the freshest game and seafood are the ingredients of choice, but a wave of international influences has created some of the most innovative and distinctive culinary delights anywhere in the world. The marinated Elk steak with lingonberry cream sauce might just tempt you from having the local lobster, again, either way you won’t be disappointed. Rörstandsgatan in Vasastan is probably home to more restaurants than any other street in Stockholm but you’ll find casual and elegant dining opportunities all over the city.
Stockholm has its fair share of excellent museums including The Moderna Museet’s collection of contemporary 20th century work, the National Museum, the country’s largest museum dedicated to art and design from Swedish and international masters and the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The Vasa Museum in Stockholm is built around the Vasa, the world’s only surviving 17th century ship and the story of her rescue is as dramatic as her sinking, all captured in stunning detail at this finest of museums. Stockholm’s gay pride held at the height of summer each July is the largest event on the queer calendar but everyone is invited to the party. The event has become one of the largest festivals to take place annually in the city and is now the largest pride in all of the Scandinavian countries. Events take place all over the city in the run up to the main parade and party held in the central Pride Park in Södermalm. www.stockholmtown.com www.visitsweden.com www.stockholmpride.org
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Protect Your Holiday This Year. Last year’s financial meltdown saw some holiday makers stranded as XL airways went into administration taking a number of smaller tour operators, including some gay operated companies with them. The best way to make sure that your money is protected this year is to book with a fully ATOL bonded agent. This financial protection scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (“CAA”) is required by law for all holiday companies selling air holiday packages and flights in the UK and ensures that consumers do not lose any money paid or are stranded abroad in the event of a company’s closure. How can I tell if a flight or air holiday package is ATOL Protected? If you pay any money - even a deposit - to a holiday company in the UK for a flight or an air holiday package, the sale usually has to be ATOL protected. The holiday company you’re booking with must hold an ATOL or be an agent of a company that does, in which case it must tell you when you book which ATOL you’re protected by, and as soon as you pay any money, issue an ATOL Receipt to you. How can I check if I am booking with an ATOL protected agent? Each ATOL holder is issued with a unique ATOL number, which can be checked on the ATOL website, and must contribute to a protection fund called the Air Travel Trust (ATT). Some ATOL holders must also provide a bond to the ATT. You can look for the ATOL logo in advertisements, brochures and websites, if you can’t see an ATOL number or logo, ask the holiday company for their ATOL number or check their trading name on the ATOL website before you book. If you’re buying an air holiday package and the company does not have an ATOL you will not be covered by the CAA. What if I book my flights and accommodation directly with the airline and hotel?
If you’re just buying a scheduled airline ticket, even from a travel agent and you get your ticket or airline confirmation straight after you’ve paid, you won’t usually be covered. This also applies if you have booked your ticket directly with an airline yourself and also your hotel directly with the property you are staying in. Going through an ATOL bonded agent, even if they package the holiday in the same way for you should provide you with much greater protection. Make sure to ask which ATOL licence or licences you are covered under and check that all of your holiday details, flights, accommodation, car hire, transfers are listed on the ATOL receipt you are provided with. Am I covered if I book on the Internet? When booking on the Internet it is important to check that you are dealing with a bona fide company. ATOL holders must register their trading names and web addresses with the CAA so you can check these before you book and the ATOL logo should be displayed prominently in shops and on websites. Most ATOL holders have websites and many provide an on-line booking facility that allows you to buy an off the shelf holiday package, build a holiday package from a range of travel and holiday accommodation options or book a flight. No matter how you book your holiday, with a package or by combining flights, accommodation, car hire etc when you’re about to book you should be given information about your ATOL protection. Once you have completed your booking you should receive an ATOL Confirmation Invoice (by e-mail or post), which includes all the arrangements you’re purchasing, the price you’re paying and information about your ATOL protection. For more information on the ATOL protection scheme visit www.atol. org.uk
Stockholm in full glory LANDEROS
TOPFOTO/SCANPIX
RICHARD RYAN/SVB IMAGEBANK
PETER KNUTSSON
CHRISTER LUNDIN
Stockholm, a citybreak waiting to surprise you. Discover a location of stunning beauty, that luxuriates in the power of cutting-edge style and design. A place created with the magic of legends, young and old. A city nestled by water, where respect for all is a natural part of life. Learn more online, and enter for your chance to win a free trip! visitsweden.com/gay
www.stockholmtown.com/gay
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Massachusetts
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There’s something very familiar about the towns and cities in Massachusetts, Plymouth, Cambridge, Northampton and the Berkshires to name just a few. The area unsurprisingly has a long association with Britain, this is one of the 6 six states that makes up New England after all. Massachusetts has a long history of liberty and independence which still carries on to this day. It was here that the Pilgrim Fathers arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 escaping religious persecution in England, more recently in 2003 Massachusetts was the first state in the USA to legalise same-sex marriage. Even if you are not quite ready to tie the knot, which is also possible for non-residents this is still one of the most gay friendly destinations in America with plenty to offer tourists throughout the state. Each of Massachusetts six regions has something different and exciting to offer visitors. There’s stunning scenery, vibrant college towns, peaceful villages, exciting cities and a magnificent coastline to discover. While most people will be familiar with Boston and Provincetown a relaxed and friendly attitude to life permeates the entire state and has attracted gay and lesbian visitors from all over the US to holiday, work and live here too. Boston is also one of the closest cities in North America to the UK, with flights at just over 7 hours Massachusetts is not only the most accessible but also one of the most affordable American destinations to get to as well.
Western Massachusetts. Wide open spaces, dramatic natural beauty, diverse cultural attractions and sophisticated entertainment are the order of the day in Western Massachusetts. Some of the best museums in Massachusetts can be found here including the Museum of Fine Arts and George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, both located in the city of Springfield. MASS MoCA in the town of North Adams is the largest centre for contemporary visual and performing arts in the U.S. and the Norman Rockwell Museum holds the greatest collection of the artists work in his home town of Stockbridge. To the north of Springfield is the Pioneer Valley, a centre for local arts and crafts and the college town of Northampton where there’s a strong lesbian community and is also home to a thriving arts scene. To the west is The Berkshires, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra makes its summer home in Tanglewood, also a popular destination for touring jazz artists. It’s here in the summer that you can also watch an outdoors performance by Shakespeare and Company and enjoy more theatrical productions during the Berkshire and Williamstown theatre festivals. From Williamstown take Highway 2 along the Mohawk Trail which was America’s first scenic automobile route and takes in some of the most stunning scenery and historic towns in the state and is also famous for the magnificent foliage in autumn. With so much open
space and beautiful countryside outdoor activities are also high on the agenda at all times of the year. Hiking and biking are hugely popular as are canoeing and white water rafting on the many rivers which cut through the mountains. During winter Western Massachusetts attracts skiers and snowboarders to the ski slopes, the largest mountain being the Berkshire East Ski Resort in Claremont.
Central Massachusetts. Those wishing to escape from it all and relax will love the rural charm, classic New England towns and rolling countryside of Central Massachusetts, it’s also a place where you can explore the regions rich history. The living museum at Old Sturbridge Village offers a look at what life was like for the residents of 1830s Massachusetts in this authentic recreation. The Fruitland Museum in the university town of Harvard is set in 200 acres of some of the area’s most beautiful scenery and recreates the local traditions of the area while the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Area pays homage to the valley’s rich industrial heritage. The area’s largest town, Worcester is home to one of the leading small art galleries in the world, the City Art Gallery and Museum with an eclectic collection from ancient civilisations, pre-Colombian American and also modern contemporary works too. summer | beige travel | 61
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North of Boston and Greater Merrimack Valley. The coastal towns that dot the vast beaches along the north of Boston are some of the most picturesque in America and capture the essence of New England perfectly. The small working harbours uphold the long seafaring tradition of the area and also provide some of the finest seafood to local restaurants straight from the ocean. The beautiful coastal towns of Gloucester, Newburyport and Marblehead have also become world renowned centres for yachting enthusiasts where you can also take a fishing or a whale watching trip to see Massachusett’s largest local residents from May to December. The natural beauty of the area has inspired many artists over the years and many artists still base themselves in the area offering their work in the countless small galleries found here. Inland the Merrimack Valley offers more beautiful New England scenery plus the towns of Concord and Lexington where the American Revolution started. The area has served as the inspiration for some of America’s greatest 19th century writers including Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson who immortalised the start of the Revolution with the line the “Shot heard ‘round the world”.
Greater Boston. Boston is a big city with a small town feel, friendly and welcoming you can find old world charm and modern delights all within a short walk of each other here. The mix of people who live here is just as individual as the city itself, students from several of America’s best universities, hardy New England types, business people and of course a well integrated gay community all add to the interesting and diverse mix. The downtown area of Boston is easily explored on foot, the Freedom Trail follows the history of the city along a 2.5 mile route which passes some of the best 62 | beige travel | summer
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known landmarks on the way while the Black Heritage Trail highlights Boston’s part in the USA’s anti-slavery history and both are great ways to get orientated with the labyrinth of downtown streets. The tourist information point on Boston Common is conveniently the starting point for both trails and also the heart of downtown Boston. The North End of the city is home to the Italian district where you’ll find some great restaurants and a lively atmosphere. The South End is where Boston’s best restaurants are to be found and is also the traditional gay area, although the scene here now spans the entire city, this is still the best place to find out what’s on and where during your stay. Bordering the South End is Boston’s Theatre District where you will find the Museum of Science, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and also Boston’s largest museum, the Museum of Fine Arts. The best views of the city and harbour are from 750 feet above the ground at the Hub’s Skywalk Observatory on top of the Prudential Tower. Shopping in Boston can rival New York for variety, Newbury Street and the Prudential Centre are full of high street chains including Saks Fifth Avenue plus many more. The Faneuil Hall Quincy Marketplace also has some excellent shopping and a beautiful location next to Boston’s Waterfront. Cross over the river to Cambridge where you’ll find 2 of America’s most prestigious colleges, Harvard and MIT. Both schools offer campus tours and there are also plenty of restaurants and entertainment to be found here around Inman, Central, and Harvard Squares. Boston Pride Week will be held Friday June 5th to Sunday June 14th 2009.
South of Boston Travel just to the South of Boston and you dive right into Massachusetts rich historical past. It was here that modern America first started with the arrival of the Mayflower at America’s ‘Home City’, Plymouth. The
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beige massachusetts way of life of the first settlers and native inhabitants can still be seen at the Plimouth Plantation and Wampanoag Homesite. A full scale replica of the original Mayflower, the Mayflower II can be visited in Plymouth which recreated the epic journey of the original journey in 1620 from the UK in 1957. The regions whaling past is celebrated at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and nearby the Seaman’s Bethel Chapel which was immortalised in Herman Melville in classic novel “MobyDick,” the whales which visit here each summer now provide revenue as a tourist attraction and not for their blubber. Wine lovers can take the coastal trail and the taste test at Running Brook Vineyards, Westport Rivers Vineyard and High Hill Vineyard and Winery taking in spectacular beaches and picture-postcard coastal communities en route. The town of Duxbury is home to the Art Complex Museum whose collection falls into 4 main categories, American Painting, Prints, Shaker Furniture, and Asian Art, there’s also a Japanese garden where you enjoy tea and a summer programme of concerts.
Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Island.
The high speed ferry service which takes just 90 minutes is the quickest way to travel between Boston and Provincetown, the area’s most famous LGBT destination at the tip of Cape Cod. That would mean missing the rest of the areas equally friendly towns, stunning coastline and the unique islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket though, and this definitely is no place for hurrying. The fifteen towns on the Cape itself are well known for their distinctive gable roofed houses, warm welcoming atmosphere and excellent seafood restaurants, the perfect places to break the spectacular drive from Boston to Provincetown.
The charming cobblestone streets, antiques store and lighthouses of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard islands also provide some of the most timeless landscapes in America and are just a short boat ride from the mainland. Situated at the very tip of Cape Cod is Provincetown itself, one of the gayest towns in America which has long been an escape for LGBT visitors, artists and free spirits. This is very much the quintessential New England fishing village but with a twist, traditional yet modern at the same time, but most of all this is a place which is accepting. Although most visitors come here during the summer months this is a community with a year round LGBT population and which hosts a whole calendar of events for every possibly queer subset throughout the year. Women, bears, gay families and the transgender community all have their dedicated weeks and there are also festivals dedicated to cabaret, art, film and all genres of music too. For those who like to party Provincetown really ramps up the heat to celebrate 4 July and the annual Carnival which takes place every August but there is also a great selection of bars and clubs, tea-dances and entertainment that keeps going throughout the summer. There is a great selection of some of the best gay guesthouses here to choose from but remember to book early, particularly at peak times. One of the best ways to see the island is by renting a bike while you are here, it’s also the best way to reach Herring Cove, Provincetown’s official gay beach located right at the western end of the peninsula. www.massvacation.com www.lgbtmassvacation.com www.bostonusa.com www.ptown.org
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DALLAS
Dallas had a TV series named after it and George W Bush lives there. Based on those two facts alone you may have already turned the page but believe me it would be your loss. On a recent trip to Dallas, Beige discovered a vibrant city that really suprised us. Dallas today is a great tourist destination and well worth a stay. We look at some of the highlights of our recent trip. I hate to admit it but my expectations of Dallas as a tourist destination weren’t exactly high but I was pleased to be proved incredibly wrong. After a week in Dallas indulging in everything the city had to offer I was very near tempted to extend my stay.
and clubs at night is not that easy – in most cases expect a cab fare of $5 - $7. Worth noting as it becomes tricky to dash out and grab something to eat or small conveniences unless you are prepared to use the hotels in house facilities.
THE BASICS
Properties we stayed at included the Wyndham Love Field – a mid range airport hotel which has almost everything you could want from a hotel within a short cab trip from the downtown area and about a $15 cab ride from the mall. The Fairmont Dallas is a slightly more upmarket hotel in typical Fairmont style.
Dallas is the ninth largest city in the USA. With more than 29million visitors annually, tourism is big business. The population of the Dallas/Fort Worth area is 6.1 million. Travel by air from the UK takes just over 9hrs and once you arrive you’re looking at a 40 minute cab trip to the city centre. It’s worth knowing that unlike some other US cities Dallas does not have a flat airport cab fare system so you’re paying by the metre. It’s not hugely expensive though. Dallas is an interesting city in that looking at a lot of the city centre from street level you’d swear everything was deserted. Large indoor malls and arcades mean that apart from the odd Subway store or small store most people move about indoors out of sight.
ACCOMODATION During our stay we had the luxury of staying in and viewing several properties around the Dallas area. A lot of the big hotels aren’t in the central downtown area so walking to bars
There were two properties that really stood out at opposite ends of the spectrum for me. The Kimpton Palomar is a newly renovated property that has the style and feel of The W Hotel Group but on a more expansive scale. Your every whim is catered for and the property oozes oppulence on every level. With impecable LGBT credentials this chain really pulls out the stops to get your business. You’ll also be hard pressed to get a better meal (see our review of Central 214). www. kimptonhotel.com The second that caught our eye was the Daisy Polk Inn. A exquisite B & B located within walking distance of most of the bars on Cedar Springs Drive. The main house has
three beautifully decorated bedrooms with a well appointed sitting and dining room downstairs (breakfast is included) and a second bungalow at the rear of the property which has a further three bedrooms with ensuites and a fully functional kitchen and lounge. If you are travelling in a group The Daisy Polk offers best value. The bungalow with 3 double rooms goes for $300 a night whilst a room in the main house will set you back between $139 and $169. This is old fashioned Dallas style and the owners have spared no expense with the furnishings and décor making this a real gem. www.daisypolkinn.com
THE PEOPLE Possibly the biggest thing to attract you to Dallas is the people. The hospitality and friendliness is second to none. I was lucky enough to meet Lupe Valdez who holds the post of Sherriff. An amazing woman in her own right she is also the first lesbian to hold the post.
THINGS TO SEE Dallas has a cornucopia of sights to see. No visit to Dallas would be complete without taking the The Book Depository. The 6th Floor is now a museum and pays tribute to the Presidency of John F Kennedy. It’s a real eye opener to see this spot both from ground
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level and from the 6th floor looking down to get a real perspective of events. I have to say that the whole experience is quite emotional and left me feeling quite weird and moved. It takes about an hour if you do the audio tour which is well worth it. In the process of construction, Dallas will soon boast one of the most impressive arts districts in the USA. The Performing Arts Centre will boast an opera house, symphonic hall, vertical stack theatre, outdoor amphitheatre and galleries. Linked by an enormous amount of public space this is going to be an amazing complex. Worth checking out is the Nasher Sculpture Garden, a beautifully landscaped respite from the hustle and bustle of the city (www.nasherscultpturecentre.org).
DINING
A local told me soon after arrival that if a Texan can deep fry anything and after this trip I’d have to agree. Talk to the locals and take a trip to Babe’s for some of the best southern fried chicken and catfish, with all you can eat salad, biscuits and gravy. If, however, your tastes go further, Dallas boasts some of the best restaurants you could ever hope to find.
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Some of the best include:Stephan Pyles (1807 Ross Ave, P: 214 5807000) Stephan is regularly on hand to talk to diners in this fabulous dining spot which is beautifully appointed. Pyle’s roots lie in Southwestern cuisine and his offerings come mixed with influences from Sth America, Spain and The Mediterranean. Take the time to work your way through the menu, this is an experience that should not be rushed. Locals que to get a table here so it might be an idea to make an enquiry before you visit Dallas. Central 214 is a restaurant which is hugely defined and driven by the personality and culinary excellence of chef Blythe Beck. To get the best from Central 214 be prepared to give yourself over to Blythe and just enjoy. My favourite dish would have to be the Chicken Deep Fried Kobi Beef with fresh creamed corn. Foodies reading this will probably be aghast at the thought but I have to say that this was one of the tastiest dishes it has ever been my privilege to sample. Blythe is about to start her own US TV show – fingers crossed it makes it here. In the meantime
make a beeline to Central 214. Central 214 at the Palomar Hotel (www.Central214.com)
Al Biernat’s is a family run affair where all the regulars are known by name. Sip a cocktail at the bar before noshing down to a huge meal. We can highly recommend the 26oz Rib Eye on the bone. Great service and gorgeous food in huge portions abound. 4217 Oak Lawn Ave. 214 219 2201. Buli on Cedar Springs Rd is a whacky cafe perfect for that mid shop pit stop. Grab a coffee, a delicious light bite or one of the superb paninis served in a tin lunch box. A great place to sit and watch the boys go by. 3908 Cedar Springs Rd, 214 528 5410. If you’d like to try some great local wines pay a visit to Times Ten Cellars (www.timestencellars.com). Times Ten make some great wines which can be sampled in a really great setting. In five days I piled on a few pounds as I sampled my way through some incredible food. You’ve been warned.
Top Left & Right: Paolmar Hotel
Texas Book Depository
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Daisy Polk Inn. Photo: David Berryman
Pride
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SPORTS
It was unfortunate that the new Dallas Cowboys stadium was unfinished when I visited but a tour confirmed that it is going to be one of the most amazing sports and entertainment venues when it’s done. Make a point of getting to a game if you visit during the season, with seating for over 120,000, the atmosphere in this stadium is bound to be electric. Everything about this venue is BIG - wait til you see the two massive screens that are suspended over the field, at just over six storeys, tall they have to be seen to be believed. If you are headed Dallas way make a point of checking out if the Gay Rodeo is in town (www.gayrodeo.com). Gay Rodeo is not something that is well publicised outside the USA, but it’s certainly worth a look if it’s local during your visit. During your visit you’ll be sure to meet a fair sampling of the comeptitors. These guys are huge fun and the enthusiasm for the event is infectious.
NIGHTLIFE Many of the gay bars in Dallas are members of the Dallas Taven Guild and many benefit from having huge space on multi levels. There’s something to suit every taste from traditional clubbing to cabaret bars to bars with more Texan flavour. See the list of bars and clubs for an idea of what’s on offer. The smoking ban has just come into play in Dallas but never fear most pubs have enormous outdoor decks and patios thumping with hot boys. Bars offer all manner of drink offers so a night out needn’t be expensive. My favourite during our stay was The Round Up Saloon, a sprawling great bar where hot boys and cowboys mingle to a soundtrack of great country and pop music. Make friends with a barman and get recommendations for shots, each barman has their own speciality. My favourite was a Souther Bomb, Southern Comfort, Malibu and Peach Schnapps shot dropped into Red Bull – divine!! The Round Up has Karaoke each night, line dancing and intro
classes mid week for beginners, a Tequilla bar and games room. When the joint is jumping it’s a real sight to behold and it kept me coming back. Track down Dade and Glen behind the bar and tell them Beige sent you!
SHOPPING
Even with the fall in the USD:UK exchange rate, shopping in the USA is still very attractive. It’s worth hopping in a cab and spending a day wandering around the Dallas Mall. Huge doesn’t begin to describe this complex with includes Macy’s, Nieman Marcus and just about every fashion brand name you could possibly want. There are great bargains to be had and more choice than any self respective shopper could ever hope to be offered. As always it’s worth taking your passport and paying a visit to Macy’s Customer Services to get your international discount card which gives you an automatic discount of 11% on any purchase in Macy’s. Spend a few hours and have a stroll around the Cedar Springs Area. From giftware to underwear there are some great stores in the area with some great bargains.
GETTING THERE
American Airlines offers a range of flights on a daily basis. Prices for flights vary but there are some great deals on offer which will bring your economy flight in for less than £400 return.
THANKS Beige would like to thank Michael, David, Tony and the new friends we made during our visit for their amazing hospitality. Thanks also to George at American Airlines for making our flights so incredibly comfortable..
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A QUICK GUIDE TO DALLAS NIGHTLIFE 4026 Cedar Springs Road An intimate club in the heart of Oaklawn with a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere. Great variety of live entertainment at this cozy yet chic Piano bar.
A sumptuous hardwood dance floor is the centerpiece of this club with six different themed drink stations. Hot cowboy bartenders welcome you nightly. Karaoke is featured five nights a week in the Parlor Bar.
Buddies II
Rush
4025 Maple Avenue This women’s bar is open, friendly and welcoming to men as well. Popular karaoke club and great dance floor and regular pool tournaments. Summertime this club offers a great patio, sand volleyball courts and swimming pool. Cover on weekends.
3903 Lemmon Avenue A recent addition to the Oaklawn neighborhood, this club has great live entertainment and nightly drink specials. Occasional karaoke and feature performers. Great weekends.
Alexandre’s
Station 4 3912 Cedar Springs Road This is the newest jewel on the Cedar Springs strip. Formerly the Village Station, this recently remodeled hi-tech, mega dance club is stunning in it’s size, scope and technical features. Amazing light show, large dance floor, and large second floor balcony. A hot spot with the younger dance crowd. This is the flagship of the Caven Enterprises nightclubs. Cover charge.
Crew’s Inn 3215 N Fitzhugh Ave Great neighborhood club just 5 minutes from Oaklawn’s Cedar Springs with lots of weeknight drink specials, pool tournaments and dancing. Tuesday nights are big here.
Dallas Eagle 2515 Inwood Road, #107 This is Dallas’ very popular leather/levis club located just 8 minutes from Cedar Springs. The bar has Internet parties, weekly pool tournaments and plays host to many local regional and national leather events such as the Bear Round-Up and Mr. Southwest Leather.
Sue Ellen’s 3014 Throckmorton St The sister club to J’R’s and appropriately named for the female star of the Dallas TV show, this upscale women’s club is also welcoming to all guest and hosts great pool tournaments, karaoke, comedy shows and the best in local live female bands and musicians. In the very center of the Cedar Springs strip.
Havana 4006 Cedar Springs Road A trendy, retro-style crowd populates this nightspot right in the heart of Oaklawn. Also serving dinner specials with a CubanLatin flavor.
Throckmorton Mining Co
Hidden Door 5025 Bowser One of the oldest and still very popular neighborhood clubs in Dallas. Boasts a friendly, diverse crowd and an extremely popular patio. Hot spot on Sunday afternoons.
Illusions 4100 Maple Avenue This intimate club hosts regular show nights with great female impersonation and host to many fundraising events in Dallas. A great neighborhood crowd.
J.R.’s Bar & Grill 3923 Cedar Springs Rd The hot spot on Cedar Springs for the young, fun Abercrombie crowd. Named for the star of the infamous Dallas TV show of the 80’s, this club has a great video and sound system with the latest music and shows several nights and the outrageous Wanda Show every Sunday night.
Kaliente 4350 Maple Avenue A very hot and extremely popular Latino nightspot. Young crowd with show, karaoke, and a terrific dance floor. The latest in hot Latin and Salsa music.
Mickey’s 3851A Cedar Springs Road One of Dallas’ hottest, hi-tech clubs on the Cedar Springs strip. Beautifully appointed with attached patio, dance floor and featuring live entertainment and female impersonation shows.
Pekers 2615 Oak Lawn Avenue Pekers is a Gay/Lesbian neighborhood bar with live entertainment and karaoke. Pool tables and video poker. Just two blocks from the Cedar Springs
strip. Super-friendly staff and clean, newly decorated space is welcoming to everyone. They host lots of community fundraising events.
The Rose Room 3912 Cedar Springs Road Located in the beautiful newly remodeled Station 4 nightclub, the Rose Room is a first-class, entertainment showroom with the very finest in the art of female impersonation. Shows by a regular cast of highly talented performers and many nationally known female impersonators in an upscale cabaret nightclub setting. Cover charge.
Round-Up Saloon 3911 Cedar Springs Road This is the largest country-western dance club in the Southwest.
3903 Cedar Springs Rd This is a very popular club with hot music, featuring a more intimate atmosphere with low lighting, ice cold drinks, and a crowd of “very” friendly regulars who know how to have fun. Two levels of this club add to the visual entertainment.
Tin Room 2514 Hudnall Street Another friendly, neighborhood club with a warm, cozy atmosphere. Good regular crowd, pool table, karaoke, occasional shows and a welcoming staff.
Woody’s Sports and Video Bar 4011 Cedar Springs Road One of the newer club additions to Cedar Springs, this hot spot for sports and video fans host multiple screens upstairs and down featuring the latest music videos and live sporting events as well as weekly entertainment and karaoke on the downstairs stage.
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AUSTRALIA www.ristefskymacheda.com
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beige travel
TEN TIPS TO BETTER DIGITAL PHOTOS Taking photos with a digital camera should be easy right? There are a few simple things that you can do though to make sure that you get the most from your photos and hopefully some great pictures to remember. You don’t need the best photographic equipment to get that perfect shot, it’s the photographer after all who takes the photos, not the camera. Just a little thought and a few simple techniques can enhance those holiday snaps and lead to some photos to really remember.
well as the background, a flower with a mountain behind for example. The smaller the aperture the longer your shutter will need to open to let sufficient light into the camera and the larger is it the shorter the shutter speed will need to be. Avoiding shakes when using a longer shutter speed is essential to keep pictures crisp, resting your camera on the ground or a table will work but for best results you will need a tripod.
1. Learn About Your Camera.
6: Polarising Filters.
OK this might seem fairly obvious but do you really know about all of the functions that are available on your camera? When most of us have bought our nice new piece of photographic equipment we are likely to get it home, rip open the box and are lucky if we have got past the ‘getting started’ section of the instructions, sound familiar? Having spent quite a large sum of money on your new toy you really owe it to yourself to find out just what it can do and the best way is with those instructions. Some of the easiest functions on a camera can give you the best results so learn how to control the exposure, just what the different camera modes are and how to turn the flash on and off. The knowledge you gain about the camera will be invaluable when you do come to take photos so make the most of your time on the plane and read the camera manual.
Polarising filters can add some real flare to the photos that you take outdoors including landscapes. Using a polarising filter will reduce glare and any unwanted reflections and will give shots richer and more saturated colours including making blue skies look even deeper and richer. This effect can be achieved even if don’t want the extra expense of buying a separate filter or if your camera doesn’t have the capability to add one. Any decent pair of sun glasses will have exactly the same effect as a filter, simply hold the glasses over the lens as close as possible (without getting the rims in the way) and take the photo as usual.
2. Learn to Control the Flash.
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One of the most common mistakes that amateur photographers make is only using the flash indoors and relying on the camera’s auto flash mode. By deciding when you want the flash to go on and off you can greatly enhance both your indoor and outdoor photos, particularly portraits. When the flash mode is on outside your camera will expose the background first and then add enough flash to light your portrait subject. The resulting photo will be far more balanced where the subject is well lit and stands out from the background, particularly if they are in the shade. Putting your subjects in the shade might seem odd, but everyone is less likely to be squinting and will appear more relaxed, also try and avoid shooting subject with the sun behind or directly above, to the side or behind will give much better results. It is important to remember that most flashes have a limit of around 10 feet so this won’t work if the subject is too far away. Equally important is learning to turn the flash off when taking shots indoor as sometimes this will give harsh results and an unflattering and unnatural looking skin colour.
7: Capturing Movement. Capturing the character of your subject can give you the most rewarding shots particularly if they are action shots or contain movement. To do this you will need to increase the shutter speed which will result in blurred picture but it can be used to great effect. One of the best uses of this technique is when photographing running water which will appear to flow and capture the movement perfectly. Find a steady place to rest the camera where you can a good shot and get shooting. Remeber you may also need to close the aperture slightly to compensate for the longer time the shutter is actually open.
8: Massive Media Card. Having sufficient memory for your camera is just about as essential as having the camera itself and you should budget for a good memory card when thinking about a new camera too. The last thing that you want is to find that you are out of space on your card just when that perfect photo opportunity presents itself now is it? As a minimum you should budget for at least a 256MB card if you have a 3 megapixel camera, 512MBs for 4 megapixel models and 1GB for 6 megapixels and up.
3. Macro Mode for Micro Subjects.
9: Go For High Resolution.
Your digital camera is almost certain to have a Macro setting which is often symbolised by a flower. This setting is ideal for getting close up shots of anything that you like the look of, flowers being just one option. Taking close ups is easy and can often yield some excellent results, when you have switched to Macro get as close as you can to the subject making sure that your camera has focused properly before you take the shot. Close ups of all sorts of subjects can be just as interesting as flora, brightly wares in a market, insects, food and fruit, the froth on your coffee, even drops of water on the leaves of a plant can all make excellent and interesting photos.
Trying to cram as many photos onto your memory card might seem like a good idea but you should always shoot on the highest resolution and maximum compression your camera allows, this one of the most important reasons to get sufficient memory for you camera. Smaller resolution images might look great on the cameras LCD display but if you want to print and frame some of your masterpieces the quality will be disappointing. Also at a higher resolution you’ll have more freedom to crop and zoom in on your pictures when you get them on to any photo-editing software.
4. Warmer Tones. Taking shots in bright sunlight can often result in colours not being as vibrant as you would have hoped for. This is due to the white balance setting on your camera which, as with every other setting has an automatic default. To avoid your photos looking washed out and cold and to give your photos more warmth change the setting to cloudy which will enhance the colours that you are trying to capture. The reds and yellows will appear more vibrant and therefore your pictures will look warmer and have more depth to them.
10: Clear Composition. Thinking about the composition and timing of your shot before you shoot it is essential. The golden hours just after and after sunset and before sunrise give the best soft light for many shots, the sunset mode is particularly useful in low light conditions. When composing your shot, avoid cluttered backgrounds that will detract from the subject itself and having your subject in the centre of all of your pictures should be avoided too. Imagine the finished photo is divided into 9 squares like a noughts and crosses game, place the subject on one of the four lines and the focal point behind on another for a more interesting composition.
5. Depth of Field. Depth of field determines what is in, or out of focus in your photos and depends largely on 2 functions of your camera, the aperture and the shutter speed. The larger your aperture, that is the size that the shutter opens to to let light into your camera, will result in a focused subject and an out of focus background, a technique often used for portraits. A smaller aperture allows a subject in the foreground to be in focus as summer | beige travel | 71
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beige travel
Grape Destinations for
Divine Wine Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
Everything about LA is iconic, from the Hollywood Sign to the laid back beach lifestyle, there’s simply no other city like it in the world. So much more than one single super-sized metropolis LA is in truth a collection of different neighbourhoods and adjoining cities which covers nearly 500 square miles of the LA Basin. This amazingly diverse city is home not only to the worlds entertainment industry but also has a dizzying number of restaurants and cultural institutions, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, incomparable shopping and mile upon mile of pristine Pacific coastline and vibrant beach communities. Travel just under 100 miles north along this spectacular coastline and you reach America’s Rivera where the coastal mountains give way to vine covered hills and one of the USA’s most celebrated wine making areas in and around the town of Santa Barbara. Los Angeles truly is the gateway to California, but once you discover the City of Angels’s myriad of heavenly delights you might just find yourself returning again and again. For most gay travellers West Hollywood makes the perfect place to base yourself during your stay being midway between downtown and the cities beaches it’s also the centre of the city’s gay scene. It is here you’ll find the legendary nightlife of the Sunset Strip, LA’s gayest street, Santa Monica Boulevard and shopping like nowhere else on Earth on the Avenue of Arts and Design. The area is packed with an array of amazing restaurants and gay and gay friendly venues, in fact ‘WeHo’ has such a large gay and lesbian population it’s often hard to make the distinction, everywhere is at least slightly queer. Visitors would be missing out though if they didn’t explore LA’s other exciting neighbourhoods. The high rise skyline of downtown is visible from just about everywhere in LA, the financial hub of the city and in recent years an ambitious renovation project has seen the district go through something of a renaissance. This is the most ethnically diverse area of the city, China Town and Little Tokyo summon the Far East to America’s west coast and it’s also where you’ll find little Mexico on Olvera Street, mouth watering authentic Mexican cuisine and free walking tours of the city’s original Spanish settlement. Style conscious shoppers shouldn’t miss LA’s fashion district located in The Alley where cool and quirky clothing
is on offer at discount prices from LA’s up and coming designers. This is also the cultural heart of LA, see the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a play or musical at the vast LA Music Centre, explore the Museum of Contemporary Art or just take in the architecture such as LA’s Union Station’s, an Art Deco masterpiece. The One Institute National Archives is of particular interest to LGBT visitors being the world’s largest research library on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered heritage and concerns. As well as an amazing array of documentation the institute also hosts exhibitions and art shows and can be found just north of the University of Southern California’s main campus, near downtown Los Angeles between Hoover and Figueroa. Bordering West Hollywood to the east is Hollywood, glamour personified where you can find clubs frequented by celebrities, some of the hippest shopping experiences in the city and many restaurants which the critics just rave about. As the birth place of the film industry Hollywood is a living museum to the movie business, a must for any visitor. The Hollywood and Highland Centre located right in the heart of the neighbourhood is where you’ll find just some of the great shops, restaurants and bars plus the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards. See the long running West Coast production of Wicked in the opulent surroundings of the Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, the latest movie releases and handprints of the stars themselves at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre or an outdoor summer concert at the Hollywood Bowl or Ford Amphitheatre, if it’s entertainment your after you’re in the right place. For an insight into Hollywood’s heyday the Hollywood Museum has five floors of historical photo archives, and costumes worn by Mae West and Elizabeth Taylor amongst others. If you want to escape the city and find some peace and quiet the hills above Hollywood offer the perfect antidote. Here you’ll find Griffith Park, the largest urban park in the US which has a whole host of well marked hiking trails. Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular routes with some amazing views of million dollar mansions, the Hollywood sign and the entire LA Basin from the summit at Clouds Rest. You’ll probably see some fit sporty gay locals on the three mile circular route
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out jogging, walking the dog or looking for a date, especially on weekends, say hi as they’ll love the accent and it’s the perfect conversation starter. To get to Runyon Canyon go to the top of Fuller Drive north of Hollywood Blvd and remember to take your camera. Affluent Westside incorporates some of LA’s most famous neighbourhoods such as Bel-Air, Beverley Hills, Century City, also gay central West Hollywood itself. It’s also where the movie moguls and stars make their homes in palatial splendour. No surprise then that some of the most exclusive shopping is here including Rodeo Drive, the Beverley Centre, Westfield Century City and The Grove, home to Abercrombie and Fitch’s flag ship west coast store. When night falls the Sunset Strip is the place to head as this is the heart of LA’s nightlife with the many famous clubs and bars attracting huge crowds, just driving along the street is enough to get the exciting atmosphere of LA after dark. There’s more to Westside than the shopping and partying though, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and neighbouring newly opened Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) together house one of the largest art collections in the US. Equally impressive in terms of its art collection and architecture is the Getty Centre where you can enjoy the world class art collection and beautiful gardens with views of the entire city from downtown to the coast. Contemporary human rights more your thing? Not sure? The Museum of Tolerance’s high tech and thought provoking interactive exhibits and displays will definitely sway anyone still straddling that fence.
Dining Experience
Food lovers will get their fix in any number of incredible restaurants in Westside especially on LA’s most famous culinary street La Cinega Boulevard where you can eat everything from Korean to Brazilian to contemporary modern American cuisine. Excellent eateries include Fogo de Chão, Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Simon LA and the Stinking Rose and it’s also where you will find the sublime Nobu LA. Eating out in Westside needn’t be a formal affair though; West Third Street is the new destination to go for great takeouts and casual, vibey eateries. A little further to the north Beverly Boulevard, La Brea and Melrose Avenues demand further exploration, defy convention, ditch the car and explore on foot to find mouth-watering patisseries and chilli dog heaven. The Sunset Strip also has a whole host of great Italian and
French restaurants to choose from and be sure not to miss the restaurant which defined Californian cuisine, Wolfgang Puck’s Spago on North Canyon Drive. Puck’s much anticipated new venture, Cut at the Beverley Wilshire hotel continues to set equally lofty standards. For an unforgettable evening meal book a table at the Mondrian Hotel’s elegant Sky Bar on Sunset, an oasis of calm and style in the city with superb views and elegant patrons.
What to Do There are over 75 miles of coastline and 33 public beaches which make up LA’s Beach Cities and each offers its own unique atmosphere, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences. From the quiet celebrity enclave of Malibu to the unconventional shops and offbeat street performers of the famous Venice Beach Promenade the stunning coastal towns of LA are home to a wealth of exceptional experiences. The exquisite Getty Villa in Malibu is now an educational centre and art museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria with 1,200 exhibits as well as numerous temporary exhibitions. Admission is free but you will need to visit www.getty.edu before you arrive to obtain your ticket. Take the scenic route to the villa through Malibu Canyon on Highway 101, head north from downtown LA and exit at Brent Junction and plunge back to the coast through the Malibu Creek Park and canyon. Heading back towards LA along the coast road stop at the lively beach at Santa Monica and take a ride on the Ferris wheel or the rollercoaster at the end of the pier. Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue is the place to head at the end of the day and the perfect place to soak up the lively seaside atmosphere. Grab a table at The Lobster restaurant where you can eat classic American seafood with the hip patrons whilst watching the sun setting over waves which peel perfectly across the Pacific Ocean. Further south still is bohemian Venice Beach, rent a bike or some rollerblades and cruise the boardwalk which is lined with souvenir shops and eateries. There’s plenty to grab your attention, street performers, the bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, athletic basketball players and also some of LA’s best surfers ride the waves here. Just of the promenade is Abbot Kinney Boulevard where you can escape the tourist curios shops and find locally made art, vintage clothing shops and discover that authentic laid back LA beach lifestyle. Further south still the summer | beige travel | 73
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beige divine wine new Waterfront Promenade in San Pedro has a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere lined with magnolia and peppermint trees and colourful gardens. Stop by San Pedro’s Ports O’ Call Village for more excellent seafood fresh from the ocean cooked on outside grills and while you are here take in the views from Point Fermin Lighthouse, one of LA’s most historic landmarks. 20 miles to the south of LA is the city of Long Beach, sometimes overlooked as a tourist destination, overshadowed by its bigger sister. The virtues of this seaside enclave have not been lost on the gay community which is well established, the handful of gay bars here is more representative of the city’s tolerant atmosphere rather than the size of the LGBT population which is well integrated. Gay Pride in Long Beach is held each May and attracts visitors not only from all over LA but all over the country and a landmark gay event in California. Whilst you are here visit the Aquarium of the Pacific on Rainbow Harbour, one of Long Beach’s best attractions where you can get an up-closeand-personal look at the Pacific Ocean’s inhabitants.
Where to stay
London Hotel West Hollywood www.thelondonwesthollywood.com Montrose Suites West Hollywood www.lemontrose.com Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites West Hollywood www.ramadaweho.com Grafton on Sunset West Hollywood www.graftononsunset.com www.discoverlosangeles.com www.gogaywesthollywood.com www.visitwesthollywood.com
Santa Barbara, There’s something quite unique about Santa Barbara and it’s not just the beautiful beaches, majestic mountain backdrop and sophisticated way of life. This 50 mile stretch of coastline from Point Conception to Rincon is the longest east-west coastal section of shoreline from Alaska to Cape Horn where the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains form a unique microclimate that is ideally suited to viticulture. Fresh sea breezes make this one of the coolest areas in California so the grapes hang longer on the vine and have more time to develop the unique qualities and distinctive character of this regions individual wines. There are three separate appellations within Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Rita Hills as well as the Los Alamos Valley region between the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. Wine production has been taking place in the region since the 1830s, it is however the commercial vineyards planted
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during 1960s that have earned the reputation as one of the premier wine growing regions of the world, particularly for the Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc grape varieties. Santa Barbara County is now home to more than 60 wineries and over 20,000 acres of vineyards all set amongst the rolling hills, charming towns and cattle ranches of area. While joining an organised tour of the wine area is possibly the best way to get the most out of your time it’s just as easy and perhaps a little more exciting to grab some information on one the wine routes and head out to explore on your own. www.santabarbaraca.com
Where to stay Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach www.brisasdelmarinn.com Colonial Beach Inn www.sbhotels.com Bath Street In, Gay Owned www.bathstreetinn.com
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beige west end
LONDON THEATRELAND 2009 sees an abundance of musicals hitting the West End. Beige took a look at what’s hot and some of the shows that are due to open soon. JERSEY BOYS
AVENUE Q
SPRING AWAKENING
This year was the year of Jersey Boys with the show winning most of the major theatre awards on offer including Best Musical, Best Actor (Ryan Molloy)and Best Supporting Actor (Stephen Ashfield). The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, this show is blessed with a cavalcade of well known hits performed by four guys who put the originals to shame. Expect to be dancing in the isles to songs including Sheree, Oh What A Night, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. This show brings the audience to it’s feet night after night. www.jerseyboyslondon.com
After a short break, this hilarious musical will re-open at the Gielgud Theatre in June. This is a satirical take on Sesame Street and has audiences young and old going back again and again. Songs include The Internet Is For Porn and Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist so you get a feel for what you’re in for. Be warned though muppet sex is not something for the easily offended. Avenue Q is a laugh a minute and hugely recommended. www.avenueqthemusical.co.uk
Freshly arrived after an award winning run on Broadway, this may not be the musical for everyone. Spring Awakening however, is one of the freshest, most innovative and amazing nights in the theatre. Fronted by an incredibly young cast who breathe life into this story of 1890 teen angst, we are predicting it to be one of the big winners in next years awards season. www.springawakening.co.uk
HAIRSPRAY This larger than life musical adaptation of the original film is still playing to packed houses at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Currently featuring Michael Ball, it has just been announced that Brian Connelly will take over the role of Edna in July. This big, bouncy, beautiful award winning musical just keeps getting better. It’s all singing, all dancing, high octane entertainment. www.hairspraythemusical.co.uk
OLIVER PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESSERT Recently opened at The Palace Theatre, this is a loud, kitsch explosion with enormous heart. Adapated from the film, you’ll be laughing and singing along minutes after curtain up. Tony Sheldon re-creates the role of Bernadette in London after the award winning Australian run and it’s a star turn. Nothing is off limits to this trio as they go on the campest road trip on record. Forget the recession, this show is pure joy. www.priscillathemusical.com
You’ll be lucky to get a ticket to this latest Cameron Mackintosh smash. Oliver is a huge production that explodes off one the West End’s largest theatre stages. Jodie Prenger shines as Nancy and Rowan Atkinson is Fagin until July but there’s no doubt this production will run for years. www.oliverthemusical.com There’s hot competition on the horizon though from three musicals bound to appeal to theatre lovers and set the box office tills ringing.
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beige westend SISTER ACT Whoopi Goldberg acts as Producer on this musical adaptation of the film. The musical will have all new music penned by Mr Disney, Alan Menken. Menken was responsible for just about every major Disney musical animation for the past twenty years so the score promises to be special. We’ve already had a sneak peak of Patina Miller who has been chosen to take on the role of Delores Van Cartier and she’s a knock out. Previewing from May. Www.sisteractthemusical.com
LEGALLY BLONDE Another arrival from Broadway, Legally Blonde settles into the Savoy Theatre in December. Legally Blonde is yet another musical based on the film of the same name. Acclaimed on Broadway we’re anticipating a fun night at the theatre when Elle hits London. Oh My God You Guys – not long now!! www.legallyblondethemusical.co.uk
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 2
Yes it might actually be happening this time. Rumours abound that October will see the arrival of this new Andrew Lloyd Webber offering. Phantom 2 sees the principal characters re-uniting on Coney Island in New York. That’s about all we know, but keep your eyes out.
Priscilla pHOTO: TRISTAM KENTON
SISTER ACT PHOTO: GAVIN MCKENZIE summer | beige travel | 77
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beige travel insurance
TRAVEL INSURANCE Most of us find the thought of booking travel insurance about the most boring part of a planning a holiday. That is, until we need to make a claim and we breathe a sigh of relief that we actually did. If you don’t take out cover, you’re opening yourself up to incredible financial risk. For example: • If you become ill or have an accident before you travel, you could lose all the money you’ve paid for travelling and accommodation costs • The cost of medical treatment can be horrendous, especially in places like America. It can run into thousands of pounds • If you become ill or have an accident, it’s not only medical costs you might have to meet – you might need to rebook return flights or have extended accommodation costs • If someone else is travelling with you and want to remain with you if you’re ill or had an accident, they will incur return flight and extra accommodation costs • If you need to be assisted by an air ambulance, this runs into many thousands of pounds • If you have any pre-existing medical condition (including asthma, blood pressure, HIV, high cholesterol, diabetes etc) a ‘standard’ travel insurance policy may well not include any claims related to those conditions. Failure to declare them could void the entire policy. These are the statements often made by people that could mean they are at risk: I’m fit and healthy – nothing’s going to happen to me Even the fittest person can have an accident or become ill. No-one’s invincible. I’m only travelling within Europe and I’ve got the health insurance card The European Health Insurance Card merely puts you in the same position as an insured resident of the country you’re visiting, which means treatment isn’t necessarily free. It won’t cover you for cancellation or repatriation costs or loss of baggage, delayed or missed flights, loss of passport etc.
Well, if I get ill, I’ll just jump on the first plane home This would be difficult to do if you’re unconscious or during summer when there’s no chance of there being a spare seat available. If you’re on a cruise ship or in a remote area of a country, it becomes more difficult to arrange a quick get-away! It’s sometimes not in your best interests to travel if you’re ill and an airline could refuse to take you as a passenger if they suspect you’re unwell. It’s better for your health to be stable before you attempt to travel.
I’m HIV+ - I’m concerned about confidentiality so just get ordinary insurance and don’t declare my HIV status It’s quite possible that if you’re ill, your claim will be declined. An insurer could decide that your illness was linked to you being HIV+ (even if it wasn’t – they might determine it was) and ordinary insurance rarely covers HIV-related claims. Large insurance companies usually handle more than one kind of insurance product. If you make a medical claim, your HIV status will come to light (they’ll check if you have any pre-existing conditions). This could then affect your chances when applying for insurance in the future. Your confidentiality may not be as confined as you’d like it to be if you deal with a large insurer. In essence, going without travel insurance opens you up to huge risk. It’s So Easy Travel Insurance is a gay-owned company that provides travel insurance for people with no medical conditions as well as those who do (including HIV), They also provide life assurance and have a mortgage advice/arranging service. Further details from www.gaytravelinsurance. com or 0844 357 1314 It’s So Easy Travel Insurance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority, is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association and the International Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. It is also a partner in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s Know Before You Go Campaign and a sponsor of the Scotland Patients’ Association.
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Zürich. Hosting EuroPride 09. More clubs per capita than any other European city. World-class gigs, original design, seductive shopping. Style unlimited, from hip Zürich-West to the lidos that turn into lakeside bars at night. And coming soon, EuroPride 09: from the opening party on May 2 to the EuroPride Parade on June 6, a programme packed with parties, films, sports, exhibitions and open-air concerts. What are you waiting for? Zürich. Go for it. Zürich Tourism Tourist Service at the Main Station P.O. Box, CH-8021 Zürich Tel. +41 44 215 40 04 leisure@zuerich.com www.zuerich.com/gayandlesbian
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