TRAVEL

After more than a decade of construction — the Grand Egyptian Museum may finally open this year, just a stone’s throw from the Great Pyramids of Giza. What to expect? More than 1 million square feet of exhibition space, treasures including a 40-foot-high statue of Ramses II, outdoor gardens, and an expansive plaza from which visitors can take in the desert surroundings. Meanwhile, a number of new and luxurious ships have started sailing the Nile: Among the best choices are the Viking Osiris, an all-veranda vessel carrying 82 passengers, and the opulent Sphinx from Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, which has 42 cabins swathed in marble and hand-carved wood, with beds dressed in fine Egyptian cotton sheets.

CAIRO AND THE NILE

VENICE The hea peren dlines nia in lly 20 popula 22 for r i c ts ity d made ay-trip entrance fee, which takes effect this January 2023. But why only go for the day? The Venice Architecture Biennale runs May 20, 2023 to Nov. 26, 2023, with global exhibits curated by Lesley Lokko, the first Black architect to organize the event. Architecture lovers will also want to visit the Procuratie Vecchie, the 16th-century building along St. Mark's Square. Though its façade is one of Italy’s most photographed, the public has only recently been allowed inside, after the completion of a five-year refurbishment led by David Chipperfield Architects. Those looking for nostalgic luxury should plan to arrive in the second half of the year, with their bags packed for a train trip: Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express will unveil two newly restored carriages from the 1920s and ‘30s in June, with opulent suites modeled to mirror the landscapes of Europe.

TRAVEL I

THE JURA, FRANCE

There’s a tiny French region just west of the border with Switzerland that’s producing some big, big wines. Among serious oenophiles, word is already spreading about the vin jaune, “yellow wine, ” made from native savagnin grapes and aged in the Jura’s distinct sous voile style, in which the wine matures “under a veil. ” Not that wine is the only draw.

The Jura also boasts a comté cheese trail — as if the région weren’t French enough — that connects no fewer than 150 fromageries and dairy farms. Hiking in the Jura Mountains, through Baume-les-Messieurs village and to the Hérisson waterfalls, is equally enticing, particularly as an antidote to all the wine- and cheese-focused sightseeing. Most surprising, perhaps, is just how accessible this under-the-radar area can be. Getting to the Jura takes two hours from the French capital by high-speed train, departing from Paris’s Gare de Lyon.

Australia has reopened, and this southern state is a particularly appealing corner of the country these days, thanks to hot springs resorts that are poised to make it the next big wine-and-wellness destination: Alba Thermal Springs and Spa on the Mornington Peninsula was the first to open in September 2022, with pools powered by solar and a commitment to achieving climate-positive operations. Phillip Island Hot Springs, which distinguishes itself with several saltwater features, plans to open in early 2023. Melbourne, Victoria’s appealing capital city, is also expecting new openings, including the intimate, seven-suite Hotel Vera Ballarat by year’s end, followed by the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, set to open in 2023 in Australia’s tallest tower. Qantas has made it easier to get there, too: the airline now has a direct flight from Bangalore.

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

The Spanish capital have a flurry of tony hotel openings throughout the city, bringing plenty of personality to what had been a staid scene. It began in 2021 with the arrival of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz; Rosewood Villa Magna; and Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Then came the Edition in April

MADRID

2022. Breathing new life into the former Monte de Piedad de Madrid building, the hotel has 177 rooms, 21 suites, and two penthouses, plus two restaurants with food from chef Enrique Olvera and the culinary team behind Mexico City’s acclaimed Pujol. Elsewhere in Madrid, an already electric food scene has only gotten better — particularly in the glamorous Salamanca neighborhood and architecture-rich Chamberi district — with new offerings representing everything from Middle Eastern falafel and Argentinian asado to SpanishIndian fusion and globally inflected vegan fare.

It isn't just a cruise: Upstart travel company Explora Journeys describes its itineraries as “ocean journeys, ” nevermind the fact they’re aboard the newly built, 461-suite Explora I. The vessel is slated to hit the water in July 2023, with trips in the Mediterranean that visit popular cruise destinations such as Barcelona and Civitavecchia, near Rome, as well as lesser-visited ports including Patmos, Greece, and St. -Tropez, France. Life aboard won’t be monastic: Explora I will have 18 restaurants and bars and a massive spa, among other luxuries. Still, should all that ocean journeying become a bit too wearying, guests can always retreat to their suites, all of which have private verandas. In fact, when it debuts, Explora I will have the most space per passenger of any vessel anywhere.

THE EXPLORA I

The Song of Achilles

This book by Madeline Miller is about an awkward young prince Patroclus who has been banished to the court of Achilles, the ideal son of King Peleus. Achilles befriends the disgraced prince despite their differences, and as they mature into young men adept in the skills of combat and healing, their relationship deepens despite the disapproval of Achilles' mother Thetis, a vengeful sea goddess. The romance in The Song of Achilles is very complex and beautiful. If you love Greek Mythology, go for it and if you don’t yet, this is the perfect book for you to fall in love with it.

People we meet on Vacation

People We Meet on Vacation is the newest summer read by Emily Henry. Poppy a travel journalist takes a trip with Alex her best friend since college every summer for the last decade. But they haven’t spoken to each other due to a rift two years back. Despite obtaining her dream job, Poppy is unhappy with her life and decides to reconnect with Alex. Poppy is determined to make things right once and for all, so they agree to take one more journey. But things always get messy when feelings are involved.

The Midnight Library

There is a library between life and death, and within that library, the shelves never end. Every book gives you the chance to experience a different life you may have had. To see how things would have turned out if you had chosen differently. If you could go back and change your mistakes, what would you change? A book that explores all the decisions that go into leading a good life.

DP unveils the FIFA World Cup trophy

Deepika Padukone created history as she became the first Indian to unveil the trophy for the ultimate football world cup finals in Qatar. While many lauded the actor for being an Indian representative at a high-profile sporting event the rest of her fans were appalled by her dress choice. Her look was designed by Louis Vuitton. She took to Instagram to explain why she felt the outfit worked for her “It’s a very special look by my very dear friend Nicolas. And what I love about it is that it’s so perfect for what we are going to do which is unveiling the trophy. But at the same time, it’s really comfortable.”

ENTERTAINMENT I King Khan is all set to sit on his throne again

Shah Rukh Khan is back with a bang. He will be seen on the big screen after a break of almost 4 years in Pathaan. It is an action thriller which also stars Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in pivotal roles and is directed by Siddharth Anand. The trailer looked quite promising with great action sequences. The movie is set to release on January 25, 2023. With all the controversies surrounding the film let’s see how the film is received. “Apni kursi ki peti baandh lijiye kyunki mausam bigadane wala hain”

Tom Cruise performs the biggest stunt in the history of cinema

The 60-year-old actor is attempting one of the most dangerous stunts. It will be a motorcycle jump off a cliff into a base jump. Just a normal day at work for Tom cruise This stunt will be for the upcoming film Mission Impossible- Dead Reckoning part one. Watch the BTS on Paramount Pictures official YouTube channel

Henry Cavil will not be returning as Superman

After the rumours, it’s now official that Henry Cavil will not be returning as superman after his cameo in Black Adams. He shared a heartfelt note on Instagram “My turn to wear the cape has passed, but what Superman stands for never will. It's been a fun ride with you all, onwards and upwards.” We’ll surely miss him!

Naatu Naatu shortlisted for Oscars

Good news is around the block as RRR has one more star on its mantle. Naatu Naatu from SS Rajamouli’s RRR has been shortlisted in the Best Original Song Category. The final nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on Jan 24. Ram Charan and Upasana took to Instagram to announce that they are expecting their first child. The couple were showered with a great deal of love and blessings by their fans. They expressed their gratitude and are grateful for the love.

The new parents to be- Ram Charan and Upasana

India Women's Hockey team wins FIH Nations Cup Trophy

Argentina takes the cup home

The finals of the FIFA World Cup was a match to go down in history. Both Argentina and France took the game down to the penalties with the South Americans winning by 4-2. Kylian Mbappe's hat trick turned the match into a spectacle. It was great to see Lionel Messi lift the cup in his last world cup. The Women's Hockey team has, yet again, made us proud by bringing home the first-ever FIH Nations Cup. With this win, the team defeated Japan by a solid 3-1 and with that, they've also qualified for the FIH Pro League for 2023-24. Kudos to them!

Aries Taurus

Aries, you're not only entering into a new year but also a new chapter of your life in terms of love and intimacy.

Taurus, use all of your will this month to position yourself somewhere new and vibrant

Gemini

Gemini, it’s time for you to come to terms with the past, people, and memories you need to let go of in order to move forward

Cancer Leo Virgo

My lucky Cancer, let yourself live in a state of free-fall this month and watch how perfectly the universe allows it all to fall into place. In order to achieve your highest potential, you have to be more willing to slow down and inject intentionality into your routine, Leo.

Virgo, you are on top of the world as January arrives, and it will only continue for you.

Libra Scorpio

Sagittarius

Libra, if you’ve been wanting to fly the coop, January is the perfect time to do so. You are being presented with some powerful opportunities this month, Scorpio Sagittarius, take some time away in January to figure out what your dream life would really look like.

Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

Capricorn, you may be experiencing a sense of loss this month. Aquarius, this month is proving to be a powerful one for you. Pisces, sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.