Life360 Issue 3 2010

LIFE 360

Issue 3

LATEST BUZZ

Africa’s First FIFA World Cup

500

events in

Europe’s Cultural Capital

EXCLUSIVE

Budget Travel Tips

3 EXOTIC EUROPEAN

DESTINATIONS

Greece Belgium Italy PLUS: Exclusive Interview with a Globetrotting Writer

life360

Editorial

TO CONTACT EDITORIAL Life360 Magazine Cardiff University Bute Building King Edward VII Avenue Cardiff CF10 3NB

Editor's Letter

maglife360@googlemail.com http://journalism.cf.ac.uk/life360 YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/user/LifeThreeSixty

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.

Discover.”

Though Mark Twain uttered these words of wisdom over a century ago, they ring true even to this day. Our latest edition of Life360 is a perfect tribute to the finest hobby ever discovered – travel!

Let us take you on an unforgettable journey to South Africa, which is hosting the FIFA World Cup, the very first in the continent of Africa. You are also invited to explore Europe’s many exciting locales this summer, using our guide to budget travel.

Editor in Chief Tim Holmes

Editor

Richard Meng, seasoned globetrotter from China, speaks exclusively to us about his many adventures, his travelogues and launching his own travel website and magazine. Keep abreast with the latest technological developments through our special section, Geeko.

Mitalee Kurdekar

Designers

Wei-Ju Chen Vandana Gupta Wenxiao Huang Devika Jeet Shirin Mann Xuan Zheng

Plus, The X Factor comes to Cardiff, Wales take on Italy in the Six Nations Rugby Championships and Alice in Wonderland finally hits screens in the UK. With so much packed into the issue, we are sure that you are in for an enjoyable ride.

Staff writers Chioma Amaechi Le-Wei Hsi Mitalee Kurdekar Changchang Liu Yan Pan Shuya Zhang

If you want to wander on, our YouTube channel has a travel video that will show you the world through the eyes of natives from various countries.

So get ready to explore, dream and discover!

Mitalee Kurdekar Editor

Publishers Xiaoyi Feng Saloni Karnik Basha Liu Shan Long Caitlin Ritchie

Consultants Jane Bentley Simon Williams

Life360 Volume 3 Life360 staff (from left to right)

Monday 2010.3.15

Front: Devika Jeet, Wei-Ju Chen, Vandana Gupta, Wenxiao Huang, Xuan Zheng Middle: Xiaoyi Feng, Caitlin Ritchie, Jane Bentley, Tim Holmes, Le-Wei Hsi Back: Mitalee Kurdekar, Chioma Amaechi, Yan Pan, Changchang Liu

contents

Life 360

On the Cover

4 Exclusive

Tips on budget travel in Europe during Easter vacation

4 500 events in Turkey

The bridge between Eastern and Western cultures

6 Greece, Belgium, Italy

Learn about foreign cultures and enjoy traditional cuisines

Features

Reviews/News

4 360 View: Budget travel

4 Quadrant: Travel news

Enjoy a European holiday during Easter recess

Latest updates for the inquisitive traveller

8 Latest Buzz

Africa’s first FIFA World Cup, great football and a big party

6 Summer holiday to suit you 5 M-iWorld: Interview

Europe offers interesting holidays to suit every kind of traveller

8 Match of the century

Africa’s first ever FIFA World Cup, great football and a big party

10 Intersection: Interview

A global traveller’s dream around-the-world trip comes true

Janet Harris’ experience of eating strong goat meat with a nasty taste

5 Geeko: Tech world

New gizmos and gadgets to make travel easy

11 Full Circle: Reviews

The hottest movie, music, live shows, sports events and humour

10 Exclusive interview

Richard and his seven continents and four oceans travelling map

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Arc

Enjoy a European holiday during Easter recess Le-Wei Hsi suggests how to travel around Europe on a budget In other words, it is a good time to travel around the UK for the tourists from the Eurozone, and the British cannot benefit from exchanging British Pounds into Euros.

Catherine Jones, 49, a Cardiff resident and avid traveler, who is very experienced in travelling around Europe said, “Although it is not a good time to travel around Europe because of the depreciating British Pound, we can still have an affordable journey with the help of some budgeting tips.”

Tips for an affordable European journey Use public transportation Many cities in Europe provide various passes in their public transportation, such as day-long, week-long and month-long passes.

Tourists generally spend a week in one city, so week-long pass would be the best choice.

It is still possible to have a budget journey in the Eurozone region

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or the Easter holiday, travelling around Europe is a good option, especially for international students studying in Britain.

Travelling around Europe will be more convenient as students don’t have to travel from their hometown. In addition to this, with recession in the Eurozone, students can benefit from exchanging their currencies into Euros.

From the point of view of some international students, the depreciation of Euro is an advantage of travelling around Europe.

Cheng-Yeh Wu, from Taiwan, said, “Now, one Euro equals 43 New Taiwan Dollars. Compared with last year, this is a very good price.

I have exchanged many New Taiwan Dollars into Euros. Moreover, Europe is far from Taiwan and takes at least 15 hours by air. It only takes a few hours from Britain and the ticket price is more affordable as well.”

Chris Yip, from Hong Kong, said, “Europe is far from my hometown and I will have to go back home after finishing my study. So, I’ll visit as many European countries as possible while I’m studying in the UK.”

Buy your foods in local markets or supermarkets Eating and drinking might be expensive during your journey, but normally the prices in local markets and supermarkets are much cheaper.

Travel during weekdays To avoid the weekend crowds, traveling during Monday to Thursday is better. Additionally, the ticket price of the transportation and some theme parks are also cheaper on weekdays.

Travel with your children Europe is a wonderland of family discounts. They usually offer price reductions for a group of three or more people with the same surname.

Take along some water In some European countries, water is more expensive than soft drinks and juices. Normally, a bottle of water costs three to four Euros, so do not forget to bring some water with you.

QUADRANT by Mitalee Kurdekar Go Green: The travel industry’s 500 events to honour “Europe’s Cultural Capital” new mantra?

Travel bookings made easy using mobile devices

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ince receiving the title of Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is expecting a 25 per cent rise in inbound flights. Travel to Turkey has picked up steadily, offering visitors a cheap and welcoming alternative. The Turkish tourism industry is now planning ith most businesses turning to host 500 events to honour the city’s status as a bridge between eco-friendly, the travel industry will need to follow soon. Eastern and Western cultures.

Aviation is said to be responsible for 2% of greenhouse gas emissions and the mass tourism in certain areas is leading to overcrowding, causing a strain on local ecosystems. By the year 2010, one billion people are expected to engage in travel globally, leading to adverse environmental effects.

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French Alps to host Altitude Festival

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ith the world going mobile, the travel industry is also resorting to the use of applications, websites and SMS alerts to make travel planning easier for their jet-setting consumers. Travellers can now do everything from planning a trip to managing their itinerary from the palm of their hand. A report by PhoCusWright predicts that mobile phone bookings will reach £106 million in 2010.

he Altitude Festival, a combination of music, comedy and skiing, will return to the French Alps this March. The festival, started by Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell, attracts around 35,000 visitors each year since its launch three years ago. The festival is set to take place between 20th and 26th March 2010, and will include musical acts by Newton Faulkner and The Quails and performances by comedians such as Al Murray.

Travelling to

BY Chioma Amaechi

Life 360 Janet Harris

a TV News/Documentary Maker has had interesting experiences through travel and she shares her incredible story with Life360.

Iraq

1. Please tell us about yourself and your zeal for travelling?

I am Janet Harris a PhD student at Cardiff University presently I am working on military coverage of war in Iraq. I just love travel. I have visited many places in the course of my job and I enjoy meeting different people. I have also travelled a lot within UK. 2. Can you give us a glimpse into your background?

Though I am from Britain I was born in Africa, precisely in Malawi. I lived in the city for a while when I was young and then moved to England. Later on I was in Italy for my University degree. I also worked with BBC which took me back to Africa and many places in Europe. I was in Iraq filming a documentary as an embedded journalist.

“You get to meet new people and the food and it could be good or bad. If you have got one chance make it count.”

3. What is your inspiration for travelling?

Fundamentally, it’s about people, what they like, what they eat and what they do. They inspire me a lot.

I have interest in people’s culture and tradition.

Janet Harris in Iraq

4. What is your most memorable journey?

I think everywhere I go has its own unique memory which could be good or bad. The good memories are there and often the bad ones are in retrospect, especially when you have an awful experience it can be funny later on. They are not as fantastic as the good ones but are memorable.

5. What in particular, do you hold in your heart about these places and why?

I love Italy because of its beauty and nice architecture and in India I love the people.

Bangladesh was really some experience for me because there were huge floods at the time I went there, it was very difficult for me to walk. Apart from that incident, I like the people and their food. I find travelling to Iraq quite interesting as I lived on ration of basically rice and kebab.

6. What food do you enjoy eating while travelling?

French food is really tasty. I love Mozambique food too. I can’t forget, once when I travelled to Mozambique there was a curfew due to the war. In spite of that, people welcome us warmly, killed a goat, and prepared it in a hurry for us. Even though the taste was nasty and very strong we ate it. I always remember this because of the excitement, the fire, the smoke, and the people who welcomed us.

To me it makes a lot of sense.

o k e e GGeeko

Carry a 24-hour TV station with you!

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SM users of BSNL would have 12 TV channels available on their mobile sets (phones), which is a good companion for the short-distance travel. You won’t miss your favorite TV program on your way, or keep an eye on what happening around the world.

Picture credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ousby/84339253/

© FORTIS Uhren

Perfect watch

for a fan of adventure “Created on earth, tested in space” the watch can work well in an allergic and with a high sustainability. It gets through the water and pressure test of 200 meters / 20 bar. It is an ideal choice for those who love adventure and would likely to travel to tough envicredit: ronment. Picture http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaredearle/ 3855945736/

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hen you travel to different countries around the world, you have to carry different kinds of travel plugs. To match the country and the plug you have to have Picture credit: http://www.flickr. different adapters with com/photos/please/184277455/ you when you travel to other countries.

Now the new travel plug can be used in more than 160 countries in the world.

You can give you electric items full power without worrying about the adaptor when you travel.

Electric Equipment Power

Keep computer accessories with

You

T

Picture credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cesarcardoso/344861572/

he product is perfectly fit for those who want to keep connect with outside world, the little package contains” a USB mouse with retractable cable, USB 4 port expander, retractable VOIP, mic/ear piece and retractable network cable.”

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Feature Summer is almost here and most of us are looking forward to taking a vacation away from the daily grind.

But embarking on a trip that promises you exotic adventure, or perhaps even restful tranquillity, need not involve travelling halfway across the globe. Europe offers some interesting holidays to suit every kind of traveller.

by Mitalee Kurdekar

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ith summer just around the corner, it’s time to leave your mundane, routine life behind and think about indulging yourself in a rejuvenating break. If you feel troubled by the financial implications of such travel or are simply boggled by the choices offered, we are here to help you pick out a holiday that suits your needs and interests, while ensuring that you don’t burn a hole in your pocket. It’s all within easy access, with just the English Channel separating you from your dream vacation in Europe.

That’s right, if you are not looking to splurge on your summer travels, but want a short, memorable holiday, then the best option is a quick getaway in Europe. The continent offers endless opportunities for that unforgettable holiday experience. That raises another quandary: with infinite choices on offer what do you pick?

You can explore a variety of options across many European locales according to your individual preference. Whether it is spending time browsing through the collections of old museums, paragliding across hilltops, learning about foreign cultures or enjoying traditional cuisine, there is something on offer for everyone. Life360 has made a selection of a few varied holidays for you to choose from.

Summer Holidays The Italian Invitation For those of you who are looking to soak up some sun, pack in a little sightseeing and also want a bit of art and culture thrown into your holiday, Italy is the perfect choice. It has been voted one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, yet it provides visitors with the best of both worlds, with the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. You can drive along the Amalfi coast while sipping an Italian cappuccino or visit the historic city of Rome, stopping to wish for something at the Trevi Fountain. On the other hand, you could shop at what is arguably the fashion capital of the

world, Milan, or marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Whatever you choose to do, a trip to Italy will leave you recharged and begging for more.

Elizabeth Jones, 29, marketing executive and self-proclaimed travel enthusiast, comments, “I love going on short breaks.

They leave me feeling instantly rejuvenated.

I especially like taking vacations with my girlfriends to new locations, where we can relax and unwind.”

Athens offers a chance to transcend time and return to the era where it all began with the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus and the Parthenon.

A Greek Escapade The Trevi Fountain One of Italy’s favourite landmarks, it is an absolute must-see for every visitor Photo Credit: Valentina (www. flickr.com/photos/tearsandrain/2661904926)

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But if you would rather just immerse yourself in history, then Athens is the place for you. Immersed in hundreds of years of ancient culture and civilisation, the city offers tourists a chance to transcend time and return to the era where it all began with the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus and the

life 360

The Belgium Buzz A great place to visit for spontaneous travel is Brussels, which offers visitors the original European experience with its stunning architecture and quaint little cafes. Walk around the city, with the Grand Palace at its centre, and take in the sights and sounds of this bustling capital. While there, you can bite into some of those famous melt-in-yourmouth waffles or take home some world renowned chocolates.

With such varied holiday options, it is easy to get confused about where to go. But the key is to research around your interests, either on the internet or with your travel agent and find a package that centres on your needs. If you still come up with numerous choices, pick one and save the rest for next time. After all it is important to enjoy varied experiences and travel is the best way to do so. So go on, live the adventure and get a 360 degree view of life!

to Suit Your Style Parthenon. Don’t forget to visit the Pláka, a pedestrian-friendly area with interesting restaurants and boutiques, for a truly authentic experience.

Alternatively for the adventure sports enthusiasts, some travel companies offer pre-booked diving tours in Greece, where you can explore the depths of the Aegean Sea. Travel companies even plan tours around specific activities such as walking tours in Madeira, where you can explore the ‘floating garden’ on foot; or golf tours specifically designed for the golfer in you.

Tours are also designed around activities like kite surfing, body boarding and windsurfing, with everything pre-arranged to ensure that tourists spend maximum time enjoying their favourite hobby.

Caroline Thomas, 25, a travel agent based in Cardiff, says, “Although January is the busiest month for business, this is a very busy time of the year for us. Customers come in looking for varied holiday plans and we aim to cater to all kinds of tourists, regardless of whether they are looking for relaxation or adventure.”

But not everyone wants to embark on a pre-packaged tour. Some of you may want to do your own exploring. For this you can chart a different path, keeping your itinerary flexible. “Spontaneity is the most exciting part of travel for me,” declares Jonathan Jenkins, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Cardiff. “I usually go to a destination and decide once I’m there what I’d like to do.”

Brussels, with its charming little eateries, comes alive at night Photo Credit: Rob Sheridan (www.flickr.com/ photos/demonbaby/3688457096)

Travel information: Thomas Cook (www.thomascook. com) offers pre-packaged tours for a little as £135 per person for a four day tour.

If you want to self-explore, try planning your trip using sites such as:

Greece is the perfect blend of serene seas and hectic histories Photo Credit: Vathiman (www. flickr.com/photos/15572139@ N07/3936193007)

www.visiteurope.com www.hotelsbycity.net www.eurotrip.com www.lonelyplanet.com/europe

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Feature

Match of the Century

Africa’s First Ever FIFA World Cup – Some Great Football & a Big Party

By Chioma Amaechi

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n the first two weeks of June, hundreds of thousands of football fans will be pouring in to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup. Preparations are going well. Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, has blasted doomsayers. The South Africa World Cup, he says, is going to be a totally successful event. And it is easy to believe him. For sport loving fans this is good news.

The opening match will be between the host country and Mexico, in Johannesburg. The first group of 16 countries will play each other, after which the highest points in each group will qualify for the next stage called the quarter finals. The semi finals are the next stage of eight countries and then there will be third place match. The last stage is the finals and the celebration of the big event. There will be bronze medal prize for third place, silver medal for second and a gold medal for the champions who will also go home with the cup.

Thirty referees from 28 countries will be officiating in the tournament.

“Italy are the defending champions. This year, bookmakers are favouring Spain.”

Four years ago, the Cup was held in Germany and in 2014 Brazil will host the World Cup. There are groups of A – H and they are made up of four countries. Thirtytwo teams have qualified and will be playing in various stadiums across the country. It’s a great chance to see some fine football – and some fabulous places. This is the nineteenth FIFA World Cup. The first games kick off on 11 June 2010, and the final will be played on 11 July.

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www.flickr.com/photos/bruce-camera/4206285050

www.flickr.com/photos/mikkelz/4181039938

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. The action kicks off here on June 11

Life 360 So who will win? Italy are the defending champions and they have won the title four times already. Their last win was a thrilling performance. At full time, the game was goalless. Then Italy scored in extra time.

This year, the bookmakers are favouring Spain. England’s former captain John Terry has been quoted as saying that England and Italy will meet in the finals – though this was before Ashley Cole dropped out of the team with an ankle injury.

And then there are the outsiders – footballing Davids hoping to murder the world’s footballing Goliaths. Ghana will be the fancied side in South Africa 2010.

Cameroon have made it to FIFA World Cup five times. The indomitable Lions of Cameroon are the favourite team in group E. Well, good luck to them. Their squad features the likes of world class striker Samuel Eto’o and a host of other talented players many of whom play for European teams.

The Nigerian Super Eagles team look like

“The games will be played in 10 stadiums, including the historical Ellis Park” the favourite in their group. “It’s tough,” Kingsley Okahia, a sport analyst, said.

“Nigeria are a great team, and the only thing we can do is prepare ourselves well.”

The Super Eagles have a richly talented and ambitious squad featuring players like John Obi Mikel, Kanu Nwankwo and others. He said they have gone through some rocky

times, but seem to be on the right track now, with a good balance of youth and experience.

Other great players to watch are Didier Drogba the star of Ivory Coast, Brazil star player Kaka, Wayne Rooney of England, El-Armine Erbate of Morocco and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal. Ronaldo has said the FIFA World Cup in South Africa is going to be amazing. He says, “I have never been in South Africa, and I am really looking forward to the World Cup.” All players are especially motivated for this tournament and I think it will be fantastic.

There is no doubt – it will be an incredible championship.”

The games will be played in 10

“Eleven million tourists travel to South Africa every year in search of sun, fun and scenery.” stadiums. They include Ellis Park Stadium, at the centre of bustling Johannesburg.

Built in 1982, it has a long and distinguished history in sport. Durban Stadium is brand new, a glorious space spanned by two arches that soar above the roof. Also in Durban is the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, set on the shores of North End Lake is the first dedicated football stadium in the city. Green Point Stadium in Cape Town is one of the most exciting football venues in South Africa.

But, what about the party? There is more than football to see in South Africa.

Five things to see while in South Africa 1. National Park in Nelspruit 2. Diamond big hole in Kimberley 3. Mountains (Durakensberg, Magliesburg) 4. Immaculate beaches 5. Nelson Mandela Bay

According to a study done by FIFA, eleven million tourists travel every year to South Africa in search of sun, fun and scenery.

Now with the football tournament there is an added advantage.

The Mangaung/ Bloemfontein has open spaces which reflect the openness of its people – friendly and warm.

Durban is noted for its “Golden Mile” - a four kilometre stretch of beaches and restaurants, and holds pride of place culturally. And Cape Town, at the foot of iconic Table Mountain, is a cosmopolitan city in beautiful natural surroundings.

Other places worth thinking of seeing are Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth city, with its 40 kilometre stretch of immaculate beaches in a protected bay.

Johannesburg is the financial juggernaut of the African continent. Pulsating with energy and drive, Johannesburg is a hub of culture and excitement. Rustenburg is another place to be, the city is brimming with natural beauty at the foot of the Magalieburg Mountains. Hyacinth Ogu, a Cameroonian businessman and sports fan, loves Johannesburg. “The World Cup is a great excuse to travel and explore the culture and architecture of Africa. But Johannesburg is famous for its crime as well as its energy – so be careful!”

So come to Africa this June and whether your team wins or not, you will have an incredible time in South Africa!

Useful web sites

www.flickr.com/photos/lumkness/186093917

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ football/world-cup-2010/ www.footballworld.com www.mundial2010.ad Tickets are on sale everyday. www.worldcupticketservice. com/2010 South Africa Escorted tour including shark diving, whale watching, legend golf course and Hector Pieterson Museum will cost £1,599.99.

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Intersection/ Full Circle

Global traveller: Dreams come true

...

g’s en .M

Richard Meng in travelling

.

Footpri n t s..

From:http://www.126wt.com/maya/Footprint.html

Y

ou have a lot of identities, a very successful entrepreneur, a global traveller, photographer and publisher, which title do you like best?

By Changchang Liu can write a sad song, so you can write a poem once you are alone and upset. When you’re faced with the Sahara and no one could talk to you, compared to the trip to Australia with my wife, there was no freedom and I could not write any word.

Richard: I think I am a free person. It can be said that I am the happiest one in the world. I made my own decision to do the travel thing, Could you give us some advice on travelling? although it was connected to Richard: Safety is the most my work until I had my own “Do not forget concerned problem to people. magazine company. I still like your dream and I can give them some advice having fun, which is very imfrom my own experience, portant to me, I think it would always believe lots of local people will push not be perfect if there is no that it will come you out of their places, but it fun during a trip. would not be too bad if you true one day.” are nice to them, people will How many types do you think that travel can be divided into, and what not hurt you if you make them laugh. But robbery always happens, so you should put changes have you experienced? your cards and cash in different places once Richard: Well, from my own experience, trav- you have arrived in a place. Another one is to el can be divided into some general types. be careful not to show your money in public, At first people just want to go out during the your trip will be perfect if you bear this advice vacation, and then road trip, the higher level in mind. travel type is environmental friendly trip.

Is there any special experience you get from How much percentage does travel account your trip? for in your life?

Richard: I can say I am kind of a “people amRichard: A very large percentage. My wife said bassador”, I interviewed the West Point with that I spend much more time with steward- a camera because I told them I am not a jouress es than with her, only because I travel by nalist but a traveller, and I just came to be a plane all the time. non-governmental messenger occasionally.

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Richard Meng

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orn in 1960s and had been engaged in advertisement and photography for seven years. When going ahead with his career in 1999, he started to realize his grand dream of taking a round-theworld trip at his own expenses. Up to now, his worldwide travel has covered all the seven continents and four oceans. Starting from June 2007, Richard Meng had published seven travelogues in succession, and established his own travel website and promoted a travel magazine, he has also signed contracts with many TV stations.

Blog address:

Lots of people believe travelling alone is too lonely, what’s your opinion?

Do you think travel changed you and your life?

Richard: I always take my mp3 player and the music reminds me of the feelings of the place after I come back. Only lovelorn people

especially since I have a family, so I have Richard: Travel changed me and also changed to earn a lot of money to bring my dream my life. I was a photographer 20 years ago because I liked it, but it is not a prosperous job back.

http://blog.sina.com.cn/126wt

Life 360 Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Reviews & Previews

1

2

I’m the Rain (2010)

Shows

iff d r a C In

The X Factor Where: Cardiff International Arena, Mary Ann St, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ When: 22.3.2010~25.3.2010 Timings: 7:30pm till late Ticket price: £82.49

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he X Factor is hot. There are 19.1 million viewers, 62 percent of the television audience watched Joe McElderry win The X Factor final last year. Now, The X Factor Live Tour has begun. No matter who you like: gentle Joe, funny Olly, or sexy Stacy, all of the 12 finalists will give wonderful performances on this live tour. The tickets are available for £82.49.

If you want to experience the charm of The X Factor by yourself, book a ticket before it sells out.

Website: http://xfactor.itv.com/2009/

Director: Tim Burton Writers (WGA): Linda Woolyerton (screenplay) Lewis Carroll (books) Release Date: 5 March 2010 (UK) Genre: Adventure / Family / Fantasy

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he collaboration of director Tim 1 Burton and actor Johnny Depp has MOVIE become a legend. This time, they try to give the audience more surprises by adapting the fairytale Alice in Wonderland.

The movie is about Alice, but instead of the spunky girl we remember, she is now a stern 19-year-old Victorian ingenue who is visiting the place for the second time. She reunites with her old friends and experiences something new. She learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. After its world premiere, Kate Muir in The Times calls it “spectacular’’ and “a 3-D epic for the next generation’’. Geoffrey McNab’s review in The Independent is more pointed -- “a wildly inventive film straight jacketed in conventional narrative... that grows increasingly one-dimensional and simpleminded.’’

Official Website:

http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/aliceinwonderland/

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ophie Zelmani is a Swedish singer and songwriter. Her career started over Artist: Sophie Zelmani 13 years ago with her self-titled deRelease Date: February 24 but album, the album got picked up by Genre: Folk/Indie the audience quickly and became popuTrack: lar in Sweden and the Far East. People 01. If I Could always compare her music with Joni Mitch02. The Years 03. You Can Always Long for May ell and Jewel, because they are singes/songwriters, and their voices are gentle and fabulous. However, Sophie 04. Ready 05. Interior Design is that kind of person who makes people feel close and 06. Not With You warm. Her voice has a kind of strength which can touch 07. I’m the Rain your heart and soul. In this latest album, she continues 08. Our Man her style as usual, singing for love and life with her heart.

09. It Knows 10. To be Forgiven 11. Song of the Night 12. To Know You

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2 Music

Official Website:

http://www.sophie-zelmani.com/

he Six Nations Championship is an annual international rugby union competition involving six European sides: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. It was the first international rugby union tournament in the Northern Hemisphere. The winners are also known as the European Champions. At the last three matches, Wales and Italy both lost two and won one. Therefore, the game on March 20 will be essential for both teams, and it will be the first match between Wales and Italy this year.

Website:http://www.millenniumstadium.com/

Where: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff When: 20.3.2010 - 2:30pm Timings: 2:30pm till late Ticket price: £66.00--£214.50 Wales VS Italy Six nations rugby

Welsh funny-man Chris Corcoran

Where: Wales Millennium Centre When: 14.3.2010 & 1.4.2010 Timings: 8pm till late Ticket price: £8 - £12

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elsh funny-man Chris Corcoran will be performing his new standup show What Goes on Tour, Stays on Tour at the Wales Millennium Centre on March 14. Another famous Welsh Comedian Rhod Gilbert evaluated Chris’s show as “Hilarious - a totally unique experience. If all committees were this fun I’d buy a blazer, grow a moustache and run for the council.” The Sunday Times give four stars to Chris performance, and praise his show as “Affectionate and charming”.

Website:

http://www.

Chris Corcoran

wmc.org.uk/index.cfm?alias=chriscorcoran

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LIFE 360

Issue 3