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TRAVEL INSURANCE Do You Need It

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BEYOND THE SAFARI

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EDINBURGH

HELSINKI ST. PETERSBURG

CHICAGO SAN FRANCISCO

BIRMINGHAM

LONDON

TORONTO

HANNOVER

COLOGNE FRANKFURT STUTTGART PRAGUE

LUXEMBOURG

BORDEAUX

ZURICH

NEW YORK

LISBON

PISA

MALAGA

SKOPJE

SOFIA

TIRANA

ATHENS

ALGIERS TUNIS

ATLANTA

BATUMI

BAKU TABRIZ

HURGHADA

PANAMA

JEDDAH

NOUAKCHOTT

DAKAR CONAKRY FREETOWN

BOGOTÁ

ABIDJAN

KHARTOUM

BAMAKO OUAGADOUGOU

DJIBOUTI

NIAMEY

LAGOS

ACCRA COTONOU

ABUJA

DHABI MUSCAT

MOGADISHU NAIROBI

N'DJAMENA

ENTEBBE

LIBREVILLE

KINSHASA

KIGALI

LUANDA

JOHANNESBURG

GUANGZHOU

HONG KONG

DHAKA

MUMBAI

HANOI

BANGKOK

MANILA

HO-CHI-MINH MALE

COLOMBO

PHUKET KUALA LUMPUR

SINGAPORE

MOMBASA ZANZIBAR

NEW DELHI

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SAO PAULO

LAHORE

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OSAKA SHANGHAI TAIPEI

ISLAMABAD

KUWAIT SHIRAZ

BAHRAIN AL QASSIM RIYADH ABU YANBU

MADINAH

CARACAS

BASRA

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SEOUL

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ISFAHAN KABUL

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BAGHDAD

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BEIJING

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TEHRAN

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ALEPPO

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TOKYO

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MISRATA SEBHA ALEXANDRIA CAIRO

CASABLANCA

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GANJA

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MAGAZINE

2019 • ISSUE 2 • VOLUME 11 • TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features 3. Bula!

4. Is Travel Insurance Becoming Mandatory?

6. Timeless Morocco

9. South Africa’s 2019 Travel Indaba

10. Africa Beyond the Safari

12. Vietnam - A trove of discoveries waiting to be visited

15. Seattle to Singapore Direct

16. Discover what lures travellers to Southern Italy

18. What’s Cooking in the Campania Region Italy

19. Top Wines of Campania, Italy

Bula!

When you land in Fiji and are first welcomed with the greeting “Bula!” (pronounced boo-lah!), you will certainly feel you have arrived somewhere special. The Fijian people are exceedingly warm and friendly and they love to express their love of life and their genuine hospitality with infectious, enthusiastic and ubiquitous “Bulas!”

Like the Hawaiian word aloha, bula actually has a variety of meanings and uses. Its literal meaning is “life,” and when used as a greeting it implies wishes for continued good health (the official formal greeting is “Ni sa bull vinaka,” meaning “wishing you happiness and good health,” but it is almost always shortened to just plain “Bula!”.

Bula is also used as blessing when someone sneezes. It’s one of those words like grazie in Italian, mucho in Spanish and bitte in German that stick with you. By the time you leave Fiji, you will have heard “Bula!” hundreds of times and will find yourself saying it over and over to friends and family who have no idea what you are talking about.

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letter from the publisher Wayne Hansen, Senior Editor

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE BECOMING MANDATORY? Going on a trip is not as easy as just packing a swimsuit and sunglasses and call it a day! There is a lot of planning involved, including making a travel budget, creating an itinerary, checking visa requirements and getting the proper immunizations at a travel clinic. All of this can be quite overwhelming. But what about travel insurance? Is that compulsory?

The answer for the majority of the cases is: no! While having proper travel insurance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Although rarely enforced by custom officials, you could be asked to present a health insurance certificate showing that you can provide for yourself in case of a medical emergency.

That being said, there are still countries where Canadians will need to provide proof of a valid travel insurance in order to get a tourist visa.

All the information concerning entry requirements can be found on the Foreign Affairs’ section of your government’s website. It is also advisable to confirm this information with your travel insurance agent.

According to the travel entry/exit requirements listed by the Government of Canada, here are the countries for which Canadians may be asked to show proof of travel insurance either upon arrival or to obtain a tourist visa: Aruba: “proof of health insurance (or travel insurance that includes health coverage) are required to enter Aruba.”

Belarus: “you must present proof of valid medical insurance to enter Belarus. In addition, you will be required to purchase a mandatory state insurance at the port of entry.”

Bulgaria: “you must present proof of medical insurance (minimum

€30,000 coverage) that is valid in the European Union (EU) and covers the costs of emergency medical care and repatriation.”

Cuba: “you must present proof of health insurance that is valid for the period of [the] stay in Cuba. Although proof of Canadian provincial health insurance is sufficient for visitors to enter Cuba, your provincial plan may cover only part of any medical costs incurred in Cuba and it will not pay the bill upfront, which is required at most hospitals.”

Falkan Islands: “you should show proof of insurance that covers air evacuation of up to US$200,000.”

Latvia: “you must be able to show sufficient proof of medical insurance to customs officials. The insurance must cover the entire length of your stay. If you do not have proof of insurance coverage, you may be required to obtain health insurance from a Latvian insurance company when you arrive.”

Lithuania: “You must be able to show sufficient proof of medical insurance to customs officials or purchase shortterm insurance upon arrival.”

Slovakia: “Customs officials may ask you to show proof of health insurance.”

Thailand: Thailand’s tourism officials are looking at introducing compulsory travel insurance for international visitors in the near future.

Beyond country-specific demands, there are certain types of travel that will also require you to purchase travel insurance. Tours operators, tourism companies, safaris and cruises sometimes have very strict restrictions concerning travel insurance. To be com-

pliant with the booking, it is often mandatory to obtain a travel insurance plan that fits their requirements.

Ultimately, it is your decision to get or not travel insurance. Without thinking of all the risks associated with travelling, buying travel insurance is the smartest decision one can make regarding travel plans. If you can afford to travel than you can afford travel insurance.

talk travel MEDIA

Gina Hansen, CTC, ECC Publisher, Executive Editor

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’s S t i ’ r A NT o f D s !

A n r E r a N u V t Ye CA L E Re

E h N t V 4 TER RA

T S T E W GES R A L Vancouver International Travel Expo September 28, 2019 Vancouver Convention Centre

East Exhibition Hall B • 11am - 5:30pm - Open to Consumers 10am - 11am - Open to Travel Trade

New for 2019

One-On-One Business Appointments with Qualified Travel Agents the evening of Sept. 27th Optimize your time by scheduling appointments in advance.

Reserve your spot today!

First Come First Served for Prime Locations!

Contact us now to obtain early-bird rates Steve Klein, Show Manager

steve@vitexpo.ca Direct Line 604-910-3204

Europeans have watches.

Moroccans have time.

Timeless MOROCCO “Europeans have watches”, says my museum guide drily. “Moroccans have time.” Grins broadly. Oh, he’s so very right. Yes, and time plays funny tricks on you when you’re in Morocco. One minute you’re nursing your café au lait on a sunny terrasse as chic and modern as any in Paris, and in the next, just by crossing the street into the old medina, you’re transported back into a world as old as time itself.

You can sign up for a day excursion into the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech and see the pretty waterfalls at Setti Fatma as you had intended. But by the time you return to your hotel, you will also have helped local women pick apart crocus flowers for saffron, hiked to a little village and shared tea with a Berber family, and fallen in love with a carpet.

Do the same thing from Fes, and you’ll have taken the waters at a natural mineral spa, visited troops of Barbary apes, discovered a slice of Roman history, bought apples from a farmer’s roadside stand, and sampled the latest offerings from the region’s wineries. It’s like you’ve packed a whole week of experiences into a single day!

It’s like that in Morocco. You can return again and again, and have completely different experiences by going at different times of year or focusing on different areas or even individual cities. Its northof-the-equator climate and diverse landscapes mean that every season and every region promise neverforgettable experiences.

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Any season, any reason perfect time of year for camel treks into the Sahara Desert and overnight stays in the tent camps. Both the Cherry Festival in Sefrou and the Rose Festival at Kelaa Mgouna are celebrated in May or June, although it’s hard to predict the actual dates because the events are tied to the completion of the annual harvest. Or go for the big show: Jazzblanca (in Casablanca) is an energy blast in April!

SUMMER Some like it hot! And if you do, Morocco delivers.

SPRING Spring starts as early as late February and extends into June. The weather is perfect! The air is soft and warm with temperatures in the range of 18C to 28C (cooler in the north around Fes, and warmer in the desert and south around Marrrakech). In May and June, daytime temperatures rise to a steady 30C to 35C during the day. In these months, the evenings generally cool down again. It’s comfortable for moderate to strenuous hiking, and perfect also for walking tours of the Imperial Cities. You’ll be happy if your hotel has a pool or is close to a beach by the time it starts to heat up in May and June. It’s also the 7

In the months of July and August, expect blistering 40C – 45C days, and little cooling at night. For most of us North Americans, this is not the time to go to the desert. However, it can be a great time to go if you like oceans and beaches. Shhh… don’t let them know, but the resort developers haven’t discovered Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Your very own golden-sand beach might stretch for miles! And have you heard about the “other” Mediterranean? Yes, Morocco’s rugged northern coast is the perfect retreat: quiet, unspoiled, and absolutely beautiful. (Make a circuit tour and take in Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, and Chefchaouen) Head for the High Atlas Mountains if you’re into hiking, though you will still want to start your treks early so that you can stop when it’s full-on hot.

(What better excuse to spend the afternoon hopping in and out of the pool at your mountain lodge and slurping something cool?) Morocco truly rocks in the summer: check out Mawazine, the international music festival held in June. It attracts fabulous perform-

ers from all over the world, but there’s a strong focus on acts from across Africa. Fes is the location for the World Sacred Music Festival, also held in June. This week-long multi-venue event features music from across the spectrum of religious traditions around the world. If you’re in Marrakech, catch the National Festival of Popular Arts, also in late June or early July. And the Casa Festival (in Casablanca) is not to be missed in July.

FALL Although September can still carry the heat left over from summer, you really can have your cake and eat it too: the days are still perfect for active sports, comfortable for walking tours, excellent for camel treks and overnights in the Sahara Desert. And then it cools off at night. Fall is harvest time for almost everything!

Try to be in Erfoud around the end of October in anticipation of the Date Festival. (The exact date is also a moving target.) Saffron is harvested in early to mid-November. Give in to temptation: buy fruit from the farmers’ roadside stands: pomegranates, apples, melons, grapes… it’s ALL fabulous and fresh! Proof positive that Morocco has the best road food ever!

WINTER Expect excellent weather for active sports, walking tours and hiking well into December. Although

MAGICAL MOROCCO

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temperatures can be spring-like, it is generally much cooler, with temperatures in the range of 5C to 15C during the day. The desert can be downright cold at night, so warm clothing is necessary. Since it’s generally less busy through the winter months, Morocco is a great choice for memorable Christmas and New Years’ celebrations. TIP: Choose one city as a base (such as Fes or Marrakech or Rabat) and make day excursions to regional points of interest. Sign up for a cooking class that includes a shopping trip into the medina, or discover the city’s unique personality: explore its galleries, museums, theatre, and restaurants.

Marrakech’s International Film Festival in early December is a star magnet, So much is possible when you travel in small groups and in a private 4X4 vehicle. It’s your trip, so travel your way! For a truly life-enriching trip, contact a Morocco travel specialist for the kind of knowledge and experience you can trust. Ask about custom or customizable itineraries, and private or “join me” groups.

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South Africa’s 2019 Travel Indaba

By Johanna Read, TravelEater.net Interested in knowing more about travel in southern Africa?

The travel trade, and even some consumers, will be interested in Travel Indaba 2019, the largest travel trade show on the African continent. The annual event takes place May 2 to 4, 2019, with dates recently adjusted to accommodate South Africa’s election on May 8.

Durban, a city of Indian Ocean beaches, will continue to host the event until at least 2020.

Travelling to South Africa for the trade show means lots of events and information aimed at travel experts, plus, with the election, the opportunity to witness democracy in action. Democracy, human rights and freedom are cornerstones of South Africa, and values which Nelson Mandela and others fought hard to bring to the country. It’s even possible to tour South Africa to see sites related to these values and Mandela, South Africa’s first democratically-elected president.

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Together the sites are called Madiba’s Journey, after Mandela’s clan name. The route has 100 historical locations, museums and art installations which celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Mandela’s birth in 1918. An app, at www.SouthAfrica.net/Mandela, guides you through each site.

A key Madiba’s Journey site is just outside of Durban, not far from the Indaba conference centre. The Nelson Mandela Capture Site has a museum explaining how Mandela was arrested in 1962, what led up to his 27 years in prison and his achievements after he was released.

There’s an immense laser-cut statue of his face and a moving representation of Mandela’s long walk to freedom. Other Madiba’s Journey sites are Cape Town’s Robben Island, the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, and the Route 67 art walk in South Africa’s dolphin capital, Port Elizabeth.

Africa’s Travel Indaba features speakers from government and the tourism industry, seminars and several networking events. Exhibitors include tourism boards, hotels, tour and safari companies, and transportation options from all over the African continent. The 2018 Travel Indaba had over 1700 buyers, 1100 exhibitors and 7000 delegates, marking the growth opportunity in travel to Africa.

In addition to the expo, visitors can enjoy Durban’s other highlights including the city’s Golden Mile promenade and long beaches with perfect surfing waves, botanical gardens, the Big Rush Big Swing adrenaline experience, excellent restaurants and bars, and even tastings at Distillery 031, a craft distillery in the hip Station Drive neighbourhood.

More info on the trade show is at www.indaba-southafrica.co.za, and on travel to South Africa at www.SouthAfrica.net.

Africa Beyond the Safari

Africa tourism traditionally has been about spotting the ‘Big Five’ – buffalo, lions, rhinos, leopards and elephants. More travelers are in search of another Big Five: culture, music, history, food and people Once of interest to the majority of travelers, generally because of its wildlife, Africa is today increasingly recognized as a destination of great cultural richness. As travelers look for new destinations and travel experiences, the attraction of Africa is spreading far beyond safari enthusiasts.

That isn’t to say that safaris are losing popularity or that the safari experience is any less spectacular. In Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda,

Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, game drives remain among the most extraordinary travel experiences available.

In fact, increasing environmental consciousness and the growing endangerment of many species has only increased their popularity and lent a sense of urgency to travelers considering a safari tour.

But once people arrive in Africa for the animals, the jungle and the savannah, they increasingly recognize that it also offers tremendous cultural diversity. Many who first come here for the safari experience return later to explore a wide and robust range of visual and performing arts.

Not surprisingly, a growing number of tour operators are moving to capture that demand.

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Webster’s dictionary defines culture as “the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief and behavior that depends on man’s capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations.”

By that measure Afric’a cultural treasures are vast and deep.

For centuries, Africa was the prize for competing nations that colonized its shores and pushed aggressively inland in pursuit of the continent’s vast resources. As a result, practically every European and most major Asian cultures have left strong legacies here. Their blending over the centuries has led to a rich cultural tapestry continually enlivened by abundant cross-fertilization.

In addition to its main and diverse indigenous cultures, Africa has been 11

touched since the 1600s by cultural influences from around the world.

Those influences are manifested today in the cuisine, visual arts, architecture, music and the performing arts, dress, business and manners.

Although Africa’s indigenous development was fundamentally different from that of the Western world, its influence on world culture has been profound.

In painting, the impact of African art on Picasso and Matisse sent a shockwave through Western art that radically transformed painting and sculputre in the 20th century.

The same can be said of African music, the roots of syncopated American jazz and blues and, by

extension, popular music the world over. Over the last six decades, Western musicans from jazz drummer Gene Krupa to trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie to singer-songwriter Paul Simon have made personal treks to Africa to re-energize their music with exposure to the source culture.

VIETNA

A trove of d

By Wayne Hansen Visiting Vietnam for the first time recently while attending the 2019 ASEAN in Ha Long, I quickly discovered that Vietnam is steadily rising as a repeat destination for international visitors From luxury yachts to culinary tours, to golf and a new cruise terminal Ha Long Bay offers a wide range of activities for the intrepid traveller. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to 1,969 limestone islands that jut out of the ocean.

Exploring these limestone islands by boat is a must when visiting the area. There are hundreds of boats ready to take passengers on a day or multiple-day cruise. These iconic islands are home to a network of caves. The largest is Sung Set located on Bo Hon Island. The cave is reported to have been first discovered by the French in 1901.

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discoveries waiting to be visited Vietnam is a country of beautiful diversity. It entices travellers with soaring mountains, thousands of kilometres of unspoilt beaches and one of the best street food scenes anywhere in the world. Anchored by Hanoi in the north with its 1,000 years of history, and the modern, French-influenced metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south, Vietnam also boasts world-class beach destinations, including Nha Trang, Danang and the paradise island of Phu Quoc, all home to luxury designer resorts and private yacht charters.

In between these hotspots are rural towns and idyllic landscapes where buffalo and farmers in conical hats work the fields of the Mekong Delta, 13

junks drift through the morning mist on Ha Long Bay and cyclo drivers peddle along the narrow streets of Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

which was only discovered in recent years and later confirmed to be the largest cave in the world. Explora-

A pleasing mix of contrasts, Vietnam beguiles with the warmth, openness and positivity of its people, an abiding memory of an alluring country.

Other areas to visit in Vietnam include: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - Featuring the oldest karst mountains in Asia - some of the ridges rise to as high as 400 meters - this is an incredible area for those with a taste for adventure - there are underground rivers and pristine jungle, as well as extensive cave systems - including Hang Son Doong,

tion of this takes the sort of budget that most of us don’t have, but there are more affordable options, such

as Paradise Cave, which features stalactites and stalagmites of such proportions as to be almost unimaginable from the tiny entrance.

Mekong Delta - As the source of a huge percentage of Vietnam’s food - rice and fish, in particular, is sourced from this area - the importance of the Mekong Delta can’t be overestimated. The mighty river that flows through it starts in the Himalayas and passes through four different countries before reaching Vietnam, where it creates suitably soggy rice paddies and completely informs the way of life of everyone who lives in its vicinity. Don’t miss the wonderful chaos and colour of the floating markets - the best of these is to be found at Can Tho and, although this is by no means the loveliest city in the region, it makes a great base for exploring everything else that the area has to offer.

Hue - Previously the capital of Vietnam, and the home of the Nguyen dynasty, Hue was neglected after the Vietnam War, because such a glorified past was not held in high regard by the new communist authorities. Now, however, all that remains is eagerly sought out - the To Mieu Temple Complex, and the Citadel, which contains the temples and pavilions of the Imperial City, surrounded by its moats and walls.

The recently restored Co Har gardens can also been found here.

My Son - Constructed over the space of 1000 continuous years, between the 4th and 13th centuries, this series of temples, located in central Vietnam, owe their origins to a unique culture, Cham, based on Indian Hinduism. Surrounded by mountains and streams, and made from fired red brick, the temples feature stone pillars and relief images showing scenes from Hindu mythology. Unfortunately, only about 20 structures still remain, whereas once there were around 70; the complex suffered greatly at

the hands of bombers in the 20th century and restoration and conservation work is ongoing.

Hoi An - Accessible only by road (the closest neighbouring city is Da Nang), Hoi An was a major trading centre in the 16th and 17th centuries and is now home to well-preserved architecture that gives the town something of the feel of an open air museum. Wooden-fronted buildings and some French colonial influences make for charming wanderings, as do pagodas and other Japanese nuances. The compact Old Town is easy to explore on foot, and is full of remnants of the city’s popularity with Chinese merchants in the past, such as signs featuring the ornate Chinese calligraphy denoting traders’ names. As well as being atmospheric and charming in its own right, the town also has a slew of talented tailors - a throwback to its historical importance as a port on the silk route - who can whip you up a fashion magazine replica in next to no time at all.

The Culture - The Vietnamese culture is very much still alive and well despite the bustling tourist industry. The street side food stalls and home-brewed beer in the bia hoi drinking spots can be found all around the cities and amongst the countryside.

The countryside is still afloat with hardworking farmers, bison led equipment and modest homes which remind visitors of the backbone behind the flashy cities. The French occupation has also left its mark as well on the people and the towns. You can see the European architecture, the abundant café culture and see the locals meeting outside of them for traditional Vietnamese coffee and tea.

The Food - Vietnamese cuisine is popular all over the world so why not come taste it at its source.

Women somehow whip up delicious meals out of the contents of a single bag on the side of the road and tiny street stalls fill the alleyways offering up papaya salads and the popular meat and noodle soup, Pho. Fried and fresh spring rolls are served up at the markets and the amount of delicious dipping sauces can make your head spin. Try the giant seafood filled pancakes, the grilled corn on the cob or the warm banana cake in a coconut milk sauce.

The affordability - Even for a Southeast Asian country, Vietnam is cheap. Travelling here will stretch your money farther and wider and will allow you to have a more enjoyable trip. Hostel and hotel rooms can cost you under $10 a night and beer will only run you less than a dollar. Each meal can be eaten for under $2 and a nice meal for two people can cost you just about $10. Food, accommodations, transportation, activities and souvenirs, they all end up costing less in one week than you would spend in a day in some other countries. You will be able to afford to do more, eat more and see more when you travel to Vietnam.

The People - The people in Vietnam are some of the friendliest and accommodating people you will find around Asia. You are always greeted with smiles and the occasional hello. Everyone seems willing to offer help, especially to travellers and tourists. Questions will get answered quickly and people will seem to bend over backwards for you in order to help you out. You will meet new friends and feel like you have found a family away from home.

Vietnam is a country of contrasts where pleasant surprises await at almost every turn.

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Seattle to Singapore Direct Singapore Airlines, “The World’s Best Airline” (according to Skytrax and Trip Advisor) will soon make Singapore more accessable to British Columbians.

Seattle will become the fifth US city in Singapore Airlines’ route network – and the fourth to be served non-stop from Singapore when new flights are introduced on September 3rd.

Airbus A350-900 aircraft will be used for the flights which will initially be operated three times per week before increasing to four times per week in October 2019.

A number of options exist to connect from Vancouver to Seattle.

Air Canada, WestJet, and Alaska Airlines are among the air options.

Quick Shuttle offers motor coach transportation to SeaTac Airport 4 times daily. Depending on your pick-up point the trip takes anywhere from 3.5 to about 5 hours and costs $99 round trip.

Several SeaTac area hotels will allow you to leave your car parked at minimal or no cost if you are spending a night in the hotel. Driving to Seattle the night before your flight is a very popular option for Canadian’s flying out of SeaTac. By the time Singapore Airlines new have opened Jewel, their iconic new 15

space that will be a destination in itself. Jewel will boast an eclectic collection of one-of-a-kind play attractions, unique shopping and dining experiences, accommodations and aviation facitities that will attract locals and international travellers.

The centrepiece of the attraction is the 40 meter tall Rain Vortex, a waterfall which after dark will feature spectacular light and sound shows every hour. It is surrounded by a 5 story garden which includes more than 3000 trees in Singapore’s largest indoor plant collection. The shopping and dining will include everything from the world’s best brands to unique local boutiques and gourmet speciaties.

Airport lounges, hotels, cruise, coach and ferry connections, early check-in counters, GST refund offices, meeting and event space and bag storage depots are all designed to make your trip smoother, more comfortable and more enjoyable. Jewel waill be connected to all 3 existing terminals.

Even before construction began on Jewel, Changi Airport was one of the world’s most awarded airports.

Changi already boasts about 350 awards, most of which include the words “world’s best” in their title.

With movie theatres, swimming pools, gardens, art, and seemingly endless shopping and dining, you

could spend your entire time in Singapore at Changi!

But of course, Singapore has so much more to offer. From Gardens by the Bay with Supertrees, the flower dome and the cloud forest, to the famous Hawker Centers, from the instantly recognizable triple tower Marina Bay Sands with its roof top swiming pool to the historic cultural neighborhoods of Little India, Chinatown, Katong and Kampong Glam, there is plenty to see and do. Whether you’re on a one day stop-over or you have a week to spend exploring, you’ll likely be planning your next visit as you head back to Changi.

“Our new non-stop flights to Seattle are another demonstration of our commitment to expand our operations in the important North American market and grow our network reach. The new services will also further strengthen the Singapore hub by providing customers faster and more convenient connectivity from key markets such as Southeast Asia, South Asia and Australasia to North America,” said Singapore Airlines CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong.

For more information go to: www. singaporeair.com, www.changiairport.com, and www.visitsingapore.com/en/

Discover what lures travellers to S

By Gina Hansen Campania is a region in Southern Italy that hugs the Tyrrhenian Sea along the western coast of Italy's boot. The area boasts a wide variety of diverse activities and scenery. You can experience vibrant cities, enjoy long drives in the countryside or along the coast, relax on a rock beach, or explore ancient ruins. Whether you're a food and wine lover, history buff, or just looking for charming scenic spots for a much needed vacation, Campania offers something for every traveller.

Alex Martyniak, Director Marketing Italian Chamber of Commerce at La Guardiense

Ancient Campania was the playground of the Roman elite. It's home to Naples, stunning coastlines and the birthplace of pizza. All of these culinary delights

are wonderful contributions to Italian culture, but in the interior of this densely populated area is the region's most significant hidden gem, a patchwork of very unique wines and wineries.

I recently visited Campania as a guest of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and toured some of the leading wineries in the area. On my first day we travelled to Solopaca and visited the vineyards of one of the first DOC wines of Campania (Solopaca 1973).

In the wine world, Campania is best known for red wines made from Aglianico grapes and for white wines made from Falanghina, Franco and Greco grapes. One of my favourite wines were those made from Aglianico grapes, round, full, robust and elegant. They won't disappoint.

In the past 40 years, Falanghina grapes have emerged as a signature grape for Campania's Sannio Dop. Falanghina's point of origin is attributed to the Bonea commune in Benevento which lies at the southern foot of Mount Taburno.

The Cantina di Solopaca is one of the oldest farmer's co-operatives in all of Campania. With its production of

more than 120 thousand hectolitres of wine it is in first place within the entire regional production.

When visiting the area it is highly recommended that you sample Italian wines in the local wineries. The various wineries offer many tasting seminars along with a farmer's lunch where you can enjoy curried meats along with different types of bread made from ancient grains and dipped in extra-virgin olive oil.

It was interesting to learn that most wineries are family owned. They are passionate and proud of making the best quality they can with their resources and their commitment to sharing these fine wines with their local community. As their production increases they are anxious to start exporting to other countries.

The various wineries are all participating in developing and attracting new visitors through the promotion of “Italian Wine Tourism�. It is an effective business approach for the wine industry and the Italian economy in general.

When planning a trip to Italy, include a wine and culinary tour and visit 16

Southern Italy’s Campania Region the rolling hillsides in Benevento where you will find steeply terraced vineyards within the region of Campania which offers some of the finest wines in Italy.

Mama Nunzia & son Antonio

Don't leave the area without sampling pizza made from the Italian wood fired ovens making probably the best pizza in the world! I was fortunate to have experienced a very special eating experience at the Trattoria Nunzia. It is a fourth generation family restaurant with many unique family recipes.

Mama Nunzia will greet you and will sit down with you at your table and explain the menu making you feel that you are part of the family.

Sant' Agatha de Goti is an area that offers a wealth of local produce. The Mustilli Winery is a great place to visit which is found off the beaten track.

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It's a charming old historic town dating back to pre-Roman times, full of churches, with many lovely works of art. Set in the historic centre, Mustilli offers a traditional restaurant with wine tasting tours in the owner's wine dungeon cellar.

I recommend the Grand Hotel Italiano in Benevento. The hotel is very centrally located on the water and walking distance to Old Town, shops, the train station and only a 10 minute walk to Mama Nunzio's.

The hotel is remarkably inexpensive with excellent accommodation and friendly staff.

The Savoy Beach Hotel is a 4 star deluxe hotel in Paestum. The hotel is away from the town centre but is an excellent spot for a resort vacation. The Beach Club is walking distance from the hotel.

Rooms are large, modern and well appointed with excellent staff and service. The hotel owner greeted us and is one of the most friendliest hotel owners I have ever met. Mr. Antonio Pagano, who owns Savory Beach Hotel also owns the Espla-

nade Hotel and Restaurant, Buffalo Farm the vineyard.

Antonio Pagano greets me on arrival at Savory Beach Hotel

The word is now getting out about the excellent wines and culinary experiences to be found in Campania. With some of the friendliest and most helpful people in the world that is why I love to travel...it's “for the people I meet�. The welcome feeling you will experience will make your trip.

My first trip to Italy was indeed an eye opener and a delight to my taste buds. Meeting winery owners that are fifth generation was especially exhilarating. I considered it an honour and privilege to have been welcomed like a family member and not just as another traveller. I am looking forward to my return visit to Italy where I can experience even more.

what’s cooking

in the CAMPANIA REGION

ITALY

The pizza is enough reason for many people to visit Naples.

But the southern Italian region of Campania has much more to offer the hungry traveler.

As Campania’s largest city, it’s no surprise that Neapolitan cooking traditions have greatly influenced the specialties that you’ll find throughout the region. Pepperonico reigns king, fresh seafood is abundant and the pizza is the best in the world. Campania is home to the gorgeous Sorrento Peninsula, the Cilento coastline and the Mediterranean island jewels of Capri and Ischia. In Naples and these coastal areas seafood is the local staple. However, if you head inland in the provinces of Salerno, Avellino, Benevento and Caserta, the focus changes from mare (the sea) to terra (the earth). A day’s drive in Campania can take you from fresh caught seafood to wild boar hunted in the mountains. Here are some of the top dishes to try during your travels in Campania.

1. Neapolitan Pizza Number one on this 4. Parmigiana Melanzane list could only be the justly famous Neapolitan pizza.

Known as the birthplace of pizza, Naples has many pizzaioli (pizza makers) who have been perfecting their fine craft for centuries. For the most traditional experience, try the Pizza Margherita topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, a drizzle of olive oil and a few basil leaves. It’s simple and divine all at once, and is only one of the many choices you’ll find throughout Campania.

2. Risotto alla Pescatora While risotto

is often associated more with central and northern Italy, Risotto alla Pescatora is a classic seafood risotto popular in Naples, along the Amalfi Coast and in other seaside areas. The fresh flavors of the sea blend beautifully with the delicate rice base, making this a refreshing summer dish.

3. Spaghetti con le vongole Cam-

panian cooking is simple and fresh, and this dish highlights those traits at their best. This traditional Neapolitan recipe features vongole (clams), olive oil, garlic and parsley served with spaghetti, and is one that you’ll also find along the Amalfi Coast, the islands of Capri and Ischia and along the Campania coastline.

Campania’s famous mozzarella cheese is an important ingredient in many traditional dishes, including the well-known Parmigiana Melanzane, or Eggplant Parmesan. Thin slices of eggplant are fried and then layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil, and when baked the flavors meld in an irresistible and comforting dish.

5. Caprese Salad

No dish captures the flavors and simplicity of Campanian cooking better than the Caprese salad made with sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh leaves of basil gently torn and a drizzle of olive oil over the region’s excellent mozzarella di bufala (buffalo milk cheese).

6. Polpette

No food pilgrimage to Naples would be complete without trying the city’s mythic polpette (meatballs).

They’re better than you can imagine!

A traditional family style lunch might include pasta with the sauce from the polpette and the meatballs served separately as the second course.

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Top Wines of Campania, Italy

Grapes have been grown in the fertile soil of Campania since ancient times, and one of the pleasures of travelling through this region in southern Italy is the chance to discover the unique varieties of wine produced in this area. From the rolling hillsides in the provinces of Benevento and Avellino to the steeply terraced vineyards of the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri and Ischia to the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius, the wines of Campania are as varied as the landscape. Enjoy locally made wines during your holiday, especially since they pair wonderfully with the regional foods of Campania.

There are many excellent regional wines made in Campania, but here are a few classic wines of to try during your travels to this scenic region of southern Italy.

Aglianico

The variety of red grapes call Aglianico is one of the most widespread in southern Italy, and it reaches perfection in the climate and terrain of Campania. Aglianico grapes are grown throughout the region, and made into rich and full-bodies wines. They are also the base for the superb Taurasi DOCG wines made in the province of Avellino, the Falerno del Massico DOC wines produced in the province of Caserta and the Aglianico del Taburno DOC wines from the province of Benevento.

Falanghina

Two varieties of Falanghina grapes are grown through the region of Campania, and both make excellent, crisp white wines. One of Italy’s oldest grape varieties, and cultivated in Campania since ancient Roman times, Galanghina is the white wine of the region. Its slightly sweet and fruity features make it the perfect white wine to serve with fish, pasta or even as a summer aperitivo. You’ll find it in its pure form, such as the fine Taburno Falangina DOC, and also blended to make the excellent Falerno del Massico and the regional wines produced on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and the island of Capri.

Greco di Tufo

No list would be complete without including Greco di Tufo, a crisp white wine from Campania that is a personal favourite of many. On a warm summer day on the Amalfi Coast, this is a refreshing aperitivo while preparing dinner, and it makes an excellent accompaniment with fish and other traditional seafood recipes of Campania.

There are many more regional wines to discover during your holiday in Campania, and we hope this list inspires you to try local wines during your travels in southern Italy or back home.

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