METRO WORLD NEWS
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Monday, 17 January 2011 www.metrotravel.com
TRAVEL
MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 2011
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we live where you’re going
KICK OFF YOUR CARNIVAL TRAVEL PLANNING WITH OUR GUIDE {page 05}
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Winter
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warmer gadgets
{page 06}
What’s inside
This could be YOU in Barbados
Kick off your carnival travel planning {page 05}
Foodies find heaven in NYC {page 04}
Winter warmer gadgets {page 06}
{page xx} GETTY IMAGES
Get the insider’s Barcelona {page 02 + Foodies find heaven in New York City {page 04}
Unspoiled Barbados {page xx} XXX
travel
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www.metrotravel.com MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 2011
GET INTO MY CITY: BARCELONA She might be Italian by birth but after living in Barcelona for most of her life, it’s clear where Georgia Taglietti’s heart lies. Georgia is head of the international media department for the city’s famous Sonar music festival, an annual event that showcases the best new and experimental music from around the world. It makes her the ideal host for her home city GEORGIA TAGLIETTI METRO WORLD NEWS
From Gaudi to Gracia
I
left my country 26 years ago and have lived here ever since, in almost every ‘barrio’. And I don't want to move anywhere else. Why should I? I have seen the city transform into an urban seaside ‘resort’, where the sea is now the key attraction. Barcelona is whatever you wish it to be. There is no cliché, its size makes it perfect for not getting lost and allows you to get to know the city pretty
First time? Visit any of the buildings designed by Gaudi. There's a good reason why they are the most important tourist attraction here: his architecture is a unique visual and aesthetic experience. Go to Parc Güell or visit Casa Battlò, and if you have time visit la Sagrada Familia, the church that is a work in progress.
Been there before? The chic areas around Paseo de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya would be the first choice for a proper shopping tour. A cool tip for shoe fashionistas: check the designer espadrilles at Castañer (Mestre Nicolau 23), which is located in a posh area uptown (castaner.com). Have lunch at Les Cuines de Santa Caterina (cuinessantacaterina.com), one of my favourite lunch spots. Try Cal Pep for tapas, a true Spanish experience (calpep.com), and for authentic paella, visit Cheriff, in the Barceloneta neighborhood (C/ Ginebra 15). For a fancy drink, have
For more information check out barcelonaturisme.com TURISME DE BARCELONA
La Sagrada Familia
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
The Mandarin Oriental
your aperitif in the fantastic Mandarin Oriental in Paseo de Gracia. Patricia Urquiola, the interior designer, created this hotel’s grand interiors. The experience is very upmarket. (mandarinoriental.com/ba rcelona)
Get a glimpse into Gaudi’s fantastical world vision at Parc Güell
Shopping!
Stay in
For cool shopping stroll around the El Born area. There you will find Coquette (coquettebcn.com), or my favourite Como Agua de Mayo (C/Argenteria, 43). Lydia Delgado is one of Barcelona’s top fashion designers (lydiadelgado.es) as is Catalan Jaime Mascaró, who is the designer behind Pretty Ballerinas (mascaro.com). Their concept store on the Ramblas sells their collection of flat shoes.
For a boutique hotel try Hotel Omm (hotelomm.es) near Paseo de Gracia. For a cheap option with a twist choose Room Mate Emma (roommatehotels.com).
CONTRIBUTED
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Go out
CONTRIBUTED
Eat Catalan cuisine is now at the top of its game, and Ferran Adrià is the mentor. The famous chef’s new
Try La [2] de Apolo (salaapolo.com) for live concerts, and go clubbing at Razzmatazz (salarazzmatazz.com). In June, there is Sónar, the ultimate electronic music festival! (sonar.es)
Pretty Ballerina
Dos Cielos
The Mandarin Oriental
TURISME DE BARCELONA
well in a week, if you follow the right steps. From following the city’s famous architect Gaudi’s footsteps to the ‘chiringuitos’ beach bars, from the ethnic Raval to the posh Paseo de Gracia: you will always get your own tailor-made Barcelona. This is what I love the most about this city.
Dessert at Dos Cielos
bar/restaurant, Tickets, has just opened (ticketsbar.es). The new generation of chefs also offer up a gastronomic selection at Gresca (gresca.net), and the one-Michelin star Dos Cielos. For a more inform-al option head to Mordisco (grupotragaluz.com). The best bakery is Hoffman (hofmann-bcn.com) for delicious croissants.
CONTRIBUTED
Sonar Festival
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MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 2011
TRAVEL WITH A TWIST: BARBADOS BARBADOS TOURISM AUTHORITY
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THINGS TO DO FOR CHEAP OR FREE
ANDROMEDA BOTANICAL GARDENS Explore Andromeda Botanical Gardens in the parish of St Joseph, which started off as a private plant collection in the 1950s and now covers six acres.
Surf’s up!
The East Coast: Unspoiled
andromeda.cavehill.uwi.edu
Barbados
If you visit Barbados, it’s tempting to lie on the white beach all holiday, but there’s lots to explore The East Coast is less touristy, and you can get a taste for real Bajan life
WILL HIDE
METRO WORLD NEWS TRAVEL@METRO.LU
“Head to the east to the ‘real’ Barbados where few tourists go.”
CATTLE WASH BEACH Walk along Cattle Wash beach and breathe in the fresh air that hasn’t touched land since it left Africa.
BARBADOS TOURISM AUTHORITY
When the weather is horrid at home and the boss has been screaming at you for that budget report, the temptation on a hardearned holiday can be to just hit the sunlounger with your favourite novel and a strong drink and not move for two weeks. Fair enough, and if you're in Barbados probably on the West or South coasts, with their soft sandy beaches and sea the temperature of bath water then that temptation can be overwhelming. But, on at least one day of your holiday, you really should hire a car - driving is on the left, as in the UK and head east to the ‘real' Barbados where few tourists go. Pass fields of sugar cane (on the way, pop into the Four Square rum factory, to see how some of that sugar is put to good use) and then pause at Crane Beach in the parish of St Philip, with its cliff-top hotel (where you could have lunch at D'Onofrio's Italian restaurant, or French-style L'Azure), and a rough and tumble sea that is great for
Secrets Locals are quite modest and traditional - save your beachwear for the beach and not the supermarket or restaurant. There are few pavements on the east side of the island, so if you're driving after a rainshower be careful not to splash pedestrians walking along the road. “Cheese on bread!” is a local saying used to express surprise. Don't bring camouflage or army-style clothing — it’s illegal to wear it. Trying a flying fish cutter — a cutter is a sandwich. The pristine beach at Bottom Bay.
body boarding. Or a bit further up the coast search out unspoiled Foul Bay or Bottom Bay. Both are used more by locals than visitors but everyone's welcome - bring your own food for a lunchtime picnic because there are no shops nearby. At Bottom Bay
the wide beach is protected by high coral cliffs and here the Atlantic waves are much stronger than on the Caribbean side, so stick to the beach. Carry on round the coast on the narrow roads to Bathsheba where you might see some experienced
surfers hanging ten at the 'Soup Bowl'. It's much more rugged than the west coast, and great for a walk to blow away the cobwebs before you retire back to your sunlounger and rum punch. For more information check out barbados.org
BATHSHEBA Watch the surfers at Bathsheba, but because of strong currents don't be tempted to dive in unless you are an extremely capable swimmer.
Quick tip
STAY
The Atlantis boutique hotel is in a converted 19thcentury property in Tent Bay. B&B doubles start from US$299 per night. Or try the Edgewater at Bathsheba where B&B doubles start from US$88. atlantishotelbarbados.com newedgewater.com
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MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 2011
GOURMET TRAVELLER: NEW YORK CITY
Big Apple bites: Eat like a local in NYC Where to go in New York City to eat like a local From Chinatown to ‘Little India’ to a famed Prohibition-era restaurant, we’ve got you covered On a budget? Don’t worry — we’ve also got five yummy cheap eats GETTY IMAGES
DOROTHY ROBINSON
Quick tips
METRO USA
CULINARY TOUR
DOROTHY.ROBINSON@METRO.US
The sightseeing bus Gray Line has just launched three special culinary tours: Tastes of Chinatown; Original East Village Food, Drinks, and Cultural Tour; and The Ultimate New York Food and Culture Tour. Discover the secret eateries, restaurants, and diversity of the different neighborhoods. $49-$75, newyorksightseeing.com
“Hit up celebrity chef Mario Batali’s Eataly for dinner — and provisions for lunch the next day.” With hundreds of worldclass eateries, restaurants, gourmet shops, bars and now even food trucks crammed into one small island, New York City is a foodie’s Mecca. But where should the hungry traveler hit? To start your day, eat the quintessential New York breakfast — a bagel, of course. Brought over by Eastern European immigrants in the early 1900s, today’s version contains salt, malt and is boiled prior to baking resulting in a puffy, moist, delicacy best enjoyed with heaping amounts of cream cheese. Try the classic ones at H&H Bagels (2239 Broadway, hhbagels.com). The best Indian cuisine this side of Bombay can be had for around $10 for
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COOLEST CHEAPEATS RESTOS IN NEW YORK CITY
STAY Distrikt Hotel: The friendly staff will take good care of you at this centrally located hotel. The rooms are small, but clean and soundproof (rates start at $275). distrikthotel.com
HOW TO HAIL A TAXI (CAB) Eataly’s motto, “We sell what we cook and we cook what we sell,” sums up Mario Batali’s vast Italian food emporium perfectly.
lunch at most Indian restaurants in the two “Little Indias” in the city (Lexington Avenue, btwn 26th and 30th Streets., and 6th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues). For dinner, Eataly (200 5th Ave., eatalyny.com), Mario Batali’s new Italian market, is a must. Wander through this massive hybrid of restaurant/
grocery store/food court/meat market to sample various delicacies before you sit down to dine at one of his many restaurants inside this emporium. If you’re looking for a more historical New York City epicurean experience, try the ‘21’ Club (21 W. 52nd St., 21club.com). The famed prohibition speakeasy
turned pillar of New York culinary culture has hosted every President since FDR (except for George W. Bush) and hundreds of celebrities. Still can’t decide? For Chinese and Vietnamese, hit Chinatown (Canal Street); for Puerto Rican, Kosher and Latin American food (as well as tons of new, hip
eateries), go to the Lower East Side (Houston and Canal Streets); while Harlem (110th St. to Harlem River) is host to some of America’s best soul food and barbeque.
EMILY EPSTEIN/METRO
WILLIAM BRINSON
CONTRIBUTED
EMILY EPSTEIN/METRO
PROSPERITY DUMPLING This tiny Chinatown institution serves up pot stickers, such as their scrumptious pork and chive dumplings, for around 20 cents each. 46 Eldridge St.
SHAKE SHACK These hamburger and milkshake stands are in various locations around the city and are extremely popular with tourists and locals alike. Don’t let the long lines fool you, they move quickly. Various locations www.shakeshack.com
For more information check out www.metrotravel.com
KATZ’S DELICATESSEN
TACOMBI @ FONDA NOLITA
Enioy hand-carved pastrami and corned beef sandwiches bigger than your head while you take in the scene — hipsters versus tourists versus old-school residents — at New York City’s oldest deli. 205 East Houston St.
You go here for the ambiance as much as the food — their cheap and delicious tacos ($4), are served out of a vintage VW van now parked inside a vast, arty space that was once a garage. 267 Elizabeth St. www.tacombi.com
Yellow cabs are safe, plentiful and convenient but don’t try hailing one between the hours of 4 and 4:30 p.m. That’s when drivers change their shifts, making getting a cab nearly impossible. Also, only wave down a cab when you see the that the center light atop the car is lit. If the two side lights are on that means the car is off-duty and the driver will not stop.
GETTY IMAGES
PIZZA For a traditional New York City ‘cheap eat’ grab a slice of pizza; tiny, hole-in-the-wall pizzerias can be found on about every other block and serve up slices for around $2 each. Everywhere! Even Vera Wang gets her hands on some corner shop pie
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MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 2011
TOP 5: CARNIVALS
A great excuse for non-stop fun Choose between samba dancing, glittery corsets or Caribbean cuisine Whether you’re in Europe, US, UK or Latin America, festivities abound Whichever you choose to attend, you’ll get carried away by the beat, food and songs GETTY IMAGES
ROMINA MCGUINNESS METRO WORLD NEWS
ROMINA.MCGUINNESS@METRO.LU
“Shake off the winter blues and slip on your dancing shoes. As carnivals come around, so does our need to sing, eat and party.” The great thing about carnivals is that they give you a time when you can really let your hair down. Best of all, you can indulge in some of life’s greatest pleasures without feeling guilty or foolish about doing so. Whether you fancy being pelted with oranges, want to shimmy your way through the streets of Rio or get stuck into an hour-long tomato fight, it’s time to get the party started.
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THE CHEEKY ONE Binche Carnival, Belgium
For this festival, the town’s men dress up as ‘Gilles’, wearing green masks and extravagant headgear made from ostrich feathers, and holding on to sticks to ward off evil spirits to celebrate Shrove Tuesday and the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. After slow-dancing through the streets, the ‘Gilles’ pelt the watching crowd with oranges, a symbolic token of the arrival of spring. Just try to dodge the oranges as they come flying in your direction. Dates: 5 - 8 March carnavaldebinche.be
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THE TRADITIONAL ONE
THE CARIBBEAN ONE
New Orleans Mardi Gras, USA
Once a year, the prim streets of Notting Hill host Europe’s biggest street festival. Spread out over two days, Sunday is for children and is much more tranquil than Monday, when the celebration really kicks in. Women clad in glittery corsets sway their hips to the beat of the traditional steel drum bands as passers-by tuck into traditional Caribbean delights such as fried plantain and jerk chicken washed down with cool rum punch. Dates: 28 - 29 August nottinghill-carnival.co.uk
Clinging on to the rich French heritage, the town gets into a frenzy from January onward, with parades, masquerade balls and King Cake parties right up till the actual day of the carnival. On the day, carnival Krewes (parade floats) and colourful beads into the crowd. A sense of mischief lingers in the air throughout the season as locals brace themselves for the more restrained 40 days of Lent. Dates: 5 - 8 March mardigrasneworleans.com
Notting Hill Carnival, England
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THE MESSY ONE La Tomatina, Spain
Ever heard of Buñol? This dusty, otherwise unpretentious industrial town gets painted red once a year thanks to ‘La Tomatina’ tradition. Thousands gather around the town’s main square as a greasy pole with a ham attached to the end is hoisted into the air. As the crowd struggles to pull it down, a rocket swooshes skywards and trucks release 100 tonnes of ripe tomatoes onto the crowd. A friendly tomato fight goes on for one hour until a second rocket is fired, signalling a truce. Dates: 31 August 2011 latomatina.org
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THE ‘ONE AND ONLY’
Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Brazil The most extravagant carnival in the world is a fourday extravaganza, where ‘cariocas’ get the city dancing to samba, and ‘bandas’, street parties guided by drummers and singers, rule the days. The crowned King and Queen of the Carnival preside over key events, while locals join the street party in their finest. The climax is the finale at the ‘Sambodromo’, the end of one of the longest and most outrageous parades in the world. Dates: 5 - 8 March embratur.gov.br
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MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 2011
GADGETS: WINTER TRAVEL
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ACCESSORIES TO KEEP YOU (AND YOUR BIKE) WARM
1 RIP CURL MEN’S S-BOMB HEATED VEST Designed to keep you warm in cold environments, the wind and water-proof Rip Curl S-Bombvest uses a 14V battery to power a heating system in the lower back. €225, www.ripcurl.com
2 NOMAD TÉNÉRÉ EXPEDITION TENT Chances are that if you holiday by motorcycle, you love your bike as much as you love yourself. The Ténéré Expedition Tent is an all-season two-person tent that will also accommodate your beloved wheels. And at 6kg it won’t weigh you down. $399, www.nomadtent.com
3 FIVEPOINT GLOVES It’s infuriating when you can’t use your favourite touch-screen gadget in the winter when you’re wearing gloves. But if you’re wearing Fivepoint gloves you can keep your hands warm but still scrolling your touch-screen thanks to their specially-treated fingertips. $38.92 USD or €29.46 EUR, www.fivepointgloves.com METRO WORLD NEWS
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