Pilgrimage to Torino, Italy
The Holy Shroud is one of the world’s most sacred of religious artifacts and is kept well preserved, away from public view. Every so often, the Holy Shroud is put on exhibit for public view, the last time being ten years ago, which makes this exhibit such a special opportunity.
Just as Islam helps define the culture of many middle-eastern countries, one of the most important aspects about Italian culture is the enormous and popular dedication to the Christian religion.
For the first time in ten years, the Holy Shroud will be displayed in the Italian city of Torino at the St. John Baptist Cathedral this spring. The Holy Shroud is believed to be the cloth that was wrapped around Jesus Christ after the crucifixion.
Needless to say, this event is a big deal for Italians, and Christian people worldwide.
This event will give tourists a unique opportunity to make a pilgrimage to discover the sacred face of the city of Torino in the Piemonte (Piedmont) region of Italy. The region is filled with Baroque-style churches to the Royal Residences, abbeys and monasteries and Holy Mounts.
During the Exposition, there will be a series of theme events that will characterize the cultural activity in the territory. Exhibits, film, concerts, sponsored by the Comitato per l’Ostensione della Sindone (Exposition committee), will be presented in various cultural centers in Torino and Piemonte.
Over 2 million visitors are expected to turn out for this occasion, one including Pope Benedict XVI, who will visit the Shroud on May 2nd.
Make your reservations (which are required at least 15 days in advance) here.
Where in the world are the Cook Islands?
Where in the world are the Cook Islands?
I’ll admit, I had to look them up myself. They’re located in the middle of the South Pacific, between Fiji and Tahiti.
Even though this cluster of 15 islands is just about as far away as you can get from the US, you can get there in a single non-stop flight, thanks to Air New Zealand, which is now offering a sweepstakes for a free trip to the Cook Islands.
The grand prize includes: a week long trip for two with roundtrip, non-stop airfare from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand, three nights at Manuia Beach Hotel, two nights at Tamanu Beach Aitutaki, domestic flights to and from several of the different islands, daily tropical breakfast, One Foot Island Lagoon Cruise, Jungle Quad Tour provided by Coconut Tours, introductory dive provided by The Dive Centre, Progressive Dinner & Wine Tour provided by Cook Islands Tours.
Enter the sweepstakes here : http://www.findthecookislands.com
Some things that I’ve learned from spending just a few minutes on the Cook Islands’ tourism website:
- The 15 Islands span across 2 million square killometers of the tropical South Pacific
- There is no rainy season
- The local culture is over 1000 years old
- They use the New Zealand dollar, which is 1.5 dollars for every American dollar- meaning your money will go twice as far
- The language is Mãori -
Count to ten: tai, rua, toru, ‘ã, rima, ono, itu, varu, iva, ta‘i nga‘uru
Say good morning: põpongi - Your jaw will drop when you see photos and imagine yourself on the white beaches of these islands (at least mine did)
Boston gets a “Taste of Iceland”
Next week, starting on March 11th, Iceland will take over the city of Boston.
A Taste of Iceland is a week long event, taking place around the entire city to show Bostonians what Iceland and the Icelandic culture is all about.
This Viking invasion will be filled with public events; live musical performances by famous Icelandic musicians during the day and Icelandic DJs will spin for Bostonians at night. There will be culinary tastings with cuisine by one of Iceland’s most famous chefs.
In addition, an Icelandic film festival on March 11 will showcase Iceland inspired films, including Country Wedding and Reykjavik Rotterdam at the Kendall Square Cinema.
This cultural event will take place from March 11-18, 2010 and is sponsored in collaboration by Iceland Naturally and Iceland Air (who will be giving away a free trip to Iceland!)
For more details on schedules and events during A Taste Of Iceland, click here.
Practice eco-consciousness as you travel Laos!
A new tour by Exotissimo is encouraging travelers to travel responsibly by giving back to the Laos community and to the environment, all while enjoying a once in a lifetime trip to the beautiful southeast Asian country.
The kamu-lodge in Laos
The five-day Luang Prabang Charitable Tour is designed to have a minimum impact on the environment as well as make a positive impact on the Lao people. The tour includes eco-friendly excursions by electric bikes and many opportunities to help and a trip to help the underprivileged in the area.
Guests on the tour will be visiting local charities and non-profit organizations such as the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center and Ock Pop Tok. They can make a personal trip to rural villages to donate books to underprivileged youth and lend a hand to wildlife conservation efforts at a sunbear rescue center.
The program features some very unique cultural experiences, including petanque games with locals and a traditional baci blessing ceremony to offer travelers understanding and appreciation of the Lao culture and lifestyle.
For travelers interested in longer programs with an emphasis on responsible tourism, Exotissimo can also arrange charity challenges to raise funds for local charities or their selected causes.
This trip is a way to really see an exotic destinations without feeling like you’re invading, which is what responsible travel is all about. If you’re just interested in responsible travel as a philosophy, you can read all about it at Exotissiomo’s tourism-philosophy page.
Click here to learn more about the Luang Prabang Charitable Tour.