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Heathrow Airport is the third busiest in the world and it hosts millions of passengers headed for different destinations cross the world and the UK. It has five terminals which enable it to handle the huge numbers of passengers. The airport is located 13 miles from London's central business district and flights to different parts of Europe and other regions can be accessed easily from here. Those without personal cars do not have to worry about transport as the airport has amazing facilities to and from the airport.

Accommodation is an important aspect in and around such busy transport hubs and Heathrow has lots of nice hotels in its vicinity offering the passengers the comfort and relaxation they need before or after a flight. These hotels are usually in high demand with the huge numbers of passengers using the airport on a daily basis. There is however enough accommodation to suit all passengers and some of the very best hotels you will find here include the following:

The Heathrow Windsor Marriott: This is a four star hotel a few miles from this busy airport and Terminal 5 is easily accessible from here. You can also get terminal transfers with the help of the Heathrow Hoppa bus. The hotel comes complete with all conveniences and luxury facilities which include a restaurant, steam room and sauna.

The Renaissance Hotel: This luxury hotel is quite near Heathrow Airport and passengers are offered transfer services via a hotel bus. The facilities are luxurious with amazing features for any length of stay and the proximity to the airport makes it a favorite of many regular travelers. It is great for those looking for added luxury while on stop-over and headed for another destination.

Heathrow Novotel Hotel: is also a four- 호스트바 알바  star hotel in a great location close to Heathrow Airport. Just two miles drive from the airport, this hotel has facilities and amenities such as a gym, gaming facilities and WiFi and much more, all of which make a stay at hotels near Heathrow airport here most enjoyable before or after a flight. It is especially great for those on a lay-over and wanting some rest and relaxation before a long journey.

The Premier Inn: This three-star hotel is best for those looking for something more affordable and working with a tighter budget since the prices are quite pocket-friendly, yet offers a stay that is most comfortable for all kinds of travelers, whether they're there for a long or short stay. Here, affordability does not compromise quality of services, making it a great stay option

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Hoppa Alba

London. The vibrant, beating heart of the United Kingdom. It's one of the world's most popular destinations for tourists, and for business travellers too. The amount of commerce that goes through London is staggering, with a financial centre second only to New York, and service industries that cater for both the UK, European and international markets. As the world's most multicultural city - there are over 300 languages spoken by a population of over eight million people (twelve million if you include the metropolitan area) - the opportunities for business are clear.

With the UK strategically positioned for the business traveller on the western edge of Europe, London is a global hub for air travel, providing easy access to mainland Europe, and a stepping stone to the United States. Primarily served by five airports - Heathrow, Gatwick, City, Stansted and Luton - London is easily reached from anywhere in the world. But with the exception of London City Airport - smallest of the five and located in East London, close to the business district of Canary Wharf - the other four airports are satellites evenly dispersed around the city. The most popular, Heathrow, is located to the west of London; Gatwick is situated to the south; Stansted to the north east; and Luton to the North West. Knowing this before you make your travel plans can be useful. Since the greater metropolitan area of London covers over 1,000 square miles, your final business destination may not be right in the centre. Researching which airport is closest to your destination can save you time, effort and money.

However, whether you're a business traveller flying from within the UK or from overseas, your starting destination may often determine the airport you arrive at. Other factors, such as your chosen 호빠  time of travel, budget and availability will also make a difference. For example, if you're travelling with a major international carrier from a major city, such as New York, the chances are you'll arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick (Stansted also receives flights from New York but is the smallest of the three). If you're travelling locally from within the UK with a budget carrier you're more likely to arrive at Stansted or Luton (though not exclusively). And if you're travelling from a major European city, particularly a financial capital, such as Frankfurt, London City Airport is a likely arrival point (the airport was created specifically to cater for short haul business travellers, particularly between financial centres).

Each airport is served by comprehensive rail and road infrastructure, providing business travellers with a variety of options to enter London. All five airports offer direct rail travel into the heart of Central London, coach travel to the main Victoria terminus, and hire car, mini-bus, licensed black cab and taxi services by road. If you're a VIP business traveller, chauffeur services are also available, and with the exception of London City Airport, each also offer direct helicopter transfer into the heart of the city.

London Heathrow Airport

The busiest of the five airports is London Heathrow. Located less than twenty miles from central London, Heathrow is situated to the west of the city within the M25 motorway metropolitan boundary. The fastest route into London is via the Heathrow Express train service, taking just 15 minutes from terminals 1, 2 and 3 to Paddington station (located on the western side of Central London). If your flight arrives at either terminal 4 or 5 it's a further four and six minutes travel time respectively, and you'll need to transfer on to the main London-bound service at terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The service is excellent, offering comfort and convenience, but does not always suite everyone's travel budget. The standard 'Express' single journey ticket costs £21.00 (€25.00 / $35.00), but business travellers can get better value when purchasing a return ticket, priced at £34.00 (€40.00 / $56.00). The 'Business First' ticket is more expensive, with singles costing £29.00 (€35.00 / $48.00) and returns £52.00 (€62.00 / $86.00), but it does afford business travellers considerably more leg room, the privacy of a 'single seating' layout, and a fold out table. The experience is akin to that of air travel. All passengers across both pricing structures enjoy access to electrical sockets, USB ports and free Wi-Fi. The overall quality of service and passenger experience generates a 'wow' factor, and if your budget can afford it, is certainly the smoothest, quickest and most convenient way to travel into London from Heathrow. Trains run regularly every fifteen minutes in both directions, particularly useful for last minute dashes to the airport.

There are two further rail options available to business travellers, both considerably less expensive, though this is reflected in the quality of service. That's not to say either is not a good solution for business travellers, just that there is a noticeable difference in convenience and comfort.

With a service typically running every thirty minutes, and a journey duration - depending on the time of day - of between 23 and 27 minutes from terminals 1, 2 and 3, Heathrow Connect is more than adequate for business travellers who are not in a hurry. Like the rival Express service, Connect also arrives at Paddington station, but unlike its faster rival stops at up to five other stations before reaching its terminus. The 'inconvenience' of this less direct journey is compensated for by a considerably less expensive ticket price. Single journey's cost £9.90 (€12.00 / $16.00) while a return is £19.80 (€24.00 / $32.00). There is no saving to be made from purchasing a return ticket. While the convenience and comfort of the traveller experience cannot match the Express, the Connect business travel solution is an acceptable compromise that suits a greater number of travel budgets.

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It's always good to check out a shuttle service before hiring. While booking airport transportation, you should consider the time-sensitive nature of your travel. You have to compare the price, service and reputation of several agencies before choosing one. However you can look for free airport shuttle services provided by some hotels while travelling. This will help you to save your money for airport transfer.

If you are travelling to London, you can stay in some London hotels with free airport shuttle services. Staying in these hotels will never let you miss your flight. The convenient services offered by several London hotels use the experience and information of local traffic conditions for delivering their guests directly to the right terminal at Heathrow International Airport of London. You can get lots of time for leisurely checking in. You will get a wide array of accommodation facilities at London hotels starting from luxury, budget to business hotels.

Let's check out the top 3 London hotels offering free airport shuttle services:

The Park Inn Heathrow

This hotel is located at 15 minutes distance by train ride from the London city centre. It is situated on Bath Road, very close to Feltham and Stockley business parks. This place is only a short drive from Windsor Castle, Ascot Racing Park and Legoland. You will be glad to know that the International Airport of Heathrow is very less than a mile away and so it is easily accessible by the free shuttle service of the hotel to all terminals.

There are 895 rooms featuring WI-Fi Internet access, telephone, work desk and flat-screen TV. Moreover you can avail 호빠   the option for tea making and pay-per-view movies. Some other facilities include spa, leisure club, car park, 24 hour room service, plasma screen displaying flight information and valet services. Furthermore there are conference facilities in 41 rooms that can accommodate about 700 people. You can get breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant of this hotel. In addition you can watch live sports events in the Entertainment Bar. You can also enjoy drinks and snacks in the ground floor.

The London Heathrow Ariel

It is a part of the Holiday Inn chain situated less than 12 minutes away from the Heathrow International Airport on Bath Road. You can easily reach the airport by free 'Hotel Hoppa' shuttle service that leaves the hotel after every 20 minutes. The rooms of this hotel have double-glazing, air conditioning as well as blackout curtains for ensuring that the guests can sleep here peacefully. You can get free WI-Fi Internet Access to all areas. If you are a business traveller, you can get the access to the conference centre of this hotel.

The Crowne Plaza

It is situated less than 2 miles from the International Airport of Heathrow. The nearby attractions include Thorpe Park and Legoland. You can easily access the M4 and M25 motorways from the location of this hotel in West Drayton. Windsor and London city centre are only a short drive away from this hotel. The hotel has pool, health club and on-site golf course. Moreover you can avail the facilities of fridge, TV, complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner and lots more things at this hotel.

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Hoppa Alba

There are innumerable brands in the fashion industry and it is never easy to pinpoint which brand is the top international brand. If money is not the constraint there are countless top brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, True Religion, Christian Audigier, 7 Diamonds, UGG Australia, Joe's Jeans etc. They all are known for their distinctive identity and exude an aura of universal glamour and charm. Though all of them cater to a niche clientele, however, each one of them are distinctive in their style and design. In a fashion industry, that sees the rise of a dozen brands each day, it's definitely not an easy task to figure out one top brand; in fact it wouldn't be incorrect to say there are quite a few top designer brands.

These brands are a favorite with most Hollywood celebrities, stars and famous personalities and can be often spotted wearing signature creations from these designer houses. A brief look into some of these hottest brands will surely give an idea on why they lead the pack and are considered to be the best in the industry.

Christian Audigier: This famous French designer's fashion house is known for its bold, unique and chic designs that exude from its collection of designer apparels. Numerous well-known personalities have made Christian Audigier's collection a part of their wardrobes including the likes of Madonna, Kate Perry, Joel Moore, Allison Iraheta, 호빠  Michael Jackson, Rich Luzzi, Colby O Donnis, etc. This international conglomerate has risen to the top of the ladder within a really short span of time and features designer brands including Ed Hardy, Christian Audigier, SMET, Crystal Rock, C-Bar-A, Savoir Faire, Evel Knievel, Rock Fabulous, and Paco Chicano.

Joe's Jeans: The client list is literally endless that features some of the best known names such as Madonna, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Katie Holmes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cheryl Crow, Will Smith, Alicia Keys etc. With such an illustrious client base, it isn't surprising this designer wear is one of the hottest selling brands right now. The women's collection features a selection of exquisitely crafted jeans that are accompanied by an equally fine range of blouses, tops and even accessories such as bags. The men's collection features an equally impressive collection of shirts and jeans that are designed to add a cool and a glamorous appeal to the overall appearance.

Hugo Boss: The name is synonymous with fashionable and sophisticated collections of designer wear that is a reflection of impeccable craftsmanship, exclusivity and unmatched fabrics. Hugo and Boss are the two brands with various fashion lines aimed at various target groups. Boss Black is an ensemble of elegant business attire while Boss Selection is known for its premium menswear and accessories. Boss Orange caters to both men and women with its selection of vibrant and intricately designed casual attire. Beyond clothes, the brand is also known for its exquisite collection of shoes, bags, perfumes and a host of other accessories as well.

True religion: The likes of Victoria Beckham, Christina Aguilera, Hillary Duff, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba have often been spotted wearing a True Religion jeans. These designer jeans are a reflection of timeless, chic and bohemian style and have become trendsetters for today's consumers.

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Hostba Alba

It is where beautiful people go to bathe in the sun, swim in the dazzling water, and indulge in vibrant nightlife: Cabo San Lucas is a premiere destination for those who want to have fun in the sun. On the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo offers stunning scenery, gorgeous weather, and a host of exciting attractions. This exotic locale has long been the playground of the rich and the famous.

Beginning in the 1950s, celebrities like Bing Crosby began escaping to Cabo's beautiful beaches, and today's stars find respite from the glare of the spotlight in the warm sun. Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Simpson, Jessica Alba, Reese Witherspoon, Katherine Heigl, and Pamela Anderson are only a few of the celebrities that have vacationed in Los Cabos. Sammy Hager of Van Halen owns the Cabo Wabo Cantina, one of the most successful bars in Cabo San Lucas. Why do so many people flock to this gorgeous area?

From the luxury accommodations to the vivacious party scene, Cabo San Lucas is alive: there is always something 호스트바  to do, whether it is lounge on the pristine white beaches, windsurf, or dance the night away. Exclusive hotels and resorts have moved to the area, becoming refuges for the rich and famous and offering amenities from spa services to golf to the privacy to enjoy the views.

Cabo has appeal in the sense of escape it offers. Escape from the rigors of a strenuous job, escape from the pressures of society or the paparazzi, escape from responsibility and enjoy yourself. In fact, the only responsibility you have is to put on sunscreen. Los Cabos is a paradise in which you can be free to enjoy the sun, lie on the white sandy beach, and spend lazy siestas in the shade.

Perfect weather, unbelievable views, incredible beaches, and a sense of freedom have made Cabo San Lucas a cherished travel destination for everyone from the hottest celebrities and singles to families and retirees. The selection of designer boutiques, nightclubs, cafes, and outdoor excursions make this one of the most luxurious and desirable locales in the world, and the laid-back atmosphere keeps visitors coming back again and again.

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Hostba Alba

Churchill Downs not only is a racecourse and home of the Kentucky Derby, but also has a museum on site. Don't go thinking you will whip around this in a half hour, spend time there with the interactive exhibits and there will be a guide who will make your visit really enjoyable. The Grandstand has been refurbished, and offers a huge choice for watching the races. Millionaire's Row has the most premium lounges, also the Turf Club. This is where the celebrity race attendees will watch the race. These lounges offer open bars, instant betting, plated meals and other features but you may fall over backwards at the cost of the ticket! Suites are available at the finish line though come at likely a five - figure amount but that cost would be shared by the 20 plus guests enjoying the luxury. That is a great option if you are going as a club or large party, luxury and the best view at a comparative bargain! Club House tickets vary greatly depending on the proximity to the finish line, as do lower Grandstand tickets. General admission gets you in to the other internal side 호스트바  of the track, but you could battle to get a view of the race which would be a shame to miss for the difference of a few bucks more.

The Kentucky Derby has many traditions like the Mint Julep cocktail, made from of course only the best Kentucky Bourbon. It is traditionally served in a Julep cup, these cups are issued each year and race attendees proudly keep them to take to the race the following year. Do get your hands on one for this year if you can - they will of course be sought after collectors' pieces. The name "Run For The Roses" is an old tradition and refers to the garland of 554 red roses presented to the Kentucky Derby winner, being draped over the horse. This tradition began in 1883 when New York socialite E. Berry Wall gave roses to the ladies at a post-Derby party attended by Churchill Downs founder and president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. It is thought that her gesture gave Col. Clark the idea of making the rose the race's official flower. The Governor of Kentucky awards the garland and the trophy.

The Kentucky Derby Festival is not just the Pride of Louisville, but a major part of the culture and heritage of the USA. It is anticipated with excitement by thousands of racing fans, celebrities, horse owners, jockeys and trainers as well as the people of Louisville each year. On the 5th May, housewives, moms, students and thousands of people who never normally go within a mile of a betting shop will make small bets just to be a part of it, visitors from all over the world will attend, and the rest will have to settle for the TV. This is the richest two minutes of racing, not just for the prize, but the cash value of the winning horse instantly soars into millions of dollars, and the world is then hoping to see millions more added by the same horse winning the Preekness and the Belmont. Who knows? We will all just have to wait and see.

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The 138th Kentucky Derby, or this year's Run for the Roses takes place on the 5th of May in Louisville Kentucky at Churchill Downs Race Course, and will as always be attended by celebrity movie stars, sports stars, music stars as well as everyone who is anyone in the world of horse racing. It has also been frequently attended by Royalty and top politicians from many countries. The Kentucky Oaks will be run the day before, and also attracts a large celebrity following and will also be enjoyed by the local Louisville residents who will take the day off work to start their weekend early.

The Kentucky Derby meeting is not just about horse racing, it is a month - long festival for absolutely everyone to enjoy some wonderful experiences and thrills that will be remembered for years to come. It starts as always with the Pre - Thunder Party, at Bowman Field on April 5th. This event raises money through MacDonald's for the Thunder Over Louisville event, which is perhaps the best air display in the USA, and also the best firework display and features in the top 100 events in the USA. The festival also features top events like the Wine Festival, the Pegasus Parade, the Great Riverboat Race and the Balloon Festival, all family friendly events. The atmosphere in Louisville in the run up to the Kentucky Derby is especially magical. A Pegasus pin, a collector's item will gain you free entry into festival events. You can purchase the pins locally, or order them in advance.

High Society parties include the now famous Barnstable Brown annual do, hosted by the family in their mansion. Tickets for this celebrity attended event will sting you a few grand each, but the profits are donated to Diabetes Research and education programs. 호스트바  Tickets for this are highly prized and the most sought after, so you need to be quick!

Make sure and book accommodation early, unless you are fond of camping! There are many excellent hotels in Louisville, my personal choice is the Embassy Suites. The breakfast included there is to die for, it will really set you up for any racing day and the staff are the best. Another is the Crowne Plaza, a beautiful hotel and they even provide transport locally. Car parking is a drama on the weekend of the Kentucky Derby itself, best option if you must have your car is to park with one of the local residents who will charge you anything from $20 upwards for the privilege. There is a shuttle and park and ride service available to Churchill Downs, so it would be wiser to leave the car at the hotel and use that. Taxis will be expensive, and you can expect to have a lengthy wait for one, probably walk it quicker!

Kentucky Derby is also a fashion parade, and as you are going to be rubbing shoulders with high society you need to dress appropriately or you could be left feeling a little uncomfortable. Ladies - sort out the hat first as this is the most important piece of your attire this time, then model the remainder around that. They usually say bigger is better, but lately the headpiece sported by the much admired and beautiful Kate Middleton is all the rage. Neither will this delicate and very feminine piece leave you with hat hair at the end of the day! You need two bags, a clutch for your betting bobs and cash, and a tote bag to carry an emergency kit. That should include of a stylish pair of flat shoes or pumps just in case, and wet wipes to clean up if you get caught short. Best option for the rest of the outfit is a simple spring dress, keeping the emphasis on your hat but do have a wrap of some description as the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Gentlemen will find themselves very fashionable in a colored jacket and matching slacks perhaps topped off with a bow tie. Hats are not necessary, though there are many top hats to be seen sported on the day.

There is nothing like the thrill of being at the races. For me the excitement is part of the challenge to select the winner, and I always choose my bets at the meeting just before the race, as the jockeys are getting on board. The horses are all fired up to go, their heads are held high and proud, their hooves lifting well off the ground with each step. They are having their adrenaline rush anticipating the race that they have trained so hard to win. It is just a feeling and intuition, but this strategy always worked for me since my first race meeting attendance at Phoenix Park in Ireland some 20 years ago when out our party of 30 or so I was the only one left with a punt to my name on the return journey. I chose three winners that day, a 16 / 1 long shot who I only put a tiny amount on and kicked myself for, a 2 / 1 shot, and finally I had the lot on a big horse called Gran Alba who romped home at 11 / 2 odds. This funded dinner and drinks for the whole party in a lovely Irish pub en route back to the hotel. Needless to say, I returned with the same 30 Irish punts I started out with but what an experience and I smugly finished a bit of a hero among my penniless peers!

Of course everyone, especially race horse owners and trainers are hoping to discover a repeat of the legend Secretariat. The Kentucky Derby is the first of a series of three races which also includes the Preekness and the longer Belmont Stakes. Should any horse win all three, he will be a Triple Crown winner, even winners of the first two races usually get caught out at the Belmont. Secretariat not only won the Triple Crown, but broke all records doing so, records yet to be broken. He won the Belmont by an impossible near 40 lengths, cruising over the finish line as if he would run forever. Nobody knew back in 1973 just how amazing this horse was as he lost his previous race before the Kentucky Derby, running with a painful abscess in his mouth. He was off his food right up to Derby day, so anyone betting on the pre - race form perhaps put their bets on second horse Shams who also broke the previous records. Secretariat sadly got Laminitis, an excruciating disease in the soft tissue in the hoof and had to be euthanized at the age of 19, but not before having sired 600 foals. He was the only racehorse to be given the honor of a complete burial, rather than the traditional head and hooves only. His heart was never weighed, but a solid estimate gives 22 pounds, almost 3 times the normal size of a horses' heart. This explains somewhat his extraordinary performances, a bit like putting an aircraft engine into a speedboat.

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Conference Tables

Conference tables are a must have in most office environments. The size, shape, and overall design of a conference room usually says a lot about a business. Because these tables are usually the focal point of the whole room, its important that they look sharp, and tables from the Alba collection by Global certainly do! These tables feature unique, contemporary design that's sure to impress. They're almost always available in a host of color options to easily match existing decor for your convenience. With a little modern inspiration, they also make incredible additions to homes where they can serve as dinner tables. These tables are simply to die for, but try not to pass out when you see the incredibly low prices they go for!

Bistro Tables

Because of the ingenuity of interior designers, bistro tables have earned themselves a reputation for being insanely versatile. These trendy little tables typically feature a stylish, compact design that works wonderfully in cafes and bistros. However, its those very same features that make these tables wonderful additions to apartments and office break rooms! Tall bistro tables, like the ones by Mayline, usually provide a certain elegant, lofty atmosphere to their environments that is best complimented by tall chairs and bar stools for seating. Additionally, short bistro tables give tend to give a nice, homey feel to their rooms that is wonderfully accented by shorter chairs or even lounge seating.

Coffee Tables

Nothing brings a sense of stylish elegance to a room quite like a coffee table. America's coffee-drinking society 호빠알바  definitely puts these babies in high demand. The coolest thing about them is that they never have to double as anything else (though they can), and yet they still manage to find a niche in almost every environment. Companies like Global and Mayline have churned out some cool office coffee tables over the years that also look perfect in home environments. If you're in search of a nifty new table to compliment an office lounge, reception area, waiting room, or even a home living room, a coffee table is always a great solution.

End Tables

Ever been sitting in the waiting room of an office that was thoughtful enough to offer you a beverage, and then had no place to put it? Unfortunately, this is a critical mistake made by many businesses nowadays. While most people think of side tables or end tables in the home, they are also critically important in many office environments. Not only do end tables with affordable style provide a place for guests to set magazines and refreshments, they also create great stands for business owners to leave informational pamphlets or advertisements about their business. End tables are never given enough credit for their usefulness and style, and there are tons of really amazing ones from top brands like Global,

Event Tables

Whenever the folding tables are pulled out of the closets, most office workers start to anticipate some sort of bright spot in the day. This is because folding tables nearly always mean its party time! Whether its a birthday, a holiday, or just a random office event, the mere sight of these simple tables can invoke feelings of fun in crowds of people, especially if they're topped with a colorful cloth. But typical event tables aren't the only way to celebrate things at the office. Even if your workplace doesn't appear to have event supplies, office training tables use often make great substitutes.

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Host Bar

During Il Carnevale, which starts the day after the Feast of Saint Agatha on February 4th and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, kids and adults dress up in costume. Kids go from house to house, like they do on Halloween here in the States, to get treats and to throw confetti (i coriandoli). Grownups attend lavish masquerade balls, or house parties if the money is tight. This tradition , which started during the late Medieval Times masquerade balls, was later enriched by La Commedia Dell'Arte because of its popular and funny characters like Arlecchino, Pantalone, Dottore, Capitano, Colombina e Mirandolina. La Commedia is comedy shows performed for free at the town square during the seventeen century and even nowadays during festivals. La Commedia is often impromptu and has themes like the lord of the house wooing and pestering the maid.

Venice and Viareggio are known for their fantastic celebration of Il Carnevale, taken even to the streets. Treats like strufoli and zeppole (pastries) , and castagne (roasted chestnuts) are enjoyed by everyone. The mood is A Carnevale ogni scherzo vale (At Carnival time every practical joke is fine). Il Carnivale is the highlights of winter fun, besides skiing on the sharp Italian mountains like the Alps and the Apennines.

Spring, summer and fall make the evenings enchanting with house parties on the terrace under a smiling moon where music to dance to, finger food and pastry to please the ear and palate. Common pastries are cannoli, granita (Italian ice), briosche (Italian croissants). Common drinks are Campari or Cynar on ice. If you like serious liquor, have 호빠알바  a Grappa or Strega. House parties are a great means for students to socialize, make friends and find a sweetheart.

Ferragosto is a month long summer celebration. Italians take all month of August off. People who live in the mountains go to the seashore. People who live by the beach go to the country side. City folks prefer the islands of Sicily, Sardinia or smaller islands like Capri, Alba, and the Aeolian islands. Everyone loves and visits the major cities of Venice, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Rome for their history, art and fine cuisine.

During Ferragosto, Italy becomes the Garden of Eden where fruits and vegetables are everywhere: on every street stands and al mercato (outdoor market): delicious watermelons, sweet grapes, apricots, plums and peaches, all kind of tomatoes, oranges, tangerines, eggplants, cucumbers, zucchini, and squash. Italy is also the land of picturesque vineyards and olive trees. The Virgin Mary is honored during Ferragosto in the Feast of the Ascension on August 15. Of course when it's so hot, Italians like to take an afternoon nap.

As saying goes "When an Italian sleeps alone, he or she sleeps with the angels; when the Italian doesn't sleep alone, the angels look the other way." This is romance Italian style! Of course, the only reason Italians may take an afternoon nap is because they work from 8:00am to noon, go home for four hours to eat and enjoy romance then back to work at 4:00pm until 8:00pm. The evening is to have supper with the family then go out and socialize with friends at the bar. A bar in Italy is also an ice cream parlor, coffee house and pastry shop.

The fall is for wine making. Even though machinery have taken over, grape stomping is still going on at least for entertainment and to keep the tradition. The vineyard owner invites family, neighbors, and friends who hand pick ripe grapes; then grape stomping starts. The midday meal at grape harvest usually consists of spaghetti with marinara sauce, stockfish alla cacciatore, seasonal fruits, popular Italian cheeses and, of course, the prior season's wine. A beautiful tradition is the guests make toasts in rhyme while enjoying the meal. One guest toasts "To wine-making, to health and prosperity!" Going around the table another say "May the white wine have perfect clarity!", and another guest may continue with "The meal is delicious in true sincerity." Jokes and pranks add to the joyful event. Guys woo the present girls by making poetic toasts and by trying to get the girls drunk. All at the table joke, tease each other while older folks remember "the good old days". The fun is real and wine is made. Viva l'Italia!

Most holidays are the same like in America and in Europe: Christmas Eve/Day, Easter and New Year Eve/Day; others are unique to Italy and to Italy's neighboring countries, like La Festa della Befana. La Befana is a good witch who brings presents to kids on the Epiphany Eve. Another holiday is Easter Monday, which Italians take very seriously. Easter Monday excursions to the country side and stopping at a local trattoria (a diner) for a fine meal or alla salumeria (a deli) for sandwiches are quite refreshing and very welcome after the forty days of Lent, the season for penitence and introspection.

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Hoppa Alba

Italy has the a long illustrious history in wine dating back to the Roman Empire and the Ancient Greeks who planted some vineyards in Sicily and other parts of Southern Italy like; Calabria and Campania. The Romans with their far reaching Empire that stretched across Europe and into North Africa, planted vineyards in every corner of their domain, including; France, Germany, Spain, and Croatia.

Wine is as deeply rooted into the Italian lifestyle as pizza, pasta, Prosciutto, and Parmigiano. When it comes to wine there is no country on Earth that can compare to Italy. If you look at wine maps of other major wine producing countries, you will see that vineyards are planted in just a few areas here and there as far as the entire land mass is concerned. Italy on the other hand has vines planted in the whole of the country, from Friuli in the North-East down to the toe of Calabria in the South-West and everywhere in-between, along with the large islands of Sardinia and Sicily.

No matter where you go in Italy you will find grape vines growing. There is no country in the world with such a multitude of grapes being cultivated, furthermore there is no country on the planet that has the diversity in wine styles and grape varieties grown. The number of 호빠알바  grape varieties is staggering as compared to other countries. Take the United States, France, and Australia for example, three of the top wine producing countries in the world, in terms of both quality and quantity. In Australia and the U.S. the primary grapes produced are Chardonay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Add to this a fair amount of Reisling and Gamay, a bit of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Bianco, Petit Verdot, and Petit Syrah and a few other varieties and you have the major grapes grown in these countries.

France cultivates these varieties and more, including Muscadet, Grenache, Viognier, and Carrignan. No doubt they have a nice variety of great wine produced in France. Wines that I love, especially from the Rhone and Bordeaux but for all the wonderful wines from France they can't come close to touching Italy in number of styles and grape varieties.

Italy, for my money, is thee Worlds Best!

There are a number of grape varieties that are grown in Italy and no where else or in such minuscule amounts that they are of no consequence. One example, Nebbiolo, the solitary grape that makes-up the famed Barolos and Barbarescos of Peidmonte. Nebbiolo thrives mainly in Peidmonte and in Lombardia, but no place else in world, although it has been grown in teeny amounts in California and Virginia with mediocre results.

As well as being the single grape variety that makes up the famed Barolo's and Barbaresco's, Nebbiolo is the grape of Gattinara, Nebbiolo d' Alba, and several other wines of Peidmonte. Wines made of Nebbiolo are wine world stars with producers like Angelo Gaja, Aldo Conterno, Giacomo Conterno, La Spinetta, and the great Bruno Giacosa, to name just a handful of famous producers who make the legendary Barolo's and Barbaresco's.

A few other excellent varieties that are grown in Italy and nowhere else are grapes like Ruche, Negromano, Nero d' Avola, Ciliegielo, Monduese, and Picolit.

Along with the indigenous varieties, Italy has great examples of the Big Four of the Wine World; Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. With the tremendous amount of indigenous varieties along with the "Big Four" it makes for an infinite amount of styles that can be made of single varietal wines or an endless range of wines that are proprietary blends in which Italy makes by far the greatest number in the world.

For any wine drinker interested in exploring the endless variety of interesting wines, with a never-ending realm of possibilities of taste and styles, they need look no further than Italy. It's the top of the ladder, but the sad fact is that for all of the hundreds of millions of people who drink wine regularly, there are just a small percentage who really delve into the great depths of all that is available. The large majority of wine drinkers keep drinking the same old things over and over, The Big Four, and if they do drink some Italian wines, most just drink Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Brunello, Amarone, Valpolicella, and little else. This great peninsula has so much to offer, it's mind boggling, wines like; Barbera, Vermentino, Salice Salentino, Taurasi, Tocai, Aglianico d'Vulture, Greco d' Tufo, Fiano d' Avelino, Brachetto, Ripasso's, Friesa, and Nero d'Avola, just to name a very few.

Some of the famous renowned wines are the great Barolo's and Barbaresco's, Vino Nobile, Brunello, Chianti, Amarone, and a multitude of wonderful Super Tuscans. What is a Super Tuscan? Many people will ask. It is mystifying to many, exactly what they are. It's a question that is a little hard to explain, but I will do just that.