There was an irony noted in the press with some of Italy’s towns being introduced in to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites earlier this year, as while UNESCO is recognising these locations as places to be preserved, the Italian government is doing little to conserve its tourist sites.
With the recession sweeping through Europe, and indeed the world, austerity has been the keyword on many politicians’ lips, with governments tussling over which cuts to make. In Italy one of the industries to suffer from the funding slashes is the tourist industry, with so many of Italy’s areas of natural beauty or historical significance coming to feel rather neglected.
However, the UNESCO induction has certainly helped some areas by shedding light on them as worthwhile tourist destinations. Certainly it has helped traffic to the locations and therefore provided the local areas with some money to help sustain their attractions. Yet it would seem this isn’t enough, and the balance that is struggled with is a matter of preservation under an influx of mass tourism.
Thankfully there are many souls wishing to help the attractions they deem worthwhile by helping out with donations, in the past many heritage sites have gratefully received generous donations from those with the cash to spare, and that are willing to put some of the money in to a good cause.
Yet it is not just governments affected by the global crunch, and those donators have become growingly reluctant as they worry about their own finances. So some Italian organisations have introduced creative measures to surmount funding by garnering many mini donations, and allowing simple ways for people of slenderer means to help prop up valuable heritage sites.
In Italy, culture lovers are being encouraged to donate two Euros each by text message in a new campaign set up by the Italian Environment Foundation, and so far it is proving to be a successful way of garnering money for the spots that are in need.
This campaign mirrors a campaign set up last year for the upkeep of a park in Umbria, and to help fund the restoration of monuments damaged in the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, going towards things like the restoration of an ornamental fountain. The campaign proved a great success and managed to raise $422,000, going a great way to cover the cost of this project.
Sustainable tourism is this season's most fashionable phrase and certainly this initiative seems to be rather forward thinking in its approach to preserving that which is important.
Sardinia is currently enjoying a good travel turn out with Sardinia villas being booked out over the summer, and it remains a popular destination in the off season in which many villas become cheaper, and the island attracts a more diverse range of holidaymakers, as opposed to the lavish visitors it is used to over the summer.
Many locals are very pleased to here about the money being raised for the restoration of local monuments, as tourism serves as the most prosperous industry for many small towns.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Monday, 4 October 2010
The Dance that Defines Hawaii
The Hula is a dance that has become synonymous with Hawaii and luaus, it is iconic and so well known that it is always depicted the same way in the media. Almost all the time you will see someone making the movements of the dance - moving their hips in the direction they are moving, while at the same time moving the arms in a wave motion towards said direction - usually on a television show with a Ukulele playing in the background, and someone saying/singing “aloha-hay aloha-hoi” or some other sayings. A part in Disney's The Lion King, for example, featured it in a comedic fashion.
Hula is a dance that is accompanied by singing or chanting in the background. Funnily enough though, not many people, even Hawaiians, know about the origins of the Hula. For example there is no information about the the first hula dance, although it is said that the dance was developed by the Polynesians, who were the original settlers of the island a time long before the island was heavily populated by westerners and became a part of America, and is now an island filled with Hawaii rentals. The chanting or Singing is called a 'mele' and they both accompany each other very well, as they are a form of communication of what is happening.
There are various styles of Hula, but the most common types are the Ancient hula and the auana. Ancient hula is the type that has traditional chanting and instruments, it was the form of dance performed before western encounters with Hawaii and is also known as 'Kahiko'. This type of Hula is what many considered to be a religious ceremony, or a form of dance that was to praise and honour chiefs. Performances had to be correct as even a minor error would make the performance seem invalid and could even be interpreted as bad luck or a omen. This is why for this form of hula dancers were secluded while training, and are said to be blessed from the goddess Laka, and it is only in the ceremony of success that they emerge from their secluded status. Kahiko is still performed today and the traditional look is still graced on the Hula dancers. Funnily enough the chants were never put down in written form, they have been passed down orally for many years. The chants told stories of various subject matters ranging from creation, mythology, royalty and various other things.
The auana is a modified modern adaptation of hula that has been heavily influenced by Western society, this is the hula that has the musical instruments that everyone today has related to the Hula, such as the Ukulele, the guitar and the double bass. You could say that it was influenced by Christian morality and melodic harmony. The hula still relates to the same type themes and stories but now has more modern tales to represent. The costumes don't have to follow a traditional as there is a freedom of choice, for example women who are a slow and graceful dancers can wear formal clothing like mu'umu'u and men could wear a sash, whilst if there was a more feisty song then they can choose to wear more revealing attire.
Hula is a dance that is accompanied by singing or chanting in the background. Funnily enough though, not many people, even Hawaiians, know about the origins of the Hula. For example there is no information about the the first hula dance, although it is said that the dance was developed by the Polynesians, who were the original settlers of the island a time long before the island was heavily populated by westerners and became a part of America, and is now an island filled with Hawaii rentals. The chanting or Singing is called a 'mele' and they both accompany each other very well, as they are a form of communication of what is happening.
There are various styles of Hula, but the most common types are the Ancient hula and the auana. Ancient hula is the type that has traditional chanting and instruments, it was the form of dance performed before western encounters with Hawaii and is also known as 'Kahiko'. This type of Hula is what many considered to be a religious ceremony, or a form of dance that was to praise and honour chiefs. Performances had to be correct as even a minor error would make the performance seem invalid and could even be interpreted as bad luck or a omen. This is why for this form of hula dancers were secluded while training, and are said to be blessed from the goddess Laka, and it is only in the ceremony of success that they emerge from their secluded status. Kahiko is still performed today and the traditional look is still graced on the Hula dancers. Funnily enough the chants were never put down in written form, they have been passed down orally for many years. The chants told stories of various subject matters ranging from creation, mythology, royalty and various other things.
The auana is a modified modern adaptation of hula that has been heavily influenced by Western society, this is the hula that has the musical instruments that everyone today has related to the Hula, such as the Ukulele, the guitar and the double bass. You could say that it was influenced by Christian morality and melodic harmony. The hula still relates to the same type themes and stories but now has more modern tales to represent. The costumes don't have to follow a traditional as there is a freedom of choice, for example women who are a slow and graceful dancers can wear formal clothing like mu'umu'u and men could wear a sash, whilst if there was a more feisty song then they can choose to wear more revealing attire.
Thursday, 30 September 2010
The Man Who United Hawaii
He is the man that conquered the Hawaiian Island and established the kingdom of Hawaii - King Kamehameha I is one of the most important figures in Hawaiian history. Saying his full Hawaiian name takes a while, try pronouncing it without getting tired as it is 'Kalani Pai'ea Wohi o Kaleikini Keali'ikui Kamehameha o 'Iolani i Kaiwikapu kaui Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea'.
He had royalty in his blood as his great great great Grandfather was Keaweikekahiali'iokamoku, a man who had ruled a humongous part of Hawaii and his death was a part of the reason why there was no family tied successor to the throne at that time as his two sons Kalani Kama Ke'eaumoku Nui and Kalaninui'amamao were fighting each other, along with Alapa' inuiakauaua, who emerged victorious but he was still a fair man as allowed Kamehameha's father to join the clan.
However, Kamehameha’s life was almost gone just as it was getting started, as it was prophesied by a priest that when he grew up he would be the 'killer of chiefs'. So Aplapa was scared of what might become of him and decided that the child was going to be killed, but thankfully Kamehameha's parents foresaw what was going to happen and gave him to a noble who went by the name Nae'ole to take care of him and keep him out of sight. Aplapa tried a few times to get him back five years later as he felt remorse for his actions, and when he got back he was under the guidance of Kekuhaupi'o, who had taught he about the ways of diplomacy and war.
When Aplapa died his was succeeded by Keawea'opala, his son, but this was disputed by his great nephew Kalani'ōpu'u who challenged his rule and was also backed by Kamehameha. This culminated in a war at Kealakekua Bay in which Kalani'ōpu'u was victorious and Kamehameha was made aide. When Kalani'ōpu'u died, his son Kiwala'o (Kamehameha's cousin) was his successor, and Kamehameha was given a prominent religious position: guardianship of the Hawaiian god of war. But there was bad blood between the two and Kamehameha had the backing of several chiefs who were against Kiwala'o. Kamehameha defeated Kiwla'o as he started to take over different districts and finally became king when he disposed a chief who was opposing him.
He had dreams that required for him to take over and unify Hawaii, this lead to many wars over the years. When all islands were unified he became the sole sovereign, and he made sure that there was a unified legal system and used products he had got in taxes to promote trade with Europe and the United States.
There are five statues that honour Kamehameha, each one is different as they have weaponry, gilding or painting. They are located Kapa'au, Honolulu, Hilo while the other two are located in the United States - one in Las Vegas and the other at the United States Capitol as a representation of the state of Hawaii. The statues have had a slight impact when it came to Japanese Manga, as creator Akira Toriyama, who created Dragonball, stated that Goku's attack called 'Kamehameha' was influence by seeing a statue of the king. If you also want to be inspired by this man, maybe you would like visit one of his statues in the states, or going to the origins of the statute (and the man) with one of the many Hawaii rentals on the island.
He had royalty in his blood as his great great great Grandfather was Keaweikekahiali'iokamoku, a man who had ruled a humongous part of Hawaii and his death was a part of the reason why there was no family tied successor to the throne at that time as his two sons Kalani Kama Ke'eaumoku Nui and Kalaninui'amamao were fighting each other, along with Alapa' inuiakauaua, who emerged victorious but he was still a fair man as allowed Kamehameha's father to join the clan.
However, Kamehameha’s life was almost gone just as it was getting started, as it was prophesied by a priest that when he grew up he would be the 'killer of chiefs'. So Aplapa was scared of what might become of him and decided that the child was going to be killed, but thankfully Kamehameha's parents foresaw what was going to happen and gave him to a noble who went by the name Nae'ole to take care of him and keep him out of sight. Aplapa tried a few times to get him back five years later as he felt remorse for his actions, and when he got back he was under the guidance of Kekuhaupi'o, who had taught he about the ways of diplomacy and war.
When Aplapa died his was succeeded by Keawea'opala, his son, but this was disputed by his great nephew Kalani'ōpu'u who challenged his rule and was also backed by Kamehameha. This culminated in a war at Kealakekua Bay in which Kalani'ōpu'u was victorious and Kamehameha was made aide. When Kalani'ōpu'u died, his son Kiwala'o (Kamehameha's cousin) was his successor, and Kamehameha was given a prominent religious position: guardianship of the Hawaiian god of war. But there was bad blood between the two and Kamehameha had the backing of several chiefs who were against Kiwala'o. Kamehameha defeated Kiwla'o as he started to take over different districts and finally became king when he disposed a chief who was opposing him.
He had dreams that required for him to take over and unify Hawaii, this lead to many wars over the years. When all islands were unified he became the sole sovereign, and he made sure that there was a unified legal system and used products he had got in taxes to promote trade with Europe and the United States.
There are five statues that honour Kamehameha, each one is different as they have weaponry, gilding or painting. They are located Kapa'au, Honolulu, Hilo while the other two are located in the United States - one in Las Vegas and the other at the United States Capitol as a representation of the state of Hawaii. The statues have had a slight impact when it came to Japanese Manga, as creator Akira Toriyama, who created Dragonball, stated that Goku's attack called 'Kamehameha' was influence by seeing a statue of the king. If you also want to be inspired by this man, maybe you would like visit one of his statues in the states, or going to the origins of the statute (and the man) with one of the many Hawaii rentals on the island.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
The Little Instrument That Strokes Our Hearts
We have all seen or heard this little instrument – and really the ukulele is an instrument that you possibly can't hate. It is an instrument based on another instrument, but one that has its own unique sound and following.
The ukulele's origins come from Hawaii, and the name when translated means 'jumping flea'. The name might be due to the fact the way you play it, with the action of your finger jumping of the strings. Queen Lili'uokalani was the last monarch of Hawaii said that the word actually means 'the gift that came here', derived from the fact in Hawaiian the word 'uku' means 'gift' or 'reward' and 'lele' means 'to come'.
The ukulele was made in the late 19th century, and is an instrument that is derived from two small guitar like instruments of Portuguese origin. They are the cavaquinho and the rajão, and these were introduced to the Hawaiians by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira. This is credited to three immigrants in particular who were Madeiran cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias. It is said they were the first makers of the instrument and that two weeks after they had arrived from the Ravenscrag in August 1879, the local newspaper the Hawaiian Gazette reported of their arrival and talents.
Ukuleles are mainly made from wood, but there are other versions that are made from other materials such as plastic. The cheap variation of Ukuleles are usually made with ply or laminate wood but the most special - and some would say most authentic - ukulele one made from Koa, a Hawaiian wood. The shape is usually the same as a normal small acoustic guitar in the same mould as a figure eight body shape; but there are some that are made into special shapes, such as ones that are made in an oval shaped like a pineapple. The instrument has only four strings, but there are ones where the strings are paired which gives the instrument eight strings. There are four sizes of the ukulele in total - the larger the size the lower the pitch of sound you will get. The normal sized ukulele is the Soprano ukulele.
Japan is considered the second home of the ukulele, not only because of their close ties with Hawaii but due to to Yukihiko Haida, a Hawaiian born ukulele player who returned to Japan for his father's death. He and his brother formed a club which became very popular thanks to Hawaiian music and Jazz. After the world war, and despite bans to western music, he kept on playing and in 1959 he founded the Nihon ukulele Association.
It is often been used in the media due to the popular image it has and its associated with Hawaii, but to truly experience some of the best ukulele music you have to go to the country where it was born or even better you can find them pretty cheap so you could get one and learn to get decent in the sun at one of the relaxing Hawaii rentals there is to offer.
The ukulele's origins come from Hawaii, and the name when translated means 'jumping flea'. The name might be due to the fact the way you play it, with the action of your finger jumping of the strings. Queen Lili'uokalani was the last monarch of Hawaii said that the word actually means 'the gift that came here', derived from the fact in Hawaiian the word 'uku' means 'gift' or 'reward' and 'lele' means 'to come'.
The ukulele was made in the late 19th century, and is an instrument that is derived from two small guitar like instruments of Portuguese origin. They are the cavaquinho and the rajão, and these were introduced to the Hawaiians by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira. This is credited to three immigrants in particular who were Madeiran cabinet makers Manuel Nunes, José do Espírito Santo, and Augusto Dias. It is said they were the first makers of the instrument and that two weeks after they had arrived from the Ravenscrag in August 1879, the local newspaper the Hawaiian Gazette reported of their arrival and talents.
Ukuleles are mainly made from wood, but there are other versions that are made from other materials such as plastic. The cheap variation of Ukuleles are usually made with ply or laminate wood but the most special - and some would say most authentic - ukulele one made from Koa, a Hawaiian wood. The shape is usually the same as a normal small acoustic guitar in the same mould as a figure eight body shape; but there are some that are made into special shapes, such as ones that are made in an oval shaped like a pineapple. The instrument has only four strings, but there are ones where the strings are paired which gives the instrument eight strings. There are four sizes of the ukulele in total - the larger the size the lower the pitch of sound you will get. The normal sized ukulele is the Soprano ukulele.
Japan is considered the second home of the ukulele, not only because of their close ties with Hawaii but due to to Yukihiko Haida, a Hawaiian born ukulele player who returned to Japan for his father's death. He and his brother formed a club which became very popular thanks to Hawaiian music and Jazz. After the world war, and despite bans to western music, he kept on playing and in 1959 he founded the Nihon ukulele Association.
It is often been used in the media due to the popular image it has and its associated with Hawaii, but to truly experience some of the best ukulele music you have to go to the country where it was born or even better you can find them pretty cheap so you could get one and learn to get decent in the sun at one of the relaxing Hawaii rentals there is to offer.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Some Great Budget Ski Resorts
If you're looking for a snow covered slope, perfect for gliding down without breaking the bank, here is your guide to some of the best budget ski resorts across the globe.
1) Bansko, Bulgaria
The savvy skier is quick to realise that there is no need to throw buckets of cash to slide down a slight selection of slopes in the Three Valleys resort or Espace Killy. This is where smaller and cheaper resorts like Bankso come in. Food wise it is a good resort to eat offering good meals at a cheap price, with a selection of cuisines. It is also an ideal location for families as childcare is very cheap.
2) Courchevel, France
Courchevel may not be the first place to come to mind when thinking of budget skiing in Europe, certainly it has its expensive side but those in the know can get some really great deals here in France. You can get to the area for a good price and there are some good budget eateries around 1850, there is also a good happy hour at the Bubble Bar in 1650.
3) Cerviina, Italy
Over the mountain from Zerhmatt you will find Cervinia, a less known smaller and cheaper base to experience Matterhorn ski area. Though skiing on to the Swiss side can prove quite pricey and if you're not careful about where you eat you will find your whole weeks spending money swallowed up.
4) Lake Tahoe, USA
You can really take advantage of the weak dollar and spend a few day on the slopes in California. Lake Tahoe has a diverse range of slopes catering to all tastes, it attracts skiers and snowboarders alike. With nearly five hundred runs you can cover a great deal of distance for your dollar. Here you can take advantage of the Lake Tahoe vacation rentals and save money on hotel expenses and also cut costs by self catering. Furthermore there are some stunning views from the mountain, with the lake stretching out in front like a beautiful crash mat.
5) Schladming, Austria
Tucked away in the Enns Valley, Schladming is one of Austria's best kept secrets. Being only an hour away from Salzburg there are a range of cheap flights from all the budget airline companies. There are many good holiday rentals to take advantage of around here and some good places for hearty local cuisine, sold at a very reasonable price.
6) Flaine, France
Not the most beautiful resort in the world, but a price that reflects it. The resort has become popular with families for its great prices and relative easiness. For an intermediate skier this is a great destination offering childcare at a very good price.
7) Soldeu, Andorra
Andorra is one of the world's prime locations for budget skiing, perhaps the original cheap slope based destination. Soldeu is a great location for beginners with some great mild slopes to cut your teeth on. There are also a great number of cheap eateries around the area too, for food look no further than Fat Albert's, which also has a great bar upstairs.
Vacation rentals from around the world, direct from the owner at vacationrentalpeople.com.
Try one of the relaxing Lake Tahoe vacation rentals available at VacationRentalPeople.com.
1) Bansko, Bulgaria
The savvy skier is quick to realise that there is no need to throw buckets of cash to slide down a slight selection of slopes in the Three Valleys resort or Espace Killy. This is where smaller and cheaper resorts like Bankso come in. Food wise it is a good resort to eat offering good meals at a cheap price, with a selection of cuisines. It is also an ideal location for families as childcare is very cheap.
2) Courchevel, France
Courchevel may not be the first place to come to mind when thinking of budget skiing in Europe, certainly it has its expensive side but those in the know can get some really great deals here in France. You can get to the area for a good price and there are some good budget eateries around 1850, there is also a good happy hour at the Bubble Bar in 1650.
3) Cerviina, Italy
Over the mountain from Zerhmatt you will find Cervinia, a less known smaller and cheaper base to experience Matterhorn ski area. Though skiing on to the Swiss side can prove quite pricey and if you're not careful about where you eat you will find your whole weeks spending money swallowed up.
4) Lake Tahoe, USA
You can really take advantage of the weak dollar and spend a few day on the slopes in California. Lake Tahoe has a diverse range of slopes catering to all tastes, it attracts skiers and snowboarders alike. With nearly five hundred runs you can cover a great deal of distance for your dollar. Here you can take advantage of the Lake Tahoe vacation rentals and save money on hotel expenses and also cut costs by self catering. Furthermore there are some stunning views from the mountain, with the lake stretching out in front like a beautiful crash mat.
5) Schladming, Austria
Tucked away in the Enns Valley, Schladming is one of Austria's best kept secrets. Being only an hour away from Salzburg there are a range of cheap flights from all the budget airline companies. There are many good holiday rentals to take advantage of around here and some good places for hearty local cuisine, sold at a very reasonable price.
6) Flaine, France
Not the most beautiful resort in the world, but a price that reflects it. The resort has become popular with families for its great prices and relative easiness. For an intermediate skier this is a great destination offering childcare at a very good price.
7) Soldeu, Andorra
Andorra is one of the world's prime locations for budget skiing, perhaps the original cheap slope based destination. Soldeu is a great location for beginners with some great mild slopes to cut your teeth on. There are also a great number of cheap eateries around the area too, for food look no further than Fat Albert's, which also has a great bar upstairs.
Vacation rentals from around the world, direct from the owner at vacationrentalpeople.com.
Try one of the relaxing Lake Tahoe vacation rentals available at VacationRentalPeople.com.
Monday, 27 September 2010
The Rise of the Mexican New Wave
While Europe has enjoyed a string of so called cinematic new waves, the French in the fifties and sixties, German cinema in the seventies. Now it seems only fair for other cinemas to flourish. In recent years we have seen South Korea emerge as a fertile ground for cinema with Park Chan Wook and Kin Ki Duk, both laudered by critics for their unique and challenging films.
Though it would seem the country that may be now enjoying its new wave is Mexico, producing many big names , crossing over in to mainstream cinema, and some charming and quirky films to boot.
It started with Y tu Mamma Tambien, a seminal coming of age tale based around a cast of teenagers. Alfonso Cuaron is now hot property, working on Harry Potter movies while engaging with his own projects. Furthermore the star Gael Garcia Benal is now a fully fledged movie star, noted for his impecable selection of roles.
And so over the decade there have been a string of big names to either emerge or cross over, and there have been many worthwhile films to emerge from Mexico, or Mexican directors. We see Guilermo Del Toro's name being attached with a great number of projects, formerly with The Hobbit.
Recently we have seen a return to slightly more low key film making coming out of Mexico, enjoying the freedom of an established and praised cinema status. While Rudo Y Cursi contains in its credits the names of Del Toro and Cuaron, it is not the high profile release that their names are now associated. Produced through their company Cha Cha Films, it is notable for reuniting the talent of Y tu Mamma Tambien, Gael Benal and Digeo Luna as the stars, Cuaron as producer.
The film is directed by Cuaron's younger brother Carlos, and tells the tale of two bickering half-brothers on a banana plantation. Clearly, despite the names involved it is not such a commercial venture. Yet the film has been a huge success in Mexico and the world becoming the third most succesful Mexican film of all time. The success is latching the key talent together that made Y tu Mamma Tambien such an unprecedented success.
Another film to come out of Mexico recently with a decidedly more low key feel is the offbeat comedy Lake Tahoe. While it is named after the American tourist resort there are no Lake Tahoe vacation rentals here, instead a bumper sticker featuring the area's name. It is an obscure fairly downbeat comedy by the maker of 2004's sleeper festival hit Duck Season, another strange and slight comedy. A large part of the film's artistic success is the photography, which consumes the whole scene as they unfold slowly around the characters.
Both films use a mise en scene distinctly Mexican, the elderly couples, the dogs, those distinct desolate landscapes.
So we see a new name fast becoming a key figure in Mexican new wave, Fernando Embicko, the director of Lake Tahoe making films for a proud pantheon. Mexico now finds itself a key player in world cinema.
Though it would seem the country that may be now enjoying its new wave is Mexico, producing many big names , crossing over in to mainstream cinema, and some charming and quirky films to boot.
It started with Y tu Mamma Tambien, a seminal coming of age tale based around a cast of teenagers. Alfonso Cuaron is now hot property, working on Harry Potter movies while engaging with his own projects. Furthermore the star Gael Garcia Benal is now a fully fledged movie star, noted for his impecable selection of roles.
And so over the decade there have been a string of big names to either emerge or cross over, and there have been many worthwhile films to emerge from Mexico, or Mexican directors. We see Guilermo Del Toro's name being attached with a great number of projects, formerly with The Hobbit.
Recently we have seen a return to slightly more low key film making coming out of Mexico, enjoying the freedom of an established and praised cinema status. While Rudo Y Cursi contains in its credits the names of Del Toro and Cuaron, it is not the high profile release that their names are now associated. Produced through their company Cha Cha Films, it is notable for reuniting the talent of Y tu Mamma Tambien, Gael Benal and Digeo Luna as the stars, Cuaron as producer.
The film is directed by Cuaron's younger brother Carlos, and tells the tale of two bickering half-brothers on a banana plantation. Clearly, despite the names involved it is not such a commercial venture. Yet the film has been a huge success in Mexico and the world becoming the third most succesful Mexican film of all time. The success is latching the key talent together that made Y tu Mamma Tambien such an unprecedented success.
Another film to come out of Mexico recently with a decidedly more low key feel is the offbeat comedy Lake Tahoe. While it is named after the American tourist resort there are no Lake Tahoe vacation rentals here, instead a bumper sticker featuring the area's name. It is an obscure fairly downbeat comedy by the maker of 2004's sleeper festival hit Duck Season, another strange and slight comedy. A large part of the film's artistic success is the photography, which consumes the whole scene as they unfold slowly around the characters.
Both films use a mise en scene distinctly Mexican, the elderly couples, the dogs, those distinct desolate landscapes.
So we see a new name fast becoming a key figure in Mexican new wave, Fernando Embicko, the director of Lake Tahoe making films for a proud pantheon. Mexico now finds itself a key player in world cinema.
Friday, 24 September 2010
No Kings are Related to these Beaches
Kings beach got its name from a card shark who went by the name Joe King, who had won the town site from George Whittel in a card game. Funny, isn't it, as you'd think it was because royalty resided in this place. There are three separate main beaches that go along the highway 28 in Kings Beach, they are the Coon Street Picnic Area, Kings Beach Recreation Area, and the North Tahoe Beach Center.
The Coon Street Picnic Area is known for its boat launching area, located at the end of Coon Street in Kings beach. This is totally dependent on the lake levels, as if the levels are low then they will not allow the facility to be open as it isn't safe. Also, Coon Street Picnic Area has the only public dog beach in Kings beach and in Tahoe Vista, this is found at the east side of Coon Street Picnic Area.
You could say the Kings Beach Recreation Area is the main beach, hence why it is the only one that has King's beach in its title unlike the others. It is the largest public access beach on the Northern region of Lake Tahoe, also this is one of the warmest swimming areas on the lake and the beach is adjacent to the Kings Beach Plaza. This is the one where you will find water toy rentals, a playground which over looks the water and is an area where the children can have fun, volley ball and loads of other beach activities and games related facilities. It's no wonder why this beach is popular with visitors and residents of Lake Tahoe. Also here is the North Tahoe Water sports which where you will find the para sailing rides, jet ski and kayak rentals.
The King's Plaza is located in the heart between Coon street Boat Launch and Kings Beach Recreation Area. It is surrounded by Jeffrey pine trees. Here you find a beautiful patio styled courtyard encircled by walking paths. The Plaza plays host to various events such as Arts and Crafts fairs, Fine Arts Fairs and they are always open to welcoming new events.
North Tahoe Beach Center is owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy, and they also look after it. This has had millions pumped into as it has been renovated recently, which saw a few new things added and improved. There is a picnic shelter that has has a BBQ and can seat up to 90 people, it can also be rented out for weddings,parties, picnics and other similar events. Other than that, if it isn't rented then it is on the basis of first come first served.
You will find that each beach doesn't have any food services on them - but the good thing is that you are never a few steps away from some of Lake Tahoe's best restaurants, so maybe you would feel it would be ideal to look at one of the Lake Tahoe vacation rentals here because although this area wasn't named after a king it sure seems like you would be treated like one.
The Coon Street Picnic Area is known for its boat launching area, located at the end of Coon Street in Kings beach. This is totally dependent on the lake levels, as if the levels are low then they will not allow the facility to be open as it isn't safe. Also, Coon Street Picnic Area has the only public dog beach in Kings beach and in Tahoe Vista, this is found at the east side of Coon Street Picnic Area.
You could say the Kings Beach Recreation Area is the main beach, hence why it is the only one that has King's beach in its title unlike the others. It is the largest public access beach on the Northern region of Lake Tahoe, also this is one of the warmest swimming areas on the lake and the beach is adjacent to the Kings Beach Plaza. This is the one where you will find water toy rentals, a playground which over looks the water and is an area where the children can have fun, volley ball and loads of other beach activities and games related facilities. It's no wonder why this beach is popular with visitors and residents of Lake Tahoe. Also here is the North Tahoe Water sports which where you will find the para sailing rides, jet ski and kayak rentals.
The King's Plaza is located in the heart between Coon street Boat Launch and Kings Beach Recreation Area. It is surrounded by Jeffrey pine trees. Here you find a beautiful patio styled courtyard encircled by walking paths. The Plaza plays host to various events such as Arts and Crafts fairs, Fine Arts Fairs and they are always open to welcoming new events.
North Tahoe Beach Center is owned by the California Tahoe Conservancy, and they also look after it. This has had millions pumped into as it has been renovated recently, which saw a few new things added and improved. There is a picnic shelter that has has a BBQ and can seat up to 90 people, it can also be rented out for weddings,parties, picnics and other similar events. Other than that, if it isn't rented then it is on the basis of first come first served.
You will find that each beach doesn't have any food services on them - but the good thing is that you are never a few steps away from some of Lake Tahoe's best restaurants, so maybe you would feel it would be ideal to look at one of the Lake Tahoe vacation rentals here because although this area wasn't named after a king it sure seems like you would be treated like one.
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