The Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele in Palermo opened its doors to the public on the evening of 16 May 1897, twenty-two years after the solemn public ceremony of the laying of the first stone.

For a long time there had been talk of building a big new theatre in Palermo, worthy of the second biggest city in southern Italy after Naples. Palermo, in the second half of the nineteenth century, was engaged in getting itself a new identity in the light of the new national unity.

Cultural life was influenced by the new national physiognomy and the positive consequences of the activity of enlightened entrepreneurs like the Florios, who also made generous donations to the building of the opera house and for some years were also its no less enlightened managers.
Intense commercial relations led to the convergence and development in Palermo of interests with a European dimension and caused the city to be continually in touch with different cultural models than its own. This was the start of the Belle poque, which for the city was a time of cultural and economic rebirth which became mythical and was only to be interrupted by the outbreak of World War I.

Tours

Students and teachers are welcome at the Massimo to find out more about opera and classical music.Short concerts, guided tours to the backstage, morning events are scheduled throughout the year.

Guided tours
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am - 3 pm (last tour leaves at 2.30 pm)
The tour lasts about 25 minutes and is available in different languages.

Students and teachers are welcome at the Massimo to find out more about opera and classical music.Short concerts, guided tours to the backstage, morning events are scheduled throughout the year.

For information and booking of guided tours:
telephone/fax: +39.091.609.08.31

Websites: Teatro Massimo, Godfather 3

Teatro Massimo
Piazza G. Verdi
90138 Palermo, Italy
tel 091 6053111

Thank you to Sandra at Backpackers on High Heels for this shopping report. Backpackers on High Heels - a new kind of travel – lifestyle - shopping guide. At last - a guide that shows you all the places to B.: Stylish shops with absolutely stunning fashion, shoes, bags and everything else a girl needs with hip-n-cool bars, restaurants, nightclubs as well as fashionable and über clean hotels. With Backpackers on High Heels you can become a global and stylish shopping-guru. NOW AVAILABLE FOR BANGKOK - COMING SOON: AMSTERDAM, HANOI AND BALI.

Websites: Playground, Backpackers on High Heels

Playground
818 Soi Sukhumvit 55 Sukhumvit Rd.,
Klongton Nue Wattana
Bangkok 10110
Tel : (662)714-7888

High style and high tech converge at the Pod Hotel, which offers hip, convenient accommodations for the stylish and spendthrifty traveler. Formerly the Pickwick Arms, the hotel is located in the heart of New York Ciy’s Midtown East neighborhood.

Step out of your Pod and discover what’s beyond: a world of adventure, whimsy, and fun. Hotel amenities include a stylish lobby lounge, a world-class restaurant, and a beautiful rooftop garden bar. We’re steps away from such classic sights as Radio City Music Hall, The United Nations, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Our neighborhood is packed with chic eateries and trendy boutiques. Our multilingual concierge service is always ready to recommend destinations that are even further afield.

Website: The Pod Hotel

The Pod Hotel
230 E 51st St.
NYC, NY 10022
212.355.0300

Continuing on my walk I passed Doo-Wop, which sells musical equipment and Ear-X-tacy, a different kind of music store that sells CDs and DVDs. Among the many antique stores, a contemporary furniture store calls itself “Objects of Desire”. Practically every shop, bistro and bar is adorned with original hand-painted signs or old-style neon lights; like the eye-catching mural and avant-garde recursive-post modern design of the Metro Café, located on Barnstown Road off Duker Avenue. Upon entering, I felt a little like Alice as I left funky for high chic (must have been the blue pill I took earlier). Patrons are treated to the elegant ambience of a dining room lined with original German art-deco prints as they dine on anything from a starter of Vidalia Onion Tart with roasted tomato crème fraiche to a main course of Veal Scaloppini with Bing cherries and a Frangelico cream sauce with mashed potatoes and vegetable of the day. There’s a reason why the Metro Café was voted one of Louisville’s top five restaurants. And I didn’t even get dessert! Ah, those German pastries!

Stuffed with the diverse rich flavors of a good meal, I walked into the Old Town liquor/wine store, and was greeted by an imposing wooden Indian statue (affectionately named “Chief Wooden Head” by its staff). Jeremy, who stands in the picture next to the Chief with a bottle of one of Kentucky’s best bourbon, tells me that the Chief came with the establishment over twenty five years ago and survived the great tornado of 1974. The owners of Old Town Wine Store would prefer that the locals consider it as their neighborhood wine store, despite its more than ample selection of hard liquors and exotic soft liquors from all over the world, including champagnes that go for over $300.

While parts of Bardstown Road seemed old and almost run-down, even these displayed incredible character, particularly juxtaposed to the side streets, which showcased wealthy residential areas, shaded by impressive over 100-foot high mature oak, elm or maple trees. Streets east and west of Bardstown Road house mostly single-family residences, and range from working class neighborhoods to some of the most expensive streets in Louisville, such as Spring Drive, home of Louisville’s most famous Kentucky Derby parties.

Bardstown Road is a place to walk, meet people and experience the sights at a comfortable pace. You’ll witness anything from punkers with pink Mohawks and skateboarders doing 360-switches, to street musicians playing bluegrass on the musical saw. For instance, in a park beside one of the side-street cafés on Eastern Parkway, I met Nikki and Adam, a young couple with their two month old baby girl, who were travelling through Louisville in their converted school bus from New Orleans on their way west to Oregon. Adam plays the accordion to Nikki’s melodic musical saw. I walked, ate and drank my way down this funky fun street, which never seemed to close down. Nothing quite approaches Bardstown Road on a Friday night in the summer. Experience great cultural diversity, alfresco sidewalk-dining, and prime people watching; it’s clearly a place to eat, drink and be merry.

Thank you to my fabulous guest author, Nina Munteanu! Here’s her bio …

Nina Munteanu is a Canadian author and ecologist, who enjoys traveling around the world. She has been tasting and eating her way for years in exotic places from Bangkok to Paris. Her articles and short stories have been translated in magazines throughout Europe and North America. Nina’s latest book, “Darwin’s Paradox” is a science fiction eco-thriller that explores humanity’s evolution with intelligent machine and “intelligent” nature (http://www.darwinsparadox.com). Her award-winning blog, The Alien Next Door (http://sfgirl-thealiennextdoor.blogspot.com), provides lively discussion on topics of travel, pop culture, science and writing. For more on her writing and appearances visit her website, www.ninamunteanu.com.

Websites: General Eccentric, Scissorhands, Raindogs, Za’s Pizza Pub, Karma Café, Ramsi’s Café On the World, Doo Wop, Ear-X-tacy, Objects of Desire, Café Metro, Old Town Liquor/Wine Store, the great tornado of 74

The Culinary Institute just inducted Darrell Corti into the Vintner’s Hall of Fame and Mike Dunne of the Sacramento Bee reported:

On March 7, 2008, Darrell Corti will be inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame during a $250-a-plate dinner at the Napa Valley branch of the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena.

Corti is a member of only the second group of prominent wine-trade personalities to be so enshrined – and the first who is neither an academic nor a winemaker.

While he does teach, and while he has made wine, he is principally a Sacramento grocer who stocks his store with foods and beverages rarely found elsewhere: chutneys from Australia, spice blends from Syria, stockfish from Norway, caramels from Montana, marmalade from Sacramento.

But the Vintners Hall of Fame is recognizing Corti largely for his contributions to the understanding and marketing of wine, which he does through writings, lectures, tours and sales.

While he can provoke vigorous debate on the world wine scene with his forthright views on various grape-growing and winemaking issues, he is recognized locally more for his studious attitude, eclectic tastes and generous spirit. He frankly analyzes wines for home winemakers, judges at even small and remote wine competitions, and shares his knowledge and vast library with whoever comes calling, including this reporter on numerous occasions – just one reason I nominated Corti for the Vintners Hall of Fame.

Since he entered the family business full time in 1964, Corti has been an unusually proactive merchant. He has traveled broadly to forage olive oils, wines, teas and other provisions to be found in the United States only at Corti Brothers.

He also began to search out and promote Northern California foodstuffs and wines long before growing and buying “local” had the environmental cachet it enjoys today. Read More

I feel quite sentimental about this store. Many a time I’ve been looking for advice on a recipe or ingredients and they’ve put me on the phone with Darrell to give me advice. I even had them cater my big birthday party. Best of luck in finding a new location and I’ve got my fingers crossed that it will be in East Sac.

Website: Corti Brothers

Corti Brothers
5810 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 736-3814

Skydeck 88 is open from 10 am until 10pm. There are admission fees from children to adults from AUS $7 up to $ 16.50, while children three years old and under have no charge.

The Edge is located on the 88th level and would cost you additional admission to experience the cube, but it’s worth it! Admission ranges from AUS $12 for adults, for children aged 4 to 16 – AUS$ 8, concession fees also apply.
Bring your cameras and leave your fear of heights behind or until the 87th level.
You can also purchase a souvenir picture of you actually in “The Edge” from the Edge shop.
Bookings are also available for groups of 15 or more for school groups.
Bookings cannot be made for The Edge. The Edge tickets are purchased on Level 88 on the day of visit.

Note though that due to poor weather conditions and wind speeds, the Edge may not be operational everyday.

Thank You, Thank You to Janine Navarra for this guest post!

Website: http://www.mydriveholiday.com
Personal blog: http://crapmentality.blogspot.com

Website : Eureka Skydeck 88

Eureka Skydeck 88
Riverside Quay, Southbank
Melbourne 3006,
Australia

- by Travel Betty

Thank You to the fabulous Travel Betty for this guest post. Doesn’t it make you hungry?
Tracy DeLuca | Copywriter | Travel Writer
www.tracydeluca.com | www.travel-betty.com

Websites: Vij’s, Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations

Vij’s Restaurant
1480 11th Avenue West
Vancouver, BC
(604) 736-6664

The Greek island of Mykonos has a well earned party reputation. One reason for sure is Cavo Paradiso. Cavo Paradiso is an open air, after hours nightclub that is built into the side of a cliff above Paradise Beach. They regularly have some of the hottest DJ’s on the planet gracing it’s main stage. However, even the hottest DJ’s are no match for what Cavo is known for, the spectacular sunrise.

Now, unless you’re Greek or a regular on the late night party scene, staying up for the Cavo Paradiso’s sunrise is going to be difficult if not impossible. So, here’s the 10 Step Cavo Paradiso Plan:

Step 1: Chose a night when there is a well known DJ. If you aren’t hip to the DJ scene, just ask around.
Step 2: On that night, go to bed around 10pm and have the hotel wake you up at 3:30am. Yes, it really sucks to get that wake up call.
Step 3: Get dressed for a nightclub. This means eyeliner, lipgloss etc… but no high heels, you’ll be uncomfortable. Bring your shades, you’ll want them when the sun comes up.
Step 4: Catch a pre-arranged taxi at 4am to Cavo Paradiso. The roads have no lights and let’s face it, you have no business driving when drinking or even when sober in Mykonos at 4am!
Step 5: Enter Cavo. There’s always a fee ranging from 15 to 40 euros per person, depending on the DJ. This will include one drink.
Step: 6: Order a drink. This will be hard considering you’ve just woken up and you’d probably rather have a cup of coffee, just do it.
Step 7: Enjoy the drinks, the DJ and being one of the only sober people in the club.
Step 8: Park yourself near the pool on the stone stairs and watch the sky get lighter, and lighter until the sun comes up.
Step 9: If you’re ballsy enough, jump in the pool. If not, watch other fools jump in the pool.
Step 10: At 8am catch your pre-arranged taxi back to your hotel, have a little breakfast and go back to sleep.

Cavo is hard, especially if you aren’t used to partying. But it’s worth it. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

P.S. Here’s the best part, once the sun comes up, you’ll still be hot because you haven’t been partying all night long!

Enjoy!

Thank you so much to Kimberly Murgatroyd of Jet Set Life for this special guest post exclusively for Things You Should Do!

Kim’s blog has info about Mykonos, Marabella, St. Barth’s, Scottsdale and lots of other very cool places. and Rob has a new video about the Mykonos party scene. Check them out!

Websites: http://www.cavoparadiso.gr, http://www.jetsetlife.tv

The Broadmoor (East Course) in Colorado Springs will be the host to the 156 top senior golfers. The East Course at The Broadmoor is set up at 7,254 yards and par is 36-34—70. It will be the longest course in Senior Open history, surpassing the 7,177-yard setup at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis in 2004.

All military personnel (active and retired) with proper identification will receive free admission, a voucher for a free lunch and a discount in the merchandise tent for themselves and their families on Wednesday, July 30 - Military Family Day.

Advance registration and/or tickets are not required to participate in Military Family Day, simply bring your valid ID with you to the admission gate to receive your tickets, meal vouchers and merchandise discount cards. Parking and shuttle transportation are also provided free of charge. For a map to the parking lot, click here. The shuttle will drop you off at the admission gate.

The second Senior Open was won by another national hero, Arnold Palmer, 51, at Oakland Hills Country Club in Birmingham, Mich. Palmer won in an 18-hole playoff with Bob Stone and Billy Casper. With his victory, Palmer joined JoAnne Carner as the only players to win three different USGA Championships (Jack Nicklaus, Carol Semple Thompson, and Tiger Woods have since accomplished this feat).

Websites http://www.broadmoor.com/, http://www.ussenioropen.com/

The Broadmoor
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: (719) 634-7711