ISRAEL—OFF THE BEATEN PATH

There’s so much to see in Israel that getting off the beaten path can be difficult. My friends, Misha and Marina recently came back from a trip to Israel. I offer you their story about a place that is not included in most tours, but, for multiple reasons, is worth a visit. 

What an amazing country Israel is! Having visited once, one feels being pulled back there by invisible strings (perhaps there is something in us that compels us to return to our historic roots). Even the most complete tour cannot include all worthwhile destinations. I would like to share with you one particular place which is not well known to average traveler – Hamat Gader. It is located at the border of Israel with Jordan and Syria, at the south-eastern part of sea ​​of ​​Galilee (Lake Kineret).

The sulfide springs (4.7% hydrogen sulfide) with running water 42-57 degrees Celsius was discovered by the Romans in the 2nd century and is now a favorite place for rest and relaxation for many Israelis. We stayed the whole day there, swimming in the pool, enjoying the Jacuzzi and waterfall, lunch at the restaurant, after which returning to the water. There is a hotel (The Spa Village Hotel), a vegetarian restaurant and bar (“Blue-Bar”), gym, sauna, steam room, a Crocodile Farm (which you can visit), and of course, various historic sites. These include Roman baths c. 2nd century, a synagogue c. 5th century with amazing mosaics, a church, and a park.

For more information I refer you to the following websites 

http://www.hamat-gader.com/eng 

www.spavillage.co.il  

I know from my own experience, that after every trip, there is still a lot we didn't have time to see or just didn't know about place worth a visit.

Perhaps some of you would like to share some “off the beaten path” destinations or places of interest.

Thanks, Liliya

WINTER FESTIVALS, PART 2

As promised, I continue with winter festivals around the world.

Belalp Hexe in Belalp, Valais, Switzerland 

January 7 to 14, 2012 

As the legend goes, an old witch who lived in Belalp murdered her husband and was burned at the stake. Every January hundreds of skiers come to town in his honor—or is it hers?—with pointy hats, crooked noses, and wispy broomsticks for Belalp Hexe (Belalp Witch) week and the downhill Witches' Descent race.

Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, the Shetland Islands, Scotland

January 31, 2012 

For the past 100-odd years, gales, sleet, and snow have never stopped the town of Lerwick from setting the night on fire in true Norse style on the last Tuesday of January. It takes 364 days to make Up Helly Aa's elaborate costumes, Viking weaponry, 1,000 fuel-soaked torches, and full-sized longship. But on that one night of the year, Lerwick is like something straight out of an ominous movie set.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea 

January 7 to 29, 2012 

The Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mount Trout) Ice Festival will be taking place in Hwacheon in Gangwon province. This virtually untouched region is known as the first area in Korea that freezes over in winter, and the river is covered with a thick layer of ice.
Visitors can try out ice fishing, and those who are feeling brave can try to catch mountain trout with their bare hands. As well as fun activities and performances, there is also an exhibition of ice sculptures that took 20 weeks to prepare.

The most amazing, in my opinion, is The IceMusic Festival, Geilo, Norway

January at the first full moon of the year 
The Ice Music Festival is a festival where the stage and venue are built exclusively with snow and ice. All the instruments and decorations are all made of ice from the local area. The IceMusic Festival is a unique, artistic and musical project. This festival is an ovation to the nature, and to one of the most important resources in the world - water. The weather is essential for the Ice Music Festival. The quality of the ice depends on the winter conditions and the sound of it varies as the temperature differs.  Therefore, every concert is a unique experience. The festival is in the mercy of the nature where the moon decides the time and the weather decides the music. The IceMusic Festival gathers different artistic expressions which all have a connection to ice. Please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXSJKz8IMM8&feature=fvwrel and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXSJKz8IMM8&feature=fvwrel to listen to the Ice Music.

WINTER FESTIVALS

Almost everybody knows about the famous Carnival of Brazil - an annual festival held forty-six days before Easter, but do you know that winter season is famous for many other festivals and carnivals around the world?

Today I want to tell you about winter festivals in Canada and USA, and next time - about similar events in Europe and Asia.

Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

February 23 to 26, 2012 

A throwback to Yukon's Klondike Gold Rush days, the Sourdough Rendezvous celebrates the brawny strength it took to survive here in the early 1900s … and the extra hair required to keep warm at -40 degrees. Things get woolly when a good chunk of the local population puts away razors months in advance to prepare for the beard-growing contest and the women's hairy-leg competition.

Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 

January 27 to February 12, 2012 

The perennial heavyweight, Quebec Winter Carnival bills itself as the world's largest winter festival. It's best known for its life-sized ice palace, its snow sculptures, and its snowman mascot, and it has a wild streak, too. In the extreme canoe race, paddlers navigate the frozen St. Lawrence River's snow and ice obstacles. The carnival's Caribou cocktail (vodka, brandy, sherry, and port) has a reputation for being feisty, but even that is mild compared to the gumption it takes to scrub down in the snow baths here.  To get more details go to http://www.quebecregion.com/en/what_to_do/ideas/quebec_winter_carnival?a=vis and http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/en/carnival-2012/not-to-be-missed

Fur Rendezvous, Anchorage, Alaska 

February 24 to March 4, 2012 

What began in 1935 as a small gathering of area miners and trappers has evolved into an internationally known 10-day festival of weird and wild proportions.

Cedarburg Winter Festival, Cedarburg, Wisconsin 

February 4 to 5, 2012 

During the dark days of winter, the Cedarburg Winter Festival just north of Milwaukee takes popular summerfest events and slaps them on snow and ice.

Fire and Ice Winter Fest, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 

February 3 to 5, 2012 

It takes locals extra doses of both fire and ice to shake the winter blues in Lava Hot Springs, where average February temps typically hover in the 20s. And this festival, no doubt, is one shocking remedy.

Slush Cup Weekend, Schuss Mountain, Bellaire, Michigan 

March 2 to 4, 2012 

When winter starts to drip, Michiganians near the tip of the mitten get silly. Slush Cup, a Schuss Mountain tradition for 30-odd years, peaks with the weekend's main event: racing skis and snowboards across a 40-foot pond while sporting a ridiculous costume.

And last but not least, Lambertville - New Hope Winter festival, (2 small towns sitting on opposite sides of the Delaware River in the western part of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania) just about 90 minutes drive from New York.  The numerous events include Live demonstrations of Ice sculptures creation, Parade, Fire And Ice Ball, Beef and Brew, Snow Folk Art, and many others. For detail schedule of all events and concerts please go to http://winterfestival.net/schedule.html and for driving directions - http://www.newhope-pa.com/html/directions_to_new_hope.html

Now it is up to you to decide where to go.
There is still time to make all reservations!

SKATING IN NEW YORK

Happy New Year to all my readers!

There's nothing like gliding gracefully across the ice with the wind in your hair and the New York City skyline as your backdrop. Ice skating is fun, it's good exercise, and it makes for a very romantic winter date night. Manhattan boasts several great ice skating rinks -- from the old landmarks like Rockefeller Center to a brand-new rink in Bryant Park.

1. Citi Pond at Bryant Park

Citi Pond at Bryant Park is Manhattan's first and only free admission ice skating rink. Back for it's seventh season, Citi Pond is one of NYC's most treasured winter destinations. Whether you enjoy a day of family skating, share a romantic evening spinning under the stars, celebrate the holidays at a company bash, Citi Pond truly offers a bit of magic for everyone.

Ice skate rentals are $14 and skating lessons are also available. During prime skating season, the lines can get long, especially on weekends.

Where: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd St. & 5th and 6th Ave.
When: October 27, 2011 through February 26, 2012. Open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00am until 10:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am until midnight.

2. Rockefeller Center Ice-Skating Rink

Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is an essential New York City winter experience. Since 1936, millions of New Yorkers have skated here in the shadow of the city's most famous Christmas tree.
Admission prices vary by time of year, day of the week, and time of day. During peak times, it will cost you $21 per adult and $12.50 per child. You can pay more for the privilege of skipping the lines by purchasing a $75 premium pass (includes admission and skates) that will get you on the ice immediately through the rink's newly designed Igloo. For the latest information on hours of operation and admission prices, call 212-332-7654.
Where: Rockefeller Center between 47th and 50th St. & 5th and 7th Ave., lower concourse.
When: November 4, 2011 through April 2012.

3. The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers offers ice skating in New York City year-round. The rink welcomes skaters of all ages and ability levels for general skating, figure skating, hockey training and league play, and more.

Adult admission is $13.50 per person; admission for youths and seniors is $11 per person.
For more information, call 212-336-6100.

Where: Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, 23rd Street & the Hudson River.
When: The rink is operating year-round, and is open to the public for general skating as follows:

·         Mondays and Fridays -- 1:30-5:20PM

·         Tuesdays and Thursdays -- 1:30-4:50PM

·         Wednesdays -- 1:30-3:50PM

·         Saturdays and Sundays -- 1:00-3:50PM

4. Wollman Rink in Central Park

There's nothing more picturesque than skating in Central Park. The Trump Wollman Rink is located near the east side of the Park, just steps away from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. The rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, and party facilities.

Admission for adults is $10.75 during the week (Monday through Thursday) and $16.00 on the weekends.

Skate rentals are $6.75. For more information, call 212-439-6900.

Where: Central Park near entrance at Central Park South (59th St.) and 6th Ave.
When: Open October 24, 2011 through April 2012 during the following hours:

·         Mondays and Tuesdays -- 10:00AM-2:30PM

·         Wednesdays and Thursdays -- 10:00AM-10:00PM

·         Fridays and Saturdays -- 10:00AM-11:00PM

·         Sundays -- 10:00AM-9:00PM

5. Lasker Rink in Central Park

The Lasker Pool & Rink in Central Park converts from a swimming pool in the summer to an ice-skating rink during the winter months.
Admission is $6.75 for adults, $3.75 for youths, and $2.25 for seniors. For more information, call 917-492-3856.
Where: Central Park, mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets.
When: Open mid-October through early April during the following hours:

·         Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays -- 10:00AM-3:45PM

·         Tuesdays -- 10:00AM-3:30PM, 8:00-10:00PM

·         Fridays -- 10:00AM-5:15PM, 7:00-11:00PM

·         Saturdays -- 1:00-11:00PM

·         Sundays -- 12:30-4:30PM

6. Standard Hotel

The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District offers New Yorkers a beautiful ice skating rink in the Meatpacking District during the winter months.

Admission is $12 per person and skate rental is $3. The outdoor Kaffeehaus serves hot drinks (spiked with a shot if you like) to keep you feeling toasty on the ice.
Where: Standard Hotel, 848 Washington Street at West 13th Street.
When: The ice skating rink is open from November 21 through the winter from 9 am until midnight Monday through Thursday, from noon until 1 am on Friday, from 9 am until 1 am on Saturday, and from 9 am until midnight on Sunday.

If you know any skating rinks in Brooklyn or Queens, please share with me and I will post your information on my Blog.
Thanks