Grasshopper Adventures, a leader in Asia
bike tours, launches three bike & boat
adventures for 2019 and 2020 on the Mekong in Cambodia/Vietnam, the Brahmaputra
in India and the River Kwai in Thailand.
Grasshopper Adventures is partnering up with colonial and intimate
river vessels on Asia’s great rivers. Cycling off-the-beaten-path, cruising
along storied rivers, meeting villagers at the river banks and enjoying some
scenic pedalling mixed with culture and delicious local food.
With these new itineraries unpacking is only needed once. The ships
are under private charter to Grasshopper Adventures and are escorted by a
Grasshopper tour leader.
Single travelers are welcome. Grasshopper Adventures is matching guest with another same sex single traveler or guest can decide to pay the single supplement for a private cabin.
“With these new, exciting and unique tours we are able to welcome non-cycling partners or friends and will have special activities planned for them each day while the riders are out on the bikes,” Adam Platt-Hepworth, Grasshopper Adventures’ founder, said. “ It’s like having a portable hotel!”
Mekong Bike & Boat Adventure, from Vietnam to Cambodia, 9 days / 8 nights (from $4,990 per person sharing) This epic journey on the Mekong starts at colonial Saigon in Vietnam and finishes at breath-taking Angkor in Cambodia’s Siem Reap. The RV Toum Tiou with its shallow draft can reach river arms inaccessible to other cruise lines. Guests will be cycling through Vietnam’s scenic and busy Mekong delta and exploring Cambodia’s remote and rural corners before reaching the bustling capital Phnom Penh with its colonial and Art Deco architecture. The trip ends in Siem Reap with off-the-beaten-track cycling excursions to the Angkorian temples.
6 nights on board RV Toum Tiou
2 nights at Jaya House River Park, Siem Reap
India: Bike & Boat Brahmaputra, 9 days / 8 nights (from $4,900 per person sharing)
The Brahmaputra, one of the world’s most storied rivers, flows through Assam, India’s most north-eastern region. Guests will start exploring charming and colonial Kolkata before flying to Jorhat to embark the elegant Grand Dame of the river, the RV Charaidew. The polished brass engine room, telegraph and enormous ship’s wheel bear witness to her heritage. We cycle on the world’s largest river island, Majuli and explore rural villages which have not often see foreigners. There will be national parks with plenty of wildlife from rhinos, to elephants and birds – with a bit of luck maybe a tiger spotting.
1 night at the Oberoi Grand, Kolkata 7 nights on the RV Charaidew
Thailand Bike, Boat & Beach, 8 days / 7 nights (from $3,950 per person sharing)
Guests
will be cruising the scenic River Kwai and immerse into the history of the
infamous Death Railway, built during
WWII. The colonial RV River Kwai will take passengers on a trip back in
time. This tour combines cycling Bangkok by night, with a river cruise and the
extension to the paradise in Southern Thailand, Koh Yao. Guests can take part
on our included cycling, kayaking or hiking activities down south, or enjoy the
stunning beach and island resort.
1 night at the Riva Surya Hotel, Bangkok
3 nights on the RV River Kwai
3 nights at Paradise Koh Yao Resort, Island of Koh Yao
Grasshopper Adventures is approaching its 15-year anniversary. Grasshopper multi day tours across Asia feature great guides and bikes, off-the-beaten-track itineraries, unique escapes and genuine experiences and fine-tuned details. Grasshopper Adventures operates tours in Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Choose from scheduled group departures, bike & boat, private tours, family tours or self-guided trips.
Grasshopper Adventures is introducing a cycling tour exploring the back roads of Rajasthan, India’s quintessential land of maharajas, majestic forts, lavish palaces and tigers.
(Bangkok, Thailand) — Grasshopper Adventures is introducing a cycling tour exploring the back roads of Rajasthan, India’s quintessential land of maharajas, majestic forts, lavish palaces and tigers. Starting in Delhi and finishing in Udaipur, guests will ride through rural farmlands, deserts, and mountains, while exploring the “Land of Kings”. The eight-day trip starts at $3,300 USD per person double and is scheduled for October 26-November 2, 2019.
The remnants of a rich and romantic past have earned Rajasthan a place on most travelers’ bucket lists. It is a land of deserts, jungle, camel trains, tigers, jewels, art and vibrant culture. The festivals and cuisine are nothing short of spectacular. It is the must-see state of India, brimming with history and unique attractions.
“We will pedal 230 km through fascinating towns, ancient desert hamlets, and an oasis of Rajasthani forts,” said Grasshopper Adventures CEO Adam Platt-Hepworth. “Rajasthan is one of India’s most captivating states, famed for its historic forts and palaces, desert villages, spice markets, and the warmth of its people. This tour definitely discovers the real Rajasthan.”
The cycling follows predominantly flat, country roads and lanes with little traffic. There is some hill riding, but it is broadly achievable at a moderate level of fitness. A support vehicle is always on hand throughout the entire trip to give guests a lift if they need a break from the riding. Distances covered are between 40 km and 60 km a day.
“Rather than the popular tourist sites, guests may well find that the highlight of this bike tour is a chance encounter with a pink-turbaned man in the middle of nowhere, or maybe a shared Rajasthani family meal,” said Platt-Hepworth. “That is the beauty of this trip!”
Highlights:
Touring the 15th century Mehrangarh fortress
Riding through the desert to Rohet
Taking a Jeep tour to visit the Bishnoi tribes
Visiting a traditional haveli for a tasty lunch
Boarding a train for a scenic ride from Khambli Ghat to
Phulad
Overnighting in the lush, wooded valley of Ranakpur
Touring Kumbhalgarh and the world’s second largest
man-made wall
Bellevue, WA —Imagine a trip that combines the exotic and colorful country of India with the Himalayan nation of Nepal to the north. All for only $135 a day—including includes deluxe hotels like Marriott, Hilton and Crowne Plaza and air fare. World Spree Travel makes that happen with its Exotic India and Kathmandu Tour in the fall, when the 14-day trip costs $1,899.
That price includes not only round-trip international airfare from San Francisco, Los Angeles or New York, but also 5-star hotel accommodations, daily buffet breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners, all transportation in India and Nepal, comprehensive sightseeing tours with entrance fees, wonderful English-speaking tour guides, baggage handling and audio earphones. A mind-blowing flight to Mount Everest for a close-up view is optional and extra.
The tour starts in the capital, Delhi, with (cycle rickshaw) sightseeing in Mughal Old Delhi’s narrow alleys, mosques and bazaars, and monumental New Delhi’s colonial architecture reminiscent of the British Raj. There’s also a visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s former residence. Then it’s on to Agra, the second city of India’s famed Golden Triangle, and that legendary symbol of love, the beautiful white marble Taj Mahal, considered the finest monument of Mughal architecture.
On the way to Jaipur, the 10th-century Chand Baori (Stepwell), merits a stop. (This incredible well, with 13 floors and 3,500 steps, inspired the centerpiece sculpture in New York City’s new Hudson Yards.) Jaipur, the third city in the Golden Triangle, is the capital of Rajastan, the “pink city” that starred in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” Here there’s a tuk-tuk ride to see historic mansions, palaces and temples, as well as a jeep ride up to the famous Amber Fort, and a visit to a home for underprivileged children. Then it’s back to Delhi for an overnight and the flight to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, which is surrounded by the high peaks of the Himalayas..
In Kathmandu, sightseeing includes the array of temples and Nepali royal palaces in Durbar Square, and the “Monkey Temple” with its impressive stupa. Other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley include Bhaktapur, the nation’s cultural gem with its appealing crafts, ornate palaces, temples galore and 19 Buddhist monasteries, and Patan, full of old charm, traditional brick houses. temples and monuments. Then there’s Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most important Hindu temple on the holy Bagmati River. And, of course, that thrilling flight to Mount Everest, which is optional and costs $220. After a short flight to Delhi, there’s a farewell dinner and then the flight back home.
For additional information about the Exotic India and Kathmandu Tour visit www.worldspree.com, and click India, or call toll-free 1-800-652-5656.
How fitting that during May, National Biking Month, Rails-to-Trails
Conservancy (RTC) has just unveiled its preferred route for its visionary Great
American Rail-Trail™—or the “Great American”— a 3,700-mile biking trail that
would link Washington DC with Washington State.
The proposal underscores the organization’s long-time
commitment to creating an iconic piece of American infrastructure that connects
more than 125 existing trails and fills 90 trail gaps to create the
cross-continental recreational trail.
“Since the 1980s, RTC has understood the potential of a
trail like the Great American Rail-Trail that could connect the nation. That
vision has been a guidepost for the organization for 30 years. Now, we have the
chance to create from that vision a national treasure that unites millions of
people over thousands of miles of trail,” said Ryan Chao, president of RTC.
“This trail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide—together—an enduring
gift to the nation that will bring joy for generations to come.”
The preferred route of the nation’s first cross-country
multiuse trail is detailed in a comprehensive report released by RTC today. The
Great American Rail-Trail Route Assessment Report outlines RTC’s recommendation
for the route, developed in close partnership with states and local trail
planners and managers.
“When defining the preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail, we sought a cross-country route that would provide the highest-quality experience while delivering significant economic and social benefits to the communities it connects,” said Liz Thorstensen, vice president of trail development at RTC. “This route achieves those things and more, in large part thanks to the input, support and leadership of state agencies and local partners who have built the existing trails that will make the Great American Rail-Trail possible, and whose ongoing collaboration is vital to its completion.”
The route assessment was developed over 12 months with input
from RTC’s GIS analysis of more than 34,000 miles of multiuse trails; review of
state and local trail plans; and discussions with hundreds of local trail
partners and state agencies representing the trails along the route. The
preferred route aligns with RTC’s and its partners’ criteria that specify the
Great American be one contiguous route that is initially more than 80 percent,
and ultimately entirely, off street and separated from vehicle traffic;
comprises existing trails to the extent possible; is the most direct route
possible between Washington, D.C., and Washington State; is amenable to the state
and local jurisdictions that will host it; and will serve as a catalyst for
local economic development, including providing services for long-distance
trail travelers.
Traveling through 12 states and the District of Columbia,
RTC and its partners have defined the Great American Rail-Trail as more than
3,700 miles, comprising more than 1,900 miles of existing trails—those trails
already developed that will help carry the route across the country—and more
than 1,700 miles of “trail gaps,”—sections of trail in need of development to
fully connect the Great American into one contiguous route.
As the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail, the
Great American will connect people of all ages and abilities with America’s
diverse landscapes and communities. Nearly 50 million people living within 50
miles of its route will be able to call this iconic American infrastructure
their own as the trail delivers new access to the outdoors and new
opportunities for physical activity and recreation. Hundreds of communities
along the route will experience new opportunities for business development and
tourism thanks to the Great American Rail-Trail, all while contributing to the
growth of the country’s burgeoning outdoor economy—one of the largest sectors
in the United States.
“We believe the Great American Rail-Trail will be a
transformative project for the nation, as it magnifies on a grand scale the
benefits that trails have delivered to communities for decades,” said Chao.
“Whether bridging gaps within and between communities, creating safe walking
and biking access to jobs, transit, shopping and green space; or serving as
recreation for cyclists, runners and casual daily explorers, this will be
America’s trail.”
While completion of the Great American Rail-Trail is a
significant undertaking and several decades away, 52% of the path is already
complete and available for public use, with plans for RTC to work in
partnership with states and local jurisdictions and organizations to bring new
segments online year after year.
RTC and its partners view the route assessment as a
blueprint for the trail’s development that is based in the reality of existing
plans and priorities. To spur trail completion, RTC has identified initial
catalyst initiatives—projects or challenges that would most benefit from RTC’s
national breadth of resources. Through these initiatives, RTC will directly
support local and state partners, investing time, expertise and organizational
resources in specific projects that are critical to catalyzing the completion
of the Great American Rail-Trail. RTC is also enlisting the support of trail
lovers across the country to demonstrate national enthusiasm for the Great
American’s development.
Setting a goal to reach 1 million pledges in support of the cross-country trail, RTC is asking the public to pledge at greatamericanrailtrail.org.
“We know that it will take a significant investment of time,
resources and energy to complete the Great American Rail-Trail—but it will be
worth it. It will take the help of trail lovers and leaders to bring this
vision to life,” said Kevin Mills, RTC’s vice president of policy. “Federal,
state, local and private investment will all be needed to complete this
project. To support the ongoing advocacy necessary to secure critical public
resources, we hope everyone will be inspired to proudly pledge to show the
widespread desire that exists for this trail.”
The Great American Rail-Trail is a signature project of RTC
and the most ambitious in its portfolio of TrailNation™ projects—the
organization’s initiative to encourage the rapid replication of regional trail
networks across the country. The Great American was first envisioned at RTC in
the late 1980s, and for decades has been an underpinning of the organization’s
strategy to create a nationwide network of public trails.
Separately, New York State, which already offers a 353-mile
long Erie Canalway from Buffalo to Albany, is in the process of filling the
gaps for a bikeway that will extend the entire north-south expanse, from New
York City to the Canadian border.
To learn more about the Great American Rail-Trail and RTC and to view the preferred route, visit greatamericanrailtrail.org and follow @greatamericanrailtrail on Facebook and Instagram.
It will take public and private support to complete the
Great American Rail-Trail. To learn more about how you can support the project
and RTC’s national leadership to plan, organize and advocate for the trail,
contact Alisa Borland, vice president of development at RTC, at
[email protected] or 202.974.5126.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong— dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
NEW YORK—The Shed, New York City’s new arts center that commissions, develops, and presents original works of art, across all disciplines, for all audiences, will open to the public on April 5 with the world premiere of Soundtrack of America. The five-night concert series, conceived and directed by Steve McQueen with a creative team led by Quincy Jones and Maureen Mahon, celebrates the unrivaled impact of African American music on contemporary culture with performances by a new generation of artists. A free live stream of the April 5 concert will be available on The Shed’s website, TheShed.org, and its social media channels.
The
opening commissions continue on April 6 with new work by artist Trisha
Donnelly and the world premiere of Reich Richter Pärt, an
immersive live performance installation from iconic artists Steve Reich,
Gerhard Richter, and Arvo Pärt, featuring new works by Richter
and a new composition by Reich. The world premiere of Norma Jeane Baker
of Troy, a specially commissioned spoken and sung dramatic work by poet
and scholar Anne Carson, starring Ben Whishaw and Renée
Fleming, directed by Katie Mitchell, will be performed on April 9
(with previews on April 6 and 7).
In
development for more than a decade, The Shed is a nonprofit cultural
institution located on city-owned land on West 30th Street between 10th and
11th Avenues on Manhattan’s west side, where the High Line meets Hudson Yards.
It is housed in The Bloomberg Building—designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro,
Lead Architect, and Rockwell Group, Collaborating Architect–an innovative, movable structure that adapts to support new
work of all kinds. The Shed’s primary program spaces include two floors of
expansive galleries, the versatile 500-seat Griffin Theater, and The McCourt, a
multiuse hall for large-scale performances, installations, and events for
audiences ranging from 1,250 seated to more than 2,000 standing. A rehearsal
space, lab for local artists, and event space are located in The Tisch
Skylights on the top floor.
“As a commissioning home for artists from the worlds of
performance, visual arts, and pop, The Shed is a place for all artists and all
audiences to meet,” said Artistic Director and CEO Alex Poots.
Dan Doctoroff,
Chair of The Shed’s Board of Directors said, “The Shed is doing something very
different: a new idea of a cultural institution; an unprecedented building in a
new part of the city; a new team commissioning all new work. It is uniquely of
New York, dedicated to the pursuit of boundless artistic ambitions across all
art forms for all audiences.”
Elizabeth Diller,
of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, said, “Eleven years in the making, The Shed is
opening its doors to the public as a perpetual work-in-progress. I see the
building as an ‘architecture of infrastructure,’ all muscle, no fat, and
responsive to the ever-changing needs of artists into a future we cannot
predict. Success for me would mean that the building would stand up to
challenges presented by artists, while challenging them back in a fruitful
dialogue.”
David Rockwell,
of Rockwell Group, said, “The Shed was conceived as an adaptable and structural
palette that will allow an extraordinarily diverse group of creators and
artists to incorporate the building into their work. After what has been a
wildly satisfying collaboration, we are thrilled to hand The Shed over to the
artists and audiences who will carry it forward. I couldn’t be prouder. It’s an
exciting addition to the long lineage of institutions that have kept our city
on the cutting
edge of the arts. Ultimately, it is a testament to the energy of New York
City.”
In recognition of a $25 million gift from Kenneth C.
Griffin, The Shed announced earlier this week that its 11,700-square-foot,
500-seat theater has been named The Kenneth C. Griffin Theater. “The Shed will
create new opportunities for artists and audiences to join together in unique
experiences. Over a decade in the making, this space reflects New York’s
determined commitment to fostering artistic expression and the idea that the
arts should be accessible to everyone,” said Griffin. Including this gift, The
Shed has raised $529 million toward its capital campaign goal of $550 million,
which includes building costs, organizational start-up expenses, and support
for the creation of new work.
Opening Commissions
Soundtrack of America,
April 5–14, The McCourtConceived and directed by Turner Prize-winning artist
and Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen and developed with music visionaries
and academic experts including Quincy Jones, Maureen Mahon, Dion ‘No I.D.’
Wilson, Tunji Balogun, and Greg Phillinganes, Soundtrack of America is a
five-night concert series celebrating the unrivaled impact of African American
music on contemporary
culture with performances by today’s most exciting emerging musicians.
The
headline performers for Soundtrack of America are:
April
5 at 8 pm: PJ Morton, Rapsody, Sheléa, and Victory, featuring special guest Jon
Batiste
April
7 at 8 pm: Braxton Cook, Kelsey Lu, Jade Novah, Smino, and Tank and The Bangas
April
9 at 8:30 pm: Samm Henshaw, Judith Hill, ill Camille, Emily King, Fantastic
Negrito, and serpentwithfeet
April
12 at 8:30 pm: Cory Henry, Melanie Faye, Terrace Martin, Oshun, and Sy Smith
April
14 at 8 pm: Keyon Harrold, Eryn Allen Kane, Phony Ppl, Moses Sumney, and
Tamar-kali, featuring special guests Richard Bona and Natasha Diggs, plus and
appearance by Aja Money.
Special
guest performers include: Natasha Diggs, resident DJ for all five nights, tap
dancer Michaela Marino Lerman (April 5), and jazz harpist Brandee Younger
(April 7), banjoist Dom Flemons (April 9), Vy Higginsen’s Sing Harlem Choir
(April 12), Cameroonian Grammy-winning bassist Richard Bona (April 14), and
poet Aja Monet (April 14).
A
free live stream of the April 5 concert will be available on The Shed’s
website, TheShed.org, and its social media channels. Major support for Soundtrack
of America is provided by the Ford Foundation.
Reich
Richter Pärt, April 6–June 2, Level 2 Gallery
An immersive live performance installation in The Shed’s galleries, Reich Richter Pärt explores the shared sensory language of visual art and music. Composer Steve Reich and artist Gerhard Richter will debut a world premiere commission, as two New York groups—Ensemble Signal and International Contemporary Ensemble—will alternate performances of Reich’s new score in counterpoint with Richter’s new work, including a new moving picture work created by Richter and filmmaker Corinna Belz. Each presentation of Reich Richter begins with a performance of Richter Pärt, a collaboration between Richter and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. Two New York-based choirs—the Brooklyn Youth Chorus and the Choir of Trinity Wall Street—will sing Pärt’s music within an installation of Richter’s new work, in the form of tapestries and wallpaper. The Richter Pärt partnership builds on a concept originally developed by Alex Poots and The Shed’s senior program adviser Hans Ulrich Obrist for the Manchester International Festival in 2015. The Reich Richter composition and film were newly commissioned by The Shed as part of Reich Richter Pärt, and co-commissioned for a concert setting by The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, Gustavo Dudamel, Music and Artistic Director; Cal Performances, University of California, Berkeley; Barbican Centre and Britten Sinfonia; Philharmonie de Paris; and Oslo Philharmonic.
Trisha
Donnelly, April 6–May 30, Level 4 Gallery
New
work by artist Trisha Donnelly. Norma Jeane Baker of Troy, April
6–May 19, The Griffin TheaterIn 1964, an office manager has hired one of his
stenographers to type out his translation of Euripides’s Helen but his
obsession with the recently dead Marilyn Monroe kidnaps the translation. Ben
Whishaw and Renée Fleming star in this spoken and sung performance piece by poet, essayist,
and scholar Anne Carson, directed by Katie Mitchell with music composed by Paul
Clark. (Preview performances April 6 and 7; opens April 9).
IN FRONT OF ITSELF,
ongoing, The Plaza
A large-scale, site-specific work by artist Lawrence Weiner
is embedded in The Shed’s plaza, serving as a walkable outdoor area when the
movable shell is nested over the fixed building, or as the base of The McCourt
when the shell is extended to the east. The 20,000-square-foot work is titled IN
FRONT OF ITSELF and features the phrase in 12-foot-high letters fabricated
with custom paving stones.
The Bloomberg Building
Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Lead Architect, and
Rockwell Group, Collaborating Architect, The Shed’s Bloomberg Building is an
innovative 200,000-square-foot (18,500 m2) structure that can physically
transform to support artists’ most ambitious ideas.
When deployed, The Shed’s telescoping outer shell creates a
17,000-square-foot (1,600 m2), light-, sound-, and temperature-controlled
space, The McCourt, named in recognition of Shed Board Member Frank
McCourt, Jr., and his family. The space can accommodate an audience of
approximately 1,250 seated or more than 2,000 standing. Large operable doors on
its north and east sides allow The McCourt to function as an open-air pavilion.
When the shell is nested over the base building, the 20,000-square-foot (1860 m2)
Plaza will be open public space that also can be used for outdoor exhibitions
and events.
The Shed features two expansive and flexible, column-free
galleries on Levels 2 and 4 of the base building, totaling more than 25,000
square feet (2,340 m2) of museum-quality space with 19-foot-high (6 m)
ceilings. Operable east-side walls can conjoin the galleries with The McCourt
to accommodate space or seating needs for large-scale installations and
performances.
An 11,700-square-foot (1,080 m2), sound-isolated black box
space on Level 6, The Kenneth C. Griffin Theater, can be used as a
single large theater with 500
seats or subdivided into two smaller theaters that can host concurrent events.
The Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Skylights and The Tisch Lab (Level 8) feature a 1,700-square-foot (160 m2) creative lab
for local artists, a 3,300-square-foot (305 m2) rehearsal space, and a
9,500-square-foot (880 m2) flexible, multipurpose space for events.
Additional 2019 Opening Season Commissions
Björk’s Cornucopia, the multidisciplinary artist’s most elaborate staged concert to date, directed by Lucrecia Martel (May 6–June 1, The McCourt).
Art and Civil Disobedience with Boots Riley, a one-night-only lecture by the director of Sorry to Bother You in conjunction with The Shed’s DIS OBEY program (May 10, The McCourt).
POWERPLAY, a women-centered celebration of radical art and healing, created by multimedia artist LATASHÁ in collaboration with special guest artists including Nona Hendryx and Ashley August and participants in The Shed’s DIS OBEY program for NYC high school students, which explores themes of civil disobedience through poetry (May 18 and 19, The McCourt).
Open Call, an unprecedented opportunity for 52 New York City-based emerging artists and collectives to develop and showcase their work throughout The Shed’s primary spaces, free to the public (May 30–August 25, and continuing in 2020, Level 2 Gallery, The Griffin Theater, The Plaza).
Collision/Coalition, a series of three distinct commissions with intersecting themes on the nature of historic, present, and future collaborations between antithetical forces. Artist Oscar Murillo will create a new body of work using Diego Rivera’s famed, and destroyed, murals at Rockefeller Center as his starting point. Tony Cokes will explore the relationship between artist, studio, and gentrification. And the third, a new documentary by Yanina Valdivieso and Vanessa Bergonzoli on Beatriz González’s monumental public artwork Auras Anonimas—now under threat of being demolished by Bogotá’s city administration. Organized by Emma Enderby, Senior Curator (June 19–August 25, Level 4 Gallery).
Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise, a futuristic kung fu musical co-conceived by Chen Shi-Zheng and Kung Fu Panda screenwriters Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger, with songs by Sia remixed by Arca and The Haxan Cloak, choreography by Akram Khan, martial arts direction by Zhang Jun, and production design and costumes by Tim Yip (June 22–July 27, The McCourt).
Maze, a new production from street dance pioneer Reggie ‘Regg Roc’ Gray, co-directed by Kaneza Schaal (July 23–August 17, The Griffin Theater).Mutant;Faith, a premiere of the first act of an experimental performance cycle created by Venezuelan artist, singer, and electronic music composer Arca (opens September 25, The Griffin Theater).
Agnes Denes: Absolutes and Intermediates, the most comprehensive survey of the artist in New York to date, featuring more than 130 works on paper, sculptures, and newly commissioned works for the exhibition. Organized by Emma Enderby, Senior Curator (October 9–January 2020, Level 2 and 4 Galleries).
William Forsythe: A Quiet Evening of Dance, featuring new and existing work by the inventive choreographer set to the sounds of music and the dancers’ breath (October 11–25, The Griffin Theater).
Mirrors and Memory, a collaboration on a new live production about memory between Joan Jonas and pianist Hélène Grimaud (November 2–9, The McCourt).
Manual Override, a group exhibition with artists Lynn Hershman Leeson, Sondra Perry, Simon Fujiwara, Martine Syms, and Morehshin Allahyari. Organized by Nora N. Khan, Guest Curator (November 13–January 2020, The Griffin Theater).
Requiem, a performance of Verdi’s Messa da Requiem by Teodor Currentzis and his orchestra and chorus musicAeterna, from Perm, Russia, in their North American debut, accompanied by a specially commissioned cinematic artwork of moving image by the late avant-garde filmmaker Jonas Mekas (November 19–24, The McCourt).
The Wells Fargo Foundation is the leading sponsor of Maze and FlexNYC. William Forsythe: A Quiet Evening of Dance is a Sadler’s Wells London Production co-commissioned by The Shed; Théâtre de la Ville-Paris, Théâtre du Châtelet ,and Festival d’Automne à Paris; Festival Montpellier Danse 2019; Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg; Onassis Cultural Centre-Athens; and deSingel international arts campus (Antwerp). Winner of the FEDORA – VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Prize for Ballet 2018.
Cedric’s at The Shed
Opening to the public in mid-April, Cedric’s at The Shed is a
new bar from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. Located in the
street-level Lobby at the West 30th Street entrance, Cedric’s serves a menu of
daytime and evening fare including cocktails, craft beer, wine, and coffee,
accompanied by shareable bites, sandwiches, and salads. Open Tuesday through
Sunday from 11 am to midnight, Cedric’s draws on the creativity and inventive
spirit of The Shed, offering a welcoming and casual experience for locals and
visitors alike.
Tickets
and Operating HoursAdmission to
exhibitions at The Shed is $10, which includes entry to all exhibitions on view
that day (admission is free for children and teens 18 years and under, and for
Shed Members at the Builder level and above). Ticket prices for live
productions vary by show. Tickets for the first half of the opening season
(April–August 2019) are available now at TheShed.org and via phone at (646)
455-3494. Tickets for fall-winter programs will go on sale later this year.
Exhibition hours are Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11 am to 6 pm;
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. Times for live productions
vary by show.
The Shed, The
Bloomberg Building, 545 W 30th Street, New York, NY 10001
The Kensington is celebrating the new Royal Baby with parenting sessions over Afternoon Tea with with Sarajane Ambrose, founder of leading UK nanny and maternity nurse agencies, Kensington-based Imperial Nannies and Maternally Yours.
In honor of the pending arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first baby, due in April, The Kensington has once again partnered with Sarajane Ambrose, founder of leading UK nanny and maternity nurse agencies, Kensington-based Imperial Nannies and Maternally Yours. New or expectant parents can now book a two-hour, one-on-one session with Sarajane, where she will guide them through everything they can expect when it comes to parenthood. Sarajane will offer her expert tips over The Kensington’s new ‘London Landmarks’ Afternoon Tea.
Sarajane has encountered
countless parents since she founded her agencies back in 1996 and is an
expert at pairing high caliber nannies and maternity nurses with discerning
families. The two-hour session is available to hotel guests of The
Kensington and prospective parents alike. As a mother of four, Sarajane can
offer tips on everything from furnishing a nursery to adjusting to life with a
new baby.
The package is
exclusively available at The Kensington and sessions will include the
hotel’s new Afternoon
Tea, which takes inspiration from London’s most recognizable and
historic landmarks. The new Afternoon Tea is presented on a London Eye-inspired
tea stand and is served alongside a bespoke map of London,
illustrated by Eleni Sofroniou, highlighting the landmarks featured in the tea.
Afternoon Tea sessions
with Sarajane are exclusively available at The Kensington and prices start from
£200 (approx. $265.63) for two-hours. Sessions are subject to availability and
can be booked between 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday. To book, please call
020 7 795 6299 or email: [email protected].
Family ownership imbues
the Doyle Collection properties with the familiarity of a member’s club and the
intimacy of a private home. Each of its eight hotels – landmark buildings in
unrivalled city locations, has its own distinct personality that is rooted in,
and authentic to, its neighborhood. Innovation and ongoing investment ensure a
boutique, cosmopolitan yet local feel – as seen in cool destination
restaurants, bars and event spaces – while the Collection’s heritage lends
character to its vision of informal luxury, timeless style and the very best
guest experience.
Sister agencies Imperial Nannies and Maternally Yours have been placing high caliber nannies and maternity nurses with discerning families since 1996. With offices located in Kensington, London and Bath, the agencies provide live-in, daily, temporary and overseas nannies, governesses and maternity nurses for private homes worldwide. Their expert Consultants provide a personal and professional service according to each client’s individual requirements. Only candidates with a minimum of three years’ private household experience are accepted. All candidates are personally interviewed. Each is scrupulously background and reference checked with up to date CRB checks and all are qualified First Aiders. Further details at www.imperialnannies.com and www.maternallyyours.co.uk.
AdventureSmith Explorations is offering last-minute savings of up to $1,200 (per couple or $600 per person) on select departures of 2019 small-ship cruise vacations in Alaska.
TRUCKEE, CA – The small ship cruise company, AdventureSmith Explorations, is offering last-minute savings of up to $1,200 per couple ($600 per person) on select departures of 2019 cruise vacations in Alaska.
“An expanded inventory of small ships, more itineraries and a longer season all benefit our clients who are interested in Alaska this year,” says Todd Smith, founder/president. “‘It’s very rare to see special offers this great so late in the Alaska booking season.”
To take advantage of specials that apply to specific departures and cabin categories, reservations must be made by April 19, 2019.
Savings up to $1,200 per couple come with select 2019 departures of the following itineraries:
Alaska’s Glacier Country is an eight-day cruise navigating some of Alaska’s most impressive glaciers and wildlife viewing. Savings come with departures aboard the 90-guest S.S. Legacy April 26; May 10, 17, 24 and 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; Aug. 2 and 9; and aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavor Sept. 1 and 8; and a special fitness and yoga-themed departure aboard the S.S. Legacy May 3.
Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales is an eight-day cruise from aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavour. Savings are applied to May 26, June 9 and 23, July 7 and 21, and Aug. 4 and 18 departures. Suites on this ship include balconies; activities options include stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Whales, Wildlife & Glaciers is a diverse eight-day cruise exploring the many inlets and wildlife of Alaska aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavor with savings on June 2, 16 and 30, July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25 departures.
Alaska’s Inside Passage & San Juans Cruise spends 15 days along the iconic passage between Seattle and Juneau, visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Glacier Bay National Park and Olympic National Park aboard the 88-guest Safari Endeavor, with applicable savings on May 12 and Sept. 15; and aboard the 90-guest S.S. Legacy on Aug. 16.
These eight-day
itineraries are aboard one of three Wilderness small ships that carry from 60
to 76 guests depending on the vessel. A $600 per-couple savings comes with
specific 2019 departures of:
Northern Passages & Glacier Bay that explores backcountry wilderness between Sitka and Juneau on the Wilderness Discoverer with savings applicable on May 4 and 18 and on Wilderness Explorer Apr. 27 and July 20.
Alaska Fjords & Glaciers that discovers glaciers, fjord cliffs, deep valleys and whales, the Tlingit culture and Tongass National Forest, with savings on the Wilderness Adventurer April 6, on Wilderness Discoverer June 29 and July 6, and Wilderness Explorer July 6 and 13.
Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise that brings guests to tidewater glaciers, whales, puffins and old-growth forest is aboard the Wilderness Adventurer with savings on April 27 and June 8 departures.
Because of the high demand for Alaska cruises, the company is already taking reservations for 2020 programs. To help clients select small ships and/or itineraries that best fits their interests, Smith’s team have prepared 6 Insider Tips to Travel Alaska in the Best Way.
For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit the company website.
Hellas Hiking is offering an eight-day hiking tour of the Greek islands of Andros and Tinos
Trekking Hellas is offering an 8
day/7 night hiking tour to the Andros and Tinos Islands in Greece.
During the tour, guests explore magnificent paths and trails with breathtaking views.
Discover traditional Greek villages, local craftsmen and the unique Cycladic
architecture and history. Enjoy sandy beaches and beautiful
sunsets.
The Cyclades is a group of islands scattered over the deep blue waters of the
Aegean Sea, cooled in the summer by the ‘Meltemi’ wind. One of the most ancient
European civilizations was born and prospered here: the Cycladic
civilization (3000-1000 BC). Although some of the Cycladic Islands are famous
to the tourist crowds and the international jet set, there are a few that are
still left to be discovered, from travelers that are seeking authentic vacation
experiences: Andros and Tinos are among them.
Andros is the most northerly island of the Cyclades and the second
largest after Naxos. Thanks to its water springs it’s irrigated with plentiful
running water and thus verdant with a large numbers of olive trees, pines and
fruit trees. Tinos, just one mile away, famous for its characteristic
dovecotes, is full of picturesque villages and windmills. Tinos is today
exactly what Delos Island was to believers in ancient times. Twice a year, on
March 25th and August 15th, pilgrims inundate the island to visit the famous
church of Virgin Mary (in Greek: Panagia).
The tour is available throughout the
year; the cost is 785€/pp on self guided more.
Rate Includes: 8 days /7 nights accommodation in double rooms in
selected accommodations with breakfast Lunch box on self guided mode during the
hiking days. All ferry tickets from/to Athens and from Andros to Tinos Return
transfers from ports to hotels. All necessary transfers for the hikes Self
Guided Service: welcome briefing, gpx files, maps and booklet, emergency
phone support.
A new cycling tour being offered by Tourissimo and Ride & Seek as part of their PLUS Tours series highlights two UNESCO sites – Alberobello and Matera
(Turin, Italy) –
Situated between the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea and the forests and
mountains of Basilicata, Puglia offers a landscape of beguiling views,
ancient olive groves, and UNESCO sites. This new cycling tour being offered by
Tourissimo and Ride & Seek as part of their PLUS Tours series
highlights two of these UNESCO sites – Alberobello and Matera. The former
is known for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, whilst the
latter for its cave dwellings built into the calcareous rock. Guests will cycle
the road-less-traveled with average daily rides of 40 km, and spend evenings
dining on gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
“From the Adriatic Sea to the stones of Matera, this Puglia tour explores
the most beautiful riding destinations in Southern Italy,” said Ride &
Seek Founder Dylan Reynolds. “We will cycle rolling landscapes carpeted
with olive groves, vineyards, whitewashed hill towns, fishing villages, and
thousands of trulli.”
The trip starts in Savelletri with fig trees, blooming cacti, and herb gardens
offering delightful fragrances. Guests will ride through one of the gems of
Puglia: the Valle D’Itria. Its wooded slopes, vineyards, and endless olive
groves are punctuated by the coned roofs of trulli.
“While many regions of Italy boast of having the best food in the world,
Puglia could claim this title due its simple preparations that allow the true
flavors of the food to stand out,” said Beppe Salerno, Co-Founder of
Tourissimo. “But the charm of Puglia is rooted in the people themselves.
Their hospitality is renowned throughout Italy.”
Tour Highlights:
Touring Matera where the 2016 remake of Ben-Hur was filmed
Discovering the white-washed town of Ostuni and the
beaches near the fishing village of Savelletri
Visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Alberobello
& Matera
Riding among the orchards and trulli of Valle d’Itria
Attending a demonstration by a master cheese maker
Exploring the Greek Ruins of Egnazia
Lodging in the award-winning Sextantio Hotel
The trip is scheduled
for October 10-17, 2019 and starts at $4,195.
For the second year in a row, Austin Adventures, a leading family adventure company, is dedicating the entire month of March to “Family Appreciation,” with special incentives and giveaways, plus an interactive child & parent “Take a National Park Vacation” webinar
BILLINGS,
MT –For the second year in
a row, Austin Adventures, a leading family adventure company, is dedicating the
entire month of March to “Family
Appreciation,” with special incentives and giveaways, plus an
interactive child & parent “Take a National Park Vacation” webinar that all
ages will want to attend.
“Between work, school, athletic and social schedules, planning and scheduling a
family vacation has never been more challenging, often to the point of missing
the opportunity all together to create lasting bonds and memories within the
family,” explains Dan Austin, president and founder of the company which has
been taking families to national parks and around the globe for 35 years. “Austin
Adventures is fully committed to helping anyway we can. Our goal is to take the
stress out of vacation planning and then deliver an experience second-to-none.”
On Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Austin Adventures invites kids and
parents to a live webinar focused on helping families (especially the kids)
with their vacation planning. Anyone considering a small group vacation tour
now or in the future is encouraged to attend. For information and to
register click
here.
The seminar will be hosted by Kasey Austin, Outside Magazine 2014 Family Guide of the Year. Making a
cameo appearance will be Dan Austin, company visionary and travel industry
legend. Together, The Austin Family has set the bar for family adventure travel
for decades, so much so, they are often referred to as “the First Family of
Adventure Travel”.
During this informal and informative webinar focused on the younger generation,
Kasey will offer tips and insights on planning and visiting America’s National
Parks along with other popular family destinations.
As an incentive to register and attend, every family that participates will
receive a coupon worth $250 off their next Austin Adventures family
vacation. Plus, all participating kids (age 6-12) whose parents end
up booking a 2019 family national park adventure will receive a logo-embossed
backpack (on Day 1 of the trip) packed full of swag (logo water bottle, trip
journal, field guide, hacky sack, stickers and more).
“I had so much fun sharing my passion for our National Parks last year, I
couldn’t wait to do it all again this year. Sharing the parks with the next
generation of adventurer really is my passion. I am looking forward to sharing
what we know and have learned from our 35+ years of taking families deep into
our national parks,” said Kasey Austin.
“Dan and I will draw from our own experiences and help families with real time
information that can assist them in making the most of a park vacation, whether
with us or on their own. There will be a follow-up email survey as well as
ample time for questions and answers.”
The webinar will help Austin Adventures kick-off their second annual “Family
Appreciation” Month. Dedicated to celebrating and encouraging family vacations
worldwide, this observance comes on the heels of the company’s 2nd wildly successful
“Alumni Appreciation” month held in December, 2018. Throughout the month there
will be dedicated e-newsletters and blogs on family travel, special incentives,
travel agent promotions and for extended families, an offer of a free trip for
one guest in groups of ten or more booked.
Austin Adventures has led the field when it comes to family adventures (twice
being acknowledged by Travel + Leisure Magazine as the #1 Tour and Family Tour Operator in the World). For
2019, there are over 40 family adventures planned across the globe. Here is a
sampling of some of the more popular National Park itineraries on the current
Austin Adventures roster. All adult rates are per person, double occupancy.
