Category Archives: Places outside US
Police Refuse to Allow Budapest Pride to Happen This Year
The gays in Budapest have struggled for years, for their freedom and acceptance. It’s a gorgeous city and a great value for travelers.
We were there last year for their gay pride, which had been on again, off again during the planning months. Police were unsure they wanted to provide the protection needed. In the end, the pride parade and march did happen – but over 1400 police were on hand to make sure no skinheads or fascists bothered or harmed the marchers.
The Budapest Pride is Hungary’s largest annual LGBT event. It has historically been known under several names, including Budapest Gay Dignity Procession (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet) or simply “happy parade” (Hungarian Meleg Méltóság Menet). The parade has taken place each year since 1997, usually on the first Saturday of July, proceeding along Budapest’s most expansive thoroughfare, Andrássy Avenue, between the City Park (Városliget) and Elizabeth Square (Erzsébet tér). Though much smaller in scale than similar gay pride parades in Western Europe and the Americas, between a thousand and two thousand marchers typically participate in the Budapest procession. Radical right-wing demonstrators and hooligans have severely disrupted the Budapest gay parades held in 2007 and 2008, casting concerns with the Police in Budapest.
In
the past, sometimes anti-gay groups threw eggs, smoke bombs and bottles
into the crowds. Several years ago, Gábor Demszky, Budapest’s mayor
from the Alliance of Free Democrats party, condemned the violence
against the event for which he had expressed unambiguous support.
However, three non-governmental organizations accused the
government-supported police of doing little to stop the fascists.
Last year’s parade went off just fine, other than some anti-gay people yelling at us. But I am guessing the city feels the cost to have 1400 police on high alert was too much?
We received this press release today –
The Budapest Police Department has refused to grant permission for this year’s Budapest Pride march. The march had been announced for July 7, 2012, with a route from City Park to Alkotmány Street along Andrássy Avenue, by the festival’s organizers, the Rainbow Mission Foundation. This is not the first time the police have tried to prevent the march, and this year they again justified their decision to restrict our freedom of assembly with the claim that it is impossible to redirect traffic to another route. With the help of the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union (TASZ), we are filing a petition for review of the ban. We look forward to the Budapest Metropolitan Court repealing the police’s decision, which is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
Banning the march is one of the means used to silence the LGBTQ community. The last two years have seen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law threatened in Hungary, and through its actions, the government has infringed upon the rights of many groups. The Basic Law, passed in April 2011 and in effect since the beginning of this year, the “family protection” law voted on last December, and the Hungarian Society for the Science of the Family founded in February all severely violate the rights of LGBTQ people. Banning the Pride march would only exacerbate the social marginalization of this community.
One of the themes we are highlighting in this year’s festival is the diversity of the LGBTQ community in Hungary. Given that the community is often invisible, our diversity of identities and experiences often goes unrecognized even within the community. For example, bisexual, queer, and trans people frequently find themselves marginalized and their voices unheard. LGBTQ people who are members of other marginalized groups as well (disabled people, national, ethnic, and religious minorities, etc.) are hardly ever allowed the opportunity to express their full identities. Mainstream society’s view of the LGBTQ community is restricted to a very narrow segment of the group, primarily gay men and lesbian women, and this picture is often based on explicitly homophobic and transphobic stereotypes.
Kudos to the gay community! They are not backing down and plan to march with or without a permit!
The campaign video against the ban
2012 Budapest Pride for news and updates
If you love architecture, Hungary is STUNNING! It is a gorgeous city. And there a dozen or so gay bars and clubs. They have a couple saunas. There is lots to see and do and it is so inexpensive to eat and drink and sleep there. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Gay Thailand – Phuket Pride Week April 23-28, 2012
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang (Tha-Laang) and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang, i.e. “Cape Salang”), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.
Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailand’s largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea.
Pride comes to Phuket – April 23 to 28, 2012. Phuket Loves You (PLU)
Club is the organization selected to produce this year’s pride
celebration.
The goal for this year’s pride celebration is to create a
stronger sense of community within the Thai and Farang communities in
Phuket which is why this year’s theme, chosen by the Phuket Pride
committee, is “Join our Family”
PHUKET
is an international destination attracting visitors
from Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.
With 17 sandy beaches, access to the amazing Pha Na
Bay with its dramatic rock formations, and numerous
smaller islands, PHUKET has vaulted to become one of
Conde Nast’s Magazines top ten tropical resort
destinations in the world.
And no wonder. From fantastic food, to world class
water sports (a top world snorkeling and scuba diving
destination), from fabulous shopping to a vibrant night
life, Phuket has something to offer every traveler.
And your money goes a lot farther here than in other
places. (You can life the high life in Phuket for weeks
for the same amount of money one week in Hawaii or the
Caribbean would cost you.) There are countless smaller
boutique hotels and guesthouses – both stylish
and inexpensive – as well as the usual array of
the world’s top hotel chains.
Get details for pride at Phuket Pride.
Gay Travel To Russia – Feds Say NO
The federal government has advised gay and lesbian travellers
visiting St. Petersburg, Russia – to
take extra precaution in the wake of a new law in the city banning
“homosexual propaganda.”
Canada’s ambassador has written to the Russian government to
express deep concern, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said.
“We are all deeply concerned by this legislation that runs
contrary to core Canadian values of freedom of speech, of human rights
and the rule of law,” Baird said on Friday during question period.
read more at CNEWS
(photo above –
Russian gay activist
Nikolai Alexeev and Alexey Kiselev were arrested in January in the far
north city of Arkhangelsk, Russia after a series of actions in sub-zero
temperatures in defiance of a “gay propaganda” law that was passed there
last year similar to the ones under consideration in St. Petersburg,
Moscow, and nationwide, according to Alexeev’s Facebook page.
Pictured, they unfurled a 20 meters rainbow flag in front of the entrance to Arkhangelsk Parliament.)
GAY Russia – Not So Much
Lawmakers in Russia just passed a draconian censorship law that would
impose stiff fines for anything construed as “the promotion of
homosexuality” in Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city.
Reading, writing, speaking or reporting on anything related to gay,
lesbian bi or trans (LGBT) people would become a criminal act. This ban
on “promotion” would also target Pride parades, literature, theater, or
NGOs that openly serve LGBT people.
All Out, a community of
almost a million people around the world fighting for full equality,
made a little video to send the Governor a message.
Pass this law – We
Won’t Go There.
WATCH DON’T GO THERE
Finger Monkeys from The Rain Forest
I just had a friend get back from a gay travel vacation to the Amazon rainforest by way of Brazil.
A bit of geography trivia! The Amazon Rainforest also known in English as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf forest that covers most of the Amazon Basin of South America.
It encompasses seven million square kilometers (1.7 billion acres), of which five and a half million square kilometers (1.4 billion acres) are covered by the rainforest.
This region includes territory belonging to nine nations. The majority of the forest is contained within Brazil, with 60% of the rainforest, followed by Peru with 13%, Colombian Amazon with 10%, and with minor amounts in, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and France (French Guiana).
The Amazon represents over half of the planet’s remaining rainforests, and it comprises the largest and most species-rich tract of tropical rainforest in the world.
My friend was telling my about these finger monkeys!! He took some photos – but his dud not turn out that great = so I found these to share.
Finger monkeys are, as a matter of fact, pygmy marmosets.
They are also known by the names “pocket monkey”and “tiny lion”.
This cute little primate hugs and grips on to your finger so tight that it pulls your heartstrings and
you wish you could take it home with you.
The finger monkey is the tiniest living primate in the world. It’s so small that it can hold on to your finger.
These primates belong to the family Callitrichidae, species Cebuella and genus C. pygma
How adorable?!
Wieliczka Salt Mine outside of Krakow
I have not been to Poland yet – but I would like to go one day. I am told it is not the most gay friendly place on Earth. Someone from Krakow told me, “Being gay in Poland is like being a Michael Bolton fan at a metal
concert: it’s looked down on, not something you announce in a crowd of
skinheads, and might get you beaten up.”
Historically, unlike in many other Central and Eastern European
countries, homosexuality was never punished by law in Poland – but to
say it was tolerated is a stretch. Until 1991, homosexuality was listed as a disease. Today, legally
homosexuality is allowed, and the age of consent for gay (or straight)
sex is 15 years. Gay and lesbian couples do not need to register their
partnership, but adoption by gay or lesbian couples is not permitted.
Prostitution, however, is legal.
But for a country as homophobic as Poland, the gay rights movement is
surprisingly strong and well-organized, especially in recent years.
There is a site called Cracow Life which provides LGBT information. Everything from clubs to restaurants.
I AM TOLD that Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mine is no less magnificent than the Egyptian pyramids. A subterranean world of labyrinthine passages, giant caverns, underground lakes and chapels with sculptures in the crystalline salt and rich ornamentation carved in the SALT ROCK! Pretty Amazing! Visitors also marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient mining equipment in the Wieliczka salt mine. And the unique acoustics of the place have made hearing music here an exceptional experience.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located in the town of Wieliczka in southern Poland, lies within the Kraków metropolitan area. The mine, built in the 13th century, produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world’s oldest salt mines still in operation.
The mine’s attractions include dozens of statues and an entire chapel that has been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. The oldest sculptures are augmented by the new carvings by actual artists. About 1.2 million people visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine annually.
FOR 900 years, it used to be one of the world’s biggest and most profitable industrial establishments when common salt was commercially a medieval equivalent of today’s oil. Always a magnet, since the mid-18th century Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mine has become increasingly a tourist attraction in the first place. Today visitors walk underground for about 2,000 m in the oldest part of the salt mine and see its subterranean museum, which takes three hours or so.
Is Tel Aviv The Best Gay City?
TEL AVIV is being touted by some
as THE BEST GAY CITY.
Hmmmm, really? The BEST? We have watched Tel Aviv grow in popularity over the last 5 years. They do have a powerful PR and Marketing team, I will give them that. Their presence in the media has grown at leaps and bounds over the last 5 years. But are they the BEST? or perhaps the best up-and-coming?
In a world-wide survey hosted GayCities.com and American Airlines,
43 percent of voters cast their ballot in favor of the White City,
pushing it ahead of other proud towns including New York, Toronto and
London.
(New York City with 14 per cent, Toronto with 7 per cent, Sao Paulo with 6 per cent, Madrid and London with 5 per cent each and New Orleans and Mexico City with 4 per cent each.)
I think it all just depends on who you ask and who is surveyed! Tel Aviv is the gay mecca of the Middle East, for sure, and boasts of plenty of
designers, fashionistas, night clubs, fancy beaches, shopping malls and
outlets, DJs, women activists, gays, jews and financiers. You really
couldn’t find a more open-minded place like Tel Aviv outside of Israël. Tel Aviv, in sharp contrast to Jerusalem, is a liberal, hedonistic and secular city, where leisure life revolves around beaches, cafes and nightclubs.
Lonely Planet named it one of its top three cities in the world for
2011, describing it as “the flipside of Jerusalem, a modern Sin City on
the sea rather than an ancient Holy City on a hill” and adding: “There
are more bars than synagogues, God is a DJ and everyone’s body is a
temple.” The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is rarely on the radar.
According to Tel Aviv’s 30-year-old deputy mayor, Asaf Zamir, 16% to 17% of the city’s 403,000 population is gay.
“It’s
a very strong community here, a comfortable arena for the gay
community. Two men walking hand in hand is a very normal thing,” he
said.
The city municipality funded a gay centre and was promoting gay tourism, he added.
They even have a gay pride parade each year – that has grown to about 100,000 local people! And also about 5,000 gay tourists.
Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Prague…there are so many amazing choices. Just depends on what you want? Value? Nighlife? Culture?
As for Tel Aviv – The weather is hot, the guys are hot, it’s a hot city!
Gay Tel Aviv4U – The official LGBT site
Awesome Travel Photography from Around the World
Balloons in Cappadocia…Cappadocia which is unique in the world and is a miraculous nature
wonder is the common name of the field covered by the provinces of
Aksaray, Nevsehir, Nigde, Kayseri and Kirsehir in the Central Anatolian region.
Banpo Bridge in Seoul , South Korea . GAY SEOUL KOREA
Desert with Phacelia (Scorpion Weed). Flowering once in several years.
Favelas of Brazil . The boundary between wealth and poverty. Sad.
Dubai is the leading regional commercial hub with state-of-art
infrastructure and a world class business environment to support and
sustain its great grouth potential. The buildings are just amazing. It’s funny if you Google GAY DUBAI our site comes up in top search! And Dubai is not gay at all!
The Happy Rizzi House (usually just “Rizzi House”) is a contemporary building in Brunswick , by the American artist James Rizzi designed by the architect Konrad monastery was implemented.
Restaurant on a cliff on the east coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania . Depending on the tide, you can sometimes walk out to the restaurant. The Rock Restaurant is an extraordinary seafood restaurant located on a rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It serves up to 14 tables, all facing a wonderful terrace on the Ocean.
Where will you travel to in 2012?!
Let me help you decide!
Travel Leaders David Hodgkinson 1-800-942-1280
Gay Marriage Comes to Cancun Mexico in 2012 #gaytravel
Everybody wants a
piece of that pink dollar!
The city-state of Mexico City legalized
gay marriage in 2010 and remains the only municipality in Mexico
where such marriages are officially allowed.
Now Cancun and other resort areas on the Mexican Caribbean will have a new attraction for gay and lesbian couples from the US, Canada
and Europe, allowing them to legalize their unions thanks to a quirk in
the local civil code, activist Patricia Novelo.
Novelo said that in January the first same-sex group wedding will be
held in the resort area as part of local support for the human rights of
the gay community.
Gay travel groups in the state say they
are now preparing to market the state as a destination for gay
couples to marry and will promote a mass wedding of gay couples
sometime in January. (It was not clear whether the first 8 confirmed
couples would wed in separate ceremonies.)
The gay travel groups say that travel
agencies on average receive about 200 requests per month from gay
tourists wishing to marry in the Mexican Caribbean.
Liverpools Gay Quarter Installs LGBT Street Signage
Liverpool’s “Gay Quarter” (sometimes Liverpool gay village or the “Stanley Street Quarter”) is a relatively modern term to identify the gay scene in Liverpool.
The area encompasses Stanley Street, Cumberland Street, Victoria St and Eberle St, and is where the bulk of the gay bars and clubs are located in Liverpool, in North West England. Stanley St is the main hub of the gay quarter and is where most of the bars are found. On 12th August 2011, the area received official recognition by Liverpool City Council.
Liverpool’s gay quarter was pedestrianised in December 2009.
Stanley Street is now closed to traffic between 10pm-6am seven days of
the week, Cumberland Street is closed between 6pm-6am seven days of the
week, and Eberle Street is closed for 24 hours of the day seven days of
the week.
Liverpool is now the first city in the UK to officially recognise its gay quarter with street signs.
The new signs will
incorporate a rainbow arch and will be used on Stanley Street,
Cumberland Street, Temple Lane, Eberle Street and Temple Street.
The first sign was unveiled outside the Lisbon pub on Stanley Street
by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Sharon Sullivan, in a ceremony to
be attended by representatives of the LGBT communities, local
businesses and residents.
Councillor Nick Small, member for employment and skills, said: “We
need to start unleashing the enormous economic potential of the Stanley
Street quarter and as one of the first moves we have to show that this
is our gay village.”
Over the next 2-3 years, much more will done to beautify and bring attention to this neighborhood!
#gaytravel
Gay Travel to Umbria Jazz, Lake Como Italy and East African Safari
Where will you go in 2012??
3 exciting LGBT tours!!
Love To Travel With Pride
Lake Como 2012
An Exclusive LGBT Vacation Event
Together We Welcome
Gay Men, Women and Friends
to join us on Lago di Como, Italy,
Summer 2012
We are offering this vacation on
2 separate weeks.
The choice is yours:
May 26 – June 2 or August 25 -September 1
Villa Stupenda is a stunning 9-bedroom Hotel and combined fully furnished apartment complex situated directly on Lake Como: A completely refurbished 19th Century Villa
Our enticing itinerary will introduce you to the culture and beauty of the Lake Como region of Northern Italy with:
Wine tastings,
A private estate BBQ,
Travel to St. Moritz, Switzerland,
“Sfilata Privata” (reception & private fashion display) in the
House of Armani, Milan, Italy
Spa Day in Bormio, Italy,
An intimate evening boat tour of the Villas of Lake Como,
An unforgettable unique dining experience at Locanda dell’Isola Comacina on Lake Como
As your on-site English Speaking hosts we ensure you a high level of personal service.
Tour Price: € 2199,00 per person dbl*
*With early booking discount of € 200,00 per person if deposit is received before 31 January 2012.
Non-refundable deposit of €200,00 is required to confirm your space at the time of booking.
Contact us now to book this Italian adventure:
1-800-565-2238 (North America)
+39 338 897 7965 (Italy)
“Passionately delivering a unique travel experience”
UMBRIA JAZZ FEST
in Perugia, Italy. July 2012!
One of the best Music Festivals in the World
Your one or two weeks in Umbria offers you the sights and sounds, the foods,
the music, the enchantment of Umbria and Tuscany.
7 – 14 July 2012
One Week – Umbria Jazz
EUR €1999 pp
7-21 July 2012
Two Week – Umbria Jazz Extended with
Tuscany & Umbria Touring
EUR €2999 pp
Prices include:
* Private Transfers from Rome or Florence
* 7 or 14 Nights accommodation at Il Borgo Torale
* Tickets to 5 Umbria Jazz events with transfers
* Private Day Tours in Umbria and Tuscany: Wine Tasting, Sightseeing, Food experiences
* On site Canadian Hosts
* Always stay in touch Italian Mobile Phone during your stay
* Included Special Events
Prices are in EURO’s (€) and are based on 2 people sharing a one bedroom, king size bed, apartment.
Studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments are available: Please enquire about pricing.
Contact us today to assist you with
booking your perfect holiday in Italy
1 800 565 2238 (toll free North America)
001 39 338 897 7965 (Canada to Italy)
0039 338 897 7965 (Europe)
Our Events are Unique Vacation Experiences Personally Designed for the Inquisitive World Traveller.
“Passionately delivering an exceptional travel experience”
Visit with us and Feel the Difference!
East Africa Safari
03 October 2012
This LoveToTravel exclusive East African Safari includes all the famous Tanzania and Kenya Safari highlights and attractions.
Explore East Africa on this relaxed
lodge and tent-camp safari adventure.
This is a small group, six (6) member, 15-day safari.
Highlights Include:
Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Masai Mara, Nairobi and Amboseli National Park
Price: USD $6100 per person, Single Supplement: USD $710
Included in the price:
-14 nights in lodges / permanent tented camps with en-suite bathrooms
-all transport in fully kitted out 4×4 safari vehicle
-game reserve drives as mentioned
-meals and activities as mentioned in itinerary
-accommodation
-park entrance fees
-experienced local guides
Tour Code: 2Y12P5900
Contact us today to Book this Exciting East Africa Safari Event
1 800 565 2238 (toll free North America)
001 39 338 897 7965 (Canada to Italy)
0039 338 897 7965 (Europe)
We would love to hear from you: jclement@lovetotravel.ca
Our Events are Unique Vacation Experiences Personally Designed for the Inquisitive World Traveller.
Travel Book Collection Gift Set – 4 Cities by Taschen
Travel wisdom in your pocket
Get around New York, Paris, Berlin, and London in high style
TASCHEN 4 Cities is a 12 Vol. Boxed set of wonderful books covering New York, London, Paris, and Berlin. Each city separated into 3 guides for ”hotels”, “restaurants”, and “shops”.
We love that they’ve taken the design-oriented (and coffee-table sized) TASCHEN guide book concept and translated it into pocket-sized companions. Wonderful for gift giving and a great keepsake from these wonderful cities! Great photos and the text gives you interesting and useful information, as well as addresses, phone numbers and website address. $60 retail price, $39 at Amazon.
TASCHEN 4 Cities – 12 Vol. in Box (available Nov. 22)
Highlights include –
London: Number Sixteen, a chic South Kensington hotel in a beautiful Victorian townhouse with romatic gardens, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant and social project, Fifteen, where teenagers cook the meals, and Dover Street Market, the multi-floor concept store founded in 2004 by Comme des Garçons.
New York: the Maritime Hotel, a former sailors’ dorm, now Chelsea’s coolest hotel, the Waverly Inn, Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter’s exclusive salon for the glitterati, and where to buy New York’s best cheesecake
Paris: Ladurée, the best macaroons in the city, the ultra-luxurious Ritz hotel on elegant Place Vendôme, and Colette fashion concept store
Berlin: hip nightspot Green Door, where one rings the doorbell to gain entrance, oriental delight at Edd’s, the best Thai restaurant in Berlin (perhaps Germany), and experimental store Bless, “publicizing artistic values through products”
Order yours today!
TASCHEN 4 Cities – 12 Vol. in Box (available Nov. 22)
Warsaw Poland Plane Lands with no Wheels! Everyone is safe
A LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 767 from Newark to Warsaw carrying 230 passengers was forced to make a wheels-up emergency landing after its landing gear failed. The plane circled Warsaw for more than an hour burning off fuel. Thankfully, someone experienced was at the helm: “The pilot, identified as Tadeusz Wrona, had 20 years of flight experience on Boeings in addition to his background as a flight planner.” It is amazing how smooth the landing was, with no wheels!
Watch the video of the safe landing.
Holidays and Christmas in Prague
Prague is the proud capital of the Czech Republic that is one of the most alluring and captivating destinations in the heart of Europe. It is beautiful and its culture is quite significant in some ways with the traditions that is totally that of Prague’s.
Holidays in Prague also play some important historical background that can inform you more about Prague. There are also some places in Prague that you may want to visit in connection with the holiday that might be particularly being celebrated in that area of Prague.
Some of the Holidays in Prague that can raise the curiosity of one are “Struggle for freedom and Democracy Day”, “The Burning of the Witches”, “Easter” (a different kind), and “Day of Love” (not in February). The people of Prague are proud about their culture, traditions, and their holidays which others may find rather odd but the Holidays in Prague also molded the people to what they are now.
The “Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day” comes every 17th of November. On the said day of 1939 a student named Jan Opletal was shot when a group formed a demonstration versus the Nazi occupation. After that fateful event, the universities were closed by the Nazis and mercilessly persecuted and killed students whom they believed opposed them.
“The Burning of the Witches” might just be the catchiest one of all and happens every 30th of April. No, they don’t burn real witches on that day in one of the peculiar Holidays in Prague it was just simply named that way and with that is a weird practice in Czech to bid their goodbyes to winter. Czech used to believe in witches and the witches’ power is stronger when the weather is colder and if they can make things warmer then the power of the witch will weaken. On the night of 30th of April, the Czechs would prepare a bonfire and a witch’s effigy. They tend to make it so realistic that they would dress their witch and stuff it with old clothes until the effigy takes form and tie the whole thing to a broomstick and when the darkness fall they would brought the witch out and toss it on the bonfire and as the witch burns it marks the end of the long cold winter. People would gather around the bonfire and roast sausages and share some good songs at the strum of the guitar. That is one Holidays in Prague that is hard to forget.
The “Easter” in Prague is also called Easter Monday and you guess it, it’s being done on Monday instead of the usual Sunday that most people know. Boys and men visit in the morning and they have pomlazkas which are willow sticks in braids with ribbons of different colors at the ends keeping it together. They lightly whip the women and the girls and chase them out of the house that they have visited. The women and the girls are to give colored eggs to the men and the boys and the custom was really for fertility, another one of the Holidays in Prague that is uniquely their own.
The Czechs celebrate the “Day of Love” every May 1st. If most nations dedicate the day of love to St. Valentine (hence the name Valentine’s Day), Czech devotes the day to Karel Hynek Macha, the poet of love in Czech. On the said day, couples usually go to the statue of the poet and give flowers where they would spend some moments in the park when the cherry trees can create some romantic atmosphere with its branches in full bloom.
Christmas in Prague is a magical time and December is undoubtedly one of the nicest months of the year in this beautiful city. Christmas markets are up, shop windows are bright and beautiful, Christmas trees adorn the town squares and the early dusk is filled with warm light. People are nicer to each other, the mood is festive. And if all is covered in fresh, white snow, what more can you ask for?
You will see the signs of Christmas approaching as early as October when Czech Christmas ornaments start appearing in shop windows. Around the end of November, Christmas markets open up and a large Christmas tree is erected and lit on the Old Town Square.
The markets start every year four Saturdays before December 24, which is the Christmas Eve, and run until the beginning of January. They are open every day of the week and still they are always busy despite the weather!
Prague Christmas markets are not mainly about the shopping. It is all about the special Christmas atmosphere that is there. The markets offer you not only a great opportunity to buy some unique gifts, but especially the experience of nice traditions that are still alive. They bring the true meaning of Christmas to life.
The most popular markets are on the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square where Christmas items are sold in 70 to 80 stands. Smaller ones are located on Namesti Republiky, Havelske Trziste and Namesti Miru. They are all easily accessible by subway.
The markets themselves consist of traditional wooden chalets that line the market squares and are nicely decorated. You will find there traditional Christmas decorations, holiday items and hand-crafted gifts together with fresh food and drinks. They are usually open from 9am to 7pm.
A Magnificent place to stay right near everything is HOTEL JEWEL PRAGUE. Originally build as a old bourgeoisie house. Some of the original brickwork from the beginning of 13th century can be found in it’s basement.Over the centuries the house was rebuild many times and therefore many architectural styles can be found here. The gold painted ceiling with the motifs of jewels in the ground floor is very unique and is also heritage listed. This decoration was created at the beginning of the 20th century when a prestigious jeweler come into the building. The repair of the crown jewels of Czech Monarchs was one of his many commissions. Therefore the name – Jewel (U Klenotníka). The whole building was reconstructed and turned into a hotel in 1994. The house kept it’s historical look, but at the same time it is elegantly furnished with modern interior and some art pieces of contemporary artist were installed.
They also offer special packages, like a
Wine Appreciaition package, Girls Getaway package, and a Romance gift basket. Jewel Café Bar and Restaurant is connected to the hotel. It will absorb you with its uniqueness and ambient atmosphere. More than 10,000 crystals will attract your eyes. Sense of smell and taste will be satisfied with our fine modern cuisine. Every two months a new menu is created by the chefs. Amazing food – reasonably priced. Check availability and book online! Holiday discounts start NOV. 21st!
Gay Travel for the Single Man
Toronto’s gay and lesbian village is most famous for having provided the location for much of the Showcase series Queer as Folk. Canada’s laws regarding legal same-sex marriage make this city a perfect destination for a wedding and honeymoon vacation. Church Street’s lively bars, warm cafés and friendly people provide a fun and a very welcoming atmosphere for gay and lesbian travelers. Prague is VERY AFFORDABLE and the city of spires has more than just gorgeous architecture and a fascinating history to offer gay and lesbian travelers. The city boasts numerous gay and gay-friendly clubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, saunas and accommodations. Lots of shopping. Lots of culture. Lots of GAY! Very easy to meet people. Prague is like one large outdoor museum with myriad wonders to explore. – On the other hand, Paris is like a huge large outdoor museum, but for the most part, not over-friendly. Hard to connect with people. and triple the price of Prague. Costa Rica has been dubbed “Central America’s Gay Paradise.” From cloud forests, rainforests and rushing rivers to active volcanoes and tropical beaches, Costa Rica boasts innumerable natural wonders that will arouse your senses. With its progressive laws protecting gay rights, Costa Rica is a friendly place to visit without hassles.
People often ask us, where is the best place to go on a vacation, if you are gay and single. Gosh, there are so many choices!
Travel is one of the most enriching experiences a person can undertake. But deciding where to go can sometimes be a challenge. With almost any option possible and (in the case of a solo traveler) nobody else to have to pander to, in some respects choosing your destination can be more of a challenge than the actual journey itself. What is it you want from the trip?
In the US – I would suggest Palm Springs. They have a lot of small intimate resorts and guesthouses that make it very conducive to mingling and make new friends. Palm Springs California is well-known as one of the most reliable and consistent sunny destinations in the USA. Abundant sunshine, clear blue skies, low humidity, warm temperatures and only a hint of rain characterize the consistently beautiful weather in Palm Springs, Ca. In fact, the sun shines in the Palm Springs California area more than 350 days a year!
Big city – obvious gay meccas like West Hollywood and San Francisco are not my first choice for the single guy. Though you can have fun in both cities. It just depends on how outgoing you are – and what you are looking for. New York City is amazing, for all kinds of reasons.
Chicago (below) is very laid back – it’s very easy to walk into a bar and start chatting with strangers. Huge gay population concentrated in some very cool neighborhoods (Lakeview-Boystown, Andersonville, Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park), friendly people, the only major US city that’s actually affordable to live in. You have Lake Michigan, beaches, shopping and world class dining.
Fort Lauderdale is certainly very nice – but very spread out – whereas Key West is small enough to feel at home. Key West is very easy to navigate and meet new people. Key West is a Lush tropical island with fascinating architecture, friendly people, a rich history, and plenty of activities to keep you engaged or help relax
Columbus Ohio is a new and upcoming gay travel destination. The Short North/Victorian Village/Italian Village/Grandview area of town is a huge and vibrant gayborhood that mixes trendy shops, art galleries, fun dining, nightlife, high end dining, lots of homes, apartments and new condos, and culture. The city can skew a little young at times due to Ohio State, but there are lots of young urban professional gay men all over Columbus. It’s sort of a smaller version of Chicago.
There is a great tour group called Spirit Journeys. Spirit Journeys offers extraordinary gay travel, retreats and workshops at magical destinations all over the world. Whether it be on adventure tours or attending a retreat, our aim is to offer you a chance to “get away from it all”, to connect with others and to explore the mysteries and cultures that are in the world around us. You can see a lot of the world, with a gay group.
David Hodkinson, of Travel Leaders agrees. ” For gay, single individuals, small group gay travel is the easiest and best way to meet other singles. There is a lot of variety in the type of travel one can choose, often very specific, i.e. adventure, cultural, active, ecotourism, spa and health, etc. Small groups vary in size….perhaps ranging from 8 to 18 and some even larger. Since participants often share the same interests, there are many opportunities for discussions and dialogue.
The companies that offer this type of travel are numerous…travel to exotic destinations, ski (Gay Ski Weeks), small ship cruising, river cruising, gay safaris (outstanding!), Gay Games, active (hiking, dude ranches, climbing, rafting, skiing), and the list goes on.
Gay travelers should check out agencies that are members of IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association) since these agencies can direct them to appropriate suppliers and provide guidance in making decisions.”
He also says, “Amsterdam is my #1 choice…..the bars and clubs are like nothing else and there is something for everyone and every preference. The biggest festivals are Amsterdam Pride and Queensday with many celebrations, concerts, parties, etc. held not only in the streets but in the numerous clubs and bars. Europe’s biggest gay dance party is Rapido and one of the best and most famous is held in Amsterdam during Pride, at Rapido Paradiso (a phenomenal venue). Tickets sell out fast and must be purchased months in advance. Gay and single….Amsterdam is an easy to meet and mingle and English is spoken everywhere. Winter is a bit dreary but there’s always something going on.”
Puerto Vallarta Mexico is great for couples, friends or single travelers. Beautiful ocean bay beaches
World class dining, mountains and jungles, and a huge gay & lesbian community. Very friendly. Lots to see and do. Still affordable.
In Europe. Prague is one of my favorites. Paris is one of my least favorites.
Phuket, Thailand. Patong beach has become a gay hotspot because of its unbelievably inexpensive nightlife, exhilarating water sports and friendly atmosphere. The dazzling beach has been host to pride festivals and remains a perfect place for gay and lesbian travelers to meet and enjoy the excitement of Southeast Asia.
These are just some of our top picks. There are many more great places, depending on what you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to travel alone. You will find so many places around the world that are friendly and very open to talking to you! Even despite language barriers, many people are so nice and will try to communicate with you! – Even you need help making a decison, call an expert for advice.
DAY AT THE BEACH – Not a GAY BEACH!
I WONDER WHERE THE BATHROOMS ARE????
Where do they park their cars???
Do they have lifeguards??
How the hell do you get a tan?
What is REALLY going on, under those umbrellas?
“A Day At The Beach” takes on a whole new meaning.
I don’t know where this is…does anyone know??
Gay Pride March is Canceled and Banned in Belgrade Serbia
Over a hundred people were hurt including around 90 police officers, two seriously. “We are shocked,” he said. “With this the state capitulated … a democratic state should be able to guarantee two hours of security to its citizens.”
LAST YEAR, Serbian riot police fought running battles in Belgrade with mobs of ultra-nationalist youths who tried to disrupt a gay pride gathering that was addressed by the country’s top EU official.
It’s sad. I think many of us who have the luxury of celebrating in cities like New York City, Chicago, Toronto, West Hollywood, Amsterdam and even Sao Paulo, forget how good we have it. Other countries, it can be very scary…
Traditionally conservative societies across the Balkans have been slow to accept open homosexuality and many gay rights events in the region have ended in violence.
Goran Miletic, a human rights activist and an organizer of the pride parade, condemned the decision as a capitulation to hooligans, but said the rally would not go ahead.
We personally attended the Gay Pride in Budapest this year. Government officials were worried there as well. But they deployed 1500 officers in riot gear, to protect the 2500 gay pride marchers for 4 hours. And while there were hostile protesters in the crowd, no one was seriously injured. I think this shows that a city was able to eat the cost, to make the event happen, for the good of LGBT people, and it sent a message to the city, saying violence would not be tolerated in Budapest.
Hong Kong To Launch Asia’s Biggest LGBT Festival this Month
Pink Season, Hong Kong’s first ever and Asia’s biggest LGBT festival kicks Get The latest on the Pink Season at Pinkseason.hk
off on 30 September. It is an unprecedented collaboration between local
LGBT organizations and artists over a 2.5-month period.
The Pink Season schedule covers the Electric Pink music party Sept. 30th,
the glamorous Mr. Gay Hong Kong pageant Oct. 15th,
Floatilla – Party at Sea Oct. 16th,
Out in the Open – The All Inclusive beach carnival Nov. 6th,
Drag Overdose Nov. 12th,
Gay Day @ Disneyland Dec. 4th
plus the solidly established HK Lesbian and Gay Film Festival Nov. 18-Dec. 1st.
Organizers are still planning for more activities with local artists and organizations,
while looking to add a distinguished speaker series, plays, dance shows,
painting exhibitions, and much more.
PinkSeason on Facebook
Bone Church…A short trip from Prague
Kutna-Hora is a small village located just a few miles east of the Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague.
Kutna-Hora would be a fairly anonymous town were it not for its bizarre, and some might say macabre attraction, THE BONE CHURCH OF KUTNA-HORA. Built in the 12th Century by monks, the Bone Church, or “Ossuary” had a small cemetary, which over the years, soon ran out of burial space.
The monks’ solution?
Decorate the Church with the bones of deceased parishoners.
40,000 human bones–mostly from the plague years in the 14th century–artistically arranged.
Soon, it became a status symbol of sorts to have your bones on display at the Church. Today, visitors climb the winding, craggy hill to view this most unusual of places of worship.
GETTING THERE- A train stops at the town’s Hlavní Nádrazí (main train station); a smaller commuter train will take you onward to local stops. Get off at the first stop, Kutná Hora-Sedlec, and follow the signs to the Kostnice, or ossuary (a 10-minute walk from the main train station).
AFTERWARDS, Back at Kutná Hora-Sedlec, grab another commuter train to the station called Kutná Hora-Mesto, near the old town (or walk–the ossuary is a mile and a half away). Kutná Hora was an ancient center of silver mining and minting. Those riches paid for the stunning Cathedral of St. Barbara, founded in 1388; the flying buttresses and soaring spires make it one of the best examples of late-Gothic architecture in Central Europe.
A three-minute walk down Barborská Street, the Czech Museum of Silver offers tours of the remaining mines and displays of historic coins. When it’s time to recharge, wander over to Dacický Pivnice, where the hearty meat-and-potatoes fare is updated from medieval recipes and the boisterous taproom pours five types of beer–the pilsner is excellent with the buttery roasted trout. Get in a quick game of ninepins in the pub’s backyard before heading over to the creepy Alchemy Museum, devoted to the times when people tried to convert base metals into gold. Finally, for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, pick up a colorful handmade hat by milliners Bára Jelínková and Lucie Franková at the Salon Meluzína.
More details online.
Hidden Arrival and Departure Travel Fees
Argentina: Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay of up to 90 days. U.S citizens are required to pay an entry fee / reciprocity in the amount of $140. The entry fee will be collected at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and is payable in pesos, US dollars, credit card and travelers checks. For complete details with regard to the entry fee, visit migraciones.gov.ar/ Belize: $20 Bolivia: Departure tax to be paid in USD or local currency upon checking in for flight Brazil: None (Included in ticket price). Chile: Fee to be paid in USD, Visa, Master Card or American Express upon arrival at customs. For US passport holders, this fee is currently $131 per person and is good for the validity of the passport. Costa Rica: $26 to be paid in USD, major credit card, or local currency prior to checking in with the ticketing booth. Ecuador: Mexico: The Mexican airport departure tax of approximately $20-30 will be collected at the airport as you leave for home if it is not already included in your ticket. Check with your Travel Representative to see if the Mexican Departure Tax is included in your ticket price. Panama: Passport required. U.S citizens are required purchase a tourist card in the amount of $30 at the airport in Panama City before clearing customs. Peru: Departure tax to be paid in USD or local currency after check-in before entering gate area Uruguay: $31 (if it is not already included in your ticket) to be paid in USD after check-in, before entering gate area. Check with your Travel Representative to see if the Uruguayan Departure Tax is included in your ticket price. Jordan: JD 5 ($7 approximately) for land crossing from Jordan to Israel (Arava South Border, Sheikh Hussein North Border and King Hussein Bridge/Allenby Bridge). There are no departure taxes when departing via an international airport. Cambodia International Flights: $25 per Adult, $13 per child under 12, and Infants under 2 are exempt, to be paid before check-in at a separate booth. Cambodia Domestic Flights: $6 per person to be paid before check-in at a separate booth. Indonesia International Flights: 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person to be paid at separate booth before Immigration Clearance. Indonesia Domestic Flights: 30,000 Indonesian Rupiah per person to be paid at separate booth before Immigration Clearance. Nepal: Current airport tax is Nepalese Rupees 1356 per person (approx. 19 USD). The departure tax in Katmandu is to be paid at a special bank counter located inside the airport terminal and Prior to checking in to the flight. New Zealand: $17 to be paid upon checking in for international flight from New Zealand.
DID YOU KNOW…..
Some foreign airports may charge you an ARRIVAL FEE or DEPARTURE FEE?
The biggest are Argentina, U.S citizens are required to pay an entry fee / reciprocity in the amount of $140. And also Chile, this fee is currently $131!
Other fees…..
Central and South America
Mediterranean
Asia
Pacific
