Brits Head To The States

British holidaymakers who chose to vacation in the United States this year were pleasantly surprised at how cheap it was due to the weakness of the U.S. dollar. For the most part British tourists were getting close to two dollars for each British pound. Even with the increased cost of gasoline, tourists in the U.S. were able to get pretty good deals.

Though air fares are going up and some transatlantic flights may be cut back, it is still possible to take advantage of the weak dollar. If you are planning to book a holiday in the U.S. later this year or in 2009, keep in mind that the dollar has begun to climb a bit and may continue to do so.

Don’t be put off, however. The U.S. continues to be a great holiday destination. There is so much to see and do in the States. Cities from New York to San Francisco offer enormous variety. If it is culture you want, New York has great museums, including the Metropolitan and the MOMA. Broadway’s theaters offer something for everybody. Even off-Broadway is a mecca for cutting edge entertainment. Shopping in New York is legendary. From Saks Fifth Avenue to Bloomingdales and from Macy’s to Century 21, New York is unparalleled.

On the west coast take your pick. Los Angeles with its movie culture and San Francisco featuring Nob Hill and cable cars and the stunning Bay vistas greet residents and tourists alike. A few miles to the north and you are in the wine country of Napa and Sonoma.

Don’t overlook what falls between the coasts. The Grand Canyon will take your breath away, as will Monument Valley and the Painted Desert. Nestled in the Sierras is the famed Lake Tahoe. Tahoe is the skiing destination on the west coast, and the view of the lake from the slopes of Heavenly Valley is stunning. In the summer the gondolas ferry tourists to the top of the mountain where they can spend a day or several hours taking on spectacular sights.

Don’t forget Las Vegas with its over-the-top casinos and hotels. You can spend days taking in a dizzying array of luxury hotels like the Bellagio and Circus Circus, which features its own amusement park.

Speaking of amusement parks, the two most visited parks in the world are in the U.S.: Disneyland in Anaheim and Disney World in Florida. As always, Disney has new and more exciting attractions in the works at any given time. Whether you stay at a Disney hotel located within the parks or a nearby hotel, the Disney experience is not soon forgotten. If that is your preference, be sure to check out whatever special deals the parks are offering. You may be surprised at how affordable a Disney vacation can be.

Seeing what is on before you visit the US is a breeze these days, not only do travel sites have lots of information but personal experiences are blogged at the most popular blogs for travel.

Though Disney is still the leader of the pack, other amusement parks are worth visiting as well. Universal Studios and MGM Studios both feature Hollywood extravaganzas. You can find yourself in the middle of a Spiderman episode or an Indiana Jones adventure.

The real drawing card for any number of amusement parks are the death-defying roller coasters. With their incredible loops and twists and 360 degree spins, roller coaster rides are the thrill seekers ultimate thrill. Knots Berry Farm in Southern California has some of the best thrill rides going.

The U.S. is such an expansive and diverse experience that just traveling from region to region illustrates this better than anything else. From the Old South to the Yankee Northeast and from the Midwest to the Northwest, the differences are both noticeable and distinct. Regional differences are pretty much defined by geography. The geography within U.S. boundaries runs the gamut from lush green forests to deserts, to endless plains and mountain ranges.

So if you are contemplating a holiday and deciding where to spend it, give the U.S. a good bit of thought. Even with a strengthening dollar it may still be well within your budget. Take out the calculator and do some Internet surfing to get the latest deals in all the areas you find attractive. If you plan ahead and book early, good deals can be had.

What Do You Know About White Wine

I Dread Going Shopping With My Child

Some Surprising Facts About Australian Wines

It’s true that real sommeliers don’t often think Australian wines when considering the finest vineyards in the world.  However, believe it or not, Australia is the fourth-largest exporter of wine in the world, with some 105 million gallons of wine exported per year.  That’s over 400,000,000 liters, for you non U.S. readers!  And with as many liters they export, Australians also typically consume just as much wine themselves as they export!  Obviously there must be something high-quality about the wines from Australia if there are over 200 million gallons of it consumed every year!  Let’s look at some very interesting facts about these wines that are appreciated the world over.

One of the reasons that Australian wines do so well is the climate of this continent.  While it may have been somewhat difficult to work around by those who first began cultivating grapes for wines, they soon learned how to adapt to the climate and found themselves successfully growing a large variety of grapes for some very fine wines.  This selection typically includes Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Riesling.  These wines are always made from imported grapes as the continent has no native grapes of its own.  The fact that Australian vineyard owners could adapt themselves to an unfamiliar climate with foreign grapes to become the fourth-largest exporter of wine in the world shows their dedication to the science and art of wine making.

Award Winners

The Australian label Penfolds Grange has won more than 50 gold medals in the past fifty or so years since its inception.  The 1971 won first prize at the Wine Olympics in Paris; the 1990 was named ‘Red Wine of the Year’ by the Wine Spectator magazine in 1995.  Some wine critics have called this “the world’s most exotic and concentrated wine,” beating out many famous wines of France and Italy.

Many other Australian wines have held their own in wine competitions around the world and have been recognized by wine critics and enthusiasts alike.

Their Ups and Downs

There were many years when wines vineyards of Australia were plagued by phylloxera, a small pest that infests vineyards.  When they finally overcame this infestation, vineyards were typically producing sweet and fortified wines.  Because of their popularity, the government of Australia actually paid growers to pull their vines in order to level the market.  This has been repeated in recent years as there has been an oversupply and short sales.

However, with the rise in popularity of organic products, Australian wines have once again gained their popularity.  Many vineyards now are finding that their demand is increasing for organic and biodynamic wines, and their upsurge is once again returning.  Australia has even hosted the International Biodynamic Wine Forum that includes organic and biodynamic vineyard owners from around the world.

Nightlife in Europe, Cyprus and Greece

I Love Italian Wine and Food – The Abruzzi RegionI Love Italian Wine and Food – The Abruzzi Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Abruzzi region of central Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Abruzzi is located on the central eastern part of Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The area is 2/3 mountains and 1/3 hills. Over time Abruzzi has belonged to the Romans, the Lombards, and the kingdom of Naples. While this area was once very poor, its income is now growing. Abruzzi and Molise were a single region from 1948 to 1965. Its population is 1.275 million.

Agricultural products include grapes, olives, wheat, sugar beets, tobacco, saffron, pigs, and sheep. The Adriatic Sea and inland lakes and streams provide a wide variety of fish and shellfish. If I remember correctly, the first time that I heard of this region was decades ago, when I learned that according to Craig Claiborne, at the time Food Editor of the New York Times, Italy’s best food was found in Abruzzi.

Abruzzi has no large cities. Its administrative center l’Aquila has a population of about 70 thousand. But big cities are hardly a requirement for good wine. Few would ever claim that Italy’s best wines come from Rome, or the surrounding area.

Abruzzi devotes about eighty two thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 10th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 110 million gallons, giving it a 5th place. About 90% of the wine production is red or rosé (not very much rosé), leaving 10% for white. The region produces 3 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine and 1 DOCG red wine, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. About 17% of Abruzzi wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. Abruzzi is home to about two dozen major and secondary grape varieties, a few more white and than red.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Trebbiano and Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc. The best known strictly Italian white variety is Trebbiano d’Abbruzzi, felt by some to be Bombino Bianco.
The best known Italian red variety is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC is the most widely exported Italian DOC wine.

Before we reviewing the Abruzzi wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with local wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with a Pizza Rustica, Cinnamon-Scented Pie Stuffed with Proscuitto, Cheese, and Eggs.
Then move on to Polenta sulla Spianatora, Polenta (Cornbread) Topped with Sausage in Spicy Tomato Sauce.
For desert enjoy a Crostata di Ricotta, a Ricotta Tart.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Abruzzo Illuminati Montepulciano d’Abruzzo “Riparosso” 2004 DOC 13% alcohol about $11.50

The marketing materials state that this wine has hints of an Amarone (a much more expensive wine) or a Ripasso ( a more expensive wine). There are raisings, currants, and tar on the nose whilst the taste profile is ripe, mellow fruit flavors of raspberry jam and ocha. It doesn’t contain a lot of acidity so drink it within a year. Pair it with pizza, burgers, or any meat dish that you tend to eat during the week.

This wine is said to complement pasta, red meats, and savory cheeses.

I found the Riparosso to be somewhat robust, with cherry and plum flavors. I didn’t have the feeling that I was drinking a regular Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, but instead almost a Ripasso, a wine that I prefer. This wine managed to feel full-bodied even with its light tannins. It balanced nicely the tanginess of barbecued eggplant loaded with garlic, and demonstrated notable spiciness when paired with a meat ball and vegetable stew. Its acidity was pleasant. I did not discern all the flavors listed above. For me the dominant flavor was black cherry. The final meat dish that accompanied this wine was a barbecued boneless rib steak with a spicy curry and cumin sauce. The wine seemed to pick up strength to accompany this meat, which by the way, we don’t eat on a regular basis during the week.

I tasted this wine with two related cheeses. Pecorino Toscano is a soft, nutty cheese. Interestingly enough, I found that the wine was no longer robust, it seemed to soften to accompany this mild cheese. In the presence of a Pecorino Fiore Sardo, a balsamic sheep’s milk cheese with a stronger flavor and coarser consistency than its Tuscan cousin, the wine almost magically picked up flavor to meet the challenge.

Final verdict, as you can tell this wine is a definite keeper.

Extra note. Several months ago on a whim I bought a $6 bottle of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Given the realities of the marketplace, I really doubt that any producer can come up with a decent bottle at that price. At first the wine was terribly acidic. I held out, finished the bottle and the last glass was almost OK. Yes, there are bargains, such as this Riparosso, but few in the $6 range.

‘geordie’ & ’squeak’ are Nicked! It’s Just not Cricket!

Enjoying White Wine

Inexpensive Cyprus Apartments Are Available

Inexpensive Cyprus apartments attract buyers who want a property abroad and Cyprus is ideally situated in the Mediterranean, and enjoys year round sun. With its long history, the island has managed to maintain her own personality whilst growing and evolving a European culture. Inexpensive Cyprus apartments can be located by beautiful beaches and striking mountains. The coast runs from Protaras in the east to Paphos (Pafos) in the west and the Troodos Mountains dominate the centre of the island. This combination lends itself to a variety of fantastic walking, relaxing, sunbathing, swimming, sailing and exhilarating water sports in many resorts. Whichever Cyprus property for sale, you are looking for: a holiday villa or inexpensive Cyprus apartments there is something for everyone.

Cyprus has two international airports, Larnaca and Paphos both have daily flights to and from most UK airports, With the budget airline phenomenon, the cheapest flight to Cyprus can be probably be found online. Both airports are currently being up graded and will offer great new facilities. The Paphos terminal phase 1 opens in November 2008 and will be able to handle 2.7 million passengers a year. Larnacas new terminal Phase 1 will cater for 7.5 million passengers and is scheduled to open in 2009 and Phase 2 a year later will increase capacity to 9 million passengers. Booking the cheapest flight to Cyprus will become easier and easier and more enjoyable with the new infrastructure in place.

There is an impressive choice of inexpensive Cyprus apartments and there is a steady rental market in Cyprus in all parts of the island which can help in paying the mortgage. The choice is vast, and there are many properties available for a last minute holiday. Apart from sunbathing on the beaches and enjoying swimming, diving and kayaking in the sea, there are a large number of Greek and Roman relics on the island. Watching a performance in a Greco-Roman amphitheatre carved out of the rocks not an experience you will forget. Cyprus property for sale in general is very sought after for both holiday homes and permanent relocation.

Inexpensive Cyprus apartments take advantage of the very best of the island, where you will discover a compact world of alluring Blue Flag beaches with clean and clear azure waters and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins, citrus groves and old stone villages where the wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree place, with the lowest crime rates in Europe, where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people.

Cosmopolitan five-star resorts that are walking distance of well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins offer every amenity the modern traveller has come to expect and more as well as beautiful pools, gardens and beachfronts to state of the art health spas, inexpensive Cyprus apartments in these areas are sought after as are other types Cyprus property for sale and by getting the cheapest flight to Cyprus – all this can be yours to visit as often as you like – or – why not come permanently??

Why imported beer isnt always better

Since I am an American, I will be examining this question from that viewpoint. And, seriously, that is as it should be, since the big brand American beer is so different from its imported cousins.

If we examine only the major brands the question is fairly easy: there is very seldom a significant difference between premium domestic and foreign beers. But when we get to the craft beers and the microbrews, imported beers can only stand next to domestic varieties, and are rarely superior.

In America, the vast majority of the beer consumed is typically the mass produced and ubiquitous three: Millers, Coors and Budweiser. Those three brands have a whole range of varieties, including dry, light and special reserves. What they have in common, and this is true in general of all American beers, is that they tend toward a very light flavor, an aroma that is best ignored if possible (which is why American beers are almost always served ice cold), and a comparatively low alcohol content. Consider how Americans drink their beer. What is a baseball game without beer in a paper cup? What about the guy in his easy chair watching football, pulling can after can out of the cooler? How about the binge drinkers at the frat party? In general, and of course this is a gross oversimplification, Americans drink beer so that they don’t have to think about what they’re drinking.

Now, when Americans drink imported beer, strangely enough, they typically go for something familiar. That means the imported brands that are most popular in America are those brands which are most similar to the American brands. More expensive, and with only a very slight difference in flavor and aroma and alcohol content, these imported brands are not significantly different from their American brothers: Tsingtao, Moretti, Peroni and Sapporo. Consider that these premium beers are not substantially different from domestic beers, but they come with a higher price tag. When you take in the really premium American beers, especially the huge variety of Samuel Adams labels, American beers are rarely second place to the imported varieties.

American beers have to appeal to a wide market, and so the big brands are fairly innocuous. On the other hand, imported brands only need to appeal to a regional market, and so are fairly content to be more unusual and different.

But let’s get to specifics. And, of course, personal opinion. The very best beer in the world, is a beer brewed in Oregon called Hair of the Dog Dave. It is a dark amber, and has a rather sweet aroma, with just a hint of alcohol flavor. You’ll taste a kind of peanut flavor. It is earthy and dry, but still very complex. A second place, for me, goes to Struise Black Albert from Belgium, a black beer with a very creamy head and flavor. Its aroma is licorice but a little salty. It is a a very smooth beverage dominated by a Belgian chocolate flavor with a tart finish. In terms of cost, the domestic and the import are consistently equivalent. So in the long run, imported is not necessarily better, just different. It depends on what you want, what you’re looking for.

So, there you have it. For the individual, beer choice is a very particular and personal decision. For the most part, one should ask why one wishes to drink an imported label? If the beer is not substantially different from a domestic brand, then why pay the higher price for the classy foreign label? On the other hand, for the connoisseur, finding just the right brand is the equivalent of the search for the holy grail.

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