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Newsletter January 2004

The Magic Combinations

2004. New Year's morning and some ambiguity over new resolutions no doubt caused by a whiff or two of champagne somewhat earlier. On the kitchen table after a little puzzled examination I found a cryptic note. There, in the delicate hand of "She Who Must Be Obeyed" (SWMBO), was a note which read in its simplicity:

On further thought I realised that it showed a magnificent tour plan for 2004 (and probably further on into the decade). I suppose it could be called "The Magic Combinations" but with no connection to undergarments for a cold and cheerless Winter.

Musikverein Vienna.

Maestro Ricardo Muti is the resident conductor at La Scala in Milan. This year as in others he was the guest conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the fabulous Golden Hall of the Musikverein for the glorious and world famous New Year's Day concert. This annual concert like the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College in Cambridge on Christmas Eve is one of the two essential ingredients of our and many many others' Christmas festivities. However the Vienna concert is the only realistic possibility for us to get to but at a cost!. Perhaps next New Year's Day. Beg, borrow or steal to get there. And the dancing by the Vienna Ballet! Though of course you will only get this on TV. Even if Sr Muti is not guest conductor try to get there and so will we. It is possible to book 'on line' but only very early in the year.

See: www.whatsonwhen.com -NewYearsDayConcertinVienna or go via GOOGLE. Tickets are by ballot which can be entered at E-mail: tickets@musikverein.at Go for it!

Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.

This small and externally unassuming building properly called The Arena Chapel, houses one of the greatest treasures in the history of art. It is Giotto's (Giotto di Bondone 1267 to 1337) beautiful fresco cycle painted for Enrico degli Scrovegni. But as we discovered to our immense frustration the chapel's opening hours are rather erratic. After travelling many miles we found it shut. SWMBO issues frequent ultimata about a return and BOOKED visit. It will be this year. So another essential but BOOK well in advance! If you wish please ask me how to book. I now know! And then again there is Assisi where there is a whole lot more of Giotto's magic. There are 28 scenes from a cycle of the life of St Francis in the Upper Church.

"El Bulli" at Roses.

And next lets go to Catalonia in the north eastern part of Spain to what is considered by many to be the best and most interesting restaurant in the world. If you doubt me then try this:- the significant British food magazine, Restaurant says that El Bulli is "the world's best restaurant". Now that is pretty unequivocal. The magazine is far from being alone in its judgement The man who is the inspirational chef here is another undoubted maestro. He is Ferran Adria whose approach is as scientific as it is pure genius. To keep this note from being far too long I will say that Adria creates the unusual and unexpected which is definitely not for the unadventurous. Some regard him as a trifle eccentric. So - he is a genius. The restaurant is about two and a half exciting hours north of Barcelona at the pretty fishing village of Roses near Figueres the birth place of Salvador Dali. Very Important Note: El Bulli is only open from 1 April to 30 September each year. Very early booking in terms of months ahead is essential and even that may be too short a lead-time. Tel: 00-34 (Spain)-972-150457

Mayerling at The Royal Opera House.

For the last of these magical combinations I will offer you a most impractical one, at least in terms of time. Two or was it three years ago we missed this marvellous ballet. With music by Franz Liszt and choreography by the legendary Kenneth MacMillan it will be on again in London from 17 March to the 6 June. However the dream team (last seen at Christmas this year in Cinderella at the Royal Opera House) of Alina Cojocaru and Johan Kobborg will dance the lead parts ONLY on 19 and 27 March and on 6 April. Get the picture at: www.royaloperahouse.org and dream!

A Very Important Note

(Read with care please!)

Prices.

Now this is rather IMPORTANT so please see the Pricing page of this site. I have had to make an increase to bring my prices into line with the Driver Guides Association. These prices will apply ONLY when I myself am unable to do the tour and I have to engage another Blue Badge Driver Guide. The prices, which I will continue to offer, when doing the tour myself, will be heavily discounted to my 2003 Rates.

A Few Random Thoughts

Christmas Holidays.

More and more visitors come each year to enjoy this particular holiday season in Britain. Christmas is a very quiet time in London so the wise visitor will head for a comfortable country house style hotel in the rural shires for Christmas itself. It's fun! I can assure you. Then head for London, Edinburgh or Dublin for the New Year festivities (Hogmanay in Scotland). I kid you not that is the way to do it. Where to stay? Just ask me, but in good time please.

Where is the Dollar Going?

Looks a bit shaky and no immediate rally in sight. At the time of going to press it costs nearly $2 to buy £1. Do consider making a larger family group to share costs and to get better discounts. 'Prudent economies' is the phrase.

D-Day 2004.

This will be the last occasion on which the Allied Invasion of Normandy in June 1944 will be celebrated officially. Events will take place from June 6 up to the end of August. However I will continue to offer tours to the "beaches" as well as to all important locations from there to the end of World War II.

Advisory Services.

As I approach my 20th year as a guide in Britain, Ireland and through Western Europe I have amassed a mountain of useful information in all aspects of touring. I am happy to share this with you. Already I regularly prepare, write and run a wide range of itineraries. Hotels, Restaurants, Sights and what to avoid are all part of my special service. Just ask and I will be delighted to assist.

Special Tours.

In addition to the normal and popular range of tours the following are in preparation:

• The Enigma of The Stones - A tour of Neolithic sites in southern England.
• The Highlands & Islands of Scotland.
• The West Country of England - Myths, Legends and Daphne du Maurier.
• Vineyards, Great Restaurants and Paris. Tours to Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux.
• And of course:
• Operation OVERLORD - The 60th Anniversary of D-Day

Welcome to Travel Quest International.

Travel Quest International of Prescott Arizona has joined our circle and for whom we are preparing a very Special Interest tour,(we hope the first of many), to launch in May/June 2005. Travel Quest is the leading company in the US specialising in tours for astronomers and those interested in astronomy. They work in exclusive partnership with the international prestige magazine:- 'Sky & Telescope'. The initial tour is to southern England to visit many of the Neolithic sites and Megalithic Stone Circles. The tour is to be called 'The Enigma of the Stones'. Should you be interested in joining the group do please contact Travel Quest through their website which is: www.travelquestinternational.com .

Farewell- Laddie Hamilton

Laddie, one of the best in the travel business, is hanging up his guide books. For many years he has represented the finest agency in St Louis MO (Judy Peil Travel of 7800 Bonhomme Ave, St Louis MO). Laddie's calm and knowledgeable approach will be much missed. Laddie:- Enjoy your new life but keep in touch. In the meantime should you need help from Judy Peil Travel just contact:- judy@judypeil.com.

And Finally

Help!

Do you need some help or a good idea? - All you have to do is just get in touch with me.

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