Festivals

Harry Connick and Me

by Rixie

I’m sipping a glass of Ravenswood Zinfandel and locking eyes with Harry Connick, Jr., who is every bit as handsome in person as he is in his photos. He’s singing, “But when I saw you, I knew/ We'd go together / Like a wink and a smile,” and – be still, my heart! – he’s winking and smiling at me. It’s a balmy spring evening in the Northern California wine country, and there’s a hint of honeysuckle in the air.

Of course, there are 3,000 other people with us, and I had to pay for the wine at the bar, but hey, those are trivial details. As far as I’m concerned, it’s Harry and me and nobody else.

I’m at the Sonoma Jazz + Festival, a world-class festival of music, food, and wine in Sonoma, California, an hour north of San Francisco. This event began in 2005 and since then has attracted top-drawer musicians and thousands of festival goers each year on Memorial Day weekend at the end of May. A sister festival to the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival in Colorado, Sonoma Jazz+ runs for four days, Thursday through Sunday, and includes an impressive schedule of events.
read entire article >>

Rome Things To Do
	Spanish Steps Spring Festival - Stolen Azealeas? by icunme You will not believe this - all these huge azealia plants that lined the Spanish Steps were stolen (Wednesday, June 7, 2006) sometime between 3 and 5 a.m. - I was shocked -- my nephew who is Italian said it was a wonder they did not steal the steps!! The Piazza was was under construction for awhile and now back in beautiful shape. They didn't get the Spanish steps decorated in time for Easter but here it is in full bloom in May and for Festa... [read more]
Hanoi Local Customs
	a tradition that comes in handy for visitors too by richiecdisc There are many traditional foods associated with TET as well and the most popular perhaps is banh chung. This is glutinous or sticky rice layered around some very fatty pork and bean paste and wrapped in a banana leaf. You’ll definitely be offered some to try but it is an acquired taste so take a small bite to see if you like it. No matter what, say you do….lol. This orange sticky rice pictured was another festival favorite as people bought them... [read more]