Lake Wanaka

“Lifestyle Preserve” on the South Island of New Zealand

In the Heart of Mt. Aspiring National Park, at the foot of the Southern Alps, lies the fourth largest lake in New Zealand, an outdoor playground. The natural surroundings provide the perfect retreat for summer and winter adventure tourism alike. Whether mountain biking, hiking, fishing, climbing or paddling in the temperate summer, or sloshing down one of Wanaka’s world-class ski resorts, you are in for a joyful ride. Dubbed as a “Lifestyle Reserve,” this beloved national park is a perfect place not only for summer and winter recreations, but also for the culinary-minded. After a day of play, treat your palate at one of the areas inspired restaurants for great food and regional wine.

Need a star endorsement? Tom Cruise likes it. Lake Wanaka was the code word used on the phone with his wife in Mission Impossible III.

The Trans-Siberian Railway

Traveling the Longest Railway in the World

It used to be that Siberia was so untraveled that it was described as no more than a mythical far-off place – the end ofcivilization. And while most of Russia is still so far off the traditional tourist track – it is joining the short-list a select group of die-hards who are delighting in cultural journeys across Eurasia.

Built in 1889 by Czar Alexander III, the train was originally built to provide luxury transport between St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. Today, it is primarily used for transport of goods throughout Russia and Asia, but is also providing a ticket for the most adventurous of foreign travelers to see the real “Mother Russia”. They say, the further you get from St. Petersburg and Moscow, the deeper you journey into “Real Russia.”

Whether your interest lies in the mystique of old, the tortuous tales of Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy, the great empire of Peter the Great, or the vast landscape of the world’s largest country – a journey through Russia by railway is one of the only ways to travel a third of the earth in one go. Plunge into the sacred waters of Lake Baikal, photograph the wooden cottages of Siberia, and follow the path of Genghis Khan on the fabled Trans-Siberian Railroad… now, you can too live and breathe “Mother Russia”. Starting in St. Petersburg and stretching along four routes through Mongolia and China to the Japanese ports, you can set into your epic, priceless journey through Russia for about $250. Most trains provide dinner and lounge cabins where you can indulge in some of the traditional Russian flavors: borscht, vodka. Cabins sleep two people comfortably, and daily routes stop at hundreds of small and large cities (again, within four routes) along the way.

A practical purchasing note: To negate problems that may arise from language barriers, try purchasing your tickets in Prague or Berlin.

Great New Elements Added to Atlantic Canada’s Largest Beer Event

PRESS RELEASE

Halifax, NS The fourth annual Halifax Seaport Beer Fest will once again welcome over 160 beers and ciders from the Maritimes and around the world to the historic Halifax Seaport. The festival runs August 13 and 14, 2010 with over 4000 beer lovers expected to attend.

“Every year the event grows and this year we’ve put a new twist on things,” says festival co-chair, Bruce Mansour, speaking of the first ever LADIES VIP BREW Tour featuring Mirella Amato (www.beerology.ca), one of Canada’s top female beer connoisseurs! Mirella will lead a fun and informative gals-only VIP tour of the brewing world on opening Friday night and again Saturday afternoon. For just $10 beyond regular ticket price, women can skip the line-ups and enjoy a 30 minute talk followed by a guided sampling of select festival beers. Learn about the history of women and brewing as well as flavours, aromas and beer pairing. She’ll also let you in on secrets such as the many health benefits of beer and expose the truth behind common beer myths. No men allowed!

Once again Taste of Nova Scotia members will sell delicious beer-inspired creations to hungry festival goers. Scanway Catering, Saege Bistro, FID Resto, and Brussels Restaurant will serve up mouth-watering dishes such as Lobster Avocado Tacos, Marinated Slow Cooked Pork Blocks and Beer-Steamed Mussels! Visit www.seaportbeerfest.com for complete menu details and see what fabulous desserts Chef Ray Bear will also be serving up!

The Seaport Beerfest is excited to kick-off things early with a one-of-a-kind food and beer pairing dinner, featuring Mirella Amato and the culinary skills of Brussels Restaurant and Brasserie. The event will be held on the Brussels courtyard patio Thursday, August 12 at 6:00pm in Granville Square. The evening will feature a reception plus four courses paired with beers from the restaurant’s extensive in-house selection. This special evening of food, beer, music and prizes will be one to remember. Tickets are $69.00 plus tax and gratuity and can be reserved by booking at info@brusselsrestaurant.ca or by phone at 406-7737 (see www.brusselsrestaurant.ca for details)

Come see what the buzz is all about at the Halifax Seaport Beerfest. Tickets are selling quickly, and the Saturday night session is once again expected to sell out (only 1500 tickets/session available this year). Tickets available at select NSLC stores, Bishops Cellar and Garrison Brewing Co. for $40 (+hst) per session or $45 (+hst) at the door. Sessions will run Friday night 7:00pm to 10:00pm, Saturday afternoon 2:00pm to 5:00pm and Saturday night 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

For more information please visit www.seaportbeerfest.com or contact:

Bruce Mansour, Festival Co-chair

Tel: (902) 221-0111

E-mail: bruce@makeithappen.ca

Brian Titus, Festival Co-chair

Tel: (902) 830-5343

E-mail: btitus@garrisonbrewing.ca