July 28, 2010
Photo Diary: Outdoor Concerts
Few things say “summer” more than live outdoor music, and Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo do not disappoint in this entertainment department. Here are a few clips from some the destinations’ more famous summer festivals: Fuji Rock Festival, MusicFestNW, and concerts at Vondelpark. Read more »
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July 22, 2010
Photo Diary: Soccer Cities
The world’s most popular sport gained even more popularity this past month, and cities across the world are laying claim to the title “Soccer City”. Amsterdam spared no pride during the World Cup finals and decorated the city completely in orange and soccer paraphernalia. Portland is in full preparation to welcome MLS in 2011, and Tokyo’s soccer scene is always intense with action. On your next trip to these destinations, make sure to review the game schedules and join the Soccer City fun/p>
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July 20, 2010
Become a Taiko Drummer
This is not your typical music lesson. You won’t count out beats with “ta ta ti ti ta”, but you will translate phrases like “Don Do-Ro Do-Ro Don” and “Don Don Zu-Ku Don Don Zu-Ku” into a series of beats and movements.
Taiko’s origin is in debate, but most scholars agree that the style was developed between 1,600-2,000 years ago. Traditionally, taiko was performed during wars and Buddhist ceremonies, but today’s taiko has a modern twist, often including contemporary influences like jazz, rock and hip hop into their performances. This transition began after World War II in no small part to jazz drummer, Oguchi Daihachi. Read more »
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July 16, 2010
Photo Diary: Fashion Week
Fashion mavens from around the world know where to watch the world’s latest fashion trends: Amsterdam, Tokyo, and yes, even Portland. Wednesday’s launch of Amsterdam International Fashion Week inspired this week’s photo diary. Watch trends in the making at Portland Fashion Week October 6 or at the Japan Fashion Week in October 15. Read more »
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July 2, 2010
Photo Friday: Fireworks
No national holiday is complete without some festive fireworks, so for today’s post, we’re honoring Independence Day with a glimpse to the glowing skies in Portland, Tokyo and Amsterdam. Read more »
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May 10, 2010
Photo Diary: Bookstores
The love of literature runs deep in Portland, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and the surrounding book culture at each of these destinations is hard to miss.
Fostering a culture of coffee drinking, poetry writing, and literary appreciation is the world’s largest independent book store, Powell’s Book Store. This Portland icon is conveniently located for locals and visitors alike to peruse miles of books themes from rock legend biographies to graphic novels, vegan cooking, international travel and rare books. Take a virtual tour of Powell’s: Read more »
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April 26, 2010
7 Great Phone Apps for a Smooth Trip
In the age of technological efficiency, travel would not be complete without the accompaniment of smartphone apps. Whether you’re an iPhone, Android, Palm or Blackberry user, there are an assortment of applications to make your travel experience much smoother. Read more »
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April 1, 2010
Go Orange for Queens Day
April 30th marks Holland’s beloved holiday Koninginnedag or Queens Day, celebrating the Queen’s birthday. The tradition began on August 31, 1885 with Queen Wilhemina, but it was the current queen, Queen Beatrix’s mother, Queen Juliana who declared the national holiday to be celebrated on her birthday, April 30. Read more »
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March 12, 2010
Ready, Set, Takeoff to AMS/TYO
Explore Amsterdam’s fascinating neighborhoods, or Tokyo’s peaceful parks and beautiful scenery. Delta takes you to the most destinations worldwide, including nonstop service to Amsterdam and Tokyo from Portland. Purchase on or before April 13, 2010 and save. To book your flight, click here.
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March 5, 2010
Congrats, Haiku Winners!
The I Love to Fly Nonstop Contest has come to a close and we would like to extend a huge thank you to the nearly 700 participants who submitted a haiku and a congratulations to the ten finalists for all your hard work (see all the finalist submissions here). The votes have been collected and tallied, and it is a pleasure to announce your winners: Mike Donovan and Raquel Benito! Read more »