2010 - 03 - Rock in Rio returns to Lisbon in 2010

Tuesday, 02 March 2010 21:47

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*** INSIDE THIS MONTH'S EDITION ***

1. THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL SECRET

2. NEWS

3. PACKAGES/DEALS

4. EVENTS

5. EATS

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1. THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL SECRET: Secrets of Fátima

Portugal's Sanctuary of Fátima is not only one of the world's most important religious sites but also a major tourist attraction that has brought millions of pilgrims from all over the world.

Portuguese bishops recently announced that Pope Benedict XVI plans to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Fátima and will preside over ceremonies on May 13, 2010, the anniversary of the first apparition of our Lady to three shepherd children in 1917. It will also mark the beginning of the most common time to visit Fátima, between May 13th and Oct. 13th, the day of the final apparition appeared.

The three young shepherds, Jacinta, Francisco and Lúcia, reported seeing apparitions during a six month period in 1917. During one, our Lady asked a church be built in her honor. Soon after, the local people built a chapel to comply with the request. The first mass to be held there was in 1921 and the sighting was officially recognized as a miracle by the Bishop of Leiria in 1930. Later a larger sanctuary was built at the site and an image of our Lady was placed near the cork tree where the children saw the apparitions.

Two other stunning buildings are located near the shrine. The Basílica, designed by Gerard van Kriechen and built by architect João Antunes, is a frequent stop for pilgrims. The new Church of the Most Holy Trinity was completed in 2007 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the sightings. Designed by Alexandros Tombazis, it is the fourth largest Christian church in the world with 8500 seats.

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2. NEWS

Madeira Authorities update on the situation on the island

Win a trip to Portugal and discover the places where the photo shoots were taken for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2010

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3. PACKAGES/DEALS

Enjoy the Difference in Madeira

The Tivoli Madeira Hotel in Lido wants you to "Enjoy the Difference in Madeira" this year and has begun offering a package deal from now until October 2010.

Guests can stay from three to seven nights starting at 307 Euros. Package includes:

. Room with a balcony and side ocean view

. Buffet breakfast

. Welcome glass of Madeira wine

. One dinner in the hotel restaurant with selected drinks included

. One hydro-massage or a local massage at the hotel Spa per adult

. Use of Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and turbo shower

. Free shuttle to the nearby capital of Funchal, except Sundays and bank holidays

. 10 percent discount on rack rate green fees at both golf courses in Madeira.

For more information, go to www.tivolimadeira.com

Six-night packages that SATA Azores Express is offering from Boston Logan Airport to the Island of Madeira (via the Azores or Lisbon). Packages include roundtrip air, hotel, and breakfast. Prices start at $849 per person, before taxes and fees.  For more information and reservations, contact Azores Express at 800-762-9995,

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4. EVENTS

Rock in Rio returns to Lisbon in 2010.

The world's biggest music festival, Rock in Rio, will return to the Portuguese capital next year- catch Rock in Rio Lisboa 2010 on May 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29, 2010 at Parque da Bela Vista. Rock in Rio-Lisbon will be back as 2010's biggest event. During a 5-day emotion-packed event, Bela Vista Park will be transformed into a veritable "city of rock", including over 12 hours of performances per day on the various stages. The "World Stage" will host leading names from international music. The "Electronic Tent" will stage sets by leading national and international DJ's and VJ's while the "Hot Stage" will hold alternative concerts by top artists and successful, upcoming bands. In addition to the concerts, families are invited to explore the garden areas and enjoy the entertainment activities including the "Radical Space" - where more adventurous festival-goers can go snowboarding on the real snow track - and the Kids Space offering many children's activities. http://rockinrio-lisboa.sapo.pt/

Super Bock Super Rock

Rock's biggest stars will be in Lisbon this summer for the annual Super Bock Super Rock Music Festival. Named after the Portuguese beer company that sponsors it, Super Bock Super Rock is a major musical event that attracts prominent international bands.

This festival, located at the west end of the Vasco Da Gama Bridge, takes place over two weekends. It kicks off at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 28 and continues the next weekend from Friday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 5th until 5 p.m. Four-day tickets are 78 Euros and one-day tickets are 40 Euros.

The first Sunday starts off with hard rocking headliners Metallica, Joe Satriani and Stone Sour. Five days later Arcade Fire, Bloc Party and Magic Numbers top the bill, and on Saturday LCD Soundsystem, The Jesus & Mary Chain and Maximo Park headline. The festival closes on the second Sunday with Underworld, Interpol and Scissor Sisters.

http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event_id=48597

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5. EATS: Portuguese toast or Rabanadas

In the rugged mountains and seaside hills of the Centro de Portugal region there is a diverse and deep variety of foods. The French toast-like Rabanadas are a traditional winter desert made of fresh Portuguese bread, lightly fried and drenched in syrup. This sweet and inviting desert is best enjoyed with a glass of Licor Beirão, a delicious Portuguese cordial. Made in the mountain town of Lousã, this blend of two dozen local herbs and plants is known as "The Liquor of Portugal."

To make Rabanadas, follow the recipe below:

Rabanadas

16 egg yolks

2∏ cups sugar

1 loaf Portuguese white bread or a baguette, slightly stale

Cinnamon

Lemon

Mix the eggs with half the sugar until it is a thick mix. Make a thin syrup out of the rest of the sugar by mixing it with one glass of water. Slice the bread into half-inch wide pieces. Dip the slices into the syrup, drain, and dip in the egg yolk mix. Gently pan sear in a pan on a medium heat. Sprinkle with cinnamon and lemon zest.