Bright Spot in the Big Easy

IT was a humid evening in New Orleans and the shops along Magazine Street were open late, pouring free wine for the Art for Art’s Sake street fair. Bands played on every other street corner, kids and dogs were underfoot amid the crowds, and it was tempting to pretend that no disaster ever befell this city.

Or at least Magazine Street, which was spared the brunt of the destruction. Once lined with boardinghouses and rowdy saloons, this bustling street in the Uptown neighborhood is perched atop a strip of high ground beside the Mississippi River, and was one of the only functional thoroughfares in the months after the levee failures.

In the three and a half years since Hurricane Katrina, Magazine Street has emerged as a boutique row and a testing ground for new retail concepts, many of which pay homage to New Orleans’s heritage.

Among them is Dirty Coast, a T-shirt company that was started by a graphic designer, Blake Haney, and an entrepreneur, Patrick Brower, shortly after the storm. Their design statement — T-shirts screen-printed with clever and occasionally provocative jokes like “New Orleans: So far behind, we’re ahead” and “It’s not beautiful being easy” — became a local sensation.

A year later, Dirty Coast opened a tiny storefront (5704 Magazine Street, 504-324-3745; www.dirtycoast.com) with T-shirts stacked floor-to-ceiling and new designs announced on a sidewalk chalkboard. “We’re all about New Orleans pride,” Mr. Brower said.

Uniquely New Orleans clothing is also available at Trashy Diva (No. 2048; 504-299-8777; www.trashydiva.com), a retro boutique with a following among the city’s more glamorous night owls. Candice Gwinn, the designer, is known for hourglass-shaped dresses inspired by the 1940s and 1950s that range from $95 to $350.

Grand old homes still line Magazine Street, among them the Terrell House Bed & Breakfast (No. 1441; 504-237-2076; www.terrellhouse.com), one of the few inns in the area, with rooms ranging from $140 to $200. The inn and adjacent carriage house date back to 1857, and the property is decorated with period antiques.

Notable restaurants have also opened up along the tree-lined street, often in renovated Victorian-style clapboard houses. A standout newcomer is Baru (No. 3700; 504-895-2225), a Latin American restaurant that opened in 2007 at what was once Jennie’s Grocery, a beer-and-cigarettes corner store. On the sidewalk, where out-of-work men once sat on overturned buckets drinking tallboys, diners now share plates of empanadas and tuna tartare, their faces lit by tiki torches. The chef and owner, Edgar Caro, serves staples like plantains and yucca alongside dressed-up versions of carne asada, ceviche and Cuban-style roast pork ($18 to $26).

Farther down the street, La Divina Gelateria (No. 3005; 504-342-2634; www.ladivinagelateria.com) sells sorbets and gelatos made on-site with almost exclusively South Louisiana ingredients. The owners, Katrina and Carmelo Turillo, opened the shop in 2007, and their commitment to local foods is their cornerstone.

“We are proud to say that we get nothing from Sysco,” Ms. Turillo said, referring to the national food wholesaler.

By : Kathryn Jezer-Morton (Published On : February 15, 2009)

A version of this article appeared in print on February 20, 2009, on page A1 of the New York edition.

Re-Published By : The Author

Reincarnation of the Seoul: South Korea’s Rebirth from Flames

On the evening of February 10th, 2008, disgruntled 69-year old landowner Chae Jong-gi, upset over having been underpaid for land sold to developers, sprayed paint thinner onto one of his nation’s greatest and most recognisable landmarks, and then set it alight, making his escape as the Namdaemun Gate was immersed in flame. Despite the efforts of around 360 fire fighters, the fire raged out of control, destroying the gate’s ancient wooden structure.

The Namdaemun, or Sungnyemun gate (literally ‘Gate of Exalted Ceremonies’), was first constructed in 1398, and served as the main southern entrance to the great walled city of Seoul for a period of 600 years, right from when Seoul first became the capital of South Korea. Its destruction sent shockwaves through the nation, with many Seoul citizens gathering to watch in horror and dismay as their country’s number one national treasure was reduced to ashes and soot.

South Korea is, however, not a nation easily disheartened. For a country that is predominantly Buddhist, reincarnation – if you’ll pardon the pun – is very much a part of life. And in the true spirit of Buddhism, the phoenix of Seoul has risen from the ashes of the devastation of January 2008 to celebrate the Vesak, an occasion that marks the birth of Buddha, and celebrates the history and culture that has helped shape South Korea into a country both harmonious and prosperous.

Determined by the Lunar Calendar, Bucheonim osin nal (‘the day Buddha arrived’) takes place at a different time every year, and in 2008 fell on the 12th of May (it will take place on the 2nd of May in 2009). While obviously mainly celebrated by the quarter of Seoul’s population that are of the Buddhist faith, Buddha’s Birthday is a festival experienced and enjoyed by the whole city. Throughout May, colourful lotus lanterns are hung in the grounds of many of the 10,000 Buddhist temples that are scattered around Korea, and the lanterns of the Seoul temples are even known to spill out onto the streets of the city, climbing the walls of many of the restaurants and hotels in Seoul, which is an added bonus for tourists who have come to be catch glimpses and photographs of Seoul’s most inspiring and enlightening festival.

Other activities that take place during this period of Buddhist celebration include Buddhist bead-making, parades honouring the deity and rituals held within the Buddhist temples themselves, such as chanting ceremonies and the all-important Bathing of Buddha – the washing of a statue of the young Buddha, which represents the cleansing of greed, hatred and other evils from the mind, body, and from society itself.

By : Daniel Collins

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Travel South America : Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires

Visiting South America is an exciting prospect with it's vibrant, passionate culture, the music, dancing and fabulous beaches. The continent has some of the worlds most exciting cities, rainforests, jungles and mountains. Rio de Janeiro Every day feels like a carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you are never far from the pulse of the samba. Situated between glorious beaches and lush mountains it's a perfect place for a lively holiday.

Weather : The weather never gets cold in Rio, the rainy season is from October to January and temperatures can drop to 23C. The humid climate reaches 28C in the summer.

Transport : How to get there and around The airport in Rio serves flights from all of Latin America, Brazil, and beyond. Long distance buses depart from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.

Getting around the city can be a little uncomfortable on the often crowded buses. For a cooler option try the air-conditioned subway which covers part of the city.

Accommodation : Luxury to budget stays The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Attractions & Events & Unforgettable Costumes, dancing and body painting are paraded through the streets for the famous 5 day Carnaval. This event starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.

* Throughout June is the Fiestas Junina, which takes place in public squares in the city. *Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro is celebrated with street parades and stalls on 15 August.

*Each Sunday in October the religious festival Festa da Penha takes place. S?o Paulo S?o Paulo is Brazils largest and most cosmopolitan city. There are many attractions for the visitor to enjoy including the art and culture, fine restaurants and pulsating nightlife.

Transport : How to get there and around

There are three airports in Sao Paulo. Congonhas for domestic and Sao Paulo/ Guarulhos both for domestic and international flights.

To avoid the congested streets the subway is a great option. There is a bus service but this can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Weather The city receives most rain during the summer months, although generally the weather is sunny and warm all year.

Accommodation : Luxury to budget stays The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Sao Paulo.

Attractions & Events

*In June the hot fashions are on show during Sao Paulo's Fashion Week, the same month brings the huge gay celebration Gay Pride.
*In October sports fan can enjoy the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix

Buenos Aires has an old style European feel with its boulevards, cafe's and architecture. But you'll quickly find it also has a trendy chic side and a population that makes flair into an art form. And as home of the tango, the city has an irresistible allure.

Transport : How to get there and around The city's two airports known as Ezeiza & Aeroparque serve as an important hub for the southern region of South America. There is a bus service which connects the city with both airports.

The efficient underground called Subte makes traveling around the city easy. You can also use the bus service 24 hours a day. Most of the tourist attractions are situated close to one another so walking is also an option.

Weather The best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn as the Summer can be scorching up to 40C and the winters are cold. You will see some rain although its not generally heavy.

Accommodation : Luxury to budget stays The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Buenos Aires.

Attractions & Events

*Dancing is a popular celebration, the Buenos Aires Tango festival is held during February and March.

* To celebrate Latin American literature the book fair The Feria del Libro takes place every April.
*Campeonato Abierto Argentino de Polo takes place in December.

Alistair White has been in the travel industry for over 20 years and is the founder and CEO of www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk
By : The Author