Hot Fun in the Summertime: Top 5 summer island getaways

Summer is here!!!

In the midst of a strenuous workday or a tedious task, we all have said once or twice, “I wish I was on an island.” Why? Because the islands are the ultimate destination for sunshine, good times, and serene relaxation. With so many gorgeous islands in the world, how can one possibly choose? If you’re one of those uncertain beings, fear not. I will point you in the right direction with my top five. All aboard!

Maui

Known, not only, for its breathtaking beauty, this 2nd largest island in Hawaii is welcoming for everyone.

In Maui, the possibilities are endless. If you’re swinging solo, you may want to consider a healing massage. These are often given right on the beach. Couples will enjoy beautiful evening walks on the beach and private jacuzzis in their hotel rooms. Families with children will find that hula lessons and bamboo fishing trips are an excellent way to spend the day.

Anguilla

Anguilla is located in the heart of the northern part of the Caribbean. This tiny island is a melting pot of cultures blended with the beauty of the beaches and landscape of the island, itself. In Anguilla, you’ll receive a combination of a relaxing vacation, beautiful scenery and the island’s rich heritage – all in one. Anguilla is, also, the choice of many celebrities. Who knows, while sightseeing you may bump into one of your favorites.

Jamaica

What do sandy white beaches, clear blue waters, amazing tropical plants, and an amazing climate all have in common? They’re all delectable ingredients combined to create the blissful dish called Jamaica. The thing about this island that differentiates it from many others is it’s affordability. Negril and Montego Bay are popular choices for those who want to spend time on the beach, or experience a few Reggae parties, here and there.

Aruba

Located off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is yet another amazing destination that has something for everyone. One of the best features is that you can rent a villa, if you aren’t much of a hotel person. The alluring beaches, fishing trips, and countless water sports are just a few reasons why families love it here, but Aruba is also often a popular choice for honeymooners.

Bora Bora

Located in the Pacific Ocean, the island of Bora Bora is dedicated to exposing visitors to authentic Polynesian culture. You may, also, opt to stay in a luxurious hotel or camp outdoors. Snorkeling and scuba diving highlights the water sports but above all, nothing beats the tropical waters and sandy beaches.

Did I entice you? Of course I did! Now book your reservations, grab your camping gear, swimsuits and be sure to take advantage of those all-inclusive deals. Now without further ado, get packing!

Weekend Getaways: Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a tiny city in central Arizona, famous for its red rock formations. It is often described as one of America’s most beautiful and picturesque places. Landscapes here served as inspiration for many artists over the years, including painters, professional photographers and even movie directors who chose to film many box-office hits here.

With the combination of perfectly blue skies, red rocks and scattered plants and trees you will be able to enjoy the view for hours. Spring is a perfect time to visit, as you will have the chance to experience the nature in its full bloom, and it will not scorching hot like in the summer.

Sedona is an amazing weekend getaway, especially for the people who enjoy the outdoors. You can partake in one of numerous hiking trails that offer spectacular views. If you are little less active traveler, you may want to consider visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a unique Catholic chapel that is built into the red rocks. So, if you are searching to escape the chaos of everyday life, pack your bags and have a relaxing weekend in Sedona.

Jada Pinkett Smith wears Blumarine at the “After Earth” premiere

Jada Pinkett Smith supported her husband, Will Smith, and son, Jaden Smith, at the premiere of their film, “After Earth”, on Wednesday, May 29^th, 2013. She wore a Fall-Winter 2013 Blumarine Dress for the big night at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City.

Brooklyn Film Festival tickets on sale now, opening night this Friday, through June 9

We will be covering the Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF) this year! As a Brooklyn girl who migrated to the Bronx, I always love an excuse to visit the borough of my childhood. The full schedule to the MAGNETIC-themed line-up is now available online. Clear your calendar from May 31 through June 9 to trek to Williamsburg at indieScreen (289 Kent Avenue) and Windmill Studios NYC (287 Kent Avenue).

Purchase tickets at http://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/tickets/.

If you’ve been to the festival before, you will be experience a couple of familiar events: the BFF Exchange and the 9th annual kidsfilmfest. Moreover, the festival will have a new and special event, Brooklyn Meets Spain, a partnership with Mecal, International Short Film and Animation Festival of Barcelona.

I’m looking forward to the BFF Exchange project, which launched last year, and is free and open to the public, from 10:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m., followed by a happy hour, staged at indieScreen. If you are a filmmaker, this event is for you. You will have the opportunity to learn from, network with, and get this – pitch to experts including reps from POV and Sundance. The Exchange will also feature a presentation by Kickstarter on how to use their platform to fund your film.

Alex Wolff & Brendan Fraser - Credit, HairBrained LLC — Alex Wolff & Brendan Fraser – Credit, HairBrained

The film lineup starts at indieScreen on May 31st (8pm) with the 106 min. world premiere of HAIRBRAINED, directed by Billy Kent, about a 14-year old genius/outcast, Eli Pettifog, attending Whitman College after a rejection from Harvard. He forms an unlikely bond with his middle aged dorm mate and avenges his rejection through his school’s Collegiate Mastermind Team. A series of events throw Leo’s collegiate world upside down including love, friendship and a rag-tag family.

There are quite a few films with a cultural angle such as Hank and Asha (modern love story, an Indian woman studying in Prague and a young New York filmmaker begin an unconventional correspondence), Giraffes (Three young flatmates seek their footing in today’s Cuba, where you must fight for a home of your own), Flying Blind (A passionate post-9/11 love story: an older woman with a young Muslim man in a world where security is paramount and nothing is what it seems), and more. Full lineup: http://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/films/2013/index.asp.

Dan Eberle in scene from CUT TO BLACK, Insurgent Pictures

About Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF):

The organizers of the Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF), have been staging international, competitive film events since 1998. BFF’s mission is to provide a public forum in Brooklyn in order to advance public interest in films and the independent production of films, to draw worldwide attention to Brooklyn as a center for cinema, to encourage the rights of all Brooklyn residents to access and experience the power of independent filmmaking, and to promote artistic excellence and the creative freedom of artists without censure. BFF, inc. is a not-for-profit organization.

For more info about Brooklyn Film Festival, visit http://www.brooklynfilmfestival.org/.

BFF on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BrooklynFilmFestival

BFF on Twitter: https://twitter.com/brooklynfest

For info about indieScreen, visit www.indieScreen.com.

For info about Windmill Studios NYC, visit http://windmillstudiosnyc.com/.

Bologna – Food lover’s paradise

Continue reading “Bologna – Food lover’s paradise”

Road Less Traveled | Guyana

Guyana is by no means a popular tourist destination; however, this doesn’t mean you should avoid it. In case you’re a nature aficionado, Guyana will definitely indulge your hankering for the outdoors. It might not have a particularly rich history or architectural attractions, but it will charm you with magnificent nature and scenic views. We will try to showcase a few interesting spots that will hopefully make you consider visiting this beautiful South American country.

Kaieteur Falls

Located in the middle of untouched nature, Kaieteur Falls is one of the tallest single-drop waterfalls in the world. With the height of 741 feet, which is five times the height of Niagara Falls, it will certainly leave you impressed. The price for this excursion keeps changing, but expect to pay around $200. Although it might seem a little steep, it is surely worth the money.

Iwokrama Rainforest and Canopy Walkway

If you like exploring forests and wildlife, then you shouldn’t miss Iwokrama Rainforest. You can even choose to stay for a couple of days in either Atta Rainforest Lodge or Iwokrama River Lodge. You will be nestled in a beautiful natural reserve, surrounded by numerous animals and untouched nature. In case you enjoy bird watching, make sure to book the Iwokrama Canopy Walkaway tour. This walkway consists of a series of bridges and decks that are up to 100 feet high and around 500 feet long. This will give you an amazing view of the upper canopy of the forest, and will enable you to observe the animals without intruding.

Shell Beach

Shell Beach extends for approximately 90 miles, along the northwestern coast of Guyana. This very unique beach, covered with a countless number of tiny shells, is a nesting site for four out of eight sea turtle species. Every year, between March and July, they come here and dig nests among the shells, lay dozens of eggs, and then return to the water.