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Holidays on the move - the best ski resorts in the world

While many people dream about the coming of summer, looking sadly at the snow outside the window, skiers and snowboarders are looking forward to an exciting vacation. On the eve of the winter season, the famous American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler published the results of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. More than 800,000 readers participated in it, who for several months shared their opinions on the offers and services of the tourism market. Based on the survey results, a rating of best ski resorts in the world was compiled that are worth visiting for all lovers of active winter recreation.

Les Arcs La Plagne, France

In the heart of the French Alps, the Haute-Tarentaise Valley, is the famous ski resort of Les Arcs. Together with Peisey-Vallandry and la Plagne it forms the single Paradiski ski area. Les Arcs-la-Plagne includes four mountain stations, named according to their altitude and having a common network of lifts - Arc-Pierre-Blanche (1600 m), Arc-1800, Arc-1950 and Arc-2000. The resort also includes the town of Bourg Saint-Maurice, which lies at the foot of the mountain. The ski complex offers guests 425 km of slopes of varying difficulty levels, located at altitudes from 1200 to 3225 m. Both beginners and experienced skiers will enjoy skiing here. Novice athletes usually choose the Arc 1800 area, while professionals highly appreciate the Launched Kilometer track on the slope of the Aiguille Rouge mountain. Each level has at least one descent, illuminated at night. Les Arcs offers many active holiday options for those who do not like skiing. In the Ark-1800 zone there is a snow park with figures, a halfpipe and boarder cross tracks. Several slopes are suitable for freeride. The Launched Kilometer trail offers ziplining. In the Ark-2000 zone, dog sled rides are organized. Chambery airport is 127 km from Les Arcs, Lyon is 145 km, Geneva is 156 km. You can get there by regular buses and taxis or using a transfer. Bourg Saint-Maurice, which is located 15 km from Les Arcs, has direct trains from Paris, Lille, Amsterdam, Brussels and London.

Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France

At the foot of Mont Blanc in Haute-Savoie is the small town of Chamonix - the center of the oldest French ski resort, Chamonix-Mont Blanc. It also includes the villages of Les Houches, Servoz, Vallorcine and Argentiere. The excellent infrastructure of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc allows skiing from the end of November to April. On the slopes of the mountain at an altitude of 2000 m there are 100 trails, of which 13 are suitable for beginners, 66 for experienced skiers, and 21 for professionals. A special place is occupied by the famous White Valley - the longest glacier descent in Europe, ranging from 16 to 24 km. All slopes and pistes are divided into several ski areas - Grands Montets, Flegere-Brevent, Balme-Vallorcine and les Houches-St-Gervais. There is no general network of lifts connecting them all - you need to travel between zones by bus. The easiest way to get to Chamonix is from Geneva, which is 88 km away. There are buses and transfers from the airport. You can also get there by train, but with transfers - the journey will take about 3 hours. The fashion for skiing in Chamonix-Mont Blanc appeared at the end of the 19th century. In 1906, a big season was opened here for the first time. And from January 25 to February 5, 1924, the first Winter Olympic Games took place in Chamonix.

Ischgl, Austria

Ischgl is a fashionable and quite expensive ski resort, one of the best in Austria. It attracts with its magnificent nature, beautiful mountain panorama and perfect snow. Ischgl is located in the Silvretta Valley and is connected to its neighbor, the Swiss city of Samnaun, by a network of cable cars and ski lifts. Therefore, with one ski pass you can ski in two countries at once. The ski area common to both resorts is called Silvretta Arena. This is 239 km of ideal pistes, of which 20 are blue, 40 are red and 25 are black. You can quickly get to any place thanks to 45 modern cable cars. The ski areas located on the Idalp and Alp Trida plateaus are almost at the level of the glacial horizons - at an altitude of 2400-2800 m. There are no extreme slopes here, wide slopes up to 11 km long alternate with chutes and untouched virgin soil. Snowboarders will appreciate one of the world's largest snow parks - PlayStation Vita Snowpark Ischgl. It is divided into three zones: for beginners (Beginner Park), intermediate-level athletes (Public) and professionals (Kingsize). Ischgl is one of the best places in the world for snowboarding. The closest international airport to Ischgl is Innsbruck (99 km). From there you need to take a train or bus to the city of Landeck. There are bus services from the train station to the resort.

Val Thorens, France

The highest resort in Europe, Val Thorens, is the highest point of one of the world's largest ski areas, the Three Valleys. It's great for skiers and snowboarders, but those who don't ski or can't imagine their holiday without nightlife are better off choosing another place. Since the village is located high in the mountains, it will also take time for acclimatization. Val Thorens is connected to the neighboring resorts of the Three Valleys (Courchevel, Meribel, La Tania, Les Menuires) by a network of lifts and a ski pass. The “ski-to-ski-out” concept has been successfully implemented here - the village is located at the intersection of all ski slopes. The season lasts about 175 days - from mid-November to early May. The total length of the slopes is 150 km. Of the 88 pistes in Val Thorens, 11 are green, 39 are blue, 30 are red and 8 are black. The snow cover is of very high quality and lasts throughout the entire season. In addition, there are 5 km of cross-country ski trails and a snowpark with a quarterpipe, halfpipe and pyramids.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées), France

The world's largest ski area, the Three Valleys, unites several French ski resorts located at different altitudes. Among them are the famous Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, Menuires, La Tanya. All of them are connected by a network of lifts. The 3 Vallees ski pass allows you to use all the ski areas of the Three Valleys, but even a whole month is not enough to explore its many slopes. Les Trois Vallées' 600 km of ski slopes, of which 17 percent are green, 39 percent blue, 33 red and 11 black, attract skiers from all over the world. Athletes with any level of training can ride here - from beginners to professionals. There are 120 km of trails for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. 183 lifts transport 260,000 people per hour. Thanks to the variety of terrain and ski slopes, you can ski in any weather. 8 snow parks and 28 entertainment areas will provide excellent leisure time - no one will be bored. Altibus shuttles run from the airports of Geneva, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon to the resorts of Les Trois Vallées. You can check the schedule and book tickets on the carrier’s website www.altibus.com. Trains run from Paris, Brest, Nantes, Lille, Le Havre, Poitiers and other cities to the Moutiers railway station, built for the 1992 Olympic Games. There is a bus service between the station and the resorts. In order to popularize skiing, Les Trois Vallées often holds promotions. For example, at the beginning of the season (December) and at the end (mid-April) there are reduced prices for ski passes. And on the opening day of the season (in 2021 it is December 4), discounts reach 50%. More details can be found at www.les3vallees.com/en.

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

The resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo was the capital of the Winter Olympics in 1956 and will again be in 2026. World championships in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and bobsleigh are constantly held here. But wealthy Europeans come here not only for the sake of skiing, but also to, as they say, “show themselves.” The local public demonstrates all the latest sports fashion, and prefers to spend their leisure time in expensive restaurants and boutiques of famous brands located on the main street of the city. Cortina d'Ampezzo is the only ski resort in Italy that is part of the elite ski organization The Best of the Alps. Even in winter, the sun shines at least 7 hours a day in this region, guaranteeing the best skiing experience. At the disposal of athletes there are 146 km of perfectly prepared slopes, located at altitudes from 1224 to 2828 m. They are served by 36 ski lifts and cable cars. Cortina d'Ampezzo is part of the Dolomiti Superski ski area, which unites 16 resorts. On the website www.dolomitisuperski.com you can order a ski pass valid throughout its territory. The closest to Cortina d'Ampezzo is Venice Airport (162 km), from where you can get there in 3-3.5 hours by ATVO bus or book a transfer. There are no direct trains. With transfers you can travel from Venice to the cities of Dobbiaco and Calalzo di Cadore, from where SAD and Dolomiti Buses run to Cortina.

Cervinia, Italy

The highest ski resort in Italy, Cervinia attracts winter holiday enthusiasts with beautiful scenery, guaranteed snow and a long season. The large ski area is equipped with a well-thought-out system of various types of lifts. Ski passes allow you to ski not only on the southern slopes, which belong to Italy, but also on the northern ones, which are the area of the Swiss resort of Zermatt. The town of Breuil-Cervinia is located at an altitude of 2050 m and is surrounded by the majestic peaks of Monte Rosa (4637 m), Matterhorn (4478 m), Breithorn (4165 m) and Castore (4228 m). The highest point is at an altitude of 3488 m. Here you can take a cable car above the clouds and then ski through them. Cervinia is divided into four ski areas: Plan Maison, Laghi Cime Bianche, Plateau Rosa and Valtournenche Valley Slope. In total, in the Breuil-Cervinia-Valtournenche-Zermatt area there are 69 slopes, the total length of which is about 360 km. In addition, there is a snow park called Indian Park. The airports closest to Cervinia are Milan and Turin. The journey from Milan by bus takes 3.5 hours. You can take the train to Chatillon, after which you can take a bus. From Turin you also need to take a bus with a transfer in Chatillon.

Zermatt, Switzerland

The unique ski resort of Zermatt in Switzerland offers skiing and snowboarding all year round. There is constant snow on the Theodul glacier - the snow park here operates both in winter and summer. In 2020, Zermatt was voted the best resort in the Alps for the third time. Zermatt-Matterhorn and the neighboring Italian resort of Breuil-Cervinia share a ski area with 54 lifts. Of the 360 km of trails, 74 km are blue, 227 km are red and 20 km are black. There are also 36 km of yellow freeride slopes. Children under 9 years old can use the lifts free of charge. Those who don't like skiing should come to Zermatt if only to admire the Matterhorn, the most photographed peak in Europe. But there is plenty of other entertainment here. You can go sledding or go on a snowshoe tour, and relax in the spa in the evening. The city is famous for its cafes and restaurants, two of which, After Seven and Le Capri, have been awarded a Michelin star. In 2018, the world's highest cable car, the Matterhorn Glacier Ride, opened at the resort of Zermatt, connecting the peaks of Trockener Steg (2939 m) and Klein Matterhorn (3883 m). The lift is equipped with 25 gondolas, including four luxury cabins. They are decorated with 280,000 Swarovski crystals laid out in the shape of mountain peaks, and the lighting on the ceiling imitates the starry sky.

Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier is part of the largest Swiss ski area, the 4 Vallees (Four Valleys), which also includes the ski resorts of Nendaz, Veysonnaz, La Tzouma and Thion. The city is located in the Bagnes valley, offering a magnificent panorama of the Alpine massifs and the Mont Blanc mountain. The season in Verbier lasts from late November to April. The resort is preferred mainly by experienced skiers and freeride enthusiasts. The total length of its routes is about 200 km. There are slopes for beginners here, but they are few. For those who lack adrenaline, there are the famous black slopes in the Snowy Riviera - Mont Fort, Mont Gelle and Tortin. There are two types of ski passes in Verbier: for skiing only in the Verbier area or for the entire Four Valleys region, which includes about 400 km of slopes connected by lifts. At an altitude of 2260 m there is a snowpark 1936 Neipark. The closest airport to Verbier is in Geneva - from here there are daily shuttles to the resort. You can take a train from Geneva to Martigny, where you will have to change to a bus or taxi.

Courchevel, France

Courchevel is one of the oldest ski resorts in France, which has long become a symbol of luxury winter holidays. But luxury hotels, branded boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants are only a worthy setting for its main assets: luxurious landscapes and excellent pistes. Here you can find all the best that ski lovers could wish for. Courchevel is part of the joint ski area Les Trois Vallées. The resort includes six villages located at different altitudes: Saint-Bon, Le Praz, La Tania, Village, Moriond, Courchevel 1850 ( Courchevel 1850). Skiers are offered 150 km of excellent trails of varying difficulty levels, including special Easy Rider areas for beginners and theme parks for children. By purchasing an unlimited ski pass, you can ski on the slopes of the entire Three Valleys zone, which is more than 600 km. In addition, the Courchevel Valley has illuminated slopes for night skiing, 65 cross-country ski routes and a snowpark. Fans of freeride will be able to enjoy untouched virgin soil. Courchevel has its own small airfield and helipad. Air transfer from Lyon and Geneva airports takes just minutes. But this is an option for wealthy guests. It is much cheaper to travel by Altibus buses. You can take the train to Moutiers Salins station, from where buses go to the resort.

Megève, France

Megève was recently awarded membership in the Best of the Alps ski club. Representatives of French bohemia regularly vacation here and one of the branches of the Rothschild dynasty permanently resides here. The ancient Alpine town is famous for its high level of service, Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury boutiques. The resort combines two ski areas: Evasion Mont-Blanc and Les Portes du Mont-Blanc. More than 200 ski slopes in Megève with a total length of about 400 km are created for relaxing and comfortable skiing. The gentle slopes here are ideal for beginners. But there are also interesting places for thrill-seekers, for example, the steep descent of Emile Allais in the Alpet Valley. Those who want to go off the beaten path will be able to get an unforgettable experience of skiing on virgin soil and the glacial descent of Vallée Blanche. In the Evasion Mont-Blanc area there are 7 parks for snowboarders and freestylers, as well as several toboggan areas. The easiest way to get to Megève is from Geneva airport (86 km). Transfer by bus or helicopter is provided. There is a direct train to Sallanches Station, 12 km away. From the station you can get to the city by bus or taxi.

Val d'Isere, France

Val d'Isere and the neighboring resort of Tignes are part of the combined ski area Espace Killy, named after the French Olympic champion Jean Claude Killy. There are more than 300 km of ski slopes, served by 90 ski lifts and funiculars. 20 green, 67 blue, 41 red and 26 black slopes make Val d'Isere attractive to skiers of all skill levels. It includes three ski areas: Le Solaise, Bellevarde and Le Fornet. Their altitude and climatic features of the region provide excellent snow cover, allowing the season to extend until the end of May. You can ski on the slopes of the Grande Motte glacier in Tignes even in summer. Freeride lovers will find 10,000 hectares of virgin snow at an altitude of 1550-3500 m. Val d'Isere also offers other winter recreation options - trekking, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding. Snowboard lovers should pay attention to Valpark - there is a halfpipe, big air, jumps and all kinds of jibbing figures. Read the full article

#Europe #mountains #northamerica #skis #snowboard #sport #Winter

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aokane-eldarya · 6 years ago

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Theory : The parallel between Earth and Eldarya

First of all, I wanted to thank you, @yashiro-hatsuki and @bitchimunique, for your interest in my theory <3

As I was asked, I am sharing the theory I wrote about the parallel between Earth and Eldarya. I had proposed this theory on the dedicated topic on the french forum, but only a player had loved, the few others thinking that the writers surely had not done something so worked, because for them, there was too many holes in the script, and that was enough to say that it was not so worked.

Meh. I really like my theory and I'll keep it until something proves me wrong. Being an fantasy author myself, I know that you can work a lot in your world but still have some problems in your plot, as you can't prepare anything and write a perfectly coherent text.

Anyway, here is the theory. It is quite long, I hope it will be understandable with my hesitant English. So, first, so that you can locate you, I have placed landmarks on a map of Europe, you will only have to report to the corresponding number.

1 - Glas Gow = Glasgow

In her mission report, Cameria explains that after recovering the corrupted crystals in the Gran Ysmisse mines and fought an over-contaminated Magi, she found herself on the trail of the kidnapper. She followed the trail to Glas Gow and lost track there. In our world, Glasgow is Scotland's largest and most populated city.

2 - The mines of Gran Ysmisse = The sunken city of Ys.

It is in the mines of Gran Ysmisse that Cameria recovers some of the corrupt crystals that she brought back from her mission.

How did I get to the legendary city of Ys? It's very simple, I relied on the transformation of Glasgow= > Glas Gow, sensing that the team had rearranged the spelling so that it sounds better.

Gran Ysmisse = Grand Ys missed.

Ys is a legendary city of Brittany, France. Like Atlantis, Sodom and Gomorrah and other places, she would have suffered divine wrath because of the sins of her people and especially those of the princess, Dahut.

There are many variations, but there are similarities and Dahut is the central character of this legend. By mixing a little bit of everything, we can say of her that she is the daughter that the legendary king of Cornwall Gradlon had with a queen of the North, Malgven. The latter being designated as a valkyrie, she transmits to her daughter its fairy nature. Dahut is considered a fairy with the ability to change into a mermaid.

Some versions make Dahut the guardian of the floodgates that prevent water from invading the city. She and her mother are women of the Other World. It is the equivalent of Hell and Paradise among the Celts. The gates of the Other World were guarded either by Fairies or by Banshees. Dahut was one of those guardians.

In other words, she occupied more or less the same role as Enthraa.

The biggest sin that Dahut has been accused of provoking divine wrath is having sex with the devil.

When we look at the location of Gran Ysmisse and Glas Gow based on the position of their equivalents on Earth, we see that this route was quite accessible to Cameria

3 - Balenvia = Hamelin/Hameln

This is the comparison made by a French youtuber (la dreameuse) in one of her videos and I agree with her

As a reminder, Hamelin/Hameln, a german village, is known for his legend of the flute player. This legend is repeated in Eldarya: the flute player is the ancestor of Huang Hua. He would have used the powers of his flute to free the faerys, then he would have opened the mountain in two, allowing the faerys and some children of the village to end up on Eldarya.

This is how we find Balenvia, where there is a mountain cut in two. Huang Hua explains that his ancestor certainly didn’t open a mountain in two and that it is an exaggeration of the storytellers.

What happened in my opinion is that, arrived in front of the mountain, the fenghuang used the flute to open a portal on Eldarya, displaying the vision of the cut mountain of Balenvia. Once the portal closed, the mountain on Earth reappeared whole. Incredulous eyes may have thought that he had actually opened the mountain in two, when in reality they had had a glimpse of Eldarya.

4 - The Jade Coast (Kappa region) = Messenia - Laconia

To try to find the location of the area where the Kappas live, I used exploration map. At the bottom right is the Amphea river; we know it thanks to the exploration points. So I looked for the equivalent of Amphea on Earth and discovered that it was the name of an ancient city of Messenia that was on the border between Messenia and Laconia, two departments of the Peloponnese, a region of Greece. This is the first city captured by the Spartans during the first year of the first messenian war

(map in French)

Another detail that makes me think that I aim well with Greece is the Phibea sea. Phibea is the name of the first woman to have plunged into these waters (accordind to the exploration map), but it is also a name that is very similar to Phoebe, which is the name of several characters from Greek mythology. (In French, Phoebe = Phébe)

5 - Ezarel’s homeland, Lund'Mulhingar = Nordic countries

It’s difficult to clearly place a country / region. But by simply returning the name to a search engine, I quickly found a match. Two to be precise, namely two cities. The first, Lund, is a town in southern Sweden, not far from Denmark. The second, Mullingar, is a city in Ireland.

In the game, when we show the nomads the brooch, one of them says they don’t usually go to the Northern Kingdoms, which brings a new correspondence with the Nordic countries. Finally, the elves come from the myths and legends of these countries. Note: on my map, Glas Gow is included in Lund'Mulhingar. It should be treated cautiously, I chose the ease by drawing the route Lund-Mullingar. Maybe the border is not quite there, maybe it's a circle over Glas Glow. We know that Cameria has made it easy, but we don’tt know the political situation of Ezarel’country.

6 - Gorona Gorges = Canary Islands.

This is an NPC/PNJ that mentions these gorge in episode 21. He tells Miiko that it is there he found traces of mermaid. Leiftan explains to the gardienne that this is a volcanic region where lava flows.

While searching Gorona, I found a single interesting but surprising occurrence: Gorona del Viento, the name of a hydroelectric power station located on El Hierro island, the smallest of the Canary Islands. It was not enough as a clue for me, but it gave me at least a trail, the Spanish origin. But impossible to find a meaning in Gorona.

So I became interested again in the station, because the name had to come from somewhere. I finally found out what I needed: an article in Spanish dedicated to the name of the company.

That's how I learned that gorona was a common word in guanche and meant stone circle. The Guanche people were the indigenous people of the Canary Islands. This time, I had something solid. The guanches were of Berber origin. There are few written sources, so there were plenty of assumptions, including that they descended from the Atlanteans.

Anyway, that's how I breng the Gorona Gorges and the Canary Islands.

7 - The Dantea region = Greece-Bulgaria

One of the most difficult to find, especially since we are talking about a region. My first reflex was to look for Dantea, without success. I realized I had to look for the spelling of the word and thought of a French contraction. Dantea => d’Anthea (”of Anthea” in english).

And there, bingo ! Anthea exists. It is the name of several mythological female characters. This is also one of the epithets of the goddess Hera. Although it gave me an indication of the origin, I needed something else. I did not find a place called this, but I learned that Anthea was the Romanized form of Antheia.

And cities / villages bearing this name, I found several, mainly names of ancient cities. I had to fumble a bit for geographical clues related to these ancient places. The good thing is that we stay in the same geographical area, as you can see on this map.

And yes, if my hypothesis is correct, Danthea region is close to the Kappa’s.

8 - The Umbra valley = la Valle Umbra

Yes, it's not more complicated than that xD In the game, the Umbra Valley is the place where the nomads come from. In our world, la Valle Umbra is a vast plain with alluvial origin located in the center of Italy

? # 1 - The Eel region?

We don’t have much clues about Eel's location. I placed it here for a question of logic taking into account the positioning of Balenvia, which is not that far from the HQ according to the game

? # 2 - The Fenghuangs Temple?

Several players were surprised that we take the boat to go to the Kappas and that we go through the mainland to go to the Fenghuangs. This is because unconsciously, the fact that both are in the Jade Kingdom suggests that they are necessarily close geographically. Except this is not indicated at any time in the game. Lille and Marseille are two cities in France, yet they are opposite each other.

Differences and similarities of topography

In seeking these correspondences, I realized something for the places whose topography we knew. Some have similarities, reminders with their earth equivalent while others are the opposite, as in negative

Similar places:

- The mines of Gran Ysmisse and the sunken city of Ys: for these two places, we find the idea of depth

- The Jade coast and Messenia / Laconia: the contours of the two areas are very similar, there is even a mountain.

- Balenvia and Hameln/Hamelin: A small village, a path that leads to a mountain. Both villages have the same configuration

Places with opposite topographies:

- Gorona Gorges and the Canary Islands: For both we are on a volcanic land. But while Gorona Gorges are, well, gorges with visible lava that flows to the bottom, the Canary Islands have reliefs that can peak to more than 3000m above sea level.

Finally, there is another detail that I have noticed about the places that have similarities : there is always a portal, that it takes place in our legends or in the lore of Eldarya:

- The City of Ys: According to legend, Princess Dahut was the guardian of a door leading to the Other World

- On the exploration map of the Jade coast, there is a Torii, which was an ancient portal

- The ancestor of Huang Hua opened a portal in the village of Hamelin/Hameln

Ok, It finished. I am not saying that all my correspondences are accurate, but I think there is a good basis.

Thank you to all who have had the courage to read me to the end! <3 <3 <3

#eldarya rambles #eldarya theory #eldarya ask

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newstfionline · 4 years ago

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Friday, October 16, 2020

Countries are hoarding food as prices rise (Bloomberg) Agricultural commodity buyers from Cairo to Islamabad have been on a shopping spree since the pandemic upended supply chains. Jordan has built up record wheat reserves while Egypt, the world’s top wheat buyer, took the unusual step of tapping international markets during its local harvest and has boosted purchases by more than 50% since April. Taiwan said it will increase strategic food stockpiles and China has been buying to feed its growing hog herd.

Solar power (The Verge) Solar has become a significantly cheaper option for new electrical generation than its rivals, with the levelized cost of electricity—basically, how much it costs to generate electricity over the lifetime of the plant—between $35 to $55 per megawatt-hour in markets like the U.S., Europe, China and India, down from $100 per megawatt-hour four years ago and $300 a decade ago. By comparison, coal ranges between $55 and $150 per megawatt-hour according to the new report from the International Energy Agency.

Snowbirds (WSJ) Every year, about a million Canadians head south for the winter to locations like Arizona and Florida in the United States to spend the winter. In March, the border was closed to tourists going in either direction, and Canadian officials have indicated they are not particularly interested in a reopening any time soon. This means that a number of people who had sworn off the winters of Canada have, instead, begun stocking up on sweaters and jackets. About 60 percent of the migratory Canadians go to Florida, according to the Canadian Snowbird Association, but this year many are looking West to British Columbia, where the winters are less harsh than the rest of the country and there are 100 year-round campgrounds and RV hookups.

Don’t worry about the wolves (CJR) A letter from the Nova Scotia government sent out to residents to warn about a pack of wolves on the loose in the province was forged by Canadian military personnel as part of a propaganda training mission that went off the rails, according to a report in the Ottawa Citizen. The letter told residents to be wary of wolves that had been reintroduced into the area by the provincial and federal governments and warned the animals were now roaming the Annapolis Valley. The letter sparked concern and questions among residents, but was later branded as “fake” by the Nova Scotia government, which didn’t know the military was behind the deception.

US jobless claims rise to 898,000 with layoffs still high (AP) The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week by the most in two months, to 898,000, a historically high number and evidence that layoffs remain a hindrance to the economy’s recovery from the pandemic recession. The economy is still roughly 10.7 million jobs short of recovering all the 22 million jobs that were lost when the pandemic struck in early spring. Confirmed coronavirus cases have been rising again nationwide in the past month, likely causing more Americans to hold back from eating out, shopping and engaging in other commerce. Across the country, applications for unemployment aid are rising while negotiations over a new stimulus package between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin remain mired in a stalemate.

U.S. gun sales soar amid pandemic, social unrest, election fears (Reuters) Andreyah Garland, a 44-year-old single mother of three daughters, bought a shotgun in May for protection in the quaint middle-class town of Fishkill, New York. She joined a new and fast-growing local gun club to learn how to shoot. Like legions of other first-time buyers who are contributing to record sales for the U.S. gun industry this year, Garland’s decision to take up arms is driven in part by disturbing news about the coronavirus pandemic, social unrest over police killings of Black people and a potentially contested election that many fear could spark violence. “With everything going on around us,” she said, “you see a need.” Surges in U.S. firearm sales have in recent decades been predictably driven by events sparking fears of impending gun-control legislation, such as the election of a Democratic president or a spate of mass shootings, federal gun background check data show. Industry experts and academics who study gun ownership say such surges came largely among the gun-industry’s core base of white, male and politically conservative customers who often already owned one or multiple guns. That market is widening this year to include a new rush of first-time buyers, including many women, minorities and politically liberal buyers who once would not have considered gun ownership, according to Reuters interviews with more than a dozen industry experts, academics and gun store owners. “People who don’t normally think about firearms are being forced to contemplate something outside their universe,” said Dan Eldridge, owner of Maxon Shooter’s Supplies and Indoor Range in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines, Illinois.

EU Leaders Meet on Trade Deal as Coronavirus Surges (Foreign Policy) The leaders of the 27 European Union member states meet today in Brussels to begin a two-day summit aimed at presenting a united front in trade talks with former member Great Britain as well as aligning on the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, and Africa policy. Previously billed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the “deadline” for a deal to be reached between the two sides, today’s summit is unlikely to yield a concrete outcome. A draft document from EU leaders, seen by Reuters, says that progress on trade negotiations is “still not sufficient.” German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz is confident a deal will eventually materialize, even if it takes until November to hammer out. “My experience is that sometimes in the last moment you will find a solution,” he told Bloomberg.

Edinburxit? (Foreign Policy) Support for Scottish independence is at its highest-ever level, according to a new Ipsos MORI poll. Among those who had made up their minds, the poll found that 58 percent of respondents would vote yes in an independence referendum, with 42 percent against. (Accounting for undecided voters, the overall figures dropped to 55 percent for independence, and 39 percent against.) The poll also highlighted the contrast in public opinion toward Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson: Two-thirds of Scots view Sturgeon positively, whereas only about one in five Scots have a positive view of Johnson.

Macron announces Paris curfew as coronavirus infections rise in France (Washington Post) French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a curfew to be imposed on the Paris region and other major urban centers to curb a rapid resurgence of the novel coronavirus. The curfew will require people to stay home between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., Macron said. It will begin Saturday and last for at least four weeks. The cities included are Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Aix-en-Provence, Montpellier, Lille, Rouen and Saint-Étienne. France has seen a steady rise in new coronavirus infections since August, undermining progress made during a strict two-month lockdown in the spring. Macron also urged people to restrict gatherings to no more than six people outside their families. He acknowledged the impact of such restrictions on young people in particular. “It’s hard to be 20 in 2020,” he said.

Some European officials use virus as a cover to target Roma (AP) In Bulgaria, Roma communities were sprayed with disinfectant from crop dusters this spring as coronavirus cases surged in the country. In Slovakia, their villages were the only ones where the army conducted testing. And across Central and Eastern Europe, reports of police using excessive force against Roma spiked as officers were deployed to enforce lockdowns in their towns. Human rights activists and experts say local officials in several countries with significant Roma populations have used the pandemic to unlawfully target the minority group, which is Europe’s largest and has faced centuries of severe discrimination. With COVID-19 cases now resurging across the continent, some experts fear the repression will return, too. To make matters worse, activists say such discrimination often draws little opposition from other Europeans and the Roma are reluctant to speak about it, fearing repercussions.

Kyrgyzstan’s president steps down amid political unrest (AP) Kyrgyzstan President Sooronbai Jeenbekov announced his resignation Thursday in a bid to end the turmoil that has engulfed the Central Asian nation after a disputed parliamentary election. Jeenbekov, who has faced calls to step down from protesters and political opponents, said in a statement released by his office that holding onto power wasn’t “worth the integrity of our country and harmony in society.” Kyrgyzstan, a country of 6.5 million people located on the border with China, was plunged into chaos following an Oct. 4 vote that election officials say was swept by pro-government parties. The opposition said the election was tainted by vote-buying and other irregularities. Protesters then took over government buildings, looting some offices, and the Central Election Commission nullified the election.

Sri Lanka’s economic woes (Foreign Policy) Sri Lanka is increasingly turning to China to help it combat a worsening financial crisis and debt problem. On Sunday, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo tweeted that Beijing was considering a $500 million loan to the island country, adding mysteriously that “Haters never understand love”—likely a reference to fears that China may expect too much in return. Sri Lanka doesn’t have too many options left, given its weak credit rating. As Nikkei Asia reports, Colombo has $50.8 billion of foreign debt on its books and has required 16 bailouts from the International Monetary Fund in the last 55 years. Only Pakistan has needed more help.

Torment of the Uyghurs and human rights (Economist) This week we publish new reporting about the persecution of the 12m members of China’s Uyghur minority at home and abroad. Even those outside the huge network of official “re-education” camps in the western region of Xinjiang have to attend indoctrination sessions. Families must watch other families, and report suspicious behaviour. Hundreds of thousands of Uyghur children may have been separated from one or both detained parents. Rules against having too many children are strictly enforced on Uyghur women; some are sterilised. In two prefectures the Uyghur birth rate fell by more than 60% between 2015 and 2018. Uyghurs abroad fear calling home lest they cause a loved one to be arrested. This amounts to the most extensive violation today of the principle that individuals have a right to liberty and dignity simply because they are people. Democracy and human rights are in retreat around the world. Eighty countries have regressed since the pandemic began, and only Malawi has improved.

Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkey, and Syrian mercenaries (NYT) Families gathered around a refrigerated truck at a Syrian-Turkish border post, waiting earlier this month for the drivers to dispense their awful cargo: the bodies of 52 Syrian men, killed in a war 600 miles away. The dead were mercenaries, recruited by Turkish-backed militias in Syria to fight on behalf of Azerbaijan against Armenia, relatives said. They were deployed as shock troops, to claw back scraps of territory in the contested Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. “They went to break the borders,” said a cousin of Mahmoud Najjar, a 38-year-old Syrian fighter. The cousin, interviewed by telephone, said Najjar’s body in the cold truck was marked with the number 12. The deaths of Syrian fighters have raised alarms about how this decades-old conflict could now rapidly worsen as it draws in outside powers like Turkey and its rival Russia and potentially destabilizes neighbors like Iran and Georgia. Turkey has denied sending Syrian fighters to aid Azerbaijan, its longtime ally. But relatives of two fighters—Najjar and his nephew—said in interviews that monthly salaries were promised by the Turkish-supported militias and that the fighters flew to Azerbaijan from southern Turkey. In recent months, Turkey has sought to project its military might across much of its neighborhood with new vigor. Turkey’s enthusiastic backing of the Azerbaijani war effort—and provision of military assistance, including armed drones—has emboldened Azerbaijan, situating Turkey at the center of the conflict.

Two American hostages in Yemen released (Washington Post) Two Americans held hostage by Iran-backed rebels in Yemen were freed Wednesday in a surprise deal brokered by the United States. The agreement freeing Sandra Loli, an aid worker held hostage for three years, and Mikael Gidada, a businessman held for nearly a year, was only grudgingly accepted by U.S. ally Saudi Arabia, which has waged a years-long war against the Houthi rebel group in neighboring Yemen. In exchange for the Americans, nearly 300 of the rebel group’s members were returned to Yemen, where some may reenter the battlefield and prolong a conflict that has become increasingly unpopular in Washington. The fact that the deal went forward even as the Trump administration supports a Saudi-led coalition in the war suggests the importance the president has placed on the release of American hostages.

Protesters march on Nigerian parliament after army threatens to step in (Reuters) Hundreds of protesters marched to the gates of Nigeria’s parliament on Thursday, hours after the army said it was ready to step in and restore order after more than a week of demonstrations against police brutality. The protest defied a ban on mass rallies in the capital Abuja that the government said was imposed earlier on Thursday to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Protesters have staged daily marches since Wednesday last week, calling for an overhaul of police forces. Police had responded to the demonstrations with beatings, tear gas and gunfire, which human rights group Amnesty International said had killed at least 10 people. In response to the protests, the head of Nigeria’s police force on Sunday dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit that demonstrators have accused of beatings, killings and extortion. Demonstrators have called for more meaningful reforms. Protesters say they fear a new unit, whose creation to “fill the gaps” left by SARS was announced on Tuesday, was just a rebranding of the squad.

#headlines #news

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travelsbeyondbehind · 6 years ago

Text

A couple of months of pictures from France – the place I have travelled in most. My love started with family holidays, including to the # Dordogne – this was the gîte we stayed in for 7 years in the 90s. Image 121 of #365travelpics‬

Across the Dordogne are small fortified towns, Bastides, built by the French & English as they fought over this part of France in the 13th & 14th centuries. This is Monpazier with its typical arcades, market hall & café! Image 122 of #365travelpics

One of the classic views of the Dordogne from another Bastide: Domme, high above the river which gives this area its name. #France Image 123 of #365travelpics

Whilst the English & French fought over the Dordogne in the Hundred Years War, they built castles. This is Beynac, one of five castles built at this point of the river. #France Image 124 of #365travelpics

Sarlat is one of the bigger towns in the Dordogne – it’s manic with tourists in the summer but off season its squares come to life as locals re-emerge. #France Image 125 of #365travelpics‬

Full of small alleys & sandstone buildings, Sarlat is one of the gems of the Dordogne – renovated by the new ministry of culture in 60s, it’s since become a polished tourist centre. #France Day 126 of #365travelpics‬

My first school trip to #France was to the World War 1 trenches. This image is at Vimy Ridge where Canadians remember 3598 died trying to take the ridge in April 1917. Image 127 of #365travelpics‬

‪My school trip to World War 1 sites in #France went to Thiepval Memorial which names 72000 British & South African troops who died. Image 128 of #365travelpics

Whilst in northern #France it’s worth spending time in the regional capital #Lille – famous for its clock tower and red brick buildings. Day 129 of #365travelpics‬

Another fun day out in northern #France for Penguin & other sea life fans is the excellent Nausicaa aquarium in Boulogne. Day 130 of #365travelpics‬

Aged 18, when I finished school & before heading to university, I toured the #Loire in #France with its spectacular chateau. This is the iconic Chenonceau reflected in the river below. Day 131 of #365travelpics‬

‪In summer 2001 I spent time in Burgundy. This is the Abbey of Fontenay. Dating from the 12th Century, it is set in a quiet green valley but at its peak would have been a busy religious hub. #France Image 132 of #365TravelPics‬

‪The regional capital of Burgundy is #Dijon – this is it’s Hôtel de Ville and new fountains in 2001 in Place de la Liberation. #France Image 133 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Burgundy is famed for its decorative roofs with their intricate designs. This is the Hospice de Beaune dating from the 15th century. #France Image 134 of #365TravelPics‬

‪I spent a month in 2002 studying in #Lyon – a huge city with its old town, 19th century squares and modern suburbs. #France Image 135 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Whilst in Lyon in 2002 I visited Albertville, host of the 1992 Winter Olympics. This is what remains of the Olympic cauldron & ceremonies arena. #France Day 136 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Age 20, moved to the French #Alps & #Grenoble for a year. One of the best years of my life & has encouraged me to keep on travelling since. This is Place Grenette with its cafes & mountain views. #France Day 137 of #365TravelPics‬

‪One of the top attractions in #Grenoble is the cable car taking you up to the top of the Bastille. Great views of the city & #Alps – romantic at sunset for a date too 😉 #France Day 138 of #365TravelPics‬

‪I celebrated my 21st Birthday in #Grenoble surrounded by my twin & friends from my #Eramus year. Friendships through travel & a life changing time in #France Day 139 of #365TravelPics‬

‪This is where I lived in #Grenoble during my year in #France – halls of residence on the university campus with great views of the mountains. Image 140 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Despite great view of the #Alps the halls I lived in #Grenoble #France the kitchen was really basic: no oven, broken fridges, no cupboards and no furniture. Day 141 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Spring 2003 was 35 years since Mai 68 & students had a new reason to protest: reforms to degree structures. This was the main hall at the Université Stendhal in #Grenoble – a reminder of student political engagement in #France in 68, 03 & 18. Day 142 of #365TravelPics ‬

‪One of the benefits of living in Grenoble, France was easy access to the mountains. This is the view from the top of the aiguille du midi in Chamonix. Unforgettable views. Day 143 of #365TravelPics‬

‪This is a pic of Mont Blanc from the Aiguille de Midi. Beautiful in the mid morning sun. Still want to return & get the cable car to Italy past these valleys. #France Day 144 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Surrounding #Grenoble are 3 mountain ranges: Chartreuse, Belledonne & Vercors. Loved driving across each of them with their distinct personality. #France Day 145 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Near to Grenoble is the Venice of the Alps – Annecy – with canals & a lake with mountains seeking to its edge, it’s a lovely place for walking & relaxng. #France Day 146 of #365TravelPics‬

‪From Grenoble #France we crossed the Alps to Turin, stopping in the town of Briançon. Covered in snow, its walls & church felt like an alpine refuge. Image 147 of #365TravelPics‬

‪One summer day we took the Route des Grandes Alpes from near #Grenoble to #Nice #France – the winding roads took us over many snow-capped peaks & green valleys. Day 148 of #365TravelPics‬

‪So at the end of the Route des Grandes Alpes was #Nice #France – with the Baie des Anges and Promenade des Anglais along its edge. Day 149 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Heading to Eastern #France and Strasbourg near Alsace is a mix of France & Germany with some canals thrown in. The town is capped by its cathedral. Day 150 of #365TravelPics ‬

La Petite France in Strasbourg to my mind is misnamed: seems more like Germany than #France – whatever, it is very pretty. Image 151 of #365TravelPics

‪At a cross road in Europe, Strasbourg is one of the seats of the EU parliament. They visit once a month to pass legislation. I was there in May 2004 when 10 new members joined the EU. #France Day 152 of #365TravelPics‬

‪A few kilometres from Strasbourg is the Alsace wine region & this is th lovely village of Ribeauvillé. #France Day 153 of #365TravelPics‬

‪It is sometimes forgotten that there were work camps in #France during World War 2: this is in Alsace at Natzweiler-Struthof, a painful but important visit. Day 154 of #365TravelPics‬

‪There was experimental use of gas to kill those unable to work at the camp at Natzweiler-Struthof – dreadful history in this mountain location. #France Day 155 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Lorraine is the slightly overlooked & under appreciated sister of eastern #France. This is Cours Stanislas in Nancy, evidence of why a visit throws up some hidden gems. Day 156 of #365TravelPics‬

‪The history of #France can be traced back to where the first king (Clovis) was baptised & went on to rule the French by St Rémi in modern day Reims. Day 157 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Of course modern day Reims is more famous for Champagne and these are the cellars at Taitinger. #France Day 158 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Heading to the South West of #France & one of the top tourist sights is Carcassonne – a walled town but remember it was made to look this pretty by a 19th century restoration. Day 159 of #365TravelPics‬

‪In the Pyrenees foothills are Cathar castles whose views offered protection to its builders & great photos for today’s tourists. This is Queribus, one of the finer examples. Day 160 of #365TravelPics‬

‪For my 30th Birthday I went to Bordeaux #France & spent the mornings writing my thesis in a stone walled vineyard cottage. And the afternoons drinking the local produce! Day 161 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Over last 3 years, I’ve been lucky to get to know #Burgundy in #France – this is St Aubin with its distinctive church tower & golden stone buildings. Image 162 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Each wall with its marks, holes & shadows reveals a little of the story of the wine village of St Aubin in #Burgundy & #France Image 163 of #365TravelPics‬

‪St Aubin in #Burgundy is most famous for the fine wines its produces. Its vines sit in a protective, pleasing valley. #France Image 164 of #365TravelPics‬

‪I spent a lot of time recently admiring this view of St Aubin in #Burgundy with lighting showing its church, houses and history at its best. #France Day 165 of #365TravelPics‬

‪This is Puligny-Montrachet – producing some of the finest wines in #Burgundy but also a pretty village with its central square & Mairie. #France Day 166 of #365TravelPics‬

‪One of the roundabouts in Puligny-Montrachet has a statue of vineyard workers showing their back breaking but specialist work in the #Burgundy fields. #France Image 167 of #365TravelPics‬

‪A final picture from Puligny-Montrachet and the beautiful #Burgundy vines which will produce the region’s golden wines. #France Day 168 of #365TravelPics‬

‪My tour of #France now turns to #Paris and the entry point for many arriving either by train or from the airports: Gare du Nord. Day 169 of #365TravelPics‬

For me, #Paris is at its best in its quiet back streets with its 19th Century Buildings which could only be found in the French capital. This is in the 10th Arrondisement. #France Day 170 of #365TravelPics‬

On so many corners in #Paris you find the local café where people get their fix of coffee, news & gossip. #France Day 171 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Over the next few days some iconic locations in #Paris – first the Arc de Triomphe unusually with no cars in front of it. #France Day 172 of #365TravelPics‬

‪In the last 20 years the Flamme de la Liberté has become an icon in #Paris. Originally a copy of the Statue of Liberty’s flame, its location remembers the spot near Place de l’Alma where Princess Diana died. #France Day 173 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Another icon of #Paris : Notre Dame – inspiring from all sides. #France Image 174 of #365TravelPics‬

‪All roads in #France lead to this point in #Paris in front of Notre Dame Cathedral: Point Zero. Image 175 of #365TravelPics‬

‪A backstreet on Île de la Cité – metres from Notre Dame and the original heart of #Paris #France Day 176 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Over the next 3 days: my favourite #Paris museums: this is the view from the bar at the top of the Centre Pompidou – after some great art, a great sunset view of the French capital awaits. #France Day 177 of #365TravelPics‬

‪Another favourite #Paris museum: the Louvre. I find the inside too busy & vast, despite the great works. But the outside, with its mix of old & moden, for me summarises the history of contemporary #France Day 178 of #365TravelPics‬

‪My third museum in #Paris is the Musée d’Orsay – a former station & I love it as much for its architecture as its impressionist paintings. #France Day 179 of #365TravelPics‬

‪At the heart of #Paris is Place de la République which marks the revolution & it’s values. #France Day 180 of #365TravelPics‬

‪A final photo of #Paris and #France – and one of the most iconic images of the beautiful French capital. Day 181 of #365TravelPics‬

365 Travel Pics: May & June – France

#France

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zerowastehome · 7 years ago

Text

Zero Waste Talks and Bulk (…lots of it!)

I often feel as if I am pedaling against the wind, but giving talks about the zero waste lifestyle during the holiday season feels more like pedaling in a hurricane

My carry-on packed (with my whole wardrobe),

I set out to undertake my fifth international tour: 20 events over 10 days.

http://ift.tt/2tOikDe

First stop upon landing was a place close to my heart, DaybyDay in Lille. Three years ago, Alice was inspired by my book to open a bulk store. Last time I came to the store was for the opening: I cried like a baby and could barely deliver the inauguration speech that I had prepared (Canal+ filmed the whole thing!). So this time, we celebrated our reunion with a live Facebook event.

While they were setting up, I took pictures of the store for you: 700 products in bulk -that’s way way more than is available to me!…

That night I also gave two talks, including one at the Catholic University of Lille -And for the first time, I spoke about how zero waste has reaffirmed my faith (it even made me teary!)

The next morning, I took a train to Luxembourg for a speech at the European Union (Court of Auditors) – wearing a wrinkled silk top

Then, it was onto a stop at the United Nations in Geneva, for a talk…

and book signings.

-And yes, I do realize that I am extremely blessed to have being given the opportunity to share my lifestyle there -especially given that I had take a 2 hr, 565 euros Uber ride to make it there on time because of train strikes! (ah France, will you even change?)

That same day, I went to Munich for a gathering and book signings of the German version of my book, at Ohne. It was a delight meeting the founders of this beautiful bulk store, especially since Hannah (on my left) told me that its reading my book that inspired them to open it!

photo credit: Conny Mirbach

But wait! there is more to the portrait above than meets the eye… let’s take a closer look:

To stay true to my book’s philosophy, they made the store as plastic-free as possible. Carlo designed the dispensers himself, out of glass, metal and wood.

These are truly genius. If you plan on opening an un-packaged store, I highly recommend that you check out his website and get in touch with him. He’ll custom-make them for you!

They also use metal containers throughout the store, like these cans:

These liquid dispensers:

and this peanut butter grinder:

Carlo even made this nifty bulk bar -I wish my husband were this crafty!

The next day, I took a train to Prague. I gave a radio interview upon my arrival.

And then headed to a Live Facebook event organized by my publisher and Bezobalu,

photo credit: Nikola Bruncova

… for the launch of the Czech version of my book!

http://ift.tt/2tOqagi

and book signings of course.

photo credit: Nikola Bruncova

On my way out of town, I was reminded that bulk is everywhere, i.e, even at the Prague train station!

In Berlin I spoke in two locations, one hosted by Original Unverpackt, the other by Markishe Grundshule, a French-German school, where my talk was translated from French to German and then German to sign language.

What I did not expect to take away from my visit to Berlin, is the beautiful story behind the recent publication of the German translation of my book… After reading the french version of Zero Waste Home, Marie Delapierre decided to open Unverpackt Kiel, Germany’s first bulk store. Last year, she contacted me to have me come to Kiel for a speech and I gladly accepted. In the meantime, a 12 yr old girl was writing a school report on plastic pollution… When she found out that I was coming to her town for a talk, she asked her dad to bring her. But the night of the event, the dad was exhausted from work and told his daughter that it would not be possible. She insisted, finally dragging him to the event. The dad ended up loving my speech and was surprised to find out that my book had not yet been translated to German. He happened to be a publisher… and a year later, he would publish Glucklich Leben Ohne Mull!

The following morning, I took a long train ride for Warsaw (my first time in Poland!). I gave a talk and attended a panel organized by Little Greenfinity. The unforeseen size and enthusiasm of my audience -random people jumped into our selfie ;-), showed that the zero waste lifestyle is about to take over the country!

Back in Switzerland the next day, I made a stop for book signings at a very special store. Remember the couple that was inspired by my book to open Chez Mamie, in Switzerland? Well, they’ve now become a franchise! These two moms opened a branch in Lausanne, and Christelle (on my left) confided in me that my segment on Les Maternelles (on French TV program) is what inspired her to open the store!

That night, I also took part in a talk show at La Dimension Mobiliere (my segment starts at 59’45”)

I give them kuddos for the zero waste buffet that followed the event: All was served in reusables, which included these nifty bamboo trays.

In the morning, I made a stop at a high school (Ecole de Culture Générale Henry Dunant) in Geneva,

and then in Arbaz,(right across the valley from Nax, where I spoke last June). Waking up to this is something I could get used… I can’t get enough of this scenery so I’ll be back in the region in March for another talk!

Then I had a full day of book signings in three different bulk stores.

A Tout Vrac

La Portion Magique

And another recently launched branch of Chez Mamie, in Bagnes

As you’ll find looking at these pictures, a background in Interior Design has been most useful in creating a fantasy land of bulk: If these displays don’t draw you into buying unpackaged, I don’t know what will!

I went from one fantasy to another that day, ending my day in Bern, with a talk here:

I preach about the zero waste lifestyle all over the world, but I never expected to do so in an actual church!

Walking to my train’s platform the next morning, I was again reminded that bulk is everywhere -and Bern’s main station is no exception.

Oh, and being in Switzerland, there is loose chocolate everywhere…

even sheets of it!

A beautiful winterland unfolded from my train window,

as I enjoyed my tea and sandwich on the last leg of my tour.

What I did not know is that I’d be about to face one of my most delicate refusals yet. That night, at the end of my talk in Sollies-Pont, the mayor came to the microphone. As he reached in his pocket, I knew that he was about to hand me a something. I quickly jumped in to say that I do not accept material gifts. This is not the first time that I refuse a gift in public, but the tough part here was making a top elected official uncomfortable in front of his people, and turning something down that’s considered a sign of honor in a political setting.

(the medal reads: Warm thank you’s from the mayor of Sollies Pont to Bea Johnson, international ambassador of the zero waste movement)

I went on to explain that my gift is “to be able to share my lifestyle in such a beautiful part of the world; that no material gift could possibly be better”.

What made this tour so special are the stories I collected, the people I met, the work of the those that organized my talks, translated and published my book, opened bulk stores… moments.

I now realize that the awkward situation made for the perfect conclusion to my tour, for the essence of the message that I try to convey through my work, travels and speaking engagements, is this: what makes life rich are not the things that surrounded us, but the simple pleasures and the human connections that fill our living hours… moments.

So may you enjoy a holiday season and a new year, filled with… moments.

Cheers!

from Zero Waste Talks and Bulk (…lots of it!)

#Zero Waste Talks and Bulk (…lots of it!)

0 notes

zerowastehome · 8 years ago

Text

Zero Waste Talks and Bulk (…lots of it!)

I often feel as if I am pedaling against the wind, but giving talks about the zero waste lifestyle during the holiday season feels more like pedaling in a hurricane

My carry-on packed (with my whole wardrobe),

I set out to undertake my fifth international tour: 20 events over 10 days.

http://ift.tt/2ss0alO

While they were setting up, I took pictures of the store for you: 700 products in bulk -that’s way way more than is available to me!…

That night I also gave two talks, including one at the Catholic University of Lille -And for the first time, I spoke about how zero waste has reaffirmed my faith (it even made me teary!)

The next morning, I took a train to Luxembourg for a speech at the European Union (Court of Auditors) – wearing a wrinkled silk top

Then, it was onto a stop at the United Nations in Geneva, for a talk…

and book signings.

photo credit: Conny Mirbach

But wait! there is more to the portrait above than meets the eye… let’s take a closer look:

To stay true to my book’s philosophy, they made the store as plastic-free as possible. Carlo designed the dispensers himself, out of glass, metal and wood.

These are truly genius. If you plan on opening an un-packaged store, I highly recommend that you check out his website and get in touch with him. He’ll custom-make them for you!

They also use metal containers throughout the store, like these cans:

These liquid dispensers:

and this peanut butter grinder:

Carlo even made this nifty bulk bar -I wish my husband were this crafty!

The next day, I took a train to Prague. I gave a radio interview upon my arrival.

And then headed to a Live Facebook event organized by my publisher and Bezobalu,

photo credit: Nikola Bruncova

… for the launch of the Czech version of my book!

http://ift.tt/2ss1Ko9

and book signings of course.

photo credit: Nikola Bruncova

On my way out of town, I was reminded that bulk is everywhere, i.e, even at the Prague train station!

That night, I also took part in a talk show at La Dimension Mobiliere (my segment starts at 59’45”)

I give them kuddos for the zero waste buffet that followed the event: All was served in reusables, which included these nifty bamboo trays.

In the morning, I made a stop at a high school (Ecole de Culture Générale Henry Dunant) in Geneva,

Then I had a full day of book signings in three different bulk stores.

A Tout Vrac

La Portion Magique

And another recently launched branch of Chez Mamie, in Bagnes

I went from one fantasy to another that day, ending my day in Bern, with a talk here:

I preach about the zero waste lifestyle all over the world, but I never expected to do so in an actual church!

Walking to my train’s platform the next morning, I was again reminded that bulk is everywhere -and Bern’s main station is no exception.

Oh, and being in Switzerland, there is loose chocolate everywhere…

even sheets of it!

A beautiful winterland unfolded from my train window,

as I enjoyed my tea and sandwich on the last leg of my tour.

(the medal reads: Warm thank you’s from the mayor of Sollies Pont to Bea Johnson, international ambassador of the zero waste movement)

I went on to explain that my gift is “to be able to share my lifestyle in such a beautiful part of the world; that no material gift could possibly be better”.

What made this tour so special are the stories I collected, the people I met, the work of the those that organized my talks, translated and published my book, opened bulk stores… moments.

So may you enjoy a holiday season and a new year, filled with… moments.

Cheers!

from Zero Waste Talks and Bulk (…lots of it!)

#Zero Waste Talks and Bulk (…lots of it!)

0 notes