TRAVELMETRO WORLD NEWSMonday, xx January 2011www.metrotravel.com

Gourmet Belgium: Beyond chocolate {page 04} + Going green in Karnataka:The eco-tourism craze hits India {page 03}

Keep your(swim)

shorts on! {page 06}

EXCITINGESTONIA: ANINSIDER’S GUIDETO TALLINN {page 02}

we live where you’re going

XXXX

{page 05

Thisholiday,

getcloser

plus+

www.metrotravel.comMONDAY, XX JANUARY 2011

00 travel

What’s inside

Going greenon holidays:Ecotourism

in India{page 03}

Keep your(swim)

shorts on!{page 06}

GourmetBelgium:Beyond

chocolate{page 04}

XXX

we live where you’re going

{page 05}

Thisholiday,

getcloser

www.metrotravel.comMONDAY, XX JANUARY 2011

02 travelGET INTO MY CITY: TALLINN’S SUMMER OUTDOOR LOUNGE

Been therebefore?Rent a bike, get a mapand head to the newStraw Theatre, it’s a tem-porary theatre, just at theedge of old town.(www.tallinn2011.ee) Fora little contemporary ar-chitecture, see the Roter-manni quarter, and havea coffee there in anoutdoor cafe. Then headto Kadriorg, an upper-class neighbourhood witha nice city park and thenew art museum KUMU(www.ekm.ee).

Alternatively head to-wards the sea and theTallinn city promenade.

Pirita Beach is our micro-Miami, so a bike trip canbe finished with a dip inthe sea there. Or hit a fes-tival. In the summer, Es-tonia is festival crazy.

Summer is finally here,and the old town haschanged into a hugeoutdoor lounge. The

spring here is the coolest,because everyone has beenindoors and cold for a half ayear, then in the spring is ahuge social explosion, peo-ple take most of theirclothes off and somehoweveryone has a convertiblecar. Everyone goes out everyevening and the days getlong. The sun sets at 1am inthe summer, and it’s out-door fun every day untillate. The winter might behorrible, but the best part is

that it changes, you are hap-py about every season be-cause the changes are quitedrastic: -35C this winter,+35C last summer.Now it’s summer the out-door cafes are opening, peo-ple are getting out, relaxing,doing things, and social lifeis exploding. This year,Tallinn is the new Culturecapital of Europe so there iscool stuff being built anddone here(www.tallinn2011.ee)

Sunset over Tallinn

TOOMAS TUUL

First time?Our 35-hectare outdoorlounge is open now, it’scalled the Old Town.Restaurants, outdoor so-cial life, nightlife... every-thing happens there.Stroll from Viru street tothe central square, thenhead to the upper OldTown, Toompea, its a bitmore quiet.

Old Town

TALLINN

Shopping!Take the ferry and go toHelsinki, we all do. Okay,you can get stuff from acentral mall, or fromsome boutiques in theold town but nothingspecial. There are a lot ofboutique-malls packedtogether in the centre ofthe city. But if you wantsome exotic experiences,go to the train stationmarket, and get a some-thing practical andstrange item for asouvenir. Tallinn hipsters shop in Helsinki, this is why

TTALLINN TOURISM

EatTerrace life in the sum-

mer is a must, just stayaway from old town mainsquare restaurants.

For a relaxed place to goeat, check out Controven-to in the old town. Takecarpaccio with artichokes,beef from the more expen-sive end of the menu, anda cheap house wine.(www.controvento.ee)

For a good high-end bitewith quiet talking peoplewith expensive watches,try the nearby Boccarestaurant (www.bocca.ee).

For late-night snack -not for the faint-hearted -try the Dirty Burger inSöögiplats near FreedomSquare. For culinarystrangeness, but a must af-ter a night out, eat a meatpie from the train stationmarket, it’s open 24h.

Eating out

TALLINN

museum KUMU

JAAN HEINMAA

Straw Theatre

TALLINN

Stay inHotels here aren’t verycool; stay in a hostel tomeet other people.

Go outI usually go to the HellHunt (‘gentle wolf’) pubfor a first beer on its fan-tastic terrace. Try the VonKrahli theatre bar forconcerts (vonkrahl.ee),Balou cellar for new agedance (balou.ee), or Märzfor artsy parties(marzprojekt.wordpress.com). Finish at Levist Väl-jas (‘out of network’) cel-lar bar on Olevimagi.

Hell Hunt

VILLE LAUSMAE

Talented interior architect Ville Lausmae is our guide to the Estonian capital,Tallinn, one of 2011’s European Capitals of Culture Ville was born in Tallinn and

has lived and worked in most areas of the city He’s currently making his mark on an indoorskatepark project, a huge o1ce building, the local natural history museum, and a couple of

cafes and apartments (www.vls.ee)VILLE LAUSMÄE METRO WORLD NEWS

For more informationcheck outwww.tourism.tallinn.ee

Tallinn’s summer outdoor lounge

www.metrotravel.comMONDAY, 16 MAY 2011

03travelTRAVEL WITH A TWIST: ECO TOURISM IN KARNATAKA, INDIA

Going green inKarnataka

“From nationalparks to wildlifesafaris, eco tourismis key in India’s stateof Karnataka”

Tucked down in the southwest of India, Karnataka of-fers the second largest num-ber of protectedmonumentsin India.But its biggest assets are itsnatural wonders. Karnatakais home to 25% of India’s ele-phants, 10% of its tigers andboasts five immense nation-al parks and 25 wildlife sanc-tuaries. Ecology is acornerstone of its tourism,so large swathes of landhave been set aside as na-tional parks. This is nevermore impressive than at Na-garhole National Park.Separated from neighbour-ing Bandipur National Parkby a reservoir, Nagarhole is248 square miles of hilly,swampy and riverside ter-rain that is home to tigers,bison, elephants, leopards,hyenas, 270 species of birdand the giant Indian flyingsquirrel. Take a safari trip togo eyeball to eyeball withsome of the world’s greatpredators - albeit from a safedistance away – and stayovernight in a lodge.The local authorities have

worked with non-govermen-tal organisations to protectNagarhole and the other na-tional parks and sanctuariesfrom hunters and illegal treefellers and to promote rep-sonsible tourism. The regionis proud of its natural treas-ures and intends to look af-ter them.To appreciate the beauty ofKarnataka, it is best to stayat one of its hill stations. Lo-cated high up in sandalwoodforests or coffee plantations,hill stations in places suchas Coorg are retreats that of-fer calm, beautiful viewsand the perfect retreat fromlife’s pressures. Karnataka is

also attracting health tourists wanting to try alterna-tive therapies such asayurveda and yoga therapy.A hill station stay or a spotof therapy should leave youenergised enough to visit asmany of Karnataka’s jaw-dropping monuments aspossible. So try to see theShravanabelagola at Hassan,Belur’s Chennakesava Palaceor the Mysore Palace. And ifyou are still after more natu-ral splendour, take in the JogFalls.

India’s state of Karnataka is home to some of the most important sights in the country both monuments and natu-ral wonders The parks here are home to incredible wildlife The state is proud of its eco-friendly tourism

For more informationcheck out www.karna-takatourism.org

JOG FALLSOne of the worlds’ most im-pressive waterfalls. Can beseen in all its awesomepower during and shortly af-ter the monsoon rains.

3SPOTS FORNATURELOVERS

BANDIPURNATIONAL PARKWild elephants, rare IndianBison and monkeys roamthrough Bandipur’s NationalPark, also an official sanctu-ary for Bengal tigers.

NAGARHOLENATIONAL PARK248 square miles ofswamps, valleys, rolling hillsand rivers inhabited byhuge numbers of animalsand 250 bird species.

EATTry local speciality savourypancake, the dosa. OrKarnataka’s dish, invented inBangalore, the spicydumpling called rava idli.

STAYFor luxury spa resort accom-modation on a coffee estate

surrounded by naturereserves, try TheWindflower at Coorg.Rooms from 110 Euros.www.thewindflower.com

For a more basic place tostay that is still close tomany beautiful touristattractions, there is the Ma-

halaxmi Lodge at Kushalna-gar. From 4 euros, Tel08276-274622, .

EVENTThe Mysore Dasara is tendays of colour and activityand the major state festivalfor Karnataka. Held in either

September or October, itmarks the triumph of Hindugoddess Chamundeshwariover the forces of evilMahishasura.

TRAVELIf planning to travel aroundby train, visit

www.indianrail.gov.inbeforehand for schedulesand ticket information.

WEATHERMonsoon season in Karnata-ka is from June to Septem-ber. It can be one of thewettest places in India.

Endangered Gaur roam Nagarhole National Park

THINKSTOCKPHOTOS

Mysore Palace

NEALSNOWDONMETRO WORLD NEWSTRAVEL@METRO.LU

Travellers’ Tips

www.metrotravel.comMONDAY, XX MONTH 2011

04 travelGOURMET TRAVELLER: BELGIUM

“Belgian cuisineoffers more thanchocolate and beer”

Often overshadowed by thegastronomic glamour ofneighbouring France, Bel-gium is a culinary gem in itsown right. After all, nothingsays gourmet quite like acountry whose capital cityBrussels lays claim to a recordnumber of Michelin-starredrestaurants per person.

The cliché holds that Bel-gian cuisine offers the quali-ty of French food and thequantity of German portions.

The two stars which shinebrightest in Belgium’s culi-nary firmament are the coun-try’s range of artisanalchocolates and beers. Belgianbeers have acquired a near fa-natical following, especiallythe Trappist varieties. Onlyseven breweries are allowedto carry the label, indicatingthat the beers have beenbrewed in Trappistmonaster-ies and produced to cover on-ly themonks’ living expenses

and philanthropic works. Bewarned, alcohol content canbe high, with tripel beers at9-12 percent.

Good seafood can be foundall over the country. Tomatesaux crevettes, tomatoesstuffedwith shrimps from thecoastal town of Zeebrugge, isa national delicacy. Seafoodrestaurants can be found in

Brussels’ Rue du Boucher andex-fish market Place StCatherine. Sophisticated din-ing options abound inKnokke, the ‘Belgian Riviera’.

Start your gastronomicday out in Brussels by shar-ing bread and jam at one ofthe communal tables at theinternational chain (oftenmistaken for being French)

Le Pain Quotidien. For an up-market dinner, ultra-hip Bel-ga Queen is a converted bankserving Belgian classics witha modern twist (www.bel-gaqueen.be).

Outside of the capital,fashion mecca Antwerp ishome to some stylish eater-ies – try the trendy docklandsarea or every fashionista’s

favourite, Hungry Henrietta(www.hungryhenrietta.be).The picturesque medievaltown of Bruges is a haven ofMichelin stars, crowned bythree-starred De Karmeleit(www.dekarmeliet.be).

MOULES FRITES

Belgium’s national dish – thename means mussels andfries. Mussels are usuallyserved in a stock of butterand white wine with mixedherbs and vegetables. Theyare best accompanied byproper Belgian fries - thicklycut, usually fried and bestserved with mayonnaise.

5DISHESTO TRY...WHENYOU’RE INTHE LOWCOUNTRY

BEER

There are a huge number ofvarieties of Belgian beer,each best served in its ownbranded glass. Pale wheatbeer, Trappist, Lambic-Gueuze, fruit beers like thecherry-flavoured Kriek – thelist goes on. Over two thou-sand varieties can besampled at in Delirium Café,just off Brussels’ Grand Place.

WAFFLES

Belgian waffles are sold allover the country, usuallyfrom small kiosks on thestreet. There are two mainstyles – Bruxellois, a rectan-gular-shaped ‘lighter’ waffledusted with powdered sugarand Liegois, a denser wafflewith chunks of caramelisedsugar.

POULETWATERZOOIThis traditional stew made ofmixed vegetables, eggs,cream and butter comesfrom Flanders, Belgium’sFlemish-speaking region. Itwas originally made withfreshwater fish but chickenhas become more commonnow.

CHOCOLATE

Belgian chocolate is consid-ered to be among the finestin the world. Try highly-reputed chocolatier PierreMarcolini, whose confectionsinclude chocolates infusedwith earl grey and orangeblossom. For something a lit-tle more wallet-friendly,Leonidas is excellent value.

Quick tipsEATLauded in the 2011 Miche-lin guide as Belgium’s bestrestaurant, Comme ChezSoi serves Belgian foodwith a little French finesse.The fine food is set off bywooden panels carved inBrussels’ signature ArtNouveau style. As withmost high-end restaurants,booking is a must andprices are high – but worthit.www.commechezsoi.be

STAYThe stylish White Hotel issituated on Brussels’ hautecouture thoroughfare Av-enue Louise. Pristine whitewalls, modern design andclean lines characterise therooms. A range of restau-rants both luxuriously chicand quirkily bohemian arelocated in the surroundingarea. From €75 per night,www.thewhitehotel.be

FESTIVALThe 13th edition of the BeerWeekend festival will betaking place from 2-4th Sep-tember this year in theGrand Place. Set amid themedieval gothic archi-tecture of Brussels’ mainsquare, Belgium’s brewerieswill be presenting a selec-tion of their finest beers towilling punters.www.weekenddelabiere.be

Boring Belgium? Notwhen it comes to food

‘Frites’ with mayonnaise

VISIT BELGIUMX

For more informationcheck out www.visit-flanders.com

VISIT FLANDERS VISIT FLANDERS VISIT FLANDERSVISIT FLANDERSVISIT FLANDERS

Belgium is reinventing itself as a gastronomic go-to destination This cosmopolitan, two-part nation’s cuisine isa fusion of Germanic and Latin /avours Try stylish Antwerp, buzzing Brussels or beautiful Bruges

RACHELHALLMETRO WORLD NEWSTRAVEL@METRO.LU

www.metrotravel.comMONDaY, xx MONth 2011

05travelTOP 5: PLACES TO LEARN HOW TO DANCE

1WALTZ

in ViennaWhat? A statelyand romantic ball-room dance, whereyour partnersweeps you roundthe dancefloor inthree-quarter time.Where? Bookflights to Vienna,home of theViennese waltzmade famous by Jo-hann Strauss. Prac-tice for the famousannual ViennaOpera Ball, withclasses or pricatelessons at any oneof the many waltz-schools, or for amore informal ap-proach, pick upnew moves in oneof the many dance-cafes around thecity.www.wien.info

Get to know a culture better, by getting to grips with their traditional dance Get t with tango, belly dancing or!amenco movies and get close to the locals It’s a good excuse to visit destinations from Buenos Aires to Istanbul

Debutantes at the Vienna Opera Ball

GETTY

4FLAMENCO

in SevilleWhat? Thisflamboyant Spanishfloor-spanking tapdance is a UNESCO-listed part of Span-ish culture.Where? In Seville,you’ll be taughttechniques of thedance, encouragedto express yourinner Flamencodancer personality,and taught aboutthe relationship be-tween Flamencodancing, guitar andsinging. €259/$357,www.GoLearnTo.com

5DISNEY DANCE

THE WORLDin Florida

What? Think MickeyClub era Britney andJustin dancing to ‘It’s aSmall World’.Where? Most kidswould give their DS fora chance to go to a Dis-ney theme park, and

this new holiday allowsthem to be a part of theshow there, too. TheDance The World atWalt Disney World inFlorida holiday offersgroups of kids a week ofprofessional dance andmusic lessons, thechance to perform withsupersize Mickeys andDonalds in front of acrowd of thousands inthe Disney Parade.From €1273/$1830www.travelbound.co.uk

TRAVELBOUNDX3TANGO

in Buenos Aires

What? A dramatic andsensual Argentiniandance form, where thecouple whip their wayaround the dancefloor.Where? Head toArgentina’s capital.First watch a tangoshow over dinner per-haps the Rojo Tangohistory of tango showat the fancy Faena Ho-tel

(www.rojotango.com).Next, join a localmilonga – an open tan-go party – then takesome lessons, perhapsthe Centro CulturalTorcuato Tasso Defen-sa (www.torquatotas-so.com.ar). For fullimmersion, book ontoa two-week tango holi-day. You’ll be taken totango shows, have pri-vate and group tangolessons so you’re readyto join a milonga atthe end of the week.€1,054 / $1,500 for twoweeks,responsibletravel.com

2BELLYDANCE

in IstanbulWhat? This exotictummy-and-hip-swivelling dance isbig throughout theMiddle-East.Where? Sign up fora course at OrientalIstanbul and you’llbe taught this exot-ic art by a teamfrom Fire of Anato-lia, Turkey’s answerto Riverdance. Fromjust €287/$413you’ll get ten hoursof lessons, an ama-teur bellydance out-fit, and the chanceto perform for anaudience and lose afew centimentresoff your waistline.orientalistanbul.org

Dream dance holidays

GOLEARNTO.COM

"Dance holidays are agreat place to meetpeople”

Combine culture and keep-fitwith a dance holiday. Not onlywill you learn more about theartistic traditions of the coun-try you’re dancing in, but aweek of tango or bellydancinghave an impact on your love-handles. And as a bonus, you’llcome back with some smoothmoves to impress your friendson the dancefloor back home.

EMMA EFORRESTMETRO WORLD NEWSTRAVEL@METRO.LU

TRAVELLERS WORLDWIDE

3 SHORTS FOR ASTYLISH SWIM

Channel your inner JackSparrow with these pirate-style skull-print swim shorts.€25.64/ $34.48,www.asos.com

1 ASOS SKULLSHORTS

The perfect thing for a dot-ing dad – matchingfather/son swim shorts.These high quality shortscome in lots of unusual pat-terns. €150/€85 chidl,$230/$120 adult, www.vile-brequin.com

METRO WORLD NEWS

3 VILEBREQUINSEALS SHORTS

As the world’s biggest news-paper, Metro has to recom-mend these fun newsprintshorts. These shorter-lengthshorts have a bold print onthe inside too. €51/ $100,www.tedbaker.com

2 TEDBAKER TABLOYDSWIM SHORT

1

3

www.metro.xxxxxmonday, xx month 2011

06 travelGADGETS: SWIM SHORTS

2