Skiathos G-Festival

The less known island of Skiathos in Greece, as featured in the Mamma Mia film, is to host the Skiathos Gay Culture Festival in July 2012, in what could become an annual event of art exhibitions, beach parties, V.I.P. parties, beach wrestling and beauty competitions. The festival intends to promote gay culture and involves art events and exhibitions as well as themed parties and other events. Organised sailing cruises on yachts as well as private flights are available for the ones who wish to enjoy a more private holiday.

Skiathos is one of the greenest islands in Greece and has been nominated the most popular Greek destination in 2010. The island has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and culture. Its beautiful beaches such as the so called "Small Banana" are some of the most popular beaches in Greece, and according to Tripadvisor the best Greek beach 2012.

Ideal for visiting close by islands such as Skopelos and Alonissos, where holiday makers might also have the chance to see the seals that live in the caves of the island. Skiathos enjoys a number of visitors during summer not only because of its natural beauties and crystal waters, but also because of the excellent nightlife that it has to offer. 

The area of Skiathos Town which is the center of the island is characterized by stone paths, traditional taverns and restaurants and affordable bars and nightclubs. Taking into account that Mykonos is one place that it has been extensively visited, Skiathos is hoping it will stand as an alternative potential destination not only for the gay society, but for every holiday maker. 

For more about the event visit Skiathos Gay Culture Festival.

United States Authorities to decide who can visit Canada, Mexico and Cuba

New rules require British Airways and other airlines flying to certain airports outside America to submit passengers' personal data to US authorities.  The information is checked against a "No Fly" list containing tens of thousands of names. Even if the flight plan steers well clear of US territory, travellers whom the Americans regard as suspicious will be denied boarding. One million British travellers planning to fly to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico this year face the risk of being turned away at the airport – at the insistence of the US Department of Homeland Security.

WHO IS AFFECTED?
Visitors to Canada. Airports affected: Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary. Visitors to Mexico. Airports affected: Mexico City and Cancun.  Visitors to Cuba. Airports affected: Havana, Varadero and Holguin

New security checks are already in place, even for flights hundreds of miles from American airspace.

"The concern by the United States for its own security is entirely understandable, but it seems to me it's a whole different issue that American wishes should determine the rights and choices of people travelling between two countries neither of which is the US."

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats

Every US-bound passenger has had to provide Advance Passenger Information (API) before departure for several years now, but Washington has extended the obligation to air routes that over-fly US airspace, such as Heathrow to Mexico City or Gatwick to Havana. Now the US is demanding passengers' full names, dates of birth and gender from airlines, at least 72 hour before departure from the UK to Canada. 

Any passenger who refuses to comply will be denied boarding. Those who do supply details may find their trip could be abruptly cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security, which says it will "take boarding pass determinations up until the time a flight leaves the gate ... If a passenger successfully obtains a boarding pass, his/her name is not on the No Fly list." In other words, travellers cannot find out whether they will be accepted on board until they reach the airport. 

Air Canada and British Airways said they would comply with any new rules. The US will have full details of all British visitors to Cuba, including business travellers, which could potentially be used to identify people suspected of breaking America's sanctions against the Castro regime.

"This extension of the rule to include flights that never enter US airspace is scarcely credible. What on earth right does the US have to ask for passenger information if you're flying London-Havana."

Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet

The land called 'home of the free' seems to be becoming more like a tough parent than a big brother. Canada, Mexico and Cuba cannot do anything to stop this information being passed to US Authorities, acting more like a state within it. It appears to be an extension of US borders, a demonstration of a desire for control of a growing American Empire.

This could lead the way, that one day, Washington may have the authority to get Advance Passenger Information on any flight, and decide if your allowed on - or not.

Source:  Planning a trip to Canada or the Caribbean? US Immigration may have other ideas...

London Treasures - Rivoli Balloom

The Rivoli Ballroom is one of the few remaining ballrooms in London, England. Famous for its original decor and interior fittings of red velvet, flock wallpaper, chandeliers, glitter balls and over-sized Chinese lanterns. It is often used as a film location and plays host to many dance and musical events throughout the year. 

Photo by Ewan Munro

The listed grade two building by English Heritage, located at 350 Brockley Road London SE4 2BY, opposite Crofton Park overground rail station. It started life as the Crofton Park Picture Palace in July 1913 and was converted into a ballroom in 1957, reopening in 1959 with a large sprung maple dance floor.

Pop videos and style shoots at the Rivoli Ballroom include Tina Turner's "Private Dancer" video, as well as rock band Oasis, pop group S Club 7, singer Charlotte Church, fashion model Kate Moss are some to make use of the venue for shoots. It is probably most famously remembered for its use in the 1983 Elton John video for the song "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".  Live music plays a part at the Rivoli regularly.

A Same Sex Ballroom Competition takes place here annually, as well as monthly ballroom dances on the first weekend of every month (same sex and mixed). The exterior may not be all that appealing, though inside really is a feast for the eyes, and definitely one of London's many well kept treasures.

Sources:
London Rivoli Ballroom
The Rivoli 
Wikipedia Rivoli Ballroom