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ROMANCING CHESTER
On February 6-15, the City of Chester, just 30 minutes from Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport, is holding England’s first Festival of Romance. The festival will be jam-packed with ten days of romantic events geared to everyone, whether with or without a partner. Events include lover’s leap, a candlelit cuddle-up concert in the cathedral, a Valentine’s mask ball, salsa dances, chocolate tasting, cruises on the River Dee and Shropshire Canal and competitions for the family. More information at www.festivalofromance.com
SKATING IN PARIS
February is your last opportunity to practise your figure of eights in the beautiful setting of Paris’s Hôtel de Ville. The large ice rink set up outside this impressive building each holiday season - that’s become a favourite attraction for locals and tourists alike - will be closed on the 27th. The hotel is stunning, and, as the seat of the Mayor of Paris, an important landmark. And, unlike in other cities, the skating is completely free. Open 9am-10pm. Skate hire €5.
Tel. +33 (0) 1 42 76 4040.
FLY ME TO THE MOON
While we have yet to add the moon as a destination, people are already planning ahead and scooping up holiday plots. Taking advantage of loopholes in international treaties, Lunar Land Rush owner Dennis Hope has become the first moon tycoon. Sunny skies, rainless weather and guaranteed privacy have attracted over two million customers, purchasing more than 300 million plots to date. Go to www.lunarlandrush.com to snatch up your own astral acreage.
VULGAR VILLAGES
After spending years as the laughing stock of French towns, a group of comically-christened hamlets have banded together to form the “Villages of Lyric or Burlesque Names”. This association of naughty place names recently had their first meeting in Mingocebos, which translates as “Eat Onions” in the southern Occitan dialect. Members, including Montcuq (My Arse), Cocumont (Cuckold Hill) and Saligos (Filthy Pig), are teaming up to capitalise on their unusual names. English speakers should try visiting rude French places like Pissy, Pussy, Anus and Condom to get in on the laugh.
BAMAKO
February sees the return of Bamako to Barcelona’s Contemporary Cultural Centre. The renowned biennial show features the works of contemporary African artists, focusing particularly on photography this year. Stunning pieces by award-winning photographers
Youssouf Nabil (Egypt), Ricardo Rangel (Mozambique) and Pape Seydi (Senegal) are displayed within the exhibition of over 200 photographs. For more information, check out www.cccb.org.
LA SERRENIA
Stressed out? Need to relax? Then, escape the daily grind to Mallorca’s La Serrania retreat for the ultimate in chilling out. In February, special guest instructors present workshops in Chinese brush-painting, creative writing, clowning and yoga - perfect for unwinding the mind. This secluded, mountain sanctuary also offers a soothing swimming pool, mountain walks and healing massages to calm the body. For more information, visit www.laserrania.com.
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