Archive for June, 2010
unlocking a city

A key to the city: politicians get them, astronauts get them, even athletes get them. So, without running for office, joining NASA or finding the footballer within, how do you get hold of this elusive all-access un-locker?
For this month, in New York City, all you have to do is get in the queue. Artist Paul Ramirez Jonas has created a new project called ‘Key to the City.’ The idea? Show up (Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets in Times Square) to get a key by June 27, and bestow the key to someone who you think deserves it. Maybe it’s your mother, a friend or a kind stranger. You decide.
The master keys unlock dozens of sites all over NYC’s five boroughs (don’t worry, they give you a map). From free ice cream coupons in a hidden box, to locked rooms inside the city’s museums, even a closet in Mayor Bloomberg’s official residence – these keys are your way into the undiscovered (until now) underbelly of New York.
You can get the key copied as many times as you like, so you and all your friends will have VIP access to the Big Apple all summer.
refuel in style

Not only does Switzerland have the finest roads to drive on, but they also have the best service stations to refuel at. The Viamala Raststätte Thusis has set the bar for the coolest pit-stop on the highway and here’s why.
Located on the Thusis-Nord exit on A13 highway in Grisons, the architects were inspired by the alpine landscapes to design a service station that would blend well with its surroundings. But don’t think its immaculate architecture is the only thing to shout about.
Inside you’ll find a fine restaurant, a swanky bar, boutique shops and even a conference room. No wonder neighbouring towns stop by to refuel in every sense of the word. Could this be the future of service stations? We hope so.
solo travelling in spain

Travelling with friends, families or loved ones can sometimes be a little overrated. The hassle of deciding where to go, where to stay and what to pack. And that’s just the start of it. Soon come the tantrums, the sulking and heated arguments just because you wanted to pop into that shop, or eat at that restaurant or spend the whole day at the spa rather than play a round of golf.
So how better to avoid all this than travelling on your own. Yea, so you may not have anyone to share the memories with, but heck, nothing beats doing what you want to do and enjoying it all to yourself. And where else better to go than Spain.
Only a short flight away, you’ll feel as though you landed in the tropics with unbeatable sunshine and hot (but not humid) climate. The locals are more than friendly, the cities are bustling and the beaches are to die for. Stay main land to take advantage of the incredible culture, food and festivals, or head out to the islands for some beach time.
Make it to Seville to dine away at tapas bars (the small helpings are perfect for one) and enjoy as much wine as you want at Rioja. Get some alone time in an exclusive villa like Es Ram or be seen in the trendy El Hotel Pacha in Ibiza. Take your time appreciating Dali, Miro and Picasso, or shop till you drop in Madrid. However you want it, you decide. Nothing beats going solo.
a magical whirlwind in india
One of our resident Indian experts, Katie, has just come back from travels throughout Rajasthan and Agra and brought back these amazing shots. They sum up everything we love about India: rich, vibrant and colorful. Check back soon, we’ll be updating you with Katie’s trip in her own words. For now, enjoy the pics.













