Fiesta of the Virgin of Guadalupe

http://www.travelingdiva.com/miscellaneous/fiesta-of-the-virgin-of-guadalupe/

Kalash Festival of Choimus

Ever wanted to do a Winter Solstice party with the Kalash people? The Kalash are infamous for their festivals and Choimus doesn’t disappoint. The only tribe in the area, who never converted to Islam, celebrate the new year with a vibrant flurry of dancing, food, chanting and prayers to the Balomain spirit. The festival lasts for days and moves throughout the valley. Copious amounts of local brewed mulberry wine to drink as you dance in giant circles around bonfires to mesmerizing chanting accompanied by drum beats. Girls wear intricate costumes made of cowery shells, coins and beads with heavy headwear while women paint their faces with ink. Just before the main festival, seasonal foods are offered to the ancestral spirts and a kotik light is lit. Single Kalash women are expected to find a husband during this festival so make sure you chose wisely.

Contact information: TDCP (Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab Tel: +92-91-9213762 or +92-3339233868 http://nwfp.gov.pk/Events/Tour-packages.php Start Date: 12-7-2008 End Date: 12-22-2008

Sade: Traveler of the Heart

So I wanted to post quickly about San Diego and
than mid post Sa-n... started to turn into Sa-de

and well, the rest will end up with a cigarette.

Famous Traveling Stylist Adir Abregel

Jet setting superstar hairstylist to starlets like Kiera Knightley, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Gardner, Rosario Dawson, Jessica Biel,
and Sienna Miller, Adir Abergel is a traveling girl's best friend he makes his clients feel confident and beautiful.

He sat down with me recently in Venice Beach for an impromptu interview.

TH: Recent trips?

AA: Israel and Africa.

TH: Favorite destination?

AA: Rwanda. Incredible country. Happiest human beings I’ve ever encountered. I loved the people, culture and music. There’s a sense of community and love. All about helping each other.

TH: Any travel tips?

AA: Never forget to bring your high heels because there will always be an occasion waiting. Make sure to bring your Louboutin. Every woman should own a Louboutin.

TH: What are your favorite pair of traveling shoes?

AA: My flip flops and patent leather Bruno Frisoni.

TH: Long flight advice?

AA: Moroccan mint tea. Steep in boiling hot water and leave it in for a good ten minutes. Add a flat tablespoon of white sugar and throw in some pine nuts.

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Best of Sunset Junction

Sunset Junction....

what's your function?

With summer dwindling to a close, tens of thousands of Los Angeles residents descended on eastside hipster haven Silver Lake for the

Sunset Junction Street Festival, which was originally created 28 years ago to address neighborhood diversity

and improve the quality of life in the community of Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz and the greater Los Angeles area.














The festival resembled one big American Apparel ad. It was a visual homage to Angeleno hipsters and leggings wearing rocker-types . There was also an insane carnival ride that made me think I was in a scene from Hostel. My companion gracefully spewed her free Red Bull while I prayed to make it out alive.













Unfortunately, this year the death of one of the headliners blew
the Saturday lineup. A tribute to Mr. Issac Hayes's legacy at the Hoover Stage by the other half of Sam & Dave, Mr. Sam Moore.







Best places to keep your cool:

Reform School. Everywhere you look there's something cool that catches your eye. The recycled/handmade art and craft is steller.

Pull My Daisy. Great selection of locally handmade clothes and accessories, a few hip labels, plus some original quirky gifts and amazing window displays designed by local artists.

Barkeeper. Get your buzz on right. Cool like the last day of school, man. Check out the titanium infused unbreakable fine drinking glasses.

KICKS. Sneakers and stuff. Holla.

Giant Robat 2. Excellent place for unique gifts. Cute silly stickers, anime stationary and adorable stuffed animals. Art gallery in the back.

Le Pink & Company. Best place to pick up super cute gifts for the ladies in your life. The store is stocked full of hard to find bath and body goodies. Great selection of candles. Le romantique.

Matrushka Construction. They have beautiful dresses and the women who work there are super chill. If a dress doesn't fit you they will tailor it right there on the spot so that it fits you perfectly. Who does that? Umm. MS that's who.

Malo. It's a sunny LA afternoon, and for patron's that implies sipping a tasty beverage out on the patio.

(After all the lovely weather and kaleidoscope of sound and taste the appropriate thing than would be a nice hot shower and ample time to sleep it off.)

second city revisited

Chi-town threw some luck my way. I'm wrapped early! Time to get lost in the city.




Can't wait to check out a Second City Mainstage show tommorow.

So thrilled to see what the house of Belushi has spawned.

Time to take a cold shower and grab a bite before
my friend Pete picks me up to head to the House of Blues for
Devon Allman's Honeytribe.

North of Wilshire pre-game spot

Happy hour in Westwood?
If your looking for someplace to get a few drinks after work in Westwood and can't think of a single appealing spot then consider the Palomino as a promising option.

Palomino is head and shoulders the best happy hour in the area. If I recall correctly, a choice of beers or house wine is $3, all of their pizzas (slightly larger than personal size, apparently a woodburning oven, normally $10-13) are $5 each, and a selection of bar appetizers (e.g. calamari fritti) are half of their usual price. Very nice bar area with small two-tops and larger tables for groups..A choice of beers or house wine is $3, all of their pizzas (slightly larger than personal size, apparently a woodburning oven, normally $10-13) are $5 each, and a selection of bar appetizers (e.g. calamari fritti) are half of their usual price. Very nice bar area with small two-tops and larger tables for groups