Prague Jazz Festival (23rd - 30 Nov 2007 (annual)

When it comes to music, the Czech's take their jazz very seriously and what better time to visit Prague than the last week of November when the Annual Prague Jazz Festival is held. During the dark years of communism, it was jazz that symbolised the artistic and personal freedom in a society that wanted to suppress such bourgeois tendences. Started in 1964, the event has featured a galaxy of jazz giants including Don Cherry, Keith Jarrett and Ornette Coleman.

This year the festival is being held at some wonderful venues including Lucerna Music Bar, the Prague Congress Centre, Reduta (Narodni 20) and the Rock Cafe (Narodni 20). Highlights of the line-up for 2007 include Pee Wee Ellis and Dee Dee Bridgewater and you should expect to hear an excellent mix of classic sounds and more modern cuts and experimental forms. This year, don't expect Bill Clinton to repeat his rendition of "Funny Valentine" but you should hear some exciting sounds that will certainly make you come back for more.

For accommodation in Prague, why not try the Vlasska apartment in Prague.

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How to become a real Sevillian (at least for a few hours)

When Sevillians decide to go out for a "tapa" (light snack) and a drink, they often think of it as an opportunity to visit a number of distinct bars and to have a little something in each one. This idea, colloquially, is called "ir de tapas" (going for Tapas) and loosely resembles the idea of "bar hopping". The streets, squares and bars of Seville are brought to life by locals (and tourists) taking part in this special tradition. Included you will find a map which indicates some of the areas where you can enjoy "tapas" in Seville.

The name "TAPA" comes from an old tradition of having a slice of any cured meat whilst drinking a glass of wine. This was done, in essence, to conserve the aroma of the wine. Later on the types and quantities increased and "tapas" began to be served on small, round plates. Today "tapas" vary greatly from one bar to another with the quantity always being mouthful large enough to appreciate whatever one is trying. The concept of "comer de tapas" (making a meal of "tapas") arose from this idea of eating a variety of small dishes instead of a main dish. In Seville, eating out at a restaurant can prove to be quite expensive while dining on "tapas" offers one a wide range of dishes at a reasonable price. "Tapas" include dishes such as "cocina casera" (home-made dishes),"chacina" (cured meats), "marisco" (seafood), "caracoles" (snails), "pescadito frito" (fried fish), "revueltos" (scrambled eggs) and "ensaladas" (salads) which can be found in almost any bar.

The action of "ir the tapas" is normally done standing and on foot from bar to bar or "bodega" to "bodega". It is useful to know that if eating while standing at the bar most establishments will charge separately for the drink and the "tapa", so one is free to order another "tapa" without having to order another drink. Bartenders and waiters tend to verbally list these dishes all in one go. The typical rite is to ask "Qué hay de tapas?"(What "tapas" are there?) followed by the list which, if one finds impossible to catch due to the speed at which it is recited, is usually written on a small, easily visible blackboard.

Bottled wine can be found in any bar. Typical wines from the Seville area include white wines and "fino" (pale,dry sherries which make good aperitifs), "manzanilla" (pale,dry,white fortified wine) from Sanlúcar de la Barrameda, "moscatel" (sweet wine) from Chipiona and "fino" from Jerez, Puerto de Santa María, Chiclana (Cádiz) and from the Condado County (Huelva).
These wines are usually less expensive than other bottled wines and are equally delicious.
Need Seville Centro apartments? Visit the Seville Tourism Board site.

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