Subject: Celebrations while travelling
Mark, We celebrated a great fete nationale in 1998 in New York City when France won the World Cup. This was unlike any street party I've ever attended. No hot dogs and beer...chablis, baguette and camembert were on offer. A day to remember. There is a sizeable French community in NYC and they always celebrate July 14th.

Two other memorable celebration days we had were in Australia. Having left cold and snow for the tropical heat of Northern Australia, we were surprised with a four course Christmas turkey lunch in Litchfield Park courtesy of our tour director (Koo-ee tours) who wanted to ensure that no one felt lonely on Christmas Day. Our tour group consisted of many Asians and Europeans so it was quite special. We celebrated New Year's Eve at a lodge in the Daintree Forest. An incredible experience. The Aussies started celebrating at 6:00 p.m. December 31st.

When trekking through the hills outside of Kathmandu, we saw evidence of the Deepali Festival (festival of lights) and were sorry to have arrived too late to celebrate.

One of the best parts of travelling is participating in local festivities. One day, I'll be at the August Tomatina Festival in Valencia or the Paris Chocolate Festival in the Fall. Lucy, Toronto