BEETHOVEN’S BONN
Ludwig van Beethoven was born in December 1770 in the building that is now known as the Beethoven-Haus. Records don’t show on what date he was actually born, but parish records show he was baptised on 17 December in the Church of St Remigius on Remigiusplatz. The church no longer exists. Beethoven went on to become the most frequently performed classical composer in the world.
To celebrate this anniversary, the Federal Republic of Germany, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Rhine-Sieg district and the city of Bonn have all joined forces for BTHVN2020, with a whole range of events throughout the year. Beethoven’s music will be highlighted in concerts, exhibitions, operas, ballet and theatre productions or symposia and outreach programmes. Visitors will also be able to experience a multimedia tour of stations that will bring the composer ‘back to life’. bthvn2020.de/en
STEPPING OUT ALONG BONDI TO MANLY WALK
There might be a fierce rivalry between Bondi and Manly about which beach is better, but with the Bondi to Manly Walk now open, you can enjoy the highlights of both. This 80-kilometre walking track links both beach suburbs, covering spectacular coastal cliffs, harbourside paths, historic houses, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, stunning bushland, Indigenous heritage and views that will knock your socks off. There is also a digital app so walkers cannot take a wrong turn. bonditomanly.com
AFRICA TRAVEL MARVEL
The highlight of any African adventure is seeing the amazing display of wildlife in world-renowned parks such as Kruger, Chobe, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Travelmarvel can make this a reality, with meticulously planned itineraries ensuring guests make the most of their time on African soil. Journey in search of the famous Big Five, be awed by myriad birdlife and marvel at the diverse landscapes under the guidance of local expert game drivers, and with a dedicated Travelmarvel tour director on hand. At night, stay in the heart of Africa’s most magnificent game reserves in stylish lodges handpicked for their location and comfort. Travelmarvel has a 15-day Cape Town to Chobe tour, which takes in everything from parks, Victoria Falls and more. travelmarvel.com.au/Africa2020
NEW TREKS FOR THE INTREPID
Intrepid Travel has revealed its new trekking trips for 2020, in locales that, in some cases, are unexpected. From Armenia to Guatemala, Japan to Ethiopia, the new range takes trekkers beyond the usual suspects.
“Iconic treks like Everest Base Camp and the Inca Trail will always be popular and with good reason,” says Sarah Clark, managing director for APAC at Intrepid Travel. “But, we want to encourage travellers to consider some of the world’s amazing, but undertouristed places, where they can challenge themselves and experience the achievement of a trek in some off-grid destinations. From hiking 110km through the Caucasus mountain range in Armenia, trekking through the jungle in Guatemala or summiting Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak, this is adventure at its best.” intrepidtravel.com/au/theme/walking
THE CATS CAME BACK
Burmese cats, those royals of the cat world, hail from Burma – now Myanmar. But not that long ago there were no purebred Burmese left in this beautiful country. With the help of China Exploration & Research Society (CERS), an old rice mill on the canals of Inn Paw Khon village in Inle Lake was purchased in 2008, to house seven pedigree cats to ensure the breed was never lost from its rightful home again. There are now 32 cats, who live like royalty at what is now the Inle Heritage Centre. They are looked after by human minions and doted on by visitors who can come in and play, cuddle, and pat the cats on a strict schedule. This place is basically cat heaven, with large ‘villas’ for them to sleep in, playrooms full of gadgets and climbing poles for curious felines, and a lounge room where cats can do what they do best: lounge around. The Heritage Centre is also home to an aquarium, has an exceptional Inthar restaurant, accommodation, and a cooking school. inleheritage.org; memoriesgroup.com