|
Globe Guides take us on a journey through
the Mediterranean, Tahiti, Peru and
Britain. June is a fantastic month to explore
Mediterranean Europe and experience world class
festivals.
Cuzco, the Florence of Latin America, known
above all for its art and architecture, is Peru's
oldest continuously inhabited city. Most of the
city's original buildings were razed to the ground
 by the Spanish conquistadors and replaced with
Mediterranean ones; the city celebrates its most
important day in the Peruvian calendar with the
colourful and majestic festival of the Inti
Raymi. Revived in 1944 following its suppression
by the Spanish, Inti Raymi takes place on the
24th June. The festival is a re-enactment of the
Inca sun festival that took place during the winter
solstice. Originally a religious ceremony lasting
for a week, the festival has become more of a
pageant based on the ceremony and climaxes with
the sacrifice of a llama for the auguries of the
coming year.
Meanwhile, Ian Wright starts out in French
Corsica moving on to the west coast of
Italy's Sardinia to experience some exhilarating
water sports.
For those who prefer the more frenetic holiday
experience, The Greek Islands are a clubbers
dream; head to Paradise Island in Mykonos,
its 24-hour party capital. The island also has some lovely secluded beaches and country lanes.
Alternatively, travellers can head north and experience
the Setu people's Singing Festival in Estonia,
or join the celebrations of the midsummer sunset
in Latvia.
Jonathan Atherton stays in London
where he watches a parade of the Queen's Guard
and rubs shoulders with high society and compares
notes on some rather extravagant headwear at Royal
Ascot.
We meet up with Ian again as he watches the 'Calcio
Storico' in Florence. A traditional yet violent
sport, the game combines rugby, football wrestling
and boxing. One of Florence's most colourful events,
four teams of strapping lads representing the
city's ancient quarters - Santa Croce, Santo Spirito
and San Giovanni battle it out for supremacy on
the sandy pitch in the centre of the square.
We then move on to the city of Pisa, a
once a glorious maritime republic which revives
its past with a regatta and the city's spectacular
Giocco del Ponte in which six teams test
their strength and stamina in a push-of-war dating
back to the 13th century.
Further north, Holly Morris ventures through
the majestic spires and limestone towers of Italy's
stunning Dolomite Mountains. Ladders and
cables have been added for climbers over the years
and the area has become known as the Via Ferrata or the "Iron Way". Holly climbs for two days over
some spectacular scenery via the famous Scala
degli Amici or the "Ladder of Friends", until
she reaches the Breta Pass.
Our last port of call is Tahiti where
Ian is guest at a display of skill and strength
as locals pit their wits against each other in
the annual strongman competition. We see
novel ways to open coconuts, palm tree climbing
and rock lifting. |
