business travellerpolandbergenbarcelonariga

www.businesstraveller.pl | 9,60 zł (VAT included)| NR 6-7/2012 (28) July-august 2012|

namibia P as-de- C alaisbeverly hills

nr 7-8 /2012 (28)july-august 2012

ISSN 2080-7228 indeks 256765 cities for holidays

bergen ❘ barcelona ❘ riga ❘ namibia ❘ Pas-de-Calais ❘ beverly hills C o n t e n t | July-August 2012

Editorial 4 On Top • Hotel, restaurant, and airline news 6 • What’s On- major cultural events of July&August 12 Bezpłatny, • Books and Music 36 Cover Story Ideal Cities for Holidays 14

Describet places Tried&Tested • OLT Express A320 Economy class 20 • Enter Air Boeing 737-400 22 szybki • Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena 24 •Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel 26 Internet • Tissot Sea Touch 30 • Samsonite Cubelite 32 • Pure Sky Club at Skylight Building 34 Ponieważ w biznesie liczy się dobre połączenie. W ponad 200* hotelach w Europie, Afryce i na Bliskim Wschodzie Report • Top Global Rail Links 38 zapewniamy naszym gościom bezpłatny dostęp do szybkiego internetu. Air Travel • Sipping Tea on the Great Wall 44 * Pełną listę hoteli z darmowym internetem można znaleźć • Poland is a perfect na stronie www.radissonblu.com/freebroadband country for flying 48 • Airport Made in China 64 Hotels •Best wines at the Sheraton 50 • Hotel Business in the 21st century The Strategy of Accor Groupe 52

Destinations • Between the Desert Ateny • Berlin • Bruksela • Budapeszt • Kopenhaga • Gdańsk • Hamburg • Lizbona and the Ocean 54 •Pas-de-Calais Istambuł • Kaliningrad • Kijów • Kraków • Mediolan • Moskwa • Praga • Ryga • Rzym • Sofia Closer than the North 60 St. Petersburg • Szczecin • Tallin • Tbilisi • Wilno • Warszawa • Wrocław • Wiedeń • Zurych • Let’s meet... at the Source of Life 66 i wiele innych miast. • 4 Hours in... Beverly Hills 80 Tastes of the World • Land of Ice Cream 68 radissonblu.com • Two Nebbiolo Schools 72

Moto&Techno • Volkswagen Forever 74 App Store News • Holiday Applications 78

Ask Peter 82 holidays in the

Business Traveller Poland ul. Świętokrzyska 36, 00-116 Warszawa tel. +48 22 455 38 14, +fax +48 22 455 38 13 city can be fun! www.businesstraveller.pl

Redaktor naczelna Marzena Mróz hose who don’t like lying lazily on a beach [email protected] chair, don’t feel like hiking along crowded Sekretarz redakcji Joanna Kadej-Krzyczkowska mountain trails, try to avoid noisy lakes full [email protected] T Dyrektor artystyczny Barbara Scharf of speeding motorboats , will probably be glad to go [email protected] on holidays in the city. Cities can be truly beautiful, Skład/łamanie LACRIMA interesting, inspiring and… full of mysteries. They [email protected] Wydawnictwo ul. Świętokrzyska 36, can impress and surprise, which can’t really be said R&S Media Sp. z o.o. 00-116 Warszawa about the predictable atmosphere of most beaches. tel. +48 22 455 38 33 fax +48 22 455 38 13 If you decide to visit Barcelona or Seville in July od Wydawca Robert Grzybowski August, I can guarantee you won’t be bored for even [email protected] a second. The Norwegian Bergen, which is Szef serwisu www.businesstraveller.pl Filip Gawryś considered the capital of the land of fjords, offers [email protected] lots of sights, but also delicious food, including Koordynator Wojciech Tymiński herring, shrimp and fresh crab. Eivissa, one of the [email protected] most intriguing places in the Balearics, isn’t just Reklama, sponsoring [email protected] Dystrybucja, prenumerata TM Media, about monuments, but also the best clubs and Al. Jana Pawla II 61 lok. 239 discos in the world, which allow you to relax and tel.+48 22 252 80 38 fax +48 22 252 55 07 forget about everyday life. Those who haven’t been Druk Drukarnia TINTA to Riga, should definitely make up for this negligen- Business Traveller ce. This city, considered one of the most beautiful Managing director Julian Gregory Perry Publications, Cardinal House, in Europe, will amaze even the most discerning 39-40 Albemarle Street, London, travellers. W1S 4TE tel. +44 (0)20 76 47 63 30 Just like the unknown, beautifully located Bonifa- www.businesstraveller.com cio, which is considered the most photogenic city of Corsica. In the US, Business Traveler is published at 303 Fifth Those cities, which we write about in this month’s Avenue, 1308, NY 10016, tel 1 212 725 3500. In Germany, Business Traveller is published at Schulstrasse 34, 80634 issue, are just the beginning. I wish you a wonder- Munich, tel. 89 167 9971, fax 89 167 9937. In Denmark, Business Traveller ful holiday, hoping that you will eventually find a is published at Rymarksvej 46, 2900 Hellerup, tel. 45 3311 4413, fax 45 3311 4414. In Hungary, Business city that will both enchant and inspire you. Enjoy Traveller is published at 1074 Budapest, Munkas utca 9, tel. 36 1266 5853. In Hong Kong, Business Traveller your reading. Asia-Pacific and China are published at Suite 405 4/F Chinachem Exchange Square, 1 Hoi Wan Street, Quarry Bay, tel. 852 2594 9300, fax 852 2519 6846. In the Middle East, Business Traveller Middle East is published jointly by Motivate Publishing, PO Box 2331, Dubai UAE, tel. 9714 282 4060, and Perry Publications. In Africa, Business Traveller Africa is published by Future Publishing (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 3355, Rivonia 2128, South Africa, tel. 27 11 803 2040. Marzena Mróz © 2009 Perry Publications Ltd – a subsidiary of Panacea Publishing International Ltd, United Kingdom Editor-in-Chief B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | On Top

Air France KLM Stay online Internet on board SAS Łódź- Copenhagen Air France and KLM have anno- unced the launch of a joint Inter- Hotel New SAS route net connection programme on board their aircraft. Passengers Zakopane in winter flight schedule traveling on long-haul flights will soon have access to global With the beginning of the winter schedule, SAS Scandinavian network resources and will the Litwor Airlines will launch a new route from Łódź to Copenhagen. ability to communicate via email. is like the With SAS now operating at Łódź Airport, the city has received Air France and KLM are planning the first and only direct regular connection to a major inter- mountains... national hub, which may be crucial fact, especially for foreign ... or at least it guarantees investors who increasingly express their interest in the region. similarly incredible experien- Cruises on the new route will start on the October 29, 2012 ce. This five-star hotel has for year and will be carried out six times a week: on all days except years enjoyed a reputation of Saturdays, according to the schedule: the most elegant place in the - departure from Copenhagen at 12.20 am, arrival in Łódź at Tatra Mountains. 1.35 pm, The hotel offers its guests - departure from Łodź, at 2.15 pm, arriving in Copenhagen at accommodation in beautifully 3.30 pm. decorated rooms, exquisite The flights will be operated by CRJ200 aircraft which can seat and varied cuisine in Koneser up to 50 passengers. Ticket prices start at PLN 435 (one way, restaurant, as well as ultimate all taxes and fees included). relaxation in the recreation The aircraft departing Łódź will land at Copenhagen Kastrup area of the hotel. airport, which is the main hub of SAS airline and one of the most favourite ports among passengers. Kastrup has won to launch the testing programme many prestigious awards, mostly thanks to its passenger-frien- on selected intercontinental Hotel dly characteristics and cosy atmosphere. routes since February 2013. This will be possible thanks to coope- Best Western Plus ration with Panasonic Avionics. The service will allow customers to stay connected with the on- Aleksandrów line environment through text Palace messages or e-mails. The Inter- net access will enable broadcast Best Western - the world's of television and radio program- largest hotel family is in top mes, thus considerably enriching form. This year the hotel the present offer. On a website group will gain a new mem- specially designed for online ber - Alexandrów Palace in access, a wide range of services Samotwór near Wrocław. This will be offered for free, such as the latest news, various TV will be the first such hotel in channels, relevant information Poland, operating under the on the airline company and the brand Best Western Plus offe- destination chosen, as well as ring higher standards of stay. a unique online magazine offer. The unique offer will certainly The Internet access will be ava- be appreciated by both indivi- ilable for a flat fee for passengers dual travellers wishing to relax with laptops, tablets and smart- in luxury and business custo- phones with Wi-Fi. It will also mers. The hotel will start ope- be possible to send e-mails and rating under the new brand in text messages from your mobile the autumn this year. phone while you travel.

6 | July/August 2012

2012_05 VAIO sonic 208x275 BTP.indd 1 6/15/12 2:09 PM B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | On Top

Rezidor Hotel Group Dynamic development New Radisson Blu hotel in Kiev

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide and a member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, an- nounces the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv Podil in Ukraine. The property Lufthansa featuring 163 guest rooms is scheduled to open in Q4 2012. Airbus A380 “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the growing market of Kiev. Seven years ago, we opened our first Radisson Blu hotel here which was the first internationally branded hotel in Kiev and Ukraine. Lufthansa inaugurates „Berlin” Airbus A380 Today, we are pleased to complement our offer with this beautiful property”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. The ninth Airbus A380 in the fleet of Lufthansa has been named stened "Berlin" by the then-mayor of the city, Willy Brandt. Since The new Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv Podil will be located in Podil, the "Berlin". The formal ceremony at Berlin's Tegel airport was atten- then, the flagship aircraft of Lufthansa, have always flown bearing heart of old Kiev, close to the Dnieper River. It will comprise 163 ro- ded by the mayor of Berlin - Klaus Wowereit, and Lufthansa’s CEO the name of the German capital on the fuselage. The new A380 oms with Radisson Blu signature services such as free high speed in- Christoph Franz. The symbolic christening of the flagship aircraft has also been decorated with the city's coat of arms depicting a ternet access, a restaurant, bar and lounge, ample meeting space and of Lufthansa emphasises the importance of the German capital for bear. Similarly to other A380 aircraft, "Berlin" will operate on long- a generous wellness centre as well as underground parking bays. The the development of the leading European airline. -distance flights to the USA and the Far East. hotel is surrounded by historical buildings and monuments dating Since June, Tegel airport has been a base for 15 Airbus aircraft. Ticket prices for flights from Berlin start at €49 (including taxes back to the 18th century. The area is a favorite tourist destination for Lufthansa Group together with its partners flies from Berlin to 50 and fees, baggage fee, and meals served on board ). Passengers those who enjoy strolls along the pleasant pedestrian roads flanked cities in Europe and the Mediterranean.For the German carrier the can also earn miles in Lufthansa's Miles & More programme. You by cafés and boutiques. The square in front of the hotel is an active ceremony was continuation of the tradition, which began more can book your ticket at lufthansa.com, via hotline on 0801 312 312 part of the Kiev cultural community and often used for outdoor public festivities like music concerts and fairs. than half a century ago. In 1960, Boeing 707-430 aircraft was chri- and 22 33 81 300, as well as via a travel agency. 208x134,5.pdf 1 6/27/2012 12:01:28 PM

Airline Hotel Finnair Novotel Warszawa Airport cel – Daleki Wschód New interior Finnair, one of the most dynamic European air carriers, is changing its strategy. The airline intends to focus on the most profitable routes between Europe and the Far East, mainly to China. Last year, Finnair recorded a turnover of €2.3 billion, carrying 8 million passengers. It plans to offer 13 connections to the Far East this year with several dozen others in further

years. The Finnish carrier wants majority of passengers flying C

from Europe to the Far East to select the port in Helsinki as M their transfer hub.In 2012, Finnair flies to thirteen cities in the Far East, including Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Y Hong - Kong, Singapore, and - most recently the Chinese ag- CM

glomeration of Chongqing. MY

The hotel in Warsaw is one of four Polish Novotel hotels, which in CY

recent months, underwent a thorough renovation. The investment CMY was especially to meet the expectations of guests to EURO 2012 championship. K Following the renovation works which were completed in early May, the lobby and the reception area, as well as the bar, the restaurant and some rooms received new decor. The hotel’s public spaces are designed in modern style with warm shades of fuchsia and orange. - “The decor of the public spaces is based primarily on geometric shapes, simplicity and functionality. The colours impose good mood and give you energy,” says Agnieszka Kowalska, an architect from the design office Tremend, which prepared the renovation project.

8 | July/August 2012 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | On Top

Fashion Charter Flights Autumn-Winter 2012/2013 Airbus A320 SIMPLE CREATIVE PRODUCTS New Polish carrier

A new Polish charter airline named Bingo Airways started its operation by launching a new connection on board its first Airbus A320 aircraft. By the end of 2012, the carrier’s fleet will increase by three aircraft. Bingo Airways flies to countries of the Mediterra- nean (Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Spain and Tunisia), departing PLL LOT from Warsaw Chopin Airport LOT on holiday and Katowice Pyrzowice. The new A320 aircraft equ- Fly to Beirut ipped with IAE V2500 engines have a single class configura- Guests invited to the show by Simple Creative Products were LOT Polish Airlines has resu- tion, and take 180 passengers amazed to see a venue which had been known only to few of med direct flights from Warsaw on board. them, as they show of the company's autumn collection took to Beirut, the capital of Leba- non. The connection will be place in the interiors of Warsaw Electric Locomotive Depot. seasonal, which means that the “Showing the collection inspired by Dior’s New Look in elegant operations will be performed Promotion surroundings would be too obvious and we wanted to surprise until 16 September 2012, that Miles&More our guests. “We didn’t want to interfere with the nature of the is until the end of holiday high place as we planned to show it as it is on a daily basis. That’s season. why we decided to treat the cars and elevators standing in the The route will be served by Fly with depot as a part of the scenery,” explained Lidia Kalita – the Embraer aircraft three times a T-Mobile designer who presented a lot of designs inspired by the 1950s week. Departures from Warsaw T-Mobile has prepared a but made of modern fabrics and in futuristic colours. Some of (flight OL 145) are scheduled special promotion for entre- them included coats with large buttons, flared skirts and A-line every Saturday, Monday and preneurs. If they sign up or mini dresses. Wednesday at 10.30 pm. They will arrive in Beirut the following extend their current contract The show’s final featured appearance of the brand's face, a day at 3.00 am. Return flights with the operator, the can top model Monika Jac Jagaciak, known for the world's Chanel will depart Beirut (flight OL receive up to extra 40,000 campaigns. The guests included numerous celebrities, such as 146) on Sunday, Tuesday and miles in the Miles & More Małgorzata Kożuchowska, Małgorzata Socha, Edyta Herbuś, Thursday at 4.00 am. Scheduled programme. The miles can Aleksandra Kwaśniewska, Anna Czartoryska, and the top model arrival date is 6.35 am. be redeemed, for example, Magdalena Frąckowiak, who was the face of Simple CP label The resumed connection to for free flights across Europe. last year. Beirut has already been quite popular among passengers. More details at Current occupancy rate is 80%. www.t-mobile.pl It’s worth noting that the first regular connection between Warsaw and Beirut was laun- ched by LO as early as in 1939. The Polish carrier resumed the connection with a stopover in Burgas, and then in Larnaca, in 1980s. In 2010, Beirut was one of nine new connections launched by LOT and now it’s a seasonal one.

10 | July/August 2012 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | On Top

What’s on The Most Anticipated Events in July&August

Nuremberg Vienna delicious early Dürer Mozart concerts Germanisches National Summer 2012, Viennese restaurants and concert halls Museumuntil 2 September The renowned Vienna Mozart Orchestra plays in equally famous Vien- „Early Albrecht Dürer” is the biggest nese concert halls of the National Opera, the Musikverein, or the Ho- exhibition of works by the artist for fburg. The orchestra’s summer concert programme features a remar- over 40 years and the first one devoted kable treat. First, the organizers invite you to an exquisite dinner at one to his early work compared to the art of of the best Viennese restaurants, and then a page dressed in a Mozart this period. Germanisches National- costume escorts them to a carriage which takes them to a concert hall. museum displays over 200 exhibits. In the interval guests have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of sparkling Apart from the works of the master, wine and to talk to the members of the ensemble. Ticket prices vary from there are also paintings by his con- €90 to €250. For more info go to www.viennaconcerts.com temporaries, including Hans Pleyden- wurff, Michael Wolgemut and Martin Schongauer. The exhibition comprises works of the artist until 1505, including self-portraits and portraits, nature stu- dies, drawings, engravings and wood- cuts. der-fruehe-duerer.gnm.de Warsaw „Art Everywhere The Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw 1904-1944 „ Zachęta, until 26 August This remarkable exhibition shows how art and life intermingled during the times of the Second Polish Republic. It’s worth paying special at- tention to presentation of projects and works which are still present in the city, such as the Airmen’s Monument. The exhibition also includes advertisements of that era (posters, flyers, signs and decorations sites) as well as book graphics. One of the most eye-catching items in the exhibition is the reconstructed atrium of the Polish Pavilion at the 1925 exhibition in Paris. Visitors to the exhibition can also see selected frag- ments of the interior decor aboard Polish Transatlantic cruise ships. For Munich summer Spędź niezapomniane lato na wySpie Uznam. more info go to www.zacheta.art.pl opera festival Bezpośrednio przy pięknej plażowej promenadzie w Heringsdorfie, nasz luksusowy kompleks hotelowy czeka na Ciebie. Hotel położony 23 June -31 July jest w ślicznym parku, składa się z dwóch budynków o charakterze rezydencji , dwóch historycznych willi oraz klubu dla dzieci. Każdy ze Munich opera festival, which takes place each summer, is rich in tradi- 187 pokoi o powierzchni co najmniej 36 m2 jak również przestrzenne apartamenty zapewnią doskonały wypoczynek. tion. It’s known in Germany and abroad as the Münchner Opernfest- Nasze restauracje serwują zarówno dania wykwintne jak i dania kuchni regionalnej, mamy całą gamę pyszności na każde podniebienie. spiele with performances of soloists supported by Bayerische Staatso- A wszystkim, którzy szukają ciszy i relaksu, nasze Baltic Sea Grand Spa o powierzchni 2,000 m2 zapewni przyjemną atmosferę. Baseny per (Bavarian State Opera), Bayerisches Staatsorchester (Bavarian State Orchestra) and Bayerisches Staatsballett (Bavarian Ballet). The first fe- zewnętrzny i wewnętrzny, przestronna sauna jak również siłownia szybko pozwolą Ci oderwać się od codzienności. stival was held in 1875. Z bezpośrednimi połączeniami Eurolotu z Warszawy i Krakowa do Heringsdorfu będziesz mógł oddać się niczym niezmąconemu There will be two Opera for All performances during the Munich Ope- luksusowi w okamgnieniu. ra Festival! On two days, the Bavarian State Opera invites you to enjoy an opera and a concert evening in an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere Steigenberger Grandhotel and Spa Heringsdorf Dalsze informacje i rezerwacje na on the Max-Joseph-Platz and on the Marstallplatz. Admission to both Liehrstraße 11 · 17424 Heringsdorf/Usedom · Germany www.steigenberger.com events is free! For more info go to www.bayerische.staatsoper.de Telefon +49 38378 495-0 [email protected] · www.heringsdorf.steigenberger.de

12 | July/August 2012 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Cover Story Cover Story | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r Ideal cities for holidays Cities are becoming a increasingly popular holiday option. You will never be bored in Barcelona, in a bad mood in Riga or have a family quarrel in Seville. Marzena Mróz recommends six cities worth exploring this summer

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Barcelona Stella D'Oro – delicacies from land as well 1.Gaudi, shopping and beaches as from the sea; One of the most fascinating and inspiring www.bonifacio.com cities in the world. The capital of Catalo- Getting there Take a flight from War- nia with the famous Rambla - 2-kilometre saw to Nice, and them a ferry or plane to promenade from Plaça de Catalunya to the Figari in the south of the island. monument of Columbus in the port, a city of Gaudi, Miro and Carreras, the fashion Eivissa The capital of Ibiza, and design centre with Gothic Old Town. 3.which never sleeps. An ideal place for holidays for those who If you want the best views, it's best to travel appreciate good food, sophisticated Hotels:, by ship from Barcelona. The sight of the shopping and hot Spanish temperament. oold Dalt Vila town, which stretches from Sights and attractions. The port and La the ship can't be compared to anything else, Rambla promenade, where there are doz- not only in the Balearic Islands. This city of ens of cafes, restaurants and bars serving white houses made of stone and surrounded the famous Spanish starters - tapas; the with oleander bushes, founded by the Phoe- buildings by Gaudi: Sagrada Familia, Park nicians in the half of the 7th century BC, Güell , Casa Vicens, Casa Batllo, the Gothic with a spectacular Santa Maria d'Eivissa Quarter, especially the cathedral from 13th Cathedral, during the night changes into an century, Barcelonetta - a port district, where ideal place for dancing and fun. you can eat the best seafood, FB football Sights and attractions. stadium, shops by Avinguda Diagonal and The old town with its steep and narrow Passeig de Gracia. streets, Plaça d'Espanya, with the city hall, Hotels a flower and fruit fair Es Mercat Vell, Vara Hotel Arts - exceptional! de Rey passage with the best shop in the www.hotelartsbarcelona.com whole island, beaches: de Talamanca, de ses Hotel Majestic – stylowy; www.hotelmajes- Figuertes, and Sant Rafael, known for its tic.es clubs: "Amnesia" and "Privilege". Restaurants Hotels 7 Portes – legendary! www.7portes.com El Palacio - in the very centre of Dalt Vila; El Botafumeiro – famous for its seafood; www.elpalacio.com; El Corsario - oversee- www.botafumeiro.es ing the bay and the city: www.elcorsario. Getting there There's a direct LOT com flight from Warsaw. Restaurants El Cigarral - excellent Mediterranean cui- Bonifacio sine; www.elcigarral.com; La Oliva - tradi- 2. The most photogenic city in Corsica. tional cuisine of Ibiza, in the centre of the Bonifacio port, inhabited by only 2,500 peo- Old Town; www.laolivaibiza.com ple in low season, is surrounded by 60-me- Getting there By plane (in summer sea- tre high rocks. The Old Town is situated so son there's a direct flight from Warsaw) to close to the spectacular cliffs, that it seems Barcelona, and then by ferry. any sea storm could make this beautiful neighbourhood disappear. Riga Sights and attractions. Upper City with its 4. It’s a green city for lovers. elegant restaurants and boutiques, Sutta The capital of Latvia is a very green and pic- Rocca beach from which you can see rock turesque city, located by the River Daugava. landforms; a citadel and a vantage point, Of all its 22 parks, we recommend the one from which you can admire the spectacular with The Lovers Bridge, where lovers hang view of La Maniche. You should also visit padlock on the trees and throw the keys into King Aragon's Steps - there are 187 steps, the river. Apparently, it guarantees your love which, as the legend has it, were curved in will last forever. rock overnight in 1420. Sights and attractions. Charming streets Hotels with merchant houses typical for northern La Caravelle – rooms with the best view; cities, like Weigh House, House of the Black- www.hotelrestaurant-lacaravelle-bonifacio. heads, as well as a complex of colourful tene- com; ment houses called "Three brother"; The old Le Roy D'Aragon – in the heart of the city; town with St. Peter's church from 1209, Riga www.royaragon.com Restaurants Bonifacio port, inhabited by only 2,500 people in low season, is surrounded by 60-metre high rocks. Restaurant Du Centre Nautique – elegant, overseeing the port; www.centre-nautique. The Old Town is situated so close to the spectacular cliffs, that it seems any sea storm could make this com beautiful neighbourhood disappear.

16 | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | 17 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Cover Story Temat z okładki | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

Zaawansowane rozwiązania telekomunikacji IP dla biznesu

It's worth taking a ride by Fløibanen funicular railway to one of the seven nearby peaks. They say that if you haven't been there to look at the panorama of the city, you haven't seen Bergen.

Castle from the 14th century, Art Nouveau shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars; as during the heavy rain. This is the city of tenement houses - the most beautiful are on a park next to Bergenhus Fortress in the Byron's characters: Don Juan and Carmen Alberta street, Elizabetes street and Urlandes north of Bryggen, Troldhaugen museum, Bizeta, as well as the Barber from the opera street. where you can learn about the most famous by Rossini. This is where Magellan started Hotels dweller of Bergen - the Norwegian compos- his around-the-world voyage. Today, the city Grand Palace - the best in the city, er Edvard Grieg. At the waterside of Vågen is famous for its nightlife. www.grandpalaceriga.com; Bay, there is a fish fair of Torget, where you Sights and attractions A monumental cathe- Old City Boutique Hotel – a modern one, in can try fresh herrings, crabs and shrimps, dral with the Giralda, Alkazar - a royal pal- the Old Town, www.oldcityhotel.lv as well as taste the meat of raindeer. In or- ace, which origins date back to the times of Restaurants der to see the city from a different perspec- caliphate, and visited by Columbus and Ma- Put Vejini – Latvian cuisine, tive, you can take a ride by a funicular rail to gellan; Barrio de Santa Cruz - a former Jew- www.putvejini.lv; Fløyen hill and admire the beautiful views ish district, today full of fashionable shops Nostalgija – European cuisine, of the neighbourhood. and restaurants; Plaza de España, where you www.nostalgija.lv Hotels can sense the atmosphere of the old Seville; Getting there By car or by plane with Thon Hotel Bristol – perfectly located; www. Calle Sierpes - a fashionable meeting place iPECS-LIK iPECS-ES iPECS-MG Air Baltic from Warsaw or Gdańsk. thonHotels:.com; stretching from La Campana to Plaza de Scandic Bergen City – modern and comfort- San Francisco, Plaza Alfalfa - where you can Bergen able; www.scandicHotels:.com dance all night long - not only flamenco. 5.With a view over fjords. Restaurants Hotels The whole life of this charming Norwegian Wesselstuen – sophsticated; Casa de Carmona – an aristocratic mansion city is concentrated around its port and the www.wesselstuen.no; Dickens – the best from 16th century; www.casacarmona.com Hanseatic district of Bryggen, listed as the seafood in the heart of the city; www.dick- Parador Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro – a mu- UNESCO World Heritage site. When visit- ensbergen.no jedar building with a view over the city; ing a fish fair on the waterside, you can try Getting there There's a direct flight with www.parador.es seafood straight from the fisherman's boat. low-budget Air Norwegian from Warsaw, or Restaurants Bergen is worth seeing especially because from Cracow - with a stopover in Oslo. Corral del Agua – a patio in a 18th century of its unique atmosphere. The city is inhab- building; www.corraldelagua.es ited by 230,000 people, and every day there Seville Egana-Oriza – located near a tobacco fac- Telefony SIP SBG – 1000 are interesting events, concerts and festi- 6. The city of Carmen and Don Juan tory, where - as the legend has it - Carmen vals. It could be called the cultural centre of The chorus of a Spanish song goes: "Who from the opera worked, dishes inspired by Norway. haven't seen Seville, has never looked with Basque cuisine; www.restauranteoriza.com Sights and attractions. Old merchant houses amazement". It's an ideal place for holiday at Getting there By plane with a stopover ITSA Professional Services Sp. z o.o. LG-Ericsson jest południowokoreańskim producentem wysokiej klasy and warehouses, today housing souvenir every season, in the heat of summer, as well in one of the European cities. Al. Jerozolimskie 94, 00-807 Warszawa urządzeń telekomunikacyjnych i informatycznych, reprezentowanym Tel. 22 393 30 30 przez firmę ITSA Professional Services – wyłącznego importera 18 | July/August 2012 www.itsaps.pl produktów LG-Ericsson w Polsce. [email protected] Tried & Tested Airline Miami–Mediolan Malpensa Postaw na płytę Marka Siemens nieustannie doskonali technologiĘ OLT Express A320 pŁyt indukcyjnych, co pozwoliŁo opracowaĆ ich nowĄ generacjĘ. NazwaliŚmy jĄ „freeinduction”

Economy class Indukcja bez granic Bezpieczeństwo przede wszystkim Brak podziału na pola grzewcze – to rewolucyjne rozwiązanie Walory płyty Siemens EH801KU11E z technologią freeInduction sprawia, że wystarczy umieścić naczynie na powierzchni, a płyta uzupełnia przydatna funkcja powerBoost. Dodatkowo przyspiesza rozpozna jego położenie i nagrzeje je błyskawicznie. Bez względu czas grzania o 50%. Płyty indukcyjne Siemens mają ponadto na wymiary garnka, brytfanny lub patelni, możemy dowolnie funkcję elektronicznego wykrywania obecności naczyń i wyłączają przestawiać i przesuwać naczynie po całej powierzchni płyty. się samoczynnie, jeżeli nie stanie na nich garnek czy patelnia. Nie trzeba zmieniać ustawień, płyta freeInduction zapamięta je sama. Czy można wyobrazić sobie większy komfort użytkowania?

Powierzchnia FIRST IMPRESSIONS board and flight attendants crew was very efficient, help- 1400 cm2 daje mnóstwo możliwości, pozwala dowolnie rozmieścić Oferta Siemens obejmuje pełną gamę sprzętu gospodarstwa I arrived at the airport an hour served water on request. ful and attentive. It wasn’t easy domowego: od chłodziarek, piekarników, płyt grzewczych before the scheduled departure. to serve 180 passengers in just do 4 garnków i patelni. Moc grzewczą nastawia się dla każdego I could see the airline’s check-in THE SEAT half an hour. Since the weather naczynia osobno, ustawieniami sterujemy jak pojedynczą strefą i okapów poprzez zmywarki, pralki i odkurzacze, aż po drob- desks from a distance, as they are I had an isle seat in the second was fine, the captain managed gotowania. Ciepło powstaje miejscowo, rozgrzewa się jedynie dno ny sprzęt AGD. Każde z tych urządzeń łączy inteligentną very clearly marked. The check- row, which was basically in the to make up for the initial delay naczynia, bez żadnych strat energii. Technologia freeInduction technologię z nowatorskim wzornictwem, a niezawodność in procedure went swiftly and very front of the plane. I was sat- and we touched the tarmac in stanowi kolejne potwierdzenie, że dla przodującej w branży AGD z komfortem eksploatacji. Poprzez rozwój kolejnych gener- the personnel had a very friendly isfied with the choice because Gdańsk at 3.20 pm. We went marki Siemens, energooszczędność pozostaje priorytetem. acji energooszczędnych urządzeń przyjaznych środowisku attitude towards passengers. To I was first to receive the meal, down the steps onto the apron oraz stosowaniu zrównoważonych technik produkcji, marka give an example of this, despite juice and coffee. There was no and then to the terminal where Siemens przoduje również w dziedzinie ekologii. the fact that my boarding pass business class on that flight. we collected our luggage. was already printed, the person- The seats, which are typical of nel exchanged it on my request, Airbus, were comfortable, which VERDICT as I didn’t feel like sitting at the wasn’t that important anyway on The flight with OLT Express, CONTACT back of the plane. such a short flight, but the sense which is a new player on the www.oltexpress.pl of comfort on board contributed market, was pure pleasure. The BOARDING to my good mood. comfortable flight, professional FACT FILE The plane from Warsaw to service, and a competitive price PLANE TYPE Airbus A320 Gdańsk was scheduled to take THE FLIGHT of the ticket, are great incentives SEATS 180 off at 2.30 pm, but boarding Although the flight took only to choose the offer of the carrier. MAXIMUM SPEED: 871 kmph was delayed by 15 minutes. The 45 minutes and we were offered At Gdańsk airport you can also SERVICE CEILING: 11,890 m passengers entered the plane delicious snacks. The steward- hire a Mini one provided by OLT WINGSPAN: 34.09 m through an airbridge and took esses served vegetable wraps Express at unbelievable PLN 60 MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 77,000 kg their seats. There was a selec- together with hot and cold bev- per day! PRICE Warsaw-Gdańsk PLN198 tion of daily newspapers on erages. Admittedly, the cabin Zuzanna Bass

20 | July/August 2012 Tried Tested Firma Barbara Hofmann produkuje & najlepszej jakości pędzle i akcesoria kosmetyczne do makijażu. Istnieje Airline Warsaw-Hurghada-Warsaw na europejskim rynku już od ponad 25 lat, a jej produkty dostępne są w ponad 40 krajach. W Polsce ENTER Air Boeing 737-400 są znane już od ponad 10 lat.

BACKGROUND still available, so I decided to go lowering the seat I was able to ENTERair is the biggest Polish for the charter-mix offer. spend the 4 hours of the flight charter carrier. It was estab- I checked myself in about 90 quite comfrotably. However lished in late 2009 and offers minutes before the departure other passengers complained new destinations and competi- time. Despite a long queue of about too little space, which was tive prices to tour operators. In passengers including families especially true for seats in 2-3 2012, the fleet of ENTER air fleet with children, the whole proce- configuration. Makijaż na medal comprises eight B737-400 (168 dure took only several minutes seats) and three B737-800 (189 and after a while I was already in THE FLIGHT Produkty te dostępne są nie tylko pod bren- i podkładu. Cała seria jest dostępna w sie- seats). the duty-free zone. Take-offs both from Warsaw and dem BARBARA HOFMANN. Firma produ- ciach perfumerii Douglas. The offer called ENTER air During my return trip on 31 on our way back from Hurgha- kuje również akcesoria na zamówienie Barbara Hofmann SELECTION includes flights from almost May, the procedure was also ef- da took place according to the światowych marek kosmetycznych, które Przekonuje do siebie poprzez perfekcyj- airports in Poland to Croatia, ficient, though slightly delayed schedule. The captain informed następnie są sprzedawane pod ich własną ny dobór materiałów najwyższej jakości Greece, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Bul- due to the fact that some travel us on our scheduled route, the nazwą. – Nasz cel to nie tylko tworzenie i tradycyjną technologię produkcji. Tylko garia, Tunisia, Cyprus, Portugal, agents had to complete their pas- weather and the time of flight, najwyższej jakości włosie kozie z precyzyjnie Egypt, Morocco, Sicily, and also senger lists. but the sound quality left much produktów najwyższej jakości, ale także to Thailand, Kenya, United Arab to be desired. kreowanie konceptów dla perfumerii, i jednocześnie naturalnie wyrośniętą Emirates and Sri Lanka. ENTER- BOARDING ENTERair doesn’t serve any on wymyślanie nowych trendów i doskonały końcówką umożliwia profesjona- air collaborates with leading tour Half an hour before the sched- board meals, but the store offers serwis, jaki zapewniamy naszym klientom lne nakładanie pudru i różu, co poz- operators in Poland such as Tui, uled take-off, airside transfer carbonated and non-carbonated – twierdzi Tomasz Skorzewski, export sales wala na wykonanie makijażu ideal- Rainbow, EXIM and Sky Club. buses carried us to the plane. soft drinks, juices, spirits, beer, manager. nego. Kwadratowy uchwyt wykonany The carrier also offers a new The sleek and clean Boeing 737- coffee and tea, as well as sand- ze szlachetnego drewna brzoskwinio- form of ticket sales in charter- 400 with words “Thank you, wiches and sweets. The offer is Nasze bestsellery wego i wysokojakościowe chromowane mix formula. Individual tourists Victor” painted on the fuselage quite varied, but the prices (espe- Ręczniczek do twarzy Służy do zaciski powodują, że Barbara Hofmann can buy tickets without booking raised many warm comments. cially for sandwiches) quite high. dokładnego mycia i demakijażu twarzy. Selection jest ulubioną marką wielu kobiet. hotel accommodation with a tour As I learned later from the crew, Specjalny materiał podobny do struktury Posiadanie gadżetów z tej serii stało się operator. Prices start at PLN for a the plane was painted in honour VERDICT po prostu modne, m.in. dzięki ich wyrafinow- single ticket. In winter, the air- of a pilot, who earlier that month Good quality of on board service. naszej skóry usuwa brud i zanieczyszcze- CONTACT line offers tickets to exotic desti- had his last flight before he re- Congratulations to ENTERair on nia. Dzięki temu skóra jest nie tylko czysta anemu designowi. with ENTERair office nations at competitive prices. tired. receiving the prestigious “Awio- i gładka, ale również swobodnie „oddycha”. Barbara Hofmann EVOLUTION Okęcie Business Park netka 2011” award for the best Ręczniczek można prać w pralce, a dzięki Ten ręcznie wykonany pędzel jest nie ty- ul. 17 Stycznia 45 B CHECK-IN THE SEAT charter airline, dynamic growth specjalnej strukturze na jego powierzchni lko jednym z najlepiej sprzedających się 02-146 Warsaw The plane I took to Hurghada My seat was 16d in the first row, and increasing competition on nie gromadzą się bakterie. Odpowiedni do produktów firmy, ale także niepowtar- Tel. +48 (22) 3551517 on 24 May at 10.50 am was char- which meant that I had extra the market, as well as a superb każdego rodzaju skóry i preparatu do mycia zalnym kawałkiem historii Ziemi. Rączka Fax +48 (22) 3225757 tered by TUI POLAND, however, legroom. The seat next to it was offer of charter-mix tickets! twarzy. pędzla została wykonana ze szlachetnego, e-mail: [email protected] a few seats in the aircraft were vacant. It turned out that after Katarzyna Siekierzyńska Perfumetki Bardzo praktyczne perfumet- skamieniałego drewna drzew liściastych, ki, które zmieszczą się w każdej damskiej rosnących niegdyś na Sumatrze. Choć trud- torebce. W różnych kolorach i kształtach, no to sobie wyobrazić, drewno używane do objętość – 5 ml. produkcji tego produktu ma blisko 100 mil- Seria BAMBOO Ta ekologiczna kole- ionów lat! Ponadto rączka składa się z dwóch kcja została wykonana z drewna bambu- segmentów kwarcowych, pochodzących sowego, które posiada certyfikat pól up- z Brazyli, których wiek szacuje się na rawnych. Zaciski zostały zaprojektowane kilka tysięcy lat. Segmenty połączone z pochodzącego z recyklingu aluminium. są obrączkami ze srebra o próbie 925. Syntetyczne włosie o nazwie TORAY jest Każda rączka tego wyjątkowego pędzla stabilne, a jednocześnie bardzo delikatne. jest unikatem, a do stworzenia jego główki Kolekcja ta jest polecana szczególnie dla wykorzystano najwyższej jakości włosie osób z alergią na naturalne włosie. Składa naturalne. Pędzle te zostały wyprodukowane się na nią 11 różnych pędzli, służących do w limitowanej edycji, w ilości zaledwie 500 nakładania pudru, różu, cieni, pomadki sztuk.

22 | July/August 2012 Tried & Tested Hotel ibiza, san miguel er category have an additional steam room, while guests stay- ing in the suites - apart from ex- tra space, bath with jacuzzi and hammam - also have a private Hotel Hacienda terrace and a small swimming pool for their exclusive use.

Restaurants Na Xamena Breakfast is served at “La Casca- das” restaurant which is situated right next to the pool. From 1.00 pm to 6.00 pm “Eden” restaurant offers exquisite, light lunches based on recipes of the Mediter- ranean cuisine, and from 8.00 pm to 1.00 am, you can eat there dinner under the stars. Located on the terrace of a small restau- rant called “Chill Out” serves snacks during the day, Asian-in- spired cuisine mainly from the island of Bali.

Leisure In Na Xamena it’s you who de- cides how fast the time flies. Those who want to slow down the pace a bit, can participate in yoga and gymnastics in the wa- ter. The more active guests can the centre is situated in a seclud- VERDICT play tennis, ride bikes, swim in ed area of the hotel. It consists of It’s an ideal spot to get engaged, one of the three pools (all fees several small pools with different have a wedding or just a luxury are included in the price). The water temperature and various vacation away from the hustle and hotel also has two boats: “Sun- therapeutic properties. A thalas- bustle. The impressive location of seeker” and “Zodiac”, which can sotherapy session takes about 40 the hotel, as well as tasteful dé- take you to the sea. minutes. In the meantime, you cor, will certainly be appreciated There is also an excellent spa, of- can admire the stunning views, by those who prefer a holiday in a CONTACT ituated on a steep cliff, built on a 180-metre cliff, sur- facility of this standard in Ibiza. fering dozens of treatments to especially from the last pool, lo- five star hotel. Prices range from www.hotelhacienda-ibiza.com away from civilization and rounded by pine trees, olean- In 2001 the hotel underwent an- improve your look and feel, as well cated just above the cliff. €191 to €1860 for a room (suite) 07815 San Miguel, Ibiza Sin the heart of a landscaped ders, roses, and various herbs. other stage of renovation, and as an outdoor thalassotherapy cen- The hotel also has 6 conference per night, depending on the stan- Balearic Islands, Spain park, this sophisticated Spanish- since then apart from luxurious tre. You don’t have to worry about rooms, an Andalusian style pa- dard and the season. tel: +34 971 334 500 style hacienda is the first five- History rooms and suites it has also been lack of privacy, though, because tio, and an amphitheatre. Zuzanna Bass star hotel in Ibiza. Panoramic The hotel was designed in 1969 offering boat tours, refined cui- windows and spacious terraces by Daniel Lipszyc - a Belgian sine, thalassotherapy treatment from which you can admire spec- architect, who was impressed and cooking classes. tacular sunrises and sunsets, so- by the beauty of this place. The phisticated décor and one of the idea situate the hacienda slightly Rooms best spas on the island, are just out of the way, among the rocks The hotel offers 70 rooms and some of numerous reasons why and the nature was quite brave suites. Most of them over- you should choose this place for as for those times. The island look the turquoise bay. Stan- a short vacation. enjoyed popularity especially dard rooms are spacious and among the hippies, but it didn’t equipped with a king-size bed, Where is it? have good roads, electricity or several mirrors, and comfort- The hotel is situated in the even a phone line. However, the able armchairs. The bathroom north-eastern part of Ibiza, just project received a green light features shower stalls, and a 37 km from the airport located in and soon the hotel became a fa- large double bath is located on a the capital of the island, and the vourite place for many tourists. small dais next to the panoram- nearest town - the picturesque In 1988 Na Xamena acquired ic window so that you can soak San Miguel is only 7 minutes the status of a five-star hotel and up the views of the starry sky away by car. Na Xamena was for many years it was the only and the sunrise. Rooms of high-

24 | July/August 2012 News | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r Tried & Tested Hotel HURGHADA, EGYPT STEIGENBERGER AL DAU BEACH HOTEL

Prette, who, fascinated with his- tory, created a unique style of the hotel using a fusion of Ara- bic, Hindu and African styles.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is located on the west- ern shore of the Red Sea, 5 ki- lometres from the city centre, 6 kilometres from the airport, 450 kilometres from Cairo, and 290 - from Luxor. It has a private 400-metre beach, swimming pools of 5000m3 of total volume, including a heated winter pool and a „river-pool” with an artificially-generated current. What’s more there are fantastic 9-holed golf courses, a diving club, ILIOS water sports centre and a children’s club.

ROOMS The hotel offers 372 rooms, each of 50 sq m, including 16 suites, 4 Junior Suites, 2 Executive and one Spa Suite, 7 Deluxe Suites, a presidential suite and 2 four- roomed villas with a swimming pool. 93% of all the rooms over- look the sea. Standard rooms are decorated in warm colours, and furbished with African-Nubian furniture. The suits are decorated in pale colours with dark-brown furni- ture. All rooms come with air condi- tioning, comfortable desks and armchairs, free Internet access, plasma TVs with satellite TV, a safe and a mini bar. The hotel is adjusted to handicapped guests, CONTACT WHAT’S IT LIKE ed with 4 floors of balconies and who can expect adequately- Steigenberger AL Dau Beach The hotel doesn’t look too im- a glass ceiling above your head. equipped rooms. Hurghada, Egypt pressive from the outside. Only In the middle of the lobby, there Tel. ( +20) (0) 65 3465 400 after you enter the lobby and re- is a sculpture of a wooden boat, SPA Fax ( +20) (0) 65 3456 410 ception area it changes! You can after which the hotel got its The complex is of 1000 sq m and www. steigenbergeraldaubeach.com see a big space and a shining name - AL DAU. The interior offers body and face treatments. marble parquet floor, surround- was designed by Christian La The offer includes all types of››

26 | July/August 2012 Luty 2012 | 7

003 spis+ wstepniak 2_kor.indd 7 28.01.2012 21:34 Tried & Tested Hotel HURGHADA, EGYPT

massage, thalassotherapy and m. The rooms have access to the needs and tastes of the hammam. natural light and come with air- guests from various countries. I decided to try a relaxing warm conditioning, wireless Internet As a result, the hotel offer is top oil massage. To my surprise, connection, audio-visual equip- quality and can satisfy the most the masseur was a young Thai ment and projection screens. demanding preferences. The girl, who proved to be very ex- German chef greets the guests perienced and skilled. After BARS AND RESTAURANTS and talks about their culinary the treatment, you can relax There ate 5 restaurants in the experiences. on beautiful couches, read and hotel. The biggest one, „Tama- drink tea or juice. No wonder rind” serves breakfast and din- VERDICT Stegenberger hotel spa was ner, and changes its menu daily One of the most beautiful ho- granted „World Luxury Spa (Italian, French, Arabic, Mexi- tels in Egypt, with the biggest Awards” for the best spa in can, etc.) „Alexanders”, located swimming pool complex in Hotel guests 2011... by the sea, offers seafood, meat Hurghada. A winner of various and business dishes and wonderful desserts. international awards. Perfectly conferences members BUSINESS FACILITIES „Tanga” - a Lebanese restaurant designed for both family vaca- have access to golf The hotel is well prepared to or- located on the beach, „Bwala” tion as well as a business meet- lessons, diving courses, ganize all kinds of conferences, bar next to the pools, „Karibu” ing. Chief advantages: location trips to the desert as events and business meetings. lobby bar and „Ukumbi” are far from the noise, friendly and well as treatments in The largest of the 7 multi-func- also worth recommending. professional service and excel- the hotel spa. tional rooms can accommodate Before the dishes are prepared lent European and Arabic cui- up to 650 people, and the total each day, its components are sine. space of the rooms is 1120 sq discussed in order to cater for Katarzyna Siekierzyńska

28 | July/August 2012

082 PIOTR_kor.indd 3 28.01.2012 23:29 Tried & Tested Gadget Watch TISSOT SEA TOUCH

CONTACT BACKGROUND enough to test its functions immersion on a special scale on For more information Tissot, founded in 1853, is a while diving in the Red Sea. the bezel. When the diver goes call hotline: member of “Swatch Group” - to the surface, the dive mode is 022 256 8147 the world’s biggest manufactur- Features automatically switched off. or go to www.tissot.ch er and distributor of watches. ● Quartz mechanism, equipped The company’s headquarters with low battery indicator. Design are in the town of Le Locle, ● Touch sapphire glass with The watch attracts attention Switzerland (for over 155 years) anti-reflective coating, scratch- with its solid finish and original and branches in 150 countries. resistant. colours. The buttons have black The brand’s philosophy is “ac- ● The case and the bracelet and orange rubber finish, the cessibility for everyone.” made of stainless steel, orange strap is orange, and the black Tissot Sea-Touch is a diving or black rubber strap dial has white and black mark- watch that combines sporty ● LOGBOOK of 200 dives, stop- ers. At first it seemed to me to style with a touch of elegance. watch, compass, alarm, dive be too bulky, but I quickly got This makes it an ideal watch for mode, two time zones, back- used to its dimensions. any occasion. light. The watch shows two time ●Water resistant to 200 m. VERDICT zones, calculates the speed and It’s an ideal watch for a novice depth while scuba diving, has Functionality diver. For experienced divers, an integrated digital chrono- I liked the fact that when the who would like to use the Sea- graph, a perpetual calendar and depth of diving goes beyond Touch at a depth below 30 me- a special logbook recording the 140 centimetres, the watch au- ters, the company has prepared history of diving. It’s also sim- tomatically enters the diving special info on additional pro- ple to use, and all functions are mode. From that moment, the tection. activated by touch. I was lucky minute hand shows the depth of Katarzyna Siekierzyńska

30 | July/August 2012 Tried & Tested Na novotel.com Gadget Suitcase z Samsonite Cubelite dzieci mieszkają bezpłatnie*

t’s hard to believe, but the nize your things, and the first is locked with an elastic mem- history of Samsonite Com- four-wheeled suitcase, which brane. At the bottom, there is a pany and its suitcases is made it incredibly manoeu- long compartment with a zip- more than 100 years old. vrable.And finally the year 2008 per. I managed to put all my IIt all started in 1910 in Denver, - the launch of Cosmolite prod- underwear and swim costumes Colorado, when Jessie Shwayder uct line and the lightest suitcase there. The huge pile of clothes, founded Shwayder Trunk Man- in history - produced from spe- when pressed with elastic mem- ufacturing Company. He must cial material called Curv. branes, magically disappeared. have been a natural traveller, A legend On the top, I put my bathing as he instinctively discovered Could they come up with any- towel, and I fastened the net the essence of travelling in his thing more innovative? Of membrane. Inside the lid, there times. course. If you don’t believe - try was enough place for all that It was more than just moving Cubelite suitcases. The manu- was left, including the shoes. from one place to another - it facturer claims that this collec- was about the atmosphere of tion combines the best ideas Practicality exclusiveness and belonging of the 100-years-old history of A packed suitcase proved to to the world of travellers. Jesse the company. And - what also have one more compartment - quickly realized that his suitcas- important - the product is pro- between the halves there was es should meet only two criteria duced in Europe only. enough place for a few maga- - they need to be highly elegant The secret to durability of Cube- zines of thinner books. I also and indestructible. This strat- lite suitcases is Curv technol- put a small netbook inside the egy hasn’t changed a bit since ogy which makes it very strong membrane pocket. I locked the Samsonite Cubelite then. and light at the same time. suitcase, and it turned out its model spinner 82 Curv consists of layers of mate- weight didn’t affect mobility. height 82 cm Why samsonite rial obtained from polypropyl- The wheels operated lightly and capacity 122 litres A hard suitcase is not an inven- ene, which are later thermally quietly, as if the suitcase was weight 4kg tion of our times, really. Shway- processed until they form the empty. Comfortable handles der brothers produced one shape of a suitcase lid. Lids ob- place on a shorter and longer already in 1910, and one of the tained in this process are very side make it possible to carry first models was called “Sam- light, strong and shock-resistant it in two positions. The only son” - as a tribute to the hero even with low temperatures. No drawback is the retractable han- from the Bible. The idea was wonder the manufacturer gives dle - it blocks only in two posi- so good, and the suitcase a 10-years warranty fro such a tions, which are comfortable for seemed to meet the ex- product. those whoa are either tall or of pectations evoked by its medium-height. For a shorter BEZPŁATNE ZAKWATEROWANIE I ŚNIADANIE name, as 30 years later, Capacity person it might not be too com- the company changed its I decided to pack my things for fortable. DLA 2 DZIECI DO 16 ROKU ŻYCIA. name to Samsonite. Since a two-week stay by the sea. It that time, Samsonite has was quite a challenge, as I have VERDICT W hotelach Novotel dzieci są ważnymi gośćmi. Powitamy je upominkiem, zaprosimy do kącika often surprised its clients, a thing for shoes, and I’ve never The suitcase is light and very zabaw, a w restauracji zaoferujemy specjalne menu. Wiele z naszych hoteli posiada ogrody who thought nothing managed to go for holiday with pretty. Mine was dark blue and oraz baseny. Dla większej wygody doba hotelowa w niedzielę kończy się o godzinie 17-tej. more can be discovered only one piece of luggage. The the embossed design resembled in the “suitcase industry”. pile of things to take was only an exotic shell. With all the ad- 11 hoteli w Polsce: It was Samsonite who in- getting bigger, which was quite vantages, the price of PLN 1,649 troduced the first suitcase disturbing. PLN for the Spinner 82 model Gdańsk, Katowice, Kraków, Poznań, Szczecin, Wrocław, Warszawa with a braking system, I started packing. The zipper offering the capacity of 122 li- Infolinia i rezerwacja: 0 801 606 606 the first trolley case with opened smoothly - with no dif- tres, seems quite reasonable. compartments to orga- ficulty. Each part of the suitcase Joanna Krzyczkowska

The embossed design not only improves the strength of the suitcase, novotel.com accorhotels.com but also resembles exotic shells. * Bezpłatne zakwaterowanie i śniadanie dla 2 dzieci do lat 16 dzielących pokój z rodzicami lub opiekunami. Bezpłatne śniadanie przysługuje dzieciom, których opiekunowie korzystają ze śniadania. 32 | July-august 2012

832_NOV_F&N_reklama208x275.indd 1 12-06-20 15:31 Tried & Tested Club warsaw mustard on celery mousse (PLN 63), or roast saddle of Irish lamb in herb crust (PLN 81). During the “Happy Hours” (5.00-7.00 pm) the club invites Pure Sky Club you to taste wines and various cold snacks.

Restaurant and BAR at Skylight building The restaurant can seat up to 90 guests. This highest spot in War- saw bustles with life from early morning hours. Over coffee or lunch you can often do more work The Daily Telegraph, Financial than in your office and, thanks to Times, Le Figaro, The Times, the informal atmosphere of the USA Today, The Guardian and place, take right business deci- many Polish titles. sions. The restaurant serves dish- Currently, Club members can es “a la carte”, but also offers daily also benefit from a 15% discount lunch specials. on beauty services at “la Perla” At one end of the dining room clinic, a 40% discount on 2012 there is a modern bar, designed collections of Burberry fashion by Marta Sroka and Agata Kopyc- house, and for golf games at First Obrzanowska. It’s an ideal place Golf Warsaw Club in Rajszewo. for events and shows, as well as social gatherings combined with SPA tasting delicious drinks. There is also a spa, sauna and a hairdresser salon. The spa is an Attractions ideal place to relax and refresh On Mondays and Tuesdays the between meetings or to prepare club holds film screenings. The for your presentation. cinema features 18 seats and you can watch here pre-ordered films VERDICT with your friends or other mem- Not surprisingly, the club has bers of the club.On Thursdays met the needs of people whose and Fridays, the club offers live life is full with various business music, and the manager Paul meetings. They can organize Cowen is available to the guests, here a conference in an intimate CONTACT BACKGROUND the lounge, or take advantage breakfast for members and their answering their questions and atmosphere, use the Internet, Pure Sky Club PureSky is an elite club, which of concierge service which e.g. guests (included in the price doing his best to make PureSky read daily European press, and ul. Złota 59 was established 1.5 years ago, provides assistance with book- of the club card). The menu club members feel at home. work in very comfortable condi- 00–120 Warsaw and now comprises about 1,000 ing conference rooms, or plane, comprises muesli, sliced ​​fruit, There is a wide selection of tions. Skylight building, floor 22 members representing various cinema and theatre tickets. Most yoghurt, assorted cheese, cold press in the lounge, including: Katarzyna Siekierzyńska www.pureskyclub.com professions. The club is located popular activities include relax- meat, cookies and coffee and tea. on the 22nd floor of Skylight ation sessions in massage chairs More demanding members may tower building, in the very cen- located in specially designed order hot meals. tre of Warsaw. It’s close to Gold- relaxation rooms, as well as the The salad bar is open from 11.00 en Terraces complex, the Central sauna and massages in the club am to 3.00 pm. You can choose Rail Station, Intercontinental spa. The cost of the card includes among 2-3 types of vegetables hotel and the Palace of Culture. continental breakfasts, happy salads, as well as tomatoes, cu- A person who becomes a mem- hours, and exclusive invitations cumbers, corn, anchovies, and ber of the club (not everyone is to various events. These are just capers. You can also order a given the privilege), receives a some of numerous options and meal from the menu, which is club card and loads it with any the club is working on expand- updated every 3 months. The desired amount of money. This ing the offer. chef Paweł Michałowski recom- non-transferable card entitles mends Warsaw’s best grilled Ar- the holder to discounts on ser- Daily schedule gentine steaks with vegetables, vices offered by the club. You You can spend almost a whole fries and spinach mousse (prices PureSky is an elite club, which was established 1.5 years ago, can use well-equipped confer- day in the club, as it’s open 6.30 start at PLN 119), a saddle of rab- and now comprises about 1,000 members representing various ence rooms, dine at the club’s am - 11.00 pm. From 6.30 am to bit stuffed with smoked prunes, professions. restaurant, read a newspaper in 11.00 am, the club offers buffet au Crepinette with a sauce of

34 | July/August 2012 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | On Top

Books and Music Marcin Firgurski recommends books and CDs

Wine and Modigliani Marek Bieńczyk, a writer and translator, a prominent expert on the drink of gods, as wine is sometimes referred to , wrote a book of unique summer atmosphere. The author writer about everything he is an expert on, from the Winnetou legend, through the best tennis players, a Moricanda portrait by Modigliani, melancholy, Brazil, to Słowacki’s kayaking expeditions. Bieńczyk emphasized that these various texts have a common theme - which is either transparent or somewhat hidden - „the idyll, or longing for it, as if all the words coming from me, or others, were heading for a common bright circle of light, where they could last for a moment in happiness and silence, like candies in a pocket”. The subtitle itself says a lot about the book: „You can have your profile outside WWW”. Marek Bieńczyk „The Book of Faces”, Wydawnictwo Świat Książki Talks about life and literature It’s not a collection of letters exchanging views on the latest trends in literature and crazy life in Paris or Berkeley written by friends. It’s a controversial, heated and passionate discussion between two men. One of them is Czesław Miłosz - an aware observer of a difficult reality of 1950-1987, a writer and a poet, previously unknown in Poland, who, surprisingly to the majority of Polish people, received a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1980. The other person is a prominent intellectual, literary critic and translator, Konstanty Jeleński, called „Kot” by his friends. Miłosz and Jeleński write to each other often, honestly describing the surrounding reality, whether delightful or painful. Czesław Miłosz i Konstanty Jeleński „Korespondencja”, Zeszyty Literackie Giewont anecdotes Rafał Malczewski, a son of one of the best Polish painters, Jacek Malczewski, is not only a painter himself, but also a poet, radio play author, reporter, skier, mountaineer, columnist, script-writer and set designer, and the author of this unique book. To is a full and uncensored version of memoirs about Zakopane during the time of the Interbellum. Malczewski mentions the emergence of „the capital of the Tatra Mountains”, and peculiar local citizens like Sabała, priest Stolarczyk, Klimek Bachleda and various artists. He tells anecdotes about Witkacy, Karol Szymanowski, Stefan Żeromski, Jan Kasprowicz and Kornel Makuszyński. You will also find here other stories from the early years of Zakopane, like that of an illiterate postman, who knew all the summer visitors by sight and his sixth sense always told him where a given letter should be delivered. Rafał Malczewski „Pępek świata. Wspomnienia z Zakopanego”, Wydawnictwo LTW

Violetta, Łucja, Hanna A world-recognized opera singer giving concerts on the biggest stages around Europe and America has re- corded an album, where you will find such songs as „Una voce poco fa” from the Barber of Seville by Rossini, „Regnava nel silenzio” from Lucia di Lammermoor, Hanna’s aria from „The Haunted manor”, aria by Musetta from „la Boheme” by Puccini, as well as Violetta’s from „la Traviata” by Verdi. Perfect voice, a unique CD. Aleksandra Kurzak „Gioia!” Bajor a la francaise The CD promotes the latest recital of Michał Bajor, which you can listen and see in various cities both in and outside Poland. Songs in excellent translation by Wojciech Młynarski, are well-known pieces once sang by Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Ives Montand or Georges Brassens - here, presented in new arrangement. You should definitely hear Michał Bajor interpreting such classics as „Tłum”, „Życie na różowo”, „Cyganeria”, „Czekanie me to ty”, „Nic oprócz miłości”, „Kobieta i mężczyzna”, „Jest fantastycznie”. Michał Bajor „Od Piaf do Garou”

36 | July/August 2012 | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Report Report B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

Top Global Rail Links Tired of flying? Let the train take the strain. Zuzanna Bass suggests ten trips linking major cities.

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tatistics show that traveling London St. Pancras tool. Its TGV-style trains sprint the 265km by train is becoming more 1.– Paris Nord between these two capitals in 82 minutes. andS more popular. That’s why we have de- This has to be the most interesting and pre- Remarkably, this is only about 20 minutes cided to create a list of the best rail connec- stigious rail link between two major capital longer than airline gate-to-gate timings. tions for business travellers. We hope that cities. Running at up to 300km/ph, Euro- First-class carriages are located in the it will become an inspiration for exciting star’s two-hour 15-minute transit beats the middle, with second class at the beginning train journeys. plane hands down if you have city-centre ap- and the end of the train. They are separa- The trips include those for which the tra- pointments. There are as many as 18 trains ted by dining cars where you can buy light in will be an essential business tool, some a day at busy times and by taking Eurostar snacks as well as hot and cold drinks. All that are scenic rides for those with time on from the UK, you avoid APD. carriages are of open type, with first and their hands, and some for which the train Meals are served free to Standard Pre- second class seating configured 1-2 and is a viable alternative to the plane. We also mier and Business Premier passengers. 2-2 respectively. Both classes feature she- write here about rail links which can be a Standard class fares typically range be- lves which can accommodate hand lugga- good alternative to plane journeys. One- tween £39 and £141, Standard Premier be- ge. At both ends of each carriage there are -way fares are displayed as these enable tra- tween £107 to £200, and Business Premier special shelves for main luggage, but their vellers to “open-jaw” their itineraries. An tickets are £276. Those who would like to capacity is not always sufficient. undeniable advantage of using the train go by train on their holiday, will certain- Snacks and meals are served free in first in mainland Europe is that if the route is ly be interested to know that the Eurostar class, named Comfort One. There’s also unserved by a budget carrier, you will find train from London St. Pancras also serves a broad selection of newspapers and free tickets are much cheaper than one-way air seasonal connections - in winter to Bourg- WiFi access. Passengers who are members fares. Check the rail fares for Zurich-Mi- -Saint-Maurice and in summer to Avignon. of The Card programme can use TheCard lan (see overleaf) and compare them with Visit eurostar.com lounge in Brussels and the Great Travel- Swiss’s cheapest one-way tariff on this ro- lers lounge at Paris Nord station. The ute, which costs a hefty SFr 703 (£483). Or Brussels Midi to Paris popularity and quality of this service is consider that Austrian charges from e429 2. Nord shown through numbers; Thalys has al- for Vienna-Budapest, which is many times Known as the „red train” Thalys (photo ready transported over 70 million passen- more than the Railjet fare. Note that all fa- on the next page) links Paris with Brus- gers from Brussels to Paris. Standard fares res quoted are subject to change. sels, Amsterdam and Cologne. There’s not are quite moderate and they typically ran- much in the way of scenery so consider ge between €29 and €99, first class from this Thalys route as an efficient business €59 to €141. Visit thalys.com

When going by Shinkansen from Tokio to Osaka ensure you sit on the right-hand side of the train. You get the best views of Mount Fuji from around Shin-Fuji station some 40 minutes after leaving Tokyo.

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New York Penn time travel a doddle. Russia’s high-speed The fastest “Nozomi” Shinkansen servi- 3. to Washington Union train resembles Germany’s ICE, which is ces cover the 552km between Tokyo Central Amtrak’s Acela “high-speed” service ma- unsurprising seeing as it was built in Ger- and Shin-Osaka, passing over 3,000 bridges kes a pleasant change from flying the busy many by Siemens. There are eight services and 66 tunnels. The entire trip takes 2 ho- north-east corridor. These TGV-derived a day covering this popular 650km route in urs and 36 minutes. What is remarkable is trains take two hours 47 minutes but note three hours 55 minutes, running at speeds that these Nozomi trains operate every ten that they hit their 241km/ph top speed on of up to 250km/ph. Note that the flight on minutes, so passengers have commuter-sty- only 56km of track. For the remaining 273 the same route including transfer to and le frequency over this most important of kilometres, they run on conventional rails, from the airport takes over 5 hours. business routes. After leaving Tokyo, ensu- hence the low average speed. Free catering The train has a dining car where you can re you sit on the right-hand side of the train. is served to passengers in first class. Fa- buy hot meals, but in the first class they are You get the best views of Mount Fuji from res typically range between US$145 and served for free. To save time and temper, it’s around Shin-Fuji station some 40 minutes US$218. Add a flat US$109 for first class. best to buy tickets before you arrive in Rus- after leaving Tokyo. Book in advance, because the connection sia. Fares are from £94 for standard, and Tickets cost ¥18,690 (£145) for Green car is very popular. Visit amtrack.com from £146 for first class. Visit europeanrail. (first class), or ¥14,050 (£108) for Ordinary com; tel +44 (0)20 7619 1083 (standard) class. Note that seating is four- Moscow -across (2-2) in Green and five-across (2-3) 4. to St Petersburg Tokyo Central in Ordinary coaches. Buy tickets locally. Sapsan (Peregrine Falcon) is Russia’s ver- 5. to Osaka Visit hyperdia.com sion of high-speed rail. In Soviet days, No trip to Japan is complete without sampling many travellers took the night train be- the famous Shinkansen or “bullet train”(pic- Beijing South tween Russia’s two leading cities owing tured below). Japan was the first country 6. to Shanghai Hongqiao to lengthy journey times. But the Sapsan which introduced high-speed rail – the first The world’s newest, and one of its longest, train, introduced in 2009, has made day- designs were created as early as in 1940s. high-speed lines opened in July last year. It

Germany’s ICE rivals France’s TGV for the title of best high-speed train in Europe. Hot Spot signs on the carriages mean that you can use the wireless internet along the whole train.

Travelling by TGV Lyria on routes between France and Switzerland you can relax in a comfortable seat and enjoy the scenic landscapes as you go.

has more than halved the rail journey time in Europe. Free catering is served to pas- with the Italian-speaking part via the 15 between China’s two most important cities. sengers in first class. Hot Spot signs on Gotthard Tunnel. The sudden contrast in The fastest “G” trains operate several times the carriages mean that you can use the scenery between Northern and Southern an hour, covering the 1,318km in about five wireless internet along the whole train. Europe when you cross the Alps overland hours 30 minutes at around 300km/ph. The seats are equipped with tables and po- is not something you can enjoy on a plane. Approximate prices are: VIP/Deluxe wer points. Fares typically range between Eurocity trains operate every two hours (spacious reclining seats configured three- €49 and €95 in standard, and €79 to €154 and cover the trip in three hours 41 mi- -across, 1-2) 1,750 yuan (£174), first class (di- in first class. visit bahn.com nutes. Standard class typically costs from sposed four-across, 2-2) 935 yuan (£93), stan- SFr 36 (£24) to SFr 82 (£56); first is SFr 128 dard class (five-across, 2-3) 555 yuan (£55). Vienna Meidling (£87). visit rail.ch It’s not a particularly scenic route unless 8.to Budapest Keleti you like admiring flyovers. The train cle- Railjet is Central Europe’s high-speed se- Paris Lyon ars 244 of them, including the world’s lon- rvice, but rather than splashing out on 10.to Geneva Cornavin gest 164-kilometer viaduct between Dany- fancy rolling stock, the rail companies in- TGV-Lyria’s high-speed international servi- ang and Kunshan. vested instead in less costly conventional ce is a cut above SCNF’s regular domestic Book through your hotel concierge. New trains. That means you pay less for your TGVs. It links Paris with Geneva every rules require your passport to be presented ticket. Railjet operates every two hours at hour with a journey time of three hours five before you can buy a ticket. visit cnvol.com up to 200km/ph. Journey time is two hours minutes. Free catering is served to passen- 40 minutes, and all meals are at extra cost. gers in first class. Admittedly, there’s no Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof Standard class typically ranges from €23 to Alpine scenery to admire but TGV-Lyria 7. to Munich Hauptbahnhof €36; first from €36 to €57. visit oebb.at offers both a civilised and fast way to travel Here’s a typical business route with a to- between these two important cities. tan- uch of scenery thrown in. Hourly trains Zurich Hauptbahnhof dard class typically costs from €25 to €89; cover the more than 500km in three hours 9. to Milan Centrale first class between €67 and €159. TGV Ly- 15 minutes. Germany’s ICE rivals France’s This spectacular trans-Alpine route con- ria trains also run from Paris-Lyonto Bern TGV for the title of best high-speed train nects German-speaking Switzerland and Lausanne. visit tgv-lyria.com

42 | July/August 2012 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Air Travel Air Travel | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

favourable takeoff and landing slots at the Beijing airport, ne- with a 18-metre statue of the Sipping Tea gotiated by LOT. Last year, the Future Buddha - Maitreya made ​ Polish carrier also got approval from one piece of sandalwood Now you can drink from the Russian authorities to and transported to this place green tea in a real fly over Siberia, thus enabling it from Tibet for more than three Chinese tea-house, on the Great Wall to use the shortest air corridor. years. see a Giant Panda, At the end of May LOT Polish Airlines introduced a direct flight to Beijing. Among other things, It will sig- take a trip to the Convenient departure and arrival times, low ticket prices as well as relatively short nificantly affect fuel consump- Tea, Pandas and the Great Wall Great Wall… A long tion and duration of the flights China is known for its art of weekend is just time of travel (9 hours and 15 minutes) are more than enough to pack your bags to Beijing. brewing tea, which you can learn enough to fulfil this and finally go on a trip to explore the capital of China. by visiting one of the thousands dream. Yesterday and today of Beijing teahouses. Also, don’t When planning to spend a few miss a visit to the Beijing ZOO ow you can drink days in Beijing, it’s good to be which is home to several pandas green tea in a real well-prepared. First of all, you fed by the keepers with branches Chinese tea-house, need to book tickets for the flight of a special variety of bamboo. see a Giant Panda, – this can be easily done at LOT’s Be aware, however, that the pen Ntake a trip to the Great Wall, ex- ticket counters or online at lot.pl roof tiles and red walls. It’s one for these cute animals is usu- perience unforgettable moments Also booking a room in one of of the world’s largest palace com- ally besieged by hundreds if not in the beautiful Chinese Lama numerous Beijing hotels can be plexes, which was the seat of the thousands of children and their Temple, or visit the legendary done over the Internet. It doesn’t emperors of the Ming Dynasty. parents. Forbidden City! All you need is matter which district of the city Another mandatory stop is the Just 70 kilometers from Beijing, just a long weekend to fulfil this you choose for your stay, because Tiananmen Square - the central there’s a well-preserved section dream. Ticket prices offered by Beijing is such a big metropolis point of the city with the area of of the Great Wall of China, which LOT start at PLN 1,800. (with over 24 million inhabit- 880 by 500 metres, which can runs for over 6,000 kilometres. ants), that the distances between accommodate a million people. The wall used to stretched from T o China various places of interest will al- It’s mostly remembered as the the Jiayuguan Pass in the Gobi three times a week ways be large. place where massacre of protest- desert to Shanghai Guan on the Following a four year LOT Polish Luckily, the Chinese capital can ing students took place in 1989. west coast of Bohai Gulf. Over Airlines have resumed flights to boast its efficient underground The square is also home to the the centuries, the wall served as Beijing. Flights to Beijing will railway system which features mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Un- fortification and now is the sym- operate three times a week – on 10 well-marked lines, cabs are fortunately, to get there you need bol of China. There are a few sec- Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sun- cheap, people are friendly and to stand in a 7-hour long queue. tions of the wall which are close days at 4.10 pm (arrival in China now it’s much easier to commu- While in Beijing, it’s also worth to Beijing. The best preserved at 6.35 am local time) and flights nicate with them in English. visiting one of two of his most and most spectacular one is at from Beijing to Warsaw will op- What are the absolute “must beautiful and historic buildings: Badaling, Simatai and Juyong- erate on Mondays, Wednesdays see” spots in Beijing? Do not the Temple of Heaven with its guan. Visiting the place is sim- and Fridays at 8.45 am (arrival in miss the Forbidden City - a dis- peaceful and harmonious archi- ply a must. Warsaw at 12.40 pm local time). tinctive structure featuring gold tecture, and the Lama Temple Marzena Mróz Next year LOT is planning to increase the number of weekly flight to five. Until November this year, flights on this route will be operated by Boeing 767-300 aircraft. After that LOT will receive the most modern passenger aircraft Boe- ing 787 Dreamliner which will successively replace the currently operated Boeing 767’s. Poland’s First Lady, Anna Komorowska, and members of Trade Mission headed by Deputy Prime Min- ister, Waldemar Pawlak, were among the VIP’s on board, as well as 40 businesspeople, who participated in the Polish-Chi- nese economic forum. From the beginning of April passengers in business class on long-haul routes will have Opening the new Beijing des- three versions of service to choose from. tination was possible thanks to

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B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Air Travel Air Travel | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

number has settled at around this number. Starting autumn, Poland is a perfect we are planning to replace air- craft on some routes, restore some flights and we expect the number to rise again to 150,000- country for flying 170,000 passengers monthly. Was the decision to launch Do you need to be an avia- by learning (from the lowest in Poland for the last 10 years. so many connections well tion enthusiast in order to ranks), the characteristics of the Since Poland joined the EU as thought out? manage an airline? business. You need to under- well as the Open Sky Treaty, Yes, because in the case of avia- Probably yes, but this passion stand its individual elements, which allows free flow of pas- tion industry supply generates doesn’t always guarantee you how they are related, and what sengers throughout Europe, all demand to a large extent. Of a fair grasp of the situation, so you can improve. Then you carriers should have developed course, it doesn’t always hap- I’d say that first of all you must need to learn as much as pos- the network of domestic routes pen, but there is no other way be passionate about the aviation sible about the market in which – and this is exactly what we do. to find it out. We need only 6-8 business. you are going to operate. This market has real, yet unex- weeks to get a very reliable data We don’t deceive ploited potential. Last year, do- and decide about the further our customers telling Does aviation business dif- And how does one become mestic flights within Germany fate of a connection. fer a lot from other indus- a part of aviation industry? carried almost 22 million pas- professionals hired to imple- proach is investing in modern them that they can tries? There are two types of people sengers as opposed to mere 1 ment the project. That’s why, and economical fleet, mainly Flights aren’t the only ser- buy a ticket for 1 złoty. First of all, it’s different as far working in this industry: those million in Poland. we assume that we will soon Airbus aircraft. And thirdly, vices on your offer. Are the Our prices are as the scale of risk is concerned, who graduated special aviation become a leading carrier in the Poland is our most important other ones sheer marketing? affordable which is several times greater management programmes, or Perhaps there’s no appropri- domestic market. market in which - I’m ashamed No, we are just trying to make and we don’t charge any than the risk in other indus- those who are there by sheer ate ground for such services to say this - we started to domi- lives of our passengers easier additional fees. Joanna Krzyczkowska tries. It comes from the specific coincidence. In 2004 while I in Poland? What’s the biggest asset of nate after just two months of and we respond to the needs talks to the CEO nature of aviation, including was working for mBank, I was On the contrary. We are a coun- OLT Express? operation. expressed by them. That’s why of OLT Express, such factors as fuel consump- asked to join the Central Wings try of 40 million citizens and First of all, we provide a very we’ve decided to launch our tion or the value of invested re- project which was being im- very favourable geographical good product at a very affordable Does this dominance trans- own car rental stations. As of Jarosław Frankowski. sources. However, I think this is plemented at that time by LOT conditions, with major cities lo- price. We don’t deceive our cus- late into financial results? now, we are also testing a shut- the main reason for the passion Polish Airlines. So in my case it cated both in its centre and on tomers saying that they can go Definitely. Sales results sur- tle bus connection which is cor- with which people do this busi- was sheer luck. the outlying regions. These are anywhere for mere 1 złoty, but passed our expectations in related with our flight schedule. ness. ideal conditions for the develop- we also don’t charge extra for terms of number of passengers, Should it turn out that the line Does OLT have any special ment of domestic flights. Few luggage, reservation, or online but also as regards our rev- is well received by passengers, Does it mean that this busi- business approach? countries in Europe can match check-in. Over half of the seats enue. An aircraft brings profit we will try to introduce this so- ness is suitable only for risk- Our approach doesn’t differ Poland in this area, because are sold at an attractive price only when it’s fully booked. lution also in other cities. takers? from the strategies of other air- they are either too small or too of PLN 99, but more expensive In the first month we carried I would say so. Note, however, lines which have been operating centralized. tickets also sell well. Another 60,000 passengers, in the sec- Thank you for the interview. that all businesspeople I know important element of our ap- ond one over 128,000 and this Thank you. in this industry are willing Don’t you think that it will to take risks only in the area be quite difficult to do away of business activities. None with the stereotype that air of them is ready to take a risk connections are very expen- which would threaten human sive? life. I know that in this area they We hope that we have already are remarkably cautious. This is shattered this stereotype. Our also a specific feature of people goal is not to earn by selling few who go to this industry. That’s extremely pricey tickets, but to good, because the sense of man- sell a large number of them at agerial responsibility seems to reasonable prices. Such coun- be of utmost importance here. tries as Germany, France or Spain have already succeeded in How does one become a this. There’s no reason why we CEO of an airline? shouldn’t. These were the inten- You start in the same way as tions of the investor and of the in any other industry, that is business plan presented by the

In the first month of its operation OLT Express carried about 60,000 passengers, in the second one twice as many.

48 | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | 49 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Hotels Hotels | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r Best wines at the Sheraton Hotels of the brand have introduced a new wine tasting programme.

hen several years ago Sheraton an- nounced refresh- ing its image, Wbut also renovating old hotels and launching new ones, even the brand’s competition was We wanted to be very impressed with that move. able to offer our guests The management of the brand wine tasting events had a remarkably clear vision and provide due and strategy to restore the splen- weight to this experience. dour of the iconic brand of the Our goal is to become hotel industry. a place where guests can Sheraton set itself a goal to taste fine wines, reintroduce conversation to the no matter world of travel, and every now where they go. and then it introduced initiatives aimed at preventing guests from feeling lonely at Sheraton hotels. One of the results of this strategy was the creation of Link@Sher- What can you expect, hotels around the world and was 66% of guests would be more aton. These are special corners then? a huge success. According to inclined to purchase wine while where guests can watch TV to- For starters, it’s worth noting Sheraton’s own research resutls traveling if there was a premi- gether, use the computer, send a that 240 hotels of Sheraton brand um wine program offered. After videocard and talk to each other. are involved in the programme. experiencing a Sheraton Social Another step involved develop- Three times a week, Sheraton Hour pilot programme, 95% of ing the Club floor a comfortable hotel lobbies will host evening guests said they are ‘very likely’ Club Lounge, where evening wine tasting events. or ‘likely’ to return to another cocktails parties are organized. What is unique in this pro- Social Hour and would recom- Despite the success, confirmed gramme is that now in order mend the programme to others. by the latest study (satisfaction to savour the taste of premium rate among guests and confer- wines you won’t have to order a Sheraton - hotels for ence organizers is the highest in whole bottle, as you will be able enthusiasts of life the brand’s history), the company to buy it by the glass instead. Su- The transformation of Shera- has not rested on its laurels and sanne Barfoed, Vice President ton brand into a global meeting has just launched a new initiative Brand Management, Sheraton place is an undeniable fact and named Sheraton Social Hour. Hotels & Resorts, praised the new you can say without hesitation This recently launched pro- initiative: „We wanted to be able that regardless of geographi- gramme enables hotel guests to to offer our guests wine tasting cal location of the hotels or the taste the world’s premium wines events and provide due weight to age and the lifestyle of hotel by the glass in relaxed atmos- this experience. I am very proud guests, Sheraton hotels have phere of the hotel lobby. to announce the introduction become meeting oases for peo- The project is a collaboration of Sheraton Social Hour at our ple who like to enjoy life and to between leading experts from hotels. Our goal is to become a be in the core of events. All the the wine industry and the brand’s place where guests can taste fine initiatives introduced by the global food and beverage team, wines, no matter where they go.” brand facilitate interaction and who for several months carefully stimulate conversations and checked and selected the world’s Social Hour in numbers making new contacts, which best wines to finally include them The pilot edition of the pro- in turn, make the stay an even in a specially composed menu. gramme was held at 19 Sheraton more enjoyable experience.

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We would very much like to do Chile. The second market is The biggest change we have no- so and we are considering such the Asia-Pacific, where we are ticed in the last 30 years, is the hotel business a move. There is enough room already a leading hotel operator. change awareness of our cus- in Poland for Pullman brand, For example, in Australia and tomers. Today, hotel guests are st which competes on the market Indonesia, we have a total of 150 very knowledgeable. We live in in the 21 century with such hotels as Hilton or hotels. We are also present in a global village, with an almost Sheraton. I am sure that Pull- Vietnam, Thailand, as well as in unlimited access to the tools of man would have many custom- China, in every segment of the effective communication. the strategy of Accor Group ers in Warsaw. I am not that market - from budget hotels to For example, if you are planning certain about other Polish cities, luxury ones. a trip to Mexico, you can always Maciej Szczepański talks to Yann Caillère, Accor President and Chief Operating Officer. but Warsaw would be a sure bet. Talking about China, there are check online the standard and We need to find a right moment over 170 cities with the number recommendations for each ho- The first question is about for its introduction, but accord- of inhabitants exceeding one tel. This has put pressure on all Accor and its strategy. What ing to our assessment Pullman million. If, therefore, we consid- hoteliers, as they want to ensure are your plans for the next brand could develop well in Po- er the potential of the Chinese that they provide an appropriate five years? What measures land. market in comparison to Eu- level of services and products. are you planning to take? rope, where in France we have We used to say that one satis- We need to operate in differ- Which markets are currently 1,450 hotels - you can’t even im- fied customer will recommend ent areas. First of all, we are the most promising ones? agine the number of hotels we us to three other people, and a changing the ownership struc- Looking at different markets in could have in China, because dissatisfied one will complains ture to „asset light” strategy. terms of their development and the number is infinite. We are to seven others. Today, one cus- This means that 80% of Accor prosperity, I see the strongest the largest operator of hotels in tomer can pass a negative com- hotels would be those that are growth potential in Asia and in France, Germany, and the Ben- ment about a hotel to a million not our property (40% of the the countries of the Pacific and elux countries. Obviously we people around the world. This is hotels would be managed under South America. These two mar- have competition, but we are a a huge change. Today you can’t a franchise agreement and 40% kets are currently growing very leading operator in Europe and hide any imperfections. That is under the management agree- rapidly, so we are trying to ex- we want to maintain our posi- why we are trying to improve ment), and the remaining 20% ​​ pand our chain in these regions. tion on this continent. our brands to make sure that would be our subsidiaries. We are currently the biggest we meet the expectations of our Secondly, we want to signifi- hotel chain in South America What are the needs of a cus- customers. cantly accelerate the pace of our and in Brazil. We are also focus- tomer in the 21st century? development in areas such as ing on expanding our chain of How do you attract new ho- Thank you for the interview. Asia and Pacific, North America hotels in Peru, Argentina and tel guests? Thank you. and the Middle East. Today Ac- cor is a leading hotel group in Rather than develop three different brands in one segment of hotels, we have decided to base further Nowadays, Europe and we want to balance you can always check our growth in Europe by rapidly development on the strength, reputation and brand awareness of ibis. That is why, we have changed the online the standard and expanding our chain in other name of Etap brand into ibis budget and all seasons into ibis Styles. recommendations parts of the world. for each hotel. Thirdly, we intend to work on a This has put pressure balance between budget, mid- on all hoteliers, range, and luxury hotels. Cur- as they want to ensure rently we are focusing heavily that they provide on the budget sector, as 50% of an appropriate level our hotels belong to this seg- ment. We also want to extend of services our offer of luxury facilities. and products. The fourth direction of develop- ment is reorganization of our brands. For example, before the introduction of a domi- nant brand „ibis megabrand,” we had three different ones: „ibis”, „All Seasons” and „Etap have changed the name of Etap public areas in our hotels, to of- Hotel”. However, rather than brand into ibis budget and all fer our customers a new and at- develop three different brands seasons into ibis Styles. This tractive product. in one segment of hotels, we is not only a matter of chang- have decided to base further ing the name, but it also means Are you planning to intro- development on the strength, refreshing the entire concept duce any new brands, such reputation and brand aware- of the brand. We are replacing as Pullman, to Polish mar- ness of ibis. That is why, we beds in guest rooms and refresh ket? ibis i ibis budget Warszawa Reduta. Yann Caillère, Laurent Picheral, Bruno Coudry

52 | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | 53 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Destinations Destinations | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r between the desert and the ocean It's a piece of land which still unspoilt by human activity. You will be delighted with the vast diversity of treasures of the wildlife. Open spaces and fascinating landscapes provide a truly unique sense of freedom.Piotr Grzybowski takes you on a tour to Namibia.

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he area of this former German You will most likely come across zebras, If you're interested in ethnography, you colony is twice as big as Po- springboks, as well as oryx antelopes, the should take a trip to the district of Swa- Tland, but it has only 2. 2 million inhabitants. gnu, impalas, kudus and giraffes. If you're kopmund – Mondesa, where you can learn It’s situated at the Tropic of Capricorn, and lucky, you can see one of the Big Five spe- about Namibian tribes of Herrero and Da- its climate is dependant on the cold Ben- cies. They are: lions, leopards, elephants, mara. The local guide will take you on a tour guela Current. Despite African exotism, you black rhinoceros and Cape buffalos. The lat- during which you will get to know the cul- will feel here like in a European country. ter ones are not to be found in Etosha, but ture, fashion and the language of the local It's best to visit Namibia with an experienced instead you can come across cheetah. tribes, as well as try their specialties. tour operator. "Sense of Africa" agency, As for accommodation, Taleni Etosha Vil- Swakopmund features some of the best res- which cooperates with Taleni Africa hotel, lage is definitely worth recommendation. taurants located by the ocean. In Jetty res- is a leader on Namibian tourist market and It combines two crucial elements of travel- taurant, located at the end of the pier, you guarantees a high level of service. Its main ling: comfort and wildness of the surround- can try delicious Namibian oysters, consid- motto is "It’s more than just a journey". ing nature. Guests sleep here in comfortable ered the best in the whole world. Best din- The best way to get here it to go with Air tents situated on high poles, and located in ner dishes, in turn, are served at The Tug Namibia airline, which offers the most con- the wild forest. You willfeel the atmosphere restaurant, where you will get a plate of venient connection. The price includes a of wild Africa while sleeping in a safe place. steaming seafood together with a glass of flight from Poland to Frankfurt, and then The windows are equipped with mosquito white South African wine, which will be a 10-hour flight to the Dark Continent on nets and the bathroom is located on a plat- a real treat for your palate. Sunsets are re- board Airbus A340-300. The flight takes form adjacent to the tent. You take a shower markably picturesque here with the sun go- place at night, so when you get off the plane, outside to stay as close to the nature as pos- ing down right in the middle of the ocean. you will be fresh and ready to face the Afri- sible. The tents are connected to the recep- can adventure. tion are by dozens of winding paths. Next Walvis Bay You will need a week or two to see what's to the reception there is a bar, where you Swakopmund is a stone's throw from Walvis the best in Namibia. However, everything can order delicious Namibian beer - Wind- Bay. The two cities couldn't be more differ- depends on how much you want to see. If you huk Lager, and try some dried meat called ent. This is because Walvis Bay was never have only one week, you will at least be able biltong. On hot days, you can chill in the under German influence. The port was to see the essence of this African country. resort’s swimming pool, while the restau- founded by the Dutch, and later it became a rants serves local delicacies prepared in a British oasis. The city owns its name to the Etosha National Park truly African style. surrounding waters, which are rich in plank- Etosha is the biggest national park in Na- ton and attract whales. The natural cape cre- mibia, and one of the oldest in the whole Af- Swakopmund ating the bay is an ideal protection for ships rica. It was founded by Germans in 1907 and For a bit of contrast, when leaving the wild and an asylum for all sorts of water life. it combines 22,270 sq km of land around the jungle, it's nice to go by the ocean. Just above A cruise around the bay is an attraction es- Etosha pan. the Tropic of Capricorn, where the Atlantic pecially worth recommending. Right after It’s home to hundreds of endemic species Ocean meets the desert, there is the city casting off, numerous pelicans come at- of animals. The pan itself is a nesting site of Swakopmund. The temperature is here tracted by the smell of fish brought by the for thousands of pairs of flamingos, which lower and the air more refreshing, mainly tourists.The birds are quick enough to catch migrate here each year. It’s also one of thanks to cold Benguela Current.The city the fish tossed from the speeding motor the most accessible parks. Some roads are has preserved the spirit of the first discover- boat. The waters, which are cold and abun- paved, so even buses can go here. You can ers and colonizers. It's an ideal example of dant in fish, are also ideal for seals, so no visit the park on your own, but leaving your German colonial architecture. Some houses wonder there are hundreds of them here. vehicle is prohibited. are just skeleton constructions built from One of them was even specially trained. All Just before the sun rises, visitors go onto a wooden beams. The material for construc- of a sudden it jumps aboard, poses to pho- photo safari. That's when nature awakes. tion was brought from Europe. Additionally, tos and doesn't mind being stroked. You Mornings can be quite chilly, so all terrain German street names like Bismarck Strasse can also encounter timid flamingos and car in which you do the sightseeing, fea- create a unique climate of the place, making dolphins jumping out of the water. There is tures a set of blankets. Then the tempera- it a European oasis surrounded by the desert. a lunch break during the cruise. You must ture increases rapidly, so sunscreen is a It's worth staying at Swakopmund Bu- taste the delicious oysters served with well- must here. tique Hotel, which boasts one of the best selected sparkling wine. The best time to see big animals is the dry locations. There is a beach and the Atlan- season. Then you just need to go to a nearby tic Ocean from one side, and the city cen- Sossusvlei water hole and wait for animals to come to tre from the other.In the morning you can It's time to return to the wild Namibia. This quench their thirst. During rainy season have a refreshing swim in cool waters of the time - to the middle of the Namib Desert. It you need to look for them and drive around Atlantic Ocean, and later set off for a trip is about 80 milion years old, which makes the jungle, but you can also see more birds. around the city. it the oldest desert on Earth. The landscape

The best time to see the big animals is the dry season. Then you just need to go to a nearby water hole and wait for the animals to come to quench their thirst. ot. na poprzedniej stronie: piotr grzybowski grzybowski, f ot. Fot.:piotr

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looks like in the times of the first colonizers. The red dunes belong to the highest in the world. It’s one of the places which gets the least rainfall on Earth. Sossusvlei is a valley among the dunes, where the river ends its course. It is literally swallowed up by the desert. When you go from the coasts to Sosusvlei, the landscape changes at least four times. Con- trary to what you may believe, the desert isn't barren. During the rainy season it suddenly comes to life as grass and flowers appear. As for accommodation, Sossusvlei Lodge is a good choice.It's a luxury resort, situated in picturesque surroundings. Guests stay here in rooms which are a cross between a bun- galow and a tent. The view is marvellous. meat. The most popular drink in the restau- Lying in a comfortable bed, you can see the Important Info rant, as well as in the whole of Namibia, is vastness of grass-covered desert and scarce Air Namibia, in cooperation with LOT, Jagermeister. but majestic trees. Add to this wild animals offers daily flights from Warsaw and other You can spend the night in Kalahari Sands walking around in close proximity. Polish regional airports, such as Kraków, Hotel&Casino, located in the very heart of Sossusvlei Lodge serves excellent cuisine Gdańsk, Wrocław, Poznań to Windhuk. Windhuk and being an integral part of the including their specialty: grilled African Exemplary air link is as follows: local shopping centre. You should check the game steaks. We can try and taste the meat Kraków–Frankfurt– Windhuk stock of the local shops, and if you still have of springbock, gnu, eland antelope, oryx KRK 15:50 FRA 17:30 money to spend, you can try your luck in a antelope or zebra and ostrich. The meat of FRA 20:10 WDH 05:10–1 casino. the biggest antelopes called eland tastes Windhuk–Frankfurt–Warszawa definitely the best, that of oryx is also worth WDH 20:05 FRA 07:00+1 N/a’an ku se recommending. On the other hand, meat of FRA 09:15 WAW 11:00 It's best to spend the last night near the air- gnu and zebra isn't too tasty. In Namibian Air Namibia: port. N/a'an ku se is a resort as well as a wild cuisine meat plays the dominant role, while [email protected] animal care centre. The idea behind the proj- potatoes and salad are only a moderate side Namibian Tourism Board: ect is to protect endangered species, especial- dish to a huge steak. www.namibiatourism.com.na ly cheetah. Guests can take part in feeding The resort organizes trips in open safari cars Touroperator: predators, such as lions, caracals or African called "Uri" manufactured in Namibia. To www.senseofafrica-namibia.com wild dogs, get into a pen with baboons or hug get to Sossusvlei valley and see the dunes at Accomodation: www.taleni-africa.com one of the three tamed cheetah. The animals dawn, you have to set off early in the morn- www.suninternational.com are kept in their natural habitat in large pens ing. It's the best time for taking photos. You surrounded with barbed wire. can walk or even run down from the dunes, If you suffer from motion sickness, you'd You'll spend the night sleeping comfortably which is quite an attraction. There are even better confess it to the pilot, because oth- in houses combining modern style with Af- fans of skiing or boarding down the sandy erwise, he will make sudden manoeuvres rican ornaments, or un a suite, often rented slopes. After getting to Soussusvlei valley, a like plummeting, climbing or chasing the by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The couple delicious breakfast is served. animals which flee in panic.You can see the spends a lot of time in Namibia and is in- As for the sunset, it’s the best to watch them mysterious circles on the surface of the des- volved in the project. near the resort, among the picturesque ert. Scientists aren’t sure about their origin. In the restaurant, built with a circular hills. It looks like a film set from "The Lion ground plan with huge wooden dome, you King" movie. You can see there cave pic- Windhoek can have the best oryx tenderloin in the tures made by Bushmen - the original in- When visiting Namibia, you can’t miss its whole of Namibia. habitants of this part of the world. The esti- capital city. It's worth taking an organized Namibia is politically stable and - as for Af- mated age of the pictures is 200-2000 years. tour around the city, during which you will rican standards - fairly safe. Going there The impression of silence you get here when get familiar with its complicated history. For needs no prior vaccinations, the risk of get- it’s getting dark is unforgettable. The sun dinner, you should definitely go to the big- ting malaria bug is only slightly bigger in heading towards the horizon makes the gest and most interesting restaurant in the the northern part of the country. whole landscape magic and sparkling with city: Joe’s Beerhouse. The original interior The tourist season lasts from May to Octo- warm colours. It makes you think about the makes you think of a little town. There are ber, as it’s the winter time in this area. The cradle of humanity. The personnel makes wooden constructions and lots of props. All temperatures aren’t extremely high, quite sure the guests not only feast their eyes, but this in the centre of a fenced square, where pleasant during the day, but the nights are also satiate their hunger, and so a table with the restaurant is. As for starters, I recom- cold, so you need to take warmer clothes beverages and snacks is set. mend oryx carpaccio. For a main course, with you as well. Naturally, you can also visit To get to Sossusvlei valley and see the dunes at dawn, you have to set off early in the morning. It's worth seeing the place from the air. The you could have a Namibian beef stake, con- Namibia during the rainy season, but you It's the best time for taking photos. local Desert Air airline organizes trips in sidered the best on the European market, need to be prepared for high temperatures

Fot.:piotr grzybowski Fot.:piotr small Cessna planes, seating up to 6 people. or wild game shashlik including crocodile and rain showers.

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Greeters Pas-de-Calais Closer taking cliffs – with Cap Gris-Nez and Cap various lace masterpieces from 16th cen- Blanc-Nez considered the most beautiful – tury as well as modern designs by Dior or for the tourists and Boulogne-sur-Mer – the biggest fishing Chanel. Another great attraction is Nausi- port in Europe. caa Aquarium in Boulogne-sur-Mer, where An interesting solution to promote the region than the North From the chalk cliffs of Calais to the bay there are 35,000 underwater fauna species: is an initiative by the local people to talk about of Authie – the Opal Coast delights with from jellyfish to sharks (www.nausicaa.fr). a favourable place or a town to the tourists for Being only an hour’s drive away from Paris, and two – from London and Brussels make charming seaside towns, fishing villages, free. You can choose the speaker at www.greet- the French region of Pas-de-Calais very attractive for tourists. The northern landscape Belle Epoque buildings and hotels offering Green plateaus ers62.com. thalassotherapy. It is also a great place for of Saint-Omer full of dunes, forests, rock cliffs and most importantly, spectacular beaches, has had its sailors, surfers, windsurfers and kite-surf- The beautiful landscapes of this area resem- Partners enthusiasts for many years. Marzena Mróz takes you to Pas-de-Calais. ers. bles... Poland The area stretches from Pays The areas situated further away from the de la Lys Romane to the rivers in the peace- Polish roots he region and department of Nord- of Kent, situated the closest to the Conti- events, visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches, sea you can play golf on world top quality ful region of Seven Valleys and Ternois. It’s hard to believe, but one in eight inhabitants Pas de Calais is separated from the nent. The Great Tourist Region of Trans- the clear sea and redecorated hotels, spas courses, do horse-riding down the pictur- Numerous natural products like vegetables, of Nord Pas-de-Calais is of Polish orgin. Most English coast only by the English manche, which aim is to realize the Accue- and guesthouses. esque forests and valleys or kayak down the jams, cheese and juniper liquors come from of them live in the area of Lens, famous for Channel. For centuries it consti- illir le monde (welcome the world) project. beautiful River Somme. this green French area. The inhabitants coal output. There are over 180 Polish-French Ttuted a challenge for the sailors, but nowa- During the next few weeks the area will The Opal Coast The Lace Centre in Calais is also worth of Saint–Omer are very passionate about associations and 40 twin cities’ committees. days it is crossed by 30 million of tourists be occupied by sportspeople and tourists The area constituted of 120 kilometres of visiting (www.cite-dentelle.fr). You will find plant-glowing. Numerous gardens, both Among others, Harnes is a partner of Chr- each year. No wonder, the region has en- from all over the world, who came here for beaches with fine sand, thousands of hec- here everything connected with the history public and private, are open for tourists zanów, Rouvroy is a twin city of Libiąża, and

tered into close cooperation with the county the Olympics in London. Apart from sport tares of dunes, 25 kilometres of breath- prasowe materiaŁy fot.: of lacemaking in the region. There are also (www.paresetjardins-npdc.com). Auby- of Czeladź.

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When visiting the area, you get the im- GDAŃSK, ul. Słowackiego 3 pression the time stopped here decades ago. Up to this days you can see here little built from white stone, outbuildings made from clay, water mills, mansions and country- side palaces. You will find comfortable ac- commodation both in a charming inn, an eco-friendly farm, as well as in a luxurious hotel. AGENCJA With history MIENIA WOJSKOWEGO in the background The flatland of Artois will interest not only history lovers, but the fact that it was owned by the Romans, the Franks, the Flanders community, Burgundy dukes, the Span- ish Habsburgs, only to eventually become MRZEŻYNO a part of the Kingdom of France in 1659, Powierzchnia gruntu: 0,2994 ha which makes it even more fascinating. This Przeznaczenie: usługowo - handlowe part of the area can be called an open-air Przetarg: 07.08.2012 r museum – with its Gallo-Roman archaeo- logical excavations, medieval bell towers, Cena wywoławcza: 4 500 000 PLN Vauban fortification, baroque palaces, Neo- classical castles and abbeys. When in the neighbourhood, you should SZKLARSKA PORĘBA, ul. Oficerska 4 see Arras, with its historical tenement houses surrounding the two most impor- WDW Wysoki Kamień tant squares in the city. An unique place definitely worth recommending is Noeux- les-Mines in Loisinord. In winter , another attraction is a heap, which changes into a skiing and snowboarding slope. In sum- mer, you can do water-skiing and sailing on the nearby lake (www.noeuxlesmineseten- Powierzchnia gruntu: 0,1488 ha virons-tourisme.fr). Przeznaczenie: rekreacyjno - wypoczynkowe Przetarg: 07.08.2012 r Big exhibitions Cena wywoławcza: 1 650 000 PLN On the area of Pas-de-Calais department, there are a few very important events taking part this year. The Fine Art Museum in Ar- ras houses an exhibition of the greatest royal and imperial carriers, including the one, in TORUŃ, ul. Strzałowa 17-19 which Napoleon I was taken to his wedding Powierzchnia gruntu: 5,1718 ha ceremony (www.roulezcarrosses.fr), which you will be able to see between 17th March Przeznaczenie: rekreacyjno - wypoczynkowe and 10th November 2013. In Boulogne-sur- Cena wywoławcza: 7 850 000 PLN Mer you can see an Pompidou Museum exhibition until 15th September 2012. The exposition entitled “Colour” presents a few dozens of works by the greatest French painters such as Braque, Matisse, Picasso or Calder (www.tourisme-boulognesurmer. com). And a real cultural treat in the area Zainwestuj will take place at the end of the year. On 4 December, a branch of The Musée du Lou- W Nieruchomości vre, the biggest museum in the world, will be opened in Lens. Powierzchnie gruntu: 5,5742 ha Przeznaczenie: mieszkaniowe www.amw.com.pl Nord-Pas de Calais delights not only with the landscape, charming cities and towns. Przetarg: 26.07.2012 r It is also abundant in tourist attractions, including those aimed at water sport enthusiasts. Cena wywoławcza: 4 800 000 PLN

62 | July/August 2012 April 2012 | 63 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Air Travel Air Travel | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

mostly charter flights during the Olympic impression on travellers. The terminal is Games, today is also used for international not only humongous, but also impressive in Important Info airport flights. terms of its shape and the area around it. Beijing Capital International Airport The delicate shapes of the construction are Beijing Shoudu Guoji Jichang, The dragon ideally synchronised with the transport lay- 155 Dongsi Xi Dajie, Beijing 100621 Made in China and the tortoise out. To get to the departure hall you need to IATA: PEK, ICAO: ZBAA The huge departure hall is shaped like a take a train, which runs among the bushes http://en.bcia.com.cn Huge spaces, futuristic architecture and shops offering the best tea in the world, are dragon which is regarded in China as a of colourful roses. among the things which distinguish Beijing international airport from other Asian symbol of power. In front of it there is a Terminal 3 also has a car park which can Major carriers smaller structure resembling a giant torto- accommodate up to 7,000 cars, and a futu- Air China, Oneworld, Star Alliance. ports. Marzena Mróz takes you to the tour of the second largest airport in Asia. ise - which is regarded in Asia as a symbol of ristic railway station with a glass dome. The longevity. Also the total length of the struc- budget of the investment exceeded 3.5 bil- Shopping Passengers departing from he airport is owned by Beijing Ca- hub of the Air China airline which is the nese capital in 2008. The building, designed ture (3.25 kilometres), makes a stunning lion dollars. Beijing can shop in one of numerous pital International Airport Com- main Chinese air carrier, offering connec- by Norman Foster, is the world's first struc- designer stores such as Silan Silk, Chanel, pany Limited and is controlled by tions to 120 destinations. Hainan and China ture covering over 1 million square metres. The highway to the airport Salvatore Ferragamo and Mont Blanc. Pri- the state. It‘s located 32 kilometres Southern Airlines also use this port as the It’s so big that if you wanted to obtain a si- Beijing Airport is operated by Airport ces of duty-free cosmetics are considered Tnortheast of the city centre, in Chaoyang Di- main hub. It has three modern terminals milar surface, you would need to connect all Express – an underground railway line to be one of the lowest in Asia. strict and can handle up to 75 million pas- which feature numerous shops, restaurants the buildings of London's Heathrow airport which runs from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, sengers per year! and places where passengers can relax after (including the new Terminal 5) and yet add and then to the city centre with stops in Sa- Connections to the airport Airport a long flight from Europe or America. 17% more! nyuanqiao and Dongzhimen. The line was Expressway is a toll road, which runs The Asian giant The building features a main passenger opened on 19 July 2008, during the Olym- from north-east of the Third Ring Road in The airport was opened in 1958, and after it The terminal terminal (3C), two satellite piers (Terminals pic Games. It takes 16–20 minutes to reach Sanyuanqiao directly to Terminals 1 and 2 was expanded in 1999, it became the busiest of the 21st century 3D and 3E), five floors above and two below the city centre from the airport. The airport It was built in the 1990s and serves as the airport in Asia - both in terms of passenger The most spectacular place at the airport the ground. Letters A and B were not used has six different bus routes to various places main link road to the city. Airport Expres- and total traffic. The airport in Beijing also in Beijing is Terminal 3. This modern and to avoid confusion with Terminals 1 and 2. across Beijing, such as Xidan, Fangzhuang, sway 2, opened in 2008, runs eastward ranks high in terms of freight traffic with spacious terminal was built to meet the ne- Terminal 3C is used for domestic flights, 3E the railway station, or Zhongguancun and from Yaojiayuan Lu to East Fifth Ring the 14th position in the world. eds of the increasing traffic, especially with handles international flights, while 3D (also Nanyuan. You can also take a bus from the- Road and then north to Terminal 3 Beijing Capital International Airport is the view of the Olympic Games held in the Chi- called the "Olympics Hall") which handled re going to Tianjin and Qinhuangdao.

64 | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | 65 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Destinations Destinations | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

The source of youth potion Let’s meet... at the In Kerali there is a source of knowledge of life (or ‘Ayurveda’ in Sanscrit) that has been spurting for five thousands of years. It is a philosophy, art, system of beliefs and prac- source of life tices in line with the deepest human physi- cal, psychological, intellectual and spirit- Kerala is like a woman. Although is one of the smallest states of India, it is, ual needs. Since then it has been evolving along with our development and spreading like the hole country, rich in diversity, multivariate, full of contrasts, an ineffable around the world. The popularity of living and inscrutable. Therein beats the source of life. according to the teachings of Ayurveda is increasing especially among the more and more conscious people in the Western lthough it is one of the most world. Especially for them Ayurveda resorts densely populated Indian were founded in Kerali. Beautifully-located, states, it is also a perfect desti- prepared to cater for the needs of demand- nation if you need peace, quiet, ing western clients. They offer a wide range relaxationA and unique atmosphere, thanks of natural therapies, health recovery treat- to which you can contact your inner self. For ments, guaranteeing peace of mind or vital- hundreds of years people in this area prac- ity, as well as rejuvenating and slimming tised matriarchy, and the woman still has a therapies and medical treatments aimed to You can make your dreams come true. That’s what we live for. It’s not very privileged position in society - she is cure serious conditions, which conventional enough to believe and wait, to make it happen. You need to constantly respected, and often holds high post in local medicine can do nothing about. to follow the path that will lead you there. authorities and business. It is said that Ayurveda helps to restore Kerala state is also the most expensive harmony in our organisms. Ayurveda has region in the country, the key producer and created the first complex holistic medi- exporter of many exotic fruit, roots, herbs cine, which perceives a person as a complex and spices. Long-lasting contacts with Eu- whole. Ayurveda doctors claim that by re- rope resulted in popularity of Catholicism storing harmony, we let our organism gain in this area. In 16th century Kerali was a natural health. The ageing processes in destination for Jewish people, who found- organisms are reversible and aren’t strictly ed a large diaspora here, as they were per- connected to our age. The body gets older secuted in Europe. Trade exchange, foreign proportionally to the amount of toxins that investment, expatriation processes, fantas- accumulates in it and our bad habits. neu- tic climate, highly developed tourism and tralization, getting rid of toxins and chang- extraordinary openness of the local people ing your way of living and eating habits have has created a melting pot of different cul- a substantial effect on reversing the ageing tures in bigger cities along the coast of the process. state. A necklace from real pearls From the sea to Ghat. Old Veda books say that Kerala is a coun- But there’s more to Kerala than beautiful try, which god have left for himself, while he and world-famous beaches, clear blue sky, offered the rest of the world to people. The turquoise sea and green coconut palms. legend has it, that the same god collected There are also the famous Kerala backwa- the most beautiful pieces of Kerala land to ters. hundreds of rivers, canals and lakes on make a necklace. One day, the necklace got seems to be relative and indefinite. glittering around me too. It’s fluorescent which you can travel by boats with luxuri- broken and fell into the sea. God was look- Equipped with diving gear, you can go plankton scintillating to imitate the sky. ous cabins overseeing the beauty of nature. ing for it, and then he realized the pearls under water. One of the most beautiful, rich There is no vacuum in this world. It seems Right behind the backwaters, further to- changed into an archipelago of fabulous is- and complex coral reefs in the world will de- to be so abundant. Looking into the night wards the land, there is a beautiful moun- lands. Speechless with delight, he decided light you with its colourfulness. The sight sky, I involuntarily move my lips. Although tain range called the Western Ghats. The to leave them for people, so that they could leaves you speechless, and you can only ad- both my feet stand steadily on the bottom of special microclimate of the place, clear discover the divinity in themselves. mire the diversity of the underwater world. the lagoon, I rub the salt water into my face and fresh air and an impressive number of Agatti is one of the thirty pearls of the You can take a deep breaths and enjoy the and neck. Feeling thankfulness and love, sunny days are perfect conditions for the fa- archipelago. Only 10 out of all of them are surrounding silence. my soul no longer dreams about living. It mous tea plantations, which cover the near- inhabited. The rest remains deserted, fabu- After a sumptuous dinner prepared by experiences the essence of life by living in by hills. There are also plantations of black lous with wild animals and nature in its the chefs of the only resort in the whole is- a dream. pepper, coffee, vanilla or cardamom. prime. The sand here is even whiter than land, you can return to the beach. It’s get- Konrad Wilk The area of the Western Ghats is home flour. The greenness of forests has more ting dark. The water in the lagoon stands The author is an explorer, to a countless number of exotic animals: shades than any known colour scale. The still like a glass pane, and the sky is shin- writer and a personality coach. elephants, tigers, alligators, lots of monkey azure of the lagoon, makes the sky appear ing with the stars. Now it’s time for a swim. Recently, he has published a new book species and colourful birds. gloomy and dull in contrast. Everything Take a look at the stars I see something entitled „Naga Asu”

66 | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | 67 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Tastes of the World Tastes of the World | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

Land of ice cream According to the legends, ice cream has been around for 6 thousand years. During that time it has been a treat, a symbol of status and an instrument of political fight. An Italian duchess served ice-cream in the colour of the Italian flag to an Austrian ambassador and explained that cream, strawberries and pistachio are best ice cream flavours. BTraveller_208x275_cosmos.ai 1 25.06.2012 13:20

B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Tastes of the World Tastes of the World | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r COSMOPOLITAN TAKE UP YOUR RESIDENCE s with other inventions, this, ice cream was more common, but still did the only thing he could in this situation it is the Chinese, who are unavailable for the broad masses. - he founded an ice cream shop called Pro- Abelieved to prepared ice cream for the first cope and was the first person in the world to time. Apparently they ate snow with juice A fisherman's invention produce ice cream on a larger scale. IN THE CENTER OF WARSAW or fruit concentrate and honey as early as The situation seemed a perfect opportu- The place was located on the same street 4 thousand years ago. It seems that ice cre- nity for an ice cream maker from Palermo as Comédie Française, and as a result, it am is one of the products that just had to in 17th century. Francesco Procopio de Co- became a natural meeting place for artists, WITH A VIEW OF THE WORLD be invented. But we shouldn't feel interior telli came from a family of fishermen. His and more respected representative of the to the Chinese whatsoever. Apparently Isa- grandfather produced ice cream during the political and cultural world. The place was ack offered a very "nutritious drink" made months unfavourable for fishing, in order frequented by Voltaire, Balzac, Hugo, Ro- from snow and goat milk to Abraham. It is to improve the family budget. Procopio in- bespierre, Danton and Napoleon Bonaparte also known that in the year 62, drinks made herited the primitive sorbet manufacturing - to name just a few of those who has gone from chopped fruit, honey and snow were company, improved the method of produc- down in history. served at feasts at Nero's. tion and decided it was time to conquer the world. For obvious reasons, he chose Paris From milk to nitrogen With ice cream - it was the cultural and political centre of As ice cream became more and more po- through history Europe, and the local ice cream stronghold pular, the process of production was also According to the official version the ice cre- came into being thanks to Catherine de' changing, as manufacturers were looking am recipe was brought to Italy from China Medici. for new flavours. At the beginning, in 1664, by Marco Polo. The Sicilians claim that they And so, Francesco set off to Paris. Contrary one of the ice cream makers from Naples had "borrowed" ice cream recipe from Arab to what he claimed, he wasn't an aristocrat, brought about a revolutionary invention - people 200 years before that. Whatever the and he didn't have access to the court. He he used milk as the basis of this ice cream C truth, the first ice cream resembled sorbets, recipe. Little less than 30 years later, it was M because they consisted of snow or crushed discovered that if you boil milk with vario- Y ice and various flavoured ingredients. In us additives, it thickens and becomes more Greece the ice cream was called "The Snow smooth after freezing. The French went CM of Olympus", and the main flavoured additi- even further and begun boiling milk with MY ve was wine. The Romans used to use rose egg yolk - which made the final substance water and violet flowers fried in honey, and even smoother. Another revolutionary di- CY they were the first to introduce more "sub- scovery was that of Rene Antoine Reaumur, CMY stantial" additives like dates, figs and cru- a 17th-century French physicist and natu- K shed almonds. ralist, who discovered that stirring the ice Catherine de' Medici was a huge fan of ice cream while freezing it, helps to get rid of cream and she brought his treat to Paris, the small pieces of ice. where it immediately gained popularity Since that time, nothing has changed in the among the aristocracy, as it was previously ice cream industry. Naturally, the produc- unknown, special and incredibly expensive. tion technology is still evolving, but the key The only way to obtain ice in the middle of elements remain unchanged. In our times, the summer, was transporting it from fara- only one important discovery was made - ice way mountain tops. cream get frozen really quickly in liquid ni- With time, people learned that it is possible trogen. Some ingredients like alcohol lose its to get ice blocks out of rivers in winter and aroma with slow freezing, while the nitrogen then store it in well-isolated cellars and ice method preserves its original flavour. houses until the following year. Thanks to Joanna Kadej-Krzyczkowska

All about ice cream There are three main types of ice cream: milky (made from milk, yolk, How to buy? First of all - read the labels. A long list of ingredients 1.sugar and flavoured additives) - another variety are cream or yoghurt 3.is not an advantages, so is the presence of "strange" products ice cream; sorbets (from water, sugar, juice or fruit mousse) - which like: palm tree fat, guar gum, etc. Good ice cream should not con- have refreshing flavour and are low in calories; and parfait (from whip- tain preservatives - neither natural nor artificial. Another thing - ped cream, yolk blended with sugar, and flavoured additives).. the looks. The box can't be covered with frost. You should also be The big five - experts claim that good ice cream should contain no suspicious if the colours are very bright - it means the ice cream 2.more than 5 ingredients. These are: milk, cream, sugar, eggs and has been dyed. And finally - the taste. Sophisticated flavours are flavoured additives (counted as one).. In the USA, as a result of achieved by means of artificial aromas. If you don't believe - try COME TO LIVE IN THE VERY HEART OF POLAND’S CAPITAL, organic food fashion, one of the companies started to produce ice mixing watermelon - all you will get is sweet water - you could cream called Just Five. never made ice cream from that. YET FAR FROM THE DOWNTOWN NOISE. COSMOPOLITAN. 160 METRES HIGH, 44 STOREYS, 252 FLATS. 70 | July/August 2012 www.cosmopolitan.waw.pl +48 535 10 10 10 May 2012 | 71 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Tastes of the World Tastes of the World | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

he expression of Nebbiolo variety, Moderna The secret used for production of Piedmont versus tradition TWO NEBBIOLO SCHOOLS Barolo - famous for its grandeur However, not everyone is happy with such a of immortality - is very different from what you'd style of Barolo, as it was considered too her- Wine immortality is a myth. Every wine has its It's funny how the sound of a wine name affects our impression of its character and Texpect knowing the wine was labelled the metic to appeal to a larger audience. That's prime, and then it dies. Quite unlike the people. best one in the whole of Italy. It is very re- why one of the winemakers, great and in- expression. And although the impression is often correct, as for Barolo you can be But there are some factors, which will make a served. It doesn't like too much concentra- dependent Elio Altare, decided to introduce wine last for even a decade. almost close, or really far from the truth. Because despite the trends and styles in tion, and it lacks thickness and satiation of a harvesting technique used in the French worldwide winemaking, it is difficult to find the muscularity and concentration you Tuscany wines. Nevertheless its grandeur Burgundy - also struggling with the same Acidity - the basic longevity criterion for dry would expect when hearing the name, but there is lots of finesse and intelligence. is unquestionable. Woven from such deli- kind of problems with its Pinot Noir. The wines. Because, contrary to what you may cate and powerful matter, that it cannot be method of growing, appropriate trimming think, it is not the very concentated wines that copied. It is meaningful that nobody even and "green harvest", which is removing the live the longest. That's why it is not wines from tries anymore. first fruit, enabled quicker and fuller matu- Spanish, Bordeaux or Australia, but those from Nebbiolo gives wine of little fruit aroma, rity. That's why the grapes were fully ripe in Piedmont, Burgundy and Germany will be aro- a rather worrying information to get abo- the mid October, and you could obtain more und for longer. ut any other wine but this one. Here, it is juiciness, softness and hedonistic concen- Alcohol - wines strengthened with distillate different, because even though cranberry tration from the grapes, when compared to (like Spanich Sherry) can last much longer than or cherry aromas don't play the dominant the old model of growing. ordinary ones, because high alcohol content in- role, the wine is still lively and with charac- Since then Pedmont have been divided into hibits most of the harmful processes in wines. ter. The aroma is dominated with liquorice, two halves. The modern one is developing, Sugar - the best wine preservative. The more rosehip and tar. In more simple wines, you and dominant thanks to the greater ease a wine has it, the longer it lives.And while the can sense cranberry flavour, but it is well- and accessibility to wine enthusiasts from best vintage of the best wine can last no more -hidden and not very distinctive. But the aci- outside the Old Continent. The latter one - than 30-40 years, the sweet wines can be easily dity and very raw tannic are just fabulous. It more traditional - sticks to the old school. stored even for a hundred years. may sound revolting, but these are the two The winemakers continue growing grapes factors behind the power of Barolo. using the old method without paying atten- ? Based on fine lard, which doesn't resem- tion to what others think. They know, that ble anything from the local butcher's. I ca- sooner or later the world will grow tired of n't think of any other wine that could go so the new trend and begin to miss the old well with it. This is an example of a perfect techniques. match of local flavours. Despite the interna- Michał Poddany & Robert Mielżyński tional career, Barolo will never be as good as in this fabulous, hilly landscape, where each strip of land is covered with vineyards and medieval castles.

Mastery and a pinch of intuition Nebbiolo gives wine of Nebbiolo likes to take things slow. It ma- little fruit aroma, tures slowly, which means the harvesting a rather worrying takes place no sooner than in November. information to get But in cold Piedmont it may mean you will about have to harvest in driving rain - an absolute any other wine but this catastrophe for the quality of wine. That's one. Here, it is why growing this variety requires not only different, because even mastery, but also intuition. And despite late though cranberry or harvesting, Nebbiolo always reached full cherry aromas don't maturity. It was very acid and "green", but this curse turned out fine for the quality of play the dominat role, Barolo or Barbaresco wines, as the winema- the wine is still lively kers used to keep in in huge barrels even and with character. for a couple of years, in order to get rid of the wine's crude character. With time, the acidity soothed and the tannins got softer and milder. Unlike other wines, for which maturing in barrels improves the taste, here it was an ab- solute necessity, as the wine was undrinka- ble. So it is really amazing, that right after the maturing time, Barolo delighted with balance that no other wine could compete with.

72 | July/August 2012 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Moto&Techno Moto&Techno | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r

Volkswagen Forever The new version of the Volkswagen CC is positioned between the Passat and the Phaeton. However, the design makes it aspire to models from higher end of the market. The same applies to the extended standard equipment, including bi-xenon headlights, LED tail lights and the system recognizing the driver's fatigue.

74 | Maj 2012 Maj 2012 | 75 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Moto&Techno

olkswagen CC has also re- This system detects waning driver concen- Traffic sign detection ceived optional driver assis- tration and warns the driver with an acous- When the system detects speed limit signs Vtance systems and the ride quality was sub- tic signal lasting five seconds; a visual mes- and no-passing zones via camera, up to stantially improved. sage also appears in the instrument cluster three of these signs are shown on the in- recommending that the driver take a break strument cluster display in front of the Acoustics – even better from driving. If the driver does not take a driver as well as in the navigation system soundproofing break within the next 15 minutes, the warn- display. The screen output shows all addi- Volkswagen achieved noise reductions of ing is repeated once. Right at the begin- tional signage text (e.g. '10 pm - 6 am' or several dB by implementing numerous indi- ning of each car trip, the system analyses 'When wet'), and it is presented in a logi- vidual measures in the body design area and the driver's characteristic steering behav- cal order. The immediately relevant traffic in the windscreen glass structure. Acous- iour. The fatigue detection system then con- sign (e.g. '130' km/h) is always shown in tics have been optimised by adding sound- tinually evaluates signals such as steering the first position, while signs that are only absorbing materials in the front, side and angle, use of the pedals and transverse ac- conditionally valid (e.g. '80' km/h 'when rear areas. Engineers have further improved celeration. If monitored parameters indi- wet') are shown in a secondary position. If soundproofing by adding highly effective cate a deviation from the steering behaviour the rain sensor of the VW CC detects that underbody trim, wheel-well shells made of recorded at the beginning of the trip, then it has started to rain, the now relevant traf- a material for noise damping and improved visual and acoustic warnings are produced. fic sign with the added text 'when wet' is gearbox mounts. Additional insulating ma- shifted to first position. The system also terials are also used in the dashboard. The Side Assist Plus acquires no-passing signs and municipal- windscreen is also equipped with an addi- with Lane Assist ity entrance and exit signs, and it calls the tional acoustic film layer. Also making a significant contribution to driver's attention to country-specific maxi- improved safety is the optional combina- mum allowable speeds in cities. The climate comfort tion of Side Assist Plus (lane-changing as- window sistant) and Lane Assist (lane-keeping as- Dynamic Light Assist plus The climate comfort window has an IR coat- sistant). Side Assist makes the driver aware LED daytime running lights ing to reflect the infrared component of sun- of vehicles located in the blind spot next to This optional system makes manual head- light. The window consists of a total of six the Passat Alltrack or vehicles approach- light switching between dipped and main layers and is about 4 mm thick. The high- ing from the rear by flashing LEDs in the beam a thing of the past. At speeds over 65 light is that the silver layers of the IR coating door mirrors. Meanwhile, Lane Assist ac- km/h, the main beam is automatically ac- reflect infrared light, thereby reducing heat cesses signals from a camera; as soon as it tivated, and it remains permanently active. build-up in the interior. The silver layer is becomes evident that the driver is leaving In conjunction with the camera integrated electrically conductive as well, so it also acts the driving lane or is driving over the lane behind the windscreen, the main beam as a windscreen heating element, making markings without setting the direction indi- light modules of the bi-xenon headlights the usual heating wires unnecessary. cator, Lane Assist countersteers. are individually dipped only in those areas in which the system has analysed potential glare to other vehicles. A masking aperture between the reflector with the xenon fila- ment and the lens makes this function pos- sible. In conjunction with intelligent, lateral swivelling of the entire module (via the cor- nering light function) and independent con- trol of the left and right headlights, this ad- ditional aperture geometry is able to mask the light source. This prevents light glare to oncoming traffic or vehicles driving ahead.

Easy Open Also new in the Volkswagen CC: the sensor- controlled Easy Open system for opening the bootlid by a foot movement behind the vehicle (in conjunction with Keyless Ac- cess). The human-machine interface here is a proximity sensor in the bumper area, which recognises a kick-like leg motion. New technologies make travelling more convenient. Apart from major The boot only opens for someone carrying innovations, car manufacturers also introduce a range of minor ones the proper remote key for the CC. which also contribute to the overall progress in the industry. Wiktor Łucki

76 | July/August 2012 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | App Store News Moto& Moto&Techno Techno || BBuu s s i i n n e e s s s s T Trr a a v v e e l l l l e e r r Holiday applications Do you wonder how to get around a city using public transport, where to look for a taxi, the cheapest flight, or how to rent a cheap room? If you have an iPad or an iPhone – you don’t have to worry.

Find your way around a city A nice ride jak dojadĘ zŁap taxi

The app is available in free (lite) and paid A free app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod. version (€2.99 in appstore). “Jak dojadę” “Złap taxi” (catch a cab) is aimed at busy (how to get there) features a map with tram businesspeople, travellers in a new city, and bus timetables and has the most in- and those who don’t like cheating cab novative public transport journey planner. It drivers. The app searches for taxi compa- features timetables for 10 major Polish cit- nies in most major cities, basing on GPS ies. The lite version allows you to search up location. You don’t need to know their to three connections per month, while the names or numbers - everything is just paid version has no limits whatsoever. The there. With “złap taxi” you can either call search engine shows results, depending on for a cab or order it online. In addition, whether we want to reach our destinations the application calculates an approxi- quickly (e.g. with transfers), or slower, but mate fee, and tells you which companies more conveniently (without transfers). accept credit cards! Under a good roof Fly high Airbnb Skyscanner

The main advantage of "Airbnb" is its so- Looking for a convenient air connec- cial in nature - the application connects tion? Do you want to do it by yourself, those who have their own flats or houses without help of a travel agents? Skys- with those who want to find cheap and canner is an application which makes proven accommodation for a short stay. the whole process so simple. Just click The offers are grouped in categories. Do the date of departure and return to get you need someone to put you up in Lon- accurate information on connections don, New York or Berlin? Or maybe you offered by over 1,000 airlines. Skyscan- want to rent a yurt in Mongolia? Each ner shows, a complete route of your offer is shown on a detailed map (which journey, and allows you to book tickets makes searching much easier). The ap- online. Details can be sent by email. plication includes photos of the houses, The app also connect with Facebook, and enables you to contact the owner. or Tweeter.

78 | July/August 2012 LutyMay 2012 || 7975

072-076 samochody_kor.indd 75 28.01.2012 23:08 B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r | Destinations Destinations | B u s i n e s s T r a v e l l e r HOURS in... beverly hills Jenny Southan spies super-fast cars, spooky mansions and serious money in the exclusive Californian district.

GREYSTONE MANSION The audaciously wealthy city of Beverly 4 Hills is home to countless actors, directors and celebrities, many of whom reside in lavish abodes set back from the road. You can join the gaggles of snap-happy tourists if you like, and take a “star tour” in one of the ubiquitous jeeps and buses that cruise around, but a better option is to drive (or take a cab) to Greystone Mansion, the for- Rodeo Drive or Beverly Hills Hotel are a ‘must see’ attractions here, mer residence of Ned Doheny, the son of an similarly to Buckingham Palace in London. infamous oil tycoon. Built in 1928 on five hectares of hillside, the Tudor-style house was the most expensive sandwiches in the trees so he would not Friends and Seinfeld. The permanent ex- types of fromage – the most expensive be- in California at the time. These days, the have to see anyone. hibition of original Hirschfeld caricatures ing with truffle (US$50 for 500g) – and ca- building and the park around it belong to If you haven’t got time to enjoy a meal in the from The New York Times is also worth a ters to the major hotels in the area. It also the City of Beverly Hills, and in recent years Polo Lounge, where the Rat Pack used to look – examine each one carefully and see if specialises in Californian cheeses, produc- it has been used as a location for many mov- hang out, slip down to the poolside Cabana you can spot his daughter’s name, Nina, hid- tion of which has been flourishing in recent ies – from X Men: First Class and The Social Café (open 9am-6pm). It is the perfect place den among the pen strokes. Entry is free and years, along with mustard, more than 25 Network to Spider-Man 3 and There Will to enjoy a quick sirloin burger (US$24) or guided tours are available on request. Open types of extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, pre- Be Blood, which was inspired by the life of So-Cal omelette (US$18) washed down 12pm-5pm Wed-Sun, closed Mon-Tues. 465 serves, honey, Iberico ham, Russian caviar, Ned’s father, Edward. with a Beverly Hills Iced Tea (US$17) when North Beverly Drive; paleycenter.org foie gras, and rough hewn slates for present- Greystone has a dark history, though. With- the sun is shining. The poolside setting ing your own smorgasbord of deli snacks. in months of Ned moving in with his fam- has hosted many photo shoots, and every- THE CHEESE STORE Have a chat with the bespectacled Norbert, ily, he and his male secretary were found one from Katherine Hepburn to the Beatles A few doors down from the Paley Centre is the owner, and try a nugget of salty Parme- shot dead in one of the rooms in a myste- has swum here. 9,641 Sunset Boulevard; the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. You may san or a slice of creamy Abbaye de Belloc, rious murder-suicide. The mansion will tel +1 310 276 2251; beverlyhillshotel.com, not be able to take any home with you, but while keeping an eye out for the odd celeb reopen in February after a US$2 million dorchestercollection.com. pop in anyway to try a few samples. Estab- wandering in to get their groceries. Open revamp, and for the first time will be avail- lished in 1967, the shop stocks about 550 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm; 419 able to hire for corporate events, but if you THE PALEY CENTRE FOR MEDIA North Beverly Drive; cheesestorebh.com. If are in town before then, you can still walk Your next stop is a few minutes by car down you don’t like cheese, Carroll and Co (car- around the gardens and chat to the rangers, North Beverly Drive. The Paley Centre was The world’s most expensive rollandco.com) at 425 North Canon Drive is who will speak of how it is haunted. Entry is designed by Richard Meier, who also built For the ultimate in engine eye-candy, the ultimate gentleman’s outfitters, and the free. Open 10am-5pm/6pm. 905 Loma Vista LA’s Getty Centre in Brentwood, and fea- head for the House of Bijan (bijan.com) at ideal place to pick up clothing for any Dap- Drive; greystonemansion.org tures his trademark “rationalist” style with number 420, where you will doubtless spot per Dan. plenty of white, clean lines and natural one of the owner’s Bugatti Veyron super BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL light. As well as changing exhibitions of sports cars. Capable of reaching speeds of RODEO DRIVE A short drive back down the sweeping Loma movie props, costumes and cinema post- 408km/ph, it’s the fastest street-legal car Complete the rest of your tour on foot and Vista Drive will bring you to one of LA’s ers, it has a free publicly accessible archive in the world and costs no less than US$2.4 at leisure. An amble down Rodeo Drive most iconic hotels, the Beverly Hills, which of almost every TV show ever made, along million. Although the Iranian designer died (one road over from North Beverly Drive) you may recognise from the cover of the with radio broadcasts from 1919 and adverts in April, his custom made model remains is a must for every fashionista, as it’s lined Eagles’ Hotel California album. The “Pink from 1949 (check the online database if you parked outside as a memorial to him. If with glossy boutiques from Ralph Lauren to Palace”, as it is known, was unveiled in 1912 are interested in specifics). you want to shop in Bijan’s menswear Chanel. Even if you are not in the mood to and has hosted many glamorous guests in When I visited, the Debbie Reynolds Col- store, which is appropriately dubbed “the shop, it’s a prime spot for soaking up just its rooms and bungalows, which sit beside lection was on show, a personal hoard of most expensive in the world”, you will have how much money is floating around here. winding pathways shaded by palm trees. Hollywood treasures that included dresses to make an appointment. And make sure Pause by one of the perfectly groomed palm Eccentric film producer and aviator Howard worn by Marilyn Monroe. From the new your bank balance will be able to handle it. trees and you will just as likely notice Bo- Hughes lived here on and off for 30 years, year, there will be items on display from the Visit rodeodrive-bh.com toxed glam-mas walking mini pooches as requesting that staff leave him roast beef Warner Bros studios, as well as the sets of million-dollar cars.

80 | July/August 2012 July/August 2012 | 81 Ask peter Letters Piotr Kalita is related with air transport market for almost 20 years. He is specializing in corporate and diplomatic travel segment. Have a question? - ask Piotr. Mail your question to: [email protected]

Is it worth paying extra? Baggage My friend was flying from Philadelphia to Europe. On the air- allowance on US routes port when checking-in, she was offered a better seat for 66 dollars extra. When she got onto plane, she didn’t see any difference be- Dear Peter, In August I’m flying to Boston with Lufthansa tween her seat and the others. A passenger sitting next to her in airlines. I got myself a Miles&More card to be able to collect the middle seat didn’t pay extra. She felt disappointed that she points. In the travel agency I was told, I was allowed to take had paid more for the same kind of seat. only 1 piece of luggage of 23 kg max. Is it true? Thank you for Magda your reply. Adam Dear Magda, Your friend shouldn’t feel disappointed or deceived. More and Dear Adam, more airlines introduce the so called Ancillary Services, i.e. Your travel agency gave you correct information. Lufthansa extra services, which are also extra charged. One of them is airlines use the so called piece system baggage allowance promoting preferable seats on a plane. Initially, it may seem when flying to the USA in economy class. That means, that that all seats are identical. In fact, all seats in the economy you are allowed to take 1 piece of check-in luggage for free, class look the same. But the reality is, there are better and of the maximum weight of 23 kg. The dimensions of your worse places to seat. The better ones include those at the front baggage (length, width and depth) shouldn’t exceed 158 of an airplane, where you don’t feel the turbulences so much, centimetres. If your baggage exceeds the 23 kg allowance, and there is less noise. Nobody likes to seat close to the lava- you will be charge extra. With piece baggage allowance sys- tories or kitchen, where there is always something going on. tem, you are charge not for every extra kg, but for an extra On long-haul flights, the middle seats are also not very popu- piece of luggage. lar, especially among claustrophobic passengers. Most people What’s more, you are allowed to hand luggage (1 piece in chose the seat next to the aisle, which give a better freedom economy class) of no more than 8kg, and size of 55cm x to move around. Experienced passengers ask for seats next to 40cm x 23 cm maximum. A foldable suit bag could be the emergency exit in the first row, because these seats come slightly bigger than that. Hand luggage has to fit in the with a bigger leg room. overhead locker, or under the set in front of you. The only Airlines have collected a number of seats fulfilling these exception is the seats next to the emergency exit - you can’t requirements. Usually these are reserved for people with place your luggage there. special needs: children travelling without supervision of an In is different with business and first class - here you can adult, wheel-chaired passengers or elderly people with health take 2 and 3 pieces of luggage respectively, each should issues. It turned out, however, that these might be promot- weigh no more than 32 kilometres. The above allowances ed for an extra charge, due to a big demand. The extra seat are also available for Miles&More programme members, charge is between 45 - 80 dollars, and depends on the route. who reached the status of Frequent Traveller, Senator, These services are more and more popular in American and HON Circle, or Gold Member. When travelling in econo- Asian airlines. my class they can check-in two pieces of luggage of 23 kg Because of the procedural reasons, the seats next to the emer- for free. That’s why I encourage you to fly often and col- gency exit cannot be given to passengers under 15, those who lect Miles&More programme points. Additional privileges cannot speak English or unable to assist other passengers. include access to business class lounge, separate check-in Not even for an extra charge. counter and highest waiting list priority.

82 | July/August 2012

MT Polska reklama nowa 208x275 new.indd 1 12-03-13 20:55 BENEFIA Towarzystwo Ubezpieczeń na Życie S.A. Vienna Insurance Group specjalizuje się w indywidualnych ubezpieczeniach na życie oraz ubezpieczeniach powiązanych z usługami bankowymi. Stawia sobie za cel oferowanie swoim Klientom najwyższej jakości produktów i usług ubezpieczeniowych. fot. BIGSTOCKPHOTO

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