London show features latest in skis and snowboards. (Stars and Stripes)
EnglandThe Ski and Snowboard Show in London’s Olympia features the latest in skiing and snowboarding equipment, trips, classes and tips from experts Thursday through Sunday.
Visitors can pet a husky at the Quebec Husky Lodge, see what’s cool in winter clothes at the Land Rover Fashion Show, experience skiing virtually at the Land Rover Mountain Theater, test drive a Land Rover on ice, or try out the latest K2 equipment.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Through Friday, adult tickets cost 9 pounds (about $14.50) if purchased in advance and 12 pounds at the door; tickets for ages 11-16 are 4 euros in advance and 5 pounds at the door. On weekends, adult tickets cost 13 pounds in advance and 16 pounds at the door; tickets for ages 11-16 are 6 pounds in advance and 7 pounds at the door. Children younger than 11 get in free, and there are special rates for students and seniors. Find out more at www.metrosnow.co.uk.
AustriaThe historical rooms of the 17th-century Hellbrunn Palace are the site of Salzburg’s first Genusswelt Chocolate, or “Chocolate World of Pleasure,” which runs through the weekend.
“Brazilian Cocoa — From the Bean to Chocolate” is the theme of both the festival and a special exhibition detailing the bean’s journey from har-vest to Europe. International chocolatiers will offer their specialties and products to sample and buy, and there will be entertainment on stage.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost 7 euros for adults and 5 euros for children. Find more information on the festival at www.genussweltschokolade.at (in German only), and on the palace at www.hellbrunn.at(with an English-language version).
ScotlandThe title of this year’s Scottish Storytelling Festival, “Eastern Routes: Authentic Voices,” describes its focus on the cultural exchange between Scotland and India, China and Japan.
Many storytellers will add other arts, such as traditional Scottish Lowland music, hand-painted scrolls, Japanese art, Indian theater music and dance and traditional Indonesian gamelan music. Workshops will be offered for those who want to improve their storytelling skills.
Costs for the events range from free to 26 pounds (about $42) for workshops. The festival runs Friday through Oct. 31 at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. See www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk for a schedule and tickets.
