MAR 29 - APR 4 - HOT AIR BALLOON TRANSCROSSING
A country as beautiful as Portugal and to traverse it by gliding, dream-like, in a hot air balloon - already you have a surreal journey. Add to this fll the spice of competition ^m and the result is sheer W adventure. The transcrossing takes place over six stages starting in the north at Ponte de Lima to the southern town of Beja. To participate, of course, you'd have to be a crack balloonist, but it is almost as much fun to follow the band and soak in the excitement.
Visit : www.travessiadeportugal.eu
APR 2-4 THE GRAND NATIONAL, UK
Punctuatd by as many as 30 fences, the Grand National isn't merely a horse race, it is the greatest steeplechase in the world. Riders and horses must fling their hearts over legendary obstacles such as 'The Chair' and 'Becher's Brook' - even finishing is glory enough. Visit : www.aintree.co.uk
APR 1-30 SHARK WATCHM
From April to July, the seas in the Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia become a maelstrom of activity. As the moon wanes, the coral starts to spawn, releasing thousands of eggs. In the age-old way of the ocean, the eggs attract large numbers of krill, which in turn draw in the awesome whale sharks. Visit : www.exmouthwa.com.au
APR 18-25 SUFI CULTURE FESTIVAL
In the city of Fez in Morocco, this annual festival celebrates the Sufi way of living. This year looks particularly at 'Cultures of Sufism' through lectures, round table meetings among various thinkers, art exhibitions and, naturally, music. Visit : www.par-chemins.com
Apr 24-26 Mangum Rattlesnake Derby
The wilds of Oklahoma are a touch wilder than most people are comfortable with, for the wildlife tends to hiss and rattle - and bite. Over 30,000 people flock to hunt the rattlers. Dangerous, but what's life without some spice? Visit: www.mangumrattlesnakederby.com
Apr 24-26 Jules Verne Film Festival
Paris' famous Le Grand Rex theatre celebrates the spirit of one of our most imaginative storytellers. Through a mix of films, documentaries and shorts, the festival marries scientific exploration with romantic fiction to toast Verne's exciting world. Visit : www.julesvernefestival.com
Apr 24-27 south african cheese festival
Small town Simondium is fast gaining a reputation for world-class cheeses. Every year, a range of cheese is displayed and over 33,000 visitors come to sample new exciting flavours and textures. Last year, they consumed 17 tonnes of the not-so-humble milk product. Visit : www.cheesefestival.co.za
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