Views May 2007
The latest views from bmi destinations including Copenhagen, London and Alicante
Factory fans
IF YOU SAW Sienna Miller portraying American heiress Edie Sedgwick (the real Sedgwick is pictured above) in the film Factory Girl recently, you’re fully versed in artist Andy Warhol’s infamous Factory shenanigans. It was Warhol’s original New York City studio from 1963 to 1968, and was famed for its outlandish parties and for being a meeting place for artists and musicians. From Lou Reed to Salvador Dalí, the beautiful and the damned all came to pay homage. And it was photojournalist Nat Finkelstein who was given open access in those years to record what went on. Now in his seventies, Finkelstein has enjoyed a prolific career, and to date he’s had over 75 shows, including exhibitions at the Saatchi Gallery and Tate Modern. Catch his extraordinary images on display at the Redferns Music Picture Gallery, 3 Bramley Road, London W10 6SZ, until 12 May. Opening hours Tuesday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday 11am-6pm. For more information, visit www..redferns.com, or call +44 (0) 20 7792 9914.
SPANISH SENSATIONS
IT MAY BE nestled high up on Mount Benacantil, but you’ll be able to smell Santa Cruz, Alicante’s highest district, even before you see it. On 1-3 May, the whole area is filled with the scent of flowers, as the town is decorated with floral crosses in honour of the Cruz de Mayo (May Crosses) Festival (www.idealspain.com). Join in with the dancing as festivities get underway. If you can’t keep up, then settle back and watch the master in action instead. The Spanish dancing sensation, Joaquin Cortés will be performing at various UK venues from 28 May-2 June with his new show Mi Soledad. To book tickets, visit www..bookingdirect.com or call + 44 (0) 870 735 5000.
Words: Emma Juhasz; Photography: www.skydiveukltd.com, Nat Finkelstein
Star Spotting
TAKE A GIANT LEAP AND DISCOVER WHAT IT TAKES TO JOURNEY INTO SPACE
HAVE YOU EVER dreamed of piloting a space shuttle, walking on the moon or getting close to the stars? Discover the Buzz Aldrin in you at the Euro Space Center (www.eurospacecenter.be) in Libin, about one and half hours from Brussels. You can’t miss the Center, as there’s a giant perspex sculpture of a space shuttle outside it, but once you step through the door you’ll be immersed in the world beyond. There are numerous exhibits, including a full-scale mock-up of an American space shuttle and a giant solar system, or head outside to discover the galaxy in a giant maze. Once you’ve taken on the world, have a change of scenery at the nearby village of Redu (www.redu.info). There are 24 bookshops to explore, and craftsmen will be demonstrating their skills and showcasing their finest works at the Weekend of Book Art, 12-13 May.
HIGHLAND ADVENTURE
THRILL-SEEKERS LOOKING for the ultimate outdoor adventure this spring should head to the Fort William and Lochaber area of Scotland – an hour from Inverness – and take advantage of the Adventure Passport. This offers discounts on adventure activities, accommodation and eateries around the area. Passport creator Emma Campbell says: “Scotland is a country with an abundance of wonderful places to take part in adventure activities.” There are over 50 different activities to choose from, with everything from mountaineering to surfing. Log on to visitscotland.com/ adventure to receive your Adventure Passport.
Words: Emma Juhasz; Photography: Getty
LITTLE BLACK BOOK:
CHICAGO RIVER NORTH DISTRICT (NEAREST STATION: USE THE BROWN, RED, BLUE AND PURPLE CTA TRAINS OR BUS)
THIS LIVELY DISTRICT RANKS SECOND ONLY TO MANHATTAN’S SOHO FOR CHIC GALLERIES,
HEAVEN ON SEVEN
On any given day, throngs of fans gather at any one of Jimmy Bannos’ three Heaven on Seven restaurants in Chicago to indulge in Southern, Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Believers pay homage to the Deep South by ordering dishes like Louisiana Cane Syrup Duck, Sweet Potato Moss and Gumbo.
600 N Michigan Ave; + 312 280 7774
POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE
More than just a boutique, Clever Alice’s focus is to source the cutting edge of fashion, as well as supporting up-and-coming designers – such as locals Alice in Oz and Veronica Martin Riley. They also stock outof-towners such as Metalicus from Sydney. 750 N Franklin St; + 312 587 8693
CLEVER ALICE
This landmark jazz club, champagne bar and shop has seven champagnes by the glass and 70 by the bottle. The nightclub features good live Chicago jazz musicians, and the shop is the nation’s only dedicated sparkling wine store. 601 N State Street at Ohio; + 312 266 7677
