July will be a buzz of cultural activity in Mexico in honour of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, born 100 years ago this month. The activities planned for this occasion, the majority of which will feature artists from the Philippines, are associated with the Cervantes Institute of Manila. The celebrations were kicked off in the opening ceremony “Queremos tanto a Frida” (“We love Frida so much”) on July 6th, on what would have been Kahlo's 100th birthday.

Magdalena del Carmen Frida Kahlo Calderón, the third daughter of German Guillermo Kahlo and Mexican Matilde Calderón, was born in Coyoacan, south of Mexico City, on July 6th 1907. Unique and somewhat peculiar, she was a women of great independence and style, and was an open critic of her society's morals and social schema. Proud of her nationality, she bravely stood up to the Americanisation of her country and was ready to fight at any moment.

Her life was marked especially by illness and suffering. In 1914, at six years old, she came down with polio, the disease that attacks the nervous system; from then on she lived her life in considerable pain, having countless operations and related illnesses.

After her studies at the National Preparatory School (Escuela Nacional Preparatoria) in Mexico City, where she took classes by renowned academic Fernando Fernández Domínguez, she was involved in a collision with a bus, leaving her bedridden for a long time. This was what inspired her in her self-portraits, in which she illustrated her feelings, emotions and experiences.

After her recovery, Kahlo married Diego Rivera, a well-known Mexican muralist, and together with her husband she embarked on her career as an artist. Through her work she toured the United States (including New York and Detroit) and Paris, gaining immense international fame.

Kahlo died in 1954 in Coyoacan.

Many of the world's leading artists will gather for this special event in honour of her life, among which include writers Jessica Zafra and Marjorie Evasco, sculptor Julie Lluch, director Ellen Ramos, fine artists Wawi Navarroza y Stephanie Pallallos, and dancer and choreographer Myra Beltrán.

Read more about Mexico at www.oneplanettravel.com

The history of wines and vineyards is so old that it comes as no surprise that it is often confused with the history of man. The Bible first noted the creation of wine by Noel, who created a vineyard in which he grew the grapes for the vital juice. He is known as the creator of this wonderful drink.

The status of wine has evolved in Western society over generations, yet it has always been a vital part of our everyday lives. It is a symbol of celebration, health and happiness, and is enjoyed by all on any occasion. In modern society, however, the good stuff is now also a symbol of commercialism, with a specific role in tourism.

The businesses and establishments associated with wine tourism have the aim of promoting wine producing regions and vineyards to tourists, as well as developing activities associated with wine and enhancing its status in the tourism industry. One of the great advantages of wine is that it has a significant role in our society, giving the industry a huge capital in which to build a variety of tourist services and enterprises.

Some of the many activities that are associated with wine tourism include:
Wine tasting courses and events
Grape picking and wine making
Visits and excursions to vineyards
Visits to wineries and museums, discovering the history and heritage of wine production

La Rioja and Castilla La Mancha in Spain are two of the most renowned wine producing regions in Europe, and their fine wines guarantee to satisfy the most demanding palates of even wine experts.

Find out more about our recommended tours and activities at www.oneplanettravel.com.

The 94th Tour de France is now in full swing, taking place from July 7th until July 29th 2007. Since its creation by Henri Desgranges in 1903, it has taken place every July, with the exception of the periods of World Wars I and II.
Competitors cycle a total distance of approximately 3570 kilometres (2218 miles). The race runs over 20 stages which are divided as follows:
- 11 flat
- 6 high altitude (Alpe d'Huez)
- 1 medium altitude
- 2 time trials

The Tour de France is justifiably considered the most prestigious cycling event in the world, offering a display of passion, talent and drama from the world's top cyclists. This grand spectacular is watched by millions of people all over the world, many of which come to Europe to cheer the cyclists on.

Entertainment programmes are organised for the public at the beginning of each stage, so nobody is bored whilst waiting for the competitors to pass. The little ones can take part in cycling competitions, with the chance of winning a private lesson with Laurent Jalabert, who is a prominent feature at each stage of the tour.

Besides the crowd entertainment, the Tour's organisers also put on showcases and displays, reliving the history and the events that have made the Tour de France what it is today.  In fact, some routes are closed to traffic up to two days in advance, allowing the public to enjoy the fun in a street-party style.

This year's tour has kicked off in London, marking the first occasion in history in which the tour has begun in the British capital. Over 200 cyclists arrived in London to battle it out for the coveted yellow jersey, awarded to the cyclist clocking up the fastest time in each stage. As always, the winner  will cross the finishing line in Champs Elysées, Paris.

Who will the winner be this year? Last years winner, Floyd Landis, will not defend his title this year, so a new champion will be born.

Read more about Paris and London at www.oneplanettravel.com