In the last few days, motor buffs have been arriving in Tokyo in their tens of thousands, as the 40th Tokyo Motor Show has returned to the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, 40km from the Japanese capital. This event, one of the most important on the motor industry calendar, is a showcase of the latest and most dynamic machines of the future.


Special events are also organised at the show, making it a fun day out for all the family. These include test ride programmes on certain cars, so that spectactors can live and breathe the excitement of driving their dream cars. If you are lucky enough to be there, don't forget to look out for these prototypes; the Honda CR-Z, Honda Inspire, Nissan GT-R, Nissan X-Trail and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

(Photo by baku13)

Official website: www.tokyo-motorshow.com

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San Telmo is one of the oldest districts in Buenos Aires. It was originally inhabited by the richest families in the city, who built wonderful architectural masterpieces as their homes. But in 1870 an outbreak of yellow fever forced them to seek residency elsewhere, and their mansions were converted into conventillos (boarding houses for the poor), with each one housing up to five families.

Nowadays you can still appreciate the beauty of this colonial-age architecture, and many of the buildings are now occupied by artists and craftsmen. In fact, it is the lively atmosphere and tango of San Telmo that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Sundays are usually the best time to discover the essence of this wonderful district, since the traditional Feria de las Antigüedades (Antiques Fair) will be taking place in Plaza Dorrego. This fair has been held every Sunday for more than 35 years.

The list of products on offer is endless. Music lovers can find records, gramophones, fonographs and record players. Lovers of antiques are in for a treat, for here you will also find, among many other things; lead soldiers, old stamps and coins, fans, toys, early-20th century glass and china, clocks, radios, mirrors, cameras and even perfume bottles.

Also worth mentioning are the many street artists that perform during the fair, among which include tango dancers, human statues and actors portraying immigrant families that have come to Argentina.

This fascinating district is without a doubt an exciting passage back in time.

(Photo by Juliana Piuma)

Read more about Buenos Aires at www.oneplanettravel.com

Hong Kong is a destination that offers you a world of choice in terms of fine cooking. There you will find some of the best Chinese restaurants that specialise in one or more of the following varieties of Chinese cuisine; Cantonese, Chiu Chow, Hunan, Szechan, Peking, Shanghai and even vegetarian Chinese food.

Some of the most exclusive restaurants are found in the big hotels and shopping districts. And as a major global city, the gastronomy of Hong Kong is rich in different cultural influences and flavours.

This year the 10th edition of the Best of the Best Culinary Awards will take place in Hong Kong, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The event will hosted at various locations across Hong Kong throughout the month, where prizes will be given to the best representatives of culinary art.

Participating chefs will be judged on their culinary awareness and cooking skills. Other important criteria include quality, presentation, creativity and demonstration of culinary techniques, as well as the resulting aroma and flavours of the winning entries.

This interesting event is at the reach of anyone lucky enough to be in Hong Kong who wishes to sample the pleasurable flavours of this wonderful city.

Read more about Hong Kong at www.oneplanettravel.com

More than 40,000 people are getting ready for the most important indoor event in Finland, and one of the most waited-for of the year for horse lovers.

The competition, lasting four days, is due to take place at the Hartwell Areena in Helsinki. As the name suggests, it is more than a display of equestrian skill- it is also a extraordinary cultural event.

A children's matinee will be held on Sunday morning, so that the little ones will not miss out. There will also be a "Horse Expo" with more than 60 stands exhibiting and selling goods necessary for horse owners and stables.

The 23rd Helsinki International Horse Show will be sponsored by Rolex and Glitnir.

You are cordially invited to breathe the emotion of this passionate sport and thrilling competition.

Read more about Helsinki at www.oneplanettravel.com

The vibrant Mexican state of Jalisco is this month glowing with colour and cheer, for now is the time of their annual October Festival celebrations. This will be a month of many shows and attractions bringing with them a wide range of activities guaranteed to bring out the festival spirit of every visitor.
Lasting from the first Saturday in October until the first Sunday of November, the Benito Juárez Auditorium and other institutions in the city of Guadalajara will be hosting the following activities; arts and crafts exhibitions, Mexican cookery demonstrations, business seminars and concerts featuring many national and international artists.
In addition, to pay homage to the beauty and elegance of women, the Queen of the Festival is crowned. Another highlight is the annual street Parade, where adorned cars parade the city's main streets and people celebrate until dusk, enjoying the colours, the diversity and superb atmosphere of this great festival.

For more information visit http://fiestasdeoctubre2007.com

Find out more about Guadalajara at www.oneplanettravel.com

Millions of Indian nationals have been celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi, one of the greatest figures in Indian history. This great personality was a key figure in terms of society, culture and politics in India, and throughout the world he is known as the “Great Soul” for his endless charisma.
Born on October 2nd 1869, Gandhi moved to London to study law following the death of his father. In 1893 he relocated to South Africa, where he began to practice law at an Indian firmvish. It was at that time that he took notice of the discriminatory laws against Hindus, dedicating himself to fighting injustice in a peaceful manner.
Gandhi returned to India in 1915, upon which he became leader of the Indian Independence Movement. Inspiring the first Satyagraha revolutions, Gandhi led the push for Indian independence from Britain.
Gahdhi was involved in many peaceful protests, yet he was imprisoned on numerous occasions. Nevertheless, he stood bravely against the political powers before and even after the independence of India. This was what made him a leader of non-violence and a national hero, with many social and political objectives achieved through his doctrine. The independence of India owes itself to this great man.
With this aside, Gandhi lived a humble life, fighting for peace for his country and people, and striving for a united India where Hindus could live together in peace and harmony.
On January 30th 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu radical. Yet his legacy, philosophy and deeds will live forever.

“There is no path to peace. Peace is the path.” Mahatma Gandhi

Cyclists will whizz through Catalonia this month as part of the annual cycling challenge "Escalada a Montjuïc", the final international event on the cycling calendar.
This competition, which began in 1965 and is organised by l'Esport Ciclista Barcelona, consists of trials open to all in the following categories; veterans, women, amateurs and professionals. And before the time trials begin, competitors will have the opportunity to take part in the Barcelona International Duathlon (Duatló Internacional Ciutat de Barcelona), attracting the best athletes from all over Europe.
Now that the Barcelona cable car system has been refurbished, this year's challenge will include the famous climb up the Sardana monument, which had previously been missed because of the works. In a bid to add more excitement to the event, the circuit itself has also been modified by the Esport Ciclista Barcelona, which should confirm its place among one of the most exciting cycling events in the world.

For more information visit www.ecbarcelona.com

Read more about Barcelona and Catalonia at www.oneplanettravel.com

The Spanish city of Cartagena is currently awash with makeshift Romans as the city celebrates the annual Carthaginians and Romans Festival.
This spectacular festival is a remembrance of the Second Punic Wars; the foundation of the city by the Carthaginians and its capture by the Romans in 209 AD. It is an extravagant festival celebrating the rich culture and history of this charming Spanish city. There is also some light-hearted fun involved, as thousands of locals dress up as Romans and parade the streets in a party-like atmosphere.
Displays and presentations will take place throughout the festival, taking us back in time to the days of the Roman Empire. There will be a Roman circus with gladiator battles and runs, a Roman wedding featuring Princess Himilce and Oracle, and a wide variety of delicious local delicacies accompanied with fine wine.
Carthaginian troops and Roman legions, twenty-five of each, will march through town in a spectacular fashion before heading back to their respective camps to continue the fun.

Read more about Cartagena at www.oneplanettravel.com

The second most important and fascinating rally after the world-famous Dakar Rally is taking place this week in Cairo, Egypt.


The rally will run through seven stages which will be done this year as follows:

1.Cairo-Baharija 316,04 Km (196 miles)
2.Baharija-Sitra 374,73 Km (233 miles)
3.Sitra-Siwa 388,98 Km (241 miles)
4.Siwa-Siwa 347,61 Km (216 miles)
5.Siwa-Sitra 364,95 Km (226 miles)
6.Sitra-Baharija 369,19 Km (229 miles)
7.Baharija-Cairo 332,24 Km (206 miles)

Covering a total of nearly 3,000 kilometres (1,860 miles), this is a race full of competitive spirit, passion and adventure where competitors can marvel in some extraordinary sights and landscapes. Many even make the most of the occasion by planning a few pit-stop excursions and tours of many of Egypt's interesting highlights such as local bazaars and ancient burial grounds.

For more information visit www.rallyedespharaons.it

Read more about Cairo and other destinations at www.oneplanettravel.com