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☆ Dream of the Desert: Saudi Arabia is launching its own luxury train
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Tamara Hardingham-Gill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

State-owned railway company Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) recently struck a 200 million Saudi riyals ($53.33 million) deal with Italian hospitality company Arsenale Group to launch the first luxury train in the Middle Eastern kingdom. The destination has made a number of high-profile tourism investments in recent years – a $500 billion model city in the desert of northwest Saudi Arabia among them. Now Saudi Arabia is getting on board with the slow travel movement in a big way by moving into the luxury train market. Arsenale S.P.A./Saudi Arabia RailwaysSaudi Arabia’s decision to enter the luxury train market comes as demand for high-speed trains and luxury “rail cruises” continues to increase around the world. Infrastructure investmentA rendering of Dream of the Desert, which will be the first luxury train in the Middle Eastern kingdom.

Persons: Paolo Barletta, ” Barletta, S.P.A, Joe Biden, Dolce, ”, Luigi Corradi, King, Khalid al, Falih, Arsenale S.P.A, Bashar bin Khaled Al Malik, Al Malik, CNN’s Lilit Marcus, Ben Jones Organizations: CNN, State, Saudi Arabia Railways, Saudi, Arsenale Group, SAR, Saudi Arabia Railways Saudi, Reuters, “ Orient, Accor, Ferrovie dello Stato, Speed Railway, King Abdulaziz International, Saudi Arabia’s Investment, Projects, Saudi Railway Company, Orient Express, Orient Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Arabia’s, Riyadh, Qurayyat, Jordan, Hail, Italy, France, Italy’s, Mecca, Medina, Jeddah, Venice, London, Kyushu

☆ I spent $9,000 for just one night on Europe's leading luxury train. Here are 5 reasons it's worth the splurge — and one why it isn't.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Read previewThe Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of luxury, overnight train travel. Back then, it was renowned for luxury and sophistication, drawing wealthy and celebrity clientele, according to Smithsonian Magazine . This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Overnight cabins range from $9,000 to $26,000 per night, depending on the tier of accommodation, according to the company's website . Here's a breakdown of why the overnight trip was — and wasn't —worth $9,000.

Persons: —, I'd Organizations: Service, Orient, Orient Express, Smithsonian Magazine, Business Locations: Amsterdam, Istanbul, Europe, Paris, Venice, Italy

Sandra Milo, an icon of Italian cinema who played a key role in Federico Fellini’s “8½” and later became his muse, died Monday, her family said. Milo, noted for her distinctive high-pitched voice, died in her sleep at home in Rome, surrounded by her family and beloved dogs Jim and Lady, according to a statement from the family carried by state-run RAI television. “Ciao Diva!” the Venice Biennale posted on social media, calling Milo an “unforgettable and versatile” actor both in comedy and drama. Believing the caller, a terrified Milo fled the studio wailing “Ciro, Ciro!” only to subsequently learn that her son was fine and that she had been tricked. She is survived by Ciro and her two other children, according to the statement carried by RAI.

Persons: Sandra Milo, Federico Fellini’s “, ”, Milo, Jim, Elena Salvatrice Greco, Roberto Rossellini’s, Della Rovere, General Della Rovere, Alberto Sordi, Marcello Mastroianni, ” Milo, Carla, Guido, Fellini, Juliet, “ Caro Federico, Ciro, “ Ciro Organizations: RAI Locations: Rome, Venice

☆ John Malkovich on (Really) Being John Malkovich
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( David Marchese | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +10 min

Photo Illustration by Bráulio Amado Talk John Malkovich on (Really) Being John MalkovichThere’s a scene in that modern classic of screwball existentialism, “Being John Malkovich,” from 1999, in which John Malkovich, playing a version of himself, enters a portal that others have been using to climb inside his mind. If we take style to mean a manner of doing something, could you articulate the John Malkovich style? John Malkovich in “The New Look.” AppleThe book has a long interview with you where you say: “I’m capable of belief, at least inside the theater. Malkovich and Spike Jonze on the set of “Being John Malkovich” (1999). There’s evidence out there that there’s something going on behind the eyes of John Malkovich.

Persons: Bráulio Amado, John Malkovich, “, ”, Malkovich, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Dior, Lucien Lelong, it’s, I’ve, you’re, It’s, you’ve, I’m, Terry Johnson’s, Freud, Dalí, Spike Jonze, John Malkovich ”, Charlie, Charlie Sheen’s, You’ve, John Clifford, You’re, I’d, Bergman, Gore, Carl, Steve, Dustin Hoffman, —, I’ll, Joan Didion, Andreas Rentz Organizations: Apple, Christian, Venice Film, Miramax, Library Locations: Venice, Cannes, New Jersey, “

☆ 5 Podcasts for Hollywood’s Awards Season
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Emma Dibdin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

The 2024 awards season has felt unusually hectic so far, thanks to the strike-delayed Emmy Awards shifting from their usual fall airdate to January. But even when there’s nothing quite so unusual going on, the analysis here always makes awards season more interesting. Starter episode: “Oscar Voters, Start Your Engines”There’s a peculiar category of film that debuts with great fanfare, attracts plenty of awards buzz, and then fades from the cultural consciousness without a trace (and no awards). Not all of the films discussed on “This Had Oscar Buzz” fall into that bracket, but, as the title suggests, the focus is on the movies that had that buzzy aura around them, at least for a while. Starter episode: “Alexander (With David Sims)”Though not a traditional awards season podcast with predictions or play-by-play recaps, “The Town” is an invaluable resource for anyone hoping to understand the upheaval in Hollywood.

Persons: “, Michael Hogan, Katey Rich, Richard Lawson, Joanna Robinson, Oscar, Andrew Scott, Emma Stone, Greta Lee, “ Oscar, Buzz ”, Jennifer Aniston, Aniston, Joe Reid, Chris Feil, don’t belittle, “ Alexander, David Sims, ”, Matthew Belloni, Puck, ’, Brooks Barnes Organizations: Sundance, The Hollywood, Hollywood, The New York Times, Hollywood Foreign Press Association Locations: Hollywood, La, Los Angeles, Cannes, Venice, Toronto

☆ Glen Powell at Sundance: ‘I’m Buzzing Right Now, Man!’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Kyle Buchanan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

It has to do with “Hit Man,” a comedy Powell co-wrote with the director Richard Linklater that casts him as a hapless teacher who must pose as an assassin for hire. I first saw it at the Venice Film Festival in September, where it proved so crowd-pleasing that the audience broke into applause midway through the movie. A week later at the Toronto International Film Festival, the response was also through the roof. But for months, Powell had only heard about all that secondhand. Since the Screen Actors Guild strike was still going strong during the fall tests, Powell wasn’t able to attend a premiere of “Hit Man” until it played Monday night at the Sundance Film Festival.

Persons: Glen Powell doesn’t, ”, Powell, Richard Linklater, Powell wasn’t Organizations: Venice Film, Toronto, Actors, Sundance Film Locations: Venice

☆ Icon of the Seas: Why Americans Are Obsessed With Big Cruise Ships
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Henry Wismayer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +17 min

Love them or loathe them, giant cruise ships are among the most remarkable success stories of the mass tourism age. Rechristened the Mardi Gras, the first Carnival cruise ship sailed out of Miami that March. Cruise ships like the Icon of the Seas will spend the majority of their trip at sea. Eight years later, cruise ships such as the Diamond Princess became early incubators for COVID-19. Cruise Market Watch forecasts there will be 360 cruise ships in service at the end of this year, comprising less than 1% of the global commercial fleet.

Persons: Ted Arison, Arison, Pieter De Boer, Costa, Diamond, Aaron Saunders, We've, Sue Bryant, Z, sass, Emma Le Teace, YouTuber, David Foster Wallace, Harper's, Sarah Knorr, Bryan Comer, Karla Hart, Hart, Saunders, it's, Henry Wismayer Organizations: Port, Passengers, Mardi Gras, Mardi, Gras, Cruise, Royal Caribbean, Costa Concordia, Cruise Lines International Association, Broadway, CivicScience, Royal, Virgin, Business, Transport & Environment, Getty, International Council, Global Cruise, Global Cruise Activist Network, Cruise Market, Royal Caribbean International, New York Times, National Geographic, Financial Times Locations: Port of Miami, Caribbean, Miami, The Port, Tuscany, Italy, Royal Caribbean, TikTok, Panama, Bahamas, Brussels, Netherlands, Douarnenez, Venice, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Amsterdam, Juneau , Alaska, Skagway , Alaska, CocoCay, London

☆ ‘We’re All Climate Economists Now’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Lydia Depillis | More About Lydia Depillis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

There were papers on the local economic impact of wind turbine manufacturing, the stability of electricity grids as they absorb more renewable energy, the effect of electric vehicles on housing choices, how wildfire smoke strains household finances. Janet Currie, the incoming president of the American Economic Association, chose an environmental economist, Michael Greenstone of the University of Chicago, to deliver the conference’s keynote lecture. He focused on the global challenge of shifting to renewable energy and the corresponding potential to alleviate air pollution that is particularly deadly in developing countries like India and Indonesia. “This isn’t just a series of topics, but it’s a big, interrelated problem,” Dr. Currie said. “Not only economists but everybody else is realizing that this is a first-order problem, and it’s affecting most people in some way.

Persons: Monika Piazzesi, Janet Currie, Michael Greenstone, Dr, Currie, “ Organizations: American Finance Association, American Economic Association, University of Chicago Locations: Venice, India, Indonesia

☆ A stylist packed a capsule wardrobe for my 1-week trip to Italy, and it was the best I've ever dressed on vacation
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Priya Raj | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementI've never been a light packer, and also find it overwhelming to put together outfits while on my vacation. Earlier this month, I took a three-stop trip through Italy, starting in Rome, traveling through Florence, and finishing in Venice. I previously wrote about building a French-inspired capsule wardrobe and it got me thinking about building a capsule wardrobe that also fits in my hand luggage. The preparationThe stylist and author put together a mood board to set the tone of the capsule wardrobe. I packed less than I usually do and created 12 outfitsThe author was shocked at how small tweaks could make her outfits look completely unique.

Persons: —, I've, Neda, Neda Kalantar, I'd, Kalantar, Priya Raj, it's Organizations: Service Locations: Italy, Rome, Florence, Venice

☆ Video shows Florida residents roasting Moms for Liberty founder Bridget Ziegler at school board meeting
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewA Florida school board member accused of hypocrisy is holding her ground despite calls for resignation, and local residents are none too pleased. Bridget Ziegler, wife to former Florida GOP chairman Christian Ziegler, sits on the Sarasota County School Board. (Leaders within the group have told Business Insider they oppose "all sexual orientations when discussing sexually explicit and graphic books," including heterosexual ones.) Christian Ziegler was then ousted from his high-level position within the state GOP after the other woman accused him of rape. One student in the district told board members that students and teachers are equipped to "handle" conversations about gender and race.

Persons: —, Bridget Ziegler, Christian Ziegler, Ziegler, Jennifer Bowles, Seneca, Bridget, Larry Wilson, Wilson Organizations: Service, Business, Florida GOP, Sarasota County School Board, Liberty, GOP, Sarasota County, Office, Associated Press, Sarasota Locations: Florida, Sarasota, Seneca Bristol, Southwest Florida, Venice

How Houthi Attacks Have Upended Global ShippingShipping routes before attacks After attacks EUROPE ASIA Suez Canal Red Sea Gulf of Aden Malacca Strait AFRICA Area of Houthi attacks Continued traffic South Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean Ships diverted after attacks Cape of Good Hope Shipping routes before attacks After attacks EUROPE ASIA Suez Canal Gulf of Aden Red Sea AFRICA Area of Houthi attacks Continued traffic South Atlantic Ocean Indian Ocean Ships diverted after attacks Cape of Good Hope Shipping routes before attacks After attacks EUROPE Suez Canal Gulf of Aden Red Sea AFRICA Area of Houthi attacks Continued traffic Ships diverted after attacks Cape of Good Hope Note: To show the changing paths of ships that regularly traverse the Red Sea, 3,461 cargo vessels recorded at entrances to the Red Sea in the last three months are shown. Those detours, and the Houthi attacks, have persisted despite airstrikes by the United States and its allies against the Houthis. Houthi attack involving commercial vessels Other Houthi attacks in the Red Sea Three commercial vessels were struck in one day on Dec. 3. Nov. 15, 2023 Dec. 1 Dec. 15 Jan. 1, 2024 Jan. 15 Houthi attack involving commercial vessels Other Houthi attacks in the Red Sea Nov. 15, 2023 Armed Houthi fighters boarded a commerical vessel. The Houthi attacks have delayed China’s annual surge in exports before its factories are idled next month for the Lunar New Year.

Persons: Cape, Jan, JPMorgan Chase, Port Said Organizations: Global Shipping Shipping, Atlantic, Ships, Good Hope Shipping, Shipping, United States Central Command Shipping, Ikea, East, JPMorgan, Maersk, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Rotterdam EUROPE Venice, Good Hope, EUROPE Venice, International Monetary, Trade, Galaxy Leader, U.S . Navy, America Locations: ASIA Suez, Aden Malacca Strait AFRICA, ASIA Suez Canal Gulf, Aden Red, Suez Canal Gulf, Suez, Africa, Yemen, Israel, Gaza, United States, U.S, Asia, Europe, China, Northern Europe, East Coast, Maersk Hong Kong, The Singapore, Singapore, Slovenia, Port Said, Egypt, Port, Russia, Ukraine, India, Rotterdam EUROPE, Rotterdam EUROPE Venice Barcelona, Istanbul ASIA SYRIA LEBANON IRAN ISRAEL IRAQ Strait, Hormuz GAZA Suez, Kuwait, Red, Mumbai Malacca, YEMEN AFRICA, Aden, Good, Good Hope EUROPE ASIA SYRIA LEBANON ISRAEL IRAN IRAQ GAZA Suez, Strait, Hormuz Red, YEMEN, EUROPE, EUROPE Venice Tokyo Barcelona, Istanbul Shanghai ASIA SYRIA LEBANON IRAN ISRAEL IRAQ GAZA, Hormuz Hong, Suez Canal Kuwait, AFRICA Red, Mumbai Bangkok YEMEN Malaca, Istanbul Shanghai SYRIA LEBANON IRAN ISRAEL IRAQ ASIA GAZA, Suez Canal AFRICA Kuwait City Red, Red Sea, Beijing

☆ How to find a hobby
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-20 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

But if that's not for you — or if you're struggling to find something to do outside of work — experts shared how to find a hobby. The big storyA guide to finding a hobbyRobyn Phelps/InsiderHaving a hobby can help people tackle their work and personal life with more energy. Treat finding a hobby like a projectYou likely won't find the perfect fit immediately, Laura Vanderkam, the author of "168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think," told me. Or if they're also trying to find a hobby, ask what the people around them do for fun. Be patient but proactiveAdvertisementVanderkam told me that finding a hobby just takes a bit of time, experimentation, and being open to different things.

Persons: —, that's, Robyn Phelps, I've, Alexis Haselberger, Laura Vanderkam, It'll, Vanderkam, Haselberger, they're, she's, Joey Hadden, andresr, Kornmesser NASA's James Webb, Gen, Patrick Pleul Organizations: Service, Business, Orient, Express, Volkswagen, Ford, Tesla, LinkedIn, ESO, ESA, Hubble, Kornmesser NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, IKEA, Getty, Ikea Locations: Venice, Brandenburg, Schönefeld, Dahme

☆ Milan-Ljubljana train route to be revived after over 100 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Now, a new route opening up fast, direct access between two European countries will spin passengers back more than a century to the times of the Habsburg empire. It is thought that this is the first train from Milan to Ljubljana since the empire was dissolved in 1918. It’s also picking up the route of a night train from Budapest to Venice, which passed through Ljubljana, but finished in 2011. Since 2018, there has been a regional train from Trieste to Ljubljana, but train staff of the two operators switch at the border at Villa Opicina station. “Trieste and Ljubljana were first connected by train in 1857, when both cities were part of the Habsburg Empire.

Persons: we’ll, Stanley Tucci, Francesca Volpi, Slovenia’s, Habsburg, It’s, “, It'll, ”, Giovanni Vale, Markus Mainka, Trenitalia Organizations: CNN, intel, Slovenian Railways, Bloomberg, Getty, Spanish Riding, Austro, Croatian Railways, South Railway Company, Deutsche Bahn Locations: Habsburg, Italy, Slovenia, Slovenian, Milano Centrale, Milan, Ljubljana, Venice, Trieste, Postojna, Skocjan, Budapest, Villa, Rijeka, “ Trieste, Vienna, Zagreb, Belgrade, Balkans, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Munich

☆ ‘The End We Start From’ Review: A Watery Apocalypse and a New Beginning
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Alissa Wilkinson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The first apocalypse recorded in more than one ancient text is, after all, a deluge. But there is such a thing as too much symbolism, and “The End We Start From,” adapted from Megan Hunter’s acclaimed best-selling novel, is drowning. The action starts in a bathtub that’s slowly filling for a woman (played by Jodie Comer and identified in the credits only as “Woman”). As the water fills the bathtub inside, the world is filling up with water outside. But they’re only permitted to enter because R’s parents live there, and because they have a two-day-old baby in the car.

Persons: ”, Megan Hunter’s, Jodie Comer, Joel Fry, Noah Locations: London, Venice, England

NEW YORK (AP) — Ava DuVernay kept hearing she had to read “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.” She had Isabel Wilkerson’s book in galleys before it was published in 2020. “At one point, a high-profile director said to me, ‘I heard you got the book,’” DuVernay says. “That’s what I thought.”Political Cartoons View All 253 Images“Origin,” DuVernay’s new film, isn’t a direct adaptation of Wilkerson’s book. It feels like a miracle.”DuVernay calls “Origin” the film she’s proudest of, partly because of how she made it outside the studio system. To not feel like ‘Oh, I didn’t go to film school and I’m just skating by,'" DuVernay says.

Persons: — Ava DuVernay, Isabel Wilkerson’s, Oprah Winfrey, ‘, ” DuVernay, ’, ”, George Floyd, Wilkerson, ” “ Selma ”, “, DuVernay, Aunjaneu Ellis, Taylor, “ She’s Indiana Jones, She’s, Ellis, Taylor hadn’t, Paul Garnes, Garnes, —, Robert Wood Johnson, Melinda Gates, Chris Paul, Trayvon Martin, Jim Crow, Jon Bernthal, Emily Yancy, ” Ellis, Oscar, “ King Arthur, she’s, Selma ’, I’ve, I’m, Martin, doesn’t, it’s, Jake Coyle Organizations: “, Venice Film, Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, NBA, Suns, LBJ, Venice, Walt Disney Co Locations: “, United States, Venice, Nazi Germany, Mississippi, India, American

☆ Venice entry fee: How to pay and what to do if you're staying in the city?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

So how do you register to pay the fee if you’re just coming for the day? And how do you register an exemption if you’re staying overnight? Click on pay the fee – you’ll then be taken to a landing page run by Venezia Unica, the city’s official tourism site. If you’re a tourist, you’ll likely be applying because you’re staying overnight. You enter your details and select the place you're staying.

Persons: we’ll, Stanley Tucci, CNN —, It’s, they’ll, you’re, you’ll, Venezia Unica, You’ll, you’ve, ”, Piazzale Roma, Comune, ” It’ll, “, you'll, Riva degli Schiavoni Organizations: CNN, intel, Piazzale Roma, Venezia, Comune, Venezia Santa Lucia, •, “, Venice, UNESCO Locations: Venice, Murano, City, Venezia Santa, Mestre

☆ Step onboard the world's most luxurious train — suits and gowns are mandatory and a $26,000 suite comes with unlimited champagne
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a luxury overnight train comprised of historic carriages. Take a tour to go inside one of the world's most luxurious trains. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementWelcome aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxurious, overnight Belmond train. The iconic Orient Express transported the rich and royal from 1883 to 1977, and was the first transcontinental express train in Europe, according to Britannica.

Persons: —, Here's Organizations: Orient, Service, Orient Express, Smithsonian Magazine, Britannica ., Express, Business Locations: Venice, Europe, Britannica, London, Istanbul, Paris, Italy

☆ The top 9 'must-have' travel experiences of 2024, according to luxury advisors
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Jonathan Delise | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

If that sounds like a tall order for a summer getaway, the luxury travel company Virtuoso asked 20,000 of its travel advisors to share their top experiences for 2024. Dark sky tourism focuses on rural locations without light pollution, such as Greece's Olympus Mountain National Park. Departing in August, Virtuoso recommends travelers first take in the Olympic Games before departing the city in style. Passion travelsHobbies may be associated with the home, but Virtuoso recommends taking your passions on the road. Virtuoso recommends exploring Peruvian cuisine at the Mistura Food Festival, or checking out the street food of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Persons: Nicolas Economou, Manoj Shah, Belles, Bhutan's, Young, Peter Adams, Chiang Mai, Koh, Wiphop, Sakura, James Cole, Hillary, Cousteau, Shackleton, pricey, Yasin Akgul, bookworms, Wolfgang Kaehler, Brian Curtice, Levente Bodo, ERNESTO BENAVIDES Organizations: Nurphoto, DarkSky, Stone, InterContinental, UNESCO, Istock, Expedition, Getty, CNBC Travel, Orient, Afp, Departing, Olympic Games, Chelsea Flower, Lightrocket, Festival Locations: stargazing, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Northern Mexico, Blanco , Texas, Albanya, Spain, Africa, Bhutan, Thailand, Pana, Yai, Bangkok, Japan Japan, United States, North America, Japan, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Fuji's, Antarctica, Paris, Istanbul, Turkey, Asia, Europe, Venice, Turkish, Strahov, Riau, Isla, Ljubljana, Slovenia

☆ After spending 25 days in Italy, here are 10 things I recommend to every tourist who visits
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Timothy Moore | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

My husband and I rented bikes when we explored the areas surrounding Venice. So, my husband and I boarded a ferry to Lido, the barrier island separating Venice from the open sea. Here, we rented bikes, rode along the beach for some stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, and boarded another ferry to Santa Maria del Mare. Once we arrived, we biked to the fishing village of Pellestrina and sampled the freshest-tasting seafood I've ever eaten. I highly recommend visiting the surrounding islands if you have the time to leave Venice's city center and want an authentic, less-touristy experience.

Persons: Timothy Moore Venice Locations: Venice, Lido, Santa Maria del Mare, Pellestrina, Venice's

☆ Considering a move abroad in 2024? These are the best countries for expats
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Blane Bachelor | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +26 min

The survey, which has been running for a decade, reflects input from nearly 12,000 expats representing 177 nationalities in 181 countries or territories. John Coletti/The Image Bank Unreleased/Getty ImagesA longtime retirement destination for Americans, Mexico also has attracted more families and the digital nomad set over the past few years. Pros: Mexico ranked first in InterNations’ 2023 Expat Insider survey and has ranked among the top five countries since 2014. Cons: As is the case in Mexico and other countries with large expat communities, there’s growing backlash against the influx of foreigners, especially Americans, and especially in Lisbon. That popularity among auslanders has contributed to a housing pinch in major cities, especially Berlin, where finding accommodation is one of the most stressful aspects of a move.

Persons: It’s, Megan Frye, Frye, ”, “, We’ve, John Coletti, San Miguel de Allende, margarita, Sean Pavone, expats, Alex Ingrim, Chase, Ingrim, it’s, pollsters, they’re, it’s MVV, Arielle Tucker, that’s, auslanders, Andriy Kravchenko, “ Costa, ” David Lesperance, Costa Rica’s, “ Tico, Sebastien Lecocq, Lesperance, he’s, what’s, Emily, ” Tucker, Roth, Tucker, Carte Organizations: CNN, Invest Overseas, Braga, InterNations, Mexico, National Institute of Statistics, Human Rights Watch, Visa, USA, CNN Travel, ”, Spain, International, Travel Association, pollsters Gallup, Michelin, Changi, Cons, United, Costa Rica Costa, Central, Costa, Lesperance, Associates, Panama Panama, Miami of, Panama City, Panama Qualified Investment, Panama Golden Visa, France France Locations: Valencia, Spain, Portugal, Mazatlán, Mexico, United States, Mexico City, Michigan, Mexico Mexico, Plaza Carso, Polanco, North America, —, Oaxaca, San Miguel, Playa, Carmen, InterNations, Portugal Portugal, Porto, Douro, Europe, Lisbon, Western Europe, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Catalonia, Catalan, Netherlands, Amsterdam, Statista, Haarlem, Delft, Leiden, Maastricht, Washington, Miami , New York, San Francisco, Germany Germany, Munich, Germany, Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Switzerland, Singapore Singapore, Singapore, Asia, Entre, Costa Rica, “, “ Costa Rica, Costa Rican, Panama City, Miami, Miami of Central America, Panama, North, South America, Italy, Venice, Italian, Paris, France, Lyon, Strasbourg

☆ ‘Lift’ Review: Thin as Thieves
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-11 | by ( Robert Daniels | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Kevin Hart plays Cyrus, a master thief, in the undercooked heist flick, “Lift,” directed by F. Gary Gray. Beyond the windfall Jorgensen will get from shorting water utility stocks, it’s unclear what he gains from this elaborate ruse. An Interpol agent, Abby (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), enlists Cyrus to steal the passenger plane carrying the gold bars before any damage can be done. Although Abby and Cyrus are old flames, the film doesn’t pick up any romantic steam, either, thanks to what passes for banter. “I was looking at the questions that weren’t being asked,” Cyrus tells Abby.

Persons: Kevin Hart, Cyrus, ”, Gary Gray, Daniel Kunka, Lars Jorgensen, Jean Reno, Jorgensen, Abby, Gugu, “, weren’t, ” Cyrus Organizations: Interpol Locations: Tuscany, Venice

☆ Inside the rise of Chiara Ferragni, the social media mega-star who's been accused of misleading followers into buying a charity cake
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Andrew Lloyd | Charissa Cheong | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Chiara Ferragni is an Italian influencer with just under 30 million followers on Instagram. Here's how the digital entrepreneur shot to social media superstardom. The item was packaged with a pink box featuring Ferragni's name and logo, as well as an illustration of the social media star. AdvertisementBut how did Ferragni become such a social media superstar and build her empire — amid this controversy? Amid the recent scandal, Ferragni's massive online presence continues to span social media.

Persons: Chiara Ferragni, Here's, —, Ferragni, Balocco, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Federico Leonardo Lucia, Leone, Fedez, ferragnez, Lapresse, Eugenio Fusco, Alessandra Balocco Organizations: Service, Regina Margherita Hospital, Italian Competition Authority, Authority, Associated Press, Milan's Bocconi University, Financial Times, Teen Vogue, Forbes, Harvard Business School, Prada, AP Locations: Italian, Turin, Italy, Balocco, Milan, Venice, TikTok

☆ The most exciting new trains coming in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Ben Jones | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

CNN —Around the world, travelers are flocking back to trains, and demand is increasing across the board for high-speed trains, luxury “land cruises” and long-distance day and night trains. Here are some of the best new trains you’ll be able to take in 2024. Laurie Dieffembacq/Belga/AFP/Getty ImagesLinks between two of Europe’s most visited capitals have traditionally been pretty poor, with no direct trains since the 1990s. Ian Clarke/Alamy Stock PhotoFour continents, 13 countries, and seven luxury trains across 80 days – the ultimate experience for rail travel connoisseurs is due to depart in late 2024. BelmondOne of the world’s greatest luxury train journeys is returning to the rails in 2024 after a four-year gap.

Persons: Laurie Dieffembacq, Dimorestudio, Vita ”, Riva Aquarama, itineraries, Jeroen Berends, Gabriel Bouys, it’s, Jesus Hellin, That’s, Trenitalia, Luigi Ferraris, France –, Railbookers, Ian Clarke, we’ve, ”, Frank Marini, Alex Halada, There’s Organizations: CNN, Orient, Getty, ÖBB, Austrian Federal Railways, SNCF, Eurostar, National, Europa Press, French, Renfe, FS, Rocky Mountaineer, Royal, Orient Express, Oriental, ”, Oriental Express, Austrian Railways, Swiss Locations: Swiss, Venice, Paris, Berlin, AFP, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Italy, Rome, Matera, Palermo, Sicily, Messina, Europe’s, Istanbul, Split, Brussels, Prague, Europe, Dutch, Dresden, Belgian, Roman, Naples, Madrid, Spain, France, Spanish, Barcelona, Lyon, Marseille, Canada, Central Europe, India, South Africa, Eastern, Vancouver, Malaysia, Singapore, Malaysia’s, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Bangkok, Vienna, Innsbruck, Hamburg, Switzerland, Germany, Zürich, Gornergrat Bahn, Zermatt, Gornergrat, Riffelalp

☆ Adam Driver on biopic 'Ferrari': 'the pressure was on to get it right'
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Cast member Adam Driver arrives for the red carpet of the London Premiere of the film 'Ferrari' in London, Britain, December 4, 2023. REUTERS/Hollie Adams Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - American actor Adam Driver once again puts on an Italian accent in his latest film, playing carmaker Enzo Ferrari in a new biopic directed by veteran Michael Mann. Driver, who played Italian fashion scion Maurizio Gucci in "House of Gucci", takes on the lead role, with Spanish actress Penelope Cruz playing Ferrari's wife, Laura. "So the pressure ... was on to kind of get it right." The film's cast also includes U.S. actress Shailene Woodley as Lina Lardi, Ferrari's mistress and the mother of his surviving son, Piero, and U.S. actor Patrick Dempsey, who portrays Italian racing driver Piero Taruffi.

Persons: Adam Driver, Hollie Adams, carmaker Enzo Ferrari, Michael Mann, Ferrari, Maurizio Gucci, Gucci, Penelope Cruz, Ferrari's, Laura, Driver, Shailene Woodley, Lina Lardi, Piero, Patrick Dempsey, Piero Taruffi, " Mann, Marie, Louise Gumuchian, Sandra Maler Organizations: London, REUTERS, Italy, Reuters, Venice Film, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Modena, Italy, Italian, Spanish, Mille, Venice

☆ I spent $9,000 for a night on an iconic luxury train. It was so luxurious, I felt like I was staying at a 5-star hotel.
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( Joey Hadden | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I traveled on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a train made up of historic Orient Express cars. I only stayed on the luxury sleeper train for a night, but I felt like a VIP the whole time. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But none of those experiences could come close to my $9,000, one-night ride from Paris to Venice on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — one of the most luxurious sleeper trains in the world. It was my first time experiencing the upscale Belmond train, made up of original Orient Express carriages from the 1920s and 1930s.

Persons: —, I've Organizations: Orient, Orient Express, Service Locations: Venice, Paris

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