With the advent of springtime the outdoor action begins: adventurers run super marathon or enjoy yacht racing, ladies and gentleman are watching horse races, while others are running to find the best spot for cherry blossom watching.
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Ouarzazate, Morocco, Africa
April 2 - 12, 2010 Ouarzazate, also known as "The door of the desert", is a charming town situated in southern-central Morocco facing the desert on its south end. The town is one of the most favourite filming destinations in the world and a host of Marathon des Sables, one of the longest, challenging and exhausting marathons in the world. Frenchman Patrick Bauer founded Sand Marathon twenty four years ago having in mind who knows what (maybe The French Foreign Legion).
Because, in the desert, where the temperatures reach 50C, marathoners (men and women) run 240km (which is almost six normal marathon races) during the day, carry nine litres of water each, their own equipment and food along the way followed by medical staff and vehicles with desert tents for 6-7 never-ending days.
However, Sand Marathon attracts around seven hundred runners every year who will tell you that in all those years Sahara made more friendships than it took lives (only two) and that it is an honour to be a part of it. For sport lovers Ouarzazate is a place to be those days.
Liverpool, United Kingdom
April 8 - 10, 2010 Before visiting the next event ladies will have to go shopping first. Because this time we lead you to the northwest part of England in Aintree village, a picturesque home of The Grand National, the most popular horse races in the world. Some of you most probably enjoyed watching the race on the television, but a combination of shopping in nearby Liverpool and watching races live can be the highlight of your day. So, ladies, don't forget to buy a hat, the bigger the better (it may be raining), and a dress in one of the most amazing spring colours.
It all started back in 1839 with actually two events: the opening of The Grand National and naming Becher's Brook after the name of Captain Becher who had a misfortune to land into it. Today, the brook is frequent subject of controversy, for it is guilty for the deaths of two horses. The year 1967 was a double lucky year for Foinavon, the horse who managed to scramble over 23rd fence and won when almost all runners felt over it. What to add? Bet and enjoy races.
Japan
Osaka, Yokohama, until April 9, 2010
Kakunodate, April 23 - May 3, 2010 If you will ever make plans to travel to Japan follow the American advice we found about visiting Europe: choose a city first. Don't take us wrong, but this is the shallowest advice we have ever heard. However, this time it is worth of following because one of the most beautiful event that nature can offer is highly dependable on the geographical location. So, from God's mouth to mortal ears.
Every year the whole nation and Japanese Meteorological Agency track the sakura zensen (cherry blossom front) trying to determine the blooming time of cherry trees from one city to another. Okinawa starts the event, then follows Kyoto, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka... The nation is hilarious!
Everybody make plans which town to visit and which place to choose for cherry blossom viewing.
The strategies of choosing a viewing spot are very different and sometimes on the verge of hysterical. If you remember Japan's scenery in temples, shrines and castles, then it is no wonder that millions of cherry pilgrims are trying to witness that unique event on the most beautiful place in a city.
Antigua and Barbuda
April 24 - 30 You can end the month sailing on the wings of adrenaline or drinking cocktails and enjoy watching yachts from all over the world participating in Antigua Sailing Week. Back in 1967 ten boats started the tradition which is today one the biggest yachting events in the world.
At the 43rd Antigua Sailing Week more than 200 boats will compete for prizes, but what make Antigua so special are parties every evening and participation of amateur skippers on cruising boats. Add to that a spectacular view from the Shirley Heights, the same place from which Lord Nelson watched the sea for pirates and trade ships, and you'll get the picture why Antigua Sailing Week is so popular.
All boats are divided in two fleets, racing and cruising, and classes within fleets, so every boat has a chance to win in its category. For warming up the week starts with the Around the Island Race. So, if you have a yacht and two friends - you can participate. The most interesting among all races will probably be Short South Coast Race with cruising boats sailing along a crooked line with many turns. ■
