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Presently at the Victoria Palace Theatre London, the musical Billy Elliot is the tale of a motherless son whose father would like him to take up boxing. In fact, the son discovers a passion just for ballet that leads him from secret lessons to an audition at the Royal Ballet School.

Located in the North East, Billy Elliot is the celebration of one young boy’s dream. The story is concerning the coming of age of a boy. He feels a love regarding dance and desires to start on a career which is at first against his father’s wishes. Billy embarks on a journey through a community of picket lines and also family problems. His ballet school shares the local hall with the boxing club and Billy is drawn towards a world where by he can realise his desires. Meanwhile, Billy’s father and older brother, who are both on strike, battle to put food on the table.

They ultimately explode when they find out he has been squandering his boxing cash on less than manly pastimes. Billy’s ballet trainer persuades him to take free tuition in order for Billy to audition for the Ballet School. The moment the very audition arrives Billy is unfortunately obligated to skip it as a direct result of his brother’s fight with the police.

Distraught as a result of his family’s scant amount of recognition, Billy unleashes his emotions in a dance intended simply for his buddy Michael to see. He is observed by his dad who is astonished through the vitality and animation regarding his boy’s ability. He agrees to make sure Billy subsequently can make it to London for the audition.

This original story seized the hearts of individuals all around the planet as soon as the movie was launched in October 2000. This moving film smashed box office records around the globe and was nominated for a number of awards and is a winner of Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.

Victoria Palace Theatre: There has been a theatre on this location ever since 1832, well before the arriving of the railways. As soon as Victoria Street and Victoria Station were constructed, the Royal Standard Music Hall became, in 1886, “the most comfortable Hall of entertainment in London… no expense has been spared.” The introduction of electrical energy as well as other early 20th century theatrical technological innovation necessitated that drastic modifications were needed. The earliest licensed music-hall in London was demolished. Again in 1910, no expense was spared and Frank Matcham’s Victoria Palace cost the large sum of 12,000 to build.

The Victoria Palace Theatre keeps a great deal of its authentic character, possibly a lot more so since the auditorium, front of house, and the dressing rooms have not too long ago been refurbished. The grey marble foyer with its gold mosaic and white Sicilian marble pillars is much as it appeared to be in 1911. Outside the facade, canopy and cupola have lately been renovated.

The auditorium holds 1550 seats and is fully air-conditioned. It features a magnificent sliding roof, a simple and still effective precursor of air-conditioning. Originally the Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle each had their own entrance and their own box office selling pre-printed tickets from a paper plan. The Victoria Palace moved into the new millennium with an adventurous building programme; enlarging the Foyer, WC facilities and increasing the dressing room space, whilst maintaining all the feel and character of an historic building.

Want to find out more about Billy Elliot The Musical, then visit Carley Dawking’s recommended site where you can book Billy Elliot Tickets for a brilliant and emotional musical.

Australia is an incredible gay vacation destination, filled with nature adventures and exciting cities. Its cities are open, gay friendly and vibrant, perfect for gay adventure tours. The country is diverse with wonders, both natural and manmade.

Australia is a welcoming destination for the gay traveler. There are activities to fit the needs of all travelers. Many gay couples and singles are heading for this beautiful continent.

In Australia, if you can dream it, you can do it! Consider visiting the native aboriginal culture. Journey into the Outback, where you can rough it; visit Kings Canyon, Kakadu National Park and the Devil’s Marbles. Or how about taking a nature tour for up-close study of koalas, kangaroos and whales? Gay travelers can visit the beautiful sandy beaches and enjoy scuba diving, sunbathing, boating, and glorious relaxation.

At Ningaloo, visitors can swim with giant whale sharks, a gentle yet intimidating animal. In Darwin Harbor in the Northern Territory, visitors dive through World War II shipwrecks that now house fish and other marine life. Or how about hiking through Tasmania’s national parks and ancient cool-temperature rainforests, home to ancient flora and exotic animals, such as the Tasmanian tree frog?

Australia is home to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world: Sydney. From the grandeur of the Sydney Opera House to boho galleries and fine dining; from the North and South Coast beaches to tropical environmentsin Sydney, the gay traveler is just steps away from action and new experiences at every turn. Museums, art galleries, zoos, gourmet dining, first-rate shopping, spas and sporting events”these are just a few of the diversions you can find in this historic city. Be sure to grab a copy of the Sydney Star Observer (Sydney’s gay newspaper) for information on the local scene, including nightlife and clubs. Perfect for a gay romantic getaway too.

Oh, and don’t forget the cuisine”from purely Australian, to Asian, with a generous helping of Mediterranean, French and other exotic offerings, there is enough to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are upside down from those of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Australia takes place December through February. Australia is a very big continent, so check with your travel agent for weather information about your particular time of travel and your destination.

Australia welcomes its visitors with diverse accommodations: bed-and-breakfast inns, romantic getaways, relaxing spas, hotels and hostels, making gay vacations affordable, no matter what the budget.

Tours to Australia suggestions penned by Howie Holben. His company, Spirit Journeys, is a gay tours enterprise. Spirit Journeys advances spiritual gay vacations all over the planet.

At a particularly volatile time for North Africa and the Middle East, the Foreign Office is urging travellers to follow its advice. Similarly, holiday companies are eager to make customers aware of how current events can have an impact on their travel insurance. Anyone who travels to an area after it has been declared unsafe by the Foreign Office won’t be covered by their travel insurance policy. However, any passengers who make a journey before official warnings are given will be entitle to the protection they have paid for; medical expenses and the cost of repatriation will be covered in these circumstances.

William Hague, the British Foreign Secretary, has admitted that Britons trying to flee from the violent unrest in Libya are coming up against “significant difficulties”. Many people are stuck at Tripoli airport, with no immediate flights out of the country following cancellations, airspace closures and problems getting permits from the relevant authorities. As a result a chartered rescue plane has been organised to help get Britons home safely. However, it remains unclear whether Libyan authorities will clear the aircraft for landing.

British Airways, BMI and other airlines have been unable to operate flights to Libya as the country has become increasingly unstable. In order to support the evacuation of British nationals if needed, the HMS Cumberland (a Royal Navy Frigate) is being redeployed from the Eastern Mediterranean to international waters near Libya.

The Government is cooperating with airlines in the hope of ensuring that British nationals are able to exit the country, and additional resources are being assembled to support these efforts. Inspired by events across the Middle East and North Africa, protesters have now started to assemble in Morocco, including the popular destination of Marrakech.

Although a full-scale uprising isn’t expected in Morocco, passengers due to travel there are still advised to keep themselves updated on the situation, which could change quickly. Anyone travelling to the Middle East or Africa should be alert to how things are developing, and should seek advice from their tour operator or airline where necessary.

Portugal is a country full of character. Check out holiday reviews Portugal to find out more.

Italy is a country well-known for its history, art, architecture and romance. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history and rich culture, Italy is a popular destination for gay tours, as well as being home to many settings for movies, plays and books. Friends, partners and families travel to Italy at all times of the year for the food and the fashion, and to see many of the most famous examples of architecture and art in the world. Whether your idea of perfect destinations is strolling through the narrow streets of Venice, cruising through the countryside with the top down in search of historical sites and quaint wineries, spending a day at a Florence museum or partaking in Milans exuberant nightlife, you are sure to find Italy an ideal location for gay vacations.

Folks looking for gay travel experiences in Italy will find the largest selection of gay clubs and bars in Milan and Rome; however, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Geneva and Padua, as well as other cities and towns frequented by tourists, also have gay-friendly and gay-owned bars and businesses that provide a welcoming environment for visitors on an Italian gay vacation. Travelers will find gay-friendly and gay-owned hotels throughout the country, including Tuscany’s gay-owned La Quircia Rosa and Villa le Masse, and gay-friendly Hotel Porta Rossa, which is only a short stroll from the Galleria dellAccademia, which houses Michelangelo’s David and is the one of the oldest hotels in Italy.

There is a large gay and lesbian presence in each of Italy’s larger urban areas providing many options for your gay vacation to Italy, particularly Rome, Florence, Bologna and Milan, with Milan being generally accepted as the most gay-friendly Italian City and among the most popular destinations for gay vacations. Gay pride events take place throughout the country and there are a few large gay and lesbian film festivals, including the Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the Festival del Cinema Gay Lesbico e della Cultura Queer in Milan and the Florence Queer Festival.

If one the goals for your gay vacations experience in Italy is to experience as much of the history, art and culture as possible during your stay, tours are an absolute necessity. Participating in organized gay vacations or working with a travel agency to schedule tours for your private travel group will help you make the most out of your time in Italy.

Also shorter waits in line and an organized itinerary will assist you in making the most of your Italian travel experience. Planning your gay vacation through a travel agency that is accustomed to organizing gay vacations or arranging gay travel in Italy is the best way to ensure that you have the information you need and the assistance of a travel agent that understands your needs.

This article about gay tours to Italy is by Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys, a gay tours enterprise. Spirit Journeys suggests spiritual gay vacations.

The intriguing country of Ireland has been a popular gay vacations since the days when Oscar Wilde called this nation home. Of course, during his time Ireland was not as welcoming and accepting of LGBT folks and many, including Wilde, were jailed or sent off to hard labor camps for what was then termed “indecency.” Sadly, up until 1861, death was considered an acceptable punishment for acts of sodomy, but today Ireland has moved well beyond these dark days and has recently bested the U.S. when it comes to LGBT rights by legalizing same-sex civil unions in 2009, after decriminalizing same-sex behaviors in 1993.

While this may not necessarily mean that every rural village – or even every metropolitan area – in this largely Catholic country now fully embraces same-sex relationships, Ireland has become a much more accepting, welcoming country as a whole and is a truly remarkable choice for gay travel. Most of Ireland’s larger cities, including Cork, Dublin, Galway and Waterford, now have a thriving community, establishments that are LGBT-friendly or LGBT-owned, annual community celebrations and a plethora of attractions that could easily fill your whole vacation; however, you also will not want to miss visiting the Irish countryside and exploring quaint villages sitting at the top of breathtaking cliffs along the coast.

Although many cities in Ireland now have community hangouts, organizations, annual community celebrations and an active LGBT community, Dublin reigns supreme as the center of Ireland’s LGBT scene, making it a must-do for anyone planning gay travel here. Dublin’s nightlife is a blend of both casual pubs and high-class clubs – some even with dress codes – which offers folks on gay vacations the opportunity to experience vastly different aspects of the local community. Dublin is also well known for a variety of community festivals held throughout the year, which include the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in May, Dublin International LGBTQ Pride in June, and the Dublin Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in July.

Regardless of which time of year you partake in gay travel to Ireland, there will be some sort of activities going on, which will be listed in GCN – Ireland’s most-read community magazine – so, if you enjoy the scene, you will definitely want to pick up a copy when you get to town. Some of the attractions that you will not want to miss while in Dublin include the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Old Jameson Distillery, the Oscar Wilde House Museum and The George, which is Dublin’s quintessential community bar.

Those planning gay travel tours may want to consider participating in a group gay tour. This is a great way to make sure you are able to enjoy many of the most intriguing natural, cultural and historical attractions this romantic country has to offer.

Howie Holben gay holidays to Ireland pointers. He is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay tours association. Spirit Journeys makes available spiritual gay vacations world wide.

India is a country with many distinguishing characteristics and has plenty to offer all kinds of travelers. From pristine coastlines to snow-covered Himalayas, and all of the diverse terrain between the two, India offers abundant gay trips to relax or partake in amazing adventures. India has long been a center for spirituality and important advancements in natural medicine, making a gay vacation to India the perfect option for those in search of the opportunity to center themselves, rejuvenate their spiritual side and refocus on the things that really matter in life.

Of course, India has many other sides, which allow for gay vacations that also focus on exceptional dining experiences, visiting important historical, cultural and sacred sites, experiencing life in a rural Indian village, exploring India’s untouched wilderness or partaking in shopping trips that include both modern boutiques and traditional bazaars.

When on a gay vacation to India, it can be difficult, or sometimes impossible, to find a visible LGBT community, even in larger cities. Delhi took a very important step in decriminalizing same-sex sexual behavior in that city in 2009, when the Delhi High Court overturned a British colonial law that had been on the books for–8 years. This law included same-sex sexual behavior in the behaviors that are outlawed as “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and is no longer on the books in Delhi; however, elsewhere in the country, the acts defined under “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” are still a criminal offense for both straight and gay people, and are punishable by fines and imprisonment, including imprisonment for life.

Activists are being diligent about changing these old laws and folks on gay tours are very unlikely to face issues regarding this law; however, it is still important to be aware of it. The community and government have mixed feelings about the LGBT community; however, there is a steady movement toward acceptance, making India a gay trip destination that is always increasing in popularity.

Although same-sex relationships are still somewhat taboo in most parts of the country, India has always been popular travel destination for gay vacations, with very few LGBT travelers ever reporting issues during gay travel. The best way to ensure that your gay vacation to India is a remarkable, safe, fulfilling trip is to partake in a pre-arranged tour that is organized by a professional, well-established travel company that focuses on providing outstanding travel opportunities to the LGBT community. Choosing to travel in India with a tour group is an excellent way to ensure that you have the opportunity to enjoy India’s most alluring attractions, rejuvenate your spirit at sacred temples and experience life-changing moments during your travels.

Howie Holben gay tours to India thoughts. He is the dreamer behind Spirit Journeys, a gay vacations enterprise. Spirit Journeys suggests spiritual gay travel all over the planet.

The country of Italy is known for all of the beauty and romance that is many times associated with it. It is for this reason that there are so many gay vacations to Italy; this is a city that is friendly to couples who enjoy all that life has to offer them from this country. On visit is never enough to catch all that this city has to offer a person in the way of music architecture and food. Just the name alone is enough to conjure up feelings of love.

There is so much to see and do in this country, that you will find yourself making the trip on a yearly basis in order to see all that this country has to offer its guest. There are several cities in the country that not only welcome same sex couples; they do so with open arms. These cities are the heart and soul of the country and this country is full of life from shore to shore.

Milan is one of the more welcoming cities that are in the country. There are a number of attractions that the city has to offer the guest that come to visit. These guest know what the importance of having plenty to do in a city is, there is nothing that will kill a romantic vacation, than a city that has nothing to do in it.

If Milan is not up your ally, then head to Venice to check out all the sights and sounds that the city has to offer its guest. Many of the hotels in the city are friendly towards gay couples and sometimes even offer discounts to guest that are celebrating their anniversary or other special occasion. You can stay just mere feet away from some of the most famous sites in the country.

The nightlife in Italy is always alive and there is never a bad place to head after a day of sightseeing and shopping. Many of the clubs are very accepting and welcome gay couples. There are a lot of things that can be done while enjoying a night out on the town. There are so many things to see and do that you will never get bored in the country.

After taking in all that the city has to offer, it is time to grab a Gondola and take a romantic ride through the streets. This is a sight that is best seen at night, as the city comes to life with its alternate personality. The lights and sounds are enough to make any problems that the two of you are having seem to just melt away with each stoke of the gondolier.

Head to your local travel agent and have him book you a trip to this romantic country. They will be able to assemble a package for you that will allow you to enjoy the country no matter what the time is on the calendar.

Gay travel to Italy will be a trip that you will always have fond memories from. These trips will be a highlight for you and your loved one for a long time.

Travel to Italy tips by Howie Holben. His company, Spirit Journeys, is a gay tours association. Spirit Journeys presents gay vacations world wide.

It seems like Cuba’s once atheist communist government has now taken a close interest to religion, for the second year in a row, Cuba’s Roman Catholic chief has read a Christmas message on national television. In a past broadcast, Cardinal Jaime Ortega showed his appreciation towards the lift of the ban governed by President Barack Obama allowing the Cubans living in America to be able to travel or send money to the Islands families.

A Christmas concert that had taken place at the National Cathedral was proposed to be shown – a representative Orlando Marquez, Havana’s Conference of Bishops confirmed this on behalf of the authorities. The entire communication was aired on the government controlled television in Cuba.

A 67 year old retired mother Elisa Ramos, stated; for the first time in 12 years her son will spend Christmas in Cuba. It’s the greatest thing that has happened to them.

After Jaime Ortega’s broadcast, there have been some growing signs of some improvement between the relationship of the government and the church.

A year ago, President Raul Castro surprisingly united with many believers of faith for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey.

Raul Castro replaced his brothers’ Fidel Castro’s position as president in 2008. His first general meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone during his trip to Cuba marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit.

Religion in Cuba was affected in 1959, this was after Fidel Castro was designated as President of the Country. The government closed down religious institutions and expelled priests. However, changes were made in 1990 – all reference to “no religion” had been removed and people with different faiths were allowed to unite with the Communist Party. Later in the year, the condition changed when a visit from Pope John Paul II was made to Cuba.

Want to find out more about Cuba, then visit Aaron Maurette’s site on how to choose the best Cuba holidays.

Morocco is a land of legends and myths, steeped in rich history and culture, where travelers can stay in a hotel made of sand, trek across the desert on camels and bargain with spice and rug traders in old-world marketplaces. In many places homes have been converted into hotels, called riads, that are sometimes more welcoming for visitors on gay travel and offer visitors the opportunity to experience the life and culture of Morocco more closely. There is no definable scene in Morocco, which is a conservative Muslim country; however there are many reasons to include Morocco in your gay travel planning, including pristine beaches, ancient ruins, enticing souks (markets) that wind through narrow streets offering a variety of wares, vast desert landscapes and amazing architecture.

With exquisite Muslim mosques, ancient Roman ruins, snake charmers and street performers, a Morocco vacation is an exceptional opportunity to indulge in this unique country sights, colors, sounds and smells. No Morocco travel experience would be complete without exploring the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech, winding through the many quarters of the Fes medina, gazing at Casablancas amazing art deco architecture and standing on an ancient wall in Tangier to view the expansive ocean and breathtaking sunsets.

American and European socialites, writers and composers involved in the jet set scene once flocked to Morocco as a preferred gay vacation destination; however, while Morocco was once known as a liberal playground welcoming gay men and lesbians from around the world for vacations, a push by recent Muslim leadership to move the country back towards the strict moral code of Islam has caused this welcoming atmosphere to change. Although the law is not commonly enforced, homosexuality was deemed a criminal offence in 1962 and remains so today. Same-sex conduct is punishable by fines and between six months to three years in prison.

The government recently released a statement noting that increased efforts to repress homosexuality would be put in place and that homosexuality will not be tolerated; which may lead to stricter enforcement of this law. This type of intolerance and laws against same-sex conduct are not uncommon in African nations or conservative Muslim countries and does not mean that Morocco must be avoided during your gay travel.

However it does mean that caution and discretion are advised while visiting this conservative country and that travelers may want to consider visiting Morocco as part of organized gay tours or working with a gay holidays agency that is knowledgeable about the safest locations and lodgings for Morocco vacations.

The creator of this commentary about Morocco is Howie Holben. Howie operates Spirit Journeys, a gay travel organization. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay tours world wide.

With a barely existent gay scene, is putting Mongolia on your list for gay tours a good idea? Despite little knowledge and a practically invisible LGBT community, Mongolia offers incredible views, outdoor activities and vibrant culture that may appeal to all travelers, gay or straight. Homosexuality is legal and the unique experience of Mongolia makes it a great destination for gay couples and groups.

Mongolia is sparsely populated, leaving plenty of room for the beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and flowing rivers for which the country is often known. Mongolia boasts a unique history as the Mongols and Genghis Khan once ruled powerfully, only for the country to later fall under Soviet grasps.

Despite having little in the way of gay establishments, the unique history and culture of Mongolia make it a worthwhile destination for gay travelers.

With an international airport and train station welcoming overland travel from China, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar serves as the best starting point for your Mongolia adventures. With low priced guesthouses doubling as travel coordinators, it is the best place to settle in and plan for your visit to the country.

While staying in Ulaanbaatar, you can expect to pay roughly twenty dollars per night (for double rooms) if staying in a guesthouse.

They can help you to coordinate both longer and shorter stays. If you are planning a shorter vacation, they will likely advise you to visit Kharakorum, Genghis Khan’s ancient capital city, as well as the Terelj National Park, which is a good stopover on the way to the Gobi Desert. You may also be interested in doing a family home stay, in which you lodge with local residents and get a feel for everyday life and culture in Mongolia.

Longer stays are better for incorporating all parts of the country, including the north where majestic mountains and pristine lakes are abundant.

Ulaanbaatar itself offers tourist sites to visitors. It maintains a vibrant culture and delicious yet cheap restaurants, including Mongol Shabu, which offers traditional menus. You can also visit the Natural History Museum or catch a performance by the esteemed Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra at The Culture Show.

While Mongolia may be an incredible, off the beaten path for gay vacations, homosexuality is not necessarily received well. There are few religious barriers to it; however, a general lack of gay context leaves a general sense of naivete on the subject.

Planning your own vacation may be great for independent travelers, but tour groups catering to gay travelers also offer structured excursions that visit a wide variety of Mongolia’s most popular sites.

Typically they served as a way to see the “best of” the country and highlights include the Gobi Desert, ancient capital of Kharakorum, local camel farms and the Terelj National Park. With various activities like horseback riding along the Mongolian Steppe and cultural activities like traditional Naadam festivals, they appeal to all types of travelers.

These groups typically incorporate some LGBT excursions to community groups and whatever gay adventure travel may exist. With a wide range of activities, their itineraries make up for a lack of a gay scene by offering something for everybody.

Gay tours to Mongolia pointers written by Howie Holben. He is the the force behind Spirit Journeys, a gay tours association. Spirit Journeys suggests spiritual gay vacations all over the planet.