132: LNY Banquet + Shaanxi Event + Luisa Yu + BAPS + Weddings in India + Bhutan + Nagasaki + Yamaguchi + Tokyo; 132-20240213
 Issue 132, February 13, 2024New York, NYIssuue 131, https://conta.cc/3SAePcK |
| NY PATA Lunar New Year Banquet |
 Come celebrate the Year of the Dragon with NY PATA! Join us for an exclusive evening of culture, networking, and entertainment. Get ready to indulge in sumptuous food and wine while immersing yourself in an atmosphere of excitement and energy. This is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, expand your network, and create lasting connections. Networking • Dim Sum • Jiangsu Province Presentation • Entertainment • Door Prizes/Lucky Draw • Sumptuous Banquet Dinner • Wine & Prosecco • Photographer • Gift Bags for All • Lots More!!! Don’t miss out on the fun!Register NOW!We hope to see you there! |
| Shaanxi Culture and Tourism 2/27/2024 |
Reminder: RSVP is Required |  |
| NY PATA Member, Luisa YuVisited Every Country in the World |
 193 Countries are Recognized by the United NationsThe ’round-the-world feat wasn’t easy, Yu says. She waited 15 years to get her green card to be able to travel internationally. There were stretches where she worked as many as three jobs at a time to save up enough money for trips, she says. At one point, she earned her real estate license. But travel remained her passion. The seasoned traveler’s advice?“Don’t wait for anybody,” she said. “If I keep on waiting, it will never happen, because the opportunity sometimes comes only once. I can always make money, you know? But time is important.” Read Luisa Yu’s story:https://www.npr.org/2024/02/12/1230658303/world-traveler-every-un-country-luisa-yu |
| 2nd Largest Hindu Temple in the World in NJ |
 BAPS AkshardhamYou are invited to an exclusive open house for travel professionals to tour and learn more about this cultural and architectual destination. February 28th, 2024, 4:00 PM112 N Main St, Robbinsville NJ 08561Register NowAs we kick off 2024, we’d like to invite you to the first Travel Professionals’ Open House to visit BAPS Akshardham, a Landmark of Hindu Culture & Architecture. Officially the 2nd largest Hindu house of worship in the world, BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham officially opened its doors to all on October 15, 2023, and we’re excited to showcase all that it has to offer to your tour groups or clients.The event will feature a private guided tour of the new mahamandir, an inside look at the experiences available to your clients, and dinner at the on-site restaurant, Shayona Café. Whether you’re interested in bringing a tour group here or curious to learn more, we welcome you to join fellow travel professionals at a place of unparalleled beauty, culture, and spirituality! |
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| Wedding Destinations in India |
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| Bhutan Lunar New Year |
 Losar Tashi Delek!May the year of the Dragon bring happiness, prosperity, and harmony to all. His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
| The Nagasaki Lantern Festival |
 Nagasaki, the city with Japan’s oldest Chinatown, is once again gearing up to celebrate its annual Nagasaki Lantern Festival. The festival, which runs from February 9th to 25th this year, originated in 1994 as part of Chinatown’s Lunar New Year celebrations and has since become a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world.With over 15,000 lanterns on display throughout Shinchi Chinatown and Hamamachi, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival is a unique blend of Chinese and Japanese cultures. Visitors can expect to witness traditional dances, the Emperor Parade, and experience a festive atmosphere all across Nagasaki.The festival’s main activities take place in and around Nagasaki’s Chinatown, which is transformed into a vibrant hub of parades and cultural performances. Many of the shows have their roots in traditional Chinese culture, such as lion dances and the Mazu Procession, a parade that recreates the route Chinese sailing crews once used to enter the port city.The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is a must-see event for anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Japan and China. With its colorful lanterns, lively parades, and traditional performances, this festival is sure to leave visitors with unforgettable memories. |
| Yamaguchi City “52 Places to Go in 2024” |
 Yamaguchi City has been chosen as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2024” by The New York Times! On January 9th, 2024, The New York Times revealed their highly anticipated annual list of travel destinations around the world, and Yamaguchi City was the only place in Japan to make the cut.This prestigious recognition is a testament to the city’s unique blend of traditional and modern culture, ancient shrines and temples, stunning natural scenery, and warm hospitality. Yamaguchi City is often called the Kyoto of the west. |
| Tokyo Kiba Park Early Cherry Tree Blooming |
 Kiba Park is renowned for the famous, early blooming variety of sakura known as Kawazu cherry blossoms. About 80 Kawazu cherry trees line the promenade along the Oyoko River in the park’s southeastern area. A deep pink hue and long viewing period set these blossoms apart. The flowers usually start to open in mid-February and stay in bloom until mid-March. Also, within the roughly 24-hectare park, about 240 Someiyoshino cherry trees reach their peak just as the Kawazu petals begin to fall. Be sure to find the right angle to fit TOKYO SKYTREE and the famed flowers in a single shot.Tokyo NOW https://conta.cc/3Hub9Eo |
| Warm wishes for a happy Valentine’s Day |
Elizabeth Chin Executive Director PATA New York elizabethnypata@gmail.com |