Sicilian steals a New Year’s Eve away from his family

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Some people will do anything to dodge family at the holidays. We’ll kick and scream or otherwise misbehave, but my new hero is a Sicilian man who risked getting a record to score a New Year’s Eve away from the wife and relatives. The 35-year-old went to the police station and asked to be incarcerated for the evening. The cops refused, claiming that he needed to commit a crime before he could score accommodations in their establishment.

So, lacking any other option, the man went right next door to a tobacco shop, threatened the owner with a box cutter and grabbed some gum and other candy. Rather than take off, he hung around and waited for his ride the police, who arrived and arrested him for armed robbery.

No indication was given as to whether the turn-down service was to his liking, though it’s likely the price was right.

[Photo by harry525 via Flickr]

How to say “cheers” in 10 different languages

by Katie Hammel on

Cheers! Bottoms up! To your heath! This New Year’s Eve, whether you’ll be clinking classes in another country or just want to impress your friends, bring a little international flair to your New Year’s party by toasting at midnight in languages from around the world. Here’s how to say “cheers” in 10 different languages.

Czech – Na zdravi!
Dutch – Proost!
French – A votre sante!
Gaelic Irish – Sláinte!
German – Prost!
Italian – Salute! or Cin cin!
Japanese – Campai!
Polish – Na zdrowie!
Portuguese – Saude!
Spanish – Salud! or Salut!

Four ways to throw an international New Year’s Eve party

by Katie Hammel on

After years of the same old New Year’s Eve parties, singing Auld Lang Syne, counting down at midnight and kissing as the clock strikes 12, it may be time to shake things up a bit. With some creativity, you can host an international-themed New Year’s Eve party that incorporates traditions from around the world. Here are a few ideas.

Say cheers
As you clink champagne flutes with your guests at midnight, try saying cheers in another language. Offer a “cin cin” or “a votre sante” as a toast to the New Year.

Food and drink
Branch out from the typical offerings and add some international flare to your food and beverage service. Incorporate drinks, wines or beers from around the world and serve some traditional foods from other countries. If you hang with an international crowd, ask each person to bring a food or drink from their home country.

Count it down
If you live in the US, it may be harder to pull this off, but depending on the hours of your party, you can start the night by counting down each time another timezone passes the midnight mark. If you chose a different country, countdown in the local language and toast with a native drink. Help everyone keep track of the countdowns by hanging clocks around the party space, setting them to the time in another location, and labeling them with the name of the country of city they represent.
Celebrate cultural traditions from around the world
Every country seems to have its own special way of celebrating the passing of the old year and the welcoming of the new. In Germany and Scandinavia, Herring is served on New Year’s Eve while in Denmark, people eat marzipan cake for dessert. In Greece, it’s customary to eat Vasilopita, a cake baked with a coin inside. The person who bites into the coin will have good fortune for the next year. In Mexico, Spain and Portugal, people eat 12 grapes as the clock chimes 12 times at midnight. Each grape represents one wish for the coming year.

In many cultures, wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring love, while yellow will ensure money comes your way. In Hungary the people burn effigies known as “Jack Straw”, who represents the misfortunes of the past year. Burning the effigy is supposed to get rid of the bad luck. In several cultures, it is also believed that carrying a piece of luggage at midnight will ensure that you have many safe travels for the coming year.

New Year’s Eve deals: Front-row, distinguished and out of town

by Tom Johansmeyer on

New Year’s Eve parties are filling up fast, and the hottest spots are likely to go soonest. Whether you want to be as close to the ball as possible or plan to avoid the crowds, there are plenty of deals out there. New York City is always a top spot, with people from around the world soaking in live what many only see on television. But, that’s just the start. See below for a few suggestions on where to spend the final moments of 2009.

1. At the center of the action
There is only one place to celebrate New Year’s Eve: Times Square. But, to cram into the small spaces available (relative to the number of people, at least) and wait half a day or longer is an absolute nightmare. One of the top spots is at the Crowne Plaza, which offers a great view of the action. For $400 a person, you can watch the biggest celebration of the year from a private street-level viewing area and attend the hotel’s New Year’s Gala. The menu includes jumbo lump crab, Maine lobster salad and a grilled tenderloin with truffle celeriac mashed potatoes and is followed by a fantastic party. If the party isn’t enough, stay for two nights, starting at $1,998 (includes gala access for two).

2. The upscale alternative
Not even a mile away, you could experience a much different New Year’s Eve. Down on the southwest corner of Central Park, The Pierre will host a celebration in Two E, the hotel’s new bar and lounge. The corks will begin to fly at 9:30 PM, and the party will run past 2 AM. Access is surprisingly affordable for such a legendary property, with tickets for reserved tables at $125 a person and general admission only $75. Tuxedos and formal attire, according to The Pierre, are “very appropriate,” although they aren’t required.

3. Far, far away
If Manhattan isn’t your style, try Florida. The WaterColor Inn is hosting several parties, with fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico, dancing and a champagne toast. And, a hangover bar will be available to help you take the edge off. If you need something a bit more subdued, try the WaterColor’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, where you’ll be entertained by a jazz duo and a meal to be remembered. Separate activities are available for the kids, so make the most of the last night of 2009!

Need a few more ideas? Click here for some upscale alternatives.

Four top-shelf New Year’s Eve destinations (and something else)

by Tom Johansmeyer on

If you plan to make New Year’s Eve memorable, you need to start pulling the trigger now. The best stuff does get snapped up quickly, and even if you have a load of cash at your disposal, you could wind up late to the party. So, if a shortage of ideas is the only thing in your way, check out the five suggestions below. For four of them, be prepared to spend some dough. The fifth is for everyone else.

1. Villa Sancha (Spain)
Head out to the Andalucian valley of southern Spain and make Villa Sanchez your spot for the biggest party night of the year. Enjoy the private outdoor courtyard at this Abercrombie & Kent villa, and be sure to pass a relaxing day at an Arab bath in Malaga. Sip some sherry in nearby Jerez. This sort of luxury isn’t cheap, but it’s worth it: eight adults, one child starts at $6,207 … but a welcome meal is included.

2. Hotel Martinez (France)
This is a disco-lover’s dream. Groove along to tribute band Bee Gees Magic at the Hotel Martinez, which is apparently a hot group for those who are into that kind of thing. Enjoy an amazing gala dinner in the Salon Royal Galuchat, prepared by Chef Christian Sinicropi, and then let the glitter fly. The deal starts at $719 a night, but it includes the New Year’s Eve party (with dinner, champagne and wines selected by master sommelier). For an extra $120 a person, you can celebrate the 80th anniversary of the hotel. Stay overnight on December 31, 2009 in a Superior room, and indulge in a buffet breakfast or continental breakfast served in your room.

3. Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel (United States)
The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel and 606 Congress restaurant next door are ready to help you celebrate the start of 2010 in style. The “New Year’s Eve Beantown Bonus” package includes a night at the hotel, dinner for two at 606 Congress on New Year’s Eve and breakfast the next day and a late checkout. To help you get your motor running, you’ll receive free use of the health club and lap pool … not to mention a Starbucks card loaded appropriately to $20.10. Rates start at $299 a night.

4. Palmasola (Mexico)
This is beyond insane. A staff of 16 will attend to you and up to 17 other guests in a 25,000 beach-front villa. You’ll have a Michelin chef preparing your meals, and a party will be held for you and your friends. And, if that isn’t enough, you’ll have access to the Four Seasons resort not far away, and the Jack Nicklaus golf course. Be prepared to spend: partying at this level will set you back $18,750 a night, for a minimum of five nights.

5. Set yourself up for next year (Anywhere)
Take one last mileage run to see if you can finally hit gold or platinum elite status on the airline of your choice. Do shots of Absolut in an airport bar, and feast on whatever’s left at Au Bon Pain. Hey, this is an investment in the 365 days to come.