Israel’s Spring Migration Festivals
March 13, 2009
By: Mackenzie Allison
Those who love nature, art and crave the allure of the Middle East should head to Israel this month. March is the month to observe the spring migration of birds as well as visit the International Spring Migration Festival held March 20-23 in southern Israel. Visitors can partake in free guided daily tours to the prime birding hotspots in southern Arava just north of Eilat, a hands-on ringing demonstration and bird-identification workshops in the field. The second annual Artists for Nature Festival is also taking place until March 16 in Israel's Hula Valley and will offer nature tours, lectures, workshops and a painting demonstration by Israeli wildlife artists.
For more festival info, visit www.artistsfornature.com
Celebrate in True Texas Fashion at the Annual Fiesta San Antonio
March 13, 2009
By: Christina Vasquez
It's true when they say everything is bigger in Texas, even when it comes to local festivities. San Antonio ranks as the city that knows how to throw a Texas sized bash with its annual commencement of Fiesta. Marking its 50th year, Fiesta was first created to honor the memory of the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto heroes. Now an 11-day citywide event founded by San Antonio's non profit groups and organizations, Fiesta has evolved to include a celebration of the wonderful and rich cultural diversity of this charming city. Featuring over 107 events, including carnivals, street fairs, parades, pageants, exhibitions and oyster bakes, this annual festivity draws a crowd of over 3.5 million each year, and with luxury hotels in the heart of downtown San Antonio like the Water Mark Hotel and Spa (pictured above), Five Star Alliance will guide you to some of
San Antonio's best luxury hotels that are only steps away from the party. Make sure you book soon if you plan on partaking in this Texas-sized celebration which will commence April 16th, 2009 and run until April 29th, 2009.



