Making Plans
What’s on around the world It is spring in the southern hemisphere, and for those of you who have been in hibernation, wipe the dust from those sleepy eyes and get out and about. There is a lot going on around the country, and the world, and these few events should give you an inkling of the sort inspiring and uplifting shows and gatherings at your fingertips (and beyond). Salon du Chocolat, Paris If you’re in beautiful Paris during the lead-up to winter, chocolate is just the thing to warm you up. From 30 October to 3 November at the Porte de Versailles, you will find the Salon du Chocolat pavilion packed with chocolate treats; the Chocosphere allows visitors to learn about the universe of chocolate, a chocolate bookshop is dedicated solely to books about chocolate and pastry, and Le Grand Goûter is a chocolate-lover’s dream. Parisian chocolate? What’s not to love? www.salonduchocolat.fr
Brisbane Water Oyster Festival, Brisbane Oyster farmers from all around the region are celebrated with this great festival on 10 November, featuring live bands and DJs, street performers, food and wine stalls and, of course, the heroes of the show – fresh oysters. Come out of your shell and have a pearler of a time! www.oysterfestival.com.au
Blue Lotus Water Garden Boxing Day in Australia is traditionally for beach cricket and finishing off Christmas Day’s mountains of food. If you’re up for a more zen experience, the Blue Lotus Water Garden in Yarra Junction, Victoria, is a 14-acre paradise featuring thousands of lotus flowers and water lilies. A beautiful way to wind down after the silly season. www.bluelotusfarm.com.au
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October is breast cancer awareness month – a very worthy cause, given that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women. Each year during October, thousands of individuals, families, schools and businesses across Australia make time to help with the awareness and fundraising efforts for breast cancer research. You can register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, or find out about fundraising events, at the National Breast Cancer Foundation website www.nbcf.org.au.
Movember is the
time when men are allowed to let their upper lips sprout impressive moustaches, and in the process raise awareness and vital funds for prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health. Men can sign up during October, and, starting on 1 November with a clean-shaven face, the mo-growing begins. Women can join in, too, and there are plenty of events during November that you can be a part of. Visit www.movember.com for more information.