Platinum September 2016

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A Symphony of Shine Composing a collection of jewels and gems.

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Merry Marigold Colors and shapes to brighten your fall.

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Cruise through Cuba Cuban ports re-open to tourists. Page 14

Dessert First Rethink your traditional holiday dessert menu.

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THE FINDS DÊcor, Gifts, Furniture & More CANDLES f PURSES f FRAMED ARTWORK FLORAL ARTISTRY f COUNTRY DÉCOR INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE ART f LINENS HAND CRAFTED WOOD FURNITURE

South Hill’s Favorite Shop!

Philanthropy SPOTLIGHT

WE SHIP TOO!

3028 S. Grand Blvd. @ 30th

Mon-Sat 9-6 | 747.8789 |

RustyMooseCountryGifts

The Kitchen Engine

The 24th Annual Women Helping Women Fund BeneďŹ t Luncheon on May 16, 2016, raised $256,000 for local programs that serve women and children. The luncheon at the Spokane Convention Center featured a keynote speech by Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author, whose three-part PBS documentary “A Path Appearsâ€? uncovered gender-based oppression and human rights violations in the United States and around the world.

From left: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Sheryl WuDunn; Luncheon guests: Bev Reed (YMCA Spokane) and Kelli Hawkins (Numerica Credit Union).

Spokane’s Best Selection of Spiralizers • Turn zucchinis into noodles • Turn potatoes and yams into curly fries • Make slices of cucumber and apples in seconds • Grate carrots, radishes and beets for salads • Our hottest item for 5 straight years

(509) 328-3335 TheKitchenEngine.com 621 W. Mallon • In The Old Flour Mill

Legendary crooner Tony Bennett performed at the Spokane Symphony 70th Anniversary Gala at the Spokane Convention Center on Saturday, June 4, 2016. The event with over 600 attendees raised $140,000 in support of the Spokane Symphony, which provides professional orchestral performances and education to the Inland Northwest.

From left: Isaac McIntire, Alexandria Clark, Spokane Symphony Director of Development Jennifer J. Hicks, and Event Hosts Mary J. Velazquez, J.D. and Francisco R. Velazquez, M.D., S.M.

Upcoming Events Sept. 23

Roaring 20’s BeneďŹ t Gala Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest, nwbigs.org

Oct. 1

Signature Chefs Auction March of Dimes, marchofdimes.org/washington

Oct. 7

Women of Achievement IMPACT Luncheon YWCA of Spokane, ywcaspokane.org

Nov. 11

Epicurean Delight Inland Northwest Blood Center, inbcsaves.org

simple, awless beauty

If your local organization is hosting a benefit or gala that you would like to see in PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT, please email platinum@spokesman.com with event information (inclusion is subject to space).

High Quality cosmetics Beauty & skincare products Lessons and applications with our professional makeup artists

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Volume II, Issue III 216 N. BERNARD, IN DOWNTOWN SPOKANE (509) 455-7430 THEMAKEUPSTUDIO.NET

Publisher William Stacey Cowles

Director, Sales & Marketing Kathleen Coleman Product Development Manager Daniel Fritts Managing Editor

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Theresa Tanner

Art Director/Designer Anne Potter Contributors Cheryl-Anne Millsap Dan Webster Joe Butler Advertising Sarah Little

Cut Color Blowouts Your Look Hand Crafted

(509)443-5353 227 W. Riverside Suite C., Spokane Wa. thehouseofpop.com

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Let us know what you think!

Contact Platinum The Spokesman-Review 999 W. Riverside Ave. Spokane, WA 99201 WEBSITE spokesman.com/platinum EMAIL platinum@spokesman.com INSTAGRAM @platinumspokane

COVER PHOTO CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Cooley MODEL Cierra Swan (MAM) HAIR Jerrold Sobida (House of POp) MAKE-UP Julie Farley (The Make-up Studio) ACCESSORIES Penn Fix (Dodson’s Jewelers)

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Sweater Weather Wrap yourself up in a big, comfy sweater and stay warm during holiday gatherings and outings to the pumpkin patch.

By Theresa Tanner

Vince wool and cashmere cowl neck sweater nordstrom.com, $345

Brixton Piper hat urbanoutďŹ tters.com, $59

Dooney & Bourke Florentine Vaccheta satchel macys.com, $398

Eric Michael Astro ankle boot The Walk Shoppe, $175.99

Spokane-born Theresa Tanner is a writer, editor and social media coordinator for Platinum.

Tacori City Lights gem chain pendant necklace Tracy Jewelers, $780

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Fortune Favors the

GOLD

What story would you like to tell?

Are you going for the spotlight?

Subtle sophistication? Gaudy glamour?

With fourth-generation owner Penn Fix at Dodson’s Jewelers, we assembled a library of jaw dropping works.

By Theresa Tanner

LEAVES AND LAYERS You’re spoiled for choice among the handcrafted collections of Italian designer Marco Bicego.

Inspired by the “silver dollar plant,” the Lunaria collection features feather-like, hand engraved 18K yellow gold “petals.” Both the Jaipur and Paradise collections showcase multicolored gemstones with delicate gold detailing.

CURTAIN CALL A favorite among some of the most prestigious Italian fashion houses, Sharra Pagano is also well-known for its contribution to the Italian theatre scene. To stand out on the runway and the stage, designers Lino Raggio and Gianfranco Signori emphasize exaggerated volumes and shapes with brightly colored glass and resin stones.

MIXED MEDIA Remember when your mother told you not to mix gold and silver? Forget it. With the increasing popularity of shades like rose gold and pewter, designers like Fope and Kurtulan are incorporating different metals into individual pieces, which in turn can be paired with everything from pearls to diamonds to gemstones. Likewise, feel free to mix brands to tell a story that suits your personality.

TIMELESS TASTE Alongside its contemporary collections, Dodson’s is known for its collection of estate jewelry. From Victorian cameos to Retro cocktail rings, historical pieces provide a compelling complement to modern pieces. Cynthia Ann Jewels does just that with vintage crosses, refurbished with rose cut diamonds in a white and yellow gold setting.

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A. Fope Vendóme mixed gold bracelet; John Buechner, Inc. multi-colored south sea cultured pearls; Emsaru diamond hoop earrings; Dodson’s custom morganite and diamond rose gold ring.

B. Marco Bicego Jaipur multi-stone drop earrings, mixed gemstone three row bangle, Paradise graduated long necklace; Goshwara faceted multi-stone ring.

C. Kurtulan yellow gold on rhodium darkened sterling silver with diamond detail cuff; S&R Designs Vintage sterling silver and 18K gold ring.

D. H. Weiss diamond and 14K white gold earrings; Cynthia Ann Jewels Victorian white and yellow gold cross with diamond detail; Barry Davidson & Co. diamond bracelet; Dodson’s Estate Collection Edwardian diamond and platinum ring.

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E. Sharra Pagano Odette opera earrings, wild flowers bracelet, theater necklace.

(Page 2) F. Marco Bicego Lunaria gold double drop earrings, graduated collar necklace, long chain necklace, aquamarine large cocktail ring. (Cover)

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ERIC MICHAEL • HAFLINGER • HOBO • JAFA • KEEN

KLOGS • NAOT • OTBT • SANUK • TAMARIS • TAOS • VIONIC • SMARTWOOL

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ALEGRIA • A'RCOPEDICO • BOGS • BORN • CLARKS • DANSKO • DROMADERIS

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509.747.2161 South Hill’s Hidden Treasure

www.walkshoppe.com

September 2016

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RAIN and Shine

Protect your locks from Mother Nature’s wrath this season

By Theresa Tanner

Fingers crossed that we won’t experience the same treacherous winds we did in 2015, but if you need a little extra security on blustery days, this lightweight spray provides control and still allows movement.

L’ORÉAL Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray Available at Ulta Beauty ($14.99) Following a blow dry, apply a gentle mist to tame down flyaways and add softness and shine. It will also reduce any static cling you may experience when donning a cute wool hat or scarf.

R+Co Foil Frizz and Static Control Spray Available at House of POp ($27) Give your curls an extra dose of hydration during the cold, dry months with this combo product that holds and hydrates while adding shine and control as it loosens tight curls.

Bumble and bumble Bb.Curl Anti-Humidity Gel-Oil Available at 14th & Grand Salon ($34)

Thinkstock photo.

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Eyes HAVE IT A smoky eye makes the iris pop, but it’s not a one-color-suits-all affair

By Theresa Tanner

“The gray smoky eye has been done,” said Julie Farley, owner of The Make-up Studio, as she prepared model Cierra Swan for the latest Platinum photo shoot.

She also decided to steer away from colors that might clash with the various hues of jewelry featured in the cover photo shoot, like brown and bronze.

To create a dramatic and sophisticated look, Julie combined MAC Shale eyeshadow – a “subdued plum” with a little of shimmer – with MAC Embark eyeshadow, a reddish-brown matte, producing a subtle ombré of light to dark along Cierra’s eyelids.

“Sometimes people shy away from color,” Julie said, but purple is a constant in makeup that’s not too bright or overwhelming.

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Purple is also a color that works well for people with green eyes, like Cierra, because it brings out the highlights of gold and champagne around the iris. “It gives the eyes more depth,” Julie explained.

Another smoky eye suggestion is to apply eyeliner to the waterline rather than the lash line for a more defined look; Julie used Laura Mercier Black Violet kohl eye pencil for an additional hint of color.

With a rosy touch of Balm Beach® Blush and Meet Matt(e) Hughes® Charming liquid lipstick, our model was ready to don all shades of silver and gold and a rainbow of gems and stones.

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Hello, Home

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By Theresa Tanner Subway tile has moved beyond the sterile 3-by-6 white ceramic used in actual turn-of-the-century subway stations. Rectangle tiles made of glass, stainless steel and textured stone in a variety of colors and dimensions add depth and style to contemporary kitchens.

Give your house a mini-facelift with a few eye-catching enhancements.

Of course your main concern for a mirror is how well you can see your pretty face, especially in entryways and hallways. Go for a less traditional geometric shape or an ornate frame that will exaggerate its dimensions.

While you may think of sunny yellow as a color for spring, we’re happy its autumnal cousin marigold is brightening up the season. Use the color of changing leaves as an accent wall or in a festive throw pillow on a neutral couch.

Clockwise from top - Yellow throw pillows, Thinkstock photo; Martini Mosaic subway tile, wayfair.com photo; Kashbah teardrop brass wall mirrors, crateandbarrel.com photo.

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September 2016

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Corner OFFICE When you hit the big time, you want an executive suite that reflects your stature

By Theresa Tanner

A. Aside from function, you want to throw in a few pieces that reflect your personality and creativity. Carr Sales Co. features a large selection of accent and table lamps that are works of art, including a number of Meyda Tiffany swirled glass lamps.

B. An upholstered guest chair is much more inviting, especially if you’re trying to impress a client. Rail Creek Furniture Co. offers custom upholstered chairs in a variety of styles as well as ready-made pieces, like the elegant Criss Cross Chair.

C. An antique desk evokes the gravity of history, but it might not suit the modern business world. A Hooker Furniture Home Office Grand Palais Executive Desk (available at The Tin Roof) features a dramatic Old World design with practical features, like drop-front keyboard space and standard-size file drawers.

D. If you’re interested in a more industrial look – perhaps appropriate for an architect – the combination of stainless-steel and wood veneer of Dermae Credenza (available at Dania Furniture Co.) is a modern option for additional office storage.

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Thinkstock photo.

PBteen.com photo.

#DORMSWEETDORM

A dorm room has to serve as a bedroom and a study, plus a place to socialize with friends.

Make the most of the limited space with subtle storage and cute yet practical dĂŠcor.

By Theresa Tanner

Get a couple extra inches of under-the-bed storage, and a few extra outlets/USB ports for all your electronics. Studio 3B™ 4-Piece USB Bed Lift Set (bedbathandbeyond.com, $29.99) Structured laundry bags are easy to tow to the Laundromat with cool colors and patterns. Easy Carry Laundry Bag (PBteen.com, $49) You can save space by bunking beds, but the top bunker loses a bedside table. Problem solved! Bunk Buddy Shelf (Strubbles.com, $19.95) We’ve heard that a good rug can really tie the room together, and it really warms up a space – figuratively and literally! Thasos Eco-Friendly Woven College Rug (dormco.com, $49 and up) A handy ottoman adds extra storage, an extra seat or an extra tabletop, plus a miniature version for a footrest. OSP Designs 2-piece Milford Ottoman Set (kohls.com, $129.99)

FASHION FLOORWARD

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rugspa.com

9310 E. Sprague 509-926-8911 Mon-Sat 9-6 www.falcospokane.com

Our Winter issue arrives the ďŹ rst week of December.

September 2016

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The Secret Island of the Mediterranean

Escape the bustle of a typical Italian vacation with the sea views and serenity of Pantelleria

By Dan Webster My heart nearly stopped twice during our first hour on the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria.

The first came when, hurtling around a curve following the driver guiding us to our rental house, I nearly ran into an oncoming bus.

Side roads in Italy tend to be narrow. In Pantelleria, they’re even narrower. The Renault Clio we’d rented had a broken side mirror for good reason.

The second heart-stopping moment came barely 10 minutes later when I stepped onto the patio of the dammuso that would be our home for the next seven days – and caught my first sight of a sapphire-blue sea.

I’m a sucker for water. Wherever you go on

Pantelleria – the circumference of which can be navigated in just a couple of hours – you’re not far from water. Or at least from the sight of it.

You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of Pantelleria (pronounced Pon-tuh-luh-REEuh). I had not until my wife, in advance of a trek to Florence, announced that she’d made plans for us to travel there.

A decade before, following the death of her mother, my wife found a handwritten note that contained a single word: Pantelleria. In my wife’s mind, an idea was born: We would go to where her mother had not.

The island sits in the southern Mediterranean, southwest of Sicily and not quite 40 miles from Tunisia. It is part of Italy, specifically the Sicilian province of Trapani, but it’s not your usual Italian tourist

attraction. The culture shows a North African influence in both its architecture and its cuisine.

By cuisine, I mean fish fresh from the sea, pasta (a typical dish is ravioli and mint in a sage-brown butter sauce) and various sides, such as panelle (a kind of salty pancake made from chickpeas) and insalata pantesca (a blend of tomatoes, boiled potatoes, olives, onions and an island specialty: capers).

And by architecture, I’m referring mostly to the dammusi (plural for dammuso), a style of housing marked by stone walls and bowed, adobe-like white roofs whose shape is designed to help channel rainwater into cisterns. Or at least that’s the tradition on this arid island that barely sees 19 inches of rainfall annually.

Laghetto delle Ondine, Dan Webster photo.

SECRET ISLAND continues on 13

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LEISURE

/DJXQD &DIH

Celebrate our 9th year on the South Hill this October!

Signature Cocktails, Full Bar and over 90 wines to enjoy Our Beautiful, large patio is open. bring the conversation, Laguna Cafe Rule #1 “You we take care of everything else”

Now feature a Full Bar, including our very own

“Lagunatic Brew”.

Happy Hour Daily 4pm-6pm

Famous SMALL PLATES Menu Plenty of parking, a bigger patio, kitchen & dining room, plus drive-thru pick up window.

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily.

Open Monday-Thursday 10:30am-9pm Friday 10:30am -10pm Saturday 9am-10pm Sunday 9am-8pm

Laguna Cafe, Restaurant & Bar

2013 E. 29th Ave on Spokane’s South Hill.

Reservations accepted 509-448-0887 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival photo.

LIBATION Vacation

Mix a love of travel with boozy beverages for a cocktail of fun and culture

By Theresa Tanner

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Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

Oktoberfest Munich, Germany September 17-October 3, 2016

National Grape Harvest Festival Mendoza, Argentina March 2017

Right about now, approximately six million visitors are raising their steins to “prost” the 183rd Oktoberfest.

Established as a royal marriage celebration, the event today is best known for large quantities of beer served in large, white tents.

Spanish colonizers first brought grape vines to South America in the early 16th century. The crop flourished in the rich soil and moderate climate of Argentina’s north-central regions. Today, the country ranks among the Top 10 wine producing countries in the world.

All beers poured at Oktoberfest must be brewed within the city of Munich, and adhere to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law), which stipulates that brewers only use barley, hops and water in their brews.

La Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia began officially in 1936, when the Minister of Industry and Public Works in Mendoza, Frank Romero Day, decreed that the grape harvest should be a social event included in the national agenda. Makes sense, since 70 percent of Argentina’s wine is grown in the region.

Now held in late September when the weather is more hospitable, Oktoberfest has expanded over the years to include parades, music, dancing, carnival rides, traditional cuisine and more.

Visit oktoberfest.de/en for more information.

Sounds of Autumn!

ENJOY THE

The 10-day festival includes the Blessing of the Fruit, the selection of the Harvest Queen among 18 provincial department queens, numerous parades, music and dance highlighting the customs of various Argentinean regions and daily wine tasting events.

The celebration culminates in a spectacular theatrical production featuring a 20-minute fireworks display.

Visit mendozawinetoursandtravel.com for more information.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Speyside, Scotland April 27-May 1, 2017

Don’t let hearing loss prevent you from enjoying life!

With over 50 distilleries, the most in a single region of Scotland, Speyside is the obvious location for an annual judging of the country’s best single malt whiskies.

The staff at Professional Hearing HealthCare can help you rediscover the pleasures of hearing.

While a panel of judges determine a shortlist of finalists in a blind nosing and tasting, this unique whisky competition lets whisky drinkers – “the real experts” – determine the winners through the Roving Whisky Awards Judging and Tasting during the fiveday festival.

Call today for a FREE hearing screening!

509-924-3459

Now in its 18th year, the Spirit of Speyside includes over 500 events, including distillery tours, guided tastings, canoeing excursions and more. There’s even a three-day Whisky School, which provides in-depth information about whisky making; it’s such a popular event that you might want to act now just to get on the waiting list for 2018.

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Oktoberfest attendees wear traditional Bavarian outfits, Thinkstock photo.

Visit spiritofspeyside.com for more information.

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SECRET ISLAND from page 11

Neither food nor structure, however, is Pantelleria’s main attraction. Unlike other Italian islands, Pantelleria isn’t filled with numerous examples of architectural majesty or archeological treasures.

And then we repeated the process. Day after day.

stone arch L’Arco dell Elefante, made the experience even more special.

We ate at restaurants with exotic names like La Nicchia sul Mare, La Vela and Il Principe e il Pirata, which were as good as any other throughout Italy.

Likewise, few have taken the opportunity to hike the rocky shoreline to the Laghetto delle Ondine, a natural, seaside pool that captures the incoming tide and holds seawater more translucent than a glacier-fed lake, as seen in the 2015 film “A Bigger Splash.”

No, the island’s chief draw is its natural, volcanic beauty, and its breathtaking sea views.

Close behind is the island’s quiet, leisurely pace of life, which we enjoyed during our offseason visit (July and August comprise the high season). The contrast with the tourist crowds we experienced later in Florence was striking.

We bought take-away arancini (rice balls filled with everything from cheese to spiced meats) and vegetables from a food truck, Da Pippo il Buongustaio, near the island’s main port. We picked up pizza slices from nearby Da Pinuzzu u Palermitanu.

And, of course, it being the off-season, we were able to purchase goods – polished obsidian jewelry, for example – at half the price they would be on the mainland.

But post-dinner treats may have been the high point, with pastries and gelato from either Pasticceria Daniel or Pasticceria Katia – or both.

Getting to Pantelleria was a bit of a challenge.

After flying to Rome from Spokane via Minneapolis, we spent the night at an airport hotel. The next day we jumped on a flight to Palermo, then transferred to a puddle-jumper for the Pantelleria leg.

At all of these businesses, we spoke mostly Italian – phrasebooks in hand, which served us well enough. Most island residents we met seemed appreciative that we tried to speak their language at all.

From day one, we adopted a regular daily routine: Plagued by jetlag, we read until the early hours of the morning, rose late, headed out for a drive, sought a place to eat lunch and continued the drive, occasionally walking down to a rocky beach (sorry, no sandy beaches on Pantelleria).

Then we’d hit the small grocery off Piazza Cavour to buy supplies for dinner, which we would eat as we drank a bottle of wine. On our patio. While watching the sunset.

Pantelleria appeals mostly to the ultra-rich (fashion designer Giorgio Armani owns a private villa, and other seclusion-seeking celebrities visit annually), to Sicilians on vacation and to working-class island residents.

Being off the usual tourist path, though, is what made the island so special for us: It’s unmarked territory for most travelers, especially those whose native language is English.

Knowing how few Americans have stood above the infinity pool at Club Levante, a resort looking down at the notable sea side

®

And a vacationing Madonna may be the only American celebrity to bathe in Lo Specchio di Venere (The Mirror of Venus), a natural lake whose emerald color seems almost computerenhanced. The Material Girl may even have walked the lake’s nature trails, though it’s unlikely she hiked the trail that leads to Pantelleria’s highest point, Montagna Grande (2,742 feet).

So it was only natural that, after a week of reading, free from television, tasting wine and fine food while basking under mostly cloudless skies, all within sight of the beautiful Mediterranean, I felt my heart lurch again. It occurred as our plane began its flight back to the Italian mainland.

Instead of stopping, though, this time my heart did something even more unexpected.

It began, ever so slightly, to ache.

Dan Webster is a former Spokesman-Review reporter who writes about movies and more at Spokane7.com.

Counterclockwise from top - Traditional dammuso, Thinkstock photo; View of L’Arco dell Elefante at Club Levante, Port of Pantelleria, Dan Webster photo.

September 2016 13

LEISURE

Making History in

Cuba

As Cuba’s ports re-open to American cruise ships, expect a friendly greeting and lively atmosphere

By Cheryl-Anne Millsap On the morning our ship sailed into Havana’s harbor, people were already lining up to celebrate our historic arrival.

experience. When we pulled out of the Havana port the next evening, people lined up for miles along the waterfront to see us off.

Havana, and Alaska Airlines has just announced it will offer West Coast service through Seattle and Los Angeles.

By the time we cleared customs and walked out into the hot sunshine, the crowd had grown and there were hundreds of men, women and children waving and cheering as we followed our guide into the heart of the city. They reached out and touched us as we walked past, welcoming us to the island.

As we left our final port of Santiago de Cuba and began the cruise back to Miami, a family in one of the iconic classic cars that fill the Cuban streets raced along the shoreline. At every opportunity they pulled over and got out to wave as we cruised past, calling out both “Welcome, American!” and “Adios.”

Cruise ships are an important part of Cuba’s history. For decades, it was the way most people traveled back and forth between the United States and the largest of the Caribbean islands, less than 100 miles from the mainland. But since the 1960 embargo, U.S. citizens have arrived on the island only by plane.

So, now that restrictions are loosening and more Americans are planning to visit the island, why go to Cuba with Fathom?

With air travel on its way, why choose to go by sea? The primary answer is comfort and convenience. As Cuba adapts to greater numbers of American tourists, the tourism industry infrastructure will be strained. During the popular winter seasons hotel rooms can be hard to find and can be expensive. But if you go by sea your stateroom is your hotel. You sleep on the ship and go onto the island for organized excursions or to explore on your own.

The 704-passenger Fathom Adonia changed all that with our spring arrival. The May 1, 2016, sailing of the Adonia from the Port of Miami was the first cruise ship to sail from the United States to Cuba in more than 50 years. The entire journey was an emotional and unforgettable

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CUBA BY SEA While it hasn’t been impossible for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba, doing so by sea has been prohibited. That is changing quickly. At this time the Fathom Adonia is making regular trips to the island and more cruise lines are preparing for their own inaugural Cuba cruises. The U.S. and Cuba have agreed to license 20 daily flights to

As a rule, breakfast and dinner are on board with lunches on the island. And I’ll admit, after a day exploring the island it was nice to return to the ship for a hot shower and a cocktail on the observation deck.

THE SHIP Launched in 2001, the 704-passenger Adonia had several lives before coming to Fathom Travel

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as part of Carnival Corporation’s volunteerism experience line. Most recently the Adonia was part of P&O Cruises and the elegant British interior still reflects that heritage.

Experienced American cruisers won’t find the typical glitzy shows and musical revues featured on most U.S cruise ships, and there’s no casino aboard. But for those of us who prefer less entertainment and more enlightenment, in keeping with Fathom’s focus on experiential and impactful travel, the line has announced an enhanced cultural program including seminars on pre-1950’s Cuban history and in-depth introductions to all the ports of call. There are also Cuban-themed games, Cuban bands and plenty of Mojitos.

well-trained tour guides and attractions. The ship is only in the city for a day-and-a-half so going by sea does limit your time in Havana, but I found the port excursions to be expansive and well-organized.

The Adonia’s second stop was Cienfuegos, a beautiful city of 150,000. Known as the “Pearl of the South,” Cienfuegos is charming and the elaborate French-influenced architecture makes for pretty photos. The Adonia itinerary gives cruisers only half a day in the city, but hopefully that will change soon. I would have loved to spend more time exploring. An impromptu market assembled along one of the city’s streets is where I bought many souvenirs of hand-carved wood toys and ornaments.

Cuba’s second-largest city, Santiago de Cuba, is known as the seat of rum and revolution. This is where Fidel Castro launched the revolution, after all, changing everything in the early 1950s, and Havana is a busy, sprawling city of more than 2 million people. While the poverty is evident, there where the Bacardi legacy is still strong. Again, the Adonia is only in Santiago de Cuba for the is a vibrancy to the urban core. The food in the day but the itinerary and excursion options pack restaurants and privately run paladares catering to tourists is delicious. There are classic car taxis, in a lot of touring. My favorite activity was the

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hour spent in a downtown music hall listening to local bands and watching dancers from a local dance school as we sipped Mojitos. The African heritage of the city is reflected in its musical style and the performances were vibrant and effusive.

Some of us even danced along to the exuberant performances.

Would I go again? Absolutely. I’d like to do more exploring in each of the cities we visited and as more restrictions are lifted and more Americans visit, it would be interesting to return and take in the inevitable changes.

Cheryl-Anne Millsap writes about travel and lifestyle from her home in Spokane.

PORTS OF CALL

Top - View of Old Havana, Thinkstock photo; Left to right -The Fathom Adonia, Havana classic car taxi stand, Street scene in Santiago de Cuba, Cheryl-Anne Millsap photos.

September 2016 15

LEISURE

Saddle Up

Gain confidence, skills with a horsey hobby

By Theresa Tanner

Two things that people in the Northwest love? Being outside and animals. So it’s only natural that horseback riding might be the answer in your search for a new hobby.

The Spokane area is home to a number of horse farms with options for lessons and trail riding. One such facility is Heritage Farm, which has been owned

by Jessica and Justin Wentland for about six years.

Jessica started riding horses at age 8 and has taught lessons for 12 years.

“It’s a huge confidence builder,” she said, when asked about the benefits of horse riding. “You have to learn how to

navigate a 1,000-pound. animal with a mind of its own.”

Jessica primarily teaches Western and English riding styles, both of which provide a good foundation for more advanced styles and skills, such as dressage, jumping and reining.

Heritage Farms requires beginners have two pieces of equipment: boots and a helmet. Once riders have gained some experience and determine which style of riding they’d like to focus on, Jessica helps them find the appropriate tack (equipment used in horse riding, like a saddle, bridle and reins).

It’s important to have a good number

of lessons under your belt before venturing out on a horse on your own. “At least 10 lessons, if you were completely inexperienced,” said Jessica. “We want you to be familiar with the safety and control of the horse, and to know what to do in an emergency.”

Once involved at a local horse farm, you can connect with breed-based clubs, and options for competition and shows. Another useful resource is Washington State Horsemen (washingtonstatehorsemen.org), a state-wide association of horse clubs with various events for shows, games, trail and pleasure riding and working horses.

Local Resources Double Eagle Stables 1111 W. Ballard Rd. Spokane, WA 99208 doubleeaglestables.com

Heritage Farm 10828 S. George Rd. Spokane, WA 99224 heritagearabianfarm.com

Relational Riding Academy 3714 W. Anderson Rd. Cheney, WA 99004 relationalridingacademy.com

Spokane Trail Rides 522 E. Washington Rd. Spokane, WA 99224 spokanetrailrides.com

Thinkstock photos.

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The Spokane Symphony knows how subjective musical appreciation can be, which is why it selects a wide range of styles each season to ensure there’s something everyone loves.

As it prepares for its 71st season, the symphony offers subscribers the opportunity to purchase tickets to any or all of the series, soirees, Superpops performances and special events. It’s equally easy to create one’s own season by purchasing batches of tickets for some, but not all, of the concerts.

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17-18 with “A World of Melodies,� featuring Richard Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier Suite,� “Pines of Rome�

by Ottorino Respighi and the U.S. premiere of Torsten Rasch’s “Tropoi Violin Concerto.�

We have some incredible artists.

The Pops series begins Oct. 1 with “Blockbuster Broadway,� featuring actor Tom Wopat in a performance of favorite show tunes.

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Ah, but what a season it’s going to be!

Another unique offering for audiences is “Intersect� with three events that “It’s going to be a really great year, share details about the music, especially if you like piano concertos,� food, and drink of different cultures; said Jane Cody, from the symphony’s performances are Nov. 4, Jan. 13 and marketing department. “We have March 10. some incredible artists.�

Find more information about The lineup includes 10 concerts in performances, events and symphony the Classics series, with concertos support at spokanesymphony.org.

by Rachmaninoff, Grieg and Chopin, Joe Butler lives in Idaho and has plus other inspiring and passionate written for various Northwest pieces. There are also six Pops newspapers for over 20 years. concerts planned, plus other special performances.

From top - Symphony orchestra, Thinkstock photo; Composer Torsten Rasch, Composer Mason Bates, Spokane Symphony courtesy photos.

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Back Pain: “When You’re In That Much Pain and You Live On Painkillers, You Really Don’t Have That Much Quality Of Life‌â€?

Read On To Learn More About Chronic Back Pain, “Pills�, And The Rapid Loss Of Independence And Mobility So Many People Aged 50 And Older, Are Risking!

- By Leading USA Back Pain Expert, Robert Gordon Spokane Valley (WA) - If you’ve ever been told you’ve got spinal stenosis, arthritis, pinched nerve, sciatica, or disc degeneration and you want to avoid dangerous spinal surgery OR, you’re frustrated that your recent spinal surgery wasn’t as successful as you had hoped...OR, you just want to learn new ways to live free from back pain as an alternative to costly and harmful “pills�, then please read on... as this could be the most important message you will read since your back pain torment began.

First of all, let me ask you this question...

When does normal, every day back pain become a cause for concern? That question crosses the minds of millions of Americans 50 and older, every day. And what I know from helping many baby-boomers to recover from their back pain ordeal is that more of them are worried about things like losing mobility, independence and the ability to go places and do things with friends and family, than they are the actual low back pain they’re coping with and often just masking with pills.

I’ve heard it said many times, Ȥ5REHUW ZKHQ \RXȢUH LQ WKDW PXFK SDLQ DQG WKH RQO\ RSWLRQ \RX KDYH WR PDNH LW WKURXJK HDFK GD\ LV WR OLYH RQ SDLQNLOOHUV Č&#x; WKHQ \RX UHDOO\ GRQȢW KDYH WKDW PXFK TXDOLW\ RI OLIH ČĽ Unfortunately, the number of prescriptions for “pillsâ€? per year, per person, is now in the double Ë‹gures – and is climbing. And it’s sad that more and more people are risking losing their independence and ability to preserve self worth – as a result. Not to mention risking dangerous and life limiting, spinal surgery.

Everybody knows that dependency upon drugs is dangerous...but not many people know that surgery can so often be avoided despite what many people will try to have you believe – but only if you take the right action, starting today.

What’s more, your need for drugs will only increase as your body will build up immunity over time – and in that sense, I can see why many people aged 50+ already hooked on pills label themselves as “prescription drug addicts�... and it’s because of that, through this letter today, I want to offer you some hope for a future FREE from back pain - and a life without pills.

What The Drug Companies Don’t Want You To Have What I’d like you to have is nothing like what you’ve ever tried before – and as you read every word of this article I know there’s

a strong chance that you may be reading it STILL suffering with chronic back pain having previously tried surgery – and have now resigned yourself to thinking that “nothing else can be done to help me�...

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Just ask any of the 100’s of the Spokane Valley residents who have already beneË‹ted from my new “Back Pain Consumer Awarenessâ€? report entitled: “14 Secrets Of Eliminating Back Pain, Staying Pain Free And Avoiding Pills!â€?‌ My name is Robert Gordon, I’ve been helping your friends, family and work colleagues to live with LESS low-back pain and even get more living back after spinal surgery, for over two decades now. And inside my new report...

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September 2016 17

LEISURE

HOME BASE Household tech that will bring a smile to your face

By Theresa Tanner

There’s nothing worse than waking up before sunrise during the fall – especially when Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 6. But it may be improved a little with the Sensorwake Olfactory alarm clock (pre-order to receive in November, $109; additional scent capsules, $5.45/each), which diffuses a scent at “wake up” for a more pleasant transition out of slumber. Scents include seaside, croissant, toast, espresso, chocolate, peppermint and grass.

To compete with Amazon Echo, Google is introducing its own voice-activated smart speaker this year (release date and price to be announced). With a candle-like design and bases in customizable colors, Google Home suits a range of décor while

allowing hands-free management of everyday tasks, like playing music and checking your calendar. And, of course, it does what Google does best: answers those burning questions, like what Spam is exactly.

Microsoft and Sony are releasing updated versions of their respective video game consoles, Xbox One and PS4, but our nostalgia is taking over and we’re most excited for Nintendo’s release of a miniature version of their 1985 console. The NES Classic Edition system (available Nov. 11, $59.99) includes 30 old-school games and is easy to connect to your TV with an HDMI cable.

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Fall Food Flourish Transform your autumn dessert menu from ho-hum to yum-yum

By Joe Butler

If you take your culinary arts seriously, you can spend more than a week Dream of cream. Did you know there are other flavors of whipped cream besides “white”? Adding coconut, chocolate or strawberry can assembling a perfect, by-the-book Thanksgiving meal – from gravy to change the taste and appearance of even the most basic desserts, pastries – that tastes just as good as it looks…and it looks superb. especially if you want to spice up store-bought goodies.

Then again, it might be time to update the playbook with some new flavors and styles. Or throw out the book entirely and get people excited Raise your glasses. If your cake or pie fails apart, don’t cry – just layer the pieces with cream or pudding in champagne flutes and at a new line-up of scrumptious, holiday sweets. declare it “parfait.” Your guests will never suspect any mishaps, and the Pumpkin primer. More than one relative may revolt if pumpkin pie isn’t presentation will be fun and unexpected. on the table. One of the easiest ways to enhance this staple dessert is to roast the pumpkin puree before adding it to the pie mix. Cook for a Consider cranberries. The ruby-red berries already have a treasured few minutes at 400 degrees on a baking sheet to remove much of the place next to the stuffing, but use them as a tart topping to provide a moisture and seal in the flavor. Add a little extra sugar at this stage to lovely counterpoint to creamy cheesecakes or custards. Nuts and spices preserve the sweetness. like ginger and mint are also well-matched against the naturally acidic fruit.

Counterclockwise from top: Pumpkin apple cake, Cranberry jelly cheesecake, Pumpkin parfait, Thinkstock photos.

September 2016 19

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