Atlantica - 01.12.2004, Blaðsíða 15

London Bridges
Kick off 2005 in London with a dinner and dancing cruise down the historic Thames River
as the clock strikes midnight. But go easy on the Champagne, because as soon as Big Ben
chimes 12:00 noon on New Year’s Day, the Parade begins. Thousands of performers from
across the globe gather at Trafalgar Square, as London throws itself one giant street party.
A Gift
Instead of New Year’s Eve, the Scots celebrate Hogmanay. What the heck is Hogmanay? It’s
a celebration that dates back to pagan times when those loveable pagans burned fires during
the darkness of winter to ward of evil spirits, and to look forward to longer days. Thought to
come from the North French dialect word “hoginane”, a gift at New Year, Hogmanay is com-
monly celebrated in Glasgow with a large gathering in George Square where Glaswegians
kick in the new year with traditional Scottish music mixed with a contemporary flair, as well
as a wee big bonfire.
For more information on the various events surrounding Glasgow’s Hogmanay celebration,
log on to www.glasgowshogmanay.org.uk.
Dutch Treat
For those in Amsterdam not wanting to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a friendly stranger in
the Red Light District, head to Damm Square with the hoards of revelers ringing in 2005 with
drink and song. For a more intimate celebration, wander over to the Jordaan for dinner at
Christophe (one of the few restaurants in the Netherlands awarded a Michelin star), located
at Leliegracht 46. Bring your credit card, with a large balance available, and enjoy the roasted
rabbit and a bottle of Red Marsalla. EW
Two New Yorks
The big surprise about Times Square for New Year’s: it is honestly fun. A night packed in
among revelers from around the world will conquor your fear of crowds and cities. As you’ll
need to be in the crowd for 6 hours if you want to see a hint of the Waterford crystal ball, you
may also develop a healthy respect for Mother Nature.
If you’re into checklist experiences, head up to the Hudson Bar at 58th St. Featured in Sex in
the City, this bar does employ the velvet rope, but patrons of the Ian Schrager designed hotel
are gauranteed admittance.
Prefer a more Tom Waits New York, stay below 14th Street and east. The Ukranian section of
the East Village offers perogie diners and the two finest blue collar bars in New York: Blue and
Gold and Burp Castle, both on East 7th Street.
South Beach
A hot place for New Year’s, but probably the worst place in the world to make a resolution,
once in your life, celebrate the first in Miami. The hotels make the town, from art deco favou-
rite André Balazs’ The Raleigh, to the ultra-cool celebrity hotspot The Sagamore, to countless
other... just flat out opulent temporary addresses. The parties last all night long, and, despite
fears to the contrary, the clubs in the American Riviera welcome anyone up for a good time.
For the hip tell-your-friends night, try to hit Ian Schrager’s Miami contribution, the SkyBar
Miami in his hotel The Shore Club.The same hotel hosts Robert DeNiro’s shrine to sushi,
Nobu.
airmail
First Night
Boston invented the First Night celebration in 1975, hoping to turn an
adult-themed celebration into a family event. They have succeeded fan-
tastically. New Year’s is now a showcase for the city. Buy a First Night
button, USD 15, and scramble around from library to museum, to the
Charles River, to the harbour for concerts, art exhibits, fireworks, stand-up
comedy, parades. It’s like Disneyland only with taste and culture. BC
New Year's Eve
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009 Airmail Atl 604.indd 13 23.10.2004 15:52:10