Enter the Dragon

SNIPPETS

After the takeover of Dragon Air, Cathay Pacific now connects you to nine more cities using Dragon's network, and you can enjoy seamless connections through the Hong Kong hub. Cathay passengers can fly to Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen, Tokyo and Kota Kinabalu and also to new Dragonair destinations "" Phuket, which will be launched on 15 December, and Busan, where flights begin on 19 January 2007.

Taste of India

Next time you are flying KLM from Amsterdam to India, ask for your favourite Rajasthani bhindi or palak paneer curry. Royal Dutch Airlines or KLM, is implementing its revamped inflight catering including brand new route-specific menus for Indian flights.

The overall changes in catering will affect KLM's World Business Class and intercontinental Economy Class product, as well as KLM Europe Select aboard KLM and KLM cityhopper flights.

The Italian Job

Imagine yourself in Italy indulging in the luxury of a countryside villa, savouring fine Tuscan reds and sampling Crostini ai Fegatini di Pollo (liver pate on seasoned toast) or Siena's sweet Panforte (a mixture of honey, spices, candied fruit and almonds), followed by gelato, sorbets or toasted almond ice cream.

Feels like heaven? Making this Italian experience come to life for the well-heeled is the passion of Mara Solomon, director of Homebase Abroad, a leading villa rental company specialising in extraordinary Italian vacation homes in Tuscany, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como and more.

Click on www.homebaseabroad.com and the journey begins...