Heavy snow blocks Alpine resorts in Switzerland and France
Tignes Mayor Serge Revial said there was a high risk of avalanches and "we had to make a decision to protect people", after more than a metre of snow was dumped over the town.
Although snow is not uncommon in the Alps in April, the disruption left thousands of homes in the Savoie region of eastern France without power.
In neighbouring Switzerland, the Simplon Pass into Italy and the Great St Bernard Tunnel were closed to traffic, while two cantons were badly affected.
In Valais and Bernese Oberland, tourists heading for ski holidays were hit by the disruption.
Road and rail routes were cut off into the resort of Zermatt in the southern canton of Valais; power was cut throughout Thursday and mobile phone networks were badly disrupted.
Queues built up outside the only supermarket open in the town, according to Swiss media.
The Alertswiss app warned of the risk of avalanches and falling trees in Valais as well as major disruption to transport. Schools were closed for the day in the city of Sion.
People travelling to the area for Easter were advised to delay their trips until Saturday. Local police urged people to stay at home if possible.
South of Zermatt, power outages were reported in 37 of the 74 municipalities in the Aosta Valley in north-west Italy, and a bridge collapsed in Biella in nearby Piedmont.
The biggest problem in north-west Italy was heavy rain, as rivers burst their banks and a 92-year-old man was thought to have drowned because of flooding in his home at Monteu da Po near Turin.
A torrent of water cascaded through the streets of the village, in hills close to the River Po.
Red alerts were issued in several valleys, but the biggest concern was for the Po where river levels were expected to peak in the next 24 hours.
Meteorologists said in some areas more than 20cm of rain had fallen in 36 hours, and extreme peaks had been recorded of even higher levels.
"It's been raining non-stop for days, very, very hard, although it's stopped now," Manuela, a 33-year-old Turin resident, told the BBC.
"Two rivers, the Po and the Dora, near Turin have burst their banks. The city is fine but they had to shut several bars and restaurants by the river in Turin."
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Eater
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Llama Happy Hour and Fried Watercress: What to Eat and Drink on Quirky Vashon Island
A 20-minute ferry ride from West Seattle, rural Vashon Island and its artisanal, arty spirit are forever saved from suburbanization by the lack of a bridge. But that shouldn't stop you from visiting. There's a vibrant cluster of high-quality restaurants, bakeries, shops, and cafes in Vashon Uptown (only mainlanders call it 'downtown'), which is only a seven-minute drive (or bus ride) from the ferry terminal. You can also commune with camelids at Llama Happy Hour and visit Oscar the Bird King, a giant recycled wood sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Dubbed a haven for people too eccentric to live in Seattle, it's the only Puget Sound island without coastal commercial spots, notes Chris Austin of Vashon Tours. 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Eater
2 hours ago
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How to Spend 24-Hours Eating and Drinking at the Pearl in San Antonio
The Historic Pearl District got its start back in 1883, when the Pearl Brewery created the footprint of the site — it is the home of Pearl Beer, Texas's second most famous can behind Lone Star. The brewery closed in 2001 and developers quickly purchased the area. By 2010, the Culinary Institute of America opened a campus on the property, and there were a few restaurants. With the opening of Hotel Emma in 2015, foot traffic began to grow. Today, it is home to multiple restaurants, shops, apartments, and events — and even a grocery store stocked with locally sourced produce and meats. It's easy to spend a whole day cruising around the Pearl with plenty to do, see, and eat. Grab a cuppa at Mila on your way to the Pearl. Courtney E. Smith 9 a.m. Coffee on the way and a stroll through the shops with a pastry in hand The Pearl has more than a few coffee shops, but do yourself a solid and stop at the Mila Coffee just a few minutes outside of the District on Broadway. Many consider the truck the city's best coffee, and part of the secret is the Tweed Coffee Roasters beans it uses. The blend Mila flavors leans toward rich and chocolatey, which is probably why it works so well in the best-selling Mexican vanilla flavor. Don't stay put to drink it: take it to go and park at the Pearl's southeast entrance (it is free Monday to Thursday, free before 3 p.m. on Friday, and $13 for the day on Saturday and Sunday). Walk in and head to Bakery Lorriane for a warm, crusty, sweet almond croissant, a couple of doughnuts made in-house, or a sleeve a macarons (yes, that does count as breakfast). Or grab a table and stay for breakfast dishes like quiche Lorraine or French toast. If you do opt for a light breakfast, take it with you to the souvenir shop through locally made goods at Feliz Modern Pop (to impress the Gen Zer in your life), Rancho Diaz (something cool for the knick-knack collector you adore), and Twig Bookshop (pick something up for yourself). 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Former brew tanks in the hotel bar have been renovated into booths for private tables; tucked away in the lobby, find a plaque documenting the history of the Koehlers and the brewery. If you're down for a morning cocktail, grab one — but mocktails and iced tea are also available. Brewery equipment is part of the lobby decor at Hotel Emma. Hotel Emma After, head over to Lick Honest Ice Creams for a sweet treat. Owned by Anthony Sobotik and Chad Palmatier, these ice creams are made from scratch using local, seasonal ingredients and milk and cream from a Central Texas dairy. The fresh mint and chocolate chunks scoop from the everyday menu is a winner. Enjoy it slowly while you people watch on the lawn. A pretzel and beer cheese goes great with any brew at Otto's Ice House. Courtney E. Smith 1 p.m. Lunch at an ice house and exploring a local grocer Otto's Ice House (yes, named after Otto Koehler) is a bit of a walk across the district, but you'll be glad you took it once you order the German soft pretzel with beer cheese made from a recipe developed by owner Levi Goode. Goode decorated this ice house using the Pearl's archives and his collection of Pearl-related decor, so check the walls for rare pin-up calendars and promotional materials that date back 100 years. For lunch, grab a plate of redfish on the halfshell grilled over mesquite embers, coated in lime butter, and served steaming hot in parchment paper with a side of tortillas. Hang out on the patio for a while, looking at the river and treating yourself to an ice-cold draft beer in a schooner. There are also micheladas, or a choice of two frozen drinks from a pair of machines named Willie and Waylon. The bar inside Pullman Market only makes shopping friendlier. Pullman Market When you've had enough sitting around and shooting the breeze, just across the way is Pullman Market, a local grocer and food ecosystem developed by Emmer and Rye Hospitality. There is produce from local farmers, a meat counter with steaks, chickens, and more from local ranchers, and a ton of products made in-house under the Emmer and Rye label. Go home with mesquite-infused olive oil, sauces made exactly like those served in its multiple restaurants on-site, and a bottle of Pullman Market rosé. Mousse de foie et rillettes makes a great snack at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou. Brasserie Mon Chou Chou 4 p.m. Slow down for a little detour to France Pop into Brasserie Mon Chou Chou for an afternoon espresso, a glass of Champagne, some pomme frites, and perhaps go for a crème brulee. The brasserie has lots of outdoor tables for people watching — its location near the drive-up entrance to the Hotel Emma means you can see who is checking in and what they're wearing. 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Don't be afraid to linger over dessert. Beets and pecan butter are a winning combination at Isidore. Isidore 8:30 p.m. Listen to some music Check the listings for Stable Hall, the brewery's stable converted into an intimate venue where bands like Fitz and the Tantrums, the Old 97s, or Gillian Welch and David Rawlings play. Or head over to Jazz TX, part jazz club and part Texas dance hall — which has a bar, of course. Live jazz, big band, bluegrass, swing, and more acts play nightly, with dancing not only welcomed but encouraged. Nothing says Texas like a cold beer and some two-stepping.
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
Vital Translate Buds Reviews: Breaking Language Barriers with AI
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed travelers from every corner of the world, welcome! As flight attendants, one of our greatest joys is connecting with passengers from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages. Every flight brings together people with distinct stories and unique tongues, and it is our mission to ensure you feel comfortable and understood, regardless of where you come from or which language you speak. Today, I am excited to introduce you to a travel companion that promises to elevate your journeys and dissolve language barriers effortlessly—the Vital Translate Buds. Imagine a world where you can confidently ask for directions in Tokyo, make new friends in Paris, or negotiate in a bustling Beijing market—all without hesitation or awkward misunderstandings. As crew who experience the magic and challenges of multilingual environments daily, we know what a difference effective communication makes. The Vital Translate Buds have quickly become our 'go-to' gadget, and I am thrilled to guide you through their features, merits, and usage, just as we might introduce a new seat upgrade or a gourmet meal onboard. Fasten your seatbelts and let's explore how this innovative device can transform both your trips and your daily life. The Vital Translate Buds are more than just a pair of sleek, wireless earbuds—they are a state-of-the-art translation device designed to empower seamless conversations between individuals speaking different languages. Blending cutting-edge artificial intelligence with compact design, these buds offer real-time, two-way translation right in your ears, working wirelessly through a smartphone app. Whether you are a globe-trotting professional, a student abroad, or simply someone who loves traveling and immersing yourself in new cultures, the Vital Translate Buds function as your personal interpreter. They recognize and translate dozens of world languages with astonishing speed and accuracy, meaning you can understand and be understood wherever you go. Intuitive, discreet, and elegantly designed, these buds recast the dream of a 'universal translator' into a practical reality, brought down from the clouds and into the palm—or ear—of your hand. Let's take a moment to highlight the outstanding features that make these buds a true game changer: Real-time, Two-way Translation: Speak in your native language and hear instant translations in your conversation partner's tongue, and vice versa. Supports Multiple Languages and Dialects: Covering a wide array of major languages—think Mandarin, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, and beyond—along with regional dialects for more nuanced understanding. Noise Cancellation: Enjoy crystal-clear audio even in bustling markets or noisy airports. The advanced noise cancellation makes conversations sharp and easy to follow. Wireless Convenience: Bluetooth connectivity with fast pairing means you're free from tangled cords and complicated setups. Long Battery Life: Travel with confidence through long layovers and back-to-back meetings—the buds are built to last. Touch Controls: Simple, intuitive touch gestures let you control translation modes or adjust settings without fumbling through your phone. Comfortable and Stylish: Ergonomically designed to fit securely and comfortably in your ears, perfect for extended wear whether you're on a 16-hour flight or a walking tour. As your attentive cabin crew, we are constantly navigating multilingual situations every day. Whether greeting travelers in Cantonese, giving safety instructions in English, or assisting a guest in French, we see firsthand how seamless communication makes every journey feel smoother and warmer. Picture this: A Japanese tourist who only speaks Japanese wishes to order a vegetarian meal aboard a flight operated by a South American airline. Both struggle to find the right words. With the Vital Translate Buds, the traveler simply voices their request into the bud, and the flight attendant receives the translation instantly—no more awkward misunderstandings, no more fingers pointing at menus. Both parties retain dignity and comfort, and barriers fade into the background. The user experience is thoughtfully crafted for busy, fast-paced situations. As fellow travelers ourselves, here's what we especially appreciate: Hassle-Free Setup: Just pair with the dedicated smartphone app, select your languages, and you're ready to go. No elaborate configurations. Flexible Modes: Use Listen Mode to translate group discussions, Conversation Mode for one-on-one chats, or Speaker Mode for broadcasting translations to a larger audience. Privacy and Security: All translations are handled securely, with strict safeguards for your conversations and data—a real comfort for corporate flyers and privacy-conscious users. Universal Compatibility: Works with both iOS and Android devices, and adapts to a multitude of scenarios, from business negotiations to leisure travel. Let's run through a few common situations where these buds shine, much like a friendly flight attendant smoothing out your journey midair: Arriving in a foreign country can be daunting when you cannot speak the native tongue. The Vital Translate Buds facilitate communication with officials, helping you answer questions promptly and correctly, ensuring a smooth arrival experience. Whether you're sharing stories with fellow travelers in a hostel lounge or striking up conversation with a seatmate on a long-haul flight, language differences no longer need to be a barrier. The buds enable genuine, fluid dialogue so you can forge connections and expand your global network. Ever found yourself staring blankly at a menu or struggling to explain dietary requirements in a new place? With these buds, simply speak your request—your words are instantly and accurately translated, minimizing confusion and ensuring you get exactly what you want. For professionals, effective communication can be vital to sealing a deal or establishing trust. With the Vital Translate Buds, you gain confidence in negotiations, easily conveying your ideas and receiving feedback without the risk of mistranslation or misunderstanding. Much like our safety demonstrations at the start of every flight, here's the essential walkthrough for using your Vital Translate Buds: Unbox Your Buds: The packaging is compact, elegant, and eco-friendly—everything you need is right there. Charge and Pair: Plug into any USB-C charger, and connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth using the Vital Translate app. Select Languages: Choose your preferred and target languages from an extensive in-app menu. Choose Your Mode: Single or dual bud setup, group conversation or one-on-one—the app lets you customize for any scenario. Start Communicating: Begin your conversation—simply speak and listen as translation happens automatically. Tips from your 'in-flight crew': Always keep your buds charged for unexpected conversations. Test the audio levels before a big meeting or outing. Familiarize yourself with touch gestures for quick, discreet controls. Pros Cons Real-time, accurate translation Requires app pairing and smartphone Wide language/dialect coverage Internet connectivity needed Excellent comfort and battery Occasional lag for rare languages User-friendly, stylish design Not a substitute for cultural nuance Strong privacy protections Price point higher than basic earbuds If you're ready to revolutionize how you connect with the world, we recommend purchasing Vital Translate Buds directly from the official retail store. By doing so, you ensure you receive a genuine product, full manufacturer warranty, premium customer support, and the latest software updates. Avoid unauthorized sellers or third-party platforms to sidestep potential imitations and missing accessories. We routinely encourage travelers onboard to invest in reliable tools—just as you trust our aircraft for safety, trust the official store for your translation companion. Treat yourself, your family, and your travel companions to smoother, friendlier, and more meaningful journeys with the Vital Translate Buds. From all of us in the 'cabin crew' community, happy travels and seamless conversations wherever you go! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
