Tanah Lot Temple - Bali - Indonesia - Sylvain Brajeul © Copyright

The most inexpensive way to travel here is to find some cheap international flights on the internet, or off the back of a truck :)

Danza Contemporánea de Cuba

Information: Teatro Nacional, Paseo, esquina a 39, (information 792728/796410)








The powerhouse of Cuban contemporary dance was founded in 1959 by Ramiro Guerra and Lorna Burdsall. The company of 30 young performers is now directed by former dancer Miguel Iglesias and combines classical ballet with Cuban popular dance and international contemporary influences. It performs in the Gran Teatro, the Teatro Nacional and Teatro Mella, and on regular national and international tours. The company's leading choreographers are Lidice Nú–ez, Isidro Rolando, Esteban Delgado (who choreographed the exuberant cabaret Havana Night ), Jorge Abril and Luz Mar'a Collazo. Nú–ez is considered one of the most exciting ambassadors of a new generation of cosmopolitan choreographers. Her work is performed in the repertory of Danza Contemporánea, usually in the Sala Garc'a Lorca of the Gran Teatro, and has toured in Europe and the Americas. One of Nú–ez's best-choreographed pieces is the magical Terriblemente Inocente .

Leonardo

To stage a comedy about Leonardo da Vinci is unconventional, to say the least, but this production has received rave reviews from Paris to Teheran, from where it's just returned after being put on at an international festival. It's back for its second run in Lisbon, delving into the mysteries of the life of the artist-inventor. The show's physicality means it's accessible to non-Portuguese speakers, and is being staged in a refurbished big top at a circus school-cum-terrace bar with one of the most glorious views in Lisbon.

Paint By Number: Accounting for Taste in the 1950s

An interesting idea, undertaking a study of the cultural implications of the paint-by-numbers fad that swept across the US during the 1950s and in the process, perhaps discovering the source of some of the absolutely garish taste that is a staple of America. In their usual sterling and through style, the Museum of American History has assembled a panel of critics, artists, hobbyists and deep-thinkers to add their two cents to the topic. Whatever you do, stay inside the lines.

La Roca

Calle 21, entre L y M (334501). Open noon-midnight daily


Main courses $3-$25. Air-conditioning.

Founded in 1956, this restaurant has recently been renovated to its original art deco dinginess. With multi-coloured glass windows and an ornamental flame, you can almost imagine the gangsters of old pouring in from the nearby Capri casino (now closed). An abbreviation of Roberto Carnival (its founder), La Roca stands out from other state restaurants due to its excellent service and spotless interior - although the automatic 10% surcharge means you do pay for these privileges. If you can brave the ice-cold air-conditioning and the cheap flights to thailand, you'll find the food is tasty and well cooked, although portions are a bit skimpy. Sample dishes include spaghetti, salmon and steak. Enjoy a bottle from the plentiful wine list and a cigar from the humidor (surprisingly rare in Cuban restaurants). Roast beef is another option, although the sea bass ( cherna ) is a safer, local bet. The neon-lit bar alongside the restaurant is a great spot for cocktails.