Etiquette for apartment living

In the modern days of apartment and close proximity living it is often difficult to navigate thru the issues as to how we can behave to achieve a harmonious relatioship with neighbours.
The one question that is in everyones mind is usually noise.
Party time
Should we or should we not tell our neighbours to put that CD volume down and how to.
This question causes tension to a lot of people that live in apartments and it is not difficult to answer.
Noise levels are irritants and it is simply a matter of courtesy to think of others and the time that it takes place.
There are social rules as to how far you can go into the night before the police is called in This would be extreme action but sometimes necessary.
To avoid this situation please think of how you would feel and also the circunstances and type of noise .
For example a party.
If you are thinking of having a party and you know that the noise levels are going to be high ( naturally)then why not tell your neighbours that this is taking place and when so they are prepared for the event.
In some cases and if you are familiar with them why not invite them over. This is a particularly good opportunity to get to know each other better and tends to work well during those very special public holidays ie New Years , Australia day etc.
Next time try it and see how it works for you.
Greetings
You see the same person every morning on your way to work as you come down the lift.It is a neighbour, you have gathered. Why not get into the habit of greeting with a simple smile and good morning.
It makes a huge difference to good relations.
These are just two simple guides to being perceived as a polite, considered and friendly person in your block.
This is also the best etiquette for living in close proximity.i.e. BE POLITE,CONSIDERED AND FRIENDLY .
If you have other more pressing questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Africa Zanella
Etiquette Australia

NSW Wines featured at WineFest 07

Kenvale College of Tourism and Hospitality Management teamed with 12 NSW wineries and Department of State and Regional Development to promote the diversity and excellence of the State’s wines at its annual WineFest, held on Monday evening, 28 May 2007 at the NSW Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney. A number of distinguished people from the industry and the media attended the event, which was organised and conducted by Kenvale students.

The event was sponsored by DSRD, working with the NSW wine industry to increase trade and consumer awareness of the quality and diversity of the NSW wines. Other platinum sponsors included the NSW Restaurant & Catering Association, Tourism Training Australia, and Tourism, Hospitality and Catering Institute of Australia.

Read the full report from Kenvale College's news web page.

NSW top hotels awarded - Congratulations!

THE Westin Hotel in Sydney has received top honours at the Australian Hotels Association NSW Annual Awards for Excellence taking out the award for Deluxe Hotel of the Year.

Amongst the other major award winners were Lillianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa (Regional Property of the Year—Deluxe) and Novotel Northbeach (Regional Property of the Year—Superior), Quay Grand Suites Sydney (Aparment-style Hotel of the Year), and Courtyard by Marriot Parramatta (Mid-market Property of the Year).

The annual awards celebrate excellence in the state’s best three, four and five star hotels. The winners go on to compete in the AHA’s national awards later this year. The awards were held at Star City which is home to the restaurant named Restaurant of the Year, Astral, and its chef Sean Connolly, who received the award for Chef of the Year.

Regional restaurant of the Year was the acclaimed Darleys at Lillianfels Blue Mountains Resort. The awards cut across all aspects of the operation of hotels with the role of concierge recognised with the Concierge of the Year Award, which went to Victor Baraya at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, Sydney, and housekeeping with Maureen Jolowicz—also from the Radisson—being named Housekeeper of the Year.

Source: http://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/articles/96/0C04C796.asp

Winter Magic Festival

To some of us it feels like winter is already upon us! But the real move into winter will be “celebrated” in a big way in the Blue Mountains.

On the weekend of June 23-24, the Winter Magic Festival takes place in Katoomba to mark the changing of the season. This year there will be a special emphasis on responsible energy use.

The festival kicks off with a grand street parade of court jesters, community groups, a town crier, etc. For two days, the town is taken over with buskers, jugglers, musicians, and street stalls.

So if you’re looking for something different to do as winter moves in, keep that weekend free. http://www.wintermagic.com.au/

The Terminal

Sydney Airport’s Terminal 2 has undergone a $20 million refurbishment.

The upgrade has included the addition of an extra 15 food & beverage outlets, bringing the options to 41 outlets. They have even added a day spa and a pub.

A new look has been achieved through an increase in natural light and space, new floor surfaces, and improved signage.

Terminal 2 is the domestic terminal, utilised by more than 10 million passengers each year. The redevelopment was performed over a six stage process, to allow the terminal to continue operating with minimum disruption to passengers.

Launch of a real hotel in the virtual world!

In September, Starwood hotels became the first company in history to open a new hotel brand in the virtual world! In the months leading up to the opening of the Aloft hotel, its development can be followed through their site in the virtual world of Second Life.

Through the site, see the project unfold – from the development of the exterior and interior of the hotel to a virtual official launch party. http://www.virtualaloft.com

The actual Aloft hotels are innovative and contemporary, with in touch entertainment kiosks that recommend attractions and places to eat, download music, and surf the net. Music, aroma and lighting programs are used to set the mood in the hotels, and the design is very modern.

And the exciting news is, Starwood have announced that they are opening their first Australian Aloft hotel at Sydney airport in 2009.

Rent a Cave

Imagine spending a night in a cave in the middle of the mountains! “Hatters Hideout” in the Blue Mountains gives you the opportunity to stay in a magnificent natural cave with cathedral ceiling of ancient sandstone. An open fire is provided (the wood is already cut for you!); plus a BBQ, solar powered lights, camp beds, etc.

There are also Cave Concerts available, for a “Mountains Dreamtime” experience – imagine hearing the didgeridoo played in the acoustics of the huge sandstone cave! You will also be treated to Dreamtime stories and billy tea around a camp fire. What an experience!

http://www.hattershideout.com.au/