Celebrate the Start of the Paris 2024 Olympics from the Musée d'Orsay Terrace

Celebrate the Start of the Paris 2024 Olympics from the Musée d'Orsay Terrace

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 11, 2024

This summer, you can celebrate the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games from a hidden gem in the heart of the city—a secret garden atop the Musée d'Orsay terrace. This exclusive event offers a unique blend of Olympic festivities, art, design, and Parisian charm, all for the amazing price of 0 euros.

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On July 26, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests will gather on the Musée d'Orsay terrace to witness the extraordinary Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Breaking with tradition, this year’s ceremony will unfold on the iconic Seine River, featuring a parade of nations with each country represented by its own unique boat. Positioned along this majestic route, the Musée d'Orsay offers an unparalleled view of the flotilla and the 10,500 athletes making their way through the heart of Paris.

Your host for the evening, Mathieu Lehanneur, the visionary designer behind the Paris 2024 Games Torch and Cauldron, will welcome you into this world of wonder. Lehanneur’s creative genius will be on full display, transforming the terrace into a magical space that pays homage to the historic architecture of the Musée d'Orsay while celebrating the spirit of the Olympics.

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“As a French designer, being part of such a significant global event taking place in Paris is an honor. Hosting this evening allows me to share my passion for both art and the Olympics with fans from around the world,” says Lehanneur.

The evening will begin in the main atrium of the Musée d'Orsay, where an art historian will guide you through an exclusive tour of the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art. This intimate tour will lead you to the museum’s terrace for a series of special experiences throughout the evening.

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Highlights of the evening:

Exclusive Tour of Musée d'Orsay: Dive into the rich history and vibrant colors of the world’s largest collection of Impressionist art.

Prime Viewing of the Opening Ceremony: From your elevated seat on the terrace, enjoy a spectacular view of the boats and athletes parading down the Seine.

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Tasting Workshop and Refreshments: Curated by Margot LeCarpentier, Paris’s “most influential bartender,” this workshop offers a tantalizing array of refreshments and light bites inspired by French flavors.

DJ Set by Kirou: Dance the night away to the beats of Kirou, founder of the Paris-based art and music collective 99GINGER, who will create a lively and festive atmosphere.

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Exclusive Access to Designs by Mathieu Lehanneur: Marvel at the intricate designs of the Olympic Torch and Cauldron, and immerse yourself in the artistic vision of your host.

This private Airbnb experience is available for 0 EUR and will take place on July 26, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. on July 27, 2024. Booking opens on June 13th at 3 p.m. CET on airbnb.com/orsayexperience. The experience is available to 30 guests (15 requesting guests plus one each). Guests are responsible for their travel to and from Paris and accommodations. They will also need to comply with local regulations and obtain a digital pass (Pass Jeux) to access the Musée d'Orsay.

This event promises to be a celebration of art, culture, and the Olympic spirit, offering a night to remember for those lucky enough to attend.


Boeing Reports $5.4 Billion Loss Following 777X Aircraft Delays

Boeing Reports $5.4 Billion Loss Following 777X Aircraft Delays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Boeing has reported a USD 5.4 billion loss for the third quarter, primarily due to a USD 4.9 billion charge tied to the delayed certification of its 777X aircraft, which has now pushed deliveries to 2027. Despite a 30% revenue increase to USD 23.3 billion, driven by higher commercial aircraft deliveries, the company continues to face mounting challenges, marking its 17th consecutive quarterly loss.

The delay in the 777X program has significantly impacted Boeing’s financials. The company had expected to advance the next phase of certification flights this year but has deferred them to 2027 to complete additional preparatory analyses required by US regulators.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the setback but expressed optimism about the company’s progress.

“While we are disappointed in the 777X schedule delay, the airplane continues to perform well in flight testing, and we remain focused on the work ahead,” Ortberg said.

Ortberg also pointed to the recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to increase monthly production of the 737 MAX as a sign of recovery and confirmed that Boeing achieved positive free cash flow during the quarter, a metric closely followed by investors.

However, the aviation giant continues to face operational and reputational hurdles stemming from past safety incidents, including the two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, which prompted tighter FAA scrutiny over all new certifications.

According to Briefing.com, Boeing’s latest results show “a mix of clear progress and lingering challenges,” emphasizing the company must still prove that its turnaround efforts can lead to consistent profitability.

In contrast, European rival Airbus reported a 14% rise in profits to USD 1.1 billion, highlighting the gap in financial performance between the two aerospace leaders. However, Boeing has regained a lead in aircraft orders for 2025, recording 774 net orders by the end of September, compared to Airbus’s 514.

Under the revised timeline, Boeing expects commercial deliveries of the 777X to begin in 2027, delayed from the earlier 2026 estimate. The program is expected to remain a cash drain for the initial years after launch but could turn cash flow positive by 2029, according to Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave.

Meanwhile, Boeing is also dealing with a labor strike at its St. Louis defense operations, where over 3,000 workers recently rejected the company’s latest contract proposal. Ortberg stated that the facility continues to operate under contingency plans, with production running at roughly the same rate.

Union leaders, however, criticized Boeing’s decision to recruit replacement workers, citing the complexity of precision manufacturing and the value of experienced labor.

“These are complex, precision-built products and they cannot replace the skilled, experienced IAM members who have dedicated their careers to this work,” the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 837 said in a statement.

Shares of Boeing closed down 4.4%, as investors weighed the company’s progress against ongoing financial and operational setbacks.


The Hari Hong Kong Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Guest Chef Marco Quarta from The Hari London

The Hari Hong Kong Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Guest Chef Marco Quarta from The Hari London

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 30, 2025

The Hari Hong Kong is marking its fifth anniversary with a culinary celebration featuring Chef Marco Quarta, Executive Chef of il Pampero at The Hari London. The acclaimed Italian chef will be taking over the kitchen at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar this November, bringing his authentic flavours and artistry from London to Hong Kong.

From November 11th to 14th, guests can indulge in a limited-time lunch set menu showcasing Chef Marco’s signature creations. The highlight of the celebration will be a four-course dinner on November 14th, where Chef Marco will personally curate and present an exclusive menu blending his Puglian roots with modern Italian finesse.

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Born and raised in Puglia, Italy, Chef Marco’s culinary journey has spanned decades and continents. After training in Brindisi, he refined his craft in several of London’s leading restaurants, holding positions such as Sous Chef at The Savoy, Head Chef at Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, and The Punchbowl in Mayfair. Before joining The Hari London as Executive Chef in April, he led the culinary team at The Dixon Hotel and even served as a private chef for Arab royalty.

At Lucciola, Chef Marco will present two of his popular creations as part of the lunch menu, Cappesante Arrostite, Mele & Cavolfiore, Prosciutto di Parma (roasted scallops with golden apple, cauliflower purée, and crispy Parma ham) and Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa e Tarallo Pugliese (orecchiette pasta with rapini and Apulian tarallo crumb). 

For the Guest Shift Dinner on November 14th, guests will experience an immersive Italian feast featuring dishes like Arancino Tartufato (black truffle Sicilian rice balls), Ippoglosso al Vapore con Fregola, Crema di Topinambur e Funghi Gallinacci (poached halibut with Jerusalem artichoke purée and chanterelle mushrooms), and Costolette di Agnello in Crosta d’Erbe (herb-crusted lamb rack with rosemary jus). Each course will be paired with handpicked Italian wines such as Prosecco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The dinner concludes with a Baba’ al Limone con Crema Chantilly, a Neapolitan lemon baba served with chantilly cream and mixed berries. 

Following this special collaboration, from November 15th to 30th, a curated selection of Chef Marco’s signature dishes will continue to be available as part of Lucciola’s Cena Conviviale set dinner menu, allowing guests to savour his culinary brilliance even beyond the main event.

With this celebration, The Hari Hong Kong not only marks a milestone anniversary but also reinforces its commitment to curating exceptional global dining experiences for its guests.


Kibbutz Neot Semadar Named Among the World’s Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism

Kibbutz Neot Semadar Named Among the World’s Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 29, 2025

Kibbutz Neot Semadar, located in Israel’s Southern Arava, has achieved global recognition after being selected for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 list by UN Tourism. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held in China, where the kibbutz joined a select group of 250 villages worldwide recognised for excellence in sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation in tourism.

This milestone marks another proud moment for Israel’s tourism industry, as the country continues to gain international recognition for its commitment to responsible and community-led tourism development.

Congratulating the community, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, said,

“Congratulations to Kibbutz Neot Semadar, which represents the best of the Israeli spirit, combining innovation, sustainability, and community. We are proud to have promoted the kibbutz’s candidacy and its achievement of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 title. This recognition is another step in the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts within the framework of UN Tourism. It reflects the international acknowledgment of Israel’s uniqueness and its high-quality sustainable tourism.”

Founded in 1989, Kibbutz Neot Semadar is home to around 250 residents, including families, children, and volunteers from Israel and abroad. The community follows a unique cooperative and ecological lifestyle that integrates art, agriculture, and environmental awareness into daily living.

Visitors to Neot Semadar experience an inspiring model of desert tourism. The highlights include the Art Center, an architectural masterpiece built by the community over 15 years, an organic boutique winery, a local restaurant-café, an eco-lodge, art workshops, and stargazing opportunities next to the Weizmann Institute’s telescope. Each of these experiences reflects the kibbutz’s harmony with nature and its commitment to sustainable practices.

The Ministry of Tourism played a key role in supporting and guiding the kibbutz’s nomination, collaborating with the Eilot Regional Council to prepare materials and coordinate with the international jury. The effort aims to promote unique local communities on the global stage, reinforcing Israel’s image as a nation dedicated to innovation, culture, and sustainability.

This recognition also marks Israel’s second inclusion in UN Tourism’s Best Villages network, following the selection of Kfar Kama, a Circassian village in the Lower Galilee, in 2022.

Dr. Hanan Ginat, Head of the Eilot Regional Council Southern Arava, expressed pride in the recognition, saying,

“Neot Semadar’s inclusion in the UN Tourism Best Villages network is an emotional and proud moment for the entire Southern Arava region. It represents international recognition of the community’s vision and dedication, reflecting the values we promote every day,  sustainability, innovation, and cooperation.”

The Kibbutz Neot Semadar Secretariat also shared,

“Over the past decade, Neot Semadar has undergone a true transformation in the field of tourism. Today we share our unique culture, cuisine, and architecture with visitors from Israel and around the world. This international recognition will serve as a springboard for further tourism development in the Arava and across Israel.”

This achievement not only celebrates Neot Semadar’s success but also places the Southern Arava and Israel on the global tourism map. Even amid global challenges, the UN’s recognition shines a spotlight on Israel’s commitment to sustainability, proving how a small desert community can inspire the world with its creativity, resilience, and respect for nature.

For more information, visit www.neot-semadar.com.

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