It’s possible to join our retreats, no mater what skill level you are at. We’ll offer beginning, intermediate and advanced options for all props and techniques.
All workshops will also cater to total newbies, but if you want to pick up as much as possible during the retreat, it will be very useful to be familiar with the basics of the different props!
POI BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from our retreat, be sure to know the basic poi moves, such as; 3-beat weaves (forward & backward) windmill, watermill, hip-reels & turns, butterfly (same-time, split-time), buzzsaw.
If you can’t do some of the moves listed above, don’t worry! We will teach you that. However, if you want to be prepared, look up some tutorials (we recommend to have a look at Playpoi.com – those tutorials are great!)
HOOP BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from the workshops, be sure to know the basic hoop moves, such as: waist-hooping in both directions, moving your hula hoop up your body, and shoulder-hooping in both directions. You can find many free tutorials, like these from HOOPLOVERS
CONTACT STAFF BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from this retreat, be sure to know the basic contact staff moves, such as: neck wrap, halo, conveyor belt, (parts of) an arm roll or Steve.
You can find many free tutorials, like these from PHILOCRICUS
STAFF SPINNING BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from the workshops, be sure to know the basic staff spinning moves, such as: forward- and backward figure 8, turning with the figure 8, the Rotor (front spinning), windmill. You can find many free tutorials, like these from Michelle Christa Smith
You don’t need to know other attendees to share a room!
If you want to share a room with other attendees, we’ll try to make a match. Room sharing options are of course depending on how many other people are wanting to share the same type of room. You can give us your preferences, and we’ll try to find matching room-mates!
If you want to share a room with friend(s) or a partner, you don’t have to buy all the tickets at the same time.
You can reserve separately, and all buy only your own ticket. When buying the ticket, leave a note that you want to share the room with friend(s) or a partner, and give their name.
At the moment of writing we’re happy to say that there are no restrictions at all in place, in France!
Masks are only mandatory in public transport (Updated, July 2022)
We will refund the Deposit paid for your Ticket if government regulations prevent you from travelling. If France will go into lock-down, we will refund your deposit up to 1 month before the start of the event, minus an administration fee of € 25. After one month before the start of the event, we can’t make any refunds.
These rules only apply if travelling will be forbidden in France, and the official government website(s) confirm this.
In principle, the deposit is non-refundable. Please make sure you have travel insurance, so in case you get ill, you can get the deposit refunded from your insurance.
We advise you to take personal travel insurance, that covers;
– Reimbursement of any pre-booked events or excursions
– Coronavirus cancellation cover
See an example here https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/quote
The Retreat fee can be paid in two parts; a deposit, and the remaining fee.
The deposit is 350,- euros per person and has to be paid by credit card. The deposit is non-refundable.
The rest of the fee is due at the start of the retreat, in cash or by card.
Please make sure you have travel insurance, so in case you can’t come to the retreat for any reason, you can get everything refunded from your insurance.
We advise you to take personal travel insurance, that covers;
– Reimbursement of any pre-booked events or excursions
– Coronavirus cancellation cover
See an example here https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/quote
COVID DEPOSIT REFUND; We will refund your deposit if government rules prevent you from entering the country where the retreat is held. If the country where the retreat is held will go into Covid lock-down, we will refund your deposit up to one month before the start of the retreat, minus 25 euros administration costs.
- Never use the word fire or anything to do with fire. Instead, use juggling equipment, sport, circus, or performance equipment.
- Make sure your wicks are well burned off and don’t contain any fuel residue.
- Put everything in ziplock bags to cover the possible smell.
- You can wash your tools with warm water and soap, so most of the black goes off. Let them dry well.
- Put socks or pink fluffy protection (doesn’t look dangerous, hahaha) around your equipment, so it’s not directly visible.
- You can even disconnect the chains from your poi heads, and store them in separate bags.
- We recommend putting your fire poi in your check-in luggage. Don’t lock your bag, if they want to check it, they might break it. You can add a note, explaining it’s juggling equipment and your phone number.
- If you take a staff, see what the maximum luggage sizes are to see if you can take it without having to pay extra. A thick staff bag will protect your staff during transportation.
TIPS ON FLYING WITH GEAR, FROM SRIKANTA BAREFOOT
FLYING WITH LONG STAFFS/ OVERSIZED LUGGAGE
After leaving the Cirque du Soleil, I reduced the length of my staffs from 162cm to 142cm to avoid paying oversized luggage fees. While each airline has its own limits and fees for oversized luggage, 152cm-158cm is the average limit for many airlines before paying additional fees. However, there is no single rule which applies so you have the best research fare rules prior to booking.
Many budget airlines (especially in Europe) will charge a fee for any bag which doesn’t resemble a standard suitcase regardless of the length. In general, the nicer the airline, the less likely they are to charge you extra fees for your baggage.
Check out this great worldwide baggage fee chart: http://www.farecompare.com/about/worldwide-baggage-fee-chart/
FLYING WITH FIRE TOOLS
With over 10 years of flying around the world with fire tools, I’ve yet to have any problems or anything confiscated.
These are tips based upon what continues to work for me:
- Pack your tools with care
- Make sure to have burned off any excess fuel from your wicks.
- I always travel with gloves, dish soap and a sponge/ cloth to clean my tools and wicks prior to flying.
Check-in counter - If you are like me, you will show up with a bag big enough to fit a mummy inside. There will be questions.
- Most importantly, never say ‘fire’ and avoid any connotation with weapons. I say that I am a circus artist and that I do object manipulation/ juggling. I talk about ‘batons’ and ‘dance’ while avoiding ‘swords’ and ‘martial arts’.
Many airlines charge extra for golf/ kite surf/ sports bags so with a bit of luck and charm you can dodge the looming fees with happy talk about circus and art. Not always.
Carry on luggage - I don’t recommend traveling with fire tools in your carry on luggage, although I’ve seen it work once (from Las Vegas to LA). If anyone dares to try or has more info, let me know and I’ll add it here.
FLYING WITH LIGHT TOOLS
As of late 2014, airlines must abide by new rules regarding lithium batteries. Limits have been placed on the voltage allowance of lithium batteries in checked luggage. As many of the light dance props on the market use lithium batteries, they are subject to these rules. Even though the limit is way above what you could reach with a checked bag full of light dance tools (most tools are 3-12 volts), as the voltage isn’t specified on your tools, there is a risk that they be confiscated.
The same rules don’t apply to carry on luggage so we recommend traveling with all of your light dance props in your carry on luggage. We’ve tested this a few times without any problems. The average capacity of light dance props (from pyroterra for example) is 3.7 volts/ 700mah.
More info on traveling with lithium batteries: http://www.airfrance.fr/common/image/pdf/en/Bagages_batterie_lithium_en.pdf
Yes, you can still use a discount code after you’ve paid a deposit. The discount amount will be subtracted from your final payment 😉 Please send your code to Nana’s WhatsApp +336 3456 0233, to take advantage of the discount after you’ve paid the deposit.
The retreat will be held at Chateau Coty, in Montjoi. This picturesque Chateau is equipped with a private pool, outdoor cinema, and billiard.
You can have a look at the website https://chateaucoty.fr/
The address is: (Lieu dit) Coty, route de Quercy 815, 82400 Montjoi, Tarn-et-Garonne, France
BY CAR: When you are at the A62 (toll way between Bordeaux and Toulouse), take exit Castelsarresin. It will take around 25 minutes to reach the Chateau from here. The address of Chateau Montjoi is: (Lieu dit) Coty, route de Quercy 815, 82400 Montjoi. Montjoi is located in Tarn et Garonne, department Midy Pyrenees.
BY PLANE: The closest airport is Toulouse Blagnac (90 km). And then there are Carcassonne and Bordeaux (200 km)
From the airport, you can take a train to Moissac. There is no public transport going nearer to Chateau Montjoi.
We can pick you up from the train station (please note so in the form after buying your ticket). There will be an extra fee (around 10 euro depending on how many people can be picked up together).
To go from airport in Toulouse Blagnac to the main train station, Matabiau you can take a bus, metro, tram or taxi; https://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/en/transports/public-transport
TRAIN: https://www.sncf.com/en we can pick you up from the train station “Moissac”, as there is no further public transport. There will be an extra fee of around 10 euros for the service.
TRAIN long distance in France, discounted tickets https://www.ouigo.com/destinations
COMPARE cheap transport options https://kiwi.comget from the airport in Toulouse Blagnac to the main train station, Matabiau https://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/en/transports/public-transport
Yes, they are! The beds will be made, and there are 3 towels pp.
One big one, one small, and one beach towel, for usage at the swimming pool.
Also, soap and shampoo will be provided
If you can’t do some of the moves listed above, don’t worry! We will teach you that. However, if you want to be prepared, look up some tutorials (such as those on Playpoi.com – those are great!)
HOOP BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from the workshops, be sure to know the basic hoop moves, such as: waist-hooping in both directions, moving your hula hoop up your body, and shoulder-hooping in both directions. You can find many free tutorials, like these from HOOPLOVERS
CONTACT STAFF BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from this retreat, be sure to know the basic contact staff moves, such as: neck wrap, halo, conveyor belt, (parts of) an arm roll or Steve.
You can find many free tutorials, like these from PHILOCRICUS
STAFF SPINNING BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from the workshops, be sure to know the basic staff spinning moves, such as: forward- and backward figure 8, turning with the figure 8, the Rotor (front spinning), windmill. You can find many free tutorials, like these from Michelle Christa Smith
The location of Starry Mountain is; Barrio 2 San marcos la laguna, 07010, Guatemala
Most of the attendants will stay here. It’s about a 5-minute walk to Eagles Nest, where most workshops will be given.
The location of Eagle’s Nest Atitlán is; Lake Atitlán, San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala
Most of the workshops will be given here. It’s about a 5-minute walk to Starry Mountain, where some workshops will be given, and many attendants will stay.
The closest airport is La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City. From there, you could take a (shared) Uber to Panajachel (113km), where you can take a boat to San Marcos la Laguna, this is the most direct way. Of course, you could also drive there directly with an Uber, but the last bit is 52 km from Panajachel, as the road makes quite a detour (see the image below). We will create a WhatsApp group with all the attendees, a few weeks before the start, so you can plan to travel together.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET TO PANAJACHEL;
– TAXI; Uber works really well and is way cheaper than taxis. Will take 3+ hours. You can connect in our WhatsApp group with all the attendees we’ll create, a few weeks before the start, to fill an Uber together! The price could be cheaper, and more comfortable than the shuttle with an Uber car or minivan.
– SHUTTLE BUS $ 42, goes 3 x per day, GuateGo.com Takes at least 4h30 with stop
– CHICKEN BUS for sure the cheapest option, if you want to go for the authentic experience, read all about it here; Tripadvisor and Connected Horizons blog article. Takes about 3h45, and leaves 8 x per day.
BOAT FROM PANAJACHEL TO SAN MARCOS LA LAGUNA
The main vehicle for getting from village to village on Lake Atitlan is a boat, better known as a lancha.
Lanchas are the water taxis that ferry people from town to town on Lake Atitlan. They are the fastest way to get to every other town from Panajachel.
Getting from Panajachel to San Marcos La Laguna: Take lancha number Q25
Boat service runs between 6:30am and 7:30pm. Two lauchas depart from Panajachel every 30ish mins.
One will be a direct boat, and the other will stop in each village along the North shore between the two villages (Santa Cruz/San Marcos/San Pedro/Jaibalito/Tzununa). The laucha captains wait until they’ve nearly hit capacity before departing. So, you may end up sitting in a laucha for up to 25 mins before the boat actually departs.
PUBLIC & PRIVATE LANCHAS
There are two types of lanchas that service the public docks, Public and Private. The captains wearing the white polo shirts with orange lines on the shoulders and sleeves, branded with a ship’s wheel logo, will have the most consistent pricing. These captains are part of an association of captains that operate the Public lanchas on Lake Atitlan. It is safe to ride the nonunion boats too, but the prices are less consistent, and clear communication is necessary for a smooth transaction.
Tourists will always be charged more than locals, that is the way it goes, but still, it should only cost a few bucks.
See the full article HERE
If you can’t do some of the moves listed above, don’t worry! We will teach you that. However, if you want to be prepared, look up some tutorials (such as those on Playpoi.com – those are great!)
HOOP BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from the workshops, be sure to know the basic hoop moves, such as: waist-hooping in both directions, moving your hula hoop up your body, and shoulder-hooping in both directions. You can find many free tutorials, like these from HOOPLOVERS
CONTACT STAFF BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from this retreat, be sure to know the basic contact staff moves, such as: neck wrap, halo, conveyor belt, (parts of) an arm roll or Steve.
You can find many free tutorials, like these from PHILOCRICUS
STAFF SPINNING BEGINNERS: To benefit the most from the workshops, be sure to know the basic staff spinning moves, such as: forward- and backward figure 8, turning with the figure 8, the Rotor (front spinning), windmill. You can find many free tutorials, like these from Michelle Christa Smith
GUATEMALA
The entry requirements are in effect since August 13; (Updated end of Oct, 2022)
Flying from Europe;
No tests or vaccination certificate are required to enter Guatemala
Flying from the USA;
No tests or vaccination certificate are required to enter Guatemala
Check the entry requirements for your home country at one of these websites;
SHERPA
FLYING/ TRANSIT MEXICO
No restrictions; there is no need to provide a negative PCR test or quarantine on arrival.
FLYING/TRANSIT COSTA RICA
No restrictions; the Government of Costa Rica does not require tourists entering to present a negative COVID-19 test, nor quarantine upon arrival.
We will closely monitor the situation and provide you the newest up to date info.
US, British, and most EU citizens do not need a visa to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days.
Just make sure you have a valid passport (valid for at least half a year) and at least one blank page.
You can check if you need a Visa here; https://www.visahq.hk/guatemala/
Get a visa online; https://www.evisas.online/guatemala-visa/
- Never use the word fire or anything to do with fire. Instead, use juggling equipment, sport, circus, or performance equipment.
- Make sure your wicks are well burned off and don’t contain any fuel residue.
- Put everything in ziplock bags to cover the possible smell.
- You can wash your tools with warm water and soap, so most of the black goes off. Let them dry well.
- Put socks or pink fluffy protection (doesn’t look dangerous, hahaha) around your equipment, so it’s not directly visible.
- You can even disconnect the chains from your poi heads, and store them in separate bags.
- We recommend putting your fire poi in your check-in luggage. Don’t lock your bag, if they want to check it, they might break it. You can add a note, explaining it’s juggling equipment and your phone number.
- If you take a staff, see what the maximum luggage sizes are to see if you can take it without having to pay extra. A thick staff bag will protect your staff during transportation.
TIPS ON FLYING WITH GEAR, FROM SRIKANTA BAREFOOT
FLYING WITH LONG STAFFS/ OVERSIZED LUGGAGE
After leaving the Cirque du Soleil, I reduced the length of my staffs from 162cm to 142cm to avoid paying oversized luggage fees. While each airline has its own limits and fees for oversized luggage, 152cm-158cm is the average limit for many airlines before paying additional fees. However, there is no single rule which applies so you have the best research fare rules prior to booking.
Many budget airlines (especially in Europe) will charge a fee for any bag which doesn’t resemble a standard suitcase regardless of the length. In general, the nicer the airline, the less likely they are to charge you extra fees for your baggage.
Check out this great worldwide baggage fee chart: http://www.farecompare.com/about/worldwide-baggage-fee-chart/
FLYING WITH FIRE TOOLS
With over 10 years of flying around the world with fire tools, I’ve yet to have any problems or anything confiscated.
These are tips based upon what continues to work for me:
- Pack your tools with care
- Make sure to have burned off any excess fuel from your wicks.
- I always travel with gloves, dish soap and a sponge/ cloth to clean my tools and wicks prior to flying.
Check-in counter - If you are like me, you will show up with a bag big enough to fit a mummy inside. There will be questions.
- Most importantly, never say ‘fire’ and avoid any connotation with weapons. I say that I am a circus artist and that I do object manipulation/ juggling. I talk about ‘batons’ and ‘dance’ while avoiding ‘swords’ and ‘martial arts’.
Many airlines charge extra for golf/ kite surf/ sports bags so with a bit of luck and charm you can dodge the looming fees with happy talk about circus and art. Not always.
Carry on luggage - I don’t recommend traveling with fire tools in your carry on luggage, although I’ve seen it work once (from Las Vegas to LA). If anyone dares to try or has more info, let me know and I’ll add it here.
FLYING WITH LIGHT TOOLS
As of late 2014, airlines must abide by new rules regarding lithium batteries. Limits have been placed on the voltage allowance of lithium batteries in checked luggage. As many of the light dance props on the market use lithium batteries, they are subject to these rules. Even though the limit is way above what you could reach with a checked bag full of light dance tools (most tools are 3-12 volts), as the voltage isn’t specified on your tools, there is a risk that they be confiscated.
The same rules don’t apply to carry on luggage so we recommend traveling with all of your light dance props in your carry on luggage. We’ve tested this a few times without any problems. The average capacity of light dance props (from pyroterra for example) is 3.7 volts/ 700mah.
More info on traveling with lithium batteries: http://www.airfrance.fr/common/image/pdf/en/Bagages_batterie_lithium_en.pdf
FAQ Stromboli
- THE RECOMMENDED BOAT TO STROMBOLI
The retreat dates are set to match the Napels – Stromboli ferry schedule. The boat only goes 2x a week and it is the cheapest way to get to Stromboli. The one we recommend leaves Naples at 8 pm on Friday the 26th of May and arrives at Stromboli at 6 am on Saturday the 27th. To go back you can take the boat leaving at 10 pm Thursday the 1st of June, arriving at Napels at 8 am the next day, the 2nd of June.If you want to book a cabin, it’s recommended to book it in advance or be there around 2 hours before departure! The cabins might get sold out… https://carontetourist.it/en
(Around 3 to 4 months in advance it will be possible to buy your ticket online. Longer in advance their website isn’t updated yet)
The English option on the website of Siremar has still some Italian words when buying your ticket, here are the translations;
-Passaggio Ponte = Pedestrian ticket
-Poltrona = Ticket with armchair. There is a big room with armchairs available where you can sleep
-Cabina Singola est. DO+WC = ‘Single’ Cabin with shared Shower and toilet outside of the cabin. There is a washbasin inside the room. There is a bunk bed with two sleeping places in this cabin. The single just means the cabin is reserved by one person.
-Cabina Doppia est. DO+WC = exactly the same cabin as the Single Cabin/ Cabina Singola above, only this one is reserved by two people when booking. Cabin with shared Shower and toilet outside of the cabin. There is a washbasin inside the room. There is a bunk bed with two sleeping places in this cabin.
-Cabina Singola Int. DO+WC = ‘Single’ Cabin with private shower and toilet in the cabin. There are two single beds in this cabin. The single just means the cabin is reserved by one person.
-Cabina Doppia Int. DO+WC = exactly the same cabin as the Single Cabin/ Cabina Singola above, only this one is reserved by two people when booking. Cabin with private shower and toilet in the cabin. There are two single beds in this cabin.Mostly all cabins have 2 single bunk beds, if you share a room with 2 people, the price of a cabin is not much more expensive than the pedestrian ticket! We will create a WhatsApp group with all the attendees, a few weeks before the start, so you can plan to share a cabin if you want. (Also you can buy a cabin ticket, and share it with somebody that bought the pedestrian ticket, it’s not obligatory to reserve together)
You don’t have to book your boat ticket in advance if you don’t want a cabin, you can buy it at the port, the price is around € 57 one way. The boat is so big, the pedestrian tickets basically can’t be sold out. - How to get to the port. From Naples airport, you can take a taxi, Uber, bus, or metro to the port. A taxi takes approx. 20 min, the bus 40 min.
Bus: from Naples Airport to Porta Di Massa, 40 min, 5 euro pay in the bus. From the bus stop, Porta Di Massa, is only a 500 m walk to the boat.
You could also take the bus to the Molo Beverello port, but from that stop it will be a 10 min walk to the boat. - How to find the ticket office. It can be a bit confusing, as it’s not well indicated when you arrive at the port. You’ll have to walk around 5 min from where a taxi can drop you off. The boat company is called Siremar. This is the exact location of the ticket office.
- IF YOU CAN’T TAKE THE RECOMMENDED BOAT There are other boats to Stromboli as well: plenty of hydrofoils connect Stromboli with Sicily – Milazzo (there are about 5 connections per day) and Messina. The boat company is http://eng.libertylines.it. These hydrofoils also stop at the other Aeolian islands, which are really worth visiting!
More high-speed boat connections can be found here: https://www.snav.it/en Travel to the Aeolian Islands, for example from Napels to Stromboli. - If you can’t make it to the boat on Friday, there is a speed boat leaving Napoli on Saturday at 14:30 arriving at Stromboli already at 19:00. Look it up here. This one should be booked in advance.
- If you can’t find a good flight to Napoli, you can fly to Rome and then take a train to Napoli – it only takes about 2hrs and costs €11. Try kiwi.com to search for a cheap flight. We are happy to help you individually with your travel details!
There are dozens of restaurants as well as markets and food stores on the island. Every apartment has its own kitchen you can use to prepare meals (except the private apartments don’t have their own kitchen)
LUNCH PACKAGE : a delicious warm lunch buffet will be prepared and ready for us every day. The cost of the lunch is 18 euros per day, the package is 108 euros for the retreat, which includes 6 lunches. There are meat and vegetarian options.
Not sure if you should book the lunch package? We recommend that you do, as we have fantastic chefs (for those who know, they are Renzo and Salvo) who will be cooking amazing meals using the resources from their own garden! You won’t save money if you eat in a restaurant. We just give the option to book the retreat without the meal plan to those who prefer to cook lunch on their own, to be able to save a bit on food costs. But, when you come home after all the workshops, you will appreciate the warm meal waiting for you at the table! as well as breakfast straight after your yoga or taichi morning class.
Yes, they are! The beds will be made, and towels, as well as soap and shampoo, will be provided.
If available, you can stay at the same place where we stay during the retreat starting at 35€ a night. Please tell us the date(s) you want to extend your stay, and we’ll make your reservation
As for now, everything looks fine to travel to Stromboli 🙂
At the time of writing, there are no restrictions on travelling to Italy: (updated January 2023)
“Effective from May 1, 2022, it is no longer mandatory to show a Green Pass to access businesses and services in Italy. Therefore, free access to local and national public transportation, bars and restaurants, shops, museums, theaters, cinemas, stadiums, gyms, spas, etc.”
Find more info here: https://www.italia.it/en/covid19 or this official website of the Italian government.
We will fully refund your deposit if government rules prevent you from travelling. If Italy will go into lock-down again, we will fully refund your deposit up to one month before the start of the retreat. This doesn’t apply to deposits for private apartments.
(Antigen tests are normally cheaper than PCR tests. On the way back from Italy, depending on your country’s rules, you might need to get an antigen test. At all the airports of Rome and Napoli, there are testing facilities, as well as at the train station in Napoli, providing results in max. 15 min for max. fee 22€ (or less, depending on your nationality). If you may need a PCR test, rapid PCR tests are also available at all airports, for about 60€.)
- Never use the word fire or anything to do with fire. Instead, use juggling equipment, sport, circus, or performance equipment.
- Make sure your wicks are well burned off and don’t contain any fuel residue.
- Put everything in ziplock bags to cover the possible smell.
- You can wash your tools with warm water and soap, so most of the black goes off. Let them dry well.
- Put socks or pink fluffy protection (doesn’t look dangerous, hahaha) around your equipment, so it’s not directly visible.
- You can even disconnect the chains from your poi heads, and store them in separate bags.
- We recommend putting your fire poi in your check-in luggage. Don’t lock your bag, if they want to check it, they might break it. You can add a note, explaining it’s juggling equipment and your phone number.
- If you take a staff, see what the maximum luggage sizes are to see if you can take it without having to pay extra. A thick staff bag will protect your staff during transportation.
TIPS ON FLYING WITH GEAR, FROM SRIKANTA BAREFOOT
FLYING WITH LONG STAFFS/ OVERSIZED LUGGAGE
After leaving the Cirque du Soleil, I reduced the length of my staffs from 162cm to 142cm to avoid paying oversized luggage fees. While each airline has its own limits and fees for oversized luggage, 152cm-158cm is the average limit for many airlines before paying additional fees. However, there is no single rule which applies so you have the best research fare rules prior to booking.
Many budget airlines (especially in Europe) will charge a fee for any bag which doesn’t resemble a standard suitcase regardless of the length. In general, the nicer the airline, the less likely they are to charge you extra fees for your baggage.
Check out this great worldwide baggage fee chart: http://www.farecompare.com/about/worldwide-baggage-fee-chart/
FLYING WITH FIRE TOOLS
With over 10 years of flying around the world with fire tools, I’ve yet to have any problems or anything confiscated.
These are tips based upon what continues to work for me:
- Pack your tools with care
- Make sure to have burned off any excess fuel from your wicks.
- I always travel with gloves, dish soap and a sponge/ cloth to clean my tools and wicks prior to flying.
Check-in counter - If you are like me, you will show up with a bag big enough to fit a mummy inside. There will be questions.
- Most importantly, never say ‘fire’ and avoid any connotation with weapons. I say that I am a circus artist and that I do object manipulation/ juggling. I talk about ‘batons’ and ‘dance’ while avoiding ‘swords’ and ‘martial arts’.
Many airlines charge extra for golf/ kite surf/ sports bags so with a bit of luck and charm you can dodge the looming fees with happy talk about circus and art. Not always.
Carry on luggage - I don’t recommend traveling with fire tools in your carry on luggage, although I’ve seen it work once (from Las Vegas to LA). If anyone dares to try or has more info, let me know and I’ll add it here.
FLYING WITH LIGHT TOOLS
As of late 2014, airlines must abide by new rules regarding lithium batteries. Limits have been placed on the voltage allowance of lithium batteries in checked luggage. As many of the light dance props on the market use lithium batteries, they are subject to these rules. Even though the limit is way above what you could reach with a checked bag full of light dance tools (most tools are 3-12 volts), as the voltage isn’t specified on your tools, there is a risk that they be confiscated.
The same rules don’t apply to carry on luggage so we recommend traveling with all of your light dance props in your carry on luggage. We’ve tested this a few times without any problems. The average capacity of light dance props (from pyroterra for example) is 3.7 volts/ 700mah.
More info on traveling with lithium batteries: http://www.airfrance.fr/common/image/pdf/en/Bagages_batterie_lithium_en.pdf
The Artemisia Fire Gathering is taking place near the town Potenza, in the countryside, this is the exact location.
The first step is getting from the port to the train station Napoli Centrale the fastest way is by taxi, that will take around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. As we’re probably quite a group, going from Stromboli to Artemisia, we can easily fill one or multiple minivans. With a bit of luck, we can catch the train at 08:45, which is a direct train, takes 2h15 and costs only 10,90€.
Depending on the time, you can take a direct train, a train with a transit, or a train and a bus to get from Napoli to Potenza. Check all trains here , and more options with buses here.
The last part, form Potenza station to the loacation “Agriturismo Costa San Bernardo” has to be done by taxi. The taxi costs around 25 euros, private or shared.
don’t miss out, book your TICKET!