thisisValencia

Pasarela in Chulilla tonight

2009-07-11T18:07:00.002+02:00

Pasarela Joven Chulilla takes place tonight in the beautiful hilltop village of Chulilla. It is the 10th edition of this competition to find the Young Valencian Designer of the Year, and the third time that it has been held in Chulilla
Entry to the event is absolutely free and all are welcome to attend.
The Pasarela Joven Chulilla kicks off at eleven o'clock on tonight, (11th July), and will be followed by a jazz concert, also free.
Love it!

Can we have our paddies in L'Albufera like this please!

2009-07-11T15:46:00.003+02:00

As summer progresses, more crops of rice paddy art are beginning to emerge in Japan. The crop art, created by arranging and growing rice plants of different, can be seen in farming communities all over the country. The largest and finest work is grown in the village of Inakadate, which has earned a reputation for its rice artistry. This year the enormous pictures of Napoleon and a Sengoku-period warrior, both on horseback, are visible in a pair of fields close to the town hall-
Come on Valencia! We can do it - I can just see Falleras and Lo Rat Penat - or even Rita in rice!

reblogged from and more of this http://bit.ly/2eM7iK

Montesinos and Men in Skirts

2009-07-11T15:32:00.006+02:00

La Nau exhibition, Men in Skirts
More like Sarongs really
One of the Skirts by Montesinos
more sarongs
More traditional skirts from Turkey and Arabia

Talking of Montesinos, starting today there is an exhibition 'hombres en faldas' OR Men in Skirts - it was Montesinos who first dressed Spanish men in skirts. There are several dozen on display in this curious exhibition, I have to say in all my travels the only men I have really ever seen in skirts was at the Westin Hotel in Valencia, worn by the staff and they were also designed by 'Montesinos' and Galliano who introduced the skirt for men some years ago. It is interesting that the centrepiece of the exhibition is a glass cabinet housing a Scottish kilt. Worth a look and the space at La Nau is worth seeing as well, Tuesdays there are free workshops here all through July and the first week in August Maybe after this exhibition, more men will be seen in skirts around town!

Rafael Amargo's 'La difícil sencillez'

2009-07-11T14:59:00.007+02:00

Rafael , seated with child talks to his musicians,
Francis Montesinos, the famous Valencian dress designer
Francis Montesinos, Talks to Canal Nou about the designs for the show
Armago is hot from all that dancing.
Some of Montesinos costumes
Friday night we had the privilege of attending the dress rehearsal of the world premiere of Rafael Amargo's 'La difícil sencillez' at La Nau in Puerto de Sagunto as he polished his dancers, singers and guitarists for two spectacular nights from tonight
He came across as a dedicated performer who obviously lives for his art and work his work and it overflows to his company, the pure energy of his singers, dancers and musicians was wonderful; such passion, such energy, and for us such enjoyment.
This new show is an eclectic mix of traditional and modern dance both flamenco and ballet. It is quite stunning, his choreography makes for an amazing experience.

Francis Montesinos, the famous Valencian dress designer has designed the costumes for this spectacular- but this being a rehearsal we only saw a handful of the costumes and only one of Armago's. Some gorgeous red traditional style Sevillano dresses,(though from where we sat they appeared to have just a little bit too much Weight/fabric for all that leg kicking and dress swirling which flamenco dancers endure) and a wonderful creation of feathers worn by a solo dancer. You can be absolutely sure that tonight all the costumes on stage will be spectacular.

This is the first of many shows that are part of the Festival D'Estiu, Sagunto en Escena which opens tonight and continues at La Nau in the Port of Sagunto and at the Roman Theatre in Sagunto itself. full program by clicking the headline

Chambao live in Valencia review

2009-07-11T11:32:00.004+02:00

Idylic is what you could call Chambao's live concert at the excellent feria de julio in the Jardines Real (Viveros) last night. A lightly lit pathway up to the stage, a bar with tables and chairs and a huge stage with a comfy poof for la mari, and her band surrounding her. Despite the light shower of rain that we were served, the weather was perfect, warm with a light breeze, and the setting was perfect. Full of their adoring fans, a mix of bohemian and hippy life loving Spanish and morrocans, the indie/arabic/rap/flamencan band gave their all for a full 2 hours. The feria de julio is always beautifully organised, and this year they really have hit the spot with an amazing line up and patient and understanding staff. We really are looking forward to the rest of july. Our highlight of the night was watching a beautiful new mummy with the tiniest baby, breastfeeding as she sung along to la maris famous song Poquito a poquito, it just shows, in Valencia, you can do anything...

Chambao Play at Feria de Julio tonight

2009-07-09T14:21:00.002+02:00

Chillout supremos play in Jardines Real (Viveros) tonight, Just one of the great concerts and events in a packed Feria de Julio Schedule. The line up over the next weeks includes Miguel Bosé, Serrat, Jan Tiersen and James Taylor.

Frommer's Valencia Day by Day

2009-07-09T13:42:00.004+02:00

Timothy Birch, editor of this blog and thisisivalencia.com has written a brand new guide to Valencia for Frommer's. This excellent pocket sized guide contains everything you want to know about the city, with one , two and three day walking tours of the city with accompanying maps, where to eat and drink, where to shop and where is best on a day trip. There's also a handy guide to the fiestas, including Las Fallas and La Tomatina. It's a family affair as most of the photos in the book are by Diana, Tim's wife
To order your copy of this invaluable guide, click on the headline - you can even read some pages before you buy!

Pasarela Joven Chulilla

2009-07-09T13:26:00.003+02:00

Pasarela Joven Chulilla takes place this weekend in the beautiful hilltop village of Chulilla. It is the 10th edition of this competition to find the Young Valencian Designer of the Year, and the third time that it has been held in Chulilla
Entry to the event is absolutely free and all are welcome to attend
The Pasarela Joven Chulilla kicks off at eleven o·clock on Saturday night, (11th July), and will be followed by a jazz concert, also free.
If you haven't visited Chulilla, make a day of it, it is a lovely village and there is great dining to be had in its many attractive restaurants. You could even try and get a room at the excellent Casa Rural Serena web and make a weekend of it!

Palau de les Arts tonight and Sunday

2009-06-25T13:41:00.007+02:00

If you missed the Placido Domingo Performance in Plaza de la Virgen last night or you saw it and want more of it all, head on down to the Palau de les Arts tonight or Sunday 28 jun for Anell de LLum, a stunning spectacular outside and ON the Palau. It all starts at 22:00 but get there early to reserve a good spot

Placido Domingo live across Europe

2009-06-22T16:06:00.004+02:00

Citizens of Brussels, Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Swansea, Ímola, Rávenna and Sofía will be able to see a live performance of Die Walkure starring Placido Domingo wednesday at 19h local tIme. The performance is being beamed live from the Palau de les Arts as part of the 2009 European Year of Creativity and Innovation under the Patronage of Ján Figel, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth.
http://www.vivaeuropajune24th.eu/

Things to do This Weekend

2009-06-20T11:32:00.005+02:00

Hogueras de San Juan Alicante
Olive Oil Fair in Viver
Summer Magic in Peñiscola
Alicante's version of Las Fallas, Hogueras de San Juan, starts Today 20 June through to the 24th. Partying in the street, Papier maché Sculptures (to be burned on the final night) and bullfights. Lots of fun for all the family.
Meanwhile, to the north, Peñíscola has its own bit of Summer Magic with a festival of witchcraft and Magic fro the 19th to 23 June- street theatre, street magicians, star gazing and concerts are the order of the day (and, more importantly, the nights). The festival culminates on noche de San Juan with what sounds like a wondeful show of Fire (what else?) on the beach below Papa Luna's Castle.
you are a lover of a good olive oil then this weekend, 20-21 Jun you should head on up to Viver for the Tenth annual Olive oil festival, not just for the oil but for the foods on offer, and it is a pretty village. it is on the N234 towards Teruel about an hour's drive from Valencia

thisisfib - on twitter and tumblr

2009-06-19T17:39:00.004+02:00

Anita Darling and Lolita Devine will be your eyes and ears and FIB Benicassim this year, they'll be tweeting from now on here and tumblring photos here and writing here - gonna be fun! We also have coming, over the weekend a guide to visitors to FIB and a forum here
FIB management say that tickets are now sold out and that they have now finalised the line up with the heroes of Spanish indie rock, Los Planetas, as the crown jewel of what is without doubt the most important programme of Spanish bands in FIB's history, and with Tom Tom Club, the perfect ending for this summer party.

ThisisValencia Community - ALL NEW SITE, JOIN NOW!

2009-06-19T17:32:00.003+02:00

Our readers wishes have been granted today and a thisisvalencia community site is born!
Join today for forums, classifieds, photos (yours and ours!) ValenciaWiki, Valencia events calendar and all you need to know about Benicassim (and a way to connect with people who are coming) here

Frontiers at the IVAM in Valencia

2009-06-01T12:56:00.000+02:00

Wednesday I had an email inviting me to a press conference for the major new IVAM exhibition CONFINES/FRONTIERS. I had heard about it several weeks ago when a lady from New York emailed me to tell me she was visiting Valencia with her family to witness the opening of which her son son was one of the artists in the Robert Wilson section. They all wanted to know what else they should see whilst visiting. I emailed the lady back with architectural and monumental information and asked her to expand a little on this exhibition. I got a very polite thanks and very little additional information on the show. It turns out that the exhibition is to celebrate 20 years of IVAM. It is a major undertaking as it fills four of the main galleries, in Consuelo Ciscar's words 'a risky undertaking'
What did we make of it all? click the headline to find out more.

XIII FESTIVAL DE JAZZ DEL PALAU DE LA MÚSICA DE VALENCIA.

2009-05-22T18:56:00.000+02:00

Two glorious weeks of the best of the world's Jazz, were announced today at a press conference. The Concerts are scheduled from the 07 July in Valencia, with the music Gershwin, Miles Davis and Nina Simone as part of a great lineup including Lizz Wright, Winton Marsalis, Hubert Laws, Bill Evans, and a host of the biggest names in the industry. Not to be Missed

CLOWNS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

2009-05-22T18:51:00.000+02:00

PAYASOS PLA Y PLA THIS WEEKEND AT LA BENEFICENCIA
Los Payasos Pla y Pla perform for kids this saturday 23 May at 18:30 y Sunday 11:00 y 12:30 as part of the Centro Valenciano de Cultura Mediterránea at the Beneficencia.The clown duo present “Un Memento” , a frantis and hilarious mix of movement, piroettes and pratfalls that is sure to have every child in the place roaring with laughter. Rafael and José M. Pla are the clowns Payasos Pla y Pla who have been with the Circo Gran Fele since 1972. Admission is free, but get there early it is sure to be busy.

A PDF GUIDE TO VALENCIA

2009-04-29T14:52:00.000+02:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More valencia

Festival Season has officially begun!

2009-04-28T20:59:00.001+02:00

The Sun is shining cheerily this month in Valencia's bright blue skies, and thoughts inevitably turn to the scorcher of a Summer we are expecting to break free of Spring any minute now.
Skimpy dresses, microshorts, gladiator sandals and colourful Wayfarers are the order of the day and we want candy. Candy for our ears, yes indeed, bring on some outdoor dancing at a Music Festival near you...

What with "La Crisis" and all, it has to be said that the festies, are fewer and further between lately, but this weekend kickstarts festival season of a handful of really high quality events promising to be well worth the parting with of euros.
Back a second year, SOS4.8, this Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of May in Murcia, brings Babyshambles, Duffy, Underworld, Duffy, Russian Red, The Prodigy and more to España for a two day tunefest for what they call the Festival Internacional de Acción Artística (Int'l Festival of Artistic Action) and its not all about the music either - this is a 48 hour stint of all kinds of artistic activities, to incite you to reflect on politics, science, philosophy and of course, the economy, with exhibitions, conferences and performances running alongside the concerts to blow your mind while you rock it out. Check it out here: sos

This weekend also may offer something to appeal to the more hardcore at heart. If this applies to you, you may like to take yourself off to Villarobledo for the XIV edition of Viña Rock. Moshpit action is guaranteed but also the best Spanish and Valencian music around, from flamenco fusion, rap and hip hop to rock and heavy metal. lineup is here and the tickets are pretty cheap for a three day event.

I myself am already scheming plotting and planning for July- FIB (Festival Internacional de Benicassim) is also back again for their fifteenth year of a week of beachside fun in the sun. Fashion, art, drama and music music music comprise a lineup that gets stronger and more diverse as the years fly by. Headlining this year we have Oasis, Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand and The Killers headline the four days, in that order, but it tends to be the names in the slightly smaller print underneath that float my boat. My girl Lily Allen (I think we'd make excellent friends, I've always said so) will be playing on the Saturday and we ladies at thisisvalencia (and the boys, go on admit it!) can't wait to clock her enviable wardrobe - Chanel, anyone? - and sing along to her songs from her amazing new album It's Not You It's Me under the stars.
2ManyDJs, also making an appearance this weekend at SOS always guarantee a wicked time and we will expected an impressive setlist of their brilliant bootlegs, mashups and remixes, clearing our FIB Agenda for them without fail. The DJs and the electronic music generally forms quite a large part of the lineup to the festival and I am particularly excited about the recent announcement of Steve Aoki's addition to thangs. I am surely not the only one who has joined the dots here and made the connection, but Aoki being at the Valencian Community's hippest event of the year must definitely mean he will be accompanied by party photographer and fun-seeker extraordinaire, best buddy Mark Hunter, a.k.a. the cobra snake . I have always kept a watchful eye out for him and his lens at Benicassim, it is, of course, our very own Coachella, and this year I am willing to put money on his showing up.
The last time I saw Peaches onstage at FIB she was sporting a strap-on and a 70s pornstar moustache so she is sure to entertain too and her backstage ensembles always make for brilliant photos (read - thigh-high silver boots and fishnets in 40º heat.)
To be frank though, despite all of the exciting new acts confirmed, when Kings Of Leon were announced back in they had me hook, line and sinker, those Morán boys. My obsession with the Followill brothers has escalated this year into something unhealthy. Don't fret though, dear reader, I am not the sort to plaster my walls with Kings of Leon posters to plant with a snog before bed, nor do I know all of their personal details by heart including birthdays, favourite colours and preferred nightcaps, I am simply captivated by the vocals (oh, Caleb, what a voice!) and lyrics. And their live performance is something spectacular - can't wait for them to grace the Heineken Green Stage with their presence. click here, tickets are still available!

photo © 2009 thisisvalencia.com

YOUTH AND NEW EUROPEAN MEDIA CONFERENCE

2009-04-27T16:29:00.000+02:00

The YOUTH AND NEW EUROPEAN MEDIA conference, with the tagline, TAKE THE INITIATIVE, CREATE YOUR OWN MEDIA will take place from 7 – 9 May in La Pobla de Vallbona, 20 Kms northwest of Valencia City.
The conference will entertain journalism students, graduates and professionals from all over Europe for three days. With debates, workshops and activities, the event will be a must for anyone interested in current affairs, journalism and multi-media.
The main focus will be on European communication and new media, with expert input from Valencian, Spanish and European media specialists.
Among the growing list of journalists and broadcasters attending are Brussels Media guru, Raymond Frenken, Susanne Henn of Deutsche Welle, Journalist and founder of EUobserver Lisbeth Kirk, the British broadcaster and writer Patricia Kelly and Sky News Europe Correspondent Greg Milam.
more by clicking on the headline

Sorry Folks, it ain’t gonna happen.......

2009-04-24T13:59:00.000+02:00

Bet they're not smiling now!

There should be AC33 yachts on the horizon!

The reason I have been slow in putting pen to paper (ok, finger to key-board) recently is an increasing awareness that, notwithstanding two major and costly defeats in court, Ernesto Bertarelli’s ego is so huge, he just cannot accept defeat. The result of this is that, in spite of Golden Gate Yacht Club’s (BMW Oracle’s home club) offer to bury the hatchet and agree to a conventional America’s Cup series in Valencia next year, Société Nautique de Genève (Team Alinghi’s home club) have instead accepted the alternative of a head-to-head ‘Deed of Gift’ match in 90 foot multi-hulls at a venue to be decided.

SNG statement: issued yesterday (23 April), said:

“At a meeting today in Geneva, the America's Cup defending yacht club, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), confirmed that it accepts the Golden Gate Yacht Club's (GGYC) challenge for the 33rd America's Cup and informed representatives of the American yacht club that its team, Alinghi, will be ready to race their 90x90ft boat (as stated in the GGYC Notice of Challenge) in 2010.

SNG expressed its willingness for the challenger selection to be open to other teams and has encouraged GGYC to do so by offering them more time for teams to prepare if necessary. It was also stated that the SNG would be flexible and ready to discuss other terms of the 33rd America's Cup such as race format, venue or calendar.”

Now, much as I look forward to the spectacle of two giant multi-hulls (catamarans or trimarans...or one of each) hurtling towards one another at 50 knots plus in a winner-takes- all ‘grudge match’, the idea that this should be the way forward to future America’s Cup contests is just plain stupid. For a start, once one of these two giants has crossed ahead of the other.......game over, bar some unfortunate accident. These ‘boats’ are just so fast that, unlike Formula One where a great start can often be undone, the leading boat can just sail away and...well, where’s the sport in watching that?

The idea that the (alleged) eighteen other teams, waiting in the wings for the outcome of this conflict, would now willingly commit themselves and their sponsors (!) to the design, build and trial of these multi-hulled monsters really beggars belief. These teams have been willing to toe the party line thus far in the vain hope that they would get at least a year’s worth of low-cost sailing in the existing armada of AC yachts. GGYC (BMW Oracle) had already stated that, if they won the case, they would be happy for the 33rd AC Challenge to carry on in the existing boats provided that SNG (Alinghi) accepted some modest amendments to the rules that SNG had instigated.

GGYC statement: Valencia, Spain, 23 April 2009 – “A delegation from the Golden Gate Yacht Club and its team, BMW ORACLE Racing, met in Geneva today with representatives of SNG/Alinghi. GGYC’s clear and straight-forward proposals for a fully competitive, conventional America’s Cup in monohulls were rejected by SNG, who insisted on a regatta in large multihulls under the Deed of Gift (“DoG”). SNG asserted that the Deed of Gift match with GGYC would take place in May 2010. This is in defiance of the recent decision and orders of the New York courts that the DoG match take place in February 2010.

GGYC has asked SNG to put their position in writing, and hopes to have another meeting with SNG soon to clarify issues related to the DoG match. GGYC is disappointed that SNG categorically rejected our proposals for a conventional regatta. GGYC will continue to negotiate in good faith as Challenger of Record to put the America’s Cup back on the water as soon as possible.”

The question of dates is important. The New York Supreme Court ruled that racing should take place within ten months of judgement, which means by the end of February 2010. If the two teams don’t like the idea of racing in cooler European waters at that time of year, they could always be sure of a warm welcome in New Zealand, where Alinghi first won the trophy back in February 2003. Read the rest of this story NOW on thisisvalencia.com.....Bertarelli’s Big Problem
Mike O'Neill

Vote for Barbara!

2009-04-23T20:57:00.000+02:00

If you are a regular reader of thisisvalencia.com you will probably look forward to reading Barbara O'Neill's excellent column about life as an ex-pat in (and out) of this fair city of ours. What you probably don't know, and I am about to tell you, is that Barbara has written a book, and jolly good it is too - it's called THE GIANT KILLERS and is currently on the Harper and Collins website Authonomy.com for all to read. The purpose of the site is to get your book read and voted on. The more votes, the higher the book is ranked and when it is ranked high enough it will be read by an Editor at Harper Collins with a view to publication.If, of course it is not snapped up by an eagle eyed agent or publisher in the meantime.
'When Elizabeth and Jack open the package they believe they are looking into a toy box. It is Jack who notices they are breathing.'
Barbara would love you to visit her page and have a read of this excellent novel, which she describes as a fantasy thriller. If you like it sign up to the site and put her book on your shelf and send her your comments....

To whet your appetite here are the cover notes:
It is the year 2150. Elizabeth Waldren, married to a man she has come to despise, is living in an old cottage on the isolated shores of Chichester harbour. Her husband, Stephen, is a geologist with a colonisation project on the planet GT4. Absent now for ten months, he has left her with his psychologically disturbed eight year-old son, Jack. On a routine survey Stephen risks entering the prohibited area and stumbles across an indigenous race, The Lhaitiri. Only twelve centimetres tall, he succeeds in capturing nine of them and, by a clever deception, transports them to Earth, keeping their existence from the project leader, Jonathan Tupperman. Angered when Elizabeth refuses to let him play with them, Jack resolves to punish her; but as he begins to understand the strength of her friendship with Ybron, their chief, he decides The Lhaitiri must die. As Elizabeth discovers that she is dealing with a life form far removed from that of Earth, she is determined to communicate. But when conversation is finally possible, so comes understanding and The Lhaitiri are faced with the true nature of the human race; with all its complexities and the society it has created for itself.
Go on go over to Authonomy.com and read (VOTE TOO) Barbara Richmond O'Neill's THE GIANT KILLERS, I guaantee you'll be hooked from chapter one.
Gooru

Our latest newsletter out today!

2009-04-23T20:44:00.000+02:00

Our new style newsletter hit the mailboxes all over the world today! Packed with information and fun to read.
If you would like regular news from Spain's third largest city, home to Formula One, Open Tennis 500, The Gran Premio de España Show Jumping, The Palau de les Arts, The world's Best Zoo, Europes Best Aquarium and some of the best Architecture, nightlife and dining in Spain - send us an email by clicking the headline and following the instructions on the Newsletter. Hey and you can follow this blog and follow us on twitter too!

Tupper Sex Party at Laboratorio

2009-04-23T18:08:00.000+02:00

Hey Girls,
What better way to spend a sunday evening in Valencia than drinking Champagne and Chocolate cake and looking at sex toys? Laboratorio, just off Plaza de la Virgen is holding a Ladies only Tupper Sex Party in conjunction with the sex shop 2-ROMBOS.
5€ e gets you in to the presentation 2 'copas' of Cava and Chocolate cake
It is a private party with closed doors and only for Girls!
Reservations are a must - 625 46 1616.
Oh and boys? There will be a Gay themed party by the same team at Café de las Horas very soon ...

America's Cup 33: Société Nautique de Genève statement

2009-04-23T16:55:00.000+02:00

CONFUSED? WE ARE....
Geneva, Switzerland - (2009-04-23)
At a meeting today in Geneva, the America's Cup defending yacht club, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), confirmed that it accepts the Golden Gate Yacht Club's (GGYC) challenge for the 33rd America's Cup and informed representatives of the American yacht club that its team, Alinghi, will be ready to race their 90x90ft boat (as stated in the GGYC Notice of Challenge) in 2010.
SNG expressed its willingness for the challenger selection to be open to other teams and has encouraged GGYC to do so by offering them more time for teams to prepare if necessary. It was also stated that the SNG would be flexible and ready to discuss other terms of the 33rd America's Cup such as race format, venue or calendar.

Good News on the America's Cup

2009-04-22T19:19:00.000+02:00

The Golden Gate Yacht Club have written a letter to Société Nautique de Genève setting out their thoughts on the way the next America's Cup could be. Sounds good for Valencia- Let's hope the meeting tomorrow in Geneva goes well

A statement just issued by GGYC, reads:

'The Golden Gate Yacht Club and its team, BMW ORACLE Racing, remain committed to a multiple challenger, mutual consent regatta. In preparation for our meeting with Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) this Thursday (23 April) in Geneva, Commodore Marcus Young sent a letter to his counterpart at SNG today reiterating our commitment and outlining two proposals for a multiple-challenger AC33. This letter is posted on our Club website, www.ggyc.com. We believe it is important to be clear and transparent in our respective positions. We are asking SNG to respond with their position in writing to avoid any confusion.'

The letter referred to reads:

Golden Gate YC - Golden Gate Yacht Club

April 21, 2009

Commodore Pierre-Yves Firmenich
Société Nautique de Genève
Port Noir
CH-1223 Cologny
SWITZERLAND

Dear Commodore Firmenich,

We remain committed to a multiple challenger, mutual consent regatta. To that end, we have ceded full authority to our delegation to negotiate an agreement with your club, and we seek confirmation that your delegation has similar powers.

We also believe that the process can be accelerated by highlighting our position to you in writing ahead of the meeting, thereby giving your team time to discuss the options and prepare. Henceforth, our AC33 proposals will be in writing and we respectfully request your responses be in writing as well.

Our proposal for AC 33 is for a multi-challenger regatta under a Protocol and rules (racing, technical and commercial) agreed by mutual consent, at Valencia in 2011, in your new 'AC33' class based on:

AC 32 rules and format with cost cutting measures; and the Board of ACM agreed by mutual consent.

or, alternatively:

a traditional format of a separate Challenger Selection Series organized at your venue by Louis Vuitton (if they agree to this role); i.e., the Challengers will provide the winner of the LV Cup, and the Challengers will re-assume the financial and organizational responsibilities for this series.

On Thursday our delegation is going to Geneva to discuss the foregoing with your representatives. We look forward to your written response to these proposals within a week of the Geneva meeting.

We suggest there be a neutral observer at the meeting able and willing to brief potential Challengers and the press afterwards. We invite your suggestions on who this might be.

Sincerely,

END