Monthly Archives: April 2009

Water Sports in Goa

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There are beaches in a city of India that epitomize the true nature, the Goa luxury. Travelers from Europe found them long ago, and the rest of the world is traveling to this city as well, for a bit of relaxation on the tropical white sand. For many, a few days of rest gives way to the need for adventure. This is possible here in Goa, as there are many water sports and activities that offer a bit more speed, a bit more action. Most all of the activities on the water are best enjoyed from October through April. The seas are calm and the climate is perfect during this time of year.

For those wishing speed and exercise there are many opportunities for jet skiing and water skiing. Jet skiing is extremely popular off the shores in Goa. There are many locations to rent the machines along the beach. And although they are easy to operate, they do travel at high speeds. Instructors offer classes to those new to the sport. The beaches most popular for jet skis are Colva, Candolim and Aguada . Another high speed thrill is water skiing. During the season, the waters are calm and for beginners this is a great place to learn. There are instructors at most locations as well. Some of the best places to learn and to book some time out with a driver are Bogmallo Beach, Cidade de Goa, and the Taj Hotel.

Wind surfing and para-sailing are also becoming extremely popular. Both involve a bit of speed, a bit of strength and a bit of courage. Once one is able to operate a wind surf board, it can be a thrilling experience. This sport does take time to master, a very good sense of balance and coordination is required. Local experts advise the best time to try this out for the first time, and few times after that is in the early morning. Experts find it more exhilarating in the late afternoon and evening when the winds pick up. Best location for this sport is known as the beach at Dona Paula. Para-sailing, for para-sailing one must be comfortable with heights, as this sport gives the bird’s eye view of the landscape, the coasts and beaches and the water. This is a brilliant way to spend the afternoon and it is suggested that one brings the camera along with them. Baga Beach and Majorda are two popular sites to hire a driver to take you out, on the open water, in the clear, blue sky. In all, every water sport in Goa will leave one with the memories of a lifetime.

Bangalore; The New Metropolis

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A city pulsating with energy, Bangalore, capital of the state Karnataka, is India’s 3rd largest city. Tree lined boulevards and the lush surroundings have earned it the moniker of “Garden City”. More recently, the city has been given the equivalent status of “Silicon Valley”, and is quickly becoming the premier IT center of India.

With its’ developing young professional class, Bangalore has become a chic city. There are many cafes and restaurants as well as five star hotels in Bangalore. The city is simply teeming with life and energy. Movie theatres, coffee shops, pubs, lounges, and clubs are sprinkled throughout the city, many staying open until the early hours of the morning. With its exciting nightlife, Bangalore has become a destination for many visitors. Recently, Bangalore tourism has increased. There are a number of places in Bangalore that are worth visiting, including gardens, museums, palaces, temples, etc. To begin with, an important attraction is the Vidhana Soudha, the State Secretariat, an example of Dravidian architecture; for those seeking a respite from the busy city, there is the famous Cubbon Park. Ulsoor Lake of Bangalore is also well known for its spectacular location and boating facilities. Bangalore is also renowned as a major center of Indian classical music and dance. Classical music and dance recitals are widely held throughout the year and particularly during the Ramanavami and Ganesha Chaturthi festivals.

Karanatka is also a treasure trove for seekers of indigenous arts and crafts. Reflecting the traditions of distinct regions, the integrity of these arts and crafts have been preserved by dedicated artisans. A good deal of the crafts reflects the regions’ talents for rosewood and sandalwood carvings. Other regions contribute to the traditional arts with examples of Chennapatna lacquer ware, Gokak dolls and Bidar bidriware. Each of these traditional crafts has thrived due to the careful nurturing by more experienced craftsman.

South African Gold Rush

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In 1886 South Africa entered an exciting yet brief gold rush. The outcome of this led in part to war, but also to the establishment of the city of Johannesburg. The Witwatersrand Gold Rush was a feverish hunt partly based on reality and partly on legend, it has since gone into history in the same way. Throughout local history, legends had been told of gold miners seeking huge finds in the areas around Barberton and Pilgrim’s Rest. Finally, in 1886 the tremendous wealth of Witwatersrand was uncovered. Tourists still explore the area that is now known as the province of Mpumalanga in hopes of knew discoveries. They stay in the best hotels South Africa and enjoy the luxury accommodations at night and hunt for gold during the day.

While the wealth and discovery were real, there are still many legends that persist regarding the find. One of them involves the Australian gold miner George Harrison. His story may be true, though it is not 100% verified. The story claims that one day in March 1886 he stumbled upon the main gold bearing reef as he crossed the rocky outcrop. Soon after the discovery, gold and fortune seekers from across the world crowded into the area and before too long the humble mining village, known as Ferreira’s Camp, became a settlement. The settlement was planned around the idea that the gold would not last for long so plots were crammed into the smallest areas possible. This is largely the reason the streets in Johannesburg’s central business district are so narrow. The population of the settlement grew so fast that within 10 years it had become the largest city in South Africa. It soon outstripped the growth rate of Cape Town, which was over 200 years older. The area around Johannesburg is still a major metropolitan area in South Africa.

Flowers and Fireworks, Tomatoes and Graffiti

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Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. Until the beginning of the 1990′s it had been an industrial city, but with the growing tourism industry restoring many buildings and luxury hotels, Valencia has become quite a hot-spot. Throughout the year, various festival serve to bring people into the city and serve, well food and fun and celebration. The climate may become relatively hot during the summer months, so most of the festivals occur on either end of the season. In the month of October many travel to this region in Europe to celebrate and enjoy the ‘frutti de mar’, the delicious seafood–the fruit of the sea, that has become so famous from this region.

One of the funniest festivals in the country, perhaps around the world, is a food fight. Story is, that it began as just that, a simple food fight in local restaurant in 1945. This is now the high-light of many living in Valencia and has drawn international travelers to the city to participate. Any one attending the festival should be prepared to get a bit messy, as the focus is to have some wine, eat some food, and then throw ripe tomatoes at friends and strangers passing by on the street. This festival draws more than 10,000 participates every year. Pounds and pounds of tomatoes are transported for the event.

The spring festival in Valencia, is a bit less saucy…in a way. The streets are decorated with hundreds of wooden and paper mache sculptures. Events take place for many days including movie openings to concerts, to fireworks, bull fights, and flower exhibits. There is a tremendous amount of celebrating in the streets at the onset and throughout. The music festivals begin at this time as well. One of the most anticipated musical events of the year is Festimad. Local and famous rock bands come together for two days, bringing thousands from the country, and thousands from across Europe. Many restaurants and bars set up tents on the street to accommodate those attending the shows. There is also a Glastonbury inspired event, the alternative music festival. Three days of music, visual artists, and performance artists showing their works on the street. As well, there are world known graffiti artists, extreme sports, and trapeze circus performers. This event is 24 hours a day, with non-stop fun, dancing and music.

Outdoor Cinema at Singapore’s Fort Canning Green

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Starlight Cinema is Singapore’s only outdoor cinema festival. It is held at the Fort Canning Green and is more than an experience in movie watching. The festival offers the opportunity to see new cinema, and it allows the audience to experience the beauty of the diverse weather evenings of Singapore. Because it is outdoors, it is exposed to environmental noise and aerial activity, such as the passing street traffic just outside. The theatre sound system works well, and the film is presented in surround sound. Adding the miscellaneous traffic noise from outside gives a new perspective to the concept of surround sound. This presents something of a sensational juxtaposition perspective, and combines the immediate environment with the viewing of the film.

Because there is no formal seating at the Starlight, patrons are encouraged to bring their own blankets and or pillows to settle into for the evening. This promotes an almost picnic like experience and the audience is invited to bring their own food and drinks. There are concessions available, though they are limited and primarily composed of hot dogs and popcorn. Many people come in groups of friends, and bring entire meals for the occasion. This can make watching the film a fun project by having each person bring their favorite food from one of the best Singapore restaurants. And every responsible audience member knows to bring an umbrella in the event of rain. All of these ingredients combine to provide more than just a film watching experience, the evening can become quite a unique adventure.

Fort Canning is a beautiful though not very large park near the central business district of Singapore. Other attractions the in the park include the Spice Garden. It was designed after a model of an experimental botanical garden. Sir Stamford Raffles created the garden and had spices like nutmeg and cloves shipped in to be planted there. Gothic Gates is another notable element, greeting visitors as they arrive at the park. These somewhat imposing Gates were built 1846 and mark the location of what was once a Christian Cemetery. Across the world, Fort Canning might be compared to Central Park in New York City.

Mr. Lee Speaks

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Lee Kuan Yew is the the former prime minister of Singapore. He is the adviser, the mentor and the father of the current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. The senior Lee spoke recently at the S Rajaratnam Lecture in the topic of foreign relations and the ways in which the times have changed between then, when he was prime minister, and now. His concerns were in keeping Singapore important and necessary, to ensure the continued international interest in his county and the insurance of the survival of the city state, economically and politically. Smaller countries, he stated must remain creative and pro-active to overcome barriers due to limited resources and geographical restraints . He wishes to keep Singapore the viable international player the country is currently. For decades Singapore has been a financial epicenter, with big businesses such as Singapore’s five star hotels and restaurants holding downtown conventions as well as training seminars and international conventions. The work ethic and philosophy is what has set Singapore apart in the past, what has been considered different and appealing about the society, and Lee contends that that is what the government and the businesses must continue to focus on. They must focus on what makes the country special and to become very intuitive as to what other countries and which ones that will benefit and continue to support Singapore’s growth and continued viability in the world market.

He mentions various allies of Singapore from past decades, siting that Japan, Taiwan and the United States have been partners in many symbiotic ways that have proved beneficial to all those involved. He further stressed that the anticipation of what will come, the intelligent anticipation, provides opportunities that could be missed when people are not paying close enough attention to ever changing tides of the world. Smaller countries must act quickly and resolutely because they can lose what they have gained very quickly. He mentioned the current economic recession in the United States and it is his belief that the size of the country and resources will ensure that solutions will be found quickly. He has great respect for the resilience of the U.S. and the creativity of those working on resolving the economic crisis. He points out the various allies to the United States, further illustrating and supporting his beliefs that other countries shall help those in their time of need. And while he states his concerns he is certain that Singapore will continue to prosper in the world market in the years to come.

Two Very Different Singaporean Festivals

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The many festivals that occur throughout the year in Singapore serve different purposes. Much as been said, or written or spoken of the oppressive nature of a country so wrapped in laws and regulations, and the festivals serve to provide the locals with fun and excitement. There is quite an ethnic mix on the island, be through the people traveling from Europe and the United States during any given time, or through the migration of those over the years seeking jobs and new ways of life in this economically sound world of business that Singapore has nurtured. Those visiting or those living in Singapore bring with them their own religious and traditional beliefs, and the celebrations that come along with them. Each month, any number of festivals take place and those just visiting are encouraged to take part. For a celebration does not end with one particular sector, but is meant for the entire population to enjoy. And while Singapore does remain secularized, the people on this island have a deep respect for the traditions of others and find no trouble participating in the celebrations of others.

One such festival is that of Thaipusam, a Hindu recognition of determination, resilience and persistence. During October on the Hindu calender, but in January or early February of the Singaporean calender, this is a day of destroying the demons, a celebration in honor of Parvati, a Hindu god. Many practice fasts and other dietary restrictions, while the men pierce their bodies and adorn themselves with the feathers of Peacocks. And while those traveling may not feel up to fully participating, it is a spectacular sight to see. Perhaps a more joyous celebration is that of the Chinese New Year. This is also been known as the Festival of Spring. Houses and boutique hotels, Singapore businesses are all decorated with lights and lanterns. Feasts are prepared and openly shared with all those participating. Gifts are given and the doors and windows are all painted red. Often times, the tradition following the feasts include the playing of cards or other games. At mid-night, the fireworks show takes place, and the next morning, all involved stop by each others houses for breakfast and a brand new ‘hello’ for the brand new year.

Airlines Adding New Delhi Flights

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Several airlines have announced new routes to and from New Delhi to make both leisure and business travel easier. New Delhi is one of the more popular destinations in India. Local businesses such as restaurants and five star hotels in New Delhi were excited by the news. Likewise, Indian businesses are looking forward to increased flights to financial and business destinations in Asia and the US.

Air India recently began daily service from Delhi to Chicago, Illinois (USA). The flight routes through Frankfort. The inaugural flight had about 80 percent occupancy, including a good number of business class fliers. Air India already flies daily to New York from Hyderabad and has flights available from Mumbai to London and Frankfort. They are planning to add a non-stop flight from Delhi to San Francisco later in 2009.

Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong-based airline has started non-stop flights aimed at business travelers heading to Bangkok from New Delhi. The airline also hopes to cash in on increased traffic between India and Thailand for weddings, as Thailand has become a popular wedding spot for Indians. Three other airlines, Thai Airways, Jet Airways, and Air India, all currently service the same route.

El Al Israel Airlines will launch service between Tel Aviv and New Delhi as early as this summer. The current plan would schedule a twice-a-week flight between the two cities, though the actual date that service would begin has not yet been finalized. Currently, El Al Airlines has three weekly flights from Mumbai to Tel Aviv and is investigating expansion to cities such as Bangalore.