eNewsHound » hotels

Formentera’s Rare Bird

Tracy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:24:36 +0000

With its splendid offerings for delightful island living in one of the most idyllic settings in the world, Formentera is a true paradise on earth. The beaches are absolutely glorious, white and pristine, and the call of the sea has been bringing tourists here for some time. It hasn’t always been easy to get to, being the smallest of the Balearic islands, and only accessible through Ibiza, but in recent years there have been more places of access, giving it a huge boost in the world of travel. It attracts celebrities and world travelers from all over, drawn to its excellent sunlight attractions and fantastic night life. It’s quieter than the other islands, too, offering a sense of solitude for those looking to get away from it all in a serene setting. There are superb restaurants as well as hotels. Formentera can offer many things to visitors looking for something a little different.

Any vacation spent in the Spanish Mediterranean has instant appeal to the daydreamer in all of us, and Formentera has all the expected luxuries and delights, along with an amazing history. It has been occupied by the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Vandals, as well as the Arab nations, who have all left their cultural marks on the island. For a place that’s so hard to get to, it has seen an amazing share of cultures passing through. This gives the island an amazingly complex sensibility, and today is a very international place for a hideaway. If you hide away far enough, you might catch sight of a very rare and endangered bird, the Eleanora Falcon.

This bird is a very important species, and mostly known in Greece. It’s endangered there as well, making it a very important bird to protect. It’s here between April and November, and it might catch your attention with its very dark appearance, and its exceptional ability to fly with grace. Like everything in Spain, even the birds do it with style and finesse. The Falco D’Or is the prize given at the Ibiza International Film Festival, because of its similarity to Houston’s Maltese Falcon, and its ability to represent the Balearics.

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Ghostly Zoo in Johannesburg

Tracy — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:58:38 +0000

I like taking night time tours, so when I heard about the one the Johannesburg Zoo (http://www.jhbzoo.org.za/) offers and the Mystery Ghost bus tour , I just had to sign up for them. My husband doesn’t understand my fascination with doing things at night, so he stayed back at our room in one of the Johannesburg boutique hotels while I went and enjoyed the night life.

The Johannesburg Zoo ferried me around to peer at the glowing scorpions, the red pandas, raccoons, the genets and of course, the big beautiful cats. The lions stared at us intently, like they were sizing us up for a late night snack. I also got to roast marshmallows over a huge blazing bonfire and drink some hot tea after the tour. I found out that I could’ve book for a safe sleep over in the zoo, but I would’ve needed my own tent and gear and provide my own meal. Which I couldn’t have done anyway.

The next night, still without my husband, I went on the Mystery Ghost bus tour, and no, the bus isn’t haunted. We got to explore the Braamfontien Cemetery where De Melker’s spirit still hangs around, and then we went to the 7th ward of the Transvall Children’s Hospital, also where De Melker is known to linger about. I didn’t see anything or feel anything. But was glad to go find our second ghost, Bubbles Schroder, she was a prostitute who was murdered in 1949 under mysterious circumstances. Her killer was never found and it’s believed her spirit haunts several houses n Sandton. There too, I didn’t see anything or feel anything, but I wasn’t the only one. At least, I got to hang around fellow ghost hunters. That was fun, better than being with my humdrum husband.

Ghostly Zoo in Johannesburg is a post from: eNewsHound

Ghosts and Ghouls in Knoxville, TN

Ibiza

Tracy — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:02:42 +0000

Ibiza an island in the Mediterranean Sea is off the coast of Spain near where Valencia sits. The island is about 80 KM off the coast and is the third larges of the Balearic Islands. The Balearic islands are an autonomous community of Spain. Ibiza is a paradise of sun and fun. From your 5 star Ibiza hotels you can enjoy a stroll on the beach, hiking in the hills, exploring the forest, shop along the quaint streets, sip a drink in an out door cafe. For the more active adventurer there are all the activities and sports an island has to offer. Para sailing, water skiing, boating, sailing, water boarding, fishing and more. On Ibiza there are the well known summer cub parties which attract a large number of tourists. The first settlers to Ibiza were the Phoenicians in around 654 BCE founding a settlement in the port. The Romans renamed the island Ebusus but the name given by the Greeks in the Phoenician era sticks to this day. Shrines were established in caves on the island by early settlers and small towns and trading posts established. After the Romans came the Byzantine rule that was briefly preempted by the Vandal rule. The Island was liberated from Byzantine rule by the moors in 1065. In 1235 the island was over run by Aragonese King James the I of Aragon and began the monarch rule of the country until the 1970 when democracy was brought to the island. The known name for these islands is the Pine Islands, the climate is mild in the winter nights in the upper 40′s and day time temps in the 60′s. The summers are warmer with day time highs up to 100. Spring and fall are very pleasant with temperate days.

Ibiza is a post from: eNewsHound

Rock Climbing Dubai

Tracy — Sat, 16 May 2009 10:37:48 +0000

Dubai is a vibrant metropolis with much to offer residents and tourists alike. Sports and physical activities play an important element in most of the population’s lifestyle. Rock climbing is one of the often overlooked yet extremely exciting possibilities Dubai offers for outdoors fun. Many people prefer to take classes and practice their skills on an indoor wall, and sometimes people enjoy this so much they never venture to a big rock on the outside. Others consider themselves to be purists and would only find themselves clinging to rocks out in the great wide open. Dorell Climbing is a unique sports facility that offers both options for climbing enthusiasts. Sometimes when on vacation people find themselves more willing to branch out and try new things. This is often the case in Dubai, and many tourists often have their first rock climbing experience while visiting. Hotels Dubai UAE should have climbing information and transportation service assistance available for their guests.

The Dorell indoor artificial wall is the perfect place for beginners and more advanced climbers to practice their skills. The polyester and medal structure has natural rocks and sediment incorporated into its design to create a more natural feeling for the climber. It’s even great for sun and heat sensitive climbers who prefer the outdoors but would like to stay in out of the elements and still enjoy the sport. Dorell offers various levels of classes for children and adults alike. For the first timer’s course, there is no need to have any previous climbing experience and the professionally trained instructor will teach them the basic climbing skills and safety precautions necessary for fulfilling climbing. The top rope-climbing course continues with the basics and teaches balance, movement and the different types of holds. The next level is the intermediate class and is where students learn basic strength training, back stepping and crossovers. Other skills taught in this class include Stemming, lock offs and high stepping. The lead class is for the advanced student and includes problem solving in difficult scenarios. Here the student learns how to lead climb, clip, rest and fall safely.

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Etiquette in South Africa

Tracy — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:39:59 +0000

Understanding the customs and rules of etiquette is important to one traveling to any foreign country. The same of course, goes for visiting South Africa. For instance, just the simple greeting, the giving of gifts, the behavior expected when visiting one’s house for dinner is an opportunity to either offend someone unknowingly, or to react in a gracious manner through the knowledge of these customs.

When meeting a person in public, such as on a city street or in some of the best hotels, South Africa styles of greetings vary according the heritage of the person you are greeting. Some of the people from South Africa will greet foreigners with a hand shake and a smile, while keeping eye contact. If greeting a South African woman it is best to wait for her to respond first, as not all the women of the country are comfortable with shaking hands, and will just merely nod their head.

There are also unspoken rules regarding the giving and the receiving of gifts. Gifts should always be wrapped with care, as it is the effort that goes into the decoration, as well as the gift, that is appreciated. When given a gift, it is polite to open it immediately. To accept a gift but wait until later to open it may offend the giver. Most of the time gives are exchanged for Christmas and to celebrate birthdays, however if invited to one’s house, one must never fail to bring a gift for the host. A simple flower arrangement or some candies are all that is expected.

When dining at the house of a South African, it is important to be on time and to call ahead to find out if there is anything the host would like you to bring. Casual clothes are generally not worn, those such as shorts or jeans, unless it is known that this will be a casual event. Most of the time, those attending the houses of others tend to dress up just a bit. And as it is just simple polite behavior, it is in good taste to offer to help to clean up after the meal. These simple niceties and acts of politeness will generate a feeling of ease when attempting to understand another culture, and in avoiding causing unnecessary offense.

Etiquette in South Africa is a post from: eNewsHound

Bringing Home Anderson Cooper in Atlanta

The Shanghai Gesture at Julia Miles Theatre

Tracy — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:05:28 +0000

One of the major cultural elements of New York City is its theater scene and rich theatrical tradition. To have seen a show on Broadway is something most people slip into conversations as a personal boast. Taking this a step further, there are those individuals who have the privilege of seeing multiple productions and approach their boasting from the perspective of a critic. However, what most of these people have in common is a genuine love for the stage and respect for this great theater town. For tourists visiting the city, catching a show is usually at the top of their list. And the best New York City hotels are excellent resources for making reservations.

John Colton’s play The Shanghai Gesture is currently playing at the Julia Miles Theatre. Marsha Sheiness created the adaptation for this production of the 1920s melodrama. It is set in China during the roaring twenties. This was a lively period, or is interpreted as such in the play, when opium addiction was common and the play deals with some of the shadier aspects of life, including the sex slave industry. The play was adapted for the screen in 1941, though it had experienced a great deal of censorship prior to that.

John Colton was born in Japan in 1886. His father was an English Diplomat, which is the reason for the family being in Asia. Colton eventually came to America where he first found work as a drama critic. By 1922 he had his first New York production, Drifting, which he wrote with D. H. Andrews. This play dealt with the life of a woman who was on her way to becoming a prostitute. This would be a standard theme, or a variation of it, in a lot of Colton’s work. The two biggest hits of his career include The Shanghai Gesture and a play called Rain. He wrote Rain with Clemence Randolph and the story was based on a story by Somerset Maugham.

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The Growth of Tourism in Karanatka

Tracy — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:19:04 +0000

According to the Department of Tourism in Karnataka, the state is preparing itself to make Karnataka the leading tourism destination. They are ready to set forth a policy which in effect makes tourism the primary economic activity. The intention of the state is to create employment and generate revenue from taxes. It is projected that tourism will be the perfect vehicle to achieve this.

Mysore, Coorg, Hampi, Pattadkal-Badami-Aihole, Bijapur and the coast from Ullal and Karwar, will be priority zones for development. In the future, construction projects related to tourism may not be required to follow the standard operating procedures with regard to government approval of land use. In an effort to gain momentum with this project, additional incentives may be given, separate from the allowances offered within the existing industrial policy. Concessions on investments in the tourism sector have been extended for a variety of taxes and application charges.

The Department of Tourism is planning initially to improve the general infrastructure in order to sustain long term growth. The long term goal is to make Karatnaka the leading tourism destination in South Asia and to ultimately become the number one location for meetings, conferences and exhibitions. This will require the design and construction of convention centers and exhibition halls. Again, reaping the benefit of the creation of employment and future tax revenues. Many hotels, ranging from budget to five star hotels in Bangalore will be required, to accommodate the influx of tourists and businesspeople.

For the less business minded tourist, there are plans to promote cruises from Mangalore, eco-tourism through dense jungle in a zone stretching from Coorg to Karwar; a survey of traditions & society around Hampi, Pattadkal, Badami, Aihole, Bidar, and Bijapur; health & fitness tourism in Bangalore; and culture tourism which will be achieved by identifying one historic building in each district in order to set up a visitors center and to exhibit and nurture the tradition of local arts and crafts.

The Growth of Tourism in Karanatka is a post from: eNewsHound

The Many Options of Mumbai Entertainment

Tracy — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:50:56 +0000

Mumbai has the same reputation in India as Manhattan has in New York, both of these cities seem to never sleep. In Mumbai there are so many options for entertainment that travelers are often overwhelmed with their number of choices. As in NYC, the people of Mumbai have hectic and busy lifestyles. Their busy lives do not put a damper on their hunger for nightlife however, and perhaps just serve to increase the need for the fun and the atmosphere one enjoys when one is where one wants to be, and not where one needs to be. It’s no surprise that there are many pubs, restaurants and hotels. Mumbai, India attracts tourists as well, visitors with the knowledge of what the city has to offer.

There are many rock concerts, symphony performances and music festivals throughout the year. As well as film festivals, which highlight the documentaries and the regional film makers as well as those internationally well known, as this is Bollywood after all. Live theater is thriving here as well, starting years ago with the Privthi Theater, and gives local actors and talent the venues to perform and further perfect their craft. And just as with the film industry, the theater festivals occur here year round, much as in the U.S. cities of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. There are museums for those so culturally inclined with some of the most extensive collections of Indian art and sculpture in the region.

The Mahalakshmi Horse Track is also a popular for of entertainment. Many of the rich and famous of India, and around the world attend the races, and the club at the track is considered to be one of the most elite in Mumbai. The races run from November through February, with the much awaited for Derby occurring on the 1st Sunday of that last month of the season, February. It is a black tie event, and an extravagant and exhilarating evening in the city. The track also houses one of the most gourmet restaurants of Dubai, Gallops. The cuisine varies from western to traditional and is filled day and night. The options for a fun time in this city are, indeed, endless.

The Many Options of Mumbai Entertainment is a post from: eNewsHound

Chinatown in Singapore

Tracy — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:57:54 +0000

The largest ethnic group that contributes to the cultural diversity of Singapore is the Chinese. Chinese immigrants make up more than seventy five percent of the local population. Thus, Chinatown in Singapore. This area, once an enclosed enclave consisting of those only from China started to evolve close to 1821 upon the arrival of the immigrants from the Chinese province of Fujian. Every one of the travelers at this time were men, who congregated and set up their homes along the river in Singapore, Telok Ayer . At that time, all the water for the households was carried up from the river. Many did relocate to various other neighborhoods in Singapore as the city grew, most maintained their residence in Chinatown. During the 1960′s this area became over populated and many were relocated during the initial stages of the Housing Development Program created by the Singaporean government. All urban development during this time was under strict supervision and was required to adhere to various requirements.

Chinatown remains to this day, quite culturally diverse, from the restaurants to the luxury Singapore hotels, it is divided into sections that are still based upon the regions of China the different immigrants originated from. Even the names of the streets reflect the origins of the cultures, and businesses and merchants offering services and products are located within these sections. The architecture of the shops and buildings are hard to classify, as elements of Victorian and Baroque styles are often combined. Many are painted quite delicately and intricately and in the process of restoration, that is being respected, the pastel colors being restored to their original hues. And while most of the architecture show evidence of European influence, most are still baffled as to how this came to be given the times in which the buildings were originally constructed. In all it is a blend of tradition that is becoming very common to the island of Singapore and brings many visitors wishing to experience the flavors and the sights and sounds of an area so incredibly rich with history and culture.

Chinatown in Singapore is a post from: eNewsHound

Singapore and the Nanyang School of Painting

Tracy — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:10:27 +0000

Artist Chen Chong Swee was born in China and moved to Singapore after having finished his studies at the Fine Art Academy. He is one four artists who were based in Singapore for much of their lives and together created the Nanyang school of painting. The four of them had taken a trip to Bali the year before and were inspired by the country; so much so that the result was a new approach to subjects and their perspectives in painting. They painted on the streets and in the best Singapore hotels, finding fresh views for their work. This resulted in a combined approach to their painting. Each of the artists had been educated in traditional styles of painting and wanted something more in their own approach. Their Modern perspective combined Eastern and Western philosophies. Today, they are still highly esteemed and their work has a lasting impact on art students in Singapore. In 1994 Sotheby’s held an auction and the proceeds were intended to provide scholarships for young artists. It is fitting that of the works sold, Swee’s paintings were sold in the highest number. He was a teacher and believed in the education of new artists. His works provide inspiration as well as financial assistance to the new generation.

Throughout his life, Swee taught and created his own work. He was respected for his talent as an artist as well as for his personal character. His approach to teaching and to his work was thoughtful and philosophical. In his art he intended to make the meaning of it accessible to the viewer. This tied him to traditional thought and differed from the Modernist tendency to alienate an audience. Swee believed this was contrary to the purpose of art and thought the intent of an artist was to communicate with their audience. To him, art should be understood. He believed artists and writers were creating not only for themselves but that the meaning of art was to give an understanding to the people. He wanted the audience to know what he was trying to say. As with the other founders of the Nanyang school, art had a spiritual significance and should be shared with the world.

Singapore and the Nanyang School of Painting is a post from: eNewsHound