Archive for January, 2009

Kuala Lumpur

Travel | Posted by admin
Jan 31 2009

Home to the official residence of the King of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful and exotic capital city. The metropolitan area is home to over seven million inhabitants, making it the fastest growing in the region. Founded in the mid-19th century, KL is one of the newer world capitals and houses the Parlimentary seat for the country. The city’s skyline features a number of modern office towers and residential buildings. The most famous structures are the Petronas Twin Towers which hold the world’s record as the tallest twin buildings.

As the only global city in Malaysia, visitors will find all the expected conveniences. There are a number of 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur as well as great shopping, incredible food, and a vibrant nightclub scene. The architecture of KL encompasses not only the modern buildings, but also preserved colonial structures. And evidence of traditional Malaysia can be found throughout the city, including the famous Petaling Street night market as well as various mosques and temples.

Some of the more popular attractions in Kuala Lumpur include the masjid Jamek, the Thean Hou Temple, and Independence Square. The King’s official residence is Istana Negara. Check out the National Museum, the House of Parliment, and the National Gallery to get a sense of Malyasian history and culture or take in the Lake Gardens to observe native plants, birds, and wildlife.

The city hosts a number of public celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Visiting during these events can make a trip to the Kuala Lumpur even more special. Religious festivals include the largest Thaipusam procession in the world and the Pongal festival. The Thean Hou Temple hosts various Chinese cultural festivals throughout the year. A more modern event is the Malyasian International Gourmet Festival which highlights fine dining in the area as well as cooking classes and appearances by celebrity chefs.

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Modern Day Hyderabad

Travel | Posted by admin
Jan 23 2009

Although the city of Hyderabad can be traced back to 500 B.C.E., today the city is a model of modern development. There are a number of carefully preserved historic sites and visitors will see examples of ornate architectural from previous eras throughout the city. However, the energy and focus of the city is on modern technologies and growing into the future rather than staying mired in the past.

Hyderabad has earned the nickname of Cyberabad since it is considered the “Silicon Valley” of modern India. The city is a center of IT, biotechnology, software development, ITES, and modern pharmaceutical industries. It is one of India’s fasted developing cities and has recently become one of the preferred locations for holding conferences and conventions, attracting businesses and associations from throughout India and across the world.

The largest film studio in the world is located in Hyderabad. Ramoji Film City, which is part of the Telugu Film Industry of India. Known affectionately as “Tollywood,” it is the second largest film industry in India. To support this center of Telugu art and celebrity, Hyderabad has developed a thriving entertainment sector. Celebrities can stay in five star hotels in Hyderabad, dine at world-class restaurants, and party at trendy dance clubs and bars.

In recent years, Hyderabad has seen its skyline change shape. Glass and steel skyscrapers and shopping malls are beginning to define the city. However, there are still numerous historic landmarks that protect the city’s ancient past. the Golconda Fort, Charminar, the Qutb Shahi Tombs, and teh Falaknuma Palace remain popular tourist attractions. Throughout the city are a multitude of mosques, monuments, churches, temples, and palaces that offer glimpses of what Hyderabad used to be. The city also maintains a number of gardens and parks and is home to state-of-the-art venues for cricket, football, hockey, archery, boxing, and cycling.

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Raj Ghat Memorial in Delhi

Arts & Culture, History, Travel | Posted by admin
Jan 18 2009

One of the jewels of India is the city of Delhi which is the country’s capital and its second largest metropolis by population. The city is famous for its incredible spiritual and historical sites as well as its amazing food and spectacular architecture. Every year, visitors ponder the contrast of this city that possesses both ancient landmarks and modern skyscrapers and absorb the unique energy and atmosphere provided by this vibrant and bustling global capital.

One of the more modern attractions in Delhi is the Raj Ghat. This memorial to the life and work of Mahatma Ghandi is also the leader’s final resting place. Located on the spot where Ghandi was cremated in 1948, it is one of the more peaceful, green spots in the city. Situated on the bankd os the Yamuna river, the memorial is a simple, raised black marble platform with a perpetual flame on one end. The memorial bears the phrase “Hē Ram” which are believed to by Gandhi’s last words. It literally translates to “O’ Ram” or “O God.”

The name “Raj Ghat” translates loosely to mean “King Court” which is a reference to the importance of the place, not an indication of royalty. There is a stone footpath that leads to the memorial. The footpath is flanked by lawns. There are also two nearby museums dedicated to Gandhi‘s life and historical impact. The cremation spots or samadhis of other famous Indian leaders are located on the river banks and easily reachable from Raj Ghat.

Visitors to the memorial must remove their shoes before nearing the shrine. Special prayer sessions are conducted at the shrine on the anniversaries of Gandhi’s birth and death and weekly ceremonies are held every Friday. The custom has developed in recent years for Foreign dignitaries to lay wreaths and flowers at the Raj Ghat on state visits to India.

The city has numerous other attractions such as the Red Fort, the Qutub Complex, and the India Gate. Visitors will also find numerous Delhi five star hotels, top restaurants, and great shopping in the many malls and bazaars. The city also offers museums, temples, and parks to keep tourists occupied during the day and dance performances, concerts, theater, bars, and clubs to keep them happy all night.

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The Las Ventas Bullring in Madrid

Sports, Travel | Posted by admin
Jan 15 2009

The Spanish capital city of Madrid is the third most populous city in all of Europe. Madrid’s rich and colorful history has left it with wonderful monuments, architecture, and some of the most famous art in the world, but the city also offers a modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere making it one of the top tourist destinations in Spain.

A visit to the city may begin with a stay in one of the five star Madrid hotels. Travellers can then enjoy many fine restaurants and shopping opportunities. Art lovers will find incredible museums and galleries throughout the city. And Madrid is legendary for its exciting nightlife that begins in the city’s many restaurants but finds its heart in the many bars and nightclubs that keep the city humming all night.

One of the more unique attractions in Madrid is bullfighting. Established in 1929, the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is Spain’s largest bullring and is considered by many to be the center of bullfighting for the entire world. Dedicated in 1931, Las Ventas can seat nearly 25,000 spectators.

The bullfighting season in Madrid starts up in March and runs through October. Daily bullfights are held from Mid-March to Mid-June during the San Isidro festivities. For the remainder of the season, bullfights occur on Sundays and public holidays. Seating prices are determined by their proximity to the arena and whether they are in shady areas of the stadium or sunny.

Off season, Las Ventas is home to many concerts and other large events, such as the 1996 concert by AC/DC that was recorded as a concert video/DVD.

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Visiting the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas

Travel | Posted by admin
Jan 10 2009

Visitors to Hong Kong are drawn to the area for its unique culture, wonderful food, and fabulous shopping. While many come to Hong Kong on business travel, everyone will be struck by the incredible city skyline and vibrant urban buzz. Travelers will want to check out the amenities offered by the five star hotels in Hong Kong and the incredible food offered at the many world class restaurants.

One site that is worth seeing in Hong Kong is the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Located in the town of Sha Tin (part of Hong Kong’s New Territories), this Monastery was founded in 1951 by the Venerable Yuet Kai. Construction took several years, with the monastery being completed in 1957. Both the Pagoda and Main Temple are designated Grade III Historic Buildings, which means they will be considered for monument status once they reach the necessary age.

The Monastery, which is reached by climbing over four hundred steps, includes five temples and four pavillions as well as the famous nine-story Pagoda. Opposite the Pagoda is the main Temple. The statues for which the Temple is named are housed in five separate halls. Over 12800 individual buddhas line the walls, each in a different posture. The area between the two landmarks is known as the Vitasoda – Kwun Yam Pavilion and it is flanked by eighteen Arhans. The Sanantabhadra and Manjusri Pavilions are also located on lower portion of the Monastery.

The upper portion of the Monastery includes four additional temples: The Candi Buddha Temple, the Temple of the Nei Tor (Amita) Buddha, the Temple of the God of Heaven, and the Kwun Yam Temple. Each features a large Buddha statue.

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