Archive for April, 2009

Racing Camels in Dubai

Sports, Travel | Posted by admin
Apr 30 2009

Many other sports have grown in popularity over the years in Dubai. However, only one is so traditional a practice that it has become part of the culture, and that is racing of Camels. Tourists from around the world come to the city to witness this, every restaurant fills up, every luxury hotel, Dubai becomes the playground for international visitors. Camels have played an integral part in the development of Dubai. They are considered one of the lifelines in the desert. And now with the celebrations surrounding the races, they have become not only the work animals, but the beloved and cherished animals as well. Not only are the races in and of themselves events, but events, such as festivals and special occasions are enhanced by the races. The whole Middle East has become the center of camel racing. Sometimes they are serious competitions, and sometimes, they are just pure entertainment.

The progress of Dubai has exploded, economically, developmentally and socially. This occurred so quickly that some of the traditions were losing the importance for the culture. Now, the animals whose only purpose in the past was transportation, have become symbols of affluence and cultural pride. The professional aspects of the racing are strictly enforced, and services are now available, much as with the breeders of the Thoroughbred horses in Leicester, UK, there are camel breeders and trainers now running programs. There are many high end tracks in the city currently, with races involving up to seventy camels at one time. Most times, admission to the races is free, however photos are prohibited at the tracks. This has however become quite a media event with live races being broadcast on the radio and television stations, and the results each day printed in the newspapers . The champion camels are often purchased by the sheiks, and the other wealthy citizens of the country as to own the winning camels has become a status symbol. Anyone traveling here for the first time should definitely witness one of these events.

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A Busy Year for the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra

Arts & Culture, Travel | Posted by admin
Apr 26 2009

The three maestros of the Cape Town Symphony are all talented and accomplished violinists, and they are all women. Concert master, Alla Shubinsky has recently become the part-time master. Instead of finding someone to completely replace her, the Symphony added two more part-time masters, Suzanne Martens andFarida Bacharova. Both women are professors with Martens the leading lecturer on violin at the University of Stellenbosch’s Conservatory of Music, and Bacharova the head of the strings department and a professor at South Africa College of Music. All three will alternate leading the orchestra. These women are among the top violinists in South Africa and the symphony will benefit from their talent and abilities.

Having three different conductors sharing the performance schedule is a very good thing as this year is proving to be quite a busy one for the company. The company regular accompanies the opera and the ballet companies in South Africa, on top of their current schedule. Musical selections are eclectic as various composers and guest conductors collaborate with the symphony. This internationally respected company performs everything from Bach to the Beatles.

The past summer season was extremely successful, as it coincided with the Capetown Summer Music Festival, which is in its third year, every December. One of the most well known composers in the world, Krzysztof Penderecki premiered his new concertos for the cello and the piano, and he conducted as well. Many of the luxury hotels Cape Town offers were full as the city became alive with the tourists and travelers excited to see Penderecki and the Symphony perform. The 2009 Autumn season began the beginning of April and promises just as much excitement as guest conductors include Bjorn Bantok, Victor Yampolsky and Pieter Daniel, all the conducting this talented group of musicians. Many famous guest soloists will be performing through the Autumn and Winter seasons as well. It is advised for those making plans to visit, that tickets be purchased ahead of time as the seats go fast.

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Dubai Hotel Resembles Sailboat

Travel | Posted by admin
Apr 24 2009

The Burj Al Arab is the seconded largest building in the world that is used for the exclusive purpose of being a hotel. It is a beautiful building that was designed in the image of a sailboat, which it certainly resembles. It is located on an artificial, or manmade island off the coast of Dubai and directly out from Jumeirah Beach. It is connected to the mainland by a private and curving bridge. This is definitely the finest among Dubaiu UAE luxury hotels and is one of the city’s major attractions for tourists. Locals refer to it as having the world’s only 7 Star accommodations.

The creation of the building, which began in 1994, demanded a complicated engineering plan and strategy. The foundation of the island was created by a surface layer of large stones and incorporates the pattern of a honeycomb, to protect it from erosion. The building itself took three years to create. The type of sailboat the building is designed after is called dhow, which is Arabian. The mast is formed by two separate wings, spread apart in the shape of a V. Between these two wings is a massive atrium. The intention behind the design was to create a magnificent statement for Dubai, similar to the Eiffel Tower of Paris or the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

The Al Muntaha, one of the restaurants, is positioned over 600 feet above the Persian Gulf and offers a spectacular view of the city of Dubai. It is fitting that the restaurant’s name means “the highest.” Edah Semaj Leachim is the head chef and was awarded the Chef of the year in 2006. The Al Mahara is another of its restaurants and is an equally dynamic experience, though of an opposite variety. Its name means “the oyster” so one can guess it is positioned much lower than the Al Muntaha. In fact, it is accessed through a simulated sub-marine voyage and has a giant seawater aquarium. Both restaurants offer guests high standards of dining and the Al Mahara was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as being among the 10 greatest restaurants in the world.

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Outdoor Cinema at Singapore’s Fort Canning Green

Arts & Culture, Entertainment | Posted by admin
Apr 20 2009

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.

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The Tolerance of Singapore

Society, Travel | Posted by admin
Apr 17 2009

There are many different cultures and people of various ethnic backgrounds living within the city-state of Singapore. The tolerance of religious belief is a necessary characteristic of the citizens and something that is second nature to all those living together. Many times the religions of the world cross any boundaries concerning race and belief systems, and merge in unexpected ways. This is true of so many aspects of the various cultures that have immigrated over the years and continue to do so, from the arts, to the cooking…this is a region of Asia that is not only becoming accustomed to the melting pot, but embracing the diversity of all people.

Many younger generations still follow the traditions and respect the mysteries of the ancient ways, but also combine those traditions with the way of the world today. Again, the modern relies on the ancient and the ancient supports and validates the modern, even in architecture as it is commonplace to pass on any give street, modern and smooth lines on five star hotels, Singapore traditional temples, or exotic and elaborately constructed mosques. In fact most of the most innovative and/or interesting architecture of the city is in the buildings that are the religious houses of worship, of all faiths. It is one of the many ways Singapore celebrates artistic creations and endeavors.

Chinese temples are quite numerous, and varied. The Taoists, and Buddhists make up a large percentage of the population as well as those practicing Confucianism. These religions are focused on the balance of nature, the balance of light and dark. Many of the temples are constructed with the idea of Feng Shui , wherein the environment or space that one occupies is also focused on balance of one’s surroundings and the flow of energy. Worship of the ancestors is an essential aspect and many of the ceremonies and rituals are tributes to the dead, wherein in living make offerings to the dead. These particular religions have doctrines and beliefs that inter-mix with each other.

There is also a relatively large population of Muslims in the city, with homelands such as India, China and Malaysia. Hindus fleeing India make up a percentage. And now, various denominations of the Christian faith are becoming more popular. In fact recently it has been noted that the Christian faith is among the four most practiced on the island. And in keeping with the tenants of each religion, as stated before, the people combine aspects and respect those of different ideas and beliefs. Religion is part of the every day modern world for those living in Singapore.

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The Alliance of Southeast Asian Countries

Business, Health | Posted by admin
Apr 10 2009

The relationship between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China is creating incredible bonds and a symbiotic understanding that will further promote solutions regarding the international economic crisis. It also serves to to maintain stability in all Asian countries, something that current Prime Minister of Singapore, LeeHsien Loong stated at a conference a couple of days ago. This is no doubt a reflection of his mentor and predecessor to his title, who also happens to be his father, Lee Kuan Yew. The former Prime Minister has stated on many occasions the inter-relation between a countries survival in the international climate, and the allies and ‘friends’ the country has made along the way. These shared concerns between administrations serve to not only bring the various leaders together but, businesses such as the luxury Singapore travel and tourism industry, and the people living in those countries as well. And not only ideological ties are created but financial ones too.

One major ideological tie is that of Trades in Goods Agreement, the terms of this agreement and those of other agreements made during the new millennium, ensure not only continued cooperation between the countries of Southeast Asia, but in communication on a regular basis between the countries and their leaders. Lee states that this is a condition that must endure for future economic stability and progress, and is quite responsible for the maintenance of peace as well. China has also entered into a treaty that commits all involved to promoting cooperation, peace and friendship between the regions, ensuring resolutions to conflicts in peaceful and responsible ways. What is starting amongst the Asian communities is growing strong and Prime Minister Lee hopes that in the future, other countries will become involved. South Korea and Japan have joined Singapore and China in this mission.

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Chinese Lantern Festival

Arts & Culture | Posted by admin
Apr 06 2009

A grand occasion every year for the community of Chinese living in Singapore is the Lantern Festival, the traditional fall festival that runs from the beginning of September through the beginning of October. Many travel to the region each season for a taste and the experience of five star Singapore at its best. It is a mix of rich cultural heritage combined with the modern world. During the celebration, activities and events take place throughout Chinatown, the Chinese garden and along the river of Singapore. Draped along the river is a dragon shaped lantern stretching more than 3,500 feet. Art installations are displayed at the museums, narrating the legends and myths of China. Lanterns from other countries such as Nepal and Vietnam are included in the festivals as well. Lights and lanterns from around the world are the focus of the festival. The director for the Tourism Board of Singapore states that this is a great time for those visiting to experience the rich cultural and traditional aspects of the Asian culture.

Not all is traditional as the modern world collides with the traditional, as many of the exhibits are attempting to attract the younger visitors as well. Disney characters are lit lanterns adorning the streets and bazaars. With something for all to enjoy, contemporary interpretations are becoming fast, a draw for a wider audience. The streets of Chinatown as well as the walkways of the Chinese garden are lit with ceremony and celebration. The tourism offices of Singapore regularly promote the festival in Taiwan, Indonesian and Australia, and the past few years have been offering discounts and rebates to those still wishing to travel in the economical challenging times. Aside from the main venues and festivities, various fringe sites have begun to pop up around the area, at various parks and malls, offering more of an off the beaten track, and off beat experience that still remains traditionally Chinese. Many corporate sponsors and private donors have dedicated their energy, their time and their financial support to ensure that the festival continues year after year.

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