Author Archives: caleb

Ramadan: Month of Fasting – One of the Five Pillars of Islam

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Whether they are at home or residing in resorts in Abu Dhabi, those of the Islamic faith will be inclined to observe Ramadan: the Month of Fasting.

When is Ramadan?
The religious practice of fasting observed by those of the Islamic faith takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It usually lasts for around twenty-nine to thirty days.

What Happens during Ramadan?

Turkish Mocha, Dates, Drink, Eat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During Ramadan, Muslims will fast for majority of the day and break fast in the evening after sunset. Therefore, many resorts such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort in the Middle East, as well as others in predominantly Muslim regions, will host ‘Ifthars’, also known as breaking fast meals.

Why is Ramadan Celebrated?

Holy Quran, Ramadan, Ramadhan, Religious

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramadan celebrates the moment when the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad by God. The Quran was, and remains to be the persuasive religious text in Islam. Ramadan is also considered to be one of the Five Pillars of Islam i.e. the five basic acts which are considered mandatory. These basic acts include faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage to Mecca.

Who Should Fast?
The act of fasting is considered obligatory for all adult Muslims. However, certain groups are exempted from the practice. These include those who are elderly, pregnant, diabetic or chronically ill etc.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Sri Lankan Perahera and Culture – The Spectacular Esala Procession of Kandy

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Kandy is an ancient and renowned city, with more than one UNESCO Heritage site featured within the city. The greatest celebration of Kandy’s immense historical heritage is the Esala procession, referred to as the Esala Perahera. The parade is so popular and widely celebrated that people from all over the island will flock to Kandy in order to witness the procession, and almost any luxury hotel, Sri Lanka has to offer such as the Anantara Kalutara Resort is sure to have packages to allow their visitors to experience this incredible experience.

The procession features the full spectrum of traditional Sri Lankan dances, encompassing fire-dances, whip dancers, colourful Kandyan dancers among much more. One of the hallmarks of the procession are the extravagantly decorated elephants that march along with the dancers.

The parade is held in tribute to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is kept in the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa, alternatively known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The tooth is believed to be the left canine of Lord Buddha himself, which was recovered from his funeral pyre by one of his disciples.

The entire event consists of five different processions each bearing a particular significance. On the sixth night, the relic casket, which acts as a replacement to the sacred tooth relic, is placed on an elephant referred to as the ceremonial tusker. The procession concludes with a ceremony known as the Diya Kepeema. This is a water-cutting ceremony which held at the Mahaweli River located a short distance away from the city of Kandy. Important points in the parade are signalled by the firing of canons.

The Esala Perahera is widely regarded as an unforgettable experience and one of the most significant cultural celebrations taking place in Sri Lanka, so be sure to experience it should you get a chance.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Festival November 2016 – A Traditional Festival, A Sight to Behold

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Thailand is a country that is doused with colourful traditions and a rich heritage, and perhaps the most unique of all her traditions, is the Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Festival, a bi-annual event that occurs during the middle of the 6th and 11th lunar months. If you wish to witness this remarkable celebration then you are going to have to travel to Phuket Thailand, which is the only the only place the festivities occur.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and therefore it comes as no surprise that it has a variety of accommodation options for you to choose from, ranging from budget bed and breakfasts, to the highly sought after Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. The island of Phuket has an economy that has come to revolve around tourism, which is no surprise since many of Thailand’s most historical attractions are located here, making it an ideal setting for the Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Festival.

The festival is traditionally referred to as ‘Loi Ruea Cho Le Festival’, and the boats in question aren’t exactly life-size versions. The festival involves people from the surrounding villages of Rawai, Sapam, Ko Si-Re and Laem La gathering together to release small decorated boats into the sea. While this takes place, the place is also lit up with singing and dancing of the traditional style known as the ‘Rong Ngeng’. The music for this dance consists of percussion and violins couples with the use of a unique Gong that made its way to Thailand from China. This entire practice takes place since the islanders consider its practice enables them to ward off evil spirits and attract times of prosperity.

The colourful boats couples with the beautiful Phuket scenery, the lively dance routines and all the other accompaniments to the festival make it a truly unique experience that should not be missed.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Siam Niramit Show – Combining History, Culture and Tradition with Music and Dance

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The city of Bangkok is visited by many with leisure in mind and a Sathorn leisure hotel is ideal in this respect as it provides a tranquil getaway from the fast paced city while being conveniently accessible. Relaxation in Bangkok comes very easy, whether it is shopping one prefers, exploring the city’s spectacular sights or opting for a dining cruise down Chao Phraya River, such as the cruise organised by Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel. Such a cruise is a wonderful way to take in the Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace for these attractions are beautifully lit up at night. Those who wish to leave the frantic pace of the world behind and immerse themselves in Thai culture can also opt for a Siam Niramit Show. Much like the beloved Water Puppet Show in Vietnam, the Siam Niramit Show combines culture and history with song and dance and makes for a memorable evening.

The Siam Niramit Show lasts around 80 minutes during which the skilled dancers decked in colourful traditional costumes, along with traditional Thai music, recount the history of the country, its traditions and beliefs while also demonstrating its cultural heritage through three acts: Journey Back into History, Journey Beyond Imagination and Journey through Joyous Festivals. The Show makes great use of new technology in terms of lights and sounds which in turn infuses the colourful performance with modernity.

The Show commences at 8pm and tickets costs between 1,500-2,000 baht. However, patrons can also opt to watch the Show with dinner, for which you must pay a little extra, but which will complement the experience immensely. Enjoy the delicious Thai cuisine before you immerse yourself in the fantastic traditions, culture and history of the former Kingdom of Siam at the Siam Niramit Show in Bangkok.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

National Day Celebrations Singapore -Celebrating an Independent Nation

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Singapore celebrates its National Day on the 9th of August with a magnificent colourful parade to commemorate the Independence gained after its separation from Malaysia in 1965. The tumultuous road to Singapore’s independence is theatrically and beautifully display in the parade which forms as a narrative. For those looking for a comfortable Singapore luxury serviced apartments to stay in while celebrating this exhilarating National day with the locals, Ascott Raffles Palace Singapore is one of the options that travellers could choose from as it is centrally located to the venue of the ceremony.

The 51st Singaporean National Day Celebrations will be centred on the theme ‘Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow’, which aims to unite Singaporeans to create the next chapter of their great nation. Prior to the Parade, a pre parade will entertain the audience with a myriad of mass displays, choir performances, school band displays and other performances. The pre parade is also a chance for the hosts to lead and rehearse with the audience actions which may be required when the parade begins. The Parade will feature of displays from Military parades, multi-cultural song and dance performances and aerial high jink and many others. The celebrations held at the National Stadium will take part in a series of six Acts, which feature; a prologue, Badang and the Singapore Stone, Four Civilisations, Dare to Dream, Ingenuity, Building our Singapore of Tomorrow, Our Home Our People and finally the Finale.

The segment before the Finale will feature over 150 special needs participants singing What a Wonderful World as other participants create a colourful display of varying images of hand painted artwork from the students of the TOUCH Community Services. The official ceremony of the celebrations will conclude with participants reciting the pledge and singing the national anthem followed by a mesmerising display of fireworks that sets the bubbling Singaporean skyline on fire.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Traditional Chinese Wedding Rituals – The Three Letters and Six Etiquettes

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In any culture, the institution of marriage is shrouded in traditions, customs, and practices. Although there is a trend at present to keep things minimum and elegant with respect to marriage ceremonies and practices, it is fair to say that in most parts of the world marriage is an aspect of social life that is governed by many traditions and rituals. This is especially true of China, where the rich heritage of the nation has endowed weddings with traditions and rituals galore.

Although the rituals and traditions vary to some degree from location to location in China, there are certain rituals and customs that have remained, more or less, the same, even for a wedding in Guiyang. These particular rituals are what is known as the Three Letters; the betrothal letter, the letter gift, and the wedding letter, and the Six Etiquettes; the proposal, the birthdates, the bride-price, the wedding gifts, the arranging of dates, and the ceremony. In ancient times it was customary that these were followed, however, these practices are common even today and even wedding packages of hotels such Anantara Guiyang Resort respect them.
As per the Six Etiquettes, the wedding starts off with the proposal where the male’s parents would be introduced to their daughter-in-law with a matchmaker, who oversees the betrothal. Next, the matchmaker would check the to- be- wed’s birthdates in accordance with the 8 cyclic characters of Chinese superstitions. Following this, bride’s family sends, through the matchmaker, a letter of betrothal, along with various gifts as the bride price. To which, in turn, the groom’s family sends gifts to the family of the bride in for form of wedding gifts. Here, letters of gifts are exchanged as well. Thereafter, the parties plan the wedding day, by picking an auspicious date so that the couple has good fortune. And finally, the wedding ceremony itself, with smaller rituals such as wedding processions, banquets, and customary music, where the last letter, the wedding letter, is given by the groom to the bride’s family.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+ | Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Long Chu Festival – Royal Barge

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Long Chu Festival

                                          Long Chu Festival I Image Source

Vietnam is one of the touristy destinations that has sprung up in popularity in the recent years. There are plenty of attractions and activities in Vietnam that keep the tourist occupied. If you prefer to stay away from the city a perfect getaway would be to stay at a Hoi An River Resort.Even though a small town , one of the key attractions in Hoi An is the festival that takes place. Long Chu Festival is the highlight of tourist activity in the town. Long Chu festival is of high cultural and religious importance. It is celebrated to welcome the new season and to bid farewell to the previous one on the 15th day of lunar January and July.The climate remains uncertain in this period due to the transition. If the sound of this festival excites you and you plan on visiting the town , a hotel that is located in the close proximity to where the festival takes place is Anantara Hoi An Resort.

The period is also considered to be a month for the outbreak of diseases such as plagues in the fishing village.The name of the festival in the native language translates to Royal Barge which was a medium of transport for the king back in the day. It takes the shape of a dragon.

The festival’s prime focus is to chase away the ghosts and demons and protect the villagers from epidemics that may affect the villagers. The rituals are performed by priests and religious doctors known as “Shamans”. The ritual typically involves burning incense sticks and putting of amulets in the ghost adobe. The whole community chants songs and prayers as the ritual progresses. One of the important parts of the rituals is considered to be the casting of spells on the ghosts that bring about these alignments. It is believed the ghosts are then warded off by throwing them away into the river.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Hua Hin Ballooning Festival – ballooning bustle

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Hua Hin Balloon Festival, Hot Air Baloons

Hua Hin Hot Air Balloon Festival | Image Credit

That rare moment when you almost touch the sky is what most nature aficionados would ache for. But that is no longer a dream if you visit Hua Hin between February and March. The balloon festival held during this time encourages a mass influx of tourists to Hua Hin. The skies and the weather are just perfect for the festival.

The city of Hua Hin takes on a bright hue as the balloon festival slowly takes off. Starting as early as 7 am you will be travelling alongside three or four passengers along with the professional balloonist. The professional balloonist has no control over steering the balloon, which goes in the direction that it wants. Instead the balloonist only handles the balloon. Guests who want to take part in the festival can stay at a number of hotels in Hua Hin. Beach resorts such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort, among many others in the area are more convenient to stay at as opposed to travelling in from another town, especially for those who want to patronize the festival throughout the February and March period.
Inside the balloon, you will not only get the services of a professional balloonist, but also a champagne breakfast with jazz music, along with a memorable certificate as well as pictures of your journey.

Wherever the balloon takes you, it will be through the picturesque spots of Hua Hin Hill Vineyard. That experience is hard to witness elsewhere in the world. If you are looking for a balloon journey that lasts more than one hour, pay a bit more and you will get what you want. A balloon journey of a prolonged duration could be ideal as a romantic date activity regardless of whether you are a honeymooning couple or one that is merely looking forward to an experience that will help bring you two closer together.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Cultural Shows in Xian -Experience the Arts and Culture of the Republic of China

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For those travelling to the Republic of China in search of an authentic Chinese experience, the capital city of Shaanxi Province, Xi’an is a marvellous option. Not only does it provide its visitors with the opportunity to reside in comfortable and luxurious hotels such as Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an and much more, it also offers them the option of experiencing the multitude of cultural shows in the Province.

While residing in Xian Serviced Apartments, tourists can enjoy the Xi’an ancient style march which is a ceremony that takes into account, and has designed the show, around the City Wall. As the darkness of the night falls upon the city of Xi’an, the City Wall finds itself lit up by neon lights for forty kilometres that make a spectacular sight from afar for the lights are designed to look like a golden dragon. During the Ceremony, the guests are welcomed by the hosts by passing a golden key, which symbolises the opening of the City Wall Gate, and then the guests pass through a suspension bridge, enter through the gate and climb the City Wall. This particular cultural event concludes with dozens of red lanterns released into the sky. The Xi’an City Wall New Year Lantern Festival also incorporates lanterns and has, as of late, due to tourist demand and local interest, become a Spring Festival of importance. The Spring Festival Fair coincides with the New Year Lantern Festival and includes numerous activities such as lantern puzzles, spring festival scrolls, folk performances by the locals and, of course, delectable local street food.

A relatively new cultural show that tourists will have the fortune of witnessing is the Motorcade Parade of the Thirteen Dynasties of the Ancient Capital, which was designed by those responsible for the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The Motorcade Parade includes a stunning display of lights, costumes and art and is a beloved attraction in Xi’an.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Cultural Activities in Koh Samui – Paradise for Culture-Curious Travellers

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Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The marvels of the island of Koh Samui extends far beyond its sun glazed beaches, lush canopies, and swaying palms. It is also a melting pot of cultures, bringing to life a rich concoction of colour, history, and life. From the famous Big Buddha shrine on the northern coast to the mummified monk Luang Pordaeng, sights to visit are plenty in Koh Samui for the culture-thirsty traveller. One can truly indulge themselves in this flowing grace of Thai culture if one selects the right accommodation among the numerous Koh Samui resorts. If one seeks more than sights and environment, plenty of cultural activities are available for the curious traveller to visit and to sign up for. It’s always best to choose accommodation close to these tourist spots as then you can spend more time on sightseeing than travelling. For instance, the Big Buddha is situated close to a multitude of luxury resorts such as the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.

Descendants of Koh Samui’s original settlers – Chinese traders and Muslim fishermen – now live alongside their Thai families, giving rise to several distinctive cultures within this 88.3 mil2. A day visit to Laem Din local market with its fresh fruits, vegetables and meats; a stroll through Nathon fresh food market, a paradise for the street food lover with an extensive menu of Thai local street food from A to Z; and mingling with the locals in Hua Thanon fishing village, one of Samui’s last remaining traditional fishing fleets, are a few of the day excursions one can take to indulge in local Thai culture. If you dare to go one step further, sign up for a cooking lesson through your Koh Samui resort!

Plenty of festivals rich in music and overflowing with food are a staple feature of Koh Samui. February marks the Chinese New Year, while Songkran (Thai New Year) falls in April and Loi Krathong, the Festival of Lights in November. Apart from these key festivals, processions, temple festivities, food fairs, live performances and regular food and culture events are often organized by the Tourism Authority of Samui for the keen traveler.

Fermented with a deep-rooted religious history, the culture of Koh Samui is reflected in the relaxed, friendly lifestyle of its residents. Speaking of a culture loud and proud, this island is a portrayal of the harmonious beauty of vibrant cultural diversity.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+