Author Archives: caleb

Andaman Sea Festival – The Dawn of the Tourism Season

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The District of Si Kao is located in the Trang Province of Thailand, which is situated neighboring the extremely popular Province of Krabi. Krabi is home to many amazing tourist attractions such as pristine golden sandy beaches, internationally renowned rock-climbing locations, unique religious and cultural landmarks, and ideal conditions of water and beach sports. One of the Krabi resorts that offer easy access to the attractions of the province is the Anantara Si Kao Thailand Resort & Spa.

Thailand is home to many festivities and celebrations, but none are as unique and exciting as the Andaman Sea Festival. Also referred to as the Boek Fa Festival, this event takes place annually around the 15th – 18th of November as a celebration welcoming the end of the monsoon season and the dawn of the tourism season. Around this time the rainy season ends, ushering the beautiful weather conditions which makes the province blossom and flourish, attracting thousands of tourists from around the globe. Thus, the people of Krabi host the Andaman Sea Festival in rejoicing the awaited tourism season.

Although the festival is not connected to any religion, many religious customs are practiced during this season. Thus, you will see many of the people of Krabi paying reverence to their Gods by making offerings to shrines and temples. Festive foods are prepared and offered by the people to each other in the spirit of celebration. There are also many parades along the streets of Krabi, which often involve colorful floats and performances as well. All in all these festivities are a colorful and vibrant affair! The festival is also accompanied with many competitions, such as Long Tailboat races, cook-offs, Rice-wine competitions, and Sea Kayaking competitions. The winners only get bragging rights, but the competition is fierce and exciting, nevertheless. Apart from these events, there is a general air of celebration and merriment throughout the province, making the experience offered by the Andaman Sea Festival pleasant and truly memorable to nay visitor of Krabi.

Murray Charity Meander 2015 – Boating For A Cause

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An event which provides plenty of challenges and fun adventures, the Murray Charity Meander 2015 will take place on 23rd and 24th February at a particular section of the Murray River. The event is free for spectators and travellers interested in catching the event can look to find Wodonga accommodation such as Country Comfort Murray Valley which is within easy reach of the river.

For the race leg taking place on the 23rd February, participants will journey along a part of the Murray River before arriving at Hume Weir. Following this, teams will be heading on their way to Corowa which is a part of the next leg of the Murray Charity Meander. Participants set off on this fascinating and challenging voyage using what are known as “tinnies” with the course eventually taking them along the Murray River’s entire length. A key feature of the event is the fact that the money raised will be utilised for the Otis Foundation which focuses on care giving for those with breast cancer.

Kalutara Chess Festival” Open International Rating Chess Championship 2015

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Chess is a popular yet not very publicized game in Sri Lanka. While the history of chess in the international arena runs deep, in Sri Lanka during recent times many a youth have taken a keen interest in the game that tests one’s patience and intelligence. To ignite the passion in chess in the country, the “Kalutara Chess Festival”, an open international rating chess championship was recently organised by the Kalutara Chess Club that was held from the 13th to 19th January 2015 at the National Institute of Health Sciences, Nagoda, Kalutara. The winners walked away with total cash prizes worth nearly Rs. 325,000. The participation of world’s top ranking international chess players saw an influx of chess lovers from around the world to Kalutara that in turn saw all the Kalutara hotels and accommodations getting fully booked. The Sands, a reputed luxury hotel in Kalutara was one of the main tourist accommodations to have been patronized during this event.

Ubud Festivals in 2015

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The Ubud Bali Spirit Festival is returning to Ubud for its annual event in the year 2015. The festival showcase some incredible world-class musicians and some of the world’s best dance and Yoga instructors, placing them all at the capital of Balinese spirituality. This Bali Spirit Festival encourages it’s attendees to take the spirit of the festival and the things they learn and take back home with them into their own communities. The Como Shambala Estate, Bali is one of the most exclusive and best Health Spa Retreat, Bali. The Como Shambala Estate is often referred to as ” Retreat for Change” with residual experts including a Yoga teacher, Ayuruvedic Doc and residence dietician. The holistic 360 degree approach offers signature massage therapies and beauty treatments. There is a state-of-the-art gym and outdoor activities like hiking, climbing and mountain climbing.

There is something for anyone who participates in these Ubud Festivals, who wants to join in the collective life-affirming love affair. One can find peace through ecstatic dance, mellow music or tantric yoga. There are day time workshops, seminars take place in the Purnati center, 20 minutes South Of Ubud and there are music performances in the evening held in the Agung Rai Museum of Art, situated near the center of Ubud and is home to some of Bali’s most famous and an important pieces of Art. Ubud is arguably the modern yoga Capital of the world. There will be an exciting array of experts across several disciplines and mantras. One can enjoy healings and meditation workshops from celebrated practitioners. The evenings of the festivals are filled with bends, twists and shakes of channeled energy and the evenings showcased an electric range of musicians from all over the world. Ubud also has a festival with over 150 writers from more than 25 countries. It is a celebration of global issues, big issues and extraordinary stories. There are literacy lunches, workshops, children’s and Youth events, twilight performances, film screenings, poetry slams, cultural masterclasses and art exhibitions.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Christmas in Surfers Paradise

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Christmas in Surfers Paradise is another great Australian festival that is held each year during the Christmas time to celebrate the festive season in the grand Australian way. Christmas 2014 saw the Cavill Mall brilliantly illuminated with lights and families from all over flocking to witness the numerous Christmas fun events organised to make the season merry for everyone. Australis Sovereign Hotel, quite a popular hotel in Gold Coast was very much involved with the festive season with the luxury accommodation it had to offer for the many visiting tourists and locals during this exciting holiday time.

Some of the fun events that the families enjoyed included Santa at the beach with his surfboat sleigh pulled by six kangaroos and posting letters to Santa and snapping a photo with him as a souvenir. The dazzling Christmas lights display hung overhead was reminiscent of a glistening halo. The events also included the Surfers Paradise Christmas carols on the beach to spread the good cheer among all.

The great Aussie Summer has arrived for those who have been waiting to take time off for vacationing by the beach to ease off their stress at the ever popular Surfers Paradise.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Annual Golf Classic Tournament- October

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Sri Lankan Airlines Golf Classic Tournament is a keenly anticipated major world golf tournament held each year that attracts amateur golfers from around the world. It is considered as one of the key sports events & festivals in Sri Lanka and is an excellent opportunity for golf lovers around the world to plan their Sri Lanka holiday travel itinerary to coincide with the annual event. The tournament gives opening to all the finest amateur golfers island-wide besides players from around the world to display their talents and be greatly rewarded. The event popularly known as the Sri Lankan Golf Classic has been held each October for the past 14 years.

The beautiful world renowned Victoria Golf and Country Resort situated off Kandy is the annual venue for this golf carnival. The awe inspiring beautifully landscaped Victoria golf course spread out over 520 acres is nestled in the midst of scenic hills of Digana bordering the ancient royal kingdom Kandy and known for its natural beauty with the panoramic view of the Knuckles mountain range and the picturesque Victoria Reservoir. It is also idyllic for golfing with the climatic conditions and the natural placement of the seamless course.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Karangasem Travel Guide – one destination, a thousand memories

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Welcome to Karangasem, located in the eastern part of Bali, Indonesia that was once home to a powerful seat of Balinese royalty. Those who travel to this former kingdom to escape from the dreaded routine of everyday life in search of a relaxing luxury weekend can indulge in a variety of leisure activities ranging from sightseeing to exciting excursions. Alternatively, one can revel in the solitude and serenity of the exotic Candidasa Bali Hotelssuch as the Alila Manggis – Bali, a sea side dream escape designed to entrance its guests with the peaceful breathtaking views of the nearby ocean and vibrant fauna.

The city itself bears the remnants of its opulent royal history with the abundance of holiday retreats, palaces and temples scattered throughout built for the purpose of entertaining the royalty. When wandering along the bronze beaches framing the turquoise waters, one can observe the locals actively engaged in the process of creating salt out of the ocean by collecting seawater and allowing the hot sun to evaporate it leaving a snow white residue behind. The process is both interesting and educational to watch and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. A short distance away from Candidasa is Prasi beach, a less known, beautiful and well hidden strip of beach ideal for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing by the beach. The holy mount Agung dominates the skyline, providing an excellent opportunity for the adventure seekers to enjoy a challenging hike en route to exploring the Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih), one of the most prominent temples in Bali.

For those who wish to simply experience the cultural differences and enjoy the traditions and cultures of a community separated entirely from the rules and traditions that govern their own, tourists can embark in leisurely strolls along the quiet villages in Bali such as Tenganan, a highly secluded community that strongly preserves its traditions resulting a community that has only slightly strayed from its ancestral roots.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Festivals in Bangkok – The catch of the city

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The vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Bangkok is sensational year around with a palette of festivals happening very frequently. Even though the city is taken over by modernism, it is still an emblem of Thai culture for both residents and visitors. In order to enjoy these fabulous festivities, Atrium Bangkok, set in a convenient location, is one of the most fascinating Bangkok city hotels.

To begin with, Chinese New Year, celebrated in Yaowaraj, takes place in January or February. This exhilarating celebration brings life to the official Chinatown with dragon dancers, fanfare, chromatic fireworks and exploding fire crackers. You can wear red clothes and join in with the festivities to feel the spirit of this festival.

Songkran festival, celebrated in April, the warmest month of the year, is the traditional Thai New Year that is usually a time for family reunion. This is a jovial ceremony in the scorching heat that every visitor should partake. During this week of celebration the whole city goes wild with friendly water fights and street parties with the belief to wash away all misfortunes of the past year.

Moon festival and Vegetarian festival, celebrated in September or October, are delightful with yummy gourmet foods lined up on colourful shelf displays. Definitely, try out the moon cakes during the moon festival and the variety of vegan dishes from sweet cakes to noodle soups sold in temporary rows of stalls in Chinatown, the gathering point for the festivities of the Vegetarian festival!

Furthermore, Loy Krathong, one of the most picturesque traditional festivals in the country takes place in November. Beautiful lotus shaped rafts, decorated with candles, incense and flowers are released onto water by people gathering around lakes, rivers and canals to pay respects to the goddess of water. The sight of thousands of Krathongs is truly enticing and magical.

Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Bangkok is also captivating as in any other country. Therefore, swipe out into the city and let the spirit of festivities happening all year round make the best out of your visit in this paradise!

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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About Food and Drink – TRAFS 2014

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Now in its 8th year, the Thailand Retail Food & Hospitality Services TRAFS for short is an annual hospitality industry event held over four days in mid July at BITEC Bangkok. It is promoted as one of the ‘must attend’ regional events for anyone engaged in the hospitality industry. As equipment and supplies for hotels, restaurants, catering, bakery and retail businesses are exhibited this is where more than 30,000 visitors and participants from 50 regional and other countries come to get in touch with the latest trends in key areas of the hospitality industry.

It is the best regional platform for kitchen, Bakery and coffee equipment manufacturers and distributors, manufacturers and distributors of food, beverages, ice cream and dairy products, laundry, cleaning equipment and bedding, table and kitchenware, furniture, ready to eat products and related computer soft and hardware and security systems. Attendees enjoy hundreds of sales opportunities in just four days. This where industry professionals come to see new product demonstrations, check and evaluate products prior to buying, launch new products and meet buyers and sellers. This is also the most cost effective way to identify product related services and information. Assistance is provided to participants with accommodation, transport and business services. The serviced suites of Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok are among the Bangkok serviced apartments suited for short and long stays.

The event is more than just an exhibition. It provides four days of competitions, workshops and opportunities for business meet ups with global and regional players to share knowledge and experiences on the trades involved. The chef’s competition is a big draw. Culinary experts from various hotels around the country vie to be the top chef in the preparation of entrees, main meals, deserts, pastries and petit fours with the wedding cake competition taking top billing. Food workshops draw visitors into the exhibition with cooking classes and demonstrations, the effective use of different ingredients, food tasting, tips on pairing wines, food safety, dessert and cake decorating among other activities.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Honouring the Buddha – Vesak Festival in Sri Lanka

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Vesak that commemorates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and ‘parinirvana’ is one of the holiest days for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The day for the commemoration has been determined according to the Buddhist Calendar and falls on the first full moon day in May, the 6th lunar month. Vesak was the Pali and Sanskrit name given to the lunar month falling between April and May. The day itself is an Uposatha day which is dedicated to meditation and practicing the Buddha’s teachings.

Buddhists in Sri Lanka commemorate Vesak according to traditions laid down by hundreds of years of observing this holy day. Many Buddhists start the day by joining other worshipers at temples around the country for the first prayers. Offering flowers, lighting candles and joss sticks in front of a Buddha statue is usually the way Buddhists honour the Buddha. Some spend the whole day at the temple meditating and listening to sermons. Bars and abattoirs are closed some days ahead of Vesak in an effort to curtail alcohol and meat consumption among Buddhists. Distribution of food and clothing among the destitute and to inmates of charitable homes on Vesak day is thought to be a meritorious action by many Buddhists in the country.

As Vesak in Sri Lanka is commemorated according to local traditions the cultural aspect of it is as important as the religious one. Homes, public places even whole streets are decorated with Buddhist flags, bunting, coloured electric lights, paper lanterns of all shapes and sizes and oil lamps. The ‘torana’ which is an integral part of this Buddhist commemoration is found in towns throughout the country with pictorial depictions of Buddha’s many lives illuminated in imaginative ways and set to music.

Hundreds if not thousands of people queue up alongside these ‘toranas’ to view them and listen to devotional songs. Another cultural tradition is free food stalls by the roadside and in towns throughout and country offering everything from soft drinks to ice cream and complete traditional Sri Lankan meals. Another more recent phenomenon is groups of people singing devotional songs on public and even mobile stages. Vesak is also the time when a tide of people goes on pilgrimage to the holy cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy and to worship at other famous holy places.

Walker Tours have been in the forefront of delivering excellent service in handling in bound and out bound tours for visitors and Sri Lankans for many years. As one of premier tour operators in the country they deliver excellent Sri Lanka Beach Resorts for groups and individuals that encompass many unique aspects of local culture. Experience Kalpitiya Hotels that are fun and informative and stay at some of the best accommodation available in the country.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+