Author Archives: caleb

Vesak Festival – In Honour of Lord Buddha

Posted on by

Being a Buddhist country, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to experience the Vesak Festival which is an important annual event for devotees. Those planning Sri Lanka travel excursions during this time can make use of Jetwing Travels which is a reputed name in the tour industry. They offer a variety of Sri Lanka tours that will take you around the country, which is a treat especially during Vesak.

This festival generally takes place on the full moon during a particular lunar month which usually falls in May. Honouring the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, Vesak is a festive occasion and ceremonies and celebrations last for around a week. A unique feature during this time is the setting up and display of a wide range of colourful lanterns as well as massive pandols that pictorially depict stories from the 550 Jataka Katha which are stories on the past life of Lord Buddha. Another custom during this time is the installation of various stalls around the streets, where free food and drinks are given as an act of reverence to this sacred day.

 

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+

Balinese Dance Performance -Tradition in the Finest Form

Posted on by

Music, movement, colour and culture; those are the ingredients that make Balinese dance somewhat hypnotic in its effect as it sweeps you out of this world. Like the lush natural beauty that adorns this quaint and remarkably picturesque island, culture has an almost artistic touch in Bali. Be it song, dance or a mere religious ritual there is so much of essence in each performance. Bali being an island etched with rich culture boasts an array of dance performances. Largely dramatic, these performances give you a taste of authentic Bali like nothing else.

The Balinese dance is in fact an ancient tradition that goes way back in time. It is primarily religious in nature, but there are those performed merely for entertainment as well. The many Balinese dancers are traditionally attired in shiny and colourful costumes, with loud vibrant make up applied on their faces. The performance is angular, dynamic and intensely expressive. Through their pristine movements and intense gestures an entire story is conveyed. The eyes widen, the hands sway, the body synchronizes with the music and the story is told with not a single word uttered.

This form of expression in its many forms is truly captivating. Several performances involve a story, a tale being told through a series of movements; the most common being the Barong dance. This performance depicts a battle between the good and the evil; a battle between Rangda and the great beast Barong. The Legong dance is also another ancient performance originating somewhere between the 12th and 13 centuries. The story told here is that of the famous maiden Rangkesari, when she was captured by the king and rescued by the prince.

Other dances include the Kecak which highlights the male chorus and the bumblebee dance that mimics the mating ritual of two bumblebees. The traditional party dance of Bali is called the Joged and invites the audience to dance along with the dancer. It is certainly one festive performance that does not have a religious significance behind it.

This enchanting island and its culture is truly one mesmerizing experience. While staying in this exotic land choose a luxury resort Bali has to offer such as The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali. This Nusa Dua resort offers a range of contemporary comforts that make your stay that much more memorable.

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+

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair – Leading the Industry From Strength to Strength

Posted on by

As a well read man is a treasure to a nation, much emphasis has certainly been vested on the subject of reading since days of old. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is organized in this context with the aim of building up and developing the publishing and book industry as well as promoting the priceless habit of reading throughout the United Arab Emirates.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is said to be the fastest growing book fair in the Middle Eastern and the North African regions. Its strength lies in the professional organization that involves each facet of the fair that helps to make it a prominent event in the city. The visionary and the ambitious planning that is the essence of the fair is yet again a reason behind its success in the region.

Abu Dhabi is the hub of the development that takes occurs in the regional publishing industry and so its commitment is now expanding beyond the borders of the region, with the vision and aim of promoting success of the global book business. The distributors, publishers as well as the book sellers scattered throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf region, consider the emirate as their reference point in the Arab book trade. With these trends setting the stage for the industry to flourish, this event will certainly take on greater heights in time to come.

The event has been a great success in the past years that it was organized, as attested by the number of publishers that were hosted. In the year 2013, 1,024 publishers from 53 countries participated in the fair making it a truly global event of prominence and so the aim of establishing long term relationships between Arab and international publishers with which the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is organized is indeed fulfilled.

If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi during the event which will take place between 30th April and 5th of May 2014 at the ADNEC Abu Dhabi, you may consider finding accommodation at an Abu Dhabi resort which is located close to the venue, such as Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. The property is one of the leading Abu Dhabi beach hotels and provides an ideal base for your travels.

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+

Arabian Travel Market 2014 – Exciting Holiday Planning

Posted on by

Scheduled to be held over three days, from 5th to 8th May 2014, the annual Arabian Travel Market or ATM is the premier travel & tourism event that assists travel and tourism professionals to gain access to the inbound and outbound travel market in the Middle East region. The trade show is one of the biggest travel events in the world. The Dubai International and Convention Centre will play host to more than 16,000 participants and showcase more than 2,000 products from over 70 exhibitors related to the travel and tourism industry in 23,500 sq metres of space. New products relating to the industry have been successfully launched at previous events therefore there is reason to believe several new products will be released this time too at this prestigious occasion.

Everything from cruise lines to car rentals, international and local hotel chains and resorts, airlines and software solutions are represented here. As the event is the meeting place for the movers and shakers representing every aspect of the leisure tourism industry, this is a not to be missed opportunity for travel professionals.

Attendees will be provided with the facilities and assistance to have face to face meetings and interact with more than 2,500 exhibitors. Going by the number of meetings conducted among delegates the previous year, face to face meetings are still the most popular and probably the best way of starting out on a business and getting to know potential business partners. A program of seminars and workshops is being planned to disseminate the latest information and practical advice pertaining to the travel and leisure trade.

Exhibits arranged according to industry and geographical regions are aimed at giving delegates insights into travel and leisure opportunities on a global scale. Well planned social events and cultural events organized by individual delegations will allow for maximum opportunities to network and meet like minded professionals. Attendees will also have access to data to assess the latest industry trends and study the modus operandi of rivals.

Promotional activities start immediately after registration, well before the event. If needed, advice and guidelines are provided as to how to attract visitors to exhibits, generate leads, gain brand exposure, promote products and generate a buzz. Online directories help attendees and exhibitors to register state requirements and identify suitable events.

Anantara Dubai, The Palm Resort & Spa located on the eastern crescent of the Palm Jumeirah is a beautifully laid out Asian influenced resort where among the many excellent features are a selection of rooms and villas that are undoubtedly the most unique accommodation in Dubai. The spacious, well appointed rooms have direct access to the pool while the villas have their own infinity pools and some are the UAEs only overwater villas. Among the other attributes at this Palm Jumeirah hotel is a 50 metre pool, easy access to the beach, two modern gyms, tennis courts, dining venues serving international cuisines and selections from the Mekong Region and a well equipped spa that offers Thai and Arabian treatments for men and women.

Phuket Bike Week 2014: “ASEAN Ride Together”

Posted on by

Organised to coincide with the Thai festival Songkran, the Phuket Bike Week is an event like no other and is quite a unique event for tourists to witness. This biking event is complete with a number of activities which include a Motorcycle Exhibition, a Beach Party, a Grand Dinner, Bike Contest, Miss PBW, a Tattoo Contest and many more and the variety of activities attract people from all walks of life who join together to celebrate their love of motorcycles. For those who wish to encounter this event, the Phuket Bike Week takes place at a myriad of locations but mostly on Patong Beach, a football field in the area and the Jungceylon Mega Mall.
Of the myriad of activities available, the Motorcycle Exhibition attracts the largest crowd as enthusiasts flock to the event to get a closer look at some of the bigger and better names in the motorcycle industry such as Harley Davidson, Yamaha, BMW and Kawasaki. The Phuket Bike Week also promotes unity and aims to attract motorcycle enthusiasts not only from Thailand, but from other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Singapore whilst promoting the theme of “ASEAN Ride Together’. In 2012, an event called the ‘Ride for Peace’ was held where a biker parade rode around the island from Patong to Leam Phrom Thep after which a beach party was held to celebrate the event.
Tourists staying at a Phuket hotel can easily witness this spectacle by making their way to Loma Park and for those who want to have a souvenir to remember the event, a collection of motorcycle gear is available ranging from boots, gloves, jackets and helmets to smaller tokens such as caps, stickers and key chains. Thus, whether you’re a true motorcycle enthusiast or a tourist residing in a Phuket beach resort, there is something for everyone at this epic attraction. if you are living outside Phuket or even Thailand and is searching for accommodation during this time, consider booking the Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand whose location by the beach coupled with its world class meals make it a wonderful place to return to after a blissful day at the Phuket Bike Week.

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+

Middle East Film and Comic Con 2014 – Celebrating Popular Culture

Posted on by

The world can sometimes become a busy place as people run to and fro from one place to another. In order to keep a balance between a hectic lifestyle and peace of mind people get engaged in activities such as meditation and works of art.

When speaking of art there is so much to learn, explore and experience, starting from simple paintings on a piece of paper to masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci and Pablo Picasso, to simple tunes hummed by a child to great symphonies composed by Mozart and Beethoven, to great films such as Gone with the Wind, Titanic, Casablanca, Lord of the Rings and Jurassic Park, art has no end to it!

Thus the importance of re-living memories of yesteryear and experiencing the advancement of the contemporary world are the main features of any film festival, art exhibition or music concert. The Middle Eastern Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) is a popular cultural calendar event in Dubai where global stars of TV, comics, theatre, animations, music and art gather to exhibit their works. The 03rd edition of the MEFCC will be held from 03-05 April 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Famous artists such as Seth Green of Austin Powers, Sylvester McCoy from Dr. Who and one of Marvel’s hottest artists Humberto Ramos have already being listed to attend the upcoming exhibition.

Dubai is a city with a high standard of living and it is perfectly portrayed in most Dubai luxury hotel complexes too. The Dubai skyline is outlined with a huge number of skyscrapers and most of them are 5 star hotels Dubai has in store for its visitors. A stay in these classy hotels offer one the chance to experience the very best the region has to offer. These hotels contain beautiful infrastructure, rich Emirati interior decorations and not forgetting mouth-watering cuisines too. Grand Millennium Dubai is one such example and offers its guests all luxuries needed for a perfect holiday getaway. It features the very best in modern comforts and conveniences and makes an ideal base from which to explore and experience the many sights and sounds of this enchanting part of the UAE.

 

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+

Discovering Enchanting Festivals in Bhutan

Posted on by

Rich in culture and history, the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan also features a wide range of annual festivals which offer unique insights into the country’s heritage and its people. Travellers can make use of Bhutan tour packages that take you to regions where one can witness these cultural celebrations in all their splendour. Another option would be to stay at a centrally located Bhutan hotel such as Uma Bhutan which is ideally placed in the Paro Valley, making for an excellent base for your travels.

When it comes to festivals in Bhutan, there is much to choose from. Tshechu is a festival celebrated in order to honour the birthday of Guru Rimpoche though the exact date of the event can vary from place to place. Thimphu Tshechus and Paro are two of the best destinations in which to view the lively cultural festivities associated with this event. Another popular event is the Nomad Festival in Bumthang Dzongkhag where one can view colourful local costumes, sample exotic cuisine and observe the wonderful spectacle of a ceremonial procession. Those visiting in spring should look to take in Paro Tshechu and its many festivities. Held in Paro Dzongkhag, this event features the unveiling of a huge embroidery that has been created by monks and which is believed to be sacred. These are just some of the many festivals one can witness when in Bhutan.

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+

Bhutan Nomad Festival – A slice of their life

Posted on by

Each year, the central valley of Bumthang witnesses a unique event of sorts. Hundreds of Bhutan’s nomadic highlanders bring together herders of the north eastern and north western Himalayan frontiers in celebration of their unique culture and traditions, giving visitors the ideal opportunity to peek into their authentic way of life.

Survival in the wilderness is hard. These nomads live under some of the harshest conditions closer to the snow capped mountains and it is interesting to see how they get by. The nomads of Bhutan depend on yaks for their livelihoods and therefore feature largely in their celebrations, traditions and customs. Although these communities are gradually entering the cash economy, they are still seen to be largely dependent on bartering practices. The ways of this people is simple and yet so vibrant that it never fails to fascinate.

When attending this festival, one gets to see how truly vast and unique Bhutan’s ethnic diversity is. The festival has participants from nomad tribes from the Ha, Paro, Wangdue, Bumthang, Trashiyangtse, Gasa and Thimphu districts, the Brokpas of the east and the Layaps of the west being the two major tribes. The grand procession of the Chipdrel, a ceremonial pageantry reserved for royalty is a must see event held during the get-together while it is also interesting to see some of the strongest and the most toughest highlanders demonstrate their skills in archery, wooden dart throwing known as khuru, soksum throwing (a light spear or javelin) and dego which is similar to horse shoe throwing but performed with rocks as well as engaging in Keyshey, traditional Bhutanese wrestling.

The Bhutan Nomad Festival is in fact a slice of their own life. Visitors are given the chance to enjoy a meal of typical nomad food sitting cross legged in a circle around a stone hearth with a nomadic family. Also witness the livelihoods of these people while a weaver weaves yak hair into a beautiful cloth, an artisan breathing life into a bronze statue or a skilled blacksmith forging a mighty sword.

Be exposed to a variety of products of the nomad way of life such as dairy, handicrafts and weaves; the festival often puts out these products on display in a multitude of stalls. Visitors will also get a chance to get dressed in typical Bhutanese highlander attire or truly deck out in an entire costume set spun out of yak hair complete with the conical bamboo Layap or the Brokpa black hat with the five long fringes down the front. Ladies can get their hair done in traditional plaits and colourful ribbons by the swift and nimble fingers of the female nomads and try on the elaborate apron adorned with flowers, animals or motifs tied at the waist for size.

There are many Bhutan tour packages that will allow you to experience this unique festival in all its vibe and vigour. Uma Bhutan is one such Bhutan hotel that is known to offer comprehensive tours and packages that let their visitors experience this colourful event to its fullest. Culture enthusiasts are advised to keep their eyes and ears peeled for the date and details of the next Bhutan Nomad Festival. This is something that you would not want to miss.

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+

Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebration in Sri Lanka

Posted on by

One of the most important annual festivals in Sri Lanka, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a colourful cultural event that is celebrated throughout the island. Look to embark on your Sri Lanka travel adventures during the month of April which is when this festival takes place. A great way to see the sights of this event is by taking Sri Lanka tours organised by Jetwing Travels which provide a truly authentic holiday experience.

Generally falling on April 13th and 14th, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a time for family reunions, observing religious customs, making traditional sweet meats and of course engaging in fun community games. The observance of customs such as boiling milk and lighting of the traditional oil lamp are done according to a special auspicious time, while Buddhists attend the temple and Hindus visit the kovil. During the festive period communities band together to take part in a number of contests, while the traditional beating of the “rabana” which is a big, round and flat drum, is accompanied by song.

 

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+

Cheung Chau Island Bun Festival – Reaching Higher for That Special Bun!

Posted on by

Festivals are used as a tool to gather communities in a city, village, district or a country towards a common goal. Learning and being a part of festivals that are held around the world or even at your own village is both entertaining and educating. Among many festivals in the world the Cheung Chau Island Bun Festival is truly unique and is a definite attention grabber.

The festival which was originated in the 18th century was initially started when the Cheung Chau Island was destroyed by a plague and invaded by pirates. Following this the people of the island started parading the picture of God Pak Tai throughout the villages with the belief that the deity drove off evil spirits and bringing the locals protection from pirates and other disasters. Ever since then the islanders have continued to hold this festival on an annual basis.

Generally the dates of the festival coincide with the birthday of Lord Buddha and the festival lasts for seven days. On three of these days the islanders become vegetarians and even global restaurants such as McDonald’s on the island serves vegetarian food. The most exciting part of this festival is the bun snatching competition. A huge structure made from bamboo and covered with buns is erected in a common place, where men would race up the tower to grab the bun placed at the highest point; for it is believed that the higher they reach the better fortune is received by the family of the snatcher!

Reservation in a hotel in Kowloon will give you hassle-free access to all main attraction points in the city. In West Kowloon you find the Mongkok city a kind of miniature Hong Kong. Mongkok hotels Hong Kong will treat you to a mix of the contrasting extremes the city has to offer. Cosmo Hotel Mongkok is a contemporary hotel that has set high quality service standards, while offering elegant accommodation that comes with modern comforts and conveniences. It makes an ideal base from which to soak up the sights and sounds of this bustling metropolis and discover the varying faces of Hong Kong which has something for everyone to enjoy.