Author Archives: caleb

Dubai World Cup Carnival 2014 – Horse Racing At Its Best

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Since 1996 Dubai has opened its doors to lovers of horse racing. The Dubai World Cup, which is held each year, is a sort of meeting ground for all the stars in horse racing. The venue for the World Cup is Meydan Racecourse, a course that lives up to international standards; for over a decade it has invited competitors from Europe, USA and Asia. The thoroughbred horse races are organized by the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA), and the chairman who presides over it is Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan who is currently the Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. The 2014 competition includes a purebred Arabian contest along with eleven races. The regular races commenced in November 2013 which will run till March 2014, the final event of which is the World Cup.

Dubai has emerged as a racing centre mainly because Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai owned a Darley Stud & Godolphin Racing, that is well known for dealing with thoroughbred racing and breeding. When looking into the major facts of the race you will find that the Dubai World Cup is the world’s wealthiest horse race. In 2010 the revenue brought in from the night races amounted to ten million US Dollars. The conditions for racing are perfect, with jockeys competing on an all-weather surface called Tapeta. The course has introduced a number of young and talented jockeys too.

The Dubai World Cup is more like a festival and a large number of people gather at the Meydan Racecourse to enjoy the races and flaunt their attire. Those who attend the event deck themselves with flamboyant dresses, hats and flowers. It is truly remarkable to watch and be part of horse racing fashion in Dubai.

Visitors to Dubai can find any number of UAE hotels around the city to stay in while patronizing this event. You can easily search for Middle East hotels that offer some great packages for tourists. For luxurious rooms, excellent service and cuisine check out Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East which offer the very best in accommodation, service and facilities.

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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Design Days Dubai 2014 – Art in a Different Form

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Dubai is yet another city in the United Arab Emirates that provides endless career opportunities, places of interest, great shopping experiences and magnificent hotel venues. A high standard of living is being maintained by the locals of this city and the UAE as a whole is very well developed indeed. There is so much to see in Dubai city and will definitely make one gasp in great awe at some of the amazing structures and places of interest.

Did you know that the world’s largest shopping mall is in Dubai? The Dubai Mall is believed to be the biggest shopping mall in the world and one would need at least a good two to three days to finish visiting all shops in the mall. That is not all however; the tallest manmade structure the Burj Kalifa and one of the world’s most expensive hotels’ Burj Al Arab is also situated in this city. Dubai is not only about places of interest but this city is also famous for holding many events of interest as well.

One such colourful event is to have its third edition from 17-21 March 2014 and that is the Design Days Dubai (DDD). This is a leading fair in the Middle East and South Asia presenting limited edition furniture and design objects from leading international designers and galleries. Designers from all around the world from countries such as USA, UK, Paris, Lebanon, Australia, Japan, Pakistan, Korea, Italy, Germany, South Africa and many more register to exhibit their unique and priceless artworks in this prestigious event. Most of the exhibits consist of furniture made from steel, wood, plastics and glass moulded into very unique and intricate designs.

At times such as these when special events takes place in UAE, hotels in the Dubai City are in high demand. Residing in Middle East hotels is not just another ordinary lodging experience. There is so much sightseeing and desert safaris on camels or on little scooters that are organized that one can enjoy a truly fun time outdoors. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East offer well placed properties around the UAE that provide the very best in modern comforts and conveniences that will help you enjoy a truly memorable stay.

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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Beauty Secrets 2014 – Glamour, Glitter & Glitz!

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Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it doesn’t hurt to give yourself a makeover highlighting features that will “wow” others! If you are looking to get an idea of what kind of beauty products are out there for you, then a visit to Beauty Secrets 2014 in Abu Dhabi is just the thing. This popular event is set to take place at the ADNEC Exhibition Centre and those in search of a hotel in Abu Dhabi within easy reach of this venue can consider Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. This well placed hotel Abu Dhabi has to offer is also walking distance from the Abu Dhabi Corniche making it an ideal base for your travels.

Scheduled to be held from 30th April to 3rd May 2014, Beauty Secrets 2014 will showcase a wide range of beauty products and accessories from leading names in the industry. This event attracts many exhibitors keen to show-off the latest beauty secrets as it were that promise to do everything from halt aging to leave your skin glowing. It is not just body, hair and skin products that will be offered at the event, but products relating to nutrition and fitness too, because after all a healthy mind and healthy body are also key ingredients to beauty.

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+

Dining in Hikkaduwa – Culinary Delights by the Coast

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Tucked away along the South Coast of Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa offers an idyllic getaway by the sea and features a range of dining venues where one can introduce your taste buds to some exotic flavours and aromas. Look to stay at Sri Lanka villas on the South Coast that are within easy reach of Hikkaduwa. One such option is Safforon and Blue by Jetwing, a Sri Lanka luxury villa which also features its own delectable dining options.

Make sure to head to Hikkaduwa where apart from its sun-kissed beach and idyllic setting also offers plenty of eateries, restaurants and cafes, mostly near the shore. Seafood is served in many places letting you enjoy fresh dishes featuring prawns, crabs and more. Beachside cafes are ideal spots to unwind and enjoy relaxed meals and drinks with friends and family as you watch the world go slowly by. Apart from local cuisine, several restaurants also serve international dishes as well. One form of cuisine that is a particular favourite are “rottis” which are a flour based item which is served with an eclectic array of items that range from cheese to chocolate!

Events and Festivals in Jakarta – Colourful Celebrations

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The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta comes alive each year as a wide range of cultural festivals and events are celebrated in the city, each offering something new to experience. Those in search of a centrally located Jakarta hotel from which to explore the city and visit venues where these events will be held can consider staying at Alila Jakarta. This Jakarta city hotel not only makes an ideal base for leisure travellers, but corporate clientele too.

The Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year is one not to be missed festival in the capital and those visiting during late January or February can look forward to everything from lion dances to dragon boat races. The Chinatown area (Glodok) in particular is well worth visiting. Those arriving in March can look forward to the Java Jazz Festival, while June is when the Festival Jalan Jaksa is held, where one can witness Betawi cultural shows amidst a street festival atmosphere. Also worth experiencing are the Independence Day celebrations held on August 17th which include a variety of parades that take place in front of the Presidential Palace.

 

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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Cultural Festivals Singapore – Engaging Festivities in the Lion City

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Renowned the world over as one of Asia’s most culturally diverse nations the island metropolis of Singapore is no ordinary holiday destination in the region. As the metropolitan home of a plethora of cultures the Lion City is also a festival capital in Asia with various local festivals celebrated by its multi-ethnic populace decorating its annual calendar. Marked with great pomp and pageantry the festivals highlighting the diverse heritage of Singapore’s vibrant population are nothing short of mesmerizing with the entire city transforming its appearance for the coveted events that are viewed as national celebrations rather than secular events.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is one such festival where the entire country comes together in the month of January to mark the birth of a new year. Characterized by the larger than life Chingay Parade which is deemed Singapore’s most colorful street celebration and the River Hong Bao cultural and shopping mêlée that takes centre stage at the Esplanade Park each year the lunar new year is synonymous with family gatherings and delectable seasonal food that is widely available in Chinatown and other areas of the city.

The month of May is synonymous with the Buddhist festival of Vesak which marks the birth, enlightenment and the attainment of nirvana by Buddhism’s supreme leader Lord Buddha. Mass celebrations in the form of candle lit marches takes place in prominent temples in the city such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple where the faithful flocks to meditate, give alms and chant Buddhist sutras. Charity events and alms giving to the poor are also organized during this period by many Buddhists.

Other red letter cultural festivals include Pongal, a four day harvest festival marked by Tamil communities in the country while November brings the sights and sounds of the Indian New Year Deepavali to the corners of Little India in Singapore. The Mid- Autumn festival which falls in September is best known for Lantern parades and moon cakes whereas The Hungry Ghost Festival is famous for Chinese opera performances and mouthwatering feasts. The Hari Raya Puasa in contrast is an Islamic festival where visitors can sample Malay delicacies and shop in street bazaars.

Travellers in search of luxury Singapore service apartments will be more than pleased with Somerset Liang Court Singapore. Offering guests the best in contemporary facilities and amenities this elegant rest provides serviced accommodation Singapore ranks among the finest in the island.

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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Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2014 – A Celebration of Music

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If you love all things jazz or just enjoy listening to live music then the next time you plan to visit Jakarta look to coincide the trip with the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2014. Set to take place from February 28th to March 2nd, this popular event will be held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) and visitors should look to find accommodation at a centrally located Jakarta city hotel. Alila Jakarta is one such Jakarta hotel and is ideally situated close to the Presidential Palace.

Inaugurated in 2005, the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival is a celebration of all things jazz and attracts a wide cross section of artistes from around the world. But it’s not just jazz which comes to the forefront at this event; everything from of RnB to mambo and reggae to ska can be experienced at the event which features cosy jam sessions too. The likes of George Benson, Kenny Garrett, Herbie Hancock and Stevie Wonder have all performed at past festivals adding to the allure of this jazz fest in the Indonesian capital.

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 the Caribbean – Unique and Colourful Cultural Expressions

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Each culture has its share of festivals to celebrate religious events, changing of seasons and happenings of local historical importance. These festivals not only reflect the cultural and religious diversity of a country it also provides an outlet for cultural expression. As such the Caribbean region has its own share of colourful religious and secular festivals.

In the Bahamas, Nassau and New Providence Island, Junkanoo is celebrated in two stages, the day after Christmas and on New Years’ Day. Nearly a thousand participants in flamboyant costumes dance through the streets to Goombay music. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes. The origin of the event can be traced to West Africa.

Kadooment Day with 18th century roots, linked to its sugar cane industry is a big celebration in Barbados lasting over five weeks. It is commemorated with street parades of bands, floats and colourfully dressed participants, crowning of the festival king and queen, concerts and much drinking.

Garifuna Settlement Day in Belize commemorates the arrival of the Garifuna people in Belize in the 19th century. The Drum Festival of Grenada has roots going back to the 18th century. Mashramani in Guyana observed in late February is the celebration of the birth of the nation. Floats, street parades, big bands and dancing in the street are characteristic of this important national day.

The Accompong Maroon Festival in Jamaica featuring traditional singing and dancing, feasts and ceremonies has its roots in the 18th century, at the height of the slave trade. The Rose Festival of St Lucia has its origin in the feast of St Rose de Lima. All night singing and dancing and street parades are part of the festival. Keti Koti is the celebration of the National Day of Suriname and the end of slavery there. Street parades with women in voluminous Creole costumes are a characteristic of the annual celebration.

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago has its roots in West African Festivals. Carnival takes place two days before Ash Wednesday at the start of the Lent season in the Christian calendar. Steel and calypso bands, larger than life puppets, stilt walkers, stick fighters and beautiful girls in amazingly alluring costumes are all part of the celebrations. The days leading to carnival feature launches of costumes to be worn by the bands and big outdoor parties with calypso tents. The reggae festival in Montego Bay Jamaica in mid July is a huge music festival lasting a week featuring the greatest reggae artistes. The event is preceded by a beach party.

Pirates Week is celebrated in mid November in the Cayman Islands with food festivals, sporting events, parades, costume competitions, street dancing and a cardboard boat race. The festival opens with a ‘pirate’ landing in George Town Harbour. There is even a pirate trial. Gimistory is an international storytelling festival also in the Cayman Islands featuring storytellers from around the region and beyond. The festival is hosted in public and private spaces around the islands. Religious festivals like Phagwa and Diwali and Id Ul Fitr are celebrated by Hindus and Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Suriname.

Get away from it all to Parrot Cay Turks & Caicos. Experience peace and serenity and be beguiled by gorgeous vistas of blue sky and ocean and tropical gardens. Stay in the cool comfort of a terrace, garden or ocean view room or in a very special Como suite at this Turks and Caicos beach resort designed and furnished to set the tone for a tranquil beach vacation. Try out yoga or Pilates, relaxing spa treatments and the specially designed healthful menus at the dining venues at an award winning property that is amongst the leading Turks and Caicos luxury resorts.

Usher in the New Year in Style in Party Capital Singapore

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Despite its reputation as one of the more straight-laced nations in Asia Singapore transforms itself in to a celebratory epicenter come 31st of December. Globally renowned for its late night New Years Eve parties and iconic fireworks displays the Lion City is a one stop party central like no other in the region. Catering to party-goers of all ages and origin the wide variety of events taking place across the island nation provides the perfect atmosphere to hark in the New Year in style. Whether one is stopping over for a holiday or especially dropping in to welcome the New Year in Asia’s festive heartland revelers from around the world can be guaranteed of a memorable New Years Eve celebration when in Singapore.

The Marina Bay Countdown is the country’s largest New Year event to date and is best known for its illuminating fireworks displays. Live performances by some of the globe’s biggest artists also take centre stage at this large scale event with acts the likes of John Klass, Trick, Jersey Boys and M.I.B decorating the illustrious line-up of performers. The Bay of Hope and Light also sets forth “wishing spheres” symbolizing the country’s hopes for the year ahead.

The Siloso Beach Party is the best venue for those who wish to welcome the New Year on a pristine beachfront. The over 18 mêlée includes a large dance floor with Dj’s spinning Latin, Mambo and house beats while attendees let loose on a large foam pool. The Tanjong Beach Club also annually hosts its own beach event with floating lanterns, fire spinners and international Dj’s thrown in to the fray whereas the Clarke Quay NYE is renowned for its fireworks and thumping clubs. The Supernova Countdown on the other hand is geared for the whole family with numerous rides and outdoor activities such as shows by celebrity impersonators while the Sky Party affords views of the Singapore skyline from a great vantage point. A four course meals is also part of the itinerary on the Ferris wheel with air-conditioned pods that look out over the night sky at 360 degree angles. Dj music follows the Ferris wheel ride that culminates with participants dancing the night away.

Travellers on the lookout for a well-situated luxury hotel in Singapore will find no finer alternative to the Sheraton Towers Singapore. Providing guests with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities this 5 star hotel in Singapore is ideal for both business travellers as well as vacationers.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Indonesia – A Colourful Celebration of the Gift of Life

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As the rest of the world watches on enchanted, the colour, the glory and the rhythm of the celebrations of the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival begin with the new moon, and continues in its charming glory for 15 festive days. Here the dearly departed are fondly remembered and honoured, family ties are strengthened, relationships renewed, household gods worshipped and all evil is swept away.

Long long ago, as the folk lore describes, the horrifying monster of ‘Nian’ that held captive the villagers of China in its fearsome grip, was confronted by an old man, whose wise words drove the dreaded beast in to the deep dark jungle, freeing the people from their worst fear. So great was the gladness that the celebrations of this wonderful rescue continue still amongst the Chinese scattered around the world on this New Year day. ‘Nian’ is believed to be scared away by the red paper decorations that adorn the doors of the Chinese still, on New Year’s Day.

Wonderful traditions are followed and observed during this festival, where each ritual is interestingly symbolizing a unique belief. Thorough house cleaning done to drive away evil spirits festering in dark corners, exotic food carrying symbolic meaning or flowers symbolizing rebirth and new growth are exchanged amongst families. The New Year is welcomed at the house of the eldest in the family where offerings are made to the household gods and ancestral tables to honour the departed are set up.

Beautiful family times are enjoyed at brightly lit houses until midnight skies are torn by the scintillating magic of the fire crackers while the deafening happy sound would drive away the ‘Nian’ should he be lurking around. The young and the old clothe themselves in brand new red apparel and visit friends and family near and far while food and snacks that bring good fortune are savoured as much as the golden family times. Traditional Barongsai or the Lion Dance is also performed with pomp and blare, most often at private parties and gatherings in Indonesia.

This grand festival can be experienced in all its colour and glamour along with many other attractions of the country, in the sheer comfort of the luxury hotels Indonesia is rich with. Hotels to suit any budget can be found in Indonesia. 5 star hotels such as the Starwood Indonesia provide best in class services to visitors all year round.

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+