Author Archives: caleb

Loi Krathong – Celebrating Thailand’s Festival of Light

Posted on by

One of the best ways to soak up local culture is to experience cultural festivals in a country. Thus when heading to Thailand try plan your trip to coincide with the celebration of Loi Krathong, a charming festival that takes place throughout the country. Those heading to Hua Hin during the festival and looking for Hua Hin hotels by the sea can consider Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. This luxurious hotel Hua Hin has to offer also features the very best in contemporary comforts, making your stay all the more memorable.

Also known as the ‘Festival of Light’, Loi Krathong takes place on the twelfth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest. This generally falls in November and on this particular day one can see throngs of locals heading to waterways where they release their ‘krathongs’. A krathong is basically a small float made from materials such as banana leaves and adorned with flowers and carrying candles and incense sticks. People make a wish before releasing these floats along the water and this act is also considered a symbolic “sending off” of one’s troubles, paving the way for a prosperous New Year ahead. It is customary to see many couples engaged in this activity as well as it is said that couples who make a wish together, stay together forever too!

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+

Loi Krathong Festival – Bangkok’s Festival of the Floats

Posted on by

The Loi Krathong Festival is one of the most anticipated celebrations on Thailand’s event packed calendar. The event is celebrated throughout the country and the festivities even spreads to parts of Myanmar and Laos. It is an interesting and somewhat unique festival. There are many places in Thailand where one can take part in the Loi Krathong Festival, although Bangkok, the Thai capital, is one of the best.

The festival’s name literally means ‘Floating Decoration’ or ‘Floating Crown’, and refers to the practice of releasing miniature floats on the river. The festival, which typically takes place between the eleventh and twelfth month of the lunar calendar, was originally dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the three main Hindu deities. However, after becoming a Buddhist nation, the festivities were adapted for the new religion.

The krathong, or float, is traditionally made using layers stripped off the trunks of banana trees and while such floats can still be found, the floats are now more commonly made out of polystyrene or bread. The polystyrene floats are prohibited in certain areas as they do not break down and end up polluting the waterways. The float is decorated with flowers, incense sticks and candles. Some include a coin for the river spirits. It is customary to make a wish as one releases the float.

In 2013, the festival will take place on the seventeenth of November. All those in Bangkok during this time should make it a point to participate in the day’s events. It is sure to be a fun and eye opening experience.

Even though it is a highly popular tourist destination, finding Serviced Acommodation Bangkok should not be too difficult as there are plenty of places to choose from. From luxury hotels to simple inns, the Thai capital offers a variety of housing options to cater to different budgets. Those planning on a long vacation should try staying at Sukhumvit apartments such as the Citadines Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok. Not only do they offer accommodation that feels as cosy as home, their apartments also boast a central location that can make sightseeing a breeze.

 

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+

Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival – An Invigorating Celebration of Spirits and Food!

Posted on by

Hong Kong, one of the Special Administrative Region’s of the Republic of China, is one the most developed region’s in Southeast Asia. Known for its magnificent skyline and vibrant society, it is also one of the world’s most important financial centres. Hong Kong’s rich heritage, historical and cultural landmarks, recreational attractions and events, and unique lifestyle have also made it popular amongst tourists.

An annual event which has gained international repute in just a short span of years is the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival. Celebrating some of the finest wines in the world, accompanied by exquisite dishes, this enthralling event is both grand and lively. Attracting wine and food lovers from all over the globe this festival was even recently added into the Top 10 International Food and Wines Festivals List by ForbesTraveller.com.

Ever since its inauguration in 2009, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival has rapidly gained worldwide repute as one of the most glamorous and vibrant food and wine festivals. The event gives you the opportunity to enjoy the rich flavours of wine and food from several countries and gain valuable insights on the industry while socializing with people from all over the globe. In the 2012 edition there were a total of 311 wine and food booths and stalls hailing from 18 countries. Over the four days of the event a whopping 32,000 bottles of wine were consumed, which goes to show the scale and liveliness of this celebration. It is organized by the Hong Kong Tourist Board and future editions promise to be on a more extravagant and grander scale than previous years, so make sure you do not miss out on visiting this event!

Centrally located amidst entertainment and commercial districts is Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong, a chic Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong. Combining urban sophistication with relaxation and tranquillity, this hotel offers accommodation in a range of elegant rooms and regal suites. The hotel provides a host of luxury services as well as business and meeting facilities, making this Hong Kong hotel ideal for vacations and business travellers looking for a well placed base from which to experience the many sights the city has to offer.

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+

Deepavali – The Festival of Lights

Posted on by

Located just south of the Indian peninsula is the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka. Also known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is nation with a rich heritage and multi-cultural society. It is also a popular tourist destination, as it is home to beautiful golden sandy beaches, magnificent mountains with lush greenery, renowned religious and historical sites, and a booming hospitality industry along with a wide range of recreational and leisure attractions.

There are many religious and cultural festivals that are celebrated in Sri Lanka. One such festival which is of immense significance to the Hindu Tamils of the island is Deepavali. This festival, which is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, is also celebrated in India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, and several other nations. The festivities involve a great deal of colourful rituals, traditional practices, and many exciting features making it an extremely vibrant event.

Deepawali, or Diwali; as it is known in India, is usually held during mid-October and mid-November. The festival is celebrated to banish all the shadows and evil from one’s life, which is why one of its main elements is the lighting of oil lamps. The light emitted from the lamps represents the good casting away the evil, which is also why Deepawali is colloquially called the Festival of Lights.

In addition to each house lighting lamps, the other festivities include traditional rituals for the Goddess Lakshmi at kovils, the lighting of firecrackers, colourful street parades, the making and distribution of traditional Tamil sweetmeats, and the exchange of new clothes. It is also a time when families visit each other, with all the relatives coming together. The festival of Deepawali is extremely beautiful and vibrant, and is celebrated grandly each year in what culminates as one of the most colourful festivities of the Tamil people.

One of the oldest and most reputed Sri Lanka car rental service providers is Malkey Rent A Car. With over 30 years of experience in the field of offering transport solutions, the company strives to make your internal transport in Sri Lanka hassle free. The company offers a range of services, which include simple self rentals, tour rentals with experienced chauffeurs, and airport transfers Sri Lanka, making it an ideal option for those planning to rent vehicles when on holiday.

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+

Making Films in South Asia – Lights, Camera, Action!

Posted on by

Steeped in history and home to breathtaking natural vistas and colourful cultures, South Asia offers some of the most exotic locations for shooting films. The enchanting island of Sri Lanka is one such example and has been used as the location for several internationally famous movies including the academy award winning The Bridge On The River Kwai and Indiana Jones & The Temple of Doom. Those in search of production companies in Sri Lanka that will help you find some of the island’s best locations can consider Nkar Film Eye. It offers a wide range of services from set design to film equipment and will help in film production Sri Lanka.

Making films in South Asia also gives filmmakers a chance to enjoy making a movie with relatively low cost. Of course the stunning locations are what attract many producers and directors looking to offer fresh and distinctive backdrops full of local colour and culture. Apart from Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal are some of the destinations in South Asia that each offer something different and diverse. Be its pristine beaches, lush forests, ancient temples, misty covered mountains or lively cultural festivals, South Asia has it all and provides unique backdrops in which filmmakers can tell their stories.

 

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+

Hosting Corporate Events in Colombo – Planned Perfection in Paradise!

Posted on by

With its picturesque beaches, thriving financial hub and well developed infrastructure, Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is one of the best spots on the island to host corporate events. Those in search of experienced event planners in Sri Lanka can enlist the services of Nkar MICE. It offers a diverse array of services from finding venues to organising transport and handling event management Sri Lanka.

When it comes to hosting corporate events in Colombo, there are many venues one can choose from. The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall or BMICH is one of the premier event venues and is home to a 2,000 person main hall along with small meeting rooms, break-up rooms and various other smaller venues within the property. It also has plenty of outdoor space for setting up stalls. Situated within easy reach of the city’s business centre and several renowned hotels, the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) is also an ideal option for hosting exhibitions and conventions. For something different and diverse you can make use of the newly constructed Lotus Pond Performing Art Centre which has an open air rooftop area as well. Set alongside the water, the Waters Edge has several venues and is also an excellent option to consider.

 

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+

Siam Niramit in Phuket – Bringing History to Life

Posted on by

Thousands flock to Thailand every year enticed by its exciting shopping, cultural diversity and of course, its iconic islands such as Phuket. Phuket’s location at the tip of Thailand provides it with an amazing and unobstructed ocean view which coupled with a tropical monsoon climate makes it a tourist paradise. However, natural beauty is not all that this island paradise has to offer as it provides insight to the history and culture of ancient Siam through many cultural performances, one such being the Siam Niramit.

The Siam Niramit is a performance that fuses the cultural heritage of the country with the artistic ability of the people which culminates in a show like no other. Performed by over 100 persons, the recital is composed of three acts: Journey Back into History, Journey beyond Imagination and Journey through Joyous Festivals.

The first act takes viewers back to the ancient kingdoms and its heritage while the second act expounds the common religious beliefs of the Siamese people. The performance is concluded with an on stage illustration of the varied and colourful Thai festivals thus making the Siam Niramit a show you must witness in order to truly bask in the richness of Thai culture and heritage. Enjoy the performance as the show endeavours to bring history to life through music and dance.

The performance is conducted every day except on Tuesdays from 8.30pm onwards while those who wish to make an evening out of the event can also opt for the Thai or International buffet dinner from 6 to 8pm.

Those who wish to experience this wonderful show could book their tickets online and choose from a range of seats while the website offers guests the option of being picked up from and dropped off at the Phuket resort they are residing in. Those who choose to stay at a Phuket beach resort can choose from a variety of options such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand which offers guests the option of residing in their own private villa with a private pool and a spectacular view of the ocean. Complete with these private sanctuaries, this is one such resort you will not soon forget.

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+

Enjoying Fun Elephant Shows in Bangkok

Posted on by

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok offers an exciting sightseeing adventure that can be enjoyed for the entire family. Part of the excitement of this destination is the chance to take the whole family to fascinating elephant shows. Before setting off to such shows make sure to find a Bangkok hotel that enjoys a central location such as Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. One of the leading hotels Bangkok has to offer, this well placed property provides easy access to main shopping and business centres as well.

If you are looking for a place to watch elephant shows make sure to plan a trip to the Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo which is in the Nakhon Pathom province. A popular draw amongst locals and foreign visitors alike, this well known attraction also features a thrilling crocodile wrestling show. However, the main draw are the elephants who engage in a variety of activities that are bound to have young and old alike in fits of laughter. There is an enactment of a great battle scene featuring elephants and riders, while the sight of these gentle giants dancing and playing football are among the many performances at the show that will entertain the entire family.

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+

Glasgow Doors Open Day – Celebrating a Rich Heritage

Posted on by

The Glasgow Doors Open Day is an annual heritage day celebrated in Scotland during the third weekend in September. It is a unique and popular event as it allows the public to explore the finest buildings, streets, parks and architecture of the city. This amazing event takes place throughout Scotland and it is organized by the Scottish Civic Trust.

The Glasgow Doors Open Day began in 1990 and it has since grown in popularity, welcoming many visitors to the city. Its main aim is to showcase Glasgow’s remarkable history and looks to strengthen the pride and awareness among Glaswegians, while also broadening the public perspective of the rich built heritage. So for those who are interested in discovering the beauty of Scotland, Glasgow Doors Open Day is the ideal event for you. The best part is its all free. This outstanding event promotes Glaswegian architecture and attracts a wide audience to this truly beautiful city.

With so much to discover the Glasgow Doors Open Day includes walks, tours, discussions and various other events organized specially for those who come to celebrate the city’s unique heritage. Stunning trips known as “doon the watter” along the waterfront, guided walks across the gorgeous city and the unveiling of the “Glasgow House” are few of the highlights of this breathtaking event.

A visit to this city full of enchanting buildings and ancient structures, will definitely offer a unique insight into its history. This is the perfect opportunity for architecture lovers to explore Glasgow’s most exciting and interesting buildings and soak up some local culture as well.

While you discover this elegant country and its amazing heritage stay at one of the comfy 4 star UK hotels that will offer amazing UK hotel specials as well, helping to make your holiday even more worthwhile. Among the vast array of hotel choices the best option would be a stay at properties belonging to Millennium & Copthorne Hotels UK which provide an amazing experience to travellers. This reputed name in the hospitality industry also has a property in the Glasgow city centre, Millennium Hotel Glasgow, which provides easy access to many famous attractions and sites of interest.

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+

Celebrating Ramazan in Oman

Posted on by

Considered the holy month of fasting, Ramazan or Ramadan as it is also referred to, is a sacred time for Muslims the world over including in Oman. Those heading to the sultanate and looking for well placed Oman hotels from which to soak up the local culture during this time can consider Ruwi Hotel Muscat. Conveniently located in the heart of the capital, this hotel in Muscat provides easy access to the city and is a great place from which to begin your adventures.

As in other Muslim countries, in Oman too fasting begins from sunrise and lasts till sunset. It is a time of prayer and reflection and is followed by all Muslims. Business hours during this period are often shortened or altered. Social gatherings and meetings usually take place in the evenings, coinciding with the break of the fast. During this time it is customary for families to come together and share in a meal. The breaking of the fast is when a wide range of dishes are prepared and served including those that are specially made for Ramazan. These include traditional dishes such as ‘fatta’ which features bread made from unleavened dough served with a vegetable and meat dish and ‘sakhana’ which is a kind of sweet soup that consists of milk, wheat and molasses.

 

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+