Author Archives: caleb

Shanghai Film Festival – A Celebration of Chinese Cinema

Posted on by

Much like the country itself, Chinese cinema is ever evolving and today offers viewers a unique insight into a variety of themes. A celebration of film, the Shanghai Film Festival is one of the largest of such events in Asia and provides movie buffs a chance to see some of the latest cinematic creations. When in the city for this festival make sure you find centrally located accommodation Shanghai has to offer such as Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai. These serviced apartments Shanghai can be found in the Huangpu District and lets you enjoy the best in business, entertainment and shopping.

Attracting filmmakers the world over, the Shanghai Film Festival or SIFF also showcases the best in Chinese films. The film competitions held here include the handing out of the Golden Goblet Awards for best film, best actor and actress and best director. The judging panel for these awards are made up of well known personalities connected to cinema from the world over. There is also a Film Forum where filmmakers can share ideas, while the International Film Panorama gives you a chance to see cutting edge world cinema.

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+

Dragon Boat Races Festival – Row, Row, Row the Dragon Boat!

Posted on by

The Asian tourism stalwart is very much like the rest of Asia when it comes to cultural and traditional rites, festivals and ceremonies. With a multiethnic population residing within its geographically limited, multifaceted shores, Singapore is always celebrating something or the other. The Dragon Boat Race is considered one of the biggest water sports festivals in the country and you will find that the locals know to mix serious competition and rivalry with merriment and fun.

The tradition of racing in dragon boats commenced over twenty centuries ago in the south of China, now it has spread all over the world and is practiced in the Caribbean, the Americas and Africa as well. The original human powered craft was made out of teak wood and the races were always mixed with religious observances. With the advent of time, Hong Kong was the first to give the sport a commercial boost and make it an internationally acclaimed sporting festival. However, the sport first gained international recognition at the Olympics held in Greece many centuries ago.

The crew of a dragon boat comprises a drummer, steerer and paddlers and the drummer’s role is much like that of a coxswain in modern day rowing; someone who keeps the momentum going and directs the paddlers in addition to having a ceremonial presence. The steerer turns the boat as instructed by the drummer and the paddlers power the movement.

The annual festival held in Singapore draws teams from around the world to a colourful water front on Bedok Reservoir just east of the city for a day filled with cheering, drumming, chanting and fun. Each dragon boat has its own unique tints and decorations as selected by its crew and the dragon head at the helm of the boat is bathed and purified before launching on the spree.

Make a Singapore hotel reservation well in time to attend the sports festival and it is best that you choose a Singapore city centre hotel as you will be able to visit the other host of attractions in Singapore quite easily too. Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore makes an ideal base for your travels and lets you truly enjoy the sights and sounds the city has to offer.

The Laguna Phuket International Marathon – Race Across Paradise

Posted on by

Tipped to be one of Thailand’s most coveted marathon events to date the Laguna Phuket International Marathon is set to take place for the 8th consecutive year in 2013. Due to start on the 9th of June, 2013 this year’s marathon will catapult the 7th edition by leaps and bounds with an impressive 5000 runners and walkers gearing up to take on the challenge. The 2012 Laguna Phuket International Marathon attracted over 4000 athletes and was deemed a great success in terms of the race’s record which improves with each marathon season.

A red letter event that is sanctioned and approved by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races the race takes place in one of the most breathtaking environments in the world with the picture postcard perfect coastlines of Phuket providing the backdrop. Commencing and closing at Laguna Phuket the race’s course is approximately 42 kms and is open to anyone above the age of 18. Those aged 16 and over can take part in the half marathon which is only 21km in length while 13 year olds can take part in the 10.5km race. The 5km walk on the other hand is open to all age groups while runners can register online till June 1st, 2013 when registration concludes till the starting day.

The schedule for the marathon includes picking up the race kit as well as engaging in last minute registration processes at designated times on the 7th and 8th of June. Kicking off from the Y shaped junction near the entrance of Laguna Beach the marathon’s course heads out of the Laguna area and veers towards small villages located in the north. Passing rubber estates and pineapple plantations the course of the marathon lets runners absorb the rich natural heritage of Phuket and the beauty of its natural environment before looping around in the final 10km to return to Laguna.

Supportive care for runners is available all along the route including water stations every 2km offering fruits and water bottles while isotonic drinks are available from 12.5km and beyond. Bathrooms facilities, medical amenities as well as kilometre markers are also available for the convenience of participants.

Travellers in search of a breathtaking Patong beach resort can stay at Millennium resort Patong Phuket. Providing guests with the best in modern amenities this elegant Phuket resort offers a truly rewarding holiday experience on this enchanting 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.

Google+

Hong Kong Book Fair 2013 – Mingling Amidst the Manuscripts

Posted on by

Hong Kong annually sees a boatload of bookworms who flock to experience the various styles of books that the Hong Kong book fair has to offer. The event which is grandly held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai is a colossal summer event that the country organizes. It attracts nonfiction lovers and fiction fans in large numbers, which reached an approximate number of one million in the year 2012. The event will be held from the 17th to the 23rd of July, 2013. Tickets would be available at the venue on whichever day that you plan to visit.

For all the book lovers who simply go berserk at the sight of books, there is no need to fear buying too many books, because the book fair offers a service of delivering the books you purchased right to your doorstep. The annual event is a wonderland to all reading enthusiasts as it offers books from children’s classics, to modern novels, to science fiction and many other exciting themes to choose from as well as multimedia products and various items of stationery.

With 23 years of experience, Hong Kong puts up a spectacular show in which you could spend even an entire day, as it includes a special passage for children and food and beverages. Though it may seem to most that the objective of the event is to promote reading for all ages, another motive is to improve public morale through books of varied values. As an added benefit, the fair has been a strong cause of tourism development in the country.

If you are planning on visiting the book fair, make a reservation at a Hong Kong hotel well in advance for a record breaking number is expected this year subsequent to the influx of visitors that was seen the previous year. A bit of research will reveal that a Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong is one good option to consider. Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong is one such option and makes an ideal base as you head off on your many adventures and soak up the sights and sounds of this truly fascinating part of the city.

 

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+

Communic Asia – Information Technology & Communication to the Fore

Posted on by

Setting the stage for bringing to the world arena the latest in technological and communication trends, CommunicAsia is held annually in Singapore and also provides a unique opportunity for those in the ICT field to exchange and share ideas. The event is generally held in June and those visiting during this time and looking for a centrally located 4 star hotel Singapore has to offer can choose M Hotel Singapore. This Singapore city hotel in the Financial District lets you enjoy the very best the city has to offer.

Considered the biggest integrated information communication technology event in Asia, CommunicAsia draws participants from around the world who showcase their latest innovations. Past participants have included Samsung, Skype, LG and Research in Motion to name a few. Apart from product launches which are always fun, the event also features forums and discussions on a broad spectrum of topics which help to offer key insight into modern trends and also point to where the industry is headed to in the future.

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+

Audi Fashion Festival 2013 – Setting the Trend

Posted on by

Fashionistas rejoice, for the Audi Fashion Festival 2013 is nearly upon us and promises to bring the best and latest fashion trends and designer names to Singapore yet again! Scheduled to take place from the 15th to the 19th of May, this festival will be held at the Marina Promenade and those in search of a Singapore city hotel from which to attend this prestigious event can stay at M Hotel Singapore. This 4 star hotel Singapore has to offer can be found in the Financial District and is perfect for those looking to mix business with pleasure.

The Audi Fashion Festival 2013 will take place on a waterfront location which will add to its allure along with the fact that some of the world’s hottest designers and international models will be attending. This year’s theme “Crafting the Future” will bring cutting edge designs to the fore and will feature Asian and international designers. Past editions have had such brands as Marc by Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Lacroix and even local designer Raoul. With the Audi Fashion Festival 2013 also hosting glamorous after-parties and red-carpet events, it is bound to offer an unforgettable fashion fiesta!

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+

Vesak Festival – a bright and holy festival

Posted on by

Vesak is celebrated by Buddhist all around the world. The festival falls on the full moon day of May each year. This is celebrated to commemorate some of the important events in the life of Lord Buddha, the teacher of Buddhism. These events namely are the birth of Prince Siddhartha, the enlightenment of Lord Buddha and the passing away of Lord Buddha which occurred over 2500 years.

Countries like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia celebrates this festival in a very high calibre. People in Sri Lanka get ready for this event months ahead. On the day of Vesak temples are full of people who are observing sill. Most of the roads are covered with Buddhist flags which sway in the wind creating a very charming effect. By night people who did not observe sill go to temples wearing all white to offer flowers, light lamps and incense sticks for Lord Buddha.

From the day time free food will be offered from places called “Dansal”. Special main meals like rice with a few curries are common during day time. People stay in queues to get into these dansal. One should at least try these once. In the evening and in the night the most common things to be served are the free soft drinks, sago and ice-cream; little children crowd around these places with their parents to get a free treat.

All the Buddhist houses will be decorated with lanterns made from bamboo, and also a Buddhist flag in every house is a common site. The street lights are not required on this day because these lanterns illuminate a serene light and create a unique atmosphere. Special lantern competitions are organized in several places of the country. You can witness the creativity of the Sri Lankan people by visiting one of these competitions. Some of these lanterns are so amazingly beautiful. Pandols are created in different places; they are all based on different jathaka stories, which display previous births of Lord Buddha. The lights switching on and off on the pandol in different patterns are amazing to watch.

The best way to experience this event is to use a Sri Lanka car rental, one of the top companies that provide this service is Malkey Rent a Car. This company even provides airport transfers Sri Lanka.

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+

The amazing Kuda Eid Festival in Maldives

Posted on by

Anantara Dhigu Maldives a Maldives Resort offers spacious luxury accommodation facilities to all guests. Accommodation in Maldives would be brilliant with more classy places like Anantara Dhigu Maldives. Maldives is a 100% Muslim country. So all Islamic festivals are celebrated in a higher key in these islands.

One of the richly celebrated festivals is the Kuda Eid Festival. Also known as Fithru Eid this festival marks the end of Ramadan which takes place throughout one whole month. The Kuda Eid Festival lasts for three days at a stretch. On the first day people o to the mosque early in the morning and seek for blessings. Later on hearty feasts are conducted with the gatherings of relatives and friends. Special offerings are done to the poor and needy people during this time. Traditional dances are performed by people in the rural areas, making the festival more exciting and colourful.

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+

Autumn Festival of Arrowtown – A Celebration of Red and Gold!

Posted on by

Of all the seasons, autumn is one of the most magical given its resounding colour schemes and crisp weather in many parts of the world.

In New Zealand, Arrowtown was once a gold mining town that emerged in 1862. The miners and settlers who arrived in the town from all across the world planted many deciduous trees of European origin, resulting in the fact that every year around April the leaves of these trees burst into riotous red and gold hues, which in turn sets the entire surrounding scenery on “fire”!

This change of scenery and colour is greeted and celebrated with much pomp and pageant by the residents of Arrowtown each year, for the past 28 years since the inception of the Arrowtown Autumn Festival in 1985. What started out on a somewhat small scale, has since then become a full blown festival with over 50 individual events, spread out over 10 days that attract both locals and foreigners from near and far.

The street parade is a must see and people throng each side of the road in a bid to be a cheering part of the crowd. The Buckingham Belles event during lunch time is also a crowd pleaser. Rousing up the crowd is the arrow miners’ band that plays on an old red truck. Apart from these type of showpieces, there are traditionally held festivals that coincide with the Autumn Festival such as the long standing Art Exhibition, Vintage Car Exhibition, the Grand Variety Concert, Arrowtown Entertainers Musical and the Shotover Country Music Concert. Each year new events and programmes are added in a bid to keep the festival fresh and appealing. Many locals have always volunteered, contributed or been a part of some aspect of the festival.

If you enjoy unusual events with old school charm together with unsurpassable surrounding natural beauty then the Arrowtown Autumn Festival is certainly for you. If you hope to visit and look out for a Queenstown hotel you can be assured of being centrally located. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is an ideal option and is a much sort after luxury hotel Queenstown that makes an ideal base for your travels to this picturesque part of New Zealand.

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+

King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, a unique contest

Posted on by

Ever since its commencement in 2001, the enthralling King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament in Thailand has acquired a reputation as a unique and highly entertaining sporting event. Visitors from across the globe visit the country to observe this amazing display of common endeavour from human and elephant.

The proceeds of the tournament are donated to charity, primarily for the overall benefit of elephants in Thailand. As one might expect in an event organized for this objective, the welfare of the elephants who take part is considered to be of paramount importance. Stringent guidelines have been implemented to ensure that the pachyderms are humanely treated at all times. This can be achieved effectively as Thailand uses a sophisticated system of micro-chipping all legitimate domesticated pachyderms, so that all elephants in the tournament must have been bred domestically and not acquired from the forests or illegally transported from neighbouring nations.

The spectacle of these massive creatures engaging in this captivating sport is always a memorable experience. It is amazing to witness these immensely powerful creatures obediently and with apparent enjoyment obeying the commands of their riders in this good-natured competition. The welfare of the elephants is always of supreme importance and any rider who abuses his or her elephant is penalized severely.

For this yearly event 24 young healthy elephants are given a break from their regular occupations and employed for the polo competition. The selected elephants are kept in a comfortable forest setting and provided with the best nutrition possible. They are also given a comprehensive veterinary screening to ensure that they are suitable for the competition.

The King’s Cup Tournament has taken place annually for a decade, having evolved from a minor two-day contest to an extravaganza lasting a week and featuring a dozen teams from across the globe with up to 40 players from 15 nations or more. With its international fame and renown this event is set to move from strength to strength and will appeal to anyone who has an interest in pachyderms or keen sporting competition.

Discerning visitors to the country seeking Chiang Rai hotels will be pleased by Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand. This fine hotel Chiang Rai offers provides excellent accommodations and attentive service.

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+