Author Archives: caleb

International Wimbledon Music Festival – Classical Music in London

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London, the English capital, is home to some of the world’s most instantly recognisable landmarks. From the Prime Minister’s residence at Downing Street to Big Ben and the Buckingham Palace, there is no dearth of attractions to explore. Although the city may have a reputation for being somewhat straitlaced, London is fun and full of energy. The city has a calendar packed full of events and visitors will always find something interesting to do.

The International Wimbledon Music Festival is an annual event that was held for the fourth time in 2012. The festival celebrates classical music and has performances by a variety of famous artists. It was started in 2009 with just twelve events on the schedule. That number increased to eighteen the following year. The most recent edition in 2012 featured twenty three events and performances by internationally renowned artists. The concert events are generally held in historic buildings across London, so one not only gets to enjoy a world class performance but also a wonderful setting.

Dates and artists for 2013 have not been announced yet. However, those interested can check out the official website for more information and updates. Tourists who will not be able to attend the International Wimbledon Music Festival need not worry as there are plenty of live performances held in the city throughout the year that they can attend.

Although it is such a large city, getting around London’s thirty two boroughs will not be too difficult thanks to the excellent public transport system. Not only is the public transport system efficient and extensive, it is also easy to use making navigating the sprawling metropolis a somewhat easy task. One can also use special tour buses that stop at various attractions within the city.

In London one can find different types of accommodation catering to varying budgets. Those who want to stay at a luxury hotel London can try The Halkin London. This London boutique hotel enjoys a convenient location and provides elegantly decorated rooms that come with all the best modern amenities. Whether one is on business or leisure, this is a terrific place to stay and offers a truly memorable experience at this historic city.

Chingay Parade 2013- A Celebration of traditional dance

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Singapore is a country full of vibrant celebrations throughout the year. When you are planning your vacation, remember to do your Singapore hotel reservation prior to your arrival to enjoy a hassle free holiday. Conveniently located in the main city, Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore is a first-class Singapore city centre hotel available for the visitors to the city. If you are in Singapore this February, do not miss the colourful Chingay Parade 2013 which was started in 1973 and today has become a multi-cultural festival with the participation of Malays and Hindus. Traditional Chinese performances such as stilt walking, acrobatic acts and dragon dances are among the much loved events during the Chingay parade.

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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NATAS Travel 2013- Plan your next holiday with NATAS

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Biggest_ever_Natas_travel_fair_next_week-topImage (1)Singapore is more than a business hub or a holiday getaway. This rapidly growing commercial city has something to keep everyone happy. When you are planning your next holiday, do not forget to reserve your 4 star hotel Singapore prior to your arrival. M Hotel Singapore which is known as a top Singapore city hotel is a highly recommended choice available to all the visitors vacationing in the city. NATAS Travel 2013 is another event organized annually which gives the opportunity to all the tour operators and travel agents to promote the world’s best travel destinations to the holiday makers planning their vacations overseas. Be it a romantic getaway, family holiday or a spine-chilling adventure, NATAS Travel 2013 will let you discover all the available options under one roof and plan it according to your wish.

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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Nyepi Festival – A Festival of ‘Silence’

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Located on the western end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, is the Indonesian province of Bali. Known for being home to a wealth of traditional as well as modern art, dance and music, Bali is an island rife with colour and culture. It is also a major tourist destination owing to its booming hospitality industry, scenic beauty, and cultural and recreational attractions.images (13)

The major religion in Bali is Hinduism, and thus is a major platform for various Hindu festivals and customs. One of the most unique festivals celebrated in Bali is the Nypei Festival. Nyepi, literally translates to ‘silence’, and is connected to the celebration of the New Year according to the Saka calendar. Although typically a Hindu holiday, this unique event is celebrated by almost every person on the island regardless of their religion.

Usually celebrated in the month of March, the Nyepi Festival is unique in terms of the customs and traditions attached to. The day prior to the Nyepi Festival is full of noise and activity, consisting of colourful parades and purification rituals performed to cast away evil spirits at the dawn of the New Year. However it is not named after ‘silence’ for no reason, as traditions demand that the entire province be silent during the festival! Therefore there is no traffic or activity during this time, and people try to stay indoors as much as possible.

Cooking and even setting any sort of fire is prohibited during this festival. So, all entertainment, shopping and general activities are virtually halted on this day. Thus the Nyepi Festival is not exactly a tourist attraction, although many tourists are intrigued by this distinctive event. It is a rather unique and rare thing to witness an entire province brought to a halt, with only quietness and peacefulness being present due to a festival. The 2013 Nyepi Festival falls of the 13th of March, so if you are interested in witnessing this unique event, head on over to Bali during this time.

images (14)For a tranquil and memorable experience in an award winning Bali spa resort, make a reservation at COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. This resort offers accommodation in a range of blissful villas and suites, coupled with warm service and hospitality. The resort also offers a variety of wellness and leisure facilities making one of the most recommendable Bali spa resorts.

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Witness Bali’s Age Old Ancestor Tribute Traditions at the Colorful Kuningan Festival

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images (9)Renowned as a holiday Mecca for the masses, Indonesia’s tourist capital is no ordinary city in Asia. Abound with natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage the Balinese are a group of people entrenched in their traditional way of life with every occasion in the cycle from birth to death marked with rituals as ancient as time itself. This preoccupation with marking and celebrating every significant event in the natural world as well as life is such a part of the Balinese identity that folk life in the country would be bereft without the age old customs and wisdom passed on from generation to generation. The Galungan Festival is one of Bali’s most prestigious religious and cultural mêlées marked in Wuku years. Taking centre stage for 10 consecutive days the festival pays homage to the all powerful deity Sanghyang Widi and all heavenly benefactors and culminates with a festival as colorful as the one that precedes it. Dubbed the Kuningan Festival the final day of the Galungan period is celebrated with what is deemed as the most significant day in the entire festival.

The Sakenan Temple on Serangan Island also known as Turtle Island is the centerpiece of the celebrations during Kuningan as all Balinese Hindus gather at the venue for three days for the event. Dressed in traditional costumes the pilgrims flock to what is perhaps one of the largest temples in all of Bali to commemorate Kuningan and engage in religious customs paying tribute to ancestors who have graced earth since the beginning of the Galungan and must return to their heavenly abode. Gratitude is also paid to the deities who have also descended from heaven and granted the human race many bountiful gifts as well as mercy in the year that passed.images (10)

The festival is marked across Bali by the yellow cloth clad Penjor (bamboo pole) placed at the entrance of each village home which transforms from a white flagged pole to one bearing yellow hued flag signaling prosperity. A colorful procession is also part of the celebrations which welcomes visitors to take part in the festivities or simply observe the goings on at close quarters.

Travellers on the lookout for luxurious Bali spa resorts will find no alternative to the comfort of COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. Offering guests a breathtaking hideaway complete with therapeutic spa treatments this Bali spa resort pulls out all the stops when it comes to vacationing in style.

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Chinese New Year in Singapore – The Grandest Chinese Festival of Singapore

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Located off the tip of Malaysia is the bustling nation of Singapore. Considered to be one of the most developed and urban nations in the Southeast Asian region, Singapore serves as a hub for the financial and economic system of the region. Due to its many vibrant shopping districts and complexes, recreational attractions, and cultural landmarks, it is also one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

The majority of Singapore’s population are Chinese, and therefore one of the most grandly celebrated festivals here is the Chinese New Year. This annual event, which is celebrated on the dawn of the new Lunar Year, is filled with rich traditions and customs which culminate in a vibrant, colourful and grand festival.

The Chinese New Year is one of the most eagerly anticipated cultural holidays in Singapore. The New Year is held in such high esteem, that the celebrations and traditions associated with it last the whole of 15 days! The festivities begin on the first day of the New Year, which is symbolically graced by the adornment of new clothes, and cleaning of households to ‘sweep away any ill fortune’. The streets are filled with families meeting each other or people just soaking up the jovial spirit of the New Year. Almost all the streets are decorated with traditional red lanterns and lights, which often contain the tantalizing aroma of the foods in the several street shops set up for the festivities.

There are also traditional Dragon Parades and Lion Dances during these celebrations. Chinatown in Singapore is one of the highlights of these celebrations, with grand decorations and many festivities. The grandest parade that takes place during this time is the Chingay Parade, which consists many elaborate floats and carnival-like street dances. The Chinese New Year dawns on February 10th for the Year 2013, so make sure you are a part of the celebrations!

Located in the city’s downtown area is The St. Regis Singapore, one of the most iconic and luxury 5 star hotels Singapore has to offer. Stay in one of the many different and stylish rooms or suites, while being pampered by world-class service. The hotel also offers a variety of restaurants, wellness facilities and many exciting guest services, making it one of the most dynamic luxury hotels Singapore.

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National Day – Celebrating Sri Lanka’s Birth as an Independent Nation

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Tipped to be one of the most popular public holidays in the island nation of Sri Lanka, the National Day celebrations is a commemorative occasion to mark the country’s independence from Britain. Having gained independence from the British Crown on that hallowed day in February, 1948 the national celebrations of Independence Day recount memories from the colonial era and the hard fought freedom from foreign rule that was won due to the sacrifices and foresight of many national heroes and iconic political forces. Falling on the 4th of February each year, the Independence Day of the island formerly known as Ceylon by its foreign rulers, is a grand occasion that celebrates the country’s progress in the post-colonial era and in modern times with larger than life parades, traditional folk items and flag hoisting ceremonies.

Watched by millions of Sri Lankan citizens on television and attended by the country’s political elite and foreign diplomatic mission representatives, the state celebration of Independence Day was conducted at the iconic Galle Face Green in Colombo till recent times but has been held in other major cities in the island in the past several years. This included hill capital Kandy while the 2012 state Independence Day celebrations were marked in the ancient citadel of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Following the program of Independence Day events that came before it, the celebrations included a televised speech by the country’s head of state President Mahinda Rajapakse who spoke on the challenges of the year ahead as well as the many strides towards development that have already taken place. He also paid tribute to the nation’s forces for their relentless service to the motherland. The speech was followed by a moment of silence for patriots and military personnel who lost their lives in the country’s civil war.

The procession begins with a show of military might as the various regiments of the country’s army, navy and air force take centre stage. Students from across the country performing traditional dance items are next in line along with marching bands from various local schools as well as cultural items that reflect the ethnic diversity of the island. The 2012 edition included 45 such cultural performances in the parade while a religious ceremony was conducted nearby with the participation of 300 invitees including religious leaders.

Travellers in search of elegant resorts in Bentota should look no further than the stylish Avani Bentota Resort for all their accommodation needs. Offering guests a resplendent Bentota hotel in a scenic seaside location, this luxurious rest pulls out all the stops when it comes to idyllic beach holidays in Sri Lanka.

Nouvel An Chinois – Celebrating the Chinese New Year in the City of Lights!

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Nouvel An Chinois or the Chinese New Year is celebrated across the world including in the capital of France, Paris. An ideal way to soak up the atmosphere of this festival and the city’s many attractions is by staying at a luxury hotel Paris such as Le Royal Monceau Paris. Located near the iconic Champs-Elysées, this 5 star hotel Paris lets you enjoy the very best the city has to offer, from luxury accommodation to fine dining. Those visiting during the time of the annual Chinese New Year should make their way to the Chinatown area which can be found in the 13th arrondissement. During the festival period you will find the shops, restaurants and houses in the area adorned in a variety of decorations including red lanterns and flags. One of the best things to witness here is the parade which features dancing, firecrackers and not forgetting dragon dances!0

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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New Year’s Eve – Celebrating a New Beginning!

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Celebrated around the world on January 1st, New Year’s Day is an event that attracts much revelry and partying the world over. It is a time of year when people band together regardless of country, class or creed and join hands to face the new dawn and the endless possibilities it will bring. The event is generally marked by lighting fireworks at the magical stroke of midnight as the night sky is lit up with a dazzling array of lights.

Each country however, has special ways to celebrate this occasion. In America, one of the most popular places for festivities is Times Square in New York City where you can countdown the famous ball drop.

In China such major cities as Beijing and Shanghai give you a chance to enjoy a wide range of festivities. Musical concerts which can be witnessed in such venues as the Solana Blue Harbour Shopping Park in Beijing, while not to be missed is taking in cultural performances that can be viewed at the iconic Temple of Heaven.

When in Hong Kong during the New Year make sure to make your way to such areas as Causeway Bay which offer stunning views of the harbour at night. Also worth seeing is the show spectacular known as the Symphony of Lights as well as the pyrotechnics that can be seen on the Two International Finance Centre.

In the capital of Japan, Tokyo, well known celebrations points include Shibuya crossing and Minato’s Zojoji Temple. A distinctive element of the festivities at the Zojoji Temple involves people releasing balloons filled with helium. The balloons generally have a message written with good wishes for the coming year.

A great way to herald in the season is by staying at luxury hotels such as those offered by Peninsula Hotels which offer a truly stylish and sophisticated setting along with the very best in stylish comforts. These five star hotels can be found in key destinations around the world including New York, Beijing, Tokyo and Hong Kong, each offering a truly memorable base where you can come together and share the love with your fellow brother and sister from around the world.

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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Kuala Lumpur Festival – A Celebration of Culture!

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Boasting a rich history, Malaysia offers a truly unforgettable holiday adventure and those wanting to experience the country’s rich heritage should definitely visit during the annual Kuala Lumpur Festival. The best way to experience the very best of what the country has to offer is by choosing from tour packages to Malaysia offered by such reputed travel specialists as Paradise Vacations. Their special holiday packages cater to your specific needs and budgets. Featuring traditional and international cultural performances in the capital, the Kuala Lumpur Festival takes place in numerous venues across the city. Be it traditional songs, classical music concerts, plays or even exotic local cuisine, you can enjoy them all at this festival. From Chinese Opera to traditional dance and shadow puppetry to dancing contests, the Kuala Lumpur Festival has it all!

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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