Travelling to Qatar – A Few Insider Tips

Traveling to Qatar promises an exciting blend of modernity and tradition, offering travelers a unique cultural experience. As you prepare for your journey, it’s essential to keep a few key tips in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. From understanding local customs and dress codes to navigating the public transportation system, these practical guidelines will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant Middle Eastern country.

img via ficker

 

The Art of Qahwa
In Qatari culture, sharing coffee holds significant social importance, embodying the nation’s renowned hospitality. Coffee is so deeply ingrained in Qatari traditions that declining a cup is considered impolite. The beverage is customarily served from a traditional pot called a ‘dallah’ and poured into a small, delicate cup known as a ‘finjaan’.

The Rules of Dinner
In Qatari culture, hosting guests for communal meals is a fundamental tradition, forming the cornerstone of family and social life. It’s important to note that locals pass food using only their right hand, a gesture that will undoubtedly leave a favourable impression on Qatari hosts. For an authentic Qatari dining experience, Shay Al Shoomos in Souq Waqif comes highly recommended. Here, guests can savour a variety of local delicacies such as margoga.

The Holy Month
Ramadan spans 30 days each year and commences and concludes based on the sighting of the Moon. This holy month is observed by Muslims in Qatar and globally, serving as a period of prayer, community, and fasting. At the end of Ramadan, everyone gathers for Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion marked by feasting, storytelling, and games.

Dress Appropriately
Qatar maintains a relaxed dress code, though it’s advised for both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. If you’re looking to relax in a swimsuit and soak up some sun, there are numerous options available, such as the many private hotel pools, beaches, or a serviced residence in Doha such as the likes of the Somerset Al Mansoura Doha

Celebrating Easter In Macau – A city filled with hope

Easter is a festival that brings hope to the entire world! There is a much stronger sense of hope in Macau at this time of the year. It just might have something to do with a significant history associated with this day. Here are a few reasons why Macau is one of the best places to visit for Easter.

 

 

Easter Traditions

When it comes to Easter, the people of Macau find joy in taking part in the Easter traditions. As is the norm, believers take part in mass and especially the procession of the passion of Christ from the church premises around Sedona city and back.

 

Easter Orchestra

The premises of St. Dominic’s church situated in the historic centre of the country is a buzz when it’s time for the Easter Orchestral performance here. This is the place witness the best local talent. The music is sure to get one’s religious spirit rising with a jaw-dropping performance!

 

Nam Van Lake Waterfront

This fun place for family and friends to hang out is located just an 8-minute drive away from many luxury hotels in Macau. Anim’Arte encourages local artists to create their own Easter egg artwork to be displayed in the outdoors here.

 

Enjoy the cuisine

Easter is also a time for family and friends to get together. Also, Easter brunch is quite popular even at hotels like Hotel Okura Macau with fun kid’s activities and a scrumptious spread of food!

Koh Samui for Christmas and New Year – Seasonal cheer is in the air

Since Christianity isn’t a popular religion in Thailand, Christmas may not come across as unconventional in this country. New Year, on the other hand, is a celebration that goes big in the local community.

Tropical Christmas

Christmas may not be an official holiday in Thailand, nevertheless, the day is celebrated even though not on a grand scale. What’s unique in Koh Samui is that Christmas has a tropical feel to it rather than the usual wintery feel. If you are curious to know if Santa visits Koh Samui, well, he certainly does and in the most eccentric ways at that!

 

Things to know

Since the rains hit Thailand in November, this weather condition can carry on to December as well. However, the weather may gradually turn out better towards the end of December. In case you were wondering about the Christmassy atmosphere in hotels, Chaweng beach resorts will be decked up just as in other parts of the world.

 

New Year’s Eve

Kho Samui is one of the busiest places in Thailand when the time for New Year’s Eve draws near. Be it a simple drink, a romantic night or an out of this world New Year’s Eve party, Koh Samui has it all.

 

Fabulous Celebrations

Almost every bar and beach restaurant in town will all be prepped and ready for a big celebration. Even hotels like Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort will be hosting their gala events as well.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Hari Raya Celebrations in Malaysia – A colourful festival

The end of the Ramadan months signals the beginning of a festival called Hai Raya Puasa in Malaysia. With most of the population in the country being Muslims, the festivities are celebrated in on a grand scale. Here are some facts about Hari Raya Puasa.

Hari Raya Celebrations | Image Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/84493444@N00">William Cho</a>, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hari_Raya_@_The_City_2009_(3826110389).jpg">Hari Raya @ The City 2009 (3826110389)</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY-SA 2.0</a>

Hari Raya Celebrations | Image Credit: William Cho, Hari Raya @ The City 2009 (3826110389), CC BY-SA 2.0

Before the feast

Ramadan is said to be the 9th month on the Islamic colander is also one of the holiest months for Muslims. During this period, the devotees avoid eating, drinking and smoking during the day. This act of fasting and abstinence is for one to learn good virtues like patience, humility and spirituality while surrendering oneself to Allah. The period of fasting begins at dawn and ends at 4 pm.

Prayer time

During this one month of fasting, Muslims take an extra effort to engage in religious practices. The holiest act that a Muslim can do during this period is to read the Qur’an daily. Tarawih is a recital that includes reading all 30 sections of the Qur’an while at the mosque. It is imperative that the entire Qur’an has been recited throughout the month.

Getting ready

Preparing for Hari Raya means buying new clothes, spring cleaning and cooking up delicious food. Special foods such as dates, lemang (glutinous rice and coconut milk steamed inside bamboo sticks), ketupat (glutinous rice wrapped in weaved pandan leaves). The faithful serve themselves quite a large plate when breaking fast. All kinds of unique foods are sold at fairs only at this time of the year.

Celebrations

The ending of Ramadan is decided by looking at the moon. On the day of celebration, Muslims wake up before dawn and pray, afterwards, they dress up in brand new clothes and take part in special morning rituals. Once this is done, breakfast is served at home and then starts all the fun. If you will be in Malaysia in time for the festivities, try out the Ramadan buffet 2018 in hotels like The Westin Kuala Lumpur to get a taste of one-of-a-kind delicacies served.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

A Valentine Well Spent in Bali – Why this Island is the Pinnacle of Tropical Romance

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, especially where the tropics are concerned. If you’re seeking a romantic getaway, this island landscape has much to offer.

Pura Taman Ayun

This beautiful temple garden complex is one Bali’s most treasured attractions and renowned across the world for its exotic beauty and tranquil ambiance. It is a place brimming with adventure as well as beauty.

File:1 pura taman ayun bali 2011.jpg

chensiyuan, 1 pura taman ayun bali 2011, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tanah Lot

This refers to a spectacular rock formation that rises out of the sea just off the beach in Tabanan. The name itself means “Land in the Sea”. The landmass was apparently discovered in the 16th century by a Hindu traveller, and eventually, a shrine and temple were built.

File:Pura Tanah Lot.jpg

Flickr user: Jos Dielis https://www.flickr.com/photos/dielis/, Pura Tanah Lot, CC BY 2.0

Ubud Monkey Forest

You don’t always discover a nature reserve and a Hindu temple complex in the same place, but this is the case of the Ubud Monkey Forest, which boasts over 600 Crab-Eating Macaques, and a beautiful Hindu temple complex from the 1300s. It’s easy to access from almost any Bali resort hotel such as the likes of Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort.

File:Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 03.JPG

Saranabhi, Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 03, CC BY-SA 3.0

Horseback Riding in Tegalang

Tegallalang is one of the most beautiful and lushly forested destinations in Bali, and experiencing the beauty of this region on horseback along with your partner is bound to be an unforgettable experience.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession – Experience an 800-year-old Phenomenon

Thailand is a nation that is full of all kinds of colourful festivities and celebrations. One particular occurrence that will definitely take your breath away is the Royal Barge Procession.

The Beginning

It is not entirely clear when the first royal barge procession took place, but it is widely believed to have been sometime in the 14th century during the Ayutthaya Period. There are many accounts from foreign visitors during this time of grand processions featuring ‘200 boats’.

Modern Processions

There is no concrete date when these processions take place, but are instead used to mark special ceremonies and occurrences. During the reign of the late King Rama IX, a total of 16 royal barge processions were conducted.

Major and Minor Processions

Depending on the occasion, the scale of the procession would change. Major processions are arranged into five rows while minor processions are much smaller in scale and feature less variety where barges are concerned as well.

Route

The procession goes along the Chao Phraya River, commencing from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place and concluding at Wat Arun. This route is quite popular with Bangkok cruises and if you arrange one from an entity such as Anantara Cruises during the time of the procession, it’ll be an experience you won’t forget.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

New Years Eve on Krabi Beach – End the Year with a Bang!

When it comes to New Year’s Eve Krabi has plenty to put forward to travellers, from lush greens to busy markets.

Ride around

Hire a car or bicycle and head off. Krabi has amazing scenery, and a bike ride is the best way to truly enjoy it all. From the lush green forests to limestone karsts that jut out from the deep sea, it’s a sight for the sore eyes.

Now showing Photo, Cycling

Image Credit: Anantara Si Kao Resort

Warm dips

Located in a small jungle, close to the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, the hot springs are pools that have been created from the water in smooth rocks, with the hot water passing through volcanic chambers.

Beach parties

Beach parties are an obvious hit when it comes to New Year Eve plans and at Krabi resorts, it is no different. If you are staying at a property like Anantara Si Kao Resort, for example, all you have to do is ask your help desk for the hottest party spots of the night.

Ao Nang Beach

Walk to the beach after an amazing spa or warm dip, and stick around to watch the lanterns and wait for the clock to strike midnight. The spectacular fireworks display will leave you speechless as you welcome the year 2018 with joy.

Rocket, Red, Orange, Fireworks, New Year'S Eve

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Yas Marina Grand Prix – Home to Formula One

The Yas Marina Grand Prix, located in the busiest and one of the most advancing cities in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi attracts the world’s best racers every year to race on this world-class track.

 

Yas Marina Grand Prix | Img by: Rob Alter via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The Race

The Yas Marina Grand Prix is held every November where popular sporting stars such as Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastien Vettel and others head over to the track to race and try their luck at this circuit. As there are a number of tour packages to Dubai, do check how you can attend this star-studded sporting event.

Yas Island

Yas Island is a manmade island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The Yas Marina Circuit is the second in the Middle East that was constructed for Formula One.

About the track

The track measures a length of 5.554 km, with an area of 161.9 ha. The longest straight measures 1140 m.

Other attractions

If your trip is organized by a tour provider such as My Prime Trip Powered by Hemas Travels, some of the other attractions you can visit is Ferrari World; home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

 

 

 

 

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

The Vegetarian Festival of Phuket – A Festival to Honour the Nine Emperor Gods

The Vegetarian Festival of Phuket is an annual event that commences on the 20th of October 2017 and lasts a total of eight days.

What is it for?

The vegetarian festival celebrates the Chinese belief that refraining from the consumption of meat and other stimulants will help the believers in obtaining peace of mind and good health.

Origins

It is believed that a Chinese opera group contracted malaria while touring the island. Over the next few days, they adopted a vegetarian diet and prayed to the Nine Emperor Gods. After their prayers were answered, the locals celebrated with a festival to honour the Gods.

The Ceremonies

Some of the ceremonies which are held to please the gods include body piercing; with large rods, knives, skewers etc., firewalking and other self-mortification acts.

Where do these take place?

Each of these ceremonies takes places inside the six temples around Phuket; the main one being Jui Tui Shrine, located in the main town. As this is a popular time to visit Phuket, hotel deals are quite easy to find, especially at properties such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. If you’re planning to head here during this time, pre book your stay!

The Commitments

Those participating in the event are to abstain from consuming meat, alcohol and intercourse. Participants are required to ensure their body is clean and white attire is compulsory. People who are mourning, pregnant or menstruating are not allowed to attend or participate in the festival.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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DOHA KITE FESTIVAL- COLOURFUL KITES SWAYING AND SOARING IN THE WIND

Artists performing at the Aspire Kite Festival

Artists performing at the Aspire Kite Festival | Doha Stadium Plus Qatar via Flickr , (CC BY 2.0)

Doha, the Qatari capital is a blend of timeless, hallowed Qatari traditions and fast paced modern living. The city attracts visitors by the score who come to sightsee and absorb Qatari culture, manage business and take advantage of a city that is also a shopper’s paradise. Special events like the Doha Kite Festival are also big draws. Souq Waqif is a large souq in Doha selling spices, traditional clothes and many other goods and is home to many restaurants and Shisha Cafes. There are several Souq Waqif hotels and if you want to enjoy Doha with all comforts then the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels would be a suitable option.

Kite flying is an age old tradition in the Arabian Peninsula and in Qatar this tradition goes back over a 100 years. The modern Doha International Kite festival is a grand celebration of this timeless tradition. Professional kite making traditions are handed down from generation to generation and individual designs and motifs are integrated into kites. Katara is a cultural village Doha’s eastern coast and the area’steady winds are conducive to kite flying. The Doha Kite Festival is held in Katara annually. Beautiful and vibrant hued kites fill the sky and kites with lights make a stunning show.Indian, American,Japanese,Chinese and South Korean Kiting Pilot Teams display their prowess along with others from the world over. The Katara beachfront is clogged with kite vendors and customers and shops are open 24 hours a day. Families also make kites and set up small shops in their homes to sell them.

Along with the flying of kites many other cultural artistic events take place and both on the ground and in the air and its family fun time at the Doha Kite Festival. Vendors will hawk varied food including traditional Qatari and other Arabian food. There will be displays of traditional dance and live music will rend the air.Face painting and storytelling will thrill the kids. Visitors should get to Katara early for the Kite Festival to avoid traffic jams and parking problem.

META: Watch Doha skies become a kaleidoscope of colour with vibrant hued kites and enjoy fun events at the Doha Kite Festival.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+