Author Archives: maggie

Honouring the Sea God – Hung Shing Festival

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The Hung Shing festival held on the 13th day of the second lunar month is held in honour of the historical figure Hung Hei who once upon a time had been a respected astronomer and geographer who worked as the governor of Panyu in Guangdong province during the Tang dynasty. He was later on deified for the service rendered by him towards the merchants’ and fishermen of the province by making use of his extraordinary ability of predicting the weather. It is believed that even after his death, Hung Hei has continued to protect and guard the people of the province against natural disasters just as he had during the time that he was alive.

The festival celebrates the birthday of Hung Shing Tai Wong, the God of the Southern sea. Temples have been built along the South China coast by fishermen in order to venerate this saviour deity and to worship him. The celebrations are of an extremely festive nature as this is a festival that is full of song and dance. Dragon and lion dance performances parade the streets while various games and competitions too are organized along the way.

One unique competition held during the festival season is the Fa Pau competition. A firecracker is shot into the air and the villagers and the participants of the festivities are supposed to catch the firecracker while it’s falling. The person who succeeds in doing so gets to keep a floral wreath known as the Fa Pau. This person is believed to be blessed by Hung Shing and is therefore believed to have good luck and protection from Hung Shing all year round.

Festivities are particularly lively in the Ho Sheung Heung, a village that is believed to be more than 800 years old. The Hau Ku Shek Ancestral Hall is also a must-visit place in the village where the Hung Shing Temple and other ancient remains of this ancient location can be found.

While exploring this vibrant festival, it is advisable to seek out a good Hotel in Jordan Hong Kong to wind down during the stay. One of the Hong Kong Kowloon Hotel, The Langham Palace Mongkok Hong Kong offers luxurious suites to cater to the needs of even the most particular of all travellers. Explore and discover this wondrous festival in comfort.

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival – A Grand Inauguration of the season of Tourism

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Every year Krabi soars with life at the Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival. A cultural treat, this festival ornaments the city in a tasteful traditional sense. Krabi as it is makes the pinnacle of tourist attractions in Thailand. The beauty this little town boasts of is too much for words and every year hundreds of enthusiastic holiday makers fly to Thailand to bask in the breathtaking ambience of beautiful Krabi.

The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival has earned a name of popularity in Krabi. It is not just an artistic occasion; it is an insight into the origins and roots of Thailand. Krabi has a primary Indian influence. The Boek Fa Andaman has the charm and essence of Indian festivals that is exhibited in the color, style and magnificence, typical in Indian functions. Krabis Indian influence can also be widely seen in the culture and social life of the Krabi’s, their special occasions are always glittering with color and the above quoted festival is no exception. It is a festival that is adorned by Indian richness which is exhibited by a number of parades, cultural performances and musical shows. There are also a number of sea kayak competitions, boat races and local product sales in the festival. All in all the Festival is Krabi’s way of inaugurating the tourist season in the area and greeting its plethora of tourists.

The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is literally translated as the opening of the Andaman Sea. By opening it means welcoming and hence the festival shows a keen enthusiasm on serving its tourists. To enjoy the beautiful Krabi Boek Andaman try booking your holiday somewhere during the month of November for the festival is an annual event that takes place between the 16th and 18th of November.

After you are welcomed into the Krabi world you will be keen on thoroughly touring the city surroundings. While visiting the city, stay at the Anantara Si Kao Thailand. This Trang Resort is by far everybody’s favorite. Living up to the Anantara name and class, the luxury you experience here is unmatched making it the finest of all Krabi Resorts.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Emirates World Series-Dubai World Cup: The Sport of Kings!

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The history of the proud tradition of horse racing can be traced back to the ancient civilisations of the Greeks and Egyptians while additional evidence also indicates that horse racing was practiced in Babylon and Syria as well. As time progressed, this beloved sport was considered an industrious affair during the Roman Empire but its title, the “Sport of the Kings” can be traced directly to the British royalty’s passion for the sport.

While the three main styles of this sport are flat racing, steeple chasing and harness racing, it is also an industrious affair which prompts fan to place bets and gamble thereby making it a multi-billion dollar industry. With such a lot of economic and monetary importance attached to this sport, which race attracts the best horses, riders and their trainers with the highest monetary prize for the winner, is a natural query. The answer is the Dubai World Cup, an annually conducted Thoroughbred horse race whose prize is a stunning six million US dollars!

The Dubai World Cup was initially held in 1996 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the leader of Dubai, and has been carried on annually as a tradition at the Meydan Racecourse. The first ever recipient of the cup was the thoroughbred by the name of Cigar, owned by Allen E. Paulson. At present, this event forms a component of the Dubai World Cup Night races with the grand prize clocking in at an amazing 10 million US dollars.

This year’s event will be held on the 27th of March and if you wish to attend, ensure that you obtain your tickets to the event as soon as possible and select a Dubai hotel to stay at during your stay. Choosing and pre-booking a luxury hotel Dubai will ensure a smooth visit to the Emirate in March for hotel accommodation tends to be difficult to come by during this busy time. Opting to stay at the architecturally iconic Raffles Dubai, UAE where Asian influences complement the tasteful Egyptian architecture will allow you quick access to the races and upon return to the hotel, the ultimate relaxing experience.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Phu Chi Fah Dok Sieo Festival – a sight to behold

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Beautiful and exotic Thailand has an innumerable collection of tourist attractions. White sand beaches, blue oceans, beautiful old temples, clubs pubs and restaurants to explore all the good times that eastern cities such as Bangkok have to offer. In addition to the many beaches and other places of attraction that one could visit, there are also a large number of festivities that one could attend. Some of them are held every year, and Phu Chi Fah Dok Sieo Festival is one such colourful event.

It is celebrated from 13th to 15th of February every year and provides a wonderful sight for anyone who visits it. There are many pink and white blossoms of Dok Sieo located at Sieo at Phu Chi Fah, which is truly a sight to behold. Since the fest is around mid February coinciding with the much hyped up Valentine’s Day, it is possible to make a trip here double up as a Valentine’s day getaway as well by staying at a nice hotel for a couple of days and exploring the many attractions in the area with your loved one. Not just for couples, it is also a great holiday options for families and friends as well.

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One can watch many lively performances carried out by various tribes from the hilly areas. These tribal performances include those by Akha, Homng and Yao tribes. The numerous shows and displays include top spinning shows, performances showcasing their skills in archery, various ball games and even beauty pageants. What is more there are also a large number of stalls selling various local products.

For any couple looking forward to attend this festival as a romantic trip during Valentines day or for anyone keen on exploring what is going on at this event, there are a variety of Chiang Rai hotels at which they can choose to stay. Located amidst Northern Thailand’s verdant greenery Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand is one of the most idyllic Hotel Chiang Rai to stay at during a memorable vacation and you can be sure to be pampered to the best while you enjoy the best this place has to offer to its guests, who come in search of rest and relaxation.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
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Dubai Festival City: Uncover Dubai’s Premier Retail and Recreational Space

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As a larger than life development project that encapsulates a state-of-the-art mall and recreational facilities in the heart of Dubai Creek this visionary retail and entertainment space is the envy of the world in terms of sheer size and scope.

Ideally situated on the Dubai Creek near the historic heartland of Deira lies what is now known as Dubai’s premier leisure space for the masses. Sprawled across a whopping 5.2 million square feet this monolithic edifice devoted to the country’s favourite past times of shopping, dining and entertainment is fast gaining attraction as one of its most popular tourist hubs. Appropriately dubbed the Dubai Festival City this 3km long recreational space is in fact a city within a city with breathtaking golf course, glimmering mallscape and luxurious dining options to boot. Conveniently located near the Dubai International Airport the venue is also one of the most accessible attractions in Dubai with a visionary design that looks to the future in every sense of the word.

Offering shopaholics a wide range of global brands the Dubai Festival City encompasses more than 600 stores with an impressive 25 flagship outlets of the world’s leading brands. Highlights for fashionistas include Esprit, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Adidas, Nine West, Paris Hilton and Billabong boutiques while the Mont Blanc, Diesel Accessories, Guess Accessories and Just Accessories outlets are also popular among frequent shoppers. Ladies can indulge in their footwear fetish at Chic Shoes, Nocoli and Forever 21 where the latest trends off the runways of Europe are available under one space for convenience. Home to its very own Ferrari flagship dealer the venue also houses large IKEA, Toys ‘R’ Us, Plug Ins, Ace Hardware, Paris Gallery, Magrudy’s and Samsonite showrooms as well.

Movie fanatics can catch the latest thrillers at the locale’s Grand Cinema Complex which boast 12 screens. Bowling fans can also try their hand at the sport at Bowling City while those who wish to discover the Festival City’s most scenic corners can head down to the Canal Walk where one can dine alfresco while enjoying a waterside location. The terraced pathways of the Canal are also breathtaking as the entire space also encompasses a large number of abras. The 250m long Festival Marina, the venue’s signature yachting centre is also found here in addition to a number of elegant restaurants.

Littered with almost a hundred bistros, cost cafes and plush restaurants including the country’s signature Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City is a foodie’s dream come true. Tipped to have the largest collection of waterside restaurants in all of the Middle East the locale’s true star is the Marina Restaurant Pavilion with its idyllic eateries and riviera-like placement.

Travellers in search of a Dubai airport hotel should look no further than the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Renowned as a 5 star hotel Dubai counts among its best accommodation providers this luxurious rest offer plush living quarters for holidaymakers and those on business.

Huayi – Chinese Festival of the Arts 2013- Taking the local masterpieces to the world!

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To enjoy a slice of Chinese culture, there cannot be any other event better than Huayi, Chinese Festival of Arts. During your stay in Singapore, a Singapore city centre hotel would let you make the most of your stay as it gives you easy access to all the main attractions in the city. Remember to do your Singapore hotel reservation prior to your arrival at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore which is known be one of the top accommodation options available in the city. Your convenient accommodation will let you enjoy the city’s major cultural festivals such as Huayi, which showcases and celebrates the rich Chinese cultural beauty. This show is the platform for all the local artists to display their outstanding works of art to the local and international audience.

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Opéra de Paris Garnier: A Feast for the Eyes

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The capital of France, fondly known the world over as the ‘City of Love and Music’, is home to the Opera de Paris Garnier which was built for Emperor Napolean the Third. The name of the building is derived through its designer, Charles Garnier and work on the building commenced in 1862. However, its completion was delayed due to the astonishing discovery of an underground lake, part of which is said to exist even today, making this construction an architectural marvel.att-palais-garnier

The Opera de Paris Garnier has the proud distinction of being one of the largest such theatres in the world and its interior design is just as majestic and is complete with marble columns, sculptures and gilded statues. The Grand Marble Staircase found inside, possibly the most well known feature of the Palais, is at a height of 30m while the Foyer is complete with an intricate mosaic pattern on the ceiling.

The designer of the building intended for the Foyer to resemble the gallery of a castle and most critiques observe that he indeed did achieve his aim. Adding to the grandeur of the building, the auditorium found behind the Grand Foyer is composed of a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and is adorned with a six ton chandelier. All in all, the interior architecture of this theatre is truly a sight to behold.

This theatre is said to be the thirteenth to house the Parisian Opera and the Biblitheque Nationale de France i.e. the National French Library, is said to have recorded the history of the Opera for three centuries. At present, the Opera Garnier which has been renamed ‘Palais Opera’ is used mostly for ballet performances due to the construction of the Opera de Paris Bastille in the later 20th century. For those who wish to visit this attraction, it can be found at the Place de l’Opera.2011-12-MANON-276-1

Once you visit the Opera de Paris Garnier, it is absolutely essential that you return to the comfort of a luxury hotel Paris that will echo the luxurious elegance of the Palais Garnier. Le Royal Monceau Paris, located in the heart of the city is one of the few 5 Star Hotel Paris that will do so while still retaining the contemporary style of modern Parisian design.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Chinese New Year Light Up – Crimson Cheer!

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Known as the Lunar New Year, the famous Spring Festival of the Chinese New Year is a much anticipated time in Singapore. It is celebrated in every nook and corner, and the city comes alive with people from all walks of life celebrating this joyous occasion.

The streets are dressed in beautiful red decorations and feature traditional music and mouth watering fragrances of local cuisine in many of the roadside night stands. Along every neighbourhood in Singapore the spirit of good cheer could be witnessed. It is also a great time to shop and purchase a wide array of local goods and products.

The Chinese New Year Light Up is the time when crimson lanterns bearing different animal shaped ornaments are lit up to welcome the New Year. The event is best viewed in the Chinatown area, where stunning street lights combined with the decorations that hang from every roof, wall and nightstand, magically transforms the festive area. During the Chinatown Light Up, lion dancers and female dance troops perform in the area along with fire eaters and other traditional performers.

These mesmerizing performances are sure to leave its mark on your Singapore journey. With the city ablaze with hope for the coming year and the people alive with the festivities, the Chinese New Year is a great period to visit the city. Accommodation in Singapore could be found during the festivities; most hotels have competitive prices during this time of the year, and let you enjoy the festivities comfortably.

However if you want a little something more from your journey to Singapore, it is best to stay at a luxury hotel Singapore. Raffles Hotel Singapore is a well locatedSingapore hotel that gives you a beautiful view of the splendidly lit Clark Quay during the New Year period. Experience world class service standards and state of the art amenities within this elegantly decorated property.

While being pampered at one of Singapore’s best known hotels, blend into the festivities, culture and tradition as you visit Singapore’s Chinese New Year festivities, and take back with you memories of a tradition practiced by generations. What better way to celebrate your journey to the east!

Lantern Festival – where the city turns truly beautiful

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The Lantern Festival which is also widely popular as the Shangyuan Festival in China falls on the fifteenth day of the first month in the Lunar Calendar. This is generally during February or March according to the Gregorian calendar. This festivity has become very significant ever since the Western Han Dynasty which was during 206 BC to AD 25. When this festival began during the Han Dynasty, China was a country which was thriving with Buddhism. It is said that the monks lit lanterns to reminisce the relics from the cremation of Lord Buddha after attaining Nirvana. Following this, beginning from the empire to every household in China lights a lantern on this special day.

With time this became a very majestic festival which went beyond China and to other countries as well. Until present the lantern festival is held annually all around the country in a very feisty manner. It is a spectacular sight where lanterns of various shapes, sizes and colors are lit up in the night sky adding exquisite splendor to the streets of China. These lanterns that glow the lanes of China attracts numerous visitors who enjoy this magnificent scene. When the day is in coming closer, the children get busy buying and building lanterns by themselves which are surely a satisfaction for them. They carry their self- made lanterns and show off their own bright creation. A vital tradition on the day of the festival is to ‘Guess the lantern riddles’. The lanterns have a riddles written on a piece of paper by their owners. If visitors can give the right answer they get a small treat. This activity joined the traditions during the Song Dynasty and it really is a lot of fun and full of knowledge.

At day time there are parades of dragon dances and lion dances that light up streets. Travelers visiting beautiful China during the Lunar Festival can have more fun if you choose a great hotel in Beijing that exposes you to the vivid cultural experiences of China. Raffles Beijing Hotel is a much loved Beijing hotel by many tourists for its lavishing comforts and kind hospitality.

Marilyn Band Exhibition Phuket – For All Art Lovers

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Phuket, at one time known as Thalang, is Thailand’s biggest island, measuring at least fifty kilometres in length and a little less than half that at its widest points. The island is situated off Thailand’s southern tip and is connected to the mainland by a pair of bridges. Phuket’s main claim to fame is its gorgeous beaches. The island’s white sandy beaches in combination with the silvery waters of the Andaman Sea make it a much loved holiday destination. It is the ideal place to try out a range of water related activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, surfing and jet skiing. However, Phuket also offers a number of activities outside of the beach too.01032009235414

Tourists who want to take a day off from the beach and explore Phuket will find an incredible number of things to do. From visiting the island’s various temples to getting cosy with crocodiles at the famed Crocodile Farm along Chana Charoen Road, tourists will never have a dull day. Those with an appreciation for art should also consider taking some time to visit one of Phuket’s most famous artists, Marilyn Band.

Born in Belfast, Marilyn Band spent quite some time exploring Asia with her husband before settling in Phuket to paint. Currently she divides her time between painting and exploring the seas on her yacht. Her paintings have been put on display not just in Thailand but in other parts of the world as well. Band’s works are heavily influenced by her travels and are generally done in water colours. Art lovers visiting Phuket should definitely not pass up the opportunity to see her work on display.

21Phuket is the ideal vacation choice for those from the city looking for a change in scenery. While public transport on the island may not be exceptional, one can get around the beach island without too much hassle. Choosing a Phuket resort can be difficult as there are so many good options available. Those looking for a Patong beach resort can try Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. The Patong area is known for its excellent beaches and its vibrant night scene making it most tourists’ primary choice.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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