The Taipei Lantern Festival is considered as one of the most romantic festivals in Taiwan. You can locate yourself at one of the luxury hotels in Taipei such as the Regent Taipei and visit these amazing attractions. This luxury hotel Taipei offers a central location for your easy access. Traditionally this festival is celebrated by making lanterns and displaying glittering decorated lanterns. This festival is celebrated at the end of the Chinese New Year holiday and is an important day for ethnic Chinese globally. The Taipei city assists in commemorating the festival on a large scale along with delightful stage shows.
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Churches in Pondicherry- Magnificent resemblance of the French colonial era
Renowned as one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India, Pondicherry has a great historical background as a French colony. Pondicherry is one of the francophone locations in the world and you can still witness the colonial past etched into the great city and lives of the locals. This coastal town in South India still has remnants of colonial statues, churches and buildings.
This popular tourist destination in India boasts of several architecturally significant churches influenced by the unique fusion of cultural heritage. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine are some of the significant churches you can visit during your holiday to Pondicherry. A visit to these religious sites is not only a popular pilgrimage for the Christian and Catholic devotees, but also a great experience for the non-Christian visitors to these places.
Located in the south boulevard, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a fascinating representation of Gothic architecture. You can witness the intricately designed unique stained glass panels which portray important landmarks from the life of Jesus Christ. Dating back to the 18th century, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built by French missionaries.
The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges also known as The Church of Our Lady of Angles is a remarkable historical building which resembles outstanding masonry. During your visit to the place you will notice the features of both Doric and Ionic styles in the imposing facade. Before you enter the church you can get a glimpse of the statue of Our Lady carrying Baby Jesus standing tall in front of the church. This church is considered as a perfect resemblance of the Basilica at Lourdes in Southern France.
Situated on the Cathedral Street in Pondicherry, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is another ancient church which was built in 1692. After going through several modifications, the cathedral took its current form in 1791. This church is significant as it is one of the first churches built in Pondicherry. It houses an orphanage and still receives the highest respect of the devotees.
A luxury Pondicherry hotel will make your vacation in this colonial town an unforgettable experience. Reserve your Pondicherry hotel accommodation at Hotel Atithi prior to your arrival and enjoy a comfortable stay while you explore the magnificent churches in this south Indian coastal city.
Had Rin Nok and Had Rin Nai – Two Sides of the Same Coin!
Separated by a strip of peninsular, Had Rin Nok and Had Rin Nai are two entirely different beaches on two sides of the island peninsular of Ko PhaNgan in South Thailand.
Had Rin Nai also known as Sunset Beach is the quieter and peaceful of the two, boasting of resorts and more family friendly accommodation options. This stretch of coast is considerably narrower than its twin and the sand slightly rough to the touch, while the sea is considerably shallower during the off season time.
In contrast, Had Rin Nok, known as Sunrise Beach, is a thriving, bustle of activity, home to the famous Full Moon Party that is held every month around the time of the full moon. Clubs and backpacker accommodation line the shore and a continuous throb of trendy techno music can be heard all day long.
It is an attractive stretch of beautiful white sandy beach that draws in happy tourists from around the world looking to party it up in Thailand. The sea is ideal for bathing and beach games and sun worshippers can be found all year around. Jet skiing, surfing, beach volleyball and sun bathing are common and constant activities along this beach.
A visit at any time of the year would make it clear that Had Rin Nok beach never sleeps and certainly not at night time. Many a bar with fancy names caters to the hundreds of mainly youth who come to enjoy the party atmosphere at the beach. During the party time fireworks and music take on an identity of its own.
This beach in recent times has however developed to include a higher end of accommodation options that cater to various types of travellers. You can find manyKoh Phangan hotels located alongside the coast which offer a truly idyllic setting in which to enjoy the sun, sand and surf. Staying at Koh Phangan resorts such as Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa gives you the chance to enjoy luxurious yet intimately cozy accommodation options that offers comfortable exclusivity yet never allows you to forget you are in beautiful Thailand. The tasteful décor and ambiance created is subtle yet stylish whilst the food on offer is a heady combination of Thai, Asian and International dishes.
Chinese New Year in Paris 2013 – A Chinese Parade in Paris
As for everyone, the New Year is a season of festivity and celebration for the Chinese communities as well. Even though the Chinese people living in Paris are away from their homeland they do not forget or abandon the day without any kind of festivity. Just like in their nation the Chinese communities get together and shake the Paris streets with their many vibrant cultural events that take on till dawn. In 2013 they will organized this event just as they did in the past years may be in a much grandeur scale. This event has become one of the most loved and popular events of the year that has grabbed the attention of people from around the world.
The Parisians crowd the roads of Paris while they eagerly wait for this vivacious parade strolling along the streets clothed up in true Asian attire. You will notice a cheery crowd of dancers and musicians that walk down the lanes entertaining all the spectators. This is not a common sight in Paris, so you will notice how the tourists and all the other communities flock up on the sides of the road to see authentic Chinese culture boasting itself. The New Year will be celebrated till February of 2013 in a manner of sheer celebration. The parade will feature Chinese dragons, lions, flags, and fish that are embossed with Chinese characters.
Throughout a week the city will promote many cultural activities and you will notice that the Chinese restaurants would be crowded at all times of the day. In 2012 they featured the water dragon which is one of Chinas most respected fable creatures and in 2013, the water snake will take the place of the dragon. It will be a rare and once in a lifetime opportunity if you can visit Paris during the days of the Chinese New Year where you could experience true Chinese authenticity. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris is an ideal luxury hotel Paris for those traveling to the city during the Chinese festivities. This amazing hotel is one of the best luxury hotels Paris has in store for its travelers that will give you the opportunity of watching the parades peacefully.
Chingay Parade – Lighting up Streets of the Lion City
The popular Chingay Parade is one of the most popular events that are held on the day of the customary Chinese New Year. At present it has developed into a major street event which boasts the presence of the procession of myriad colors. The origin of this parade comes from China even though it is an annual street pageant that is taken place in both Singapore and Malaysia to commemorate the date of birth of the Chinese gods. The term Chingay was created by the Chinese people living in South East Asia.
Chingay means True Art according to Penang, and a mini adorned stage according to Singaporeans. You will witness a glamorous show off jugglers, dragon dancers, clowns, lion dancers, acrobats and percussionists bringing to the street into a whole carnival and bringing joy to all its spectators. The first Chingay parade was organized in 1973 and in the 1990’s it became an event which happened from evening to night and an outstanding array of displays to impress the crowd. During the past years the parade covered almost all the key areas of Singapore like Chinatown, City hall, Outram Park and Orchard Road. People of all ages, be it kids or adults participate in this vibrant procession celebrating and sharing the joy and delight of this ceremonial day. This is a day that everyone whether you are a Singaporean or not can dress up and party down the streets to celebrate the dawn of the spring bloom. It is indeed a beautiful experience that one can have in life where all the families get to the street fully clad under the sparkling and glimmering lights of the night.
Since recently many schools and clubs with about 2000 performers joined the parade with bravura Samba music which shook the streets of Singapore. Raffles Hotel Singapore is an ideal place that tourists who participate in the parade can stay in. In this luxury hotel Singapore you will experience true Singaporean hospitality blended with lavishing treats. This Singapore hotel will never let you down so it’s always worth a try if you are on vacation to the Lion city.
Events at Descanso Gardens – An Idyllic Escape in California
Located close to downtown Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens offers a lush green sanctuary for the senses. Those in search of Pasadena hotels that are within easy reach of downtown Los Angeles and such attractions as these gardens can stay at The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena. Set amidst stunning natural landscapes, this luxurious Huntington hotel can be found near the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, making for an ideal starting point for a nature tour. Apart from being a perfect spot for relaxation, Descanso Gardens also provides an idyllic setting for a variety of events and programs. Those with a “green thumb” can take a gardening class, while morning Tai Chi and yoga classes give you a chance to find true peace for mind, body and spirit. Guided walks let you explore this wondrous garden which features a Japanese Garden, a California Native Garden and a Rose Garden. Art exhibitions and book readings also take place here, while painting and gourmet cookery classes give you a chance to try something different while on holiday.
Duruthu Perahera – A Colourful Sri Lankan Celebration
Sri Lanka is well known for holidays centred on sun, sand and the sea, but when on this diverse island there is much more to see and experience, as its culture is rich and exciting. Much of the country’s culture and longstanding traditions find their roots in Buddhism, and it is because of this religion, followed by a majority of locals, that the full moon is a sacred event in the country. Each full moon marks important events in the Buddhist calendar, and this is especially true in Sri Lanka. Duruthu Poya, which falls in January represents Lord Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka which took place more than 2,500 years ago, and since 1927 it has been annually celebrated with a colourful ‘perahera’ that visitors will love.
A perahera is a festival commonly seen in Sri Lanka, where a grand procession follows a sacred relic that is hoisted high. One of the largest such festivals in the western province this colourful celebration starts at the Kelaniya temple, a landmark among Buddhists in the city. Thousands hail the grand event which takes place in three stages falling on continuous days. The first night sees the most formalities, the second more colourful and the third, held the night before the full moon is the climax of the entire celebration. There are many spots from where visitors can witness the grandeur of the Duruthu Perahera along its route and is an amazing site on all three nights.
Visitors will enjoy the spectacular fire dances that are performed during the festival, showcasing the skills of the dancers as they make designs with flames in the air. Drummers create the music that accompanies the procession, and various troupes of dancers from all ages set out to entertain their audience. A favourite among the crowds that descend here are the several elephants adorned in decorations that are a part of the colourful parade, carrying various symbols and transporting important figures. The whole area is lit up beautifully, creating much splendour and majesty. The exciting Duruthu Perahera is an event that must not be missed.
Many guests prefer to spend their stay in hotels by the beach, and a hotel in Negombo is a popular choice located only a few kilometres from here. Stay at Club Hotel Dolphin for an unforgettable holiday, as this Negombo hotel lets you enjoy both fun and relaxation.
Enjoying Indoor Skiing in Shanghai!
While Shanghai offers plenty of fun outdoor activities for the entire family, those in search of something truly unique can indulge in some indoor skiing! Before heading out onto the slopes it is best to find a hotel in Shanghai that offers easy access to the city such as The Langham Yangtze Boutique Shanghai. Letting you enjoy the finer things in life, this 5 star hotel Shanghai is set amidst the lively central business district area. Once you have settled in and want to get some skiing action under your belt, make your way to the Minhang district where you will find the Yinqixing indoor ski centre with its 45m ski slope. Offering fun skiing for young and old alike, this indoor slope is not that steep making it ideal for young skiers as well. Apart from skis, snowboards are also available for hire and provide a relaxing day out for all.
Designer Christmas Trees Display – See the Season in Style in Paris
With December comes the most festive time of the year for many all across the globe as preparations are made for Christmas. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays, and also one of the grandest celebrations. It is a time for giving and joy, but it is not only the magical spirit of Christmas that is beautiful. During the season many of the world’s largest cities are beautifully lit up, with charming decorations adorning every corner. It is a time of year where homes are beautiful too, and the centre of these is the Christmas tree. It has become a symbol of the season, and goes hand in hand with Christmas, and one of the best loved holiday activities is decorating the tree.
Paris is one such city that is beautiful during the Christmas season and so breathtakingly splendid that there will be nowhere else in the world visitors would rather be. Here too the Christmas tree plays an important role, and families strive to decorate it as beautifully as possible. But for an experience that goes beyond the traditional, and brings modernity and art into the season, visitors can head over to the annual ‘Les Sapins de Noel des Créateurs’ or the Designer Christmas Tree Display. It is a magnificent event, where some of the world’s best known designers bring in their own artistic interpretations of a Christmas tree. It is a stylish display unique to this fashionable city.
The trees are auctioned off among prestigious guests at a gala, but prior to the auction the display is open to the public. This exhibition has been going on for more than 15 years and has proven to be a large success donating large amounts to charities annually. It is popular among visitors as the designs are very intriguing, varying in size, shape and colour. While some reflect traditional trees in some ways, others are truly out of the ordinary and will invoke curiosity and thought. It is an interesting display that visitors should check out when in the beautiful city during the magical season.
Visitors can spend the season amidst elegant settings when staying at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, one of the most exquisite palace hotels Paris has to offer. It provides guests with brilliant settings, quality service and world class amenities and comforts that has made it amongst the leading luxury hotels Paris.
New Year’s Day 2013 in Phnom Penh – Saying Happy New Year Three Times!
The dawn of a new year is usually celebrated once in a year, but that is not the case in Cambodia. In this land filled with rich history and a mix of cultures it is celebrated three times! The capital city Phnom Penh is in the middle of all the activity during the celebrations of the International, Chinese and Khmer New Years’ days in Cambodia.
The most important of all three for the Cambodians, is the traditional Khmer New Year, which falls around the 14th of April according to the Buddhist calendar. This falls in with the end of the harvest season and the community gives thanks to the gods for the plentiful crops with rich feasts and celebrations. Many city dwellers retreat to their homelands to celebrate with their extended families and the temples bustle with devotees asking for blessings for another year. It is a great time to experience the traditional games, dances and food of the country. The feeling of abundance is shared by exchanging gifts. It all cumulates in the great water festivals, where beautiful water borne parades ride the Mee Kong River and water is thrown on anyone who ventures into the streets!
With a significantly large Chinese population, the Chinese New Year is also celebrated. The Sisowath Quay area in Phnom Penh is seen decorated with lanterns and lights in late January or early February, and the roads are filled with gift and food stalls to satisfy the flood of people who are shopping for the occasion. It offers visitors a fun and exciting time in which to usher in the coming year.
In recent years the growing numbers of tourists and expats have made the international New Year a day of celebration as well. Many a hotel in Phnom Penh throw grand New Year’s Eve parties and many establishments are kept open till the morning hours of the 1st of January to welcome in the celebrating crowds. These occasions let you understand the cultures of Cambodia and can be conveniently experienced while staying at a Phnom Penh hotel. Promotions are already being made to celebrate the coming of 2013 at Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Toast to a New Year filled with good wishes and happiness while enjoying the elegant comforts of the hotel.