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Tin Hau Festival 2014, a vibrant celebration

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Hong Kong is very much a modern cosmopolitan city but its predominantly Chinese heritage means that a number of Chinese festivals are enthusiastically celebrated. Even in this modern age, the people of Hong Kong adhere to ancient customs, celebrating festivals by visiting temples, engaging in or watching lion and dragon dancing, and burning large amounts of incense.

One of the most popular and widely celebrated occasions for the people of this city is the distinctive Tin Hau Festival. Also known as the Birthday of Tin Hau, this festive occasion occurs on the third month’s 23rd day on the lunar calendar; its date on the Western calendar in 2014 is the 22nd April. Tin Hau is in fact the Goddess of the Seas and is also revered as the patron saint of the fisher folk. Since the city has a strong maritime legacy, it is not surprising that its residents celebrate this event with great reverence and devotion.
On this day, locals throng the many temples dedicated to the goddess, which number more than 70. On the day, fishermen traditionally visit the temples to pray to the deity for security, safety, calm weather and productive fishing in the year ahead. Such is the deity’s popularity in Hong Kong that even young people who have never set foot on a fishing trawler visit the temples to honour the goddess.

In certain parts of the city, parades of attractive floral wreaths are held, along with the vibrant lion dances. Musical bands made up of schoolchildren from many local schools join the procession on this festive occasion. Interestingly, the floral wreaths brought by the various participant villages are later raffled; the winner wins all the wreaths and is thought to gain good fortune. In the area of Sai Kung, a colourful procession of elaborately decorated fishing boats winds its steady way to the most ancient Tin Hau shrine in the city. Many thousands of devotees throng this shrine to pay their respects to the venerated deity. With so much to see and enjoy, there is no better time to visit the city.

If you are interested in visiting this cosmopolitan city and desire a Hong Kong hotel to host your time here, there is no better choice than the Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This convenient Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong offers provides comfortable accommodations and courteous service.

Dubai International Boat Show 2014 – A Visual Treat

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The Dubai International Boat Show is a much anticipated event in the country’s calendar. The show invites some of the top brands in sailing and boating equipment. It is a great way to discover the amazing technology used for navigating the ocean. Dubai is one of the most affluent cities in the world and is also home to some of the wealthiest people in the globe. It is fitting that such a city would host a show that exhibits the luxurious lifestyle of the rich. There are yacht communities in Dubai who are interested in the newest developments in sailing. It is amazing what boat manufactures do to create the perfect atmosphere in a yacht. At the Dubai Boat Show you can take a look at the inside of the boats, the amenities that are available and the advanced technology that is utilised.

According to the facts and findings from last year’s spectacle there are over 26,000 visitors who have come for the event. There are over 5000 leading VIP and regional leaders who have attended this appealing attraction. The Dubai International Boat Show is the only exhibition in the region for luxury suppliers, shipyards and super yachts. In 2014 the event is scheduled for March 4th to the 8th. At the show you will discover the designs and constructions produced in the Middle East. The Middle East creations emphasise the skill and craftsmanship of the region. Walking around the marina area you can take pictures of the beautiful sailing boats and ships that are on display. At the Retail Village visitors are given the opportunity to check out nautical fashion brands such as watches, jewellery, swimwear, footwear and other accessories.

The best part about the event is the on water super yacht VIP experience. Guests can climb aboard one of the super yachts anchored at the open marina. You can explore the state-of-the art entertainment facilities on board and learn about the different technologies used for marine navigation. Visitors who are eager to see the Dubai International Boat Show can stay at UAE hotels during their vacation. Middle East hotels such as those of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East are easy to find and you can pick one that will fit your budget.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Songkran, a joyous festival

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The much anticipated Songkran Festival is an important celebration in the Thai calendar. Celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April, the occasion is considered to mark the arrival of the New Year according to the nation’s traditional calendar. A national holiday in Thailand, this festival has evolved into a joyous and merry occasion when everyone joins in the fun and laughter. Even foreigners are welcomed to join in the festivities.
Today, the main festivity during Songkran is the enthusiastic splashing of water upon one another. Thais take the opportunity to wander the streets of cities armed with buckets of water, garden hoses and water guns. Groups of revellers will position themselves along roads and at intersections, enthusiastically drenching pedestrians, cars, taxis, tuk tuks and motorcycles alike. Police officers are not exempt from the fun and are a special target on this occasion. Additionally, a mixture of talc powder and water is smeared on the bodies and faces of passersby; this is considered as a kind of blessing for the coming year. Everyone takes part in the festivities good naturedly and no one gets angry or upset.
On the other hand it should be remembered that this kind of revelry was not always the focus of this occasion. Traditionally, Songkran was celebrated as an occasion to visit and pay one’s respects to elders, neighbours, friends and monks. Many Thais celebrate the event as a Buddhist religious festival, and visit their neighbourhood monastery to give alms to monks and pray. Another interesting ritual is the cleansing of Buddha figures at homes and monasteries by pouring fragrant water on them. This is thought to bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.
Additionally, Thais take the opportunity to make resolutions for the coming year, just as their counterparts do in Western countries. Since Songkran is considered to be a time for cleansing and rejuvenation, Thais often also clean their homes meticulously at this time of the year. Visitors from abroad will also enjoy observing the festivities at this joyous occasion.
If you are planning a visit to Thailand and are considering Bangkok city hotels to host your stay, an outstanding choice would be the Atrium Bangkok. This city hotel Bangkok offers provides fine accommodations in a convenient setting.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Display of Gratitude – National Elephant Day in Thailand

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Each year on the 13th of March elephants in Thailand have a special day all to themselves. On this day they do not have to toil for their keep. Elephant day was first mooted in 1998 and is now firmly established as an important national event. Celebrations start a week ahead mainly to draw attention to efforts for elephant conservation and to protect their disappearing habitat. Each region, resort, elephant camp and conservation centre has their own programmes for commemorating Elephant Day. One of the best outcomes of the day is seeing a large number of elephants in one place looking as if they enjoy the attention.

On this special day many events are organized to honour and express appreciation for the animal that has been very much a part of the country’s culture and history. For most pachyderms the day starts with being blessed and holy water sprinkled on them and a street parade. Thereafter traditional merit making activities such as offering alms and robes to Buddhist priests take place. In some resorts and elephant camps awards are presented to the best mahouts, the best wildlife photographer among others after which the elephants settle down to a feast with all their favourite vegetables and fruit. In some cases the food is placed before individual elephants or handfed by visitors while in other cases it is arranged like a buffet and the elephants line up in orderly rows to enjoy it under the guidance of mahouts. As this is the largest gathering of elephants that anyone would see until the following year, the feast attracts quite a crowd wherever it takes place. Elephant conservationists use the activities to explain the importance of elephant conservation to local people. This is also the time that Thai people can get close to tame elephants to offer them food and in some cases for the children to touch them. An elephant show is usually staged towards the end of the day in most elephant camps. With the number of elephants in captivity almost equaling those in the wild, the plight of elephants in Thailand is highlighted on this their special day.

Stay at the stylish Anantara Bophut Koh Samui to enjoy a typical Thai resort experience. While the spacious and beautifully appointed resort rooms of this Samui hotel offer the necessary comfort and privacy, the excellent facilities on site cater to the leisure and food and beverage needs of its guests. Enjoy Samui from a much appreciated Samui resort that goes to great lengths to provide memorable holiday experiences for its guests.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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The Royal Christmas Variety Show Greymouth – Bring out the true Christmas Spirit

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Christmas is not the same without all the cheer this festival is known for. Tradition marks the heart of such festivities which is fun and symbolic to the 25th of December. Since Christmas festivities have a lot to do with the Western culture, it always comes with a winter theme as its backdrop with snow adding a magical touch to this special day. In Australia and New Zealand although Christmas is profoundly celebrated, the weather really does not match up to the Christmas theme. Here such a celebration is nice and bright and sunny and everything traditionally winter based seems a bit off for the nice warm weather outdoors. Yet countries like Australia and New Zealand go all out in keeping the spirit of the season alive. Shows are performed and even artificial snow is created.

There is one particular event held in New Zealand that is a popular crowd puller. It is the Royal Christmas Variety Show. This musical event is held every year in the month of November to gear up its audience for the festive month up ahead. It is performed with such ardour that it brings to life the perfect spirit to enjoy everyone’s favourite holiday season.

The Royal Variety Christmas Show is fully equipped with the musical charms of Christmas. Carols boom from the speakers as popular performers sing to the tune and dance to the rhythm. The show is led by the famous Sue who has one talented team to take her audience to the heart of festivity. However that is not all that one can look forward to as the show is composed of other songs, interesting performances and plenty of hands on entertainment. The unique fact about the event is how it captivates its audience. Before long you will be in a laughing, crying, singing, cheering and clapping all at one time. The show truly moves its audience. All this is only the first half of the show. The second half is all about the snow and all the seasonal celebrations like the famous elves, carols and so much more.

If you have come to New Zealand to partake in this show come home to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ. These New Zealand hotels are the best Greymouth hotels there is.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Deepavali Celebration – always a highlight

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The vibrant Deepavali Festival is an important event for Hindus around the world. Just as in Hindu communities the world over, the Hindus of Malaysia celebrate this occasion with great joy and festivity. Deepavali is the Festival of Light, a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Accordingly at this joyous occasion a multitude of oil lamps are lit to dispel evil and darkness. The event falls on the final day of the final month of the traditional lunar based calendar.

The origins of the festival are steeped in myth and legend and several explanations are given for the event. In Malaysia most Hindus consider the festival to commemorate the slaying of the demon Narakasura by the might of Lord Krishna. The festive mood commences a month earlier, with the preparation of delicious Indian sweetmeats like the ommapadi, murukku, chippi and others. Everything in the home must be clean and fresh, with new clothes for everyone in the family. On the eve of Deepavali prayers and offerings are made to revered ancestors and deceased members of the family. After this rite the women busy themselves in the kitchen while the others tidy the house so as to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

On the day of the festival Hindus rise before the break of dawn, apply oil on their heads and take a bath. This is considered to cleanse the person from the impurities of the year that has passed. After prayers at the home altar, the family members obtain blessings from their elders.
Following these customs guests will start to arrive at the home, and halal food is cooked so that it can be savoured by Muslim Malays. People of all ethnicities visit their Hindu friends to take part in this joyous event. Children are especially happy as they receive yellow packets containing money. With all of these festive traditions Deepavali is truly a splendid festival for Hindus and their friends alike.
If you are visiting Malaysia during this time, select a Langkawi beach resort or a 5 star hotel in Langkawi to stay during this spectacle. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa with its soothing ambience would be a good choice in terms of luxury getaways in the area.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Central Festival Phuket – The Shopping Party

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Thailand is without a doubt the shopping hub of the earth and lives true to its reputation in every city around the nation, and Phuket is no different. Although it is predominantly the beach and the party town of Thailand, the shopping experience is just as vibrant here; for it is in this city where you can find the Central Festival and it is a shopping party all day long.

The Central Festival is a massive shopping mall that can be found on the outskirts of Phuket. It is a one-stop destination that is loaded with everything and anything you would ever dream of and want. Having in-store products that range from high-end clothing to household goods and toys, this is most certainly the shopaholic’s gold mine. There are a couple of sectors where you can find stores that cater to a particular range of products. With such divisions, you can find what you are looking for with ease and convenience.

For all those who love books, media and everything and anything to do with either of the two, the B2S is your place to go. Here you can find plenty of Thai and English books and DVDs at absolutely reasonable prices. Do keep an eye out for promotions and you may be able to strike an excellent deal. For all the sports fans, the super sports store is located on the third floor and is completely geared with all types of sporting accessories, making an excellent one-stop destination for all sorts of sports-related brands and items. The prices are certainly much cheaper than in the west. To experience the hub of electronics, explore the power buy, which actually has a knowledgeable team to help you pick. Then there are the boutiques. Spread across the four floors of the mall, this is the most popular sector of the Central Festival. Here you can find all sorts of branded outlets and a couple of privately owned shops as well. All in all, they have a couple of excellent products with fantastic prizes.

After shopping to your heart’s content, come home to one of many fine Phuket Resorts: the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. Offering modern amenities and warm island hospitality, this Phuket Resort is the ideal oasis in the sun.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Samphran elephant & crocodile shows – a must-see experience

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Thailand is definitely a land of wonders and amazements. There is everything exotic from elephants to golden temples to amazing beaches. There is something for everyone who comes to this place. Amongst the different attractions that this south eastern Asian land offers, the Samphran Elephant Ground & Zoo is one of the most popular destinations in the region. It is situated in the province of Nakhon Pathom, which is towards west of the capital Bangkok.

The two main attractions here are the elephant show and the crocodile show, which are must-see events for anyone who comes here, irrespective of whether they are young or old. This place is sure to be of particular interest if you are travelling with family and young children. The acrobatics that the elephants get up to during the show such as racing, dancing and playing various games ranging from football to many other games is surely interesting and captivating. There are also regal battle scenes performed by the elephants for the benefit to those who come to see them perform.

The crocodile wresting show is also as entertaining, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats with the master catcher performing diverse daring tricks and stunts to the sheer amazement of the audience. The highlight of the event for many is the moment when the master puts his head inside the open jaws of the crocodile, making everyone think that at any minute now the croc might close its jaws. The show has even been endorsed by CITES as “one of the most…impressive public displays of crocodiles”.

It is open from 8.30 in the morning until 5.30 in the evening and in addition to the main two highlights, there are numerous other attractions such as an orchid nursery and an option to explore the grounds on elephant back. It is possible to also spend the whole day at the park and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants ranging from Indian to continental cuisine.

For anyone staying at a Bangkok Hotel, it can be easily accessed via many modes of transport, but the best option would be to take a taxi or a cab as it would be the easiest for a traveller. Hotels Bangkok such as Anantara Bangkok Sathorn would be more than happy to arrange a cab for those who are interested in visiting this must-see attraction.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Hong Kong Flower Show: A Floral Extravaganza!

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The mere mention of Hong Kong, one of China’s special administrative districts, brings to mind images of a grand city, its skyline dotted with skyscrapers whose lights illuminate the night sky. Hong Kong’s importance as business centre in Asia stemming from the rapid economic development it witnessed in the past fifty years has also ensured its status as a major global financial centre. Hence, life in this city is fast paced and quick and often, those travelling to the city do not have the opportunity to experience the city. Hence, especially for those visiting the city on business, the Hong Kong Flower Show would prove to be a welcome change of pace.

Conducted from the 15th to the 24th of March this year, the Flower Show will be held at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, this exhibition is planned with the purpose of increasing the awareness of greening as well as promoting horticulture and features the Dendrobium as the theme flower. The Show will feature a myriad of floral varieties in an abundance of colours as well as professionally landscaped exhibits by organisations from Hong Kong itself as well as abroad. In addition, for those who wish to take back with them a little slice of this colourful haven, stalls have been allocated for the particular purpose of selling potted plants and flowers.

This floral exhibition is not limited to those who have an interest in horticulture. Anyone who wishes to take a break from the hectic pace of life will find a peaceful and relaxing haven among these beautiful flora and plant life. A number of activities both recreational and educational in purpose have been organised to keep children and adults entertained. Drawing competition, music and games will keep your children occupied while you explore and enjoy guided tours, cultural performances and green stalls. The entrance fee is priced at $14 while the fee for children and senior citizens is much less and thus for families staying in Hotel in Jordan Hong Kong, this floral extravaganza would be an enjoyable excursion.

Making your way to Victoria Park from your Hong Kong Kowloon Hotel is extremely easy for it is conveniently accessible by the Causeway Bay Station. If you are staying at a prestigious venue such as Eaton Hotel Hong Kong, you have the added benefit of enjoying seasonal discounts and special packages for guests as well.

Lantern Festival in Taipei; in the true Taiwan style

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The Regent Taipei is luxury hotel Taipei that always strives to give the customers the best service more than the expected level. The location of the hotel is more convenient compared to other luxury hotels in Taipei. One of the most celebrated festivals in Taipei is the Lantern Festival.

The colourful lanterns are the main sign of the festival. This is held for several days at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. A huge lantern displaying the Chinese zodiac animal of the year is the center piece. There are other various lantern types and designs created. The glowing lanterns create a magical site to all that witnesses this event.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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