Archive for November, 2009
Posted by Cindy on
November 30, 2009
Today’s world is a hectic world, and with so many things going on, it is often times to simply just find a place to rest. Go, go, go…that is the theme, but the only way to keep going, is to slow down sometimes, take time to relax your muscles, and relax your brain. There are many options, many choices that people have for finding that peace of mind. Some people take long runs, and this is a great way to not only care for one’s body, but will relax you when the runs are over.
Other people choose to take a trip to the mountains, for a bit of nature, of fresh air, and a break from the busy city life. Other’s meditate, plant gardens, paint paintings or read books. Most of these practices, the meditation or reading books, can be done in the comfort of your own hot tub or spa, installed in the middle of your beautiful garden. The sights and the scents from the garden will enhance not only your hot tub relaxation time, but your entire backyard…and the value of your house as well. So where do begin to search for your perfect addition? Why, choosehottubsdirect.com of course. Their knowledgeable staff will help to navigate you through their online catalog, finding the perfect spa or hot tub for your own personal needs and wants.
By choosing to have a hot tub installed your own personal time will be enhanced and more relaxing as well as the time of your friends, for everyone loves a great chat in warm, and bubbling water. Family time extends from the dinner table out into the backyard, and people begin to really speak to each other again. So many people are taking the effort to eat better, to live healthier lifestyles, but without rest and relaxation, all may be for naught. Do not feel guilty, step away from the laundry or the boardroom, and slow down your mind, for you may need that mind for next day of fast decisions and clear thoughts.
Posted by Cindy on
November 25, 2009
On Monday, we went window shopping around Chennai’s shopping district. Our first stop was at a very famous Sari shop, Nalli. This shop was packed with people buying cloth and saris. The shop has four floors and the fourth floor is reserved for brides and contains the most elaborate of saris. Some that cost up to 40,000 rupees. A sari is typically between 7 to 9 yards and 1.5 yards wide and they range from solid eye-catching bright colors with a simple border, to a very elaborate gold embroidered, diamond encrusted design. All I can say is they are magnificent.
After taking in the amazing wonders of the saris, we chose some raw silk to make a couple of blouses for me. This is a gift from Chirtra. We’ll take it to a tailor and they will be made before we leave for home. Next up we went on a jaunt through the hot, very hot sun to a sparkling jewelry shop. All Indians love their 22 karat gold in all its glory. The most impressive were little girdles worn, again, by brides. The brides must be the skinniest brides in the world, because the girdles on display would have fit around my thigh! Photographs weren’t allowed in the jewelry store, so I have nothing to show you.
After a traditional South Indian lunch at Sishir’s favorite local eatery, similar to a Bento box, we headed to our hotel Chennai, India and slept the day away. Ah…the joys of being on vacation.
Tuesday, was a pretty laid back day. Sishir and I took an Tuk-tuks to his favorite bookstore, Higginbotham’s – where we killed an hour or two browse the shelves. I found not one but two previously unread Anne of Green Gables volumes. Imaging my delight! Sishir got some exciting Indian business magazines…all the better to stay on top of happenings in the homeland.
Posted by Cindy on
November 24, 2009
The city of Singapore takes its name from the Maylay Singapura, or Lion-City. It received this name from its founder, Sang Nila Utama, who most likely never saw a lion in the area, but probably saw a Maylayan Tiger. Researchers have decided that there was never lions in Singapore, not even the Asiatic lions — except, perhaps, at the Singapore Zoo. If you’re considering a family vacation in Lion City, then you might consider taking a few hours out from one of the Singapore four star hotels and check out the world’s first Night Safari Tour.
In a tram, you and your children will get the chance to see the zoo’s nocturnal residents in their natural habitat, both the mildest and wildest of creatures. A guide will take you on a walk through the jungle to get a close-up look at the animals. There’s forty hectares of jungle next to the Singapore Zoo, illuminated by the glow of the Moon. The tram will take you past a reservoir and roll past animal enclosures designed specifically to imitate the animals’ natural environment, recreating such regions as the foothills of the Himalayas or the rainforests of Southeast Asia, all the way to the subcontinent of India. There’s a great many animals, adopted by organizations and families from all over the world.
I’ve had friends describe to me their experiences on the Night Safari, who said they loved the experience, although it was scary at times because the wild animals are that close to you. Sounds exciting to me. Afterwards, the Singapore Zoo recommends a dining experience at the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant, which seats six hundred diners and provides local and international cuisine. As you dine, you’ll be able to hear the night creatures: frogs and cicadas, and perhaps a grazing herd of Ankole cattle.
If you’re looking to find a unique experience with your family during your stay in the Lion City, this is one not to be missed!
Posted by Cindy on
November 24, 2009
Of all of the great historic elements that are associated with the state of Virginia, it is easy to forget that it also has an incredible contemporary arts scene. Okay, so it’s not easy to ignore the contemporary culture, though nationally it can sometimes take a backseat to the state’s historical significance, particularly around certain holidays. This is just one of the reasons why many tourists who visit Charlottesville and stay in one of the Virginia best hotels may be interested in finding out about Ash Lawn Opera Festival.
This amazing operatic event was established in 1978 and began with a series of lectures and one act operas that took place over a three evening time period. Today, the festival is enjoying its 31st year and has expanded over the years to become the major event that it is. The festival is fully owned and under the operational management of the College of William and Mary. It includes a collection of operas and musical theatre productions that are performed over a six to eight week period.
There are still great lectures that are included in the festival’s offerings as well as workshops and educational programs. The Music at Twilight and the Summer Saturday series are popular components that have been incorporated into the festival over the years. There is also Kids Fest, which is a great way for the young generation to become familiar with opera and to discover their own appreciation and enjoyment of it. It is also a great time for children to discover a potential interest in performing, and other aspects of opera production. Over one hundred thousand audience members attend the festival each year. This is definitely an event that you will not want to miss if you are planning to visit Charlottesville in the summer. Remember, it is popular, so plan your accommodations early.
Posted by Cindy on
November 23, 2009
Delhi has quite the history of so many empires that made their rise and fall in the city. Now there are many monuments left behind that are so magnificent and grand. The city began its history as and on going feud between cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The city remained under Mughal rule until it passed to the British in 1803. In 1911 the capital of the British Empire moved from Calcutta to Delhi. That is when Delhi got and keep the prestige is has today. Between the 1950 and 1990, the government made many changes in this city which has led it to its current organization. It has always been the center of political importance with early dynasties making it their seat of power.
New Delhi is the capital of India. It is located on the bank of the Yamuna river and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The city has so many faces. There are beautiful parks, tree lines and gardens mixed in with dense traffic and city rumble. The people are dressed in colorful turbaned Sikhs as they go about their busy lives. Then there are the market places filled with handmade crafts, giving it a human feel. The towering skyscrapers and luxurious residential areas add and amazing contrast to the old historical monuments left behind by centuries of civilizations.
The five star hotels in Delhi are of utmost luxury and comfort. Visitors are sure to get a good rest along their journey as they discover this melting pot of heritage. Get out and see the India Gate and the Lotus Temple. That is the impitomy of contrast in age. The Rashtrapati Bhavan has a unique blend of colonial and local architeture. How about the differenced between Humayun’s Tomb and the Parliament House. So many thing to to see in this New Delhi.
Posted by Cindy on
November 23, 2009
With its fantastic blend of mountains and beaches, and long history of occupation by local sea-dwelling peoples, Phuket is one of the world’s premiere tourist destinations. There are scores of new visitors every day, drawn by the promise of deep relaxation that only an island can offer, along with its lively nightlife. As busy as the island is, there is always a spirit of calm that overwhelms everything, making it very appealing for those looking to get away from it all. There are many spectacular places to stay while you’re in Phuket. Beach resorts are a big attraction, providing an elegant sense of luxury to compliment the magnificence of the place.
You’re sure to discover that Phuket is an amazing place, with a vibrant population that is very diverse, with a Buddhist population making up the majority, and also a very strong Islamic population, as well as Chinese descendants. There have been many different civilizations that have spent time here, leaving marks in the culture and the architecture. There have also been many moments in history when the English have left their marks in Phuket, and that tradition is something that still survives to this day. Culture is always a conversation in process, and one of its most dynamic metaphors is theatre. This could be why theatre is one of the most interesting places to see cultures speaking to each other, because it reflects a much deeper history, that most audiences can intuitively understand.
This is such that seeing a pantomime play for the holidays at the Green Man Pub is more than entertainment, and reflects a long and complicated history. It’s fascinating to see works here in English, and more so to see groups like The Andaman Players starting to take root. This is some very funny and very entertaining theatre, and is a splendid way to spend and evening. The food and drink are awfully lovely, too. One could read a history into all of this, and make some exciting intellectual connections, but it’s also possible to come for a night of sheer mindless entertainment.
Posted by Cindy on
November 20, 2009
A friend of mine has been involved with competitive racing and motor sports her entire life. I remember her family taking trips on every holiday, to the sand dunes in Yuma, Arizona. They had a large camper that towed a flat bed filled with ATV’s, SUV’s, and motorcycles. Now, her thirteen year old son is quite the motorcycle and ATV rider. He has been a fast learner, and I tend to think that it runs in his blood.
One of the most important parts, as with all vehicles, are the wheels and tires that they use on their bikes and the other motorsports vehicles. The Cooper Tire Company is one of the best manufacturers for those involved with every thing from drag racing, to ice racing and rally cross. They have been one of the top competitors for years, since 1950, in all aspects competitions, from the Formula One Races to small grass roots races Cooper Tire has been there.
They continue to be one of the leaders around the world, in more than one hundred and fifty differ championships and series throughout the world, carrying on the tradition of the champion’s spirit and vibe. This is carried from the tracks of those champions, onto the automobiles of everyday drivers. Their vast experience of high performance equipement has served to enhance the experiences of the everyday driver. From inexpensive road tires to cheap rims,
their pricing reflects their innovative technology.
They do not need to charge an arm and a leg for quality. It is just simply what they do. This is one of the reasons why the company continues to remain so involved in the aspects of the race tracks and in the competition. Aside from the excitement of it all, it allows them to take what they have learned and give it back to everyone from the owner of a classic Ford Mustang to a high performance BMW sportscar to a Chevy pick-up truck. Take time to do the research and I am certain that you will agree.
Posted by Cindy on
November 17, 2009
India is a fantastic country, and visiting here can be bewildering, exhilarating, and mystifying all at once. There are a hundred contradictions in every city, and even on every block, and it’s delightful to try to figure them all out, and equally pleasurable to let them all work themselves out for themselves. Chennai, one of the largest cities here, is also one of the most fascinating places, offering plenty of attractions for visitors of all ages, and with a sensibility that is all its own. With a tropical climate and a thriving industrial economy, it has a vibrant present that is as interesting as its amazing history. It’s worth getting to know all the sides of Chennai, although it’s impossible to do in one, or even several, trips. Night life is exciting, offering plenty of clubs and bars, and some amazing opportunities to see local live performance. Music and theatre have strong roots and traditions here, and offer a splendid look into the inner life of the citizens.
For guests looking for fantastic accommodations, there are plenty of luxury hotels. Chennai specializes in old-world hospitality, offering a sumptuous stay in a spectacular setting, so that you can doze off and wake up in the finest surroundings. Being refreshed is a great way to begin your days here, as there is so much to see and do, and you’ll want to experience everything. There is an enormous variety of performing arts here, with music, dance, theatre, and visual art, but you might notice that it tends toward the traditional, utilizing Indian and European standards that have been around for a hundred years or more. Ranvir Shah and Anita Ratnam, with their backgrounds in theatre and dance, along with a bit of wisdom on arts administration, felt this keenly, and began the Other Festival.
This ran from 1998-2006, and presented dozens of new works of dance, theatre, music, and visual art, with an emphasis on experimentation in all these forms. In 2007, Shah branched off to start another version of the Other Festival, called the New Festival, and this is its current incarnation, where you can see some of the coolest stuff Chennai has to offer. It speaks volumes that the festival has been running successfully for so many years, proving that the art and the audiences are here, growing and thriving.
Posted by Cindy on
November 16, 2009
The Olympics, no matter were they are held, have so many things going on that there is much that is missed. It is nice to revisit the after words about the events that happened. Take Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008. Not everyone caught that 7 of the buildings built were built as green buildings. It must have been mentioned in the middle of the night while some of us were sleeping. Only those not sleeping in one of the many five star Beijing hotels got to see and learn first hand the amazing grandeur of these buildings. In a country that has become such a large polluter of the world there is a glimmer of hope that they may take some of this ingenuity to the future building of this big city.
The Water Cube Aquatic Center looks just like it sounds. Like a cube of water or cube of bubbles. The walls are literally plastic bubbles filled with air and attached to a steel frame around the edges. It is 30% more energy efficient than other buildings that same size. The National Indoor Stadium was created green by implementing solar energy. They attached over 1,100 solar battery components to the walls and ceiling. It only cost 125 million dollars. Not bad.
The Convention Center utilized rain water from the roof for irrigating the landscape, flushing systems, and cooling air. However, an even more impressive contribution to green was the Beijing Olympic Village. Most of the energy and water efficiency was taken care of in a green way. Solar took care of many needs such as heating, hot water and electric controls. This village was said to have consumed 1/30 of the energy that most buildings or complexes of this size would consume. There was also 200 tons of water recycled every day.
The buildings weren’t the only areas that contributed to less pollution. 80 to 90 percent of the street lights were also solar powered. For as much as they pollute the land they are also the largest user of solar heating in the world. Going green in china has created so many new jobs and economic benefits that reach out to the whole country.
Posted by Cindy on
November 16, 2009
I’ve been to a number of zoos but none with the internationally famous “open” concept of the Singapore Zoo. It’s set in the environment of a rainforest and animals live as closely as possible to their own natural habitat. There’s no cages! Just moats covered up by vegetation. The wilder, more dangerous animals, like the leopards and jaguars, have glass enclosures (because they can climb or jump). I come from San Diego, and we have a pretty famous zoo there as well, but I’ve got to admit I really liked what I saw in Singapore. Both the Fragile Forest and Kidzworld was great — largely because we have two kids under five, and they really loved it. My kids absolutely fell in love with the elephants and the elephant ride. What a terrific experience for them!
It’s fairly easy to get to the zoo, but I think it might be better if they had a bus line that runs directly there. You have to book a bus or taxi, and that can be a little pricey (around 30 dollars with a tour, and 25 dollars with a taxi, each way — of course, with the way things are today, these costs, I’m sure, fluctuate). Of course, whether you’re staying in a hostel or in one of the 5 star singapore hotels, I’m sure we could all appreciate saving a little money.
One word of advice: Go ahead and make sure you get the tram ride included with your ticket, because it’s really worth it! If you’re going to be at the zoo for the entire day, then getting the chance to take some time out, relax, feel the wind in your hair, as opposed to walking all day with a couple of young kids, will definitely improve your mood.
One last thing: There’s an option to have breakfast with the wildlife, and I made reservations about a week and a half in advance. When I got there, it was clear we didn’t need the reservations to get in, but because of our reservations, we were seated front-row next to where the orangutans sit! And that’s worth making sure you have those tables!