Wafi Gourmet – Dubai

Posted on June 15, 2009 by Cindy

If you’re on the lookout for the perfect five-star hotel, Dubai will certainly surprise and delight you. With a heady combination of new-world amenities with old-world charm, your stay is guaranteed to be a perfectly lovely experience. There is an incredible sense of style and design here, and there are lots of good reasons that Dubai is becoming one of the global hotspots for travelers. It is a fantastic metropolitan city, with stunning contradictions, like beaches in the desert, and old markets in the same city as the most contemporary shopping malls in the world. The food, of course, is out of this world.

One of the most delightful finds of late is the Wafi Gourmet, a deli and eat-in restaurant that gets high marks from the locals and the tourists. With a sumptuous array of freshly-cooked baked sweets, a dazzling selection of olives, and a generous selection of herbs and spices, there is something for every palate here. The deli is the perfect place for travelers doing their own cooking, and is also a terrific place to stock up on food to take home as gifts. Your friends will love you for the culinary souvenirs.

If you’re looking for a place to sit and eat, Wafi Gourmet can help you there, too. A splendid eat-in restaurant, find your way past the deli counter and out to the terrace and you’ll find other diners looking forward to a succulent eating experience. The kebabs are very highly recommended here, with different types and spices that are all worth trying. If your tastes are for shawarma, shisha, or hummus, you’ll find something to satiate your heart’s delight here as well. Remember, too, to observe the other diners, because there might be something new that is worth a try. At Wafi Gourmet, curiosity is rewarded generously.

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Sacred Places of Worship in Mumbai, India

Posted on June 12, 2009 by Cindy

The buildings of India are steeped in history. This is true of such grand architecture as the Taj Mahal, and is also true of the smaller structures, such as many of the Mumbai hotels. Perhaps non are more rich the cultural and societal heritage as the churches and temples throughout the city and the entire country as well. One such temple is that of Walkeshwar. It sits atop Malabar hill and was build by the Silhara kings, a dynasty that had rule over Mumbai, then called Bombay, between the ninth and thirteenth centuries. Folklore states that this temple was built by Lord Rama. The site was named Walkeshwar, due to the sand, and means…Idol made of sand. Rama Kamath, a philanthropist and wealthy Bombay businessman renovated the temple in 1715. There are many legends that surround the temple, one being that upon the thirst felt by Lord Rama, he shoot arrows at the site which produced a fountain of water from the sandy ground. Many of the citizens of India make pilgrimages to the temple to pray and to worship the sacred spot. Each year there is a festival that is sponsored by the Maharashtra Tourism Development group at the site. It is two days filled with concerts and smaller live music performances and draws many spectators and tourists.

One of the most prominent religious structures in Mumbai is the Mary Church. This draws those from all backgrounds of worship and faith. It is located in the sector of West Bandra sector of Mumbai, and was built in 1640 by the Portuguese. This place of worship is known for the belief in the power of prayer. In Mumbai, Mother Mary is referred to as Math Mauli. And in keeping with the spirit of the people of Mumbai, there is a festival held each year here, during September. It is a festival that honors the Virgin, and culminates in an exciting carnival where food is celebrated, art is celebrated, and wax candles in the form of the Virgin are created by artists (http://mumbai.vivastreet.co.in/singer-composer-find-post-free+mumbai)and sold. Many who are in need of help converge upon the festival in hopes of receiving blessing from the Mother Mary. This is a location that is just as picturesque and beautiful as it is sacred. Views of the Arabian Sea are splendid, and many travel to this location throughout the year, as stated previously, regardless of their religious background and beliefs.

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Raves Goa

Posted on June 11, 2009 by Cindy

Recently a very respected literary and film personality expressed concerns about Goa’s rapidly growing trend to act like Bangkok . Meaning, Goa’s youth, particularly from the poor sections of Goa’s society were being drawn into illegal activities and rave parties. Bangkok has been held out internationally as the worst example of the anti-social consequences of tourism on the community. The irony is, on one hand, the chief minister and other tourism officials of Goa keep speaking rhetoric about attracting the more influential market tourists. But, influential market tourists are not going to come and book a Goa Resort Spa when the city is going downhill.

Absurdly enough, the naive innocent Tourism Minister, Mathany Saldanha , claims that he is unaware of the existence of rave parties and in fact he doesn’t even know what a rave party is. The Goan Observer has offered to take him on a tour to all the hundreds of raves happening nightly. Or, the Goan Obseverer told him to ask the Chief Minister’s best friend, Nandan Kudchadkar, to invite him to Paadiso’s which holds the biggest and most known rave party through out Goa.

Rave parties are not a new phenomena in Goa, but Goa is has been better known for its rock and techno music for almost four decades. But, the rave parties of the seventies and even in the early eighties were not the commercial affairs of which they have become. They were really a get togetherness for the backpacking tourists. In the nineties they have become very organized commercial events. They are advertised not just on the net, but now they gone mainstream posting in publications in Europe, the UK and upload postings on Google. Including detailed schedules of where they will take place, who the DJ is and various other highlights. Goa is increasingly large numbers of travelling Russians and Israelis are not just coming for the sun and the sea, they are coming for the rave parties. Hopefully, Goa’s government will finally get a handle on this newly dangerous trend of it’s youth and come up with other more productive ways for the younger generation to spend their time.

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Delhi Writer Khushwant Singh

Posted on June 11, 2009 by Cindy

There is much to be said about Delhi, best hotels being high on the list of best services offered in this city.  One of the largest cities in the world by population, and the capital city of India, Delhi is one of the true centers of human activity in the world.  Continuously inhabited since the sixth century, B.C., if not earlier, this place has a palpable history and an extremely vibrant culture.  A long tradition of habitation would also suggest a long tradition of hospitality, and travelers here will find generous combinations of old-world charm and new-world sophistication.

The city is complex and intense, and has a long list of famous people inhabiting the place.  One of Delhi’s best-loved citizens is the near-centenarian writer Khushwant Singh.  Best known for multiple roles, he is a novelist, historian, political commentator, and social critic.  Born in Hadali in Khushab District Sargodha, Punjab, in what is now Pakistan, in 1915, Khushwant Singh had a first career as a lawyer.  Then he worked as an ambassador, for UNESCO for a time, and became a journalist in 1951, which led him into his career as a writer.  He is known for his incisive wit, and ability to look deeply into the nature of human contradiction and articulate his observations with sharp humor and deep compassion.

One of his formative moments was when he was traveling and met some Sikh soldiers who were bragging that they had just killed a village of Muslims.  The sense of outrage at the deep racism that existed in a contemporary time was enough to move him to decide to speak out against injustices and human suffering generally, and terrible prejudice specifically.  Khushwant Singh’s best-known novels are Delhi, The Company of Women, and Train to Pakistan.  He has also written a highly-acclaimed history of the Sikhs in a two-volume edition.  He is known as the Dirty old man of Indian journalist, and his departure from newspapers as a columnist is always followed with a drastic drop in readership.  He has received many honors and high political posts in his illustrious and somewhat colorful career.  In 2000, he received the “Honest Man of the Year Award” by the Sulabh International Social Service Organization.

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Chillaxing Goa

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Cindy

I was visiting my friend at her new yoga studio and she was giving me a tour and explaining how all the various rooms will be utilized. She was so excited that one of the four star hotels goa  will recommend her studio to their clientele. As she guided me from one room to another, I heard this wonderful music being piped through out the building. I mentioned to her that I really liked this music and she said we were listening to Chill.

‘Chillaxing isn’t it?’ she asked. I said ‘Chillaxing?’ and laughed at hearing this word. ‘Yes, very’, I replied.

I’ve never heard the term ‘Chill’ or ‘Chillaxing’ before and I’ve never listened to it before, but I must admit, it’s superbly beautiful, genuinely relaxing and has the quality to instantly create an atmosphere of peace of mind and a sense of well being. A sense that ‘everything is all right in the world.’  Apparently, this genre of music has been around for decades; mainly used by yoga instructors or used to aid in guided meditations. Since I do neither, I’ve been missing out on this wonderful ‘Chillaxing’ movement.

After that day in the yoga studio, I’ve been obsessed with getting Chill into every aspect of my life. I’ve gone into music stores and ask where there ‘Chill’ section is and they would have no clue. So, I went on-line and downloaded over 100 ‘Chill’ tunes on to my IPod . I even installed Satellite radio in my car and in my home and when I’m at work, I plug-in my headset into my computer and listen to my favorite ‘Chill’ Internet Radio station.

My fascination and enjoyment of my discovery of ‘Chill’ music has inspired my to attend a few yoga classes at my friends new Yoga Studio and been participating in learning how to practice guided meditation. I threw a dinner party at my home to introduce some of my newly found friends from yoga and meditation to my old friends. I set my satellite radio to play ‘Chill’ and my old friends, who have never listened to ‘Chill’, began to relax immediately around my new friends thoroughly enjoying each others company as if they have been long time friends. Four star hotels goa.

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TANGS Department Store Singapore

Posted on June 8, 2009 by Cindy

Singapore is a vibrant city and is full of major historic landmarks as well as contemporary entertainment and dinning opportunities. Tourists who come to this city-state and stay in one of the best Singapore hotels are often times attracted to the shopping opportunities as well as the cultural and entertainment aspects. The Orchard Street area is one of the most popular sections of Singapore and attracts hundreds of residents and tourists daily.

Orchard Street is commonly considered to be the main retail, and even entertainment, hub of the city-state. It encompasses the major business district in the central region. This extends into the surrounding area, which is known as the Orchard, though it takes its name from the prominent historic street. Orchard Street itself is named after the many fruit, nutmeg and pepper orchards that lined it during the early 1800s. The major economic development, for which it is now known, occurred predominately in the 1970s. One of its major landmarks is the Orchard Hotel, which is a prime place for shopping oriented visitors to stay. The Istana building, located at the southern end of Orchard, is probably the most elegant of those lining the street.

Every year during the Christmas season, the street is lined with a beautiful light display. This makes the already vibrant and beautiful area even more festive and celebratory. Other major buildings, landmarks and facilities include the Botanic Gardens on the north end of this one-way road. The Goodwood Park Hotel is on the near by street of Scotts Road. This monument serves as a primary example of colonial architecture. TANGS department store is situated at the junction of Scotts Street and Orchard. It is the first of the upscale department stores in the area. Next to the historic Emerald Hill is the Cold Storage supermarket. This is one of the oldest surviving stores in the area. A trip down this historic street offers great landmarks, elements of Singapore’s cultural heritage as well as great shopping opportunities.

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Listening To Customer Complaints

Posted on May 20, 2009 by Cindy

Every business has unhappy customers. Most people view complaining customers as a negative thing and something that can impact the success of  their business,  But more and more enlightened companies are discovering that there are many benefits to truly listening to what your customers say.  This usually takes the form of customer complaint management.

Being proactive in the realm of customer complaints and utilizing a complaints management system, means that you will continually be able to be ahead of the game rather than fighting from behind.  It is a valuable for of feedback for your business.  You can use this to improve the products and services that you offer.  In other words its part of quality management.

Many customers do not make complaints directly to you.  However they will tell their business acquaintances and friends which can result in damage to your reputation.  It’s in your best interest to listen to your customers; therefore being proactive in this field can be beneficial.

Some things to remember when dealing with an unhappy client.  Always remain professional when dealing with a complaint.  Try to help the customer by listening to what they have to say.  Try to really understand where they are coming from.  Show appropriate concern for their problem  and let them know how much you appreciate their point of view.  Enter the complaint in a complaint handling system or database.  Always apologize if your company is at fault and outline your solution to their problem and identify the time it will take.  Follow up with them at a later date to find out if they are satisfied with the solution.

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