Bob Travel

Now that the Superbowl is over, the great flux of visitors washing in and out of Miami, perhaps this is a good time to take a visit and really relax in the nation’s most South-Eastern state.  You’ll find here plenty of amazing beaches, great cuisine (of the Floribbean variety — part Caribbean, part Floridian, if you will), and any number of terrific museums and attractions.  One of my favorites is the Miami Art Museum.  I happen to be somewhat compulsive about museums; whenever I’m in a town overnight, staying in of the city’s hotels — for more information about that, visit this page — I want to see the local museums.  With the Miami Art Museum, there’s a number of interesting permanent and traveling exhibits.

Unfortunately, you’ve just missed the Miami-Dade County Student Artwork exhibit, which concluded on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.  However, there’s still an opportunity to see Carlos Bunga: Metamorphosis.  This work is two big structures made from perishable materials and the idea is to explore the connection between architecture and urban spaces.  A Portuguese artist, this is Carlos Bunga’s first U.S. solo exhibition.   It runs until February 28, 2010.  Also running until Feb. 28th, is a collection of works in an exhibit titled Space as Medium.  The art here combines work from those artists of the 60s and 70s of the last century with the work of younger artists to create pieces which “engage” with the pieces of the museum itself — such as its walls and floors and ceilings.

In the near future, you’ll be able to see a “Miami Point of View” on art from the museum’s permanent collection, displaying work from the 20th and 21st Centuries.  This exhibit begins on February 28th and continues.  There’s no end date given.  Another exhibit you’ll be interested to find is Carlos Cruz Diez: The Embodied Experience of Color.  Here, you’ll find an installation where lights challenge perceptions of museum patrons as they move in a world of shifting space and color.  This intriguing exhibition runs from March 20th until June 20th of 2010.

An adventure in Australia isn’t complete with out a understanding of the rich history of art on this continent. Beginning in ancient times with Aboriginal art etched into rocks to the present movement in modern arts. The rock are is so primitive and primal. One can feel the raw emotion and energy being conveyed in these images. Used to communicate trails, migrations and movement or simply as directions we may never know. The traditions continue today influenced by modern times and colonial influences. The influx of Europeans and Asians has changed the face of Australian art. Presenting a unique voice to the variety of movements and phases that have influenced art around the world. Of course you can usually gain a beginning of your appreciation of Australian art within the comfort of your accommodation Sydney Australia. Usually filled with art from locals showing modern works for immigrants to the continent to the work of surviving Aboriginal craftspeople. Endless in variety in form just like the land down under, amazing and ever changing. From the late 1700’s to the early 1900’s Australian art was influenced mainly by nature. Botanical and animal oddities were recorded for observation in far corners of the world. Some creatures seemingly out of fantasy and some truly made up for the curiosity effect. Plants and animals in proportions and colors never seen before. In the 20th century modern influences begain to gain control over the art scene. Bright colors, representation rather than photographic depiction of the world around the artists began to take favor. After World War I modernism began to really take hold. Effecting sculpture, painting, drawing, photography and every other discipline. Now in the 21st century the ideas and concepts of adaptive reuse are gaining appeal. The reuse and repurpose of discarded items and transforming them into works of art. These pieces make statements about our lives, what we use, how we use it and what we do with it after we are done with its original purpose.

Nepal is famous for many things, and one of them happens to be its Katmandu Valley. It is surrounded by the beautiful mountain range has become integrated into much of Western pop culture. It has been featured in songs such as Bog Seger’s Katmandu, Cat Stevens song of the same name and Rush’s A Passage to Bangkok. It has also been the setting for many works of literature. It was the central location for Kim Stanley Robinson’s book Escape from Katmandu and the critically acclaimed book Arresting God in Katmandu by Samrat Upadhyay. In the movie, There’s Something About Mary, Cameron Diaz’s character mentions that she would like to go there. Perhaps while visiting, she will stay in one of the Nepal hotels.

Bob Seger’s song Katmandu is from the album Beautiful Loser. Seger is an American musician who is greatly known for his rock music. He was born in Michigan and began his career in the Detroit area. He originally performed with the band the System before moving on to have a successful solo career. He later performed with The Silver Bullet Band, which is his most famous group collaboration. Some of his most successful albums are Night Moves and Beautiful Loser. Some of his greatest hit singles are Hollywood Nights, Old Time Rock and Roll, which became recognized as one of the songs of the 21st century, Beautiful Loser, Turn the Page and Against the Wind. In 2004 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has worked with other musicians and co-wrote the Eagles hit song Heartache Tonight.

Cat Stevens song Katmandu is from the 1970 album Mona Bone Jakon. He is known for his folk songs, and also for his transition to Islam and name change to Yusuf Islam, which he now goes by. He was born in England and began his career in London. He achieved great popularity in the 1970s with hit songs such as Wild World, Trouble, Peace Train, Matthew and Son and Moon Shadow. With his conversion to Islam he left the music scene and devoted his life to religion and humanitarian efforts. He has won many awards for his efforts and is recognized as a major social figure. He has returned to performing and now plays under the name Yusuf Islam.

Many people travel to the state of Rajasthan because of the color.  Carrying the reputation as India’s most vibrant and colorful regions, evidence of this is all around, in the textiles and the crafts of the people of the state.  Markets are a fabulous venue for finding what ever it is one needs or wants, and the concierge at ones luxury hotels Rajasthan will have many options for one to choose from, and will often know the best spots to go for variety and for bargain shopping.  One of the signature forms of the artisans of this region is the art of block printing on the materials such as shawls, scarves, and clothing.  The blocks are finely carved works of art in and of themselves, a tradition that immigrated from Gujarat and then on through the other cities such as Jaipur, Pali and Barmer.  Traditional techniques involve the use of dye made from vegetables, however today, many of the artists do use chemically produced dyes.

The popular designs for this printing are those of animals, figures, birds and goddesses and gods.  This is an art form that requires attention to detail and accuracy and is known as one of the most arduous and time consuming forms of arts and crafts produced in the region.  The material is spread out flat, and the ink is applied to the blocks.  Enough ink must be on the blocks to allow the artist to make the continuous and interweaving patterns.  The ink prints are then usually covered in a wax substance to protect the integrity of the design while the material is being dyed.  The final stages involve the washing of the work, the sun drying of it, and then the ironing.  Some of the printers coming to the city have brought with them techniques and designs, and floral block prints are now becoming a popular design as well, in the markets throughout the state of Rajasthan.

Walking through the streets of Melbourne is a fantastic way to soak in the charm and the vibrant edginess of this Australian city.  The diversity surrounds one as the neighborhoods and the architecture, from a pre-colonial Victorian era Melbourne luxury hotel, to the trendy punk rock club just next door.  One of the most trendy, alternative and artistic neighborhoods is Fitzroy.  Much as in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago or the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, Fitzroy is where the bohemian cultures live and work.  There are many theaters and galleries located along the streets and this section of Melbourne provides most of the venues for the Melbourne Fringe Festival each year.  The festival runs through the entire month of September with plays, art openings and musical shows happening throughout the days and nights.

One of the most happening streets in Fitzroy, is Brunswick Street.  There are many quirky second hand stores, antiques shops and book stores.  Murals decorate the walls of the buildings, and the street is home to many artists, who often have the doors of their studios open and welcome those coming through looking at their work.  There is an open air market that takes place each Saturday, the Rose Street Market of artists, wherein one can find treasures amongst the works of more than seventy of Melbourne’s artists and clothing designers.  And of course, there are many bars, pubs and coffee shops, that are busy just about every hour of the day, and night.  One may find an all day breakfast restaurant in the neighborhood, and the nightlife is hopping.  Gertrude Street is famous for retro-clothing stores and contemporary art galleries.  Many speciality book stores are located on Gertrude, and there is here as well, many choices in restaurants and cafes.  Smith and Johnston Streets are a haven for vegetarians, as the variety of cuisine ranges from whole foods, to Moroccan to Greek and Mid Eastern.  This is also the Spanish sector of Melbourne, so the tapas and the flamenco shows are abundant.  This is one neighborhood that has quite a bit to offer in such a small area.

Menorca has so many things to recommend it as a splendid place to spend a vacation, that it would be impossible to list them all, but it is certain that the best Menorca hotels have all the bases covered.  Whatever your desires for the perfect holiday, you can certainly find them fulfilled here.  Our hotels have luxurious accommodations and a very good dose of local flavor, so that all members of the family will find something here.  Adventure, exploring, sun and sand, excellent food, or rejuvenation of the body and mind, all of these are within reach.  Menorca has a reputation for excellent snorkling, a marvelously healthy island vibe, and an immensely fascinating prehistory.

One of the prehistoric cultures here, the Talayots, was named for the towers that greeted visitors.  Every villa had them, and they all face southeast or southwest.  Archeologists recently started to suggest that these were built with another reason: to observe the Southern Cross.  It’s entirely likely, since this would have been a unique point to observe this constellation at the time.

This is just an example of the fascinating marvels of Menorca, and there are many.  Enough that archeologist William Waldren would devote many years, and many pages of academic writing, to the mysteries here.  Waldren, who passed in 2003, was by all accounts a fascinating character.  A real renaissance man, he was an accomplished artist, and a champion figure skater, before he pursued his doctoral degree from Oxford when he was fifty years old.  Waldren was also supported by Earthwatch when it was just a fledgling organization.   An expert on the prehistoric cultures and artifacts here, his memory lies somewhere in these old stones.

Barcelona Spain is recognized as one of the most prominent cities in the world. It is well known for its arts scene, architecture and various financial and commercial trading businesses. It has many lush parks that contribute to a relaxed, romantic feel to this historic city. It is also positioned on the Mediterranean coast, which provides for great views and water access. The luxury Barcelona hotels also contribute to a fabulous vacation, and the city attracts numerous tourists every year. There are historical buildings, which also serve as city landmarks and testify to the diverse and interesting history of Barcelona, was well as the rest of Spain.

Many of the buildings date back for centuries, some were even constructed during the era of the Roman Empire. There are various neighborhoods, or districts in Barcelona that are known for their particular architectural styles and historical relevance. The Eixample District is highly representative of the Modernist movement and it is where many of the buildings designed by the renown architect Antonio Gaudi. The Gothic Quarter is another area, which is commonly accepted to be the old town Barcelona. Many of these buildings date from medieval times, though some of them are ancient.

The arts scene is just as rich and diverse as its architectural scene. There have been a great number of artists that have lived in, been born in, or were drawn too Barcelona. There are many museums, and some of them have an international reputation. Pablo Picasso has a museum dedicated to his works. The theatre, dance, music and other performance oriented scenes in Barcelona are diverse and progressive. Madrid is another city in Spain that is rich in history and has an incredible theatre scene. The Teatre Lliure, Teatre Tivoli and Teatre Poliorama are just three of the many prominent performance companies the city can boast of.

To hold reservations for a hotel in Bali, Indonesia is a fantastic gift.  It portends a great deal of pleasure in the near future, where comfort and luxury are promised in a place where the good life is a practice and not an ideal.  The hotels here are excellent combinations of tradition and innovation, providing guests with cutting-edge amenities in an aura of island hospitality, where gracefulness is a value.  There are splendid opportunities to participate in activities that are fun for the whole family, and there is also a night life here that is really extraordinary.

Bali is an Indonesian island that has a long history of cultural diversity.  The contemporary Bali blends indigenous culture with Chinese and Indian influences, and this is evident in the performing and visual arts.  Visitors here should try to see some traditional and contemporary works of Balinese dance, as these styles are amazing spectacles that will stay in the memory for a long time.  One of Bali’s most famous dancers is Ni Wade Pujawati whose artistic credentials extend throughout the world, having performed in the U.S. and Europe.

Ni Made Pujawati was born in Bali, and used to sneak away to study dancing at night, until her family saw her perform, and then started to support her choice of life’s direction.  She studied at both the Indonesian Conseratory of Music and the Indonesian Institute of Arts, where she learned many aspects of performance, with a focus in dance.  She is currently based in London, where she operates her aptly named organization, Balinesedance, which is devoted to promoting Indonesian dance forms all over the world.  There are performances all over the world by Ni Made Pujawati, in Balinese and Javanese dance, as well as Balinese theatre.  Her work is increasingly more cross-cultural, and she works to make Balinese dance more accessible to “western” audiences.

The Bronx Borough in New York is a work of dichotomy.  Wildlife surrounded by ruins, an area that has produced world class athletes and artists, as well as the Mafia and the corrupt forces of law.  This has been a melting pot of all that is good and all that is bad.  There are those that canoe down the rivers, and those that use the Bronx as a location when shooting movies about war torn foreign countries.  American actor Chazz Palminteri grew up on the streets filled with gangster owned restaurants and hotels.  New York, USA has been the American location that myths and legends are made.  During the late 50’s and early 60’s Palminteri was growing up in a city that was becoming more crime ridden and deadly.  The Bronx was in moral and societal decay.  He had the opposing forces of a father that worked hard to make an honest living, and the wiseguys in his neighborhood making large incomes on such activities as gambling, drugs and prostitution.

However, there is one school in the Bronx, that has been attended by some of the greats such as Neil Simon, and Richard Rodgers, and is the school that Palminteri attended.  The school has a reputation for supporting artistic endeavours.  Palminteri created a play called aptly, “A Bronx Tale”, a story of a young man growing up in such an environment as the Bronx, just as he had.  And through mutual acquaintances Palmenteri got his chance.  A man, Peter Gatien, through interactions at a local disco in the 1980’s, came into contact with Palminteri, and agreed to bankroll his project of the play.   By 1993 the play had met with commercial and critical success, and enough backing had been made to turn the play into a screenplay.  Robert DeNiro signed on to direct the film and also to portray the hard working, honest father character.  This film continues to be acclaimed and is a comprehensive story, one of the legends of the great city of New York.

Travelers have come to the right place in looking for the best Hong Kong hotels, because ours have the perfect combination of the old and the new, and they are a brilliant reflection of this brilliant city.  With over seven million people, it is one of the most populated areas on the planet, and there is an intoxicating sense of human energy here.  Combining this with the gorgeous natural settings, and our famous skyline on the water, and one finds a place that is nothing less than splendid.  A fantastic mix of the East and the West, Hong Kong offers an amazing graciousness of style and design that is absolutely contemporary.  Our hotels offer nothing less than the best, so that the experienced traveler can count on a stay here that is absolutely delightful.

Hong Kong is extremely rich in history and culture.  Its cosmopolitan heartbeat has attracted any number of artists, intellectuals, and writers, for generations, and the tradition continues with the work of the young poet Jennifer Wong.  She holds an M.A. in Creative Writing from the U.K.’s University of East Anglia, and she studied literature at Oxford.  Born and raised in Hong Kong, she spends most of her time in England, but returns to her home to attend such prestigious events as the Hong Kong International Literary Festival.

Her volume of poetry, Summer Cicadas, was published by Chameleon Press, and has been praised by critics for its deftness in exploring themes such as youth and love, cultural identity, and cultural displacement.  One of her trademarks is her use of oestranenie, Russian formalist Viktor Shklovsky’s term for estrangement, especially as the idea evolved through the works of the great novelist Haruki Murakami.  She has written herself into a strong lineage, and her delicate and precise use of words to create a profoundly sense of unease, make her a poet to watch.

It’s  10 am Sunday in  Singapore and I decide to make a day of it. I first take a shower at one of the Best Hotels in Singapore and then dress appropriately enough which will suit any time of day. A nice summer dress with a jacket that can be worn or not, it depends on where I am.

First, I decide to have lunch at PS Cafe and order bacon and an egg with asparagus sandwich. I found to place to have a nice airy atmosphere which overlooks the greenery of Dempsey Road. Then after finishing one of the best slices of cake in town, I head for the Asian Civilizations Museum. I’m so glad I was wearing that summer dress because even before noon it’s hot. But, when I enter the museum, I’m so glad I have my jacket because the building is air-conditioned and it’s freezing inside. I got to see the collection of cultural relics and some of Singapore’s history. The highlight of the museum was the artifacts from Java’s early Hindu kingdoms, the beautiful Chinese porcelain and the Islamic art. I spent a good 3 hours inside and it was nice to walk off most of my brunch.

I went next door of the museum and ate at the exquisite Indochine which is right on the Singapore River. It’s a South-Eastern Asian fusion kind of cuisine. It was hard to choose what to eat, so many things sounded really good, like the shrimp and pomelo salad, the mussels with lemongrass or the French beef stew. I ended up ordering the spicy beef rendang and vegetables in a coconut gravy. Man, was I stuffed, maybe I didn’t walk off all of my brunch. So, I did some more walking and came upon Chinatown and I stopped in one shop offering to read my fortune and massage my feet at the same time!  My fortune was I’d meet a tall handsome man on my journey today. That sounded good to me!

So, I continued ‘my journey’ and headed on up to Mount Faber to take a cable car ride to Sentosa Island. The view over the sea was spectacular. Apparently, on Sentosa, I could play golf. Maybe that’s where I’d meet my ‘Tall handsome man’. I rented some clubs and went to the practice range to hit a bucket of balls. I spent well over an hour with no site of my handsome man. It was about dinner time and I was once again hungry. So, I took the cable car back and had a scrumptious dinner at East Coast’s outdoor seafood restaurant. Still all by myself, but then again, my waiter was a tall handsome man with a delicious smile. Alas, I still ended up coming back to my hotel room alone. All in All though, I did make a day of Sunday.

There is no question that among all the world’s 5-star hotels, Mallorca is in a class all by itself.  One of the most luxurious islands in the world, and home to one of the world’s most fabulous tourist destinations, Mallorca is famous for its incredible beaches and enviable night life.  The hotels are a reflection of the place, with amenities to suit any traveler, and a sense of elegance that is only found here on Spain’s largest island.  Guests looking to hide from the world and rejuvenate their senses will be well-rewarded here.

Mallorca has an amazing history, and some amazing people.  One of its current favorite sons is the young motorcycle rider, Jorge Lorenzo.  Although he just turned 21, the rider has already turned heads all over the world with his skill at riding on two wheels.  Born on May 4th, 1987, in Palma de Mallorca, Jorge Lorenzo began riding when he was just three years old.  He started competing at a young age as well.  In 1998, he won the Aprilla 50cc competition, even though he was only 11 years old.  The Spanish government gave him a special dispensation to compete in the 125cc race in 2000, which he also won, making him the youngest motorcyclist to win a European race.

He has since graduated to the 250 cc class in 2004, and 2006 and 2007 saw some of his most amazing wins.  He won world titles for both years, with nearly 20 pole positions to his impressive resumé, and in 2008 became the Rookie of the Year from MotoGP.  His reputation as a skilled rider is sometimes preceded by his reputation for spectacle, and a tendency to celebrate with an intense lust for life.  Jorge Lorenzo crashes well, and recovers spectacularly, and does everything with a panache that is unmistakably Mallorcan.

The Robeco Summer Festival of concerts, and the Grachten Festival are about to begin in Amsterdam.  Many festivals, music, art and culinary, occur throughout the summer months, and this is just two of many that will entertain locals and tourists staying in the five star Amsterdam hotels throughout the months of July and August.  The Dutch culture and the Dutch people are long known for their love and support of music.  Many musicians have come out of the Netherlands, and some of the best orchestras and symphonies have their homes here and perform regularly at the Concertgebouw, a theater known to be one of the best in the world for the acoustics.

The concerts scheduled during the summer months are often theme-based, with various series, even the smaller festivals, encapsulated under the same theme.  Often times the themes will include the birthdays or the anniversaries of the deaths of composers throughout history, with the focus being placed on their works.  There are also concerts specially designed for audiences of children, or high-lighting the music of international composers.  The music in this series is presented just about every night of the week throughout the months of July and August, beginning each night at just past 8 pm.

The Grachten Festival celebrates the music of the symphony and the opera, the classical side of the industry and the art.  In 2007, Nelly Miricioiu–famous opera singer, not only performed heart wrenching pieces each night, but also offered workshops and seminars.  Teaching and coaching the works of Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini opening up a world that may be unfamiliar to the general public or to young singers, along with the opportunities to witness these pieces performed each night.  Along with the classes, she spoke of her experiences, which is interesting to those wishing for a career following in her footsteps.  For music lovers around the world, this is one of the best times to be in Amsterdam.

The range of artistic venues in Madrid is vast, from the archaeological sites to the architecture of the Gothic cathedrals and churches, and the museums and the galleries themselves, this city showcases not only art, but the history of various periods as well.  The Madrid best hotels are located next to some of the Renaissance style architectural marvels of the world.  Just walking the streets of the city gives one a look into the styles of the cultures that have influenced the entire city over the years.  Much of the ruins that are still well preserved are the remnants of the two hundred year period of Arabic rule.  Many of the monumental structures and sculptures located in Madrid are the works of the Austrians, and one area of the city, is titled Madrid de Los Austrias due to the abundance of the work in the region.  This is one of the finest neighborhoods for sight-seeing exploration, as along with the main plaza there are many convents, churches and buildings that fill the streets with beauty and works of art from the Baroque time period.

There are many structures from the Neo-classical period of the eighteenth century, including the Sabatini Gardens, the Campo del Moro, as well as one of the most famous museums in the world, the Prado.  Located within the Prado are examples of some of the finest Spanish painters throughout history, such as Picasso, Goya, Velazquez, and Miro.  Located between two of the main roads in the city, the Paseo de la Castellana and the Gran Via, lies the newest district in Madrid, one filled with modern and avant-garde structures of some of today’s most innovative new architects.  The construction of this area has been taking place for the last one hundred years, and is now the center of activity, with many market places, eating and drinking establishments, theaters and hotels.  One can not fully appreciate the art of this city however, without entering one the three famous museums, the previously mentioned Prado, the Sofia Nat. Art Center, and the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum.  All the museums house not only the most famous artists of Spain, but those from around the world.  In all, the city of Madrid will leave one forever, with memories and insight into the amazing legacy and the world of art.

Pablo Picasso is one of the most well known painters in history.  His images are widely recognized throughout the world, and in his home town of Madrid, Spain, hotel walls, businesses and cafes are alive with the images of this son of the Spanish city.  Many artists traveling through Madrid will often make the pilgrimage to the house in which he was born.  This is now the site of the Foundation Picasso.  On of more famous museums, housing much more of an extensive collection of Picasso’s work is located near by, the Palacio de Buenavista. This is one of the favorite locations of art lovers, fans of Picasso, and fans of modern art in general, located in the country of Spain.  For not only are the images created by Picasso brilliantly colored and finely executed, the way that this man painted changed the course of the history of modern art.  Picasso is considered as a true genius in the art world, and innovator of life.

When Picasso was growing up in Malaga, he was recognized by adults, including his father, as a young kid with incredible innate talent, a prodigy.  His early work, much of it accomplished by the time he was still a very young man, is housed in the Museo de Picasso located in the city of Barcelona.  His early drawings resemble and convey the three dimensionality and the details of sculpture.  Picasso was somewhat of a young rebel, preferring to hang out in the cafes where the intellectuals and the working artist gathered rather than in school and art class.  He later went to Paris where he fell in love with the works of his contemporaries, Courbet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Manet.  Picasso was always one who appreciated, respected, and admired the works of the painters of his day, and although he was influenced by the work, he still succeeded in following his own path and creating his own unique style.  His paintings now hang all over the world, in the museums and the galleries, however there is nothing so spectacular as the viewing of these works in the home town of the master painter who created them.

For travelers looking for incredible four-star hotels, Bangalore has plenty to offer.  With luxurious accommodations in a world-class setting, the sky’s the limit for relaxation.  Room service is splendid and delicious, and guests will find themselves living in the heart of their own dream.  A delicate combination of old and new marks the sense of style here, and the time here will be remembered for the sumptuousness of the decor.  Impressive and also understated, there is a palpable sense of gracefulness that permeates the atmosphere here.

Bangalore itself is a fascinating metropolis.  With one of the largest universities in the world, a technology sector that is extremely well-connected to all aspects of global culture, and a local population that is accepting and welcoming, yet still maintaining a strong sense of their own customs, Bangalore is a traveler’s feast.  There is an urban core here that is strikingly local, but also oddly familiar.  This kind of odd familiarity is at the heart of Bangalore artist Ravi Kumar Kashi’s works.  Born in Bangalore in 1968, he still resides here, after having lived away off and on for a time.  The sense of urban identity that is starting to define modern experience has always been present in his work, but his latest creations take this theme into another level.

He received his first degree from the College of Fine Arts in Bangalore in 1988.  He has also earned an M.F.A. in Print Making from Baroda, an MA in English at Mysore, and, in 2001, studied handmade papermaking in Glasgow from a Charles Wallace India Trust grant.  He has worked as a teacher in engineering, and is also working more and more as an instructor for visual arts.  Although his work is shown all over the world, the paintings and paper sculptures of Ravi Kumar Kashi are shown extensively in Bangalore, New Delhi, and Mumbai.  His work takes modernity as a focus, and adds some peculiar and wonderful twists.  He says that he is extremely influenced by visual culture, as well as the culture of the everyday spectacle.  Many of his paintings have advertising images as the center, but twisted and distorted to become comments on life in the world right now.  His work has an immediacy and an energy that is distinctively his own.

Four-star Dubai hotels are stunning experiences in old-world hospitality in the heart of an utterly contemporary city.  Dubai is one of the global hotspots, attracting movie stars and entrepreneurs from all over the world.  The energy here is fascinating and contagious, with old markets and new shopping malls, and everything seems to be a recent invention.  There are many recent inventions, in this, one of the most populated cities in the Arab world.  Artists and intellectuals come here to re-invent themselves, and celebrities here come to hide from the definitions the world is creating for them.  The food and the culture are gorgeous, and the architecture is simply dazzling.

Locals and international visitors alike are caught by the range and imagination of architectural styles in Dubai.  First caught up by the visually delightful and seemingly impossible Dancing Towers, Zaha Hadid’s multi-use towers are extremely useful eye candy.  Now known as the Signature Towers, they serve as home to some of Dubai’s financial most influential financial organizations.  Likewise a stunning monument, the Burj Al Arab, or Tower of the Arabs, is meant to resemble a sail billowing in the wind.

These unique architectural experiments are not unique to Dubai.  What was a city less than one-tenth its present size just thirty years ago, Dubai has built itself up into something that is fascinating to behold.  As some journalists and cultural critics note, Dubai, the city, is able to construct itself and simultaneously define itself.  There are no controls over the growth here, because the city is literally in the middle of the desert.  There are no historical associations here, either, because human history has left very few footprints.  As a result, the architects and builders are free to move in whatever directions the culture might dictate.  So there are tremendously exciting works in progress, and interesting projects such as the Rek Jebel Al Jais Mountain Resort, which promise a unique opportunity for architects, and visually stunning new edifices for a new world.

Dubai is one of seven of the United Arab Emirates UAE and is the most populated city of the states or more commonly called emirates. It is located on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf of the Arabian Peninsula and borders Oman and Saudi Arabia. Islam is the major religious basis of the culture of Dubai. Mosques are found in every neighborhood throughout the city where locals attend prayer as often as five times a day. The Jumeirah Mosque is one of Dubai’s largest mosques and considered to be the most beautiful. It is modern Islamic architecture, the style being medieval Fatimid and is built of stone. Dim lighting in the Mosque casts an intriguing glow at night, playing up the artistic facets of this structure.

Native clothing of Dubai is well suited for the high temperatures in this area. The kandoura or dishdasha is a white, ankle length, loose fitting robe-like garment worn by the men. Their heads are covered for protection from the elements. Women wear long sleeved, full length dresses which are also called kandouras. Their dresses will usually have colorful embroidery and are worn with a black abayah which covers the entire dress. A shayla, which is a thin black veil that is worn over the hair, is worn by many women the majority of the time. Jewelry is also very popular with the women and a common accessory that is fitting for most occasions.

There are numerous, beautiful hotels where one can enjoy the hospitality of this area. One of the most famous Dubai UAE luxury hotels is the Burj Al Arab. The standard of excellence was established with the 1999 opening of this truly incredible hotel with its futuristic exterior design. With the many historic sites and cultural events as well as the future projects planned, Dubai is an interesting city to visit.

While Hyderabad has many historical landmarks and cultural heritage monuments, the Charminar building is one of the most significant icons of the city. Hyderabad is the capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and the monument was built in 1591, shortly after the city had become the capital. It was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah and a legend surrounding it states that it was constructed due to a promise he had made to Allah. Tourists who visit India and stay in one of the five star hotels in Hyderabad have many landmarks, scenic wonders and entertainment options to fill their time, and a trip to Charminar is almost always on the top of the list.

The name of the building translates as the four towers, or mosques, of the four minarets. It is an amazing architectural spectacle and awes visitors from their first glimpse. It is a square monument with four sides measuring 20 meters. Each of the corners has a tall pointed minaret, which reach heights of over 48 meters. This means they can be seen from all over the city, and the building is one of its fundamental icons. There are winding staircases inside the minarets and when one reaches the top of them, they are provided with a spectacular panoramic view of the city. The building is slightly different in construction from the Taj Mahal due to the minarets being incorporated into the actual building.

Each of the four sides of the Charminar has giant arches that open into a beautiful plaza. These main thoroughfares were originally royal roads. The building was built from lime mortar and granite, which demonstrates its basis in Cazia architecture. The inside of the monument is as beautiful as its exterior and is well known for its graceful moldings and carvings. There is a tremendous amount of detail in the design, which gives the appearance of lace. At night it is illuminated and looks spectacular from great distances and up close.

Delhi is an ancient city located on the banks of the River Yamuna in India. It is the country’s second largest metropolitan area and also ranks as the eight largest in the world. It is believed to have been continually inhabited from the 6th century BC or earlier. It should not be confused with New Delhi, which is the country’s capital and also lies within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. There are many landmarks, cultural traditions and art forms that are based on or representative of the city’s dynamic history. Tourists staying in the Delhi 5 star hotels are often struck by the incredible cultural heritage and ancient status of the city. The Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb are to landmarks that are extremely attractive to tourists.

The Red Fort became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This is an incredibly beautiful building complex and showcases India’s high level of ornamental design and art oriented architectural style. The actual artwork contained there is a fusion of Persian, Indian and European styles and inspired the creation of the rich and colorful Shahjahani form. Because it demonstrates the long tradition of art significance, it is one of the most important complexes in India. The walls of the Fort have heavy stringed courses along the higher sections, though they are extremely smooth. The main entrance, the Lahore Gate, leads to the Chatta Chowk, which is a covered bazaar street. The walls on this street are lined with spaces for shops and stalls. Delhi Gate lies at the southern end of the street.

Humayun’s Tomb is a complex of buildings whose construction began in 1562. It was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath and is located in Nizamuddin East. It is situated close to the Dina-panah citadel, which was founded by Humayun in 1533. The Tomb was commissioned by his wife, Hamida Begum. The Tomb contains the graves of numerous Mughal Emperors and was built from rubble masonry. It stands on an 8 meter high vaulted terrace and was the first Indian building to use the Persian double dome on a high neck drum. It is spread over an area of 12,000 square meters.

Lanzarote is a beautiful island off the coast of Spain. It is the easternmost of the Canary Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to many natural wonders and parks including its origins from volcanic activity. This composes a significant amount of its geography and scenic aspects. In addition, the island has attracted many poets and artists to its seclusion and paradise atmosphere. The Canary Islands are attractive to tourists, and Lanzarote is no exception. Visitors to the island stay in one of the 5 star Lanzarote hotels by night and explore its various wonders during the day.

Jose de Sousa Saramago is a Nobel Prize winning writer who lives on the island. He is a renowned novelist, playwright and journalist. He was born in Portugal in 1922. His family was poor and landless, they were considered to be peasants in the small village of Ribatejo. His novel Baltasar and Blimunda brought him recognition when it won the Portuguese PEN Club Award. His international acclaim did not arrive until Saramago was in his mid-fifties. He is a somewhat controversial writer due to his membership in Portugal’s Communist Party and his atheist views. He is also vocal about expressing his opposition to Israel’s actions in Palestine , for which he has received great criticism.

Saramago often experiments with literary styles. He is prone to writing long sentences, sometimes a page or longer. In his 1995 book Blindness he completely quit the use of personal pronouns and instead referred to characters through some unique aspect. Much of his writing deals with isolation in contemporary urban life. He does this through placing his stories and characters in fantastic situations. In his book The Stone Raft, the Iberian Peninsula sails around the Atlantic Ocean after it breaks off from the rest of Europe. His works are often seen as allegories about the human condition and often present an alternative perspective on historic events.

Are you looking for perfect luxury hotel?  Dubai has an answer for you.  The luxury hotels here are renowned for their unique and delightful combination of old-world hospitality and charm mixed with new-world design and technology.  You will be pampered here, and you will also be well-connected to the outside world.  Dubai city is also extremely hip and savvy, and the recent years have seen amazing changes in the cultural scenes here.  True, there are plenty of magnificent beaches, and there are fantastic festivals all year round, and there are also opportunities for shopping in luxurious malls and old-world markets, but the cultural scene is really worth checking out.  In terms of visual art, music, and dance, Dubai city is coming into its own, and establishing itself as a center for art and artists.  There are lots of artists establishing themselves here, and some who have lived here for awhile and are recently emerging.

Wael Hamadeh is one of these emerging artists.  He was born in Lebanon, and studied art in Edinbugh, Scottland.  For the past 13 years, Dubai has been his home.  He works in many mediums, among them are graphic design, mixed media paintings, and photography.  He draws inspiration from his homeland in Lebanon, and he depends on a close relationship with the earth.  Ancestral urges guide him to continually develop his art practice and to make meaning in the chaos of modernity.

He has had many recent shows, and always something new on the horizon.  The bulk of his showings have been in Dubai, and the work is also transferring well to other places, such as San Francisco in the U.S.  His work also shows up in the funkier Dubai haunts, such as Global Funk dance shows, and all show that this young artist is finding connections to make an identity in the local and international art scene.

Promoting world-class excellence in five-star hotels, Dubai has a reputation that lives on in the hearts of travelers who make the UAE their destination.  With exceptional taste in international standards of luxury, Dubai city attracts business professionals and entertainment greats from all around the globe.  Real estate investors rub elbows with Bollywood superstars in an eclectic mix that makes for a unique and highly-regarded experience.  Whether your stay here is business or pleasure, there are wonderful exotic treats to fill the hours with fascination and stimulation.

The gallery scene here has taken an immense turn for the better in recent years, and artists and art-lovers are coming to see Dubai as a fantastic place to begin an entrance into a global art world.  There are traditional painters as well as artists pushing their form into the cutting edges, making a gallery visit a necessary part of any itinerary.  One example of a gallery with their fingers on the pulse of this shifting cultural landscape is the XVA Gallery.  Set in the historic district of Bastikiya, where the sea meets the city, the stunning natural landscape makes for a particularly attractive setting to view works by upcoming local and international artists.

The XVA Gallery organized the first Creek Art Fair (CAF), and is involved in the highly-acclaimed Dubai Art Fair.  It is certainly connected to the more visible art events that take place in this part of the city.  The Creek Art Fair is seen as a fringe event that brings together galleries and artists in the area to connect with the region and the art world at large.  The last incarnation of the CAF took place in 16 houses in Bastikiya, which gave artists a place to connect to each other, something extremely vital in a profession that is characterized by solitude and solo contemplation.  It also gave visitors a wonderful opportunity to explore the enormous variety of art in this part of the city, suggesting that there is an enormous wealth of cultural activity at work, just beneath the surface.

If five star Dubai hotels sound appealing, then a visit here with extremely high expectations will certainly deliver.  There is no shortage of beach, culture, business, and luxury.  Set in the heart of a city in the middle of a cultural and economic boom, there is much to see and do.  A rich and vibrant urban scene is growing, and this is due in large part to the influx of artists in the region.

Filipino artists maintain a strong presence here, along with a sizable and visible Filipino community, and although they are rather un-represented in the gallery scene, this is changing.  Darwin Guevarra is the first Filipino to have his own solo show in Dubai, and it is a very auspicious beginning.  It also bodes well for contemporary art in the world at large.  With his opening in May 2009 at Tashkeel, Darwin Guevarra solidified his already growing presence and is almost reaching toward the level of the iconic.  At a group show earlier this year, he was seen in red converse, urban warrior fashion, and his face painted white with bright red lips.  This already striking presence was even further enhanced by the wagon he was pulling, filled with wood, watches, computer parts, as if suggesting a mechanical world where the old and the new were clashing and on the verge of a metamorphosis.

Darwin Guevarra’s presence is already very strong in virtual reality.  With extremely complex and sophisticated postings of his visual art, he seems to be well-connected, and well-received in the pop underground, both in Dubai, in the Phillipines, and around the globe.  Articles about the work of Darwin Guevarra have been written by observers who are pleasantly baffled, or extremely erudite.  It is worth noting that his work is as complex as it is visually appealing, and is a kind of surreal annunciation of an artistic voice that is attempting to describe a world that is both overwhelming and dissolving.  The haunting work by this iconoclastic artist, who works in several mediums to create playful assemblages that ask extreme questions about extreme cultures, has found its way to light in Dubai, and is well worth mapping.

There’s room for relaxation and for business in the amazing city of Dubai, UAE.  Hotel accommodation here is a glorious tribute to comfort and luxury.  Your stay will be a pleasure, thanks to the extremely knowledgeable and well-trained staff, who are keen on anticipating and tending to your every need.  This will certainly help to place a splendid center to your travels in the city.  Dubai city has many things to offer every guest.  There are shopping centers and festivals, and there are also some cutting-edge galleries that are worth exploring.

If you are looking for the newest of the new in visual arts, then be sure to allow time to see the Dubai Digital Arts Center.  Some of the more interesting new developments in digital culture are presented here, along with performances.  It is important to see digital arts grow as a force in the art world, because its ties to technology and cultural expression are very strong.  Dubai, a city that is growing and changing in constant and fascinating directions, is often on the forefront of global culture, and is a remarkable place to witness the shifts in creative thought that are currently at work, and will no doubt affect how the world expresses itself to itself in the years to come.

There are some interesting alliances too, that could only be forged in an artistic marketplace.  Digital artists working in their respective fields often have an advantage over other artists, because international access is always already available.  Works can be discussed, and even disseminated, across the world wide web.  There are more forms of digital art that web design, there is photography and graphic art, there is also electronically created painting, digital manipulations of existing art works, and endless possibilities for using digital manipulations, like sound and video, in live performance, among many other possibilities for the form.  Artists in these disciplines can also find linkages to other artists, because of the already existing access to global digital culture.  So it is not surprising, but always welcome, to see links between digital institutions and practitioners.  N3krozoft’s performance of Kasparov9000 was one of these welcome linkages, when artists from Russia and the U.S. joined artistic sensibilities to present a performance here about Kasparov and the computer Deep Blue, using electronic media to make a performance that was a fascinating blend of the digital and the live.  This is a precedent that speaks well of the global community and the next generation of artists and scientists.

Tap dancing my way through life has brought only interesting experiences. ‘Winging it‘, might be another term for what I do, but I prefer the term ‘Tap Dancing’ because it’s more accurate. While a spin a tale of false information, I, at the same time, entertain. This technique impresses some friends and some of my business peers and has kept me from ever having to really do due diligence. I know, I should be more studious and really learn about the things I’m researching, but if I’m being truthful, what I really care about is the creations of the story I’m going to tap dance about, the beauty of executing of a finely tuned embellished truth. If anything, ironically, I don’t tap dance the tap dance.

I call it an art form and a craft that I have perfected. Where as, I don’t have a passion for perfecting someone else’s dream, someone else’s idea to make his or hers riches. One example of how well I can tap dance my way through life: I met a guy at a local coffee shop that I frequent and he really captured my heart. So, I causally walked past his table to see what he was reading, it was a travel brochure from a Mauritius Luxury Hotel.  I plopped myself down on a sofa that was right next to him and proceeded to tell him about the wonders of a place I’ve never been to.  I held him captivated for 20 minutes without ever once telling him that I have been there. Needless to say, I impressed him with the art of the story and not with the information I was giving him. Impressed him so much that we are now married and have still to this day never gone to the Island Mauritius. And he has convinced me to actually take up the art form of Tap Dancing which I will, if the situation calls for it, tap dance while I’m tap dancing.

There is no doubt that for the best restaurants, Dubai has a world reputation for serving beautiful and delicious cuisine.  With the best ingredients and the top chefs in the Arab world, there is reason for every gourmet to celebrate here, and so many places to visit.  On a culinary tour of the city, the visitor will notice that there is an international flavor to the city that reaches beyond the level of food.  There are attractions and shopping centers galore, and a magnificent selection of fascinating neighborhoods to explore.  There is also a tremendous cultural and intellectual presence here, which would come as no surprise, perhaps, given that this is becoming one of the shining international centers in the Arab world.

The Arab Media Forum is one example of the international scope of the city.  Begun in 1999 through the Arab Press Club, the Arab Media Forum was founded to help promote a better cultural understanding between the Arab and the Western Media.    It is always well-attended, drawing interest from journalists, academics, columnists, the broadcast media, and analysts and government officials.  This Forum is a remarkable event in its scope and aims.

The most recent Forum, held in May of 2009, was the 8th annual Arab Media Forum, and by all accounts, the event was spectacular.  The keynote address was by U.S. journalist and icon Seymour Hersh.  He spoke about the vast and enormous changes in the media very recently, in large part due to two factors, Al Jazeera, which reports on events that other newspapers will not report, and the internet, which is changing global news very rapidly.  He noted how we are living in an age where information can be reported and spread around the globe very quickly, through established news sources, or through blogs, which in large part are unchecked.  There was also an excellent presentation by Eman Ayyad, from Al Jazeera.  She spoke about the increasing links that the Western world was making with stories centered in the Arab world, and this has lead to increase in both interest and travel on the part of international journalists to the region.  This heady presentation was part of a panel which also included journalists Robert Worth, Alain Gresh, and Jihad Al Khazen.

The local movie center of India is located in Mumbai and is commonly referred to as Bollywood. It has an obvious association to the United States film industry in Hollywood, California. However, a major distinguishing factor, aside from being on the other side of the world, is that Bollywood refers to a India’s largest film producing company, rather than the town or region that is represented by Hollywood. Of course, with both terms, they have come to represent the entire industry for both countries. Tourists staying in hotels Mumbai India will definitely come across some kind of reference to Bollywood during the vacation.

The early 20th century saw a greater increase in world popularity and awareness of Indian films. This had the internal affect of creating a boom in the local industry and an increase in the quality of productions. Most of the new films were created in large production houses like Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions. Dhundiraj Govind Phalke was a major Indian film producer, screenwriter and director. He has been credited with establishing the film industry in India, and his film Raja Harishchandra is accepted as the first full-length film to be shot in the country. Phalke’s career spanned 19 years and during that time he made 26 short films and 95 movies. This is an exceptional amount of productions for anyone’s career but is even more impressive for a pioneer in the field. Shri Krishna Janam, made in 1918, and Kaliya Madan, made in 1919 are two of his most known and highly respected productions. India’s prestigious film award, Dadasaheb Phalke was created in his honor, and named after him. This award is given for special recognition of lifetime achievements and contributions to the industry. Phalke’s name and efforts live long after his death in 1944.

Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful city, rich in cultural history, amazing architecture and a thriving arts scene. The cityscape at night is breathtaking. Tourists are attracted to its many fascinating options. Whether they’re interested in visiting one or many museums, seeing a play a dance or symphony, Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone. In addition to these entertainment options, some of the city’s standard institutions are attractive to tourists as well. Vacationers staying in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia hotels can seek assistance from the concierge in planning their daily sight seeing agenda.

Two of the standard and popular attractions include The National Gallery and The Petronas Philharmonic Hall. The National Art Gallery of Malaysia was established in 1958 by the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. It is located next to the Istana Budaya, along Jalan Tun Razak on the northern edge of the city. The Istana Budava is the city’s main venue for theatre, opera and many other forms of performance. The Petronas Philharmonic Hall was built by the Malaysian oil company of the same name. It was the first music hall built in Malaysia for the specific purpose of presenting classical music. Since it first opened its doors, the venue has housed some of the greatest artists in the world. Throughout the years, it has expanded its genres and now presents jazz concerts, dance productions and traditional Malaysian music performances.

The National Mosque is another amazing facility that inspires wonder in tourists. It is nestled in 13 acres of gardens, which contribute to the mosque’s serenity and beauty. It was originally built in 1965 by a 3 person design team and has a seating capacity of 15,000. Two of its key features are the 73 meter high minaret and an 18-pointed star concrete roof. The main roof looks similar to an open umbrella, which is synonymous with the tropics.

One unit of law enforcement has much to contend with.  This is a new unit formed in South Africa which will tackle issues of scandal and corruption, in the region of the continent which has the highest violent crime rate in the world.  The unit is being formed following the disbandment of the Scorpions, and elite and highly trained team of investigators that had been looking into allegations against the new president of the country, Jacob Zuma.   This disbandment was a decision made by the African National Congress.  When the unit begins to operate on July 1, 2009, the chief will be the former deputy chief of the province of the Western Cape, Anwa Dramat.   Until now, Dramat had be unknown, but will soon hold the title of the Director of the Priority Crime Investigations Unit for the country of South Africa.

While the Scorpions were successful in fighting crime and corruption, which proved beneficial for the people and the businesses such as the Cape Town, South Africa hotels and restaurants and resorts, they pursued the then presidential candidate, Zuma with a vehemence that angered many in the government.  This country has been struggling to prove to the skeptics and to the rest of the world that South Africa is safe to provide the venue in 2010 for the World Cup.  They must prove that they can get the murder rate under control, and that they are seriously going to put and end to the corruption and disarray.  Nathi Mthethwa, the Police Minister, is certain that the new unit will be successful in fighting crime under the leadership of Dramat.  For although he is not well known, he has a long reputation of resistance during the era of Apartheid, was once held prisoner at the concentration camp Robben Island,  and has been instrumental in discovering militants that were planting car bombs throughout Cape Town during the 1990’s.  This will be a new chapter for South Africa as they continue to rebuild and restructure their beautiful country.