Bob Travel

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.

The majority of the residents in Bali subscribe to the beliefs of Hinduism. One of the major holidays celebrated is the Balinese Hindu New Year, also called Nyepi. It could be translated as Day of Silence, which is primarily what the holiday means. It falls on the Balinese Lunar New Year, which occurred on March 26 of this year. The day is set aside as ritual fasting and meditation. It is intended to be a day of reflection and spiritual honor. Vacationers who are in Bali during this time and are staying in one of the Bali boutique hotels can see the various festivities associated with it.

The observation of the actual Day of Fasting occurs between the hours of six am to six am the following morning. Due to the self-reflective nature of these 24 hours, there are various restrictions placed on specific behaviors. Some of the restrictions include, no lighting of fires, which also means other lights should be left low, no working, and no activities that will cause pleasure as this will remove one from the reflective perspective. Other restrictions include no traveling, no entertainment and no talking. No eating is also common, and relevant to the fasting emphasis placed on the holiday.

The only people who can be found on the streets during this time are those patrolling the neighborhoods and making sure that these restrictions are followed. While Nyepi is a Hindu holiday, the majority of Bali’s non-Hindu population also follows this Day of Silence observation. Tourists who are there at this time will also notice that they are asked to respect this day. They may do as they please inside the hotel, though the beaches are closed and they are not allowed on the streets. Even the airport is closed down on this day, and only emergency vehicles are allowed to be in operation. However, the following day activities resume, and various festivals and rituals are enacted.

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.

Communication in Singapore is essential.  Singaporeans are very group oriented and dependent, and one of the forms of communication that is relied upon heavily, are the non-verbal cues and indicators.  Tone of voice, the posture, and various facial expressions speak louder than words many times.  Many of those holding conversations in the city and at the best Singapore hotels and restaurants, the locals will often take into consideration these verbal cues as indications of one’s sincerity and honesty.  When conversing, Singaporeans are extremely subtle, and a bit indirect in their conversations.  Rarely will they demand, but they will imply and drop hints.  They feel that direct statements may result in the other person ‘losing face’.  This is a huge concern in Singapore, the idea of losing and saving face.

When questioned, a Singaporean will rarely if ever, say ‘no’.  Their response is usually a positive statement, such as “I will try”…this again is an attempt to maintain communicative harmony and allows both parties to ’save face’.  Maintaining harmonious relationships is of utmost importance in the city.  One element that is very important in this culture, is silence.  One need not rush into a conversation here, in fact it is considered polite and respectful, to pause before answering questions, as this silence indicates that one is seriously thinking about the question and their answer to follow.  They appreciate considered thought.  Many foreigners from the western countries are often unaware that by hastily rushing questions and answers, their Singaporean friends are being offended.  Many times they see this as rude and thoughtless, and will create unfortunate misunderstandings.  It is a slower, more considerate way of communicating when one is traveling through Singapore.

There is no place like Singapore, and for luxury travel, Singapore offers internationally-recognized top-shelf delights. There is more to see in one hour than most places offer in one day, and the sites are as plentiful as they are welcoming. A place that has been in touch with the world at large for centuries, there is a long tradition here of making strangers feel welcome.

There is also a tradition of innovation, where the place’s access to culture and languages through trade has made it a unique center for art and ideas. There is an interesting artistic revolution going on on the island, and it’s something that’s made the international art scene stand up and take notice. There are scores and scores of new, local artists, who are finding their voices for expression here. There are also a number of internationally known artists who are finding galleries here to show their work. One of these is Chinese artist Zhou Chinya.

Zhou Chinya, whose work has an interestingly classical focus, graduated from Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts in 1982, and has another degree in experimental art from Kassell, Germany, in 1988. Ever since, has been painting elaborate landscapes that have a rhythm and poise that are startlingly dense. His work has been extremely well-received in the Asian art world and the world at large. It has also undergone a very interesting metamorphosis in the past ten years. He has been painting his German Shephard, his favorite dog, apparently, rather obsessively. Zhou Chinya’s green dog paintings are attracting a lot of attention, and not just because the dog is always green, and the tongue is always red, but because it also signals a change in direction in Zhou Chinya’s work. This is perhaps reflective of the large cultural changes not only in the Asian art world, but in contemporary culture, and leave an expansive sense of ambiguity that only a walk into the future might clarify.

The Singapore International Cantonese Opera Festival takes place every September and October. It is organized by the Chinese Theatre Circle, which was established in 1981 with the intention of promoting Chinese Opera. It was awarded its non-profit status in 1995. The CTC does a great deal more than organizing this major event, it is the busiest Opera Company in Singapore. Attending the opera can be an extravagant event, and is often accompanied by shopping in the boutique hotel Singapore.

Chinese Opera involves more than the music, it is a beautiful display of colorful and dynamic costumes as well as graceful and harmonious movement. The opera stories most often relate to Chinese tradition and history, based on ancient classics. There is a lot of symbolism in the performances, through the costumes, setting and also in the movement. They are stylized and incorporate an economy of gesture. Most often the operas involve a moral lesson or and promote traditional values. They usually include themes of patriotism, honor and loyalty.

The Scholar and the Maid is a popular opera and was produced by the Chinese Theatre Circle in 2007. The script was originally written by Hong Kong playwright Mr. Tang Di Sheng and was condensed by Mr. Leslie Wong into a two-hour production for the CTC. The opera tells the story of a well known academic, Tang Bo Hu from the Ming Dynasty who disguised himself as a servant in the home of the Prime Minister in order to win the love of a young woman, Jui Xiang, whom he met at court. The opera is a comedy, and Tang Bo Hu’s plans eventually succeed, though he encounters many hilarious circumstances and obstacles on his way to win Xiang’s heart. The theme song is a love duet called “Meeting at the Temple” and remains a popular favorite among Cantonese Opera lovers.

The government of Singapore has made a long term investment in the economic future of the the city-state. A $100 million dollar investment that will provide and increase in tourism and the economic boosts for local businesses and five star hotels in Singapore for the next five years. Downtown Singapore has become the host of the F1 Grand Prix for five years, with the first historic race occurring last November. Historic as it was the first time the race had taken place at night, giving many countries the opportunity to watch the race live in their particular time zones, on a Sunday afternoon. This alone boosted the marketing and the sponsorships. Innovative lighten systems were created which brightened up the city streets by four times the amount of that which is seen during other night time sporting events such as football or baseball games. With the global economy struggling, the investment made by the government was and will continue to be a very wise decision.

Despite initial concerns over the inconvenience caused on the downtown streets in the days leading up to and following the race and the disruptions in regular traffic, the benefit of the race far out-weighed the initial cost of the investment and traffic jams. Last November the tourism industry in Singapore experienced increases on many levels, from increased airline sales, to sold out hotels rooms. Local retail and service industries were also made aware of the fact that so many people traveled to Singapore for the race and that they were willing to spend a lot of money in the stores and restaurants throughout the city. Party and convention venues benefited as well as the many corporate sponsors for the event. And the city of Singapore benefited in more ways than just economically, as this particular city and their government have been attempting to dispel the idea of old Singapore, the conservative and sometimes thought, to strict run of a society. The government is hoping that the rest of Europe and the world for that matter, will begin to see that along with the financial district and business corporations, there is much more to the city, and much more that is so much fun.

Business travel from India to Thailand got a boost last week when Cathay Pacific airlines began non-stop flights to New Delhi from Bangkok. This will be a boon for Indian business travelers as well as for hotels in Bangkok Thailand and other Thai businesses that cater to tourists.

The airline, based in Hong Kong, began flights on the new route on March 28, 2009. They are offering numerous promotional discounts to encourage travelers to take advantage of the new route. Currently three other airlines offer similiar flights, but they have a smaller load factor than the 85 percent that Cathay Pacific is showing on forward bookings.

New Delhi is the prime air hub in India and is one of the country’s most frequented destinations. Thailand has become a premiere destination for Indian business as well as for leisure travels. Thailand is also growing as a wedding destination for Indian brides and the airline hopes to capitalize on that market as well.

Today, on March 28th in the year of 2009 history is being made. For perhaps one of the first times recorded the people of the world are actually coming together to ‘vote’ on an issue that far spans political ideology or religious differences. The people of the world will cast their vote tonight, for one hour, with the intent to bring to the forefront of thought and concern, the protection and conservation of the planet and her resources. This stands out, more so even than the last U.S. Presidential election, for just as the United States needed Barack Obama, the world and her inhabitants need this vote, this election.

Begun as a simple statement in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and very quickly spreading to cities such as Manhattan and San Francisco, this simple idea took on world proportions, with Singapore luxury hotels and those in Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles taking part. And yes, perhaps it is fashionable to be green. Well, if now is the time, better late than never. From the time of 8:30pm to 9:30pm, citizens around the world are encouraged to participate, by simply turning out the lights. Many cities are providing entertainment as a celebration of this global coming together. In Singapore, the Esplanade is hosting a party, with food and concerts to last through the night, far surpassing the one hour without electricity.

Expected participation of the world-wide one hour blackout, is to exceed one billion, far surpassing the the original 50 million taking part in 2007. In the early years of the 2000’s, those living in the Los Angeles area experienced ‘brown-outs’. A last resort to combat over-used and over-taxed energy companies. Left in the middle of a twelve lane intersection, at Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive during rush hour in July is not a comfortable position to be placed in. Tonight, that blackout will be in each individuals’ control. In order to fix and maintain, control must be felt from within. For not only is it a bit more predictable and less dangerous than submitting to governmental control in the middle of an intersection in one of the world’s largest and most congested cities, it promotes a sense of responsibility. To each of us that pass each other on the street, as well as those we affect throughout and around the world.

Thailand’s most famous island, Phuket, has been named the “Best Island in Asia” by TripAdvisor.com. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel online community. They recently released their list of the “10 Best Island Escapes” and Phuket finished at number 8 – the only Asian destination on the list.

Phuket already holds the distinction of the most popular island, with more visitors flocking to its incredible beaches and tropical forests than anywhere else in Asia. Located about 860 kilometers south of Bangkok, Phuket is actually a collection of forty individual islands and is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

The beaches are the main draw for this amazing region that was once the home of rubber and tin plantations and an important trade port for China with India.  The island has beautiful white sands, limestone cliffs, and tranquil waters on the Andaman Sea.  The waters around Phuket are popular with divers from all over the world and other water recreation such as parasailing and boating are common.  There are many luxury hotels on Phuket, as the rich and famous are drawn to this island paradise which is also home to some of the hottest nightclubs in Asia.

The island is home to a number of nature and animal preserves. Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaeo National Park protect the natural beauty and wonder of the island while giving visitors the opportunity to see those wonders up close.  The protected areas also include several marine parks which extend out into the ocean to preserve the marine life such as coral, jellyfish, and other species.

The complete top 10 Island Escapes according to TripAdvisor:

1. Maui, Hawaii, United States
2. St. Lucia, Caribbean, North America
3. Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
4. Puerto Rico, Caribbean, North America
5. Jamaica, Caribbean, North America
6. Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia
7. Bahamas, Caribbean, North America
8. Phuket, Thailand, Asia
9. Turks and Caicos, Caribbean, North America
10. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean

Singapore has had a growing tourism industry for many years.  Rates of immigration and visitors wanting to be involved in the business sector alone have brought millions to the city.  Last month, however, preparing for the global trend of consumers, travelers and big businesses tighten spending, the Board of Tourism for the Island proposed a program that would insure the continued growth and strength of tourism for the city.  Times in all sectors of all businesses world wide have been feeling the economic crunch and of the public and their concern and lowered spending on all items and services the past few years.  In February the Board held a conference discussing the fact that more hard times are ahead and are likely to remain difficult for some time.  Wishing to preempt the economic losses and wanting to help the people of Singapore secure the jobs that they still hold, their proposal will put Ninety Million dollars into the sector of tourism.  In hopes of providing secure futures for the service industries such as restaurants, convention centers and Singapore luxury hotels.

The convention drew a number of participants, over 450 members of the various companies that provide services to the the travelers coming to Singapore for vacation or for business trips.  Their goal for 2009 is to so insure that jobs will be saved and that the industry remains a viable and successful one.  Part of this is to remain one of the regions top entertainment cities and continue the draw for international interest in the philosophy and the dedication to the Singaporean work ethic.  The people of Singapore have had one of the top lifestyles compared to other cities of their caliber, for along with big business the people enjoy some of the best school systems,  public health care and are living in a city that while the population is growing the crime rate is falling.  For the people living and working there, this is good for as the hard times of this economic crunch has not drastically affected that life style, no one is sure about what the future holds.  Still, this is a city that is not waiting for disaster and massive job losses, they are finding solutions for these times before the problems actually arise.

Kermit the Frog, the icon created by Jim Henson, once sang that “it ain’t easy being green”.  Well, Singaporeans are discovering that that is true to a certain extent.  The Economic Development Board of Singapore recently released a statement that there are over 1,000 jobs available right now in the industry of clean, or green, technology, however there is a shortage of qualified Singaporeans to fill those jobs.  Most of the jobs are at the wind energy and solar panel plants.

The main company looking for talent is Vesta, who now employs people from over twenty different companies.  The desire is to fill the positions with people from Singapore.  The economic recession of the United States is affecting all corners of the world, affecting the production of new plants and new endeavours in the quest for alternative energy sources.  But various government programs and specialized bank loans may come to the rescue.  For now, the research and development divisions locally invested financially and environmentally, are hiring like crazy, for the days when the funding is available.  The clean technology industry is the fasting growing industry, perhaps due to the fact that it really is a life or death situation.  From the conversion to water saving devices and solar panels by luxury Singapore business hotels to the individual businesses themselves, all sectors of Singapore have begun to take part in the attempt to save the planet.

According to the New Energy Finance group, the one sector wherein investments are actually up rather than down in this economy, is the energy aware and sustainable resource sector.  Singapore has long been known and admired for their savvy business interactions and the dedication of the workers in various business and industry ventures, so it’s no surprise that they are noticing a niche here that needs to be filled. Not only for financial rewards, but environmental rewards as well.  More than 650 billion dollars have been invested in the research and development to date.  International businesses are beginning to relocate to Singapore, a trend that has happened in the past in regards to the world of marketing and finance, but now is environmental.  The advanced technology from past endeavours only serves to enhance and expedite discoveries in the eco-friendly business and development.  Singapore is the right place, and this is the right time for such developments to take place.  As the world and all her inhabitants are depending on new ways, green ways, lives are depending on it.