Bob Travel

There are many historical buildings in the city of Jaipur.  Many were at one time the residences of the various members of the Royal families, or houses of government.  In modern days these structures become registered on the Heritage site, and many of these sites become locations for the heritage hotel.  India has many such sites, and many are in the Pink City.  The City Palace was once a complex, a bit like extremely luxurious condominiums of today, and the architecture shows evidence of the influence of the Rajput Rulers and the Mughals.  There are monuments around the city and in the parks and gardens to these bygone kings and queens, many of whom may seen in the photographs collected and on exhibit in the Palace Museum.  The Hawa Mahal is another location from the earlier times of the city and stands eminently in the Bazaar of Johri.  This is said to be one of the coolest places in the city as the breezes have easy access through any of the nine hundred and fifty three windows in the structure.

There are many observatories throughout the city of Jaipur, as the early king was taken with the sky and the importance of the study of astronomy.  Many of these were constructed by Jai Singh, with the most significant one being, the Jaipur Observatory.  This designed with giant shapes of geometric patterns and curves, a testament to this belief in the need of an understanding of the science of astronomy.  And although this was constructed hundreds of years ago, it reads as modern architectural designs of today.  Amber Fort is another Heritage Site that is located on top of a mountain, easily accessible by car or by riding an elephant.  The positioning of these building makes the best times for a visit during the morning hours when the sun is rising or at evening time as the sun is setting, as the light during this times is perfect for highlight the amber, the gold and the red hues in the designs of the building’s facade.  These are just a few of the Heritage Sites in the city of Jaipur that must be visited on any holiday to the city.

I came to New York just to see Central Park, oh and of course everything else in the 3-day I have here. Just on business, but I want to fit in as much as I can while I have the opportunity. I’m fortunate enough that my company put me up in one of the many Four Star New York Hotels
near Central Park.

I was amazed to find Chinese women in Central Park bending beneath trees. We I got closer, I could see they were gathering what seemed to be small plums. Me, not being shy, went up and asked them if those were indeed plums. They smiled politely at me and explained that the trees are Ginkgo trees which drop their fruit when ripe. I couldn’t believe it. New York has Ginkgo trees in Central Park?  The ginkgo fruit has long been prized in China and I believe in Japan as a food and a medicine.

I was so fascinated that this tree is right here in New York and that these ladies knew of it’s precious qualities. I hung around them, like I can be a real bother sometimes, especially when I want to know things, and asked them all kinds of questions. They told me the Chinese name for ginkgo is ‘Bai-guo’, translates as the ‘white fruit’. They said it helps with digestion and improves circulation. They especially liked how it helps with the mental faculties of the elderly.

Then they really told me things I had no clue about. The ginkgo tree produces fruit by a mature female tree and the fruit really smells bad. They held one up for me to smell and it was like a cross between too strong of a cheese and vomit. Yeah, they were right! Stinks! So, these women can tell when it’s time to gather up the fruit, it’s when Central Park smells horrible.  I think I’ll leave the picking to these wonderful women and try to find an area in the Park that’s not so smelly.

Barcelona is known for attracting both artists and tourists. It is an incredible global city located on the Mediterranean Coast of Spain. While its financial, entertainment and commercial trade industries account for its status as a global city, some of the incredible architecture of the city accounts for much of its fascination and attraction. Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish architect who designed many of the buildings in what is known as the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. He is known for his unique style and was part of the modernist era. While he is not the only great architect to have designed buildings in the city, he is certainly one of the most renown and honored. The city’s buildings represent its diverse history and tourists staying in a Barcelona Spain hotel are often positioned in one of the historic buildings.

Gaudi was born in 1852 into a family with a long history of coppersmiths. Some of his designs in Barcelona include the lampposts at the Placa Reial and the Casa Mila. His individual style gained him early recognition and remains one of the reasons for his standing out through history. He went through many phases during his career and his later works are focused on religious themes and creations. He was a devoted catholic and late in life he abandoned his secular endeavors. The Sagrada Famila is considered to be his masterpiece.

The Casa Mila is better known as La Pedrera, meaning the quarry, and was constructed between 1906 and 1910. It officially considered to have been completed in 1912. It is located in the Eixample District of Barcelona, at 92 Passeig de Gracia. The building was designed and built for the married couple Rosario Segimon and Pere Mila. There was some conflict between city officials and Gaudi regarding the design and it was not strictly followed during the building’s construction. The owners were fined after its construction due to its having violated some of the city codes, such as height restrictions.

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.

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.

Nasiruddin Humayun was the second of the Mughal Emperors who ruled parts of India, as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan. He was born in 1508 in Kabul, and succeeded his father in ruler-ship. This caused a bitter rival between Humayun and his half brother Kamran Mirza who would assume the ruler-ship of Lahore and Kabul. He was Emperor for a short period of time, though it was also an extremely significant and transitional era. He lost the kingdom at one point, as did his father, though he would regain it and the new kingdom would be even larger than before, spanning some one million square kilometers. His death left a substantial legacy for hisson Akbar the Great.

Humayun’s sister wrote a biography on the Emperor and characterized him as being extremely benevolent and lenient. He was known for his capacity for forgiveness. He was also portrayed as being extremely superstitious and had a great interest and fascination for the occult and astrology. Once he became Emperor, he reorganized the entire administration according to mystical principles and design. He also had the habit of shooting an arrow into the air. The arrow would have his name on it, or that of the Shah of Persia. Depending on how the arrow landed, he would interpret the results as indicative of whom was to become more powerful. Humayun was also known for his heaving drinking and consumption of opium pellets, after which he would recite poetry.

One of the stories that testified to his forgiving nature involves his youngest brother killing one of Humayun’s most trusted advisors, before leaving with an army headed to Agra. Humayun went his mother’s house and in her company as well as other women he swore that he would not hold a grudge against his brother and simply urged him home. This and other stories present him as a gentle and humane leader, and he was also known for his dislike of war. Humayun died in 1556 and his remains are in the Humayun Tomb in Delhi. This incredible complex of buildings is one of the city’s major landmarks and is visitedby the many guests staying in the Delhi five star hotels.

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.

We knew we had arrived when we bumped into Kuala Lumpur; literally bumped. My husband and I left the Philippines flying with Air Asia. Previously my husband was extolling the benefits of travelling by air; it was after all our 8th flight, but this time, unexpected of course, we had a scary experience. The flight was almost 4 hours long, but right around hour 3 we were told to get ready to land at Kuala Lumpur. Well the cabin got all noisy with everyone wondering what was going on, my husband nudge me to look out the window and it seemed as we approached the buildings and trees and the countryside was unusually close. Also, we were coming in very fast. Then before we knew it, we hit the runway; we hit it near the end of the runway. We bounced a couple of times so hard we were thrown back in our seats from being bounced up out of our seats. Then the nose of the airplane rose and veered to the left. I was too stunned to scream. My fellow passengers must have been stunned also, because it was dead silent. Then, part of the interior structure of the plane came away and hit the people on the head in the row in front of us.

Someone from the crew ran from the back of the airplane to help out the struck passengers, but just as fast as this all happened it was all over. We were still moving down the runway, but at a very slow taxing rate. The aircrew was silent and their attitude was strange. My husband and I are well-seasoned travellers and we had hard landings before, but the crew always had some form of an apology or explanation, but on this occasion they said absolutely nothing.

As we headed off to one of the 5 Star Hotels Kuala Lumpur offers, we were somewhat apprehensive about our next flight with Air Asia and we were somewhat sore from the hard landing. So, we called ahead and arranged for our hotel to have a much needed massage ready for us in our hotel room when we arrive. A hard hitting massage sounds pretty good to us right now.

Where in the world can one find the best five star hotels?  Spain might have some answers, and if they’re not definitive, at least the search will be a true pleasure.  Spain is one of the most romantic places in the world, from classical times to now.  It may be the languages that are so enchanting, the island lifestyle that seems to dominate the country, or the intense conversations.  There are also the heady pleasures that permeate the humidity like a welcome friend.  Bullfights, red wine, rich and delicate foods, the land is made of myth and history.

Sometimes myth and history intertwine, like they do in the life of Spain’s celebrated singer-songwriter Joaquin Sabina.  He is celebrated all over Spain, where most every local can sing at least one of his deeply poetic songs by heart, and he is also considered to be a treasure of the world all over Latin America, where he has toured extensively.  Born in 1949, Sabina has become a true living legend.  By the early seventies, he was already positioning himself as a political artist, with his intense opposition to Franco’s fascist policies.  His father, a policeman, would ironically receive the orders to arrest his son, who was already becoming famous.

And very famous as a man who loves women, with several broken relationships already following in his wake.  The formative years of his songwriting would see some 14 albums, and a very lucky break from CBS records.  Some of his best-known albums are “Dimelo en la calle,” “19 dias y 500 noches,” “Yo, Mi, Me, Contigo,” and “Este boca es mia.”   In 2001 Joaquin Sabina suffered a stroke following years of hard living, and he took a hiatus from performing, to follow three years later with “Alivo de luto,” a beautiful album that is deeply melancholy, terribly romantic, and lyrically complex, funny, and sad.  In short, he’d come back from near death to live with gusto, and his recent tours are remarkable for the energy, gracefulness, and self-deprecating humor that guides his songwriting.

For five-star hotels, Mumbai has a lot to offer.  In one of the world’s most dizzyingly-complicated and fascinating cities, the tradition of hospitality is long and extremely well-developed.  Travelers here will be constantly surprised at how their every need is already met.  There is also a luxurious sense of well-being that comes when one sees how delicate and exquisite touches are everywhere.  The sense of design is extraordinary, and there is certainly no lacking for contemporary amenities.  Technologically, guests are kept connected to the rest of the world in any way they can imagine.  But there is also enough here to make one want to escape, and spend the time hiding in comfort here.

Mumbai itself is a tremendously interesting place.  With thousands of distractions every moment, the days can be spent sight seeing, browsing the markets, eating gorgeous foods, and getting caught up in the local culture.  It is an incredibly diverse place, with languages and customs and life-styles that make people watching a real pleasure.  There are also a huge number of local celebrities, and it’s a great place to star-gaze.  One fascinating celebrity couple is the recently married Divya Palat and Aditya Hitkari.  Known as one of the most famous theatre couples in Mumbia, they have been married since 2006, and have starred together in The Graduate, My Way, and The Legend of Ram.  Divya and Aditya attribute at least part of their relationship’s success to their similar drives for work: they’re workaholics, they confess.

In a more recent interview, Palat and Hitkari say that their three favorite pursuits are, in order, food, life, and work.  The work comes easy to this show biz couple, with her background in films and theatre, and his former work as a vj for MTV.  Their visibility in India is high, and Mumbai even more so.  For life, they enjoy travel, and try to make visits to at least three countries a year.  For food, they are constantly looking for ways to surprise each other, by re-creating scrumptious restaurant memories in their home.  Their tastes run toward hot and spicy, which keeps the fire strong in their marriage.

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.

I am a 22 according to the science of numerology. The Number 22 – Twenty-Two is a Master Number. Numerology is the science of Numbers. The word ‘Numerology’ comes from the Latin word ‘numerus’, which means: number. The Greek work ‘Logos,’ means: word mostly, but it can also mean thought or expression. Numerology does influence all aspects of one’s life. It will create the blueprint with which to base ones future; it can open and reveal ones own deeper natural purpose.

I didn’t know I was a 22 until I was in my thirties. I was checking out of a Mumbai Bombay Hotel when the desk clerk notice my birth date and quickly added and reduced the numbers. She looked an me in awe and told me that I will accomplish wonderful things in my life. I asked her what she meant and she proceed to explain to me about how my soul number is the number 22 and what that means. I just laughed and proceed to check out. I, at the time, had no interest in this numerology stuff, until I notice that that number kept appearing in every aspect of my life. My lot number for my condominium is 22. The initial of my First name is V, the 22nd letter of the alphabet, my middle name adds up to 22 and I have many other instances I could site.

The Master Number of 22 also known to be The Master Builder, they concern themselves with tangible creations with the use of the material form. They are gifted with a wide-range visual imagination. They grasp the totality of their visions like a lightning strike of inspiration. They can fully view the details, understand it’s absolute meaning and know what is required to complete their vision. This is The Master Builder, the number 22.

To find out if one is a – 22 – a Master Builder. One needs to know their birth path number that uses ones complete birth date. It is easy to calculate. Add up the digits of your birth date, then reduce the total down to one number, but the number 22 does not get reduced to a 4. For example, my birth year is 1957 (1 + 9 + 5 + 7 = 22).

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.

While Dubai has many fascinating cultural and entertainment elements that are attractive to tourists, it also has some incredibly beautiful and elaborately designed accommodations. Vacationers can spend their days exploring the many scenic wonders of the city while returning to the captivating beauty of their five star hotel Dubai. Atlantis, The Palm is one of the newest and most amazing examples of this. It serves as more than a fabulous hotel experience, it has become one the major landmarks of the city.

It was developed as a joint project between Kerzner International Limited and Istithmar PSJC. This beautiful complex was opened in 2008, and was modeled after the Bahamas resort Atlantis, Paradise Island. It has approximately 2000 rooms and consists primarily of two towers that are linked by a bridge. In addition, the resort is connected to the Palm Jumeirah islands by two monorail stations, adding a sense of excitement to accessing the place. The official opening ceremony for the hotel was also a grand event and included many celebrity guests, including Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, Michael Jordan , the Duchess of York, Mischa Barton and Linsay Lohan among many others. There was a spectacular fireworks display included in the launching consisting of 100,000 lightings, which was approximately 7 times the amount used for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In addition to the fabulous guest accommodations and beauty of the architectural design, there are additional attractions to the resort. There is a 160,000 square meter Aquaventure theme park, 1,900 square meters of retail space and a large convention center. The Aquaventure theme park includes the marine life conservation project Dolphin Bay. In this preservation program, guests can view the dolphins up close. Dolphin Bay is focused on preserving the natural habit of these incredible mammals and is the first marine rescue and rehabilitation center in Dubai.

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.

While there many surfing locations along the Western and Northern coastline of the peninsula of Cape Town, some of the calmer waters exist to the South.  International surfers travel to this region of South Africa in search of the perfect wave, and the chance to sleep after that wave in some of the best hotels South Africa has to offer.  The waters of the Atlantic can be unpredictable as far as temperature is concerned, so it is best to have a wet suit on hand should the waters be a bit too cold.  Many surfers live as the Paskowitz family of the documentary “Surfwise” did, traveling from spot to spot, in search of the perfect wave, the perfect life in the water.  And this region of South Africa will not disappoint those in search of the that.  On the contrary, these are some of the best spots in the world.

Most notable surf locations along the southern coast are Muizenberg, Scarborough, Kalk Bay and Cemetries.  In Muisenberg, the long-boarder is in heaven as there are many flat waves, slow and easy surfing.  Short-boarders will have fun as well, but without the speed and the thrill found in other locations.  The rips on the southern shore at Scarborough require constant attention for the surfer.  Kalk Bay, just down the road from Muizenber, is perfect for the more advanced surfers.  Incredible breaks, combined with a reef that is shallow makes this spot best for surfing at high tide.  Cemetries is a bit dirty and the waves tend to be a bit hollow, but if the the conditions at Muizenberg are unacceptable, then this is a viable option.  In addition, this spot is not very crowded and offers up a slow, relaxing wave.  In all, there are many locations throughout the Peninsula for fun surfing and adventurous explorations.

Of the many reasons to visit the country of South Africa, and the city of Cape Town specifically, surfing ranks at the top of the list.  Surfers from renown spots in Australia and from the coast of California travel to South Africa for the experience of catching a wave.  International participants and spectators regularly travel to and find accommodations in the best Cape Town hotels along the beaches of the Peninsula.  The temperature of the waters ranges, and some spots require a wet suit, however there is a non-existent record of shark attacks, and the local surfers are friendly as long as the surfer etiquette regarding respect is honored.  There are many spots to the north, such as Blouberg, Big Bay and Tableview, however if these spot are full, the western shores host many viable and incredible options.

Misty Cliffs is well known in the surfing community, for seasoned surfers.  The winds are strong and the break of the surf often shifts.  There are also many rocks to contend with, but this is what those most competent in the sport are looking for, adventure and sport.  The wave swells here are huge, so if a regular eight foot wave is too much, than perhaps some of the calmer waters would be more suitable and safe.  Crayfish Factory is another spot for the well trained surfer, as the waves again, are at least seven foot on average, most times more.  Long boards are recommended as those surfing on short boards can get bounced around quite a bit.  Kommetjie is known as a spot among the best of the world.  The waves come fast and although this is a spot that can be tough to get to, it is worth it for the thrill.  Sandy Bay, another great location, located just next to Kommetjie, is a spot secluded enough to keep it from becoming crowded, but worth the effort to find it.  There will be a walk of about 5 kilometers to reach the waters, but it is also a well known nudist beach, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, so the views are varied, and wonderful.

World travelers looking for the perfect place to explore a vibrant city in stunning splendor and beauty will find it all at a Dubai beach resort.  The journey begins here in luxurious accommodations, with all the amenities even the most well-seasoned tourist has come to expect, plus a few more gracious touches of elegance.  Centered in the heart of a perfect hideaway, travelers are free to explore the city at their leisure.

There is so much to see, in this cultural landscape that is constantly shifting and surprising as old world charm meets new world developments.  The artistic life of Dubai is growing by leaps and bounds, with exciting new festivals in film and music.  One festival not to overlook is the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre.  Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, H.H. Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the patron of this 10-day festival, which highlights some of the most innovative and traditional theatre for young audiences in the region.  Performed in Arabic, these plays highlight the talents of local performers and playwrights, and is a way of entering into the world’s artistic and cultural heritage, set right in the heart of Dubai.  It is also an opportunity for new performers to test out their acting capabilities, with the aim of investigating the possibilities of theatre as a career choice, so the festival offers something for audiences as well as for the young participants.

Not merely a wonderful event for the whole family, the Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre is a way of opening the rich cultural heritage of performing arts in the UAE to the next generation of theatre artists.  The plays draw on social issues and folkloric narratives to speak to local audiences along with those across the entire region.  The intensive selection process insures that the best talents find their way to the limelight, to introduce the local work to the international community based on high standards of work.  At the end of the festival each year, there is an awards ceremony to pay honor to the best actors, writers, and stage artists, and give the festival a healthy competition.  This stimulates interest in the arts locally, and helps to inspire young artists to participate in the long and continuing cultural narratives.

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.

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.

There are many attractions on the island of Phuket that explore and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the island and the people.  One that emphasized the history as well as the city in the modern technological era of today, is FantaSea.  Thailand’s magnificence and charm are showcased, as well as the ancient traditions, through the use of this technology.  This is a theme park that spans one hundred and forty acres and is located conveniently close to many of the best hotels.  Phuket has many different theme parks however FantaSea is certainly the most popular.  The theme park is filled with a wide assortment of activities and many stages that provide entertainment each and every day of the week.

Festival Village is one of the sections of the park that is alive with games, carnivals, shopping markets and tents wherein artists sell their handicrafts and artwork.  The large four thousand seat restaurant, Golden Kinnaree, offers not only a buffet with a large range of traditional Thai recipes, but with cuisine from many other countries around the world.  There is a magic show, reminiscent of the David Copperfield shows in Las Vegas, Nevada USA,  called Fantasy of a Kingdom.  This show stages various grand themes, all surrounding the beauty and the grace of some of the most loved and well known myths and legends, magic and mysteries of the country.  This is a technological extravaganza, a feast for the eyes as well as the soul and the mind.

Another high-tech performance space located withing the park, is the Palace of Elephants. Elephants have been involved in Thai culture for decades, both as work animals and as sacred and worshiped animals.  This theater seats up to three thousand people, and the shows are much like circus shows with incredible music made more so by incredible acoustics of the building.  There are tigers, and elephants, Thai dancers, acrobats, light shows and pyrotechnics that thrill the audience as the dine on the fine cuisine of the Island.  This is a trip in and of itself and should be an experience the entire family will enjoy and remember.

The museums located on the island of Phuket, stand witness and illustrate, the vastness of the history and culture that is immense on the Thai Island.  One museum is located by the Heroines Monument,  close to the airport and the five star hotel.  Phuket is close to the Thalang National Museum located on Viset Road in the town of Thalang.  The museum regularly has on exhibit artifacts of the cultures indigenous to the city.  There is craft-works from the South Thailand regions as well as the Vishnu sculpture dating back to the ninth century.  There are seminars that focus on the general history of the island, with a section describing the various cultures that have immigrated to the city, the Muslims, the Sea Gypsies, and the Chinese.    There are reproductions of the homes and villages that illustrate and provide understanding of the way people lived many years ago.

There is an entire section devoted to Lady Mook and Lady Jan,  the ‘Heroines of Phuket’  These two women inspired the people of the city in their war, and consequent defeat in 1785 against the Burmese invasions.  These two women are respected and honored throughout the country of Thailand, but no more so than in their homelands of Thalang and Phuket.  Schools, temples and roads are named of them throughout.  This is one of the many museums that exhibit and preserve the culture and the incredible heritage of this country.  Modernization and industrialization has influenced the culture greatly, but has not wiped it out.  More importantly, the modern world has served to further enhance that from which these people and this country have come from and still hold precious and dear.  This is most certainly one of the most interesting and educational of attractions when sightseeing throughout Thailand and the island of Phuket.

Of the Thai Islands, the largest and one of the most incredible is Phuket.  This tropical paradise is to the south and has sandy white beaches and water of the most perfect temperatures.  This is one of the favorite locations of scuba divers, snorkelers, and wind surfers world wide.  There are many lovely resorts and five star hotels.  Phuket is known for some of the most delicious recipes, many of which include seafood.  Some consider this the best place to go for seafood in all of Thailand.   And many of the resorts, hotels and restaurants are designed with the purpose of creating small get-a-ways amidst the hustle of the busy city.

The definition of the Malaysian word, Bukit is hill.  This is the word the name Phuket is derived from.  As hills are abundant on the island’s interior.  There are vast rubber tree plantations and a few mining communities dotting the island.  As well as many activities for tourists to enjoy, such as hiking some of those hills or taking jungle safaris.  And of course there are the beaches, for just as the seafood is considered the best of the country, so are the beaches of Phuket.

For tourists and visitors there are many options to choose from, be it the islands the beaches and the bays, or the museums that stand testament to the history of this incredible island.  One interesting stop that should not be missed is the Museum of Sea Shells.   This is close to Rawai Beach and is easily accessible.  Contained in the museum are more than two thousand different kinds of shells.  There is the Noble Volute,  the only left handed one ever found, there are giant clams, and fossils more than 380 million years of age.  The museum also owns the rarest of golden pearls in all the world.  The museum is the culmination of forty years of research and searching by the Patamakanthin family.   They have searched worldwide to bring the most unique and the most beautiful shells to their museum, some from Thailand, but others from around the world.  This island is all about the sea, and this museum should be visited at least once, if not many times over, on any one’s journey to this island of Thailand.

There are two extreme marathons that happen annually in South Africa.  One happened a few weeks ago on May 2.  That was the Fifth Annual South AfricanAddo Elephant marathon.  This consisted of various lengths of 25 mile, 50 mile, and a 100 mile runs through the Addo Elephant Reserve.  The second will happen during October 2, 2009 through October 11, 2009.  This is a test of survival as well as a marathon.  Seven days spent running across the Kalahari Desert, 250 Kilometers.  This marathon is limited to just one hundred participants, as they are followed by teams in order to ensure their safety and well being.  These marathons bring participants from around the world, and bolster the community economy through hotel stays and car hire in South Africa.  The team behind these marathons is Estienne Arndt,  Nadia Arndt, and Simon Kelly.

Estienne Arndt was born in 1953, in the city of Durban, South Africa.  He ran his first marathon in 1979.  He has since then become actively involved in all aspects of Road Running,  in event planning and fundraising, as well as the running itself.  In 1988, he was in a motorbike accident and due to the injuries he sustained it was necessary for the doctors to amputate his right foot.  It took him eight years of rehabilitation and training with a prosthesis to qualify for his next marathon.  He was the first person to complete this and has since repeated that journey three times.  Once that goal was achieved,Arndt began a new journey with a new set of goals.

He entered an extreme seven day marathon called the Marathon Des Sables.  This is a trek similar to the one in South Africa, although it is set in Morocco’s Sahara Desert.  He was joined by two companions, and six hundred other runners.  The two are a married couple, friend of his, Geoff and Carol Hilton-Barber.  Geoff is a solo boats-man, and is also blind.  The three completed this grueling event and throughout the race,Arndt began to organize and event similar in his own country, and thus the extreme marathon of South Africa was born out of the Sahara Desert.  His wife Nadia is the coordinator of the race and Simon Kelly is in charge of the media surrounding the event.  For all runners this would be the extreme test of agility and stamina.  And an incredible accomplishment in crossing the finish line.

Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa has three wives.  Many are questioning as the sit over dinner or coffee in any Cape Town five star hotels,  in the restaurants and on the street corners, the cheeky question of which one will actually be the First Lady of the country. Zuma is of the Zulu tribe, this is a rural based community, existing in poverty and very little education.  This practice of polygamy is still prevalent in the rural communities, however not so much anymore in the larger cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town.  Zuma was first married in 1973, and since then has been married five times, and has fathered nineteen children.

He is married to Sizakele Khumalo,  his first wife he wed in 1973.  In 2007 he married Nompumelelo Ntuli, and most recently to Thobeka Mabhija.  Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the President were divorced more than twenty years ago, but she remains to be one of his closest political advisers and has even holds the position in his government, of Minister of Foreign Affairs.  All of his wives did attend the ceremony for his inauguration last month, however only Khumalo was on stage with him.  Zuma is the first president of South Africa to be a polygamist, and many questions are being asked.  And while Zuma himself will state that he received no formal education,  he is respected for the experiences and the wisdom he has gained throughout his life-time.  When questioned on polygamy though, Nelson Mandela stated that he was formally educated and therefore turned away from the practice.  All questions seem to lead back to the level of education one receives.

Many in the country have become Christians, and they state those reasons as well for not practicing this aspect of their cultural traditions.  Zuma states in his defense, and in defense of polygamy, that the practice is based on openness and honesty, and that many of his Christian colleagues do have mistresses hidden away.  He is very open about his life experiences and his lack of education and firmly believes in who he is, so further gossip and raised eyebrows will have no ill effects on this new President of South Africa.

The times are changing in South Africa.  Last month, the first elected democratic President, Nelson Mandela promoted and supported Jacob Zuma, as he had previously done for Thabo Mbeki, his successor.  It is believed that soon, Zuma there will be a new outline for conservatism in the country.  One that supports the religious and the cultural roots of the people, which Zuma feels is being compromised by liberal Western values.  Some believe that Zuma is obsessed by power and control.  Stating that issues such as same sex relationships, and the death penalty, and the condemnation of those opposing ideas of the new government, are issues that Zuma intends to take control over.  In the cafes and restaurants in every Cape Town luxury hotel,  political analysts discuss these issues of their new president.  Some fear the the country will move backwards instead of forward.

However, Sipho Seepe,  a political analyst from Johannesburg states that this is just not the case. He states that there are many different groups of ethnicity surrounding Zuma at the moment, all of them leaders and that Zuma is not power hungry nor obsessed.  That there are issues of tribalism creeping into the politics of South Africa, and that the tension between the ethnic groups can become problematic is one idea that raises concern.  In the past racial tensions have been met with tribalism’s rise, and the concern is not just the tension between the blacks and the whites, but between all the tribes.  And although some of Zuma’s ideas about race, most notably his contention that English speaking whites are not truly patriotic, some believe that all the races will have an easier time communicating with and being represented by Zuma, that had been the case with his predecessor, Mbeki.  Time will tell regardless, if Zuma will follow in the footsteps of Mbeki, as some believe, or in the footsteps and with the compassion of Mandela,  as do others.

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.

Nam June Paik was born in 1932 in Seoul Korea.  He has studied art history, music and philosophy in Tokyo, at Darmstadt and in Germany, respectively.  He operated the video equipment for Radio Cologne,  a studio that specializes in electronic music.  Throughout the 1960’s and into the 70’s he was the artist in residence for many New York television studios and was associated with the NY group, Fluxus.  This month at the James Cohan Gallery, an exhibit of his most important and innovative works will be presented and should not be missed.  Many of the best restaurants Manhattan offers are in the neighborhood of the gallery, and dinner and show is one of the best ways to spend a New York summer evening.

The exhibition contains his work from the early 1970’s through 1994.  There are sculptures created with video, live feed video installations, and the famous robot sculptures he created.  He is known as the father of the techniques and artistry of the video world.  He has worked with other great video pioneers such as Charlotte Moorman, Joseph Beuys, and John Cage.  He balances technology’s pragmatism with philosophical ideas of Utopia, and is known for the ideas he has inspired over the years in the public masses that cause one to consider objects and reality.

He had long had a scientific interest in electronic and technological communication, which inspired his predictions of the affects technology would one day have on daily life.  Among his concepts, he coined the phrase “electronic super-highway”, before it even existed, foreshadowing and predicting the way that technology connects various cultures and countries throughout the world at high rates of speed.  This was all thought of during the time before the Internet revolution.  Paik passed away in 2006 and will be remembered through his works that he leaves behind and for the ideas he inspired in all of those familiar with the man and his artistry.

The SEPIA International/The Alkazi Collection is a gallery located on the east side of the New York neighborhood of Chelsea. This gallery mainly exhibits Asian photography, photographs of Asia and photographers from Asia, as well as some established photographers from America.  Since its opening in 1999, many international travelers have come into to the city for the various exhibitions and have stayed at the best New York City hotel of their choice in the neighborhood.  This month an exhibit opened featuring the works of Koichiro Kurita.  Entitled “Perceiving” this series invites one to enter into a dialogue, meditative and serene, between nature and one’s self.  The exhibit will close in 34 days, so there is still plenty of time to make arrangements to see these incredible photographs.

Kurita’s photographs are panoramic views, as the shots were taken in sequence and then arranged in a single panel made up of the many photographs.  They are high resolution landscapes that are printed on Gampi vellum, hand made in Japan.  There will also be some previous work included in the show, also of landscapes.  While the bustling city just outside the door of the gallery may seem chaotic and messy, Kurita’s photos are still and quiet.  They are pristine and subtle landscapes with a few irregularities, enough to add drama and to bring forth questions about the relationships that humans have with the natural world.  Kurita has focused on the simple landscapes for more than ten years.  And due to the fact that he prints them on rice paper, he is able to create a range in tones that has been considered impossible to accomplish.

Paul Strand,  a photographer during the beginning of the 1900’s stated that one must have true respect for their subject matter, which is then to be translated through the taking of photos.  However, he states that the human hand is incapable of capturing the infinite range of value that exists in the ‘real world’.  This is not so for Kurita, as though he does follow the traditions of Edward Weston and Paul Strand, his photographs are works of subtle lyricism.  Kurita is originally from Japan, and has been living in New York for thirty years.  Most of the photos he shoots are of the city of Manhattan, made more beautiful by the aesthetics that are so intertwined with Japanese art forms.  This show will close at the end of June and is a must see for anyone living or visiting the city.