Bob Travel

When you think about home renovation you normally think about paints and what you can do to make the inside of your house sparkle and shine. Renovating your home inside could be as simple as purchasing a new paint color for some accent walls or trying out some new blinds in the master bedroom.

Something else that is normally the last thing to be thought about is the landscaping and what you will do with your outdoor living space. Because remodeling an outdoor living space can get quite pricey, you need to think about what you really want your backyard to have.

If you have a pool in your backyard, you may want to think about resurfacing it. It can be a lot cheaper than having a whole new pool made up for you. And if you have always wanted a spa, but can’t feasibly put it into the pool thinking about buying an above ground one.

Sites like the one of Steve Barbarich and choosehottubsdirect.com has luxury spas at great wholesale prices along with amazing customer service.

Also think about your outdoor cooking space as well. If you are person that likes to grill outside, you need to decide how you will encompass that into your new backyard. Do you want to have a whole outdoor kitchen unit built or just a simple gas grill or charcoal grill? It really depends on your lifestyle and where you are located in the United States.

The next thing you need to take into consideration is what kind of actual vegetation you want in your backyard. You need to maximize your space and properly use it. For example, are flowers really a good idea if your dog is just going to eat them? Decide if you want to put grass in your backyard or what kind of patio furniture you want.

It’s really all about making your space livable for you and your family.

The city of Spain that offers everything from incredible theater and dance performances, to live music and relaxation is the city of Seville.  Hotels are located close to many of the theme parks located in the city, creating a myriad of options for those traveling with children.  The Pavilions Theme park is quick becoming one of the favorite tourist destinations and promises hours of fun for the entire family.  The local bars and pubs offer perfect respite from the days spent in the crowded parks, and jazz is big on the music scene as well as the many restaurants and clubs wherein the famous nightly performances of the Flamenco dancers will entertain and inspire those with interests in world of dance and in the spirit of the traditional cultures and brightly colored, elaborate costumes.

Many tourists find themselves in the city over the Easter holidays, and quite honestly, this one of the best places to be during that time.  There are parades steeped in traditional and ritual ceremony that are not seen anywhere else in the world.  The Spring Fair coincides with the holiday and is held for two weeks just following the week of Easter.  This is an intense party that fills the streets with dancing, music and the feasts and cuisine of the region.  The parties are non-stop and the streets are literally filled twenty-four hours a day.

Another festival that surrounds religion and ritual ceremony is that of Corpus Christi.  The ceremony is filled with feasting, and originated more than five hundred years ago in the Barcelona.  The celebration made its way to the city of Valencia, then to Seville and now occurs throughout many of the cities in the country.  One of the most attended of the festivals occurs in the village Costa de La Luz, located close to the city of Valencia, in fact most traveling to this city fly into the airport in Seville, and then take a car for the short trip to the festival.  The entire region surrounding Seville has much to offer those wanted a taste of the traditional aspects of Spain, and festivals and fun happen all year long, there is never a bad time to travel to this city in Spain.

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.

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.

Looking for the best hotels that rank up in the category of five-star?  Singapore has lots of options to keep the world’s most discerning travelers happy.  There is a splendid combination of old and new here that make for an exquisite and uniquely novel experience in accommodation.  Cutting edge contemporary design is coupled with details from antiquity, and this makes for a constantly unfolding sense of style that is hard to match in any other city.  Singapore is an extremely unique country, and its urban centers are concentrations of this unique energy, that make for a constantly interesting and vibrant cityscape.

There are artists and writers and intellectuals who haunt the streets here, making it a hotspot for urban culture.  Designers and fashion critics move together in concentric circles, commenting on culture and making culture.  And there are other individuals who work to make their lives a work of art.  One local who falls outside of every category and makes his own is Jeffrey Tan, the singing cabbie.  His cab is for rent for $35 an hour, and it’s not the luxury and style of his 4-passenger vehicle, it’s the driver himself who is the attraction here.

Jeffrey Tan sings.  He’s not like the cabdriver who sings to himself to a tune only he can hear, but his work is to sing for the passengers.  Sometimes billing himself as a kind of traveling karaoke bar, Jeffrey Tan can sing thousands of songs, in eight languages.  He specializes in keeping his passengers entertained, and has found a truly unique way to do it.  If you should get tired of his voice, he’ll plug into his state of the art karaoke machine and you and your party can do your own karaoke.  The possibilities here are staggering, and endless fun.  If your destination is often the journey itself, this might be one of those perfect details that make life worth living.

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.

Mallorca, a most beautiful and exquisite Spanish island is also known as the Mediterranean Lady. If you can dream it, you can probably find it on this fabulous island. Favorite of many distinguished and prominent persons throughout the world, Mallorca has something for everyone. You can’t find a more desirable climate, breathtaking panoramic vistas, beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, fascinating history, informative tours, native cuisine, nightlife, relaxation and serenity. It’s all there for your enjoyment. To make your holiday all the more pleasurable, plan to stay at one of the luxurious five star hotels Mallorca has to offer. You will be pampered and catered to by the friendly and courteous staff making you feel like royalty. You will also want to enjoy the numerous, delicious entrees offered by the restaurants.

Mallorca’s world wide reputation for its unbelievable beaches is understandable, what with the fine sand and crystal clear waters. There are so many fabulous beaches for your enjoyment it is difficult to name them all. Some of the more notable beaches include El Portixol, El Molinar, Illetas, Santa Ponca and El Arenal. The beaches are not the only attraction to Mallorca. There are architecturally beautiful, ancient buildings and structures to visit and are accessible by car, organized tours, bicycle or on foot. One such historic building is the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa where Frederic Chopin spent the winter of 1838/1839.George Sand was also a guest there. While visiting Mallorca, one must not overlook the ever-popular museums throughout this island. Both historic and modern museums display some of the world’s finest art pieces and interesting artifacts. Another fascinating tourist attraction is the very unusual cemetery of Deia, high in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains it sits on a hillside surrounded by majestic pine trees and has an amazing view of the sparkling waters below. Robert Graves once called Deia home. There are also many quaint fishing villages in Mallorca where the pace is slow and relaxing, the villagers warm and friendly, the native foods mouthwatering. During your exploration of Mallorca, you will see groves of olive and almond trees as this is a major part of the economic base and the produce is exported worldwide. The lushness of this island is rich with its many variety of trees, vegetation and flowers, all adding to the brilliant colors found on this popular island.

If the nightlife is what brings you to Mallorca, that can easily be found as well. There are numerous, very popular nightclubs featuring talented musicians where you can dance your favorite dances and enjoy your favorite foods and beverages. The cities of Mallorca are not lacking for excitement for those who relish the thrill of seeing the new day dawn while partying with friends and family. Other points of interest include the ruins of ancient fortresses and castles, stately mansions, beautiful churches and the romantic fishing villages where many honeymooners retreat. Mallorca is truly a paradise here on earth.

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.

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.

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.

While on a business trip and doing some last minute work in my project managers hotel room, I noticed she add some type of wood box on top of her clothes bureau which had a tea-candle, a small water bowl, a small flower vase, incense sticks and a bowl of rice placed inside of it. ‘Hey’, I said, ‘What is that?’, and walked over to take a closer look. My project manager proceeded to tell me that it was an alter. I said that I didn’t know Mumbai Hotels had alters and that my room didn’t have one. She just laughed at me and said that she has a travelling alter. I told her I really don’t know what an alter is, that I’m not religious and asked you to explain what all those things are inside the box.

She told me that one does not need to be religious to create an alter. She said that I could create my own personal alter. An alter can be as simple as a coffee table, a stereo speaker or on top of a television. I just looked at her quizzically and laughed. She told me she considers all space to be sacred and an alter is her way to show gratitude and to create an atmosphere of peace in everyplace her body is, she even told me that the bests of all alters is the alter within myself, an inner alter. I told her that it would be hard to put a bowl of rice, a flower vase and a tea-candle inside, but I guess I could try. She laughed and told me those objects are just symbolic of the elements of life. Water, Earth, Fire and Air. That I already have those elements inside, so I need not worry.

She got up from our make-shift work area, walked over to her alter, lit the candle and the incense and mumbled some words I did not understand. But, when she turned back around, I did understand the aura of peace and serenity she now displayed.

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.

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.

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.

On of my life’s teacher once told me that when I drink a cup of coffee or drink some beverage, one I know will boost my energy either with caffeine or sugar that I am telling my body it’s inadequate. So, my body will stop producing it’s own energy, shut down the natural process of creating the necessary chemicals to give my body the energy it needs. My teachers wisdom took months for me to truly understand what she was saying. I never even thought about what I drink or eat has anything to do with how my body operates.

I love my coffee, I love my energy drinks. I even went to a coffee convention held at one of the Top New York Hotels to give a presentation about the wonders of caffeine. The reason it took months to understand and to take action, to be truly honest about it, I didn’t want to hear the wisdom of what my teacher was teaching. I didn’t want to give up the pleasures of the buzz of caffeine and sugars. Even though my surface body would start to function naturally, my caffeine addicted body was panicking with the thought of removing these false energy boost. But, in the background my subtle-body was stirring.

But, I also have to admit, once I heard those words of wisdom, my subtle-body also responded with the sparks of remembering it’s true state of being. It’s this spark that kept my teacher’s wisdom churning in my mind day and night. As this continued, over the months, my surface body cravings for the liquid gold I call coffee, became less surface and moved with and into the subtle-body. Yes, I am now caffeine free, energy drink free. For a few years now. My body is, one again, producing it’s own form of energy. Natural and subtle. Pleasant and serene.

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.

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.

Andrew Feinstein began his career with the South African government after returning in the early 90’s after his study at the Universities of Cambridge and Berkeley.  He had originally left his homeland in his early 20’s to avoid the draft.  He did not want to be part of the military regiment of Apartheid, which at the time was still involved in wars and fighting on the Northern borders.  When Nelson Mandela was released however, he threw himself into being a part of the transformation of his country.  He first joined the African National Congress,  Mandela’s party.  He was soon taking the lead in situations most crucial and linked to the power transfers that were taking place at the time.  He was an elected legislator for the province of Gauteng which included the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, and was soon part of the Cape Town National Parliament.

His joy and optimism was short lived however, as the entire country was in need of restructuring.  While the leadership of Mandela did much to raise the spirit and the hope of the much wounded people of the nation, there was work that needed to be on the ground.  For in order for the country to survive, economic resolutions were necessary.  Industries such has business, tourism and five star Cape Town hotels would not thrive unless the inefficiency and the corruption Feinstein was noticing around him, were ended.  While he is an idealist, he is also very pragmatic, and is aware that for the people of his country of South Africa,   the government must be strengthened by what has happened throughout the tumultuous history, and stand up with a conduct that is ethical and accountable and open.  A government worthy of the respect of the Constitution created in 1996.  He said this is the most vital and important task for them currently.