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The Port Louis District of the Island of Mauritius

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:45:27 +0000

Mauritius is an island of districts, districts that are diverse and have the influence not only of the rich cultural history, but the influence of the various ethnic groups that inhabit the island today. One of those districts is that of Port Louis. This is one of the more popular districts with the tourists and as such there is a wide range of options concerning the many luxury hotels. Mauritius is an island with a variety of landscapes, be they made up of mountains and forests, ocean waves and beaches, or the gardens and the architecture.

The capital of Mauritius is also Port Louis and this is one of the most culturally active and happening cities on the island. Most who travel to the island on holiday choose to stay in Port Louis for this reason. Many of the larger companies and corporations have their headquarters and office buildings in the city, and the mix of culture and different races combine to make this one of the most cosmopolitans regions, as well as one of the most important of all the port cities located along the shores of the Indian Ocean.

The population is relatively large in the city, and many of the most impressive spots for tourist activities are located withing this hub. One such destination is that of Chinatown, which is located here in Port Louis. As in the Chinatown neighborhoods the world over, when one steps onto the streets in this area one feels as though they stepped onto the streets in the country of China itself. The food and the atmosphere is overwhelming and enticing.

Shopping here, and throughout the district, is varied and has many options for bargains and rare finds in the many market places and shops. One such market is the Central Bazaar of Port Louis, where one can find works of art, antique stalls, and many options for finding the flavor of the island through the various restaurants and food stalls. And of course, what is true for the island as a whole is true for this district as well, as there are many opportunities for mountain hikes and nature walks. This is one city on the island that truly has it all.

The Port Louis District of the Island of Mauritius is a post from: Bob Travel

kuala lumpur malaysia hotels

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:06:04 +0000

“I’ll just go sing karaoke,” I retorted, resisting feebly being pulled into yet another store at the Berjay Times Square mall in Kuala Lumpur. The fellow at the desk of the Kuala Lumpur Malaysia hotels we popped into looked at me with pity as Charlene squealed with delight when she found out we were within walking distance of said mall. The fellow in the pinstriped pajama like pants could sense my feeling of impending doom as I was about to lead out of the comfortable hotel with its comfortable leather chairs and cigar smoking room and quick service and out into the busy streets and bedlam of Kuala Lumpur.

But I couldn’t stay indoors all the time, I reasoned, so I am going to do a little shopping. Big whoop. Our ancestors had it worse. Why, my own father had to bathe once a month in collected rain water, in a laundry tub, with a wire brush and a box of Borax. So he said. They were tougher back then. But what made this mall in Malaysia a little different was was the amusement area that includes a bowling alley (not a bowler), a game arcade (not video game savvy enough), and, of all things, a roller coaster, right inside the mall. Now this was a mall I could sink my teeth into, now if I could just get Charlene to play air hockey with me, but I digress. Up on the sixth floor it is, past the luxurious shops and well dressed shoppers in this air conditioned wonderland of shopping. Still, I would rather noodle around Chinatown, famed in Kuala Lumpur, and look at duck in the windows, and even eat some of the said ducks, in the luxury of a little less air conditioning and a lot of interesting food. When in doubt, go to the local China town if you are lucky enough to have one, and have a bowl or plate, and the local version was no exception.

kuala lumpur malaysia hotels is a post from: Bob Travel

Formentera’s Posidonia Festival

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:55:04 +0000

For the adventurous traveler in Formentera, car rental is an excellent option, and a splendid idea. Car rental will allow you the freedom to explore this amazing place on your own, at your own pace and on your own terms. There is so much to see, and so many natural attractions, that the days will be much freer, and there will be more room for spontaneity if you can travel the island with your own transportation. Island living is something else, an enviable way of life that embraces warmth, adventure, relaxation, and inspiration, and this is an excellent way to taste the island the way locals might. The views on all parts of the island are stunning, and your own transportation means stopping as often, and for as long, as you like.

There are fantastic things to see all year long, excellent beaches and exquisite restaurants, more populated areas and areas that speak of another time, and all of these are suddenly accessible when traveling in a car. There are also marvelous festivals here, and one of Formentera’s most successful festivals is Posidonia. Posidonia began as idea in 2004, where artists and professionals wanted to hold a cultural festival with music, art, and performance, with an emphasis on ecology. Because of Formentera’s natural beauty, they wanted to draw attention to its delicate balance, and promote environmental sustainability, so, with municipal support, the festival became a reality in 2008.

The festival’s newness is one of its primary attractions. Visitors here participating in the Posidonia Festival can be part of the origins, and watch musical acts infusing the festival with a fresh and vibrant energy. The three-day festival features some of the hottest musical talents from Barcelona, and also hosts a number of fascinating workshops, some suitable for all members of the family, as well as discussions, talks, live performances that include musical theatre and puppetry. This is an excellent way to learn about environmental sustainability in the region, educating and entertaining all the members of the household.

Formentera’s Posidonia Festival is a post from: Bob Travel

Recommend and not Recommended sites in Perth

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:02:54 +0000

I’m not inclined to often make a recommendation, but while I was staying at one of Perth Hotels Australia, I was quite impressed with The Caravan Park at Karrinyup Waters. It’s actually in a suburb of Perth. I found it by accident by car as I was driving to visit with a friend at her home.

I parked my car at the park and notified my friend that I’ll be a little late. I told her way and she told me she was hoping I would do just exactly that, see the park and have to investigate it’s simple beauty. The park is situated on a small lake. It even has ducks, black swans and geese. It was early enough in the morning, so I got to observe the fowls morning rituals, waddling up to anyone who will feed them. I noticed all the humans within waddling distance ignored the ‘Do Not Feed the Fowl’ signs posted everywhere.

I sat down and only after a few moments, felt a presence over my right shoulder. I turned my head, and there was a big black swan starring at me, eye to eye. I had no food to feed him, when he realized this, he left. It was really touch and go there for a few moments, I wasn’t sure if he’d be mad that I was the only one with no food and if he’d bite me, but, fortunately he only walked away, looking for his next human.

I stayed for about an hour and left the park to visit with my friend of many years. She took me to see Perth, the non-tourist Perth. The first place she took me too was a plaza called Forrest Place and when we arrived there was a big happening going on. There were bands, singers, dancers, mimes, clowns on stilts. We asked around to find out why all the hoopla, and apparently it was Catholic Education Day. I guess that’s a big thing in Perth. It was way too much for us so she was trying to figure out where else to take me.

We stopped at the information booth at the plaza and she told us to check out the Perth Mint. My friend has never been to the Mint, she really didn’t have anything better for me, so off we went. I do not recommend this as a place to see in Perth. I think tomorrow, after I finish my visit with my friend, I’ll do my own site seeing.

Recommend and not Recommended sites in Perth is a post from: Bob Travel

Revelation Film Festival

Mumbai and the Women Playwrights International Conference

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:55:33 +0000

The savvy traveler knows that hotels in Mumbai are some of the world’s finest, featuring a splendid combination of luxury and elegance. There is a certain gracefulness in the city, which is one of the world’s largest, that seems almost timeless despite the very contemporary energy that plays out on the streets. This is reflected in the hotels, to help the guests feel nourished and replenished in the body and the spirit. The sense of design in absolutely sumptuous, where tradition and modern styles blend into something that feels like a home away from home. The food in the hotels is prepared by world-class chefs, and the staff is very knowledgeable about the city, and can help you navigate your way. With this amazing city, its urban pleasures and proximity to the ocean, there are few places that offer so much in the way of new experience.

Mumbai has a long intellectual and artistic history. Because of its position as an urban center, where many people confuse it with India’s capital, because of the constant flurry of activity, it has always attracted people who want to write and create new ideas. In this spirit, the Women Playwrights International is holding their next conference in Mumbai, in November of 2009. The organization’s primary goals are to promote the work of women playwrights around the world, to establish connections so that their work is more widely-known, and to help protect the rights of writers. These simple and noble ideas help to form the backdrop of an organization that has, since 1998, held conferences all over the world, including Buffalo, NY, Mexico City, Galway, and Jakarta and Bali. They have helped to forge strong alliances and networks among women playwrights, and established themselves as a necessary force in global theatre and culture.

The Mumbai conference will focus on the theme of Liberty and Tolerance. Held at the Kalina Campus, University of Mumbai, it will be a week-long event, featuring symposia and performances, and promises to be very exciting and illuminating. Co-sponsored in part by the organization Stree Mukti Sanghatana, the Women’s Liberation Organization, some of the focuses of the conference will be identity, humor in theatre, non-violence, and challenges of patriarchy in contemporary theatre. The combination of art and academic discourse will help participants articulate some of the more essential issues facing women writers locally and globally.

Mumbai and the Women Playwrights International Conference is a post from: Bob Travel

Costa Brava Clean Beaches

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:26:32 +0000

Costa Brava is a specific region of Spain found in the province of Girona. It is a coastal area that stretches from Blanes to the French boarder. The name refers to the Spanish words for coast and brava, meaning wild or rugged. The tourists interest in this area has greatly increased since the 1950s when the Franco regime recognized it as being suited for holiday travel. Since then, many first class resorts have been established and the economic system has become increasingly dependent on this resource. There are many attractions, resorts, restaurants and activities that have been developed specifically for the tourist population, and it has become an extremely popular choice. And while much of the area has become accustomed to a high tourist population, there are still some villages and towns in the area that have been untouched by the movement. These quaint and quiet places have become considered to be gems to visitors who have stumbled upon them.

The Lloret de Mar is by far the larest Costa Brava hotel. It is located on the coast approximately 75 kilometers from Barcelona, which makes it extremely accessible for a weekend or even afternoon getaway. In 1998 environmentalists brought their concerns for the region to the legislature and laws were passed in regards to Costa Brava’s conservation and protection. The coast along Lloret de Mar leads the way and although it is one of the most popular beaches, it is also one of the cleanest. It consistently wins the Blue Flag Award for cleanliness, and is able to maintain this despite all of the ongoing activity. In addition to the resorts, beaches and restaurants there are many cultural attractions in the region. On the Lloret beach is one of the local monuments. It is the Monument to the Fisherman’s Wife, which is a bronze statue sculpture that was created and placed in 1966 to commemorate Lloret’s Millennium.

Costa Brava Clean Beaches is a post from: Bob Travel

The Beautiful Virginia Beaches

Manila’s Great Francis Magalona

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:49:11 +0000

For travelers looking for a perfect place with a perfect hotel, Manila, Philippines is an excellent destination. The hotels here are designed to refresh the body and mind, and have a splendid array of amenities that will make the stay here memorable for years to come. Guests here will find a fantastic combination of hospitality and luxury that will very nicely prepare one for exploring this incredible city. Manila is a fascinating city with an extremely diverse mix of cultures. It also has an interesting and very complicated history, and the history of languages and influences find their way into urban culture today. There is likewise an excellent choice in cuisine, with blends of Asian, Spanish, and U.S. tastes working their way into the menus. The local specialties are always worth trying, especially for the more adventurous.

Culture here is also a rich mix of styles and innovations, and Manila has its share of artists, writers, and intellectuals. There are also very interesting and exciting musicians, and the late Francis Magalona captures the Manila spirit in his life’s work. He was born in 1964 to the famous film stars Tita Duran and Pancho Magalona, and tragically lost his fight with leukemia in 2009. His was a famous face around the world, not only for music, but also as a television actor, a photographer, and was involved in the fashion industry at the end of his life. But he is primarily known for his music.

Known as the Master Rapper, and the King of Pinoy Rap, Francis Magalona made 15 records, including EPs, and is perhaps best known for his Freeman and Happy Battle. He is known for being the first Filipino to cross over into the rap music industry and make a name for himself. His music has received great critical acclaim for its merging of Pinoy Rock with rap music, and the themes are often very nationalistic, celebrating Filipino identity and marking its history. He certainly has made his place in the history of the Philippines.

Manila’s Great Francis Magalona is a post from: Bob Travel

Great Concerts in Fort Canning Singapore

Nepal in Western Pop Culture

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:25:25 +0000

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

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

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

Nepal in Western Pop Culture is a post from: Bob Travel

Delhi on the Yumana

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:35:28 +0000

Delhi is an historic city in India, full of cultural heritage and major historic landmarks. Its official name is the National Capital Territory of Delhi and constitutes the second largest metropolitan area in the country. It is located on the River Yumana and has been continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BC. This is a significant historical aspect, and there are few cities in the world that can claim this. The Delhi hotels are sometimes situated in historic buildings and offer the guests a sense of the ancient traditions, and timeline significance of this major Indian city.

The Red Fort is on of the major historic landmarks of Delhi and is also a popular tourists destination. In 2007 it was recognized by UNESCO as one of the World Heritage Sites. Construction of the fort took approximately 10 years, it began in 1638 and was finished in 1648. Its name can be translated as blessed residence, as its original intention was to house the Emperor and his family. The design of the building incorporates elements of Persian, European and Indian art. It is ornamental and manifests aspects of high art styles.

The River Yumana, which runs along the border of Delhi, and also the site of the Red Fort, is the largest tributary of India’s Ganges river. It has a total length of the over 1,300 kilometers, and has served a major role in India’s trade and expedition history. The river’s mythological associations connected it with the Indian god Krishna. The goddess of the river Yami is also the basis of its name. Yami was the daughter of the sun god, Surya, and his wife Samjina. She is the twin sister of Yama, who is the god of death. They are from the Vedic tradition, which is one of the major scriptural and belief bases of Hindu tradition.

Delhi on the Yumana is a post from: Bob Travel

Music and Diversity in Melbourne, Australia

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:47:45 +0000

When one leaves their hotel, Melbourne Australia excitement and diversity. There are many different districts and neighborhoods offering everything that is high class and sophisticated to everything that is urban and bohemian. From the only purified seawater spa in St. Kilda to the funky boutiques and shops in Fitzroy, the city is a mix of culture that blend to make one fine whole, one incredible destination for world travelers.

For example, if one is searching for the finest and most tasty cuisine of Vietnam or Greece, Richmond is the place to head to. This is a vibrant area that hosts many restaurants wherein in an all day restaurant establishment is often time fused with an incredible live music scene. There are discount fashion shops as well as some of the best vintage and second hand stores in the country. This is one of the sites of the early settlement of Melbourne, and as such there are districts set up wherein discounts can be found in the realms of fashion to fresh flowers. There are also many locations to find rare objects of art and fine furniture.

Little Saigon is located on Victoria Street. This is the heart and the soul of the Vietnamese population in Melbourne. The wet markets start at Hoddle Street, and offer everything from fresh meat and seafood, to fresh produce. The restaurants appear simple no white linen nor fancy silver, but the meals prepared by the chefs are tasty and delicate, not found in many restaurants. This is an area that serves, fresh and fast…and healthy, all at an inexpensive price.

And the music scene in Richmond, well live music has found its niche here. No one knows why the scenes pop up where they do, and many cities try to figure that out and plan for it, but there just is no plan, it happens where it happens. One of the most popular venues for live shows in the city is at the Corner Hotel. Big time artists play there as well as the lesser known newcomers to the stage. For jazz lovers, Dizzy’s the place to go for quality acts and a good vibe. One should most certainly find the time to visit this district in Melbourne, especially of food, and atmosphere and live jams is their thing.

Music and Diversity in Melbourne, Australia is a post from: Bob Travel