Live to Inspire

The Mauritius Holiday and the Black River District

This island located off of the coast of Africa is a heavenly escape from the daily grind.  There are no traffic jams or busy schedules on the island of Mauritius, just a myriad of opportunities for the kinds of activities, or the kind of relaxation, that serve to provide the elevation of one’s soul and spirit amidst incredible and endless tropical landscaping and pristine coastal beaches.  The humdrum drag of everyday city life is left far behind when one chooses from the best hotels Mauritius offers along those beaches, and embarks in a holiday spent in paradise.

This has become one of the favorite tourist destinations of the people of Africa,  all of Europe, and the rest of the world as well.  The location, the Indian Ocean, the tropical climate and the nature of the people of Mauritius has served to turn this island into a booming tourist mecca, without losing the charm and the peaceful nature for which it is famous.  The island is surrounded by corral reefs and many wonderful locations for scuba diving, wherein one can either swim with schools of dolphins, or discover the ruins and the relics of the shipwrecks lying underwater just off the coasts.

The island is made up off many different districts that are each distinct and possess their own personalities.  One such area is the district of Black River.  While the district itself is the 3rd largest on the island, the population is one of the lowest.  Some of the popular destinations in Black River are the Tamarin Falls and the colored sand mountains of Chamarel.  Both of these sites are superb for hiking and long, peaceful nature walks.

This is one of the most dry locations on the island, receiving far less rain during the year than the other areas, though the forests remain to be tropical in climate.  During the most dry of the seasons, that of winter many come to this region to hunt deer and other wild game.  The district also contains the National Park of Black River Gorge.  This is a large park set amongst the unspoiled forests and is a popular destination for hikers and campers.  There is no hunting in this area and many come to bird watch and to discover the wonders of the various species of plants and wildlife than now make the island their home.

How much is too much?

How much is too much? That is a big question that can be applied to a bunch of different things. In some arenas the answer would be easily quantifiable. How much is too much food? That is easy more than is needed or can be consumed without wasting. However to go into that question deeper on an individual level is the idea is exact recommended caloric intake enough and more too much? This is a question that asks contemplation on need, desire and consumption. When applying the question to material things the examination takes on a different flavor. Virtually no material things are absolutely necessary beyond what is necessary to sustain life. So the questions answerer is left open to interpretation perhaps from an ascetics view point having more than a shelter that is natural may be too much then the other end of the spectrum we have those living the McMansion life style. In homes with rooms that have only annual uses perhaps even less. What is the need for this? Is this too much? Depending on your level of awareness this will have varying levels of definition. The level of awareness seems to create a lack of need. The more aware we are of our thoughts, motivations and actions the more we can see why we think we need what we need and actually see our way clear of the supposed need. It is a very basic feeling that we need things. Look at children at a very early age when having something taken away from them they may very well have a fit and say “I need that”. We get this conditioning to think we need what we actually do not very early. This need only serves to feed the ego and not provide much deep meaning in this world. This topic came up for discussion one afternoon when qestioning the traveling I’ve been doing with a friend and why we were doing it as we relaxed at a beach resort Thailand. No definite conclusion was made, just the thought that our actions would be to do no harm or as little as we could be aware of while we traveled.

Recovering in New York and Elsewhere

The love and solidarity, which can grow from the suffering that people with mental illness understand first hand, is what my company is striving to communicate with those who have been through the traumas of the disasters of our lives. We immediately understand and feel compelled to respond to the victims of shared disasters. Especially, at the time of the disaster. Peer support will serve as a vital complement to professional services. We focus on promoting conferences held from the big corporations to the small hotels New York has and even with just the residence of the city.

Following the destruction of the twin tower in New York on 9/11 and the before that the bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City, mental health consumers provided valuable peer support servicing all traumatized individuals. Much like New York, peers are also being mobilized to assist with the relief efforts in the devastation of the aftermath of hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and then hurricane Rita.

We let the corporations and the small businesses know just how the peer-based, recovery approach assist those with mental illness following disasters must be consistent with crisis counseling following disasters. Peer support not only provides relief from trauma, but assists in peoples’ recovery from mental illness. Mental health consumers’, such as the employees of corporations and hotels will experience recovery from a vast array of trauma due to our sheer on-site experience which has made us well equipped to assist people at times of disaster and well after the disaster. The role of the passive victim of a disaster will shift to an active agent providing assistance plays a valuable role in relief from trauma, as well as recovery from mental illness.

A case example, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, presented an enormity of challenges where we had the advantage of providing peer support services. From those two disasters alone, it was so clear to us how important it is to be prepared for disasters proactively by developing a network of peer supporters in all businesses.

Maui OnStage and its Impact on the Iao Theater

Hawaii gives people with a chance to enjoy an wonderful artistic atmosphere through the Iao theater, located on the island of Maui.  Originally opened in the year of 1928 and constructed in the then popular and widesprea Spanish mission style, it has played host to numerous celebrities throughout the years, including Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope.  A highlight for the theater came in the year 1953 when it screened the premiere of Hollywood classic, “From Here to Eternity.”
 
Despite this celebrity past, in the eighties the theater experienced a decline in popularity, eventually closing and within danger of demolition.  Yet through a grass roots effort in the community, started by the Wailuku Mainstreet Association, the theater came back to life.  It went through a renovation that cost over a million dollars, but it was a renovation well worth the price.   During 1965 the U.S. Department of the Interior put it in on the National Register of Historic Places.  Today people visiting the island have a chance to experience this history through the plays and other performance pieces still offered today through Maui travel deals.
 
Ever since 1984, Maui Community Theater has put on plays under the name Maui OnStage.  The theater troupe has played an integral part in keeping the reputation of the theater an important part of the Maui culture, especially in times of poor conditions and meager funds.  Because of this intense desire from Maui citizens to sustain the theater, the Maui OnStage theater troupe has the pleasure of being one of the most enduring theater companies of the United States.  It began in the 1930s with only a few volunteers, but it had a great vision of becoming something more, of becoming a place where the arts flourish and of a foundation for the unique culture Maui offers. 
 
Ever since its inception, Maui OnStage has aimed to provide patrons with a quality experience in the performing arts arena.  It is a fierce protector of its history and the location where that history is symbolized.  Because of these efforts, the Maui community has participated more fully in the artistic expression that self-exploration  can give its performers, volunteer and professional alike. As a result of this ever-renewing interest in the arts that the Maui OnStage troupe furnishes citizens with, the county and state government have started to give their respective consideration to this burgeoning arts culture.  It would be foolish to miss out on a chance to see such a lush landscape of cultural arts in the history of the United States.  The prospects Maui travel gives to travelers of the island are numerous and the history of this theater and the troupe should not be missed out on.

Picnic in Dubai

the weather had started to cool so we decided to hang our at Creekside Park, where it is shady and the creek cools things off. We just brought some hummus and flat bread and some bottled water and a blanket to sit on. It was simple and relaxing, and a nice change from the luxury Hotel Dubai we were used to. Just then a soccer ball rolls right through our lunch spread, knocking over the hummus! Just the a fellow in soccer (or should I say football) outfit pops over, surveys the mess and profusely apologizes for the errant ball. It seems a group of expats are playing just over the little rise and would we like to join them to make up? Now, the spill was minor and easily taken care of but he convinced us (it wasn’t very hard) and we went over. Apparently the breezes we at our backs because as soon as we got over the little rise maybe fifty people, families with kids, fellows kicking the a fore mentioned ball to and fro. It also smelled deliciously of cooking food which made us very hungry, despite our modest repast.

A happy smiling Omar who brought us here invited us over to his little table and asked in halting English if we would like some of the roasted meat and vegetables his group was making. Well of course we said yes and he handed us plates of what turned out to be the best chicken satay we had ever had. It seems Omar had lived in Thailand for a year teaching Arabic and was now in Dubai as a construction foreman and lived here with his Thai wife Perri who shyly and happily offered us the food. We spent a nice part of the evening with our new hosts and friends, enjoying the cooling evening and admiring the incredible skyline of Dubai.

Awareness

Awareness goes very deep it doesn’t only refer to awareness of our surroundings as difficult as that may be. Awareness goes deep to awareness of our actions, why we do what we do. The reasoning for our actions. This is can be a lot of work to first be aware that there are motivations behind our actions but then to identify what that motivation is. Why do we get angry when we do, why do we get upset over something, why do we get scared. Most of these emotions are conditioned responses. Frequently learned before we even new we were learning the. We see the reactions of our role modes and emulate this in our lives as we go forward. Recognizing this can help make changes in unwanted behavior and thinking. Awareness is the only way to make changes in these ways of thinking and reacting. When we choose to be aware we are choosing to be present. Here now instead of being off in the mind thinking about the past, making a grocery list, thinking about what needs to be done. We are aware of what is right now and not worried about the past, future and things undone. Awareness can go even deeper to the thoughts that even make it into our mind. Are you aware if the thought is negative or positive? Is the though productive or destructive? It takes an awareness that the thought has happened and then analyzing it to understand its nature. The simple awareness that a thought has occurred is hugh. This can take years of practice to slow down enough to recognize this, let alone get to the place where you can analyze these thoughts. This awareness is growing with more people meditating and practicing yoga from the best Singapore hotel to slums of Delhi. Awareness is the key to human transformation.

Newmarket and the Surrounding Towns of Suffolk County

Newmarket is one of the towns located in the English county of Suffolk.  Along with the Newmarket hotel and resorts, one may discover the fine dining restaurants charming cafes, or any one of the many museums throughout Newmarket and the towns that surround.  One of the most enticing aspects of the town is the horse-racing industry.  This has provided one of the economic means for the village of Newmarket for hundreds of years, and draws many visitors to the town based on that fact alone.

There is much more to the county however, such as the village of Orford located close by.  This is one of the most charming and traditional towns in the county, with a twelfth century castle located close to many locations to find a great meal.  Dunwich is located close to Orford, and was once England’s 6th largest town.  The powerful sea storms have pounded the town for many years, having destroy all except one of the town’s churches.

However, when one walks along the beach one never knows what piece of history one may discover due to this fact.  Both the town of Dunwich as well as the nearby Minsmere are conservation reserves and provide many options for hikes and walking tours through the wilderness.  Evidence of the raging storms along the coast is also to be found in the town of Covehithe.  The remains of trees and wood that has been bleached by the sun and the sea line the beaches, creating a beautiful yet somewhat erie landscape.

This particular area is still inhabited, however much of the town is in ruins, creating a very strange and haunting atmosphere.  There are many opportunities to see art however most of the artwork is found in the churches of the area, and not in galleries.  One of the most beautiful works in stained glass is found at the Aldeburgh Church, created by John Piper.   Piper was inspired by the local composer who resided in Aldeburgh for many years, Benjamin Britten.  In the town of Snape, nearby, one will find more galleries and museums exhibiting the works of such famous artists as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.  Suffolk is a beautiful county of England to wander around in and explore.

Landmarks of Warwick

Warwick, England lies in the county of Warwickshire and serves as the county seat. It is an incredibly beautiful city that is full of historic landmarks and buildings that date from various epochs and represent the architectural designs of them. The city itself contains an element of awe and inspiration, packed as it is with its great buildings and various icons. The city is full of incredible landmarks such as Warwick Castle, the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary and Guy’s Cliffe House that keep residents staying in a fine Warwick hotel enthralled and captivated. And they are in good company.

The Warwick Castle dates from the medieval Times and is located on a cliff that overlooks a bend in the River Avon. The river itself plays an important role in English history and is certainly a prominent body of water in the medieval times. It is interesting sit at the river and imagine the castle, river and people as they were centuries ago and it is incredible to think that this incredible building still exits as a representation of it its time. Guy’s Cliffe House is also located along the River Avon, though and is located in the country between Warwick and Old Milverton. It is very easily accessed and its grandeur and beauty are well worth the trip. The house derives its name from the legendary Guy of Warwick and dates and occupation of it dates back to the Saxon era. Unfortunately it has been in a state of desertion since the mid 20th century. It has been purchased in 1947 with the intention of turning it into a hotel, and what an amazing country resort this would be if that is able to manifest. The Collegiate Church of St Mary lies in the center of town near the market place. This incredible building’s foundation dates back to the early 12th century.

The Colonial District in Singapore

Thomas Raffles stepped into Singapore almost two hundred years ago.  When the government was set up on the island it was set on the banks of the Singapore River, where it still stands today.  This is located in what is known as the Colonial District.  There are many monuments and historical sites that are located in this neighborhood, each of them reflecting a bit of the rich heritage and history of the island.

In this district one will find a Singapore restaurant to suit ones culinary desires as well as large shopping malls, museums and galleries, cafes and pubs, all set within the incredible architecture and historical buildings and homes.  It is the neighborhood that still provides the influences of the British, as well as the traditional Singaporean aspects such as the rickshaw drivers and the hawker stands.

The river has been the life line for the country for hundreds of years, as far as commercial and economic industries go.  Raffles is honored along the river by a large stature, and his house still stands on the hill that it was constructed upon, two hundred years ago in Fort Canning Park.  One of the best night time walks is to stroll along the river banks and take in the beauty of the skyline as it sits just on the other side.

While standing in the Colonial District, and looking across at the skyscrapers of the business district, one is immediately and at once, in the old world witnesses the modern world.  Located in the area of the Padang, are many museums and historical buildings such as the Old and the New Parliament House, as well as the Raffles Hotel, historical churches and the Esplanade, home to the Theatres on the Bay.  Art and culture is found in the Colonial District as well as the history of the hard work of those who labored in the past along the docks and in the warehouses.  This is just one of the areas of the island, where history is located on every corner.

Fun in Dubai

Shopping is the reason people flock to Dubai, many for the modern malls and stores. Ask, though, at the hotels Dubai UAE offers about the souks, markets in the old parts of town. See windows full of gold jewelry at the has-to-be-seen to be believed Gold Souk one of the world’s largest gold retailing markets. Ogle stacks of everything from gaudy to nice that seem to go on forever with bracelets, necklaces, pins. You’ve never seen so much gold and diamonds. Haggling is a must and if you hold out you may get a great deal.

Tour the city in the “Big Bus Tour” where you hop on and hop off and get a great view of the city. Have them drop you off for a cruise on a wooden Dhow on Dubai Creek taking you right through the center of the city. Dinner cruises are available  with the usual mid-east fare. and take in the modern skyline of this vibrant city.

Of course Dubai is in the middle of a desert so naturally one thinks of…skiing. Ski Dubai can accommodate 1500 people in artificial snowy bliss. The Dubai museum is a welcome alternative, housed in the Al Faheidi Fort which once defended the city. A big iron clad door greets the visitor and feature artifacts from excavations and recovered from graves and scenes of life before the days of oil.

Take a thirty minute airplane tour of the city from 1600 feet if you really want to understand its sheer size and bewildering skyline. Look down at the iconic Burj Al Arab building, shaped like a sail and the interesting yet odd man-made archipelagos shaped like palm trees. It’s about $200 dollars and a 40 minute cab trip out to the airfield.