Archive for the Entertainment category.
One of the standard expectations of almost everyone who visits San Diego, California is to visit the beach at some point or many times during their stay. In fact, the beautiful beach with the golden sand and silver blue waters are almost irresistible to most people and are part of what San Diego is famous for. Tourists can be found in an around the water enjoying a variety of water sports and surfers and boogie borders are usually on the resigning wave horizon. Great beach resorts are full of information on where to rent various sporting equipment as well as city entertainment and cultural events.
In addition to having plenty of coastal beach stretches, which is reflective of the water sports and general beautiful view potential, there are also great opportunities to learn certain water sports such as surfing. San Diego has surfing lessons available for eager students of all skill levels, even when that means you’re starting out with zero experience. In addition to skill level acceptance, students of all ages are welcome, from children through to adults. If you have the ambition and courage, they will teach you.
And learning to surf is not only a great way to spend some time on the ways and keep yourself fit, it also increases one’s sense of self worth and confidence. Keeping your feet on the board is not an easy task and once a person is able to navigate the waves it provides not only a sense of accomplishment and even victory but there has also been described a unique sense of oneness with the ocean and air that comes from surfing. Also, can you imagine a better souvenir than returning home from a vacation in San Diego with the skill of surfing? So, if you have a wetsuit, bring it with you to San Diego. And if you don’t have, don’t worry about it, you can get one there.
Where can you go to a museum that not only displays its exhibits but flies them? Try Miami and its superb Florida beaches for the Wings Over Miami Air Museum. bout twenty-four years ago, a pilot named Kermit Weeks kept his vintage collection of aircraft available to the public, serving as a kind of aviation museum. However, in 1992, just six years later, the Weeks Air Museum was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. It crushed the hanger and ruined most of the planes. Undeterred, he rebuilt the museum and kept it in place until he moved the expanding collection to Florida’s Polk County, where he created the “Fantasy of Flight”. This left South Florida without an aviation museum, and caused four plane enthusiasts of military and classic aircraft to join forces and transition the hanger Weeks left behind into the museum we have today: Wings Over Miami.
The museum is meant to be a tribute to aviators and veterans who were pioneers in the history of military and civilian aircraft. It is, in fact, one of the few museums where the exhibits are not only displayed but flown. The idea is to share the history of flight with the public and provide a legacy not only of the aircraft themselves, but a glimpse into the lives of the pilots who were in the cockpit.
Recent acquisitions include vintage planes, military trainers, and jet aircraft manufactured and flown during the era of the Cold War. As you stroll through the museum, you’ll see people working on planes to maintain and renovate them, a reminder that this is literally a flying museum. If you’ve arrived in Miami to enjoy its hotels and Florida beaches, you should know this museum is open only Thursday through Sunday from ten in the morning to five in the afternoon. It’s closed Monday through Wednesday, and has a cost of ten dollars for adults, seven dollars for seniors sixty and above, and six dollars for children twelve and under. There are group rates available. The museum is located in Miami at 14710 SW 128th Street and may be reached at (305) 233 5197.
The Italian Cultural Institute plays a very big part in the promotion of Italian culture in Singapore. There are always new and exciting events on the horizon, and they have a wonderful support system that is extremely adept at helping to spread the word about their terrific events. It’s one way to keep in touch with what’s happening with Italian culture in Singapore. Another way, of course, is by regular visits to your favorite Italian restaurant. If you don’t have a favorite yet, or if you’re coming to Singapore for the first time, rest assured you will have a few favorites in a very short amount of time.
The culture in Singapore is impossible to classify, because there are so many cultures that exist here. The Chinese, Malay, and Indian populations are very sizable, and there are influences from their traditions all over this vibrant city state. There are many other cultures here, too, and of course one the best ways to discover them is through food. Singaporeans are, generally speaking, very discerning eaters, and dinner time is a very exceptional part of the day. It’s a splendid time to be alive anywhere, but here in particular, mealtimes are pretty spectacular. The availability of fresh ingredients makes it particularly lovely for chefs as well as patrons, because there are limitless possibilities for what can be obtained here, and a limitless passion for trying new things.
The same passion extends into film, and this is demonstrated by the success of the Italian Film Festival where, for two weeks, residents of Singapore are treated to a host of recent cinema from one of the greatest film cultures on earth. Some of the greatest masters of cinema are Italian, and the recent festival showcased films by Andrea Molaioli, Anna Negri, and Gabriela Salvatores. The festival always marks new benchmarks in the history of Italian and world film, and this was certainly no different. The 2009 festival was a bit grander than usual, being part of the European Season in Singapore, but it is always an exciting time to be here.
The icon of the hot tub is something that’s definitely entered into the culture. It’s inescapably a part of the idea of the Good Life, whatever that might mean. We see them in films and on television, and they represent many different things. But they’re always linked to a way of life that speaks of fine things, and of the ability to enjoy the same fine things. You’ll get to discover how your own world view enters into it when you start looking into buying your very own hot tub, and choosehottubsdirect.com makes it easy and fun.
You might see yourself as a reality tv show person, and your hot tub adventures will probably revolve around leisurely meals with friends, with some occasional intrigue. Even if the time spent here is quiet time, it’s still amazingly fulfilling, and it can be wonderful to enjoy a fantastic meal and then relax in the solitude of your own back yard. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the day that just passed, and to start to daydream about the perfect life. You’ll have the luxury of knowing that if you’re reflecting on life in your own hot tub, then life is already pretty good, and you can spend your time making plans to make it even better.
You can also use your hot tub as an excuse to stop worrying about everything and just enjoy the moment at hand. Perhaps you’re feeling more like your life is a comedy than a reality-tv show, and think about the famous hot tub scenes in shows like, How I Met Your Mother, or Drawn Together. Or, if you’re feeling particularly absurd, you can imagine yourself as James Brown, having your own celebrity hot tub party. Invite all your friends and tell them to come dressed up as their favorite star. Add food and drink. Stir and enjoy.
During the winter months, many travel to the town of Cronulla, on the south coast of Sydney, to catch glimpses of the migration of the humpback whales at the end of their six month long ‘tour’ off many of the coasts of the shores of Australia. At this point in the journey the whales are spotted with their new born calves frequently, with many of the platforms for viewing the whales brings nature lovers in close contact with the amazing creatures. During the summer months, these shores are visited by those looking for fun in the sun, be it just relaxing on the beaches, or hitting the surf. This area of Sydney is only reachable via the train, so there are no cars nor traffic, making this one of the best kept secrets, and making for one of the most peaceful summer holidays on the continent.
The beaches of Southern Cronulla are sandy, and are hit with the most gentle of waves, making this the perfect destination for those traveling with children. Many events for kids are organized by the resorts and the 5 star hotels, Sydney has many of those to choose from, and they will guide parents towards the coves, that are surrounded by rock formations that provide safe swimming holes and many adventures of discovery and exploration. A popular and relaxing pastime along these shores is the building of sandcastles, of which there are a few on the beaches throughout each and every day.
For those wanting a bit more of an exciting adventure, the beaches on the Northern end of the town offer waves and surf that is bit more high paced. Wanda and Elouera beaches are located near by, and these three locations have become popular for those interested in the sport of surfing. There are many schools and local surf shops that offer classes for those just beginning to learn, to those who are experienced but would like the opportunity to train with some of the best surfers in the world. And when one tires of the physical strength necessary for the sport, there are city parks located throughout each of the three beaches, that offer picturesque gardens, fish and chip restaurants, and many locations to grab a cold gelato and relax in the warm breezes of the Australian summer. This area of Sydney is a great spot for families and a great way to experience the country for the first time.
The Gogaji Festival in Jaipur brings many travelers and tourists to the region during the celebrations, and there are many options concerning accommodations in the luxury hotels. Jaipur festival celebrations that surround this time, are dedicated to Goga Veer, a Hindu local hero. This diety is also known as the God of Snakes, and is often seen in the idols portrayed with a horse and a snake wrapped around him, usually surrounding his neck. Many Muslims claim to be descendants of this persona, and those devoted to Goga are found throughout the regions of India and annual processions and parades take place in his honor.
It is said that to pray to him will relieve one of sickness, of all sorts, as well as those caused by the bites of snakes. Many people attending the festivals, make the journeys simply to express their wishes, or to express thanks for the bounties received during the years. This festival takes place during the month of August and lasts for three days. One of the most significant forms of worship is to rub the idols of the God with incense. Many also present offerings of cash, sugar candies and coconuts. And all the while the ceremonies are lead by priests who sing, dance and lead the prayer sessions. Many dance to the beats of the drummers and celebrate in top notch fashion.
Another fair held here, one of the largest in the state, is the Kapil Muni Festival. This is in hone of the Saint Kapil, who is reported to be a direct relative of the Lord Brahma. The temples are located throughout the area, with many reserved for just the women taking part in the celebrations and the ceremonies. This is a time when many travel in search of redemption and spiritual enlightenment. One of the main events that takes place is the trading of the various farm animals such as the horses, the cattle, the camels and the buffalo that many rely on throughout the year to work the fields. This is mainly a religious festival hi-lighted by the completions in for the breeders of the animals up for trade and competition.
Sylvester Stallone is a popular American film actor who recently went to Bollywood to shoot a movie. Bollywood, India’s equivalent of the United State’s Hollywood, California, gained international acclaim with the Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The new film, Kambakkht Ishq also stars American actors Denise Richards and Brandon Routh, as well as major Bollywood box office draws and it opens this summer. American tourists who happen to be in India this summer have the chance to see the union of cultures and some of their favorite homegrown stars on the big screen in Mubai and other major cities. The luxury Mumbai hotels provide the perfect accommodation to enhance a visit to India, whether it is business or vacation based.
The film was directed by Sabbir Khan and is an action packed exploration of a relationship between to people that are as different from each other as night is from day. Indian actor Akshay Kumar plays Viraj Shergill, a Hollywood stuntman with a less than respectful opinion of women. Kareena Kapoor plays Simrita Rai, the woman who is more than happy to prove she is Viraj’s match, at his best. She also spins a twist on his attitude about female marriage desires as she has no interest or belief in love. Stallone and the other American actors have minor or cameo appearances as themselves.
The film was originally intended to be released in December of last year, though post production technical difficulties and extensive production work caused for the delay. Director Khan also wrote the screenplay for the film, which translates into English as Incredible Love. He has worked as an Assistant Director for the film Miane Pyar kyun Kiya, which was released in 2005. He also served as the Assistant Director on the films Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Dastak.
The songbirds have started to gather and it’s Sunday morning in Singapore. So, before all the other tourist finish there breakfast a the Best Singapore Hotels, I head on out to the Wah Heng coffee shop at the corner of Tiong Bahru and Seng Poh Roads. Wah Heng has caged song birds crowed in from ceiling to floor brought in by the locals. It truly a site to behold.
The birds, China thrushes, red whiskered bulbuls, merboks, white rumped shamas and mata putehs arrive in intricately carved, richly lacquered teak cages with porcelain inlays and ivory fittings. The owners proudly unveil the cages and move them from hanger to hanger with what appears to be strategic, just like an intense chess games was being played. The owners trying to position their birds near those that will encourage them to sing at their best. Songbirds, in nature, will try to out-sing, out perform each other in an attempt to attract the female of its species.
I managed to get a prime seat due to my missing out on breakfast at the hotel. I was so delighted as the birds began to warble. I got to chat up some of the owners and ask how they care and feed for their birds. They were eager to give me details on what the birds eat and one owner told me that she believes the food will influence how the birds will sing. She said a carefully controlled diet for her songbird will include live insects, fruits, baby cereal and a hard boiled egg every now and then. I noticed there were vendors just outside selling cages and feeds; doing a very brisk business I might add.
The regular Sunday crowd, which climaxes between 8am and 10am was an informal kind of competition. The owners will say different, but it seems to me to serve as a practice session for when and if they choose to enter into a more serious songbird competition. Like the National songbird competition can have a cash prize of $10,000 dollars! I’m just glad to listen to the beautiful songs, have a nice cup of coffee and watch the owners persuade their songbirds to sing the prettiest.
Some of the most pleasant memories on a trip come from staying at one of our 5-star Ibiza hotels. There is an intoxicating sense of island warmth that permeates everything here, in the affect of the locals and the internationals, the mood on the streets, and the daily interactions. The beach has a presence that is really everywhere in Ibiza, and one can’t forget they always close to the water. In the hotels, there is an amazing combination of old-world charm mixed with new world state of the art technology. Style and fashion are impeccable here, and the design is eclectic, mixing the best of old Europe with the best of life on the sea.
For three decades now, Ibiza has had a reputation of being one of the biggest ongoing parties on the planet, and if you’re wondering about checking into the nightlife here, one look and you’ll understand why people come here. Ibiza attracts celebrities from all over the world, and also attracts excited youth cultures, and anyone looking to turn up the volume on their ability to rejuvenate in a very lively atmosphere. One of the most popular clubs here, and one worth looking at, is the famous Es Paradis. Pepe Aguirre and Lluis Guell started Es Paradis in 1975, and now it is one of the best parties in the world. With its excellent DJs, celebrity guests, incredible pyramid ceiling that lets in the morning light when the party is over, and 10 bars, this place is built for life with gusto.
One of its most famous events is the Fiesta del Agua, or Water Party. This is a stunning spectacle where 80,000 liters of water inundate the dance floor and turn it into a giant swimming pool. The video of the event is amazing, and the live version is even more spectacular. There are bulletin boards dedicated to internationals who want to write about their experience at Es Paradis, and all of this should be enough to convince the curious guest to have a look at what paradise might be.
Before I arrived in Thailand, I did a little research about the bird population. I found Thailand has over 900 documented species and that of those one-third are migrant. It can’t be a simple as that I thought, so after I got situated in one of the Hotels in Thailand, I went investigating.
Some species are for sure migrants, others are definitely residential and the rest of the birds are breeding visitors. One of the migrants, the Barn Swallow, was just recently found to be a resident also. So, I was correct, it’s not that simple to document the amount of bird species in Thailand. So, basically, what I’m conveying is that Thailand is a ‘must’ for any serious birdwatcher. I found, through my own due diligence, that there are well over 100 protected areas in Thailand and that these areas are in the National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries and in no-hunting areas. They even have organized breeding programmes for the most endangered. I found that most of these areas are easily reached by car. I was disappointed to find some closed to the public, meaning me, I really would’ve like to observe and note what species were there. I can only assume it was closed to the public because those were the breeding program areas.
I found my most favorite National Park was the Khao Yai. The park is teeming with bird-life. But, not only bird-life, the park has over 200 elephants and approximately 20 tigers. They even have a stuffed man-eating tiger in the gift shop. The tiger was shot and killed because it ate 2 park rangers. Well, duly noted, and a warning to all visitors. Needless to say, I was in bird heaven. I observed several species of the Hornbills, Barbets and flocks of Fairy Bluebirds. A spectacular bird park indeed and one I recommend you visit first in Thailand.