TravelCent

Melbourne’s Digital Fringe

A trip to Australia is always a wonderful thing. It’s an amazing place with extremely lively cultures, and such an immense variety of landscapes that it’s dizzying. Melbourne, for the tourist, is the best of everything in one place. The city is rich and vibrant, and it’s close to all kinds of natural attractions that will please guests of all ages. When looking for accommodations in Melbourne, 5-star hotels offer that extraordinary difference that can make a lovely trip a glorious one. Our hotels are carefully selected to that you’ll be sure to get the amenities that meet the highest standards in the industry, but you’ll also be treated to a level of service and style that is absolutely superb. Melbourne is waiting for you. After a fantastic rest in our sumptuously decorated rooms, be sure to sample the excellent food offered by our world-class chefs who are ready to prepare some of the finest recipes in the country. And then have a look around the great city of Melbourne. It has an extremely active cultural scene, attracting artists from all over to have a chance at participating in this energy. The music scene here has been the center of revolutions in world music, and the theatre and dance are also quite good. Melbourne has one of the best fringe festivals in the world. There is also a fascinating digital community here. Putting the city into the future is the Melbourne Digital Fringe Festival. This is a part of the annual Fringe Festival, and has been here since 2006. This is an excellent opportunity for computer programmers and other digital revolutionaries to have their work seen in a viable and reputable venue. The Digital Fringe shows virtual work on public screens as well as untraditional surfaces to imagine and manage digital art in a way that really meets the needs of the form. There are also other opportunities for artists, through the Mobile Projection Unit of Melbourne, as well as interactive cell phone video art. There’s something for everyone here, and it marks the beginning of a bright future. Wear shades.

Jaipur’s Rajesh Yadav

A trip to Jaipur can be just the perfect thing for rejuvenating the body and spirit.  There is a fantastic sense of place here, where the city is built on a grid based on astronomical sciences and mystical principles that are said to offer the people here the blessings of prosperity and health.  This has an effect of giving the entire place an atmosphere that is subtle yet palpable, and provides a wonderful backdrop to daily experience here.  Our Jaipur hotels will give you and your family a luxurious center to your journey here, offering a splendid combination of comfort and style.  We have selected our hotels based on their levels of excellence in hospitality and convenience.  You’ll have the benefit of all the new world technologies along with an old fashioned charm.

After a night of rest in our gorgeously decorated rooms, and a fantastic meal served by world-class chefs who are well-schooled in local and international cuisine, you’ll be ready to explore this amazing city.  There are spectacular attractions and exhibitions here that will appeal to guests of all ages, from gardens to a local zoo, providing hours of sight-seeing fun.  There is also a tremendous visual culture here, with some fantastic art created by the people of Jaipur.  Rajesh Yadav is one artist who has deep Jaipur roots and has shown work all over India.

He has a BFA as well as a Master’s in art from schools in Jaipur, and his work is shown extensively here.  You might recognize it from its bold yet restrained colors depicting traditional Indian themes of nature and culture living in harmony.  Rajesh Yadav draws on India’s history and traditions to find his sources of inspiration, and it’s a splendidly surreal appeal to conservation.  Animals share profiles with humans, as masked faces move in a dream around the sun.  His is a very soothing work, with a very profound message that is aimed toward the next generation.

Friday Night

We had a lot of fun in down town Phoenix last night. It was the monthly First Friday art walk. It is the largest all volunteer organised art walk in the country. Beginning over 20 years ago with some art openings coordinated for the 1st Friday of the month by a couple of galleries. The usual bands some wine, a quiet evening of art that has grown into an event taking place in several places in the down town Phoenix area. Street performances, art openings, craft vendors, art demonstrations, bands, DJ’s, dancing… There is no set start time, sometime in the late afternoon tents pop up, art work appears on the sidewalks, doors get propped open and music begins to fill the air. As afternoon turns into evening more people come out making for ever larger and larger crowds of people enjoying the art, music and night in down town Phoenix. The areas this occurs in are Roosevelt Row area from roughly 3rd ST and Roosevelt to 7th St and Roosevelt a a few streets N and S. The south of downtown area near 2nd St and Jackson. Grand Ave in the area south on Grand Ave on Roosevelt and the Melrose area on 7th Avenue N of Indian School. There are free shuttle buses to take people to some of the location now officially 1st Friday. We took the bus around to get a taste of the different events and happenings. There was a section of Roosevelt closed and skate board demonstrations and competitions were held there. All around were vendors selling wears I saw healing art, and prayer beads, there were a lot of bands in the area so there was a crowd here. We got hanging out and talking to people there were some interesting people who were visiting Phoenix from other parts of the world the one I found the most exotic was a man that claimed to be the manager of Dubai UAE luxury hotels. If that is so he sure came a long way to be at first Friday in Phoenix, Haha.

Luggage Issues in Chennai

As I stepped off the plane and on to the jetway, I was hit by a furnace of humid, hot air. It welcomed me to Chennai. But, I found the airport impressive, it was clean, shiny and it almost made us forget we were in India. But, harsh reality slapped us in the face when we exited the airport and were besieged by all the aggressive taxi drivers eager to grab our luggage and drive us to our hotel Chennai India and overcharge us I’m sure. I stayed with my mound of luggage while maneuvered around to find a prepaid taxi stand, which I found didn’t exist. I was surprised about this, but recovered quickly and put myself at the mercy of the taxi wallahs. I went with a taxi wallah that seemed to have the most honest face in a sea of honest faces. I settled on a grandfatherly looking man, who after learning my destination guided me to a really con-artist looking type of Bollywood villain with a bushy mustache. He had his helper boys wrestle the luggage cart from me and wheeled it over to his taxi. I did my best and insisted he meter me, which he easily agreed to. That made me weary for some reason.

He was too happy, to eager. Something felt wrong, but all my luggage was in his taxi, and the boys circled me until I tipped them for pushing my luggage cart only a few feet. The grandfatherly looking driver then explained that he needed to take me to his other air-conditioned taxi. I told him I don’t need air-conditioning, but he responded that the meter his taxi didn’t work, something about the fuse being broken, so that was the other reason he switched me to the other taxi. Ah, I was being duped. The grandfatherly drive could tell I didn’t believe not one word, but he was insistent, saying he was the CEO of his taxi company and he wanted to give me his card because he didn’t just want to drive me to the hotel but be my own personal driver the whole time I’m in Chennai.

I told him that that sounded actually pretty good, but it all depended on how much he charged me to go to my hotel. He smiled and as he pushed me into the other taxi said I will not be disappointed. I must say, after a week of using only his taxi service, I was really pleased and I got to know the driver really well, he wasn’t the villain like I thought, but a family man just trying to make a living.

Music, Dance and Cuisine of Punjab

Punjab, Hindi, is a Sikh State in the northwestern part of India and has a population close to 25 million people. The capital of Punjab is Chandigarh, which, interestingly enough is also the capital of the neighboring state of Haryana. Manufacturing of various goods accounts for a large percentage of the financial economy here, as does tourism. However, agriculture is the largest economic factor, with Punjab supplying the vast majority of wheat to the whole of India. Other crops grown are fruits, vegetables, sugar cane, cotton and rice. Punjab has the lowest poverty rate and also the lowest level of hunger.

Tourism is growing rapidly and is a definite economic consideration for Punjab. For those tourists especially interested in learning more about the spiritual and cultural history and the Sikh architecture of the temples and shrines, this is ideal. Punjab is rich with history and exquisite with design. Also coming to the forefront is the music of this area. Bhangra is one musical art form that has become exceedingly popular, as is the classical music. Both forms have produced award-winning compositions. Another area of popularity, which might not be thought of, is poetry. The tone of the spoken language here lends itself to the beauty and flow of poetry.

Punjab hotels are a source of pleasure for both body and mind. Visually one will enjoy the design and décor and the very senses aroused by the vibrant colors and effects. Physically, you will enjoy the relaxation and pampering you will receive. The staff is pleasant and helpful, the accommodations splendid, your comfort their goal. The restaurants, whether in the hotels or within the cities offer fabulous cuisine that is known throughout the country and in some cases throughout the world. Visit Punjab, experience the culture, learn from the people, embrace the differences and relish the growth of your inner being.

Singapore Marina Bay

There are many popular attractions in Singapore, that numerous tourists explore every year, and the residents appreciate as part of their standard of living. It is a growingly diverse and progressive metropolitan center, and features state of the art performance facilities and other major cultural aspects. Tradition and history are also important to Singaporean society and play a role in the contemporary art scene. In addition there are many natural landmarks, as well as some significant new manmade elements and features. The Singapore Marina Bay is one of the beautiful aspects of the city that is pretty new and part of its continual development.

The Bay was formed as part of the Marina South Marina Centre’s land reclamation. The process created areas of sheltered water that had once been part of the open sea. In addition, the Bay was formed, and is feed by the waters of the Singapore River, which previously opened into the sea. In 2008, a barrage was completed that officially made the Bay a plentiful reservoir of drinking water.

On a larger or more broad spectrum the phrase Marina Bay is used to include the area surrounding the Bay and the local business establishments. This is usually what is meant when tourists express an interest in visiting the area. The Marina Centre is one of the main developed areas of the Bay, and features many great restaurants, as well as the Suntec City Mall, the Millennia Walk, and the Marina Square. There are also other malls and many luxury hotels in this area. It has become an extremely popular location for tourists to orient their stay, and offers some of the best views in Singapore. The Bay has also gained international attention with its 2007 announcement that it would host the Formula One Race. Racing is popular in Singapore and in 2008 the Singapore Grand Prix occurred on a special street circuit through the area. It was also the first Grand Prix to take place at night.

Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio

Blending the rich history of the old west with the most up-to-date technologies, our luxury San Antonio hotels are something to behold.  Guests here will appreciate the splendid blend of innovation and tradition, with contemporary amenities offered with the graciousness of a past that’s still within reach.  San Antonio is an interesting mix of cultures and histories, and our hotels are carefully selected to put you in the midst of history with style.  There are high standards of excellence here, and we’ve chosen these hotels based on their consistently high performance in service and comfort.  This translates to a divine sense of relaxation here that will make the experience unforgettable.

Enjoy a scrumptious meal prepared by our top chefs who are schooled in the local traditions as well as the latest in international cuisine.  After a delicious night’s sleep in our exquisitely decorated rooms, you’ll be ready to enjoy the city and all it offers.  There is a spectacular atmosphere about San Antonio, with a history that is in the cement and in the dirt, that makes it a place that exits in many times at once.  One excellent way to experience this mix of culture and place is by hearing the local and celebrated Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza.

This is one of the very best mariachi bands in the world, and it’s a great honor to San Antonio that they make their home here.  The music, with its horns and strings making sounds to echo the sweetness and sadness of the world, is a symbol of México, and Mariachi Vargas began in Tecalitlán, Jalisco, in in 1897, by Don Gaspar Vargas.  It was originally a quintet, and has evolved tremendously over the years.  They have scored over 200 films in México, and have recorded over 70 records.  Now there are 13 permanent members, and there are a host of others who play with them, including Linda Ronstadt.  The music is extremely exciting, vibrant and lusciously layered, giving the audience a total immersion into their sound.  It spans centuries and cultures, and today is one of the most accomplished group of musicians anywhere.

Good Times in Mumbai

I’m trying to remember my first time in India and what I remember about it. I know I had a good time in India, I took back lots of memories. It was, of course, my first time there and I remember thinking that in Mumbai and staying in one of the Mumbai hotels, just how incredible the crowds were. It reminded me of my home in Africa. I really liked the hospitality and the food. I also know that I’m looking forward to returning. I know my family is concerned about me going back, what with all the terror attacks, but for me situations like that happen during transitional times and don’t last forever. Besides, it’s all a matter of the people working together and coming up with agreements that will benefit all of India. All of India. I don’t think the terror attacks will deter me from going to India in the future.

I remember the Indian women, they are the most beautiful women in the world. I really have no words to describe just how beautiful they are. I remember, while I was there and performing with some well know artist, that I couldn’t believe just how blessed I really am. I really loved the fact about how authentic all the famous artist were which made it so much easier for me to just do what I do when I play my music.

I remember watching some fantastic Bollywood movies, but I can’t remember the names. I did catch on to the patent theme of love and romance which I really liked. I also remember that some of the love stories were amazing and complex. Bollywood movies are uplifting and enjoyable. So much different than what I was use to in Africa. Hmm…India, yes, I really must get back there. I miss it, and I didn’t think I would, but thinking back to my first time there, yes, I miss India.

Bondi Beach, Australia

During the Nineteenth Century, it was controversial and a bit unsafe to swim in the waters off the coastlines of Sydney.  There were threats of attacks by stingrays and sharks.  Swimming was banned on the beaches between the hours of 9 in the morning and 8 o’clock at night, but still remained a popular activity.  By the beginning of the twentieth century however, many of the restrictions we lifted and the attitudes of the officials became more relaxed.  The beach lifestyle became synonymous with leisure, democracy and a healthy lifestyle.  Bondi Beach is one of the popular beaches in Australia, with a long and rich history.

Archaeological evidence was found in the location of Bondi Point, and artifacts as well as rock paintings and carvings recovered here suggest that this was once home to Aboriginal tribes of the country.
This is located in the Waverly district, and many of the locations, including Bondi, where named using the language of the early inhabitants.  Even before the easing of restrictions, Bondi Beach was a favorite spot for local families to either picnic or spend some time in the top restaurants. Sydney residents are still fond of the beach, and it becomes quite populated during the summer months.  Early developers wanted to make Bondi a private beach, in response to the growing popularity, and the debates on that subject went back and forth for many years.

The Government did decide however, in 1882, that the beach would in fact remain open to the public.  A tramway was built two years later that provided access from the center of city directly to the beach.  And while some of the restrictions had been lifted, it was not until 1902 that swimming in public was legal throughout the entire day.  Each year in August the run known as City to Surf,  has the finish line in Bondi Beach.  The race attracts participants from all over the world, more than fifty thousand people complete the fourteen KM run every summer.  Many other activities take place throughout the year such as volley ball tournaments, the Australian short film festival and in November the art exhibit sculpture by the sea.  Any time of year is a great time to visit Australia’s Bondi Beach.

Stretching out in Fromentera

We were staying in Formentera, an island or so over from Ibiza, when we really needed to get our yoga fix on, so we trundled over for a session. Cindy and I preferred to avoid the club-bier aspects of the these Balearic Islands and felt at home in Fromentera, even entertaining how we could move here, she and Irish ex pat living with me in Brooklyn, New York. Ibiza yoga has not much to so with the hotels Ibiza has, and decided it was fun to wish.We both liked a more laid back vacation, not so into the big night club scene and the parties, but preferred the natural wonders of beaches and the joys of quiet bread and breakfasts, away form the Speedo wearing crowd. We found a yoga place that looked laid back and met Georgianna, tall, very thin and muscled, in that yoga way. She led us to the start of he class over looking a quiet beach, white sand and birds, tinge of turquoise in the water, silvery sand near the water, the result of the local seaweed that grows here and protects the environment. There were only a few others in the group, all very serenity meditating and we went through a delicious series of down dogs and flow that re energized our bodies, cramped from flying and carrying luggage on the way here. At the end,as we sat in meditation and listened to the sound of surf and gulls in the distance, the warm sun on our faces, sweat pouring out of us, Georgianna sounded a gong and we were back, calm and grounded. I felt so good I almost suggested to Cindy we go clubbing that night but resisted as I overheard the other yoga  participants talk about their evening plans. Funny, they did not even acknowledge us, as we were plainly not of their social sphere, but yoga had brought us together, at least for that day.