Author Archives: Caliope Sage

The Rocket Festival To Tear Up the Mighty Skies

Posted on by

Thailand is indeed a city of great delights offering many fascinations to keep its travellers occupied. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Thailand is certainly rich with the tang of the Asian cultures as well the zest of the modern development.
A visitor to Thailand will undoubtedly not find time to laze around and spend time idly as the scintillating delights of the country are abundant and plentiful. Complete with beaches, shopping malls, fascinating structures of ancient appeal, as well the savour of the local customs and festivals, make this country truly a place of great entertainment. A visit to Thailand will indeed be an enriching experience for everyone given this plethora of loveliness and delights.
Among the many festivals that are celebrated by the locals in Thailand, the Rocket Festival is one of the most colourful, beautiful and symbolic festivals. The uniqueness of this festival further heightens the appeal of it and makes it one of the most striking festivals in the country. The Rocket Festival which is called the Bung Bang Fai in Thai, is celebrated in the north eastern region of Thailand and is mainly centred around the areas of Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchanthani and Yasothon.
Village crafted rockets tear up the skies during this festival that takes place based on the patterns of the moon from mid May to Mid June. This wonderful festival is believed to bring rains upon the fields of rice in the villages that thrive on the cultivation of rice. It is indeed a beauty to behold as the wonders of the country of Thailand, its culture and traditions are so richly encapsulated in the glory of this festival.
Become a part of the Rocket Festival and create memories that could be cherished forever while also indulging in the finest of luxury of Chiang Rai hotels to have the perfect, blissful holiday experience of your life. A hotel Chiang Rai offers such as Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand will indeed complement your perfect holiday with the ultimate standards of service and excellence, leaving you mesmerized and delighted well beyond measure.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

The Barong and Keris Dance – Intensely Captivating

Posted on by

Barong Dance is the most popular of all the Balinese Dances. It depicts the typical traditional dance form; where a story -typically a myth or legend- is narrated through a series of choreographed movements and expressions. Indonesian myth and legends have links to the religion that precedes the island; Hinduism. Their tales are so powerful that when emulated in the form of dance it becomes almost hypnotizing. The Barong Dance is one such performance; powerful and intense this dance is the very epitome of the battle between the good and the evil.

The Barong Dance is purely classical and is comprised of a series of traditional moves. The tale narrated through this dance is actually a very interesting one. The dance begins with the beast Barong playfully enjoying the company of 2 monkeys. It then goes on to the ‘Keris Dance’ which narrates the actual legend of Rangda, the mother of the 10th century king of Bali, Erlangga. Her obsession with black magic got her condemned by her husband and as soon as he passed away she waged war on her son Erlangga by summoning the evil spirits from the jungle. This part is very powerfully portrayed in the dance and has a sinister aura about it. The troops of the evil spirits were too strong for Erlangga whose men fell into a trance of possession and turned their Keris towards themselves in a suicidal attempt. It was at this point that the help of Barong was beseeched. Barong the powerful beast cast an even stronger spell that protected the soldier’s from the blade of their Keris. In the end Barong and Erlangga emerge victorious.

This powerful myth in the form of dance captivates its audience. It is through such performances history and myth blend together creating a reality. Despite how entertaining it is, the Barong dance is in fact quite dangerous. There is a risk of serious injury by the pointed blade of the Keris. Perhaps it is this risk that makes the dance even more intriguing and adds a sense of thrill to it.

While choosing from the hotels in Seminyak, the W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak tops the list. This 5 star hotel Seminyak has certainly beats all the others.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.Google+

Vesak – Festival of light

Posted on by

Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha, Vesak is a veritable celebration of light. Celebrated by Buddhists all over the world, Sri Lanka cloaks itself in bright lights, lanterns and much festivity during this time of the year, enveloping the whole of the country in a sense of joyful celebration. There are many Sri Lanka hotels which offer guests accommodation during this time amongst which Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara offrs the additional advantage of treatments of Ayurveda Sri Lanka is quite famous for. Vesak in Sri Lanka falls on a full moon poya day in the month of May and is celebrated for a period of two weeks. During this time, entire families get together to make colourful lanterns and gigantic pandols decorated with multicoloured lights are being put up everywhere in the country depicting stories of Buddha’s life. One is not lacking of forms of entertainment during this period as various types of performances are being held all over the country alongside roads which are keenly participated by many people each night. Also seen commonly during this time of the year is the offering of free food and drinks alongside the roads to the poor and whoever may have it as an act of charity and good will.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Vesak Celebrations in Singapore – A Day of Celebration Spent in Quiet Reverence

Posted on by

In hushed reverence and quiet veneration, the birth, enlightenment and the death of the Buddha is celebrated by Buddhists scattered the world over on the day of Vesak, the day marked as the most important on the Buddhist calendar. Bathed in the charm of this day, devotees find serenity sublime in the beautiful and symbolic celebrations and rituals that are faithfully followed on the day.

In Singapore, where Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists together abide, the rituals followed slightly vary, while the common chord of peace and good deeds as well as repentance bind the hearts and minds of those who celebrate in strong and significant unison. The day of Vesak is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar in Singapore, on which good deeds and righteous gestures are practiced far and wide owing to the belief that such deeds performed on the sacred day multiplies merit many times over. Hence blood donations are organized in grand scale, mantras are chanted and caged animals are released.

The many statues of the Buddha are illuminated with lights on this day where candlelight processions take place on the streets, while some “bathe” a Buddha statue symbolizing the showers of the waters of the nine dragons that bathed Buddha after birth.

When in Singapore during the time of this festival the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple is a great place to observe the quiet celebrations of Vesak. This majestic temple is the second largest temple in Asia as well as being the oldest temple in Singapore. In Chinatown also one may find the beauty of Vesak pulsating with devotion at the spiritual centre of The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple while admiring the wonderful combination of the Buddhist mandala and the remnants of glory of the Tang dynasty expressed in the Buddhist art culture on display there.

For those who would like to visit the country illuminated by a million lights of reverence during the festival of Vesak, Singapore apartment hotels such as the Citadines Mount Sophia Singapore is an ideal place to seek accommodation in as it is one of the leading serviced apartments Singapore has.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.Google+

Justin Timberlake Live on Yas Island – Timberlake to rock Abu Dhabi

Posted on by

Starting out in the Mickey Mouse Club as a child and moving onto the hit 90’s boy band N’Sync and thereafter releasing hit singles, Justin Timberlake has managed to rocket to fame in a short period of time for his music and lately for his acting career as well.

2013 saw the 33 year old singer/actor dominate the global charts with his bestselling album 20/20 experience and 20/20 experience 2 of 2. The du Arena at Yas Island Abu Dhabi will feature Timberlake bringing this thrilling album as part of his World Tour to an eagerly awaiting audience on the 23rd of May 2014.

Timberlake last visited the UAE in 2007 as part of his Justified Tour which was staged at the Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace. The concert wowed an astounding 13’000 strong fan base and ticket sales for the 2014 Tour which began in mid January have already taken off.

Whilst the 2007 tour featured much loved hits such as What Goes Around Comes Around, Rock Your Body and Cry Me a River, it is hoped that the 2014 edition will feature these along with newer hits such as Mirrors, Suit & Tie and Let the Groove get in.

Yas Island is a much loved and much used famous arena for International performers and concerts and is a mere 45 minute drive away from Dubai and 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi.

With 4 Emmy Awards and 9 Grammy awards under his belt, Timberlake is fast moving onto a promising acting career as well as owning two thriving restaurants. He was also named Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist at the 2013 American Music Awards. Happily married to actress Jessica Biel in 2012, Timberlake is an all round artiste with much promise.

For those visiting the UAE during this time, getting your hands on these concert tickets is a must. Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi will prove easier not only in terms of getting to the concert but also in order to enjoy the sights and sounds of Abu Dhabi at leisure. If looking for such accommodation Abu Dhabi then visitors should consider the luxurious and well facilitated Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi.

Beautyworld Middle East 2014 – A place for all your beauty needs

Posted on by

Known to be the largest International Trade Fair for Beauty Products, Cosmetics and Perfumery in the Middle East, the Beautyworld Middle East is once again being held in 2014 from 27th May to 29th May 2014, allowing all those beauty conscious individuals a chance to truly explore the world of cosmetics. Finding   accommodation in Dubai during this period will not be an issue since Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is a reputed Palm Jumeirah hotel that is known to cater to every single need of discerning travellers. Evolving steadily over the past 17 years since its inception, this show-stopping beauty show features a wide range of cutting edge products and services from around the world, thereby serving as a one stop destination for all your beauty needs, enabling the visitors to learn about the latest market trends from across the globe.

Lotus Lantern Festival – In honour of wisdom and light

Posted on by

Paying tribute to a millennial tradition, the Lotus Lantern Festival held with the aim of paying tribute to Buddha’s coming into the world, is a grand and vibrant event celebrated over a period of 3 days. It would be a good idea to seek out an appropriate Seoul apartment to fully soak in the activity during this period. Somerset Palace Seoul is a recommended Somerset Palace Seoul offers comfortable Seoul serviced apartments that would prove to be ideal for the purpose. According to Buddhist beliefs, lanterns, more importantly light signifies wisdom. Therefore, the lantern festival is held in respect for the Lord Buddha, who brought immense wisdom and enlightenment to his followers. Bringing throngs of foreign and local tourists together, Seoul sees hundreds and thousands of magnificent lotus lanterns of various sizes lighting up the city during this time. Also to be expected during this period is parades, performances and songs, all in honour of the great Lord Buddha. The Lotus Lantern Festival is essentially a family oriented festival. One sees entire families getting together and making lanterns of different shapes and colours while engaging in the multitude of programmes arranged just or the occasion.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

Chonburi Festival in Thailand – Buffaloes to the fore!

Posted on by

An annual festival in the Chonburi festival of Thailand, the buffalo races are quite popular amongst not only the locals, but also the foreigners. While visiting, there are plenty of luxury hotel resorts in which you can seek accommodation amongst which Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas stand out from amongst the luxury hotels in the region. According to records, buffalo racing in Chonburi is an event that has been in continuation for 70 years during which King Rama VI has also been an ardent viewer. The event is usually held a day before the full moon day in October and is held in great festivity. The buffalos are colourfully decorated in vibrant cloths and garlands of flowers, a sight which is quite delightful to witness. The trick is to ride the buffalo bareback and guide it down the track using only the reins and the whip. The riders are from the local community and it is a test of balance as well as agility for the riders. Great prices await the winners at the end of each event which serves as a great motivational factor for participation.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Arabian Travel Market 2014 – An opportunity for travel and tourism professionals

Posted on by

Scheduled to be held from 5th to 8th of May, the Arabian Travel Market makes the promise of an exhilarating experience. Featuring a myriad of exciting stalls, workshops, seminars as well as entertainment, 5 star hotels Dubai has to offer overfill with visitors during this time of the year. Grand Millennium Dubai is a recommended Dubai luxury hotel to stay in during the exhibition but it is always recommended to book well beforehand. Known to be a prominent international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for outbound and inbound tourism professionals from all around the world, the Arabian Travel Market brings together buyers as well as the top decision makers representing each and every facet of the leisure travel industry. Unlocking Middle East’s business potential for outbound and inbound tourism professionals, the Arabian Travel Market 2014 will most undoubtedly open up plenty of doors, unveiling to the industry so much of options.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+

 

 

 

 

A Glimpse Into Ancient History-Xi’an, China

Posted on by

Xi’an was one of the earliest centers of Chinese civilization going back to the Zhou dynasty of the eleventh century. It was home to several emperors and most of the ancient dynasties of China were established in this city. It is the perfect location for those interested in history, Chinese culture and Chinese people. If you are a history buff you can keep yourself busy in Xi’an for over a week since there are so many historical sites to visit. Even if you are not the history type, Xi’an is probably the best place to experience authentic Chinese culture. The city sits in the Wei River valley surrounded by modern developments, and yet you get the feeling that the people of Xi’an have held on to their historical roots.

The Tang Dynasty show is a cultural performance that will give you a taste of what it was like back in ancient China. There are two main venues that host the show; one is Shaanxi Song and Dance Theatre and the other is Tang Dynasty Palace. For the performance held at Shaanxi Song and Dance theatre you have the option of a sit down dinner. The theatre is considered to be one of China’s best cultural entertainment theatre restaurants. Foreign visitors will love the atmosphere of the theatre because you can enjoy delicious meals provided by the Tang Dynasty Palace and also revel in the exhilarating performance.

If you want to grasp the historical essence of Xi’an then you should make a trip to Army of Terra-Cotta warriors. The site was discovered by a local farmer back in the 1970’s and it has now become a popular attraction amongst locals and foreigners alike. The terra-cotta figures are life size and they represent army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Some of the other key sites to visit when you are in Xi’an are: Big Goose Pagoda, Hanyang Tombs, Forest of Stone Steles and Huaqing hot springs. While there are a large number of historical attractions to explore in Xi’an there are also some places where you can just hang out. Check out the bazaar in Xi’an Muslim Quarters or Xi’an city wall. You can easily find Xian accommodation if you intend on staying in the city. A serviced apartment Xian would be the perfect fit for those who want some privacy and at the same time a place that is close to all of the tourist attractions. Citadines Xingking Palace Xi’an can be recommended since it includes all of the services plus a gym, sauna, yoga and table tennis rooms.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

Google+