Author Archives: Caliope Sage

Accession Day – A Day Of Merry Making

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Tourists visiting Abu Dhabi in the middle of the year have some important events and festivals to look forward to. The emirate being a great cultural hot spot there is much to see, do and experience. It is a great cultural land mark where visits can be exposed to the Middle East in its entire splendour.
One of the key events in the region’s calendar is the Accession Day. Similar to the British accession day, it is a holiday of great festivity and merriment celebrating the accession of the monarch to the throne. It is a celebration that marks the dawn of a new era under the new ruler and a festival of hope for the new future.
The event marks the historically significant happening when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan overthrew his brother in a bloodless coup in 1966 to assume the throne of the UAE in Abu Dhabi, which is regarded to be the state’s main emirate. However later in 1971, he became the president and ruled the country until 2004. He was considered to be a visionary leader in bringing in economic prosperity to the land and the country saw a massive transformation for the better. There were great investments made in education, infrastructure, and economy and there was a rise of interest in sports amongst, men, women and children.


To showcase the greatness of the Shiekh there are celebrations that last for almost a week and all organizations get ready for the celebrations way in advance. There are concerts and dances, fireworks and many other celebrations throughout the state. People dress up in the national costumes and bear the flag and it is hoisted in houses and offices and even seen on vehicles. There is a lot of patriotism in the air and an atmosphere of celebration.
A time in the Middle East that should not to be missed for its unique nature and cultural significance, even foreigners staying at the many Abu Dhabi hotels located across the emirate or even at a one of the luxury hotels Abu Dhabi, such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara can be part of the celebrations, which are sure to make one look at this part of the world with new eyes.

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.

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Vesak Festival – The festival of light

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Celebrating the birth, death and the attainment of enlightenment of Lord Buddha, the Vesak Festival is of utmost importance to Buddhists all across the globe. Observe the many festivities that take place on during the season while lodging at one of the Sri Lanka hotels such as Heritance Ahungalla known to be one of the most sought after Sri Lanka beach hotels ideal for a holiday in this exotic location. Falling on a full moon poya day, typically on the 5th or 6th luna month, this festival of light blows full blast upon the island as glittering lights wink along the roadways and multicoloured lanterns gleam, gently swaying in the breeze. A common sight during this time are gigantic Vesak pandols depicting stories from Jataaka stories colourfully illustrated and adorned with thousands of glittering lights twinkling rhythmically. The Vesak Festival for Sri Lankans is a time where religion and festivity come together to create a unique combination not experienced anywhere else.

 

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.

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Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring / Summer – Get your style on this summer!

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Mad about fashion? Can’t stop shopping at big labels in the industry? Well then Hong Kong is calling! The Hong Kong Fashion week for spring and summer 2013 will be held in July from the 8th to the 11th. The event will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and will feature high end fashion labels from all over the world.

Buyers are offered a mind blowing shopping experience and a fantastic spread of the most talked about collections for spring and summer this year. Accessories and garments that would be the limelight in fashion industry during these seasons this year would be on grand display at the Fashion Week Hong Kong.

The highlight of the gallery are the ‘Brand name Gallery’ which will feature a premium selection of clothing lines to promote the brand name garments in an elegant setting as well as garments that will cater to the mass merchandise market and Fashion Gallery that will feature high end fashion labels. There would also be a display of bridal and evening wear along with fun children’s wear and swimwear. Has it got your attention yet?

To witness local and international talent in the fashion industry, see mini fashion parades, shows and shop till you drop, head over to the most amazing fashion week of the year in Hong Kong. After all Asia’s world city will never disappoint you with the array attractions and activities it has in store for its guests. And while you experience this fashionable affair and explore this beautiful country that is always ahead of the game, whether its technology or style, reside at a place that believes in pampering its guests.

Looking for a place to reside in while you associate yourself with fancy labels and stylish boutiques? Choose a hotel that understands your travel requirements perfectly. If on the lookout for a Hong Kong hotel that lets you hop in an out of attractions, exhibitions and retail outlets in the heart of the commercial hub choose Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. This Wan Chai hotel Hong Kong will definitely add to your experience of the amazing Hong Kong as you wine, dine and sleep in true luxury.

 

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.

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Jakarta Independence Day – A day for togetherness

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It is on the 17th of August that the Indonesians celebrate their independence day. Weeks before the actual date the preparations begin, with much fluff and fanfare. In order to take part in these joyous celebrations, seek serviced accommodation Jakarta that best fits your needs. Among the many serviced apartments Jakarta, many prefer Somerset Grand Citra Jakarta which offers comfortable accommodation for travellers of all sorts. Streets are decorated with red and white flags and banners while people flock together and engage in community games such as greased pole climbing (panjat pinang), sack race (balap karung) and cracker-eating (makan kerupuk). The spirit of nationalism permeates through the air while various TV shows and theatre plays demonstrating the struggle for independence are aired during this time. A time for togetherness and unity, the Jakarta Independence day is indeed an event that must be experienced if one is to truly understand what makes this fascinating country truly unique.

Mooncake Festival – Malaysia

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The mooncake festival otherwise known as the Mid-Autumn festival is a traditional harvest festival celebrated during a full moon on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar falling during September or early October. Find a serviced apartment in Kuala Lumpur in order to witness all the festivities that take place during this time of the year and to fully soak in the atmosphere. A recommended Kuala Lumpur service apartment located within the vicinity would be the Marc Service Suites Kuala Lumpur from which the visitors can bear witness to the many festivities that take place during this time. The Mooncake Festival is essentially a festival of unity and togetherness of the family. Originating from the ancient ceremony of sacrificing tokens of gratitude to the Moon Goddess for the year’s end harvest, the most remarkable offering made during this time are the mooncakes from which the festival itself derives its name. While the main focus of the festival lies on moon worship, one can see the lighting of multicoloured lanterns during this time while dances and praying 

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.

Malaysia National Day – A day for patriotism

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Known among locals as Hari Merdeka, Malaysia celebrates its independence from the British colonial rule on August 31 each year. A time for great celebration and festivities, Kuala Lumpur serviced apartments would perhaps be the best place to be at the time of this joyful occasion.  Ascott Kuala Lumpur is a short stay apartment in Kuala Lumpur that is preferred by many who grace this city with the aim of experiencing this culture saturated hub. It was after a ferocious struggle that Malaysia gained its much coveted independence and therefore, the value and the pride of it is still very much felt by the nationals. On this joyous day celebrated as a National Holiday by the entire nation, the Malaysian flag, known as Jalur Germilang, is seen to ripple and swell in pride in air from every government building in Kuala Lumpur. Public performances and parades headed by the presiding leader of the country can be witnessed during this time while the streets are generously decorated with decorative Malaysian flags as well as multicoloured fairy lights, giving the entire town a festive glow.

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+

Chinese Valentine’s Day – A day dedicated to romance

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Falling on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, the Chinese Valentine’s Day is steeped in folklore and legends. As per legend, this is the only day that the Weaving Maid, the 7th daughter of the Emperor of the Heaven (Star Vega) meets the orphaned cowherd that she fell in love with(constellation Aquila). The festival takes place with much celebration and the best way to fully experience the festival is by seeking appropriate Beijing accommodation. Ascott Beijing is a highly preferred luxury apartment in Beijing by many who have wandered this way with the aim of witnessing the fascinating array of festivals that it celebrates on a frequent basis. Also known as the Qi Qiao Jie, or the seventh eve, the Chinese Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to love. While bouquets of flowers, candies and hearts still flutter about the place, colourful shrines are put up along with fruits and flowers as tribute to Niu Lang and Zhi Nu, the lovers separated by the Emperor of Heaven. Young girls display their needle work while burning incense and making offerings to the night sky.