Author Archives: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Alaska Wild Berry Park and Theatre – For all things fun and tasty

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The Alaska Wild Berry Park and Theatre is located a mere 10 minute drive away from downtown Anchorage and is a popular one stop shop for all things Anchorage. A host of attractions, goods and sites await you at this fantastic location.

The Wild Berry theatre is the newest addition to the Park. The 150 seat movie paradise has a range of state of the art features and facilities that are bound to keep you entertained for hours. The hall has a daily screening of two of the most popular Alaskan films; Alaska Spirit of the Wind and The Land Beyond. If what you are looking for is something different, like live entertainment to get things started then enjoy Alaska’s state balladeer Hobo Jim perform live.

The Wild Berry chocolate factory is especially entertaining for kids where a guided tour awaits along with yummy free samples and the world’s largest chocolate waterfall. While being enchanted by three thousand pounds of chocolate cascading down, you can also see how some of the most delicious chocolates are created with an array of marvellous ingredients.

All this fun and entertainment will soon get your tummy rumbling for something scrumptious. Then it is time to head over to the Grill at Wild Berry Park for a mouth watering burgher or sandwich. Or visit the special Ice Cream shop that sells flavours found only at Alaska Wild Berry Park. The Beer and Wine garden is also soothing and inviting. What better way than to catch a break with a chilled beer in the warmth of the sun?

Revived, you can start over with some shopping. Shop for all things Alaskan including meats, jams, chocolates, salmon, souvenirs and other knick knacks at the gift shop. You cannot leave the Park without greeting the famed Inukshuk Rock Man. This twenty foot tall stone monument leads to the most adorable sight; the resident reindeer. These friendly animals will let you pet and feed them to your heart’s content.

Take a tour of the park and spend a blissful day with your loved ones this holiday. Visit the famous Alaska Wild Berry Park and Theatre while staying at any Anchorage hotel. One of the most sought after Hotels in Anchorage the Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage provides luxurious services complete with superior comfort, letting you experience Alaska at its best.

Thailand’s Answer To Spanish Bull Fighting- Buffalo Fighting Shows!

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One of the most well known and popular things to do in Koh Samui is to attend a buffalo fighting show.  Though not as spirited as the high energy drama associated with such spectacles as bull fighting that takes place in Spain and many Lain American countries, this still attracts massive crowds nevertheless. Some say that in the world of buffaloes, this is similar to arm wrestling!

In this instance what takes place is that two male buffaloes come to the ring and lock their horns and push each other trying to gain dominance. Once they are bored, they simply walk away unlike the Spanish version of bull fighting where the animals are ultimately killed. Buffalo fighting events usually take place during Songkran, which is Thai New Year or on Ney Year’s Day.

Ban Makham, Nathon Town and Ban Saket are the usual stadiums where these fights are held and the events are announced by way of colorful posters put up in the vicinity informing one when the event is going to take place. Otherwise there are no set dates for the event. It also involves a lot of rituals and invoking of blessings and it is both vibrant and colorful with the animals being garlanded and decorated with flowers and other paraphernalia. Holy water is sprinkled on the ground as well as the contestants prior to the occasion.

There are two rounds of fighting both in the morning and in the evening and in the time in between people enjoy the good food and drink on offer. Once the fights are over and the winning buffalo is named the owner gets a large amount of prize money and the buffalo itself becomes a prized possession. There are bets placed during the event which offers a truly unique and lively atmosphere in which to witness this kind of sport. These events can be attended for those staying at a Koh Samui resort. Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui, is a Chaweng hotel that makes an ideally located base from which to explore the region and its many beaches, attractions and sporting activities.

Enjoying Dragon Dancing in Bangkok!

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Dragon Dancing is a traditional art form that is widely performed during the Chinese New year. Those visiting Bangkok during the New Year can witness such performances in the Chinatown area of the city which comes alive with a variety of cultural performances. Believed to keep evil spirits away, this unique cultural dance involves dragon costumes of varying sizes that have human controllers who bring the ‘dragons’ to life with a variety of lively movements and acrobatics. Those looking for 5 star hotels in Bangkok from which to experience the sights and sounds of the city can stay at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Thailand. Ideally located along the Chao Phraya River banks, it is one of the best Bangkok resort and makes an ideal base from which to explore the capital.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies – A World Class Family Attraction

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Ranking among the top aquariums in the United States, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is home to over 350 individual aquatic species. The entire population of sea creatures at the aquarium amounts up to about 10,000.  This world-class attraction is the ideal destination to experience the awe inspiring aquatic world up-close. You can marvel at the giant sea turtle, 12-foot sharks and playful penguins as you walk through the modern clear underwater tunnels.

The aquarium consists of several sections among which is the Tropical Rainforest featuring  a display that recreates the lush, primeval world of a rainforest home to over 2000 aquatic species. Here you can catch a glimpse of two subfamilies of Piranhas; herbivorous and carnivorous. Among these two types, carnivorous is the most ferocious and fearless.

The Discovery Centre is yet another interesting section at this underwater world. A unique variety of educational programs on marine life and ocean environment are offered here. Kids get the opportunity to test their knowledge and solve puzzles in addition to enjoying the interactive displays at the centre.

The Gallery of the Seas is a distinctive section which displays certain marine species and environments which are so spectacular that they are often regarded as works of art. Some of these species are so extraordinary and beautiful, making us wonder about the creativity of nature. Corals, sea stars, jellies, octopus, creatures with strange shapes, bright colors and fascinating behaviors are some of the sea’s living marvels highlighted in this gallery.

The other sections at the aquarium include the Shark Lagoon, Stingray Bay, Touch a Ray bay, Penguin Playhouse and Ocean Realm. The aquarium offers four special experiences suited for the whole family: Penguin Encounter, Family Camps, Sleep with the Sharks and Splash with the Stingrays. A special line up of live shows adds to the visitors’ excitement at the aquarium.

Travelers on the lookout for Nashville hotel specials can make use of the exclusive promotions and packages offered by Millennium Maxwell House Nashville. Catering to discerning leisure and business travelers, this Nashville hotel enjoys an ideal location amidst various attractions, making for a memorable stay for families and couples.

Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation – inspiring the world with Arab art and music

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A foundation dedicated to the development and promotion of indigenous music and art, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation has been working hard to take the rich traditions of the local arts to the rest of the world. Founded in the year 1996 by Hoda I. Al Khamis-kanoo, it is a recognized non-profit organization that works both in terms of education and cultural awareness. Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, also known as ADMAF, functions under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan.

While the organization promotes art and culture within the local and international communities, it also encourages the involvement of youth in their creative projects and activities. An interesting programme conducted by the ADMAF that involves young artists advance cartoon and comic strip art as a mode of creative communication. The society also strives to make Abu Dhabi a known cultural hub in the world and has made huge advances in the filed by establishing art and music programs in their schools and universities. They have also established ties with other internationally renowned cultural organizations and created research development and documenting programs.

The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation is also the founder of the National Library. Establishes a decade earlier in 2002 the Library has now been expanded by the ADMAF and continues to thrive under the organization’s guidance. The dedication to create interest in a rich heritage and unique artistic traditions had inspired the new generation of Abu Dhabi thereby creating a wave of contemporary artist deriving themes and motifs from the local arts and crafts. Today the ADMAF has contributed to the making of a permanent contemporary Arab Art collection the city could be proud of.

The organization hosts the famed annual Abu Dhabi Festival and the International Comic Strip and Cartoon Art Festival. Become a part of these festivals or simply explore the Abu Dhabi music and art while staying at any Abu Dhabi city hotel. One of the most sought after accommodation options among travellers to the city is Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. The finest among luxury Abu Dhabi hotels it is determined to make your stay a truly exceptional one. Complete with superior comfort and world class amenities they will let you experience Abu Dhabi at its best.

Body Beautiful – Tattoo Mania

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Be bold, get a tattoo while on holiday to show off back home. What about a delicate butterfly on your ankle or that ferocious dragon writhing on your shoulder. No longer the privilege of society’s outcasts, tattooing has gone mainstream with many people from teenagers (or even younger) to grandparents getting a discreet or in some cases a not so discreet tattoo. Getting a tattoo has been explained as a way of getting included in a group, a way of changing from childhood to adulthood, making a statement, as a sign of protest, protection against evil, to bring luck, for religious reasons, to gain magical powers and the like. Whatever it is body decoration through tattooing is definitely gaining in popularity among men and women. 

Tattooing has been practiced for centuries among many cultures from Japan to North Africa, among the Maori in New Zealand, in Northern Nigeria, among Arab communities in Eastern Turkey, among Polynesian people and is found in every continent. Tattoos are experiencing a comeback with people all over the world looking at tattooing with new eyes. Well trained tattoo artists and the availability of high quality tattoo pigment and improvements to tattoo implements have resulted in the ability to create elaborate designs and to put them on the skin. Popular television shows such as Miami Ink and LA Ink have given a lot of publicity to tattooing and the incorporation of body art into mainstream art exhibitions have all added fuel to a smoldering fire. Tattooing has also become a fad among celebrities with most of them showing off tattoos in interesting places. Now there are tattoo conventions, art shows, tattoo festivals, tattoo related web content, Tattoo Mania games, communities and forums where like minded people can trade design ideas, buy tattoo products and exchange the latest tattoo news.

There are even semi permanent tattoos in the form of stickers and mehndi or henna tattoos that will wash away after a few days.

Koh Samui has several tattoo shops that execute full body tattoos to henna tattoos; all beautiful works of art done using modern equipment and the traditional bamboo stick method. There is even a Tattoo Mania studio in Bophut fisherman’s village run by a French expat who has trained with one of Thailand’s best tattoo artists. A full range of traditional, tribal and modern designs made up to individual specifications are executed here.

Enjoy warm seas, pristine beaches and lush tropical landscapes at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui along with their selection of stylish spacious rooms, suites and villas laid out with the comfort and convenience of guests in mind. Visitors will enjoy relaxing and modern wellness and leisure facilities, a range of dining options to titillate taste buds combined with warm and friendly service to ensure the best Samui resort experience for its many guests. As a well loved Samui hotel guests can look forward to a carefree and enjoyable holiday break.

Lower Broadway – a street with character

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A Street that characterized the placement of Nashville Tenessee, Lower Broadway is synonymously identified with the city’s name. This street is home to the Nashville Convention Centre, Robert’s Western World, Bridgestone Arena and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. You are bound to come across the Lower Broadway Street during your stay at one of the many hotels in Nashville which will give you the chance to explore the fantastic array of features. An ideal choice would be Millennium Maxwell House Nashville, a fine selection among the many lavish and hospitable accommodation options found throughout the city. Treating every guest to impeccable amenities and fabulous Nashville Hotel Specials, this perfect example of a luxurious Nashville Hotel will make your holiday a truly memorable one.

Enjoying Jewellery Making Courses in Koh Phangan

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While Koh Phangan is known for its stunning beaches and famous full moon parties, it also offers a variety of other activities that one can enjoy such as traditional jewellery making. Jewellery making courses in Koh Phangan give you hands on experience in making intricate creations yourself and designing something truly unique that you can take back home! No prior experience is necessary for these courses which include the making of rings, pendants and earrings. Travellers in search of luxurious Koh Phangan hotels near the beach can stay at Rasananda Phangan Island Resort & Spa Thailand. One of the best Koh Phangan resorts on the island, it offers elegant villas and a wide range of spa treatments.

Phuket International Blues Rock Festival – Singing The Blues!

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Now in its 7th year, the Phuket International Blues Rock Festival is an annual event that gives you the chance to enjoy some of the very best performances in blues and rock both by locals and international artistes. The 2012 edition features Chris Thomas King amongst a host of other performers, while past editions have seen such guest artistes as Eric Bibb, Rich Harper, KNIKI, Charlie Musselwhite, Richard Clapton and Disraeli Gears. The festival which donates its proceedings to local charities also offers plenty of opportunities for you to sample local cuisine. Travellers looking for a Phuket resort that offers the very best in contemporary comforts can stay at Anantara Phuket Thailand. Offering luxurious Phuket villas, the resort is an ideal place from which to explore the island.

Fascinating Traditional Music of Thailand

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Owing to its strategic position on trade routes in a location where India and China converge, Thailand’s traditional music shows influences from other musical styles including those of Africa, Persia, Rome and Greece. In Thai traditional music one finds instruments derived from areas as far-flung as Persia, China, India and Indonesia. However Thai traditional music remains unique; the most popular styles are luk thung and mor lam.

The affluent visitor in search of 5 star hotels in Bangkok will be pleased with the Anantara Bangkok Riverside, Thailand. Counted amongst the outstanding Bangkok resort this fine rest provides sumptuous accommodations and impeccable service.