Author Archives: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Unending fun at Rainbow’s End

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Generations have wondered what lies at the end of a rainbow, but for those who venture out to Auckland’s Rainbow end theme park will find hours of fun and entertainment for the entire family.
The theme park is not only the most popular park but it’s also the largest. Having started in 1982 the park began with simple rides like bumper boats, mini golf, mirage cars and basic video games.
Today, the Rainbow’s End theme park employs over 100 staff members and has increased the number and the range of rides. The favourite ride of the park being the Corkscrew roller coaster ride is perhaps the only one of its kind. Put on the tracks in 1986, the ride was an instant hit and still is today.
The theme park offers rides and thrills for every member of the family. With so many to choose from tourists should not miss an opportunity to get on the following.
Heading the list is the power surge a ride that looks like a wind mill from a far and moves along a vertical axis as well as horizontally. The ride has been rated as being ‘aggressive’ and those who dare to buckle in will attest to the thrill. Riders are strapped into seats that are spread out in formation like a star and then from ground level are thrown 18 metres into the air, while other parts of the component are in motion so are the rider’s seats which rotate as well.
Another interesting experience is the C180. This is where a 12 minute film clip which is screened inside a dome shaped theatre that is joined with another dome to give the effect of an extreme 180 degree picture.
For the younger members of the family, castle land is ideal as it caters to those who are under the age of 12. Castle land offers such rides as the car wash convoy, dragon coaster, plasma cars, carousel and a bouncy castle.
After an exciting day at the theme park, nothing would be better than some pampering at one of the Auckland hotels. Among the Auckland luxury hotels, the Langham Hotel Auckland stands out for its service and classic charm.

Buble live in Concert!

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Enjoy the soothing voice of the Canadian sensation Michael Buble as it gives you a taste of what to expect when you see him perform live. Embarking on a world tour across parts of North America, Asia and Australia, Buble’s Crazy Love tour will indeed be spectacular event. Visit his official website and check if he will be performing near you.

Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival- the portrayal of Thai history and culture

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Phuket, located in Southern Thailand facing the Andaman coastline is Thailand’s largest island. It is Thailand’s wealthiest province and one of its premier tourist destinations. This island is a melting pot of Buddhists, Muslims, Thai-Chinese and even sea gypsies. But since Thai culture is vastly influenced by Buddhism, over 90 percent of Thailand’s population follows Theravada Buddhism; Phuket has an abundance of unique Buddhist temples.


Every year the Thai Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival is celebrated as a major two week long festival in Phuket covering history, culture and sporting events. The festival’s purpose is to pay tribute to the two heroic sisters Thao Sri Suntorn and Thao Thep Kasattri’s memory, as they are the ones who guided the community of Phuket to defend the island from Burmese troops. Therefore the celebration is usually taken place near the ‘Two heroines’ monument’.


This year the festival is arranged to take place from March 13 to 14. Some special sporting events will be there which will include bicycle racing and Thai boxing. But the most prominent events of Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival are the cultural events.


Created to please the ones who truly have an interest in Thai culture, these events provide the opportunity to observe an “Upasampada” which means “nearing or approaching the austere tradition”. It is basically the course of a novice obtaining the means of ordination to embark on a Buddhist simple life. Additionally, there will be a shadow puppet show, a sword dancing show and singing of traditional Thai lullabies. Apart from the array of events, the festival also features an assortment of Thai cuisine for the enjoyment of the visitors.


An extravagant show about Phuket’s history is said to be the highlight of this festival. The tale of Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn is narrated through this show depicting their bravery and leadership. Although this cultural event mainly caters to a Thai audience, the tourist will equally be delighted to witness it as it provides an immense knowledge about Thai history and culture.


The travellers to this part of Thailand can enjoy this festival at ease as they can let a Phuket resort take care of their accommodation and hospitality requirements. The choice of Millennium Resort Patong Phuket would be the smartest as it is one amazing 5-star Patong beach resort located surrounded by lush tropical landscapes.

Comedy Clubs in London – Laughing it out

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London is one of the most visited cities in Europe; with its world iconic Big Ben and the modern London Eye this metropolitan city has never failed to attract visitors from the world over no matter what time of year it is. From having fish and chips to visiting the many local pubs and bars the true English experience has always been captivating to all.


And one such captivating aspect is British comedy, a universal language that never fails to put a smile on your face. British comedy particularly has always been sort after, because of its truly hilarious content and typical English presentation.


So what better thing can you imagine than visiting and experiencing a good dose of laughter the next time you visit London. With many renowned comedy clubs spread out London a night out at a comedy club in London is unmatched. With the likes of Amused Moose, a popular and crowd drawing comedy club with three locations in London, operating three times a week, it is indeed a nice pick for a night out. The Amused Moose can be found at Camden, Soho and Hampstead.


If dining and laughter is your cup of tea, Comedy Café is the ideal place for you; situated in Shoreditch High Street near the town hall, its cozy setting lets you enjoy a good meal while enjoying humorous content from professionals and novices alike.


The Jongleurs on the other hand boast almost 16 comedy clubs, has three located in London in Camden Bow and Battersea and also entertains you with a late night DJ after the show.


The Comedy Store is another great pick, being open all around the week, this 400 seat venue showcases regular Comedy Store players as well as some of the world’s best comedians. And the Saturdays “Best in Stand Up” is a one show to look out for.


After enjoying a laughter filled night out in London what better way can u imagine to relax and pamper yourself than to stay at The Langham London, with its high quality service and elegance this property is a front runner when considering luxury hotels in London.

Princess Theatre, one of Australia’s most beloved theatre venues

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Regarded as one of Australia’s most beloved landmarks, Princess Theatre hosts world class stage dramas and musical productions like Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Mama Mia!, The Sound of Music and The Producers. This theatre is the second building in the same site that was used for entertainment for a period of 135 years. The first building was Astley’s Amphitheatre that was opened in 1954 and the present theatre was opened in 1886 with the name christened as Princess Theatre. The theatre has been refurbished several times after this period and today it boasts as one of the theatres with world’s first sliding roof and ceiling with state of the art electric stage lighting.
It is also said that the theatre is haunted by a friendly ghost named as Federici who died after a performance of the opera, ‘Faust’. As an honour a seat in the third row dress circle is kept empty since it is regarded as a sign of good luck to see him in the theatre. His appearance has been witnessed by many staff in the theatre. This theatre’s grand Victorian style elegant foyer and stairway is compared to that of the Paris Opera. The theatre has a seating capacity of nearly 1500 with other modern facilities for the visitors as well. This placed is also used as the venue for Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Visitors also have the luxury of dinning in the Melba or Marriner rooms before they visit to see a musical production that takes place in the theatre. While Princess Theatre is the ideal place for a perfect evening of entertainment, visitors also have the luxury of entering into a perfect mood of relaxation at a Spa in Melbourne. One of the best spas would be Chuan Spa Melbourne.

Bangkok Nightlife- where anything is possible

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There is no doubt that a visitor would desire to stay for more than one night in this Asian City of Angels. Bangkok, the financial and cultural focal point of Asia, with its assortment of resorts to pamper anyone from anywhere in the world, will provide endless entertainment for the traveller to remember for a lifetime.
Being a global city, Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand welcomes an innumerable number of visitors every year. Therefore, it is necessary for the city to have its stock of entertainment, all year long. Whether the call is for cold beer at a boisterous bar or sunset margaritas on a terrace, live Jazz and steamy Salsa, or exotic entertainment, Bangkok is ready and waiting to please, like a generous host. One might even think that night time in Bangkok is the best time to explore this amazing country. The city provides around the clock entertainment in an array of spas, bars, cinemas as well as the well known shopping districts and restaurants. The well known areas of vibrant nightlife found in Bangkok are between Silom Road and Surawong Road. Patpong is also famous for its collection of food outlets.
A wide selection of the best spas in the world can be found in Bangkok. In Thailand anything and everything is available for exceptionally cheap prices. Panthip Plaza, on Petchburi Road is famous for its collection of computer and electric equipment shops and cheaper products with international logos. Chatuchak Weekend market, Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Emporium, Siam Paragon and the Central World Plaza which was earlier called the World Trade Centre are only a few of the many fantastic shopping spots that can be reached in a taxi ride. Later in the evening the traveller can sip a beer or eat inexpensive yet quality local food while listening to live bands or DJ music at any of the pubs and restaurants found in Thailand. Any of these bars and discos should be worth a visit for the usual western flavour of a taste of Thai Food. Yet for a more sophisticated traveller there are many go-go bars, nightclubs beer bars, lounges, pool bars and massage parlors to chose from. Having a memorable time in Bangkok will never burn a hall in your pocket. There is enthusiasm, variety and energy for every taste, age and gender.
The Bangkok cinemas will not ignore the movie lovers who visit the city. There are many cinemas to comfortably sit at and enjoy movies in English with Thai subtitles. For those who are enthusiastic on more classical entertainment will enjoy Orchestral music at the Cultural Center.
After having seen all there is to see, done all there is to do, eaten all there is to eat, the traveller can find comfortable rooms to sleep at a hotel apartment in Bangkok. President Solitaire Hotel Bangkok is aptly situated on the Sukhumvit Road and is close to attractions of the city and the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. This hotel is as good as any Bangkok hotel accommodation can get as it maintains high standards of excellence in service and facilities.

Discovering Pasadena

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Pasadena is an iconic city with some of the best known educational institutions such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) calling it their home city. The 6th largest city in Los Angeles, Pasadena has an array of activities and attractions lined up for its visitors.
Some of the most popular things to do when visiting Pasadena are to visit the many fun and exciting attractions spread all across the city. This city is a sure treat for both the young and old. Some of the favorite attractions are The Norton Simon Museum, Kid Space Children’s Museum, Ice House Comedy Nightclub, The Gamble House, JPL, Pasadena Playhouse and a visit to the Pacific Asia Museum.
A sure delight for the kids who visit Pasadena is a visit to the Kid Space Children’s Museum, drawing crowds from all around the country this museum is one of the most fun and thrilling places a kid can visit. Located near Rose Bowl this museum is an interactive place with play areas and water parks for children to explore.
Another hot spot in Pasadena is the Norton Simon Museum, featuring some of the most amazing pieces of art which was all accumulated by Mr. Norton Simon the wealthy businessman himself! The collection here spans from art work from Europe to South East Asia. A visit to this museum should not be missed by anyone who would consider themselves an art lover.
Pasadena also houses the ever so famous attraction, The Gamble House, which is a prestigious landmark of the city. These premises were owned by Proctor & Gamble Company founders until it was handed over to the city. With its rich architectural value, this well preserved house should be not be missed by any visitor.
Another attraction that should be visited in Pasadena includes the Rose Bowl Stadium where America’s most famous annual college football game known as the “Rose Bowl” is played. A visit to the famous theatre, Pasadena Playhouse is also a delight as it showcases some of the best theater productions, all around the year.
To explore all the above in Pasadena, the best place to embark from would be your own private luxurious space. And what better international group of hotels can fulfill that than The Langham Brand luxury hotels. Its landmark Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena provides world class services and amenities that make it one of the best places to reside while discovering and enjoying Pasadena.

Puppet Emperor Palace & Exhibition Hall, Changchun

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Puppet Emperor Palace and Exhibition Hall also known as the Museum of Imperial Palace of Manchu State is situated in the north-eastern corner of Changchun. Formed by the Imperial Japanese Army, the palace was created as the official residence of Puyi who was the last emperor of China.
Puyi played an interesting role during China’s most unstable periods of history, since he was the final leader of the Qing Dynasty. Puyi ascended the throne at a very young age of just 8 years. During the same year he ascended the throne he was removed from the post due to the Republican Revolution that took place in 1911. Therefore Puyi never really got the chance to reveal his real emperor skills. The child emperor lived for a few years in the Forbidden City as merely a breathing relic and was thereafter expelled by the Nationalist Party.
The Japanese came forward to provide ‘immunity’ to the young child who was given a new home in Jilin Province. Puyi known as the Puppet Leader lived in Manchukuo Imperial Palace from 1932 to 1945. He resided at the palace as a head in name only for the freshly established Manchukuo State. This state was mainly established by the Japanese in order to make easy their legitimize claim of north-eastern China and thereafter the rest of the country.
With the victory of the communist, Puyi’s residence at the Manchukuo Imperial Palace came to an end. The palace which was once an open prison for the young emperor is today an important museum better known as the Puppet Emperor Palace and Exhibition Hall.
The palace was built as a smaller version of the Forbidden City in Beijing and was separated as an inner court and outer court. The front palace was mainly utilised for administrative functions while the rear palace was used as the royal residence. The entire palace occupies an area of 43,000 square meters and reveals beautiful Japanese, Chinese and European architectural styles. The biggest and most imposing feature of the complex is the Tonde Palace.
This superb residence and the life of its former occupier can be further explored by staying at a nearby Changchun luxury hotel. Guests can easily plan their stay at a nearby Luxury accommodation in Changchun that offers warm hospitality, friendly service and world class facilities. For example, Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun is the city’s sole international luxury hotel.
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