Author Archives: maggie

Dubai Festival City: Uncover Dubai’s Premier Retail and Recreational Space

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As a larger than life development project that encapsulates a state-of-the-art mall and recreational facilities in the heart of Dubai Creek this visionary retail and entertainment space is the envy of the world in terms of sheer size and scope.

Ideally situated on the Dubai Creek near the historic heartland of Deira lies what is now known as Dubai’s premier leisure space for the masses. Sprawled across a whopping 5.2 million square feet this monolithic edifice devoted to the country’s favourite past times of shopping, dining and entertainment is fast gaining attraction as one of its most popular tourist hubs. Appropriately dubbed the Dubai Festival City this 3km long recreational space is in fact a city within a city with breathtaking golf course, glimmering mallscape and luxurious dining options to boot. Conveniently located near the Dubai International Airport the venue is also one of the most accessible attractions in Dubai with a visionary design that looks to the future in every sense of the word.

Offering shopaholics a wide range of global brands the Dubai Festival City encompasses more than 600 stores with an impressive 25 flagship outlets of the world’s leading brands. Highlights for fashionistas include Esprit, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Adidas, Nine West, Paris Hilton and Billabong boutiques while the Mont Blanc, Diesel Accessories, Guess Accessories and Just Accessories outlets are also popular among frequent shoppers. Ladies can indulge in their footwear fetish at Chic Shoes, Nocoli and Forever 21 where the latest trends off the runways of Europe are available under one space for convenience. Home to its very own Ferrari flagship dealer the venue also houses large IKEA, Toys ‘R’ Us, Plug Ins, Ace Hardware, Paris Gallery, Magrudy’s and Samsonite showrooms as well.

Movie fanatics can catch the latest thrillers at the locale’s Grand Cinema Complex which boast 12 screens. Bowling fans can also try their hand at the sport at Bowling City while those who wish to discover the Festival City’s most scenic corners can head down to the Canal Walk where one can dine alfresco while enjoying a waterside location. The terraced pathways of the Canal are also breathtaking as the entire space also encompasses a large number of abras. The 250m long Festival Marina, the venue’s signature yachting centre is also found here in addition to a number of elegant restaurants.

Littered with almost a hundred bistros, cost cafes and plush restaurants including the country’s signature Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City is a foodie’s dream come true. Tipped to have the largest collection of waterside restaurants in all of the Middle East the locale’s true star is the Marina Restaurant Pavilion with its idyllic eateries and riviera-like placement.

Travellers in search of a Dubai airport hotel should look no further than the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Renowned as a 5 star hotel Dubai counts among its best accommodation providers this luxurious rest offer plush living quarters for holidaymakers and those on business.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Thai New Year Festival- Celebrate Songkran

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Although most of the world heralds in the dawning of a New Year on the 1st of January the citizens of Thailand wait till the hot summer days of April to hark in their traditional New Year in grand fashion. Dubbed the Songkran Festival the Thai New Year is a red letter event marked across the country from the 13th to the 15th of April every year. Although the dates for the festival were declared by the yearly consultation of a solar calendar the aforementioned dates have been selected to celebrate the festival in recent times. As a national holiday most Thais head to their hometowns to hark in the New Year with loved ones as family values play a vital role in the festivities which has a deep rooted legacy in Thai culture that dates back centuries.

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The first day of the festival coincides with the Rod Nam Dum Hua custom when Thais pay tribute to their elders on National Elders Day. During the first day various cultural practices are observed such as younger members of the family pouring aromatic water on to the palms of their grandparents or elders in a ritual that displays humility while asking for the blessings of the older members of the family. The second day of the festival is known as National Family Day and is devoted to meritorious activities one performs with members of the family and close relatives. Thais flock to Buddhist temples early in the morning to offer alms to priests and bathe the Buddha statue of the temple with incensed water as well as at the Buddha image home. Meritorious activities hit an all time high during this holiday as a visit to the nine holy temples of the country is considered a must by devout Buddhists. The religious edifices in Rattanokosin such as Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Benchamabophit see an influx of visitors both local and foreign origin during Songkran.
Splashing passers- by and loved ones with water on the streets of Bangkok is another familiar Songkran ritual as the act of throwing water is believed to cleanse one of the misfortunes of the year past and hark in the New Year with a refreshing start. Today this custom has evolved in to a popular New Year activity as Thais with water guns and pales of water occupy certain areas of the city where a big splash party takes place almost simultaneously every year.

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Travellers in search of Sukhumvit serviced apartments should look no further than Citadines Sukhumvit 11Bangkok for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests with the best in contemporary amenities these Bangkok serviced apartments offer luxury and comfort in the heart of the Thai capital.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
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Hong Kong Flower Show: Celebrating seasons!

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Flowers are one of nature’s prettiest creations. What is astonishing about them is that each one is so unique in its appearance, shade and scent. From subtle colour differences to minute details that make them exquisitely beautiful, each flower seems a miracle. Celebrating this annually is the Hong Kong Flower Show.

Held every year in March it is organized by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong. Looked forward to by both local and foreign citizens, it is the most important event in the horticulture enthusiast’s calendar. While participants are primarily those who have some knowledge or have a keen interest in horticulture, the event is not just restricted to them. In fact most visitors are just people who appreciate beauty.

This year’s flower show is scheduled to take place between the 15 to 24 March from 9am to 9pm at the Victoria Park located in Causeway Bay. With Dendrobium being the theme flower and ‘kaleidoscope of spring’ being the theme, one can expect unbelievable displays of not only potted plants but also floral arrangements and landscapes. Commercial stalls located at the exhibition will provide a one stop place for all your horticulture needs. Admission fee is $14 with a special $7 admission for children, students and senior citizens. For groups over 30 the admission has been reduced to half the normal rate so as to encourage large number of visitors.

The event also brings in international organizations, thereby giving visitor’s an opportunity to witness flower spectacles from the world over. It also provides a platform for exchange of knowledge on horticulture. Apart from the exhibition itself other activities like photo and drawing competitions, informative seminars, workshops on floral art and plant maintenance as well as musical and cultural performances will also be held, making this an event anybody and everybody can enjoy.

If you are looking for accommodation in the vicinity then Cosmo hotel is a smart choice. This 4 star hotel Hong Kong provides free shuttle service to Causeway Bay, Convention Centre, Quarry Bay and other places, providing you with an easy and convenient means of transport. Being a popular Hong Kong boutique hotel, it is reasonably priced for the high standards of service offered.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
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Honouring the Sea God – Hung Shing Festival

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The Hung Shing festival held on the 13th day of the second lunar month is held in honour of the historical figure Hung Hei who once upon a time had been a respected astronomer and geographer who worked as the governor of Panyu in Guangdong province during the Tang dynasty. He was later on deified for the service rendered by him towards the merchants’ and fishermen of the province by making use of his extraordinary ability of predicting the weather. It is believed that even after his death, Hung Hei has continued to protect and guard the people of the province against natural disasters just as he had during the time that he was alive.

The festival celebrates the birthday of Hung Shing Tai Wong, the God of the Southern sea. Temples have been built along the South China coast by fishermen in order to venerate this saviour deity and to worship him. The celebrations are of an extremely festive nature as this is a festival that is full of song and dance. Dragon and lion dance performances parade the streets while various games and competitions too are organized along the way.

One unique competition held during the festival season is the Fa Pau competition. A firecracker is shot into the air and the villagers and the participants of the festivities are supposed to catch the firecracker while it’s falling. The person who succeeds in doing so gets to keep a floral wreath known as the Fa Pau. This person is believed to be blessed by Hung Shing and is therefore believed to have good luck and protection from Hung Shing all year round.

Festivities are particularly lively in the Ho Sheung Heung, a village that is believed to be more than 800 years old. The Hau Ku Shek Ancestral Hall is also a must-visit place in the village where the Hung Shing Temple and other ancient remains of this ancient location can be found.

While exploring this vibrant festival, it is advisable to seek out a good Hotel in Jordan Hong Kong to wind down during the stay. One of the Hong Kong Kowloon Hotel, The Langham Palace Mongkok Hong Kong offers luxurious suites to cater to the needs of even the most particular of all travellers. Explore and discover this wondrous festival in comfort.

Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival – A Grand Inauguration of the season of Tourism

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Every year Krabi soars with life at the Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival. A cultural treat, this festival ornaments the city in a tasteful traditional sense. Krabi as it is makes the pinnacle of tourist attractions in Thailand. The beauty this little town boasts of is too much for words and every year hundreds of enthusiastic holiday makers fly to Thailand to bask in the breathtaking ambience of beautiful Krabi.

The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival has earned a name of popularity in Krabi. It is not just an artistic occasion; it is an insight into the origins and roots of Thailand. Krabi has a primary Indian influence. The Boek Fa Andaman has the charm and essence of Indian festivals that is exhibited in the color, style and magnificence, typical in Indian functions. Krabis Indian influence can also be widely seen in the culture and social life of the Krabi’s, their special occasions are always glittering with color and the above quoted festival is no exception. It is a festival that is adorned by Indian richness which is exhibited by a number of parades, cultural performances and musical shows. There are also a number of sea kayak competitions, boat races and local product sales in the festival. All in all the Festival is Krabi’s way of inaugurating the tourist season in the area and greeting its plethora of tourists.

The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is literally translated as the opening of the Andaman Sea. By opening it means welcoming and hence the festival shows a keen enthusiasm on serving its tourists. To enjoy the beautiful Krabi Boek Andaman try booking your holiday somewhere during the month of November for the festival is an annual event that takes place between the 16th and 18th of November.

After you are welcomed into the Krabi world you will be keen on thoroughly touring the city surroundings. While visiting the city, stay at the Anantara Si Kao Thailand. This Trang Resort is by far everybody’s favorite. Living up to the Anantara name and class, the luxury you experience here is unmatched making it the finest of all Krabi Resorts.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Emirates World Series-Dubai World Cup: The Sport of Kings!

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The history of the proud tradition of horse racing can be traced back to the ancient civilisations of the Greeks and Egyptians while additional evidence also indicates that horse racing was practiced in Babylon and Syria as well. As time progressed, this beloved sport was considered an industrious affair during the Roman Empire but its title, the “Sport of the Kings” can be traced directly to the British royalty’s passion for the sport.

While the three main styles of this sport are flat racing, steeple chasing and harness racing, it is also an industrious affair which prompts fan to place bets and gamble thereby making it a multi-billion dollar industry. With such a lot of economic and monetary importance attached to this sport, which race attracts the best horses, riders and their trainers with the highest monetary prize for the winner, is a natural query. The answer is the Dubai World Cup, an annually conducted Thoroughbred horse race whose prize is a stunning six million US dollars!

The Dubai World Cup was initially held in 1996 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the leader of Dubai, and has been carried on annually as a tradition at the Meydan Racecourse. The first ever recipient of the cup was the thoroughbred by the name of Cigar, owned by Allen E. Paulson. At present, this event forms a component of the Dubai World Cup Night races with the grand prize clocking in at an amazing 10 million US dollars.

This year’s event will be held on the 27th of March and if you wish to attend, ensure that you obtain your tickets to the event as soon as possible and select a Dubai hotel to stay at during your stay. Choosing and pre-booking a luxury hotel Dubai will ensure a smooth visit to the Emirate in March for hotel accommodation tends to be difficult to come by during this busy time. Opting to stay at the architecturally iconic Raffles Dubai, UAE where Asian influences complement the tasteful Egyptian architecture will allow you quick access to the races and upon return to the hotel, the ultimate relaxing experience.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Phu Chi Fah Dok Sieo Festival – a sight to behold

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Beautiful and exotic Thailand has an innumerable collection of tourist attractions. White sand beaches, blue oceans, beautiful old temples, clubs pubs and restaurants to explore all the good times that eastern cities such as Bangkok have to offer. In addition to the many beaches and other places of attraction that one could visit, there are also a large number of festivities that one could attend. Some of them are held every year, and Phu Chi Fah Dok Sieo Festival is one such colourful event.

It is celebrated from 13th to 15th of February every year and provides a wonderful sight for anyone who visits it. There are many pink and white blossoms of Dok Sieo located at Sieo at Phu Chi Fah, which is truly a sight to behold. Since the fest is around mid February coinciding with the much hyped up Valentine’s Day, it is possible to make a trip here double up as a Valentine’s day getaway as well by staying at a nice hotel for a couple of days and exploring the many attractions in the area with your loved one. Not just for couples, it is also a great holiday options for families and friends as well.

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One can watch many lively performances carried out by various tribes from the hilly areas. These tribal performances include those by Akha, Homng and Yao tribes. The numerous shows and displays include top spinning shows, performances showcasing their skills in archery, various ball games and even beauty pageants. What is more there are also a large number of stalls selling various local products.

For any couple looking forward to attend this festival as a romantic trip during Valentines day or for anyone keen on exploring what is going on at this event, there are a variety of Chiang Rai hotels at which they can choose to stay. Located amidst Northern Thailand’s verdant greenery Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand is one of the most idyllic Hotel Chiang Rai to stay at during a memorable vacation and you can be sure to be pampered to the best while you enjoy the best this place has to offer to its guests, who come in search of rest and relaxation.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
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Dubai Festival City: Uncover Dubai’s Premier Retail and Recreational Space

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As a larger than life development project that encapsulates a state-of-the-art mall and recreational facilities in the heart of Dubai Creek this visionary retail and entertainment space is the envy of the world in terms of sheer size and scope.

Ideally situated on the Dubai Creek near the historic heartland of Deira lies what is now known as Dubai’s premier leisure space for the masses. Sprawled across a whopping 5.2 million square feet this monolithic edifice devoted to the country’s favourite past times of shopping, dining and entertainment is fast gaining attraction as one of its most popular tourist hubs. Appropriately dubbed the Dubai Festival City this 3km long recreational space is in fact a city within a city with breathtaking golf course, glimmering mallscape and luxurious dining options to boot. Conveniently located near the Dubai International Airport the venue is also one of the most accessible attractions in Dubai with a visionary design that looks to the future in every sense of the word.

Offering shopaholics a wide range of global brands the Dubai Festival City encompasses more than 600 stores with an impressive 25 flagship outlets of the world’s leading brands. Highlights for fashionistas include Esprit, Marks & Spencer, Nike, Adidas, Nine West, Paris Hilton and Billabong boutiques while the Mont Blanc, Diesel Accessories, Guess Accessories and Just Accessories outlets are also popular among frequent shoppers. Ladies can indulge in their footwear fetish at Chic Shoes, Nocoli and Forever 21 where the latest trends off the runways of Europe are available under one space for convenience. Home to its very own Ferrari flagship dealer the venue also houses large IKEA, Toys ‘R’ Us, Plug Ins, Ace Hardware, Paris Gallery, Magrudy’s and Samsonite showrooms as well.

Movie fanatics can catch the latest thrillers at the locale’s Grand Cinema Complex which boast 12 screens. Bowling fans can also try their hand at the sport at Bowling City while those who wish to discover the Festival City’s most scenic corners can head down to the Canal Walk where one can dine alfresco while enjoying a waterside location. The terraced pathways of the Canal are also breathtaking as the entire space also encompasses a large number of abras. The 250m long Festival Marina, the venue’s signature yachting centre is also found here in addition to a number of elegant restaurants.

Littered with almost a hundred bistros, cost cafes and plush restaurants including the country’s signature Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai Festival City is a foodie’s dream come true. Tipped to have the largest collection of waterside restaurants in all of the Middle East the locale’s true star is the Marina Restaurant Pavilion with its idyllic eateries and riviera-like placement.

Travellers in search of a Dubai airport hotel should look no further than the Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Renowned as a 5 star hotel Dubai counts among its best accommodation providers this luxurious rest offer plush living quarters for holidaymakers and those on business.

Huayi – Chinese Festival of the Arts 2013- Taking the local masterpieces to the world!

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To enjoy a slice of Chinese culture, there cannot be any other event better than Huayi, Chinese Festival of Arts. During your stay in Singapore, a Singapore city centre hotel would let you make the most of your stay as it gives you easy access to all the main attractions in the city. Remember to do your Singapore hotel reservation prior to your arrival at Copthorne King’s Hotel Singapore which is known be one of the top accommodation options available in the city. Your convenient accommodation will let you enjoy the city’s major cultural festivals such as Huayi, which showcases and celebrates the rich Chinese cultural beauty. This show is the platform for all the local artists to display their outstanding works of art to the local and international audience.

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Opéra de Paris Garnier: A Feast for the Eyes

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The capital of France, fondly known the world over as the ‘City of Love and Music’, is home to the Opera de Paris Garnier which was built for Emperor Napolean the Third. The name of the building is derived through its designer, Charles Garnier and work on the building commenced in 1862. However, its completion was delayed due to the astonishing discovery of an underground lake, part of which is said to exist even today, making this construction an architectural marvel.att-palais-garnier

The Opera de Paris Garnier has the proud distinction of being one of the largest such theatres in the world and its interior design is just as majestic and is complete with marble columns, sculptures and gilded statues. The Grand Marble Staircase found inside, possibly the most well known feature of the Palais, is at a height of 30m while the Foyer is complete with an intricate mosaic pattern on the ceiling.

The designer of the building intended for the Foyer to resemble the gallery of a castle and most critiques observe that he indeed did achieve his aim. Adding to the grandeur of the building, the auditorium found behind the Grand Foyer is composed of a ceiling painted by Marc Chagall and is adorned with a six ton chandelier. All in all, the interior architecture of this theatre is truly a sight to behold.

This theatre is said to be the thirteenth to house the Parisian Opera and the Biblitheque Nationale de France i.e. the National French Library, is said to have recorded the history of the Opera for three centuries. At present, the Opera Garnier which has been renamed ‘Palais Opera’ is used mostly for ballet performances due to the construction of the Opera de Paris Bastille in the later 20th century. For those who wish to visit this attraction, it can be found at the Place de l’Opera.2011-12-MANON-276-1

Once you visit the Opera de Paris Garnier, it is absolutely essential that you return to the comfort of a luxury hotel Paris that will echo the luxurious elegance of the Palais Garnier. Le Royal Monceau Paris, located in the heart of the city is one of the few 5 Star Hotel Paris that will do so while still retaining the contemporary style of modern Parisian design.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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