Author Archives: roland

Ba Pagoda Festival – The festival of the Mother

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This colourful festival in Vietnam is held in honour of Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Mother of the Land is held on the 15th of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Located right at the centre of Thu Dau Mot city, visitors must look out for comfortable serviced apartments Ho Chi Minh in order to lodge during the festival. One of such Ho Chi Minh serviced apartments known for its conveniences is Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City which is a delight in itself.

The pagoda is decorated with glittering lights and hundreds of lanterns for the festival and lion dances are common on the festival day. Offerings of small pigs, fruits, sticky rice and cookies are made at midnight while the procession of lion dances, plenty of singing and dancing marches through one street to the other much to the delight of all residing within the area. This delightful folk festival is a true emblem of the unique culture that this south east region bears and has always delighted all those who have been lucky enough to witness it firsthand.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Royal Ploughing Ceremony – A taste of culture

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The Royal Ploughing ceremony marks the beginning of the rice-growing season and is a traditional festival celebrated in great fanfare and ardour. In order to fully soak in the ambiance of this charming event, visitors usually choose a Sukhumvit hotel to lodge in during their stay. A popular Bangkok hotel that is chosen by many is Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok which known for the comforts as well as the true Asian experience that it imparts of each one of its guests.

The date of this festival depends on astrological calculations and usually takes place in the months of May, June or July celebrating the beginning of the Buddhist lent in the Burmese month of Waso. During the festival sacred oxen are tied to a wooden plough and they are led to plough a furrow in a ceremonial ground after which the oxen given plates of food to eat. Predictions are made depending on what the oxen eat and celebrations soon ensue with lots of food, music and dancing.

Muay Thai Shows- action sport in Thailand

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Millennium Resort Patong Phuket is a true urban Phuket resort. The neighborhood of this resort includes shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment location making the resort one of the most preferred Patong resorts. The martial art, Muay Thai is one of the most popular spectator sports available in Thailand. The beginning of this sport dates back to the battles with the Burmese during the fifteenth century.

The opportunity to witness live crushing elbow strikes, lethal kicks, artful feints and furious punches are fascinating. The cheering crowds and the sounds of the musical instruments make it more interesting to watch. There are specially built stadiums to hold these games and these stadiums attract a large number of tourists for the night time displays.

Bangkok International Jazz Festival- Sway to the soothing beat of jazz

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Bangkok is a vibrant city with endless events and festivals. Prior to your arrival in this great metropolis, remember to reserve your Bangkok hotel to enjoy a hassle free stay. Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok is one such Sukhumvit hotel available to all the travellers to the city and it will give you easy access to the city’s numerous attractions and events. Bangkok International Jazz Festival is one such event that you should experience without fail. This annual musical festival attracts more than 30,000 people each year and it has become the largest and the most popular event among both local and foreign music fans. The event was first started in 2003 and renowned as the best Jazz experience you can enjoy in Asia.

Cultural Bazaars: A Wonderful Opportunity to Bask in the Local Ambience!

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Surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is home to a diverse collection of plants, mammals and birds residing in panoramic forests of not only national but of international importance as well. The Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve found on the island of Praslin is a testimony to the lush greenery and abundant wildlife of Seychelles. However, the natural beauty of this cluster of islands is a mere element of what makes Seychelles a wonderful place to visit.

The everyday lifestyles of the people and their culture too add to the overall ambience of the islands and the Cultural Bazaars are a testimony to this fact. These bazaars represent a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet the locals and experience one of their top events, first hand.

There are three main bazaars that are organized and one such event is the Bazaar Ovan. It is scheduled to take place on the south of the island on at Ros Copras, Baie Lazare and provides you with an opportunity to meet people, enjoy the local ambience, all the while being serenaded by the pleasant tunes of Creole music. This event is conducted monthly, on the final Sunday of each month to be exact, and will be open from 11.00am to 5.00pm.

Bazaar Labrinn is held at Beau Vallon Beach from 4.30 – 8.00pm on Wednesday evenings and the final Saturday of each month. This event represents yet another marvellous opportunity to mingle with the locals as they shop for vegetables and fruits. Visitors can peruse the multitude of wares on sale and purchase souvenirs and gifts to take back home while munching on delicious local delicacies while Victoria Bazaar in Victoria is the place to go to purchase arts and crafts while being serenaded with live local music.

All in all, a visit to these festive events, even if you do not purchase anything, is still a worthwhile excursion that will no doubt be enjoyable. If you wish to combine this culturally enhancing experience with an insight into the natural beauty of the country, opt to stay at Seychelles resorts located on the island of Praslin itself. In this regard, Raffles Praslin Seychelles is sure to be a beloved choice of accommodation for this Seychelles hotel is located in the heart of Praslin and creates a peaceful haven for you to relax and enjoy your vacation in style.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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The age-old traditions of Ati-Atihan

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According to an age old story in the Philippines, sometime during the 13th century a group of 10 tribal chiefs known as belonging to the clan ‘Datus’ were fleeing from Borneo to escape the clutches of a tyrant by the name of Sultan Makatunaw. After days of sailing the waters they arrived at Philippines which was inhabited by the Ati people; the tribes of Panay Island.

Datu Puti who was the travellers’ chief minister traded bales of exquisite cloth, brass basins and golden salakot with the natives in order to buy land. To further create goodwill, the Ati chief’s wife was gifted with a beautiful golden necklace which was extremely long. The Ati-Atihan festival intricately tied with this incident.
Some believe that the grateful ‘Datus’ smeared themselves with soot and celebrated the hospitality of the Aetas; expressing their gratitude through song and dance. Others stand by the fact that the festival originated when the Ati people were rescued from famine by the ‘Datus’.

Held every January, Ati-Atihan is celebrated in the island of Kalibu. The name of the festival means ‘to be like aetas’ or ‘make believe ati’s’. Though originaly a pagan festival, with colonization came Christianity and the festival become synonymous with the celebration of infant Jesus.

The Ati-Athan festival will definitely give you an opportunity to witness the many tribes adorned in their cultural attire, dancing to the beats of ancient drums. With thousands and thousands of people participating, it has a Mardi Grass atmosphere.

If you are done with the celebration and need some unwinding time then you can head over to the nearby Boracay Island. Awarded 2012’s Best Island by Travel + Leisure, this island was once the home of the Ati people. With its powdery white sandy beaches this dog bone shaped island has windsurfing tours, ultimate Frisbee events and dragon boat races.

Just like the Ati people’s age-old warm hospitality, Manila hotel culture is once that embraces guests. There are numerous hotel in Manila but not so many five star hotels. The Heritage Hotel Manila is a five-star deluxe hotel with 450 masterpieces of pure luxury.

 

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Paris Carnival – A century old parade of fun and frolic

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Parisians come out on to the streets in thousands to participate in this cheerful festival. The walk of masks and the processions are the two types of events that happen at the carnival. People disguised in huge numbers parade the streets and so many curious people come to see them at the given time and location.
The modern day carnival is run by the MACAQ – the movement for the cultural and artistic Liveliness of the Quarter . The festival accompanies more than 1500 participants and over 40000 spectators in 2009 , growing from 10000 in 2007 . With interesting themes such as the 2010 theme of Improbable couples the festival is looked forward to by many.
The 2013 carnival theme has been, announced as The World of Toys and will be held in February. And is expected to attract more than 50000 people .With a colouful Madi grass festival that concludes the festivities , the Paris carnival is a definite must experience if you’re visiting romantic Paris. With renowned attractions such as the Eiffel tower, Moulin Rouge , the Paris Cabaret show and the beautiful city streets itself you will have no time to spare in this beautiful country.
Where better to reside in while you’re in Paris but at a Luxury Hotel Paris, where you would be able to fall in love with this romantic city, while basking in ultimate hospitality. If you want to be absolutely pampered, while you discover the city at your own pace, explore every nook and corner and find out for yourself the charm so raved about ,an ideal stay among the luxury hotels Paris would be Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris.
Colourful outfits, good cheer, beautiful locations and curious onlookers are only a bit of what you will experience at the carnival de Paris an age old tradition that still colours Paris. And who wouldn’t love to discover this country, where operas are sung, Museums are dressed in century old history, Gardens such as Tuileries Gardens , Montsouris, Parc des Buttes Chaumont, and Parc Monceau charm you, so much so that falling in love is inevitable.

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Phuket FantaSea – A Fun and Frolic Fantasy

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Thailand is renowned for shopping, tourism and entertainment and these coveted titles have been won mainly due to the numerous shopping complexes, theme parks and amusement centres that are located around the country. Phuket, is a sparkling string of thirty three islands that dazzle the horizons of the Thai mainland. It has butterfly gardens, orchid gardens, aquariums, charter boat services, mini golf courses, wildlife sanctuaries, rain forests and amusement parks, making it a vacationer’s paradise.

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Young or old, energetic or laid back, everyone has something to do to while away their time at Phuket Islands and one venue that brings all these people together is the ‘Phuket FantaSea’. Tourists usually can’t decide whether to start at the tempting restaurants, the alluring shopping centres or the fun filled amusement park. The restaurants serve international cuisine with special food items for vegans and vegetarians. The menus adapt to seasonal changes and diners can choose from a range of fresh seafood that the chef cooks to each person’s specification. The shopping village is a good place to bag some trinkets, bright beach ware, chunky jewellery and clothes with a localized twist. However, the most precious memento that you should make sure to take back with you is the photograph taken with all the family members dressed in vivid Thai attire.

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The cultural theme park itself is the biggest crowd puller; the carnival like atmosphere sets the stage for the street shows, theatrical displays, tiger feeding, elephant rides, safari walks and firework displays. The vibrant hues of the mascots, the traditional Thai costume clad dames and the live music performances add to the vitality of the environment. The focal point of Phuket FantaSea is the skit put together by a host of elephants, tigers, roosters, goats and water buffalos. People chip in with traditional dance performances to give the audiences a feel of true Thai culture and rituals.

A boutique hotel in Phuket will charm and calm your nerves which are enticed and provoked by the glamour of the fun activities. Thanyapura is an exceptional sports hotel Phuket has to offer, revitalizing its guests who seek leisure.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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Chinese Lunar New Year 2013, an extravagant celebration

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The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival as it is also known is a very important occasion for all people of Chinese origin around the world. Hong Kong is no exception in this regard, with its people involving themselves enthusiastically in the celebrations. Since the lunar calendar differs from the Western Gregorian calendar, the date of the festival varies each year on the Western calendar. For 2013 the date of the occasion falls on February 10th, but celebrations often extend for as long as 15 days.images (27)
Many fascinating customs and traditions are observed at this special time of the calendar. People of Chinese origin reunite with their extended families, ushering in the New Year with good fellowship and solidarity. It is considered auspicious to eat special foods at this time of the year, which will bring good fortune in the months to come. People clean their homes and decorate them with Spring Couplets, New Year scrolls and paintings as well as freshly cut flowers. All members of the family attire themselves in new brightly coloured clothes.

Hong Kong is well known for its culinary traditions and many of these are associated with the New Year. The supper enjoyed on New Year’s Eve is the most significant meal of the year for the Chinese. People travel great distances to their home areas to enjoy this meal with their relatives. This repast often includes specialty dumplings, fish and sweetmeats.

Traditional Chinese dragon dances and lion dances are conducted at this joyous time. In Hong Kong on the second evening of the Spring Festival a grand fireworks extravaganza is conducted at Victoria Harbour.images (28)

The festivities are much looked forward to by the children as they receive presents of ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes from their parents and elders. At this time children are expected to demonstrate respect for their elders and receive blessings and presents in return. If you are planning a visit to Hong Kong there is no better time than the New Year when the entire community embraces the festive spirit.
Discerning travellers desiring a Hong Kong boutique hotel will find an excellent choice in the Cosmo Hotel. This outstanding 4 star hotel Hong Kong provides comfortable accommodations in a laidback setting.

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Maka Bucha – Marking Holy Sangha Day in Bangkok

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Due to take place on the 25th of February 2013, Thailand’s Maka Bucha Festival is an annual religious festival of truly grand proportions. Marked on the full moon of the third lunar month this auspicious religious event commemorates the birth of the Buddhist order of monks and is also known as Sangha Day in other Buddhist nations across Asia. A red letter day in the Buddhist calendar the yearly festival celebrates the founding of the Buddhist monastic order collectively known as the Sangha and the hallowed day on which it was established.

Religious scripture dates the event nine months following the enlightenment of Lord Buddha when a record 1250 monks gathered in one location to spontaneously chant a sermon in his lordship’s honour. This is the occasion on which the fundamental tenants of the Buddhist priesthood are believed to have been set up and as the Sangha is considered one of the Three Triple Jems of the religion ( Buddha, Damma, Sangha) this event is marked with great veneration around the country by Buddhist devotees.

Declared a public holiday in the country and in neighbouring nations such as Laos and Cambodia, Maka Bucha Day observances in Thailand commence at sunset when temples around the country welcome pilgrims who come to perform religious rituals and engage in prayer. Listening to the preaching of the Dhamma and making donations are just some of the meritorious activities performed at the temple while the Five Precepts of the faith are also preserved during the sacred day by abstaining from sinful activities and drinking alcohol.

After making offerings and taking part in spiritual customs the pilgrims join the candlelight procession that gathers near the temple’s ordinance hall (called Ubosot in the local language) or the pagoda. The best places to witness Maka Bucha Day observances in the Thai capital are the Marble Temple (Wat Benjamabopit) and the Golden Mount Temple where priests from the Wat Saket Temple head the procession towards the mount. The candlelight parades are known as Vein Tien in Thailand.

Travellers in search of luxurious hotels Bangkok ranks among its finest rests should look no further than the stylish Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. Offering guests a breathtaking location in the Thai capital this Bangkok hotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to luxury vacations in the land of smiles.

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