Author Archives: Sumaira Narayan

UAE National Day 2013 – A Patriotic Day

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The National Day of any nation is a day of pride and joy. It is a day when a nation’s strength is celebrated by the unity of its people, and serves as an important reminder of a shared national identity. For nations that have known the yoke of colonial rule, it is a day where first independence is remembered. The United Arab Emirates, just like most other nations, has a national day. Back in the day, it was the British Protectorate Treaties that ruled this nation.

On the 2nd of December 1971, the UAE for the first time was formally nationalized from these treaties and from this point on, the nation began functioning under its own jurisdiction, and eventually unified the different Emirates in to one modern-day nation. Today, this day is celebrated every year with all the grandeur that the UAE is famously known for. If you are in town during the month of December do not miss the spectacle of the National Day celebrations that usually takes place in Abu Dhabi, the capital emirate of this intriguing Middle Eastern country.

The UAE is the most cosmopolitan nation in the Middle East. But behind the stylish façade and the glittering cityscape, there lies a deep rooted tradition and culture; one that is born out of faith and spirituality; a place where the age-old customs of the desert dwellers still hold sway. From within this proud tradition emerge the elements of dance, music and color; the best of which can be witnessed on the National Day celebrations. Large arenas are chosen for the event decorated in grand style.

Children are dressed in traditional attire; boys in the thoub and Kardah and the girls in the colorful maxis. The Youlah is the main performance of the event and is followed by a number of other folkloric dances. In Abu Dhabi, celebrations usually take place in the city’s Corniche and people arrive at the site in cars decorated with the nation’s flags. The UAE’s flags are everywhere at this time of the year; in shops, houses, and even painted on the faces of proud citizens. With this attitude of camaraderie and unity, the spirit of the nation is most certainly thoroughly celebrated.

If you are seeking accommodation during this festive season, the UAE is adorned with plenty of fantastic places to enjoy. While holidaying here, consider staying at the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. Boasting gracious hospitality and elegant surrounds, these luxury UAE hotels are known to be some of the finest of all the Middle East hotels.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2013 – Groove to the Rhythm

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All of you who love to groove to the rhythm, the largest, and craziest dance festival is coming to you live on the 13th of December 2013. Head to the amazing city of Abu Dhabi to be a part of the Creamfields and prepare to have your mind blown off! Like with every event in the UAE, the Creamfields is full of life and spirit and brings about the craziest rhythms you can ever imagine. Music producers of favorite dance tunes from around the world all come to the single most happening dance event; the Creamfield. Once you start rocking here, there is certainly no stopping!

The Creamfields boasts a tenure that spans over 20 years and each year in the star-spangled world of show business the organizers do a fantastic job of ensuring that they satisfy the dance tastes of all ages, young and old alike. With ample experience in the industry, the event never turns out as a disappointment, in fact, every year they get bigger and better, bringing to you the heart-pumping, adrenaline-busting, high-energy sounds in accordance with the latest demands of club hoppers and movers and shakers everywhere. Technology is top notch here and so is the sound system bringing you the best entertainment experience you can ever ask for.

But one cannot mention the Creamfields without paying apt tribute to the genius behind the mayhem: the true guru of all things trance and dance and everything in between: Calvin Harris. Bringing names like Kylie Minogue, Rihanna and Dizzee Rascal to name a few of the gliterrazzi who grace this world-famous event, it really comes as no surprise that Creamfields has hit and exploded the charts on so many occasions. The event is scheduled to be hosted on the Yas Island; an exotic natural island filled with ample entertainment opportunities. With the perfect ambience to groove in and your favorite performers on stage, you are sure to have one hell of an amazing time dancing away at the Creamfields.

Early birds: Hurry up and grab your tickets at the special offer that is on sale now. For those of you who have never visited Abu Dhabi, this amazing city is packed with treats that you would fall in love with. Take your time and explore all the wonders this city has to offer but don’t forget to come home to the one of the finest UAE hotels in the city, which you will discover courtesy of the opulent surrounds of the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. With gracious hospitality and world-class cuisine, these elegant rests are ranked as some of the best Middle East hotels in the region.

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Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Christmas in Beijing – A Grand Affair

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Although Christmas in not a public holiday in China; it is celebrated with the same grandeur and glamour exhibited in more opulent nations. Like Valentine’s Day or any other commercial festival, Christmas brings with it plenty of decoration and a whole festive holiday spirit. When you look at the many streets lined with sparkling Christmas trees and hear Christmas carols echo in the distance, you would really be surprised that Christmas is not a religious festival in China.

Despite Christianity not being a primary religion in China, the country houses a substantial amount of churches. After all, China does have a population of 1.3 billion people and the Christians, according to statistics, make about 2 % of this population. Nevertheless the younger generation of China – Christian or not – are enthusiastic about celebrating this festive holiday that brings with it such joy and promise.

Shops are piled high with colourful Christmas goodies and sales people almost always don the iconic Santa hat in the true spirit of the season. For Christians holidaying in China this really provides a taste of home at ridiculously inexpensive prices. There are so many Christmas activities one can indulge in during this season. For one, you can try out the delicious traditional Christmas dishes. From bread and cakes to complete meals, most fancy restaurants and 4 and 5 star hotels in the country offer them all. Chefs who specialize in creating the holiday favourites are brought in from around the globe resulting in very authentic tastes.

If you are keener on cooking your traditional Christmas dishes with the famous family recipe, you can walk into any big supermarket to purchase your ingredients as it is usually stocked with all the Christmas necessities in a special section dedicated to the season. Along with shopping for Christmas delicacies, you can shop for Christmas goodies to grace the halls and rooms of your hotel room; from decorations, Christmas presents to Christmas gadgets, most malls and department stores have a healthy supply of them all. Even business hours are prolonged during the season as it enjoys a good amount of sales.

If Christmas spirituality is important to you, you can walk into one of the many churches in the city of Beijing, and many of the Catholic churches will feature the famous “midnight mass”. Beijing itself has 11 Churches, 5 of which are Christian and 6 are Catholic. In these churches that are glowing with vibrant Christmas hues, you can enjoy beautiful Christmas choirs and soothing prayers. While you holiday in the country, you will discover a range of greater China hotels such as the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels China. With gracious hospitality and elegant interiors, these properties are considered to be prime luxury hotels in China.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Pagerwesi – a unique spiritual festival

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The ceremony known as Pagerwesi is an important part of being a Balinese, as it is celebrated across all economic backgrounds, observed with great reverence and due ceremony. If you’re on the island during the time of Pagerwesi, ensure you check in at one of the Bali luxury villas in the city such as the luxurious Alila Villas Uluwatu. Offering you stylish Bali boutique villas graced by attentive hospitality and sumptuous luxury, your time in Bali is sure to be unforgettable here. Otherwise known as Rerainan Gumi by the locals, it is celebrated every 210 days on what is known as the Wednesday of Shinta, which is the first week according to the local Pukawon calendar system. Pagerwesi translates to “iron fence”, and stands for an element of protection and self-preservation against negative influences. On the day, the Balinese people use the opportunity for intense meditation and prayer, to build up their personal defenses against evil. The chief deity believed to preside over the proceedings is Sanghyang Paramesti Guru, otherwise known as Lord Shiva, the eradicator of evil. The people of Bali spend this sacred day in prayer, making offerings, as well as visiting the temples.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013 – Land of Many Wonders

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Phuket is an island off the coast of Thailand and it is comparable to the size of Singapore. Phuket offers its residents and visitors much to do. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and it is really no wonder why. Whether it’s a cozy honeymoon or an action-packed getaway, Phuket is a must-visit locality for all adventure-seeking, thrill-discerning travelers, as numerous fun events occur here each year. Apart from all the things to do in Phuket, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013 is one of them.

Phuket is Asia’s premiere destination for the triathlon and it features some grueling activities such as a 1.8k swim, a 55k bike ride, as well as a strenuous 12k bike ride to round out this exciting event. You can either sign up to participate or simply witness the event that takes place through some of the most amazing tropical landscapes. Taking place on the 24th of November, this event has previously featured and attracted many other popular athletes featured on the global stage such as Chrissie Wellington, Mark Allen, Craig Alexander and many others. It is a true test of champions and only those who are physically able and who have been training for months should attempt this rigorous triathlon.

If you are a spectator who is cheering on the participants, while you are on this wonderful island, do make it a point to visit the amazing tourist spots and museums that the island hosts. It’s a wonderful place for the whole family to have a great time, regardless of whether you are into triathlons or not. However, if you make it to the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013, you might be lucky if you meet the champions who have won more than world championships in almost every discipline, such as the Iron-Man. He may not be Tony Stark, but he sure comes close!

Phuket will undoubtedly leave you with great memories so make sure you make the most of your wonderful trip there. Stay at a Phuket resort that will give you an amazing stay. Resorts such as a Patong beach resort are a great choice, and the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket is a worthy option to consider. The surroundings, the beach and the people are all aspects of Phuket that lure tourists in great numbers here. So make sure you do not miss out anything in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

New Year celebration in Maldives – Celebrate in style!

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If you are looking for a unique way to ring in the New Year 2014, why not head over to paradise in the Maldives? No matter which of the excellent Maldives luxury resorts you choose to stay at, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable auld lang syne. Collapse into an elite Maldives villa after partying into the New Year, where you’ll be well pampered and spoiled at the Baros Maldives. All of the hotels dotting this charming tropical archipelago have a grand itinerary prepared to give all guests an utterly unforgettable party beach December 31st. The rarity of this once-annual event means that all New Year celebrations can be quite pricey, but you will be treated to perks such as a grand gala dinner and free flowing champagne to toast good health and prosperity with your loved ones. As this is a much sought-after event, travellers to the Maldives around the winter season should book as early as possible, as most hotels can be quite full. Remember to shop around depending on your party flavours; the Maldives offer everything from intimate beach villas and vibrant party outlets to ensure that you ring in the New Year in the best and most celebratory way possible.

Cinnamon Island – A Culture Thing

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Sri Lanka is a great tourist destination. This is because this little island is full of surprises that can capture the imagination of anyone who visits this charming locality, whether it’s for the first time, or if you are a regular visitor. If you are not sure about making Sri Lanka a choice of destination for travel, think again. This tear-shaped “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, as it is popularly known as, is a beautiful, serene and adventurous place all in one go. It can hold your interest forever and transport you to another place and dimension. A fact that makes Sri Lanka such a versatile place is its tropical climate. You can experience different climates in different cities that are just a few hours apart.

Another reason that makes Sri Lanka a top place to visit, are its pristine beaches of various hues, ranging from a warm golden down south to a sparkling white up north. So when you do make it here, travel down south and experience the beauty of the waves, wind and sand, and a popular township that draws many visitors is Bentota. This is because it is not too far from the city of Colombo, but far enough to take your mind off the hustle and bustle of the city. There is also a lot one can do while in Bentota and one of those things is exploring the age-old tradition of cinnamon. Sri Lanka is well known for this intriguing spice, or Kurudu as it is locally known as. The Cinnamon Island in Bentota is an educational and interesting place. Here, you can see the preparation of cinnamon, how it is peeled off and then dried. You can also witness how the process is refined for the production of cinnamon oil. This is a major tourist attraction because it does not just show you the journey of cinnamon production on the island, it is informative too, and details the many health benefits of this one-of-a-kind spice.

When you are in the area of Bentota, boredom is not an option as there is a wide array of activities to keep you busy during your stay. Check out the production of ropes from the coconut shell fibers, visit the serene local temples and so much more. For quality accommodation in the area, you will discover a range of luxury resorts in Bentota that can host your stay in the area, such as the Avani Bentota Resort which offers unparalleled comfort and hospitality. With charming hospitality and luxury accommodation, this is one Bentota hotel that will provide all guests with an unforgettable stay.

World Future Energy Summit 2014 – a prestigious event

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If you are going to be in the emirate of Abu Dhabi during 20-22 January 2014, an exciting and important event will be unfolding in the vicinity at the same time: the World Future Energy Summit 2014. As such, ensure that you reserve your spot at a luxury Abu Dhabi hotel early, such as the Grand Millennium Al Wahda which is considered one a fine hotel Abu Dhabi UAE. The prestigious World Future Energy Summit has to be the most important global gathering on issues of climate change and how we as business leaders, country leaders, and other key decision makers can function to ensure a cleaner, greener world in the future. Under the patron of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the summit will comprise a superb conference, and well as various exhibitions and forums that seek to address climate change. The summit will also enable important networking links to be established between project owners and solution providers, as well as key energy stakeholders with peers, and serve as an all-encompassing global forum on best energy practices. The conference also features Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s leading energy company that is planning to build an independent energy efficient city within the emirate, to serve as a possible model for all future city planning.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Christmas in Bali: A Tropical Christmas

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As December draws near, the spirit of Christmas seeps into people’s hearts with shopping malls decorated in Christmas colours: red and green, the sidewalks slippery with frozen snow and a general feeling of excitement in the air. Traditional Christmas celebrations will involve decorating a Christmas tree, leaving out cookies and milk for Santa, hanging of stockings on the chimneys and of course, cradling cups of hot chocolate in an attempt to insulate oneself from the cold. While this form of Christmas has its own intrinsic charm, opt for a different experience this December and make your way down to Bali, Indonesia to celebrate your own tropical Christmas.

Although the main demography of Indonesia is composed of non-Christians, Indonesia celebrates Christmas as a holiday with pomp and splendour. Similar to decorations done in Europe, Balinese shopping malls too resort to decorating the interior with the traditional Christmas colours and the exterior with sparkling, bright lights creating an feeling of excitement and thrill.

The best way to kick-start your Christmas in Bali is to first do your Christmas shopping as gifts are sold only until stocks last. Once your Christmas shopping list is ticked, tourists can opt to partake in the general spirit of Christmas by taking a walk around the city, exploring the markets and the malls, and perhaps singing a few rounds of some carols as well. Celebrating Christmas in Bali is just as exciting as celebrating it in a cosmopolitan European nation, excepting the cold climate for resorts, hotels and clubs organise a series of parties, Christmas events and more to celebrate the holiday.

Depending on which beach resort in Bali you opt to reside in, you may be lucky enough to enjoy a true feast during the Christmas week. If you opt for a hotel in Nusa Dua, you may be able to enjoy special Christmas foods and traditional deserts as well as complimentary eggnog. Enjoy your tropical Christmas to the fullest by opting to stay at a hotel the calibre of Bali Resort which is a hotel that will cater to your every need during this special holiday season and deck your vacation with unforgettable memories.

Christmas in Indonesia – A Memorable Seasonal Experience

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Christmas is a time of joy and festivity, where loved ones all gather and celebrate. The season is magical, and the joy and the Christmas spirit can be seen and felt wherever you celebrate this wonderful time of the year. But if you are tired of Christmas being spent in the cold, it is time you experienced a beautiful ‘White Christmas.’ No, not a Christmas spent surrounded by white snow; a Christmas celebrated on the white sands of a tropical beach in Indonesia!

Although Christianity isn’t the primary religion in Indonesia, the locals know how to celebrate the season! During the month of December, the streets of the islands are decked out in lovely, twinkling fairy lights and hundreds of people take to the streets to watch carollers singing under these beautiful lights. Shopping malls all over the islands offer amazing shopping deals, making great shopping experience in Indonesia even greater! At most shopping centres, a man decked out in a red and white Santa Clause can be spotted standing cheerfully or handing out small gifts to children under a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.

Food and dining also play an important role in the celebration of Christmas in Indonesia, as seen with the locals, who all have various traditional meals that are cooked on Christmas day. If you are travelling in Indonesia during Christmas, most hotels organize elegant Christmas parties for their guests, offering Western and traditional food – such as ‘Dodol,’ an Indonesian treat, beautifully decorated trees and Christmas games for everyone to enjoy.

One can spend a more traditional Christmas within the walls of an Indonesia church, which can be found in some parts of the island. Christmas in Indonesia can also be celebrated on one of their beautifully pristine beaches. Whatever way you choose to celebrate your Christmas in Indonesia, it is almost guaranteed to be fun for all your loved ones.

To host your next family excursion in this vibrant archipelago, consider the Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resort as it is a prime offering of the luxury hotels Indonesia has to offer its visitors. This elite property is one of the finest Indonesia 5 star hotels on the market, and should make for a wonderful seasonal escape in the tropics.

 

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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