Do It Go

Mauritius part the Mascarne Islands is located off the east coast of Africa. The tropical climate which exhibits a warm dry climate from spring to fall and hot, wet and humid for the remainder of the year.  The island is well known for its natural beauty. Author Mark Twain for example, noted in ‘Following the Equator’ his personal travelogue, “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius”.

The capital and largest city on the island is Port Louis, located on the northwest corner of the island. Originally settled by the Dutch in 1638, it became an item of contention between the powerful European countries, France and England.  Under the French reign of power a flourishing economy was created by the cultivation of sugar. Like many other countries with that grow sugar, rum production became a secondary and very important source of revenue for the Island of Mauritius.  Mauritius won its independence in 1968 and since then has focused upon the expansion and diversification of their economy. As of 2009, the financial services industry, small manufacturing and tourism industry are still experiencing growth.

A paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun, the beaches have become a popular destination for vacationers. There are many types of accommodations ranging from a guest rooms to the five star hotels Mauritius. Grand Bay, one of the first areas of the island developed for tourism, is a shopping & leisure delight. It is also an area most popular with the locals who consider it the place for a vibrant nightlife.  Ile aux Cerfs is perfect for those who prefer to be physically active. There are many water sports available and it has one of the most beautiful beaches. This is an area that must be seen and experienced.

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One aspect of Thai culture that is often overlooked by Western visitors when making travel plans is the country’s vibrant performing arts scene. Bangkok, in particular, has a strong focus on performance and entertainment. The scene offers everything from local community theatre productions to major touring companies and high budget productions. Studio 9, is an excellent example of Thai performance at a moderate price.

Studio 9 has its home in the Patravadi Theatre, which has been in existence for more than 10 years. Billing itself as Dining By The River, the space is the latest studio offering of the Theatre and includes for its patrons a magnificent evening view of the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is one of the most enchanting complexes of buildings in Bangkok. It has housed the kings of Thailand since the 18^th century and serves as a major landmark to the city and country. Any traveler to Thailand seeking luxury accommodations in one of the five star hotels Bangkok would be remiss to not seek out this unique and charming theatre space. Studio 9 has the distinction of showcasing some of Thailand’s most distinguished artists, as well as the up and coming, performers. Its range of genres is diverse, offering dance, puppetry, music, theatre and more every Saturday. There is also an open rehearsal on Fridays and Sundays where audiences have the privilege of witnessing first hand how the magic all comes together.

The Patradavi Theatre continues is standard of excellent entertainment with the addition of Studio 9. It remains a unique fusion of performance and dining along the river. The theatre is most known for its presentation of shows with traditional Thai roots, but also focuses on international styles. It hosts the annual Bangkok International Fringe Festival, which features among its many performances a special engagement of contemporary Thai dance. The theatre is so prestigious that the name has become synonymous with performing arts. Patravadi Mejudhon is the founder and artistic director of the company. She has been a pioneering and driving force on the Bangkok arts scene for many years. She opened the doors to the Patradavi in 1992.

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For Singaporeans, going shopping is a pastime everyone enjoys.  This activity takes second place as the favorite pastime for the nation, only to eating.  As food and the preparation of food is so linked with not only everyday nutritional needs, but is one of the most important elements of festivals, celebrations, and holidays spiritual or secular in nature.  There seems to be no end to the diversity of stores and products available on the island.  From the small boutiques in five star Singapore hotels, to the large malls and market places such as Orchard Road.  One of the most anticipated event will occur soon.  During the months of June and July, an annual event takes place that has not only enticed those in South East Asia, but international shoppers and bargain hunters as well, many traveling from Europe and the United States to take part in the fun.  That event is the Great Singapore Sale.  Products, designer clothing…any range of items that are sold in market places are drastically marked down.  These are items that are genuinely marked down, and as a result, is often worth the travel expenses to get there.

In addition to the market place, high-end antique dealers mark down rugs and fine furniture.  Christie’s and Sotheby’s host special events and invitation only parties wherein in there are deals on such items as fine jewelry, paintings and sculpture.  Most of the shops and venues are open longer hours to accommodate the amount of shoppers, and as the crime rate is extremely low and security has never been an issue, foreigners need not worry about being out on the city streets after nightfall.  While the tax on purchased items is 3%, once a traveler exceeds $300, a waiver may be obtained and they will be issued a refund.  And as not usually the case with sale items, most shop owners and merchants do accept exchanges and refunds.  And for those purchasing large amounts of items there are various shipping companies that specialize in international shipment and are very accustomed to this two busy months of sales galore in Singapore.

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The creator of the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, Dick Zigun had stated that the island better hold on.  He promises the most bizarre circus show of strange oddballs and outrageous freaks the audiences of Coney Island has every seen.  However, John Strong the 3rd, famous in the traveling freak show circuit but new to Brooklyn, said basically in response, to “bring what you’ve got”.  Criticizing Zigun’s circus, he called it a “show” with a bunch of weird animals, but only one human performer.  Zigun responded by saying there are many human performers, but not one act involves animals.  The two were involved in quite a feud when the city of Brooklyn stepped in to announce that it would be neither circus on the island this summer.  Plans were announced for the more family friendly show put on year after year, none other than the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Meanwhile, Joe Sitt, happens to be the New York developer who could become in charge of the future of the entire island and park.  The city has wanted to revitalize Coney Island for some time and fears that the freak shows will not allow that to happen.  Mr. Sitt is a patron of John Strong.  Mr. Sitt has also made proposals for his own ideas in the past, and his childhood friend is a city councilman, and the fear of Brooklyn is that this will affect the outcome of the decisions that will decide the future of Coney Island.  Many businesses have been evicted by Mr. Sitt already, including the boutiques and five star hotels of New York, the batting cages and one of the amusement parks.  Fears remain that he will eventually be responsible for turning the once vibrant tourist spot and one of the most beloved neighborhoods of New York, into a desolated ghost town of empty buildings and fading colors.  Meanwhile, the site for the Ringling Brothers Circus has been moved to an abandoned lot and the Strong Freak Show will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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