Do It Go

Singapore has many cultural and historic icons that attract tourists every year. While sight seeing and attending major entertainment events are a strong aspect of vacations, the diverse cuisine of Singapore is sometimes overlooked though extremely important in experiencing the city. Singapore proudly serves food from around the world though local specialties are among its most popular. Traditional favorites are not always known by visitors though diners are often extremely surprised by the unique flavors and taste sensations they find. 5 star Singapore hotels and restaurants offer many luxury accommodations and meals to the tourists who visit this diverse city.

Han’s Café and Cake House is a popular favorite among locals and big hit with tourists. It was first opened in 1980 and is run by the Hainanese family. Since its opening as a small food counter it has expanded into the 17 chain outlet it is today. The Café offers a great selection of affordable meals, which makes it perfect for a quick meal on the go. Because Han’s has 17 locations, it is one of the most accessible and recognized eateries in Singapore. The Hainansese family is strong with intentions to provide affordable delicious food and is the reason for the company’s success and growth. Also, the diverse and numerous meal options cater to the needs of most everyone.

Singapore has many restaurants that serve food from various countries. This offers locals the opportunity to experience food from around the world, and also allows visitors to enjoy their preferred standards while mixing in Singaporean traditional meals. Pepper Lunch is a popular spot that originated in Japan. They are known for their DIY steaks, which they serve half cooked on hotplates. The meal itself is something of an interactive experience. Diners flip their sizzling steaks themselves while stir fried vegetables are also cook. There are a number of Pepper Lunch’s throughout Singapore and they are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.

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Mallorca has many attractive cultural and historic elements on the island. Vacationers have a wide and diverse selection of dining and entertainment options. However, some of the most popular island adventures don’t happen on the island itself, but in the beautiful Mediterranean waters that beckon to tourists and locals alike from just off its shore. Scuba diving is just one of the possibilities for exploration. For sightseers, this activity offers a unique view and chance to explore another world. Tourists staying in 5 star hotels Mallorca often enjoy their first scuba diving experience while vacationing at this beautiful island.

Mallorca is an excellent location for experiences scuba divers to enjoy the riches of this sport. It is also the perfect location for beginners or those with moderate experience. There are numerous diving schools on the island and they speak French, English, German, and of course Spanish, to accommodate visitors from around the world. The waters are a great place to practice diving and are very clear in the summer. This gives the beginner an added sense of security, but also contributes to one of the most beautiful diving experiences possible. In the clear waters it is easy to see the beautiful under-water scenery and divers might even come across one of a number of sunken ships. There are different ways to dive and the clear water is conducive to using nothing more than a simple snorkel, or even go without a breathing apparatus.

El Buceo is a diving school that is located about 30 kilometers Southwest of Palma at the Port d’Andratx. It is an excellent school at a beautiful marina and offers many helpful accommodations to students who wish to participate. They are supervised by highly qualified professional divers and offer students the opportunity to make two dives off a boat in Dragonera Nature Park. They also offer free shuttle service to and from the diving-base, and include free coffee for break. The moderately priced lessons are a great investment for this unique opportunity. And the journey from Palma to Port d’Andratx is full of beautiful scenery and great views.

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The city of Goa has many wildlife sanctuaries.  Some are dedicated to various species of the animal kingdom, and some, such as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary are species specific.   The best time of year to visit any of these outdoor locations is the winter season, which falls between the months of October through March.  The summer season in Goa is sweltering hot, and the monsoon season, although a beautiful time of year, is quite rainy and stormy.  The winter season is also the peak tourist season, so book  accommodations early in four star hotels.  Goa becomes very crowded and the hotels often times are booked to capacity.

Dr. Salim’s Sanctuary is located along the Mandovi River in Goa, and although the smallest, is the most well known in India.  Dr. Salim was a respected ornithologist in India.  There is a large variety of plants and over four hundred different species of  birds in this small sanctuary , of just under 2 kilometers square.  Local species are housed here as well as some of the migratory and exotic as well.  One must obtain permission to visit from the Forest Department.  The sanctuary sits in a mangrove forest, mangroves being one of the best habitats for animals as well as insects and fish.  Just after the monsoon season, the beginning of winter, is the best time to visit as the birds are out and about, and the migratory species have flown in.  One may also catch glimpses of the other species indigenous to the area such as foxes, jackals and crocodiles.

The Cotigoa is located in the southern part of Goa, in the district of  Canacona, and houses various species of the animal kingdom.  Opened in 1969, it is quite expansive, covering almost ninety kilometers square.  It is second in size only to the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary.  In order to travel to this location it will be necessary to hire a driver.  Once there, there are spectacular views from the various towers.  The Talpona River runs through the center of the park, and is one of the spots many of the animals are regularly seen.  This sanctuary also has a center for Wildlife Interpretation which offers lectures and seminars on the plant-life and the wildlife.  The forests are thick here, and offer home to the species such as panthers, bison, hyenas, and eagles.  It is an incredible sight to see.

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India is rich in cultural history and the arts. Dance is one of the most common and relevant aspects of the arts being integrated into one’s daily lifestyle. Classical Indian dance plays an essential role in many spiritual and entertainment oriented performances. The folk dances of India are just as important and are the ones that are incorporated into regular life. Most of the folk dances consist of simple movements and basic cultural themes. These dances are most often seen at social gatherings such as weddings and festivals. They are also incorporated into life celebrations, such as the birth of a child. In many dances, men and women will dance together, while in others, they are limited to men or women only. They often involve singing and are usually accompanied by instruments. 5 star hotels Goa are an excellent resource for information on where a dance may take place and the nature of its theme.

One of the common folk dances, Koli, derives its name from Goa and the local fisher people. This tradition is known for the same reason the people are, the lively nature of their personalities and dances. These dances generally involve a specific focus, the sea and fishing, which makes obvious sense as it is also tied to the most common occupation, which is also what the village was known for. This dance is performed by both men and women who are separated into two groups. The larger of the two groups represents the background of the story. They work in pairs and their movements indicate the flow of waves and the rowing of boats. The smaller group is also broken into pairs. These pairs articulate the main story of the dance, which usually involves the Kolin (the fisherwoman) advancing on the Koli (the fisherman). This is a ritual oriented dance that is symbolic to the locals and fascinating to tourists.

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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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The Singapore Short film festival is an entire festival dedicated to showing short films. It is hosted by the Substation, which is the city’s only multi-disciplinary alternative arts space. The Substation was founded in 1990 by the late Kuo Pao Kun, and was the first independent contemporary arts space. It is located in Singapore’s civic district and surrounded by many of the 5 star Singapore hotels. Co-Artistic Directors Audrey Wong and Lee Weng Choy work closely with the Associated Artists, and through the years have worked with some of Singapore’s most highly acclaimed artists.

The Substation has many venues for diverse activities, such as a black box theatre, a dance studio and art gallery. They have two multi-function classrooms and a Random Room for experimental and other events. They often collaborate with other companies and artists in the presentation of a wide variety of programs. The dance studio hosts traditionally trained dancers to local rock bands. The gallery features the work of established visual artists and helps to promote new work and fresh poets. There is strong focus on the development of new and experimental theatre, while also hosting conferences on Singapore arts and culture. The Short Film Festival is a popular and diverse event.

The site of the Substation alludes to its previous manifestation, a power sub-station. It is an historic building, constructed in 1926. The power sub-station ended its activities in the 1970s and the building remained vacant for many years. In the 1880s new ways to develop and explore the Singapore arts and culture scene were a primary focus of the Ministry of Community Development. Kuo Pao Kun submitted a proposal for the building to be transformed into a performance arts space in 1986. It was the first building to be recognized under the Art’s Council’s “Arts Housing Scheme.”

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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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