Jazz Clubs and Open Mics in Fremont and East Bay California

By Doug

Nov

17

George played the saxophone. George loved the saxophone. For as long as George could remember, all he wanted to do was play the saxophone in a jazz band. George loved jazz. He actually began playing in various clubs at an early age and had special permission to play in some of them. He grew up in Fremont, California and was living there in an apartment with two friends and going to school at Berkeley. George loved Berkeley. Naturally he was studying jazz saxophone at the university.

One Saturday afternoon George was working on a new saxophone solo that he had started as a class assignment. The phone rang and it was his good friend Steve, who played the double bass. George was about to tell him that he was busy and couldn’t talk just then when the excitement in Steve’s voice caught his attention. Steve told his friend that he had just confirmed a gig for the two of them at Anna’s Jazz Island. George couldn’t believe it and made his friend swear it on his bass. It was true, the duo had their first gig together and it was two weeks from that night at Anna’s.

George got off the phone and went right back to working on his solo. He felt strongly that this was going to be part of a longer piece or even a song, but for their upcoming show he simply wanted to be able to showcase what he had. George had played with a trio until six months ago and they had most of their gigs in Fremont. They had also enjoyed playing open mic nights in their hometown and had many great memories from places like The Essanay Café and Coffee Roasters. Now he was set on making a name for himself across the Bay before taking on the rest of the world. He called his best friend, who had moved to Los Angeles the year before, who agreed to fly in and stay at one of the hotels Fremont to see the show.

Hip Hop Bollywood

By Doug

Nov

17

India might be a mystery wrapped in an enigma, but it is also one of the most visited countries on the planet.  It has been inhabited by human populations for thousands of years, and it continues to attract a steady stream of tourists, business travelers, or people who are curious about their roots.  For each of these groups, it can always be a kind of homecoming experience, because this vast and complex place has a way of taking people in that is unlike any other place on earth.  There are many regions, and many cultures, and it’s impossible to see them all in just one lifetime.  Likewise, it is impossible to see everything in any of India’s largest cities in one lifetime, much less in one visit.  But it’s awfully fun to try.

There are many fabulous things to see and do here.  Spectacular clubs, restaurants and lodgings are always available in India.  Five-star hotels might be the most exquisite way to see a place, India’s hotels specialize in a lovely hospitality that is always overwhelming and rather wonderful.  It’s a great place to go to get away from the familiar and everyday for many people, but also be aware that the culture you leave behind is probably waiting somewhere else to catch up to you.  That’s what many people discovered in the summer of 2008, when Snoop Dogg made his way to Bollywood.

He worked with the famous Akshay Kumar, who has recently transitioned his roles to become a great comedic performer in the international film circuit.  Their film, Sing is Kinng is a transcultural vehicle in itself, where Punjabi and Sikh cultures meet in Australia, and parallels are drawn with hip hop culture in the U.S.  There is an interesting blend of rhythms in world music, and sampling is a regular feature now even in the most accessible pop, so it’s no surprise when hip hop meet Bollywood, but it still takes the ingenuity and the compassion of the artists of the world to connect the dots and make connections that tie us all together.

Volcanic History of Tenerife

By Doug

Nov

16

When we got to the island of Tenerife, we had to get on a coach bus and ride for about an hour untile we got to the southern area of the island, the airport is located in the northeastern part of Tenerfie. The bus ride was kind of interesting, partly because most of the landscape was still pretty pristine, untouched and partly because I met this really fun girl, same age as me, travelling on her own too.

I should explain a little bit about the Canary Islands. The islands are a series of volcanic rock located off the western coast of Africa. Geologically speaking, the Canary Islands are cool. I literally mean cool. I took geology last semester and I did a report about volcanic activities in the Atlantic. The islands formation is extremely rare due to there location and that nothing else has popped up, so to speak. The area where these islands occurred is an area where molten rock underneath the tectonic plates rose to the surface and broke through the oceanic plate and formed volcanoes. While the tectonic plates continued to move over the earth’s surface, this same area, where the molten rock was able to break to the surface a new volcano would arise. As soon as the lava ran out and dried, it turns into an island. These islands.

Enough with the history of the Canary Islands. On to my excursion. After checking into one of the 5 star hotels in Tenerife, which was really nice! I quickly put on my swimming suit and headed to the beach. It was on my way that I ran into that same fun girl with which I met on the bus ride over here, and we agreed to hang out together as much as possible. We laid out on black sand and enjoyed the amazing landscape until the sun was setting. We then when to dinner, and after a huge meal, I headed straight for my hotel room to get some much needed sleep, because tomorrow my adventure really starts!

Great Barbeque in New York

By Doug

Nov

12

With all there is to do and see in New York many people try and save money on the cost of their accommodations. While some tourists prefer the luxury of fine resort pampering, those on the go who are wishing to experience all the city has to offer frequently prefer to find a New York cheap hotel to leave more in the budget for Broadway shows and shopping. And while this may not be the obvious priority for some people, it also leaves plenty of money for great dining experiences, which is something that New York is known for providing.

One of the culinary guarantees New York offers is great barbeque restaurants. B.B. King Blues Club and Grill provides more than great food, it’s also a music club. It’s a popular place with locals and its Time Square location makes it an easy place to get great food before a show. The rock shrimp popcorn is one of the dishes the establishment is known for and the pulled pork sandwich is also a hit. The tempura fried calamari is great to share or for the interested individual. It is highly recommended by almost everyone who tries it.

Chat ‘n Chew is another great barbeque place located in the Union Square area of the city. It offers traditional southern barbeque and soul food and is frequently considered to be the best there is. While this is true their macaroni and cheese dish is one of the most popular and also considered to be one of their best. However, it has nothing on their great Thanksgiving on a Roll sandwich. This is definitely a hands down favorite of anyone who eats it. And regulars return for this sandwich alone. They are also known for their unique coca cola cake, which is something that most tourists insist on trying if they dine there during their visit. Whichever neighborhood or borough you happen to be in or type of barbeque you are looking for, New York has it for you and a little extra cash saved on your hotel accommodations will often provide a little extra dining enjoyment during your stay.

Coffee School in Florence

By Doug

Nov

10

In the heart of the Mediterranean, with hot and humid Summers, and chilly Winters, Florence has no trouble living up to its legend as one of the most splendid cities on earth.  Its glorious history as a major center for world art continues to the present day, and there’s a sense of beauty and harmony just about everywhere you look.  It’s a fantastic place to take a vacation, to get away from the usual daily grind and get lost in a new, lively place.  History buffs as well as committed modernists will find themselves at home here, and it won’t take long before you understand why it’s attracted so many great minds through the ages.

For contemporary conveniences, it’s still at the cutting edges of culture.  There is always something new from the local artists, and there is a substantial variety of food.  Eating in Italy is a pleasure that the locals take great pride in, and you’ll see why it’s one of the world’s great food capitals.  There are also, of course, great hotels.  Florence, Italy has been an extremely hospitable place for generations upon generations, and the art of accommodation is highly developed here.  You’ll know right away that you’re in a warm and welcome place when you order your first espresso here.  For those who share the Italians’ obsession with coffee, the Espresso Academy is a great way to get to know the culture through its love of the bean.

They offer a number of excellent and delightful courses that are fairly affordable, and only take a day.  It’s absolutely worth it, because you get to know about the different kinds of beans, and the history of coffee, which is absolutely fascinating.  Their milk art course can teach you how to make those lovely flourishes, like leaves and hearts, to top your favorite espresso drinks.  Sponsored by one of the best coffee companies here, Mokaflor, this is a great opportunity to get to know fun and also practical secrets of Italian coffee as its practiced here.  And you’ll get to take home some skills that will very likely please your friends.

Indianapolis 500 Celebrations

By Doug

Nov

3

It is official my buddy and I are heading to Indianapolis, IN at the end of May for the Indianapolis 500 race. My buddy has wanted to go for as long as I have known him and he said he never went ‘because his wife didn’t want to go and she didn’t want him to go without her’. I kept my mouth shut, but couldn’t help but think, how long are you going to put up with that? He had even offered a trip where they could both go to Indianapolis together for the weekend and he would go to the race and she could have a spa day or do something else if she preferred. She was still opposed. Clearly it was a control issue there was no way she was going to let him go without a fight.

His wife left him this summer; at first he was really devastated. He did a lot of drinking and was really angry. Once again I couldn’t help but think to myself, you should see this a relief and a favor that she is gone. It didn’t seem to take him to long to start seeing the light and realizing how free he will now be not having his ex-wife trying to control him. I think it really hit him when I said to him, ‘well at least now you can go to the 500 if you want to’. He immediately lit up like he had an idea and said ‘yeah, lets go together’.

Having no plans I was game, he was immodestly off to the computer buying tickets to the race and booking a suite for us at a luxury hotels Indianapolis. He said we were going to live it up because this was going to be a celebration of his freedom.

It will be a lot of fun to finally do something we both have wanted to do for a long time and not have the interference of someone else.

Finding Adventure in Goa

By Doug

Nov

2

Goa is known as the beach capital of the country of India.  So much of the city is fascinating and exciting that many people who have never been there and never read up on the beaches, may miss them as they never knew they were there.  Many of the four star hotels Goa offers are located along the beaches, so this is a perfect opportunity to find adventure not too far from where you find you accommodations. This is paradise as there are miles upon miles of pristine beaches, and many lakes and rivers for those who love the outdoors and those with a wanderlust spirit.

Adventure sports are becoming increasingly more popular for those traveling through, and any of these can be the perfect way to escape the grind of daily life and to find relaxation and rejuvenation.  There are so many to choose from that each day you will have the opportunity to experience something different.  Adventure also exists in the land surrounding the bodies of water.  Hiking trails are abundant as well as many camp grounds for those enthusiasts who like to rough it in nature through the untouched wild terrain of the Goa countryside.

River cruises are popular and are a great way to explore, while having a guide point out interesting facts and history.  There are any companies that offer island tours, as well as those that will take you out for a chance spotting of a crocodile or a dolphin.  Goa has become a popular adventure destination, a hub of activities that will allow indulgence in nature and offer up challenges for those individuals who prefer that kind of a vacation.

Most of the sports do not require special training or certification in order to participate in them, so this is a great place for beginners to come and learn.  Equipment can be rented and there are any instructors for all the sports, whichever you choose there will be someone there who can teach you.  There are no limits to age, the only limitation is the level of one’s own physical fitness and strength.  And another benefit for these kinds of vacations, is that in Goa you find the prices a fraction of what they would be elsewhere.  So if your kind of vacation is one on the adventurous end of the spectrum, Goa is the place for you.

Goa Jazz

By Doug

Nov

2

Goa is a splendid place to go to get away from it all.  There are marvelous beaches here, with some of the most beautiful water in the world.  It is a place of great enchantment, and lots of mystery, and it speaks to travelers from all over the world.  It was a mecca for soul-searching young people a few decades ago, and this left its mark in the music, which has a fascinating history.  Goa trance is like a lot of things in Goa, taking in other influences and adding its own twist, so that what’s created resembles the pieces but is an entirely different whole.  There is something that is entirely baffling, yet at the same time enormously splendid about Goa.  Luxury is not only possible here, it’s one of the main products.

With a tradition of hospitality that coastal towns often have, Goa has a spectacular habit for treating its guests very well.  You’ll feel welcome here, and the helpful and informative staff can guide you toward the kinds of attractions and recreation you crave.  The beaches are always lovely, and there are also spectacular nature preserves, showing the area as the incredible biodiversity spot that it is.  There is, of course, a spectacular music scene here, and the techno-electro phenomenon is well-known, as Goa has some of the most splendid parties in the known universe.  There are many other forms of music here as well, and if you’re looking for some great local jazz, check out the stylings of Colin D’Cruz.

He’s been playing for over ten years, and is one of the most collaborative musicians around, having worked with artists from all over the world.  He also has a fairly impressive repertoire of musical styles, and his trademark is jazz.  His main instrument is the bass guitar, and he can set down the backbone for the musical improvisations that follow.  D’Cruz has also been sinking his teeth into DJ’ing, and is starting to gain a reputation for another style of contemporary music that’s deeply influenced by all that the past can teach us.

Tuk-tuks of Bangkok

By Doug

Oct

29

I’ve think I’ve just about shaken off the jet lag. I spent yesterday evening watching a traditional Thai folk dance and enjoying the food festival located on Kao San Road. Later I found a bar to enjoy a nice cold glass of beer and had a wonderful conversation with an Aussie about the care of bonsai trees. This morning, I woke up with bags under my eyes, but I did manage to haul myself out of bed, which is in one of the best five star hotels Bangkok can offer a traveller, and was off sightseeing.

I made a mistake by getting a tuk-tuk, it’s sort of  a cross between to motorbike and and a bicycle. I thought it might be the cheapest way to get around, which it was after I figured out how to use them properly, but the driver said he would take me around to places that would take approximately 2 hours for 20 bhat. He take me to all the temples, because they are too far apart to walk to. I thought I knew the catch: the driver gets petrol money by taking me to all the jewellery shops, which really wouldn’t bother me, really. I knew how to just look and say no. Anyway, he dropped me off at one of the biggest Buddha statues I’ve ever seen, it was the reclining Buddha, the off to some more temples that were all a glitter in gold and sparkled. Then, after that is when he took me to a gem place. I was in and out as quickly as possible, I was really good at smiling and nodding. Then, he took me to the Golden Mount; It’s this huge man-made hill that I wandered up, the temple at the top was not too impressive, but the view of Bangkok was spectacular. I peered over a wall and saw hundreds of dragonflies buzzing around. Then I headed back down, when I reached the bottom, the driver had disappeared. I only felt sick to my stomach for about a minute, then I remembered that I hadn’t paid him yet!

I had a lot of tuk-tuk offers to take me to another temple for free, but I opted to walk. That was a very, very long walk, but I managed to find things all with my own instincts.

Working my way to Menorca

By Doug

Oct

26

During the entire course of my work, I find it necessary to visit the hotels and resorts that are included in my company’s holiday package. My company’s human resource department did a really good job this year with getting us the best deals with the best hotels in Spain. The hotels were selected with experience and a goal to satisfy every taste imaginable. The package that all the employees get, include travelling to the United Kingdom, Spain, the Greek Islands, the Red Sea Riviera, Italy, the Canary Islands, the Arabian Gulf (which included Dubai), the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean Islands. Plus, there’s a wide range of holidays available to choose from.

I found the luxury hotels Menorca , Spain has to offer to be of top quality. I was July when I visited Menorca, which is the second largest of the Balearic Islands. Mallorca it the largest. Menorca has two main cities. One is the old city of Ciudadela situated in the west and the other one is the current capital that was built by the British. It’s called Mahon and it’s situated in the east. I just fell in love with the city of Mahon. The harbour is magnificent and it was one of Admiral Nelson’s favorites.

There were five hotels I could’ve chosen to stay in while I visited Menorca. I’m really glad I picked the one I’m in now. It’s located by the sea and it’s ideal for families. The spa is superb, one of the best I’ve been in. I really like my company. What great perks! The most wonderful thing about working for the company is really all the great people they hire. I’ve been with the company for five years now and every morning I wake up actually wanting to go into work. Now, how many people do you know who can say that?

Barcelona Architect Antonio Gaudi Inspires New Generation

By Doug

Oct

20

Russell wasn’t expecting to go to Europe last summer. In fact, he really wasn’t expecting much at all. While it was his last semester of college, he graduated with a degree in architecture in May, he figured that his parents had been too badly hit by the economy to consider getting him a graduation gift. Not to mention, even if he was expecting one, it wouldn’t have been something as elaborate as a trip to Europe, and more specifically, Spain.

However, as his family and a few friends sat at Macayo’s restaurant for his celebration dinner, his mother handed him a card and a small and almost flat gift bag. Russell was appreciative and assumed the bag had a gift certificate to a record store, a bookstore or maybe even his favorite art store. Russell bought a lot of his drafting tools and accessories at art stores, and he was also a pretty good painter. It truly didn’t matter what was in the bag, he was just happy to be finished with school, though he was worried about finding a job, and felt honored that his family and friends would take the time to recognize his efforts.

Needless to say, when Russell opened the bag and saw the plane tickets and reservation information to one of the Barcelona Spain luxury hotels, he almost couldn’t believe his eyes. Russell had always, well at least for as long as he could remember, wanted to go to Spain and particularly Barcelona. He was captivated by much of the city’s architecture and had (studied the work of Antonio Gaudi at school. He was one of Russell’s primary influences and had designed quite a few buildings in Barcelona. Russell was truly amazed and didn’t know what to say. Then he found the small sketchpad that was also included. He had always preferred to express himself in drawings and sketches and knew he would create a special painting for his parents as a thank you gesture.

Harlem and the Village Host the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival

By Doug

Oct

19

The annual festival honoring the legendary jazz great Charlie Parker, was a celebration this past August of not only Parker, but of the legendary pop icon Michael Jackson as well.  Both men have the same date of birth, August 29th.  That, and the fact the Jackson had so recently passed away, led to tributes being given left and right, from the Village to Harlem.  The first night of performances occurred at Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park,  and the second night was held in Alphabet City at Tompkin’s Square.  Those organizing the festival year after year are group from the City Parks Foundation.

The jazz greats of today composed the line-up celebrating the jazz greats of yesterday.  Gary Bartz, saxophonist, played one of Jackson’s songs “I Can’t Help It”, along with the younger hip-hop and jazz vocalist Bilal.  Bartz himself is a bit of an experimental player, as is the vocal style of Bilal, however both men performed a relatively straight version of the song, remaining true to the original.  Bartz has always been drawn to funk music, and is now playing with the younger generation of the hip-hop artists and the DJ’s of the club scene.  He opened the show on Saturday with a group of rappers, improvisation and a straight up rhythm section composed of classical jazz percussionists.

Other incredible performances occurred throughout the weekend, including Frank Wess and his many years of experience on the saxophone, playing along with Scott Robinson, also on sax, some of Parker’s most loved tunes.  YoungJosé James crooned with is baritone voice, proving to the audience that his talent reaches further than his young age would suggest.  Rain on Sunday delayed the start of the show, and when the band shell at Marcus Garvey Park began to leak, it was necessary to bring out the tents.  Following this, the Parks Foundation has already made plans to renovate the band stand, and fans of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival are hoping that it will be completed by next August.  Keep this in mind when booking at the 5 star New York hotels, as fans come year after year, and the rooms fill up quickly.  This is one of the most anticipated and beloved of the many festivals happening each year in the wonderful city of Manhattan.

Singapore’s Substation

By Doug

Oct

8

Singapore is an endlessly exciting place, a city-state with a glorious bay, and a vibrant urban scene that constantly evolves, keeping a step ahead of the trends of the times.  It has a fantastic multi-cultural aura, with influences from Malay, Indian, and Chinese cultures, and these influences are especially pronounced in the cuisine and the local art.  There are many amazing attractions here that will keep guests of all ages happy and fascinated with the place.  Thinking about the time you’ll be spending here is even more pleasant when you’ve made arrangements to stay in a boutique hotel in Singapore.  Our hotels are carefully selected for their uniqueness and their consistently high levels of hospitality and service.

You’ll be enjoying your time here in a beautifully individual style, and our gorgeously designed rooms are wonderful places to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.  An attitude of adventure and fun is what Singapore is all about, and exploring the cityscape is always fresh, and always exciting.  You’ll soon see that Singapore has a knack for fashion, and there’s an art underlying everything that unfolds in a day.  It’s an art city, where the ability to manipulate sensory landscapes is not seen as a decoration, but a necessity for the daily lives of the citizens.  In this spirit, one of the major art centers, The Substation is a place to see.  There is always new work going on here, as the old power substation converted into an arts warehouse, offers exciting new programming in performance, installation art, dance and movement based performance, video, and a host of other forms.

It opened in 1990, after the dramatist Kuo Pao Kun worked relentlessly to propose a project to convert this old 1926 building into something that artists could use.  It is now one of the premiere art venues in town, and still maintains its roots.  The original mission was to open a space where emerging artists could experiment, and learn from failures as well as the occasional success.  These edgy intentions are still intact, although the founder has passed on, and the core artists continue to push further into the realms of art practice, and to the benefit of themselves and Singapore.

Canberra is Pleasant

By Doug

Oct

6

I’ve been remiss in the blogisphere, but when you don’t have access to the Internet, it makes it quite difficult. I usually try to write my blogs in Word, then copy them to my blog online, but to be honest, I’ve just been plain bloggied out. But, I do miss all the comments, so here I am again, blogging about my trip to Sydney and Canberra, Australia.

It was a beautiful week in Sydney last week and I spent most of my time eating, golfing, relaxing and beaching it. The best part of my week, was to visit with friends I hadn’t seen in a long time; too long.  I had dinner at the restaurant and wine bar called DeVine with two of my most funniest friends, Mark and Tabitha. It was so good to see them and laugh till we cried. I’d forgotten just how fun it is to be with the both of them, they’re so funny; all the time funny. They should become a comedy duo. We had a nice bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which rounded off our exquisite meal quite nicely.

My weekend was astounding. I travelled to Canberra to visit Ria, Randy and their cat Ranch. I stayed at one of the Canberra Australia hotels instead of putting them out, even though they offered me to stay at their wonderful ranch, I just prefer to wake up in my own room where I won’t disturb anyone but myself. It felt like we were ‘back-in-the-day’ when I was with them. We used to hang out all the time together and try to get into trouble. Ranch, the cat, doesn’t like to be petted, but I talked to him anyway, he liked that, because he would respond every time with a meow.

Canberra is just as I was told it would be, not much of anything, which is exactly what I love about it. It’s not touristy and the pace here is slow and pleasant. I went ahead and did the tour of the parliament building, so I can say that I did see sights! Actually, I learned quite a bit about Canberra and Australia in general than I ever knew before, so the tour was to my benefit. I picked up Bill Bryson’s book on Australia before I came to Australia and I highly recommend if you plan to travel to Australia, to read this book first.

Forja Arte Contemporáneo in Valencia

By Doug

Sep

30

Considering a vacation in Southern Spain is like contemplating a romance.  There are new daydreams that constantly accompany you, and no one can even guess why you’re smiling all the time.  Valencia is one of the world’s treasures for travelers.  It has all the sumptuousness of Europe with the splendor and history of the Mediterranean Sea.  It is a big draw for tourists looking for a large city that’s not overpowering, and for celebrities looking for some quiet spice.  Valencia has a rich urban scene with its own underground, and there’s always the choice between the city and the sea.  Fortunately, you can always choose both, and if you’re staying in our 5 star hotels, Valencia is right at your doorstep.

Spain is almost synonymous with style, and our hotels are a reflection of the place, so that you can fall asleep and wake up in the studied elegance that is characteristic of the place.  And after a positively gorgeous meal prepared by world-class chefs who are studied in international and local cuisines, you’ll be ready to have your waking daydream in Valencia.  There are many spectacular galleries in town, representing works from the many important movements in Spain, and there are also contemporary organizations producing and promoting edgier work.  One of these is the Forja Arte Contemporáneo.

This group is dedicated to investigating the limits of art through the juxtaposition of established and new media.  They do an impressive array of projects, and seem to be connected to most of the more recognized exhibitions of provocative new art work in Valencia.  They’ve been connected to a collective called La Sala Naranja, who present new works of digital media as far away as Finland.  The focus is on establishing themselves in relation to a larger international network of like-minded artists, and part of an exciting new way of conceiving art in the 21st century.  When in Valencia, keep an eye out for their name connected to any exhibition, because their taste is really quite eclectic and smart, and their eyes are focused on the larger world of art and collaborations.

Language and Identity in Mauritius

By Doug

Sep

29

Mauritius is practically synonymous with luxury.  A splendid beach lifestyle with a lively culture that is a mixture of African, French, Kreol, and Indian tradition, Mauritius has an infectious rhythm that never stops moving, and never stops evolving.  This is, of course, the place where the dodo bird used to walk, and it has a very complex and fascinating history.  Guests here will enjoy the natural splendor and the fine food, and there is something here to suit nearly every taste.  It has a great night life, with the local sega music keeping the people dancing until the sun comes up.  When planning a vacation in Mauritius, luxury hotel accommodations will compliment every itinerary, and move a great experience into the realm of the fantastic.

Our luxury hotels have a magnificent sense for hospitality, with all the amenities to make you feel like you’re coming back to your senses.  From the decor in the rooms to the fine detail in all the facilities, they are designed for relaxation in true splendor.  Taking time to rest here is not only possible, it seems impossible to avoid.  You’ll be lulled to sleep and wake up refreshed, ready to enjoy a spa or a fantastic meal.  And the spaces outside the hotel offer exciting adventures for the savviest travelers.  Traveling in the city, you’ll no doubt notice that the languages spoken here are not uniform.  They say that Kreol is the unofficial national language, and that’s probably what you’ll hear.  Interestingly, the language says a lot about the history, and this hasn’t only caught the attention of the travelers, but linguists like Dr. Aaliyah Rajah-Carrim at the University of Leeds in the U.K. also find it pretty fascinating.

He’s been studying language here for years, and notes that in government and schools, the official language is English, and everyone is exposed to it in some way.  French and Kreol are used widely, and Kreol in most casual speech, where at home, people speak a combination of Kreol and Bhojpuri.  One of his current projects is to study the links between how identity develops among Kreol speakers as they begin to write their language using technology in Mauritius.  Internet and text messages have changed all of our lives, and it’s no different here, where suddenly a language that hadn’t been written before is finding its way into cyberspace.  It’s a fascinating thing, and just one avenue of distraction while visiting this amazing place.

Shopping Dubai

By Doug

Sep

17

I was not sure if it was Karma or Karama Center as I asked, lost for a moment, at the desk of luxury Hotel Dubai. I was gently corrected by a nearby Yank from Bristol, California who overheard me as suggested I may be looking for the market known as Al Karama. “The place that sells the cheap stuff,” and he nodded in approval, producing a ‘replica’ famous maker watch from around his wrist and smiling. Seems he has been coming to Dubai for years, buying various objects for his store, coming here when Dubai was a forlorn sandy outpost back in the long ago and forgotten nineties. It is hard to believe that only a couple decades ago Dubai was nothing much, and now it is a juggernaut on the sea, a great exciting modern city on an unreal scale, with giant building and giant gold courses and giant palm trees artificially created in the sea. But I was interested in shisha pipes and wanted to buy and ship off a few for friends. Happily, hookah and shisha are the same thing, and when I got to the market I was prepared to haggle. Well these things were just beautiful, with ornate brass and and flowing pipes and I wished my friend from the hotel, the guy from California, was here to help me out. I really did not know what I was doing. I decided t retreat and maybe run into my friend, and to do a little research. Apparently, the Turks started doing this over five hundred years ago. But since tobacco is a New World plant, I wonder how it got there so fast. Maybe they were smoking something else. I looked forward to the look on my friend’s faces when they receive a shiny new Shisha pipe in the mail. Now maybe they will invite me over.

Crashing in Ibiza

By Doug

Sep

16

As soon as we got our mopeds, we left Es Pujols to explore more of the fantastic beaches. We rode almost 10 minutes until we arrived at the beach of Platja de Llevant, which is located on the eastern end of this strip of land that gets really pounded by the ocean waves, and it was hardly populated, probably to rough of an ocean. We got out of the car and did some exploring. There really was no one about, we had the beach to ourselves, we wanted to go into the water, but it really did seem to rough to swim, so we just walked around a little and decided to check out another beach.

The western end it another strip of land called Platja de lljetes and this was definitely more populated because it was sheltered from those pounding Mediterranean waves. The water was so much more calmer. The beach was really crowded, but there were a lot of lounge chairs, so we maneuvered our way through the crowd and found two lounge chairs together and we grabbed them. We were only relaxing and gathering up the sun rays for about 15 minutes before this guy came up to us and informed us that we had to pay to use the lounge chairs, we really didn’t want to spend our limited funds on lounge chairs, so we grabbed up our beach gear and went back to our mopeds.

It was getting late and we didn’t want to miss the ferry back to Ibiza, so we headed back to the harbor, returned our mopeds and when we got back to Ibiza, we hired a car from an Ibiza car rentals and drove to the restaurant where we had made reservations for dinner and met up with some friends and raved to them about our time on Formentera. After dinner, we were absolutely exhausted, so we didn’t go clubbing that night, but instead crashed in our hotel room, it was only 9pm! That’s unheard of in Ibiza.

South Africa’s Woodstock

By Doug

Sep

14

There are no places on the planet like South Africa.  It is one of the most exciting tourist locations these days, with luscious beaches that have some of the clearest waters on the globe, an exciting night life with a music scene that continues to evolve over millennia of developments, great golf, and cultural festivals and events that mark the enormous diversity of the place.  It also has an enormously rich and complicated history, and today people can visit monuments that remember the years of struggle behind and ahead.  It is a spectacular of memory, culture, and nature, and there are many reasons to visit here.  If travelers are looking for excellent cuisine and fine luxury hotels, South Africa can certainly accommodate.

We’ve carefully selected our hotels to represent the best of what South Africa can offer.  Located in all the country’s hotspots, there is something for everyone, and we’ve chosen our offerings based on their exceedingly high levels of service, comfort, and design.  When traveling in a place as vibrant, heady, and interesting as South Africa, you’ll certainly want lodgings where you can rejuvenate in splendor.  After a lovely meal and and a fantastic rest, you’ll want to have a look around, and see what adventures await you.  If you happen to like music, you’re extremely lucky, because this is where many of the world’s great rhythms and musical styles are born.

The local clubs will more often than not have live musicians playing, as the country draws young hopefuls from all over.  In local music, you may hear some of the bands who get chosen for Woodstock.  South Africa does have a Woodstock, and now in its 10th year, some call it the only Woodstock.  It got its name as a placeholder, when the organizer was putting it together for the first year, and the name stuck.  It’s now too late to call it anything else, because the idea for this turns out to be a good one.  This Woodstock is a four-day festival with 75 bands playing on different stages, and attracts thousands every year.  There are plenty of things to do outside of seeing music, as it was developed with kids in mind.  This is a fantastic way to get to know the local culture, or to simply watch for the bands playing a stage near wherever you might happen to be.

Mobile in Mumbai

By Doug

Sep

9

“Are you ready for a museum?” I asked Deb after we ordered our chapati, bhelpuri and a couple of gin and tonics. We had been to cathedrals, temples and markets and I thought the slower pace of a museum visit was in the offing. “Um, sure,” she said, “What’s it called?” “Hmm, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum. That’s a mouthful.” We were sitting on the terrace of one of the hotels in Mumbai, needing a restful dinner from our whirlwind day. “So we will go tomorrow, then,” I said. The bhelpuri arrived, fried and savory with peanuts and potatoes fried with a puffed rice thing, served with a mango chutney. We did not realize how hungry we were, and almost wolfed them down. They were delicious, and so were the drinks. We had some nice vegetarian curries and of coursebasmati rice, we were so hungry. The next day we had some excellent coffee and something that looked like a croissant with an apple jam that was spicy, so I guess it was a chutney, and off we went to the museum. It is a big sprawling affair, I like the displays of armaments, the swords and shields. The people back then must have been small, the weapons looked like they were for shorter people. This rather bored Deb and we went of to look at the animals, stuffed in their displays, in a kind of old school museum setting. They looked slightly tattered but a big assortment and it was fun. The sculpture was cool too and all the old art work. It was different from museum in the West, but it was an enjoyable visit. Later, we got hungry again and this time braved the crowds and the traffic and had samosa from a street vendor. Delicious.

South Africa Here I Come

By Doug

Sep

9

With the approaching winter coming on I think about the all too needed winter get away that will be necessary by Jan or early Feb. I like heading south of the equator where it is summer while we freeze in winters snow and ice. Other years have included trips to South America: Argentina Buenos Aries and the Pampas were very memorable and Brazil was a blast dancing a parting late into the hot tropical nights and days of sunning by the beach. Last year was Australia but this year I am thinking of something a little more exotic. Some where like Cape Town. So I am looking into Cape Town South Africa hotels and accommodations for my upcoming trip out o the winter. It is the short day, the cloudiness and the dismal weather that makes me need to plan this annual get away for the winter to somewhere I can get the promise of summers returning one day to where I live. In South Africa I want to go tot the wine country. Tour some wineries and sample the wines that the South African wineries have to offer. Other than that I don’t have or want to make any other plans. Simply an arrival date a departure date somewhere to stay and that is it. The rest of the time I will be laying it by ear. No plans schedules or stresses on my time to me in general. Relaxing will being order and sunning to bring up the mood. i like to keep everything else as a though and idea so I don;t have to feel pressured to make a schedule or meet time frames. Walking along the beach without any time restraints sounds like a winner of a day to me and what could be more relaxing and recharging any way.

Museums of Canberra

By Doug

Sep

8

As the capital of Australia, Canberra had an interesting history in becoming the nation’s capital city. Established as such in 1908, the distinction fell to Canberra due to its being located conveniently between the rivals of its more dominant neighbors Sydney and Melbourne. It is also unique among Australian cities due to the exact intention and purpose behind its development. This works out well for the equally unique tourists who visit it every year and also have their own specific intentions for enjoying their stay. And most definitely, this is sure to include at least one fabulous dinner in one of many fine restaurants Canberra.What is also on many tourists’ agendas is a trip to the National Gallery of Australia as well as the National Museum of Australia.

The National Gallery of Australia is frequently considered to be the premiere gallery of the nation. Its collection includes over 120,000 pieces of art, and it was established as a public gallery in 1967. It is located in a building that was designed according to the Brutalist style perspectives common in the later half of the previous century. Angular masses and concrete surfaces are characteristic of this style, and the building is surrounded by sculptured gardens.

The National Museum of Australia was officially established and recognized in 1980 though it did not have a permanent home until 2001 at which time it was opened in its location in Canberra. The primary purpose of this museum is to preserve and catalogue major Australian heritage elements and showcase the special aspects of the nation. This includes a gallery dedicated to the 2000 Olympics that were held in Sydney. In addition, the museum coordinates and develops special traveling exhibits and programs intended to preserve the natural heritage of Australia. Both of these museums are essential aspects of Canberra and serve as major attractions to tourists who visit the capital of Australia.

Jakarta’s ruangrupa

By Doug

Sep

8

When planning your trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, hotel accommodations are a major consideration. While the city is one of the most exciting and lively places on the planet, your hotel should be a place of respite, where you can disappear from the world and relax and come to your senses again. Our hotels are specially selected to offer the finest in comfort, service, and style. There is an aura of graciousness that permeates everything here, with intention and and a long history of hospitality that will make you wonder if we had not invented it. Jakarta has a rich combination of cultures and traditions, and there are many ways of finding evidence for this. It’s apparent in the design, which is spectacularly planned to please your eyes wherever you turn, and also apparent in the cuisine. Our top chefs will offer you the finest international dishes as well as local specialties that are simply otherworldly. Your hotel should be a place to restore yourself, and this is what we specialize in.

After a fine meal and a delicious sleep, you will be ready to have a new adventure in Jakarta. It is a fantastic city, and one of the largest in the world. There are all sorts of attractions here, and special events, that will interest every member of the family. There are local tours and sight-seeing opportunities, as well as world-class shopping and people watching. There is also a splendid blend of cultures here, with a variety of traditions and languages. There is also a very ecelctic and lively art scene, as evidenced by the work of the local ruangrupa gallery. This is run by a collective of six artists who are deeply invested in raising the bar for local culture.

They seem to be doing a very good job of it, as the space has grown in reputation by leaps and bounds since it opened in 2000. Now they host six new exhibitions every year, as well as a large variety of activities. The work and the mission of ruangrupa is edgy and forward-thinking, using visual art as a means of investigating and critiquing contemporary culture. They offer residencies, film showings, and workshops that speak to a very local and hip community. They began with the intention of making a space for artists, that is both artist-run and artist-friendly, and are currently behind some of the most exciting work in town.

Staying cool in Singapore

By Doug

Sep

3

Okay, Let’s quickly move on before I start crying again. I’ve made another handmade gift for my grandmother who’s visiting me and staying at the Singapore marina. She’s in her 80′s now and the hot, humid , tropical weather of Singapore is really getting to her. Climate change, I tell ya.  I got the idea of the skinny neck cooler from a visit to a pharmacy. I love snooping around pharmacies. Maybe it’s the hypochondriac in me. I saw the neck cooler about a week ago and thought to myself that that would be perfect for bush walking or for my grandma. Unfortunately, I didn’t buy it then.

Yesterday, I went to two pharmacies looking for the neck coolers without success. They only had very overpriced large wheat bags and the useless medipacks. So, with a quick google search, I found this crystal filled neck cooler tutorial. The crystals in the neck coolers swell to hundreds of time their weight when liquid is applied. Then as the liquid from the crystals evaporate, it lowers the body temperature.

But, I didn’t know whee I could buy those water storing crystals. The only similar crystals I could even thing that might be similar that is readily available are the water storing crystals that is used in the garden. I read up about it and the garden variety crystal looked safe enough, especially since there will be no direct skin contact. I soaked 1 tablespoon of the dry crystals in water while I sewed up a cotton tube, with one end open. I used the bandana design as a guide. I sewed across the width of the tube from the closed end. Once the crystals had swelled with the liquid, I filled the tube with the crystals and sewed the tube closed and then sewed across from that end. The parts that aren’t filled with crystals become the ties to hold the neck cooler in place. I think my grandmother will like this very much. Maybe I could make a few more and sell them at the marina.

Singapore Short Film Festival

By Doug

Sep

3

For the savvy world traveler, there are five-star hotels in Singapore that will make a dream vacation into a reality.  Our hotels are sumptuous blends of luxury and splendor, with a wide range of amenities that will please every member of the family.  Singapore is a very exciting place, and our hotels are designed to put you in the center of the action, with hospitality and comfort to keep you relaxed to enjoy your stay.  We offer accommodations that meet the highest standards in the industry, combining innovation with tradition, where old-world charm meets new-technologies.
Singapore is one of the few sovereign city-states in the world, and its unique status makes for some very unique offerings.  It is one of the most stylish places in the world, where the novel blends with the practical, and just a short afternoon of people-watching can reveal a magnificent sense of fashion and design.  It is one of the technological hubs in the world, and also attracts a number of artists, and this heady combination makes it a fantastic destination for film.  One of its more unusual offerings in this regard is the Singapore Short Film Festival.  This exciting festival is one of the only festivals of its kind in the world, and comes around semi-annually.
The Singapore Short Film Festival is a truly international event, with films from as far and wide as the U.K., Malaysia, Israel, and of course, Singapore.  There are awards in both the international and local categories, and a traveling short film program that makes its way to Thailand and Indonesia, to help promote and develop film culture among young people, paving the way for the next generation.  In a time when the independent film market has shifted very suddenly, with rather inexpensive technologies making it possible for aspiring young filmmakers to shoot and edit their own movies without a huge budget, there are wide varieties of new voices suddenly releasing new, quality work.  This is just one effort among many to help develop this trend with some critical credentials, and is of great benefit to the world in general, and for Singapore specifically.