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The theatre, the theatre

Tourists who are visiting the country and staying in one of the five star hotels in Bangkok have plenty of options for cultural and entertainment experiences. The theatre is always a great way to gain an in-depth awareness of different culture’s social perspectives and orientations and Thailand has a great variety of examples of this. The Crescent Moon Theatre Group in Bangkok Thailand has been operating for 20 years. It was first established in 1969 by a group of students from Thammasat University who loved literature and the theatre arts. It was originally developed to showcase short stories and plays.

Throughout its years, the Crescent Moon Theatre Group has put up many full-length shows as well as developed workshops for students from various universities. It has been through many political upheaval periods in the country and has had its own transitions and structural reorientations. It has become one of the major theatre’s in Bangkok and focuses on serious works with philosophical themes. The group takes a holistic approach to the theatre and sees a production as more than the acting out of a playwright’s script. The script is only one aspect of the creative process, and the bringing of it to life is as essential as the writing.

In 2007 the Crescent Moon Theatre Group held the first women’s festival in Bangkok, featuring female playwrights and directors. The festival, Women in the Moon: A Playwrights and Directors Festival was held in May of that year. It was the first of its kind celebration of Thai women artists and their outstanding contributions to the theatre. It was also centered on establishing a dialogue for artists to share their experiences, work theories and ideas. Forming a community of artists increases individual passion and a sense of connection to the field. The festival was also oriented toward recognizing various issues encountered by women and female theatre artists.

Tags: arts, Bangkok, hotels, plays, Theatre, Women in the Moon

Dolphin Bay

It is great for tourists in Dubai to know that their hotel accommodations can also be progressive marine conservation centers. The Dubai beach resort Atlantis, The Palm is a new city landmark that is beautiful in its architectural design and many accommodating aspects. The Aquaventure theme park in its complex includes in its features the Dolphin Bay marine conservatory. The 4.5 hectare preservation and education center is devoted to the rescue and well being of bottlenose dolphins. It is supervised by a core of Marine Mammal Specialists and allows visitors to interact with these amazing Indo-Pacific dolphins.

Guests can get up close and personal in the shallow water interaction facility. Here they are allowed to play ball with, hug, and feed these intelligent creatures. This feature is available to guests of all ages and is as educational as it is fun and exciting. The program is 90 minutes and restricts the dolphin human ratio to 10 people per dolphin. It begins with a 30 minute water orientation before the actual dolphin interaction will occur. After this once in a lifetime experience, the guests are treated to a non-alcoholic beverage before moving on to the education center.

There is a also a deep water interaction program available at the preserve. Here guests can experience an unparalleled adventure into the depths of the private lagoon. The 90 minute program allows participants to swim side by side with the dolphins and interact with them from the dolphins’ perspective. It also includes a 30 minute orientation period and restricts its participants to individuals who are at least 12 years old and are able to swim. There are six people per pod and the program will take them into the depths of the lagoon along side one of the dolphins. One of the most fascinating features of this program is its signature belly ride, which is an incredible thrill for dolphin human encounters.

Tags: beach, Bottlenose, Dolphin Bay, dolphins, dubai, Indo-Pacific, resot

Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi was born in 1917 as the only child of Kamla and Jawaharlal Nehru. The family resided in Allahabad, where she spent a great deal of her childhood. She also spent some of her early developmental years in Switzerland due to her mother’s convalesced status. Gandhi later attended college at Somerville College, Oxford. In 1942 she married Feroze Gandhi and he died 18 years later in 1960. Indira Gandhi was elected to Parliament for the first time in 1964, which was the year of her father’s death. She was appointed Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Tourists who are visiting the country and staying in one of the India 5 star hotels can see the relevance and impact the family has had on India.

Ghandi demonstrated extraordinary political skills from the beginning of her career, and she held the position of Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977. This was a positive time in India as they were still in the celebratory phase of winning the war against Pakistan. In 1974, her response to an explosion of a nuclear device won her strong support from middle class Indians, and she solidified her reputation as a tenacious and shrewd political leader. However, this was still a transitional time for India, and by 1973, the country was being wracked by economic issues and official corruption. Most of the working class population had very poor living standards and there were many angry demonstrations. In 1975 Gandhi was found guilty by the High Court of Allahabad for using illegal practices during her last election campaign. At this time she was ordered to vacate her seat and there were demands for her resignation. Indira Gandhi’s personal and political life would be controversial and stirred many internal an international opinions. What is undeniable about her is her extraordinary skills as statesmen. She was assassinated in 1984 by two of her own Sikh bodyguards. After her death, her son Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as the head of the Congress party and Prime Minister.

Tags: hotels, India, Indira Gandhi, Sikh

Bali Dances

One of the most significant aspects of Balinese culture is its focus on the arts. There are many styles of dance and theatre that are specific to the island. Also common and essential to the residents’ lifestyle is painting, sculpture and metalworking. Most of the performing arts genres are based on Hindu mythological epics like the Ramayana. Stories from these texts are acted out in stylized movements. Bali is known to have one of the most diverse arts scenes in the world. Tourists who are staying in a hotel in Bali Indonesia have plenty of spectacular cultural and entertainment options to enjoy during their visit.

Bali has a number of famous dance styles including Kecak, Gong Keybar, Baris, Barong and Pendet. The Kecak, also known as the monkey dance, is a form of musical drama. It developed in the early 1930s and is primarily performed by men. Although it is a relatively new style of dance, it has roots in the ancient sanghyang, which is a trance inducing form of exorcism. The Kecak began as ritual trance accompanied by a chorus of men. An alternate name for this dance is the Ramayana Monkey Chant. This is because it depicts a famous battle in the Ramayana where Vanara assisted Prince Rama in his defeat of the evil king Ravana.

The Barong is a dance based on the mythological character of the same name. Barong is significant to many traditions and is the king of the spirits. He is an eternal enemy of Rangda and is a leader of the hosts of good. The Banas Pati Rajah is a spirit that joins a child a birth and accompanies her or him throughout their life. The Banas Pati Rajah is the spirit that animates the Barong. The various regions of Bali have their own traditional Barong. The boar, tiger, dragon and lion are some of the common Barongs. Many of the Barong dances will depict the Barong in battle, and it will typically be struggling against Rangda’s magic and ultimately defeat her.

Tags: Bali Dances, Barong, hotels, Indonesia, Ramayana

Van der Voot Gallery

Ibiza is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea that is as enticing to tourists as it is to residents. It is rich in cultural heritage and has amazingly beautiful scenic views, however, what the island is most known for on the outside is its nightclub seen. It is certainly the hippest of the Balearic Islands, though partying and the crazy nightlife element is not the only thing the island has to offer. Art is a strong local interest and much of Ibiza’s heritage is reflected in its art. The island has numerous museums for tourists to experience this fascinating aspect of the island. Tourists who are staying in Ibiza boutique hotels won’t have to go far to find one.

The Van der Voort Gallery Ibiza was founded in 1968. It is one of the most popular and prestigious of the island’s galleries. It is also extremely popular with tourists. It has a reputation as being the best museum on the island, and it houses great works from international artists as well as some of Ibiza’s own. The Van der Hoort has a strong interest in supporting the development of new and upcoming artists. Museum Director Catalina Verdera is strong in her commitment to support new work. The museum represents many artists and among them are Manuel Bouzo, Jordi Alacaraz, Paco Romero and Ricardo Cavada.

The Contemporary Art Museum Ibiza, the House Gallery and the Archeology Museum are other prominent island galleries. The Contemporary Art Museum is located in the small town of Dalt Vila. It was established in 1963 as part of the Bicentennial International Art Show. The House Gallery is in the capital region of Eivissa and is almost exclusively devoted to presenting the work of local artists. The Archeology Museum is also in Dalt Vila and is located next to the Cathedral. The Roman, Greek and Carthaginian periods make up much of the museum’s permanent collection.

Tags: Balearic Island, Gallery, hotel, Ibiza, Van der Voot

Roca Llisa Golf Course

The island of Ibiza offers numerous opportunities for sight seeing, cultural encounters, and outdoor adventures. Water sports are popular and some of the common ones include scuba diving, swimming and boating. Hiking the island is also popular and extremely common among locals. The island has two golf courses to accommodate die-hard tourists, but also to cater to residents. It’s nearly impossible to resist a round of golf on this island when beauty and scenic splendor surround the course. Tourists who are enjoying the luxury of the best of Ibiza town hotel should have no problem gathering information on the courses, renting the necessary equipment and getting directions. It’s also common for the best hotels to assist with transportation arrangements.

The island’s two golf courses are located in close proximity to each other. They are the Ibiza Golf Club and Roca Lisa Golf Club and are located in Santa Eularia. While they are two distinct clubs, they are currently in the process of fusing into one much larger complex. The Ibiza Golf Club opened in 1991 as an 18 hole, par 72 course. It is to be found in a beautiful, tranquil and serene countryside. And if that weren’t enough, the course has great views of the Mediterranean Sea. The course has a restaurant, pro-shop and hotel on sight.

The Roca Llisa Golf Club is smaller. It is a 9 hole course and driving range. The amazing views from this club include fabulous views of the cobalt sea. It is snuggly nestled in among pine tree groves. Also, it is open all year long, and while island residents account for most of the non-season golfers, tourists who enjoy the island in the winter months also make use of this great course. The Roca Llisa has qualified instruction available for beginners. There is also pro-shop on site. And with the Ibiza Golf Club right next door, its no problem to venture over for dinner and hotel accommodations.

Tags: Golf Course, hotel, Ibiza, Roca Llisa, Santa Eularia

Johannesburg Civic Theare

The Johannesburg Civic Theatre is multi-venue facility that is considered to be the premier home of South African entertainment. Its three main venues include the Nelson Mandela Theatre, the Tesson Theatre, and the People’s Theatre. The Civic Theatre is currently undergoing a transition in names and will soon be known exclusively as the Joburg Theatre Complex. It has been going through this transition as part of its larger renaissance since it became a principle municipal entity of the city of Johannesburg. It has gained a strong reputation throughout the region and tourists staying in hotels Johannesburg are attracted to its many spectacular productions.

The Nelson Mandela Theatre has a stage floor that covers 400 square meters of space. It has a seating capacity of 1069. It presents touring productions and major musicals. Most recently it will be housing the highly successful UK touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Charles Hart’s musical Aspects of Love. This is South African’s premier of the musical. The production was directed by Nikolai Foster and has received critical acclaim. The South African production will feature prominent national artists and crewmembers. Aspects of Love was originally staged by Trevor Nunn at London’s West End Prince of Wales Theatre.

The Tesson Theatre is a smaller space and has a total stage floor area of 72 square meters. It has a total seating capacity of 251. The People’s Theatre is the smallest of the complex’s venues and has a total stage floor area of 52 meters. It has a seating capacity of 176 and houses some of the more intimate dramatic productions. One of the recently added features of the Joburg Theatre Complex is its Fringe Festival. This year it will include a one man comedy performance by John Vlismas and a production by the New York based company Dance Evolution. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company will also perform. This is one of the most renown and well-known companies in Moscow. They are famous for their fusion of classical masterpieces with modern choreography.

Tags: Apects of love, hotels, Johannesburg, Johannesburg Civic Theare, Russian Ballet

Bed Bugs

Most think that these small, brown, flattened critters called bedbugs will only appear in filthy places. Unfortunately that’s no longer true. New York is once again being invaded and the problem is growing through out the world as more and more international travellers and business people bring with them and take home with them this intrusive insect stowed away in a briefcase or suitcase. New York Business Hotels have taken the best defense and have managed to be bedbug free due to their due diligence. But, caution is still the key to make sure when in New York you don’t bring any bedbugs home with you.

Bedbugs can survive in clean areas as well; as long as there are humans to fed on, there will always be a bedbug in waiting for their next meal. However, keeping your environment clean of clutter will help avoid the bedbug due to the fact of fewer areas for them to hide, but bedbug love to hide in the crevices of the mattress and the head and foot boards of the bed. Usually, one need to toss the mattress along with the box springs to get rid of a bedbug infestation.  Sad really, but it’s the only way to ensure that there are no more in your living quarters.

When in New York make sure to keep your luggage and or briefcase off the floor. Preferably on top of a table or dresser. Not on the luggage tray, that’s where bedbugs might hang out. Some tip-offs to the presence of the bedbug are reddish spots of blood dried on the sheets, dark fecal matter stains in the crevasses of the mattress. They like to lay their eggs close to where a human will be, so even check in-between the mattress and springboard for signs. If your brought bedbugs home with you from your trip to New York and find any of these signs listed above, don’t mess around with store bought products, hire a professional pest control firm, one that specializes in bedbugs because there are extremely tough to get rid of and easy to spread to another part of the house.

Tags: Bed bugs, hotels, New York, pest control

The Incredible Last Century of Ibiza History

In the first few decades of the Twentieth Century the island of Ibiza, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Mainland Spain, was under tyrannical rule.  First, under King Alfonso the 12th, to Primo de Rivera.  For reasons not entirely understood, these dictators managed to win over the more liberal, conservative or dynastic parties, during elections.  However, this did create some modern movements, such as the formation of the Ibiza Republican Committee.  This committee was founded in 1930, following the opposition of workers during the 1920′s.

Just following this, still in the early 30′s, many fled Nazi Germany, intellectuals such as Raoul Hausmann and Walter Benjamin among those seeking safe harbour in Ibiza.  The tourism board was formed just after the building of many five star hotels.  Ibiza had begun the journey towards the hot spot it has become today, for international travelers as well as those seeking calmer island breezes.  However, it was still a road to this day and age.  Conflicts between the liberal and republican thinkers and the troupes of General Franco’s army resulted in discord and chaos.  During this time churches were destroyed and the execution of priests caused many of those living on the island to flee to North Africa and elsewhere in Europe.  Many others were imprisoned, the intellectuals, the politicians and the priests.  Through the mid 1940′s many were held on the island of Formentera in a concentration work camp.

However, change came in the form of the construction of the airport of Ibiza in 1958.  The island began to move swiftly in the direction of service and tourism industry.  Ibiza’s population almost doubled during the years between 1960 and 1975 due to so many people arriving from other cities in Spain, and those elsewhere in Europe searching for work in this booming new economy.  This phenomenon created the opportunity for the transition towards a democratic and a regime based of freedom.  And while current times have slowed tourism and travel all over the world, this will change, and for generations to come, Ibiza will continue to be a safe, and peaceful and beautiful haven for international travelers.

Tags: Europe, hotels, Ibiza, Mediterranean Sea, North Africa

Dining by the River

Bangkok is an amazingly beautiful and vibrant city that has a strong focus on the arts and various forms of performance. Its diverse arts scene includes major touring companies, local professional and high budget spectacles as well as the ambitious productions from local community theatres. Studio 9’s performances are somewhere between these extremes, and it offers quality entertainment at an affordable price. Tourists who are staying in hotels in Bangkok Thailand are often encouraged to attend a show at Studio 9 as part of their overall experience.

The elegant Patravadi Theatre houses Studio 9, which celebrates having over 10 years of production history. Still, it is the youngest and newest of the offerings at the Patravadi Theatre. It bills itself as Dining By The River, and it cannot be accused of false advertisement. Patrons are able to enjoy a magnificent river view across from the Grand Palace. The Studio is a unique venue, and creates a fusion of food and performance for an all inclusive evening. It also has the distinction of providing a stage to some of the country’s most distinguished artists as well as the major up and coming performers who are new to the scene. Not only does it work with a diverse selection of performers, it also offers numerous types and genres of performance entertainment. Dance, theatre and puppetry are just a few among many.

The Grand Palace, which sits across the river from the Patravadi, is one of the most enchanting complexes of buildings in Thailand. Not only is it one of the major cultural icons of Bangkok, but it is an extremely popular tourist attraction. The Palace is filled with regal prestige, which began when it started housing the kings of Thailand back in the 18th century. Tourist will have no problem getting information on the Palace and may well become privy to some exciting historical gossip when they inquire.

Tags: Bangkok, dining, hotels, Patravadi, River, Thailand, Theatre