During his weekly national address Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that a military helicopter had crashed near the border with Colombia killing all 18 people on board. Among the dead is Gen. Domingo Faneite, the commander of Operational Theater No. 2. No cause for the crash has been given.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Iraq: Airline Wants to Resume London to Baghdad Flights
There has been no commercial airline service between the UK and Iraq since before the first Gulf War started in 1991. But that could change relatively soon if Heathrow's second largest airline, BMI, gets its way. Last Thursday BMI announced it is ready to resume London to Baghdad flights if the governments of both nations give their approvals.
By:
Progress
On 23:07
White House "Clarifies" Biden's Remarks on Public Transportation
The White House has had to do a bit of damage control after Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday seemed to tell Americans to avoid commercial air travel and public transportation in light of the current A/H1N1 flu outbreak. Biden made his remarks on the Today Show yesterday morning and by the afternoon White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was answering questions about Biden's comments, and "clarifying" what Biden "meant" to say.
By:
Progress
On 23:06
Monday, 4 May 2009
Greetings from Incredible India!
Greetings from the Indian Culinary Academy in Hyderabad, a city of 10 million inhabitants that is widely known for its exceptional Chefs, Doctors, Dentists and IT experts.
It is therefore no surprise that the cuisine in the city is varied with spices and of a high quality. Meanwhile, Medical Tourism is growing fast in Hyderabad with emphasis on cosmetic and essential operative surgery, which takes place in Hospitals that are akin to 5 star Hotels with high quality services and exceptional Medical care, all at a fraction of the cost in the west. Indian Surgeons tend to get more practice with a growing population, which contributes to their competence.
The outsourcing trade and IT in general has taken a turn for the worse of late, as a consequence of the global recession. In particular the Satyam IT Company account manipulation with Real Estate, caused their bankrupty only 6 months ago and resulted in the loss of around 25,000 jobs.
Elections are now taking place in India, which is the worlds oldest and largest democracy. With around 16,000 candidates to choose from for the election, its no wonder that the process takes a complete month. India is a BRIC country and an emerging super-power, so these elections are important to future development. Let's trust that everything passes peacefully in the country that will have 1.6 billion people in 2020.
Happy May Day
Grant Homes
Editor
Perpetual Traveller
It is therefore no surprise that the cuisine in the city is varied with spices and of a high quality. Meanwhile, Medical Tourism is growing fast in Hyderabad with emphasis on cosmetic and essential operative surgery, which takes place in Hospitals that are akin to 5 star Hotels with high quality services and exceptional Medical care, all at a fraction of the cost in the west. Indian Surgeons tend to get more practice with a growing population, which contributes to their competence.
The outsourcing trade and IT in general has taken a turn for the worse of late, as a consequence of the global recession. In particular the Satyam IT Company account manipulation with Real Estate, caused their bankrupty only 6 months ago and resulted in the loss of around 25,000 jobs.
Elections are now taking place in India, which is the worlds oldest and largest democracy. With around 16,000 candidates to choose from for the election, its no wonder that the process takes a complete month. India is a BRIC country and an emerging super-power, so these elections are important to future development. Let's trust that everything passes peacefully in the country that will have 1.6 billion people in 2020.
Happy May Day
Grant Homes
Editor
Perpetual Traveller
By:
Progress
On 03:19
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Worldwide May Events and comment
May has arrived with the usual fanfare of celebration across the globe, but sadly also to the Swine Flu outbreak scare, which originated in a rural area of Mexico and has almost brought the capital Mexico City to a stand still, which in synergy with the recession is a double blow for their economy.
This is subsequently not the moment to state to any immigration officer across the planet that ones last port of call was Mexico! Isolation, quarantine and a visit to the local Hospital are the minimum expectations for any traveller that merely sneezes in front of an official at the airport.
A Hotel has been quarantined in Hong Kong, travelers originating from Mexico are not welcome, countries are implementing tough measures and over the period of just days the world has been consumed by the 21st Century swine fever media. In such instances the international 24 hour Media can be an advantage providing advance warning for travellers to stay home; on the other hand it can be a curse hyping up the issue, closing businesses without need and affecting future travel planning, especially for the case of Mexico. The poor Mexican Tourism Board must be in meltdown just now readjusting their Budgets for 2009 and wondering how the hell they can market their way out of this unfortunate globally televised health nightmare.
Meanwhile the world continues with its celebrasted events, the essence of which we are pleased to present you as follows…
Cyprus, Labour Day 1st May 2008
With a new Labor left Government recently elected (February 2009) the beat of the “Labor Day” drums, marches and festivities seemed stronger than ever this year in Cyprus. All principle towns celebrated with great fanfare May 1st in Cyprus from Larnaka to Limassol and Nicosia to Paphos. The air in Cyprus is sweet this May, with the last chance opportunity of reunification on the immediate horizon. Many Islanders chose to take the opportunity to spend the day with friends, family and loved ones on both sides of the border, to enjoy a day out somewhere or anywhere, as there is always something going on. Visit Cyprus and see for yourself and as the Cyprus Tourism Organization says you will surely “Love Cyprus”.
Further information: www.visitcyprus.org.cy
Rome Italy, May Antique Fair 1st – 31st May 2008
Bric-a-brac, heirloom or priceless relics; there is a fair chance of finding one or all of these among the many stalls that are set up along the Via dei Coronari every May. A wonderful month to visit Rome, as its not quite so inundated with Tourists like the other summer months and the weather is usually a comfortable shade of mild (not too hot), with perfect conditions of course for antique shopping and/or sightseeing!
Further information: www.events.skyteam.com
Cirko - Helsinki Contemporary Circus Festival 6th – 13th May 2009
Helsinki celebrates the art of circus at this annual festival. Venues across the city play host to troupes from around Europe, featuring impressive stunts and feats of colorful gymnastic displays.
http://www.sirkusfestivaali.net
Cannes, Cote d’Azur, France: Cannes Film Festival 13th – 24th May 2009
The Festival de Cannes is considered by some as the most important film event in the world, with more than 4,000 journalists among the 30,000 accreditees, representing the entire spectrum of the motion-picture industry. A host of Celebrities will attend with crowds of dedicated fans traveling for miles just to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars on the red carpet. No doubt the Champagne will flow at the exclusive parties surrounding the event will too!
Further information: www.festival-cannes.fr
Monaco: Monaco Grand Prix 21st – 24th May 2009
Nearby to Cannes, the Monaco Grand Prix (Grand Prix de Monaco) is a “Formula” One race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important, exciting and prestigious automobile races in the world. The Grand Prix consists of 77 laps around the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo, making the Monaco Grand Prix the most stylish, thrilling, exhilarating and crowd pleasing on the planet.
Further information: www.yourmonaco.com
Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh Ghost Festival 8th - 17th May 2009
This year’s paranormal festival offers a wide range of exciting events which allow people the opportunity to explore and examine under supervision the truly ‘haunted’ nature of this extraordinary city. Mary Kings Ghost Fest is on its 4th Year and promises to be an extraordinary event, if you like this kind of thing of course and have the stomach for it!
Further information: www.marykingsghostfest.com
Belgrade, Eurovision Song Contest 12th - 16th May 2009
A record number of 42 countries will be represented at the 54th converted Eurovision Song Contest. Like last year the contest features two Semi-Finals! The 12th of May will feature the first Semi-Final and on the 14th of May the second Semi-Final. The actual final will take place on the 16th May and as ever the contest is wide open and no doubt we will see some more political and tactical voting taking place, that has plagued the contest in recent years!
Further information: www.eurovision.tv
Belfast, Balmoral Show 13th – 15th May 2009
The Balmoral Show is Ireland’s largest agricultural international show, featuring show-jumping competitions, falconry displays, sheep shearing demonstrations, a craft village and a Kids’ Zone where there is a climbing wall and baby animal farm. After the great success of the 2008 Balmoral Show, where huge crowds of visitors attended for 3 days of sunshine, excellent entertainment and a record number of livestock exhibitors, plans are now underway set-up for the 2009 Show. The Bolddog Lings, who are a motor cycle display team, will be the main attraction this year in the Main Arena, where International Show Jumping and Falconry displays will also take place. This years Show will offer its usual extravaganza of color, competition and showmanship along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats.
Further information: www.balmoralshow.co.uk
UK, Chelsea Flower Show 20th – 24th May 2008
The Chelsea Flower Show attracts horticulturalists, gardeners, admirers and those connected to the industry from around our colorful planet. In all there are approximately 600 exhibitors in total. The show will feature around 50 gardens and more than 100 floral exhibitors in the Great Pavilion. International exhibitors come from countries as far away as the Sweden, Barbados, Sri Lanka, France, Holland, Germany, Australia, Jamaica, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe.
Further information: www.rhs.org.uk
USA, Las Vegas the Police live in Concert 23rd May 2008
I thought we should include this one! Yes “The Police” are back! An Event not to be missed, especially for those thousands of nostalgic fans of Police across the globe and everyone that appreciates the dieing art of “Rock Bands”. A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to Water Aid, an international NGO founded in 1981 and dedicated to reducing poverty by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Hence, the Police are now sending more than a message in a bottle, when it comes to water linked to Poverty!
Further information: www.thepolicefile.com
That’s it for May, which is a really stunning list of attractive events. I only hope that you can travel!Have a great May!
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
This is subsequently not the moment to state to any immigration officer across the planet that ones last port of call was Mexico! Isolation, quarantine and a visit to the local Hospital are the minimum expectations for any traveller that merely sneezes in front of an official at the airport.
A Hotel has been quarantined in Hong Kong, travelers originating from Mexico are not welcome, countries are implementing tough measures and over the period of just days the world has been consumed by the 21st Century swine fever media. In such instances the international 24 hour Media can be an advantage providing advance warning for travellers to stay home; on the other hand it can be a curse hyping up the issue, closing businesses without need and affecting future travel planning, especially for the case of Mexico. The poor Mexican Tourism Board must be in meltdown just now readjusting their Budgets for 2009 and wondering how the hell they can market their way out of this unfortunate globally televised health nightmare.
Meanwhile the world continues with its celebrasted events, the essence of which we are pleased to present you as follows…
Cyprus, Labour Day 1st May 2008
With a new Labor left Government recently elected (February 2009) the beat of the “Labor Day” drums, marches and festivities seemed stronger than ever this year in Cyprus. All principle towns celebrated with great fanfare May 1st in Cyprus from Larnaka to Limassol and Nicosia to Paphos. The air in Cyprus is sweet this May, with the last chance opportunity of reunification on the immediate horizon. Many Islanders chose to take the opportunity to spend the day with friends, family and loved ones on both sides of the border, to enjoy a day out somewhere or anywhere, as there is always something going on. Visit Cyprus and see for yourself and as the Cyprus Tourism Organization says you will surely “Love Cyprus”.
Further information: www.visitcyprus.org.cy
Rome Italy, May Antique Fair 1st – 31st May 2008
Bric-a-brac, heirloom or priceless relics; there is a fair chance of finding one or all of these among the many stalls that are set up along the Via dei Coronari every May. A wonderful month to visit Rome, as its not quite so inundated with Tourists like the other summer months and the weather is usually a comfortable shade of mild (not too hot), with perfect conditions of course for antique shopping and/or sightseeing!
Further information: www.events.skyteam.com
Cirko - Helsinki Contemporary Circus Festival 6th – 13th May 2009
Helsinki celebrates the art of circus at this annual festival. Venues across the city play host to troupes from around Europe, featuring impressive stunts and feats of colorful gymnastic displays.
http://www.sirkusfestivaali.net
Cannes, Cote d’Azur, France: Cannes Film Festival 13th – 24th May 2009
The Festival de Cannes is considered by some as the most important film event in the world, with more than 4,000 journalists among the 30,000 accreditees, representing the entire spectrum of the motion-picture industry. A host of Celebrities will attend with crowds of dedicated fans traveling for miles just to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars on the red carpet. No doubt the Champagne will flow at the exclusive parties surrounding the event will too!
Further information: www.festival-cannes.fr
Monaco: Monaco Grand Prix 21st – 24th May 2009
Nearby to Cannes, the Monaco Grand Prix (Grand Prix de Monaco) is a “Formula” One race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. Run since 1929, it is widely considered to be one of the most important, exciting and prestigious automobile races in the world. The Grand Prix consists of 77 laps around the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo, making the Monaco Grand Prix the most stylish, thrilling, exhilarating and crowd pleasing on the planet.
Further information: www.yourmonaco.com
Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh Ghost Festival 8th - 17th May 2009
This year’s paranormal festival offers a wide range of exciting events which allow people the opportunity to explore and examine under supervision the truly ‘haunted’ nature of this extraordinary city. Mary Kings Ghost Fest is on its 4th Year and promises to be an extraordinary event, if you like this kind of thing of course and have the stomach for it!
Further information: www.marykingsghostfest.com
Belgrade, Eurovision Song Contest 12th - 16th May 2009
A record number of 42 countries will be represented at the 54th converted Eurovision Song Contest. Like last year the contest features two Semi-Finals! The 12th of May will feature the first Semi-Final and on the 14th of May the second Semi-Final. The actual final will take place on the 16th May and as ever the contest is wide open and no doubt we will see some more political and tactical voting taking place, that has plagued the contest in recent years!
Further information: www.eurovision.tv
Belfast, Balmoral Show 13th – 15th May 2009
The Balmoral Show is Ireland’s largest agricultural international show, featuring show-jumping competitions, falconry displays, sheep shearing demonstrations, a craft village and a Kids’ Zone where there is a climbing wall and baby animal farm. After the great success of the 2008 Balmoral Show, where huge crowds of visitors attended for 3 days of sunshine, excellent entertainment and a record number of livestock exhibitors, plans are now underway set-up for the 2009 Show. The Bolddog Lings, who are a motor cycle display team, will be the main attraction this year in the Main Arena, where International Show Jumping and Falconry displays will also take place. This years Show will offer its usual extravaganza of color, competition and showmanship along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats.
Further information: www.balmoralshow.co.uk
UK, Chelsea Flower Show 20th – 24th May 2008
The Chelsea Flower Show attracts horticulturalists, gardeners, admirers and those connected to the industry from around our colorful planet. In all there are approximately 600 exhibitors in total. The show will feature around 50 gardens and more than 100 floral exhibitors in the Great Pavilion. International exhibitors come from countries as far away as the Sweden, Barbados, Sri Lanka, France, Holland, Germany, Australia, Jamaica, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago and Zimbabwe.
Further information: www.rhs.org.uk
USA, Las Vegas the Police live in Concert 23rd May 2008
I thought we should include this one! Yes “The Police” are back! An Event not to be missed, especially for those thousands of nostalgic fans of Police across the globe and everyone that appreciates the dieing art of “Rock Bands”. A portion of the proceeds from this tour will be donated to Water Aid, an international NGO founded in 1981 and dedicated to reducing poverty by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Hence, the Police are now sending more than a message in a bottle, when it comes to water linked to Poverty!
Further information: www.thepolicefile.com
That’s it for May, which is a really stunning list of attractive events. I only hope that you can travel!Have a great May!
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
By:
Progress
On 10:40
Summary
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Belgium shares a common level of threat with neighbouring European countries. On 11 December 2008 a number of terrorist suspects were arrested in Belgium.
Theft and pick pocketing is a problem in crowded areas. You should take extra care, particularly of your belongings and passports, at all train stations in Brussels, but in particular at the Gare du Midi (Eurostar terminal) and Gare Du Nord in Brussels. Try to avoid walking around these latter areas at night time, particularly if you are on your own. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
Road Safety
Belgian roads are generally in good condition and at night are well lit, including the motorway network. Traffic is fast and Belgium’s accident rate is high mainly due to speeding. In 2007 there were 1,103 road deaths in Belgium (source: DfT). This equates to 10.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.
Speed traps, cameras and unmarked vehicles are operational throughout the country. Since February 2007 the following road regulations were brought into place:
If it is raining, hailing or snowing, vehicles of 7.5 tonnes or over are not allowed to overtake on motorways, highways or roads with a minimum of four lanes.
Vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or over are not allowed to use the left lane on roads with more than three lanes. An exception is made when traffic approaches a fork in the motorway and vehicles have to move to the left or right hand lanes depending on their destination.
The maximum speed for vehicles of 3.5 tonnes or over is now 90km/hr on motorways and highways of 2 x 2 lanes or more.
If your vehicle breaks down and you are on the hard shoulder of the motorway, you must now wear a fluorescent jacket.
You should take great care to obey the ‘priority to the right’ rule, which was tightened up on March 2007. Drivers must give absolute priority to vehicles joining a road from the right, even if they have stopped at a road junction or stopped for pedestrians or cyclists. Exemptions to this rule include motorways, roundabouts, roads sign-posted with an orange diamond within a white background, and drivers who are attempting to join a road after having driven down a street in the wrong direction.
Trams have priority over other traffic. If a tram or bus stops in the middle of the road to allow passengers on or off, you must stop.
There is a speed restriction of 30 kms/hr in school areas, which is valid 24 hours (even when schools are closed). The start and finish of these zones are not always clearly marked.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Travelling with children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.
Emergency numbers
Emergency numbers are 101 (for the police), 100 (for medical services), and 112 (from a mobile phone).
Money
Since 15 June 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU apply in all Member States. Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc. This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.
By:
Progress
On 04:49
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Hong Kong and Singapore
The current economic boom in China started off right here: in busy commercial Hong Kong and in the city-state of Singapore, devoted to business, technology and highly specialized electronics.
When Beijing was still undecided between a policy of gradual progress and the relentless development that is now occurring, Chinese, European, Filipino, Indian, Portuguese and American businessmen were meeting in Hong Kong; and in Singapore, the most important companies in world finance filled ultramodern skyscrapers.
There are 236 islands in the South China Sea united in this “Special Administrative Region of China”, which was the name given to Hong Kong after 99 years of lease to the United Kingdom, which began after the Second Opium War.
There are 236 islands in the South China Sea united in this “Special Administrative Region of China”, which was the name given to Hong Kong after 99 years of lease to the United Kingdom, which began after the Second Opium War.
The year was 1997, and the city’s return to mainland China had caused dozens of companies, industry leaders and rich foreigners to leave, worried about being sucked into the slow pace of Chinese development. Instead, the government of Beijing stunned the world, and today the capital, even more so than Shanghai, is the most incredible and original example of how to chase Western market economies.
Hong Kong, having lost a lot of supremacy in terms of trade and profits, is still a fascinating emblem of a great period of history. A city of bright lights that can be admired from the Peak Tram, the city’s oldest means of transport that takes you up to Victoria Peak, 552 metres above sea level. Alongside the impressive port, the largest concentration of shops and shopping centres anywhere in the world and the hi-tech airport, Hong Kong still has old colonial traits and examples of its Cantonese identity: English place names and double-decker trams, shops selling dried fish and ancient medicinal remedies; temples and skyscrapers, limousines and fishing junks.
Seven million inhabitants in all, but the centre of the region, naturally, is the island of Hong Kong (15 kilometres by 11), where the oldest built-up areas are, as well as the highest density of population, but still with plenty of green areas, hiking trails and beaches.
Victoria, a neighbourhood that was named after the Queen at the time, is the heart of the island. This is the departure point of the Star Ferry, which was inaugurated in 1898, and sails for ten minutes to the Kowloon Peninsula, the cultural centre of the region, with wonderful museums. The view during the brief crossing is spectacular, and takes in some of the most aggressive architecture of modern, industrial and hi-tech Hong Kong, with impressive headquarters of banks, financial institutions and the Stock Exchange and Treasury buildings.
Victoria, a neighbourhood that was named after the Queen at the time, is the heart of the island. This is the departure point of the Star Ferry, which was inaugurated in 1898, and sails for ten minutes to the Kowloon Peninsula, the cultural centre of the region, with wonderful museums. The view during the brief crossing is spectacular, and takes in some of the most aggressive architecture of modern, industrial and hi-tech Hong Kong, with impressive headquarters of banks, financial institutions and the Stock Exchange and Treasury buildings.
On the island is also the ancient temple of Man Mo (on Hollywood Road, just to reinforce the contrast), which dates back 150 years, famous for its big incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The temple is dedicated to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and martial arts (Mo), depicted on the main altar.
Following the theme of tradition, not too far from Hollywood Road on Tai Ping Shan Street, is a group of small temples that are still very popular among the inhabitants of this ancient Chinese settlement. In the port of Aberdeen you can admire a floating village of boats – junks and sampans – which are the home and workplace of as many as 6,000 people, 10 % of the population of the town. It used to be a pirates’ den, and today it is inhabited by peace-loving fishermen who don’t want to be part of the hectic pace of the nearby metropolis.
On the south side of the island of Hong Kong, worth visiting is the town of Stanley, which attracts tourists with is bustling covered market that sells everything from all types of souvenirs and traditional local clothes to objects and linen for the home. Not too far from there is relaxing Stanley Beach, lined with many restaurants. The contrast continues, with the nearby temple of Tin Hau, dating back to 1767, and surrounded by a square full of shops. On the coast is Murray House, now a shopping centre: a pretty banal end for one of the most ancient colonial buildings in Hong Kong; it was transferred here from Central, where it had to make room, unsurprisingly, for the Bank of China.
The Republic of Singapore has been independent since 1965 and is part of the Malaysian Federation. A city-state on the Equator, it has a population of about four and a half million people, three and half million of whom live in the ultramodern capital.
The history of the city has always been tied to trade and finance, since the area has no raw materials.
The Republic of Singapore has been independent since 1965 and is part of the Malaysian Federation. A city-state on the Equator, it has a population of about four and a half million people, three and half million of whom live in the ultramodern capital.
The history of the city has always been tied to trade and finance, since the area has no raw materials.
Even its name – which means “city of the lion” – suggests a remarkable national pride and an aggressive political stance, although the area was first part of the powerful kingdom of Sumatra, and subsequently, from the middle of the 13th Century, a vassal state of the empire of Java, and then later part of the Sultanate of Johor. In 1819 the British started arriving, and they turned it into an important outpost for their trade fleet, as a way of thwarting the colonial ambitions of the Dutch. The colonial city flourished under Sir Stamford Raffles, an officer of the East India Company, who, in February of the same year, signed an agreement – that took his name – with the Sultan of Johor to establish a British settlement.
Its fame as a seedy port, with opium dens, pearl fishers and pirates, is shrouded in legend. What appears today is a skyline of skyscrapers that are home to the largest trade and finance centres in Asia. Yet, in the whole of South East Asia, it is in Singapore that you can still find evidence of great Asian civilisations.
The melting pot of Chinese (77% of the population), Malay and Indians means that Singapore also has its own Chinatown, a Little India, and even an Arab Street, with a muezzin chanting from the Sultan Mosque: every ethnic group has its own markets, holidays and restaurants, in a flourish of events and festivities that bring the city to life. But Singapore is also a city of architecture, gardens and museums. Colonial Singapore is well worth a visit. The Empress Place Building is an impressive Victorian building dating from 1865, which today contains shops and art galleries. Not to be missed is the Raffles Hotel, the symbol of an age that brought together exotic luxury and colonial elegance. Jurong Town, east of the centre, is a dense industrial area, which does however have a number of attractions, such as the Haw Par Villa, a very kitsch park dedicated to Chinese mythology, the fabulous Bird Park, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and the Singapore Science Centre.
For a concentrated taste of all of this - museums, beaches, restaurants, horse riding, aquariums – visit Sentosa Island, which is very busy on holidays, the genuine Central Park of Singapore.
Gastronomic gems
Both Hong Kong and Singapore offer the opportunity of tasting cuisines from all over the world in the many international restaurants that are as common as the traditional ones. Among the specialities of Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong are Cantonese dim sum (fried or steamed ravioli and dumplings with a number of different fillings), Peking duck, Chiu Chow cuisine and spicy Szechwan cuisine. Regional Cantonese cuisine is the most common in Singapore, where seafood is very popular. Not to be missed is the delicious chilli crab, in a spicy tomato sauce and served with a small hammer to break the shell. Among other traditional dishes are braised pork with soy and spices (babi pong tay), chicken stew with black walnuts (buah beluak byam) and a mixture of about ten different vegetables cooked in spiced coconut milk (chap chye lemak). Laksa, a spicy soup with coconut milk, noodles, tofu and bean sprouts, and chicken with steamed rice are probably the most popular dishes. Desserts are very colourful and sweet.
Tai Chi: meditation and movement
Tai is a Chinese word that means high or tall, whereas Chi means energy, strength, breath. So Tai Chi is the strength or energy that allows us to reach a state of supreme well-being. According to Chinese medicine, the human body has twelve channels and eight main points through which Chi flows. The 12 channels are like rivers that distribute Chi through the body and link the extremities with the internal organs. The eight main knots can be compared to small reservoirs that control the distribution and circulation of Chi in our body. When there is an imbalance or an interruption in the circulation of this energy, then an illness appears. The flow of events is controlled by the interchange of two opposing forces, Yin, passive force, and Yang, active force. Tai Chi is based on passing from a state of Yin to one of Yang, or vice-versa. The consecutive movements form a harmonic dance that rebalances the body’s energy.
Not to be missed
In Hong Kong
- Victoria Peak. A tower located on the island of Hong Kong from where you can enjoy a truly spectacular view.
Gastronomic gems
Both Hong Kong and Singapore offer the opportunity of tasting cuisines from all over the world in the many international restaurants that are as common as the traditional ones. Among the specialities of Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong are Cantonese dim sum (fried or steamed ravioli and dumplings with a number of different fillings), Peking duck, Chiu Chow cuisine and spicy Szechwan cuisine. Regional Cantonese cuisine is the most common in Singapore, where seafood is very popular. Not to be missed is the delicious chilli crab, in a spicy tomato sauce and served with a small hammer to break the shell. Among other traditional dishes are braised pork with soy and spices (babi pong tay), chicken stew with black walnuts (buah beluak byam) and a mixture of about ten different vegetables cooked in spiced coconut milk (chap chye lemak). Laksa, a spicy soup with coconut milk, noodles, tofu and bean sprouts, and chicken with steamed rice are probably the most popular dishes. Desserts are very colourful and sweet.
Tai Chi: meditation and movement
Tai is a Chinese word that means high or tall, whereas Chi means energy, strength, breath. So Tai Chi is the strength or energy that allows us to reach a state of supreme well-being. According to Chinese medicine, the human body has twelve channels and eight main points through which Chi flows. The 12 channels are like rivers that distribute Chi through the body and link the extremities with the internal organs. The eight main knots can be compared to small reservoirs that control the distribution and circulation of Chi in our body. When there is an imbalance or an interruption in the circulation of this energy, then an illness appears. The flow of events is controlled by the interchange of two opposing forces, Yin, passive force, and Yang, active force. Tai Chi is based on passing from a state of Yin to one of Yang, or vice-versa. The consecutive movements form a harmonic dance that rebalances the body’s energy.
Not to be missed
In Hong Kong
- Victoria Peak. A tower located on the island of Hong Kong from where you can enjoy a truly spectacular view.
- Po Lin Monastery. Situated on the island of Lantau, the monastery houses the largest statue of Buddha in the world. The monastery is on top of Mount Ngong Ping and affords a superb panorama.
- Kowloon. A tour of the Kowloon Peninsula offers visitors local culture and history, as well as great shopping. Of particular interest are the Bird Market, with beautiful birds, and the Jade Market selling minerals.
- City walks. The best way to get to know Hong Kong is certainly to take long walks or organised tours to explore the most interesting parts of the city.
In Singapore
- The ethnic neighbourhoods. The cultural and cosmopolitan essence of Singapore is very present in fascinating neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Arab Street and Little India. Each of them has its own unique and intense atmosphere.
- Jurong Bird Paradise. A true paradise for bird lovers. This 20-hectare park contains more than 600 species and 8,000 different birds.
By:
Progress
On 18:15
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