Monthly Archives: February 2009

Singapore’s Dedication to the Environment

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On the island of Singapore there is an interactive energy plant open to the public. The Marina Barrage is located at the Marina bay. This operating power plant offers many activities to the public for enjoyment as well as education and interest. Singapore sits just 10 miles from the rain forest. The only other city in the world that is in a rain forest is Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. So perhaps the ecosystem is more of an immediate concern, so easy to see the effects humans have on the planet as it exists in their backyard. The wildlife reserve in the forest is called the Bukit Timah Reserve. Here in this relatively small space, the number and variety of species of trees and plant-life is larger than the number and variety contained on the entire continent of North America. Hiking paths make it possible for visitors to experience and observe and hopefully, to also feel that immediate need to protect and conserve. The natural wonders of the world are located here, be it the trees and the plants and the flowers, and also the insects and the numerous species of birds and other wildlife.

So it is no surprise that in the middle of the city, the Marina Barrage is quite a popular destination. This ‘plant’ is testament and proof of the lengths that Singapore will go to conserve and preserve. The channel leads to the dam, the dam operates to convert to drinking water for all of Singapore, from previously undrinkable sea water. Located aside the dam are the Sustainable Gallery and the Solar Park. The gallery highlights and demonstrates all the positive effects and accomplishments of the Barrage. Tours and lectures occur daily to illustrate and inform the necessity and the benefit of alternative sources of the energy. 400 solar panel, the largest collection in all of Singapore, serve to light and power the whole operation. This is a power plant, and water purification center that is self sustaining. The Marina Barrage has gained such popularity over the years that now various retail boutiques, restaurants, theaters and best Singapore hotels make up the first story of the complex. Thus showing that economical growth can be attained while still maintaining a healthy respect and knowledge and dedication to the care of the ecosystem, not just for the island of Singapore, but for the rest of the planet as well.

The History of Cargo Vans

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Cargo vans are designed to transport goods. These windowless vehicles usually weigh between .5 and 1 ton. They have the same front seats as other vans, but are missing the back seats found in passenger and conversion vans. Over the years these vehicles have proved essential for a variety of industries. It is the preferred vehicle for many electricians, plumbers, painters, carpet installers, florists, and even dry cleaners, amongst many others.

The modern van was first introduced in 1961. The Econoline Van from Ford offered a new Forward Control and a completely new body design. Changes in engine placement and drive position revolutionized the way vans were made.

With over 50,000 Econline vans produced every year, Ford moved to expand its offerings. In 1965 the Supervan was released. It featured an 18 inch extension of the van’s body and 105 hp engine. GM replaced its rear-engine Corvan 95 (sold from 1961-1965) with a front engine Forward Control van that was sold under both GMC and Chevy brands. Dodge joined the fray in 1963 with the Dodge A-100, then added the A-108 in 1965.

By the end of the 1960s, Ford realized the drawbacks of forward control. With the drivers legs forward of the front wheels, the vibrations created by the configuration were only one of the drawbacks. Ford decided to move the engine forward in 1969 models. Within a few years all the other manufacturers followed suit. This “semi-forward configuration” is pretty much the standard through this day.

Today, very little has changed in the design of vans. Whether you visit a new or used van dealer, most models will have the semi-forward configuration. About the only differences will be in style and interior features. The basic mechanics will be the same, whether the van was made in 1975 or 2005.

The one significant change has been in cargo capacity. With the popularity of cargo vans to smaller delivery and service businesses, the demand for larger payloads has resulted in vans with longer bodies and more headspace.

South Africa’s “Mother City”

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Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa (after Johannesburg) with a population of 3.5 million. It is part of the urban metropolis of the City of Cape Town as well as the capital of the Western Cape province. Cape Town is South Africa’s legislative capital as well. It is home to the National Parliament as well as many government offices. The city is known affectionately as “the Mother City” of South Africa.

Even though the population seems like a fairly large number, Cape Town is the largest city in area in South Africa, resulting in a low population density. And the people here are known as the friendliest in the country, making it a welcoming place for all visitors.

Cape Town is a mixture of influences from various historic and modern cultures. There are European-style boutiques, American malls, and African markets and restaurants. The architecture and museums preserve some of the country’s heritage while the modern shops and nightclubs bring a 21st century vibe to the city.

There are Cape Town five star hotels as well as numerous guest houses and hostels. Some visitors prefer to rent private apartments or villas during their stay. There are also a lot of accomodations that cater to the backpacking culture that thrives in this part of Africa.

Some of the more noteworthy attractions in Cape Town are the Slave Lodge, the Castle of Good Hope, and Table Mountain National Park. Visitors may also want to check out the Rhodes Memorial, the South Arican National Gallery or the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The city hosts a number of cultural and arts events throughout the year, such as the Spiers Summer Arts Festival and the Cape Town Jazz Festival.

Top Attractions in Singapore

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What are some of the top sights to see in Singapore? The island city is a long way away and you should be prepared in advance for your trip.

A good place to start is The Esplanade which is one of Singapore’s most famous art attractions. In The Esplanade you can see shows and exhibitions in a beautiful location. A popular destination is the Asian Civilizations Museum. This museum features exhibitions from around Asia. One of the most famous symbols of Singapore is the Merlion statue. This statue lays close to the Singapore River along with a statue of Sir Stamford Raffles the founder of Singapore.

One of the worlds most famous zoos is the Singapore Zoo. It rare flora and fauna and it should be on everyone’s itineraries who visit the city. If you have no time during the day there is Night Safari for observing animals after dark. Another popular area is the Botanic Gardens in Singapore. The gardens are popular for days out and picnics or if you want a quiet place to stroll or sit and get away from your boutique hotel Singapore.

In the center of Singapore lies Clarke Quay which is a popular area for people out to enjoy nightlife and entertainment. Just of the coast of Singapore is the island of Sentosa. This island has excellent beaches along the Musical Fountain and the Underwater World.

The Appeal of Bangalore

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For a city that is over a thousand years old, Bangalore is one of the most modern urban areas in India. Thanks to its booming IT industry, the city is affectionately referred to as the “Indian Silicon Valley’ by many business experts. The capital of Karnataka, Bangalore is situated on the Deccan Plateau and is one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country.

During colonial era, Bangalore served as the southern capital for the British and attracted large numbers of migrants from other regions in India. In recent years the IT boom has led to further migrations as well as an influx of youthful energy and enthusiasm that puts the city on the cutting edge of Indian business and popular culture. In addition to being India’s top IT employer, Bangalore is home to telecommunications, aerospace, and software companies.

While it isn’t as well known to tourists as other Indian cities, Bangalore has a lot to offer, beginning with its incredible climate. The city remains warm and sunny throughout the year, avoiding the unbearable heat that plagues most of India in the summer. Its multicultural population has led to a variety in music, food, design, and traditions that are attractive to the international traveler. There are luxurious five star hotels in Bangalore as well as a variety of other accomodations.

One of the best things about Bangalore is its gardens and parks. Known as the “Garden City of India” it has more greenery than any other part of India. Parks, lakes, gardens, and animal sanctuaries seem to be everywhere. And if there isn’t enough in the city, the Bangalore Rural District offers scenic countryside away from the noise of the city.

New York Getaway

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Each week thousands of tourists flock to New York. Whether for an extended vacation or a weekend getaway, the city offers a dynamic and memorable experience for all visitors. There are decadent New York hotel suites available for those wanting the iconic Big Apple experience and unique bed and breakfast lodgings available in historic New York brownstones. The variety of accomodations in the city will suit just about any style and budget.

Once luggage is stowed in the room, visitors have an amazing array of activities and venues to consider. Tour a financial or diplomatic venue such as the New York Stock Exchange or the United Nations Headquarters. Explore one of the city’s many historic and ethnic neighborhoods like Harlem and Greenwich Village. Walk through Central Park or Times Square to soak up the New York energy. There are dozens of other attractions ranging from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Food in the city ranged from the ubiquitous hot dog stand to 5-star restaurants offering cutting edge cuisine. And don’t forget to schedule time for the many incredible ethnic restaurants that offer traditional cuisines as brought to the city by immigrants from around the world.

New York is known for its museums and performing arts. Check out the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim to start. Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts are also popular destinations for tourists and residents alike. And theater lovers will want to make time for the granddaddy of all American theater: Broadway.

The city is home to an astounding variety of events throughout the year. The New York Film Festival, the Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show, and the most famous New Year’s Eve celebration (held in Times Square) are a few that pop to mind. There are hundreds if not thousands of other festivals, conferences, and celebrations.

With everything the city has to offer, it’s highly unlikely one getaway to New York will ever by enough.

Destination: Goa

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Goa has earned a reputation for beaches and hippies. Must like it’s Mediterrarean cousin, Ibiza, Goa is a popular holiday destination with hordes of tourists flocking from other parts of India and from across the globe to enjoy its golden sands and sun-kissed ocean. In the 1960s and 1970s Goa was a mecca for hippies seeking enlightenment in a warm climate. While some of that legacy remains, Goa is much more than pre-packaged beach holidays and burned out hippies.

With its Portuguese influences, Goa’s capital city of Panaji offers a unique blend of architectural, religious, and cultural traditions that set it apart from the rest of India. While most of India reflects the influence of British colonialism, the are which became the state of Goa was colonized by Portugual. That influence is reflected in the language, religion, architecture and even food found across Goa.

The beaches are magnificant. Many of the five star hotels in Goa are right on the beach. There are also smaller hotels, large bargain resorts and private villas available. The more adventurous traveler can even consider camping out in the interior countryside. Goan beaches offer more than just swimming and sunbathing. Many are filled with markets and restaurants offering fresh seafood. A few have historic sites such as the Albuquerque Mansion on Anjuna Beach. Visitors can also find spots for diving or to go parasailing.

As with other parts of India, Goa is home to a number of forts and temples. Here you’ll also find a few Catholic cathedrals with active parishes that stretch back to colonial times. Many of the smaller villages in Goa provide a glimpse of the quieter, traditional life of the area while the cities are full of trendy restaurants and clubs catering to the party crowd.

Venture beyond the beach and the modern city comforts and you’ll discover a slow charm and diversity that is unique amongst the modern states of India.

Delhi’s Lotus Temple

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One of the most stunning examples of modern architecture in the world is the Bahá’í Lotus Temple in the capital city of India, Delhi. Officially known as the The Bahá’í House of Worship, the Temple was completed in 1986 and is the most visited building in India, and possibly in the entire world. It serves as the Mother Temple for the Bahá’í faith for the entire Indian subcontinent.

The name “Lotus Temple” refers to the structure’s shape. It appears to be a large lotus flower suspended above the nine beautiful ponds that actually surround the building. The Temple is made largely from concrete, but the 27 petals are covered in marble. They are arranged in groups of three to create the nine sides required for any Bahá’í House of Worship. The Temple’s main hall rises over 40 meters high and can hold up to 2,500 people.

The Lotus Temple has received many architectural awards as well as recognition and distinctions from all over the world. With over 4.5 million visitors a year (that’s nine people every minute), it exceeds the visitor count of other world landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Eiffel Tower. On Hindu high holy days, as many as 150,000 worshippers have come to the Temple.

The Bahá’í faith calls for “the unity of religions” and welcomes worshippers of any religion. Within any Bahá’í House of Worship, people can worship God with scriptures and readings from any religion and in any language.

Those making a pilgrimage to the Temple will want to take time to explore the other attractions Delhi has to offer. The city has a long and colorful past and has managed to blend its ancient roots and traditions with modern, urban styles. In addition to the amazing architecture and historic sites in the city, Delhi is known for its wonderful food, traditional bazaars, and beautiful classical music. Accomodations in the city range from Delhi five star hotels to youth hostels and budget lodgings.