Category Archives: Arts & Culture

Saint Magnus Cathedral of Kirkwall, Scotland

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The Saint Magnus Cathedral towers over Scotland’s city of Kirkwall.  It is one of the finest pieces of architecture that still stands from the Roman time era.  The sand stone used to construct the cathedral is in varied colors, alternating stripes of yellow and red.  The yellow stone came from the village of Eday,  while the red was transported from a village close to Kirkwall, called Head O’ Holland.  The stones were then worked by masons and artisans that are believed to have received their training from the Durham Cathedral located in England.

Throughout the centuries, the cathedral has expanded and grown, with additions and extensions being added throughout the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.  The location of the choral chamber remains to this day, to be the original, which is constructed of an Eastern Chancel, a nave and a transept.  This is just one of the local historical sites that are located close to the Kirkwall hotels, and easy walk throughout time and history. One of the most interesting aspects of the cathedral, aside from the incredible artistry and masonry, is that it does not belong to the church.  It never has.

It has always been the property of the Royal Burgh and City of Kirkwall.  King James the third was under no position to maintain the cathedral in 1468, and so it was classified as a possession heritable and the town was charge with the maintenance of it.  Today, the situation remains the same.  This is the Cathedral of Kirkwall, literally, in every sense of the word.  In the back of the cathedral, Saint Rognvald’s Chapel is located along with sculptures that commemorate the founding fathers of the cathedral.  Whichever was the official and recognized religion of the time, be it Episcopalian, Presbyterian, or Catholic, they have all been housed here.

The New Crops of the United Kingdom

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An interesting aspect of global warming is affecting the United Kingdom, in a good way.  Good way?  Well, for the region around East Devon and Honiton, the temperatures rising may have an effect on the already pre-existing beauty.  Many farms in the West county are expecting that the temperatures will increase, and may begin to start planting crops such as figs, chilis, and dates, the exotic fruits that are often found in the the warmer climates of the world.  This could bring a different season of tourism to the region as well, which would be beneficial to the Honiton hotels, and the restaurants and markets of the area.  Most of the scientific focus, and the opinion of the general public has been on the negative aspects of the change in global climates.  However in the United Kingdom, the minsters are believing that warmer temperatures in the summertime months may present further opportunities for the large scale farming and harvesting of crops that before were not sustainable, more similar to the varieties found throughout the Mediterranean.

Hilary Been, the environment Secretary is urging farmers to see this as an opportunity.  Now they will be able to harvest the kinds of crops that were before seen as niche or delicacies.  Devon, Cornwall and Honiton have already begun to cultivate unusual and strange foods for those particular environments.  The Chilli Farm in South Devon began in 2003 and is now a plantations of more than ten thousand plants.  Olive and almond trees are doing great in the town of Weston and there is now a plantation growing varieties of tea in Cornwall.  Farmers are even beginning to consider the idea of growing rice, which as with the other crops, would cut down the import costs of bringing in foods that come from so far away.  The landscape is become more diverse in the United Kingdom.  One day crops of garlic and rows of apricot trees could line the countryside.

Walking in Brockenhurst

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I heard that New Forest in Brockenhurst is one of the most ecological and one of the most historical regions in all of lower Britain. So, I booked a room at one of the Brockenhurst Hotels for a weekend to see if I agree with this assessment.

I found that New Forest is somewhat of a misnomer; it’s more like an open gorse, covered with heath land, although, there is a wooded area which supports a wonderful amount of wildlife and species of trees. I can see why it’s a particular favorite for walking holidays and nature lovers like myself. I felt at ease in the New Forest, in my element. Probably because it’s the perfect habitat for some of the most interesting fauna and flora in all of Britain. Not only that, but it’s home to a nice population of roe, fallow, red and diminutive deer. I even got to watch otter play along the banks of the Lymington River.

I managed to get off the more popular paths and crowds of people by simply heading for the woodland paths. I didn’t know this region would be so crowded with holiday visitors, but I don’t blame them, after all, I’m here too. The woodlands is where I ran into the New Forest ponies. They are allowed to roam freely, and in most part are pretty kind hearted, but I’d still stay a safe distance from them, you never know when one will decide to get ornery. I’m glad I booked several days here, walking around approximately 230 square kilometers takes more than just one day, and I thoroughly want to investigate this ecologically preserved region. As for the historical part of the forest, the reason for this region to be ecologically sound is because of William the Conqueror. This was he personal hunting ground, fortunately, hunting is no longer allowed here. I think if is was, this forest would lose it’s pristine quality.

Fun and Healing in Singapore

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When one steps off the plane at the Changi Airport in Singapore, one knows instantly that this is a very exotic, and holistic island. Holistic in the way that everything is connected. Even the airport itself is like non other in the world. There are gardens located throughout, with every thing from koi ponds to butterfly gardens. People travel to Singapore everyday, for business conducted in the Singapore four star hotels, to the festivals and the food and the atmosphere. Sitting along side of a rain-forest draws the out doors types of travelers, just as the vibrant downtown funky and chic scene draws the tourists looking for a good time. The hub of international business spawned an increase in tourism over the years, but the traditions and the color of the island brings travelers back long after business hours are over. For in Singapore, doing business is not doing life. Life happens after the business is conducted, through walks in the gardens, through the forest, with friends in the nightclubs or friends taking long walks on Sentosa Island. It is a city, an island, that centers around the wholeness of life, and not just one aspect.

Mohamed Sultan Road is a location perfect for those wishing to blow off steam by dancing the night away. And for others, spending time with wild animals suits their interests, such as walking through the cheetah exhibit at the Singapore Zoo, or having breakfast with the orangutans or the pink flamingos, at the same said Zoo. One may swim with the dolphins off of the island of Sentosa, or…swim with the sharks. Or sit for tea with a hawk perched on ones arm at the Jurong Bird Aviary. These are all activities that those without scuba certification can participate in. There are a plethora of museums where one can learn of the extensive and diverse cultural history, such as the Johore Battery, the Changi Museum and Chapel. In all the island has so much to offer that it would be a shame to fly in on business, and not have the time to experience the pleasure, the flavor and the culture of this amazing, and tiny island in the South Pacific.

Singapore’s Parliament House

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Singapore is an internationally known city, full of heritage landmarks and major entertainment venues. It has food establishments representing tastes from around the world and is extremely inviting to tourists. Many people visit it every year and enjoy the luxury accommodations provided by the many 5 star Singapore hotels. Among the many fascinating features that attract diverse populations of tourists is the Parliament House.

Singapore’s Parliament House is a major cultural landmark and does just what the name suggests, it houses the Singapore Parliament. It is located within Singapore’s central business district and more specifically, the Civic District . The building was designed with the concept of representing Singapore’s status as a progressive community, and is contemporary in its style. This is event in the prism shaped top, which is a modernized version of the traditional dome. It was designed by the former and now late president, Ong Teng Cheong. There were various intentions behind the construction of this facility, which includes more than housing the Parliament. It was also designed to be a research facility and place of interest for students, as well as the public in general.

The building is a neighbor to the Supreme Court and Raffles Place. Due to this, the building was partly designed to reflect the historic relevance of the area. This is seen in the slate grey exterior and accentuated columns. There is a grand ceremonial drive that leads up to the main entrance. This beautiful promenade is lined with palm trees from the region. There are also beautiful fountains that create a park like atmosphere to the surrounding grounds. There was a new chamber built to the building that houses a state of the art electronic voting system. It features a 100 seat auditorium. A sound proof gallery was built on the top floor of the chamber for educational purposes. Here Parliament members give lectures to students on political and legal proceedings.

Miro in Mallorca

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When it comes to luxury, Mallorca hotels hold nothing back. Set in some of the most glorious, idyllic Spanish landscape, with the Mediterranean Sea literally a whisper away, the city seems designed for tourists. And travelers will find a sumptuous feast of pleasures awaiting them in this upbeat and relaxing haven. Mallorca is host to amazing foods, gorgeous scenery, and a vibrant and hospitable night life. It also has an amazing history, and has been home to artists and intellectuals for centuries.

One of Mallorca’s most famous residents was Joan Miro. This surrealist painter had ancestral ties here, and his love of the place was so strong he lived his last years here, after a career as a very successful visual artist.

Joan Miro found his way into the surrealists through the introductions of its founder, Andre Breton, who admired Miro immensely (at least at first, Breton never admired anyone for very long). Surrealism grew directly from Dada’s roots (or ashes). Dadaism was a movement that began during and immediately following the first world war. In visual art, it is characterized by jarring and incomprehensible images surrounded by a barrage of words. The Dadaists felt that World War One meant that if the carnage of the war was indeed the peak of reason and Western thought, then it was better to refuse reason, and stop making sense. A love of nonsense, with a very sharp political edge, is one of the building blocks of Dadaist thought. Dadaists also hated everything, including Dadaism, which lead to its demise.

The Surrealists came immediately on the heels of the Dadaists, and inherited their love of nonsense, and took it to the unconscious. Inspired by Freudian psychoanalysis, the Surrealists used unconscious associations in their images, jarring images forced together so that the viewer needs to make their own associations. This, coupled with the idea that the freeing of the unconscious would lead to the freeing of the human being, is a central idea of Surrealism. Miro was one of its most important practitioners. Mild-mannered in appearance, but radically bohemian in philosophy, he painted in his own school of Surrealism until his death in Mallorca in 1983. In his work, Miro combined his own dream worlds, and particularly drew upon bird imagery and female imagery, to form a style that is unquestionably Surrealist, and at the same time unapologetically Spanish.

Ibiza Art Museums

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The Balearic Island of Ibiza is certainly known for its great night life scene and the many natural scenic elements it contains. The island government is making efforts to attract a more diverse tourist population and is focusing on some of the other cultural dynamics the island has to offer. Art is a prominent local focus and Ibiza has some great museums that are appreciated by locals and are attractive to visitors who want something more enriching that simply spending their evenings club hoping. Many of the guests in 5 star Ibiza hotels receive assistance from the concierge in determining where to go and accessing transportation. The Van der Voort Gallery Ibiza is one of the most prestigious galleries on the island has become a major tourist attraction.

The Van der Voort Gallery is strong in its intention to promote and exhibit the best of contemporary paintings and photography. It is considered by many to be the best museum on the island, and represents the work of regional artists as well as those from around the globe. There is also a strong focus on representing and supporting emerging artists, which demonstrates the progressive nature of the museum. It was founded in 1968 and Museum Director Catalina Verdera has a strong background in art appreciation and new work support. Some of the artists the gallery represents include Jordi Alcaraz, Manuel Bouzo, Ricardo Cavada and Paco Romero, among numerous others.

Other prominent galleries on Ibiza include the Contemporary Art Museum Ibiza, the House Gallery Ibiza, and the Archeology Museum Ibiza. The Contemporary Art Museum is in the small town of Dalt Vila. It was established as part of the Bicentennial International Art Show in 1963. The House Gallery Ibiza specializes in promoting the work of local artists. It is located in the capital region of Eivissa. The Archeology Museum, Museo Arqueologic in Spanish, is also located in Dalt Vila, next to the Cathedral. Admission to this government sponsored museum is free, and it specializes in ancient pieces. Much of its permanent collection dates to the Roman, Greek and Carthaginian periods.

The Durries of India

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There has been an increased demand for Indian woven durries recently. Those wishing to import them and those living in the country of India. Many decorate their homes or their offices and businesses such as the Bangalore restaurants and hotels with these low maintenance carpets. The durry is a woven cloth that can be used under mattresses or as floor coverings. They are very sturdy, and have no piles, so the care of them is made very simple. Both are made on looms, the floor durry on a grand scale loom called an adda.

The traditional techniques of weaving the durries can be seen in the villages of Punjab, Rajasthan and Harayana. Some girls are taught how to weave durries at a very young age as part of the cultural tradition of preparing their wedding trousseau. However, some of the villages, such as Navalgund, never allow the girls to learn this craft, as they might take what they know, and employ themselves, outside of their future husband’s household.

Durries differ from the traditional Indian rugs in their design. While most think of flowers and paisleys when thinking of the Indian carpets, the durries are often created with geometric designs or bright strips of various colors. Birds and animals are also used to create the colorful motifs. The finer quality durries, crafted from silk and cotton can be found in Salem, while others such as those made with jute fiber are found in West Bengal. As stated earlier, these mats are lighter and more easily cared for than the thicker rugs, and are preferred by many modern housewives of India for just this reason. They are less expensive, can be washed in the home, and can be easily replaced when they wear out. However, the durry is known for the strength of the weaves and many last, and continue to hold their beauty for up to twenty years.

Nottage Wins Pulitzer

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Lynn Nottage won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for drama, with her play Ruined. In 2007 she won the MacArthur Genius Grant and in 2005 was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship. She is an American playwright whose work often deals with issues facing women and African Americans. Ruined explores the circumstances faced by Congolese women who are survivors of civil war. One can only wonder about and eagerly anticipate the future works of this acclaimed writer.

Nottage was born in 1964, in Brooklyn, New York. She wrote her first play at the age of eight, the inspiration for which came from the women in her family who were primarily nurses and teachers, all of whom were political activists. This early orientation would dominate the themes of much of her adult work. After graduation from New York’s High School of Music and Art she attended Brown University, where she received her BA. From there she went on to study at the Yale School of Drama where she has also served as a guest lecturer on playwrighting. She worked as the National Press Officer for Amnesty International before deciding to pursue playwrighting full-time. Her short play Poof! won the Heideman Award after its premiere at the Actors Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky.

Ruined is currently playing at Manhattan Theatre Club’s New York City Center Stage 1. The play explores the chaos, trauma and strength displayed by the Congolese women and has been compared to German playwright Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children. It was popular prior to the award but now it is certainly going to be sold out for every performance through its run. New York is usually packed with out of town visitors who are interested in seeing a play. Many stay at the best Manhattan hotel available during their visit and hope to catch something as exciting as the latest Pulitzer Prize winning play.

Flavor of India

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Since the beginning of development for the city of Singapore, East Indians have contributed and been a part of it all. The East India Company administrated Singapore, even though the headquarters were located in Calcutta. Convicts and prisoners were sent to serve jail time in Singapore. Once the prisoners served their time and were set free they continued to live in Singapore. They began working on clearing swamp land and reclaiming the land for farming. Many were instrumental in the construction of most of the buildings, including temples and even the Saint Andrew’s Cathedral. The prison system at the time was highly progressive, and provided courses of study and classes for the prisoners to learn a trade of their choice during their nights in jail. So once they were released they were skilled tradesman and left their signatures on most of Singapore. Many others traveled of there own free will, to seek work and to find their fortunes. They brought with them the aspects of their country, their religions, languages, and cuisine which accounts for many a Singapore fine dining experience. The Indians in Singapore celebrate more often than those in India, creating spectacular feasts, for the eyes, as well as for the belly. The colorful parties attract many from all over Singapore, as well as for the many international travelers throughout the year.

Many carry on the traditions, as in the red dot on a woman’s forehead to indicate that she is married, or a red streak down the middle of her hair, but now days, the young have modified that tradition often color coordinating the dyes to match the color of their clothing. Some have even put away their saris in favor of the western style of dress. From time to time one will still see women with the black dot on her forehead, a traditional belief that is meant to ward off the ill intents of an evil eye. And above many doorways of the houses and the shops in Little India hang dried leaves of mangoes. This is to protect the building from the entrance of evil spirits, a wish of fortune and a blessing to all those who enter. And many visit the area for the curry. The most famous restaurants in Singapore exist within the blocks of this community.