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Eunice de Souza, Goa Roots

Of all of India’s splendid five-star hotels, Goa has a flavor unique to the country.  With its famous beaches, that have attracted counter-cultural adventurers for the past few decades, there is a sonic culture here that lives in a vibrant and inviting night life.  There are also forests for adventurous hikers and wildlife sanctuaries for families, reflecting the enormous biodiversity of the region.  There are places where the Portuguese influence is more keenly felt, and also areas that predate this, reflecting the city’s continuous inhabitation for over two thousand years.  Our hotels, then, offer the same high standards that reflect the best in the industry, with local differences that will delight guests of all ages.  We also proudly offer splendid extras, providing amenities to help facilitate the rejuvenation of the body and spirit.

Goa itself is a fascinating study in cultures.  With a large expat community and the diversity of the local communities in Goa’s neighborhoods, one can hear multiple languages and experience multiple points of view.  There are a number of musicians, visual artists, and writers that have connections to Goa, and one of these is poet Eunice de Souza.  She was born Pune, in 1940, to parents who came from Goa, and she currently lives in Mumbai.  Educated in Mumbai and at Marquette, in the U.S., she recently retired from her post at St. Xavier’s in Mumbai, where she was the head of the Department of English for twenty-five years.

Eunice de Souza has written several books of poetry, as well as serving as editor for multiple poetry editions.  She has also been active in theatre, as an actor and director, and has written literary criticism as well as books of children’s literature.  She is known primarily as a poet, however, and her work is exceptionally evocative of the space between cultures, languages, and geographies.  Her voice is an extraordinarily musical one, and the complicated rhythms and cadences can only be appreciated in its oral rendering.  It is also an extremely intellectual literature, moving seamlessly between doubt and belief, cynical observation and emotional catastrophe, making it a work that is pleasurable on multiple levels.

Tags: Eunice de Souza, Goa, hotels

Hanging Out in India

I sit quite peacefully on the Ganges River bank near Delhi. I’m a bit a ways from any India 5 star hotel and I’m having my fortune told by a little old lady with cracked skin and twinkling gold tooth. She takes my hand in hers and I expect it to be as rough as sandstone but her palms are like silk and she begins to shake a little. Just then a cow bumps me with her wet nose and then a fellow picking up firewood stops and watches. The lady looks up at me and I’m suddenly hungry and wish she’d tell me what great little restaurant is in my future and I see the outline of Mount Kalish in the background. The day before in Pharganj a kind of giant bazaar where they sell everything from glow in the dark Buddhas to back scratches, every vendor chatting at you like you were a lost friend. We could all the bolts of cloth and cheap kitchen ware one could ever want, but it was fun just to hang out and take it all in. It seems this section of Delhi has a life of its own as you dodge the bicyclists, the cows, the children darting out, the auto rickshaws. Just then I saw a fortune teller’s stand, with a thin moon and circle drawn mysteriously on what looked like black velvet. Something told me to go see her but I was swept up by the surging sidewalk and I vowed I would see a fortune teller before I left to go back to Alaska. So when I saw the lady on the Ganges River banks…

She just looked up at me again, and a small crowd had gathered around and she said in a most serious voice: “You will have a long and happy life!” and held out her hand to be paid in triumph. I thought that was the best fortune one could ask for and gladly paid her.

Tags: five star hotels, Hanging Out in India

Rock Bridges

Rock bridges are fascinating geological formations. Occurring in various locations around the world. Special circumstances set up eons ago and acted out over time sculpt the earth in a way leaving a piece of rock suspended in the air only supported on two sides. In Utah USA this occurrence isn’t as unusual as it is in other parts of the word. The largest rock bridge in the world, Rainbow Rock Bridge on the Navajo reservation, is in southern Utah. In Utah there is Arches National Monument with OVER 2000 natural sandstone arches is the place to see many of them in a small area. The wind and water over time eroded away softer stone under the remaining stone thus leaving these wonderful formations. Natural arches too can be found on the island of Ibiza, Spain. Here just a stones throw from 5 star Ibiza hotels you can find natural rock bridges. These bridges are rough the water and wind erosion has left the rocks rough and textured unlike the smoothness of the rock bridges in Utah and the American southwest that have been polished smooth by the wind and the sand. Other natural bridges exist in Arizona. The Tonto Natural Bridge near the Mogilian Rim outside of Payson, AZ is an amazing place. The natural travertine bridge exists due to a stream eroding away the land under it. There are natural rock bridges in Victoria, Australia along the coast of England in the deserts of New Mexico and anywhere else the conditions were right to create this unusual formations. These bridges begin with deep cracks in sandstone. Erosion wears away the exposed rock creating a larger crack. Frost and thaws further the process eventual causing chunks to dislodge. This process continues until the enlarged crack becomes a hole and continues to erode into an arch. Nature is amazing all the forms and shapes that can be created with some wind, water, rock and sand.

Tags: bridges begin, hotels, Rainbow Rock Bridge, Rock Bridges

Abhay Rustum Sopori in Delhi

The savvy world traveler in search of Delhi luxury will find a gold mine in our lovely hotels.  We offer accommodations that meet the highest standards in the industry, combining old world charm and elegance with the conveniences of the new world.  Fine dining served up by our master chefs, exercise facilities with all sorts of fabulous extras, and gorgeous rooms with elegant touches of splendid detail fabricated by world-class designers are all here.  Guests will find themselves refreshed and rejuvenated, and ready to have new adventures in this complex and fascinating city.

Delhi is one of the largest cities in the world, and also one of the oldest.  As a result, it attracts people from all walks of life, drawn in by the history, mystery, and energy the city exudes.  One can find an amazing array of distractions, from tours to sight-seeing, visiting the city’s hundreds of attractions, excellent shopping, and temples and historic buildings.  There is certainly something here for all ages.  It also attracts a large number of artists, looking to contribute to the cultural scene in Delhi and in India.  One such artist, who is already making quite a contribution, is the santoor player, Abhay Rustum Sopori.

Abhay Rustum Sopori continues working in the line of his ancestors, having inherited both spiritual gifts and musical knowledge, supplemented with education in western musical traditions.  Sopori played his first concert in 1997 in Delhi, which was enthusiastically received.  Since then, he has performed all over the world, and recently won the very prestigious Ustad Bismallah Khan Yuva Puraskar from Sangeet Natak Akademy.  One of his signature talents is his use of vocals, and his training is superb.  He sings along with the instrumentals in his performances, adding a delightful combination of tradition and innovation, to the pleasure of his audiences.

Tags: Abhay Rustum Sopori, Delhi, luxury

Poole, Great City, Beautiful Scenery

The awesome architecture is found in the museums, cathedrals, hotels and other buildings throughout the city. Quiet or loud, subdued or wild, laid back or classy, yes, that’s Southend. Along the southern coast of England and on the English Channel lies the seaport and coastal town of Poole. It is the second largest city in Dorset. This ancient city has documented evidence of humans walking this land before the Iron Age. Over many centuries Poole grew into one of England’s busiest ports with valuable trade relations with North America. Due to its advantageous location, Poole became one of the main departing points for the D-Day landings during the Normandy Invasion of World War II.

Poole has become an extremely popular vacation area, with the beautiful, internationally acclaimed and award winning beaches, well known for their cleanliness and safety, historic landmark sites with unbelievable architectural design, the Poole Arts Centre, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, museums, theatres, beautiful churches, shopping, music, concerts, sporting events, festivals and fairs. Merlin Entertainments is an incredible world-renowned theme park, second only to Disney. There are many options for accommodations when staying in Poole. You might secure a guesthouse, or a room in a bed and breakfast, or stay in a Poole hotel. You will find the staff welcoming and attentive and the amenities numerous and comfortable.

Parks and lakes, ponds and trees, gardens and flowers, all lush and colorful, all spectacular and well groomed. Sit on a bench, read a good book, people watch while you enjoy your favorite beverage. How good is that? The restaurants offer dining at its best, with fresh seafood and sometimes exotic cuisine. And the bars and pubs with the dart games and billiards, the simple, home-cooked menus, the flowing rich, amber colored ale, the friendly bantering among patrons, be they local regulars or visitors from other parts. You just have to experience the warmth, the camaraderie, the unique flair of the pubs. You will create memories here that will last a lifetime, vivid, treasured memories you can re-live at anytime.

Tags: Beautiful Scenery, Disney, Great City, Merlin Entertainments, Poole, Poole hotel

World Trave

Wile surfing the net I cam across this web site by a guy named Chris Guillebeau, his web site is about the art of non-conformity his goal is to visit every country in the world by his 35th birthday, he has two years to go. His site is about breaking the mold and living freely, unconventionally. To achieve his goal he can’t hold a ‘real’ job. On his site he shares how he makes a living through his unconventional style, he gives travel advice from packing and preparation to the cheapest tickets you’ll find anywhere and how to get them. Much of the information is free, in fact enough of it is free that you can begin your unconventional life just by reading the free material. And you don’t have to travel like a worrier to lead an unconventional life. If you need more assistance he offers a number of down loadable information packets giving detailed information regarding topics like Break Out of 9 to 5, Fly More Spend (much) Less, Art and Money. This guy travels by the seat of his pants sometimes sleeping on the floor of an airport terminal, staying in modest, to say the least, guest houses to 5 star dubai hotel. He has been in and out of countries not very friendly to western visitors. Where ever he goes he meets the locals and reports on his experiences there and getting there. The weekly updates are always entertaining. From the debacles in Saudi Arabia to grueling overland treks in remote back countries across frontier borders. Live vicariously through reading these adventures. On his web site he encourages, those of a like mind, to think differently about how to make money, question how much money do you need and what do you want to do with your time. Its all about finding the enjoyment in living and not living for a job and trying to find time to enjoy. He explores the concept of creating business that are not location based, therefore they can be operated from anywhere in the world on the road, from the air or the sea. This is worth exploring further.

Tags: dubai, hotels, non-conformity

In and Around Bangalore

Step out of any of the hotels Bangalore India has to offer and you’re bound to find wonderfully cheap and delicious food. Start with chaats tasty snacks, often spicy and always delicious. Here in Bangalore, the IT capital of India, the streets are a cacophony of honking horns. I tried to ask what all the honking was about, as much of it seemed unnecessary, but in a way it made the place kind of lively and heightened your attention.

We made our way to Bangalore Palace, a Tudor style structure with turrets and fortified towers. It was built in 1887 (AD), and stands in the middle of the city, surrounded by gardens. The grounds host concerts and cultural events. Visiting here, with its ceiling relief paintings, moldings and floral designs, reminds one of England.

One gets hungry looking at such things so a trip for food was in order. We skipped the pubs at first this time, even though Bangalore is known for its pubs, and stumbled into a restaurant called Tandoor which felt rather rustic, with its big chandelier and sumptuous furnishings. We had the mulligatawny shorba and their famous kabobs. This north Indian food place features naan, tandoori chicken, of course, and is a favorite if many. Breads from tandoor ovens are spectacular, with heat approaching 900°F. These ovens are found throughout the world and used to make breads like roti and dishes like chicken tikka.

Later we went to Pecos, a nice pub with a painting of Jerry Garcia welcoming us to its 1960′s vibe, roof top seating if the other three floors are crowded. You even get free popcorn with your beer. Not far is Le Rock Pub Cafe, with its funky oxygen bar and big screen TVs. They serve coffee, food, beers like Kingfisher and opens at 10am.

Tags: Bangalore, Bangalore Palace, chaats, hotels, Tandoor

Parading in Corby

I was surprised to see a Corby District parade go by has I stepped out of one of the Corby Hotels yesterday. So, I thought I’d share my thoughts about my experience. It was one of the most unexpected and surprising joys to see Orangemen participating in the parade; for I too, am one of the Orangemen living in England. I would’ve been in that parade, but I actually had business meetings here in Corby and in a few other meeting in several other towns, which will keep me away from participating. Actually, living here in England, away from Ireland, does give me time to reflect and contemplate just how much Ireland has come along and has entered into the 21st century, but at the same time, just how old feelings and history seem very hard to extinguish.

Corby is a good example, I don’t consider it a real part of England, but a Glasgow in the Midlands. Ex-steelworkers came here to find work in town. As I walked amongst the parade crowd, it felt like a different parade. Here, in Corby, the Orangemen were received with cheers and waves compared to other towns, like Essex which the crowd reacts with bewilderment. The most endearing thing I witness, on my way to the business meeting, was the parade carrying the Orange banner for the newly re-opened Bedford Lodge.  Several brethren were walking side by side in the parade.

I asked someone in the crowd if they knew where the parade ended and they told me at the Glasgow Rangers where there will be beverages served to the parade participants. Ah, if only I had the time to be a part of the fraternity and goodwill!  I left the parade a little saddened though, but hopeful that there can be some kind of further agreements where I don’t need to declare myself an Orangemen, but instead an Irishman.

Tags: Corby, Corby Hotels, England, Ireland, Orangemen, Parading

Leonardo DiCaprio Visits Ibiza

Ibiza is not the largest or most heavily populated of the Balearic Islands located off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, though it is becoming the most well known in the international eye. This is due largely to the vibrant club scene the island enjoys, though there are also great and beautiful beaches as well as many historic landmarks and fabulous scenic elements. One of the specific populations in which Ibiza continues to gain popularity is with that of celebrities. They are continually seen in growing numbers on this relatively small island paradise. Perhaps soon, Ibiza car rentals will have a new customer who is strictly interested in celebrity chasing. The latest spotting was of the American film actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Leonardo first rose to fame in the film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, which starred one of the most famous and respected actors of our time Johnny Depp. Although, he had already achieved great critical acclaim in the film This Boy’s Life. His performance in Gilbert Grape earned him both Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. DiCaprio was born in 1974 and demonstrated his great talent at a young age. Showing such a great commitment and awareness of human emotions and nature at such a young age is extremely rare.

It was the film Titanic, however that skyrocketed DiCaprio into major superstar status. In this film, which was written and directed by James Cameron, DiCaprio played Jack Dawson, a young man who falls in love on board ship before the tragedy strikes. English actress Kate Winslet played opposite DiCaprio and her character’s name was Rose DeWitt Bukater. These two characters are central to the film though they and their love story are one of the fictional elements in the movie. However, many of the other characters are based on the actual historic figures that were present on board the ship. The love story was created build a stronger empathetic identity aspect with the audience and contribute to a greater appreciation of the tragedy of the event.

Tags: Ibiza, Ibiza car rentals, Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio

The Wonder of South Africa

The country of South Africa is a visual splendor, the scenery and the landscapes with valley passes and mountain summits, ancient and dense foliage and forests, miles of beaches and pristine coastlines and many rivers perfect for fishing, rafting or swimming. During the spring season the fields are filled with every color and hue of the rainbow, and miles upon miles of grasslands. There are locations which provide solitude and stillness, and city streets filled with restaurants, cafes, art galleries and luxury hotels. Johannesburg, Capetown and Pretoria offer the city life and artistic culture of the country each and every day. Regions to the north are filled with wine lands and various wineries offering tastings of wine, cheeses, and chocolates. There are so many wineries located throughout the country is it possible to sip and taste one’s way through South Africa. Well known as well are the tours through the brandy and port distilleries. Food is where there is wine, and there are a plethora of fine dining restaurants serving up seafood and local flavors.

For those interested in adventures in the cultural realm, there are many options to choose from. One may decide that the inspiring side of South Africa is found on the city streets and the small townships, where artists and musicians sell works and perform their songs. South Africans are happy to invite strangers into their homes for a meal and conversation, or onto their farmlands for extended periods of time. The museums are legendary. The country and the people have a history of struggle and perseverance when they are seeking their freedom. Sites are located throughout the country, with exhibits, tours and educational programs offered throughout the year. Those interested in adventures of the wild, the outdoors, well safaris are offered in many locations, with lodge accommodations that often combine the thrill of encounters with the wild animals with luxury spas and five star cuisine. Cruises are offered for those interested in whale and dolphin watching, and for those interested in swimming with the sharks. The country contains all that is wonderful when taking a vacation, something for everyone, and an adventure at every turn.

Tags: cheeses, chocolates, luxury hotels, South Africa, wine