Category Archives: Editor’s Picks

Editor's Picks, Entertainment, Festivals

Unique Chinese New Year Traditions around the World

01/12/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

Summary: Chinese New Year celebrations do not just belong to China; many Chinese communities around the world contribute to some unique New Year celebrations in the world.

China has more than 2 billion of populations, and many of them migrate to other countries and form distinctive communities. It is now wonder that many Chinese traditions have been blended with local traditions and create unique traditions, such as Chinese New Year Traditions. If you visit any country that has Chinese populations, you will encounter something unique from the country related to the Chinese New Year Traditions, even though the traditional elements of the traditions are similar.

Here are some great Chinese New Year traditions and celebrations around the world that you must see.

The Annual Golden Dragon Parade, Los Angeles
Los Angeles has had large numbers of Chinese populations since more than a century ago, so it is no wonder that the Chinese New Year tradition becomes a part of local culture. The Annual Golden Dragon Parade is a great spectacle in Chinatown area, where colorful floats, marching bands, acrobat groups and various cultural groups gather on the street. The parade is also a part of Los Angeles cultural and tourism promotion.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Singapore
In Singapore, Chinese New Year means spectacle in the Chinatown, where the streets are lit with traditional red paper lanterns and street bazaar is opened for public. Here, you can find a lot of interesting goods and delicious food. You can also watch various performances in Kreta Ayer Square, from traditional dances, music to martial arts.

Images by Michael Aquino

Twilight Parade in Sydney
In Sydney, The Twilight Parade is something that the citizens will not miss every Chinese New Year. This unique tradition has become a huge celebration, thanks to the rising numbers of Chinese populations in Australia. The Twilight Parade, as the name suggests, starts at dusk where thousands of people flock the main streets to see lively parade filled with dancers, marching bands, decorated floats, martial art and acrobatic groups and of course the famous lion dance troupes.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Paris
Paris may be a very ‘European’ city, but it is also a huge melting pot for various cultures and races, including the Chinese. Since the populations of Chinese and French-Chinese are quite large in Paris, Chinese New Year celebration is something that you cannot miss here. On the main streets, the colorful parade is packed with musical, acrobat and martial art acts, in addition to colorful floats that depict what Chinese New Year is all about. Meanwhile, Chinese restaurants serve special menus and appear with beautiful decorations. There are also many night stage and musical shows related to Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square becomes the center of Chinese New Year Celebration in London. Here, not only can you see parade and lion dance performances; there are also Chinese bazaars and art performances. People, including tourists, will flock here every year to see beautiful blend between Chinese and local traditions.

Chinese New Year Celebration in Canada
Various towns in Canada celebrate Chinese New Year in festive way such as Ottawa, Montreal and Ontario. The celebrations include colorful parade, street bazaars, art and music performances, and of course, the famous lion dance performances.

Books, Movies, and TV Shows, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Entertainment, Theme and Amusement Park

The Best Harry Potter Related Tourist Destinations

01/09/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

Summary: If you love Harry Potter, you must come to these places where magic behind the phenomenal books and movies happened.

Do you love Harry Potter as much as you love your kids? Maybe you must consider going to places where all the magic happened in the book series and movies. J. K. Rowling picked some famous places in Britain as settings for her characters, and the movie installments further enhanced the real-like magic world feeling by bringing the book settings to life. You can recreate the adventure of Harry Potter and his friends, as well as other wizards, in these places. Here are some great places to visit in Britain if you are big fans of Harry Potter.

ZSL London Zoo

Everyone who loves Harry Potter will remember the scene in the first book and movie, when little Harry made a snake escape from its glass cage with magic, and made his cousin trapped inside. The scene happened inside the ZSL London Zoo, in the reptile house for the exact. However, reptile house is not the only place you can visit in this zoo.

For example, London Zoo just opened a spot called Tiger Territory, where you can see various tiger species. There are also fun activities such as learning to be an animal keeper for the day and Junior Zoo Academy. Of course, you can always pretend to be little Harry Potter in front of the snake cage.

Alnwick Castle

Do you remember Harry Potter’s first flying lesson with Madame Hooch? Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is a location where the entire set of first flying lesson scene was made. The castle is 700 years old and very beautiful, complete with magnificent glass house, flower garden and stately rooms. There are also activities such as role-playing in Knight Quest.

Glencoe

This is a beautiful glen and valley in Scotland. Glencoe has become set for various scenes in Harry Potter from the first to the latest installment. This area is also famous as a great place for hiking, trekking and biking. Various events such as folk music performance are also held by the accommodations around the areas.

Freshwater West

This is a beautiful beach in Wales. Freshwater West became the location to film the latest installments of Harry Potter. This is the place where you saw the heartbreaking scene with Dobby and the location of Fleur and Bill’s cottage. This is a great place to surf, hold a party or just stroll along the beach, but not for swimming.

Bodleian Library

If you love historical tour, come and visit Bodleian Library in Oxford University, which became the set for Hogwart’s library. This is also the place, where great authors such as Oscar Wilde and the creator of Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien once studied.

Leadenhall Market

Finally, if you want to feel the experience of entering the famous Leaky Cauldron wizard pub, come to Leadenhall Market in England. The market itself can easily become an actual wizard market thanks to its beautiful structure with glass ceiling.

Most of these places are located in England, but some, which also appeared in the books and movies, are located in Wales and Scotland. You can also bring the kids and provide them with educative enjoyment, and have fun at the same time. Be Harry Potter and explore the places he has visited. Ready?

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks

The delights of Yangon, Myanmar

01/08/2014 Len Rutledge Leave a comment

Words: Len Rutledge Pictures: Phensri Rutledge

Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, is green and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes. As it rapidly develops it has also acquired traffic problems, poverty and signs of international commerce. On first sight it is a typical Asian city, but you quickly realise that it is less modern than its Asian peers and it has its own calm culture.

The city right now feels like a frontier town in transition. The locals still dress in traditional longyi and only a small percentage own a mobile phone, yet shiny new apartment blocks are springing up between the peeling colonial facades, traffic jams have become common in some areas, and pizza and donut shops are appearing.

Yangon can be enjoyed by just walking its streets. The sights, smells and sounds will be strange to most visitors. You will see women with a yellow-white paste on their faces, vendors selling betel nut, and ancient buses and taxis blowing exhaust fumes over everything. The city, however, does have its ‘not-to-be-missed’ attractions and here are some suggestions.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Few religious monuments in the world are as impressive as Shwedagon Pagoda, with its gigantic 99m golden stupa. The pagoda can be visited at any time during the day but early evening is best, when the sunset light has a transformative effect on the gold-encrusted stupa and the many subsidiary shrines. The pagoda is covered with hundreds of gold plates and the top of the stupa is encrusted with diamonds and rubies and other precious gems, and a 72 carat diamond at the very top. The whole compound is huge and glorious, with an astonishing array of carvings, statues, parks and gardens, ponds and devotional spaces.

Colonial buildings

Quite a number of old public buildings built in the time of the British occupation still remain although many are presently empty and are rotting away. For many visitors they are one of the major attractions of the city and it is hoped that most or all can be saved and recycled in the near future. The Yangon City Hall, next to Sule Pagoda, is one that is being used and it appears to be in reasonable condition. The old Supreme Court (1910) to the south-east is painted in red and yellow but it is looking rather sad. A short distance to the south is the famous Strand Hotel which was constructed in 1901 and was among the best hotels in Asia when it opened. Perhaps the most impressive building of all is the old Ministers’ office, which occupies a whole city block.

Kandawgyi Lake

This is a very attractive artificial lake, located east of the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is surrounded by the Kandawgyi Nature Park, and the Yangon Zoological Gardens. The lake and the surrounds provide a quiet, quite beautiful environment and great photographic opportunities. There are long wooden walkways built over the lake which provide nice views. There are several lakeside restaurants serving local food at reasonable prices which are very popular with locals.

Chinatown

This is probably the busiest area of Yangon. It is centred on Latha Road in the western part of downtown but it spreads across several blocks in each direction. The shops, with their bright neon lights and garish advertising, are a seething mass of people during both daytime and evening, and restaurants abound. It is an extremely important commercial centre especially for gold, jewellery, electronics, mobile phones, consumer goods and groceries.

19th Street is packed with restaurants and roadside barbeque vendors selling all manner of dishes. Aging buses run on the east-west streets while pedestrians and vendors cram the north-south streets seeking and selling fruit, vegetables, fried snacks and more.

Reclining Buddha

The 72 m reclining Buddha image in the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda is one of the biggest reclining Buddha images in Myanmar. Originally built in 1907, it was demolished and rebuilt in the 1960s. The Buddha image is wearing a golden robe and has a white face, red lips, blue eye shadow, and red finger nails. The soles of the feet contain 108 segments in red and gold. Buddhist people burn incense sticks and offer flowers to the Buddha then pray to the shrine belonging to the day of their birth.

Circular railway

There is a very slow circle train which travels around Yangon and takes about 2.5 hours to complete the trip. Trains go in both directions approximately every hour. Most have wooden seats and no air-conditioning and visitors are encouraged to use one particular carriage which is slightly more comfortable than the others. Locals are also allowed to use this car provided they have few parcels. The rest of the train becomes very crowded but this can provide an insight into local life.

Downtown streets

The city’s street life always makes an impression on me. I find the street-side stalls, where diners tuck into bowls of steaming noodles; the ancient, overloaded, buses jostling for space at junctions with trishaws, trucks and taxis; and the open-air markets, where traders squat beside piles of fresh produce, to be quite fascinating. You can stop for refreshments in a traditional Burmese teahouse before enjoying the priceless treasures at the impressive National Museum and it can be fun to join the crowds milling around Bogyoke Aung San market or the various ferry jetties.

Len Rutledge is the author of Experience Myanmar, available as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HPQHC5I

Destinations, Editor's Picks, North America, South America

Are we safe? Caribbean dangers.

01/01/2014 Paul Smith Leave a comment

How often did you hear an opinion that Caribbean islands resemble paradise for every person? Did you notice that most visitors regarded this part of the world as the most precious, fragile and astonishing piece of a virgin nature.

In addition to these positive feedbacks some disturbing moods ahave been recently noticed in the tourist community. With the big amount of murders and other smaller crimes, a very important question is asked by more and more tourists: “Can we feel safe on Caribbean islands?” Indeed, today certain doubts concerning safe vacations in the Caribbean arise.

Violent crimes prevail in the Caribbean, still they usually observed only in cities, without affecting popular places for tourist like beaches and hotels. Nevertheless, tourists often become victims of such crimes as car stealing and pickpocketing. These crimes are rather widespread all over the world that is they will hardly scare travelers. Simple precautionary measures can keep us from these dangers. It’s better not to travel alone, especially at nights. A wise traveler should leave high-priced rings, necklaces, watches and bracelets at home. And of course it’s advised not to let other people see valuable things.

One of the possible factors indicating the high level of crimes is the poverty rate. For instance, the British Virginia and Barbados are the most prosperous islands among Caribbean islands. The well-trained staff providing security and closed communities are the min guarantees of our safety. But it will be unfair to say that only these two islands can be called safe from dangers. Experienced travelers will not be satisfied with popular routs. Cold mind and caution will keep us from troubles while exploring other islands.

To show the general picture of the risk level for tourists visiting Caribbean islands, the following list was made.

These are the islands with high criminal rate:

1. Jamaica

The Government of Jamaica claims that the criminal rate has recently decreased, nevertheless this Caribbean island is considered to be the most dangerous. Still, it doesn’t mean that tourists take serious risk coming to Jamaica as the violent crimes usually concern local people and rarely occur in the hotspots for visitors. The level of poverty is rather high, drugs spreading and the availability of weapons. To keep yourself from serious troubles you are advised not to spend a lot of time in the capital of Jamaica and other big cities where crimes rate is high. In case you can’t avoid visiting Kingston, general precautions will help you to keep safe during this journey.

2. Saint Kitts and Nevis

The crimes on Saint Kitts and Nevis island mainly occur among the local population. High crime rates are caused by poverty. 20 murders per 50,000 people is a very high index for such a small island. However the Government reports that most of the tourist journeys to the island have been safe. And again, travelers simply have to be careful and take care of their belongings in order to have a successful trip.

3. Trinidad and Tobago

Showing high index of crime, this island poses the threat of smaller crimes such as petty larceny and pick pocketing. But the U.S Department of State ensures tourists that they have nothing to fear as tourists are not in the risk zone of serious crimes. Heinous crimes are connected with spread of weapons and drug usage. It’s better for the travelers not ot visit Sea Lots, Laventille and Cocorite.

4. Bahamas

The Bahamas is a very popular place for people looking for warm beaches and wonderful rest. That is why it is very important for adventurers to keep common sense and be careful with their belongings, as the rate of stealing is very high on this island. Grand Bahama and New Province are the most dangerous regions as local people are mainly live here.

5.Puerto Rico

The majority of crimes taken place in Puerto Rico are connected with drug traffic. Big cities are the most dangerous areas for tourists. But Puerto Rico will become a good destination for any traveler who knows how not to get involved in any affairs connected with drugs. Besides, if the traveler stays in the places reserved for tourists, his life will not be in danger. Although the crime rate on Caribbean islands is rather high, cautious tourist has nothing to be afraid of. Caribbean islands will become a paradise for you under only one simple condition: you should take a good care of yourself!

Unique Christmas Traditions in Various Countries

12/28/2013 Shem MD Leave a comment

Your Christmas traditions probably consist of setting up a tree in the house, baking cookies, giving presents and having Christmas dinner. However, some other countries have completely unique Christmas traditions that you will think very weird. Here is a quick look on several unique Christmas traditions in various countries in the world.

La Befana, the Good Old Lady

Santa Claus is the main character in many modern Christmas traditions, but the Italians have La Befana. She is an old lady that resembles a witch with her flying broom, but she is depicted as a good witch with Santa-like role. She visits houses in early January with her flying broom, enters through the chimney and leaves presents for kids. In many Italian towns and villages, some ladies will dress up as La Befana with pheasant dresses, head scarves and carrying brooms. She is also depicted as a bit dirty from the chimney soot.

Tio de Nadal, the Defecating Log

You will not see the Yule log in the same way anymore after seeing Tio de Nadal tradition in Catalonia, Spain. In many houses, families will set up a log on a post on their dining tables, paint a face on the log and cover it with blanket. The family members will put fruits and nuts under the log’s face to ‘feed’ it.

Why do they do it? Because when Christmas morning comes, kids will gather around the log while adults beat the log several times, urging the Tio de Nadal to ‘defecate’ the presents. Behind it, an adult will hand out some presents to family members.

Krampus, Santa’s Evil Twin in Austria

This unique Christmas tradition probably will leave your own kids afraid. In Austria, there is the evil version of Santa Claus, and it is called Krampus. It dresses up like Santa, with red clothes, hat and boots. However, once it turns around, you will see a scary face. It scares bad kids while Santa goes around and gives presents to good kids. It is not uncommon to see people dresses up as Krampus in Austria during Christmas.

Night Graveyard Visits

This sounds like a scary tradition to do in holiday season, but for people in Finland, this is a must-do tradition every Christmas to pray for their dead relatives and friends. On Christmas Eve, they will go to cemeteries, light up candles around the graveyard of people they know, and pray. Actually, the view is quite spectacular, and of course, this tradition always becomes the source of headache for traffic cops in Finland every Christmas Eve.

The Scandinavian Yule Goat

Swedish people recognize the Yule Goat, a magical creature that has Santa-like roles. The goat comes in the forms of Christmas tree accessories and other ornaments. This unique Christmas tradition has its root from ancient belief related to the worship of Thor, the thunder god that is often depicted riding on a sled pulled by goats.

Caganer, the Naughty Decoration

You would not want to put this decoration in your family’s Nativity Scene decoration. Caganer is a popular decoration for Nativity Scene in various Mediterranean countries, which is depicted as a man pulling down his pants on the corner and defecating. This act is described as ‘earth fertilizing,’ and this decoration is popular as Christmas souvenir. This unique Christmas tradition always becomes a good source of laughter for kids.

Croatian National Parks

12/22/2013 Mary Stedul Leave a comment

Blessed with overwhelming beauty, Croatia is becoming number one destination for world wide travelers. Though there are many reasons on why you should visit – miles of stunning coastline, wealth of culture and great food, exploring it’s beautiful National parks is one thing that you must include in your itinerary if you choose to visit this country. Here is an overview of the most popular Croatian National parks.

Brijuni national park

Brijuni is located on the western Istrian coast and consists of 14 islands and islets, covering an area of 7.42km2. One amazing feature of the Brijuni archipelago is the biological diversity, made by the diversity of the habitat, island location, geographical location, geological base and geomorphology. You can have a sightseeing tour which includes a train ride, a visit to the Roman villa rustica, dating from the 1st Century B.C. You can also take a safari in the park to see many wild animals and such as the elephants, zebras and Somali sheeps.

Mljet island

Mljet is a beautiful island located off the coast of Dubrovnik and is often referred to as “The greenest island” in Croatia. It’s a large island consisting of bays, villages and 2 lovely sandy beaches – Blace and Saplunara. The national park is on the northwestern part of the island. Other interesting features of the islands include 2 salt water lakes and the St. Mary islet, which has a monastery on it. If you are getting there by car, you can catch a ferry from Prapratno, Peljesac. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Dubrovnik’s ferry terminal.

Kornati National Park

The islands that were made a national park in 1980, endowed with an extremely beautiful landscape consisting of a highly jagged and indented coastline. The Kornati archipelago is a great attraction for mountaineers, yachtmen, mountaineers, divers and other nature and activity lovers. You can get to the islands by organized tours or charter a sailing boat and discover the islands by yourself.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is endowed with natural sceneries that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. A major attraction here is the series of waterfalls. The most spectacular one is Skradinkski Buk. Krka river cuts through a dense woodland and a gorge shaded by limestone cliffs, creating a series of spectacular pools and waterfalls. You can come to the park from Sibenik by bus, to the town of Skradin. From here, you can take a 25-minute boat ride up the Krka river.

Plitvice lakes

Plitvice National Park is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe.
There are hotels, restaurants and campsites inside the park, so you can have a comfortable and relaxed visit. People are attracted by the numerous waterfalls, a bevy wildlife, including fish, frogs and a variety of bird species. Special attractions at Plitvice, include the Veliki Splat, a 100 foot waterfall. Included in the price of admission to the park you can travel up the lake on electric boats and then hike around the waterfalls. This national park is probably the most popular national park in Croatia, counting several thousands of visitors every year.

A decision to visit one or more of these national parks will offer you an unforgettable experience that will remain edged on the back of your mind for the rest of your life. Therefore, you should consider booking your travel today!

The Great recommendations of Christmas gifts 2013 for kids and adults

12/20/2013 TravelFore Leave a comment

Christmas is approaching, and many of you must already be preparing for the annual tradition of Christmas gift giving. If you are wondering about what kind of gift you should give to your kids, cousins and family members this year, you may want to look at some creative toys from LEGO and interactive, smart phone-like gadget for kids that are trending these days.

Meanwhile, for the adults, you may want to give some gadgets or even surprising your geeky friend with weapon replica of his/her favorite movie! Here are some great recommendations of Christmas gifts 2013 for kids and adults.

Christmas Gifts for Kids

Nowadays, the popular toys are the ones that urge creativity such as those from LEGO, or learning tablet that mimics the trend of tablets among adults. However, there are also great options for more high tech toys such as pet robot and regular plush toys that are super classic options.

1. LEGO 7739, the City Coast Guard

In its tradition of celebrating various occasions and giving kids chance to fantasize about real life, cool jobs, LEGO 7739 brought forward City Coast Guard series, which consist of patrol tower and boat. There are 444 pieces in this set, and your kids will have fun constructing patrol boat with complete equipment, including emergency rafts, four extra small boats, figurines and even shark!

2. Doctor’s Bag from Doc McStuffins

This is a great toy set for kids above. The doctor’s bag set consists of a doll with doctor’s costume, syringe, stethoscope, and tool to measure blood pressure. All are made without exposing sharp corners, and all the tools come with small doctor’s bag with bright colors such as pink and purple. It is perfect for a creative, role-playing game as doctor and patient.

3. Teal Furby Boom Plush Toy

This is a great Christmas gift for kids, who want to have ‘magic’ pet that they can ‘teach’. Furby is a unique plush toy that can be ‘taught’ to speak by speaking English with it. If the kids want Furby to talk more, they have to speak more with wider range of vocabulary so the Furby can follow suit. The Furby can also be put to ‘sleep’ by pulling on its tail for about 10 seconds.

4. VTech InnoTab 3S

This is a virtual tablet for kids that are equipped with video and sound recorder, camera with many funny effects, various games and kid friendly applications, and educational games appropriate for kids. With cute Mickey Mouse picture and bright color, this kid’s tablet becomes one of the hottest Christmas gifts 2013. The tablet also has a browser with pre-selected websites, so they are appropriate for kids.

5. LeapFrog LeapPad Learning Tablet

This is also a kid friendly tablet, designed for kids aged 4 – 9 years old, but with educational functions, perfect to stimulate kid’s growth and development. There are many learning apps, videos, games and music, and the material is made super tough.

6. Zoomer Pet Dog

This is a funny pet robot shaped like a dog, which can be recharged using USB cable. Zoomer can be taught to do tricks, and it is programmed to understand commands in English, French and Spanish. It can do tricks commonly seen in dogs such as giving paw, rolling, barking and such. This is perfect for kids aged 5 years old and above, especially if they are not in condition of having a real dog.

7. POOF Slinky Spectacular Magic Show

This is a Christmas gift for all young aspiring magicians out there. If your kids are 8 years old and older, you can order this magician bag set, which contains 100 magic tricks supported by various props. Your kids can turn the bag into a table to perform, and they can learn the tricks first by using instructional DVD inserted into the package.

8. Big Hugs Elmo from Playskool

If your kids are big fans of Elmo from Sesame Street, you should buy them this smart plush toy. This toy can hug back if your kid hugs it, and it is equipped with ‘response’ system that will make your kids excited when they dance around with Elmo, talk to it and even put Elmo down to sleep.

9. Lincoln Logs Redwood Junction Set

Finally, if your kids are all about building railroad sets, buy them this Lincoln Logs Redwood Junction Set. The set contains of railroad tracks, trains, small figurine, horse and wood logs as railroad station junction. They will have fun trying to build the original piece of America’s beloved transportation history. This toy is best for kids above 3 years old.

Gifts for Adults

What about for adults? Do not worry, because there are many options of Christmas gifts for the adults, too:

1. Xbox 360 E, Kinect Holiday Value

This holiday value package for Xbox Kinect will really bring excitement to your gamer friend, especially because the value pack also comes with three free games. It is sleek, modern, and equipped with wireless controller. The Xbox will blend flawlessly with the TV, sound system and other devices in the living room.

2. Star Wars Signature Series Darth Maul Collectible Lightsaber

For your Star Wars geek buddies, you can give this collectible lightsaber, with the signature red color of Darth Maul and has realistic style glowing red light. In addition, there are special sound effects, recorded directly from the movie. The blade package has a display stand so it can proudly display your gift.

3. Nikon CoolPix AW110

At last, no one can resist a gift of good digital camera. This bright orange Nikon camera will become a great gift for anyone; it is not only waterproof, but also has a Wi-fi connection. The camera also has a shockproof quality and comes in other great colors such as blue, black and even camera with camouflage pattern! Even those who only take pictures on casual moments will not refuse such cool gift.

So, are you ready to go shopping for your Christmas gifts? Whether they are educational toys, camera, Xbox, hugging dolls or creative blocks, this year’s trend is definitely functional and high-tech gifts.

New Year’s Eve in Croatia

12/17/2013 Mary Stedul Leave a comment

Although Croatia is a major tourist destination during the summer, many people overlook the country’s capabilities for hosting a great New Year’s Eve party. So, if you’re still not sure where to go for the last party of the year, we offer five Croatian cities where these parties are unforgettable and spectacular.

Zagreb

The main celebration is held at the Ban Jelacic’s Square. It usually consists of several musical acts and a lot of fireworks while local vendors sell food, drink and trinkets. However, there are dozens, if not hundreds of smaller bars and clubs around the city organizing their own parties. In some you’ll have to buy your ticket earlier, but others have no entrance fee – just come in and join. Aquarius, Mansion Club, Hemingway bar are more pop/electro music oriented. Hard Place and Krivi put offer rock programs, while Westin and Sheraton hotels provide elegant dinners. Being the country’s capital, Zagreb is well connected with the rest of Europe, and there are many cheap flights to Zagreb from all major European airports.

Opatija

Opatija has a long New Year’s Eve tradition and offers a variety of programs. The Open Air Theatre will host an outdoor concert and various bars are organizing their celebrations. If you prefer an elegant dinner, you’ll find one at the Hotel Imperial and Istra or the Kristal Hotel. A truly unique way of spending your New Year’s Eve can be found at the Five Elements Wellness Center in the Remisens Premium Hotel, where the party is held next to the swimming pool and a sauna. On January 1st the Lovran Brass Band will hold a concert at the terrace of the Kvarner Hotel and after the show the mayor of Opatija will propose a traditional New Year toast, so be sure to participate if you choose to be in Opatija.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the so-called Croatian ‘capital of rock’n’roll’. Having this in mind it’s no wonder that the open-air Promenade concert (organized by the city authorities) features the major Croatian rock band Majke and pop-rock oriented Massimo and Quasar. The concert is free, but if you don’t want to spend the party in the cold, places like the Bonavia hotel, offer live music, wellness oases, saunas and relax zones.

Split

Split has no worries with low temperatures. Last year around seventy thousand people attended the open-air party at the Split Promenade. This year party includes performers such as Gibonni, the biggest Croatian pop act, with fireworks and traditional delicacies. Since Split Airport is well connected with the rest of the continent you shouldn’t have difficulties in traveling to Split wherever you’re coming from, and there are dozens of hotels to stay at, which offer parties of their own. Some of them are the Atrium or Eden Hotel, but it’s also possible to find smaller, apartment accommodation, which is usually more affordable.

Dubrovnik

The main New Year’s Eve party in Dubrovnik lasts for five days! It’s held in Stradun, the main street in Dubrovnik, and features many concerts held every evening. The party starts on the December 28th and ending on January 1st with the performance of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. The morning program includes the traditional Dubrovnik Christmas Carol play, the Bartender Association cocktail show and the folklore ensemble Lindjo performances. Visitors from abroad can easily reach the city by taking a plane to Split where a taxi transfer can take you to Dubrovnik. Some elegant hotels to stay at include the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik, the Hilton Imperial and the Excelsior.

Wherever you decide to go, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and lots of entertainment. Partying with the Croatians is always fun and the enumerated cities offer great and affordable New Year’s Eve programs.

Editor's Picks, Entertainment, Theme and Amusement Park

Best Cities to See Magic Performances

12/17/2013 Shem MD Leave a comment

Magic performance is now more than just grabbing bunny out of hat or split people into two. Now, magic is a high form of art, with many performers competing to create the most sophisticated and almost impossible tricks to do. There are so many famous magic cities in the world where top modern performers get permanent spots to do regular shows. So, if you visit one of these cities, do not forget to visit the magic shows. Here are top cities in the world to watch magic performances, along with their famous performers.

New York

A city of fashion, business and entertainment, New York boasts magic performance for both high end and regular viewers. Steve Cohen has permanent schedule her in Waldorf Towers, with his famous private performance called Chamber Magic. It is called ‘chamber’ because the show is super private, with small stage and 20 to 50 viewers capacity. Therefore, it creates such an intimate atmosphere. This is a high-end performance with luxurious setting. For regular viewers, a group called Monday Night Magic showcases both classic and modern acts on stage.

Las Vegas

As a center of entertainment and gambling, Las Vegas boasts one of the best magic performance centers in the world. Both legendary and modern magicians flock in this one of the best famous magic cities, and some of them even get permanent spots. The ‘Mindfreak’ magician Criss Angel brings his peculiar and eye-catching performances to Luxor Hotel combined with attractive performance of Cirque du Soleil.

Meanwhile, magician slash comedians such as Nathan Burton and Penn & Teller also have regular spots in Vegas, bringing laughter and awe into the stages. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic is a family friendly show at Flamingo Las Vegas Showroom, and Penn & Teller has permanent spot at Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino.

Orlando

The city of Disneyland also boasts magic performance with a touch of fantasy. Outta Control Magic performance and Tony Brent often perform together at Wonder Works, and they present such funny, whimsical and breathtaking tricks that make adults and kids awed. The tickets are quite cheap because they already include unlimited purchase for pizza, pop corn, soda, beer and wine at Wonder Works.

Branson

The wildlife magician and illusionist Kirby Van Burch turned Branson, Missouri into his permanent home after spending years doing world tour. He is known here as the Prince of Magic, and his illusions often include spectacular objects such as tigers, lions and other wild animals that become his signature.

Dubai

This metropolitan desert city slowly grows to become one of the best famous magic cities in the world, with many magicians invited to perform at various luxury venues. Dubai also has its own generation of modern magicians, and one of them is Sumeet Spell. This young magician started his debut in 2000, and has been invited to do various performances in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries.

So, if you love magic, do not wait. Order your ticket, fly, and grab a seat at one of these famous magic cities and let the tricks blow your mind away.

Asia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Unique Traditions of Three New Years in Indonesia

12/12/2013 Shem MD 1 Comment

In Indonesia, people recognize three types of New Year celebration; the ‘regular’ New Year every January 1st, the Islamic New Year and Chinese New Year. This is because Indonesia is a huge melting pot of various ethnicities and cultures, so all of these three events are celebrated hugely. Unique New Year traditions in Indonesia are varied depending on who celebrate and where they celebrate them. Here is a look of unique New Year celebrations of the three New Years in Indonesia.

New Year in January

Generally, people in Indonesia celebrate New Year’s Eve by lighting up fireworks, blowing paper trumpets and joining New Year party that is usually held in hotels, restaurants, clubs, beaches or any places where huge mass of people can flock. The entertainments are mostly musical performance like the ever-present ‘dangdut’ concert, but in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, the New Year’s Eve performances also include traditional performances.

Chinese New Year

There are so many unique New Year traditions in Indonesia regarding Chinese New Year (or ‘Imlek’ according to locals). There are many traditions brought from China to Indonesia by many families, and even Chinese families who have already blended seamlessly with local life still maintain these traditions.

One unique tradition is eating a whole fish but only on one side, and he or she cannot flip the fish over to eat the fish meat on the other side. The fish will be kept to be eaten again on the next morning, symbolizing extra wealth and prosperity that will come next year. Therefore, whenever Chinese New Year approaches, fish price in various markets will be higher.

Chinese families will also avoid cleaning their houses during the New Year day, especially sweeping, because it is believed to ‘sweep out’ wealth and prosperity from their houses. They will also not eat porridge, as it is considered a bad luck since porridge is something poor people eat. Older people will hand out money to kids and youths in red envelopes, which are called ‘angpaw.’ Of course, some places become venues for Chinese dragon show or ‘barongsai.’

Islamic New Year

The majority of Indonesian people are Muslims, so there are many unique New Year traditions in various areas related to this particular celebration. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, housewives will ‘attack’ the markets and grocery stores to buy kitchen appliances such as bowls, buckets and basins; essentially anything that is used to contain something. This symbolizes hopes for prosperity and blessing. They can buy like five buckets or six basins in one purchase, which of course make the sellers happy.

In Java, Islamic New Year is on the same day with the first day of Javanese calendar, usually known as ‘Malam Satu Suro.’ At this time, people will go into all night praying and meditation, often with one day fasting. In Solo, people usually flock on the street to side parade of sacred white water buffalo from the Solo palace called Kyai Slamet. Meanwhile, in Yogyakarta, there is also parade where the participants showcase sacred relics from Yogyakarta palace.

In Sumedang, West Java, people do torch parade at night, while kids lit fireworks and fire crackers. Whatever unique New Year traditions in Indonesia, all have one purpose: to welcome the new year with better self, and try to be a better person for the whole year.

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