There’s some heady history in Mauritius, and to even sneak a peek into the past is to reveal a complicated web of relationships that are still being worked out in the cultures that live here today.  There are a number of languages spoken here, and Creole is one of the most commonly heard, but English will also get you pretty far.  That’s especially true if you’re staying at any of the luxury hotels Mauritius is famous for, where there is a splendid sense of escape everywhere you turn, and no sign of any of the responsibilities you left behind.  This is one of those places where you can see where the idea of a tropical island paradise comes from.

It is a fabulous place to make your escape from the world, but there is an amazing complex of cultures here, with African, French, Indian, and Chinese all in the mix.  It’s a very lively social scene, and the culinary traditions these cultures offer make some absolutely gorgeous tastes when blended together.  There’s a lot to see and do here, and it’s also a fine place to do absolutely nothing, and to repeat that every day, for as long as possible.  The music here might eventually get you moving, however, because it’s a magnetic sound that’s impossible to resist after a point.  Sega is a form where even the most politically charged songs sound the entire world is dancing together because there is so much happiness.

There are also some terrific places to dance, and some of the best DJs in the world these days come from Mauritius.  Young artists like ZahoOL are taking their turn at fame on the world stage, and often end up working in the U.K.  It’s a fascinating trend, and it’s somehow very inspiring that young people can move to a larger city and find cultural connections with each other.  This is how some of the best musical traditions in the world began.  It may not be in the destiny for ZahoOL to invent a new form, and maybe his spinning excellent tracks with a particular artistry is the major contribution to the world, and in truth, that’s more than plenty, because he’s got some fire going on.

It is a city that is famous for its own reinvention of itself, and there are many fantastic traces of this invention that are visible everywhere here.  It is in the art, in the fantastic architecture, in the music, whether its techno infused with Arabic influences, or the new acoustic folk artists that are drawn to the possibilities for the invention of self here, and it’s also in the restaurants.  Dubai has something exquisite for everyone, and is a place to see these days.  It is particularly attractive for the young and affluent because of its exciting night life, and cutting edge world culture, but it’s also attractive because there are so many people here who are young and affluent.

It’s been a major hotspot for celebrities for a few years, and seems to keep building new kinds of steam to keep the energy flowing.  Its creative potential is enacted in many parts of the city, and the culinary scene is certainly one place where the art of luxury is on display.  Some of the finest chefs in the world compete to work in these restaurants, and they offer some of the most exciting new tastes in world cuisine.  You can also certainly find plenty of splendid local treats and taste temptations, and there is a great variety of food here.  The same could certainly be said of the art.  One of the galleries favorite artists is Monali Meher, whose installation work is spectacular.

In a time when performance art has been given the short end of the cultural stick, and the people who didn’t understand it during the last generation are speaking with authority about how they don’t understand it this generation, it’s heartening to see when someone can break through the discourse and present work that makes people stand up and take notice.  Meher’s performance art works have been seen all over, and are getting interesting responses in Dubai, and at some of the most prestigious and visible events and venues.  It speaks well of her work, and also offers some optimism for this form, which is more ethereal in nature than theatre, and one of the most economical kinds of art in terms of scope as well as actual cost, and may very well be seeing another incarnation of itself in the world imagination, if Dubai is any kind of gauge, and it very likely is.

Most modern cities seem to have begun by someone building a trading post on the mouth of a river or by the sea, and Cape Town, South Africa, is no exception to that.  In this case, it was Jan van Riebeeck who built a trading post in 1652 for the Dutch East Indies Company.  Today, Cape Town is a city considered world-class and cosmopolitan, with plenty of historical sites, and a far cry from that trading post 357 years ago, and even farther from the area’s first inhabitants’, the Strandloper, who were ancestors to the Kalahari Bushmen. The city is now South Africa’s legislative capital, with a vigorous night life and with many of the best Cape Town restaurants you can find.

What kind of food is favored in Cape Town?  As a city by the ocean, perhaps it’s not surprise that many restaurants specialize in seafood…  fresh sushi or giant prawns or crayfish pulled from the Atlantic.  But steak is high on the list as well, and you might do well to try out some African venison, if you’re one of those folks who still like red meat.  Cape Town, too, has a variety of seasonal, local, fresh vegetables.  You’ll find yourself choosing from a number of cuisines: Cape Malay and seafood, to fusion and Italian, Thai, to Caribbean, to French fine dining to Portuguese grills; you may even find Cajun Creole.

As an example of Cape Malay, have you ever tried Bobotie?  How about Roti or Brandy Pudding?  Bobotie is an example of an essential Cape Malay meal, and is a curried beef (or lamb) mince that you top with an egg custard.  As an accompaniment, you will often find rice flavored with turmeric and a bit of fruit chutney.  Roti is a fried bread, flaky, used to soak up curry, and is actually an Indian dish, but you’ll find it in South Africa, thanks to the contributions of South Africa’s immigrant Indian population.  Cape Brandy Pudding, has a distinct history in the Cape.  The first distillation of Brandy occurred in Cape Town in 1672, and most likely this pudding, designed to warm you in the winter months, was created almost immediate afterwards.

Cape Town is the heart of South Africa, offering a spectacular night life, with as many clubs and discos as you can stand, keeping you dancing until all hours of the night.  The beaches are lovely, and many people say they are the most beautiful sands in the world.  There are also plenty of special attractions that can please any traveler, of all ages.  It’s a heady mix of cultures and languages, and people come here from all over the world, enjoying the amazing energy that can’t be found anywhere else.  For the discerning traveler, the top Cape Town hotels meet the best standards for hospitality anywhere, and there’s a sensibility here that’s entirely pleasing.

Guests are always amazed at the magnificent array of delights the city has to offer, and there are plenty of good reasons why it’s such an attractive place to come to get away from it all.  It is one of the major players in the world culture scene, and you can participate in observing some of the most interesting and innovative new works of performance and visual art, and it’s always stunning to be able to witness new creations while they’re in process.  There are many different cultures here, with an amazing number of languages spoken by the local populations, as well as all the European languages that the immigrant populations have brought here.  Not everyone expects to find fantastic gypsy music in South Africa, but you can find it.

They’re called Balkanology, and they provide for some of the most exciting, and maddest parties around.  They formed in Cape Town, and most of the members are from elsewhere originally, but some local, and they mix together some of the more popular styles from the Balkans, add their own spice and style, and then start playing from the chaotic mess that they’ve made.  It’s great fun, the music is absolutely lively, and at times it even borders on exquisite, letting gypsy sounds drive the evenings events into a fantastic blur, making splendid memories on the dirt and in the air in Cape Town.

Eastern Indian food is so different from the foods of the western world that is stands out as a specialty. As the multiple cultures migrate across the globe, more and more foods are shared through out. Indian food is known for its spice. There is plenty of spice in the food. The spices and other flavors in the food act in nutritional and medicinal purposes as well. Across India the foods to have some varying changes depending on the area the cook is from. The cooking method of the food from this area also is very different from other countries.

The food from northern India is developed around the main dish. Because rice is plentiful in the area there are many dishes made with rice. There is the Saag made with Hak which is a green leaf vegetable and it is often served like a dipping sauce. Some of the areas of the north utilize other forms of flours like wheat, maida and besan to create their chapatis. Chapatis is a type of flat bread. There are other kinds of breads from this area like Tandoori, Naan and Rumaali. This area shows the Mughlai influence on their foods.

West Indian food reflects the more desert cuisine of the area. Because there isn’t much vegtables in the area they substitute with a variety of pickles and preserves, dals and achars. They take many elements from the north and the south of the country including the breads and many fish dishes. The Bombay Prawn and Pomfret are a favorite of the area. You can find these dishes in many of the Bombay Restaurants.

Bengali and Assamese influences are noticeable in the East Indian foods. Fish and rice is basic staple of the diet eaten in this area. They like a large variety of fish in the east. Hilsa is a poplular delicacy that is wrapped in a pumpkin leaf and then cooked. Bamboo Shoot also shows the influence of the Bangalis in the food. Milk is a popular ingredient to some of the sweet dishes like Roshogolias or Sandesh.

The Southern part of the country produces many dishes with of course the spices and fish but also coconuts. The Food in Tamil Nadu use a special ingredient called tamarind in their dishes that add a hint of sour to the dish. No matter where you get your food in India make sure your ready for the super spice.

Singapore is a great city to live in and also to visit. It is becoming more internationally recognized for its cultural arts and entertainment offerings as well as for the great world cuisine it offers. Many people first discover the wonders of Singapore during a business trip or hear fabulous things about it through friends. One this is sure however, and that is the growing popularity of this city and the increasing number of tourists that visit it each year.

In addition to some of the world class artists and performances that attract the guests staying in one of the hotels Singapore the parks and various geographic elements are also enticing. They provide a perfect change of pace for the otherwise on the go tourist. One of Singapore’s great parks is Pasir Ris Park. This lush green beach park is located in the northeastern part of the city and is full of activity opportunities for individuals, couples and also plenty of options for great family fun. There are beautiful bike paths that provide for a nice tour of the park area and there are also bike rental facilities to accommodate those who are there on vacation, or just didn’t happen to bring one.

Some of the diverse attractions offered by the park include a three-story high bird watching tower, which is incredibly popular with all levels of bird watching enthusiasts. There is a very large playground in the park that is always full of children and teenagers. It is always recommended that parents supervise children in any city and at any park and with this in mind it is a great place to bring children for an afternoon’s outing. There is also a new pony ride attraction available in the park. This activity features riding lessons and a professionally guided ride. There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports such as kayaking.

There are many aspects to living a healthy life, such as proper exercise and good eating habits.  One of the aspects that many people may tend to over look is the overall effects of living in today’s hectic world.  And that is stress, the taking care of your mental health as well as your physical, this is what a portable hot tub will provide.  For years people have taken in account the many health benefits that soaking in water provides.  And with a hot tub or a spa in your own backyard, you not only enjoy the benefits of lowered stress levels, but the physical benefits as well.  Your blood pressure will fall while your circulation increases.  Aches and pains will melt away, and the hot water and the steam will serve to detoxify all of the cells of your body.

The ancient Egyptians, as well as many of the ancient cultures throughout the world, know this long ago.  For their times, the medical practitioners were extremely advanced technicians, in ways of healing and the anatomy of the human body, due to the extensive ceremonial practice of mummification.  They understood certain effects of diet and illnesses on the body because they had intensive experience with performing autopsies, just as the master painters and sculptors such as Michelangelo, they new the human body inside and out.

Often utilized in treatments and in therapies, was what is now know today in modern medicine as hydrotherapy.  There were many aspects of medicine that they did not understand in the ways that we do today, but many of their choices and diagnoses where right on the mark, and while soaking in water did have ritual meanings, it also had healing effects.  Today hot tub therapy is used for many different illnesses and physical ailments, and of course in the treatment of stress reduction, depression and sleep disorders.  Adding a hot tub into your daily life, your daily rituals will give you the opportunity to enjoy what the ancients enjoyed, peace of mind and care of the body.

Companies, be they large or small, are always looking for ways in which to measure their performance, in terms of how well their profits and revenues are and if they are interested in sales process improvement they will do well to hire managers who are qualified strategists.  These managers will also take into account the changes in society and in the economy and how that may affect them in the future.  One of the strategies is in the new way people are running their business is to take into consideration the loyalty of their customers and the satisfaction of their employees.  This is one of the best ways to ensure that the numbers are met and the production levels stay elevated.  What is measured must be taken into consideration, in the determination of just what will be measured, and how to make certain that they are collected the right kind of data relating to what it is to be measured.

Human resources departments are concerning themselves with just what it is exactly, that their company needs, such as the right selection of the staff for the jobs in which they are hired.  One of the most valuable lessons a strategist will learn from sales training, is the ability to begin to notice the trends.  Immediate needs should be taken care of however it is important for managers to have an eye on the future, to be able to guide the company toward future success.  Some managers do this by keeping up with reading books on one’s particular industry, or the magazines and periodicals.  Others form networking groups, or continual take classes or courses.  This will keep one up to date with the necessary information to process when considering what may be the next new thing.  This is one of the most practical elements of a great manager’s job.  With a strategist on your team you will be guaranteed the continued success of your company, for next week and well into the future.

Business trips happen. Some people enjoy them and others don’t. Just as some people are extremely prone to love to travel and some people just never orient themselves to it. However, many people who begin to travel, for whatever reason, ultimately become hooked and it takes a major priority position in their lives. This was exactly the case with Curtis who would pack his bag and hop on an airplane any chance he got. Meanwhile Curtis worked for a security installment and video technology firm. During the last six months he rarely got the chance to travel outside his own city and he was beginning to feel a little boxed in. And yes, the previous sentence said six months, not six years which actually testifies to the frequency in which Curtis travels.

Needless to say, when Curtis’ immediate supervisor walked up to him at the snack machine to ask him to attend a seminar in Tampa, Florida, all he had to say was luxury Tampa hotels and Curtis immediately responded with “I’m ready.” The seminar was schedule to take place three weeks from that moment, and with anyone else the supervisor was worried that he wasn’t giving enough time. However, he was almost certain he could count on the exact response he got from Curtis and was almost even regretful that the trip wouldn’t be for three weeks.

Once Curtis unpacked his bag in his hotel room, he was out the door and headed to the water. That was another thing Curtis loved and he was in it almost as often as he was in the dry air. Okay, that was an exaggeration, but his love for water wasn’t. That evening Curtis found his way to the Tampa neighborhood known as Harbour Island. He had heard about a particular nightclub there while he was getting a coffee downtown and decided he had to check it out. And that’s pretty much how Curtis operated. He went with his whims and interests and always seemed to have a great time. The next day he sat in on a three hour meeting before heading straight for the Tampa Museum of Art, which someone had mentioned as having a great Greek collection. On his third and last day in Tampa he went to the Florida Aquarium to see the Dragons Down Under Exhibit. His trip didn’t last long, but it was enough to tide Curtis over for the next six months before he could get out of town again.

According to a Chevy Blazer, Ford Taurus, or Chevrolet Cavalier repair manual, the manufacturers of today’s cars recommend that you have the oil changed in your vehicle every seventy five hundred miles, or every year, which ever comes first.  However, this recommendation is based on the most perfect, the most optimal of driving conditions.   Do you drive just a short bit each week, going on many trips that are less than ten miles a piece?  Do you live in an extremely cold climate, or do you drive long distances in extremely hot, dry and dusty climates?  Do you live in the city, and are stuck frequently in stop and go traffic?

If you answered yes to any of the these questions, you must pay closer attention to when you get your oil changed. It now becomes recommended that you change your car’s oil every three thousand miles or each six months, which ever comes first.  And really, regardless of the manufacturers recommendations, it is best to follow this schedule no matter what kind of driving you do on a regular basis.  Only the newest of car engines can get by on the yearly oil change, but once an engine starts to accumulate mileage, more residue from the fuel left unburned in the crankcase starts to circulate in the oil and dilute it.  The oil begins to break down quicker.

With my Ford Bronco, repair manual recommendations regarding this added years to the life of my car’s engine.  When you go without the regular oil changes, the engine will break down, gas mileage will go down and emissions will go up.  This goes too for your oil filter.  In newer cars the size of the filters has been greatly reduced over the years, so while your car may burn less oil and require less frequent changes, the filters must be checked periodically as they become dirty at a quicker rate.  The regular oil change is seriously the simplest and the best way to extend the life of your vehicle.

Stacey found out she would be going to Duluth, Minnesota to represent her law firm in an extremely important merging negotiation. When she received the memo she didn’t understand all of the details, but she was sure of one thing, she would do her best and be as professional and informed as possible because he had been trying without success to make partner for the last five years. As she drove home that day she decided to make this her final stand. If she didn’t return from the meeting with a great success and be asked to join the partners, she would begin looking for a new firm.

That night at dinner she mentioned the trip to her husband Tom. He froze for a moment and looked at her, amazed it seemed at the idea. Stacey felt pleased that her husband was finally taking an active interest in her career. However, as she went on with her final ultimatum, Tom interrupted her and asked her to confirm that she said Duluth. Yes, yes, it was Duluth, Minnesota where her final showdown would take place. Tom interrupted her again and announced that the Black Bear Casino was located just outside of Duluth and that they would have to stay there during the trip. Well, at least the truth was out. Of course Tom was not interested in her Stacey’s professional dilemma. However, it did mean at least that he would be joining her on this important trip.

As it turns out Stacey was extremely happy to have given up the company sponsored room at one of the fine business oriented hotels Duluth because she absolutely loved the huge windows in her room at the casino resort and also appreciated the toiletries from Bath and Body Works. Tom had a great time in the poker room and even came away winning. He was a pretty skilled Texas Holdem player and sat at a table every chance he got. In addition, the comedy night at the Cobalt Nightclub and Cabaret helped Stacey to relax and let go of the day’s stress. They also enjoyed the great golf courses and Stacey almost forgot she was there for a very important business meeting.

When you have had enough of the Silicon Valley of India and need a break from the business life head for Cubbon Park.  There is history stored there in this otherwise relatively new city. There are many older state buildings around which makes it a central administrative area. This park carries only 100 years of history which in comparison to other cities in India it is considered the young one. But there has been many thing that have happened in this area to take note of.

The park is 100 acres and along with the few concrete buildings housing government and other organizations it is surrounded with green. It is a major air space for Bangalore. Many people come to walk, ride or maybe just sit and think.  This park is quite the botanical. Most of the plants and trees are indigenous of the area but there are also so exotic flora that seem to be a little experiment. Take the Grevillea robusta which is silver oak, this park is the first place an oak was planted in Bangalore from Australia. It can be found near the Tennis Pavilion.

Along with all the beautiful plants and trees, you can find some wonderful statues through out the park. The first installed was the Queen Victoria Statue in 1906. It sits on the corner of the park at Mahatma Gandhi Circle. In 1919 the King Edward VII statue was place near the north west point of the park. Of course you have to have the statue of Major General Sir Mark Cubbon. As the park is notably named after. It sits hear the terrace garden. So enjoy your stay at one of the best hotels Bangalore India has to offer and enjoy the stroll in the local park they call Cubbon Park.

While I had a lay-over in Washington, I met Sally who was from Vancouver and her friend Che from Korea, they were both staying at the same hotel in New York as I was. No surprise really, because we all were looking for one of the small hotels New York offers to accommodate the traveller on a budget.

We headed out together after we arrived and got unpacked. We aimed our sights on the UN Building. We were kind of disappointed that all the color was gone, the flags weren’t flying today. When we went inside, they didn’t accept my student card, which I’ve never had an issue with until now, even in China they accepted my student card. But, the UN held fast and wouldn’t budge. My new friends laughed and said the UN apparently doesn’t negotiate! We found the tour lacking and not worth the money they charge. We were just led from one council room to another and that was it. Nothing more. What a rip. I now understand why the UN seems ineffectual. Che bought an North Korean flag in the gift shop. I took a picture of him standing in front of the Army recruitment center in Times Square posing with his new flag.

We then wandered back down 42nd Street and made a stop at the great Grand Central Station, then checked out the great New York Public Library. The Chrysler Building towered overhead as we rock-n-rolled over to the Rockefeller center. That ice rink you always see in movie and on T.V. is really very small. After looking at one skyscraper after another, I developed a crick in my neck.

It was time to split ways with Sally and Che, they had made plans that didn’t include me, and I also had plans that didn’t include them, but we told each other that we’ll compare notes tomorrow morning when we get together for the free continental breakfast offered at our hotel.

The capital city of Thailand has some of the nicest hotels as Bangkok city has a huge area with a population of over 11 million people. It became the capital around 1782 by the first monarch of the current dynasty, Chakri. This city has become the center of all things political, spiritual, cultural, educational and diplomatic for the country of Thailand. This city is broken into 50 different districts which is (khet) in Thai. We won’t go into how it is split even farther into 154 khwaeng. Which is mainly used for business address.

The district of Sukhumvit is the commercial core of the city. Lots of malls and hotels. The Skytrain intersection is about the center of town. Silom district is the financial center during the day and of course the party district by night. Go at night and visit the famous Patpong area. Rattanakosin district has the sight seeing treasures of Old Bangkok. This is were you can find the Grand Palace. If your on a shoe string budget and plan to visit this city stay in the Khao San Road district. You will feel at home with a back pack on. The district of Yaowarat and Pahurat is the multicultural district. Lots of markets with food, gold and clothing.

For a quieter time it the west bank along the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi district. Lots of little attractions. On the other hand, The Chatuchak Weekend Market is found in the Phahonyothin district. This is filled with so many merchants selling so many things you could stand in one place for an hour and miss something. It covers an area of about 35 acres and has 15,000 shops and vendors. 200,000 people visit the market each day it is open. It is a must see. While these are only a few of the districts of Bangkok, they are guaranteed to keep you busy with things to do.

Our last stop in this leg of our journey is Mamallapuram, a little town in India. We will be flying out of Chennai tomorrow, but we will hate to leave this charming large Indian city, we’ll miss the noise, traffic and the people, mostly we’ll miss our great room at our hotel Chennai India, which was our sanctuary and respite.

Normally, in Mamallapuram there’s not much to do besides seeing an 8th century Pallava and walking along the beach, which would be stunning if it wasn’t for the litter. Fortunately, we arrived during a month long dance festival. We got to see some very interesting Indian folk dances that were performed in-front of some majestic ancient sculpted background. We spent the rest of the time reading and by all costs avoiding the shopkeepers trying to sell us sculptures with a ridiculous markup.

We are glad this is our last stop, we have become a bit tired of India. Before coming here, we had talked to many travelers who have come here, and we got a variety of opinions. We got the typical stereotypes, like India is a spiritual society, or India’s people are poor, but happy. Someone told us India will change us, and I have to agree with that statement, but not in the way we expected.

We found India to be a land of extreme contrasts. Great wealth and dire poverty. Wonderful smells of flowers and delicious food, then human excrement. Taj Mahal, one of the most amazing architectural achievements located right in the middle of a shantytown. India’s landscape is magical and diverse, hauntingly beautiful, but there’s garbage everywhere. All of our senses are being assaulted every moment, which is just too much. A few hours in Chennai left us exhausted. The food and the clothes, the homes and temples, the rickshaws are all wonderfully colorful. The smells are overwhelming. The noise is shocking and the mass of people is unavoidable, we bumped into more people in a day than we would normally in a year.