In 2007, the government of Ibiza has been creating and marketing campaigns for the winter season of tourism on the island. The island of Majorca has always enjoyed a consistent tourist season during the winter months, which benefits all businesses including five star hotels, Ibiza wants this as well. Temperatures remain temperate throughout months spent shivering in other climates. Off-season tourism is the goal. For while the winter months are beautiful, and the yoga classes and the spas are still there, notable drops are being experienced. The industries have been attempting to entice travelers with the same opportunities, such as yoga and splendid beaches, for a fraction of the price with many of the businesses and five star hotels, Ibiza companies offer many discounted rates and vacation packages. Part of the draw to the islands in the winter, is that all the fun and craziness the regions are known for is still there, but to a much lesser degree. A more sophisticated way to party and vacation. Just the respectable nights of Friday and Saturday.

There are still late night crowds, however at a much lower intensity in the winter months. Many beaches seem a bit deserted in the winter months, but are still quite warm and provide a relaxing environment for walking off a night to lately spent. The town of Saint Agnes offers many opportunities for freshly made tortillas and tapas, or bloodymarys to assist in the quest. Over the years, the Balearic Island has been catering to a more mature crowd. The times of parties every night of the week, have slowed and there are more opportunities for a relaxing escape. The parties have become more intimate occasions, and the result is that more people are really noticing the beauty and tranquility unique to this region of the Mediterranean. Parties will always be thrown on these beaches, but it seems that islands have grown up just a bit.

In 2007, three people decided to create a non-profit organization, the Cicada Tree Eco-Place. The three founders, Vilma D’Rozario, Celine Low, and Teresa Teo-Guttensohn, met while they were in the Nature Society of Singapore. The NSS is also a non-profit group which began in 1940. This group was conducting classes and seminars, and taking people on nature walks, with the goal of expanding peoples’ awareness of the natural heritage of Singapore. Most of what this group did was to provide educational backdrops, with scientists and researchers lecturing and teaching. Which is what Cicada Tree does, however with children. The belief of the founders is that one must overcome their fears, in order to be kind, specifically in the this case, the fear most people have of reptiles, snakes and insects. The first thing a child may be pre -disposed to do when seeing a spider is to… smash it. The group travels around to the schools, and leads the children on nature walks, teaching them about the various species in the animal and insect world as well as discussions on the native plants. In this way, the children lose their fear and gain knowledge. And with knowledge of subjects, most often time comes respect of those subjects.

In the last two years, the three have conducted these outdoor classes on everything from butterflies to carnivorous plants to toads. Joining with the Bukit Timah society, the activities remain educational. Scientists visiting conduct the nature walks. The name is founded through the tree and its roots. Freshwater swamps, at one time, were home to the trees, however, many swamps have been cleared for construction. With a habitat so threatened, this area not only supports classes for children but requires them for adults as well. It has been said that although children watch the ‘nature’ channels that focus on the territory they live, the children know more about the environment in Singapore. Through the classes for children, and the others around the city, this Island with a rain forest running through downtown now stands a chance at rebuilding, not only the luxury Singapore business hotels, but the cafes, the wharfs and the life of the city state and island that is known as the jewel of the Orient.

Earth Hour is coming to India and the IT capital of Bangalore will be participating. As one of the highest power consuming Indian cities, Bangalore is working to raise awareness of the environmental impact of not only tech and other industries, but of the individuals and families in the area.

The M.G. Road and Brigade Road shopping districts have promised to participate by turning off their lights from 8:30 – 9:30 pm on Saturday, March 28th. Local trade associations have worked over the past few weeks to ensure there will be ample candle light and security for shoppers. Restaurants, five star hotels in Bangalore, as well as IT companies are all expected to join in the event.

Employees of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) were strongly encouraged to participate as well. Officials believe that most if not all will turn off their lights.

The city’s power demands are approximately 32 million units(mu) of power a day. Since they only receive 27 million units, that’s a shortage of five mu per day. The state of Karnataka (of which Bangalore is the capital) has a daily shortage of 9 mu.

The global observance of Earth Hour began two years ago in Australia to call attention to the effects of global warming. This year over 80 countries are committed to participating and an anticipated billion homes and businesses will go dark for one hour on Saturday night.

From incredible food to colorful architecture, from stunning mountain views to gorgeous beaches, Cape Town attractions appeal to a wide range of visitors, making it one of South Africa’s premiere destinations.

Everyone from backpackers to the rich and famous are drawn to this city sandwiched between the Table Mountains and the sparkling South Atlantic. Accommodations range from high end Cape Town five star hotels to budget hostels and special lodging for the backpack crowd. Shoppers can chose from street vendors and open markets to designer boutiques and modern malls.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find an incredible range of landscapes and recreational activities to enjoy. The lush flora and fauna of the mountains contrast with the exotic marine life in the tidal pools. Surfing, swimming, sailing, and diving are all popular ocean sports while hiking, cycling, and rock climbing can be found on dry land.

The city has much to offer cultural tourists. The architecture reflects the colorful history of the city and there are countless galleries and museums showcasing the arts and crafts through the eras. Music, dance, theater, and other performing arts are important to South Africans, with events such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival drawing thousands every year.

Some of the more popular attractions for tourists are the Castle of Good hope and the Rhodes Memorial. Nature lovers will want to explore the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Koeberg Nature Reserve, and Table Mountain National Park. And those seeking a more modern city experience will want to spend time exploring the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront.

Don’t forget to sample the wonderful food! Located on a natural cape, Cape Town offers incredibly fresh seafood as well as locally produced meats and vegetables. The region is famous for its vineyards, many of which include restaurants and offer tours. So be sure to try a few local vintages as well.

Art on the streets of Bath, is and has been a common sight, sound and occurrence for many years. In 1992 however, one festival has been organized by a group of volunteers, the Bath Festival Fringe. The group has been receiving grants for every year to help with the operating costs, however this year all governmental grants have been cut. The city and the organizers of the festivals are now relying on the generosity of the business owners, the corner restaurant or the Bath hotel, and each and every artist. Many of whom perform for free, all the shows are free of charge. However, with the grants of the past, the artists were provided stipends for travel and expenses. The festival begins on June first, and is very similar to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in that there are many musicians and performers on the streets, as well as alternative venues for indoor shows. Every building is converted into a stage. Every one is a performer. The freedom of festivals such as this has attracted audience members and performers from around the world. Gipsy music from Bristol, Ramshaklicious are regulars as well as the children’s theater group ‘the eggs Youth Theater. It’s mayhem in the best possible way, the most artistic way on the streets of Bath in June.
Bath Festival Fringe

As funding for the festival usually granted by the arts councils, is being placed elsewhere, as in the Olympic games, the businesses and philanthropic donors have picked up the tab. Apparently there was quite a substantial anonymous donation provided by a private donor. Although a set schedule has not been established yet, the cooperative group that organizes the Fringe assures the public that the shows will happen. Along with, and providing support, are the music festival, and the film festival scheduled to coincide…again much like the Fringe in Edinburgh. All the artists of various schools coming together.

One of the more enticing destinations in the world is the sovereign Kingdom of Thailand. Formerly known as Siam, Thailand is popular with tourists looking to capture some of the exotic charm of Southeast Asia while maintaining some of the comforts and conveniences of modern life. As a country filled with gorgeous beaches, remote jungles, traditional villages and modern cities, Thailand fits the bill perfectly.

Thailand’s tropical climate and extensive coastline make it very attractive to sun lovers. There are dozens of islands and beaches throughout the country. Scuba diving, sailing, and other ocean sports are popular, especially on Phuket Island and the Similan Islands. There are also several National Marine Parks in the Surat Thani Province that attract visitors throughout the year.

There are actually a number of National Parks throughout Thailand. Tarutao National Park in the Satun Province, Khao Yai National Park in Isaan, and the Ko Chang National park in the Trat Province offer views of Thailand’s natural beauty. Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaeo National Park are both located on Phuket.

Bangkok is the capital city and is one of the most modern urban areas in Southeast Asia. It exemplifies the contrast found throughout Thailand: traditional charm mixing with modern convenience. This bustling city is home to some of the best 5 star hotels Thailand, though there are quality hotels throughout the country. Thailand is actually known for its guest houses and a growing number of spas, boutique hotels, and business hotels that suit a variety of travelers.

Other cities of note in Thailand include Chiang Mai, which is the northern capital and Chaing Rai. Visitors wanting to see the famous Bridge over the River Kwai will want to check out Kanchanaburi. Pattaya, Ayutthaya, and Sukothai are also popular with tourists.

Thailand is known for its beautiful temples, incredible food, and great shopping. There are grand palaces, museums, and a thriving arts community to enjoy. Thailand is very proud of its cultural life and offers visitors countless opportunities to experience theater, music, dance, and other performing arts. The country also places a premium on wildlife preservation. In addition to national and local parks, there are numerous sanctuaries, aquariums, zoos, and farms that protect and promote various animal, reptile, bird, and insect species.

Whether traipsing through a pristine jungle, rock climbing off the Rai Leh cliffs, enjoying the luxuries of Bangkok or relaxing on a Phuket beach, Thailand offers an unforgettable and unequalled experience.

Buddhism is the religion and the faithfully devout way of becoming strong again through the young wishing to grasp back in order to move forward. Taoism and Confucianism is prevalent in the cultures of the Chinese, the Japanese, and the Singaporeans…Buddhism however, is becoming realized for what it is and what it can help, through the gentle nature, the overall and overwhelming devotion to the environment, the world to become. The contemporary poet, Lee Tzu Pheng, exemplifies what it means to be good and what it means to give back. For as she wins awards, she coaches and inspires the youth of her nation to persevere and to believe that what they write is important and necessary to the emotional well being and the further progression of the cultural well being and the society as a whole. Most popular is Theravada Buddhism, which is the traditional mode of belief and thought. Growing exponentially over the years as a popular means of discovering and rediscovering modes of faith and tradition. Attempts have been made recently through lectures at Singapore luxury hotels, and conferences, to dis-em-bowel this sort of peaceful religion, the city is standing strong. No interference by the government or other such large numbers will deter the people, the Buddhists, to falter or to stray from what they believe and hold to be true. Customs, traditions and rituals are all a part of the whole that keeps this sector of religious faith alive and functioning.

Indigenous cultures of China and Japan have, quite obviously influenced and affected the religious culture in Singapore wherein there has been an increase over the years of those not previously interested in any sort of religious venture or belief system in any way. The government and various societies over the years have attempted to oust the Buddhist religion, as they so often do attempt to do, but over the years the artistry, of the poets, the writers and the songsters, and the musicians, Singapore is finding its way again, finding its way to becoming a leader in not only the world of business and finance but of sociological awareness and humanity as well.

An island, mobile and floating through the waters of the earth, twice as large as the continental US is growing in size and affecting countries, oceans and seas far away from its originating point in the Pacific Ocean. Just off the coast of California, heading towards Hawaii and Japan, this acts as an anti-sponge, releasing garbage and sludge into the atmosphere of the ocean, the largest ‘dump’ in the world. This has effects as far away as the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The currents of the underwater swirls have carried the shite far from its original resting place. In the Mediterranean Sea, floating in the waters that boast many luxury Ibiza hotels and Mallorca resorts, advertising clean, pristine waters, 75% of the oceans pollution comes from human rubbish. Of that, 95% are plastic shopping bags. Once thought a great idea to have a contained island for all the plastic garbage, it is now considered a soup, spreading and leaking out into all the worlds’ bodies of water. And when the soup hits land, it’s as the day after a New Years party, a confetti of scattered and multi-colored plastic debris. One scientist put it in a not so scientific term, saying it was as if the floating island of trash, floats by and ‘barfs’ on islands in its path.

Just about a quarter of the trash is what gets tossed off boats, cruise ships and tankers. Things such as kitchen pots, footballs, children’s toys and suitcases. The other junk comes from consumers on land. On top of questioning how this could possibly happen for a short period of time, such as oil spills that cause such upheaval and a rise to environmental arms so to speak…these are occurrences that get cleaned up relatively quickly, this floating rubbish has been happening and growing and dispersing itself for years. A captain of an oil tanker, upon witnessing this first hand, sold his assets and his business shares to become a full time activist. In ten years the amount of plastic waste in the oceans of the world is expected to double, should the humans of the world continue their use of disposable containers. Makes one think twice about the plastic, but good for you, contained bottled water.

In 1850, Wayang Opera was a famous source of entertainment for the general public. Popular with immigrants from China and taken with them to various parts of the world. Many of the Chinese immigrated to Singapore. The stages were usually set up on the street side, just before the show began, temporary but very well lit by colorful neon lights, these shows drew quite a crowd. Most of the time the show was offered for free, or at a very minimal cost. The audience sat around the raised stage cabaret style, and often times carried on as though no show was taking place, eating and drinking and smoking and chatty loudly, as though at a party. Then, when the show became serious or reached a climax in a scene, all eyes were on stage and they were mesmerized.

Singapore is known for the eclectic cultural mix, and evidence of that is every where, from the businesses, to the business hotels Singapore has become a melting pot. From Italian restaurants to French, from Vietnamese sculptors to Roman painters, the local residents and the tourists are from a variety of back-grounds. This is true as well, for the performers of Wayang. For the most part, traditional performances are involving Hokkien actors as well as Teochew and Hokkien . And as with the times of Shakespeare, there were traditionally, no female actresses. The roles being given to young boys, as was the way the first years of Ophelia. However that is not the case today. At one point there were real theaters built for the opera, at one time about six. These theaters were located in the same district on Smith Street. Various nicknames for the street were used over the years, asWayang Street or Theater Street. However with the beginning of film and the popularity of movie house that began in the early 1930′s the permanent locations began to disappear. Many abandoned the craft and the tradition for years.

But just as fashion repeats history in the United States, the younger population has begun to appreciate the art form. And the older performers and audience members are there to teach and to help revive this culturally important art form. ManyWayang operas are performed on the streets of Singapore today, as well in Opera Halls.