The role of the artist in any culture is a complex one, but some places have a history that recognizes the importance of their contributions to local and world culture. If Manila is anything, it’s creative. The dense and vibrant city reads like a radical experiment in ideas. Some are moving in mad and furious directions, and others lap lightly at the edges of the soul, inspiring the receptive to tune into the urgent music of the moment.

Artists like Danny Sillada have a unique tuning instrument, that makes him able to listen to multiple channels at one time. He works in many directions at once, in each of the forms in which he’s proficient, and he often works in several forms at the same time. Whether it’s painting, video, music, or any number of performance experiments, visitors to the Manila hotels will have the chance to see interesting work.

There are many other artists in town worth looking at, and some work with the same blend of sacred intention and pop culture that Sillada plays with, but the artists and each of their works is as unique as a fingerprint. The fortunate visitors that might stay a little past their expected departure, holing up for another night or two in the hotel suites , may have more chances to see the work come to life. It’s a city that’s well worth knowing, and it’s impossible to see it all in one visit.

On a recent trip to San Diego, California I had more than a great time. In fact, you might even say the trip changed my life. And that’s a bit of a laughable dramatic statement I also believe that it might be true. Might isn’t the word, it is true and here’s say. I went with my good friend Carl who had agreed to teach me how to surf. His cousin owns a great condo on the beach and Carl house-sits for him every summer while his cousin is on vacation. Well, he was recently asked to fly out for a weekend because his Cousin had a business trip to go on and wanted to Carl to take care of his new puppy. Carl invited me to go with him, and while that’s not something I would normally pass up I was scheduled to work that weekend and it took some major negotiation to get it off. Meanwhile, to kind of up that anti, as if a free trip and great accommodations, after all I couldn’t find a cheaper San Diego hotel Carl promised to teach me how to surf while we were there.

So, that’s actually not the most interesting part, though it is certainly associated with it. It turns out that I really didn’t catch on well to surfing, well maybe it’s because I didn’t end up getting much of a chance. While Carl was giving me a demonstration, a quite impressive one by the way, I sat on the beach and watched. As I was sitting there on my towel a little brown dog came running up to me with a leash dangling behind. I talked to the dog and petted it so that it would stay with me until I saw some sign of a leash less hand and worried face. That didn’t take long and not only was the approaching face worried it was also beautiful.

The owner of the dog and beautiful face is named Paul and he and I started talking while he thanked me for grabbing Pooch, if you can believe that’s what he named his dog. We seemed to hit it off immediately and then he mentioned that he had an extra ticket for The Old Globe’s production of a new musical called Whisper House. Well, I didn’t whisper my response though I also tried not to sound too eager. Meanwhile I forgot all about Carl and walked off to get some coffee and pastry with Paul and Pooch. We had a great conversation and I had wonderful time at the theatre. It turns out that Paul has a time-share in San Diego and visits frequently. Thanks to Carl’s cousin I can visit whenever I want as well. Paul and I talk on the phone regularly and of course email everyday. I don’t know where it will lead but I’m certainly willing to follow the possibilities.

There was a lot of talk in some circles about the Warhol exhibition in Singapore.  It happened in 2007, which is proof that the world did not freeze in its tracks, or implode, and it certainly didn’t stop anyone from making ironic art.  It’s difficult to know whether the audience had embraced the work, or if it was something that was an already always.  There wasn’t the lively buzz in restaurants all over Singapore when it opened, but then again, it wasn’t received with with indifference either.

Then again, perhaps it’s hard to know what would get a response in the restaurants.  The food here is so exquisite, with some of the best flavors all over the world in one place.  I’ve always loved Chinese food, and found Indian food to be absolute heaven, so whenever I’m in Singapore I really don’t remember the dinner conversation.  Chances are, I’m always in such a swoony state that I could just as easily discuss boy bands and hair bands as easily as the stuff of international art.  It really doesn’t matter.  That place does something very wonderful to my senses, and opens up my taste buds in new and, for me, rather significant ways.

I am not sure if this is what Andy would have wanted, either, and am even less convinced he would have cared.  He did seem genuinely fascinated by things, by phenomena, and by cultural movements.  He was much more interested in trends than in actual people, although celebrities were always high on his list.  Personally, I had hoped for a much more profound reaction from the gallery-hoppers in Singapore when they saw the hundred or so works by the master of pop art, but in retrospect, when you can talk over such magnificent food, boy bands will also suffice.  And more appropriate, really, in Warhol’s world.

There are plenty of fantastic things that draw people to Hong Kong.  Hotel accommodations are some of the finest in the world, situated as they are in one of the most stylish places.  We have carefully selected these hotels for their high standards of excellence in design and comfort.  Service here is also extremely exemplary, with a staff that is both friendly and very knowledgeable about the complexities of Hong Kong.  There is a splendid blend of old world hospitality with new world features and amenities, that will put you in the heart of class and luxury, without sacrificing convenience.  This will ensure you that your comfort is our primary concern, so that you can feel a sense of rejuvenation that will leave you ready to enjoy the pleasures of Hong Kong.

This is an urban center that has a vibrant heartbeat, living on the cusp of new developments in culture and technology.  It is a heady mix of cultures and styles, and offers something wonderful for visitors of all ages.  There are sight-seeing tours, people watching, museums and galleries, and all kinds of live performance.  With a steady supply of shows, as well as a dizzying array of local events, festivals, and celebrations, Hong Kong is a spectator’s heaven.  For pure spectacle in art, with a large dose of content, there is no one working in the contemporary scene quite like Danny Yung.

Danny Yung has a remarkable career as a theatre director in Hong Kong, and produces some of its most visually-stunning works.  His Book of Ghosts at last year’s Hong Kong Arts Festival was one of the most anticipated new works, and it did not disappoint.  Utilizing a fantastic and diverse ensemble of performers, all masters of their craft, this was an investigation into the nature of ghosts through theatre and dance.  Like most of his works, it was both stunning as well as philosophically complex, offering something for general audiences as well as for the most jaded theater-goer.  Danny Yung was born in Shanghai and grew up in Hong Kong.  He has lived and worked internationally as a multi-disciplinary artists, and is one of Hong Kong’s treasures.

As a kid I had a large coin collection. The coins came from all over the world. Many of them my grandfather brought home from his travels. Before I was born my grandfather was traveling to Europe on business’s on a regular basis. This was in the times of propeller planes bumping their was across the Atlantic low enough to see the white caps on the ocean. These coins came in many shapes, sizes and materials. Some of the coins had writing on the edges. I though that was very interesting since all the coins I had seen to date were smooth on the edge or had ridges. I particularly remember a large coin from Greece with the Greek script adorned the edge. A short distance from my Barcelona Spain Hotel was an exhibit of old European coins. Greek and Roman coins with the faces of Caesars and emperors. Napoleonic era coins depicting and commemorating events. Coins of gold, silver, copper, bronze and other metals. I recall having a bunch of European coins struck in aluminium. These were so light weight and strange to me. It wasn’t until years latter I learned these coins were struck post World War II during high inflationary post war Europe when the countries could not afford to mint coins in precious metals. Coins have existed for centuries and currency for thousands of years. Some of the earliest coins are beads used as trade for goods and services for more than 10,000 years. My coin collection taught me a lot about the world. Geography as I learned where in the world the coin came from. History as the faces adorning the coins would change in some countries and through commemorative coins. Economies ups and downs as the coins changed in size and materials used.

We started at the Opera House because it just seems to magnetically draw you toward it plus it’s in every picture of Sydney anyone has ever seen and we were just awed by the architecture. As we hovered around the building taking snap shots (can you say that with a digital camera?) we kept noticing the Sidewalk cafe and popped in for some satay chicken and Thai salad with prawns and the obligatory glass of wine or two. the view here is extraordinary, and we could see Sydney Harbor and relaxed in on the terrace.

There’s a path we can walk to the ferry dock to Circular Quay over the Harbor Bridge which I found out has over six million rivets and opened in 1932. Ask at a hotel Sydney Australia furnishes on how to get there, but it’s easy. WE found out one can climb to the top. We like heights having been to the CN Tower in Toronto and other sights so we went for it. From up there we could see everything, especially many beaches (I found out there are over one hundred sixty beaches in Sydney, in case you were wondering.) Since I once had a Bondi Blue computer once, we decided to go to Bondi Beach. I the famous one you see on on video with sand of gold and lifeguards. Apparently there’s a bit of a rip tide and so I just decided to stay out of the water for this one until we came across the ocean swimming pool that’s set off from the wild water. I must say it was a delight to swim in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s a trail that runs along the cliffs and brings yo out to quiet bays. WE made it back and by then the waves had started to get big and I watched as the water knocked down more than a few swimmers who tried, who knows why, to head out to the ocean.

I thought while I was visiting a friend who was attending the University of Cambridge, that I would audition for the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. I’ve been in a few Shakespeare plays while I was in highschool and I wondered if I have what it takes to be a Shakespearean actor. But, first I thought I’d check out some performances during the Festival, to see if I really might have a chance.

The Festival has become a significantly cultural event here in Cambridge. I can expect a crowd upwards of 25,000 people coming for the productions which will run eight week long. Since the city naturally attracts people here, the Festival has benefited and has acquired not only a national dimension, but an international one too. That can be a little intimidating, for one who thinks they can perform in a Shakespeare play, like me.

My evening at the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival was a unique experience for me. Prior the the performance, members of the audience are allowed to picnic in the idyllic setting. I didn’t know that, but I sat back anyway to enjoy an evening of a very dynamic a visual theater experience. I read in the program that the artistic policy of the Festival strips away unnecessary theatrical artifice and gimmickry. The Company exist only to provide access for all to marvel at the works without assuming any prior knowledge of the author or the play being performed that night. This I found intimidating too. No gimmickry?

I was really impress with the elegant amphitheater of Robinson College. It was an ideal setting for Shakespeare’s fast paced comedy-tragedy and masquerades. As I left the theater and headed back to my Cambridge Hotel, I knew I didn’t stand a chance if I auditioned for next years Festival. These actors were so fabulously good. So believable. I loved every minute of it. But, I wasn’t disappointed with myself, instead I was glad to know there was such marvellous talent out in the world.

Sunday morning we drove through Torquay, right past several caravan sites and past houses called ‘Montana’ in Paignton. We arrived in Brixham were we had reservation at one of the Brixham Hotels. We were excited, because we were not too far from Riviera country. We didn’t bother to unpack, we wanted to take a walk to the port which wasn’t too far from our hotel.

We watched fresh catches being unloaded from the boats and then even before the fish barely stopped wriggling, they were thrown on top of the charcoal grill which my friend and I were sitting in front of at the counter of one of the many shacks strewn along the shore. After delighting in eating the freshest grilled fish we’ve ever had, we walked up a winding road called Station Hill. We were surrounded on both sides by window boxes which really let us know we were in a very Provencal town.

William of Orange landed here in Brixham on his way to claim the throne. There’s even a placard pointing out where William of Orange fell off his boat and broke his nose. My friend, who is a scholar, begged to differ, saying it’s just a tourist gig, and it’s not true that the Dutchman fell and broke his nose.  Despite if the story is true or not, I really liked just how underdeveloped Brixham is. It didn’t feel like a tourist trap or a tourist destination. We later, found a place to have lunch before we checked out ‘Art in Action,’ a place where we could, if we wanted to chisel away at a stone piece. We passed up on the offer.

That evening we watched The Bohemians play at the Aquaculture Festival. A leaflet which was distributed boasts that The Bohemians are the only Queen tribute band that really resembles the actual members of the four Queen members. We didn’t know what the Queen members looked like, so we can’t tell you if that is true, but we did enjoy them all the same. We called it a early evening and went back to our hotel room to get some much needed rest before the next days drive.

I’m an opera fan and a very passionate opera fan. But, just the other day I was treated to High-Definition simulcast to ‘Salome,’ by Strauss. Yes, a high-definition simulcast. A good friend of mine invited me saying he had Theater Tickets to the opera and would I like to join him. Naturally, I accepted. But, I was surprised that I met him at a movie theater. I was stunned to say the least.

Apparently, opera simulcasts in movie theaters seems to be very popular. I day we went, the movie theater was full, sold out. I was truly intrigued and felt like I was a part of a high-tech cultural happening, instead of being a part of the social elite. I was really pleased with the simulcast too. Currently, there are two opera companies that are participating in this live performance: The Opera Boston and the Boston Lyric Opera.  But now, I’ve heard, that the Met is on line, which thrills me to no end. I now don’t have to fly into New York to see a certain opera, I can now, see which of my local movie theaters in Boston will be doing the simulcast.

I’m a converted ‘live’ opera audience member and now consider myself an opera movie goer. It’s so much more comfortable, saves me money, and if I choose, I can sneak in some takeout Chinese food. I do wonder if the opera’s will be able to keep up the simulcasts, because they will be losing season ticket holders. I found out that the Boston theater showing the opera simulcast are seven and sold about 21,000 tickets, but comparison, the entire attendance for all the 18 opera’s performed on the main-stage was 24,000. But, my worries seem to have no bearing. The opera houses do not simulcast every production. So, for now, I’ll keep my good standing season tickets, and build up a taste for popcorn.

The mural paintings in Thailand are characteristically Asian, ignoring perspective and focusing on composition and line, and for many years appeared as only design and decoration in the temples, palaces and Thailand luxury hotels. Or in smaller venues, as book illustrations. The figures in a scene of a Thai painting varied in size depending on the their significance and importance. The negative space was not given much importance and remained neutral in tone and color, with two dimensional figures painted atop. Throughout the years they have enhanced many walls in the country, with religious images and royal stories.

Painters of Thailand murals were restricted for many years, to just the use of five colors, white, black, red, ultra-marine and yellow ochre. They did blend the colors in order to find more range, and bound the pigments with glue. With just those five colors they managed to paint brilliantly colored banners, murals and illustrations. Of the older murals that have survived on city walls, those in Bangkok and Thon Buri remain well preserved. Over the years, various paints were imported from China, and the chemical additions to the tubes served to increase the number of colors and values, and to bring a richness and a vibrancy to the works.

Thai painters have adapted technologically speaking, and have adopted many tools used by Western artists, still keeping the traditional set of values from which they paint from. Many of the works have transformed from simple story illustrations into significant works of art. One artist that combined traditional modes with modern techniques successfully was the well known Thai portrait painter, Chakrapan Posayakrit. Another painter who experimented with the fusion of the traditional and modern ‘way’, is Tawan Dachanee. Both managed to create their own styles, in the midst of conformity. The paintings have gradually moved from being only illustrations for religious stories, decorating the walls in honor of the royal and religious aesthetics, to art for art’s sake. For the beauty of the work.

Paris is the city of love, passion and lights. The French capital gathers tourists and travelers from all over the world looking to find romance and adventure. Resting on the river Seine in northern France, Paris is globally recognized as a leading business, cultural and arts hub of the world. The beautiful city is also seen as one of the most influential regions in fashion, media, politics, and economics.

Possibly most widely known for its iconic landmark the Eiffel Tower, Paris attracts 45 million tourists every year. The Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris and more than 200,000,000 people have visited the tower since it was constructed in 1889. The restaurants inside the Eiffel Tower are also very popular. These restaurants include Altitude 95 (named because it sits 95 meters above sea level) and the Jules Verne, which is fancy, food savvy restaurant that has a private lift on the second floor.

Of the many attractions in Paris, the French Open tennis tournament is one of the most celebrated. The competition, held mid-May to June, brings sports enthusiasts from around the world to the region. But the competition is not only for intense tennis fans; people enjoy the sheer thrill of the competition, as well as the fine cuisines.

On top of the French Open schedule of tennis events, visitors often also stay in the area to attend the other Grand Slam tennis tournament, Wimbledon. With fierce competitors battling it out in this London city, Wimbledon scores are always unpredictable. Paris is a marvelous city, full of mystery and cultural splendor.

The history of Valencia, Spain spans thousands of years, from the day Roman soldiers set up camp along the Turia River. This is today, one of the most progressive and modern cities in Spain, with art museums, festivals and luxury hotels, Valencia has become a hot spot for travel in the country as well as for those around the world. The city is known for their design in their architecture and the flawless beauty of the city streets. Many archaeological discoveries have been made throughout the city, giving evidence that the Roman architects ‘knew what they were doing’, their influence on the city was well constructed and still remains.

Now the streets are lined with avant garde movie theaters and artsy cafes. Many of the most exciting and most attended festivals of the country are held in this city, and the cultural and musical and artistic scenes in this city should keep Manhattan, Paris, and San Francisco on their toes. There are more than forty museums in the city, one being the second most visited tourist attraction in all of Spain, The City of Arts and Sciences. And while the tourists flow in, the traditional culture and character has not been lost in this city, a sad occurrence that happens in many of Europe’s well traveled cities. While all cultures are embraced and welcomed here, the city never has lost its individuality. Through dance, and music, and food, the traditions remain.

And the food…this city has the distinct honor as the city that created Paella. The ingredients and produce used in the cooking is among the most fresh in the world. And while tasty and plentiful, all dishes are healthy and fresh. Whether at a fine dining establishment, or a small tapas bar, the cuisine is gastronomically phenomenal. Adding to the experience is the lush and fertile landscape surrounding Valencia. The waterways were designed to irrigate the fields using water from Turia River. Many gardens of vegetables and citrus orchards line the hillsides. Along with of course, the vineyards and the olive trees. Also close at hand is the Mediterranean Sea which offers up the freshest seafood,contributing to the reputation of the paella. Valencia is a feast, for the eyes, the ears, and the body, for all the senses.

Many legends and myths surround the incredible city of New York. Most stories tend to surround the supposed haunting of some of the finer New York restaurants and hotels. One rumor, dealing with a person from the past, not a ghost, happened to prove true in SoHo. An old building was being renovated into a complex of luxury condos…this is where it always begins, in the old buildings, and a graffiti mural was found within the walls. What was discovered was the work of the early street art pioneers, in the dilapidated ten story building being torn down. The large mural was created with magic markers, grease pencils, spray paint, and anything else that was available to make a mark. It contained various images and writings in a plethora of colors and styles, indicating that it must have been a collaborative effort. Representations of cakes and hearts, and an airplane were among the images painted.

During the 1970’s the loft was owned by Edit DeAk, a well known art critic. During this time is when street and outsider art was becoming valid in the Manhattan artistic circles. With the exception of holes drilled through the wall for a few kitchen appliances, the mural is intact. Stylized writings on the mural have led experts to conclude that the work was created by Jean Michel Basquiat. The artists tag signature was found in the staircase, SAMO. And although Basquiat became well known, and whose work is sold for millions today, what the art historians are putting significance on his the simple history, relating to all the artists creating street art at that time thirty years ago. It is the beginnings of the graffiti art form. The rumor that there was art within the walls of the building had been talked about for years, some did not believe that it was true. The mural was excavated and placed on display with the other icons of the time, in Gallery 151 in SoHo

Not far from the five star hotels in Delhi, you will find the Qutub Minar, the tallest monument in India. In fact, it’s among the tallest and most famous towers in the entire world. Comparisons that easily come to mind are the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Great Pagoda in Beijing China. Neither reaches the heights of the Qutub Minar. This monument is visible from nearly all parts of the city and is especially visible at night when it’s illuminated by powerful lighting. Originally used by a mu’azzin to call the faithful to prayer, it is now one of Delhi’s famous tourist attractions. As a carefully protected monument, the Qutub Minar is well maintained as are other historic landmarks in the city.

Every year in Delhi, The Qutab Festival of Classical Music and Dance is held. The Qutub festival is a dynamic and world class event featuring classical music and ancient dances of India. These presentations are staged using the Qutub Minar as a backdrop, hence, the name Qutub festival. The elegant and well thought out illumination on the monument, helps to create the perfect mood for viewing the traditional costumes and dance. The Qutub festival runs continually for two days and features performances by internationally known dancers, artists and musicians. There are performances of Indian folk, classical and other genres of dances.

At the same time the Qutab Festival is being held, there are also other performances taking place. Gawwali music, made internationally famous by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, is immensely popular. Other Sufi music can also be heard as well as musical recitals and other types of dance. Also making an appearance at this gathering are contemporary bands playing fusion music. This cultural event lures a large number of music lovers, and art connoisseurs. If music is your interest or even if it’s not, you’ll be drawn to this exciting festival held on an autumn evening.

Playwright, educator and activist, Kuo Pao Kun lived most of his life in Singapore. He was brought there by his father at the age of ten from Beijing where he was living with his mother. Kun developed an early fascination and love for performance by joining the Rediffusion’s Mandarin Radio broadcast at the age of 14. This led to a job with Radio Australia in Melbourne after his graduation from high school.

Kun’s work focused on the social issues of Singapore’s working class population. He and his wife, choreographer and dancer Goh Lay Kuan, established the Practice Performing Arts School in 1965. Years later, Kun and his students would develop a movement called the “Go into Life Campaign” and would immerse themselves in Singapore’s laboring population to gain life experience. Many original works, which focused on social issues of the working poor, were a result of this project. Most of Kun’s work focused on political and social issues and in 1966 he directed a production of German playwright Bertolt Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle, which he translated into Mandarin. Brecht was a political writer and theorist who had revolutionized standard drama. Kun’s production of his work was the first time Brecht had been performed in Singapore.

Kun was not the only political writer in Singapore at the time. During much of the 1960s most of the Chinese theatre was heavily politicized as result of the Cultural Revolution. Drama was beginning to be viewed as a tool for social change. This led to a massive counter surge and in 1976 many artists were imprisoned under the Internal Security Act and detained without the benefit of trial. Kun was one the writers to be jailed. He spent four years and seven months in prison. After his release he immediately went back to writing and directing for the theatre, as well as teaching. Today he is known for his dramatic style, which included the use of simple metaphors and multicultural themes. Today his plays are staged more for their entertainment value than for concerns with social activism. An audience is much more likely to enjoy a show and dinner, and if they’re in from out of town they can enjoy a stay in one of the 5 star Singapore hotels.

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.

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.

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.

Chennai is located on India’s Coromandal coast and is the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu. The citys temples, beaches, and historic monuments are the main reasons Chennai is a popular tourist destination. As the city expands its many industries, there has been an increase in business travelers arriving in Chennai. One of the most vibrant industries in the city is film. Chennai is home to the Tamil Nadu film industry, more commonly referred to as Kollywood.

Kollywood is named after Kodambakkam, the area of the city that houses the most movie studios as well as the residences of many actors, directors, and other filmmakers. The Tamil film industry is second only to the famous Bollywood area in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) in Indian film production.

Film production in Chennai dates back to 1916, when the city was known as Madras. Silent films were produced beginning in that year. The first “talkie” made in Kollywood was “Kalidas” which was released in 1931. The industry had grown so large by the end of the 1930s that the legislature enacted the Entertainment Tax Act in Madras, signaling film’s importance to the economy.

Kollywood churns out more than 150 movies a year in the Tamil language. In recent years, these films have begun to develop audiences outside of India. Tamil populations in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore have offered consistence audiences for Kollywood films. Tamil films have also enjoyed popularity in countries as diverse as Japan, Canada, the United States, and South Africa. Some movies are even being made in two or three languages simultaneously to increase distribution options. (These films are either produced using several different soundtracks or with subtitles.)

Visitors to Chennai will find the Kollywood affect reaches beyond the Kodambakkam studios. Film soundtracks have a heavy influence on the Chennai music scene. Restaurants, bars, and clubs are frequented by Kollywood’s stars. There is also the chance, as in cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and London, that location shooting on various films will occur throughout the city. Find a place to stay such as the many 5 star hotels in Chennai, arm yourself with a map of the Tamil studios, and ready yourself for the Kollywood experience.

The largest city in the US (by population), New York is the number one tourist destination in the country. People flock to the “Big Apple” for a variety of reasons ranging from great food and shopping to art and performing arts, from historic landmarks to its multinational environment. The city has something for everyone from Central Park to Times Square, from Wall Street to Broadway, from Manhattan to Coney Island. Visitors will find a range of activites, sites, food, and accomodations. Stay in one the luxurious five star New York hotels or relax in a historic bed and breakfast. Get a hot dog from a street cart or dine in one of the dozens of world-class restaurants featuring internationally reknown chefs.

One reason to visit the city is the plethora of world reknown museums. New York has long been a cultural capital of not just the US, but the entire world. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, at two million square feet, is one of the largest museums in the world. The museum houses a number of collections that rank as the finest in the world for its category. The museum is known for having the most comprehensive collection of American art, including sculpture, deocrative arts, paintings, and period rooms. It also houses 2500 European paintings, including one of the greatest collections of Vermeers, Rembrandts, Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, the best collection of Egyptian art outside of Cairo, and one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic art. Other significant collections include Asian art, arms and armor, medieval and Renaissance art, European sculpture, costumes, drawings, photography, and ancient antiquities.

Another world famous destination is the Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA. The museum reopened in 2004 after undergoing renovation and expansion. It houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of modern art, including more than 150,000 individual pieces. These including paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, and photographs. The museum also features design, film, architecture, electronic media, and illustrated books. Some of its most famous pieces include van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Monet’s “Water Lilies” as well as significant works by Rousseau, Picassoc, Gaugin, Dali, Matisse, Cezanne, Pollock, Wyeth, and Warhol. MoMA is also home to a repertory theater and a cinema that screens some of the museums 22,000 films.

Other reknowned museums in New York include the Guggenheim, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the International Center of Photography, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Brooklyn Museum of Art. And not all museums are focused on art. Visitors can check out the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the New York Hall of Science, the Immigration Museum at Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty Museum, among dozens of others. Many museums in the city are closed on Mondays, so research carefully and plan accordingly.