The Landscape and Garden Blog
Aug
27
There are many ways to make a garden become a refuge. Built in to the very notion of a garden is the idea that it’s become a space reserved for communing with a small version of nature. Water is at the source of all things that grow, and fountains are a way of bringing this to the center.
For all of the soothing potentials of water, and the way it can affect each of the senses, the one that’s perhaps the most important is sound. In terms of the garden fountain, the subtle affects of the sound of running water have a way of taking the mind toward a relaxing place where the source of life is like a lullaby to busy thoughts.
Water does affect the other senses in profound ways. Even untreated water has a very specific smell, evoking the same memories that take the body back to the original ocean. The visual aspects are also quite pleasing, reflecting light, and capturing color as if it were a perfect twin to its surroundings. It is always soothing to the touch, and holds a fascinating for small children that never really goes away. The taste is simple, but one of nourishment, reminding the body that it is composed of water. Sound brings all of these together as a reminder of where one is in the world.
May
28
New Orleans is one of the great cities of The United States and it represents the diversity of city culture bases and is one of the points of pride for this country. Visiting New Orleans during a Mardi Gras celebration is a favorite annual event for many people from across the nation and is also considered close to being a rite of passage for some people. I have known couples who are obsessed with New Orleans and Mardi Gras specific culture and planning a trip there every year is one of the most important aspects of their lives. And while I have had a certain fascination with the experience, which I suppose originated when I saw Henry and June for the first time, though I only began to understand people’s obsessions with it after my first trip there.
Of course Mardi Gras is not the only aspect of the city’s culture that is intriguing to the guests in some of the top hotels in New Orleans and there is plenty to do all year round. Though of course it is almost essential to check out some of the blues and jazz clubs in the city if you plan to go. And this is true regardless of the season in which you will be visiting.
Fritzle’s is not only one of the best but is also the oldest operating jazz clubs in the city. This is a great distinction and of course it means that it was there during the development of the music scene and is one of the great historic as well as contemporary features of the city. Snug Harbor jazz bistro is another one of the great musical establishments in the city. It has been in operation for over thirty years and is one of the standard performance venues. In addition, it offers great food and a charming atmosphere. It is located in a renovated 1800s storefront just outside of the French Quarter. If you plan to visit New Orleans you should plan a trip to at least one of these clubs while you are there.
Oct
13
There are many splendid things to see and do in Dubai, and after a few moments here, you’ll see that it’s a city that’s been creating itself with luxury in mind. The creative push in the past decade has brought some splendid results in terms of visual art, architecture, and music, and it’s very quickly become a first-class tourist destination. With the constant influx of celebrities and high society personalities, it’s the perfect place for a luxury hotel. Dubai has built its reputation on providing magnificent hospitality for its guests, and our hotels are selected to offer you the best of the best. An exquisite sense of style and taste reigns here, and you’ll love the refreshing sensation of waking up in paradise every morning while you’re here.
The days are very easy to fill, with so many dazzling attractions, both natural and human-made, and the nights have a host of options, and speak of new adventures that are waiting for you. You can take in a live performance of theatre, music, or dance, enjoy a fantastic meal at one of the world-class restaurants, rub shoulders with famous artists at one of the city’s many galleries, and check out a hot new dance club. Dubai has energy and a keen eye for spectacle, and will stay up as long as you do. Keep in mind that for Dubai, the weekend is Thursday and Friday, and if you’re up for the adventure, check out the dj stylings of Dion Mavath.
This Australian artist started his formal education when he was 14 years old and saw DJ Jazzy Jeff, and the musical ideas that were running through his head found their artistic home. Now, still under 30 years old, DJ Dion Mavath is spinning records to thrill the crowds in Dubai. His performances are electric and heady, and the special thrill to the musical precision is his own addition of live performance bits into the mix. His live percussion mixing into the records is something amazing to behold, and creates a fantastic feeling in the room, moving people to dance to the constantly shifting rhythms. His success in Dubai is already leading him to play in other venues all over the Middle East, throughout Asia, and back in his native Australia, but the raw energy evolved here, and continues to move the party forward.
Oct
7
Dubai has become quite a travelers paradise lately, and the city attracts visitors from all over the world. Some are drawn by the thriving cultural scene here, and some come to check out the hottest new music in some of the world’s best nightclubs. Beaches are also an obvious draw, and their beauty is constantly stunning and rejuvenating. Shopping is also at a premium, where you can see some of the coolest new fashions while enjoying the spectacular family entertainment. For four star hotels, Dubai aims to please, displaying its magnificent arts of hospitality to offer you a lodging experience that can’t be beat.
After a short rest in our spectacularly decorated rooms, you’ll be refreshed and ready to sample some of the cuisine, prepared by master chefs who are skilled in classical and contemporary cooking techniques. Then you’re ready to have your own adventure in Dubai, and the city offers many possibilities for pleasant distractions. The music scene is really lively here, and you can hear nearly any kind of music imaginable. There are plenty of international groups always coming through here, playing at clubs and festivals to contribute to the growing scene, and the local talent is pretty rough and ready as well. There are lots of fine rock bands playing in all genres, from classic rock to head banging to alternative, and now Dubai has a new electronic music outfit called Melodies of the Mind.
This is a one-person affair, played and composed by Dubai’s Benjamin Ian Coutts, and it’s really lovely stuff. He’s been playing locally, as well as a stint in France, and has an upcoming EP that’s sure to turn heads. His production values are fantastic, and the melodies are catchy and very haunting. If you get the chance to hear him playing out, by all means, have a listen. There’s some thrilling work here, with exotic and sure-footed beats that add a splendid nuance to the urban Dubai experience.
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