The Landscape and Garden Blog
Oct
20
When traveling in India, there are many fantastic places to visit, and some amazing cities that have extremely lively urban scenes, and an amazing night life. There are very few cities in the world, however, that are quite like Udaipur, and maybe it really is as unique as it seems. When visiting here, you get the sense that this is the mythical kingdom that everyone talks about. It is really a splendid place, with amazing sunsets, and amazing sunrises as well. It looks and feels just like scenes in romantic movies, and it’s probably not a coincidence, because there are many films made here to take advantage of its magnificent setting. There is a sense of luxury everywhere in Udaipur, India. Hotel accommodations can help to make the experience complete.
We’ve selected hotels based on their excellence in hospitality and style. Udaipur is a place to experience hospitality like no other city can offer. It has hosted royalty and celebrities, and has a special reputation for treating guests well. There is also a splendid sense of style here, where the best of old traditions merges with the precision of contemporary design, to make for human-made as well as natural beauty. This compliments Lake Pichola, which is also human-made, but its existence stemming from the 14th century gives it a kind of status as a place of natural splendor. Visitors looking for artists who are inspired by the splendor might run across the works of Charan Sharma while visiting Udaipur.
He was born in Rajasthan, and got his Master’s in Art at the University of Udaipur. He started showing here when he was in his early 20s, and soon carried his work to other parts of India, including Bombay, now Mumbai, and Jaipur. His work has been shown all over the world now, and he makes his home in Mumbai. His work is a fascinating mix of styles and techniques that are lately focused on deeply spiritual themes. He works with the notion of Enlightenment in the Buddhist sense, where everything that is perceived is a reflection of self, and the work serves to bring the viewer into another world, or series of worlds, that are utterly transcendent and very beautiful.
Oct
19
As far as the art scene goes, what can one really say about the city of New York. Artists have been drawn to this American town for decades, be they young folk singers such Bob Dylan, avant garde visual artists such as Andy Warhol, dance choreographers that pushed the boundaries such as Merce Cunningham, popular movie directors and actors such as Martin Scorsese and Robert Deniro, and any number of visual artists and painters throughout US history.
The East Village was, has always been, and continues to be the most thriving of artistic hubs in the country. Movements happen on the streets of this city that have changed generations, cultures and the world of the arts. One such movement was the during the began in the late 1940′s, and is none other that of the Beat Generation of poets. One of the many influential members of this group was Allen Ginsberg, and each year a festival of art and poetry and music is held in his honor.
This is the Howl Festival, the name taken from his 1956 poem of the same name “Howl”. In this work Ginsberg credits his fellow writers with standing up to the destructive forces of conformity and materialism that they were noticing during the times. Something that writers, poets, film makers, musicians and artists of today are still addressing. The festival this year took place over three days in September, the 4th, 5th and 6th.
The best New York City hotel and restaurants surrounding Greenwich Village were booked, as many tourist travel here in order to participate in the festival. This is a grand scale event with muses being illustrated through music, dancing, divas and poetry. The opening ritual each year is the reading of the poem, which kicks of the three days of artistic ranting and expression of the need for the aspects of society that must change.
Hip Hop Howl and and Chi Chi Valenti were just a couple of the musicians that performed. And this vibe did not stop on the 6th, as events were scheduled in the Village throughout the entire month of September. The event coordinators also used this time to promote a health service that has started, HOWL!HELP which will provide care for artists who are need. This was a great time to be in the East Village, but if you missed, don’t fret, it will be back next year, same time, same place.
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
8
Bryan and I woke up around 7am, we wanted to enjoy, if even it was a tiny bit, of our last day in Tenerife. We headed straight down to the beach and just lounged around this beautiful place. For us, it was especially wonderful because we were the only two people in sight, well except for an early morning jogger. None of the businesses were even open yet. Everything was really quiet. Bryan fell asleep on the sand and I went to the harbor for one last look at the boats. The harbor was so serene and beautiful. Until one of the workers followed me around, I guess he thought I’d cause trouble or steel something. I really don’t blame him, I mean, my hairs a mess, I have on an old worn out t-shirt and ripped shorts on.
When I got back from the harbor, I went on a walk long this area of tide breakers, it was this huge solid rock. I’m glad I did, at the end of the rock were a bunch of little crabs scrambling for a good foot hold, or claw hold. I went back to where Bryan was sleeping and woke him up, he was funny when I did that, he had forgotten where he was and looked all around like something was wrong. I assured him he was in good hands.
It was about 9am, so we decided to go back to where there’s a string of luxury hotels Tenerife has all along the beach and pack up all of our things. After we packed we grabbed a quick breakfast and caught the coach bus that took us to the airport. And before we knew it, we were on our way back home. We decided that next time, we need to book more time here, maybe even retire here, it’s so relaxing and beautiful.
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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