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Yearly Archives: 2011

My Romantic Travel   →  2011
Categories Travel

Music and Dance in Hong Kong

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on


Towards the south of China rests Hong Kong an archipelago of 260 islets, renowned as one of the heavily populated regions of the World. Notable for its striking landscapes and soaring skyscrapers, Hong Kong is a major financial capital as well as a cultural and business center in the world.

Hong Kong is the birthplace for several popular music genres including Cantopop. The term Cantopop is derived from Cantonese Popular Music also known as Hong Kong Popular Music (HK-pop). Cantopop is influenced by a wide variety of popular genres such as Chinese music, Rhythm and Blues (R&B), electronica (electronic music), pop, jazz and rock.

If you prefer classical music, you would not want to miss the Cantonese Opera – a type of traditional musical drama. Originally an art form bestowed from the Cantonese culture of Southern China, Cantonese Opera is a fine fusion of singing, music, acrobatics, martial arts as well as acting.

To gain an insight into Hong Kong culture, you can indulge in the bravura performance of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. While inspiring and promoting musical appreciation amongst local inhabitants the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra claims to have a century old history entertaining 200,000 music aficionados with 150 performances every year.

Other than the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, there are various orchestras based in Hong Kong such as SAR Philharmonic Orchestra, City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra in addition to Hong Kong Sinfonietta.

Not only music, but also many types of dance styles ranging from ballet to flamenco and even tango are performed and practiced throughout Hong Kong. Institutes such as Alan Li Dancing Studio, Angela Lau Dance Studio, B Major Flamenco Club, Academy of Dance and Feliz Primavera Tango Shoes, among others, teach diverse dancing styles whilst enriching the performing arts of Hong Kong.

Moreover to observe scores of alluring musical and dancing performances, you can drop by at Hong Kong Arts Centre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts or the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) performing venues, where you can savor various shows of visiting and local performers. To study dance forms and also watch the performances, try the institutes such as Hong Kong Dance Company, City Contemporary Dance Company or Hong Kong Ballet.

You can also capture the vibrant festivals hosted all year around in Hong Kong including the Hong Kong Arts Festival scheduled in February and March, the International Arts Carnival in the summer and the Thematic Arts Festival in October and November.

You can enjoy a host of music from classical to contemporary and many dance forms from traditional to modern, while staying at a comfortable Hong Kong hotel such as the Cosmopolitan Hotel. You can take pleasure in an array of amenities and services while savoring some of the most delectable cosmopolitan dishes at a Hong Kong hotel, with the advantage of having convenient access to many performing venues in Hong Kong.

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Art Walking Tours Around Melbourne, a perfect way to experience the historic city

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

Walking tours in the environs of Melbourne, one of Australia’s most celebrated cities is a great way for travellers to acquaint themselves with the special features of the city while simultaneously providing pleasurable exercise. Some tours focus on exploring the actual art scene in Melbourne by visiting galleries and artists’ studios but many other walks tour the highlights of the city.

Melbourne art walks aim to acquaint the visitor with the inside knowledge of the art scene; the tour will take you behind the scenes to discover the world of art creation, meeting artists and art educators learning artistic secrets always guided by a knowledgeable art expert.

Other tours aim to introduce the city of Melbourne to curious visitors. Highlights on tours include such notable destinations as the Queen Victoria Gardens, where the visitor will encounter the Queen Victoria Monument; and as you explore the gardens, bask in the shade of the lofty trees, while enjoying the picturesque flower displays. The intriguing statues in the park include The Pathfinder, The Phoenix, Water Nymph and the Water Children.

Also on offer on this route are the much-admired floral clock and the statue of Edward VII, son of Queen Victoria. Other highlights include the famous Shrine of Remembrance, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and numerous other places of interest.

Alternatively pedestrians may choose to explore the waterfront taking in such well known landmarks as the Federation Square, a focus of cultural activities and the historic Princes Bridge; admire the ‘Dervish’ statue while relaxing to the tunes of street performers. You will also take in the Southbank Pedestrian Bridge and the Enterprize Wharf where you will see the beautiful Constellation carved figureheads.

For the visitor who prefers urban features, tours are available to take a glimpse of the city’s imposing edifices which include the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral, the historic Melbourne Town Hall and the Manchester Unity Building, a famed building constructed in the 1930s deco style. You will also view the imposing Parliament House, the appealing Princess Theatre and the Chinese Museum. These are just a few of the myriad of pleasures that you will experience on walking tours of Melbourne.

For the discerning traveller seeking luxury 5 star hotels, the hotels of The Langham Brand are an ideal option; the Langham luxury hotels collection uphold the finest standards in sumptuous accommodation and attentive service, providing a premier level experience for its guests.

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Dream Weddings in Dream Destination Sri Lanka

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Tipped as one of the globe’s top three destinations to tie the knot in, Sri Lanka is a destination that is the stuff of dreams to the world’s engaged couples. With its sun kissed beaches, verdant landscapes, mystic riverbeds and sprawling tea plantations, the island paradise of Sri Lanka finds few parallels. The popular choice of couples who wish to enter into their union in a stunning setting full of culture and tradition, the sheer variety of wedding venues, themes and customs also adds to the country’s appeal as a top destination for nuptials.

Those who wish to say “I do” in a truly original manner should opt for a traditional Sri Lankan wedding which encompasses all the pomp and pageantry of a royal ceremony. Decked in gold or silver jewellery in an elegantly draped sari or osari brides can expect to see the groom arrive atop an elaborately decorated elephant for the ceremony that takes place on a poruwa (stage). Accompanied by the infectious rhythm of drums and Kandyan dancers the couple can take their vows in a ceremony that involves centuries old traditions of exchanging betel leaves, spiritual blessings from the heavens and the promise to remain together for all eternity. The sound of conch shells, wedding songs and feeding milk rice to one another are focal points in the ceremony that culminates in the couple setting off on their honeymoon on an elephant.

Whether one opts for a traditional wedding or an intimate and private affair, the variety of wedding venues available on the island also contributes to its overall popularity. Couples can take their vows on the shoes of a crystal blue ocean, while riding on a riverboat down one of Sri Lanka’s many lakes and rivers or even go for a jungle themed wedding and marry amidst nature. Tying the knot on board a hot air balloon is another preferred option while the country’s innumerable tea plantations have also served as the panoramic setting for many a wedding.
Complemented by traditional touches, scrumptious Sri Lankan cuisine and the sunny weather conditions enjoyed all year long, couples also have the choice of hosting their wedding and spending their honeymoon in one dream destination.

Couples in search of luxury Sri Lanka hotels should look no further than the elegant rests of the John Keells Hotels Group. A reputed name in the Sri Lanka travel and hospitality industry, travellers would be hard pressed to find a finer accommodation provider in this charming island nation.

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