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When you have arrangements for a boutique hotel in Singapore, then you know an adventure awaits you.  Singapore is unique in the world, one of the only sovereign city-states on the planet, with a sense of style and culture that is entirely unique, and extremely connected to global vibrations.  Our hotels are exquisitely detailed to offer an ambience that is relaxing and invigorating.  With fantastic meals prepared by chefs schooled in contemporary techniques and classical tastes, and a host of other sumptuous extras, you are sure to find a sense of well-being rarely experienced, and the magic of Singapore will await you.

In Singapore, there is an enormous array of attractions and distractions to entertain every member of the family.  From people watching to sight-seeing to tours, there are many fantastic ways to get to know the place.  Even a cursory glance will reveal a bustling metropolis, where the locals are extremely hip on the latest trends, and there is an artistic sensibility running through everything.  The visual arts are extremely important here, and Singapore has seen a boom in the past few decades.  Singapore has a culture that supports excellence in artistic innovation, and some of the most interesting artists today come from here.  Lynn Lu is an excellent example.

Born in 1974, she has a BFA from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, an MFA from the San Fransisco Art Institute, and is currently working on her doctoral thesis from the University of Newcastle in Australia.  Her work is based in performance and installation, and her projects are extremely thought-provoking, and visually quite stunning.  There is a sense of melancholy about her work, mixed with equal doses of humor and despair.  There are also sharp cultural critiques at work here, and the sharpness of thought requires viewing the work first-hand.  She has shown work at the Future of Imagination international performance art event, among many other venues all around the world.

Fold one thousand origami cranes and your wishes will be granted by a crane. This comes from an ancient Japanese story popularized after the atomic bombings of Japan in World War II. A young girl survived the bombs only to develop leukemia latter on. She was told to fold 1000 cranes and she would get well. She passed away before the completion of the thousand. Her friends took up the project and completed the thousand cranes in her honor. Today cranes are folded and strung bu the thousand and hung at the memorial for each of the bombings and in Santa Fe and Los Alamos New Mexico where research and experimentation were carried out making the atomic bomb possible. Today a traditional wedding gift in many Asian countries the gift of one thousand cranes. Being a wish for a peaceful, happy, long life. Cranes are folded in memorial to people that have passed. To raise money and awareness for a cause. The act of folding the same model over and over is meditative and relaxing. Focusing on the model at hand is important as focusing on the last crane when there are still more than 700 to go will drive you crazy. The Thais love to fold the cranes. In Thailand all school children are required to learn how to fold these cranes. The Thai government has been known to drop plane loads of cranes folded by school children: the Buddhist offering of peace and long life even to ones enemy. When in Bangkok 5 star hotels Thailand you will undoubtedly see cranes folded somewhere. For the opening of a new business, decoration for a wedding or other occasion. In Japan framing one thousand small cranes in a shadow box is a popular wedding gift. The cranes are usually folded by someone close to the bride. These are beautiful things to see. It is awe inspiring to see so many origami models together in one place and to think of all the time and effort it takes to do that. How amazing!

It was weird to see about 100 seats reserved at the July 1st performance of Joseph Papp Public Theater’s production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ in Central Park. Good seats too. I asked around and found out the the 100 seats were for some lawyers who didn’t have to stand in line to buy Theater Tickets like we did. Apparently, the huge law firm where they work paid for the tickets. That’s like $10,000!

I didn’t know that the Joseph Papp Theatre would’ve put up with so many ‘good’ seats being bought up like that, especially since Shakespeare in the Park is supposed to be free. So, really, how could something like this happen? So, I did a little bit more inquiry post production and found out that the first half-dozen years, back in the beginning, the all mighty rich would show up at the Delacorte and stand in line for admission to all the shows just like the rest of us working class citizens, old farts, lovers, Shakespeare aficionados and even the press. I remember my once that an advice columnist who was, in fact, a theater fan and an investor, was always visible at each and all Broadway openings by arriving early and stand in the aisles with her fur coat and sit down in the forth or fifth row with her back to the stage and wave to any one she deemed worthy. Well, she was the first to get Papp to cave in and cater to the might rich.

Personally, it’s much ado about nothing if you ask me, but still….it’s be nice to get reserved free seats for my buddies and me, right up front were we could feel like even the average Joe could persuade Joseph Papps to do the same for us, reserve 100 seats let’s say for a group of volunteers or the firemen, policemen and even our trash-men.

The five-star hotels in New Delhi are unlike any other.  One will find the same excellence in accommodations that are industry standards, with exquisite food and room service offered 24 hours a day, a knowledgeable staff and concierge service who can help you find exciting and interesting things to do for the whole family, and an excellent entertainment section.  There are many other amenities, too, all designed to make your stay relaxing and luxurious.  Apart from this, however, is the city itself.  New Delhi, as the capital city of India, is a vivacious metropolis, where all of the human dramas and comedies play themselves out every day.  It is one of the most important places, too, politically and economically, and there is an energy here that is immediately palpable.  It is also one of the longest continually-inhabited places on the planet, and there is a history here that far precedes the written word.

Time spent in New Delhi has an otherworldly feel, with uncanny and vibrant experiences dotting the days.  The nightlife is rich and exciting, with excellent restaurants, electric nightclubs, and fascinating entertainments.  The city has given birth to many interesting traditions, and many interesting people.  Among these is Radhika Jha, author of the novel Smell.  Radhika Jha was born in New Delhi in 1970, and studied anthropology and political science in the U.S., and has also lived in Paris, and  is currently in Tokyo.

Smell was her first novel, and when it was published in 2001, it quickly became a number one best-seller in India, and has been translated into 20 languages.  The story about a young woman in a strange city who develops a sudden sensitivity to smell captivated readers from all over the world and quickly skyrocketed Jha to international fame.  Radhika Jha has written another novel, Lanterns on Their Horns, a collection of stories, The Elephant and the Maruti, and most recently wrote the text for a collection on contemporary Indian artists, New Delhi/New Wave.

Visitors to the Big Apple always have a secret smile on their faces when they’re holding New York Broadway tickets, a pass to one of the most exciting adventures the city can offer.  Broadway has become shorthand for excellence in theatre in the U.S., and all over the world.  It is the section in midtown where 6th avenue becomes simply Broadway, and the entire district is where the legends of the stage make their marks in the world’s memory banks.  For over a century it has been a tradition that has seen some of the greatest actors give their greatest performances, home to some of the world’s leading playwrights, and also introduced new forms to wide audiences.  One of the unique gifts from U.S. culture to the world at large, the musical, has its roots, evolutions, and revolutions here.

Brian Friel, whose career has spanned over five decades, has had a remarkable presence on Broadway.  One of the rarest voices in theatre in recent history, his themes of alienation, loss, and cultural difference have caught the attention of audiences and critics alike.  Born in 1929 in Northern Ireland, and now living in the Republic of Ireland, it might come as no surprise that one of this Irish playwright’s main subjects is, in fact, Ireland.  Having tried and nearly giving up on playwriting for many years, working primarily in Belfast, he found some success in 1964 with Phiadelphia, Here I Come! which paved the way for a long career since then.  His plays are often experiments in style and form, and his earlier work has even been called avant-garde.

These early experiments certainly contained some formal elements that would inform his later work, which on the surface seems based in psychological realism.  Beneath the surface, however, they are much more complex.  One of his most successful plays globally is Translations, which explores the Troubles in Ireland using language as a metaphor.  His most well-known play, however, is Dancing at Lughnasa, which explores the shift from pagan to dogmatically religious culture in Ireland.  Focusing on one particular Summer, he creates a brilliant metaphor for change and loss.  Lughnasa opened in Dublin’s Abbey Theatre before coming to Broadway, and in 1992, it won three Tony Awards.

There are many natural sites located throughout the city of Sydney, Australia.  Many travel to witness a first hand look at some of the most incredible architecture in the world, such as the famous Sydney Opera House.  And many travel for the various festivals and celebrations that occur throughout the year.  But one of the many attractions of the city that attracts tourists year after year to find accommodations in the five star hotels in Sydney, are the beaches and the coastline.  This is a city wherein one can find it all, from all that is cultural, modern and cosmopolitan in the form of the museums, the symphony and the ballet, to camping along the beaches, hiking, and surfing.  And after a day spent wondering through the history museums and touring the galleries, the perfect alternative is to get away from the city to the national parks.

In the Sutherland Shire is the beach of Cronulla.  This is an attractive option for many as this is the only one of the beaches of Sydney that is accessible by the train, so beach-goers can take off without the worry of looking for spaces in the car-park on the days when the crowds are out and the beaches are full.  This beach is surrounded by calm waters and protected pools so has become a favorite for those with children or traveling with elderly members of the family.  Picnics and sandcastles are a common site when walking on the beach here, although there are a bit of waves just right for those just learning to surf.

Just opposite this site is the location in Kurnell where Captain Cook made is first landing in the country in 1770.  Along these shores there are guided walks and tours, as well as ferries to the island of Bundeena, an incredible village situated in the Royal National Park.  Here one can find great outdoor hikes and swimming spots along the Jibbon Beach.  The beach at Jibbon is also one of the many locations wherein one can view the ancient rock art of the Aborigines.  While there is much to do in the city of Sydney, it is good to take trips outside the city, for a true feel of the rich landscaping and cultural history of this country.

When one visits the country and stays in a heritage hotel, India ones visit will become even more incredible, become an experience one will never forget.  There are many famous museums, and heritage sites located throughout the entire country.  And at some point, one may wish to escape the crowds and the bustle of the towns and the cities and head to the beach, where the tranquility and the serenity will clear the head and the heart of many over-stimulated tourists.  The beaches of India are beautiful expanses that over look lush green landscapes and clear blue waters.  It is no wonder that many painters and artists travel through the country with just a back pack, some paints, canvas and a few brushes.

Chowpatty is one beach that many know of and insist that when visiting their country, this beach must be part of every tour.  During the day one may swim or sunbath, but what this beach has become famous for is the food.  All ages travel here, just outside of Mumbai, for when the sun sets and evening beginnings, people fill the sand in search of delectables found at the kiosks.  There are ferry boat rides and people selling balloons, quite a festive atmosphere every day of the week.

This is also the location which hosts many varied festivals throughout the year.  The Hindu festivals bring people together, such as the Festival for Ganesha Chaturthi, and the annual Festival of Coconuts.  India is encapsulated in the idea of strata, but for these festivals those from every status attend, be it the artists or the businessmen.  Many rest up during the day, under the trees on the sand, for each night the carnival happens, complete with palm readers, ponies and carnival rides.  There are shooting galleries and street side massage tables, monkeys and snakes, similar to the Southern California beach, Venice.  Food stalls are set up along the board walk, and the general population hangs out here en mass.  There are surrounding beaches that offer a bit more peace and quiet, but at least once, one must experience the sunset at Chowpatty.

When travelers come to Delhi, India, hotels are the center, the new home, however temporary, to base the journey from.  We think that the hotel, then, should be a splendid offering that is the best of all worlds.  With a luxurious combination of new world design and style, with old world graciousness and comfort, there is something to please every guest.  The hotel can be the hideaway from the rest of the world, or it can be the place where one rejuvenates before going out to have adventures.  Delhi certainly has its share of possibilities for adventure.  There are fantastic sights, eats, and diversions to make for an immensely memorable stay.

Delhi is one of the longest continually-inhabited cities on the planet, and it has attracted creative people as well as technology and science experts, drawn by the promise of living at one of the world’s centers.  There is also a very lively film culture now, too.  One sign of the health of the industry here, certainly, is the Delhi Film Archive.  This organization, dedicated to the dissemination of documentary and short films, is Delhi’s chapter of the Films For Freedom, a coalition of groups that formed in 2003 in response to trends toward censorship in India’s public spaces.  Their other goals are toward developing a screening culture for diverse films in the region, as well as raising awareness of the extent of censorship, and offering ways to work against trends toward silence.

This organization is responsible for organizing a host of fascinating film events, and their involvement usually signifies a savvy presence on a project.  Members of the Delhi Film Archive are constantly putting together public screenings of films linked together through content and theme, and generally improving the artistic life here. Speaking clearly and articulately is, for them, the best chance that the human spirit has for working against forms of oppression and repression.  Art is deeply connected with human rights, and the list of filmmakers involved in the Delhi Film Archive demonstrates a promising roster of young artists whose career trajectories will be fascinating to watch.

For travelers who make their way to Delhi, hotels hold many surprises and treasures in store.  There is a remarkable combination of old-world charm with new-world amenities, insuring that guests will find themselves enchanted and also super-connected to the world at large.  Delhi is a city of wonderful contradictions, where the present and the past mix with the future in often remarkably unexpected ways.  The hotels capture this sense, to make for a luxurious experience in the heart of a very lively city.

There are thousands of things to do here.  Sight-seeing is at a premium, with temples and festivals and fairs, and both cultural and historical attractions that will be fun for the whole family.  People watching here is a stunning sport, with endless possibilities for long and pleasant mornings spent observing human nature playing out its drama in the streets.  Then there is the food.  The sumptuous feasts here are fantastic, drawing on centuries of cooking traditions, where recipes have been perfected over time and passed down along the generations.  There are also some amazing chefs here, who are playing with the tradition of Indian food in exciting ways.  Chef Suvir Saran, now one of New York’s finest culinary experts, was born and bred in Delhi, and he’s using the knowledge from here to make his mark on the world.

It’s a very impressive mark, too.  Still quite young, Suvir Saran has written two very influential books, Indian Home Cooking, and American Masala.  These books are just the visible cream of the work that Saran has been doing, advancing the way the world at large views Indian cooking.  For reasons that are baffling, it’s been difficult for Indian cuisine to find its way to the top tier in world cooking traditions.  However, with Saran’s efforts, and other Indian chefs, the ceiling is starting to give way to sense.  Suvir Saran is one of the co-executive chefs at Dévi, one of New York’s finest restaurants, and is changing the way New Yorkers think about food.  Saran has also done multiple television appearances, has taught widely in many prestigious cooking schools, and has of course written many articles for culinary magazines.  His approach is to take the best of the tradition, and experiment using contemporary techniques, to make for a blend of styles that suits contemporary tastes.  The result is a divine gift.

There is something completely unique about Delhi, best hotels being the ones that live long in the memory, and the entire place will stay with you long after you leave.  The city is a flood of human energy, constantly in  motion.  The hotels are designed to give you the rest and rejuvenation you deserve, so you can spend more time participating in the lively arts of existing in the city here.  There is a little bit of everything in Delhi, a city that is truly in touch with history and the future.  The luxury of the hotels here, however, will put you firmly and happily in the middle of the present.  Stylish and cutting edge in design, there is the best of old and new worlds here, combined to make you feel right at home.

The city is a wonderful haven for artists and writers, and has attracted all walks of life, from all over the world, during its long history of human habitation.  In music, there are masters from all types of classical music, from traditional Indian, to traditional European.  There are contemporary musicians who are mastering the latest sounds of youth culture in local and world music.  But for punk rock, one should look at Messiah.  After having been together for eight years, they released their first album in 2005, the Antidote.  It is a heady mix of punk rock philosophy and rapid and uncontrolled rhythms, to make for a musical experience that is very exciting.

Their first gig was at an all-girls’ college in New Delhi, an auspicious beginning for any band of three young men with nothing but music and dreams.  They distinguished themselves very early on by being able to play their own compositions, and their intelligence and articulateness are quite contagious.  Although the album is only seven songs long, it seems complete, as a kind of anthem to the here-and-now of contemporary Delhi.  It is simultaneously an annunciation and a formal complaint, and is a perfect introduction to the contradictions of punk rock for the dispossessed teens living in this part of the globe.  Unfortunately for this part of the globe, however, Messiah has not been seen playing for awhile, and have only had brief sightings on trains, which adds to the mystique, and makes their fan base wondering when there will be more to come.  A perfect punk rock existential riff on waiting plays here, waiting for their entrance again.

A first-rate city of international reach, Dubai provides top-shelf hospitality to visitors from everywhere.  And when it comes to business hotels, Dubai holds nothing back.  With comprehensive accommodations that are exquisite to the finest detail, your stay in this city will be unparalleled in comfort.  There is no doubt that the city offers so much for everyone, and for the business traveler, there are opportunities to make endless contacts.  For networking, there are many circles of influence that can be explored, and one of the most rapidly growing circles here is the international arts community.

There are art galleries all over Dubai, offering many different kinds of Arab and world art, and each gallery draws a peculiar clientele.  One way to get to know Dubai’s art world is through ArtBus Dubai.  Begun in 2007 as part of the Gulf Art Fair (now Art Dubai), ArtBus Dubai helps promote the local arts scene with tours of the local galleries here.  Art patrons buy a ticket for the bus, lunch is served but is extra, and they are taken on a tour of Dubai’s thriving arts scene.  There are guides who will introduce you to some of the more interesting points about the local galleries, and also offer other interesting facts about the city, while you are taken to arts galleries to see the latest cutting-edge exhibitions.  ArtBus is for tourists, art aficionados, teachers and students (there is a fifty-percent discount for students on a budget).  it is a wonderful way to get acquainted with the city, and there is a wealth of information here for those who are well-traveled in  Dubai.

As the Art Dubai event is growing and becoming much more visible in the international art world, the Bus is a crucial part of connecting all the corners of Dubai’s art scene.  The visitors will be given a well-informed overview of the city and the art scene, as well as a guided tour of the local galleries.  The tours are usually designed to connect with current exhibitions, to highlight not only the contemporary art in the city, but also to promote connections with world art forms on display here.  The tours will see works by Arab and Western artists, Indian and Pakistan art, and classical and cutting-edge forms, all in the heart of Dubai city.

Spamalot is a musical comedy by Eric Idle, who wrote the book and lyrics, and John Du Prez, who wrote the music. The musical is a parody based on the Monty Python movie The Holy Grail. Eric Idle was one of the founding members of the English comedy team. It opened on Broadway in 2005 and won three Tony Awards that year including the award for Best Musical. Tourists who are staying in one of the four star New York hotels have the opportunity to see this and some of the other Broadway greats while they’re in town. The theatre scene also happens to be the reason why many tourists visit New York.

The musical includes the infamous characters from the film including King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Sir Robin and Sir Dennis Galahad, among many more. King Arthur: King of the Britons is not very bright, and has trouble putting two and two together. Sir Lancelot the Homicidally Brave, is just as his name implies, almost psychotic. Sir Robin, the Not Quite So Brave as Sir Lancelot, is just the opposite. He is quite cowardly, though he is well versed in musical theatre. Sir Galahad is quite dapper, dashingly handsome and charming and was formerly a political activist peasant.

Mike Nichols directed the Broadway premiere, which opened in March of 2005 at the Shubert Theatre. Tim Curry was in the original cast and played King Arthur. David Hyde Pierce was also in the original cast and he played Sir Robin. Hank Azaria played Sir Lancelot as well as other characters, including the taunting Night of Ni. Before the New York opening, Spamalot previewed in Chicago at the Bank of America Theatre. The production began a North American tour in 2006. Also in 2006, it had a premiere in London, at the West End’s Palace Theatre.

New York is home to many of the United States’ major theatre companies and is the essence of the country’s theatrical heritage. Every year the best of American theatre is honored by the Tony Awards. The Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Theatre, as they are formally known, are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing at an annual ceremony in New York City. Tourists often choose the Tony Award weekend to visit the city and stay in a hotel Central Park. People will wait outside overnight for a chance to line up and watch the major Broadway stars, directors, designers and producers walk in to the award ceremony.

The Tony Awards are considered to be the highest theatre recognition in America. They are the stage’s equivalent to the film industry’s Academy Awards. The British equivalent to the Tony Awards is the Oliver Awards. These are formally known as the Sir Laurence Olivier Awards, named in honor of the great English actor. The Tony Awards take place in June of every year and for the last few years have been held in Radio City Music Hall. This year they will be take place during a 3 hour televised special on June 7th.

The Awards are determined by a panel of 700 judges from diverse areas of the entertainment industry and also the press. The Awards began in 1947 and were founded by the American Theatre Wing to honor excellence in the country’s theatre industry. They not only include nominations from New York, but also regional theatre. The name for the award honors Antoinette Perry, who was an actress, producer and director and co-founded the American Theatre Wing. She died shortly before the awards began. The first Tony award ceremony was held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel on April 16, 1947.

Athol Fugard is one of the most prominent playwrights to come from South Africa. He was born in June, 1932 and his work is honored throughout the world. He is a playwright, director, actor and novelist who writes most of his work in English. Most of his works are politically motivated and are opposed to the apartheid system of South Africa. His is most known for his play Master Harold and the Boys and the Academy Award winning film Tsotsi, which is based on one of his novels. Tourists staying in one of the Johannesburg boutique hotels should have ample opportunity to see his influence in the local productions.

Fugard has received many honors and awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Play. This was won for his play titled Sizwe Banzi is Dead/ The Island. He has also won an Obie Award, two New York Drama Critic’s Circle Awards, Drama Desk Awards and two Lucille Lortel Awards, among others. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and is also an adjunct professor of acting, playwrighting and directing at the University of California, San Diego. He and his wife, Shelia Fugard, live in San Diego and also have a residence in South Africa.

In the early 1960s they returned to Port Elizabeth and developed a community of theatre practitioners called The Circle Players. The name of the group is taken from one of Bertolt Brecht’s plays, the Caucasian Chalk Circle. Fugard has been heavily influenced by Brecht, who was also a political playwright. In 1961 Fugard starred as one of the brothers in a Johannesburg production of his play The Blood Knot. Also in the 1960s, Fugard formed the Serpent Players. Their plays use minimalist props and sets that are improvised from whatever materials they can get a hold of.

The main city on the island of Mallorca, and a world leader in luxury hotels, Palma has much to offer.  The beaches, of course, are the finest in the world, bringing travelers here for centuries.  The city is a cultural paradise as well, home to some of the most innovative and talented artists in the world.  One moment here, and you won’t be surprised why so many celebrities have made this their home at one time or another.  There is an increase of artists moving here lately, but it’s nothing new to Mallorca, with a fairly long history of famous faces on the island.  There are also a wealth of artists and musicians who come from here.

Martin Chirino is one of the latter, a visual artist from Palma de Mallorca, the largest city.  He is undoubtedly one of the premiere figures of Spanish art from the 20th century, and his legacy is certainly tangible today.  He made his mark in the arena of abstract sculpture, working primarily in wood and metal.  He was self-taught in the forge and in working with wood, but also studied at Bellas Artes in Madrid, and London’s School of Fine Arts.  Greatly influenced by Michelangelo’s David and by indigenous Canary Island culture, his work is a mix of traditions.  He insisted on close ties to the land in his own work, and demanded it of other artists as well, and his ties were closest with artists who shared this view.  He was also deeply interested in African cultures in the Canaries (Afri-Can), and integrated these styles into his works.

1958 was an especially important year for Martin Chirino.  With fellow artists Antonio Saura, Pablo Serrano, and Luis Feito, he entered into the seminal group El Paso.  In the sixties, he was launched to international fame with the New Spanish Painting and Sculpture exhibition in New York’s MOMA.  He has won some of the major prizes in the art world, including the Gold Medal from Bellas Artes in Madrid, and the International Prize for Sculpture from the Budapest Bienalle.  He is one of Mallorca’s true genuises.

With world heritage architecture, fantastic beaches, and luxury hotels, Goa is India’s smallest state in terms of size, but is a world leader in class and pure, getaway pleasure.  Its history is fascinating, and can be seen in the temples, which are still in use today, as well as the Portuguese influence in the city life and architecture, as well as the interesting mix of culture and religions here.  The idea, Unity in diversity, is celebrated here.  There are also an interesting array of fiction writers and poets here, with a long literary tradition in many languages.

Writers from Goa writing in English, however, are somewhat rare, and Nandita da Cunha is one of the recent rising stars on the literary scene.  Her novel, “The Magic of Maya,”has caused a moderate but important sensation in the literary world, and certainly is a reason for celebration.

The novel is a fantasy, or magical realist novel, about a young girl, Tara, who is lured away from her village, Govan, to Maya, a musical fantasy land.  In Maya, the inhabitants only hear what they want to hear, so the music that works like a symphony in the head, becomes something that each character hears differently, to suggest that perspective is based on internal desires, rather than perception of the external.  Govan, in contrast, is a material culture ruled by money.  Both worlds then collide, and there are moral lessons to be offered by both realities, and the quest of the main character, then, becomes a quest for a balance of seemingly-opposing forces.   Nandida da Cunha has written a profound and delightful book that is a treasure to Goa, and to the world at large.

Nandita da Cunha currently lives as a management consultant in Mumbai.  Her post-grad is from XLRI, Jamshedpur, and she has also passed the licentiate exam from London’s Trinity College of Music.  Rather appropritate.

There is  no place like home, and no place like a home away from home in a luxury hotel.  Dubai holds the distinction of being one of the most fascinating cities for satisfying business, leisure, and global travel curiosities.  There is a growing expat community here, because the place has so much to offer in terms of culture, nature, and style.  It has always attracted artists and thinkers, and has seen a surge in recent years by members of the international community looking for an artistic center to call home, and from which to speak to the world at large.

Holly Major is one such expat.  Originally from Queensland, on the east coat of Australia, she now makes her home in Dubai.  She runs the open mic nights at Dubai Lime cafe shop, and works the crowds at many Dubai Lime events, at venues like Jumeriah Central Perk and Bert’s Café in the Greens – Al Barsha.  She also keeps herself quite busy with her up and coming music career.  A natural songwriter, she specializes in folk riffs and turns of phrase that make her soulful, melancholic, and often oddly uplifting, tunes extremely catchy and hard to forget.

She is now working on projects with another expat in Dubai, Cassiano Da Sa.  The Brazillian guitarist is joined forces with Holly Major to make some incredible new sounds.  They’ve already won an international songwriting competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil, and have played at such festivals as Adrenaline Sports Live Fest, Wonderland Festival, Slob Fest, and for MTV Brazil, MTV Arabia, and Souk Al Bastikya.  Together, they make quite a team, and together, they list their influences as Pearl Jam, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, the Dixie Chicks, Jackson 5, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, Cat Stevens, and Brazil’s treasure, Tom Jobim.  This interesting combination of influences is at work in their music, creating a sound that is wholly international, multi-cultural, and distinctly touched with Dubai charm.

Since November 2008, New York City’s two venerable auction houses, Sotheby’s and Christie’s, have incurred losses estimated in the millions when artworks failed to sell for the guaranteed price or simply failed to sell altogether. Sotheby’s reported a loss of more than fifty thousand dollars, and stock in the company plummeted. Christie’s is a privately owned company; therefore, the state of their finances is harder to gauge, but results of more recent auctions are not promising. Last month, the Sotheby’s auction, one of the most important of the year featuring famous works from the modern, contemporary and Impressionist collections, had both houses’ sellers and auctioneers holding their breath.

Just six months ago, sellers were traveling to the city, staying in the best New York City hotel, and selling rare pieces by artists such as Degas and Giacometti,  prompted by assurances and incentives offered from the auction houses of Christie’s and Sotheby’s. That which had been treasured was easily parted with for the right price. And those prices were astronomical. For now, art sales in New York City have dropped as a result of the depressed economy, and many collectors are simply holding on to the expensive and famous works that they own. Owners are not willing to part with the pieces for the fraction of their worth that buyers are willing to pay.

Meanwhile, catalogs of what will be up for sale are a mere shadow of they were five years ago. With respect to art that is available for purchase, prices are being kept low in hopes of attracting those looking for a “bargain” Francis Bacon or Pablo Picasso work. Low prices lead to continued activity, creating a sort of illusion of market viability. Dealers have been observing the auction houses, watching for clues and taking note of which contemporary artists are selling well. Now, many are sticking to tried and true famous artists, just waiting for the market, and the economy, to recover.

New York City’s Neue Galerie opened in November 2001 in the city’s Museum Mile section, near five star New York hotels and numerous other celebrated galleries and popular museums. The elegant Fifth Avenue mansion, once home to Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III, was purchased in 1994 by philanthropist-collector Ronald S. Lauder (of the successful Estée Lauder cosmetics dynasty) and his friend Serge Sabarksy, an art dealer. The pair’s concept of the venue that would become Neue Galerie was in development when Sabarsky died in 1996, and Lauder continued to pursue their dream as a tribute and memorial to him.

Lauder and Sabarsky, whose friendship spanned three decades, were committed to the appreciation of Austrian and German art and design of the early 20th century, and Neue Galerie highlights the interplay among the disciplines of fine art, design, and architecture that was a hallmark of that nexus of time and place. Featured works by Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimt and Alfred Kubin are displayed along with the creations of renowned architects such as Joseph Urban and Adolf Loos. Breathtaking examples of painting, sculpture and photography from Lauder and Sabarsky’s personal collections comprise a large part of the gallery’s holdings, while visiting exhibitions add seasonal variety to the sampling of significant works of German Expressionism, the Brücke and Bauhaus movements, and other noteworthy collectives and styles.

The gallery’s home, a designated landmark built in 1914, was designed by Carrère and Hastings, the same firm that built the New York Public Library’s main Manhattan branch at 42nd Street. The large house has been restored to both historical accuracy and state-of-the-art standards for archival preservation and optimum viewing of a distinguished collection. Cafes, shops, and frequent presentation of films, lectures, and live performances such as recitals and cabaret evenings round out the cultural experience for Neue Galerie’s visitors.

Miss Chung is now known throughout Hong Kong, as Gillian Chung.  She is a young, born in 1981, singer and actress.  She is perhaps best known as being a member of and creating work with the pop group known as “Twins”.  She was born just outside of Hong Kong, and when it became certain that she would live her life in the public eye, she changed her name, as one of the characters that make up the spelling originally, is considered too strong for a female to possess.  Her manager came up with her new name upon consultation with a fortune teller.  He wanted to create a name for her, that would enhance and support her abilities in entertainment and business affairs.  It seems to have worked, as just out of high school, she became very well known throughout the city, her name often mentioned on the T.V shows, in the newspapers, and in every club and boutique hotel.  Hong Kong has many talented youngsters taking the stage currently.

Chung studied a number of music schools, among them the prestigious Australian school, William Anliss, and the Kowloon True Light Music School.  She began her professional career in 2,000.  She first modeled to earn her living, but soon for the duo with Charlene Choi, that secured her fame.  She has since appeared in films, her first being, ‘U-man’ and has worked to hone her skills in that arena, garnering herself much fame and recognition.  She is a box office draw, becoming well known for her action films such as ‘Beyond Our Ken’ and ‘49 Days’.  During the early part of 2009, Chung became the spokeswoman for Tough Jeansmith, and as appeared on reality shows, discussing her personal life and affairs.  She continues to remain supported by her fans and her peers.  And many are looking forward to the new work she will create throughout 2010.

The museum housed at the Fine Art Academy in Beijing, is a special place.  The artistic journey of twelve prominent female Chinese painters, is on exhibit currently.  Each of the artists was alive and creating her work throughout the twentieth century.  All of the women have passed, but their work stands as a testament to the spirit and the talent that they possessed.  The modern art scene in China is forever changed because of the work that these twelve artists produced during their lifetimes.  There are a total of fifty pieces in the show.  And in their own unique ways, the portraits, landscapes and florals are decorating the walls at the museum and educating visitors, such as those staying in five star Beijing hotels, about the history and the influence of traditional works in oil and pen & ink.  They depict lives that are chronicled through artistic expression and symbolism.

Some of the painters included in the show, are Xiao Shufang, Zhou Sicong, and He Xiangning.  Most of the work was produced between the years of the early 1950’s through the late 1980’s.  Most viewing the show, agree that for some reason, these women had a edge on their male counterparts.  The expression conveyed is due, the curator states, to a woman’s natural ability and inclination, to find beauty in the natural world.  Their perception to societal and cultural changes over the years is keen.  And the paintings exhibited in the show, illustrate a sense of calmness and serenity.  Some of the works exhibit the perspective that is uniquely female.   And many of the paintings completed during the 50’s, represent the political changes that were occurring in China at the time.  Socialism and women’s rights were on the forefront, and these artists captured the historical significance of the time period.   For any visitor traveling through Beijing, this is a must see show.

Christian Jankowski has an extensive reputation in the city of Manhattan.  Known for his ability to move between artistic disciplines such as photography, performance art, video and media installation, he has now created a bit of a stir at the Fifth Avenue and 60th Street entrance to Central Park.  He is well known for combining historical figures, with fictional, and reality and that of the fantastic.  His subjects are often engaged with his work, and the process of his creations have involved over the years, border patrol, fortune tellers and palm readers, children and magicians.  His three pieces on display in downtown, just down the road from the best hotels, Manhattan were inspired by street performers in Spain.  While on a trip to Barcelona, he saw three artists, as art.  Three people dressed in painted costumes and donned painted skin, in an attempt to appear as sculptures.  One being the legendary Che Guevara, one the famous Julius Caesar, and one a reproduction of Dali’s famous piece, “Cabinet Woman“.

Upon meeting the three, Jankowski learned that they had ‘performed’ in London and Berlin as well.  He came back to the U.S. and got to work, recreating in bronze, the street performers ’show’.  These pieces are reflective of the past work of Jankowski, illustrated he use of the popular side of culture, with the fantasy side, and are representative of his nature and his artistic personality.  Familiar faces and works are presented in a different way, his way.  His adaptions are being recognized and many are traveling to catch a glimpse of just three more of incredible works that are throughout Central Park on a regular basis.  He was born in Gottingen, Germany in 1968 and displays throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Jankowski currently resides and works in Berlin, as well as Manhattan.

Although the museum has been in a process of restoration over the last few years, architects have remained true to the original structure and details. Once known as an anthropological, archaeological and an historical records museum, the National Museum of Singapore has become more diverse. The museum opened in 1849, and was for a very long time more of a library than a museum. The museum remains dedicated to preserving and exhibiting those items of the past that were influential in the shaping of the heritage of culture specific to the region. Most of the earlier collections, pre-WWII focused on ethnography and zoology. The site was famous for research and study.

Years passed and the art collection, as well as the collection of artifacts, books, historical documents, and fossils grew. The museum split over the years, sending the archaeological and zoological items to the biology department of the National University. A separate history museum and library were created and now the museum is dedicated to the exhibition of famous East Asian artists as well as providing lectures and workshops, and theatrical and musical performances. Located close to the other museums and an area rich with restaurants of the Singapore luxury hotels, this makes for an easy way to spend an entire evening of fun, fine dining and eclectic performances. One series taking place through March of 2009 is a film festival. The festival will provide films along a time line, from the age of silent film through some of the pioneers of independent and avant garde film makers of our current time. The show-times are every second Tuesday of the month. A live performance that should not be missed is by a company out of New Zealand called Ladykillers. The three members perform a variety of scenes and many different characters, stories taken and elaborated upon by their own experiences. It is said to be a show that will make the audience laugh and cry, about music, food, life and passion. These are just a couple of the many activities and performances that take place at the museum today, along side the exhibitions of some of the most famous visual artists of our time.

The pop music scene began in Singapore in the early 60’s. Influenced by the British Invasion, meaning the coming of the Beatles, the live music scene in Singapore took on a life of its own. Through instrumental experimentation to full on rhythm and blues with the mix of tradition of course, the Malay tradition leading to the traditional songs of the past taking on new meaning for the future. The ‘rock explosion’ that happened in the late 80’s was driven by this new found freedom of expression. All genres of rock, be it punk or heavy metal, found ways into mainstream and then to popularity. Lead vocalists such as Ramli Sarip led the way. His band Sweet Charity influenced the early rock scene and all those that followed.

Alternative rock, a quizzical term, has become the most popular form of musical expression in Singapore. Whether on a backpack grunge tour or engaging in luxury travel Singapore offers something for everyone to enjoy. The alternative scene became a driving force on the music scene in the nineties. Music festivals feature the alternative as well as the post punk genre, and many Singapore bands have become nationally recognized. Winning awards on MTV and topping the charts in a world where competition is stiff. Plushfools is a well known alternative band on the island. The band originally formed in 2006, and after experiencing the rush of a live performance and the feel of the audience, decided to put all their efforts into making music a way of life. Known to be a bit idiosyncratic, the band takes pride in the fact that they sound like no other band, they are completely original and Malaysian, and accessible to the rest of the world. Trans-international, the language all musicians strive to speak, has become their sound. It has been said that seeing this band perform is second only to seeing the audience while they are performing. It is similar to what someone may witness being an audience member during a Flaming Lips or a Tom Waits show. Part of the fun is seeing how others react and are affected.

Another band based in Singapore is Side Chain. As with the British band Radiohead or the American group the Dave Matthews Band, Side Chain offers up their songs free of charge, encouraging music lovers to download and pass along their tunes. Their philosophy being the more that hear it, the better. They just want to be heard. The lead singer of Side Chain is from Canada and finished up the remastering of their first album for re-release and to begin production for their second release, Lasting Impressions. The new venue in Singapore, Theaters on the Bay is intent on furthering and fostering the growing love and appreciation of rock music and culture, scheduling festivals to add to the many offerings Singapore is giving to the world through the arts.

Malaysia’s capital is Kuala Lumpur. It is the fastest growing city in the region and has become a popular tourist destination. Many use it as a gateway to other parts of Malaysia. In addition to the many opportunities for shopping, dining, and exploring the local culture and art, Kuala Lumpur offers some incredible architecture for the aesthetically inclined.

Kuala Lumpur does not have a distinct influence. Instead it is a blend of Asian, Islamic, colonial and modern styles. Since colonialism in Kuala Lumpur wasn’t that long ago, examples of this period include Tudor, Grecian-Spanish, Neo-Gothic, and Moorish styles. Of course, these styles were adapted to the resources available in Malaysia and the humid, hot climate. Old shophouses have survived, most built prior to World War II. These show the European and Straits Chinese influences and can be found in areas such as Chinatown, Jalan Doraisamy, and Old Market Square.

The mid-to-late twentieth century saw a rapid expansion of the city when buildings began to reflect a more Islamic and local style. Some of these structures were designed after traditional Malay items such as keris and head dress. Other buildings feature Islamic geometric motifs. Still other buildings were designed to imitate places of worship. Some examples of the latter are the national Planetarium and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia.

Turn of the millennium architecture follows a late and postmodern style. Structures with an all glass shell can be found around the city. The Petronas Twin Towers, which are the iconic image of the city, are a mixture of this glass shell construction combined with Islamic influences. They were constructed to resemble Islamic art motifs.

Some of the buildings of note include the Tudor-style Royal Selangor club, the Neo-Gothic St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the National Art Gallery which reflects Victorian architecture. The Telecom Museum is a good example of Grecian-Spanish influences while Neo Moorish or Mughal architecture is visible in the Jamek Mosque, the KTM railway station, and the sultan Abdul Samad Building.

The city is constantly developing new projects. Construction in development include The Pavilion, the Gardens, and additional lots of KLCC. Visitors can make their architectural exploration of the city personal by choosing lodgings that offer styles based on the various eras and influences. For example, some of the 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur feature colonial influences while others are distinctly modern in style.

I am a big fan of the San Francisco Ballet and as a patron, I often run into the same people. Last year I ran into Arthur Trueger. He is one of the most well-established patrons. He doesn’t ever seem to miss an opening. And whenever I go, I always hear people saying, "Look, there’s Arthur Trueger." That makes me wonder if he feels like the paparazzi is following him.

Not only is he a fan of the ballet, he loves the Japanese culture. He is learning how to speak Japanese and he is a member of the Japan Society of Northern California. He must be involved with other NorCal arts groups. I know that Arthur Trueger is a patron of the Oregon Shakespeare Society. He really loves the arts which is great because he is always busy in the venture capital world.

So, whenever I spot him at the ballet, I always smile to myself because his presence and participation in the ballet makes me realize that life can’t be all about business. We have to find other things that we love and pursue those or we’ll end up being unhappy and in need of culture. Mr. Trueger is a man of many talents. But I like the fact that he is a man of many interests.