Monthly Archives: March 2009

Mar30

Jobs Drying Up in Bangalore

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Jobs Drying Up in Bangalore

Migrant workers are leaving Bangalore, Karnataka in droves as the real estate market has come to a crashing halt due to global economic problems. Most construction workers in India’s Silicon Valley are migrants from around the country. Once construction jobs dried up, they were forced to return home in order to survive.

Outreach Onsite figures indicate that Bangalore had half a million migrant construction workers prior to the collapse of the local markets. In the last six months as many as half of them have abandoned the city. And local construction workers aren’t faring much better. Projects that were frozen due to the world-wide credit and banking crisis remain on hold indefinitely and there is little hope that they will resume in the near future.

The construction industry isn’t the only one hit by this economic slump. Tourism and hospitality industries are also hurting. One local restauranteur reported that his business has declined nearly 70 percent in recent months. His regular clientele was composed heavily of construction workers. Other businesses expected to report heavy declines include 5 star hotels Bangalore as well as retail shops and, of course, the local real estate market.

The bulk of Bangalore’s construction workers come from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Bihar, Orissa, and Uttar Pradesh. In recent years additional migrants had flocked to the city from the north Karnatak region. Many were unable to find work in their home villages and were sending money home to support their families. With most construction halted in Bangalore, those who are left in the city know it is only a matter of time until they, too, will have to leave.

Mar29

The Real Estate Market in Majorca, Spain

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The Real Estate Market in Majorca, Spain

Majorca, the Balearic Island off the mainland coast of Spain, has been the most popular of the islands, as far as tourism is concerned, for many years. Not only as a holiday-party-all-night type of destination, but as a place to set up permanent residency. The beautiful beaches and sun-filled landscapes, the clear ocean and the wickedly fun night life has attracted not only visitors from across Europe, the rest of the world as well. The famous and the rich travel to island, not only for the scenery but for the cultural aspects and the metropolitan feel of the capital city of Palma. And over the years, Majorca has relished in not only the tourism industry, but the real estate industry, as the sales of new houses was steadily increasing, until the last financial quarter of 2008. That last quarter has been the most difficult and trying financial quarters to date. Sales of new property fell forty percent. And the number of sales to the British, in the past the highest category of new home buyers, dropped by fifty percent. Currently the main buyers on the island are from Switzerland, Mainland Spain, Germany and Scandinavia. One exception to this decrease in sales is the region of Majorca, with the best beaches and the best hotels Majorca, which experienced the most profitable year to date. Ironically, it the area with the most inflated priced property of all the island. Not only have sales remained stable, they have actually increased.

There is fine balance between supply and demand. New developments are under strict supervision, in hopes of leveling out the current drop happening around the rest of the island. Other notable hot spots in the Balearic region, are the islands of Formentera, Ibiza and Minorca. And according to statics provided by the National Institute on Statics in Spain, tourism has risen by just about twenty percent. So has the immigration risen, bringing travelers and future residents from Italy, Morocco, and London. As it stands, of the current local population, foreigners make up thirty-five percent. With some planning and careful executed ideas, the decline in the real estate market on Majorca, and all of the islands will bounce back by the close of 2009

Mar27

Richest Horserace in the World

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Richest Horserace in the World

The Dubai World Cup will run for the 14th time on Saturday, March 28th at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai, UAE. The race, which was first run in 1996, has become the richest race in the world with $21.25 million (USD) up for grabs in seven separate races.

The World Cup race is an invitation-only event that features 14 horses from around the world. The two kilometer race is a “Group 1 Flat Race” on a dirt track. Thoroughbreds must be four-years-old and older to compete for the $6 million prize. This year’s horses represent Australasia, Europe, North America, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.

The racecourse will host 50,000 spectators on Saturday, many of whom will be staying at five star Dubai hotels or moored in their private yachts along the coast. There will be numerous onsite parties and social events as well as the horseracing.

The festivities on Saturday include six other races. The Dubai duty Free and the Dubai Sheema Classic both offer purses of $5 million and are the world’s richest horseraces run on turf. Two races will offer $2 million prizes: the UAE Derby and the Dubai Golden Shaheen, while another, the Godolphin Mile has a $1 million prize. The opening race will be the Group 1 Dubai Kahayla Classic for Purebred Arabians.

This will be the final year for the Dubai World Cup at the nad Al Sheba Racecourse. In 2010 the event moves to a new Meydan racecourse.

Mar26

Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku

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Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku

Kerala is preparing for one of the world’s most unique festivals. Kottankulangara Chamayavillanku takes place at the Kottankulangara temple. The festival, which occurs over 19 days in March-April every year, features men dressing as women and making an offering to Bhagavathy, the temple’s goddess.

The ritual itself is known as “Chamaya Vilakku” which translates to “make-up lamp.” Men offer prayers and carry lighted lamps. The intent is to offer thanks for favors received from Bhagavathy and to fulfill vows. The men dress in a variety of female attire, including traditional Kerala settu mundu and wear cosmetics and jewelry to complete their costume. The idea is to be as attractive as possible as women.

Participants do not need to be members of the temple or even believers in Bhagavathy. Men of various faiths come from all over India and surrounding countries to participate in this festival of thanksgiving. Supporters and respectful spectators also fill the best hotels Kerala to observe the ritual.

There are several theories as to the festival’s origins. The most popular relates the story of a group of boys who would jokingly dress as girls while herding cows and offer kottan (a coconut dish) to a stone as part of their play. Bhagavathy supposedly appeared to one of the boys and the ritual became real, with a temple being built on the site.

The temple is located in Chavara, which is near the district of Kollum.

Mar21

Saving Singapore’s Economy

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Saving Singapore’s Economy

Singapore has been enjoying a rapidly growing tourism sector for many years now. Rates of migration to the country and visitors desiring to become involved in the local businesses and markets alone have brought both millions visitors and vast amounts of income to the city-state. Last month, however, given the global economic downturn, travelers and big businesses alike began to tighten spending. In response the Board of Tourism for the state proposed an initiative that would ensure the continued growth, sustainability and strength of tourism for the city. All sectors of all businesses globally have been feeling the effects of the economic crunch and concern. In reaction to these developments businesses and individuals alike lowered overall spending on items and services over the past few years. In February the board met for a conference to discuss the fact that further downturns are on the horizon and that times are primed to remain difficult for the short-term future.

Wishing to preempt major economic losses and with a mandate to help the inhabitants of Singapore secure the jobs that they still hold, they proposed investing ninety million dollars into the tourist sector with the hope of securing the futures of the service industries such as restaurants, convention centers and the magnificent Singapore luxury hotels.

The convention drew a large and diverse number of participants, more than 450 members of the very diverse businesses that provide necessary services to the travelers frequenting Singapore for vacation or for business trips. Their goal for 2009 is to so ensure that the majority of jobs will be secured and that the tourism industry remains a viable and successful one. In part, this is to remain one of the world’s top entertainment cities and continue to draw international interest in the philosophy and the dedication to the Singaporean work ethic. The people of Singapore have one of the highest quality of life compared to other cities of their size and stature, for along with successful big business the inhabitants can enjoy some of the best educational systems, public health care and are living in a city that while the population is growing the crime rate is falling proportionally. For the people living and working there, this is good news as the hard times of the current global economic recession has not drastically affected that quality of life, however nobody is certain about what the future holds.

Still, this is a city that is not waiting for disaster and massive job losses, they are finding solutions for these times before the problems actually arise.

Mar19

Island Paradise: Mauritius

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Island Paradise: Mauritius

The gorgeous island of Mauritius has long been considered the picture of earthly paradise. Mark Twain is said to have remarked that heaven itself is modeled after this island off the coast of Africa. With a glorious tropical climate and a welcoming and friendly reputation, Mauritius remains a popular destination for vacations and holidays.

Mauritius has also developed a reputation as a haven for the rich and super rich. The lush landscape, extravagant retail and dining options, and the high percentage of luxury hotels in Mauritius add to this image. The fact that the wealthiest city in Africa, Port Louis, is situated here only supports that reputation. However, the island has much to offer more traditional pocketbooks and the less well-to-do shouldn’t be put off.

As the perfect island paradise, it’s expected that much of the attraction of Mauritius has to do with its beaches. Lounging on the sand with a cocktail while looking out at the beautiful blue ocean is certainly a popular past-time. Dining at an ocean-side restaurant and enjoying the wonderful Creole-influenced cuisine is another way that visitors can pamper themselves.

The island is much more than its beaches. The unique multicultural heritage of Mauritius has created a rich and exciting range of options in music, food, art, and performing arts. The island also boasts some interesting geographical diversity, with forests, plateaus, and even mountains adding to the natural beauty.

History buffs will want to visit the island’s Martello Towers or explore the Balaclava Ruins or the Vieux Grand Port Dutch Ruins. And don’t miss the chance to roam through the virgin forests of the Black River Gorges National Park.

Mar16

Environmental Challenges in the Mediterranean

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Environmental Challenges in the Mediterranean

Many environmental aspects of current life and the state of the world are affecting the islands off the coast of Spain. One of these is the island of Ibiza, long known as a party destination for the jet setters and celebrities, and also as a beautiful escape to crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean and the pure, pristine coasts. Unfortunately for 5 star Ibiza hotels and resorts is that the waters are being negatively affected through global warming and the ignoring of the effects the human impact has on the rest of the natural world. One problem of late, is an insurgence of jellyfish, literally tons of them taking over the waters and creating havoc for the life of the ocean as well as for the humans on land. Due to the disappearance of their natural predators, the sea turtle and tuna, due to the over-fishing, the population of various species has exploded. The high density of the jellyfish threaten the local marine life as well as the safety of the people traveling to the island and the people who live there and spend time on the beaches and in the water. Reports of jellyfish stings have doubled over the last few years, and the danger is that some of the stings are deadly. Resorts and beaches are doing what they can to warn the tourists and to educate them on the stings, and more life guards have been hired, along with first aid workers who are on the beaches at all times. The tourism companies, hotels, restaurants, and local businesses are worried about the effects that this will have in the coming tourist season.

Another problem for the beaches and cities along the shores of the Mediterranean and, well for all coastal communities throughout the world is just simply pollution. Ocean liners quite often dump their trash into the middle of the sea, thinking that it is so far out from shore and that the oceans are so big, but the trash is adding up and destroying the marine life of fish and the oceans plants. Ironically, many of the species in the sea do feed on jellyfish, plastic bags resemble jellyfish and many of those species are dying from starvation as their stomachs fill up with plastic bags. Many cities around the world have banned the use of these bags in grocery stores, requiring people to bring their own canvas bags with them on shopping trips, however, according to the organization Greenpeace, not enough is being done. Many of the resorts on the coasts of mainland Spain, and the Balearic Islands surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea find their livelihood and their means of conducting business from the sea and from the booming tourism industry, and many, such as the Island of Mallorca, have taken steps to be more environmentally aware.

Mar3

The World of Amsterdam Dance

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The World of Amsterdam Dance

Long standing careers in the dance world have ended and begun in the city of Amsterdam. Known for the cafes, restaurants, and the five star Amsterdam hotels, but not for traditional ballet, this city in the Netherlands has quite a history. In 1931, while performing in the Hague, a legend from Russia died from pneumonia. Weeks prior to Anna Pavlova celebrating her fiftieth birthday she took ill, the last dance she danced was ‘The Dying Swan’. However since then Amsterdam has become a leading force in the choreography and performance of traditional ballet. Since World War Two, dancers from all over the world have traveled here in search of the young and vibrant choreographic experience. With such talents as Toer van Schayk and Rudi van Dantzig it’s no wonder. From the last breath of the dying swan, to becoming one of the dance capitals of the world, the ballet of the Dutch is growing and becoming very well respected.

Three companies stand out for their spectacular performances and adherence to the tradition. The Dutch National Ballet, Scapino Ballet, and Dutch Dance Theater are three such companies. Companies that provided the beginnings, of the famous choreographers listed before, of some of the most respected works in the field. The DNB was created by Sonia Gaskell in 1961. The company was the result of the fusion of two different companies, and since there was really not much tradition, they had the opportunity to create different works as well as reinvent what had already been done. There was no Russian dance teacher smacking them with her cane, they were free to do as they wanted and as they felt. This company is funded by the government which provides them the opportunity to offer performances to the public for much less than it would cost to see a show of similar caliber.

Much more of an experimental and modern dance company, is the Dutch Dance Theater. The choreography of this company has deviated from traditional forms and is moving towards a more artistically creative vein. This is a company steeped in the past of its members, who have now moved on to become some of the most innovative and celebrated choreographers in this time of dance. The Scapino Ballet is the oldest Dutch company. Hans Snoek started this company in 1945, performing at first, for children only. Creative choreography and a passion for entertaining has gained this company the reputation as being the one responsible for a renewed interest in ballet as well as a renewed public interest. This company now performs for adults as well, and many of the past members have gone on to start their own companies, thus continuing the tradition of growth and experimentation in the world of dance in Amsterdam.