posted by Savanah on Jun 16
A good Indian meal requires an expansive table set outside under the shade of a mango tree surrounded by a lush garden. The dishes are countless with chapatti’s with melting ghee; a variety of hot or mild dishes where the smells alone transports you over tender moments of exquisite tastes. But, staying at Johannesburg Boutique Hotels makes all that seem to be a hopeless fantasy. Yet, I remained diligent and through asking the concierge and the locals I managed to find a few Indian Restaurants that met my wildest dreams.
The first India Restaurant I was steered to was the Shani Khana . A vegetarian friendly affair with outlet strewn throughout Johannesburg. Stepping into a Shahi Khana, I was pleasantly surrounded with Hindi cinema songs and the patrons were mostly local Indians. I could even speak Hindi to my waiter and feel right at home. On my table was a complimentary cucumber raita, pudina ki chutney and papad. And the meal I ordered, Paneer Jalfrezi with buttered naan and Kashmiri pilaan was completely delightful.
For dinner that night I checked out Shahi Shayona, which is strictly vegetarian. Their menu is simple and offers the perfect dishes. I ordered the deluxe 3 curried rice, dal, and papad served with a salad. Shahi Shayona also has complimentary samoosa and kachori with methi bhaji filling. I was overwhelmed with their delicate blend of spices. I found out from my waitress that Shahi’s dishes come from generations of family recipes focused with a devotion to the stirring and the mixing in the kitchen. She said it was pure meditation in the preparation of the dishes. I was thoroughly impressed with how they combined the sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, salty, dry and wet that all but consumed me. Truly a spiritual experience.
It was hard to go try another Indian restaurant after that, but I forced myself to Bombay Blues, vegetarian friendly and even alcohol is served there. I fell in love with the interior, tastefully minimalistic. But, what captured my eyes was the ‘staging’ of the food. The owner do a fantastic job of presenting each dish. I started with a sensational saundhe aloo prepared in the tandoori oven which I could see through into the kitchen and watch all the intrigue of the happenings amongst the head chef and the subordinates. Fascinating. Really.
I must say, Johannesburg’s Indian restaurants did not disappoint me, it only made me feel like I was at home in Mumbai.
posted by Savanah on Jun 8
Singapore prime ministers throughout the last few decades have realized the importance of setting up alliances with other cities and countries. Not only for matters of business and commerce, but for the support during times of social need, as in the case with natural disasters, as this is a small island, with limited resources, and the willingness to come to the aid of other countries, the leaders are hoping that this will lead to the willingness of the other countries assisting Singapore should the time arise when that is necessary. Singapore is a travel destination for many throughout the world, those traveling for business and for pleasure, and each and every business is dependent on this tourism continuing, from the shopping mall, to the Singapore restaurant, to the hotel, and the various theme parks.
As of late, the companies of Singapore have been cultivating a relationship with Ningbo, China. Lee Hsien Loong has been following in his father’s footsteps as well as those previously, in developing these international relationships, and is certain the the one between the economic worlds of the two cities with continue to strength into a symbiotic relationship that proves beneficial to both cities, and all the citizens of those cities. Ningbo sits in the middle of the coast of China, along the Yangtze River. The port here is tax free, and docks international ships. The port is large, second in size of the Chinese ports, only to that of the Port of Shanghai. This makes it the fourth largest international port.
Singapore is wanting to increase the zone of free trade, and has been creating a plan with architects that will result in the construction of the Beilun District Southern Zone. They are hoping to complete the expansion within the next 3 years. This is not the only plans for expansion, for as this project is completed the city is looking towards increasing the already high quality of life in Singapore by expanding other industrial and technological arenas as well as developing more venues for education and cultural development. The government sees this as a possibility with alliances of the cities of the world, such as Ningbo, especially during this time of global economic crisis. For even during these times, this city is one of the fastest growing and developing cities of China. Singapore has noticed this growth and the leaders know that Singapore has the same potential for their future.
posted by Savanah on Jun 1
The country of South Africa is bound together with arts, interwoven into the culture and the history. Most of the parks and gardens are filled with sculpture, and any restaurant or Cape Town luxury hotel is certain to have pieces of work decorating the walls and the rooms, that are significant to this rich history. On any trip one takes to South Africa, one must find the galleries and museums and stroll through them, not only for the visual entertainment, but for the knowledge that is gained and leads to better understandings of the country and the people of the regions. One such gallery in Cape Town is the South African National Gallery. There are permanent collections here that are rotated to accommodate the touring shows and exhibits. At any given time one will be able to walk through the halls that are filled with everything from sculpture, to photography, textiles and jewelery, paintings and prints on paper.
The museum does lack, however, a significant amount of traditional work from the pre-colonial time period. This is due to the high cost of Western art, and the lack of sufficient funding in order to be able to afford to house the work permanently. There is also not much represented from the 1980′s, as the political situation of Apartheid made it difficult for the gallery to obtain the works of the artists at this time. The gallery has been attempting to obtain more work from this time. Beginning in 1990, work has been done to create a collection of work that celebrates the expression of the different cultures living in Africa. Sculpture and traditional bead-works is part of a collection that is well respected throughout the world. The women of South Africa create this art form in an expressive and articulate manner. The gallery joined the city of Ghana in creating the Bead Society of South Africa, as this is such an important element of the culture. The works in this gallery are stunning and one traveling here should definitely take a few days to experience all that the museum has to offer.
posted by Savanah on Jun 1
There are many sections to the gardens at Kirstenbosch in South Africa. The sections are separated by the streams that run through the garden, trimmed with red alder trees, ferns, and besembos. Fig and camphor trees were planted in 1660 by Jan Van Riebeeck, a Dutch settler. The grounds of the garden support not just the beauty of the natural world, but the science behind it all as well. The National Botanical Institute has their headquarters here. This is an association that administers and supports the international network of research and gardens.
One such facility that focuses on natural history is the Cape Herbarium. All of Cape Town enjoys the benefits of this garden and the scientists, all of the businesses, restaurants and luxury hotels Cape Town offers are surrounded by the indigenous plants and flowers, creating a perfect holiday retreat filled with beauty.
A quarter of a million species are preserved at the herbarium, a collection that was started by scientists and botanists in 1825. This is a combined effort with the South Africa Museum. All the paths that wind throughout the garden are paved, and create easy access to those walking, or in wheelchairs, through the trees that are indigenous through Skeleton Gorge, all the way to Table Mountain’s summit. There are paths that cut through Forest Walk, wherein one can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the the Yellow-wood trees, the Alders and the Ironwoods.
The two paths that have been specifically designed for wheel chair accessibility are the Silver Tree Stroll and Weaverbird Walk. These provide those with wheels instead of legs, the opportunity to experience the outdoors and nature. There is also a pass that is designed for the blind as well. Aptly titled, the Braille Trail, the plants are labeled throughout, with signs written in…braille. And along this path, there is a specifically designed fragrant garden, in which each of the specimens is labeled with large print and in braille.
posted by Savanah on Mar 26
One of the world’s most breath-taking cities is Cape Town in South Africa. Located on Africa’s southernmost coast, Cape Town features incredible beaches, stunning mountains, and the luxuries and attractions of most global cities all rolled up into one exciting experience.
Table Mountain National Park is a major draw for outdoors enthusiasts. This protected wilderness features numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, and awe-inspiring views of the ocean and surrounding countryside. There is lush vegetation, including some beautiful native species, and an abundance of wildlife to glimpse.
The beaches of Cape Town are ripe with opportunity. Whether simply relaxing on the beach or exploring the waters off the coast, visitors will find dozens of activities to enjoy. Boating, kayaking, jetskiing, and sailing are popular sports. Scuba diving and snorkeling draw countless tourists every year. The more adventurous can seek out a great white shark expedition or go on a whale watching cruise.
The city itself can offer a wealth of adventures. Tourists can chose from a variety of hotels in Cape Town South Africa, including hostels, guest houses and even specialized backpacker lodgings. There are galleries and museums to explore, as well as historic neighborhoods and landmarks. Shopping in the city ranges from open markets displaying traditional arts and crafts to designer boutiques, from street vendors at traffic lights to large climate-controlled malls. At night, the city’s many restaurants offer a wide-range of cuisines from across the region and all over the world while the nightclubs attract music and dance lovers. Live music is king here, with concerts and festivals attracting musicians from all over the world.
Visitors will find a Cape Town experience to suit their personal taste. Beach recreations, deep sea exploration, urban adventures, and rugged wilderness excursions can all be part of a Cape Town holiday.