Sights and Sounds of Jakarta

The dynamic metropolis of Jakarta is centred on the historic enclave of Batavia, originally developed by Dutch colonialists, and therefore contains plenty in the way of historical tourist attractions. As Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta is the cultural centre of this diverse and populous nation. There are dozens of attractions worth checking out in the city, but most visitors start their explorations in the old Dutch enclave of Batavia. Fortunately for visitors, many of the tourist highlights are concentrated in the central district of the city. Each district has its own merits, from the historic Kota neighbourhood to the old port area of Sunda Kelapa. Monuments, museums, mosques and temples can be found everywhere you look, offering days of exploration for those hardy enough to brave the traffic, pollution and heat. Catch a ride on an Indonesian train for an experience you won’t forget. The Kota Train Station is a classic example of contemporary colonial architecture dating from the 1930s. Soak in the old Dutch colonial ambiance at Fatahillah Park. Step back in time with a visit to Jatinegara Meester Cornelis. If you have time to make one excursion out of the city, this charming Dutch colonial town on the eastern fringe of Jakarta has a wonderfully antiquated feel to it. The local produce market, gemstone bazaar and temples from every religion imaginable complement the residential villages which ring the commercial heart of the town.

Jakarta, The Big Durian

Jakarta is the capital and the main gateway to the Indonesian archipelago, a country composed of more than 13,000 islands with a population of over 180 million. Jakarta's nickname among expats is the Big Durian and like its fruit namesake it's a shock at first sight (and smell): a sweltering, steaming, heaving mass of millions of people packed into a vast urban sprawl. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. Jakarta certainly isn’t a primary tourist destination, but is one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas and parts of the old city Kota offer an interesting insight into the capital’s long history and there are a handful of good museums scattered about. If you want to get under the skin of Indonesia, a visit to this mammoth city is an absolute must. Jakarta is a city of contrasts, the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as an ever- present reminder of the national motto : Unity in Diversity. In recent years, Jakarta has expanded its facilities for visitors with luxury hotels, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and modern shopping centers. Jakarta has preserved its past and is developing for the future. Skyscrapers in the center of the city are part of a new look. Modern luxury hotels today cater to the discriminating visitors. Transport within the city is plentiful. Jakarta is the center of the nation's industrial, political and cultural life. It is home to many of the country's finest research institutes, educational facilities, and cultural organizations. Jakarta is uniquely the seat of both the national as well as the regional government. The quality of life and the general welfare of its inhabitants have improved considerably with the city's fast pace of development. Jakarta is a Pandora’s box, filled with unexpected gems.

Sri Lankan Cuisine

Good food is found in abundance in Sri Lanka, with a wide range of cuisines to choose from. The Portuguese, Dutch and British invaders as well as the Indian, Arab, Malay and Moor traders have all contributed to the Sri Lankan cuisine. Their cuisine ranges from mild and subtly flavoured dishes to hot and spicy ones. Their food is flavoured with a variety of herbs and spices, garlic, ginger, lemon grass etc. and curry powder. Rice, which is usually consumed daily, can be found at any special occasion, while spicy curries are favourite dishes for dinner and lunch. Sri Lankan rice and curry usually includes a variety of small curry dishes made of vegetable, meat, and fish. A typical meal must have an accompaniment such as parripu (red lentil dhal), mullung (ripped green leaves with spices, lightly stir- fried) and sambol (a mixture of grated coconut, chilly, and spice). Like all the people of coastal regions, the Sri Lankans are also expert in preparing fish dishes. Apart from  mullung and sambol, Lamprais, Buriyani and Polos Pehi are some popular dishes of Sri Lanka. A very popular alcoholic drink is toddy, made from palm tree sap. Arrack is the de-facto distilled national drink. The Sri Lankan food is very similar to food from South India. Owing to its tropical nature, variety of fruits is available in Sri Lanka. Major among them are: Mangoes, papayas, bananas, jackfruits, durians, rambutans, and mangosteens. Sri Lankan cuisine offers a wide variety of desserts.

Colombo: A Shopper’s Delight

Sri Lanka offers an interesting array of items for shoppers. Gems and jewellery, including the Sri Lankan blue sapphire, garments, batiks, the famous Ceylon Tea and handicrafts are popular shopping delights among the tourists. Handloom fabric materials, leather products, furniture, reproduction of antiques and ceramic are also popular with visitors of fine taste who appreciate the very best. There are many places to find bargains in Colombo. Modern shopping malls and specialty stores carry high quality goods at very affordable prices. If you are looking for an even greater bargain, without the surroundings, try your bargaining with the many street vendors and outdoor markets (such as in the Pettah area and across from the Fort Railway Station). Quality is generally assured at the higher end stores, if purchasing at other locations, use your judgment when buying expensive items. Though a big bulk of all manufactured products, such as women's and children's apparel, men's or boys' suits, winter wear and lingerie are scooped up by foreign buyers from Europe and the United States of America, the local clientele still get to enjoy high-quality clothes and accessories carefully selected for the local market. Sri Lanka's garment manufacturing industry is one of the biggest and best in the world, supplying branded high street fashion to clothing stores here and abroad.

Arts and Crafts of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s art history dates back more than 2,000 years and includes ancient temple paintings, rock sculptures of Lord Buddha and frescoes. Owing to its long, rich history, Sri Lanka endows exquisite arts evolving through the course of time which has refined its culture to be a unique and precious heritage of the nation. Its pivotal position on the ancient Silk Route made Sri Lanka a crossroad of cultural and trade exchange of the West and the East. India and China's record have proved the cultural, political and trade exuberance of this island. In many ways Sri Lankan arts is an inspiration of its long and lasting Buddhist tradition which in turn absorbed and adopted countless regional and local tradition for thousand of years, evolving to be a unique variant of Sri Lankan arts. Unsurprising, most of Sri Lankan arts originated religious beliefs, represented in many artistic forms such as painting, sculpture and architecture. One of the most notable aspects of Sri Lankan Art are cave and temple painting such as the frescoes found in Sigiriya and religious paintings found in temples in Dambulla and Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Other popular forms of art have been influenced by both natives as well as outside settlers. For example, traditional wooden handicrafts and clay pottery are found around the hill country while Portuguese-inspired lacework and Indonesian inspired Batik has become notable. Handwoven Beeralu lace (pillow lace) is a recognised national craft and a vital source of income for rural women of the south coast. This intricate, handmade pillow lace is woven into exquisite tablecloths, doilies, and clothing accessories. Sri Lanka is known for precious and semi-precious gem stones which are found around Ratnapura.

Traditions and Culture of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical island found in the Indian Ocean just southeast of India, popular with tourists due to its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, verdant forests and discount shopping, all within an hour's drive of each other. In an unexpected bonus for the traveller, the relaxed island atmosphere of the country makes relatively light demands when it comes to travel etiquette. The nation has a rich history and fascinating culture which is very unique like it's beautiful places, ancient ruins, weather conditions, etc. Though the Culture of Sri Lanka society is more than 2500 years old, it is really Buddhism that was the most influential civilising force of the country. Therefore, the predominant religion of Sri Lanka is Buddhism. People got ideas about what is right and wrong, beneficial results of good deeds in this life itself and vice versa. People were taught to be sincere, kind, truthful, harmless and to help the downtrodden etc. Buddha’s teachings emphasised equality of man and the idea that man is noble not by birth but by his behaviour and actions. As in many Buddhist countries, there are a number of astonishingly beautiful Buddhist temples open to foreign visitors. What every tourist should keep in mind is that these temples are actually sacred places of worship and devotion in addition to being an attraction. Throughout the past centuries Sri Lanka has been going through a dramatic make over. Companies have taken themselves overseas to developing nations, in an attempt to achieve a positive global presence. Consequently, this method has caused a major ripple effect in countries such as Sri Lanka like never before. In some major cities the influence of western culture is being increasingly felt with the introduction of major fast food brands such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken as well as the appearance of major clothing brands such as Levi and Bench.

Sightseeing in Colombo

Colombo is an easy city to travel around. Some people appreciate its colonial heritage and dash of urban buzz in a rural country, while others quickly tire of the diesel fumes. Fort district, Sri Lanka's business and commercial areas is in the north of the city. You can find many shopping malls, bookshops, airline offices here. Fort is also the site of the Central Bank, which the Tamil Tigers blew up in January 1996. There are considerable sites including the clock tower, a former lighthouse, the president's residence (known by traditionalists as Queen's House), and colonial buildings, which lend the district an air of the bygone Empire. In the southern part of Fort is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of green graced by cricket games, kite flyers and trysting lovers while in the east is the Pettah bazaar district. Visitors will find there are many different kinds of goods which include fruit, vegetables, meat, gems, gold, silver, brass and tin junk for sale. Beyond this lies Colombo's smart neighbourhood, Cinammon Gardens, boasting elegant mansions, tree-lined streets and the lovely Viharamahadevi Park. The closest beach resort to the city is Mount Lavinia, about 10km from the city. Most who holiday in Colombo do so for a short time on their way to or from one of the beautiful Sri Lankan beach resorts, because the capital city with its frenetic traffic and general chaos is a little too much for most to handle. Colombo is, however, worth a look, offering colour and some interesting attractions, like the national museum, historic buildings, beautiful parks, the Pettah bazaar and some lovely temples. People who travel to Colombo also enjoy the Galle seafront and delicious local cuisine.

Simply Colombo

Colombo is the largest city and the former capital of Sri Lanka, a tear drop shaped nation. Though it still is the country’s commercial and financial capital, the capital is now Sri Jayewardenepura- Kotte, an eastern suburb of Colombo. The city is a beehive of commotion with more than a million inhabitants. A busy and vibrant city, with a mix of modern life and colonial ruins, the center of the city displays gracious old buildings from the Dutch, Portuguese and British era. Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. The population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese, Moors and Tamils. There are also small communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Malay and Indian origins living in the city, as well as numerous European expatriates. This history and culture, the perfect white sandy beaches, year round sunshine and warm seas should make Sri Lanka a paradise for tourism. However, simmering tensions between the majority Sinhalese and the Tamil minority who are seeking independence for the Jaffna region in the north of the country, led to an explosion of violence in the 1980s. This led to two decades of fighting between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Industry, and especially tourism, suffered greatly following a number of attacks – notably on Colombo airport in July 2001. The city of Colombo escaped largely unscathed after the Boxing Day Tsunami, but many coastal regions of the island were decimated. Except for a few more refugees in the city, the casual visitor to the city probably won’t see any sign of it. It is when you try to travel outside of Colombo that the full effect will become obvious. Transport links have been greatly affected, and some regions are effectively cut off. However, the people of Sri Lanka realise that tourism is a key to rebuilding their economy and are keen to welcome back visitors.

Food in Shanghai

Chinese cooking is one of the greatest methods of cooking. It enjoys a high reputation in the world due to its abundance,exquisite and delicious taste and charming appearance. Since ancient time, many factors that have influenced its development. Confucius once said: "Eating is the utmost important thing in life." Cooking Chinese food requires more time and effort, and is considered a very sophisticated art. A number of different styles contribute to Chinese cuisine, but perhaps the best known and most influential are Sichuan cuisine, Shandong cuisine, Jiangsu cuisine and Guangdong (Cantonese) cuisine. These styles are distinctive from one another. One style may favour the use of lots of garlic and shallots over lots of chilli and spices, while another may favour preparing seafood over other meats and fowl. Jiangsu cuisine favours cooking techniques such as braising and stewing, while Sichuan cuisine employs baking, scalding, and wrapping, just to name a few. Hairy crab is a highly sought after local delicacy in Shanghai, as it can be found in lakes within the region. Beijing Roast Duck is another popular dish which is well known outside China. Many traditional regional cuisines rely on basic methods of preservation such as drying, salting, pickling and fermentation. Flour and rice are the two main food staples in China. Tea is a major part of Chinese life. Dim Sum is a Cantonese term for small snacks. The Cantonese style of dining, yum cha, combines the variety of dim sum dishes with the drinking of tea. Yum cha literally means ‘drink tea’. Tofu is another popular product often used as a meat or cheese substitute. It is a soy-based product which is highly nutritious, inexpensive and versatile. Noodles are another important part of their diet and are symbolic of long life and good health according to Chinese tradition.

Shopping in Shanghai

Shanghai is known as the shopper’s paradise or the Paris of the east. Shopping here is just like any other attraction which is a must do. Shopping in Shanghai is different from shopping in Hong Kong or New York, since not only famous brand name fashions are available, but also many local products that cannot be found anywhere else. Shanghai features many famous name designer boutiques. For those on a more limited budget, there are plenty of wonderful shopping areas that are fun to wander around and pick up less expensive, but equally fabulous items. Shopping areas in Shanghai are clearly divided into “Four streets and Four cities”. Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, Middle Tibet Road and North Sichuan Road are the 4 streets. Yuyuan Shopping City, Xujiahui Shopping City, New Shanghai Shopping City and Jiali Sleepless City are the bustling 4 cities, basically the 4 main shopping districts in Shanghai. Haggling, bargaining and making quick deals are commonplace in Shanghai, China. The outcome of the haggling goes often depends on who yields the most power in the discussion. In China, gold jewellery has traditionally been a sign of wealth. Chinese have traditionally bought gold, in the form of jewellery, as a hedge against inflation, volatility and war. Just be sure not to head to Shanghai, China during the Chinese New Year holidays in February unless you want to face empty shops and streets.

China: Arts and Crafts

China has a long and glorious history in both arts and traditional crafts. These are just two of the many jewels in China's over five thousand-year culture. The arts and crafts are not only the embodiment of the people's longing for aesthetic beauty but also great treasures for China and the rest of the world. Many of the master artisans have had their skills handed down via one generation to the next so that only the offspring of such an artisan could learn the necessary skills required. Chinese arts are influenced by three major religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Another major influence was nature. The three major kinds of subject they liked to paint were birds, flowers, and landscapes from the countryside. All the religions stress love for nature. All landscape painters tried to get a feeling of the human spirit and the strength of the wind, water, mist and mountains. Painting became an art form more than 2000 years ago then influenced the later painters. Chinese arts come in many different forms such as: painting, folk arts, silk, calligraphy, pottery, sculpture, metal arts and paper cuts. Chinese Performing Arts is different and unique. Folk Arts, Acrobatics, Opera, Dance, and Puppetry. These are truly Chinese and bring inspiration and enchantment to its viewers. Another thing that sets Chinese Performing Arts apart is how good the performances and performers are. How exactly do those dancers move about and leap with such alacrity and synchronization? How can those young acrobats flip and throw each other and shoot bows from arrows by the feet? How can those opera singers act so well and sing from this note to that with such accuracy? The answer lies in the fact that all performers in China are true professionals. They train day in and day out, every single day and night, since their early childhood. Practically ever since birth these performers enrol in special training schools to become professional performers and they do not live normal lives. Such hard work does pay off for the respect and admiration they receive from their audiences.

Customs and Traditions in China

“Each generation is a new society coming to life”. This quotation comes from a political scientist of the 19th century analysing the American society, Tocqueville. Nowadays it perfectly applies to China: the new generation is a new society coming to life. A quarter of a century ago China painfully came out of a period of social upheavals with dramatic consequences. Though the country went though political and cultural upheaval it does not mean that they regressed in any way, the culture and society absorbed modernity based on a continuity, an evolution. China has a rich culture developed over a long history of 5000 years. That history has helped shape standards of etiquette much different from Western norms. It is helpful to understand how to conduct yourself in China to build better relationships, succeed in business and generally enjoy your stay. Chinese society is characterized by elaborate rituals of politeness protocol, demonstrations of friendship, and the like. Apparently ironically, the Chinese society stresses that the individual shall have a personality which we call internalized. This does not mean introverted. Internalized personality is one that gets its satisfaction from its own existence - not from close warm personal interaction as we think of it in western society. The ritual formulas obviate the necessity of real interpersonal involvement.

Sightseeing in Shanghai

Before arriving in Shanghai, you're probably wondering what you should visit first or how you should plan your trip because of time limit. Shanghai is an energetic international metropolis and combined with its rich heritage and Chinese culture, there is much to see and do. Modern Shanghai is emerging as one of the coolest cities in the world. Visit an experimental art collective, discover political chic souvenirs, take in the dazzling architecture and trendy nightspots, and go green at Asia’s first carbon neutral hotel, URBN. Shanghai is fascinating for night owls. The Bund is an absolute must for visitors. The rippling Huangpu River, characteristic buildings on the west bank and extraordinarily futuristic skyscrapers on the east bank all become more enchanting adorned in sparkling colored lights at night. A night cruise on the Huangpu River is highly recommended. For art lovers, Shanghai Grand Theater and Oriental Art Center will delight a visitor's taste. For those seeking relaxation, the ideal choice should be Hengshan Road and Xin Tian Di which are thronged with a variety of nightclubs, discos and bars. Between September and October every year Shanghai puts on an event with the sole purpose of attracting holidaymakers. The Tourist Festival, as it’s known, includes an Opening Day Parade, traditional entertainment, and even incorporates the Shanghai Shopping Festival. Resulting in 3 weeks of back to back, visitor-orientated fun.

Pulsating Shanghai

Shanghai, Hu for short, literally meaning “Above the Sea”, is an international metropolis and the most populous city in the People’s Republic of China, drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the Huangpu river, a tributary of Yangtze river, where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea. Shanghai serves as a global city, exerting influence over commerce, finance, culture, art, fashion, research, entertainment, international trade, science and technology center of East China. Also it is a popular tourist destination, visitors can sense the pulsating development of modern China. In addition to its modernization, Shanghai's multicultural flair endows Shanghai with a unique glamour. Shanghai oozes an atmosphere of vitality, and a dynamic which can rival New York in the United States and Paris of France in terms of modernity. Shanghai is the  largest 'city proper’ in the world followed by Mumbai. Here, one finds a perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen lanes together draw the skyline of Shanghai. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined, form Shanghai's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable. Shanghai city centre consists of two main regions, Pudong and Puxi, being separated by the winding Huangpu River. Around Shanghai, many striking landmarks dominate areas of the city and are hard to miss. Those particularly appealing to tourists include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower - one of the tallest structures in the whole of Asia and featuring an exhibition area on the ground level and Jinmao Tower - China's highest building, offering superb views of the city from its 88th-floor observation deck.

Food in Tokyo

Japanese cuisine means traditional style Japanese food, known for its quality of ingredients, seasonality of food and presentation. The typical Japanese meal consists of a bowl of rice (gohan), a bowl of miso soup (miso shiru), pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and fish or meat. While rice is the staple food, several kinds of noodles (udon, soba and ramen) are cheap and very popular for light meals. As it is an island nation, the Japanese take great pride in their seafood. A wide variety of fish, squid, octopus, eel, and shellfish appear in all kinds of dishes from sushi to tempura. Japanese cuisine is based on combining staple foods, typically rice or noodles with a soup and dishes made with fish, vegetables, tofu, meat or similar to add to the flavour of the staple foods. The dishes are typically flavoured with dashi, miso and soy sauce, usually low in fat and high in salt. Tokyo cuisine offers a large variety of dishes and regional specialities. Meat eating has been fairly rare until recently due to restrictions of Buddhism. Japanese usually use chopsticks to eat. Most restaurants display what is served by them in the form of plastic food, which is quite expensive and realistic. Before eating the meal, Japanese say “Itadakimasu” expressing thanks to the person who has prepared the food and gratitude for the food and at the end of the meal they say “Gochisosama”, a polite expression for gratitude for the meal. 

Shopper’s Paradise Tokyo

Japan is a shopper's paradise, offering everything from high-tech gadgetry and electronics to traditional arts and crafts. Large department stores, specialty shops, fashion boutiques, hotel arcades and shopping centres abound. Popular buys include cameras, watches, CD players, hi-fi equipment, silk goods, lacquer ware, Japanese dolls, and woodblock prints. People in Tokyo and basically all of Japan, love to go shopping. Tokyo shopping ranges from the crowded sidewalk and underground markets hawking black-market DVD's and faux designer jeans, to the true designer boutiques in the Roppongi Hills and the Ginza districts. They have some of the best shops in the world. Electronic goods like, computers, laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras, televisions, music systems, CD and DVD players are sold at best possible prices and a visit to Akihabara is a must.  Apart from garments, shoes and accessories, traditional handicraft items depicting Japanese art and culture are also sold out extensively. Exclusive Japanese products like good luck charms, kimonos, karate-wear, Japanese swords, paintings, green tea and special Beanie Babies are also found in abundance in the International Arcade. Shops are open from 10:00 am to 08:00 pm (including Sundays and National Holidays). Some department stores are closed on Wednesdays. Many smaller specialty shops are closed on weekends, national holidays and over traditional Japanese holiday seasons.

Art in Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun or Japan and one of the world’s most modern cities and a leading center of contemporary culture and art. Art was one of the ways the Japanese found to preserve their cultural uniqueness. This city is home to some of the world’s greatest collections of Japanese art housed in major museums and is thus a fitting place to get an overview of Japanese cultural history. The city is a mix of ancient Japanese culture and modern technological innovation. An integral part of Tokyo, its art, culture and entertainment reflect the unique artistic creativity and rich traditional heritage of its indigenous inhabitants. The residents of Tokyo have acquired worldwide popularity for their wide range of artistic creations. Japanese art covers a wide range of art styles and media, including ancient pottery, sculpture in wood and bronze, ink painting on silk and paper and more recently manga, cartoon, along with a myriad of other types of works of art. One of the major influences on ancient Japanese Culture was Zen Buddhism. The contribution of Zen to Ancient Japanese Art is seen in a Japanese Rock garden, the Japanese style garden, flower arrangement (Ikebana), architecture, Haiku or poetry, ceramics, calligraphy and other Japanese crafts. Just as an example – according to Zen emptiness is a key element. That's why the landscape in Japanese paintings is brought to life with just a few strokes of the brush. Japanese poetry - Haiku, also influenced by Zen, believes in simplicity. Zen also believes in making minimal changes to nature and emphasizes natural materials when it comes to architecture and design. You will never see a Japanese flower garden for instance. No flower beds. The elements used are rocks, water, sand and trees. The gardener takes care of the Japanese style garden helping the landscape to stay as it is. Each tree is taken care of meticulously.

Cultural and Business Norms in Japan

Etiquette in Japan can be defined as a full time occupation. Points of etiquette are particularly codified including grammar and vocabulary for polite conversation, rules of gift giving, wrapping and receiving, standards of bowing, exchanging meishi or name cards. Etiquette hinges on principles of proportional reciprocity in social hierarchies based on relative status between superior and subordinate. Relative in the terms of status, age, gender, designation, relation etc. Most people have a hard time figuring out all the customs and formalities in the Land of the Rising Sun. It is an odd mix of culture and modern high technology, and the perfect place waiting to be explored by an unsuspecting traveller. Japanese etiquette is one of the most curious and signature qualities of the country’s culture. They emphasize on politeness and honor since feudal times. When and where to take off your shoes, what kind of gift to bring for what occasion, what can be done to be a good co worker, or neighbour or friend, behaviour in public and so on. The Japanese are sticklers for details. Don’t be surprised when you make a purchase, you are expected to place cash or your credit card in a shallow tray. The cashier will take the tray, carefully wrap up your purchase and hand it to you, bow and place your change or credit card back in the tray.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms in Japan

A person is identified by their manners and behaviour and you are also a representative of your own country and bound to leave an impression. The key to avoiding any unpleasantaries when you visit a country is to know something about their culture. When you travel to Japan, you are a guest and the Japanese do not expect visitors to know every aspect of their culture, but understanding the basics helps avoid uncomfortable situations. The Japanese are extremely well mannered, disciplined and cultured. Etiquette and behaviour in Tokyo is a very important aspect, of this country as a whole. The Japanese in general are very reserved. Showing extreme emotions is out of place. They are nothing if not polite. At all times, try your very best to be utterly polite. In Tokyo, people are always well groomed and remarkably well dressed. Point to be noted when you pack your wardrobe for Japan.

Sights and Sounds of Tokyo

For decades Tokyo was visited mainly by business people connected with Japan's booming electronics and car manufacturing industries. Today, more and more people are coming to this huge, exciting megalopolis in order to enjoy its vast array of attractions and to experience a little of the culture that Japan offers visitors from overseas. Tokyo's infinite charms include temples, palaces and gorgeous, intricate gardens as well as a nightlife second to none. As for shopping, Tokyo is world famous for its boundless variety of shops and stores. Visitors in spring can enjoy the special bonus of seeing the fabulous cherry blossoms that attract vast crowds to the city parks. But a trip to Tokyo, at any time, is guaranteed to be a profoundly interesting and enjoyable experience.Tokyo is the point of entry for most visitors and business travellers to Japan. It is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Extraordinary, vibrant, fashionable, modern, a true metropolis, which still manages to reveal glimpses of its traditional past. Tokyo should be at the top of any Asian tourism agenda. It presents the mystique of traditional Japanese culture since the 17^th century, when the city was born. Its designation as the capital of Japan is fitting. Not only is it the biggest and most populous city in the nation, but it also represents the finest in Japanese heritage.

Thrilling Tokyo

Tokyo. One of the 47 prefectures of Japan, though it is called a metropolis rather than a prefecture, is located on the eastern side of Honshu, on the Kanto plain facing the Tokyo bay. It is the largest city and the country’s capital. It is the most populated urban area in the world with over 12 million people living there, not including adjacent areas. It is the seat of the Japanese Government and the Imperial Palace, the home of the Japanese Imperial family. The city is considered an Alpha + world city and ranked 3rd among global cities along with London and New York. The city was earlier called Edo meaning estuary, and was a small fishing village. In 1868, the name was changed to Tokyo, meaning east capital. Tokyo is laced with soaring sky scrappers, cosmopolitan industries, shopping arcades, extravagant bars and lounges and amid its modern flourish, the city also espouses its time honoured tradition in the form of shrines, ryokans ( guesthouses ) and museums. Tokyo has suffered a number of tragedies, including major devastation during World War II. After the war, Tokyo was completely re built. It has also suffered many earthquakes because of its location being near the boundary of 3 plates. But they are relatively quiet since 1923. Popular Hollywood movies like The Fast and the Furious, Kill Bill, Lost in Translation have been filmed in Tokyo. The energy of Tokyo borders on mania and obsession with newness that seems to make all ideas obsolete quickly. But though they are tech savvy with electronics, upgrade their mobiles with each advancement, fashions change with the blink of an eye, they are also traditional which may not be evident initially. Deep at their core, culture, religion, beliefs and respect are important to them. As the modern moves ahead, the city remains true to its origins.

Culinary Traditions of Mauritius

Mauritius is not only a feast for the eyes but the palate as well. The fantastic mix of cultures creates an amazing blend of culinary traditions. Mauritian food originates from 3 continents, so do try different cuisines everyday. The Mauritian local cuisine is a mix of Creole, Chinese, European, African and Indian. While you are there, you must try the Creole curry which is quite spicy. The curry can be made with fish, beef or chicken and eaten with rice. Also must haves are the Dholl puri, farata, gateaux piments and samosas. You can either have the Mauritian versions of the foods or you can have the individual specialities of the Muslims, Europeans, Indians or Chinese. Most basic and common ingredients of Mauritian recipes are tomatoes, ginger, garlic, onions and chillies. Spices too form an exclusive part of their recipes. If you are a lover of seafood, since it is an island, you will surely be delighted at the variety. Favourites among travellers and locals include dishes made with shrimps, crabs, crayfish, prawns and oysters. Camarons in hot prawn, venison, octopus, gateaux piments, chilli cakes are some of the Mauritian delicacies.

Shopping in Mauritius

Shopping in Mauritius is like going into a journey of civilization and cultures. Traditional Mauritian arts, crafts and the best branded luxury goods can be found in a number of shopping arcades and centres in all towns and beach resorts. Duty Free shops too offer attractive prices. Basically it ranges from shopping in a relaxed atmosphere of a shopping centre to hawkers and street markets. One can find amazing exotic buys which are truly made in Mauritius like perfume oils, rattan bags, local spices, pickles, flavoured teas and freshly ground coffee. The local craftsmen make beautiful ship models which are really unique, original and something you would love to take home as a souvenir truly representing Mauritius. One can even visit and buy Diamonds from their Diamond factory. Be careful when you are shopping with hawkers on the beaches, markets and streets of Mauritius. Their markets are colourful and give a taste of the traditional way of life in Mauritius.

Art in Mauritius

Mauritius is a world of culture and traditions, a mosaic of ethnic groups due to which it has inherited great cultural traditions of Europe, Asia and Africa. Mauritian identity is not a uniform or static concept. It is dynamic and constantly changing and evolving through interaction with other cultures and ideas. Art and entertainment is under the Ministry of Art and Culture to foster a balanced and harmonious Mauritian society through consolidation of existing pluralism, promotion of creativity, preservation, fostering and celebration of cultural values and maintaining and upgrading cultural infrastructure. Handicrafts mirror peoples’ degree of civilization. Handicrafts date back to the colonial period and are a fusion of French and Afro Asian cultures. The National Handicrafts Promotion Agency in Mauritius works to promote the same. Some popular handicrafts are pottery, ship models, tropical batiks, textiles, paintings, jewellery, baskets, wooden art, cabinet work, Chinese embroidery and souvenir items.

Customs and Traditions of Mauritius

There are so many cultures blended which create unique and distinctive parts of a whole, that should we call it Mauritian Culture or Cultures? The gregarious people of Mauritius have descended from settlers on its shores for 400 years. So you will find the Chinese celebrating the Chinese new year, people of Indian descent throwing themselves wholeheartedly into Diwali and Holi celebrations, Cavadee, Ganesh Chathurthi, Mahashivratri. The Christians and people of Dutch, French and English ancestry celebrate Christmas and Easter, while the Indian and African origin Muslim population celebrates Id after fasting through Ramadan. An event peculiar to Mauritius is the annual pilgrimage of Pere Laval, the French social reformer. All are celebrated equally splendidly. European, Indian, Chinese, African and Muslim, who can imagine that unity in diversity of customs can thrive on such a small island. Diversity can be found in every aspect, not only festivals mentioned. You will find churches next to a mosque, Indian temples next to Chinese pagoda. Mauritius is termed as a multilingual country with a plethora of languages such as Hindi, Mandarin, Urdu, Tamil, Marathi, Bhojpuri, French, and Cantonese. English is the official language and Creole is the native language which binds all these together. Creole emerged from French settlers and African slaves. Dress in Mauritius is culturally dependant and conservative. Mauritians seem aloof initially till they become comfortable and accepting.

Scenic Sights of Mauritius

Mauritius is a treasure waiting to be discovered. The green island in the middle of the Indian Ocean will enchant you from the very first moment. The holiday will refresh your body and soul. There is a fair amount to see and do in Mauritius. It is known for its pristine beaches, emerald seas, craggy shorelines with colonies of water birds. Black Gorges, a must for nature lovers and wild life enthusiasts, museums, fortifications, galleries, colonial houses, beaches and what not. The beaches are the some of the best you will ever come across. White sands, clear blue waters, a treat indeed for any traveller. A host of water sports are available – sailing, windsurfing, water skiing or you can just sunbathe or relax at your hotel spa. Since the island has good weather all year round and has one of the largest coral reefs in the world, diving is a great activity anytime. Safari jeep tours, biking trips, full day sightseeing, tandem skydiving, dolphin watch, hiking, trekking, horse racing, rock climbing, kayaking. The list of what one do in Mauritius is endless. Some of the sights one must visit are covered briefly for you.

Mesmerising Mauritius

Mauritius. An island nation off the south east coast of the African continent, east of Madagascar and south west of the Indian Ocean. It will enchant you, mesmerise you and uplift your soul. The main island from which the country derives its name, is of volcanic origin and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, is home to the Dodo, a large flightless bird related to pigeons. The island set in the turquoise sea is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, where the past and present blend together beautifully. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes make Mauritius so charming that it is really quite an unforgettable holiday. The island was first ruled by the Dutch, then French and lastly the British. Mauritius became independent in 1968. Together with Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. The islands largest city and capital is Port Louis. Mauritius has a stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and earned one of Africa's highest per capita income. The clear warm waters, lush vegetation and white beaches make Mauritius a tropical dream come true. The sea famous for water sports, the evenings see the bars, restaurants and clubs buzzing with activity, marine life conceals infinite treasures of the sea, the golf courses are spectacular. When in Mauritius take time to rejuvenate yourself.