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The various neighborhoods of Singapore, are one of the unique aspects of the culture on the island.  There is rich heritage and a great diversity in that heritage.  While there is this contrast, there is also a blend that is harmonious, be it in the variety of the Singapore restaurants, the architecture, and the arts.  This little island offers the of the Eastern cultures and traditions and the best of the Western as well.  In one tour, one will go from the future, to the past in a single day, from conservative business centers to exotic market places.  One may pass a Hindu or a Chinese Temple, a Muslim Mosque, or a Catholic church all side by side on the same city street.  One may start the day with breakfast as the Singapore Zoo with the orangutans, have afternoon tea at one of the traditional tea houses, and then dress up for a night at the Opera or with the Symphony.  Every day brings something new and different in the city. In the Little India neighborhood, one will feel as though they are truly walking through a smaller version of Goa or Kerela.  The streets are filled with spice shops, palm readers, and the incredible scents flowing out of the kitchens and the restaurants.  Many of the Indians that have immigrated throughout the years live in this enchanting sector.  Little Arabia, (http://www.the-inncrowd.com/littleindiawalk.htm)is filled with mosques, notable the Sultan Mosque which is an architectural wonder.  There are many market places selling everything from vintage Arabic clothing to scarves and jewelry.  This, as in all of the neighborhoods of Singapore, is filled with a variety of options for delicious meals.  The architecture of the Mosque varies incredibly from the style of the Saint Andrew’s Cathedral.  Colonial style is indicative in the spire and the grand white columns.  Then, just down the way is the Renaissance building, the Church of the Good Shepherd, with is the oldest Catholic church throughout Singapore.  All three of these buildings are among those that are most photographed and most admired.

When it comes to boutique hotels, New York is a gold mine.  Like everything else that happens in New York, the hotels are the best of the best, offering the trend-setter in world-class service, luxury, and amenities.  There is charm and grace to match every taste, and the sense of style is always impeccable.  Staying in the best city in the world should be memorable, and every moment should be packed with enjoyment.

New York has the lion’s share of famous locals.  Because it is considered to be the “new Rome,” of recent centuries, it attracts and keeps an impressive lexicon of artists and intellectuals.  One of NYC’s most recognizable talents is singer-songwriter Lou Reed.  Widely recognized as the godfather of punk, Lou Reed was the founding member of the 1960s band the Velvet Underground.  Celebrated for their very distinctive sound, they became part of Andy Warhol’s pop entertainment circus, The Exploding Plastic Inevitable.  These shows were arguably the first raves, with wild dancers, spectacular light shows, and performances by the dark and broody Velvets.

Problems with record company executives led to the band’s early demise, and Lou Reed went on to a highly acclaimed solo career.  His seminal “Transformer” album, re-mixed by master of identities David Bowie, was an important document in the history of rock music.  Exploring themes that were off-limits even in the anything goes revolutionary era of the 1970s, the music opened the doors for experimentation with sound and content.  Perhaps more importantly, this also opened the doors to the idea of rock music with sophistication.  This was just a beginning for Lou Reed , whose uncompromising experimentation has served as the bass-line for countless musical explorations in the years since, marking a literary novel in the form of songs.  In 1996, he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and his ability to document his own life parallels the life of this amazing city.

With Rafael Nadal falling from grace a little this season in the French Open in Roland Garros stadium. His knee problems have forced him to listen to his body and take a bit of a break. It’s too bad Rafael Nadal needs a vacation during one of the most important parts of the Grand Slam tennis season.

Roger Federer finally claimed his French Open title this year. It is the only major championship that had eluded him up to that point. But the question remains if that is a real French Open title for Federer. I would think that Federer is excited about his French Open title, but wishes he could have won it with Nadal in the running, although perhaps I’m wrong.

It just conjures up a quote from a silly teen movie “Bring it On.”  In the film, Kirsten Dunst’s character says “ I define best as competing against the best out there and beating them.” Which to say is not really what Federer did. Nadal is the clay court master by far, and a win without a healthy Nadal in the running, is really no win at all.

That is why Wimbledon will be such a turning point for the two tennis rivals. Nadal has taken some time off from other preparation tournaments before Wimbledon in an attempt to rehab his knee. So hopefully he will be in prime condition when he takes the grass courts at Wimbledon.

Although, even with a healthy Nadal, Federer just may be poised to take another Wimbledon title, even with Nadal in the running. The shear fact that he took his first French Open title just may give him the momentum he needs to reclaim his number one in the world ranking.  Federer’s win did nothing to shake up the ATP tennis rankings.

Recruiting workers for the booming growth of Dubai takes more than just finding bodies. I was fortunate enough to sit next to one of these recruiters while I was eating breakfast at Luxury Hotel Dubai and overheard his conversation with a Dubia Reporter. The recruiter understood that to relocate overseas is about far more than just the job. He continues to say there is what’s called ‘a culture shock cycle’ that all expats have to go through in order to adapt. He said that those who have the right attitude to work through and survive this cycle makes for a happy expat employee and a successful international worker .

The cycle is something I’m familiar with and have talked about it were I currently work in Dubai. We know it affects all those who move abroad, whether they are relocated with work or actively make the choice to move themselves with no professionals backing up their relocation. I continued to listen to the recruiters explanation. He said it starts with the individual person in question loving everything about their exciting and thrilling new life, they embrace change and ignore the challenges seeing only the beauty and the good. This period is quickly followed by a period of negativity which can turn to hostility. They see the differences between their old and new life as being more pronounced, they miss the old and the familiar and homesickness, boredom and resentment can kick in. It is at this stage that one needs to be most adaptable and have the ability to think positively. The recruiter continued, those who cannot, well, the recruiter paused, they either return home or remain living the life of an unhappy isolated expat.

I couldn’t help but intrude into this conversation, and I said there’s a final point worth mentioning, and that the would-be expat who is expecting his or hers spouse to accompany them on a work assignment abroad needs to keep their happiness in mind too. The Recruiter agreed with me, not seeming to mind my interruption, and added to my statement saying the success of an assignment can so often rest largely on the shoulders of the one expected to remain in the home, adapting the family to the new life abroad.

I knew for an employer who has spent far more on recruiting a professional from abroad, such as me, and relocating them to the new nation and not understanding The Cycle will be a costly mistake. this is why an increasing number of firms in countries like Dubai are using the services of professional recruiters who know what to look for in a potential employee.

Indonesia condiments are created to appease the burning question in the hearts of the entire population of Indonesia: ‘What if my favorite dish isn’t spicy enough?’  Some condiments are used for very specific meals, like plum sauce, a dark, sweet-savory sauce, always served with Peking Duck. Other condiments have a huge fan base from the chefs of a hotel in Bali Indonesia to students cooking on a single burner in their dorm-room and use the condiments on every dish the can get their hands on.

One particular condiment is Wasabi. Wasabi, also know as the ‘Japanese Horseradish’ is well-known through out the world as the best hot spicy condiment severed with any sushi rolls and sashimi. It a powerful green paste and usually is mixed in with soysauce to cut the burn factor. Wasabi can also be found flavoring pistachios to ice cream. Another condiment is Raita, a yogurt-based dip that is mixed in with flavors and spices like cucumbers, onions and chillies. The fats in the yogurts help cool the palate from the searing effect of ordering a hot spicy dish. Bagoong , a Filipino condiment contains the ingredients ranging from the salting and fermenting of anchovies and or shrimp. This condiment has similarities tastes and smells of anchovy paste. Bagoong becomes the residue of the production of any fish sauce. Many lower income families use bagoong as a stand-alone meal. It flavors cooked rice or can supplement steamed vegetable leaves.

The ever familiar Kimchi, a Korean side dish, is served alongside any dish in Indonesia. Kimchi is traditionally made with cabbage, brine and ground hot peppers. Not only do Koreans crave this tasty condiment, so does the rest of Indonesia and parts of the western world. But, the most simplest traditional condiment of Indonesia it Sambal made from ground chili peppers and salt. A more elaborate Sambal sauce will have onion, lemongrass, lime juice, sugars, garlic mixed in an oil and vinegar base.

All you need to answer your question is to serve one or all of the condiments listed above alongside your favorite dish and never worry every if your dish is spicy enough.

The Singapore Dance company, now under the artistic direction of Janek Schergen, was founded by Goh Soo Khim and Anthony Then.  This is now the premier company of Singapore and one of the most recognized and professional companies throughout all of Southeast Asia.  Comprised of twenty two company members, they perform six different works each year, alternating between the performances in their home at the Esplanade Theater in Singapore, which is conveniently located close to many Singapore hotels, and Fort Canning Green which is the venue for the program Ballet Under the Stars, and the performances around the world.  Their range is vast, performing pieces of traditional ballet, choreographed by some of the most famous choreographers working today, to pieces that are more modern and contemporary.  Throughout the years they have appealed to people of all cultural backgrounds, turning many of those not familiar with the world of dance into true aficionados and supporters.

Through a generous grant from the Government of Singapore, the company is now more than a performing company bringing the finest of work to the audiences of Singapore, they are now conducting an Education program as well as Out Reach programs for those who could otherwise not experience the thrill and excitement of this incredible world of the performing arts.  Many companies throughout the world are taking on Out Reach as more and more arts programs are cut from schools.  SDT regularly travels to schools offering classes to those who are not able to afford to take them otherwise, children as well as adults.  It is an effort to bring dance to as many people as possible in order to spread the discipline, the passion and the beauty of the arts.  They also support a Young Choreographers program, wherein students throughout Singapore and Asia have their talents nurtured and developed.  International travel performances have included Hong Kong, France, the USA,  London and the Philippines.  They are quickly becoming well known internationally, as well as being well loved in their home town of Singapore.

Bur Dubai refers to the section of the city that is located on the south bank of the Dubai Creek.  This is a very densely populated area of the city with many five star Dubai hotels, houses and apartment buildings and is the main district for trade and commerce.  Many of the attractions of historical significance are located here as well, the mansions and the fortifications as well as the final historic neighborhood.  The biggest of the city’s parks is located in this neighborhood, surrounded my many markets, souks, and outdoor bazaars making this a section of the city that best exemplifies the diversity of culture, art and commerce of Dubai.  This is the perfect location for a tourist, as many of these attractions and venues are within walking distance of one another. 

Children’s City is located on the South bank.  This was the first center of its kind in the UAE and opened its doors in 2002.  This center is much like the Boys and Girls Club in the United States, a place for children to go when they are not in school.  It offers the opportunity for the children to interact through games and other activities, as well as providing further educational activities relating to nature and science.  Children participate in art projects based on the Solar System, and then can head off to the sand boxes or swimming pools to relieve the pain of the summer heat.  Children’s City is in operation year round.

Close to Children’s City is the district of Bastakia.  This is the only historic area of Dubai that survived the wrecking balls during the 1980′s, when Dubai’s construction began to create the monstrous skyscrapers that fill the skies today.  In this neighborhood one can experience the city as it was, before the glamour and the glitz.  Instead of high end shopping malls, there are many markets set in the old mansions of the district, with galleries, and cultural societies such as theaters, and shops where local owners offer the traditional art and spices and perfumes of this city.  Most of this neighborhood is best experienced when the sun goes down, as the galleries, attractions and shops are generally closed during the hot part of the afternoon.  In general, if one traveling to Dubai wishes to experience the original and traditional, this South Bank has what one is looking for.

With its incredible location, with no shortage of beautiful beaches, fabulous urban delights, and amazing restaurants, Dubai has something for everyone. The city has always been a major center of activity in the Middle East, because of its port location and proximity to other nations, but in recent years Dubai has been going through a kind of cultural renaissance. Musicians and visual artists and performers are finding the city to be welcome and supportive of new art works and performances. The multicultural nature of the place means there are splendid restaurants of all types of food, with some of the finest chefs in the world, and there is also a whole lot of art.

Art Dubai is one of the more visible events as far as galleries go, with state support helping to promote the efforts to bring dozens and dozens of art houses together to display some of the most innovative art in the region. They also have a fantastic online journal to go with these efforts, called, simply enough, Art Dubai Journal. This monthly helps to fill in the gaps when Art Dubai is not happening, and is a wonderful window into the local art scene.

There are three sections for each issue of Art Dubai: Debate, a forum where critics chime in to discuss pressing issues around the local and global art scene, focusing on topics specific to each issue; Interview, where an established or emerging artist discussed their work process with the editors; and The Project Space, where a new work is presented in a virtual space. It’s a heady combination, where theory and criticism and art practice have a meeting ground in a public space. There is also something very appealing to the idea of the Project Space, because it always puts the focus back to the artists producing work. The focus is local, and the sensibility is global, and the appeal of Art Dubai is broad, inviting global culture to take part in the conversation.