Commze

There is ample evidence that 5-star Mallorca hotels are some of the loveliest accommodations in the world.  There is an enormous graciousness and hospitality here, which is a reflection of the island.  Offering a luxurious combination of new-world amenities and old-world charm, the hotels have every detail covered, and then some.  Guests will find themselves in a place with absolutely stunning style, world-class design, and timeless beauty.

Mallorca is one of the most splendid places on earth.  It has long been on the list of places to come to rejuvenate the mind and the senses, and it was typical in the past for doctors to prescribe visits to Mallorca, because of its stunning climate and glorious beaches.  There is certainly something to be said for living close to water, as attested to by the vivaciousness of the residents.  Visitors will also be in for a cultural feast, as the museums, live music, and night life are out of this world, and offer something for the entire family.  There is also a fantastic sense of mystery here, the kind that’s only present in old cities on the water.  One of the favorites among locals and visitors is the story of El Drac de La Coca, or, the Dragon of La Coca.

The story begins in the 17th century.  Apparently a baby crocodile was brought to Mallorca on a ship, and then set free in the underground labyrinth of the city of Palma de Mallorca.  Here, the crocodile began to grow to an enormous size, and some sightings of him put the tail as over 4 feet long and covered with spikes.  It would feast on rats and cats, according to the stories, and eventually babies, coming out of the underground at night to terrorize the streets while the city slept.  Here, it lived for a century, and the stories grew, until one night, in 1776, the governor of Alcdia, Bartomeu Coch, saw El Drac while he was courting his paramour.  He killed it with his sword, and offered it to her as proof of his love.  For fantastical stories, it’s got everything.  And even better, one can actually visit the remains of El Drac in el Museo Diocesano, if there’s any doubt about it’s validity!

The Genovese mafia family of Manhattan owned many establishments during the 1960’s, amongst them, restaurants, green markets, and NY hotels.  One of the hotels in ownership was the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street.  This mafia family invested a large sum of money to convert the establishment into a gay bar.  Police would stop by once a week to collect their envelopes of pay off cash.  This was the only spot in New York at that time, wherein people could go and dance with each other without fear of imprisonment or bodily harm.  This was a hangout which could conceivably be a hangout today, during modern times of walls painted black, multiple dance floors with flickering lights.  Should the police stop by, the white lights would come on which were a signal to all, to stop dancing.

History recounted states that in the early morning of 28 June, 1969, undercover police entered the Inn.  Evidence for the raid was gathered earlier that evening by other members of the police force.  Just about two hundred people were dancing in the lounge that night.  Many of the patrons had never before been involved in a raid, those that had ran for the exits.  Confusion ensued among the patrons and the officers alike.  Those not able to leave where lined up and were requested to produce identification.

During this time, transvestites were arrested on charges of falsifying information incongruent with their forms of identification.  There was evidence of sexual misconduct on the part of the police department when detaining lesbians.  What became the beginning of the movement, was the fact that many of those released and not arrested, did not leave.  With, what one writer has stated, …with wrists limp and hair in a primp, the people in the Stonewall Inn that night stood up for their rights.  What resulted, was the result of an unjustified raid, and became the beginning of the Gay Rights Movement in Manhattan, and throughout the rest of the world.  The Gay Pride celebrations ended this past weekend, marking the fortieth anniversary of the raid on the Stonewall Inn.  And in cities throughout the world, people celebrated, and considered, how far society has come, and how far it still needs to progress.

The Mascarene Islands just off the coast of Madagascar are comprised of three islands, Rodrgues, Mauritius and Reunion.  Reunion is under the government of France, while Rodrigues and Mauritius are their own governing bodies.  These islands attract many visitors, as the beaches along these islands in the Indian Ocean are quite varied and offer not only the water sports associated with beach towns, but some rocky and interesting sections of coastline that are perfect for hikers and rock climbers.  The islands were formed by volcanic activity, and there is still an active volcano on the island of Reunion.  Mauritius however, no longer has any active volcanoes, but many tourists travel to the craters and the extinct volcanoes, with the guidance of the maps provided by the best hotels Mauritius has to offer, for hiking and for photographic opportunities.

Mauritius is the  second oldest of the Mascarene islands, and is just a bit smaller than the main island of Reunion. This age of the island, and the lack of volcanic activity as provided the opportunity and the environment necessary for vast expanses of coral reefs to develop surrounding the island.  Which makes this a favorite destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.  A popular spot for exploring the landscape and the natural formations that are a result of the previous volcanic activity, is Trou aux Cerfs.  This is a volcano, now extinct, that is located close to the village of Curepipe.  The crater here, is just about one hundred meters in depth, and was formed millions of years ago.  This is one of the most visited sites on the island.  For not only is the crater itself visually amazing, but the view of the entire island of Mauritius is found at the top of this crater.  From this mountain top, one can even catch a glimpse of the shores of Reunion, it the weather and the atmosphere permits.  Along with the dormant volcano, this village houses botanic gardens, many heritage sites and ancient churches as well as an open air market that occurs twice a week, on Saturdays and Wednesdays.  This is a strange, and lovely island, perfect for those wishing something that is a bit off of the beaten track.

One of the most predominant aspects of the culture of Thailand, the heart and soul if one may be so bold to state…is the art.  Thai artists are world renown for their attention to detail, their stylistic design, and their competence that is supported throughout, by the traditions of their ancestors.  Treasures are found on the island from Surin to Patong to Phuket City and back again.  This is a country that is pre-occupied, occupied, and driven by expression in the arts.

Patong is a city that has been famous for a number of reasons in the past, their night life, the coverage of the city, post trauma after the tsunami…and what has also begun is a world wide interest in the market of art.  Many travel the world around, to have the opportunity to purchase original works of art, along with the reproductions of famous paintings the Thai painters are so adept at producing.  Many tourists visit, attending the openings of contemporary and modern works, as well as the traditional and mixed media installations presented in many of the hotels and the Phuket Beach resort.

Along side the artisan booths of the markets, sit up-market galleries, located near the Plaza and the area surrounding the village of Laguna.  Fine artworks are on display and up for sale from the artists of the various regions of the country.  Rare relics and antiques from the entire region of Southeast Asia can be found in the markets of Phuket.  Also popping up are high-end boutiques, offering the works of the artisans, seamstresses and jewelers of the region.

The Burmese, the Chinese, and the Vietnamese artists are traveling daily to the markets, selling their creations to the many tourists in search of exotic mementos to bring home with them. And should one wish to purchase a wood carving created by the Shan family of Burma, be prepared to wait on the return of the investment, as the hand carved sculptures require three years to cure, at which point the final artistic touches will be applied.  Shopping for art is one of the most fascinating aspects of the country of Thailand, even if one is not so fond of shopping in general.