Beyond Xperience

Vol. 6  October 2011

www.beyondxperience.com

bar code Festivals report

Burning Man, Festival

International Xperience

Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Regional Xperience

Liwa Dunes

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Contents

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41

16

14

20

30

39

22

Regional Xperience – Liwa. ������������������������������ 6

International Discovery – France �������������������� 18

Regional Discovery Kingdom of Suadi Arabia ������������������������������ 10

Feature Unique Festivals �������������������������������������������� 22

Mount Bromo �������������������������������������������������� 14

Feature Perilous Airports �������������������������������������������� 27

Illegal immigration Mexico ������������������������������ 15 Harbin Ice castle �������������������������������������������� 16 Cu Chi Tunnels Vietnam �������������������������������� 17

Cruise report �������������������������������������������������� 30 Feature Most expensive hotel rooms �������������������������� 36

Editor in Chief: Mukesh Bhawnani Managing Editor: M. Khalid Shuja editor@beyondxperience.com Photography/Illustrations/Design: Muhammad Farooq farooq@beyondxperience.com Editorial Contributors: Salim Sayyid Michelle Mcgill Kavya Chawla Contributing Photographer: Navin Vaswani Publisher: Media 4 FZE Fujairah Tower PO Box: 4422, Fujairah, UAE. Marketed by: Winds Advertising & Publishing PO Box: 25271, Abu Dhabi – UAE Tel: +971 (2) 677 3330 Fax: +971 (2) 679 3339 Email: tradewin@eim.ae Marketing Associates: Mashood Ali (Middle East) United Kingdom Representative Fast Track Travel 6 Way Land, Hayes UB32QU London, UK Disclaimer: While every effort and care has been made to ensure accuracy of information contain in this publication, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions it may contain.

To read detailed stories about the Xperiences published in this edition please visit: www.beyondxperience.com

Beyond Xperience

EDITOR’S NOTE 4

“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness…”

These immortal words of the famous poet John Keats are truly fascinating. The loveliness of the creation around us, the mystery and the intrigue associated with it are hypnotically mesmerizing. Alas! We just seem to take all this for granted.

What a pity!

Jim Carrey the famous Hollywood actor has his own perception of fascination in this brilliant quote “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” I would add behind every exotic creation of God there is loveliness that can never pass into nothingness.

This issue of “Beyond Xperience” like all our previous issues will focus on two profound aspects – lovliness and fascination. Folks, get set to roll your eyes in fascination to Xperience.

How could one xperience a thing of beauty? How does one appreciate the lovliness of God’s creation? Merely by surrendering to life’s wear and tear? Compromising to a life bogged down by boring routine? It’s time to change and the best time to change is now for it’s now or never. Step into the amazing world of “Beyond Xperience” and amidst life’s hectic activity take some time to ‘stand and stare’ and get fascinated by the beauty around us. The ‘Xperiences’ beckon you.

We remain indebted to all our readers and fans for their unstinted support and am sure your love alone will help us bring the beauty of God’s creation more often to you amidst the boredom of life’s routine to enable your hearts to sing “A thing of beauty is indeed a joy for ever…”

Mukesh Bhawnani beyond xperience l Oct 2011

5 LETTERS

Letters Dear Editor

to the

Editor

Letter of the Month

I was reading through Ripley Enchanted Mirror Maze article you published in the Sep, 2011 issue. The past just gushed into my mind as I had been there couple of years ago with my family and it was really a wonderful experience. I really appreciate that you pick so many unique experiences and keep us posted with such exciting information. All of us living here in the middle east always crave for ideas to visit places out of the country during the vacations, and believe you me your magazine is just a blessing in disguise which persuades us to travel and look for uniqueness around the world!

Ravi Thakur, (India)

I have started reading ‘Beyond Xperience’ for last two months and just love the way it unravels the nature beauties from across the world to inspire its readers. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the feature in September’s issue that covered varied festivals brimming with colours and vivacity. My pick from the festivals section were the hot air ballooning event and the tall ships race in Ireland. As the ballooning event evoked my desire of swaying among the cool winds like a carefree bird and the ships race tantalized my eternal romance with the shimmering ocean waves.

Huma Fatima, Pakistan

Dear Editor: I really enjoyed the cover of the latest issue, Indonesian Farm Goat. Well done!

Apart from cover I loved MUST XPERIENCE pages as it highlight the need to save these fabulous places. Great coverage of unique travel xperiences, Beyond Xperience is without doubt a treasure for a traveller or a backpacker like me.

Marwan, Syria. beyond xperience l Oct 2011

REGIONAL XPERIENCE 6

Ripping through the Sand Waves of

Liwa beyond xperience l Oct 2011

B

e mesmerized by Liwa’s Moreeb Dune in Abu Dhabi. Its size is mighty and its exploration requires an abundance of adrenaline, and that is exactly what pumped through my veins as the SUV tore through the yellow sands, blasting volumes of dust into the stifling air. It was exciting, it was incredible, it was beautiful.

The experience was unmatched. Raging upwards and then downwards, I struggled to catch my breath. Exhilaration to the max.

LIWA dune bashing, ‘ for those who love to live dangerously!’

RADO CENTRIX JUBILÉ / WWW.RADO.COM

REGIONAL DISCOVERY 10

The Kingdom of hidden Treasures

Saudi Arabia

pilgrimage so its economy driven almost solely by oil. So what hides inside this vast Arab land?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest Arab country. It was founded by Abdul-Aziz bin Saud (known for most of his career as Ibn Saud) in 1932, although the conquests which eventually led to the creation of the Kingdom began in 1902 when he captured Riyadh. The kingdom is sometimes called “The Land of the Two Holy Mosques” regarding Mecca and Medina, the two holiest places in Islam. The two mosques are Masjid al-Haram (in Mecca), and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (in Medina). With no social security in Saudi Arabia they have an interesting way of providing money to its people. It is custom for leaders to donate money to its people and a ‘majlis’ is held every month whereby thousands of tribes men wait patiently for the Prince to give out hundreds of thousands of dollars of his funds. This is something which is unique to the Gulf region particularly Saudi Arabia, this tradition has been going on for generations and is part of the interaction between the Royal family and its subjects.

Each subjects writes his plea down and passes it on to the leaders. It ranges from cars to hefty amounts of money for their families. It certainly brings a much more personal process to receiving welfare.

Riyadh

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Saudi Arabia, a great expanse of land which still contains a mist of mystery surrounding it. Due to the restrictions it imposes for travellers (some of the most restrictive travel policies in the world) its elements remain unknown to many. Outsiders may consider what the country holds but never fully experience beyond xperience l Oct 2011

Saudi culture or what it possesses.

When most think of Saudi, sandy lands may be all that spring to mind.

However the nation bestows mountains, valleys and Red Sea beaches with sparkling turquoise waters among other aspects that exist undisclosed to foreigners. Its tourism abides largely around religious

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia, and interestingly only one hundred years Riyadh was little more than a village with just four or five thousand people enveloped from the world by a vast ocean of sand. Now its the world’s centre of the oil trade with an estimate of one billion US dollars a day in profit, making it a bustling metropolis and seat of government.

It lies on the great limestone plateau of Nejd in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula, some 2500 feet above sea level. The name Riyadh comes from the Arabic word “rawdah” meaning

11 REGIONAL DISCOVERY

“a place of gardens and trees”.

the private houses are typical Saudi Arabian architecture with high walls

Riyadh has been a midpoint of attention for centuries since the preIslamic times when the settlement at the site was called Hajar. The original capital of Saudi was Diriyah but in 1818 it was destroyed by the Turks and so the seat of government moved to Riyadh. After the reign of Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman, Al Saud gained control of Riyadh in 1902; it was from this base that he gradually established control over a vast area from the Arabian Image Credited: http://static.panoramio.com/photos/ Gulf to the Red Sea. original/51491489.jpg With leading Educational, financial, agricultural, culand little lawn space. Riyadh also tural, technical, commercial and social boasts one of the largest international organizations the city is certainly flour- airports in the world, King Khalid Interishing. Besides the modern buildings, national Airport-KKIA.

Jeddah

Jeddah, the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia which emerged from a simple fishing village is located on the banks of the Red Sea. Although Saudi is not famous for its tourism this city attracts millions of visitors annually. This city is known for its more relaxed vibe in comparison to the rest of the Kingdom and is the perfect place to trawl through shops and lighten your wallets.

The population of the city stands at over three million inhabitants. The climate of Jeddah is mainly dry and hot with the only little rain drizzling down in December.

Pilgrims honour Jeddah as the chief gateway to Mecca with a 2,500-year old history as a port and entryway.

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REGIONAL DISCOVERY 12

Wahba Crater

Believe it or not Middle East has its own Crater, yes it does. Xperience this prehistoric wonder in Saudi Arabia.

The Wahba Crater is an enormous pre‑historic hole in the ground! A fancier attempt at describing the 2km wide and 260m deep crater would be a waste of superlatives – you have to see it and have your breath taken away – first, by the sheer size of it and secondly by the climb down and back up again. The crater is on the road to Riyadh. Approximately 5 hours from Jeddah. Although hot in the summer it is an incredible xperience. Go in winter, camp in night on the rim of the crater and feel the reality.

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Medina

Medina, found in the Hejaz region of the country in the west, is a famous and significant city. It is considered as the second holiest Muslim city after Mecca. The area has gained utmost priority in Muslim literatures, religions and customs because it is the burial place of the great Prophet Mohammad (Pease be upon Him). The city is guarded by an ancient wall that is around 35 feet high, which has been standing since the 12th century. For Muslims all over the world it is a belief that praying once in the Mosque of the Prophet is equal to praying over a 1000 times in any other mosque. It is also said that a true Muslim must visit this city at least once in his life to attain salvation and freedom from all sins.

are so familiar with dry heat). Another point of interest here are the homes.

They are made by hand with stone and mud. Some of the homes are as old as 300 years and there is a reflection of pyramids in these houses as there is a graduation from one layer to other. The houses are situated in vertical rows helping them to protect the walls from rain and washing them away. Abha has many archaeological sites that attract tourists throughout the year. One can also find some of the unique work of art and sculpture, handicrafts and hand woven products.

Abha Region

Abha is known to be the capital of Asir province in Saudi Arabia. This area presents a remarkable change in to the typical Saudi scene and temperature.

It boasts neat green lawns, marigolds, mountains and a cool mist which draws the Saudi people to it. Perched at 2,200 meters above sea level on the mountains of south western Saudi Arabia it is a great deal cooler and can strangely be sprinkled with hail and ice in winter (a great novelty to the nationals who

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

Image Credited: Adnan Masood 2010

So, as a whole the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may not be a tourist haven but behind its heavily guarded borders lies a huge country with a great variety of diversity in each nook and corner.

The country is a perfect gateway to Arabian culture not only on religious grounds but in its sculptures, architecture, and cuisine. Though the modernization has taken toll to its structure and pace the country has still managed to keep old traditions alive. The vibrant cities feature a charming legacy of desert countries with sand, sun, colors and desert vegetation. Each state has its own charisma, aura and style differentiating it from the other yet holding from a single string of unification of different attributes of a common nation.

13 SECTION

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

INTERNATIONAL XPERIENCE 14

T

he spectacular Tengger Caldera – the collapsed remnants of an ancient volcano in beautiful natural Indonesia forms a mountain complex incorporating the dormant Mount Betok, the active volcano of Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru – Java’s highest mountain and most active volcano.

Xperience this amazing mountain complex as a day trip and see the sunrise over the Caldera at the lookout point on Mount Penankajan at 4:30 am. Don’t forget to look up and see a glorious sky filled with stars as you wait for the sun to make an appearance. And as it is quite chilly, it would be sensible to rent parkas from the locals. Just as the sun appears, one hears the happy yelling of the assembled crowd – signal to make your way to the crater floor through a steep road coming out opposite to Mount Betok with Mount Bromo behind. The crater floor has volcanic sand often called Sand Sea and you reach there by jeep. In the base of Mount Betok, there is a Hindu temple and cowboys who are eager to sell you the services of their horses.

Beyond the Hindu temple are the lower slopes of Mount Bromo Cone and one could reach the slick volcanic sands by walking or by a pony. On the base of Mount Bromo Cone one needs to climb a steep stairway to reach the rim of the crater and from here one can see the volcanic vent not more than a big crack spewing steam and yellow deposits of sulfur on the walls of the vent. And you could also view across the sand volcanic seas Mount Penankajan.

Mount B romo Sands Spewing Steam!

T

Sands Spewing Steam!

Image Credited: http:/wfmu.org

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

uvan throat singing comes from a small and relatively unknown republic in Central Asia called Tuva in the southernmost part of Siberia. Tuvans are historically great horsemen, and horses are an important aspect of Tuvan culture, and therefore hold a major place in Tuvan song lyrics. Tuvan throat singing is traditionally sung by a soloist, but is also occasionally accompanied by a percussion section, who imitates the sound of horse hooves. Many groups also use traditional Tuvan instruments, including a bowed instrument called the igil, a jaw-harp called a khomus and sometimes other stringed instruments. Tuvan throat singers are able to, through shaping their throat, lips and mouth, produce a number of tones at once imitating sounds of nature.

The open landscape of Tuva allows for the sounds to carry a great distance. The throatsinging create sounds and harmonies unique to foreigners’ ears.

Xperience Khoomei, Kargyraa and Sygyt – the singing styles of Tuvan Throat Singing and harmonize with nature.

15 INTERNATIONAL XPERIENCE

Image Credited: http:/dorian.derobert.free.fr/blog/images/Panoramiques/indonesie/bromo_semeru_7024-7028_T.jpg;

S

irens wail as immigrants charge down across a stinking swampy earthy path and scramble to the ground, crouching among thick branches and brambles. Red and blue lights streak the sky and in the stillness of the night a whisper is heard, ‘Immigration is coming!’ Red and Blue lights streak the sky and a border patrol man’s booming voice in Spanish is heard ‘Are you Mexicans? It’s too dangerous to cross the river. Remember your kids and families at home.” The silence is deafening as the immigrants lie still crouched on the ground. What’s all this?

Xperience the most bizarre forms of entertainment just three hours out of Mexico City, in the state of Hildalgo in a theme park. Here people can experience the process of migrating illegally to the United States. The ‘theme park’, ParqueEcoAlberto, offers

people, mostly tourists an opportunity to see first hand what goes into crossing the US border illegally.

The trek includes a four-hour nighttime hike through the torturous terrain, muddy ravines, thick brambles and dusty hills, holding just a flashlight, without any food or water.

The owners of this ‘theme park’ provide an experience that will shed some light on what thousands of people go through every month in hopes of making their ‘American Dream’ a reality. One of the guides from ParqueEcoAlberto explains: “Being an immigrant isn’t a source of pride. We abandon the family, the language, the earth. We lose our sense of community. The idea here is to raise people’s consciousness about what immigrants go through.” Others argue that this is a shameful way to make a buck.

Xperience illegal US immigration

Xperience illegal US immigration

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INTERNATIONAL XPERIENCE 16

T

Porto Santo Island

he island of the Getting away from it all golden sand – one of the glorious destinations listed in the Portugal guide is a mere 40 km away from the island of Madeira, two and a half hours by boat or just 15 minutes by plane.

Xperience the soft and golden sand famous for its therapeutic properties, the warm crystal clear sea and the dry stable climate through out the year. Enjoy an exhilarating game of Golf in the Island’s International Golf course. Go horse riding, game-fishing and indulge in water sports such as diving, windsurfing or sailing and as you paraglide from the cliff Image Credited: http://v7.cache3.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/44970881.jpg?redirect_counter=2 tops enjoy the superb natural environment. You are ‘getting away from it all’ but also discovering the other side of life: Tranquility. Recreate your soul and body in one of the most beautiful and idyllic islands in the world - Porto Santo Island!

Ice Art Interspersed Globally

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A

whole new world of ice and snow beckons you to xperience its exquisite and artistic snow sculptures. It’s the Ice City of Harbin – the cradle of ice and snow art in China.

Hundreds of thousands of local people and visitors from all over the world visit Harbin where China’s greatest ice artwork annual festival is held in January.

The fabulous Ice lantern festival is the ‘Gem of the Nile’ - forerunner of this amazing festival. Visit the Zhaolin Park to drown in a world of unbelievable brilliance adapted to different themes depicting Chinese classic masterworks.

The interspersion of psychedelic sparkling colored lights embedded in the sculptures at night transforms the park into a glorious amazing ice world.

The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival embodies an annual cultural event for international exchange along with the most brilliant exposition of ice and snow art. Xperience Ice Art Interspersed Internationally only at Harbin.

17 INTERNATIONAL XPERIENCE

A

complex cobweb of peace, independence and happiness that’s the Cu Chi Tunnels of Vietnam, near the Saigon River.

The complex cobweb denotes a sprawling underground network of tunnels that housed the living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, command centers and stock piles of weaponry for thousands of Viet Minh Image Credited: http://www.saigontravelguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Cu_Chi_Tunnel_map21.jpg and later Viet Cong fighters. Peace, independence denotes the resilience of Cu Chi military and people for their 30 years of freedom struggle and 21 years of fierce guerilla combat with one of the most powerful countries of the world.

Come visit the historical Cu Chi Tunnels to xperience this ‘complex cobweb’ and marvel at their resilience resulting in over 50,000 Viet Cong fighters sacrificing their lives for their beloved country. Visit the Cobweb and xperience Peace, Happiness and Independence.

Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

Complex Cobweb of Peace, Happiness and Independence

Image Credited: http://nusvietnam.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/cu-chi-tunnel.jpg

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INTERNATIONAL DISCOVERY 18

France

A tourist’s Delight

F

rance stands proudly as number one on the World Tourism rankings, compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. So, what charms the hoards of internationals bustling through immigration with an excited flap of the passport and a wondering gleam in their eyes?

Firstly, fine dining comes to mind.

Yes, food, food, glorious food. The French are almost as finicky as the Italians when it comes to their food.

Cooking must be to perfection and they take great satisfaction in preparing a meal that conveys their passion. Presentation is also key and with most great French restaurants your dish will look more than appealing. Sometimes it may even seem unfortunate to break the small art form with your cutlery (until you taste it). They even manage to make the frog’s legs and snails look delectable and after a swallow you will understand the attraction. For desert a simple Nutella crepe must be savoured to complete the French dining experience.

After all that food you may feel a few kilos heavier. However, the French have remarkably low rates of heart disease and obesity despite a diet proportionally high in things like saturated fats. Luckily France boasts a wide range of activities that will have your heart pumping whilst you enjoy the outdoors. Between skiing, hiking, cycling, walking, golf, surfing, boating, mountaineering, diving and so forth you will be burning off all those baguettes in no time, and all in a desirable and enjoyable setting.

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19 INTERNATIONAL DISCOVERY

Image Credited: Http://www.fromparis.com

The capital of France, Paris (also known as the capital of art and culture) is the most visited city in the world.

You can embrace the city’s magic as you stroll from Notre Dame Cathedral, past the Louvre, through the parks and on towards the Arc de Triumph.

People clink glasses and chirp over lunch, some doze in parks and couples breathe in the air of romance, which drizzles over the city. Paris is interesting and fun to explore and although the Eiffel Tower is presented as its icon, it has far more interesting competition. For instance, the PereLachaise cemetery, the most famous cemetery in the world lies in the city.

People come to visit the grave sites of well known writers and artists including Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.

Wilde’s grave is interesting in design but what is more bewitching is the lipstick stains which completely cover the tomb.

Another city of interest in France is Lyon, also known as the ‘Silk Capital of the World’. It is the hot spot for textile and fashion designers to set up their workshops and boutiques. Lyon is located in the central part of France, with a history dating back to the Roman reign on the territory of France. With all the fantastic art museums, fine eateries, university life, shopping and culbeyond xperience l Oct 2011

INTERNATIONAL DISCOVERY 20

ture pulsating throughout the streets, the city maintains a sophisticated ambience. Basilica of Notre Dame De

some incredible views of Lyon. The local architecture throughout the area is worth taking time to explore and you

and you will be besotted by it beauty.

Often considered France’s most beautiful place, it is the perfect site to enjoy the French Riviera. One of Nice’s attributes is its Promenade des Anglais, which runs parallel to the blue waters of the Mediterranean. It offers stunning views and a relaxed and laid back atmosphere. Furthermore, Nice is filled with shops and restaurants and a colourful town square with a Mediterranean vibe.

Not too far from Nice is Cannes.

Cannes is more well known for its

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Fourvière was constructed in the nineteenth century and remains a popular attraction, it overlooks a hill and gives beyond xperience l Oct 2011

will notice colourful houses that depict architectural styles from multiple eras.

Head further south to the city of Nice

annual film festival, which brings all the glitz, glamour, flashing cameras and stars. The festival lasts only two weeks but the area grips its spirit all year long. Originally a modest fishing village it now glitters with luxurious shops, restaurants and hotels.

Another place to catch a glimpse of celebrities is St Tropez. This location is known for its extremely wealthy summer guests, but spring and autumn allure artists, writers and film makers to the area. Once you see the colours and magical light these seasons deliver onto the picturesque village you will understand its attraction.

21 INTERNATIONAL DISCOVERY

Not only does France boast the Alps, beautiful beaches, great food and weather but it also possesses the tallest sand dune in Europe.

This is found in the Arcachon Bay area and if you reach the summit you will gain a spectacular view of the Atlantic coast, an inlet of the bay on one side and a large pine forest on another. Another spectacular sight is the Gorge du Verdon.

This is a canyon, 25 km in length and rises 700 metres from the Verdon River. It is truly an amazing vision with its stunning green emer-

Indeed, the region accounts for nearly 80% of France’s total shellfish production. From oysters, to

are so many places to see and things to do in France and such an air of fine culture that after a few

ald colour giving name to the river.

People can enjoy rafting, kayaking or sailing down this tranquil torrent.

Brittany, located on the northwest of France must not be forgotten as it is rich in history and culture. Trailing through its fortified town like Saint-Malo, its amazing Vauban’s citadel on Belle-lle or the famously well preserved medieval castle of Fougeres you will be brought back to a past bursting with provoking tales. For seafood lovers it is heaven. With over 2800km of coastline, seafood in Brittany is never scarce.

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mussels, to seafood soup, to generously piled sea food platters you are free to become glutinous. There

visits you will understand why its rightly ranked as number one in the World of Tourism. beyond xperience l Oct 2011

FEATURE - FESTIVALS 22

TINUE…

LET THE FES

CON

VALS

T

o follow on from where we left off in the last edition; here is another four extraordinary festivals. Each pick is from different corners of the globe, offering a distinct slice of festival fun. Lets begin......

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Burning Man Festival

Held annually in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, USA is an electrifying weeklong celebration known as the Burning Man. It is a spectacle of radical self –reliance and self-expression, including numerous bizarre and highly entertaining performances. An entrance is expected on arrival and the more dramatic and unique the better. Some people chug beyond xperience l Oct 2011

down the road in a car transformed into a work of art, between glittering bonnets, neon headlights to cupcake cars to prehistoric fish cars; the more shocking the better. It seems the festival is all in the name of art and the more eccentric you are the more welcomed you are. It is a celebration that provides a great sense of belonging and requires participation in order to gain a full perspective of its dynamics.

Stock up on food and water before you go as the desert heat is intense.

Yet you will find yourself buzzing with energy as you become involved in the spectacle of a new, weird and won-

derful world. As the name suggests a Man is lit on fire, but don’t gasp in horror, it isn’t a living man, just a large wooden man. The procession starts with the man igniting and the circle of people around experience something new and personal. What is truly great about the festival is how it is left as if nobody had even been. A great importance is put upon the cleaning.

The waste you make goes home with you. All objects built are dismantled at the end and brought back home for recycling or re-use. To understand you must become involved at the Burning Man Festival, Nevada.

23 FEATURE - FESTIVALS

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Calcio Storico Florence

Florence is usually filled with bustling tourists dining out, art spotting, and taking sunset walks over the Florentine bridges. The atmosphere is refined and romantic, the sky is lit a dusky and peaceful hue of orange and pinks and an echo of church bells

resonates throughout the town. So it is hard to imagine a frenzy of football and fighting taking over the area. Yet every June, chaos takes over grace for a short period whilst Calico Storico takes place. This festival is one of the most ancient, tracing back to the 1500s. Calcio Storica involves playing a game of football. However don’t be fooled, as it is no ordinary football game. It involves a great deal of testosterone, strength, and nerve. Fists

fly, legs launch at every angle, dirt and dust whirl up into the air and sweat pours from the 27 players bodies. All participants are gathered in Piazza Santa Croce clad in period costume and ready to let their passion flair into flashes of violence. Everything goes, the only rule being ‘you cannot hit an unconscious player’. Calcio Storico is certainly not an event for the faint of heart. beyond xperience l Oct 2011

FEATURE - FESTIVALS 24

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The Baby Jumping Festival

Spain really knows how to throw the strangest of festivals, as we revealed ‘La Tomatino’ in an earlier edition.

Now onto Castillo de Murcia near Burgos where excitement takes over the crowds beyond xperience l Oct 2011

as they watch this bizarre act of baby jumping. Known as El Colacho, it has taken place since the 1620s on an annual basis and welcomes anyone with a newborn addition to the family.

It begins by laying all the babes on the ground all bundled up in clothes, then men dressed as demons make a great leap over the tots in the aim to cleanse them of all evil doings. A risky undertaking I believe, but nonetheless a popular Spanish tradition, which celebrates the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi.

25 FEATURE - FESTIVALS

Image Credited: http://runi57.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/cannondump2010-01-30-230.jpg

Thaipusam Festival

This festival is the height of gore and will have you hiding your eyes behind your hands. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/ Feb). The name of

the festival is derived from the month name Thai and Pusam, which means star that is the highest point during the festival. Devotees of the festival perform dances and then get down to the excruciating business of piercing their bodies with hooks, skewers and lances. One may have knives gorged through his/her cheeks and mouth whilst others may lie on a bed of nails.

Squeamish yet? Well it doesn’t stop

there; devotees also pull heavy chariots with hooks attached to their bodies! So why all this torture? Legend has it that Lord Murugo, son of Lord Shiva, killed Tharakasuran and other demons that were creating mayhem on earth on Pusam star in the month of Thai so now Thaipusam is celebrated to commemorate this victory of good over evil. You have to admire their devotion. beyond xperience l Oct 2011

27 REPORT - SCARIEST AIRPORTS

More Bizzare and Surprising Airports

X

A

irports can be monotonous places, all have a similar ambience and all have the same procedures. Haul you baggage to check in, scramble for passport, snail through security, walk through duty free, wait 45 minutes to board, flight is delayed, wait another 30 minutes; it can all be quite tedious. Whilst most airports are similar there are a number, which have certain traits that bewilder. Some bring about more anxiety than the stress of your baggage being too heavy.

Some can terrify. Let’s take a look at second series of some of the world’s scariest and strangest airports.

Image Credited: http://greenframeproductions.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/antarcticaarrival.jpg

Ice Runway, Antarctica This pick may not be an actual airport per-se, but it is worth mentioning. As the name suggests it is a runway, a runway made entirely of ice. Landing on ice surely is a chilling notion but the freezing conditions in Antarctic areas with no net annual snow accumulation call for this risky runway.

In this way the ice surface is capable of supporting aircraft landings with wheels instead of skis. The Ice Runway is one of three major airstrips used to haul supplies and researchers to Antarctica’s McMurdo Station. It certainly doesn’t lack space, so the likes of super-size aircrafts, C-130 Hercules, and C-17 Globemaster III can land with some form of ease.

Yet, the real stomach churner is the possibility of the weight of the aircraft being to heavy and shattering the ice or even the plane becoming stuck in the snow. The long stretches of ice and snow must be methodically prepared in order to deliver less shivering souls onto land. beyond xperience l Oct 2011

REPORT - SCARIEST AIRPORTS 28

Image Credited: http://f4aviation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/Gibraltar-Airport-Road-Crossing.jpg

Gibraltar Airport, Gibraltar

It’s not unusual to be stuck in traffic in a busy city. You sit waiting patiently for the lights to turn green and the cars to stop whizzing by. It’s pretty normal to have to stop and watch a train crossing and in rural areas it’s also common to have to stop for cattle crossing. However, everyone will agree it is not common to stop at traffic lights waiting to watch a plane glide by. Surprisingly, there is an exception, which draws the question – where? At Gibraltar Airport people can expect to be held up on the peninsula’s busiest road by planes landing and departing. The runway is bisected by the hectic street and has been ranked the fifth most dangerous airport in the world and Europe’s most dangerous.

All that halts the vehicle traffic is a flimsy barrier and as soon as the plane has ascended or descended, the barriers are lifted and traffic can resume across the runway. It takes ten minutes for a plane to take off and land, thus you might want to have a book handy in the car. In a single day traffic is stopped totally for around two hours. Another unique point about Gibraltar airport is its construction dates back to World War II. For some plane spotting in traffic Gibraltar Airport is the place to be jammed.

Image Credited: http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eCh1Y9LtmTM/RVft8T0iABI/AAAAAAAAAKE/e51IH-IwD9s/P1040149.JPG

right. The airport is a joint use facility with the Royal Thai Air Force’s Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base and so the RTAF has their golf course located between the two runways. In fact the golf course’s has no separation from the runway and a red light is used to hold golfers back. So if your flight is delayed a few hours perhaps you can spend it teeing off beneath ascending planes.

Don Muang International Airport, Bangkok Looking at this airport it appears pretty average. However on closer inspection you will discover an 18- hole golf course smack-dab in the middle of the two runways. Strange place to put a golf course I hear you ponder, and you would be beyond xperience l Oct 2011

29 REPORT - SCARIEST AIRPORTS

Image Credited: http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eCh1Y9LtmTM/RVft8T0iABI/AAAAAAAAAKE/e51IH-IwD9s/P1040149.JPG

Barra Airport, Scotland An airport without a runway? Now, that would be weird. And weird it is, Barra airport, located in the island of Barra, off Scotland’s west coast doesn’t boast any paved runways.

So where do the planes land and take off from? Well that would be the beach. Indeed Barra’s makeshift runway is the sands of Barra and has been since the 1930s. Despite the lack of cemented runways on the island, the airport still

possesses a modern control tower that’s responsible for handling more than 1000 incoming and departing flights a year. Of course landing on a beach sounds intriguing but it has its drawbacks, the tide for one. When the tide comes in at Barra, the runway literally runs away, forcing flights to be scheduled around the movement of the ocean. Furthermore sand and salt can be very detrimental to the moving parts inside the plane. This calls for the requirement of special maintenance procedures. The Beach of Barra Island is fantastic and is a popular hotspot for cockle pickers and sunbathing. Barra Airport is certainly spectacular and unique. After all, where else can you find an airport with a runway that disappears twice daily? beyond xperience l Oct 2011

FEATURE - CRUISE SHIPS 30

Explore the New World of Travel

The Cruise

Long before planes were invented people relied on ships as a mean for international transport. Today we have a much more versatile array of means of transfer. Certainly the airplane is hailed for its speed, convenience and access to an extraordinarily wide range of loca-

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31 FEATURE - CRUISE SHIPS

tions. However the monotony of sitting for hours in a seat looking out at everlasting clouds or blue skies can make the experience rather dull.

Looking back on famous voyagers such as Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand who had amazing adventures and discoveries using the ship as their vessel brings along a sense of nostalgia and of course, awe at their achievements. The ship still stands as a valuable mode of transportation and even though vast majorities of people choose to fly to get to different destinations, the advantages of sailing are becoming more appealing and interesting. The Cruise is now a popular holiday. The journey itself becomes a celebration and the hours in a static position are defied. One has a range of activities to keep them buzzing and entertained as they glide over expanses of blue waters in quest of a new and exciting destination. Set those sails and get ready for the adventure of the Cruise.

Image Credited: http://pasadenaindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/leavin-la.jpg

Image Credited: http://carnival-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/final-dream-with-waterworks-6-5-081.jpg

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FEATURE - CRUISE SHIPS 32

Image Credited: http://www.mscpressarea.com/Image-Bank

Be it the Atlantic, the Baltic or the Mediterranean, the cruiser inside us wants to sail along these waters, at least once in a lifetime. Also, if figures are to be believed, the cruising industry is fast growing rapidly and becoming the preferred holiday choice for many. Be it the retired, the young honeymooners or simply the adventurous families who enjoy the taste for finer things in life, cruising is the first holiday choice for them.

Cruise ships are a world of their own.

With new dimensions being added to it every now and then, the technology today has redefined the way cruise ships operate. If you thought the “luxury” element is only restricted to the interiors of cruise ships and palatial properties, please visit the new state-of-the-art Cruise Terminal at Port Rashid, and luxury will redefine itself.

Cruise holidays have a emerged as a new trend. Cruising as a holiday option is gaining momentum in the Middle East too. Of course, it is not beyond xperience l Oct 2011

a new experience and has plenty of unexploited potential both inbound as well as outbound. Dubai Cruise Terminal has established herself as the most advanced cruise hub in the region with Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean now home porting ships in Dubai during the winter. In the premium cruises category, Silversea has about half a dozen departures from Dubai and quite a few cruise lines including Cunard and Princess Call on Dubai as part of their world voyages.

From an outbound perspective, Emirates Holidays have recently announced plans to open a separate cruise division to tap potential of this growing segment in travel. Opportunities to offer tastier cruises to residents in the Arabian Gulf are ripe and other tour operators and agents will, without doubt, follow suit. After their first cruise, one realises the true value of money compared with a land based holiday as well as other benefits including visiting multiple destinations

in one vacation, all inclusive price, no hassle of packing and unpacking, children’s club and whole lot of activities and entertainment to choose from.

With capacity and facilities on board the ship, there are ships which take little over than 200 travellers to large ships which can accommodate nearly 3,500 guests.

What’s more, with the new operations set to start soon MSC Cruises to start its operations from Abu Dhabi, the residents of Middle East will have a new holiday option to explore. So what are you waiting for? Begin planning that cruise holiday that you have been longing to take. With the emergence of MSC Cruises other cruise companies are surely to spring up quickly.

Costa has been operating its Gulf sailings and christened a new ship ‘Costa Deliziosa’ last year that is dedicated solely for its Gulf itineraries from Dubai and now its Abu Dhabi’s Port Zayed cruise terminal, which is set to benchmark state of art cruise terminals. It

33 FEATURE - CRUISE SHIPS

Image Credited: http://www.caravelle.at/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ss5006_1.jpg

won’t be long until one week gulf cruising will be another of the closest holiday getaways, offering escape from the hum drum of daily lives and a portal into adventure, style and comfort.

Okay so the elements of cruise life have been discussed, now let’s look into some finer details of cruising that are not just limited to Gulf sailings. The dictionary defines the word ‘cruise’ either as a noun or as a verb. Cruise as a noun means an ocean trip taken for pleasure and as a verb it means to sail or travel for pleasure. Either way taking a cruise is pure pleasure. As a holiday option Cruising is definitely here to stay and increasing numbers of Middle Eastern residents are opting to Cruise for their summer vacations.

With itineraries that range from 7 to 12 nights spanning over seven continents to mega round-the-world 108 night itineraries visiting the most exotic parts around the world. There is plenty of choice in terms of the luxurious lifestyle, the cultural highlights, sumptu-

ous cuisine, West End entertainment or simply the romance of the sea.

Cruise ships come in many sizes and styles. At top of the range are the Three Queens of Cunard Lines where customers have the opportunity to live the high life, be waited upon and entertained from dawn to dusk and beyond.

Princess Cruises with its very cosmopolitan offering fits well with travellers from this region. Fleet consists of seventeen mid to large ships deployed in Alaska, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Far East. Facilities onboard include spacious accommodation with balconies to enjoy the sea vistas from, cuisine from all over and world class entertainment surrounded by luxury and comfort. Most Princess Ships offer at minimum 3 Olympic size pools, numerous Jacuzzis, Full spa and wellness amenities, signature dining, entertainment for adults and supervised age appropriate activities for kids. This allows families to holiday together yet do exactly what their hearts

desire when on vacation, and all this while visiting the most beautiful destinations around the world.

Cruising is not just a once in a lifetime experience any more. After your first cruise, you realise the true value for money cruises offer compared to land based holidays. Cruising offers you an opportunity to visit multiple destinations in one vacation, all inclusive price, accommodation on board the ship, no hassle of packing and unpacking, all day dining, children’s club and a host of activities and entertainment to suit the young and young at heart. Depending on one’s tastes, one can choose from a small yacht for just 200 guests to large ships which can accommodate nearly 3,500 guests.

A word of caution though – cruising is very addictive. Once you have cruised, you will yearn for another voyage to far-flung shores for your next vacation.

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

A MUST XPERIENCE 34

Xperience it

before

The hillsides here are perfectly suited for growing tea, which requires an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year, moderate temperatures, and a sunny climate. Yet increasing temperatures and drier weather are likely to create droughts that will reduce the yield and damage many of the plants.

Heavier rainfall could also cause soil erosion and landslides.

Image Credited: http://shelleymorrisphotography.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/dsc_5853.jpg

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

it Disapears

35 CULINARY XPERIENCE

Pay as you

like….

Honestly Great credit crunch has affected business globally but at the same time it has opened new horizons for entrepreneurs. A London restaurant, called Little Bay, situated in Ferringdon, London, has scrapped its checks. Instead of charging a set price for each dish, they ask their customers to pay what they think their food and service is worth. At first it seems factious but its reality now you will pay what u like to pay.

The Little Bay restaurants are renowned for their fresh, hearty meals set in an opulent decor. If you are visiting London or happen to live in this neck of the wood visit Little Bay for more details.

Supplied pictures

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

REPORT - MOST XPENSIVE 36

Most Expensive

Hotel

Rooms

Everyone enjoys to be pampered in luxurious bliss, but how much would you be willing to pay for a night of it? Does half a million dollars per night sound reasonable ? I hardly expect a popular ‘yes’ in response to that question. Nevertheless these prices do exist, and so it is aways fun to see what they contain, even if you will never afford it. Let’s head first to Italy’s capital, Rome, to attack our bank balances (or unavailable balances) in true decadent style.

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons

Hotel, New York Nightly Rate: $34,000

Photographer: Saylor, Durston

H

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

eading westwards now to New York City where you can be dazzled by the city that never sleeps in a first class setting. This suite is America’s most exclusive accommodation and at the peak of Manhattan’s tallest hotel (52nd floor), the location is one of its greatest attributes.

Imagine cantilevered glass balconies and floor-to-ceiling bay windows, set beneath 25foot cathedral ceilings and you can conjure up some of the breathtaking 360 degree views it offers. The Ty Warner Penthouse contains nine rooms decorated with semi precious stone surfaces and fabrics woven with mother of pearl, platinum and gold. A sparkling work of art, which will draw breath from even the most lucrative of travellers. Its amenities go beyond with a waterfall inside the Zen Room, a grand piano occupying the library, a bath tub overlooking Central Park, full spa treatments, a personal trainer and a 24/7 butler. Sounds like a place filled with fantastic experiences, the only dismal occurence will be the checking out.

37

REPORT - MOST XPENSI

Villa La Capula Suite, Westin Excelsior, ROME

Nightly Rate: $29,000

H

ere you pay big bucks for that truly Roman experience.

This suite is the largest in Italy, located on the fifth and sixth floors of the hotel and overlooking the Via Veneto.

The most noteworthy attraction of the suite is the domed living room, which features amazing frescoed Cupola inspired by Roma’s Palaces and Villas of Renaissance, Baroque and NeoClassical times. It is almost as if you are being accommodated in a Renaissance art museum with such things as the particular colour scheme, which works to emphasise the blue sky beyond the round windows at the top of the vaulted ceiling; the detail is quite astounding. The suite covers 6,099 square feet and that isn’t even including the further 1,808 square feet of balconies and terraces. So, the area contains a cupola, a Pompeii style Jacuzzi pool, frescoes, and stained glass windows. You are almost paying to be taken back to the Renaissance period. So if you look at as getting a ride in a time machine, perhaps then the price appears less steep! Still I’m sure the ancient Roman never got a bill with so many digits, but then again they didn’t have the pleasure of a private cinema with Dolby surround sound in their abodes!

Images credited: http://www.westinpromotions.com/ebrochure/La_cupola/swf/VillaLaCupolaeng.pdf

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REPORT - MOST XPENSIVE 38

The

Imperial Suite, President Wilson Hotel,

Switzerland

F

lying back and descending between the Alps and the Jura Mountains we land upon Geneva where we find this costly dwelling. This hotel prides itself on its tight security, and is known to be among the best security in the world, meaning celebrities can feel safe in the knowledge secrecy will be kept. In fact, the Imperial Suite is equipped with bulletproof windows and doors.

The suite itself takes up the entire top floor of the hotel, has four bedrooms all overlooking Lake Geneva. To get to the suite you must take a private elevator which takes you into a pristine, princely pad. Here you will

beyond xperience l Oct 2011

Nightly Rate: $23,000 find contemporary decor with marble and hardwood floors. With five bathrooms you certainly don’t have to worry about waiting for the shower. All are floored with mosaic marble and the main bath contains a Jacuzzi and steam bath. The living room is off a great expanse and is capable of accommodating 40 people. It includes a billiards table, a library, a lounge to enjoy drinks with a view of a water fountain. Now onto the dining room where you can seat 26 people around a fine, oval mahogany table. A perfect abode to throw dinner parties and impress the most uppity of guests.

Images credited: http://imagelibrary.jumeirah.com

39 REPORT - MOST XPENSIVE

Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, UAE

Nightly Rate: $19,000

F

rom Europe we head to the Arab land where I must mention this opulent suite. The Royal suite at Burj Al Arab is fascinating and reveals lavish amounts of luxury. Located on the 25th floor and containing two levels this suite fits its name. The lower level contains the dining area, Arabic majilis (reception) style lounge and library. The upper level comprises the master bedroom with rotating four-poster canopy bed and second bedroom, each with adjoining marble bathrooms with spa bath, walk-in shower, fine porcelain fittings and if thats not enough, you can indulge your body with full sized Hermes 24 - Faubourg fragrances and body products. You will be smelling majestic as you gaze out over the fine view of the Arabian sea.

When arriving at the hotel guests are met by a chauffeur driven Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. You will have all your needs fulfilled with a personal butler at your beck and call for all hours of the clock. Other privileges include the private elevator and private cinema. The extravagance is endless and if you have the urge to take a submarine ride to an underwater restaurant complete with shark infested aquarium the opportunity is open to you. Now if only I had that $19,000 on me! beyond xperience  l  Oct 2011

41 PHOTOGRAPHER’S XPERIENCE

Photographer: Rana Farooq Location: Bali Indonesia Device Model - Nikon D90 FOCAL LENGTH - 105.0 mm f number 5.7 Exposure time 1/125

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43 SECTION

Khalidiya Showroom - Khalidiya Mall - Abu Dhabi Mall - Marina Mall - Emirates Palace Al Ain Khalifa St - Al Ain Mall - Al Wahda Mall beyond xperience l Oct 2011

SECTION 44

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