Canberra’s annual spring festival – Floriade – will open on September 17 with a spectacular makeover for Commonwealth Park with more than one million flowers in bloom!
As the aromas waft from the garden beds and beyond, until October 16, this year’s theme, ‘A feast for the senses’, will set the scene for impressive entertainment, horticultural delights and a smorgasbord of activities for the whole family.
You are sure to be intrigued by the garden bed designs, captivated by the artistic entertainment, fascinated with the engaging exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops, enjoy family time with fun kids’ activities and be enchanted by the beautiful ambience of Floriade NightFest.
2011 sees a range of new and exciting events and activities that will make Floriade the perfect springtime escape. Help one of Australia’s most revered jazz musicians, Vince Jones, kick off Floriade 2011 when he performs with his band and the ANU School of Music at the official opening concert on Saturday, September 17.
Let this year’s program stimulate your senses with dozens of exciting demonstrations, activities, displays and events. Admire the endless possibilities of floral design and see the stunning display of creativity and colour when fashion and flowers come together.
Be inspired by the showcase gardens and the infinite possibilities for transforming your backyard. Discover the history of wartime kitchens and gardens at the Australian War Memorial’s Victory Garden, featuring the plants grown by wartime Australian families during the Second World War.
Families love time out and reconnecting with each other in Matilda’s Farmyard, great kids’ programs, gnome painting and amazing creatures at the Riveting Reptile exhibitions. Take the family along to be enchanted by the magic of Floriade NightFest.
Tourist Information
Call 1300 554 114 or go to www.visitcanberra.com.au for visitor information and great Floriade Canberra accommodation deals.
This rare gaur (wild Asian ox) was spotted at Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp in Thailand. This gibbon was seen at Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp in Thailand. This majestic picture was taken at Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp in Thailand.
By Rama Gaind
Thailand’s majestic national parks are spectacular, but one that’s captivating in particular is the Khao Sok National Park. It houses the Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp in Cheow Larn Lake.
Located in the midst of a water world where privacy prevails, along with 100 islands, you will be spellbound by nature’s spectacular backdrop.
It’s all about adventure, romance, seclusion and being attuned to nature.
The estimated 740sqkm of park is a perennial green, covered in vegetation and is dotted with gigantic limestone mountains.
Together with wild elephants, the dense jungle is home to gibbons, monkeys, colourful hornbills, Asian ox, clouded leopards and a small number of bears and tigers.
You can base yourself at any of the two Elephant Hills camps of repute: the first is the luxury tented jungle camp with10 floating tents, while the main camp has 30 safari tents. Both are very comfortable with all the necessary conveniences. One couldn’t ask for anything more amid this splendid untouched, ancient rainforest.
Documentary film
Now this wonderfully enchanting environment will be the subject of a documentary. Elephant Hills and the Rainforest Camp hosted a BBC crew last month to film a new documentary in Khao Sok National Park.
Presented by Iain Stewart, the ground-breaking documentary on the Cheow Larn Lake will, no doubt, prove to be an remarkable showcase of the park and lake.
Iain Stewart is a Scottish geologist, television and radio presenter and professor of Geoscience Communication at the University of Plymouth, who has won acclaim for his awe-inspiring BBC documentaries on our planet and the forces that shape it.
Wonderful sightings
In the meantime, a communiqué from Elephant Hills management reveals the sighting of the rare gaur (wild Asian ox) and other wildlife spotted at Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp!
The “extremely rare gaur was spotted” just a short canoe ride away from the Rainforest Camp on the Cheow Larn Lake. Indicated as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, this species is “believed to have only between 13–30,000 individuals” (at a rough guess) “left across Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Lao PDR, Peninsular Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. This number is even less than the estimated population of Asian elephants in south-east Asia, which is between 30-50,000 individuals, and the Asian elephant is classified as ‘Endangered’.”
The statement went on to elaborate: “There are 2 subspecies in Thailand and this individual is of the bos gaurus hubbacki subspecies which is the rarer of the two. There are no estimates for how many remain in Khao Sok, but this sighting is evidence that they are still here”.
“Let’s hope they continue to roam the forests of Khao Sok and surrounding areas for generations to come and that we are lucky enough to see more soon!”
Staff at the Rainforest Camp were lucky enough to be able to take some pictures of wildlife in their midst. They can be viewed on this page.
Perhaps, you will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of these amazing creatures on your next trip to Elephant Hills and the Rainforest Camp.
DETAILS BOX
Getting there
Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org
Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, in Thailand.
By Rama Gaind
Khao Sok has the largest area of rainforest in southern Thailand and basking in this mighty location are two special accommodation and holiday adventure sites.
First is Elephant Hills Main Camp, Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp, and the other is Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, a luxury floating site in Cheow Larn Lake. Both are equally enticing: one that offers an elephant experience, the other an opportunity to become one with nature.
Elephant Hills experience
Glimpses of rural life, passing small villages, rubber and palm plantations and a canoe safari down Sok River open up a whole new world in Surat Thani province that sees the start of Khao Sok National Park
Elephant Hills Main Camp is Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp that uses to advantage the tropical forest environment. Here you’ll find all the comforts of a hotel with a rainforest right outside the tent flap!
Hear you hear bullfrogs croak and cicadas sing from your surprisingly bug-free tent. The morning alarm call of gibbons rouse you from slumber. Dawn in Khao Sok is something special: the first rays of light imbue the sky, a pink hue that stretches out over craggy mountaintops.
International marketing manager for Elephant Hills Jonathan Chell elaborates on the highlights of the elephant trekking experiences, the largest land animal in this part of the world – and much more.
It’s fascinating to learn, as you interact and learn, about the life of Thai elephants, the mahout and the elephant conservation project. There are 17 elephants located here; and only 3000 elephants left in Thailand.
You’ll also get great joy in participating in a ‘hands-on’ experience, getting up close and personal with theelephants, assisting the mahout with food preparation, planting, feeding and their daily bath. This is a once-in-lifetime chance to experience the Asian elephant.
Rainforest Camp Cheow Larn Lake
Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp luxury floating tented camp, in the heart of the 162sqkm Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of Khao Sok National Park, is paradise found!
Opened only in January 2011, there are 10 comfortable camps in the midst of total seclusion. Home to wild elephant, hornbill, the rare Asian ox, various monkey species, myriad reptiles, amphibians and floral species, wake up to the sounds of the forest and the call of gibbons.
Participate in an exceptional safari on the lake with its 100 islands. Explore the rivers that cut through some of Thailand’s mangrove forest by dinghy with outboard motor, view birdlife, make time to swim in the emerald waters, get closer to the environment with self-paddle canoes through the klongs and channels of the lake.
Become one with the galaxy as you star gaze and search for wildlife on the banks of the lake on a night safari.
You will feel bereft for words as you look on with awe and admiration at the magnificence of nature, feeling dwarfed at times by the towering landscape that surrounds you – on land and on water. You are now at one with nature. A unique experience!
Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand with accommodation in Khao Lak hosted by Kasemkij Group and 3Days Elephant Experience and Lake Safari hosted by Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camp, Khao Sok.
DETAILS BOX
Getting there
Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org
Thai Airways International flies 42 flights a week between Australia and Thailand
with easy connections to Thai’s domestic network; twice daily from Sydney and
Melbourne, daily from Brisbane and seven-a-week from Perth (including three non-stops to Phuket). Connections are also available with Bangkok Airways domestic network.
Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites Khao Lak, Thailand.
By Rama Gaind
Let your heart and soul be touched by discovering the wonders of mother nature in southern Thailand!
Khao Lak’s national parks are a treasure trove of nature’s beauty; the Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites, Khao Lak, has a breathtaking waterfront location and bask in the exquisiteness of the Similan Islands, particularly watching the splendour of underwater sea life.
Enroute to Khao Lak, in the Phang Nga province, a stopover is essential at Aleenta Phuket – Phang Nga Resort and Spa. This stunning boutique resort is a ‘kids free zone’. How fabulous!
Opened in 2006, Aleenta means a ‘rewarding life’ in Sanskrit. There’s nothing over-commercialised here. Located on the sunset side of the Andaman Sea and the pristine Natai Beach, the Aleenta is just 20 minutes north of the Phuket International Airport.
This stylish hideaway with clean, white lines has understated, distinctive design that creates a calm, spiritual ambience. An array of accommodations is available: choose from pool villas, ocean view lofts, and luxury private two- and three-bedroom beachfront villas, each within steps from the beach and offering commanding sea views.
The luxury resort scooped the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011 for Best Small Hotel and Best Sustainable Hotel in both the Thailand and Asia Pacific categories. The resort management is also passionate about the environment. It has been awarded the status of Thailand’s Best Small Green Resort. Natai Beach has also been awarded 5 Stars for cleanliness of the beach and water quality.
Khao Lak’s natural beauty
Khao Lak’s national parks feature staggering panoramic views, thundering waterfalls, towering limestone and granite peaks, rare wild animals and endless miles of rainforest.
What differentiates Khao Lak is its lack of crowds, quiet up-scale secluded coastal resorts, a family-friendly environment and the provincial ordinances prohibiting structures to be built beyond the height of a coconut palm.
Situated on one of the few remaining stretches of pristine beach in Khao Lak, north of Phuket, the Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites is simply amazing. The hotel fronts a stunning beach where long walks of discovery are essential. Comprising modern suites and serene and private bungalows, the hotel is surrounded by lush, tropical foliage, hills of Phang Nga and two lakes.
Similan Islands panorama
Khao Lak is also the launch pad to one of the world’s best scuba diving grounds. North-west of Phuket is the Koh Similan Marine National Park, an archipelago of nine granite islands, reputed to be in the world’s top 10 dive sites. The Similans boast not only the richest variety and abundance of reef fish in Thailand, but provide a huge selection of diving topography. The islands are covered in abundant rainforest and a profusion of bird life.
If diving is not your particular passion, then you can get a taste of the beautiful marine life at some snorkelling spots. Enjoy an impressive panorama of the Andaman Sea.
The day’s excursion to the islands for snorkelling, swimming, a picnic lunch, being at one with sea turtles and schools of fish and absorbing the breath-taking views ended all too soon.
The wonderful memories, however, will linger forever!
Rama Gaind was a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand with accommodation in Khao Lak hosted by Kasemkij Group and 3Days Elephant Experience and Lake Safari hosted by Elephant Hills Luxury Tented Camp, Khao Sok.
DETAILS BOX
Getting there
Contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sydney, on (02) 9247 7549 or visit www.tourismthailand.org
Thai Airways International flies 42 flights a week between Australia and Thailand
with easy connections to Thai’s domestic network; twice daily from Sydney and
Melbourne, daily from Brisbane and seven-a-week from Perth (including three non-stops to Phuket). Connections are also available with Bangkok Airways domestic network.
Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake in 'Friends with Benefits'.
Film Reviews
By Rama Gaind
Friends with Benefits: No strings attached; can that really happen in any relationship?
It doesn’t take long for Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) to discover that sex without commitment does lead to complications.
Director/co-writer Will Gluck, together with writers Keith Merryman and David A. Newman, have delivered a lighthearted, humorous package with lead stars who share an infectious chemistry.
Jamie has head-hunted Dylan from Los Angeles, to go to New York to work as art director for GQ Magazine.
Their bedroom experiment is anything but sensual, with both of then declaring their likes and dislikes in a relaxed manner.
Supporting cast is exceptional as well. As Jamie’s mother, Patricia Clarkson is a plus as is Richard Jenkins as Dylan’s father who is suffering from Alzheimer’s and has a tendency to take off his trousers.
Jenna Elfman is Dylan’s insightful sister and Woody Harrelson is transparent as the loud gay sports editor.
What makes the film work so well is the convincing interaction and a sense of craziness conveyed by Timberlake and Kunis.
Red Dog: A heart-warming tale about man’s best friend unfolds in this winning film that stars Josh Lucas, Luke Ford, Noah Taylor and Rachael Taylor.
A stray kelpie had the knack of binding the remote mining town of Dampier in WA in the ’70s and ’80s. So much so that they built a statue in his honour. Directed with vigour by Kriv Stenders (Lucky Country) who had a fondness for the Pilbara region and the people who called it home.
Green Lantern: Our audio-visual senses are assailed by exaggeration from director Martin Campbell in this mind-blowing film.
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong and Tim Robbins are surrounded by whopping special effects. Hal Jordan (Reynolds) sets out on a mission to join the fight against Parallax (Clancy Brown’s voice), a giant evil monster.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes: An unwary world is set upon by an army of intelligent apes that opens the flood gates to a few moral dilemmas. An imprudent scientist (James Franco) is behind some evil moves that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Captain America: The First Avenger: An enjoyable, well-written Marvel Comics’ movie that sees a weak (Chris Evans) become the ultimate pumped-up World War II hero.
Larry Crowne: An appealing film about mid-life reinvention that seesTom Hanks as a mature-age student under the tutelage of Julia Roberts.
The Beaver: As a depressed toy company executive, Mel Gibson rediscovers himself through a beaver hand puppet. Disappointing effort by director Jodie Foster that’s miscarried by Gibson.
Hanna: A classy thriller which sees a teenage girl, trained to be a killer, (Saoirse Ronan) being pursued by a CIA operative (Cate Blanchett).
Bad Teacher: Bad comedy directed by Jake Kasdan, featuring Cameron Diaz, about a teacher cruising her way to happiness by over-indulging – with help along the way.
Medina Executive Brisbane has ringside views of the iconic Story Bridge.
By Rama Gaind
Luck was on our side, with glorious winter weather in August – at 23 degrees – the sky was glistening without any clouds and the Brisbane River was shimmering blue.
Located at the east-end of the city centre, the Medina Executive in Brisbane offers sweeping views of the Brisbane River, the city skyline and the iconic Story Bridge.
Our one-bedroom apartment on the 8th floor would be the ideal spot from which to witness the best of Riverfire 2011 on September 3. You’ll certainly have ringside seats, sitting on the balcony that looks out over the Story Bridge!
Medina is in the perfect location from which to view the fireworks displays on the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the pontoons on the Eagle Pier stretch of the Brisbane River and some of the tall buildings along the waterfront.
September is festival time in Brisbane!
The festival’s opening extravaganza on Saturday, September 3 will be noisy and colourful and will unite hundreds of thousands of people in celebration with music and fireworks in Brisbane’s city centre and reverberate out to suburban streets, parks and backyards.
Until September 24, Brisbane will be in full festive swing as acclaimed international and Australian artists and productions, free outdoor events, home-grown productions and the cutting edge and offbeat burst across theatres, galleries, parks and public spaces.
Brisbane Festival 2011 will intrigue, delight and inspire with a program embracing dance, theatre, opera, classical music, visual arts, circus, sideshow and contemporary music. The festival caters for an amazingly broad audience and is easily accessible with an extensive range of both free and ticketed events.
The opening of Brisbane Festival will be remembered for a long time, especially from the Medina.
Riverwalk features
The Medina Executive Brisbane has 159 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and studio rooms with separate lounge/dining/work area. There is ample room to unwind or if you seek physical pursuits then plenty of activities are on-hand. The apartment hotel has a gym, swimming pool, tennis court and conference and function facilities as well.
You can certainly venture further afield. Take the River Boardwalk to the Botanic Gardens or visit Southbank with its parklands, Convention Centre or Cultural Centre via the goodwill footbridge and the world class Gallery of Modern Art. For a change of pace, a late-night drink or Treasury Casino waits 24/7.
Take the river walk and be amazed at how Brisbane River dining is becoming the rage. The revamped Eagle Street pier is the hotspot for a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Walk further down and become enmeshed in the bright lights and big-name delights found in the Queen Street Mall and its nearby surrounds.
This is where you shop till you drop!
Celebrate culture
Embrace a taste of culture and visit the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) – the exclusive Australian venue – for Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams which is a landmark exhibition of surrealist works direct from the Musée national d’art moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris.
On display until October 2, this exhibition presents more than 180 works by 56 artists, including paintings, sculptures, surrealist objects, films, photographs, drawings and collages. This is an exhibition that will provide a fascinating and comprehensive overview of this important artistic movement. These art works rarely leave Paris.
At the Gallery of Modern Art, Land, Sea and Sky: Contemporary Art of the Torres Strait Islands is on until October 9. It embraces the cultural and practical significance of land, sea and sky to Torres Strait Islander people and its influence on their art.
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has a free exhibition on display titled A View from the Sixth Row that features a major 15-year retrospective of performing arts images by Brisbane photographer Reina Irmer. These are from shows presented at QPAC.
Medina has such a central location, you’d be hard-pressed not to enjoy world-class live theatre and arts venues, premier nightspots and some of the country’s best restaurants in this laidback, yet cosmopolitan city.
Rama Gaind was a guest of Medina Executive Brisbane.
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Tanvi Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Prateik Babbar
Director: Prakash Jha
Aarakshan is a new Bollywood film that tackles the tricky issue of caste quotas in government jobs and education in India.
Reservation refers to the policy of a guarantee of jobs for socially disadvantaged groups, referred to officially as “scheduled tribes, scheduled castes and other backward classes”.
However, it partially touches the core theme of reservation – in its first half only.
While the film has attracted its fair share of protests in India, director Prakash Jha has denied taking a position on the issue.
Known for tackling social issues like power politics and corruption with films such as Rajneeti, Gangaajal, Damul and Mrityudand, Jha says his film is not anti-reservation and/or anti-Dalit – referring to the community previously known as ‘untouchables’.
He says people have benefitted from this policy and there are those who have missed out because of it. “Reservation and the quota system is a hard-hitting reality,” according to Jha.
By making this film, he says he’s “trying to bridge the gap”.
No, but it delivers a forceful message.
Prakash Jha turns a complex theme into a harmless, shallow and simplistic Bollywood-style good-versus-evil drama.
Quota imposition
The Supreme Court’s 2008 verdict on the approval of additional reservations for other backward classes is supposed to be the centre of this film, but it hardly touches the topic except for what’s common knowledge. The film does not give a broader perspective on the national issue, choosing instead to deliver the implications through the boundaries of the principal protagonist’s perspective.
Certainly this is an emotive subject matter that sees Amitabh Bachchan playing an idealistic college principal who rallies against the imposition of quotas.
A bitter turf war – of good teacher and bad teacher – is fought on the sprawling college campus of Shakuntala Thakral Mahavidyalaya. The differences, with even students taking sides, leads to violent disagreements as exchange of words erupts between newly-appointed junior lecturer Deepak Kumar (Saif Ali Khan) and his mentor and principal Dr Prabhakar Anand (Bachchan).
Another dramatic confrontation is between Deepak (of a lower caste) and an upper caste student Sushant Seth (Prateik), who is the son of a member of the private trust that runs the college.
Then there is the crafty assistant principal, Mithilesh Singh (Bajpayee), who relishes his role with glee.
Also in the picture, of course, are the principal’s wife (Azmi), dutiful daughter (Padukone) and her love-interest Deepak.
The second half leaps into a plot woven around Dr Anand’s crusade to rescue his students from the clutches of avaricious men who turn education into a money-spinning racket.
The film ventures clear of the danger zone and presents characters – some of them are obviously misguided – who are bereft of a tangible presence.
Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in 'Aarakshan'.
The new 2CD album 'Double Platinum' from the Ten Tenors.
CD review by Rama Gaind
Double Platinum (Warner Music)
The Ten Tenors
The Ten Tenors are right when they say that: “We take our music seriously”.
Double Platinum has the best blend of professional, powerful voices, as an ensemble and as individuals that draw no lines between classical and contemporary – the seamless changeover by the Ten Tenors is remarkable!
That’s obvious with their new 2CD album, titled Double Platinum.
The first CD is pretty surprising. They admirably tackle Meatloaf, Queen, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and Sarah McLachlan’s beautiful Angel.
The second disc has the remarkable Nessun Dorma, the touching Amigos Para Siempre and Bring Him Home from Les Miserables.
They all sound different, but the timbre of their voices is exceptional. The Ten Tenors are renowned for flawless transition from one genre to another. This is proof.
Theirs is a sound that’s unique: classical music and rock are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but the full strength of 10, in all honesty, is luminescent!
The Ten Tenors seated - (left-right) - Ben Stephens, Keane Fletcher, Dominic Smith; standing - (left-right) - Dion Molinas, Thomas David Birch, Paul Gelsumini, Jared Newall, Jordan S. Pollard, Stewart Morris and Boyd Owen.
Canberra Theatre
August 6, 2011
Concert review by Rama Gaind
The Ten Tenors are rhapsody in music. They gave a polished performance at the Canberra Theatre, treating the appreciative audience to a memorable night of eclectic musical repertoire.
Immaculately dressed in suits, they began the show with a trio of classics Il Gladiatore, Anvil chorus and All’ Improviso Amore which set the tone for a mesmerising night.
They came on stage, without preamble, and launched straight into the singing. You appraise their vocal ability by the fact that none of them flinched at the high notes. In fact, they sang in unison – with no note out of place – making you marvel at their collective singing capacity.
The tempo changed with The Boxer and Bring Him Home from Les Miserables. The Tenors were adept at picking up on the mood of the audience and changing and deviating – and that was well received.
From the touching Pie Jesu and Miserere, the tender ache of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah to the unbridled power of the Aerosmith’s number one hit stadium rock ballad Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, the entertainment continued, interspersed with light anecdotes when group members interacted with their fans.
Australia’s “unofficial national anthem” – Waltzing Matilda – had a cascading rhythm and, of course, the first half would not have been complete without The Show Must Go On.
Musical highlights
The Ten Tenors have toured the world, played everywhere from our own Opera House to the Royal Albert Hall, met royalty and even appeared on Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure. They imparted some of the highlights during the evening.
With the ebb and flow of stage lighting, they sang Sarah McLachlan’s Angel, IDon’t Want to Miss a Thing, they synchronised their movements perfectly for The Bohemian Rhapsody and with Anything for Love they announced that the end of the concert was imminent.
However, the music lovers clamoured for more. The encore was followed by Lullabye and then – what we were all waiting for – the world’s best-loved classical piece Nessun Dorma … that touched the soul. The great joy of music engulfed everyone, as the spotlight focused on two of the soloists Ben Stephens and Stewart Morris.
The show closer Hey Jude saw the crowd stand-up simultaneously, clapping, toe-tapping, swaying, calling for more, with the public sing-a-long chorus echoing in your mind as it all came to an end.
Their show is more than just Double Platinum: fluid movements on stage, thriving on interaction with the audience, the vocal power of the 10 is truly amazing, seamlessly complemented with a slick, fast-paced, infectious stage show where the individually different voices blend with skill to a climax of inspiring sound!
The child-friendly Kids Room at Swissôtel Sydney will delight children from the ages of two to 12 years of age.
By Rama Gaind
Taking young children on holiday is a rewarding and relaxing experience, especially since it allows you to enjoy some ‘special’ time-out with the family.
However, the short break is usually never hassle-free because children need to be actively ‘engaged and occupied’. Going to the beach and staying at a seaside resort offers many options, but one is hard-pressed when it comes to staying in a hotel. Options are further restricted if you want to stay in the vibrant heart to the city. Well, that’s not the case any more – at least, not in Sydney.
The Swissôtel Sydney, in Market Street, is one deluxe five-star hotel that is very family-friendly. It is located in the CBD right at the doorstep of some of the best dining venues and tourist attractions Sydney has to offer. The Queen Victoria Building, Pitt Street Mall, Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour are all within easy reach of the hotel.
First, get ready to excite your children as Swissôtel Sydney’s child-friendly Kids Room will delight offspring from the ages of two to 12 years of age. Become transported into a children’s wonderland! The rooms are bright with an abundance of plush toys. The rooms are designed to provide children and parents with a fun, play and sleep experience.
Converted into a complete kids room, it is set up with children’s toys, children’s desk, colourful bed linen, special menu of DVD programs for young ones, bath amenities for junior guests, separate play area, children amenities and much more. The room is interconnected to a separate luxurious bedroom for the parents. There’s even chocolates and milk in the mini bar fridge!
A baby cot is available on request along with a nanny service, but advance books are essential.
What’s more the Kids Room is interconnected to a separate luxurious bedroom for the parents. You also have the opportunity to have a half Kids Room that’s set-up with children’s toys, bed linen and much more, accompanied by an additional double bed for parents.
From every Kids Room booked, $20 will go to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation. A benevolent gesture.
Executive Club floor
For the discerning traveller, the Swissôtel Executive Club floors provide the ultimate in personalised service. Located on levels 24 and 25, it has sweeping views of Sydney’s CBD and beyond.
The club lounge, on level 24, is the perfect place to enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast, evening drinks and canapés and escape the bustle of the city.
Unwind as the twinkling lights fade in the distance and try to pinpoint Darling Harbour, Anzac Bridge, Olympic Park and Blue Mountains in the distance.
Instead of the television blaring loudly, you feel lulled with the soothing voice of Rod Stewart as he sings such classics including ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘That Old Black Magic’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’. The mood was now set and we could have stayed much longer listening to all the volumes of the ‘The Great American Songbook’!
The Executive Club rooms offer state-of-the-art technology in deluxe and spacious surrounds with well-appointed indulgence and a king size bed that guarantees a good night’s sleep. It has all the modern conveniences at your fingertips including an ergonomic work station and a Nespresso coffee machine.
What to see and do
While the children are occupied you can explore the busiest precinct in Sydney. Become one of the 65,000 pedestrians who use Pitt Street Plaza daily, check out the city’s revitalisation upgrade work or go for a brisk walk in Hyde Park. Then there’s ample opportunity for retail therapy.
Why not take in a show? Jersey Boys is on at the Theatre Royal, Mary Poppins – The Supercalifragilistic Musical is on at the Capitol Theatre.
It might be too cold to be on the beach in winter, but it’s not too inconvenient to put on a coat and do some exploring. Discover the best free things to do in Sydney, from venues with views, walks and activities on the harbour to cultural attractions – and much, much more.
There’s always plenty of fun for the whole family in this harbour city. Its famous landmarks include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks precinct and the beautiful Botanic Garden, the Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium, Manly Oceanworld, Sydney Wildlife World, Australian Museum and Sydney Tower. Getting around with the whole family is easy with travel passes that include ferries, trains and buses.
Don’t delay, any time is good for an invigorating break!
Comfortable accommodation is assured at the Swissôtel Sydney. For the discerning traveller, the Swissôtel Executive Club Lounge on level 24 provides the ultimate in personalised service.
The Ten Tenors will perform in Canberra on August 6. Seated in the front, (left-right), are Keane Fletcher and Dion Molinas; middle row, seated (left-right), Paul Gelsumini, Thomas David Birch and Graham Foote; back row, standing (left-right), Stewart Morris, Ben Stephens, Jared Newall, Jordan S. Pollard and Boyd Owen.
By Rama Gaind
The Ten Tenors, a versatile Australian musical ensemble, have created a sound that is uniquely their own – and they are returning to perform at the Canberra Theatre on Saturday, August 6, 2011.
It may have been five or six years in between engagements in the nation’s capital, but the powerful Ten will now bring audiences their latest offering, Double Platinum, a brand new show alongside a double album of the same name.
Over the past 16 years, the group has remained specially bonded even though some new members have come on-board. According to Dion Molinas, a long-standing member, what has kept them bonded is the “intellectual property we have over our show”.
“Everything is organic,” Dion explained in a telephone interview during a break from rehearsals in Queensland. “Each one of us has a hand in producing the show from designing the stage, choosing our own sets, choreography, stage lights … it’s all a collaborative effort.”
“However, there is a clear-cut leader and that’s Graham Foote, our musical director. He does the arrangements for the songs etc, has a strict schedule and takes our music very seriously, just as we all do.”
‘Australiana is endearing’
What are the most endearing qualities that they possess? The most “endearing, for me, is our Australiana,” Dion said.
“We take our music very seriously and on stage we strive to entertain,” he said. “We’re relaxed, but strive for excellence whether it’s singing a one-part or six-part harmony. Bohemian Rhapsody is an amazing song which has always been in the show and another signature song is Nessun Dorma which, for any tenor, is a swan song.”
The group comprises Keane Fletcher, Dion Molinas, Paul Gelsumini, Thomas David Birch, Graham Foote, Stewart Morris, Ben Stephens, Jared Newall, Jordan S. Pollard and Boyd Owen.
‘Bigger, bolder’ show
According to Graham Foote, “We’re throwing down the gauntlet with this show. It’ll be bolder, bigger and better than ever before”.
Dion Molinas elaborates. Whether the music is classical or contemporary, the strength of the songs in the show is amazing. “It took six months to finalise the set list,” Dion said. “We’re passionate about every song. From the tenderness of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, to the unbridled power of the Aerosmith’s number one hit stadium rock ballad, Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, to the world’s best-loved classical piece Nessun Dorma.”
“There’s no line between classical to contemporary, everything flows really well, flows smoothly.”
The best way to highlight the vocal magic of ‘The Ten’ is not a special repertoire, a medley or an individual song that does it justice. Instead, it’s their different backgrounds in classical and music theatre that is “one of our strengths”.
“We are all different sounding and it’s about the timbre of our voices,” Dion said. “It is all about the best blend, ensemble and individual voices.”
Double Platinum album
As a graduate of the Central Queensland of Conservatorium of Music, Dion, 35, is trained in both classical and contemporary voice with an impressive career which is focused predominantly on music theatre. He has starred in such hit musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables, Hello Dolly, Little Shop of Horrors and Showboat (to name a few).
Dion said that Double Platinum was the 10th studio album for the group and it was “really exciting to make and produce an album before going on tour”.
“Sincerely, it’s the best album we’ve done. When I see the journey from where we started, along the way, and now to this album – I think that it has all been so amazing.”
Don’t miss the one performance of this incredible vocal group at the Canberra Theatre on August 6.
They will begin their Australian concert tour in Hobart on August 4 and end it in Brisbane on September 2. They then head off for overseas engagements in November.
DETAILS
The Ten Tenors, live in Canberra, August 6, 2011.
Book tickets through the Canberra Theatre online or call the Box Office on (02) 6275 2700.
Swissôtel Sydney, Market Street, is part of a worldwide hotel chain where global specials are available to patrons.
By Rama Gaind
SwissôtelSydney, located in the heart of the city’s CBD in Market Street, is part of a worldwide hotel chain where global specials are constant – and the patrons reap the rewards.
Take, for example, an opportunity to have a ‘Taste of Switzerland’ with a special annual Swiss Food Festival on July 29.
Unfortunately, I was unable to accept the invitation for what promises to be a fabulous evening to experience a truly authentic Swiss cuisine prepared with “passion and tradition”. However, those partaking of the festivities will have a night to remember.
Without doubt, chef Justin Zammit and the jpb Restaurant will excel in their endeavours at this deluxe five-star hotel.
Now you can take advantage of the Swiss National Day (August 1) promotions at Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts and learn more about their designer clutch with a Swiss touch that’s bound to look fabulous with any ensemble and an assortment of chocolate specialties.
Switzerland specials
Fly overseas and SwissôtelHotels and Resorts offer more competitive holiday packages.
Venture further afield and you will enjoy the ultimate Geneva shopping experience with Swissôtel Métropole Geneva and get a guided tour of all the brand-name clothing and accessories at Bongénie.
Indulge in a Golfer’s Paradise package and let Swissôtel Le Plaza Basel get you out on the green this summer.
Special offers around the Swissôtel world
Singapore’s Grand Prix Season is more than just a Formula 1 night race. It is also 10 days of parties, race-themed events, music concerts, exhibitions and dining & shopping experiences.
Go to Singapore Formula 1 from September 23-25 and you can have rooms in pole position as you experience the roar and whine of the fastest cars on earth from your own balcony at Swissôtel The Stamford. The rooms are in pole position – located directly on Turn 9 of the track – for the best action of every race.
Book before July 31, 2011 and get early bird discounts at Swissôtel Merchant Court which is also at the heart of the racing action.
If you attend any of these festivals and performances in Asia, then you will find a Swissôtel hotel package to suit your needs.
Go to Bangkok to visit the 25th Legendary Flower Show, a four-day event; be in Beijing for one of the world’s largest events at the ICT industry P&T/Expo Comm China 2011 in late September; the 7th Kunshan International Beer Festival in August will bring the German ‘bierfest’ tradition to China with all the trimmings; attend a performance of Mamma Mia! in Chinese at the Shanghai Grand Theatre; and attend the biggest music event of the year, Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka in August.
Travel from North to South America and take in Chicago to see the air and water show in August or visit Lima and partake of the 100th anniversary of Machu Picchu. The ruins of this Inca estate are both one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it’s an amazing place.
Visit Europe: JoinSwissôtel Amsterdam in celebrating its 25th birthday with some special anniversary packages.
This year Berlin’s premier shopping boulevard, the Kurfürstendamm, celebrates its 125th anniversary with an exciting festival of music, food, light shows and special shopping opportunities until the end of October. Take advantage of Swissôtel’s special room package with the perfect location right on the Ku’damm.
Visit the outdoor kitchen at the Wine Festival in September which takes place right in front of Swissôtel Bremen. You can’t get closer than this as wine lovers celebrate all things vinicultural at the Bremer Weinfest. More than 20 local wineries and restauranteurs provide domestic and international food and wine, with music and street theatre rounding out the program.
‘Flamenco Hoy’ will be in Moscow on October 14, 2011andSwissôtel Krasnye Holmy Moscow is perfectly located nearby for a special package with show tickets. The celebrated Spanish director Carlos Saura’s phenomenal show combines flamenco music, dance and song.
Discover ancient Turkey
Go back in time and visit archaeological sites. Ankara is not just the capital of Turkey, it also hosts a number of ancient sites dating back to Roman and Byzantine times. Visit the impressive Ankara Citadel, the Roman theatre, the Temple of Augustus and the Roman baths, while staying at the stylish Swissôtel Ankara.
One of the many reasons to visit Istanbul is the historic Sultanahmet district. Visit the ancient Roman Basilica Cistern, the Ottoman mosques and the Topkapi Palace, have a meal in the bistros of Beyoglu or cruise across the Bosphorus – the old city hosts many examples of the city’s ancient origins. Swissôtel The Bosphorus is the perfect place to stay with guest rooms that enjoy magnificent Bosphorus views.
Discover more history
In ancient times, the yachting destination Göcek was called Kalimche, the place where the legendary Icarus fell from the sky. You’ll find even more history nearby: such as in Dalyan, where you can see the magnificent royal tombs of Kaunos that have been carved into the cliffs. Stay at Swissôtel Göcek for a fascinating combination of Mediterranean waterfront paradise and ancient history
Izmir: Road to Ephesus: The ancient port of Ephesus was once the trade centre of the Mediterranean world and today it makes up the largest collection of Roman ruins in the Mediterranean. Swissôtel Grand Efes Izmir offers you a great package including a tour of this fascinating, preserved city as well as the stylish comfort of one of Turkey’s most elegant hotels.
Start your packing now as the wanderlust is most infectious!
Director Zoya has been called the ‘hero’ of this film for pulling off a hard-hitting genre with genuineness and lavishness.
What’s more interesting is that it took a woman to come up with this authentic film about male bonding since 3 Idiots. It is believable because the narrative is not sugar coated. There are no lingering flashbacks on the past and no recriminations. None of the characters overshadow each other.
This is a ‘on the road’ film about Kabir (Deol) who wants to go with his two childhood friends on a trip with fellow bachelors before getting married to Natasha (Koehlin). Confused about his love-life, he is a commendable mediator between his friends.
Arjun (Roshan) is a financial trader who is a workaholic with a desire to retire at 40. His ‘Greek God’ looks do not detract from his acting ability.
Imran (Akhtar) wants to find his biological father on this trip and displays a stimulating talent for comedy.
Their pact is to participate in an adventure sport chosen by each one of them. They turn their hands to sky diving, deep-sea diving and running with the bulls. Thereby, they liberate themselves from the bonds that bind them to the world.
The three male leads are the actors, not heroes, who make their presence felt without larger-than-life action sequences, heroic existence or stylistic background musical score.
It’s their easy camaraderie that enables you to relate to the adventures as they unfold.
The soundtrack by Shankar/Ehsaan/Loy is not overwhelming.
Zoya (sister of Farhan) is perfectly at ease at the helm, introducing humour in the most trying of situations.
The three male actors play their parts well, while Kaif is surprisingly delightful and Koechlin is excellent as the possessive girlfriend.
This is a road film where the virgin Spanish backdrops are used to advantage – not as an attention-grabber.
An immense capacity for melodrama is replaced with subtle and light-hearted frames.
After all, we only have the one chance to live life to the fullest!
***
Film: Delhi Belly
Cast: Imran Khan, Vir Das, Kunal Roy Kapoor, Poorna Jagannathan, Vijay Raaz
Director: Abhinay Deo
This is a perceptive, at times, pleasant study of young, educated, urban Indians.
Three friends sharing a dingy Delhi room land themselves in trouble when a parcel of smuggled diamonds is mistakenly exchanged with a stool sample.
Tashi (Khan), Arup (Das) and Nitin (Kapoor) are caught in the thick of it as the underworld don (Vijay Raaz) is the after the trio for his diamonds.
There’s lots of mayhem in the film with the soundtrack mostly playing in the backdrop, not interrupting the film’s flow in storyline.
Kapoor has the best lines in the best scenes and shines for his perfect timing, comical expressions and madcap characterisations.
As usual, Khan does not overshadow the other two male leads.
Delhi Belly is hilarious for those who don’t seek a sophisticated fare.
The sensationalism that surrounded the prequel, unfolds very early in the sequel.
Not designed as a crime thriller since the identity of the serial killer is revealed early in the film, Murder 2 does not centre on finding the murderer. The investigative drama is not the focus either.
Instead, emphasis is placed on characterisation of the psychopathic-sadistic killer who enjoys what he does. Narayanan switches his character shades effortlessly, making them plausible.
Arjun (Hashmi), who reprises his role, plays an ex-police officer who does odd jobs for gangsters and flesh traders. He’s perfect in the role of an angry man, having mastered playing this character for the Bhatt-family films.
Fernandez is suitably seductive, but her romance with Arjun lacks credibility.
Producer Mahesh Bhatt’s storyline draws some inspiration from the 2008 Korean film The Chaser with writer Shagufta Rafique adding her own particular brand of colour.
The Hashmi-Fernandez sensuality adds nothing to the plot, except bold, erotic scenes.
Murder 2 sees dark evil as the key component where necessity is the murder of invention.
Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez in 'Murder 2'.Imran Khan in 'Delhi Belly'.
'Cars 2' has computer-generated animation.'Bridesmaids' is an appealing comedy.
By Rama Gaind
Bridesmaids: Causing havoc in this humourous film, Kristen Wilg plays an insecure bridesmaid to her best friend (Maya Rudolph) who to tries to get her life together.
This is an unexpected comedy that’s directed by Paul Feig.
It’s interesting to note that Wilg wrote the script with Annie Mumolo.
Mr Popper’s Penguins: This is a charming comedy that sees Jim Carrey inheriting six penguins.
An ideal distraction for little ones, this film sees Carrey working hard not to be upstaged by the computer-enhanced penguins who work their work through Manhattan and end up teaching the lead character some much-needed lessons.
Cars 2: Sure to delight the youngsters, but this is an average sequel in animation in the company of a talking tow truck.
Kung Fu Panda 2: Returning to fight a genocidal peacock, Po (Jack Black) is joined by his film star-voiced animal companions in an amusing, visually eye-catching 3D animation.
The Tree of Life: Tackling some big questions about life, God and the universe comes this portrayal of 1950s boyhood.
In the midst of this is the tender chronicle of an ordinary family in post-war Texas.
There is much entrancing imagery in Terrence Malick’s boyhood portrayal.
While Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain convincingly portray the grace and strain of a marriage, Hunter McCracken as their oldest son, Jack, takes us through a journey into the soul of a young man struggling with the unknown in his own life.
