The salt fields on the island of Ibiza have been the treasure of the island for more than 2,000 years. This salt, created from the sun and seawater, has been a source of employment and a source of food, and trade for the inhabitants of the island for many, many years. The natural sea salt from Ibiza is known as one of the best varieties in the world. Not only have the salt fields been providing economic security over time, now when tourists venture our from the Ibiza boutique hotels, they make a trip to the fields just simply to take in the beauty of the landscapes. The fields are striped with the pools, turned pink when the summer sun reflects. The smell of the seawater is incredibly fresh, like Santa Monica would be were the city of Los Angeles not behind it, pure. The machinery and the old equipment is the only sound. Perfect percussion with the piles of white gold. Otherwise, all is silent.

The term white gold refers to the fact that the salt served as a form of currency for the Phoenicians. There is a park with a center for information, and that gives tours and lectures on the significance that these salt fields have had on the island throughout history. Photos at the center serve to impress the fact that for a long time, before tourism and the party nights in trendy clubs, the people survived from the salt of the earth. The history is such that to work there in the fields today is a privilege and a well respected form of employment. Only nine-teen people run the fields today, and the positions are highly sought after. Today, production has slowed, as the ports for the island just can not handle the need. For the people of the world still want the salt from this Balearic Island, it is too small of an island to keep up with the international demand. The main companies that are importing Ibiza’s Salt are Norway, Iceland, and Great Britain. But some come in search of it from as far away as Canada and India and the United States. The city and the officials in the Salinera Espanol company out of mainland Spain are sure that they will find a solution, and succeed in giving the world what the world desires…salt. Salt from Ibiza.

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The Dubai Desert Rock Festival is a unique event that features an extreme sports show in addition to the music. It is the only festival of its kind in Dubai. The music of the two-day festival is generally rock and metal bands from around the world. The relatively young festival is a major attraction for audiences as well as performers. It is extremely popular for local citizens but has also begun to attract audiences from outside the country. The best restaurants Dubai has to offer experience increased business during festival days and it contributes greatly to the economy.

The festival began in 2004 when the Center Stage Management decided to hold a full fledge rock festival in the Middle East. This first event featured two bands, The Rasmus and Juliana Down and proved to be a huge success despite the last minute cancellation from Limp Bizkit. By the following year, the one-day festival had extended into two and presented famous rock bands from around the world. By this time the event had become known as The Middle East Annual Rock Festival. Since its first experimental year, it has hosted bands such as Iron Maiden, 3 Doors Down, Megadeth, and Velvet Revolver as well as the local band Mankind.

Extreme sports and music are not common associations, though this aspect of the Desert Rock Festival is a major attraction for audiences. Extreme sport is a general title given to many genres of entertainment oriented sports that usually include a high probability of danger and risk of injury. Audiences get an adrenaline rush from watching the events and also have the opportunity to participate in some of them. This contributes to the intense energy surrounding the festival and it is remarkable that these combined ingredients have not led to chaos, violence and arrests. The festival remains a celebration of music and life, and has gained a regular following in its few years of existence.

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One of the most exciting events in Singapore is the ZoukOut Dance Music Festival that’s held in the month of December. The festival is a spinoff from the popular Zouk night club in Singapore which has been consistently voted as one of the best clubs in the world. Sentosa Island is turned into a fabulous beach party and has become one of the coolest events of the year. Attended by clubbers and partiers, the festivities go on from sundown to sun up.

In addition to the numerous dance locations, each having its own dj and distinct type of music, there are also many other festivities. Siloso Beach on Santosa Island is ground zero for the event. Even though this is mainly a dance party, the island winds up being invaded by all kinds of fringe events. There’s always something to do if you get tired of the music. A favorite is the holistic tent where massage and special treatments are available. Or, you can find food vendors, flea markets or even mandala art. There are areas to hang out and rest or to just visit with friends.

Because of the international recognition this event receives, tickets for the party are often sold out. The festival draws trendy clubbers from all over the world. Political, cultural and social differences disappear as the partiers enjoy endless music and great company for hours. At a recent festival over 15,000 tickets were sold, with a fair portion being sold to overseas fans. With the draw of international dj’s, local talent, and music from all genres it’s not surprising that this festival has become world famous. The city of Singapore has a pulsating music scene which solidifies its’ reputation as the entertainment capital of Asia.

As the sun comes up and the festival comes to an end, transportation back to the mainland can be difficult. Traffic is a mess and the roads are jammed. The best alternative is to reserve a room in one of the five star hotels in Singapore. You can find one on Sentosa Island and will be able to walk to and from the party.

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Many years prior to the arrival of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Arab traders were traveling to Singapore, along the coastlines from Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula. Raffles first came to Singapore in 1819. By then, some of the Arab traders had moved to the city, bringing their culture and their religion. Most Malaysians on the island at that time were Muslim. Throughout history, the people have made religion the center of their lives, and their villages are centered around these ideas and beliefs. The word used for the villages is ‘kampong’. The houses were made of wood and had very pitched roofs, made either from thatch or corrugated tin and iron. They were built in a circle with a center area left open and were often elevated if they were in the middle of a marsh. This served as a communal gathering center, as well as a safe place for the children to play, as all houses face inward and the children are constantly in the eye of not only their own mothers, but the whole community as well. The men of the community worked in the farms or on the boats, fishing in the sea. Gardens of flowers and vegetables were often covering the area around the houses.

Although the times have changed, there are a few of these kampongs that now sit amongst the Singapore luxury hotels and entertainment centers. Most were cleared during the development of Singapore, but in the Arab district of the city they remain. Their strict religious view and practices have held them together, for the kampong is not just a place of residence, it is considered a holy or spiritual community. When one visits this neighborhood one is filled with the peace that the slower pace provides. There are not many automobiles driving on the streets. Most of the residence walk or ride bikes, and this is one reason this is a wonderful place to wander through. The beautiful fabric stores, the markets and the dramatically decorated mosques are just a few reasons one will not want to miss this tiny treasure of Singapore.

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One of the buildings to have recently gained a ‘listed’ status by the government, the now empty building that once housed a department store, has caused quite a controversy. When the government declares a building ‘listed’, that building can not be altered nor destroyed, only restored to its original state if need be. Many cities do this with their historical buildings, to ensure that history be remembered and protected and not bulldozed over. In the US, some cities adhere to this idea, and others do not. The city of Manhattan restores rather than destroys, and in the historical, and now very trendy neighborhood of Wicker Park, in Chicago, many of the houses are not just historic in architectural design, but historical sites for the city as a whole. Many of the early politicians and influential citizens of Chicago lived in this neighborhood during the beginning of the 1900′s, and now, the buildings may be restored, and not demolished, but they must be restored to their original state, including the color of the paint used on the intricate lattice work surrounding many of the porches and windows.

The problem in Sheffield is that many feel that the building at Castle House is modern, too modern to be considered a landmark. The Co-op department store was closed down about a year ago, and the government has decided that it should remain as is. Which means that neither the outside of the building may be changed, nor the interior. Stating that the presence of the building is strong, with clean lines and individualism. Stating that the design is innovative. Council leaders are strongly opposed to the ‘listed’ status of the Co-op, stating that this severely limits the use of the building, as the only other business able to go into the building would be simply, another department store. The area and the building, they state, are both in need of regeneration. They are questioning the common sense of the government’s decision. They go on further to point out that other buildings in Sheffield are being destroyed, beautiful buildings, such as some Sheffield hotels and older historical sites. They are asking the government to reconsider some of these decisions.

Jan Wilson, Labor leader, states that what it all comes down to is personal taste. The city is attempting to become more ‘green’, not wasting resources by restoring existing structures, and not just simply knocking buildings down, only to build new ones. The public remains divided as well, some calling the Co-op an eyesore, while others maintain that the building is beautiful and should be saved from demolition . Many cities may face similar disagreements in the future, as the ‘green’ construction takes hold in various cities around the world.

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Provincial officials in Phuket, Thailand are advising caution during the upcoming Songkran festivities. They have issued safety guidelines and are promising to fine or even arrest anyone whose behavior endangers others.

Water play is an important part of Songkran, the Thai traditional New Year celebration. Officials will permit water play in public areas, but are prohibiting it along roadsides that have heavy traffic. Individuals are being encouraged to limit water attacks to designated zones in Rawai Beach, Nai Yang Beach, Patong Beach, Saphan Hin, Laem Phromthep, and Surin Beach.

Water used for spraying or splashing much not include face powder, perfume, flour or other substances. All water play must be in accordance with all local and provincial safety laws.

Other restrictions to ensure public safety include the prohibition of alcohol along main roads, excessive noise making, impeding traffic flow or and disturbing the peace. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances will result in a three month jail term and/or a hefty fine. Women are instructed to dress modestly and to avoid provocative or revealing clothing.

While these and other measures may seem extremely strict, the government has worked o develop guidelines that will protect safety while allowing for as much of the fun and festivity of Songkran to remain intact.

Phuket has been experiencing a slump in hotel occupancy over the past few months, mostly due to falling global conditions. Songkran is a Thai celebration and the island anticipates a large influx of tourists from across Thailand and the surrounding region during the festival. Several airlines have added additional flights to the island and 5 star hotels Phuket are looking for full occupancy during the celebration.

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