Monday, November 21, 2016

The Beach of Heaven on Earth, Whitehaven Beach, Australia


Whether it’s midday or midnight, you won’t bother to walk on the snow-white sand beach beside the crystal clear Coral Ocean with turquoise waters, in Australia.  Because, the whitest sand beach contains 98% silica in its sand and it doesn’t retain heat as the normal sands do. So, it’s quite comfortable and amazing to walk on the beach even at the hottest time of the day. So, do you want to visit this incredibly beautiful 7 kilometers wide white sand beach properly? Have a plan. Let me suggest you a few things that may aid you to have a perfect plan.
·         You will need a boat ride or you may choose to have a short flight in a seaplane or helicopter, if you want to explore it without walking. But, thus you’ll only be able to make it to the southern or the northern parts, not the whole beach. So, better plan a bit and explore all the area by strolling. Trust me, you won’t ever forget this amazing trip, if you do as I mentioned.

·         If you ever come to Australia to visit the Whiteheaven beach, never forget to pay a visit to its northern end. You will find the Hill Inlet there. Take time to stay for a while there and it must be overnight. Because, at midnight from the hill, the island adorns itself with heavenly beauty. The glittering wave of the sea beside the dazzling white kingdom with a lot of giant hills under the millions diamonds carved sky - the scenic beauty is beyond description. 

·         There’re a few lagoons in the place. So, when you come visit here, never miss to swim and surf in the water of the lagoon and the ocean.


Find some time to explore and taste the local foods and wine as well. You will get fantastic wine there and don’t miss the barbecue lunch at the Hill Inlet. 


6 important things you need to know when travelling in Asia

The diversity of cultures, languages, laws and customs of different countries makes it a bit difficult to travel in different continents and countries within it. But, if you learn some info about the place you want to travel through and take some precautions, it gets much easier to have a great trip to any place of the world. So, we are presenting you the 6 most important things that you should and must know before you travel in Asia.



Spoken Language

Language is the greatest problem that travelers ever face in a foreign land. Let’s take examples of few countries and cities in Asia.
·         Singapore is a country where English is widely used. So, it won’t be difficult for you to communicate with the locals while you are in there. Sometimes, if you find that the locals are not understanding you; just talk a bit slower, but a bit loud. People there simply talk in English, Malay, Hokkian, Mandarin and some other languages. So, if you think you want to learn another language to communicate better, Malay is your best shot.

·         Now, let’s talk about Japan. English doesn’t work much better in Japan, as the Japanese seldom talks in English. So, if you are in Japan, you need to learn Japanese a bit to communicate with the locals. While talking with the locals in English, talk slowly and use body language in a polite manner, also try to use some Japanese in your English.

·         You know, even people in a country talks in different languages based on their cities. For example- in Malaysia, English is widely used in its national capital city, Kuala Lumpur. But, in the state of Johor in Malaysia, you will hardly find any people who can talk in English. So, in that case, learning Malay language a bit is only the best way to travel independently in Malaysia.




Portable Water

Portable drinking water is another big issue which can make you suffer a lot while traveling. So, you should learn about which water is safe to drink in which country, before you pack your bag for a tour.
·         In Singapore, even the tap water is as safe as the boiled water. But, in case of doubt, you can boil it if you wish. The quality of the tap water of Singapore complies with the standard of WHO. It also tastes as good as the mineral water.
·         In Japan, the situation is almost as same as the one in Singapore. The tap water quality is pretty high and there is no detrimental substance in the water which can harm your body. But, never drink the water from the sink in the toilet.
·         Now, let’s talk about some underdeveloped countries in Asia, like- Cambodia or Nepal, etc. But, it’s better not to drink the tap water as the taste is not so good. But, you can use the tap water to brush your teeth or wash your face. In restaurants, the safe bottled mineral water is available to purchase. The situation is almost same in Nepal and all other underdeveloped countries in Asia.
·         Let us alarm you, when you travel in the Philippines, never drink the tap water. Thousands of people in Philippines die every year by drinking the contaminated water in the Philippines. Better buy the 5 liters’ mineral water bottle in cost of 150 PESOS.

Tipping

Tipping culture also varies from one country to another. Better you know, than facing an embarrassing situation.
·         Tipping is considered as an “offensive and rude gesture” in Japan. There nobody gives tips and nobody expects as well. So, if you tip someone there either he is a waiter or taxi-driver, there is a 100% possibility that he will give you the tip-money back. It’s treated like a ‘bribe’ to them. So, better be polite and express your satisfaction, just by thanking the waiter or taxi driver. But, if you really want them to tip, don’t offer the money directly from your pocket. Just put the money in an envelope and then give it to them.

·         In Vietnam, people rarely give or receive tips, but it’s highly appreciated there. So, if the service exceeds your expectation, don’t hesitate to tip in Vietnam. Usually the bar staffs are paid very little by their employer in here. So, if you tip them, they will be highly grateful to you. The trend of tipping is quite common in the spa and massage parlors in Vietnam.


Laws

You will face different and somewhat, weird laws in some countries in Asia. Let’s take a look.
·         Smoking is prohibited in most of the public places in Singapore. But, you can smoke cigarettes in your home or hotel room.
·         Drugs are also prohibited in Singapore. The police in Singapore conducts random drug test on both visiting foreigners and locals.  So, better to avoid drugs, even before entering into the country.
·         You may have to spend 3 months in the Singaporean jail, if you recite, utter or sing any ballad or obscene song in the public place.
·         According to Singaporean cyber security act, you can’t connect to other people’s WiFi and if you do, you may end up in 3 years imprisonment or $10,000 fine.
·         Stay away from pigeons in Singapore, as if you feed them, you have to cost $500 as a fine.
·         Homosexuality is also prohibited in Singapore.
·         In Singapore, always flush the toilet after using it or have to pay a fine of $150.
·         Don’t spit in a public place in Singapore, or you have to pay $1000. Here, walking naked around your house will cause you $1,000 fine and littering will cost you $300. Also, remember, selling chewing gum is prohibited here.
·         In Thailand, criticizing, defaming, threatening or insulting the king, queen or any other heir-apparent or regent or their photos are strictly prohibited and can cause you 15 years imprisonment.


Food Hygiene

Food hygiene is another vital issue which can trouble you a lot while travelling. You may end up to a hospital during your tour due to taking unhygienic foods from some cheap restaurants or street hawker stalls. So, better to have some knowledge about where and how to find safe and hygienic foods while traveling in Asia.
·         Restaurants in Singapore are generally neat and clean. But, better to notice the queue of locals as it reveals which restaurants are better. Also, don’t eat the pre-prepared foods with flying flies. Try to eat hot and “just now” cooked foods. In case of the street hawkers, you will find a lot of neat and clean hawkers with high food hygiene. But, better to leave the stall, if you doubt about their cleanliness. Most of the restaurants and street hawkers in Singapore follow the standard hygiene procedures. So, the food is quite safe and delicious as well.
·         In Bangkok, it’s also very easy to find a clean and fly-free restaurant or street hawker stall. But, it’s better to check the cleanliness of the stall before you eat any food from there. Tell the vendor to provide you washed bowls and other utensils. It will save you from having any health issue due to having the food.


Toilet

Toilet cleanliness and toilet types can make you fall in an irritating and disgusting situation when you are out of your own country. Most of the American and European people are accustomed to use modern toilets. But, in Asia, squat toilet is the most common type of toilet that’s available all around. So, you should learn a bit about the cleanliness and pattern of toilets in Asia, if you have decided to travel through it. 
·         The Japanese are quite concerned about hygiene and cleanliness. So, you can’t enter into a home wearing your shoes and you must have to use the toilet slippers in the toilets. Sometimes, you may not find any toilet paper in the toilet, as they don’t usually stock toilet paper. But, the facilities and hygiene of the public lavatories are very impressive. From music to heating- everything is available there. Most of the Japanese public toilets are typical Asian squat toilets and so, you can’t sit on them directly. But, you will find the modern toilets with sophisticated electronic devices in hotels, motels, houses and restaurants.  
·         There are more than 30,000 public restrooms in Singapore and most of them are at least "three-star" clean.
·         In Vietnam, squat toilets can only be seen in the public places. You have to carry your own toilet tissues, as you may not get those there. On the other hand, the toilets in the tourist spot, hotels, and restaurants are normally clean and well-maintained.  




4 Best Live Music Restaurants and Bars in Singapore

Singapore is truly an amazing place to experience incredibly exciting night outs. Whatever the occasion is – a birthday party, a marriage ceremony or a kitty party, you can easily find a perfect place for having fun with delicious foods and drinks and awesome live music that will bring the night alive. Let’s get introduced with some of the best live music restaurants and bars in Singapore.
  • The Berlin Bar


You will always find something special for you in the Berlin Bar. This beautifully decorated bar has its own charm of unique presentation. At the moment, you will step into the bar, you will feel like you are travelling through the past. The amazing old styled aristocratic bar is always ready to offer you really tempting foods and staple cocktails and drinks. The night out in the Berlin bar gets exciting with the amazing live music of the local band of John Molina & Krueger.
Foods Available: Modern European dishes are simply served here. But, depending on special occasions, you can order for special dishes as well.
Music: Here, you can please your ear with the quality music that is truly enchanting with the unique vibe of old and new. Krueger & John Molina and their local band with Jeff Catz perform live music show all night long. They are truly expert to rock the party night. The music starts at 9:00 pm from Monday to Thursday and at 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. So, don’t miss to enjoy the dance and dinner on your table for dessert.
Opening Hours: Every Monday to Friday, the Berlin Bar is open from 12:00 pm to 03:00 am. It’s open from 05:00 pm to 03:00 am on every Saturday. The opening hour is 06:00 pm to 03:00 am on every Sunday.


  • Balaclava

You can consider Balaclava as the most cozy and posh restaurant and bar in Singapore. After a long break, it has opened again at the Suntec City. The luxurious appearance of Balaclava has been enchanted more with magnificent chandeliers and exclusive velvet sofas. Apart from the mind-blowing decoration, the pricy beverages are another charm to the visitors. 15 years ago, Balaclava first started its journey. At the point of starting, it was only popular for the marriage ceremony. Soon, the glamorous interior with great drinks and eats turned it into the most popular place for marriage ceremonies. But, now this fascinating and luxurious bar is open for all to enjoy the night out in Singapore.

Foods Available: Whether you are planning to hang out with your friends or having a date with your girlfriend, Balaclava can be the most perfect place for you. Here you will find every type of food items starting from light-foods (like- juicy burgers or dessert) from heavy foods (like- European dishes). And the extensive drinks menu of Balaclava is, in a word- extraordinary.

Music: Do you want to enjoy amazing rock music in a live bar? Come to Balaclava within Monday to Saturday at 7:00 pm. In these days of every week, many bands perform hard rock music at Balaclava from the evening till late night. It feels like party all around.  

Opening Hours: Everyday it opens at 04:00 pm. But, the closing time varies on different days of the week.

  • Tawandang

No other restaurants or bar can be compared to the massiveness of the Tawandang German Brewery, as it’s a vast restaurant and bar including a giant drinking hall, a microbrewery, a restaurant and live show stages. You can consider it as all in one bar and restaurant. This massive bar has the capability to accommodate more than 2000 people at a time. Interestingly, at Tawandang, you will be served with strong beer in ridiculously sized glasses.
Foods Available: Thousands of authentic Thai cuisine with well-served Microbrewery’s fresh German beer, will certainly appetize you and you will definitely want to soak in a rush. But, the waiters will dish out after a dance move or two. So, it would be hard to wait for the next mouthwatering dishes till the waiter serves you the next items.
Music: It’s a great place to enjoy live music in Singapore. This is the only one place, where you can also sing with the house band, if you wish. Another amazing offer for the visitors of Tawandang is- perform music with the local band on Monday and get 20% off your bill. Basically, contemporary American songs, classical ballads, Egyptian themed dance and Thai hit songs are performed here on the live show. The live performance starts at 07:00 pm every day.
Opening Hours: Everyday it opens at 05:00 pm and closes at 01:00 am.
  • The Pump Room

It’s an amazing and creative dining and entertainment bar and restaurant which is situated at a major location in Clarke Quay, Singapore. It started its journey in early December, 2006. You will get the combination of three concepts here that will undoubtedly attract you to come here to enjoy the unforgettable night party with exclusive and exceptional drinks and dishes. The pump room is three in one- a bistro, a microbrewery and a well-decorated bar with full arrangement of live band and party room.
Foods Available: You can taste the wide array of freshly brewed classic and special beers. The unique feature of this beer is- this is unfiltered and unpasteurized. So, it doesn’t contain any preservatives or added chemicals. Therefore, here all you get is the natural and fresh, tasty beers brewed in their own site and the amazing delicious foods are always available at the bistro.
Music: In the entire town, it’s the most popular live band dance club. Only the excellent musicians preform here live on the stage. The local band “Culture Shock” is very good at rock the party night. If you wish, you can request to perform your favorite music and can enjoy the moment.

Opening Hours: Every Sunday to Friday, the Pump Room is open from 05:00 pm to 03:00 am. It’s open from 05:00 pm to 04:00 am on every Saturday. The opening hour is 06:00 pm to 03:00 am on every Sunday.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Every Ending Means A New Beginning




I lost everything- my hope, my dream, my belief, my confidence.

It happened all of a sudden. I left my study incomplete in the last semester. I was so close to my goal. But, suddenly it seemed what I was running for is not what I want, I desire.

It was all of a sudden I found myself on a boat in an ocean without having any compass, rudder or rig. I was at the end of my wit. It seemed I was good for nothing. It seemed I was lost, completely lost.

I wanted to be a marketing manager, but I realized that I am not that material and also I do not wish for that career. It doesn’t match my expectation. I expect for freedom and creativity in my profession and I think I will not get that much freedom and creativity in the career of a marketing manager.

It happens sometimes that you ask for something imitating someone close to you, but after getting that thing you understand that you never want that thing. Same thing happened to me. I was lost for a while as I was like a boat without a rudder.

Though long time has been passed and I have almost lost my mental strength, but it’s never too late to start a new beginning as I believe Every ending starts a new beginning.