Travel for Pennies

After almost three years of commuting between Ampang and Sri Petaling and staying in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Hotels , Sam and Jenette decided that it would be practical for them to move in together. They saw each other every day. The commute everyday was well over 50 kilometers of driving every day. So, moving in together was one way to save money. Both Sam and Jenette were at the age of 22, so they weren’t even considering or entertaining the thoughts of marriage. For one thing Jenette was still a student and Sam just started a new job.

But a year ago, both decided, after much discussion, it was the right time to move in together. Now, both the parents of Sam and Jenette voiced their concerns about them moving in together, but since Sam and Jenette were adults, the parents really had no say in the matter. Jennette is the youngest of four siblings, so her mother didn’t have too much trouble letting go, plus Jenette often goes home to spend time with her family. Sam, on the other hand, knows that his father does not approve of a lifestyle where there is no commitment. Sam though, did not ask for permission from his father, but did assure him that his decision was an informed decision.

It’s not unusual for young people in a relationship to co-habit before marriage, that’s even if marriage is on the table. In big cities such as Kuala Lumpur, people are not likely to frown upon co-habitation without marriage, nor make a judgement. Muslim couples who live together, however, risk being brought forward to the religious authorities if they are caught living together. As for Sam and Jenette, they do not have to face any social stigmas because they both are not Muslims or come from a religious community which controls every aspect of ones life. Couples choose to live together for various reasons. Some people would rather avoid the complications of a legally-binding relationship and others simply do not believe in the institution of marriage.

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Tags: kuala lumpur, Kuala lumpur hotels, Kuala lumpur malaysia hotels, malaysi

I first encounter David at Hotel Chennai India . He was at the check out counter and I noticed he had no luggage. I couldn’t help but make a comment to him about him having no luggage must means he’s off to the near by Ashram for a month’s meditation retreat. He politely smiled and corrected me, saying my assumption is close, but that he’s always traveled lite due to having no possessions. This intrigued me to no end, so I ask him if he could wait for me to check out and ask him a few questions. He said he said yes and that he had questions for me about my reference to an Ashram.

Apparently, this possessionless man had no idea what an Ashram was, so I proceeded to tell him about the one with which I was about to stay at for a month. He then proceeded to tell me that back in America, after his divorce and all the horrific fighting that went on over he and his wife’s possessions that one night he had an Epiphany. This awakening moment made David become aware of how stupid it was to fight and hate over ‘stuff’. He ended up firing his divorce lawyer and ended up giving his now ex-wife everything. David said it was the most freeing sensation he’s ever had. So, from then on he’s been virtually possessionless of about 15 years. Very impressive I thought, but there was something about him I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

When he asked if he could join me at the Ashram, I told him that I don’t see any reason why not, after all, he was a handsome man and single. Plus, it would be interesting to spend a whole month with him and find out what he truly is all about; find out what it is that I can’t pinpoint about him, something illusive. It didn’t take long, about 2 weeks into the Ashram retreat and listening to him boast everyone about how he has no possessions, I came to realize that David’s prize possession was his ego. He almost appeared to condemn the rest of us who hold on to our possession. I still stay in touch with him, but it’s hard when he owns nothing but pride.

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Tags: chennai hotel, hotel channai india, india hotel

More than half of all the elephants of Asia, make their homes in the country of India.  More than twenty percent of the elephants that are domesticated for purposes of work animals or those that are part of the tourism industry either by providing rides or performing in the shows are also in the country of India.  Many roads have been constructed, dams built, or buildings raised, such as the five star Jaipur hotels, where all created with the help of these large beasts.  So it is of utmost importance that the species survives.  This role that elephants have played throughout history, remains just as important today as it was hundreds of years ago.  Much of the heritage of religion and culture is associated with elephants.  And for there to someday be a time when the elephants may not survive, is an unthinkable thought in India.

It is for this reason that the Elephant Festival that occurs each year in March, is not only a fun celebration, but an honoring of these beasts that provide so much for the people of this country.  The festivals take place in Jaipur, and coincides with the festival of colors, which happens throughout the country.  Which makes this the perfect time to be in Jaipur, as the two festivals combined make for an unforgettable experience.  The elephants are adorned with colorful costumes, and parade through the city in these attires.

Other activities include races, tug of war, and polo games.  The tug of war happens between an elephant and a team of men, and spectators are held in awe of the strength of both sides.  There is also a competition at the end of the night for the most decorated of elephants.  There is also many options for food, for dancing and for listening to music.  It is an overall fun and colorful time in the city.  This is one of India’s most unusual festivals and should not be missed.

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Tags: five, hotels, Jaipur, star

The 6th World Chambers Congress (WCC) will be held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, on June 3 -5, 2009.  Organized by the International Chambers of Commerce’s World Chambers Federation(WCR) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, this 6th biennial congress will atract companies and industries from at least 100 countries.

This international forum is open to over 12,000 chambers of commerce from across the globe. It is designed to bring together chamber and business leaders  to “get to know international peers and share experience and best practice on grassroots issues that have a direct impact on the chamber of commerce community.”

Conferences and exhibitions such as this are becoming vitally important to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that rely on tourists and business travelers. With the state of the world economy slipping, the hospitality and tourism industries have been hard hit.

This year’s WCC will focus on “Leading Sustainable Growth and Change.” Organizers see the Congress as a perfect opportunity for communities to find the tools “to survive and emerge even stronger than before,” according to Mustafa Mansur, President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. Topics will range from the current financial crisis to energy, food, and climate changes.

This is the first time the WCC has been held in Southeast Asia.  1,300 participants are expected to attend the June event.

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Tags: Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, hotels, International Chambers of Commerce, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, World Chambers Congress, World Chambers Federation

The International Dance Festial 2009 is underway. The festival, which began on March 14th, runs through March 25th and features performances, workshops, and exhibitions in three cities in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

Dance companies from twelve countries are participating in the event, including Egyptian folkloric company Reda and Italy’s contemporary performance, Touch.  Dancers and singers from Korea and the United States are also performing.  A number of Thai performances will be presented free of charge.

The event offers a rare chance for dancers to attend classes and workshops led by master teachers from around the world.  There are also numerous craft and art shows being held in conjunction with the dance events.

Performances in Bangkok are being held at the Centrepoint Playhouse and the Aksara Theatre. Phuket’s events began on March 18th and wrap up tonight at Port Jungceylon while Chiang Mai will host performances at the Central Airport Plaza today and tomorrow.  Expect lodgings near the performance venues, such as the 5 star hotels Phuket, to be fully booked and area restaurants to be crowded before and after performances.

Over 600 dancers and other performing artists are expected to participate. Some of the featured performances include Argentine Tango, Gershwin Fantasy, and the Last Silver Crane.  There is also a “Young Talented Stage” featuring the dance stars of tomorrow.

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Tags: 5 star hotels, Argentine Tango, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Dance Fest 2009, International Dance Festival, Phuket, Reda