Dialect Magazine – Page 5 – culture in action

Major holiday festivities around the world

If you’re looking forward to breaking the monotony of a mundane life and are in pursuit of places where you could indulge in outdoor festivities, here are some holiday festivities around the world that you should witness – at least once in your lifetime.

Tempe Fiesta Bowl Party

Thousands of people gear up, in Arizona, to celebrate New Year’s Eve by enjoying a grand fiesta. This is one of the largest gatherings in America. You should consider attending this bash if you’re looking for an exciting and unique experience as you usher in the New Year. Throughout the night, revelers dance on the streets, enjoying live music, as the clock strikes midnight. Mill Avenue looks spectacular with thrilling firework displays, which adds to the festive ambiance.

Hollywood Christmas Parade

Every year, in California, the Hollywood Christmas Parade kicks off the holiday season with a dazzling and star-studded parade. People line up on the streets to become a part of this 3.2 mile parade, which takes place on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Photo Credit: Countdown Entertainment LLC; Image Source: timessquareball.net

The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

Millions of people flock to the world-famous Times Square, while billions are glued to their TV sets to watch this dazzling spectacle on New Year’s Eve. At midnight, the crystal ball drops from a height of 141 feet (43 m) in 60 seconds as it marks the arrival of the New Year.

It’s one of the best known international celebrations. On the afternoon of the 31^st of December, the Square is closed for traffic, as people start arriving early in the hope of getting a better view of the festivities.

La Tomatina

This yearly festival, in Spain, attracts millions of tourists with its unique fervor. The attendees celebrate by grabbing ripe red tomatoes and throwing it on friends and strangers, alike. You get to watch fireworks, dance at the parade, and enjoy live Spanish music. This event promises you a fun-filled (and messy) festival time.

Carnival in Rio De Janeiro

Brazilians surely know how to work hard and party harder! Year round festivities are part of Brazil’s culture and people from around the world throng the country to witness these celebrations. During this carnival, people go out on the streets with buckets of water and lime, throwing it at anyone and everyone whom they meet. The parade is one of the most spectacular events in the world where you get to view vibrant costumes, experience different styles of music, and taste authentic Brazilian dishes.

Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated in India during autumn. At night, you can see the sky shining with an array of glittering fireworks and, also, enjoy exquisite Indian cuisine. Colorful patterns called “rangoli” are drawn in front of the houses as this festival is celebrated with much joie de vivre.

Boryeong Mud Festival

This annual festival in Boryeong, South Korea, takes place during the summer. This carnival includes fun mud-slinging, as people play around like children – smearing their bodies with mud. From mud slides to mud pools, you can enjoy everything muddy and have some carefree outdoor fun.

~~~

Sources:

– Deepika Sharma Grover

7 ways to travel like a celebrity (on a budget)

You need not be an A lister to enjoy special treatment. If you’re fond of travelling and want to travel like a celebrity then follow these simple tips. You’ll save your bucks while enjoying the perks.

1. Travel first class

Celebrities fly first class and so can you, however you can pull this off without shelling out extra money. Make sure that you book an off-peak flight to get a considerable deal for first class. In addition, having a frequent-flier card is icing on the cake.

Don’t forget to book the hotel along with the flight – you not only save cash but, also, get the benefit of free drinks and inclusive meals. Travelling on specific days helps you save your money and get more personalized deals. Planning your vacation on days when kids go back to school or during winter season has benefits. Airlines and hotels slash their prices significantly during this time. You can sign up for your favorite hotel’s credit card and get rewarded with loyalty points and enjoy more perks (but read the fine print, carefully). You should, also, look into any discounts and perks that your current credit cards offer.

2. Get day passes at the VIP lounges

You need to pay a nominal amount for these day passes and you get to enjoy VIP facilities. You can buy off a cut-in-line if you want to avoid the crowd and need a quick entry.

3. Dress immaculately

Your fashion style should make you stand out. Pay special attention to your wardrobe. Here are a few tips:

– Avoid dressing up in pajamas and gym clothes.

– Wear black as it is always in fashion and helps you look chic.

– Wear wedges as they are comfortable and classy.

– Compliment your look with the right accessories, i.e. designer sunglasses, bags and watches.

– If you have long and unmanageable hair, sport a sock bun as it looks great.

4. Wear the right make-up

Don’t go overboard with your foundation and apply very little bronzer. Apply shadow and full make up minutes before landing so that you look fresh and happening.

Guys, you can shape up your facial hair to create a new look and don’t shy away from hair care products!

5. Use branded luggage

Most celebrities are seen carrying extravagant bags and purses from famous designers and you can have one, too, without spending too much money. Websites, like walkinmycloset, fashionphile and eBay, offer pre-owned designer luggage at reasonable cost and in good condition.

6. Choose celebs favorite destinations

Find out where your favorite celebrities like to vacation. Some websites give you detailed information on awesome holiday destinations which are celebrities’ frequent haunts. Some of these destinations are Cape Town (South Africa), Lake Como (Italy), and New York (USA). These trips are organized by travel agents who provide you a complete package which imitates the vacation of a celebrity while ensuring your comfort and convenience.

7. Keep a track of your carbon footprint

Get in touch with carbon offset companies that promote sustainable travel, which calculate the amount of carbon dioxide generated during travel. Many celebrities do this. The environmental damage is then compensated by planting equivalent number of trees.

So follow these simple tips and trot around the globe like an A lister.

~~~

Sources:

http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/971643/how-to-travel-like-a-celebrity

http://www.wikihow.com/Act-Like-a-Celebrity

http://learni.st/users/60/boards/25319-how-to-travel-like-a-celebrity

http://blog.trekaroo.com/travel-like-celebrity-family-friendly-style/

http://www.complicatedmama.com/2013/02/04/how-to-pack-like-a-celebrity-while-traveling/

– Deepika Sharma Grover

Lakers Basketball and Four-Legged Friends at Luxe City Center Hotel

For those seeking a luxurious and accommodating hotel in the heart Los Angeles’ downtown sports, entertainment and business district, look no further than Luxe City Center Hotel. Mere steps away from a killer sports, showbiz and social scene, this unique boutique hotel is directly adjacent to the famed STAPLES Center, Nokia Theatre, world-class dining and other attractions located within the kinetic L.A. LIVE entertainment complex.

Given its close proximity to the STAPLES Center, it’s no surprise the hotel’s Laker’s Experience Package—currently offered at $625 per game/night—is a draw. With this package guests receive two tickets to the Lakers game, Executive Suite accommodations, parking, two complimentary pre or post game cocktails with appetizer and a continental breakfast for two.

My own experience at Luxe City Center hotel was one replete with gracious service and sumptuous surroundings. I particularly loved the grand lobby with its shimmering nickel-plated Atlantis chandelier, trendy furnishings and décor that favored a modern and slightly art deco black, white and purple color palette. Of course, as with all properties in the Luxe Hotels family, a bowl of signature green apples is freely available at the reception desk, as are bottles of water that guests automatically receive upon check in.

The stylish sensibility of the lobby area is carried throughout the property, from the on-site hotel restaurant, FigOly, to each the room options that include fourteen 375 square foot Executive Suites and two magnificent 765 square foot Platinum Suites. There is also a total of 162 Superior and Deluxe guestrooms available ranging from 300 to 380 square feet that, for the price point, are professedly among the largest and most luxurious in downtown Los Angeles.

Each room or suite has upscale design details that include acacia hardwood floors, flat-screen televisions, and marble bathrooms that are outfitted with plush 100% terry cotton robes, ionic hair dryers, and rain-style shower heads. The Platinum Suites also have relaxing free-standing soaking tubs and digitally controlled Kohler multi-function shower heads among an array of other enhanced features.

What I particularly love about Luxe City Center Hotel is that, no matter the room choice, all guests benefit from premier amenities such as complimentary high-speed Internet access throughout hotel, nightly turn-down service, premium in-room minibar, on-call spa treatments, full-time guest concierge, and a Keurig coffee brewing system. Bedding in all rooms boast a triple-sheeted Sealy double pillow top Presidential mattress topped with 100% goose down pillows. Hypo-allergenic bedding is available by request.

When you’re ready to venture out and socialize, hit the second floor of the hotel where you’ll find a large outdoor terrace with chic private cabanas, copious table seating surrounded by outdoor heaters, cozy fire pits and a sculptured water fountain. This cozy outdoor lounge area, which directly overlooks L.A. Live and the bustling street scene below, offers decidedly tasty small plates, artisan cocktails, adult shakes and craft beer. It’s a great place to start your day or night, or end it.

And, to offset all that eating and imbibing, you can maintain your workout while you travel in the hotel’s third floor Fitness Suite where a few cardio machines are available. Guests also benefit from complimentary access to a local Gold’s Gym if a more serious workout is in order.

Another distinctive feature of this luxury hotel is the fact that it’s pet friendly! Yes, it is one of the very few luxury hotels in Los Angeles that will welcome your four-footed best friend—as long as there are a maximum of two furry companions and both are under 30 pounds. The property will prepare for your pooch by setting up a plush pet bed, food and water bowls and even supply bone treats so pup feel spoiled, too. For those pet owners to hate to board animals in a facility or impose on friends or family for pet care, this amenity is priceless.

In downtown Los Angeles, you will be hard-pressed to find a hotel that facilitates such a lavish and convenient Lakers game experience or travel experience in general—whether you are jaunting for business or pleasure, even with your pup in tow.

~~~

***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***

Racism: A stark reality in America

Time and again, incidences of racial discrimination have rocked the United States and 2013 witnessed a surge in such unwelcome occurrences.

The recent firing of Justine Sacco exposes the mindset of some people in the country. Sacco, a top PR executive of InterActiveCorp, was fired after her racist tweet went viral and generated worldwide furor. She tweeted, ‘Going to Africa. Hope I don’t get AIDS. Just Kidding. I’m White!’. IAC distanced itself from the tweet and referred to it as “outrageous and offensive”.

It was a bad attempt by Sacco at evoking humor out of a serious issue and she irked millions of people by her inconsiderate attitude. According to dosomething.org, roughly 23.8 million people in Africa having HIV/AIDS and in the wake of such suffering, this comment was uncalled for.

The cause of concern is that such incidents are not isolated. The GAP commercial featuring a Sikh model was defaced with racial slurs in November of 2013. It is sad that we still live in an age where a person is called an “Arab” in a derogatory manner if he sports a beard and a turban. In another incidence, a U.S. man pleaded guilty for slapping a black toddler who was crying, incessantly, on a plane. The man in question, also, hurled out racial slurs.

Stories in the last few months re-affirm that racism is still prevalent in America and is not a thing of the past. Many people, however, deny its existence, more so because they have not experienced it. It is as ignorant as saying that Mount Everest does not exist because I have not climbed it.

Social networking sites have become an important conduit for hate speeches with sites like Facebook and Twitter flooded with a host of homophobic comments everyday. This online inflow has prompted a number of researchers to conduct studies on the behaviors of people across the globe and there have been some thought-provoking and important revelations. A Twitter study conducted by professor Monica Stevens and Humboldt State University shows the concentration of racist and homophobic tweets throughout America.

America’s reputation as an ethnically and racially diverse nation is at a stake because of some xenophobic individuals who are ready to hurl racist abuse at the drop of a hat.

The silver lining in the cloud is that authorities have taken stringent action against the culprits in almost all the reported incidents. Sacco was fired by the IAC; the man accused of slapping a black child has been sentenced to prison for eight months; and GAP reacted to the racial graffiti by changing its twitter background to the picture of the Sikh model to express its support.

But what about the cases that aren’t reported? What about the discrimination in the workplace, in stores, and other places that some people silently bear?

This increasing intolerance towards people from other races and backgrounds reflects a dangerous trend. Such incidents highlight that there is an increasing need for cultural awareness within the people of the country. Culture is sacrosanct and has a great importance in every individual’s life as it is a part of his/her identity. It is important to not only understand but to revere a culture which is different from ours, as in doing so, we promote harmony and peace.

It’s time for America to embrace the minorities and help transform the country into a place which Martin Luther King had dreamt of, a place where little children “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character“.

~~~

Sources:

– Deepika Sharma Grover

How to become a Travel Writer

If you like exploring new places and have a flair for writing then you can become a travel writer and earn some quick bucks doing what you love. A good travel write-up is a boon for tourists as it helps them to know the do’s and don’ts while embarking on a new journey. Here are certain tips which would be beneficial for you before venturing into travel writing.

1. Explore

Staying at luxury hotels and visiting only the places on the tour map will just limit your experience. Instead you should explore the area and interact with the locals to know more about the culture of a place. Also, find out more about the interesting sites, which have not been covered before. While visiting a place, I try taking public transportation rather than a cab as I get more opportunity to encounter local people.

2. Have an eye for detail

Remember, when you visit a certain place you are not only a tourist but, also, a travel writer. You should have a knack for details which includes the lifestyle of the people plus the history, architecture and music of that particular place.

3. Write

You should write in a descriptive style and paint word pictures to involve the reader and make them feel what you have experienced so they become a part of your journey. A travel writer not only has to share his experiences in an interesting manner but you must sell the idea to the reader. Make them feel like that travel destination is a quick getaway from his mundane life.

Don’t forget to carry a notebook and a camera with you. Keep on documenting what you feel, as it is not possible to recollect every detail later. Click pictures to make your write-up more interesting, as a picture is worth a thousand words.

4. Start with your own blog

Posting your write ups on a blog is a good way to start as you don’t need an editor to publish your work. Along with travel write ups you can include your bio and some details about your forthcoming trips. This will help you to showcase your work to the editors whom you are trying to reach.

5. Identify a niche

Narrow down on a particular area under travel, depending on what you are passionate about, as you will enjoy the process of research and putting the article together much more. This will not only help you in gaining an expertise in that niche but you will, also, increase your chances of success.

For example, you can write about a particular place that you are already familiar with, such as the town where you live. You can be a destination expert. As you write in detail about the places to stay, eat and shop, people wanting to get info about your town are more likely to find your write ups on the internet and, also, find them to be very resourceful.

6. Be patient and flexible

Travel writing is an immensely competitive field as anyone who can write well and likes to travel can become a travel writer. It may take time for things to work but if you put in hard work in the right direction you are bound to succeed. Just keep writing.

Also, be open to other types of writing until you become an established travel writer – being flexible will help you pay your bills and keep you going.

~~~

Sources:

– Deepika Sharma Grover

The many hidden places of Napa Valley

During the winter, grapevines lose their leaves and vineyards may seem barren. They do not exude their usual sign of vitality. In the fall, the vibrant colors of the leaves merge with sunsets of similar tones to create a spectacular view. The first Napa Valley grape was planted in 1839. Napa Valley is considered one of the top wine growing regions in the world. The combination of the Mediterranean climate, the layout of the land, and the soil make it perfect for the the tasteful wines to be made.

Napa Valley is located in Northern California and the area has been preserved since the 1960’s. The Charles Krug Winery opened its doors in 1861 and it was Napa Valley’s first large winery. The number of wineries grew immensely through the end of the nineteenth century when more than 140 wineries had been opened. Wine historian, Charles Sullivan wrote “By the early 1950s it was irrefutable that the Valley’s Big Four had been augmented by one – the Charles Krug Winery.” (Charles Krug, http://www.charleskrug.com) Some of these wineries still welcome tasters today. One vineyard is Beringer. Beringer was purchased in 1875 and it is 215 acres. Horses would bring wagons of grapes to produce the wine at the Old Winery. Tours of the property start in the tasting room of the 19th Century Rhine House. There are 3 tours, 30 to 90 minutes in length, including a family tour where you can explore the vineyard’s marvelous grounds with a glass of wine in hand.

There is the Bancroft Ranch Merlot (Howell Mountain) and the Vogt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) which you can sample. Built into the hillside of Spring Mountain were aging tunnels. These were built from the late 1870s to the early 1880s. The hillside rock is a natural insulator maintaining the temperature in the tunnel at 58 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, with humidity to keep the wine safe, indefinitely. Another historical vineyard is Mayacama Vineyards located in the Mayacama Mountains, separating the Napa and Sonoma valleys.

The winery is dug into the side of a volcano crater. There are 52 acres of vineyards planted. You can try a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon or a 2011 Chardonnay. The oldest wine-producing vineyards are the Chardonnay terraces soiled from 1950 to 1952. The Napa Valley is 30 miles long and each year 4.7 million people visit. The size may not seem like a lot but visitors take time to traverse the vineyards, walk the grounds, and learn the wine making process. Most importantly, they get to sip the wine to revel in its taste.