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Traveling in the Balearics has a certain aura that is fantastically splendid.  When you see the islands, you’re participating in an event that seems new and exciting, when in fact, it’s very old and exciting.  People have been exploring here for centuries and centuries, and there is a fascinating history of all the civilizations that have passed through here.  In Formentera, there are ancient Romans, Carthaginians, and Visigoths, among others.  You don’t have to be a conquering civilization these days, however, and they’re some of the most spectacularly peaceful places in the world to visit.  When you come, you can add your name to the list of illustrious visitors, so make your time here the time of your life.

There are many ways to make the most of your time in Formentera.  Car rental options are a great way to open up the island to you and your guests, offering an ease of locomotion, so that you can see all the sights you want to see, and in your own sweet time.  There are many adventures to be had here, and when you’re traveling on your own terms, that aura of other civilizations starts to rub off, and you can start to see the larger picture here, which is as old as time itself.  There are many ways to mark time, and one of the best ways is through music.

It’s easy to avoid the club scenes here if you want to stay away, but if there’s any sweetness in the music at all for you, then there’s no need to avoid it.  Formentera is certainly calmer than Ibiza, and even the night life is a bit more tame, but it’s still pretty exquisite, and you can hear Bruno from Ibiza when he’s playing this island.  He’s worked with Moba sound before, and they’re based here.  Getting into the club scene is perhaps even easier here, because there’s less of a buzz, and that means you can hear the music without the hype.  It’s always splendid to hear new sounds when they come so sweetly.

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Hot tubs have a very long history.  Today in New York there is a pub in the center of the city titled the “Roman Bath”.  This is so due to the fact that just below the foundation of the bar, a Roman steam bath was discovered during the 1930′s.  Along with having a great time with your friends in this pub, you can have the opportunity to visit the museum that they have constructed surrounding the bath.

The bath is located in what was once a military camp, so there is no fancy mosaic work that one finds in the Roman Baths that were used for leisure, for the civilians.  There is a main tower that is still intact as well as armour, helmets, shields and swords.  Human history is filled with people finding relaxation in hot tubs and steam baths.  Of all the activities of leisure in Ancient Rome, the bath houses were the most popular, and for some of the upper class, this was an activity that took place each and every day.  Now, people do go to hot tubs, and bath privately at home.  But in those days, the act of bathing was a communal occurrence, and a place where people went to socialize as well as sit in the warm water soaks.

The old bath houses, some of which are still in use today, resemble our modern day health clubs or community centers, although for the most part, the were much more creative in design and decoration.  This kind of environment today, creates the calming effects of not only the water and the body, but on the soul and the mind as well.  The atmosphere is perfect for forgetting about the worries or the stresses of day.  This is one of the ways to step back, to recharge and rejuvenate, today just as it was throughout ancient history.  When you soak in your back yard hot tub today, know that you are taken part in just a bit of that history as well.

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Appropriately enough, the oldest museum in Singapore happens to be the National Museum of Singapore, which also houses the Singapore History Museum. It began life in 1887, one hundred and twenty-two years ago, as the Raffles Library and Museum, and over time, evolved into the National Museum.  In the early years following the turn of the 20th century to the 21st, the museum underwent renovations, and was officially reopened just three years ago in December, 2006.  Expanded to twice its size, multi-media exhibits now explain the story of Singapore in two different ways: from the point of view of an historian, and from the view of an ordinary individual on the street.  The museum visitor can choose whichever audio headset she or he wishes to act as a guide.  There are four Living Galleries, whose object is to show how ordinary life is lived in Singapore in four specific areas: Fashion, Film, Food, and Photography.

Of all the museums I’ve seen in my life to date, this renovated museum may be the best in terms of the layout of its rooms, the content and creativity contained in the displays, and just the amount of information dispensed about life in Singapore.  I skipped other museums just to return for a second visit before checking out of my Singapore hotel resort.

In the Singapore Living Galleries, you can choose to browse lightly through the contents or actually make a detailed study of the topics, such as “How to Make a Cheong-Sam” in Fashion, or “Interracial Relationships” (a Photography exhibit).  The personal stories, especially in the latter exhibit, captures your emotions.

The Singapore History Gallery begins with a walk through a video montage.  It’s spectacular.  After that, you choose between a “Personal Stories” path or an “Events” path.  The latter is the one told from the perspective of historians; the former is comes from the people actually living the lives on display.  It’s possible to easily switch back and forth between the two narratives, which I found a real plus.

When I return to Singapore, I know this museum will be first on my list!

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Traveling the islands of Hawaii is an adventure.  In Lanai, hotels are located along the beaches and in the city, offering the best of service and accommodations.  If you are desiring an excursion to Oahu, vacation packages offer a myriad of options, all a great deal for anyone traveling on a budget.  And when you make the choice to go to Kauai, make certain to visit the Waimea Canyon.  This is a canyon 2 miles wide, 10 miles long and thirty-six hundred deep.  Mark Twain offered up a nickname for Waimea, calling it the Pacific’s Grand Canyon, in reference to the canyon of the United States Southwest.

In Hawaii though, the canyon is filled with a different kind of landscape and the colors are much more vivid.  Centuries of volcanic activity have left behind rich greens, browns and reds.  Just on the side of the canyon is the Koke State Park.  Both the canyon and the park are filled with hiking trails and camp sites, offering up many choices for those who dig the outdoors, the tropical surroundings, and the fresh air.  While hiking a tee shirt and shorts is appropriate, but unless you are physically exerting your self, it can be a bit chilly.  Hiking through the trails is warm however, more so once you reach the bottom of the canyon.  Rain is common and so too is mud, so be prepared to get a little dirty.  Lookouts and scenic views are plentiful so bring a camera as well as your extra set of clothing.

Waimea Canyon is open every day of the year, and there is no charge for hiking.  However a permit is required at a nominal fee of $5, in order to stay in the camp grounds, there are cabins and lodges as well, should you want a bit more comfort than a tent would provide.  If the hiking is not your style, but you still wish to experience this canyon in Kauai, travel by helicopter.  These rides offer adventure as well as some of the most incredible views of the surroundings.  Nothing like a bird’s eye view to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural world.  In all, no matter which of the islands you choose to spend time upon, there will be something to do, something to see, each and every day.

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Companies are rethinking the way that they are doing business, the economy and the increased competition are requiring business owners to come up with new strategies to increase sales, improve customer service and to incorporate regular corporate team building programs.  By working on these aspects during a difficult time, opportunities and new ideas for better business, better service and believe it or not, a better future.  An artist friend of mine choose to rethink his worry about not selling as many paintings these days.  He choose to focus on creating his own style, to improving his techniques and his skills, and to creating as many paintings as he can, because someday this economy will be better, and he will be ready for that day with better paintings, and a lot of them.  This is an opportunity for big businesses to move ahead as well.  And finding ways to make better products and to increase sales, even when it may look bleak, will carry your company to the next level.

What my friend is doing on his own, is something that is taught in many a sales training program today, and that is that one of the main aspects that will increase one’s sales immediately is through the acquisition of bulk business.  How does one do this?  You may choose to hire someone who specializes in innovative thinking, who has a well-built network behind them.  They follow the trends and through their experience they seem to predict the market, predict the wants and the needs of consumers.  They possess real talent which will in turn produce tangible results in the department of sales.  Partnerships and relationships that they have formed will now be your partnerships and relationships, growing your business and your sales exponentially.  These are the kind of business collaborations that will not only take your through the recession, but carry your company well on past it and into the future.

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Cape Town is one of the jewels of the world, offering a splendid combination of natural beauty with a lively urban scene.  There are many fabulous reasons for visiting here, and they may be similar to the reasons that so many great minds have been drawn to this city for centuries.  There are thousands of years of tradition behind the visual and performing arts here, hinting at some of the secrets of every civilization, and there are many different traditions that have taken root in this ground.  It’s a fine place to find a fantastic restaurant, offering some of the multiple varieties of local foods, along with an incredible amount of international restaurants, and all of these are worth tasting.  For luxury hotels, Cape Town has plenty to offer, combining hospitality with the local tradition for treating guests with a spectacular magic.

There are fantastic beaches here, and some say the water is bluer here than anywhere on earth, and Cape Town is also within easy access to some of South Africa’s superb natural areas, with vast grasslands that go on into infinity.  There is also a spectacular scene for local culture, and some of the finest is found in the galleries.  If you’re looking for art that represents South Africa in a way that can provide a general introduction to the work here, have a look at the Cape Gallery.  It’s off the old Church Street walking mall, and is set among colonial buildings that will give a glimpse into the history here.

On display are a stunning number of works by South African artists, beginning with the traditions in the last two centuries, where painters were making art works that were very representational.  There are some splendid works that speak of a European style based in cataloguing natural phenomena and human presence in a way that was an attempt to reflect reality.  These works become strikingly historical when seen in conjunction with the new work of South African artists, who are using more contemporary sensibilities, along with indigenous South African artistic traditions, to reflect multiple realities that exist in the streets in the here and now.

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It was a nice surprise on the island, a actual wooden train, built in 1912. We rode it yesterday from Palma to Soller. It only took an hour and goes along this flat dry, dusty stretch of the island and then arrives at the back of the city and up into some rocky mountains blanketed in pine trees. Villas of stone dot the mountain side and hillside stone terraces planted with Citrus trees and Olive trees. It was a breathtaking train ride. We laughed at the same time when we both started singing ‘The Hills are Alive’ from the “Sound of Music”.

The train went through the mountains very long tunnel, several tunnels, to the other side, which over-looks the town of Soller. Soller looked like a story book town from where we were!  When we finally reached the bottom, Soller was more than story book, it was gorgeous. Tree lined streets, fantastic old structures and a quaint small town square surrounded by cafes. It’s exactly what we imagined a European village would looked like something that we though doesn’t exist anymore. Little villas lining the port and cafes, shops, small wooden boats docked around the port. When we reached the port, it took our breath was taken away. The beach is rocky, where as Mallorca has lovely sand. Soller is a typical looking Mediterranean beach with umbrellas, deck chairs all along the shore line and gorgeous sail boat gliding along a blue sea.

We noticed that this town has some of the best Balearic Hotels available. We decided to book a room and stay here for a day or two and found it to be cheaper than Palma. We never felt so in awe of a place as we do here about Soller. Such a wonderful treasure. Maybe we’ll say a week.

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You wont find any big hotel only a good boutique hotel. Ibiza is one beach town not loaded with ugly hotels. You will find smaller places to stay. Smaller hotels that are more intimate. Once you check in you may not be there long because this town is about being out 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you have jet lag don’t worry. The night life will pick you up. Ibiza is known for the best DJ’s in the world. They all want a dance hot spot on this coastal town. The rich and famous come here and pick up some of the best new music and then take it home which starts the trend rolling.

This town never sleeps at night. There are always some places open for the party. Even the clothing boutiques stay open until 2 am in the summer. The streets seem to bustling all the time. If you want sleep you have to hit the beach in the day time. Of course when you finally roll out of the Club. Just roll onto the beach. If you can dare sleep with all the gorgeous people shuffling in the sand. There is plenty of space on the beaches of Ibiza so I bet you can find a little bit of slumber.

If you have the extra energy and an adventurist heart hit the sea. You can charter a boat and catch the view of the town from the water. As you get a nice panoramic view you will be taken back to a more medieval time. The old walls rise out like a natural extension of the near by cliffs. They protect the harbour like it was a royal fortress. You can see the looming cathedral who’s clock all though lit up is inaccurate but shines out across the bay as if to draw you in. When you are done with the sea for the day. Head back in and take a nap. Your gonna need it.

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Hong Kong is one of those crazy big cities that never sleeps. How do you choose from so many of the best hotels. Hong Kong is filled with so many options. From Modern to traditional from a quieter street to being in the middle of all the night has to offer. Once you decide on a hotel, you could spend years in Hong Kong and not see everything.

You could start with the hill top view from Victoria Peak. Other than a helicopter flying around the tops of the buildings, were else would you see the city from such an angle. And the ride up is spectacular in the tram. If you have issues with heights, try Aberdeen. Aberdeen is a floating city where people live on floating vessels and eat in floating restaurants. From there you look up at the mountains and sky scrapers nestled together. This way you could slip away and hit the Stanley Market. Great for finding the local art treasures and bargain shop for cloths.

If you want something more traditional to see, hit the New Territories. This is more like the old agricultural village life. There is lots of fishing in the country parks. Lantau Island is also a place of more tranquility. Travel out of the big city of neon and see the mountains with the large Buddha Statue. This area is surely a mecca of spirituality. However, on this same Lantau Island one can get lost in the Hong Kong Disneyland. It’s not like being in California or Florida. It’s Chinese style especially if you go around the chinese New Year when the park celebrates  the chinese holiday. They aim to send you home with lots of luck and good fortune.

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Kuala Lumpur, even the name sounds either romantic or comical when heard and spoke for the first time. Walter chose the former and when he went there on a business meeting for the first time two years ago he had an ulterior motive. Walter is one of those rare special men who is both exciting, independent and successful while also being romantic, committed and caring. He has both a mysterious wild side as well as a soft sensitive side. He is successful and financially stable and enjoys the finer things in life and spending money on others. He is also what many people consider to be standardly good lucking.

So how is it that this forty-year-old dream man has never been married? That’s exactly what Walter was wondering as he packed his suitcase for one of the Kuala Lumpur hotels. He decided that a new country, a new city and a new attitude was in order and on his time off he thought he would try and meet a special woman. On his second day in the capital city he spent some time enjoying the scenery and views of the City Centre Park. He saw many people tending to their daily routines and wondered about their lives and interests though he didn’t strike up a conversation with anyone and was hesitant of being too forward.

The next afternoon spent some time in the Mid Valley Megamall and was actually amazed at the extent of it and enjoyed the street scene as he passed through the connecting bridge to The Gardens. Walter chose this location because the thought that women from all over the world would be interested in shopping there and while he enjoyed the sites and food very much, once again he spoke to no one. The next day was gong to be his third and final free afternoon and Walter was beginning to lose hope in meeting anyone. And not being one prone to self pity or letting life slip by he decided to do something particularly exciting that night. Walter attended a performance at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall. Walter may not have found love on his business trip to Malaysia though he did enjoy his stay and the good news is that this great man is still on the market.