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Each year after Diwali, for four days, many celebrate the Chhath Festival by performing a series of rites which end in a gathering with water rituals, music and mingling.
Chhath Puja is one of the biggest festivals in Bihar, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and various Hindu communities in Nepal also celebrate it. Bhagalpur in Bihar draws thousands of devotees to the Barari Ghat by the River Ganga.
The cold weather has brought along the joy of spending a wholesome vacation. Get set with the lightest possible luggage and pick from a wide number of places we have listed for you.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie’s host of thickly wooded trails, plunging pine-clad valleys, magnificent views, and salubrious climes are exactly what the doctor ordered! This town is like a painting straight out of the pages of a Victorian sketchbook.
Nothing is more delightful than the change in weather at this time of the year that also heralds in a change of mood making everything seem chirpier and brighter. What adds sprinkles of joy to it all are the number of festivals and celebrations that the almanac brings along. We’ve lined up some of the major ones for you. Take a look:
International Yoga and Music Festival When: Nov 1-7 Where: Rishkesh, Uttarakhand
Against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, Rishikesh will be hosting the International Yoga and Music Festival. Yoga enthusiasts can gather to be part of the event that is organized by the Nada Yoga School every year since 2008. It features yoga professionals from India and abroad conducting sessions that explore the myriad holistic aspects of yoga through seminars, workshops, etc. Evening time is for relaxation with programmes on Indian classical music.
The Frankfurt Book Fair has had quite the long history. Photo credit: Nadiia Gerbish/Shutterstock.com
1454
The first fair is held by local booksellers, not long after Johannes Gutenberg invents the printing press. It soon establishes itself as one of the most important literary events in the world.
1700s
The fair is threatened by the Catholic Reformation movement in Frankfurt, which institutionalises censorship. However, it continues to be a popular event for publishers and book agents.
1950
The fair starts awarding the annual Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, recognising authors who advocate international understanding through their works.
1980
LitProm (Society for the Promotion of African, Asian and Latin American Literature) is founded, promoting works by minority voices for translation into German.
The outdoor area of the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2017. Photo credit: hadot 760/Shutterstock.com
2006
A campaign against illiteracy, called LitCam, is launched at the fair, which strives to raise awareness about education equality and integration.
2019
A new thematic area called Frankfurt Audio will be unveiled at the fair this year, celebrating everything from podcasts to smart speakers and reflecting the rise of audio media consumption.
Singapore Airlines flies to Frankfurt daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
After YEARS I was finally ble to experience Paris Photo in 2017. Each trip in November, I gave it great thought and always decided it would probably mean waiting in long lines to enter, even if I had a ticket. This day, Peter, Mary and I were headed to the Petit Palais for an exhibit when I looked toward the Grand Palais and discovered there was not line that I could see! Peter spoke with a guard and voila! I walked up, paid my 30 euros and was inside. This was also my first time under the fabulous glass and steel dome of the Grand Palais, so I experienced an adrenaline rush just wanting to photograph every inch. That and the hundreds of photography exhibition booths was just as Meredith Mullins had warned, sensory overload. I wandered without an organized plan but managed to experience the architecture and the photography. More photographs to come this week!
Rome is a terrific city during the cooler times of year. Even after summer heat has faded most days will be blue-skied and sunny. On the rare day when thunder rumbles and the skies open, we have a few suggestions on how to enjoy a rainy day. Storms usually roll through fast and fierce in … Continue reading Rainy Day in Rome? Five Great Ways to Enjoy the Experience→
Jose Pacuo, Head Concierge at the Milestone Hotel & Residences, London, offers some suggestions on when a concierge can make the difference to your trip.
A good concierge is the gatekeeper to their city, and is the key to unlocking exactly the experiences a guest at their hotel is after. So they’re a great place to start for personalised suggestions and advice on tours and outings. As they’re specialists in their city, you can expect a pretty accurate and tailored piece of advice.
Concierges are engaged by guests in a variety of ways – from helping with basic necessities like finding a parking space or getting directions to planning the entire duration of a stay. If you have an unusual request, like trying to source a particular item as a gift back home, a concierge can save you time and help you find the best in class, and even arrange to buy it for you.
An experienced concierge won’t be fazed even by unusual requests, so don’t be shy in asking for their help. If they don’t know the answer themselves they’ll have an impeccable contacts book to find someone in the city who does.
This excerpt has been taken from Lonely Planet’s Best Ever Travel Tips.
One of the reasons why mammals, including humans, care for their young ones during formative years is due to what scientists call the ‘cuteness’ factor. If you notice, an elephant, a lion or a gorilla baby looks cute and fuzzy and very different from the adult but the same can’t be said, for instance, of reptiles- their babies, while small in size, look similar to the adult. It’s this ‘cuteness’ factor in mammals that makes us melt in front of pups, cubs, calves and all things small and furry. However, it’s crucial that we give these young ones space in the wild to grow into happy and healthy adults to ensure the sustainable continuation of the species.
Globally, some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife can be found in the savannahs of Tanzania & Kenya, the rainforests of Uganda & Rwanda, the jungles of South Africa, Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe besides the national parks of India & Sri Lanka and those of Indonesia, Australia & New Zealand, western US & Alaska, north-western Canada, Costa Rica, Amazonian Brazil and the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s far east.
Now, like never before, we have the need to preserve the last wild places and animal habitats left on Earth for these creatures and need to ensure that their current generation makes it through. Here are some images of animal babies around the world that are irresistible and if such images can lead to a collective consciousness in us to save them, then the world would be a better place for it.
Five-star restaurant Lacivert offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus as you dine on authentic Mediterranean cuisine. For something more casual, Ara Kafe has hearty Turkish fare and features works by famous photographer Ara Güler, whom the café is named after. In central Istanbul, Aret’in Yeri has amazing Armenian mezzes alongside raki, the famous local liquor. But there’s also plenty of street food you should try, such as simit (round pretzels covered in sesame seeds) and kumpir (loaded baked potatoes).
DRINK
Vogue Restaurant & Bar brings you right back to the waterfront with its fantastic array of drinks and a trendy atmosphere. I also really enjoy kicking back at Spago in the St. Regis hotel, especially over the weekends. Alternatively, electronic music fans should definitely check out KLEIN. The premier nightclub hosts a range of DJs putting out the best beats.
EXPLORE
One of the city’s most important attractions is Maiden’s Tower. To get there, you take a boat to the entrance of the Bosphorus. Climb to its summit and relish the view while sipping a delicious Turkish tea in the café. Relaxing at a traditional hammam (spa) is also a must-do. Highly recommended is the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, which was built back in the 16th century and remains in pristine condition. You could also take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands to getaway from the bustling city. Only horse-drawn carriages are allowed there, so it’s like stepping back in time.
STAY
My favourite places to stay always involve convenience. The Basileus Hotel in the heart of the Sultanahmet district is just a stone’s throw from attractions such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, while the four-star Villa Pera Suite Hotel in Beyoglu is just a short walk from Taksim Square, Istiklal Caddesi and some really amazing restaurants.
TIPS
The Istanbulkart is the best way to get around the city. With it you can ride all buses, trams and ferries. Grab a map to easily get around the transport system.
Illustration by Sibel Açıkalın Akgün
Singapore Airlines flies to Istanbul five times weekly. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
There’s something alluring about Scotland that’s unmatched by almost any other place. Whether it’s the romantic castles or the rolling moors and misty lochs, there’s a lot to fall in love with while you’re here. And it’s no matter if you’re walking hand in hand with your love or you’re traveling solo through the rolling […]
Travellers have been complaining for years about being nickle-and-dimed by the airline industry, but it turns out there’s one thing they don’t mind paying a bit more for.
According to recent research, passengers are willing to pony up extra cash for flights, as long as the money is going toward carbon offsets – and the word “tax” doesn’t appear anywhere in the mix. And they’re even more enthusiastic if they know that the oil magnates are paying too.
“We wanted to gauge consumers’ reaction to a $14 carbon fee that was presented to them in several different ways at the time of a hypothetical ticket purchase,” study co-author Alec Beall explained to the business school’s Insights page. “The dollar amount of the charge was the same, but it was described as either a ‘carbon offset’ or a ‘tax,’ for either ‘aviation fuel production and import’ or ‘airplane travel’.”
The results were overwhelming. The study – conducted by Vancouver’s University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business, in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, and published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology – surveyed more than 1800 U.S. participants, and the majority opted for a flight with a carbon fee tacked on, as long as it was labelled as a “carbon offset for aviation fuel production and import” and not a “carbon tax for airplane travel.” They even picked a more expensive ticket overall, choosing to pay the price of the offset rather than buying a fare without that $14 fee attached.
This response bodes well for the airline industry, the study’s authors say: Emissions from air travel look set to triple in the next few decades without government intervention, but carriers could take control of the situation simply by bundling the cost of carbon offsets into the overall ticket price, and wording the fine print carefully.
“People have the perception that the oil companies are the ones responsible for climate change, or at least more responsible than they are,” study co-author David Hardisty told UBC’s Insights. “Consumers are more supportive of carbon pricing if it’s directed at the fossil fuel producers and importers than if it’s directed at consumers.”
This article was first published on www.lonelyplanet.com.
Traditional Japanese puppet theatre, known as bunraku, emerged more than 300 years ago during the Edo period, where it flourished in Osaka. This stage art form was recognised by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003. Bunraku and its sister art form, kabuki – traditional musical theatre known for its pageantry and elaborate costumes – rose to prominence around the same time in the 17th century and liberally borrowed techniques and concepts from each other. Centuries later, it remains a well-loved artistic practice that’s garnered much appreciation outside of Japan – the first complete bunraku performance in Singapore was staged on October 22 and 23 at the Drama Centre Theatre to mark the 10th anniversary of the Japan Creative Centre, a cultural hub run by the Embassy of Japan in Singapore.
In bunraku, two out of three puppeteers are clad entirely in black. Photo credit: cowardlion/Shutterstock.com
2. It is a sophisticated, intricate art form
Bunraku puppets are typically half life-size, and each figurine is operated by three puppeteers – a lead puppeteer who manipulates the puppet’s head, face and right hand, and two assistants who manoeuvre its left hand and legs. While you can see the face of the lead puppeteer – who is the star of the show and is often colourfully dressed – the other two are cloaked in black with their faces covered, to reflect their status as “invisible” actors. All three have to collaborate closely to ensure they are in sync and that the puppet’s movements are smooth and cohesive. The secret lies in the non-verbal cues the lead puppeteer provides the other two performers – usually by using the puppet’s neck or the whole body to give directions on the next move.
3. Other talented artists are involved too
The puppets’ movements are accompanied by a narrator, also known as tayū. The tayū requires a wide vocal range as he voices all the characters; he does this by altering his pitch to express different genders and ages. He also needs to be able to project his voice across the theatre, as no microphones are used during the performance. Another key member of the theatre is the shamisen player, who is responsible for conveying the mood and setting the pace of the narration. He plays a futozao shamisen, a three-stringed traditional musical instrument with a broad neck and large body that creates a loud and resonating tone. The result is artistry at its finest: a fascinating symbiosis of puppetry, storytelling and music.
A puppeteer manipulating the figurine during a performance. Photo credit: cowardlion/Shutterstock.com
4. It is the product of a lifetime of training
The performance on stage might seem seamless and natural, and this is a result of the puppeteers, narrators and musicians who have dedicated their lives to this art form – training begins when they are children. For the puppeteers, they attend a bunraku training school for two years. Then they embark on a 10-year-long apprenticeship, learning to operate a puppet’s legs, before another 10 to 15 years spent learning how to manoeuvre its left arm. Only after this extended period of training can they can begin the process of becoming a lead puppeteer.
The lifelike features of a bunraku puppet. Photo credit: cowardlion/Shutterstock.com
5. The puppets are carefully crafted for a lifelike performance
All the puppets sport skilfully carved wooden heads and intricately painted faces. Some have movable fingers, eyes, eyebrows and mouths. The heads are attached to a rod, which is how the main puppeteers operate them. If a puppet has movable parts in its face, strings are added to the rod to enable manipulation of the facial features. The rod is then attached to a shoulder board from which the puppet’s costume hangs. Fun fact: Female puppets are not made with legs. Puppeteers use their fists under the figurine’s kimono to imply leg movement instead.
6. Many bunraku plays are historical
The stories told on stage are usually based on historical events, folktales about heroes, feudal wars or the love stories between commoners in the Edo period. Most of the plays are tragedies, which is why many performances are only intended for an adult audience. For example, an iconic bunraku play is Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s Love Suicides at Sonezaki, which was first performed in 1703 and was based on the real-life case of two lovers who committed suicide together in the Sonezaki forest in Osaka during the same year.
Bunraku puppets displayed in the Osaka Museum of History. Photo credit: twoKim studio/Shutterstock.com
7. You can watch an authentic performance in Japan
One of the best places to see this traditional art form is at the National Bunraku Theatre, which was established in 1984 in Osaka’s Nipponbashi district. The performing arts complex serves as a base to preserve, develop and promote the traditional art form in the Osaka-Kyoto area. English programs are available, and some performances provide headsets with English commentary. Another option is the National Theatre in Tokyo’s Hayabusacho district, which opened in 1966 and stages performances several times a year.
Singapore Airlines flies to Osaka and Tokyo daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
A meal at local food writer Annette Tan’s breezy East Coast apartment is naturally as much about the storytelling as the delicious, modern Peranakan food she has been plating up since 2017. Diners are treated to a hearty feast inspired by both the flavourful fare that Tan’s “formidable” late mother once cooked up and the fine cuisine the writer has sampled while eating her way across the food-crazy nation. Tan’s fare has proven such a hit that the waitlist can be up to a month.
Highlights: A fall-off-the-fork beef rendang; nasi ulam (herb rice salad); crispy rice vermicelli with prawn sambal and quail eggs; and pork belly buah keluak (a seed from the Pangium edule tree) biryani are some of the more traditional dishes, while her Curry Devil pie is a nod to the neighbourhood’s Eurasian influence.
Price: S$95 per head for seven dishes
How to book: Tan accepts bookings of six to nine people for lunch or dinner, Tuesdays to Fridays. Bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance.
Call +65 9387 6399, email annette@fatfuku.com or visit fb.com/fatfuku
The Axis serves dishes with their own flare and colour. Photo credit: Chefs club
In 2018, US chefs Aisha Ibrahim (previously from Aziamendi in Phang-Nga) and Samantha Beaird (of San Francisco’s Boulevard) organised a series of pop-up dinners across the city, enticing in-the-know diners with their inventive menus that run anywhere from 12 to 20 courses.
Highlights: For a private dinner organised by community space theCOMMONS in end-September, the chefs presented a produce-driven menu that focused on seasonal Thai ingredients. The duo have hinted that they plan to open a full-fledged restaurant soon so watch this space.
Price: Varies, depending on the event
How to book: Follow them on social media (IG:@axis.th) to get updates on their next pop-up.
Since 2015, Malaysian cook Kevin Tee has been inviting diners into his living room to feast on the authentic Hock Chew fare that his grandma used to make. It’s rare to taste this kind of food outside of the home hearth.
Highlights: Expect hand-shredded red wine pork knuckle with steamed lotus buns and sour plum pickles; chicken wings stuffed with shrimp and pork in a red wine chicken soup; or Tee’s “golden pillow”, a crispy bun full of ginger and pork.
Price: RM98 to RM138 for a four-course meal
How to book: They require at least three days notice.
Call +60 12 383 0478, email ahteekitchen@gmail.com or visit fb.com/ahteekitchen
At Villa Chandara, you can enjoy a private and romantic meal within its spice gardens
The experience starts with guests being whisked off by SUV to West Baray, an ancient reservoir created to irrigate the Angkorian temples. After a boat cruise past the island temple of West Mebon, friendly staff await with cocktails at one of Siem Reap’s most bucolic and charming village settings.
Highlights: Villa Chandara is a restored Khmer wooden home set inside tropical gardens festooned in fairy lights and candles. The sumptuous five-course dinner prepared by the award-winning young chef includes a piquant green mango salad served with salty, dried fish; fish amok (steamed curry) and barbecued pork ribs.
Price: US$130 + taxes
How to book: Reservations must be made no later than 10am on the day of the dinner.
Elevated walkways and sunken gardens with sculptural energy-harvesting “trees” are some of the amazing features planned
1. 16 hectares
The size of the park. It was once a 19th-century railway station in District 1. Pedestrian walkways will reference railway tracks and there will also be outdoor art galleries, performance pavilions and sports zones.
2. 30 degrees
The angle at which the park’s artificial “solar trees” will be tilted to optimise electricity generation via photovoltaic cells. There will also be “water purification trees” to recycle rainwater.
The park is due to begin construction in 2020
3. 2025
Projected opening date for the park. Construction on the project, headed up by international architecture practice LAVA in partnership with ASPECT Studios, will begin next year.
Three other Central Parks around the network
Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States. Photo credit: Ingus Kruklitis/Shutterstock.com
1. Central Park, New York
Undoubtedly the world’s most iconic Central Park, this behemoth 340ha green lung in Manhattan features a wealth of attractions, including a carousel, a zoo and even a castle.
2. Central Park, Sydney
This mixed-use development is among the largest urban renewal projects in Sydney. Once home to a brewery, the site now features a 117m residential tower, a 6,400m2park, a mall and more.
This new residential development in Dubai is inspired by the New York City Central Park.
3. Central Park, Dubai
Dubai might soon have its own Central Park too – in this case, a residential neighbourhood that’s built around 40,000m2of green space. Facilities will include tennis courts, swimming pools and cafés.
Christmas in Italy is all about light shows, religious traditions and decadent shopping. The Eternal City is the best city to experience that Italian festive flare. After all, since Rome is such…
Famous for its medieval buildings and culinary brilliance, this vibrant university city also has a radical edge, offbeat cafes and great countryside at hand
Bologna stakes a claim to being the oldest university city in Europe, perhaps the world, and a roll call of the alumni of its 1088-founded institution throws up names such as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Thomas Becket, several popes, Copernicus and, more recently, Guglielmo Marconi. But this is no fossilised museum town; Bologna’s scholarly tradition attracts a constant influx of young people keeping this Emilia-Romagna city vibrant and challenging.
Made from soy, pea, mushroom and rice proteins, Omnipork sure tastes like pork. And at this Cantonese restaurant, chef Leong Chee Yeng has constructed a comprehensive plant-based vegan menu with it and 30 other vegan-friendly ingredients.
Meat lovers will be convinced by this creation starring Impossible meat – the trending meat alternative made with soy protein, an iron-rich molecule called heme and coconut and sunflower oils. It’s served with caramelised onions, pickles and cheddar on rye bread and this beloved sandwich shop’s special sauce.
At this cosy vegan restaurant on Keong Saik Road, baked cauliflower is used in lieu of pasta and covered with a creamy cashew “cheese” sauce. For an added touch of health, it’s served with a heap of seasonal vegetables and mushrooms.
Sweet Potato & Quinoa Burger with Blackberry Salsa is one of many unique vegan offerings on Cafe Salivation’s menu
This casual Western café in Little India has been a vegetarian specialist for over a decade. Among its broad menu of pasta, pizza and sandwich offerings is this hearty burger with a patty made of sweet potato and quinoa, slathered with blackberry salsa.
This Bib Gourmand-recognised institution specialises in Peranakan-Thai vegetarian cuisine. The menu is packed with full-flavoured dishes such as this one, made of shiitake mushrooms cooked in a rich mix of Peranakan herbs and spices.
Every city has that one hot hotel. It is the talk of the town that has the coolest venues, a chic design and an ambiance that draws the in-crowd. In many cities it’s the W, an Edition hotel or perhaps the Soho House. In Perth, on Austr
Recently the Brazilian government lifted the tourist visa requirements for visitors from the United States, Canada, Austraila and Japan. Now is the time to visit Rio de Janeiro to see the beaches that inspired the Grammy winning song "Girl fr
A beautiful mountainous country- Bhutan’s stunning natural landscapes, without a doubt, make this mountain kingdom a delight to visit.
Its golden triangle – Thimphu, Paro and Punakha are ideally situated at almost equal distances and concentrated in the western area, making it easy to combine them all together during a trip.
Fly into Paro from where you can drive to Thimpu. En route you pass the Tamchog Lhakhang built by Thang Tong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder-a saint from the 14th-15th century who introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains).
Thimphu, the pretty capital of Bhutan, is a blend of the traditional and the modern. It is the only capital in the world without streetlights, relying, instead, on the elegant gestures of the traffic policemen. The population of Thimphu stands at around 40,000. Geographically speaking the capital lies in a valley with the Thimphu River running through the valley.
Lights and diyas, crackers and sparklers, feasts and sweets, and of course, card games with a bit of gambling thrown in are all a quintessential part of Diwali celebrations.
Why it is celebrated
The roots of this Hindu festival lie in the Ramayana which relates to the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after not just 14 years of exile but also after annihilating Ravana, the evil king of Lanka. As the day Rama was to returning in triumph to Ayodhya was a dark moonless night of amavasya, residents lit up the entire city with diyas to help Him find his way back home safely. And lighting up homes with a myriad, twinkling lights is a tradition that has come down centuries and lends Diwali that special magical appeal.
But although Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil, on this day devotees also pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of auspicious beginnings.
Enveloping people from all faiths into its fold, Diwali also holds special significance for Jains who believe that Lord Mahavira attained moksha on this day. Sikhs celebrate the festival to commemorate the release of their sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, who had been imprisoned by Mughal Emperor Jehangir in Gwalior for about 12 years.
Bursts of sparkle, startling bangs, vibrant rangolis, a game of cards, a roll of the dice, and the best of clothes — yes, Diwali is all that, but not just. Diwali is also about piping hot gulab jamun stuffed with saffron and pistachio, spicy mathri and crunchy sev, and mounds of motichoor waiting to be sculpted into those perfect orbs. In other words, the festival of lights can also be an exhilarating flavour fest. And the finest Diwali delicacies are usually made right at home. Here’s a tour of special delicacies from all over India.
East
In Bengal, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, and the bhog offered to the goddess is a treat you can’t miss. Usually there is spicy and slightly runny khichuri (khichdi) or typical Bengali mishti pulao chockfull with cashew nuts and raisins, accompanied by a host of scrumptious fries and delicious curries, and rounded off with creamy paayesh (rice or semolina pudding). The ritual sacrifice of a goat during Kali Puja is still prevalent in Bengal and, interestingly, the meat is prepared without onion or garlic since they’re considered non-vegetarian. As a result, the dish has a curious name – niramish (vegetarian) mangsho (meat).
In Odisha, traditional cottage cheese-based sweets like chhena pora and rasabali are Diwali favourites. Equally indispensable to the feast is the buddha chakuli for which the batter is made with ground black gram, cottage cheese, coconut, rice flour and jaggery, spiced with cardamom and ginger, and then fried in ghee, like pancakes.
Australia is a huge and fascinating country with plenty of incredible towns, cities, and neighborhoods to explore. You will find great attractions, sights, and places of interest to suit all tastes and cater to all ages when you visit destinations... Read the rest
I love long-haul flights and train rides and rarely suffer from jetlag. I take it as a chance to reset and to be awake at a time when my body and mind are usually unconscious. Being “away” – be it physically or mentally – is something I have always felt is in my blood, perhaps because I was conceived by people in constant motion. My father is a commercial pilot and my mother was a flight stewardess, both for Singapore Airlines. As a kid, I loved looking at my father’s roster and making a mental note of all the airport codes: CDG was Paris, PEK was Beijing, LAX was Los Angeles.
This filters into the way I process the world and work. I do not like monolithic interpretations and constantly search for a multitude of voices and ways of being. Being in motion is a state of constant curiosity, openness, wonder and horror. It does not necessarily mean you are always travelling but is more about how you perceive and move through the world.
1992: Year the Singapore Literature Prize began. Amanda Lee Koe won it in 2014.
I understand why the connection between “travel”, “inspiration” and “creativity” is often made, but I think that these perceived linkages can be a little superficial and escapist. Creativity must be able to present itself anywhere and anytime if you are serious about your craft. Plus, the best sort of inspiration is not the kind you seek. It sneaks up upon you when you are not expecting it.
Most of Delayed Rays of a Star was written in New York, a mercurial place that shows different sides depending on how you engage with it. But parts of it were also written in Berlin, a key city in which the novel is set, and also in Bangkok, where my partner was making a feature film. Being in a space that is an aesthetic fit for what you’re working on, such as Berlin, is as engaging as it is to be in one that has nothing to do with your subject matter, like Bangkok.
Writing a novel is so absorbing that you should be able to work anywhere. The process is also a way to travel without travelling – with the right emotional and historical homework, you can reach a good cruising altitude with your characters as you try to navigate plot.
If I were forced to describe myself as a writer, or even just as a human, I would say that I was born and raised in Singapore, and now I live and work in New York.
“Being in motion is a state of constant curiosity, openness, wonder and horror”
With Delayed Rays of a Star, I wanted to write something completely truthful and deeply personal to me, and it was clear that it should not be limited to elements related to Singapore or even Asia.
As a porous polyglot city girl, the concept of being “away” is ironically the part of my Singaporean identity I identify with the most. Home is a mental concept I locate in people, objects and ideas, rather than any one place or time.
Set amongst 11 hectares of tropical gardens, freshwater ponds and natural preserved coastal wetlands overlooking the Andaman Sea, this beachfront resort is a haven for young families. The kids’ club offers free daily activities for young children and teenagers such as yoga, perfume-making and Thai cooking classes, while families participate in batik painting and sports competitions together.
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the on-site turtle shelter to feed the hard-backed reptiles and learn about conserving their habitat. After a day of adrenaline-packed activities, head to the Mandara Spa for parent-and-child treatments such as a 45-minute junior massage with chocolate orange oil and a massage for adults that make use of Thai bergamot and grapefruit oils.
Back in the rooms, even the hotel’s housekeeping staff will delight young kids with their ever-changing towel art creations including gibbons, dogs and elephants.
Getting there: Fly SilkAir to Phuket. From there, it’s a 15-minute drive to the resort.
Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing rods are available for water-loving families
This newly-opened resort in Queensland has the makings of an epic family experience, with history, adventure and lashings of luxury. The lodge overlooks a eucalyptus-lined weir beneath the majestic 18km sandstone escarpment of Mount Mulligan. This is gold and coal country, and there’s no better way to discover the rich mining stories of the region than on one of the daily guided tours that the all-inclusive property offers.
Take a family picnic to the base of Mt Mulligan or explore the ghost town of Mt Mulligan and the Tyrconnell gold mine, where kids can search for gold and see one of Australia’s only working 19th-century gold crushers in action.
Back at the lodge, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and fishing rods are available for water-loving families, whereas others may wish to grab a freshly baked treat from the all-day ‘snack station’ and head to their spacious timber Outback Pavilion, which feature two light-filled bedrooms and a communal lounge overlooking the mountain.
Getting there: Fly SilkAir to Cairns. From there, it’s a 40-minute helicopter ride to the lodge.
With facilities such as a water slide and cinema room, this hotel is specially designed with family holidays in mind
Being bored isn’t an option at this grand, colonial-style villa in Dikwella, just a few steps from the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Specially designed with family holidays in mind, the resort offers a whopping 74ft water slide, a cinema room for movie nights, a playroom filled with board games and cooking classes tailored for young children. In lieu of a kids’ club, there’s a beach activity programme such as sandcastle competitions and hermit crab racing.
After working up an appetite on the beach, let your private chef whip up some Lankan classics such as egg hoppers or kukul mas (chicken curry), before dozing in the colourful hammocks strung between palm trees, or indulge with a pampering massage in the yoga ‘shala’.
Getting there: Fly SilkAir to Colombo. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to the property.
Visit the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum to learn about the trials and tribulations faced by the country’s first peoples, and the shaping of modern Australia. Explore the Milarri Garden for insights into the waterways significant to the Aboriginal people of southeastern Australia as well as the traditional uses of local plants. Don’t miss the First Peoples exhibition for stories, voices and other exhibits detailing the history and culture of the Koorie community of Victoria.
Native Australian Lilly Pilly fruit. Photo credit: Charlie Blacker/Shutterstock.com
Perth
Bush tucker, also known as bushfood, refers to fruits and other produce native to Australia which have been a source of sustenance among Aboriginals for millennia. From animals such as emus and anteaters to fruits and seeds such as pencil yams and mulga seeds, there’s plenty to learn about. And at Maalinup at Yagan Square Market Hall, you can even sample a good variety.
963,000: Number of visitors to Australia who participated in at least one Indigenous tourism activity in 2017 – up 9% from 2013*.
Visitors enjoying the view of the The Three Sisters at Blue Mountain. Photo credit: HitManSnr/Shutterstock.com
Sydney
An hour outside the city, join the award-winning Aboriginal Blue Mountains Walkabout tour and venture into the lush rainforest, where you encounter waterfalls and gorgeous landscapes while learning about the rich history of the Darug language group. Besides visiting sacred cultural sites, you can experience ochre bark and body painting activities and deepen your understanding of Aboriginal traditions and customs.
