Inspire Me ThursdaySelf help blog to improve day to day living

For years we’ve heard about the annual tomato wars held at a small Spanish town called Bunol just outside of Valencia . Finally, my friends and I made plans to go this year. The World Tomato Domination happens on the last Wednesday in the month of August and approximately 30,000 people descend on this village with approximately a quarter-of-a ton of ripe squishy tomatoes. The goal: to throw, toss, lobby, project and splatter as many tomatoes into as many people as you possibly can.

This annual festival, La Tomatina , has been continuing since 1944. It has no known significance and no apparent logic, except that it’s an all-out tomato war. Where ever it came from, it’s now the most popular festival with which people from all over the world either come to watch or to participate. We, of course, will participate. When we arrived at one of the 5 Star Hotels Valencia has, we made sure to do our research by casually asking all the locals about their personal strategies . Most of them told us they really had no ‘strategy’, but that there are some rules to follow. Like the tomatoes had to be squashed into a juicy mess before throwing, that way the results fair better when it hits another person. We should wear goggles or we can even where snorkel equipment. That under no circumstances can we throw any hard objects.  Other than that, it’s pretty much every man and woman for themselves. Subsequent tomato wounds, waste, stains, spillage are all the consequence of an excellent tomato fight.

For tomorrow is the last Wednesday of August, my friends and I are prepared, goggles in hand, matching purple color t-shirts with the logo ‘Killer Tomato’ on the front and backs so we can recognize each other and an eagerness barely contained; we are ready for the biggest food fight the world has to offer.

It was my second day in Shanghai on a business trip when I noticed a few people, seemed around their 20′s, walking around in PJ’s . They walked around in the middle of the city, in their PJ’s as if this is perfectly common. Fortunately, I was to meet up with a Professor friend of mine who studies sociological and psychological aspects of the Shanghai people. We were to meet later on today in the lobby of one of the 5 Star Hotels Shanghai has and then head out for a business lunch.

At lunch, which was going well, I asked him about this phenomena for Shanghain’s to walk around in their PJ’s. He found my question timely, for he was actually doing a study of that very phenomena. From what he can ascertain, back in history, Shanghai people did not wear any vestiges of long-johns, nor did the men were a night-shirt and the women didn’t wear a shift. He was stumped as to this new fashion and why it is becoming more popular. He mentioned also that he has a friend who’s a psychologist with a well-known reputation for interpreting dreams and other night-time events dealing with sleep and he too was stumped, but that now he’s spending sleepless nights to study the motivation behind the phenomena.

When we finished lunch and bid farewell to my business associate, I went to a local kiosk and looked through the latest fashion magazines. Apparently, the newest and latest PJ fashion comes complete with a cell phone pocket. The fashion magazines are describing this latest PJ wearing trend as an ‘in your face’ attitude being developed with the younger generation. They say the younger people are going for comfort and convenience and that they’ll wear PJ’s to accomplish both desires. Ah, that explains everything for me. My parents grew up in the sixties . Need I say more?

I found it to be true the Phuket is the jewel of Thailand . The perfect island playground for the rich, the famous and the infamous. I had a hard time choosing with beach to retreat to, there are so many. Phuket definitely has it’s charms, but I was looking for something a little more on the wild side. Clubbing .

I didn’t want to end up not knowing which would be the better clubs to go to, so I asked the concierge at one of the 5 Star Hotels Phuket offers, figuring they would know the best nightspots. I wasn’t wrong, they recommended as a tourist I should check out Club Lime, but as a local I should check out the Blue Marina. Club Lime is a resort club on the beach which has created a bit of a stir amongst the locals and tourist alike as being most favored. Club Lime mostly features house music spun by the resident DJs. The concierge also let me know Club Lime doubles as a restaurant. Perfect! I grabbed some dinner there and then sat back and chilled into the night. I has an intoxicating range of cocktails costing around 200 baht each. Sipping on my third cocktail, I read that the club offers a ‘tribal’ drum ‘b’ bass and electro during the week. I’ll have to come back for that.

The next night, after a full days recovery soaking up the sun on the beach, I went to the Blue Marina, which I found the location to be amusing, in the basement of a Hotel. That’s why only the locals know about it. I found a delightful local band playing, then well into the evening a local DJ spun entertaining the standing-room-only throngs of locals. I barely squeezed myself around to find a place to sit, which I barely did because the Thai rock songs kept me on my feet dancing most of the night.  Again, I recovered the next day by soaking up the sun on one of Phuket’s luscious beaches, or should I say, the sun soaked out most of the alcohol from my body?

It’s been 5 years since my mother passed on, but I am currently keeping my promise to her. When she was travelling through Spain and her most favorite place to visit was Mallorca . She told me it was the trees that captured her heart the most. She made me promise to travel to Mallorca and make a study, (botanical drawings) of her two most favorite trees. the Yew and the Linden .

I’m a little late, but at least I am honoring her request. I booked a week at one of the 5 Star Hotels Mallorca offers thinking this would give me enough time to render drawings of her two most beloved trees. In order to do draw a true study, rendering I needed to do some research. The Yew, I found out is a perennial tree. It has needle-like leaves, and is very hardy. It’s only found in the high mountains of Mallorca where it’s cooler. I notice that most of the Yews I found were young trees, maybe 16 years old at the most. When I asked some locals, they told me that I could find a very only Yew in La Granja, Esporles , which they told me is around 2 thousand years old. Upon some more research, the Yew a dioecius tree: a single sex species. The female tree will produce red berries, which are not edible and especially not pleasant. The male tree produces no fruit. The tree is sometimes harvested for its taxine and wood. The taxine because of its alkaloid poison which is being studied as a useful pharmaceutical and the wood for cabinetry.

The Linden is a lime tree, and is well over a hundred years old. Mostly found in Gardens and not in the wild. In the winter is loses it’s leaves and in the summer it produces flowers used by the locals to make a splendid herbal tea as a remedy for a nervous condition or for people with insomnia. The Linden, even without its leaves looks majestic, it’s immense size alone conjures one to be at peace and serene. I can see why my mother fell in love with both trees. I have fallen in love with them also. My mother was right.

When one is coming upon the Santa Cruz port in Palma, one notices the incredible greens of the mountains and the cliffs, the white buildings sitting among those mountains and on top of the cliffs, the palm trees lining the horizon line and the foot of the mountains.  What is not seen is the from that distance, is the Baroque and Renaissance styles of the buildings and the luxury hotel Palma has, nor the city squares filled with gardens, the flowers lining the streets, or the chic and trendy restaurants and colorful open-air markets.  Those aspects and elements of Palma are kept for those that land on shore and take the time to wander the streets and the alleyways.

There is a rich heritage on the island, throughout the trade in the sugar industry that brought many to the island making this port one of the most important and busy of the Empire of Spain.  Due to the riches and the commerce the island has attracted many settlers from England, mainland Spain and Portuguese .  And at one time attracted many pirated as well, who would pillage and wreak havoc on the town from time to time.  Many of the merchants who have gained their livelihood and wealth on the island invest in art, largely Flemish, and the city’s churches are filled with pieces, as are the many museums located throughout the city.  During the 1,800′s, when the sugar trade took a dive, the city bounced back by becoming well-known for the ship-building.  Craftsman built ships for many cities around the world, included more than one hundred for the United States alone.

Many who travel here find that the architecture located on the streets is constitutes a museum in and of itself.  Streets famous for the old traditional works are the Calle Real, the Placeta Borrero and the Avenida Maritima.  Large homes such as the House of Salazar, are still used today.  Another such building that is close by is the Town Hall, a building that is considered to be one of the most important and influential examples of the architecture and art of the Renaissance time period.  And that is just what is seen from the streets, much more is housed in the churches, cathedrals and museums in the city of Palma.

Archaeological remains found on the Balearic Islands create windows to the past, offer evidence of the contrast between the ancient time period on the islands and the popular vacation spots they have all now become, with the reputations to varying degrees, as being the hot cities for fun all day in the sun and the beautiful beaches, and fun all night dancing in the numerous, trendy nightclubs and discos.  Over the years many have traveled to the islands, beginning with the Phoenicians hundreds of years B.C. and continuing with those of the Greek armies, the Carthaginians, and conquerors from Rome, Arabia, and Turkey. All leaving bits and pieces of their habitation on the islands, in the form of the fortresses, castle, roads and bridges they constructed during their specific era.  Many of the languages and customs still alive on the islands today are those of the settlers from Catalonia.

Three main islands and several smaller ones make up the chain that sits just off of the coast of Spain.  The one closest to Spain, and with the reputation as the main party destination for European vacationers is Ibiza.  And although the island attracts the young and the hip and those longing for the nightlife , it also attracts nature lovers the world over, for the clear waters perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling, and the large amounts of open unspoiled and undeveloped areas perfect for hiking, camping and mountain biking.  The island of Mallorca is the capital center for the administration and the government of the islands, and is home to some of the finest resorts and Mallorca hotels .  Mallorca is stunning, be it the landscapes of the interior portion of the island, or the pristine beaches.  In all of Spain, mainland included, Mallorca is one of the most visited cities in the country.  All of the islands offer a variety of activities ,  from the exciting to the relaxing.

The city of Zaragoza, Spain is located close to the other cities of Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia, in the autonomous district of Aragaon.  Although the city is not well known, it is Spain’s fifth largest.  Many of the tourists traveling through tend to over look this city, however for those that do stop in Zaragoza, Spain, hotels ,  restaurants and the residents of the city are some of the most congenial and open and friendly, and the architecture and the old city streets are perfect for exploring the culture of the country.  And due to the fact that this has been an overlooked location for so long, there is not a lot of outside factors influencing the traditional culture of Zaragoza.  The cuisine found here is truly representative of the untouched Spanish flavor, and many from other cities throughout the country will vacation them selves in Zaragoza, more so than the other more popular resort towns and cities.

The Ebro River runs through Zaragoza, and is responsible for the attraction of the settlers from Iberia that first landed on the shores more than two thousand years ago.  History and various invaders have changed the name of the city, and the name now is from Roman soldiers that conquered the city and named it for their emperor, Ceasar Agustus.  Still found in the older sections of the town, are the ruins of the structures and buildings that made up the city during these Roman times of occupation.  Some of the ruins include the public bath houses, and amphitheater and a forum.

Due to the central location between some of the other major cities, Zaragoza has become the center for business and commerce and hosts many international conferences and trade seminars.  Not only is it close to the cities of Spain, but many transactions are exchanged between it and the city of London, as a two hour plan ride gets travelers quickly to their destinations.  Many travelers find themselves in the city on religious pilgrimages, worshipping at the Basilica de Nuestra Senora Pilar, and the annual Pilar Festival brings many to this city for the first time.  The city is also filled with the paintings of F rancisco de Goya the famous  master that was born in Zaragoza and is admired not only in his hometown, but throughout the world of art.

The Valencian territory is located in the center of the coastline of the of the Mediterranean, in the country of Spain.  Of the three provinces that make up this community, the city of Valencia is the largest.  The whole city has a tremendous view of the Gulf of Valencia, leaving one with an abundant number of choices when looking for accommodations in the Valencia hotels .  The city is bordered by mountains and smaller hills that surround the plains of Aragon, and are home to the Castle of La Mancha.  The city is located close to the tourist destinations located on the Balearic Islands and sits between the cities of Barcelona and Madrid.  Many day trips are taken from Valencia to either Ibiza or Mallorca, and residents in the larger cities often take time out for relaxation along the beaches and or hiking through the small mountain range.  Valencia is the seat of administration for the community of Valencian and is the most populated of the three separate regions.  Smaller municipalities surround the city.

The historic district of Valencia was surrounded by a wall throughout the 1,800′s and many architectural remains are found in the city today, such as the Torres de Serranos, the Torres de Quart, and bits of the wall that are housed in the Institute of Modern Arts .  There is other interesting archaeological remains located under some of the Arabic ruins, and the modern palaces and churches, the remains are from the Romans and are found predominantly in the Sue District and the Xerea District.  The city has a financially successful commercial district.  The original center for commerce was housed in La Lonja, which has been deemed a heritage site of humanity by UNESCO.  Some of the same rooms of the building are still used in the business transactions that take place in current times.  Outside the historic district lies the modern architecture, and the wider city streets separated by vast landscaped medians.  There are many botanic gardens located in Valencia, as well as Museums, The Glover Park for Children.  The city is a mix of the old world and the new, and is one of the most interesting destinations for travel and sight-seeing in the country of Spain.

The Indian city of Udaipur is in the desert, a hot dusty environment.  Still, many tourists flock to the city, staying in the Udaipur palace hotel , to enjoy the many activities on one of the many lakes.  Yes, lakes.  The lakes of the city are man made.  There are five major lakes located throughout the city and they offer respite from the hot summer temperatures of the summers in India.  One of those constructed in 1559, is Udai Sagar.  Located just outside the city, this lake is the result of six years of construction under the King of the same name, Udai Singh.  The lake is just over four miles long and three miles wide.  The lake was created through the construction of a dam, that was put in place to ensure the supply of water for the people of the kingdom, water running from the Berach River .  There is a channel in place that controls the flow of the water into the lake and can be adjusted during the heavy rains of the monsoon season.  For the most part, the lake has remained at sufficient levels with the exception of a few years during drought conditions.

Another of the main five lakes, popular with tourists and locals as well, is the Rajsamand.  This is located just outside Udaipur as well, to the north of the city.  This lake was built by the King Raj Singh during 1,660.  The river feeding into the lake is the Gomti .  A dam was built at this site in in the late 1,700′s and is a remarkable example of the technical skills and engineering.  On the southern shores of the lake, there is a white marble embankment with terraces and steps that lead down to the water’s edge.  There are also nine gazebos located along the banks, constructed by the same Maharana.  They are decorated with illustrations of the Sun, birds, Gods and chariots.  These are depicting the various stories and legends , and is one of the longest continuous etchings in the country.  This is one of the most spectacular sites in the country.

There are many different destinations throughout the city of Udaipur that are beautiful, exquisite and breathtaking.  One such attraction that many will find promoted in their Udaipur, India hotel , is the Garden of Saheliyon Ki Bari.  This is one of the most incredible gardens of the world.  There is sculpture carved in marble located throughout the green lawns and lush landscaping and the many fountains.  The translation of the title means in English, the Garden of the Maids.  Located on the Fateh Sagar Lake (shore, this is a retreat for those living in the city and visiting as well, an oasis that contrasts with the sometimes hot and dusty streets of the city.  It was constructed in the 1,700′s by the Maharana Sangram Singh , in order for the women of the royal court to have the beauty surrounding and honoring them.

As the story goes, the king was the designer of the garden, and he presented to the queen and her forty eight maid-servants.  He designed it not only for his bride, but for all of the maids, for them to have a destination located away from, and not resembling the chaotic and tedious nature of politics.  This become a very popular spot for the women to retreat to for relaxation, for walks and girl-talk.  This is how the garden found its name.  The architecture is superb and takes one’s breath away.  There are along with the many fountains, pools of water, sculptures of elephants, and carved kiosk sculptures.  There are an abundance of flowers gardens and the romantic and serene fell of the garden is something everyone traveling through should experience.

The king continued to add to the garden over the years.  He designed a series of fountains that rain down instead of bubble up.  His idea behind the fountains were that they resemble the forms of rain and the maids dancing together.  The kings have enjoyed the garden through the years, and it was just as popular and loved by the men as it was for the women for whom it was originally built.  More fountains were added, some imported from Great Britain run along the main paths of the garden.   There is a museum as well, that houses a collection of items and articles from the royal palace.  There are portraits of the different kings as well as taxidermy stuffed specimens of tigers, cobras and other fierce creatures.  This is truly one of the most picturesque locations in the city.