A day of silence for Nyepi, also known as Balinese New Year, will be observed from starting at 6:00 am March 7 and lasting until 6:00 am March 8. Does this observance affect foreign visitors? Yes.
How will this affect your plans? Check out the latest advice from Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:
“All people in Bali must remain indoors and silent during this period. The use of electricity is not permitted. Foreigners on the island should remain in their hotel rooms and seek the advice of hotel management. Anyone who chooses not to comply with these regulations risks being stopped by local security personnel and forcibly returned to their homes or hotels.
“In Bali, all seaports and the airport will be closed for this 24-hour period. Only transit, overfly, technical landing and emergency landing flights are allowed, but these flights will not be allowed to take any passengers with last destination in Bali or departure from Bali. Canadians should be aware of this and plan accordingly. Travellers should also note that outside of resort hotels, all stores and restaurants will be closed and all activities postponed.”
For more advice, see AllSafeTravels' Indonesia Travel Advisory page.
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
February 29, 2008
January 16, 2008
Spain's new anthem set for release - or not?
In a post last summer we mentioned a competition aiming to provide official lyrics for Spain's national anthem. Now the results are in -- or are they?
As you recall, the goal of furnishing the anthem with lyrics was to give Spanish athletes and fans something to sing at international sporting competitions -- especially the 2008 Olympics. In the past, lyrics were used under the rules of King Alfonso and dictator Fransciso Franco, but neither set were made official.
According to a recent article on Expatica Spain, the jury made its selection after reviewing over 2000 entries. The new version seeks to stress unity so as to not offend regional nationalists such as the Basque or Catalan nationalists. The lyrics were supposed to be revealed in ceremony in Madrid on January 21, sung by tenor Placido Domingo.
However, the new lyrics have hit a snag: critics feel that they focus too much "the country's right-wing past and do not reflect Spain's cultural diversity", according to a recent article in the Mail and Guardian.
Because there is no official deadline for the project, no one knows when the new words will have their offical debut.
As you recall, the goal of furnishing the anthem with lyrics was to give Spanish athletes and fans something to sing at international sporting competitions -- especially the 2008 Olympics. In the past, lyrics were used under the rules of King Alfonso and dictator Fransciso Franco, but neither set were made official.
According to a recent article on Expatica Spain, the jury made its selection after reviewing over 2000 entries. The new version seeks to stress unity so as to not offend regional nationalists such as the Basque or Catalan nationalists. The lyrics were supposed to be revealed in ceremony in Madrid on January 21, sung by tenor Placido Domingo.
However, the new lyrics have hit a snag: critics feel that they focus too much "the country's right-wing past and do not reflect Spain's cultural diversity", according to a recent article in the Mail and Guardian.
Because there is no official deadline for the project, no one knows when the new words will have their offical debut.
January 14, 2008
February is first-ever Reggae Month
It’s official: Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced on January 11 that this February will be the first-ever “Reggae Month.” What’s behind the move? According to an article on Caribbean Net News, the goal is to “highlight the impact of the musical genre on the country’s social, cultural and economic development.”
How will they manage this goal? Activities are planned to suit all interests including concerts, music showcases, film screenings and academic conferences. The Bob Marley Birthday Dinner will kick-off events on February 6.
However, events are for more than just enjoyment: Through studying and examining the music and considering its social history, officials hope to provide a “framework for that will guide the future development of the music” to ensure its longevity. The negative effects of some of the music – such as undermining social values and degrading women – will also be addressed. Supporting new artists and promoting the genre will also be a focus.
This month's events will hopefully be a lead in for 2009 -- 50th anniversary of reggae music
How will they manage this goal? Activities are planned to suit all interests including concerts, music showcases, film screenings and academic conferences. The Bob Marley Birthday Dinner will kick-off events on February 6.
However, events are for more than just enjoyment: Through studying and examining the music and considering its social history, officials hope to provide a “framework for that will guide the future development of the music” to ensure its longevity. The negative effects of some of the music – such as undermining social values and degrading women – will also be addressed. Supporting new artists and promoting the genre will also be a focus.
This month's events will hopefully be a lead in for 2009 -- 50th anniversary of reggae music
January 1, 2008
New Year throughout the year
When do you celebrate the start of a new year? It may depend on your religion or what country you are in.
January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Australia and New Zealand -- who are among the closest countries to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations each year.
February 18 celebrations mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Mouse), while Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered to be a holy time and is celebrated in September. Many other countries celebrate the New Year in February, March or April, depending on which calendar they use to calculate dates.
Sometimes New Year can even happen twice a year. For example, in 2008 many Muslims will observe Al-Hijra twice: on or about January 10 and on or about December 29 (depending on local tradition). The reason? The Islamic Calendar is based on the moon, and is therefore only 354 days.
Source: BBC Religion & Ethics Multi-faith Calendar
January 1 is celebrated around the globe as the beginning of the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. Australia and New Zealand -- who are among the closest countries to the International Date line -- kick off the celebrations each year.
February 18 celebrations mark the beginning of the Chinese New Year (Year of the Mouse), while Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered to be a holy time and is celebrated in September. Many other countries celebrate the New Year in February, March or April, depending on which calendar they use to calculate dates.
Sometimes New Year can even happen twice a year. For example, in 2008 many Muslims will observe Al-Hijra twice: on or about January 10 and on or about December 29 (depending on local tradition). The reason? The Islamic Calendar is based on the moon, and is therefore only 354 days.
Source: BBC Religion & Ethics Multi-faith Calendar
October 25, 2007
Get a little French culture – for free?
A new pilot program may be a hit with budget-minded travellers.
According to an article on Expatica.com, starting January 1, 2008 fourteen museums and chateaux -- including the Cluny Museum of Mediaeval Art and Guimet Museum of Asian Arts – will offer free entry for a period of six months. The pilot project aims to make museums and cultural treasures more accessible to the public.
The article also notes that cultural heavy-weights like the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou modern art museum will participate – offering free admission to 18 to 25 year olds one night of the week.
While the article doesn’t specifically address whether the offer is open to tourists, the prospect of free admission is certainly worth a look for budget travellers.
According to an article on Expatica.com, starting January 1, 2008 fourteen museums and chateaux -- including the Cluny Museum of Mediaeval Art and Guimet Museum of Asian Arts – will offer free entry for a period of six months. The pilot project aims to make museums and cultural treasures more accessible to the public.
The article also notes that cultural heavy-weights like the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou modern art museum will participate – offering free admission to 18 to 25 year olds one night of the week.
While the article doesn’t specifically address whether the offer is open to tourists, the prospect of free admission is certainly worth a look for budget travellers.
August 27, 2007
Forget fixed prices – talk your way into a great deal
Haggling over prices is a way of life in many countries and can be an important part of your travel experience. Look for great souvenirs such as traditional clothing, local arts and crafts, gold and jewelry.
The key to successful haggling is knowing some of the ground rules. Don’t accept the first price you are quoted or see on a price tag – it’s often three times higher than the actual price vendor will sell the item for. You should never end up paying more than half of this initial price.
Looking for other great tips? Check out our article: Haggle your way to great souvenirs
The key to successful haggling is knowing some of the ground rules. Don’t accept the first price you are quoted or see on a price tag – it’s often three times higher than the actual price vendor will sell the item for. You should never end up paying more than half of this initial price.
Looking for other great tips? Check out our article: Haggle your way to great souvenirs
July 20, 2007
By my watch or yours?
Time is measured a little differently in Ethiopia. Days start at dawn rather than at midnight, and the year has 13 months (twelve months with 30 days, and one month with 5-6 days). To add further confusion, Ethiopia goes by the old Julian calendar, which they are almost seven years behind the West.
According to an article from IOL Africa, this difference in time can cause travel confusion. Some companies close their books according to the Gregorian calendar, while others prefer to use the local calendar. Even meeting a friend for coffee can be confusing depending on how you measure the time of day.
One of the benefits of the local calendar is that the new millennium hasn’t happened yet. Ethiopia is now counting down to September 12, 2007 date. Major celebrations are being planned throughout the country.
According to an article from IOL Africa, this difference in time can cause travel confusion. Some companies close their books according to the Gregorian calendar, while others prefer to use the local calendar. Even meeting a friend for coffee can be confusing depending on how you measure the time of day.
One of the benefits of the local calendar is that the new millennium hasn’t happened yet. Ethiopia is now counting down to September 12, 2007 date. Major celebrations are being planned throughout the country.
July 7, 2007
New 7 Wonders -- as voted by you
Who made the final cut?
After a lengthy international competition, the New7Wonders foundation announced voters' choices for the New 7 Wonders of the World. From 77 nominees, 21 finalists were chosen through an international vote via the phone, the website and SMS messaging. The results were announced on July 7, 2007.
The New 7 Wonders are:
After a lengthy international competition, the New7Wonders foundation announced voters' choices for the New 7 Wonders of the World. From 77 nominees, 21 finalists were chosen through an international vote via the phone, the website and SMS messaging. The results were announced on July 7, 2007.
The New 7 Wonders are:
- Chichén Itzá, Mexico
- Christ Redeemer, Brazil
- The Great Wall, China
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Petra, Jordan
- The Roman Colloseum, Italy
- The Taj Mahal, Indi
The Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structure from the original Seven Wonders of the World, was not elected. Other finalists included the Acropolis, the Statues of Easter Island, Hagia Sophia, Timbuktu and Stonehenge.
The New7Wonders Foundation was created in 2001 with the goal to preserve, maintain and restore world heritage. However, some sites have recently expressed concern that if chosen, the consequent rise in tourism could be detrimental.
June 23, 2007
Sing for Spain… But first you need the words
Why is Spain looking for lyrics for 2008?
The Spanish Olympic Committee is looking to give their athletes something to sing about at the 2008 games. According to a recent report on NRP, officials want lyrics for Spain’s more than 300-year-old national anthem so athletes can sing along at award ceremonies.
Currently, “La Marcha Real” (translation: “the Royal March”) is one of the few national anthems to have no official lyrics.
The Spanish Olympic Committee is looking to give their athletes something to sing about at the 2008 games. According to a recent report on NRP, officials want lyrics for Spain’s more than 300-year-old national anthem so athletes can sing along at award ceremonies.
Currently, “La Marcha Real” (translation: “the Royal March”) is one of the few national anthems to have no official lyrics.
June 14, 2007
The naked truth about local dress
Not only do rules for acceptable dress vary from country to country, they can also vary within a country depending on the city and circumstance. For example, major cities in Muslim countries tolerate Western dress styles, while surrounding areas tend to be stricter. Many countries in Europe favour conservative dress for women.
Pre-trip research and cultural awareness are key, but when in doubt, watch the locals for cues on how to dress and try to blend in.
This habit could have saved an American tourist a lot of trouble when it comes to local practices. According to an article in the Mail and Guardian, a visitor to Berlin shocked locals by not wearing anything at all. The man mistakenly thought this practice was acceptable in Germany, where nude sun bathing in public parks is permitted. His error cost him a sizable fine and resulted in an investigation for indecent behaviour.
Pre-trip research and cultural awareness are key, but when in doubt, watch the locals for cues on how to dress and try to blend in.
This habit could have saved an American tourist a lot of trouble when it comes to local practices. According to an article in the Mail and Guardian, a visitor to Berlin shocked locals by not wearing anything at all. The man mistakenly thought this practice was acceptable in Germany, where nude sun bathing in public parks is permitted. His error cost him a sizable fine and resulted in an investigation for indecent behaviour.
May 18, 2007
A new tongue for Madagascar
Madagascar’s constitution and official languages are changing. According to a recent article in the Independent Online, Madagascar’s new constitution will bring many changes to the country. The six provinces will soon be abolished and replaced by twenty-two regions.
The new constitutional amendments will also affect the language in which government communications are carried out. English will be added as the third official language, alongside French and Malagasy
The new constitutional amendments will also affect the language in which government communications are carried out. English will be added as the third official language, alongside French and Malagasy
April 23, 2007
What is ICH and why is China promoting it?
With some of its cultural practices rapidly disappearing, China is a member of a special inter-government committee to protect intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This year, according to an article on XINHUA.net, the country is holding its first international conference on protecting ICH.
The conference features a special meeting of the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which aims to set criteria for a world ICH list and identify ICH around the world that needs preservation. In addition, there will be performances, an exhibition and special forum. The article reports that a special park dedicated to ICH protected will open during the event, which runs from May 23 to June 10, 2007.
According to the article, UNESCO’s definition of ICH includes “practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.” This event will focus on ways to prevent this heritage from being lost.
The conference features a special meeting of the United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which aims to set criteria for a world ICH list and identify ICH around the world that needs preservation. In addition, there will be performances, an exhibition and special forum. The article reports that a special park dedicated to ICH protected will open during the event, which runs from May 23 to June 10, 2007.
According to the article, UNESCO’s definition of ICH includes “practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.” This event will focus on ways to prevent this heritage from being lost.
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