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Only two cities in the world are located within the rain forest. One is the Brazilian, Rio de Janeiro. The other is Singapore. Less than 10 miles from the bustling city lies the Bukit Timah reserve. As far as trees, the little reserve contains a greater number of the variety of species than the continent of North America. And not only trees but other exotic plants as well. There are hiking paths through the reserve which make it possible for visitors to view these spectacular wonders of the natural world, the plant life as well as the variety of unique insects, and various species of birds and animals. It is no wonder then, that Singapore does not take the care of their environment lightly, as having the rain forest, literally in their backyard, brings into immediate view and perspective, the effects our actions as human beings have on the ecosystems of the world.

In the city, down at the Marina bay is the Marina Barrage. This is a testament to the commitment Singapore has to the protection of their, as well as the rest of the planet’s natural well being. And while it is an operating center, there is a variety of activities for the public to enjoy. And through enjoying nature, people grow to care and respect it a bit more. For just along side the channel and the dam which operates in converting the salt water into drinking water for the city, there is the marina wherein visitors may enjoy various water sports or an outdoor stage to enjoy various theater, dance and musical performances. And just next to that, there are two very important aspects of the Barrage, the Solar Park and the Sustainable Gallery. The park contains the largest collection of solar panels, over 400, in all of Singapore, creating enough solar power to be self sustaining. The gallery provides visitors a chance to experience and learn of the efforts Singapore has put forth. Tours expose the public to the importance of and the mechanics of the Barrage. This has become quiet a popular site, with restaurants and shops and boutique hotel Singapore businesses are supporting the barrage as well as being supported by it, economically as well as environmentally. When one is visiting the city, this is a must-see and experience destination. Again this is open to the public and admission is free.

Each and every year, various festivals and celebrations occur on the island of Mallorca. These festivals draw travelers and vacationers from all over the world. There are many reasons for these celebrations and most of them are steeped heavily in tradition and mythology. There are two festivals that honor animals. One such festival is in honor of ducks, the other in honor of farm animals and agricultural beasts.

The first festival, known as the Releasing of the Ducks, has created controversy over the years. Various animal rights activists protested the using of the live ducks during the event, which caused the locals to change their ways. Nowadays yellow,rubber ducks are used, but the capturing of live ducks that had been let go on the open sea went on for many years. To capture a duck released during this traditional event was the object of the game. Due to the fact that this occurred in the populated areas near the businesses, boat yards and 5 star Mallorca hotel, many of the animals were hurt in the process. Some have a hard time letting go of the tradition. A few years ago, a disguised group showed up to release live ducks into the sea, which caused quite a stir and an emotional out cry. Although this is a traditional event and a widely popular festival often drawing an audience of 2000 people or more, no one seems to know exactly what it signifies.

Another such traditional event that is more a celebration than a contest is held every year in the middle of January. This is a tribute to Saint Antoni, the farm and working animals patron saint. This is a fiesta that isn’t contained to just one city but happens in many towns across the islands. There are huge campfires surrounded by dancers in costumes and devilish make-up, dancing into the night accompanied by and drummers. These celebrations start in the early morning and continue on all day into the late evenings. A breakfast of chocolate starts off the day of culinary delights so inherent to every festival in Spain. There are performances throughout the festival all honoring the life of the saint. As the festival progresses it is sometimes compared with the Mardi Gras festival in the United States, and many people are disguised and drinking quite a bit of muscatel, the night can tend to become a bit of an erotic affair.

The island of Mauritius was created by a series of volcanic eruptions under the sea millions of years ago. The violent origins of the island have been erased by the stunning beautiful and tropical peacefulness of this modern day paradise. Acclaimed by many to be the most beautiful spot in the world, Mauritius is most famous for its white sand beaches and sparkling blue seas.

There is, however, more to the island than its beaches. While any visitor should make time to experience a Mauritius beach, there are also pristine forests, rugged mountains, and a gentle, central plateau to offer a variety of outdoor experiences. There are also teeming cities that offer modern conveniences while retaining their native charm and the island’s unhurried pace.

The legendary decadence and glamor of the island is easiest to see in the many luxury Mauritius hotels, five star restaurants, and trendy clubs. The beautiful architecture of past eras enhances the island’s golden reputation. The exotic flowers and plants contribute to the overall feel of paradise that is accompanied by the beat of the omnipresent sega music.

Visitors may want to explore the many wilderness and historic sites on Mauritius, once they are ready to leave the beach. Black River Gorges National Park, the Labourdonnais Orchards as well as the Balaclava Ruins are popular destinations. There are also glass-bottom boat tours to provide a glimpse of the island’s sea life and a waterpark for those who want a bit of modern amusement park fun.

On Friday, February 13th, audiences at the Beacon Theatre in New York were treated to a surprise reunion by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Simon was performing at a gala event celebrating the renovation of the Beacon.

The duo performed several of their most popular hits, including “The Sound of Silence.” This is only the third time they have played together since their 2004 reunion tour concluded. Garfunkel flew up from Florida for one night only. Simon played a second concert on Saturday.

The audience included celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Fallon, and Jon Bon Jovi. The mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg, was also on hand.

The Beacon renovation included a cutting edge sound system as well as a refurbishment of the interior. It took seven months.

Upcoming concerts at the theater will include Van Morrison, Bryan Adams, B.B. King, and “Thomas & Friends Live.” Audience members from out-of-state will find a number of New York hotel suites in easy distance to the theater to complete their visit to the theater.

One of India’s oldest cities is the former colonial capital of Calcutta which is now known as Kolkata. While this city is famed for its historical influence and landmarks, Kolkata today is a modern, urban metropolis that has maintained its reputation as the cultural and intellectual capital of India.

Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal and is a center of Bengali culture, arts, and cuisine. The residents are proud that their city is the birthplace of modern literary and artistic thought and has played an important role in Indian philosophy and scientific development. The city has spawned Nobel Prize winners, philosphers, poets, and artists. It is also home to Bengali film, theater, dance and music.

As a modern city, Kolkata has its skyscrapers and its business and financial districts. There are a number of popular five star Kolkata hotels and shopping malls featuring all the modern conveniences and designer labels that a 21st century shopper could desire.

However, the city has preserved much of its heritage, so the ancient and the traditional are still easy to find amongst the more modern attractions. Local markets and bazaars have been a part of Kolkata for centuries. Landmarks such as Fort William, the Victoria Memorial, and the Marble Palace are well preserved. St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple offer insights in the city’s rich spiritual heritage while museums such as the famous Indian Museum preserve the history and arts of the region.

Since their completion in 1998, the Petronas Twin Towers have become the iconic image for Kuala Lumpur. In fact, for many Westerners, the Towers are the only thing the city is known for. At their completion, they were the tallest buildings in the world. With the completion of the Taipei 101 buidling in 2003, they became the second and third tallest buildings. They still hold the distinction of being the world’s tallest twin towers.

Designed by Cesar Pelli, an Argentinian-American architect, the Towers rise 452 meters and are visible throughout the Klang Valley. Pelli was ispired by motifs in Islamic art which can be seen throughout the glass and steel facade. Constructed from reinforced concrete, the buildings have the deepest foundations in the world. The Towers are said to reflect the Five Pillars of Islam and a cross-section of the towers loosely resembles the Rub el Hizb.

In addition to housing the headquarters of the Petronas Corporation, the towers are home to offices for several global companies. They also house a concert hall and an aquarium. The Suria KLCC is located just below the towers and is one of Malaysia’s largest shopping malls. Also located below the towers is the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, home of the Philharmonic Orchestra.

KLCC Park spans seventeen acres around the building. In addition to walking and jogging paths, the park features a lighted fountain, a children’s playground, and a wading pools.

As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur has much more to offer visitors than views of and from the Twin Towers. Istana Negara is the official residence of the King and the city is also home to the House of Parliment, the National Museum and the National Gallery. As a rapidly developing business and financial center, there are a number of 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur and the city is nurturing a growing number of fine dining restaurants throughout the region.