Exploring Hong Kong by Rail by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

The rail network of Hong Kong, which is functioned by MTR Corporation Limited or MTRC is one of the most modern, efficient and well connected rail systems in the world. The rail network which is considered one of the finest options to discover Hong Kong consists mainly of public transport trains. For those interested in exploring the historically acclaimed Kowloon routes along with some of the more contemporary areas can do so by taking the MTR East Rail and West Rail lines. The best aspect of the whole idea of exploring Hong Kong by rail is that travellers can do so amidst total comfort. The journey discovering Hong Kong commences from the well known Tsim Sha Tsui which is a contemporary and lively commercial hub. The journey continues to the remote areas where visitors can get a firsthand experience on how life goes on in rural Hong Kong. Those who choose to take a ride from the MTR East Rail Line will come across the crowded Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei area. The new towns such as Fanling, Tai Po and Sha Tin can also be explored from this route. Most of these neighbourhoods feature both apartment style blocks along with typical village style homes that reveal the rural livelihoods of these so called 'New Territories'. The MTR West Rail Line route is also equally interesting with lots to explore. For instance, travellers will get the chance to discover Yuen Long which belongs to the western New Territories. This route will take visitors through historic pagodas and ancient villages. A rail ride will give the explorer the chance to discover the hustle and bustle, natural beauty, heritage and culture of Hong Kong. At the end of the journey it is a definite fact that the traveller will realise what an extraordinary place Hong Kong really is. Travellers can easily explore Hong Kong by rail, and choose to stay at a Hong Kong hotel such as Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong that offers comfort and convenience at its best.

Contemporary Arts Centre - serving the community as a platform for contemporary issues by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

A centre that focuses on shared experiences and an open door culture for any one to experience contemporary art is the Contemporary Arts Centre (CAC) in Cincinnati. The CAC was established in 1939 and for 70 years since then it has been in the forefront of exhibiting contemporary art. The Institution was the fore sight of three local women, and today it has the recognition of all those in the international arena of the art world, having been the first centre in America to solely exhibit works of contemporary art.

When Picasso's Guernica was completed in 1937 and was being toured from 1939 to 1952, the institution became the first one in 1940 to have that piece on display. True to this first tradition the establishment still continues to exhibit famous contemporary artistes. The CAC has featured the works of artistes such as Nam June Paik, I.M. Pei, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol as well as Laurie Anderson.

True to its radical motto in 1990 the institution was involved in a legal case which defended the right of the city's residents to be able to view the photographs of Robert Mapplethorpe that were being exhibited at that time.

The CAC promotes growth in the artistic spheres of sculpture, painting, photography, architecture and even performance art. While the centre does not collect works of contemporary art they are focused solely on introducing up and coming artistes to audiences that comprise of those from varied walks of life.

What a better way to end a day of contemporary art than to stay at a Cincinnati Hotel such as the Millennium Hotel Cincinnati. This hotel is positioned to nearby points of interest such as the Great American Ball Park, the Paul Brown Stadium and the Cincinnati Zoo. Guests could enjoy beautiful city views from the rooftop pool and sun deck.

Malaga - the capital of the Costa del Sol

You have probably heard of many port cities around the world, you may have heard of Malaga, it is a port city and can be found in Andalusia, in the South of Spain. The Costa del Sol is the coast where this city is located, hence it is a part of the Mediterranean Sea. Looking at the census of 2007, the population recorded was around 575,000. This city is enveloped within mountains with Malaga's central city located at the back of the port.

There are 2 festivals that take place in Malaga which are very famous. They are the Fair of Malaga and The Holy Week. The inhabitants of Malaga prefer the celebration of the Malaga Fair to take place in August, because it is regarded as the regions hottest month. During this festival the streets of Malaga replicate the streets from Spanish history. The entire city becomes a symbol of Spanish culture and history with decorations all over the streets. The live flamenco shows fill the streets and the city is covered in sweet wine and tapas. The city comes to life with dancing and games, the whole city is filled with festivity.

The history of Malaga is quite interesting. The Phoenicians who are suspected to be from the Tyre region are said to have founded the city of Malaga. The name of the city Malaga is derived from the word Malaka which means salt in Phoenicians. This name was chosen because of all the salt water fish that can be found in the harbor. This is most probably the reason why they would have settled down in this area because of the abundant fish and other resources that were available in the area. In the 8th century this land was ruled over by the Muslims who were ruling over Spain at that point in time. This land became an important center of trade. The Costa del Sol is a splendid tourist spot.

Travelers who passed through this land left many historical records about Malaga being one of the most beautiful areas in the region. There is a lot of poetry that describes the beauty of the land and also many historical accounts claiming that the land has an abundant source of fruits and other food stuff that were used for trade with the other lands in the area. The pomegranates were said to have no equal in the world. This was also one of the cities where the Arabs ruled over for many year and it was because of the fertile lands of the area that the Arabs were reluctant to let go of the land. The Christians struggled for many years to get the Arabs out of the land and finally in the years of 1487 they took control of the area. This was five years before Granada fell. In the year of 1704 the largest naval battle which was a part of the War of Spanish succession took place in the south sea of Malaga.

From the year of 1960 onwards, the economy of Malaga was boosted heavily because of the influx of tourists in the city. This helped the country to strengthen its economical backbone and has helped to tremendously develop the country. by John K Thompson

Seminole Canyon and Langtry TX

Seminole Canyon and Langtry, TX

Seminole Canyon, located nine miles West of Comstock, Texas off of US 90, features petrography painted by the Natives over 4,000 years ago. When Egypt was beginning to build their pyramids, the shamans of the local Native foragers were painting their dreams onto the wall and ceilings of the shelters along this canyon.

Their favorite choice of color was red: a mixture of ochre rock, sotol or yucca juice, and deer grease. Because of the dyness and the shelter from wind and other elements, many of the petrography has survived to this day. They were painted on limestone. Their once brilliant colors have been hidden by soot and the smoke of many fires started by the natives in these shelters.

Many shamans are depicted holding an atalatl. They have either human or animal feet. Some have the head of a cougar and the antlers of a deer. Their arms are outstretched and have medicine bags hanging from their wrists. Sometimes their arms are depicted as wings.

Two plants were the shaman's favorites for eliciting hallucinations and visions: the peyote and the datura. The peyote cult was depicted as red or black balls. Holding a plant depicted the datura cult.

A circle always depicted the entrance to the spirit world. A squiggle line shows the way. On the other side is usually a monster of some type. The monster has a lance stuck into it.

Many of the petrographs have succumbed to the elements and to the flecking of the limestone, and the ravages of man.

Tours are given daily to this petrography. Figure to spend about two hours for the tour: one and a half for the tour itself and another half-hour to go back to the visitor center. The descent into the canyon is over 800 feet, down uneven stone stairs. Then you have to ascend to the two shelters. There are places to rest along the way. Take water, and dress in layers.

Another twenty-five miles to the West is the tiny town of Langtry. Judge Roy Bean called this town home. He was appointed the Justice of the Peace with the help of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which ran from New Orleans to San Francisco. He dispensed justice quickly according to the Law West of the Pecos. He ran a saloon called the Jersey Lilly, named after the British actress Lillie Langtry. He had a crush on her picture and wrote many letters inviting her to visit. He even told her that he named the town for her. When she arrived for the visit in 1904, Judge Bean had been dead for four months and was buried in Del Rio, Texas.

When a prisoner was brought in, Judge Bean would close the saloon, choose a jury from his customers and hold court, with 1879 Revised Statutes of Texas and a pistol on the desk. He assumed the reputation of "The Hanging Judge". Records, however, show that he never hanged anyone. For a cattle rustler or horse thief, the punishment was expulsion from Langtry and forfeiture of his horse, gun and all other assets. If the person ever returned, he would then be hanged. Few survived going across this wasteland without horse and firearms.

At the modern visitor center is a fifteen-minute movie depicting the life and times of Judge Roy Bean. The Jersey Lilly saloon and billiard parlor, and Roy Bean's Opera House Town Hall and Seat of Justice (his home) where he wanted Lillie Langtry to perform for him. A Cactus Garden Interpretive Trail rounds out the attractions at this site.

Langtry is a bustling town of thirty inhabitants. Meals are almost nonexistent. So bring your own or stop in Comstock or further West.

Make sure you pull off at the overlook for the Pecos River. Looking South you see where the river runs into the Rio Grande and the hills of Mexico. To the North is Highway 90 and the sheer cliffs along this mighty river. All along US 90 you see Border Patrol agents in their cars looking for illegals who have crossed the river and are attempting to cross the Sonoran Desert. by John pelley