SPECTACULAR MUSIC AND DANCE FROM TAIWAN

A prestigious and world renowned percussion group from Taiwan U-Theatre will be performing at Mood Festival in Mumbai on 27th December.This group has earned significant praise and awards in Taiwan and on international stage. This will be U-Theatre’s first show in India, and they will be showcasing Sword of Wisdom at IIT, Mumbai. 

Translated as “beating drums in a peaceful state of one’s own,” U-Theatre was founded in 1988 by Liu Ruo-Yu, who introduced novel facets of drumming, meditation, and martial arts to create a series of original works integrated with a wide range of elements drawn from music, literature, drama, dance and ritual. 

The pronunciation of the letter “U” is similar to the word meaning “excellence” in the Chinese language. In ancient China, the same word also meant “performers”. The Zen masters in China over a thousand years ago had said that a true artist must combine “Tao” (self-improvement) with “skill” (the learning and maturity of art). The U-people believe that the combination of Tao and skill is the goal of their life and artistic creation.

Ever since its inception, U-Theatre's has settled its roots deep and high up in the lush and rugged landscape of Laochuan Mountain an hour outside of Taipei. It is where each new production is created and rehearsed, and this 500-seat outdoor theatre is where the troupe debuts its annual productions.

Every morning U-Theatre drummers gather from all over Taipei at this simple and natural “cradle” to attend rehearsals and training sessions with an emphasis on meditation. At the creative headquarters atop Laochuan Hill, surrounded by the bustling metropolis of Taipei, the U-Theatre drummers devote themselves to practicing a holistic way of life originated from the Tao. Founded in 1988 with a focus on Zen in the art of drumming, U-Theatre and its practice may be best described as attaining the state of total calmness while in motion.

Today, the U-Theatre drummers maintain a strict daily training regimen that includes a full menu of martial arts, meditation, percussion practice, and Tai Chi. The comparative rigors of U-Theatre training gives troupe members levels of stamina, energy, and personal well-being unmatched by other performance troupes. As the group has matured, it has gradually melded into their performance the two themes of the search for the meaning of existence and the integration of art into life. 

Sword of Wisdom, which will be performed in India, conveys the power of solidity and tranquility, and is about the path the Brave One must take in his practice of moral teachings. He faces the unknowns of life, which result in fear, and this leads him to begin the search for wisdom. By holding on to the sword, the Brave One sees his own weakness, yet by holding on to the sword, he also finds the courage needed to confront life. 

Using the Brave One with a sword as an icon, U-Theatre selected chapters that best fit this theme from its international touring repertory of  Sound of the Ocean, Meeting with Bodhisattva, and A Touch of Zen. The most prominent feature of  Sword of Wisdom is the sounds of wooden and metal percussion that are added to the sound of drumming. Together with Gurdjieff Movements (the sacred dance), famous for its precision in movement, U-Theatre presents a higher level of drumming as an art. 

If you are in Mumbai on the 27th, then don't miss this unique performance.

4 MUST-EXPERIENCE RIVERS OF JAMAICA

Island of Jamaica. Pic courtesy: islandbuzzjamaica.com

The island of Jamaica is a treasure trove of hidden gems of natural wonders. A Mecca for those in search of off-the-beaten-track holidays. There are numerous navigable rivers in this beautiful island dotted with stunning scenery. Here are the four must-visit rivers in the Jamaica.

Rio Bueno River 

(Best for River Boarding)

This is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. You can go on a river tour with a group of experienced guides who will give you a brief training exercise after which you cross the swaying Irie Bridge and take a short hike through the rain forest until you reach the starting point of the course. There you will take hold of your river board and leap into the refreshing water, instantly cooled and ready to begin your incredible journey downstream. One can board through 7 exciting rapids to the midway stop where you can swim, swing on a rope or take a 15 to 20 ft. cliff plunge into the river. After your stop, climb back onto your board and continue gliding through lush tropical greenery while viewing the amazing scenery as you float down river. The currents take you to the mouth of the river and into the Caribbean Sea, where you paddle your river board towards shore.

Martha Brae River

(Best for rafting)

The river is located in Falmouth and Trelawny and offers two main attractions -- the thrill of bamboo rafting and the stunning Luminous Lagoon of Glistening Waters. Martha Brae is Jamaica's premier rafting attraction. A skilled raft captain on a 30 ft. bamboo raft takes visitors on a romantic adventure into the scenic and tranquil beauty of the island. This unique experience encompassing over three miles of beautiful and picturesque river is an ultimate romantic experience. The river is home to a rare phosphorescent microbe that lives in the shallow warm place where salt and freshwater meet. The constant flow of the river moves the microbes and causes them to glow. At Tarzans Corner, you may zip through the air on a rope to swing or plunge into the refreshing water. Often described as the best part of the trip however, is when the raft stops so riders can enjoy swimming in the shallow areas of the lagoon. At its deepest, the river is about eight feet, but is closer to five feet deep in most locations. Swimmers can relax and bathe in the warm, tropical environment and see the water glow around them.

White River

(Best for Kayaking and River Tubing)

Kayaking and River Tubing down the tranquil White River in Ocho Rios is another popular activity. Experienced tubing guides will take you on a breathtaking three mile journey down the river. This river is not only known for its beauty but also as the dividing line between two of the most beautiful parishes in Jamaica, St. Mary & St. Ann. As you float along in tubes, you will feel the changing pace and moods of the white river while passing through coconut plantations and bamboo groves along the river banks. Enjoy many challenging rapids and enchanting lagoons whilst tubing down the White river. At the end of the ride disembark unto the boardwalk at the Village of Flowers where tubers may relax. Kayaking is yet another adventurous option for the visitors. Your river ride by kayak takes you along the White River starting at The Old Spanish Bridge, from where you paddle your way through cascading rapids and crystal clear pools under a canopy of lush tropical vegetation. Halfway through your journey comes the Arawak Gazebo nestled in the trees on the bank of the river. Here visitors may be seen wandering the grounds or swimming in one of the rivers largest pools as you float by. Then its down the river again through the breathtaking Flipping Rapids, the Spinning Rapids, the enchanting Blue Lagoon and the deep Ackee Hole Lagoon.

Rio Grande River 
(Best for Rafting)

Rafting at Rio Grande River provides some of the most beautiful views and for about two to three hours you will be swallowed up by Jamaica's natural beauty. Relax on a bamboo raft made for two. There are pleasant surprises around each picturesque bend. The river rafting practice began in the early 20th century and since then many tourists and eco-travelers have followed suit to enjoy one of the most magical experiences of Jamaica. The trip from the town of Berrydale in the hills to Rafters Rest on the coast at times takes two and a half hours, a slow idyllic meander through rain forests and farmland on a thirty-foot raft steered expertly by a local captain. Wide and shallow with rocky banks, the Rio Grande is an ideal location to spy the local wading birds. Along the way, stop for a cool dip, enjoy a cold beverage or stop to chat with singing washerwomen and giggling children. There is often an enterprising fellow with a Red Stripe raft selling Red Stripe beer, soft drinks and even wine. The ride gives a pleasant experience along the way, so do indulge your senses in an afternoon of luxury, and soak up the natural tropical beauty.

SHADOWS COME ALIVE

Prasanna Rao creating magic with his fingers. Photo courtesy: RMAC

All you need are the fingers on your hands — to create magic. That is if you are Prasanna Rao, the renowned shadowgrapher. Though the doyen of shadowgraphy bid adieu to this world in 2003, remanants of his work still lives on in the form of photographs. And you can see them at the Rangoli Metro Art Centre on MG Road where it will be exhibited from December 11, 2014.  

Prasanna’s love for shadows-on-the-wall began at a very young age. As a child, he used to fall sick often; he spent more time in bed than on the playgrounds kicking ball with his friends. In order to keep himself entertained in the sick bay, he would lie on his back and create shadows on the walls of his bedroom — dogs, cats, birds and so; apparently, they became his good friends. Soon, his ‘shadow games’ became something that everybody around him enjoyed. And when he went to Shantiniketan to pursue art is when he discovered his life’s passion to become a shadowgrapher.

He was famous for creating 'shadow portraits' on the wall

Prasanna then went to Czechoslovakia to research shadow puppets; he even worked on a TV show. He also worked in Paris for close to a decade. Soon, Prasanna became famous and began performing for people like Jawaharlal Nehru.  There was a time when he regaled audiences in a dark hall, from Germany to America, with a focus light that brought his shadow-figures alive.

Known as a man who saw the world around him differently, minutely and with great love, Prasanna was renowned for his‘shadow portraits’ of even complete strangers. Just like a portrait artist, he would study a person’s face then create a portrait on the wall using his fingers, light and shadows. Till the very end, Prasanna remained a creative man. Twisting his fingers to bring joy.

If you have the time, go check out the photography exhibition of shadowgraphy by Prasanna at The Rangoli Metro Art Centre, MG Road, Bangalore. From 11 am to 7.30 pm. From December 11 to 14. 

JOURNEY THROUGH CANADA'S SNOWY ROCKIES

Pic courtesy: Canadian Train Journeys

Winter can be a brrrr and a blur in Canada...i.e. if you want it to be. But there's another way of experiencing the best of Canadian winter and exploring this beautiful country -- VIA Rail, the national passenger rail service. Just like our Indian Railways -- but a lot cleaner and stylish, I should say. 

I'd suggest the route from Toronto to Vancouver -- it's what would be deemed 'spectacular cross-continental travel'. Frosted scenes of Canadian Rockies! Phew! It deserves a background score of Oscarish proportions. 

Maligne Canyon

The overnight journey begins at Toronto. And when the train chugs along and you cross the Canadian Shield -- a land of frozen lakes -- is when you gasp in awe. Wildly beautiful. Isolated communities like Christmas decorations can be seen amidst snow covered trees.

Thousand Islands

The train stops at Winnipeg in the morning. You can get down and  explore this railway city. Once you are back on board, the train continues westwards from Winnipeg, crossing the prairies and arriving in the province of Saskatchewan in the evening. After a brief stop at Edmonton in the morning, the train begins the climb to the foothills of the Rockies. Get ready to encounter some of the most amazing vistas on earth -- glaciers, lakes, plunging canyons, frozen waterfalls and soaring snow-covered peaks.

Breathtaking sights

From quaint Jasper, in the morning, the train pulls into the cosmopolitan Vancouver. Snow covered urban landscape of skyscrapers set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered mountains and deep fjords.

Kananaskis Country

You should do the trip in the Dome Car of VIA Rail -- that way you can enjoy the art-deco style of the car; its plush lounges and observation area. Make new friends and share a drink with fellow travellers while enjoy the scenary. The staff on board are knowledgeble and will keep you informed with interesting information about the scenes outside the picture-windows and points of interest. 

At the beginning of the journey you might think -- what's so great about snow and winter? It's white. It's cold. At the end of the journey, you marvel at the different hues of the beautiful 'white' and discover that winters can be cosy and warm too -- in a different way!

  VIA Rail Canada

• Canada's national rail passenger service operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking 450 communities across its 12,500-kilometre route network. 
• It carries four million passengers annually. 
• It has won the Safety Awards for the last 8 years.

MUNICH'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Munich's Christmas market. Photo Bernd Roemmelt

Munich, with its air of polished prosperity, is quintessential Germany. The old and the new co-exist here with cherished traditions like Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, rubbing shoulders with designer shopping, sleek cars and high-powered industry.

Indeed Munich today is the flavour of the year. The Bavarian capital on the Isar river has strong roots in the past. Its Baroque and Rococo architecture, lush parks, museums and historic venues such as Schloss Nymphenburg, the summer palace of the rulers of Bavaria, are

COONOOR IN NOVEMBER IS JUST RIGHT

Acres Wild Farm Stay. All photos credited to Ayesha Tabassum

Ayesha Tabassum, our guest blogger, is a copywriter and consultant with Why Axis. She is also a self-confessed "wanderer, runner, nature-lover, animal-rescuer, foodie, Bangalore-based people-seeker, high on life and colours". She writes about her charming trip to a cheese-making farm in Coonoor. She blogs at ayeshatabassum.wordpress.com and tweets @aishatax

**************

“Coonoor in November? Naah! Not really the holiday destination for the winter month,” was the dismissive response from a seasoned traveler-advisory. It’s too cold, unpredictable showers and a roller-coaster of a journey by bus. Car seems better, was the suggestion. Near and dear ones were a tad bit surprised: "It will be too cold, no? That too you are taking your mother along? You better be padded well."

With an earful of advice, yours truly decided to embark on the much-awaited annual trip.

Agreed, November is usually the month to explore warmer places and cities in India. But what’s the point of following the usual holiday calendar.

This holiday was truly earned – booking at Acres Wild Farm Stay was done nearly two months prior (after warnings from traveller friends: "Book this place early, it’s not easy to get a cottage.") and leave at work had been applied three months in advance. With such planning (perhaps even more meticulous than PM’s quarterly itinerary), we absolutely

UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION INCLUDES SPECTACULAR NITRO CIRCUS LIVE -ACTION SPORT

Nitro Circus Live – the action sport collective led by extreme sports legend thirty-one-year-old Travers Pastrana, is planning to perform a one-off salute stunt for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during its Arabian Gulf debut show in Abu Dhabi over the 43^rd National Day weekend.

It will perform a brand new, two hour, over-the-top stunt spectacular for one-night only at Zayed Sports City this December 5. Everything will be set to the score of the Abu Dhabi song. The song was created earlier this year by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. It is sung by the Arab star Orayb and features the lyrics of celebrated Emirati poet Ali A. Khawar and the score of UAE musician Fayez Al Saeed.

On  December 5^th Nitro Circus Live show will feature a cast of 40 of the world’s best action sports athletes riding dirtbikes, base jumping and performing stunts. It promises to deliver some of the most difficult and dangerous stunts in freestyle motocross, BMX and skate with star athletes from across the world performing their biggest and best tricks of Nitro Circus Live’s multi-million dollar set and famous 50-foot high Nitro Gigant-A-Ramp.

The crew will push their limits and skill on skates, scooters and a range of crazy contraptions; including, a rocking horse, Barbie car, kids tricycles, bath tub, lazy-boy couch, boogie board and many more.

One of the craziest stunts in the new show includes the extraordinary - hole-in-one - where riders launch 50 feet into the air off the Gigant-A-Ramp and attempt to land with pinpoint accuracy inside an inflatable Zorb ball.

The show is being brought to the emirate by Alchemy Project in association with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

Tickets for Nitro Circus Live in Abu Dhabi, which runs from 8pm – 10pm on December 5, start from AED149 (US $49) and are available at www.TixBox.com.