Friday Fun Fact: Holiday Beast

On the 5th of December in the Alpine/Germanic countries of Europe, people dress up in frightening costumes of this holiday beast and tear through the streets warning bad children that St. Nicholas will not reward them with presents. What is the name of this mythical monster?

Extra Clues:

• This is a European version of giving coal to bad children on Christmas.
• Don’t worry…while these beasts look scary, it’s all in good fun!
• This beast usually accompanies St. Nicholas in his rounds around town in the 1st two weeks of December.

Photo credit: Nat Friedman on Flickr

Seoul: Tokyo and Seoul are comparable to the sister cities of Seattle and Portland. Neighboring Korea boasts many of the same tastes and activities as Japan, while adding a unique perspective with cultural elements all its own. Seoul is one of the top 10 global cities in the world and boasts an impressive, modern metropolitan infrastructure.

Bangkok: The sights and smells of Bangkok are almost incomparable to other areas of Asia. The city’s night and weekend markets are known internationally and are worth the trip to Bangkok on their own. All five senses experience a journey of a lifetime in Thailand’s most lively city.

Hong Kong: The architecture of this metropolis and global financial center will awe you just as Tokyo will. The culture of Hong Kong is a very distinct mix of Chinese traditions and British influences, and is often described as a place where the East meets West. As a leader in technology and innovation, Hong Kong stands as a powerful international influence as well as a fascinating travel destination.

Photo Credits: Seoul, http2007; night market bangkok, side guacamole; Hong Kong, HerryLawford

Central Tokyo

The Tsukini Fish Market is a creative, unique location within central Tokyo. It is the country’s largest fish market and handles more than 2,000 tons of marine products per day. The sounds, sites and tastes will awe you, and while the pungent smells might not be sweet, they will be memorable.

Western Tokyo

While in western Tokyo, visiting Shinjuku is a must-do for anybody wanting to experience the bustle and brightness that Tokyo is known for. The area surrounding Shinjuku Station (which is the world’s busiest railway station, handling more than two million passengers daily) is the city’s giant entertainment, business and shopping area.

Northern Tokyo

The Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. Visiting Tokyo’s oldest temple, completed in year 645, is both a historically and culturally rich experience.

Southern Tokyo

For everybody who thought Tokyo is nothing other than a noise Mecca, they will think again when visiting southern Tokyo’s Institute for Nature Study, a nature reserve conserved since 1917. Taking some time to visit this tranquil spot will be a nice change of pace from the bustling downtown Tokyo. Wander around the grounds and take it all in before you return to the city.

Photo Credits: Fish Market From Above, augapfel; Shinjuku, David McKelvey; Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Tokyo, albany_tim; 桜, hiyang.on.flickr

Photo Credits: Delft, Berto Garcia; Keukenhof, RightIndex; Zaanse Schans, johan wieland.

Well, we’re in luck. India might be on the other side of the globe, but PDX offers flights that take travelers in one of the most direct routes possible. Delta Air Lines offers flights through the Amsterdam gateway to Mumbai, India. While in India, take advantage of the opportunity to learn about some of the country’s most interesting cultural contributions.

Yoga

While yoga has evolved in the US to include styles like aerobic yoga and even aquatic yoga, the practice traces it origins back to ancient India. Yoga is more than just  a series of poses, it is a complete spiritual, mental and physical exercise. Yogis across the world find their center through the meditative practices of yoga. Today, yoga is associated with Buddhism and Hinduism, but people across all denominations enjoy the descipline’s physical, mental and spiritual benefits. While in Mumbai, be sure to visit a yoga studio and meet some true life yogis to see what traditional yoga is all about. Namaste.

Indian Cuisine

If you’ve ever had traditional Indian food, you know that the cuisine is much different from any other Asian dining experience. Characterized by its diverse spices and flavors, Indian food is gaining popularity across the world. Spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander and curry are common flavors that are used in Indian dishes. Indian food is incredibly diverse, and each region in India claims its own style and flavor of traditional dishes. In Mumbai, a bite-size delicacy called panipuri is a popular snack. Don’t leave Mumbai without sampling the diverse cuisine of the Maharashtra region, or taking a cooking class!

Bollywood

Bollywood is the name given to the culturally unique film-industry based in Mumbai, and is one of the largest film-producers in the world. The name is derived from a combination between Mumbai’s former name, Bombay, and Hollywood. Bollywood films are inspired by cultural aspects of Hollywood movies as well as traditional Indian culture, theater, music and dance. Most Bollywood films have musical elements, where characters sing and dance in a way that is unique to the Bollywood film industry. When in Mumbai, check out a masala film (literally meaning mixture of spices), which is usually about 3 hours long (with intermission) and includes comedy, tragedy, action and romance.

Photo Credit: Masala Dabba, jo-h; Yoga Journal Conference, Lululemon Athletica; It ain’t Bollywood without a little song and dance, tajai

A green spot in the heart of North Holland which every year is the host for a diverse dance festival in the open air. A musical celebration where once a year the national and international club- and DJ scene comes together. Both grounded and surrealistic, mainstream and alternative, but also a short festival vacation that feels like coming home.

Dance Valley is so much more than the sum of varying dance styles. It is a magical musical playground in an enchanting landscape, the combination of electronic music and provocative entertainment that will wash away your daily troubles and worries. A day of Dance Valley means twelve hours of enjoyment in an environment that is synonymous with freedom. The surrealistic Velsen Valley recreational area will stimulate all senses and let everyone do and be what they want.

Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Dance Festival – August 27-28th

This festival falls in line with two other major festivals in Tokyo: the Sumida River Fireworks Festival and the Asakusa Samba Carnival, all held throughout the summer in Tokyo. This year, 188 different dancing groups gather to perform a traditional Japanese style of dance called Awaodori. The dance is performed with performers assembled in straight lines as they move forward in synchronized movements. Exciting costumes are worn by all of the groups as they parade down the streets of Tokyo. The festival celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2010 and gathers large amounts of Japanese spectators each year.

Dance Valley, Amsterdam – August 6th, 2011

This festival brings in visitors from far and wide that all share one thing: an unconditional love of electronic music. For 15 years, Dance Valley has been the largest outdoor dance festival in the Netherlands. This year, over 100 famous artists, DJs, actors and dancers will gather to put on a show unlike any other. Set in the picturesque, rolling landscape of Velsen Valley, carefree visitors are enchanted by the music, dancing amidst a magical outdoor panorama. Dance Valley is one for the books.

Here’s a trailer for Dance Valley 2011:

White Bird Dance, Portland – Performances throughout 2011-2012

White Bird Dance, based out of Portland, OR, aims to gather a diverse range of dancing groups and styles from all over the globe to perform for eager local art patrons. Dance groups that have performed with White Bird come from as far as Australia, Israel and Sweden. The 2011-2012 calendar includes a wide range of genres including contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet and foreign styles. All performances with White Bird collectively highlight the beauty of the movement of the human body. After a performance, you are sure to be left moved and inspired.

Preview the 2011-2012 season for a taste of what White Bird brings to Portland:

Photo credit: Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Dance Festival, d. FUKA