The Journey Begins

Hylas and the Nymph Statue, Regent's Park, London

May 28, 2023 Administrator

Presented to Regent’s Park by the Royal Academy in 1933, Hylas and the Nymph Statue is a bronze effigy of Hylas, a Greek mythological friend of Jason, as he was being captured by a water nymph.

It is said that Jason sent Hylas to collect water during the quest to find the Golden Fleece. He was never seen again. Taken, the myth says, by a band of water nymphs as he bent to fill the urns.

The statue is a Grade II listed work, and sits on a plinth in the centre of a stone pond in St. John’s Lodge Garden, Regent’s Park.

The sculptor was Henry Alfred Pegram (1862-1937) and born in London. A highly revered sculptor, his work can be found as far away as South Africa and in numerous UK cities. More of his work can also be found in London.

Several of his other works revolved around a water theme. Such as The Bather 1894, A Sea Idyll 1902 and By the Waters of Babylon 1906. Bought on, it is said, by the fact that he himself was saved from drowning as a child while on holiday in Sussex.

Whether you’re visiting the local sights or enjoying afternoon tea near Regent’s Park, be sure to visit the beautiful gardens that make up this lovely park.

Erawan Shrine Bangkok

December 14, 2022January 9, 2023 Administrator

The Erawan Shrine in the heart of Bangkok is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Right near the intersection of Ploenchit and Ratchadamri Road, in front of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. A gold statue of the four-faced Brahma God, Than Tao Mahaprom, is a common site for worshipers to pay their respects and offer flowers and incense all day and night.

The temple is dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu deity of creation, also known as Phra Phrom in Thai. It is common practice for Thai Buddhists to sacrifice all four of Brahma’s faces since he is seen as the guardian god and bringer of good fortune. Candles, incense, and flower garlands (such as marigolds and jasmine) are standard forms of adornment. Brahma was said to have ridden a three-headed elephant called Erawan; thus, miniature representations of elephants are also shown.

Hotels Near Erawan Shrine Bangkok

The Ladmark Bangkok

Erawan Shrine is a 20 minutes walk from the hotel which features a wide variety of different restaurants, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. The 5-star hotel offers city views from every room, and features a club floor on it’s 31st floor.

Unmissable Standout Shows from the Upcoming London Fashion Week

August 13, 2022 Administrator

LFW (London Fashion Week) is a popular clothing trade show known to take place in February and September in the British Capital. It’s among the ‘Big Four’ fashion weeks and presents itself as a trade event attracting press attention.

History of LFW

Learn About LFW History

Organised by the BFC(British Fashion Council) for the London Development Agency (LDA) with help from the BIS, LFW first took place in 1983. The show was held in West London in a car park, and tents were erected outside the Commonwealth Institute in South Kensington. Young designers who debuted here include David Fielden, Betty Jackson and the Gibraltar-born John Galliano.

LFW Events

Visitors Will See New Collections from World’s Best Designers London Fashion Week 2023 promises to offer unmissable fashion events to the British Capital. Visitors will get a chance to see the latest catwalk ranges and hear from industry experts. LFW activities celebrate some of the latest trends from over 100 international and British designers, spanning menswear, womenswear and gender-neutral designs. The five-day LFW festival runs as a digital-first festival, and there’s a limited number of RSVP-required in-person and invitation-only events. Visitors should expect exhilarating shows from big names, including Simone Rocha, Richard Quinn and Roksanda.

There will also be rising-star designers, such as Halpern, Knwls and Nensi Dojaka. London Fashion Week showcases some of the most exciting new talents in the industry, thanks to the presence in the British Capital of some of the leading fashion universities and colleges.

Visitors should not miss the LFW 2023, as it will allow them to delve into the latest womenswear, menswear and gender-neutral collections.

Here is a site with more information about LFW

Parks with the best views in London

August 13, 2022 Administrator

There is no doubt that London is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is highlighted by the millions of visitors coming to the city annually. London is also home to some of the best parks where visitors can get away from the hustles and bustles of city life. Here are some of the best park views in London.

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill gives the best view of London. Visitors are able to track the entire city lying on the hill while having a serene time.

Hampstead Heath

You will also get a similar glimpse of London from this park as you would from Primrose Hill but at a further distance. However, a plus for this park is its size, sheer beauty, and swimming ponds and meadows.

Greenwich Park

Greenwich park offers its visitors a view of London over the River Thames and Canary Wharf. You may also want to visit Greenwich Market for some treats to get your day going.

Alexandra Park

You can also be sure to get an incredible view of the city at this park located below Alexandra Palace.

St James Park

Although it does not have a high vantage point like the other parks, visitors can have a view of the London Eye and Buckingham Palace if they find that sufficient.

London is truly a remarkable city, and its stunningly amazing parks provide visitors a glimpse of its beauty.

History of Primrose Hill, London

November 3, 2021November 3, 2021 Administrator

Primrose Hill is a scenic park named for the centre hill, which overlooks the whole of the British Capital. Sitting 64 metres above sea level, it offers an unobstructed view of the London skyline.

Primrose Hill’s history – Learn about the origin of this park

The park sits near Regent’s Park, separated only by a single road. Londoners have used this hill for recreational purposes for centuries.

Although the park has only been accessible to the public since 1842, it has a much longer history.
The name “Primrose Hill” dates back to the 1400s.

The park has borne witness to many historic events throughout its life. These include the murder of Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey in 1678 and the subsequent hanging of his murderers. In the early 19th century, the park became the location of London’s first rail runnel. The land was under the ownership of Eton College until 1841 when Henry VII purchased it. A year later, it was converted to public space by an Act of Parliament, and it remains as such to this day.

Enjoy more park features – good for public recreation

By 1851, the land was drained and levelled and enjoyed the addition of several park features, making it an even more enjoyable and usable space for public recreation. The park now includes an engraved inscription by William Blake on a stone edging, a playground, a walking trail, and public toilets. In 1864, a tree was planted in honour of William Shakespeare’s birthday. The tree was replanted a hundred years later. Here is a website with more information about Primrose Hill: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park/things-to-see-and-do/primrose-hill

The hill has been a mixed region since its first construction. It has spectacular views of the British Capital, and there are loads of things to do in this park.

The history of Wat Arun, Bangkok

November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 Administrator

Locally referred to as Wat Chaeng or the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun is a sacred site seated by the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is revered as one of the most stunning sacred structures of the world.

History

Wat Arun was constructed during the Ayutthaya era, and was in 1768 envisioned by General Taksin. During this time, the site holding Wat Arun had a smaller temple known as Wat Makok, a time at which the Ayutthaya Kingdom was in ruins. It is said that the general swore to rebuild the temple after winning the war against the invading Burmese army. This was after heviewed the temple from Chao Phraya River. As soon as he had defeated the warlords, he founded the Thonburi Kingdom, which lasted between 1768 and 1782. He then rebuilt the Wat Marok temple, and named it Wat Jaeng, meaning the Temple of Dawn. Taksin gave the monks ill treatment and drove them out to worship alone in the temple.

Later, the general was overthrown, and the temple abandoned. However, it was not to remain empty for too long. Rama I successor, Rama II who took over between 1809 and 1824 restored it. He reconstructed the temples aesthetics, had the central spire raised higher and went ahead to rename the temple Wat Arun. Renaming the temple as the general had was aimed at keeping the theme of dawn, but this time, Rama II connected it with India, which is considered the centre of Buddhism.

His plan was to raise the central spire beyond 16 meters. Unfortunately, he died before this mission was accomplished. The construction was later completed by Rama III in 1847, who raised the spire to 67 meters, making the structure to be the tallest in Thailand to date. The completed structure is what is today towering the Bangkok skyline. Wat Arun is Mount Meru’s architectural reproduction, housing images of the guardian gods of the four directions.

If you are planning to visit Thailand, Landmark Bangkok has an all-inclusive Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) package which will let you stay in comfort and luxury with fabulous dining.

5 reasons you should get married in Bangkok

March 29, 2020April 8, 2020 Administrator

Whether you are a foreigner marrying a Thai national, or both of you are foreigners coming to get married in Thailand, you have to follow specific steps. Your marriage can only be legal in your country if you perform it under valid Thai law. In other words, having your wedding ceremony in Bangkok does not mean your marriage is legal. Realistically you need three days to get embassy appointment, MFA submissions, and translations.

The following are the reasons you should consider getting married in Bangkok:

Wonderful Weather

In Bangkok, the weather is almost perfect throughout the year. Furthermore, during the sunny seasons, the sunsets in Bangkok are breathtaking. There are a lot of leisure activities on the beaches and entertainment by the local dancers.

When it rains, you and your partner will have a lot of indoor activities to undertake. You can visit aquariums, temples, entertainment complexes, and shopping malls.

Cost

The cost of getting married in Bangkok differs significantly, especially when you compare it to western countries. It is considerably cheaper, while at the same time offers a world-class wedding destination. Recently, it was awarded the top position by the Destination Wedding Planners [DWP] conference.

There are budgets for every amount that you will find in the city—the prices for a wedding in Bangkok range between $ 500 and $ 250000.

Modern and chic resorts

Irrespective of the wedding type that you chose, whether extravagant or on a shoe-
string, there are a number of beautiful resorts in Bangkok from which you can host your
wedding.

Bangkok is full of natural beauty. You can hold your wedding at a private villa, in a
botanical garden, stunning beaches, or a mountain retreat. Whatever you are looking
for, if you are planning to get married in Bangkok itself, a Landmark Bangkok
wedding could be the perfect location in the city’s Sukhumvit area of the city.

Delicious food

Guests to your wedding will love the fresh, vibrant, and delicious food. The food in the city is ideal for any wedding, and when you visit, you will experience it. All hotels have top chefs that offer zesty, healthy, and colorful food.

Nonetheless, hotels serve western food for those guests who do not enjoy Thai food.

Amazing landscape

Bangkok is full of natural beauty. You can hold your wedding at a private villa, in a botanical garden, stunning beaches, or a mountain retreat. Whatever it is you are looking for, you will quickly get a Landmark Bangkok wedding.

Conclusion

Delight your guests by having your wedding party in Bangkok. The city has some of the best private party venues that will amaze your guests.

5 tips for organizing a successful meeting.

April 24, 2019 Administrator

When organizing for a meeting, it is recommended that the host plans it ahead of time and schedules for a venue. Renting of meeting rooms west London can be very competitive, and the host needs to schedule an appointment on time. One of the best places to have a meeting is the K West Hotel & Spa which has amazing conference rooms.

Plan for the meeting ahead of time

Planning for a meeting ahead of time saves you time and makes people aware. This allows them to plan their busy schedule and make room for the meeting. Additionally, it allows everyone to be ready for the meeting and be prepared for the agenda. Also, you need to plan on how long the meeting will take place to prepare everyone.

Have all the right information

Before the meeting starts the host or the organiser should have all the information they are going to present with them. They should research on the topic and get all the information. This allows for the meeting to move faster and the host to have an easy time delivering the agenda.

Punctuality

The meeting should start and end on time. Nothing frustrates the attendees than a meeting which takes up most of their other plans for the day. Moreover, waiting for the speaker at a meeting can be exhausting and time-consuming. The attendees like when a meeting starts on time and ends on time.

Involve everyone in the meeting

Having a monologue meeting can be boring, and most of the people don’t pay attention to it. Involving the attendees in dialogue and the decisions being made is a great way to interact. The attendees feel appreciated and like their presence is valued. This will improve the work efficiency of the group and create an impact.

Have a follow up of question and answers

Leave the ground open for any questions about the meeting and any suggestions that may make an impact regarding the meeting. This creates an interactive and creative workforce. Additionally, it can boost the commitment of the attendees.

Conclusion

Meetings can be used to pass new information or come up with ways to improve the business. An effective meeting should have great and positive impacts.

Best restaurants near Marble Arch

March 28, 2019 Administrator

This article explores some of the best restaurants where you can satisfy your craving near Marble Arch

Marble Arch is one of the most iconic locations in London. It was regarded as a place of honour in front of the Buckingham Palace before being moved to Hyde Park. Its design is based on one of the most iconic monuments in Rome, the Arch of Constantine. Marble Arch has a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy and have a good time with your family and friends. Here we explore some of the best ones.

Nipa Thai – enjoy the best Thai Cuisine

This is the restaurant to be if you want to enjoy an authentic dining cuisine. Its location, just opposite Hyde Park in the glamorous Royal Lancaster London Hotel, makes it easy to access. Some of the renowned delicacies you can enjoy here include their famous all-Thai Chicken and Teak décor. The restaurant has even been recognized for its authenticity by the Thai Government with the Thai Select Award. Dining at Nipa, which means ‘shining light,’ promises to be an experience to be savoured.

The Arch London – enjoy a unique dining experience

The hotel is located near Maryebone and Marble Arch. Its architecture blends both English heritage and Georgian splendour. Visitors at the hotel can be able to enjoy the tranquillity afforded by the leafy streets of Marylebone that are lined with Victorian homes. There are also plenty of activities you can do at local areas around the Arch London. For example, you can go shopping at Marybone, which is an acclaimed fashion district in London, or even wine and dine at the Hunter Restaurant and Bar located in the Arch London. Whatever activity you want to undertake at London, then starting your day from the Arch London would be more than ideal.

Nirvana Kitchen London – experience a Pan – Asian odyssey

The restaurant aims at bringing delicacies from the east to the West end of London. The restaurant operates under the philosophy that if they make delicacies with pure ingredients, then customers will have a pleasurable experience. The restaurant blends traditional recipes with a modern twist. Some of the places they source their ingredients include Thailand, Japan, Korea and India. The restaurant’s signature menu is beef bulgogi, a Korean delicacy perfected with Japanese purple potatoes and Indian achari carrots.

Steak & Lobster Marble Arch

If you looking for a restaurant that serves steak and lobster, then this would be a good choice. They serve the finest quality of this delicacy and also complement it with a wide range of drinks, salads, bits and desserts.

As evidenced in this collection, there are plenty of restaurants you can wine and dine while near Marble Arch. Although not a comprehensive list, these are some with the best ratings.

A Thai Wedding, what should I expect?

February 17, 2019February 28, 2019 Administrator

As a guest at a Thai wedding, you should be ready to witness lots of rituals that may be new to you. In this post, we are going to look at the different stages of a traditional Thai wedding, the different events that you can attend and the ones you may not attend.

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The easiest approach to a Thai wedding is to attend the activities that happen from the afternoon onwards, as the morning activities tend to be for the family. If you are able to speak a bit of Thai, you will enjoy listening to speeches, and even interact more with other guests in the course of the day.

To help you plan better for the wedding day, let us dive into learning more.

Pre-Wedding Arrangements

Before the D-day, a close friend of the groom approaches the father of the bride to ask for the bride’s hand in marriage. He also participates in the dowry (son sod) negotiations ceremony, which is an expression of how the daughter has been brought up. An astrologer is then consulted regarding the wedding day which is often held in August. On the eve prior to the wedding ceremony, a Buddhist ceremony led by nine invited monks is conducted, to pay respects to their ancestors. Since a lot happens before the wedding, you can use it as a topic to start a conversation with other guests or the family.

The water Ceremony – Who Attends it?

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The parents of the senior couple place flowers around the necks of the newlyweds as they pour water on their heads. This ceremony denotes blessings from the parents and the only people who attend it are the guests who are older than the couple.

Religious Ceremony – The Different Activities to Attend

This specific ceremony is held very early at 6 am. Nine monks bless the couple once more where the couple is bound within a string that forms a circular shape. The monks receive a cash envelope after the prayer processions and lunch is served to finalise this part of the wedding. The couple also makes a donation to the temple (wat) for blessings.

The afternoon is the time when the main event, called rod nam sang takes place. The hands of the bride and the groom are connected by a flower chain as a show of respect. This event is officiated by the most senior member of the group. The couple then soaks their hands in a conch shell that has water, for blessings towards their union. The soaking of the newlywed’s hands will also be done by the parents and close friends. This ceremony proceeds until dinnertime. The dinner event is where guests flock in numbers.

Since Thai people like to drink together during festivities, be ready to enjoy a buffet served with drinks of all kinds. After dinner in a hotel like the Lancaster Bangkok Hotel, a traditional send-off of the newlyweds is orchestrated by the elders.

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Conclusion

As you have seen, the best parts that are open to all guests include the rod nam sang and the dinner event. You are now able to know the type of event you want to attend, in a Thai wedding ceremony.