The island of Phuket is one of Thailand’s largest. In the past it has received millions of visitors each year. Tourism is the main economy on the island and naturally has had a huge impact on the culture. It’s a bit of a melting pot and can give a distorted picture of the real Thailand. Even the food isn’t considered a good example of Thai Cuisine. The island has miles of pristine beaches, a wealth of water sports and experience in catering to the demands of the holiday vacationer. For years it was the destination of choice for many Europeans and Americans. All of this came to a halt during the year of the tsunami. Phuket sustained very little damage in comparison with other parts of the island. The natives insist that the situation was grossly exaggerated through the press and as a result tourism came to a halt.

Today, visitors will be amazed at how much progress has been made with regard to the infrastructure around the island. Most hotels have been restored and are operating normally. Phuket was declared safe to travel by all major governments including the US, France, UK and Germany in early January 2006. However tourism and the local economy have been badly affected.

Travel between islands is much more pleasant because the ferries are uncrowded. Tests have proven that the ocean is actually clearer today than it was for the past decade. The streets of Phuket are clean and there is no threat of disease. Diving and snorkeling have resumed. Divers report that the underwater coral gardens are more vibrant than ever. Fishermen report large schools of fish not seen for a few years. The golf courses are ready and waiting.

Some airlines are offering large discounts. Not only that, but there are many Thailand luxury hotels located in Phuket which are offering well priced package deals with many extras, especially during the off season. The savvy traveler knows that it’s a great time to visit Phuket.

Nestled among some of the most distinguished cultural elements of Phuket is the renowned Thalang National Museum. Thalang was the original center of the providence of Phuket and is now a district in the North section. The museum houses many famous and sacred relics from Thai history. Among them is a large statue of the god Vishnu located in the main hall of the museum. This incredible statue was uncovered in the forest overgrowth in Phang Nga in the early 1900s. The piece is believed to date from the 9th century and it demonstrates the early Indian influence in Thai art.

One of the exhibits in the museum is dedicated to the Battle of Thalang. This infamous historic confrontation featured two heroines who defended Thailand from the invasion of the Burmese in the 18th century. These two women were Lady Chan, a recently widowed wife of the governor and her sister, Lady Muk. Together the two women rallied the towns- people to stand strong against the Burmese and were able to break the invaders’ aggressive hold. After the battle the women were recognized by the king who bestowed them with honors. The heroines are also honored in a monument on the main road.

Tourists who are too tired to travel far can experience plenty of aspects of Phuket history right outside their hotel room door. That is, if they happen to be staying in the Thavorn Hotel, recognized as one of the best 5 star hotels Phuket. The lobby of the hotel is also a museum and has an extensive collection of photographs detailing the chronology and lives of Thai royalty. The atmosphere of the Thavorn Hotel Lobby creates the sensation of stepping into another time. Its collection includes unique elements from daily life in a different era. Among them are toy trains, opium smoking beds and Chinese hats to name a few. There is also an extensive assortment of tin mining tools.

Being a tourist in New York City can be a fairly intimidating experience. Most American suburbanites aren’t used to walking or accumulating the amount of mileage that’s necessary to traverse the city. The up and down of subway stairs can also be daunting. But all that is considered minor when you’re faced with the dilemma of needing to find public rest room. Most restaurants and small stores are not required to have public restrooms. What makes matters worse is that they don’t usually feel obliged to let you use theirs even if you ask. So where does a visitor look? To begin with you can be confident that a large department store will always have a rest room. Bloomingdales at 58th and Lexington has a clean, well maintained rest room although it may be hard to find. You’ll definitely have to ask a salesperson for directions. On the other hand, Macy’s at 34th and Broadway has a large restroom that almost always has a long line. It seems that it’s the home away from home for many stragglers. It’s not the nicest, but in a pinch it will do. Nowadays most Starbucks can accommodate you but a token is necessary and you might get a dirty look if you don’t at least buy a cup of decaf.

My absolute favorite and one of the most reliable restrooms is in one of the top New York City hotels. The legendary Plaza Hotel at Central Park South and 59th St. has lovely rest rooms in the basement level. Visiting this ladies room can be one of the finer moments of your vacation. You enter the lounge which large room with many sofas where you’ll find a place to rest or simply get your packages in order. Near the door you are greeted by a smiling attendant in a starched uniform who will direct you to the next available stall. After you finish washing your hands a paper towel is politely handed to you. On the counter there’s a selection of hand lotions and other niceties for your use. It’s then you notice the discreet plate piled high with coins and cash. No reason to worry, tipping is optional. However, if you do feel inclined to express your gratitude for this bit of civility, one dollar will provide a sufficient thank you.

Birmingham, known as the second city of the United Kingdom and is one of many cities that make up the West Midlands. In fact, it is just about in the center of the region, and the city itself now sits where the Forest of Arden was many, many years ago. Hills, and valleys, mountains and forests, this is Shakespeare’s country and that fact is still alive and well today. The number of theaters and amount of productions happening every year in Birmingham, is second only to the city of London. The city is also extremely well known for their dance companies, their art galleries, the symphony and the opera. It is no wonder that this is one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom year after year, with people traveling from England and Scotland, as well as those from around the world, for a visit to a local restaurant or pub, a night out with the Shakespeare theater or the Welsh National Opera and then a night in at a quaint or perhaps historic Birmingham hotel.

This year in particular is special for the city, as the Birmingham Royal Ballet theater will celebrate their 20th anniversary. There will be celebrations and special performances throughout 2009, and the premier performance of David Bintley’s new ballet. The company has had residence in the Birmingham Hippodrome for the ten years, and has continued to strive for the best. Director, Bintley stated that they remain very well aware of how the audience is enjoying their work and do all that they can to ensure that the performances they give are vibrant, interesting and innovative. The company has worked very hard over the last 20 years, and has gained respect and love not only from the people of Birmingham, but internationally as well as they become more of a force in the classical dance world around the globe. This year promises to be an incredible one, as the company will perform not only new and collaborative works, but past works from their repertoire as well, a kind of history of performance giving back to and thanking the Birmingham audiences for their support and loyalty and love.

Surf legend Jake Paterson of Australia and Paul “Hutty” Hutson, CEO of Quiksilver Southeast Asia, recently conducted a whirlwind tour of Phuket in anticipation of the upcoming Thailand Surf Series. The two were hosted by the Phuket Boardriders Club and their visit included inspections of surf venues as well as meetings with Wichai Phraisa-ngop, the Governor of Phuket, and the Deputy Mayor of Patong, Chairat Sukban.

The Thailand Surf Series is a progression of competitions featuring international surfers. It will be held on Phuket island. The goal of the series is to both promote and develop surfing in Thailand, including amateurs as well as professional. The event hopes to showcase rising Thai talents in the sport. Organizers would like to see future competitions in Thailand, including local and regional events as well as more international competitions.

Hutson and Paterson also wanted to emphasize the outreach of such events, especially with regards to issues such as keeping beaches clean. Hutson stated, “We would like to bring together local hotels, lifeguards and government officials to promote public awareness and a shoreline cleaning initiative at local surf beaches.”

The series should also bring a boast to local businesses throughout the summer. Phuket best hotels are usually within easy reach of the beaches and there are numerous restaurants and shops that will benefit from the influx of surfers and fans.

Individual events include the Jun “Monsoon Riders” competition on Kalim Beach and the “King of the Jungle” held on Kamala Beach in August. The final event of the series, the “Island Crown” will be held in September on Kata Beach.

The Surf Series will be the first such event for Thailand. Quicksilver is the leading sponsor of the series.

The first International Tea Fair will be held in Hong Kong on August 13-15, 2009. The event is part of a series of Food and Health events that includes the HKTDC Food Expo 2009 and the International Conference and Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products 2009. All events will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The International Tea Fair is being developed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in partnership with the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association. I will focus on tea-producing and tea-trading regions such as China, Sri Lanka, India and Japan as well as other areas. The HKTDC points to the 200 million middle class Chinese who are interested in purchasing imported luxury and food items as a major market just waiting to be reached by tea producers. Tea production was 3.87 million tons in 2007 according to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.

The event hopes to bring together buyers and producers from around the world. Assistance packages are being offered to buyers to attract buyers from emerging markets such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Russia as well as the Chinese mainland. The best Hong Kong hotels and restaurants are also looking to improve business during the event.

The Fair will include a tea gallery, tea ceremony demonstrations and a tea competition. The goal is to attract buyers and media interest in hopes of “infusing a tea lifestyle.” The event will be open to the public on the final day.

The HKTDC Food Expo will run from August 13 – 17th as will the International Conference and Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products.