The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is supporting Dr Chris Pearson, a New Zealand geodesist who is spending four weeks working with the Survey Department of Nepal to assist them in planning the project and processing data from its early phases, the New Delhi-based Embassy of New Zealand has said in statement.

After many geologists argued that the April 2015 quake may have shrunk the mountain by about 3 centimetres, the Survey Department launched a two-year survey of re-measuring Mt Everest this year which also coincides with the 65th anniversary of the first successful ascent of the peak by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

The current officially recognised height of Mount Everest is 8,848 metres. The project led by the Survey Department of Nepal involves the use of both conventional surveying techniques similar to those used by George Everest (who surveyed Mount Everest in the 19th century) and a modern global positioning system receiver that will be taken to the top of the mountain to measure its height, the statement added. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2019.

“The legacy of this historic achievement on 29 May 1953 continues to underpin New Zealand’s close and warm relationship with Nepal, as well as support its further growth. It is therefore a proud moment for us at the New Zealand Embassy to support this important initiative that will help us ascertain the correct height of this renowned geological landmark,” says Joanna Kempkers, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Nepal. Lisa Choegyal, New Zealand’s Honorary Consul to Nepal also expressed her pleasure at being able to provide targeted technical support to Nepal following the earthquakes.

“It is an honour for New Zealand to be assisting the Survey Department and the Government of Nepal with this important and high-profile task of re-measuring Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world and an iconic tourism attraction for Nepal,” she said in the statement.

In addition to Dr Pearson’s contribution, Trimble NZ, a US-based firm that manufactures advanced positioning solutions, has donated a complimentary licence of their GPS processing software for use in analysing the data collected during the project. They also plan to lend two state of the art GPS receivers for use during the summit measurement.

Prior to this project, Dr Pearson led a successful post-earthquake survey mapping project along with Nepal’s Survey Department in 2015 to help the country rebuild after the two massive earthquakes earlier that year. The earthquakes caused the ground to move by about 2 metres, sending co-ordinates in geographic information system and geodetic databases “well off” their actual locations. He worked with the department to develop mathematical models to correct co-ordinates and survey measurements for the quake-induced ground movement. This work was also financially supported by New Zealand.

Thanking the New Zealand government for the help, Deputy Director General at the Survey Department Niraj Manandhar said, “We are absolutely delighted to have New Zealand’s help and Dr Chris Pearson’s expertise has been very valuable to our department.”

This year electrifying music and art universe will bring the world’s most forward-thinking electronic music acts to Asia and they’ll be supported by the finest local talents. The first round of confirmed headliners includes global house and techno superstars like leading techno lady Nina Kraviz with her uncompromising DJ set.

Romanian super artists Raresh and Praslea who form the duo Pralesh will be rolling their infectious grooves that turn every festival upside down. Ricardo Villalobo will show his ecstatic beats, while electronic star Seth Troxler will bring his eclectic mixture of electronic sounds.

They will be accompanied international and local artists including Philipp Gorbachev, Denis Kaznacheev, who plays a blend of subtle groove synth blasts and drops of organic instrumentation, and Russia’s intriguing character and Arma17 resident Sofia Rodina, who will spin her thrilling house and techno with acidic feels.

Multi Passes are priced at 169 Euro (Bt6,600) and can be purchased online via http://www.Epizode.com.

In the build-up to this annual musical extravaganza, guests can experience some of the festival’s top acts, accompanied by sensational cuisine in a tropical setting at Anarasa, the resort’s urban marketplace restaurant.

M Ade Irawan’s jazz collective, The Good Fellas, will take the stage, backed up such jazz legends as Dutch trumpeter Gerard Kleijn, saxophonists Kuba Skowronski, Pramono Abdi and Norman King, drummer Piergiorgio Marchesini, and the Panji Baskoro Trio.

The exclusive event will also be joined by Australian vocalist and pianist Emilia Schnall known as ‘Sugar Mama’. Guests will be able to enjoy this celebration of jazz with a bountiful Latino Jazz Barbecue buffet featuring succulent local seafood and other delicious dishes. This unique dining experience is priced at IDR 500,000 (Bt1,150)-plus per person.

“Our mission is to combine world-class hospitality with cultural authenticity. We support the Ubud Village Jazz Festival, which showcases Bali’s creativity and diversity. Our pre-event dinner will allow guests to enjoy some of the jazz scene’s leading lights in an elegant yet casual ambience. Following the success of 2017’s inaugural dinner, we look forward to hosting another wonderful occasion this year,” said Horst Walther-Jones, general manager, Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali.

Launched in 2013, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival is an intimate musical event that features some 100 musicians playing 20 performances on three stages over the course of two days. Acts span a wide variety of jazz forms, including international acts, Indonesian artists and up-and-coming talents. The event is accompanied by a food festival.

Find more by emailing resort.bali.rest-resv@movenpick.com.

 Booking.com thus recommends six beautiful destinations that are even better when travelling in a group.

Krakow, Poland

As one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow is a city that has boldly withstood the tides of history and has come out on top. Medieval and modern architecture co-exist in organic harmony with the natural world; from its mountainous backdrop to the cosmopolitan bustle of Market Square, the city’s central square where friends gather and meander. And if you and your friends are craving some traditional street food, then visit one of the little stalls in the Plac Nowy neighbourhood which sells zapiekanka, an open-faced sandwich topped with sauteed mushrooms and cheese. An abundance of apartment style accommodations and one of the most affordable destinations in Europe are additional benefits for group travel in Krakow.

Where to stay: Feldmana 6 Apartments offers spacious accommodation ideal for a group of friends who want to spend their stay in Krakow together. The apartment’s modern living room or fully equipped kitchen are the perfect place to reconnect while relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Smells assault the senses, traffic buzzes all around and vendors jostle for attention at every turn. On the other hand, it’s a city with a serene soul – full of imperial temples and beaming smiles from some of the world’s friendliest people. Wander with your friends and mingle with tourists and locals at the Chatuchak weekend market, which gathers more than 200,000 visitors a day, or spend some time at the Saphan Phut night market, a perfect spot for after-dark shopping, snacking or just catching up.

Where to stay: Renovated from a traditional shop house, Vera Nidhra is a boutique bed and breakfast located in Bangkok’s Old Town. Before discovering the city’s hidden gems, you can spend time with your friends in one of the property’s stylish common areas

Barcelona, Spain

Home to a glorious climate, lively beach culture and countless Gaudi masterpieces, this beautiful destination is a kaleidoscope of taste and colour. The Gothic Quarter is a great place to spend the day with your friends, wandering in the ancient alleyways lined with shops and bars, while the colourful La Rambla area, with the charismatic street performers and pavement cafes, is perfect for watching the friendly locals pass by.

Where to stay: Centrally located in Barcelona, between the vibrant Rambla de Catalunya and Aribau streets, each of the modern BCN Rambla Catalunya Apartments features a cosy living room where you and your friends can relax after a day of sightseeing, bar hoping and tapas tasting.

New York City, USA

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – no other city quite captures the United States of America’s founding principles. Ripe with anticipation, every turn reveals something new and unexpected. Discover the city where some of the most popular television shows and movies of all times took place, and hang out with your friends inside one of the city’s world-class museums, at one of the many breathtaking theatre performances or just find your own cosy neighbourhood cafe to talk about your dreams and next adventures.

Where to stay: Located within walking distance from the iconic SoHo, Greenwich Village and Union Square neighbourhoods, the historic brownstone East Village Apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi to post stunning Instagram pictures with your friends from the City that Never Sleeps.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg is full of splendid cathedrals, parks and bridges and leaves a living, breathing and awe-inspiring legacy of Peter the Great, who built the city after feeling inspired by the charming streets and canals of Amsterdam. If you and your friends are interested in culture and appreciate the local flare, than this is the perfect place for you as the city is listed as Unesco World Heritage site with multiple historical architectural complex as well as thousands of stunning individual monuments.

Where to stay: Staying in a hostel while travelling with friends can be a great opportunity to meet new people from around the world. The Hostel Chickadee is set on a historical building and is walking distance the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. The fully equipped kitchen is a great place to come together and cook a delicious meal with your friends.

Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the best places in the world for deep cultural immersion. From ancient ruins to modern art and architecture, no matter your interest, there is something to see and enjoy in Rome. In between sightseeing among the show-stopping Pantheon, Colosseum and Roman Forum, don’t forget to enjoy gelato from one of the cities many gelaterias. The popular Piazza di Spagna is a great place to people watch or take notes from the fashionistas exiting Via dei Condotti. Before you leave, be sure to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you and your friends will come back to this stunning city.

Where to stay: Just a short walk from the Colosseum, Amazing Colosseo offers modern self-catering accommodation for up to a group of eight. Featuring a cinema room and a pool table, this spacious apartment is perfect for a fun trip with friends in the heart of the Eternal City. Wake up to the spectacular views of one of Italy’s most visited monuments and enjoy a nice cup of coffee before walking in the shadows of hundreds of ancient monuments.

Billing itself as “Culinary Capital of Malaysia”, Penang boasts mouth-watering attractions from bustling markets to sizzling street food stalls, exquisite restaurants, creative cooking classes and more.

The recommended dishes include nasi kandar (rice served with various choices of curries), laksa (the famous spicy noodle soup), char koay teow (Hokkien yellow noodles in prawn soup), and the local tandoori chicken, all of which are available in the street food stalls and local restaurants in Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi.

The Jom Makan campaign coincides with the 16-day Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) that returns to Georgetown’s Lebuh Pantai (Beach Street) this September. Guests can immerse themselves in a carnival of cuisine, including an invasion of more than 150 food trucks, theme dining experiences, mini festivals and professional chefs’ challenge.

“Every visit to Penang is a feast for the senses. At DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, we are proud of this rich culinary heritage and encourage our guests to experience every mouth-watering delicacy the island has to offer,” said Jamie Mead, the resort’s regional general manager.

“Our own chefs present an array of authentic local dishes at Makan Kitchen, our lively all-day restaurant. Alternatively, guests who want to learn more about the island’s food can ask our concierge who will be delighted to recommend the best places to discover local cuisine.”

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang offers regular complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi. Visitors who want to discover daily life in Penang can choose to visit the island’s markets such as Chowrasta Bazaar, where locals flock to buy fresh meat and fish, along with a wide range of sweets and pickled fruits.

Then after dark, Macallum Street Night Market is the perfect place to savour incredible local street food in a vibrant and colourful setting. Guests can also experience a wide variety of hawker stalls and charming family restaurants in World Heritage-listed Georgetown, while the Long Beach Food Court in Batu Ferringhi allows diners to choose from an amazing array of delicacies.

Finally, guests can completely immerse themselves in Penang’s culinary culture with a cooking class. The Tropical Spice Garden Cooking School provides the perfect introduction to the island’s most popular dishes, while Nazlina’s Spice Station takes guests on a tour of the local food markets before returning to Georgetown for an atmospheric alfresco class.

Meanwhile, the Kid’s Club at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang hosts children’s cooking classes, introducing a new generation of potential chefs to the wonders of Malay cuisine.

Find out more at http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/malaysia/doubletree-resort-by-hilton-penang-PENMBDI/index.html

TOURISTS FROM Taiwan head to Tokyo’s Asakusa district, while Akihabara is popular with Indians. Americans and Europeans prefer Shibuya.

A survey of foreign tourists conducted by the Tokyo metropolitan government last year has revealed the top destinations in the city for visitors from abroad.

The survey found that tourists’ favourite areas differ depending on the country or region they come from.

Manga and movies appear to partly influence the differences in preference.

“We want to come up with ways to promote places in Tokyo based on the survey results,” a city official said.

The government surveyed foreign tourists at Haneda and Narita airports last year, analysing the answers of about 13,000 respondents by home country or region.

A Taiwan tourist rides a rickshaw through the streets of Asakusa. Nearly 57 per cent of Taiwanese visitors prefer the district. 

The Shinjuku-Okubo area was the most popular destination in Tokyo, attracting 56 per cent of foreign tourists to the city. Ginza was second, drawing 49.7 per cent, followed by Asakusa at 45.7 per cent and Shibuya at 42.6 per cent.

However, the order of preference changed depending on tourists’ home country or region. For example, 53.7 per cent of Taiwan tourists went to Asakusa, making it the most-visited area among their compatriots.

“Taiwanese like the scenery of old residential and commercial areas,” said Takahisa Yuge, director general of the Globe Trotter Travel Research Institute. “It seems that they’re also influenced by the manga series ‘Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo’ [‘This is the police station in front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward,” which is popular in Taiwan.

The series, widely known by the abbreviation “Kochikame”, features a lead character from Asakusa named Kankichi Ryotsu. According to publisher Shueisha Inc, the manga is published in Taiwan under a different title.

Meanwhile, Shibuya was popular among tourists from Western countries, especially Spain and Italy. “In the United States and Europe, Shibuya is famous for appearing in American movies such as ‘Lost in Translation’ and ‘The Fast and the Furious’,” Yuge said.

Akihabara was the most popular with visitors from India. According to the survey, 64.4 per cent of Indian respondents visited Akihabara for business purposes, a figure that exceeded the percentages for other reasons.

“Since information technology industry is big in India, there may be many cases in which people with tech-related jobs visit Akihabara, which is famous for its concentration of electronics stores,” a city official said.

Chinese tourists, who are famous for their lavish shopping sprees, visited Ginza more than any other area, while visitors from South Korea and Hong Kong preferred Shinjuku and Okubo.

The survey also asked how satisfied the respondents were with their trip. More than 90 per cent expressed high satisfaction.

However, respondents were relatively dissatisfied with such points as Tokyoites’ ability to communicate in foreign languages and the convenience of exchanging money, highlighting areas for improvement.

According to the city government, the number of foreign tourists who visited Tokyo last year increased 5.1 per cent from the previous year, to a record high of 13.77 million.

However, overall visits to Japan rose 19.3 per cent from 2016, to about 28.69 million, indicating that Tokyo’s rate of increase lagged behind the country as a whole.

“We’ll carefully promote the city and make improvements based on the survey results, such as by responding to language needs, so that as many foreign tourists as possible choose Tokyo for their trips,” the city official said.

For about half the world, the moon will be partly or fully in Earth’s shadow from 1714 to 2328 GMT — six hours and 14 minutes in all.

The period of complete eclipse — known as “totality”, when the moon appears darkest — will last from 1930 to 2113 GMT.

“Totality will last for 103 minutes, making it the longest eclipse of the 21st century!” said the Royal Astronomical Society in London.

At the same time, Mars will hover near the moon in the night sky, easily visible with the naked eye.

Our neighbouring planet will appear unusually large and bright, a mere 57.7 million kilometres (35.9 million miles) from Earth on its elliptical orbit around the sun.

“We have a rare and interesting conjunction of phenomena,” Pascal Descamps, an astronomer with the Paris Observatory, told AFP.

“We should have a coppery red tint on the moon with Mars the ‘Red Planet’ just next to it, very bright and with a slight orange hue itself.”

Amateur astronomers in the southern hemisphere will be best-placed to enjoy the spectacle, especially those in southern Africa, Australia, India and Madagascar, though it will also be partly visible in Europe and South America.

Celestial bodies align

A total lunar eclipse happens when Earth takes position in a straight line between the moon and sun, blotting out the direct sunlight that normally makes our satellite glow whitish-yellow.

The moon travels to a similar position every month, but the tilt of its orbit means it normally passes above or below the Earth’s shadow — so most months we have a full moon without an eclipse.

When the three celestial bodies are perfectly lined up, however, the Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue light from the sun while refracting or bending red light onto the moon, usually giving it a rosy blush.

This is what gives the phenomenon the name “blood moon”, though Mark Bailey of the Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland said the colour can vary greatly.

It depends partly on “how cloudy or transparent those parts of the Earth’s atmosphere are which enable sunlight to reach the moon”, he told AFP.

“During a very dark eclipse the moon may be almost invisible.

“Less dark eclipses may show the moon as dark grey or brown… as rust-coloured, brick-red, or, if very bright, copper-red or orange.”

The long duration of this eclipse is partly due to the fact that the moon will make a near-central passage through Earth’s umbra — the darkest, most central part of the shadow.

‘Eerie and beautiful’

Our constant companion will also be at the farthest point on its orbit from Earth, making its movement across the sky slower from our perspective, thus spending longer in the dark.

NASA, meanwhile, has called out social media hoaxers claiming that Mars will appear as big as the moon during the eclipse.

“If that were true, we’d be in big trouble given the gravitational pulls on Earth, Mars, and our moon!” the NASA website states.

Mars will more likely appear as a very bright star, and viewers will need no protective eye gear.

“All you have to do is dress warmly and go outside!” the Royal Astronomical Society advises.

“If you want a close-up view of the moon as it turns red, a pair of binoculars is helpful.”

“All eclipses are spectacular,” the society’s Robert Massey added.

“In the middle of a lunar eclipse it can look as if a red planet has taken up residence near the Earth — they are both eerie and beautiful and I’ll certainly be looking out for it!”

Located only 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport, the 3,750-rai mega-project will encompass vibrant lifestyle elements alongside Dubai Creek to offer views of the city’s dramatic skyline, waterfront and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

“The visit of President Xi is historic and will strengthen UAE-China relations,” said Emaar Properties chairman Mohamed Alabbar.

“The development of the new Chinese retail and lifestyle district at Dubai Creek Harbour and Emaar’s expansion into China, in property and hospitality highlight our commitment to the country.”

Emaar will open offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, all cities served by direct daily flights to Dubai on Emirates Airline. The three offices will promote tourism, education, trading and investment between the UAE and China.

Emaar will expand its luxury hotel and serviced-residences brand, Address Hotels + Resorts, to China. Discussions are ongoing to develop and operate Address-branded hotels in key cities, given the familiarity that the brand enjoys among Chinese tourists.

China is the fourth-largest visitor source for Dubai, with Emaar’s hotels among those most-preferred by Chinese visitors.

Find out more at http://www.EmaarGroup.com.cn.