Welcome to South Africa.

The Western Cape is one of South Africas premier tourist attractions, and for good reason. It is home to the famous Table Mountain, vast winelands, magnificent beaches, world-class restaurants and cosmopolitan entertainment haunts. The Cape boasts exquisite scenery and a myriad of cultures and tourist treasures that are just waiting to be discovered, so get going to the fairest Cape.

Situated on the south-western tip of Africa, the Western Cape is the meeting point of the cold Atlantic and the warm Indian Oceans. Its capital city Cape Town, is dominated by the flat-topped bulk of Table Mountain. The province has South Africas fifth largest population, numbering in the region of 4.5 million inhabitants. The story of the Republic of South Africa began in the Western Cape, some 350 years ago, when it was inhabited by the Khoi, San and other Bantu-speaking groups. In the late 15th century European seafarers arrived here in search of a halfway stop on trade routes to the East and thereby changed the face of South African history forever.

The Western Cape climate is hot summers and mild, green winters perfect weather for the production of fruit, grains and, most important wine.

Thanks to its scenic beauty and many attractions, tourism is a major and growing force in the Western Cape, which hosts over 50% of the countrys international visitors.

Major attractions in the area:

Cape Town Metropolitan area

The area between Table Mountain and Hottentots Holland comprises the Cape Town Metro pole and encompasses pulsating cosmopolitan city life, beach playgrounds, forests and exquisite nature parks.

Table Mountain

Cape Towns most famous landmark a quick spin by revolving cable car to the 1 086m summit will give the visitor a grand view of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and of course the equally famous South African [Alcatraz] Robben Island.

The Famous V & A Waterfront

The most visited attraction in Cape Town is the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its assortment of shopping, eating, entertainment and sightseeing facilities, all set within a working harbor.

Robben Island

The V & A Waterfront is also the gateway to Robben Island, a former prison (now national monument) where a visit is an emotional journey echoing with the sorrows of stalwarts of [the struggle] against apartheid. The island was [home] to many of South Africas freedom fighters including Nelson Mandela.

Cape Point

A stop at Cape Point gives the visitor the opportunity to boast of having been at the most southern point of the Cape Peninsula. Some 26 shipwrecks have been recorded at Cape Point, some of them presenting good diving spots. A funicular takes visitors on scenic trips to an old lighthouse and the spot is a bird watchers paradise.

Township Vibes

Township tours will remind the tourist how the will to survive can overcome any adversity. In Guguletu and Langa expect to be overwhelmed by hospitality, informal roadside traders, rowdy taverns serving local beer and toe-tapping jazz. Guided tours are recommended to get to most out of the experience.

Salmonsdam Nature Reserve, run by Cape Nature, is a small nature reserve not far from Stanford in the Western Cape in South Africa. There are three hiking trails available.

The longest is a Mountain Trail from the foot of the Perdeberg mountain and at the top they say that there’s a view over Walker Bay (thats for sure, as you can see Walker Bay from virtually any point in the reserve), and the country towns of Caledon and Bredasdorp. The second trail is the 4km Ravine Trail through Keeromskloof and through small patches of indigenous forest. The final trail is the Waterfall Trail of about 3km through thick fynbos down to the falls and back. All three trails have short links so experienced and fit hikers could tackle all three in a day.

As a far too heavy 62 year old on a severe diet that includes at least an hours walking or biokinetics a day, the logical thing to do after 10 weeks of the regime was to do a bit of hiking, so we set off one beautiful Saturday morning to Salmonsdam.

We did part of the ravine trail but turned back where it joins the mountain trail. The piece we did do was fairly easy but the next stage seemed fairly difficult, although probably not difficult at all for experienced hikers. The fact that Salmonsdam hiking routes don’t feature strongly on hiking and related sites confirms that assumption. I think if I’d had a walking stick I would have gone further. So we’ll have to back at some stage.

There are very basic facilities at Salmonsdam Nature Reserve for overnight camping including a few small chalets. There is an ablution block and 10 camping sites.

Around the South east edge of the reserve is a “mountain drive”: which leads far up into the Perdeberg and meets up with the Mountain trail. I was expecting to be able to drive to the top in an ordinary motor vehicle (a Mercedes C- class) but it seems that only 4X4 vehicles or perhaps even 4X2 LUV’s will be able to reach the summit with any ease.

Flora and Fauna is varied and the reserve is a good example of a mountain catchment area. We spent an entire morning in the reserve and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It’s often used as a training site for school children because of the catchment area is so easily visible. Baboons and other small mammals are often seen in the reserve. We saw signs of the baboons feasting on freshly open Protea flowers and also flowers from a Protea that flowers just below the surface.

Salmonsdam was named after Captain Robert Salmond of HMS Birkenhead which sank just a few short miles from Salmonsdam on 26th February 1852 when around 450 sailors and soldiers lost their lives. from that tragic event came the now famous call of “Women and Children First’ and the “Birkenhed Drill”

Getting There.

From Cape Town go to Hermanus on the N2 and R43 and then to Stanford on the R43. As you enter Stanford turn left onto the Caledon Road (R326). From the intersection go 4.4km until you reach the “Papiesvlei, Elim” turnoff to your right. From here on the roads are gravel. the road condition is not good and caution should be exercised.Travel approx 6km on this gravel road and then turn left at the Salmonsdam turnoff. Travel for approx 3.5 kms. You will pass the entrance to a property called Beloftebos and 1.5 km from there you will reach Salmonsdam Nature Reserve.

The Western Cape is South Africa’s most desirable tourist place with several good reasons. The principle urban centre of Cape Town or the ‘Mother City’ is seen by 70% of holidaymakers who go to South Africa from Great Britain.

The popular metropolis of The Mother City can be found in the shadow of Table Mountain at the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans collide. Cape Town is many things to many people providing culture, wine, scenery, the seaside or a wide range of leisure things to do.

Table Mountain soars to in excess of 1,000m above the city and it is certainly one of the most recognised locations across the world. Adventurous travellers can take on the several walking paths to the summit or as an alternative, there is a cable car that takes merely three minutes to reach to top.

The Winelands are acknowledged throughout the entire world and the wineries of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl go back years. The many different wine routes are complimented by quite a number of dining establishments, cafes and guest houses with amazing menus and substantial wine lists.

The penitentiary at Robben Island had been where Nelson Mandela as well as other members from the ANC were held for many years. Positioned 8 miles off shore from Green Point, Robben Island is now a museum honouring the courageous individuals who were imprisoned here. It was selected a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Roughly one hour to the east of Cape Town is the town of Hermanus and it’s acknowledged as without doubt one of the finest places globally to view whales from the shoreline. Between June and November every year, the Southern Right Whales swim past Hermanus as part of their migration path.

Back in the Mother City, the V&A Waterfront is the focus of the city with world class shops, restaurants, coffee shops, night clubs and nightspots. The marina offers some of the best hotels in Cape Town together with the 2 Oceans Aquarium.

For all those travelling to the Western Cape, the Garden Route is really a place that simply should be visited. This wonderful piece of coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth is among the most popular destinations in South Africa. Matted woodlands, cliffs, striking cliffs and sandy shores are part and parcel of the landscapes. There are lots of small towns on the Garden Route offering up various accommodations and eating experiences.

The Western Cape of South Africa has many wildlife reserves and national parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. The wildlife that can be found in the Western Cape of South Africa includes hundreds of thousands of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some of the most popular forms are buffalo, leopards, lions, elephants, and rhinoceros’.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve derives its name in part from the name of the indigenous peoples who lived there for generations, the San. The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has over one hundred thirty thousand acres at the base of the Warmwaterberg. The reserve includes the only free ranging lions on a private reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa.

While the San people roamed this area of the Western Cape of South Africa for thousands of years they created a variety of art that can now be enjoyed by guests of the reserve. There are seven separate sites of rock art within the reserve. Many of these religious art works are more than thirty-five hundred years old.

Some of the lions being bread in this area of the Western Cape South Africa is the extremely rare white lion. While this species of lion has always been rare in this region it has now largely been completely eliminated in many areas. It is the hope of the owners of this private reserve to be able to one day release these lions into the wild.

This Western Cape of South Africa wildlife reserve offers guided tours to guarantee that guests have an unforgettable experience. The reserve also has a variety of luxurious lodges for guests to enjoy when they aren’t out watching the amazing wildlife.

Ko-Ka Tsara Game Reserve

The Ko-Ka Tsara Game Reserve is located near the city of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. This thirty thousand acre reserve has more than twenty species of animals and almost two hundred different varieties of bird.

Guests to the Ko-Ka Tsara Game Reserve in the Western Cape of South Africa can go on night or day guided drives to observe the wildlife. There are also hiking trails and bird watching areas for those who want a more private experience. After a day of animal and bird watching guests are invited to enjoy a nightly campfire and gaze at the stars.

This Western Cape of South Africa reserve offers guests a choice of seven stylish chalets as well as a conference center and lounge. All of the chalets have been built using local materials to help them blend more easily into their surroundings. The reserve offers a kitchen for guests to cook their own meals or guests can request a cook to cater their meals.

There are more than a dozen wildlife reserves and parks located in the Western Cape of South Africa. No matter which location you choose you are sure to view a vast array of wildlife. The Western Cape of South Africa has such a diversity of wildlife that no two trips will ever be the same.

Modular Constructivism – The Concept

Dating back to over 5000 years, the history of Western Art has a colorful background. Right from the Prehistoric Period to the present generation, the Western artists, especially in Europe and Russia, have managed to spread and popularize their much-loved art form. Considered an invention of the 19th century Russian artists, Modular Constructivism, a style of sculpture, emerged during the 1950s-60s, which gained considerable popularity. This Western Art genre gained a new status against the other art forms, like Post Modernism and Pop Art. Modular Constructivism is all about intricate, multidimensional designs, complex, fluid curves, and structured patterns, often repetitive in style, representing the pattern of continuity in life and its myriad forms.

The Details

Constructive Paintings portray concrete forms and ideas. They are quite different from Abstract Fine Art forms and paintings. Constructivism rather conveys the mechanized side of everyday human life. It mainly relied on the active creation of our knowledge, experience, and understanding. The convex and concave aspects of biomorphic forms facilitating self-combination are the vital elements of this art form. The fundamental applies to plane and multidimensional surfaces, both. Flavored with Formalism and Minimalism, Modular Constructivism stood as a crucial pillar of sculpturing. Modular Constructivist works can be carried out on any material, cement, brass, steel, or plaster.

The Artists & the Artworks

American sculptors Norman Carlberg (1924) and Erwin Hauer (1926) were renowned artists who popularized Modular Constructivism during the 19th century. They are even called the fathers of the genre. Many priceless and genuine art creations by the famous Russian proponents of Modular Constructivism, such as Vladimir Tatlin (1885-1953) and Alexander Rodcheckno (1891-1956) can be viewed at art museums around the world. The ‘Light Diffusing Wall Design’ by Erwin Hauer, is an intricate design creation at Liesing Vienna in Austria. The enthusiastic works of Erwin Hauer encouraged many of his students and colleagues towards the new Modular Constructivism trend. Norman Carlberg’s key works in the genre include a modular screen at the lobby of Baltimore City Hospital and a huge modular column at the Northern Parkway Junior High School.

Conclusion

As Erwin Hauer said, “Continuity and potential infinity have been at the very center of my sculpture from early on,” Norman uttered, “you analyzed, you looked at something, but you looked at it formally just for what it was and the message was almost always out of it.” The theory of Modular Constructivism relies on the realistic features of observatory powers and scientific studies. Nevertheless, this unique art form also had its share of controversies and disputes!

• Enjoy world-class wine tasting in the Cape Winelands – the area is known for its wonderful natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-renowned wines.

• See the African Penguins that live and nest at Boulders Beach.

• Have a picnic at Cape Point – see the views of the Atlantic and False Bay – do watch out for the Baboons!

• Explore the Garden Route with its beautiful coastline and little towns – great for adrenalin junkies and nature lovers.

• Visit the infamous Robben Island which has now been turned into a museum and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An important symbol in South Africa of triumph of good over evil, of democracy over apartheid.

• Do a day drip to the Cango Caves and ride an ostrich near Oudtshoorn.

• Take the cableway up Table Mountain and see all the way across to the Cape Flats and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Great for a romantic picnic or to see the City’s lights.

• Do some shopping or eat at one of the many wonderful restaurants at the V&A Waterfront.

• Take the Hop on, Hop off Bus and explore Cape Town and get a taste of the rich history.

• Sample some delicious oysters at Knysna and take a boat trip to the dramatic Knysna Heads.

• Go bungee jumping at the world’s highest commercially operating Bungee (216m) at Bloukrans.

• Hermanus – see whales spy-hopping, breaching and lob-tailing – don’t forget to take lots of photos to show your friends and family back home.

• Take a boat trip in Hout Bay to see the seals – don’t forget the fish and chips takeaway!

You want to chat with Nigerian girls who are looking for western men. It is actually possible to find long lists of these young women online. Moreover, you can not only chat to them, but you can exchange emails, talk with voices, and even get to know them on webcams.

A lot of men like yourself make the mistake of thinking they have to join an expensive Nigerian dating service. This is unnecessary. I am a firm believer in using free – or at the very least cheap – services over the internet. Fortunately, there are both free and inexpensive ways for you to chat with Nigerian girls over the internet.

Western men are highly regarded by Nigerian women. A lot of these women see you as handsome and successful men who can also offer them a better way of life. What you will find, should you go looking, is a huge population of these Nigerian ladies looking for men like you on the popular dating sites.

A big dating site is perfect for women to find men like yourself. These women can get free access and instantly be able to contact western men. So this is where you must look if you want to chat to vast numbers of women from Nigeria.

What you need to do is get yourself an account on a big dating service. Most accounts are free to new members. Then you just need to put in a search for women looking for men in Nigeria. This will give you a list of potentially thousands of African women. You will be able to see which ones are online or offline. So all you have to do is instant message and chat to the online women.

The internet is very popular in Nigeria, so you will also find that many of the women have microphones and webcams. So you will be able to chat via instant messages, webcam, and even microphone.

Public outdoor sculptures is defined within the context of this study as any outdoor sculptures that are commissioned and executed by government and its agents, township associations and communities.

Public outdoor sculptures are part and parcel of modern Nigerian art. Similarly, the workshops and art schools initiated by the catholic missionaries can not be left out when discussing the emergence of public outdoor sculptures, because it was the products of these workshops that actually started the installation of public outdoor sculptures in Nigeria.

The introduction and creation of sculpture works in Nigerian schools, specifically in the South Western parts of the country, began through the activities of Kenneth C. Murray. He was the first British colonial officer assigned to teach art in Nigeria. He arrived Nigeria in 1927 and advised students to conceptualize forms within the contents and boundaries of their rich and lively cultures.

Students were taught wood carving, modelling, mural decoration, painting, and drawing. His teaching of art had a strong preference for local indigenous art forms. He advised that traditional and contemporary art be incorporated into public buildings like churches and schools so that art can become familiar to the society. There was an art exhibition in Zwemmer Art Gallery, London in 1937 titled ”Exhibition of wood carvings, terracotta and water colour”, which came to being as a result of the success of Murray’s programme. The exhibition showcased the works of his pioneering students which reflected in the theme of the exhibition, the new status of sculpture in the syllabus. The main purpose of the exhibition was to solicit the approval of art by the people of England as a good activity worthy of inclusion into the school’s curriculum. Murray was able to, not only encouraged art in schools and colleges, but also broadened the existing syllabus by including sculpture. Traditional sculpture was also upgraded by recommending it as a means for artistic propagation. Traditional and contemporary arts were also incorporated into architecture.

The papal order of the 1930s, authorising Christian missionaries to accommodate beneficent indigenous cultures, probably encouraged Murray to introduce sculpture in schools and colleges. The order enabled the Catholic missions to set up an art workshop in 1947 at Oye Ekiti under the direct tutorship of Father Kelvin Carroll. Similarly, Lord Lugard’s policy of indirect rule – forwarding the British policy through the existing traditional chiefs and institutions, could well have been an unconscious model for the Oye Ekiti project in Nigeria. This workshop is probably the first practical step in Nigeria to introduce sculpture into modern architecture. Traditional artists were assembled to produce sculpture and other crafts that depicted Christian themes for the use of the church. The items produced include Madonnas, crucifixes, Christmas cribs, figures of saints, doors and so on.

The artists who worked in the workshop reportedly produced sculptures for some notable non-Christian organisations. Among these are the house posts for the Antiquities Department of the Jos museum, the palaces of Ooni of Ife and the Oba of Ila. Other sculptures include reliefs on the chapel doors of the University of Ibadan, commissioned in 1954, the Ibadan cathedral door in 1956, and those of St. Paul’s church, Lagos in 1960. Actually, the works were not modern due to the fact that they were not naturalistic in outlook, for they were works produced by traditional artists under modern influence for Christian worship and the adornment of modern architecture. The works were the first recorded or known public sculptures in Nigeria initiated by the Christian missionaries, colonial government and the royal institutions following the Papal order of Pius XII. However, it is safe to the say that it was the Christian missionaries who took the first major initiative that led to a practice that later gave rise to the creation of public sculptures in Nigeria.

Ben Enwonwu, who was among the pioneer-students of Kenneth C. Murray, and whose works were part of the exhibits at the Zwemmer Gallery at London in 1937, was another major boost, not only to sculpture, but also to modern art as a whole in Nigeria. He was a sculptor and a painter, though well known as a sculptor. He was appointed Federal Art adviser in 1948. His sculpture ”Queen Elizabeth II” was among the first modern public outdoor sculptures in Nigeria. Before 1960, he was the only modern Nigerian sculptor whose works corroborated the training he had at the expatriate school. Some sculptures in Nigeria in the 1950s were Enwonwu’s works. The works included the bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II at the Federal House of Assembly in Lagos; ”Awakening” also in bronze, on the facade of the National Museum Lagos; the full length bronze portrait of Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe at the former Eastern House of Assembly, Enugu; ”Sango”, outside Nigerian Electric Power Authority, now Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) headquarters in Marina, Lagos; ”Anyanwu”, attached to the outside wall of the Lagos Museum, Lagos; and the Carved door of the Chapel of the Apostolic Delegation, Lagos. Thus, modern Nigerian public sculptures began with Enwonwu setting the pace in the 1950s.

The only monumental public sculpture in Nigeria in the 1950s that equalled Enwonwu’s sculpture in technical elegance and concept was the bronze statue of ”Emotan” the memorial of a Benin heroine believed to have saved the life of Oba Ewuare II. It is the work of John Danford, another artist who gave a major impetus to sculpture in Nigeria. He was a British artist attached to the British Council office in Lagos in the late 1940s, who ceaselessly entreated the colonial government and local authorities to ”enlist the help of artists for the purpose of decorating public buildings”.

Lamidi Fakeye, who later joined Murray’s school, was another impetus to the production of public outdoor sculpture in Nigeria. He was a traditional carver, who was able to articulate his skills into modern artistic expression as a result of the training he acquired at Murray’s workshop. He drew up concepts from biblical themes, taking into consideration the African proportions. Artists in the Murray’s workshop were allowed to use their local styles and skills, though unusual themes were adopted, a good example is the figure of Mary (mother of Jesus) pounding yam and clothed like a Yoruba woman.

Fakeye’s wood carvings constituted a good number of public sculptures in public buildings like churches, schools and palaces in Nigeria, both before and after independence. Some examples of such works are ”Edena Gate” (Four veranda posts and two doors) at Ooni of Ife’s palace, Ile-Ife (1953); doors for Catholic Chapel, university of Ibadan (1957); Relief carvings of ‘Fourteen Stations at the Cross’ at Catholic Chapel, University of Ibadan (1957); ”Bishop’s Throne” at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padi, Ibadan (1958); Six doors for St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ebute Meta, Lagos (1959); two posts for Nigerian independence celebration (1960); two doors for St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ondo (1961); two doors for executive council chambers, Ibadan (1964); four veranda posts at Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan (1964); Oduduwa statue at Oduduwa hall, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile- Ife (1987); and many others. Apart from Enwonwu setting the pace of public sculptures in Nigeria as earlier mentioned above, Fakeye appeared on the scene of production of public sculptures towards the early 1950s which could probably be likened or traced to the realisation of Danford’s call on the colonial masters for the enlistment of artists for the decoration of the public buildings.

Towards the end of the 1950s, the success of Onabolu and the expatriate school had yielded positive and tremendous results to the actualisation of bringing arts into being in the Nigerian schools. At this time, Fine Art as a course of study was introduced into the higher institutions of learning. A typical example is the establishment of Fine Arts at the then Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in Ibadan in 1953, though the Fine Arts course was later moved to the Zaria branch of the college in 1955 which is now the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. There were also records of establishment of Fine Arts schools like Ife Art School, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife established in 1962; the Nsukka Art School, now University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) established in 1960, and others. Osogbo Art School was successfully worked out as an experimental school for artists like Twin Seven – Seven, Jimoh Buraimoh, Oyelami Muraina, and Rufus Ogundele.

Subsequently, as a result of the public sculptures, which were brought into place due to the activities and uncompromising efforts of the experimental workshop of Murray in the 1940s, coupled with the new trend of recognition given to the modern Nigerian art in the 1960s, the commissioning of public outdoor sculptures seemed to have flourished in the South Western states of Nigeria. At this instance of the recognition mentioned above, public outdoor sculptures began to emerge at different and strategic locations on streets as well as public buildings. This may likely be the reason why many public outdoor sculptures could be found in open streets, junctions, roundabouts, public buildings (like churches, schools), and government parastata.

Many reasons may thus be responsible or attributed to the familiarity and commonness of public outdoor sculptures in those areas. To start with, governments, township associations, communities and some influential individuals seem to have commissioned a great number of public outdoor sculptures in the areas. Secondly, the people of these areas have many cultural activities and festivals that require the commissioning of sculptures, and this made the areas to have a long tradition of sculptural excellence which could be traced back to the ancient traditional cultures of the people in the area. Examples of such festivals are; Yam, War, Egungun, Ogun, Sango festivals, among others. Another reason may have likely emanated from the establishment of the expatriate experimental workshops, initiated by the Catholic missions, and the indigenous art schools, both before and after independence in those areas. Another reason must have emanated from the establishments of art schools which might have likely, over the time, created some awareness in the generality of the people through their activities. All these reasons must have greatly enhanced and promoted the production and commissioning of public outdoor sculptures in the south western states of Nigeria.

Due to British colonialism in India, India’s culture has been significantly affected by the West. With globalization, Indian fashion today does reflect the Western influence. Halter tops, handkerchief-cut kurtas etc are common today and have become a part and parcel of one’s wardrobe. With 28 states, 7 union territories and multiple dialects, India is a land of great diversity and each state has its own unique fashion.

Conventional sarees, blouses, salwar kameezes and necklines have undergone great changes. The latest Indian fashion trend has a touch of the West. Indian fashion designers are working day in and day out to meet the new demands of the market. Let us see some of the Western influences on Indian dresses.

Short- Style Kurtis

Even a few years ago, traditional kurtis with bold prints were popular among the masses. Though they still continue to be in demand, yet short-style kurtis with halter necklines are giving their traditional counterpart a tough competition. Earlier, kurtis were worn along with chudidars, but today wearing them over jeans is the latest Indian fashion. Right from a celebrity, to the girl next door, short-style kurtis are a rage. Floor length anarkalis are also in high demand these days.

Casual Crinkled Crepes & A-Lined Skirts

Lehengas have always been loved by ladies among all age groups. The traditional embroidered lehenga is one of the best Indian bridal wears. However, lehengas have evolved into a casual crinkled crepes and A-lined skirts which are considered ideal for a party, social gathering or an informal meeting.

Half-Lehenga Style Saree

Saree is the most traditional Indian wear. Sarees are the perfect wear during weddings, religious functions and parties. However, the latest Indian fashion has seen the evolution of a new style saree which mixes both the saree and lehenga into a single wear. This is capturing everyone’s attention. This type of saree is known as half-lehenga style saree. This is pretty comfortable for those who are not well-acquainted with the traditional hanging saree.

Strap & Halter Neck Blouses

Earlier and even now, short-sleeved or long-sleeved blouses are very much popular among ladies. However, today blouses with straps and halter neck styles have also started making inroads. These types of blouses have become very common and are in great demand.

Denims

Denims are highly popular among men and women in India. Earlier in parties, formal wear was a common sight. Though it still is, yet today in many parties and even in offices, there is no dearth of people wearing denims. There are several international brands of denims available in India and each and every day the market is witnessing arrival of new designs.

There are always new styles which are developing from time to time. The western influence on Indian clothing is making them trendy and elegant. A new design can evolve anywhere. It is up to us to adapt to the changes according to our own style, convenience, preference and choice.

I would like to give my opinion on the subject of Western (European, North American) and Eastern (Asian, Pacific) martial arts.

First of all I don’t necessarily think that either is better than the other in general.

The eastern practitioners often codified their martial arts and thus were better able to hand them down to later generations. The World War II CQC methodology of Fairbairn was based on the atemi waza found in Jiu Jitsu where he attained the level of 5th dan. He stripped close combat down to these very basic striking methods that we see today.

The martial arts of the west had their high level methods which can be found in the study of the ancient Greek fighting art known as Eleftheri Pali which means ruthless combat or anything goes. Scenes depicting this system can be found on ancient pottery and show lethal strikes to the throat and groin. Later the more sportive Pancration came about which was practiced for the Olympic games. In later times, Dans la rue Savate (street savate) was created in France. I trained some of the personal bodyguards of French Prime Minister Jaques Chirac in 1995. They were versed in Savate as well as Jiu Jitsu and various forms of Karate. Most of their training centered on how to stop or incapacitate or kill a would be assassin. What happened was that in simplifying their training the end result resembled basic CQC which is similar to the beginning program of Guided Chaos. It seems that when men who have to fight for a living develop a system of fighting it all starts to look the same. Simplicity is king. The street or combat Savate that was demonstrated to me was very effective. Mostly low kicks, knees and hard style boxing and side of hand strike combinations were used. These guys trained every day like their life depended on it.

One exercise that they practiced to develop strong punching power was to perform up to 3 sets of 20 dips with various amounts of weight around their waists from 30 kilos to 60 kilos. They felt that having strong triceps and shoulders would allow them to maximize their punching power. I demonstrated Guided Chaos dropping energy for them by having three of them line up in front of me locked in a strong stance. I placed my right fist on the first man’s shoulder and dropped while moving my fist about 3 inches into the first man causing him to fall into the next and the next one fell into the 3rd one. This gave them something to think about. I showed F.C., their top fighter, how to do it and he has practiced it for quite a while and I believe that he teaches this to his men even today. Dropping Energy is a more sophisticated version of the “drop punch” that American boxer Jack Dempsey created and later was used accidentally by Muhammad Ali when he knocked out Sonny Liston. Dropping Energy uses some principles somewhat similar to “cold power” in tai chi and other internal Asian systems. By employing dropping energy with CQC striking we have a good melding of eastern and western technique.

Guided Chaos’ close combat is similar to and is actually based on Fairbairn’s methodology. The deeper concepts or principles are what sets Guided Chaos apart from all other martial arts. Yes there is some of all martial arts in Guided Chaos as there is some Guided Chaos in all other martial arts. Developing the principles of looseness, sensitivity, balance, body unity and adaptability through the Guided Chaos drills is paramount in developing strikes and neck breaks and seriously violent ground tactics. Remember, there is no memorizing one move to counter another move per se. At the speed of a serious life and death encounter you cannot access a mental library of responses to particular attacks fast enough to work. The simplistic method of most Close Combatives at least gives one a fighting chance especially when you “attack the attacker” (a term created by Brad Steiner). Attacking the attacker clogs up your attacker’s plan. He does not know what you are doing to him. You are causing him to deal with chaotic motion. High speed and simplicity is what carries the day here. Until a person can integrate the deeper principles of Guided Chaos, this allows one to have at least a fighting chance.

When teaching stick fighting I base much of it on medieval European and modern sword fighting. I enjoy working with the medieval broad sword. Here some of the greatest techniques of weapons fighting were developed by the medieval knights, monks and others of the time. It is very exciting. Remember that in the first encounters with the Japanese Samurai the Italian and Spanish swordsmen used to regularly defeat the Japanese in duels. Of course the rapier with it’s basket hand protector (along with superior footwork) came in handy. I also use the catch as catch can fighting method of my father and uncles which was based on Native American systems (which are themselves very old) using the tomahawk. Later I incorporated the concepts of sensitivity as well as all the other principles of Guided Chaos into cane/stick fighting which eclipsed most of what is taught today. All of the Guided Chaos principles can easily be used in any weapons system.

There is so much more that I could share with you on the subject of Eastern vs. Western. A good blend is best in my opinion.