01 CAPTAIN’S ADDRESS 2012 www.airasia.com/travel360
WELCOME 2012 It’s finally here folks. 2012; that special year that’s been on everyone’s mind for the past decade or so. And it’s an auspicious one at that too. Around three weeks into the year, the Chinese will herald in the year of the Water Dragon, which comes around every 60 years, with every 12-year cycle marked by the elements metal, water, wood, fire and earth. In the Orient, the Water Dragon is a special creature as it personifies creativity and growth. Although a fire and masculine energy (yang), the hot temperament of the dragon is calmed and redirected towards positive results with this water element. Trend spotters too have been supremely busy telling the world what’s in and what’s out for 2012. Pantone has proclaimed Tangerine Tango (17-1463) as the colour of 2012. This luscious shade that blends coral, orange and red portends all that is bright, cheerful and propitious. With food, Mexican cuisine is expected to take centre stage while macaroons crumble to give way to Snow Ice and exotic flavoured marshmallows – think Guinness and Cabernet! Citizens of the world will lose their marbles over all things British with the London Olympiad in July, and
as for destinations, travel magazines have zeroed in on Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, Ukraine, Brazil and London as holiday hotspots. And let’s not forget the huge, pink elephant in the room – the Mayan prophecy for 2012. Though doom prophets are gleefully rubbing their palms, many believe that the Mayan and Hopi calendars have been wrongly interpreted. According to Joseph Robert Jochmans, author and researcher of ancient mysteries,“Both the Hopis and Mayans recognise that we are approaching the end of a World Age. In both cases, however, the Hopi and Mayan elders do not prophesy that everything will come to an end. Rather, this is a time of transition from one World Age into another. The message they give concerns our making a choice of how we enter the future ahead. Our moving through with either resistance or acceptance will determine whether the transition will happen with cataclysmic changes or gradual peace and tranquillity.” There you go. It’s gonna be a great year! Managing Editor R.Rajendra
TONY, THE DRAGON AirAsia Group CEO Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes was born under the auspices of the Wood Dragon in 1964. Here’s a description of the characteristics of the Wood Dragon, which we think rather precisely describes the man!
“Wood has a modifying influence and brings creativity to this sign. Questioning and liberal, Wood Dragons enjoy talking about original ideas and are open to other points of view. They are innovative, imaginative practical and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than the other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an ability to get along with people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and at times a bit pushy to quell everyone, even in the friendliest quarrel.” Source: www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Dragon.htm