South African Airways (SAA) is tightening security on its airplanes after two flight crews (1, 2) were recently found to be smuggling drugs on flights to London. The new security measures include the physical searching of all crew baggage. Also, the Airports Company SA (ASCA) is considering adding additional sniffer dog patrols, and new scanners and detection technology to the airports it operates.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Greece: 2 Prisoners Escape in Helicopter for Second Time
A massive manhunt is underway in Greece after two men escaped from the high-security Korydallos Prison on Sunday in a helicopter. Greece's Kathimerini describes the escapees, Vassilis Palaiocostas and Alket Rizai, as "the country's most notorious criminal...and his Albanian accomplice". To make the story of this daring helicopter escape even more unbelievable is that the same two men escaped in 2006 from the same prison in nearly the exact same manner.
TSA Investigations, Confiscations and Closures
For the week of February 9-16 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports 15 passengers were arrested after investigations of suspicious behavior or fraudulent travel documents; 21 firearms were found at checkpoints; 1 artfully concealed prohibited item was found and there were 14 incidents that involved a checkpoint closure, terminal evacuation or sterile area breach.
India: Threat Puts Airport on Alert
Kochi Airport in India is on high alert after an anonymous phone call to Saudi Airways alleged bombs had been placed at the airport and they could go off at anytime. Security has been beefed-up at passenger and vehicle checkpoints while an airport official said he believed the call was a hoax but they were not going to take any chances.
Japan: Dozens of Passengers Injured by Airplane Turbulence
Forty-three passengers on a Northwest Airlines flight from Manila to Tokyo were injured Friday (2/20) when about 30 minutes before landing the plane suffered what's been described as "severe turbulence" and a "sudden decent". The 747-400 was carrying 408 passengers and a flight crew of 14. A spokesperson for the airline has been quoted saying the "Fasten Seatbelt" sign was on at the time of the incident.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Recession Proof Travel Tips
Everyone seems to be tightening their belts at the moment, as our planets global recession (reported in some media circles within the west to be the worst since the Second World War) starts to enter the pain threshold of Joe Public. Both small and large Companies are actively seeking means and ways to reduce costs at all costs in a frantic effort to decrease liability, risk and unnecessary baggage.
People and their families the world over still desire to travel though, as in the past utopia years of Tourism, people across the developed world have habitually become accustomed by the very ritual of leisure travel and holidays. But will they take the plunge and travel regardless this year or will the vast majority be turned off by the high costs and gloom involved? Certainly the leisure market is both apprehensive and pessimistic at the expected 2009 Tourism statistics.
The reality is however, whilst it’s natural, given the doom and gloom we are constantly fed by the media, that people are on tight Budgets and traded down to save money, the annual holiday abroad is seemingly one thing that is unlikely to be given up very easily.
Research recently conducted by Mintel in the UK suggests that whilst some people are genuinely suffering as a consequence of the economic downturn, the vast majority of us are either unaffected, or merely mildly impacted by it. Moreover, with falling interest rates and lower fuel prices and energy bills many of us have significantly more cash in our pocket than this time last year. Mintel also suggests that a vacation abroad every year has become an expected lifestyle pattern and that despite the difficult times, people still need to escape from it all, perhaps even more so!
So for those of you reading who are still gainfully employed, its actually never been a better time to travel! This is additionally due in part to the fact that the marketplace is focusing on quality in balance with value this year and some of the resorts and havens of the Tourism world that were becoming horribly overcrowded and even rather arrogant are now changing their tune and putting out the red carpet for a lot less.
Consequently, if you have some spare cash and the desire to travel, the core cost of flight and accommodation is considerably lower and less in demand than before. Subsequently the savvy Perpetual Traveller out there can travel and enjoy life at a fraction of the cost before. We therefore dedicate this edition of Perpetual Traveller to share with you some insider trade tips in addition to a selection of the best input and contribution from our readers on “Recession Proof Travel Tips”…
1. When and where to Book
If you’re checking out flight costs on the Internet, be aware of the actual physical time that you are surfing online, as prices can vary by the hour. The reason for this is that many online websites are set so that the more consumer hits recorded online, the higher the flight costs become (in other words, the price rises in line with perceived demand). The best time to search for flights is late at night or when you are able to reliably predict that the online traffic is low!
There are many online providers, however many of the most well known capitalize on their brand awareness and search engine prowess, which often comes at a higher cost, as you are paying for the marketing. This would be true from our standpoint with Expedia, Opodio, Travelocity and even last minute.com.
FLIGHT BOOKINGS
The below link will take you to a website with an extended search and interesting route map. In all our tests they came up the cheapest, often displaying unusual options to save money. Out of confidence, the website even encourages you to compare prices with other websites such as Expedia. Prices are displayed in $ USD, making it favorable for conversion rates too.
Click here: http://www.vayama.com/jsp/home/home.jsp?ref=commj&pdt=3132016
HOTEL BOOKINGS
The below link will take you to a truly international website, as it operates in no less than 21 languages with English being the prime language. The interface is simple and there is a wide range of accommodation available all over the world at excellent prices. Take a look at the different search options for precise needs (eg. Price, Star rating, Specific location next to a landmark etc). The beauty of this Booking engine is that a credit card is only used to guarantee a booking from the outset, as the actual payment is not made until the checking out of the Hotel at the end of the actual stay. Sometimes I book a Hotel 6 months in advance to guarantee a room during a known busy expensive period (such as WTM in London, key conferences across the world and peak periods), however despite making an advance booking, payment is not made until the end of the stay, meaning your money stays with you (interest and all) until the very last minute. The possibility of cancellation with this website is also very good and easy to arrange. Each Hotel has their own requirements, so look at the detail, however some can be as short as 24 hours notice without charge. This will give you the confidence to book at the best rate and cancel later if you cannot afford or plans change.
Click here: http://www.booking.com/index.html?aid=307656&lang=en
CAR HIRE
The below link features the best overall prices for the common category of Car Hire bookings. The British are the most aggressive when it comes to Car Hire rates around the world and with the recent fall in the pound, it makes prices on this UK site truly exceptional. There are NO credit card fees, NO cancellation fees and NO amendment fees either, which also makes it all the more attractive and safe to book. The price is actually guaranteed, because they confirm that if you find a better car for the same price they will beat it. They cover the entire world even Zimbabwe! One reserves by credit card and pays at the location upon receiving the Car.
Click here: http://www.carhire3000.com/Home.do?affiliateCode=progressen
2. End of month syndrome
Avoid making flight bookings at the end of the month (Pay day). For your interest, according to online booking engine experts, peak time is: Tuesday Lunch Hour and between 7pm - 10pm weekdays.
3. Go Indirect
Don’t always go for a direct flight options as these are expensive. Look at other ways to reach your destination. Longer Yes, but cheaper YES! Seek the possibility to utilize and link Budget Airlines leaving enough time to connect. Although you will have to collect your luggage each time, the price could be significantly different and you are more likely to retrieve your luggage, as connections are the most common cause of lost luggage.
4. Visa Electron
Get a Visa Electron. When making purchases abroad such cards do not usually charge the hidden currency conversion transaction fee. Visa Electron is either cheaper or in some cases free in terms of the currency charge. Debit & Visa Card charges have become ridiculously high during the boom and it’s become like a stealth tax on all travel purchases. The best card on the planet we know is the UK’s trusty Nationwide Flex card that features no handling fee for cash withdrawals worldwide and no currency conversion transaction charge, meaning that significant savings are made every time cash is withdrawn or purchases are made.
5. Last Minute
If you are flexible and willing go on a Standby basis, one can obtain amazing deals at the moment. Shop around and make your time as flexible as possible. This would be true for flights and accommodation. Start tracking prices as early as possible, so that you know when you find a super deal.
6. The best days to fly
If you’re taking a break don’t take it at the same as everyone else! In terms of the week this is usually over the busy weekend including Friday. Try flying mid-week and more often than not you will achieve a notable saving.
In terms of the right time of year, July, August and the beginning of September are traditionally busiest. Also try to avoid traveling around bank and public holidays or you will lose most of your precious time in traffic Jams and queues, then pay more to book your Flight and Hotel, just for the privilege.
7. Budget flights
Purchase your in-flight snacks before going onboard, as costs can be a startling 3 times higher than on the ground! Beware of exaggerated airport prices too and try to pre-empt your needs in a local supermarket beforehand.
8. Budget extras
If you’re booking a Budget flight online, you need to be super careful of all the Extras (many of which are automatically checked). Instead of asking if you want speedy boarding or Insurance for example, it’s automatically and frustratingly added. Such online tactics are akin to con tricks and an expression of desperation on the strategy of certain Budget Airlines. If you’re not Internet savvy you could easily miss these tricks and each Budget airline has a different way of featuring the information too, so watch out. Recently I purchased a flight on Air Asia and after 20 attempts it was impossible to accomplish the booking without the insurance, which I did not need. Easyjet, Ryan air and more besides are culprits of such annoying tactics, which can elevate prices to higher than scheduled airlines on occasions, so it always pays to cross-reference and keep all factors into consideration.
9. Travel light
Airlines these days are charging a fortune when its comes to check-in luggage. I mean really 15 kgs (the weight that Ryanair adopts) for a 2 week vacation is a bit much, as my shoes alone weigh this much! Again if you need to bring more luggage, scheduled airlines may in the long run provide you with a better option all things considered. We are entering the era of packing light and with some discipline it is possible, but it needs a mentality shift and some planning.
It must be said too that the convenience of not having to collect luggage at the baggage reclaim makes the concept of taking only hand luggage on board most attractive, especially for business and short trips. Here Ryanair the markets traditional lowest allowance only permits 7kg, whereas Easyjet allows any weight within reason, but restricts the size, which in our view is a sensible policy.
10. Go electronic.
The cost of choosing what is becoming an outdated paper airline ticket is now on average a more costly affair. If you opt for an e-ticket and print it out online, you pay zero (no ticket issue charge) and achieve the lowest available price. Once you have your e-ticket for convenience you can check-in online, meaning that you save precious time by not going to the airport ridiculously early. With no check-in luggage you can go straight through to the Departure Lounge also.
In summary, there has never been a better time to travel and using the above tricks you can save a fortune too!
Here’s wishing you pleasurable Perpetual Travels.
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
People and their families the world over still desire to travel though, as in the past utopia years of Tourism, people across the developed world have habitually become accustomed by the very ritual of leisure travel and holidays. But will they take the plunge and travel regardless this year or will the vast majority be turned off by the high costs and gloom involved? Certainly the leisure market is both apprehensive and pessimistic at the expected 2009 Tourism statistics.
The reality is however, whilst it’s natural, given the doom and gloom we are constantly fed by the media, that people are on tight Budgets and traded down to save money, the annual holiday abroad is seemingly one thing that is unlikely to be given up very easily.
Research recently conducted by Mintel in the UK suggests that whilst some people are genuinely suffering as a consequence of the economic downturn, the vast majority of us are either unaffected, or merely mildly impacted by it. Moreover, with falling interest rates and lower fuel prices and energy bills many of us have significantly more cash in our pocket than this time last year. Mintel also suggests that a vacation abroad every year has become an expected lifestyle pattern and that despite the difficult times, people still need to escape from it all, perhaps even more so!
So for those of you reading who are still gainfully employed, its actually never been a better time to travel! This is additionally due in part to the fact that the marketplace is focusing on quality in balance with value this year and some of the resorts and havens of the Tourism world that were becoming horribly overcrowded and even rather arrogant are now changing their tune and putting out the red carpet for a lot less.
Consequently, if you have some spare cash and the desire to travel, the core cost of flight and accommodation is considerably lower and less in demand than before. Subsequently the savvy Perpetual Traveller out there can travel and enjoy life at a fraction of the cost before. We therefore dedicate this edition of Perpetual Traveller to share with you some insider trade tips in addition to a selection of the best input and contribution from our readers on “Recession Proof Travel Tips”…
1. When and where to Book
If you’re checking out flight costs on the Internet, be aware of the actual physical time that you are surfing online, as prices can vary by the hour. The reason for this is that many online websites are set so that the more consumer hits recorded online, the higher the flight costs become (in other words, the price rises in line with perceived demand). The best time to search for flights is late at night or when you are able to reliably predict that the online traffic is low!
There are many online providers, however many of the most well known capitalize on their brand awareness and search engine prowess, which often comes at a higher cost, as you are paying for the marketing. This would be true from our standpoint with Expedia, Opodio, Travelocity and even last minute.com.
FLIGHT BOOKINGS
The below link will take you to a website with an extended search and interesting route map. In all our tests they came up the cheapest, often displaying unusual options to save money. Out of confidence, the website even encourages you to compare prices with other websites such as Expedia. Prices are displayed in $ USD, making it favorable for conversion rates too.
Click here: http://www.vayama.com/jsp/home/home.jsp?ref=commj&pdt=3132016
HOTEL BOOKINGS
The below link will take you to a truly international website, as it operates in no less than 21 languages with English being the prime language. The interface is simple and there is a wide range of accommodation available all over the world at excellent prices. Take a look at the different search options for precise needs (eg. Price, Star rating, Specific location next to a landmark etc). The beauty of this Booking engine is that a credit card is only used to guarantee a booking from the outset, as the actual payment is not made until the checking out of the Hotel at the end of the actual stay. Sometimes I book a Hotel 6 months in advance to guarantee a room during a known busy expensive period (such as WTM in London, key conferences across the world and peak periods), however despite making an advance booking, payment is not made until the end of the stay, meaning your money stays with you (interest and all) until the very last minute. The possibility of cancellation with this website is also very good and easy to arrange. Each Hotel has their own requirements, so look at the detail, however some can be as short as 24 hours notice without charge. This will give you the confidence to book at the best rate and cancel later if you cannot afford or plans change.
Click here: http://www.booking.com/index.html?aid=307656&lang=en
CAR HIRE
The below link features the best overall prices for the common category of Car Hire bookings. The British are the most aggressive when it comes to Car Hire rates around the world and with the recent fall in the pound, it makes prices on this UK site truly exceptional. There are NO credit card fees, NO cancellation fees and NO amendment fees either, which also makes it all the more attractive and safe to book. The price is actually guaranteed, because they confirm that if you find a better car for the same price they will beat it. They cover the entire world even Zimbabwe! One reserves by credit card and pays at the location upon receiving the Car.
Click here: http://www.carhire3000.com/Home.do?affiliateCode=progressen
2. End of month syndrome
Avoid making flight bookings at the end of the month (Pay day). For your interest, according to online booking engine experts, peak time is: Tuesday Lunch Hour and between 7pm - 10pm weekdays.
3. Go Indirect
Don’t always go for a direct flight options as these are expensive. Look at other ways to reach your destination. Longer Yes, but cheaper YES! Seek the possibility to utilize and link Budget Airlines leaving enough time to connect. Although you will have to collect your luggage each time, the price could be significantly different and you are more likely to retrieve your luggage, as connections are the most common cause of lost luggage.
4. Visa Electron
Get a Visa Electron. When making purchases abroad such cards do not usually charge the hidden currency conversion transaction fee. Visa Electron is either cheaper or in some cases free in terms of the currency charge. Debit & Visa Card charges have become ridiculously high during the boom and it’s become like a stealth tax on all travel purchases. The best card on the planet we know is the UK’s trusty Nationwide Flex card that features no handling fee for cash withdrawals worldwide and no currency conversion transaction charge, meaning that significant savings are made every time cash is withdrawn or purchases are made.
5. Last Minute
If you are flexible and willing go on a Standby basis, one can obtain amazing deals at the moment. Shop around and make your time as flexible as possible. This would be true for flights and accommodation. Start tracking prices as early as possible, so that you know when you find a super deal.
6. The best days to fly
If you’re taking a break don’t take it at the same as everyone else! In terms of the week this is usually over the busy weekend including Friday. Try flying mid-week and more often than not you will achieve a notable saving.
In terms of the right time of year, July, August and the beginning of September are traditionally busiest. Also try to avoid traveling around bank and public holidays or you will lose most of your precious time in traffic Jams and queues, then pay more to book your Flight and Hotel, just for the privilege.
7. Budget flights
Purchase your in-flight snacks before going onboard, as costs can be a startling 3 times higher than on the ground! Beware of exaggerated airport prices too and try to pre-empt your needs in a local supermarket beforehand.
8. Budget extras
If you’re booking a Budget flight online, you need to be super careful of all the Extras (many of which are automatically checked). Instead of asking if you want speedy boarding or Insurance for example, it’s automatically and frustratingly added. Such online tactics are akin to con tricks and an expression of desperation on the strategy of certain Budget Airlines. If you’re not Internet savvy you could easily miss these tricks and each Budget airline has a different way of featuring the information too, so watch out. Recently I purchased a flight on Air Asia and after 20 attempts it was impossible to accomplish the booking without the insurance, which I did not need. Easyjet, Ryan air and more besides are culprits of such annoying tactics, which can elevate prices to higher than scheduled airlines on occasions, so it always pays to cross-reference and keep all factors into consideration.
9. Travel light
Airlines these days are charging a fortune when its comes to check-in luggage. I mean really 15 kgs (the weight that Ryanair adopts) for a 2 week vacation is a bit much, as my shoes alone weigh this much! Again if you need to bring more luggage, scheduled airlines may in the long run provide you with a better option all things considered. We are entering the era of packing light and with some discipline it is possible, but it needs a mentality shift and some planning.
It must be said too that the convenience of not having to collect luggage at the baggage reclaim makes the concept of taking only hand luggage on board most attractive, especially for business and short trips. Here Ryanair the markets traditional lowest allowance only permits 7kg, whereas Easyjet allows any weight within reason, but restricts the size, which in our view is a sensible policy.
10. Go electronic.
The cost of choosing what is becoming an outdated paper airline ticket is now on average a more costly affair. If you opt for an e-ticket and print it out online, you pay zero (no ticket issue charge) and achieve the lowest available price. Once you have your e-ticket for convenience you can check-in online, meaning that you save precious time by not going to the airport ridiculously early. With no check-in luggage you can go straight through to the Departure Lounge also.
In summary, there has never been a better time to travel and using the above tricks you can save a fortune too!
Here’s wishing you pleasurable Perpetual Travels.
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
Greetings from Venizelos airport, Athens
Interim greetings from the transit area of Venizelos airport in Athens, where I encountered some positive developments that I would like to share with you.
Mindful of the best in class global Airport review that we covered as a Perpetual Traveller feature article last week, it comes to me as a pleasant surprise to see some welcome pro-traveller changes at the airport that serves Athens, which was built at the beginning of the new millennium.
At last free WiFi has been organized to compliment the free Internet stand alone computer podiums. This makes Athens (ATH) one of the few significant and proactive airports in the whole of Europe that provides comprehensive free Internet access. May the rest of Europe follow this lead?
Moreover, a large area of e-checkin desks has been provided for in the departures hall, which permits any passenger to check-in online with a host of participating airlines that permit and enable an online check-in service. The same facility allows online reservations and bookings through the Internet connections also. This is a leap forward in passenger facilities and a convenient common marketing tool for cooperating airlines.
I think it is also appropriate to compliment the Athens Venizelos airport on their passenger friendly information services. First and fore-most, despite being a modern airport the lovable rotating flaps of the mega display boards (like a train station) grace the departures area and provide a nostalgic element for passengers blended with the new design. This is complimented by numerous clear to view trendy flat screens dotted all over the airport. The Information Desk has brightened up too with an interesting Power Message "Don't Guess - Be our Guest!”. This service seemed to be better manned than before and some service training must have taken place. There are also numerous information boards with leaflets providing for free maps of Athens city and the airport itself, promotions of the Shopping Price Guarantee and encouragement to give your view.
There is a lot to like about Athens Airport these days which includes...
• Quality train connection to the city.
• The level of cleanliness.
• Free Airport Archaeological museum.
• An environmental information centre.
• 24 hour Pharmacy.
• A quality Hair Salon / Beauty Centre.
• Enhanced variety of Shopping.
• A quality Business centre.
• Local Shops and brands blended with international Duty Free.
• Improved Restaurant facilities.
• Plenty of places to take an excellent coffee.
• A host of VIP Lounges, some with bed facilities (catering for Priority Pass too).
• Free Airport quality travel Magazine called 2board.
So keep up the good work Athens Venizelos and try to stop the strikes this year and have a word with the remaining unfriendly security staff.
Grant Holmes
Editor
Perpetual Traveller
Mindful of the best in class global Airport review that we covered as a Perpetual Traveller feature article last week, it comes to me as a pleasant surprise to see some welcome pro-traveller changes at the airport that serves Athens, which was built at the beginning of the new millennium.
At last free WiFi has been organized to compliment the free Internet stand alone computer podiums. This makes Athens (ATH) one of the few significant and proactive airports in the whole of Europe that provides comprehensive free Internet access. May the rest of Europe follow this lead?
Moreover, a large area of e-checkin desks has been provided for in the departures hall, which permits any passenger to check-in online with a host of participating airlines that permit and enable an online check-in service. The same facility allows online reservations and bookings through the Internet connections also. This is a leap forward in passenger facilities and a convenient common marketing tool for cooperating airlines.
I think it is also appropriate to compliment the Athens Venizelos airport on their passenger friendly information services. First and fore-most, despite being a modern airport the lovable rotating flaps of the mega display boards (like a train station) grace the departures area and provide a nostalgic element for passengers blended with the new design. This is complimented by numerous clear to view trendy flat screens dotted all over the airport. The Information Desk has brightened up too with an interesting Power Message "Don't Guess - Be our Guest!”. This service seemed to be better manned than before and some service training must have taken place. There are also numerous information boards with leaflets providing for free maps of Athens city and the airport itself, promotions of the Shopping Price Guarantee and encouragement to give your view.
There is a lot to like about Athens Airport these days which includes...
• Quality train connection to the city.
• The level of cleanliness.
• Free Airport Archaeological museum.
• An environmental information centre.
• 24 hour Pharmacy.
• A quality Hair Salon / Beauty Centre.
• Enhanced variety of Shopping.
• A quality Business centre.
• Local Shops and brands blended with international Duty Free.
• Improved Restaurant facilities.
• Plenty of places to take an excellent coffee.
• A host of VIP Lounges, some with bed facilities (catering for Priority Pass too).
• Free Airport quality travel Magazine called 2board.
So keep up the good work Athens Venizelos and try to stop the strikes this year and have a word with the remaining unfriendly security staff.
Grant Holmes
Editor
Perpetual Traveller
Friday, February 20, 2009
Genoa: port on the Mediterranean
We discover the artistic beauties of this ancient maritime republic. Twisty little streets wend their way from via Garibaldi to the old harbour, site of Europe’s second biggest aquarium
Genoa is rich in personalities who forged the Italian culture of the last century. The city is fertile ground for comics, inspired by the innate Genoese sense of humour, and singer-songwriters, influenced by the heartbreaking sea views of the city and its surroundings. As young Genoese writer Marzio Angiolani (b. 1974) wrote in his book Genova. Canzoni in salita (“Genoa: Songs in Ascent”): “Song is the best expression of the soul of Genoa. The city is closer to Greece and Morocco than it is to Lombardy, has more in common with the ports of Sicily and Spain than with the mountains of Piedmont, and is redolent of the sounds and smells of everywhere from Turkey to the Pillars of Hercules or even farther, to where Portugal looks out to the Atlantic and the new world.”
The Foce quarter of Genoa is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most legendary figures in music and song: Gino Paoli, Luigi Tenco, and Bruno Lauzi—names that in Italy carry similar weight to George Harrison, Neil Young or Mick Jagger—and Paolo Villaggio, one of Italy’s best-loved actors and famous for his depiction of Ugo Fantozzi in a series of films about a luckless accountant working for an industrial behemoth. Villaggio is a close friend of poet and singer Fabrizio De André, sometimes referred to as “Italy’s Leonard Cohen” and also from Genoa.
Genoa’s history begins 2600 years ago when, according to legend, the city was founded by the two-faced god Janus, guardian of gates and doors. Genoa has always been a “door” between civilisations, a cultural meeting point between the Mediterranean and Europe. But the city really started to make its mark in around the year 1000, when it became a republic and conquered military and mercantile control of much of the Mediterranean. The apex of its power came with Admiral Andrea Doria, who made the title of “Republic of Genoa” official and thanks to whom Genoa became home to rich merchants, expert navigators, and financiers of the powerful Spanish empire of Charles V.
You can relive the splendours of Genoa’s past by walking down the central via Garibaldi, which at various times in history has been called Strada Maggiore, Strada Nuova, and via Aurea. Here in just 250 metres there are 14 buildings of exceptional beauty, built between 1550 and 1716: this is the treasure chest of the Ligurian capital, which at night shines like a sunlit diamond. These buildings are some of the 42 Palazzi dei Rolli (literally, “Houses of the Rolls”) which were collectively declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006. They were private residences which the Genoese nobility were required to make available to the Republic to accommodate visiting kings, princes or high prelates. They were, in other words, the forerunners of today’s 5-star hotels. Fine examples include Palazzo Tursi, today the municipal seat, and Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco (their names translate to Red and White Palace, respectively), today the Museums of Strada Nuova. The painter Pieter Paul Rubens visited Genoa many times in the early 17th century and he wrote a book about these buildings in which he described their architectural styles. This book would later inspire the wealthy classes of Antwerp, Rubens’s city of origin. Some of his paintings are preserved in the Church of Jesus in Piazza Matteotti.
Staying on via Garibaldi, at no. 14 there is Palazzo Podestà, with its facade so richly decorated with gargoyles and garlands and, at no. 3, the similarly beautiful Palazzo Lercari Parodi, today an auction house. Via Garibaldi leads on to piazza Fontane Marose, with its neoclassical Palazzo Pallavicino and the splendid Palazzo Spinola which alternates white marble with black slate, a local stone much used in Liguria. Turning onto the elegant via XXV Aprile brings us to piazza De Ferrari, Genoa’s main square, which is overlooked by the Palazzo Ducale, historic seat of the Doges of the Republic and today the venue for exhibitions and cultural events. This palace has a medieval heart, which today can only be seen in the stone Grimaldina tower. The central body of the palace with its two colonnades was built between the 16th century and the early 17th century, and was later reconstructed in the 18th century following an extensive fire.
In 1992 the area of the old harbour, which in the past was merely an area for loading and unloading goods, was “given back” to the Genoese via a monumental redevelopment project designed by one of the most famous architects in the world (and, coincidentally, Genoese), Renzo Piano. Here also is the city’s aquarium, which contains one of the biggest collections of biodiversity and ecosystems in Europe, with seals, sharks, dolphins, penguins, piranhas, rays and many, many other species. The interiors were designed by US architect Peter Chermayeff and the intended effect is to make the visitor feel as if they were underwater.
When you’re ready to take a break, in the steep, narrow alleys called caruggi you can always find a good focacceria where you can try Genoa’s most famous speciality (classic focaccia and also farinata, made with chickpea flour). If you’re only interested in the sea, the best way to enjoy it is to walk the shore path (Corso Italia) until you get to the sea village of Boccadasse, a jewel of a place where you can still see traditional Ligurian pastel-coloured painted houses.
BOX: Shopping in the alleys
Genoa’s old town centre features tall and very closely-packed houses, creating narrow alleyways which are known locally as caruggi. Here you can still find little shops and artisan workshops which give the centre of Genoa that atmosphere of an old and convivial town. Wandering around these old streets is therefore a must, in Sottoripa or in via dei Macelli for example, where you’ll find places selling tripe, poultry and cod, or in via San Luca e Luccoli, where you can buy clothes and household goods. And there are designer shops too, mainly in via Roma.
USEFUL INFORMATION
What to do: Stroke a ray in the petting pool at the aquarium, kiss someone you love by the sea in Boccadasse, take the lift to the last floor of the Palazzo Rosso and enjoy the view from the roof, take a walk out to the Lanterna, the symbol of Genoa
What to eat: Focaccia bread (an original Genoese speciality), a slice of Pasqualina quiche, farinata (focaccia made with chickpea flour), trenette pasta al pesto, pansotti (ravioli) with walnut sauce, pandolce, a local sweet bread made at Christmas
Did you know?: Beside the aquarium you can visit the galleon used by Roman Polanski to shoot the film Pirates, and the Biosphere, which perfectly reproduces the ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest
Traditions: At the Museo Diocesano you can see the Teli della Passione, a series of paintings about the Passion of Christ executed on a curiously denim-like cloth known as blu di Genova, a highly resistant fabric used to make sails
Getting around:
- Several times daily ferries leave Genoa for Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino, three sea towns which top each other for beauty
- Just a few kilometres east of Genoa is the town of Recco, worth a visit just to eat the famous local focaccia, made with cheese between two layers of dough
- Go surfing at Bogliasco on the Levant Riviera, or leave the village behind for an hour’s walk through the orchards and olive groves to Pieve Alta
Genoa is rich in personalities who forged the Italian culture of the last century. The city is fertile ground for comics, inspired by the innate Genoese sense of humour, and singer-songwriters, influenced by the heartbreaking sea views of the city and its surroundings. As young Genoese writer Marzio Angiolani (b. 1974) wrote in his book Genova. Canzoni in salita (“Genoa: Songs in Ascent”): “Song is the best expression of the soul of Genoa. The city is closer to Greece and Morocco than it is to Lombardy, has more in common with the ports of Sicily and Spain than with the mountains of Piedmont, and is redolent of the sounds and smells of everywhere from Turkey to the Pillars of Hercules or even farther, to where Portugal looks out to the Atlantic and the new world.”
The Foce quarter of Genoa is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most legendary figures in music and song: Gino Paoli, Luigi Tenco, and Bruno Lauzi—names that in Italy carry similar weight to George Harrison, Neil Young or Mick Jagger—and Paolo Villaggio, one of Italy’s best-loved actors and famous for his depiction of Ugo Fantozzi in a series of films about a luckless accountant working for an industrial behemoth. Villaggio is a close friend of poet and singer Fabrizio De André, sometimes referred to as “Italy’s Leonard Cohen” and also from Genoa.
Genoa’s history begins 2600 years ago when, according to legend, the city was founded by the two-faced god Janus, guardian of gates and doors. Genoa has always been a “door” between civilisations, a cultural meeting point between the Mediterranean and Europe. But the city really started to make its mark in around the year 1000, when it became a republic and conquered military and mercantile control of much of the Mediterranean. The apex of its power came with Admiral Andrea Doria, who made the title of “Republic of Genoa” official and thanks to whom Genoa became home to rich merchants, expert navigators, and financiers of the powerful Spanish empire of Charles V.
You can relive the splendours of Genoa’s past by walking down the central via Garibaldi, which at various times in history has been called Strada Maggiore, Strada Nuova, and via Aurea. Here in just 250 metres there are 14 buildings of exceptional beauty, built between 1550 and 1716: this is the treasure chest of the Ligurian capital, which at night shines like a sunlit diamond. These buildings are some of the 42 Palazzi dei Rolli (literally, “Houses of the Rolls”) which were collectively declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006. They were private residences which the Genoese nobility were required to make available to the Republic to accommodate visiting kings, princes or high prelates. They were, in other words, the forerunners of today’s 5-star hotels. Fine examples include Palazzo Tursi, today the municipal seat, and Palazzo Rosso and Palazzo Bianco (their names translate to Red and White Palace, respectively), today the Museums of Strada Nuova. The painter Pieter Paul Rubens visited Genoa many times in the early 17th century and he wrote a book about these buildings in which he described their architectural styles. This book would later inspire the wealthy classes of Antwerp, Rubens’s city of origin. Some of his paintings are preserved in the Church of Jesus in Piazza Matteotti.
Staying on via Garibaldi, at no. 14 there is Palazzo Podestà, with its facade so richly decorated with gargoyles and garlands and, at no. 3, the similarly beautiful Palazzo Lercari Parodi, today an auction house. Via Garibaldi leads on to piazza Fontane Marose, with its neoclassical Palazzo Pallavicino and the splendid Palazzo Spinola which alternates white marble with black slate, a local stone much used in Liguria. Turning onto the elegant via XXV Aprile brings us to piazza De Ferrari, Genoa’s main square, which is overlooked by the Palazzo Ducale, historic seat of the Doges of the Republic and today the venue for exhibitions and cultural events. This palace has a medieval heart, which today can only be seen in the stone Grimaldina tower. The central body of the palace with its two colonnades was built between the 16th century and the early 17th century, and was later reconstructed in the 18th century following an extensive fire.
In 1992 the area of the old harbour, which in the past was merely an area for loading and unloading goods, was “given back” to the Genoese via a monumental redevelopment project designed by one of the most famous architects in the world (and, coincidentally, Genoese), Renzo Piano. Here also is the city’s aquarium, which contains one of the biggest collections of biodiversity and ecosystems in Europe, with seals, sharks, dolphins, penguins, piranhas, rays and many, many other species. The interiors were designed by US architect Peter Chermayeff and the intended effect is to make the visitor feel as if they were underwater.
When you’re ready to take a break, in the steep, narrow alleys called caruggi you can always find a good focacceria where you can try Genoa’s most famous speciality (classic focaccia and also farinata, made with chickpea flour). If you’re only interested in the sea, the best way to enjoy it is to walk the shore path (Corso Italia) until you get to the sea village of Boccadasse, a jewel of a place where you can still see traditional Ligurian pastel-coloured painted houses.
BOX: Shopping in the alleys
Genoa’s old town centre features tall and very closely-packed houses, creating narrow alleyways which are known locally as caruggi. Here you can still find little shops and artisan workshops which give the centre of Genoa that atmosphere of an old and convivial town. Wandering around these old streets is therefore a must, in Sottoripa or in via dei Macelli for example, where you’ll find places selling tripe, poultry and cod, or in via San Luca e Luccoli, where you can buy clothes and household goods. And there are designer shops too, mainly in via Roma.
USEFUL INFORMATION
What to do: Stroke a ray in the petting pool at the aquarium, kiss someone you love by the sea in Boccadasse, take the lift to the last floor of the Palazzo Rosso and enjoy the view from the roof, take a walk out to the Lanterna, the symbol of Genoa
What to eat: Focaccia bread (an original Genoese speciality), a slice of Pasqualina quiche, farinata (focaccia made with chickpea flour), trenette pasta al pesto, pansotti (ravioli) with walnut sauce, pandolce, a local sweet bread made at Christmas
Did you know?: Beside the aquarium you can visit the galleon used by Roman Polanski to shoot the film Pirates, and the Biosphere, which perfectly reproduces the ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest
Traditions: At the Museo Diocesano you can see the Teli della Passione, a series of paintings about the Passion of Christ executed on a curiously denim-like cloth known as blu di Genova, a highly resistant fabric used to make sails
Getting around:
- Several times daily ferries leave Genoa for Camogli, San Fruttuoso and Portofino, three sea towns which top each other for beauty
- Just a few kilometres east of Genoa is the town of Recco, worth a visit just to eat the famous local focaccia, made with cheese between two layers of dough
- Go surfing at Bogliasco on the Levant Riviera, or leave the village behind for an hour’s walk through the orchards and olive groves to Pieve Alta
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Unmanned Aircraft Patrols Begin on Northern Border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Unmanned Aircraft Operations Center of North Dakota officially opened February 16. The center, which is housed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, is equipped with one General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' MQ-9 Predator B, and once fully staffed will employ close to 50 federal employees and contractors. According to CBP, the Predator B UAV is capable of flying at speeds of up to 260 MPH for more than 18 hours at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. The aircraft is equipped with the state-of-the-art Raytheon electro-optical sensors, and Synthetic Aperture Radar.
United Kingdom: South African Flight Crew Suspected of Narcotics Trafficking
For the second time in as many months a South African Airways flight crew has been arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on suspicion of narcotics smuggling. In the latest incident 15 crewmembers were detained Monday night (2/16) after about 5kg of cocaine was found in a piece of luggage on the flight from Johannesburg. The January smuggling attempt involved about 110 lbs. of marijuana and 8 lbs. of cocaine.
Pilot Aborts Takeoff After Bird Strike on Runway
A United Airlines jet getting ready for takeoff in San Jose had to return to the gate Monday morning after one of the engines ingested one or more seagulls. The plane is being inspected and no one was injured. The plane was traveling about 138 MPH when the bird strike happened.
UK Pilots Oppose National Identity Card Program
The British government's plan to introduce national ID cards that contain electronically readable photos and fingerprints has hit another snag. In a statement, the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) says that it has warned the Manchester airport and London City airport management that pilots would not cooperate with the introduction of the ID card. These are the first two locations selected by the government to introduce the ID card to airport workers and pilots.
Fireball Over Texas Not Space Junk
A fireball streaking across the Texas sky was seen by thousands of people Sunday in broad daylight. There was speculation that it was debris from last Tuesday's collision of an Iridium satellite and a non-functioning Russian satellite over Siberia. However, the U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) has come out and said this is not the case. It seems likely the fireball was a meteor.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Greeting from Larnaka Airport
Greetings from a vantage point overlooking the new Larnaka Airport site; where the pace of construction is gaining momentum. By all accounts it will surely be delivered on time later in November of this year to much fanfare. The construction Company responsible is the mighty Bouygues International (reported to be the biggest construction Company in the world) who have been successful in building a reputation for delivering on time in Cyprus. Recent evidence of which can be found in the new Paphos Charter Airport, that was successfully delivered in Autumn 2008. Larnaka is the central “Gateway of Cyprus” though and the new airport will be a state of the art facility catering for a capacity of 7.5 million passengers (not bad for a country of only 800,000 residents). This will launch the Island into the 21st century where airport terminals or entry points to Cyprus are concerned, and it’s a quantum leap from the current terminal shed looking building.
The main concern however is not how wonderful the airport will be, instead how much it will cost in terms of airport taxes? Currently the airport operator Hermes Group in league with the Government charge more than any other competitive airport in there region and that is before the new facility is completed. In balance aircraft traffic did appreciate last year at the existing Larnaka Airport all be it slight, however as we enter a period of certain recession throughout Europe it does not take a Rocket Scientist to work out that Cyprus may be out pricing itself. We urge the Hermes Group and Government to lower the airport taxes to compete with surrounding airports and holiday destinations or face the consequences of Tourism depreciation. The CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organization) has committed to an excellent plan of airport development with new cutting edge facilities, creating the right impression from the moment of arrival. This follows the strategy to improve the quality of Tourists arriving to the Island. However, in the short term the reality of recession and competitiveness means taxes must come down, otherwise the impact of the downturn will be greater, especially where the heavily relied upon UK market is concerned.
Interestingly it came to our attention that the President of Bouygues International visited Cyprus recently. It is understood that he arrived by Private Jet and actually christened the new Larnaka Airport to make a site inspection. Bouygues International is a member of the Zenon Group Consortium, which is in the running for the tender of the private Larnaka Cruise Port and Marina. Apparently he stayed at the Aphrodite Hills Luxury Resort and attended a meeting with President Christofias of the Republic of Cyprus, the agenda for which few people know for sure. With construction of the new international airport of Larnaka finishing in November 2009, it would be an ideal scenario for Bouygues International and the Zenon Group as a whole to effectively move the construction site to the port.
The main concern however is not how wonderful the airport will be, instead how much it will cost in terms of airport taxes? Currently the airport operator Hermes Group in league with the Government charge more than any other competitive airport in there region and that is before the new facility is completed. In balance aircraft traffic did appreciate last year at the existing Larnaka Airport all be it slight, however as we enter a period of certain recession throughout Europe it does not take a Rocket Scientist to work out that Cyprus may be out pricing itself. We urge the Hermes Group and Government to lower the airport taxes to compete with surrounding airports and holiday destinations or face the consequences of Tourism depreciation. The CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organization) has committed to an excellent plan of airport development with new cutting edge facilities, creating the right impression from the moment of arrival. This follows the strategy to improve the quality of Tourists arriving to the Island. However, in the short term the reality of recession and competitiveness means taxes must come down, otherwise the impact of the downturn will be greater, especially where the heavily relied upon UK market is concerned.
Interestingly it came to our attention that the President of Bouygues International visited Cyprus recently. It is understood that he arrived by Private Jet and actually christened the new Larnaka Airport to make a site inspection. Bouygues International is a member of the Zenon Group Consortium, which is in the running for the tender of the private Larnaka Cruise Port and Marina. Apparently he stayed at the Aphrodite Hills Luxury Resort and attended a meeting with President Christofias of the Republic of Cyprus, the agenda for which few people know for sure. With construction of the new international airport of Larnaka finishing in November 2009, it would be an ideal scenario for Bouygues International and the Zenon Group as a whole to effectively move the construction site to the port.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
PT Airport Review
As the days of the second month of 2009 unfold and we reflect on the progress of Tourism from a global perspective, 2008 will be seen as a remarkable year for airport development and dramatic events. All this in the face of the onset of one of the worst global credit crunches and astonishing downturns our planet has ever seen.
This review focuses on the quintessential positives of 4 airports across the globe that are making the life of travellers in transit and more uplifting experience. Perpetual Traveller is however objective by nature, so we have indicated some of the downfalls of each airport for balance.
HONG KONG HKIA
Once again Hong Kong HKLIA Airport was officially awarded by Industry experts as the best airport all things considered on our planet. HKIA has consistently won this award with only a few gap years since its construction.
Certainly its a feat of engineering, with an epic glass cathedral type entrance, a slick modern design, extremely clean cut feel, passenger friendly throughout the entire process and pleasingly quick to connect through concerning immigration and security! This is especially remarkable considering the numbers of passengers the facility processes. There is free WiFi too!
Clearly HKIA is supremely organized and hosts a wide range of facilities and services on a constant basis. In fact everything in Hong Kong seems to be perpetually open around the clock, as many of the people in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island live in shifts, as there's simply not enough room for everyone to walk around on the ground level at the same time; thus securing its reputation as the most crowded territory on earth.
The Shopping is in HKIA is okay, but no real bargains can be obtained here and you may as well be in London, Milan or Paris, as the vast majority of Shops seem to sell internationally higher-priced brands, as they cater for Chinese and Asian consumers overly besotted by designer goods to parade as status symbols. This reflects an unfortunate trend the world over, whereby regardless of what airport one is in, everything is becoming the same like a global Shopping Village. Luxury goods are more desirable if they are exclusive or unique to a given region. When luxury becomes multiple and freely available everywhere with precisely the same methodology of display, it leans on the side of ordinary.
Anyhow, all the positives of Hong Kong's new airport mentioned above in addition to its well managed transportation access and connections are true to their word and much of the hype is warranted,. This said, in our humble objective Perpetual Traveller view, the airport is lacking a little soul and has a somewhat cold feel! There are preciously few reflections, touches or goods from Hong Kong itself within the Airport and on my last visit, I had to keep reminding myself where I was!
So in a few words HKIA its a modern, futuristic, practical, fast paced, always open, slightly cold and a trifle soulless airport.
TERMINAL 5 LHR
The long awaited Terminal 5 London Heathrow all British Airways extension to the world's busiest airport opened in 2008 with fanfare a mist baggage and organizational chaos. Things have settled down now however and even the most critical travelling Brit has to admit that Terminal 5 is a refreshing change. With spacious, stylish and modern lounges, advanced systems, processes and facilities, high ceilings (especially compared to terminal 1 , 2 and 3) and a surprisingly passenger friendly outlook Terminal 5 is a sea change from
The only moan is the length of time it takes in transit due to the long immigration and security processes, which is the root cause of many travellers opting to avoid connections through the famously hassle guaranteed LHR. Additionally LHR charges on the nail for WiFi taking the same anti traveller stance of other similar European Airports, which really annoys the frequent travellers.
Considering that LHR is the worlds busiest airport, its somewhat surprising that there are still only 2 runways. The British Government have finally confirmed however that they will permit the development of a 3rd runway and a 6th terminal linked to a raft of sensible environmental measures and the obligation to operate a high speed train connection from Paddington to LHR direct. Despite this, a legal challenge is immediately expected along with staunch protests by environmentalists. Subsequently, building cannot commence just yet. Meanwhile, Paris CDG and Schiphol Amsterdam continue to expand without opposition, so LHR needs to hurry along if they want to maintain the desirable position of being the main hub or gateway to Europe and the worlds busiest airport.
TERMINAL 3 DUBAI
Towards the end of 2008 the all Emirates dedicated airport termed "Terminal 3" opened much to the delight of the Emirates Skywards Gold members, as the Lounge facilities for First Class, Business and Gold card holders is nothing short of exceptional in terms of space, size, comfort, facilities, high staff / passenger ratio and overall passenger friendly amenities.
The facilities in the massive Lounge area located on the first floor encourage anyone with a long connection to upgrade. Apart from the expected, they feature an X.Box and hi-tech games area with the new Microsoft table interactive technology, several complimentary Buffet Restaurants and Bars operated to meticulous sanitation standards, a 24 hour SPA, Children Games room, numerous showers and amenities with extreme comfort. Another thing I liked were the little practical touches, such as the variety of seating types with easy plug connections, free WiFi throughout and a comprehensive selection of different ambiances each with its own feel.
The Terminal itself like the Dubai International Terminal does not disappoint on the Shopping front either with 8000 Square Meters of retail space. Designed to feature a vast range of open / easy access Duty Free Shops 24 hours a day. All international brands are present blended with some quality local and regional products for good measure. Shopping is a national past-time in Dubai itself and all the airports of Dubai from the Perpetual Traveller Shoppers viewpoint comprise to offer the world's best airport Shopping experience with some great bargains to match. No wonder they average a revenue spending figure of around $68 USD for every single passenger that enters the transit area, make it to our knowledge the best sales performance of any airport from a retail perspective.
Terminal 3 is more slick and clean cut than the older adjacent airports with marble white and black floors, aerodynamic designs and bright lights. There's always a Pharmacy at hand regardless of what gate you are at and now that its open it has freed up Dubai International which was becoming over-crowded in the months leading to October 2008.
CHANGI AIRPORT, SINAPORE
Asian airports dominate the world for quality, design, facilities, efficiency and overall passenger friendly services.
As reported earlier, Hong Kong secured top position and Changi that has previously won the award and is a worthy competitor came in second place yet again. The airport of Seoul, Korea was third and Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Malaysia fourth. For many frequent passengers Changi should feature on the top depending upon how you measure what is best?
The main fear of Changi is living in the shadow of Hong Kong’s HKIA, by always coming second in the world’s best airport list. At Perpetual Traveller we like Changi how it is and we urge the authorities there simply to consolidate its identity and not to become another global village with the usual brands and décor, which are becoming dull and monotonous the world over.
Changi is the ultimate passenger friendly airport with its own unique atmosphere, which reflects a local Singaporean hospitality and a sense of calm yet slick organization. It seems to achieve a sense of village feeling, for example over Christmas they exposed quality Carol singers to the public areas in order to warm the festive souls of travellers caught in the Christmas rush.
Shopping is extensive in Changi and highly competitive in price especially for electronics, though not with an aggressive approach like Dubai. In line with Hong Kong HKIA, Changi is an example to the world on how to design, build and operate an airport.
THE DARK SIDE OF GLOBAL AIRPORTS
You will notice that not one single airport of the Americas or Africa was mentioned in this report nor do any feature in the worlds top 10. This is a reflection of the lower quality and passenger satisfaction one can expect when in transit in these regions on the world. Clearly the airports of these continents need to get there act together and learn from essentially the Asians, who are the masters of airport design and operations. The Europeans are not so much better and only have Munich that consistently features in the top 5 or 6. We like LHR Terminal 5, which is a step in the right direction, but we cannot compliment Britons other airports and terminals to any pleasing degree. Athens, Venizelos, Franfurt, Schiphol Amsterdam, Viena, Zurich and Copenhagen all show promise in Europe, however each falters in either pricing, strike action, operations or unfriendliness.
Perpetual Traveller will feature more on Airports this year focusing on new openings, naming and shaming poorly operated terminals and giving updates on the positive developments.
Grant Holmes
Editor
This review focuses on the quintessential positives of 4 airports across the globe that are making the life of travellers in transit and more uplifting experience. Perpetual Traveller is however objective by nature, so we have indicated some of the downfalls of each airport for balance.
HONG KONG HKIA
Once again Hong Kong HKLIA Airport was officially awarded by Industry experts as the best airport all things considered on our planet. HKIA has consistently won this award with only a few gap years since its construction.
Certainly its a feat of engineering, with an epic glass cathedral type entrance, a slick modern design, extremely clean cut feel, passenger friendly throughout the entire process and pleasingly quick to connect through concerning immigration and security! This is especially remarkable considering the numbers of passengers the facility processes. There is free WiFi too!
Clearly HKIA is supremely organized and hosts a wide range of facilities and services on a constant basis. In fact everything in Hong Kong seems to be perpetually open around the clock, as many of the people in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island live in shifts, as there's simply not enough room for everyone to walk around on the ground level at the same time; thus securing its reputation as the most crowded territory on earth.
The Shopping is in HKIA is okay, but no real bargains can be obtained here and you may as well be in London, Milan or Paris, as the vast majority of Shops seem to sell internationally higher-priced brands, as they cater for Chinese and Asian consumers overly besotted by designer goods to parade as status symbols. This reflects an unfortunate trend the world over, whereby regardless of what airport one is in, everything is becoming the same like a global Shopping Village. Luxury goods are more desirable if they are exclusive or unique to a given region. When luxury becomes multiple and freely available everywhere with precisely the same methodology of display, it leans on the side of ordinary.
Anyhow, all the positives of Hong Kong's new airport mentioned above in addition to its well managed transportation access and connections are true to their word and much of the hype is warranted,. This said, in our humble objective Perpetual Traveller view, the airport is lacking a little soul and has a somewhat cold feel! There are preciously few reflections, touches or goods from Hong Kong itself within the Airport and on my last visit, I had to keep reminding myself where I was!
So in a few words HKIA its a modern, futuristic, practical, fast paced, always open, slightly cold and a trifle soulless airport.
TERMINAL 5 LHR
The long awaited Terminal 5 London Heathrow all British Airways extension to the world's busiest airport opened in 2008 with fanfare a mist baggage and organizational chaos. Things have settled down now however and even the most critical travelling Brit has to admit that Terminal 5 is a refreshing change. With spacious, stylish and modern lounges, advanced systems, processes and facilities, high ceilings (especially compared to terminal 1 , 2 and 3) and a surprisingly passenger friendly outlook Terminal 5 is a sea change from
The only moan is the length of time it takes in transit due to the long immigration and security processes, which is the root cause of many travellers opting to avoid connections through the famously hassle guaranteed LHR. Additionally LHR charges on the nail for WiFi taking the same anti traveller stance of other similar European Airports, which really annoys the frequent travellers.
Considering that LHR is the worlds busiest airport, its somewhat surprising that there are still only 2 runways. The British Government have finally confirmed however that they will permit the development of a 3rd runway and a 6th terminal linked to a raft of sensible environmental measures and the obligation to operate a high speed train connection from Paddington to LHR direct. Despite this, a legal challenge is immediately expected along with staunch protests by environmentalists. Subsequently, building cannot commence just yet. Meanwhile, Paris CDG and Schiphol Amsterdam continue to expand without opposition, so LHR needs to hurry along if they want to maintain the desirable position of being the main hub or gateway to Europe and the worlds busiest airport.
TERMINAL 3 DUBAI
Towards the end of 2008 the all Emirates dedicated airport termed "Terminal 3" opened much to the delight of the Emirates Skywards Gold members, as the Lounge facilities for First Class, Business and Gold card holders is nothing short of exceptional in terms of space, size, comfort, facilities, high staff / passenger ratio and overall passenger friendly amenities.
The facilities in the massive Lounge area located on the first floor encourage anyone with a long connection to upgrade. Apart from the expected, they feature an X.Box and hi-tech games area with the new Microsoft table interactive technology, several complimentary Buffet Restaurants and Bars operated to meticulous sanitation standards, a 24 hour SPA, Children Games room, numerous showers and amenities with extreme comfort. Another thing I liked were the little practical touches, such as the variety of seating types with easy plug connections, free WiFi throughout and a comprehensive selection of different ambiances each with its own feel.
The Terminal itself like the Dubai International Terminal does not disappoint on the Shopping front either with 8000 Square Meters of retail space. Designed to feature a vast range of open / easy access Duty Free Shops 24 hours a day. All international brands are present blended with some quality local and regional products for good measure. Shopping is a national past-time in Dubai itself and all the airports of Dubai from the Perpetual Traveller Shoppers viewpoint comprise to offer the world's best airport Shopping experience with some great bargains to match. No wonder they average a revenue spending figure of around $68 USD for every single passenger that enters the transit area, make it to our knowledge the best sales performance of any airport from a retail perspective.
Terminal 3 is more slick and clean cut than the older adjacent airports with marble white and black floors, aerodynamic designs and bright lights. There's always a Pharmacy at hand regardless of what gate you are at and now that its open it has freed up Dubai International which was becoming over-crowded in the months leading to October 2008.
CHANGI AIRPORT, SINAPORE
Asian airports dominate the world for quality, design, facilities, efficiency and overall passenger friendly services.
As reported earlier, Hong Kong secured top position and Changi that has previously won the award and is a worthy competitor came in second place yet again. The airport of Seoul, Korea was third and Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Malaysia fourth. For many frequent passengers Changi should feature on the top depending upon how you measure what is best?
The main fear of Changi is living in the shadow of Hong Kong’s HKIA, by always coming second in the world’s best airport list. At Perpetual Traveller we like Changi how it is and we urge the authorities there simply to consolidate its identity and not to become another global village with the usual brands and décor, which are becoming dull and monotonous the world over.
Changi is the ultimate passenger friendly airport with its own unique atmosphere, which reflects a local Singaporean hospitality and a sense of calm yet slick organization. It seems to achieve a sense of village feeling, for example over Christmas they exposed quality Carol singers to the public areas in order to warm the festive souls of travellers caught in the Christmas rush.
Shopping is extensive in Changi and highly competitive in price especially for electronics, though not with an aggressive approach like Dubai. In line with Hong Kong HKIA, Changi is an example to the world on how to design, build and operate an airport.
THE DARK SIDE OF GLOBAL AIRPORTS
You will notice that not one single airport of the Americas or Africa was mentioned in this report nor do any feature in the worlds top 10. This is a reflection of the lower quality and passenger satisfaction one can expect when in transit in these regions on the world. Clearly the airports of these continents need to get there act together and learn from essentially the Asians, who are the masters of airport design and operations. The Europeans are not so much better and only have Munich that consistently features in the top 5 or 6. We like LHR Terminal 5, which is a step in the right direction, but we cannot compliment Britons other airports and terminals to any pleasing degree. Athens, Venizelos, Franfurt, Schiphol Amsterdam, Viena, Zurich and Copenhagen all show promise in Europe, however each falters in either pricing, strike action, operations or unfriendliness.
Perpetual Traveller will feature more on Airports this year focusing on new openings, naming and shaming poorly operated terminals and giving updates on the positive developments.
Grant Holmes
Editor
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Profile on Tunis
Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia is definitely interesting from an artistic and architectural point of view in that it brings together in a masterly manner the east and the west. Its old city is most definitely eastern with its medieval art treasures of the Islam world, but all around it there spreads a European city in which nothing is left wanting in the sense of classical features or freedom. The Medina is the historical and cultural heart of Tunis and houses the principal features of the city. The Moschea dell’Ulivo is the most important cultural place in the city which was built for the first time in 732 AD. It was then rebuilt into its present form by the Hafsifi between the 13th and 15th centuries. The mosque is made up of a library, an inside courtyard and a prayer room. The courtyard can be visited by non –Muslim tourists, and is surrounded by columns with geometrical ornaments. The minaret is 44 metres high and was built in 1894, a landmark for the whole city. The mosque is encircled by the characteristic Souk.(an open marketplace.) To get a stupendous view of the area, just get up onto the roof of the bazar which surround the souk. They are decorated with ceramic brick-work which are hand painted and form columns, arches and little windows giving out onto the little by-ways below.
You can’t leave Tunis without having penetrated into these chaotic places of strange scents and colours. Inside the Souk you can find hand made items of all types: carpets, hides, crockery and clothes. Going beyond this market area you’ll arrive at the enormous Place de la Casbah which is characterised by an elegant flooring of local granite ;in the centre of this you’ll see in all its grandeur a modern monument to independence. For here begins the “Ville Nouvelle” which extends around the central Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
We would heartily recommend a visit to the spectacular Museo del Bardo , one of the most important in the world for its collection of masks and Roman mosaics. The remains kept here were created between the 2nd. and 4th. centuries and then discovered during archaeological digs in various sites in Tunisia.
Carthage was founded according to the legend of Didone in 814 BC, and became very powerful, extending its dominion over most of the Mediterranean area. Due to this fact it went into war with first the Greeks and then the Romans. Rome then declared war against Carthage and with the third Punic war and an onslaught lasting three years, the city was completely destroyed. Thereafter it was rebuilt by Caesar and became the fifth colony of Urbe. Although very little remains today of the old constructions of the six main archaeological sites ,certain particulars are very interesting. You can get a lovely view of the area by climbing up the hill of Byrsa. At the foot of the hill there is the San Luigi cathedral which was built by the French in 1890 and dedicated to the king/saint who died on the beach of Carthage during the 8th.crusade in 1270.
Traces of the Roman Amphitheatre , which apparently was one of the biggest in the empire, can be seen as you come down the hill. However, most of the masonry of this amphitheatre was taken away to be used in buildings elsewhere.
The picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said is situated about twenty kilometres from Tunis and is placed on the very top of a hill. White and blue are the symbols of colour of Tunisia and these colours are not only for the enjoyment of the tourists but are also used in the meeting places of the Tunisian and foreign artists.
Pay special attention to the beautiful decorated blue doorways of extraordinary symmetry obtained by using strategically placed black nails. Located on the walls of startling white we can see characteristic small balconies closed off with metal meshing.
The inside courtyards are often brightly decorated with geraniums and bougainvillea. The centre of the village is a minute square in which stands out the famous Café del Nattes, with its traditional mats on which you can sit while you drink delicious mint tea with pine seeds and honey. There is an abundance of market stalls and little shops of all shapes and sizes, selling carpets, crockery, polished brass dishes, articles made out of hide.
You can’t leave Tunis without having penetrated into these chaotic places of strange scents and colours. Inside the Souk you can find hand made items of all types: carpets, hides, crockery and clothes. Going beyond this market area you’ll arrive at the enormous Place de la Casbah which is characterised by an elegant flooring of local granite ;in the centre of this you’ll see in all its grandeur a modern monument to independence. For here begins the “Ville Nouvelle” which extends around the central Avenue Habib Bourguiba.
We would heartily recommend a visit to the spectacular Museo del Bardo , one of the most important in the world for its collection of masks and Roman mosaics. The remains kept here were created between the 2nd. and 4th. centuries and then discovered during archaeological digs in various sites in Tunisia.
Carthage was founded according to the legend of Didone in 814 BC, and became very powerful, extending its dominion over most of the Mediterranean area. Due to this fact it went into war with first the Greeks and then the Romans. Rome then declared war against Carthage and with the third Punic war and an onslaught lasting three years, the city was completely destroyed. Thereafter it was rebuilt by Caesar and became the fifth colony of Urbe. Although very little remains today of the old constructions of the six main archaeological sites ,certain particulars are very interesting. You can get a lovely view of the area by climbing up the hill of Byrsa. At the foot of the hill there is the San Luigi cathedral which was built by the French in 1890 and dedicated to the king/saint who died on the beach of Carthage during the 8th.crusade in 1270.
Traces of the Roman Amphitheatre , which apparently was one of the biggest in the empire, can be seen as you come down the hill. However, most of the masonry of this amphitheatre was taken away to be used in buildings elsewhere.
The picturesque village of Sidi Bou Said is situated about twenty kilometres from Tunis and is placed on the very top of a hill. White and blue are the symbols of colour of Tunisia and these colours are not only for the enjoyment of the tourists but are also used in the meeting places of the Tunisian and foreign artists.
Pay special attention to the beautiful decorated blue doorways of extraordinary symmetry obtained by using strategically placed black nails. Located on the walls of startling white we can see characteristic small balconies closed off with metal meshing.
The inside courtyards are often brightly decorated with geraniums and bougainvillea. The centre of the village is a minute square in which stands out the famous Café del Nattes, with its traditional mats on which you can sit while you drink delicious mint tea with pine seeds and honey. There is an abundance of market stalls and little shops of all shapes and sizes, selling carpets, crockery, polished brass dishes, articles made out of hide.
Minister Threatens to Fire Guyana Air Traffic Controllers
In Guyana, an air traffic controllers strike has forced daytime-only flight operations at Georgetown Airport. In response, Transport Minister Robeson Benn has threatened to fire the workers.
Corporate Plane Makes Ocean Landing Off Australia
The pilot of a corporate airplane had to make an emergency landing in the ocean off the coast of Australia today (2/6). He put the plane down about 200 meters off the beach in shallow waters near Darwin, and then he and his five passengers walked to shore. There were no injuries. The plane is a Piper Chieftain owned by Connected Solutions Group (CSG).
Advance Passenger Information Alerts Customs to Potential Smuggler
This week U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at JFK International Airport arrested a 24-year-old German citizen, and seized more than 8 pounds of cocaine concealed in his personal effects. According to CBP, the alleged smuggler, Sebastian Fritsch, was identified through advance passenger information (API) as being a potential smuggler prior to his arrival in New York. API for every airplane passenger must be electronically transmitted by airlines to CBP before the departure of all inbound international flights
24 People Die in Brazil Plane Crash
Saturday (2/7) an Embraer Bandeirante turboprop airplane carrying 28 crew members and passengers crashed into Brazil's Manacapuru River. Four people survived the accident. The bodies of the other 24 people onboard have been recovered.
India: Presidential Helicopter in Near Miss in Mumbai
An Air India Airbus A-321 aborted takeoff today at Mumbai International Airport as three VIP helicopters landed on the runway. One of the helicopters was carrying Indian President Pratibha Patil. It is being reported that the quick reactions of the pilot of the Air India flight averted a near disaster. As of now airport officials are blaming Mumbai air traffic controllers for the near miss.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Top 10 Events February 2009
That Samba feeling is in the air, the need to express oneself and overcome the rain of depression that surrounds most of our lives around the globe in January. Yes its Carnival time for a host of countries around the Planet and of course Rio De Janeiro still wears the crown.
The origins of Carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro date a long way back to 1723. It was immigrants from the Portuguese islands of Açores, Madeira and Cabo Verde that introduced the Entrudo to Rio.
The concept was fundamentally to get everybody soaking wet! People of all walks of life (even Emperors) would literally go out in the streets armed with buckets of water and limes. Nobody could escape a potential water shower, as everybody or anybody was a potential victim. Then it was curiously reported that a woman was arrested in 1855 for throwing a lime at Dom Pedro I's escorts. Soon authorities frowned upon the lack of restraints concerning the Entrudo fun and eventually it was sadly outlawed.
Grandes Sociedades or Great Societies was a more organized parade that debuted in 1855, with the presence of the Emperor himself. A group of 80 aristocrats in masks paraded with luxury costumes, music, and flowers. It was a big success. Democráticos, Fenianos and Tenentes do Diabo were the three most well-known groups.
Cordão Carnavalesco is a concept that started in 1870. here there were characters like queens, kings, witches, peasants and dancers. They performed according to the costumes they were wearing. There were also the Cordões de Velhos, where participants would wear huge papier-mâché masks and walk in an old man's gait.
Today the Carnival Rio is the “Carnival capital of the world“ and features as our leading worldwide event for February 2009.
Rio Carnival - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 20th February – 24th February
No need of an introduction, Rio Carnival is celebrated by all from the most humble of villages to the most luxurious of Homes! Everyone joins in and celebrates in style! Simply put, it’s a 4 day celebration, 40 days before Easter. It officially starts on Saturday 20th February and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, with all that partying out of the way you would most definitely need to de–tox!
Further Information: www.rio-carnival.net
Dubai Desert Classic – Dubai UAE 26th January - 1st February
Special Golf clinics will be held from Thursday (Jan 29) to Sunday (Feb 1) in two sessions where all amateur golfers, irrespective of their handicaps, can register and learn the finer points of the game from Emirates Golf Club professionals -- David Adams and Stephen Deane. Prize money 2.5 million.
Further Information: www.dubaidesertclassic.com
Joaquín Cortés Unleashed - London 4th February - 5th February
Choreographer to the stars and Flamenco-favorite Joaquín Cortés began his dance career with the National Ballet of Spain. Cortés performs with his band of 13 singers and musicians playing contemporary Flamenco on flute, violin, drums and bass in addition to traditional Flamenco guitar. He formed his own Flamenco Ballet Company in 1992 and has since performed sell-out shows internationally. So if you are in London don’t miss out of this Flamenco Star!
Further Information: www.visitlondon.com
Harbin Ice and Snow World 5th January – 5th February 2009
Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province, in north-east China. The city of Harbin makes the most of its freezing winters by hosting an impressive ice festival in Zhaolin Park. Blocks of ice are carved into sculptures and buildings lit from within, to create a glittering “Ice and Snow World”. The best collections of ice artworks are exhibited in the following 5 main places:
Harbin Ice & Snow World – The Sun Island Scenic Area – Yabuli International Ski Resort – The Ice Lantern Garden party and Zhaolin Park.
Further Information www.travelchinaguide.com
Catania, Sicily, Italy: Festa di Sant Agata 3rd - 5th February
The Feast of St. Agatha is the most important religious festival in the city of Catania and is celebrated in honor of the cities patron saint. The event is held every year from the 3rd - 5th February and again on the 17th August. Around 40,000 people attend the festival from locals to Tourists, in addition to neighboring countries.
Further Information: www.sicilyweb.com
Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash – Nine Mile Jamaica 6th February
Bob Marley was born on Feb. 6, 1945 in Nine Mile, ST. Anns Jamaica; Nine mile is also the logical location for the reggae party of the year, which is held on his birthday annually. Thousands of Fans and Party goers turn out to celebrate the life, dreams, creativity and music of Bob Marley. A number of gigs are held throughout.
Further Information: www.rastaites.com
St Valentines – Worldwide 14th February
When a women says she doesn’t want anything, the man must be savvy and understand that actually she really does! A women likes to feel special and expectations are high on this romantic day, so the pressure is on guys! Wherever you are and whatever you may be doing make time to surprise your loved one, it’s not all about flowers and chocolates (clothing, a nice weekend away or a lovely bottle of perfume is also perfectly acceptable)
Further Information: Sharon.mckinley@progress-services.com
Daytona 500 - Daytona Beach, Florida, USA 15th February
Also known as "The Great American Race", The Daytona 500 is unquestionably the biggest, richest and most prestigious motor sports event in America. A 200-lap, 500 miles (800 km) long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
Further Information: www.daytona500.com
Abu Simbel Festival - Egypt 22nd February
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival at Aswan, Egypt is observed twice every year on 22nd of February and on 22nd of October respectively. These dates mark the Emperor’s birthday and his ascension to the throne. Next to the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized monument of ancient Egypt. The two temples built for the Pharaoh Ramesses II have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. During the Abu Simbel Festival, crowds fill the temple at sunrise to watch the shafts of light slowly creeping through the stone, illuminating the statues of Ramses, Ra and Amun and providing a spectacular sight.
Further Information: www.egypt.com
Dubrovnik Carnival – Dubrovnik February 2009
Dubrovnik Carnival dates back to the 14th century and maintains many of the original traditions to this day. People gather from surrounding areas to dress up in garish costumes, parading down the streets to the sound of trumpets and drums. Jousting competitions take place in the city centre, with men on horseback carrying lances aimed for a silver ring tied to a rope above the horse trail.
Further Information: www.dubrovnik-online.com
The origins of Carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro date a long way back to 1723. It was immigrants from the Portuguese islands of Açores, Madeira and Cabo Verde that introduced the Entrudo to Rio.
The concept was fundamentally to get everybody soaking wet! People of all walks of life (even Emperors) would literally go out in the streets armed with buckets of water and limes. Nobody could escape a potential water shower, as everybody or anybody was a potential victim. Then it was curiously reported that a woman was arrested in 1855 for throwing a lime at Dom Pedro I's escorts. Soon authorities frowned upon the lack of restraints concerning the Entrudo fun and eventually it was sadly outlawed.
Grandes Sociedades or Great Societies was a more organized parade that debuted in 1855, with the presence of the Emperor himself. A group of 80 aristocrats in masks paraded with luxury costumes, music, and flowers. It was a big success. Democráticos, Fenianos and Tenentes do Diabo were the three most well-known groups.
Cordão Carnavalesco is a concept that started in 1870. here there were characters like queens, kings, witches, peasants and dancers. They performed according to the costumes they were wearing. There were also the Cordões de Velhos, where participants would wear huge papier-mâché masks and walk in an old man's gait.
Today the Carnival Rio is the “Carnival capital of the world“ and features as our leading worldwide event for February 2009.
Rio Carnival - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 20th February – 24th February
No need of an introduction, Rio Carnival is celebrated by all from the most humble of villages to the most luxurious of Homes! Everyone joins in and celebrates in style! Simply put, it’s a 4 day celebration, 40 days before Easter. It officially starts on Saturday 20th February and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, with all that partying out of the way you would most definitely need to de–tox!
Further Information: www.rio-carnival.net
Dubai Desert Classic – Dubai UAE 26th January - 1st February
Special Golf clinics will be held from Thursday (Jan 29) to Sunday (Feb 1) in two sessions where all amateur golfers, irrespective of their handicaps, can register and learn the finer points of the game from Emirates Golf Club professionals -- David Adams and Stephen Deane. Prize money 2.5 million.
Further Information: www.dubaidesertclassic.com
Joaquín Cortés Unleashed - London 4th February - 5th February
Choreographer to the stars and Flamenco-favorite Joaquín Cortés began his dance career with the National Ballet of Spain. Cortés performs with his band of 13 singers and musicians playing contemporary Flamenco on flute, violin, drums and bass in addition to traditional Flamenco guitar. He formed his own Flamenco Ballet Company in 1992 and has since performed sell-out shows internationally. So if you are in London don’t miss out of this Flamenco Star!
Further Information: www.visitlondon.com
Harbin Ice and Snow World 5th January – 5th February 2009
Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province, in north-east China. The city of Harbin makes the most of its freezing winters by hosting an impressive ice festival in Zhaolin Park. Blocks of ice are carved into sculptures and buildings lit from within, to create a glittering “Ice and Snow World”. The best collections of ice artworks are exhibited in the following 5 main places:
Harbin Ice & Snow World – The Sun Island Scenic Area – Yabuli International Ski Resort – The Ice Lantern Garden party and Zhaolin Park.
Further Information www.travelchinaguide.com
Catania, Sicily, Italy: Festa di Sant Agata 3rd - 5th February
The Feast of St. Agatha is the most important religious festival in the city of Catania and is celebrated in honor of the cities patron saint. The event is held every year from the 3rd - 5th February and again on the 17th August. Around 40,000 people attend the festival from locals to Tourists, in addition to neighboring countries.
Further Information: www.sicilyweb.com
Bob Marley’s Birthday Bash – Nine Mile Jamaica 6th February
Bob Marley was born on Feb. 6, 1945 in Nine Mile, ST. Anns Jamaica; Nine mile is also the logical location for the reggae party of the year, which is held on his birthday annually. Thousands of Fans and Party goers turn out to celebrate the life, dreams, creativity and music of Bob Marley. A number of gigs are held throughout.
Further Information: www.rastaites.com
St Valentines – Worldwide 14th February
When a women says she doesn’t want anything, the man must be savvy and understand that actually she really does! A women likes to feel special and expectations are high on this romantic day, so the pressure is on guys! Wherever you are and whatever you may be doing make time to surprise your loved one, it’s not all about flowers and chocolates (clothing, a nice weekend away or a lovely bottle of perfume is also perfectly acceptable)
Further Information: Sharon.mckinley@progress-services.com
Daytona 500 - Daytona Beach, Florida, USA 15th February
Also known as "The Great American Race", The Daytona 500 is unquestionably the biggest, richest and most prestigious motor sports event in America. A 200-lap, 500 miles (800 km) long NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is held annually at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach.
Further Information: www.daytona500.com
Abu Simbel Festival - Egypt 22nd February
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival at Aswan, Egypt is observed twice every year on 22nd of February and on 22nd of October respectively. These dates mark the Emperor’s birthday and his ascension to the throne. Next to the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel is perhaps the most recognized monument of ancient Egypt. The two temples built for the Pharaoh Ramesses II have been attracting visitors since Victorian times. During the Abu Simbel Festival, crowds fill the temple at sunrise to watch the shafts of light slowly creeping through the stone, illuminating the statues of Ramses, Ra and Amun and providing a spectacular sight.
Further Information: www.egypt.com
Dubrovnik Carnival – Dubrovnik February 2009
Dubrovnik Carnival dates back to the 14th century and maintains many of the original traditions to this day. People gather from surrounding areas to dress up in garish costumes, parading down the streets to the sound of trumpets and drums. Jousting competitions take place in the city centre, with men on horseback carrying lances aimed for a silver ring tied to a rope above the horse trail.
Further Information: www.dubrovnik-online.com
Monday, February 2, 2009
Funchal
The island of Madeira belongs to Portugal, but thanks to the special statute it was given, since 1976 it has been autonomous from an administrative point of view.
It is a beautiful island, with a constant spring climate that attracts tourists all year round. It has wild and harmonious vegetation, jagged coastlines and enthralling, breathtaking panoramas.
Funchal is the capital of Madeira and houses, with 125.000 inhabitants, almost half of the total population of the island.
The port of Funchal was in the past an important disembarkation place for all the ships that were sailing for India and Brazil. A little farther you will see the Marina, a tourist port always crowded with tourists and islanders. Here, in several little restaurants you will be able to try delicious fish specialities. A curiosity: the yacht that is landlocked on the beach belonged to the Beatles.
The cathedral of Funchal is called Sé, the seat of the bishop. It was built in 1514 and has up until today remained unaltered Its severe architecture is softened by some elements in Manuelina style that were added when this form of art was fashionable in Portugal. Inside the inlaid wooden ceiling is of unparalleled beauty. The Arab craftsmen used Madeira cedar wood and decorated it with ebony ornaments. The altarpiece of the main altar and the seat of the choir are in Manuelina style while the side chapels are Baroque.
In the upper city you can find the Convent and the Church of Santa Clara. The first was built at the end of the XV century and housed the Clarisse Order. Soon the convent became one of the biggest landowners of the island thanks to the generous donations of the rich families of Madeira who made their daughters take vows as cloistered nuns. The last Clarissa died in 1890 and the Franciscans took over the Convent. They belonged to an order that was more open to the outside world, and they built a kindergarten and a school to train the overseas missionaries.
At the beginning the Church was in gothic style, but it was restored in the baroque age. This is why the external covering is made of blue, yellow and white Azulejos that give it an oriental aspect.
THE MADERA
The first settlers, who arrived in Madeira around the year 1420, planted the vines on the volcanic land that was rich in iron and other minerals. They quickly obtained excellent cultivation that in no time spread all over the island. Already in the 1700’s this wine was famous not only in Europe but also in America. Let's not forget that President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), raised a glass of Madeira to toast the independence of the United states of America! It is certainly a wine that can be enjoyed at the end of a meal or with some cheese even if, on the island, it is often served as an aperitif. Its alcohol content ranges from 19 and 22%, and is subject to severe production laws. It is in fact classified according to the vine, the sugar content, the quantity of alcohol that is added, the ageing and the kind of wood used for the vats. According to this classification the following wines are produced: Madera Tinto (Red) young, sweet and with a rich colour, Tinto Aloirado (Ruby) aged for few years and fruity in taste, or Aloirado (golden) aged longer, demi-sec and sweet. And then Aloirado-Claro (Blond), the one that ages longer in the vats. It is at its best and can be dry or extra dry.
It is a beautiful island, with a constant spring climate that attracts tourists all year round. It has wild and harmonious vegetation, jagged coastlines and enthralling, breathtaking panoramas.
Funchal is the capital of Madeira and houses, with 125.000 inhabitants, almost half of the total population of the island.
The port of Funchal was in the past an important disembarkation place for all the ships that were sailing for India and Brazil. A little farther you will see the Marina, a tourist port always crowded with tourists and islanders. Here, in several little restaurants you will be able to try delicious fish specialities. A curiosity: the yacht that is landlocked on the beach belonged to the Beatles.
Behind the tourist port you can admire the most ancient fortress in Funchal: the Fortaleza de Sao Lourenco. In 1540 they built the façade towards the sea. Walls, bulwarks and cannons protected it. But, after the attack of the French pirates who were informed by a traitor of the existence of an unprotected side of the fortress, it was enlarged and reinforced. On the eastern tower you can see the royal crest and the Cross of the Knights of Christ the symbol of the naval power of Portugal.
The cathedral of Funchal is called Sé, the seat of the bishop. It was built in 1514 and has up until today remained unaltered Its severe architecture is softened by some elements in Manuelina style that were added when this form of art was fashionable in Portugal. Inside the inlaid wooden ceiling is of unparalleled beauty. The Arab craftsmen used Madeira cedar wood and decorated it with ebony ornaments. The altarpiece of the main altar and the seat of the choir are in Manuelina style while the side chapels are Baroque.
One of the most interesting squares of Funchal is Praca Colombo. In the centre of the square you will see a mosaic of great value that represented the crest of the city.
In this area you can also find an unusual museum: the Electricity Museum. If you visit it you can look back over the history of electrification in Madeira. Here you will also find the first generator of the old power plant. Through the combustion of coal bearing rocks it produced the necessary steam to make it work.
The Igreja do Colegio, that was built by the Jesuits in the VXII century, has four marble statues on its façade. One of these represents the founder of the order, Ignazio of Loyola.
In the upper city you can find the Convent and the Church of Santa Clara. The first was built at the end of the XV century and housed the Clarisse Order. Soon the convent became one of the biggest landowners of the island thanks to the generous donations of the rich families of Madeira who made their daughters take vows as cloistered nuns. The last Clarissa died in 1890 and the Franciscans took over the Convent. They belonged to an order that was more open to the outside world, and they built a kindergarten and a school to train the overseas missionaries.
At the beginning the Church was in gothic style, but it was restored in the baroque age. This is why the external covering is made of blue, yellow and white Azulejos that give it an oriental aspect.
On the highest part of the city you will see the Fortaleza do Pico. It was built in the1600’s on three levels that were independent and could be protected separately,and it represented the last bulwark to protect the city against pirates.
THE MADERA
The first settlers, who arrived in Madeira around the year 1420, planted the vines on the volcanic land that was rich in iron and other minerals. They quickly obtained excellent cultivation that in no time spread all over the island. Already in the 1700’s this wine was famous not only in Europe but also in America. Let's not forget that President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), raised a glass of Madeira to toast the independence of the United states of America! It is certainly a wine that can be enjoyed at the end of a meal or with some cheese even if, on the island, it is often served as an aperitif. Its alcohol content ranges from 19 and 22%, and is subject to severe production laws. It is in fact classified according to the vine, the sugar content, the quantity of alcohol that is added, the ageing and the kind of wood used for the vats. According to this classification the following wines are produced: Madera Tinto (Red) young, sweet and with a rich colour, Tinto Aloirado (Ruby) aged for few years and fruity in taste, or Aloirado (golden) aged longer, demi-sec and sweet. And then Aloirado-Claro (Blond), the one that ages longer in the vats. It is at its best and can be dry or extra dry.
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