A couple weeks ago a baggage theft ring was busted at St. Louis' Lambert Airport. Eight contract baggage handlers for Delta Airlines are suspected of going through people's luggage and stealing about 900 items ranging from laptops and iPods to cologne and cigarettes. The ring allegedly operated for more than a year.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thief Admits to Baggage Theft in Texas
A Texas man has admitted to stealing some 400 pieces of luggage during a 7-month period from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. He is also suspected in more than 200 additional thefts at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport and Oklahoma's Tulsa International Airport. The majority of the bags were stolen from D/FW.
FAA Wants to Keep Bird Collision Data Secret
The FAA has filed a "little-noticed" rule change that would bar the public from seeing its "extensive" data about aircraft and bird collisions dating back to 1990. According to a report, the FAA's rationale for this is it believes the information could "mislead the public" and prompt some airports and others not to report bird strikes on planes.
FAA CIO Talks About Cyber Security
This week in Dallas the Federal Aviation Administration held its Information Technology/Information Systems Security (IT/ISS) Partnership and Training Conference. The theme was A Window into the Future. The keynote speech was appropriately delivered by the FAA's CIO Dave Bowen, who did not sugarcoat the cyber security threats the FAA is facing. In addressing the conference Bowen said, "We’re here because deliberate and calculated attacks on America's cyber backbone are being carried out in methodic, chilling detail. The bad guys want in, and they're testing every door and window to do it. They're even willing to dig a tunnel or two — or 20. And, they're having some success." To read the full speech, visit the FAA's website here.
Logan Airport TSA Screeners Have Scabies
Three TSA security checkpoint screeners at Boston's Logan Airport have been diagnosed with scabies, a contagious skin irritation caused by the human itch mite. All three screeners worked the same shift at the same American Airlines checkpoint. According to this report from the local NBC affiliate, air travelers were not alerted about the issue.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Hong Kong and Singapore
The economic boom in China started off right here: in busy commercial Hong Kong and in the city-state of Singapore, devoted to business, technology and highly specialized electronics.
When Beijing was still undecided between a policy of gradual progress and the relentless development that is now occurring, Chinese, European, Filipino, Indian, Portuguese and American businessmen were meeting in Hong Kong; and in Singapore, the most important companies in world finance filled ultramodern skyscrapers.
There are 236 islands in the South China Sea united in this “Special Administrative Region of China”, which was the name given to Hong Kong after 99 years of lease to the United Kingdom, which began after the Second Opium War.
When Beijing was still undecided between a policy of gradual progress and the relentless development that is now occurring, Chinese, European, Filipino, Indian, Portuguese and American businessmen were meeting in Hong Kong; and in Singapore, the most important companies in world finance filled ultramodern skyscrapers.
There are 236 islands in the South China Sea united in this “Special Administrative Region of China”, which was the name given to Hong Kong after 99 years of lease to the United Kingdom, which began after the Second Opium War.
The year was 1997, and the city’s return to mainland China had caused dozens of companies, industry leaders and rich foreigners to leave, worried about being sucked into the slow pace of Chinese development. Instead, the government of Beijing stunned the world, and today the capital, even more so than Shanghai, is the most incredible and original example of how to chase Western market economies.
Hong Kong, having lost a lot of supremacy in terms of trade and profits, is still a fascinating emblem of a great period of history. A city of bright lights that can be admired from the Peak Tram, the city’s oldest means of transport that takes you up to Victoria Peak, 552 metres above sea level. Alongside the impressive port, the largest concentration of shops and shopping centres anywhere in the world and the hi-tech airport, Hong Kong still has old colonial traits and examples of its Cantonese identity: English place names and double-decker trams, shops selling dried fish and ancient medicinal remedies; temples and skyscrapers, limousines and fishing junks.
Seven million inhabitants in all, but the centre of the region, naturally, is the island of Hong Kong (15 kilometres by 11), where the oldest built-up areas are, as well as the highest density of population, but still with plenty of green areas, hiking trails and beaches.
Victoria, a neighbourhood that was named after the Queen at the time, is the heart of the island. This is the departure point of the Star Ferry, which was inaugurated in 1898, and sails for ten minutes to the Kowloon Peninsula, the cultural centre of the region, with wonderful museums. The view during the brief crossing is spectacular, and takes in some of the most aggressive architecture of modern, industrial and hi-tech Hong Kong, with impressive headquarters of banks, financial institutions and the Stock Exchange and Treasury buildings. On the island is also the ancient temple of Man Mo (on Hollywood Road, just to reinforce the contrast), which dates back 150 years, famous for its big incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The temple is dedicated to the Taoist gods of literature (Man) and martial arts (Mo), depicted on the main altar.
Following the theme of tradition, not too far from Hollywood Road on Tai Ping Shan Street, is a group of small temples that are still very popular among the inhabitants of this ancient Chinese settlement. In the port of Aberdeen you can admire a floating village of boats – junks and sampans – which are the home and workplace of as many as 6,000 people, 10 % of the population of the town. It used to be a pirates’ den, and today it is inhabited by peace-loving fishermen who don’t want to be part of the hectic pace of the nearby metropolis.
On the south side of the island of Hong Kong, worth visiting is the town of Stanley, which attracts tourists with is bustling covered market that sells everything from all types of souvenirs and traditional local clothes to objects and linen for the home. Not too far from there is relaxing Stanley Beach, lined with many restaurants. The contrast continues, with the nearby temple of Tin Hau, dating back to 1767, and surrounded by a square full of shops. On the coast is Murray House, now a shopping centre: a pretty banal end for one of the most ancient colonial buildings in Hong Kong; it was transferred here from Central, where it had to make room, unsurprisingly, for the Bank of China.
The Republic of Singapore has been independent since 1965 and is part of the Malaysian Federation. A city-state on the Equator, it has a population of about four and a half million people, three and half million of whom live in the ultramodern capital.
The history of the city has always been tied to trade and finance, since the area has no raw materials.
The Republic of Singapore has been independent since 1965 and is part of the Malaysian Federation. A city-state on the Equator, it has a population of about four and a half million people, three and half million of whom live in the ultramodern capital.
The history of the city has always been tied to trade and finance, since the area has no raw materials.
Even its name – which means “city of the lion” – suggests a remarkable national pride and an aggressive political stance, although the area was first part of the powerful kingdom of Sumatra, and subsequently, from the middle of the 13th Century, a vassal state of the empire of Java, and then later part of the Sultanate of Johor. In 1819 the British started arriving, and they turned it into an important outpost for their trade fleet, as a way of thwarting the colonial ambitions of the Dutch. The colonial city flourished under Sir Stamford Raffles, an officer of the East India Company, who, in February of the same year, signed an agreement – that took his name – with the Sultan of Johor to establish a British settlement.
Its fame as a seedy port, with opium dens, pearl fishers and pirates, is shrouded in legend. What appears today is a skyline of skyscrapers that are home to the largest trade and finance centres in Asia. Yet, in the whole of South East Asia, it is in Singapore that you can still find evidence of great Asian civilisations.
The melting pot of Chinese (77% of the population), Malay and Indians means that Singapore also has its own Chinatown, a Little India, and even an Arab Street, with a muezzin chanting from the Sultan Mosque: every ethnic group has its own markets, holidays and restaurants, in a flourish of events and festivities that bring the city to life. But Singapore is also a city of architecture, gardens and museums. Colonial Singapore is well worth a visit. The Empress Place Building is an impressive Victorian building dating from 1865, which today contains shops and art galleries. Not to be missed is the Raffles Hotel, the symbol of an age that brought together exotic luxury and colonial elegance. Jurong Town, east of the centre, is a dense industrial area, which does however have a number of attractions, such as the Haw Par Villa, a very kitsch park dedicated to Chinese mythology, the fabulous Bird Park, the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and the Singapore Science Centre.
For a concentrated taste of all of this - museums, beaches, restaurants, horse riding, aquariums – visit Sentosa Island, which is very busy on holidays, the genuine Central Park of Singapore.
Gastronomic gems.
Both Hong Kong and Singapore offer the opportunity of tasting cuisines from all over the world in the many international restaurants that are as common as the traditional ones. Among the specialities of Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong are Cantonese dim sum (fried or steamed ravioli and dumplings with a number of different fillings), Peking duck, Chiu Chow cuisine and spicy Szechwan cuisine. Regional Cantonese cuisine is the most common in Singapore, where seafood is very popular. Not to be missed is the delicious chilli crab, in a spicy tomato sauce and served with a small hammer to break the shell. Among other traditional dishes are braised pork with soy and spices (babi pong tay), chicken stew with black walnuts (buah beluak byam) and a mixture of about ten different vegetables cooked in spiced coconut milk (chap chye lemak). Laksa, a spicy soup with coconut milk, noodles, tofu and bean sprouts, and chicken with steamed rice are probably the most popular dishes. Desserts are very colourful and sweet.
Tai Chi: meditation and movement.
Tai is a Chinese word that means high or tall, whereas Chi means energy, strength, breath. So Tai Chi is the strength or energy that allows us to reach a state of supreme well-being. According to Chinese medicine, the human body has twelve channels and eight main points through which Chi flows. The 12 channels are like rivers that distribute Chi through the body and link the extremities with the internal organs. The eight main knots can be compared to small reservoirs that control the distribution and circulation of Chi in our body. When there is an imbalance or an interruption in the circulation of this energy, then an illness appears. The flow of events is controlled by the interchange of two opposing forces, Yin, passive force, and Yang, active force. Tai Chi is based on passing from a state of Yin to one of Yang, or vice-versa. The consecutive movements form a harmonic dance that rebalances the body’s energy.
Not to be missed
In Hong Kong
- Victoria Peak. A tower located on the island of Hong Kong from where you can enjoy a truly spectacular view.
- Po Lin Monastery. Situated on the island of Lantau, the monastery houses the largest statue of Buddha in the world. The monastery is on top of Mount Ngong Ping and affords a superb panorama.
- Kowloon. A tour of the Kowloon Peninsula offers visitors local culture and history, as well as great shopping. Of particular interest are the Bird Market, with beautiful birds, and the Jade Market selling minerals.
- City walks. The best way to get to know Hong Kong is certainly to take long walks or organised tours to explore the most interesting parts of the city.
In Singapore
- The ethnic neighbourhoods. The cultural and cosmopolitan essence of Singapore is very present in fascinating neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Arab Street and Little India. Each of them has its own unique and intense atmosphere.
- Jurong Bird Paradise. A true paradise for bird lovers. This 20-hectare park contains more than 600 species and 8,000 different birds.
- Sentosa Island. Also known as the Isle of Tranquillity, it is the ideal place to dive into the past in total relaxation. From Mount Faber you can enjoy a superb view of Singapore.
Gastronomic gems.
Both Hong Kong and Singapore offer the opportunity of tasting cuisines from all over the world in the many international restaurants that are as common as the traditional ones. Among the specialities of Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong are Cantonese dim sum (fried or steamed ravioli and dumplings with a number of different fillings), Peking duck, Chiu Chow cuisine and spicy Szechwan cuisine. Regional Cantonese cuisine is the most common in Singapore, where seafood is very popular. Not to be missed is the delicious chilli crab, in a spicy tomato sauce and served with a small hammer to break the shell. Among other traditional dishes are braised pork with soy and spices (babi pong tay), chicken stew with black walnuts (buah beluak byam) and a mixture of about ten different vegetables cooked in spiced coconut milk (chap chye lemak). Laksa, a spicy soup with coconut milk, noodles, tofu and bean sprouts, and chicken with steamed rice are probably the most popular dishes. Desserts are very colourful and sweet.
Tai Chi: meditation and movement.
Tai is a Chinese word that means high or tall, whereas Chi means energy, strength, breath. So Tai Chi is the strength or energy that allows us to reach a state of supreme well-being. According to Chinese medicine, the human body has twelve channels and eight main points through which Chi flows. The 12 channels are like rivers that distribute Chi through the body and link the extremities with the internal organs. The eight main knots can be compared to small reservoirs that control the distribution and circulation of Chi in our body. When there is an imbalance or an interruption in the circulation of this energy, then an illness appears. The flow of events is controlled by the interchange of two opposing forces, Yin, passive force, and Yang, active force. Tai Chi is based on passing from a state of Yin to one of Yang, or vice-versa. The consecutive movements form a harmonic dance that rebalances the body’s energy.
Not to be missed
In Hong Kong
- Victoria Peak. A tower located on the island of Hong Kong from where you can enjoy a truly spectacular view.
- Po Lin Monastery. Situated on the island of Lantau, the monastery houses the largest statue of Buddha in the world. The monastery is on top of Mount Ngong Ping and affords a superb panorama.
- Kowloon. A tour of the Kowloon Peninsula offers visitors local culture and history, as well as great shopping. Of particular interest are the Bird Market, with beautiful birds, and the Jade Market selling minerals.
- City walks. The best way to get to know Hong Kong is certainly to take long walks or organised tours to explore the most interesting parts of the city.
In Singapore
- The ethnic neighbourhoods. The cultural and cosmopolitan essence of Singapore is very present in fascinating neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Arab Street and Little India. Each of them has its own unique and intense atmosphere.
- Jurong Bird Paradise. A true paradise for bird lovers. This 20-hectare park contains more than 600 species and 8,000 different birds.
- Sentosa Island. Also known as the Isle of Tranquillity, it is the ideal place to dive into the past in total relaxation. From Mount Faber you can enjoy a superb view of Singapore.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Flights Cancelled After Alaska Volcano Eruption
Alaska's Mount Redoubt, located 106 miles southwest of Anchorage, erupted "explosively" and sent a cloud of volcanic ash to an estimated 50,000 feet above sea level Sunday (3/22), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In response to this activity Alaska Airlines has cancelled 19 flights to Anchorage, and from Anchorage to Bethel, Deadhorse, Kodiak, Nome, Kotzebue and Barrow.
14 Dead in Montana Plane Crash
A small airplane crashed Sunday in Holy Cross Cemetery as it approached Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, Montana. All 14 people on board perished in the accident. The NTSB has already dispatched a Go Team to investigate the crash.
FedEx Plane Crash Kills 2 in Japan
A FedEx cargo plane en-route from China crashed while landing at Tokyo's Narita airport early Monday morning (local time). Both pilots were killed. Kyodo news reports that the crewmembers were Americans and the accident is "causing widespread flight disruption at Japan's largest international gateway."
Air Routes To Close For N Korea Rocket Launch
North Korea says it will close two aviation routes within its air space from April 4-8 during their planned rocket launch of what they are calling a communication satellite. Other world powers such as the United States and Japan say the North Korean launch is for testing a long-range ballistic missile. The U.S. and South Korea warned that such an action would violate a United Nations resolution.
Australia: Bikers Battle In Airport
A brawl broke out in Sydney, Australia's airport Sunday afternoon between rival biker gangs leaving one man dead. One group had just arrived on a flight from Melbourne when they were attacked by a group waiting for them in the terminal. Police have made arrests and the event was captured on surveillance cameras. There is some confusion about what gangs were involved with the Bandidos, Notorious, the Comancheros and the Hells Angels all being named as possible participants.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Greetings from Larnaka Airport
Greetings from Larnaka Airport, where construction of the new state of the art facility is bang on schedule for a November 2009 delivery. The current Terminal is like an old aircraft shed in comparison and it most pleasing to see that Larnaka and Cyprus as a whole will be propelled into the 21st Century with a grand new Terminal Building that features a shining glass front and is capable for handling 7.5 million air passengers per year. On a related topic, more good news came from the Cyprus Tourism Organization with their recent proactive decision to lower Government commission interests, which in turn will cause a decrease in the airport fees. This decision was actually long overdue, but welcome all the same, let’s hope that there is still time to gain new air traffic business. We urge the Airport Operator Hermes to make a similar gesture, in order to lower Airport fees further and allow Cyprus to compete on a level playing field with the nearby airports.
Meanwhile not so far away in Arabia, a symbolic event occurred at the end of last week, when 5 British Tourists, 2 American and 1 Canadian traveled to Iraq in the capacity of Tourists! They stayed at the remodeled Sheraton Baghdad. Needless to say they could not find any insurance for the trip, however they did book with a courageous Tour Operator. Of course access to some of the sites involved long security checks and the tourists did claim to hear bombs going off overnight, although they commented that overall they felt reasonably safe. This has been a long time coming for Baghdad, which used to be the Paris of Arabia.
Perpetual Traveller this week focuses on Desperate Times for Desperate Measures in the Airline Industry featuring some of the tricks they are resorting to in order to counter the current crisis and expected downturn of passengers for the coming summer. The most alarming of which is charging to use the toilet in-flight! Hypo Global gives you my best advice for Surviving when lost in the Jungle. La Dolce Vita features the important seaport on the Aegean Sea of Smyrna and we bring all the latest security updates on Aviation and around the globe through Hypo Global.
Grant Holmes
Editor, Perpetual Traveller
Meanwhile not so far away in Arabia, a symbolic event occurred at the end of last week, when 5 British Tourists, 2 American and 1 Canadian traveled to Iraq in the capacity of Tourists! They stayed at the remodeled Sheraton Baghdad. Needless to say they could not find any insurance for the trip, however they did book with a courageous Tour Operator. Of course access to some of the sites involved long security checks and the tourists did claim to hear bombs going off overnight, although they commented that overall they felt reasonably safe. This has been a long time coming for Baghdad, which used to be the Paris of Arabia.
Perpetual Traveller this week focuses on Desperate Times for Desperate Measures in the Airline Industry featuring some of the tricks they are resorting to in order to counter the current crisis and expected downturn of passengers for the coming summer. The most alarming of which is charging to use the toilet in-flight! Hypo Global gives you my best advice for Surviving when lost in the Jungle. La Dolce Vita features the important seaport on the Aegean Sea of Smyrna and we bring all the latest security updates on Aviation and around the globe through Hypo Global.
Grant Holmes
Editor, Perpetual Traveller
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Desperate Times for Desperate Measures in the Airline Industry
Desperate times call for desperate measures; that’s the phrase in the air within the Airline Industry today, especially so in Europe and North America. It seems that an enjoyable in flight experience has practically all but left our skies and what fragments remain of a quality service are slowly being eradicated by the global recession. We have reached an incredible situation whereby many of the flying consumers actually prefer to fly with a Budget airline whereby expectations and prices are perceived to lower; rather than rough it with some of the rude and service cutting national carrier giants out there. The real story is a little more complicated however and this article was designed to give you the traveller a little clarity and more direction.
Let’s start by asking “where are we?” Well the current status of the looming recession is starting to bite and Airlines are now busy analyzing or literally weighing up all the options to balance a loss of air traffic and a lower share price. Subsequently, apart from cutting routes and making them more efficient, Airlines are looking at a number of ways to streamline flight costs and create new innovative income streams to wring out some more cash from the existing in-flight passengers. This trend seems to be particularly true with the Budget carriers, however traditional scheduled airlines are dong much the same, although the approach is slightly different.
BAGGAGE COST
The first attack targets baggage. As travellers many of us thought it was unfair when airlines started charging for overweight baggage and then by moving the goalposts downwards by charging just to check-in luggage. At the time almost unanimously, airlines claimed rising fuel prices and the weight and fuel cost ratio as the necessary reason. However since fuel prices plummeted, there is little sign of a reduction in baggage costs and in fact some are adjusting ever upwards. In the case of Budget airlines, most major carriers charge for every single bag checked in, which can be executed online. For example Ryan Air (max 15kg per bag for 15 euro online check-in), Air Asia (around 15 euro for 20kg online check-in) and Easy Jet ( 9 euro for 20kg online check-in). Here Ryan Air are certainly the tightest with the cost and offer the worst value. Scheduled Airlines typically allow 20kg free of charge and then sting you for every 1kg over. Here UK airports tend to be the most aggressive in applying the rules with US, German and Northern European airports close behind. Despite all these additional charges for luggage handling in the face of lower fuel prices, what makes matters more concerning is that the trend of delaying luggage or even losing baggage is clearly skyrocketing. For example on average there are now claims amounting to 10,000 bags lost every day in the US alone. In 2006 more than 240,000 bags worldwide never found their owners. From May to July 2007, more than one million pieces of luggage were lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered by U.S. airlines according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The saga for London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 must have put the statistics up for 2008 also!
INNOVATIVE INCOME STREAMS
Most Budget airlines now add insurance to the cost of your flight automatically within the online booking process, which is most annoying and nasty a cheap trick. If you want to cancel the insurance you have to uncheck the appropriate box, which does not always feature in the viewable screen, hence sometimes one has to scroll. For those who are not Internet savvy or used to cheap tricks, its becoming easy to get caught out. I tried to book an Air Asia flight 15 times and found it literally impossible to uncheck the insurance box. I needed the flight so I had to pay. Claiming the money back from Air Asia is as complicated as getting tax back from a Red tape Government.
Another income stream, which is less dark, although there is a misconception, is the Hotel Bookings available from Airline websites. They are all at it and the illusion created or justification given, is that if it’s a Budget Airline, the Hotel must be at a Budget cost too, right? Wrong, the reality is that Airlines manage Airplanes and not Hotels. Subsequently, they subcontract to leading Hotel Internet engines such as Expedia, Hotelopia and Travelocity. The airline then marks up the NET prices aggressively, so one usually end up paying more or at best pay the same. It’s hard to find an example of when the airline Hotel Booking area was cheaper than going to the Hotel Engine direct. After studying many of the Hotel Booking Engines, I suggest you try the below Hotel dedicated specialist for best results, as they feature the site in 21 languages, they contract over 60,000 Hotels worldwide with excellent market prices, quality information is provided, reviews displayed, conditions of cancellation and the ability to reserve by credit card but not actually pay until check-out is the norm, so your money stay with you.
BEST IN CLASS: Hotel Bookings
Other new income streams include Speed Boarding or fast tracking, which is a potentially useful service and despite the over-hype it matters to some travellers. Also In-flight sales are becoming more aggressive and besides the expected Duty Free Plug, Budget Airlines are selling Train / coach tickets, scratch cards, phone cards and all manner of gadgets. Its becoming a little heavy handed with constant announcements to push these add-on sale items with a revenue aggressive approach.
SHOCKING
Now for the SHOCK; think about this. How would you feel if you were to be personally weighed at check-in? Controversial it may seem to some, but it could come sooner than we think if Airlines start charging people according to their body weight? The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance has already taken on airlines over discrimination against overweight people, in order to stop, what to many seems as a highly possible trend. The level of obesity in the US is now of major concern, but also in the UK, National Audit Office figures show one in five people are clinically obese. Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith fought a campaign against cramped economy class conditions, following a series of deaths from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which have been linked to long haul flights.
Ryan Air takes the biscuit though as Michael O'Leary now threatens to charge people to use the toilet in flight. It is not a joke! It’s a matter of choice Mr. O’learly claims, however we need to explain to him that Human Beings were designed with a natural wastage systems, which we are all forced to use and depending upon people’s age or their digestive efficiency to react to what was consumed, the frequency of such natural waste is sometimes unpredictable!
There is more, Ryan Air also allows Mobile calls in flight as does Air France. If the announcements are not annoying enough, they will ensure your flight is torture by allowing the person sitting next to you to call someone or receive a call. Flying used to be a sanctuary for me, as it was one place where BlackBerry did not work and I was not even allowed to use it, so I rested.
So in summary what advice can we give you? In short, cross reference all your flight bookings as often the scheduled airline is cheaper all things considered. Use Budget Airlines for short easy flights, especially where you do not intend to carry much luggage. Be careful for automatic add-ons when booking online with a Budget Airline and always check that the price quoted includes Taxes. Remember that flying with a scheduled Airline within Europe or the US, is likely to feature a poor service and often the Carb-rich food served is simply not edible. Book Hotels from a dedicated Hotel Booking website and try this: Hotel Bookings
We leave you on a high, by stating that the service level for airlines in the Middle East and Asia are generally still excellent by comparison; so if you want to experience a luxury flight service, you know where to go! This service is generally replicated in the Hotels too!
Enjoy your travels
Grant Holmes
Editor
Let’s start by asking “where are we?” Well the current status of the looming recession is starting to bite and Airlines are now busy analyzing or literally weighing up all the options to balance a loss of air traffic and a lower share price. Subsequently, apart from cutting routes and making them more efficient, Airlines are looking at a number of ways to streamline flight costs and create new innovative income streams to wring out some more cash from the existing in-flight passengers. This trend seems to be particularly true with the Budget carriers, however traditional scheduled airlines are dong much the same, although the approach is slightly different.
BAGGAGE COST
The first attack targets baggage. As travellers many of us thought it was unfair when airlines started charging for overweight baggage and then by moving the goalposts downwards by charging just to check-in luggage. At the time almost unanimously, airlines claimed rising fuel prices and the weight and fuel cost ratio as the necessary reason. However since fuel prices plummeted, there is little sign of a reduction in baggage costs and in fact some are adjusting ever upwards. In the case of Budget airlines, most major carriers charge for every single bag checked in, which can be executed online. For example Ryan Air (max 15kg per bag for 15 euro online check-in), Air Asia (around 15 euro for 20kg online check-in) and Easy Jet ( 9 euro for 20kg online check-in). Here Ryan Air are certainly the tightest with the cost and offer the worst value. Scheduled Airlines typically allow 20kg free of charge and then sting you for every 1kg over. Here UK airports tend to be the most aggressive in applying the rules with US, German and Northern European airports close behind. Despite all these additional charges for luggage handling in the face of lower fuel prices, what makes matters more concerning is that the trend of delaying luggage or even losing baggage is clearly skyrocketing. For example on average there are now claims amounting to 10,000 bags lost every day in the US alone. In 2006 more than 240,000 bags worldwide never found their owners. From May to July 2007, more than one million pieces of luggage were lost, damaged, delayed or pilfered by U.S. airlines according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The saga for London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 must have put the statistics up for 2008 also!
INNOVATIVE INCOME STREAMS
Most Budget airlines now add insurance to the cost of your flight automatically within the online booking process, which is most annoying and nasty a cheap trick. If you want to cancel the insurance you have to uncheck the appropriate box, which does not always feature in the viewable screen, hence sometimes one has to scroll. For those who are not Internet savvy or used to cheap tricks, its becoming easy to get caught out. I tried to book an Air Asia flight 15 times and found it literally impossible to uncheck the insurance box. I needed the flight so I had to pay. Claiming the money back from Air Asia is as complicated as getting tax back from a Red tape Government.
Another income stream, which is less dark, although there is a misconception, is the Hotel Bookings available from Airline websites. They are all at it and the illusion created or justification given, is that if it’s a Budget Airline, the Hotel must be at a Budget cost too, right? Wrong, the reality is that Airlines manage Airplanes and not Hotels. Subsequently, they subcontract to leading Hotel Internet engines such as Expedia, Hotelopia and Travelocity. The airline then marks up the NET prices aggressively, so one usually end up paying more or at best pay the same. It’s hard to find an example of when the airline Hotel Booking area was cheaper than going to the Hotel Engine direct. After studying many of the Hotel Booking Engines, I suggest you try the below Hotel dedicated specialist for best results, as they feature the site in 21 languages, they contract over 60,000 Hotels worldwide with excellent market prices, quality information is provided, reviews displayed, conditions of cancellation and the ability to reserve by credit card but not actually pay until check-out is the norm, so your money stay with you.
BEST IN CLASS: Hotel Bookings
Other new income streams include Speed Boarding or fast tracking, which is a potentially useful service and despite the over-hype it matters to some travellers. Also In-flight sales are becoming more aggressive and besides the expected Duty Free Plug, Budget Airlines are selling Train / coach tickets, scratch cards, phone cards and all manner of gadgets. Its becoming a little heavy handed with constant announcements to push these add-on sale items with a revenue aggressive approach.
SHOCKING
Now for the SHOCK; think about this. How would you feel if you were to be personally weighed at check-in? Controversial it may seem to some, but it could come sooner than we think if Airlines start charging people according to their body weight? The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance has already taken on airlines over discrimination against overweight people, in order to stop, what to many seems as a highly possible trend. The level of obesity in the US is now of major concern, but also in the UK, National Audit Office figures show one in five people are clinically obese. Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith fought a campaign against cramped economy class conditions, following a series of deaths from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which have been linked to long haul flights.
Ryan Air takes the biscuit though as Michael O'Leary now threatens to charge people to use the toilet in flight. It is not a joke! It’s a matter of choice Mr. O’learly claims, however we need to explain to him that Human Beings were designed with a natural wastage systems, which we are all forced to use and depending upon people’s age or their digestive efficiency to react to what was consumed, the frequency of such natural waste is sometimes unpredictable!
There is more, Ryan Air also allows Mobile calls in flight as does Air France. If the announcements are not annoying enough, they will ensure your flight is torture by allowing the person sitting next to you to call someone or receive a call. Flying used to be a sanctuary for me, as it was one place where BlackBerry did not work and I was not even allowed to use it, so I rested.
So in summary what advice can we give you? In short, cross reference all your flight bookings as often the scheduled airline is cheaper all things considered. Use Budget Airlines for short easy flights, especially where you do not intend to carry much luggage. Be careful for automatic add-ons when booking online with a Budget Airline and always check that the price quoted includes Taxes. Remember that flying with a scheduled Airline within Europe or the US, is likely to feature a poor service and often the Carb-rich food served is simply not edible. Book Hotels from a dedicated Hotel Booking website and try this: Hotel Bookings
We leave you on a high, by stating that the service level for airlines in the Middle East and Asia are generally still excellent by comparison; so if you want to experience a luxury flight service, you know where to go! This service is generally replicated in the Hotels too!
Enjoy your travels
Grant Holmes
Editor
Air Routes To Close For N Korea Rocket Launch
North Korea — North Korea says it will close two aviation routes within its air space from April 4-8 during their planned rocket launch of what they are calling a communication satellite. Other world powers such as the United States and Japan say the North Korean launch is for testing a long-range ballistic missile. The U.S. and South Korea warned that such an action would violate a United Nations resolution.
Bikers Battle In Airport
Australia — A brawl broke out in Sydney, Australia's airport Sunday afternoon between rival biker gangs leaving one man dead. One group had just arrived on a flight from Melbourne when they were attacked by a group waiting for them in the terminal. Police have made arrests and the event was captured on surveillance cameras. There is some confusion about what gangs were involved with the Bandidos, Notorious, the Comancheros and the Hells Angels all being named as possible participants.
Authorities Uncover Narcotics Smuggling at Peru Airport
Peru — According to an Associated Press report (link below), Peruvian authorities are investigating a drug trafficking ring that allegedly involves police, customs agents and workers at the Lima airport.
Argentina Nationalizing Lockheed Martin Plant
Argentina — This Tuesday (3/17), Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner announced that she is re-nationalizing a military-aircraft factory that was acquired by Lockheed Martin in the 1990s.
Military Airplane Crashes in Ecuador Capital
Ecuador — At least 7 people are dead after an Ecuadorean military aircraft crashed into a residential neighborhood of the capital, Quito, today (3/20). Among the dead are the five people on board the plane and 2 civilians on the ground.
Air Travel Affected By French Strike
France — Public and private sector workers launched a massive 24-hour strike Thursday in France to protest the government's handling of the nation's economic crisis. As a result of the labor action and the participation of air traffic controllers, a third of Air France flights out of Orly airport in Paris have been cancelled.
SMYRNA
An important seaport on the Aegean Sea, Smyrna is the 3rd biggest city in Turkey. It was founded in 3000 B.C. and in 1500 B.C. it was conquered by the Hittites. Following this it became one of the most important cities in the Ionic league. Thereafter it underwent domination by Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Byzantines, and finally it became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1415. However, the Ottoman Smyrna was almost completely devastated in 1922 by an invasion of the Greeks and then by a terrible fire.
The centre of the city is Konak square and here we find the famous clock tower. This tower was built in 1901 by the sultan Abdul Hamit II and is richly decorated in the Ottoman fashion. A short distance away there’s the bazaar, a labyrinth of all sorts of market stalls. The covered market of Kizlaragasi Hani is something special, full of eye-catching shops and was built in 1744 and then restored in 1995.
The Agorà is located in the Namazgah quarter , built according to the desires of Alexander the Great. What we can see today is the reconstruction carried out by Marco Aurelio after the terrible earthquake of 178 A.D. Of notable beauty are the Corinthian columns and the remains of the rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Now we can admire the church of San Policarpo, one of the 7 churches of the Apocalypse which was rebuilt in 1620. Policarpo was condemned to death at the stake by the Romans in 155A.D. for his refusal to reject publicly his Christian faith . According to the legend, the flames of the fire in which he was to die enveloped him but never actually burnt him and so the executioner was forced to stab him to death. The equestrian statue of Ataturk is located in Cumhuriyrt Square which represents the famous captain who led the attack of Ankara during the war of independence in 1922. The quarter of Asansor is very picturesque in which the multi-level streets are interconnected by an old lift of the 14th century which is 51 metres high. The Hisar mosque is without any doubt the most beautiful mosque in Smyrna-it was built and decorated in a Baroque style in 16th century and thereafter restored in the 19th century.
You only have to climb up the hillside of Kadifekale to enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Smyrna- here you’ll find the ruins of a fortress built by Lisimaco during the reign of Alexander the Great . Near to the entrance door through the city walls there are several tea rooms with beautiful balconies from which you can enjoy breath-taking views.
Ancient Ephesus was a commercial and religious centre of great note and we can admire here the ruins which testify as to the importance of its prestigious history.
Cave of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus
According to the legend , seven young Christians took shelter in this cave to escape religious persecution and they were trapped there only to emerge two centuries later. In reality , this cave is a Byzantine burial ground which is full of tombs cut out of the very rock inside the cave itself.
Gymnasium and Stadium
Now we find ourselves in front of the ruins of what used to be the Oriental Gymnasium which also goes under the name of young girls’ Gymnasium- it dates back to the 2nd century D.C. and is equipped with baths and locations for practising sporting activities.
Grand Theatre
The grand Theatre was built in a Hellenistic style and rebuilt by the Romans between 41 and 117 A.D. The stalls are very interesting and had a maximum capacity of up to 25,000 spectators.
Sacred Way, Celso Library (columns, capitals, and niches.), Hadrian’s Temple,( façade , friezes on the porch-way with the head of Medusa), Hercules’ door( sculpture of Vittoria Alata)
Walking along the Sacred Way , we get to the majestic Celso Library which was built by Celso’s son in honour of his father in 114 A.D.
Of great note are the columns and capitals which have been preserved really well over the centuries.
The niches of the façade house several statues which are kept in the Museum of Ephesus in Vienna today.
A stone’s throw away we find Hadrian’s temple which was built in a Corinthian style.
A noteworthy point are the bas relieves of the main door and the medusa head, which was supposed to ward off evil spirits. At the end of the Curate’s Street we find Hercules’ Door which was built in the 4th century A.D.
The sculpture of the winged Victoria which decorates the doorway has been well preserved.
House of the Virgin Mary: wall under the chapel covered in strips of cloth.
A few kilometres away from Ephesus we find the village of Selcuk where you can visit the famous house of the Virgin Mary. After the death of Jesus Christ it was verified that Saint John took the Virgin Mary to Ephesus to stay in a humble dwelling near to Mount Usignolo where she stayed until her final days. This house became a destination for both Christian and Muslim pilgrims and was officially sanctified by the Vatican. On the 15th of August every year, Christian believers celebrate a ceremony of commemoration . You must have a look at the wall placed beneath the chapel which is completely covered with strips of cloth, handkerchiefs etc. containing prayers and dedications to the sick and deceased, all tied together.
The centre of the city is Konak square and here we find the famous clock tower. This tower was built in 1901 by the sultan Abdul Hamit II and is richly decorated in the Ottoman fashion. A short distance away there’s the bazaar, a labyrinth of all sorts of market stalls. The covered market of Kizlaragasi Hani is something special, full of eye-catching shops and was built in 1744 and then restored in 1995.
The Agorà is located in the Namazgah quarter , built according to the desires of Alexander the Great. What we can see today is the reconstruction carried out by Marco Aurelio after the terrible earthquake of 178 A.D. Of notable beauty are the Corinthian columns and the remains of the rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Now we can admire the church of San Policarpo, one of the 7 churches of the Apocalypse which was rebuilt in 1620. Policarpo was condemned to death at the stake by the Romans in 155A.D. for his refusal to reject publicly his Christian faith . According to the legend, the flames of the fire in which he was to die enveloped him but never actually burnt him and so the executioner was forced to stab him to death. The equestrian statue of Ataturk is located in Cumhuriyrt Square which represents the famous captain who led the attack of Ankara during the war of independence in 1922. The quarter of Asansor is very picturesque in which the multi-level streets are interconnected by an old lift of the 14th century which is 51 metres high. The Hisar mosque is without any doubt the most beautiful mosque in Smyrna-it was built and decorated in a Baroque style in 16th century and thereafter restored in the 19th century.
You only have to climb up the hillside of Kadifekale to enjoy a magnificent view of the Gulf of Smyrna- here you’ll find the ruins of a fortress built by Lisimaco during the reign of Alexander the Great . Near to the entrance door through the city walls there are several tea rooms with beautiful balconies from which you can enjoy breath-taking views.
Ancient Ephesus was a commercial and religious centre of great note and we can admire here the ruins which testify as to the importance of its prestigious history.
Cave of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus
According to the legend , seven young Christians took shelter in this cave to escape religious persecution and they were trapped there only to emerge two centuries later. In reality , this cave is a Byzantine burial ground which is full of tombs cut out of the very rock inside the cave itself.
Gymnasium and Stadium
Now we find ourselves in front of the ruins of what used to be the Oriental Gymnasium which also goes under the name of young girls’ Gymnasium- it dates back to the 2nd century D.C. and is equipped with baths and locations for practising sporting activities.
Grand Theatre
The grand Theatre was built in a Hellenistic style and rebuilt by the Romans between 41 and 117 A.D. The stalls are very interesting and had a maximum capacity of up to 25,000 spectators.
Sacred Way, Celso Library (columns, capitals, and niches.), Hadrian’s Temple,( façade , friezes on the porch-way with the head of Medusa), Hercules’ door( sculpture of Vittoria Alata)
Walking along the Sacred Way , we get to the majestic Celso Library which was built by Celso’s son in honour of his father in 114 A.D.
Of great note are the columns and capitals which have been preserved really well over the centuries.
The niches of the façade house several statues which are kept in the Museum of Ephesus in Vienna today.
A stone’s throw away we find Hadrian’s temple which was built in a Corinthian style.
A noteworthy point are the bas relieves of the main door and the medusa head, which was supposed to ward off evil spirits. At the end of the Curate’s Street we find Hercules’ Door which was built in the 4th century A.D.
The sculpture of the winged Victoria which decorates the doorway has been well preserved.
House of the Virgin Mary: wall under the chapel covered in strips of cloth.
A few kilometres away from Ephesus we find the village of Selcuk where you can visit the famous house of the Virgin Mary. After the death of Jesus Christ it was verified that Saint John took the Virgin Mary to Ephesus to stay in a humble dwelling near to Mount Usignolo where she stayed until her final days. This house became a destination for both Christian and Muslim pilgrims and was officially sanctified by the Vatican. On the 15th of August every year, Christian believers celebrate a ceremony of commemoration . You must have a look at the wall placed beneath the chapel which is completely covered with strips of cloth, handkerchiefs etc. containing prayers and dedications to the sick and deceased, all tied together.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The thorny issue of Hotel Security
As an avid female business traveller who occasionally travels alone, I know all too well those nagging feelings of insecurity, especially when one checks into a Hotel for the first time. I place my personal (including possessions) security as a high priority and thankfully Hotels are now beginning to take this viewpoint more seriously these days, especially within the EU borders. I’m pleased to see that Hotels particularly in the EU are taking some positive measures to improve Hotel security and safety overall and the decision of the EU to hold all Hotels responsible for the contents has made a great difference.
For example in the UK, a Hotel is liable for damage or loss to guests’ property caused by negligence or breach of contract. In other circumstances, the Hotel may limit its liability to £50 per item and £100 per Guest (or if in Greater London, £750 per item and £1,500 per guest) so long as it has a correct and prominently displayed notice to this effect in its reception. Each EU country has their own specific take on the broader regulations, which can be viewed as inconsistent, however the key point is that steps have been taken in the right direction.
Nevertheless, Hotels dislike talking about security, as theft and other crimes still happen on their premises and watch. Precisely how much happens is impossible to pinpoint, because Hotels do not disclose numbers and all too often government statistics do not record crimes by property type. One misconception and the easier blame game answer falls on Maids concerning room thefts, but now we learn that criminals have found new ground to explore.
So Ladies and the Gentlemen, here are some top tips on the thorny topic of Hotel security to counter the threat.
1) Check-in Online: This is a relatively new Hotel service. There is nothing worse than standing at the front desk waiting to be served after a long journey to the back of beyond, only to wait further until the Receptionist takes a copy of your passport, then of your Credit card (make sure there are no extra copies floating around) and requests that you fill in a record card asking for your personal data in a Public space. Then you have to start negotiating your room preference and get briefed on the general Hotel information. After this long process (certainly so for some Hotels) you are finally handed the all important key and the front desk staff shouts out your room number for everyone else to hear! If you are travelling alone as a women you don’t want the world to know your room No. or become familiar with your private data, nor do you want an undesirable to observe it on a temporary luggage label, which is whisked away (often without permission) by the Bell Boy hungry for a tip. Checking in online and dealing with the Bell Boy assertively avoids much of this danger.
2) If you're a woman travelling alone, request a room on the second or third floor, as close as possible to the front desk without being on the ground floor or first floor, which are too close for comfort to the exit or entrance. Statistically upper floors are safer from crime threats, however not ideal for fire rescue, where your chances of escape are best from the 5th floor down. In the light of this information a balance of half way up, could provide the safest results, all things considered.
3) Check what the locking facilities are in your room such as the Deadbolt, Electronic lock or sliding bar. Use them!
4) Keep the door locked at all times when in your room.
5) When you arrive to your room for the first time, check that the sliding glass doors, windows and connecting room doors are firmly locked.
6) Put the Do-Not-Disturb sign on the doorknob even when you are away, this naturally deters room burglars.
7) Turn on the TV or radio just loud enough to hear through the door to give the appearance that the room is occupied.
8) Leave one light on inside the room. This gives the appearance that someone is in from the outside.
9) Always go through the same room inspection routine every time you re-enter.
10) Women travelling alone should be careful when using the breakfast order card. This card has your name and the room No. boldly displayed; criminals can knock on the door posing as room service and use your name to gain entry. Alternatively, they could use the information later to gain access to your room. Here they will likely call the room first and if there is no answer, force entry.
11) If there is a spy hole, check it first before you answer the door.
12) Bring your own Hotel safety kit with you, which most importantly should feature a smoke hood, torch and personal alarm.
13) Place your key, torch and Mobile phone in your shoes, by the side of your bed, so that you can find them quickly in the event of an emergency or loss of light.
14) Remember that if you are visiting a foreign country, you do not have to know the local emergency numbers. Most GSM mobile phones can dial emergency calls even when the phone keyboard is locked, the phone is without a SIM card, or an emergency number is entered instead of the PIN. Most GSM mobile phones have 112 and 911 as pre-programmed emergency numbers that are always available. The SIM card issued by operator can contain additional country-specific emergency numbers that can be used even when roaming abroad. Using an emergency number recognized by a GSM phone like 112 instead of another emergency number is advantageous, since GSM phones and networks give special priority to emergency calls.
We hope that you feel a little safer on your next trip, knowing that you can at least take some precautions to protect yourself.
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Venezuela Military Seizes Sea and Air Ports
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered his military on Sunday (3/15) to seize control of some seaports and airports in states governed by opposition party governors. Some of the seaports have major petroleum-exporting installations.
Canada: Bodies Recovered from Helicopter Wreckage
Recovery workers say that over the weekend they located "10 to 13" bodies in the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed off the southeast coast of Newfoundland last week. Of these, 9 were recovered, and efforts are continuing to retrieve the remaining ones before the aircraft is lifted from a depth of about 400 feet. So far, in total, 10 bodies have been recovered and the sole survivor remains in critical condition.
North Carolina Sheriffs Get New Aerial Crime Fighting Tool
Last week Sheriffs from four North Carolina counties showed the local press a new aircraft they have at their disposal. It's a 2006 Sky Arrow 600 Sport airplane. It was donated to the communities by the Department of Justice as part of a program that pays for crime fighting expenses with assets seized during drug operations.
CDC Alerting Travelers on Northwest Flight About TB Exposure
A non-U.S. citizen who flew from Frankfurt, Germany to Detroit last Tuesday (3/10) aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 51 was found to be infected with tuberculosis upon his arrival in Detroit. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is alerting 17 passengers that they may have been exposed to the disease. CDC policy dictates that everyone sitting within 2 rows of the infected man be notified of the risk.
Canada: Olympic Security May Hurt Regional Airport Travel
Stringent aviation security policies put in place for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics may force many small regional airports to cancel flights to the host city during the Games. CBC News reports this is because these smaller airports do not have the equipment necessary to machine screen all passengers and luggage aboard smaller aircraft, and this will be a prerequisite for all aircraft flying into Vancouver.
Apparently one proposal on the table is for a hub screening facility to be established in Port Hardy. Then flights from northern British Columbia would stop over here so that passengers and baggage could be screened. The flights would then resume onto Vancouver. This sounds like a logistically problematic and costly solution.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Uganda: Transport Plane Crashes in Lake Victoria
An Aerolift Ilyushin IL-76 transport plane crashed and sank in Lake Victoria shortly after take off from Entebbe, Uganda Monday (3/9). The plane was en route to Somalia. A source told RIA Novosti that all 11 people on board, including three high-ranking officers from Burundi, died. Also among the dead are 2 Russians and 2 Ukrainians.
By Planet Data
Pakistan: Taliban Claims U.S. Drone Shot Down
A U.S. drone may have crashed in the northwestern tribal area of Pakistan on Saturday (3/7). The Pakistani military has responded to reports of the incident and is searching for it, but they have not found any wreckage yet. The U.S. has not confirmed the crash, but Taliban militants in the Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan claim they shot one down.
$1 Billion for Airport Security Projects
Aviation security projects around the U.S. will see an influx of $1 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the plan calls for the allocation of $700 million for checked baggage explosive detection systems and $300 million for checkpoint explosive detection technology including X-ray units, whole body imaging technology and bottled liquid scanners. The projects are also expected to create more than 3,000 jobs.
Shuttle Discovery Set for Wednesday Launch
NASA has finally set a date for the shuttle Discovery's liftoff. It is now scheduled for Wednesday March 11 at 9:20 PM EDT. The countdown clock begins at the T-43 hour mark at 7 PM on Sunday, according to NASA. Shuttle mission STS-119 will be headed for the International Space Station. The launch was originally scheduled for February 12, but a problem with a flow control value had to be fixed. The issue was detected when the shuttle Endeavour returned from its November 2008 mission.
U.S. Navy Plans New Missile Defense Command
The U.S. Navy plans to stand up a new command in April geared towards missile defense. Navy Times reports that Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, announced the formation of the Navy Air and Missile Defense Command Wednesday (3/4). The command will be based in Dahlgren, Virginia.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Greetings from Cyprus Airways flight to Milan
Perpetual Traveller Greetings from the air on board a Cyprus Airways flight from Larnaka - Rome (FCO) - Milan (MXP), which is a new double drop service. Who said that Business class is all but dead in Europe? Despite the fact the plane is a little tired, the food and service is really quite reasonable. Well done to state-owned Cyprus Airways who also bucked the Aviation trend in Europe by making a 2008 post tax profit of 1.7 million euro.
The Republic of Cyprus receives around 2.4 million tourists annually of which Cyprus Airways carries around 1 million making their aviation contribution critical to the country. Cyprus like all other Tourist destinations is apprehensive about the coming summer, as no one knows for sure how many in the western world will take a vacation in this widely reported year of gloom.
I’m bound for my Hotel room the security of which is the theme for Perpetual Traveller this week. Hotel Security is becoming an increasingly important consideration, especially in view of the unfortunate Mumbai attacks, so we dedicate this issue to top security tops. Meanwhile, the other thing we do not seem to be able to predict much in advance is the weather. Hypo Global features a fascinating common guide to Global Warming, which spells our in simple terms the main challenge of our age. La Dolce Vita offers an insight to Barcelona.
The Republic of Cyprus receives around 2.4 million tourists annually of which Cyprus Airways carries around 1 million making their aviation contribution critical to the country. Cyprus like all other Tourist destinations is apprehensive about the coming summer, as no one knows for sure how many in the western world will take a vacation in this widely reported year of gloom.
I’m bound for my Hotel room the security of which is the theme for Perpetual Traveller this week. Hotel Security is becoming an increasingly important consideration, especially in view of the unfortunate Mumbai attacks, so we dedicate this issue to top security tops. Meanwhile, the other thing we do not seem to be able to predict much in advance is the weather. Hypo Global features a fascinating common guide to Global Warming, which spells our in simple terms the main challenge of our age. La Dolce Vita offers an insight to Barcelona.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Barcelona
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, the north-eastern region of Spain, surrounded by the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea. The city is not only one of the busiest ports of this sea, but it is as important as Madrid and the other European capitals, also from a cultural, commercial and sporting point of view. Its main characteristic, also due to its geographic position is its passion for innovation and modernity. The most famous thoroughfare of Barcelona, Las Ramblas, goes through the old city, one of the most important and interesting medieval centres in Europe. Well known all over the world as the Gothic district, it still preserves the original splendour of the cathedral, the ancient royal palace and several buildings are of great value and interest. The Museum Frederic Marès is part of the complex that includes the Royal Palace. The building that houses it was occupied in the XIII century by the bishops and in the XIV century by the counts of Barcelona, in the XV century by the judges and finally, in the XVIII century by nuns who left only in 1936. The sculptor Marès, who owned a little apartment inside the building, opened the museum in 1948. The Museum houses a surprising collection of sacred Roman and Gothic art. In the southern part of the Gothic District we can see the beautiful Town Hall (Casa de la Ciutat) that was built in neo-classic style in the XIV century. Right in front of the Town Hall you can see Palau de Generalitat, seat of the Government of Catalonia since 1403. One of the compulsory stops for those who visit Barcelona is certainly the Pablo Picasso Museum. Opened in 1963 it is housed by three different buildings: the Baroque Meca and the Medieval Bereguer d’Aguilar and Barò de Castellet. The 3000 works are divided into three sections: paintings and drawings, engravings and china. It is impossible not to stop and observe the Cathedral of Barcelona. It was built in Gothic style with a Roman chapel in the year 1298 with Jaume II on the foundations of a Roman temple and a Moresque mosque and was finished only in the XIX century. . The inside is in Gothic-Catalan style and is made of a single nave surrounded by 28 chapels situated among the columns which support the ceiling that is 26 metre tall. The crypt under the main altar is particularly interesting. In fact inside we can find the alabaster sarcophagus of the year 1339 of Sant’Eulalia, patron saint of the city who was a martyr of the Romans in 300 AD It is worth moving to the northern area of the Old City to be amazed by the Palau de Musica Catalana. The Palace was finished in 1908 on a site where a monastery was destroyed in 1800. Its characteristic is that it is the only concert room that is illuminated by natural light in Europe. Las Ramblas comes from the Arab “ramla” ,or “dry seasonal river bed". It links Placa de Catalunya to Port Vell. The Ramblas is always full of life: all kinds of stalls, bird cages and street artists attract a lot of people above all at night and during the weekend. It is here that we find La Boqueria, the most colourful and lively food market in Barcelona. Flower, fruit and vegetable, meat and fish stalls attract not only the eye but also the mere scent of them will make your mouth water. But do not worry if you’re hungry because in the Ramblas you will find bars, restaurants and all kinds of place where you will be able to enjoy a pleasant break. A little farther you will see Placa Reial. It is lively and crowded and dates back to the year 1850: it is surrounded by Neo-classic street-lamps designed by Gaudì. In the Illa de la Discordia you can see the most famous group of modernist buildings, often the houses of the most famous exponents of Modernism itself. One of these is Casa Amatller that was designed by Puig i Cadafalch in 1898. Its façade is absolutely unique, with Moresque windows and Gothic iron structures. The incomparable sloping roof is completely covered in tiles. This building nowadays houses the Institut Amatller d’Art Hispà nic. In the Passeig de Grà cia you can admire Casa Milà called la “pedrera”, the stone quarry. UNESCO declared it Mankind’s Heritage in 1984. It is a later work by Gaudì and it represents his genius and exuberance. It was built between 1906 and 1910 and, at the beginning, was criticised and ridiculed by the intellectuals of the time because it was far from the usual architectonic principles. The palace is made up of 8 floors and two circular courtyards. The wrought iron balconies are beautiful, the decorations that look like seaweed on the white stone walls remind the observer of the waves of the ocean. To better admire this new form of art we cannot but visit the most bizarre church in Europe: la Sagrada Familia. In 1883 Antoni Gaudì, one of the most extraordinary and innovative architects of the XX century and the greatest exponent of Modernism, was chosen to complete a neo-Gothic cathedral that was started the year before. This became his ultimate aim: he lived there for 16 years and when he died he was buried in the crypt. His project was impressive: a huge modernist building rich in symbolism and natural evocations. It was made up of three façades, seven aisles and several towers. Actually only two façades were finished, the Nativity by Gaudì himself and the Passion and Death in 1980 by Joseph Maria Subirachs.. Apart from these also the apse, some bell-towers, the sides and the left transept were finished. The roof though was completely missing. The construction is still going on, even if slowly, thanks to the offers of the church-goers and the public financial aid: by the year 2007 the roof should be finished, while for a complete end to the works we will have to wait for at least another 50 years. The Montjuic hill houses the largest recreational area in Barcelona with museums, art galleries, amusement parks and all kinds of bar and clubs that make it lively and busy both during the day and at night. It is certainly one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the city, it is 213 metres above the commercial port. On top of the hill you can see the castle of the same name, from where you can enjoy the view of the port. The first fortress was built in 1640 but was destroyed in 1705 by Philip V. The Bourbons built the castle on the remains in the shape of a star that we can admire today. It now houses a military museum with ancient weapons and interesting models of Catalan fortresses. You can reach mount Tibidabo with the last existing tram in Barcelona or with the funicular cable car. Inside you will find the Parc d’Atraccion, inaugurated in 1908 and renovated in the 80s. Beside the extraordinary and modern attractions, there are some old ones full of charm and history. On top of the mountain you can find the Church of the Sacred Heart that was built between 1902 and 1911. You can reach the huge statue of Christ on top of the Church by lift.Parc Guell is certainly the most coloured of Gaudì's works. Commissioned in 1890 by the count Eusebi Guell, it was said to house a sort of garden city 20-hectare wide. Actually what we can see today is only a part of the original project Certainly the artist gave rein to all of his imagination: mazes, fountains, caves where it is difficult to distinguish dream from reality. Do not miss the Room with 100 columns, made up of 84 asymmetrical columns and made cheerful and sparkling by precious glass and china mosaics. Above it you will see the Gran Placa Circular, an open space with mosaics including a wave-shaped bench that competes for being the longest in the world.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Green Greetings from the Troodos Mountains
Green Greetings from the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, which was the centre of activity this past Bank Holiday weekend on the Island. Monday was a National Holiday in Cyprus called "Green Day" whereby traditionally families and loved ones go for a picnic in the parks and rural areas of the country with special emphasis on the Troodos Mountains region. Sadly Monday was a grey day, which has been the norm in this winter of unusually (at least in recent times) frequent rainfall, which is in stark contrasts to the two previous years of virtual drought and water shortages. On the bright side, this means that at least the mountains were Green on "Green Monday", even if the sun did not appear too often, so you can’t have it all! What truly fascinates me is all the Cypriot families rushing to see the snow in the mini ski resort at the peak of the Troodos Mountains. They travel from all parts of the Island just to catch a glimpse of the crisp snow and the children seem to view this like something from another planet.
The origins of Green Monday comes from the first day of Lent. It is a day of joy, laughter and vegetarian picnics. Green Monday is followed by a fifty day fasting period, during which Christians prepare themselves to receive the Redeemer, shunning meat and dairy products and living on a purely vegetarian diet.
Happy Green week!
Grant Holmes
Editor
Perpetual Traveller
The origins of Green Monday comes from the first day of Lent. It is a day of joy, laughter and vegetarian picnics. Green Monday is followed by a fifty day fasting period, during which Christians prepare themselves to receive the Redeemer, shunning meat and dairy products and living on a purely vegetarian diet.
Happy Green week!
Grant Holmes
Editor
Perpetual Traveller
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Worldwide Top 10 Events in March, by Perpetual Traveller
For much of the world the early signs of spring are in the air and soon Northern Europe and North America will slowly start to thaw. We can even forgive ourselves for starting to think about the summer. The only trouble being is that the people on planet earth are somewhat gloomy at present and the Stock Markets reflect pessimism as they free fall into new historic lows.
Scientists say that optimists live 7 years longer than their pessimistic counterparts. Subsequently we felt a duty to cheer you up and remind one and all that despite the economic woes across the globe, there are some fun and exciting things happening our there.
Here is out top ten lists of the world’s best events in March 2009…
St Patrick’s Day – Ireland & Worldwide 17th March
The message is clear, “you don’t have to be Irish to join in”! All over the world in the Spirit of all things green including Guinness fueled celebrations will be taking place from Dublin and New York to Sidney. Being quintessentially Irish religious holiday, many will choose to attend a Catholic mass, whereby on March 17th it’s the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide. This of course is prior to when the serious celebrating begins.
Further Information: www.st-patricks-day.com
Dubai World Cup – Abu Dhabi 28th March
The brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; the Dubai World Cup is a fitting tribute to his love of horses and of horseracing. For more than two decades, horse owners and breeders from the Arab world have worked to establish the Arab presence in international thoroughbred racing, not only by winning top trophies in the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan, among others, but also by bringing world-class racing and breeding back home to the Arabian Peninsula.
Further Information: www.dubaiworldcup.com
Carnival Limassol Cyprus 22nd February - 4th March
Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Although festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls.
Further Information: www.visitcyprus.com
Carnival Miami – Miami USA 27th February – 15th March
The largest Hispanic festival in the US, with a variety of events including contests, tournaments, art and jazz performances, not to mention the wild parties Miami style! The biggest street party of them all is at Calle Ocho.
Further Information: www.carnavalmiami.com
The International Food & Drink Event, Excel London UK, 15th – 18th March
The only global food and drink event that is totally dedicated to innovation, whereby international decision makers increase their competitive advantage by sourcing a diverse range of unique and consumer driven products from all corners of the globe.
Further Information: www.excel-london.co.uk
Car Rally Mallorca, Spain 18th - 21st March
Noted as being one of the best of its kind, events in Europe. Moreover, this year the “Top Gear” presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will be personally competing in the rally, which the BBC will film as part of the new “Top Gear” summer series.
Further Information: www.mallorcatour.net
London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, the Camden Centre, London, England 18th - 20th March
'Celebrating Waterways’ theme, London’s local beer festival (don’t forget the Great British Beer Festival) is marking its 25th year. With over 70 real ales, plus imported beers, ciders and perries, to choose from, the Festival has plenty of tastes to suit! Live entertainment and food will be present in true British style throughout.
Further Information: www.camranorthlondon.org.uk
CowParade Madrid, Spain 16th January - 21st March
The CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the entire world. CowParade events have been staged in over 50 cities worldwide since 1999. The highest selling cow is Wage Moo from CowParade Dublin 2003, selling for $146,000. It represents a beautiful mosaic of thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal, designed by renowned designer John Rocha. The public display is followed by a live auction, which takes place 2 or 3 weeks after the public display ends.
Further Information: www.cowparademadrid.com
The European Fine Art Fair Maastricht, the Netherlands 13th- 22nd March
Over 220 art and antique dealers from 15 countries will gather in one of Holland's oldest and most southern city of Maastricht at TEFAF, the Maastricht Fair. TEFAF is known for its rigorous vetting and authentication process. Before the show opens to the public, all works are evaluated for provenance, quality and authenticity by experts from every imaginable specialty. Any item that is questionable in any way is removed from the exhibition.
Further Information: www.tefaf.com
Cape Town Festival Cape Town, South Africa 20th – 22nd March
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this cultural and heritage event offers fun for all the family. The Cape Town Festival will include concerts over 3 days. The popular Festival Imbizos or Cultural Talks, diverse foods representing different religions and cultures and a range of activities targeting youth.
Further Information: www.capetownfestival.co.za
Rome Marathon, Rome 19th – 22nd March
What a way to start a marathon in front of the 2,000 year old Coliseum! Not being a runner myself, I ask how can one concentrate with such fabulous surroundings. I don’t think my focus would be on the path in front of me! If 2008 is anything to go by, literally the tens of thousands are expected to turn out for this truly great marathon.
Further Information: www.maratonadiroma.it
Wherever you are in the world during March, enjoy yourself and be optimistic!
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
Scientists say that optimists live 7 years longer than their pessimistic counterparts. Subsequently we felt a duty to cheer you up and remind one and all that despite the economic woes across the globe, there are some fun and exciting things happening our there.
Here is out top ten lists of the world’s best events in March 2009…
St Patrick’s Day – Ireland & Worldwide 17th March
The message is clear, “you don’t have to be Irish to join in”! All over the world in the Spirit of all things green including Guinness fueled celebrations will be taking place from Dublin and New York to Sidney. Being quintessentially Irish religious holiday, many will choose to attend a Catholic mass, whereby on March 17th it’s the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide. This of course is prior to when the serious celebrating begins.
Further Information: www.st-patricks-day.com
Dubai World Cup – Abu Dhabi 28th March
The brainchild of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; the Dubai World Cup is a fitting tribute to his love of horses and of horseracing. For more than two decades, horse owners and breeders from the Arab world have worked to establish the Arab presence in international thoroughbred racing, not only by winning top trophies in the United States, Great Britain, France and Japan, among others, but also by bringing world-class racing and breeding back home to the Arabian Peninsula.
Further Information: www.dubaiworldcup.com
Carnival Limassol Cyprus 22nd February - 4th March
Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Although festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls.
Further Information: www.visitcyprus.com
Carnival Miami – Miami USA 27th February – 15th March
The largest Hispanic festival in the US, with a variety of events including contests, tournaments, art and jazz performances, not to mention the wild parties Miami style! The biggest street party of them all is at Calle Ocho.
Further Information: www.carnavalmiami.com
The International Food & Drink Event, Excel London UK, 15th – 18th March
The only global food and drink event that is totally dedicated to innovation, whereby international decision makers increase their competitive advantage by sourcing a diverse range of unique and consumer driven products from all corners of the globe.
Further Information: www.excel-london.co.uk
Car Rally Mallorca, Spain 18th - 21st March
Noted as being one of the best of its kind, events in Europe. Moreover, this year the “Top Gear” presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May will be personally competing in the rally, which the BBC will film as part of the new “Top Gear” summer series.
Further Information: www.mallorcatour.net
London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival, the Camden Centre, London, England 18th - 20th March
'Celebrating Waterways’ theme, London’s local beer festival (don’t forget the Great British Beer Festival) is marking its 25th year. With over 70 real ales, plus imported beers, ciders and perries, to choose from, the Festival has plenty of tastes to suit! Live entertainment and food will be present in true British style throughout.
Further Information: www.camranorthlondon.org.uk
CowParade Madrid, Spain 16th January - 21st March
The CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the entire world. CowParade events have been staged in over 50 cities worldwide since 1999. The highest selling cow is Wage Moo from CowParade Dublin 2003, selling for $146,000. It represents a beautiful mosaic of thousands of pieces of Waterford Crystal, designed by renowned designer John Rocha. The public display is followed by a live auction, which takes place 2 or 3 weeks after the public display ends.
Further Information: www.cowparademadrid.com
The European Fine Art Fair Maastricht, the Netherlands 13th- 22nd March
Over 220 art and antique dealers from 15 countries will gather in one of Holland's oldest and most southern city of Maastricht at TEFAF, the Maastricht Fair. TEFAF is known for its rigorous vetting and authentication process. Before the show opens to the public, all works are evaluated for provenance, quality and authenticity by experts from every imaginable specialty. Any item that is questionable in any way is removed from the exhibition.
Further Information: www.tefaf.com
Cape Town Festival Cape Town, South Africa 20th – 22nd March
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this cultural and heritage event offers fun for all the family. The Cape Town Festival will include concerts over 3 days. The popular Festival Imbizos or Cultural Talks, diverse foods representing different religions and cultures and a range of activities targeting youth.
Further Information: www.capetownfestival.co.za
Rome Marathon, Rome 19th – 22nd March
What a way to start a marathon in front of the 2,000 year old Coliseum! Not being a runner myself, I ask how can one concentrate with such fabulous surroundings. I don’t think my focus would be on the path in front of me! If 2008 is anything to go by, literally the tens of thousands are expected to turn out for this truly great marathon.
Further Information: www.maratonadiroma.it
Wherever you are in the world during March, enjoy yourself and be optimistic!
Sharon Mckinley
Publisher
Perpetual Traveller
Mexico City Ramps Up Airport Security to Fight Crime
In the last several months armed robbers have attacked more than a dozen people exchanging money around Mexico City's international airport. To combat this escalating probem, the federal and local authorities have deployed nearly 800 additional police at the airport and in the surrounding vicinity.
Canada / Russia Exchange Rhetoric Over Bomber Incident
The media and Canada's defense minister seem to be making a big deal about the Canadian air force "intercepting" a Russian long-range strategic bomber near Canadian airspace. The primary point everyone is making is that the incident happened less than 24-hours before U.S. President Obama visited Ottawa on February 19. Russian authorities, of course, claim this was a scheduled exercise and all countries along the plane's flight-path were appropriately notified. While Defense Minister Peter Mackay labeled the incident a "strong coincidence", a Russian Defense Ministry spokesperson called the flight "routine" and Mackay's statement a "farce." Since Russia took its strategic bombers out of mothballs in September 2007, these run-ins have become increasingly more common.
Big Decrease in Air Transport Traffic in January
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), both passenger and cargo air transport around the world decreased drastically in January. The Director General of IATA says, "Alarm bells are ringing everywhere. Every region's carriers are reporting big drops in cargo. And, aside from the Middle East carriers, passenger demand is falling in all regions. The industry is in a global crisis and we have not yet seen the bottom."
Proceedings from FAA Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium
The Federal Aviation Administration held the Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium last June. This was the first event sponsored by the FAA that focused specifically on managing fatigue in aviation. Today (2/26), the FAA has released the proceedings of this symposium that was not open to the public or media.
Illegal Workers Found at Florida Airport
In Florida Tuesday (2/24), a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Supervisor noticed 21 people performing work on the grounds of West Palm Beach International Airport. These individuals were not displaying the required airport identification badges. When the Supervisor stopped to investigate, he discovered that 14 of these workers were in America illegally. CBP is processing them for removal from the country.
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