12/14

Travelogue… with Bob Nicolaides

 
 
 
 
 
Staff in this flight company may have unlimited holiday

The boss of Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, is offering his personal staff as much holiday as they want. On his website, he said that his staff of 170 could "take off whenever they want for as long as they want". He added that there was no need to ask for approval, nor say when they planned to return, the assumption being that the absence would not damage the firm. Mr Branson said he was inspired by his daughter, who read about a similar plan at the online TV firm Netflix. "It is left to the employee alone to decide if and when he or she feels like taking a few hours, a day, a week or a month off," wrote the billionaire.

Branson

"The assumption being that they are only going to do it when they feel 100% comfortable that they and their team are up to date on every project and that their absence will not in any way damage the business - or, for that matter, their careers!" He added that he had introduced the policy in the UK and the US "where vacation policies can be particularly draconian". If it goes well there, Mr Branson said he would encourage subsidiaries to follow suit.

"We should focus on what people get done, not on how many hours or days worked. Just as we don't have a nine-to-five policy, we don't need a vacation policy," he wrote. The blog is an excerpt from a forthcoming book. Virgin Group employs more than 50,000 people around the world and operates in more than 50 countries. Mr Branson started the company in 1970 and it has gone from a mail order record company to having businesses in telecoms, travel and financial services.

Berlin luring more tourists with new mega-mall

 

German city is Europe’s fastest-growing destination and it’s expanding retail offerings for visitors with new 270-store Mall of Berlin.  Berlin, Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destination, is taking a page from Dubai’s play book by expanding retail offerings for the hordes of visitors. The Mall of Berlin, a 270-store complex that opened Thursday in the city center, gives the growing numbers of tourists who visit the German capital a new place to spend their money. Within a year, it’s set to become the country’s largest shopping center as 30 percent more space is added.

Berlin is expanding its retail offering after building dozens of hotels to keep pace with the influx of visitors. Like Dubai, the Persian Gulf sheikhdom that has the world’s biggest mall, Berlin’s growing reputation as a shopping destination is bolstering its economy. The Mall of Berlin, located on the site of the former Wertheim department store a 5-minute walk from Potsdamer Platz, has about 1 million square feet of shops in low-rise stone and glass townhouses that evoke the area’s prewar architecture.

The developer, Harald Huth, plans to expand the mall by about a third next year and the complex will include 270 luxury rental apartments centered around a  running track and garden. “This will be the most successful mall in Germany because we built something special at an extraordinary location,” Huth said by phone. Tenants include Guess, Karl Lagerfeld and Lacoste.

The new shopping center is made up of stone-clad, low-rise buildings that echo the original Wertheim’s architecture, with decorative arches around the courtyard and floral carvings on the benches. Large photographs of the Wertheim, which was seized from a Jewish family of the same name by the Nazis in 1937, hang in the complex. Huth, who designed the decorative flourishes himself, said he pored over old black-and-white photographs of the former emporium for inspiration.

The arcade in the middle, with an arched roof but open on both ends, helps integrate the mall into the city, giving life to what has been a dead zone since the Berlin Wall came down. The center will help revive Leipziger Platz and Wilhelmstrasse, which have little in the way of street life, with restaurants and stores facing out of the mall and onto surrounding sidewalks

 Distinction For Intercontinental Hotel in Athens

Athenaeum InterContinental Athens received the distinction of Greece’s Leading Conference Hotel for 2014 in the competition of World Travel Awards which was held for the first time in Athens last August. World Travel Awards, a contest held for the first time in 1993 as an effort to recognize and reward the most significant achievements in all areas of the field of Tourism. Professional devotees in the last few years have accepted this competition as a benchmark in the tourist industry. “This lofty distinction is acknowledged by us as a significant reward of our efforts” stated Panos Panagiotopoulos, director general of the Athenaeum InterContinental Athens. “Our motivation is to perpetually provide high quality services in the right environment in vast conference facilities. Our goal is to continue keeping the promise we give daily to our clients.”

European aviation to lose market share against Middle East

 

Losses for Europe

Growth of aviation industry is likely to be reported outside of Europe. According to the economic researcher Bernhard Felderer the market share of European air industry will be definitely smaller. Aviation industry is suffering from the growing Middle East competition, increasingly stringent regulations, high fees, flight prohibitions and geopolitical crisis.. Syria, Iraq, Egypt conflicts and now the Ukraine crisis have had a considerable impact on the industry. Even if pilots remain on the ground, they still need to be paid.  Food vendors are counting their losses due to the Russia / Ukraine crisis.

At a recent aviation symposium in Vienna, the president of the Austrian Aviation Association Mario Rehulka said: "Aviation is completely privatized and we don’t want new financial subsidies". Rehulka said that aviation industry in Europe is burdened by enormously slow process in infrastructure, emissions trading, ticket taxes, regulations, "escalating passenger rights", overregulation which can "bust" this industry. According to Chamber of Commerce Aviation Professionals Group representative Christian Domany, public opinion about aviation industry is raised only when some airline fails.

Rehulka stated that he didn’t understand Lufthansa strike when 5,400 pilots terrorized half a million passengers with six days of strikes. Passengers had to look for solutions and went to the main competitors from the Middle East. Now the situation is the same with seven days Air France strike.  Former AUA Board member pointed out: "Have you ever heard of strikes in Beijing, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul?" Middle East and Far East state owned airlines are being pushed with force to Europe and our businesses are suffering from that.

The economic researcher Felderer said that Europe would be lucky "if they can keep what they had before". The market share will be definitely smaller according to him. More than a quarter (26.4 percent) of airline business at the end of 2013 was in European hands. The majority of the world aviation belongs to the Asia / Pacific region (32.3 percent), 26.2 percent to North America. The rest is divided in Latin America / Caribbean (7.7 percent), Middle East (5 percent) and Africa (2.4 percent).

The share of the market of North America and Europe is getting continuously smaller. The growth of aviation in the Middle East, Far East and the Pacific region is expected to "rise dramatically". Since Europe passenger figures increased by 3.3 percent in the first half of 2014, the trend was clear. Emirates had 13.9 percent growth and Istanbul at least 11 percent.

Experience the Splendor of the Rhine

Viking River Cruises’ 2014 Rhine Getaway is one cruise you might consider as your next itinerary. You’ll be visiting all the highlights of the legendary river in just eight days. In Germany, see the many charming castles commanding the riverbanks as you sail by, and tour both Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Admire Cologne , the jewel of the Rhine, with its awe-inspiring Dom, and experience the lush landscape of the Black Forest region. Also, explore Holland’s famous windmills and waterworks, encounter multicultural Strasbourg in France and take part in the inviting nightlife in Rudesheim’s Drosselgasse. Then take the trip from your ship to Basel’s airport in Switzerland for the return trip.The Amsterdam to Basel cruise lasts eight days, sounts six guided tours in four European countries. The trips are available for October 24, , 25 and 31, and you can make your reservations by clicking vikingrivercruises.com….

40 Brits stranded at Corfu Airport for 72 hours

Forty British holidaymakers have been stranded in Corfu after Ryanair cancelled flights home due to bad weather. Passengers have had to endure 72 hours waiting to hear whether they can fly home - and some claim they have been told they may not be able to leave Greece until a week later.

Frustrated travelers have also said they have seen planes operated by other airlines - including easyJet and Thomas Cook - taking off from Kerkyra Airport since storms hit the holiday island. Les and Jane Andrews, from Huddersfield, are among the passengers, which include 40 Brits, stuck at airport for three days - with little information provided by the budget airline.

Stranded in Corfu

 Andrews, 57, said his wife, 52, who suffered a heart attack last year, has run out of her supply of tablets. He told the Examiner: 'It is pathetic and disgusting. This was my first trip with Ryanair and it has been horrendous. 'I was due to fly out to Manchester on Sunday and we've been stuck in the airport for three days. 'Some people have been given flights a week later, but there were no assurances. 'Nobody has come out and told us what is happening.' Some passengers had even lost their jobs as a result of the delays. 'We've also had no help from the Embassy which is disappointing.'

A spokesman for Ryanair explained: 'Due to adverse weather, Ryanair was regrettably forced to cancel two flights from Corfu to Manchester and Oslo Rygge on Sunday. 'Customers were provided with hotel accommodation and meal vouchers and advised of their options; to receive a full refund, transfer free of charge on to the next available flight or travel back by rerouting through other airports. 'Ryanair attempted to position extra flights into Corfu on two days, but all were unable to land due to weather.

Tipping: Never dare to do in Argentina, Oman and Japan

Never Tip in Anrgentina

 Knowing where and who to tip in different countries can be something of a social minefield.

But travel search site Wego has now constructed an easy-to-follow infographic revealing where and when to tip when travelling abroad. According to the infographic, no tipping should ever happen in Argentina, Japan, Oman, Yemen and France. In Austria, Brazil, Netherlands, Russia, Chile, South Africa, Ireland and Turkey, tipping is expected after eating in a restaurant, unless service charge is included.

Tipping is left up to the customer in countries including the UK, Norway, Spain, Denmark and Germany. Deciding whether to leave a tip in these countries depends on the quality of service or experience. 'In the US, low wage earners in the service industry are reliant on tipping to balance out their income, yet in Romania, tips are often declined and in Japan, tipping is considered offensive,' explains Joachim Holte, Chief Marketing Officer for Wego. 'It's wise to be aware of the tipping customs in each place you visit to avoid uncomfortable situations, ensure a smooth trip and avoid paying too much which is quite often the result. In Argentina for example, tipping is actually illegal, however, waiters often expect to be tipped by foreigners so if you were to tip, discretion is advised.’

 'Knowing which countries where you should leave a tip is just as important as knowing which countries not to. It's amazing how many travellers forget to research this all important component of visiting other countries. There are always considerations and dependencies in any country that you should investigate further before travelling,' Holte continued. For instance, in the UK, tipping for food in restaurants is OK, although unexpected as service charges are generally included. Yet, tipping for drinks at a bar is just not cricket!'

 Where restaurants are where you'd most expect to leave a tip as an acknowledgement of good food and service, some countries expect it for other areas of service too. In general, it's not uncommon to give a small tip to your porter as he drops off your luggage in your hotel room in most places. Rounding up your fare for taxi drivers is common in most countries, apart from New Zealand and Chile, where it's not expected at all. 'It seems that tipping traditions are evolving throughout the world as more people travel. Australia and New Zealand don't have a history of tipping, yet travelers who are unaware of this fact have heightened some expectations from service staff,' Holte added. 'If you haven't done your homework before you go, remember you can always ask what the custom is from hotel staff. Most people will appreciate you taking the time to find out, and it's a good way to avoid some very sticky situations.'

 

As The World Churns

By Bob Nicolaides

To understand why Florida gubernatorial candidate Democrat Charlie Crist insisted on having a fan blowing on him during the latest debate with Republican Rick Scott, which almost stopped the whole show in its tracks, thus earning the hashtag #fangate, you need to know something about Crist and sweat. Charlie Crist, burdened with an almost pathological disdain for humanity’s untidiness, hates to sweat….Attendees at a ceremony and social gathering on October 4^th at the Hellenic Museum witnessed legend author Harry Mark Petrakis being inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame…. 

 

Greek Children's Fund celebrates International Children's Day and UNICEF's 68th birthday on Sunday, December 7 at 10 am at the Petros G. Patrides Cultural Center, St. Demetrios Community Center 30-03 30th Dr, Astoria, NY ….The Greek Media Club is once again co-sponsoring "Pan Hellenism Weekend 2014" that’s taking place November 6-9 in Washington, DC. …HABA, OR Hellenic American Bankers Association held a discussion event with Ted Mathas, Chairman & CEO of New York Life on Tuesday, October 7 at Marsh, Inc…The Hellenic orthodox Community of Astoria, St Demetrios Cathedral and the Hellenic Music Foundation presented on October 19 the 5th Annual Opera & Ballet Concert at the Petros Petrides Center….The Cyprus Society of Philadelphia, Makarios III presents a Cyprus Night honoring All Cypriot Dancers of Greater Phila, past and present on Saturday, November 29 at the Adelphia Restaurant Deptford, NJ, with the Cosmopolitans Orchestra and the Cypriot Dancers  as entertainment…….Thanassis Vembos’ book The Anniversary just got a reprint and is available for your reading pleasure. It’s a fictional theme where the Soviet Union defeats the US in the cold War… Saturday, November 8 takes place the Scholarship ball for Hellenic Bar Association, Chicago….

 

Aniston, Kudrow & Cox

Jennifer Aniston privately celebrated the 20th anniversary of Friends by having a nice dinner at an upscale restaurant in West Hollywood with Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox. A few weeks ago, Aniston and the two had a mini-reunion when they reprised their former roles for a parody skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Sources for US Weekly say Aniston and the girls had a “laughter-filled dinner” at Sunset Tower, and Jennifer’s dinner party with half the gang inevitably sparked an undying rumor. Was it a hint towards a possible Friends movie reunion? But as far as solid projects for now, Aniston is "Mickey" Dawson, the wife of Frank Dawson (Tim Robbins), a successful developer in A Life of Crime. Frank is a mean golfer and a meaner husband. Having won the major annual tournament, he introduces her as "my other trophy". Blonde and tense, Mickey suppresses a grimace for the sake of their son Bo (Charlie Tahan). Bo is the light in her life, a promising tennis player. He doesn't like his father either..... Adam Grimanis the Greek American entertainer, Music enthusiast , & Member of Chris & The Crew is on 94.5 PST. Listen to him on week-days 6am-10am. They are funny and awesome!

Blood thirsty Gaga   Kosta Ferris Lady Gaga finally made it to Greece in late September and was greeted by packs of fans looking for her autograph. Her stadium attendance was a little on the thin side. (She arrived in Greece dressed as Sandro Boticelli's Venus, carried by her staff.) But there were some charges against her from the London Hotel where she stayed that she engages in satanic rituals and that she bathes in blood, or at least in a red liquid that she left behind in the bathtub when she checked out. …The Beer Festival at the St. George Lycabettus’ Grand Balcon (Athens) was held with grand success from Saturday September 27 to October 2 with Adam Tsarouchis providing the musical treats… Kosta Ferris, playwright and director of many big movie hits such as Rebetiko, has been honored in Athens by the League of Egyptiot Hellenes in cooperation with the Association of Hellenes of Cairo on Monday, September 29 at the SAE Hall in Athens. There was a medley of songs sang by the choir of SAE executed by seven musicians and three singers under the direction of maestro Yianni Lazaridis….Demi Roussos returned to Egypt where he was born once again, giving two performances in Alaxandria late in October and repeating them in Cairo too.. A Thespian group called Theatron Inc, which is the Theater of the Hellenic Cultural Center,  presents from Friday October 24th  through Sunday, November 23rd My Crazy Wife (Τρελαθηκε  η Γυναίκα μου).... Panos Kiamos was at the Melrose Ballroom from October 24 through November 1….. Ellada Pandou, the Open Festival called Greece Everywhere was concluded with great success in Hamburg, Germany at the Trade Office with the support of the organization Circle of Friendship and Exposure of everything Greek of Dr. Thanassi Bagatzouni and many others…Christos Alexandrou invites you to his event in New York, which is an ongoing one every Friday at 6:30 pm at Cavo Café Lounge in Astoria. It’s a Greek Dinner show, an evening of eclectic acoustic music, which blends the Greek with the international…. Accomplished international musicians from Greece and the US came together in New York for a one-night-only performance at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, on Tuesday, October 7. The occasion marked the CD release concert of “Aoratos,” a new work showcasing poetry by Greek literary legend Manos Eleftheriou and music penned by composer Pericles Kanaris. Greek vocalists Vasilis Papakonstantinou, Kostas Makedonas, Rita Antonopoulou, Lamprini Karakosta and cellist/Cretan lyra player Yiorgos Kaloudis joined forces in the album with artists from all over the world, among them Grammy award winners Neil Dorfsman, John Benitez and Shane Shanahan. Armenian-American percussionist Ara Dinkjian, who has collaborated with Greek music stars including Lina Nikolakopoulou and Eleftheria Arvanitaki, is also featured playing the oud. Pericles Kanaris co-produced the album with Canadian, NY-based producer/engineer Roman Klun. The album’s artwork was created by internationally acclaimed artist Lydia Venieri….., The Hellenic Medical Society of New York invites you to join them at their Seventy Eighth Annual Gala, celebrating "Horizons in Research", at the New York Palace Hotel in Manhattan. George D. Yanacopoulos and Nikos Mouyiaris will be the honorees of the night. RSVP to hellenicmed@gmail.com..……The Cyprus Society of Greater Philadelphia “Makarios III” presents A Cyprus Night Honoring All Cypriot Dancers of Greater Philadelphia (Past & Present) Saturday, November 29, 2014 at Adelphia Restaurant, 1750 Clements Bridge Road, Deptford, NJ 08096, featuring: The Cosmopolitans Orchestra & Cypriot Dancers of Greater Philadelphia…..

Food Network is releasing a Cutthroat Kitchen spin-off called Cutthroat Kitchen: Superstar Sabotage in October. According to the press release, Alton Brown will serve as host for the tournament series that pits "16 elite chefs" against each other in a cooking battle filled with, you guessed it, sabotages. Throughout the competition chefs will have to endure obstacles such as "cooking in a popcorn machine" and "swapping utensils and knives for tools made of cheese and banana leaves." Could Cutthroat Kitchen get any more ridiculous? Will someone please put Alton Brown's brain to better use? The five-part series features four chefs competing in each episode; the winners of each move on to the finale episode. The winner receives $75,000 for the charity of their choice. The competing chefs include Food Network personalities the likes of Michael Psilakis (Kefi, MP Taverna (3) NYC)). The show aired on Wednesday, October 8 at 9 p.m. E.T on Food Network… On Thursday October 16, Chicago's finest Greek chefs were all to be found under one roof at the Hellenic Museum, dishing up a multitude of cutting-edge culinary creations with a few new twists and exotic churns. … Celebrity chef Diane Kochilas was signing copies of her latest cookbook at the Chicago National Hellenic Museum's well-attended Kouzina

  

Word of the Month: Cosmetics: from Gr. Κοσμημα, however with a different meaning. Κόσμημα in Gr. would be interpreted as jewelry, baubles, but in English cosmetics is used to denote beauty aids, or καλλυντικά- διακοσμητικά (decorative) from the same root.

Travelogue… with Bob Nicolaides

Student confessed the hoax bomb alarm to easyJet flight

 

The Bomb was a Hoax

A student has admitted making a hoax phone call claiming there was a bomb on an Hatji Ioannou’s easyJet flight from London Gatwick to Turkey.  Muhammet Demir, 20, of no fixed abode, called police shortly before 4.30pm on Tuesday September 9 and said he has seen a bomb on the flight destined for Izmir. At the time, the flight was taxiing on the runway with 170 passengers on board.

It was recalled and met by armed police. Police officers, Gatwick and airline staff, traced the call to 20-year-old Demir, who had been due to board the flight. Although they established it was a hoax, the incident still delayed the flight by three hours. Police forces around the country were notified and Demir was arrested as he tried to board a flight at Luton Airport.

The Turkish national admitted making the call but did not say why. At Brighton Magistrates' Court this week, Demir pleaded guilty to a charge of communicating a false message to cause a bomb hoax. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before a crown court for sentencing on a date to be set.

Where Myths Come Alive
You want enchantment? Take the Venice to Istanbul 11-day Enchantment cruise onboard Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam and stop at Katakolon where you can be transferred by bus to Olympia, on to Nafplion and Athens, continue to Kusadasi, then on to Mykonos,  Rhodes, and Santorini before you head for the Dardanelles and end up in Istanbul.

Ancient Olympia

In ancient Olympia see the birthplace of the original and true Olympic Games, presided over a 40-ft satue of Zeus. The statue is gone but the temple ruins remain, along with the original marble starting blocks. In Delos, an isle adjacent to Mykonos reached by boat, you’ll see the mythical birthplace of Apollo and his sister Artemis (Diana) both children of Zeus and Leto.  Leto sought refuge on the island from the jealous Hera, Zeus’ consort, who was pursuing her. Poseidon anchored the floating island for the birth. Delos was declared sacred and ikt was forbidden for any mortal to be born or die on the island, which remains uninhabited today, occupied only by extensive ruins.

This  and many more sights on this trip the savings fare will cost you $1,999 with free cruise fares for third and fourth guests.   

 Hello Kitty Flights Now Headed To Paris Thanks To EVA Air

 

While the world wrestles with shock from the recent announcement that Hello Kitty is not a cat, a happier piece of news comes our way from EVA Air: cat or not, Hello Kitty planes will begin flying routes to Paris next month in celebration of Hello Kitty's 40th birthday (due to Kitty's youthful appearance, we assume this birthday is in cat years).

Kitty's Paris

EVA currently operates Hello Kitty flights between Taipei and Los Angeles -- besides featuring adorable Kitty scenes on the outside, the jets are tricked out to the Kitty max on the inside.

 Think Hello Kitty luggage tags for every passenger, Hello Kitty headrests and drink coasters, Hello Kitty soap in the lavatory and in-flight meals where every last melon slice, cheese piece and dessert cake is shaped like Hello Kitty's adorable head.

The new Paris flights will add in new Hello Kitty silverware, new Hello Kitty placemats and a new Hello Kitty menu (cat croissants, perhaps?). They'll fly from Taipei to Paris three times per week starting on Oct. 29.

According to the London Daily Mail, Sanrio reps say they designed the Hello Kitty flights to "make flying fun and spread happiness among passengers all over the globe."

 

Jet-ski crash killed a newly-wed on Greek Island

A British man, reported to have been two days into his honeymoon, has been killed in a jet ski crash on the Greek island of Santorini. Kingston-upon-Thames estate agent Jeremy Hope, 39, is reported to have collided with another jet ski driven by a friend, who had been at his wedding.



Jet ski kills groom

According to latest reports, the newly-wed continued sunbathing after the accident was later airlifted to hospital in Crete when he started to feel unwell. He died of severe head and chest injuries on the way. The friend, 29, was detained at Athens Airport as he tried to fly to visit Mr Hope in hospital. He was arrested, along with the owner of the jet ski hire company, and both are due to appear in court today, when they may be charged with negligent homicide.

Mr Hope and his bride Sarah Greaves, 29, were believed to be staying at four-star Antinea Hotel, a short walk from the beach.

 

Google to help small tourism business in Greece

 

Internet giant, Google, has done it again. This time, they have extended a helping hand to Greece's tourism industry, by initiating management courses for 3000 tourism related businesses. In an attempt to promote tourism in the dainty island of Crete, Google has made it a point to help small businesses flourish in the city.

Google help

Google has proved that nothing is impossible, especially when there is a will to accomplish a certain task. In order to help small companies setup their business successfully, Google will launch the mission in September. Depending on the success of the program, the methodology would be rolled out to benefit other prominent sectors.

This way Google is expected to help the Greek economy, which has been struggling to break free from the iron clad chains of recession. Industry union, Sete, reported that the whole economy is hoping to finally be able to move on after the bitter episode of economic reforms and recession. Google is said to make full use of their Google My Business and Google AdWords program in order to bring visibility and power to the companies struggling to leave a mark on the Internet.
What’s in it for Google? Google is one of the biggest Internet search providers in the world currently. The company has also been known to invest heavily in its philanthropic initiatives all throughout the world. Given the mutual interest related to the growth of the Greek economy, Google hopes to expand its horizons as the Greek economy flourishes over the oncoming years.

The Greek authority is currently expecting to welcome around 21 million tourists by the end of the year 2014. With the advent of the tourist season, the Greek Government can expect a whopping increase in the number of jobs available in the market over the oncoming months.

Manu, Peru: Is tourism harming remote tribes?   A pressure group is urging tourists to refrain from unsolicited contact with un-contacted tribes around the world, following reports of increased encounters with tribes in Peru. Visitors to the rainforests of the Manu National Park in Peru are being urged not to take part in “human safaris” aimed at providing voyeuristic sightings of members of the country’s last surviving un-contacted tribes. The call for restraint comes from Survival International, a pressure group fighting for the rights of tribal peoples worldwide. And it follows hot on the heels of disturbing reports of an increase in encounters between outsiders and the uncontacted Indian tribes of Peru. Last weekend, a missionary travelling in a tour company’s boat along the Madre de Dios river bordering the national park left clothes and food on the banks intended for members of the un-contacted Maschco-Piro tribe. At the same time, news emerged of an incident in May involving six Maschco-Piro women who entered a tourist lodge deep in the national park itself and removed metallic cooking pots. “We are very nervous about these developments and are urging all tourists to remain clear of the affected areas,” said Rebecca Spooner, Survival International’s campaigner for Peruvian tribal people. “These people have no immunity to diseases we take for granted such as flu and measles – diseases that can be contracted through wearing our clothes. Such gestures may be well intended, but there is a real risk that through unsolicited contact, an entire people could be wiped out.” The Manu Biosphere Reserve in the western part of the Amazon is one of the world’s greatest primary rainforests and home to more than 1,000 birds, 15,000 plants, countless types of trees and rare mammal species such as the jaguar and the giant river otter. Most visitors are more than happy to spend their time enjoying the spectacular scenery and the extraordinary scents and sounds of the forest. But there is an inevitable frisson about knowing that deep within that rainforest there are a number of “un-contacted” tribes, peoples who, while not wholly oblivious to the world around them, have chosen to keep themselves apart. The main threat to Peru’s estimated 15 un-contacted tribes comes from illegal loggers and miners wanting to exploit the resources on their lands. But there is a huge danger from curious tourists too – encouraged by companies that offer trips in which, they suggest, there may be a sighting of loin cloth-wearing tribes-people. “Two years ago we first started getting reports of companies seeking to 'sex-up’ their tours by offering possible sightings of tribes-people and we made a huge complaint,” said Spooner. “The laws were tightened forbidding publicizing such tours or using images of the tribes people on websites. Operators were also instructed not to stop if tribes-people were sighted along the banks of the Madre de Dios. Survival International is concerned that “human safaris” in Peru could escalate to the level of the extremely damaging tours through the Jarawa reserve in the Andaman Islands of India and is urging a temporary halt to tourist activity in the Manu National Park – and the affected neighboring areas until the situation stabilizes. Responsible tourist companies in the region are already heeding many of the guidelines and advising clients that itineraries may have to change at short notice should further tribal sightings be reported. “We are very aware of the dangers to un-contacted tribes of diseases visitors from the outside world may carry and if we are asked not to take our groups into the national park then we don’t,” said Quinn Meyer, the founder of Crees, a wildlife research centre in the Manu which aims at promoting a sustainable future for the region, and which last year started running tours. “If one of our boats did spot some un-contacted tribes on the river bank we would immediately turn around. We would never treat it as a photo opportunity. “Besides there is also a danger issue for us. The last thing we’d want is for one of our guests to be shot at by a bow and arrow.”

Archaeologists Return to Zante for Philip II of Spain shipwreck

 

The Shipwreck

A 16th century shipwreck that had been located in the eighties two kilometers off the port of Zakynthos island will be again in the focus of Culture Ministry's archaeologists studies. The 20-meter-long, vessel that shipwrecked near the port of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea most likely participated in the 1571 Naval Battle of Nafpaktos, one of the most important sea battles in world history.

The shipwreck, the only one discovered in Greece that dates back to the era of Philip II of Spain, was found in the 1980s by local speargun fishermen and in the 1990s it was studied by Greek archeologists in cooperation with Oxford University scientists. The part of its hull that was pulled out of the sea has been covered by geotextile to protect it from being eaten away by worms within the framework of an innovative method created by the Athens’ technological educational institutes (TEI).

However, the research has been interrupted four years ago. The archaeologists will stay on Zakynthos for approximately a month while in the research team participate divers that will dive in the area of the shipwreck in order to find and reveal the other part of the ship that is still under tons of mud.



Archaeological finds

Byzantine Grave Unearthed in Thessaloniki

A grave dating back to the Byzantine period and human remains were unearthed during works for the installation of underground waste containers along Thessaloniki's downtown Agia Sofia Street, it was announced on Wednesday.



The findings were located after workers dug a hole that was just one meter deep. According to deputy mayor Thanassis Pappas “the working crews found traces of a Byzantine wall, a Byzantine grave and a small vessel, most likely dating back to the 14th century AD. A second grave, partially destroyed by underground utility networks, with a human skeleton in it, was also found”.

The works for the installation of underground waste containers are carried out in the presence of archaeologists.      

 

 

Travelogue… with Bob Nicolaides

 

The world's largest solar-powered boat arrives in Greece

The world's largest solar-powered boat has arrived in southern Greece to participate in an ambitious underwater survey that will seek traces of what could be one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. The Swiss-Greek project starts now and archaeologists hope it will shed new light on how the first farming communities spread through the continent. Working near a major prehistoric site, they will investigate a bay aptly called Kiladha — Greek for valley. The area was once dry land and archaeologists operating off the MS Turanor Planet Solar hope it may contain sunken remains of buildings from Neolithic times, when farming started, about 9,000 years ago.Mission leader Julien Beck, from the University of Geneva, said  the team picked Kiladha Bay because it laps on Greece's oldest and most important Neolithic site, the Franchthi Cave. The cave was inhabited on and off for about 35,000 years — from 40,000 years ago when the first anatomically modern humans appeared, until mankind started using metal tools.

 

 

Ten stupid things tourists have done in Italy

 

Tourists have a habit of misbehaving in Italy, judging from recent headlines. From the Australian caught jumping into the Trevi Fountain to the Frenchman having an orgy in the Pompeii brothel, we’ve singled out ten of the most stupid things tourists have done.

Misbehaving tourists have become something of an occupational hazard for authorities in Italy of late. Hardly a week goes by without reports of yet another reckless holidaymaker wreaking havoc in one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. So for your amusement and – we hope – future reference, here is a list of ten of the most stupid things tourists have done in Italy:

It’s said to be a common fantasy: having sex in Pompeii's former red-light district, which is decorated with explicit frescoes. This week, a Frenchman and two Italian women were caught in mid-orgy in the Roman town and subsequently arrested. “They don’t understand the cultural value of the frescoes at all,” a tour guide complained to The Local.

It goes without saying that carrying a dangerous weapon isn’t the norm in Italy. But this was news to a 62-year-old German tourist (not the man in the photo) who was caught with a Samurai sword near a popular Catholic shrine in Naples. He told police he was carrying the weapon to protect himself.

Last year, an American tourist got into trouble after he accidentally snapped a finger off a 600-year-old statue in Florence's Galleria dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore by 14th- and 15th-century sculptor Giovanni d’Ambrogio. Ironically – or perhaps worryingly – the man turned out to be a surgeon.

An eternal reminder of a visit to one of Rome's most iconic monuments – or reckless vandalism? In case you were wondering, carving your name into the 2000-year-old Colosseum is against the law in Italy, as this hapless Dutchman and German woman (not the people pictured) discovered this week.. In January, an Australian father was charged with vandalism and his 12-year-old son reported to the public prosecutor of a juvenile court for the same offence.

Not only have tourists been caught carving their names into the priceless monument, but they have also been known to steal pieces of it. In March, a Canadian teenager tried to stow a brick in her backpack during a school trip. She was spotted by another visitor who took a photo and told the site staff, who in turn called the police. The brick was confiscated.

Dining al fresco may not seem like a crime but in October 2012, the Mayor of Rome made it illegal to consume snacks and junk food on or around the city’s monuments. Anyone caught doing so may now face a fine of between €25 to €500  ($32 to $650). One Italian police officer told NBC News that he once caught a group of tourists who had set up a table on the Spanish Steps, complete with tablecloth and cutlery.



Swim in the fountain

Tourists trying to recreate the famous Trevi Fountain scene in La Dolce Vita are not uncommon in Rome. In May, an Australian tourist was fined €180 after he jumped into the 250-year-old Baroque fountain. An onlooker even posted a video of it on YouTube.

An American girl angered residents in Florence when she was caught urinating at a taxi rank in the heart of the city. Taxi drivers and people sitting in Piazza Santa Croce looked on with dismay as she crouched between two cars to relieve herself. The scene was caught on camera by a taxi driver.

Some tourists just can’t resist the temptation to add a personal touch to some of Italy’s finest works of architecture, it would seem. Last year, a woman from Turkey was fined €160 for vandalism and told to clean the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence after attempting to scrawl names on it with nail polish. That same month, a German tourist was also ordered to clean the famous bridge and pay a €160 fine after his daughter drew on it with felt-tip pen.

In 2012 two young foreigners, believed to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol, were photographed having sex beneath the statue of medieval poet Dante Alighieri in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence. The incident sparked outrage in Florence and prompted city councilor Mario Razzanelli to complain that the area had become an “open-air brothel”.

 

 

Exclusive Collection from TUI

 

Thomson and First Choice have launched a range of exclusive excursions, bookable online and in store. The 'Collection' is a set of excursions designed to help customers get a true taste of the destination they're visiting. According to parent TUI, each one has also gone through a checklist to guarantee that they include sustainability principles and have no commercial stops.

 All excursions must have at least three of the six features that have been put in place to set them apart from excursions offered by other tour operators. Where possible they will also include wi-fi on the excursion, point out local gems that only a tour guide with detailed local knowledge will find and be all-inclusive. At present, excursions are available in Majorca, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, Tenerife, Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata and Punta Cana) and Turkey (Dalaman).

"We're very conscious about the impact of our holidays on the environment and local community and are always looking at ways of reducing this, and including our excursions in this is the next step for us," said Jane Ashton, group director of sustainable development.

India: Houseboat industry under scanner for sex tourism

 

ALAPPUZHA: The district administration has initiated steps for monitoring the houseboat industry following reports of sex tourism and possibility of extremist elements using the facilities.

The move follows an alert from additional director general of police (intelligence) A Hemachandran. District collector N Padmakumar has sought reports from the district police chief and the port officer— who is responsible for issuing licences to houseboats—in this regard.

"The ADGP alerted us that there is no efficient monitoring of the houseboat industry. He wanted us to take action against sex tourism and check details of those renting these houseboats. He even warned us that houseboats could turn a safe haven for extremists," Padmakumar said.

He said the district administration would soon form squads in association with port department and police and start raiding houseboats in September.

India Houseboat

People associated with the industry confirmed reports of sex tourism. "We have arranged sex workers for some guests who demanded such services. However, we try to avoid such guests," said Akhil, a houseboat employee from Muhamma.

Anu Renjith, district manager of state AIDS control society's 'Suraksha' project, said 800 of 1,528 sex workers in Alappuzha worked in association with the industry. She said only 20 houseboat operators had allowed the society to install condom boxes in their boats as part of its safe-sex initiative.

District tourism promotion council secretary C Pradeep also said not all houseboat operators followed its directives. "Only 637 of the 1,000-1,200 houseboats operating in the district have completed the registration process. We had stopped giving permission for new houseboats last year but new houseboats are still being launched."

He said all houseboat operators were instructed to keep a clients' register following the houseboat accident in Punnamada Lake on January 26 last year, which claimed four lives. "They were also directed to submit the register to the DTPC for inspection but they protested against it, We don't have a clear picture about tourists hiring houseboats."

He said around 2,59,000 domestic tourists and 58,000 foreign tourists had visited the district last year, as per the records from hotels and resorts.

R R Joshiraj, a major houseboat operator, said the industry never encouraged sex tourism. "Such instances could be there. But the majority are ready to cooperate with the government in cracking down such illegal practices," he added.

 

Killer beach in Cyprus gets 15th victim

 

PAPHOS beaches head is pressing for permanent measures to be undertaken at a deadly stretch of coastline which claimed its 15th victim.  A 60 year old Russian tourist drowned in the deadly seas off the Chlorakas coastline, in front of his wife and ten-year-old son. Attempts were made to resuscitate the man but police said he was pronounced dead at Paphos general hospital.

He was the 15th victim to lose his life in the deadly waters in the last ten years. There have also been hundreds of reported near-drownings, most of these victims were guests staying at hotels and tourist apartments in the area.

 Head of the Paphos municipality beaches committee Andreas Chrysanthou told the Cyprus Mail: “This is a tragic loss of life but sadly this is human behavior. People often don’t consider the risk and are confident that they are good swimmers and can handle any situation. But this isn’t the case.”

Chrysanthou added that Paphos municipality had taken every possible measure to warn the public of the dangers of swimming in the area and to ensure their safety. “There are huge signs in place all along the shoreline in Greek, English, Russian, French and German informing people of the dangerous rip currents, as well as red flags.”

There is no designated lifeguard on duty because the area has been officially declared as unsuitable for swimming and extremely dangerous. However, Chrysanthou noted that a nearby hotel had employed a member of staff to warn people not to swim at this beach.  The deadly stretch of coast – with its rip currents and high waves – runs for about five kilometers from Chlorokas to Kissonerga in a popular tourist area.

The beaches’ head said the council were presented with a detailed study of that area last Thursday, which they are now pressing to implement by the end of the year.  “We are determined to find a solution to the problems in the area once and for all.”

 The study found that it will cost around €1 million to complete all of the necessary structural work at the beach, which will include wave breakers. The councilor said that the public works department has assured the municipality that although the state is broke, they would endeavor to obtain the money for the structural fund from the EU- hopefully by the end of the year.  “We are pressuring the government to implement this study quickly. The local hotel owners were also present at the meeting and agreed with the study.”  According to Chrysanthou, the structural drawings are ready, and in early September the technical school of Athens will make a 3D model to predict how the rip current will behave after the study has been implemented, with 90 per cent accuracy. “We will then proceed with the tender process and seek the necessary funding,” he said.

 The mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas is meeting with the minister of communications and works to try and speed up the process, which has the backing of the beaches committee, the municipality and local businesses, he noted.  “I believe the only solution for this area is create these wave breakers. And €1 million is nothing compared with a human life and the negative impact for tourism in Paphos,” said Chrystanthou.