AIRPORT NAMES
WHATS IN AN AIRPORT NAME
Some airports you may wish to avoid in your travels around the world?
Batman, Turkey
Useless Loop, Australia
Black Tickle, Canada
Mafia, Tanzania
Moron, Mongolia
Ogle, Guyana
Pickle Lake, Canada
Airport names that may offend?
Fukui, Japan
Pratt, USA
Shafter, USA
Phi Phi, Thailand
Fak Fak, Indonesia
Strange ones
Wee Waa, Australia
Wanna Wanna, Australia
Flin Flion, Canada
Muko Muko, Indonesia
Sabi Sabi, South Africa
Avoid these?
Asbestos Hill, Canada
Desolation Sound, Canada
Mysore, India
Deadhorse, USA
Danger Bay, USA
Colon, Panama
Animal Lover?
Monkey Mia, Australia
Big Trout, Canada
Sheep Mountain, USA
Snake River, Canada
Big Bear, USA
Some IATA Airport Codes
DIK
NOB
KOK
BUM
POO
SEX
BOG
Safe arrival, whichever airport you land in!
CHEAP FLIGHTS
RYANAIR THE NO FRILLS AIRLINE
Ryanair, the low cost Irish airline was formed in 1985, flying from Waterford in the Republic of Ireland to London. In 2009 it expects to fly 70 million passengers on 830 low fare routes to 143 destinations, mainly in Europe. Its fleet of around 190 Boeing B737-800s which have an average age of 3.1 years is claimed to be the newest, greenest and quietest in Europe.
Unlike many international carriers it remains profitable in the current recession. One factor in this success is the amount generated by Ancillary Revenue. This is income derived from sources other than ticket sales. This has lead to the airline being described, by a consumer magazine, as The Worst Offender For Charging For Optional Extras.
Its current success has certainly been achieved by an aggressive no-frills business strategy. For some time it has charged for any checked in baggage and has abolished free in-flight meals. It claims to have also convinced pilots to reduce the discretionary fuel load ( A safety margin for possible diversions)
In 2009, Ryanair abolished airport check in, with all passengers required to check in on-line and print out their Boarding Cards. Passengers arriving at an airport without such cards will be charged £40 for a re-issue.
Ryanair has been accused of seeking publicity by suggesting bizarre ideas to reduce costs. These include, removing 2 toilets to add seats, charging for the use of a toilet, charging extra for overweight passengers and asking passengers to carry baggage out to the aircraft. And one, which I am sure would not get past the Civil Aviation Authority, was to re-design aircraft to permit standing passengers!
It has certainly been criticised for a cavalier attitude to customers. Having lost a battle to provide wheelchairs for disabled passengers it retaliated by imposing a ticket surcharge to ticket prices.
Its advertising tactics have upset other airlines such as British Airways and Sabena, prompting several court battles. It also had to withdraw a claim that its flight to Brussels from London was faster than Eurostar. Despite all this controversy, Ryanair is a very successful airline as evidenced by its current profitability and growing passenger numbers.
The moral seems to be if you want cheap flights, it’s a short trip, you are prepared to be hungry, do not have check in baggage and do not forget to print out your boarding pass, then Ryanair is for you. Remember, you cannot contact the airline by e-mail or via their website. Only contact is via a premium telephone line. As you would expect!
NEW YORK STATE FAIR
The 163RD GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR 27 AUGUST-7 SEPTEMBER 2009
In the United States, State Fairs are as traditional as American Hot Dogs and Baseball. From basic roots as a Farmer’s Exposition with livestock and agricultural attractions, Fairs have evolved into a showcase of musical entertainment, with competitions expanded into food, wine, art and talent shows, plus amusements, rides and parades.
The Great New York State Fair,the nation’s first such event, took place in 1841 in Syracuse, NY. From 1842 to 1889, the fair travelled around eleven cities in the State before settling in 1890 in a permanent home in Syracuse in Onondga County. In 2009 it is located on the 375 acre site of the Empire Expo center in Syracuse.
In this article we highlight some of the major competitions and attractions for 2009.
THE MIDWAY
Every State Fair has the thrills, fun and games of its Midway. New York State Fair has the last remaining Railroad Carnival with all the traditional favourites, provided by The James E. Strates Midway.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
There are 12 days of great musical entertainment, with 2 shows per day on The Stan Collela Stage at Chevy Court. The New York Central Mutual Insurance Concert Series includes Grand Funk Railroad,The Four Tops, Sha Na Na, Rick Springfield, Boyz II Men, MC Hammer and many others.
At the Mohegan Sun Grandstand there are 7 shows plus the NYS Tractor Pulling Championship and the NYS Demolition Derby.
Once the animals have left, the Beef Barn Jamboree fills the show ring with country music on 25th, 28th and 4th September.
HORSES AND ANIMALS
Cows, pigs, sheep, goats and even Llamas compete for top honours daily in the Show Ring. The New York State Fair Horse Show is the largest in the North East States and features daily competitions. There are even competitions for Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits and Cavies
COMPETITIONS
There are also competitions to suit all interests. The Culinary Competitionsees the state’s pies, bread, jams and cakes together with chicken wings, chilli and fried food, vying for the prize ribbons.
In the Little Ceasars Talent Showcase, New York’s kids and teenagers sing and dance in a version of American Idol.
The competitions list also includes
Antique Tractors
Antique Automobiles
Arts and Crafts
Photography
Wine
Flowers
Wildlife Art
ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS AND THE YOUNG AT HEART
Bwana Jims Wildlife Show. Get up close with alligators, snakes, armadillos and wild animals.
Coronas Hollywood Circus with a kid fest and a Giraffe Zoo.
Michael Hilby, a German juggler on a giant unicycle.
Moo Country where the kids can pet and feed calves.
The Sea Lions Splash with natures comedians.
Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade.
Bear Mountain where Syrian Bears ride bicycles and play basketball.
The Hollywood Racing Pigs and lots more.
Finally, away from the thrills of the big Midway there is Kiddieland, a smaller and more child friendly Midway.
SPECIAL EXIBITIONS AND ATTRACTIONS
Butter and Cheese Sculptures
The Famous Harlem Wizards
Masters of The Chainsaw Sculpture
Iroquois Indian Village
FOOD
State Fairs require stamina, so good food is esential and probably lots of it! There are covered eating areas throughout the fairgrounds. Visit The Heluva Good Potato Booth for a steaming hot potato covered in your favourite topping. Sample the traditional maple products at The New York Maple Center. Try the delicious ice cold milk served at The Rainbow Milk Bar produced and processed the same day from The Toyota Dairy Cattle Center. Sample a glass of New York State Wine at the tented Uncork New York Wine Village.
Finally, watch out for the Knights riding fearsome dragons around the fairgrounds and do not miss the The Daily Parade at 6.00pm each with its marching bands, costumed characters and antique vehicles.
Before you leave, complete your shopping with a visit to The American Center of Progress which showcases innovative and time saving gadgets.
Enjoy yourselves and join the expected one million visitors at the New York State Fair and have a great time.
AIRLINE SAFETY
WORLDWIDE AIRLINE SAFETY
Recently, Yemenia Airlines Flight IY626 with 153 persons on board crashed on a flight from Sa’ana, the Yemeni capital, to the Comoros Islands. The aircraft crashed into the sea near the island of Grande Comore. Subsequent enquiries revealed that the 20 year old Airbus A310 had been banned from flying into France because of faulty maintenance issues.
This fact has reignited the debate on possible safety and maintenance deficiencies in the world’s airlines.
Despite efforts at creating an international list of rogue airlines, the European Union is the only body to produce a blacklist of carriers and ban them from entering European airspace.
The EU admits that the list is not exhaustive and has been subject to political interference. Certain airlines have circumvented the ban by leasing aircraft from approved carriers.
The current list shows 215 airlines banned from entering European airspace, with a further 3 carriers allowed in with certain operational constraints.
The list contains mainly minor Asian and African airlines with 55 per cent being from the African continent. Garuda, the main Indonesian carrier has recently had its ban lifted.
The following is a summary of banned airlines per territory:
Democratic Republic of Korea 1
Republic of Sudan 1
Afghanistan 1
Cambodia 1
Rwanda 1
Ukraine 3
Angola 18
Benin 9
Democratic Rep of Congo 57
Equatorial Guinea 10
Indonesia 48
Kazakhstan 45
Kirghiz Rep 18
Gabon 6
Sierra Leone 8
Swaziland 6
Zambia 2
Certain airlines from Gabon, Aruba and Bangladesh are subject to specific operational constraints.
The list is not exhaustive and I must say that we have travelled in some aircraft that would certainly merit inclusion. Some trips in Nigeria and China were without doubt, white knuckle rides.
Aviation safety standards in Europe are some of the best in the world. Perhaps it is time for international action in this matter.
AIRLINE PUNCTUALITY
Chaucer once wrote that there are lies, dammed lies and statistics. However, recent statistics on airline punctuality and baggage losses have shown that the current recession and associated downturn in passenger numbers and cuts in airline capacity, has meant an improvement in punctuality and less baggage losses.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority reported that in January-March 2009, around 80% of flights arrived early or within 15 minutes of scheduled times in the UK. These are the best ratings since the mid 1990’s and may be linked to a 9 per cent cut in the overall number of flights by ailing carriers.
UK PUNCTUALITY
Figures for scheduled flights to and from the UK, show the average delay in minutes, percentage of arrivals and departures within 15 minutes and the number of flights involved. Airline rankings for the period January - March 2009 show:
1st KLM 5.6 mins, 90.9 5881
2nd bmi 5.9 mins 91.3 4874
8th Lufthansa
12th Delta
14th SAS
19th British Airways (67049 flights)
21st Air France
22nd United
23rd Easyjet (40273 flights)
27th American
31st Virgin Atlantic
33rd Continental
34th Air Canada
35th Iberia Only 59% within 15 mins
Low Cost Airlines
1st bmi baby
2nd Ryanair (33382 flights)
3rd Flybe (24147 flights)
4th Easyjet (40273 flights)
Figures for the USA in 2008, show US Airways as the most punctual of the big six US carriers. 80.1 per cent of the airline flights arrived within 15 minutes of schedule which was an improvement of 16.5 per cent on 2007 and ranked US Airways above American, Continental, Delta, United and Northwest.
In general, punctuality improved across the USA with the 19 largest carriers recording on time arrival of 76 per cent compared to 73.4 per cent in 2007.
Delayed Baggage
Overall the number of missing bags was 13 per 1000 passengers, compared to 15.5 in Winter 2008. The best performer was Turkish Airlines with 4.5 bags per 1000 with Iberia, the worst at 19.2. Virgin Atlantic was the best UK carrier ranked third with British Airways at 22nd.
We hope that on your next trip you arrive on schedule and of course with your baggage!
PET AIRWAYS
It appears that pets travelling by air is very much in the news. In the US a new airline called Pet Airways, designed to fly pets exclusively, will make its inaugural flight on July 14th.
Pet Airways intends to operate flights to and from Baltimore/Washington International, Midway in Chicago, Rocky Mountain Airport near Denver, Hawthorne Municipal in LA and Republic Airport on Long Island. Fares range from $149 - $299. Many of the inaugural flights are already fully booked. Expansion from one to 20 aircraft is planned for the end of 2009.
The airline will use a modified Beechcraft B1900, 19 seat, twin engined aircraft with all human passenger fittings removed to make room for special pet carriers fitted with special restraints. A climate controlled system will ensure pet comfort and attendants will make 15 minute checks on the ‘Pawssengers!’
Although UK based specialist companies exist, pets must travel in the hold. The Spanish budget airline, Clickair, will be the first European carrier to allow pets in the cabin. From July 2009, dogs, cats and rabbits may travel with their owners in the cabin in suitable containers. There is a weight limit of 17lbs and fares will be £19 for Spanish internal flights and £33 internationally.
Despite this breakthrough in pet travel, it seems that the jury is still out. Humans travel safely in a pressurised cabin with human interaction and ample food and drink. (If some airline food can be so described) Pets however are normally banished to the dark baggage hold with noise, lower air quality and often low temperatures. Airlines have also been known to lose Fido.
Certainly, Pet Airwayshas solved these problems and without passengers the allergy problem will not exist. There are no size restrictions and both Mastiffs and your Chihuahua can travel in the cabin. Nor will there be any moron wanting to take Tabatha for a walk or Buster for a potty break.
In conclusion, a personal opinion is that if you have to transport a pet, it deserves to travel in a safe, humane and stress free manner. The animal welfare groups will applaud, the environmentalists will cry, increased carbon emissions!
PET TRAVEL
FLYING CATS AND DOGS
Our readers who are pet owners may be interested to learn that Air Canada and its subsidiary Air Jazz is now allowing passengers to bring a cat or small dog into the cabin of the aircraft. Pet travel is set to become the new airline gimmick.
The cost will be $50 for flights in North America and $100 on international sectors. Guide dogs will travel free.
Depending on the type of aircraft only 2-4 animals will be allowed per flight so as not to upset passengers with allergies.
The cats or dogs must not weigh more than 22lbs or 10 kg, including the transit box and must fit under the seat. This rule will obviously rule out Great Danes or German Shepherds!
Personally, I am not sure of the advantage. Most dogs and cats travel quite happily in the pressurised baggage hold. I suppose Fido or Tabby could enjoy some tidbits in-flight from their owners food tray, then they too could turn their noses up at air line food!
Allowing only a few dogs or cats on board is supposed to be a help to those with allergies. I really don’t think enough thought or research has gone into this. Most people with allergies would find even one animal enough to trigger rashes or asthma. If the person either side of you is transporting a pet you are going to have one miserable flight. I just don’t see it catching on. Apart from the allergic aspect of the new travelers what about the barking or yowling from terrified pets. What with crying children, games machines, mobile phones and the general hubbub of the passengers, flying is definitely not a relaxing pastime. I expect the new pet travel scheme to make the travelers life even worse!
BANANA BOAT CRUISE
You may not associate buying a bunch of bananas in your local supermarket with a cheap cruise to Central America but there is a holiday connection. There are places available on a Banana Boat Cruise.
If the thought of noisy entertainment, strenuous deck games, over planned shore excursions and competition to eat a formal dinner at the Captains table don’t particularly excite you, there is a cheaper and quieter alternative.
There are still freight companies, following in the tradition of famous names such as Fyffes and Geest, offering the rare combination of fare paying passengers and ripening bananas traveling across the Atlantic.
Typical vessels are now Reefer ships with refrigerated containers on deck and accommodation for up to a dozen passengers. 12 is a magic number, since above this number means the ship has to carry a doctor. Companies operate age limits and good health is obviously essential. The round trip is about 35 days in total and costs are in the region of $100 per day.
Accommodation is usually in 6 twin bed cabins with a steward, en suite bathroom, with access to a sun deck and in some cases a pool. The salon will have a bar, library and TV/video facilities. Passengers eat with the Captain and his Officers.
The ship will leave Europe with a general cargo and a typical itinerary will be a 9-day crossing to the West Indies with calls at Guadeloupe and Martinique. Although only a few hours in port, passengers may wish to stay longer and either fly home or await the next ship. Final destination is Moin in Costa Rica, calling at Cartagena and Turbo in Columbia.
At Moin the return cargo of bananas is loaded. Harvesting is a race against time and the fruit must be at the supermarket within 20 days and is shipped green, at less than 14.5 degrees C, to allow perfect ripening. The 1-2 days in port will allow sightseeing ashore. The return 13 day trip to Europe is direct and non stop across the Atlantic.
If you require casinos and the frenetic activity found on board conventional cruise ships, this is not for you. Your fellow passengers will probably be older, retired professionals with some younger people looking for a different travel experience. You will spend time relaxing, reading, chatting, perhaps making lasting friendships or just watching the ocean slip by. Remember to take that favourite book with you or any other hobby items that you haven’t had time for in your busy schedule.
Selecting a bunch of bananas in the supermarket may now give you new ideas and prompt you to take a holiday with a difference, a Banana Boat Cruise.
HOLLAND FOR A CITY BREAK
In a previous article we took a light hearted look at the City of Amsterdam. One of our readers, quite rightly, has pointed out that certain aspects of Amsterdam, in particular, the red light district and the coffee shop, cannabis culture are unlikely to be found elsewhere in this delightful country. From personal experience we fully agree with this comment, having found The Netherlands to be a clean, well organised country, with a most hospitable people. Even the trains run on time! So why not try Holland for a city break.
THE HAGUE
This is a city with many historic buildings with a long cultural legacy in evidence in over 30 museums. The Het Binnenhof is the centre of Dutch politics and is where the Dutch Parliament meets. Its magnificent Ridderzaal or Knights Hall was built by Count Floris V in the 13th Century.
The Peace Palace was a gift from Andrew Carnegie to the city. Many nations contributed to its construction and it now houses The International Court of Justice.
TheRoyal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis is located next to The Binnenhof on the beautiful Hofvijver Pond and houses Dutch masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Ruebens and Van Dijck.
The Hague also enjoys two great beaches, Scheveningen and Kijkduin.
UTRECHT
This University City is in the heart of Holland and one of its oldest. It is famous for its pedestrian quaysides along its 14th Century sunken canals.
The 112 metre high Dom Tower provides magnificent views of the city, although we think the city is best seen from the water. You have the choice of a Venetian Gondola, a Plof Boat or an electric Whisper Boat.
Throughout the year, Utrecht is alive with exciting festivals. These include The International Spring Dance Festival and The Holland Festival of Old Music. Cultural Sundays see the parks and squares full of dance, music and theatre.
Utrecht is a shoppers paradise with Hoog Catharijne, which is one of the best known shopping malls in Holland. Sidewalk and quayside cafes are plentiful and traditional food includes the giant pancakes sprinkled with icing sugar for which Holland is famous.
MAASTRICHT
Located in the Meuse valley near the Belgium and German borders, Maastricht is the oldest fortified city. City highlights include, The Caves of St. Peter which date back to Roman times and are a labyrinth of thousands of man made passages.
Between 1574 and 1825 mining activities created The Casemates which were used in times of a siege. They are now a unique military monument.
TheTreasure St. Servatius and Our Lady Basilicas are imposing buildings housing many of Maastricht’s artifacts and treasures.
The nearbySouth Limburg Region has medieval castles, Roman remains and vineyards to explore.
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is one of the worlds largest ports and is situated on the mighty Maas River. From the 1920s Rotterdam has enjoyed international recognition as a centre of modern architecture. Today it is the only Dutch city with a true skyline.
Architectural features include, The Erasmus Bridge, which connects north and south Rotterdam. The Het Witte Huis (White House) which was the first skyscraper in Europe in 1898. Its height of 45m pales in comparison with modern skyscrapers.
The only survivor of medieval Rotterdam is the St. Laurens Church, a basilica of the Utrecht design. It was built between 1449 and 1525, using brick with sandstone dividing bands.
The De Kiefhoek housing estate built from 1928 to 1930 was considered a daring project with new concepts in its time and was intended for poorer working class families
A visit to the largest port in Europe must includea river tour of the gigantic cargo handling facilities. Due to continual redevelopment, the old inner city docks have become picturesque quayside areas with shops, restaurants and bars. These include The Veerhaven, The Oude Haven and The Delfshaven from where The Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America in 1620.
Shopaholics will not be disappointed with Rotterdam. Nieuwe Binnenweg is the coolest in the city. Witte de Withstraat is right in the centre and the most arty. Bijenkorf is a great department store. Lijnbaanis open 7 days a week and is Rotterdam’s oldest centre. Kop van Zuid is in a former warehouse and houses shops, restaurants and bars. Finally, Biennenrotte Square is one of Hollands largest markets selling food, flowers, fish and books.
ALKMAAR
Alkmaar, a 30 minute train ride north of Amsterdam and is Holland’s Cheese City and is home to Gouda Cheese. The city sits astride The Groot Noordhollandsch Canal, completed in 1867 to shorten the sea route to Amsterdam. Unique are the Floating Bridges, whose centre sections slide under the fixed end sections. Today the canal is mainly used for recreational purposes.
The weekly cheese market has become a major tourist attraction. The cheeses are sold by dealers on a clap of hands. Thereupon the 400 year old Cheese Porters Guild goes into action, carrying the cheese off on ornamental barrows, after the lot has been weighed at the Waag (the official scales), a most photogenic building. In the Waaggebouw (in which the scales are housed) is a cheese museum.
The city centre has many historic buildings, courtyards and old facades in its narrow streets. The 16th Century Town Hall, The Waag and Grote St Laurens Church are among the most picturesque. The ultra modern Canada Square has 5 cultural institutions and showcases art, books, music and theatre
With its Noorder Arcade, Alkmaar is considered the second shopping city in The Netherlands. Its many museums include The National Beer Museum.
Impressive cycle paths are a special attraction in Holland and apart from the Amsterdam-Alkmaar Route, two other national cycle routes pass through Alkmaar
There is no doubt that The Netherlands is a great tourist destination. It offers photogenic old and new architecture, a lively nightlife, beautiful countryside, picturesque old villages, great cycling, an abundance of windmills, interesting waterways and quaint quayside bars and restaurants. The latter serving delicious food, pastries and bread found only in Holland. Its flat terrain makes it ideal for walkers and cyclists. All of this in a clean and well organised country with an hospitable and predominately, English speaking population. So if you are looking for a holiday with a difference try Holland for a city break.
10 TOP INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS JUNE/JULY 2009
The month of June sees the start of the Summer Music Festival season. Here are 10 top International Music Festivals from around the world, taking place in June/July 2009
BONNAROO MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
11-14 June
MANCHESTER, Tennessee
ISLE OF WIGHT
11-13 June
Newport, IOW, UK
HARTERA ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
12-13 June
Hartera, Croatia
TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
18-21 June
Telluride, Colorado
NOVA ROCK
19-21 June
Nickersdorf, Netherlands
GLASTONBURY
25-27 June
Pilton, Somerset, UK
TUSKA OPEN AIR FESTIVAL
26-28 June
Helsinki, Finland
SUMMERFEST
29- 3 July
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
1-12 July
Montreal, Canada
WATERSTOCK
2-6 July
Blenheim Palace, Oxford, UK
