TRAVEL ANECDOTES

BBC Earth Explorer

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:05:00 +0000

THE NEW AIRBUS 380 WHAT IS THE "HOOPLA" ABOUT THIS PLANE?

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:59:00 +0000

The Airbus 380, the much talked about aircraft, a rival to the Boeing 747, is an
aircraft where luxury is not a dirty word!
For those who can afford to pay for it!

Yes, Airbus which sells each aircraft for a whopping US$327 million, made quite a splash, when the A380 made it's maiden flight in Toulouse back a few years ago.

Every airline wanted to have one!

What with it's gallery, bar, flat beds, 31" plasma tv's, the champagne, the showers (Emirates Airlines), and hordes of novelties, made the "mother of all passenger aircraft" a "must see and fly" among the aircraft enthusiasts.

First Class

How does the average, John Doe traveller, flying this aircraft

will think about this aircraft will it be any different than the 747 that we have been used to fly for years?

Bar

In my humble opinion, the answer is a resounding "Yes". If you can afford the First Class, business Class and Economy Premium Class fares!

Shower (On Emirates Airlines only)

For us the "John Doe" average traveller, the economy seats will still be arranged to maximise revenue for the airline, make no mistake about it the 3cm extra legroom is not going to take your breath away.

Duty-free shop area

Still, it's called economy class for a reason. Most adults will find it cramped and uncomfortable after hours in the air and the toilets are still pokey.

All passengers can gain access to webmail such as hotmail or Gmail and SMS can also be sent and received through the in-flight system. Laptop and USB ports are built into every seat and more than 100 movies are available.

Mood lighting throughout the plane is meant to help fight the effects of jet lag and enhanced cabin soundproofing noticeably lowers noise levels during flight.

Yes folks, if you have a deep pocket, to the tune of A$21,700 return for a Sydney-London-Sydney,business class fare, than this aircraft is definitively for you!

However, most of us, do not have the luxury, to spend that kind of money, for that kind of trip.

So, it's back to basics! The good old economy class or as some writers calls it "the cattle class" for the majority of us.

Happy and safe flying, to you all.

Harry

TRAVEL SCAMS - Don't be the victim of one.

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:41:00 +0000

I have been travelling for over 40 years now and during all these years travel scammers have become
more cunning and more sophisticated in trying and
sometimes succeeding in ruining your hard earned holidays.

Here below are some of the most popular scams going around.

This article is to help not only the novice travellers but also some of the would be "experienced" traveller alike.

Taking note and being aware of these scams will prevent you from losing your valuables.

SCAM No:1

The Hotel switch.

You get into a taxi and ask to be taken to a certain hotel, only to be told by the driver that he just tried to take someone else there and the hotel was full.
He helpfully recommends another hotel, which just happens to have a vacancy - and happens to pay
commission to taxi drivers.

Here's how to avoid this scam:ring from the airport to make a booking or ask the taxi driver to wait while you check that the hotel has a room (don't leave your bags in the taxi!).

SCAM No:2

The shoe cleaner.

A kid in the street points out that you have bird poo on your shoe and says he can clean it off for a modest sum.
He just happens to have a shoe cleaning kit under his arm - and guess how the poo got on your shoe in the first place?

How to avoid it: just laugh and pay up - many street kids make a living out of shoe cleaning. If
you don't pay up the hassles will continue until your patience is tested to the breaking point, is it worth it for a measley few cents?

SCAM No:3

The shirt slash.

Watch for this one folks as it is getting into the serious side and it may ultimately, make you loose
your cash or other valuables that you are carrying with you.

A member of a gang slashes the shirt of your travelling companion while another mugs you for your jewellery or camera.

How to avoid it: don't be a target - buy yourself a cheap plastic watch and leave all your jewellery in a safe place at home.

SCAM No:4

The card swipe.

The shopkeeper tells you he/she needs to go out the back to process your credit card, when what she really means is to copy your credit card.
This is also sometimes done under the counter, where the card is swiped through a second machine that records the details.

How to avoid it: never let your credit card out of your sight and only use it in well-established shops and restaurants.

SCAM No:5

The luggage slash.

You put your padlocked bag up on the rack while you sleep on the train and when you wake up you discover your bag has been cut open and half emptied.

Locking your bag to the rack with a bike lock is a good start but many thieves simply slash bags open to rifle through them.

How to avoid it: use a hard-shell, lockable suitcase or
invest in a Pacsafe protector, a tough wire net that goes around your rucksack.

SCAM No:6

The dodgy taxi.

It is amazing how often a "broken" taxi meter suddenly comes to life when you threaten to get another taxi. Or how a 10-minute trip can take half an hour, with a lot of twists and turns.

Dodgy taxi drivers are one of the most common complaints among travellers but also one of the easiest to get around.

How to avoid it: insist that the driver either use the meter or agree a price up front. Ask hotel
staff or locals how much the fare should be and make sure the driver knows that you know.

SCAM No:7

Money changers.

Some of the money changers you encounter on the street ought to be working as magicians.
Distractions are often used to short-change travellers and they have also been known to duck away
to "get change" and not come back.

How to avoid it: work out in advance how much you should be getting and don't walk away until you have counted it. Official money changers are a better bet.

SCAM No:8

The bag snatch.

This usually involves some sort of distraction, such as an altercation in the street.

How to avoid it: keep the strap of your bag across your body, or around your chair leg if you are
in a cafe. Try to avoid carrying a bag if you are just out for the day.

To finish this article off, one piece of last advice is: use your common sense and you will be in the clear.

Happy and safe travels.

Harry

The cheapest way to see Egypt is travelling by train.

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:48:00 +0000

Believe me it is an experience that no seasoned or would-be-traveller should miss.

First of all it is cheap, yes, take my word for it second class is only $5 and first class, wait for it,only $9!!

These are the prices to travel from bustling Cairo to what the locals call a "sleepy backwater town!" Alexandria.

Well if you can call a town with it's 6 million inhabitants a "sleepy backwater town" then, what is a town with only a million people be called?

When and if you take the train take the El-Torbini (Express) a it is the "fastest" train linking the two cities.

When I took the train...ooohhh about 46 years ago, it was hardly a picnic as in them days everybody and everything was allowed inside the carriages, humans, goats, chickens,etc,etc,.

Of course now these days, things have changed but, just, specially if you are going to travel in third class!

Yeah...them were the good old days, but for a journey that takes just over 2 hours I am sure that not only you will enjoy it but it will be one of the few memorable journeys by train that you will remember for a long time to come.

As you travel up North through the Nile delta and it's numerous canals (to see them sit at the left hand side of the carriage)you will appreciate how the Nile is so precious to the people of Egypt.

As you get closer to the Mediterranean coast, the weather gets to cool and you will see the distinct difference between the desert weather and the coastal one.
The breeze will flow through your hairs, the sun will splash your face with it's warmth and along the way, the people will wave at you remind you of their hospitality and warmth.

Alexandria, this historical city with it's 17Km coastal promenade is something that you should see.
The beaches one one side and the magnificent villas and houses overlooking the turquoise sea is something that no-one should miss as it reminds us, of the days
gone by, how the the rich and the famous, made a sizeable real-estate investment to have the best location (now full of hotels,apartments and boarding
houses) in this jewel called Alexandria.

Cornish

I enjoyed so much that I wanted to get drunk with joy and happiness, so as I was sitting on one of the numerous gracious European-style cafes, a man in his usual Fellahin (local dress) attire accosted me to sell me a bottle of Johny Walker Red
whiskey for a ridiculous price of one Egyption pounds (0.185 US cents in todays exchange rate) being completely green and wet behind the ears, I paid the man
and grabbed the bottle, thinking that I had made the killing of my life!

As I left to go back to my boarding house, I was overjoyed with the thought of having a whiskey on the rocks, from my balcony overlooking the sea.

Having made myself confortable and holding my ice filled glass, I went on
to uncork and open the bottle.

After a few seconds I was pouring the contents into my ice filled glass and as I sipped the 'whiskey' I realised that Iwas conned, as the contents, far from being whisky turned-out to be TEA!!!

Yes folks, they had sucked the real whiskey from the bottle by inserting a syringe through the cork and had replaced the whiskey with similar coloured tea!

Boy oh boy! Was that a wake-up call for me!!!

Anyway, back to the today's trains.
There are three types of train operating between Cairo and Alexandria: turbo, express and ordinary. The superfast, non-stop so-called "French", "Spanish" or torbini trains (French and Spanish refer to the countries where the trains were built or overhauled), have air-conditioned first and second classes and a refreshments service. The express services also have good first and second class services but are a bit slower. The total cheapo, the all-stops ordinary trains, have no first class, air-con in second class only on request, and third-class is considered a no-go zone for even the tightest foreigner.

Aerial view of Cornish

If you can't get a first-class ticket, second class is perfectly suitable, with airline-style seats, a food and beverage service, and big, though heavily finger-printed, windows which don't open,(in my days you couldn't closed them even if you tried) so photos are out of the picture. Large luggage is locked away in a compartment at the end of each carriage by a porter,(in my old days the luggage be it big or small travelled with you in the carriage, in the above-head compartments) who unlocks it as you pull into your destination.

In the old days, we had a man clonking a tea glass to it's saucer, to alert the passengers that you could have tea if you ever wanted one.

Now these days,The tea man walks the aisles through the trains, offering tea, instant coffee, pastries and water. Amazingly, he remembers everything you had, and presents the bill just before you pull in to the station. This is no paper cup misery: tea comes in a glass with a metal spoon and even a saucer lined with a napkin to steady it against the knocks and bangs of the train, which is for the most part very smooth.

Now for the downside of things.
It would be advisable for you to do your toilet business BEFORE you board the train, as the hygiene and the smell of the train toilets, will not entice you to even enter them, let alone do your business!

But if you must, buy scented (lemon preferably), tissues.
Also, have plenty of change for unexpected transactions, as if you don't give the exact amount, you are not likely to get your change.

Try to travel at the off-peak days (mondays to Thursdays) as from Thursday onwards, the locals tend to get-away for the week-end( Friday is considered a holiday).

If you are travelling solo, then, do not despair, there are plenty of Egyptians who would want to share addresses with you and tell you, in their own way and english, their stories!

All in all, it will be an unforgetable trip, that will linger in your memory for a long time to come and will make n interesting anecdote of travel to tell your children and relatives.

You can find the train schedules here:

happy and safe travels to you.

Harry

Ramses II Train Station in Cairo

EGYPT IN PICTURES

TEMPLE OF ABU SIMBEL AT NIGHT.

ABU SIMBEL TEMPLE AND THE NILE RIVER IN THE BACKGROUND

A PYRAMID

TEMPLE OF THE KINGS

MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITY IN CAIRO.

PYRAMIDS AT DUSK.

THE SPHYNX AND THE PYRAMIDS.

The Pyramids of Egypt - Finally hassle free for tourists.

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Tourists have long been awed by Egypt's famed Giza Pyramids and irritated by having to fend off peddlers relentlessly offering camel rides and trinkets.

Tourists undergo a constant barrage from peddlers selling souvenir statues, T-shirts and other trinkets. Visitors are sometimes followed by men on camels selling rides or photos - and rarely taking no for an answer.

Young men even try to force their way into taxi cabs carrying foreigners toward the pyramids, looking to steer them to nearby horse stables for a ride around the site.

But the hustlers were gone Monday as Egypt started an elaborate project to modernize the area and make it friendlier to tourists. Security is also improving, with a 12-mile chain-link fence featuring cameras, alarms and motion detectors.

What a s igh of relief for tourists who were constantly bombarded and hassled by
vendors of all sorts, trying to grab whatever business they could.

We the tourists and travellers applaud the Egyptian authorities, for bringing back some sort of order and sanity for the madness that it was previously.

Now we can enjoy the splendours of these magnificent sites, that has passed the test of thousands of years and has defied modern structures with their toughness.

Skytrax survey says Singapore Airlines is world's best airline

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:14:00 +0000

Singapore Airlines has been named World's Best Airline in the 2008 Airline of the Year awards, with Cathay pacific chosen second and Qantas (despite it's recent spate of problems) was chosen third.

Along with placing third in the awards behind Singapore and Cathay Pacific, Qantas also won the award for best first class lounge, best economy class catering and best airline in Australasia.

The awards, run by UK-based aviation research agency Skytrax, are based on the world's largest passenger survey, with 15 million passengers taking part around the world.

Singapore won the title for the second year in a row and the third time in 10 years. The airline also took out the award for best business class.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, who recently expanded their Australian routes, climbed into the top 10 for the first time, placing tenth.

The awards

The world's best airlines

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Cathay Pacific
3. Qantas
4. Thai Airways
5. Asiana Airlines
6. Malaysia Airlines
7. Qatar Airways
8. Air New Zealand
9. Emirates
10. Etihad Airways

Best First Class Cathay Pacific

Best Business Class Singapore Airlines

Best Premium Economy Class EVA Air

Best Economy Class Asiana Airlines

Best low-cost airline easyJet

Best Inflight Entertainment Emirates

Best First Class Catering Cathay Pacific

Best Business Class Catering Austrian

Best Airline : Transatlantic British Airways

Best Airline : Transpacific Air New Zealand

SINGLE AIRCRAFT AIRLINE CHOSEN AS THE TOP RATED AIRLINE FLYING FROM THE UK.

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:21:00 +0000

Palmair, is a trading name for the tour operator R.E. Bath Travel Service (Palmair) ltd based in Bournemouth, UK.

It operates inclusive tour charter flights to holiday destinations in Europe on behalf of Bath travel.
It has it's main base at Bournemouth airport.

The charter flights started operations on 1 January 1993 as Palmair Flightline operating a BAe 146 aircraft. Upgraded aircraft were acquired in 1999 to reflect increased demand for capacity from Bournemouth and for the introduction of longer range routes. Until winter 1999 services was operated by Flightline, using a single BAe 146-300. In 2003 Palmair carried 75,000 passengers. In 2004 the company operated scheduled passenger flights to ten European airports, and day trips to 25 European cities.
In 2003 and again in 2008, the UK consumer magazine ‘Holiday Which?’ published the results of a survey of 20,000 UK air passengers, showing that Palmair was the top rated airline flying from the UK.

On 22 December 2006, founder, Peter Bath, who had previously seen off every flight personally, died, aged 79.

Palmair serves the following destinations:

# Austria

* Salzburg (Salzburg Airport)

# Croatia

* Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik Airport)

# Czech Republic

* Prague (Ruzyně International Airport)

# Greece

* Korfu (Corfu International Airport)

# Iceland

* Keflavík (Keflavík International Airport)

# Italy

* Brescia (Brescia Airport)
* Milan (Malpensa International Airport)
* Venice (Venice Marco Polo Airport)

# Malta

* Luqa (Malta International Airport)

# Portugal

* Faro (Faro Airport)
* Funchal (Madeira Airport)

# Spain

* Alicante (Alicante International Airport)
* Arrecife/Lanzarote (Lanzarote Airport)
* Málaga (Málaga Airport)
* Menorca (Mahon Airport)
* Palma de Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca Airport)
* Tenerife (Tenerife South Airport)

Congratulations Palmair!
You have once again proven that being small can also be the best.

their website can be accessed from here.

JAPANESE ARE THE BEST TOURISTS

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:48:00 +0000

A survey to find out the world top tourists, by online travel company, expedia has found that the Japanese were the top ranked tourists.

Among the topics being asked in the survey were, behaviour,manners,generosity,willingness to learn the language and willingness to try the local cuisine and their propensity to complain.

Japanese tourists were the tops overall followed by the British and the Germans in joint second place, followed by the Canadians in the third place.

So, the world's top tourists ranking, according to hoteliers were:

1- japanese
2- British/Germans
3- Canadians
4- Swiss
5- Dutch
6- Australians/Swedes
7- Belgians
8- Norwegians
9- Austrians/Danes/Finnish
10- New Zealanders

NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:44:00 +0000

RP 3rd fastest-growing air travel market

Air travel within the Philippines is the third fastest growing market in the world, after India and Mexico, industry data revealed.

India’s domestic market grew by 33 percent, followed by Mexico at 27 percent, Philippines at 23 percent, and China at 16 percent last year.

The Philippines domestic air travel market grew with almost 10.4 million travelers in 2007 compared with almost 8.5 million passengers in 2006.

Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific (CEB) set the pace in the domestic market with a growth rate of 47 percent in terms of passengers carried in 2007, or from 3.034 million in 2006 to 4.46 million in 2007.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) experienced a six percent increase, from 3.81 million to 4.033 million, while traffic for Air Philippines grew 21 percent, or from 653,175 in 2006 to 726,616 last year.

Candice Iyog, CEB spokesperson, said domestic travel started booming when CEB introduced year-round low fares in 2005, forcing other local airlines to follow suit to be able to compete and introduced air travel to many first-time flyers.

Clark wins Asia-Pac Airport of the Year Award

The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) took home the “Airport of the Year” award together with Singapore’s world-class Changi International Airport during the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Aerospace and Defense Awards held in Singapore.

“In recognition of its past year performance and expansion efforts, Frost & Sullivan awards the 2008 Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Airport of the Year Award for the airport serving below 15 million annual passengers category to DiosdadoMacapagal International Airport,” the citation given to the DMIA said.

Two years ago, the DMIA also won the “Low Cost Airport of the Year 2006 Award” from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).

CIAC said the DMIA got the “Airport of the Year” award in the category of airports that could serve less than 15 million passengers a year, while Singapore’s Changi got it in the category of those capable of serving over 15 million passengers annually. Luciano received the award during the ceremonies in Singapore.

Luciano said “the citation came at a time when the DMIA has been experiencing an unprecedented growth in aviation-related projects and passenger volume.”

Frost & Sullivan is a leading research company in the world with over 26 global offices with more than 1,500 industry consultants, market research analysts, technology analysts and economists. The company was founded in 1961 and has done research in aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, chemicals, materials and food, energy and power systems, environmental and building technologies, health care, industrial automation and electronics, and information and communication technologies.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India was chosen the “Aeronautical Excellence Airport of the Year” award while Changi Airports International was chosen “Airport Investment Company of the Year.”

The other awardess were Japan Airlines for “Widest Route Coverage of the Year,” Air Asia for “Airline Market Penetration Leadership of the Year” and Singapore Airlines as “Airline of the Year.”

San Miguel Pale Pilsen is Asia’s best

San Miguel Pale Pilsen is the best tasting beer in Asia, according to a popular US Magazine which recently gathered major beer brands from China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Philippines for a taste test.

The iconic brand of San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMB), San Miguel Pale Pilsen bested six other international brands in all categories – appearance, aroma, taste and finish — used by the magazine to determine the best tasting beer.

In the article entitled “Far East Beer Showdown” by Derek Buono published in Beer Magazine’s March to April issue, the lone Filipino beer brand has been described as having “the most flavor and tasted better than all the other beers of the region.”

“The SMB family is truly inspired by the recognition given to San Miguel Pale Pilsen. We are glad that our very own product stands above the rest and for us Filipinos, that’s something worth celebrating for,” said SMB management.

San Miguel Pale Pilsen was also recommended for its “certain wheat/ citrus hit that sets it apart from the rest,” that one can “drink lots of it with most Asian foods and in most climates.”

San Miguel Pale Pilsen, one of the eight widely popular beer brands in the SMB portfolio, is known for its smooth moderate bitterness, pleasant hoppy aroma and snappy clean palate.

Articles courtesy of http://goodnewspilipinas.com

TAIWANESE CARRIER ADDS A FOURTH DESTINATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:34:00 +0000

Further information can be obtained here

SOME PICTURES OF THE PHILIPPINES

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:46:00 +0000

THE PHILIPPINES - LAND OF DIVINE BEAUTY AND GENTLE SMILES

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 23:30:00 +0000

THE FAMOUS PHILIPPINO JEEPNEY.

Here are some recommendations for boarding a Philippino Jeepney:

1- Don't board on a full stomach!
2- Don't board if you are expecting a comfortable ride!
3- Don't board if you don't want to listen to a 90 decibels music!
4- Don't board if you are expecting the jeepney to have shock absorbers!
5- Don't board if you don't have the ability to be a contortionist!
6- Don't board if you don't have a strong spine!
7- Don't board if you are disabled!
8- Don't board if you don't know where you are going, because if you ask the the answer will be "Sure Joe"!(Added by courtesy of a friend)
9- Don't board if you are 6 months pregnant or more!
10 - Don't board if you are in a hurry!

The above recommendations and observations are my own personal views and have been compiled having a humouristic approach to it all!

Having said all that, the jeepney is colourful and can be found everywhere and is used as a convenient and a cheap mode of transport all over the philippines.

This beautiful and diverse land has many things to offer to the tourist.
Sun, beautiful beaches, exotic and unusual sights, and for the avid divers it has got spectacular diving spots.

The enchanting and gentle smiles along with their legendary welcoming nature
of the Philippino's makes this country a "must" in your travel plans.

Due to the very favorable exchange rates the Philippino Peso makes your visit a very affordable trip as well.

An american expatriate bussinessman living in the Philippines for more than 24 years, says that Philippines " is the only place on earth where"

1. Every street has a basketball court.
2. Even doctors, lawyers and engineers are unemployed.
3. Doctors study to become nurses for employment abroad.
4. Students pay more money than they will earn afterwards.
5. School is considered the second home and the mall considered the third.
6. Call-center employees earn more money than teachers and nurses.
7. Everyone has his personal ghost story and superstition.
8. Mountains like Makiling and Banahaw are considered holy places.
9. Everything can be forged.
10. All kinds of animals are edible.
11. Starbucks coffee is more expensive than gas.
12. Driving 4 kms can take as much as four hours.
13. Flyovers bring you from the freeway to the side streets.
14. Crossing the street involves running for your dear life.
15. The personal computer is mainly used for games and Friendster.
16. Where colonial mentality is dishonestly denied!
17. Where 4 a.m. is not even considered bedtime yet.
18. People can pay to defy the law.
19. Everything and everyone is spoofed.
20. Where even the poverty-stricken get to wear Ralph Lauren and TommyHilfiger (peke)!
21. The honking of car horns is a way of life.
22. Being called a bum is never offensive.
23. Floodwaters take up more than 90 percent of the streets during the rainy season.
24. Where everyone has a relative abroad who keeps them alive.
25. Where wearing your national colors make you a bad guy.
26. Where even the poverty-stricken have the latest cell phones. (GSM-galing sa magnanakaw)
27. Where insurance does not work.
28. Where water can only be classified as tap and dirty.
29. Clean water is for sale (35 pesos per gallon).
30. Where the government makes the people pray for miracles. (Amen to that!)
31. Where University of the Philippines is the place all the weird people go.
32. Ateneo is where all the nerds go.
33. La Salle is where all the Chinese go.
34. College of Saint Benilde is where all the ********** go and;
35. University of Asia and the Pacific is where all the irrelevantly rich people go.
36. Fast food is a diet meal.
37. Traffic signs are merely suggestions, not regulations.
38. Where being mugged is normal and It happens to everyone.
39. Rodents are normal house pets.
40. The definition of traffic is the 'non-movement' of vehicles.
41. Where the fighter planes of the 1940s are used for military engagements and;
42. The new fighter planes are displayed in museums.
43. Where cigarettes and alcohol are a necessity, and where the lottery is a commodity.
44. Where soap operas tell the realities of life and where the news
provides the drama.
45. Where actors make the rules and where politicians provide the
entertainment.
46. People can get away with stealing trillions of pesos but not a
thousand.
47. Where being an hour late is still considered punctual (Grabe
talaga 'to!)
48. Where the squatters have more to complain (even if they do not pay
their tax) - than those employed and have their tax automatically
deducted from their salaries.
49. Where everyone wants to leave the country!
50. Where if you only speak english, doing business over the phone will drive you
insane.(My own added)
51. And where trying to find a telephone number is the stuff of nightmares.
(My own added).

1.) Always carry small change in Pesos, Coins & 20, 50 &100 notes.
That saves you the annoyance from the very common reply, "sorry
no change".

2.) Ask someone, a local Filipino or foreigner about taxi or jeepney,
tricycle fares before you get in. Pay & walk away. NEVER ask "How
much?" because the price goes up the more you talk. A moving taxi is
too busy working so it tends to be a better, more honest
taxi versus parked taxis waiting for victims. Tip the taxi driver P10
to P20 reward him for not hassling you. Good Karma ALWAYS REWARDS you.

3. ) Never change money on the street nor inside a restaurant. You
will ALWAYS lose and usually almost half your money. These money
change scam artists are very good and show that the hand is always
quicker than the eye.

4. ) Never gamble with local Filipinos not pool, playing cards, chess
or any game for money & not even for drinks. It's safer not to
gamble. It's one example in life where when you win you lose & when
you lose you lose. This also applies to Filipinos outside their own
province, barrio without access to the support of their barkada(sp?) .

5. ) Never raise your voice at a Filipino away from your own
neighborhood. Never call a Filipino "STUPID". They are very sensitive
about it. If you do get angry & make the mistake. Please leave the
place as soon as possible .Go Away Fast because you are in more
DANGER than you realize. Filipinos are among the most peaceful easy
going, "happy go lucky" people in the world so do not like to fight
BUT "fair fights" are not the custom, "fight to kill" is.

6. ) Forget about the 2 words "WHY" & "SHOULD" or you get constant
headache trying to understand why things happen like they do in
places outside your own country, especially the Philippines.
Acceptance is the preferable attitude. There are too many things for
you to question, so it's better for you not to start. So just relax & enjoy
the positive aspects of living in the Philippines with a sense of
humor.

7. ) Expect everything to be late and slow. Life stops at LUNCH.
Schedules change & the weather is unpredictable. Telephones,
electricity, cable TV, internet access and water - sometimes they
work, sometimes they don't. Such is life so use these "down times" to
broaden your awareness of life around you without the modern
conveniences s most of us take for granted.

8.) Never accept drinks, candy, or fruit from strangers, especially,
younger women, most often appearing very straight, educated and
sophisticated like Filipinas working in offices in Manila. In the
past few years a few of our guests have been drugged, maybe one or
two guests per year, using the above methods after being met in Rizal
Park, shopping malls, the open markets & even on the bus. We have
never heard about this happening in other parts of the Philippines.

9.) Always wear a cloth type money belt which is worn around your
waist under your clothes instead of those leather or vinyl pouch
waist bags with several zippered pockets because psychologically they
appear as you are advertising your valuables. It may seem a bit
awkward to reach under your pants to get your money or travelers
checks at a bank but it's MUCH SAFER. Even when you drink too much
your money is much safer closer to your - - - -.

10. ) DON'T WORRY BE HAPPY!!

Happy and safe travels to you all.

Harry

Philippines Information and History

The Philippines, in southeastern Asia, consists of 7,107 islands lying between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The islands of Luzon and Mindanao account for two-thirds of the land area. Even though the Philippines lies just north of the world's largest Muslim state, Indonesia, it is about 94 percent Christian—mostly Roman Catholic. About five percent of Filipinos are Muslim, mostly living on the islands of Mindanao and Palawan—islands closest to the Muslim countries of Malaysia and Indonesia.

In 1521 Ferdinand Magellan claimed the Philippines for Spain, which ceded the islands to the U.S. in 1898. Independence came in 1946, after Japanese occupation ended. Widespread poverty and political corruption sparked social unrest starting in the 1970s. In 1986 President Ferdinand Marcos was compelled to hold an election. Despite his fraudulent claim to victory, Marcos was forced into exile, and Corazon Aquino, widow of a murdered opposition leader, became president. The government continues to make progress in negotiations with Muslim rebels with a cease-fire in 2003, and it works to provide political representation and economic development to the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
ECONOMY

Industry: textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products.
Agriculture: rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane; pork; fish.
Exports: electronic equipment, machinery and transport equipment, garments, coconut products.

Population: 84,765,000

Capital: Manila; 10,677,000

Area: 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 square miles)

Language: Filipino (based on Tagalog), English, and 8 major dialects

Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Buddhist

Currency: Philippine peso

Life Expectancy: 70

GDP per Capita: U.S. $4,600

Literacy Percent: 96

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:25:00 +0000

MILFORD SOUND IN NEW ZEALAND VOTED THE TOP TOURIST DESTINATION, BY THE TRIPADVISOR READERS.

Yep! 26 millions TripAdvisor readers have voted to nominate Milford Sound in New Zealand the top tourist destination in the world.

My fellow kiwi friends have good reasons to be proud and to celebrate this decision.
Indeed, with it's serene and tranquil surroundings it is a wonderful place to go and enjoy the scenic beauty that it is.
Queenstown came a close second.

For more details about Milford Sound please click here.

Scenic cruises and flights are available for your perusal here.

Happy and safe travels to you all.

Hayri(Harry) Yuruten

Rail versus Air!

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:10:00 +0000

OK! So you are in Europe or planning to go to Europe.

How best to see Europe? By Car? By rail? or By air?

Well, about ten years ago, the answer was simple -rail!

I don't even want to mention the car, although more
convenient, the rental charges are notoriously high,
price of petrol and parking charges, not to mention the
traffic, makes a car not a good choice, unless of course
you got tons of money to spend at your disposal!

As the cost of air travel in them days was costly
enough to deter you from flying around.
now these days, with airlines like EasyJet and
Ryanair and myriads of other low cost airlines
charging, what would have been ridiculous prices a
decade ago, you think "Hey that's cheap! I'll fly"
Now comes the numbers and as soon as they add up you will maybe, change your mind.

Here's why you should think and start adding those
numbers with the following examples:

a) Rail travel now these days is comfortable, speedy
and when you arrive at your destination, you are
in the middle of the city and NOT miles from it at
the airport.

b) So, let us say that you will take Easyjet from
London Luton airport to Charles De Gaule airport
in Paris. Easyjet has an airfare starting at £22
Wow!! you say to yourself, "how can I miss that?"
Well, wherever you live unless it's next to Luton
airport, you first have to get there. That's an
extra expense! Taxi's in Europe are not exactly
cheap.
Then, you have to pay airport charges (if any) and
be in these horrible queues to go through security
checks, check-in,etc,etc...time flies doesn't it?
And, then, there's the baggage charges that these
low cost cost airlines are levying, for example with
Easyjet you pay £5 for each item of checked-in
baggage (to a maximum of 20 kilograms); and £16.50
for each item of sports equipment. Ryanair has a
limit of 15 kilograms and charges £6 per bag and a
hefty £7.50 a kilogram for excess baggage.
Ok, so now you're in the air, and you're thinking,
" Baggage reclaim area waiting, taxi's and maybe
another security check"
You're flight took maybe 45 to 60 minutes (if
that) But, you had to get to the airport from your
home by taxi (extra expense) time waisted at the
airport in queues (that's money as well!) then,
waiting for your baggage at your destination
arrival (more time and more money) again, take a taxi
(more expense and more time spent on the road) by the
time you arrive at the place that you wanted,
calculate the total amount of hours
and money that you have spent.
The answer is not funny right?

c) Now, let us take the rail as comparison.
Less expense because, you can go either by
underground or commuter train direct (if
applicable) to the train station where you're
train will leave. Thus, less time.
No security queues, no baggage reclaim waiting,and
no charges for baggage (With EUROSTAR the limit is
two large pieces ((with no weight limit)) and one
piece of hand luggage).
comfortable, can eat (if dining car is
available)and omitting the same hassles when you
arrive at your destination.

d) Let's do the numbers cruncher.
* Cost: London (Luton)-Paris (Charles de Gaulle) by
EasyJet, £22. Central London-Luton by bus, £10.
CDG Airport to central Paris by taxi is about £48.
Total: about £80.
* Check-in time: one to two hours before flight.
* Flying time: two hours and 15 minutes. Commuting
time to central Paris: one hour.

Total time: about five-and-a-half hours (allowing for
baggage collection).

London to Paris by train

* Cost: from £59 return, second-class Eurostar
ticket.
* Check-in time: 30 minutes before leaving St Pancras.
* Rail time: two hours and 15 minutes. Arrive Paris
Gare du Nord.

* Total time: three hours.

Get the point my fellow traveller?

So, now that we know that although the air fare is
only 22 pounds.
With all these extras that you had to fork out, the answer (to me anyway) is quite simple, rail is better, more comfortable,
and even less costly in monetary terms.

If, you are a rail enthusiast, then, a myriad of
choices on railpasses, are available for the curious
and intrepid traveller, to choose from.

Happy and safe travels to you all.

Hayri(Harry) Yuruten

THE WORLD's MOST DIFFICULT AIRPORTS TO LAND!!! CAN YOU NAME THEM???

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:45:00 +0000

5- COURCHEVEL AIRPORT IN THE FRENCH ALPS HAS AN 18 degree SLOPE!

5

WORLD BIGGEST AIRLINE MERGER!!!

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:15:00 +0000

It's just been announced that two of the biggest and well know carriers from USA, Delta and Northwest Airlines are to merge, creating a global alliance worth USD35b!!

Delta who was planning to shed more than 2000 jobs in USA, have decided to merge with Northwest Airline.

The new alliance will be known simply as Delta and will be managed by Richard Anderson of Delta Airlines.

The unions are strongly against this merger as they fear that jobs losses might be massive.

To follow this news please click on: http://www.newglobalairline.com/

QANTAS GROUP TAKE 18% SHARE IN VIETNAM's PACIFIC AIRLINES.

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:22:00 +0000

http://www.pacificairlines.com.vn/AboutPacific.aspx

http://www.jetstar.com/3k/index.html

Qantas owned Jetstar, has taken an 18% stake in Vietnam's Pacific Airlines, in July 2007. The new airline was renamed Jetstar Pacific and will begin services within Vietnam and later on by acquiring 30 Airbus 320, expanding its network to over 40 destinations across Asia, the Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. The metamorphosed airline will by the end of 2008 fly to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia. At the moment Jetstar Pacific flies to seven destinations in Vietnam operating almost 130 weekly return services with an existing fleet of four single class Boeing 737-400s.

Discount airlines in Asia

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:12:00 +0000

Asian carriers have often offered lower fares than their European or American rivals. Now they are starting to catch the wave of discount airlines, pioneered in the US and Europe. In South-East Asia, an ASEAN-wide open skies agreement is in the works, but in the rest of the continent flights are still severely restricted by bilateral agreements.

Asian carriers are generally much cheaper than their American or European rivals, and there are some great bargains to be had. The low-cost airline industry in Asia is sure to boom in the coming years.

All fares quoted below are one-way (except where noted), include taxes and charges, and are widely available. Flight destinations may change and airlines may go bust without notice.

Here are (Below) some of the low cost Asian carriers with their logo's and links to their websites. To access their website click on some of the links and cut and paste on your browser for the others.

Please let me know if some of the links do not work.

Have a safe and happy travels.

Hayri Yuruten.

Cebu pacific

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:55:00 +0000

Cebu Pacific inaugurates flights to Vietnam

15-Apr-2008
Cebu Pacific (CEB), the airline business unit of JG Summit Holdings Inc, inaugurated its flights to Vietnam on 10-Apr-08. Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Hanoi service is offered three times weekly using A319 equipment. The carrier also inaugurated services to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on 11-Apr-08. The Ho Chi Minh service is offered four times weekly.

http://www.cebupacificair.com/

An amazing triumph of aviation entrepreneurship in the Philippines, with Cebu Pacific
being the second (Behind Philippines Airlines) carrier in terms of popularity and network throughout the Philippines and an ever expanding routes in Asia.

Air Asia

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:44:00 +0000

AIR ASIA X IS STARTING PERTH AND
MELBOURNE AS THEIR SECOND AND THIRD NEW DESTINATIONS IN AUSTRALIA IN NOVEMBER 2008!

www.airasia.com/site/ph/en/home.jsp

Air asia is truly a success story from the aviation pages of Malaysia.

Bought from the Malaysian Government for a token price of 1MYR, today Air Asia is boasting an ever expanding network with new aircraft continuing to be added in to the
fleet.

Recently their subsidiary Air AsiaX has included Gold Coast as their new port in the
Eastern Coast of Australia and will soon be adding Melbourne, in Victoria.

Go air

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:40:00 +0000

http://www.goair.in/

Go Air is an LCC based out of Mumbai and operates flights to many cities in India.

Spice Jet

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:33:00 +0000

http://www.spicejet.com/

SpiceJet started operations in May 2005. The airline promises Everyday Spicy Fares for as low as INR 99.

Air India Express

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:26:00 +0000

www.airindiaexpress.in/airindiaexpress/home.asp

India's airline market is rapidly liberalizing. Half a dozen domestic low-cost carriers have started operations and more are on the horizon. Low-cost flights into India remain more limited, although Air India Express does operate some international flights and various Middle Eastern carriers fly to India.

Viva Macau

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:17:00 +0000

http://www.flyvivamacau.com/en/

Viva Macau flies from Macau to Jakarta and Sydney.

Spring Airlines of China

noreply@blogger.com (TRAVEL ANECDOTES) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:48:00 +0000

http://www.chinaspringtour.com/

Spring Airlines (????) flies from its base in Shanghai to over 20 destinations in China, and is still expanding rapidly.