Milan: Hotel City

Milan: Hotel City
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Pannocchie

Pannocchie
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: $!

Milan: $!
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Via Ragazzi del '99

Via Ragazzi del '99
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Deputy Mayor of Delhi Killed by Horde of Monkeys

Monkeys kill Delhi deputy mayor
Delhi's deputy mayor dies after falling from a terrace while trying to fight off a horde of wild monkeys.
BBC News
Last Updated: Sunday, 21 October 2007, 21:33 GMT 22:33 UK










SS Bajwa suffered serious head injuries when he fell from the first-floor terrace of his home on Saturday morning trying to fight off the monkeys.

Click here for complete article.

British Airways Baggage Policy: Effective November 6, 2007

BRITISH AIRWAYS BAGGAGE POLICY

British Airways’ revised hold baggage policy will come into full effect from November 6.

The new policy was partially introduced in February to give staff and customers sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the changes. Since then, the airline has conducted extensive research involving its customers and its staff.

As a result, it will make a number of changes, designed to address the key concerns highlighted.

The changes will mean:
Excess baggage charges will be significantly reduced.
Customers will benefit from a 20 per cent discount if they pay excess baggage charges online at ba.com.

Revised online excess baggage rates will be:
UK domestic flights - £14 one-way (previously £24)
All other short haul - £24 one-way (previously £48)
Long haul - £60 one-way (previously £96)

Customers paying excess baggage charges at the airport will pay:
UK domestic - £20 one-way (previously £30)
All other shorthaul - £30 one-way (previously £60)
Long haul - £75 one-way (previously £120)

Continued flexibility for customers who are unable to carry one bag, provided they remain within the 23kgs weight limit.

Customers who check in bags within their piece allowance but that exceed 23kgs will pay a flat-rate of £25, with effect from November 4, 2008, once the airline’s transition into London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is complete.

Customers will continue to be able to take their sporting equipment such as golf bags and skis for free in addition to their normal personal baggage allowance.

The airline has redefined the list of sporting equipment to make it easier for customers to understand what they can and cannot check in. It also takes into account limitations of airport baggage systems and size and weight restrictions in the aircraft hold.

All other aspects of the policy will remain the same.

Since introducing its new baggage policy in February 2007, the airline has conducted research with its staff and customers. The revisions to the policy reflect the outcome of this research.

With effect from November 6, passengers’ personal baggage allowance will be:

One bag weighing no more than 23kgs for Euro/World Traveller economy passengers with the exception of some longhaul routes including, the USA and Canada, Argentina, Brazil, the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria. Customers travelling in World Traveller (economy) to and from the above destinations will be able to take two bags, each weighing no more than 23kgs.

Two bags, each weighing no more than 23kgs for Club Europe and World Traveller Plus passengers.

Three bags, each weighing no more than 23kgs for Club World and First passengers. Sporting equipment such as golf bags and skis can be taken free of charge in addition to a passenger’s personal baggage allowance.

Where it is clear that a passenger cannot manage one bag of 23kgs, they will be able to check in an additional bag free of charge, as long as both bags are within 23kgs. Infants’ personal allowance is one bag, weighing no more than 23kgs. Pushchairs, car seats and wheelchairs can be taken in addition to the baggage allowance.

Hand baggage allowance remains:
Passengers departing from or transferring through a UK airport can take one standard-sized bag no bigger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 inches x 17.5 inches x 9.85 inches).

Passengers departing airports outside the UK, and whose journey ends in the UK can take:
One standard sized bag no bigger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 inches x 17.5 inches x 9.85 inches) and a laptop sized bag or briefcase.

There is no weight limit for cabin bags, provided customers can lift the bags, unaided, into the overhead lockers in the aircraft cabin.

Restrictions remain in place for the carriage of liquids, gels and creams in hand baggage for all passengers departing from and transferring through all EU airports, the USA and Canada. Some other airports around the world operate their own restrictions. Customers are advised to check before they travel.

Please visit www.ba.com for full details of the revised baggage policy.

Milan: Bentley

Bentley
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Ferrari/Via Montenapoleone

Ferrari/Via Montenapoleone
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Taxi Stand

Taxi Stand
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Ai Treni

Ai Treni
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Too Much Milano

Too Much Milano
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Shock Economy Milano

Shock Economy Milano
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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BBC Worldwide buys Lonely Planet

BBC Worldwide buys Lonely Planet
BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, has bought the travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet.
BBC News
Last Updated: Monday, 1 October 2007, 10:27 GMT 11:27 UK

We felt that BBC Worldwide would provide a platform true to our vision and values, while allowing us to take the business to the next level ...

Click here for complete article.

Photography courtesy of Plymography's photostream on Flickr.

Milan: Cosi Fan Tutti

Cosi Fan Tutti
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Hot Uomo

Hot Uomo
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Andiamo Shopping!

Andiamo Shopping!
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Milan: Chiude/Apre

Chiude/Apre
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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Maponya Mall in Soweto

Giant Soweto shopping mall opens
Former South African President Nelson Mandela has opened the largest shopping centre in southern Africa in Soweto.
BBC News
Last Updated: Thursday, 27 September 2007, 11:35 GMT 12:35 UK

The Maponya Mall marks a transformation for the Johannesburg township, once an impoverished centre in the struggle against apartheid.

Click here for complete article.

Photography courtesy of Pan-African News Wire File Photos' photostream on Flickr.

Milan: Reserved Seating

Reserved Seating
Photography by Chris Osburn © 2007
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BBC Photos from Papua's Central Highlands

In pictures: Papua gets connected
BBC News

















Eight hours flying time from the Indonesian capital, the Central Highlands in Indonesia's Papua province are among the least visited places in the world.

Click here for complete photo essay.

New Jersey: Snow Crab Clusters

Snow Crab Clusters
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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New Jersey: Moby's Deck

Moby's
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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Garage Culture in Murmansk, Russia: No Girl's Allowed

In pictures: Murmansk's gorgeous garages
BBC News










The men of Russia's Arctic city of Murmansk have an unlikely passion - as a woman living there explains: "Many men in Murmansk love escaping to their garages, which are often built far away from the apartment blocks where they live."

Click here for complete photo essay.

Honolulu Food Blog: Too Cruel!

Tasty Island is an extensive and thorough blog about "the wonderful food of Hawaii, with a focus on Honolulu on the island of Oahu" - and just in case you didn't know, Hawaii is one of the yummiest places on this planet. The site includes reviews "of eateries ranging from the neighborhood plate lunch stand to fine dining restaurants," along with recipes and some decadently tempting photography of some of Hawaii's most onolicious grinds!

An informal, and rather kind, Spam Musubi Rating System is used for reviews with one musubi being "average" and a rating of five being "superb." Here's the breakdown:

(1) Average. (She Go)
(2) Good. I’m glad I tried it. (Ono)
(3) Very Good. Considerable of another visit or purchase. (Supah’ Ono!)
(4) Excellent. Worth another visit or purchase. (Winnahz!)
(5) Superb. Worthy of repeat visits or purchases. (Broke Da’ Mout’!)

Drooling and pangs of hunger aside, Tasty Island is a sweet lil' blog full of aloha for and info about one of the world's most unique places to eat. Mahalo!

New Jersey: Moby's

Moby's
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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New Jersey: Bahr's

Bahr's
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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Out of the Frying Pan at Espace Uhoda (Liège, Belgium)

Going to be in Liège around October? Here's an interesting exhibition of recent MFAs from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London .

Out of the Frying Pan ...
Mike Ballard (UK)
Marcin Dudek (Poland)
Lia Anna Henning (Germany)
Mark Melvin (UK)

28 September - 3 November 2007















Espace Uhoda
Rue Léon Frédéricq 14
B-4020 Liège
T & F: + 32 (0)4 222 02 60
Mobile: +32 (0)474 79 48 15
info@espaceuhoda.be
http://espaceuhoda.be/

New Jersey: Relish the Thought

Relish the Thought
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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Girlie Men of the Taliban

I originally saw this video from Slate.com posted at Inner Diablog. Fascinating and definitely worth a look see.

New Jersey: Late Morning in Rumson

Late Morning in Rumson
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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New Jersey: Reserved Seating

Reserved Seating
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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New Jersey: Reeds

Reeds
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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New Jersey: Secret Spot

Secret Spot
Photography by Tiki Chris © 2007
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The State of Foreign Tourism in Japan

Land Of Rising Tourism Hopes
A hip reputation offers a chance to boost lagging traffic—if Japan will seize it
By Ian Rowley
Business Week
SEPTEMBER 3, 2007

Tourism accounts for just 2% of gross domestic product in Japan, compared with 11% in Spain. While the number of visitors from other Asian countries has been rising, Americans and Europeans are getting scarcer. That's perhaps in part due to a problem that Doyel faced: The language barrier is close to impenetrable, and many streets in Tokyo don't have signs—even in Japanese, let alone English.

Click here for complete article.

Photography courtesy of Johnia!'s photostream on Flickr.

Air Travel on the Rise in China

Air China profits rise three-fold
Air China has seen its profits increase three-fold in the first six months of the year, thanks to passenger demand and a stronger local currency.
BBC News
Last Updated: Wednesday, 29 August 2007, 10:34 GMT 11:34 UK

The number of people flying in China has grown significantly as its continuing economic boom creates a growing middle class prepared to spend more on travel.

Click here for complete article.

Photography courtesy of zzathras777's photostream on Flickr

Expat Perspective: Chris in Freiburg - "One of the Most Stunning Places on Earth"

Welcome to the latest instalment of Expat Perspective, a series of posts by guest writers who come from X but are living long term in Y. Here's the second post from Chris Mavergames, an American librarian who's recently settled into family life in Southern Germany.

Basically, for this edition of Expat Perspective, I'll let the images speak for themselves. I'm originally from Georgia, USA which is a beautiful place in its own right and now live in southern Germany in the heart of the Black Forest, Freiburg. It truly is one of the most stunning places on earth and is also a culturally diverse and lively place with excellent food and drink.

Click here for a short video of the mountain area behind our house and views overlooking the city:

For more information, freiburg.de.

Havana, Cuba: "Cocktail Culture"

Cocktail Culture
by John Hardcastle © 2007

Havana smells like shit, piss, garbage, and rotting fruit … and leaded petrol … and sun baked earth … and rum and cigars … and, thankfully, like fresh breezes rolling in from the sea. It’s a city where you’re rarely more than arm’s length away from a phenomenal cocktail … or a bongo player … or a half-baked street hustle (I’ve never seen British pounds. What do they look like?). Upon first contact, Havana is both repulsive and alluring, with its more appealing features eventually winning out, for the most part anyway.


















Boys of all ages play impromptu games of baseball in neighbourhood streets. Old men in Parque Central argue the outcomes of national league games. Antique Chevies and Oldsmobiles – some in pristine condition, others about to collapse – share the road with Ladas. Buzzards soar and circle high-rise hotels of a bygone era.


















Ubiquitous images of pop icon Che Guevara, ‘the prototype of the new man,’ are as inescapable as CCTV cameras in London. His shaming eyes gaze beyond their furrowed brow as a moral warning to any citizen foolish enough to contemplate a counterrevolutionary thought. In support of Che’s vision, a multitude of murals insist "Fatherland or Death!" and "Eternal Glory to the Martyrs." Other slogans, such as the prevalent "We are winning!" are so ridiculously out of place amid the urban decay and poverty that you wonder if you’ve stumbled upon the boldest use of irony ever. After a while, all Havana starts to appear as a socialist art project set against the backdrop of a dilapidating mid-century modern playground.




















At no time is this notion of crumbling-city-as-backdrop-for-party-line-art more evident than on May Day. Well before dawn, the buses roll in and endless streams of people take to the streets for the Plaza de la Revolutión. For even the most hardened free market capitalist, the sight is awe-inspiring. There’s no glitz. No glamour. Just people. Thousands upon thousands of people on parade. They carry handmade posters and massive banners proclaiming the virtues of the revolution and the vices of imperialism. They get their kids involved too. Little toe-heads with gleaming smiles enthusiastically tote cardboard signs reading "Bush is an assassin" or "Death to Verdugo".




















This sort of public display of politics seems very grassroots and genuine until later when a local, desperate for an outsider’s ear, explains that "people have been harbouring so much vengeance for so many years that when things change, the streets will be filled with blood." According to this disgruntled Habañero, "The worst crimes in Cuba are to be comfortable and to own nice things."


By 9:30 the May Day parade is over. Good thing too because it’s already brutally hot with little shade to be found. Their slogan signboards discarded or carried at the side, the masses gather round the handful of ice cream and shaved ice vendors at the plaza.



















Elsewhere in Havana, namely tourist-laden Habana Vieja, the vibe couldn’t be more different. Unlike the Plaza de la Revolutión, no scratchy recording of L'Internationale blares from loud speakers. Rather, small bands of trovadores make their rounds among the many bars and restaurants, playing their hearts out for tips from mojito-guzzling tourists. That this day is a Socialist holiday is not apparent. Cash is king. Any foreigner unwilling to part with a little here and there for the sake of social lubrication is an unwelcome guest deserving admonishment.






















Of course, for ridiculously little money, tourists are personally serenaded by musicians whose talent and experience are more suitable for, say, Carnegie Hall than any hotel lobby bar or street corner: a live smell-the-sweat and feel-the-breath performance of a song costs less than the price of a track on iTunes. Ballads about black tears, rebel heroes, and unrequited love - accompanied by horses clopping on cobblestones and 50 year-old Buicks with blown out mufflers - for less than the price of a download.























Drinks are equally splendid and cheap. With respect to cocktails, Cuba has an absolute advantage: miles of sugar cane for sugar and rum, plenty of Caribbean sunshine for lemons and limes. That same sunshine makes sipping a cool drink in the shade almost mandatory. Perhaps this need for relief in the form of a cold alcoholic beverage explains why two of the world’s most celebrated cocktails, the mojito and the daiquiri, are Cuban creations.

These days, the mojito rules. And it’s easy to see why … and simply to order another. The right mix of mint, rum, sugar, lime, and fizzy water is a hard act to follow. However, resisting the urge to stick with the mojito and trying something else from a menu of coctales nationales does not disappoint. To think that the tastiest daiquiri in the world is just down the street from the tastiest piña colada is mind boggling, especially after sampling so many commendable runners-up. Less well known, but just as brilliant, mixes - such as the Mary Pickford and El Presidente - reward the willing imbiber with subtle flavour and ample kick.


























A good buzz helps you to deal with Havana’s incongruities and to ponder all the inevitable what-ifs and whens that occur to anyone spending any amount of time here. Havana is a movie set city that shouldn’t be: too poor and desperate to be so wonderful and engaging, too dynamic and animated to be so sad.






















All photography courtesty of John Hardcastle © 2007