Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, floating above the clouds is no doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive sights in the natural world. Even hard-boiled non-believers, in their unguarded moments, empathise with the Maasai who call it the “House of God”. The mountain is one of the Seven Top Summits of the world –it has the highest point on the African continent.

Though there are higher mountains, they form part of mountain ranges, Everest for example. But Kili, as it is popularly known, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It rises gently from 3,000 feet, reaches for the heavens and only halts after a 16,000 feet ascent. The diameter at the base is an amazing 64 kilometres.

Kilimanjaro is located to the northeast of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. There is a popular myth of how the mountain came to be part of Tanzania, which was at one time part of the German Empire.

Queen Victoria is supposed to have granted the mountain to her German grandson Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday gift. It is also said that the Germans had been grumbling at the blatant unfairness of missing a snowcapped mountain within their empire while the Queen has two – the second being Mount Kenya.

Though historians have discredited the myth, it has refused to die and it is still a source of amusement for many. Unwilling to allow the truth to stand in the way, some anti-colonial historians fume with indignation, citing how the boundaries of Eastern Africa were arbitrarily decided in the capitals of the imperial powers.

To most people in the west, Kilimanjaro has long been associated with Ernest Hemingway on account of his 1936 short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”.

In 1952, Hollywood fascinated by the magic of Kili the book evokes, turned it into a movie with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in leading roles.

Kilimanjaro is young as far as mountains go, and geologists allow it only 750,000 years. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes -Kibo (19,340 feet), Shira (13,000 feet) and Mawenzi (16,896 feet). Kibo occasionally belches some steam and sulfur.

The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru Peak, where you see some awesome glaciers and fantastic views of the country below. Though Kili is only three degrees south of the equator, the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are covered in ice and snow year round.

Many learned people in Europe hotly disputed that a snow-capped

mountain could be found at the equator when the German missionary Johann Rebmann reported it in 1849.

Going up the mountain, you move from tropical to artic conditions. There are five distinct climatic zones, with each zone taking approximately 3,300 feet.

The zones are- the lower slopes, then forest, then moorland, alpine desert and the summit. The lower slopes are cultivated and agriculture flourishes. The forest region is dry in the north and wet towards the southern slopes. The forest carries many tree species including podocarpus, camphor, fig and olive trees and bamboo.

The only animals to be found here are blue and Colobus monkeys and a variety of birds including hornbill and turaco. At the moorland region, you find the giant groundsels and lobelias common in the high altitude mountain regions of eastern Africa. Further up, vegetation and animal life are sparse.

Kili is the worlds’ most accessible summit. Any reasonably strong and ambitious person, without using any special mountaineering equipment can conquer this giant. It is however hard work. Altitude and the resulting thin air will be the main challenge and not your failing strength. To avoid succumbing to high altitude sickness, you guides will constantly advise, you take the mountain slowly, slowly or “pole pole” as they say in Swahili.

You should therefore avoid a quick ascent and take time to acclimatise to the mountains’ oxygen challenged air. By ignoring such good advice many young males fail to reach the summit, when older more deliberate climbers make it.

To enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of Kili, you do not even have to climb it. By using a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can ascend to the Shira Plateau, which is perched at 12,000 feet. The first person recorded to have reached the summit is the German climber Hans Meyer in 1889. Unlike today’s climber, he did not have the benefit a route map and he only made it on the second attempt.

Having been taught a lesson in humility, for the second try, he brought along an Alpine expert and a local guide. Meyer named the summit after the Kaiser Wilhelm II, but this was years later revised to Uhuru or freedom in Swahili.

Since the days of Meyer, the icecap has receded and scientists worry that it will vanish altogether in 20 to 50 years. So, hurry up and climb Kili while it is still such a pretty sight.

Today, few climbers few use the difficult route pioneered by Meyer. The climb normally takes five to six days and involves four to five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts.

The Marangu route, which was established way back in 1909 is the easiest and most popular and is used by over 90% of climbers. Experienced climbers prefer the more scenic and difficult Machame route.

Climbers are not entirely without a sense of humour and they refer to Marangu as the coca cola route, and Machame as the whiskey route. Other routes are Shira, Mweka and Umbwe.

Shira is a scenic route that takes you through the Shira Plateau,which you reach by four-wheel drive vehicle. The route gives you great views of the Rift valley and Mount Meru. Using Mweka, you reach the summit and return to base in 4 days. But as you may suspect, it is quite steep and therefore not easy at all.

The Umbwe route is even steeper and quicker and you take only three days up and down. The route is spectacular, but it is for the fit and experienced and not casual climbers. In addition, there are technical routes such as the Western Breach and Lemosho routes.

Regardless of the route you pick, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay entry fees. On the typical Marangu route climb, spend four nights up the mountain. The route is clearly marked right to the summit. You start by trekking through the forest zone to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft) for the first night. Onward through moorland, you halt for a second night at Horombo Hut (12,450 ft).

Then through the alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep there as you go for the summit just after midnight.

You then descend back to Horombo Hut for your last night after an overall trek of about 77 kilometres. If you want to spend more time up high to acclimatise, you can overnight twice at Horombo Hut.

On the Machame route, you spend one night more on the mountain.You overnight at Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to the Mweka route and continue to Barafu Hut.

After tackling the summit, you descend for your last night at Mweka Hut. On the next day, you rejoin other mortals at the base of the mountain. You are advised to pick the route that best fits your experience.

Most aspire to reach Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo -and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman’s Point, the slightly lower peak on Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than the Kibo peaks, is more jagged and requires mountaineering experience. Many climbers find scaling Kili, whatever height they reach, a very satisfying experience.

But do not be too disappointed if you do not reach the summit.Different estimates indicate that only 15-30% of climbers get to the top. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared.

It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when the going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by taking hikes uphill with a pack strapped on your back. This rehearses the climb, minus the altitude of course.

Think also of putting in some aerobic training at the gym and by jogging. If you are having heart or lung problems, better not risk the climb. In all cases, it is a good idea to talk to your personal physician to ensure that you do not bite more than you can chew.

It is best you buy a climbing tour package to take advantage of those with local knowledge. The typical package will bundle together: return transfers – Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate, park and rescue fees, services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in mountain huts and all meals on the mountain.

In addition, you need to hire locally or bring along equipment and sleeping bags. Some useful stuff to gather include – waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, flashlights, sunglasses, prophylactics for high-altitude sickness, hand gloves and night shoes.

You need a daypack to carry a few essentials, as the porters carrying your equipment will usually hike their own way. Some items to carry on your back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen. Besure to review and book our very good value Kilimanjaro Climbing offers.

You can climb Kili, any time throughout the year. But it is obviously less fun during the March to June period when it rains the most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry – January, February and September.

July, August, November and December also good, though cooler. Due to the variation of conditions along the route- from tropic to arctic – it is convenient to dress in layers you can either shed or add on. Generally, in the northern Tanzania region, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March.

At the mountain, temperatures drop by roughly 1 degree Celsius for every 650 feet ascended.

Many climbing enthusiasts want Christmas and the New Year to find them up the mountain, and unless you book early, it is difficult to get a slot.

The best way of relaxing after the trek is by taking a safari in the unrivalled wildlife sanctuaries of northern Tanzania or heading to the beaches of Zanzibar. We have covered these attractions in earlier editions of this newsletter here.

You can book your safari or Zanzibar stay and Kili climb together – have a look at our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Hotel offers. If you want to put together your own safari, then visit the Tanzania Car Rental and Tanzania Hotels and Lodges pages of our website.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km to the northwest of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kili is nearby northern Tanzania towns of Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services the region. But it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya and then to take a shuttle bus to Arusha. http://www.gotomountkenya.com

Although the Maldives is not a destination which attracts surfers by the thousands, these tropical waters generate friendly waves which are ideal for novice surfers who just want to have a good time out among the waves. While many of the resorts located on the Maldivian Islands offer good quality surfing equipment at reasonable prizes, you do not have to worry about travelling with your own surf board. Windsurfing is another activity visitors could engage in while in the Maldives. As reasonable winds are on offer during most hours of the day, a trip to one of the wind surfing schools will give you the training you need to handle yourself well on the water.

Among the variety of water sports on offer, perhaps the most popular activity among visitors to the Maldives is snorkeling. While only certified divers are allowed to explore the farthest depths of the Maldivian seas, anyone can put on a pair of goggles and float over the shallow reefs where you can find all sorts of corals, starfish, crabs and other sea creatures that call these shallow waters their home. The level of visibility is simply amazing which enables visitors to see what lies beneath the waves with great detail. Most resorts located on these islands have their own reef where you can spend hours in the water admiring its beauty.

If you want to try your hand at something really challenging, water skiing is what you’re looking for. You will be able to book a water skiing trip from a local resort where you will get the chance glide on the water at break neck speeds which will give you a rush that is beyond words. Para-sailing, catamaran sailing and big game fishing are some of the other water related activities which you can also try your hand at while in Maldives.

John Keells Hotels Group is the proud owner of several Maldives hotels which are known to offer comfortable accommodation along with excellent service. These hotels also provide superb dining options and a host of modern amenities which is sure to make your Maldives travel experience a memorable one.

From a simple tummy tucking jobs, dental care to complex cardiac treatments, knee transplant, cosmetic surgery and psychological care people come to India for solutions. The country has a pool of talented doctors and affordable medical treatment. With state-of -the-art infrastructure, advanced technology supporting treatments and super specialty hospitals like AIIMS the country is flooded with tourists who come for medical tourism.

Holidays Points helps you explore avenues of Medical tourism in India. From traditional medical practices like Ayurvedic, Siddh, Unani or Homeopathic to modern Allopathic treatments there are many options.

You can go on a rejuvenating break to the Ayurvedic treatment spas of Kerala or get treated by the Siddha methods there. You can visit the lanes of old Delhi for authentic Unani or go for Yoga healing treatments at various places like Patanjali. Then there are super specialty hospitals some of the best in the world, offering you various kinds of treatments. The top name are ofcourse being AIIMS -Located in Delhi it is the first Indian medical center to perform a successful cardiac transplant. It is also has the first and only minimally invasive surgery training center in India. Then there is the Apollo Group of Hospitals spread across the country they give unmatched services in many major medical fields. The other super specialty hospitals are Escorts Heart Institute that offers brilliant cardiac surgery packages, to Shankar Netralay, famous for its proficiency in ophthalmology, the Fortis group with avant-grade medical infrastructure and healthcare solutions, the Wockhardt hospital for joints, spine, brain, cardiac surgery etc. choices are more than you can imagine. Not just regular treatments, people come to India for organ transplantation, cancer treatment, neuro-surgery, stem-cell research and many more.

If you feel confused with so many choices around let Holidays Points guide you through with customized tours and guides. With a panel of experts in Medical tourism you get to the best place of treatment the fastest way only with Holidays Points.

UAE or other Middle East region has lots of places to visit their. Some are far along with some are near to your destination. But you can enjoy with your vehicle or after taking vehicle on rent near to you. But what would happen if you donot know how to drive vehicle in UAE or Middle East region. At this situation, you need to help for driving institutes. There are lots of driving institutes around the Middle East region.
Emirates Driving Institute: this is private driving institutes in UAE country with 1500 employees. It has 49 branches over the UAE, along with 1500 vehicles. It has one division also named with Al Fujairah National Driving Institute. Its official address is Emirates Driving Institute, Airport Road, Al Qusais Area, P.O. Box 20948, Dubai, UAE along with telephone number +971 4-263-1100  and website http://www.edi-uae.com/ . It provides driving teaching along with license light motor vehicle, fork lift, heavy vehicle, motorcycle shovel and defensive desert driving through computerized programs. With latest updated facilities, it has now started Disabled Driver Training in Dubai.
Belhasa Driving Center: this is private ownership based driving institutes, established at 2001. Right now it has 1000 employees along with 775 vehicles. It has 12 branches around the UAE with official address Al Wasl Club, Al Zabail Street, P.O. Box 76252, Dubai, UAE along with telephone number +971 4-324-3535 with website www.bdc.ae. It provides training courses for light motor vehicle, heavy vehicles, motorcycle, defensive driving, forklift safety operating and desert driving. It has been issued around to 200,000 driving license till 2005. BDC offers specialized courses like Incident Avoidance, Diamond Advanced Motorists course, Chauffer course, Progressive Driver Development, Chauffer course, UAE familiarization course, Surveillance security and pursuit driving courses.
Galadari Motor Driving Centre: this is government certified driving institutes with 200 instructors and 550 vehicles.  It provides training courses and licenses to Light Motor Vehicles, Fork Lift trucks, Heavy Motor Vehicles and motor-cycles. Its office address belongs to Al Ghusais Industrial Area, P.O.Box 80771, Dubai, UAE with telephone number 00971-4-2676166 and website http://www.gmdc.ae/ .
Fujairah National Driving Institute: After the success of Emirates driving institutes, management started its new branch in Fujairah with name of Fujairah National Driving institute. This branch offers driving license in short time of period to individual. The driving institute is located at PO BOX: 3833, Al Heel Road, Fujairah, UAE along with 00971-9-2222333 and website http://www.fndi.ae/ .

Visit website for driving institutes, Middle East driving institutes, driving institutes list .

In present times, Barcelona is definitely a cultural metropolis – ‘a cultural crossroad’ – with excellent, carefully organized events and festivals reflecting this diversity. Some of these include the Sonar Festival, the International Jazz Festival, Asian film festivals, Fashion Week, the “Grec Festival”, The Catalonian Moto GP, Formula One: Spanish Grand Prix and many others. Let’s talk more about these events.

The fifteenth edition of Barcelona’s Advanced Music and Multimedia Art SONAR festival takes place in June 2008. Barcelona is home to S?NAR, the International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia, which brings together contemporary art, technology and music, providing a packed program of live acts and top DJs.

Taking place largely at the CCCB, Asian film festival in Barcelona will be the tenth edition of one of Europe’s top Asian film festivals. Why an Asian film festival in Barcelona? Well, for one thing Barcelona is now home to a large number of Asian immigrants. Languages: English and Spanish.

The “Teaching and Continuous Training” trade fair, formerly aka the “Sal? de l’Ensenyament” and now known as “Estudia”, is one of Barcelona’s big local trade fairs.

Barcelona likes to think itself as always at the height of fashion and its Fashion Week, the Pasarela Gaud? is its big annual event. “Moda Barcelona’s” next big event is June’s “BCN Bridal Week”.

Barcelona is one of the cultural capitals of Europe and there are always a number of exciting shows, pop, rock and classical concerts and exhibitions on each month. Summer is serious party time and busy time for Barcelona hotels, with week-long fiesta fun. But year-round the city sizzles – it’s always on the biting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style, music and good times. Tourists can find all types of holiday requirement – from economical Barcelona hotels to grand luxury and the very best in services and facilities.

Popularly known as the “Grec Festival”, Barcelona’s summer arts extravaganza is the most important cultural event of the season. Events take place at venues across the city including the Teatre Grec, Fundaci? Joan Mir? and Pla?a del Rei.

The Barcelona International Jazz Festival is one of Europe’s longest-running and most well-respected events. It takes place in the autumn, a perfect time to visit the city as the summer heat has subsided and there are less tourists and more hotels in Barcelona are available. The music comes in a wide variety of styles, from big bands and bebop to gospel and Latin jazz, consistently attracting a great line-up of international performers.

The Catalonian Moto GP is one of the most popular rounds of the World Championship. Taking place at the Circuit de Catalunya close to Barcelona, it attracts holidaymakers and race fans alike. The modern circuit has a capacity of 100,000, so the atmosphere is always electric.

Formula One is the king of motor sports. Since its inauguration in 1950, it has attracted the very best talents in the world of motor racing, hungry for the fabulous riches and unrivalled prestige it offers. The Circuit de Catalunya, just outside Barcelona, hosts the Gran Premio De Espana Telefonica 2008, otherwise known as the Spanish Grand Prix, the fourth race of the 2008 Formula One season.

And of course Christmas is a big event in Barcelona. If you are visiting Barcelona and going to be decorating the house for Christmas – particularly if you have a crib (Nativity scene), don’t miss the Feria de Santa Lucia, in the square in front of the Cathedral.

f you are looking for ideal evening entertainments in China, there are several leading shows you should never miss.

Beijing Opera Show: Beijing Opera, mostly known as Peking Opera, is a purely Chinese opera form, which dates back to the year 1790. That year, four local opera troupes of Anhui Province came to Beijing on a performance tour on the order of the imperial court.

The 1.5 hour Peking Opera is full of Chinese cultural facts, the opera presents to the audience an encyclopedia of Chinese culture as well as unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and acrobatic fighting.

The costumes in Peking opera are graceful, magnificent, elegant and brilliant, most of which are made in handicraft embroidery. As the traditional Chinese patterns are adopted, the costumes are of a high aesthetic value.

Lucky customer can have chance to see the makes-up before the performance starts. In Peking Opera, the colors of the faces represent different characters and personality. For example:

A gay friend of mine is overjoyed to find that there are so-called GayComfort Hotels that are friendly and accommodating to gays and lesbians. He just recently discovered Fabugo.com, a complete gay and lesbian travel provider online which books tours and travel packages that are most convenient and agreeable to gay and lesbian customers.
This gay friend of mine is planning a Mexican vacation with his partner next month and since he knows I’m into coupons and promotional codes, he asked if I could help him find some Fabugo.com coupon codes. I did find just the right Fabugo.com promotional codes he need and he couldn’t thank me enough. Now that he and his partner are surely getting a discount on their vacation package with the Fabugo.com promo codes, they can plan on using the money they saved from the discount on their other travel necessities.
I myself wasn’t familiar with Fabugo.com until my friend told me about it. And I’m glad that he asked for my help in finding a Fabugo.com coupon code for him because I got to learn more about this innovative online travel provider. Aside from offering gay and lesbian travelers a full line of quality travel products, Fabugo.com also takes pride in providing competitive prices and gay vacation value, incomparable customer service, and relevant gay travel content that their customers would surely love. Featuring safe, secure and easy online booking to more than 25,000 hotels in hundreds of destinations worldwide, Fabugo.com has the answers to every gay’s travel needs. Fabugo.com also has the best prices online for cruises, Broadway shows, all-inclusive spa resorts, European vacation packages, and many more.
Fabugo.com is also a partner in delivering GayComfort, a unique program that is recognized as the industry standard in accreditation for identifying gay-friendly accommodations. GayComfort is the only hotel online training program designed to make the stay of gay and lesbian travelers as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Hotels participating in this GayComfort program with Fabugo.com ensure a fabulous customer service experience for their gay and lesbian guests through a unique training program for front-line personnel.
Staff working at GayComfort accredited properties are trained to understand the key consumer needs and concerns of gay and lesbian travelers and enable them to just relax, be themselves and enjoy their vacation. GayComfort is said to be the solution designed to eliminate unnecessary hassles, frustrations and obstacles gay and lesbian travelers are often forced to deal with when they travel (such as getting the shocked and sometimes discriminating reaction at the reception area when two gay men ask to share a king size bed).
Fabugo.com has a comprehensive list of GayComfort accredited hotels and properties that suit the vacation needs of gay and lesbian travelers. With the services that Fabugo.com has to offer, I know that my gay friend and his partner are in good hands. They are surely on their way to a hassle-free and enjoyable Mexican vacation. And with the Fabugo.com promo codes they can use on their travel booking, they are definitely going to be happy and gay with their savings and fabulous vacation package.

Everyone is familiar with the word Stay-cation, invented to describe staying home instead of traveling during vacation time from work. It’s all about mowing the lawn, feeding the cat, watching TV, ordering pizza…yawn…are we bored yet?

The genius who created this little hybrid word started a trend; one that is almost out of control today. New names are popping up like mushrooms for all kinds of specialized vacations. Allow me to bring you up to date.

For a male who occasionally gets the urge to bond with guy friends, a Man-cation might be just the ticket. Fueled by testosterone, this is a vacation with hair on it. It could be about golf, sport fishing, camping, some friendly wagering, good natured ribbing, a few pranks and other activities common to all-male gatherings.

Conversely, the ladies might be in the market for an all female getaway…a Fem-cation, if you will. These are probably estrogen driven outings of some kind…I wouldn’t know for sure….some things are still a total mystery to those of us burdened with the Y- chromosome.

How about a Nude-cation – a trip for the uninhibited, those who just can’t wait to take it all off…leaving their swim suits and modesty at home. Unfortunately, this too often includes people who just don’t look very good naked anymore. One thing is for certain; however, nude-cations are a bonanza for sun block vendors and mosquitoes.

A Space-cation – Just visualize the fun and excitement…the count down…blast off…weightlessness…vertigo…nausea…little globules of vomit floating around the command module.

Seriously, this could be something as simple as a space camp for kids; or, for adults, an official NASA sponsored astronaut training down at the Cape in Florida.

The apex of the space-cation experience? If you have the required six or seven figure budget at your disposal, it is a real, actual trip into the blackness of outer space. (Hmmmm…wonder if the standard 10% commission applies?)

Got clients with young children? How about a Kid-cation – something just for kids? Could be as simple as staying at a hotel or resort that caters to youngsters – indestructible wallpaper, Jell-O, mac & cheese, hamburgers and Cokes at every meal, etc. This is a great way to go for families…but best to avoid long drives in the mini-van, especially if you are allergic to the phrase “are we there yet?”

The ultimate kid-cation, of course, is a six day pass to Disney World…or a cruise of one of the Disney ships.

And, yes Virginia, there are Procreation Vacations – very popular with those who are ready to start a family. Part fertility clinic, part luxury resort, these destinations provide the perfect romantic environment… including couples massages, special diets, magic potions, specific exercises, ointments, pagan rituals…whatever it takes to guarantee that making whoopee will make a bay bee!

Then there is that getaway wildlypopular with Baby Boomers – Medical Travel – known today as Medi-cations. No doctor’s prescription is needed. These little junkets are all about traveling to other countries to seek treatment for whatever ails you…even if it is just an excess of wrinkles or worn body parts where looks and/or performance is just not up to par.

How about a Luxura-cation? A trip for lovers of luxury, pampering, spa treatments, total indulgence…trips for those who believe anything worth doing is worth over-doing. A topnotch luxura-cation provides endless opportunities for sensory overload.

Last but not least is the unbelievably popular category, Educational Vacations or Edu-cations. These are all about learning, attending lectures, studying or going to school while traveling. This segment is experiencing exponential growth…especially on cruise ships…so much so that a future article will be dedicated exclusively to this category. (Holland America pioneered this field. HAL ships now have dedicated on-board facilities that feature high interest offerings such as Culinary Arts taught by well known Master Chefs.)

In closing, I strongly urge you to familiarize yourself with these terms, because…to put it bluntly, simply asking clients if they are ready for a “vacation” is sooooo last century.

Why not demonstrate that you are in tune with the times by indulging in a little vacation name dropping? It won’t hurt and just might help business.

Here they are again for your edification and review:

– Stay-cation

– Man-cation

– Fem-cation

– Nude-cation

– Kid-cation

– Space-cation

– Medi-cation

– Procreation Vacation (see also – Pregna-cation)

– Luxura-cation

– Medi-cation (Medical Tourism – not to be confused with travel to the Mediterranean)

You are warned. Fly but don’t get drunk, says Minister.

There is an issue with the number of drunken passengers on Air Mauritius flights, says the Minister of Tourism and External Communication, Mr. Xavier Luc Duval. “They cause problems to other passengers and staff and now Government wants to put into place preventive measures. We intend to have a law that will allow us to prosecute disruptive passengers once they land,” he adds.

However, he says: “We will not ban drinking on our flights; we do not want to change the customer’s experience. Why should we penalize the majority of well-behaved passengers because of a drunken few?” The proposed Civil Aviation (Hijacking and other Offences) (Amendment) Bill, under section 5A reads as follows: Any person who, on board an Aircraft flight – (a) intimidates or threatens a crew member, whether physically or verbally, or uses abusive language against him, or lessens the ability of a crew member to perform his duties; (b) obstructs or hinders a crew member in the performance of his duties; (c) willfully refuses to follow a lawful instruction given by the aircraft commander, or on behalf of the aircraft commander by a crew member, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the aircraft or of any person or property on board, or for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline on board, shall commit an offence.

(2) Any person who, on board an Air Mauritius in flight (a) intimidates or threatens, whether physically or verbally another person or uses abusive language against another person; (b) willfully damages or destroys property not belonging to him;(c) is under the influence of an intoxicating drink (i.e. alcohol) or of a drug to such extent as to be incapable of behaving properly, shall commit an offence. One tour Operator believes that the new legislation would be a step towards the right direction. “This is an excellent initiative. The Bill would bring Mauritius in line with other countries, which have laws that offer protection on flights. It is important that at a time when we expect a rise in the volume of tourists, we can assure flight staff a safe working environment.”

The president of the Association of Travel Agencies, Mr. Willy Cheung said: “It is a good piece of legislation that will act as a deterrent. It will protect the cabin crews, and the passengers too.” One steward said: “This new legislation was long overdue. Flight crews have had enough with drunken passengers. They think that we are here to put up with their abuse and ill manners. Not only do they make our job tougher but also they spoil the mood of other passengers. I applaud the Government for this initiative.” An airhostess said: “Dealing with drunken passengers is a cabin crew’s worst nightmare. We must be very initiative to find a diplomatic ways to ask them to stop drinking. We have received training to deal with this issue, but I must confess, it can get quite tiring.

MauriTravel

I am a bit crazy about elephants and this is something I have wanted to do for some time.
After lazing on the beach at Nakamanda in Krabi for four days to acclimatise, having come from the snow in Britain, and soaking up the charming Thai hospitality, we headed up to Chaing Mai.
The Thai Conservation Centre in Lampang, about an hour outside Chiang Mai, is set in parkland and jungle. It is bigger than I had expected and we were booked into participate in the 3 day VIP Mahout elephant training course. The VIP part just ensures you have your own elephant and Mahout for the entire time and there are only 4 participants in the group. From the moment you arrive, after donning your mahout suit, you are with the elephants.
My ele was called Tradang, he is 32 and has a hole in one ear. Charming! The first thing that struck me was his size – he stood about 9 or 10 feet high – it was a long way up there! It was a bit scary at first, although I soon got into the swing of it and began to learn about the special bond between a mahout and his/her elephant. The next challenge was getting off!
Three days of constant contact and interaction with extremely well loved, well trained and well cared for elephants followed.  (Incidentally, we there is also a wonderful elephant hospital that treats and looks after elephants sent from all over Thailand.) From 6.30 or 7am to 4 or 5pm each day we were with our elephants, feeding, bathing, training and even participating in the daily show. My elephant was particularly keen on bathing me as well as himself and I was always absolutely soaked after the bathing session.
We took our elephant to a different part of the forest each night. The accommodation in individual chalet style cabins is spacious, basic and clean and the food is home cooked to order by the very friendly staff.
Until you ride & spend time with an elephant you really can’t imagine how intelligent and how intuitive they are. The last day of the course it was my birthday and I was in heaven riding out to the water hole at sunrise on my elephant.