http://www.netglobers.com/node.php?pageid=1&pageclef=rssenSat, 04 Feb 2012 14:34:28 +0100Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:34:28 +0100http://www.cafecentral.frThu, 02 Feb 2012 10:25:57 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/turkey-severe-flight-disruptions-reported-at-istanbul-s-international-31820.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/turkey-severe-flight-disruptions-reported-at-istanbul-s-international-31820.htmlToday, Thursday, February 2nd, severe flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are being reported at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport due to heavy snowfall and blizzard-conditions. Disruptions could continue all day long. More flight delays and cancellations could occur in the coming days depending on the evolution of the weather. Since the beginning of the week, hundreds of flights have been cancelled at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport due to gale-force winds. Turkey is currently experiencing the worst snowfall of the last 50 years. People travelling to or throughout Turkey are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Confirm all your travel arrangements and listen to all recommendations given by local authorities. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:53:04 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/flight-disruptions-in-istanbul-due-to-heavy-snowfalls-31795.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/flight-disruptions-in-istanbul-due-to-heavy-snowfalls-31795.htmlToday, Tuesday, January 31st, transport disruptions are likely across Turkey and especially in Istanbul due to bad weather. According to meteorologists, heavy snowfalls will continue to affect the country at least until February 1st. Winter conditions, associated with blizzard, are likely to disrupt flights and road transports as they reduce visibility. Moreover, the cold front is forecast to hit the country’s capital Ankara in coming days causing more disruptions.  Yesterday, some 200 flights were cancelled at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport due to blizzard. Turkey is currently experiencing the worst snowfall of the last 50 years. People travelling to or throughout Turkey are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Authorities have issued a red alert in Istanbul due to the dangerous road conditions. Travellers are advised to avoid ground travel until the storm eases. Confirm all your travel arrangements and listen to all recommendations given by local authorities. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:55:46 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/travel-within-bhutan-just-got-easier-and-less-romantic-31746.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/travel-within-bhutan-just-got-easier-and-less-romantic-31746.htmlThe happiest place on earth is now more accessible thanks to new airline routes within the country. Bhutan’s national airline, Drukair, and private competitor Bhutan Airlines are now offering flights to Batpalathang in the eastern region, an area less accessible until now. The journey from the capital city of Thimphu to Bumthang has traditionally taken a day to travel by road. With the new direct flights the time has been cut to a simple 25 minutes. Venturing into the country’s far-east once took two days to complete, now in only 30 minutes travelers will arrive with barely enough time to blink an eye. Private carrier Bhutan Airlines has added charter flights to its menu of travel options; allowing visitors incredible views of the vast mountain landscape full of deep valleys and raging rivers. However, flights within the small Asian country won’t come cheap with prices ranging from $400 - $600 USD for return flights. Nestled between China and India among the Himalayan Mountain range, the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is famous for measuring its economy not by GDP, but instead by GNH – Gross National Happiness. Travel to thin air and scenic beauty of Bhutan Happiness and no traffic lights; yes, Bhutan sings a different tune. Visiting will provide an escape from everyday stresses, but be prepared. Amenities such as ATM machines, elevators, and escalators are not to be found. In order to travel to Bhutan and obtain a visa visitors must be registered and booked through a tour operator. Tourists are also subject to a daily tariff while in the country.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:52:09 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/china-tibetan-unrest-spreads-in-southwestern-sichuan-province--31724.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/china-tibetan-unrest-spreads-in-southwestern-sichuan-province--31724.htmlAnti-government upheaval continues to spread in Tibetan-populated areas of Sichuan province. On Tuesday, January 24th, security forces shot dead at least two demonstrators in Seda, located in Garze prefecture. This event took place one day after police opened fire at a crowd of Tibetans rallying against religious repression in Luhuo county. At least two civilians were killed and 30 others wounded during the clashes. Due to the current situation, Chinese authorities are likely to tighten security across the Sichuan province, banning all public gatherings and deploying extra security forces in public places. The social unrest is concentrated in the western part of Sichuan province, which is located next to the official Tibetan Autonomous Region and where ethnic Tibetans are predominant. Over the past 12 months, at least 16 self-immolations, mostly by Tibetan monks, have been reported. Monks protest against China’s control of their homeland and against the restrictions of freedom of religion. More protests are likely during the Tibetan New Year festival of Losar (February 22nd - 24th). Chinese authorities are likely to close the access to Tibet to foreign travelers between February 20th and March 30th, 2012. People travelling to China are advised to listen to all recommendations given by Chinese authorities and to obey all travel restrictions that can be enforced by the government particularly on Tibetan-populated areas as they could occur with little warning. People planning to visit the Tibetan region must be aware that China requires special conditions to enter Tibet; foreign tourists must obtain a special permit in addition of the Chinese visa. Travellers must also travel in tour groups. Get informed prior to your departure. Generally speaking, avoid all demonstrations as they might turn violent at short notice and keep a low profile during your stay. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:35:40 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/us-embassy-warns-about-possible-terror-attacks-in-bangkok--31631.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/us-embassy-warns-about-possible-terror-attacks-in-bangkok--31631.htmlOn Friday, January 13th, the US embassy in Thailand warned that “foreign terrorists” could be organizing attacks in popular touristic places of Bangkok. The embassy did not give specific details about the places where attacks could occur. Thai authorities announced that according to the United States, two suspected Muslim terrorists have recently entered the country. The terrorist threat remains high in Thailand. Over the past years, bomb and grenade attacks have taken place in popular places, including areas frequented by tourists and expatriates. Sporadic attacks could occur in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The southern provinces of Thailand (Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani) are still being affected by violence due to an insurgent separatist movement. Travellers must be aware that several western embassies advise their citizens against all but essential travel to some regions of Thailand, including the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where an Islamic insurgency is going on. Get informed before your departure.  Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:25:39 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/air-india-employees-threaten-to-strike--31602.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/air-india-employees-threaten-to-strike--31602.htmlUnionized Air India employees have threatened to start an indefinite strike starting from Saturday, January 14th. Even if pilots are not involved in the walkout, flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, could occur due to a lack of cabin crew personal. Domestic flights will probably be the most affected; however, international flights could also be hit by the strike. On Wednesday, January 11th, some 250 cabin crew members have started a work stoppage. More spontaneous similar actions could occur in coming days; flight delays before the strike cannot be ruled out. Air India has experienced several labour disputes in the past, which have prompted crippling strikes due to financial problems. The unionized employees are asking to the airline the payment of their salaries. Passengers travelling with Air India are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to contact the airline for further information. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:28:51 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/north-korea-slowly-emerging-as-a-travel-destination-31598.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/north-korea-slowly-emerging-as-a-travel-destination-31598.htmlThe recent death of leader Kim Jong-Il has put the isolated communist country into the mainstream consciousness and may lead to more people making it a part of their travel plans. Following 13 days of mourning North Korea has re-opened its doors to tourists; an unexpected development that has some thinking the country is ready to relax its secretive ways. Traditionally North Korea forbids tourists during parts of December and January; combined with the death of the president there was uncertainty that ‘business as usual’ would continue so quickly. In the aftermath of Kim’s father Kim Il-Sung’s death in 1994, North Korea locked out tourists for 100 days. Not only are the borders already accepting visitors this time, plans are still in place to celebrate Kim’s 70th birthday in February, despite his death. Some travel agencies claim that tours are sold-out for the coming months. However, North Korea has a long way to go to be considered a true holiday destination. Only 3,000 visitors outside of China made their way to the country last year. Travel to North Korea takes more than simply crossing the border Americans traveling to North Korea is not a common occurrence. Tensions between the US and North Korea remain high, especially following North Korea’s decision to carry-out nuclear bomb testing. Americans must apply well advance for entrance visas through China as the US does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea. Americans entering North Korea without proper documentation will be subject to serious consequences, including jail sentences.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:14:35 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/unrest-and-violence-continue-in-syria--31594.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/unrest-and-violence-continue-in-syria--31594.htmlOn Tuesday, January 10th, President Bashar al-Assad delivered a rare speech to the nation, concerning Syria’s current situation. During his intervention, he clearly refused to step down despite the violent upheaval against its regime. Over the past days dozens of protesters were killed by forces loyal to al-Assad, principally in Homs and in the Idleb Provinces. On Friday, January 6th, a suicide attack hit Damascus, leaving 26 people dead and at least 63 others wounded.  Despite the presence of the Arab League observers, the crackdown on civilians continues. Mass demonstrations marred with violence are taking places countrywide on a daily basis. Security in the country is no longer guaranteed and violence can erupt anywhere and without warning. According to the United Nations, more than 5,000 civilians have been killed since the upheaval against al-Assad’s regime started in March 2011. The security situation deteriorates day after day in Syria. Due to the current situation, most of western embassies advise their citizens against all travel to Syria and advise those already in the country to consider leaving as soon as possible by commercial means.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:33:06 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/indonesia-a-man-dies-from-h5n1-avian-influenza--31590.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/indonesia-a-man-dies-from-h5n1-avian-influenza--31590.htmlOn Tuesday, January 10th, Indonesia’s health ministry announced that a 24-year old Indonesian man infected with the virus H5N1 died in Jakarta on January 7th. The man probably contracted the H5N1 avian influenza from birds living near his house. Indonesia is the hardest-hit by the H5N1 virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 150 deaths have been reported nationwide between 2003 and 2011. Last year, nine Indonesians died from the disease, including two children in Bali. Symptoms of human infection by the H5N1 virus are high fever (typically over 38°C) and flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, headaches, nausea, etc. Patients may experience coughing, shortness of breath and pulmonary infiltrates. Even if the risk of human infection is low, avoid contact with birds (poultry or wild bird market) and do not eat raw or undercook bird products (eggs and meat). The risk is greater for those having direct and close contact with poultry. If you develop the symptoms, contact immediately a doctor.Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:35:03 +0100http://www.netglobers.com/asia/malaysia-multiple-bombing-hit-kuala-lumpur--31582.htmlhttp://www.netglobers.com/asia/malaysia-multiple-bombing-hit-kuala-lumpur--31582.htmlOn Monday, January 9th, three small explosions occurred near the High Court of Malaysia complex in the country’s capital Kuala Lumpur. The bombings injured at least five people. The first explosion occurred at 10:20 am (local time) about 300 meters from the courthouse. The second one took place 25 minutes later and finally, the last bomb exploded near 11:00 am (local time). After the blasts, security forces cordoned the area and dispersed hundreds of people gathered in the area ahead of the verdict of the opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. The attacks took place shortly after the High Court acquitted of sodomy charges Anwar Ibrahim, the opposition leader member of the People’s Justice Party (PKR). Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Court, waiting for the verdict. Monday’s bombings were certainly politically motivated. No one has yet claimed the responsibility of the attack. Travellers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and public gathering as they might turn violent at short notice. Listen to local and international media in order to get updated information about further gatherings and protests. You must be aware that there is a general threat from terrorism in Malaysia. Avoid popular places during the rush hours and keep a low profile during your stay.