Category Archives: archive

Singapore Screens for SARS

Changi Airport in Singapore is using high technology to screen the foreheads of inbound passengers as they step off the plane. The infrared fever screening system has a thermal imaging thermometer that works like a camera. It takes a picture of each passenger and transfers the data to a computer screen. Blue dots indicate normal temperature and red fever. Anyone looks feverish is checked for SARS symptoms by a nurse.


Meeting News from New York

JUNE 7: Ladakh Ken Axen, who also presented the amazing Bhutan, will be back to present Ladakh. “In the forbidding terrain of the Himalayas, a robust people embellish their frugal lives with rich endowments of faith”, Thomas J. Abercrombie, National Geographic.

Experience the beauty of this exotic land through a slide show by Kenneth Axen, PhD, research scientist, graphic artist, and serious amateur photographer.

For details of forthcoming meetings e-mail newyork@globetrotters.co.uk or register for e-mail updates, click here at our website.

New York meetings are held at The Wings Theatre, 154 Christopher Street (btw Greenwich St and Washington St), to the right of Crunch Fitness, in the Archive on the first Saturday of each month at 4 pm.


Airline News

As a result of the US Airways Charlotte, N Carolina commuter plane crash earlier in 2003, the FAA has notified US airlines operating planes with more than 19 seats to raise weight estimates for both passengers (by 10lbs) and carry on luggage by 5lbs. Meanwhile, airlines have been given 90 days to either introduce the new weight rules or carry out their own surveys.

UK airport operator, BAA, has called for three new runways to be built in the south east of England. BAA recommend one runway dedicated to short haul planes at London Heathrow, a second runway at London Gatwick and up to two more at home of Ryanair, and BAA’s fastest growing airport, London Stansted.

British Airways and Germany's Lufthansa have applied to restart services to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. American carrier Northwest Airlines recently announced that it had applied for permission from the US Department of Transportation to start flights to Iraq. The UK's Virgin Atlantic, which has flown emergency medical supplies into Iraq since the end of hostilities, also expressed an interest in providing commercial services.


Wroclaw, Poland

Andrev, a student in the beautiful city of Wroclaw wrote in to tell us about his hometown. He says he would like to tell us about a few interesting things about his city and (hopefully) encourage someone to come here!! Let's begin with a Town Hall – one of the most beautiful late Gothic and Renaissances Buildings in Europe. It was started in 14th century with 15th century towers and is situated in the old Market Square a huge 120 square metres itself – just imagine. Another interesting place to see is St. John the Baptist's Cathedral. This was built on the site of the first wooden church and dates from 1000. The present Gothic cathedral was rebuilt between 1244 and 1376. Further development took place in 15th century and added the side chapels and the main portal. The last thing I would like to describe is Panorama of the battle Raclawice – one of a few preserved monuments of this kind in the world a huge 120m x 15m.

If you would like some more information about Wroclaw please contact Andrev on: and_f@wp.pl


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TV Appeal for Help

RDF Media are producing a documentary for Channel 4 in the UK about people who go travelling and do not return to the UK. We are looking for stories of British people who find alternative lifestyles, jobs, identities and relationships whilst travelling and resolve not to return home. We would particularly like to speak to travellers who can articulate why they have rejected UK lifestyle, and what qualities their new life can offer that Britain can not. We are also looking into stories of UK travellers that have gone missing whilst abroad. We would like to speak to the friends and family that are searching for them. If you would like to contact Kelly, you may e-mail her at: kelly.close@rdfmedia.com or phone her on 0207 013 4316.


Being Careful . Travel to Hong Kong and Guandong Province, China

From the UK Foreign Office: “The Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health — on the basis of information from the World Health Organisation — has strongly advised the UK public to defer travel to Hong Kong, Beijing, China’s Shanzi province China and Toronto in Canada for the time being due to the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome”. The situation in China is being kept under careful review. Travellers are advised to monitor the FCO website and the Department of Health website regularly. Further information on SARS is also available on the World Health Organisation website (www.who.int)


Mutual Aid

Felicity would like help on staying in the Hawaiian Islands. She says she would like to stay and work on one of the Hawaiian islands for say a period of about 4 to 5 months after her exams. Can anyone help her with some info about visa’s, jobs, accommodation, weather, when it’s best to go, etc. Felicity can be contacted on: felicitybishop@hotmail.com

David from PA, USA says: “I have a small boat (850 LBS) in Van Nuys California at my brother’s house. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I am willing to pay someone’s gas expenses if they are travelling across country and are willing to bring my boat east. What newsgroups would I post something like this on? I am new to newsgroups and would appreciate any help you could give me in getting my boat east”. If you can help David, please e-mail him on: dave43pa2003@yahoo.com

Need help? Want a travelling buddy or advice about a place or country – want to share something with us – why not visit our Mutual Aid section of the Website: Mutual Aid


Meeting News from New York "Ladakh: The last Shangri-la?"

“Ladakh: The last Shangri-la?”

“In the forbidding terrain of the Himalayas, a robust people embellish their frugal lives with rich endowments of faith” (Thomas J. Abercrombie, National Geographic). Experience the beauty of this exotic land through a slide show by Kenneth Axen, PhD, research scientist, graphic artist, and serious amateur photographer.

For details of forthcoming meetings email newyork@globetrotters.co.uk or register for email updates, click here at our website.

New York meetings are held at The Wings Theatre, 154 Christopher Street (btw Greenwich St and Washington St), to the right of Crunch Fitness, in the Archive on the first Saturday of each month at 4 pm.


Free London Museums: Leighton House

Leighton House Art Gallery & Museum, the former home of the great nineteenth century classical painter Lord Leighton is now open to visitors as a mixture of stately home and art gallery. An impressive collection of high Victorian art is on show here, along with various contemporary art exhibitions. The house itself is also a dramatic sight, with its ebony woodwork, ornate mosaic flooring and exquisite Persian carpets.

Address: 12 Holland Park Road

Telephone: 020 7602 3316 Admission times: Mon-Sun, 11am-5.30pm; Closed on Tuesdays Admission: Free

Website: leightonhousemuseum