New Year's Eve 2010: Celebrations Around The World

Here is an article about New Year’s Eve 2010 in different corners of the world.
by TANALEE SMITH

ADELAIDE, Australia — Multicolored starbusts and gigantic sparklers lit the midnight sky over Sydney Harbour in a dazzling fireworks show witnessed by 1.5 million enthusiastic spectators who camped out all day to ring in the new year.

Sydney touted its claim to be the New Year's Eve capital of the world with a spectacular display over the iconic Harbour Bridge using 7 tons of fireworks, its largest since 2000.

"Stunning, beautiful," said Cinthya Romo, 32, a Sydney-based interpreter from Chile who watched the 12-minute fireworks show from the Opera House.

As the clock ticked closer to 2011, cities across Asia readied for midnight events ranging from traditional prayers in Japan to a massive pyrotechnic display in the shape of a dragon in Taiwan. Europeans were looking forward to celebrations that could help them forget their economic worries.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered along Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor to watch fireworks explode from the roofs of 10 of the city's most famous buildings. Shoppers bustled among the glittering malls and hotels on both sides of the harbor as they waited for the midnight countdown in a night of cool, clear weather.

At Japan's Zojoji temple in central Tokyo, founded in 1393, monks chanted as thousands packed in to count down until midnight. Revelers released a mass of silver balloons carrying notes with their hopes for the future, as the temple's giant 15-ton bell rang in the background.

A few hours earlier, New Zealand and many South Pacific island nations were first to see in new year.

New Zealanders sang and danced their way into 2011, with firework displays and sold-out concerts entertaining revelers. In the biggest city, Auckland, explosions of red, gold and white burst over the Sky Tower while tens of thousands shouted, danced and sang in the streets below.

In New York City, nearly a million revelers were expected to cram into the streets around Times Square to watch the traditional midnight ball drop. The 20-inch snowstorm that blanketed the city will be just a memory thanks to work crews and warmer temperatures.

This year marks the first time Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, officially celebrates the new year with a countdown blowout, complete with a light show and foreign DJs in front of the city's elegant French colonial-style opera house.
Vietnamese typically save their biggest celebrations for Tet, the lunar new year that begins on Feb. 3. But in recent years, the Western influence has started seeping into Vietnamese culture among teens, who have no memory of war or poverty and are eager to find a new reason to party in the communist country.

At midnight in Taipei, Taiwan, fireworks formed a spiraling dragon climbing up the city's tallest skyscraper.

In the Philippines, powerful firecrackers have injured at least 245 people in recent days and Health Secretary Enrique Ona urged safety during Friday's celebrations, saying he feared up to 1,000 injuries.

Many Filipinos, influenced by Chinese tradition, believe that noisy New Year's celebrations drive away evil and misfortune. But they have carried that superstition to extremes, exploding huge firecrackers sometimes bigger than dynamite sticks to welcome the new year.

In Europe, many people will be partying simply to forget their economic woes after a year that saw Greece and Ireland needing financial bailouts and others, such as Spain and Portugal, battling speculation that they will need similar aid.

In London, thousands will witness a musical and firework display at the 135-meter high London Eye, located on the southern banks of the Thames River. The Eye, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, lies almost opposite the Big Ben clock tower at Parliament that will chime in 2011.

If not at home or at private parties, Spaniards traditionally gather in their main town squares to eat 12 grapes one by one as the bell in the square marks the countdown to 2011.

In Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in her New Year message that Europe is dealing with a major test and must strengthen the euro, even as she celebrated Germany's emergence from the economic crisis, powered by strong exports.

Merkel said in her televised message being broadcast Friday that "it was a good year for Germany."

AP/The Huffington Post | TANALEE SMITH First Posted: 12-31-10 09:16 AM | Updated: 12-31-10 05:50 PM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/31/new-years-eve-2010-around-the-world_n_802996.html#217904

Some Christmas Traditions Around The World

photos top to bottom: Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Austria

For children of all ages, Christmas conjures up enchanting visions of snowflakes, sleigh rides and sugar plums. But while the holidays may be universally thought of as the most wonderful time of the year, not all international yuletide customs are merry and bright.

In Austria as well as elsewhere in central Europe, St. Nicholas is accompanied by Krampus, a truly sinister, demon-like creature who bears a whip and a sack for misbehaved children. In the Czech Republic, the traditional Christmas Eve meal is carp, but buying one means bearing witness to a gruesome ritual of Wes Craven-like proportions, while in the Catalonia region of Spain, you might opt to steer clear of a legendary figure known as El Caganer, who's up to some foul-smelling business -- literally -- in the nativity scene.

Take a look at some of the most spirited Christmas traditions around the world here:
Austria
No doubt one of the most terrifying holiday traditions hails from the Austrian Alps, where a figure known as Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas on his travels. The sinister, demon-like figure carries a whipping rod and a sack for misbehaved children.
Spain
In Spain's Catalonia region, you'll find a character called 'El Caganer' among the figures in the traditional Nativity scene. He’s literally defecating -- according to Catalan legend, his “fertilizer” will yield a good harvest for the following year
Eukraine
An artificial spider and web, said to bring good luck, are often included in the decorations on Ukrainian Christmas trees, in honor of a folk tale in which a poor woman awoke on Christmas morning to find her tree trimmed with webs of silver and gold.
Sweden
Dec. 13 is Saint Lucia's Day, one of the few saint days observed in Sweden as well as throughout Scandinavia. Depicted as a young girl wearing a crown of candles to symbolize the fire that refused to take St. Lucia's life when she was sentenced to be burned, Saint Lucia delivers sweets and small gifts to good children.
Germany
The traditional Christmas Eve gift bearer throughout Germany is the Christkind, or "Christ Child," who also appears in other central European nations as well. Young German girls often don white robes and angel wings to deliver the gifts, and indicate their departure by ringing a small bell.
Czech RepublicThe traditional Czech holiday meal is carp, which are kept in enormous streetside pools the week before Christmas. When a live carp is purchased, the fish is then bludgeoned and its head hacked off in full view of passers-by.
Italy
Throughout Italy, a kindly old witch named La Befana -- who, according to legend, declined an invitation from the Magi to visit the infant Jesus in Bethlehem -- delivers presents to children as she searches for the Christ Child.
Japan
The Japanese have absorbed many Western Christmas traditions, including decorated trees, roast turkey and mistletoe. For non-Christians, the Japanese equivalent of Santa Claus is Hoeiosho, a Buddhist monk who bears gifts for children.
England
The traditional English Christmas pudding is familiar to anyone who's ever seen or read A Christmas Carol, and it is said that wish made while preparing the dessert will come true, but only if the ingredients are stirred in a clockwise direction.
Netherlands
St. Nicholas' Dutch companion is known as Black Peter, or "Zwarte Piet," who is depicted as a Moor and is usually dressed in a Renaissance page style costume with short pants, stockings, and a cap with a large feather. His face is covered with soot and he rides a mule,It and he travels down chimneys to leave gifts for the children, though in some legends he is also said to punish disobedient children.
Brazil
The Brazilian Santa Claus is 'Papai Noel,' who travels to Brazil every Christmas in breathable silks as opposed to heavy wool, and lives in Greenland (rather than the North Pole) for the remainder of the year.
Russia
Russia's Grandfather Frost is similar to his Western counterparts but is associated with the New Year, the most universally observed Russian holiday, rather than Christmas Day.
by Curtis M. Wong First Posted: 12-18-10 11:23 AM
To see photos of each, click on this link.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/18/christmas-traditions-arou_n_797890.html#s209868

Bhutan-the only country with a dress code for men

The Gho is the traditional and national dress for men in Bhutan. Introduced in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to give the Bhutanese a more distinctive identity, it is a knee-length robe tied at the waist by a cloth belt known as the kera. On festive occasions it is worn with a kabney.

The government of Bhutan requires all men to wear the gho if they work in a government office or school. Men are also required to wear the gho on formal occasions. In its modern form, the law dates from 1989, but the driglam namzha dress code is much older.

Happy Holidays!!

At site of Nazi power, a Chanukah menorah at Brandenburg Gate

A costumed Maccabee stands at a Chanukah menorah-lighting ceremony at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Dec. 1, 2010.

By Toby Axelrod • December 2, 2010
BERLIN (JTA) -- Icicles formed on Rabbi Yehudah Teichtal’s beard as he helped set up the towering menorah in the center of Berlin.

It wasn’t just any menorah among the thousands that the Chabad-Lubavitch movement erects every Chanukah in public locations around the world. Teichtal, the Chabad rabbi in the German capital, was erecting this one at the Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of Nazi power.

By nightfall on the first night of Chanukah, the gate through which the Nazis marched and which for 28 years marked the dividing line between East and West Berlin had been transformed into a Jewish symbol.

In what was “the cold, dark center” of Nazi Germany, “we are here to say Am Yisrael Chai!’” -- the Jewish people live, said Teichtal, his voice booming across Unter den Linden Boulevard. A few hundred revelers answered in kind.

The menorah lit Wednesday will stay up for the full eight days, with a public candle-lighting ceremony held each night of the holiday.

It marks the sixth year that Chabad of Berlin, with the support of numerous Jewish organizations, has hosted a Chanukah first-night celebration at the Brandenburg Gate. In 2004, Teichtal won permission from the German government, arguing that this would be an event of national importance worthy of such a location.

Sure enough, the image of rabbis dancing in front of the menorah at the Brandenburg Gate appears in newspapers and on websites around the world.
The message is clear: In Germany, the Jews live again.
More than 200,000 Jews are living now in Germany, the majority of them immigrants from the former Soviet Union who came after 1990.

“Twenty or 30 years ago, nobody would believe that this would happen here,” said Arkady Schwarz, deputy chair of Konigs Wusterhausen, a Jewish congregation in Brandenburg.

“I like what this light represents,” U.S. Ambassador to Germany Philip Murphy told the crowd gathered Wednesday, Chanukah’s first night. “And I also like the length of the holiday: My kids want to know why certain other holidays can’t be as long.”
Murphy also hosted a small Chanukah reception at the embassy.

The ceremony on Chanukah’s first night was the culmination of a day filled with holiday activities ranging from a parade through Berlin of cars with menorahs strapped on top to visits to Jews in hospitals, prisons and senior centers.
“We give out Chanukah gifts to all children in the hospitals, including non-Jewish children,” Teichtal told JTA.

“In Berlin, which was the essence of darkness, we go to the source and bring light,” he said. “To all our enemies who have tried to destroy us, we answer not with sticks and stones but with light and good deeds and acts of kindness.”
After the first candle was lit at the gate, organizers passed around jelly doughnuts -- a traditional Chanukah treat known in German as a “Berliner.” Music blasted from speakers, hot drinks and sparklers were passed around, celebrants danced or huddled together to stay warm on a freezing Berlin night.

“Why are we here? Because we are Jews, why else?” laughed Schwarz, who emigrated with his family from Ukraine in 1999. “In Ukraine it was not only forbidden to practice religion, it was forbidden to think about religion, he said, recalling the communist days. “So we feel free here.”

Elijahu Borodin, 20, who came to Berlin from Odessa 13 years ago, set aside his math studies to don a Maccabee costume and stand on the ceremonial platform, torch in hand.“This is my job for now,” he said, “to show that the Jews have survived.”

Alexandria-Ancient and Modern

Today, we explored Alexandria, Egypt’s 2nd largest city founded by Alexander the Great in 332BC.

This city, brought to life in history and film classes, is a modern city that continues to excavate layers of its former (ancient) civilizations buried beneath it.

Alexandria formerly houses one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world, The Pharos lighthouse. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 12th and 14th centuries. Standing in its place is the imposing Fort Qaitbey, built in the 1480s by Sultan Qaitbey. From its elevated position, set back from the grand cornice (long waterfront walkway) the fort has fantastic views of Alexandria and out to sea. This was our first stop.

Next, we headed along the corniche, passing lots of seafront resort hotels, to the Montazah Palace and gardens, the summer home of the royal family.

Pompey’s Pillar and the Temple of Serapris ruins were next. Destroyed by Christians as they commonly destroyed pagan temples, the only part of the temple still standing is one of the pillars, known (incorrectly) as the Pillar of Pompey. We explored the impressive, fully preserved, intricate network of subterranean galleries (long dark passageways) with side chambers that housed statues of Gods, tools and equipment, food, and even the tombs of the revered Apis bulls. These ancient underground galleries survived destruction by the Christians and multiple earthquakes over the years.

Lunch was delectable seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

The highlight of the tour was the Alexandria Library and Cultural Center. More than a library that seats 2000, the modern new complex houses museums of antiquities and photography, a planetarium, a science museum, a children’s wing, and even a museum of the life of Anwar Sadat. His museum contains personal artifacts from his home, his office, medals, documents, photos, uniforms, his pipe, and even the suit he was wearing when he was assassinated in 1981.

Striking in its architecture, the main library is encased in a giant cylindrical building at the northern end of the waterfront. The circular outer wall is made of Aswan granite engraved with letters from world alphabets. The roof which tilts toward the sea is designed to angle sunlight onto the desks of the 7-tier 2000-seat reading rooms. The library contains 8000 volumes, none of which, however, can be checked out. You can download 25% of a volume in 4 sittings in order to read an entire book.

There is also a vast online collection. I will get to know this library better when I return home.

Of course, this library was constructed to commemorate the 3rd century BC library that had been the finest in the ancient world, before it was destroyed by fire.
The last stop on our tour was the Roman Ampitheatre. It was discovered (uncovered) beneath the rubble of a construction project in 1965. Can you imagine living in a city where they stumble upon centuries-old ruins with intact mosaic floors from the 2nd century AD?

We had a great 2 days in Cairo and Alexandria!

Cairo and Giza

post coming later..................................

Perfect day touring Rome from cruise ship

I had the perfect day touring Rome with 6 great folks. Highlights were visiting the inside of the Colosseum; having a guided tour of Vatican City including St Peters and the Sistine Chapel;Seeing Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, and The Spanish Steps.

7AM awoke (with no wake up call)
7AM room service breakfast
Dressed, ate, and packed knapsack
Rained hard from 730-755ish
740AM met group in lobby

3 couples + Karla went into a 7-passenger mini-van with Fabio our driver and guide for our full day in Rome.
--Tom and Rosemary-Ottawa
--Susie and Joel -Portland, OR
--Jason and Mike-San Francisco

It was the perfect day with the perfect group. We all met online on cruisecritic.com where Tom set up the trip and invited others to join. We split the cost of 650 Euros for the van and guides for the day (8AM til 4:45PM). The ship left at 7PM.

We got along sooo well: No conflict, everyone was friendly, everyone was cooperative and punctual----we stuck closely together. They are all frequent cruisers who really like NCL. They all book balconies, suites, penthouses, and villas. Everyone loves the 5 days at sea in between port visits!! They all like the Jade and feel it is the perfect size ship. (there are virtually NO KIDS on this cruise) We paid 1/3 of what NCL tours charged to be in a small van that is easy to navigate and squeeze into tight places. Fabio was awesome; Katerina, our Vatican City guide was awesome and passionate. I will join them on an Athens tour (in 2 days) since we got along so well. (I was going to take the train into Athens and tour it solo). We walked lots, climbed lots of stairs, made only one restroom stop at 1:00, did no shopping, and we chose not to stop for a meal (we munched on snacks we had brought). Since we skipped lunch, we had more time for touring and did not have to rush back to the ship.

Firsts for me:
--Going inside the Colloseum
--Guided tour of Vatican museum, St Peters, and Sistine Chapel.

Everyone had a positive attitude and intellectual curiosity.
No one complained.
Everyone was easy-going and flexible.
We all agreed we were perfect travel companions.
We all agreed it could not have been a better day.

I sat out on the aft deck as we sailed out of the port at 7PM. I watched the twinkling lights fade to darkness. I was one of 3 people out there.
I felt like a master of the sea.


WILL POST PHOTOS LATER

Ephesian Splendor

Here is what I tweeted about my day in Ephesus: Spent the day with the Ephesians touring the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. Now I know why some feel it’s their favorite port of call on this cruise.

Our ship docked at 9AM in Izmir, Turkey’s 2nd largest port and 3rd largest city. (I missed the Ephesus tour last year because I caught the evil 1-day stomach virus rampant on the ship.) Cem, our tour guide, was a gracious host to our group of 9 (4 couples and me) who met online. Our driver headed towards Selcuk.

Today we toured Ephesus, founded in the 6000 BC. It is here they say Paul preached to the Ephsesians and where the “virgin” Mary spent her last days. We even visited the famous “House of Mary”, at Bulbul Hill, a shrine where Christians visit on pilgrimages from all other the world. The shrine is simple and rather sweet. Naturally, the shops outside sell more Mary and Catholic souvenirs than one can imagine.

Next, was our tour of Ephesus that showcases some of the best preserved ancient ruins in the Mediterranean-- some say even better than those at Pompeii. As impressive as the site is, only 1/8 has been excavated.

Our comprehensive tour of the ruins lasted roughly 2 hours. We saw the 24,000 seat amphitheatre, the Marble Street, the Agora, the famous library, baths, the brothel and much more. We even arranged for an exclusive visit of the fantastic Terrace Houses, famous for their frescoes and mosaics, reflecting the housing texture and architecture of their time. (we had to pre-reserve this visit and pay an additional fee).

We learned the big amphitheatre holds concerts for greats such as Elton John and Joan Baez.

Lunch was served in a typical Turkish setting and included multiple cold and hot dishes: salads, hummus, tziki, eggplant, pita, lamb, chicken kebabs, chickpeas, rice, fresh fruits, and more. Service was 5* and the meal was the best I have had thus far on the cruise. 2 in our group wanted to explore purchasing a carpet. After a factory tour and demonstration, they felt overwhelmed with the myriad choices and declined to purchase a rug.

Next on our tour was a visit of St John’s Basilica and Castle, The (remains of) Temple of Artemis/Diana (one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world), and the Selcuk Museum that houses an impressive collection of original items from Ephesus and Selcuk.

The weather was perfect, sunny and upper 60s, and there were NO crowds. It must be like an oven here during the summer months.

I was a thoroughly satisfied customer at the end of our tour. We did not even need to rush back to the ship, instead, we took a leisurely ride and arrived 1 hour and 15 minutes before departure. (just enough to shop inside the pier!!)

Again: now I understand why some feel it’s their favorite port of call on this cruise.

WILL UPLOAD PHOTOS LATER

Crete instead of Athens on cruise today

Full Article coming soon…………..

Riots in Athens so ship went to Crete instead. It was a beautiful, sunny day in Crete. I took the local bus (2Euros) to visit The Palace of Knossos constructed 6000BC (6Euros). Then, I walked around the charming streets of Iraklion.

I feel bad for people who had Athens on their bucket list. Some had invested lots of time planning Athens tours. Glad I have been many times. I was here several years ago and stayed at the Creta Maris resort on the beach.

We saw young people rioting peacefully here (protesting I guess). Perhaps the are protesting University prices as they are in England.

Barcelona-The 4th most visited city in Europe.

Article coming soon.........

Burqa Rage

Attacks against Muslims in everyday life continue:

French shopper allegedly rips veil off Muslim woman in 'burqa rage' brawl By Fred Ernst, AP

Three people have been arrested in France in the first case of "burqa rage" in which a woman allegedly ripped the veil off a Muslim woman while shopping, The Telegraph reports.

The French parliament has banned burqas and other forms of face-covering Islamic dress in public places as "an affront to the nation''s values," but the law does not take effect until fall. Belgium has passed a similar law.

The British newspaper says the mêlée erupted after a 26-year-old Muslim convert was walking through a store in the western Loire-Atlantique region and overhead another shopper, who is a lawyer, making "snide remarks about her black burqa."

"The lawyer said she was not happy seeing a fellow shopper wearing a veil and wanted the ban introduced as soon as possible," the Telegraph police as saying.
After the pair exchanged heated words, the newspaper says, the 60-year-old lawyer allegedly "ripped the other woman's veil off."

As the two came to blows, the lawyer's daughter allegedly joined the brawl.
A spokesman for Trignac police said the Muslim woman accused the lawyer of racial and religious assault and the lawyer accused her of common assault, the newspaper reports.

Meanwhile, in Vienna, Muslims attending a weekend conference criticized European countries for considering the possibility of banning face-covering veils, saying it is counterproductive and regressive, the Associated Press reports.
(Posted by Doug Stanglin)

David Cameron rejects Chinese request to remove 'offensive' poppies during visit

Poppy wearers: David Cameron drinks a toast with Education Secretary Michael Gove (left), Business Secretary Vince Cable (2nd left) and Chancellor George Osborne at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

David Cameron and four Cabinet ministers wore poppies in defiance of Chinese demands to remove them yesterday.The Prime Minister was told that allowing his delegation to sport the symbol would cause grave offense because it would remind Chinese ministers and officials of the Opium Wars.

Also known as the Anglo-Chinese Wars, they were the climax of trade disputes between China and the British Empire over Chinese attempts to restrict British opium trafficking.

China was defeated in both the First Opium War, from 1839 to 1842 and the Second Opium War from 1856 to 1860.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the second war, which ended when British and French armies arrived in Peking and razed the Emperor's Palace to the ground.

The British victories in both conflicts apparently still weigh heavy on Chinese minds, since the prospect of British ministers and officials wearing poppies while attending this week's talks in Beijing prompted horror.

The poppy is the source of opium and Chinese officials were apparently unfamiliar with its importance in Britain in commemorating our war dead.

Mr Cameron, who is attending a ceremony in South Korea tomorrow to mark November 11, refused to remove his poppy, as did Chancellor George Osborne, Business Secretary Vince Cable, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne and Education Secretary Michael Gove, who are all accompanying the Prime Minister in China.

'When asked if it was a joke, the Chinese were stern-faced and said "No, we'd like you to remove them",' said one startled British aide.
'Clearly that was not an option so we tried to explain the importance of the poppy in Britain and informed them we would be wearing them all the same.'

Meanwhile, Mr Cameron took time out from official business during his visit to Beijing today to take a trip to the Great Wall of China.

The Prime Minister climbed a section of the wall at Juyong Pass, north of Beijing.
Signing his name in the visitors' book, the PM said the visit was a 'memorable' experience he would never forget.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1328311/David-Cameron-rejects-China-request-remove-offensive-poppies.html#ixzz151JyR9BS
By James Chapman
Last updated at 11:45 AM on 10th November 2010

Egypt plans to gradually end visa requirements for Turks

poste by memphistours
Turkey and Egypt may begin a gradual process of mutually ending visa requirements. For this, Egypt will first implement a “white visa” policy for Turkish businessmen and academics, facilitating their entrance to the country and allowing them to stay in the country for up to three months. The agreement will soon expand to cover others as well in the long run.

Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said he spoke with Egypt’s Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and Egyptian Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid over the possibility of abolishing visa requirements between the two countries.

Hisarcıklıoğlu also spoke about Nazif’s plans to ease the strict procedures for granting visas for businessmen and intellectuals. The strategic partnership between Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan to improve their economies through increased levels of cooperation is far more important, explained Hisarcıklıoğlu.

The TOBB president also voiced the problems of Turkish businessmen who want to invest in Egypt. “We are here not only to earn money but also to share our experiences. It is straightforward that problems can arise in any country. For instance, Şişe Cam, a leading glass manufacturer in Turkey, wants to invest approximately $500 million in Egypt. They only want to have a natural gas access in their plant,” said Hisarcıklıoğlu.

Separately, Ahmed El Wakeel, chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, announced on Monday that Ro-Ro voyages between Turkey and Egypt would be launched on March 1, 2011. The announcement came during a business visit by a delegation of Turkish businessmen under the chairmanship of Rıfat Hisarcıklıoğlu, president of the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), to Egypt. Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a Ro-Ro line between Mersin and Alexandria at the Turkish Embassy in Cairo.

The idea, first put forward by the company COMMIT Co., was realized after the necessary permission was obtained from the relevant authorities Zühal Mansfield, head of the Turkish-Egyptian Business Council, also stated. “Any transportation and logistics firm will be able to apply for a license to run trips between Egypt and Turkey in the near future,” she said.

Speaking to Today’s Zaman, COMMIT Co. CEO Alper Celen sounded more optimistic and explained that the prospect of launching trips even before March seemed very likely. El Wakeel underlined that two companies from Egypt and Turkey had already reached an agreement on beginning the trips 10 days earlier. He also pointed out that Ro-Ro transport is much more advantageous when compared to road transportation and that such a Ro-Ro line will boost trade ties between the two countries.

In other news, in a meeting organized by a Turkish delegation with their Egyptian counterparts on Saturday in the historic city of Alexandria both sides agreed to establish the Turkish-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was also attended by Rachid Mohamed Rachid, the Egyptian minister of industry and foreign trade.

Hisarcıklıoğlu underlined that trade volume between the two countries has so far reached $3.4 billion and is expected to reach $10 billion in 10 years, adding that all available resources should be used to increase trade activities. He also suggested the expansion of an already established free trade zone between Turkish, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon to include Egypt as well. El Wakeel responded by saying that there is a free trade agreement between Turkey and Egypt and a duty exemption deal between Egypt-Syria-Lebanon is still in effect and expressed his hope that Egypt would be included in the list of countries Turkey has a common free trade zone with.

Turkish ambassador to Egypt Hüseyin Avni Botsalı also revealed that a visa waiver agreement is about to be concluded between the two countries for businessmen, artists and professionals. Visitors will be able to stay for up to three months without a visa.

Memphis Tours Egypt Since 1955
Reference : todayszaman.com
Posted by : Shaimaa Ahmed

http://egyptcairoholidays.com/2010/10/27/egypt-plans-to-gradually-end-visa-requirements-for-turks/

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Have you ever sought movie reviews from friends about a newly released film, and been amazed by the dramatically opposing views they express? I marvel at how two close friends can see the same film and yet one exclaims, it’s the best movie I have ever seen, while another asserts, it was a colossal waste of time. Were they actually viewing the same film? Am I schizophrenic for having friends who hold such drastically differing views?

They say, One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Reviews I read recently about a museum in Switzerland remind me of this old saying. La Musee de l’Art Brut, located in the scenic Lausanne, is one of my favorite museums in the world. I discovered it while touring Europe the summer after graduate school. It showcases a collection of art work created primarily by the institutionalized: schizophrenics, manic-depressives, and other psychiatric patients.

I was mesmerized by the collection and recall spending hours there and even buying the souvenir book.

Take a look at these current reviews on a popular travel critic forum:

“Absorbing, thought-provoking, stimulating, emotional...”I discovered Art Brut (Outsider Art in English) because of this museum. My first visit lasted over 3 hours - even though it's a relatively small museum - and I only left because it was closing time. I have since been several times, each time discovering something new and spending more time to contemplate specific works of art.

The lives of outsider artists are as important as the works themselves, and these are described briefly in short texts on the walls of the museum giving you insight into how the works were made and the circumstances. In my subjective opinion, the most impressive work is that of the life-size horse made of various pieces of wood (I don't remember the artist). It's stunningly (and surprisingly) beautiful- there is much movement and life in it that you can almost hear the galloping. Incredible.

An extraordinary place and one which will stay with you long after your visit.

“the worst place ever”It sucked. I've never been so bored in my life. Just a lot of naked people. I see enough of those at home.

“A clinicians day out!”Although difficult to initially find via the bus, (you need to get off at Beaulieu) this gallery is one of the most interesting that I have had the pleasure to visit. A simple facade hides both the depth and size of the collection, and once inside, the collection is one of abject fascination for both public and clinical interest.

Beginning with a collection of artworks by learning disabled artists, and continuing on two further floors with artworks from a number of other artists with mental health issues, as well as psychics and prisoners, the collection is extensive. Clear and concise histories of each artist are placed alongside each set of works (in both French and English) which allow some insight into their lives.
Altogether, a truly fascinating collection that I feel honored to have seen. However, be aware that this is a very large collection over three floors, and any visit will be a long one!

Finally, for those reading this who have mobility issues, there are three sets of stairs (and no lift that I could find), but the staff are friendly, helpful and approachable.

“Fascinating!”A fascinating but also quite disturbing collection of 'outsider art'.

I wasn't aware of what I was going to see when I visited this museum but was blown away by the kind of artworks that were on display.

As the previous reviewer said, some of the work was quite accomplished but other pieces, very child-like. My conclusion was that there is a very fine line between genius and madness in art.

A memorable visit and would recommend as a must-see if visiting Lausanne.

“Mind-blowing!”Le Collection de L'Art Brut is possibly the most interesting art gallery I've ever seen, and a definite highlight of my visit to Lausanne. It's a collection of 'outsider art' - visual artwork created mostly by schizophrenics, manic-depressives, and other psychiatric patients. Some of the art is brilliant, while some of it is less technically proficient (even childish in its execution) but genuinely disturbing. The staff are helpful (though it helps if you speak French), and the experience unforgettable. After my first visit to the Collection, I found myself drawn back to it two days later, and would love a chance to see it again.

Where do you think YOU would fall on the spectrum of--admirers versus detesters--of these works?

If you are interested, here is the Museum address: Collection de l'Art Brut-- 11 av des Bergieres, Lausanne 1004, Switzerland Tel: 41 21 315 25 70 Fax: 41 21 315 25 71

The French R on Strike AGAIN!!

Some claim that for the French, going on strike is a national sport.
This time it’s really massive, with millions of strikers disrupting air and rail services, while schools and post offices are closed.

The reason: protesters are angry at government plans to overhaul pensions and raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. BTW, France has one of Europe’s lowest retirement ages and they will go down fighting to keep it that way. It’s all about the joie de vivre.

This brings back memories from the days I lived in France as a student. Fully immersed in the University system, (in Normandie) my American compatriots and I marvelled when even the students went on strike, disrupting the start of classes in the fall. What could they possibly have to complain about? It was difficult for us to empathize with their grievances especially since their tuition cost was virtually nil—(their fees for textbooks exceeded what we paid for tuition for the entire year at our U.S. university).

At the same time, we admired their passion and drive to fight for what they believed in. We were busy looking for the best buys on le pain et le vin. (bread and wine).

The topic aroused my curiosity about strikers in other nations. Of course, in the U.S., strikes are far less common. In fact, Airline industry employees are the only national groups that make striking headlines regularly.

Here are examples of recent strikes around the globe:
Civil servants in Greece, doctors in Germany, taxi-drivers in China, coffee shop owners in the Netherlands, teachers and nurses in Niger, general practitioners in Bulgaria, truckers in Spain, and postal workers in the UK.

At the end of one long list of global strikes, it says 2010: the Cast of Jersey Shore. Well, at least we are passionate about something, right!