Unusual to Unbelievable | travelmoments.ca

Baby born onboard TALLINK’s Baltic Queen

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Eva-Maria

Tallink Silja's Baltic Queen

According to the Tallink press release, on June 11th at 3.30 a baby was born on board of Tallink`s brand new cruise ferry Baltic Queen. The baby girl was named Kirke.The childbirth took place in a cabin and was assisted by the ships doctor and doctors of Medicover Estonia health centre, who were travelling with the ferry. The birth went without complications and the baby and the mother are healthy. The captain of Baltic Queen Vahur Ausmees said that the mother and baby were taken to the hospital in Tallinn for regular check-up. „We thank the doctors for the help and on behalf of the crew I congratulate the family”, added Ausmees.

The Estonian family, which embraced their fifth member during this night, was on a cruise from Stockholm to Tallinn with Tallink`s new cruise ferry Baltic Queen. To celebrate the birth of a new citizen, Tallink will give the newborn child the life long benefit to travel with Baltic Queen free of charge; also the family will have additional benefits.

Baltic Queen is Tallink Silja’s newest ship, covering the Tallinn-Stockholm route since April 2009.

No pickles on Sundays in NJ: Strange laws around the world

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Eva-Maria

All laws are made for a reason, or at least you would think they are… But it is hard to find reasoning behind some of those:

* In Hawaii you can get fined for NOT owning a boat.

* In Oklahoma, US, dogs must have a permit signed by the mayor in order to congregate in groups of three or more on private property.

* In Pennsylvania, US there is a special cleaning ordinance that bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling.

* It is illegal for one to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel in Texas.

* On Sundays – don’t hang your clothes to dry or wash your car in Switzerland. Nor walk down Broad Street without wearing a petticoat – if you are a woman and happen to be in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Nor eat pickles in Trenton, New Jersey. Nor play Dominoes in Alabama.

* At a wake, mourners may eat no more than three sandwiches in Massachusetts and it is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing in Texas.

* If you notice an ice-cream man attempting to sell his cold concoctions in a cemetery in Destin, Florida, US, call the police immediately, for that is illegal.

Reading those, you might think that is good that you don’t live in one of those places… Well, there are some strange laws that might get you busted while travelling… At least in principle

* You must pay a fine of $600 in Thailand if you’re caught throwing away chewed bubble gum on the sidewalk.

* It is illegal to flush the toilet after 10 P in Switzerland – but you will be fined if you don’t flush the public toilet in Singapore!

* If you are a woman in California, US, don’t drive your car in a housecoat. And don’t drive drive barefoot in Alabama.

* In Singapore it is considered an offense to enter the country with cigarettes – or walk around naked in your own house or a hotel room.

* In Australia and in Switzerland you may never leave your car keys in an unattended vehicle. In Denmark, before starting your car, you are required to check lights, brakes, steering and honk your horn. In Germany always make sure you have enough fuel in the car, as it is illegal for ones car to run out of gas on the Autobahn.

* Individuals may not possess beer in containers larger than two liters unless they are a retailer in Utah, US – so, sorry, no keggers over there!

* In Canada citizens may not publicly remove bandages – I guess it is all right if you are a tourist…

* In Israel picking one’s nose on the Sabbath is illegal, make sure you have a lisence if you want to ride a bike – and don’t bring any bears to the beach!

* In South Africa, young people wearing bathing suits are prohibited from sitting less than 12 inches apart.

Here is a funny article about other strange laws that you could get busted on while travelling the world!

At least now you know that it is probably just safer NOT to eat pickles if you don’t have a calender at hand… But did you know that for a pickle to officially be considered a pickle, it must bounce? So says the law in Connecticut, but it provides little help with the friendly arresting officers from New Jersey PD.

Ryanair “toilet scandal” turns into a clever promotional stunt!

Posted on March 26, 2009 by Eva-Maria

Ryanair boss O'Leary. Photo: M. Argles, guardian.co.uk

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has been widely criticised for introducing more and more charges, starting with food on board and extra fees for non-online customers, but now including check-in charges.Most recently he suggested that passengers could be asked to pay one pound coin (1.10 euros, 1.40 dollars) to go to the toilet on board, although spokesmen subsequently explained that he may not have been serious.

A budget airline boss was “only joking” when he suggested charging passengers to use the toilet, an airline spokesman told a German paper on March 12th.

Ryanair passengers were shocked last month when Michael O’Leary threatened to “put a coin-slot on the toilet doors so that people might have to actually spend a pound to spend a penny”. Ryanair spokesman for Germany, Anja Seugling, told the Ostthueringer Zeitung daily, “it was all just a gag,” adding that O’Leary was probably just thinking out loud.

O’Leary, who is one of Ireland’s wealthiest businessmen, has a reputation as a ruthless cost cutter, expanding Ryanair by offering low basic fares and charging extra for items like hold luggage.

Following criticism of the supposed plan, Ryanair launched a light-hearted competition on Thursday to suggest new ways the budget carrier can save money. The airline is offering 1000 euros to the most creative idea submitted by the end of March.

The Irish airline said it had already received suggestions including charging one euro for oxygen masks, 25 euros to use the emergency exits, 2.50 euros to read the safety card and 50 euros for bikini-clad cabin crew.

Other suggestions so far include charging for toilet paper with O’Leary’s face on it and charging 2.50 euros to read the safety cards.

“The suggestion I like best so far is a passenger in Sweden who has suggested that we should produce rolls of toilet paper with my picture on it,” says O’Leary.

Click HERE for more information and to submit your entry!!! But hurry, the contest closes March 31-st!

Source: AFP

Ryanair: Can you hold it until we land?

Posted on March 2, 2009 by Eva-Maria

Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair, Europe’s biggest low-cost airline, said in an interview with the BBC on February 27 that the airline may start charging passengers for using the toilet during flights. “One thing we have looked at in the past and are looking at again is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door so that people might actually have to spend a pound (EUR 1.12) to spend a penny in future,” he said, explaining: “We’re all about finding ways of raising discretionary revenue so we can keep lowering the cost of air travel.” Ryanair has already announced that it will soon close all check-in desks at airports so that passengers will have to check in online instead.

As you can see, Ryanair has reached another “low”… I am picturing a flight attendant sitting and selling toilet paper next to the washrooms… And you would probaly have to cough up another pound for that.

So what’s the next brilliant cost-cutting idea the airlines will come up ??? Anyone…???

See also article Air Canada: One Smile voucher, please!

Source: Baltic Standby

Dubai Atlantis Resort opening: Party during the Plague?

Posted on November 24, 2008 by Eva-Maria

Atlantis, Dubai. Photo: JOEL RYAN / AP

On November 20th the world saw the opening of Sol Kerzner’s brand new Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The South African hotel magnate and chairman of Kerzner International did it again! His previously best known accomplishments include the hugely successful Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas.

A $20 million extravaganza was thrown to launch the luxury hotel on an artificial palm-shaped island, despite the bite from the global financial crisis. More than 2,000 world celebrities were due to attend the event which is set to also include a firework display seven times larger than the Olympic display in Beijing – but it is rumored that a few of them cancelled, fearing that their appearance would reflect badly on them at these unsettling times.

The US $1.5 billion, 1,539-room mega-resort wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney cartoon. The Lost City of Atlantis theme, transplanted to the Emirates, bold, glittery and stylishly over-the-top. And yet, away from the public areas, it’s surprisingly restrained. The nice and roomy standard rooms are decorated in a palette of greens and creams. The views differ wildly depending on where you stay, however – you could get a room looking out to an unlovely staff parking lot. The other extreme is The Bridge Suite: the penthouse linking the hotel’s two towers and boasting floor to ceiling views over the Persian Gulf. With 10 rooms, a butler on 24-hour call and a dining table inlaid with gold leaf, it is the most opulent accommodation the Atlantis has to offer, at US $37,000 per night.

Atlantis: Magic Kingdom in the midst of azure waters

Atlantis Dubai: A Newly Built Continent

The Atlantis is set on a 112.5-acre site that will crown The Palm Jumeirah, one of the region’s ambitious man-made islands. In the more than 80,000 square feet entertainment village - one of the 17 restaurants will offer something for the most demanding guest. Like its Paradise Island predecessor, Atlantis, The Palm will feature an arsenal of well-known names in restaurant and retail business, including Nobu (in his Middle East debut) and Michel Rostang. Also, he has commissioned the work of world-renowned artists Dale Chihuly and Albino Gonzalez, so that the property is cutting-edge on every possible level.

The unique selling point of the Atlantis is the aquarium, which is mightily impressive. It houses a marine habitat of 65,000 sea animals including manta rays, piranhas and a somewhat lonely looking whale shark “rescued” from the sea. The aquarium spans two storeys and guests look in through glass panels. Surreally, two suites have rooms with windows below water level, so the marine life can gaze in at you while you have a bath. Actresses Charlize Theron and Lindsay Lohan had that honour while I was there. Guests can also swim with dolphins, although the hotel has come in for some stick for importing the animals from the Solomon Islands. Across the resort, the Aquaventure water park – free for guests – is pure heaven for children and for macho dads keen to impress their offspring by braving the near-vertical Leap of Faith slide.

With prices starting at 735 US dollars per night excluding tax, the Atlantis doesn’t come cheap, although tour operators are offering deals so it’s best to shop around. At present Dubai appears to be bucking the “downward” trend, with hotel occupancy across the emirate running at about 85 per cent. The buzz generated by the opening of the pink, 1,600-room Atlantis has tethered bookings to about 80 per cent in its first six weeks of operation, before the extraordinarily grand launch.

Let’s see what happens… if the operators are able to fill this hotel with well-to-do guests, then the talk about the tourism industry coming to a crashing halt might be exaggerated…

Sources: Telegraph.co.uk, TimesOnline, HauteLiving

25 Strangest ever travel insurance claims

Posted on October 22, 2008 by Eva-Maria

Travel insurance is a must wherever you go – it can save you a bundle as while out and about trotting the globe, you might get into some very unexpected situations. As you would imagine – strange situations might result in strange insurance claims, sometimes more bizarre than you could ever imagine! From wardrobe-raiding monkeys and camera-stealing dogs to a haircut gone bad, 84 kg of lost Bombay mix* and a “guitar made out of a pumpkin”…

My practice has seen only claims that have really helped out people in need – but there are all sorts of travellers in the world… As, according to one long-serving insurance underwriter, there have been more Rolex Oyster watches, worth upwards of £1,000, recorded as lost in the Costa Del Sol in the Spain than have ever been manufactured.

Here you can read about the 25 most bizarre travel insurance claims compiled from the files of just a couple of insurance companies in the UK. But don’t laugh too hard… You never know what’s ahead behind the next turn!

* Bombay mix is the name used in the UK for a traditional Indian snack known as chiwda or chevda (चिवडा) in India, or chanachur (চানাচুর) in east India and Bengal. The English name originates from the city of Bombay, now called Mumbai. It consists of a variable mixture of spicy dried ingredients, which may include fried lentils, peanuts, chickpea flour noodles, corn, vegetable oil, chickpeas, flaked rice, and fried onion. This is all flavoured with salt and a blend of spices that may include coriander and mustard seed.

Cash & Fly… Bizarre incident with Estonian Air

Posted on October 21, 2008 by Eva-Maria

Last Saturday the Estonian Air flight from Munich to Tallinn was late for an hour and a half. The reason was quite bizarre: The plane needed refueling but for some reason the captain’s credit card was not accepted and he had to go downtown Munich to find some cash. «We were sitting in the plane for 20 minutes, then the Second Officer announced that they need gas but the Estonian Air’s credit card was not accepted,» told one of the passengers. «He said that only cash was accepted and that the captain will go an try to find some.» The passengers were sent back to the waiting area.

The plane was eventually refueled and the flight left 90 minutes late. What happened? Was the fault with the bank or Estonian Air? «Aviation is going through tough times, many companies are tightening their credit policies, » told Estonian Air’s PR manager Ilona Eskelinen. «That day it was just a misunderstanding with the payment procedures.» That is why the pilot had to take cash out on the same card. Eskelinen stressed that it was the first time their major credit card issued by an international bank was decilined.

The Munich flight required about 4-5 tons of fuel, one liter costs approx. 1 EUR. Eskelinen added that paying with a credit card for such a big amount of fuel in nothing out of the ordinary. «Usually we pay with an invoice and bank transfer but the pilotes have credit cards in case there is a need to pay locally. Estonian Air buys fuel from the same company in Germani and in Italy. The same day payment was done in Milan with the same credit card with no problems.

Source: Postimees

Hidden Treasures: Unclaimed Baggage Centre in the US

Posted on October 12, 2008 by Eva-Maria

From the previous article you read about what happens to lost baggage in Canada. But the fate of the baggage depends on which carrier “misplaced” the bag and where it happened… Bags abandoned at Heathrow Airport are auctioned off at Greasby’s in southern London. In the United States, thousands of unclaimed suitcases are unpacked each year and their contents sold at the 40,000-square-foot Unclaimed Baggage Centre in Scottsboro, Alabama.

This Alabama facility is one of the most exciting destinations for especially savvy shoppers: What began as a few pieces of luggage sold from card tables 24 years ago is now a sprawling glass and granite complex that takes up more than a city block. It has become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state because you have to actually arrive in person to shop there. The centre has exclusive contracts with airlines to buy the unclaimed baggage – the suitcases are then unpacked and contents sorted. About 1/3 is thrown out, another 1/3 is donated to charities and the best items are sold in the store. About 60% of the merchandise is clothing with the balance of the store dedicated to cameras, electronics, sporting goods, jewelry, designer optical, books and of course, luggage.

Besides the “usual” change of underwear and toiletries that can be found in pretty much every bag – the staff at the facility have made quite a few different discoveries over the years… When a small plastic bag was found with a mysterious stone, it took expert help to identify the rock as a huge 40.95-carat natural emerald! Another employee discovered a 5.8 carat diamond ring while inspecting a very plain suitcase. Besides the occasional valuables, some rather bizarre items such as an authentic replica of a 19th century original full suite of armor, a suitcase full of Egyptian artifacts dating back to 1500 B.C., a special camera designed for NASA’s Space Shuttle and a navigation system for an F16 fighter jet valued at a quarter of a million dollars. The latter two of course were handed over to the US government agencies. The scariest thing that has come out of a bag was a live rattlesnake!

Here you can watch a news story about this immensely popular bargain hunters’ Mecca!

Source: www.unclaimedbaggage.com

Lost Baggage: Where does it go in Canada???

Chinese airport workers pushing an airplane

Posted on September 28, 2008 by Eva-Maria

Here’s a Monday joke for you: How many Chinese airport workers does it take to push a 20-ton plane with 69 passengers and 7 crew? The answer: 30.

If you’re not laughing yet, it’s because it’s not actually a joke, but a true story. This week in Zhengzhou a CRJ7 plane landed with a faulty front hydraulic system, which apparently meant it couldn’t be attached to the tow truck. So airport officials sent out 30 staff to push the plane instead.

Two hours later, the 30 exhausted workers had pushed the plane less than half a mile but it was neatly out of the way and the passengers could disembark.

Some news sources have announced that it was actually the passengers who were forced to get out and push the plane… It sounds to me that the translation has gone a LITTLE overboard. if something’s ”too good” to be true – it probably is…

Hurricane Ike – link to some thought-provoking pictures

Posted on September 25, 2008 by Eva-Maria

Galveston, TX, 13 Sep, 2008

This is something I wanted to share with you – a friend sent me a link of pictures reflecting the aftermath of Hurricane Ike…

Click here to see the pictures posted by Alan Taylor

In its brief lifespan of only 13 days, Hurricane Ike wreaked a great deal of havoc. Affecting several countries including Cuba, Haiti, and the United States, Ike is blamed for approximately 114 known deaths (74 in Haiti alone), and damages that are still being tallied, with estimates topping $10 billion. Many shoreline communities of Galveston, Texas were wiped from the map by the winds, storm surge and the walls of debris pushed along by Ike – though Galveston was spared the level of disaster it suffered in 1900.

Looking at the numbers - many lives were lost, but there is no account for how many lives were shattered by loss and damage to the homes and workplaces. Only after seeing those images you can start to imagine the whole scale of the devastation…