BOOK YOUR TICKET TO OUTER SPACE

Richard Branson has unveiled a commercial spaceliner offering tourists a cheaper chance to experience the thrill of weightlessness and view the splendor of the Earth from space.

The British billionaire hopes to offer tickets aboard his spacecraft at a cost of 200,000 dollars each, giving adventurous, well-heeled travellers a chance to experience space for a fraction of the cost of a seat on a NASA shuttle or Russian spaceship.

Announcing the roll-out of the Virgin Galactic spaceliner in California's Mojave desert, Branson said he planned to be on the craft's first passenger flight some 18 months from now, accompanied by his family and the American designer of the space ship, Burt Rutan.

The craft is composed of two parts — the SpaceShipTwo and the WhiteKnightTwo, the prototype of which has been dubbed Virgin MotherShip Eve in a tribute to Branson's mother.
The futuristic-looking craft emblazoned with the image of a young woman that represents Branson's mother Eve diving through space, resembles two jet aircraft joined together at their wing tips.

The White Knight will transport the two-pilot, six-passenger SpaceShipTwo high above the Earth where the space pod will break away and propel beyond the atmosphere.
"It is attached to the mothership in the middle and when the mothership gets up to 60 000 feet, the spaceship will drop away," Branson said of SpaceShipTwo. "They will ignite the rocket and it will go from zero to 2500 miles per hour in 10 seconds, so a real rush," he told AFP.

Passengers aboard the SpaceShipTwo will be able to remain strapped in and view the Earth from portholes next to their seats, or unbuckle and experience weightlessness, once the craft passes beyond the atmosphere.

"This is a very big space ship so you have got a lot of room to float around, lots of windows to look out," Branson said. "There will be two astronauts at the front, but the six passengers will be astronauts by the time they are finished," he added.

In an interview with CNN before the unveiling, Branson said the ship's unusual design will allow it to return to Earth like "a giant shuttlecock." "And so it literally feathers its way back into the Earth's atmosphere so it doesn't have the enormous heat buildup that some of the NASA spaceships have had in the past."

Branson said he had long dreamed of being able to offer trips into space. "I think the idea came when I was sitting watching the moon landing many years ago," he told AFP. "I know there are literally thousands of people who would love to go to space, to be able to look out the window, to marvel at the beautiful Earth, and through Virgin Galactic we will make it possible."

Some 300 passengers have reportedly paid in advance for tickets on the spaceliner.

SOUTH AFRICA TOPS FOR ETHICAL TRAVEL

While many first-world countries are clamping down on tourists accessing world-class heritage sites, South Africa’s attempts to empower local communities through establishing eco-friendly destinations off the beaten track has helped place it squarely on a 2010 list of the developing world’s top 10 tourist destinations.

Compiled by Ethical Traveler, a non-profit California-based project of Earth Island Institute, which aims to promote responsible travel, the 2010 list selects countries by the work they are doing to upgrade the environment, social welfare and human rights.

With three African countries (Ghana, Namibia and South Africa) and an island republic (Seychelles) on the list, Africa’s attempts at responsible tourism received special mention by the research team, headed up by Christy Hoover. Seychelles, in particular, was noted as a world leader in sustainable tourism.

While Europe, which is largely developed, came in with two candidates, Lithuania and Poland, which rated highest overall, South America had four tourism-conscious representatives, Argentina, Belize, Chile and Suriname. Asia, notably, produced absolutely none. With no improvement from last year, irresponsible development, human rights abuses and weak environmental policies were cited as the reasons.

Though crime was highlighted as a deterrent, South Africa received special mention for supporting eco-friendly, community-based tourism ventures, as well as for sustainable coastal development and environmental management. It also came in a strong second after Lithuania for press freedom.

Researchers also singled out Ghana, for its commitment to democracy and growing culture of environmental consciousness, and Suriname, for its unspoilt rainforest biodiversity and ecotourism and environmental preservation.

DISASTER LOOMS IN ANTARCTICA

New rules are needed for tourist ships visiting Antarctica to prevent a disaster in the world's most isolated region, New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said this week.

"I am greatly concerned that unless we take action, there will be a serious maritime casualty involving a tourist vessel in Antarctica, and we will be faced with a humanitarian and environmental disaster," McCully said.

A three-day meeting in Wellington of about 80 experts from the 47 Antarctic Treaty countries, aimed at drawing up new regulations for tourist ships visiting Antarctica.

McCully told the meeting that four tourist ships had run aground in the past three years, and 154 people had to be rescued by a nearby vessel after the Canadian-owned Explorer sank after hitting an iceberg in 2007.

"We were lucky. No one was lost in that incident, but the fact that there have not been more serious consequences owes more to good luck than good management," he said in a speech. The number of annual visitors in tourist ships has quadrupled to around 46,000 over the last 15 years, and there are concerns some of the ships are not suitable for the extreme conditions.

The meeting is expected to come up with recommendations on the types of ships that can be used in Antarctic waters, and whether they should be required to sail with another ship nearby for safety's sake.

Other recommendations will be aimed at ensuring the Antarctic environment remains pristine, including whether to ban the use of heavy fuel oil, which if leaked could have a devastating impact on wildlife.

The experts' recommendations will go to a meeting of Antarctic Treaty members in Uruguay in May next year.

BUBBLE MILK TEA - TAIWAN

If you visit Taiwan or Hong Kong you can't help but notice the unique bubble teashops on every corner. Bubble Tea to Taiwan is what coffee or soda is to the U.S. One would think Bubble Tea is the national drink by its popularity.

Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan in the early 1980's at a small tea stand.
Elementary school children would look forward to buying a cup of refreshing tea after a long, hard day of work and play. Tea stands were set up in front of the schools and would compete for business with the best selling tea. One concession owner became popular with her tea when she started adding different fruit flavoring to her tea. Because of the sweet and cool taste, children loved the taste. Soon, other concessions heard about the "unique" and popular tea, so they started to add flavoring to their teas. When adding flavor, the tea and flavoring needed to be shaken well for a good all around taste. This formed bubbles in the drink, which came to be known as "Bubble Tea."

In 1983 Liu Han-Chieh introduced Taiwan to tapioca pearls. The new fad was to add tapioca pearls into a favorite drink. Most of the time tapioca pearls were served in cold infused tea. After the tea and flavor were shaken well, it topped tapioca pearls that were sitting on the bottom of a clear cup. The tapioca pearls also looked like bubbles, thus also became to known as "Bubble Tea." Bubbles floated on the top your drink and bottom of your drink.

Bubble drinks are usually cool, refreshing, and a sweet drink with tapioca pearls sitting on the bottom of a clear cup. Sometimes the drink is made with fresh fruits, milk, and crushed ice to create a healthy milk shake. You can also find drinks that are made of powdered flavoring, creamer, water, and crushed ice. And if you like it like the Asians do, the cool drink usually includes a healthy tea, infused by a flavoring.

Tapioca pearls are black, but can sometimes be found to be white or transparent. Depending on the ingredients of the pearl, the color varies. The black pearl includes sweet potato, cassava root and brown sugar, which adds the black colour.

A clear cup with black balls on the bottom can easily identify bubble Tea drinks. Another obvious trait is a huge fat straw. The fat straw is needed so that the tapioca pearls can be sucked up with the drink and eaten. Bubble Tea's appearance definitely makes it unique.

SPECIAL DRY DAY - ISLAMIC NEW YEAR- UAE

Please be informed that, in line with the Dubai Government rules, the 'Dry day' on the occasion of Islamic New year , will be from 17th to 18th Dec 09 wherein serving of alcohol and live entertainment are prohibited in hotels, Restaurants, Leisure clubs, lounges and any public area. The prohibition also applies during excursions.

Please be informed that the restrictions will apply from 1700 hrs (17th Dec 09) until 1830 hrs (18th Dec 09).

NEW YEARS DAY IN THAILAND

In 1940, Thailand moved its New Year's Day from April 13th to January 1st. The old New Year is still a holiday called Songkran. Years are counted as the Buddhist era (B.E.) which started 543 years earlier than the Christian, era, therefore 2002 AD is the year 2545 BE

In Thailand there are three New Year's days. The Western, on Jan 1st, the Chinese New Year on the first day of the First Lunar month, usually in February and the Thai New Year marked by the Songkhran festival in April. Thais usually exchange gifts on January 1st.

Songkran is a Thai traditional New Year which starts on April 13 every year and lasts for 3 days. Songkran festival on April 13 is Maha Songkran Day or the day to mark the end of the old year, April 14 is Wan Nao which is the day after and April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok which the New Year begins. At this time, people from the rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to celebrate the festival. Thus, when the time come, Bangkok temporarily turns into a deserted city.

Songkran celebrations are incomplete unless water is thrown on each other. People roam the streets with buckets of water and children play with water guns to drench people. Water is thrown to get rid off all the bad deeds and give a fresh welcome to the New Year.

NEW YEARS FIREWORKS - SINGAPORE

31 December 2009 - Catch the brilliant fireworks display as you count down to the new year at the signature annual Marina Bay SINGAPORE Countdown 09/10.

More than just a festive celebration, this year-end tradition for Singapore will bring together the collective wishes and aspirations of thousands of people, and unite all in counting down the final seconds of the year to celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, changes and dreams.

Broadcast LIVE on ChannelNews Asia, the Countdown will also capture the hearts of fellow Singaporeans and friends residing overseas. Fast becoming the city's favourite festival stage, Marina Bay provides a perfect setting against the signature city skyline to stage and enjoy large-scale cultural and community events, water-based sports and celebrations.

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS AT SINGAPORE ZOO

SINGAPORE ZOO


5-27 December 2009 - Have fun every Saturday and Sunday this December with Singapore Zoo star elephants.
Join the elephant parade round the park donned in elegant Maharajah Suits. Catch also the paint performance, bath, feeding, and pedicure sessions. It's so much more when you see them for yourself. Activities are from 5 till 27 December.
Join us for these activities and highlights:• The Elephant Parade (Elephants donned in maharajah suits parade in the park)• The Elephant Paints (Watch the elephants paint and buy the painting for charity. Mechanics to be confirmed) • Cultural Performances to celebrate origin of Asian Elephants (South East Asia Influence) • Get personal with our elephants (Bath, Pedicure, Feeding Sessions)• The Elephant Story (Story Telling Sessions)• The Elephant Vs Man Challenge (Log Challenge, Coconut Breaking, Log Balance)• Guess the Elephant's Weight Contest

During the elephant show, these giant beasts might give the front row spectators a 'welcome shower'. They have the 'stuff' hidden in their trunks. If you don't want to get wet, sit 2 or 3 rows back. Otherwise, this could be a great way to surprise your little ones or your travel companions. Get them to sit in the front row and get your camera ready! But remember to take a change of clothes for them.

KLM’S FIRST BIOFUEL-POWERED FLIGHT A SUCCESS

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines last week operated its first ever passenger flight powered by biokerosene, a non-polluting, sustainable alternative to jet fuel.

The test flight was the result of years of research into the development of biokerosene for aircraft use, which KLM has been pursuing in partnership with private and government stakeholders.

Most recently, the airline founded SkyEnergy, a sustainable aviation fuel research programme in partnership with North Sea Petroleum and Spring Associates, with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) acting in an advisory capacity.

“Clean, silent and sustainable air transport worldwide…is technically feasible. We have demonstrated that it is possible. Government, industry and society at large must now join forces to ensure that we quickly gain access to a continuous supply of biofuel,” said KLM President and Chief Executive Peter Hartman.

TOURIST STREAM BACK INTO ZIMBABWE

The number of tourists to Zimbabwe this year has more than tripled, according to the President of the Zimbabwe Council of Tourism (ZCT).

While in South Africa recently, ZCT head Emmanuel Fundira reported that 362,000 tourists visited the country up to August this year, compared to 100,000 during the same period in 2008.

A decade ago, Zimbabwe earned US$250-million in revenue from tourism, Mr. Fundira said. This dropped to US$40-million in 2005 but has risen to US$100-million this year.

He attributed the tourism spike to the unity government formed in January between President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. The unity government had brought a measure of political and economic stability, he said, which, together with the lifting of travel bans by several source markets, had driven the tourism industry’s recovery.
However, full recovery is dependent on the success of the new government, which has been turbulent over recent weeks and many fear it is on the brink of collapse.

"The economy has got so much potential but political stability is extremely key," Mr. Fundira said, adding that Zimbabwe hopes to maximise the opportunities arising from South Africa’s hosting of next year’s FIFA World Cup.

GO CAPE TOWN CARD

Cape Town’s Table Mountain Cableway, City Sightseeing Open-Top Tour and Two Oceans Aquarium have joined forces to launch the Go Cape Town Card, an all-inclusive ticket for the three popular tourism attractions.

The card will be available from December 1 onwards at a cost of R360 per card for adults and R180 per card for children under 18 years. The card entitles users to a return trip on the Table Mountain Cableway, a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium and a ride on an open-top City Sightseeing Bus.

“The beauty of the card is that visitors no longer have to stand in queues at any of the attractions; as well as the three-month validity, allowing for more flexibility in planning your itinerary,” said Jillian Grindley-Ferris, Two Oceans Aquarium Brand and Business Manager.

The Go Cape Town card can be bought at any of the three venues, and at Cape Town Tourism’s offices.

AYANA RESORT AND SPA - BALI - WINS AWARDS

AYANA Bali wins Asia's Leading Luxury Resort 2009

Named after a ‘place of refuge’ in Sanskrit, AYANA Resort and Spa Bali is perched on limestone cliffs above the Indian Ocean on Bali’s south-western peninsula. The 77-hectare property enjoys majestic views across its 1.3 kilometer coastline, yet is just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Bali’s airport. Seventy-eight freestanding private villas and a 290-room hotel harmoniously blend traditional Balinese architecture and décor with the latest modern luxury. The resort features 13 dining venues including the stunning new Rock Bar built on natural rock 14 meters above the ocean at the base of towering cliffs; the only Thermes Marins Spa in south-east Asia; the Spa on the Rocks treatment villas anchored by rocks amidst the ocean; one of the world’s largest Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pools; and cliff-top wedding chapels.



BEST HOTEL IN BALI - DESTINASIAN 2009 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
#3 BEST SPA HOTELS & RESORTS IN ASIA - 2009 SMARTTRAVELASIA AWARDS
ONLY HOTEL IN BALI - AND INDONESIA - VOTED AMONGST ASIA’S TOP 15
2009 TRAVEL + LEISURE READERS’ AWARDS