Blind shooter gets his guns back

Is justice blind? Sometimes. And so is New Jersey resident Stephen Hopler, a gun collector and enthusiast from the Garden State. (Hat tip to Warner Todd Huston.) Or at least he was until the local authorities decided that a blind guy shouldn’t have weapons. Then things began to look ugly, at least for those who could see.A blind gun collector can keep his gun permit and will have the weapons previously seized from his house by police returned to him, following a judge’s order handed down Friday in Superior Court in Morristown.

Steven Hopler, 49, of Rockaway Township won the latest battle in an ongoing war over his Second Amendment rights. The Morris County Prosecutor’s office had asked Judge Thomas Manahan to revoke Hopler’s firearms ID card and seize all guns in his possession, arguing Hopler abused alcohol and posed a danger to others by being a gun owner.


Hopler’s attorney, Gregg Trautmann, said, “First it was, ‘He can’t own guns because he’s blind.’ Now they tried, ‘you’re a habitual drunkard and we think it’s improper because you’re a habitual drunkard.’” .

You’d think for the police and the courts to step and and stomp on Mr. Hopler’s second amendment rights that he’d have had to done something terrible, like… shoot somebody. Well, in a way you’d be right.

The most recent legal scuffle began in 2008 when Hopler, who became legally blind as a result of diabetes in 1991, shot himself in the shin while cleaning one of his guns.

This is a tawdry story all around. But it looks as if the judge has looked over the evidence and found that the man has never done anything to harm others or indicate that his second amendment rights should be abridged. His permit will be restored and he can go back to collecting as he chooses. It’s certainly a long time overdue, but this looks like at least one story of a happy outcome in New Jersey.

Video: Get off of Jonah Goldberg’s lawn, you darned kids

I love a curmudgeonly rant, and so this interview of National Review’s Jonah Goldberg is right up my alley. This excerpt of a longer interview with the Daily Caller’s Ginni Thomas focuses on Jonah’s issues with the “youth culture,” the obsession with the worldview of the least experienced of our citizenry. Goldberg notes that “we’re all born idiots,” and that some people are a lot closer to that point in time than most of the rest of us:


“It is a simple fact of science that nothing correlates more with ignorance and stupidity more than youth,” the National Review Online editor said in an interview. “We’re all born idiots, and we only get over that condition as we get less young.”

So why all the focus on the youth vote and “millennials” in politics? Goldberg says young people having so much influence in a society is unhealthy.

“My view is, they’re going to run the country some day, so we should really explain why they’re so frickin’ stupid about so many things,” he said.

Goldberg says in the interview that he would prefer a much higher voting age than 18, and while I agree that these voters tend to be the least sophisticated and informed voters in any election, I still disagree with Goldberg on this point. The law treats 18-year-olds as fully responsible for their actions. The purpose of elections is to form a representative government that binds all citizens and holds them accountable. That includes 18-year-old citizens, which means that they should have the right to participate in the formation of legislatures and executive branches that create and enforce those laws.

That doesn’t mean that politicians should pander to them, or at least at the expense of both older voters and common sense. They may be running the country someday, it is true, but it is equally true that they may be performing brain surgery someday too. That doesn’t mean I want them practicing on my head when they’re 18 and haven’t learned anything about it yet.

In fact, I’d say that a sure sign of political desperation is when a politician has to focus on the least-sophisticated and least-experienced voters to gain any traction. That’s a giveaway that their policies are probably too simplistic and unrealistic to sell elsewhere. One case in point: ObamaCare. Obama got a great deal of support from young voters on this policy — and now they will be forced to needlessly buy comprehensive health insurance at great expense when a simple catastrophic policy would suit their needs much more economically, in order to subsidize the health-care costs of middle-aged and senior voters. Suckers!

Perhaps that experience will have taught the youth culture an important lesson. If so, Jonah will try not to bark at them when their radios are too loud or order them off his darned lawn. Jonah also has a new book out, The Tyranny of Cliches: How Liberals Cheat in the War of Ideas — be sure to check it out.

Quotes of the day

Former President George W. Bush’s pollster for his 2004 re-election, Jan van Lohuizen, has put out a memo to Republican operatives suggesting a shift in the way the GOP discusses same-sex marriage…
“Recommendation: A statement reflecting recent developments on this issue along the following lines:

“‘People who believe in equality under the law as a fundamental principle, as I do, will agree that this principle extends to gay and lesbian couples; gay and lesbian couples should not face discrimination and their relationship should be protected under the law. People who disagree on the fundamental nature of marriage can agree, at the same time, that gays and lesbians should receive essential rights and protections such as hospital visitation, adoption rights, and health and death benefits.’”



***

“You can make a case that this is a perfect example of this president as the most liberal president in history and he is systematically changing what America is about,” Brabender said. “What we are betting the ranch on is the October labor statistics, and that is a high risk. … We are playing a dangerous game by raising the stakes too high on something we have too little control of and is often in great flux, and we are bailing on talking about who we are as a country. I think that is a mistake.”…

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, said Obama handed Romney and the Republican Party a gift — and both will be negligent if they don’t take advantage of it.

“The president yesterday interjected an element into this election cycle that, while some may be uncomfortable dealing with on the Republican side, could very well be a deciding factor for the election if they respond to the president’s challenge to marriage,” Perkins said. “It’s no secret the Republican leadership has not wanted to be out front waving the banner.”

***

So to figure out whether gay marriage will hurt Obama in the fall, you have to figure whether gay marriage alone is likely to block any of these five paths—that is, whether Obama is likely to receive fewer votes from these specific constituencies in these specific states than Kerry received in 2004. For that to occur, Obama would have to suffer a 32-point net loss in Latino support in Nevada; a 27-point net loss in Latino support in New Mexico; a 27-point net loss in Latino support in Florida; a 9-point net loss in black support in Virginia; a 19-point net loss in black support in North Carolina; a 12-point net loss in working-class support in Iowa; and a 5-point net loss in working-class support in Ohio.

In other words, it’s unlikely. Right now, 43 percent of Latinos—a group made up largely of the kind of younger men and women who are driving population growth in key states—approve of same-sex marriage. Among independents that number is up to 52 percent. And opposition among African-Americans has fallen 20 points since 2008. It’s hard to imagine that Obama’s personal opinion about same-sex marriage—remember, he’s not pushing any kind of federal legislation—will be such a turn-off for key demographic groups in key states that their support for the president will plummet to sub-Kerry levels come November.

***

Black voters and especially black churches have long opposed gay marriage. But the 40-year-old barber and other African-Americans interviewed in politically key states say their support for Obama remains unshaken…

Mel Brown, a 65-year-old project manager in Philadelphia, says same-sex marriage “is between them and their God. The God I serve does not agree with that.”

Does Obama’s announcement change Brown’s support for the president? “Absolutely not. Because Scripture says we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”…

Many black pastors have been reluctant to address same-sex marriage from the pulpit; the topic remains taboo in much of their community. Now, “with the president taking such a clear stand on the issue, and his being such a beloved figure and historic symbol for African-Americans, I think it will advance the conversation,” said the Rev. Raphael Warnock of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

***

It’s true, says Carmen Fowler LaBerge: You can be a Christian and support same-sex marriage, but, she says, “nobody can say gay marriage is biblical. That’s just foolishness.”

LaBerge resigned her post as minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) after the denomination voted last year to ordain noncelibate gay clergy. She says the Bible is clear.

“From the Old Testament and throughout the New Testament, the only sexual relationships that are affirmed in scripture are those in the context of marriage between one man and one woman,” she says…

Not so fast, says the Rev. Susan Russell, an Episcopal priest at All Saints Church in Pasadena, Calif. She takes her cues from Jesus.

“Jesus never said a single word about anything even remotely connected to homosexuality,” she says.

***

This new bipartisan politics of religion is a good thing — both for religion and for politics. For several decades, the right has held a monopoly over what it means to be religious in the United States, not to mention Christian or evangelical. The result has been devastating for the image of Christianity. When the Barna Group polled Americans ages 16 to 29 on what words best describe Christianity, the top response was “anti-homosexual.” The other common associations were “judgmental,” “hypocritical” and “too involved in politics.”

It has not helped that for years, conservative politicians have explained their opposition to gay rights by simply stating, “I’m a Christian,” as if that automatically requires one to abhor the idea of same-sex marriage. Recent debates about the protection of religious freedom have assumed that the only religious motives that count are conservative ones. That’s the concept at the core of arguments about the contraception mandate, as well as a number of religious freedom bills moving through state legislatures. Enthusiasm for those efforts might well flag if religious progressives were to demand protection for their beliefs as well…

After years of pretending that the culture wars were a matter of religious views lined up against secular beliefs, politicians are recognizing what average Americans knew all along. A majority of Americans now believe that there is more than one way to get to heaven, pollsters report. Our political discussions finally reflect that there’s also more than one answer to the question: “What would Jesus do?”

***

Romney did remain consistent on one point: He said he does not intend to use President Obama’s flip-flop of same-sex marriage against him in the campaign. Obama, who opposed gay marriage when he ran for president in 2008, said this week he now supports it. Romney said, “I think the issue of marriage and gay marriage is a very tender and sensitive topic. People come out in different places on this. The president has changed course in regards to this topic. I think that’s his right to do that. I have a different view than he does. I believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman, but I just don’t think that this becomes a hot political issue dividing our nation.”

***

“The father of the modern conservative movement, former US Senator Barry Goldwater, once said of Jerry Falwell that he needed a kick in the ass. With his speech at Falwell’s Liberty University, it is clear that Governor Romney’s message to Goldwater conservatives is: drop dead…

“We have said since our founding in 2009, that we are committed to defeating Barack Obama. We remain committed to Obama’s defeat. However, if Governor Romney expects to be the candidate who can beat Obama in November then he needs to embrace a strategy that makes victory possible – falling into the culture war trap laid by Obama is a guaranteed electoral loser.

“It is not too late. If Governor Romney wants to unite conservatives and motivate Tea Party voters then he needs to embrace bolder positions on taxes, entitlement reform, healthcare and spending, not pander to big government theocrats.”

***

Via Mediaite.

Disneyland Paris turns 20, with mixed results

FRANCE, MARNE-LA-VALLEE: Disneyland Paris fetes its 20th anniversary Thursday, but while Mickey Mouse now draws nearly twice as many visitors as the Louvre's Mona Lisa, his fantasy park is not yet out of the financial woods.

A rare glimpse of North Korea by train

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA, Pyongyang: For those who have the rare opportunity, the train linking Dandong in China to Pyongyang in North Korea offers a unique glimpse of the most closed country in the world.

Weary of Dubai traffic? Get Dh1m flying car You could soon be flying over Sheikh Zayed Road instead of being stuck in traffic on the road

If the daily commute from home to office and back is becoming a bit of a drag for you, here’s some exciting news.At last week’s New York International Auto Show, US firm Terrafugia Inc. unveiled the Transition, a vehicle that can operate both as a car and, when push comes to collision, a plane.
Until now, the flying car has been a subject for science fiction and children’s books authors. No longer, it seems. A commercially available version of the car could see the light of the day as soon as next year, the company hopes.

Pending regulatory approvals (and that means a lot, by the way), Terrafugia plans to sell the contraption by 2013 for $279,000 (Dh1.02m). The Transition, in effect a two-seat aircraft with foldable wings, already has about a 100 ‘customers’ who’ve put down a deposit of $10,000 (about Dh37,000) to be among the first owners of the car (or plane, whichever way you’d like to look at it) once it becomes a commercial reality.

The company says that roughly 100 aircraft have been reserved, representing an order backlog of over $25 million. Refundable airframe reservations are currently being accepted to hold a place in production. “We are currently marketing to pilots and to people willing to become pilots to use the Transition. All sorts of people have placed reservations, from retired couples planning to travel to independent business people with clients spread over a large geographic area,” says the firm.

According to Cliff Allen, Vice President of Sales at Terrafugia, the Transition is the first vehicle in the world to have met both the (American) standards of the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This makes it the first “street legal aeroplane”, he said.

While here in Dubai it will need to get approvals from the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) as well as the GCAA (UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority), we’re guessing that that might be some way off, considering there are a whole lot of issues to be sorted out before that.

For instance, would the driver need to be a licensed pilot as well to get into the cockpit of the Transition? Terrafugia says since the vehicle will be certified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition will require at least a Sport Pilot license to fly, which requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight time and passing a simple practical test in the aircraft. Of course, one will also need a valid driver’s licence for use on the ground.

Although the maiden test journey was undertaken voluntarily by a retired US Air Force pilot, how safe is the hybrid vehicle for a daily commute with passengers, including children, onboard?

Speaking about the first flight, Terrafugia Chief Test Pilot Phil Meteer said: “It’s a remarkable vehicle both on the road and, now, in the air. When I drove it into the shop, literally from the road through the garage door, I was amazed that I had just flown it at Plattsburgh a few days before. A long-overdue mode of transportation and fun is just around the corner. I can’t wait for the upcoming flight tests and the chance to ‘wring it out’, demonstrating how safe and enjoyable the Transition is to fly.”

Terrafugia says it will equip the vehicle with all kinds of modern technology and safety equipment including a vehicle parachute system, GPS devices, air bags and high-strength composite material to make the Transition safer for the consumer.

The Transition requires the same 91-octane fuel that is available in fuelling stations – so that won’t be an issue – while its fuel efficiency (6.7 litres per 100km on the road, and 8.4 litres per 100km in the air) would put some of the gas guzzling four-wheelers to shame. The only other issue will be the requirement for a runway to take off.

The Transition needs a 1,700-foot (520-metre) runway to take off, and those expecting to switch gears at the first sight of a traffic jam may be in for disappointment.

Queen to re-open historic Cutty Sark ship

UNITED KINGDOM, London: The restored Cutty Sark will be re-opened by Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, five years after the 19th century British tea clipper was ravaged by fire.

Summer hotspots to entice UAE travelers

With vacations fast approaching, here are the top new destinations to include in the travel plans

Summer holiday planning is already buzzing up the phone lines for local travel agents, as weary UAE residents plan their escape from the sizzling heat that’s fast approaching.

Major local carriers such as Emirates and Eithad Airways have already announced top new destinations for their summer flightplan, targeting the disconcerting traveller who is eager to explore new grounds that may even take them off the beaten track.


Emirates 24|7 maps out the perfect new summer getaway for those still poring over brochures, with a destination that is ideal for every taste.

Road trip renegades

Tired of waking up at the crack of dawn to be herded on to a tour bus to be packed like sardines with fellow travellers?

Maybe its time to forgo those escorted tours and get into the driving seat to set a course down the road less travelled with a Spanish road trip.

Emirates will launch flights to Barcelona from July 3, its second Spanish destination, while increasing its frequency into Madrid with a second daily flight from July 1.

In an earlier statement, Emirates president Tim Clark said: “Madrid has been a strong performer and the demand is there for a second frequency, while we need a second point serving the dynamic Catalonia region.”

As Spain’s second largest city, the cultural capital goes beyond just being the home ground for football club FC Barcelona. The city is known for its yuppie young crowd that simply loves to party.

If you do make it there in July, then don’t forget to head to the Monegros Desert Festival, which is one of the most famous and biggest one day electronic music festivals in Spain is in desert of Fraga, approximately 200 km from Barcelona.
We are taking nearly 24 hours of non-stop fun with house, electro, minimal, techno, to drum & bass.

Our suggestion: rent a Vespa and explore the country the way it was meant to.

The family affair

A country that has only recently caught the eye of the world, Vietnam is a must-see for adventure seekers who crave to hop off the beaten track and conquer new ground.

Emirates is launching into this Far Eastern country from June 4, with direct daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City.

Tim Clark, President of Emirates said earlier: “Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant places in South East Asia and we are convinced that this will prove to be a highly popular route.”

Ho Chi Minh City offers tourists the ideal gateway to explore the wonders of Vietnam, be it the shopping options in the city or the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An.

When in the city, do not miss out on a visit to Ho Chi Minh Museum, his humble “house on stilts” and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda.

A trip to the islands of Halong Bay is a must, with most of them abundant with limestone that were formed over 500 million years ago, and are massed in the southeast and southwest.

Other noteworthy places include the beaches of Nha Trang and the floating markets and restaurants of the Mekong River Delta.

A trip to Vietnam also calls for the perfect extension to neighbouring Cambodia, namely Saigon.

Visit the Cuchi tunnel, which is 22 miles northwest of the city, approximately two hours by coach where you can witness how rice paper is made and to explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the Vietnam War.

And if you have the time, cut a ticket for Angkor Wat, the architectural marvel in Angkor, Cambodia, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.

This vast temple complex was first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then became Buddhist haven. It is truly a sight to behold.

The 40-something break

Celebrating an anniversary or simply rewarding yourself and your partner for a much needed vacation after the kids have packed off to college, cut a ticket for an American holiday this summer.

The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways launched direct flights to US capital, Washington, DC from March 31, making it the perfect entry point for those who want to avoid the madness that awaits in New York.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said earlier: “No other UAE carrier is offering nonstop services between DC and the UAE, so this capital-to-capital link is a huge opportunity for Etihad Airways.”

The Washington region is home to America’s second largest market flying to the Middle East, after New York.

Hogan added: “The point-to-point traffic between DC and Abu Dhabi is expected to contribute significantly to overall loads on the route. The schedule also allows maximum connectivity to key markets in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia.”

When visiting DC, you simply can’t escape the fact that the capital is the seat of power in America, so rather than avoiding its heritage, you can choose to unravel the enigma by stepping through halls of history at its many memorials.

Wander through the National Mall stretch (not to be confused with your average shopping arcade), which starts at the Capitol grounds and ends somewhere between Independence and Constitution Avenues.

The wide-open green lawns are home to the entire expanse of monuments and museums that any DC explorer guide will tell you, but on a good sunny weekend you can also catch a celebrity or two, along with several open-air concerts thrown in for good measure.

Must-visit places on the city map include fthe Washington Monument – or the Cleopatra’s Needle as many call it. Paying a silent, yet powerful tribute to George Washington, the 555 feet high monument makes for a picture perfect moment from the Tidal Basin, where you catch the sunlight reflecting in the shimmering waters of the Potomac River.

Head further down Constitution Avenue to explore the Lincoln Memorial, a tribute to the 16th US President, Abraham Lincoln.

Resembling a stately Greek temple, complete with Ionic columns, each pillar represents the 36 states that were part of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s assassination in 1865.
After spending the rest of the day exploring some of National Mall’s many little surprises, don’t forget to let down you hair and take in a different kind of culture at DC’s many nightspots.

A visit to the US capital is definitely incomplete without a visit to Improv, the stand up comedy club that has played host to comic greats like Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and even Billy Crystal.

Honeymooners ahoy

Looking for a beachside romantic getaway with some cultural delights thrown in for the perfect summer honeymoon?

Go no further than Lisbon, the Portugese capital, which will be connected to Dubai via Emirates from July 9.

Set your sights on the land of Vasco da Gama and take a page out his exploration spirit to set forth on your own adventure.

“Lisbon has been on our European wish-list for some time. Our daily flight will link this far western corner of Europe with our strong route network, via Dubai, into Africa, across Asia and beyond, said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline.

He added: “We will be the only carrier based in the Middle East operating into Portugal, bringing our refreshing approach to customer service, our dynamic and inspiring approach to business, along with superb value for money.”

As one of Europe’s warmest countries, Portugal is a popular tourist destination, with better known attractions, such as the resorts of the Algarve, are supplemented by medieval castles and scenic villages dotted around winding coastlines and hillsides.

Portugal has more than 800 kilometres of Atlantic coast and is the primary point of access to the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira.

In Lisbon, visitors can sip an espresso on the leafy streets, go window shopping in Chiado square, visit Jeronimos Monastery, the World Heritage Site and resting place for Vasco da Gama, or view treasured art at places such as Calouste Gulbenkian and Berardo museums.

Adventure seekers

If you are looking for a summer high this break, then set a vertical limit by conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which would certainly make for a conversation starter post holidays.

Qatar Airways, in its African expansion drive, is launching flights on July 25 into Kilimanjaro, close on the heels of its travels into Zanzibar and Mombasa, Kenya.

As the name suggests, Kilimanjaro or the Mountain of Light is the jewel in the crown of East Africa, standing tall at 5,895 metres.

Adventure seekers come from around the globe to hike up to the summit, and while most certainly manage to clamber up to the crater rim, it takes a little more practice to conquer Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater.

Make it a weeklong affair, giving your climb at least five days to allow your body to acclimatise to the dizzying heights.

Yet while you explore the region, also spare time for the Kilimanjaro National Park, the lush forest that is home to elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker.

If you are really lucky, maybe local Wachagga tribe will throw open their doors to invite you in for some grub along your travels.

French tourism spot faces car ban

FRANCE, Mont Saint-Michel: Cars have been banned from the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel in northwest France. People coming to the country's most visited tourist site now have to park their vehicles three
kilometres from the historic mount, walk one kilometre, then take a shuttle bus to the entrance. It's the latest stage in a long-running project to turn Mont-Saint-Michel into an island once more. But it's getting a mixed response from tourists.

Dubai hotel rates closing in on Dh1,000 per day

Occupancy reaches 86.6% while revenue per available room surges 17.6%Tourism in Dubai is witnessing a massive surge as visitor numbers continue to climb. Dubai hotels are a direct beneficiary of this influx, with average room rates surging almost 9 per cent year-on-year during the first quarter of 2012 to close in on Dh1,000 per day, new data has revealed.
According to STR Global’s data for Q1 2012, occupancy in Dubai hotels rose 8.2 per cent in three months to reach a very impressive 86.6 per cent while the average daily rate (ADR) increased 8.7 per cent to Dh964.86 for the quarter, compared with the same period last year.

This, the global hotels research agency said, boosted revenue per available room (RevPAR) for Dubai hotels by 17.6 per cent year-on-year.

“The majority of markets across the GCC have weathered the recent storms fairly well,” said Elizabeth Randall, managing director of STR Global.

According to the agency, RevPAR of hotels in Jeddah, Al Khobar (both in Saudi Arabia) and Dubai continue to benefit from increased demand this year even as a continuous growth in supply of new hotels and hotel rooms limited RevPAR performances in the other major GCC markets, like Doha (Qatar), where a 10.8 per cent rise in supply led to a 14.5 per cent decline in RevPAR in Q1, 2012.

“We have seen demand growth for most markets in the region, highlighting the stronger underlying fundaments of stability and attractiveness to regional and international visitors,” added Randall.

“Increasing room inventory has been a dominant factor influencing performance in the past and will continue to do so as the region remains attractive for hotel owners and operators. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are interesting case studies to show how hotel markets can cope with balancing demand and supply,” she said.

“The fundamentals in the region, particularly the GCC, are among the best in the world given the combination of oil revenues, official reserves and the contribution of sovereign wealth funds,” said Nenad Pacek, president of Global Success Advisors and an expert on emerging markets.

However, STR Global acknowledged that while Dubai and Abu Dhabi were both experiencing growth, the two UAE markets are at different growth cycles.

“In the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi represent two different cycle stages, particularly when looking at supply growth over the last 15 months,” the STR Global report said. “In Q1 2012, both cities benefited from a fairly similar demand growth, with Dubai growing by 11 per cent and Abu Dhabi by 9.7 per cent,” it said.

Stewart Coggans, regional executive vice-president for Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels emphasised the polarisation of regional markets, stressing the role of Dubai as regional leader in terms of performance.

“The market here is equipped to absorb the 12,000 rooms in the pipeline in the city with a healthy balance of 50:50 in terms of corporate and leisure business,” he said. “Abu Dhabi, with an 80:20 split is not as robust with the 2,000 rooms opening in 2011 leading to a decline in average daily rate of 16 per cent.”

The STR Global report too notes that Abu Dhabi and Dubai vary in potential and performance. “[C]onsidering the supply growth since 2011, the impact on RevPAR performance has been quite different. In Abu Dhabi since December 2011, the city has seen double-digit supply growth, reaching 16.7 per cent in Q1 2012. The additional room inventory resulted in declining occupancy by 6 per cent to 64.1 per cent,” the report noted.

Abu Dhabi’s average daily rate during the first quarter of the year was Dh633.85, a decrease of 11.7 per cent compared to the previous year, data showed, while Dubai hotels continue to experience a healthy growth in room rates.

Nevertheless, it’s Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah that emerged the star performer in Q1 2012. “Excluding Makkah and Medina, both in Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is the star performer in RevPAR growth for the first quarter,” STR Global said.

“The city benefited from demand growth (+17.3 per cent) and a temporary reduction of available rooms as the Westin Jeddah is closed for refurbishment between October 2011 and summer 2012,” it noted.

Al Khobar saw RevPAR in Q1 2012 increase to SAR414.16 (+18 per cent), led by occupancy reaching 57.3 per cent (+13.4 per cent) compared to the previous year.

“Occupancy growth primarily was driven by increased demand (+21.2 per cent) amid fairly low increases in new supply (+6.9 per cent), which in previous years increased by double digits. Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh’s supply growth (+11.5 per cent) in Q1 2012 outpaced demand (+3.1 per cent). This resulted in an occupancy decline of 7.5 per cent to 63.2 per cent,” the report said.

Rest of GCC markets see RevPAR declines

In Doha, occupancy declined by 10.5 per cent to 63.6 percent in Q1 2012, led by double-digit supply growth (+17.4 per cent), which outpaced demand growth of 5.1 per cent, data showed. Heightened competition among hotels in Doha therefore led average daily rates to decline to QAR827.8 (-4.5 per cent) in Q1 compared to the previous year.

“Manama, Bahrain, following the unrest since February 2011, continued to see RevPAR performance declining to BHD35.87 (-9 per cent) in Q1 2012, compared to the previous year,” the agency said, noting that March 2012 saw a huge increase in occupancy (+112.1 per cent), but attributed this rise to a low occupancy base in March 2011 (21.2 per cent). “Demand for the destination improved 1.1 per cent for the first quarter this year,” it said.

Kuwait saw occupancy reaching 57.3 per cent (-6.6 per cent) in first-quarter 2012 compared to the previous year. During the same period, ADR declined by 1.9 per cent to KWD63. Kuwait was the only market reporting a demand decline (-5.0 per cent) for the first quarter.

Whilst ADR declined by 7.3 per cent to OMR94.98 in Muscat, Oman, the city’s hotels saw occupancy reach 67.3 per cent (+3.5 per cent) resulting from increased demand (+8 per cent) for the first quarter of 2012. Muscat’s demand increase outweighed its supply increase of 4.3 per cent.

Overall, revPAR across the Middle East rose 10.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 compared to 2011 – 50 per cent greater than Asia and North America.

What’s more impressive is the fact that Dubai’s sustainably strong tourism numbers are not dependent on oil income, something that experts note is highly commendable.

According to Jonathan Worsley, Chairman & CEO Bench Events and Board Member STR Global, the figures underlined two contrasting points for the hospitality industry.

“While oil revenues are sustaining economic growth in the major producing countries and funding development of their travel and tourism industries, we have seen Dubai emerge as a striking example of a market that has thrived and survived with minimal oil reserves but a combination of private and public investment and joint will to balance supply and demand,” said Worsley, who is also the organizer of the ongoing Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2012.

“Oil rich economies are using their wealth to diversify away from dependency on hydrocarbon revenue. This is very prudent and will benefit them in the long run. However, Dubai’s sustainable model could be adopted by non-oil economies,” he added.

Travel Trends: A golf course in Dubai’s World Central Airport…

A new report by one of world’s largest hotel groups says airport indulgances are at an all-time high, and that shopping and indulging in luxuries at airports worldwide will be a key global travel trend that will have potential impact in 2012 and beyond With over 153 million room nights booked by guests each year, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), says in its report that new global travel patterns are impacting local geographies, and cites the world’s largest airport, Dubai’s upcoming World Central Airport as an example.
IHG says that 100 new airports will emerge by 2020 in China, while “Dubai’s World Central airport will house a golf course and the world’s largest mall.”


So what does the future hold for us when we travel? “Well, we could be travelling virtually baggage free by being able to rent our clothing and accessories from hotel lobbies, de-stress in special sleeping labs in hotels and stimulate our minds through in-room brain spa menus,” the report states.

“We could even be shopping from our mobiles by scanning codes from an in-flight magazine and have items delivered to any hotel in any destination,” the report speculates.

The contributors to IHG’s trends report were asked what they thought were the main drivers of change that would influence 2012 in terms of travel and these insights have been reflected in five macro trend areas.

Among the mega-trends that the hotel group’s analysts have outlined are:

REMAPPING: New global travel patterns are impacting local geographies

The remapping trend looks at how our travel and lifestyle patterns are changing and the impact this is having upon urban areas. For example, as we see the rise in populated areas outside of main city centres, smaller cities are being developed. Spas are more likely to be seen in an urban area now over a country retreat and we will see an increase in small communities around airports.

- 100 new airports will emerge by 2020 in China, while Dubai’s World Central airport will house a golf course and the world’s largest mall.

BRAIN SPA: The desire to learn more will influence destination decisions Brain Spa looks at our growing appetite to expand and keep our intellect in good health – in fact we are prepared to travel for it. Forbes has tipped the market for goods and services that claim to enhance IQ as the next trillion dollar industry and Brain Fitness software is already worth $265 million in the US.

- The market for goods and services responding to the new demand for mental stimulation is expected to grow between $1 billion to $5 billion by 2015.

DEMO-LUXURY: Airport indulgences are at an all-time high This trends looks at a new type of luxury – it no longer means high-cost but more ‘everyday indulgence’. It looks at how brands are co-creating with customers to offer these indulgences and how we are much more prone to ‘borrowing’ and not ‘buying’ one-off luxury items. As airport turnover goes through the roof – one of these ‘indulgences’ has been identified as the increase in shopping at airports.

- Global airport retailing is now worth 27.1 billion and is the second fastest growing channel of retail after e-tailing as many women prefer to travel light and shop at the airport.

THE INTERNET OF THINGS: Using the web to buy ‘in flight’ and get ‘in hotel’

This trend looks at our relationship with the internet and how it will take on a new meaning in the future. It focuses on how the internet will slowly move out of conventional devices such as the mobile and move into less likely items like magazines, for example. We could soon be buying items in-flight and receiving them at our destination. Or, ordering food from our mobiles and it being ready on the restaurant table on arrival – and so the phenomenon ‘from tablet to table’ is born.

- Did you know that computers of the next generation will need to be 1000 times faster in order to keep up with the speed that the industry is moving

PEOPLE PLAY: Consumers will be loyal only if brands ‘play nicely’

This trends looks at how sophisticated brands have become in order to continue to maintain customer loyalty. Game play has become a huge focus area as big brands adopt some of the principles of Facebook and Google.

- The total spend on loyalty-based game play applications will rise to $1.6 billion globally by 2015 as the war for brand loyalty moves up a gear in response to increasingly savvy consumers.

Dubai hotels shine in Q1

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced that the hotel industry registered 9 per cent increase in guest numbers, 24 per cent increase in revenues, 22 per cent jump in guest nights and a 12 per cent rise in the average length of stay in the first quarter of 2012.

The impressive January-March 2012 results caps the stellar performance posted by the hotels in Dubai last year with revenues touching an all-time high of Dhs16 billion and 10 per cent increase in the guest numbers which crossed the nine million mark.

Khalid A bin Sulayem, DTCM Director General, said in a statement at Arabian Travel Market (ATM-2012) that "the remarkable results of our hospitality industry is the outcome of the substantial expansion of the tourist infrastructure, an increasingly impressive portfolio of tourism products, wider destination awareness, aggressive promotional and marketing drive and the growing air-connectivity to and from Dubai. The iconic Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) also contributed enormously towards this feat."

He added, "The overriding feature of this strikingly impressive performance has been our focus on quality standards and going beyond the expectations of the guests. Equally crucial has been the inspiring partnership between the government and private sectors to reach higher levels of growth. The new hotel classification scheme that has been put in place will go a long way in gaining more growth in the market which is seeing more rooms adding up to the inventory." During Q1 2012, Dubai hotels and hotel apartments played host to nearly 2.6 million guests, an increase of 9 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

Similarly, the guest nights swelled by 22 per cent to touch 10.35 million, while the revenues recorded 24 per cent increase to more than Dhs5.38bn.

The number of hotels increased by 1 per cent to reach 577 with the total number of rooms and flats swelling 4 per cent to 75,171.

Hotel room occupancy rate stood at 87 per cent, an increase of 8 per cent while it was 84 per cent occupancy for the apartment flat, a 5 per cent increase.

However, the apartment average room rate witnessed 12 per cent increase to reach Dhs448 while the hotel average room rate was Dhs655, an increase of 7 per cent.

Tourism contributes 31% of Dubai’s GDP

Dubai’s tourism figures are at an all-time high as new figures reveal that the sector contributed 31 per cent of the emirate’s GDP in 2011.

The number of visitors to Dubai is expected to rise 10 per cent this year, according to figures released by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Speaking to the media at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market, DTCM Director-General Khalid A bin Sulayem said: “Dubai’s tourism figures are very promising with the emirate hosting 9.3 million hotel guests and cruise passengers in 2011, which was up 10 per cent from the previous year. This contributed to 31 per cent of Dubai’s GDP last year.”

Meanwhile, guest nights rose 23 per cent to 32,848,190 while the average length of stay went up by 12 per cent to 3.6 days last year.

Dubai's 575 hotels generated revenues of Dhs16 billion last year, an increase of 20 per cent from 2010. The year saw a five per cent increase in the number of hotel rooms and hotel apartments which stood at 53,828 rooms and 21,015 hotel flats respectively.

DTCM also announced that it will be introducing to the tourism industry the new hotel classification checklists for all categories as part of the new classification scheme but no date was given

Will winter put a freeze on Palm Jumeirah hotel rates?

As the 381-room Fairmont The Palm readies to open in September, competition may just drive rates to be more budget friendly end of seasonAs the Fairmont The Palm readies to throw down its gauntlet in the populated hotel market that has sprung up on The Palm Jumeirah in recent years, insiders are saying that we could soon see a price war in room rates that would ultimately favour the tourist influx on the man-made island.The upcoming 381-room Fairmont property will be located on the west facing trunk of the Palm, which, the management say, is the only hotel that will boast that location and will ultimately be its top draw for tourists who are looking for something more in the city other than confining themselves to a destination hotel on the island.



The management added that the Fairmont The Palm’s USP also includes its market draw for those who are looking for something that is more high-end than mid-market properties, but something that will be more attainable in terms of pricing than the uber luxury hotels that have found a home on the island.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7 at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market, Michael Glennie, President and COO of Fairmont Raffles International said:

“What we currently see on The Palm Jumeirah right now are very high end hotels. Our hotel will be more in between mid-market and luxury and will appeal accordingly.

“Plus, we have a function space advantage that no other hotel does on the island.”

Currently, the island boasts five destination resorts, with the pioneer being the Atlantis The Palm that threw open its doors in a mega celebration in 2008.

However, due to the global financial crisis, several hotel projects were delayed or scrapped, a far cry from the island’s masterplan that was slated to host 30 five-star properties, along with 14,000 rooms.

It was only in 2010 that competition to the Atlantis came in the form of The One & Only, which was followed up by Jumeirah Group’s Zabeel Saray, the Kempinski Hotel and Residences and the Turkish brand, Rixos.

As the Fairmont The Palm enters the final lap for its official opening, also expected to open this year is the much-delayed Royal Amwaj hotel, with another Kempinski welcoming tourists reportedly next year after much delays.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Martin Van Kan, the general manager of the Fairmont The Palm said: “It is too soon for us to tell you our average room rates or our anticipated hotel occupancy in the first quarter of the hotel’s opening, however, we are confident that we will meet a market demand that will eventually drive the growth of hotels on The Palm Jumeirah.”

Average hotel room rates on The Palm range between Dh2,100 and Dh5,000.

Experts say this barrier could be overcome in the peak winter months as Dubai gears up for a record tourist influx of 10.1 million visitors in 2012.

Airfares rise this summer could burn your holiday plans Rising oil prices are pushing airfares higher

Air travel could hit a high note this year if fuel prices continue to peak, said Qatar Airways chief Akbar Al Baker, adding that all airlines are equally burdened by the rising costs.
This news comes just as Emirates Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum announced that Emirates’ fuel cost for the financial year 2011-2012 hit $2 billion.

While most airline chiefs in the Mideast have maintained that fuel price is the main decider of airfares, Al Baker spoke in greater detail about this at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, stating: “Fuel price continues to be a challenge to all airlines. In the case of Qatar Airways, we are hedged up until 2015; however, fuel does form a major of an airline’s annual cost structure.”


Al Baker stated that currently, fuel accounts for 41 per cent of Qatar Airways cost structure, which is approximately 5 percentage points up from the 36 per cent it accounted for in the 2010-2011.

When quizzed if airfares could rise further in 2012 because of the fuel, which has recently averaged $105 a barrel, al Baker said: “I maintain that airfares prices will fluctuate depending on the cost of fuel. Could airfares rise this year? Yes. But we can’t predict anything more.”

Yesterday, Emirates head Sheikh Ahmed also revealed that fuel is now accounting for 40-43 per cent of the airline’s costs, with full-year results being announced later in May.

He further added that Emirates expects its 2011 profits will not be higher than those in 2010 when it posted a 52-per cent rise to $1.5bn.

Both airline chiefs have always vehemently denied that the two Mideast carriers take advantage of fuel subsidies from its respective governments.

Al Baker reiterated it, saying: “I wish the State of Qatar would give us fuel subsidies so we wouldn’t have to hedge. But we buy fuel at market prices and receive no benefit.”

Summer deals in full swing

Meanwhile, as peak summer travel period approaches, industry pundits are advising travellers to make most of the deals that are currently on offer, promoting slashed airfares of up to 25 per cent with some carriers.

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways being the latest, which announced up to a 25 per cent cuts in fares to European, Asian destinations or 26 selected cities in the regions.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said in a statement: “Savvy travellers understand that the period just before the summer holiday season is the perfect time to book a great value getaway. We are pleased to offer this very special, limited-time offer to our guests so that they may see the world from the comfort of our award-winning Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class, but without breaking the bank.”

The airfares are applicable on Coral Economy and Pearl Business Class bookings but have to be made before May 4, for travel until May 31, 2012. All travel must be completed by May 31, the airline said in a statement sent to Emirates 24l7.

Emirates had announced a similar three-day sale back in February of this year, offering customers discounts of up to 30 per cent to select destinations across its network, with outbound travel to be commenced on or before June 10, 2012

Space tourism set for takeoff

UNITED STATES, Colorado Springs: Hundreds of people seeking the ultimate thrill ride are already signed up to be among the world's first space tourists. And several US states are in a breakneck race to set up space ports and cut out a slice of the future space tourism industry

Solar powered boat's round the world trip

ITALY: In these days of environmental awareness a European venture has shown the possibilities of solar power. PlanetSolar is the world's largest solar powered boat and the catarmaran will complete its record-breaking round-the-world trip this week when it docks in Monaco after 600 days at sea.

Best airlines for families... and yes, Emirates is on top

Travelling long distance with kids can be stress-free – no really! That’s what a new survey of international airlines found out.

The study, conducted by US News Travel, reveals that Dubai-based Emirates is right on top when it comes to travelling long-haul with little kids. And there’s not one but two Gulf-based airlines that make it to the coveted Top 5 Airlines for Families, as short listed by US Travel.

As any parent with kids below 12 (or even in their teens, for that matter) will tell you, flying with children is not an exercise they enjoy. It’s exhausting no doubt, but that’s the least of their troubles.

Murphy’s Law – whatever can go wrong, will go wrong – comes into play fairly often, and if it isn’t the disobedient cabin pressure that makes your little one shriek from ear pain, it is the uninterrupted hours of being glued to one’s seat that makes even the slightly grown-up go wild with frustration, not to mention the disgruntled looks from fellow passengers and airline crew that are bound to make you alter your next vacation into a ‘staycation’.

But there are indeed some airlines in the world that do care about families. According to Emily H. Bratcher of US News, “some airlines go out of their way to accommodate passengers with kids.”

US Travel lists seven carriers that are helmed by compassionate flight staffs that dole out amenities to make the whole family comfortable at cruising altitude. Here’s the list:

Emirates

For those of us in the UAE, this should come as no surprise. “Families come first,” says Emirates, and sticks to its promise.

While on the ground, it provides parents with free baby strollers to ferry their infants at the airport, Terminal 3, or the T3 as it is better known – exclusive hub of the Emirates in Dubai – offers special play areas for even kids flying Economy class, as well as wired games consoles and play areas for kids (and grown-ups) flying Business and First class.

In the air, bassinets and baby formula are standard, while the airline’s ever friendly crew also provide toys, special kids' meals and goodie bags with a smile. On long-haul flights and in Business and First class, a member of the crew will even offer to click a Polaroid picture of your happy kids on the flight, and give you a copy for keeps.

The Emirates in-flight entertainment (ICE) has a special section for kids, complete with cartoons and movies, while for kids who ‘frequent fliers’, they can even start racking up miles with Emirates Skysurfer program. Young jet-setters can put their miles toward everything from future flights to Magrudy’s Book Store gift certificates to Wild Wadi Water Park tickets in Dubai.

The airline also allows unaccompanied minors (between ages 5 and 12) to travel on its flights, providing separate check-in facilities on departure, with dedicated Emirates staff to accompany them to the aircraft. It’s special policy for taking best care of the little ones means that unaccompanied minors and young passengers are always boarded before other passengers so that the cabin crew can seat them and stow their hand baggage. On arrival, an Emirates employee meets all unaccompanied children at the aircraft door and helps them through formalities before handing them over to their designated guardian.

British Airways

BA operates ‘feed kids first’ policy, which allows parents to ensure the little ones are satisfied before they can enjoy their own meal in peace once the little ones are full and settled.

The airline also offers Skyflyer activity packs for 3-to-5-year old kids and a different one for kids aged between 6 and 12 years on all flights over 3 hours duration. Additionally, there’s hours of on-screen entertainment from Disney and Cartoon Network together with family blockbuster movies. There is even a parental lock to enable accompanying adults to block viewing of any unsuitable material on other channels.

British Airways also offers a Skyflyer Solo service, in which it flies unaccompanied kids between the ages of 5 and 12, besides offering special meals for children.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa has a special club for kids, called JetFriends, which gives the kids and teenagers a good look behind the scenes of the “world of flying”. The club’s central meeting point (www.jetfriends.com) fully illustrates all aspects of the airline, from individual jobs to technical explanations and an interactive presentation of the Lufthansa fleet.

The airline offers a number of other amenities for kids, including unaccompanied travel, strollers up to the aircraft, in-flight baby cots (bassinets) for infants, and nutritious child meals, among others.

Gulf Air

Famous for its Sky Nanny programme, Gulf Air says it operates the free service dedicated to young travelers “to help families traveling with children – and those passengers who aren’t.” The Bahrain-based airline offers the childcare service right from the Bahrain lounge, and on board all wide-bodied aircraft flying long-haul routes.

Specially trained Sky Nannies offer help with boarding and disembarkation, give parents that much needed break during a long flight and generally provide a watchful eye on the little ones, the airline says. Additionally, Gulf Air carries nappies and other baby supplies on board. “Please ask our Sky Nanny if there’s anything you may have forgotten to pack for your baby. Gulf Air offers baby food, nappies, baby powder, baby lotion, baby wipes, baby bib and cotton bud packs in all flights.”

Qantas

Rounding up the Top 5 Airlines for Families is Australia’s Qantas, which offers ‘Family Zones’ at Australian airports, complete with iMacs, toys, and books to keep kids entertained before take-off, and children’s kits (playing cards, action figures and coloured pencils) to keep them busy in-flight.

Additionally, it offers baby meals, special seating for families and even allows the use of special child safety seats in the aircraft.

The other two carriers on US Travel’s list are Virgin (Atlantic & America) and Singapore Airlines.

Summer hotspots to entice UAE travellers

Major local carriers such as Emirates and Eithad Airways have already announced top new destinations for their summer flightplan, targeting the disconcerting traveller who is eager to explore new grounds that may even take them off the beaten track.

Emirates 24|7 maps out the perfect new summer getaway for those still poring over brochures, with a destination that is ideal for every taste.

Road trip renegades

Tired of waking up at the crack of dawn to be herded on to a tour bus to be packed like sardines with fellow travellers?

Maybe its time to forgo those escorted tours and get into the driving seat to set a course down the road less travelled with a Spanish road trip.

Emirates will launch flights to Barcelona from July 3, its second Spanish destination, while increasing its frequency into Madrid with a second daily flight from July 1.

In an earlier statement, Emirates president Tim Clark said: “Madrid has been a strong performer and the demand is there for a second frequency, while we need a second point serving the dynamic Catalonia region.”

As Spain’s second largest city, the cultural capital goes beyond just being the home ground for football club FC Barcelona. The city is known for its yuppie young crowd that simply loves to party.

If you do make it there in July, then don’t forget to head to the Monegros Desert Festival, which is one of the most famous and biggest one day electronic music festivals in Spain is in desert of Fraga, approximately 200 km from Barcelona.
We are taking nearly 24 hours of non-stop fun with house, electro, minimal, techno, to drum & bass.

Our suggestion: rent a Vespa and explore the country the way it was meant to.

The family affair

A country that has only recently caught the eye of the world, Vietnam is a must-see for adventure seekers who crave to hop off the beaten track and conquer new ground.

Emirates is launching into this Far Eastern country from June 4, with direct daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City.

Tim Clark, President of Emirates said earlier: “Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant places in South East Asia and we are convinced that this will prove to be a highly popular route.”

Ho Chi Minh City offers tourists the ideal gateway to explore the wonders of Vietnam, be it the shopping options in the city or the various UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An.

When in the city, do not miss out on a visit to Ho Chi Minh Museum, his humble “house on stilts” and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda.

A trip to the islands of Halong Bay is a must, with most of them abundant with limestone that were formed over 500 million years ago, and are massed in the southeast and southwest.

Other noteworthy places include the beaches of Nha Trang and the floating markets and restaurants of the Mekong River Delta.

A trip to Vietnam also calls for the perfect extension to neighbouring Cambodia, namely Saigon.

Visit the Cuchi tunnel, which is 22 miles northwest of the city, approximately two hours by coach where you can witness how rice paper is made and to explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the Vietnam War.

And if you have the time, cut a ticket for Angkor Wat, the architectural marvel in Angkor, Cambodia, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century.

This vast temple complex was first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then became Buddhist haven. It is truly a sight to behold.

The 40-something break

Celebrating an anniversary or simply rewarding yourself and your partner for a much needed vacation after the kids have packed off to college, cut a ticket for an American holiday this summer.

The Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways launched direct flights to US capital, Washington, DC from March 31, making it the perfect entry point for those who want to avoid the madness that awaits in New York.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said earlier: “No other UAE carrier is offering nonstop services between DC and the UAE, so this capital-to-capital link is a huge opportunity for Etihad Airways.”

The Washington region is home to America’s second largest market flying to the Middle East, after New York.

Hogan added: “The point-to-point traffic between DC and Abu Dhabi is expected to contribute significantly to overall loads on the route. The schedule also allows maximum connectivity to key markets in the GCC, Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia.”

When visiting DC, you simply can’t escape the fact that the capital is the seat of power in America, so rather than avoiding its heritage, you can choose to unravel the enigma by stepping through halls of history at its many memorials.

Wander through the National Mall stretch (not to be confused with your average shopping arcade), which starts at the Capitol grounds and ends somewhere between Independence and Constitution Avenues.

The wide-open green lawns are home to the entire expanse of monuments and museums that any DC explorer guide will tell you, but on a good sunny weekend you can also catch a celebrity or two, along with several open-air concerts thrown in for good measure.

Must-visit places on the city map include fthe Washington Monument – or the Cleopatra’s Needle as many call it. Paying a silent, yet powerful tribute to George Washington, the 555 feet high monument makes for a picture perfect moment from the Tidal Basin, where you catch the sunlight reflecting in the shimmering waters of the Potomac River.

Head further down Constitution Avenue to explore the Lincoln Memorial, a tribute to the 16th US President, Abraham Lincoln.

Resembling a stately Greek temple, complete with Ionic columns, each pillar represents the 36 states that were part of the Union at the time of Lincoln’s assassination in 1865.
After spending the rest of the day exploring some of National Mall’s many little surprises, don’t forget to let down you hair and take in a different kind of culture at DC’s many nightspots.

A visit to the US capital is definitely incomplete without a visit to Improv, the stand up comedy club that has played host to comic greats like Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and even Billy Crystal.

Honeymooners ahoy

Looking for a beachside romantic getaway with some cultural delights thrown in for the perfect summer honeymoon?

Go no further than Lisbon, the Portugese capital, which will be connected to Dubai via Emirates from July 9.

Set your sights on the land of Vasco da Gama and take a page out his exploration spirit to set forth on your own adventure.

“Lisbon has been on our European wish-list for some time. Our daily flight will link this far western corner of Europe with our strong route network, via Dubai, into Africa, across Asia and beyond, said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline.

He added: “We will be the only carrier based in the Middle East operating into Portugal, bringing our refreshing approach to customer service, our dynamic and inspiring approach to business, along with superb value for money.”

As one of Europe’s warmest countries, Portugal is a popular tourist destination, with better known attractions, such as the resorts of the Algarve, are supplemented by medieval castles and scenic villages dotted around winding coastlines and hillsides.

Portugal has more than 800 kilometres of Atlantic coast and is the primary point of access to the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira.

In Lisbon, visitors can sip an espresso on the leafy streets, go window shopping in Chiado square, visit Jeronimos Monastery, the World Heritage Site and resting place for Vasco da Gama, or view treasured art at places such as Calouste Gulbenkian and Berardo museums.

Adventure seekers

If you are looking for a summer high this break, then set a vertical limit by conquering Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which would certainly make for a conversation starter post holidays.

Qatar Airways, in its African expansion drive, is launching flights on July 25 into Kilimanjaro, close on the heels of its travels into Zanzibar and Mombasa, Kenya.

As the name suggests, Kilimanjaro or the Mountain of Light is the jewel in the crown of East Africa, standing tall at 5,895 metres.

Adventure seekers come from around the globe to hike up to the summit, and while most certainly manage to clamber up to the crater rim, it takes a little more practice to conquer Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater.

Make it a weeklong affair, giving your climb at least five days to allow your body to acclimatise to the dizzying heights.

Yet while you explore the region, also spare time for the Kilimanjaro National Park, the lush forest that is home to elephant, leopard, buffalo, the endangered Abbot’s duiker.

If you are really lucky, maybe local Wachagga tribe will throw open their doors to invite you in for some grub along your travels.

Top 10 'ugly' buildings

A recent opinion piece in the New York Times resurrected the age-old debate about whether ugly buildings deserved preservation if deemed historically important. While the staff and travelers at online travel advisers Trippy.com may be undecided on that issue, they can certainly tell you which buildings they'd put on the list for consideration. Here are their choices for the World's Top 10 Ugliest Buildings. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. J. Edgar Hoover Building (FBI HQ); Washington, D.C.

This is reason alone to avoid the 10 Most Wanted list. Situated in the center of the city, this dreary 1970s behemoth is almost unavoidable. Its days may be numbered as discussions about the department's relocation are rumored to be swirling around the capital city.

2. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum; Cleveland, Ohio

Even the architect was unhappy with this one. Upon the building's completion, a displeased I.M. Pei admitted himself there's little harmony in these conflicting shapes.



3. Sharp Centre for Design; Toronto, Canada

Although some call it innovative, there are others who call it intolerable. While the building's black and white squares combined with pencil-like stilt supports make it look like a clubhouse for crossword puzzle enthusiasts, this building is actually part of the Ontario College of Art & Design.

4. Aoyama Technical College; Shibuya, Japan

Ever wondered what you get when you cross a Transformers figurine, an oil well, and a curling rock? Now you know. The school's site offers that the building "represents a new order...through the tolerance of chaos."

5. Geisel Library; University of California, San Diego, CA

This library is one of the best examples of Brutalist architecture ever built, and that's not a compliment. Named after Audrey and Theodor Geisel (better known as Dr. Seuss), we think it would have been a whole lot prettier had its benefactor also been its architect.

6. Chang Building ("The Elephant Tower"); Bangkok, Thailand

It's not that we think the design is that bad and we even like the intended humor. It's the half-hearted execution that turns this potentially fun idea from attraction to eyesore.

7. Epi Apartments; Seattle, Washington

We're all for occasional quirkiness, but in this case we're not sure how adding a bunch of almost intimidating, sharp-looking metal shapes onto an otherwise bland building enhances it. The building's website boldly refers to the structure as "The center of the center of the universe."

8. Trump Tower; New York City, New York

When it was completed in the early 80s it was considered the signature building of its time...and that's part of the problem. Downright dull on the outside, dizzyingly gaudy on the inside, this outdated building is generally only visited by tourists as it is almost universally avoided by actual New Yorkers.

9. The Pixel Building; Melbourne, Australia

Yes, the building is carbon neutral, but how many Olympic mascot pins had to die to make it? While we love that the building is self-sufficient (they even collect their own rain water on the roof), we just wish it were a tad more subtle. 10. Royal National Theatre; London, U.K.

Yes, Shakespeare wrote that "All the world's a stage..." but he might not have had he lived to see 1970s. While we love the idea of the theatre and the world-class productions mounted here, our feelings don't quite extend to the actual building.

Virgin's ‘grin and tonic’ Branson ice cubes

The ice cubes have been created using the exact measurements of Sir Richard’s head

The British-based Virgin Atlantic is giving passengers some extended face time with Richard Branson, the carrier’s billionaire founder, to celebrate the launch of the airline’s newly redesigned upper-class section.



No, Sir Richard won’t be accompanying passengers in the Upper deck – it’ll be his icy avatar.

Well-heeled passengers in Virgin’s upper class will be offered Richard Branson-shaped ice cubes to chill at 40,000ft in the air.

Virgin Atlantic is giving Upper Class passengers the chance to cool their in-flight drinks in the most innovative way possible this Spring – with the launch of its

‘Little Richard’, as the carrier calls the bespoke ice cubes, will be served on board one of the first flights of the airline's new Upper Class Cabin this May, and have been crafted in the image of Virgin Atlantic’s president Sir Richard Branson.

A statement from the airline said that the new ice innovation means all passengers will be able to enjoy some chill out time with Mr Branson at the new bar – which it claims is the longest of any airline – and which has been designed to provide additional space and comfort for those keen to socialise while flying.

The bar will also incorporate a raft of additional innovations including the fabulous new champagne coupe glass, enhanced mood lighting and a new seating system to facilitate the most comfortable social experience in the air.

“The ice cubes have been created using the exact measurements of Sir Richard’s head and feature an impressive level of detail. The mould for the ice cubes took a team of four skilled designers a painstaking six weeks to create using detailed photographic techniques and laser scanning technology to create the perfect likeness of Sir Richard,” the airline said.

Luke Miles, Head of Design for Virgin Atlantic Upper Class said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our Upper Class passengers access to the newest, longest bar in the sky, and what better way to celebrate this than giving passengers the opportunity to share a drink with the face of our business? “

Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic said: “While Richard would love to be able to sit and enjoy a drink with all of our passengers, his schedule means that it simply isn’t possible. Now he is able to join our guests ‘in spirit’ on one of the Upper Class Cabin’s first flights as they raise a toast to their trip and the exciting times ahead.”

Casablanca's core crumbles

MOROCCO, Casablanca: Casablanca, Morocco's 'white city', hosts hundreds of architectural marvels. From art deco hotels and neo-classical ornaments to neo-Moorish detailing, the city bears witness to its status
as a veritable architectural laboratory in the early part of the twentieth century. But today many of its historic buildings are under threat, from lack of maintenance or demolition.