The reintroduction of lions marks a significant milestone in the rehabilitation of the 70 000 hectare Majete reserve. Historically lions were considered to be common in the Lower Shire Valley but by the early 1960s scouts in Majete were recording only one lion every 100 patrol days. Over the years poaching took its toll and there have been no reports of lions in the region since the 1980s.

The non-profit organisation African Parks has been systematically resurrecting Majete since assuming management of the park in 2003. Over the past nine years the park has been fenced, infrastructure developed and over 12 different species totalling over 2500 animals introduced. The safety that the perimeter fence and law enforcement programmes provides and the abundance of prey has now created an environment within which lions can once again thrive.

In August 2012 two male and two female lions provided by the North West Parks and Tourism Board in South Africa will be introduced to Majete – sourced from South Africa as there are no suitable lion populations available in Malawi. Healthy animals at the beginning of their reproductive lives will be selected from Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve, and the intricate relocation process will involve weeks of quarantine on both sides of the border. It will also be a costly operation with holding facilities having to be erected and flights chartered to transport the predators to their new home.

These costs are generously being sponsored by Robin Pope Safaris, which owns and operates the luxury Mkulumadzi Lodge in Majete. Robin Pope Safaris is a well established photographic safari operator in Zambia and Malawi. Their properties offer personalised and unforgettable safari experiences in remote wilderness settings. The company has a great passion and commitment to the preservation of the ecosystems within which they operate, as evidenced by their various responsible tourism initiatives. These include reforestation programmes, financial support for a number of conservation projects (e.g. preservation of various wildlife and fish species), recycling, energy saving ventures and more.

INFORMATION 

The reintroduction of lions to the Majete system will not only restore the park to a naturally functioning ecosystem but will also once again render Majete a “Big-5” reserve, as it already boasts the other four: elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. With the opening of the luxury Mkulumadzi Lodge last year and with the only Big Five game viewing experience to be offered in Malawi, Majete’s future looks bright.

For more information contact Robin Pope Safaris info@robinpopesafaris.net

Malawi: + 265 (0) 1 794 491 or (0) 1 795 483

1. Science Museum, London A celebration of the wonders of technology in the service of our daily lives. The museum’s collections include an impressive 18th century steam engine, the Apollo 10 command module and everyday technological marvels from 1750 to the present. Every part of the museum is accessible by ramp or lift (except for a couple of raised walkways). Everything is at just the right height. Tactile signage and touch tours are available for some exhibitions along with large print and braille information. A loan wheelchair is available. There is ample disabled parking.

2. The London Eye One of the capital’s most postcard-friendly assets, a 30 minute circuit affords great views of the city. The ticket hall and capsules are wheelchair accessible. Disabled visitors pay a discounted rate with one carer free of charge. Groups of less than four are fast tracked to the front of the queue. Wheelchairs are available for use and there is an accessible toilet.

3. The Great North Museum, Newcastle Highlights of the new £26million museum include a large-scale, interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall, major new displays showing the wonder and diversity of the animal and plant kingdoms, spectacular objects from the Ancient Greeks and mummies from Ancient Egypt, a planetarium and a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton. Recent renovations have created a fully accessible building. Large print and Braille gallery guides. Tactile objects; BSL and subtitled videos; and BSL tours (on demand). Hearing Loops throughout.

4. National Theatre – Silver ‘Access for All’ winner 2009 At the heart of the south bank complex, the national has produced over six hundred plays. Its three auditoriums put on a wide range of drama productions. The theatre publishes an access guide online and employs a full-time accessibility manager for a seamless visit.

5. Cadbury World – Silver ‘Access for All’ winner 2011 Visiting Cadbury’s chocolate factory in the heart of Bourneville, where they boast the biggest chocolate shop in the world is the closest any of us will probably get to visiting Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Facilities are almost completely accessible (staircase to packing facility) and priority can often be given when queuing. The Cadabra ride has a wheelchair accessible Beanmobile and a dog-sitter can be provided when visiting the production areas.

6. The National Space Centre, Leicester The UK’s largest planetarium and exhibition of space exploration where you can test your suitability for a career as an astronaut and enjoy a futuristic cinema experience. Plenty of accessible parking spaces and a lift to all floors. Displays are easily accessible and well spaced apart. Touch tours can be arranged in advance, large print guides are available and most audio exhibits are subtitled.

7. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Northern Ireland One of the most beautiful, rugged landscapes on earth and a World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway mixes myth, legend and natural phenomena. It is the most popular attraction in Northern Ireland, and its Visitor Centre has just undergone a major overhaul and is now managed by the National Trust. The new Visitor Centre was designed in consultation with Disability Action and other major access organisations to ensure access for all, and features include hearing loops, an ‘interpretation area’ suitable for visually impaired and wheelchair users as well as a fully accessibly clifftop path including wheelchair access.

NB: The National Trust has fantastic properties across Britain and allows free admission to the carers of disabled visitors. Their Access Guide is a free publication with essential information for people with access needs. See their accessibility page for details and to download.

8. Titanic Belfast is surrounded by a paved plaza, which is fully accessible. The brand new attraction was designed with wheelchairs users in mind, with integrated loop systems for hearing impaired visitors on all audio, and with regular seating areas throughout the attraction.

9. The Wales Coastal Path is the country’s newest countryside attraction and a world first, providing a pathway around the entire coastline of Wales, which encircles the whole country along with the Offa’s Dyke Path that crosses the Anglo-Welsh border. Along the coast are routes that offer an appealing and enjoyable experience to anyone with restricted mobility or for those simply seeking a less challenging walk. Wheelchair and baby buggy friendly routes can also be found along the way, with access paths and boardwalks provided at several of the most beautiful points.

10. Beaches in Wales There are dozens of beautiful beaches around the coast of Wales, many of which are fully accessible for users with access needs and disabilities. Benllech on Anglesey (the island that is home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) is situated on the east coast of Anglesey and is one of the most popular of the island’s holiday villages. Set in a crescent-shaped bay, its pleasant beach of fine golden sand and clear blue waters are exceptionally safe for bathing and paddling, and has excellent disabled facilities and practical access for both prams and disabled visitors. Swansea Bay Promenade offers an excellent view of the bay with ramped access on to the beach close to the Marina.

11. The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre in Scotland tells the story of one of Scotland’s most famous battles and the whole attraction is brilliant for visitors with additional needs. Wheelchairs and powered scooters can be borrowed and used within the building and on the battlefield itself. The exhibition uses different mediums to convey the story of Culloden: a battlefield guide is available to take out onto the site which displays text, video and still images with audio that corresponds to the point you are on the battlefield using Geographic Positioning Software (GPS) and other formats for people with sensory impairments. The battlefield paths and roof access are wheelchair accessible and suitable for mobility vehicles, prams and buggies.

12. For those who want to get back to nature, fishing on the Lake of Menteith is a truly Scottish experience. There is a boat provision at the Lake of Menteith Fishery which provides fishing and boating opportunities for wheelchair users and enables all visitors of any fishing ability to try their hand at catching a winner!

Tourism for All UK is the UK Voice for Accessible Tourism. They are a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all and can provide essential information to visitors with specific access needs about making their visit to Britain enjoyable and comfortable. Their website offers information to help visitors find where they can go, stay or visit.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (eTN) – The nostalgic Silk Road that actually started the travel and tourism industry in the world is facing a crises of identity. Selling a brand name is easy in today’s corporate economy. Therefore, the United States of America and China both are using the ancient Silk Road name for selling their political ideas. The “New Silk Road” brand is being used these days in the policymaking world as well. The US has introduced a New Silk Road – a combination of modern highways, rail links, and energy pipelines running across Central Asia, as a way of preparing Afghanistan’s economy.

China’s New Silk Road is based on three main corridors across the Eurasian continent, called the Eurasian Land Bridge, which serves as the main arteries from which offshoot rails, highways, and pipelines will be built. The first one is the existing Trans-Siberian Railway running from Vladivostok in Eastern Russia to Moscow and connecting onto Western Europe and Rotterdam; the second runs from Lianyungang port in Eastern China through Kazakhstan in Central Asia and onto Rotterdam; and the third runs from Pearl River Delta in Southeast China through South Asia to Rotterdam. This part one can call the emerging North-South corridor concept of India, Iran, and Russia, if it is materialized. China has almost entered its second main arteries by connecting it with Kazakhstan via its expressway that China is calling the New Silk Road.

There is a major difference between the US-sponsored New Silk Road and the China project. China has totally left out Afghanistan from its project, thinking that this land will remain unstable, while the US project stands on the foundation of promoting Afghanistan and linking developments in South Asia and Central Asia through Afghanistan even at the cost of Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Turkmenistan. The United States is insisting Pakistan and India get natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan instead of getting natural gas from Iran through Pakistan to India. It is also insisting Pakistan get electricity from Tajikistan through Afghanistan land. For the US, all roads lead to Kabul, but China plans all roads to lead directly to Central Asia, leaving Afghanistan aside. The United States’ New Silk Road left out Iran due to obvious reasons, while the original Silk Road has Iran as its greatest component, with Afghanistan as on off shoot of original Silk Road.

US Congress issued and updated The Silk Road Strategy Act to maintain US influence in Eurasia, while the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) released its concept of its Silk Road as an Eurasian Land Bridge connecting China to Europe across the Eurasian continent.

In the past, representatives from 40 countries participated in a two-day Ministerial Conference on Transport, sponsored by UNESCAP. China, Indonesia, Laos, Korea, Cambodia, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Iran, and others designed an 81,000 kilometer railway network linking 28 countries through tracks and ferry routes to boost Asia’s economic development and a direct route to European markets. The plan is to develop routes between Asian countries, then expand to its central neighbors, and unto Europe. This was actually a blueprint of the China New Silk Road.

In January 2008, China, Mongolia, Russia, Belarus, Poland, and Germany implemented the first corridor of the Eurasian Land Bridge and agreed to create conditions to pave the way for regular container train service between Europe and Asia. A demonstration container train dubbed “The Beijing-Hamburg Container Express,” carrying a load of Chinese goods, rolled out of one of the logistics bases of the China Railway Container Transport Corp Ltd.

The train covered 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) in 15 days, crossing China, Mongolia, Russia, Belarus, and Poland before arriving in Hamburg, Germany. By comparison, sea transport adds 10,000 kilometers to the journey through the Indian Ocean, and would have taken 40 days to ship goods from China to Germany – more than double the time to send trains through the Eurasian corridor. The original Silk Road also had the component of ferries, as does the New Silk Road of China.

The original Silk Road, or Silk Route, refers to a historical network of interlinking trade routes across the Afro-Eurasian landmass that connected East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean and European world, as well as parts of North and East Africa. The land routes were supplemented by sea routes, which extended from the Red Sea to coastal India, China, and Southeast Asia.

Extending 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers), the Silk Road gets its name from the lucrative Chinese silk trade along it, which began during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). The central Asian sections of the trade routes were expanded around 114 BCE by the Han dynasty. In the late Middle Ages, transcontinental trade over the land routes of the Silk Road declined as sea trade increased. In recent years, both the maritime and overland Silk Routes are again being used, often closely following the ancient routes.

Trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of the great civilizations of China, India, Ancient Egypt, Persia, Arabia, and Ancient Rome, and in several respects helped lay the foundations for the modern world. Though silk was certainly the major trade item from China, many other goods were traded, and various technologies, religions, and philosophies traveled along the Silk Routes. China traded silk, teas, and porcelain; while India traded spices, ivory, textiles, precious stones, and pepper; and the Roman Empire exported gold, silver, fine glassware, wine, carpets, and jewels. The main traders during antiquity were the Indian and Bactrian traders, then from the 5th to the 8th century CE, the Sogdian traders, then afterward the Arab and Persian traders.

As it extends westwards from the ancient commercial centers of China, the overland, intercontinental Silk Road divides into the northern and southern routes bypassing the Taklimakan Desert and Lop Nur.

The northern route started at Chang’an (now called Xi’an), the capital of the ancient Chinese Kingdom, which, in the Later Han, was moved further east to Luoyang. The route was defined about the 1st century BCE as Han Wudi put an end to harassment by nomadic tribes.

The northern route traveled northwest through the Chinese province of Gansu from Shaanxi Province, and split into three further routes, two of them following the mountain ranges to the north and south of the Taklamakan Desert to rejoin at Kashgar; and the other going north of the Tian Shan mountains through Turpan, Talgar and Almaty (in what is now southeast Kazakhstan). The routes split again west of Kashgar, with a southern branch heading down the Alai Valley towards ancient Persia starting from Termez (in modern Uzbekistan) and Balkh (Afghanistan), while the other traveled through Kokand in the Fergana Valley (in present-day eastern Uzbekistan) and then west across the Karakum Desert. Both routes joined the main southern route before reaching Merv (Turkmenistan).

A route for caravans, the northern Silk Road brought to China many goods such as dates, saffron powder, and pistachio nuts from Persia; frankincense, aloes, and myrrh from Somalia; sandalwood from India; glass bottles from Egypt; and other expensive and desirable goods from other parts of the world. In exchange, the caravans sent back bolts of silk brocade, lacquer ware, and porcelain. Another branch of the northern route turned northwest past the Aral Sea and north of the Caspian Sea, then and on to the Black Sea.

The southern route was mainly a single route running from China, through the Karakoram, where it persists to modern times as the international paved road connecting Pakistan and China as the Karakoram Highway. It then set off westwards, but with southward spurs enabling the journey to be completed by sea from various points.

Crossing the high mountains, it passed through northern Pakistan, over the Hindu Kush mountains, and into Afghanistan, rejoining the northern route near Merv. From there, it followed a nearly straight line west through mountainous northern Iran, Mesopotamia, and the northern tip of the Syrian Desert to the Levant, where Mediterranean trading ships plied regular routes to Italy, while land routes went either north through Anatolia or south to North Africa. Another branch road traveled from Herat through Susa to Charax Spasinu at the head of the Persian Gulf, across to Petra, and on to Alexandria and other eastern Mediterranean ports from where ships carried cargo to Rome.

Why are the United States and China using the Silk Road name? Because the Silk Road name has never been registered as a brand name by world tourism authorities. It is feared that many New Silk Roads many diminishes the importance and romanticism of the original Silk Road.

Image via friendsofdunhuang.org

All too often, people driving south on Highway 1 head straight to Carmel or Monterey, bypassing all the North Monterey County coast has to offer. Salty old Moss Landing , halfway between Santa Cruz and Monterey, is a great place to turn off Highway 1. Moss Landing, 100 miles south of San Francisco, is still one of the busiest commercial fishing ports on California’s central coast. It offers a glimpse into coastal life past and present. When the boats come in, the docks hum with activity as the catch is unloaded. And the mighty ocean brings crashing surf to the quaint fishing village’s two large sandy state beaches, where walking, surfing, shore fishing and horseback riding are popular beach activities.

For the outdoor adventurer, Moss Landing is the gateway to the Elkhorn Slough, one of California’s largest remaining relatively undisturbed coastal wetlands. The protected waters of the slough’s broad salt marshes, tidal flats and nearby dunes provide an important haven for a fantastic variety of birds who stop to rest and eat during their migration. It is one of the top five places in the nation for the number of species (over 300). At least six rare endangered species are found, including peregrine falcons, Santa-Cruz long-toed salamander, clapper rails, brown pelicans, and least terns.

Elkhorn Slough is also a nursery for over 80 species of fish.

One of the best ways to visit this precious natural wildlife habitat is with the Elkhorn Slough Safari, a two-hour guided nature tour. The 27-ft, stable pontoon boat takes you right down the main channel that winds inland for seven miles. With Captain Gideon’s keen eye you won’t miss a thing as a naturalist guide offers an educational in-depth look at slough ecology, its fascinating history and birding.

“The way you involved everyone in reporting and counting the sightings was a great touch, Captain Gideon, “said one of the safari members.

It is one of the best places in the world to see rafting otters. An average of 40 sea otters are sighted each tour. You can watch them playing, feeding by cracking their clam shells and socializing. In addition, harbor seals have an active rookery of newborn pups in the spring and summer months.

No doubt you’ll be hungry when you return from exploring the slough. Back in the small fishing village of Moss Landing, a hearty, delicious seafood feast awaits you at Phil’s Fish Market and Eatery. A former fisherman, Phil and his family owned Angelo’s in Monterey. He features his grandmother’s recipes and will share them with you. “It’s just good peasant food,” says Phil

Or, at the Whole Enchilada Restaurant and Jazz Club you can enjoy a tasty seafood enchilada and the perfect margarita prepared by Chef Luis.

Also, be sure to stop in the post office. Its walls are decorated with many interesting historic photographs from Moss Landing’s past, including Captain Moss himself.

Today, Moss Landing is fast becoming a center for marine research. There are two marine research and education institutions: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, which sponsors a fun, interesting Open House for families each year and the Monterey Bay Aquarium (deep sea) Research Institute.

Agriculture is one of the largest businesses outside downtown Moss Landing. The crops provide more fresh vegetables than any other county in the United States, including artichokes, as well as wine grapes, strawberries and fresh flowers, all for sale at roadside stands like Pezzini’s, just off Highway One.

IF YOU GO

Elkhorn Slough Safari Wildlife Tours – Always call ahead for reservations:

www.elkhornslough.com, 831-633-5555. Ask about special discounts and group rates.

(eTN) – Victoria Falls Hospital is to undergo major expansion works in preparation for the UNWTO event in 2013. A Bulawayo company has won the tender for the work, which is said to cost US$6 million. Pipes are being laid from the Zambezi River to the airport for the expansion there, and the airport is to have a new terminal and tower. The runway will also be expanded, with the cost of the project said to be US$ 150 million.

US$2.5 million is being used to upgrade roads and US$15 million will be spent on water and sewerage works. 1,200 hectares of land have been acquired on which to construct the “tourism park,” which will be home to a convention center, casinos, and shopping malls.

Meanwhile, the Africa Travel Association (ATA) congress is set to run from May 17-22. According to the report, 400 delegates will attend the congress with 16 countries sending government ministers including Senegal, Gambia, Zambia, Ghana, Central Africa Republic, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Chad, Kenya, and Namibia. Joice Mujuru is expected to officially open the conference with 5 Zimbabwe Cabinet Ministers in attendance.

The last time the ATA congress was held in Zimbabwe was in 1988, and the conference is seen as an excellent opportunity to market Zimbabwe’s tourism. Zimbabwe, represented by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, is a member of the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP), a new grassroots travel and tourism coalition of global destinations committed to quality service and green growth. ( www.tourismpartners.org )

From Crystal Serenity’s current trans-Atlantic voyage to Crystal Symphony’s reverse pond crossing in September, guests will be among the first Crystal travelers to stop in quaint communities, centuries-old fishing villages, and trendy cosmopolitan centers in Lithuania, Norway, France, Iceland, and Spain.

Maiden calls include:

Klaipeda: The third-largest city in “hot” Lithuania, this historic east-west-south crossroads offers metropolitan architecture, as well as the natural beauty of the Curonian Spit right outside. Crystal Adventures: Birdwatch at the Vente Cape ornithological station, learn about local fairytales at the Hill of Witches Sculpture Park, bike through Old Town, or step inside a former Soviet nuclear missile base.

Heimaey: Virtually destroyed in a 1973 volcanic eruption, this rebuilt island of 4,500 people serves as home to 8 million puffins per year. Crystal Adventures: Explore caves by RIB boat, motorboat past orcas and puffin colonies, or watch locals rope-swing over cliffs to collect bird eggs.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz: This Basque coastal gem, with narrow cobblestoned lanes leading past the Church of St. Jean Baptist, is where Louis XIV married Spain’s Marie Therese in 1660. Crystal Adventures: Glimpse Balenciaga’s haute couture, make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, sample Basque delicacies, or daytrip to San Sebastian, Biarritz, or Hemingway’s Pamplona.

Leknes: The Lofoten archipelago’s colorful Arctic trading/shopping center is ground zero for Norway’s most stunning mountains and cliffs. Crystal Adventures: Safari for sea eagles, appreciate frozen art at an ice bar/gallery, or learn Scandinavian history at Borg’s Viking Museum.

Bonifacio: French chicness and Napoleonic history are all crammed into this one medieval Corsican town, perched precariously on the edges of stunningly steep, limestone cliffs. Crystal Adventures: Canoe along the coast, ride a wheel train through the port, or trek cliffside hiking paths past wildlife and gorgeous views.

Palamos: This 800-year-old Costa Brava fishing village is famous for giant-sized prawns, water sports, and some of the best people-watching in Europe. Crystal Adventures: Segway around gothic Girona, taste Salvador Dalí via a visit to his home or a meal inspired by his favorite dishes, or daytrip to Barcelona for a behind-the-scenes tour of Barca Team’s Football Club Stadium.

Akureyri: Iceland’s second-largest city offers a robust cultural scene surrounded by snowcapped peaks and gardens. Crystal Adventures: Visit the “Waterfall of the Gods,” flightsee over Eyjafjordur fjord to Grimsey Island, take a whale-watching expedition, soak in the Myvatn Nature Baths, or sample homemade ice cream, jam, and smoked lamb at local farms.

Image via cruisemaven.com

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara, emphasized that these two events are critical in strengthening the tourism sector as a pivotal driving force for the global economy.

Secretary Guevara stressed that these meetings will benefit the image of Mexico at an international level, and will be an opportunity to flaunt to the world Mexico’s rich tourism offering including the Mayan World, the Gastronomic Routes, the Magical Towns, world renowned beaches and archeological sites.

The T20 meeting will be held on May 15th and 16th in Merida, Yucatan. At this forum, the Ministers of Tourism from the 20 most developed economies in the world will discuss the topic of “Tourism: an Opportunity to Generate jobs.”

This meeting will be a key part of the lead up to the G20 Leaders Summit which will take place in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, on June 18th and 19th. The objective of the T20 Meeting is to devise proposals, harnessing the tourism industry to fuel job creation.

In addition to the Ministers of Tourism from the G20, visiting countries who will participate include: Denmark, Spain, Chile, Colombia, Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica and Peru; as well as international organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), International Labor Organization (ILO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), among others.

The UNWTO recently reported that in 2011, there was a flow of 980 million international tourists worldwide, representing a 4 percent increase from the previous year. Forecasts indicate that tourism will experience sustained development in the short to medium terms, reaching one billion international visitors in 2012 and 1.8 billion by 2030.

Mexico will also host the 1st World Tourism and Travel Council’s Regional Summit of the Americas, from May 16th through 18th on the Riviera Maya, where more than 500 CEOs from international companies in the tourism industry will gather.

The WTTC is comprised of leaders in the travel and tourism industry globally, and comprises the top executives from the world’s main tourism and travel companies.

The WTTC’s objective is to strengthen the travel and tourism industry, which is responsible for generating 260 million jobs and contributes to nine percent of the world’s GDP.

In attendance will be: Carlos Slim Helu, President of the Carso Group; Michael Frenzel, CEO of TUI AG travel group; Chris Rodriguez, Chairman of VisitBritain; Jim Compton, Executive Vice-President of United Airlines; Joe Berger, President of Hilton Worldwide; Dan Hanrahan, CEO of Celebrity Cruises; Tom Klein, President of Sabre Holdings; and Shannon Stowell, CEO Adventure Travel Trade Association, amongst others.

Additionally the T20 group of Ministers will participate.

Image via igoflags.com

Donetsk airport recently introduced an artificial runway suitable for all types of airplanes, including the heavy Boeing 747 and Airbus A380. It boasts the tallest in the country 52 meter control tower. The International Civil Aviation Organization granted the airport the ICAO III A category, allowing it to accept landings at zero visibility conditions.

“At the beginning of the 1930s the constructors of this airport had no idea what a high technology site it would grow into,” said the Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych at the opening ceremony on May 14 th. The Airport’s renewed infrastructure will help manage the increasing number of passengers arriving in the eastern Ukrainian city for EURO 2012.

Ukrainian state budget contributed USD 758 million into the Donetsk airport reconstruction. Additionally, private investments and local budget funded the construction. Curiously, in November of 2011 the airport was named after renowned classical composer Serhiy Prokofiev, who originated from Donetsk.

EURO 2012 triggered reconstruction works at Kyiv and Lviv airports, while Donetsk and Kharkiv ones were built from scratch. In 2012 western Ukrainian EURO 2012 host Lviv opened a new terminal. It services up to 2,100 persons per hour. Interestingly, Budapest airport has the channel capacity of 970 persons per hour (8.5 million a year).

The Airport in Kharkiv boasts a new 2.5 kilometer runway (allowing the airport to service Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 landings), renewed infrastructure, and a terminal. New terminal F at Boryspil airport in Kyiv has a waiting zone of 5,670 square meters and capacity of 2,400 passengers per hour. Comparably, the waiting area in Moscow’s Domodedovo airport is 2,900 square meters.

Final renovations are under way at Kyiv airports Zhuliany and Boryspil. In May 2012 Zhuliany will get a new terminal with a total area of 14,270 square meters and channel capacity of 320 persons per hour. In June 2012 Boryspil will open additional terminal D, servicing over 20 planes at a time. Currently, Boryspil operates 62 percent of passenger traffic in the country.

Image via ukrlandia.com.ua

The Dalai Lama was characteristically humble when accepting the prestigious Templeton Prize at a special ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. “I always say I am nothing special,” he said, “Simply one of the seven billion human beings.”

The 76-year-old exiled Tibetan spiritual leader promptly announced that he would be donating all of the £1.1 million prize money to charity – the single largest annual monetary award to an individual. The bulk of the money – more than £900,000 – will go to Save the Children in India where the Dalai Lama leads a government in exile. The remainder will be split between the Mind and Life Institute – a body which promotes collaboration between science and spirituality – and a fund to educate Tibetan monks in science. “My pocket is now empty,” the Dalai Lama joked, “but no problem.”

The Templeton Prize was created forty years ago by Sir John Templeton, a global investor and philanthropist to honor those who use the tools of science and philosophy to undertake spiritually relevant research.

Introducing the Dalai Lama, The Right Reverend Michael Colclough, Canon Pastor of St. Paul’s Cathedral, described him as an icon and peace and integrity. The fact that the award ceremony was held in St. Paul’s Cathedral, a symbol of Christian faith in the UK and around the world, is a recognition of the Dalai Lama’s core philosophy. “To generate a sense of caring,” he said, “to foster genuine concern for others’ difficulties and pain and to develop close, warm-hearted feelings for others. Not only for my family and close friends but for all others. Enemies also.”

The press had been asked by the award organizers to refrain from asking political questions. This ruled out direct references to the ongoing unrest in Tibetan areas where monks have set themselves alight and citizens have staged protests against Chinese rule.

There were unique scenes inside St.Paul’s as Tibetan monks chanted Buddhist prayers, followed by singing by the cathedral choir and the internationally-renowned Jessye Norman, whose powerful voice resonated across the vast building.

Mother Teresa was the first recipient of the Templeton Prize in 1973. Like her the Dalai Lama has become a global voice for nonviolence and harmony among world religions.

Dalai Lama / Image via historyguy.com

“The nice thing about having your family vacation in the Waterloo Region is not only all of the fantastic outdoor activities available but how you can make it as slow paced or as jam packed as you want,” said Tracey Desjardins, General Manager, Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Camping at Bingemans puts the vacationing family right in the centre of all the fun with the Big Splash Waterpark just steps away for the kids and the Glen Ridge golf course a quick stroll for the adults. The campground is also situated on the Grand River, which winds through the Waterloo Region. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented for a leisurely paddle down the slow moving river to see a different side of the area.

“In addition to the wonderful natural vistas that canoers and kayakers will see on the river, we also have an extensive hiking and biking trail system for beginners or experts. The Waterloo Region may be known for its booming tech industry, but the region has a tremendous amount of natural beauty and green space to experience,” said Desjardins.

Chicopee Ski and Summer Resort offers a wide variety of summer activities including a single track trail network that runs through its 165 acre property for a total distance of 7km. In addition to the trails, Chicopee also features a variety of low rope, climbing wall and high rope features nestled in the woods overlooking Chicopee’s ponds.

Those looking to check out the more wild side of the outdoors should be sure to visit African Lion Safari, which has been a landmark tourist destination in the Waterloo Region for over 40 years. African Lion Safari will let you get right up close to wild animals from around the world. See lions, giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos and much more on the Safari Tour Bus or in your own vehicle.

If you’re looking to take a break from the outdoors but don’t want to miss out on more natural wonders, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is home to thousands of freely flying butterflies. The 25,000 square foot facility includes a 10,800 square foot indoor tropical garden featuring thousands of butterflies from all over the world, and over 100 different varieties of tropical plants, waterfalls, streams, reflecting pools, tropical finches, Chinese painted quail and red-eared slider turtles that all call the Conservatory home.

“Summertime in the Waterloo Region offers so many choices for families looking to get away from the city and connect with the outdoors. The great thing about the Region is that you can spend all day outside enjoying the sights, but spend the evenings enjoying the culinary and cultural offerings that the Region is known for,” said Desjardins.

Adding to the already flourishing cultural scene of the Waterloo Region is the newly announced 500-seat theatre facility which will begin construction in September in the historic neighbourhood of Galt. The Dunfield Theatre Cambridge will operate year-round and include Drayton Entertainment’s programming as well as myriad community events. The inaugural season is expected to launch in early 2013.

Finally, for anyone looking to add a little mystery to their Victoria Day weekend, stop by the 19th Annual K-W Spring-Summer Psychic Fair at Bingemans. From May 18th to 21st you can get your fortune revealed to you by one of the many psychic readers, mediums, seers or healers.