Archive for February, 2007

28 February, 2007 | No comments

The happiest and most unfortunate countries

Having leaded the large-scale research, now the experts can name the European countries which inhabitants consider them happy and completely satisfied. According to statistics, 87 % of inhabitants of the European Union states consider them happy. However this parameter basically concerns to old EU members. A half of Bulgarians, on the contrary, feel unfortunate, and sociologists have registered the highest number of suicides in Baltic countries.
According to the poll, lead in the EU countries under the Eurocommission’s order, the happiest people are the Danes - 97 % inhabitants of the Denmark feel good and comfortable. At the population of the countries which became EU members 3 years ago, have other moods. So, 55 % of Bulgarian citizens have named them unfortunate.
Lithuanians, Greeks and Romanians, and rarely - Dutchs and Finns suffer from stress.
By the way, according to the Eurostat statistical bureau data also confirm the fact of decadent moods among the population of the new EU members. According to Eurostat information, the highest level of suicides is observed in Baltic countries.
The highest level of suicides among Europeans is noted in Lithuania - 71 cases per 100 thousand people. Latvia on this parameter is on the second place - 45 suicides, and Estonia (44 suicides) is on the third place. Among women most of all suicides are made by the inhabitants of Lithuania (14 per 100 thousand women), Slovenia (13) and Hungary (10).
The happiest women live on Chyprus, in Greece, Italy and Spain. Probably, it can be explained by the role of a soft Mediterranean climate and the bright southern nature.
Besides, Eurostat has named the most prospering areas of the European Union. The list of the richest regions is headed by the “internal London” (without taking into account vicinities). The second place is occupied by the Great duchy Luxembourg, Bruxelles is on the third. Here sociologists have fixed the highest level of a total regional product per capita.

27 February, 2007 | No comments

Some more countries will forbid liquids in planes

Since March, 1st some more countries are enter essential restrictions on transportation of liquids in hand luggage for air passengers. Adopted by the European Union and Northern America norms in 2006, since spring 2007 will extend on the flights from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Egypt. Since March, 31st the same rules will come in force in Australia and New Zealand.
These rules interdiction any liquids, drinks, gels, creams in hand luggage. Exceptions are made for:  children’s feed - provided that the passenger will taste it; necessary medicines in flight (at presence of the recipe); small volumes of other liquids in capacities no more than 100 ml, which are being the closed in transparent package, of  approximately 20х20 centimeters size.
These norms are also spread on the passengers, having a change in these countries. Restrictions do not extend on liquids and the drinks got in Duty Free shops in a zone of a start of the local airports.
Similar measures have been entered in the Europe and Northern America after in August, 2006 special British security services have declared about the disclosure of the plot assumed explosion of planes in air by means of a liquid explosive mix. Originally any hand luggage has been completely forbidden in the UK and then the rules have been softened. Besides the countries of the European Union, the USA and Canada, these rules are being applied by some other countries in different parts of the world.

26 February, 2007 | No comments

Chile (Part 3)

Places of interest:
Ahu Vinapu - a temple in which sculptures are similar to stone works of the Incs - the proof of the fact that the people from South America were the first inhabitants of the Island.
Rano Kau - a volcano - one of most interesting places of Chile.
Orongo town - houses in the town, made of soft stone, have been restored, and the rock which surrounds the town, has remained untouched. It is possible to see cut people-birds images on it (Tangata Manu, Tha Manu Tara, Makemake).
Ahu Tahai is a fortress, restored in the end of 1960 by the American archeologist William Mullou. This temple of the 7th century is the oldest architectural construction on the island in which 3 various types of gravestones (ahu) are presented: Ahu Ko Te Riky (a huge statue (moai) weight of 20 tons with a symbolical stone on a head, 690 B.C.), Ahu Vai Uki (group from 5-ти statues) and Ahu Tahai. Rano Raraku is a stone quarry in which all statues (moai) are cut out from soft volcano material. The height of many sculptures reaches 6 m and they weigh several tons. The dead members of family usually stacked in a crypt under a statue. Ahu Akahanga is a plate, which represents a long stone column with the 4 fallen statues, the place which, according to a legend, is a tomb of 1st King of island Hoto Matua. Ahu Tongariki - the greatest gravestone ever constructed on island, has been destroyed by a tsunami in 1960, then it was again restored and now all 15 statues are gathered together in a number.
Anakena Beach - is a place, where the picnics for tourists are usually organized, according to the legend it is a place where the first king of island Hoto Matua has descended.
Traditional food
Chile is known for fruits and huge variety of vegetables - avocado, papaya, grapes, bananas and pineapples, tomatoes, cucumbers and every possible wood berries are grown up. Even kiwis have been specially delivered from New Zealand, and now it is also the Chilean product.
Chilean people like meat, especially hens. One of typical dishes represents soup from the hen with various spices, potato and noodles.
Local pies also are popular and the stuffing can be both meat, and olives, and a tuna. One more typical dish is soup from sea hedgehogs. And though it is possible to argue on its flavoring qualities, this dish is rich in iodine.

 

25 February, 2007 | No comments

Chile (Part 2)

Transport
Chile is the Latin country with the most qualitative highways, and also the country with the branched out network of railways and the convenient aircraft service. Aeroflot in Santiago: 331-0244/5 (booking). The address: Guardia Vieja 255 D/1008, Providencia, Santiago.
Transfer: the Airport lays in 26 km to the West from Santiago. Buses go on a regular basis up to capital, the cost of the ticket is approximately 1, 5 US dollars. The average taxi price depends on skill to bargain and it is usually from 10 up to 20 dollars.
For drivers: seat belts are obligatory for the driver and passengers; smoking, use of a cellular telephone or a player at driving is forbidden. Almost constantly Chilean drivers use the left hand as the additional index of the intentions (”pass”, “stop”, “do not drive”, etc.). In case of infringement of traffic rules your driving license are taken away, and to your meeting with the judge is appointed. The rights and check documents often enough. Driving in a state of intoxication is considered as gross infringement which threatens you with the large penalty or even the arrest.
Rent of cars: it is very convenient to take the car for renting. On the average the car of the second class “B” will manage in 52 dollars a day or 288 dollars for a week without the VAT. It is possible rent the car with the driver, but then it will be necessary to pay 36 dollars more for the driver (for 9 hours of work) and 54 dollars if besides Spanish the driver can speak any other European language.
Sights
The biggest difference in a level of a globe relief (14 000 m. of difference) is between the top of Valcan Ojos del Salada mountain and a bottom of Pacific Ocean is in the 3rd region, near Copiapo. Lake Chungara, being on the north of the country, in 189 km. from Arica of the 1st region, at height of 4 517 m. above sea level is the most high-mountainous lake of a planet. A lunar valley, which is located between Calama and San Pedro de Atacama of the 2nd region, is the unique place of a planet, which so closely reminds a lunar landscape. The unique natural laboratory changing the chemical compound seasonally - the lake Kopaue located nearby Loas Angeles, is in 8th region. Hot underground waters of a volcanic origin, change its chemical compound from winter till summer.
 

24 February, 2007 | No comments

Chile (Part 1)

Chile is the longest and the narrowest country of a planet. Chile is the southern country in the world since it is in 900 km from Antarctic. The Puerto Williams city is the most southern city of a planet. Atacama Desert is the doughtiest place on the Earth. Santiago is the capital of the Chile. Chile occupies the western coast of South America and borders with Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. Chile also possess Easter Island and Juan Fernandez archipelago with Robinson Crusoe’s island.
Climate
A climate of Chile is always different because of the strong prolixity of the country: from heat of deserts in the north up to cold zones in the south. In the center of Chile the climate is soft Mediterranean. The best time for arrival to Santiago is from October till April. The climate on the Easter Island is the equal subtropical. The most pleasant season for travel is form July and till August.
Political system
Chile is the republic, consisting of 13 regions. President is the head of the state and he is elected by universal suffrage for 6-years term. The two-chamber National Congress is main country’s legislative body, which consists of the Senate (48 places - 38 of which are elected by the universal suffrage for 8-years term and each four years re-elections of half of deputies is being carried out, 10 senators are chosen by the president for the appointment for life) and the Chamber of Deputies (120 places: the deputies are elected by the universal suffrage for 4-years term).
Population
15 116 435 people
Official language
Spanish
Money
The Chilean peso (100 centavos)
Customs
The products, forbidden, for importing: raw fruits and vegetables, seeds, grain, products of an animal origin; fire-arms, an ammunition or explosives, drugs. Duty-free import of any personal things, being in the personal use, including video- and audio products, the video equipment, portable computer devices, and also cigarettes - up to 400 pieces, or tobacco - 500 gr., or cigars - up to 50 pieces, alcoholic drinks - up to 2,5 liters is resolved. Purchase of the goods in non-commercial objectives in Duty-Free shop at the airport for the sum up to 500 US dollars is also resolved. The following subjects should be declared at entering to the country: house furniture, tableware, products from cloths (bed-clothes), pictures and the ornaments, new home devices and spare parts to it, all the new goods or the goods imported for commercial objectives. Export without the special sanction for subjects and the things, being of historical, art or archeological value, and also the weapon and rare representatives of flora and fauna is forbidden. Export of products from a wool and leather, ornaments, souvenirs within the limits of personal needs is resolved, thus it is necessary to show the receipt from the shop where these products have been bought. Import and export of currency is not limited, but is a subject of declaring.
Medical aid and insurance
The medical insurance of the international sample is recommended.

21 February, 2007 | No comments

The list of the safest airlines

The German center of the analysis of the information on accidents of jet liners (JACDEC) has published a rating of safety of 50 largest airlines of the world. The rating is made considering the quantity of air crashes, the general volume of passenger traffic and companie’s operation time in the market.
Australian Quantas Airline Company, based in 1922, and Finnish Finnair compamy, working since 1923 are among the safest companies, which had no accidents for ther long-term history. Thses are the two oldest air carriers of the air services market. As a whole, according to JACDEC, all in the world there are 22 airlines which planes have never got into extreme situations.
Hong Kong Cathay Pacific, appeared on the market of passenger aviatransportations in 194 has been recognized as the best airline of the world of 2006. The other largest international carriers, which have received 0 penal points for safety the maximal estimation, are the Japanese All Nippon Airways, British Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ryanair, Arabian Emirates, Thai EVA Air, Quatar Airways, British EasyJet. JetBlue is the only US Company, which managed to receive the maximum point.
Half of airlines with faultless reputation is made with air carriers of the German-speaking countries. Among the airlines recognized by one most safe in the world, are such German companies, as:
 LTU,
 Air Berlin,
 DBA,
 Germanwings,
 Eurowings,
 Hamburg International,
 Helvetic Airways,
 Hapag-Lloyd Express,
 Bluewings,
 Edelweiss Air and
 Niki.
Thus one of the world largest airlines -Lufthansa -has received the 0,05 estimation for safety. It can be explained by the fact that on November, 20th, 1974, there was an accident of Lufthansa plane (in which 64 persons have died) at the airport of Nairobi. The same estimation for safety was given to Air Canada and Austrian group AUA companies.
The list of 50 largest airlines is finishing with Turkish Airlines, Brazilian TAM, Air India and Taiwan China Airlines.
US Airways and Russian “Aeroflot” were brought to the “doubtful” group in view of safety. Philippine Airlines, Korean Air and American Airlines (these companies had about 10 air crashes since 1973) have also got doubtful reputation.
JACDEC database contains only the main airlines. Regional and charter carriers have not been included into the research.

20 February, 2007 | No comments

Putin has declared readiness to cancel immediately visas for the EU citizens

In any moment Russia is ready to enter a visa-free regime with the countries of the European Union, but only on the mutual basis. Such information was declared by Vladimir Putin.
Russian president has told that Russia is ready to enter a visa-free regime at any moment. According to Putin’s words the only problem is that their partners in the Europe are not ready for this yet. The President has emphasized that the Europe should be the continent without borders, and it is necessary to aspire to this. And no matter whether it would be the visa regime facilitations or visa-free regime, all this should be done on the mutual basis.
If Russia will continue to cooperate with the EU, it will finally lead to a visa-free regime. The visa-free regime is good for everything but not only for the development of tourism.
It is worth of mentioning that last week Russian government and Euro Parliament have ratified the agreements on the facilitated order of visas reception to students, scientists, journalists, sportsmen, officials and of some other categories of citizens.

19 February, 2007 | No comments

The carnival in Rio de Janeiro is dangerous for tourists

The institute of public safety of Rio de Janeiro state warns the citizens and tourists of the raised danger of robberies in city streets during a carnival. According to institute, in February 2006, 130 people every day became the victims of robbers. Since 2003 the index of criminality has grown more, than on 150 %. The city authorities have taken emergency measures. More than 30 thousand policemen, that on 18 % it is more, than during the last carnival, were appointed to guarantee security in the streets. The roads leading in Rio de Janeiro are being patrolled by one thousand traffic police agents, sent from the capital, and the special militarized divisions on struggle against criminality.
In general the fun, reigning in city, some strike of uncertainty and a pressure nevertheless can be felt. It was felt, in particular, on the carnival opening day on Friday in the center of Rio de Janeiro, when participants of masquerade processions recollected the recent tragedy, which has shocked all country - murder of 6-year-old boy. During the car robbery (the car belonged to his mother) the boy had no time to unfasten a seat belt, and robbers have dragged him, hanging outside of the car, in the streets of the city for the seven kilometers.
In memory of the kid the participants of the carnival have distributed white roses to counter passers-by under the sounds of a “Flag of truce” march - the slowest melody of carnival repertoire.
Today the basic part of a carnival has started in Rio de Janeiro. Ten schools of a samba are take part in competition for the right to get into the “Special group” for the next year.
The competition is expected to be very serious if to consider that eight competitors among these applicants in different years have already entered into the highest carnival league.

18 February, 2007 | No comments

Emerald Island (Part 2)

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. This charming city is situated in a district of mountains and rivers. We recommend you to visit Belfast Castle (built in 1879) and City Hall, known for copper dome and sculptured pediment.
Limerick is also the especial place of interest. Now this 800-year-old castle of King John is transformed into a museum.
If you are going to Dublin, you should search informative sign with the word Dublin or Bale-aha-Kliah, as it refers to in Irish style. The old part of city is especially interesting to travelers. It is insignificant, but you can find a lot of curious objects there.
Newcastle is a small seaside resort. It is known for the Golf Course and Dandrum Castle, built in the 12th century and becoming a famous historical museum due to its protogenic status.
The main temple of the Irish Catholics - sacred Patrick’s magnificent Cathedral - is well-known for the bells, stained-glass windows and church clock. This saint place is famous by the fact that since 1713 till 1745 Jonathan Swift was the prior of the Cathedral.
All travelers, irrespective of predilections, admire well-known “Dublin doors”: bright colors, carved jambs, a stucco molding, and any door it is not similar to another. Such variety has arisen after the rich Englishmen in XVIII century have built heap and absolutely similar houses in the Irish capital. The poetic Irish soul was indignant and has tried though partially to win monotony.
And still Dublin is the piers, breakwaters, the fishing uniforms, a smell of fried cods, reaching from restaurant windows, ferries, arriving from Liverpool. Here you will infrequently meet the bright-red person.
But all Ireland is also an island, so, it means the sea: Atlantic Ocean -in the West, Irish sea-in the east, besides, and on the island is set of lakes and the rivers. Also it would be strange, if Irish were not inveterate fishers.

17 February, 2007 | No comments

Traditional spring carnival has started In Nice

The traditional spring carnival has started on Friday evening in Nice - one of the most popular resort cities of France.
The honorable right to open national holiday, being celebrated already for the 123-rd time, has been given to the president of the country, and is more true - to his 13-meter double made of a dense paper tense on a metal skeleton and covered from above by a thin film as protection against the rain.
“King of a carnival”, dressed up in a blue-white vest of French Rugby football team, holding an oblong ball in one hand, and  beer in other hand, and topped with gold crown, has solemnly proceeded on a chariot on the well-known Nice quay. Dancers of folklore were cheerfully dancing and the dressed up pupils of local schools brought up the rear.
On Saturday evening the double of Chirac will again head carnival procession.

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