Like most of the world, I am in a state of shock over Las Vegas. The numbers are boggling. At least 50 people who were enjoying themselves have had their lives snuffed out. Over 400 have gone to hospitals. Accusations and recriminations won’t bring back the dead. Reflection and wisdom will prevent future actions like this. Thoughts and prayers to all those affected and impacted.
Why Japan is in my Top Five countries!
I have just had a week in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto (with a dinner in Kobe and a lunch in Osaka!). Japan was the 69th country to get to! Sadly it has taken me so many decades to finally get there! Why is Japan so amazing? Seven reasons why Japan has made it to my Top Five countries: 1. Easy to get around I was blown away by the phenomenal transport infrastructure. What impressed me was the brilliant signage which meant navigating the trams (streetcars) in Hiroshima, the Shinkansen and the Tokyo metro so easy. You…
Regrets or No Regrets? Flying Tiger Australia after a six year absence
Some Background: With a Low-Cost Carrier, you always get what you pay for. Last time, I tried to fly Tiger, I discovered to my chagrin, they close their check-in time 15 minutes earlier than any other airline in Australia! I missed the flight by two minutes and I have not been near them for six years! Today’s flight was a return trip from Melbourne to Canberra in Australia. My trepidation Tiger has had a reputation for poor customer service, extensive nickel and diming, delayed flights and lost luggage. So it was with some trepidation that…
Drunk honeymoon couple in airport bust-up over missed flight – AOL UK Travel
Clearly, one couple had a really fun wedding! The UK Daily Mirror reported that Mr and Mrs Stanway consumed three bottles of wine on the 17-mile ride to Manchester Airport for their honeymoon flight to Malta. They got to the airport too late and missed their flight! This resulted in sharp words and a bust up with the groom retiring to an airport bar. Police were called as a gate agent feared the couple’s fight would escalate. He was charged with pubic disorder while his wife was given a £90 fixed penalty notice. The pair are got…
I have joined Instragram
I have finally joined Instagram! Who else is an Instagrammer? Please do follow me: https://www.instagram.com/martinjcowling10/
Air New Zealand 787 draws giant heart across NZ sky
Air New Zealand operated a special Koru Care mystery flight (NZ6257) on NZ Fathers Day for 50 New Zealand children with critical medical conditions such as cancer and heart disease and their caregivers. The children enjoyed a waiata (Maori Song) performed by Te Kura Kaupapa Māori ā-Rohe o Māngere school as they boarded their 787. MCs Adam and Eve from The Adam and Eve Show entertained those onboard. The flight departed Auckland Airport just after midday on September 3, 2017 and drew a 440km long and 483km wide heart shape across New Zealand. The airline live streamed the top-secret route…
Boycotted Tiger Airways Australia for 6 years -Time to Reassess?
Six years ago, I was refused the opportunity to check in by Tiger Airways Australia. Out of 1211 flights, this was only one of two times I have been refused check in. I had shown up 42 minutes before departure time with only carry-on baggage. The airline had no on line check in facility operating and the plane had plenty of seats. But their policy was to close check in a full 45 minutes before departure in contrast to the 30 minutes its competitors give. I was already not a fan of Tiger Airways Australia but had decided…
3 September 1967: Sweden switches Road sides
I have been having an on-going debate with a US friend about which is the best side of the road to drive on. I have lived most of my life in left hand driving countries. Most of the world, however, drives on the right. Fifty years ago today, Sweden switched the side of the road they drove on from left side to the right side. This fascinating video explains that “fateful day”: These images show the impact on streets: Stockholm’s tram system was shut down as a result of the change. It was resurrected in…
Air New Zealand Crew volunteer to help hotel in Houston
Air New Zealand crew members stranded at their hotel in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Harvey have been helping out at their hotel. Eight pilots and 22 flight attendants stuck in the city noticed that their hotel has been under significant pressure due to hotel staff being unable to make it to work. The crew have spent time volunteering in three-hour shifts by preparing meals for other guests, delivering room service, doing laundry and vacuuming! Check out the photos of the crew including a captain doing laundry at the NZ Herald. Air New Zealand flies…
Off to Japan
Japan will be my 69th country – and my 18th Asian country. (After Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam). I have been fascinated with Japan since studying it in my High School Modern History class. From the Edo Period with 260 years of stability and isolation ending in 1912 before the country slid into militarism culminating sadly in World War Two. Then came the last 60 years with its massive economic and technological growth. Home to 127 million with 35 million people…
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