Somali piracy and Islamic militancy reaches Australia
Posted August 7, 2009 , add a comment- Australia on top again as number one destination for Americans
- Delta and Virgin Blue to form joint venture
- Swine flu, Australian tourism and travel insurance? Some worries, mate
- Hawaii Tourism Authority approves US$3.4 million for marketing push
- New visa process for Australian and New Zealand passport holders to visit America
- New conservation zone links Australia to its southeast Asian neighbors
- Cruise lines weigh tougher response to pirate threat near Somalia
- 60 nations meet in Bali to discuss how to end international smuggling and trafficking of human beings
By
Wolfgang H. Thome, eTN Africa |
Aug 07, 2009
The recent arrests in Australia of several Somali-born Australian citizens once again demonstrate the global reach of this festering problem originating from the Horn of Africa. The entire east African region is under increasing threat by Islamic militants who congregated in the war-torn country, following in the footsteps of Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
The piracy problem was long underestimated or played down, and the covert involvement of Eritrea in supplying arms, ammunition, and other supplies – no involvement of Eritrean forces in the conflict has been proven yet – has the alarm bells ringing with the African Union and the coalition partners based in Djibouti.
Earlier in the week, a German vessel being held hostage was released after a reported US$2.5+ million was dropped onto the ship from a light aircraft, and similar payoffs reportedly also helped to free other ships.
What is often overlooked, however, is the use of such money beyond the individual greed of the pirates. Much of the funds so extracted are rumored to find their way into the coffers of the militants to help them to buy arms, ammunition, and other supplies, beyond what is provided freely by their political godfathers and supporters, based in countries known to continue to sponsor and support terrorism.
A few weeks ago, German Special Forces were called back over emerging issues about rules of engagement, while they were already in the air towards their intended targets. These special commandos were reportedly well on the way to take the held ship by force and free the hostages before returning to their base inside Kenya.
Some participating nations with the coalition naval forces that are now patrolling the Indian Ocean, the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea continue to operate under orders not to arrest pirates spotted unless they are fired upon, or only if the pirates are suspected to have captured a vessel operating under their own home flag.
It is time now to enter into a more robust forward defense against these pirates and terrorists, giving the naval forces clearer and more aggressive operating parameters, and effectively blockade Somalia and Eritrea to stop the flow of illegal arm shipments. At the same time, neighboring countries need logistical and intelligence support to secure their land borders with Somalia to halt the potential flow of terrorists into those countries where they could wreak havoc in revenge.
Ethiopia reacted some time ago to these threats against their national security and continues to play an important role in the fight against militants and terrorists, in spite of having withdrawn their initial fighting forces back into their own territory. Yet, they remain under attack, and it is understood, from usually well-informed sources, that they may re-enter the conflict, and if so, hopefully with an international mandate.
Uganda is already the largest contributor of troops for the AU “peace-keeping” mission, itself a misnomer considering that the Islamic militias are not at all interested in the type of peace the international community intends to propagate and for which purpose the AU sent forces in the first place.
Hence, Somalia could well become another Afghanistan in the making, and the sooner this is recognized, the better. East African economies are already said to have lost hundreds of millions of dollars as a result of piracy, and still the pirates enjoy safe havens in their hideouts along the coast line of the Indian Ocean.
How long can the world afford to just watch things from the sidelines before some serious action is taken against pirates and terrorists in Somalia? Does it really take another major successful terror attack in Europe, North America, Asia, or Australia? The Jakarta bombings should be the final wake-up call that the world continues to face a real and present danger, originating also from Somalia, and not just Afghanistan and their border regions with Pakistan or other known terrorist breeding grounds and hotbeds. The global anti-terror alliance is already present in Djibouti, and the time to act is now, not when it is too late. Eastern Africa, and the rest of the world, will be grateful, even if they don’t know it yet.
Maybe US State Secretary Hillary Clinton’s presence in Nairobi this week for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA Summit will aid in discussing the Somalia issue with the regional leaders to come up with a better strategy and way forward. The hopes and aspirations for peace of tens of millions of east Africans depend on it.
La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California
Posted , add a commentWho needs Australia, (Hawaii, Belize, Mexico, fill in the blank beautiful beach) when you can have the relative ease of La Jolla Cove? Sandwiched between striking sandstone cliffs, this small cove is one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California.
View from above. http://www.flickr.com/photos/87938933@N00/3542444107/
And it’s no wonder really. La Jolla Cove is stunning: bright blue water set against white cliffs, palm trees, scuba divers (water visibility is known to exceed 30 feet!), swimmers, sunbathers. Pelicans fly overhead while Harbor Seals smile contentedly, fat spotted bellies spread flat against hot sand.
After the fog burns off. http://www.flickr.com/photos/chizhang/3595775317/
It’s the scenery for which postcards are made, engagement photos, Enya songs. On the cliffs overhead ground squirrels fairly scamper about brazenly, much to the amusement of tourists who feed them bits of Starbucks petite vanilla scones.
Nom nom nom. http://www.flickr.com/photos/55963607@N00/468027979/
The official address for La Jolla Cove is 1100 Coast Boulevard, but you can also find it by looking beneath Scripps Park. The cove is within walking distance to the downtown hamlet of La Jolla, a coastal community chock full of swank restaurants, bars, tony stucco houses and seaside shops.
Due to the popularity of La Jolla Cove, lifeguards are stationed year-round. “Swimming devices” (surfboards, boogie boards, even inflatable mattresses) are not permitted at the cove, and this rule is carefully enforced by the lifeguards, specifically the part defined as the Ecological Reserve. There is no disabled access at La Jolla Cove because of the steep incline down to the beach. Additionally, there are no parking lots, and street parking (metered during the week) fills up quickly on summer weekends. It’s best to come early, park downtown in one of the paid lots, or stroll down to the beach from the palm-lined streets above.
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, Maui, Hawaii
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Lei making
For the most Hawaiian experience on Ka’anapali Beach, you need look no further than the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel on the beach in Ka’anapali, Maui, Hawaii.
The minute you walk into the lobby, you are treated as family and during your stay, you can embark on a journey to learn about Hawaiian culture. From the Ohana Welcome Breakfast to the Ukulele lessons to four different kinds of Lei Making classes, you have the opportunity to engage in Hawaiian culture while enjoying your vacation.
The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel prides itself in the expansive grounds and local flora. Lying on a lounge chair under a blooming plumeria is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, especially combined with a Mai Tai or two from the Tiki Bar and Grill.
King room with daybed
For children under 12, the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel offers an Aloha Passport program, full of activities for the kids in your group, including Hula lessons, lau (leaf) painting, and ti leaf skirt making. Children also receive discounts in the on-site restaurants.
Rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed. The Ocean Front Family Suite sleeps 5 guests, and most rooms connect to create adjoining rooms and bathrooms to accommodate larger families.
Sunset Hula show
Our favorite part of the hotel? The free sunset Hula show – my daughter begged to go every night!
The Ka’anapali Beach Hotel
2525 Kaanapali Parkway
Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761
Toll Free U.S. & Canada: 800-262-8450
Worldwide Direct: 808-661-0011
Rates from $143 for Garden View, to $265 for Ocean View Rooms
Reviewed by by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl
For an authentic Hawaiian plate restaurant, check out Aloha Mixed Plate in Lahaina!
Top 10 Best Massages at a Spa Resort or Lodge
Posted July 22, 2009 , add a commentPosted by Nancy D. Brown
Shibui Spa in Sisters, Oregon
I’m the first to admit that I love a good massage. In fact, if I won the lottery, I’d have a massage once a month; once a week if it was the super-lotto. But I don’t play the lottery, so I splurge on a massage whenever I can.
Here are some of my favorite lodging properties where I have experienced wonderfully relaxing massages:
Aurora Hotel and Spa Certified Massage Therapist Lavina Jones works out of the Aurora Hotel and Spa on Southern California’s Catalina Island. Her speciality massage combines aroma therapy with Swedish massage and finishes with hot river stones and warm towels.
Bernardus Lodge and Winery provides a relaxing place to unwind and recharge in Carmel Valley, California. The Spa at Bernardus Lodge offers services from vinotherapy and marine-inspired, to international treatment techniques. While you’re there, visit the spa’s meditation garden, warming room, and soaking pool.
Carnival Splendor a floating resort on the sea, offers a 21,000 square foot, two level spa and gym facility. The Thalassotherapy Pool features jets of water that massage your body and a special formulation of ocean water. If you splurge for a Cloud 9 Spa Stateroom, you’ll have access to the special pool and Theramal Suite, in addition to two complimentary fitness classes and priority spa appointment bookings.
Five Pine Lodge in Sisters, Oregon is also home to Shibui Spa. I had the Thai Bandle massage, heated Maja Bandles, filled with lemon grass and other herbs are steamed and used as heated compresses during the massage. Guests leave with a suggestion card for using the herbal compress with a Metta Mantra on the other side of the card.
Metta Mantra
May I be safe
May I be happy
May I be healthy
May I be peaceful
May I be filled with loving-kindness
Spa Gaia in the Napa Valley is connected to the eco-friendly Gaia Hotel. I tried the Ayurvedic Hot Stone massage and it was wonderful. After filling out a short survey, my dosha (natural constitution) was determined and the relaxing massage began.
After a day of horseback riding at Riochet Ridge Ranch, I was in need of a massage. Fortunately the Third Court Salon and Day Spa is located on the Little River Inn property. I have plenty of recommendations on places to visit, stay and dine in Mendocino.
Visitors to southern Napa can check out the 9,000 square foot underground Spa Terra and try the cave stone massage. Pardon the pun; this massage rocked! If you are a guest at Meritage, you are welcome to use the spa facilities, including the hot tub, complete with water wall, until closing time.
Sheraton Maui Spa at Black Rock
For an outdoor massage experience with the privacy of a treatment room, The Sheraton Maui’s Spa at Black Rock is Kaanapali Beaches’ newest addition. The Mango Pomegranate signature line of products smell entoxicating.
While not on property at Sonoma’s Inn at Occidental, the Osmosis Day Spa in nearby Freestone, California offers a unique spa experience. Now that I’ve tried it, I can say that I am not a fan of the cedar enzyme bath, but the massage was first-rate.
On a recent trip to Lugano, Switzerland, I experienced my first water massage at Villa Sassa Hotel and Spa. The Aurum Spa offers the Mare massage on a bed of colored water reproducing the effect of the vibrant blue shoreline.
Photos by Nancy D. Brown
Princess Cruises… 5 Important Points!
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The Princess Cruises offers all of the main facilities that Princess is noted for, plus some new innovations. These include the, fantastic shows each evening, dramatic piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and performing street entertainers. The larger cruise liners in the Princess Cruises fleet carry more than three thousand passengers, with a vast number of balcony staterooms and mini-suites. There will be a great experience while waking in the morning, go out to your private balcony and take in the fresh sea air. If you have few glasses of juices with you, you will definitely enjoy more. There are many things to consider before embarking on a Princess cruise adventure. First you need to be clear on what you want from this type of vacation so you can easily search for available trips and packages. 1. Destination is one of the first things to decide on before getting down to details. A Princess Cruise offers so many interesting destinations to choose from and the most popular ones are South America, Europe, Canada, New England, New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Tahiti, South Pacific, Mexican Riviera, Alaska and World Cruise. 2. Duration is another factor that you need to decide on. There are short cruises that only run for five days. For first timers though, it is recommended that you choose a longer trip to maximize the activities that you can do. There are trips that last for 6 to 8 days, 9 to 15 days, and schedules for 16 days up too. For tour duration, most tours run for 3 to 4 to 6 days or more. Relative to this, you would also need to think about the travel sequence. You can choose to cruise first before the tour or the other way around. 3. Just like any other holiday trips, there are documents that need to be prepared when going on a Princess cruise. You need to have your travel certification, permits, visa/s or passports on hand to avoid any hitches during the trip. Your travel agency can further advise you on other essential documents that you should not forget to bring. 4. Are you combining your cruise with another travel itinerary? Or is it the only travel activity that you’re going to do? Whichever, it pays to learn about the embarkation ports so you can plan for other things including delays, land and air transfers and stopovers. Embarkation ports for these trips include Acapulco in Mexico, Athens in Greece, Bangkok in Thailand, Barbados, Beijing in China, Cape Town in South Africa, Ft. Lauderdale in Florida, Honolulu in Hawaii, London in England, Manaus in Brazil, New Orleans in Louisiana, Osaka in Japan, Quebec City in Quebec, Rome in Italy, San Juan in Puerto Rico, Seattle in Washington, Sydney in Australia, Venice in Italy, Anchorage in Alaska, Auckland in New Zealand, Barcelona in Spain, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Copenhagen in Denmark, Galveston in Texas and Lima in Peru among many others. 5. The fleet must be considered too. All princesses are magnificent ships but they offer different opportunities as far as amenities, activities and experiences to be had are concerned. Read the detailed description for each ship and make your choice.