Photos from Edam, The Netherlands

When I was in Amsterdam, we made a few trips outside of the city…here are some pictures that I took when we went to Edam (pronounced AAY-DAM & not EDAM)

Carry-On Rules…are they out of hand?

Are the airlines taking it too far? I recently considered taking a flight but then I had second thoughts. What was I going to do with nothing to read, no paper and pen to write with. What a boring trip!

Not to mention the thought of having to check my laptop with everything else. If normal suitcases come out damaged, could you imagine what might happen to your laptop that has all your work, files and other important info on it? I can just see my laptop bag coming out of the baggage belt fine but the laptop in a million pieces.

The people I really feel really sorry for are the professional musicians. They have instruments that are worth a fortune and most of them are custom made, making it even harder to get a replacement. I can’t believe that airlines are making them check these items. In a recent story here, a man that was touring Europe with an orchestra had his violin shattered on his flight home. Now this mans job is at risk, as it was a custom violin and now he has no instrument.

Another case recently was when J.K Rowling was asked to check her last ‘Harry Potter’ manuscript with handwritten notes as luggage. Now this is going a bit far…she challenged them as it was only paper and the let her take it on as carry-on.

Isn’t it time that airlines start make some exceptions to the carry-on rules?

‘The Aviator’ - an interesting insight…

I recently watched The Aviator starring Leonardo DiCaprio for the first time (I know, I’m a bit behind times) and I was amazed at the risk involved and the amount of money that Howard Hughes (The Aviator) put into his dream of building the best airline and aircraft.

The movie was an interesting insight into his life and the obstacles that he came across. If it wasn’t for this man, aviation may not have become what it is today…definately a movie to check out if you are interested in aviation.

Troubles in Thailand…

Due to the current unrest in Thailand, would you consider Bangkok as a destination for a holiday or a stopover in the next week, month or year?

I have been to Bangkok and I really enjoyed my time there but I am glad that I have been as I’m not sure if it will ever be the same.

One of the main problems that the tourism industry faces is that Bangkok is a major transfer point for people travelling from Europe to Australia / New Zealand.

Will this have an effect on flight routes in the future?

Pictures of Sydney, NSW Australia

As some of you may or may not know, I grew up in Sydney Australia and I thought that I would share some photos that I took last time I was there…these were taken from the ferry traveling from Manly to Circular Quay (Sydney City).

Thanks for reading…

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that reads my blog…I just reached a milestone of 10,000 views since I started in January 2006.

An Aussie tourism icon has died doing what he loved.

As someone that grew up in Sydney, Australia, I feel that it is only fitting that I dedicate this entry to Steve ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin who died suddenly while diving in Queensland.

Famous for his larikin ways and his statement ‘Crickey’, he was also the creator of Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Australia - a huge tourist attraction. I have been there and it was one of the best zoos that I have ever been to.

He has been hailed as the man who promoted Australia to the world and received recognition from the Australian tourism community when he was awarded with a one-off “Services to Inbound Tourism” award for promoting tourism to the international market.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

p.s I took this photo in Utrecht, The Netherlands…it just goes to show how popular he was.