NIGERIA: Ethiopian Airlines Negotiating With Nigeria Government To Take Over Arik Air

Ethiopian Airlines is negotiating with the Nigerian government to take over the bankrupt Arik Air, a senior official confirmed in Addis Ababa.

The Director of International Service at the Ethiopian Airlines Group, Mr Esayas Weldemariam, Wednesday said they were expanding their presence in West Africa.

Following the bid opened by the Nigerian government, we are negotiating to secure management contract of Arik Air, Mr Esayas said, responding to the rumours about the impending deal.

Based on the terms and conditions set by the Government of Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines has submitted its offer to take over the management of Arik Air,We are bidding with other airlines, if we agree on the negotiations, we are ready to go and take over the management, he said.

Arik Air, which is one of the largest private airlines in Nigeria, has been serving as the de-facto national carrier for the most populous state in Africa.

Following the failure to service its debts and pay employees salaries, Arik Air was last February taken over by the government.

Ethiopian Airlines also manages Asky Airlines in Lome, in a joint ownership with the Togo government, and the Malawian Airlines, also jointly with the government.

The Addis Ababa flag carrier, which began operations in April 1946, has won several accolades in the recent past including African Airline of the Year in 2015 and 2016 by the African Aviation and in 2014 ranked the largest in Africa in revenue by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Ethiopian Airlines Group, which has several related business wings, envisages becoming a $10 billion revenue generating company by 2030, with a total of 140 aircraft, according to Mr Esayas.

It currently has a fleet of 92 aircraft, flying to 104 international 19 local destinations.

The airline reported a 70 per cent jump in full year 2016 net profit to $265 million boosted by an 18 per cent increase in passenger numbers over the period.

Ethiopian Airlines has placed an order for more than a dozen new Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier aircraft, cementing its position as the regional aviation giant.

The airline announced at the Paris Air Show that it had placed a $3 billion order for 10 Airbus A350-900 aeroplanes, in addition to at least another two it already has on order.

It is looking at more wide-bodied aircraft to help it boost its hub-based business model, which primarily relies on moving regional and continental travellers through its Addis Ababa hub.

Airlines group chief executive Tewolde Gebremariam said that it would be deploying the new aircraft on its long range routes to meet increased customer demand.

We have been a loyal Boeing customer for a very long time, because we were looking for the right aircraft in the Airbus family. Now we have found the A350 to be the right aircraft for us.

We are very happy we made that decision very early in the A350 programme. Now we see the performance of the aircraft is up to expectations. The performance, operational and cost efficiencies we have achieved with our initial A350-900s have resulted in these additional 10 aircraft orders, Mr Tewolde said.

Last June, Ethiopian Airlines took delivery of the first of its original order for 12 A350s and now operates four of the type with three leased from AerCap and one leased from PingAn Aircraft Leasing.

The airline also signed a $1.5 billion engine order with Rolls-Royce that will see the latter provide Trent XWB engines for the 10 new Airbus A350-900 aircraft. In addition, the order includes engine service parts for 14 of the aircraft already in service.

Ethiopian Airlines ordered Trent 1000 engines for six Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft at the 2016 Paris Airshow, five of which are in service, and has lease arrangements for an additional four aircraft.

On Wednesday, the airline also announced that it had signed a commitment with Boeing for the purchase of two B777 freighters at a cost of $651.4 million. It also confirmed that it had firmed up the 10 Boeing 737 options included in its original order placed back in 2014, pushing its order to 30. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates six of this type alongside two B757-200s.

We still remain with Europe as Africa’s largest trading partner and that has an impact on what we do. Having a very good aeroplane from Europe, is a perfect match. We will deploy these additional aircraft on our long-haul routes connecting Addis Ababa with destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Mr Tewolde said, complimenting the overall performance of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Ethiopian Airlines will also be receiving five additional Dash 8-400s, a $163 million order that Canadian plane maker Bombardier confirmed, having received two of them last year.


Tourism Observer

USA: First Year Pilot Pay Goes Up To $41.00 Per Flight Hour At Compass Airlines

First year, First Officer pay at Compass Airlines will soon be the highest in the regional airline industry.

Compass is pleased to announce that effective October 1, 2017, its first year, First Officer pay will increase to $41.00 per flight hour.

Additionally, First Officers at all pay steps will receive an increase.

The nationwide pilot shortage has made it challenging for regional airlines to meet hiring targets, said Rick Leach, President and Chief Executive Officer of Compass Airlines. This increase ensures that Compass remains competitive in a very difficult hiring landscape.

Compass has so much to offer pilots, including crew bases on the West Coast, a new crew base in Phoenix, and the opportunity to fly the Embraer 175, added Bob Gleason, Chief Operating Officer at Compass. “This increase will really enhance our ability to recruit effectively.

Additionally, Compass pilots will soon have the opportunity to earn a referral bonus of up to $10,000 for each successful pilot they refer to the company.

Compass Airlines, LLC, is a regional airline headquartered in Delta Air Lines Building C at Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport in Fort Snelling, Hennepin County, Minnesota;prior to December 16, 2009, it was headquartered in unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, United States, east of the Chantilly CDP.

The airline launched inaugural service with a single Bombardier CRJ200LR aircraft under the Northwest Airlink now Delta Connection brand between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Washington, D.C. on May 2, 2007. On August 21, 2007, it began flying two Embraer 175 76-passenger aircraft, and expanded to 36 aircraft by December 2008.

In July 2010, the airline was purchased from Delta Air Lines and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Trans States Holdings.

Compass Airlines was formed as a result of a contract dispute between Northwest Airlines and its pilots' union, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).

The Northwest Airlines pilot group was asked to give relief on a section of their collective bargaining agreement governing scope, which protects pilot jobs by ensuring that an airline's customers are flown by the employees of that airline.

The pilots eventually agreed to a concession on the scope of their contract allowing a limited number of 76-seat aircraft to be flown by outsourced pilots working for a subcontractor regional airline.

In exchange for their concession the Northwest Airlines pilots demanded in return that the pilots of these new aircraft would eventually flow-up into mainline pilot jobs at Northwest Airlines, and that Northwest Airlines pilots would retain the ability to flow-down into the newly subcontracted pilot jobs in the event that Northwest Airlines were to furlough the mainline pilots.

In order to adapt to the agreement, and fulfill a need to serve the regional markets with smaller, more efficient aircraft and a dramatically reduced wage labor force, Northwest bought the operating certificate of bankrupt Independence Air on March 10, 2006 for $2 million.

During the concept phase, the subsidiary was known as NewCo. Compass' operations are limited to 76-seat aircraft or less, due to the language in the pilot contract at the mainline carrier.

On September 28, 2006, Compass Airlines officially received approval from the United States Department of Transportation to begin operations. On April 5, 2007, Compass Airlines received FAA certification to begin commercial passenger operations with a CRJ-200

On May 2, 2007, the airline had their first revenue flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport,which maintained the operating certificate.

Compass implemented Embraer operations on August 21, 2007.

On July 1, 2010, Delta Air Lines announced that it sold Compass Airlines to Trans States Holdings for US$20.5 million.Despite the change in ownership, Compass still shares many things with their former parents, including the pre-merger Northwest online crew scheduling software RADAR, headquarters in a Delta-owned building, and a logo that is a modified version of the final Northwest Airlines logo.

On March 27, 2015, the airline began flying one of twenty brand new Embraer E-175, operating for American Airlines under the American Eagle airline brand, with the initial flight being from Los Angeles International Airport to Houston Intercontinental Airport.

Compass has its maintenance bases in Phoenix, San Jose, Los Angeles, Louisville Closing Dec. 2017, reverting to Trans States Airlines maintenance base, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Francisco, and Seattle/Tacoma.

Both the pilot and flight attendant groups are unionized, with pilots being represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, and flight attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants.

The flight attendants negotiated and approved a five-year contract with the company on May 1, 2013, following a failed vote on a tentative agreement in late 2011.The new contract gave employees pay increases, a larger 401(k) match, a signing bonus, and other working condition improvements.

On August 25, 2010, Compass Airlines fired a flight attendant after she appeared on a local television program admitting publicly that she qualified for food stamps, even though she was a full-time employee of the airline.

On May 8, 2008, Compass Airlines Flight 2040 bound for Regina, Saskatchewan from Minneapolis with 74 passengers and 4 crew on board was forced to land in Fargo, North Dakota after a fire broke out in the restroom.

The plane landed at 11:00 pm; no injuries to passengers were reported. A week after the incident, a 19-year-old flight attendant was charged with starting the fire.

He pleaded not guilty, but before trial, he fled to Mexico. He was arrested in Mexico April 5, 2011, and was extradited to the US to stand trial.

He was sentenced to seven years in prison on December 16, 2011.

On November 15, 2010, Compass Airlines Flight 5887 bound for Missoula, Montana from Minneapolis with 76 passengers and 4 crew on board was forced to return to Minneapolis after the aircraft received substantial damage when it collided with a flock of birds.

The plane landed 22 minutes after departure; no injuries to passengers were reported.


Tourism Observer

SAUDI ARABIA: Hajj, Umrah Is Not A Substitute For Hajj

The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the most holy city for Muslims, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey, and can support their family during their absence.

It is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, and Sawm. The Hajj is the largest annual gathering of people in the world.The state of being physically and financially capable of performing the Hajj is called istita'ah, and a Muslim who fulfills this condition is called a mustati.

The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God or Allah.The word Hajj means to intend a journey, which connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.

The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th or in some cases 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and the Islamic year is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year, the Gregorian date of Hajj changes from year to year.

Ihram is the name given to the special spiritual state in which pilgrims wear two white sheets of seamless cloth and abstain from certain actions.

The Hajj is associated with the life of Islamic prophet Muhammad from the 7th century, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca is considered by Muslims to stretch back thousands of years to the time of Abraham.

During Hajj, pilgrims join processions of hundreds of thousands of people, who simultaneously converge on Mecca for the week of the Hajj, and perform a series of rituals: each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Kaaba,the cube-shaped building and the direction of prayer for the Muslims, runs back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah, drinks from the Zamzam Well, goes to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, spends a night in the plain of Muzdalifa, and performs symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing stones at three pillars.

The pilgrims then shave their heads, perform a ritual of animal sacrifice, and celebrate the three-day global festival of Eid al-Adha.

Pilgrims can also go to Mecca to perform the rituals at other times of the year. This is sometimes called the lesser pilgrimage, or ‘Umrah .However, even if they choose to perform the Umrah, they are still obligated to perform the Hajj at some other point in their lifetime if they have the means to do so, because Umrah is not a substitute for Hajj.

The present pattern of Hajj was established by Muhammad.However, according to the Quran, elements of Hajj trace back to the time of Abraham. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham was ordered by God to leave his wife Hajara and his son Ishmael alone in the desert of ancient Mecca. In search of water, Hajara desperately ran seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah but found none.

Returning in despair to Ishmael, she saw the baby scratching the ground with his leg and a water fountain sprang forth underneath his foot.
Later, Abraham was commanded to build the Kaaba,which he did with the help of Ishmael and to invite people to perform pilgrimage there.

The Quran refers to these incidents in verses 2:124-127 and 22:27-30.It is said that the archangel Gabriel brought the Black Stone from Heaven to be attached to the Kaaba.

In pre-Islamic Arabia, a time known as jahiliyyah, the Kaaba became surrounded by pagan idols.[In 630 CE, Muhammad led his followers from Medina to Mecca, cleansed the Kaaba by destroying all the pagan idols, and then reconsecrated the building to Allah.

In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his only and last pilgrimage with a large number of followers, and instructed them on the rites of Hajj.It was from this point that Hajj became one of the five pillars of Islam.

During the medieval times, pilgrims would gather in big cities of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq to go to Mecca in groups and caravans comprising tens of thousands of pilgrims, often under state patronage.Hajj caravans, particularly with the advent of the Mamluk Sultanate and its successor, the Ottoman Empire, were escorted by a military force accompanied by physicians under the command of an amir al-hajj.

This was done in order to protect the caravan from Bedouin robbers or natural hazards,and to ensure that the pilgrims were supplied with the necessary provisions.

Muslim travelers like Ibn Jubayr and Ibn Battuta have recorded detailed accounts of Hajj-travels of medieval time.The caravans followed well-established routes called in Arabic darb al-hajj, lit. "pilgrimage road", which usually followed ancient routes such as the King's Highway.

The date of Hajj is determined by the Islamic calendar known as Hijri calendar or AH, which is based on the lunar year.Every year, the events of Hajj take place in a five-day period, starting on 8 and ending on 12 Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic calendar. Among these five days, the 9th Dhul-Hijjah is known as Day of Arafah, and this day is called the day of Hajj.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and the Islamic year is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian year, the Gregorian date for Hajj changes from year to year. Thus, each year in the Gregorian calendar, the pilgrimage starts eleven days sometimes ten days earlier than the preceding year.

This makes it possible for the Hajj season to fall twice in one Gregorian year, and it does so every 33 years. The last time this phenomenon occurred was 2006.

The table below shows the Gregorian dates of Hajj of recent years,the dates correspond to 9 Dhul-Hijjah of Hijri calendar:

2011 - 05 November

2012 - 25 October

2013 - 14 October

2014 - 03 October

2015 - 23 September

2016 - 11 September

2017 - 31 August

Fiqh literature describes in detail the manners of carrying out the rites of Hajj, and pilgrims generally follow handbooks and expert guides to successfully fulfill the requirements of Hajj.In performing the rites of hajj, the pilgrims not only follow the model of Muhammad, but also commemorate the events associated with Abraham.

The date for the next Hajj is 31 August 2017 (Day of Arafat)

When the pilgrims reach the appropriate Miqat depending on where they're coming from, they enter into a state of holiness – known as Ihram – that consists of wearing two white seamless cloths for the male, with the one wrapped around the waist reaching below the knee and the other draped over the left shoulder and tied at the right side; wearing ordinary dress for the female that fulfills the Islamic condition of public dress with hands or face uncovered;taking ablution; declaring the intention (niyah) to perform pilgrimage and to refraining from certain activities such as clipping the nails, shaving any part of the body, having sexual relations; using perfumes, damaging plants, killing animals, covering head for men or the face and hands for women); getting married; or carrying weapons.

The ihram is meant to show equality of all pilgrims in front of God: there is no difference between the rich and the poor.

On the 8th Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims are reminded of their duties. They again don the ihram garments and confirm their intention to make the pilgrimage. The prohibitions of ihram start now.

The ritual of Tawaf involves walking seven times counterclockwise around the Kaaba.Upon arriving at Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām The Sacred Mosque, pilgrims perform an arrival tawaf either as part of Umrah or as a welcome tawaf.During tawaf, pilgrims also include Hateem – an area at the north side of the Kaaba – inside their path. Each circuit starts with the kissing or touching of the Black Stone (Hajar al- Aswad).

If kissing the stone is not possible because of the crowds, they may simply point towards the stone with their hand on each circuit. Eating is not permitted but the drinking of water is allowed, because of the risk of dehydration. Men are encouraged to perform the first three circuits at a hurried pace, known as Ramal, and the following four at a more leisurely pace.

The completion of Tawaf is followed by two Rakaat prayers at the Place of Abraham (Muqam Ibrahim), a site near the Kaaba inside the mosque.However, again because of large crowds during the days of Hajj, they may instead pray anywhere in the mosque. After prayer, pilgrims also drink water from the Zamzam well, which is made available in coolers throughout the Mosque.

Although the circuits around the Kaaba are traditionally done on the ground level, Tawaf is now also performed on the first floor and roof of the mosque because of the large crowds.

Tawaf is followed by sa'ay, running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, located near the Kaaba.Previously in open air, the place is now entirely enclosed by the Sacred Mosque, and can be accessed via air-conditioned tunnels.

Pilgrims are advised to walk the circuit, though two green pillars mark a short section of the path where they run. There is also an internal express lane for the disabled. After sayee, the male pilgrims shave their heads and women generally clip a portion of their hair, which completes the Umrah.

After the morning prayer on the 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the pilgrims proceed to Mina where they spend the whole day and offer noon, afternoon, evening, and night prayers.The next morning after morning prayer, they leave Mina to go to Arafat.

The 9th Dhul-Hijjah is known as Day of Arafah, and this day is called the Day of Hajj.

On 9th Dhu al-Hijjah before noon, pilgrims arrive at Arafat, a barren and plain land some 20 kilometers east of Mecca,where they stand in contemplative vigil: they offer supplications, repent on and atone for their past sins, and seek mercy of God, and listen to sermon from the Islamic scholars who deliver it from near Jabal al-Rahmah or The Mount of Mercy from where Muhammad is said to have delivered his last sermon.

Lasting from noon through sunset, this is known as standing before God or wuquf, one of the most significant rites of Hajj. At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims offer noon and afternoon prayers together at noon time.A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafat.

Pilgrims must leave Arafat for Muzdalifah after sunset without praying maghrib (evening) prayer at Arafat.Muzdalifah is an area between Arafat and Mina. Upon reaching there, pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isha prayer jointly, spend the night praying and sleeping on the ground with open sky, and gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the Devil or Shaitan.

After returning from Muzdalifah, the Pilgrims spend the night at Mina.

Back at Mina, the pilgrims perform symbolic stoning of the devil or Ramy al-Jamarat by throwing seven stones at only the largest of the three pillars, known as Jamrat al-Aqabah from sunrise to sunset.The remaining two pillars or jamarah are not stoned on this day.

These pillars are said to represent Satan.Pilgrims climb ramps to the multi-levelled Jamaraat Bridge, from which they can throw their pebbles at the jamarat. Because of safety reasons, in 2004 the pillars were replaced by long walls, with catch basins below to collect the pebbles.

After the casting of stones, animals are slaughtered to commemorate the story of Abraham and Ishmael. Traditionally the pilgrims slaughtered the animal themselves, or oversaw the slaughtering. Today many pilgrims buy a sacrifice voucher in Mecca before the greater Hajj begins, which allows an animal to be slaughtered in the name of God (Allah on the 10th, without the pilgrim being physically present.

Modern abattoirs complete the processing of the meat, which is then sent as charity to poor people around the world.At the same time as the sacrifices occur at Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform similar sacrifices, in a four-day global festival called Eid al-Adha.

After sacrificing an animal, another important rite of Hajj is shaving head or trimming hair known as Halak. All male pilgrims shave their head or trim their hair on the day of Eid al Adha and women pilgrims cut the tips of their hair.

On the same or the following day, the pilgrims re-visit the Sacred Mosque in Mecca for another tawaf, known as Tawaf al-Ifadah, an essential part of Hajj. It symbolizes being in a hurry to respond to God and show love for Him, an obligatory part of the Hajj. The night of the 10th is spent back at Mina.

Starting from noon to sunset on the 11 Dhu al-Hijjah and again the following day, the pilgrims again throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars in Mina. This is commonly known as the Stoning of the Devil.

On 12 Dhu al-Hijjah, the same process of stoning of the pillars as of 11 Dhu al-Hijjah takes place.Pilgrims may leave Mina for Mecca before sunset on the 12th.

If unable to leave on the 12th before sunset or opt to stay at free will, they must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before returning to Mecca.

Finally, before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wadaa. Wadaa means to bid farewell. The pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise, and if they can, attempt to touch or kiss the Kaaba.

Though not a part of Hajj, pilgrims may choose to travel to the city of Medina and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi or Mosque of the Prophet, which contains Muhammad's tomb. The Quba Mosque and Masjid al-Qiblatayn are also usually visited.

Making necessary arrangements each year for the growing number of pilgrims poses a logistic challenge for the government of Saudi Arabia, which has, since the 1950s, spent more than $100 billion to increase pilgrimage facilities.

Major issues like housing, transportation, sanitation, and health care have been addressed and improved greatly by the government by introducing various development programs, with the result that pilgrims now enjoy modern facilities and perform various rites at ease.

The Saudi government often sets quota for various countries to keep the pilgrims' number at a manageable level, and arranges huge security forces and CCTV cameras to maintain overall safety during Hajj.

Various institutions and government programs, such as the Haj subsidy offered in India or the Tabung Haji based in Malaysia assist pilgrims in covering the costs of the journey.For 2014 Hajj, special Hajj information desks were set up at Pakistani airports to assist the pilgrims.

In order to enter Saudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj, visa requirements exist

Traditionally, the pilgrimage to Mecca was mainly an overland journey using camels as a means of transport. During the second half of the nineteenth century after 1850s, steamships began to be used in the pilgrimage journey to Mecca, and the number of pilgrims traveling on sea route increased.

This continued for some time,until air travel came to predominate; Egypt introduced the first airline service for Hajj pilgrims in 1937.

Today, many airlines and travel agents offer Hajj packages, and arrange for transportation and accommodation for the pilgrims.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina have dedicated pilgrim terminals to assist the arrival of pilgrims.

Other international airports around the world, such as Indira Gandhi in New Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, Jinnah in Karachi and Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta also have dedicated terminals or temporary facilities to service pilgrims as they depart and return home.During Hajj, many airlines run extra flights to accommodate the large number of pilgrims.

During official Hajj days, pilgrims travel between the different locations by bus or on foot. The Saudi government strictly controls vehicles access into these heavily congested areas. However, the journey could take many hours due to heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic. In 2010, the Saudi government started operating a monorail that runs between Arafat, Muzdalifa and Mina.

The service shortens the travel time during the critical "Nafrah" from Arafat to Muzdalifah to minutes. Due to its limited capacity, the use of the monorail is not open to all pilgrims and is subject to strict controls by Saudi Officials.

Pilgrim numbers have greatly increased in recent years, which has led to numerous accidents and deaths due to overcrowding. The first major accident during Hajj in modern times occurred in 1990, when a tunnel stampede led to the death of 1,462 people.Afterwards, various crowd-control techniques were adopted to ensure safety.

Because of large crowds, some of the rituals have become more symbolic. For example, it is no longer necessary to kiss the Black Stone. Instead, pilgrims simply point at it on each circuit around the Kaaba.

Also, the large pillars used for pebble throwing were changed into long walls in 2004 with basins below to catch the stones.Another example is that animal sacrifice is now done at slaughterhouses appointed by the Saudi authorities, without the pilgrims being present there.

For Hajj in 2016, Saudi authorities gave pilgrims GPS-tracked electronic bracelets.

Despite safety measures, incidents may happen during the Hajj as pilgrims are trampled or ramps collapse under the weight of the many visitors. During 2015 Hajj, a stampede resulted in 769 deaths and injuries to 934 others, according to the Saudi authorities.A report from Associated Press totalled at least 1470 fatalities from official reports from other countries, making it the most deadly such episode to date.

Concerns were raised in 2013 and 2014 about the spread of MERS because of mass gatherings during the Hajj. Saudi Health Minister Abdullah Al-Rabia said authorities have detected no cases of MERS among the pilgrims so far. He also said that, despite few cases of MERS, Saudi Arabia was ready for the 2017 pilgrimage.

To the Muslims, Hajj is associated with religious as well as social significance. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the obligation for performing this pilgrimage is only fulfilled if it is done on the eighth to twelfth day of the last month of the Islamic calendar.

If in a given year, an adult Muslim is in good health and his life and wealth is safe, they must perform the Hajj in the same year. Delaying it is considered sinful unless the delay is caused by reasons beyond his/her control.[92]

Apart from being an obligatory religious duty, the Hajj is seen to have a spiritual merit that provides the Muslims with an opportunity of self-renewal.Hajj serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment when Muslims believe people will stand before God.Hadith or literature sayings of Muhammad articulates various merits a pilgrim achieves upon successful completion of their Hajj.

After successful pilgrimage, pilgrims can prefix their names with the title 'Al-Hajji', and are held with respect in Muslim society.However, Islamic scholars suggest Hajj should signify a Muslim's religious commitment, and should not be a measurement of their social status.

Hajj brings together and unites the Muslims from different parts of the world irrespective of their race, colour, and culture, which acts as a symbol of equality.

A 2008 study on the impact of participating in the Islamic pilgrimage found that Muslim communities become more positive and tolerant after Hajj experience.

Titled Estimating the Impact of the Hajj: Religion and Tolerance in Islam's Global Gathering and conducted in conjunction with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, the study noted that the Hajj increases belief in equality and harmony among ethnic groups and Islamic sects and leads to more favorable attitudes toward women, including greater acceptance of female education and employment and that Hajjis show increased belief in peace, and in equality and harmony among adherents of different religions.

Malcolm X, an American activist during the Civil Rights Movement, describes the sociological atmosphere he experienced at his Hajj in the 1960s as follows:

There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-eyed blondes to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist between the white and the non-white.

America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem. You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought patterns previously held.

In 2014, Saudi Arabia was expected to have earned up to $8.5 billion from Hajj.Saudi Arabia's highest source of revenue after oil and gas is Hajj and the country is expected to depend more on Hajj as the amounts of available oil and gas for sale decline.

There has been a substantial increase in the number of pilgrims during the last 92 years, and the number of foreign pilgrims has increased by approximately 2,824 percent, from 58,584 in 1920 to 1,712,962 in 2012.

Because of development and expansion work at Masjid al-Haram, the authority restricted the number of pilgrims in 2013.

In Islamic eschatology about Hajj and Mahdi:

Amr bin Shuaib reported from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah said:

In Dhu al-Qi'dah (Islamic month), there will be fight among the tribes, Muslim pilgrims will be looted and there will be a battle in Mina in which many people will be slain and blood will flow until it runs over the Jamaratul Aqba one of the three stone pillars at Mina. The man they seek will flee and will be found between the Rukn a corner of the Kaaba containing the Black Stone and the Maqam of Prophet Abraham near Ka'ba.

He will be forced to accept people's Bay'ah being chosen as a Leader/Caliph. The number of those offering Bay'ah will be the same as the number of the people of Badr (Muslim fighters who participated in the Battle of Badr at time of Prophet Muhammad). Then, the dweller of Heaven and the dweller of the Earth will be pleased with him.

Abu Hurairah said that the Prophet said:

There will be an Ayah (sign) in (the month of) Ramadan. Then, there will 'isabah (splitting into groups) in Shawwal. Then, there will be fighting in (the month of) Dhu al-Qi'dah. Then, the pilgrim will be robbed in (the month of) Dhu al-Hijjah. Then, the prohibitions will be violated in (the month of) al-Muharram.

Then, there will be sound in (the month of) Safar, then the tribes will conflict with each other in the two months of Rabi' al-awwal & Rabi' al-thani. Then, the most amazing thing will happen between (the months of) Jumada and Rajab. Then, a well-fed she-camel will be better than a fortress (castle) sheltering a thousand (people)

BRAZIL: Samba Brazilian Dance

Samba Dancers
The Samba dance Brazil style is a tradition, a custom, the heart and soul of the music and dance throughout the country. It's a Brazilian dance with roots going as far back as the 19th century.

Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance of Afro-Brazilian origin in 2/4 time danced to Samba music whose origins include the Maxixe.

Samba is a dance authentic to black/African people in Brazil who brought much of their music and dance culture into Latin America with, them upon arrival into many Latin American countries. Samba music is very similar to and has been influenced by many Angolan music genres. It has also been influenced by many other Latin American music genres and dances.

The Samba music rhythm has been danced in Brazil since its inception in the late 16th century. There is actually a set of dances, rather than a single dance, that define the Samba dancing scene in Brazil; however, no one dance can be claimed with certainty as the original Samba style.

The Samba dance originated in Brazil, so it has been part of their culture for many years. The Carnival celebrates the Samba each year, but even throughout the year, you can find the Samba danced in nightclubs, streets, and in backyards. The dance and the music are just a natural part of the Brazilian lifestyle and culture because it crosses the classes and it brings people together.

It is said that Samba connects everyone in Brazil because the poor and rich alike dance the Samba. Some people believe that Brazilian Samba is more important and more ingrained into Brazilian culture than even soccer!

Another major stream of the Samba dance besides the Brazilian Samba dancing styles is Ballroom Samba, which differs significantly.

Originally the Samba was a solo dance, but over the years there have been some partner Samba dances that have evolved in different areas of Brazil.

The popular Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro is known for the dancing of the Samba through the streets. It's a very quick dance with a lot of fun rhythm that naturally makes your feet and body want to move. Dancers who are proficient at dancing the Samba are called Sambistas.

Samba no pe or samba in the foot is a solo dance that is commonly danced impromptu when samba music is played. The basic movement involves a straight body and a bending of one knee at a time. The feet move very slightly - only a few inches at a time. The rhythm is 2/4, with 3 steps per measure. It can be thought of as a step-ball-change.

It can be described calling it and-a-one, and-a-two, then back to one. The basic movement is the same to either side, where one foot moves to the outside lifting up just before the first beat i.e. the right leg moves slightly to the right and leg is kept as straight as a pole. The other foot moves slightly towards the front, and closer to the first foot.

The second leg bends lightly at the knee so that the left side of the hip lowers and the right side appears to move higher. The weight is shifted to this inside foot briefly for the next and-a, then shifted back to the outside foot on the two, and the same series of actions is repeated towards the other side.

The dance simply follows the beat of the music and can go from average pace to very fast. Men dance with the whole foot on the ground while women, often wearing heels, dance just on the balls of the foot. Professionals may change the steps slightly, taking 4 steps per measure instead of 3, and often add various arm movements depending on the mood of the music.

There are also regional forms of the dance in Brazil where the essential steps are the same, but because of a change in the accent of the music people will dance similar movements to the slightly changed accents.

For instance, in Bahia the girls tend to dance tilting their legs towards the outside instead of keeping their knees close to each other as in Rio de Janeiro.

This is the type of Samba one sees in the Brazilian Carnival parades and in other Samba carnivals over the world. This is also one of the most common type of samba dancing in Brazil.

Samba de Gafieira is a partner dance considerably different from the Ballroom Samba. It appeared in the 1940s and it gets its name from the gafieira, popular urban nightclubs of Rio de Janeiro at that time.

The dance derived from the Maxixe and followed the arrival of the Choro another samba musical style. It left most of the Maxixe's Polka elements behind but maintained the entwined leg movements of the Argentine tango, although adopting a more relaxed posture than the latter.

Many see this form of Samba as a combination of Waltz and Tango. Several Brazilian dance studios use elements and techniques from these two dances to teach Samba de Gafieira steps and dance routines.

Samba Pagode is another Samba partner dance that resembles the Samba de Gafieira but has less acrobatic movements and tend to be more intimate. It became a dance style after the appearance of the Pagode and it started in the city of Sao Paulo.

Samba Axe is a solo dance that started in 1992 during the Brazilian Carnival season in Bahia when the Axe rhythm replaced the Lambada. For years it became the major type of dance for the North east of Brazil during the holiday months. The dance is completely choreographed and the movements tend to mimic the lyrics.

It's a very energetic kind of dance that mixes elements of Samba no pe and aerobics and because of the lyrics, which are made for entertainment, the dance generally has some sort of ludic element.

Several Axé music groups such as "E o Tchan" have as part of their marketing strategy to always release a choreography together with every one of their songs; therefore, Samba Axe is an ever-changing kind of dance with no commitment to maintaining any formal set of steps or routines there's actually no such a thing as a basic step in Samba Axe.

Samba Reggae, Also originated from Bahia, it's a mix of reggae beats with Samba drums. Very popular in songs by Daniela Mercury, who catapulted the rhythm to the world with songs like Sol da Liberdade "O Reggae E O Mar" and "Perola Negra".

Samba Reggae is the second most popular samba style in Bahia, with followers all over Brazil.

Samba rock is a playful form of the samba, and it originates in Sao Paulo. It is a Latin nightclub dance.

Samba de roda or Samba of roda, is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance performed originally as informal fun after a Candomble ceremony, using the same percussion instruments used during the religious ceremony. The typical drum is the atabaque; drummers improvise variations and elaborations on common patterns, accompanied typically by singing and clapping as well as dancing.

The Samba de Roda is a celebratory event incorporating music, choreography and poetry.

The term Samba encompassed many different rhythms, tunes, drumming and dances of various periods and areas of the Brazilian territory. It appeared in the state of Bahia, more specifically in the region of Reconcavo in Brazil, during the 17th century.

Because all drumming and dance was generalized by Portuguese colonizers as samba, it is difficult to attribute it to one distinct heritage. However, the most universally recognized cultural origin of Samba is Lundu, a rhythm that was brought to Brazil by the Bantu slaves from Africa.

Lundu reveals, in a way, the amalgamation of black slaves and white Portuguese and indigenous cultures. When the African slaves where imported, it was named the semba and with the introduction of the Arabic Pandeiro (tambourine), brought into the Roda by the Portuguese, the Samba was molded into the form of dance it is now.

In the indigenous language, samba means roda de dança, or a circle to dance since the indigenous peoples danced in celebration on many occasions, such as the celebration of popular Catholic festivals, Amerindian or Afro-Brazilian religious ceremonies, but was also practiced at random.

All participants, including beginners, are invited to join the dance and observe as well as imitate. Usually, only the women dance after each other and they are surrounded by others dancing in a circle and clapping their hands.

The choreography is often spontaneous and is based on movements of the feet, legs and hips. One of the most typical moves is the umbigada which is clear Bantu influence, where the dancer invites her successor into the circle's center.

Rapid steps coming down on the quarter beats of the music along with a sensual rocking and swaying motion of the people dancing the Samba are the two distinctive characteristics of the Samba dance.

There is also a special movement called the Samba bounce action that is associated only with the Samba. It takes quite a bit of practice to master this step and make it appear effortless. It's a dance step that appears to originate through the knees and ankles and move the body effortlessly, and is the signature move of the Samba dance.

steps attributed to the Samba include:

- The Samba Strut

- Bota Fogos

- Samba Side Steps

- Voltas

- Kick Change

These basic footwork moves are centered on the three-step move that includes a knee lift and alternating feet moving in a fast-fast-slow rhythm. Sambistas make the moves appear effortless, as if their feet are simply floating across the floor. It's really something to see!

The end of the Samba dance Brazil style is signified by the dancers tossing their heads back dramatically and then putting their arms straight out from both sides of the body. That's how you know the Samba has finished!

The factor that frequently draws the attention of most people to the rhythm is the unusually-accented or syncopated beat. The absent beat is the strongest characteristic of Samba prompting the listener to dance to fill the gap with her/his body movements. This syncopated rhythm is also an indication of Black resistance against cultural assimilation.

The Samba of Roda in particular was considered an expression of freedom and identity of the underprivileged and became a means of liberation.

The Samba de Roda has significantly waned during the twentieth century due to economic decline and increased poverty in the region. The effects of mass media and competition from popular modern music have also devalued this tradition among the younger generation.

Finally, the weakening of the Samba de Roda was heightened through the aging of practitioners and demise of those who made the musical instruments.


Tourism Observer

MALAYSIA: Malaysia Airports Announced Appointment Of Ersel Goral As New CEO Of ISG. ISG

Malaysia Airports announced the appointment of Ersel Goral as the new CEO of ISG. ISG is the operator of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.

In 2008, Malaysia Airports, together with its consortium partners Limak Group (LIMAK) and GMR Infrastructure Limited (GMR), signed an implementation agreement with the Turkish's Ministry of Defence and subsequently took over the operations of the ISGIA in May 2008.

The concession tenure is for a period of 20 years.

ISGIA is the world's largest seismically isolated building, meaning the building moves side-to-side during an earthquake.

The whole building moves as a single unit, preventing damage from uneven forces acting on the structure.

Graduated from Istanbul University Business Administration in 1998, Ersel Goral has an extensive knowledge in airport management.

He has worked in several positions at airports in Georgia, Macedonia, Tunisia, and Turkey.

Before appointed as the new CEO of ISG, Goral was working as the Chief Airportwide Integration Officer at İstanbul Grand Airport.




Tourism Observer

IATA: IATA’s New Chairman Board of Governors Is Qatar Airways CEO,Mr. Akbar Al Baker

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Mr. Akbar Al Baker, has been elected Chairman of the Board of Governors (BoG) of prestigious global aviation industry body International Air Transport Association (IATA), effective June 2018.

The rotating one-year term will commence at the end of IATA’s 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sydney and will continue until the end of its 2019 AGM. H.E. Mr. Al Baker will succeed current IATA BoG Chairman Mr. Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines.

Mr. Al Baker said: ‘I am honoured to have been chosen by my fellow board members to head this important body, at a time when the industry faces numerous challenges on a multitude of levels.

To represent and lead the IATA Board of Governors is a tremendous privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent an industry that plays such a vital role in the global economy.

For more than two decades I have lived and breathed aviation, and I look forward to working alongside the Board of Governors to champion passenger rights and improve security standards across the industry, as well as continuing to promote the rights of freedom of flight for all.

IATA represents some 275 airlines comprising 83 per cent of global air traffic.

The election of Mr. Al Baker to this prestigious post is a clear recognition of the leading role that he plays in a dynamic and highly competitive industry.

Mr. Al Baker is one of the most recognisable figures in international aviation, at times described as a maverick but always good for headlines when he speaks his mind.

He guided the development of Qatar Airways from a small regional carrier into a major global airline in a span of just 20 years.

Under his leadership, Qatar Airways has become one of the world’s most highly-respected airlines, competing on a scale very few airlines achieve.

Passengers have recognised the airline’s commitment to the values of safety, security, innovation and quality of service by awarding it the Skytrax Airline of the Year 2017, the fourth time it has received this award.

Qatar Airways is widely known for its relentless pursuit of innovation, and recently introduced its award-winning new Business Class seat, Qsuite, featuring the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room.

Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats give colleagues, friends or families travelling together the option to transform their space into a private suite, where they can work, dine and socialise together.

These new features provide the ultimate customisable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.

The national carrier of the State of Qatar is one of the fastest-growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world.

Now in its twentieth year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 200 aircraft flying to business and leisure destinations across six continents.

In addition to being voted Airline of the Year by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the Skytrax 2017 ceremony, including Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.

In East Africa does Qatar Airways serve Entebbe, Kigali, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar and has already announced the addition of Mombasa in 2018.


Tourism Observer

FALKLAND ISLANDS: About Falkland Islands The Treeless Islands

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory.

Under the 2009 Constitution, the islands have full internal self-government; the UK is responsible for foreign affairs, retaining the power to protect UK interests and to ensure the overall good governance of the territory.

The Monarch of the United Kingdom is the head of state, and executive authority is exercised on the monarch's behalf by the Governor, who in turn appoints the islands' Chief Executive on the advice of members of the Legislative Assembly.

Both the Governor and Chief Executive serve as the head of government.Governor Colin Roberts was appointed in April 2014;Chief Executive Barry Rowland was appointed in October 2016. The UK minister responsible for the Falkland Islands since 2012, Hugo Swire, administers British foreign policy regarding the islands.

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory.Under the 2009 Constitution, the islands have full internal self-government; the UK is responsible for foreign affairs, retaining the power to protect UK interests and to ensure the overall good governance of the territory.

The Monarch of the United Kingdom is the head of state, and executive authority is exercised on the monarch's behalf by the Governor, who in turn appoints the islands' Chief Executive on the advice of members of the Legislative Assembly.

The Governor acts on the advice of the islands' Executive Council, composed of the Chief Executive, the Director of Finance and three elected members of the Legislative Assembly,with the Governor as chairman.The Legislative Assembly, a unicameral legislature, consists of the Chief Executive, the Director of Finance and eight members,five from Stanley and three from Camp elected to four-year terms by universal suffrage.

All politicians in the Falkland Islands are independent; no political parties exist on the islands.Since the 2013 general election, members of the Legislative Assembly have received a salary and are expected to work full-time and give up all previously held jobs or business interests.

Due to its link to the UK, the Falklands are part of the overseas countries and territories of the European Union.The islands' judicial system, overseen by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is largely based on English law,and the constitution binds the territory to the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights.Residents have the right of appeal to the European Court of Human Rights and the Privy Council.

Law enforcement is the responsibility of the Royal Falkland Islands Police (RFIP),and military defence of the islands is provided by the United Kingdom. A British military garrison is stationed on the islands, and the Falkland Islands government funds an additional company-sized light infantry Falkland Islands Defence Force.

The territorial waters of the Falklands extend to 200 nautical miles (370 km) from its coastal baselines, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; this border overlaps with the maritime boundary of Argentina.

The Falkland Islands are an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf. The principal islands are about 300 miles (483 kilometres) east of South America's southern Patagonian coast, at a latitude of about 52°S.

The archipelago, with an area of 4,700 square miles (12,000 square kilometres), comprises East Falkland, West Falkland and 776 smaller islands.

As a British overseas territory, the Falklands have internal self-governance, and the United Kingdom takes responsibility for their defence and foreign affairs. The islands' capital is Stanley on East Falkland.

The United Kingdom and Argentina both claim the Falkland Islands. The UK's position is that the Falklanders have not indicated a desire for change, and that there are no pending issues to resolve concerning the islands.The UK bases its position on its continuous administration of the islands since 1833,except for 1982 and the islanders' right to self-determination as set out in the UN Charter.

Argentine policy maintains that Falkland Islanders do not have a right to self-determination, claiming that in 1833 the UK expelled Argentine authorities and settlers from the Falklands with a threat of greater force and, afterwards, barred Argentines from resettling the islands.

Argentina persits that it acquired the Falklands from Spain when it achieved independence in 1816, and that the UK illegally occupied them in 1833.

In 2009, British prime minister Gordon Brown had a meeting with Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and said that there would be no further talks over the sovereignty of the Falklands. In March 2013, the Falkland Islands held a referendum on its political status, with 99.8 percent of voters favoured remaining under British rule.

Argentina does not recognise the Falkland Islands as a partner in negotiations; consequently, it dismissed the Falkland Islands' sovereignty referendum.

The population of 2,932 inhabitants in 2012, primarily consisted of native-born Falkland Islanders, the majority of British descent. Other ethnicities include French, Gibraltarian and Scandinavian. Immigration from the United Kingdom, the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena, and Chile has reversed a population decline.

The predominant and official language is English. Under the British Nationality Falkland Islands Act 1983, Falkland Islanders are British citizens.

Falklands culture is based on the cultural traditions brought by its British settlers, and it has also been influenced by the cultures of Hispanic South America.Some terms and place names used by the islands' former Gaucho inhabitants are still applied in local speech.The Falklands' predominant and official language is English, with the foremost dialect being British English; nonetheless, inhabitants also speak Spanish and other languages.The Falkland Islands are a very social place, and stopping for a chat is a way of life.

The Falkland Islands take their name from the Falkland Sound, a strait separating the archipelago's two main islands.The name Falkland was applied to the channel by John Strong, captain of an English expedition which landed on the islands in 1690. Strong named the strait in honour of Anthony Cary, 5th Viscount of Falkland, the Treasurer of the Navy who sponsored their journey.

The Viscount's title originates from the town of Falkland, Scotland—the town's name likely comes from a Gaelic term referring to an enclosure lann,but it could less plausibly be from the Anglo-Saxon term folkland or land held by folk-right. The name Falklands was not applied to the islands until 1765, when British captain John Byron of the Royal Navy, claimed them for King George III as Falkland's Islands.The term Falklands is a standard abbreviation used to refer to the islands.

At the twentieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Fourth Committee determined that, in all languages other than Spanish, all UN documentation would designate the territory as Falkland Islands (Malvinas). In Spanish, the territory was designated as Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands).The nomenclature used by the United Nations for statistical processing purposes is Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

The climate of the islands is cold, windy and humid maritime.Variability of daily weather is typical throughout the archipelago.Rainfall is common over half of the year, averaging 610 millimetres (24 in) in Stanley, and sporadic light snowfall occurs nearly all year.

The temperature has historically stayed between 21.1 and −11.1 °C (70.0 and 12.0 °F) in Stanley, with mean monthly temperatures varying from 9 °C (48 °F) early in the year to −1 °C (30 °F) in July.Strong westerly winds and cloudy skies are common.Although numerous storms are recorded each month, conditions are normally calm.

The Falkland Islands are a biogeographical part of the mild Antarctic zone,with strong connections to the flora and fauna of Patagonia in mainland South America.Land birds make up most of the Falklands' avifauna; 63 species breed on the islands, including 16 endemic species.

There is also abundant arthropod diversity on the islands.The Falklands' flora consists of 163 native vascular species.The islands' only native terrestrial mammal, the warrah, was hunted to extinction by European settlers.

The islands are frequented by marine mammals, such as the southern elephant seal and the South American fur seal, and various types of cetaceans; offshore islands house the rare striated caracara. The Falklands are also home to five different penguin species and a few of the largest albatross colonies on the planet.Endemic fish around the islands are primarily from the genus Galaxias.

The Falklands are treeless and have a wind-resistant vegetation predominantly composed of a variety of dwarf shrubs.

Virtually the entire land area of the islands is used as pasture for sheep.Introduced species include reindeer, hares, rabbits, Patagonian foxes, brown rats and cats.The detrimental impact several of these species have caused to native flora and fauna has led authorities to attempt to contain, remove or exterminate invasive species such as foxes, rabbits and rats. Endemic land animals have been the most affected by introduced species.

The extent of human impact on the Falklands is unclear, since there is little long-term data on habitat change.

The economy of the Falkland Islands is ranked the 222nd largest out of 229 in the world by GDP (PPP), but ranks 5th worldwide by GDP (PPP) per capita.The unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in 2010, and inflation was last calculated at 1.2 percent rate in 2003.Based on 2010 data, the islands have a high Human Development Index of 0.874 and a moderate Gini coefficient for income inequality of 34.17.

The local currency is the Falkland Islands pound, which is pegged to the British pound sterling.

Economic development was advanced by ship resupplying and sheep farming for high-quality wool.The main sheep breeds in the Falkland Islands are Polwarth and Corriedale.

During the 1980s, although synthetic fibres and ranch underinvestment hurt the sheep-farming sector, the government established a major revenue stream with the establishment of an exclusive economic zone and the sale of fishing licenses to anybody wishing to fish within this zone.

Since the end of the Falklands War in 1982, the islands' economic activity has increasingly focused on oil field exploration and tourism.

The port city of Stanley has regained the islands' economic focus, with an increase in population as workers migrate from Camp. Fear of dependence on fishing licences and threats from overfishing, illegal fishing and fish market price fluctuations have increased interest on oil drilling as an alternative source of revenue; exploration efforts have yet to find exploitable reserves.

Development projects in education and sports have been funded by the Falklands government, without aid from the United Kingdom.

The primary sector of the economy accounts for most of the Falkland Islands' gross domestic product, with the fishing industry alone contributing between 50% and 60% of annual GDP; agriculture also contributes significantly to GDP and employs about a tenth of the population.A little over a quarter of the workforce serves the Falkland Islands government, making it the archipelago's largest employer.

Tourism, part of the service economy, has been spurred by increased interest in Antarctic exploration and the creation of direct air links with the United Kingdom and South America.Tourists, mostly cruise ship passengers, are attracted by the archipelago's wildlife and environment, as well as activities such as fishing and wreck diving; the majority are based in accommodation found in Stanley.

The islands' major exports include wool, hides, venison, fish and squid; its main imports include fuel, building materials and clothing.

The Falkland Islands are a homogeneous society, with the majority of inhabitants descended from Scottish and Welsh immigrants who settled the territory in 1833.The 2006 census listed some Falklands residents as descendants of French, Gibraltarians and Scandinavians.

That census indicated that one-third of residents were born on the archipelago, with foreign-born residents assimilated into local culture. The legal term for the right of residence is - belonging to the islands.The British Nationality Act of 1983 gave British citizenship to Falkland Islanders.

A significant population decline affected the archipelago in the twentieth century, with many young islanders moving overseas in search of education, a modern lifestyle, and better job opportunities,particularly to the British city of Southampton, which came to be nicknamed Stanley north.

In recent years, the island's population decline has steadied, thanks to immigrants from the United Kingdom, Saint Helena, and Chile.In the 2012 census, a majority of residents listed their nationality as Falkland Islander 59%, followed by British 29%, Saint Helenian9.8%, and Chilean 5.4% .A small number of Argentines also live on the islands.

The Falkland Islands have a low population density.According to the 2012 census, the average daily population of the Falklands was 2,932, excluding military personnel serving in the archipelago and their dependents.A 2012 report counted 1,300 uniformed personnel and 50 British Ministry of Defence civil servants present in the Falklands.

Stanley with 2,121 residents is the most-populous location on the archipelago, followed by Mount Pleasant 369 residents, primarily air-base contractors and Camp 351 residents.The islands' age distribution is skewed towards working age (20–60). Males outnumber females (53% to 47%, and this discrepancy is most prominent in the 20–60 age group.

In the 2012 census most islanders identified themselves as Christian 66%, followed by those who had no religious affiliation 32%. The remaining 2 percent were adherents of other faiths.Christianity is diverse, with Anglicans, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutherans and Seventh-day Adventists having the most adherents. Among other religions, the Bahá'í Faith has a strong local following.

Education in the Falkland Islands, which follows England's system, is free and compulsory for residents aged between 5 and 16 years.Primary education is available at Stanley, RAF Mount Pleasant for children of service personnel and a number of rural settlements. Secondary education is only available in Stanley, which offers boarding facilities and 12 subjects to General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level.

Students aged 16 or older may study at colleges in England for their GCE Advanced Level or vocational qualifications. The Falkland Islands government pays for older students to attend institutions of higher education, usually in the United Kingdom.



Tourism Observer

SENEGAL: Dakar Police Useless For Your Safety,Crime Against Tourists Is Common,Friendly And Hospitable

Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal. It is located on the Cap-Vert peninsula on the Atlantic coast and is the westernmost city in the Old World as well as on the African mainland. The city of Dakar proper has a population of 1,030,594, whereas the population of the Dakar metropolitan area is estimated at 2.45 million.

The area around Dakar was settled in the 15th century. The Portuguese established a presence on the island of Gorée off the coast of Cap-Vert and used it as a base for the Atlantic slave trade. France took over the island in 1677. Following the abolition of the slave trade and French annexation of the mainland area in the 19th century, Dakar grew into a major regional port and a major city of the French colonial empire.

In 1902, Dakar replaced Saint-Louis as the capital of French West Africa. From 1959 to 1960, Dakar was the capital of the short-lived Mali Federation. In 1960, it became the capital of the independent Republic of Senegal.

Dakar was the capital of the short-lived Mali Federation from 1959 to 1960, after which it became the capital of Senegal. The poet, philosopher and first President of Senegal Léopold Sédar Senghor tried to transform Dakar into the Sub-Saharan African Athens (l’Athènes de l’Afrique subsaharienne),as his vision was for it.

Dakar is a major financial center, home to a dozen national and regional banks,including the BCEAO which manages the unified West African CFA currency, and to numerous international organizations, NGOs and international research centers. Dakar has a large Lebanese community concentrated in the import-export sector that dates to the 1920s, a community of Moroccan business people, as well as Mauritanian, Cape Verdean, and Guinean communities.

The city is home to as many as 20,000 French expatriates. France still maintains an air force base at Yoff and the French fleet is serviced in Dakar's port.

Beginning 1978 and until 2007, Dakar was frequently the ending point of the Dakar Rally. The rally brought worldwide attention to the poverty of Senegal and Dakar.

The Dakarian climate is generally warm. Dakar has a hot semi-arid climate, with a short rainy season and a lengthy dry season. Dakar’s rainy season lasts from July to October while the dry season covers the remaining eight months. The city sees approximately 495 mm (19.5 in) of precipitation per year.

Dakar between December and May is usually pleasantly warm with daily temperatures around 24–27 °C (75–81 °F). Nights during this time of the year are comfortable, some 17–20 °C (63–68 °F). However, between May and November the city becomes decidedly warmer with daily highs reaching 29–31 °C (84–88 °F) and night lows a little bit above 23–24 °C (73–75 °F).

Notwithstanding this hotter season Dakar’s weather is far from being as hot as that of African cities inland, such as Niamey and N'Djamena, where temperatures hover above 36 °C (97 °F) for much of the year. Dakar is cooled year-round by sea breezes.

Dakar is one of the 14 regions of Senegal. The Dakar region encompasses the city of Dakar and all its suburbs along the Cape Verde Peninsula. Its territory is thus roughly the same as the territory of the metropolitan area of Dakar. Since the administrative reforms of 1996, the regions of Senegal, which until then were merely local administrative structures of the central state, have been turned into full-fledged political units, with democratically elected regional councils, and regional presidents.

They were given extensive powers, and manage economic development, transportation, or environmental protection issues at the regional level, thus coordinating the actions of the communes below them.

In Senegal the culture is very centered around the idea of family. This even includes the way that they eat. When it is time to eat a typical meal someone will say "kai" or "kai lek" which means to come eat. Everyone will come together and sit around the plate and eat with their hands.

Some famous dishes include Tieboudienne and Yassa. The etiquette of people in Dakar is very simple but very vital. To not greet someone upon sight is to portray rudeness and oftentimes ignorance. Due to French colonialism the children of Dakar have a unique school system.

The school will get a break at about midday and return home to get some rest. Since the population is majority Muslim daily activities such as going to the mosque at noon prayer and attending the mosque on Fridays. Music has a big influence on the youth with famous artists like Daara J Family who use their voice to represent the problems in their communities.

More attractions in Dakar include major markets, Dakar Grand Mosque (built in 1964), Dakar Cathedral, Gorée Island, the IFAN Museum of West African culture, the newly completed African Renaissance Monument is the tallest statue in Africa, clifftop walks and beaches, and Parc de Hann, aka the Senegal Zoo.

The town serves as a port and is home to the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport. It is also the terminus of the Dakar-Niger railroad line.

Dakar used to be the finishing point of the Dakar Rally and is a member of the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Cheikh Anta Diop University also known as the University of Dakar, was established in 1957.

Dakar is home to multiple national and regional banks as well as numerous international organizations. From 1978 to 2007, it was also the traditional finishing point of the Dakar Rally.

The Senegalese are very proud of their reputation for "teranga" — hospitality. Locals are extremely friendly and helpful; but as anywhere else, watch out for scams and pickpockets. Petty crime here is relatively high, be cautious. While some locals are friendly, be careful, because local shop owners are very persistent.

Dakar is a major West African hub, so there are lots of flights coming from and going to Europe, North America and other African cities. Be prepared to arrive and leave at any time of the night or day — many flights come in at around 2 and leave at around 4 AM.

Leopold Sédar Senghor International Airport is relatively small, and can be bustling if more than one plane arrives at a time. When departing, do not be fooled into thinking that with so few terminals you can arrive later than usual — emigration can be very slow, and you should leave as much time as you would at any airport.

Be prepared to refuse touts and taxi drivers.

From South Africa: SAA (Johannesburg), From Dubai: Emirates, From Europe: Air France (Paris-CDG), TAP Air Portugal (Lisbon), Alitalia (Milan), Iberia (Madrid, Las Palmas), Brussels Airlines (Brussels), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul)

From Africa: TACV Cabo Verde (Praia and Bissau), Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca), Air Ivoire (Abidjan), Ethiopian (Addis Ababa via Lomé and Abidjan or via Ndjamena), Kenya Airways (Nairobi via Bamako), Virgin Nigeria (Lagos), Brussels Airlines (Banjul), Tunisair (Tunis), Air Algerie (Algiers), Air Mali International (Bamako), Air Mauritanie (Nouakchott), Bellview Airlines (Lagos), Delta Airlines (Luanda begins January 21, 2011),

From North America: SAA (Washington-Dulles and New York-JFK), Delta Atlanta began January 21, 2011, Delta (New York-JFK),

From Asia: Emirates (Dubai).

The rail service connecting Dakar and Koulikoro in Mali, once stopping at many cities in Senegal, has been cancelled indefinitely.

The main method of travel around the country is by sept places from French, seven seats, literally questionable station wagons in which they will pack seven people so that you are basically sitting on the next person's lap throughout the journey. You can also come with a group and rent out an entire sept place, but this will be expensive.

If you are obviously a tourist, they will try to rip you off, so make sure to set a price before you agree to a driver. There are set prices to often-travelled locations. The main sept place station in Dakar is Gare Routieres de Pompiers. Watch out for pickpockets!

The Dakar bus system, known as Dakar Demm Dikk (Dakar coming and going), is fairly dependable. Fares are 150 CFA, and there are no transfer. Unfortunately, for newcomers, there's not much in the way of a map of the bus system, so you'll have to figure it out on your own. The number 10 bus runs along the Corniche de l'Ouest and turns into the suburbs at Rue Aime Cesaire. The number 1 bus runs along the VDN.

Cars Rapides. These are the usually blue, yellow or white mini-buses that careen through Dakar and some of Senegal's other cities. There are somewhat fixed rates for certain distances, but you need to check with a Senegalese beforehand.

To find out where one is going, flag it down and shout out your destination at the apprenti, the boy in charge of collecting fares who hangs out the back. If he shouts back at you the destination you want, signal it to stop and hop aboard. To stop, bang loudly on the side of the bus, on the roof or signal to the apprenti you want off.

Apprenti's don't always speak French, so be prepared to communicate otherwise if you do not speak Wolof.

Place de l'Indépendance
Cheap and safe and everywhere. All taxi fares are negotiated beforehand and will require bargaining. If you're not from Senegal, it is best to check with locals before to get an idea of what they pay, in order to know what you will be able to get. Make sure your taxi has the right change as well before departing. Leave tips when you feel the service was good.

Interesting Places To Visit

- Village des Arts

- Musée Théodore Monod

- Layen Mausoleum

- Palais Présidentiel

- Mamelles Lighthouse

- Chambre de Commerce

- Place de l'Indépendance

- Plage de N'gor

African Renaissance Monument. Opening its doors in December 2010, this colossal monument is dedicated to Africa's emergence from the oppressive European regimes that once ruled the continent and the end of slavery. It is also meant as a display of African pride to shirk foreign perceptions of Africans as lesser people.

The monument is rather controversial, with some Africans feeling the sense of pride it is meant to envoke while others criticizing it as a foreign,it was made by North Korea, completely un-African Stalinist statue. From base to the top, it reaches taller than the Statue of Liberty.

IFAN Museum of African Arts Musee Theodore Monod d’Art Africain.

Ile de Goree. Goree Island in English, it was named by the Dutch after taking over the island from the Portuguese in the late 1600s. Goree was a minor location used for the transport of slaves headed to the Americas, though its prominence is often overplayed. The island has interesting colonial architecture, mostly in ruins, including the landmark "House of Slaves" museum.

Ferries can be taken from the terminal north of Place de l'Independance and cost 5000 CFA. The trip takes 10-20 minutes. There are many small restaurants and a handful of places offering lodging. This is a place with a great atmosphere, because it gives you kind of an pirate-island with friendly folks all-over kind of feeling.

Just walk around and explore. It's a small island, so you can easily stroll around it in an hour. You can buy cheap beer and lounge on the beach when you're done, or stroll some more and buy art-work from the locals.

Les Almadies (Les pointes des Almadies). The Western tip of the African continent where plenty of seafood restaurants are located.

Dakar Grand Mosque. Built in 1964.

Dakar Cathedral.

Hann Park and Zoo,Tues-Sun 10AM-12:30PM and 3PM-6:30PM. The public gardens were built in 1903 and thee arboretum was built in 1947. The gardens feature a wide variety of Senegalese plantlife and the zoo contains over 130 animals.

Check out the incredibly rich musical scene.

Lake Retba (Lac Rose). Also called the "Pink Lake", the high concentration of cyanobacteria indeed gives the lake a pink tone. During the dry season and when the sun is brightest the color is said to be especially vivid. The lake has a high concentration of salt, so while you admire the beauty of the lake, you can also observe the salt harvesters who still gather salt in the traditional way.

Birdwatch. Senegal is a great country for birdwatching, and Dakar is no exception. Les Almadies is a good place to see seabirds, and the Iles de la Madeleine is the only African nesting site of the red-billed tropicbird.

Islam Couture/ Embroidery Dakar has some amazing and amazingly expensive stores specialised in haute-couture, embroidered traditional west African Muslim clothes.

Marche Sandaga Madness. A decrepit concrete structure that has - despite appearance - three levels of activity: meat and vegetable stalls on the main floor, fish in the basement dungeon and - surprise - restaurant stalls on the roof. You will need to brave the crumpled stairs and step around guys cleaning dead chicken to make it up.

Around the market building a sprawling network of stalls offer everything from copied music CDs, Manchester United shirts, electronic gadgets and islamic books - but be aware the hawkers can be very aggressive. The place is also famous for pickpockets, so take only the amount of money you need and keep it in a safe place.

Marche HLM A smaller market geared primarily towards fabric vendors, Marche HLM is slightly less crazy than Sandaga. Hundreds of options for fabric that you can buy and then get tailored into perfectly fitting traditional Senegalese wear,if you will be in Dakar for awhile, ask a Senegalese person who his or her tailor is, and go there. A little less convenient for travellers who will only be staying a week.

Most vendors won't sell less than 3 to 6 metres of fabric. A reasonable price for local African decorated cotton fabric is 1000CFA/yards, rather than meters. There are several types, qualities and styles and the price range is 3,500cfa/4,000cfa for 6 yards of 'wax,' Sotiba, Afritex and a few others are 1,000cfa a yard, imported tye dye called 'thioup' from Mali is 9,000cfa for plain colors, 15,000cfa/18,000 up to 25,000cfa for best quality elaborately hand dyed fabric.

It comes in plastic packages, 4 yards with two pieces of cloth. The price is based on quality rather than decoration.

Marche Kermel, near the city centre in the area across the street from Casino supermarket, Marche Kermel is a smaller market than Sandiga but has better quality artisanal goods, from ostrich leather attache cases, crocodile belts & camel wallets, to antique African masks and beautiful bronze sculptures both made locally and imported from Burkino Faso.

There are also high quality expensive and beautiful, imported handmade textiles from Ghana. This market also has an extensive fresh seafood market featuring the largest shrimp (Cameroon) and lobsters to be found in Dakar as well as grouper called thiouf, red snapper called rougette, organic chicken free range from farms and meat.

The market is clean and well kept and the vegetables, fruit and fresh flowers are also sold there as well. Marche Kermel, although it is a traditional African market, the design of the building makes it an interesting place to shop and the quality of the goods are as you would expect in any grocery store anywhere in Dakar.

Soumbedioune, a popular evening fish market. There is also a Village Artisanal nearby where especially tourists can buy hand-made African jewellery, wooden decoration elements and much more. Be prepared to bargain.

Ali Baba: Greasy Spoon where you can get cheap Lebanese food. Good falafel sandwiches with french fries and lots of tahina sauce, shwarma, kebab and all sorts of other delicious also western snacks. Find it halfway up Ave. Pompidou.

Centre Culturel Francais Ask for the local food they serve for lunch,not on the menu during the week. On weekends you must ask nicely to convince them to let you try what they prepare for the staff.

Café de Rome in the City center Welcome to Cafe du Rome, authentic French food,as a matter of fact, you are in France, from oysters to steak tartar, and the famous Sole Meuniere. It is pricey by Dakar standards, but the food is great.

Maharaja Ngor - past Virage Beach on the way to the Airport if coming from Almadie: Indian food, nice atmosphere. This place is popular with expats, and outdoor seating is available.

Chez Ndeye / Ker Ndeye On a street parallel to Ponty Overpriced (4000 CFA per meal, 2000 CFA for a bissap drink). Mediocre Senegalese food. Besides the lovely Thiebou Dien, the place features home-made Tamarind juice. Try to catch the excellent Kora player. For that price, there are much better options in Dakar.

Glacier/ Nice Cream: City centre Over 30 flavours of good ice cream.

Annapurna Ngor - opposite Stade Ngor: Indian food, good, authentic, food and very well priced. Popular with expats. If you are accustomed to eating Indian food in North America and mainland Europe you will be very comfortable with the food here.

Hotel de l'Indépendance Eat here for the magnificent views from the restaurant on 16th floor.

Hotel Farid Lebanese Restaurant Drink a gigantic Arrak made from anis as an aperitif and then order the 20 Mezze.

La Fourchette Stylish place serving international cuisine,Mexican, Japanese, Moroccan, etc. at moderate prices. Next to Marche Kermel.

Lalibela Little Ethiopian restaurant with a fantastic rooftop dining area. The ambiance alone would be worth coming here, but luckily the food is great too. A little difficult to find -- between the VDN and Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop at the intersection with the Mobil-On-The-Run and la Poste Fann.

Le Jardin Thailandais Huge menu of delicious Thai food, great atmosphere. A little pricey, but worth it. Across the street from UCAD (Universite Cheikh Anta Diop) off of Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop/Rue de Ouakam. There is a jazz club across the street.

L'Ozio Italian cuisine.

Patisserie Laetitia Located along the street of Cafe du Rome towards La Corniche (the sea) - away from the centre - two blocks up on your right hand side. Serves fresh, warm croissants, pain au chocolate and pain ain au raisins. The coffee is good and the fruit juices freshly squeezed. You will be surrounded by locals in beautiful Muslim outfits, reading the paper and discussing the latest news.

Peanuts: The roasted peanuts you can buy on the street or get with your order of beer in any bar are delicious. These nuts are not greasy at all and have just the right amount of salt - and sometimes they are still slightly warm from being roasted.

Other Street Food: You can find all sorts of street food practically anywhere in Dakar. Apart from peanuts, there are other nuts, lots of fruit, and other special Senegalese treats and snacks. There are also plenty of sandwich shops and little bread stands, where you can get egg sandwiches or quick and cheap food.

Chez Loutcha, 101 rue Moussé Diop. Chez Lutcha is a Cape Verdian restaurant that serves huge portions of excellent food. Cape Verdian Portuguese inspired dishes, Senegalese food and international cuisine. Cozy courtyard or AC dining room. Excellent service.

Indiana Located near Place de Independence offer Indian food. Monday to Friday they offer buffet lunch just at 4500 F CFA. Well priced food.

Le N'Gor. A brightly painted open-air restaurant overlooking the sea. Several terraced patios give it a good feel. Portions are small, but the food is delicious. Expect to pay 10,000 CFA for a full meal with beer and dessert. It is located in Les Almadies past the Hotel de Almadies from the new US embassy, set back from the road behind an often empty parking lot. Look for poorly lit painted signs for "Ile de Le N'Gor".

Gazelle is the local favourite beer - it comes in serious bottles, or Flag, which is stronger and more expensive.

Le Hanoi You can't go wrong with a bar that has palm trees painted on one wall, a French military guy,opinions differ if he was secret service or just a regular drunk behind the bar who insists the black waitress is his little sister.

Le Viking On the Ponty, in the midst of Sandaga madness, Le Viking is a popular spot for expats and tourists. Pricey drinks, but great atmosphere. Live music on weekend nights!

Indiana Located near Place de Independence offer Indian food. Monday to Friday they offer buffet lunch just at 4500 F CFA. Food not very good but good for change.

My Ice Cream. A Senegalese owned gelato chain, they are located in various places within Dakar. There is a large variety of flavors and the price is affordable, between 800f and 1,500cfa for 2 huge scoops. The portions are very large and 2 scoops in a waffle cone is difficult to eat in one sitting. They offer foil wrap ups to take it to go! Locations are: Marche Castor, Grand Dakar, Yoff, Ngor and others.

There is a wide selection of hotels, form the basic to the best 4 star chains. Many first time visitors stay at the expensive Meridien. There are however, some good and reasonably priced places to stay.

Oceanium, Route de la petite corniche Est. Enviromentally friendly hostel/diving center, the Oceanium is also home for the Senegalese Ecologists Federation (FEDES). This very well located hostel works like a family and will give you many chances to meet the local culture. The fisherman's village Terrou Bye Sogui is next to the hostel so you can easily have a nice and affordable grilled fish for dinner. CFR 15,000 double room.

Onomo Hotel, Airport. One of the latest additions to Dakar and very usefull too for people that need to catch very early morning planes to other places. It is not uncommon that your flight to say Europe or Nigeria leaves at 3 am! You can book on line and their advertized rate is CFA 30,000.

Hotel du Phare Les Mamelles -36 cité Magistrats Les Mamelles -Ouakam- Dakar.booking online - Airport transfers - 24-hr security and sheck-in – Free wi-fi Internet 24-hr check in check out 1PM price from €30. The Phare hotel, named after the landmark Lighthouse is ideally located in "Les Mamelles", a quiet residential beach district, just 15 minutes from the city, 10 minutes from Leopold Sedar Senghor airport and close to "Les Almadies", "Ouakam", "N'Gor". The Phare Hotel has 10 Rooms surrounding an open air Flower Patio. The Rooms vary from Single to Quadruple each with ceiling fan and/or air conditioner. Hotel Phare is also close to Public transportation, Commercial banks, Restaurants, Bars and Night Clubs.

Auberge Poulagou - Yoff Tonghor Plage.Le Poulagou is a nice small hotel, 2 kilometres from the airport. Ideal for the first days in Senegal and to escape the madness of Dakar. Free Internet access. Poulagou is advised by most of the tourist guides. Good report quality/price
Auberge Kingz Plaza - Villa 10504 Sacré-Cœur 3, VDN Extension. Close to the airport, Kingz Plaza is in an area with lots of construction going on.

Staff is friendly, the rooms are decent, the prices are reasonable 26 euros for a double room with shared facilities, 8 euros for a 6 dorm room. The restaurant serves decent dinner and breakfast and a nearby cafe has good coffee and food. There is also a small grocery store 5min by foot along the VDN.

Hotel Oceanic - 9, rue de Thann. Oceanic is a budget option for around €30 (roomrate). Centrally located. Rooms and beds are (a bit) run down but the bathroom is OK. Good breakfast at neighbouring self-service restaurant. See videoclip on internet.

Hotel Farid - 51, rue Vincens. Central location. Rooms with air-co, TV, mini-bar, safe and free internet access. Good quality/price.

Al Afifa Hotel, (city centre), Clean air-con rooms. WiFi works most of the time and is free. Small outdoor pool, the main restaurant/bar along side it. Food is good and the breakfast excellent with fresh croissants. Ask a waiter to prepare a mango or other fruit at the buffet. Expect to pay around CFA 45,000 for a single room plus CFA 3,600 for a breakfast. This hotel also has an "American bar" and a nightclub attached. Walking distance to the main attractions in Dakar and the best restaurants such as Cafe de Rome and Chez Loutcha.

Pullman Teranga - (Former Sofitel) Between Independent Square and the Atlantic Ocean (City center). Very good setting. It is a good (although not cheap!) starter for medium budget travellers to acclimatize in Senegal. Comfortable rooms, cosy atmosphere. Roomrate round €100. Breakfast is €15 and splendid!

Seneganne, Les Almadies,next to the airport. Comfortable guesthouse run by an enthusiastic Belgian lady. WiFi access, swimming pool and, important in Dakar, a backup generator. Very clean and very well kept.

Radisson Blu Hotel Dakar, Fann Corniche (6 km from Dakar city). Trendy neighbourhood offering picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean

King Fahd Palace.Former Le Meridian President Top class hotel, and offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport. Though their in house restaurant offers a smart menu of meals, ordering a well done steak will result in a piece of near raw meat being served. Sending it back will just upset them.

Hotel Terrou-Bi. On the Corniche Ouest not far from the Radisson. Almost as nice as the Radisson, but a bit of a walk to anything. You'll need to take a taxi everywhere, but there's a great private beach, and a fantastic restaurant.

Senegal Style Tours (SenegalStyle B&B Budget Hostel), Ouest Foire, Cite Air Afrique, Immeuble Kine' Unit B. 24/7. SenegalStyle is an American owned multifaceted enterprise that allows budget travelers and Anglophone visitors,English speakers to expand participate in various reasonably priced cultural activities. As Senegal is a Francophone country,French speaking it is sometimes difficult to find English speaking establishments online.

Starting at €23 for walking tours in the city and to Goree Island & €100+ for car and driver excursions out of town, SenegalStyle local drivers and guides speak English, French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese. In addition, there is a language program for French, Wolof or Arabic and based in the B&B Hostel taught by certified instructors with an opportunity to volunteer at no fee, as English club counselors or other tasks while in Dakar. from 10,000cfa per person a night (about $20).

Petty crime in Dakar is relatively high; crime against tourists is common, even around Place de l'Independance. Use common sense: women should not walk around alone after dark. Watch your pockets in crowded places, such as Sandaga, and keep a close eye on your belongings. There are many different scams to get money from tourists, so be wary. The African favourite 'I work at your hotel and have run out of fuel, please can I borrow €10' etc are common, so don't be fooled.

Crime around the airport is extremely high. Do not change money at the airport. Con artists wait inside the arrival terminal by the baggage carousel. They inform you that they work for the airport and that they do not need any money from you. They snatch your bags out your hands, and lead you to a restaurant where you are told the kitchen is closed.

They will all sit around you and demand money before they let you or your bags go. Some may offer to take you to an affordable hotel such as Hotel Tahiti. They then lock themselves in the room with you and demand money. They do not settle for anything less than $US10-25. They do not care if you have enough money for food or to get back to the airport. They will threaten you. Be warned.

Avoid the beaches at night. Try not to wear any outwardly expensive items of clothing or jewelry. Generally, the Senegalese are not violent. Some people turn to stealing so that they can drink and eat. Overall, though, the Senegalese are an incredibly friendly and hospitable people and you will meet many people who are interested in talking to you.

Senegal is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. The police force is useless for your safety, although they all speak French hence are good to ask directions.

You should particularly avoid walking in the evenings or nights along the Corniche, particularly the stretch between the International School of Dakar and the Club Olympique.

There are many beggars in Dakar, and so this can be an uncomfortable situation. One way to handle it is with a simple, polite "ba BEN-een yohn" "next time" in Wolof. They may be persistent, but be firm without being rude. Another option is to give the talibes food. Also, keep in mind the Islamic tradition of giving daily after you've given once, you can say, "sah-RAHK-sah AH-gah-nah," which means charity has already been done.

Travelling outside of Dakar can be manic and harrowing, but is definitely worth it.

Saint-Louis — The old French capital of Senegal, St. Louis is on the northern border, near Mauritania, and has fantastic colonial architecture and nightlife. Popular destination for travellers. Near many bird parks.

Sine Saloum Delta — Just north of the border with the Gambia, the Delta has amazing mangrove forests that you can tour by pirogue ,essentially a motored canoe. Negotiate a fair price with a guide, and remember that once you get into the Delta, it's difficult and expensive to get around any way besides by pirogue.

Casamance — The southernmost region of Senegal, the Casamance boasts some of the most spectacular beaches and friendliest people in the country. The capital is Ziguinchor,nice to visit but not much to do. Cap Skirring is the main tourist destination, and there are many hostels as well as a Club Med or Club Merde as the locals call it.

The Casamance has been involved in a secessionist conflict for years; though the warring factions do not purposely attack tourists, there have been tourist deaths. The overnight ferry from Dakar to Ziguinchor is affordable and comfortable.

Details on the ferry: The boat leaves from Dakar on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8PM and from Zig on Thursdays and Sundays at 3PM, arriving 15-17 hours later. Office hours in Dakar are M-Friday, business hours with a break for lunch. To purchase tickets, you must go to either the port in Dakar or the one in Zig.

You cannot buy tickets online, or over the phone. Bring your passport to purchase. Advance purchase is advised, if possible, but not always necessary. Price for a couchette in a two person room is 30,500 and for a four person room is 28,500. Both include private bath and breakfast. They will be able to give you information on availability, prices and office hours.

Touba — Senegal's religious centre, Touba makes a great day trip. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are no longer allowed inside the mosque, which is enormous. Women will be asked to wear long skirts and cover their heads to tour the grounds.

Important Dakarian And Residents

Ofeibea Quist-Arcton,formerly worked with the BBC in London, foreign correspondent for NPR News

Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye, footballer

Akon, R&B singer (real name - Alioune Thiam)

Baaba Maal, singer and guitarist

Papiss Cisse, footballer, Newcastle United

Cheikh Samb, basketball player, former Los Angeles Clippers

Patrick Vieira, former footballer

Segolene Royal, French politician born in Dakar

Tacko Fall, high school basketball player

Thione Seck, singer and songwriter

Wasis Diop, musician

Boris Diaw, basketball player, Utah Jazz

DeSagana Diop, basketball player, Charlotte Bobcats

Elage Diouf, singer, songwriter and percussionist,real name - El Hadji Fall Diouf.

Hamady Ndiaye, basketball player Washington Wizards

Ibrahim Ba, former footballer

Ismael Lo, singer-songwriter

Issa, R&B singer

Patrice Evra, footballer, Juventus

Bouna Coundoul, footballer, Achna FC

Marcel Lefebvre, Founder of the SSPX, Apostolic delegate to Pope Pius XII, and Archbishop of Dakar.

Mbaye Diagne, United Nations military observer and hero during the Rwandan genocide

Orchestra Baobab

Ousmane Barro, basketball player, Marquette University

Papa Bouba Diop, former footballer

Pape Pate Diouf, football player

Youssou N'Dour, singer and percussionist

Racine Talla, college basketball player, IPFW

Macoumba Kandji, footballer, Colorado Rapids

Mamadou N'Diaye, former basketball player for Auburn University and the Toronto Raptors

Mame Biram Diouf, footballer, Stoke City

Marc Lievremont, former rugby player and former head coach of the France national rugby union team



Tourism Observer