HER GADGETS: The Upright Sleeper

Once in a while I post on travel gadgets out there that I think would be useful to any traveller.

Image by Skymall

Now, if there is anything that really gets me mad besides making me stand up every time you want to go to the washroom (that’s why you request for an aisle seat!) is those people who dose and their heads keep bopping to your side, sometimes you even find they (the annoying passage next to you) lay their head on you!

Well, here is something that may help you to not be that annoying passenger. It may look like a choking device, but this ferocious contraption isn’t aimed at spinal injury patients. It’s actually intended to keep your head steady when you doze off.

Unfortunately, I do not think they are available to us in the Kenyan market, but you can get it online from Uprightsleeper.com for approximately $39

Original article by Brooke Porter

 

Open Letter To Our Tourists

 Dear Tourist,



Usually I am not one to go blogging about terrorism or political affairs, but after watching what happened at the Westgate attack, I feel I should have to say something. First and foremost, my condolences to those who lost lives and huge heartfelt apology for those who were caught up in it either first hand or second. Not only did we loose our brothers and sisters, parents and children, not only did we watch our businesses collapse, leaving us with massive economic recollection and rebuild, we, the tourism  sector have to almost watch and predict what could happen, scratch that...what is happening. 

I feel frustrated that every time terrorists hit us or we have some sort of political indifference, the economic sector that suffers the most is tourism, bearing in mind that this sector accounts for approximately 12.5 percent of economic output, 7.4 percent of investment and 11 percent of jobs! I feel aggravated that however much these "economy analysts" keep on telling us what they think and know will happen as an aftermath of terror attacks and political indifference, yet no-one seems to listen. I feel depressed living with the threat that I could once again watch my friends or myself go jobless and without a means to provide for our families as hotels and resorts close down due to lack of business as was the case in 2007 due to the post-election violence; therefore this is what I have to tell my tourists.

The Truth
Kenya is one of the best touristic destinations in the world, with an all-in-one experience. We are blessed with white clean sandy beaches and sanctified with a wide range of wildlife! The Kenyan people are warm and friendly, with a rich culture that you just have to experience.

Yes, the enemy hit us, but you need to think fair and critical, he has hit even the countries you come from, but that did not stop us coming to your country, so please do not stop visiting us. Kindly, ignore the negative press, and remember bad news sells fast, that’s why the attack seems to be on every news channel you switch to, bearing in mind this is what the enemy wanted!

We have built luxurious resorts, astounding safari lodges just so that you can come and enjoy, the African culture, see that Africa and especially we, Kenya are not a dying nation, as those images used to raise funds for “the less fortunate” in Africa. We, Kenya, want you to see the beautiful faces that fill our country; we want you to see the positive side of our nation, we want you to experience the truth about what Kenya’s got to give.

The plea
To those who are writing that email of cancellation, or opting for a different destination as a choice of holiday, please re-think your decisions, the whole reason for a terrorist attack is so that we can suffer. The truth is, you cancelling gives the enemy a reason to celebrate. As a nation, we have beefed up security and are more alert, we can ascertain that you will be safe to have game drives in the Masai Mara a world wonder or enjoy a sun tan in Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage recognised town.

Kenya should and will remain a top on the list travel destination; however, we the Kenyan people need you the tourist to make that a reality. Visit us and help us spread the good instead of the bad.

Thank You,
xoxo
Murugi Njehia 

13 Unusual International Customs You Never Knew Existed

We have all heard of or practice some customs that may seem a bit off, but because of tradition we just honor them and continue doing it without question. Recently, i was reading the Reader's Digest and came across these international customs that just blew my mind off, some even cracked my ribs!

 

1. Avoid Giving Certain Flowers in Russia
Be careful when presenting flowers to a friend or business associate in Russia. Yellow blooms signify deceit or a relationship break-up. And skip red carnations, too. Traditionally, red carnations are placed on the graves of the dead, or are offered to surviving war veterans.






2. Don't Expect a Thank You Card for These Gifts in China
Clocks, handkerchiefs, straw sandals and flowers are all associated with death and funerals in China. Deemed inappropriate and morbid, you’ll risk damaging the relationship if you present these gifts – for any occasion - to someone in China.

3. Skip the Salt in Egypt

When tucking into a meal in Egypt, by-pass or ignore the saltshaker. It’s insulting to your host to sprinkle salt on your food. If you have to season your plate, it means that you find the meal’s taste repulsive, which is plain rude. 

4. Don't Show Up On Time in Venezuela
Who needs a watch? I think this would work well with most women; we always seem to get late. Venezuela is one place where being early or on time is viewed as being rude. In Venezuela if you are invited over to someone’s home for a meal, it’s recommended that you arrive 10 to 15 later than the requested time. Early or on time guests are viewed as being too eager, even greedy.

5. Always Use a Knife and Fork in Norway
In Norway, table manners are extremely important. Most meals – including sandwiches – are eaten using utensils. 

6. Be Blunt in the Netherlands
Gift giving should be a happy, positive experience. When selecting a present for someone in the Netherlands, don’t purchase fancy kitchen knives or scissors. Giving sharp, pointy objects as gifts is considered unlucky. 


7. Send Your Tooth to the Roof in Greece
Children in Greece don’t expect the Tooth Fairy to cough up money in exchange for a lost tooth. Instead, Greek kids toss their discarded baby teeth onto the roof of their home. This custom is meant to bring good luck and a healthy replacement tooth.

8. Don't Clink and Drink in Hungary 

Clinking glasses and swigging beer is a scene played out of many pubs around the world, but don’t expect to see such merriment in Hungary. This old custom dates back to the 1849 war with Austria. After defeating Hungarian forces and savagely killing thirteen of their military’s leaders, Austrian generals were celebrating by smugly clinking glasses and drinking beer. While consuming beer was never forbidden, Hungarians did pledge to refrain from clinking glasses for a period of 150 years. Today, this custom is still followed in certain circles despite the expiry of the 150-year vow.

9. Keep Business Away From the Table in Bolivia
In Bolivia, it’s rude to discuss business during a social occasion such as a wedding, or dinner party. The dining experience is meant to enrich personal relationships, not make deals. If you’re attending a business lunch or dinner, wait until your host brings up the subject of work before diving into the topic. Your Bolivian counterpart will want to chat about family before tackling business issues.

10. Skip the Tab in Turkey
When doing business in Turkey, it’s the custom for your host to pay for your meal. Requests to split the bill will be viewed as a polite gesture, but won’t be accepted. If you would like to pay your fair share, Turks recommend inviting your host to a follow-up meal. At that time, you can reciprocate and extend the same courtesies that were offered to you.

11. Mind Your Chopsticks in Japan

Japan is a very polite nation, and their fondness for etiquette extends to the mealtime use of chopsticks. According to Japanese custom, it’s considered ill-mannered to point, play with, or stab food with chopsticks. If you’re in the middle of eating, use the opposite end of your chopsticks to secure food from a shared plate. Using the end that touches your mouth is extremely offensive, not to mention unhygienic.

12. Red Equals Dead in Korea
Writing a lot of cards or notes while visiting South Korea? Be mindful of your pen’s ink colour. Scrawling a person’s name in red ink traditionally signifies that the person is deceased – an important point to remember when giving a birthday card.

13. Stick to the Sauna in Finland
Don’t be perplexed. Say, yes! In Finland, saunas are a preferred way to relax and socialize with family and friends. Don’t be surprised if your business meeting is followed up with an invite to let off some steam in a local sauna. If you receive such a request, rest assured that your business meeting went well.

For the original article By Jackie Middleton for readersdigest.ca 

African Jungle in Images (Part 2)

Cheetah Family by Chris Johns - National Geographic

African Lion Cub  by Beverly Joubert - National Geographic

by Beverly Joubet - National Geographic

by Beverly Joubet - National Geographic

Leopard Mother & Cub by Beverly Joubet - National Geographic

Saving our Elephants and Rhinos

Last week I sent out a press release that was posted on blogs that I publish, here and our company blog Lets Go Travel, Kenya. The post spoke of how conservationists were doing their best with the latest campaign to try and save our elephants with the campaign being dubbed, Hands off our elephants!

Truth is, I do not think people understand how serious this is! It is said that if the current trend on Ivory poaching continues, we basically expect all the elephants to be extinct within 10 years! If this is not alarming enough, then let me break it down to you with what Citizen TV news anchor, Johnson Mwakazi would call SENSE....

Tourism is one of the main pillars of economy in Kenya, with it being the 2nd largest source of foreign exchange revenue following agriculture. This means that at least a high population depend on tourism to put food on their tables! Think of it, for this industry to function we need other sectors such as the communication sector, food & poultry, transport etc. But all these other sectors to have business depend on that tourist who is coming to see that Elephant that we are killing for the sake of Ivory trade!

Figures point out that 384 elephants were slain in 2012, expectations are that this year will be even worse: 92 elephants and 17 rhino were poached in the first 10 weeks of this year - 12 of which were killed in one go, in Tsavo East national park!

Of course, Rhino horn / poaching is not exempt with just in the recent past, Lewa wildlife conservancy, a conservancy created in order to protect the rhinos saw two black rhino - one just three days old - gunned down even though the conservancy has an aircraft patrolling the skies and  heavily armed protection unit, poachers still got in and out,in efforts to get the rhino horn!

All I am trying to say is this, if we could create more awareness, more strict penalties such as the raised fines and jail terms... just maybe the "kingpins" who basically contract the middlemen, who in turn contract the ground poachers would be scared to trade!

What do you think we should do to stop this Killing of our Elephants and Rhinos?