September 2011

Named for the famous steam train “Flying Scotsman,” a new express train service was launched between London’s Kings Cross Station and Edinburgh, Scotland, by East Coast Main Line in May.

In December ’10, the European Court of Justice upheld a 2005 law banning foreigners from entering “coffee shops” that sell cannabis (legally) in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Goa is a popular beach resort area in India known for its relaxed atmosphere, but some tourists have been sightseeing at nearby churches and temples inappropriately dressed (some women even in bikinis). Priests, monks and some worshipers have protested the lack of respect for the sanctity of the religious sites.

As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 34 destinations: Afghanistan, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Kenya, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Kenya’s national power distributor announced in July that it would begin an electricity-rationing program. Water levels in dams with hydroelectric plants are low due to drought.

The US Department of State strongly urges refraining from travel to the Gaza Strip by any means, including via sea. The government of Israel has announced its intention to seek 10-year travel bans to Israel for anyone participating in an attempt to enter Gaza by sea.

The US Department of State warns of the risks of travel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (aka Congo-Kinshasa or DRC).

by Julie Skurdenis

A downloadable brochure lists 15 sites associated with Ireland’s patron saint along a 92-mile driving route in Northern Ireland. Among sites are Armagh, where Patrick founded his main church, Struell Well, blessed by Patrick, and Down Cathedral, his gravesite.

Including a map, descriptions of each stop and 14 two-for-one entry vouchers, it’s available free from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board website.

by Rick Steves