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The US Department of State warns of recently heightened threats from terrorism in Kenya plus the high rate of violent crime in some areas. On April 23, the US Embassy in Nairobi stated they had “credible information” regarding a possible attack on Nairobi hotels and Kenyan government buildings.
On March 10, 2012, assailants threw four grenades at a bus station in Nairobi, killing nine Kenyans and injuring more than 50.
In Guinea-Bissau on April 12, two weeks before a presidential election, the government was taken over in a military coup. The military junta alleged that the government planned to reduce the size of the army.
After the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened sanctions and the use of military force if the “transitional government” did not free the deposed leaders and restore constitutional government, the junta sent the former prime minister and the frontrunner in the presidential election to Ivory Coast and promised elections in two years.
Clashes between South Sudan and Sudan over the oil-rich border regions escalated in April, and diplomatic efforts to restore peace negotiations failed. Each country accuses the other of supporting rebel militias, whom they blame for air strikes and ground attacks that have killed dozens.
For years I had thought about visiting Brazil. Finally, at the age of 73, I headed there for a stay, Aug. 6-Sept. 5, 2011.
I traveled through China’s Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, where minority peoples live in the countryside, on a 17-day trip, Oct. 9-29, 2011. These sections are interesting because some of the people still adhere to the older customs and style of dress.
At any of four luxury hotels in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, book three nights or more (including Dec. 21, 2012) and get the room for free on the night the Mayan calendar ends. If the world ends, the hotel will repay you double your money.
Rates run $350 per night, double, for a one-bed, one-bath condo to $1,130 for 3-bed/3-bath with views. Contact Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen (866/479-2738). Festivities, Mayan ceremonies, tours and performances are planned.
by Judith Anshin, First of two parts
For more than 10 years I had wanted to take a long trip to Southern Africa, visiting South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. I decided 2011 would be the year I would do it, no matter what.
REPORT ON NETHERLANDS…
Dear Globetrotter:
For four years, from 1941 to 1944, the Litsa River frontier in the Russian Arctic was the focus of an attempt by German forces to take Murmansk, site of a harbor crucial to the Soviets. Tens of thousands of men on both sides died during the battle. Although Murmansk, itself, was bombed into ruins, no Axis forces ever succeeded in setting foot in the city.