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The Beetle
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An Insight into the Culture of Mikindani, Tanzania by Len Coleman
Tanzania has a multi-ethnic and multi-racial population that practices a wide variety of traditions and customs. In Mikindani, the influence of Shirazi Arabs from Persia and traders from the Indian subcontinent combined with the movement and mixture of different ethnic African groups have complemented each other to form a rich cultural heritage. This is something…
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The Beetle
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US passports to carry digitally signed Images
US citizens will be issued with “smart” passports carrying a digitally signed photograph by late 2004. The new passports will include an embedded microchip that stores a compressed image of its owner's face. These microchips will be designed to prevent tampering and each digital image will be cryptographically signed to guarantee its authenticity. Civil liberties…
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The Beetle
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No Nessie!
UK’s BBC recently undertook a special search for the Loch Ness Monster. Using sonar equipment and satellite navigation technology, they combed the entire lake of Loch Ness but found no proof of “Nessie’s” existence. Aaaah!
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The Beetle
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Place Names
As a result of the item about place names, Tom from N. Carolina wrote in to add: in the US state of Georgia we have Cairo, Athens & Rome. There is also Moscow in the state of Idaho; Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Frankfort, Kentucky and Odessa, Texas. The state of Connecticut has a bunch…
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The Beetle
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Luggage Complaints
The UK's Air Transport Users Council, the passenger watchdog organisation reports that complaints about baggage problems continue to increase more than in any other category. Almost a quarter of all complaints registered last year related to lost luggage. There was a 44 percent increase in written complaints, with mishandled baggage at the top of the…
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The Beetle
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Along the West Highland Way by Matt Doughty
Scotland's first long distance walk, The West Highland Way, is 152km (95 miles) long and links Milngavie (north of Glasgow) to Fort William. It takes walkers along the shores of the country's largest freshwater loch, Loch Lomond, and on passed the foot of its highest mountain, Ben Nevis. What follows is a look how at…
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The Beetle
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Bangladeshi Bus Bust
Police in Bangladesh have announced new measures to combat the organised gangs who are terrorising transport owners, workers and passengers into handing over money at many of the capital, Dhaka’s bus terminals. The Bangladesh Rifles have combined with a newly formed Rapid Action Team in an attempt to bring the practice to an end. 72…
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The Beetle
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Padmassana Travels To Japan – Part 1
I’ve been to Japan before, to Honshu, but have not explored the southern parts, so this trip was designed at seeing Kyushu. I flew into Fukuoka as an entry point via Seoul that is a lot cheaper than going to Nagasaki. My trip had three bases: I used Beppu as a base to see the…
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The Beetle
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Free London Museums: Royal Air Force Museum
If you are into airplanes, then this is the place for you: Britain's National Museum of aviation features over 70 full-sized aircraft including a unique collection of British, German and Italian planes. The Museum also houses a flight simulator, 'Touch and Try' Jet Provost Trainer and Sunderland Flying Boat 'walk through' experience. Address: Grahame Park…
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The Beetle
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Airline News
Qantas began flying to Rome in 1948 but is suspending services because of SARS and the threat of terrorism. Low cost UK based carrier bmibaby is to start services from Manchester to both Prague and Barcelona. Fares start from £32.49 one way US regional carrier Atlantic Coast Airlines, which operates as both United Express and…
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The travel club for independent travellers.