Amsterdam - End of Drug Tourism?

The days of visiting Amsterdam for the joy of openly smoking and using recreational drugs could soon come to an end after new Dutch legislation threatens the drug tourism. The present right-wing coalition government is pushing to restrict the operations of the coffee shops and to prohibit the sale of the drugs to nonresidents.

If the first phase is successful in the court challenge, as of May 1 2012, coffee shops in three southern provinces are to be turned into members-only clubs, limited to 2,000 Dutch clients each. They are to maintain a registry and check IDs. Coffee shops who break the law will face criminal prosecution. The rest of the country’s coffee shops are to follow suit on Jan. 1, 2013.

Nearly a quarter  of more than four million foreign tourists a year visit its coffee shops where the sale of small quantities of cannabis are tolerated. The sale of marijuana and hashish  is not legal, but a longstanding policy of tolerance  means that licensed coffee shop operators are not prosecuted as long as they deal in limited quantities and keep hard drugs and minors out. The Dutch are also allowed to cultivate up to five marijuana plants each for their personal use.

A drug tolerance policy reduces the harm caused by prohibition, in part by separating the markets for hard drugs like heroin from the market for marijuana, and by getting cannabis dealers off the street and into a regulated environment.

Almost all of the hashish sold in the coffee shops is imported, illegally, from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon and Morocco. The government would begin treating high-potency marijuana as a hard drug, like heroin and cocaine, prohibiting its sale in coffee shops.

There are those in Parliament who worry that the change will bring a return to street dealing and the crime that accompanies it. Others argue that the Netherlands, which is struggling to reduce its budget deficit, cannot afford to alienate tourists.

Coffee shop owners have so far failed in court to overturn the ban on sales to foreigners, but another lawsuit is being brought by the Cannabis Retailers Association, which represents the country’s 680 coffee shops. It should be heard in the next few weeks.

Let's not forget there is so much more to  Amsterdam  than Coffeeshops, but taking away the privilege for a little high on a visit, would take away something that  Amsterdam  has always tolerated, and tourists know about around the world.

Source: 
The New York Times - Law Could Hamper Drug Tourism
Government of Netherlands - Tightening of tolerance criteria for coffeeshops
Government of Netherlands - High-potency cannabis reclassified as hard drug

Around the World in 10 Days - "Make it Count'

Possibly one of the best travel videos I've seen that also has an important message.

Contracted by Nike, filmmaker Casey Neistat and his buddy Max "made it count" by using Nike's money to fund a 10-day round the world adventure that saw them visit Paris, London and a host of other interesting destinations before running out of money.

The idea began when Nike wanted to build a social media buzz around a new ad campaign that featured the tagline, and Twitter hashtag, #makeitcount for a product called Fuelband, a high-tech bracelet designed to keep track of  workouts. 

Funded and paid by Nike, these guys got a chance to really see the world in a flash, give meaning to 'make it count', and deliver a great message. 

Skiathos G-Festival

The less known island of Skiathos in Greece, as featured in the Mamma Mia film, is to host the Skiathos Gay Culture Festival in July 2012, in what could become an annual event of art exhibitions, beach parties, V.I.P. parties, beach wrestling and beauty competitions. The festival intends to promote gay culture and involves art events and exhibitions as well as themed parties and other events. Organised sailing cruises on yachts as well as private flights are available for the ones who wish to enjoy a more private holiday.

Skiathos is one of the greenest islands in Greece and has been nominated the most popular Greek destination in 2010. The island has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and culture. Its beautiful beaches such as the so called "Small Banana" are some of the most popular beaches in Greece, and according to Tripadvisor the best Greek beach 2012.

Ideal for visiting close by islands such as Skopelos and Alonissos, where holiday makers might also have the chance to see the seals that live in the caves of the island. Skiathos enjoys a number of visitors during summer not only because of its natural beauties and crystal waters, but also because of the excellent nightlife that it has to offer. 

The area of Skiathos Town which is the center of the island is characterized by stone paths, traditional taverns and restaurants and affordable bars and nightclubs. Taking into account that Mykonos is one place that it has been extensively visited, Skiathos is hoping it will stand as an alternative potential destination not only for the gay society, but for every holiday maker. 

For more about the event visit Skiathos Gay Culture Festival.

United States Authorities to decide who can visit Canada, Mexico and Cuba

New rules require British Airways and other airlines flying to certain airports outside America to submit passengers' personal data to US authorities.  The information is checked against a "No Fly" list containing tens of thousands of names. Even if the flight plan steers well clear of US territory, travellers whom the Americans regard as suspicious will be denied boarding. One million British travellers planning to fly to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico this year face the risk of being turned away at the airport – at the insistence of the US Department of Homeland Security.

WHO IS AFFECTED?
Visitors to Canada. Airports affected: Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Vancouver, Calgary. Visitors to Mexico. Airports affected: Mexico City and Cancun.  Visitors to Cuba. Airports affected: Havana, Varadero and Holguin

New security checks are already in place, even for flights hundreds of miles from American airspace.

"The concern by the United States for its own security is entirely understandable, but it seems to me it's a whole different issue that American wishes should determine the rights and choices of people travelling between two countries neither of which is the US."

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats

Every US-bound passenger has had to provide Advance Passenger Information (API) before departure for several years now, but Washington has extended the obligation to air routes that over-fly US airspace, such as Heathrow to Mexico City or Gatwick to Havana. Now the US is demanding passengers' full names, dates of birth and gender from airlines, at least 72 hour before departure from the UK to Canada. 

Any passenger who refuses to comply will be denied boarding. Those who do supply details may find their trip could be abruptly cancelled by the Department of Homeland Security, which says it will "take boarding pass determinations up until the time a flight leaves the gate ... If a passenger successfully obtains a boarding pass, his/her name is not on the No Fly list." In other words, travellers cannot find out whether they will be accepted on board until they reach the airport. 

Air Canada and British Airways said they would comply with any new rules. The US will have full details of all British visitors to Cuba, including business travellers, which could potentially be used to identify people suspected of breaking America's sanctions against the Castro regime.

"This extension of the rule to include flights that never enter US airspace is scarcely credible. What on earth right does the US have to ask for passenger information if you're flying London-Havana."

Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet

The land called 'home of the free' seems to be becoming more like a tough parent than a big brother. Canada, Mexico and Cuba cannot do anything to stop this information being passed to US Authorities, acting more like a state within it. It appears to be an extension of US borders, a demonstration of a desire for control of a growing American Empire.

This could lead the way, that one day, Washington may have the authority to get Advance Passenger Information on any flight, and decide if your allowed on - or not.

Source:  Planning a trip to Canada or the Caribbean? US Immigration may have other ideas...

London Treasures - Rivoli Balloom

The Rivoli Ballroom is one of the few remaining ballrooms in London, England. Famous for its original decor and interior fittings of red velvet, flock wallpaper, chandeliers, glitter balls and over-sized Chinese lanterns. It is often used as a film location and plays host to many dance and musical events throughout the year. 

Photo by Ewan Munro

The listed grade two building by English Heritage, located at 350 Brockley Road London SE4 2BY, opposite Crofton Park overground rail station. It started life as the Crofton Park Picture Palace in July 1913 and was converted into a ballroom in 1957, reopening in 1959 with a large sprung maple dance floor.

Pop videos and style shoots at the Rivoli Ballroom include Tina Turner's "Private Dancer" video, as well as rock band Oasis, pop group S Club 7, singer Charlotte Church, fashion model Kate Moss are some to make use of the venue for shoots. It is probably most famously remembered for its use in the 1983 Elton John video for the song "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues".  Live music plays a part at the Rivoli regularly.

A Same Sex Ballroom Competition takes place here annually, as well as monthly ballroom dances on the first weekend of every month (same sex and mixed). The exterior may not be all that appealing, though inside really is a feast for the eyes, and definitely one of London's many well kept treasures.

Sources:
London Rivoli Ballroom
The Rivoli 
Wikipedia Rivoli Ballroom 

Blau Varadero - Hotel Review

Along the peninsula of Varadero is a long strip of hotels and resorts, and not much else, with some lovely shallow beaches and clear blue warm waters, which are perfect for families or all-inclusive package holidays.

The Blau Varadero is located near the end of the strip, a large structure compared to others in the vicinity but still isolated. Since Varadero offers so little to see, its important to find a place that can cater to all needs on location.

Blau delivers with excellent room sizes and nice views if you get the ocean view rooms. If you get non ocean view rooms you'll be facing and getting the sun rays all day long, which may be bothersome to some.

A large pool, tennis courts, mini-golf, garden, outdoor pool bar, 2 a la carte restaurants, 2 buffet restaurants, 24 hour beach bar and snack bar, fitness rooms, jacuzzi and sauna, evening entertainment and inside bar in the large open lobby. After a couple of days this feels natural and routine, but a pleasant array of choices as menu's change daily with plenty of options of what to try next.

It does the job, clean and comfortable. If your staying in the higher floors, waiting for the lift/elevator may become a bit of a wait at peak times. An internet room with one PC is available, but no wifi.

Varadero isn't much more than a resort town, and Blau at least offers everything in one place without having to leave the resort or needing your wallet.

Links:
Blau Varadero - Tripadvisor
Blau Varadero

Parque Central Hotel Review - Havana, Cuba

 Excellent location and easy walking distance to old Havana makes this a great place to stay. It is a modern 4/5 star, depending on which building you stay in. The older original building is slightly dated, but the rooftop pool offers excellent views over the square and Capital building in the vicinity. This remains the main entrance, and also with a large foyer, is the place to see some evening entertainment.

A newer building is now connected by an underground passage-way, or just a short block away if you choose to walk at street level (though may mean being harassed by locals). The newer rooms are spacious and modern, and the rooftop offers additional swimming pools and restaurant and bar with great views of the city below.

Parque Central Hotel is a very comfortable stay, but after reading reviews on Tripadvisor it may just depend on which part of the hotel you get your room. Ask for a room in the the new building and you may find the standards are higher than in the original building.

The hotel does offer wifi at 8CUC for one hour, but don't expect it in your room. This is only available in the main foyer and can be charged to your room. This is Cuba, so don't expect to be connected to the world as easily as in the modern world - after all, coming to Cuba is a holiday and a break from it all.

Parque Central Hotel is an excellent hotel in a great location.

Links: 

Tripadvisor - Parque Central Reviews

Parque Central Hotel