The Globetrotters eNewsletter
eNewsletter Archive

Hello all,

Now that we’re into a new season of the London Globetrotter’s branch meetings, its time for quite a catch up as there’s plenty happening travel wise at the moment. In the articles below you can see who our first speakers were at the London September meeting, you can enjoy feedback readers, you can enter a competition, you can learn more about the Cook Islands and Mac takes us on a shopping trip for those on a budget ! You can also log on to the club’s web site, www.globetrotters.co.uk, to discover the forthcoming program of speakers in 2009/2010.

Hot off the press – for those of you that might be interested & inspired there are two items of news regarding round the world cyclist Mark Beaumont. The first is that Mark is off on a new adventure…this time he’s journeying across the Americas –see http://www.markbeaumontonline.com/ for details. And secondly it seems that Mark no longer holds the record for cycling round the world…Londoner James Bowthorpe has claimed that honour – see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8264580.stm for further details !

That’s all for now as I’m trying to get ready for a brief trip to south west France – we’re off looking for some late autumn sun and a chance to ride mountain bikes in new surroundings. I’ll see you in October, hopefully with some interesting tales & no mishaps. In the meantime keep sending me your articles, feedback and general comments…I tried to read and work with them all.

The Ant

theant@globetrotters.co.uk

Emily Ainsworth – 2008 RGS/BBC Journey of Lifetime winner – The Romance of Reality: An Exploration of Mexico from the Inside Out, Travelling with a Family Circus

In 2008, Emily Ainsworth, a 22-year-old Oxford graduate in English, ran away to the circus in Mexico. “No tigers here, because Humberto’s niece got eaten by one of them, but they do have an elephant which plays the harmonica. She’s decided that she doesn’t like me. She picked me up with her trunk, just like they do in cartoons, but instead of putting me on her head, she threw me in the mud and tried to stamp on me. I was very unimpressed. But I think she’s behaving badly because her tamer ran away the other night…” As Emily and the circus hopped from city to city, working through the night to pitch on the scrubby hinterlands, she learnt more about the role of transformation in the circus and the people who worked there. Characters included the female circus performer who danced her way through the evening shows, and then worked for her mothers’ quesadilla stall until the early hours, to fund her degree in international relations. For five generations audiences have paid their pesos to watch performers under the patched canvas of the Circo Padilla family’s tent. Emily was lucky enough to see what went on when the curtain fell and the lights went off.

See more details via http://www.rgs.org

Tracey Murray – From Bauhaus to Bastei, Travels in the former East Germany

Globetrotter’s very own Committee member Tracey Murray took us on a trip around the former Eastern Germany to visit a number of World Heritages sites and parks. Tracey described how easy it was to use buses, trains & cycles to view the many sites and showed us some excellent photos. I think we got to hear more interesting aspects about that region than we expected – Tracey obviously enjoyed the architecture, the surprisingly stunning national park scenery and even managed to sneak in references to local breweries & public houses. The audience were also impressed that Tracey put together this excellent talk at very short notice, as one of the booked speakers had to pull out at very short notice !

Details of the forth coming meetings at the London branch, September to December 2009, can be found at http://globetrotters.co.uk/meetings/lon10it.html

The London branch meetings are held at The Church of Scotland, Crown Court, behind the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden at 2.30pm the first Saturday of each month, unless there is a UK public holiday that weekend. There is no London meeting in August, but we start afresh in September. For more information, contact the Globetrotters Info line on +44 (0) 20 8674 6229, or visit the web site: www.globetrotters.co.uk.

For information on Ontario meetings, please contact Svatka Hermanek: shermanek@schulich.yorku.ca or Bruce Weber: tel. 416-203-0911 or Paul Webb: tel. 416-694-8259.

The Ontario branch meetings are held on the third Friday of January, March, May, September and November. Usually at the Woodsworth Co-op, Penthouse, 133, Wilton Street in downtown Toronto at 8.00 p.m.

Picture courtesy of Derek Clark : Perfect Pitch

Hi Ant

I’ve been receiving the newsletters for awhile now and thoroughly enjoy them.

I’m no globetrotter myself. I went to Switzerland three times in the early ’60’s and have been to Paris twice in the late ’90’s. I don’t like flying and find that I have no great desire to visit foreign parts although I have a vague plan to travel the Roman roads of Europe when my wife retires in four years time.

I am, however, very interested in the history of England and Wales and I travel about cycle camping. I am no great shakes as a photographer – I use my compact camera as a diary – but here is a photo from last year that won me a prize in the Perfect Pitch section of the Camping and caravan Club competition.

I hope that is of interest

cheers

Derek Clark

August 2009

Hello,

I am contacting you regarding Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation new website, we are re launching the site after six years in operation. We are registered UK charity working to raise awareness of the importance of safe travel to young people, whether they are going aboard for independent travel, gap years, organised tours or simply visiting a different country.

We established Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation after the tragic death of Caroline Stuttle in 2002 in Bundaberg Australia whilst travelling on her gap year. Aimed at young travellers, CRF works with the education sector, The Foreign Office and other organisations, trusts and charities to provide easy accessible and helpful information about safe travel. In particular the charity provides information about personal safety abroad and encourages young people to recognise and prioritise life’s values where ever they maybe in the world.

We are looking to give specific travel/personal safety information to a country or city in our Global Guide; other new features include podcasts and travel stories with safety tips, our “Time of Your Life” DVD and recorded presentations we give in schools and colleges to promote travel safety awareness and the importance of following your dreams.

The new layout for our site means that it is a great foundation for the expansion of travel safety information, the Global Guide will only grow, all our information has been gathered by researchers that have travelled to the places and experienced the culture and local customs. If you would like to contribute to the site in the way of personal and travel safety information please contact us.

Kind regards

Richard Stuttle

Founder

PO BOX 216

YORK

YO42 4WZ

Email: richard@carolinesrainbowfoundation.org

Website: www.carolinesrainbowfoundation.org

Registered Charity No 1095766

Uk Company Registration No: 4525003

Several things in the May 2009 Globetrotters E Mail Newsletter (besides what countries I liked, disliked etc Ha!) interested me. I would be interested in hearing other Globetrotters likes, dislikes etc..

Finding out from Jennifer Barclays visit to Tilos (Greek Island) and her telling that years ago Elephants, when water was shallow, came over from Africa to this island. They became smaller to adapt and they became just one half of a metre tall (I would like to know their diet). As I had just read Culture Shock, Saudi Arabia by Harvey Tripp and Peter North (which was excellent) it interested me that you get to hear of it in England and can see the TV series.

I am doing a lot of travel reading but not much travelling.

Thanks for remembering me. Mac

If you have enjoyed reading this eNewsletter, why not visit the Globetrotter website, http://www.globetrotters.co.uk/ and have a look at a copy of Globe, the bi-monthly printed newsletter sent to members only.

Yes…you can renew your membership or join the Globetrotters Club online. It is secure and you can pay by all major credit, debit or charge cards. Transactions will be in Pounds Sterling and your bank will convert this to your local currency for you. (If you are not familiar with British Pounds you can find a rough exchange in your local currency on the payment page). Membership costs are as follows:

· UK – 1 year £15.00, 2 year £28.00 , 3 year £39.00

· Worldwide – 1 year £18.00, 2 year £34.00, 3 year £48.00

Join now with our no-risk guarantee. If you find that Globetrotters does not offer the advice and information you need, let us know within 14 days of receiving your first issue of Globe and we will refund your subscription fee in full (there is no need to return the magazine). Join today-Just Click Here!

As a member, you will be a part of the oldest travel network in existence and have the opportunity to make new friends who share your interest in travel. Once you are a member, you will receive our annual membership that lists all Globetrotters members around the world. You can contact fellow Globies and even stay with some of them or offer to put fellow Globetrotters from around the world up yourself! You will also receive a reduction on any Globetrotter meetings in your area, and will be entitled to have free Globetrotter calling cards to give your details to other travellers you meet while travelling.

There is also a growing list of retailers who provide club members with discounts on a range of products – these are listed in each edition of Globe.

Click here to join & become a Globetrotter or contact membership@globetrotters.co.uk for more information.

The Cook Islands chapter from Moon Handbooks South Pacific is now online at http://cookislands.southpacific.org/

I updated the information during a visit to Rarotonga after the 2004 edition was published, so what’s on the web is more up to date than what’s in the printed book. The 125 pages of my Cook Islands Travel Guide contain 15 detailed island maps and town plans, plus dozens of photos and line drawings. Many of the pictures are from my most recent trip while others appeared in previous editions of my guidebook.

The material has been specially adapted for the internet and I removed guidebook-style details such as telephone and fax numbers which can be easily checked online. The accommodations listings are grouped according to price with six pages devoted to Rarotonga and four for Aitutaki, organized geographically.

There are clear maps of Aitutaki Atoll, Aitutaki Island, Arutanga, Atiu, Avarua, Mangaia, Manihiki, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Rarotonga, Suwarrrow, and the Cook Islands.

Navigation is easy with top and side menus, plus a full site map. Many of the maps are clickable to more detailed maps and the highlight pages are linked directly to specific references. A search box is also provided.

These features make the site as easy or easier to use than a printed book. This is the seventh of the 15 chapters from Moon Handbooks South Pacific to go online, after the Samoas, Niue, Pitcairn, Tokelau, and Wallis and Futuna.

contact@southpacific.org

Vancouver – CANADA: Save the date for the 6^th annual around-the-world travel adventure competition that crowns The World’s Greatest Travelers. The world’s only open international travel adventure competition known as The Global Scavenger Hunt™ that circles the global over three-weeks, is set to begin April 9^th, 2010, is now accepting applications for the 25 Team limited open competition slots.

What: The Global Scavenger Hunt is the annual around-the-world travel adventure competition that takes Teams on A Blind Date With The World™ while performing culturally-oriented scavenges in off the beaten path destinations.

When: April 2010, over three-weeks between April 9^th and May 1^st. Teams will travel from the West Coast to the East Coast-–the long way!

Who: Limited to 25 Teams of two. Entry fee include all international airfare, First Class hotels, 40% of meals and special event gear. Travelers will be interviewed for suitability! Single travelers are welcome to apply. Travelers from 45 nations have previously applied for this truly international travel competition.

Prizes: The World’s Greatest Travelers™ trophy and crown. Winners are invited back to defend their title for FREE.

Where: A circumnavigation of the globe that touches down in at least 10 countries; that may include: Peru, Brazil, Japan, China, Cambodia, India, Jordan, Morocco, Kenya, Portugal, Greece and Italy. (These are only potential 2010 countries as The Global Scavenger Hunt is truly A Blind Date With The World™ for all its participants because travelers won’t know where they are going to until at least 3-hours prior to each departure.

Why: Bragging rights, trophy and Teams will be traveling 1 million kilometer to help raise the $1 million goal for ongoing charity micro-loans and elementary schools building programs in developing nations like: Kenya, Sri Lanka, Niger, Bolivia, Sierra Leone and Ecuador, among others.

How: For additional information visit GlobalScavengerHunt.com to apply, or call GreatEscape Adventures at 1.310.281.7809.

Press Contact: Pamela Finmark –310.281.7809 or mediarelations@GlobalScavengerHunt.com

Regular contributor Mac ruminates on the world of travel & some of his adventures along the way

This time round he consider where to find the best flea markets, via Gigi Guerra and Rachel Mosely, September 2009 in budget Travel Publication:-

MEXICO CITY – La Lagunilla

Cuban antiques and centuries-old religious relics can be snapped up for practically nothing at this 500-year-old Sunday market that is, inexplicably, still under the radar for most out-of-towners.

When: Sundays

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – Tristán Narvaja

Beneath the chaos of this Sunday event (think caged tarantulas and blaring music) lies order: Each corridor has a distinct specialty, like records, used books, or leather goods—three of the market’s strengths.

When: Sundays

MOSCOW – Izmailovsky Market

The hokey onion-domed façades on this suburban weekend market belie the genuine treasures you’ll find here. Look for nesting matryoshka dolls, Soviet military regalia, and handmade Central Asian suzanis and rugs.

When: Saturdays and Sundays

PARIS – Porte de Vanves

Less touristy and much more affordable than the famous Clignancourt market, this weekend affair is stocked with choice tabletop pieces (like Pernod carafes and bistro ashtrays) worth digging for.

When: Saturdays and Sundays

SÃO PAULO – Praça Benedito Calixto

Founded in 1987 by artists looking to sell their work, the Saturday Praça Benedito Calixto market has evolved to comprise an even split of the new and the old; delicately fashioned porcelain dishware sits next to piles of retired metal store signs.

When: Saturdays

ATHENS – Monastiraki Market

No Sunday in Athens is complete without a stroll through the narrow passageways of Monastiraki, where you can dig through piles of old coins and hand-painted icons—all with the Acropolis in view.

When: Sundays

BEIJING – Panjiayuan Market

The doors open at 4:30 a.m. at the chaotic weekend version of this daily bazaar, with more than 3,000 stalls displaying jade jewellery, ceramic teapots, and Mao posters.

When: Daily

BERLIN – Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz

The stately canvas-and-wood stalls lining this square each Sunday house an assortment of melamine tableware, textiles with geometric patterns and glazed mid-century stoneware.

When: Sundays

BUENOS AIRES – San Telmo Market

Many of the embroidered textiles, estate jewellery, and chandeliers at this Sunday market in the city’s tango district were brought over by the waves of Italians who immigrated to Argentina in the past 150 years.

When: Sundays

CAIRO – Khan el-Khalili

Since the late 1300s, these dusty stone corridors have hosted an array of merchants with finely honed specialties: copperware, gold jewellery, and carpets, in particular. Now, new pieces mix in with antiques.

When: Daily

LISBON – Feira da Ladra

Known as the “Thieves’ Market,” it dates back to the 12th century, when stolen goods made up the bulk of the stock; today’s (legit) merchandise, set out Tuesdays and Saturdays, includes old cameras, stamp collections, leather-bound books, and transistor radios.

When: Tuesdays and Saturdays

LONDON – Portobello Road Market

The more than 1,000 dealers snaking up Notting Hill’s main thoroughfare every Saturday are (unofficially) divided by theme: Upper end for furniture and household wares and the lower for clothing and jewellery.

When: Sundays