Travelling on LH via FRA - Airport strike until 24 February 2012

The air traffic controllers union (GdF) has announced a strike at Frankfurt airport until Friday, 24 February 2012, 11:00 pm (German local time).

Lufthansa regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers by the strike measures of GdF union against the airport operator Fraport and will do its utmost to minimise the impact on passengers and operations in Frankfurt. Passenger support and service has paramount priority.

Despite the strike action Lufthansa expects to operate all long haul flights this week as scheduled.

Lufthansa will publish the impact on flight operations for the next days as soon as possible in order to provide a stable flight schedule and planning reliability for its passengers, as we have done over the past few days.

An interesting slant here on what might become of the wonderful vintage architecture in Yangon (Rangoon)
given the econmic leap of the last 8 months.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/8acdba9a-15dc-11e1-8db8-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1n0rdEmqt

Only 5 weeks to go for the annual Rugby 7's tournie in Hong Kong.
Still some package availability remains from Bangkok. Check out the pricing and availability.

I made yet another trip from Wong WianYai to Mahachai and Maeklong Maenam on the Maeklong Railway last weekend, along with some American visitors.
For the tourist it's "The Train to Nowhere" but that description hardly does it justice.

FAQ of the week
In  Burma, what's the situation with exchanging money -are there any ATM machines?
Are USD acceptable?

The kyat has been the currency of Burma since 1952 although the US$ is still popularly used by visitors to Burma. It's best to prepare enough US currency to cover your spending during your trip, as there are no ATMs inside Burma. There have long been reports of poor exchange rates at the airport and government banks, so many tourists change dollars to kyat on the street.
However, the situation is improving with the government granting permission to six banks to officially exchange money at market rates. Banks along Thain Phyu Street have exchange counters and are popular long queues  Currency exchange counters are gradually being opened elsewhere but private banks are still best.The current rate is about 830 Kyat to the US$ while street traders are offering 825 Kyat to the dollar. Banks and traders will also accept euro notes of all denomination for exchange but the rates tend to be less advantageous than USD. Yangon Airport has two exchange counters - one before customs and the other in the main arrivals hall. Both offer decent exchange rates.
In terms of currency usage, the Kyat is more convenient when paying for meals at restaurants and buying things at local markets and souvenirs shops. If you pay in dollars, you can expect to receive your change in the local currency. However US currency is generally required for entrance fees, airport tax and also for hotels and travel agencies.   AND REMEMBER- No "small head" USD bills.

Myanmar begins to open doors to foreign journalists
http://www.mmtimes.com/2012/news/612/news61211.html

Good news to assist the demand on Burma domestic flight demands.

A number of air charter services from Yangon and Mandalay to a number of major domestic destinations are now being offered after an agreement was reached with state-run domestic carrier Myanma Airways.
There is one leased aircraft from Myanma Airways with regular services from January 19.

“We hired one ATR 72-210 aircraft and will operate charter flights from Yangon to Dawei, Myeik and Kawthoung every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. We will also operate charter flights from Mandalay to Heho, Lashio, Kyaingtong and Tachileik daily,” a spokesperson said. The company would offer onboard services  equivalent to standard private domestic airlines.

“For these charter services, we arrange better onboard services and meals,” the spokesperson said. “Previously if passengers wanted to organise a charter flight through Myanma Airways they needed to apply in advance. However, anyone can now easily book a ticket without making any prior arrangements.”

He said the company had decided to offer the service because of the increasing number of foreign tourists visiting the country. These charter services are aimed mostly at group package tours.

Source  Zaw Win Than  Myanmar Times mm times.com

Thanks to all for playing out "Where in the World Game" at the Fair on January 21st.Firstly: Answers. A; Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuachan, Mexico City, Mexico. B; Iguassu Falls, Brazil or Argentina.C:Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain.D: Cuchi Tunnels, Vietnam.E: Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany.F:Hua Hin Railway staion, Thailand.

Winners 3 X Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise for Two;Rosanna Bird/Mrs Hamlyn/Saiyf-Joshua-Apple
Winner 1 x River Kwai Day trip for Two ; Ben T.
Winner 1 X Siam Niramit Show for Two; Johannes Spencer.

All informed by email.

Thanks for playing.

VISIT DTC TRAVEL AT BOOTH S3 - SUKHUMVIT FAIR, 21 JAN 2012. 1500-2200.
LOCATION: THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF BANGKOK, SOI 49, SUKHUMVIT ROAD.

SPEAK WITH THE TRAVEL BISHOP AND ENTER OUR "WHERE IN THE WORLD" PICTURE QUIZ.

SEE CLOWN ECKIE FROM THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS FOUNDATION - SPONSORED BY DTC TRAVEL.

COME AND ENJOY ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR. SEE YOU THERE.

DTC Travel, a Bangkok based Travel Agency launched their all-new website today. www.dtctravel.com

The first stage of the redesign of the website has finally been completed and the new updated site is up and running. Many improvements have been made to the site so finding what you need should be quick and easy.

Over the next couple of weeks the remainder of the product data will be added. If you have any comments regarding the site please feel free to let us know by going to the contact us page. 

Thank you.