Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: baggage

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Nudists urge airline baggage fee payback-14 January, 2010

ED NOTE: All you’ll need for the week (sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, shoes and toiletries)So, when I go thru Security check, I only wear my shoes?? Is there a special plane for these flightS, like NUDIST AIR?

Nudists urge airline baggage fee payback

The American Association for Nude Recreation is urging travelers to protest higher baggage fees by traveling lighter -- a lot lighter.

Try a nudist resort, where luggage concerns are minimal.

“All you’ll need for the week (sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, shoes and toiletries) can fit in a small carry-on,” said Erich Schuttauf, executive director of the organization in a news release.

He added;

“If more air travelers take a stand and a ‘Nakation’ in 2010, it could send a message to the airlines using baggage fees as a way to get more money from their passengers.”

Said the Orlandosentinel.com/tourism central:

“Kudos to Orlando marketing firm Ypartnership, which represents the American Association for Nude Recreation, for a creative take on the news of the day.”

By David Wilkening

Monday, January 12, 2009

Ground handler Swissport pulls out of Changi Airport

SINGAPORE: Swissport International is pulling out of the baggage and ground handling services business in Singapore's Changi Airport by the end of March. It is also cutting 300 jobs in the process. The company cited poor business climate for its decision. It said it will now focus on its other Asian markets, such as Japan and South Korea. Swissport was awarded Changi Airport's third ground handling licence in 2005. Since then, it is believed to have booked losses of more than S$50 million. The company currently provides services to four airlines - Swissair, Northwest Airlines, Air Asia and Tiger Airways. In a statement, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said these airlines will now have new agreements with either one of the two other ground handlers at Changi Airport.

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.