Archive for January, 2010
On Walking the Talk
Liz Tahir asked:
Recently I was talking with a retailer in his store, and as we were walking around the floor, we came to a rack housing sportswear. Some of the sweaters on the rack were dangling from the hangers. He called over to ask a sales associate to straighten the rack, and we moved on through the store.
I somehow remembered this incident as I was with another manager, this time the general manager of an upscale hotel. We were talking at one end of the hotel lobby, and as his eyes spotted a table with parts of a newspaper and a candy wrapper on it, obviously left by a guest, he excused himself. He walked across the lobby, picked up the newspapers and candy wrapper, disposed of them, and came back to resume our conversation.
I was struck by the difference in management styles of these two executives. The store owner must have felt that as long as the sales associate was just standing there, she should take care of this little job. Something she is paid to do, right? The hotel manager, though responsible on a much larger scale for revenue, staff, and square footage than the store owner, saw it as his job to pick up the trash in the lobby.
The message each manager sent out by his actions could not have been more different. The store owner is comfortable operating on a rather hierachial basis. The hotel manager sees little distinction in his job and that of his staff. But this message should be clear: if you want your staff to instinctively do things without being told, you need to let them see that you yourself instinctively do these things. Your employees are more likely to learn from what you do; not from what you say. Leadership By Example. That’s the way to ensure there is no “my job vs. your job” mentality in your company. Just “our job.”
Today there is a lot of talk about employee performance; how people don’t want to work, are absent a lot, won’t do their job, have no loyalty; always want more money. It’s true, these problems definitely exist. But many of these job performance problems could be headed off by more attention from management.
So in these two articles, let’s talk about some of the things we can do to ensure our associates are the best they can be; perform at the highest level; have the company’s interest at heart; are satisfied in their jobs.
Start here: HIRE FOR ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE. This is where everything begins. You can teach your staff new skills; you can’t teach attitude. In the hiring interview, spend enough time in subjective conversation with people to discern their attitude, their manner, their philosophy. To find out more about this aspect, you may want to pose hypothetical situations and ask candidates to describe how they would handle them.
Southwest Airlines hired for Attitude in employing their current Area Marketing Manager in New Orleans. It did not matter to Southwest that this person had absolutely zero previous airline experience (she was in the jewelry business), and had never even set foot in New Orleans before moving here from Dallas to take this position. She has successfully performed this job now for seven years, helping increase Southwest’s business and visibility in this area.
Let’s talk about a very important word: RESPECT. How your employees feel they are valued. The Ritz Carlton hotel group has as its motto: “We are ladies and gentlemen, serving ladies and gentlemen.” The philosophy in this simple sentence implies a relationship of equals; that the company will treat the employees with the same respect that it treats the guests. The Ritz Carlton understands this simple truth: your employees will treat your customers the same way they are treated.
MAKE YOUR EXPECTATIONS CLEAR.
Be clear about what an employee’s duties are; make sure they understand their job description.
Be clear about your standards for appearance (if you have a dress code, etc.). It is entirely reasonable to expect employees to show up for work dressed professionally and appropriately groomed. Of course, that may differ, depending on whether you operate an outdoor plant nursery or a designer apparel store.
Be clear about corporate culture. Part of the Nordstrom company’s training for employees is instilling the corporate culture in all employees, letting them know what is expected of them. Their employees learn to do whatever it takes to make a customer happy. They are trained that Nordstrom believes people in their store are guests and therefore deserve the best service. When employees are trained in to this culture, they can produce the sales results they must achieve for success. The company will trust them with a lot of operational freedom in performing their job. However, if the employee has trouble buying in to this culture, it is safe to say he will not be happy or successful at Nordstrom.
Be clear about the level of customer service the company expects everyone to provide. Is this level a high degree of service (such as Nordstrom) or is service not emphasized in your company in favor of something you are better known for, like the lowest price, etc.
GIVE EMPLOYEES PROPER TOOLS TO WORK WITH. It is your job to provide training to help your people in their performance, to help them constantly improve their skills. Make sure this training reinforces your own specific expectations. This is not just computer register training (which, unfortunately, is what passes today as the only training). Encourage them to attend appropriate seminars at company expense, such as those on customer service, communications skills, sales techniques, time management. Keep a company library of magazines, training books, tapes, & videos. Let them know that you are aware of whatever they do to increase their knowledge. Develop some sort of reward system for employees who take advantage of resources you offer.
Set up a regular schedule for discussing market trends or showing new merchandise. Make sure they understand technical terms (would they know how to correctly answer a customer’s question, such as “why is there sure a huge price difference between this cashmere sweater and this wool sweater?”).
SHARE SOME DECISION-MAKING. As management, you have to make many decisions every day. Share some of this decision-making with your associates. Involve them in this process, and certainly involve them in those decisions that affect them. Ask employees if there are any company policies or procedures that hinder their job performance or their ability to deliver good customer service. If so, study these policies and do whatever you can to change or eliminate them. Then let your employees know what action you are taking (before you take it) in response to their concerns.
There is another very important reason to involve your associates in the decision-making process. Because those who have had a voice in making policy will see that the policy gets implemented. It’s a surefire way to make sure the procedure is followed and there are no complaints about it!
You can tell employees all day long about how important they are to the company…but having them share in policy-making is a way to prove it, to show they are valued. Of course, the responsibility of policy making is management’s, but decisions have a better chance of being right after first getting feedback from those on the front line. The key word here is share.
We all can become bored in our jobs if we feel there is nothing new to learn, no new challenges to conquer, no way to expand our minds, no new contributions to make. Yes, your employees may have to perform the same duties day in, day out, but an enlightened management, one that “walks the talk “(like you) can find ways to help employees become better at these same duties each day and therefore keep them interested and growing.
Copyright 2006, Liz Tahir
Recently I was talking with a retailer in his store, and as we were walking around the floor, we came to a rack housing sportswear. Some of the sweaters on the rack were dangling from the hangers. He called over to ask a sales associate to straighten the rack, and we moved on through the store.
I somehow remembered this incident as I was with another manager, this time the general manager of an upscale hotel. We were talking at one end of the hotel lobby, and as his eyes spotted a table with parts of a newspaper and a candy wrapper on it, obviously left by a guest, he excused himself. He walked across the lobby, picked up the newspapers and candy wrapper, disposed of them, and came back to resume our conversation.
I was struck by the difference in management styles of these two executives. The store owner must have felt that as long as the sales associate was just standing there, she should take care of this little job. Something she is paid to do, right? The hotel manager, though responsible on a much larger scale for revenue, staff, and square footage than the store owner, saw it as his job to pick up the trash in the lobby.
The message each manager sent out by his actions could not have been more different. The store owner is comfortable operating on a rather hierachial basis. The hotel manager sees little distinction in his job and that of his staff. But this message should be clear: if you want your staff to instinctively do things without being told, you need to let them see that you yourself instinctively do these things. Your employees are more likely to learn from what you do; not from what you say. Leadership By Example. That’s the way to ensure there is no “my job vs. your job” mentality in your company. Just “our job.”
Today there is a lot of talk about employee performance; how people don’t want to work, are absent a lot, won’t do their job, have no loyalty; always want more money. It’s true, these problems definitely exist. But many of these job performance problems could be headed off by more attention from management.
So in these two articles, let’s talk about some of the things we can do to ensure our associates are the best they can be; perform at the highest level; have the company’s interest at heart; are satisfied in their jobs.
Start here: HIRE FOR ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE. This is where everything begins. You can teach your staff new skills; you can’t teach attitude. In the hiring interview, spend enough time in subjective conversation with people to discern their attitude, their manner, their philosophy. To find out more about this aspect, you may want to pose hypothetical situations and ask candidates to describe how they would handle them.
Southwest Airlines hired for Attitude in employing their current Area Marketing Manager in New Orleans. It did not matter to Southwest that this person had absolutely zero previous airline experience (she was in the jewelry business), and had never even set foot in New Orleans before moving here from Dallas to take this position. She has successfully performed this job now for seven years, helping increase Southwest’s business and visibility in this area.
Let’s talk about a very important word: RESPECT. How your employees feel they are valued. The Ritz Carlton hotel group has as its motto: “We are ladies and gentlemen, serving ladies and gentlemen.” The philosophy in this simple sentence implies a relationship of equals; that the company will treat the employees with the same respect that it treats the guests. The Ritz Carlton understands this simple truth: your employees will treat your customers the same way they are treated.
MAKE YOUR EXPECTATIONS CLEAR.
Be clear about what an employee’s duties are; make sure they understand their job description.
Be clear about your standards for appearance (if you have a dress code, etc.). It is entirely reasonable to expect employees to show up for work dressed professionally and appropriately groomed. Of course, that may differ, depending on whether you operate an outdoor plant nursery or a designer apparel store.
Be clear about corporate culture. Part of the Nordstrom company’s training for employees is instilling the corporate culture in all employees, letting them know what is expected of them. Their employees learn to do whatever it takes to make a customer happy. They are trained that Nordstrom believes people in their store are guests and therefore deserve the best service. When employees are trained in to this culture, they can produce the sales results they must achieve for success. The company will trust them with a lot of operational freedom in performing their job. However, if the employee has trouble buying in to this culture, it is safe to say he will not be happy or successful at Nordstrom.
Be clear about the level of customer service the company expects everyone to provide. Is this level a high degree of service (such as Nordstrom) or is service not emphasized in your company in favor of something you are better known for, like the lowest price, etc.
GIVE EMPLOYEES PROPER TOOLS TO WORK WITH. It is your job to provide training to help your people in their performance, to help them constantly improve their skills. Make sure this training reinforces your own specific expectations. This is not just computer register training (which, unfortunately, is what passes today as the only training). Encourage them to attend appropriate seminars at company expense, such as those on customer service, communications skills, sales techniques, time management. Keep a company library of magazines, training books, tapes, & videos. Let them know that you are aware of whatever they do to increase their knowledge. Develop some sort of reward system for employees who take advantage of resources you offer.
Set up a regular schedule for discussing market trends or showing new merchandise. Make sure they understand technical terms (would they know how to correctly answer a customer’s question, such as “why is there sure a huge price difference between this cashmere sweater and this wool sweater?”).
SHARE SOME DECISION-MAKING. As management, you have to make many decisions every day. Share some of this decision-making with your associates. Involve them in this process, and certainly involve them in those decisions that affect them. Ask employees if there are any company policies or procedures that hinder their job performance or their ability to deliver good customer service. If so, study these policies and do whatever you can to change or eliminate them. Then let your employees know what action you are taking (before you take it) in response to their concerns.
There is another very important reason to involve your associates in the decision-making process. Because those who have had a voice in making policy will see that the policy gets implemented. It’s a surefire way to make sure the procedure is followed and there are no complaints about it!
You can tell employees all day long about how important they are to the company…but having them share in policy-making is a way to prove it, to show they are valued. Of course, the responsibility of policy making is management’s, but decisions have a better chance of being right after first getting feedback from those on the front line. The key word here is share.
We all can become bored in our jobs if we feel there is nothing new to learn, no new challenges to conquer, no way to expand our minds, no new contributions to make. Yes, your employees may have to perform the same duties day in, day out, but an enlightened management, one that “walks the talk “(like you) can find ways to help employees become better at these same duties each day and therefore keep them interested and growing.
Copyright 2006, Liz Tahir
Airfreight
Daniel Parry asked:
A guide to moving goods by air
The airfreight industry comprises a number of different commercial operations including airlines, freight forwarders, express carriers and customs brokers. This guide is designed to provide you with some background information on the industry operates, outlining the relevant requirements and regulations that you need to comply with.
Airfreight rates
Unsurprisingly airfreight is a more expensive mode of international transport compared to sea freight or road haulage. However, the benefit is that transit times can be dramatically reduced and in certain circumstances where the consignment size is small, it can actually be much more cost-effective.
The actual cost of air freight is calculated on the weight or volume of the consignment, whichever is greater, and with different airlines offering different freight rates, your freight forwarder will be best placed to advise you on the most appropriate route, service and airline options to suit your needs.
Carriers
Air freight is carried by both scheduled passenger aircrafts as well as by dedicated cargo airlines and has undergone a lot of deregulation in recent years to the extent that freight rates are no longer marketed in a single industry tariff. Instead freight forwarders will negotiate rates on an individual basis.
It’s worth remembering that unless otherwise requested, air freight rates will only normally apply for the transport between the airport of origin and the airport of destination. Haulage to and from the airport of origin and destination will be charged in addition to the actual air freight cost.
Additional costs
As well as the freight costs you have to consider other relevant costs, which for exports include the airline terminal handling fees, fuel surcharges and security charges relating to the physical screening of consignments. For imports, you need to factor in duty and VAT charges.
As with all other modes of transport mode, it’s imperative that you receive a detailed quotation from your freight forwarder so that you fully understand what is included in the price.
The airlines role
Most international air cargo is carried within the holds of passenger aircraft, with the amount uplifted subject to the passenger and baggage load, as well as the type of aircraft and the distance involved.
Airlines will accept freight an airport to airport basis in accordance with the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions. These conventions define the legal, contractual and liability obligations (for loss and damage) of the airlines and those of the shipper.
Once the cargo is ready for carriage it is delivered to the airline’s cargo terminal. The cargo terminal operator has a responsibility to the airline to ensure that the cargo is transported to the aircraft at a given time, ready for loading.
Most airline’s cargo terminal operations are sub-contracted to third-party providers contracted to the airline, with the airlines themselves pre-planning passenger, baggage and air freight loadings well in advance of departure. Occasionally as a result of unforeseen circumstances, air freight can sometimes be offloaded and held for a later flight.
Although most airlines allocate flight details in advance for air freight movements, under their Conditions of Carriage they can’t be held responsible for delays.
Airfreight logistics
Purchasing air freight and managing the logistics can be a complex process, which is why unless you have experience it is often more cost effective to use a freight forwarder.
When transporting small to medium sized consignments, the most cost effective is to use a consolidation service. This is where a freight forwarder will purchase and pre-book capacity in bulk, which they will then sell on to exporters.
Whatever your consignment consists of it is imperative to know in advance the type of service you require and to select a provider that suits your needs. When choosing a freight forwarder you need to ask yourself the following questions:
• Do they have experience in transporting your type of consignment?
• Do they have experience in transporting to your destination countries?
• Do they have membership of a freight services trade association? Members of such associations are often covered by limited liability insurance and apply standard trading conditions and procedures, whereas non-members might not
Express parcel international courier services
Express parcel and couriers will normally provide a complete door to door service for an all inclusive price, excluding any applicable duties and taxes. Although some providers offer a similar service for larger consignments, most providers focus on smaller consignments of 30kg or less.
In recent years, in recognition of the demand for such services, international airlines have developed similar express services available through freight forwarders.
Perishable consignments
More information on the transport perishable consignments such as food is avalable from the Food Standards Agency website:
Air freight packaging
As with all modes of transport, air freight is subject to rigorous handling processes en route. Indeed it is estimated that during a typical international transit a consignment can be loaded and reloaded up to 60 times, meaning that quality packaging is essential. As such, when packaging your consignment it is important to consider the following:
• Ensure that the outer packaging is sufficient to withstand other consignments being stacked on top of it
• Stabilise the consignment within the packaging using materials such as bubble wrap of polystyrene chips
• Consolidate smaller consignments into a single larger package to reduce the stress on individual smaller consignments, as well as avoiding smaller packages getting lost in transit.
• Check the restrictions that your destination country may have on the use of certain packaging materials, particularly with respect to wooden packaging materials
Air freight security
All air freight consignments need to conform with government regulated security requirements, which in the UK are regulated by the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990. This means that air freight consignments must either originate from a Department for Transport (DfT) accredited consignor or be screened prior to loading.
To become an accredited consignor your business will need to be accredited by a DfT approved inspector. Although it isn’t mandatory, once accredited your consignments will be regarded as known cargo which is not normally subject to other security checks prior to loading.
Airfreight industry regulations
Although most products can be imported and exported to and from the UK without a licence, certain items are restricted. For more information on products which require a licence and the regulations you need to comply with, visit the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) website:
Hazardous goods
If you are moving hazardous goods, you need to ensure that they are packaged, labelled and certificated in compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations. Such goods when being moved to or from an airport need to also comply with the regulations for the transport of dangerous goods by road. For more information visit the IATA website:
Documentation
For customs clearance you need to provide a commercial invoice which details the description, quantity and value of the goods. This should be attached to the air waybill and forwarded to the airport of arrival.
Air waybills
The air waybill acts as a document of carriage, providing evidence of a contract for carriage between the exporter and the airline, as well as proof of receipt of the goods by the airline. Unlike an ocean Bill of Lading, an air waybill isn’t a document of title to the goods.
Other paperwork
Other standard paperwork includes:
• Standard Shipping Note (SSN)
• Certificate of Origin – required for certain imports
• Export Cargo Shipping Instruction (ECSI) – for when using a freight forwarder or carrier
• Single Administrative Document (SAD) or form C88
Air freight insurance
As airlines and freight forwarders operate under limited liability conditions, meaning that you’re unlikely to receive full compensation if your goods are lost or damaged, it is imperative that you have adequate insurance to cover the full value of the consignment, as well as any applicable freight costs.
Normally however insurance won’t extend to protecting consequential loss, for example when a consignment is delayed en route incurring a financial loss. Check with your insurers prior to shipping your goods to see whether you need this type of cover.
For further information on cargo insurance visit the SITPRO website:
Further sources of information:
HMRC National Advice Service Enquiry Line
0845 010 9000
National Export System Helpline
029 2038 6254
The British International Freight Association
Department for Transport
0300 330 3000
SITPRO website
020 7215 8150 Airfreight
Airfreight Transport
A guide to moving goods by air
The airfreight industry comprises a number of different commercial operations including airlines, freight forwarders, express carriers and customs brokers. This guide is designed to provide you with some background information on the industry operates, outlining the relevant requirements and regulations that you need to comply with.
Airfreight rates
Unsurprisingly airfreight is a more expensive mode of international transport compared to sea freight or road haulage. However, the benefit is that transit times can be dramatically reduced and in certain circumstances where the consignment size is small, it can actually be much more cost-effective.
The actual cost of air freight is calculated on the weight or volume of the consignment, whichever is greater, and with different airlines offering different freight rates, your freight forwarder will be best placed to advise you on the most appropriate route, service and airline options to suit your needs.
Carriers
Air freight is carried by both scheduled passenger aircrafts as well as by dedicated cargo airlines and has undergone a lot of deregulation in recent years to the extent that freight rates are no longer marketed in a single industry tariff. Instead freight forwarders will negotiate rates on an individual basis.
It’s worth remembering that unless otherwise requested, air freight rates will only normally apply for the transport between the airport of origin and the airport of destination. Haulage to and from the airport of origin and destination will be charged in addition to the actual air freight cost.
Additional costs
As well as the freight costs you have to consider other relevant costs, which for exports include the airline terminal handling fees, fuel surcharges and security charges relating to the physical screening of consignments. For imports, you need to factor in duty and VAT charges.
As with all other modes of transport mode, it’s imperative that you receive a detailed quotation from your freight forwarder so that you fully understand what is included in the price.
The airlines role
Most international air cargo is carried within the holds of passenger aircraft, with the amount uplifted subject to the passenger and baggage load, as well as the type of aircraft and the distance involved.
Airlines will accept freight an airport to airport basis in accordance with the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions. These conventions define the legal, contractual and liability obligations (for loss and damage) of the airlines and those of the shipper.
Once the cargo is ready for carriage it is delivered to the airline’s cargo terminal. The cargo terminal operator has a responsibility to the airline to ensure that the cargo is transported to the aircraft at a given time, ready for loading.
Most airline’s cargo terminal operations are sub-contracted to third-party providers contracted to the airline, with the airlines themselves pre-planning passenger, baggage and air freight loadings well in advance of departure. Occasionally as a result of unforeseen circumstances, air freight can sometimes be offloaded and held for a later flight.
Although most airlines allocate flight details in advance for air freight movements, under their Conditions of Carriage they can’t be held responsible for delays.
Airfreight logistics
Purchasing air freight and managing the logistics can be a complex process, which is why unless you have experience it is often more cost effective to use a freight forwarder.
When transporting small to medium sized consignments, the most cost effective is to use a consolidation service. This is where a freight forwarder will purchase and pre-book capacity in bulk, which they will then sell on to exporters.
Whatever your consignment consists of it is imperative to know in advance the type of service you require and to select a provider that suits your needs. When choosing a freight forwarder you need to ask yourself the following questions:
• Do they have experience in transporting your type of consignment?
• Do they have experience in transporting to your destination countries?
• Do they have membership of a freight services trade association? Members of such associations are often covered by limited liability insurance and apply standard trading conditions and procedures, whereas non-members might not
Express parcel international courier services
Express parcel and couriers will normally provide a complete door to door service for an all inclusive price, excluding any applicable duties and taxes. Although some providers offer a similar service for larger consignments, most providers focus on smaller consignments of 30kg or less.
In recent years, in recognition of the demand for such services, international airlines have developed similar express services available through freight forwarders.
Perishable consignments
More information on the transport perishable consignments such as food is avalable from the Food Standards Agency website:
Air freight packaging
As with all modes of transport, air freight is subject to rigorous handling processes en route. Indeed it is estimated that during a typical international transit a consignment can be loaded and reloaded up to 60 times, meaning that quality packaging is essential. As such, when packaging your consignment it is important to consider the following:
• Ensure that the outer packaging is sufficient to withstand other consignments being stacked on top of it
• Stabilise the consignment within the packaging using materials such as bubble wrap of polystyrene chips
• Consolidate smaller consignments into a single larger package to reduce the stress on individual smaller consignments, as well as avoiding smaller packages getting lost in transit.
• Check the restrictions that your destination country may have on the use of certain packaging materials, particularly with respect to wooden packaging materials
Air freight security
All air freight consignments need to conform with government regulated security requirements, which in the UK are regulated by the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990. This means that air freight consignments must either originate from a Department for Transport (DfT) accredited consignor or be screened prior to loading.
To become an accredited consignor your business will need to be accredited by a DfT approved inspector. Although it isn’t mandatory, once accredited your consignments will be regarded as known cargo which is not normally subject to other security checks prior to loading.
Airfreight industry regulations
Although most products can be imported and exported to and from the UK without a licence, certain items are restricted. For more information on products which require a licence and the regulations you need to comply with, visit the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) website:
Hazardous goods
If you are moving hazardous goods, you need to ensure that they are packaged, labelled and certificated in compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations. Such goods when being moved to or from an airport need to also comply with the regulations for the transport of dangerous goods by road. For more information visit the IATA website:
Documentation
For customs clearance you need to provide a commercial invoice which details the description, quantity and value of the goods. This should be attached to the air waybill and forwarded to the airport of arrival.
Air waybills
The air waybill acts as a document of carriage, providing evidence of a contract for carriage between the exporter and the airline, as well as proof of receipt of the goods by the airline. Unlike an ocean Bill of Lading, an air waybill isn’t a document of title to the goods.
Other paperwork
Other standard paperwork includes:
• Standard Shipping Note (SSN)
• Certificate of Origin – required for certain imports
• Export Cargo Shipping Instruction (ECSI) – for when using a freight forwarder or carrier
• Single Administrative Document (SAD) or form C88
Air freight insurance
As airlines and freight forwarders operate under limited liability conditions, meaning that you’re unlikely to receive full compensation if your goods are lost or damaged, it is imperative that you have adequate insurance to cover the full value of the consignment, as well as any applicable freight costs.
Normally however insurance won’t extend to protecting consequential loss, for example when a consignment is delayed en route incurring a financial loss. Check with your insurers prior to shipping your goods to see whether you need this type of cover.
For further information on cargo insurance visit the SITPRO website:
Further sources of information:
HMRC National Advice Service Enquiry Line
0845 010 9000
National Export System Helpline
029 2038 6254
The British International Freight Association
Department for Transport
0300 330 3000
SITPRO website
020 7215 8150 Airfreight
Airfreight Transport
Know About Jaipur Travel : the Pink City
kuldeepmmt asked:
Founded in the 1727 AD by Sawai Jaising II and famously known as “The Pink city”, it is a fascinating city with a wide variety of hill forts and palaces and numerous attractions. It is known as the Pink city due to the color of stones used to build this city. Here one can find crowdie bazaars selling handicraft products, embroidered leather shoes, pottery products and other beautiful wares. Know about Jagannath Puri Yatra.
This city also fascinates the travelers by the way of its architecture, as this city is built through a nine grid pattern which was considered to be lucky in the old days. It is surrounded by a wall and has seven entry points. The architecture reflects a Rajput and Mughal style
This city not only offers architectural beauty but also a wide range of pageants and festivals, wealth of handicrafts, legacy of forts and palaces and beautiful sights. Information about Jaipur Travel Packages
This city currently is well connected with Air, rail and road. A traveler visiting here would not face problems for transport to visit here or roam around in the city. The temperature here ranges from an average min. 25°C to average max. 40°C in summers and a min. 8°C to 21°C, in winters. The common languages here are Hindi, Rajasthani and English.
Founded in the 1727 AD by Sawai Jaising II and famously known as “The Pink city”, it is a fascinating city with a wide variety of hill forts and palaces and numerous attractions. It is known as the Pink city due to the color of stones used to build this city. Here one can find crowdie bazaars selling handicraft products, embroidered leather shoes, pottery products and other beautiful wares.
This city also fascinates the travelers by the way of its architecture, as this city is built through a nine grid pattern which was considered to be lucky in the old days. It is surrounded by a wall and has seven entry points. The architecture reflects a Rajput and Mughal style.
This city not only offers architectural beauty but also a wide range of pageants and festivals, wealth of handicrafts, legacy of forts and palaces and beautiful sights.
This city currently is well connected with Air, rail and road. A traveler visiting here would not face problems for transport to visit here or roam around in the city. The temperature here ranges from an average min. 25°C to average max. 40°C in summers and a min. 8°C to 21°C, in winters. The common languages here are Hindi, Rajasthani and English.
Located in the heart of Jaipur, Hotel Arya Niwas is a family managed, award winning hotel aiming to provide quality accommodation within everyone’s budget.
Built in an old haveli, but totally renovated and with all modern amenities, lush garden, big lawns, and plenty of open spaces and parking, Hotel Arya Niwas provides an ideal and attractive option to anyone looking for a clean place with fresh food and pleasant environment at most reasonable rates. All rooms have lots of natural light and cross-ventilation.We figure favourably in almost all guide books about India and have received several national, state and regional awards for excellence in the budget category hotels.
Founded in the 1727 AD by Sawai Jaising II and famously known as “The Pink city”, it is a fascinating city with a wide variety of hill forts and palaces and numerous attractions. It is known as the Pink city due to the color of stones used to build this city. Here one can find crowdie bazaars selling handicraft products, embroidered leather shoes, pottery products and other beautiful wares. Know about Jagannath Puri Yatra.
This city also fascinates the travelers by the way of its architecture, as this city is built through a nine grid pattern which was considered to be lucky in the old days. It is surrounded by a wall and has seven entry points. The architecture reflects a Rajput and Mughal style
This city not only offers architectural beauty but also a wide range of pageants and festivals, wealth of handicrafts, legacy of forts and palaces and beautiful sights. Information about Jaipur Travel Packages
This city currently is well connected with Air, rail and road. A traveler visiting here would not face problems for transport to visit here or roam around in the city. The temperature here ranges from an average min. 25°C to average max. 40°C in summers and a min. 8°C to 21°C, in winters. The common languages here are Hindi, Rajasthani and English.
Founded in the 1727 AD by Sawai Jaising II and famously known as “The Pink city”, it is a fascinating city with a wide variety of hill forts and palaces and numerous attractions. It is known as the Pink city due to the color of stones used to build this city. Here one can find crowdie bazaars selling handicraft products, embroidered leather shoes, pottery products and other beautiful wares.
This city also fascinates the travelers by the way of its architecture, as this city is built through a nine grid pattern which was considered to be lucky in the old days. It is surrounded by a wall and has seven entry points. The architecture reflects a Rajput and Mughal style.
This city not only offers architectural beauty but also a wide range of pageants and festivals, wealth of handicrafts, legacy of forts and palaces and beautiful sights.
This city currently is well connected with Air, rail and road. A traveler visiting here would not face problems for transport to visit here or roam around in the city. The temperature here ranges from an average min. 25°C to average max. 40°C in summers and a min. 8°C to 21°C, in winters. The common languages here are Hindi, Rajasthani and English.
Located in the heart of Jaipur, Hotel Arya Niwas is a family managed, award winning hotel aiming to provide quality accommodation within everyone’s budget.
Built in an old haveli, but totally renovated and with all modern amenities, lush garden, big lawns, and plenty of open spaces and parking, Hotel Arya Niwas provides an ideal and attractive option to anyone looking for a clean place with fresh food and pleasant environment at most reasonable rates. All rooms have lots of natural light and cross-ventilation.We figure favourably in almost all guide books about India and have received several national, state and regional awards for excellence in the budget category hotels.
private charter flights to somalia for both cargo & passengershelicopter safaris eastern& central africa,Filming safaris africa,aerial survey flights
Anthony A Juma asked:
AS the entire world is aware Somalia has been in the war for long and hence the need for humanitarian assistance from international and regional donors.
You have 10 tonnes or more to mogadishu international,why worry ,we also have a special offer going on 10 tonnes upto mogadishu international and still you can get a good deal for any cargo more than 10 tonnes.
You have projects in somalia and your donors wants to visit or evacuate your personnel then the citation jet 7 seater comes in handy as it will take 3hrs to Mogadishu round trip, 4 hrs 20 minutes to Galgayo round trip, 5 hrs bosasso round trip and this gives them one day out of office from whereever in the world and next day will be at their base office and nobody will realise you had crossed the atlantic ,mediterean and the indian ocean unless you tell them.On arrival Jomo kenyatta international airport on your morning flights lets say 4 am in the morning you will be transferred direct to the domestic departure to board your citation jet to Somalia without having to get out of the airport.This aircraft flies at a higher attitutute hence safe security and it is fully stocked with both hot and soft drinks,champagne,food as requested and with a conference table where you can still work and even hold meeting on issues you could not have discussed on commercial flight due to confidentiality.
Usually most of the airstrips in somalia like,jamame,saccuen,dinsor,wajid,marere are not suitable for citation,dc9 freighter,super kingair,beech 1900,fokker 27-500 4.5 tonnes hence the need to use buffalo 5 tonner,let 410 1.5 tonner,caravan c-208 1 tonne.Galgayo is not suitable for dc9 freighter 10 tonner but all other aircraft as mentioned can land there.With bulky cargo we recommend 2 organization operating in somalia to share space and take the bigger tonnage to be able to work within the allocated budget and to be able to win the donors confidence.The bigger the aircraft the cheaper the cost per kilo so we recommend you form consortium to be able to cut down on costs.
There is a special offer of 10 tonnes on the DC-9 freighter charter to Mogadishu international and also consolidated cargo flights twice per week for those with cargo ranging from 0kg to 3.5 tonnes which if you take a charter flight it will be too expensive and for passengers you will also be able to get seats upto mogadishu international.
We have all the variety and our operations department is on 24/7 call irrespective of day and time ready to work out any logistics or qoutation instantly.
Also for those organizations who have longer projects we are ready to lease an aircraft depending on their requirements which is convertable for both cargo and passengers and this has to be a contract of not less than three month with 100 hrs guaranteed for aircrafts above 2 tonnes and for aircrafts below 1.5 tonnes 70 hrs guaranteed per month.
Clearances are needed for flights into somalia whereby the names of the passengers and nationality will be requiredd with aletter from the charterer to enable the charter company to obtain permission from Ministry of foreign affairs Kenya irrespective whether it is cargo or passengers.A notice of 2 working days will be required and take note insurance companies sometimes refuse to give the extra war risk cover to some areas in Somalia due to insecurity.
For your tavel to somalia all you need to do,is to give as a sum and lets get the answer for you with all the cheapest options available.
AS the entire world is aware Somalia has been in the war for long and hence the need for humanitarian assistance from international and regional donors.
You have 10 tonnes or more to mogadishu international,why worry ,we also have a special offer going on 10 tonnes upto mogadishu international and still you can get a good deal for any cargo more than 10 tonnes.
You have projects in somalia and your donors wants to visit or evacuate your personnel then the citation jet 7 seater comes in handy as it will take 3hrs to Mogadishu round trip, 4 hrs 20 minutes to Galgayo round trip, 5 hrs bosasso round trip and this gives them one day out of office from whereever in the world and next day will be at their base office and nobody will realise you had crossed the atlantic ,mediterean and the indian ocean unless you tell them.On arrival Jomo kenyatta international airport on your morning flights lets say 4 am in the morning you will be transferred direct to the domestic departure to board your citation jet to Somalia without having to get out of the airport.This aircraft flies at a higher attitutute hence safe security and it is fully stocked with both hot and soft drinks,champagne,food as requested and with a conference table where you can still work and even hold meeting on issues you could not have discussed on commercial flight due to confidentiality.
Usually most of the airstrips in somalia like,jamame,saccuen,dinsor,wajid,marere are not suitable for citation,dc9 freighter,super kingair,beech 1900,fokker 27-500 4.5 tonnes hence the need to use buffalo 5 tonner,let 410 1.5 tonner,caravan c-208 1 tonne.Galgayo is not suitable for dc9 freighter 10 tonner but all other aircraft as mentioned can land there.With bulky cargo we recommend 2 organization operating in somalia to share space and take the bigger tonnage to be able to work within the allocated budget and to be able to win the donors confidence.The bigger the aircraft the cheaper the cost per kilo so we recommend you form consortium to be able to cut down on costs.
There is a special offer of 10 tonnes on the DC-9 freighter charter to Mogadishu international and also consolidated cargo flights twice per week for those with cargo ranging from 0kg to 3.5 tonnes which if you take a charter flight it will be too expensive and for passengers you will also be able to get seats upto mogadishu international.
We have all the variety and our operations department is on 24/7 call irrespective of day and time ready to work out any logistics or qoutation instantly.
Also for those organizations who have longer projects we are ready to lease an aircraft depending on their requirements which is convertable for both cargo and passengers and this has to be a contract of not less than three month with 100 hrs guaranteed for aircrafts above 2 tonnes and for aircrafts below 1.5 tonnes 70 hrs guaranteed per month.
Clearances are needed for flights into somalia whereby the names of the passengers and nationality will be requiredd with aletter from the charterer to enable the charter company to obtain permission from Ministry of foreign affairs Kenya irrespective whether it is cargo or passengers.A notice of 2 working days will be required and take note insurance companies sometimes refuse to give the extra war risk cover to some areas in Somalia due to insecurity.
For your tavel to somalia all you need to do,is to give as a sum and lets get the answer for you with all the cheapest options available.
Tanzania Air Safari Using Scheduled and Non-Scheduled flights
Anthony A Juma asked:
Tanzania is one of the gifted Country with beautiful geographical features and wildlife you would want to visit and see for yourselve in Eastern Africa.
It has several airports and airstrips for air transport and tourism is its second source of foreign income.Air Transport is playing a vital role in both commercial and private charter for both cargo and passengers regionally and internatiionally.For tourism its is served by three main Airports namely,Zanzibar,Kilimanjaro Inteernational and Daresaalam and Arusha which serves both the Northern and Sourthern Circuits.We have both local flights to National Parks and Reserves and Major Cities and International arriving and departing on daily basis. We have both 3,4,5 star Hotels for accomodation with both continental dishes and african. There exclussive properties like Sasakwa,Grumeti which serve for the V.I.P and top bussiness executives and personalities and we have both scheduled and non-scheduled flights that you can take you there.
SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
There are several scheduled flights into the National Parks departing out of Zanzibar,Daresaalam,Kilimanjaro ,Arusha,Mwanza,Musoma among others.These scheduled flights are operated by Private Charter Companies and operate on daily basis. The aircrafts used depend with the airstrip serviceability and it ranges from 12 seater C-208 Caravan single engine ,18 seater LET 410 UVP-E9/20 twin engine,Twin-otter 17 seater twin engine,Caravan 2 C-406 twin engine 11 seater ,Beechcraft 1900 18 seater twin engine pressurized ,ATR 42 37 seater twin engine among others.Scheduled flights do depart especially to the National Parks from Arusha and only for groups then you will be picked from Kilimanjaro.Arusha airport is not airport of entry you will have to enter through Kilimanjaro International clear customs and immigration then fly to Arusha or be dropped at Kilimanjaro International Airportand drive to Arusha Airport.Arusha Airport is used for domestic departures and also to avoid congestion at Kilimanjaro International due to International arrivals and delays due to arrivals and departures of Jet Aircrafts. Arusha Airport is for General Aviation and has all facilities for all local flights within Tanzania.
NON-SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
There are alot of Private Charter Firms in Tanzania based in Zanzibar,Daresaalam,Mwanza,Arusha,Kilimanjaro who have aircrafts ranging from 10,12,18,37 seater for any charter services ranging from, Air Ambulance Flights,Scenic Flights,Helicopter Safaris,V.I.P Executive Jet Flights,Cargo & Freight Flights,Aerial Survey & Photography Flights,Sight Seeing Safaris, Photographic Flights. There are Private Executive Jet for bussiness executives and long haul flights .The Bravo 550 Citation 7 seater with conference room,fully equipped with all refreshments including breakfast,snacks,hot lunches,champagne,hot and soft drinks with a flight attendant and with DVD and Television and statellite phones .These makes you work while enroute and even hold meetings and you are more relaxed and even able to be be more productive than being in office as nobody will interrrupt you and no calls to attend to. These Private Charter companies also have emergency & medical evacuation flights in place incase of any eventuality using the Beechcraft 1900 ,Superkingair 200 ,Citation Bravo 550,Helicopter AS350 to the nearest Hospital which is well equipped with modern medical facilities which will match the patients situation.Air Ambulance supplements in rescue of lives of critical patients who need quick medical attention thus the need to equip the aircrfats with Oxygen ,Stretcher.medical equipments,medical personnel to attend to the patient enroute to the hospital with those facilities.Also for cargo transportation and freight can also be done as the freighter aircrafts are available with the customers needs.There are aircrafts ranging from 250 kilos to 10 tonnes for cargo flights.
For Aerial Survey & Photography the Cessna C-208 Caravan 12 seater,C-206 3 seater single engine aircrafts you can be able to survey the Oldonyo Lengai,Ngorongoro crater,Mount Meru,Mount Kilimanjaro as this aircrafts have been built and the door can be removed for this purpose.The Cessna C-208 Caravan can take only 10 people as seats will be removed to create room for Cameras and the movement to enable take Video .The charge is done on a hourly basis and it will depend on how many hours you intent to do the aerial survey photography plus the flights time to and from base.There are also helicopter flights for this purpose and the reservations has to be done 2 month in advance and only for 2 to 5 passengers as they are scarce.
Scenic Flights can be done using Private Charters as scheduled flights are run on scheduled and they dont have time for you to be able to ask questions and know the geographical features enroute to your destination.With private charter the pilot will ensure whenever he/she approaches a geographical feature he will brief you and on approach he/she will alert you so that you can take a photograph as there is no hurry and he/she is there purposely for you and not anybody else.
Fishing Safaris you can go to,Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Islands,Daresaalam which are on the Coastal Strip.There are beaches where you can go burst and even do Boat Riding Safaris and Dhow.
You can charter Direct Private flights from Tanzania point of entry/exit that is Daresaalam,Mwanza,Musoma,Kilimanjaro,Zanzibar to Kenyan National Parks or from Kenyan National Parks to Kilimanjaro,Musoma,Daresaalam,Mwanza,Zanzibar to avoid stop-overs and several landings and takeoffs.All you need is to give a notice of 4 working days notice then you will have immigration and customs officers in any of the Kenyan National Parks waiting to provide you with entry visas at you time or arrival or departure what a deal!!!!
While in Tanzania you can visit Lobo,Lake Manyara,Maji Moto,Ngurumeti,Sasakwa,Ngorongoro Crater,Kleins Camp,Seronera,Ndutu,Kogatende,Pemba Island,Mafia Island,Zanzibar by Private executive Jet or Helicopter anytime that you need to fly there.The Private Charter companies have their operations office open 24/7 aday ready to work out a logistics or qoutation instantly irrespective of day and time.
It will be at your discreation and also depending on your budget and schedule to chose which air transport model to use , scheduled or non-schedule into any part of Tanzania.
Tanzania is one of the gifted Country with beautiful geographical features and wildlife you would want to visit and see for yourselve in Eastern Africa.
It has several airports and airstrips for air transport and tourism is its second source of foreign income.Air Transport is playing a vital role in both commercial and private charter for both cargo and passengers regionally and internatiionally.For tourism its is served by three main Airports namely,Zanzibar,Kilimanjaro Inteernational and Daresaalam and Arusha which serves both the Northern and Sourthern Circuits.We have both local flights to National Parks and Reserves and Major Cities and International arriving and departing on daily basis. We have both 3,4,5 star Hotels for accomodation with both continental dishes and african. There exclussive properties like Sasakwa,Grumeti which serve for the V.I.P and top bussiness executives and personalities and we have both scheduled and non-scheduled flights that you can take you there.
SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
There are several scheduled flights into the National Parks departing out of Zanzibar,Daresaalam,Kilimanjaro ,Arusha,Mwanza,Musoma among others.These scheduled flights are operated by Private Charter Companies and operate on daily basis. The aircrafts used depend with the airstrip serviceability and it ranges from 12 seater C-208 Caravan single engine ,18 seater LET 410 UVP-E9/20 twin engine,Twin-otter 17 seater twin engine,Caravan 2 C-406 twin engine 11 seater ,Beechcraft 1900 18 seater twin engine pressurized ,ATR 42 37 seater twin engine among others.Scheduled flights do depart especially to the National Parks from Arusha and only for groups then you will be picked from Kilimanjaro.Arusha airport is not airport of entry you will have to enter through Kilimanjaro International clear customs and immigration then fly to Arusha or be dropped at Kilimanjaro International Airportand drive to Arusha Airport.Arusha Airport is used for domestic departures and also to avoid congestion at Kilimanjaro International due to International arrivals and delays due to arrivals and departures of Jet Aircrafts. Arusha Airport is for General Aviation and has all facilities for all local flights within Tanzania.
NON-SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
There are alot of Private Charter Firms in Tanzania based in Zanzibar,Daresaalam,Mwanza,Arusha,Kilimanjaro who have aircrafts ranging from 10,12,18,37 seater for any charter services ranging from, Air Ambulance Flights,Scenic Flights,Helicopter Safaris,V.I.P Executive Jet Flights,Cargo & Freight Flights,Aerial Survey & Photography Flights,Sight Seeing Safaris, Photographic Flights. There are Private Executive Jet for bussiness executives and long haul flights .The Bravo 550 Citation 7 seater with conference room,fully equipped with all refreshments including breakfast,snacks,hot lunches,champagne,hot and soft drinks with a flight attendant and with DVD and Television and statellite phones .These makes you work while enroute and even hold meetings and you are more relaxed and even able to be be more productive than being in office as nobody will interrrupt you and no calls to attend to. These Private Charter companies also have emergency & medical evacuation flights in place incase of any eventuality using the Beechcraft 1900 ,Superkingair 200 ,Citation Bravo 550,Helicopter AS350 to the nearest Hospital which is well equipped with modern medical facilities which will match the patients situation.Air Ambulance supplements in rescue of lives of critical patients who need quick medical attention thus the need to equip the aircrfats with Oxygen ,Stretcher.medical equipments,medical personnel to attend to the patient enroute to the hospital with those facilities.Also for cargo transportation and freight can also be done as the freighter aircrafts are available with the customers needs.There are aircrafts ranging from 250 kilos to 10 tonnes for cargo flights.
For Aerial Survey & Photography the Cessna C-208 Caravan 12 seater,C-206 3 seater single engine aircrafts you can be able to survey the Oldonyo Lengai,Ngorongoro crater,Mount Meru,Mount Kilimanjaro as this aircrafts have been built and the door can be removed for this purpose.The Cessna C-208 Caravan can take only 10 people as seats will be removed to create room for Cameras and the movement to enable take Video .The charge is done on a hourly basis and it will depend on how many hours you intent to do the aerial survey photography plus the flights time to and from base.There are also helicopter flights for this purpose and the reservations has to be done 2 month in advance and only for 2 to 5 passengers as they are scarce.
Scenic Flights can be done using Private Charters as scheduled flights are run on scheduled and they dont have time for you to be able to ask questions and know the geographical features enroute to your destination.With private charter the pilot will ensure whenever he/she approaches a geographical feature he will brief you and on approach he/she will alert you so that you can take a photograph as there is no hurry and he/she is there purposely for you and not anybody else.
Fishing Safaris you can go to,Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Islands,Daresaalam which are on the Coastal Strip.There are beaches where you can go burst and even do Boat Riding Safaris and Dhow.
You can charter Direct Private flights from Tanzania point of entry/exit that is Daresaalam,Mwanza,Musoma,Kilimanjaro,Zanzibar to Kenyan National Parks or from Kenyan National Parks to Kilimanjaro,Musoma,Daresaalam,Mwanza,Zanzibar to avoid stop-overs and several landings and takeoffs.All you need is to give a notice of 4 working days notice then you will have immigration and customs officers in any of the Kenyan National Parks waiting to provide you with entry visas at you time or arrival or departure what a deal!!!!
While in Tanzania you can visit Lobo,Lake Manyara,Maji Moto,Ngurumeti,Sasakwa,Ngorongoro Crater,Kleins Camp,Seronera,Ndutu,Kogatende,Pemba Island,Mafia Island,Zanzibar by Private executive Jet or Helicopter anytime that you need to fly there.The Private Charter companies have their operations office open 24/7 aday ready to work out a logistics or qoutation instantly irrespective of day and time.
It will be at your discreation and also depending on your budget and schedule to chose which air transport model to use , scheduled or non-schedule into any part of Tanzania.
Choosing An Airline Miles Credit Card
Jeremy Biberdorf asked:
We live in a day and age when various types of rewards credit cards are becoming increasingly popular due to the budget crunches so many of us are facing in these trying economic times. You may very likely know one person who owns her own small business and has a specialized credit account created especially to benefit people like her. Perhaps you know someone else who constantly goes out of town on business excursions or family road trips and is saving a fortune because of his gasoline card. However, the chances are excellent that you know the most people who are jumping on the biggest bandwagon of all and filling out an airline miles credit card application.
Credit accounts that offer customers airline benefits in exchange for their patronage are probably the most popular type of specialized credit account available today, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine being able to earn valuable points toward airline travel just by making the same exact purchases you already very likely make on your other cards. In today’s economy, every little bit helps, and consumers everywhere are able to keep travel, vacations, and visits to family who live far away in their plans as a result of some of these benefits.
But how do you know if an airline miles credit card is right for you? Can they work for everybody? Can you really benefit from them as profoundly as people are saying you can? To find the answer, you definitely want to take a look at a few very important factors before signing on the dotted line with any particular credit card company because all cards were definitely not created equal.
First you want to take a look at the benefits offered in conjunction with a particular credit card program and make sure they’re really benefits you can use. Do you have to spend an exorbitant amount per month or year in order to be able to reap enough benefits for the card to be useful to you? If this is the case, keep looking. The frequent flyer credit card market is quite competitive, so it’s more than likely that if one card doesn’t suit you, another one will. You should also see what other types of benefits beyond airline miles the program you’re considering can offer you. Many programs offer discounts on services from certain establishments or the opportunity to earn double points by spending with others. Shop around for a plan that fits your personal spending habits.
Next you want to take care to read the fine print associated with each frequent flyer credit card program, because these will further help determine whether or not a specific one turns out to be a match made in heaven or just another card with no special benefits to you. Do you require the ability to fly at specific times or dates – either for business purposes or perhaps scheduled family gatherings? You might want to avoid cards that apply too many blackout dates to their benefits to make sure you can use them when you need to. Do you want to be able to save your miles for a rainy day and not feel pressured to use them right away? Look for a card with airline points that don’t expire, because some do.
As with any major financial decision, making the choice to apply for a frequent flyer credit card is an important one and should be made very carefully. The key to success really is in weighing the pros and cons of individual programs against one another and doing plenty of homework as to what options are available to you before you sign on the dotted line. Examine all aspects of all the programs you’re considering in this way, and it won’t be difficult to ultimately make a wise decision.
We live in a day and age when various types of rewards credit cards are becoming increasingly popular due to the budget crunches so many of us are facing in these trying economic times. You may very likely know one person who owns her own small business and has a specialized credit account created especially to benefit people like her. Perhaps you know someone else who constantly goes out of town on business excursions or family road trips and is saving a fortune because of his gasoline card. However, the chances are excellent that you know the most people who are jumping on the biggest bandwagon of all and filling out an airline miles credit card application.
Credit accounts that offer customers airline benefits in exchange for their patronage are probably the most popular type of specialized credit account available today, and it’s easy to see why. Imagine being able to earn valuable points toward airline travel just by making the same exact purchases you already very likely make on your other cards. In today’s economy, every little bit helps, and consumers everywhere are able to keep travel, vacations, and visits to family who live far away in their plans as a result of some of these benefits.
But how do you know if an airline miles credit card is right for you? Can they work for everybody? Can you really benefit from them as profoundly as people are saying you can? To find the answer, you definitely want to take a look at a few very important factors before signing on the dotted line with any particular credit card company because all cards were definitely not created equal.
First you want to take a look at the benefits offered in conjunction with a particular credit card program and make sure they’re really benefits you can use. Do you have to spend an exorbitant amount per month or year in order to be able to reap enough benefits for the card to be useful to you? If this is the case, keep looking. The frequent flyer credit card market is quite competitive, so it’s more than likely that if one card doesn’t suit you, another one will. You should also see what other types of benefits beyond airline miles the program you’re considering can offer you. Many programs offer discounts on services from certain establishments or the opportunity to earn double points by spending with others. Shop around for a plan that fits your personal spending habits.
Next you want to take care to read the fine print associated with each frequent flyer credit card program, because these will further help determine whether or not a specific one turns out to be a match made in heaven or just another card with no special benefits to you. Do you require the ability to fly at specific times or dates – either for business purposes or perhaps scheduled family gatherings? You might want to avoid cards that apply too many blackout dates to their benefits to make sure you can use them when you need to. Do you want to be able to save your miles for a rainy day and not feel pressured to use them right away? Look for a card with airline points that don’t expire, because some do.
As with any major financial decision, making the choice to apply for a frequent flyer credit card is an important one and should be made very carefully. The key to success really is in weighing the pros and cons of individual programs against one another and doing plenty of homework as to what options are available to you before you sign on the dotted line. Examine all aspects of all the programs you’re considering in this way, and it won’t be difficult to ultimately make a wise decision.
Should I let the Cruise Line Make My Airline Reservation For My Cruise Vacation?
Mary Hanna asked:
When considering a cruise vacation this is a very good question. The Cruise lines pre-book massive amounts of airline space. That allows you better access to flights, and many cruise lines pass on their reasonable prices to passengers whose travel agents book through them.
If you choose to make airline reservations on your own please select flight schedules that allow you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship’s departure on the day of your cruise travel. That applies in reverse, leave enough breathing room to get to the airport with time to make your return flights after your lovely cruise vacation.
Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are:
By purchasing cruise line airfare, you also receive transfers to and from the airport to the pier. If your flights are delayed and arrive past the time of the ship’s departure, the cruise line assumes responsibility for either delaying the ship’s sailing or getting you to the cruise ships first port of call.
You should let your travel agent book the Airline Reservations through the Cruise Line for safety reasons. This basically makes the Cruise Line responsible in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation. Here’s a cruise tip, for a small additional “air deviation” fee, most cruise lines will attempt to book you on the airline or flights of your choice.
If you have frequent-flier miles be sure to book your flights well in advance to ensure your arrival on time. When scheduling your flight home after the cruise, be sure to take into account disembarking time from the ship and local transportation time to the airport. Leave plenty of time because some local airports may not be as sophisticated as those you might be used to. And in today’s world, security will make it even longer to board your flight for your cruise travel.
You should arrive at least a day before the cruise vacation, especially if you are flying a long distance to pick up the ship. That way, you can rest up and be ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise. You get the added benefit of not having to worry about a delayed or cancelled flight, causing you to miss the cruise. This was the best cruise tip I have learned over the years.
When you are flying to your cruise vacation you will have to consider baggage weight. Generally there are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take aboard ship, but do remember that if your cruise vacation involves a flight, airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions. These vary on scheduled flights, depending on airline and route. Please note that the allowance may be less on international flights. When flying from New Zealand back to Miami after our millennium cruise vacation, Quanta’s airline was very strict about weight and charged us because we were over.
The cruise lines will generally supply you with its luggage tags which will be in addition to your personal ID tags. The luggage tags will be included with your cruise documents which normally arrive 2-3 weeks before your cruise vacation.
Here are some cruise tips we have learned through our cruise travel.
It is strongly suggested that you remove old airline flight tags to eliminate ANY possibility of confusion on the part of the airline.
An extra folded flight bag takes up very little room and it can be handy on your way home when you have more to carry then can be placed in your original luggage.
Be sure to keep your travel documents, identification documents, medications, valuables, a set of clean underwear, credit cards, cash and travelers checks on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Horror stories concerning lost airline luggage are well known.
When traveling outside the United States to pick up your cruise ship, make photocopies of your passport and cruise itinerary, place one set in each bag prior to checking them with the airline. This will ensure you that your luggage will catch up to you at some time during your cruise vacation.
When waiting in line or sitting in an airport, always have the strap to your carry-on luggage wrapped around an arm or leg, then it won’t disappear without your knowledge.
Be very careful using your telephone card in airports. People will stand behind you and watch as you tap in the numbers. And much to your dismay, a month after your cruise travel, you get a huge telephone bill. I know it happened it me. I was not responsible for paying the bill, but it was a hassle.
It is useful to take an overnight bag for the last night of your cruise vacation. Your cabin steward will be collecting all checked bags the night before disembarkation, sometime around midnight. If you have this small overnight bag you can use it for the clothes you wore the evening before. And as mentioned, it comes in handy for packing all the mementos you picked up along the way.
The most important cruise tip is to relax and enjoy your cruise vacation. You deserve it.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
When considering a cruise vacation this is a very good question. The Cruise lines pre-book massive amounts of airline space. That allows you better access to flights, and many cruise lines pass on their reasonable prices to passengers whose travel agents book through them.
If you choose to make airline reservations on your own please select flight schedules that allow you enough time to get to the pier in time for the ship’s departure on the day of your cruise travel. That applies in reverse, leave enough breathing room to get to the airport with time to make your return flights after your lovely cruise vacation.
Two advantages of using cruise line provided airfare are:
By purchasing cruise line airfare, you also receive transfers to and from the airport to the pier. If your flights are delayed and arrive past the time of the ship’s departure, the cruise line assumes responsibility for either delaying the ship’s sailing or getting you to the cruise ships first port of call.
You should let your travel agent book the Airline Reservations through the Cruise Line for safety reasons. This basically makes the Cruise Line responsible in the event of a flight or sailing delay or cancellation. Here’s a cruise tip, for a small additional “air deviation” fee, most cruise lines will attempt to book you on the airline or flights of your choice.
If you have frequent-flier miles be sure to book your flights well in advance to ensure your arrival on time. When scheduling your flight home after the cruise, be sure to take into account disembarking time from the ship and local transportation time to the airport. Leave plenty of time because some local airports may not be as sophisticated as those you might be used to. And in today’s world, security will make it even longer to board your flight for your cruise travel.
You should arrive at least a day before the cruise vacation, especially if you are flying a long distance to pick up the ship. That way, you can rest up and be ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise. You get the added benefit of not having to worry about a delayed or cancelled flight, causing you to miss the cruise. This was the best cruise tip I have learned over the years.
When you are flying to your cruise vacation you will have to consider baggage weight. Generally there are no restrictions on how much luggage you can take aboard ship, but do remember that if your cruise vacation involves a flight, airlines have their own baggage allowance restrictions. These vary on scheduled flights, depending on airline and route. Please note that the allowance may be less on international flights. When flying from New Zealand back to Miami after our millennium cruise vacation, Quanta’s airline was very strict about weight and charged us because we were over.
The cruise lines will generally supply you with its luggage tags which will be in addition to your personal ID tags. The luggage tags will be included with your cruise documents which normally arrive 2-3 weeks before your cruise vacation.
Here are some cruise tips we have learned through our cruise travel.
It is strongly suggested that you remove old airline flight tags to eliminate ANY possibility of confusion on the part of the airline.
An extra folded flight bag takes up very little room and it can be handy on your way home when you have more to carry then can be placed in your original luggage.
Be sure to keep your travel documents, identification documents, medications, valuables, a set of clean underwear, credit cards, cash and travelers checks on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Horror stories concerning lost airline luggage are well known.
When traveling outside the United States to pick up your cruise ship, make photocopies of your passport and cruise itinerary, place one set in each bag prior to checking them with the airline. This will ensure you that your luggage will catch up to you at some time during your cruise vacation.
When waiting in line or sitting in an airport, always have the strap to your carry-on luggage wrapped around an arm or leg, then it won’t disappear without your knowledge.
Be very careful using your telephone card in airports. People will stand behind you and watch as you tap in the numbers. And much to your dismay, a month after your cruise travel, you get a huge telephone bill. I know it happened it me. I was not responsible for paying the bill, but it was a hassle.
It is useful to take an overnight bag for the last night of your cruise vacation. Your cabin steward will be collecting all checked bags the night before disembarkation, sometime around midnight. If you have this small overnight bag you can use it for the clothes you wore the evening before. And as mentioned, it comes in handy for packing all the mementos you picked up along the way.
The most important cruise tip is to relax and enjoy your cruise vacation. You deserve it.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Haiti:the Magic Land
Alejandro Guevara Onofre asked:
HAITI: THE MAGIC LAND
By Alejandro Guevara Onofre
INTRODUCTION
In 1492 Christopher Columbus wrote about Haiti: “The most beautiful in the world”. Certainly, Haiti is a wonderful country in the Caribbean. I think that has a special beauty, with a geography and traditional culture that is totally different from all the other countries in Latin America.
Now, this essay is a historical information about Haiti, the first black republic in the modern history and one of the poorest nations on Earth. Each chapter provides details on history, economy, biographies, sport, awards, foreign relations, culture and other important aspects of Haiti. The people that don’t know Haiti very much think that Haiti is only one of the world’s poorest countries, but the Island is known for its traditional culture, hospitality, superstitions, history. Furthermore, Haiti is the home to National Park History, one of the ancient wonders of the world, and renowned women such as Edwidge Danticat and Michaëlle Jean were born there.
Since then, the dictatorships have destroyed Haitian society, economy, ecology and sport. Since 1950, two million Haitian people emigrated to the United States and other countries. Haitian-American arrived from Haiti with nothing more than their clothes. If we compare the Haiti of today to Haiti of thirty years ago, we see a change: a new multiparty democracy. Today, a vast part of the Third World and more than a billion people are under dictatorships.
Eventually, I would like to finish my introduction with a message by Albert Mangones: “Haiti is unique in history, going directly from slavery to nationhood”.
CHRONOLOGY:
1492: Columbus discovered Haiti in the 15th Century.
1520-1697: Haiti is a Spanish territory. In the late 1500 and early 1600, African slaves flocked to Island.
1697-1790: Haiti is a French colony. After 16th Century, Haiti became the most important French colony in the Americas. Island´s export to Europe included sugar, coffee and corn. The beauty of Haiti is recognized by the French in the mid-1700 Century, when they called it “Pearl the Caribbean”.
1790-1803: During the French colonization slaves suffers from maltreatment. By the late 1790, pro-independence demonstrations. An Anti-slavery movement under Toussaint L´Ouverture began. L´Ouverture is one of the most important black leaders in the history.During this period of time, Haitian slaves attack villages. Anti-French protests riots brutally suppressed. By the late 1803, under leadership of Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti army defeated the French forces at the Battle of Vertieres.
1804-1806:A French colony for more than hundred years, Haiti becomes independent, one of the most important events in the history. Jean Jacques Dessalines became the first president of new republic of Haiti, the first black republic in the modern history. Dessalines is the “Father of Modern Haiti”. Haiti occupies the Western third of Hispaniola, the second-largest Island in the Caribbean.
1804-1820: Unfortunately; Haiti is divided into two zones. Northern Haiti is occupied by Henri Christopher, who is named Emperor, while the north is occupied by Alexander Petion. Petion is probably the greatest Haitian politician who ever lived.
1880: Haiti has one of the richest ecosystems in the Caribbean.
1900: Haiti´s modern political has been tumultuous, marked by dictatorships
1915-1934: Haiti has not had an effective national government Invasion by United States forces. US troops sent to Haiti during civil sub-war.
1918: The Presidential Palace, one of the best national palaces in the world, is originally designed by the Haitian Georges Bassan. Bassan is inspired to White House Washington.
1926: Emily Greene Balch, a human rights activist, went to Haiti.
1928: Cator is the only Haitian ever to win olympic silver medal. After, Haitian athlete Sylvio Cator breaks the men’s long jump record in Paris. Cator was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to his country.
1937: In the Dominican Republic, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo ordered national troops to massacre of 20000 Haitian emigrants.
1940-1950: Haiti is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean.
1944: Dewitt Peters, an American school-teacher, founded the Centre d’Art in Port -au-Prince Since 1944, Centre d’Art became the centre of the Haitian painting. It is now one of Haiti´s biggest tourist attractions, and every year thousands of people came to see the paintings and other work of Haitian art.
1945: Haiti becomes the 26th member of the United Nations in October.
1956: Haiti establishes diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
1956: Daniel Fignolé is President of the Provisional Council and Head of State of Haiti
1957-1971:After working for a time as a traditional doctor, Francois Duvalier became one of Haiti’s most famous doctors. In 1957, Duvalier is elected President of the Republic of Haiti. President Duvalier announced: “My government will guarantee the exercise of liberty to all Haitians”. Francois Duvalier, also known for his nickname “Papa Doc”, emerged as Head of State and quickly gained nearly absolute power. In 1961 “Papa Doc” rewrote the National Constitution. After, he became the first “President for Eternity of Haiti”. In the 1960s and 1970s “Papa Doc” popularizes superstitions ideas to Haiti through a series of important voodoo rites. The Duvalier dictatorship instituted rig press censorship. International agencies accuse government of grave human rights abuses. His regime of terror resulted in the deaths of least 30000 Haitian. The Island is one of the most dangerous countries in the Third World.
1957-1981: Haitian First Lady Simone Ovide became one of the most dominant women in the history of Haiti. Simone, wife of the most famous dictator of Haiti, gained in influence and power through corruption and crime.
1957-1989: For many decades, Haiti does not have diplomatic relations with the USSR, People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Hungary, South Africa and East Germany.
1960: The Tonton Macoutes, the brutal secret police, initiated a “Haitian genocide” in which political prisoners were tortured and executed.
1964: Joseph Eduard Gaetjens, the idol of millions of Haitians, is arrested and killed by the Tonton Macoutes, the sinister Haitian secret police. Like John Barnes (Jamaica) and Everald “Gally” Cummings (Trinidad Tobago), he was a great footballer in the Caribbean. After, Gaetjens become a world symbol of the struggle against dictatorship in the Third World. He had dual Haitian and American nationality and played at 1950 World Cup for the United States. Son of Haitian mother and Belgium father, he played for many clubs in the United States. The year 1950 was a very important year for Gaetjens: the United States beat England 1-0, the birthplace of the modern football.
1964: Francois Duvalier changed the national flag. Black and red are the colors chosen by Duvalier. Black, which is similar to the Angolan flag, represents the descendants of the patriot Francois Toussaint L’Ouverture and is also the traditional color of the Haitian people. While, red symbolizes the country`s independence. But the original flag, used since 1803, was removed in 1986 by order of the new government.
1966: Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, arrives in Port-au-Prince. Under the leadership of Dictator Francois Duvalier, many African countries maintain official diplomatic relations with Haiti.
1967: The Comedians, a film by British director Peter Glenville, inspired in the cruel Haitian dictatorship by the Duvalier family.
1971: After Duvalier’s death, power passed to his son Jean Claude Duvalier, the man who became known throughout the world as “Baby Doc”. Baby Doc is as dictatorial as his father. Haiti is ruled by iron hand. Duvalier, best known for his anticommunist political, is omnipresent. Many opposition leaders were arrested. He is accused of human rights abuses. Thousand of Haitian people fled the country. Corruption is prevalent at all levels of government. The health system is one of the worst in the Americas.
1974: The sporting system is one of the worst in the Third World, but Haiti qualified for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Haiti beat Trinidad-Tobago in the World Cup qualifiers. Is one of the greatest sporting moment, in the chronology, comparing it to something like Sylvio Cator, who won a silver medal in long jump in the 1928 Olympics Games in Holland.
1975: In El Salvador, Miss Haiti, Gerthie David, is named first runner up at Miss Universe Pageant… transmitting live to millions by CBS. After, Gerthie David is acclaimed in Port-au-Prince as a national heroine. Miss Haiti competed with 71 other women from around the world for the title of Miss Universe, including Miss USA, Summer Barthollomew.
1980: Like Canada, West Germany South Korea and Kenya, Haiti boycott the Moscow Olympic Games in protest for Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
1980-1986: Jean-Claude Duvalier, Haiti’s longtime dictator, married Michelle Bennett, an aristocratic lady. A little more than three months later, Bennett-Duvalier becomes First Lady of Haiti. Like Eva Peron (Argentina) or Jiang Qing (People’s Republic of China), she was a woman with great power. Michelle Bennett promoted her mulatto countrymen to positions of leadership in the dictatorship at his expense of the African-Haitians.
1982: The National History Park (La Citadelle Laferriere, Sans Souci Palace and Ramiers) is designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Like Machu Picchu (Peru) and Angkor What (Cambodia), the National History Park is considered among the wonders of the world.
1982: Ronald Agenor wins a gold medal in men’s tennis singles at the Central American and Caribbean Sports Games La Havana. He captures the hearts of the Island.
1983: Pope John Paul arrives in Haiti for a visit. “Things most change here”, said John Paul II.
1986: As Jean-Claude consolidated his power, he consistently refused to consider constitutional reform. The insurrection against the dictator Jean Claude Duvalier began…Antigovernment protesters in the capital. Many deaths, injuries and arrests. Seeming end to long Haitian dictatorship with fall of Duvalier regime.
1987: Haiti has one of the America’s rates of HIV infection
1987: The New Constitution restored many of the liberties abolished by the Duvalier family. The National Constitution recognizes both French and Creole as official languages. A new opposition emerged under Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
1988: Writer Rene Depestre wins the Prix Ranandot. Depestre, a Haitian dissident now living in France, was cited his novel Hadriana dans tous mes reves. By the mid-1980s Rene Depestre had become well known in literacy circles outside Haiti.
1990: Ertha Pascall-Trouillot becomes the first black woman elected of head of state in the world.
1990: First multi-party elections. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a charismatic black leader, was elected president of Haiti. Aristide is the first democratic president since 1804.He was elected with the most popular support of any Haitian presidential candidate in the history.
1991: Military coup in the country. Raoul Cedras, leader of the coup, emerged as head of the new government. This year marked the end of eight months of democracy. Under new government, all political parties were dissolved.
1991-1995: Like Equatorial Guinea, Cuba and North Korea, Haiti has one of the most serious human rights problems in the Third World.
1993: United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Haiti, one of the most densely populated nations in the Americas.
1994: Peaceful occupation by United States forces to restore democratic electoral system. Raoul Cedras and his family went into exile in Panama City. Aristide was restored to power.
1995: In Port-au-Prince, sub-war violence includes assassination of Meireille Durocher Bertin.
1995: In Beijing, the capital of city of the People’s Republic of China, Haiti participated in the UN`s Fourth World Conference on Women
1996:More than 5,000 Haitians had been killed and miles more fled to abroad, United States, Canada, Bahamas and Dominican Republic, since 1991.
1998: Haitian president Renè Garcia Preval arrives in Taipei (Taiwan) for a four-day state visit. He and President Lee will sign a communiqué to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation.
1999: Dominican president Leonel Fernandez visit to Haiti as part of a new diplomacy.
2002: In Paris, Dudley Dorival finished 3rd in the 110 hurdles at the World Championships. He becomes the 1st Haitian to win an individual international medal since 1928.Dorival was born in New Jersey, United States, to Haitian parents on 1 September 1975. He in 2000 officially became a citizen of Haiti.
2000: Haiti is one of the thirty poorest countries in the Third World.
2000-2001: The elections were boycotted by the main opposition political parties. Aristide was again elected President. Widespread violent in Haiti allege that Aristide’s election victory is fraudulent. Total political censorship exists in national media.
2004: This year Haiti is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of their National Independence. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti flees to Central African Republic following anti-government demonstrations. Haiti has one of the most violent conflict areas in the Americas. After, UN troops sent to Haiti during civil sub-war.
2006: Rene Preval is sworn in as President of Haiti. Since the peaceful transfer of power in February, Haiti is the newest democracy in the Third World.
ECONOMY
Like Bangladesh, Uganda or Tanzania, Haiti is one of the poorest countries on Earth. In 1997, the Haiti’s economic growth rate (real GDP) per capita was U$ 1,300. GDP per capita for Namibia, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea are higher than for Haiti. In the country 4 million people living on less than U$2 a day. More than 6 million of the Haiti’s population still does not have access to potable water and electricity. For years of dictatorships had left the country’s economy in ruins. The country dependent on international aid. Several hundred thousand farm workers migrate each year to Dominican Republic.
In 1997, total exports for the year were U$110 million, while total imports were US$ 486 million. Since 1804, the US market has been the most important export destination for Haiti. Nearly 80 percent of Haiti’s total exports are destined for the United States. Haiti’s exports include sisal, mangoes, coffee, cotton, bauxite, and sugar. The Island’s imports from the United States include cement, oil, food, machinery and transport equipment. France has been the second largest exports destination for Haitian products.
In the past, the tourism industry occupied an eminent place in the Haitian economy, but several political problems have blocked tourism. Haiti was the first country in the Caribbean to promote tourism in an accelerated form. Haiti is a small country with vast mountains, tropical beaches and beautiful historic buildings.
CULTURE
Like Katherine Dunham, Lillian Hellman, W.B. Seabrook, Erik Leonard Ekman, Alejo Carpentier, Selden Rodman, Noel Coward and Angeline Jolie, many people say that Haiti is the most beautiful country in the Caribbean. Known as the “Magic Land”, Haiti is famous for its culture. Certainly, Haiti its culture, its superstitions and its music. The superstitions or voodoo plays a profound role in the lives of many Haitians. The voodoo was introduced into Haiti in the late 16th Century. Haiti is also famous for its painting, and finally for its ruins…for example the Sans Souci Palace, the most famous ruins in the Caribbean. Exactly, this enigmatic palace is considered a Cultural Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO. Originally constructed by black slaves, now Sans Souci is one of Haiti’s main tourist attractions.
Since the late 1940s, Haitian painting, best known as “naïve art” or “intuitive art”, is famous all around the World. The most important figure was Hector Hyppolite. His work made its biggest splash in the United States in the 20th Century. Other artists known internationally include Rigaud Benoit, Castera Bazile, Joseph Jean-Giles and Jean-Baptista Bottlex.Haiti is famous for its traditional sculpture. The best Haitian sculptor is Albert Mangoes.
FAMOUS HAITIAN
Nelust Wyclef Jean (singer/Haitian-American): Original member of 1990s hip hop group The Fugees. Wyclef Jean is probably the most popular Haitian singer of all time. Jean was born in Croix des Bouquets (Haiti) on October 17, 1972. When he was just ten years old, he moved to the United States. Under leadership of Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, The Fugees had several hits in the 1990s, including The Score (The Score album sold 6 million copies). Since 1997, Wyclef Jean, as soloist, became well-known on the international music scene. Like songwriter and producer, Jean collaborated with superstars as Santana, Withney Houston, Mick Jagger,Bono,Tevin Cambpell, Bounty Killer, Eric Benet, Sarah Connor, Claudette Ortiz, Tarkan, Michael Jackson, Youssou N´Dor, Shakira, Olga Tañon, Carlos Ponce and Julio Voltio. During the last seven years, he has sold more than 10 millions albums worldwide. In 2002, his single Masquerade was a great success.
Since then, Wyclef Jean is a man that always works with love for Haiti, one of the World’s poorest countries. Recently, he makes perhaps his best work: “Yele Haiti”, a foundation which works for the human development in the Island. Like Miriam Makeba in South Africa or Bianca Jagger in Nicaragua, Jean loves his roots. In an interview for Magazine, Wyclef Jean discussed about Haitian roots: “I am 100% Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian. I still have my Haitian passport. I represent Haiti in everything that I do. Every head in the industry knows that I am Haitian…they know what I’m about. I was Haitian forst. Haitian till die!”, said Jean.
Discography: Wyclef Jean Present the Carnival Featuring the refugee All-Stars (1997) / The Ecleftic:2 Sides II a Book/ Masquerade (2002) / The Preacher’s (2003)/ Sak Pasé Presents: Creole 101( 2004) /Hips Don’t Lie (with Shakira, 2006).
SPECIAL AWARDS
Gerthie David “The Black Goddess”
In 1975, many Haitian people were shocked to open their newspapers and see photographs of Gerthie David Miss Haiti in El Salvador. On the night of July 19th 1975, in San Salvador, Gerthie David, Miss Haiti, was the second black woman to first runner-up in the history of Miss Universe Pageant. After winning the Miss Haiti title, Gerthie went to San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, to enter the Miss Universe Contest. The competence was exhausting, very hard, for example Miss Bolivia, Jackeline Gammarra, great favorite, was eliminated. This day, Miss Haiti looks like a black goddess. Her exotic beauty and charming personality are amazing! At 1,72m in height, she was the best in the evening gown competition, but her speech about the Haitian superstitions swayed thousands of applauses in the 25th Edition of the Contest. Certainly, Miss Haiti captive to the judges Sarah Vaughan (American black singer), Maribel Arrieta (Miss El Salvador 1955 and First runner-up at Miss Universe 1955), Jean Claude Killy (French sportsmen) and Leon Uris(American writer ).
When Bob Barker, the host this pageant, announces the final placements, Gerthie was cheered by the entire auditorium. Suddenly, her pulse rate beats at thousand per minute… “First runner-up is Miss Haiti!”, said Barker. She was one of the most exotic delegates in all history of Miss Universe. In the 1970s, Gerthie David was a model from Port-au Prince and she became a symbol to the Haitian youth. Next months, in London, Joelle Apollon, Miss Haiti-World, came in sixth place at Miss World 1975.After sixteen years, Marjorie Vincent, formerly Miss Illinois 1991,won the title of Miss America Pageant. The first Miss America to originate from the Caribbean. In other words, Marjorie Vincent has Haitian roots. Furthermore, she was the second black woman to win the pageant.
SPORTS
Like in Brazil or Italy, the football is the most popular sport in Haiti. Certainly, the national pastime is the football. A different of the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, the Haitian people don’t like the baseball. In the 20th Century, football became the most popular sport in the Island, thanks to such heroes as Sylvio Cator, Joseph Gaetjens and Emmanuel Sanon. In 1974 Haiti qualified for the World Cup in Germany.
Emmanuel Sanon was one of the Haiti’s most popular players and played at the 1974 World Cup. Sanon made a great contribution to Haitian football because he played in more World Cup qualifiers any other Haitian. He is still very popular with local fans. Other phenomenal talent was Joseph Eduard Gaetjens. He represented both Haiti and the United States. He made FIFA World Cup History: When scored United States opening goal in the 1950 World Cup against England. Joseph came to the United States in the 1940s to play in the American Soccer League. His beautiful play in the Brookhattan Club made in a national star. In 1953, he played for Haiti for the first time.
It’s practically impossible to talk about Haitian athletes without mentioning Sylvio Cator. He is a legend in this sport. Cator won the silver medal in the long jump at 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Cator returned home to a hero’s welcome. From 1928 to 1930, he was record man in the long jump. Cator was a marvelous jumper and footballer. He also played an important role in popularizing football in the Island (it was the captain of Haitian National Team).
Since then, he is an example for young people in Haiti. He died in November 1938, but today the people of Haiti still think of him with respect. Many years after Cator’s death, the National Stadium in Por-au-Prince was renamed in his honor. Cator was the first of the great Caribbean sportsmen that would come to dominate world track and field.
FAMOUS ATHLETES
Bruny Surin (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Edrick Floreal (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Samuel Dalembert ( USA-Haiti/basketball) / Ronald Agenor (USA-Haiti/tennis)/ Sylvio Cator (track and field)/ Yves Jeudy (Box)/ Dieudonne Lamothe (marathon)/ Ludovic Augustin (shooting)/ Ludovic Volborge (shooting)/ Joseph Eduard Gaetjens (Haiti-USA/football)/ Dudley Dorival (track field)/ Fitz Plantin Andre (football)/ Emmanuel Sanon (football)/ Josmer Altidore (Haitian-American/football).
Dudley Dorival (track and field): Dudley Dorival was born on 1 September 1975 in Elizabeth (New Jersey, USA). Dorival is the son of Haitian parents and got Haitian nationality just in time for the XXVII Summer Olympics Games. Since the 2000 Olympics, Dudley Dorival has competed in international competitions under the banner of Haiti. In Sydney (Australia) Dorival finished 7th in the 110m hurdles. He became the first Haitian to Olympic finalist since Yves Jeudy (boxer) in 1976. He won the silver medal at the 1994 World Junior Championship, the bronze at the 2001 World Chanpionship and the gold medal at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games El Salvador. Dorival is one of the best sportsman in the history of Haiti.
FAMOUS WOMEN
Michaëlla Jean (Governor-General of Canada)/ Yvonne Neptune (former Prime Minister)/Claudette Werleigh (Prime Minister 1995-1996)/Lina Blanchet (singer)/ Edwidge Danticat (writer)/ Michelle Bennett Duvalier(First Lady of Haiti 1981-1986)/ Luce Turnier (painter)/ Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (Head of State 1990-1991)/ Marie Casimir (journalist) / Sonia Sekula (Painter) / Marie Chauvet (writer)/ Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain (writer)/ Carmen Brouard (singer)/Dayana Bennett (journalist and actress) / Elie Price (singer)/ Blanche Bosselman (singer)/ Lina Mathon (singer)/ Georgette Moliere (singer)/ Simone Ovide Duvalier (First Lady of Haiti 1957-1981)/ Marleine Bastien (human rights leader)/ Garcelle Beauvais (actress and model)/ Deborah Saint-Phard (track and field)/ Antoinette Gauthier (track and field), Louise Pierre (track and field)/ Rose Gauthier (track and field)
Edwidge Danticat (writer): One of the Caribbean’s most famous writers in the 21st Century. She has written several novels and collections of shore stories, including Kri? Kra!, nominated for a National Book Award. Danticat attracted international attention in 1997 when she wrote perhaps her most famous novel Farming of the Bones, a story about genocide Haitians under the repressive dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.
Garcelle Beauvais (actress): She is the first Haitian actress to star on television. Although she has lived in the United States for many years, the actress and former fashion model Garcelle Beauvais was born in Saint Marc, a city in Haiti, in 1966. She is perhaps best known for her role as Francesca Monroe on TV’s the Jamie Foxx Show. Like Gerthie David, Joelle Apollon, Evelyn Miot, and Marjorie Vincent, she has the classic beauty of the Haitian black woman
REFERENCES:
-Bennet Patterson, Carolyn.”Haiti: Beyond mountains, more mountains”, National Geographic, Washington DC, January 1976
-Bishop,Randa. “Imponentes monumentos haitianos”, Americas, Washington DC, enero-febrero 1987
-Cobb,Charles. “Haiti against all odds”, National Geographic, November 1987
-Encyclopaedia Britannica Book of the Year 1981, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 1980
-Encyclopaedia Britannica Almanac 2003, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 2002
-Guevara Onofre, Alejandro. Enciclopedia Mundototal 1999, Editorial San Marcos, Lima, 1998
-Hunter, Brian. The Statesman’s Year-Book 1991-92, The Macmillan Press, 1991
-Moritz, Charles. Current Biography Yearbook 1972, H.W Wilson Company, NY
-Sconfield, John. “Haiti-West Africa in the West Indies”, National Geographic, Washington DC, February 1961
-The International Who’s Who 1996-97, Europe Publications, London, 1996
-The World Almanac 2001, World Almanac Books, New Jersey, 2001
-Tibballs, Geoff. The Olympics´ strangest moments, Robson Books, London, 2004
-Vargas Llosa, Mario. “Haití: la muerte”, El Comercio, Lima, 25.4.1994
-Visión. “Imperio del Poder Vitalicio”, Santiago de Chile, 17 de marzo de 1967
-Wallechinsky, David. The complete Book of the Olympics, Aurum Press, London, 2004
-Wallechinsky, David-Wallace, Irving. The People’s Almanac2, Batam Book Inc
-WWW.Yotube.com “1975 El Salvador Miss Universe” (video)
HAITI: THE MAGIC LAND
By Alejandro Guevara Onofre
INTRODUCTION
In 1492 Christopher Columbus wrote about Haiti: “The most beautiful in the world”. Certainly, Haiti is a wonderful country in the Caribbean. I think that has a special beauty, with a geography and traditional culture that is totally different from all the other countries in Latin America.
Now, this essay is a historical information about Haiti, the first black republic in the modern history and one of the poorest nations on Earth. Each chapter provides details on history, economy, biographies, sport, awards, foreign relations, culture and other important aspects of Haiti. The people that don’t know Haiti very much think that Haiti is only one of the world’s poorest countries, but the Island is known for its traditional culture, hospitality, superstitions, history. Furthermore, Haiti is the home to National Park History, one of the ancient wonders of the world, and renowned women such as Edwidge Danticat and Michaëlle Jean were born there.
Since then, the dictatorships have destroyed Haitian society, economy, ecology and sport. Since 1950, two million Haitian people emigrated to the United States and other countries. Haitian-American arrived from Haiti with nothing more than their clothes. If we compare the Haiti of today to Haiti of thirty years ago, we see a change: a new multiparty democracy. Today, a vast part of the Third World and more than a billion people are under dictatorships.
Eventually, I would like to finish my introduction with a message by Albert Mangones: “Haiti is unique in history, going directly from slavery to nationhood”.
CHRONOLOGY:
1492: Columbus discovered Haiti in the 15th Century.
1520-1697: Haiti is a Spanish territory. In the late 1500 and early 1600, African slaves flocked to Island.
1697-1790: Haiti is a French colony. After 16th Century, Haiti became the most important French colony in the Americas. Island´s export to Europe included sugar, coffee and corn. The beauty of Haiti is recognized by the French in the mid-1700 Century, when they called it “Pearl the Caribbean”.
1790-1803: During the French colonization slaves suffers from maltreatment. By the late 1790, pro-independence demonstrations. An Anti-slavery movement under Toussaint L´Ouverture began. L´Ouverture is one of the most important black leaders in the history.During this period of time, Haitian slaves attack villages. Anti-French protests riots brutally suppressed. By the late 1803, under leadership of Jean Jacques Dessalines, Haiti army defeated the French forces at the Battle of Vertieres.
1804-1806:A French colony for more than hundred years, Haiti becomes independent, one of the most important events in the history. Jean Jacques Dessalines became the first president of new republic of Haiti, the first black republic in the modern history. Dessalines is the “Father of Modern Haiti”. Haiti occupies the Western third of Hispaniola, the second-largest Island in the Caribbean.
1804-1820: Unfortunately; Haiti is divided into two zones. Northern Haiti is occupied by Henri Christopher, who is named Emperor, while the north is occupied by Alexander Petion. Petion is probably the greatest Haitian politician who ever lived.
1880: Haiti has one of the richest ecosystems in the Caribbean.
1900: Haiti´s modern political has been tumultuous, marked by dictatorships
1915-1934: Haiti has not had an effective national government Invasion by United States forces. US troops sent to Haiti during civil sub-war.
1918: The Presidential Palace, one of the best national palaces in the world, is originally designed by the Haitian Georges Bassan. Bassan is inspired to White House Washington.
1926: Emily Greene Balch, a human rights activist, went to Haiti.
1928: Cator is the only Haitian ever to win olympic silver medal. After, Haitian athlete Sylvio Cator breaks the men’s long jump record in Paris. Cator was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to his country.
1937: In the Dominican Republic, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo ordered national troops to massacre of 20000 Haitian emigrants.
1940-1950: Haiti is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Caribbean.
1944: Dewitt Peters, an American school-teacher, founded the Centre d’Art in Port -au-Prince Since 1944, Centre d’Art became the centre of the Haitian painting. It is now one of Haiti´s biggest tourist attractions, and every year thousands of people came to see the paintings and other work of Haitian art.
1945: Haiti becomes the 26th member of the United Nations in October.
1956: Haiti establishes diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan).
1956: Daniel Fignolé is President of the Provisional Council and Head of State of Haiti
1957-1971:After working for a time as a traditional doctor, Francois Duvalier became one of Haiti’s most famous doctors. In 1957, Duvalier is elected President of the Republic of Haiti. President Duvalier announced: “My government will guarantee the exercise of liberty to all Haitians”. Francois Duvalier, also known for his nickname “Papa Doc”, emerged as Head of State and quickly gained nearly absolute power. In 1961 “Papa Doc” rewrote the National Constitution. After, he became the first “President for Eternity of Haiti”. In the 1960s and 1970s “Papa Doc” popularizes superstitions ideas to Haiti through a series of important voodoo rites. The Duvalier dictatorship instituted rig press censorship. International agencies accuse government of grave human rights abuses. His regime of terror resulted in the deaths of least 30000 Haitian. The Island is one of the most dangerous countries in the Third World.
1957-1981: Haitian First Lady Simone Ovide became one of the most dominant women in the history of Haiti. Simone, wife of the most famous dictator of Haiti, gained in influence and power through corruption and crime.
1957-1989: For many decades, Haiti does not have diplomatic relations with the USSR, People’s Republic of China, Cuba, Hungary, South Africa and East Germany.
1960: The Tonton Macoutes, the brutal secret police, initiated a “Haitian genocide” in which political prisoners were tortured and executed.
1964: Joseph Eduard Gaetjens, the idol of millions of Haitians, is arrested and killed by the Tonton Macoutes, the sinister Haitian secret police. Like John Barnes (Jamaica) and Everald “Gally” Cummings (Trinidad Tobago), he was a great footballer in the Caribbean. After, Gaetjens become a world symbol of the struggle against dictatorship in the Third World. He had dual Haitian and American nationality and played at 1950 World Cup for the United States. Son of Haitian mother and Belgium father, he played for many clubs in the United States. The year 1950 was a very important year for Gaetjens: the United States beat England 1-0, the birthplace of the modern football.
1964: Francois Duvalier changed the national flag. Black and red are the colors chosen by Duvalier. Black, which is similar to the Angolan flag, represents the descendants of the patriot Francois Toussaint L’Ouverture and is also the traditional color of the Haitian people. While, red symbolizes the country`s independence. But the original flag, used since 1803, was removed in 1986 by order of the new government.
1966: Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia, arrives in Port-au-Prince. Under the leadership of Dictator Francois Duvalier, many African countries maintain official diplomatic relations with Haiti.
1967: The Comedians, a film by British director Peter Glenville, inspired in the cruel Haitian dictatorship by the Duvalier family.
1971: After Duvalier’s death, power passed to his son Jean Claude Duvalier, the man who became known throughout the world as “Baby Doc”. Baby Doc is as dictatorial as his father. Haiti is ruled by iron hand. Duvalier, best known for his anticommunist political, is omnipresent. Many opposition leaders were arrested. He is accused of human rights abuses. Thousand of Haitian people fled the country. Corruption is prevalent at all levels of government. The health system is one of the worst in the Americas.
1974: The sporting system is one of the worst in the Third World, but Haiti qualified for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Haiti beat Trinidad-Tobago in the World Cup qualifiers. Is one of the greatest sporting moment, in the chronology, comparing it to something like Sylvio Cator, who won a silver medal in long jump in the 1928 Olympics Games in Holland.
1975: In El Salvador, Miss Haiti, Gerthie David, is named first runner up at Miss Universe Pageant… transmitting live to millions by CBS. After, Gerthie David is acclaimed in Port-au-Prince as a national heroine. Miss Haiti competed with 71 other women from around the world for the title of Miss Universe, including Miss USA, Summer Barthollomew.
1980: Like Canada, West Germany South Korea and Kenya, Haiti boycott the Moscow Olympic Games in protest for Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
1980-1986: Jean-Claude Duvalier, Haiti’s longtime dictator, married Michelle Bennett, an aristocratic lady. A little more than three months later, Bennett-Duvalier becomes First Lady of Haiti. Like Eva Peron (Argentina) or Jiang Qing (People’s Republic of China), she was a woman with great power. Michelle Bennett promoted her mulatto countrymen to positions of leadership in the dictatorship at his expense of the African-Haitians.
1982: The National History Park (La Citadelle Laferriere, Sans Souci Palace and Ramiers) is designated as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Like Machu Picchu (Peru) and Angkor What (Cambodia), the National History Park is considered among the wonders of the world.
1982: Ronald Agenor wins a gold medal in men’s tennis singles at the Central American and Caribbean Sports Games La Havana. He captures the hearts of the Island.
1983: Pope John Paul arrives in Haiti for a visit. “Things most change here”, said John Paul II.
1986: As Jean-Claude consolidated his power, he consistently refused to consider constitutional reform. The insurrection against the dictator Jean Claude Duvalier began…Antigovernment protesters in the capital. Many deaths, injuries and arrests. Seeming end to long Haitian dictatorship with fall of Duvalier regime.
1987: Haiti has one of the America’s rates of HIV infection
1987: The New Constitution restored many of the liberties abolished by the Duvalier family. The National Constitution recognizes both French and Creole as official languages. A new opposition emerged under Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
1988: Writer Rene Depestre wins the Prix Ranandot. Depestre, a Haitian dissident now living in France, was cited his novel Hadriana dans tous mes reves. By the mid-1980s Rene Depestre had become well known in literacy circles outside Haiti.
1990: Ertha Pascall-Trouillot becomes the first black woman elected of head of state in the world.
1990: First multi-party elections. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a charismatic black leader, was elected president of Haiti. Aristide is the first democratic president since 1804.He was elected with the most popular support of any Haitian presidential candidate in the history.
1991: Military coup in the country. Raoul Cedras, leader of the coup, emerged as head of the new government. This year marked the end of eight months of democracy. Under new government, all political parties were dissolved.
1991-1995: Like Equatorial Guinea, Cuba and North Korea, Haiti has one of the most serious human rights problems in the Third World.
1993: United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Haiti, one of the most densely populated nations in the Americas.
1994: Peaceful occupation by United States forces to restore democratic electoral system. Raoul Cedras and his family went into exile in Panama City. Aristide was restored to power.
1995: In Port-au-Prince, sub-war violence includes assassination of Meireille Durocher Bertin.
1995: In Beijing, the capital of city of the People’s Republic of China, Haiti participated in the UN`s Fourth World Conference on Women
1996:More than 5,000 Haitians had been killed and miles more fled to abroad, United States, Canada, Bahamas and Dominican Republic, since 1991.
1998: Haitian president Renè Garcia Preval arrives in Taipei (Taiwan) for a four-day state visit. He and President Lee will sign a communiqué to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation.
1999: Dominican president Leonel Fernandez visit to Haiti as part of a new diplomacy.
2002: In Paris, Dudley Dorival finished 3rd in the 110 hurdles at the World Championships. He becomes the 1st Haitian to win an individual international medal since 1928.Dorival was born in New Jersey, United States, to Haitian parents on 1 September 1975. He in 2000 officially became a citizen of Haiti.
2000: Haiti is one of the thirty poorest countries in the Third World.
2000-2001: The elections were boycotted by the main opposition political parties. Aristide was again elected President. Widespread violent in Haiti allege that Aristide’s election victory is fraudulent. Total political censorship exists in national media.
2004: This year Haiti is celebrating the 200th Anniversary of their National Independence. President Jean-Bertrand Aristide of Haiti flees to Central African Republic following anti-government demonstrations. Haiti has one of the most violent conflict areas in the Americas. After, UN troops sent to Haiti during civil sub-war.
2006: Rene Preval is sworn in as President of Haiti. Since the peaceful transfer of power in February, Haiti is the newest democracy in the Third World.
ECONOMY
Like Bangladesh, Uganda or Tanzania, Haiti is one of the poorest countries on Earth. In 1997, the Haiti’s economic growth rate (real GDP) per capita was U$ 1,300. GDP per capita for Namibia, Botswana and Equatorial Guinea are higher than for Haiti. In the country 4 million people living on less than U$2 a day. More than 6 million of the Haiti’s population still does not have access to potable water and electricity. For years of dictatorships had left the country’s economy in ruins. The country dependent on international aid. Several hundred thousand farm workers migrate each year to Dominican Republic.
In 1997, total exports for the year were U$110 million, while total imports were US$ 486 million. Since 1804, the US market has been the most important export destination for Haiti. Nearly 80 percent of Haiti’s total exports are destined for the United States. Haiti’s exports include sisal, mangoes, coffee, cotton, bauxite, and sugar. The Island’s imports from the United States include cement, oil, food, machinery and transport equipment. France has been the second largest exports destination for Haitian products.
In the past, the tourism industry occupied an eminent place in the Haitian economy, but several political problems have blocked tourism. Haiti was the first country in the Caribbean to promote tourism in an accelerated form. Haiti is a small country with vast mountains, tropical beaches and beautiful historic buildings.
CULTURE
Like Katherine Dunham, Lillian Hellman, W.B. Seabrook, Erik Leonard Ekman, Alejo Carpentier, Selden Rodman, Noel Coward and Angeline Jolie, many people say that Haiti is the most beautiful country in the Caribbean. Known as the “Magic Land”, Haiti is famous for its culture. Certainly, Haiti its culture, its superstitions and its music. The superstitions or voodoo plays a profound role in the lives of many Haitians. The voodoo was introduced into Haiti in the late 16th Century. Haiti is also famous for its painting, and finally for its ruins…for example the Sans Souci Palace, the most famous ruins in the Caribbean. Exactly, this enigmatic palace is considered a Cultural Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO. Originally constructed by black slaves, now Sans Souci is one of Haiti’s main tourist attractions.
Since the late 1940s, Haitian painting, best known as “naïve art” or “intuitive art”, is famous all around the World. The most important figure was Hector Hyppolite. His work made its biggest splash in the United States in the 20th Century. Other artists known internationally include Rigaud Benoit, Castera Bazile, Joseph Jean-Giles and Jean-Baptista Bottlex.Haiti is famous for its traditional sculpture. The best Haitian sculptor is Albert Mangoes.
FAMOUS HAITIAN
Nelust Wyclef Jean (singer/Haitian-American): Original member of 1990s hip hop group The Fugees. Wyclef Jean is probably the most popular Haitian singer of all time. Jean was born in Croix des Bouquets (Haiti) on October 17, 1972. When he was just ten years old, he moved to the United States. Under leadership of Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, The Fugees had several hits in the 1990s, including The Score (The Score album sold 6 million copies). Since 1997, Wyclef Jean, as soloist, became well-known on the international music scene. Like songwriter and producer, Jean collaborated with superstars as Santana, Withney Houston, Mick Jagger,Bono,Tevin Cambpell, Bounty Killer, Eric Benet, Sarah Connor, Claudette Ortiz, Tarkan, Michael Jackson, Youssou N´Dor, Shakira, Olga Tañon, Carlos Ponce and Julio Voltio. During the last seven years, he has sold more than 10 millions albums worldwide. In 2002, his single Masquerade was a great success.
Since then, Wyclef Jean is a man that always works with love for Haiti, one of the World’s poorest countries. Recently, he makes perhaps his best work: “Yele Haiti”, a foundation which works for the human development in the Island. Like Miriam Makeba in South Africa or Bianca Jagger in Nicaragua, Jean loves his roots. In an interview for Magazine, Wyclef Jean discussed about Haitian roots: “I am 100% Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian. I still have my Haitian passport. I represent Haiti in everything that I do. Every head in the industry knows that I am Haitian…they know what I’m about. I was Haitian forst. Haitian till die!”, said Jean.
Discography: Wyclef Jean Present the Carnival Featuring the refugee All-Stars (1997) / The Ecleftic:2 Sides II a Book/ Masquerade (2002) / The Preacher’s (2003)/ Sak Pasé Presents: Creole 101( 2004) /Hips Don’t Lie (with Shakira, 2006).
SPECIAL AWARDS
Gerthie David “The Black Goddess”
In 1975, many Haitian people were shocked to open their newspapers and see photographs of Gerthie David Miss Haiti in El Salvador. On the night of July 19th 1975, in San Salvador, Gerthie David, Miss Haiti, was the second black woman to first runner-up in the history of Miss Universe Pageant. After winning the Miss Haiti title, Gerthie went to San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, to enter the Miss Universe Contest. The competence was exhausting, very hard, for example Miss Bolivia, Jackeline Gammarra, great favorite, was eliminated. This day, Miss Haiti looks like a black goddess. Her exotic beauty and charming personality are amazing! At 1,72m in height, she was the best in the evening gown competition, but her speech about the Haitian superstitions swayed thousands of applauses in the 25th Edition of the Contest. Certainly, Miss Haiti captive to the judges Sarah Vaughan (American black singer), Maribel Arrieta (Miss El Salvador 1955 and First runner-up at Miss Universe 1955), Jean Claude Killy (French sportsmen) and Leon Uris(American writer ).
When Bob Barker, the host this pageant, announces the final placements, Gerthie was cheered by the entire auditorium. Suddenly, her pulse rate beats at thousand per minute… “First runner-up is Miss Haiti!”, said Barker. She was one of the most exotic delegates in all history of Miss Universe. In the 1970s, Gerthie David was a model from Port-au Prince and she became a symbol to the Haitian youth. Next months, in London, Joelle Apollon, Miss Haiti-World, came in sixth place at Miss World 1975.After sixteen years, Marjorie Vincent, formerly Miss Illinois 1991,won the title of Miss America Pageant. The first Miss America to originate from the Caribbean. In other words, Marjorie Vincent has Haitian roots. Furthermore, she was the second black woman to win the pageant.
SPORTS
Like in Brazil or Italy, the football is the most popular sport in Haiti. Certainly, the national pastime is the football. A different of the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, the Haitian people don’t like the baseball. In the 20th Century, football became the most popular sport in the Island, thanks to such heroes as Sylvio Cator, Joseph Gaetjens and Emmanuel Sanon. In 1974 Haiti qualified for the World Cup in Germany.
Emmanuel Sanon was one of the Haiti’s most popular players and played at the 1974 World Cup. Sanon made a great contribution to Haitian football because he played in more World Cup qualifiers any other Haitian. He is still very popular with local fans. Other phenomenal talent was Joseph Eduard Gaetjens. He represented both Haiti and the United States. He made FIFA World Cup History: When scored United States opening goal in the 1950 World Cup against England. Joseph came to the United States in the 1940s to play in the American Soccer League. His beautiful play in the Brookhattan Club made in a national star. In 1953, he played for Haiti for the first time.
It’s practically impossible to talk about Haitian athletes without mentioning Sylvio Cator. He is a legend in this sport. Cator won the silver medal in the long jump at 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Cator returned home to a hero’s welcome. From 1928 to 1930, he was record man in the long jump. Cator was a marvelous jumper and footballer. He also played an important role in popularizing football in the Island (it was the captain of Haitian National Team).
Since then, he is an example for young people in Haiti. He died in November 1938, but today the people of Haiti still think of him with respect. Many years after Cator’s death, the National Stadium in Por-au-Prince was renamed in his honor. Cator was the first of the great Caribbean sportsmen that would come to dominate world track and field.
FAMOUS ATHLETES
Bruny Surin (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Edrick Floreal (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Samuel Dalembert ( USA-Haiti/basketball) / Ronald Agenor (USA-Haiti/tennis)/ Sylvio Cator (track and field)/ Yves Jeudy (Box)/ Dieudonne Lamothe (marathon)/ Ludovic Augustin (shooting)/ Ludovic Volborge (shooting)/ Joseph Eduard Gaetjens (Haiti-USA/football)/ Dudley Dorival (track field)/ Fitz Plantin Andre (football)/ Emmanuel Sanon (football)/ Josmer Altidore (Haitian-American/football).
Dudley Dorival (track and field): Dudley Dorival was born on 1 September 1975 in Elizabeth (New Jersey, USA). Dorival is the son of Haitian parents and got Haitian nationality just in time for the XXVII Summer Olympics Games. Since the 2000 Olympics, Dudley Dorival has competed in international competitions under the banner of Haiti. In Sydney (Australia) Dorival finished 7th in the 110m hurdles. He became the first Haitian to Olympic finalist since Yves Jeudy (boxer) in 1976. He won the silver medal at the 1994 World Junior Championship, the bronze at the 2001 World Chanpionship and the gold medal at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games El Salvador. Dorival is one of the best sportsman in the history of Haiti.
FAMOUS WOMEN
Michaëlla Jean (Governor-General of Canada)/ Yvonne Neptune (former Prime Minister)/Claudette Werleigh (Prime Minister 1995-1996)/Lina Blanchet (singer)/ Edwidge Danticat (writer)/ Michelle Bennett Duvalier(First Lady of Haiti 1981-1986)/ Luce Turnier (painter)/ Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (Head of State 1990-1991)/ Marie Casimir (journalist) / Sonia Sekula (Painter) / Marie Chauvet (writer)/ Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain (writer)/ Carmen Brouard (singer)/Dayana Bennett (journalist and actress) / Elie Price (singer)/ Blanche Bosselman (singer)/ Lina Mathon (singer)/ Georgette Moliere (singer)/ Simone Ovide Duvalier (First Lady of Haiti 1957-1981)/ Marleine Bastien (human rights leader)/ Garcelle Beauvais (actress and model)/ Deborah Saint-Phard (track and field)/ Antoinette Gauthier (track and field), Louise Pierre (track and field)/ Rose Gauthier (track and field)
Edwidge Danticat (writer): One of the Caribbean’s most famous writers in the 21st Century. She has written several novels and collections of shore stories, including Kri? Kra!, nominated for a National Book Award. Danticat attracted international attention in 1997 when she wrote perhaps her most famous novel Farming of the Bones, a story about genocide Haitians under the repressive dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.
Garcelle Beauvais (actress): She is the first Haitian actress to star on television. Although she has lived in the United States for many years, the actress and former fashion model Garcelle Beauvais was born in Saint Marc, a city in Haiti, in 1966. She is perhaps best known for her role as Francesca Monroe on TV’s the Jamie Foxx Show. Like Gerthie David, Joelle Apollon, Evelyn Miot, and Marjorie Vincent, she has the classic beauty of the Haitian black woman
REFERENCES:
-Bennet Patterson, Carolyn.”Haiti: Beyond mountains, more mountains”, National Geographic, Washington DC, January 1976
-Bishop,Randa. “Imponentes monumentos haitianos”, Americas, Washington DC, enero-febrero 1987
-Cobb,Charles. “Haiti against all odds”, National Geographic, November 1987
-Encyclopaedia Britannica Book of the Year 1981, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 1980
-Encyclopaedia Britannica Almanac 2003, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 2002
-Guevara Onofre, Alejandro. Enciclopedia Mundototal 1999, Editorial San Marcos, Lima, 1998
-Hunter, Brian. The Statesman’s Year-Book 1991-92, The Macmillan Press, 1991
-Moritz, Charles. Current Biography Yearbook 1972, H.W Wilson Company, NY
-Sconfield, John. “Haiti-West Africa in the West Indies”, National Geographic, Washington DC, February 1961
-The International Who’s Who 1996-97, Europe Publications, London, 1996
-The World Almanac 2001, World Almanac Books, New Jersey, 2001
-Tibballs, Geoff. The Olympics´ strangest moments, Robson Books, London, 2004
-Vargas Llosa, Mario. “Haití: la muerte”, El Comercio, Lima, 25.4.1994
-Visión. “Imperio del Poder Vitalicio”, Santiago de Chile, 17 de marzo de 1967
-Wallechinsky, David. The complete Book of the Olympics, Aurum Press, London, 2004
-Wallechinsky, David-Wallace, Irving. The People’s Almanac2, Batam Book Inc
-WWW.Yotube.com “1975 El Salvador Miss Universe” (video)
How To Buy Airline Tickets Cheaper
Selvyn Patterson asked:
If at all possible, buy tickets 2-4 months before your travel date.
Many airlines offer discounts for early buyers. It’s also best to buy your tickets at least 20 days in advance to ensure the best seating possible, most discounted tickets sell out fast. Airline Tickets are also subject to price increase, especially during Christmas season, buying early avoids further ticket increase.
Avoid flying on weekends if possible
When planning a trip, plan to leave on weekdays, preferable Monday to Wednesday. Weekends are high traffic times, for travelers and would probably cost you an additional $20-$30 increase.
Travel During The Off-Peak season
Most Airlines increase ticket prices during Peak travel season due to the increase in demand. Traveling during low or off-peak season is also advantageous if you want to avoid airport and tourist crowds. If you still have to travel during peak season, consider leaving home early and going home late to avoid the rush.
The Duration of your Stay
Your travel stay also affects airline ticket prices. Airlines give discounts if you stay at least a week at your destination or return within 90 days.
Why Use A Connecting Flight?
Direct flights aren’t always the cheapest. Some people have saved up to $1000 dollars on booking connecting instead of Direct flights. If you are traveling light (minimum luggage), and flexible with your time schedule, it is best, and a lot cheaper to book a connecting flight instead of direct.
Ask about and use the senior citizen discount
Many Airlines offer the same senior Citizen discount to the companions of the Senior Citizen. Ask if it’s available.
The Early Bird gets the best and cheapest Airline Ticket
Contact the Airlines at 12:01 am on Wednesday mornings. This is when airlines release all the new fares and seat plans. Be one of the first and choose the best and cheapest tickets available for your destination at this time.
Research Airline Ticket Prices On The Internet
Excellent feature of the internet is that you can see all available Prices from a very convenient place, your home. You don’t have to visit travel agencies in your community. Most internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you use their services.
Before you shop on the internet
Canvass travel agents in your area regarding prices, Internet prices aren’t always cheap, it’s best to ask a good old travel agent. Check the newspapers and compare prices, as some airlines publish discounts in print.
If you’re planning to buy your ticket more than 6 months in advance, it’s probably best to ask a travel agent, since internet sites don’t usually have schedules that long.
If at all possible, buy tickets 2-4 months before your travel date.
Many airlines offer discounts for early buyers. It’s also best to buy your tickets at least 20 days in advance to ensure the best seating possible, most discounted tickets sell out fast. Airline Tickets are also subject to price increase, especially during Christmas season, buying early avoids further ticket increase.
Avoid flying on weekends if possible
When planning a trip, plan to leave on weekdays, preferable Monday to Wednesday. Weekends are high traffic times, for travelers and would probably cost you an additional $20-$30 increase.
Travel During The Off-Peak season
Most Airlines increase ticket prices during Peak travel season due to the increase in demand. Traveling during low or off-peak season is also advantageous if you want to avoid airport and tourist crowds. If you still have to travel during peak season, consider leaving home early and going home late to avoid the rush.
The Duration of your Stay
Your travel stay also affects airline ticket prices. Airlines give discounts if you stay at least a week at your destination or return within 90 days.
Why Use A Connecting Flight?
Direct flights aren’t always the cheapest. Some people have saved up to $1000 dollars on booking connecting instead of Direct flights. If you are traveling light (minimum luggage), and flexible with your time schedule, it is best, and a lot cheaper to book a connecting flight instead of direct.
Ask about and use the senior citizen discount
Many Airlines offer the same senior Citizen discount to the companions of the Senior Citizen. Ask if it’s available.
The Early Bird gets the best and cheapest Airline Ticket
Contact the Airlines at 12:01 am on Wednesday mornings. This is when airlines release all the new fares and seat plans. Be one of the first and choose the best and cheapest tickets available for your destination at this time.
Research Airline Ticket Prices On The Internet
Excellent feature of the internet is that you can see all available Prices from a very convenient place, your home. You don’t have to visit travel agencies in your community. Most internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you use their services.
Before you shop on the internet
Canvass travel agents in your area regarding prices, Internet prices aren’t always cheap, it’s best to ask a good old travel agent. Check the newspapers and compare prices, as some airlines publish discounts in print.
If you’re planning to buy your ticket more than 6 months in advance, it’s probably best to ask a travel agent, since internet sites don’t usually have schedules that long.
Touring The Battle Sites Of France
Shaun Parker asked:
Being a student of history I have always wished to visit France on a historical trip. Unlike Britain, continental Europe is seemingly more in touch with its history and France in particular carries an air of splendour not present in many other European countries. If you are planning to undertake a similar trip my advice is to fly and drive. Car hire in France is readily available, and flying always starts the holiday with a bit of flare.
I would be taking the girlfriend and with my deal breaking skills I had managed to secure a week of touring for two days in Paris. Flying into Charles de Gaulle we would stay in Paris and do the romance thing before we acquired a hire car. This was my penance for dragging her round the battlefields and cemeteries of the First World War and the glorious buildings and sites of the medieval period.
After a few days of romance in the capital we contacted the car hire firm, they would deliver the car to our hotel and we could deposit it at a different destination later in the holiday. On leaving the bustling metropolis of Paris on a scorching summer’s day I was glad this hire car had air conditioning, it truly made all the difference.
First on my list of places to go was Rouen, this city had always captured my imagination as the place where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. As we followed the Seine from Paris the car swallowed the road in front of us, luckily the car hire company had given us something a little racy. Rouen had been one of the finest and most prosperous cities in medieval Europe, with some fabulous examples of Gothic architecture it as at the top of the list for places to see.
The outstanding Notre Dame Cathedral dominates the city despite its almost complete destruction during the D-day offensive. As we arrived I insisted that we should park the hire car and walk into this fantastic city, with its half timbered buildings and gothic architecture at every turn it takes you back to a different age, an age where Britain still had continental possessions. The feeling of the city has remained, despite modernity creeping in; it retains its medieval essence.
After spending a night soaking in the culture of this magnificent city we headed to the next stage of the journey, I would advise any fan of history to visit the sites of the Great War, as a constant reminder of the brutality of war they offer a poignant reminder of nastier side of humanity. Next on the itinerary would be Arras, as a town near the Western Front it contained many cemeteries and would give a representation of the horror of the war to end all wars.
This is where the hire car came in very useful, as up country from the town laid the striking Vimy Memorial, representing the Battle of Vimy Ridge, an offensive launched as part of the wider Battle of Arras, its eerie serenity belied the slaughter that had occurred here ninety years earlier. Added to this the town itself had some beautiful Gothic architecture most notably the guildhall, not to mention a huge array of fine restaurants and cafes.
Close by to this town is the field of Agincourt, literally a field now, without a hire car it would be impossible to view this site. The scene of Henry V’s most recognised battle it offered those with a semblance of nationalism the delight of seeing one of the greatest English victories in history.
As our trip came to a close we headed to Calais, here we would deposit the hire car and board the Eurostar for the trip under the channel back to England. Despite the girlfriend’s protestations of having to endure a week of historical touring, she had ultimately enjoyed it. I would advise this kind of trip to anyone, whether a history lover or not, using a car hire service and touring the French countryside gaining knowledge about our nation’s past conflicts is too worthwhile an opportunity to pass up.
Being a student of history I have always wished to visit France on a historical trip. Unlike Britain, continental Europe is seemingly more in touch with its history and France in particular carries an air of splendour not present in many other European countries. If you are planning to undertake a similar trip my advice is to fly and drive. Car hire in France is readily available, and flying always starts the holiday with a bit of flare.
I would be taking the girlfriend and with my deal breaking skills I had managed to secure a week of touring for two days in Paris. Flying into Charles de Gaulle we would stay in Paris and do the romance thing before we acquired a hire car. This was my penance for dragging her round the battlefields and cemeteries of the First World War and the glorious buildings and sites of the medieval period.
After a few days of romance in the capital we contacted the car hire firm, they would deliver the car to our hotel and we could deposit it at a different destination later in the holiday. On leaving the bustling metropolis of Paris on a scorching summer’s day I was glad this hire car had air conditioning, it truly made all the difference.
First on my list of places to go was Rouen, this city had always captured my imagination as the place where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. As we followed the Seine from Paris the car swallowed the road in front of us, luckily the car hire company had given us something a little racy. Rouen had been one of the finest and most prosperous cities in medieval Europe, with some fabulous examples of Gothic architecture it as at the top of the list for places to see.
The outstanding Notre Dame Cathedral dominates the city despite its almost complete destruction during the D-day offensive. As we arrived I insisted that we should park the hire car and walk into this fantastic city, with its half timbered buildings and gothic architecture at every turn it takes you back to a different age, an age where Britain still had continental possessions. The feeling of the city has remained, despite modernity creeping in; it retains its medieval essence.
After spending a night soaking in the culture of this magnificent city we headed to the next stage of the journey, I would advise any fan of history to visit the sites of the Great War, as a constant reminder of the brutality of war they offer a poignant reminder of nastier side of humanity. Next on the itinerary would be Arras, as a town near the Western Front it contained many cemeteries and would give a representation of the horror of the war to end all wars.
This is where the hire car came in very useful, as up country from the town laid the striking Vimy Memorial, representing the Battle of Vimy Ridge, an offensive launched as part of the wider Battle of Arras, its eerie serenity belied the slaughter that had occurred here ninety years earlier. Added to this the town itself had some beautiful Gothic architecture most notably the guildhall, not to mention a huge array of fine restaurants and cafes.
Close by to this town is the field of Agincourt, literally a field now, without a hire car it would be impossible to view this site. The scene of Henry V’s most recognised battle it offered those with a semblance of nationalism the delight of seeing one of the greatest English victories in history.
As our trip came to a close we headed to Calais, here we would deposit the hire car and board the Eurostar for the trip under the channel back to England. Despite the girlfriend’s protestations of having to endure a week of historical touring, she had ultimately enjoyed it. I would advise this kind of trip to anyone, whether a history lover or not, using a car hire service and touring the French countryside gaining knowledge about our nation’s past conflicts is too worthwhile an opportunity to pass up.