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“Life is not measured by
the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away”
Newsletter 53 | February 2006
P.O. Box 13600, NOORDSTAD,
9302 E-mail:
info@etniquetravel.co.za
Tel: (051) 406 2500
Fax: (051) 436 3793
To receive our monthly newsletter electronically please send an
e-mail to
info@etniquetravel.co.za
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
083 461 2561
This year
started on an exciting note! Since our change to the SURE TRAVEL
GROUP, the country’s largest independent travel agency group, we at
SURE ETNIQUE TRAVEL had the opportunity to redefine and
reposition ourselves in the market. We believe that we have
established a very distinctive branding of personalized assistance
with all your travel arrangements.
We plan to
communicate with you on a regular basis through our ETCETERA
newsletter mid-month (which will still be an all-informative travel
experience) as well as the monthly newsletters from SURE TRAVEL at
the beginning of each month, TRAVEL BRIEFS and GREAT ESCAPES (which
will concentrate more on special packages and interesting leisure
deals). The SURE TRAVEL TIMES, a 20-page travel newspaper, will be
published quarterly, and should you be interested in receiving the
TIMES by post, please advise us accordingly.
You would have
noticed that SURE advertise every Saturday in the local newspaper,
DIE VOLKSBLAD, as well as in weekend national papers. Through these
adverts, we will communicate to our clients the best deals
available.
We still believe
at SURE ETNIQUE TRAVEL that our biggest asset is our friendly and
knowledgeable staff. Our aim is to send each consultant on an
educational abroad, at least once a year. Nerina is soon on her way
to China and Hong Kong and Maquida to Paris, France.
We trust that
you will enjoy your joyride with us!
-
Johann Beukes
Land of the Samurai,
Sumo, Shogun and Sushi
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Nowhere else does
the modern world of high technology and constant change show itself more
poignantly than in Japan. Few people in the world are not affected in
some way or other by the ideas, culture and economy of Japan, yet this
country remains for many an enigma, an unsolved riddle.
Although one might
have been exposed to many different cultures, Japan embodies a totally
different presence of a different world: Both a contrast and balance
between sincere religion and unemotional business sense, friendly, but
yet elusive.
Appearances are
often deceptive in Japan, obliging foreign visitors to keep adjusting
their perceptions of the country. An exit at a large train station like
Shinjuku, with 2 million commuters per day, might deliver
you to street level or just as likely funnel you through a modern,
high-rise department store, selling the latest in technology items. It
feels as if the millions of commuters never go to sleep. |
Once
you arrive at Narita International Airport, it seems as if you
have stepped out of a time machine: it seems strange, and yet so familiar.
At first one feels a total stranger from a different world: busy like a
swarm of bees, almost with militaristic precision, everything is organized
and precise, and yet in almost total contrast to this, the people are so
friendly and assist you as a stranger wherever needed.
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The Tokyo-Yokohama
area is the largest urban concentration in the world, with almost 70% of
Japan’s 130 million people live along the coastal stretch between Tokyo
and Kyushu.
Everyone knows
something about Tokyo. This is a dizzyingly dynamic, post-war reinvented
metropolis, where the input of international culture is transformed into
output that is uniquely Japanese. Japan’s capital is situated on the
banks of the
Sumida River,
forming Tokyo Bay. |
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Tokyo has always been
the most expensive city in the world; however, recently it moved to second
place, after Oslo. But if you plan your visit properly, you can still enjoy
an affordable stay: avoid tourist traps and move with the locals! For
instance, to stay in Ginza, you will pay almost double to similar
accommodation in Shinjuku. When considering accommodation, take public
transport into consideration. In Tokyo the Metro system, consisting of 13
lines, is run by various operators, for instance the Japan Railways (JR
lines), the Tokyo Municipal authority (Toei) as well as private owners.
Active sightseers can save by buying a Tokyo Combination Ticket, a one-day
pass that can be utilized on all JR and Toei lines, for about R80.
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If at all possible
avoid taxis, especially from the airports: you can easily spend up to
R1500 on a single journey!
The different areas
of Tokyo all have totally contrasting sights and places of interest to
offer to the first time visitor. Just to name a few: the traditional
Imperial Palace region; the Marunouchi business district; the Ginza area
for high fliers and kabuki theatres; “eclectic leisure” in Ikebukuro;
Aoyama, Tokyo’s “Paris quarter”; Shibuya and Roppongi for the younger
generation and night life; or Ueno with its park and shrines and cherry
blossoms! |
Some interesting
experiences during our stay were, to highlight only a few:
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Our unforgettable
day-trip to the Hakone region on the EXE 30000 Express, the well
represented open air sculpture art museum, and of course, the highlight of
the day: Mount Fuji, at first totally covered by clouds, and
late afternoon, when the blanket of thick clouds slowly opened up to
expose the most impressing scene of the magical mountain, reflected in
Lake Ashi (Ashino-ko)!
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As an architect,
the architectural expressions found in the diverse examples of the
contemporary architecture of Kenzo Tange (Olympic Games’
stadiums, Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government Offices in Shinjuku, St
Mary’s Cathedral in Mejirodai, the futuristic Fuji TV building in
Odaiba), LeCorbusier’s National Museum of Western Art,
the Tokyo International Forum by Rafael Vinoly, and the
Mori Art Centre in Roppongi Hills with the giant spider environment
sculpture of Louise Bourgeois, and the Ebisu Gardens
Palace at twilight, built on the site of the old Yebisu brewery.
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The late afternoon
river cruise on the Sumida River, starting at Asakusa with Phillipe
Starck’s distinctive “golden sperm” at the Ashi Beer Company and
ending near Tokyo’s well known Tsukiji fish market.
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- But
the one thing that will always remain imprinted in our memories of Japan,
are the people: Disciplined, energetic, honest and friendly
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Visit
www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp for all the latest tourist information on
Tokyo. When in Tokyo, it is also advisable to visit one of the many tourist
info centres in the city, of which the one in Tokyo International forum is
conveniently located at Daimon Station, near Tokyo Main Station.
- Johann & Monique Beukes
NARITA AIRPORT /CITY TRANSFERS
AIRPORT LIMOUSINE
BUS
One way fare JPY 3000/person (R160.00) from
both terminals to about 70 hotel stops in most zones of Tokyo. Frequency
every 30 minutes. Duration of journey is between 90 and 150 minutes, due to
traffic conditions.
www.limousinebus.co.jp
JR NARITA EXPRESS TO
SHINJUKU STATION
One way fare JPY 3110/person (R165.00)
www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html
TAXIS
This is the most expensive option and also the slowest and should really not
be considered; the fare from Narita to downtown Tokyo ranges between JPY 20
000 and 30 000 (R 1100 to R1600)
TRANSPORT SYSTEM
TOKYO METRO
SYSTEM
The Tokyo
subway system consists of various official and privately operated
networks: 9 Tokyo Metro Lines operated by RTA Teito, 4 lines operated by
Tokyo Municipal Authority or Toei Lines. The JR Lines as well as Private
Railways for example Yurikamome Line to Odaiba/Tokyo Bay and Tokyo
Monorail to Haneda Airport, are mostly above ground lines. The fares are
based on the distance travelled between stations, and have to be
calculated before purchasing your tickets through automated machines.
Unfortunately you have to plan your journeys well before using a train,
because most of the tickets can only be used on specific lines. Services
run from 05h00 to 00h30 at intervals of 2 to 4 minutes during rush
hours.
REGIONAL LINES
Many luxury
fast trains link various cities, of which the well-known Shinkansen or
bullet train, is the fastest mode of travelling between destinations.
ACCOMMODATION
When considering accommodation, it is
important to decide on accessibility to the Metro system; unless a specific
area is required for specific reasons, Shinjuku is ideal; specifically if
you take into account that about 9 metro and regional lines service the
Shinjuku Station. It should, however be noted that hotel rooms in most
establishments in Japan are very small, the exception to the rule was the
Hotel Century Southern Tower, about 2 minutes walk from the Shinjuku
Station. (R1500/room/night)
www.southerntower.co.jp
TOKYO EXCURSIONS
DAY TOURS
Various options exist.
However, if you are looking for a personalised day excursion of Tokyo,
or a visit to the Hakone Mt Fuji Park or ski boarding in the mountains,
we can recommend Kamikaze Tours, operated by Barry Dille, an ex US Air
force helicopter pilot who has an extensive knowledge of the region.
www.kamikazetours.com
RIVER CRUISES
The most popular itinerary
is the boat cruise on the Sumida River, starting at Asakusa and ending
at the popular Tsukiji fish market near Shimbashi.
www.suijobus.co.jp
HELICOPTER
SCENIC FLIGHTS
Flights accommodating up
to 8 passengers , are operated by Excel Air, during day, twilight and
night time. (JPY 8000/person R450)
www.excelair.com
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Letters from our Customers: |
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”Dear Johann & Team,
congratulations on joining the Sure Group and may we wish you much success
in the future. I always enjoy reading your travel briefs!”
Colleen Wagner - MD -
Wagner Promotions
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“Dear
Tessa, Huge apologies that you did not hear from us sooner. Things went
extremely well. Thank you very, very much. Not a single problem,
frustration, irritation, etc! So, 100% to you! Keep up the wonderful work.
You are one in a million!“
Professor Dap & Anet Louw
- UFS - Bloemfontein
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Travel
Insurance Consultants |
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Natural disasters, ongoing
acts of terrorism, as well as Avian Flu, are serious issues and cause for
concern among travellers.
Unfortunately accidents do
happen, e.g. skiing or snowboarding - and these can result in considerable
costs especially if an injured person has to be evacuated by air. Such
claims can run into six-figure amounts that would ruin most people
financially.
At such times, it is a
relief to know that you have cover with an insurance leader such as TIC, we
are proud to be associated with who.
TYPICAL RECENT CLAIMS
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
A 71-year old woman
suffering from a gallstone had to be hospitalized and repatriated to South
Africa.
Cost of claim : R340 000
A 21-year old man
working in Aspen, Colorado, for the season, suffered a compound skull
fracture when he fell outside his house. He was airlifted to a nearby
neurology hospital’s ICU.
Total cost of
claim : R193 000
SWITZERLAND:
A 54-year old man
slipped and fell, and narrowly missed being hit by a car. His injuries
resulted in transfer by ambulance, an operation and hospitalization, and
assistance with repatriation.
Total cost of claim :
R102 800
EXPECT TO PAY TOP DOLLAR IN OSLO
OSLO HAS BEEN NAMED THE
WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE CITY IN A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE ECONOMIST
INTELLIGENCE UNIT. TOKYO HAD HELD THE TOP POSITION FOR THE LAST 14 YEARS BUT
HAS NOW SLIPPED INTO SECOND PLACE WITH PARIS AND OSAKA TIED IN FOURTH. NEW
YORK IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE US CITY. ALTHOUGH JAPANESE CITIES REMAIN
EXPENSIVE, MANY ASIAN CITIES OFFERED THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY. THE RESULTS
WERE GATHERED BY COMPARING THE PRICES FOR A BASKET OF GOODS AND SERVICES IN
130 CITIES WORLDWIDE.
ATLANTA OUT, CHICAGO IN?
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS IS
REVIEWING ITS USE OF ATLANTA AS A HUB WITH CHICAGO AS A REPLACEMENT, WHEN
ITS CODESHARE WITH DELTA AIR LINES ENDS IN SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO GM FLIGHT
OPERATIONS, CAPTAIN COLIN JORDAAN. THIS FOLLOWS SAA FORMALLY JOINING STAR
ALLIANCE ON APRIL 1 AND CHICAGO BEING A HUB OF STAR ALLIANCE PARTNERS, US
AIRWAYS AND UNITED AIRLINES.
ANOTHER YEAR AHEAD FOR AIRLINES
IATA HAS PROJECTED THAT
AIRLINES ARE SET TO MAKE LOSSES OF OVER $4BN (R24.3BN) IN 2006. INDUSTRY
LOSSES REACHED $6BN (36.6BN) IN 2005, WITH EUROPEAN CARRIERS MAKING PROFITS
OF $1.3BN (7.9BN), ASIAN CARRIERS MAKING PROFITS OF $1.5BN (9.1BN) AND US
AIRLINES MAKING LOSSES OF $10BN (60.9BN). AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC GREW BY 7.6%
IN 2005, WITH LATIN AMERICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST SHOWING THE MOST GROWTH.
PASSENGER TRAFFIC IS EXPECTED TO GROW BETWEEN FIVE TO SIX PERCENT DURING
2006.
RYANAIR TO CHARGE FOR CHECKED BAGGAGE
HOT ON THE HEELS OF EUROPEAN
LOW-COST CARRIER FLYBE’S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT WILL CHARGE PASSENGERS FOR
CHECKED-IN BAGGAGE, RYANAIR HAS STATED ITS INTENTION TO FOLLOW SUIT. FROM
MARCH 16, RYANAIR WILL CHARGE PASSENGERS FOR CHECKED-IN LUGGAGE AT A RATE OF
AROUND R27 PER BAG, PER FLIGHT IF BOOKED IN ADVANCE ON THE WEBSITE, OR R54
PER BAG IF PRESENTED UNBOOKED AT THE AIRPORT.
LUFTHANSA PROMOTIONALE FARE
LUFTHANSA HAS INTRODUCED A
PROMOTIONAL FARE TO THE US. TRAVEL FROM JOHANNESBURG TO ZONE 1 DESTINATIONS
SUCH AS NEW YORK IS FROM R6 500 RETURN, EXCLUDING TAXES. THE FARE IS VALID
UNTIL MARCH 31 2006, MINIMUM STAY IS ONE WEEK, AND MAXIMUM STAY IS ONE
MONTH. ALL TRAVEL MUST BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 30, 2006.
KULULA.COM NOW TO LUSAKA
SOUTH AFRICA’S LOW FARE
AIRLINE KULULA.COM HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL START OFFERING SEATS FOR SALE
FROM JO’BURG TO LUSAKA, ZAMBIA FROM MARCH THIS YEAR. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD
ROUTE IN AFRICA, AFTER SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCING HARARE AND WINDHOEK FLIGHTS
LAST YEAR.
MORE TO LUBUMBASHI
TO ENDORSE SOUTH AFRICAN
EXPRESS AIRWAYS (SAX’S) AUTHORITY AS THE FEEDER CARRIER OF CHOICE IN
SOUTHERN AFRICA, SAX HAS ADDED A THIRD FLIGHT BETWEEN JOHANNESBURG AND
LUBUMBASHI, ONE OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC’S) BUSINESS HUBS.
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