London scam

14 Oct 2010 - It has happened to most of us: at a certain moment in life you fall the victim of a thief, are pick-pocketed or otherwise cheated. Three Brits found a very cunning way to scam Japanese tourists, but have now been jailed. It was reported that the group particularly targeted Japanese or other Asian tourist and managed to trick more than 100 innocent victims into their scam. The group targeted tourists at attractions like the British Museum and the Oxford Street shopping area. One, a woman, would pose as a tourist and ask a genuine visitor for directions or to take a photo for her. Other gang members would then approach and pretend to be police officers and demand details of the tourist identity and credit cards. The woman would comply and encourage the genuine tourists to do so as well. The group would then take the cards and withdraw cash or make expensive purchases. Be warned.

Cheap Euro

20 June 2010 - The Euro has dropped considerably in recent months, and - with the strong Renminbi in hand - many mainland Chinese can suddenly afford themselves a trip to Europe. Its like a dream come true! The Euro has slid more than 16% since December 31 and it is expected to drop further. Travel agents in the mainland report that bookings for Europe have doubled and magazines promote trips from Bavaria to Barcelona. People argue that although prices of airline tickets have remained the same, hotels, meals and shopping on the continent are paid for in Euros and cost much less than before. Some people even take the opportunity to speed up their marriage plans, because the golden opportunity to have their honeymoon in romantic Paris or Tuscany may not last forever.

Euromyths

1 June 2010 - I learned a new word today: euromyth. Euromyths are negative stories about the European Union burocracy (in particular in the British press), usually based on hearsay and rumor. Most stories have been repeated so many times that they have almost become truths. For example, one of these myths is the EU ban on eating cakes for competition, which was feared to affect the English country fairs and bakery competitions for charity. The Scottish Rural Women Federation went as far as issuing a press release that all cakes and scones up for competition needed to be destroyed. Consequently, the EU responded immediately and issued a statement saying that the ban was not meant for events, where food is only prepared occasionally. It appears people in Brussels are very busy.

Cashing In

24 May 2010 - Hong Kongers are cashing in on weaker foreign currencies and an improving economy at home. It is expected that many people will make the trip to Europe this summer. And with no worries about swine flu, travel agents say more parents are sending their children abroad for summer courses or planning to have an overseas family holiday. A rise of 8 - 12% is expected in long-haul trips, which will be welcomed by European airliners. Now all we need is an Icelandic  vulcano to go to sleep.