Newsletter Issue 8 - 14th December 2001

Hello and welcome to the last update of 2001 from Karibuni

So first of all, let me start by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We are looking forward to 2002 and hope that the UK countryside will bounce back strongly after this year's troubles with Foot and Mouth. And of course we hope to be able to share some fun and adventure with yourselves in the coming year!

Thanks for your feedback, and to those who have pointed out that not all of your email systems can support the text hyperlinks to websites etc. From now on the full URL of any site that we refer to will be listed in that article, so you don't miss out on any news or info.

If you are reading this email after it has been forwarded to you - why not visit our website www.karibuni.co.uk and register your email address to ensure that you receive the newsletter first hand.

In the Spring of 2002 we will have some more exciting competitions (including the chance to win free Adventure Weekends) and special offers, so ensure that you are signed up and eligible to win! More details to follow in the New Year…

Coming up in this exciting issue: -
Karibuni News
- Snow Capped Adventures - skiing or snowboarding weekends
The Euro arrives!
London Update - exciting news on some top attractions
Gadget Corner
- Christmas ideas for travel fans
Global Quickies
- News and tips from around the world

Snow Capped Adventures - more weekends available!
Some people have been asking us "Where is La Clusaz, and why have we not heard of it?" One of the reasons for this is that the village has always restricted any new buildings to be of a chalet style - and so has avoided the huge concrete apartment blocks and hotels. This means that the resort is not full of your typical apartments and complexes that are favoured by the big British operators…but there are a few of them there (Crystals and First Choice among them!) The resort has remained popular with the French and the Swiss and also maintained a lot of its traditional charm and is one of the best looking resorts in France! - and lets not forget the skiing which with over 220km of piste is bigger than Chamonix for example.

And now for some good news for those of you with limited time but a burning desire to ski!

We are now able to widen our offer of weekend trips - and these will now be available throughout January at the bargain price of just £140 for 3 days and £160 for 4 days of fully catered chalet with all meals and unlimited wine!
So with just 2 days off work, you could enjoy a full 4 days on the slopes perfecting your parallel turns or gliding through powder!

As an a example - fly out after work on a Wednesday, ski Thursday to Sunday and catch the evening flight home, back in work on Monday morning with a big smile on your face.

Also possible is fly out Fri night or Sat morning and return on Tuesday evening after another 4 days of skiing. Always a high level of service in our catered chalet and ultimate convenience!

So if you fancy a quick break to the slopes but cant spare the time for a full week, then give us a call on 01788 522850 or email info@karibuni.co.uk to see how we can help you.
Full details of the chalet, resort, skiing, flights etc can be found at www.karibuni.co.uk/snowhome.htm

Start of the Euro
Its nearly here! In 2002 the Euro is starting its life in 12 countries.
Although Britain has opted out for now, from the 1st January the Euro becomes the legal tender for Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain and most transactions will then be in euros!
For the first 2 months, the peseta, franc and punt will continue to be used, but will be phased out so that by 1st March they will cease to be legal tender and the euro will be the only accepted currency

A polite notice has been posted on the Foreign Office website (www.fco.gov.uk) asking British citizens still holding currencies of the 12 European countries to exchange the cash for sterling as soon as possible. It is estimated that more than £500m of currency remains in the UK - and this must be exchanged before 28th February if it's not to be lost!

If you have any notes or coins - then act fast to convert them to sterling, or alternatively HSBC are collecting any foreign loose change and notes to donate to UNICEF.

London Update
A few more small articles on London, and it's efforts to improve its attractiveness to tourists and residents alike.

Theatre offers
London's Mayor, Ken Livingstone, has pledged to deliver half a million pounds worth of support for theatres in London, and through December will be giving away free and discounted seats to the theatre in London - more details at www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Ice Skating
The magnificent Somerset House, found overlooking the Thames on the Strand has once again installed a fabulous ice rink that is open to the public over the Christmas and New Year period. The rink is set off with an impressive 40ft Swedish Christmas tree (the lights of which were turned on by England football manager Sven Goran Erikson) and a recreation of the Absolut Vodka Ice bar from the Ice Hotel - made with ice brought over from Lapland - which featured in last edition of newsletter. Tickets are £8 - phone 0207 413 3399 or visit www.somerset-house.org.uk Ice rink open from Dec 5th to January 20th

South Bank Wanders
Ever wondered which route to take on a stroll to discover some of London's secrets? Routes and guides are now available on a website which encourages people to explore the thriving South Bank and the City of London. Check out the walking guides section online at www.southbanklondon.com

"Gadget" corner

Hardly gadgets - but ideal for Christmas
This edition we thought we would find some great gifts to help with any last minute shopping ideas - and so here are 5 of our top travel books which are on the shelves this Christmas!

1 -" The Earth from the Air - 365 days" - by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. A superb image from the air for every day of the year, with stunning shots from around the globe, but with a serious message of our role in saving and protecting the planet. Cost £24.99 (Thames and Hudson)

2 - "The Blue Planet" - the book to accompany the magnificent BBC series which explored every fascinating aspect of the seas and oceans, revealing many new species and wonderful natural happening. There are over 400 quality photos and informative features on spawning, migration and other fishy behaviour. Cost £19.99 - www.bbc.co.uk/nature

3 -" Are you Dave Gorman?" - by Dave Gorman and Danny Wallace. It all started with a tequila-fuelled bet where Dave was challenged by his flatmate Danny to find 54 other Dave Gormans in the world. 25,000 miles and 6 months later - this is their humorous tale. Perrier Award nominee. Cost £9.99 (Ebury Press)

4 -" Wild Africa" - also from the BBC a great coffee table book - packed full of facts, images and African life from all corners of the great continent. Bound to whet the appetite for some great adventures. Cost £19.99 - www.bbc.co.uk/nature

5 -" A voyage by dhow and other pieces" - by Norman Lewis. A selection of travel articles form the past 30 years from this very accomplished travel writer - but deserves special mention as some were written recently by Norman, still going strong in his nineties! Cost £15.99 (Jonathon Cape)

Global Quickies

Vibrator causes bomb alert
In Toronto, chaos was created recently in a major bomb scare when a cleaner found a mechanical device attached to a length of pipe in a toilet. Buildings were evacuated and streets closed off while bomb experts were called in to deal with the device.
It took investigators only minutes to establish that the threat was nothing more than a vibrator. The words "Swedish erotica" were printed on the remote control nearby. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the item of "lost property".

Well, that's all again for this time - but we hope you enjoyed it. Wishing you all a safe, merry and adventurous Christmas and a very Happy New Year

Many thanks, and happy travels

Paul