Friday, August 11, 2006

traveling

my friends zac and kim just got back from an extended holiday in europe and 83 pieces of photographic evidence landed in my inbox this morning.
i was going through their photos of madrid, barcelona, nice, marsailles, monoco, naples, and then there was rome.
i can't explain my connection to rome.
many people hate it- they complain that it's too noisy, too dirty, too italian.
i am not one of those people.
i loved rome the first moment i stepped foot in it.
seeing pictures brings back a flood of affection for the city.
i miss it and i want to go back to visit.

it seems that travel is the big story these days.
airport security is through the roof, thanks to the plot to take down so many UK-US bound flights. i got an email at work that asked me to inform one of my producers- who is leaving tomorrow for india, brazil, and england- not to try and bring any liquids or luggage on board, as it will not be permitted.

both my roommates are leaving tomorrow-
crystal is going to la to see friends for the weekend.
ray is going to brazil to build houses for two weeks.

my friend jb leaves today for a two week trip to thailand.
my other friend jb is coming back from a long trip to peru.

all my friends who are travelling are americans.

i'm glad to see we americans can still travel in the world.
given our countries actions and reputation, i worry that that may not be the case for long.
in the meantime, enjoy the photos of towel monkey and towel dog that zac and kim created in florence and naples.
also, if you are traveling, below are the new guidelines as of yesterday.



Security measures have dramatically
tightened due to a serious threat to international aviation security. In response, the
Department of Homeland Security has elevated the Homeland Security Advisory System for
all international flights and all domestic commercial aviation.

U.S. travel
Effective immediately, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented the
following changes:

��� No liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on baggage. All of
these items must be in checked baggage. This includes all beverages,
shampoos and conditioners, lotions and creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and all
products of similar consistency.

The only exceptions noted pertain to baby formula, prescription medication, insulin and other
essential non-prescription medicines. Labeled prescription medications must carry the same
name as the ticketed passenger.

International travel
All travelers from the United Kingdom to the United States will be subject to more extensive
screening processes. The following apply to all passengers departing from a U.K. airport and
to those transferring between flights at a U.K. airport:

��� All carry-on baggage must be processed as checked baggage and stored in the
belly of the aircraft departing U.K. airports.
��� Passengers may take only the following items through airport security in a single
plastic bag:

� Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (no handbags)
� Travel documents essential for travel (passports, tickets)
� Prescription medication and medical items essential for the flight
� Glasses and sunglasses without cases
� Contact lens holders without bottles of solution
� Baby food, milk and sanitary items needed for the flight
� Unboxed tissues and/or handkerchiefs
� Keys without electronic key fobs
CORPORATE COMMUN I CATION S
��� All passengers will be hand searched. Their footwear and all items carried will be
screened.
��� All passengers boarding flights to the United States and all items carried will be
subject to secondary screening at the boarding gate.

To assist passengers, U.S. government agencies are advising travelers to follow these
general guidelines:

��� Pack lightly to help facilitate airport security checkpoints.
��� Cooperate with TSA personnel at all checkpoints and gates. TSA security officers
will be checking carry-on baggage at gates.
��� Passengers should allow extra time and plan to arrive at the airport in advance to
accommodate any delays.
��� Check with carriers well in advance of flight departures for flight delays or
cancellations.

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