Easytravelreport.com Another Portuguese Rail Strike CP

This time it's auditors and ticket office workers.

Aggressive strike. 24 hours per strike in May.

14 15 16 Monday Tuesday Wednesday.

19 20 21 Saturday Sunday and Monday (Saturday and Sunday same day as SATA is to strike)

23 24 25 Wednesday Thursday and Friday. Thursday and Friday the same day as Portuguese air traffic control strike.

Euronews.com Fresh strike action by air traffic controllers has seriously disrupted flights in Portugal, with delays and cancellations causing misery for passengers.

It is thought some 200 flights would have been affected by the end of the day.

Thursday's walkouts are part of an ongoing protest at government spending cuts and restructuring in the sector. Further stoppages are planned on Friday and in a week's time.

Kenya: Exercise high degree of caution

Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution because of the increasing number of terrorist acts, kidnappings and incidents of crime targeting Westerners throughout Kenya.

There is a heightened risk of terrorism throughout Kenya, including Nairobi. The insurgent group Al-Shabaab has publicly warned of planned terrorist attacks in Kenya. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. On April 23, 2012, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a Security Message for U.S. citizens stating that it has received credible information regarding a possible attack on Nairobi hotels and prominent Kenyan government buildings, particularly in the downtown core or Central Business District. Timing of the potential attack is not known.

On May 15, 2012, two attacks occurred in different parts of Kenya. A remote-controlled bomb was detonated in Dadaab, killing a police officer and wounding three others. In Mombasa, attackers targeted The Bella Vista night club on Moi Avenue. The attackers shot a security guard and threw grenades into the night club, killing one person and injuring several others. A grenade attack targeting a church in Nairobi killed one person and injured several others on April 29, 2012. For safety reasons, travellers should avoid visiting businesses during peak hours, steer clear of areas with large crowds and remain vigilant when in restaurants, shopping centers and other public areas.Canadians should also be very cautious if attending sporting events, such as football matches. You should avoid public venues such as sports bars, night clubs and restaurants which will be broadcasting these games, as well as public transportation, such as taxis, to and from the events. You should monitor local media for current information and amend your travel arrangements accordingly.

Nepal: Exercise high degree of caution

You should carefully evaluate the implications for your security and safety before deciding to travel to Nepal. Following an intense period of unrest and armed conflict, the political and security situation remains fragile and volatile. Canadians in Nepal should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times.

Nepal's prime minister was sworn in on August 29, 2011, with a mandate to complete the development of the new constitution. The deadline for the drafting of the new constitution has been extended to May 27, 2012. The potential for demonstrations and very disruptive general strikes (bandhs) remains, especially during the two weeks before the deadline and during the period immediately following the promulgation of the new constitution. Canadians are strongly advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local developments, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Although foreigners do not seem to be directly targeted by attacks in Nepal, some attacks have occurred in places frequented by tourists and expatriates. Canadians should remain vigilant at all times and in all places in Nepal. Extremely violent clashes between political/ethnic groups in the Terai region have resulted in a few deaths and numerous injuries. The unpredictable nature of the attacks and demonstrations increases the risk to Canadians.

Go to www.voyage.gc.ca for more information on these advisories or call 1-800-267-6788 in Canada and United States.

From UK Gov travel alerts: We advise against all travel to within 80km (50 miles) of the Colombian border in the states of Zulia, Tachira and Apure. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Tachira state. Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active in these states and there is a risk of kidnapping. In addition, travellers should take particular care if attempting to cross in to Colombia from any state since border crossings can attract criminal activity. Travellers should only use official crossing points.

Read more: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/south-america/venezuela

Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution because of the increasing number of terrorist acts, kidnappings and incidents of crime targeting Westerners throughout Kenya.

There is a heightened risk of terrorism throughout Kenya, including Nairobi. The insurgent group Al-Shabaab has publicly warned of planned terrorist attacks in Kenya. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. On April 23, 2012, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a Security Message for U.S. citizens stating that it has received credible information regarding a possible attack on Nairobi hotels and prominent Kenyan government buildings, particularly in the downtown core or Central Business District. Timing of the potential attack is not known.

On May 15, 2012, two attacks occurred in different parts of Kenya. A remote-controlled bomb was detonated in Dadaab, killing a police officer and wounding three others. In Mombasa, attackers targeted The Bella Vista night club on Moi Avenue. The attackers shot a security guard and threw grenades into the night club, killing one person and injuring several others. A grenade attack targeting a church in Nairobi killed one person and injured several others on April 29, 2012. For safety reasons, travellers should avoid visiting businesses during peak hours, steer clear of areas with large crowds and remain vigilant when in restaurants, shopping centers and other public areas. Canadians should also be very cautious if attending sporting events, such as football matches. You should avoid public venues such as sports bars, night clubs and restaurants which will be broadcasting these games, as well as public transportation, such as taxis, to and from the events. You should monitor local media for current information and amend your travel arrangements accordingly. Coastal areas

Canadians planning to stay at coastal resorts located south of Lamu District should opt for resorts that provide professional security. On September 11 and again on October 1, 2011, armed men attacked beachfront properties in Lamu District, resulting in the death of one foreign national and the kidnapping of two others (one of whom has subsequently died while in captivity, and the other was released in March 2012). In November 2011, gunmen believed to be Somali pirates attacked a village near Malindi and abducted six fishermen.

National parks and tourist areas

Most visits to national parks, game reserves, and other popular tourist destinations in Kenya remain incident free. However, foreign tourists, including Canadians, have been victims of crime, sometimes involving violence. On November 4, a tourist was shot and her Kenyan driver was killed in an armed attack on their vehicle near a game park north of Nairobi. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

Nairobi and other major cities

In recent months, foreign nationals have been the victims of daytime carjackings and kidnappings in neighbourhoods normally deemed safe during daylight hours. Travellers should be vigilant and avoid heavily populated areas of major cities to minimize the risk of being caught up in violent clashes, as well as isolated places where they may be vulnerable to a covert ambush. In Nairobi, travellers should particularly avoid the Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani, and Eastleigh neighbourhoods.

Northern Kenya

Northern Kenya, referring to the areas located north of the Kitale-Samburu-Garissa line, is considered particularly unsafe. The ongoing threat posed by terrorism is joined by various regional, tribal, or clan-based conflicts involving land, cattle, and water. Armed escorts are recommended when travelling to or from this region. Escorts are available from local police stations and it is advisable to contact them before undertaking any journey. Canadians are advised to avoid venturing away from tourist areas and to refrain from travelling after dark.

Western Kenya

Violence has also regularly been reported in the Mount Elgon area of western Kenya, and Canadians travelling to that region should remain vigilant at all times. In March 2008, military troops were deployed in Mount Elgon forest to pursue the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia, who are said to have killed hundreds of residents. Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution.

UK Gov warning: Authorities in Mexico have raised the alert level for the Popocatépetl volcano which lies about 65 km southeast of Mexico City, due to increasing activity. It is now at the fifth step on a seven-level warning scale. The volcano continues to have elevated levels of seismicity, and produces frequent steam and ash emissions rising about 1 km above the crater. No one has been evacuated yet, but the alert level has been raised as a precaution.

Egypt: Avoid non-essential travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Egypt, except for Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and the main tourist centres of Luxor and Aswan, due to the unpredictable security situation and continuing demonstrations throughout the country. Please see below recommendations for areas of the Sinai Peninsula, Red Sea coastal resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, and areas of Upper Egypt such as Luxor and Aswan.

An annual day of protests by Palestinians and their supporters will take place on May 15, 2012. Demonstrations may occur in the areas bordering Israel. Additional security forces may be deployed. Canadians are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Elements of the Egyptian government responsible for ensuring security and public safety are not fully reconstituted. Until the civilian police force is fully restored, response to emergency requests for assistance or reports of crime may be delayed. The Embassy of Canada's ability to respond to emergencies involving Canadian citizens is severely limited by these factors.

Civil unrest and demonstrations have been occurring in many parts of Egypt since late January 2011. Although most tourist sites are open, the situation across Egypt remains unpredictable and less consistently safe than it was before the events of January 2011. There is a potential for rapid escalation into violence where large groups of people are assembled and curfews may be imposed on short notice.

Canadians should be extremely vigilant, avoid military offices and facilities, all demonstrations and large gatherings, monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians requiring emergency assistance may contact the Embassy of Canada in Cairo.

Access to some areas may be restricted due to increased security measures and concern for the safety of travellers. The Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip is open but may close on short notice (see Section 9 for more information).

Canadians should exercise a high level of personal security awareness at all times when travelling to Red Sea coastal resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada and to the Upper Egypt cities of Luxor and Aswan. Major tourist sites remain open. However, the police presence is noticeably reduced and response to emergencies affecting travellers will be limited.

It is strongly recommended that travellers fly to these areas directly rather than transiting through Cairo. Road travel is not recommended and there have been reports of unsanctioned roadblocks.

Coastal resorts in the Sinai, including Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and Nuweiba, have seen several incidents of robbery recently and tensions between the tourism industry and local Bedouin tribes are high. While foreigners have not been specifically targeted, these activities have resulted in the accidental death of at least one foreigner in 2012.

Tourists visiting Upper Egypt and the historic sites of the Nile Valley should pay particular attention to local conditions. Although tourist sites continue to operate, the Upper Nile Valley between Beni Suef and Aswan has seen a greater incidence of strikes, road blockages and civil unrest than the coastal resorts. Feuds between clans, some with a religious aspect, are becoming more commonplace and can turn violent quickly. Canadians may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Canadians travelling to rural areas should travel in large groups and by organized transportation, and follow the advice of local authorities, hotels and tour guides.

Guinea: Avoid non-essential travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Guinea. Despite a relative return to calm, the current security situation remains heightened.

Incidents of violent crime are increasing in Conakry and extreme caution should be exercised.

Demonstrations on May 10, 2012, organized to protest the continued delay of legislative elections, turned violent in the capital Conakry and resulted in several injuries. Further violence is possible as opposition groups have warned of continued protests. Local authorities could impose security measures, which could disrupt road traffic and services. The international airport in Conakry could also close on short notice. Canadians should confirm their travel plans prior to departure and avoid all areas where demonstrations are staged. Monitor the local media and other sources of information to keep abreast of any planned demonstrations or public gatherings.

We still advise against all travel to the areas bordering Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire, where continued cross-border military and rebel activity makes the general security situation unsafe. Instability prevalent in neighbouring countries, as well as armed banditry, cause tensions and hostilities in these areas. There is a risk of renewed inter-ethnic violence in and around the town of N'Zérékoré, in Guinea Forestière. The border with Côte d'Ivoire is closely monitored by local authorities and the army. Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip: Exercise high degree of caution

An annual day of protests by Palestinians and their supporters will take place on May 15, 2012. Demonstrations may occur in the West Bank and Jerusalem as well as Israeli border areas with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Additional security forces may be deployed. Canadians are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Most Canadian visitors to Israel do not experience problems. However, the security situation can change rapidly. Canadians, including dual nationals, should carry their passports at all times and register with the Embassy of Canada in Tel Aviv.

Jordan: Exercise high degree of caution

Most Canadian visitors to Jordan do not experience problems. An annual day of protests by Palestinians and their supporters will take place on May 15, 2012. Demonstrations may occur in the areas bordering Israel. Additional security forces may be deployed. Canadians are advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Civil unrest and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent, have been taking place since January 2011. Demonstrations are more likely to occur on Friday, after noon prayer. Locations where demonstrations have taken place include the Al-Huseini Mosque in downtown Amman, King Hussein Park, Duwar A-Dakheliya and Abdel Nasser Square. Canadians are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they occur, as they may turn violent without warning. They should also monitor local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

There is a general terrorist threat throughout Jordan. From time to time, reports emerge that terrorists plan to attack specific locations in countries of the Arabian Peninsula. Targets could include government buildings, public areas, tourist sites and Western interests. Security measures are currently in place and may be reinforced upon short notice. Canadians are strongly advised to maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times. Caution should be particularly exercised in areas known to be frequented by foreigners (commercial, public, touristy). Canadians should monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities. Canadians are also strongly advised to register and keep in contact with the Embassy of Canada in Amman, as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service. It is recommended to exercise a high degree of caution near and in refugee camps, as well as border areas.

Lebanon: Avoid non-essential travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Lebanon.

An annual day of protests by Palestinians and their supporters will take place on May 15, 2012. Demonstrations may occur in the areas bordering Israel. Additional security forces may be deployed.

Planned and spontaneous demonstrations related to the domestic and regional situation regularly occur in Lebanon. Security conditions remain unpredictable. Canadians are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they may take place, as they could turn violent without warning. Canadians should also observe all warnings issued by Lebanese authorities and take appropriate precautions.

On June 30, 2011, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), the international body investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, confirmed and delivered an indictment to the Lebanese government. Further developments related to the ongoing investigation may lead to unrest. Canadians are advised to monitor media reports pertaining to the STL and keep informed on any political and security developments.

Incidents in the past few years have included the erection of unofficial road barricades and checkpoints, gun battles in residential neighbourhoods, grenade attacks, targeted vehicle explosions, bombings, assassinations, and shelling. Attacks have occurred in places frequented by foreigners, such as commercial establishments, public places, major thoroughfares, and hotels, as well as residential areas.

Syria: Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to Syria due to the increasingly volatile security situation. Canadians in Syria should leave now by commercial means while these are still available. Many airlines, including Arab League carriers, have reduced flight schedules from Syria. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

Given the volatile security situation, the Embassy of Canada in Damascus has suspended operations until further notice. Canadian officials have left the country. Canadians in Syria and relatives in Canada seeking information should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-944-2471 (collect calls accepted), by email sos@international.gc.ca or by submitting an on-line form.

Civil unrest and demonstrations have been occurring in many Syrian cities since March 2011. There has been extensive use of force by the security forces and military in suppressing demonstrations across the country. Many casualties and fatalities have been reported and protests and violent repression are likely to continue. Security operations have involved the complete lock-down of entire towns for periods varying from a few days to a few weeks. This may take place with little warning.

The situation in Syria remains very dynamic and difficult to predict. The current instability and violence may go on for some time. Canadian remaining in Syria despite this warning must exercise extreme caution.

Canadians should be extremely vigilant, avoid political gatherings, crowds and demonstrations and stay away from areas where they can occur, as they might turn violent without warning. Canadians are also advised to ensure that their travel documents are up to date, to register as well as to carefully follow messages issued through the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service.

Obtaining accurate information within Syria is very difficult. Although the situation has varied from day to day, it has followed an escalatory trend, and this may continue for some time. Canadians may have little notice of violent outbreaks and risk being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Roadblocks and checkpoints have been set up on roads, including major roads and highways in and around Damascus, and along the Damascus-Aleppo highway and Damascus-Jordan highway. Road travel restrictions may be imposed without notice making travel slow and dangerous.

Telecommunication services and road access to some cities may be disrupted due to protests or security operations.

In the current environment, foreigners as well as Syrian nationals may be subject to arbitrary arrest and detention by Syrian authorities. Obtaining information or providing consular access in such cases is extremely difficult. Foreign journalists in particular are being targeted by the Syrian authorities. Journalists attempting to operate in Syria without the approval of the authorities place themselves at considerable personal risk.

Go to www.voyage.gc.ca for more information on these advisories or call 1-800-267-6788 in Canada and United States.

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Guinea. Despite a relative return to calm, the current security situation remains heightened.

Incidents of violent crime are increasing in Conakry and extreme caution should be exercised.

Demonstrations on May 10, 2012, organized to protest the continued delay of legislative elections, turned violent in the capital Conakry and resulted in several injuries. Further violence is possible as opposition groups have warned of continued protests. Local authorities could impose security measures, which could disrupt road traffic and services. The international airport in Conakry could also close on short notice. Canadians should confirm their travel plans prior to departure and avoid all areas where demonstrations are staged. Monitor the local media and other sources of information to keep abreast of any planned demonstrations or public gatherings.

We still advise against all travel to the areas bordering Liberia, Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire, where continued cross-border military and rebel activity makes the general security situation unsafe. Instability prevalent in neighbouring countries, as well as armed banditry, cause tensions and hostilities in these areas. There is a risk of renewed inter-ethnic violence in and around the town of N'Zérékoré, in Guinea Forestière. The border with Côte d'Ivoire is closely monitored by local authorities and the army.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

LIvemint.com: PTI | May 11, 2012, 04.35PM ISTNEW DELHI: Kingfisher Airlines pilots on Friday decided to call off their strike. Kingfisher pilots were striking against non-payment of salaries.

Earlier, around 12 Kingfisher flights were on Friday cancelled after the pilots reported sick in protest against non-payment of due salaries.

Ten flights from Delhi and two from Mumbai were cancelled after pilots did not report for work, sources said.

read more http://www.livemint.com/2012/05/11224918/Kingfisher-pilots-return-to-co.html