Carefreetrip.com Travel Blog

This Travel Warning provides an update on the security situation in Chad. The Department of State continues to advise American citizens to defer travel to Chad, and American citizens residing in Chad should exercise extreme caution. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Chad dated June 16, 2008.

American citizens should defer all travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. Armed rebel groups resumed activity in eastern Chad in mid-June and present real dangers. The Chadian government is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors in most parts of the country. During the period June 16-18, the Embassy relocated some Embassy staff and family members to Cameroon as a precaution. Family members of Embassy personnel under the age of 21 are not authorized to reside in Chad. Commercial flights continue to operate from N’Djamena International Airport, but flights are subject to change when rebel activity intensifies. The security situation in general remains fluid and potentially dangerous.

Limited American citizen services are available at the Embassy, but visa services remain suspended until further notice - see contact information below.

U.S. citizens in Chad, particularly those outside N’Djamena, should be aware that the U.S. Embassy cannot guarantee that the same options and level of evacuation assistance that existed in February 2008 will be available should the situation again deteriorate. The Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens be prepared to implement their personal evacuation or safe haven plans on short notice should the situation warrant, and exercise extreme caution.

The State Department advises American citizens not affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts to avoid travel to eastern Chad and the Chad/Central African Republic border area due to insecurity caused by banditry and clashes between Government and rebel forces. The U.S. Embassy is not able to support evacuation from eastern Chad. All Americans affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad must have an evacuation plan developed with the UN which has aircraft and other logistical support. Americans in Chad should closely monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov.

U.S. citizens affiliated with humanitarian relief efforts in eastern Chad are strongly urged to coordinate travel plans with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) security officers in Abeche and N’Djamena, and to follow UNHCR guidance regarding safety and security. The government of Chad requires all individuals traveling to or residing in refugee-affected areas in eastern Chad to obtain permits issued by the Ministry of Territorial Administration in N’Djamena, and to register in Abeche upon arrival in eastern Chad.

American citizens who intend to enter Sudan from Chad despite the Department’s Travel Warnings for both countries must obtain the appropriate visas and permits in advance of entry into Sudan. Further information is available in the Department’s Travel Warning for Sudan at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_934.html.

American citizens traveling to or resident in Chad should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form online at https://travelregistration.state.gov and provide contact information and specific travel data if traveling outside the capital. Registration enables the Embassy to contact American citizens in case of emergency and provide updates on the security situation. The U.S. Embassy is located in N’Djamena on Avenue Felix Ebou; mailing address B.P. 413, telephone (including after hours): (235) 251-70-09; alternate numbers 251-62-11, 251-90-52, 251-92-33, 251-77-59, 251-92-18; fax (235) 251-56-54; website: http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov.

For additional information, consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for Chad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1086.html and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov, or call 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to pop the question or just a whisk-you-away kind of weekend in the city, you gotta do it right. Here’s how to woo and impress Dallas-style:

STAY: Hotel ZaZa

The Lowdown: Nestled in the heart of Uptown, this chateau-inspired boutique hotel provides an exotic escape from the everyday world. From rejuvenating your senses together in the ZaSpa to a sensuous dinner at DragonFly, the Hotel ZaZa is a complete Romantic retreat.
Inside Scoop: Book the Romance Package, complete with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, his/her massages and breakfast in bed.
Find It: 2332 Leonard St., Dallas, TX 75201; 214-468-8399

EAT: Nana

The Lowdown: Nana offers upscale American cuisine with a spectacular view of the Dallas skyline from the 27th floor. The restaurant was recently named as one of “America’s Top 50 Restaurants” by Gourmet Magazine, Nana has not only become one of Dallas’ most popular restaurants–it has become one of Dallas’ most critically acclaimed restaurants–both locally and nationally. .
Inside Scoop: Nana’s picturesque 27th perch atop the Hilton Anatole Hotel has become the destination of choice for special celebrations, social events, and business dinners…not to mention the favorite of locals! Live entertainment in The Bar at Nana nightly with dancing.
Find It: 2201 Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207 ; 214-761-7470

RIDE: McKinney Avenue Trolley

The Lowdown: This antique trolley line connects the downtown Arts District with the West Village neighborhood, depositing passengers along the way at exclusive shops, museums and one-of-a-kind bistros. The added perk: it’s free!
Inside Scoop: Hop aboard for “Dine-A-Round” - a once-a-month trolley tour that takes up to 30 couples to three different restaurants for appetizers, dinner and dessert. Wine is served to riders along the way.
Find It: There are five different stops: McKinney Plaza, Cityplace Station, Cole and Bowen, McKinney and Pearl, Ross and St. Paul. For schedules go to www.mata.org.

STROLL: Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

The Lowdown: This verdant oasis is alive with color year-round. In spring it’s blanketed in 2,400 different azaleas, while in autumn it’s like a chrysanthemum explosion. As one of the Southwest’s premier gardens, it’s an ideal locale for a late-day saunter.
Inside Scoop: Check out the only public display of the Huang Collection of azaleas outside of China.
Find It: 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, TX 75218; 214-515-6500

EXPLORE: Grapevine

The Lowdown: About 20 minutes outside Dallas, the aptly named town of Grapevine welcomes vino lovers with six Texas wine tasting rooms and many fine restaurants. The town’s Main Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and consists of more than 75 historically restored buildings. A quick escape that offers ultimate Romantic retreat.
Inside Scoop: For an open-air, European-style Shopping experience, the Grapevine Market runs from March through November, Thurs. and Sat. 9:30am-1:30pm.
Find It: Located off Highway 114, about 25 miles northwest of Dallas.

This Travel Warning provides updated security information and alerts American citizens traveling to or living in Sri Lanka about the continuing danger of terrorist attacks throughout the country. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Sri Lanka dated February 8, 2008.

The Department of State urges American citizens to evaluate carefully the risks of travel to Sri Lanka and specifically warns Americans against travel to northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka. Since early January 2008, fighting between the Sri Lankan military, paramilitary groups and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has increased, and bomb explosions in densely populated areas have killed dozens of civilians, including in some areas frequented by foreign tourists. Although there is no specific indication that American citizens or institutions have been targeted, there is a heightened risk of American citizens becoming victims of violence just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. American citizens who decide to travel to Sri Lanka despite this Travel Warning should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow prudent security practices. Americans should avoid large crowds and public gatherings and should particularly avoid political rallies, military bases, and government and military vehicle convoys, which are frequent targets of LTTE attacks. Americans are also strongly advised against using public transportation in Sri Lanka, as civilian buses and trains have increasingly been the targets of terrorist bomb attacks in recent months. U.S. Government personnel are currently prohibited from using these modes of transportation.

On June 6, 2008, 22 civilians were killed and 70 injured by an anti-personnel mine aimed at a passenger bus in Colombo. The same day, two more people were killed by another anti-personnel mine detonated in a passenger bus in Kandy. On May 31, 2008, a grenade attack on a bus stop in Wellawatta killed two people and wounded 10. On February 3, 2008, 14 civilians were killed and approximately 100 were injured when a suicide attacker detonated an explosive device inside the main railway station in Colombo. The same day, seven were injured when a grenade was detonated at the Dehiwala Zoo in Colombo. On February 2, 2008, a bomb on a bus from Kandy, headed for Anuradhapura, exploded in Dambulla and killed 18 civilians and injured over 50. On January 8, 2008, a government minister was killed and several persons were injured when his vehicle was attacked on the road between Colombo’s international airport and central Colombo. In 2007, the LTTE also attacked an Army camp in Yala National Sanctuary, and the Katunayake Air Force Base in Colombo was attacked by LTTE aircraft, causing brief suspension of operations at the adjacent Bandaranaike International Airport. Foreign tourists were not specifically targeted in these attacks and none were injured.

While the government has effectively controlled the eastern part of the country since July 2007, security is not yet assured. Some LTTE members and larger numbers of armed paramilitary members are active in the area, leading to instability and incidents of violence. This situation is likely to continue for some time. Americans are particularly warned against travel to LTTE-controlled areas in the north, which may pose severe hazards.

Official travel by U.S. Government personnel to areas north of a line following the highway from Puttalam through Anuradhapura to Polonaruwa, Bibile, and Pottuvil in the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka is restricted, and unofficial travel is prohibited.

Americans should comply with all instructions from security forces and police when traveling in Sri Lanka. American citizens, including those of Sri Lankan origin, whether living in Sri Lanka or traveling there even for only a few days, are strongly urged to register with the Embassy. Registration will allow the embassy to provide direct information on the security situation as necessary. Registration is done on-line and can be done in advance of travel at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. Information on registering can also be found at the Embassy website: http://srilanka.usembassy.gov or at the Department of State’s Consular Affairs website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information documents, including the Worldwide Caution, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

This Travel Warning updates the current security situation and reiterates the dangers of the use of civilian aircraft and of road travel within Iraq. This supersedes the Travel Warning of July 23, 2007.

The Department of State continues to strongly warn U.S. citizens against travel to Iraq, which remains very dangerous. Remnants of the former Baath regime, transnational terrorists, criminal elements and numerous insurgent groups remain active throughout Iraq. Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF)-led military operations continue, and attacks persist against MNF-I and the ISF throughout the country. Turkish government forces have carried out operations against elements of the Kongra-Gel (KGK, formerly Kurdistan Worker’s Party, or Partiya Karkeren Kurdistan (PKK)) terrorist group that are located along Iraq’s northern border.

Despite recent improvements in the security environment, Iraq remains dangerous, volatile and unpredictable. Attacks against military and civilian targets throughout Iraq continue, including in the International (or “Green”) Zone. Targets include hotels, restaurants, police stations, checkpoints, foreign diplomatic missions, and international organizations and other locations with expatriate personnel. Such attacks can occur at any time. Kidnappings still occur; the most recent kidnapping of an American citizen occurred in August 2007. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), and mines often are placed on roads, concealed in plastic bags, boxes, soda cans, dead animals, and in other ways to blend with the road. Grenades and explosives have been thrown into vehicles from overpasses, particularly in crowded areas. Rockets and mortars have been fired at hotels, and vehicle-borne IEDs have been used against targets throughout the country. Occasionally, U.S. Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to certain areas depending on prevailing security conditions. In addition to terrorist and criminal attacks, sectarian violence occurs often. Detailed security information is available on the Embassy’s web site at http://iraq.usembassy.gov and at http://www.centcom.mil.

Military aircraft arriving and departing from Baghdad International Airport (ORBI) have been subjected to small arms and missile fire. Travelers choosing to utilize civilian aircraft to enter or depart Iraq should be aware that, although there have been no recent attacks on civilian aircraft, the potential threat still exists, as well as does the high risk to road transportation described above. Official U.S. Government (USG) personnel are strongly encouraged to use U.S. military or other USG aircraft when entering or departing Iraq. All personnel serving in Iraq under Chief of Mission (COM) authority are prohibited from entering or departing ORBI on commercial airlines unless approved by the Regional Security Office (RSO) on a case-by-case basis. Other personnel not under COM authority must be guided by their own agency.

The Embassy is located in the International Zone. The Embassy can provide only limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. The U.S. Government considers the potential threat to U.S. Government personnel assigned to Iraq sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. At present, travel to and from the International Zone is extremely limited. Unofficial travel to Iraq by U.S. Government employees and their family members requires prior approval by the Department of State. The U.S. Embassy does not provide visa services to the general public. American citizens who choose to visit or reside in Iraq despite this Travel Warning are urged to take responsibility for their personal security, avoid crowds, especially rallies or demonstrations, and to inform the U.S. Embassy of their presence in Iraq. All Americans in Baghdad are strongly encouraged to register with the Embassy at the following website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp.

American citizens may obtain the latest security information or other information about Iraq by contacting the U.S. Embassy, located in the International Zone, via landline at: 1-240-553-0589, via Iraqna cellular phones at 07901-191-0058/57/56/54/53/52/49/48, via e-mail to baghdadacs@state.gov, or by accessing the U.S. Embassy’s website at http://iraq.usembassy.gov. The after-hours numbers in cases of extreme emergency are Iraqna 07901-732-134 or GSM 914-822-1370.

Updated information on travel and security in Iraq may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Country Specific Information for Iraq, as well as the Worldwide Caution, all of which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/.

The Space Needle
Seattle Center, 400 Broad St.; 206.905.2100;
www.spaceneedle.com
A 41-second elevator ride takes you up 520 feet to the observation deck of the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair. Enjoy a meal at SkyCity, the restaurant at the top that revolves 360° while you dine.

Pike Place Market
Between First Ave. and Western, from Pike to Virginia streets www.pikeplacemarket.org
Born in 1907, Seattle’s Pike Place Market is the granddaddy of farmers’ markets. Today, it’s a major tourist attraction with 200 businesses operating year-round, 190 craftspeople and 120 farmer booths - plus street performers and musicians. Flowers by the bucketful, flying fish, fresh pastries and fruit, handmade cheeses, local honey, wine, an assortment of restaurants, import goods, antiques, collectibles and lots of surprises are around every corner.

Ferries
www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
Traveling by ferry is a state of mind as much as a means of transportation to some of the Puget Sound’s most historic and scenic sites. Views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, the Seattle cityscape and the green shorelines will draw you out onto the deck to feel the salt breeze on your face. The state ferry system takes passengers and their vehicles from Seattle and nearby departure points to Vashon Island, the Kitsap Peninsula, the San Juan Islands and Canada. For privately operated ferries, see the Sightseeing & Tours (page 35) and Visitors Services/Travel & Transportation (page 120) listings in this guide.

Seattle Aquarium
Pier 59
206.386.4300
www.seattleaquarium.org
Meet Alki, the sea otter pup born at the Aquarium. Walk under the water in a glass dome as bluntnose sixgill sharks and other Elliott Bay creatures swim all around you. Touch a sea anemone. Learn about the lives of salmon at the world’s first aquarium-based salmon ladder. Marvel at the impossibly bright-colored coral reef fish. And don’t forget to wave to the giant Pacific octopus.

The Seattle Waterfront
Piers 52 to 70 on Alaskan Way
ci.seattle.wa.us/tour/water.htm
A bustling collection of Attractions, restaurants and Shopping, as well as starting points for ferries, cruise ships, the Victoria Clipper and Argosy boat tours are located here. Feed the seagulls at the statue of Ivar Haglund in front of Ivar’s Acres of Clams, stroll by the fountains on the wooden piers of Waterfront Park, admire the view or Shop for souvenirs.

Woodland Park Zoo
South Gate: 750 N. 50th St
206.684.4800
www.zoo.org
See more than 1,000 animals of 300 different species, from elephants and gorillas to piranhas and penguins, in naturalistic exhibits at the Woodland Park Zoo. Drop by at scheduled feeding times and talk with the people who care for the animals.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
608 First Ave.
206.682.4646
www.undergroundtour.com
After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city was rebuilt over the top of the ruins. This guided tour takes visitors through the hidden subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and storefronts of old downtown Seattle and tells stories of the frontier people who lived and worked there.

The Seattle Public Library
1000 Fourth Ave.
206.386.4636
www.spl.org
Designed by world-renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the award-winning glass and steel structure of the new Central Library makes the building seem a little off-kilter and translucent - allowing passersby on the street to look in.

Tillicum Village
Blake Island
206.933.8600
www.tillicumvillage.com
A short, narrated cruise takes you to an island village, where you’ll feast on salmon cooked in the authentic Native American way. A stage show of traditional dances and stories entertains and teaches you about the people who lived in the Northwest first.

Ride the Ducks of Seattle
516 Broad St, Seattle
206.441.DUCK (3825)
www.ridetheducksofseattle.com
Tour Seattle by land and water on a WWII amphibious landing craft. This 90-minute adventure tour will have you “quacking up” through the streets of Seattle. You’ll see the major sights of the Emerald City on land before you head out to the funky Fremont neighborhood where you’ll splash into Lake Union.

This Travel Warning updates information on Eritrea’s current security situation. It reiterates the Department of State’s recommendation that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to Eritrea due to restrictions on travel outside the capital city of Asmara and heightened tensions along Eritrea’s borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Eritrea issued on March 26, 2008.

American citizens considering travel within Eritrea should be aware of the presence of large numbers of Eritrean and Ethiopian troops along the Eritrean-Ethiopian border, and acute political tensions between the two countries. In March 2008, the Government of the State of Eritrea’s (GSE) restrictions on diesel fuel supplies caused UNMEE detachments to withdraw from the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), leaving no international observers monitoring the border.

Since April, Djiboutian and Eritrean troops have been deployed along the northeastern border of Djibouti. The Djiboutian government claims Eritrean troops have crossed into its territory and on June 10, 2008, Djiboutian and Eritrean troops exchanged fire along their shared border. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel near the Eritrean-Ethiopian border and non-essential travel to the Southern Red Sea region, including the port of Assab.

The GSE continues to restrict the travel of all foreign nationals, including resident diplomats. These restrictions require all visitors and residents to apply with the GSE 10 days in advance for permission to travel outside Asmara city limits. As a result, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide consular assistance in an emergency outside of Asmara. Travelers also should be aware that that the GSE does not inform the U.S. Embassy when American citizens have been arrested or detained.

Americans currently living or traveling in Eritrea are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Asmara in person or through the State Department’s travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Eritrea. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of an emergency and provide updates on the security situations. The U.S. Embassy is located at 179 Alaa Street, P.O. Box 211, Asmara; telephone (291-1) 12-00-04; fax (291-1) 124-255 and (291-1) 127-584; web site http://asmara.usembassy.gov/.

For additional information, consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information sheet for Eritrea and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas.

The Eurostar operating between London and Paris/Brussels is now a firm favorite with European Rail travelers taking passengers at speeds of up to 300km/186mph. The travel time between London and the continent has been continually reduced over recent years and now takes just 2 hours to Brussels and 2 hours 15 minutes to Paris since the launch of Britain’s high speed network and the move to London St Pancras in November 2007. A wide range of fares and schedules are available at discounted rates to European rail pass holders, so that you can tailor your ticket to your specific needs.

• The Eurostar service runs 17 daily services to Paris and 10 to Brussels
• Tickets can be booked up to 120 days in advance of travel
• You are normally required to check in at least 20 minutes prior to the Eurostar train’s departure.
• Less well known is that the Eurostar trains also serve Kent via the established Ashford International station and now the new Ebbsfleet International station, Calais-Frethun, Lille-Europe and Disneyland Paris, with additional services to the Alpine towns of Moutiers and Bourg St. Maurice in the ski season.
• The Eurostar offers passengers three different service standards: Premium First (London-Paris only, with a special carriage and superior service); first class (this includes complimentary food and drinks during your journey); and standard class.

The fares you are quoted will also include the price of the mandatory reservation you will need. A full buffet service and licensed bar operates on each train and all stations served by the route offer comprehensive catering and other facilities.

It was the ever-increasing traffic through London’s airports and associated problems of air and noise pollution which plagued the city, which was a driving force behind the introduction of the Eurostar service. Though troubled by initial teething problems, the Eurostar service is clearly coming into its own offering a highly efficient alternative to the environmentally damaging route by air, to the very heart of Europe. The service currently commands over 70% of the London to Paris route and 65% of the London to Brussels route.

This Travel Warning updates information on safety and security concerns in Cote d’Ivoire and continues to urge U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution while traveling in Cote d’Ivoire.This supersedes the Travel Warning issued December 5, 2007.

Cote d’Ivoire continues to experience periodic episodes of political unrest and violence, sometimes directed against foreigners, since a 2002 failed coup attempt evolved into an armed rebellion that split the country in two.Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and New Forces leader Guillaume Soro signed the Ouagadougou Political Accord (OPA) in March 2007 and a new government was formed with Soro as Prime Minister (PM).Although implementation of the accord is ongoing, the political situation has not fully returned to normal.In December 2007, rebel-controlled Bouake, the largest city in northern Cote d’Ivoire, experienced rioting by disaffected rebel soldiers and para-military forces,as well as fighting between opposing factionswithin the rebel movement amid rumors of a coup attempt.Travel for the localpopulation was severely restricted during these periods, and two employees of the Embassy were evacuated by UN forces to a safehaven.Both UN and French peacekeepers remain in the country.

Given the sometimes tense and potentially volatile security situation, the Department of State urges American citizens to exercise extreme caution should they travel to Cote d’Ivoire, and to take special care when traveling outside Abidjan.In February 2008, Embassy personnel and other international organizations were prevented from traveling to and from western Cote d’Ivoire due to rioting by government soldiers.Americans planning travel to Cote d’Ivoire despite this Travel Warning should consult the Embassy and/or their host organizations for the most recent security assessment of the areas to where they plan to travel. Increases in food and oil prices could provoke impromptu strikes and/or demonstrations.Crime poses the highest risk for foreign visitors in Abidjan, including mugging, robbery, burglary and car jacking.Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic or at impromptu roadblocks due to the threat of violent robbery.Land routes to neighboring countries are open, although overland travel to Liberia and Guinea is strongly discouraged, and caution is urged when crossing into Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

Long-delayed presidential elections have been rescheduled for November 30, 2008.Americans traveling to Cote d’Ivoire should follow political developments carefully, as there is a potential for violence in the run-up to and aftermath of elections.

The Department of State continues to prohibit minor dependents from accompanying U.S. government employees assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan.Embassy employees are asked to be cautious when traveling within Abidjan and to avoid travel outside of the city at night.Private Americans are urged to follow the same guidelines.U.S. Embassy personnel must obtain prior approval before traveling more than 35 kilometers outside Abidjan.Some of those requests may be denied, or multi-vehicle convoys may be required for security reasons.The Embassy encourages American employees to ensure that they have several days’ worth of cooking fuel, food, and water at home, and that their vehicles are fully fueled.
The U.S. Embassy is located in the Riviera Golf neighborhood of the Cocody section of Abidjan.The Embassy may close to the public temporarily from time to time in response to security developments.U.S. citizens who remain in, or travel to, Cote d’Ivoire despite this Travel Warning should consult the Department of State’s latest Country Specific Information for Cote d’Ivoire and the Worldwide Caution Travel Alert at http://travel.state.gov.Americans should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp, by calling (225) 22-49-40-00, or faxing (225) 22-49-42-02.Americans in Cote d’Ivoire who need assistance should contact the Embassy at (225) 22-49-40-00.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

As if there weren’t enough shops, museums, and historic landmarks to fill your time in London, you’re in reasonable proximity to a host of daytrip adventures that will entertain, educate and mystify you. Here’s a sampling to get started.

STRATFORD UPON AVON

It’s not just because my last name is Hamlett or that I write stage plays for a living but my first pick is a visit to the home of one of England’s most prolific authors: William Shakespeare. The English are particularly proud of this quaint 16th century township and its well tended gardens and meandering walks. It’s here in the Midlands that you will not only find the Bard’s birthplace but also the cottages of Anne Hathaway, his wife, Mary Arden, Shakespeare’s mum, and Susan, Shakespeare’s oldest daughter. The extensive exhibits–including writings, art, furniture, household items and vintage farming tools offer an insightful peek at the surroundings of a man whose works are still performed on stages throughout the world. If you’re a shutterbug, take plenty of film for the gardens alone! “Everything Shakespeare” could easily be the motto of every bookstore, museum and gift Shop in the region. Be on the lookout for costumed actors in your midst as well. Stratford is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and three theaters—The Swan, The Royal, and The Other Place. Today—just as during Shakespeare’s time—the actors are required to learn multiple roles for different plays performed throughout the same day.

BATH

Even the ancient Romans knew a good destination resort when they found one. The natural hot springs in the region known as Bath was the perfect leisure prescription after months of plundering and pillaging. They also erected a number of statues of themselves which look down on an Olympic size swimming pool in the main courtyard. You probably wouldn’t want to take a dip in it now, of course. In addition to the strong aroma of sulfur that permeates the entire facility, the water in the pool is a dark “slime green.” Yech. The most mystical part of the ruins at Bath is the equivalent of a large contemporary hot tub. Legend has it that whatsoever you wish for when you throw in a coin will come true. The catch, however, is that you need to wish wisely and leave no room for ambiguity. I, for one, can personally attest to the pool’s power. The first time I was ever there in 1992, I wished for a knight with shining armor to come into my life after my return to the U.S. My first day back at work, the first stranger to walk in the door is the man who became my husband. The amazing part? He also had a full size suit of armor in the foyer of his office.

The city of Bath is excellent for Shopping and affordable eateries that range from funky little hole in the wall pubs to full service restaurants. The Medieval landmark that dominates the central square, however, is Bath Abbey. Although this historic church recently observed its 500th birthday, it wasn’t the first place of worship to occupy this spot. Back in 757, it was an Anglo-Saxon abbey. When the Norman conquerors came through the area in 1066, the first thing they did was tear the whole thing down and start building one of their own. Unfortunately, their budget couldn’t sustain their lofty dreams and the project fell into disrepair by the end of the 1400’s. The current abbey no sooner got underway when along came Henry VIII who decided all monasteries should be abolished in order to make way for his own Church of England. The present abbey is now a local parish which holds regular and special services. If you’re the tiniest bit claustrophobic, you may not want to spend too much time in its cloying chambers. Couple this with the fact that you are walking over the grave markers of those buried beneath its floorboards and it can be downright spooky, Try to delay your departure until sundown; locals call Bath Abbey “The Lantern” and for good reason. It really is a beautiful sight in the evening hours.

STONEHENGE

In the middle of the windswept Salisbury Plain is a ring of massive stones that has baffled mankind for thousands of years. Was it built to be a place of pagan sacrifice? A memorial to the dead? A primitive type of calendar for tracking the sun and the stars? A whimsical bit of showmanship by King Arthur’s sorcerer, the enigmatic Merlin?

As if its true purpose were not enough for generations to ponder, there’s the entire issue of how these monoliths got to Salisbury Plain to begin with. Weighing in between 5 and 45 tons each, they are made of bluestone, a rock that is not indigenous to the area. In fact, the nearest source of bluestone is in the interior of South Wales, a distance that would have required them to be transported to the water, transported across the water to England, then transported inland. When you consider that this was all accomplished with manual labor, it takes on the proportions of mind-boggling mystique akin to the Pyramids. You’ll also notice that some of the stones are lying across the tops of others. While scientists and engineers have come to credit this feat to basic tongue and groove joint architecture, they still can’t account for how the stones were lifted so high into place and have remained there throughout the millennia.

OLD SARUM AND SALISBURY

Once upon a time—5000 years to be exact—two Iron Age banks marked the entrance to what would become the ancient city of Old Sarum. Taking advantage of this natural fortress provided by Mother Nature, the Romans, Saxons and Normans respectively used it as a stronghold. The Normans, in fact, decided to make their mark with a massive castle and a cathedral during the 12th century. Unfortunately, the ongoing friction between church and state during those violent times compelled the Bishop to order the construction of a new cathedral a few miles down the road. When the rest of the community pulled up stakes to follow, the new town of Salisbury was born. Very little remains of Old Sarum’s original structures but it’s still an intriguing venue to visit for its historical significance. Meanwhile, over in Salisbury, the star attraction is its cathedral. Boasting the tallest spire in England (404 feet), Salisbury Cathedral was largely a start-to-finish project completed by one generation of builders. You would also think that a building that tall would require some heavy-duty infrastructure extending far below the earth’s surface. Instead, the entire cathedral rests on a foundation of only six feet. Combine this with the fact that the ground is always wet from the volume of English rainfall and it’s nothing less than a miracle that it has neither sunk nor toppled over. While you’re there, pay a visit to the cathedral’s library and gaze upon the original of the Magna Carta. As you may recall from grade school, this document symbolized the supremacy of English law over the king and was signed under duress at Runnymede by King John, brother of Richard the Lionheart. Outside the cathedral, spend some time enjoying the charm of The Close, a walled-in cluster of period architecture, shops and restaurants.

WINDOR CASTLE

Windsor Castle, situated above the Thames, has to have been the inspirational setting for every children’s fairy tale. The building of it as a fortress was commenced by no less than William the Conqueror a thousand years ago. With the exception of a brief period during the 17th century when it was appropriated as a prison by the Parliamentarians, it has been in continuous use as one of three official homes of the British monarchy. (When you’re there, look for the flag that announces whether the Queen and her family are in residence.) Just like American tours of the White House, the visiting public isn’t allowed into the royal household’s private quarters. What is offered, however, is a resplendent glimpse of the consecutive reigns of a country that once dominated a fourth of the planet. Of particular note is St. George’s Chapel which took over half a century to complete. The Most Noble Order of the Garter–England’s highest rank of chivalry–is well in evidence here. This is also the final resting place of past monarchs, including the oft-married Henry VIII. It was Henry’s wish to be buried on top of his third and favorite wife, Jane Seymour, the only one of his brides to bear him a son. Henry’s enormous girth at the time of his death, however, proved problematic. So heavy was his casket that it was said to have cracked the more delicate coffin of Jane when it was lowered into place. The tomb had to be hastily reinforced so that the two could lay with one another for all eternity. Henry’s surviving 6th wife, Catherine Parr, was not amused.

The other major attraction at Windsor is Queen Mary’s Dollhouse, which debuted in 1924 courtesy of its designer, Sir Edwin Lutyen. The astonishing detail will probably impress adults even more than children. For one thing, everything that is electrical or involves plumbing actually works. Artisans of the era were commissioned to handcraft the furnishings, rugs, and all of the china, silver and crystal house wares. Miniature, hand-signed volumes of the works of James Barrie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and others line the dwelling’s bookshelves. The oil paintings are originals, too. And if you and your pals from Lilliput find yourselves thirsty, all of those tiny wine bottles contain real wine!

After your tour of the castle, the village of Windsor in the valley below is a further delight to explore and enjoy a leisurely lunch.

This Travel Alert updates American citizens on safety conditions within Burma. American citizens residing in or traveling to Burma should continue to defer nonessential travel to the Irrawaddy Delta region of the country. The Burmese government has restricted access to this area for all but authorized relief workers. The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon has ended the authorized departure of non-essential personnel and family members of mission staff. This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Warning issued on May 5, 2008, and expires on September 30, 2008.

The environment in Rangoon, Burma’s most populous city, and other areas outside of the Irrawaddy Delta has gradually improved. Electrical power and water supply have been restored in most areas and markets are now operating normally.

The harder-hit Irrawaddy Delta region is still without many basic necessities, and the risk of outbreaks of disease remains high. The United Nations, ASEAN, and others in the international community, including the United States, are providing international relief assistance to meet both immediate and long-term needs. The Burmese Government has restricted access to this area for people other than relief workers it has authorized. American citizens should defer nonessential travel to the Irrawaddy Delta region.

The Department of State and the Embassy in Rangoon are following developments closely. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. Security information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, from other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens in Burma are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. Registration can be done on-line through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs, or via the Embassy’s website, http://burma.usembassy.gov. Americans in Burma who do not have internet are welcome to register in person or by telephone. The Embassy can provide limited email service for American citizens seeking to inform family members of their safety and welfare; please ask the Consular Section for more information.

The Embassy is located at 110 University Ave, Kamayut Township, Rangoon. The Embassy’s phone numbers are (95-1) 536-509, 536-756, and 538-038. The Consular Section’s extension is 4240, and email address is ConsularRangoo@state.gov. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency numbers are the same as above, all followed by extension 4014. The after-hours mobile phone number is 09-512-4330 (calling inside Burma) or 95-9-512-4330 (calling from outside Burma). The Embassy’s hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday (except U.S. federal and Burmese holidays).