WORLD TRAVEL & TOURISM: Short leases & Housing

Attractions in Gambia

The Kombo resort area is delightfully close to the ocean. Beach outings and sunbathing in Gambia are strictly Western ideas—locals usually confine beach visits to exercise sessions or craft/cashew vending. Be warned that the tides and currents along the Gambia's coastline are surprisingly strong, and sinkholes and sand bars are common, though the ocean generally remains on the shallow side a good distance into the water.There are few lifeguards in the country, so use extreme caution when swimming—it's not a good idea to go into the sea if you’ve come to the beach alone. Remember that if you are caught in a riptide current, the rule is to swim parallel to the shore to escape it, then swim back towards the land.

ECOTOURISM | TIES

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting ecotourism. Founded in 1990, TIES has been in the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research and publications. TIES' global network of ecotourism professionals and travelers is leading the efforts to make tourism a viable tool for conservation, protection of bio-cultural diversity, and sustainable community development.

Through membership services, industry outreach and educational programs, TIES is committed to helping organizations, communities and individuals promote and practice the principles of ecotourism. TIES currently has members in more than 90 countries, representing various professional fields and industry segments including: academics, consultants, conservation professionals and organizations, governments, architects, tour operators, lodge owners and managers, general development experts, and ecotourists.

KOTU STREAM | GAMBIA

The Kotu Point resort, in Gambia, forms part of the epicentre of the country's tourism scene. On the beach and away from the coastal highway are the hotels of Kombo Beach and Bungalow Beach which are situated in Kotu Strand and Palm Beach by the Stream (Creek) where you have to cross over the small Lower Bridge. Just before you get to the bridge is the Tourist Guide's green shed on the left hand side. There is another hidden route cut by foot from Fajara which straddles the right side of the Golf Course and down onto the sand. This location is very popular with young Gambians who come on mass in the early evenings or at weekends for picnics & football matches. The area is part of the Kanifing Municipality in the Kombo which in Mandingo is pronounced "Kom bo" (meaning "the hatred has lifted") harking to the safe haven that they found after their 14th - 15th century trek west into The Gambia. Much of the area around the stream (catchment area 65 km²) is yet to be developed and is an ideal opportunity to do a spot of birdwatching or nature gazing. It is sometimes prone to flooding particularly during the rainy season because the alteration of the hydrographic network and local topography, in particular, were reported back in 1996 as the main causes of flooding. It is used occasionally by the local cattle herders for grazing & by local farmers who regularly plough their rice fields. However, there are not many good trails and it is perhaps better just to stay with the main access roads though there is a dirt trail that leads toward Kololi that is free from traffic.

Eurozone Agrees to New Fiscal Pact Without Britain

Meeting at an EU Council summit in Brussels late into Thursday night, leaders of the seventeen eurozone countries agreed to sign a new intergovernmental treaty (NYT) mandating greater fiscal coordination and budget discipline. The highly anticipated decision is meant to quell months of market volatility by offering a long-term solution to the ongoing eurozone sovereign debt crisis.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy had pushed for a full overhaul of the existing EU treaty. However, British Prime Minister David Cameron rejected such a move when he failed to obtain concessions (DeutscheWelle) to protect Britain from a European financial tax harmonization plan.

The pact is expected to include twenty-three EU countries (WSJ), including six non-eurozone states that hope to join the single currency in the future. EU leaders will continue to meet today to hash out the details of the agreement.

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