Earthquake hits the UK

Last night at 0056 GMT an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale (according to the British Geological Society) hit the UK. Its epicentre was at Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, but its effects were felt as far away as Wales. Events like this are really unusual in the UK, and this is the largest quake to hit since 1984. The largest quake ever in the UK was off the Suffolk coast in 1931 - a 6.1 magnitude quake. Find out more on our website www.geoggers.net.

Castro steps down

So, it has finally happened - Fidel Castro, after a period of ill health, has stepped down as Cuba's leader, passing the reins to his brother Raul. American businesses have been poised for years ready to step in and westernise Cuba; hopefully, Cuba's charm and spirit will remain, though a more democratic system of government will be welcome. Cuba's recent history has been a complex and uncomfortable one, yet the country has a health service way better than many developed nations. Find out more by asking Miss Hammond, who visited the country a few years ago.

Half term in Africa

Just wanted to share a couple of photos from my half term travels in Marrakech, in the North African country of Morocco. Top is my sister being dressed as a "Berber" woman, middle is a local man outside the Kasbah and finally, in a spice shop getting anti-snoring remedies! So different from Europe and only 3 hours by plane.

The world's newest country

It looks like the world is set to get its newest country this afternoon. Kosovo has decided to split from Serbia and declare its independence, bringing the total number of European countries to forty six. Russia and, unsurprisingly, Serbia, have opposed this, but the USA and the EU largely support Kosovo. Time to book flights to Prishtina? Maybe not - the Serbian minority are threatening to take action. Watch this space...

Kenya

Most of you know that I am meant to be visiting Kenya for the Easter holidays; however, there is still some uncertainty concerning the flight (surprise, surprise!).

Most of you are asking me why this is and so I thought now would be a good time to give you some information on the current situation in Kenya.

Kenya, situated in East Africa, is a well loved tourist destination for people around the world. Many people visit the country for the superb wildlife, beaches and the hospitality of the people.

A general election took place in December 2007. Unfortunately civil unrest became apparent because supporters of the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, have claimed that the general election was rigged. Since December 2007 the following has happened:
1,000 people have been killed in political violence since the December 27 elections

600,000 people have been displaced

50 per cent of these are in camps

347 settlement camps for refugees have been set up

12,000 displaced Kenyans have fled into Uganda

45 per cent of the registered refugees in Ugandan camps are children

$47m planned US aid and humanitarian donation to Kenya this year

Sources: OCHA; Kenyan Red Cross; USAID

Many charities are being overwhelmed by the Kenyan situation and with tourism at a bare minimum it could be suggested that Kenya will suffer tremendously in building its reputation as a holiday destination.

There are some very informative websites and articles including this one from 'The Times' http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3379100.ece
and the newsround site on the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7180000/newsid_7186200/7186219.stm

Some great TV coming up!

This is Simon Reeve, the journalist, writer and TV presenter who wowed us with Equator, shown on the BBC last year. I met him today at Destinations, a travel fair at Earls Court in London, and he is every bit as handsome as he looks on the television. He was promoting a new series, called Tropic of Capricorn, which airs next Sunday, 10th February, on BBC2 at 8pm. One of the countries he visited was Paraguay, and I am proud to say he was impressed that I had been there too.

Have you seen the new Geoggers website?

The new Geoggers website is up and running.  Take a look at www.geoggers.net!