When I will have enough free time, I will prepare a two new versions – with English and Polish captions indicating the names of the countries shown on the map. I am afraid that won’t happen soon, however.

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Air traffic over much of Europe came to a halt for six days in April because of the huge cloud of ash from a volcano in Iceland. The economic costs added up as airlines flew everyone to where they were trying to go. At its worst, the crisis affected nearly a third of world air travel. About one hundred thousand flights were cancelled or delayed. The International Air Transport Association estimated the cost to airlines at nearly two billion dollars. But that does not include costs like the tons of flowers that growers in Kenya and Israel had to destroy. Or all the fruits and vegetables that could also not be flown to Europe. Other businesses that depend on air travel, including hotels and vacation places, also suffered. The crisis affected airports from Washington to Pakistan. The crisis came just as Europe is trying to recover from its worst recession in generations. Greece — a popular travel place — continues to face a debt crisis that has sharply raised its borrowing costs. The United States halted air travel for three days after the terrorist attacks in two thousand one. The travel ban in April lasted twice as long in some European countries. Critics accused European air transport officials of being slow to react, then overreacting to the possible risk to airplanes. The volcano eruption cost time and money for travelers. Hundreds of thousands were stuck. Some had no place to stay except the airport. Others tried to make their way by train, bus, boat or car. Vacationers had to change or cancel plans. And not all businesses were sympathetic. An American stuck in London, already one of the world’s highest priced cities, found that her hotel had doubled its prices. Some embassies offered emergency loans to their citizens. Passengers delayed on European airlines may be able to get back at least some of the money they had to spend. The crisis brought new attention to the billion-dollar market for travel insurance. About thirty percent of Americans buy policies to cover unexpected problems when they travel. Some credit cards offer a form of insurance and could also face claims. The volcanic eruption was the second time in two years that Iceland has shaken its neighbors to the east. The first time was the near-collapse of Iceland’s banks and currency during the world financial crisis. And that’s the VOA Special English Economics Report.

(Adapted from a radio program broadcast 23Apr2010)

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Slovakia is not about jaw-dropping sights and superlatives; it’s about experiencing a place less touched by the glitz and glam of its more famous neighbors. Outside the cities you can still find traditional villages, folk traditions and tourist trails meandering through the hilly countryside.

A plethora of fortresses and castles pays testament to the history of conquerors and domination in this small country, independent only since 1993. Foreign influences can be seen in the 18th century rococo town buildings, Gothic churches and a few 15th-century town squares

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Ancient city of Herculaneum is located at the northwestern foot of Vesuvius. Destroyed, together with Pompeii and Stabiae, by the eruption of AD 79. Buried under a mass of tufa preserved many fragile items. Excavation began in the 18th century and uncovered numerous artifacts, including paintings and furniture. Later work uncovered the palaestra (sports ground) and a vast central swimming pool.

B.K. BAZHE is a writer, poet, and artist.
He is the author of DAMAGES
(creative nonfiction)
— Winner in the Writers Digest Awards
and IDENTITIES (poetry).
He is published and exhibited
in Europe and America.

More info at:

http://www.BAZHE.com

Amazon Books & Art by B.K.Bazhe:

http://astore.amazon.com/bazhe-20

YouTube Videos by B.K. Bazhe:

Google Blog by B.K. Bazhe:
http://bazhe.blogspot.com

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