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November 15th, 2006 - The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre have stated that a tsumami warning is in effect for Urup Island, Petropavlovsk-Kamchantsky, Severo-Kurilsk, Ust-Kamchatsk and Mednyi Island on the Pacific Coast of Russia as a result of a Magnitude 8.1 earthquake near the Pacific island of Kuril Islands at 1114 GMT on 15 November 2006.  Those on the eastern seaboard and islands of the Russian Federation should take all necessary precautions, monitor local media reports closely and heed any local advice.

Scotland play Ukraine in a Euro 2008 football qualification match on 11 October 2006.

You should be aware that hotel accommodation in Kiev may be scarce at this time.

With effect from 7 August 2006, the British Embassy in Tashkent will resume full visa services, using TNT International Express for the delivery and return of applications.

[00 34 900 46 10 46 00 34 96 353 9697 00 34 96 353 9698]

There has been a serious accident on the metro in the city of Valencia.  Early reports suggest that there have been at least 30 fatalities.  So far there are no reports of any British casualties, but this has yet to be confirmed.

The Valencia  authorities have issued the following emergency numbers: -

00 34 900 46 10 46         00 34 96 353 9697         00 34 96 353 9698

Please note that operators are likely to be Spanish speakers and the lines are currently very busy.

Our thoughts are with those that were involved, their families and friends, and the rescue workers on the scene.

Beautiful, in Russian, has a more powerful meaning than the English understanding of the word, and is used more if addressing a supermodel or Miss world. It should not be used towards your "smile maker" until you know her quite well and have exchanged several letters and/or emails.

A more appropriate word to use to compliment a woman on her looks would be "attractive".

[odd]

Roses are the most appreciated (and expensive) flowers in Russia.

Red roses indicate love. This isn't the 'official' interpretation, but they do bring a feeling of love.

Bouquets of flowers should have an odd number of flowers in them (5, 7, 9 etc.) as boquets containing even numbers of flowers are used for funerals.

You should not send yellow flowers to a loved one, as they indicate unfaithfulness.

Tour start: St.Petersburg (Bonus city: Novgorod) - 11 days

Odessa (Bonus City: Kherson) - 19th July, 11 days

Kiev/Odessa Tour (Bonus cities: Vinnitsa/Kherson) - 18 day tour

[There is currently a risk of unannounced wildcat strikes by municipal transport workers in cities across Italy.]

There is currently a risk of unannounced wildcat strikes by municipal transport workers in cities across Italy.

There is a continuing risk of strikes by a range of workers’ organisations in Italy, particularly in the transport sector.  You should be aware that other strikes could be called at little or no notice.

    * 20 June:  21.00 to 21 June 21.00 Public Transport strike
    * 08 July:  eight hours varying Local Public transport
    * 09 July:  12.00 – 16.00 Air traffic control
    * 20 July:  12.00 – 16.00 Alitalia flight crews
    * 21 July:  10.00 – 14.00 Alitalia pilots