The international situation

The international situation

Lately I notice many relevant international news, especially the ones on Southeast Asia. I both see entertaining and alarming news, and while I try to persuade myself not to read them, I continuously fail.

I laughed a lot when reading, that an airport baggage handler is facing jail, as just for fun, he swapped tags on around 300 suitcases checked in at Singapore Airport. As a result those suitcases did not manage to arrive to the same destinations as their owners. Well, I guess this is just another reason to travel with cabin baggage. So, this is exactly what I intend to do – 5 months with a small backpack. Once I reach packing phase, I let you know how I can manage it (or not).

Then there’s the news, that Singapore has its first female president in history. This would be great – though she was not at all elected, as none of her rivals met the really strict eligibility criteria. As no other candidates, no vote is needed – clear, right? This is a great example of the controversial political life of Singapore.

Soon we might face another historical moment: Mt. Agung, the impressive volcano – and highest peak on Bali – is about to erupt. Last eruption was recorded in 1963, when more than 1000 people were killed and the damage on the island was significant. It is more than a week now that the Australian authorities alerted their citizens to avoid the area. (No wonder that they were quick in responding to the situation, as about 1 million Aussies visit the island every year –  we can say this is the local Siófok, or even more the local “croatianseaside” [popular holiday destinations for Hungarians].) Now the news is spread: a danger zone with 9-12 km radius around the crater was created, 75 thousand people was evacuated from the area, and the volcanic activity (volcanic earthquakes and tremors) is so intense, that we may have only hours before the volcano erupts. The airport in Bali is about 70 km away from the crater and operates without issues today. And why is it interesting at all? Well, Bali is meant to be my next destination right after Singapore. And as in love with mountains and trekking – guess if I had any volcano trekking in mind! Luckily nothing is booked yet. Recalculating is an option. Or not. I’ll see.