In which we present a regular round-up of news from the world of Grown-up Travel
Tuscany invites tourists to shipwreck island
News.com.au
The Italian region of Tuscany has invited tourists to visit the island of Giglio – the scene of a cruise ship disaster last month that locals fear could destroy the local economy.
“We will ensure that the island of Giglio is favoured in our campaigns but the main promotion is for everyone to make a gesture of love by going to Giglio,” said Cristina Scaletti, head of Tuscany’s tourism department.
I went there last year on holiday and I will be going back this year with my whole family,” Scaletti said on the sidelines of a tourism fair in Milan.
“It’s not just part of Tuscany but of Italy, of the whole world,” she said.
Local officials however have said they are worried that tourist numbers will dip this year and that the island’s image will be associated with the tragedy.
Giglio, which measures just 24sq km, is part of the Tuscan archipelago – a nature reserve and marine sanctuary.
There are also fears of possible pollution from the half-submerged Costa Concordia.
Man suffers heart attack at Heart Attack Grill
Fox5Vegas.com
The Heart Attack Grill in downtown Las Vegas lived up to its name Saturday night, when a customer dining on a “triple bypass burger” suffered an apparent heart attack.
Amateur video of the man being wheeled out of the restaurant by EMTs was posted to several web sites. “He was having the sweats and shaking,” said ‘Nurse’ Bridgett, who was working at the restaurant when the man in his 40s began experiencing chest pains. “Doctor” Jon Basso, who opened the restaurant in October, told FOX5 at first he thought it was a joke.
“One of the nurses came back to me and said, ‘Dr. Jon, we’ve got a patient who’s in trouble.'”
The restaurant is known for not holding back on its menu. Signs around the business glorify bad eating habits and the menu includes items like Flatliner Fries, and Butterfat Milkshakes.
One meal, the “Quadruple Bypass Burger,” contains 8,000 calories.
The diner who suffered the heart attack was in the middle of eating a Triple Bypass burger when he began experiencing the symptoms. Despite the clinical atmosphere, Basso is not actually a medical doctor, so he called 911. Paramedics and EMTs arrived in moments.
“The gentleman could barely talk,” said Basso. “He was sweating, suffering. Anyone with an ounce of compassion would’ve felt for him.”
Basso tells FOX5 he has heard the man is alive and recuperating. His name is still unknown.
The staff at the Heart Attack Grill willingly glorifies bad health. If you weigh over 350 pounds, you eat for free. And on Saturday night, Basso saw the other side.
Unreal Underground: the World’s 10 Coolest Subway Systems
The Coolist.com
In urban life, the subway is synonymous with the spirit of the city. It frees the city dweller from the automobile, it moves from point to point with speed while capturing the curiosity of its passenger. From Moscow to Montreal, Paris to Pyongyang, these 10 transit systems house truly stunning subway stations across all aspects of design. So grab your transit card and head underground– get ready to explore the 10 coolest subway systems in the modern world.
We contend that the Washington Metro is the most iconic and visually progressive subway system in the United States. First built in 1976, this 100-mile network of tunnels includes 28 stations, most of which are the work of architect Harry Weese. These massive, concrete caverns feature an egg carton texture that stretches from one side to the other in a split cylinder design. The walls are out of reach, there are no thick pillars breaking up the view and the whole expanse is awash in indirect light. These features are as much as aspect of design as they are safety, as the Washington Metro subway stations provide few if any dark crannies in which crime can hide. First time riders will also be amazed at the sheer depth of these Metro stations. Some stations reach down 200 feet below the surface, providing for one heck of a long, slow ride into the caverns below.
The world’s second most used subway system is also amongst its most beautiful. Nearly 7,000,000 people ride the Moscow Metro Subway each day, zipping through 190 miles of tunnels that stretch as low as 276-feet below the surface. While some of its stations are nondescript, others are magnificent, ornate works of classically-influenced design. Take for example the Komsomolskaya Metro Station in Moscow, shown above. This gem of underground architecture was built in the 1930s and remains one of the world’s most lasting, most beautiful subway stations
Turkish Airlines voted carrier with the best in-flight meals
Daily Mail
Turkish Airlines has topped a survey of those with the tastiest in-flight food. The airline beat 18 others from around the world in the poll carried out by flight comparison site Skyscanner, based on scores from passengers asked to rate food on presentation and taste.
Turkish Airlines scooped the top spot with a score of 86 per cent for its offering, which features meals including stuffed eggplant and walnut pear tart. The airline also serves up a range of bespoke dishes for children and passengers requiring Kosher, vegetarian and seafood options.
Singapore Airlines took second place with 81 per cent – perhaps no surprise with Gordon Ramsay featuring on its culinary panel of experts.
Meanwhile, Etihad was placed third with 80 per cent. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were placed 14th and 16th consecutively.
Last place went to American Airlines which limped in with 47.5 per cent.