Tuesday 15 July 2014

Road melts at Yellowstone park





  • Yellowstone sits on top of one of the world's largest volcanoes

  • Extreme heat from the volcano's thermal areas damaged the popular road

  • No volcanic eruption is expected for 1,000 years or more




(CNN) -- The road was melting.


Extreme heat from thermal features at Yellowstone National Park, created by the active volcano below the park, caused oil to bubble on a road surface on July 9 and damage it.




A road in Yellowstone National Park simmers in the heat of underground thermal features.

A road in Yellowstone National Park simmers in the heat of underground thermal features.



Park crews had to close and repair the 3.3-mile loop road that takes visitors past White Dome Geyser, Great Fountain Geyser and Firehole Lake.









Yellowstone National Park was the nation's first national park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. It's predominantly in Wyoming but also touches Idaho and Montana. Check in next week for Arches National Park. Yellowstone National Park was the nation's first national park, established by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872. It's predominantly in Wyoming but also touches Idaho and Montana. Check in next week for Arches National Park.



Old Faithful Geyser may be the most-famous "resident" of Yellowstone National Park, but park ranger Dan Hottle says there is much more to see at the 2.2 million-acre park. Old Faithful Geyser may be the most-famous "resident" of Yellowstone National Park, but park ranger Dan Hottle says there is much more to see at the 2.2 million-acre park.



Meet our Yellowstone National Park ranger, Dan Hottle, and his 4-year-old son, Calder, shown here at Joffe Lake near the park's headquarters in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming.Meet our Yellowstone National Park ranger, Dan Hottle, and his 4-year-old son, Calder, shown here at Joffe Lake near the park's headquarters in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming.



Grand Prismatic Spring is Hottle's favorite spring in the park, and it's in Midway Geyser Basin about five miles from Old Faithful. When the light is right, hike up one of the mountains surrounding the spring and you'll see the steam change colors because of the spring's bacteria. Grand Prismatic Spring is Hottle's favorite spring in the park, and it's in Midway Geyser Basin about five miles from Old Faithful. When the light is right, hike up one of the mountains surrounding the spring and you'll see the steam change colors because of the spring's bacteria.



There's a good chance of spotting wolves on the drive to the Lamar Valley, Hottle says. He likes to stop at a pullout about halfway to the valley and hike into the woods, where he can sometimes see a wolf or its pack. (Hottle found this wolf in his backyard.)There's a good chance of spotting wolves on the drive to the Lamar Valley, Hottle says. He likes to stop at a pullout about halfway to the valley and hike into the woods, where he can sometimes see a wolf or its pack. (Hottle found this wolf in his backyard.)



Rangers plead with with visitors to pull off the road to shoot pictures of bison (shown here in the Lamar Valley) or other wildlife that call Yellowstone home. Travelers have been known to stop their cars in the middle of the road to look at the view, or worse: look sideways to admire the nature while driving. Rangers plead with with visitors to pull off the road to shoot pictures of bison (shown here in the Lamar Valley) or other wildlife that call Yellowstone home. Travelers have been known to stop their cars in the middle of the road to look at the view, or worse: look sideways to admire the nature while driving.



In elk mating season, which starts around September, the bulls come down from the mountains and gather up as many cows (female elk) as they can into harems. Shown here is a harem of 27 cows resting in Mammoth Hot Springs near the town post office. Visitors are cautioned to stay at least 25 yards away from the elk, which have been known to ram cars and trap people. In elk mating season, which starts around September, the bulls come down from the mountains and gather up as many cows (female elk) as they can into harems. Shown here is a harem of 27 cows resting in Mammoth Hot Springs near the town post office. Visitors are cautioned to stay at least 25 yards away from the elk, which have been known to ram cars and trap people.



Hottle recommends that hikers travel in groups of at least three, stay on designated trails, carry bear pepper spray and make noise as they hike to avoid surprising bears (mother bears can attack when surprised). He and his family have hiked "every inch" of Electric Peak, a nearly 11,000-foot mountain.Hottle recommends that hikers travel in groups of at least three, stay on designated trails, carry bear pepper spray and make noise as they hike to avoid surprising bears (mother bears can attack when surprised). He and his family have hiked "every inch" of Electric Peak, a nearly 11,000-foot mountain.



Hottle also loves visiting Glacier National Park in Montana, a nine-hour drive by car. "There's a wildness about Glacier that makes it even more dangerous and adventurous than Yellowstone," he said. Glacier's Wild Goose Island is shown here.Hottle also loves visiting Glacier National Park in Montana, a nine-hour drive by car. "There's a wildness about Glacier that makes it even more dangerous and adventurous than Yellowstone," he said. Glacier's Wild Goose Island is shown here.




Yellowstone: Our first national park

Yellowstone: Our first national park

Yellowstone: Our first national park

Yellowstone: Our first national park

Yellowstone: Our first national park

Yellowstone: Our first national park

Yellowstone: Our first national park

Yellowstone: Our first national park



Yellowstone: Our first national parkYellowstone: Our first national park






Road melts at Yellowstone National Park

Blame it on the Yellowstone Volcano.


Yellowstone National Park -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- sits atop one of the world's largest volcanoes, and some of the thermal spots have damaged the popular Firehole Lake Drive. The park features over 10,000 thermal spots, about half the world's known thermal spots.


Yellowstone: One of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites


Although the volcano is active -- evidenced by the thermal features and 1,000 to 3,000 earthquakes annually -- park officials don't expect a catastrophic eruption anytime in the next 1,000 or even 10,000 years.


Yellowstone's first supervolcanic eruption occurred 2.1 million years ago, and there were other Yellowstone supereruptions 1.3 million and 640,000 years ago.


The park has instruments monitoring the volcano throughout the park, and there would be plenty of warning -- weeks or even months -- if an eruption were going to occur.


In the meantime, enjoy the park! Maintenance crews quickly repaired the road, and it was reopened to visitors Saturday.


Summer in the park at Yellowstone



'SNL' cast member says he's 'fired'






Brooks Wheelan, left, appearing with Colin Jost and Cecily Strong on "Saturday Night Live," recently tweeted that he was "fired" after one season on the show. He's not the first to be dumped from the late-night series. Brooks Wheelan, left, appearing with Colin Jost and Cecily Strong on "Saturday Night Live," recently tweeted that he was "fired" after one season on the show. He's not the first to be dumped from the late-night series.

Chris Parnell has the<a href='http://ift.tt/W8R9yo' target='_blank'> dubious honor of having been fired twice from "SNL."</a> He was fired in 2001 after budget cuts, only to return in 2002. He was let go again in 2006. Chris Parnell has the dubious honor of having been fired twice from "SNL." He was fired in 2001 after budget cuts, only to return in 2002. He was let go again in 2006.

Casey Wilson, right, doing a skit with Amy Poehler, was let go in 2009 after only one season. She laughed off reports she was <a href='http://ift.tt/1wsSDyl' target='_blank'>fired for being curvy, telling People</a> magazine, "And to clarify, the issue isn't that I'm too fat, it's that I'm too phat. Can I get a WHAT-WHAT!" Casey Wilson, right, doing a skit with Amy Poehler, was let go in 2009 after only one season. She laughed off reports she was fired for being curvy, telling People magazine, "And to clarify, the issue isn't that I'm too fat, it's that I'm too phat. Can I get a WHAT-WHAT!"

Michaela Watkins, left, played Hoda Kotb to Kristen Wiig's Kathie Lee Gifford during "Today" skits. But that didn't stop Watkins from getting the boot in 2009. Michaela Watkins, left, played Hoda Kotb to Kristen Wiig's Kathie Lee Gifford during "Today" skits. But that didn't stop Watkins from getting the boot in 2009.

Gilbert Gottfried appeared on "SNL" from 1980 to 1981 before he was let go. Gilbert Gottfried appeared on "SNL" from 1980 to 1981 before he was let go.

Damon Wayans, left, and Anthony Michael Hall were players on "SNL" from 1985 to 1986 before being let go. They've since found fame in film.Damon Wayans, left, and Anthony Michael Hall were players on "SNL" from 1985 to 1986 before being let go. They've since found fame in film.

Jenny Slate spent 2009 to 2010 on the show but was let go after dropping an f-bomb live on air. <a href='http://ift.tt/1wsSDOQ' target='_blank'>She later said</a>, "I was so used to being a standup comedian, and I had written that sketch. I never thought of it as something I could make a mistake at. I knew all the rules and everything. It just it never crossed my mind that I would make a mistake." Jenny Slate spent 2009 to 2010 on the show but was let go after dropping an f-bomb live on air. She later said, "I was so used to being a standup comedian, and I had written that sketch. I never thought of it as something I could make a mistake at. I knew all the rules and everything. It just it never crossed my mind that I would make a mistake."

Charles Rocket appeared with Gail Matthius on "SNL" in 1981. He used the f-word during a sketch and was fired in his only season on the show. He<a href='http://ift.tt/W8R9OT' target='_blank'> committed suicide in 2005. </a>Charles Rocket appeared with Gail Matthius on "SNL" in 1981. He used the f-word during a sketch and was fired in his only season on the show. He committed suicide in 2005.

Norm Macdonald, left, goofs around with Kevin Nealon on "SNL." Macdonald hosted Weekend Update from 1994 to 1997 but was ousted after NBC exec Don Ohlmeyer <a href='http://ift.tt/1wsSDP8' target='_blank'>complained that he wasn't funny. </a>Norm Macdonald, left, goofs around with Kevin Nealon on "SNL." Macdonald hosted Weekend Update from 1994 to 1997 but was ousted after NBC exec Don Ohlmeyer complained that he wasn't funny.

Sarah Silverman was virtually a blip on "SNL's" radar. Seen here with Kevin Nealon on the "SNL" set in 1993, Silverman was gone by the start of the 1994-95 season. "It wasn't like I did something wrong," the comedian told <a href='http://ift.tt/1jMsbQn' target='_blank'>The Huffington Post in 2013</a>. "I was that last year of the old guard, and they started anew. And by the way, I wrote not a single funny sketch, so that might have something to do with it, too."Sarah Silverman was virtually a blip on "SNL's" radar. Seen here with Kevin Nealon on the "SNL" set in 1993, Silverman was gone by the start of the 1994-95 season. "It wasn't like I did something wrong," the comedian told The Huffington Post in 2013. "I was that last year of the old guard, and they started anew. And by the way, I wrote not a single funny sketch, so that might have something to do with it, too."









  • Brooks Wheelan announced on Twitter he was let go by "SNL"

  • Brooks was part of the sketch comedy show for one season

  • 'SNL' would not comment on Wheelan's departure




(CNN) -- After just one season as a cast member on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," Brooks Wheelan took to Twitter on Monday to announce his firing from the hit comedy show.


"Had a blast and loved every second of it," Wheelan tweeted. "I'm totally honored to be able to make this next joke... FIRED FROM NEW YORK IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT!"


Though Wheelan's time on the show ended quickly after he was placed in the controversial new talent lineup that was introduced last year, the 27-year-old, who made several appearances on "Weekend Update," is not the first cast member to have their time cut short.





SNL cast members who didn't make the cut




Lorne Michaels, the king of late night




Seth Meyers signs off on 'SNL'

Former "SNL" cast members provide hope for future opportunity in his television career. In 2009, Michaela Watkins and Casey Wilson were dropped from the show, but both can still be seen all over pop culture. Watkins now stars on ABC's "Trophy Wife" while Wilson went on to star as a lead actress in "Happy Endings" for over 50 episodes.


Fired twice during his time at "SNL," Chris Parnell now stars in "Suburgatory" and "Glee." In 2010, "SNL" cast member Jenny Slate was let go after cursing on the show. Her stint lasted only one season as well. She now stars in the critically-acclaimed movie "Obvious Child."


Launched back in 1975, "SNL" has been home to some of the most famous and beloved comic talent, including Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Chris Rock and Jimmy Fallon, to name a few.


SNL would not comment on Wheelan's departure, with a representative explaining that the show does not discuss casting changes.


Heading into the show's 40th season, "SNL" executive producer Lorne Michaels recently hinted at some staff shakeup. Last week, the late-night institution was nominated for 14 Emmy Awards.


See more comedy content at CNN Comedy.


Matthew Carey contributed to this report.



Best amusement parks named






Visitors to Orlando, Florida's Discovery Cove, named world's best amusement park by TripAdvisor, encounter dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and get soaked on an array of rides.Visitors to Orlando, Florida's Discovery Cove, named world's best amusement park by TripAdvisor, encounter dolphins, snorkel with tropical fish and get soaked on an array of rides.

A Thai village, a floating market and an island full of frisky sea lions are among attractions at Siam Water Park on the Spanish island of Tenerife. The park was named best water park by TripAdvisor.A Thai village, a floating market and an island full of frisky sea lions are among attractions at Siam Water Park on the Spanish island of Tenerife. The park was named best water park by TripAdvisor.

Surfing machines, water slides and an artificial waterfall refresh crowds in the desert heat at Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai, named sixth-best water park.Surfing machines, water slides and an artificial waterfall refresh crowds in the desert heat at Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai, named sixth-best water park.

Dubai's Aquaventure -- number eight on the water park list -- features Aquaconda is the world's first slide-within-a-slide.Dubai's Aquaventure -- number eight on the water park list -- features Aquaconda is the world's first slide-within-a-slide.

Beach Park Brazil, second-best water park, features Insano, one of the world's tallest and fastest water slides.Beach Park Brazil, second-best water park, features Insano, one of the world's tallest and fastest water slides.

Germany's Europa Park -- TripAdvisor's second best amusement park -- is home to Blue Fire, which catapults riders from zero to 71 mph in 2.5 seconds with no overhead restraint. Germany's Europa Park -- TripAdvisor's second best amusement park -- is home to Blue Fire, which catapults riders from zero to 71 mph in 2.5 seconds with no overhead restraint.

The Disney empire claims several entries on TripAdvisor's best park lists. Magic Kingdom in Orlando was named the world's fourth best amusement park.The Disney empire claims several entries on TripAdvisor's best park lists. Magic Kingdom in Orlando was named the world's fourth best amusement park.

Portaventura, near Barcelona, features several zones themed on ancient civilizations -- and one based on "Sesame Street."Portaventura, near Barcelona, features several zones themed on ancient civilizations -- and one based on "Sesame Street."









  • TripAdvisor publishes new rankings for best water parks and amusement parks based on reviews

  • Spain's Siam Park takes top spot for world's best water parks

  • Florida is home to five out of 10 of the world's best amusement parks




(CNN) -- In the hunt for the world's best amusement park, the people have spoken -- and it seems the people like mixing with creatures who eat a lot of fish.


Travel review site TripAdvisor has revealed its new rankings of the the best amusement and water parks around the world, with the winners in both categories both featuring marine life attractions.


Discovery Cove, a sprawling aquatic complex in Orlando, Florida where visitors can swim with dolphins and snorkel with tropical fish in Orlando, scooped the top amusement park prize.


Meanwhile Siam Park, an unlikely-sounding Thai-themed venue on the Spanish island of Tenerife, which features a colony of frisky sea lions, was named best water park.


MORE: World's 100 best beaches


The results of TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice awards were based on data gathered from reviews over the past 12 months.


Orlando did well -- claiming five out of the world's top 10, including three hits for the Disney empire.


With its whimsical European fairy tale settings and thrilling rides, Germany's Europa Park came in second while Universal's Islands of Adventure, also in Orlando, placed third.


Disney and Orlando also proved a strong combination in the world of water parks with the Florida destination claiming two of the top 10 -- Disney's Blizzard Beach, at number three, and Typhoon Lagoon at four.


In Brazil, Beach Park in Aquiraz polled second in the water park category while Dubai fielded two of the top 10 -- Wild Wadi Water Park and Aquaventure.


World's top amusement parks


1. Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida 2. Europa Park, Rust, Germany3. Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando, Florida4. Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Florida5. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Orlando, Florida6. Beto Carrero World, Penha, Brazil7. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, California 8. Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore9. PortAventura Park, Salou, Spain 10. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida


World's top water parks


1. Siam Park, Adeje, Spain2. Beach Park, Aquiraz, Brazil3. Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, Orlando, Florida4. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park,Orlando, Florida5. Waterbom Bali, Kuta, Indonesia6. Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates7. Hot Park, Rio Quente, Brazil8. Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai, United Arab Emirates9. Aquatica, Orlando, Florida10. Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Paradise Island, Bahamas


For the complete rankings, go to TripAdvisor.com.


What's your favorite water park and amusement park? Do you agree with these rankings? Let us know in the comments.



Greek islands by seaplane






Hellenic Seaplanes says it plans to connect 100 locations across Greece by plane by 2016, raising the prospect of express island-hopping. Destinations such as Lefkas have emerald waters and fantastic beaches, such as Egkremnoi, Kathisma and Porto Katsiki (pictured).Hellenic Seaplanes says it plans to connect 100 locations across Greece by plane by 2016, raising the prospect of express island-hopping. Destinations such as Lefkas have emerald waters and fantastic beaches, such as Egkremnoi, Kathisma and Porto Katsiki (pictured).

Skyros is expected to be one of the first in the Sporades chain of islands to welcome seaplanes, with a waterway set to be constructed at Linaria Port.Skyros is expected to be one of the first in the Sporades chain of islands to welcome seaplanes, with a waterway set to be constructed at Linaria Port.

Hellenic Seaplanes says the first of its new island-hopping routes are expected to be operational by May 2015.Hellenic Seaplanes says the first of its new island-hopping routes are expected to be operational by May 2015.

Seaplanes could open up southern Crete, including locations such as Frangokastello castle, to more exploration.Seaplanes could open up southern Crete, including locations such as Frangokastello castle, to more exploration.

Lefkas is connected to mainland Greece by a pontoon bridge. The island, which hosts an annual folklore festival, is known as a great windsurfing spot.Lefkas is connected to mainland Greece by a pontoon bridge. The island, which hosts an annual folklore festival, is known as a great windsurfing spot.

In the mountainous mainland area of Pelion, sandy and pebbly beaches lead into breathtakingly clear waters overlooked by beach bars and traditional seaside taverns.In the mountainous mainland area of Pelion, sandy and pebbly beaches lead into breathtakingly clear waters overlooked by beach bars and traditional seaside taverns.

Hellenic Seaplanes says it wants to complete its network by 2016, but its initial launch plans have already been hit by delays. Headquartered in Athens, the company was established in May 2013. Hellenic Seaplanes says it wants to complete its network by 2016, but its initial launch plans have already been hit by delays. Headquartered in Athens, the company was established in May 2013.









  • Hellenic Seaplanes plans to connect 100 Greek destinations by 2016

  • New services would make island-hopping trips to far-flung destinations much easier

  • Crete, Skyros and Pelion are among recommended destinations




(CNN) -- If Greek island hopping is the dream, then Greek ferry timetables are usually the reality.


How many travelers have embarked on an adventure from Athens' Piraeus port planning to explore the Cyclades, Ionian and Dodecanese archipelagos, only to realize they've just got time to grab a Greek salad in Santorini before catching the boat home?


And that's if seasonal winds aren't blowing the ferries off schedule.


All this could change over the next two years if a Greek aviation company's vision of creating a new, affordable seaplane network comes to pass.


Hellenic Seaplanes says it wants to connect more than 100 locations throughout Greece by 2016, with the first routes due to be operational in May 2015.


Headquartered in Athens, the company was established in May 2013.


The company says tickets for its seaplanes are likely to be affordable, making them a viable and much faster alternative to the ferry.


Because its fleet -- currently comprised of 12-seater Dornier Seastar and 19-seat Twin Otter amphibious aircraft -- can land on water, the service will be able to serve smaller islands currently unconnected by air, without the need for costly infrastructure.


This prospect is, of course, still in the planning stages and initial launch dates have already been pushed back from this year.


Given Greece's economic turbulence of recent years, rapid business expansion isn't plain sailing -- or flying.


That shouldn't stop anyone from planning their ultimate island-hopping adventure from Hellenic's list of planned destinations, connecting far-flung destinations from the northern Aegean to the Libyan Sea on a trip that would need a month to explore by boat.


Here's some affordable, jet-setting suggestions.


MORE: Which Greek island should you go to?


Crete


No introductions needed for the biggest, much-loved Greek island.


Ιf Crete was a resort, its northern forefront would be the buzzing reception while the south would be the VIP lounge, open only to those willing to experience its authentic heart.


The Hellenic Seaplanes network is expected to make the harder-to-reach south more accessible, connecting places such as Sitia, Ierapetra and Sfakia with the hotspots of Chania, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.


Southern discoveries include hidden villages facing the Libyan Sea, such as Lentas and Loutro.


Then there's historic Sfakia and Frangokastello castle, lesser-known archeological sites like the Minoan Palace of Zakros, the stunning gorges of Orino and Kato Zakros, secluded islands just off the coast like Chrisi and remarkable monasteries like Preveli and Chryssoskalitissa.


Affordable luxury: The five-star St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas is located on a private beachfront just 1.5 kilometers from Agios Nikolaos, overlooking the enchanting Mirabello Bay.


Thessi Nissi Aghios Nikolaos, Crete; +30 28410 90200


Pelion


For those torn between mountain or sea vacations there's Pelion.


Forming a peninsula in central Greece between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea, Pelion mountain is already a favorite among the locals year-round and in ancient times was the summer home of the Twelve Gods of Olympus and stomping ground of mythical Centaurs.


Mountain and coastal villages feature traditional architecture and charming squares bustling with flowers -- hortensia seems to be the queen here.


There are well marked trails in the forest for hikes that can also turn into mushroom, herb or wild strawberry hunts that end with a dive into the sea.


Sandy and pebbly beaches lead into clear waters overlooked by discreet beach bars or traditional seaside taverns serving delicious local food.


Affordable luxury: Volos, the coastal port city serving as the main gateway to Pelion is home to the team of the Greek startup Incrediblue.


Characterized as an "Airbnb for boats," it offers sailboats, catamaran or private yacht charter for sailing experiences.


Oktovriou 219, Volos; +30 2421 076182


MORE: Amazing starry time-lapse video of Corfu


Skyros


Skyros is expected to be one of the first of the Sporades chain of islands to welcome seaplanes, with a waterway on its way to being constructed at Linaria Port.


It's an island with a split personality.


Northern Skyros features the greenery typical of the Sporades to its north.


On the other side of the island is the typical wilderness of the Cyclades islands to the south.


Here, it's all about tranquility, tradition and scenery -- many who visit come back.


Chora, the island's capital, features traditional white houses on a slope that leads to a Byzantine castle.


To the north there's almost-private beaches such as Atsitsa, Pefkos and Agios Fokas, while boat trips around the hard-to-access south take in stalactite-filled sea caves and the little island of Sarakiniko, set in transparent, azure sea waters.


One of its most recognizable residents is the Skyrian horse, the small-bodied Greek species and one of the most rare horse breeds worldwide, which is nowadays protected.


Affordable luxury: The accommodation list is modest on Skyros, however posh villas can be picked up for relatively good prices on sites such as Greek Luxury Villas and Five Star Greece.


Otherwise, Ammos Hotel is a great alternative, offering stylish accommodation with wonderful sea views, located a stone's throw from the sandy beach of Magazia.


Magazia, Skyros; +30 22220 91 234


Kavala


Built like an amphitheater on the slopes of Mount Symvolo, Kavala is one of northern Greece's most vibrant, coastal cities.


The city serves as a perfect base for vacations all year round but is at it's best in summer.


Mornings can be spent diving into aquamarine waters from beaches such as Ammolofoi (meaning sand dunes), Batis and Toska.


Evenings are for walking around quaint alleyways and the castle of the Old Town, restored tobacco warehouses and the neoclassical mansions of the modern town or among the port's fish taverns and lively coffee bars.


It's a spot for mingling with locals and combining leisure time by the sea with the discovery of traditional villages, hiking trails and wineries of nearby Paggaio mountain.


Nearby, the pristine island of Thasos, a rough diamond of the northern Aegean, is worth a visit, although you'll have forsake planes for a 90-minute boat ride.


Affordable luxury: Imaret, an impeccably restored historical monument in Kavala, offers unique and indulgent accommodation.


Its restaurant is impressive, serving regional and Mediterranean cuisine mixed with a panoramic view of the city.


Th. Poulidou 30-32, Kavala; +30 2510 620151


MORE: 11 essential tastes of Cyprus


Lefkas


This Ionian sea island, connected to mainland Greece via a floating pontoon, has a versatile character, combining elements of the mountainous mainland with some of the most spectacular turquoise waters in the entire country


The main town of Lefkas features modern marinas and colorful two-floor houses while the gently sloping east coast is already developed for tourism.


Things get more exciting further out.


Vasiliki port to the south is great for wind-surfing, while the wilder west coast is fringed by emerald waters and out-of-this-world beaches such as Egkremnoi, Kathisma or Porto Katsiki.


It's not easy to leave these places but those that make the effort will find, among the scattered olive, pine and cypress trees, soulful inland mountain villages such as Exanthia, Karya and Englouvi.


The island also hosts the International Folklore Festival, a celebration of art, dance and music held here each August.


The online Lefkada Slow Guide is a great resource for planning a visit.


Affordable luxury: Pavezzo Country Retreat is a group of renovated houses that share a pool, stunning gardens and verandas in Katouna village.


Two independent villas, Myrtia or Honeymoon, have private pools and secluded atmosphere.


Katouna, Lefkas; +30 26450 71782


Rania Margari is a freelance journalist with an interest in travel, food and lifestyle stories. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, she's been writing for Greek and international publications since 2004.



Airbus' revamped A330 airliner






Airbus announced at the Farnborough Airshow that the company will release a new A330neo airliner -- a revamped version of the A330 model.Airbus announced at the Farnborough Airshow that the company will release a new A330neo airliner -- a revamped version of the A330 model.

Airbus' new wide-body planes will compete with Boeing's Dreamliner 787.Airbus' new wide-body planes will compete with Boeing's Dreamliner 787.

Airbus says that customers will be pleased with wider seats (18 inches in economy) and an updated in-flight entertainment system that will allow passengers to watch movies in 3D.Airbus says that customers will be pleased with wider seats (18 inches in economy) and an updated in-flight entertainment system that will allow passengers to watch movies in 3D.

The new models are appealing to airlines as they tend to be cheaper than completely new designs. The new models are appealing to airlines as they tend to be cheaper than completely new designs.

Airbus expects to sell at least 1,000 of the aircraft over the week.Airbus expects to sell at least 1,000 of the aircraft over the week.

Airbus says the new model will be available for delivery by the end of 2017.Airbus says the new model will be available for delivery by the end of 2017.









  • Airbus is launching the A330neo range, a revamped version of its successful A330 models

  • The company made the announcement at Farnborough International Airshow

  • Airbus' new wide-body planes will compete with Boeing's Dreamliner 787




(CNN) -- If it ain't broke, don't fix it, the old adage goes.


Yet that's exactly what Airbus is doing to its successful A330 model in order to up its stakes in the skies.


Airbus will launch the A330neo range, a revamped version of A330 airliner, the company announced Monday at the 2014 Farnborough International Airshow held in England.


The new wide-body planes will compete with Boeing's Dreamliner 787.





Boeing CEO: I like our line-up a lot




Airbus debuts upgraded plane

"The A330 has been one of our most successful aircraft in the Airbus wide-body family," said Kiran Rao, Airbus' executive vice president of strategy and marketing.


Airbus has sold more than 1,300 A330 airplanes to nearly 100 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful aircraft in the wide-body category, Rao said.


"What we are doing is making this aircraft, which is already great, better," he said.


The newly launched A330-800neo and the A330-900neo (enhanced versions of the A330-200 and A330--300 models, respectively) will feature several new features, according to Airbus, not the least of which is a vast improvement in fuel efficiency.


With the help of new Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, an 800 kilograms reduction in weight of the aircraft, and a new aerodynamic design featuring a 64 meters wingspan and curved wingtips, the new airliner will see a 14% reduction in fuel consumption per seat.


"We enjoy very good sales of the A330, but we were listening to our customers. People were telling us, your aircraft is fantastic, but would be even more fantastic if you could achieve a better level of fuel burn," Fabrice Brégier, president and CEO of Airbus, told CNN.


But not everyone is convinced by Airbus' claims of better fuel efficiency. Boeing's marketing head, Randy Tinseth, said he found Airbus' estimate "extraordinarily optimistic," according to the Wall Street Journal.


Brégier also admitted that since the investment was not planned, the new model will increase Airbus' development costs through 2017.


He also said he anticipated the A330neo family would ultimately improve profits, and that he expects to sell at least 1,000 of the aircraft, which will be available for delivery by the end of 2017, during the week-long airshow.


Previous experience suggests that Brégier has a point.


Sales for Airbus' A320neo, a similarly updated version of their older, single-aisle A320 model, has been off the charts, with over 2,800 orders since it was launched in 2010, the company said.


The new models are appealing to airlines as they tend to be cheaper than completely new designs.


Still, the reduced cost, though attractive, is not the only feature likely to bring in new customers.


The new aircraft also come outfitted with updated controls in the cockpit, and a larger rest area for cabin crew.


Rao says that customers will be please with wider seats (18 inches in economy) and an updated in-flight entertainment system that will allow passengers to watch movies in 3D.


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