Macedonia: Tensions between the government and opposition have heightened since February. The unrest has included protests and some violence, most notably on May 9, when police arrested members of an armed group north of Skopje, in Kumanovo. Officials reported that another in a series of demonstrations is planned for Sunday, and that conflict may continue through the end of the month. Tourists should avoid the region.
Italy: Two tourists may face criminal charges for damaging a statue of two Hercules holding a local emblem at Cremona’s Loggia dei Militi. The pair reportedly climbed onto the 300-year-old statue in the northern city, causing a crown to fall to the ground and shatter. Other tourists have come under fire and have been fined for damaging historic sites and statues across the country, including a pair of young women who carved their initials into Rome’s Colosseum earlier this year. Tourists should use common sense and not touch or intentionally deface historic artifacts.
Slovakia: An anti-NATO protest organized by the Slovak-Russian Association is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Rybne Square in Bratislava. Although the demonstration is being permitted by the city and only 200 people are expected to attend, officials warn that demonstrations are unpredictable. Tourists should avoid large crowds in the area.
Kenya: In an effort to ward off a deadly cholera outbreak in Nairobi, local officials have banned the selling and eating of raw foods, particularly within 3 miles of the city center in Kibera, the largest informal settlement in the country. Heavily populated areas with substandard sewage and drainage systems are particularly at risk for outbreaks, especially after this year’s heavy rains. Tourists should avoid trips into Kibera, consume only cooked foods and purified water and practice enhanced hygiene while visiting Nairobi.
China: Officials are imposing strict regulations on travelers’ behavior across the country, with many Chinese blacklisted for inappropriate behavior at tourist sites. Most recently, several men visiting Huaqing Pool, a popular hot springs destination in Xian city, were caught groping the breasts of a public sculpture; all face being banned from tourist spots in the area. Another tourist was banned from the country’s parks for up to 10 years after he had a photo taken while sitting on the head of a Red Army bronze statue. Although it is unclear how the regulations might affect international travelers, it is always best to behave respectfully when visiting tourist sites.
Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, http://www.travel.state.gov.
Habegger and Burlison are freelance reporters.