Fire in Europe's tallest tower

Fire has broken out again in Moscow's Ostankino TV tower; the tallest tower in Europe. Those with reasonably long memories might remember that a fire broke out back in 2000 which plunged the city's TV stations off air.

Ryanair flys East from Bristol

13 new routes from Bristol, mostly to Eastern European cities are announced by Ryanair, commencing from November.

Air France-KLM - good year or bad year?

News stories about Air France-KLM's end of year results seem somewhat mixed. The New Straits Times report a record operating profit, up 32.5% to 1.24 billion Euros. In contrast, the Oman Observer takes significantly more downcast approach, reporting net profits down 2.4% at 891 billion Euros. Air Cargo World also offers a mixed message focusing on cargo operations which actually made a $29.7 million loss in the final quarter, flying in the face of the record profits.

'pool fans stranded due to aircraft failure

Liverpool fans heading for the Champions League final in Athens are apparently stranded following a technical problem with the aircraft laid on for the flight - the last Athens bound flight from Liverpool that day, leaving fans with pricey tickets stranded and frustrated. The chartered aircraft was operated by Danish airline 'Jet Time Airways' who declined to comment on the incident, although UK travel agents who arranged the tickets will be providing refunds. Still, one would assume the fans will remain out of pocket on the tickets themselves.

Cheaper mobile calls in store

European mobile roaming charges are set to fall in coming years if measures supported by lawmakers are voted in by the European Parliament. Using your mobile abroad has never been cheap - in fact with calls commonly around £1 or £1.50 it's nothing short of a rip off, but planned price caps will see call costs drop to €0.43 for outbound and €0.19 for inbound calls.

Personally speaking I avoid using my phone for any calls which aren't free, but at least these prices will make short calls a little more viable and attractive than they have been to date. Of course mobile companies have been complaining that price caps stifle competition. Competition! The current system seems to only reinforce the excessive prices, and the only way to enjoy cheaper call prices are to fork out for pricey add-ons to your existing contract. I for one hope the EU get the plans through as it will surely be beneficial for all in this increasingly mixed around European population.

Welcome to the Eurobahn!

This is the latest incarnation of Eurobahn. The aim of this blog is to explore Europe and the Europeans, looking at the quirks and curiosities of the many peoples that make up the continent.

If you're looking for my travel website it still exists but now in a new form focusing on the wondrous Northern countries of the world. You can find it at NORTHFACING.COM. It covers Overland Travel, The Trans-Siberian Railway, Scandinavia, Alpine countries and a good deal besides.