Fight and flight
Nothing says Christmas like an arsenal of armaments in one's luggage, at least for some American travellers. Transportation Security Administration agents had a busy week over Christmas confiscating prohibited weapons. The list includes 10 hand grenades found at seven different airports, 11 stun guns at eight airports, three saw blades taped inside an iPad case, a razor blade concealed in packed jeans, and, in keeping with the season, a box of Jingle Bells Shotgun Shells – Christmas lights made from old shotgun shells.
End of the line for historic trams
A beloved symbol of Buenos Aires, the 99-year-old La Brugeoise subway cars are to be taken off the rails this year. Built in Belgium, the wooden cars started carrying passengers in late 1913 on the first subway line in the southern hemisphere. Although now covered in graffiti, they are still a tourist draw. The trams are being replaced by modern cars from China because they are deemed to be unsafe and too costly to maintain. Tentative plans call for the old cars to be displayed in a museum.
Pack your flashlight
The City of Light could become the city of darkness if France carries through with a proposal to turn off Paris streetlights between 1 and 7 a.m. The blackout would also apply to all other cities, towns and villages in the country. Lights in and outside public buildings, offices and shops would also be affected. Late-night neon lights have already been prohibited since last July. The move is intended to save energy. If it goes ahead, night-owl strollers will be advised to carry flashlights.
Sources: The TSA Blog, Travel Mole USA, The Canadian Press, CNN, Mail Online