The AnswerBank Articles

Is Manchester still undergoing a rejuvenation programme

Asks Janis A. It is almost complete and will be by the time Manchester hosts the Commonwealth Games later this year. Many of its old buildings have been cleaned and new ones built and many slum areas01:00 Mon 21st Jan 2002

What is Tourism Concern

Asks sugar A. Tourism Concern is a charitable organisation that was set up in 1989 to campaign for tourism that is economically fair, limiting any damage to the environment or cultural mores of01:00 Mon 14th Jan 2002

When is the Coptic Christmas celebrated in Egypt

Asks natalia A. Instead of 25th December, Christmas is celebrated on 7th January. This is not unique as the Russian Orthodox Church, among others, also celebrate Christmas on 7th January. All Coptic01:00 Mon 14th Jan 2002

How long has Gibraltar been under British rule

Asks serge A. It has been a British colony since 1713. Q. Why is it called the Rock of Gibraltar A. Gibraltar is an actual rock that sits in the Mediterranean (with Spain to the north and west of01:00 Mon 14th Jan 2002

What are the best places to visit in Blackpool

Asks saskia A. Blackpool is the busiest holiday beach resort in the North West and has loads to offer its visitors. Some of the best places to visit include the following: Blackpool Pleasure Beach:01:00 Mon 07th Jan 2002

Where is Andorra

Asks stephenpowell A. Andorra is in the eastern Pyrenees, bordered by France (to the east and north) and Spain (to the west and south). Q. How many people actually live in Andorra A. At the last01:00 Mon 07th Jan 2002

What islands in the Maltese archipelago are inhabited

Asks sharan A. The three main islands of the Maltese archipelago are the only ones that are inhabited, and these are Malta, Gozo and Comino. Q. Where exactly is Malta A. Malta is located off the01:00 Mon 07th Jan 2002

What is the capital of Tenerife

Asks hugo A. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island, and is home to 200,000 inhabitants. Q. Is Santa Cruz de Tenerife a good place to visit A. It is a beautiful city full of01:00 Mon 31st Dec 2001

How do you know what vaccinations are needed before travelling abroad

Asks esme A. You can contact your doctor who will be able to advise you on the latest vaccinations necessary to travel to certain countries or alternatively NHS Direct or the Department of Health01:00 Mon 31st Dec 2001

I am a complete skiing novice - should I buy my equipment in the UK or when I arrive in France

Asks Margaret A. It really depends on how easy you want your shopping experience to be. Experienced skiers used to buy all of their equipment abroad up until about four years ago because it was a01:00 Mon 31st Dec 2001

How old is Cork City in southern Ireland

Asks Margaret A. Cork City dates back to the 7th Century when its patron saint, St Finbarr founded an abbey and school there. A small town grew out of monastic foundations, but it only lasted until01:00 Mon 24th Dec 2001

When is Alton Towers open - is it true it is closed during the winter

Asks panda A. Yes it is closed throughout the winter, which is bad news if you were planning a day trip over Christmas. In 2002 it will be open daily from 9.30am from 16th March until 3rd November. 01:00 Mon 24th Dec 2001

I will be spending a week in London in January, which art galleries are the best to visit

Asks mimi A. London has one of the biggest collections of art galleries in the world - so you're going to be spoilt for choice. Our recommendations include the following, we have listed them in01:00 Mon 24th Dec 2001

What is the best time of year to visit Sofia in Bulgaria

Asks marmalade A. Summer is the best time of year weather wise as the climate is mild and temperate. You should, however, try to tie in your visit with a festival if you can as this provides an01:00 Wed 17th Oct 2001

Where can I find out about action adventure holidays (weekend breaks will do) in the UK online

Asks Henderson A. The growth of outdoor pursuits and activity oriented breaks favoured by multinational companies as a way of getting their staff to "bond" and "work together as a team" have helped01:00 Mon 17th Dec 2001

Why is Jerusalem considered holy by Christians, Jews and Muslims alike

A. Jerusalem is home to three of the most religiously significant monuments in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths - and is therefore a place of pilgrimage for all these01:00 Mon 17th Dec 2001

Can you fly direct to Lapland from London

Asks Jemima A. Only if you're on the sleigh with Santa! You would fly to Helsinki from London (approximately 2 hrs, 45 minute flight), and then on to one of Lapland's five airports. These are01:00 Mon 10th Dec 2001

What are the Fortunate Islands known as today

Asks jimbo A. The Fortunate Islands are now known as Lanzarote (and the surrounding small islands of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Monta a Clara and Roque del Este y del Oeste). The name change from the01:00 Mon 10th Dec 2001

I am visiting Belfast next summer, I hear it s a great place for festivals and drinking what festivals take place here and when And can you recommend any good pubs

Asks patsymalta A. You are obviously after a good time during your trip to Belfast! Although Belfast is usually known for the Troubles and the sectarian divide within the city - people often forget01:00 Mon 10th Dec 2001

Where is Salamanca

Asks jabbajay A. Salamanca is a city in central Spain (close to Madrid). There are also towns of the same name in Chile and Mexico. Q. I have never heard of the Spanish city - should I have A. It01:00 Mon 03rd Dec 2001