Powerhouse Journey Around The World (In 80 Days): March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Week 5 (Day 28): ISTANBUL (TURKEY)

ISTANBUL

BANGKOK

Our Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues. We have now travelled 4,645 miles from Bangkok to our new destination of Istanbul, Turkey.

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It straddles the Bosphorus, which is a Strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. Istanbul covers an area of 2,063 sq miles.

Capital City of Turkey: Ankara Monetary Unit: Turkish Lira (TL)

Though Istanbul is a very large city, it is fairly safe. It is Europe's 3rd largest city. It is also regarded as one of Europe's safest cities. However, crime does still exist. The most common threats to personal safety are associated with money. Purse snatching occurs mostly in the tourist areas and is generally carried out by children. When carrying a bag hold it close to you and check now and then that it is closed. Some of these tourist areas include Taksim Square, Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar.

While practically all neighborhoods around Istanbul are considered safe, it is still always sensible to walk where you see lots of people, especially women. Some of the safest parts are Beyoglu, and the European part of the Bosphorus. Never go out alone at night and if you take a taxi be sure to take one from the hotel, or from a taxi station.

Always apply Powerhouse Self-Defense's rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context. RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior. OBSERVATION of your surroundings. Look for street signs and landmarks. Know exactly where you are at ALL times. INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

Physical assaults against women are not common, as Turkish men are generally respectful of women. However, female tourists may be stared at or followed. While we don't want to appear rude, a simple smile can be misunderstood. So avoid eye contact with men on the street and keep any interactions formal.

2008 Istanbul Crime Statistics (According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime)

Murder: 596

Robbery: 7,695

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 112

ISTANBUL FUN FACTS:

1. Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia.

2. Tulips originated in Istanbul and were sent to the Netherlands.

3. Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel "Murder on the Orient Express" at the Pera Palace Hotel in Istanbul.

4. Istanbul has been the Capital of three major empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottaman.

5. Istanbul's subway is the 3rd oldest in the world (1875), after London (1863) and New York (1868).

OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUES. WHERE WILL WE BE NEXT WEEK?

Jennifer Riis-Poulsen is the Founder & CEO and also a 2nd degree black belt, who formed Powerhouse Self-Defense as a response to the ever-increasing statistics on emotional and physical attacks on females each year. She made reducing these statistics a mission and personal goal and has set out to develop a comprehensive, HOLISTIC personal safety and empowerment program focused on awareness and powerful techniques to build courage and confidence. For more information visit http://powerhouseselfdefense.com

Monday, March 24, 2014

Week 4 (Day 21): BANGKOK (THAILAND)

BANGKOK

SYDNEY

Our Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues. We have now travelled 4,677 miles from Sydney to our new destination of Bangkok, Thailand.

Bangkok is the capital city and the most populated city of Thailand. It spans an area of 605.7 sq miles and has a population of over eight million.

Capital City of Thailand: Bangkok Monetary Unit: THB (Thai Baht)

Considering its size and very busy streets, Bangkok is a relatively safe city. However, with being such a largely populated place, it is not crime free and sometimes its possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As always, exercise caution and remember the Powerhouse Self-Defense rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context. RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior. OBSERVATION of your surroundings. Look for street signs and landmarks. Know exactly where you are at ALL times. INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

Though Bangkok is fairly safe, some biggest issues are theft and scams. Just like any busy city, you need to be aware of pickpockets, so be sure to carry a purse with a zip and hold it close to you. Never keep your wallet in your back pocket.

Bangkok receives a lot of tourists each year and is the reason for so many scams. Scammers are very skilled and mostly operate in the touristy areas, such as the Lucky Buddha Temple, Grand Palace and Siam Square. The Gem Scam is the most common, which has been operating for over 20 years. Bangkok has a network of 'touts' that convince tourists they can purchase gems at duty free prices and then be able to make a substantial profit by selling them overseas! The gems are then shipped to the tourists' addresses, only for the tourist to discover that the jewelry is worth a lot less than they paid for.

The advice would be to think first and not make any rash decisions. Use your common sense!

2010 Bangkok Crime Statistics (According to the Metropolitan Police Bureau)

Murders: 183

Robbery: 265

Assaults: 3,694

TOTAL CRIME: 4,412

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 191

BANGKOK FUN FACTS

1. Bangkok was ranked the best city in the world in 2008, according to Travel and Leisure Magazine.

2. Don Mueang International Airport has the tallest control tower in the world, measuring 434ft.

3. Bangkok is known as the 'City of Angels'.

4. It is illegal to leave the house without underwear! You can be arrested and thrown into jail.

5. Bangkok is also known as the 'Venice of the East' because of its large number of canals.

OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD CONTINUES. WHERE WILL WE BE NEXT WEEK?

Monday, March 17, 2014

Week 3 (Day 14): SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA)

LOS ANGELES

SYDNEY

Our Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues. We have now travelled 7,497 miles from Los Angeles to our new destination of Sydney, Australia.

Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the capital of the State of New South Wales. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, and spans an area of 690 sq miles.

Capital City of Australia: Canberra Monetary Unit: AUD (Australian Dollar)

Sydney is a major city and therefore not crime free. It is, however, relatively safe, especially in the tourist areas, though caution should be taken at all times. One particular area to try and avoid is Kings Cross. This is a red light district and there have been reports of rape and gang activity. There have also been some problems at night around George Street to Haymarket.

Be careful if you go out to the bars and clubs. Keep an eye on your drinks, as there have been reports of drink spiking. Always go out in a group and keep an eye on each other.

Remember to exercise the Powerhouse Self-Defense rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context. RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior. OBSERVATION of your surroundings. Look for street signs and landmarks. Know exactly where you are at ALL times. INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

2013 Greater Sydney Crime Statistics (According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research)

Murder: 52

Assault

- Domestic Violence: 14,999

- Non-Domestic Violence: 18,814

- Sexual Assault: 2,166

Robbery: 3,309

Break & Enter Property: 20,443

TOTAL CRIMES: 56,783

EMERGENCY SERVICS NUMBER: 000

SYDNEY FUN FACTS

1. Sydney receives over 10 million International and Domestic visitors each year for its beaches and attractions.

2. The main languages spoken in Sydney are English, Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Mandarin and Vietnamese.

3. The cost of building the Sydney Opera House ended up being AUD 102 million, instead of the estimated AUD 7 million.

4. Sixty percent of Australia's top 100 companies are headquartered in Sydney.

5. The Harbour Bridge is known as 'The Coat Hanger' because of its distinct shape.

CONTINUE WITH US ON OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD. I WONDER WHERE WE WILL GO NEXT!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Week 2 (Day 7): LOS ANGELES (USA)

LOS ANGELES

ATLANTA

Our Powerhouse Journey Around the World continues. We have travelled 2,217 miles from our starting point, Atlanta, to our new destination, Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is the most populated city in the State of California, and the second most populated in the United States of America, after New York. Los Angeles covers an area of 469.1 sq miles.

Capital City of USA: Washington, DC Monetary Unit: USD

Just like any largely populated city, Los Angeles can be a fabulous place in which to be, but can also be an extremely dangerous one. The safest places in Los Angeles are the fairly unpopulated ones by the edge of the greater metropolitan area. Some of the affluent beach cities, like Malibu, are relatively safe, with the population being so low. However, just like most Los Angeles cities, Malibu also has its gang problems.

Always exercise the Powerhouse Self-Defense rules of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context. RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior. OBSERVATION of your surroundings. Look for street signs and landmarks. Know exactly where you are at ALL times. INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

One of the other relatively safe places in Los Angeles is Burbank. Burbank is home to the Warner Brother's Studios, NBC and the Disney Headquarters. Its neighborhoods are well kept, with residents in well-paid jobs.

Unfortunately, the city of Los Angeles is under policed, with just one officer for every 426 residents. Remember that there is gang activity in almost every neighborhood in Los Angeles. In the most dangerous of neighborhoods you will see graffiti, empty buildings, closed businesses and abandoned cars along the roads. Never be in these areas during the day. At night avoid them completely.

2012 Los Angeles Crime Statistics (According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report)

Homicide: 147

Rape: 476

Robbery: 4,435

Aggravated Assault: 4,155

Property Crimes: 43,388

TOTAL CRIMES: 52,601

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 911

Los Angeles Fun Facts

1. When Los Angeles was first founded, it was named "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the River Porciuncula".

2. Los Angeles ranks Number 1 in the USA in Energy Efficient Buildings.

3. Los Angeles was the birthplace of the Internet.

4. The average citizen of Los Angeles eats 28 pounds of fried chicken, 50 pounds of French fries, and drinks 325 bottles of beer every year.

5. Los Angeles has the largest number of women-owned businesses in the nation.

CONTINUE WITH US ON OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD. WHERE WILL OUR NEXT DESTINATION BE?

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Week 1 (Day 1): ATLANTA (USA)

Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated with foreign countries, different cultures and foreign languages. I am lucky to call myself a World Traveler. Born and raised in London, I have travelled all around the Northern and Southern European Countries, to Tunisia, to Egypt, to Dubai, to various countries in the Far East, to India, to Australia. My favorite places are the most exotic ones with hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Best food ever!

So needless to say, one of my favorite books as a child was Jules Verne’s ‘Around The World in 80 Days’. A story about an Englishman named Phileas Fogg and his French Valet, Passepartout and their attempt to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days, as a challenge. I couldn’t wait to read on about Fogg’s adventures and experiences in these far-reached places. Where would he go next? How would he get there? What problems would arise?

So, I wanted to combine my love for travel with my passion and mission for increased personal safety and awareness. What better way to do this than through the Powerhouse Journey Around the World in 80 Days.

Unlike Phileas Fogg who started his journey in London, England, I will be starting my journey in Atlanta, USA. I will be going in a ‘westerly’ direction, heading across the United States through to Australia, into the Far East, heading over to Europe and into Africa. I will then be heading across the North Atlantic Ocean to South America and the back to the United States, with my final destination being New York City.

And so the Powerhouse Journey begins:

ATLANTA (USA)

Atlanta is the capital city of the state of Georgia, and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in the USA. Its geography encompasses 132.4 sq miles.

Capital City of USA: Washington, DC Monetary Unit: USD

Being such a large metropolitan area, it is important to take the normal precautions when visiting the city of Atlanta. Though many people feel relatively comfortable using its transit system, MARTA, it is always best to avoid it at night, especially solo female travelers.

Though Downtown Atlanta is buzzing during the day, it is fairly deserted at night. It is therefore extremely important to be cautious about where you park your car or where you walk. Remember to exercise the Powerhouse Self-Defense rule of PROI: PREDICTION of misplaced situations, that is being aware of anything that appears out of context. RECOGNITION of potentially harmful behavior. OBSERVATION of your surroundings. Look for street signs and landmarks. Know exactly where you are at ALL times. INTUITION: Trust your gut and when in doubt, both feet out!

If you are staying in Downtown Atlanta, be sure to stick to the well-travelled sidewalks, or better still, take a taxi to your destination. Buckhead is a business district with a lot of high-end shops and restaurants. As a result, there is a certain amount of crime. As always, stay alert when leaving and returning to your car.

2012 City of Atlanta Crime Statistics (According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report)

Homicide: 83

Rape: 113

Robbery: 2,276

Aggravated Assault: 3,555

Property Crimes: 28,554

TOTAL CRIMES: 34,581

EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 911

Atlanta Fun Facts

1. Atlanta welcomes over 16.5 million visitors to its city each year.

2. Atlanta hosts the largest 10k race in the world, the Peachtree Road Race, with approximately 45,000 runners.

3. Atlanta has 130 retail centers and 54 public parks.

4. Atlanta is home to the largest Aquarium in the world.

5. Atlanta is the only city in North America to be destroyed by fire as an act of war.

JOIN US ON OUR POWERHOUSE JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD. WHERE WILL WE TRAVEL TO NEXT WEEK?