Middle East
Manama
Look but don't touch is the usual rule in scuba-diving circles. But Bahrain is now encouraging underwater explorers to gather pearls from its 1,000 sq. km of oyster beds-and take the treasures home. In the past the Persian Gulf was known for its superb pearls. But oil replaced the oyster as Bahrain's main income source in the 1930s (when Japanese cultured pearls sent natural-pearl prices tumbling). Aquatique, a dive center in the Gulf state's capital, Manama, offers a one-day pearl-diving course whose cost (available on application) includes two dives, scuba equipment, and "all the pearls you can find." See .
Europe
London
Leisurely walkers on Britain's busiest shopping street could soon face fines if London officials approve a controversial plan to divide Oxford Street pavements into fast and slow lanes. Local businesses have launched a campaign to cut down on "pavement rage" and make it easier for hurrying workers to dodge the dawdlers. Under the proposal, fast-lane users caught using a mobile phone, eating, taking photographs or strolling at less than 5 km/h would be liable for a $14 on-the-spot fine from patrolling marshals. But Westminster City Council, which has jurisdiction over the street, has vowed to defend the right of people to walk "at any speed they choose."
Asia
Hong Kong
The mercury may rarely drop below 20C in December, but that won't stop Hong Kong from staging a white Christmas this year. High-tech machinery will create 10 tons of snow a day during the city's inaugural EuroChristmas, between Dec. 16 and Jan. 2. Frosty attractions will include toboggan rides, a "crystallized, glacier version" of the North Pole, a Santa Village with cobblestone-paved streets, an ice-skating spectacular on 280 sq. m of ice-and a blizzard. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will also play host to a "Christkindl Markt," featuring 100 wooden chalets selling traditional European holiday fare like spiced wine and gingerbread.
North America
Safety
Canadian and American citizens traveling to exotic and unfamiliar locations can keep in touch with their governments by registering their travel itineraries online at www.itravelsafe.com. Launched this year by Canadian software firm WorldReach, the site helps local embassies to locate and assist its clients in emergencies ranging from lost passports to life-threatening events like natural disasters and political coups which may require evacuation. Other services provided to members, who pay $20 for three months or $52 for a year, include e-mailed travel alerts, safety advice, health information and a soon-to-be-launched daily news service.