Friday, August 14

Warnings for Holiday, Hotel and Hollows . . .

Warnings for Holiday, Hotel and Hollows . . .

Warnings

1) Talking about hotels or rentals in general, be sure not to pay upfront before verifying that you are dealing with a scammer.  In July 02 2026 someone paid thousands of £££'s for a place in Switzerland and when he arrived, the place was deserted with a sign saying: "This establishment is closed for the summer season".  Another tip: Try to pay with HSBC bank, as they did take action and - despite the fact that the eMail address of the scammer was already closed - managed to recoup the money and return it to the defrauded client.

2) Never try to set up a Mikve on a balcony, certainly not in a flat that is on the first, second or sixth floor . . .  Experts recommend checking the load-bearing capacity before any unusual installations.  Ask yourself the most simple question: Is it even allowed to put a pool on a balcony?  The problem lies in the weight of the water. One cubic meter of water corresponds to 1,000 liters - and weighs around a ton (= 1,000Kg).  Even small pools can therefore add several hundred kilograms to a balcony within a few square meters.  For example, in Switzerland, residential balconies are generally built in accordance with the SIA 261 standard so that they can bear a load of at least 350 kilograms per square meter.  The decisive factors are the size of the balcony, the amount of water and the question of how the pool will be emptied again later.

3) In August of 2026, Swiss and Austrian police contacted ultra-Orthodox activists and asked them to convey a message to Jewish vacationers, warning that they will be forced to close certain resort areas if the shameful behaviour does not stop.  As a result, the following proclamation was sent out on WhatsApp: "Do not take along, buy a new or hire an Electric Scooter.  In case you are forced to do so, this should only be used by an adult above the age of 16 and only one person is allowed on it.  The speed should not exceed the average running speed of a person and do not ride it in crowded areas.  Keep the Scooter locked at all times and do not enter with it into shops, swimming pools or other conveniences".

4) When going on a hike, walk or climb in the mountains, be extremely careful to follow the signs that are clearly displayed all throughout the promenades, hiking paths and trails. 

Following official trail markers is essential, but mountain paths are not always heavily signed like promenades. True mountain safety requires combining visible waymarks with independent navigation tools, proper gear, and constant weather awareness.

Understanding Mountain Signage & Reality

Fading Signage: Formal signs and painted blazes exist at key junctions, but harsh weather, rockfall, or fading can obscure them in remote terrain.

Upland Gaps: Above the tree line or across open plateaus, official signs are often sparse or replaced entirely by stone cairns.

False Trails: It is easy to mistakenly follow animal tracks, such as sheep paths, that lead to dead ends or dangerous ground.

Essential Safety Practices

Carry Navigation: Never rely solely on posted signs; always pack a physical topographic map and a charged GPS device or smartphone app.Check 

Mountain Forecasts: Upland weather changes rapidly. Always consult specialized resources like the Met Office Mountain Weather Guide or regional equivalents before you step out.

Watch for Wind & Visibility: High winds and low cloud bases ("whiteout" conditions) can make both signs and paths impossible to see. Turn back if visibility drops or conditions worsen.

No comments: