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Dec 11, 2024Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy

Let"s talk about one of the planet"s towering giants. Meet the Tre Cime di Lavaredo or the "Three Peaks of Lavaredo," standing tall on the right in today"s image. Part of the Sexten Dolomites in northeastern Italy, they are one of the most famous mountain groups in the Alps, rising to an elevation of 2,999 metres. These three peaks—Cima Grande, Cima Ovest and Cima Piccola—are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates adventurers and nature lovers alike. During World War I, the front line between Italy and Austria-Hungary ran through the peaks, leaving the area with many remnants of the conflict, including fortifications, trenches, tunnels and commemorative plaques.Desktop Version

Dec 12, 2024Poinsettia flower

Here"s the red poinsettia, one of the plants known for its striking star-shaped leaves. The poinsettia has become a symbol of Christmas cheer, brightening homes and public spaces across North America. Fun fact: Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, introduced these vibrant plants to America in the 1820s after discovering them while exploring the Taxco region in Guerrero. The small yellow structures found at the centre of the vibrant bracts are the actual blooms. These flowers, grouped within cyathia, are crucial to the plant"s reproductive process. Interestingly, the hues of poinsettia bracts result from photoperiodism, a light-sensitive process crucial for their colour transformation.Desktop Version

Dec 13, 2024St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary

As the holiday season kicks off, St. Stephen"s Basilica becomes the dazzling centrepiece of one of Budapest"s iconic Christmas markets. The fair buzzes with the festive spirit, offering a mix of Hungarian craft, festive décor and local delicacies, capturing the essence of a traditional Christmas.Desktop Version

Dec 14, 2024Northern hawk-owl, Canada

Meet the northern hawk-owl—featured in today"s image—a striking bird that is as fierce as it sounds! This medium-sized owl is found in the boreal forests of North America and Europe. Active only during the day, it has exceptional hearing and can plunge into the snow to capture rodents. With its long, tapered tail and a small head resembling a hawk, the northern hawk-owl is a striking sight. Known for its high-pitched, sharp call, the owl"s vocalisations are simple yet distinctive. It often emits a series of whistling hoots, making it stand out among its owl relatives.Desktop Version

Dec 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy

You might have heard of a pool of tears, but have you ever heard of a lake of tears? Well, legend has it that Lake Misurina, pictured here, in Italy"s Dolomites, was born from the sorrow of a giant named Sorapis. At more than 1,740 metres above sea level, it is the largest natural lake in the Cadore region, with its perimeter stretching more than two kilometres. The area around the lake is known for its beneficial climate, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Its crystal-clear waters and surrounding hotels provide a perfect getaway for up to 500 visitors. The lake played a role in the 1956 Winter Olympics, where it hosted speed skating events on natural ice, and it has even been immortalised in a pop song by singer Claudio Baglioni. With astounding views, mythical roots and activities for every season, this lake may well be the Dolomites" most alluring reflection.Desktop Version

Dec 16, 2024Salzburg, Austria

Today, we"re in Austria"s fourth-largest city—Salzburg, a place that never goes out of style. This city, shaped by centuries of change, owes much of its charm to its medieval roots and Baroque brilliance. The Altstadt also known as the "old town," is a treasure trove of architecture that tells a story. Narrow cobblestone streets guide you to landmarks like the Hohensalzburg Fortress, a symbol of resilience that has loomed over the city since the 11th century. Salzburg Cathedral is a striking example of Baroque craftsmanship, with its twin tower defining the skyline. Salzburg"s architectural legacy is not just about buildings but the music within them. This is, after all, Mozart"s birthplace, and his childhood home still attracts admirers.Desktop Version

Dec 17, 2024Reine, Norway

Step aside, regular beach houses—Reine"s little red cabins are here to steal the show. One of the prettiest places in the Lofoten Islands of Norway, Reine is a fishing village with a population of around 300. A trading post since 1775, it has evolved from a commercial hub to become a sought-after tourist destination. The village"s waterfront is lined with the traditional fishermen"s cabins called rorbu or rorbuer, which are mostly red in colour, as seen in today"s image. Once important to fishermen, these cabins have now become a popular pick for tourist rentals. In 1999, German painter Ingo Kühl set up a pop-up studio in a rorbu in Reine, where he painted scenes of the harbour framed by the towering mountain range.Desktop Version

Dec 18, 2024Jim Corbett National Park, India

Hold onto your hats and binoculars, because in Jim Corbett National Park, the river is no ordinary waterway—it"s an elephant expressway! India"s oldest national park was established in 1936 and named after the naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. Housed in the foothills of the Himalayas near the popular hill-station of Nainital, the Jim Corbett National Park is known for its significant tiger population. During the summer months, the park becomes a bustling hub of wildlife activity, with Indian elephants frequently spotted roaming in herds numbering several hundred. As part of the Terai Arc Landscape Programme, the park is among the thirteen protected areas targeted for preservation and restoration. The overarching goal of this programme is ambitious yet crucial: to safeguard three of the most iconic terrestrial species, namely the tiger, the Asian elephant and the great one-horned rhinoceros.Desktop Version

Dec 19, 2024Sibiu Christmas Market, Romania

As the winter chill sets in, the city of Sibiu transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland as it hosts one of Romania"s most popular Christmas markets. The Sibiu Christmas Market, known in Romanian as Târgul de Crăciun din Sibiu. Sparkling strings of lights drape across the square, seen in today"s image, creating a canopy that bathes the cobblestone streets in a warm, festive glow. There also stands a beautifully lit Christmas tree, surrounded by charming wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to locally made treats like cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread; vin fiert, an aromatic mulled wine and covrigi, a type of pretzel served warm and sprinkled with salt.Desktop Version

Dec 20, 2024Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Nestled in Rovaniemi, Finland, and pictured in today"s image, Santa Claus Village is a magical year-round destination. Situated right on the Arctic Circle, this village offers unique experiences, like crossing the Arctic Circle line. Right at the heart of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is the capital of the region. Known for its winter-wonderland landscapes of snowy forests and the magical northern lights, Rovaniemi offers a unique blend of natural beauty and festive spirit. From snowy forests to festive encounters, Rovaniemi invites visitors to experience its enchantment year-round. Whether you"re on Team Christmas or Team Grinch, there"s no way you won"t be amazed by Rovaniemi"s charm.Desktop Version

Dec 21, 2024Ore Mountains, Saxony, Germany

Today"s image takes us to Saxony in Germany. Here we can see a halo—an optical phenomenon caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere—around the sun, photographed in the Ore Mountains. These mountains stretch along the Czech–German border, dividing the historic regions of Bohemia in the Czech Republic and Saxony in Germany. Towering over the landscape are two peaks: Klínovec in the Czech Republic, standing at 1,244 metres and Germany"s Fichtelberg at 1,215 metres. Centuries of human activity have left their mark here, creating a rich cultural landscape. Mining has shaped the terrain with its tips, dams, ditches and sinkholes, altering habitats for plants and animals. Remarkably, this region was also the birthplace of the transformation of mining and metallurgy from small-scale craftsmanship to large-scale industry—a crucial prelude to the Industrial Revolution.Desktop Version

Dec 22, 2024Crystal Pier, San Diego, California, United States

Welcome to a timeless spot that has long captivated visitors to San Diego"s Pacific Beach: Crystal Pier. Stretching out over 260 metres into the water, the family-owned pier has been a Pacific Beach icon since 1927. Once home to a ballroom and carnival-like midway, Crystal Pier has since become a mellower vacation destination and one of the few places on the West Coast with rental accommodations over the ocean. Open to the public during the day and 24/7 for hotel guests, the pier is an ideal place to take in panoramic coastal views, watch whales and surfers playing, do some fishing or bathe in glorious coastal sunsets. Pacific Beach also has a lively restaurant, bar and club scene if eggnog isn"t your thing. There are certainly colder places to spend Christmas, but perhaps no place cooler than Crystal Pier.Desktop Version

Dec 23, 2024Two red-crowned cranes in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan

Presenting one of the rarest cranes in the world: the red-crowned crane. Featured in today"s image, this bird enchants with its beauty and cultural significance. Also known as the Manchurian crane, it is celebrated as a symbol of luck, longevity and loyalty. These cranes are true foodies with a taste for variety! While their diet hasn"t been fully explored, we know they munch on everything from rice, carrots and acorns to water plants like reeds. They also enjoy a meaty menu of fish (carp and goldfish are favourites), amphibians, insects and even small reptiles, birds and rodents.Desktop Version

Dec 24, 2024Half-timbered Houses of Freudenberg, Germany

Freudenberg is a charming little town nestled in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The town lies in the beautiful hilly uplands, ranging from 243 to 505 metres above sea level. The town is made up of 17 communities spread across about 55 square kilometres, two-thirds of which is lush forest, mainly broadleaf and spruce trees. The heart of Freudenberg is the "Alter Flecken," the historic old town centre, entirely made up of half-timbered houses that give it the feel of a 17th-century town.Desktop Version

Dec 25, 2024Lakes of Covadonga, Asturias, Spain

The dazzling Lakes of Covadonga, nestled in the heart of the towering Picos de Europa mountain range in Asturias, northern Spain, is an iconic tourist destination, particularly captivating in winter. The sight of these lakes draped in a blanket of snow and surrounded by majestic mountains creates a breathtaking natural spectacle that fascinates and attracts visitors from all over. In addition to their stunning beauty, the lakes hold deep historical significance. Nearby lies the emblematic Cave of Covadonga, the site of the renowned Battle of 722, a milestone in the Reconquista. This corner of Asturias is the perfect place to immerse yourself in both nature and history.Desktop Version

Dec 26, 2024Christmas lights at Mousehole harbour, Cornwall, England

As the last notes of Christmas carols still linger in the air, let"s visit the harbour of Mousehole, a fishing village in Cornwall, England, to keep the merriment going. Featured in today"s image, Mousehole harbour is known for its Christmas illuminations. The Mousehole lights were first lit in the early 1960s, thanks to local artist Joan Gillchrest. A few humble strings of lights soon turned into a full-blown spectacle, growing over the years to include iconic scenes, nautical motifs and Cornish themes. Today, the lights, switched on from December until early January, span the entire harbour, wrapping buildings, boats and even the water"s edge in a soft glow.Desktop Version

Dec 27, 2024Lake Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled in Slovenia gets plenty of attention in summer, but winter? That"s when things slow down in the best way. The lake"s emerald waters take on a softer tone, and Bled Island, with its quaint church, looks straight out of a winter fairytale, as seen in today"s image. This over 2-kilometre lake, surrounded by the snow-dusted Julian Alps, was formed over 14,000 years ago through glacial and tectonic activity. The first signs of settlement on Bled Island date back to the New Stone Age (10,000 BCE to 3,000 BCE). Additionally, archaeologists uncovered an Early Medieval graveyard here from the 9th century CE. Today, it houses the Church of the Assumption—built in its current form near the end of the 17th century—where visitors ring the "wishing bell" for good luck.Desktop Version

Dec 28, 2024Green sea turtle, New Caledonia

Today"s image shows a green sea turtle swimming in the waters off New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific Ocean. Found along the coastlines of over 140 countries, they nest in more than 80 countries year-round. Despite their size and strength, they face significant challenges, including hunting, boat collisions and entanglement in fishing nets. In the image, the turtle is gliding over staghorn coral, a threatened species of marine invertebrate. This coral can grow to over 1 metre and is crucial to marine ecosystems. Thanks to its rapid growth, it acts as a marine nursery for juvenile fish, as well as providing buffer zones against erosion and storms.Desktop Version

Dec 29, 2024Borobudur temple, Java, Indonesia

Imagine a colossal puzzle made from over 2 million stone blocks—that"s Borobudur, seen in today"s image. Built during the 9th century in the reign of the Shailendra dynasty—an influential ruling family in Southeast Asia—it"s the world"s largest Buddhist temple, standing tall on the island of Java, Indonesia. This ancient sanctum has withstood centuries of natural challenges, including volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, thanks to its advanced interlocking stone system. Historically, Borobudur was an important pilgrimage site. After being abandoned for centuries, it was rediscovered in the 19th century by the English lieutenant governor Thomas Stamford Raffles.Desktop Version

Dec 30, 2024Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia

At the heart of Tasmania, an island state off the southeastern coast of Australia, lies Mount Field National Park. Covering more than 15,000 hectares, it"s one of the state"s oldest national parks. As you follow the winding road up through the park, you"ll see a whole range of landscapes, from temperate rainforests full of some of the world"s tallest eucalyptus trees to alpine moorland. These ever-changing views are what give the park its nickname, "the park for all seasons." One of the park"s must-visit sites is Russell Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that plunges over 55 metres.Desktop Version

Dec 31, 2024Fireworks over Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

New Year"s Eve, also known as Old Year"s Day, is celebrated around the world with revelry, fireworks and for some, religious and cultural observances. Many countries celebrate with foods symbolic of prosperity, long life and good fortune for the coming year, and many people sing Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne" at the stroke of midnight to remember old friends and past experiences. The new year is often personified as a baby, a tradition that dates back to ancient Greeks, often paired with an old man who represents the previous year.Desktop Version

Jan 1, 2025Polar bears in the Arctic

Humans have celebrated the new year since at least 2000 BCE, but various cultures have chosen different days coinciding with equinoxes or lunar cycles. The Romans established January 1 as the beginning of the year in 153 BCE, but this fell out of favour throughout Europe during the medieval era. Since 1582 and the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, however, much of the world now celebrates the new year on the first day of January. In addition to watching fireworks, drinking champagne and making resolutions in the wee hours of the morning, other global traditions include making noise, eating lucky foods and giving gifts.Desktop Version

Jan 2, 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland

Perched on a terrace above the Inn Valley at over 1,400 metres, Ardez is a hidden gem in eastern Switzerland renowned for its deep cultural roots and stunning preservation of history. This picturesque village, starring in today"s image, showcases the rich traditions and unique language of Switzerland"s Romansh-speaking communities. Its homes are adorned with sgraffiti—decorative designs etched into plaster—and colourful murals, both iconic art styles of the Engadin region. Dating back to 840, when it was first referred to as Ardezis, the village"s history includes Steinsberg Castle, originally owned by the Bishop of Chur. Though destroyed during the Swabian War in 1499, the castle"s tower has been restored multiple times and stands today as a proud reminder of its past. In 1975, Ardez was chosen as a Swiss model village for its exceptional preservation efforts, which have kept its historic charm intact.Desktop Version

Jan 3, 2025Radcliffe Camera and All Souls College, University of Oxford, England

Today, we are at Radcliffe Camera, with the magnificent All Souls College standing in the background, both iconic landmarks of the University of Oxford, England. The Radcliffe Camera, fondly referred to as the "Rad Cam" or "The Camera," is an architectural gem that was built between 1737 and 1749. Designed in Baroque style by James Gibbs, it originally served as the Radcliffe Science Library. Its unique circular design and prominent location make it a defining feature of Oxford"s skyline and a beloved symbol of the university.Desktop Version

Jan 4, 2025Bản Giốc – Detian Falls, Vietnam

Welcome to a spot where rivers meet borders in the most stunning way: Bản Giốc – Detian Falls, featured in today"s image. Tucked between the karst hills of Daxin County in China and Trùng Khánh district in Vietnam, these falls tumble along the Quây Sơn River. Over 28 metres tall and 298 metres wide, it holds the distinction of being the widest waterfall in Vietnam. Located just 272 kilometres north of Hanoi, this waterfall has gradually worn away its crest over the years, inching upstream. For most of the year, they flow as two distinct cascades, but come summer, when the rains swell the river, they merge into one big fall.Desktop Version

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