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St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
St. James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
St. James Beach, nestled along the Cape Town coastline, is a small, sheltered beach, popular for its row of vibrant Victorian bathing boxes that add a kaleidoscope of colour against the azure ocean backdrop. The ambiance is perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking up the sun"s warmth while observing the rhythmic ebb and flow of the tides. However, it"s the St. James Tidal Pool that steals the spotlight—a protected bathing area teeming with small marine life. Built between rugged rocks, the pool offers crystal-clear waters for a tranquil swimming experience. The pool is warm compared to the ocean and is perfect for floating around without worrying about strong currents, making it a safe water playground for kids and adults.Desktop Version
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood graces Oregon"s skyline with a pointed, snow-capped peak. Standing at nearly 3,430 metres, this dormant stratovolcano is the tallest mountain in the state, drawing adventurers and nature aficionados alike. With 12 named glaciers and numerous snow fields, Mount Hood offers a wintry playground all year round. Beyond its snow-laden allure, it sustains diverse ecosystems, nurturing ancient forests and serving as a haven for wildlife, including cougars and wolves. Over the past 1,800 years, the volcano has erupted three times. According to geologists, the mountain is primarily dormant, but there is still a chance that it could erupt one day.Desktop Version
Pegadung Rock, Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia
Pegadung Rock, Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia
If you"re seeking an unspoiled landscape where nature displays raw beauty and power, Pegadung Rock on the southern coast of Indonesia"s island of Sumatra could be the place for you. While the beach boasts turquoise waters, sandy shores and crashing waves, it"s the shark-teeth-like rocks, standing as tall as 10 metres against the currents of the Indian Ocean, that truly steal the show. These rock formations have earned the area nicknames such as "rock screen" and "shark"s teeth." While this beach has no tourist accommodation, the nearby Kiluan Bay village presents a haven for visitors. For those ready to trade lounging for exploring, this Sumatran treasure awaits.Desktop Version
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Celebrating the first new moon of the lunar calendar, millions worldwide gather to usher in the Lunar New Year, a period marked by vibrant celebrations, rich traditions and family reunions. The festivities, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, end 15 days from now with the Lantern Festival. From envelopes to lanterns, red is the dominant colour, symbolising luck and prosperity. The streets come alive with the rhythm of drums as the dragon dance takes centre stage. This is a bird"s-eye view of the dragons—elongated puppets adorned with shimmering scales and animated by a team of dancers. The Lunar New Year is a popular time for families to reunite and is responsible for one of the largest annual human migrations in the world. Did you know that each year is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals? 2024 heralds the Year of the Dragon, a mighty symbol of nobility, power and success.Desktop Version
Volcán Alcedo giant tortoises
Volcán Alcedo giant tortoises
Come to the Galápago Islands! These islands captured are named the Galápagos giant tortoises. They are only found on the Galápagos Islands and can grow over 2 metres long. Known for their large size, with some individuals reaching over 270 kilograms, they have a distinctive dome-shaped shell, and the carapace may vary in colour and shape among individuals. Their population on Isabela Island has faced challenges, including habitat loss and new species, but conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve them. These tortoises are mainly herbivores, spending most of their day engaged in activities like feeding, resting and gathering around muddy pools. Remarkably, they opt to sleep in the open at night.Desktop Version
Marigny, New Orleans, USA
Marigny, New Orleans, USA
Let the good times roll! Also called Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras is celebrated to live life to the fullest before fasting and giving up other indulgences for Lent—though many modern celebrators are just happy to use the occasion as an excuse to party. During the festive revelry of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the tradition of "throws" adds an extra layer of excitement to the celebrations. Throws are strings of beads, doubloons, cups and an assortment of trinkets, distributed or hurled from colourful floats to the exuberant spectators lining the streets. These throws are a cherished part of the Mardi Gras experience. Ready to make merry and join the parade?Desktop Version
Vasant Panchmi
Vasant Panchmi
Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja, is an auspicious Hindu festival that marks the onset of spring in India. The associated festivities vary across regions within religions, with each community adding its own unique flavour to the celebration. The observance of the Vasant Utsava on Panchami itself is strategically timed, aligning with the belief that any season"s transition period spans 40 days. For countless individuals, this occasion is a devoted celebration of the goddess Saraswati, revered as the embodiment of knowledge, language, music and different art representations. Goddess Saraswati stands as a symbol of creative energy and power in its myriad forms, encapsulating both the essence of longing and love. The exuberant celebration extends to culinary customs, where some infuse saffron into rice, creating a golden feast as part of the elaborate rituals.Desktop Version
Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA
Female pyrrhuloxia in Texas, USA
In today"s image is a pyrrhuloxia—also known as the desert cardinal—a songbird that lives in the deserts of northern Mexico and the American Southwest. The female cardinal, while lacking the flamboyant colouration of her male counterpart, possesses a unique charm in her own right. While she shares the distinctive crest and red bill with the male, her plumage is a more subdued yellowish, cinnamon-brown, adorned only with subtle touches of red. Unlike females in many bird species, the female cardinal is an accomplished vocalist, harmonising with the melodies of the male.Desktop Version
Kailasa temple in Ellora caves
Kailasa temple in Ellora caves
Kailasa temple in Ellora Caves near the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, is celebrated for its colossal size, intricate stone architecture and artistic finesse evident in its sculpture. This temple stretches along a basalt cliff for over two kilometres and is intricately carved. Towering above the surrounding landscape, the sanctuary"s peak reaches an impressive height of 32 metres above the court below. A legend weaves through the stones of Ellora, recounting the tale of a king from Alajapura. After being miraculously cured from a terrible illness by a sacred bath, the king and his queen pledged to construct a temple in honour of Lord Shiva.Desktop Version
Sperm whale pod surfacing
Sperm whale pod surfacing
Ahoy there, giants of the sea! The planet"s 92 whale species are split between baleen whales and toothed whales. Baleen whales use bristle-like mouth parts to filter krill from the water. The sperm whales pictured here, like the other 76 toothed species, use cone-shaped teeth to attack their prey. Unlike baleen whales, they hunt and navigate using echolocation, a method that uses sound to detect the things around them. Sperm whales also happen to have the largest brain of any animal on Earth! A whale"s large brain-to-body mass ratio means that their intelligence is no fluke.Desktop Version
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
Sun-kissed beaches, colourful buildings, clear waters and rich history—there"s something special going on in the city of Puerto de la Cruz. Located on Tenerife, the largest of Spain"s Canary Islands, it stared out as a fishing village. The city"s centre is full of charming streets and historical buildings. For those seeking sun, sea and sand, Playa Jardín is the city"s answer. This black volcanic sand beach, designed by the renowned architect César Manrique, offers lush gardens, unique sculptures and views of the world"s third tallest volcano, Mount Teide. Other landmarks here include Lago Martiánez, a complex of seawater pools offering a scenic retreat, and Loro Parque, a world-famous zoo and conservation centre. So, take a moment, savour the image and let your imagination set sail to this lively port town!Desktop Version
Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park, UK
Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park, UK
Within the vast expanse of the Peak District National Park in the United Kingdom lies the Kinder Scout Nature Reserve, the site of a significant people"s movement in British history. At around 635 metres, Kinder Scout stands tall as the highest point in the Peak District, its rugged moorlands and windswept plateaus having drawn adventurers and nature enthusiasts for generations. In 1932, this area was the stage for a historic mass trespass, where hundreds of people on foot protested for public access to these lands. This act of civil disobedience contributed to the passing of legislation that established national parks in the United Kingdom. The creation of the Peak District National Park ensured that these hills and valleys would be preserved for future generations to enjoy, marking a significant victory for public access and conservation efforts.Desktop Version
Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Horsetail Fall, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Fancy witnessing a fiery waterfall? What might sound like an oxymoron can be found at Yosemite National Park! Horsetail Fall is a seasonal waterfall that flows during the winter and early spring months when there has been ample snowfall and a subsequent temperature warm enough to melt it. For a couple of weeks in February, if skies are clear, water is flowing and the sun shines at just the right angle, the long, slender waterfall takes on a glowing, flame-hued appearance. This phenomenon has earned the moniker "firefall," an homage to the historic Yosemite Firefall, a manmade event that was organised in the park from 1872 to 1968. Eventually, park rangers decided that dumping embers over a cliff onto the land below wasn"t the brightest idea.Desktop Version
Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia
The Brighton Bathing Boxes on Melbourne"s Brighton Beach, painted with a rainbow of colours, are enduring relics. With recent additions bringing their total to 96, these huts have become one of Melbourne"s premier tourist attractions. The history of the bathing boxes is as colourful as their appearance. They first popped up on Brighton"s coastline in 1860, providing a modest cover for bathers swapping for their bathing suits. Worn out and damaged during the post-World War I depression, the beach huts received collective maintenance in 1934. Despite the upkeep, the multicoloured structures were faced with the threat of removal in 1952. But thanks to the Brighton Bathing Box Association for successfully securing their survival, we can still enjoy the vibrant coastguards today!Desktop Version
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Hidden among the forests of northern Armenia, Haghartsin Monastery is a gem of mediaeval Armenian architecture. Surrounded by the lush landscapes of Dilijan National Park, the monastery complex consists of several ornate structures, including the Church of the Holy Mother of God, St. Gregory"s Church and St. Stepanos" Church. The buildings date back to the 10th century and are adorned with intricately carved stone monuments, crossing arches and other decorative details, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the era. Haghartsin, which translates to "dance of the eagles," offers a serene escape for those seeking to connect with the country"s rich history. A sense of timelessness pervades as you wander through its quiet courtyards and explore the forested surroundings.Desktop Version
Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
In the sun-kissed orchards of the Golden State, almonds reign supreme, enticing the taste buds and adorning the natural surroundings. California grows 80 percent of the world"s commercial supply, and 100 percent of the United States". Almonds have heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are nutritional powerhouses, packed with fibre, protein and an array of vitamins and minerals. During February and March, in California"s Central Valley, these seeds—not nuts—emerge from the delicate blossoms of the almond tree and mature within a protective, fuzzy hull. These trees, which belong to the rose family, burst into a spectacle of beauty during full bloom, with fragrant flowers painting the orchards in hues of white and pink.Desktop Version
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
Welcome to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Located on the southern part of the island, this valley has art and history that echo through its green mountains, like Mount Prevost. The region is home to the band government of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nations band in British Columbia. The city of Duncan has an impressive collection of indigenous art, including intricate carvings and paintings. While here, you must visit the collection of totem poles, which stand as towering symbols of indigenous history as they depict ancestral legends and clan symbols.Desktop Version
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Enjoy the jungle adventure captured in today"s photo, as a group of tigers strolls through Ranthambore National Park. India is the global stronghold of these robust cats, with more than 70% of the world"s tiger population finding a home within its diverse landscapes. Given the significance of these majestic species, India adopted the tiger as its national animal in April 1972, following a recommendation by the National Board for Wildlife.Desktop Version
Polar bear cubs
Polar bear cubs
These apex predators live and hunt on Arctic sea ice. Their prey largely consists of seals, but they have been known to eat beluga whales, reindeer and other arctic animals. The polar bears in today"s image are in Kaktovik, a small Inupiat whaling community in Alaska, United States. The bears visit the village during autumn, attracted by unused remnants left on the streets by whale hunters. Polar bears exhibit remarkable mobility, traversing areas ranging from as small as 3,500 square kilometres to as expansive as 38,000 square kilometres in a year. Unlike some other bears, most polar bears remain active throughout the year. Hibernation is exclusive to pregnant females. Non-hibernating individuals maintain a regular 24-hour cycle, persisting even in conditions of continuous darkness or sunlight, although cycles shorter than a day are more prevalent during prolonged darkness.Desktop Version
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle perches over a black crag of volcanic rock in Northumberland, England. The castle area and the nearby beaches are covered by the region"s distinct sand landforms, the Bamburgh Dunes, seen in the foreground of today"s image. The fortress, once a strategic Anglo-Saxon stronghold, evolved over centuries into the imposing structure seen today. The castle played a pivotal role in defending against the Viking invasion in 993. However, the Norsemen destroyed the original fortification, after which significant enhancements were made during the mediaeval period.Desktop Version
Leap Day
Leap Day
Are you a "leapling?" No, not like this Eurasian red squirrel; rather, that"s the term for anyone born on leap day! A leap year is a calendar oddity that exists because Earth"s orbit and our usual year count are slightly out of sync. Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to revolve around the sun. To compensate for those extra 5 hours, February gets an extra day—leap day—every four years. The concept, dating back to the ancient Romans, was refined in the Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. While the purpose of the day is to keep our year aligned with the solar calendar, it can also serve as an extra day to prepare for spring! Cultures worldwide mark leap days and years with unique customs. In Ireland and Britain, women propose to men, in Greece, marrying during a leap year is said to bring misfortune, and in France, a satirical newspaper is published.Desktop Version
The holy city of Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi
Known for its sacred ghats and bustling alleys, Varanasi is a city on the banks of the Ganges in the northern part of India. Located about 120 kilometres downstream from Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, it is a major pilgrimage site for Hindu spirituality and tradition. The mighty Ganges is said to have originated in Lord Shiva"s hair and grown into the revered river that flows through Varanasi today. Along with Sarnath, the city has stood as a venerable centre of education and civilisation for over three millennia. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya founded the largest university in Asia, the Banaras Hindu University in this city, and the Theosophical Society, led by Annie Besant, also operated in Varanasi. Rightly referred to as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi continues to be a thriving platform for the flourishing of various artistic endeavours, including music, dance and philosophy.Desktop Version
Modica, Sicily, Italy
Modica, Sicily, Italy
When Italy comes to mind, iconic cities like Milan, Rome and Venice often steal the spotlight. However, on the island of Sicily lies a less famous gem—Modica. It"s a city that has risen from the rubble of an earthquake in 1693 to become an architectural wonderland of Baroque-style buildings. With fewer than 60,000 inhabitants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts cobbled lanes, echoing with powerful footprints—from prehistoric tribes to the ancient Greeks and Romans to the mediaeval Arabs and Normans. Landmarks like the San Giorgio Cathedral and San Pietro Church awe visitors with their grandeur, and Modica"s recognised chocolate, crafted with Aztec-inspired techniques, tempts the palates of food enthusiasts. So, the next time Italy beckons, how about taking the road less travelled to Modica?Desktop Version
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day
It"s time to step into the wild! World Wildlife Day is an annual event that emphasises the need for worldwide conservation efforts. This year"s theme focuses on advances in digital technology that can be used to help preserve wildlife: it can improve research, communication and DNA analysis. Digital platforms can also be a way to get younger people involved in the efforts to protect our planet"s animals.Desktop Version
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Greetings from tropical Costa Rica! The conical Arenal Volcano rises to an impressive height of 1,657 metres, standing tall above the surrounding rainforest and Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country. The sleepy mountain roared to life in a massive 1968 eruption that threw rocks for close to a kilometre. The last significant volcanic activity there took place in 2010, and the once lava-lit peak is currently dormant. With over 500 species of birds, Arenal Volcano National Park is a must-visit location for birdwatchers. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including red brocket deer, pumas, white-faced monkeys, orchids, heliconias and ferns. Arenal makes for an imposing and beautiful sight, towering over the tropical trees.Desktop Version