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The staircase of the Fortress of Palamidi, Nafplio, Greece
The staircase of the Fortress of Palamidi, Nafplio, Greece
Some landmarks invite you in. This one makes you work for it—857 steps, eight bastions and centuries of power plays later, the Fortress of Palamidi still believes history should be earned the hard way. Rising 216 metres above the city of Nafplio in Greece, this Venetian-built stronghold dates to 1714. Each bastion of this impressive fortification is designed as an independent unit so that if one fell, the others could still be defended. The Ottomans captured the fortress a year after completion, and Greece reclaimed it in 1822, renaming the bastions after heroes like Achilles and Leonidas. Today, visitors often test themselves on the fortress"s famous staircase—once believed to have 999 steps, though the actual count is 857. At the top, sweeping views of the Argolic Gulf make every step worthwhile.Desktop Version
Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
There are big statues—and then there"s the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved into a riverside cliff at the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu Rivers in Sichuan, China, this statue is an ancient engineering marvel. Construction began in 713 CE under a monk named Hai Tong, who hoped that the Buddha"s presence would calm dangerous river currents that threatened passing boats. He was so devoted that when funding ran out, he reportedly gouged out his own eyes to prove his sincerity. Construction took roughly 90 years and was completed long after Hai Tong"s death. At 71 metres tall, it is the largest stone Buddha in the world. Its shoulders stretch about 28 metres wide, its ears measure nearly 7 metres long and each foot extends 8.5 metres. Drainage channels built inside the statue protect it from erosion, helping explain its remarkable preservation for more than 12 centuries.Desktop Version
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Beneath Heidelberg"s winter sky in Germany, stalls sparkle with snow globes, each capturing the spirit of the season in a miniature world. Today, Christmas—a Christian celebration of faith, light and togetherness—invites us to welcome warmth and joy into the coldest days of the year. Across continents, candles glow on windowsills and garlands twine through homes and streets. Evergreen trees stand adorned, their branches heavy with ornaments and gifts waiting quietly beneath.Desktop Version
Mother manatee and calf, Crystal River, Florida, United States
Mother manatee and calf, Crystal River, Florida, United States
Forget dolphins doing flips or sharks stealing headlines—manatees win hearts by doing, well, almost nothing. And that"s the charm. Manatees are found in the warm coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Amazon Basin and West Africa. They can weigh up to 550 kilograms, yet their diet is strictly vegetarian. These whiskered mammals are slow swimmers in a fast-paced world. They cruise at around 5 miles per hour—great for relaxing, not so great when speedboats come charging through. That"s why "no-wake zones," or sections of waterways with a strict speed limit, are there to keep manatees safe.Desktop Version
International Mountain Day
International Mountain Day
Every 11 December, we celebrate International Mountain Day, honouring the majestic peaks that shape our planet and the glaciers that support life. From the rolling Alps to the towering Himalayas, mountains cover nearly a quarter of Earth"s land and host 15% of the world"s population and nearly half of its biodiversity hotspots. Mount Everest, the world"s highest peak at over 8,800 metres, stands as a symbol of human aspiration and natural beauty. Its glaciers feed rivers sustaining millions, showing that mountains are more than scenery—they are lifelines.Desktop Version
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Think modern sports are dramatic? Ancient Romans had front-row seats to spectacles far more intense inside the Colosseum. Commissioned by the Flavian emperor Vespasian in 72 CE and finished by his son Titus in 80 CE, this amphitheatre broke tradition with its predecessors that were built into hillsides for natural support. Instead, the Colosseum was a fully free-standing architectural giant. Crafted from stone and concrete, its arches and vaults supported an arena that could host up to 50,000 spectators. Gladiators, exotic animals and even staged sea battles thrilled the crowds, while hidden elevators and trapdoors created sudden, dramatic appearances.Desktop Version
Irohazaka Road in autumn, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
Irohazaka Road in autumn, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
If you think the alphabet is straightforward, Japan"s Irohazaka Road in Nikko will twist that belief right out of you. Named after the old Japanese syllabary "Iroha," this mountain pass once had 48 hairpin bends—each curve matched to a character of the alphabet. Today, it"s a pair of separate one-way roads—one goes up, the other comes down and both make drivers feel as if they"re spelling out a story with every turn.Desktop Version
Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States
Bandon Beach in Bandon, Oregon, United States
Exit Highway 101, and Bandon, in Oregon, United States, greets visitors with salty air and the gentle clang of harbour bells. The town began as a small settlement in the 1850s and grew into a centre for timber and salmon fishing. Cranberries became a key crop and are still celebrated each September during the Cranberry Festival. Old Town reflects that past with boardwalk cafés and galleries, while the Coquille River Lighthouse stands restored at Bullards Beach as a reminder of the days when its beacon guided ships.Desktop Version
Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
They"ve got long beards, red hats and a knack for stealing a tad of Santa"s thunder every Christmas. Meet the gnome—known as "tomte" in Sweden and "nisse" in Norway—whose traditions vary across regions. Rooted in Scandinavian folklore, these tiny guardians watch over homes and farms, keeping families safe through long, dark winters. But there"s a catch: treat them kindly, or they may play tricks. A warm bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve is their favourite reward. Said to bring luck and laughter, they might even befriend your garden gnomes, since they often resemble them.Desktop Version
Aerial view of Venice, Italy
Aerial view of Venice, Italy
Seeing Venice from above is mesmerising, but this Italian gem"s true magic lies within its walls and waterways. Founded in the 5th century on a cluster of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the early settlement rose from marshland to become a maritime powerhouse. By the Middle Ages, it had evolved into a major hub for trade between Europe and the East, fuelling immense wealth and cultural growth. The city"s grandeur shines through its Gothic palaces, Renaissance art and landmarks such as St Mark"s Basilica, the Doge"s Palace and the Rialto Bridge.Desktop Version
Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar Camel Fair
Every fall, the desert town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India, comes alive with one of the most colourful gatherings—the Pushkar Camel Fair. Timed with the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, it usually takes place between late October and early November on the Gregorian calendar. This year, the celebrations stretch from today until November 5, marking the region"s most anticipated season.Desktop Version
Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Today, we travel to the Arashiyama district in Kyoto, renowned for its captivating seasonal landscapes. Here, vibrant Japanese maple trees and serene bamboo forests create a harmonious blend of colour and tranquillity. These maples, known for their delicate, deeply lobed leaves, turn fiery shades of red, orange and gold during autumn, attracting visitors from around the world. They are celebrated not only for their beauty but also for their cultural symbolism—representing elegance, peace and the fleeting nature of life.Desktop Version
World Jellyfish Day
World Jellyfish Day
They don"t have brains, bones or even hearts, yet jellyfish have pulsed through Earth"s oceans for half a billion years. Today, on World Jellyfish Day, these wobbly wonders get their moment in the sun—or at least under the sea. The day promotes efforts to protect jellyfish habitats from threats like pollution, nutrient-rich runoff and ocean acidification.Desktop Version
Boxing Day
Boxing Day
The best thing about Boxing Day is that it doesn"t ask much of you. No big countdown. No dramatic unwrapping. No last-minute dashes for batteries. It"s a rare holiday that says, "Sit down, finish your leftovers and take a moment." Celebrated on December 26 in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, it"s a national cool-down after Christmas has done all the heavy lifting. The term goes back to Victorian Britain, when households prepared Christmas boxes for workers and tradespeople—tokens of thanks that ranged from coins to essentials. Churches joined in by opening alms boxes and distributing donations.Desktop Version
Reindeer, Lapland, Finland
Reindeer, Lapland, Finland
Few creatures evoke the magic of the holidays quite like the reindeer. Also known as caribou, they are the spirit animals of Christmas lovers—and they rock it. Sturdy and sure-footed, they"ve been pulling Santa"s sleigh ever since Clement Clarke Moore cast them in the role in his 1823 poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas." And they were born for it. Their hooves shrink in winter to expose a gripping rim, then expand in warmer months for better traction. Still not impressed? Consider this: reindeer don"t have an internal clock. Instead, their melatonin—the hormone that regulates sleep—adjusts to light and darkness, helping them stay awake through endless nights of gift delivery. They carry Santa through the air, excel on land and move effortlessly through icy waters, thanks to their strong swimming skills.Desktop Version
Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia
Of all the plants on Earth, the quiver tree looks the most like a vision from the future. Found in Southern Africa, including parts of Namibia, these striking giants are not true trees but a species of aloe adapted to life under the desert"s scorching sun. Their thick trunks store water, while their branches reflect heat, helping them endure harsh conditions. Reaching up to 7 metres in height, with some living for more than 100 years, quiver trees are also vital to their ecosystem. They offer rare perches and nesting sites for birds in landscapes where few other trees exist.Desktop Version
Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA
Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA
Every December, as morning unfolds, a chorus of rattling calls fills the marshes of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This 57,000-acre (23,000-hectare) sanctuary in central New Mexico, United States, prepares to stage one of nature"s most stirring performances as sandhill cranes return from their seasonal journey. Soon, tens of thousands of snow geese and other migratory birds join the scene, filling the sky with movement and sound.Desktop Version
National Hiking Day
National Hiking Day
National Hiking Day is more than a date—it"s an invitation to step away from screens and into the rhythm of nature. This day celebrates the simple act of walking under open skies and reminds us that health and happiness often begin with a single stride. From the rolling hills of the Lake District to the rugged cliffs of the South West Coast Path, Britain"s trails are diverse. The Peak District was the country"s first national park and remains a hiker"s favourite. Meanwhile, Snowdonia National Park in Wales promises climbs that make your calves burn.Desktop Version
National Poinsettia Day
National Poinsettia Day
Some plants simply sit quietly on windowsills. The poinsettia? It demands the spotlight. Bright, bold and as red as Rudolph"s nose, this December diva even has its own holiday—National Poinsettia Day, celebrated on December 12. Prior to becoming a popular Christmas decoration, this shrub had quite a journey. Long before it appeared in living rooms, it grew wild in Mexico, where the Aztecs used it for dyes and medicine. Then, in the 1820s, US diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett spotted the plant, fell for its charm and sent it home. The rest, as they say, is history—and botany.Desktop Version
Eurasian lynx
Eurasian lynx
Think of a cat that can vanish into the forest without a sound—that"s the Eurasian lynx. With its tufted ears and a piercing gaze, this feline is the largest of the four lynx species. Stretching over a metre in length and standing as tall as 75 centimetres at the shoulder, the Eurasian lynx is built for power and precision. Its padded paws aren"t just for sneaking; they act like snowshoes, spreading its weight so it can chase down prey in deep winter drifts. Mostly a nocturnal hunter, it spends its days tucked away in thickets or rocky dens, venturing out under the cover of darkness to stalk deer, hares and squirrels.Desktop Version
Fiji Day
Fiji Day
Some dates mark a single milestone—Fiji"s October 10 marks two. On that day in 1874, the islands officially became a British colony. Almost a century later, in 1970, the same date saw Fiji raise its own flag and declare independence. Fiji Day is a unique national holiday—part reflection, part celebration. The day begins with formal ceremonies, where the Fijian flag is hoisted and leaders deliver speeches. Schools and community groups often stage reenactments and performances. Streets fill with parades, villages host cultural dances like the meke and rugby pitches come alive with matches. Families prepare traditional dishes like lovo, where meat and root crops are cooked underground, and kokoda, a citrus-marinated fish dish.Desktop Version
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day
Each year, International Archaeology Day—observed on the third Saturday of October—invites us to literally look beneath the surface. Established in 2011 by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), it"s celebrated worldwide through events, tours and hands-on excavations.Desktop Version
Polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
Polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada
What"s drawing scientists, travellers and cameras to Manitoba, Canada, this week? Polar Bear Week is here, and it"s more than a date on the calendar. The town of Churchill takes centre stage. Each autumn, hundreds of polar bears gather near here, waiting for the bay to freeze so they can hunt seals again—their primary food source. Ever wondered how they stay warm? A thick layer of fat and a dense undercoat trap heat. Their tangle-resistant hairs shake dry after swimming, and natural oils stop the coat from freezing. Sadly, warmer temperatures delay that freeze, forcing the bears to fast for longer. To cope with the delay, they rest, conserve energy and sometimes wander the area. Scientists track their movements to learn how migration patterns shift each year. Polar Bear Week celebrates these mammals while reminding us that their future depends on what we do about a warming planet.Desktop Version
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Do you feel as if you have a whole year"s worth of rest to catch up on? Then you can relate to this Arctic fox, cosily tucked among the rocky outcroppings of the frozen tundra. Whether the new year greets you with biting cold or under a warm sun, take five extra minutes to stretch before diving into the 365 days ahead.Desktop Version
Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
On Florida"s southern tip lies one of the United States" most unusual landscapes. The Everglades is not a typical swamp or river. It is a slow, shallow sheet of water that drifts south across flat grasslands toward Florida Bay, linking forests, marshes, mangroves and coastal prairies. This subtropical wilderness supports hundreds of species, including alligators, manatees and the endangered Florida panther. On 6 December, 1947, the United States established the Everglades National Park, protecting over 1.5 million acres and shifting conservation toward preserving entire ecosystems rather than isolated landmarks.Desktop Version