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Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Today we"re stepping into the heart of the historic empire of Islamic Spain. The Royal Alcázar of Seville, in the southern region of Andalusia, stands on the site of a 10th century citadel, which was expanded over the following 200 years. When Christian forces captured the city in 1248, the Alcázar was almost totally rebuilt in the Mudejar style, which takes inspiration from the intricate patterns and decorative motifs found in Islamic architecture. Within the Alcázar, there are several courtyards lined with delicately carved columns. One of these is the Patio de las Doncellas, or Courtyard of the Maidens, pictured here today.Desktop Version
International Lighthouse Weekend
International Lighthouse Weekend
To mark International Lighthouse Weekend, we"re on England"s southwest coast, where Start Point Lighthouse looks out over the turbulent waters of the English Channel. The lighthouse is perched upon a rugged cliff on one of the country"s most exposed peninsulas, which stretches nearly a mile into the sea in the county of Devon. Built in 1836, the elegant lighthouse was designed by civil engineer James Walker in the Gothic style, as seen in its castle-like parapet. It has undergone many changes since then and more accommodation was added in the 1870s, but no lighthouse keepers live there now—it has been automated since 1993.Desktop Version
Prasat Phanom Rung temple ruins, Thailand
Prasat Phanom Rung temple ruins, Thailand
Today, let us step into the Phanom Rung Historical Park in Buriram province, Thailand. Here, Khmer architecture and history come to life. Built between the 10th and 13th centuries, this remarkable site served as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. It"s on the rim of an extinct volcano, offering views of the surrounding paddy fields and the towering Dongrek Mountains of Cambodia in the distance.Desktop Version
National Park Service anniversary
National Park Service anniversary
Though summer is winding down, it"s not too late to pack some gear and head into the great outdoors. Unsure where to go? Look no further than our 63 national parks, which exist thanks to the National Park Service, created on this day in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson. He ordered the service to preserve the landscape, wildlife, and history of the parks "in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." In other words, the park service was established for all of us! Just make sure that whether you"re visiting the islands of American Samoa, the glaciers of the North Cascades, the waterways of the Everglades, or the 308-foot Lower Falls of Yellowstone in today"s image, that you explore them with care and appreciation so that they can be preserved for centuries to come.Desktop Version
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, Austria
Today, we"re in the Austrian city of Salzburg, a place that never goes out of style. The Advent season here creates a magical atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable time to visit this city. Twinkling decorations bring the place to life, and the cosy scents of warm chestnuts, mulled wine and freshly baked cookies mingle in the air. During this time, Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, a world-famous traditional Advent market, is hosted here. Seen on the hill in today"s image is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, home to the popular Fortress Advent market, brimming with holiday cheer.Desktop Version
King of the jungle? Nope
King of the jungle? Nope
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Baby giant panda in China
Baby giant panda in China
Say hello to the giant panda. Native to China, these iconic black-and-white bears are more than just adorable. They play a crucial role in their bamboo forest ecosystem by dispersing seeds and fostering new vegetation growth, which benefits countless plants and animals.Desktop Version
Cousins Day
Cousins Day
Family gatherings wouldn"t be the same without them. Today, we are celebrating the unique bond between cousins. Cousins Day offers the perfect opportunity to reminisce about those shared adventures, secrets and the countless memories that have brought you closer together. First cousins share about 12.5% of their DNA; this could explain why you often have so much love and understanding with them. So, go ahead and make some plans with your cousins, whether it is a picnic or a shared meal at your favourite local haunt. And while you are at it, don"t forget to pose for a photo, much like this group of Swaledale sheep in the North Yorkshire dales of England. Chances are, there are at least a few cousins in this flock.Desktop Version
Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
Known for its pastel houses cascading down to the Mediterranean Sea, Manarola, seen in today"s image, looks like a place straight out of a fairytale. Perched on the rugged cliffs of Italy"s Ligurian coast, it"s one of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name "Manarola" might have evolved from the Latin "Magna rota," which became "Magna roea" in the local dialect. It means "large wheel," a nod to the village"s historical mill wheel. Believed to be the oldest village in the Cinque Terre, dating to 1338, Manarola"s history is rooted in fishing and winemaking. Sciacchetrà, a dessert wine unique to this area, has long been immortalised in the verses of Italian poets.Desktop Version
Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
Jutting into the sky above Els Ports Natural Park, the Roques de Benet are a cluster of rock formations in the Ports de Tortosa Beseit region of Catalonia, Spain. The tallest peak out of this cluster stands at an elevation of over 1,000 metres above sea level. Overlooking the Ebro delta, the peak offers views of streams and pine forests, with trails that lead into the mountains. The word Benet comes from Arabic, hinting at the varied past that the area has had, including both Arabic and Christian settlers. These days, the park is home to a variety of fauna, from ibex and otters to vultures and eagles. Animals aren"t the only inhabitants of the area. The villages nestled at the base of this massif have a sense of community and still maintain their shared traditions, such as the age-old craft of using vegetable fibres to create baskets and kitchen utensils.Desktop Version
International Day of Forests
International Day of Forests
Today we"re branching out and rooting for woodlands to celebrate the International Day of Forests! Established by the UN 11 years ago today, this day draws attention to the need to preserve and appreciate these essential ecosystems. Covering over 30% of the land on Earth, woodlands around the world contain an incredible variety of trees; there are thought to be over 60,000 species in total. Forests play a crucial role in supplying essential resources like food, water and medicines. Featured here is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in Uganda, which is home to 160 species of trees and 100 species of ferns, as well as an extraordinary 50% of the world"s mountain gorilla population. The forest has thickets of bamboo growing between the trees, making access on foot difficult, giving this Impenetrable Forest its name.Desktop Version
The cliffs and canyons of Zion National Park
The cliffs and canyons of Zion National Park
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International Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Ahoy, mateys, it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Today, landlubbers and seafarers alike put on their tricorn hats and hoist the Jolly Roger. The origin of this holiday goes back to a 1995 joke between two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers. During a racquetball game, one of them exclaimed "Aaarrr!" in response to an injury, and the concept of a day dedicated to pirate lingo was born. Initially an inside joke, Talk Like a Pirate Day gained popularity after the duo shared the idea with humourist Dave Barry in 2002, who promoted it in his syndicated column. Since then, it"s become a day of fun and parodic celebration—people don pirate costumes, engage in pirate-themed activities, like the kid on the ship in today"s image, and embrace mock pirate language. Whether ye be a seasoned buccaneer or a greenhorn, today be for all to enjoy. So, batten down the hatches, set sail and remember: on this day, everyone can be a pirate.Desktop Version
Glacial rivers, Iceland
Glacial rivers, Iceland
Glacial rivers in "the land of fire and ice"—Iceland—have shaped the landscape over thousands of years. The rivers seen in today"s image are formed from the meltwater of vast glaciers like Vatnajökull, Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland, covers over 3,000 square miles—approximately 10% of the country"s landmass. As the glaciers melt, the water carries fine sediments, creating a braided river system with a milky appearance that contrasts with the earthy tones of the volcanic terrain. Every spring and summer, the rivers swell with seasonal meltwater, continually shaping and reshaping the land. Aerial views reveal their intricate patterns, resembling complex artworks that interweave across the terrain toward the North Atlantic Ocean. The water in Iceland is more than just a beautiful sight; it plays a significant role in renewable energy. Its flow powers hydroelectric power stations, reinforcing Iceland"s status as a leader in sustainable energy.Desktop Version
Heavenly hot springs
Heavenly hot springs
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World Population Day
World Population Day
In 1987, the world population reached the five-billion mark, a milestone so significant that it spawned an international observance: Five Billion Day. Back then, the United Nations recognised the need to address the burgeoning issues tied to our global footprint. Thus, World Population Day was established in 1989. Today, it"s not just a day—it"s a call to action. Overpopulation stretches our planet"s resources thin, urging us to confront urgent matters like family planning, an increase in waste and pollution, or a lack of infrastructure. While metropolitan areas struggle with overcrowding, smaller places face the problem of decreasing population, leading to an imbalance. One such example is the Italian town of Gangi, Sicily, seen in today"s image. This village had about 16,000 residents in the 1950s, but today, it is home to a little more than 6,000. Keen on revitalisation, Gangi attracts attention by gifting abandoned houses to those committed to their restoration.Desktop Version
Summer Olympics begin in Paris
Summer Olympics begin in Paris
Today marks the start of the Summer Olympics in Paris. The City of Light becomes the second city, after London, to host the Summer Olympics for a third time. What makes these Games truly unique is the opening ceremony: rather than in a stadium, participants will parade along the Seine on a flotilla of boats, passing under the Pont Neuf, pictured here, and cheered by spectators lining both banks. Paris is no stranger to historic firsts; the 1900 Games in the city was where women competed for the first time, although only 22 out of 997 athletes were women.Desktop Version
Celebrating the tropics
Celebrating the tropics
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International Rock Day
International Rock Day
Are you ready to make some noise? It"s International Rock Day! Wait, not that sort of rock. Today, we"re all about granite, limestone and slate. There are three types of rock: igneous are formed from solidified magma and lava; sedimentary rocks are layers of sedimentary particles such as sand; and metamorphic rocks are the result of heat and pressure on other kinds of rock.Desktop Version
Rides above the tide
Rides above the tide
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Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil
Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil
Want to witness falls so grand that they make Niagara look modest? Let"s explore Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world. The name "Iguazu" comes from words in the regional languages Guarani or Tupi, which mean "big water." These series of waterfalls are formed by the Iguazu River, on the border between Argentina"s Misiones province and Brazil"s Paraná state. They feature a striking staircase formation, with a two-step cascade created by three layers of basalt.Desktop Version
Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival
For many Asian cultures, the point at which the moon reaches its fullest during the harvest season marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. It"s traditionally observed on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Dating back more than 3,000 years to China"s Shang Dynasty, this festival celebrates moon watching and the end of the harvest season. During the festivities, mooncakes—round delicacies filled with sweet bean paste, salted egg yolks or lotus seeds—are often shared among friends and family. Lanterns of different shapes, sizes and hues, symbolising good fortune, illuminate the night. Asian communities across the world come together to showcase a mélange of cultural performances, heartfelt renditions of the Moon Festival"s poetic tales.Desktop Version
Rocks and sand in the Sahara, Algeria
Rocks and sand in the Sahara, Algeria
From the Mediterranean coast to the vast Sahara desert, Algeria in North Africa has a wide variety of landscapes. Today, we"re exploring the area around the Tassili n"Ajjer plateau. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its rock formations and cave art. More than 15,000 ancient engravings, some dating back 12,000 years, depict scenes of daily life, hunting and mystical beings. After checking out this desert landscape, it"s time to head to town.Desktop Version
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
These fascinating red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in the United States" Utah are best explored on foot! The park"s hiking trails guide you among the world"s largest collection of hoodoos, which are rock spires formed by erosion. The horseshoe-shaped natural amphitheatres create a surreal landscape that changes with the play of sunlight. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Paiute people. Although there is no evidence of them having lived there permanently, Paiute Indians used the Paunsaugunt Plateau for seasonal hunting and gathering. Designated a national park in 1928, Bryce Canyon is dotted with several viewpoints like Inspiration Point, Yovimpa Point and Rainbow Point, which offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding topography.Desktop Version
Waterfall capital of the world?
Waterfall capital of the world?
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