Polar Bear

A beautiful polar bear from Russia.Thank you Natalia!
Date: August 4

Falconry

Falconry in Bahrain is a traditional sport that dates back centuries, showcasing the deep connection between humans and birds of prey. It's not only a sport but also a significant part of Bahraini heritage, reflecting the skills, culture, and values passed down through generations. Falconry events and training sessions are popular, attracting both locals and tourists interested in experiencing this unique aspect of Bahraini culture. The architecture of falconry in Bahrain is designed to accommodate the needs of the falcons and their trainers. Facilities typically include aviaries, training areas, and sometimes a museum or cultural center that educates visitors about the history and importance of falconry in Bahrain.

Thank you very much Geethu !
Date: Oct 25

Iturup

Iturup is the largest island in the Kuril Islands, boasting unique nature and a complex history. Its landscape is shaped by volcanoes, dense coniferous forests, and picturesque calderas, including the famous Ilya Muromets waterfall. The island is rich in natural resources, notably a rhenium deposit on Kudryavy volcano. The shores of the island are high and abrupt and is marked by white pumice cliffs and black hexagonal pillars.

Tag: Favourites tag
Date: Nov 11

Belukha Mountain

Spring Akkem and Belukha Mountain, Altai.

Belukha Mountain is the highest peak of the Altai Mountains in Russia and the highest of the South Siberian Mountains system. It is part of the Golden Mountains of Altai World Heritage Site. Located in the Altai Republic, Belukha is a three-peaked mountain massif that rises along the border of Russia and Kazakhstan, just a few dozen miles north of the point where this border meets with the border of China. The surrounding terrain includes rugged alpine valleys and is in close proximity to the Katun River, which flows northwest from the range, and Lake Akkem, a turquoise lake situated at the base of the mountain's northern slopes. 

Unesco: Golden Mountains of Altai
Tag: Favourites tag
Date: July 29

Kölner Zoo - Elephant

The entire elephant area at Cologne Zoo covers about 20,000 m² including the elephant house with a 3,000 m² roof. This makes it the largest elephant park north of the Alps. Currently 11 Asian elephants live here, and very soon there will be 12!

Tag: Zoo tag
Date: Nov 27

Quanzhou

The serial site of Quanzhou illustrates the city’s vibrancy as a maritime emporium during the Song and Yuan periods (10th - 14th centuries AD) and its interconnection with the Chinese hinterland. Quanzhou thrived during a highly significant period for maritime trade in Asia. The site encompasses religious buildings, including the 11th century AD Qingjing Mosque, one of the earliest Islamic edifices in China, Islamic tombs, and a wide range of archaeological remains: administrative buildings, stone docks that were important for commerce and defence, sites of ceramic and iron production, elements of the city’s transportation network, ancient bridges, pagodas, and inscriptions.

The Quanzhou Twin Pagodas stand as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of ancient China. These two pagodas are the highest existing stone pagodas in China and are located within the historic grounds of the Kaiyuan Temple

Unesco: Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
Tag: Offer tag
Date: August 17

Sacramento Zoo - Red Kangaroo

Located in William Land Park and established in 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is one of the region's top attractions. The Zoo's collection consists of more than 500 animals, diverse botanical life and several specialized gardens. The Sacramento Zoo is home to four red kangaroos, Cheddar, Porter, Walter, and Jordon, the largest mammal in Australia.

Tag: Zoo tag
Date: Nov 16

Blinky Bill

Blinky Bill is an anthropomorphic koala and children's fictional character created by author and illustrator Dorothy Wall. While telling the adventures of Blinky Bill, a cheeky little boy in the form of a koala, the stories also present messages of conservation.

Thank you Marnie!
Date: Nov 16

Iturup

White rocks on the island of Iturup. The sea of Okhotsk.

Iturup is the largest island in the Kuril Islands, boasting unique nature and a complex history. Its landscape is shaped by volcanoes, dense coniferous forests, and picturesque calderas, including the famous Ilya Muromets waterfall. The island is rich in natural resources, notably a rhenium deposit on Kudryavy volcano. The shores of the island are high and abrupt and is marked by white pumice cliffs and black hexagonal pillars.

RR: November alternative RR
Date: Nov 11

Forsyth Park

During azalea time, Savannah is transformed into a sea of color and thousands upon thousands of plants burst into full bloom. This scene shows the Forsyth Park fountain which was modeled after the one in Place de la Concord, Paris, France.

Forsyth Park is a large city park that occupies 30 acres ) in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia. It contains walking paths, a children's play area, a Fragrant Garden for the blind, a large fountain, tennis courts, basketball courts, areas for soccer and Frisbee, and home field for Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club. From time to time, there are concerts held at Forsyth to the benefit of the public.

RR: Australia & New Zealand x world RR
Date: Nov 18

The Basilica of St. Mary of Mount Berico

The Church of St. Mary of Mount Berico is a Roman Catholic and minor basilica in Vicenza. The church is a Marian shrine, and stands at the top of a hill which overlooks the city.Built between the 17th and 18th centuries, the basilica showcases a striking Baroque style, with its elegant façade and stunning interiors adorned with intricate frescoes and captivating sculptures. The basilica is also home to the revered statue of Our Lady of Mount Berico, believed to have miraculous powers, drawing pilgrims who come to pay their respects.

Unesco: City of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto
RR: Unesco RR
Date: Nov 18

Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre is the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil. It is a major political, cultural, and economic hub, known for its mix of cultures, modern infrastructure, and significant green spaces. On the main square, Praça Marechal Deodoro, is the Renaissance-style Metropolitan Cathedral, with religious murals on the outside. The neoclassical Piratini Palace houses the state government. The 19th-century São Pedro Theater is nearby. The city is known as a gateway to the tall canyons of Aparados da Serra National Park.

Thank you Laura!
Date: Oct 6