The Bahamas

The Bahamas extends 760 miles from the coast of Florida on the north-west almost to Haiti on the south-east. The group consists of 700 islands and 2,400 cays with an area of 13,878 sq. km across the Atlantic Ocean’s turquoise waters. Thirty of the islands are inhabited. The Bahamas offer an abundance of stunning beaches, untouched nature, and unique biodiversity. While the major islands offer modern conveniences for visitors, you can still find pockets of seclusion for a true escape. The Bahamas serves as a natural playground for those who love the sea and sand. Surfing, snorkelling, diving, and deep-sea fishing are just some of the many activities to enjoy. Head inland to find natural wonders like deep holes, underground caverns, and mangrove estuaries.

Many thanks Yulia!
Date: May 21

Tetrapylon

Located in southwestern Turkey, in the upper valley of the Morsynus River, the Unesco site Aphrodisias consists of two components: the archaeological site of Aphrodisias and the marble quarries northeast of the city. The temple of Aphrodite dates from the 3rd century BC and the city was built one century later. The wealth of Aphrodisias came from the marble quarries and the art produced by its sculptors. The city streets are arranged around several large civic structures, which include temples, a theatre, an agora and two bath complexes.

The monumental gateway to the city's main sanctuary, the Tetrapylon at Aphrodisias is one of the city's most impressive monuments. The remarkable preservation of the structure—about 85% of its physical fabric survives—allowed for a complete scientific reconstruction, which was completed in 1991.

Unesco: Aphrodisias
Many thanks Marcel!
Date: July 5

Greetings from... Mauritius

Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox. Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.

Many thanks Pat!
Date: July 3

London Zoo

Beautiful sloths, a nice souvenir from my visit to London Zoo.
Date: July 11

Tower of Hercules

The Tower of Hercules has served as a lighthouse and landmark at the entrance of La Coruña harbour in north-western Spain since the late 1st century A.D. when the Romans built the Farum Brigantium. The Tower, built on a 57 metre high rock, rises a further 55 metres. The site also features a sculpture park, the Monte dos Bicos rock carvings from the Iron Age and a Muslim cemetery. The Roman foundations of the building were revealed in excavations conducted in the 1990s. Many legends from the Middle Ages to the 19th century surround the Tower of Hercules, which is unique as it is the only lighthouse of Greco-Roman antiquity to have retained a measure of structural integrity and functional continuity.

Unesco: Tower of Hercules
RR: 10x10 RR
Date: July 7

Royal Palace of Aranjuez

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family. Established in the 16th century as a royal hunting lodge, the palace was built by order of Philip II. The royal estate comprises a set of landscaped and ornate gardens and woodlands that house an extensive botanical collection. The palace, gardens and associated buildings are part of the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Currently it houses a museum on the ground floor, the royal rooms and gardens are open to the public. The entire structure is built in red brick with white limestone details from Colmenar de Oreja.

Unesco: Aranjuez Cultural Landscape
RR: All about your country RR
Date: July 8

Adélie penguins

The Adélie penguin is a species of penguin common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent, which is the only place where it is found.

RR: Australia & New Zealand x World RR
Date: June 29

Flags of the World - Nigeria

The flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was designed in 1959 and first officially hoisted on 1 October 1960. The flag has three vertical bands of green, white, green. The two green stripes represent natural wealth, and the white represents peace and unity. The coat of arms of Nigeria consists of a black shield with a wavy white pall, symbolizing the meeting of the Niger and Benue Rivers at Lokoja. The black shield represents Nigeria's fertile soil, while the two supporting horses or chargers on each side represent dignity.

Many thanks Taouvik!
Date: June 7

The Big Tasmanian Devil

Located in the small town of Mole Creek in Tasmania, Australia, The Big Tasmanian Devil is a popular attraction for visitors. The statue is situated at the entrance to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a wildlife conservation park dedicated to preserving endangered and native species of Tasmania. This makes it an ideal stop for those interested in learning about the unique and native wildlife of the area.

RR: Australia & New Zealand x World RR
Date: June 30

Trier Imperial Baths

The Imperial Baths at Trier is a vast Roman thermal bathing complex constructed in the 4th century CE. The building, which would have been one of the largest of its kind, was never completed and there is evidence that it was later employed as a military barracks when Germanic tribes sacked Trier. The complex was converted into a castle during the Middle Ages.

Unesco: Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St Peter and Church of Our Lady in Trier
RR: Australia & New Zealand x World RR
Date: July 10