Regions

Visual reminders of the force of nature, from the many volcanic cones dotting the countryside, to the deep groves where lava once flowed (now lush with vegetation growing in the rich soil), to turquoise lakes and hot springs filling calderas (collapsed volcano cones). Not to mention, you’re almost never without a view of the ocean. You can even hike up Mount Pico, a dormant volcano and the highest point in Portugal. The Azores are a mix of Hawaii and Old-World Europe, with a dash of the English countryside (lots of cows and grassy expanses). … [Read more...] about 5 reasons why it’s time to visit the Azores

Regarding the national construction and protection mission in the new period, General Lich asked the region’s Party Committee and chain-of-command to continue working with local Party Committees and authorities to direct units to practice combat plans, improve training quality, strictly observe discipline at all levels, get ready for search and rescue missions, better carry out mass mobilization work, and pay attention to building the people’s heart and mind disposition. They were requested to improve the efficiency of the external defense affairs as well. … [Read more...] about Defense Minister works with Military Region 2

This elaborate Opera house was built in 1884 when Manaus was in the middle of its rubber boom, it was flush with cash and home to several wealthy rubber barons. Times have since changed and therein lies much of the charm of this iconic building – as a relic from Manaus’  illustrious past. An ambitious Renaissance Revival building and no expenses spared project that set to bring European culture to the heart of the Brazilian rainforest. Life in the jungle can be unpredictable though, Teatro Amazonas’ fate was sealed when synthetic rubber emerged, the barons deserted Manaus and the theatre spent 90 years empty without hosting a single performance. The glory days of the rubber trade, a thing of the past. Today, Teatro Amazonas is among the most famous and celebrated of Brazil’s buildings with its iconic domed roof decorated with 36,000 tiles in the colours of the national flag once again playing host to concerts, its own annual film festival and of course … [Read more...] about Top Amazon experiences for the adventure traveller

Whatever you choose to do in Cappadocia, your visit will not disappoint. It is every bit as fantastical as the photos promise. It’s also fairly easy to get to: there are plenty of overnight buses from İstanbul to Cappadocia, while Turkish Airlines operates several direct flights from Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) to Kayseri Erkilet Airport, located in Kayseri just one hour’s drive from Göreme. … [Read more...] about Photograph of the week: Cappadoccia, Turkey

Gold medal winners in the 7s, Fiji’s 15-a-side team probably won’t advance out of their pool group, but their remaining matches will be entertaining, and a trip there is one you will cherish: incredible beaches, locals who will dazzle you with their friendliness (and white teeth), amazing eco-luxury resorts and world-class diving…no great vineyards though. … [Read more...] about Meaningful trips inspired by the Rugby World Cup