The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC and formerly Zaire) has a history that’s difficult to take in. From the mismanagement of Belgium’s King Leopold, to the corrupt leader Mobutu Sese Seko, to the battlegrounds of Africa’s horrific “world war,” the country has experienced long periods of instability. But the second largest African nation is staging …
The Comoros Islands, scattered off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is not your typical destination spot. If you want to drop off the face of the Earth for a bit or if you want outrageous locals to pass the time with then book your flight now. You won’t find the standard hallmarks …
In a handy neck of the woods between Houston and the North Barrier Coast, Pasadena (Texas) is close to the big bay-side landmarks like the Johnson Space Center and San Jacinto Battleground, but also a quick ride from Houston’s downtown and museums. Pasadena is one for people who can see the beauty in heavy industry, …
Macon is one of those cities that keeps alive the architectural splendour of the Old South. Ever hospitable, the city has one of the south’s largest and most beautiful collections of antebellum churches and homes. Take your time to walk the city streets adorned by thousands of cherry trees, snapping the old brick buildings that …
Hayward, California, is an affordable and convenient base that lets you explore every nook of the Bay Area with ease. You’re close to the water here on the East Bay and the Hayward Hills behind the city offer a clear panorama that captures San Francisco, Fremont, Silicon Valley and Oakland with one memorable view. The …
Educated, progressive, safe and awash with parkland, Springfield (Massachusetts) is a city shooting up the lists of America’s favourite places to live. Springfield often describes itself as the “City of Firsts” for its many innovations, the big ones being motorcycles and basketball. To recognise its origins the Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield …
Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and largest city, marking the intersection between Eastern and Central Europe for more than a thousand years. For a modern capital Zagreb has a kind of small-town charm, with an expansive old hilltop district of cobblestone streets and squares lit to this day by gas lamps. Down the slope you’ll see …
Pushing out into the Adriatic and basking in one of the world’s most beautiful sunsets, the old town of Zadar in Croatia is almost overflowing with heritage. This small finger of land almost entirely encircled by stone defences and boasts more historic churches than you’ll be able to get through in one trip. In Zadar …
Split, on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, feels like a city that time has forgotten. The ancient centre is like nothing you’ll have seen before, with a whole district taken up by a sprawling Roman palace, going strong after 1700 years. Over the centuries this architecture has been kept intact and then incorporated into newer buildings, like …
01. Licorice Every citizen of the empire is forced to eat at least one bag of salted licorice a week, those that can’t keep a straight face while finishing the bag will be beheaded. 02. Nose picking From now on picking your nose in public will be acceptable behaviour. 03. The bicycle The bicycle …