Author: Ms. R.

This tree, thought to be over 1,000 years old, is truly remarkable, not just because of its age but also due to its link to Malta’s ancient farming methods. The carob tree, which is native to the Mediterranean, has been grown on the island for many years for its sturdy pods. These pods were important for food, animal feed, and even as a way to measure precious stones, leading to the term “carat.”  The tree’s large size and its……

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One of Dallas’s best-kept secrets remains just as recondite as it was during its Prohibition heyday. Top o’ Hill Terrace, known to some as “Vegas before Vegas,” was designed and built to cover outright debauchery under a façade of only the most prim and proper dining that the suburbs of Dallas could offer.  Top o’ Hill Terrace began its life as exactly what it seemed to be: an exclusive, upstanding restaurant nestled in a beautiful, spacious campus at one of……

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The Queen’s Lane Coffee House in Oxford, England, claims to be the oldest continuously run coffee house in Europe. It sure is old, having been established in 1654 by a Levantine Jew from Syria named Cirques Jobson, though it has only been located on the present site since (circa) 1970. There is another claimant to the title in Oxford, the Grand Café on High Street, which was originally founded in 1650, a coffee house opened by a Jewish entrepreneur……

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Ernie Adams was a gearhead from an early age. As a child, he would attach junkyard motors to bicycles and wagons to make running vehicles. In 1962, he came up with the idea of building miniature versions of real cars. By 1965, he was able to build a working scaled-down 1928 Chevy two-door sedan made out of nine old refrigerators and powered by a two-cylinder, 13-horsepower Onan motor. Since then, Adams has built countless 11/16th scale model cars, all……

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The sun is just starting to rise over the Austrian town of Grossarl on the morning of December 21, the date of the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s Thomastag, or Thomas Day, in remembrance of the Apostle Thomas, who doubted the resurrection of Christ the longest and was the last disciple to “move out of the darkness.” Grossarl is an historic market town in the Tyrolean Alps encircled by working dairy farms……

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The Vyne, a grand Tudor mansion, is steeped in history and intrigue. Its elegant architecture, exquisite gardens, and fascinating artifacts offer a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants. However, within its historied walls is an intriguing ring wrapped in a story of gods, curses, and theft, a ring that some claim was an inspiration for one of the most iconic objects in literature.  Known as the Ring of Senicianus (or the Ring of Silvianus), the gold ring……

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Rafting through the Cañon del Güejar means traversing through 500 million-year-old rock formations amid the Sierra de la Macarena (Macarena Mountain Range), one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. It is part of the Guiana Shield, an ancient geological formation that spans parts of Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and southern Venezuela. It is a ride through archaic landscapes, primeval forests, and the cascading waterfalls of the Rio Güejar (Güejar river).   The region is relatively new to tourism…….

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Situated on Calle Real, one of Almunecar’s oldest and most scenic streets, this curious fountain dates back to 1559. Remains of the Roman aqueduct are encased in glass beside the fountain. The fountain’s design features a traditional Andalusian style with ornate stonework, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship typical of the period. The fountain served as a communal gathering spot where locals would collect water and socialize, playing a central role in daily life. This historic fountain is a functional piece of urban……

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Through the city of Sendai runs the Hirose River. It has several stream pools along its course, one of which is known as Kashikobuchi, or the Wise Abyss, and there is a chilling legend that accounts for its name. Once upon a time, a local man was fishing by this stream pool when he found a gossamer thread tied around his ankle. Finding it strange, the man undid it and instead tied it around the trunk of a nearby……

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Masumoto Family Farm is a fourth-generation Japanese-American farm outside of Fresno, California, run by David “Mas” Masumoto and his daughter, Nikiko. The family focuses on growing heirloom stone fruits and grapes, steered by their belief that, above all else, fruit should taste amazing. That seems like an obvious goal, but in the modern market, durability and appearance have long trumped flavor in the produce aisles. So by growing delicious heirloom varieties, the Masumotos are making a radical choice. And……

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This museum’s primary focus is on musical instruments that represent the diverse musical traditions of Morocco and the surrounding region. Visitors can examine a comprehensive collection of musical instruments from various ethnic and cultural groups. The displays provide context about the historical significance, construction techniques, and cultural importance of these musical artifacts. Traditional Moroccan music is classified by its kaleidoscopic regional variations. Among the most common styles are Amazigh, Andalusi, malhun, chaabi, aita, reggada, gnawa, and guedra. Each of……

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