Fata Morgana: A wintry optical illusion
No, it’s not the offspring of a celebrity. It’s a pretty cool illusion that takes place when temperatures are also pretty cool – well, actually, very cool. Cold, in fact. Freezing cold.
Tió de Nadal: The pooping Catalonian Christmas log
The Tió de Nadal tradition is found in Catalonia, and I think it’s fair to say it’s a little odd to an outsider like me.
Everything you’ve always wanted to know about Christmas in Germany
Every year, thousands of Brits take the short journey over to Germany during the festive season to explore the markets and enjoy the beautiful Christmassy atmosphere. To me, it’s the home of Christmas, and they definitely do it best. The decorations, the food, the traditions, the castles with snow on them – perfection!
3 festive beverage recipes from around the world
It’s mulled wine season! My exclamation mark suggests that I’m thrilled by this but, to be honest, I’m not that fussed. Heating the wine just seems to accelerate the hangover feelings for me. No one wants that. So, this year I shall be trying these three alternative festive drinks from around the world instead. Not all at once.
Zellige: Morocco’s beautiful yet flawed mosaics
We tend to take tiles for granted in Britain. To us, they’re just the go-to wall covering for bathrooms and kitchens, mainly because they’re waterproof and easily wipe-cleanable. But in Morocco, tiles are put to far more aesthetically pleasing uses.
Naga fireballs: The Mekong river’s strange glowing balls
Every October, Asia’s Mekong River is particularly unpeaceful – not because of hydroelectric dams or floating markets (although it does have those things), but because the river appears to be spontaneously releasing balls of fire up into the sky.
A brief history of fireworks around the world
Most people associate Bonfire Night with the story of Guy Fawkes’ failed attempt at blowing up the Houses of Parliament with gunpowder. But did you know that fireworks are thought to have been invented by accident long before the invention of gunpowder?
Jellyfish: The world’s wateriest animal
Once, on a day trip to the beach, I saw hundreds of dead jellyfish washed up on the sand. What could’ve happened? How did they get there? Why were there so many?
Sri Siva Subramaniya: The world’s most colourful temple
There are plenty of beautiful buildings in the world but there’s always going to be something extra special about one that’s been built to worship a higher being. And this probably helps to explain why the Sri Siva Subramaniya temple in Nadi, Fiji is so impressive… Being a Hindu temple, it was built to worship many, many higher beings!
UFO sightings from around the world
UFO sightings are reported by people from all over the world. Captured on their camera phones (and some with a bit of help from Photoshop too), unidentified flying objects bewilder both believers and non-believers.