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Dec 24, 2023Christmas Eve

There"s a certain magic in knowing that in towns around the world, shops are closing, streets are emptying and friends and families are gathering together to take comfort in the company of one another on Christmas Eve. Each of us has our own traditions, from filling stockings to hosting parties and playing festive music. Today"s snapshot portrays the annual celebration in the Town Hall Square of Tartu, Estonia, which is illuminated with gleaming lights and adorned with a display of Christmas trees. Tartu"s Christmas fair has a merry atmosphere, featuring sleigh rides, fire kettles and wooden animal carousels. All of this is accompanied by smoked meats, hot drinks and crispy gingerbread. Whether you"re watching a classic holiday movie or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa as the clock strikes twelve, let the Christmas spirit reign on this peaceful night—and don"t forget the milk and cookies!Desktop Version

Reflecting on Christmas

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Golden cliffs of deep space

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Jan 12, 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea

Just a few kilometres north of the bustling capital city of Seoul, South Korea"s Bukhansan National Park is a treasured retreat for city dwellers and international visitors. The park, established in 1983, hosts lush forests, ancient temples and the three granite peaks of Bukhan Mountain. Among the park"s ridges and valleys, water deer, wild boar, chipmunks and squirrels roam freely. A careful ear might pick out the rat-a-tat of woodpeckers or the chirpy melody of the various songbirds that perch in the trees. The park is also home to Bukhansanseong Fortress, whose current structure dates to 1711. The fortification was constructed to protect Seoul from external threats, which it did during the Korean War.Desktop Version

Nov 5, 2023Playa del Silencio, Spain

Spain"s Asturias region, known for its green setting, rich artistic legacy and excellent food, has a lot of hidden gems—like the one in today"s image. The Playa del Silencio—Beach of Silence in English—is a shell-shaped cove with a serene ambience and a natural rock amphitheatre. The beach"s isolation from urban areas and the absence of commercial establishments and noisy crowds contribute to the sense of solitude. The rugged cliffs and golden sands provide an ideal place to soak in its peaceful vibes, while nearby caves and water activities provide exciting adventures for those who crave them.Desktop Version

Take the trail more travelled by

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Oct 18, 2023Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is situated on Kodiak Island in Alaska. This refuge was established as a refuge in 1941 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt"s leadership. Kodiak Island boasts a diverse landscape that includes an extensive shoreline spanning hundreds of kilometres as well as lakes, marshes, bogs and meadows. Did you know that the contains seven major rivers and about 100 streams? The island"s towering mountains are adorned with fjord inlets and lush vegetation, including sedges, alders, spruces, vibrant wildflowers and delicious berries. A wild inhabitant of the islands, the Kodiak bear, the largest subspecies of brown bear, is named after the archipelago.Desktop Version

Nov 19, 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia

Among Estonia"s array of natural sites is the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, established in 1994. This occasionally ice-covered, vast area of wetlands, forests, and rivers is the largest natural reserve in Estonia. From the majestic white-tailed eagle to the elusive black stork, over 200 bird species can be found here. Situated in the county of Tartu and covering an expanse of 341 square kilometres, this reserve hosts unspoiled wilderness. A tapestry of aquatic forests unfolds here: still water, bog and floodplain forests, dotted with elongated sedge plants. Winding trails and boardwalks here invite explorers to craft their own adventures.Desktop Version

Oct 12, 2023Old barn and canola field, Palouse region, Idaho

The Palouse region is a captivating blend of natural beauty and agriculture. The undulating landscape covers parts of Idaho and Washington and is known for its rolling hills filled with wheat, legumes and canola, seen here today. It is often described as a patchwork quilt of colours. Visitors can take up activities like hiking, birdwatching, enjoying the sunset and practising photography. If you wish to observe various agricultural methods, you can even speak to farmers or the owners of the farms. One can easily spot some old barns with rusty roofs and weathered wood that tell tales of harvests and hardships faced by generations of farmers. So, before you eat your next meal, we encourage you to take a moment and think of the workers who produced that food from the land.Desktop Version

Dec 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy

You might have heard of a pool of tears, but have you ever heard of a lake of tears? Well, legend has it that Lake Misurina, pictured here, in Italy"s Dolomites, was born from the sorrow of a giant named Sorapis. At more than 1,700 metres above sea level, it is the largest natural lake in the Cadore region, with its perimeter stretching more than two kilometres. The area around the lake is known for its beneficial climate, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Its crystal-clear waters and surrounding hotels provide a perfect getaway for up to 500 visitors. The lake played a role in the 1956 Winter Olympics, where it hosted speed skating events on natural ice, and it has even been immortalised in a pop song by singer Claudio Baglioni.Desktop Version

Jul 31, 2024Hoodoos, Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Let"s take a trip to a forest of stones: Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, USA. In the park, named after the Mormon pioneer Ebenezer Bryce, lies Sunset Point, seen in today"s image, a spot to see the hoodoos. These rock formations are created by frost weathering and stream erosion, which shape the stone into an otherworldly landscape. Perched at 2,438 to 2,743 metres, this overlook offers a panoramic view of rocky spires in red, orange and white. The most iconic of them is Thor"s Hammer, a hoodoo that overlooks a part of the park known as the "Silent City." The Queen"s Garden Trail, which leads from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point, offers even more vistas and rock formations, including the Queen Victoria hoodoo. According to the legend told by the Paiute indigenous people who inhabited this area, hoodoos are people who have been turned to stone for their misdeeds by the trickster Coyote. Whether you"re a hiker, a photographer or simply a traveller, the hoodoos are waiting.Desktop Version

Dec 23, 2023Chinstrap penguins

Imagine you are in South Sandwich Islands, and you see this cute creature! Chinstrap penguins are easily identifiable birds that inhabit the icy and rocky shores of Antarctica and its surrounding islands. Named for the distinctive thin black line that runs across their chin and under their heads, these medium-sized penguins stand out with their black and white plumage. These social birds are known for their lively and energetic behaviour, both on land and in the water. Agile swimmers, chinstrap penguins use their powerful flippers to navigate the frigid waters in search of their primary diet—small fish, krill, and other marine creatures. Adult chinstraps typically reach a height of about 68 to 76 centimetres and weigh between 3.2 to 5.3 kilograms.Desktop Version

Dec 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands intrigues visitors from all over the world with its historic canals, versatile architecture, and laidback atmosphere. The city"s history can be traced back to the 12th century, when it was a fishing village on the banks of the Amstel River. Today, it boasts institutions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Eye Film Museum and the National Maritime Museum, which offer insights into the country"s history and arts legacy. Amsterdam"s canal ring area, built around the turn of the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to its fair share of restaurants, vintage shops and outdoor markets, especially in neighbourhoods like Oud-West, pictured in today"s image. Get ready to pedal because Amsterdam"s cycling culture is ubiquitous. With approximately 514 kilometres of bike lanes, it"s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.Desktop Version

Sep 25, 2024Giant sequoias, Sequoia National Park, California, USA

Today"s image features the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park in California, . Named after the trees that dominate the landscape, the park spans more than 1629 square kilometres and is home to wildlife such as black bears, mule deer and over 200 species of birds, including warblers, vireos and flycatchers. The giant sequoia trees here have been rooted for more than 2,200 years and are among Earth"s oldest living organisms. The park"s renowned General Sherman tree rises to an astonishing 83 metres. Named after the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, it"s not only tall but is also more than 10 metres wide. Visitors flock to capture moments among these ancient giants, whose reddish-brown, fibrous bark and wide-reaching branches evoke a sense of living history.Desktop Version

Dec 4, 2024Navy Day

With waves of pride and sails of courage, India celebrates Navy Day today. Initially, the occasion aligned with Trafalgar Day, marking the United Kingdom"s Royal Navy"s historic victory in the Battle of Trafalgar. The Royal Indian Navy first celebrated Navy Day on 21 October, 1944, aiming to raise public awareness and showcase the Navy"s contributions. Today, however, the country observes Navy Day on 4 December in honour of Operation Trident, a pivotal mission in which the Indian Navy launched a powerful strike, sinking four Pakistani vessels, including the PNS Khaibar, and secured a crucial victory over the Pakistan Navy.Desktop Version

Mar 14, 2024Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand

Pictured here is a bodhi tree at Wat Phra Ngam, a temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Ayutthaya likely has ancient origins, with evidence of human settlement tracing back to the Mon Dvaravati period. The strategic position of the city on an island embraced by three rivers not only facilitated trade but also served as a natural fortress, shielding the city from maritime invasions. Moreover, the city"s elevated location offered protection against seasonal flooding, safeguarding its inhabitants and infrastructure from the ravages of nature. Ayutthaya Historical Park encompasses the remnants of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, founded in 1351 by King Ramathibodi I. The city planning here, reflected meticulous organisation and innovation, evident in its systematic grid layout of roads, canals and encircling moats around key structures. This well-designed scheme, documented in contemporary sources and maps, capitalised on the city"s strategic location amidst three rivers.Desktop Version

Aug 22, 2024Aerial view of Ocean City, Maryland, USA

Here is a beautiful coastal getaway offering endless fun and adventure—welcome to Ocean City, Maryland. Ocean City remained a quiet fishing village until 1875, when the Atlantic Hotel opened its doors, marking the town"s transformation into a burgeoning resort destination. Today, it is one of the most popular vacation spots in the country, offering a plethora of activities for people of all ages. The town"s iconic four-kilometre-long boardwalk is lined with restaurants, shops and amusement parks. Pristine sandy beaches that stretch for 16 kilometres are perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball or building sandcastles, and the ocean waters beckon for a refreshing swim. With plenty of adventure and a heritage deeply rooted in history, Ocean City is a charming retreat that draws visitors back time and again.Desktop Version

Jun 19, 2024Reticulated giraffe mother greeting calf in Kenya

Featured here are reticulated giraffes, found mostly in Kenya, but also in parts of Somalia and Ethiopia. Giraffes have fascinated travellers from around the world for a long time. These animals were viewed as symbols of status and treasured as pets among royalty. Their coats feature large, polygonal-shaped spots that extend onto the lower legs, tail and face. Unfortunately, only around 16,000 reticulated giraffes remain in the wild, less than half of the approximately 36,000 recorded in the 1980s. Nevertheless, recent years have observed a promising trend in northern Kenya, where populations are rebounding thanks to places like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. So, let"s pledge to protect these creatures and their habitats.Desktop Version

Pretty in pink

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A sacred water tank in Hampi

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A bevy of buzzers

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A magnificent place of worship

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Sep 23, 2024Sea otter in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA

The otter featured in today"s image was photographed in Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States. Sea otters are native to the northern and eastern coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. Weighing 13–45 kilograms, they"re expert foragers, diving to the seabed to find food. These clever critters are smart as well as cute: they use rocks to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few animals that use tools. There used to be as many as 300,000 in the wild, but they were heavily hunted for almost two centuries, as their dense fur was highly prized. By 1911, it is thought that only around 2,000 were left. Thankfully, an international hunting ban, conservation efforts and reintroduction programs have helped them rebound, and they are now found in about two-thirds of their historic habitat. Despite this success, some populations are still struggling, and sea otters are still an endangered species.Desktop Version

Colours of spring

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Feb 25, 2024Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada

Welcome to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Located on the southern part of the island, this valley has art and history that echo through its green mountains, like Mount Prevost. The region is home to the band government of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nations band in British Columbia. The city of Duncan has an impressive collection of indigenous art, including intricate carvings and paintings. While here, you must visit the collection of totem poles, which stand as towering symbols of indigenous history as they depict ancestral legends and clan symbols.Desktop Version

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