The Mara River in Tanzania is a natural wonder that draws adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Flowing through the heart of the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, this river is best known as the lifeblood of the Great Migration. Each year, from July to October, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make a perilous crossing of the Mara. It’s a spectacle of nature that leaves visitors in awe, making it one of Africa’s most sought-after safari experiences.
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Kandy is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. As the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, Kandy holds a unique charm that blends its colonial past with a rich, vibrant heritage. The city’s crown jewel is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a relic believed to be the tooth of the Buddha.
The Okavango Delta, located in Botswana, is one of Africa’s most extraordinary natural wonders. This vast inland delta, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, offers a unique opportunity to experience a pristine wilderness. As the Okavango River meanders into the Kalahari Desert, it creates a sprawling floodplain that transforms into a lush oasis during the annual flood.
Shimizu, a picturesque port in Shizuoka City, offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Shimizu is known for its rich maritime history, and a culinary highlight is its fresh seafood, particularly tuna. The port boasts the highest tuna catch in Japan, making it a prime destination for sushi fans.
Spitsbergen is the largest island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, where the wonders of the Arctic come alive in breathtaking fashion. Known for its wild, untamed beauty, Spitsbergen offers travelers the chance to experience landscapes that are both surreal and majestic. From towering glaciers and jagged mountain peaks to expansive tundra and crystal-clear fjords, this frozen paradise is an explorer’s dream.
Taiwan is an island in East Asia. In addition to the island of Taiwan, the country includes the P'eng-hu Islands (Pescadores), the small Chinmen (Quemoy) Islands off the mainland city of Xiamen (Amoy), and the Matsu group off Fuzhou (Foochow). The capital and largest city of Taiwan is T'aipei. Summers in Taiwan are warm and humid and extend from May until September; temperatures average about 28° C (about 82° F). Winters are mild and last from December until February; January temperatures average about 18° C (about 64° F). Typhoons occur between June and October.
Ancient celebrations include the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Feast of Lanterns. Taiwan has a number of notable libraries and museums. The two largest libraries, both in T'aipei, are the National Central Library and the
Taiwan Branch Library. The main museums, also in T'aipei, include the Hwa Kang Museum, with its collections of folk and modern Chinese art; the National Palace Museum, which exhibits treasures from the mainland; the National Museum of History; and the Taiwan Provincial Museum, which displays collections from local cultures.