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Terminally-ill rugby player carried across marathon finish line by his best mate

There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd when best friends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield crossed the finish line of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. The two Leeds Rhinos players have been raising money and awareness for people with Motor Neurone Disease since Burrow’s 2019 diagnosis, with the two raising an impressive total in the millions. And now, the pair have raised spirits and warmed hearts with Sinfield’s act at the end of their Leeds race, when he picked Burrow up from his chair and carried him over the finishing line. Before that, Sinfield had been pushing Burrow’s chair for 26.2 miles (42.2 km). The moment was met with cheering and applause as the wo concluded their marathon just after the 4 hour 22 minute mark, both from those who were there to witness it in person and from those who saw footage later when it circulated online. One Twitter user even went on to dub Burrow an “absolute gem of a human”, while another was certain that they were a “pair of absolute heroes”. “What a mate! Unbelievable in a world full of cr*p at the moment there are some genuinely lovely moments. These lads have been into battle together on the pitch for club and country,” one wrote. “It’s choked me up, I’m not going to lie.” “A bunch of legends,” someone else declared. “I’ve properly welled up watching this, this is what friendship is, to the ends of the earth and back.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Beautiful. Kevin Sinfield carried Rob Burrow over the finish line at the end of the first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/JFdd9XGgV4">pic.twitter.com/JFdd9XGgV4</a> — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1657736670458916865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote> Prior to the event, Sinfield had spoken about the race to The Sun, and its 12,500 reported participants, as well as the thousands lining the streets to watch, and what it meant to be undertaking the marathon together. “Even if it was just Rob and I, we’d have a great time,” he said, “there’s no better way to do it than with your mate. The fact people want to share in it and do their own little bit is incredible. “This will be with mates, for mates and alongside mates, absolutely. Look across the world at big cities where marathons are run, there’s nothing like this. “We’ve not done any training. We ran a 10km together last July and that’s part of the challenge, doing something neither of us have done before. The unknown adds to the fun of it. “He’s in a custom-made chair but it could be a bumpy ride. I’ll try and find him the safest, comfiest route but if there are hills, there are hills. If it rains, it rains.” And as Burrow himself said to The Guardian, when asked about the seven marathons in seven days that Sinfield had run on behalf of Burrow, his family, and their fight against MND, “we all need a friend like Kevin.” Images: Getty

Caring

7 bizarre laws across the globe

Laws differ from country to country, and many remain unheard of. Here are some of the most outdated and unbelievable laws that still exist across the world. 1. Swiss bomb shelters In Switzerland, every citizen is required by law to have a bomb shelter or at least access to one. 2. Children under 12 banned from using phones In Blue Earth Minnesota, USA, it is illegal for children under 12 years of age to speak on the phone unless they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian. 3. Can’t ride an ugly horse In Wilbur, Washington it is illegal to ride a horse that is deemed to be ugly! Although it is unclear what constitutes an ugly horse. 4. First four firemen get paid In Zeigler, Illinois, USA, only the first four men to make it to the scene will be paid. 5. Failed surgery = no hands In Ancient Egypt, if a surgeon lost a patient while performing an operation on them, the surgeon's hands were cut off. 6. Too scruffy to drive In Athens, a driver can have their licence taken away simply because they are deemed too scruffy or poorly dressed. 7. Criminal birthday offence In Samoa, it is a crime to forget your wife’s birthday. Image credit: Shutterstock

Legal

Iran protest at enforced hijab sparks online debate and feminist calls for action across Arab world

Iranian authorities have cracked down on protests which erupted after the death in custody of a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by the morality police for not wearing the hijab appropriately. The <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-62986057" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death of Mahsa Amini</a> who was reportedly beaten after being arrested for wearing her hijab “improperly” sparked street protests. Unrest has spread across the country as women burned their headscarves to protest laws that force women to wear the hijab. Seven people are reported to have been killed, and the government has almost completely <a href="https://twitter.com/netblocks/status/1572651793355603972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shut down</a> the internet. But in the Arab world – including in Iraq, where I was brought up – the protests have attracted attention and women are <a href="https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1RDGlaVekMMJL/peek" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gathering online</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/EsraaMAA1/status/1572373663164538882?s=20&t=sP2kn4dJ7RZUSqWT6GDr6w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offer solidarity</a> to Iranian women struggling under the country’s harsh theocratic regime. The enforcement of the hijab and, by extension, guardianship over women’s bodies and minds, are not exclusive to Iran. They manifest in different forms and degrees in many countries. In Iraq, and unlike the case of Iran, forced wearing of the hijab <a href="https://www.mei.edu/publications/constitutional-and-legal-rights-iraqi-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">is unconstitutional</a>. However, the ambiguity and contradictions of much of the constitution, particularly <a href="https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iraq_2005.pdf?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 2</a> about Islam being the primary source of legislation, has enabled the condition of forced hijab. Since the 1990s, when Saddam Hussein launched his <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/jan/24/iraq.rorymccarthy1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Faith Campaign</a> in response to economic sanctions imposed by the UN security council, pressure on women to wear the hijab has become widespread. Following the US-led invasion of the country, the situation worsened under the rule of Islamist parties, many of whom have close ties to Iran. Contrary to the claim in 2004 by US president <a href="https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2004/03/20040312-5.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">George W. Bush</a> that Iraqi people were “now learning the blessings of freedom”, women have been enduring the heavy hand of patriarchy perpetuated by Islamism, militarisation and tribalism, and exacerbated by the influence of Iran. Going out without a hijab in Baghdad became a daily struggle for me after 2003. I had to put on a headscarf to protect myself wherever I entered a conservative neighbourhood, especially during the years of sectarian violence. Flashbacks of pro-hijab posters and banners hanging around my university in central Baghdad have always haunted me. The situation has remained unchanged over two decades, with the hijab <a href="http://www.idu.net/modblank.php?mod=news&modfile=print&itemid=25626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly imposed</a> on children and little girls in primary and secondary schools. A <a href="https://www.bbc.com/arabic/trending-62985885" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new campaign</a> against the enforced wearing of the hijab in Iraqi public schools has surfaced on social media. Natheer Isaa, a leading activist in the <a href="https://twitter.com/Nathereisaa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women for Women</a> group, which is leading the campaign, told me that hijab is cherished by many conservative or tribal members of society and that backlashes are predictable. Similar campaigns were suspended due to threats and online attacks. Women posting on social media with the campaign hashtag #notocompulsoryhijab, have attracted <a href="https://twitter.com/am_m_zhs/status/1571931577491275782?s=20&t=Y9fneuMxJufMq7RgcRMsSg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reactionary tweets</a> accusing them of being anti-Islam and anti-society. Similar accusations are levelled at Iranian women who defy the regime by taking off or burning their headscarves. Iraqi Shia cleric, Ayad Jamal al-Dinn <a href="https://twitter.com/hiba_alnnayib/status/1572696301363666944?s=20&t=n1UixEREr2gur81vBChBgA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lashed out</a> against the protests on his Twitter account, labelling the protesting Iranian women “anti-hijab whores” who are seeking to destroy Islam and culture. <h2>Cyberfeminists and reactionary men</h2> In my <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/pais/research/projects/internationalrelationssecurity/cyberfeminisms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital ethnographic work</a> on cyberfeminism in Iraq and other countries, I have encountered numerous similar reactions to women who question the hijab or decide to remove it. Women who use their social media accounts to reject the hijab are often met with sexist attacks and threats that attempt to shame and silence them. Those who openly speak about their decision to take off the hijab receive the harshest reaction. The hijab is linked to women’s honour and chastity, so removing it is seen as defiance. Women’s struggle with the forced hijab and the backlash against them challenges the prevailing cultural narrative that says wearing the hijab is a free choice. While many women freely decide whether to wear it or not, others are obliged to wear it. So academics need to revisit the discourse around the hijab and the conditions perpetuating the mandatory wearing of it. In doing so it is important to move away from the false dichotomies of culture versus religion, or the local versus the western, which obscure rather than illuminate the root causes of forced hijab. In her academic <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0141778919849525" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> on gender-based violence in the context of the Middle East, feminist academic Nadje al-Ali emphasises the need to break away from these binaries and recognise the various complex power dynamics involved – both locally and internationally. The issue of forcing women to wear the hijab in conservative societies should be at the heart of any discussion about women’s broader fight for freedom and social justice. Iranian women’s rage against compulsory hijab wearing, despite the security crackdown, is part of a wider women’s struggle against autocratic conservative regimes and societies that deny them agency. The collective outrage in Iran and Iraq invites us to challenge the compulsory hijab and those imposing it on women or perpetuating the conditions enabling it. As one Iraqi female activist told me: “For many of us, hijab is like the gates of a jail, and we are the invisible prisoners.” It is important for the international media and activists to bring their struggle to light, without subscribing to the narrative that Muslim women need saving by the international community. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/iran-protest-at-enforced-hijab-sparks-online-debate-and-feminist-calls-for-action-across-arab-world-191178" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Twitter

Travel Trouble

17th-century Polish ‘vampire’ found buried with sickle across neck

The remains of a woman found in a 17th-century graveyard in Poland are believed to be an example of an ‘anti-vampire’ burial after a sickle was also found placed across her neck to prevent her from rising from the dead. Dariusz Poliński, a professor at Nicholas Copernicus University, led the archaeological dig where the remains were uncovered, with the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11173505/Remains-VAMPIRE-pinned-ground-sickle-throat-Poland.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a> reporting that the skeleton was found wearing a silk cap and with a protruding front tooth. “The sickle was not laid flat but placed on the neck in such a way that if the deceased had tried to get up… the head would have been cut off,” Professor Poliński told the outlet. According to the <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/17th-century-poland-vampires-werent-boogeymen-out-town-girl-or-boy-next-door-180953476/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smithsonian</a> magazine, Eastern Europeans reported fears of vampires and began treating their dead with anti-vampire rituals during the 11th century. By the 17th century, these practices were common across Poland in response to reports of a vampire outbreak, per <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/research-reveals-the-origin-of-poland-s-mysterious-vampires" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ScienceAlert</a>. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/skeleton-lady1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The skeletal remains, pictured from above. Image: Łukasz Czyżewski, NCU Professor Poliński told the New York Post that there were other forms of protection to prevent vampires from returning from the dead, including cutting off limbs and using fire. “Other ways to protect against the return of the dead include cutting off the head or legs, placing the deceased face down to bite into the ground, burning them, and smashing them with a stone,” he said. The skeleton’s toe was also padlocked, which Professor Poliński said likely symbolised “the closing of a stage and the impossibility of returning”. This isn’t the first time a ‘vampire’ has been discovered by archaeologists either. Matteo Borrini, a lecturer at Liverpool John Moore University, discovered the remains of a woman who died in the 16th century and was buried with a stone in her mouth in a mass grave with plague victims. He explained that outbreaks of ‘vampires’ were often associated with periods where people were dying from unknown causes at the time - such as pandemics or mass poisoning. “These ‘vampires’ start to hunt and kill family members first, then the neighbours, and then all the other villages,” he said. “This is the classical pattern of a disease that is contagious.” The most recent ‘vampire’ remains, which were dug up in August, are being further investigated by scientists. Image: Mirosław Blicharski

International Travel

Here’s what’s happening across Australia in September

Spring has well and truly sprung, which means there’s plenty to do wherever you are in the country. From festivals celebrating spring blooms to displays of Aussie art and theatre, here’s what’s happening this September. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition in Adelaide Enjoy a taste of Sicily's finest art without needing your passport at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition. The exhibit, running until October 9, includes all 34 of the frescoes Michelangelo painted across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, reproduced in life-size form using special printing techniques. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sistine-chapel1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Supplied The art is accompanied by an audio guide that will give visitors an insight into the artist's life. Hosted at Adelaide's Rundle Place, seeing the exhibit will set you back $30.20 for adults, $23.50 for seniors or $21 for kids, with tickets available <a href="https://feverup.com/m/116574" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Sydney Fringe Festival After a two-year hiatus, Sydney’s celebration of the arts is back for another year, with the 2022 program boasting its longest ever runtime. From August 16 til September 30, nine festival hubs around Sydney will host more than 500 events, with over 80 percent of the program being world premieres. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sydney-fringe.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Local talent and entertainers across all art forms will be featured in this year’s program. Images: Sydney Fringe Festival (Facebook) Films, theatre, musical acts, spoken word, comedy shows, and visuat art la will form the bulk of the program, with highlights including Sydney Fringe Sideshow, top-notch local talent at Made in Sydney, and Global Fringe - an online program taken straight from Edinburgh Fringe Festival. To find out what’s happening near you and lock in tickets, head <a href="https://sydneyfringe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Darwin International Film Festival Australia’s Top End will be welcoming a flood of cinema from all over the world for the Darwin International Film Festival. The annual film festival will be showcasing 50 films from over 20 countries, with a focus on South-East Asian cinema, as well as Northern Australian and Indigenous stories and some of the NT’s top talent. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/darwin-film-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Darwin International Film Festival (Facebook) Kicking off from Thursday, September 15, the 11-night festival will be taking place across multiple venues, including a deckchair cinema, sundown screen on the Darwin waterfront and the Darwin Ski Club. To get tickets and scope out the full program, head <a href="https://www.diff.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Brisbane Festival For the entire month, Brisbane will be hosting a bounty of installations, theatre, circus acts, and more, with hubs in South Bank, Northshore Brisbane, West Village, and another seven mini-festivals in the surrounding suburbs. This year’s Brisbane Festival offers more than 580 performances across the city, including 230 free events, as well as the premiere and return of top-notch theatrical events at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/bris-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> This year’s program is packed with jawdropping installations and top-notch shows. Images: Brisbane Festival (Facebook) Highlights include: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/boq-festival-garden" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBQ Festival Garden</a>, the all-ages playground offering plenty of food, wine and entertainment </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/precincts/west-village" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Village</a> - the home to larger-than-life installations of the planets, including the Museum of the Moon, Mars, and Gaia. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/2022/brisbanes-art-boat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane’s Art Boat</a>, a celestial floating art experience that boasts a unique water bar and performance program of sunset and sunrise cruises inspired by this year’s artwork, called The Spheres. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/whats-on/brisbane-serenades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane Serenades</a> - a summery series of festivals heading to the suburbs - including block and warehouse parties, the MOSAIC Multicultural Festival, and music and food enjoyed in nature or by the water. </li> </ul> To find out more about this year’s program and secure tickets, head <a href="https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. S&R Blossom Festival What better way to celebrate spring than with some bright and cheerful blooms, and the <a href="https://www.srorchard.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">S&R Blossom Festival</a> in Walliston, Perth, has you covered. The three-week celebration of all things flowery - running from September 5-26 - is also packed with plenty of activities, including free tractor rides, bouncy castles and an animal farm, as welt as on-site food trucks, flower crown making on the weekends, and rides for the kids to enjoy. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/blossom-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Images: S&R Orchard Perth (Facebook) Pets and picnic blankets are welcome, with tickets setting you back $12 for adults and $5 for kids over three. Wisdom and Light The rooftop of Melbourne’s Golden Square parking lot will be taken over by a multi-sensory audio and visual experience called <a href="https://www.wisdomandlight.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisdom and Light</a>. Relying on cutting edge tech and fusing light, art and sound, the exhibit promises to take visitors through the story of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of Buddhist organisation Fo Guang Shan, and his artwork. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/wisdom-light.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Wisdom and Light (Facebook) Once you’ve had your fill of vegetarian delicacies and enjoyed the illuminated Lotus Flower Sanctuary, the celebration continues in the adjacent gallery exhibiting his rare one-stroke calligraphy artwork - and the chance to try your hand at creating your own art. Running from September 1 until October 2, the exhibit will be open from 10am until 10pm daily, with tickets starting at $22 for concession, $27 for adults and free entry for kids under seven. Images: Supplied / S&R Orchard Perth (Facebook)

Domestic Travel

Here’s what’s happening across Australia in August

With the winter chill waning and spring just around the corner, there is plenty to do around the country. Whether you’re a foodie, art connoisseur, or looking for your next film fix, here’s what’s happening around Australia in August. Fleur de Villes Flower Show, Sydney After a five-year tour around the world, a whimsical flower show, Fleur de Villes, will be landing in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens from August 19-28. This year’s theme, FEMMES, will see local Sydney florists create life-size tributes to 15 remarkable women, including Kylie Minogue, Frida Kahlo and Indigenous activist Evelyn Scott. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/fleur-de-villes.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: @rbgsydney (Instagram) Floral workshops, bespoke dining experiences, a pop-up flower market, and talks from scientists, florists and horticulturalists round out this year’s program, with general admission tickets costing $22, and seniors and kids aged 5-17 getting in for half-price. To find out more about the show, head <a href="https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/what-s-on/fleurs-de-villes-femmes-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. SALA Festival, Adelaide The South Australian Living Artists Festival is returning for a statewide celebration of local artists and celebrating its 25th festival with a Silver exhibition of local artists curated by six special guests, including the Lord Mayor of Adelaide. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/sala-festival.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: @salafestival (Instagram) Along with thousands of artists exhibiting across metropolitan and regional South Australia, this year’s program also features an online exhibition, masterclasses and workshops across various art forms, and a five-day drawing marathon. To find out more about this year’s SALA Festival, head <a href="https://www.salafestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. The Curated (side)Plate, Queensland The culinary festival is returning to the Sunshine Coast once again, following its debut in 2019, for ten days of culinary experiences. This year’s program is filled with long lunches, picnics, foodie nights and brunches, featuring local produce and culinary talent. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/sideplate-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: @thecuratedplate (Instagram) To find out more about the Curated (side)Plate festival, running from July 29 until August 7, and purchase tickets, head here. Central Coast Chorale Anniversary Concert, NSW After nearly 250 concerts, the Central Coast Chorale is celebrating 30 years of music at their upcoming concert, ‘Celebration in Song’. The choir of 55 singers will be performing a range of majestic music, from Bruckner and Haydn to the highlights of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute. A newly-commissioned piece by emerging composer Courtney Cousins - who is currently playing Mahler’s second symphony with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra - will also be debuting. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/coast-chorale.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Central Coast Chorale Tickets for the concert on August 28 will be available to purchase at the door at St Patrick’s Catholic Church East Gosford, with more information available <a href="https://www.centralcoastchorale.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. 70th Melbourne International Film Festival Melbourne’s month-long celebration of cinema is returning once again to cinemas across Victoria, bringing with it a program of acclaimed international films, world premieres, and new Australian cinema. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/miff1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Visit Melbourne Other highlights include the launch of the festival’s film competition, as well as a series of special events, talks, performances, and commissioned works. To see the full program and purchase tickets, head <a href="https://miff.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Darwin Festival Darwin’s annual winter arts festival has returned, featuring a program of outdoor festivities and activities that take advantage of the Top End’s dry, tropical winter. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/darwin-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Tony Lewis (Darwin Festival) Highlights include balarr inyiny (meaning Light Dreaming), a light festival that will see 160 drones take flight for a breathtaking sky show that illustrates Larrakia songlines from across Darwin’s coastline, along with the Prehistoric Picnic and plenty of comedians, local and international artists, and theatre. To see the full program and find out more about Darwin Festival 2022, head <a href="https://www.darwinfestival.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Gascoyne Food Festival, WA The country’s largest regional food experience is heading to Gascoyne, in WA’s north-west, from July 30 until September 4. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/gascoyne-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: @t.r.i.s.m (Instagram) The region’s best ingredients and culinary talent will be on display across various events, including Australia’s Biggest BBQ (September 3), pop-up food market Eating the Gascoyne (August 4), the Twilight Gala Dinner (August 5), Canapes on the Gascoyne (August 26), and Flavours of Shark Bay (September 4). To find out more and book your spot, head <a href="https://www.gascoynefoodfestival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.

Domestic Travel

Here’s what happening across New Zealand in July

Though the start of July brings with it the peak of winter’s chill and darkness, there’s still plenty to do across New Zealand this month. From Christmas festivities and a slew of top-notch films to nights of looking to the stars, here are some events you won’t want to miss. Festival of Christmas (Greytown) This month-long festival features a program of spectacular lights, night markets, workshops, parties and activities celebrating Christmas in Greytown. With all the hallmarks of a northern hemisphere Christmas, you can expect European markets, warming drinks and festive treats, the Festival of Christmas also has a distinct Kiwi flavour, with celebrations of Matariki also featured. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/xmas-festival.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: @greytownvillage (Instagram) This year’s theme is Gingerbread, with highlights including: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Great Gingerbread Hunt, where visitors can enter a competition to search for a brightly-lit eight-foot gingerbread man and go in the draw to win some amazing prizes. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Cocktails and Comedy - a rotating program of top comedians will entertain you as you enjoy a two-course dinner and Greytown Gin Cocktail. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Family Fun at Cobbletones, where you can flex your baking muscles at the Great Gingerbread Bake Off on July 9 and step back in time with A Very Victorian Christmas on July 16. </li> </ul> For more information about this year’s program, head <a href="https://www.wellingtonnz.com/experience/events/festival-of-christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. New Zealand International Film Festival Technically starting at the end of July, the New Zealand International Film Festival will be screening seventy feature films and four collections of short films in Auckland from July 28 until August 7 before touring the rest of the country through August. The festival will be opened by the premiere of Muru, the much-anticipated action-drama from local filmmaker Tearepa Kahi. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/nzff.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The New Zealand International Film Festival will kick off in Auckland from July 28. Image: Fire of Love (NZFF) Other titles will include films direct from Cannes, award-winners from this year’s Berlin Film Festival, and a collection of New Zealand docos and feature films. Tickets for Auckland’s sessions are available for sale from July 14, while tickets for Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin’s sessions will be available from July 15, 18, and 25. The full program of films and information about the festival can be found <a href="https://www.nziff.co.nz/nziff-2022/auckland/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. The Snugs Though it might be chilly outside right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a night out - and the return of <a href="https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/the-snugs/auckland#when" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Snugs</a> makes it even easier. Each transparent dome is kitted out with blankets and heaters, and can seat up to six people. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/snugs.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Auckland Live Plus, when you book your Snug you’ll be able to choose from a wide selection of food platters, beverage packages, and other add-ons, with a special Matariki menu available until July 13 and an exclusive Elemental AKL menu available from July 14-31. Each booking requires a minimum spend of $80 for sessions before 4pm and $130 after 4pm required. Our Night Sky: See the Sky Above Auckland and Beyond See Auckland in a new light this winter with the 360-degree display of New Zealand’s skies at Our Night Sky, the latest experience at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. Suitable for ages 5+, the experience will take kids (and kids at heart) on an exploration of the stars, planets and the universe and even shows the placement of stars on the day you visit. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/stars-july.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Stardome Observatory and Planetarium Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and bookings are essential for each show, which run Wednesday through Sunday throughout July. To find out more and book your tickets, head <a href="https://www.stardome.org.nz/movie/our-night-sky" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: NZFF / Stardome Observatory and Planetarium

Domestic Travel

Here’s what’s happening across Australia in July

With July just starting, there is plenty to do no matter where you are in the country this month. From festivals of light and snow to public art installations and activities to take part in, here’s what’s happening across Australia this July. Illuminate Adelaide As one of the country’s newest festivals, Illuminate Adelaide is a city-wide celebration packed with art, lights, sounds, and creativity. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/adelaide-illuminate.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Lights, sounds, and immersive experiences are all on the cards at this year’s Illuminate Adelaide festival. You can even get up close to towering glowing creatures! Images: @illuminateadelaide (Instagram) Highlights of this year’s program include: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/program/season-2022/base-camp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Base Camp</a>, a pop-attraction in Victoria Square, which boasts an ice-skating rink open day and night and Electric Playground, consisting of three immersive installations: Neon Village, SEEP, and ORBIT. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/program/season-2022/light-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Light Creatures</a>, where giant glowing animals take over Adelaide Zoo along with some of the zoo’s furry and feathery residents. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/program/season-2022/light-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Light Cycles</a>, which sees the Adelaide Botanic Gardens transformed into an after-dark transcendent experience where technology and nature meet. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/program/season-2022/digital-garden-mount-gambier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital Garden</a> takes over Mount Gambier’s cultural centre once again with a captivating program of installations, projections and interactive lighting created by local and international artists. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/program/season-2022/lacunae/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lacunae</a>, a free art installation where a live-feed shares silhouettes and music simultaneously from different locations, meaning people across South Australia can communicate and dance with each other. </li> </ul> For a full program and information about tickets, head <a href="https://www.illuminateadelaide.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Darwin Fringe Festival The annual festival celebrating Darwin’s arts scene is returning once again this year, with ten days of theatre, cabaret and burlesque, music, art, circus and dance planned. Highlights include a free networking night for artists, roller disco in Civic Park (though it is BYO skates), a zine fair, and a slew of top-notch comedians - including a showcase of Darwin’s teen comics. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/Darwin-fringe.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The Darwin Fringe Festival lineup includes comedian Di Barkas’ show, ‘Oops’, and the roving performances at Fringes of Mindil. Images: Di Barkas (Facebook) / Darwin Fringe Festival The festival will also include a variety of night-time events, including raving performances and fire shows at Fringes of Mindil, as well as art exhibits and even installations where visitors' stories and dreams are turned into artworks. Darwin Fringe Festival runs from July 8-17, with more information available <a href="https://darwinfringe.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Mackay Festival of Arts If you’re looking to immerse yourself in art of all kinds, Mackay’s annual Festival of Arts could be perfect. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, the festival program includes fan favourites such as the <a href="https://www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/mackay_festivals_of_arts/wisely_wine_and_food_day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wisely Wine & Food Day</a>, the <a href="https://www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/mackay_festivals_of_arts/friends_of_the_mecc_jazz_brunch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch</a>, and the vibrant displays and installations at <a href="https://www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/mackay_festivals_of_arts/daly_bay_illuminate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daly Bay Illuminate</a>. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/mackay-festival.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The Daly Bay Illuminate (left) and Barbaroi (right) are just two of the highlights of this year’s program. Images: @mackay_festivals (Instagram) New additions to the lineup cover everything from art to trivia, with highlights including: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/mackay_festivals_of_arts/wonder_rooms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wonder Rooms</a> - an installation of shipping containers converted into selfie museums and filled with works created by Queensland-based artists, with five rooms to discover across the Mackay region. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/mackay_festivals_of_arts/barbaroi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barbaroi</a> is a performance where contemporary circus meets physical theatre, featuring acrobatics, aerials and circus acts. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/mackay_festivals_of_arts/read_the_room" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the Room</a>, a quiz show at the Ambassador Hotel that sees guests answer curly trivia questions through their phones, with panel guests then needing to guess which way the Room will swing. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <a href="https://www.hauntmackay.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Haunt Cabaret</a> - Mackay’s permanent Dinner Theatre hosts dinners with a show every Friday and Saturday night, with its current show, ‘FANTASY’, coinciding with the festival. </li> </ul> To see the full program for the Mackay Festival of Arts, head <a href="https://www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/mackay_festivals_of_arts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Anything But Square: Under Surveillance (Melbourne) With a theme of surveillance from our devices, homes and streets, this intriguing festival will be taking over Melbourne’s Federation Square until early August, complete with a towering, eight-metre-high creepy sculpture of a head covered in giant eyes. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/surveillance.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Free film screenings and a creepy, everwatching sculpture are two features of the Anything But Square 2022 program. Images: @fed.square (Instagram) Other highlights include Dance Dystopia, a series of Friday night DJ sessions with free loaded hot chocolates and eye-themed sweets; Surveillance Film Festival with free outdoor screenings of movies catering to the whole family; Secret Workshops, with a eye-theed program including jewellery making, paint and sip classes, and embroidery. For more information about the Anything But Square: Under Surveillance program, head <a href="https://fedsquare.com/events/anything-but-square-under-surveillance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. The Snow Festival Sydney 150 tonnes of real snow is making its way to North Sydney’s Greenwood Hotel for Snow Festival 2022. The festival also welcomes the largest ice rink the area has ever seen, with free ice skating all day and night (and coaches to show you the ropes), as well as figure skating performances and live music rink-side. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/snow-fest.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Snow, music, drinks and skates abound at North Sydney’s Snow Festival. Image: @greenwoodhotel (Instagram) On top of the wintery goodness, the festival will also include special sponsor parties, gondolas, skate-up Fireball whiskey bars, plenty of activities for the kids, free-flowing Champagne, and inflatable polar bears. To find out more or book a table, head <a href="https://greenwoodhotel.com/snow-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Bicheno Beams Tasmania The family-friendly light festival is returning once again to Bicheno this winter, with not one, but two different light shows on display on alternating nights. Due to the festival’s proximity to Bicheno’s adorable penguins, the festival has adopted a silent disco approach, encouraging visitors to bring along a device to stream the soundtrack to and a pair of headphones, as well as woollies, a torch and a thermos of hot chocolate to stay warm as the night turns chilly. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/bicheno-beams.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Two light shows feature at this year’s Bicheno Beams festival. Images: @bichenobeams (Instagram) If you can’t make it down, you can still enjoy the lights from the comfort of home. Bicheno Beams will be streaming live every night from 6pm. You can find out more about Bicheno Beams <a href="https://bichenobeams.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Images: Instagram

Domestic Travel

Here’s what happening across New Zealand in June

Winter is rapidly approaching, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do during the chilly season. From food festivals to celebrations of the Māori new year, here are three events you won’t want to miss this June. Taste of Pasifika Festival A festival celebrating Auckland’s Pasifika community will be heading to the city this June for three days of performances, food, art, sport and wellness. Running from 10am-6pm on June 4-6, the <a href="https://www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika/taste-of-pasifika-festival" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taste of Pasifika Festival</a>’s two stages will feature a varied program of performances from members of 10 Pacific nations, with a live art installation on Saturday night, a soul session on Sunday afternoon, and an open mic and backyard session of Māori waiata on Monday. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/nz-june2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland The festival grounds will also host a marketplace selling kai (traditional Māori cuisine), crafts and other items, as well as activities such as weaving, Hawai’i lei making and block printing, and an exhibition of works from Pasifika artists who used artmaking to find balance and order during the pandemic. Winter Food and Wine Classic Head to Hawke’s Bay for a taste of the region’s food and wine spread across four weekends. Along with plenty of morsels to taste at various degustations and venues across the region, the Winter <a href="https://www.fawc.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Food and Wine Classic</a> will include a series of hands-on cooking classes, where you can learn everything from how to debone a chicken or prune fig trees to learning how to cook various cuisines - with most including a luxe lunch. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/nz-june3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: fawcnz (Instagram) Film buffs can also enjoy food-related movies, screening at the MTG Century Theatre, and a series of wine-fuelled film nights at the Smith & Sheth studio theatre. Matariki Festival The highlight of Auckland’s winter festivities, <a href="https://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Matariki Festival</a> is returning from June 21 to July 16, bringing with it 80 events across the region to celebrate Māori new year which starts with the first rising of the Matariki (the Pleiades star cluster). <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/nz-june1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Matariki Festival This year also marks the first time that Matariki will be celebrated as an official public holiday, and this year’s festival lineup is just as exciting, with highlights including a street party featuring Māori musicians, light shows, kite flying, kai and cultural events. Matariki will also be celebrated across the country, with the annual light festival <a href="https://toiotautahi.org.nz/views/tirama-mai-bringing-the-light/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tīrama Mai</a> returning to Christchurch, and fireworks planned for the Central Otago town of Lake Wānaka. Image: Matariki Festival

Domestic Travel

Here’s what’s happening across Australia in June

Winter is almost here, bringing shorter days and chillier nights - but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do except sit inside. In fact, winter celebrations are happening across the country, with art installations taking over cities and performances of all sorts planned. From immersive art festivals and cabaret shows to desert racing and food festivals, here’s what’s happening across the country this month that you won't want to miss. 23rd Sydney Biennale Though the <a href="https://www.biennaleofsydney.art/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Biennale</a> began in March, there’s plenty of events left to check out in June. This year’s edition of the international art festival is titled rīvus, meaning ‘stream’ in Latin, and features over 330 artworks responding to the theme of water ecology and relationships with the natural world. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/animal-orchestra.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The Australian premiere of ‘The Great Animal Orchestra’ is open daily and one of the must-see installations at Sydney Biennale. Image: @biennalesydney (Instagram) Highlights of the 2022 program include: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Australian premiere of The Great Animal Orchestra, an immersive installation in Barangaroo that uses recordings of 15,000 species of animal recorded in the field in a call to action to preserve Earth’s wild places </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> He Toka Tū Moana | She’s a Rock, a woven installation created by a collaboration of four Māori women called Mata Aho Collective, referencing the meeting place of fresh and salt water. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Art After Dark - Every Wednesday night, the exhibition will stay open until late and be accompanied by a changing weekly program inspired by the festival’s works and theme. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Space In Between, a series of self-guided mindful walks and exercises connecting the various Biennale venues that includes unexpected listening points. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> A posthumous presentation of Naziha Mestaoui’s One Beat, One Tree project, where audiences plant a virtual tree and watch it grow with their body movement (and a real tree will be planted for every virtual one). </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Photographic prints of environmental activist Lille Madden, and her grandfather, Gadigal Elder, Uncles Charles (Chicka) Madden on the grass at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, created by English duo Ackroyd & Harvey. </li> </ul> To see the full list of events at Barangaroo, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Pier 2/3, and the National Art School, head <a href="https://www.biennaleofsydney.art/events/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Adelaide Cabaret Festival Curated by Aussie icon Tina Arena, AM, this year’s <a href="https://www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adelaide Cabaret Festival</a> will feature 377 artists and musicians performing in 97 performances between June 10-25. The lineup will include variety shows, comedy, intimate performances, life drawing classes, and nostalgic concerts - including Songs My Mother Told Me, headlined by Tina Arena herself. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/cabaret.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Take a trip back in time or simply enjoy a few laughs at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Image: @adelaidecabaret (Instagram) Though most events are just for one night (or two), some will run for the duration of the festival, including: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Funhouse, led by Paul McDermott, the show promises comedy, music and spectacle with a different lineup of special guests each weekend. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Cirque Bon Bon runs from June 15-19 and includes acrobatics, contion, aerial shows, and more, hosted by comedian emcee Mario. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Pina Colada Room runs from June 10-25 in both an Adelaide exclusive and world premiere. Described as a “decadent homage” to disco icons with a rotating roster of DJ’s and cabaret stars, it’s a chance to get down on the dancefloor and boogie the night away. </li> </ul> For a full schedule of events during this year’s festival, head <a href="https://www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au/search/?t=events&a=-1%2C19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Dark Mofo <a href="https://darkmofo.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dark Mofo</a>, Tasmania’s annual winter festival, returns for another season from June 8-22 with a program jam-packed with art, installations and performances. During Week One, the festival’s full art program will be launched, Tasmania’s Mona gallery will be open late for three new exhibitions, and The Blue Rose Ball, Dark Mofo’s costume event, will be returning. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/dark-mofo.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Art and music will be at the forefront of the winter festivities at Dark Mofo. Image: Jarred Seng (Tourism Tasmania) Week Two will focus on music, with the world premiere of several shows from German musician Nils Frahm, titled Music For Hobart, being one of the major highlights. The festival is also welcoming the return of the City of Hobart Winter Fest, Night Mass: Transcendence, and the Nude Solstice Swim. For a full rundown of events happening at Dark Mofo, head <a href="https://darkmofo.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. RISING: A festival three years in the making, <a href="https://rising.melbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RISING:</a> will take over Melbourne with 225 events for 12 nights, with public art installations, intimate theatre performances, dance, and music all on the cards. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/rising-the-return.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Jason Tamiru’s experience as a repatriation worker will be one of three stories weaved together in ‘The Return’. Image: Shortcut Creative Top picks from the festival lineup include: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Golden Square, an installation that will transform a car park into three levels of art, performances and parades - with a rooftop bar as the icing on top. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> The Invisible Opera, a public performance that will bring immersive sound design and live vocal performance - which relies on CCTV cameras and hidden microphones - to Federation Square, showing viewers the city in a brand new light. </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Maureen: Harbinger of Death, a bohemian performance that sees writer and performer Jonny Hawkins take on the character of Maureen, a sharp-tongued doyenne inspired by a friend of his, in a celebration of the rich lives of older women. </li> </ul> First Nations artists and performers will also play a vital part in the festival, with Yorta Yorta producer Jason Tamiru’s experiences as a repatriation worker among the three narratives presented in The Return, and trams featuring First Nations artists’ designs among the highlights. To find out more about RISING:, which kicks off on June 1, head <a href="https://rising.melbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Tatts Finke Festival Fans of off-roading will be sure to enjoy the iconic <a href="https://www.finkedesertrace.com.au/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finke Desert Race</a>, a two-day off-road, multi–terrain race across desert country held every year on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/desert-race.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The Tatts Finke Festival will see racers of various stripes descend on Alice Springs this June. Image: Tourism Australia The race from Alice Springs to the community of Aputula (Finke) attracts top Australian and international racers, and is said to be one of the most difficult off-road races in the world. Kicking off from June 10-13, the race is open to bikes, cars, buggies and quads, with spectator tickets costing between $10 to $20 and available to book <a href="https://www.finkedesertrace.com.au/news/media-releases" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: Nick Buckley

Domestic Travel

"Improvements across your life": Rebel Wilson's trainer shares key secrets

Rebel Wilson made it no secret that she struggled with her weight since she was in her 20s. But since declaring a “year of health” back in 2020, the Aussie actress has shed more than 30kg thanks to an intense training schedule. The 42-year-old wanted to get more serious about becoming healthier and hired a team or trainers for her home in Los Angeles and Sydney. Her trainer in LA was the chief of athletics at F45 Training, Gunnar Peterson, who commends the actress for her dedication. The 59-year-old trainer gave a bit of an insight into Rebel’s weightloss journey, including techniques, diet and mindset. "There’s no such thing as typical. The workouts I do here are similar to F45,” he confessed to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/12873089/inside-rebel-wilson-incredible-4st-weight-loss-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>. "You’re not just working on one piece of equipment like a treadmill or a bike or a rower – you’re working in different planes of motions (moving different sections of your body up, down, side to side and backwards/forwards) – the movements are functional, they will serve you in real life. "It’s a gentle scientific mixture of HIIT cardio, resistance and movement patterns – and you’re going to see improvement across your life. So you’ll be on the treadmill, squatting, pushing a sled, doing dumb-bell rows. Think two to three sets of eight to 12 reps across five different exercises.” He explained that losing weight is not just physical, but also mentally challenging. “I think it’s fortifying it, right? You get through certain things that are arduous and then you recognise: ‘Wow, I did that. And I can do that. And I can keep on doing that.” Rebel’s diet was also restricted by following the Mayr Method which means no snacking, upping protein intake, reducing dairy and gluten, no food after 4pm, no technology, talking or reading whilst eating, and to focus on chewing. However, Rebel confessed that she would still have two cheat night’s a week, and reminded her fans “you still gotta treat yourself”. Gunnar offered advice to those looking to get on the health wagon, suggesting to start off slowly with working out, even if it’s once a week. He also said that if you keep changing your exercise it won’t stick and do what it’s supposed to do. Images: Instagram

Body

Last people in the world to know: Big Brother casts across the globe learn about coronavirus

While the rest of the world is dealing with the onslaught of COVID-19, Germany’s Big Brother contestants have been left in the dark as their country comes to grips with major shutdown measures. They will finally learn about the coronavirus epidemic that has caused unprecedented lockdowns across Europe on live TV. The group of 14 men and women, who have been isolated since February 6 in a property sitting in Cologne, western Germany, are currently undergoing in the country’s 13th season of the reality TV show. When they left for the show and officially cut themselves off, the news of the surprising virus was only just beginning to trickle into mainstream media from Wuhan, China. All contestants have been left unaware of any of the updates concerning the virus, except for the four new housemates introduced to the show on March 6 – just three days before the country would announce its first death from coronavirus. On the outside, the Big Brother show producers have been forced to respond to backlash concerning their decision to not update the housemates of the pandemic occurring on the outside world. They told German newspaper <a href="https://www.sueddeutsche.de/medien/big-brother-coronavirus-1.4841941">Süddeutsche Zeitung</a> that sharing information was not part of their “blackout” restrictions and would only be lifted in rare circumstances, including family member’s illness. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Some pictures from Big Brother Germany's live coronavirus special - a few housemates have shed tears but they're generally keeping their composure. The doctor spoke to them at length and is now taking their questions <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBDE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBDE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigBrother?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BigBrother</a> <a href="https://t.co/CayT9HgERj">pic.twitter.com/CayT9HgERj</a> — bbspy (@bbspy) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbspy/status/1239979540002361345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote> They also told reporters the show was undertaking “special hygiene measures” to protect residents from infections – They did not go into detail on what those measures were. However, the show’s producers decided to change their tune and announced a live special episode where they would tell housemates about the worrying crisis. The popular global reality TV franchise told German, Brazilian, Canadian and Australian contestants of the news after being cut off from their contact with the outside world. "Big Brother will give all contestants the latest information about COVID-19 in Germany and the whole world tonight," a German spokesperson for the broadcaster Sat.1 told CNN. "The first contestants had been cut off from the outside world in preparation for the show on February, 6th. Theoretically they could know about the virus outbreak in Wuhan/China but don't know anything about the current situation in Germany," the spokesperson added. Brazil’s Big Brother followed a similar format of Canada’s version by pausing feeds over the weekend and updating contestants on the show of the coronavirus outbreak. Australia is filming their own version of the show in Sydney’s North. As reported by Yahoo News, it is believed the contestants entered the house three weeks ago – a week before the virus was declared a global pandemic on March 11 and cases skyrocketed in Australia. According to Channel 7, the cast has been updated on the situation and production is ongoing.

Royals across the globe come together for special ceremony

Royals all over the world came together for the historic Enthronement Ceremony of Emperor Naruhito of Japan in Tokyo at the beautiful Imperial Place. Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses from across the globe travelled to Tokyo, including Australian-born Crown Princess of Denmark, Princess Mary. Royals and world leaders all across europe, Asia and the Middle East came to watch the traditional ceremony. The emperor, 59, officially began his reign in May after his father, the then-Emperor Akihito resigned. After months of traditional rituals, his ascension has officially been formalised. The ceremony was largely conducted in silence and was held in the presence of an ancient swords and jewels which are sacred treasures which act as symbols of imperial power. The enthronement is an incredibly big deal especially since it is first time it has taken place since 1990 when the then-emperor Akihito ascended the throne. Small crowds turned out on Tuesday morning outside the palace despite a heavy rainfall. "Today is an important day for the new emperor and the empress," 78-year-old Shuichi Hachinuma, told news agency AFP. "I feel the emperor is closer to us, compared to in the past... I want him to send a message of peace." Scroll through the gallery above to see all the royals together.

International Travel

Climate change is hitting hard across New Zealand, official report finds

The major focus on climate change in <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/environment-aotearoa-2019">Environment Aotearoa 2019</a>, a stocktake on New Zealand’s environment <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/news-events/new-report-signals-nine-top-environmental-issues-facing-new-zealand">released</a>, is a welcome change. The report describes an environment that faces <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/news-events/new-report-signals-nine-top-environmental-issues-facing-new-zealand">serious pressures</a>, including species at risk of extinction, polluted rivers and streams, the loss of productive land as cities expand, and climate change. On climate change, the report is more detailed and hard-hitting than <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/environmental-reporting/environment-aotearoa-2015">past</a> <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/environmental-reporting/environment-new-zealand-2007">reports</a> have been. New Zealand’s global share of emissions New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions are high <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/media/Environmental%20reporting/environment-aotearoa-2019.pdf#page=94">internationally</a>. In 2015, New Zealanders produced 17.5 tonnes of greenhouse gases (measured as carbon dioxide equivalent) per person, 33% higher than the average of 13.2 tonnes from industrialised countries. In the <a href="https://emissionstracker.mfe.govt.nz/#NrAMBoEYF12TwCIByBTALo2wBM4eiQDs2AHEltEA">latest figures</a> from 2017, gross emissions <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12221417">rose 2.2% from 2016</a> and remain 23% above 1990 levels. The immediate causes are clearly stated: high emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from agriculture and sharply rising emissions of carbon dioxide from transport. The report is silent on the root causes of rising emissions, including ineffective government action and community attitudes that rank <a href="http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/7128-most-important-problems-facing-new-zealand-february-2017-201702271519">climate change as a relatively low priority</a>. Instead it states: Our high per-person emissions are reversible if we adopt policies, technologies, or other means that reduce our production of greenhouse gases. But this obscures the story of 30 years of policy work on climate change and 11 years trying to make <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/ets">New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme</a> work. An earlier <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/environmental-reporting/environment-aotearoa-2015">report</a> on climate change did not foresee the flood of vehicles entering the country. This has now given New Zealand the highest rate of vehicle ownership in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264268203-en">OECD</a>. New Zealand has <a href="https://www.transport.govt.nz/mot-resources/vehicle-fleet-statistics/">4.36 million vehicles</a>, up half a million since 2015, but lacks the regulations found in many other countries, such as CO₂-linked registration fees and fuel efficiency standards. With a flood of cheap, high-emission used imports, it is no surprise that New Zealand’s transport emissions continue to rise. Known unknowns A key function of this latest report is to identify knowledge gaps. An important one for New Zealand is the relative strengths of different carbon sources and sinks, for example by different types of vegetation, soils and agricultural practices. As emphasised recently by the <a href="https://www.pce.parliament.nz/about-us/the-commissioner">Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment</a>, New Zealand is still focusing too much on <a href="https://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/farms-forests-and-fossil-fuels-the-next-great-landscape-transformation">plantation forestry as a short-term fix for our emissions problem</a>. It is a risk because it creates a carbon liability for the future, as well as exposure to diseases and fires. Its true environmental impact is not well understood. The <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/media/Environmental%20reporting/environment-aotearoa-2019.pdf#page=98">section</a> on current climate impacts could not be more clear. Climate change is already affecting Aotearoa New Zealand. Changes include alteration to temperature, precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, ocean acidity, wind, and sunshine. New Zealand’s temperature has increased by 1ºC since 1909. While this is close to the global average, it is less than the <a href="https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cag/global/time-series/globe/land/ytd/12/1880-2017">global land average</a> which has increased by 1.4ºC. New Zealand is protected to some degree by the Southern Ocean. Warm days have increased and frosts decreased. Soils have dried, glaciers have melted, sea levels have been rising, the oceans have warmed and acidified, and sunshine hours have increased. No surprises so far. Climate science predicts an increase in extreme rainfall events, but this has not yet been detected statistically. At one-third of the measured sites, extreme wind has decreased, whereas an overall increase in wind is expected. New Zealand not immune to climate change If anything, the section on current impacts is too conservative. The data stops in 2016 before the epic years of 2017 and 2018, which saw <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab012a">many extreme weather events</a> of all types. These were linked in part to El Niño, which raises global temperatures, and in part to an extreme <a href="https://theconversation.com/farmed-fish-dying-grape-harvest-weeks-early-just-some-of-the-effects-of-last-summers-heatwave-in-nz-110577">Southern Annular Mode</a>, an indicator whose strengthening is itself linked to climate change. Few New Zealanders will forget the sequence of ex-tropical cyclones, 1-in-100-year floods, the sight of the <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/102181406/our-barren-alps-aerial-survey-shows-snow-loss-incredibly-extreme">Southern Alps without snow</a> or the <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/101276704/port-hills-fires-one-year-on-youd-think-they-would-try-to-help-us-out">Port Hills on fire</a>. The report’s final <a href="http://www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/media/Environmental%20reporting/environment-aotearoa-2019.pdf#page=100">section</a> covers future impacts in the most forceful official statement seen yet. It lays out a blizzard of impacts in all areas of the environment, country, economy and infrastructure, including coastal flooding, erosion, tsunami risk, liquefaction risk and saltwater intrusion. All aspects of life in New Zealand will be impacted. The way forward The uncertainties are clear. We don’t have a clear idea of the rate of future emissions, or the impacts under different emission scenarios. Some of the most important impacts, such as sea-level rise, are also the most uncertain. The report notes that information on cumulative and cascading impacts is limited. Climate change has the capacity to undermine environmental efforts elsewhere. Polls show a <a href="https://horizonpoll.co.nz/page/504/climate-con">rising awareness of climate change</a> and a <a href="https://www.iag.co.nz/latest-news/articles/IAG-Ipsos-poll-Kiwis-pessimistic-that-we-will-meet-the-challenge-of-climate-change.html">hunger for stronger action</a>. The <a href="https://www.mfe.govt.nz/have-your-say-zero-carbon">Zero Carbon bill</a> is expected to go to select committee before June, but even when passed, emissions will not start falling <a href="https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018688375/james-shaw-defends-climate-change-action">until the mid-2020s</a>, with the heavy lifting left to the 2040s and future emission reductions technologies. A <a href="https://www.productivity.govt.nz/inquiry-content/3254?stage=4">recent report</a> on New Zealand’s transition to a low-emission economy outlines many more immediate actions. Let’s hope that this report, along with the public pressure from the <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/111447430/kids-feel-the-fear-and-march-the-streets">School Strike 4 Climate</a> and <a href="https://extinctionrebellion.nz/">Extinction Rebellion</a> movements, give the government the courage to act decisively. Written by Robert McLachlan. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/climate-change-is-hitting-hard-across-new-zealand-official-report-finds-115661">The Conversation.</a>

Caring

Backlash: Why Donald Trump's tweet has offended people across Britain

President Trump has received backlash in Britain after insulting a national point of pride, their healthcare system, on Twitter. On Monday, Trump targeted Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) when he tweeted that “thousands of people are marching in the UK because their U system is going broke and not working”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The Democrats are pushing for Universal HealthCare while thousands of people are marching in the UK because their U system is going broke and not working. Dems want to greatly raise taxes for really bad and non-personal medical care. No thanks! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/960486144818450432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote> The comment drew criticism over the accuracy of the claims, mainly because the march he was referring to was focused on demanding more funding for the NHS following a decade of austerity measures. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said, “I may disagree with claims made on that march but not ONE of them wants to live in a system where 28 million people have no cover” referring to the Republican goal of replacing Obamacare. “NHS may have challenges but I’m proud to be from the country that invented universal coverage — where all get care no matter the size of their bank balance.” UK labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted, “Wrong. People were marching because we love our NHS and hate what the Tories are doing to it. Healthcare is a human right.” Broadcaster Piers Morgan also called out Trump writing, “The US healthcare system is a sick joke & the envy of no-one.” Despite the funding problems of the NHS, it is seen as a national point of pride in the UK and was even included in the opening ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics. Trump’s tweet follows ex-UKIP leader and Trump supporter Nigel Farage appearing on Fox and Friends to talk about the march. In the interview, Farage blamed immigration for increasing pressure on the NHS and said it’s at “breaking point”. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The truth is the NHS is at breaking point due to a population crisis. We haven’t got enough hospitals, doctors or facilities to cope. <a href="https://t.co/wG1ux7fi23">pic.twitter.com/wG1ux7fi23</a> — Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nigel_Farage/status/960518995781804033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2018</a></blockquote> The march organisers, the People’s Assembly Against Austerity and Health Campaigns Together, said the UK healthcare system has been around since 1948 and during that time has been a “shining example to the world of what can be achieved when we put the needs of the collective good over the interests of a few wealthy individuals". “Unfortunately, our current government have been persuaded to increasingly adopt policies which represent those of your Government, they have decided to move us more to an American-style system which is widely acknowledged to be one of the most expensive, inefficient and unjust healthcare systems in the world,” they wrote in an open letter to Trump. “This is what our demonstration was about on Saturday 3rd February and tens of thousands of British people want to show their love for the principles of universal and comprehensive care free at the point of use, paid for through general taxation. We don’t agree with your divisive and incorrect rhetoric. No thanks.”

Caring

How you can drive across Europe on a budget

Our car was brand new – with just 280 metres – yes just 28,000 centimetres on the odometer. And it was cheaper than a rental car. Much cheaper. Sitting at Paris airport, about to embark on a four month trip around Europe, I couldn't quite believe our luck. Two months earlier, when we first had the idea of driving around Europe's castles, forts, farmers markets and lavender fields – the plan was to buy a car. Then, the Great Wall of European Bureaucracy hit. We needed a local address for the compulsory insurance, to pay numerous taxes, fill in countless forms. It was firmly placed in the too hard basket. Long term rentals? Reluctantly, we started searching rental cars. I say reluctantly, because the last rental experience I had involved brandishing a weapon at the rental agent. He wanted $500 for a tiny shopping trolley scratch somebody else had done. My weapon was a ruler, but it worked. The scratch was just 4cm , and luckily I'd read the fine print which said anything less than 10cm is not considered damage. We planned to drive Europe for 4 months, but most rentals were priced around a hefty €4000 (NZ$6300) for the trip. I eventually found one for around $35 a day. But on the last page of the fine print, the grenade hit. I discovered we could only do 3500km over the four months, and we would be charged $1 per kilometre extra for anything above. We ended up driving almost 15,000km, so that would have been a resuscitation worthy $11,500 shock to the system. Leasing a new car In desperation, I googled something a former colleague had told me about. It's a French based scheme, and involves leasing a brand new car, which you can drive all around Europe. It sounded complicated and expensive, so I never really looked into it. I was very wrong; in fact a little shocked at how low the prices were. I assumed the hidden extras would exorbitant. But it included full insurance – with zero excess. That means you can scratch it, dent it, it doesn't matter. No extra cost. And you can drive through more than 40 countries. Why so cheap? Our car came to around $32 a day for a 4 month lease. The price increases to around $57 per day for a one month lease, although they often have specials cheaper than that. It's difficult to find a European rental with full insurance, unlimited kilometres and the ability to drive in more than 40 countries for anywhere near that price. Let alone, one with less than a kilometre on the clock. The French Government established the scheme 50 years ago, but surprisingly few people know about it. It works like this: You lease a brand new car off a French car company, such as Citroen. You technically own it; so when you return the vehicle it's second hand. Because the car is used, Citroen doesn't have to pay a new car tax. So it sells a virtually new car, a lot cheaper, into the French market. There's big demand to buy those cars, so the the likes of Citroen offer discounts to attract tourists so they have enough supply. It boosts tourism and the local car industry. Was it worth it? The big question a lot of people have is: why ditch public transport in Europe, when it's so good. But after doing trains and buses a few times before, we wanted to explore outside the main centres and not be constrained by timetables. And having done both now - there is no comparison. We stumbled upon countless surprises; from medieval castles to farmers markets and shimmering turquoise beaches we would never have seen on public transport. We drove through France, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Italy (including Sicily) San Marino and back to Paris. And best of all I didn't have to brandish a weapon when I returned the car. Yes, it had a small scratch courtesy of Dubrovnik's impossibly narrow streets. But all I got was a "well done" - the returning agent had one quick glance then added "I would have expected more over four months" More information - To be eligible for the scheme you need to live outside the EU. Last year Brook Sabin and his partner Radha Engling quit their jobs and sold everything to travel. They started a blog <a rel="noopener" href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.onflightmode.com_&d=DwMFaQ&c=N9aEhCy8U0rJkO1xCZf7rgM9fohfR5qe_N93viZd7O8&r=I5pjA5TeGoKDX0Sz-FITmeB56zsMUJLEgPhVfD36ZDp83WWuRdMB20Kkf1CL27BN&m=Zad0RQHuR_efQjmVXGQZ18_lkOsHXVCTYgEp9QJqNCc&s=8XEn_q-KcC3rGMi-TqyF93oP8X7AXH8tETBA8BML1E8&e=" target="_blank">onflightmode.com</a> and now call themselves fulltime travellers, making a living selling travel photos and video all around the world. Written by Brook Sabin. Republished with permission of <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

International Travel

The ins and outs of driving across Antarctica

Looking for the next great undiscovered drive? What about driving so far south, you actually hit the South Pole? Come November, you can make it happen on a roughly two-week-long road trip across Antarctica with Explorations Company. Sound intrepid? That's just the start. Travellers will have a chance to hike Antarctica's highest mountain, Mt. Vinson (it clocks in at 3km high); cross-country ski across the tundra; and locate the point on the Earth where all 24 time zones meet and time loses all conventional meaning. And if all the stars align, you can even try to break the world record for the fastest Antarctic crossing. It's all part of two exclusive trips that accommodate no more than six travellers a piece-at a price tag of US$165,000 per person. "These sorts of things just don't get done, and that's what makes it so special," said Nicola Shepherd, owner and director of the Explorations Company, whose forte is in linking travellers with world-class conservationists in the world's wildest corners, such as Botswana and India. Here in Antarctica, it's climate researchers whom she's connected with-and who originated these frozen voyages. The logistics Weather is just the first of many challenges. (The temperatures can easily hover around minus 45 degrees Celsius.) Since passengers need at least 10 days to complete the driving circuit to the South Pole and back, it's unappealing to take a slow ship to get to Antarctica itself. Instead, guests fly in on a Russian Ilyushin-76 jet. It looks "a bit like the grim reaper" on the outside, joked Shepherd, but it's by far the most comfortable way to cross the Strait of Magellan. By the time the aircraft lands on Antarctica's iced-over runway, a fleet of specialised 6x6 trucks await to begin the real journey. The polar-adapted vehicles-a fleet of 19 retrofitted Toyota Hiluxes powered by a specially formulated, freeze-proof fuel-are the purview of Arctic Trucks, a company that has facilitated trips for Top Gear and British royalty. (Prince Harry used them on his 2013 South Pole charity trip for Walking With the Wounded.) <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36410/image__498x245.jpg" alt="antarctica" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Famous footsteps The route follows the footsteps of 1950s explorer Sir Vivian Fuchs from the Ronne ice shelf to the Ross ice shelf. Only 23 people have ever completed the 3-kilometre-long crossing, and more than half of them were on Fuchs's team. The creature comforts To make things a little easier, Arctic Trucks provides specialised outerwear to keep travellers as appropriately dressed as possible. The crew includes a chef, who flies in enough ingredients to make meat-and-carb-heavy meals that power the day's adventures. Champagne toasts are literally built into the itinerary. And although they don't have running water, the mobile camps are well insulated and have private bathrooms with dry flush toilets-staffers will even put hot water bottles under your pillows to keep things nice and toasty. But this isn't a luxury hotel experience; this is the drive of your life. And while it's expected to take 10 days from start to finish, you can never really know. "Wind is the most detrimental factor," said Shepherd. "Visibility can be zero on certain days. You can get snowed in. You'd have to stay in camp those days, play cards, and wait for the first clearing." Who’s going "As much as this is sold as a tourist trip, it's not a jolly old holiday-it's an expedition," explained Shepherd, who spoke to Bloomberg by phone from her headquarters in Gloucestershire, U.K. For each traveller in the convoy, there are about four staffers: medics, researchers, and local experts who are adept at navigating the all-white landscape. Travellers need to pass physical fitness evaluations to make sure they can handle the extreme conditions. "People lose a lot of weight on these trips, just because your body is working so much harder to keep warm," Shepherd explained, adding that none of the excursions would be considered physically demanding in any other climate. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36411/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (265)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> For lovers of adventure So who's the target audience? British fund managers and Swiss bankers have been the ones to book thus far. "It's not necessarily for extreme adventurers who have already climbed Kilimanjaro," said Shepherd. "It's more for people who have a fascination for Antarctica but don't want to go on a great big ship with hundreds of people. Or for those who want to do something different to stretch themselves and understand their own great potential." Written by Niki Ekstein. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Travel Tips

Sailing out of New York and across the Atlantic

Rosie Hersch, 68, is a retired pharmacist, whose hobbies include studying, cooking and theatre. Her biggest passion is travel and like the song says, “I've been everywhere man (well almost).” I felt like I was taking part in a movie. It was 10pm, May 14, 2016. I was standing on the upper deck of a beautiful cruise ship. As the band played all those fabulous songs about New York she departed from Pier 96 on the Hudson, sailing past the magnificent iconic Manhattan skyline, the lights of the buildings reflecting shimmering sparkles in the water. The night sky was clear, the moon and stars were out. I felt like I was in a dream. This experience is imprinted in my memory forever. One of the reasons we chose this cruise was because of the sail out of this most amazing harbour. We were headed for Boston. This is a wonderful city and our tour took us to many important historic sites, including the Old North Church where Paul Revere had ordered that two lanterns to be hung in the steeple to signal that the British Redcoats were approaching. We visited Cambridge, stopped at Harvard Square, and strolled past the hallowed halls of America’s oldest and most prestigious university. Boston is an elegant city but it was a bitterly cold early spring day. <img width="520" height="431" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27372/boston11_520x431.jpg" alt="Boston 11" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Next stop was Barr Harbour, Maine in picturesque New England. We took a tour to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain, on Mount Desert Island. Years ago John D. Rockefeller had financed for landscaping, trails and bridges to be constructed throughout the park. Our last stop before heading across the Atlantic was Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada. Our excursion took us to a picturesque seaside village, Peggy’s Cove. The lighthouse that sits on the coastline at Peggy’s Cove is quite famous. There are many paintings and photographs of this beautiful lighthouse and the surrounding countryside. We were also treated to a lecture by a very experienced lobster fisherman about the lobster fishing industry of the area. He invited anyone who dared to touch a live lobster. <img width="520" height="346" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27371/lighthouse_520x346.jpg" alt="Lighthouse (2)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Related link: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/2016/08/rosie-hersch-must-do-guide-to-new-york-city/">Rosie Hersch’s guide to New York City</a> However, our Halifax tour guide was very informative, too much so in fact. As our bus left the harbour the first thing he talked about – and actually showed us on the shoreline – was where Swissair Flight 111, bound for New York from Geneva with 229 passengers on board, crashed, with no survivors some years ago. Then he told us about the fishing trawler, the Andrea Gail, that sailed from Massachusetts in 1991 where the ship and crew were lost, not too far from Halifax in one of the worst storms. This true event was the basis for the film called Perfect Storm starring George Clooney. And just to add fuel to the fire so to speak, he related the story of the worst explosion in the world prior to the two atomic bombs that decimated the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. He said as World War I raged in Europe, Halifax was a bustling harbour with ships carrying troops, relief supplies and munitions across the Atlantic. On December 6, 1917 at 8.45am a Norwegian freighter, the Imo, left Halifax for New York. At the same time a French munitions ship, the Mont Blanc left. They collided close to the shore. More than 1,800 people were killed outright. 9,000 were injured, 200 of whom were blinded. The explosion destroyed the northern part of Halifax including 1600 homes. And if that wasn’t enough bad news, he then proceeded to tell of the Titanic sinking and that the rescue ships left Halifax to retrieve the dead from the water. In fact, most of the bodies retrieved are buried in three Halifax cemeteries and furthermore our ship was about to head out over the Atlantic and pass right over where the Titanic sat at the bottom of the ocean. After all this commentary he jokingly said, “Some of you will probably need grief counselling when you return to your ship this afternoon.” How sobering this advice, I thought. Some of the people on the tour objected to his tales of woe but I found all this information fascinating. So now we headed across a rather choppy Atlantic Ocean to our first two destinations, two islands that are part of a small archipelago belonging to Portugal; the Azores. By now the sea had calmed somewhat and the weather was a little warmer. Horta, our first port of call has a long standing link to the sea, especially in the 19th century when it was a favourite stopover for the whaling fishermen. Many yachts stop in Horta, on their way from America, Europe, South Africa and even from down under. It is the halfway mark between America and Europe on this huge ocean, a convenient place for sailors to rest and stock up on further supplies. It is a custom for all yacht owners who stop here to paint their country’s flag or their sailing emblem, some also listing all crew member names in a design on the footpaths next to the pier. There many such murals here from sailors who have passed this way over the years. <img width="498" height="393" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27374/boat-murals-horta-the-azores10_498x393.jpg" alt="Boat Murals Horta The Azores 10" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Next day we stopped at Ponta Delgado, on the Island of San Miguel, a very lovely place. We took a tour to a charming village called Sete Cidades and from there were taken to view two gorgeous twin crater lakes. The sight was amazing. One lake is green and one lake is blue. So then it was goodbye to the Azores. All aboard me hearties, we were bound for Funchal, the capital of the magnificent Portuguese Island of Madeira. In 2008, we spent 10 days in this idyllic place. At that time, I never imagined I would ever return as it is so far from Australia. I was thrilled when our cruise itinerary included a day stopover at one of my top five destinations of all times. The scenery in Madeira is breathtaking. There are spectacular cliff views and gorgeously quaint fishing villages. There are exotic flowers in superb colourful displays and such intense greenery in the huge variety of plants. The botanical garden adjacent to the Governor’s residence in Funchal is a horticulturist dream. The food is wonderful and generally restaurants offer complimentary Madeira wine with meals. I am quite partial to their Madeira cake as well. There is beautiful artwork and the people are so warm and friendly. I dream of returning and who knows, maybe one day. Till then I better keep buying those lotto tickets. <img width="521" height="385" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/27375/funchal_521x385.jpg" alt="Funchal" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> All good things must come to an end so it was goodbye to my magical Madeira, for we now had set sail for Lisbon, our disembarkation port. If you have a travel story to share please get in touch at <a href="mailto:melody@oversixty.com.au">melody@oversixty.com.au</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2016/08/6-cruise-cabins-to-avoid/">6 cruise cabins to avoid</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2016/08/5-reason-to-stay-onboard-when-your-cruise-is-in-port/">5 reason to stay onboard when your cruise is in port</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/2016/08/8-reasons-to-bring-duct-tape-on-your-next-cruise/">8 reasons to bring duct tape on your next cruise</a>

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Terminally-ill rugby player carried across marathon finish line by his best mate

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