TRAVEL TUESDAY 575 - RICHAT STRUCTURE, MAURITANIA

“Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.” - Plato

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Mauritania, officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in the Maghreb region of West Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Western Sahara to the north and northwest, Algeria to the northeast, Mali to the east and southeast, and Senegal to the southwest. By land area Mauritania is the 11th-largest country in Africa and the 28th-largest in the world; 90% of its territory is in the Sahara desert. Most of its population of 5.4 million live in the temperate south of the country; roughly a third of the population is concentrated in the capital and largest city, Nouakchott, on the Atlantic coast.

The Richat Structure, or Guelb er Richât (Arabic: قلب الريشات,) often called the Eye of Africa is a prominent circular geological feature at the northwestern edge of the Taoudeni Basin, on the Adrar Plateau of the Sahara. It is located near Ouadane in the Adrar Region of Mauritania. In Hassaniya Arabic, rīšāt means feathers and it is also known locally in Arabic as tagense, referring to the circular opening of the leather pouch that is used to draw water from local wells.

It is an eroded geological dome, 40 kilometres in diameter, caused by a subsurface igneous intrusion deforming the overlying sedimentary rock layers, causing the rock to be exposed as concentric rings with the oldest layers exposed at the centre of the structure. Igneous rock is exposed inside and there are rhyolites and gabbros that have undergone hydrothermal alteration, and a central megabreccia. The structure is also the location of exceptional accumulations of Acheulean Paleolithic stone tools. It was selected as one of the 100 geological heritage sites identified by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) to be of the highest scientific value.

The Richat Structure has been the subject of unsubstantiated fringe claims to be the site of Atlantis mentioned in the works of Plato. This claim is primarily based on the concentric nature of the structure, which superficially matches Plato's description of the city. Most classicists believe that Atlantis was a fictional rhetorical invention by Plato, rather than a real geographic location.

According to archaeologist Sean M. Rafferty, other than superficially matching Plato's Atlantis description in being circular, in its particular details, including being a geologically ancient natural structure, the Richat Structure bears little resemblance to Plato's description of Atlantis, with the Richat Structure's location far inland in a desert contradicting Plato's information regarding the location of Atlantis. Skeptic Steven Novella criticised other inconsistencies in the claim, including the lack of any archaeological evidence for a city having been built there, and the lack of evidence for the canals mentioned in Plato's Atlantis account.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 574 - TOGO, AFRICA

“With gold you can make a road to heaven but it will end in hell.” - Togolese Proverb

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Togo is a vibrant, narrow nation in West Africa stretched along the Gulf of Guinea. Known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and warm hospitality, it transitions from palm-fringed Atlantic beaches in the south to rolling forested mountains and dry northern savannahs.  It is one of Africa's narrowest countries (under 115 km wide) with a population of roughly 8.7 million people. Lomé, the capital, is a bustling coastal city situated right on the border with Ghana. French is the official language, alongside national languages like Ewe and Kabiye. It uses the West African CFA franc (XOF).

Although almost half of the population is Christian, the remainder are muslims, and a variety of local religions. Togo is widely regarded as a heartland of the Vodoun (Voodoo) religion. Lomé is home to the famous Akodessewa Fetish Market, a central hub for traditional talismans, herbs, and spiritual remedies.

The lush, hilly region around Kpalimé is a paradise for hikers, famous for its butterfly-filled forests, coffee and cocoa plantations, waterfalls, and Mount Agou—the country's highest peak. Koutammakou (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Located in the north, this region is famous for its unique Takienta—mud tower-houses built by the Batammariba people that look like miniature clay fortresses. The Evala Festival are seen in the northern Kara region. Young Kabye men engage in traditional wrestling matches every summer as a core rite of passage into adulthood.

Togo has positioned itself as a major West African maritime hub. The Port of Lomé is the only deep-water port in the region capable of hosting massive modern cargo ships, and the country has recently seen significant growth in manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Visitors to Togo generally require a visa and mandatory proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination to enter the country.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 573 - ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT, SEYCHELLES

“The calming movement of the sea along with the restless ocean breeze gently caresses me creating a soothing trance which lulls me to a place of peace.” – M. L. Borges

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Anse Source d'Argent is a stunning beach located on La Digue, which is the third largest inhabited island in the Seychelles archipelago. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is a popular tourist destination. The name “Anse Source d’Argent” translates to “Silver Spring Cove” in English, referring to the sparkling white sands and turquoise waters that make this beach so remarkable.

The shoreline is framed by massive, sculpted granite rock formations that feel prehistoric. These divide the 1,100-metre beach into smaller, intimate sandy coves sheltered by leaning coconut palms. A protective coral reef keeps the waters entirely calm and safe year-round. The sea remains shallow for quite a distance, making it incredibly family-friendly and ideal for wading. Its picture-perfect landscape made it the backdrop for famous 1990s Bacardi rum adverts and films like Cast Away (1986) and Crusoe (1988).

Unlike most beaches in the Seychelles, you must pay a daytime entry fee (approximately SCR 150 / ~$17 AUD) to pass through the historic L'Union Estate. This old coconut and vanilla plantation now functions as a nature reserve, featuring a giant Aldabra tortoise enclosure you can visit on your way. La Digue Island is largely car-free. Most visitors rent bicycles at the main port (about 1.6 km away) and enjoy a scenic ride down to the estate pathways.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 572 - GABON, AFRICA

“As we look to the future, we cannot improve our living standards while simultaneously degrading the natural environment around us.” - Ali Bongo Ondimba 

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Gabon, officially known as the Gabonese Republic, is an equatorial sovereign nation located on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and dense wilderness, it is bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo. The country spans roughly 270,000 square kilometres and is home to a population of approximately 2.5 million people, making it one of the least densely populated nations in Africa. Its capital and economic epicentre is Libreville.

Gabon is a crucial component of the Congo Basin, serving as one of the planet's primary ecological strongholds. Pristine tropical rainforest covers between 85% and 90% of the country's landscape. This immense forest cover allows Gabon to act as a critical net carbon absorber.  The geography transitions from a low-lying, lagoon-rich coastal plain along the Atlantic Ocean into interior highlands, including the Cristal Mountains and the Chaillu Massif. In 2002, Gabon established a network of 13 national parks covering roughly 11% of its landmass. Notable reserves include Loango National Park—famous for its "surfing hippos" and forest elephants that roam the beaches—and Lopé National Park.

Gabon possesses one of the highest GDP per capita rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, driven largely by its vast natural resource extraction. Offshore oil reserves discovered in the 1970s account for roughly 45% of the nation's GDP and 80% of total exports, making Gabon the fifth-largest oil producer in the region. Beyond oil, the country is a significant global exporter of manganese and timber. Despite its high structural wealth, Gabon suffers from acute wealth inequality, with over a third of the population living below the poverty line.

French serves as the sole official language, a legacy of French colonial rule prior to Gabon gaining independence on 17 August 1960. The population is composed of over 40 distinct Bantu ethnic groups, with the Fang being the largest. The population is predominantly Christian, often interwoven with traditional animist practices. Gabon is globally recognized for its Iboga traditions, utilizing a sacred rainforest root bark central to its spiritual rituals and currently under close protection due to growing global pharmaceutical interest.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 571 - PARÍCUTIN, MEXICO

“Remind me that the most fertile lands were built by the fires of volcanoes.” - Andrea Gibson

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The Parícutin volcano famously burst out of a farmer’s cornfield in Michoacán, Mexico, in February 1943. It erupted continuously for nine years, dramatically altering the landscape and burying two nearby villages—leaving only the top half of the San Juan Parangaricutiro church tower peeking out from the hardened basalt. Parícutin officially fell completely silent in March 1952 and has not erupted since.

While Parícutin itself will never erupt again, it is not completely cold. You can still observe signs of residual thermal energy today: The crater summit and side vents (fumaroles) still emit steam and volcanic gases, occasionally leaving behind distinct white mineral crusts on the rocks. Deep magma movements in the broader Michoacán-Guanajuato volcanic field remain highly active. The region regularly experiences seismic earthquake swarms (such as notable events in 1997, 2006, 2020, and 2021) caused by magma forcing open deep underground cracks.

Volcanologists at UNAM (Mexico's National University) monitor these deep tectonic shifts closely. While Parícutin is finished, the underground forces mean a brand-new volcano is highly likely to sprout somewhere else in the surrounding region in the future.

The geological creation of Parícutin is one of the most famous events in modern volcanology because it gave scientists a front-row seat to the entire birth-to-death lifecycle of a cinder cone volcano. The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt Parícutin formed because of large-scale plate tectonics. Mexico sits above a major subduction zone where the Cocos oceanic plate is sliding underneath the North American continental plate. As the oceanic plate sinks deep into the Earth, intense heat and pressure force water out of the rock. This water lowers the melting point of the surrounding mantle, creating highly buoyant basaltic andesite magma that slowly rises toward the surface.

Weeks before the eruption, locals felt intense earthquakes and heard deep rumblings—the physical sound of magma fracturing rocks underground. On 20 February 1943, a fissure opened in a cornfield. The Pyroclastic Phase (1943): The initial magma was packed with trapped volcanic gases. As it hit the atmospheric pressure of the surface, it violently exploded. It threw out tephra—scoria, bombs, and ash. This airborne debris fell back around the vent, stacking up rapidly to build a steep, conical hill. In just one week, the cone grew to 100 metres tall; by the end of the first year, it reached 336 metres. 

The Effusive Phase (1944–1951): As the magma chamber lost its volatile gas pressure, the eruption style shifted from explosive fireworks to thick, slow-moving lava. Because the loose cinder cone was too weak to hold heavy lava inside its crater, the molten rock burst out from vents at the base of the cone. These heavy, silica-poor flows eventually blanketed 25 square kilometres, burying towns and constructing a vast lava plateau.

The Final Gasp (1952): By early 1952, the deep magma reservoir feeding this specific fracture ran completely dry. After one last burst of explosive activity in March, the plumbing system crystallized and hardened into solid rock, leaving the volcano permanently extinct.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 570 - TUVALU

“Climate change is the greatest threat to our existence in our short history on this planet. Nobody’s going to buy their way out of its effects.” Mark Ruffalo

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Tuvalu is an independent South Pacific island nation located roughly midway between Hawaii and Australia, widely known as one of the smallest and most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Spanning just 26 square kilometres of total land area across three reef islands and six coral atolls, it is the world's fourth-smallest sovereign state and houses a population of roughly 11,500 people.

Most of the nation sits a mere 2 to 4 metres above sea level, leaving it completely devoid of rivers or lakes. Fresh water is obtained exclusively through rain catchment systems and wells. Because of its low elevation, Tuvalu faces an existential threat from rising sea levels. Estimates suggest that flooding and storm surges could cost the nation upwards of US$34 million annually by 2050. The government has already formulated digital and physical preservation plans, alongside migration pathways, should the islands become entirely uninhabitable.

Tuvalu achieved independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1978. It operates as a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, recognising King Charles III as its head of state. In a landmark treaty ratified with Australia, the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union commits Australia to providing security and disaster relief. Crucially, it features a special mobility pathway granting up to 280 permanent resident visas annually for Tuvalu citizens to relocate to Australia as climate refugees.

Tuvalu has one of the smallest economies globally. It relies heavily on international development aid, fishing licences, remittances from seafarers working abroad, and the licensing of its lucrative .tv internet domain extension. The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the official legal tender alongside local Tuvaluan coins. The local population is primarily of Polynesian descent, speaking both Tuvaluan and English.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 569 - LUXEMBOURG

“Luxembourg, a small nation with a big voice, echoing throughout the European landscape.” – Lex Heijnen

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Luxembourg, officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a small landlocked country located in Western Europe. It covers a total land area of 2,586 square kilometers and shares borders with Belgium, Germany, and France. As of 2026, the country boasts a growing population of 693,916 residents, nearly half of whom are foreign nationals. Luxembourg is renowned for holding the world's highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (nominal and PPP), making it an international economic and financial powerhouse.

There are several regions in this small country: Éislek (Oesling): The northern third of the nation, characterised by the rugged, rolling hills of the Ardennes mountain range and dense forests. Its highest point is Kneiff, sitting at 560 meters above sea level. Guttland (Bon Pays): The southern two-thirds of the country, featuring fertile agricultural lands, rolling countryside, and the capital, Luxembourg City. Specialist Sub-Regions: The east features the rocky gorges and cliffs of the Mullerthal region (often called "Little Switzerland"), while the southeast is home to the scenic Moselle vineyard valley.

As a founding member of the European Union, Luxembourg City serves as one of the de facto institutional capitals of the EU, hosting major bodies like the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and the European Investment Bank. The Head of State is the Grand Duke Henri, who handles formal constitutional rights. The Head of Government is Prime Minister Luc Frieden, who directs executive power through the government. A unicameral parliament known as the Chamber of Deputies, comprised of 60 members elected every five years, handles the legislature. Thus, Luxembourg functions under a unique unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy, holding the distinction of being the world's only remaining Grand Duchy.

It is a highly diverse, cosmopolitan, and multilingual society: The nation has three administrative languages. Luxembourgish is the designated national language; French is the legislative language; and German, French, and Luxembourgish are all used collectively for administrative matters. The population features an extensive foreign-born community making up over 47% of the citizenry. The largest minority groups include Portuguese (13.2%) and French (7.2%) nationals. On March 1, 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport nationwide completely free for both residents and tourists.

Vianden Castle (seen here) is one of Europe's largest, most beautifully restored, and most impressive feudal residences from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Perched majestically on a hilltop overlooking the town of Vianden and the Our River in northern Luxembourg, it has been recognized by CNN as one of the 21 most beautiful castles in the world. Originally built between the 11th and 14th centuries on the foundations of a Roman outpost and Carolingian refuge, the fortress served for centuries as the seat of the powerful Counts of Vianden before passing to the House of Nassau. After being sold off piece by piece and falling into complete ruin in the 19th century, it was transferred to state ownership in 1977 and painstakingly restored to its former glory.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 568 - SKIATHOS, GREECE

“Plutocracy was, is and will be the permanent ruler of the world, the permanent Antichrist. It gives birth to injustice, it nourishes crime, it corrupts bodies and souls.” - Alexandros Papadiamantis

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Skiathos (Greek: Σκιάθος, romanized: Skiáthos) is a small Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea. Skiathos is the westernmost island in the Northern Sporades archipelago, east of the Pelion peninsula in Magnesia on the mainland, and west of the island of Skopelos. The main town is Skiathos (pop. 4,883 in 2011), in the eastern part of the island. Skiathos and its neighbouring island Skopelos were the filming locations of the 2008 film “Mamma Mia!”.

There are over 60 beaches, including the white-pebbled Lalaria Beach, the pine-fringed Koukounaries, and the energetic Banana Beach. Skiathos Town (Hora) is very picturesque and you can stroll through cobbled alleys filled with whitewashed houses, dine at open-air tavernas, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife around the Old Port. One can hike up to the historic Evangelistria Monastery or explore the medieval sea fortress at the Bourtzi Peninsula. Low-flying aircraft land just metres above the sand at the famously short Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport runway - a favourite location for plane spotters!

A 14th-century medieval fortified town is perched dramatically over the northern cliffs. Built to protect locals from pirate raids, you can hike through its atmospheric ruins and enjoy stunning, windy sea views. Tucked high in the pine-covered mountains, the Evangelistria Monastery is peaceful, although active with resident monks. It holds a massive place in Greek history—it’s where the first official Greek flag was woven and blessed in 1807. The monks still produce local wine, olive oil, and honey today.

Alexandros Papadiamantis (Greek: Ἀλέξανδρος Παπαδιαμάντης 4 March 1851 – 3 January 1911) was an influential Greek novelist, short-story writer and poet who was born in Skiathos. The Papadiamantis House Museum is a museum dedicated to the writer. Following his death, his house was transformed into a modern museum with displays related to his life and attracts many visitors.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 567 - SAMOS, GREECE

“Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.” - Pythagoras 

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Samos is a lush, mountainous Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, just a short distance from the Turkish coast. Samos was home to the famous mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus. You can explore ancient ruins at the Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos, which include the remains of a massive temple to Hera and an ancient underground aqueduct, a marvel of ancient technology and engineering . In ancient times, the island was a rich and powerful maritime centre that rivaled Athens.

Samos Town, also called Vathy (shown here), is the main port with traditional houses, shops, and waterfront dining. Pythagorio is a pretty harbour town built over the ancient city, featuring paved streets, a lively marina, and the statue of Pythagoras. Kokkari is a charming northern fishing village popular with visitors for its relaxed vibe and nearby beaches. Unlike drier Greek islands, Samos features thick pine forests, high mountains, waterfalls (like the Potami Gorge), and scenic hiking trails. The island is famous worldwide for its golden, aromatic sweet Muscat wine, produced here since ancient times. Traditional mountain villages like Manolates offer local food, fresh produce, and handmade crafts.

The Samian economy depends mainly on agriculture and the tourist industry which was growing steadily since the early 1980s and reached a peak at the end of the 1990s. The main agricultural products include grapes, honey, olives, olive oil, citrus fruit, dried figs, almonds and flowers. The Muscat grape is the main crop used for wine production. Samian wine is also exported under several other appellations.

Samos is home to many animal species including the golden jackal, stone marten, wild boar, flamingos and monk seal. It is also one of the most lush and biologically diverse islands in the Aegean Sea, home to over 1,000 to 1,500 plant species and rare endemic varieties. Wild thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage grow abundantly across hillsides and hiking paths. Samos hosts rare plants like Dactylorhiza pythagorae (an orchid named after Pythagoras) and critically endangered species like Consolida samia (Console of Samos), alongside localized blooms like the Samos Crocus.  Wild olive trees, carob trees, cedar, strawberry trees (arbutus), myrtle, and heather are also abundant. Pine trees cover the slopes of mountains, along with dense groves of oak, chestnut, plane trees, and cypresses.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 566 - DAKAR, SENEGAL

“Music in Africa often contains messages. Music in Senegal, and Africa, is never music for music’s sake or solely for entertainment. It’s always a vehicle for social connections, discussions and ideas.” - Youssou N’Dour

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Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is the westernmost country of mainland West Africa, situated along the Atlantic Ocean coast, with an area of 197,000 square km and a population of 19 million people. It borders Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. Senegal nearly surrounds the Gambia, a country occupying a narrow strip of land along the banks of the Gambia River, which separates Senegal's southern region of Casamance from the rest of the country. It also shares a maritime border with Cape Verde. The capital and largest city of Senegal is Dakar.  French is the official language, while Wolof (Ndakaaru) is widely spoken.

Like other African nations, the country includes a wide mix of ethnic and linguistic communities, with the largest being the Wolof, Fula, and Serer people. Senegalese people are predominantly Muslim. As a developing nation, Senegal is classified as a heavily indebted poor country, with a relatively low ranking on the Human Development Index (169th out of 193). Most of the population lives on the coast and works in agriculture or other food industries; other major industries include mining, tourism, and services.

Dakar is the vibrant capital and largest city of Senegal, located on the westernmost point of the African continent on the Cap-Vert peninsula, with a population of approximately 1.28 million in the department, with around 4.0 million in the broader metropolitan area. Senegal is generally safe for travelers who exercise normal to high caution, though certain regions and urban areas carry specific security and health risks.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 565 - MT ATHOS, GREECE

“True religion is real living; living with all one’s soul, with all one’s goodness and righteousness.” - Albert Einstein

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Mount Athos, known in Greek as Agion Oros (the Holy Mountain), is a mountain and peninsula in northern Greece that operates as a semi-autonomous, self-governing monastic republic. Home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and approximately 1,400 to 2,000 monks, it has been an uninterrupted centre of Orthodox spirituality since the Byzantine era. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area is famous for its breathtaking, fortress-like architecture, pristine forests, and its strict, centuries-old traditional rules.

The Avaton (Ban on Women) is a key requirement, by ancient law, dating back over a millennium, where women and children are strictly forbidden from entering the peninsula. This tradition, meant to ensure total celibacy and focus for the monks, requires female travellers to view the coastal monasteries exclusively via offshore boat cruises. The peninsula is home to 20 main monasteries, such as the audaciously built Simonopetra Monastery perched high on a cliff, and Vatopedi Monastery, which still keeps "Byzantine time" where the new day begins at sunset. 

There are no land routes for public entry. All visitors must arrive by ferry, typically departing from the mainland gateway towns of Ouranoupolis or Ierissos. Visiting Mount Athos is treated as a religious pilgrimage rather than a casual holiday. Because the monks protect their quiet, spiritual environment, access is highly regulated. A permit  to visit (Diamonitirion) is required by every male visitor, which must be reserved months in advance through the Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau in Thessaloniki. General visitor entries are capped at 100 Orthodox and a very limited number of non-Orthodox men per day. Regulations restrict group sizes to a maximum of five people, and pilgrims must obtain explicit, pre-approved invitations from specific monasteries to secure overnight accommodation.

Room and board within the monasteries are provided free of charge, but guests must strictly adhere to the monastic schedule. This includes attending early morning services (often starting at 3:00 AM), dressing conservatively (long trousers and long sleeves), keeping silent after dark, and turning off video recording equipment, which is strictly prohibited.

The Moni Grigoriou Monastery is shown above, founded in the 14th century (shortly before 1350) and dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 564 - VANUATU, PACIFIC OCEAN

“I don't think there's much point in bemoaning the state of the world unless there's some way you can think of to improve it. Otherwise, don't bother writing a book; go and find a tropical island and lie in the sun.” - Peter Singer

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Vanuatu is an archipelagic nation in Melanesia, located in the South Pacific Ocean. It consists of roughly 83 volcanic islands forming an irregular Y-shape, situated about 1,750 kilometres east of northern Australia. Known for its incredible cultural diversity, active volcanoes, and pristine marine life, it is a premier destination for adventure and tropical travel.

The capital is Port Vila, located on the island of Efate and it has a population of 56,352 residents (Vanuatu total population is 343,000 people). Languages spoken are Bislama (national pidgin English), English, and French, alongside over 100 indigenous languages. The climate is subtropical, featuring a warm, wet season (November to April) and a cooler, dry season (May to October).

Efate Island: The main gateway and home to the capital, Port Vila. Key sights include the stunning Mele Cascades Waterfall and deep-water lagoons.

Espiritu Santo Island: The largest island, famous for its glowing freshwater "blue holes" (like Nanda Blue Hole), powdery white sand at Champagne Beach, and the world-renowned SS President Coolidge shipwreck dive site.

Tanna Island: Famous for Mount Yasur, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, where visitors can stand right on the rim.

Pentecost Island: World-renowned for the annual Naghol (land diving) ritual held between April and June, which inspired modern bungee jumping.

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TRAVEL TUESDAY 563 - TRIPOLI, LIBYA

“As a young boy in Libya, it was hard to escape the conclusion that the women were the most feeling and most functional part of society.” - Hisham Matar

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Libya is a large, oil-rich country located in North Africa along the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Algeria, and Tunisia. As the fourth-largest nation in Africa, the vast majority of its terrain consists of the Sahara Desert, forcing about 90% of its 7.3 million residents to live in fertile cities along the northern coastline, primarily within the capital city of Tripoli.

Libya is historically and culturally divided into three primary regions: Tripolitania (Northwest): Home to the capital, Tripoli, featuring a Mediterranean climate and the Nefusa Mountains. Cyrenaica (East): Centred around Benghazi, known for the fertile Green Mountains (Jebel Akhdar) and major oil infrastructure. Fezzan (Southwest): A vast, hyper-arid desert region dotted with historic trade oases like Sabha.

Because Libya lacks permanent rivers, it relies heavily on the Great Man-Made River, a massive engineering network of underground pipes that pumps fresh water from ancient desert aquifers to coastal cities.

First inhabited by indigenous Berber populations, coastal Libya was later colonised by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, leaving behind prominent archaeological ruins like Leptis Magna. Arab forces introduced Islam in the 7th century. The region was later absorbed into the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until 1911. Italy violently colonised the area in 1911, formally unifying the provinces under the name “Libya”. 

The nation achieved independence as a monarchy in 1951. In 1969, Muammar Gaddafi seized power in a military coup. He ruled the nation with an authoritarian, highly centralized system for 42 years.

Following the 2011 Arab Spring revolution and the fall of Gaddafi, Libya entered a prolonged period of instability and civil factionalism. The country remains politically fragmented. Power is split between the internationally recognized government in Tripoli (West) and a separate administration backed by the Libyan National Army in Benghazi (East).

Libya boasts the largest proven oil reserves in Africa. The economy is completely tethered to hydrocarbons, which constitute over 90% of government revenue. Financial management is highly volatile, overseen by the Central Bank of Libya which devalued the Libyan Dinar to stabilise the economy amid persistent political gridlock.

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