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Castle on a hill
Castle on a hill
In honor of Castle Day in Japan, we"re featuring Himeji Castle—one of the most pristine examples of traditional Japanese castle architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Castle Day is on April 6 (or 4/6) because the Japanese character for castle (城) is read as "shiro," and the Japanese pronunciation of "four" is "shi" and "six" is "ro."Desktop Version
The frog prince?
The frog prince?
Perched among the petals of a purple water lily, we think this petite tree frog makes a fine mascot for National Frog Month. The annual event celebrates frogs around the world, all 4,000+ species. Among the various kinds, the little green tree frog is commonly found in the backyards and water features of the southeastern United States. It was named the official state amphibian of both Louisiana and Georgia. Not bad for a little tree frog who likes flowers.Desktop Version
Ludwig’s palace
Ludwig’s palace
Get to southwestern Bavaria, near Germany’s border with Austria, to see this magnificent castle. It was built not as a stronghold against invaders, but as a fancy getaway for Ludwig II, the Bavarian king who commissioned the construction in 1869. Ludwig sunk most of his personal fortune into Neuschwanstein Castle and a couple of other estates, and even borrowed heavily to pay for the castle. Part of his inspiration for Neuschwanstein was the composer Richard Wagner, whose operas appealed to Ludwig’s romantic sensibilities. After Ludwig’s death, the castle was opened to the public for tours, and it continues to be a popular attraction today.Desktop Version
Here comes summer
Here comes summer
It’s the first day of summer in Iceland. Known as ‘sumardagurinn fyrsti,’ this national holiday has been celebrated on the first Thursday after April 18 for centuries. The first settlers on Iceland used the Old Norse calendar, which divided the year into just two seasons. So, summer starts earlier and lasts longer in Iceland than in other countries. But then, so does winter. Today’s a cold start to summer, with temperatures in late April rarely getting above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but conditions are good for the ice cave we’re featuring today, in Vatnajökull National Park. The Vatnajökull glacier is the largest ice cap in Europe by volume, and rests atop multiple active volcanoes. Gleðilegt sumar, Icelanders!Desktop Version
Holidays in the Venetian Lagoon
Holidays in the Venetian Lagoon
About a mile north of Venice, in the Venetian Lagoon, is a collection of seven small islands that lie so closely together they’re generally known as a single island called ‘Murano.’ Visitors cross the narrow canals of Murano via pedestrian bridges. And during the holidays, those canals are decorated with lights, making the whole scene even more romantic.Desktop Version
A wetland in Västmanland, Sweden
A wetland in Västmanland, Sweden
The northern and northwestern parts of the Swedish province called Västmanland is mountainous. But head south and the elevation drops to open plains and wetlands, like Knuthöjdsmosse, seen here. There’s no need to pack your hip waders, though--you can get a big dose of the outdoors at nearby Färnebofjärden National Park, where 25,000 protected acres provide a massive dose of rugged Swedish wilderness.Desktop Version
In the valley of the doll
In the valley of the doll
Today we"re featuring a picture-postcard view of Val Gardena, a valley nestled in the Dolomites in the South Tyrol region of Italy. This time of year, the remote area may be a bit busier than usual as skiers are drawn to its famous slopes. In summer, it"s known for other outdoor activities, such as rock climbing and hiking. Since the 17th century, the villagers have been famed for their wood carving. Artisans create everything from simple, utilitarian items, like bowls, to finely detailed figurines. One of the woodcarvers" biggest hits? A wooden peg doll that was popular across Europe and the US during the 19th century.Desktop Version
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, Austria
If you know of Salzburg, Austria, it"s probably because of Mozart and not monsters. But if your holiday wish is to be chased by an unseemly seasonal demon, the narrow, medieval streets of this city are the place to be tonight. Or this *would* have been the place to be if a different ghoul hadn"t raised its unwelcome, spiky head—the coronavirus continues to unleash its real-world horrors, canceling tonight"s scheduled Krampus runs, just as it did last year. Allow us to explain.Desktop Version
Bellissima!
Bellissima!
Isola Bella translates from Italian to English as "Beautiful Island." We"re not going to argue with that. It certainly stands out even amid the rest of picturesque Lake Maggiore in Italy"s northwestern Piedmont region. For years, the only human habitation on the island was a small fishing village. The village is still there, but in 1632, Carlo III, an Italian royal, commissioned the construction of a large palazzo (palace) on the island. The ostentatious palace includes a model Italian garden. Both are now major tourist attractions. Visitors to Stresa, the nearby town on the mainland, can book passage to Isola Bella and the other Borromean Islands for day trips or overnight stays…and our list of future travel destinations grows ever longer.Desktop Version
The Crown of the Continent
The Crown of the Continent
With one million acres of rugged, northwestern Montana wilderness to explore, a trip to Glacier National Park could fill up an entire summer and more. But let"s just take one day and virtually visit Grinnell Lake. A 7-mile loop trail, a relatively easy one in this mountain wilderness, takes you to the shores of the lake turned emerald green by glacial silt. Grinnell Lake—as well as Mount Grinnell and Grinnell Glacier—is named for the naturalist George Bird Grinnell. For two decades, he lobbied for federal protection of these lands, and on May 11, 1910, the "Crown of the Continent," as Grinnell dubbed the area, became the nation"s 10th national park.Desktop Version
Take the plunge into 2021
Take the plunge into 2021
Happy New Year! Last year was pretty bracing and most of us are more than ready to start a new one. This polar bear seems to be shaking off 2020 with his very own—and very authentic—polar bear plunge in the waters off the Svalbard archipelago, way up in the Arctic Ocean.Desktop Version
Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia
No need to call authorities if you see a group of climbers marching up the arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. Interest in scaling the arch was so strong, there’s a tourism company that takes groups up the southern stretch of the arch. Before the climb was sanctioned by the government, a few daredevils scaled parts of the bridge illegally. But now, it would be tough to do without running into a group of brave tourists on a walk up the arch.Desktop Version
Rooftops in the walled city of Urbino, Italy
Rooftops in the walled city of Urbino, Italy
When most people think of Italian Renaissance cities, the walled city of Urbino probably doesn’t come to mind. That’s a shame, as this destination in central Italy was named a World Heritage Site for its rich Renaissance legacy. The city saw its peak in the 15th century, under the rule of Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, who was nicknamed the ‘Light of Italy.’ His former palace is now home to a remarkable collection of Renaissance art, including works by Raphael, who was born here in 1483.Desktop Version
A storied trail marks a century
A storied trail marks a century
This is but a tiny portion of what"s often called the longest hiking-only trail in the world. Today we"re in Stokes State Forest along the top edge of New Jersey, and that 2-by-6-inch white stripe tells us that we"re on the famous Appalachian Trail (the "AT" to those in the know). And what a day to be here, for July 8, 2021, is the trail"s 100th birthday.Desktop Version
Is this Minecraft headquarters?
Is this Minecraft headquarters?
This pixelated-looking building is home to a boutique winery in the Rioja region of northern Spain. Inside, the Bodegas Ysios produces red wine from Tempranillo grapes grown in the area. The building itself was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to echo the outline of wine barrels lined up in a row. Out here in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria, it creates a memorable contrast with the rustic environment.Desktop Version
The cycle begins anew
The cycle begins anew
Today marks the start of festivities celebrating the Lunar New Year (aka Chinese New Year), which continues through February 26. Because the holiday goes by the lunar calendar, the date of the Lunar New Year on our solar/Gregorian calendar changes each year. The Lunar New Year also comes with a turn of the zodiac, which is divided into 12 parts, with each part represented by a different animal. The zodiac system assigns a single animal and its attributes to represent each year, and 2021 is the Year of the Ox. The others are Rat, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.Desktop Version
Travel Sunday: San Francisco
Travel Sunday: San Francisco
Since it opened on this day in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has become perhaps the defining symbol of San Francisco. It’s a city famous for reinvention, one that rebuilt itself after the devastating earthquake and fires of 1906, later becoming ground zero for hippie culture in the 1960s, before morphing again into the urban hub of Silicon Valley. San Francisco is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, and with views like this, it’s easy to see why.Desktop Version
National Bison Day
National Bison Day
If ever there was an animal that deserved some recognition, it"s the bison. Since 2012, National Bison Day has been observed on the first Saturday of November to acknowledge the animal"s cultural, historical, and economic significance—as well as its remarkable comeback. Bison were once plentiful in North America. Tens of millions strong until the mid-1800s, they roamed in great herds, helping to diversify and maintain the prairie habitat. They"ve also played several important roles in Native American cultures. Indigenous peoples have used every part of the bison for food, utensils, and clothing—and they pay tribute to the giant beasts in religious rituals.Desktop Version
Groovy!
Groovy!
Our photo today shows a colorized scanning electron microscope image of a phonograph needle in the groove of a vinyl record. The texture inscribed along the walls of the spiral groove replicates the soundwaves as they were recorded, thus making a reproduction of sound that can be played over and over. Why are we traveling into the microscopic world of analog sound reproduction? Because tonight, lucky artists nominated by the Recording Academy will win Grammy awards—with a trophy depicting the early record player, or phonograph, later known as the gramophone, which inspired the nickname of the award.Desktop Version
Who created the Easter Bunny?
Who created the Easter Bunny?
German Lutherans in the 16th century first came up with the idea of the "Easter hare," which eventually formed the basis for the modern-day Easter Bunny. The German version of the bunny judges whether children have been good or bad during the Eastertide season—well-behaved kids get a treat. But rabbits and hares have long been associated with springtime, rebirth, and fertility, so perhaps it was inevitable that the fuzzy bunny would make the leap from gentle backyard visitor to keeper of spring"s "naughty or nice" list.Desktop Version
Innerdalsvatna Lake, near Ålvundeidet, Norway
Innerdalsvatna Lake, near Ålvundeidet, Norway
All is calm and quiet here at Norway’s Innerdalsvatna Lake. This Scandinavian country has made headlines in recent years for its efforts to protect the environment, and natural scenes just like this. Its parliament has pledged to go carbon neutral by 2030, an ambitious effort that would rely on carbon offsets. The country is also known for its wide adoption of plug-in electric vehicles, boasting the largest fleet per capita in the world.Desktop Version
Iceland awaits the Yule Lads
Iceland awaits the Yule Lads
If you’re spending the holidays here in Reykjavik, be sure to keep an eye out for Sausage-Swiper, Window-Peeper, and Door-Slammer. They’re three of the Yule Lads, a group of 13 mischievous pranksters who—according to local folklore—visit homes one by one to leave rewards or punishments for children on each of the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Tonight, the Gully Gawk is scheduled for a visitation, waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the cowshed and steal milk. Modern versions of the lads sometimes portray them in a benevolent light, even dressed like Santa Claus, but other stories are dark. The lads are said to be the sons of Gryla, a mountain troll with an appetite for mischievous children. Let’s hope we’re on the nice list this year.Desktop Version
Sea fireflies at the seashore
Sea fireflies at the seashore
Sea fireflies may glow like the fireflies that send out backyard beacons at night, but that"s about where the similarities end between the two species. Scientists call the bioluminescent crustaceans washing over these rocks Vargula hilgendorfii, and here in Japan they"re commonly known as umi-hotaru. They"re visible at night in the shallow sea waters and beaches of Japan, although other species of the genus Vargula can be seen glowing in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and off the California coast.Desktop Version
Observing a squirrelly day
Observing a squirrelly day
January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day. Really. It was established by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina, to draw attention to the importance of these remarkably widespread creatures. Native to five continents and currently living on six (there"s no Antarctic squirrel), there are about 285 species of squirrels in the world, ranging from the tiny African pygmy squirrel to the Bhutan giant flying squirrel (when in Bhutan, be ready to duck).Desktop Version
Wild and beautiful Alaska
Wild and beautiful Alaska
In honor of Alaska National Parks Day, we"re traveling to Kenai Fjords National Park—home of the awe-inspiring Exit Glacier, seen here. The park sits at the edge of the North Pacific Ocean where frequent winter storms dump the snow that feeds this land of ice. The Harding Icefield crowns the park with at least 38 flowing glaciers—one of which is Exit Glacier. Exit Glacier is known for being one of the most visited of Alaska"s glaciers, likely because it’s accessible via the Seward Highway. In mid-November, the road to the glacier closes to cars due to heavy snowfall, so visitors can only get there using snow-friendly transportation like dogsled or cross-country skis.Desktop Version