My journey through Naibunga Lower Community Conservancy brought me to three women’s groups, one in each of the communities that collectively own and manage the conservancy. The first encounter was in Koija, where the Chui Mamas were already at work when I arrived.

I met them with pangas and hoes in their hands, bent forward at the waist, some weeding the communal farmland with their bare hands.

From a distance, the eyes of some young ladies were on the mzungu, following my steps from the moment I crossed the gate. They were standing untroubled with their babies wrapped around their upper bodies, under the quiet acacia tree, whose branches were holding everybody’s bottles and belongings.

One of the elderly ladies stood up as soon as she heard Stella, the interpreter, calling for their attention. Tiny drops of salty sweat were decorating her face with geometrical perfection. Beauty moulded by decades of sun and rural life in a challenging land.

The permaculture farm is only one of the activities running under the umbrella of the “Chui Mamas” Resource Centre, which brings together approximately twenty women’s groups from across the Koija community, one of the three communities that form Naibunga Lower Conservancy. The women also run a soap-making lab, beadwork production, and a newly opened tailoring workshop, which will soon start providing school uniforms to local schools. Collectively, they manage a beekeeping project comprising 200 beehives, which supply between 10 and 15 kilos of honey per harvest, twice a year.

In 2024, with support from partners, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDWA), Loisaba Conservancy, Powering Africa Recharging Conservation (PARC) and their local conservancy, the women established a system to promote community development through conservation efforts. The core idea was that by creating alternative sources of income and providing environmental education, the women would stop cutting down trees to produce charcoal for sale.

The spinning top was moving on the rough surface of red mud while the women took turns sharing their stories with the interpreter and me. I heard struggles, but also determination and, above all, conviction in the choice they had made.
“So we have joined hands and decided, instead of chopping trees and destroying the ecosystem, we looked for another alternative to living”, says Metian Kididing, one of the ladies.

Wangui Naiputari, chairlady of the Chui Mamas, adds, “We volunteered to cultivate this piece of land with our bare hands, so we could plant food products”. She concludes by saying, “But despite all the challenges we have endured, we have strived to make our projects a success so we can bring change as women”.

I left the farm with my heart full of joy and gratitude for their time and trust, holding tight to the little bag of hibiscus flowers I would use to prepare some refreshing tea back home.

Visitors, though, besides buying some fresh crops and their own bags of tea directly from the women, can also extend their guided tour with a tasting of the organic products while looking at the plants and fruits still hanging from the branches.

L’article The women of Naibunga Lower: Chui Mamas, choosing another way to live est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has a long and complicated history. Although the origins of the estate date back to somewhere during the late middle ages, its ties with the royal family debut in 1848. At that time, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first stayed in the building before purchasing it in 1852 and extensively renovating it thereafter.

More recently, the castle was widely recognised as one of the favourite estates of the late Queen Elizabeth II and her family. The monarch spent her last days at Balmoral and died there on 8 September 2022. Upon her death, the estate was transmitted to King Charles III and in 2026, it is still the private residence of the monarch and Queen Camilla.

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“To me Balmoral was always simply Paradise. A cross between Disney World and some sacred Druid grove. I was always too busy fishing, shooting, running up and down ‘the hill’ to notice anything off about the feng shui of the old castle. What I’m trying to say is, I was happy there,” Prince Harry wrote about the castle in his book ‘Spare’.

Since 2024, King Charles has been opening the estate more frequently to the public, both the exteriors and the interior. Now that His Majesty’s summer break is officially over, Balmoral Castle has announced it will be opening its doors again from Tuesday 29 September through to Sunday 1 November 2026.

“During our autumn opening we will be delighted to welcome visitors to Balmoral Castle and Estate, with wonderful experiences for all. From a chance to explore the stunning gardens to strolling through the estate grounds and relaxing with a delicious coffee in hand. With a wide range of experiences we are proud to be a top attraction for locals and visitors to Scotland alike, with opportunities for all ages and abilities,” the estate wrote in a statement on its website.

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Those who are eager to discover Balmoral Castle will be able to do so in multiple ways. The general admission ticket, which costs €11.7 (£10), gives visitors all-day access to the gardens, including the Thistle maze, Celtic maze garden, and extensive new planting of trees, shrubs, and topiary throughout. The ticket also includes entry to the Castle Ballroom.

To experience the castle’s interiors, visitors can buy a €128 (£110) castle tour.

“Take a historical journey through some of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle. Our experienced guides will explain about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family; from the purchase of the Balmoral Estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day, where rooms within the Castle are used today by Their Majesties The King and Queen and members of the Royal Family,” Balmoral explains.

Moreover, Balmoral offers a range of more exclusive experiences such as a two-hour Land Rover tour through the gardens, woodlands, and historical monuments of the estate or an evening at Balmoral, including a 7-course dinner.

L’article King Charles’ Balmoral Castle to welcome visitors for five-week autumn opening est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Held from 4 to 6 September in Kronenberg, the event combined the World Beauty Championship of Akhal-Teke horses with equestrian competitions, scientific discussions, exhibitions and cultural performances dedicated to Turkmenistan’s celebrated “golden horse”.

The gathering attracted breeders, researchers and equestrian professionals, alongside a high-level international audience of political figures, diplomats, journalists and European civil servants. Among the Dutch guests were former Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and Emile Roemer, King’s Commissioner of the Province of Limburg.

As Travel Tomorrow reported ahead of the championship, the Akhal-Teke is renowned for its endurance, slender physique, intelligence and distinctive metallic coat. But in Turkmenistan, the horse represents much more than an exceptional breed. It is deeply intertwined with the country’s history, art, craftsmanship and national identity.

That cultural dimension was visible throughout the weekend.

Heritage, science and cultural dialogue

The programme began on Friday with the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Akhal-Teke Horse: The Turkmen Art of World-Class Horse Breeding” at the Asteria Hotel in Venray.

Researchers and equestrian specialists from Europe, North America and Turkmenistan approached the breed from historical, scientific, artistic and sporting perspectives. The conference also featured the presentation of the Dutch edition of The Horse as a Symbol of Faithfulness and Happiness, written by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

Discussions explored the Akhal-Teke not simply as an exceptional horse breed, but as part of a wider cultural heritage encompassing craftsmanship, art, knowledge and the centuries-old relationship between humans and horses. The historical role of horses in connecting peoples and cultures, including along the Silk Road, was also among the themes addressed during the conference.

The heritage surrounding the breed received international recognition in 2023, when UNESCO inscribed the art of Akhal-Teke horse breeding and traditions of horses’ decoration on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

World championship at Peelbergen

On Saturday, attention shifted fully to the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre, where the main championship programme unfolded in the presence of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

The World Beauty Championship showcased Akhal-Teke horses across different age categories, culminating in the selection of the World Champion. The programme also included show jumping, the “Best Decorated Horse” competition and performances showcasing Turkmenistan’s equestrian traditions.

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Alongside the sporting programme, an open meeting of the International Association of Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding brought together breeders and specialists to discuss the preservation and international development of the breed.

Proposals included strengthening cooperation in education and scientific research, exchanging historical information and further promoting the Akhal-Teke internationally. The possibility of organising major international equestrian championships every five years was also raised.

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Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also announced that the modernised President of Turkmenistan’s Akhal-Teke Equestrian Complex will be inaugurated on 29 September. The upgraded facility will incorporate modern technologies and artificial intelligence, including in the digitalisation of management and production processes.

More than an equestrian competition

The weekend was not limited to the arena. An international exhibition and fair at Peelbergen brought the wider culture surrounding the Akhal-Teke into the spotlight.

Traditional Turkmen carpets, paintings and other artistic works appeared alongside saddles, riding equipment, equestrian clothing and contemporary technologies for horse care. International equestrian companies and Turkmen organisations presented their work, illustrating how the horse sits at the intersection of heritage, sport, craftsmanship and a modern international industry.

The international character of the gathering was equally significant. The presence of more than 300 guests, including political representatives, diplomats, journalists, European officials, breeders, scientists and cultural figures, transformed the championship into a platform for cultural exchange well beyond the equestrian world.

The championship concluded on Sunday after three days demonstrating why the Akhal-Teke continues to attract attention far beyond Turkmenistan.

For visitors unfamiliar with the breed, the event offered an introduction to an extraordinary horse. For breeders and specialists, it provided an international platform for cooperation and preservation. From a cultural perspective, it showed how a centuries-old tradition can continue to travel across borders.

The Akhal-Teke may be rooted in the landscapes and history of Turkmenistan, but in Peelbergen this weekend, its heritage brought together people and cultures from across the world.

L’article Akhal-Teke World Championship celebrates Turkmen heritage in the Netherlands  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

I’d just crossed the Equator a few miles before entering the town, and I knew for sure that the sun was at its zenith; both the car temperature and my skin could confirm it. However, the heat couldn’t mask my excitement at taking the bumpy road again and leaving civilisation behind.

This time, though, I needed a map. The majority of Kenyans I had shared my travel plans with hadn’t heard of Naibunga Lower Conservancy either, including my experienced driver.

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The adventure for me really started when the car turned left at Il Polei village – thirty miles away from Nanyuki’s shops – and I saw Ellens Rock disappearing in the back window, waving goodbye to Rosemary and the other women of Twala Tenebo.

I noticed Gabriel, the driver, breathe a sigh of relief as soon as we left the village after the sharp left turn, because the road became smooth again and his car stopped its shaky, bumpy dance over the terrain.

The road rose swiftly, and not long after, we were presented with 360 degrees of green and open spaces, except for the few tin roofs of Il Polei village, quickly disappearing from our sight below the hill we were still climbing.

I was still finishing the fresh fruit on my breakfast plate when Francis Sapuro – the Conservancy Manager – entered the living room of the lodge where I had comfortably spent the night.

We had exchanged a few emails and briefly chatted over the phone when I was still in Naivasha. Now, on Maasai land, it was time for me to fully understand the place I had been invited to by the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association – KWCA.

Like all the other Community Conservancies in Kenya, Naibunga Lower is fully owned and managed by the local communities that traditionally call this place home. Its legal history began in 2004.

It has a population of approximately 8,300 individuals, who belong to three communities:

• Koija
• Ilmotiook
• Tiamamut

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I was delighted to hear that Kajwang, as Francis is known here, had modified my initial schedule so that I could meet with the three women’s groups – one from each community – in the context where they operate daily.

One of the main reasons tourists visit the northernmost part of Laikipia County is to see the charming and rare black panther, the dark-pigmented leopard. This is, in fact, one of the few locations in East Africa where one can spot it. When visitors come, they also find themselves immersed in a peaceful and remote environment, and I tend to believe that more and more people are consciously choosing this tranquillity over the long queues of vehicles in the far more famous and glamorous Maasai Mara — or soon will.

If someone is in search of a deep travel experience, this is the place to be. I learned from the lodge’s local Maasai guide, Peter, who showed me around on the evening of my arrival, that the opportunities to encounter wildlife are naturally increased by the fact that animals and humans coexist nowadays, as they always have traditionally.

Seeing elephants, zebras, impalas, giraffes and other animals can happen unexpectedly, and perhaps more often than announced when you are outside the perimeter of the lodge.

Human-wildlife coexistence is a reality in the Community Conservancy.

We were walking in the bed of a temporary river that had dried up again that morning, as it does regularly in this season, when Peter told me about his latest encounter with an elephant while grazing his family’s cows a few days earlier. For a second, I realised that the chance of meeting an elephant on its evening stroll wasn’t that remote after all.

I spotted animal footprints crossing the riverbed; wild noises came from the distance. “There must be a cat around; those noises are a warning sign from the other animals moving away”, Peter commented and continued walking calmly, his stick resting across both shoulders, his arms comfortably lounging on each end. I mirrored his tranquil steps, but my legs felt slightly wobbly for a moment. I blamed the sandy terrain, not the emotional reaction that was going on inside me.

I was on Maasai land, walking on the land of his ancestors. I held that thought for a little longer, until my legs felt steady again. I took another step in the dry riverbed. This is how things are here, unfiltered.

I swallowed the last sip of my freshly brewed coffee and deeply thanked Kajwang for the interesting briefing on the conservancy’s governance.

At that moment, a rush of anticipation came over me. I quickly stood up and grabbed my bags with a broad smile, then stood waiting next to the solid wooden table. My intentions were clear to all: I was ready to meet the women.

L’article The women of Naibunga Lower: A hidden gem of Northern Kenya est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The change follows an executive order signed by Trump directing the US Department of the Interior, together with the Board on Geographic Names, to officially replace “Lake Ontario” with “Lake America” in federal records.

Google said it had made the change after the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the federal database it uses for geographic naming in the country, formally adopted the new designation.

Under Google Maps’ approach, users in the United States will see “Lake America”, while those in Canada will continue to see “Lake Ontario”. Users elsewhere will see both names.

“People using Maps in the U.S will see ‘Lake America,’ those in Canada will continue to see ‘Lake Ontario,’ and those outside of the U.S. and Canada will see both names,” Google said, explaining that the move follows its longstanding policy for geographic features whose official names differ between countries.

From Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America’

Lake Ontario is the smallest and easternmost of North America’s five Great Lakes, bordered by the Canadian province of Ontario to the north, west and southwest and the US state of New York to the south and east. It is also an important link in the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Seaway system.

In his executive order, Trump argued that the United States is the “greatest protector of the Great Lakes” and pointed to American spending on environmental protection, the US Coast Guard’s icebreaking operations and the lake’s historical importance to American trade, defence and industry.

The White House also argued that the deepest parts of the lake are within US territory, meaning the United States accounts for most of its water volume.

“The Lake will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy,” the executive order states. “In recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that the Lake officially be renamed as Lake America.”

The decision comes amid a significant deterioration in relations between Washington and Ottawa after trade negotiations collapsed. The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion (€17.1 billion) worth of Canadian goods, with Canada announcing plans for equivalent counter-tariffs.

Trump denied that the renaming was specifically intended as a message to Canada, while accusing the country of having “been ripping us off for a long time on trade”.

Canada responds with giant Lake Ontario sign

Canadian politicians have rejected the name change, which has no authority over how Canada or other countries refer to the lake. Ontario Premier Doug Ford went a step further, unveiling a large sign on the Canadian shoreline reading: “Lake Ontario. Now and Always.” “Long before President Trump, this lake was called Lake Ontario. Long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario,” Ford said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also rejected Washington’s new designation, saying the lake’s name dates back more than 400 years and predates both Canadian Confederation and the US Declaration of Independence.

“The name Lake Ontario comes from the Wendat word Ontari’io, which, appropriately, means ‘the lake is beautiful, the lake is big’,” Carney said.

The names of four of the five Great Lakes – Ontario, Huron, Michigan and Erie – have Indigenous origins.

Trump has meanwhile amplified the dispute on social media, sharing AI-generated videos about the renaming. One depicts him knocking down a Lake Ontario sign and replacing it with a “Welcome to Lake America” sign, while another shows Canada geese sporting his distinctive hairstyle and carrying rifles along the shoreline.

Ford said the renaming was a response to Canada and Ontario “standing up for ourselves”, adding: “Just in case President Trump or anyone else forgets, we’ve set up this sign to remind them, it’s Lake Ontario, now and forever.”

A familiar dispute for Google Maps

The controversy echoes Trump’s 2025 decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US federal purposes.

Google subsequently changed how the body of water appears on Maps. US users see “Gulf of America”, Mexican users see “Gulf of Mexico”, while users elsewhere are shown both names.

Mexico rejected the US designation, arguing that one country cannot unilaterally rename an international body of water shared with other nations.

There is no universally recognised international authority responsible for determining the names of international waters, meaning the Lake Ontario dispute is likely to result in different names continuing to appear depending on the country, government, organisation or mapping service involved.

The issue has also divided politicians within the United States. Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul has said her state, the only US state bordering the lake, will continue to call it Lake Ontario.

Michigan Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell has announced plans to introduce legislation seeking to reverse Trump’s decision, calling the executive order “idiotic” and describing the Great Lakes as a shared resource that generations of Canadians and Americans have worked together to protect.

Trump, however, has suggested Lake Ontario might not be the last geographic feature he wants to rename.

“If you think about it, we have a gulf and we have a lake. Now, all we need is an ocean,” he told reporters. “So maybe we’ll have to change the name of the Atlantic and/or the Pacific.”

L’article Google renames Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ for US users as Canada hits back est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located in Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales, Haverfordwest Castle is thought to have been first erected around 1188. Although it was partially destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1648, it briefly functioned as a prison in the 18th century before later falling into ruin. Nowadays, all that is left of the castle is some towers, as well as parts of the inner and curtain walls.

However, a regeneration project is about to drastically change the nature of the building. While the ruins are closed until 2028, the site is undergoing a major renovation, aiming to turn Haverfordwest Castle into a tourist attraction capable of helping regenerate the wider town. The idea for the project was born when local councillor David Lloyd became aware of the economic impact of Cardigan Castle on its town centre.

The €20.7 million (£17.7 million) project is being funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Welsh Government Transforming Towns fund. Meanwhile, Pembrokeshire County Council is providing match funding.

“We are excited to see this ambitious project continue apace, and this next stage brings us much closer to what will be a flagship heritage attraction, boosting not only the town’s economy but also the wider area,” Pembrokeshire Councillor Paul Miller said in a statement.

Tourist attraction and more

As part of the refurbishment, the gaol building and the adjacent Governor’s House – both located within the castle’s grounds – will be transformed into an all-weather attraction focusing on Pembrokeshire’s history through immersive, interactive exhibitions.

The grounds will be free to access, while an open-air area with room for up to 500 people will allow the attraction to cater to larger-scale events. A café with a selection of local food and drink options, as well as a shop selling bespoke products, will complete the tourism-oriented offer.

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“The new flagship heritage attraction will tell Pembrokeshire’s fascinating story in a fun, immersive and interactive exhibition space. You will explore how creativity and resourcefulness have shaped local life; feel the spirit of place, myths, legends and natural forces; and explore stories through playful, physical and digital experiences. There will be a new café selling locally sourced food and drink and a 500-seater outdoor event space with shows and live music expected to be programmed throughout the summer months,” Visit Pembrokeshire explains.

Moreover, the project will also focus on enhancing local biodiversity through a medicinal garden, micro-meadows and pollinator-friendly planting. Community spaces, a dedicated school programme and volunteering opportunities will add to the wellbeing of local residents.

During its first year of operation, which is scheduled for 2028, the local council expects the attraction to welcome around 63,000 visitors. The museum, café, shop, music events, markets and other activities are expected to boost Haverfordwest’s economy on a larger scale.

L’article Welsh fortress undergoes €21 million transformation est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The bridge can reportedly be seen particularly well from Ponte Sant’Angelo, which crosses the Tiber beside Castel Sant’Angelo. Tourist boats are still passing close to the exposed stones, but the changing water level means the sight could be temporary. The ruins have not been newly discovered, although their reappearance gives archaeologists another opportunity to examine them. At the same time, the conditions that revealed the bridge point to a serious water shortage affecting Rome and other parts of Italy.

The bridge is traditionally called Pons Neronis or Pons Neronianus, both meaning Nero’s Bridge. However, archaeologists believe it may have been built before Emperor Nero came to power in 54 AD. One theory dates it to the reign of his uncle, Emperor Caligula, around 39 AD. This would make the famous name slightly misleading, even though Nero remains the Roman ruler most closely associated with the surrounding area.

Antonella Bonini, an archaeologist at Rome’s cultural heritage superintendence, said scholars believe Caligula may have ordered the bridge’s construction. It appears to have created a route towards the villa of Agrippina the Elder, Caligula’s mother. The bridge also passed near the circus first associated with Caligula and later with Nero. These links may help explain why the structure eventually became known by Nero’s name.

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The crossing connected the ancient Campus Martius area on one side of the river with the area that later became Vatican City. The Circus of Nero once stood near the site of today’s St Peter’s Basilica. According to Christian tradition, Saint Peter was martyred in this area during Nero’s reign. The bridge would therefore have formed part of an important route between central Rome and a district that later became one of Christianity’s most significant locations.

By the end of the third or beginning of the fourth century, the bridge was probably no longer in use. It was no longer included in Roman registers listing the city’s main monuments from that period. Those records instead referred to Pons Aelius, the bridge now known as Ponte Sant’Angelo. Emperor Hadrian had built that crossing to connect his mausoleum, today’s Castel Sant’Angelo, with the centre of Rome.

A cool tidbit of information…the bridge just left of Bernini’s “Ponte Sant’Angelo” overlooks the ruins of the Emperor Nero’s bridge (yes, the guy who “fiddled while Rome burned”)!

You can see the ruins at the left bottom corner in this photo.

Nero’s bridge led to his circus,… pic.twitter.com/bLfdLBTEfw

— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) October 5, 2023

The bridge has become visible because the Tiber is going through an unusually severe period of low water. Its flow through Rome has dropped below 80 cubic metres per second. The historical average is around 150 cubic metres per second, according to Giovanni Giganti, Rome’s civil protection coordinator for water management. This means that less water is currently moving through the city than would normally be expected.

The shortage has been linked to scorching temperatures and long periods without rain during the summer. Italy received considerable rainfall during the previous winter, but this was followed by extended dry spells. Limited snowfall in the Apennine Mountains has also contributed to the problem. Snow normally stores water during winter before melting and feeding rivers and underground water supplies during the warmer months.

The low water has exposed more than ancient remains. E-bikes, scooters, refrigerators and even a car have reportedly appeared in or around parts of the river further upstream. The objects create a striking contrast with the Roman stones near the Vatican. While archaeologists can study a piece of the city’s past, the modern waste highlights the continuing pressure placed on the Tiber today.

L’article Drought exposes ancient bridge linked to Nero beneath Rome’s Tiber est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located off the southeastern peninsula of Sulawesi, in Indonesia’s Southeast Sulawesi province, Buton Island is home to the Butonese people, an ethnic group with a long history shaped by maritime trade and the cultures of the Indonesian archipelago.

Photographs of blue-eyed Butonese children and adults have attracted international attention in recent years, particularly after being shared online. Some have two intensely blue eyes, while others display heterochromia, with one blue eye and one brown eye.

Behind their unusual appearance is a rare genetic condition known as Waardenburg syndrome.

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A rare genetic condition

Waardenburg syndrome affects pigmentation and can result in very pale or bright blue eyes, differences in the colour of the two eyes, patches of lighter skin or hair, and, in some cases, congenital hearing loss.

The condition is estimated to affect around one in 40,000 people worldwide. Several different types of Waardenburg syndrome have been identified and the symptoms can vary considerably between individuals.

Photographs distributed by the Pacific Press Agency have documented members of a family from Buton Island whose blue eyes are attributed to Waardenburg syndrome. The images have helped draw international attention to a physical characteristic that remains extremely unusual in Indonesia, where brown eyes are overwhelmingly predominant.

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Waardenburg syndrome can be inherited, although its genetics vary depending on the type involved. Several genes have been associated with the condition, and some forms follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning an affected parent can have a 50% chance of passing the altered gene to a child.

Importantly, however, blue eyes are not a characteristic of the entire Butonese population. They occur among certain individuals and families on the island.

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Portuguese legends and the history of Buton

The appearance of blue eyes on Buton has also inspired stories linking the phenomenon to European ancestry.

Portuguese sailors and traders were active across the Indonesian archipelago during the spice trade, and local accounts tell of marriages between Portuguese visitors and members of Butonese society. One story claims that a Butonese princess married a Portuguese sailor, giving rise to descendants with European features.

However, contemporary explanations for the particularly striking blue eyes seen among some Butonese families focus on genetic mutations associated with Waardenburg syndrome rather than establishing European ancestry as their cause.

The history nevertheless reflects Buton’s position along centuries-old maritime trading routes connecting different parts of Southeast Asia and beyond.

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One island in a vast archipelago

Buton itself covers approximately 4,727 square kilometres, making it one of Indonesia’s larger islands. According to Indonesia’s 2020 census figures, the administrative areas covering the island had a combined population of around 415,000 people.

Much of the island remains relatively sparsely populated compared with Indonesia’s major urban centres, while its communities maintain distinct languages, traditions and cultural practices.

The Butonese are historically known as sailors and traders, and their culture extends far beyond the physical characteristic that has attracted international attention. Traditional clothing, weaving, family rituals and Islamic customs continue to play an important role in communities across the island.

Indonesia is one of the world’s most culturally and linguistically diverse countries, encompassing thousands of islands and hundreds of ethnic and linguistic groups. The unusual blue eyes found among some inhabitants of Buton offer another striking example of the genetic diversity found across the vast archipelago.

L’article Why striking blue eyes can be found on this Indonesian island est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Every year, the Greek Ministry of Culture organises a special free night opening coinciding with the full moon. In 2026, the event is set to take place on Friday 28 August, from approximately 7:30 pm until midnight. Visitors will not only be able to freely access 126 ancient sites across the country, many of which will be organising concerts or guided tours to celebrate the occasion, but they will also get to enjoy those places under a particular light.

“For the 27^th consecutive year, the August Full Moon unites archaeological sites, museums and monuments of Greece in a great celebration of culture. We invite you to participate in this unique experience this year and enjoy the magic of the night and the special atmosphere that the moonlight creates in the monuments of our country,” stated the Greek Ministry of Culture.

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The event includes some of Greece’s most-visited ancient sites, including the Acropolis Museum in Athens. The while regular admission fees will apply to the permanent collection, the museum will stay open until midnight and visitors will gain free admission to the temporary exhibition ‘Inspiration: Ancient Greek Art in Italy’.

Some of the other most famous sites include the sanctuary and town of Delphi, known for its Oracle at the Temple of Apollo, and Ancient Olympia. The site and the museum of the birthplace of the Olympic Games will remain open until midnight, with archaeologists organising guided tours.

However, visitors are encouraged not to solely concentrate on the country’s most famous sites. For example, in an interview with Euronews, Bnbstay founder Yahya Davud recommended visiting the Necromanteion of Acheron in Epirus. The sanctuary overlooking the River Acheron was once thought to be the entrance to the underworld. People would therefore travel to the Necromanteion to talk with the spirits of the dead.

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“Everything in this place was built around darkness and rituals, so a night-time visit during a full moon is not just a spectacular tourist attraction. In fact, this kind of experience is much closer to how this place was meant to be experienced than a visit in the middle of the day,” said Davud.

Aside from Ancient sites, some of Greece’s newer monuments will be opening their doors for a nightly visit as well. At medieval ghost town of Mystras in Sparta, for example, visitors will be able to wander around the Palace of the Despots.

Extending beyond the Full Moon evening itself, according to the Ministry of Culture, this year’s celebration also features events on 26, 27, 29, and 30 August. A full overview of the sites and their concerts, theatrical performances, dance productions, exhibitions, and guided tours can be found through the Ministry’s website. While most sites will be free, visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance when possible in order to be certain to obtain a spot.

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Taller than the famous statue of her son, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which stands 38-metre high, Mary now towers 55.6 metres over Konotopie and its surrounding agricultural land. The village is home to fewer than 150 people.

Completion of the monument took eighteen months and was funded by Polish millionaire investor Roman Karkosik, and his wife, Grazyna, who reportedly covered the 100-million-zloty (€23.2 million) cost. Among their specific requests was that “their” Mary should stand taller than Poland’s 33-metre-high Jesus Christ the King of the Universe in Świebodzin.

The inauguration ceremony saw helicopters scatter red roses over the crowds, while priests dressed in white celebrated mass and the Mazowsze ensemble performed traditional folk dances.

The statue was consecrated by Krzysztof Wętkowski, bishop of the diocese of Włocławek. “Here in Konotopie, we lift our eyes upward; we lift our eyes toward Mary, who directs us toward God,” he said.

EUROPE’S TALLEST VIRGIN MARY STATUE UNVEILED

A towering 55.6-metre (182 ft) concrete statue of the Virgin Mary has been unveiled in Konotopie, rural Poland.

It stands taller than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer and was consecrated on Saturday for the Feast of the Assumption. pic.twitter.com/WRLNRA1rNI

— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) August 16, 2026

Among those attending was former Polish president, Nobel Peace Prize winner and leading figure of Poland’s anti-communist movement Lech Wałęsa, who led the Solidarność trade union that helped bring communist rule to an end.

The 82-year-old later posted a photo of himself in front of the statue, the sun shining like a halo over Mary’s head. “We sinners ask Our Lady of Mercy to take care of the whole nation,” he wrote in Polish.

“This is the end of my path,” he said at the inauguration. “I started with the Virgin Mary and I end with the Virgin Mary.”

Wałęsa often credited his faith with giving him the strength to fight for his country and famously wore a Black Madonna pin on the label of his jacket during his Solidarity days.

Karkosik made his fortune investing in undervalued Polish companies during the post-communist 1990s, becoming one of Poland’s richest men. The couple live in a restored 18^th-century palace two kilometres from the monument and have described the statue as an expression of gratitude to God.

Europe’s tallest statue of Mary was blessed on August 15 in Konotopie, Poland. During the ceremony, Bishop Krzysztof Wętkowski said the more than 55-meter (180-foot) monument is meant to turn people’s thoughts toward God and serve as a place of prayer.https://t.co/gKsCUj48vZ

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) August 15, 2026

“The statue will be for all people,” Grażyna Karkosik said. “Each of us coming to see it will think more deeply about their own lives, not only about God.”

Before Konotopie’s Mary claimed the title, Europe’s tallest Virgin stood in Miribel, France. Poland’s Mary is still barely over half the height of the 98-metre Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace in Batangas City, the Philippines.

Sculptor Adam Jakub Matejkowski first produced a two-metre model. Construction faced obstacles, including finding a company capable of producing material for the concrete mould. With no Polish supplier able to make it, it was eventually manufactured in Italy.

The monument is free to visit, including its observation deck, 15 metres above ground in the crown-shaped pedestal. Local authorities expect it to become both a pilgrimage site and tourist attraction. Kikoł’s mayor told the Guardian that investor interest, particularly in restaurants, was already growing, though it was too early to assess the impact.

Although Poland remains one of Europe’s most religious countries, with 70% identifying as Catholic and 30% attending Sunday mass, religiosity has fallen sharply, especially among younger generations. Wiesław Mering, a Polish Roman Catholic prelate who attended the ceremony, told the Guardian the decline “hurts” him. “The history of Christianity has ups and downs, but this place is a reminder that Mary won’t give up on Poland.”

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