The return to Cambodia this week of 14 sculptures that had been looted from the country during a period of war and unrest is like welcoming home the souls of ancestors, Cambodia’s culture minister said Thursday. The items repatriated from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art arrived Wednesday and were displayed to journalists and VIPs on Thursday at the National Museum in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. They “were made between the 9th and 14th centuries in the Angkorian period and reflect the Hindu and Buddhist religious systems prevailing at that time,” the museum said in a statement this week. A statement from Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said the “historic homecoming of national treasures” followed several years of negotiations between Cambodia’s art res...
Read MoreMonth: July 2024
Huge salamander like predator existed before the dinosaurs You might call it the "swamp thing." About 280 million years ago, a large creature built somewhat like a salamander but with frightful fangs prowled the swamps and lakes of what is now Namibia, ambushing prey as a top predator in a chilly ecosystem long before the dinosaurs. The creature, named Gaiasia jennyae, lived during the Permian Period and measured at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) long - and perhaps up to 13 feet (4 meters), according to researchers who announced the discovery of its fossilized remains. Its large, round, flat skull measured more than 2 feet (60 cm) long, and it had interlocking fangs at the front of its mouth. Scientist Claudia Marsicano looks at the fossil skeleton of the Permian Period salamander-lik...
Read MoreOn the ceiling of a limestone cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, scientists have discovered artwork depicting three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig in what they have determined is the world's oldest-known confidently dated cave painting - created at least 51,200 years ago. The researchers used a new scientific approach to determine the minimum age of the newly disclosed painting inside the Leang Karampuang cave in the Maros-Pangkep region of South Sulawesi province by using a laser to date a type of crystal called calcium carbonate that formed naturally on top of the painting. "The method is a significant improvement over other methods and should revolutionize rock art dating worldwide," said Maxime Aubert, a specialist in archaeological science at Griffith Un...
Read MoreThe GRAMMY-winning artist is revealed as godmother of the newest vacation, and fans have a chance to celebrate with her in concert through an exclusive giveaway, starting Friday, July 5 The invitation of the summer is here: Royal Caribbean International and GRAMMY-winning artist Meghan Trainor are hosting the ultimate party and concert – and 52 fans have the chance to join the festivities. The world's largest cruise line has named the singer and songwriter godmother of the new Utopia of the Seas, the ultimate short getaway bringing weekend energy to every day of the week, and the duo will celebrate with an exclusive 3-night celebration starting July 15. Beginning today, Friday, July 5, and until Sunday, July 7, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fans can enter for their chance to join the celebratio...
Read More‘Spaceship’ observatory allows stargazers in Cyprus a peek at the final frontier
A new space observatory in Cyprus looks like it just uncloaked itself on the set of a sci-fi movie and is ready for takeoff. Perched high on the Troodos mountains in the centre of the island and with an unobstructed view of the skies, the 1.77 million euro ($1.90 million) publicly funded Troodos Observatory was inaugurated in May. Purveyors hope the project will encourage visitors to areas increasingly affected by urbanisation and broaden a depth of celestial knowledge. A drone view shows Troodos astronomical observatory in Agridia village, Cyprus June 13, 2024. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou Designed by sci-fi enthusiasts, architects and siblings Elena, Nicodemos and Cassandra Tsolakis, the similarity to a spaceship wasn't intentional but the nature of the project instinctively and ...
Read MoreRussians were braving some of the hottest weather seen in more than a century on Thursday with Moscow breaking a 1917 record and cities across the world's biggest country sizzling in temperatures well above 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit). In Moscow, where temperatures can fall to minus 40 degrees Celsius in the legendary Russian winter, the mercury rose to 32.7 degrees Celsius on July 3, breaking the 1917 record for that day by half a degree, the FOBOS weather centre said. Records were broken from Russia's Pacific coast and the wilds of Siberia to the European parts of Russia, FOBOS said. A man lies near a fountain in a park during hot weather in Moscow, Russia July 2, 2024. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina The hot weather triggered soaring demand for air conditioners and fans,...
Read MorePhulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has launched a new mediterranean menu at its restaurant Jampoon, inviting guests to savour the timeless elegance and sophistication of the French Riviera on the shores of the Andaman Sea. With its breathtaking views of the azure waters and lush landscapes, dining at Phulay Bay is not just a meal but a journey of the senses. The new menu at Jampoon is set to transport all senses to the glamorous promenades and plazas of the Côte d’Azur, as talented chefs craft vibrant dishes that showcase the flavours of the Mediterranean. Blending classical French and Italian techniques with local and sustainable ingredients, including freshly-caught seafood, every diner can embark on a rich culinary journey whilst gazing out across the shimmering Southern Thai se...
Read MoreThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for May 2024 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), was up 10.7% compared to May 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 8.5% year-on-year. The May load factor was 83.4% (+1.7ppt compared to May 2023), a record high for May. International demand rose 14.6% compared to May 2023. Capacity was up 14.1% year-on-year and the load factor improved to 82.8% (+0.3ppt on May 2023). Domestic demand rose 4.7% compared to May 2023; capacity was up 0.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.5% (+3.8ppt compared to May 2023). “Strong demand for travel continues with airlines posting a 10.7% year-on-year increas...
Read MoreUN Tourism will bring together sector leaders to emphasise the importance of collaboration to unlock investment and growth potential across the region and to amplify the voice of “Brand Africa”. The second edition of the Regional Conference on Brand Africa (Livingstone, Zambia, 22 July) will further advance UN Tourism’s work supporting its Members from across the region in setting the direction of travel for the years ahead. Alongside Member States, the conference will also feature the participation of Affiliate Members from civil society and business, as well as other private sector leaders. Promoting ‘Brand Africa’ ‘Promoting Africa to Unlock Tourism Investments and the Sector’s Growth Potential’, emphasises the importance of collaboration and innovation throughout th...
Read MoreAlso awarded the Leading Sports Tourism Destination at the World Travel Awards The Islands of The Bahamas has been named the Caribbean's Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024 and the Caribbean's Leading Sports Tourism Destination 2024 by the prestigious World Travel Awards. The esteemed awards are the hallmark of excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. "It is quite an honour for The Bahamas to be recognised by the World Travel Awards in two categories that are near and dear to our hearts. These awards demonstrate the dedication of Team Tourism," said the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for The Bahamas. "Travellers seeking luxury and sports adventures will find plenty to enjoy in the p...
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