By Mike MacEacheran 23 February 2021
On Scotland’s formidably wild Isle of Skye, there were hoof trails everywhere at first light. Trails in the mud, trails curving across the moorland, trails on the far side of the burn where they vanished into the murk of the pine forest. To the east, the land swooped uphill onto the ruggedly beautiful shoulder of Sgùrr a Mhadaidh Ruaidh, with a vantage point over the Trotternish peninsula. West, and downhill from where Mitchell Partridge was standing, the loose contours of Glenhinnisdal valley dropped to Loch Snizort and the Isle of Skye’s coastline. There was a feeling of waiting for the stag rut to begin.
By Elise Morton 12 February 2021
When it comes to Slovenia, Ljubljana and Lake Bled may be the extent of most international visitors’ knowledge. But things are changing, with Slovenia fast becoming one of Europe’s prime gastronomic destinations. This is, at least in part, thanks to one woman – Ana Roš, head chef at Hiša Franko, a family restaurant in the alpine surrounds of the Soča Valley and flanked by the Julian Alps.
50 Reasons to Love the World - 2021
Why do you love the world?
“Because I got to visit the tiny stone villages of Slovenia’s magical Kras region, which I wouldn’t have considered going to if I hadn’t needed to stay in my country. I’m grateful that I had a chance to see the region’s beautiful colours – oranges, violets and greens – and unique landscape, which feels kind of Mediterranean but looks out to the Alps.” –
By Dimitri Selibas 8 February 2021
It s 16:00 near lake La Cocha in Colombia s southern department of Nariño, and the kitchen staff at Naturalia are busy at work. Long light rays of an overcast afternoon mingle with smoke wafting in from the trout being prepared in the scullery next door. Indigenous Colombian chef and environmentalist Anibal Jose Criollo presides over the team inside the humble cabin, pausing to greet a neighbour delivering a basket of fruit while his six-year-old niece Helen sits in a corner, playfully sifting blackberries.
50 Reasons to Love the World - 2021
Why do you love the world?
“Because there is a lovely moment [in Nariño, Colombia] when the potato or the arracacha is ready to be harvested and you go past in the morning or at night, and you have the smell of the flowers, and they are special because when they don t have pesticides this aroma leaves you wanting to stay there.” –
By Matthew Keegan 3 February 2021
Tucked away on the south-western coast of Hong Kong Island, Waterfall Bay Park is a tranquil oasis that feels a world removed from the bustling streets and dense cluster of glass-and-steel skyscrapers that tower over much of the city centre.
50 Reasons to Love the World - 2021
Why do you love the world?
“Because I feel honoured to still be fit and healthy enough to look after the many gods here in Hong Kong’s Waterfall Bay Park and receive their blessings, day in, day out. There is no place more magical for me and I feel privileged to worship here.” –
By Sheila Sim 26 January 2021
Women in crinolines and bonnets, carrying trays loaded with treats and dainty teacups, weave their way between white cast-iron tables beneath the boughs of old fruit trees. People chat and enjoy the sunshine as it glints off the golden onion domes of the neighbouring church, while steam from a samovar swirls gently into the air. Along with these other visitors, I came here for a little taste of history.
50 Reasons to Love the World - 2021
Why do you love the world? Because everything around me – the river, the cathedrals, the beautiful views – breathes history. Kolomna, Russia, has learned to live with its heritage; this gives us our love and our passion for what we do.”