1 . From the Karakoram Mountain to the Indus River plain, Pakistan is home to many breathtaking landscapes.

Kaghan Valley

Kaghan Valley is a place of fairytales. According to one version of a local legend, a prince of Persia fell in love with a fairy princess in the valley. But a giant (巨人) was also in love with the princess. One day, she escaped with the prince. In his anger, the giant flooded the valley and created lakes with his tears. Today, visitors from around the world travel to Keghan Valley for its beautiful lakes, mountain scenery, and clear night skies.

Baltoro Glacier

Baltoro Glacier is one of the world’s largest glacier valleys. Though difficult to access, it is one of the most highly visited regions in Pakistan because of mountain climbing destinations like K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum peaks in this area. Baltoro Glacier is not only known for its scenery, but as a life source-a large percentage of northern Pakistan’ s population depends on the water from Baltoro Glacier.

Deosai National Park

Known as “Land of the Giants”, the park is swept by wildflowers and rare butterflies each spring. This biodiversity hot spot is home to the Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan red fox and the critically endangered Himalayan brown bear. The park was given Wold Heritage status in 2016.

Hingol National Park

Hingol National Park is the largest national park in Pakistan. While it is well-known for its diverse (各式各样的) wildlife, it is perhaps best known for its active mud volcanoes. One of the most famous mud volcanoes is Chandragup, a sacred site for Hindus. Every spring, more than 40,000 people went there to honor the goddess Sati. Before they pay their respect to the goddess at a nearby temple, they have to clean their bodies with the mud.

3 . As one of the city’s most popular free outdoor events, the Cape Town Carnival is a multicultural celebration which focuses on social inclusion and bridging the divide between the diverse communities of the Western Cape and specifically Cape Town. It’s a celebration of the many diverse cultures which makes Cape Town stand out from the most world-famous cities. The carnival is considered a community participation event by the Western Cape Government and draws bigger crowds each year.

The event serves a platform for local performance groups, designers, musicians and artists to showcase their talents to the world. Every year, it may create over 1, 000 part-time jobs. The long-term vision, however, is to create more programmes focusing on skills development, thus permanently employing people. Since 2010 when the carnival was held on Long Street, it has become the festival of the year, and has grown from 17, 000 spectators to as many as 55, 000. This year, the carnival will be held on the Fan Walk in Green Point.

And its theme is Mother City, Mother Nature, exploring two of Cape Town’s greatest assets, its natural beauty and its people. The festival will showcase what makes the Mother City one of the most unique cities in the world. Over 2, 000 shining costumed performers and musicians will take to Cape Town’s Fan Walk, entertaining viewers with floats (花车) and dynamic dance routines. The parade (游行) will be followed by a grand street party, showcasing some of South Africa’s hottest musical talent.

Fans and tourists are encouraged to join in the street festivities anytime from 16: 00, when it will turn into a pedestrian walkway with 2km of food stands and festive hospitality (好客) areas. Later in the evening Cape Town will up the pace with the most appealing and festive open air party, the Cape Town Carnival Street Party! This Culture Comer: A Glimpse of Cape Town, was contributed by Marilyn Steward. I’m Rich Claymount. Stay tuned and see you next time.

8 . Fort Street Hotel

Fort Street Hotel is located in a beautiful historic building in Auckland CBD (Central Business District). Facilities include free coffee, a sauna, a rooftop kitchen with beautiful views of the city and harbor. Free daily activities include walking tours and barbecue events.

Fort Street Hotel is within a 10-minute walk from Spark Arena, Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbor. It is a 5-minute walk to Britomart Train Station and Queen Street is just around the corner.

You can relax in the sauna, then head down to the bar, located on Darby Street, to meet fellow travelers from all over the world. Free Wi-Fi is available 24 hours a day in the common area on Level 1.

Great location: 16-20 Fort Street, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand — show map

Most popular facilities

#Non-smoking rooms     # Free Wi-Fi       #Free parking     #24-hour front desk     # Laundry

10 . Winter vacations don’t have to be about snow. From scenic coastal journeys to wildlife watching, we have found a trip for every type of winter wanderer. Here’re some hot spots.

Road-trip down Oregon’s scenic coast

One of Oregon’s Seven Wonders, this 363-mile stretch of coastline is filled with landscapes, waves, headlands, and winter storms. There’s no shortage of stops on the scenic route from Astoria to Brookıngs. Visit coastal communities, spot sea lions at Shore Acres State Park, watch dancing lellyfish at the Oregon Coast Aquarıum, and explore 79 state parks.

Enjoy the light show in San Antonio, Texas

From late November to early January, millions of twinkling lights decorate the San Antonio River Walk in an eye-catching display. Riverboats carrying diverse mix of bell choirs, folk groups, and Latino bands fill the air with carols on evenings through late December.

Soak in New Mexico’s natural hot springs

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, five national forests, and 17 national parks and monuments, New Mexico is a paradise(乐园) of outdoor adventure. After an active day, loosen up your muscles in comfortable mineral springs.

Celebrate New Year’s Day with the mummers in Philadelphia

On New Year’s Day, thousands of brightly costumed people take to the streets of Philadelphia for the annual Mummers Parade, the oldest continuous folk parade in the U. S. The people line the streets of the City of Brotherly Love from JFK Boulevard down Broad Street to watch the mummers (哑剧演员) flood the city in an explosion of color, music, and dance.