2 . In 1983, Ski Rixen USA became the first water ski cable park in the United States. Located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, the park offers riders a chance to experience all kinds ofwater sports.

In the past 40 years, Six Rixen USA has welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors. The park was the brainchild of engineer Bruno Rixen. Born in 1931 in Germany, Rixen grewfrustrated with the sport of water skiing, which required pulling by a motor boat.

“He used to wait for four hours in line to do three laps around the lake, ” explained Allan Wlodarczyk, the manager of Ski Rixen USA. He added that riding five minutes and waiting another four hours sparked Rixen’s idea of cable parks. Rather than relying on a boat, Rixen considered his own cable way. He also designed skis and set up a power source.

“The first cable was actually an old farm tractor, ” Wlodarczyk said. “Rixen took the wheels off, attached some ropes to the wheel disks, and started pulling people back and forth around the lake.” Over the years, Rixen improved his design and earned several patents. He opened the world’s first commercial cable water park in 1966 in Benidorm, Spain.

The sport grew from entertainment to international contests. Rixen died in 2020, but his idea has taken hold around the world. Today, there are more than 500 cable water parks on different continents. Typically, the cable tows riders at a speed of about 20 miles per hour.

But for beginners, who can take lessons, the speed is about 15 miles per hour.

Ski Rixen USA also offers riding opportunities and events to people with special needs to ski effortlessly. “We have a specially designed ski, called a sit ski,” Wlodarczyk said. “It’s a larger board with a lot of surface area. The riders are completely seated in the water and don’t actually have to hold onto the rope.”

3 . Walled Cities Of The World

There are numerous historical walled cities across the world, whose walls date back several centuries. These walls were fortification (碉堡), a necessity throughout medieval eras for defense. They have been preserved as historical monuments and popular tourist attractions in the modern time.

York, England

The city of York is a medieval city situated in the north of England. Historically, the city was ruled by the Romans, Angles, and the Vikings before being incorporated as part of the Kingdom of England in 954. Located in the city are walls built in 71 AD which have been restored and extended with time.

Xi’an, China

The city of Xian is one of the oldest cities in China. It prospered economically as the eastern last station of the Silk Road. The existing walls were originally built in 770 BC and reconstructed in the 14th century under the Ming Dynasty. The walls are well preserved and are a major tourist attraction in the city.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City was a colonial (殖民地的) town which was fortified by the settling Europeans. The walls began to be built in 1608 under both British and French regimes (政权). A fort was constructed by the British as an additional defensive measure and remains undamaged to date. The city’s fortifications were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Mexico City, Mexico

Historically, the City of Mexico gained importance as the Aztec Capital. The Spanish then drove out the Aztecs and rebuilt it as the Spanish Capital. The walls protecting the city were built in 1521. Mexico City is also home to numerous colonial-era buildings which together with the walls are major tourist attractions in the city.

4 . Here are some fantastic parks in San Antonio.

The park was first established in 1899 and has been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. Towering trees and peaceful riverbanks will greet guests along the park’s paths, and the facilities include playgrounds, museums, a miniature train, a Japanese tea garden, and one of the oldest golf courses in the city.

In the park, you’ll find about 10 miles of paved(铺过的)and unpaved trails(路线), with a little something for everyone. From rocky climbs to deep canyons, and enchanting forests to open views, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. The area is nationally famous for birdwatching.

The park is the state’s only one on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything. While the Alamo is a separate attraction, you will get to enjoy the architectural wonders of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They’re all connected by a hike and bike trail, with plenty of stops along the way to picnic, climb trees, and refill water. Admission is free!

Just a 20-to 30-minute drive from the city center, the park puts the best landscapes in the Texas Hill Country on full display, holding 6 miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. Explore dried creek beds, look out over plunging canyons, and enjoy full views of San Antonio down below. You can also find playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.

5 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.

Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.

It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.

Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.

6 . As the capital city of France, Paris has endured as an important city for more than 2,000 years. Take an overview of the top tourist attractions in Paris.

The Place des Vosges, formerly called Place Royale, was the prototype (原型) for all residential squares in Europe. All houses were built, using the same design: red brick and steep pitched blues late roofs. Not only is it shaped like a true square, but also it is the first city square planned by a king (Henry Ⅳ in the early 17th century) . Third, it turned the Marais into a fashionable spot in the decades before the French Revolution.

1889is known as the year when France’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, was constructed. It’s also the year the Moulin Rouge opened its doors as an entertainment venue. It has been the subject of numerous films for many years.

The Conciergerie was built to be the main palace for French kings who, over the centuries, enlarged it. Its Great Hall was one of the largest in Europe. The palace later became a tribunal (法庭) and prison, with famous prisoners including Marie Antoinette. Today the Conciergerie is a popular tourist attraction in Paris but also still serves as courts.

Architect Charles Garnier spared no ornate (华丽的) detail when designing the Palais Garnier in the 19th century. Perhaps this is why the building was the most expensive of its era. Seating nearly 2,000 people, the Palais Garnier is home to the National Opera of Paris. It is the star of the novel and subsequent films, Phantom of the Opera. The Palais Garnier is still in use today though mainly for ballet and is also home to the opera library museum.

7 . Here are four famous characteristic markets in Melbourne for you to explore, only in the city.

Kensington Market highlights the gift of a wonderful group of inner-city makers. Now entering its eighth year, the market is well supported and is a popular meeting spot. You can browse the carefully-made range of designer fashion, delicious homemade treats and coffee, homewares, and plenty of art creations. The market opens every third Sunday of the month.

It’s a contemporary craft fair held at the Queen Victoria Market. You can experience a totally unique craft fair showing independent makers of all kinds with handmade goods that you won’t find anywhere else. Melbourne is also home to some of the most creative artists and designers and this craft fair is your chance to catch them all in the one place.

Discover handcrafted treasures made by local people at the Sunday Market. You will find unique, handmade goods ranging from arts and crafts to freshly made delicious snacks. From jewellery, soaps, scarves and candles, to woodcraft, leather goods and paintings, each item is lovingly handcrafted. Everything on offer is produced locally, making the market a real favourite for those seeking one-of-a-kind treasures for themselves or as gifts.

The Hawker 88 Night Market brings the sights, arts and tastes of Asia to Melbourne’s favourite market. Step in the streets of Asia to feast on authentic(地道的) street food from right across the continent, from China to India, Vietnam to Korea, and Malaysia to Japan. Inspired by Asian street markets around the world, Hawker 88 Night Market has had lanterns hung, plus long share tables creating traditional setting for visitors to enjoy.

9 . A Journey to Costa Rica

Costa Rican culture and its natural environment are deeply connected. Travel through the country from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast and everywhere in between. Experience first-hand Costa Rica’s lifestyle and you’ll soon see why Costa Rica is the happiest country in the world!

Program at a Glance

Dates 8. Price: August 5~9: $750 each person

Ages: 14 ~18

Group Size: 4 ~10 participants

Level of Spanish: A basic level is recommended

Details

Start with a walking tour of San Jose and visit its top places of interest: the National Theater, Gold Museum. Central Park and Central Market.

Stay with a homestay family in Heredia for a close experience into the Costa Rican lifestyle.

Learn about the beautifully painted oxcarts(牛车)in Sarchi,the heart of the country’s artisan culture. Participate in a painting workshop.enjoy a typical lunch and visit gardens

Experience a coffee tour in the highland community of Naranjo.

Travel to Guatuso to learn about the native peoples and their traditional ways

Visit Abangares and its gold mines.

End in Heredia with a farewell dinner and a cooking class.

10 . Edible(可食用的) cities are becoming increasingly popular around the world. In the city of Andernach, Germany, anyone who lives or happens to be in the town of 30,000 people is encouraged to pick and take whatever they want from the fruiting trees and bushes in the town center. The town, which sits in the Rhine River Valley, is among the growing number of edible cities across the globe. Since the start of the program in 2010, there is more than enough produce to go around every year regardless of whether someone grabs a single pear or a bag full of potatoes.

“People here are very proud when talking to others about our edible city,” shared Bettina Schneider, city team coordinator(协调员) for the Edible Cities Network in Andernach. “The land that was changed into fruiting gardens and orchards(果园) in Andernach was previously overgrown. But today the town is covered with peach, almond and pear trees.”

Andernach’s public gardens and orchards have also inspired other cities in Germany and throughout the European Union to follow suit. Today, the Edible Cities Network—a group of about 150 cities worldwide with fruit trees and vegetable gardens in public places for anyone to access free of charge—is funded by the European Commission.

“Public green natural spaces in cities are incredibly valuable, and even more so as temperatures rise and cities become more crowded,” said Ina sāumel, a principal investigator for the Edible Cities Network. She explained that Edible Cities Network’s goal is to encourage people to get involved in their urban parks instead of only thinking of them as passive places.

Many cities in the United States have also started similar projects. There are public lands from Seattle to North Carolina where people are welcome to pick and take from fruiting trees and bushes.