1 . Nature has inspired many of the most fascinating designs around us, including those in architecture. Today, architects continue to explore ways to capture the beauty of natural forms, to mimic the way nature works or even to make natural organisms part of a building.

Art Science Museum, Singapore

People whose interest is exploring the relationship between art and science will enjoy Singapore’s Art Science Museum. The building was designed to show the connection between nature and the modern city environment in which it sits. Shaped to resemble a lotus flower, it appears to float above the waterfront promenade and the water that surrounds it. Its roof collects rainwater and channels it 35 meters down to a waterfall in the centre of the space. The water is then recycled through the building’s plumbing system. The building so truly captures the beauty of natural forms.

The Eastgate Centre, Harare

Harare’s Eastgate Centre is a superb example of biomimicry. To use biomimicry is to create structures based on natural forms and processes. Zimbabwean architect Mick Pearce was inspired to create the Centre while watching a nature documentary. The insects built mounds covered in little holes designed to allow air to move freely in and out of the mounds. In a similar way, the Eastgate Centre has a “skin” covered in holes. During the day, warm air is drawn into the building through the holes, cooling as it reaches the middle of the building. At night, the heat absorbed by the wall during the day warms the cool air, creating a comfortable temperature inside. The design reduces the need for traditional air conditioning and heating systems, so the building uses less energy and costs less to run.

The Algae House, Hamburg

The world’s first algae-powered building is in Hamburg, Germany. The surface of the apartment building is covered in panels that contain algae. In bright sunshine, they grow faster and provide shade. The panels also capture heat from the sun and convert it into energy that powers the building. And that’s not all — the algae inside the panels can be harvested and used to produce fuel. The building therefore not only responds to its environment and uses less energy, but also reduces damage to the environment by generating its own renewable energy.

Creating building such as these enables us to live in closer harmony with our environment. To meet the needs of today while protecting the world of tomorrow may be a challenge, but even the simplest organisms can help teach us how to achieve this.

2 . Castel dell’ Ovo is one of Naples’ most famous monuments. It offers sweeping views over the city and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

The Basics

The site on which Castel dell’ Ovo now stands has a long history, beginning as a settlement for Greek colonists(殖民地定居者). The current castle was built in the 15^th century, and today, the 19^th-century fishing village of Borgo Marinari, known for its excellent seafood restaurants and marina(游艇停靠区), sits at the base of the castle.

The Egg Castle

The origin of the castle’s name comes from a story about the Roman poet Virgil, who is said to have placed a magical egg in the foundations beneath where the castle now stands. As long as the egg stays well, Castel dell’ Ovo will remain standing.

Things to Know Before you Go

·Castel dell’ Ovo is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

·Admission to the castle and the museum is free.

·The inner halls of the castle are open to the public only during special events and exhibitions; the ramparts (城墙) and towers are always open.

·There is a lift from the ground floor to the ramparts, making the castle accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Castel dell’ Ovo is located in the Bay of Naples just off the coastal road. Bus 151 from the train station and 140 from the port stop at Castel dell’ Ovo.

When to Get there

The castle is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 7 pm, and Sundays and holidays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. The Prehistoric Museum is open only on weekends from 10 am to 1 pm. As Naples is one of Italy’s most visited cities, its sights can be very crowded in the high-season summer months. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and to take advantage of the best light for taking photos from the castle’s towers.

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3 . When it comes to the UK, London likes to steal all the attention. Yes, yes, I know: it's a great city with lots of culture and sights to see. However, I think we all need a break sometimes from the chaos of the city. Specifically, a trip to one of the UK's national parks. A total of 15 areas in the UK are protected by the government. This allows everyone access to unblemished （洁净的）moors （旷野）, mountains, rivers and a home where wildlife can flourish.

In total, the national parks cover over 23,000 square kilometres, so where do you begin?

Dartmoor

A paradise for a picnic, Dartmoor in the south of England offers miles and miles of beautiful but lonely moorland. Climb over natural rock formations such as Haytor or hike for hours into the sunset with only wild ponies （矮种马）for company. Be mindful - they might look sweet, but those wanting to pet them may lose a finger .

Snowdonia

If you're after a challenge, head over to Snowdonia and climb the highest mountain in Wales. At 1,085 metres high, the views from Snowdon are spectacular. It will take you 5-6 hours to climb up and back down again. If a little mountain climbing isn't your scene, the mountain railway will have you there and back in half the lime.

Castles

In addition to Snowdon, Wales has over 10() castles spread throughout its three national parks. Some are broken mins, blending with the nature around them, while others have been restored to their original glory. Climb the towers of Caernarfon Castle and explore the exhibitions to learn about medieval life, or visit the ghostly ruins of Ragland Castle just south of the Brecon Beacons.

Ullswater

For those who feel more at home on the water, the Lake District has over 15 stunning (极美的) lakes. Ullswater is particularly beautiful and the perfect place for scenic boat trips, sailing or canoeing with friends. Swimming is also popular if you are able to brave the cold. Surrounding the lake are charming villages and countryside which can be explored by foot or on horseback.

the White Cliffs of Dover

In the South Downs you'll find one of Britain's most striking views: the White Cliffs of Dover. This is the first view of England you'11 see if arriving by ferry, as long as it's not foggy, of course. Stretching for miles between the blue sea and even bluer sides, the pure white cliffs feature in many wartime songs and films. Not convinced? Fear not, London is just over an hour away by train.

How is everything going?

Yours,

LiJin

9 . Recently, my husband and three kids were playing in the Mediterranean, swimming and floating in the picture-perfect sea. It was very beautiful in Majorca, Spain. The way the sun danced across the water and how the blue horizon was dotted with sailboats were such beautiful scenes. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

My husband and I always dreamed about taking our kids on a trip around the world. It was something we always wanted to do “one day”. It was one of the things we talked about when we imagined our life with the children.

Fourteen years later, we had three boys who were growing up faster by the day. It was time to make good on those plans. We spent dozens of hours discussing, researching and planning.

We had to learn how to “road school” our kids and arrange time off from work. We renewed our passports, and then packed our bags. We showed our kids the world. It was about experiencing the dozens of flights and trains and taxis together. We wanted them to learn all that we had learned ourselves, through our own travels as young adults.

But there was something more than that: What we really wanted is to slow down time. We wanted the days to last a bit longer, and the weeks to take their time. The years with our children are going too fast. We wanted to control our busy lives, and just be with our kids. We wanted a break from the daily morning timetable of making lunches, eating breakfast rushing out the door in time for school. We need a family time-out.

It was a wonderful two-month trip in Europe, full of wonderful moments. And when we looked back at our lives, I know we’ll be glad we did it. I know we’ll be happy that this is a part of the story of our family.

10 . Cheap Travel

You can pay a fortune to travel around the world. Or you can pay nothing at all. Here are some places you’ll never regret visiting that won’t cost you a dime.

British Museum, London (U. K. )

You need to go here to see the Egyptian mummies, the ancient Greek marbles and so many other treasures. It’s open every day, and unlike most other attractions in England that cost an arm and a leg, it’s completely free.

National Mall, Washington D. C. (U. S. A. )

You can walk a pathway from the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Washington Monument with other sights in between. Do you know you can go up in the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument? Tickets are free, but pay a small fee to reserve them in advance to avoid being disappointed.

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris (France)

This great treasure of the world simply can’t be missed. The great stained glass rose window alone is worth the visit. The Sunday Mass with Gregorian chant was like stepping back in time. Admission is free every day, but you’re welcome to leave a donation. There are also free tours a few times each week. You’ll pay extra for tours of the bell tower or the crypt.

Tips: Notre-Dame Cathedral was greatly damaged by a massive fire in April 2019. Please visit notredamedeparis. fr/en/ for more information regarding future visits to the cathedral.

National Museum of Ireland, Dublin and Mayo (Ireland)

Want to see bog bodies, gold ornaments, Viking artifacts and learn about rural Irish life? All four branches of this museum are free to visit, including museums devoted to archaeology, natural history, decorative arts & history and country life. The museum of country life in Turlough Park, Mayo, is devoted to Irish rural traditions, while the natural history museum is especially famous for its collection of insects.