Granada, a city in Spain, is renowned for its rich Moorish heritage and stunning landscapes, including the Alhambra, Albaicín, and Sacromonte hills. The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit, showcasing Moorish architecture and design. The city's historic core blends Moorish Islamic and Spanish Christian sensibilities, with notable sites like the Catedral de Granada and the Church of San Gil y Santa Ana. The Sacromonte area is famous for its flamenco performances in cave homes. Federico García Lorca, Spain’s greatest poet, has significant ties to the city. Granada offers a variety of accommodations, from state-run paradores to charming hotels, and a vibrant culinary scene with free tapas. The city also boasts unique shopping experiences, including the Alcaicería bazaar and taracea artisans. Despite its hilly terrain, most attractions are accessible on foot.

Petra, a historic city in southern Jordan, is renowned for its ancient Nabataean architecture carved into sandstone cliffs. The city, largely hidden within gorges and canyons, offers dramatic entrances and significant landmarks like The Treasury and The Monastery. Visitors can explore Petra through various routes, including the main entrance via the Siq and an alternative path from Little Petra. Accommodations range from luxury resorts like Mövenpick Resort Petra to authentic experiences at Ammarin Bedouin Camp. Dining options in Wadi Musa include My Mom’s Recipe and Zawaya, while The Cave Bar offers a unique drinking spot. Shopping highlights include The Nabataean Ladies Cooperative and The Sand Castle. Practical tips for travelers include using Jordanian dinars, understanding local customs, and considering the Jordan Pass for entry and visa benefits.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a neighborhood that has evolved from a hipster haven to a more mature community while retaining its creative charm. It offers a variety of experiences from strolling along the East River at Domino Park to enjoying the culinary diversity. The area is well-connected by public transport, including the J, M, and L trains. Visitors can enjoy the local art scene, indulge in diverse food options, experience unique coffee shops, and shop at places like Brooklyn Flea. Accommodation options like The Hoxton and Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg provide views of the Manhattan skyline. The NYC Ferry offers an affordable way to explore the riverfront, and cultural institutions like the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center and City Reliquary connect visitors to the local community.

San Sebastián, a city with a rich history and a reputation for high culinary standards, offers a variety of experiences for travelers. From its Belle Epoque architecture, such as the Hotel Maria Cristina, to the surf-friendly Zurriola Beach, the city caters to diverse interests. The Old Town is a hub for cultural exploration with museums like San Telmo and Euskal Itsas Museoa. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the Bay of Biscay or hike the Camino de Santiago. The city's food scene is renowned, with pintxos bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. Local drinks include Basque cider and txakoli wine. Shopping for gourmet Basque food and visiting markets like Mercado de la Bretxa are popular activities. Architectural highlights include the Kursaal, and the best views are from Monte Igueldo. Tips for travel include a 10% tip for service, using bus 16 for local transit, and swimming to Isla de Santa Clara. Flight-free travel is possible via Eurostar and TGV, while air travel options include British Airways and easyJet.

The French Quarter, embodying the soul of New Orleans, offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from jazz music at Preservation Hall to Creole cuisine at Mr. B’s Bistro. The area's history is preserved in the architecture and museums like the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Visitors can enjoy the Mississippi River through strolls or steamboat cruises, and indulge in the local culinary and musical heritage. Antiques and artwork can be found on Royal Street, while various hotels provide historic charm. Travel to New Orleans is accessible via direct flights from London Heathrow or indirect routes from other UK airports.

The author recounts the stress of driving to visit family members across the UK during Christmas, which led to exhaustion and tension. After a particularly stressful holiday, the author and their partner Helena decided to travel to California and Mexico for Christmas 2019, which proved to be a delightful experience. The COVID-19 pandemic reminded them of the importance of family, leading to a new approach: spreading family visits throughout November and December and traveling somewhere new by Christmas, resulting in a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday season.

The author recounts the stress of driving to visit family members across the UK during Christmas, which led to exhaustion and tension. After a particularly challenging holiday, the author and their partner Helena decided to travel to California and Mexico for Christmas 2019, which proved to be a delightful experience. The COVID-19 pandemic reminded them of the importance of family, leading them to scatter family gatherings throughout November and December to reduce stress. This new approach to the holiday season allowed for more relaxed and enjoyable family interactions.

In Staffordshire, England, HMP Dovegate has initiated a program where prisoners train assistance dogs, gaining skills and qualifications for future employment. The Restart Dogs project, led by animal behaviorist Rachel Trafford, aims to instill positive behaviors in dogs through reinforcement, paralleling the rehabilitative approach of the prison system. Participants like Dan, a former drug dealer, have found a new purpose and are preparing for a crime-free life post-release. The program has shown early signs of reducing crime and is expanding to other prisons, with plans to support released prisoners in starting their own dog training businesses.

The author recounts the stress and challenges of spending Christmas driving around the UK to visit family, leading to a resolution to spend future holidays abroad. In 2019, the author and their partner Helena traveled to California and Mexico, finding the experience far more relaxing and enjoyable. They now plan family visits in late November and early December to avoid the holiday rush, resulting in a more relaxed and festive time.

The author recounts the stress and challenges of spending Christmas driving around the UK to visit family, leading to a resolution to spend future holidays abroad. A trip to California and Mexico in 2019 provided a refreshing break from the usual holiday chaos. The Covid-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of family, but also the need for a stress-free holiday. The new strategy involves spreading family visits throughout November and early December, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable Christmas spent traveling to new destinations.

The Australian Football League Grand Final is set to take place with Fitzroy and Collingwood competing. The article explains the rules of Aussie rules football, including the scoring system, field of play, player positions, umpire roles, and common offences. The game is described as a battle between 36 players on a large field, with unique rules that allow for handling the ball and a scoring system involving goals and behinds. The article aims to clarify the game for those unfamiliar with it, ahead of the Grand Final on Saturday at 8.30am UAE time.

San Sebastián, a city with a rich history dating back to the Spanish Royal Court's summer visits, offers a blend of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and cultural experiences. Renowned for its food scene, particularly pintxos, the city boasts the world's highest ratio of Michelin stars per capita. Attractions include Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo for panoramic views, museums like San Telmo and the Aquarium, and surfing at Zurriola Beach. Accommodations range from the luxurious Hotel Maria Cristina to the surf-friendly Surfing Etxea. The city is also a starting point for the Camino de Santiago and features modern architectural highlights like the Kursaal. Travel to San Sebastián can be done flight-free via Eurostar and TGV or by air with airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, and Vueling.

Granada, Spain, offers a blend of Moorish and Spanish Christian culture, with the UNESCO-listed Alhambra as a highlight. The city's historic core, Albaicín district, and Sacromonte are rich in history and culture, including flamenco. Local cuisine features the traditional 'free tapa with a drink' deal. Accommodation options include heritage hotels like Parador de Granada. Notable eateries and bars offer local and international flavors, with some providing stunning views of the city. Granada's shopping scene includes the Alcaicería for souvenirs and Artesanía González for authentic taracea. The city is also known for its vibrant live music scene.

San Francisco offers a variety of neighborhoods for travelers with different tastes, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. Union Square and Nob Hill provide a well-connected base with historic theaters and upscale restaurants. North Beach and Chinatown offer great dining and cultural experiences. Fisherman's Wharf is ideal for family fun and access to famous landmarks. The Castro and Haight-Ashbury are known for their social history and cool vibe. The Marina District is a budget-friendly area with good access to major sights. The article also provides tips for getting around the city, including using the BART system and historic cable cars.

Zaragoza, a city rich in history and culture, offers a blend of Roman, Moorish, and Spanish influences. Key attractions include the labyrinthine Casco Viejo, the cathedrals La Seo and El Pilar, and the Aljaferia Palace. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine in tapas bars, explore historic sites, and shop for traditional Aragonese goods. The city is easily navigable on foot, and offers unique experiences such as the Thursday night juepincho tradition in La Magdalena. Zaragoza is accessible by train from major Spanish cities and direct flights from London.

Barcelona is a city rich in culture, architecture, and gastronomy, with a distinctive Catalan identity. Visitors can explore Gaudi's architectural masterpieces, such as Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia, and enjoy the city's modernista buildings. The Gothic Quarter and Poble Sec offer a vibrant tapas scene, while Michelin-starred restaurants provide high-end dining experiences. Accommodation ranges from lavish hotels like El Palace to boutique options in central locations. Shopping opportunities abound on Passeig de Gracia and in vintage stores in El Raval. Barcelona's museums house extensive art collections, including works by Picasso and Miro. The city's style is also showcased in the Design Museum. For panoramic views, the hills surrounding Barcelona and the terrace at MNAC are recommended. Insider tips suggest taking advantage of free admission days to major attractions and using the Metro for transportation.

Easter celebrations around the world are marked by unique and diverse traditions. From Bermuda's Good Friday KiteFest to France's Knights of the Giant Omelette, each country showcases its cultural heritage. Germany's Georgiritt, Greece's Rouketopolemos, and Guatemala's Colourful Carpets are some of the distinctive celebrations. Hungary's Sprinkling, Jerusalem's OG Easter Sites, Italy's Scoppio del Carro, and Japan's Kanamara Matsuri also stand out. Mexico's Passion Play, the Netherlands' PaasVuur, the Philippines' Maleldo, Poland's Easter at the Salt Chapel, Spain's Semana Santa and Roman Passion, Ukraine's Festival Pysanka, the UK's Bottle-Kicking, the USA's Easter Fires, Vatican City's Way of the Cross, and Zambia's Shimunenga are other notable festivities. Afghanistan's Nowruz Buzkashi is also mentioned as a spring festival.

The article by Paul Stafford, a features correspondent, discusses the historical quest to determine the weight of the Earth, which took place in the 18th century on Schiehallion, a mountain in Scotland. Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne, with the help of Charles Mason and mathematician Charles Hutton, undertook the challenge of measuring the Earth's mass by calculating the gravitational pull of Schiehallion. The mountain's isolation and unique shape made it an ideal candidate for the experiment. Maskelyne's innovative approach involved using a pendulum to measure the gravitational deviation caused by the mountain. Hutton's contribution included the creation of contour lines on maps, a technique still used today. The team's efforts resulted in an estimation of Earth's mass that was within 20% of the current accepted value. The article highlights the significance of this scientific endeavor and its lasting impact on both astronomy and cartography.

Moseley, a neighborhood in Birmingham, is celebrated for its Victorian charm, creative atmosphere, and world-class dining and nightlife. The area boasts historic pubs, Michelin Guide restaurants, and a variety of cultural and green spaces, including Canon Hill Park and the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park. Notable residents like JRR Tolkien have found inspiration in Moseley's natural beauty. While there are no hotels in Moseley itself, nearby Birmingham city center offers accommodations with convenient access to the neighborhood. Moseley's independent spirit is evident in its local markets and the success of independent businesses over chains.

Yelena Yemchuk, a photographer born in Kyiv, Ukraine, has documented the lives of young people in Odesa volunteering for the army following the Russian invasion of Crimea in 2014. Her photobook 'Odesa' captures the beauty and resilience of the city's youth amidst the backdrop of conflict. Yemchuk's work is characterized by a romanticized view of Ukraine, and her images convey a sense of curiosity and wonder. The book, published by Gost, was designed before the full-scale invasion in 2022, and now serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals whose futures are uncertain due to the war.

Ukrainian artists and cultural figures are responding to the Russian invasion with defiance and a commitment to preserving their national identity. The destruction of the Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum and the loss of Maria Prymachenko's folk art highlight the threat to Ukrainian culture. Art curator Kateryna Taylor and artist Pavlo Makov, who should be preparing for the Venice Art Biennale, are instead focusing on humanitarian efforts and calling for Russia's removal from La Biennale. Visual artist Yelena Yemchuk discusses the burgeoning cultural movement in Ukraine over the past decade and the country's growing sense of independence. Despite the war, there is a belief that Ukraine will experience a cultural revolution once the conflict ends.

Gyeongju, a city rich in Korean history and culture, offers a variety of unique experiences from stargazing at Cheomsongdae Observatory to cycling between ancient Silla tombs. Visitors can dine like royalty with traditional Ssambap, stay at Golgulsa temple to learn Sunmudo, and explore quirky museums like the Teddy Bear Museum. The city also boasts significant historical sites such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, and offers a taste of traditional rice wine, Beopju, in Gyochon Hanok Village. Gyeongju is a serene destination that beautifully blends natural wonders with cultural heritage.

The article covers the events and aftermath of Crimea's annexation by Russia, focusing on the period from the third anniversary of the annexation in 2017 back to the 2014 referendum. It discusses the historical context, the strategic and symbolic significance of locations like Sevastopol, and the local and international reactions to the annexation. The journalist interviews various Crimean residents, revealing a mix of opinions about the Russian takeover. Some, like Anatoliy Tavrichesky, initially welcomed it, while others, such as Taras Manasov and Kamilla Aksyonova, expressed concerns about the future and the impact on the Tatar community. The article also touches on the economic consequences of EU sanctions, the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge, and the political and social changes within Crimea under Russian control.