world

In the shadow of the picturesque Raolin peaks in Jiangxi, China🇨🇳, lies the breathtaking engineering marvel – the Lingshan Genting Staircase.

Stretching 1 236 m in length with a vertical rise of 256 m, it boasts ten escalators that whisk visitors upward as if “flying to the heavens,” while clouds swirl around the soaring views.

Fun fact: The staircase was built in just three years, using locally sourced stone to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Each step is illuminated at night, turning the ascent into a glittering pathway visible for miles. The design earned a national award for sustainable tourism, proving that modern infrastructure can coexist beautifully with nature.

Emerald waters of Lake Braies, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Italy 🇮🇹

A true alpine gem, the lake’s turquoise hue comes from light scattering on fine glacial sediments.

Legend says the lake was once a secret meeting place for lovers, and its name “Braies” derives from the old Ladin word for “marsh”.

In summer, the surrounding peaks reflect perfectly, creating a mirror that photographers adore.

Visit and feel the magic of this pristine sanctuary!

Imagine gliding through the rain‑kissed waters of Lake Como – a classic swim under a silver sky 🇮🇹.

The gentle drizzle turns the surface into a perfect mirror, while mist‑cloaked mountains loom in the distance.

Fun fact: Lake Como is Italy’s deepest lake, plunging over 400 m. Its crystal‑clear waters have starred in iconic films like *Star Wars: Episode I* and *Casino Royale*. Even in summer the water stays refreshingly cool, turning every dip into a secret adventure.

🇦🇺 White sand stretches endlessly, while the Indian Ocean’s gentle waves kiss the shore, gifting an overwhelming sense of peace. It feels as if nature designed this hidden haven for you to escape every worry.

Warton Beach, nestled in the heart of Western Australia , lies within the UNESCO‑listed Shark Bay. Here you can spot the rare Australian sea lion and playful dolphins, making every sunrise a magical show. The crystal‑clear waters reveal vibrant coral and a kaleidoscope of fish, perfect for a tranquil snorkel.

Come, let the horizon melt your stress away…

🇨🇳 China – Wangshan Valley

A breathtaking corner where genuine historic ambience meets architecture that clings gracefully to the mountain slopes.

Interesting fact: The valley lies on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a centuries‑old trade route linking Chinese tea growers with Tibetan caravans. Stone bridges, watchtowers and terraced fields, cultivated for over a millennium, still dot the landscape.

Feel the timeless charm of this mountain‑woven heritage site!

🅾️ Is it OK to disagree?

🅾️ Do you usually share the same opinions as your friends, or do you often disagree? And can you stay calm when someone says something you do not agree with? Neil and Beth discuss differing opinions and reactions, and teach you some useful vocabulary along the way.

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The Gardens of Étretat, France 🇫🇷

Perched on the iconic chalk cliffs above the English Channel, these gardens blend wild coastal beauty with meticulously designed pathways.

Established in the early 20th century, the site was once a private estate turned public sanctuary.

Fun fact: Claude Monet painted the famous “Cliffs at Étretat” while strolling here, capturing the ever‑changing light that still dazzles visitors today.

Explore the fragrant rosemary, lavender, and rare alpine flora that thrive in the salty sea breeze.

Turkey 🇹🇷

The magical Kyp Waterfalls are located in the scenic Aladag district, Adana province.

This spot features 10 waterfalls! The surrounding nature is breathtaking: forests changing colors with each season.

Chiang Rai is a magical place in northern Thailand 🇹🇭

located near the borders of Laos and Myanmar.

It's home to stunning temples and vibrant culture.

A must-visit destination for any traveler.

In Cascais, where towering cliffs plunge into the Atlantic’s wild surf, the thunderous roar of the waves adds drama to the scenery.

Boca do Inferno, the “Mouth of Hell,” is a mysterious inlet where the sea has battered the stone walls for centuries, while the wind whispers tales of daring sailors and pirates 🇵🇹

Fun fact: the name comes from the echoing crash that sounds like a howl from the underworld. The spot inspired 19th‑century painters and is now a protected natural monument, offering spectacular photo‑ops and a glimpse into Portugal’s maritime heritage.

Morning in the Okavango is alive with the thunderous steps of giants 🇧🇼.

Here, where river waters melt into the endless Kalahari sands, these majestic elephants greet the sunrise, keeping traditions that stretch back centuries.


Fun fact: The Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas, hosts over 400 bird species and its elephants can travel up to 30 km a day during the dry season, shaping the landscape with their paths.

Colombia 🇨🇴

The enchanting port city of Cartagena, perched on the sparkling Caribbean coast, is a living museum of colonial splendor.

Founded in 1533, its historic walled city—crowned a UNESCO World Heritage site-boasts pastel facades, cobblestone streets, and 13 massive forts. The 5‑km wall encircles the old town, and the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas offers breathtaking bay views.

By night, lantern‑lit plazas pulse with salsa rhythms, inviting you to dance under the stars.

Perched over ,300 m above sea level in the French Alps, Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort. 🇫🇷 Surrounded by snow‑capped peaks, this cozy haven feels like the sky is touching the ground, and the air is crisp and pure.

Fun fact: Val Thorens belongs to the the world largest ski area with more than 600 km of runs, and it even offers summer skiing on the nearby glacier.
Its village, built in the 1970s, buzzes with lively après‑ski bars and panoramic lifts that whisk you to the summit in minutes.

Join us on a journey to the magical Serra de Água on Madeira Island! 🇵🇹

Dive into a realm of lush green forests, towering mountain peaks, and breathtaking hiking trails that beckon your spirit of adventure.

Fun fact: Serra de Água is part of the ancient Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to unique endemic species like the Madeira laurel pigeon and the rare Madeira orchid. The historic levadas here were built centuries ago to channel water across the island, creating the iconic walking paths we love today.

Nestled in untouched wilderness, the roar of cascading water and the backdrop of majestic peaks reveal the splendor of Paullista Waterfall – a true jewel of Doctor Pedrinho, Santa Catarina, Brazil.🇧🇷

Did you know? The falls plunge over 30 meters into a crystal‑clear pool, feeding a micro‑ecosystem home to rare orchids and colorful amphibians. Visitors often hear the echo of the water for kilometers, a natural symphony that has inspired local legends.

The surrounding park is part of a protected reserve, offering hiking trails that wind through lush Atlantic forest—perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Bamboo Raft Festival on the Yulong River, China 🇨🇳.

Every spring locals and tourists gather to glide down the crystal‑clear waters on handcrafted bamboo rafts, celebrating ancient traditions and the region’s stunning karst scenery.

Fun fact: The Yulong River, a tributary of the Li River, is famed for its towering limestone peaks that mirror perfectly in the water, creating a landscape that has inspired countless Chinese paintings.

🇮🇹 Sirmione, Lake Garda, Italy

A magical little town perched on the northern shore of Lake Garda. It sits on a slender peninsula that stretches about 4 km into the crystal‑clear waters, offering breathtaking panoramas at every turn.

Highlights: the medieval Scaliger Castle guarding the tip, the ancient Roman Grottoes of Catullus, and famous thermal baths that have attracted visitors since Roman times.

Fun fact: Sirmione’s lake‑front promenade is lined with lemon trees, and the town produces its own limoncello—a sweet reminder of Mediterranean sunshine.

Istanbul 🇹🇷 - a unique city divided between Asia and Europe, symbolizing the fusion of cultures and continents.

It's a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity.

Istanbul, Turkey , a true melting pot of history and diversity.

🅾️ Was Christmas better in the past?

🅾️ It's Christmas time in the UK. And like with celebrations around the world, people have lots of traditions that they do every year, and memories about Christmas from their childhood. But were the Christmases of the past as magical as we remember? Neil and Beth discuss a strange emotion we can feel at Christmas called nostalgia.

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In Nanning, China, parking lots have gotten "green" roofs 🇨🇳, shielding cars from the scorching sun and offering shelter to insects and birds.

This innovative design helps reduce urban heat islands and supports local biodiversity. A win-win for the environment and drivers alike!