Much like our Rastafarian friends, we often where the rivers of Babylon were located. And, even more, where was Babylon itself? And what happened to it? According to Wikipedia.org, Babylon was the capital city of the ancient Babylonian Empire, which itself is a term referring to either of two separate empires in the Mesopotamian area in antiquity. These two empires achieved regional dominance between the 19th and 15th centuries BC, and again between the 7th and 6th centuries BC. But where is it now? And why should you visit? It is a fascinating and unusual adventure into ancient history, that’s why. Due to Babylon’s historical significance as well as references to it in…
Much like our Rastafarian friends, we often where the rivers of Babylon were located. And, even more, where was Babylon itself? And what happened to it?
According to Wikipedia.org, Babylon was the capital city of the ancient Babylonian Empire, which itself is a term referring to either of two separate empires in the Mesopotamian area in antiquity. These two empires…
It will be trite to say too much about how awful war is. You would think that after all of these decades and thousands lost, humanity would get the point that war is not a solution. And yet, war marches on.
It is useful to look back and reflect (and perhaps learn) on all that has…
It won't be surprise if we say that Japan is one of the happiest and most welcoming countries in the world. Its residents strive every day find happiness in even the little things. But, some of the quiet islands take that ethos even further. Okinawa, Japan has highest congregation of people over 100 years of…
How often do you have a dream come true? This one almost defies belief, and certainly exceeds expectations. Once a monastery, Argos in Cappadocia is an exclusive hotel featuring elegant rooms with elaborate stone carvings and antique furnishings. Some of the suites even have a private indoor pool, perfect for guests dreaming about a romantic…
As if Hong Kong is not enough on its own, it also shyly features quiet joys.
Fear not. We're not discussing a fiery Cantonese dish (most aren't.) Nor are we proposing some kind of thrill ride that requires diapers (although this activity features thrills of its own.)
One little-known joy of Hong Kong is Shek O Peak,…
At the time of this writing, humanity is starting to see its way out of the Covid fog. Not clear yet, but there is light on the horizon and it soon may just be relegated to a horrible memory. Living in the times that we do - even as trying as these can be -…
What do you know about Kuwait?
Yes, Kuwait (Arabic: الكويت) is a country in the Middle East. It is located at the head of the Persian Gulf, with Iraq to the north and west, and Saudi Arabia to the southwest.
And, yes, Kuwaiti people originate from Arabia, Iran and Iraq, although a small minority of Kuwaitis trace…
Whether you're from Nevada or Milton Keynes, we're willing to bet that you have a little bit of cowboy / cowgirl in you. Who can resist going back in time to watch those timeless Hollywood films such as Stagecoach, High Noon and A Fistful of Dollars.
Well, chances are you've done OK in your life up…
Without sounding like we're preaching, or stating the obvious, but the fact that you, our wonderful readers, are looking at this article says a lot about you, and certainly something about us, Matouring.
Visiting Venice or Rio are undoubtedly some of the most thrilling things we can do in our lives. But, sometimes (more often than…
They keep warning us about global warming but, for some reason, we don't listen.
The Matterhorn is global warming’s latest victim. Researchers installed 50 movement sensors at 13,000 feet to monitor how the mountain is coping with rising temperatures and melting permafrost, the layer of frozen soil beneath the Earth’s surface.
They found developing and expanding fissures…
In this place in time, as we write, there are still any number of sad and appalling events happening to our fellow humans, all around the globe.
Those who can, fight back. But others are in no position to do anything but simply survive. And the need for domination starts at the top of the food…
One thing that can be said about the USA is that it has Hawaii. The islands are a place where almost everyone wil agree that it is a "destination" for them. Spectacular ocean waters, beaches, mountains and on average, 240 sunny days per year, you're almost guaranteed a good time. But, of all the islands,…
Wide open spaces. Free to roam. Fresh air. Peace and quiet. As quiet as a mouse. “Listen to the silence. It has so much to say."
But maybe not here. Watch as Tim Traveller poses the question "Today this channel asks another vitally important question: where should I live if I want to have the largest…
The desert is an ocean, with its life underground. And a perfect disguise above.
In the arid heart of Australia, in the Central Tablelands of NSW, paleontologists have found new evidence of an abundance of life.
A new fossil site that can most aptly be described as "exceptional" has turned up fossils of spiders, insects, fish, plants…
Lovers of Japanese food are, most likely, lovers of sushi. It's a food that should be recognised by museums as art. Even at its most basic, sold in bulk at crowded Asian markets, there is still a strong level of pride in the construction and presentation of sushi. But, let's have a moment to pause…
Don’t worry about feeling sad: on the benefits of a blue period.
In a Twitter account called So Sad Today, the American writer Melissa Broder has been sending out snippets of her daily inner life since 2012.
Broder writes about mundane sadness – ‘waking up today was a disappointment’ or ‘what you call a nervous breakdown i…
Even the church looks surprised.
Rihonor de Castilla is a town in Castilla y León with just over 100 inhabitants. Despite its small size, it can boast of being the only town in Spain with two time zones.
How is it possible? Because, in reality, it belongs to two countries, Spain and Portugal.
The village is situated to…
The first thing that strikes you when you visit Banff, Canada is the sheer size of the mountains. Words can't describe it - until you actually see it for yourself. And every time you round a bend in the road, an even bigger mountain presents itself. It really is something that you need to experience…
In the remote northern region of Kashmir, the gorgeous Dal Lake provides livelihood to the growing population surrounding Srinagar city.
But for a variety of reasons, the beautiful and historic region is under threat. There has been a government conservation act in place for over two decades, but it will take even more than that to…