Dune paradise: Northern Brazil's Lenis Maranhenses National Park is a surreal expanse of golden dunes and crystal-clear lagoons. Though it resembles a desert, the area receives enough rainfall to create thousands of freshwater pools, forming a striking contrast against the rolling sands. Visitors can explore by foot, 4x4 vehicle, or even from above on a scenic flight, taking in the ever-shifting landscape. The park's remote location ensures a peaceful escape, far from the usual tourist trails. Along with the dunes, mangroves and migratory birds add to the region's natural beauty. While Brazil is known for its rainforests and beaches, this lesser-known wonder offers an extraordinary experience that feels like stepping into a dream.
Celestial clock: In Prague, Czech Republic, the Astronomical Clock showcases an extraordinary fusion of medieval artistry and engineering. Known as Prask Orloj, for generations this masterpiece has recorded celestial movements, zodiac signs, and time. Key elements include its astronomical dial, calendar display, and a captivating hourly rotation of the apostles. Sculptures representing concepts like Vanity and Death enhance its intricate design. First installed in 1410, the timepiece has been carefully restored over the years to maintain its beauty. Attracting admirers from across the globe, this historic creation remains a symbol of the harmony between science and art, and a testament to Prague's rich cultural legacy.
Colour defence: In Taichung, Taiwan, a quiet ex-soldier named Huang Yung-Fu picked up a paintbrush in 2008 when told to leave his home and he never put it down. As government plans threatened to flatten his military village, he began covering every wall with bursts of colour, portraying tigers, dancers, birds, and wide-eyed people. His playful murals transformed a crumbling neighbourhood into a vibrant, open-air gallery that couldn't be ignored. Word spread, and visitors arrived from far beyond the city. With people flooding in, authorities backed off and the village was spared demolition. Now a beloved landmark, Rainbow Village remains an artistic sanctuary.
Glacial mystery: In Antarctica, a crimson-hued waterfall called Blood Falls has puzzled scientists for over a century. Once believed to be mineral-based, researchers now know tiny, iron-rich, non-crystalline particles called nanospheres create the eerie effect. These microscopic structures oxidise in air, giving the illusion of flowing blood. The subglacial reservoir feeding the falls harbours ancient bacteria that thrive in a highly salty, iron-rich environment. Studying these conditions may offer insights into extraterrestrial life, as similar processes could exist on other planets. While this mystery is solved, the discovery highlights challenges also found in space exploration because rover instruments may overlook nanosized particles.