Letters remembered: On Awashima Island in Japan, a retired postmaster runs a post office for mail to the departed. The Missing Post Office receives letters from across the country. These may be messages to lost loved ones, childhood pets, and even past versions of the senders. Housed in a once-abandoned postal building, it began as an art installation, before becoming a space of quiet remembrance. Visitors can read anonymous letters or leave their own, believing words can still reach those who are gone. The handwritten notes, filled with sorrow, gratitude, and longing, help keep bonds alive beyond life. In Japan, where spiritual traditions suggest the dead remain near, this space serves as a bridge between memory and the present.
Blue mystery: The Blue Ridge Mountains in the eastern USA owe their signature hue to an unexpected source - trees. The dense forests covering these peaks release isoprene, a chemical that scatters blue light, creating their misty blue appearance. Up close they're simply rugged slopes covered in green foliage, but from a distance the effect is striking. This natural adaptation helps trees withstand heat, allowing the forests to thrive in the region's warm climate. As part of the Appalachian range, these mountains captivate travellers with scenic drives and hiking trails. Whether viewed from a winding road or a mountaintop, their misty peaks remain one of the country's most iconic landscapes.
Frosty feast: At a luxury ski resort in Vermiglio, Italy, guests can enjoy an extravagant breakfast while nestled in a heated bed surrounded by snow. The Chalet al Foss hotel offers a unique dining experience where warm blankets and electric bedding keep visitors cozy as they indulge in coffee, pastries, fruits, and pancakes. The stunning mountain views add to the atmosphere, turning a simple meal into a memorable experience. Despite the icy surroundings, the heated setup ensures comfort while guests savour their feast. The novelty of dining in a winter wonderland has drawn travellers eager to try this unusual take on breakfast in bed. This cozy meal redefines what it means to wake up to a perfect morning.
Salt sanctuary: Hidden deep within Poland's Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Chapel of St. Kinga is an underground marvel carved entirely from rock salt. The subterranean church is adorned with detailed bas-reliefs and chandeliers also sculpted from rock salt. Miners once gathered here to pray before facing the perils of their work, creating a sacred space within the mine's vast tunnels. The chapel houses numerous statues as well as relics of its namesake, Saint Kinga. Remarkably, the chapel's floor is a single, unbroken slab of salt polished smooth by centuries of footsteps. Even deep underground, faith and craftsmanship continue to shine.