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.

To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself. ~ Sren Kierkegaard

Nothing contributes so much to tranquilise the mind as a steady purpose - a point on which the soul may fix its intellectual eye. ~ Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Franklin Bridge Club at 20 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe, is the place to learn and play the most popular mind sport (card game) in the World. Enjoy a warm welcome at our very friendly club where all ages are welcome. Enquiries to Maureen on 022 156 4511.

Volunteer Community Patrollers wanted – Can you spare a minimum of 4 hours per month? Full training provided. Clean driver licence required. Waiuku 021 030 4062, Pukekohe 021 138 0135

Volunteers needed for Drury Riding for the Disabled. No previous experience necessary, full training provided. Mon, Tue or Thu flexible hours. Work with horses, riders or in a support role. Call 021 727 390 or email admin@southaucklandrda.org

Free notices for not for profits helen@coffeenews.co.nz

1. This famous Brit was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564.

2. Colour theory describes colours in chemistry, nature, or art?

3. What is the world's third largest ocean?

4. The food's name comes from the Italian word for paste.

5. Olympian Simone Biles competes in what sport?

Deathly hot: The warmest temperature ever recorded on Earth is believed to be 56.7C, observed on 10 July 1913 in Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California USA. The temperature peaked above 54C for five straight days.

Horse power: Engineer James Watt coined horsepower when he needed to compare his improved steam engine's strength to something familiar. As a simple selling point, he calculated how much work a horse could do.

Banana bait: Some research suggests eating bananas might make you more appealing to mosquitoes. The theory is that certain compounds in the fruit alter body odour in a way mosquitoes find attractive.

Selfless safety: When Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin perfected the three-point seatbelt in 1959, the company did something unexpected. They gave away the patent for free. Instead of profiting, Volvo prioritised saving lives, letting the design become a global standard.

Mouse mystery: Chuck E. Cheese's full name is Charles Entertainment Cheese. His backstory explains his love of celebrations. He grew up in an orphanage, not knowing his own birthday. Now he makes sure every kid's special day is full of music, games, and fun.

Where do fish take a bath? In a river basin.

The dancing school had waltz-to-waltz carpeting.

Sign in nonsmoking area: If we see smoke, we'll assume you're on fire and take appropriate action.

Art teacher: That's a nice well you've drawn. Is it finished? Student: No, I still have to draw water.

1. William Shakespeare 2. Art 3. Indian Ocean 4. Pasta 5. Gymnastics