Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 best movies and shows to watch before travelling to France

The best movies and shows to watch before visiting to Paris, France

When it comes to a visit to Europe, Paris, the capital of France, probably tops your list of must-visit-at-least-once destinations. There are many movies and TV shows that take place in Paris and celebrate its architecture, music, artwork, fashion and museums, reflect the city’s iconic stature. Here are the best movies and shows to add to your viewing list.

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CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 (1962)

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 best movies and shows to watch before travelling to Paris, France

Released in 1962, Cleo from 5 to 7 is a classic French film about a woman waiting on cancer test results, written and directed by Agnès Varda. The story starts with a young singer, Florence Cléo Victoire as she goes through the motions of a typical day in Paris, from a hat shop to her apartment, the streets of Montparnasse to a city park. In the movie, the footage of Paris is haunting and beautiful.

AMÉLIE (2001)

For those who love the City of Light, Amélie is a must to add to your viewing list. It is a romantic comedy directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Audrey Tautou as the titular character. At the centre of the movie is a woman whose goal in life is to make people happy. This movie also depicts Parisians the way they are with their qualities and faults and shows Paris how it really is. Amélie was released in 2001 to immediate acclaim and is still well-loved today.

PARIS, I LOVE YOU (2006)

Paris is known for its romance and that reputation is highlighted in this film. It stars Natalie Portman, Elijah Wood, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Willem Dafoe and Steve Buscemi. This movie is based on an array of classical literary works that portray Paris through the eyes of lovers and show us the diversity of the city by introducing us to relatable characters of all backgrounds.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS (2011)

The romantic comedy follows a screenwriter played by Owen Wilson as he travels back in time to meet famous writers from history who decamped to the city in the 1920s, like Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein. Midnight in Paris shows a city that is perfect for walking in all weather – something that is just as true in real life. The movie is entertaining, it gives the impression of an all-white city where everyone lives a glamorous life of wealth and comfort centred around touristy locations.

ALICE IN PARIS (2016)

Alice in Paris is a food-focused travel show that follows a very loose fictional plot line while taking you around some of the city’s most incredible eateries, from bakeries to soup stations and fine-dining. At the centre of the show is a woman who is searching the city for the best food. The show has stunning cinematography and manages to spotlight the history and noteworthy accomplishments of many Parisian chefs. Although the show is fiction, it features real restaurants.

EMILY IN PARIS (2020)

If you have kept up with any Paris-related TV talk over the past year, then you have heard of the Netflix show Emily in Paris. The movie is about a Chicago woman, Emily Cooper, who moves to Paris to provide an American point of view to a French marketing firm. After landing her dream job in this city, she embraces her adventurous new life while juggling work, friends and romance. The amazing footage gives us a glimpse of the life, culture and beauty of the City of Light in France.

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The best cassava dishes to eat in Brazil

In spite of being known as a carnivore-friendly country, Brazilians also love to eat cassava, commonly called mandioca. There are many ways to make it savoury and sweet, from boiled, fried, toasted to sprinkled on other foods. When the time for a journey to Brazil is right, here is the list of the best cassava dishes that you should try in Brazil.

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CASSAVA FRIES

Not a far cry from the potato variety, you can make cassava into fries, but cassava fries have a crunchier texture, making them extra hard to resist. The taste is lightly sweet and similar to French fries and Brazil’s cassava fries are similar to the yucca fries served in Cuba and other Caribbean islands. People usually eat cassava fries with fish, chicken or as a snack at a beachfront shack. The mojito garlic dipping sauce is perfect to add lots of flavours.

FAROFA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best cassava dishes to eat in Brazil

Your trip to Brazil is not complete unless you have tried farofa at least once. This dish is basically fried tapioca flour mixed with small pieces of fried bacon and served alongside rice and beans. Additionally, it has a similar appearance and texture to seasoned breadcrumbs and can be sprinkled on a dish to season and add texture. Each region has its own blend of seasoning, always considered the very best version by its locals.

PIRÃO

As a porridge-like substance made from cassava flour and broth, pirão is often an accompaniment for seafood dishes in Northern Brazil. Seafood broth is usually used and the puree is served alongside shrimp or fish. Although the thick texture can be off-putting for some, the flavours from the broth provide a nice complement to many dishes. Take a visit to a tropical restaurant and you will not be disappointed with the flavours you discover.

TAPIOCAS

The tapioca crepe is one of the most popular street food in the northeast of Brazil. Made from the starch of the cassava root, this dish is first moistened and passed through a sieve as a coarse flour, then sprinkled on a hot pan. The heat makes the starch bind together, resulting in a grainy flatbread. It is often served at small street stalls as savoury with cheese, tomato and ham or as a sweet with chocolate, strawberries, bananas and nuts.

PÃO DE QUEIJO

One of the most famous snacks in Brazil is pão de queijo, which translates literally to cheese bread. Made with cassava flour so it is totally gluten-free, these little puffs are crispy on the outside, squidgy on the inside and filled with cheesy flavour. These little rolls can be sold in packets with mini cheese balls inside or as great balls the size of large oranges. Generally eaten for breakfast or as a snack with coffee, pão de queijo can be found at street corners in Brazil.

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Shot Bar is now open at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Washington

Over the course of the pandemic, people have responded to new restrictions with creativity and resilience. Celebrity Seattle chef Kathy Casey has introduced a bar that sells only shots at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, Washington.

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In the era of Covid, getting through the airport is difficult and drinking in the airport even more so. In response, Seattle-Tacoma Airport has introduced a new pop-up concept named Shot Bar, a quick-serve counter for alcoholic drinks at Rel’Lish Burger Lounge in the airport’s B concourse. It serves only chilled hard liquor in mini plastic red Solo cups. It is billed as the first concept of its kind to open at a US airport.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shot Bar is now open at Settle-Tacoma Airport

A single shot will set you back $7 and a double costs $10. The drink menu features several options to accommodate the spirit palates of every guest ranging from Fireball, Hornitos Crystalino tequila, Ketel One cucumber and mint-flavoured vodka, Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey to Brown Sugar Bourbon. Shots are served beneath a plexiglass barrier at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in true pandemic style. All drinks must be consumed at the counter and the bartender is allowed to cut off anyone who takes one shot too many.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shot Bar is now open at Seattle-Tacoma Airport

The dining tenants at Seattle-Tacoma Airport are currently limited to a restaurant occupancy of just 25%, under Covid-19 restrictions. Each tenant implemented procedures for safe operations such as mandatory masks, physical distancing to limit close interactions, sanitation and hand hygiene protocols. “Shot Bar addresses that in a fun and pioneering way. Plus, there is nothing more fun than a quick shot to kick off vacation. Shot Bar offers a fast and safe solution to serve today’s traveller during the pandemic”, said Chef Kathy Casey, who is behind the concept.

Aside from Rel’Lish Burger Lounge, Kathy Casey runs two other food & beverage locations at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, in the shape of Lucky Louie Fish Shack (Central Terminal) and Dish D’Lish (located in Concourse C).

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Visit the most unique trees around the world

Looking for somewhere spectacular and exotic? Here are the most unique tree spectacles around the world that will give you an inspiring love for nature.

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AVENUE OF THE BAOBAB TREE, MADAGASCAR

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Visit the most unique tree spectacles around the world

When it comes to Madagascar, the ‘Avenue of the Baobabs’ springs to mind which you can easily find enormous trees – approximately 100 feet – lining the road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina. Tree avenue is considered the most accessible place to see baobabs in Africa and the most marvellous road in Madagascar. In sunny evenings, hordes of tourists are seen wandering along this idyllic road and taking countless pictures.

WISTERIA TUNNELS, JAPAN

Every spring, Japan intrigues a large number of visitors to take a walk underneath the mesmerising wisteria tunnels of the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, Japan. As a type of flowering vine, the wisteria tree can be bent to create mystical designs, including a spectacular 100-metre tunnel. Visiting Japan in spring, you should not miss the Wisteria Festival (Fuji Matsuri) in late April or early May which you can indulge in colourful natural spectacles and admire the enormous wisteria ‘tree’ of Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi.

RAINBOW EUCALYPTUS TREE, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, INDONESIA AND THE PHILIPPINES

Originated from the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the rainbow eucalyptus is an unusual tree with a beautiful trunk. Once its bark is shed, the rainbow eucalyptus reveals its astonishing beauty with striking shades of green, purple, orange and pink that are reminiscent of your average four-pack of assorted highlighters. Aside from the Philippines and Indonesia, you can also admire these unique trees in the US, including Balboa Park in San Diego, California, as well as in specific spots Kauai, Maui, and Oahu in Hawaii.

DARK HEDGES, NORTHERN IRELAND

Located on a quiet road near the town of Ballymoney in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges intrigue with 90 with beech trees twisted branches forming an arch over the road. This eerily tree-lined road is well-known for being featured in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Today, the Dark Hedges become the most photographed location in Northern Ireland. Tour buses stop regularly here in the afternoon, so get there early to avoid the crowds.

TA PROHM, CAMBODIA

As the mystical backdrop for the 2001 Hollywood hit starring Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm is one of the many beautiful temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The 1000-year-old temple impresses visitors with the ceiba and fig trees that are slowly reclaiming the centuries-old stonework, their roots encroaching on the ruins, in a scene that shows the power of nature. Strolling around the temple’s corridors, you will be mesmerised by the ancient trees surrounding the temples and the natural maze created by the expanding roots.

BLUE JACARANDA, SOUTH AMERICA

The blue jacaranda is a sub-tropical deciduous flowering tree native to South America, particularly north-western Argentina and southern Bolivia. This fabulous plant is known for its bell-shaped violet flowers. You can admire the striking beauty of the blue jacaranda in many other countries such as Australia, Hawaii, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Zambia. Aside from its fascinating beauty, the blue jacaranda is listed as a Category 3 invasive species in South Africa.

BANYAN TREE, INDIA

If you are a nature lover, India is a must-visit country that is famous for its rich vegetation. Banyan trees are short and stout trees native to India. What makes these trees a popular tourist spot is that their aerial roots develop from their branches and drop to the ground to grow new trees. Apart from having amazing physical features, this grand old tree is also regarded as a holy place. Nothing can be better than sitting idly under the shades of nature and gazing at its spectacular beauty and magical charm.

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The 5 major Asian regions for tea lovers

As the most popular drink on the planet, tea is integral to the identity, culture and politics of the Asian continent. If you are a tea lover, then make sure you visit these 5 major tea-growing countries when you are in Asia.

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CHINA – A TEA PARADISE IN ASIA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The 5 major regions in Asia for tea lovers

China is the largest producer of tea on the planet, cultivating around 35 per cent of the tea exported across the globe. It is also the world’s largest consumer of tea, drinking around 1.6 billion pounds of tea leaves every year. There are four major tea-growing regions in China, including Jiangbei (north of Yangtze River), Jiangnan (south of Yangtze River), Southern China and Southwest China which produce oolong, green, black, white and rare yellow teas.

The Zhejiang Province is famous for its green tea and Longjing (or dragon well) tea in particular. China, the beautiful country of Asia, also specialises in oolong teas and the Phoenix Mountains in Guangdong produce some of the best in the world. In Anhui Province, the speciality is black tea. Qimen, harvested in Anhui, is China’s premier black tea and is featured prominently in many English breakfast blends.

INDIA

In 1835, tea exports from India were among the top exports alongside indigo, spices and herbs in Asia, but tea consumption across the country was relatively low. As a result, the Indian Tea Association try to popularise tea as a drink. There are three main tea-growing regions in India, including Darjeeling, Nigiri Hills and Assam. Assam is famous for its black breakfast teas which are typically described as having a malty or honey flavour. Meanwhile, the Darjeeling region in West Bengal produces black, green, white and oolong tea from the Camellia sinensis. Fragrant and smooth black teas are grown in the Nilgiri Hills region. If you are keen on Indian culture and cuisine, you might know masala chai (or spiced tea), a medicinal Aruyvedic beverage consumed in India for at least 5,000 years.

SRI LANKA

Located mainly in the central highlands, complete with the fertile soil, humidity and higher rainfall, Sri Lanka is one of the main tea-growing countries in Asia. Here, you will find rolling hills clad with row upon row of luscious, green tea plants, making it the perfect escape from the heat of Sri Lanka’s glorious beaches. The seven main tea growing areas in Sri Lanka are Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uva, Uda Pussallawa, Ruhuna, Sambaragamuwa and Kandy, with flavours that range from mellow, to tangy to full bodied.

JAPAN – HOME TO THE TEA CEREMONY IN ASIA

Aside from being famous for natural sights like cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji, cutting-edge technology, Japan is home to the art of the tea ceremony in Asia. Shizuoka and Uji are the most tea-growing regions in Japan. Although Shizuoka produces the most tea in Japan, accounting for 40 percent of the country’s tea plantations, it is said that Uji produces the best-tasting tea and Uji Gyokuro is the highest grade Japanese green tea. Today, green tea (or ryokucha), the most widely produced and beloved tea in Japan, is consumed in two principle ways: Sencha involves simply infusing the whole dry tea leaves in hot water and Matcha is finely ground green tea leaf powder that can be infused into noodles, ice cream and coffee.

TAIWAN

If you are a tea drinker, you have probably heard of Taiwan’s teas in Asia. Taiwan’s Wulong (or Oolong), also called Formosa Wulong, are considered the best Wulong teas in the world and are highly sought-after exports. The Nantou region, home to Dong Ding oolong, is responsible for producing half the island’s tea. Sun Moon Lake in Nantou also cultivates Taiwan’s most renowned black tea, a sweet, rich variety called red ruby. In Pinglin, Taipei, tea plantations grow pouchong, an exceptional green-hued oolong famous for its floral aromas. “Come in and drink tea” is a common greeting to guests in Taiwan.

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A guide to the most delicious curries in Africa you should try

No matter the exact origin of curry in Africa, there is no doubt that this dish has an intricate history on the continent. A simmering bowl of freshly made curry can take you on a journey of the senses. Here are some of the most delectable curries everyone should try on their next trip.

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CAPE MALAY CURRY

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curries in Africa you should try

If you are seeking a dish that carries hundreds of years of history, Cape Malay Curry should be a must-try. Deriving from East Asia in the 1600s, the dish makes its way to South Africa with a different group of immigrants, known as the Cape Malay people. Cape Malay curries usually include dishes such as bedie, a tomato-based stew-like dish with mutton, breyani and bobotie (made with spiced minced meat). These curries also incorporate turmeric, cumin, coriander and masala curry powder and sometimes served with sambals.

DURBAN CURRY

Another African curry awaits the wandering gastronome, Durban curry. The origins of this dish can be traced all the way back to the indentured servants who were brought to South Africa by the British to work on sugar plantations. Bunny chow is basically a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with curry. Today, Durban, South Africa, is home to 800,000 Indian people and Durban curry and bunny chow remain iconic and beloved dishes throughout the country, which usually incorporate chunks of fish, potatoes or lamb and are characterised by their searingly spicy flavour, oily texture and deep rich red colour.

KUKU PAKA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | A guide to the most delicious curry dishes in Africa you should try

Kuku is the Swahili word for chicken and paka is the Bengali word for delicious. This rich dish of chicken in a spiced coconut sauce comes from Mombasa, a coastal city in southeast Kenya. Seasoned with cumin, coriander, turmeric and garlic, kuku paka gets a zing of freshness from lemon or lime juice. Also known as kuku na nazi, the dish is also popular in Uganda and Tanzania, where there are large communities of Indian migrants. Chowing down on a bowl of kuku paka is an essential part of any trip to this amazing African country of Kenya.

TAJINES

A tagine is both a North African dish and the earthenware pot in which it is made. This Morrocan dish shares many similarities with other African curries. It is usually seasoned with garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger and turmeric. Chicken, lamb and beef are all common in both tajine and curry dishes and are cooked in a broth until thickened. One big difference is that tajine is not served over rice or couscous, whereas curry is usually always served with rice. Traditional recipes aside, tagines are excellent utensils for many one-pot, low-and-slow dishes.

CARIL DE CARANGUEJO OR CRAB CURRY

Drawing on strong influences from the Arabic, Portuguese and native African food cultures, Caril de caranguejo is one crab curry you will not want to miss in Mozambican cuisine. This unique dish often incorporates various types of seafood and is served hot with rice or cornmeal dough and pickled mangoes. Fish and shellfish curries are often seasoned with peri peri, the iconic pepper sauce created by Portuguese colonialists.

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Entertainment venues in New York can reopen in April

A variety of entertainment venues in New York will be allowed to reopen next month with new capacity rules. Accordingly, everyone will still have to wear a face mask and socially distance.

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New York’s indoor entertainment venues will be able to open next month with new capacity rules in the state’s latest reopening announcement. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that beginning April 2^nd, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity, with up to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present a negative Covid-19 test, venues will be able to accept up to 150 people indoors and 500 people outside. Social distancing and face coverings in New York will remain in effect.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Entertainment centres in New York can reopen in April

Manhattan‘s Radio City, Lincoln Centre and comedy clubs will be able to open their doors. Broadway will remain dark, but a series of pop-up shows will become available at select theatres. Following the successful reopening of arenas such as Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Centre, the state has also developed an app to make safe entry an even more seamless process.

Individuals will be able to use the app as a mobile airline boarding pass in New York. Once they have uploaded their data, like their Covid-19 test result, they will receive a QR code, which they can print out or store in their phone’s Wallet App. Venues will then scan the code, receive the confidential data transfer and confirm attendees’ Covid health status.

The app was recently tested at a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Centre and a New York Rangers game at Madison Square Garden. What’s more, the Governor also issued new travel guidance. Domestic travellers to New York State who have been vaccinated are no longer required to quarantine or test out within 90 days of full vaccination and vaccinating performers will be a priority.

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Where to celebrate Holi around the world

Originated in India, Holi has explored in popularity and spread throughout the world. If you are not in India during the Holi festival, then check out these 7 best places to enjoy this colourful celebration from all over the world.

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CELEBRATING HOLI IN MAURITIUS

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate Holi around the world

Mauritius is a small island nation east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and it is home to a large Hindu presence. One of the best ways to experience the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic country of Mauritius is to embrace one of their magical festivals, Holi. The Festival of Colours not only celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, but it is also an occasion for Hindus of all ages from around Mauritius to come together and indulge in the festivities by folk singing, dancing and throwing handfuls of coloured powder and water on each other. This year, Mauritius will celebrate Holi from March 29.

HOLI IN GUYANA

Sitting hidden on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is an ideal place to celebrate the Holi festival of Colours which boasts a fascinating mix of Afro-Caribbean, Indian, Asian and native cultures. In Guyana, this celebration is called Phagwah because it was originally celebrated during the month of Phagun, the twelfth month of the Hindu calendar. Guyanese celebrates by throwing dye in the form of water and powder, along with processions, traditional songs called chowtals and foods like gulab jamun, gulgula and pholourie. This year, Guyana will celebrate the Holi festival on March 28.

HOLI IN NEPAL

If you want to experience one of Nepal’s most lively and colourful festivals, the spring festival of Holi, known as Phagu Purnima, is a fantastic option. The Holi festival intrigues visitors with lots of colours and picturesque traditions. Unlike India’s festival, Phagu Purnima is celebrated with the erection of the chir, a wooden pole decorated with colourful strings of cloth, in a public space one week prior to the start of the festival. In Kathmandu, the capital and largest city, Durbar Square and the streets of Thamel are the best places where participants throw powdered dyes and water balloons at each other, dance, pray and exchange food during the festival. In 2021, Holi will be celebrated on March 28 and 29.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

There is a significant presence of the Indian diaspora on the Caribbean island. In Trinidad and Tobago, Holi, popularly known as Phagwa, is one of the country’s most important celebrations. Dating back to 1854, the festival is observed with much splendour and enthusiasm. Like everywhere else, Hindus in Trinidad ring in spring with a festival of colours, folk songs, dance and a variety of special Holi dishes. The community members take advantage of this festival as an opportunity to rid themselves of all types of enmity and animosity.

BERLIN, GERMANY

The Holi Festival of Colours has made its way to Berlin, Germany. As a celebration of summer, people colour each other with dry powder. This year, the Holi Festival of Colours will take place on August 28 from midday to 10pm. You will see huge crowds descending upon the Zentraler Festplatz in Berlin for the most lively colourful festival in the country. DJs, bands and musicians from India and all over the world will be performing live on stage. You can spend more on colour packages and VIP experiences and tickets cost approximately $22.

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, USA

Located in the southern part of California, Riverside is famous for the Holi Festival of Colours. This Californian take on Holi combines the festival’s traditional and spiritual elements with more modern features that make participants feel like they are at one big party. Taking place at Riverside’s Martha McLean Park, the festival intrigues huge crowds with amazing activities, for instance, live music, yoga, traditional dancing, Indian cuisine and the throwing of colours.

SPANISH FORK, UTAH, USA

Just outside the city of Spanish Fork, Utah, USA, approximately 70,000 people regularly attend the Festival of Colours, which was started by the local Hare Krishna temple in 1989. There are two days of lively, colour-filled activities, including interactive dance, bands, yoga classes and cuisine. People of all different ages are seen dancing, singing and throwing environmentally-friendly colours on each other. The celebration of Holi 2021 takes place at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple on Saturday, September 25 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, September 26 from 11am to 4pm. Colours, dust masks and bandanas will be available for sale.

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The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

Europe has plenty of conventionally gorgeous gardens, but there are others with weird designs and fascinating histories. If you are taking a visit to Europe this summer, make sure you check out one of these unusual gardens.

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QUINTA DA REGALEIRA, SINTRA, PORTUGAL, EUROPE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

When travelling to Lisbon, Portugal, Sintra’s Pena Palace might be the obvious choice for tourists, but nearby Quinta da Regaleira offers quirkier views with fewer crowds. Customised between 1898 and 1912 by businessman António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and his architect Luigi Manini, this sprawling property is considered the stranger-than-fiction landscaped garden in Europe, inspired by Renaissance art, Gothic architecture and Greek mythology. There are grottoes, caves, secret tunnels and fountains. The most dramatic is the Initiatic Well, a tower heading into the Earth, complete with a spiral staircase, used for masonic ceremonies.

UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW LIBRARY ROOF GARDEN, WARSAW, POLAND

Covering 17,000 square metres at the University of Warsaw Library, the roof garden is the perfect destination to visit this summer in Europe. The library’s outer walls are covered in trailing plants and vines. As the bright colours of spring blooms give way to lush greenery, the garden becomes the ideal place to relax, including two distinct areas, each with a stream, joined by a fountain and walkways lined with climbing plants. Throughout the garden, windows and panels give glimpses of the library beneath, reminding you are on top of a building, not a ground-level oasis. After its launch of 15 years, the roof garden remains popular with locals, tourists and students in this green city.

KYLEMORE ABBEY VICTORIAN WALLED GARDEN, CONNEMARA, IRELAND

Whether you are basking in the sun on the lawns or exploring the cooler leafy retreats, this stunning garden has something for you to appreciate. Revered as a masterpiece of landscape gardening in Europe, this garden was one of the last walled gardens to be built during the Victorian period in Ireland. Discover the magic of the beautiful garden with 21 heated glasshouses and a 60-foot banana house. Uniquely, only plants and vegetables which grew in Victorian times are grown in the garden today. There are also walks signposted around the main gardens with details about each of the highlights.

HORTILLONAGES, AMIENS, FRANCE, EUROPE

Just a few minutes’ walk from Amiens Cathedral, the floating gardens of Amiens, known as Hortillonages, have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Located in the Somme, an area forever associated with World War I, the floating gardens might bring mental respite for battlefield visitors with some time to spare. They spread across 300 hectares of marshland, linked by water channels. There are roughly 1,000 individual gardens, most used as weekend retreats or for gardening projects and only seven gardeners earn their living here.

EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL, UK

Opened in 2001 in a former quarry, the Eden Project consists of several gardens: some outdoor and others arranged inside giant biomes with microclimates. Whether you are strolling down through the exotic, tropical ‘cloud bridge’, spying a giant bee sculpture or passing a rubber-tapping exhibit, there is a strong conservation message amidst the Instagram-worthy views. As a family-friendly garden in Europe, it is home to a stunning variety of activities such as tasing rum-infused baobab smoothies, discovering the plant extracts used in painkillers and many others.

ORVYDAS GARDEN, SALANTAI, LITHUANIA

One of the most unusual gardens in Europe is the Orvydas Garden in Salantai, Lithuania which became a symbol of defiance against the regime. Living under Soviet rule, young Vilius Orvydas knew religious symbolism, including tombstones and roadside shrine statues, was banned. However, his stonemason father, Kazys Orvydas, saved and hid the illegal artefacts on their land while Vilius sculpted huge new pieces in stone, metal or wood, using discarded stone, Soviet missile debris and fallen trees. He then added pathways and water features among them. Today, the garden remains an important reminder of historical oppression and becomes a popular attraction in Lithuania.

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The top breweries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is home to a stunning array of breweries and styles, ranging from classic lagers to the most cutting-edge crafted flavors. Check out our list of the six best breweries to kick off a beer tasting tour of this fantastic city.