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Djokovic addresses visa furore with Serbian president

Two weeks after he was forced to leave the country, Novak Djokovic has shared his story with the public for the first time.The tennis champion met with Serbia’s President Aleksander Vučić at a press conference on Thursday night, describing the “unfortunate events in Australia” which “was at least unexpected, as it happened”, he said, smiling.Since his deportation, Djokovic has been spending his time in Belgrade and Montenegro.“This is the first time I go public,” he <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-promises-to-give-his-version-of-events-after-australia-drama/news-story/bd983956812f4f750788974b2b532ca9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Feb 3, 2022 Presidental Palace, Belgrade 🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic: "President, I would like to thank you and the state of Serbia both for support during the unfortunate events in Australia and for standing by my side." <a href="https://twitter.com/pavyg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pavyg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisPuneet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisPuneet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NovakFanClub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NovakFanClub</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigKellyMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigKellyMP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DMDent?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DMDent</a> 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/tk0ocNeFzF">pic.twitter.com/tk0ocNeFzF</a>— Zvezda je život (@FkczBelgrade) <a href="https://twitter.com/FkczBelgrade/status/1489177087898714113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2022</a></blockquote>He thanked the President for his support, as well as the Serbian people after “these circumstances that found me in Australia”.Djokovic said their support has shown “that this connection will be like that forever”.Though he has promised to share his story “in more detail”, he did share part of it was President Vučić.“I wanted to see you first of all because as a citizen of Serbia I felt a great need to thank you for the great support you gave me as President of Serbia,” he said.“Although I was alone in detention in Australia and faced many problems and challenges, I did not feel lonely.“You stood up and stood behind me and put yourself in a compromised political position, within the framework of international relations, and that is why I am extremely grateful. I will remember that.”<img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/djokovic-vucic.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />Djokovic appeared alongside the President of Serbia to share his side of the story. Image: Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty ImagesPresident Vučić praised Djokovid for “glorifying our country”, though he admitted he initially urged the tennis star to leave the country when he first received the news of his detention.“And then I saw how persistent he is, how much he wanted to play, to fight on the sports field, to show on the sports field how much he is ready to fight not only for himself, but his country and show that he is better than others,” Vučić explained.Djokovic’s arrival in Australia sparked intense backlash after it emerged that he was eligible for a medical exemption to enter the country while unvaccinated and was then detained upon arrival in Melbourne.After spending time in hotel detention - prompting protests for his freedom - Djokovic was finally deported after the Federal Court upheld Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to cancel his visa.“For media representatives, I would like to add that since I did not advertise in public about the Australian events, this is the first time I go public,” he said on Thursday night.He urged people to “please be patient”, and that he would address the situation “in more detail with my version of the story to everything that happened in Australia” within the next seven to ten days.President Vučić had nothing but praise for Djokovic, telling the media that “someone special and bigger than all of us is here today”.“Thank you for representing our country with honour, courage and in the best way, and for doing so in the future. Thank you for the great fight you fought in Australia,” Vučić said.A statement from the President’s office said “that the ladies were specially groomed, and all this shows that someone special and much bigger came”.“It had never happened that we have so many people in the building, that all the secretaries, all bookkeepers, all cooks, janitors, came because they wanted to see Novak,” the statement read.“He will beat them all, at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. I predict that.”Image: Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

News

Australia expresses ‘serious concerns’ about invasive searches of women at Doha airport

The Australian government has registered “serious concerns” with Qatar about an incident in which female passengers, including Australians, were taken off a flight bound for Australia and subjected to an invasive search. The incident happened at Hamad international airport in Doha earlier this month after a fetus was discovered in an airport bathroom. The story was broken by the Seven Network, which reported that “women at the airport, including thirteen Australians, were removed from flights, detained and forced to undergo an inspection in an ambulance on the tarmac.” According to the report, Qatari authorities forced the women to remove their underwear. A foreign affairs spokesperson said on Sunday: “The Australian government is aware of concerning reports regarding the treatment of female passengers, including Australian citizens, at Doha (Hamad) airport in Qatar. "We have formally registered our serious concerns regarding the incident with Qatari authorities and have been assured that detailed and transparent information on the event will be provided soon.” The matter is being handled by Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Written by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-grattan-20316">Michelle Grattan</a>, University of Canberra. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/search/result?sg=efb3c23d-f61a-4045-8f10-bd77510f30c4&sp=1&sr=1&url=%2Faustralia-expresses-serious-concerns-about-invasive-searches-of-women-at-doha-airport-148784">The Conversation.</a>

Travel

“It’s more bridal than mine!” Woman’s surprise over mum’s wedding day dress choice

One of the unwritten rules of weddings is that none of the guests should wear white, for fear of upstaging the bride. It explains why an Australian woman was mortified to learn that her mother was wearing a white bridal dress on her wedding day. Businesswoman Jane Lu revisited the memory of her wedding day by sharing her reaction over her mother’s outfit choice in a video on TikTok. Lu showed off her wedding dress to the camera before unzipping a dry-cleaning bag to reveal her mother’s gown. “It’s more bridal than mine!” she said. Lu’s friends joked about her mum “renewing the vows”. A montage of Lu’s mother in her dress followed with the caption: “My dress was quite simple… Hers looks way more bridal than mine!” <blockquote style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6826635101548432646"><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thelazyceo" target="_blank" title="@thelazyceo">@thelazyceo</a> I found out on the morning of MY wedding that my mum is wearing a white bridal gown! 🤦🏻‍♀️ <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/wedding" target="_blank" title="wedding">##wedding</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingfail" target="_blank" title="weddingfail">##weddingfail</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/weddingdress" target="_blank" title="weddingdress">##weddingdress</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/motherofthebride" target="_blank" title="motherofthebride">##motherofthebride</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-6826635052063984389" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - thelazyceo">♬ original sound - thelazyceo</a></blockquote> The video has received more than 700 comments, with some commenting that she looked like a guest at her own wedding. “I would've made my mum go and buy a different dress that second,” one wrote. But others celebrated her mother’s fashion choice. “I would want my mum to look prettier than me at my wedding,” one commented. Lu tied the knot with her partner James Waldie in early October last year. The fashion CEO was wearing a $299.95 satin dress from her own brand Showpo.

Lifestyle

Are you committing a crime by importing cigarettes into Australia?

The tax on tobacco in Australia is astronomical, pushing the average price of a cigarette packet beyond forty dollars in recent months. The tax has been justified on public health grounds, and has been partially responsible for significantly reducing the consumption of tobacco products in Australia. The tax has been accompanied by a range of restrictions on the importation of tobacco products, with the number of cigarettes that a person can bring into the country without a permit being reduced from 200 just a few years ago, to one unopened packet of up to 25 cigarettes and one open packet of up to 25 cigarettes. Restrictions have also been placed over the years on the use of tobacco, with prohibitions on a range of venues and public places. The exorbitant price of tobacco has contributed to a <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/cheap-cigarettes-available-over-the-internet/">thriving black market</a>, with many arranging for the importation of products by mail and others packing it into their luggage. And while many feel there’s little wrong with bringing a few extra packs into the country, the law says something completely different. The law on importing tobacco products Since 1 July 2019, tobacco products including cigarettes, loose leaf tobacco, shisha/molasses tobacco and ‘heat not burn’ tobacco <a href="https://www.abf.gov.au/importing-exporting-and-manufacturing/prohibited-goods/categories/tobacco">have been classified as prohibited imports</a>, which means it is a criminal offence to import them in the mail. A permit is required to import them otherwise. A permit is not required to import cigars or up to 1.5 kilograms of chewing tobacco and snuffs intended for oral use, provided duties and taxes are paid. Travellers into Australia do not require a permit to import tobacco products in personal effects, provided they are 18 years or older, declare the product/s upon arrival and pay duties and taxes. Permission is, however, required from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissioner to bring in more than 1.5 kilograms of chewing tobacco or snuff. Travellers who contravene these rules are subject to having their visas cancelled, being issued with infringement notices (fines) or being criminally prosecuted. Criminal offences <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/legislation/customs-act/smuggling-tobacco-products/">Section 233BABAD of the Customs Act 1901</a> (Cth) sets out four separate criminal offences which relate to tobacco products. Subsection (1) prescribes a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for ‘importing tobacco goods’ with ‘the intention of defrauding the revenue’. The offence applies, for example, where a person brings tobacco products into the country in breach of the rules or arranges for their importation in the mail. Subsection (2) sets the same maximum penalty for possessing or conveying tobacco products in the knowledge that they were imported with the intention to defraud the revenue. The offence applies to those who receive or transport tobacco products for which they know duties and taxes haven’t been paid. In addition to prison, those who are guilty under subsection (1) or (2) are subject to fines equivalent to up to five times the amount of the applicable duty or, if the court is unable to determine that duty, a maximum of 1,000 penalty units (currently $210,000). Subsection (2A) prescribes a maximum penalty of five years behind bars for importing tobacco products in circumstances where the person is reckless as to whether there would be a defrauding of the revenue. A person is ‘reckless’ for the purposes of the subsection if they were aware it was likely that there would be a defrauding but went ahead with their actions regardless. And subsection (2B) sets the same 5 year maximum penalty for possessing or conveying tobacco products where the person is reckless as to whether they were imported with the intention to defraud the revenue. A person is ‘reckless’ if they were aware it was likely that the products were imported with the intention to defraud but went ahead with their actions regardless. In addition to prison, those who are guilty under subsection (2A) or (2B) are subject to fines equivalent to up to three times the amount of the applicable duty or, if the court is unable to determine that duty, a maximum of 500 penalty units (currently $105,000). For the purposes of the Act, ‘tobacco products’ are broadly defined as including: <ul> <li>Unmanufactured tobacco and tobacco refuse,</li> <li>Cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes of tobacco and tobacco substitutes, and</li> <li>Other manufactured tobacco and substitutes, extracts and essences, including water pipe tobacco.</li> </ul> See <a href="http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca1901124/s4.html">section 4 of the Customs Act</a> which refers to <a href="http://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/cta1995178/sch3.html">Schedule 3 of the Customs Traffic Act 1995</a>. Going to Court for an Offence Involving Tobacco Products? If you have been charged with an offence involving tobacco, call <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers</a> anytime on (02) 9261 8881 to arrange a free first conference with an experienced defence lawyer who will advise you of your options and the best way forward, and fight to ensure you receive the optimal outcome. Written by Ugur Nedim. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/is-it-a-crime-to-import-cigarettes-into-australia/">Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</a>

Travel

Come and see the festivals and markets in Darwin Australia

Darwin has two major seasons, the dry (April-October) and the wet. Now, I must say life in Darwin is dramatically different between the two seasons due to substantial differences in the amount of rainfall, humidity, and community activities for visitors. The dry season, known affectionately as “The Dry,” is definitely the best time to visit Darwin. You’ll know it’s come as the beginning of the season is marked by the opening of the markets all around Darwin and surrounds. The Markets: The most famous of the lot are the Mindil Beach Sunset markets. As the name suggests, the evening-time markets are an incredible way to watch the sunset on Thursdays and Sundays. Stalls filled with clothes, gadgets, and more are lost amongst those offering yummy and quick eats. When it comes to food, the Mindil Beach markets offer the widest range of options from Indian, Malaysian, Japanese, and of course Australian. There’s something for everyone and plenty of room to sit either on the grassy areas or right on the beach to watch the sun go down. The Parap, Nightcliff, and Rapid Creek markets are slightly further out of Darwin city, but definitely still worth visiting. On Saturday mornings at Parap and Sunday mornings in Nightcliff, the traveling market sellers spend the day delighting market goers usually until around 2pm. Although smaller in scale than the Mindil Beach market, there is a range of oriental cuisine available and a good selection of clothing and small goods stalls. The markets run each week, but every so often Darwin gets to host larger events and festivals. Try to time your trip with one of the festivals! The Taste Festival The Taste Festival, which usually runs in April, is the the Top End’s way of pleasing the foodies. Restaurants all around Darwin are highlighted in the Territory Taste publication and are included in tasting packages and deals. Fringe Festival Darwin hosted the quirky Fringe Festival this year in early July which put on theater, art and comedy shows, pop-up galleries, live music, and more at venues around Darwin. While most are ticketed, some events are free for both Darwin residents and visitors to enjoy. Some of the local favourites include the many theatre shows and music events. The Darwin Festival This year, the Darwin Festival will be held on 10-27 August, good timing as the still-dry weather will be irresistible for visitors. This festival focuses on celebrating the traditional landowners and the multicultural identity of the Northern Territory. Over the 18-day festival Darwin hosts a multitude of free and ticketed events around the city. Whether you enjoy art or music or simply love to learn, listening to traditional stories and enjoying the cultural events are sure to please! The Darwin Cup Carnival Love the races? The Darwin Cup Carnival in July and August is a favourite piece of the fun of The Dry! Try to catch Ladies’ day or one of the many other special days at the Darwin Turf Club. As you can see, the dry season is an exciting time to visit Darwin. And, while the markets and festivals keep you busy in town, the water-holes and swimming areas in the nearby national parks are finally open for swimming when the dry season arrives. So, inside or outside the city, the dry season is surely the best time to plan a trip! Written by Luray Joy. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/festivals-markets-darwin/">MyDiscoveries.</a>

Travel

Walking and biking in Darwin Australia

Exploring Darwin via the seaside walkways and protected bike paths is an often overlooked way to get away from the hubbub of the CBD and enjoy the waterfront of the Top End. Below are the three best routes for walking or riding around Darwin and surrounding suburbs. These paths have public toilets and water fountains at intervals, but remember to bring your own water to keep hydrated in the Darwin heat! Darwin Esplanade The Esplanade runs along the south-western edge of Darwin CBD and is an ideal place for a stroll. All along the length of the 1.6km paved walkway, are benches, large areas shaded by trees, memorials, informational signs, and beautiful look-out points. Take a break to look at the Darwin Centopath (commemorative of the ANZAC contribution), or stop simply stop off anywhere along the path, as it snakes through many grassy lawns and shaded areas. You will also be able to stop, look, and learn about different points of interest in Darwin Harbour including the nearby Navy Base. Mindil Beach, Fannie Bay and East Point Aside from being home of the beloved dry-season sunset markets, Mindil beach is an incredible place to walk, ride and spend the afternoon. Start at the Sky City Casino on the west end of the beach and walk along the sand or bike along the path toward the eastern end. Keep going along the paved path when you reach the end of the beach and let it guide you up a hill to the amazing look-out point where, to the left, you can see the whole expanse of the beach, and to the right, the beginning of Fannie Bay. As you continue along, you and the family might be starting to get a bit hungry- and perfect timing! You will be coming up to the NT Museum cafe, the Darwin Ski Club, and eventually the Darwin Sailing and Trailer Boat clubs. Grab a bite with a view before continuing along! After you pass the Darwin Sailing Club, about 2-3kms from the beginning of Mindil Beach, you will be coming up to a another slight hill. Manage to get to the top of this one, and you will be pleasantly surprised to see you have arrived on a protected biking and walking path. When followed to the end, the path will deliver you to the interesting WWII bunkers and museum on East Point Reserve. Don’t worry too much about directions from this point onwards, there are many helpful signs to guide you the right way! Before you reach East Point Reserve, be sure to stop at Lake Alexander; it’s a protected lagoon, that when open, is perfect for swimming, wading along the shore or even having a BBQ at one of the many public pits. To walk or ride the whole route from Mindil Beach to East Point Reserve is doable in one day, but keep in mind you can break-up the walk at any point and start along the path later on! Nightcliff Outside of the city in the northern suburbs area, is the magical little town of Nightcliff. When you are not at the Sunday morning market or visiting one of the local favourite cafes, take a stroll along the water and beach fronts in Nightcliff. Another protected bike and walking path will take you along about 3kms of spectacular water views, past the Nightcliff pier, the beloved Foreshore cafe and Nightcliff public pool, and eventually all the way to the empty and beautiful beaches of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve. All along the path in Nightcliff are interesting trees and shaded areas to sit and relax. Now, in order to get to/from the paths when staying in Darwin CBD, consider using the DarwinBus. A $3 ticket allows passengers access to all busses for 3 hours! Written by Luray Joy. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/walking-biking-in-darwin/">MyDiscoveries.</a>

Travel

“Dedicate this to dad”: A group of mates lucky $500,000 Melbourne Cup win

A group of mates will be counting their blessings after winning $500,000 by backing Vow and declaring months ago they would be victorious in the Melbourne Cup. The incredible moment they realised they had won an eye watering amount was recorded on video. 39-year-old Alex Xerri made a number of bets starting from June when Vow and Declare were at huge odds. Thankfully this bet paid off in the end, and won him $320,000 on Tuesday, as well as an extra $200,000 by his friends who followed his hot tip. The video was shot by his friend Jimmy Hoyne, and showed the group’s excitement when the gelding surged home and snatched up the Melbourne Cup. The moment felt bittersweet for Mr Xerri who’s father Paul, 81, passed away a month ago, before he had the chance to collect $40,000 from bets he also made on the winning horse. “It was difficult, I was really sad that he never got to watch the Cup and share in the excitement and happiness,” he told Daily Mail Australia. “He always backed my judgement and I know he's proud of me. It was a very touching and emotional moment. “I have to dedicate this to dad.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJimmyHoyne%2Fvideos%2F2536730216403887%2F&show_text=0&width=267" width="267" height="476" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> Xerri said he and his dad hopefully placed their first bets on June 8 after watching Vow and Declare come second in the Queensland Derby. Just two weeks later, the racehorse won the Tattersall's Cup, however they then had to wait months to see it would compete again at the Turnbull Stakes on October 5. However, in a turn of tragic events, Paul suddenly died from an unexpected heart attack the morning of the race, a month before the Melbourne Cup would commence. Xerri said a eulogy delivered at his funeral expressed how excited Paul was to put his bets to the ultimate test. “The speech said how he was really excited about a horse that will run in the Melbourne Cup, and last few months of his life that's what he was really looking for,” he said. The winning son said his father would continue to place bets on the horses despite being told to stop. “We went through his wallet and he had all his bet slips printed and A4 sheet of paper,” he explained. “He believed it would happen, he'd never won that sort of money in his life and we were talking about what we would do if it won.” Mr Xerri said he became convinced Vow and Declare could win the Melbourne Cup after it won an 1,800m race on Oaks Day in 2018. Paul listened to the advice of renowned horse trainer Danny O'Brien, who talked up his horse's abilities. “He said it was an elite staying prospect and everything it was doing suggested it could run the Cup's distance,” he recalled. “I thought from then it was a potential Melbourne Cup champion.” Xerri placed more bets in following months after initially placing $100 for the horses to win at 201/1 and $900 to place at 51/1 at the Queensland Derby. He placed more bets in following months and convinced 25 friends to get on board and place their own bets on the same horses. The gamble earned him about $320,000 in winnings by Tuesday’s race, and his friends $200,000 between them. Mr Hoyne's video showed the five friends getting progressively more excited as Vow and Declare entered the final straight on the tail of the leader and gradually wore down the margin. When Vow and Declare crossed the line first, the room erupted. “I have never felt a rush like that in my life... words cannot explain,” the friend who filmed the scene said. “Such a big day for the family man been riding this horse for over a year and to see it come true - unbelievable.” Xerri said there was a lot of anticipation leading up to the race as he knew he and others had cash riding on the result. “I was nervous, my legs were jelly. I'd told so many for so long and they'd put money on it just because I said to,” he said.

Health

Discover Norfolk, a special island in the sun

Just a couple of hours’ flight northeast of Sydney, Norfolk is a pristine, small island of 3455 hectares, perched in the Pacific Ocean. Although Norfolk Island is compact, it sprawls, whichever way you look at it. It has a magnificent coastline, with sandy beaches, steep rugged cliffs and glorious bays. There’s a certain eccentricity on this island that is appealing and the locals (humans and others) are the friendliest bunch you can imagine. The island’s farmers have grazing rights to the roadside pastures so cows do in fact have right of way on Norfolk – and they know it! It’s not surprising to also see cars give way to chickens, ducks and geese crossing the road. Norfolk Island was where the ‘worst of the worst’ convicts were sent, for this was an infamous prison for the British Empire in the 1800s. Convicts were outdoors tending gardens for what was deemed the bread basket of New South Wales. Queen Victoria granted the island to the Pitcairners - descendants of the original mutineers from Captain Bligh’s ill-fated voyage on the Bounty. As I meander through the ruins of a special island in the sun, Norfolk is full of surprises. In the convict buildings, the history is all too apparent and you can sense the ghosts of the past still have a presence. While some buildings have been restored and are in use as museums, homes and government facilities, the ‘roofless’ are exposed to the elements. Today the island has largely calmed the ghosts and there’s much fun to be had – and Norfolk has a host of annual festivals, from gardening to line-dancing, country music to jazz – and yoga. There are some must-dos on the island beginning with taking in the very scenic views from the top of Mt Pitt and Captain Cook’s Lookout to visiting the ‘grand Gothic-style’ St Barnabas Chapel with its Frances Greenway stained-glass windows. Take a walk and marvel at Cyclorama, the gigantic 360-degree panoramic painting that follows the story of the Bounty and its crew. Don’t miss: <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Two Chimneys Wines Tin Sheds accommodation</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">The historic night show</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Fishing</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Golf</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">The markets</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">‘Wellbeing’ treatments</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Bushwalking</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Coffee snobs – you won’t be disappointed at the quality of coffee served here, and for foodies, there’s a selection of excellent restaurants and cafes serving top nosh</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Research local names: Christian, Buffet, Evans and Quintal.</li> </ul> For more info go to <a href="http://www.norfolkisland.com.au">www.norfolkisland.com.au</a>. This story first appeared in<a href="http://www.getupandgo.com.au/"> Get Up & Go</a> and has been edited. Written by Bev Malzard. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/discover-norfolk,-a-special-island-in-the-sun.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Travel

Kelpie returns after two weeks of heartache

A kelpie named Merlin has been found alive and safe two weeks after she fled her owner’s vehicle when it crashed and killed her owner. Simon Hannah’s family is in mourning ater his 4WD was T-boned by a Ford Ranger at around 11.15 am on September 16, near Eidsvold, in Queensland Australia's North Burnett region, the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7524347/Kelpie-emerges-TWO-WEEKS-bolted-surviving-crash-killed-owner.html" target="_blank">DailyMail </a>reported. The 34-year-old along with Merlin were the only two occupants in the car. Mr Hannah’s heartbroken stepfather David McDougall made pleas for help to get the loved kelpie back into safe hands. The fatal crash happened just metres from Eidsvold farmer Bill Kerle's property and took it upon himself to find Merlin. He managed to find paw prints leading away from the scene and tracked Merlin onto his property, <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-10-01/merlin-the-missing-dog-turns-up-after-a-fortnight-in-the-bush/11564308?sf220458724=1" target="_blank">ABC News </a>reported. As wild dogs are common in the area, Mr Kerle set up traps with pork steaks and soft bedding to capture the dog. On Tuesday morning, the farmer was pleased to find his plan had worked. “I nearly fell off my quad bike, I couldn't believe it,” he said. Mr Hannan’s mother Jan Hannah says she felt relief wash through her after receiving the call that the last link to her son had been found alive. “We're so thrilled to have his dog and know that she's safe and well,' she said. “We can't bring my son back but we can find his dog and we can make sure that she now has a good life.” The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash.

Lifestyle

Top 5 Australian beaches

As the world’s largest island with 35,876 km of coastline, you would expect Australia to have more than its share of beautiful beaches. Mother Nature has not disappointed us on that score. From the tropical north to the pristine wilderness of Tasmania, we have some awe-inspiring combinations of sun, sand and surf. With such a vast and varied coastal landscape, there may well be many remote beach jewels that remain uninhabited and undiscovered, but here is our list of the top ten that you simply must visit. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland If you have ever seen a travel brochure for the Whitsundays, then you would no doubt have seen this jewel in Queensland’s tropical crown. It is stunningly beautiful, primarily due to it piercingly white sand contrasted with the deep azure waters that lap its shores. The limited access and 7km length means that the crowds are never an issue. The powdery, fine grained sand makes it both velvety to touch and surprisingly cool and far from being a single monotonous stretch, the beach meanders through lagoons, coves and inlets, making it a joy to explore. Cable Beach, Western Australia For a beach that is rapidly gaining international notoriety, Cable Beach near Broome is still has a remarkably untouched feeling to it. It is within walking distance of Broome, so accommodation options are plentiful, but it retains the mystical charm that pervades the vast north west region of Western Australia. The highlight of any visit to Cable is, of course, the stunning Indian Ocean sunsets. The glowing orange-red disk, descending to the blue horizon can be best appreciated from the aptly named Sunset bar or from the back of a camel on an idyllic sunset camel ride. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania Another beach that benefits from its relative isolation, Wineglass Bay nestles in the glorious Freycinet National Park on Tassie’s east coast. The two hour drive from Launceston or three hours from Hobart are richly rewarded with one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. From a narrow mouth the bay opens out to a distinctive wineglass shape that gives the location such a unique character. Bring your walking shoes for a brisk 20 minute hike to the lookout that gives the best view of the elegant arc. A snorkel or kayak is also highly recommended as ways of exploring this masterpiece. Byron Bay Beach, New South Wales It’s perhaps better known for its hippy history, world class Bluesfest or burgeoning café culture, but Byron’s sprawling beach is the real hero of this town. Located at the easternmost point of mainland Australia, Byron is a surfer’s mecca with a break that attracts worldwide attention from surfing devotees. The iconic lighthouse adds another quaint dimension to the experience. Bells Beach, Victoria Made famous by its pre-eminent place on the pro surfing circuit, Bells Beach is near Torquay on Victoria’s spectacular Great Ocean Road. The beach carves its way dramatically into the surrounding red rock cliffs, which provides a gorgeous backdrop to the perfection of its powerfully arced surf breaks. It’s a great spot for those keen on bushwalks, with excellent trails that offer dramatic coastal views. The striking turquoise sea is another standout feature that will live long in the memory. Scroll through the gallery above to see the top 5 Australian beaches. Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/top-10-best-australian-beaches.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Travel

Michelin impossible: Why this outback KFC restaurant is chasing the highest food honour

A KFC restaurant in Alice Springs, Northern Territory is pushing for one of the highest international dining honours available: A Michelin Star. Sam Edelman, who owns the Alice Springs KFC, told <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/bangkok-thailand-30-mg-price-2018-1044552979?src=mTnFWWy_AkbDyqiK7wAn_w-1-2&studio=1">Yahoo News Australia</a> he runs the “most remote KFC in the world” and meets the criteria for the star. “My store serves people who travel from 500 to 1000km away,” Mr Edelman said. “That’s part of the criteria - the food is worth a detour, worth a journey to enjoy.” Edelman came up with the idea after watching a documentary on Netflix. In order to get a Michelin star, the restaurant has to use quality products, have a “mastery of flavour and cooking techniques”, the chefs must have personality, it should be value for money and the food has to be consistent. However, the guide for the star has been met with criticism as people think it’s biased towards French cuisine and technique. In 2016, it awarded a star to a cheap Singapore street food outlet known for a braised chicken dish in a welcome break from tradition. Edelman is hoping to get the attention of the Michelin judges to a variety of quality restaurants across Australia. “It’s a bit of Michelin: Impossible, but let’s make it possible,” he said. “As I say to my staff sometimes, ‘bucket, why not?’”

Travel

ustralian swimmer Mack Horton refuses to share podium with China's Sun Yang

Mack Horton has received a flurry of criticism online through his social media platforms from furious Chinese swimming fans. The Australian swimmer sparked a heated debate after refusing to stand on the podium next to his Chinese rival "drug cheat" Sun Yang at the swimming championships on Sunday night. The bold move of refusing to stand next to Yang by Horton made international headlines. Sun underwent a three-month doping suspension in 2014 and is now being investigated again finishing first in the 400m freestyle – beating Horton by 0.73 of a second. The Australian Olympian made his anger apparent by snubbing the medal podium where he would stand next to Yang – a clear protest to show he was unhappy with the Chinese swimmer being allowed to compete in the eight-day championship. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828825/new-project.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9c9a3591c0ac4d3b90f22c561d1ca172" /> Silver medalist Mack Horton of Australia, gold medalist Sun Yang of China and bronze medalist Gabriele Detti of Italy. The incredible move and bitter rivalry between the two has sparked an intense international debate after Yang accused Horton of disrespecting China. “I was aware that the Australian athlete had dissatisfaction and personal feelings towards me,” Yang said via an interpreter. “But it was unfortunate because disrespecting me is okay but disrespecting China was very unfortunate and I felt sorry about that. “I’m aware of the rumours (about his alleged hammer attack). (But) I think this has been the greatest achievement in history for the Chinese (swimming) team.” 10-time world champion Yang is accused of smashing vials of his blood during a clash with drug testers last year, however, he was allowed to compete in the eight-day swimming event while he awaits a Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing in September. Horton has not been shy of his feelings on Yang, suggesting <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/aussie-team-stands-by-mack-horton-in-china-swimming-feud" target="_blank">he was a “drug cheat” at the 2016 Rio Olympics.</a> The Olympian admitted on Sunday he was unhappy with the results of the race. “Frustration is probably it,” Horton said after the race. “I think you know in what respect.” Andrew Horton, father of the swimmer, told 3AW Radio their family have a “huge respect” for China. “There’s a lot of commentary about China. We have huge respect for China. This is about ensuring that there are systems and processes in the sport that keep the sport clean,” he said.

Lifestyle

The best places in the world to cruise

Alaska’s Glacier Bay has been named the number one cruise destination in the world by Cruise Critic. The cruise reviews website analysed the results of all the reviews for 2018 for their third annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination awards. Sydney was named the top port in Australia and New Zealand. The top port in the South Pacific was Mystery Island. “Our data regularly shows that whether you’re a first-time cruiser or you’ve sailed dozens of times, destination is a top consideration when shopping for a cruise,” Cruise Critic senior executive editor Colleen McDaniel says. “While tropical destinations will always be popular among cruisers, what’s really exciting to see is the rise in esteem of destinations more known for their immersive and experiential offerings – places like Havana, Edinburgh and Arles. “By awarding top destinations and now the best lines that visit them, we’re even better able to connect travelers with standout experiences available in the incredible places they’re looking to explore.” The full list of Cruise Critic first-place winners includes: Australia and New Zealand: Top port: Sydney Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Coral Expeditions South Pacific: Top port: Mystery Island Best Large Ship Line: Carnival Cruise Line Best Small Ship Line: Ponant Asia: Top port: Singapore Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Azamara Club Cruises Alaska: Top port: Glacier Bay Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: UnCruise Adventures Top Cruise line with a private island: Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay Hawaii: Top port: Kauai Best Large Ship Line: Carnival Cruise Line Eastern Mediterranean: Top port: Dubrovnik Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Variety Cruises Western Mediterranean: Top port: Villefranche Best Large Ship Line: Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson Cruises) Best Small Ship Line: Viking Ocean Cruises British Isles and Western Europe: Top port: Edinburgh Best Large Ship Line: Royal Caribbean International Best Small Ship Line: Viking Ocean Cruises The US and Canada: Top port: Quebec City Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Pearl Seas Cruises Carribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda: Top port: King’s Wharf Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Island Windjammers Western Caribbean and Riveriera Maya: Top port: Havana Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Viking Ocean Cruises Southern Caribbean: Top port: Curacao Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Island Windjammers Mexico: Top port: Huatulco Best Large Ship Line: Princess Cruises Baltics and Scandinavia: Top port: St. Petersburg Best Large Ship Line: Celebrity Cruises Best Small Ship Line: Viking Ocean Cruises Panama Canal and Central America: Top port: Puerto Quetzal Best Large Ship Line:Norwegian Cruise Line Best Small Ship Line: Windstar Cruises South America and Antartica: Top port: Buenos Aires Best Large Ship Line: Norwegian Cruise Line Best Small Ship Line: Australis Feel like you need to go on a cruise now? We do too. Written by Alison Godfrey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/the-world-s-top-cruise-destinations/">MyDiscoveries.</a>

Travel

5 tourist attractions you didn’t know were illegal to photograph

Many people while travelling like to take photos of their trips so they can go back and look at it later once they’re home. Although you might see something interesting on your travels, make sure that before you take that snap that you’re not breaking local law. Here are five places you can’t take photos of. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLOuXvSA3rt/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BLOuXvSA3rt/" target="_blank">Hats I don't hate</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/harleyvnewton/" target="_blank"> Harley Viera-Newton</a> (@harleyvnewton) on Oct 6, 2016 at 10:36am PDT </div> </blockquote> 1. The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London In the area inside the Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept, cameras are strictly forbidden, and visitors are not allowed to take pictures. The jewels themselves are protected by bombproof glass and there are more than 100 security cameras in the room where the jewels are kept. Couldn’t take a photo if you tried. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLgLFmg3a6/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLgLFmg3a6/" target="_blank">¿Quién visitará ésta maravilla en 2019? . . #india #tajmahal #wonders #travel #leisure</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/travelleisuremx/" target="_blank"> Travel+Leisure México</a> (@travelleisuremx) on Jan 3, 2019 at 8:50am PST </div> </blockquote> 2. Inside the Taj Mahal, India As the Taj Mahal is a place of worship, photography is forbidden in certain areas inside. You’re able to take photos of the outside, but there are strict rules dictating what you can and can’t take photos of once you’re inside. There are guards to make sure you’re not taking photos inside the building as well. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvGctZHqZs/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxvGctZHqZs/" target="_blank">Enquanto na China fomos até Chendgu e aproveitámos para ir ao Chengu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding! Situado a 10 km do centro de Chendgu é facimente acessível e barato chegar lá através do Didi Chuxing (Uber Chinês) por cerca de 4€. A base está aberta todos os dias das 7h30 às 18h e a entrada custa cerca de 7€. Dica extra: levem comida, lá dentro é tudo caro e foi provavelmente a comida mais picante que provámos... e nós gostamos de picante!!! Foi um dia bem passado até Base fechar. E vocês, gostam de pandas???</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/viagensbarataspt/" target="_blank"> Viagens Baratas</a> (@viagensbarataspt) on May 21, 2019 at 12:15pm PDT </div> </blockquote> 3. Pandas in China Due to new rules introduced in 2018, forestry authorities issued a notice banning visitors from getting too close to the giant pandas, which includes taking photos with them. The notice was enforced to protect the animals from being introduced to new diseases. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwTC9BAi52/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwTC9BAi52/" target="_blank">#katadjuta #theolgas #desert #sun #nature #mirror #water</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/amel.glnd/" target="_blank"> Amélie Galand</a> (@amel.glnd) on May 21, 2019 at 11:24pm PDT </div> </blockquote> 4. Uluru at Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia You’re not allowed to take photographs of Uluru, despite it being one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. According to <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/about/faq/">Parks Australia</a>, you need a photography permit to take photos for commercial purposes, which can include social media. The Anangu, who are the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta land, believe that their culture is degraded if images of sacred sites are <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/culture/respecting-culture/">captured or displayed</a>. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwR7E0oQ1J/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxwR7E0oQ1J/" target="_blank">Beau Paris ❤! #paris #city #citytrip #cityphotography #eiffeltower #eiffelturm #travel #travellove #photography #cloudysky #beautifullife #cityoflove #villedamour #love #lovethesecity #loveparis</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/starry_sky24/" target="_blank"> Bärbel Riemenschneider</a> (@starry_sky24) on May 21, 2019 at 11:14pm PDT </div> </blockquote> 5. The Eiffel tower at night in Paris, France You’re not allowed to take photos of this historic landmark in France as it’s regarded as an artistic work. In 1985, 20,000 lights and 280 projectors were installed at the Eiffel Tower by Pierre Bideau. Because of this installation, it’s regarded as an artistic work and according to the <a href="https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr/entreprise/utiliser-image-tour-eiffel">Societe d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel</a> (SETE), you could be charged a fee if you take a photo of it. The site reads: "The various lights of the Eiffel Tower (golden illumination, flicker, lighthouse and event lighting) are protected. The exploitation of the image of the Eiffel tower at night is subject to prior authorisation from the SETE. This exploitation is subject to fees payment, the amount of which depends on the intended use, of the media plan."

Travel

World’s happiest countries for 2019 revealed

The World Happiness Report has just been released and the results are a little surprising. Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world for a second year in a row, with another four Nordic countries following in tow and grabbing a spot in the top 10. The report released by United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranked 156 countries by their happiness levels based on life expectancy, social support and corruption. The well-being of immigrants taken in by each country was also measured and added to the list. Britain trailed behind the likes of Israel, Austria, Costa Rica, Australia, Luxemborg and New Zealand. Australia ranked 11th, just missing a spot in the top 10. The North African nation of South Sudan placed at the bottom of the happiness index, and America is proving to be less and less happy each year as the country falls from 14th place to 19th in just two years. Russia ranked 68th, falling from 59th since last year while France took 24th place and China 93rd. The least happy countries ranking in order include South Sudan, Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Yemen, Malawi, Syria, Botswana, Haiti and Zimbabwe. Four different Nordic countries ranked in the highest ten places on the list. Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Copenhagen-based Happiness Research Institute said the five Nordic countries who were ranked high in the index were clearly “doing something right in terms of creating good conditions for good lives.” “'Briefly put, (Nordic countries) are good at converting wealth into well-being,” Wiking said. The finding on the happiness of immigrants “shows the conditions that we live under matter greatly to our quality of life, that happiness is not only a matter of choice.” Scroll through the gallery above to see the top ten happiest countries in the world.

Travel

The top 5 most relaxing destinations around the world

It can be hard to get away from it all, especially when you don’t know where to start. <a href="https://www.lastminute.com/en/discover/most-chilled-out-countries-in-the-world.html">Lastminute.com</a> has ranked a variety of locations from around the world in order of noise, light pollution and the number of green spaces available to make this easier for you. The top 5 most chilled out destinations worldwide are: 1. Indonesia<a href="https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/photo/ohoililir-beach-kei-island-royalty-free-image/1012860334"></a> Indonesia is well known for relaxing by the ocean, as well as connecting with Mother Nature. With 88,000 of coastline, a beach isn’t too far away from you no matter where you are in Indonesia. 2. Australia<a href="https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/photo/helicopter-view-of-the-white-sands-turquoise-ocean-royalty-free-image/952973680"></a> Australia is known for their abundance of wildlife, as well as the variety of natural beauty that occurs. Whether you’re along the Great Barrier Reef or journeying into the red-hot centre of the nation, there’s something for everyone. 3. Iceland<a href="https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/photo/cascata-di-gulfoss-di-notte-con-aurora-boreale-royalty-free-image/932194018"></a> Iceland is ideal for stargazing, as it’s near the top of the Arctic Circle. This is where you can see the Northern Lights. However, with an average temperature of 1.75 degrees Celsius, don’t forget to bring your thermals. 4. New Zealand With landscapes that can make you believe you’re in another world, it’s no surprise that New Zealand was chosen to be Middle Earth in the Lord of the Ring franchise. You’re also never too far from the sea, but if you’re not a fan of the waves, lakes are nearby as well. 5. Sri Lanka With lush rainforests covering the landscape and a solid average temperature of nearly 27 degrees celsius, this is bound to have you feeling more relaxed as soon as you step off the plane. Scroll through the gallery to see what these relaxing destinations look like. Have you been to any of these destinations? Are they really as relaxing as this list claims? Let us know in the comments below.

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