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“How good is love”: Riptide singer ties the knot

Australian musician Vance Joy, whose real name is James Keogh, officially tied the knot with his longtime partner, Selen Us on June 12. The pair got married in a beautiful waterfront ceremony by the Marmara sea in Istanbul, Turkey. Vance and a few guests took to Instagram to share photos of the big day. In one photo fans get a glimpse into an intimate moment between the pair standing on a balcony overlooking the water. In another photo, we see the happy newlyweds share their first kiss. The bride donned a sleek backless white gown, while the groom opted for a more classic look in a black suit paired with a bowtie. The pair dated for over three years, and got engaged last November, after enduring a long-distance relationship during Covid. Friends and fans took to the comments to congratulate the couple. “Wow! Congratulations mate. Beautiful photographs.,” wrote Australian creative portrait and music photographer, Max Fairclough. “Guess I don’t have a chance anymore. Congrats!!!! 😂,” quipped a fan. “Congratulations!! Fire and the Flood was my wedding song. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness x,” commented another. “How good is love,” commented a third. “CONGRATS!!! I’m so happy for the two of yous 🥳,” wrote another. Images: Instagram

Relationships

Stunning footage of rescued baby born during earthquake

After neighbours of a residential area in a northwest Syrian town that was devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake heard the sounds of a wailing infant emerging from the rubble, they rushed to investigate – and discovered a newborn baby whose mother appears to have given birth to her while buried beneath the rubble. The baby girl was discovered amid the ruins of a five-story apartment building, with relatives reporting that her umbilical cord was still attached to her mother, who tragically did not survive the catastrophe. Also killed were the baby’s immediate family, making her the only one from her family to survive following the collapse of the building. Rescuers were only able to find and help the crying baby some ten hours after the quake had struck, and during the rescue a female neighbour cut the umbilical cord before the baby was rushed to a nearby children’s hospital to receive care. Footage of the infant emerging from the rubble with a rescuer has also appeared on social media, with Twitter user @rami498 appearing to capture the miraculous moment. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ولِدَ تحت الانقاض وتوفت والدته.. جنديرس<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B2%D9%84%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%84?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#زلزال</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%87%D8%B2%D8%A9_%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6%D9%8A%D8%A9?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#هزة_أرضية</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#سوريا</a> <a href="https://t.co/DdUeJIDs0w">pic.twitter.com/DdUeJIDs0w</a> — رامي المحمد (@rami498) <a href="https://twitter.com/rami498/status/1622665696307027991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote> The baby is now reported to be in a stable condition despite multiple severe bruising, including a large one on her back. Doctors at the children’s hospital believe the baby had been born roughly three hours before being found. Images: Getty Images; @rami498 / Twitter

News

"Too young to leave us": Aussie woman killed in holiday accident

A young woman from Melbourne has tragically died while on holiday with her family after a devastating motorcycle crash. Saarah Hannah Bulbul, 25, was on the back of the bike when the rider lost control and crashed on July 28 in Istanbul, Turkey, according to <a title="www.heraldsun.com.au" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/saarah-bulbul-tributes-for-mitcham-lawyer-former-vermont-secondary-college-student/news-story/9f4af8645dcf99c1fa8cbf531cf0420b" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="9f4af8645dcf99c1fa8cbf531cf0420b" data-tgev-label="leader" data-tgev-metric="ev">The Herald Sun.</a> While the driver managed to escape uninjured, Sarah died from her injuries on the way to the hospital. Ms Bulbul was travelling through Turkey with her parents and two sisters before the tragic accident, as the family will remain in Turkey, confirming Saarah will be buried at a family cemetery there. “We’re all devastated, she genuinely was full of life and had everything she ever wanted and everything was going right for her,” Saarah’s heartbroken sister Nesi told the Herald Sun. “It’s just way too quick and soon, and it doesn’t seem real yet.” Ms Bulbul was about 10 months into her first job as a lawyer with Grindal Legal in South Melbourne, after completing her degree at the city’s Swinbourne University. “She loved her job and she was smashing it, she loved working there and recently they told her she was going places,” sister Nesi said. Ms Bulbul's former high school principal Tony Jacobs described Ms Bulbul as “a vibrant, animated and energetic member of the school community”. “Saarah will always be remembered and sadly missed by all school friends and teachers,” Mr Jacobs said. “Our thoughts go out to the family and closest friends over the loss of someone too young to leave us.” Image credits: Facebook / LinkedIn

News

A taste of Turkey: Inside a mosaic lamp making workshop

Do you want to experience a taste of Turkey? Then look no further than this utterly fabulous Art Masterclass. Within seconds of entering the workshop, it already feels like you’ve been transported to Turkey. The recent workshop I attended was big enough to fit around 30 people, but it also felt quite intimate, with the natural light beaming in through the windows highlighting the colours in each lamp, and the interior covered in Turkish decor including rugs, little trinkets, and handmade ceramic bowls laid out with the mosaic tiles placed neatly on each desk. The classical renditions of popular songs (including some from the Bridgerton soundtrack) was a nice touch that made the experience feel even more magical. They welcome you and guide you to your seat, where they’ve prepared a workstation that includes a template with all the design choices, mosaic tiles in all shapes and colours, glue and the glass bowl that you will be decorating. What I liked about this class is that you don’t need any prior experience or artistic skills to create your own lamp. You start off the session by laying your tiles on your desired design that’s printed on the template. The shading on the template helps you determine where the lighter and darker tiles go, and if you’re like me and don’t have any clue where to begin, this definitely helps. You can mix and match the colours and patterns, so no two lamps will look alike. The next step is to glue the tiles onto the glass bowl. Now, as easy as this sounds, it takes a bit of time and attention to detail to make sure they all fit perfectly and match the design you’ve chosen. Halfway through this process they provide you with Turkish tea and shortbread cookies, which was – no pun intended – a delight. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KhnC1TOb034" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> There were two teachers present in the class, and they were both very calm, patient and friendly. They took their time explaining each step, demonstrating what you should do, and answering all of your questions with a warm smile. The pace of their teaching was good, as they gave you enough time to move from one step to the next, with two and half hours to complete the lamp. The next step was the beading process, which I found to be the messiest step. At this point the glue was stringy and beads were falling all over the place, but my inner child was having the time of her life. So if you do visit with kids or grandkids, don’t be afraid if they do make a mess. The final step is the plastering process, which you have to do five to six hours later, so the glue sets properly. They gave you the option of bringing it home with a DIY plastering kit, a booklet with instructions, and a video tutorial, or paying an extra $10 to have them do it for you. I found it sweet that they also give you a free bracelet or keychain as a memento, and this experience was truly unforgettable. Prices start from $79 for a candle holder (if lamps aren’t your thing) and then vary according to the lamp size and the base you choose. I would recommend the short or tall table lamp, if you’re looking for something that has great value for money. You should give this workshop a go if you want to challenge your creativity but also spend time with family and friends. Workshops are held in various locations across Australia, and you can book their classes through <a href="https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/">here</a>. Alternatively, if you can’t find a workshop near you, they also have DIY home kits, so you too can join in the fun from home!

Art

See the abandoned Disney castle neighbourhood

A new housing development was <a rel="noopener" href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/disney-style-castles-abandoned-turkey/f650780e-654b-46f4-8f09-789edc12cf5c" target="_blank">supposed</a> to be a luxury escape full of castle villas, but a series of financial hurdles has left the castle-filled neighbourhood to be abandoned. The Burj Al Babas housing development began in the Turkish town of Mudurnu in 2014. Sarot Property Group, the developers behind the magical idea, had built 732 castle-themed villas and had plans to build a shopping mall and entertainment facilities for tourists. By 2019, more than half the villas had been sold. But as Turkey battled through an ongoing economic crisis, development quickly halted. After buyers and investors pulled out of the 150 million euro project, Sarot Property Group filed for bankruptcy and the castles were abandoned. See them in the gallery below. Images: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Missing man mistakenly joins own search party

Image: Twitter A drunken man who was presumed missing joined his own search, assuming the group were looking for someone else. Authorities responded to reports of a man who went missing in a forest in the rural city of Inegol in Turkey, according to Turkish news station NTV. Beyhan Mutlu, 50, reportedly left his friends and wondered off into the forest after a night of drinking. After several attempts were made to call Mr Mutlu over several hours, the alarm was raised and teams got together to start searching. Mr Mutlu eventually came across residents who were involved in the search and not knowing who they were looking for, decided to join in. According to the Evening Standard, Mr Mutlu spent hours working with the teams. It wasn’t until he heard them call out his own name that he asked who they were looking for and responded. A report was prepared about the search and Mr Mutlu was taken home, according to NTV.

Travel Trouble

‘Gate to Hell’ myths confirmed

Though Pamukkale, in western Turkey, is known for its travertines - limestone cliffs that have formed over 400,000 years from the mineral-laden water of nearby springs - an even more interesting attraction also calls the site home. On top of the white towers sits the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. An ancient city Founded by the Attalid kings of Pergamon at the end of the 2nd Century BC, Hierapolis was taken over by the Romans in 133 AD and turned into a thriving spa town. The remains of the successful city are still visible, including its arched entrance gate, colonnaded main street and restored amphitheatre, all made from travertine. “The thermal waters are likely one of the primary reasons for the city’s foundations,” said Dr Sarah Yeomans, an archeologist at the University of South Carolina who specialises in the Roman Empire. “By the mid-2nd century, Hierapolis would have been a beautiful, bustling spa-town with what I imagine was a more dynamic and diverse population than most, given the popularity of such places with visitors.” Truth behind the myths Despite its beauty, Hierapolis was said to be the location of a “Gate to Hell”, a portal to the underworld where unsuspecting victims would be claimed by the hellhound Cerberus’ toxic breath on behalf of his master, the god Pluto. A shrine was built on the site and pilgrims would pay priests to make sacrifices to the god Pluto on their behalf. Writers at the time said priests would lead animals into the shrine and it would instantly drop dead, while the priest would return alive. “I threw in sparrows, and immediately breathed their last and fell,” wrote the Greek geographer Strabo in Book 13 of his encyclopedia Geography. Though visitors to the site today might find it hard to imagine these stories being true, one volcano biologist decided to test their validity. “When I read the descriptions from the ancient writers, I began wondering if there could be a scientific explanation,” said Hardy Pfanz, who studies gases given off during geological processes at Germany’s University of Duisburg-Essen. “I wondered, could this Gate to Hell be a volcanic vent?” To test his theory, Pfanz travelled to Hierapolis in 2013. “We weren’t sure what we would find. It could’ve been made up, could’ve been nothing,” he said. “We most certainly weren’t expecting to get an answer so quickly. “We saw dozens of dead creatures around the entrance: mice, sparrows, blackbirds, many beetles, wasps and other insects. So we knew right away that the stories were true.” When Pfanz tested the air around the vent, he found the culprit: toxic levels of carbon dioxide. Where normal air contains 0.04 percent carbon dioxide, Pfanz found the concentration around the shrine reached 80 percent. “Just a few minutes exposure to 10 percent carbon dioxide can kill you,” he explained, “so the levels here are really deadly.” But Pfanz still had one question: if the area is so deadly, how did the priests in the shrine survive? Returning a year later, he then studied the concentration of the gas over the course of the day, finding that it would quickly dissipate during the day when it was warm and sunny but would pool at ground level at night as the temperature decreased. He came to the conclusion that the animals, with their noses close to the ground, quickly suffocated while the priests, standing taller, were breathing significantly lower levels of the gas and could survive. Today, the shrine is bricked up and a walkway recently built around the site allows visitors to see the area without the risks of inhaling the deadly gas. “When I first recognised that the legendary breath of Cerberus is actually carbon dioxide, I was standing right in front of the archway,” Pfanz said. “In that moment, I realised we had solved this ancient mystery; it was a really fantastic feeling.” Image: Paul Cooper / Twitter

International Travel

Three-year-old rescued after 65 hours trapped underground

Two little girls have made it out alive after an apartment building in the Turkish city of Izmir collapsed due to a colossal earthquake. Felt throughout Turkey and Greece, U.S. Geological Survey rated it 7.0, while Istanbul’s Kandilli Institute put it at 6.9 and Turkey’s emergency management agency said it measured 6.6. The overall death toll in Friday’s quake reached 85 after teams found more bodies overnight amid toppled buildings in Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city. Onlookers applauded in relief as the two young girls were pulled from wreckage and debris before they were rushed off to hospital. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Rescuers in Turkey have pulled a three-year-old girl from the rubble of her apartment block 65 hours after it was destroyed by an earthquake. Elif Perincek was pulled alive from the rubble early this morning. <a href="https://t.co/6DXQ6upzeQ">pic.twitter.com/6DXQ6upzeQ</a> — RTÉ News (@rtenews) <a href="https://twitter.com/rtenews/status/1323184542031761408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2020</a></blockquote> They are two out of over 1,000 people who were injured in the quake that was felt mostly in Turkey, Rescue workers clapped in unison Monday as 14-year-old Idil Sirin was removed from the rubble. She was trapped for 58 hours. Her 8-year-old sister, Ipek, did not survive. Rescuers also found 3-year-old Elif Perincek seven hours after Sirin. She spent 65 hours in the wreckage of her apartment before she was extracted. Eli’s mother and two sisters had been rescued two days earlier. Muammer Celik of Istanbul’s search-and-rescue team told NTV television that he thought Elif was dead when he found the young child. “There was dust on her face, her face was white,” he said. “When I cleaned the dust from her face, she opened her eyes. I was astonished.” Celik said: “it was a miracle, it was a true miracle.” The girl would not let go of his hand throughout the rescue operation. Celik added: “I am now her big brother.”

News

Soccer player admits to killing ‘coronavirus’-stricken son

A Turkish soccer player has admitted to smothering his five-year-old son to death while the child was being treated in hospital for symptoms linked to COVID-19. Cevher Toktas told police he killed his son Kasim at Dortcelik Children’s Hospital in Bursa because he never loved the boy “even when he was born”. The child was admitted to the hospital with a cough and high fever on April 23, and placed in isolation with his father. Later that day Toktas called for doctors, claiming his son’s condition had taken a turn for the worse. The child was rushed to the intensive care unit, where he died less than two hours later. Kasim’s death was originally not ruled as suspicious, although he tested negative for COVID-19. But Toktas turned himself in to the police on May 4 and confessed to having smothered his son, 10 days after the youngster’s funeral. According to local media, the 32-year-old said he yelled for doctors after committing the crime “to help to draw any suspicions away from me”. Toktas allegedly told investigators he killed Kasim because he “never loved him, even when he was born, and I can’t state why, I have no mental issues”. The soccer player was taken into custody. No trial date has been set yet. Turkish authorities have ordered Kasim’s body to be exhumed for a post-mortem.

News

Spiced freekeh, turkey and blueberry salad with Persian feta

The protein- and fibre-rich freekeh combines beautifully with juicy blueberries and mild turkey. Try it for dinner tonight! Serves 4 Ingredients: <ul> <li>500 g turkey breast</li> <li>1 1/ 2 cups (300 g) freekeh, rinsed</li> <li>4 large handfuls baby spinach, coarsely shredded</li> <li>30 g butter</li> <li>1/ 2 cup (60 g) flaked almonds</li> <li>1/ 2 medium red onion, thinly sliced</li> <li>2 x 125 g punnets blueberries</li> <li>125 g Persian feta, crumbled</li> </ul> Dressing <ul> <li>1/ 4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice</li> <li>1 teaspoon ground cumin</li> <li>1 teaspoon ground cardamom</li> <li>1/ 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li> <li>1/ 2 teaspoon caster sugar</li> <li>1/ 4 cup (60 ml) olive oil</li> <li>sea salt and freshly ground black pepper</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Remove and discard the skin and any sinew from the turkey. Place in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water and gently simmer for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly in the poaching liquid. Transfer turkey onto a plate and refrigerate until completely cool.</li> <li>Meanwhile, bring 3 1/ 2 cups (875 ml) of water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Add the freekah, decrease the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender and most of the water has been absorbed. Drain and transfer in a medium bowl. Add the spinach and mix to wilt. Spread out onto a tray and set aside to cool.</li> <li>To make the dressing, combine the lemon juice, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon and caster sugar in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil and season with salt and pepper.</li> <li>Melt the butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the almonds and cook for 4–5 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer onto a plate lined with kitchen paper, to drain.</li> <li>Shred the cooled turkey into small strips.</li> <li>Combine the turkey, freekah, onion and blueberries in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss to coat.</li> <li>Scatter with Persian feta and butter toasted almonds to serve.</li> </ol>

Food & Wine

Sights unseen: Top 10 must-see European destinations

Bursting with beauty, history and culture are a multitude of intimate and lesser-travelled European destinations that every keen traveller must see in their lifetime. From Greece’s colonnaded Parthenon to a finger-like peninsula whose highest peaks are home to Orthodox Christian monasteries, your next epic and equally dreamy summer holiday escape to Europe is right at your fingertips. Here are 10 magical destinations you must experience for yourself and add to your bucket list. 1. Tallin, Estonia <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828630/viking-cruise-do-not-use-10.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/07d804167a394c32a8856beea18163aa" /> Estonia may be one of the smallest countries in Europe yet it boasts a culture and history as vibrant and insightful as any other. In Tallin, the charming capital of Estonia located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, you can immerse yourself in a number of experiences – everything from a brush with old civilisation and the meticulously-kept medieval streets of the Old Town to suppers and heavenly homemade cuisines. This includes cinnamon roasted almonds, which are a must-try from an Old Town street store or treat yourself to the special sweet taste of marzipan that holds an immensely fascinating and meaningful history. Once under the rule of Russia, the newly independent country is the perfect place to journey through for a touch of the old and the new. Those who admire fine art must add the Kadriorg Art Museum at the Baroque Kadriorg Palace to their to-do list, which was once a summer home for Catherine I of Russia. The perfect blend of modern culture and ancient history, stop in during an immersive <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/baltic/viking-homelands/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-tallin">15-day Baltic Sea journey</a> which will see you exploring northern Europe with Viking Cruises. 2. Puglia, Italy Roaming around Puglia, better known as the “boot” of Italy, might be the most beautiful view to cast your eyes upon. The white-washed towns of Ostuni and Alberobello are two cities visitors may never want to leave as the tree-lined, sunny streets are just one part of what makes <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/italian-sojourn/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-puglia">Puglia a sight to behold.</a> The beloved city, which is responsible for over 60 per cent of Italy’s olive oil production, is home to centuries-old olive trees. The history built from beneath the soil of the pristine city should be more than enough to entice any traveller to feast on the Pugliese cuisine. The Romanesque Basilica of St Nicholas is a must see for all culture-hungry travellers. Built late in the 11th century, the stunning church took nearly 100 years to complete. With clean, simple lines and cream coloured stone, this cathedral is well worth exploring for yourself. 3. Troy, Turkey <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828628/viking-cruise-do-not-use-12.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/eb2f7be66ef148b88c7e6accce30cdaf" /> An archaeological wonder, the story of Troy is one that has amazed and astounded for generations. Located in Western Turkey, the ancient ruins of Troy are a marvel that date back to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/ancient-adriatic-treasures/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-troy" target="_blank">approximately </a>3000 BC and have been preserved so remarkably well, visitors will be able to experience a genuine glimpse of what the region’s former glory was once like. The legendary ancient city was made famous by The Iliad – an epic poem written by Greek author Homer, who in this particular body of work detailed specific events of the final weeks of the Trojan War. The incredible prose has become an iconic piece of work and is considered the earliest writings in the whole of the Western literary tradition. Culture-hungry travellers should not pass up the privilege to witness the ancient ruins of Troy for themselves. They offer an immersive insight into a world that once was but no longer exists and are surrounded by legends and myths all pointing to the fascinating and meaningful history readily available. Along with visiting the glorious ruins of Troy, travellers will be able to visit the tranquil memorial site from World War I, the battlefields of Gallipoli. The long-fought campaign was one of the deadliest and extensive battles fought during the war and has a sombre history, which you can retrace with a ferry ride across the Dardanelles straight to Eceabat on the Gallipoli Peninsula. This historically enriching experience is part of an <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/ancient-adriatic-treasures/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-troy">eight-day journey</a> starting from romantic Venice to the intriguing Istanbul with <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/ancient-adriatic-treasures/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-troy">Viking Cruises.</a> 4. Mostar, Bosnia The scenic city of Mostar is a sight any traveller may not ever want to leave. Best known for their landmark <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/empires-mediterranean/index.html?itineraryday=4#modal/173899999&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-mostar-oldbridge">‘Old Bridge,’</a> the small town is a true symbol of peace and unity in a region once absolved in conflict. Stari Most is a 16th century, ottoman-style bridge and is by far Mostar’s most beloved and iconic architectural landmark. Stretching just 28 metres across Neretva River, Stari Most has become a symbolic reminder of harmony and multiculturalism. Along with the abundance of street art, abandoned buildings and ancient mosques and churches, there is a mystique quite unlike any other destination you will travel to. While Bosnia might not be located on a coastline, you can explore this destination from Croatia during the <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/empires-mediterranean/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-mostar">Empires of the Mediterranean</a> itinerary with Viking Cruises. The intimate locations are just simple reminders that journeys like these are hard to come by. 5. Rethymno, Greece One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Greece, Rethymno is the third biggest city of Crete in the Greek Islands, and is a lively, animated town you won’t want to miss a second of. The dreamy seaside town is the perfect balance between the old and the new – stroll along the 16th century cobblestone streets while taking in the arched doorways, stone staircases and ancient remains of what once was. The cosy old town and its tavernas will be a breath of fresh air on your 25-day journey through the cities of antiquity and the holy land where travellers will get the opportunity to explore the <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/cities-of-antiquity/index.html#itineraryday/5?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-rethymno">wonders of the Mediterranean</a> with Viking Cruises. 6. Shetland and Orkney Islands, Scotland <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.18101545253865px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828639/viking-cruise-do-not-use-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b09769a69b484d10ba187c276381c90c" /> Travelling to Shetland, Scotland is sure to be the remarkable experience you wish you’d had sooner while immersing yourself in a <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/baltic/british-isles-explorer/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-shetland">15-day cruise from Bergen, Norway</a> to London, England. Along the way, as you wind your way around the British Isles, travellers will have the opportunity to witness the famous Shetland ponies grazing along the roadside, on the beaches and along the dappled hillsides of the Shetland Islands. During the <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/baltic/british-isles-explorer/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-shetland">British Isles Explorer</a> cruise with Viking Cruises, travellers are given the opportunity to learn about the meaningful history surrounding Orkney Islands – from the 5,000-year-old circle of stones to the remarkably preserved Stone Age settlement of Skara Brae that is estimated to have been built between 3000BCE and 2500BCE, and is one of Scotland’s most fascinating villages. This enriching experience is one you won’t want to pass up. 7. Trømso, Norway Deemed the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is the second largest city in Norway which offers both natural wonders, vibrant cultural elements and unique structures specific to the famous city. Whether you seek adventure, natural beauty or romance, you will find a mingling of activities to suit your needs – from an exploration through the stunning and “daring” Arctic Cathedral created in 1965, to learning about exciting arctic expeditions and dog sledding. Embark on an epic <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/baltic/into-the-midnight-sun/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-tromso-midnightsun" target="_blank">15-day voyage Into the Midnight Sun </a>through the UK and Scandinavia and visit Trømso, where travellers will have the opportunity to witness 24 hours of daylight, and the magical ‘Midnight Sun’, during the Scandinavian summer. Alternatively, those wanting to explore the pristine natural beauty of the world’s northernmost city during winter in search of the northern lights can choose a 13-day <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/baltic/in-search-of-the-northern-lights/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-tromso-nlights">In Search of the Northern Lights </a>cruise. 8. Koper, Slovenia <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828635/viking-cruise-do-not-use-5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ebe524f9aafe4517a9f37fcb22b52c67" /> One of Slovenia’s largest coastal towns, Koper is the country’s best kept secret. A city with a bountiful history, it carries the legacy of the Venetian Republic where the large and abundant town became a force to be reckoned with in the 15th and 16th century. Those with the rare opportunity to wander through the rich architecture will not be left disappointed. In Tito Square, travellers can admire the uniquely built Venetian-Gothic Praetorian Palace. The beautifully ornate building once served as the municipal seat for many generations and has since become one of the city’s most popular landmarks to explore. The glorious town, which is Slovenia’s only port city, is visited during a 10-day voyage to nine magnificent locations throughout the<a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/eastern-mediterranean/empires-mediterranean/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-koper"> Eastern Mediterranean.</a> 9. Lucca, Italy Located in the Tuscany region of Italy, Lucca is a remarkably preserved city bubbling with a rich way of life that visitors will be entranced by. The charming fortified town is a peaceful rest away from the hustle and bustle of busy Italian life, with an old charm you just can’t beat and a step into a life much different to the world we live in now. A fortified wall encloses the entire town – a distinctive reminder of the city defence that existed many years ago. A place of divine interactions and real experiences with the locals of Tuscany, Lucca is a lovely reprieve filled with its own culture to digest – from unique Lucchese cuisine to a pedestrian promenade that has become one of the city’s most beloved features. During a call to Florence, travellers can choose to explore Lucca during your discovery of the <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/mediterranean-odyssey/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-lucca">Mediterranean’s most historic ports</a>, from the fabled towns of Tuscany to the French Riviera’s seaside treasures in Marseille and Monte Carlo. 10. Montpellier (Sète), France The seductive city of Montpellier is a vibrant and culturally diverse gem in the south of France and is the perfect destination to journey to. Cultivated by over 1000 of years of history, the charming, architecturally designed town is filled with a healthy mix of history, art, antiquities and ample amounts of sunshine. The thin strip of land boasts the perfect blend between modern and ancient with its medieval streets, waterfront homes and the buzzing canal linking the Mediterranean Sea to its enclosed saltwater lagoon of Ethang de Thau. Travellers looking to find serenity and belonging in the bustling city will enjoy Cimetière Marin – a monumental cemetery that is the resting place for generations of former inhabitants of Montpellier. Immortalised by local poet Paul Valéry, it offers brilliant views of the sea all the way to Sardinia. Later, voyagers can experience what makes Montpellier’s culinary scene a destination to completely immerse yourself in. See why their seafood delicacies are what they are known for as you watch local fisherman bring in their daily catch on France’s Mediterranean coast. <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/iconic-western-mediterranean/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-montpellier">Montpellier</a> is one stop on your <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/iconic-western-mediterranean/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-montpellier">eight-day voyage</a> while journeying through the Western Mediterranean with <a href="https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/iconic-western-mediterranean/index.html?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=oversixty&utm_campaign=sights-unseen-editorial-montpellier">Viking Cruises.</a> While there are plenty of destinations to choose from, it’s best you get packing now – for the best holiday is just around the corner in this chilly southern hemisphere weather. The perfect solution to keep the winter chill at bay is by jumping on the next sojourn to explore some of the most intriguing and diverse locations Europe has to offer, many of which are best accessed by water. This article is brought to you in conjunction with Viking Cruises.

Cruising

4 fascinating facts about Turkey

1. Turkey is a Land Bridge Straddling the edges of eastern European and western Asia, Turkey’s largest city Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Formerly called Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul is often wrongly thought of as the capital of Turkey, when in fact Ankara is. Perhaps this is because it was the richest and largest city in Europe from the 4th to early 13th centuries and the capital of both the late Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. 2. Home to the First Map Long before Emperor Constantine moved in, nomadic Homo sapiens had settled in Çatalhöyük on the Southern Anatolian plateau. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is thought to date back to 7000–6000 BCE. Çatalhöyük is home to the world’s first map, or more accurately, earliest landscape painting, depicting the settlement and mountain backdrop. 3. The Legendary City Homer’s epic poems of Ancient Greece, the Iliad and the Odyssey, both make reference to the legendary city of Troy. But Troy is more than myth: Troia as the Anatolian city we know today, is in fact one and the same city. It was built and destroyed so many times by various rulers that it leaves a variety of artefacts and ruins from many historic periods – from the Troy of Homer, to the Troy of the Roman poet Virgil and beyond. 4. A New Alphabet While Turkish was written in a form of Arabic script (rich in consonants and poor in vowels) for centuries, it didn’t represent the language of the common people. So reform was introduced in 1928, with the adoption of a Latin-based alphabet and an education and literacy drive. This article first appeared in <a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/destinations/Four-Fascinating-Facts-About-Turkey">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

International Travel

5 reasons why you need to visit Turkey

Want a holiday with history, relaxation and delicious food? You should consider Turkey. Here are five reasons why: 1. Turkish baths Turkey is home to more than 1500 thermal springs. The tradition of soaking in warm water for wellness dates back thousands of years. The most famous thermal town is <a href="http://www.pamukkale.net/">Pamukkale</a>. At Pamukkale, you can soak in stunning white limestone baths. The water here is high in calcium. Tree branches and stones left in the flowing water turn white in a short time. Locals believe the water has the power to cure high blood pressure, kidney stones, stroke, rheumatism, physical exhaustion and skin disease. No proof exists for these claims. They also believe the pools can make you beautiful. According to Turkish legend, an ugly unmarried young girl tried to take her own life at Pamukkale. She fell into a natural pool as she ran through the plateau. But she did not die. Instead, she turned into a beautiful woman. A passing Lord then happened to ride by, spotted her and fell in love. Even if that isn’t true - it is a stunning place to see. And who doesn’t love a good Turkish bath? 2. Istanbul Istanbul is one of the greatest cities in the world. It is the bridge between the east and the west. Istanbul offers a mix of Europe and Asia. It has French streets with cafes, wine houses and boutiques. But it also has an Asian side. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar claims to be the most visited tourist attraction in the world. Here you will find leather goods, spices, jewellery and sweets. The historical peninsula is where you will find most of Istanbul’s must-see buildings. If you have one day in Istanbul - this is the place to go. Walk through the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. If you have more time, take a cruise along the Bosporus Strait and dine out at a fresh seafood restaurant. 3. Turkish desserts Turkish delight, baklava, keşkül. Need we go on? Turkish sweets are delicious. And this is the place to indulge. 4. Gallipoli Of course, no trip to Turkey would be complete without a visit to Gallipoli. Tens of thousands of Australians died on the Gallipoli peninsula in World War One. The disastrous attempt to seize control of the Turkish Dardanelles would give birth to the Anzac Legend. On April 25 each year, an Australian service is held to remember the fallen soldiers. But you can take a tour of Gallipoli at any time of the year. If you go, we recommend reading the personal stories of the men who fought here. You can find a few on the <a href="https://www.awm.gov.au/learn/schools/resources/understanding-gallipoli">Australian War Memorial Website</a>. 5. Sail away Turkey offers a much cheaper way to see the Mediterranean. Cruises here take you to the stunning cities of Bodrum, Kas and Marmaris. Excursions cover the ancient sites and include lazy days on the beach. Expect stunning beaches, warm sunshine and plenty of history. Written by Alison Godfrey. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.mydiscoveries.com.au/stories/5-reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-turkey">mydiscoveries.com.au</a>.

International Travel

Shoppers find disturbing messages in clothes tags

Shoppers at a Zara store in Istanbul were deeply distressed after finding heartbreaking messages from exploited Turkish workers claiming they had not been paid for their labour. Workers from Bravo, an outsource manufacturer for Zara (and a number of other retailers), had been entering Zara shops and attaching tags to clothing, reading, “I made this item you are going to buy, but I didn’t get paid for it." The message also urges Zara shoppers to pressure the fashion giant into paying them. Bravo closed down overnight after the messages were discovered. Campaigners allege the company owes them three months’ worth of pay and severance allowance. Tell us in the comments below, have you ever found a strange message in an item of clothing?

Beauty & Style

A magic carpet ride to the heart of Turkey

Justine Tyerman is a New Zealand journalist, travel writer and sub-editor. Married for 36 years, she lives in rural surroundings near Gisborne on the East Coast of New Zealand with her husband Chris. In this piece, she discovers there are times when valour is definitely the better part of discretion in Selcuk, Turkey. The flying carpet men of Selçuk, near the ancient ruins of Ephesus off Turkey's Aegean coast, dazzled us as they made their exquisite works of art twirl and swirl and fly through the air, laying them out 10-deep on the display room floor. They were polished showmen, actors on stage in a carpet theatre, and they had performed their play a thousand times before. There was an undeniable degree of excitement as we watched the strong young Turks hoist the heavy carpet rolls on to their shoulders, and spin them effortlessly across the room like frisbees, landing with a soft thump and a whoosh of air. Earlier that day, we had watched young women creating these handmade masterpieces, seated at their looms, double knotting every minute strand. They were village girls whose training in the ancient art of carpet weaving was being sponsored by the government. It provided excellent part time work for women in the villages, our guide on the Ancient Kingdoms Classical Turkey tour Mehmet Kaplan told us. The art of carpet making was dying until about 20 years ago because people were moving to the cities and the young were not interested in learning the traditional arts and trades. “Everyone wants to go to university and be the boss these days,” Mehmet said. So the government instituted a training programme for artisans providing weaving courses, looms, materials and patterns to young women. “In a male-oriented society, weaving provides good employment for women in the villages. They can work from home, three or four hours a day, organising their time around the needs of their families,” Mehmet said. The carpets are exported free of charge, even as far as New Zealand, with all shipping costs paid for by the government in a smart move to rejuvenate the industry. <img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/35311/in-text-image_500x375.jpg" alt="In -text -image (3)"/> A young carpet weaver takes a break from her work at the loom. Image credit: Justine Tyerman The carpets made at the Galata Carpet Weavers’ Centre were cotton on a cotton base, silk on a silk base, wool on a cotton base, or wool on a wool base. The largest carpets, wool on wool, take two women about two years to complete. Those working on the silk carpets have to take a break every 20 minutes as the threads are so fine and the work so highly concentrated. Silk carpets have up to 484 knots per square centimetre and because they are double knotted, you can hold a heavy carpet by just a thread... if you are strong enough. Each silk worm produces about a kilometre of thread, an exceptionally-strong fibre used for making parachutes and sutures for eye surgery. It can even be used to cut marble, we’re told. We watched a young woman immerse the silk worm cocoons in a vat of hot water and use a brush to draw out the strands which are then draped over eyelets and wound on to spools by a foot-operated treadle. I could have spent hours watching the silk worm process and the sweet-faced, highly-skilled, modest young women at work at their looms. But it was time to move from the backroom to the action in the showroom. Trays of wine and raki appeared along with a warning from Mr Carpet, executive salesman Racai, that after two glasses of Turkey’s signature anise-flavoured alcohol “you will feel like a lion - invincible”. The raki obviously affects one’s judgement too because I instantly fell in love with a ridiculously-expensive, completely impractical pale green and pink silk-on-silk carpet. It was radically different from the other brightly-coloured carpets and you wouldn’t dream of putting it on a floor. I reclined on ‘my’ carpet, stroking the cool surface, as soft and smooth as a kitten’s coat, examining the perfect workmanship on the reverse side as we had been instructed to do, and studying the changing colours depending on the viewing angle. I pictured it hanging on a wall at home. One of the sharp-eyed salesmen spotted me purring over the carpet and skilfully manoeuvred me into a private room where he proceeded to display another 10 or so carpets of a similar colour and design. I explained there was no way I could afford any of the carpets, so he began to produce numerous less expensive, non-silk versions... but it was no use, I was smitten and only wanted that one carpet. When the charming Mustafa realised he was not going to succeed, he smiled, shook my hand, thanked me politely and returned me to the showroom past various rooms where many deals were being done. Buyers were signing the labels on the underside of their carpet to verify that was the one they had selected and they were wrapped up on the spot ready for shipping. As we drove away, our coach load of ‘Kiwaussies’ were talking animatedly about their purchases, showing each other photos on their iPads. I felt glum and left out but comforted myself with the knowledge I had bought a gorgeous silk leather jacket and exquisite hand-painted pottery bowl the previous day. However, I’ll always regret being sensible and leaving my lovely carpet behind. Every now and then, especially when travelling on the other side of the world, valour is definitely the better part of discretion. Have you visited Turkey? Share your travel experience in the comments below. *Turkey’s silk carpets come from Kayseri in Cappadocia and Hereke in Istanbul. They start with a minimum of 8x8 double knots per square cm (64) and go up to 22x22 (484). Justine Tyerman travelled on a 10-day Ancient Kingdoms Classical Turkey tour, courtesy of <a href="http://%20www.innovativetravel.co.nz" target="_blank">Innovative Travel.</a> She flew <a href="http://www.emirates.com/nz/English/" target="_blank">Emirates</a> to Istanbul.

International Travel

BREAKING: Istanbul airport rocked by explosions

Three explosions have left Turkey’s largest international airport in chaos, with Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirim confirming that at least 36 people are dead. Witnesses reported gunshots and the sound of explosions, with the city’s governor attributing the attack to three suicide bombers. Officials believe that close to 150 people were also wounded in the attacks. While the “vast majority” of victims are believed to be Turkish nationals, officials have also stated that there are foreigners among the casualties. Istanbul Ataturk is Turkey’s largest airport and a major transport hub for international tourists. In a statement Turkey's Prime Minister said, "According to assessments so far, 36 people have lost their lives and there were also many wounded." Related links: <a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/06/senior-female-solo-travellers-on-the-rise/">Senior female solo travellers on the rise</a> <a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/06/10-of-the-best-travel-photos-from-2016-so-far/">10 of the best travel photos from 2016 so far</a> <a href="/travel/international-travel/2016/06/beautiful-european-cities-you-never-thought-to-visit/">15 beautiful European cities you never thought to visit</a>

News

Book a night in a Turkish cave

One of the best things about <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_auhomepage" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> is that it gives you the chance to travel like a local, rather than a tourist. This authentic, converted cave not only reflects the way the locals live, but is also set amongst a neighbourhood brimming with cultural experiences. Ortahisar is a quaint and peaceful nice village, with plenty of opportunity to specialise with residents. Walk amongst the historical houses and expansive valleys, visit two ancient castles, a museum and the local shops and market. The home itself is 80 square feet and is fully equipped with a scenic terrace overlooking the town. With a saloon, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and a scenic terrace, Anitya is the perfect way to experience both luxury and reality-the perfect balance. You won’t believe the kinds of five-star trimmings that have been added to this once average abode. Visit the full listing with all the information <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2953140?s=_8hM7UA6/?af=61160407&c=apac_au_over60_Turkish_Cave" target="_blank">here</a> and scroll through the gallery above to see the images. How would you spend a night in a Turkish town? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/05/eco-friendly-bali-cottage/">The eco-friendly Bali cottage that only costs $93 a night</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/06/stay-in-a-historical-italian-manor-with-airbnb/">Stay in a historical Italian manor with Airbnb</a> <a href="/travel/accommodation/2016/05/unconventional-airbnb-listings/">6 of the most unconventional homes on Airbnb</a>

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