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The world’s least visited countries revealed

The world’s least visited countries have been revealed for those who like their holidays to be well and truly off the grid. These 10 countries should be on the travel bucket lists of those who prefer to be away from everyone and everything, and who revel in a crowd-free getaway. According to the <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/least-visited-countries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations World Tourism Organisation</a> 2023 report, these ten countries welcome very few tourists for a range of logistic reasons. Some of these remote countries are lying in hard-to-reach corners of the globe, while others are just “too small to host vast numbers of tourists”. However, they're all worth the effort for a traveller after a certain kind of holiday, as they offer golden beaches, crystal clear waters and blissful isolation. The country that came in at number one, as the least visited country in the world, was the country of Tuvalu, which welcomes just 3,700 annual visitors. Tuvalu is located 1,000km north of Fiji in the west-central Pacific Ocean, just below the equator. The three coral islands and six atolls that make up the country have a total land mass of around 10 square miles, making it the fourth-smallest country in the world. Sadly, the future of Tuvalu is uncertain, as the small country is expected to be a victim of climate change, with rising sea levels putting the country and its residents in danger. Tuvalu is also tricky to reach, with no direct international flights, and only three flights a week running to the island from Fiji. Here is the full top 10 list of the least visited countries in the world. 10. Guinea-Bissau. Annual visitors: 52,000 9. Comoros. Annual visitors: 45,000 8. São Tomé and Príncipe. Annual visitors: 34,900 7. Solomon Islands. Annual visitors: 29,000 6. Montserrat. Annual visitors: 19,300 5. Micronesia. Annual visitors: 18,000 4. Kiribati. Annual visitors: 12,000 3. Niue. Annual visitors: 10,200 2. Marshall Islands. Annual visitors: 6,100 1. Tuvalu. Annual visitors: 3,700 Image credits: Getty Images / Shutterstock

International Travel

7 travel mistakes everyone should make at least once

Lose your daily itinerary plan For once, send the planner in you on vacation, too, and ditch your carefully planned itinerary. Don’t have your map? Lost your list of the top locations you wanted to see? Perfect. Wandering around aimlessly can be a great way to explore a city and see a little of everything. Don’t waste your time trying to locate your lost list or panicking about it. Instead, walk around, find a local pub, meet some friendly faces and experience the city as a resident might – not a tourist. Aside from the sheer adventure of it, you might end up seeing the city in a whole different way. Embarrass yourself Whether you’re trying to ask for directions in broken Spanish and end up saying something totally insane, or you accidentally walk into the wrong washroom, don’t worry too much about an embarrassing moment. Not only can something like that pull you straight out of your comfort zone and teach you not to sweat the small stuff, but you’ll never have to see most of these people again. And while your embarrassing blunder may not seem funny at the time, it will be when you recount the story for years to come. Get lost Though you should probably try this one out in a safe destination, along with a few companions, getting lost may not be the nightmare you think it is. If you’re looking for an authentic place to eat at a reasonable price, travel suggestions from your hotel map may not have the answer. Instead, look for a place on your own. Walk around and you just may fall into a quaint little place you would never have otherwise discovered. You can even strike up a conversation with a friendly local and get their take on the best restaurants in town. You may even get to know the roads better if you have to find your way back on your own. Visit a country where you're not fluent in the language Why you not challenge yourself by visiting a country where service in English isn’t guaranteed? You’ll want to pack a dictionary (or at the very least a phone loaded with the relevant apps) to help you with key phrases, but don’t fret if you can’t understand the menu word for word. This is a great way to force anyone stuck in a comfort zone rut to try new things, pick up (or even master) a new language, explore new places, and meet new people. You may be surprised by the friendships (and even romances) that can exist between two people who speak different languages. You may also find it to be a rather humbling experience. Lose your tour group Oops! You lost the group and your guide is nowhere in sight. Before you decide to head back to your hotel and give up for the day, try to venture off on your own and discover things a tour group wouldn’t ever see, like a very small, hidden away restaurant with the best pasta in town, or a quiet little park that, although isn’t a special landmark, is beautiful in its own right. Lose your luggage While this one is a little more dependent on the airline than it is on you, the key thing to remember is not to panic if your luggage is lost because it can actually be a good thing. You most likely overpacked anyway, and ditching your heavy suitcase can be a liberating experience. You now have nothing to carry around or keep track of, the opportunity to buy new clothing, and a funny story to tell. Just be sure to keep your passport and money on you so if your luggage is lost, it’s not a complete disaster. Let people know you're a tourist You might want to convince the cab driver you’re a local to avoid getting ripped off, but let’s face it: you’re not fooling anyone. Instead, embrace the tourist title and let people know you’re from out of town. You may be pleasantly surprised with how many locals will try to go out of their way to make your stay in their city an enjoyable one. Friendly locals may even offer you some insider tips on the best places to visit, shop or eat. Image credits: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/flightstravel-hints-tips/7-travel-mistakes-everyone-should-make-at-least-once" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Travel Tips

Flight attendant reveals cabin crew’s “least favourite” passenger

A former flight attendant has revealed the type of passenger that cabin crew hate the most. After working on planes for six years, Kat Kamalani knows a thing or two about how to deal with difficult passengers. And while most people may think it's the screaming babies that cause the most issues, Kat said it's actually the people who complain about the noise who prove the most troublesome. “I promise you, there's nothing that irritates us more as a flight attendant when people complain about a baby crying,” Kat said in her now-viral TikTok video. “DON'T even ask to be moved to a different seat, no one wants that baby to stop crying more than that parent.” “So if you're travelling, bring noise-cancelling headphones, or maybe ask the parent if they need help.” The short video has been viewed more than 1.4 million times, with thousands of people commenting in support. One mother recalled the time she was in the exact situation when her baby was crying on a flight and wrote, “I had a flight attendant tell me ‘let her cry, you won't see these people again anyways’. It helped me so much.” “Babies cry probably because height pressure causes them ear pains,” another TikTok user wrote. A current flight attendant also weighed in on the discussion, saying, “I am a flight attendant and I get really mad when passengers complain to me about the crying baby...like what do you want me to do?” Image credits: TikTok / Instagram

Travel Tips

Least popular baby names revealed

The least popular baby names for the year so far have been revealed and some of the names on the list might surprise you. With a focus on names from the UK, the study by Bella Baby looked at statistics from Baby Name UK as well as Google Trends to compile the results. Among the top most unpopular girl names was Angela, which has been in steep decline since the 1990s. It has been ranked way down in the 600s in terms of popularity. The name comes from the English and Italian form of the Greek word Angelos, meaning ‘messenger’ or ‘angel’. Other girls’ names that parents are avoiding include Kimberley, along with the name Alexa – a form of Alexandra. Others in the most unpopular names included Nicole, Ashley, Lorraine, Kristen and Suzanne. Meanwhile for the boys, one of the least popular was Kobe, which has several meanings, including ‘turtle’ in Swahili, ‘supplanter’ or ‘cunning’ in Hebrew, or ‘god’s door’ in Japan where it is also a place name. Also proving unpopular for boys was Jeffrey, Nigel and the names Ashton and Graham. Stuart, Chad, Gary and Bill have also joined the list for most unpopular boys names. Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Homelessness is common for teens leaving out-of-home-care. We need to extend care until they are at least 21

Young people transitioning from out-of-home care – whether it’s foster, kinship or residential care – are disadvantaged in many ways. Many have experienced abuse, neglect, family hardship or illness. They may feel long-term grief due to family separation. And while some enjoy stable placements with committed foster or kinship carers, others – particularly those in residential care, supervised by rostered staff – may experience instability as friends or support workers come and go. Most exit the out-of-home care system at 18, or younger, without ongoing support. Unfortunately, however, many such young people quickly encounter homelessness, unemployment and contact with the criminal justice system soon after leaving out-of-home care. Instead of leaving these people to fend for themselves at age 18 (or younger), we need a nationally consistent model of extended care that supports care leavers until age 21. A tough transition A 2021 study by <a href="https://create.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CREATE-Post-Care-Report-2021-LR.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the CREATE Foundation</a> (which represents young people who have experienced out-of-home care) found homelessness was common among people exiting the system. Almost 100 of the 325 sampled care leavers aged 18-25 experienced homelessness in the first year after their transition. Another <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> found: <blockquote> More than half the 1,848 Victorian care leavers in this study (using data from leavers during 2013 and 2014) accessed homelessness services in the four years after leaving care, while one in three had multiple homeless experiences. Participants with experiences of residential care and multiple foster care placements were more likely to experience housing disruptions. </blockquote> <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/child-protection/incomesupport-receipt-oohc/summary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Another national study</a> noted care leavers were three times as likely as other young Australians to have received social security payments. Of course, many care leavers <a href="http://createyourfuture.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Stein-M.-ResearchReview.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">do integrate effectively</a> into the social and economic mainstream. Some have difficult lives but still manage to cope, while others struggle to overcome adversity and social exclusion. In general, those who achieve successful transitions tend to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cfs.12473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leave care later</a> than 18 years of age and receive ongoing support well into their twenties from, for example <ul> <li> foster or kinship carers </li> <li> extended family members </li> <li> formal mentors or neighbours </li> <li> friends </li> <li> members of sporting, religious, cultural and other community groups. </li> </ul> These supportive relationships, which mirror the assistance that most of their non-care peers naturally access from their parents, provide the social capital needed to acquire housing, food, clothing, a driver’s licence and entry into sustainable education, employment and training. According to <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one young person</a> who remained with their foster family in Victoria beyond 18 years: <blockquote> I was in the same home for 11 years, they were like my parents so they didn’t kick me out or anything. It wasn’t like I was in their care; I was like a part of the family. </blockquote> Conversely, those who experience troubled transitions from out-of-home care may experience social isolation, emotional adversity and hardship. <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">One young person from Victoria</a> who was suddenly forced to leave care commented: <blockquote> I mean if you have a kid, you’re not going to kick him out as soon as they turn 16. You’re not going to, you know, tell your kid that ‘oh you have to find your own way to learn how to drive or anything’. You’re going to take them by the hand, you’re going to help them with each of these things. Even after your kid’s left, you’re still going to, you know, check up on them, you’re going to go there make sure they’re eating properly, cleaning the place properly. I had no idea how to clean anything. </blockquote> Young people who have harder transitions often include those in <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2019/12/13/1378567/from-care-to-custody-the-tragic-trajectory-of-crossover-kids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">youth justice custody</a> when they turn 18 years of age, some <a href="https://www.aracy.org.au/publications-resources/command/download_file/id/465/filename/ARACY_Showing_the_Light_FINAL_20220302.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">young parents</a>, those who have a major <a href="https://daneshyari.com/article/preview/346111.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cognitive disability</a> or <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/314424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poor mental health</a> and <a href="https://apo.org.au/node/307306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some Indigenous young people</a> who have been prevented from forming a connection with their culture, identity and community. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=398&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/459038/original/file-20220421-18-yi1uh7.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=501&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption>Those who experience troubled transitions from out-of-home care may experience social isolation, emotional adversity and hardship. Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> Extended care as an early intervention strategy The best way to boost the life chances of all care leavers is to introduce a nationally consistent model of extended out-of-home care from 18 to 21 years. This is the model advocated by the <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Home Stretch campaign</a> led by Anglicare Victoria. Evidence from evaluations of extended care programs in the <a href="https://www.chapinhall.org/research/calyouth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US</a> and <a href="https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/report/Evaluation_of_the_Staying_Put_18_Plus_Family_Placement_Programme_final_report/9580109" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK</a> confirms providing support until age 21 can improve outcomes for care leavers. As of April 2022, the Home Stretch model has informed the introduction of major extended care safety nets in <a href="https://www.celcis.org/application/files/5716/2263/3274/2021_Vol_20_No_1_Mendes_P_Extending_out-of-home_care_in_the_State_of_Victoria_Australia.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six out of Australia’s eight</a> states and territories. <ul> <li> <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/the-most-significant-reform-to-child-welfare-in-a-generation-victorian-government-leads-nation-in-announcing-universal-care-for-young-people-to-the-age-of-21" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victoria</a> and <a href="https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/2021-22/fact-sheets/communities.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Western Australia</a> offer support to young people leaving all forms of out-of-home care until age 21 </li> <li> <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/foster-care-payments-to-be-extended-until-age-21-by-new-sa-liberal-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Australia</a>, <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/first-state-government-extend-care-21-years-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tasmania</a> and the <a href="https://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs/children/child-and-youth-protection-services/a-step-up-for-our-kids/out-of-home-care-strategy-2015-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Australian Capital Territory</a> fund an allowance to foster and kinship carers only until age 21. South Australia has introduced a <a href="https://www.childprotection.sa.gov.au/news/dcp-news/young-people-leaving-residential-care-to-be-better-supported-with-next-steps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">trial program</a> for residential care leavers in February 2022 - but it is only funded for two years to support 20 young people </li> <li> <a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/community/caring-child/foster-kinship-care/information-for-carers/money-matters/carer-allowances" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queensland</a> offers the same assistance only until 19 years </li> <li> the <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/push-to-lift-nt-foster-care-age-to-21/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Northern Territory</a> has promised to legislate universal extended care soon </li> <li> <a href="https://thehomestretch.org.au/news/nsw-lags-nationally-on-caring-for-most-vulnerable-young-people-as-victoria-surges-ahead/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New South Wales</a> is the outlier in currently providing no form of extended care. </li> </ul> No state or territory allows young people living in residential care to remain in their existing homes beyond 18 years of age. Nor have any of them introduced <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/931987/Staying_Close_Break.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Staying Close</a> programs similar to those trialled in the UK, whereby residential care leavers are supported to live close to their former accommodation and maintain existing relationships with their former carers and support networks. The federal government, via the recently updated <a href="https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/programs-services/protecting-australias-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children</a>, should establish a nationally consistent model of extended care that would universally assist all care leavers until age 21.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/181167/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/phillip-mendes-101820" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phillip Mendes</a>, Professor, Director Social Inclusion and Social Policy Research Unit, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monash University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/homelessness-is-common-for-teens-leaving-out-of-home-care-we-need-to-extend-care-until-they-are-at-least-21-181167" target="_blank" rel="noopener">original article</a>. Image: Getty Images

Caring

(At least) five reasons you should wear gardening gloves

Gardening is a great way to relax, be one with nature and get your hands dirty. But lurking in that pleasant environment are some nasty bacteria and fungi, with the potential to cause you serious harm. So we need to be vigilant with gardening gloves and other protective wear. Soils contain all sorts of bacteria and fungi, most of which are beneficial and do helpful things like breaking down organic matter. But just as there are pathogenic bacteria that live on your body amid the useful ones, some microorganisms in soil can cause serious damage when given the opportunity to enter the body. This commonly happens through cuts, scrapes or splinters. Plants, animal manure, and compost are also sources of bacteria and fungi that can cause infections. <h2>1. Tetanus</h2> Traditionally, the most common and well-known infection is tetanus, caused by Clostridium tetani, which lives in soil and manure. Infections occur through contamination of cuts and scrapes caused by things in contact with the soil, such as garden tools or rose thorns. Fortunately, most people have been vaccinated against tetanus, which means even if you are infected, your body is able to fight back against the bacteria to prevent it becoming serious. Symptoms include weakness, stiffness and cramps, with the toxins released leading to muscular paralysis and difficulty chewing and swallowing – hence the common term for tetanus of lockjaw. <h2>2. Sepsis</h2> Bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Listeria monocytogenes are often present in gardens as a result of using cow, horse, chicken <a href="http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/urban_hort/Gardening-Infectious-Disease.PDF">or other animal manure</a>. Bacterial infections can lead to sepsis, where the bacteria enter the blood and rapidly grow, causing the body to respond with an inflammatory response that causes septic shock, organ failure, and, if not treated quickly enough, death. A <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/03/solicitor-dies-from-sepsis-five-days-after-injuring-her-hand-gar/">high-profile case recently occurred</a> in England, where a 43-year-old solicitor and mother of two died five days after scratching her hand while gardening. This hits close to home, as a number of years ago my mother spent ten days in intensive care recovering from severe sepsis, believed to be caused by a splinter from the garden. <h2>3. Legionellosis</h2> Standing pools of water may hold Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria causing Legionnaires’ disease, more commonly known to be associated with outbreaks from contaminated air conditioning systems in buildings. Related bacteria, Legionella longbeachae, are found in soil and compost. In 2016 there were <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/77013947/8-dangers-lurking-in-your-garden-that-you-might-not-know-about">29 confirmed cases of legionellosis in New Zealand</a>, including a Wellington man who picked up the bug <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/76915471/potting-mix-nearly-kills-wellington-man">from handling potting mix</a>. Another ten cases were reported in Wellington in 2017, again associated with potting soil. In New Zealand and Australia, Legionella longbeachae from potting mix accounts for approximately <a href="http://hcinfo.com/about/outbreaks/recent/">half of reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease</a>. There were <a href="http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/cda-cdi4001e8.htm">around 400 total cases</a> of Legionellosis in Australia in 2014. The bacteria is usually inhaled, so wearing a dust mask when handling potting soil and dampening the soil to prevent dust are recommended. <h2>4. Melioidosis</h2> An additional concern for residents of northern Australia is an infection called melioidosis. These bacteria (Burkholderia pseudomallei) live in the soil but end up on the surface and in puddles after rain, entering the body through cuts or grazes, and sometimes through inhalation or drinking groundwater. Infection causes a range of symptoms, such as cough and difficulty breathing, fever or sporadic fever, confusion, headache, and weight loss, with up to 21 days before these develop. In 2012, there were <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/warning-as-three-die-from-soil-disease/news-story/293f88df25be1ed673d8eea5c443e4dc?sv=d2b413f169f14cdab32b7c5257c75ced">over 50 cases in the Northern Territory</a>leading to three deaths, with <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-12/melioidosis-season-darwin-man-flees-deadly-dirt-disease/6846404">another case receiving publicity in 2015</a>. Preventative measures include wearing waterproof boots when walking in mud or puddles, gloves when handling muddy items, and, if you have a weakened immune system, avoiding being outdoors during heavy rain. <h2>5. Rose gardener’s disease</h2> A relatively rare infection is sporotrichosis, “rose gardener’s disease”, caused by a fungus (Sporothrix) that lives in soil and plant matter such as rose bushes and hay. Again, infections through skin cuts are most common, but inhalation can also occur. Skin infection leads to a small bump up to 12 weeks later, which grows bigger and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/sporotrichosis/index.html">may develop into an open sore</a>. An outbreak of ten cases was <a href="http://outbreaknewstoday.com/australia-sporotrichosis-outbreak-reported-in-the-northern-territory-41184/">reported in the Northern Territory in 2014</a>. Aspergillus, usually Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans are other fungi that can cause lung infections when inhaled, usually in people with <a href="http://www.livingthecountrylife.com/gardening/fungal-infection-garden-work/">weakened immune systems</a>. Gardening activities such as turning over moist compost can release spores into the air. Of course, there are plenty of other dangers in the garden that shouldn’t be ignored, ranging from poisonous spiders, snakes and stinging insects, to hazardous pesticides and fungicides, poisonous plants, and physical injuries from strains, over-exertion, sunburn, allergies, or sharp gardening tools. So enjoy your time in the garden, but wear gloves and shoes, and a dust mask if handling potting soil or compost. And be aware if you do get a cut or scrape then end up with signs of infection, don’t delay seeing your doctor, and make sure you let them know what you’ve been doing. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/at-least-five-reasons-you-should-wear-gardening-gloves-89451" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Home & Garden

Least popular Australian baby names in 2021

A new study by McCrindle Research has shown the least popular baby names in Australia for 2021. Names like Remi, Harlow, Hallie, Maeve, Adeline, Molly, Maggie, Delilah, Eliza and Isabel have entered the Top 100 girls’ list. However, other names like Riley, Alexis, Victoria, Madison, Lilly, Chelsea, Indiana and Thea have been kicked out. “Heidi was ranked 78 in 2020 and to see it drop out completely was really interesting,” Ashley Fell, social researcher of Australia’s Top Baby Names 2021 report, told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/babies/the-15-least-popular-australian-baby-names-in-2021/news-story/385b7ddd80f2021cf849fadd80ea218c" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. Other classic names like Heidi and Victoria have also been removed from the top 100. “Heidi has been a consistent name ranked in the 90s over the last decade but has since left in 2021. It shows Aussies are over it,” she told news.com.au. “Victoria is a bit more of a traditional royal name, but we’ve seen the next generation of royals influence Gen Y parents today (Charlotte, being the top name) and other names like George, Harry and Louis pretty popular in the boys’ list, showing the impact of the next generation of royals.” It appears that the new list of baby names are being replaced with more creative names. “Parents don’t want their child to be among 10 Heidis in a class and that’s one of the reasons we’re seeing such greater variety with new names entering the list," she explained. Boys names weren't forgotten in the research either, with Leonardo, River, Luka, Lewis and Lennox breaking into the Top 100. Unfortunately, this was at the expense of names like Tyler, Jake, Christina, Nate and Aaron. “While only five new boys’ names were added to the Top 100 list, twice as many girls’ names were added (10), and when we look at the most popular names that have emerged in the Top 100 over the last decade, there are three times as many girls’ names that have entered, than boys’ names,” she said.

Family & Pets

This is the Australian trip you should take at least once

If you love supporting Australian businesses then this <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.constellationjourneys.com.au/kimberley-coast-2021" target="_blank">12 day Kimberley Coast expedition cruise</a> aboard a privately chartered ship will be the trip of a lifetime. The appeal of the scenic beauty of this spectacular and remote part of Australia is undeniable. Add the unique experience of staying on the luxury vessel the Coral Adventurer, the opportunity to make friends with 100 or so like-minded travellers onboard and discovering the remote Kimberley region in Western Australia, and it is a hard combination to beat. If you have a bucket list of places you’d love to visit then the stunning Kimberley region must be on it. What better time to tick it off the list than travelling with and supporting two Australian companies – Constellation Journeys and Coral Expeditions. Crewed by Australians, the Coral Adventurer is a purpose-built expedition vessel. Satisfy your urge to explore and stay safe in this unpredictable era, without leaving Australia. There’s still time to make 2021 a year to remember for all the right reasons. This 12-day Australian adventure kicks off with a night staying at the Cable Beach Club in Broome with a welcome dinner on the 5th of September. Want to make it a longer trip? There’s the option of arriving earlier in Broome or staying for an extra few days in Darwin when the trip concludes there on the 16th of September. Apart from all the fun of socialising with new friends, the experience of discovering the Kimberley’s dazzling cascading waterfalls and finding yourself in the absolute silence of its secluded gorges, there is also all of the ease of exploring on board a small cruise. There’s always a doctor on board and quality, fresh food prepared with locally sourced ingredients served with all-inclusive beer, wine and soft drinks. This adventure is an opportunity to explore the remote Kimberley region in Western Australia and experience some of the most expansive and magnificent landscapes on Earth. The first day brings adventure exploring the Willie Creek Pearl Farm before boarding the Coral Adventurer. Get settled and unpack your favourite party outfit for the Captain’s Welcome cocktail party before your first dinner on board and enjoying freshly made cuisine. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.constellationjourneys.com.au/kimberley-coast-2021" target="_blank"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841248/dji_processed_0061.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/083392616e7248c78a4eefd5bf438478" /></a> The Coastal Adventurer Wake up on board and ready to hopefully spot pods of whales who will be preparing for the warmer southern months by migrating south as you cruise through the water surrounding The Lacepede island group, which is a Class A nature reserve. The next day it is time to explore The Horizontal Falls. These unique visions are a stunning natural beauty created when the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. You’ll learn exactly how this happens and then take in the dazzling Buccaneer Archipelago. These ancient rock formations are a fantastic opportunity for budding photographers to capture the stunning beauty of natural Australia. Then keep your camera out to capture photos of new friends with a spectacular view and to enjoy sunset drinks at Nares Point. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.constellationjourneys.com.au/kimberley-coast-2021" target="_blank"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841247/zodiac-in-horizontal-falls.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/404d2a3e776845c8882f304016813a49" /></a> Enjoy the natural beauty of Horizontal Falls <div id="primary" class="contentAreaLeft"> <div class="Maincontent"> <div> <div> <div> There’s still a whole week of fun ahead including seeing important sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries. Also, experience magical moments such as swimming in a freshwater swimming hole overlooking a waterfall. Nature fanatics will love seeing birds flying overhead, spotting turtles, native animals, white-bellied sea eagles or other birds of prey, mangrove crabs, other marine life, monsoon rainforests and even crocodiles. Spectacular views are only surpassed by the incredible experiences you’ll have when you explore this stunning part of Australia with ease. Savour the serenity of this ancient landscape while taking in remarkable visions such as the Jar Island Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries which are estimated to be around 15,000 years old and the well-preserved wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft. Of course, there’s also the awe-inspiring images of the magnificent King Cascade with its terraced waterfall and surrounding nature and the ochre red cliffs where the King George River ends will stay with you forever. There is limited availability to secure an Explorer Deck Balcony stateroom before the trip is sold out. Comfortably furnished with a junior king or twin bed and private balcony these 21.4 sqm rooms are a great choice for a once in a lifetime experience. This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.constellationjourneys.com.au/kimberley-coast-2021" target="_blank">Constellation Journeys.</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Domestic Travel

Man infects at least 32 people with coronavirus in 2.5 hours

A man unknowingly infected at least 32 people with coronavirus at a choir practice, a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6919e6.htm?s_cid=mm6919e6_e&deliveryName=USCDC_921-DM28169">new report by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a> found. The choir practice was held in Skagit Valley, Washington, on March 10 – three days before President Donald Trump declared national emergency over the COVID-19 outbreak. Out of the 122 members of the Skagit Valley Chorale, 61 attended the evening practice at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. One of those singers had cold-like symptoms starting on March 7 but only realised it was COVID-19 after a test later confirmed the diagnosis, according to the CDC study. The members avoided direct physical contact such as hugs and handshakes. “It seemed like a normal rehearsal, except that choirs are huggy places,” conductor Adam Burdick told the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-03-29/coronavirus-choir-outbreak">Los Angeles Times</a>. “We were making music and trying to keep a certain distance between each other.” The practice lasted 2.5 hours. Most members sat in their usual rehearsal seats. Once seated, they practiced singing for 40 minutes before splitting into two smaller groups for a 50-minute block. After a 15-minute break, during which some members shared cookies and oranges, they all reconvened for a final 45-minute practice session. “During the entire rehearsal, no one sneezed, no one coughed, no one there appeared to be sick in any way,” member Carolynn Comstock told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/01/us/washington-choir-practice-coronavirus-deaths/index.html">KIRO</a>. Within days, people began showing COVID-19 symptoms. In less than two weeks, 32 people tested positive for COVID-19 and another 20 were considered to have probable infections. Three were hospitalised, and two of them died. The CDC said people with symptoms should isolate or self-quarantine to prevent further spread of the disease. “The potential for superspreader events underscores the importance of physical distancing, including avoiding gathering in large groups, to control spread of COVID-19,” the agency said in the report.

Body

Serpent season: Woman discovers snake where she least expected it

A metre-long snake has been found taking shelter in the kitchen stove top of a northwest Adelaide home. The discovery was made after the Semaphore woman came back home a little after midday which is when she spotted the eastern brown snake make its way past her on the kitchen floor. She immediately rang a snake catcher who found the reptile coiled around wires in the kitchen stove. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.56748911465894px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7831505/1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/30bbb98bd30e42ed9e4527db0b95c162" /> According to experts, snake sightings will begin to increase as the weather warms up, with spring being the time the serpent’s mate. If you see a snake on your property or in your home, it is urged to contact a catcher immediately and not try to handle the removal yourself.

Family & Pets

10 hotspots in Asia you must visit at least once in your lifetime

Dreaming of an Asia escape? As the largest continent in terms of sheer size and population, as well as being just a short plane trip from Australia, Asia has quickly become one of the top travel destinations for Aussies. In fact, Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals that 6 out of 10 of the most popular travel destinations in 2017 were in Asia. To help you choose from the plethora of exotic destinations, we’ve teamed up with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Wendy Wu Tours</a>, Australia’s leading travel experts to Asia, to narrow the list to 10 Bucket List places you must visit at least once in your lifetime. 1. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/beijing/great-wall-of-china/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Great Wall of China</a> – China Walking the ancient Great Wall of China is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the highlight of any tour of China. Hailed as one the greatest manmade wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China stretches from the Gobi Desert in the west to the Bohai Sea in the east, and spans a staggering 8,850km. From the capital Beijing, there are many accessible sections of the wall, the most popular being the best-preserved at Badaling, where guests of all ability levels can walk easily along its length. Visit early, it can get busy, especially during high season. To see the mighty wall further off-the-beaten path, head to Mutianyu and Juyongguan for a less-crowded and quieter experience. Beyond, huge swathes of crumbling Great Wall zigzag across the countryside. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820065/great-wall-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e1093dcd71b2491aa80d16bd824f65a9" /> Wherever you decide to see the Great Wall, one thing that’s certain is that as soon you step foot on the Wall that began life more than 2,000 years ago, you’ll be blown away by its sheer immensity and historical significance. A must on every traveller’s bucket list, make sure you visit this unbelievable feat of mankind at least once in your life. 2. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/cambodia/siem-reap/angkor-wat/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Angkor Wat</a> – Cambodia The largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat was constructed in the 12th century BC for the Khmer Empire using sandstone rock from over 50km away. Discover the fascinating history of one of the largest hydraulic empires where farmlands, canals, villages and temples were connected by an enormous web of canals and irrigation systems. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820060/angkor-wat-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c3b555a54f8a46feb19c646e9d55cab9" /> You’ve likely seen countless images of the awe-inspiring temple, but as anyone who has visited Angkor Wat will attest, you just must see the incredible temple with your own eyes. Sunrise and sunset uncover the magnificent symmetry of the Temple complex, and a guide can uncover the history of this ancient civilisation. Only then will you be able to experience both the grand scale and the unique details and intricacies that make Angkor Wat one of the world’s greatest and most wondrous structures. 3. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/xian/terracotta-warriors/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+terracottawarriors" target="_blank">Terracotta Warriors</a> – China <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820069/terracotta-warriors-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/072c1e854fc04a19abfa4c7690affd7f" /> It’s hard to believe if it weren’t for a Chinese farmer fortuitously digging a well just north of Xian in 1974, the Terracotta Warriors might still be buried. But China’s best kept secret is definitely out – with the huge mausoleum now one of China's most popular sights. Ruling in the 3rd century BC, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered 700,000 workers to build a terracotta army to protect him in his afterlife. There’s thought to be 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which remained buried in pits. But there’s still plenty to marvel at and it’s only with a visit to the necropolis that you can truly appreciate the sheer scale of the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century and admire the thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with their own distinct stance, face and expressions. Full of superstition and mystique, it’s little wonder that the Terracotta Warriors is one of the most sought-after sights in the world. 4. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/india/agra/taj-mahal/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Taj Mahal</a> – India For thousands of years, the enchanting Taj Mahal has lured tourists to India like moths to a flame, making it one of the most visited attractions in Asia. Inspiring poets and artists from across the world, the Taj Mahal has been described as a “teardrop on the cheek of eternity” by poet Rudyard Kipling. And with good reason – it is simply breathtaking to behold and certainly lives up to all the hype. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820067/taj-mahal-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f114f4d78b8449c9affb72b86dd215fe" /> A monument to love, the immense mausoleum of white marble was built in 1631 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. Over 20,000 people worked on the building with specialists being brought in from Europe to produce the impeccable marble screens and decorations. It’s a striking image from a distance (as innumerable tourist photographs have shown) but it’s just as beautiful up close with its intricate carvings, semiprecious stones, and calligraphic verses from the Koran grace. A universally admired masterpiece, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Taj Mahal is a must. You need to see this iconic monument with your own eyes. 5. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/cherry-blossom-tours/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+cherry%20blossoms" target="_blank">Cherry Blossoms</a> – Japan Cherry blossom season is without a doubt the best time of year to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. From late March to mid-April, Japan’s famed sakura (cherry blossoms) blankets the country in a pastel splendour of pink and white blossoms and transforms both the city and countryside into a sweet-smelling bouquet. Attracting visitors from all around the globe, the cherry blossom is more than just a magnificent spectacle: the country’s national flower is a symbol for renewal and hope, and inextricably tied to Japan’s history, culture and identity. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820101/cherry-blossom-japan.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a4dcb61eb4f84219bc55ecce412b3b2e" /> Once the blossoms are in full bloom, it’s a time for celebration, and families and friends flock outdoors to appreciate the beauty of the fleeting phenomena. This tradition is so special and important that the Japanese even created a word “Hanami”, which translates to “looking at flower”, to mark the event. The blossoms typically bloom for two weeks every season and tours often book out up to 12 months in advance. With 28 cherry blossom departure dates across a range of tour styles, Wendy Wu Tours sends more Australians to see the Sakura than any other tour operator. 6. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/chengdu/giant-pandas/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+giantpandas" target="_blank">Giant Pandas</a> – China They’re one of the most-loved animals in the world, so it’s no surprise travellers trek from all over the world to see the iconic Giant Panda in their homeland, China. Once roaming the country freely, habitat destruction has endangered the species and there’s now less than 2,000 pandas living in the wild. However, there’s hope for these furry black and white bears, with numerous conservation projects in China slowly increasing their numbers – in fact, the Giant Panda was taken off the Endangered Species list in 2016! <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820064/giant-pandas-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/58b9d58fbebd4b3f954f6cb93be8b568" /> The best place to meet China’s famous residents is at recognised research facilities. The most highly renowned facility is the Chengdu Panda Research Base, a frontrunner in conservation efforts. With over 80 pandas in residence, you’ll spend hours watching adorable pandas munching on bamboo, sleeping and playing with their siblings across a vast, world-class landscape of rivers, lakes, bamboo forests and caves. March to May is breeding season and there’s even a chance to see the Giant Pandas “falling in love”. Viewing the Giant Pandas in the flesh is a must-see highlight for anyone visiting China. 7. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/japan/tokyo/mt-fuji/?utm_medium=native&utm_source=&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+cpy+mtfuji" target="_blank">Mt Fuji</a> – Japan With its near-perfect symmetrical conical shape that’s always snow-capped, Mt Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic images and holds a very special place in Japanese history and heritage. At a height of 3,776m, Mt Fuji can be seen from both Tokyo and Yokohama, and in 2013 was recognised for its physical and cultural contribution to Japanese society receiving UNESCO World Heritage status. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820066/mt-fuji-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/e166c6db203a4200891ed0676a7ed25e" /> An active volcano (last erupting in 1708) and Japan’s highest mountain, Mt Fuji is surrounded by national parks and beautiful lakes. Its rare natural beauty has been revered since ancient times and the sacred mountain holds a near mythical status in Japanese culture. Alternatively, you can enjoy the mountain up close from the Fuji Five Lake Region, located at the northern foot of the mountain. This region is rich with attractions and things to do and is a popular holiday spot for Japanese locals. Don’t forget to bathe in the world famous hot springs, an invigorating experience like no other! 8. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/china/tours/majestic-yangtze.htm?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Yangtze River</a> – China See China from a whole new perspective by cruising the majestic Yangtze River. At 6,300km, the Yangtze River is Asia’s largest river and has been the lifeline of China for millennia. Flowing east across the entire width of China, the mighty Yangtze River is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820070/yangtze-river-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/22042fe4b0ce4127a39d21f2299f5688" /> The highpoint of any cruise is the journey through the most fabled and famous region – the Three Gorges, a 200km stretch of river, which boasts incredible landscapes of misty mountains, immense gorges and sheer cliffs. From the narrow passes of the Qutang Gorge, to the mountainous vistas of Wu Gorge and the deep trenches of Xiling Gorge, each bend in the river offers a new breathtaking panorama. Witness the energetic determination of modern China via the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest Hydro Electric Power Station. A marvel of modern engineering the Three Gorges dam is said to generate up to 10 per cent of China’s required energy output. All you have to do is relax, admire and appreciate the history, heritage and continuity that defines the great Yangtze River. 9. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/sri-lanka/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=consumer&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Tea Plantations</a> – Sri Lanka Known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. Long overlooked by travellers, the island nation’s myriad of appeals has now firmly cemented Sri Lanka as the new must-visit destination. Since 2009 Sri Lanka has progressed at lightspeed with the addition of new infrastructure that makes it easier than ever for travellers to get around. A former British colony, Sri Lanka is known worldwide for its production of Ceylon Tea that was first brought here in the 1880s by the British. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820068/tea-plantation-sl-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6c945bb44d56475595c12c2ed9a86e9d" /> Make sure you plan a visit to a tea estate – the striking sight of never-ending lush green fields of tea bushes will simply awe you. Stroll through the verdant plains surrounding Nuwara Eliya, affectionately known as ‘Little England’, where British colonialists selected the cool climate to harvest tea and recreate life back home. Tour a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya and learn all about Sri Lanka’s 150-year-old tea industry, discover the process of tea making from fermenting to grading, and finally end with a delicious cuppa of freshly-plucked tea. Take a train through the lush, rolling, tea-lined hills, from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya. No stranger to accolades, the famous explorer Marco Polo christened Sri Lanka as the most beautiful island in the world! 10. <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/malaysia-borneo/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=consumer&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content+borneo" target="_blank">Orangutans</a> – Borneo Fall in love with the orange-haired, pot-bellied jungle residents of Borneo. We’re talking, of course, about the orangutan (which in Malay means “man of the jungle”). Sadly, these magnificent creatures, which share remarkably similar DNA to humans, are under threat from habitat destruction. Borneo is one of only two places (the other Sumatra in Indonesia) left in the world where orangutans live in the wild. <img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820061/borneo-020809.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/555f8ccda03840269e16030c6fc67956" /> No trip to Borneo would be complete without an encounter of some kind with the orangutan. Visit a respected rehabilitation centre, like Semmengoh Nature Reserve to get up close and personal with these remarkable animals. For over 20 years the wardens at Semmengoh have trained orphaned and rescued orangutans to survive in the wild. Home to over 28 orangutans, these glorious primates frequently stop by the park’s headquarters to feast on coconuts and bananas. Hour-long feeding sessions between the hours of 9am to 10 am and 3pm to 4pm are an unforgettable experience and one of the only ways to get up close to these colourful characters. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your 2019 trip to Asia now and tick off that bucket list! And if you’re not sure where to start, the easiest way to see all the best sights in Asia is on an escorted tour with Wendy Wu Tours. Check out their <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.wendywutours.com.au/early-bird/?utm_medium=advertising&utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=early+bird&utm_content=native+content" target="_blank">Early Bird Sale</a> to save up to $1800pp.

International Travel

How I discovered there are (at least) 14 different kinds of love

Tim Lomas is a lecturer in Positive Psychology at the University of East London. No emotion, surely, is as cherished and sought after as <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-love-heres-the-science-59281" target="_blank">love</a>. Yet on occasions such as Valentine’s day, we can often be misled into thinking that it consists solely in the swooning, star-crossed romance of falling deeply “in love”. But on reflection, love is far more complex. Indeed, arguably no word covers a wider range of feelings and experiences than love. So how can we ever define what love really is? In my new study, <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jtsb.12158/full" target="_blank">published in the Journal for the Theory of Social Analysis</a>, I’ve made a start by searching the world’s languages for words relating to love that don’t exist in English. Most of us use the word love fairly liberally. I use it for the deep ardour, care and respect I have for my wife. But I will also call upon it to describe the unshakeable bonds of kinship and history I share with my family, and the connections and allegiances I have with close friends. I’ll even use it in relation to our cheeky dog Daisy, the music of Tom Waits, Sunday morning lie ins and many other things. Clearly, whatever love is, it spans a great deal of emotional and experiential territory. Needless to say, I’m not the first to notice this. For instance, in the 1970s, the psychologist John Lee identified <a href="http://www.psychologycharts.com/six-love-styles.html" target="_blank">six different “styles”</a> of love. He did so by studying other languages, in particular the classical lexicons of Greek and Latin, which boast a wealth of precise words describing specific kinds of love. Lee identified three primary forms of love. “Eros” denotes passion and desire, “ludus” refers to flirtatious, playful affection, and “storgē” describes familial or companionate bonds of care. He then paired these primary forms to produce three secondary forms: ludus plus storgē creates “pragma”, a rational, sensible long-term accommodation. However, eros combined with ludus generates “mania”, signifying possessive, dependent, or troubled intimacies, while eros and storgē form the charitable, selfless compassion of “agápē”. This analysis seems like a good start, but an incomplete one. After all, it mostly just concerns romantic partnerships, and doesn’t account for many of the feelings that fall within the ambit of love. Untranslatable words I decided to expand on this work as part of a <a href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170126-the-untranslatable-emotions-you-never-knew-you-had" target="_blank">broader lexicographic project</a> to collect so-called “untranslatable” words that pertain to well-being, a work-in-progress which currently features nearly <a href="http://www.drtimlomas.com/lexicography" target="_blank">1,000 words</a>. Such words can reveal phenomena which have been overlooked or under-appreciated in one’s own culture, as I explore in two forthcoming books (<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happiness-Dictionary-Words-Around-Richer/dp/0349417199/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518101163&sr=1-1&keywords=happiness+dictionary+tim+lomas" target="_blank">a general interest exploration of key words</a>, and an <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Translating-Happiness-Cross-Cultural-Lexicon-Well-Being/dp/0262037483/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1518102092&sr=1-1&keywords=translating+happiness+tim+lomas" target="_blank">academic analysis of the lexicography</a>). In the case of love, then, untranslatable words help us understand the bountiful variety of emotions and bonds that are in English subsumed within the one word “love”. My enquiry yielded hundreds of words from around 50 languages (which of course leaves many languages still to be explored). I analysed these thematically, grouping the words into 14 distinct “flavours” of love. Some languages were particularly prolific in their lexical dexterity, especially Greek, which contributed the most words by far. As such, in a spirit of poetic consistency, I gave each flavour a relevant Greek label. I call these “flavours” to avoid implying that relationships can be exclusively pigeonholed as constituting just one form. A romantic partnership, say, might blend several flavours together, generating a unique “taste” which might subtly change over time. 14 flavours So, what are these flavours? The first three do not concern people at all. They refer to people’s fondness and passion for certain activities (meraki), places (chōros) and objects (eros). Note that this usage of eros reflects its deployment in classical Greece, where it was often used in the context of aesthetic appreciation rather than romance. Indeed, like love itself, all these words can be used in varied and changing ways. Each of these flavours is a “compound” of related terms from various languages. For instance, the connection to place denoted by chōros is reflected in concepts such as “turangawaewae”, “cynefin” and “querencia” – from Māori, Welsh and Spanish respectively – which all pertain in some way to the sentiment of having a “place to stand” on this Earth, somewhere secure that we can call home. When it comes to love between people, the first three are the non-romantic forms of care, affection and loyalty we extend towards family (storgē), friends (philia), and ourselves (philautia). Then, embracing romance, Lee’s notions of pragma, mania, and ludus are joined by the passionate desire of “epithymia”, and the star-crossed destiny of “anánkē”. Again, these labels all bring together related terms from diverse languages. For instance, the spirit of anánkē is found in terms like the Japanese “koi no yokan”, which roughly means “premonition of love”, capturing the feeling on first meeting someone that falling in love will be inevitable. And likewise the Chinese term “yuán fèn” can be interpreted as a binding force of irresistible destiny. Finally, there are three forms of selfless, “transcendent” love, in which one’s own needs and concerns are relatively diminished. These are the compassion of agápē, ephemeral sparks of “participatory consciousness”, such as when we are emotionally swept up within a group dynamic (koinonia), and the kind of reverential devotion that religious believers might hold towards a deity (sebomai). Clearly, there any many ways we can love and be loved. You and your life partner might well experience feelings of epithymia, pragma, or anánkē, but may also – or alternatively, instead – be blessed with moments of storgē, agápē and koinonia. Likewise, a deep friendship could similarly be suffused with some mixture of flavours such as pragma, storgē, agápē and anánkē, in which we feel a profound and fated bond of lifelong connection. Moreover, this list is merely preliminary, with other flavours potentially yet to be acknowledged. So hopefully we can be reassured that even if we are not romantically head-over-heels “in love” – in that archetypal Hollywood fashion – our lives may still be graced by love in some precious and uplifting way. Written by Tim Lomas. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation.</a><img width="1" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91509/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation"/>

Relationships

Andrew Denton’s least favourite celebrity guest on Enough Rope

Andrew Denton’s Enough Rope was an iconic show. Running from 2003 to 2008, this ABC program saw Denton get up close and personal with some of the world’s biggest stars. But that doesn’t mean every interview went to plan. Speaking with 97.3’s Bianca, Terry & Bob ahead of the premiere of his new Channel Seven program, Interview, with will hit our screens tonight, Denton has shared the identity of his least favourite guest on the famous program. “Maybe she was having a really bad day and it was via satellite, but she was so bad and so unpleasant actually that we never even put it to air,” Denton said before revealing the identity, “it was Goldie Hawn.” “I went to interview him and as the interview went on it got darker and darker and there was this clear self-hatred coming out, none of which I had had a clue about from all my research. “I remember driving away from that interview and saying to my producer, ‘I’m paid to do this for a living but I have no idea what just happened there.’ “I think we know why there was such self-hatred, but at the time who could have guessed?” The first episode of Interview will see Denton interview swimming sisters Cate and Bronte Campbell and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. Did you enjoy watching Enough Rope? Who was your favourite guest on the program? Hero image credit: Facebook / Mamamia

10 Australian restaurants you must visit at least once

Pull up a chair at the best restaurants in Australia. 1. Café Sydney, Sydney Eat your meal with a side of the best views in town. Café Sydney is an icon, perched right by Sydney Harbour and serving up fine-dining seafood. Expect to see Sydney’s movers and shakers at the tables beside you. 2. Attica, Melbourne The highest-placed Australian restaurant on the prestigious World’s 50 Best list came in at number 32 in 2017. Chef Ben Shewry’s uses local ingredients like sorrel and foraged seaweed to create innovative Australian-themed dishes in a small, sleek space. 3. Esquire, Brisbane Foodies, take a leap of faith at Esquire. The degustation menu could be 12 courses or 24 and the dish descriptions often don’t give anything away. Whatever it is, it’s sure to be memorable and the views over the Story Bridge are just as delicious. 4. Brae, Birregurra Coming in at number 44 on the World’s 50 Best list, Brae is one of the country’s best restaurants hidden away in rural Victoria. The multi-course degustation menu is a feast for the eyes and the palate. There’s even a new hotel on-site so you can have breakfast the next day. 5. The Source, Hobart There’s more than just art at Hobart’s famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). The Source restaurant is gorgeous in itself and you’ll be dazzled by the playful, daring, innovative French-inspired cuisine. Plus there’s lots of exceptional local wine on the list. 6. Petition Kitchen, Perth Named Western Australia’s best restaurant in last year’s annual hospitality awards, Petition Kitchen serves rustic, quirky and fun dishes, and has a commitment to local, seasonal produce. Pick a sunny spot by the window for Sunday brunch. 7. Appellation, Barossa Valley Another regional star, Appellation showcases the best fresh produce and wine from one of Australia’s most famous regions. The restaurant is part of The Louise hotel, meaning you can have that extra glass or two at dinner. 8. Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, Katherine It’s not exactly a restaurant, but this dinner cruise through the stunning Nitmilik Gorge should be on your bucket list. Dine on saltbush kangaroo and crocodile bisque as the sun sets behind the sheer gorge walls. Incredible. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RTerPDISdJg" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> 9. Aubergine, Canberra The only two-hatted restaurant in the nation’s capital, Aubergine offers a set four-course menu that crosses gourmet and geographical boundaries. Expect European, Asian or Central American influences across all the dishes, served in a moody, atmospheric dining room. 10. Vasse Felix, Margaret River The restaurant at award-winning winery Vasse Felix is one of the best in the region and the perfect place to settle in for a (really) long lunch. Local produce is prepared with an Asian/Australian twist and washed down with plenty of excellent vintages grown right on site. Have you been to any of these restaurants? Let us know in the comments.

International Travel

BREAKING: At least one person dead in Blue Mountains rockslide

At least one person has been killed and others have been seriously injured after a rockslide on a popular walking track at Wentworth Falls National Park in the Blue Mountains, in Sydney’s west. Emergency services were called to Falls Rd at 11.45am, bringing nine ambulances (including Special Operations Team paramedics), two NSW Ambulance & Toll Rescue Helicopters and a road medical team. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7265088/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (96)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Image credit: 9News. In addition to the deceased, two people are reportedly trapped (one with serious injuries) in the landslide, which caused the walking track to collapse. Three rescue helicopters are on their way to the scene along with NSW Police personnel. "One of the trapped men appears to be a 26-year-old," a spokesperson told The Australian. "We are in the process of setting up the winch now. It’s a very complex rescue operation and we have a chopper on the scene now." More to come.

News

4 unwanted thoughts every carer has at least once

Looking after a partner, family member or friend as a carer is a demanding, often unappreciated job. Many people who find themselves in a carer’s role do so without much support, meaning that they can find it hard to take time off for themselves. The thing to remember as a carer is that you are not alone. If you are having thoughts like the ones below, you are not a bad person. You are a human. Read through our list and see if you identify with any of these internal monologues. 1. When are they just going to die? Yes, let’s start with that doozy. Watching a loved one suffer through illness can be heartbreaking, and often we feel that death would release both of you from the pain. Wishing that they would ‘let go’ and die does not make you a terrible, morbid person. It’s very normal to think these thoughts. Finding someone to speak with, whether it’s a psychologist or a trusted friend, can really help reduce the stress that being a carer can bring. 2. Nobody appreciates what I do Many people under care don’t even realise that what you are doing is a selfless act of love. They can be caught up in mental health problems, or pain, and lash out at you or be cruel and bossy. The situation you’ve found yourself in has become one where you give and give without getting much back. In this situation it may be time to put your hand up and ask for some extra support so that you can have a well-earned break. This may be other family members stepping in to assist you, a formalised paid carer coming in to offer you a chance to take time off, or just a one off break for a few weeks to go on holiday or do something for yourself. 3. It breaks my heart to see them like this, I don’t know if I can keep going When you are caring for someone, it can be hard to see them in such a fragile state. Especially if you saw them strong and healthy in years past. Being a carer can take its toll on your mental and physical health, and it’s important to check-in with your own GP regularly. Carers are at risk of depression and burnout; so if you need to speak with someone about how you are feeling, don’t put it off. 4. All I do is give and give. What about my needs? Looking after elderly parents can feel like a strange role reversal, and this role often comes with a lot of baggage from past hurts. It can feel as though you are being belittled, or that you can’t do anything right, and the chance of getting a ‘thanks’ for your hard work is minimal. In this situation, if you feel that the carer role is too much for you, it may be time to seek some help on a permanent basis. You can’t keep going and risk your own health. If it feels like there is a problem there probably is, so reach out to carer support networks, other family members, and find suitable care for your loved one to help ease the load for yourself. Are you a carer who has had any thoughts like this? How did you cope? We would love to hear from you in the comments.

Caring

10 least “Aussie” places in Australia

From European architecture to Asian cuisine, these places are worlds apart from the Australia we know. It's amazing that some places that are iconically Australian can sometimes feel like they don't belong there at all. 1. Byron Bay, NSW As you sit at a pavement cafe on Jonson Street on a humid, sweltering evening, listening to the foreign accents, checking out the artsy hippie shops next door, watching barefooted tourists wandering past, there's a distinct feeling that you've suddenly been transported to Thailand. Byron Bay could easily be Koh Pha-Ngan, or Koh Phi-Phi. The people are the same. The fashion is the same. And that laidback holiday atmosphere can't be mistaken. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34808/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (152)"/> 2. Paronella Park, QLD Deep in the northern Queensland rainforest lies a very surprising slice of Spanish culture: Paronella Park, an Iberian-style castle built by Jose Paronella in the 1930s. Though it's little more than a ruin these days, tourists can still visit the estate at Mena Creek Falls and experience the unmistakable feeling that you're now in Spain as you wander the grand home and its gardens. 3. Springvale, VIC Those wanting to get a hit of Vietnamese or Chinese culture without leaving their own shores should head directly to Springvale, in Melbourne's south-east. About 69 per cent of Springvale's residents were born overseas, including 21 per cent from Vietnam, and that ethnicity is reflected in everything from the street signage to the smells of exotic, delicious food that waft through the air. 4. Thredbo, NSW As soon as snow starts falling anywhere in Australia, it's not difficult to imagine you must be somewhere else. This country doesn't really do snow, and it definitely doesn't do quaint little alpine villages. Except, of course, for Thredbo. Despite the telltale eucalypts that surround it, this Snowy Mountains ski town retains the feel of a European resort – a legacy that owes much to the Austrian ski bums who created it. 5. Queen Victoria Markets, VIC Stand in the middle of Melbourne's Queen Victoria Markets on a weekday morning and close your eyes – bang, you're in Europe. The shouts of vendors, the bustle of shoppers, the distant moving of machinery; all are reminiscent of a market in France, or Italy, or Germany. Stroll the seven hectares that this market takes up and you're sure to meet plenty of people who hail from those very places. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34809/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (153)"/> 6. Norfolk Island When even the locals are quick to label themselves Norfolk Islanders before admitting any connection to Australia, it's easy to believe you've departed the country. Norfolk is a world apart, not only in a geographic sense, but in the island's unique history, which runs all the way from the first Polynesian settlers to the European colonists and the Pitcairn Islanders. 7. New Norcia, WA Save for the mangled pronunciation – in Italy it's "Nor-chee-a"; in WA it's "nor-see-a" – this could easily be a chunk of Europe that's been dumped about an hour north of Perth. New Norcia is the only monastic town in Australia, a hub that began life as a Benedictine mission back in 1846. These days it's still notable for the Spanish-style architecture reflected in its numerous churches and colleges. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/34810/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (154)"/> 8. Bondi Beach, NSW It's amazing that somewhere so iconically Australian can sometimes feel like it doesn't belong here at all. It's not just the foreign languages or the accents you hear floating across the sea breeze in Bondi. The popularity of the beach makes it seem more European than Australian, crowded as it is with sun-worshippers as far as the eye can see. Most Australians are used to a little more space. 9. Darra, QLD Driving through the countryside around Darra, in south Brisbane, you do a double-take the first time you see all of the conical hats bobbing up and down in the fields. Is this Vietnam? It's not, but with 16 per cent of the population hailing from that south-east Asian country, bringing with them great restaurants, good coffee, and those conical straw hats, you could very easily believe that it is. 10. Hahndorf, SA Australia's oldest surviving German settlement still retains plenty of its Teutonic charm, particularly in the architecture of some of its oldest buildings, like the Hahndorf Inn. There are also plenty of restaurants serving pork knuckles and schnitzels, and of course where there's German heritage, there's great beer – here courtesy of local microbreweries Gulf and Grumpy's. Have you visited any of these locations? Written by Ben Groundwater. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>. Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Tailor your cover to your needs and save money by not paying for things you don’t need. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=content&utm_content=link1&utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a> For more information about Over60 Travel Insurance, call 1800 622 966.

International Travel

10 foods every traveller has to try (at least once)

One of the best parts about travelling is the incredible foods you get to try along the way. We’ve scoured the globe to bring you 10 of the tastiest. 1. Peking duck – China Synonymous with Chinese cuisine, Peking duck is a rich, flavoursome dish with garlicky sweet, crispy skin and plating up the dish is generally an event in and of itself! 2. Escargots – France Snails are eaten around the world from Morocco to Cambodia, but it’s France who does it the best serving these creepy crawlies in a garlic butter that’s simply divine. 3. Wiener schnitzel – Austria A thin veal cutlet, breaded and deep fried, Wiener schnitzel is a must if you find yourself in Austria and is generally accompanied by a side of potatoes or rice. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28238/image__498x245.jpg" alt="bitong" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 4. Biltong – South Africa If you’re a fan of beef jerky, you would probably like biltong just as much! Generally made with beef or game meats, biltong is salted, spiced, dried out and delicious. 5. Gallo pinto – Costa Rica In Costa Rica they don’t do breakfast by half measures. This traditional meal of rice and black beans, scrambled eggs and a small tortilla is some way to start the day. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28237/image__498x245.jpg" alt="masala dosa" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 6. Masala dosa – India India can seem like an assault on the senses (in the best possible way) and masala dosa features a thin pancake or crepe with a range of delicious fillings. 7. Cicchetti – Italy Sure, everyone knows about pizza and pasta, but if you’re ever in Venice try Cicchetti, a local speciality with small side dishes cooked to perfection and served together. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/28236/image__498x245.jpg" alt="pho" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> 8. Pho – Vietnam While you’ve probably tried pho here, the pho you will find in Vietnam is on another level with fragrant, long-simmered broth and tasty rice noodles. 9. Sushi – Japan It might cost you an arm and a leg, but you owe it to yourself (and your tastebuds for that matter) to try fresh sushi at one of Tokyo’s fine establishments. 10. Poutine – Canada On the other end of the spectrum (but just as delicious) is Quebecois classic poutine, a combination of French fries, cheese curds and gooey, brown gravy. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/08/magical-french-region-of-alsace/">France’s Alsace is like something from a fairy-tale</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/08/10-things-you-should-never-pay-for-on-holidays/">10 things you should never pay for on holidays</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2016/09/ways-to-avoid-the-most-common-travel-expenses/">6 ways to avoid the most common travel expenses</a>

International Travel

Kate and William “want at least three kids close in age”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are reportedly planning to expand their family sooner than expected as they want their children to grow up close in age. Kate and William welcomed Prince George in July 2013 and Princess Charlotte in May 2015, and according to friends, who told Vanity Fair, “They want at least three kids and for them to be close in age.” The Telegraph also reports that friends of the Duchess say Kate wants to have her third baby before she turns 35 years old, which is less than a year away. The royal couple have always wanted a large family, but hope to bring up their children away from the media spotlight. The family are based in their country estate Amner Hall and travel to their apartment at Kensington Palace for royal business in London. "It’s no secret that William doesn’t like the media intrusion into his life, and in the country he can escape,” a family friend told the publication. “The Queen and the Prince of Wales have given their blessing for William to live this life, and William is very grateful. It’s enabling him and Kate to raise their family in a way that’s as close to ordinary as they can get.” “William doesn’t want George and Charlotte going through some of the experiences he went through growing up. Everything he does regarding his family is very deliberate.” Do you think George and Charlotte will have another sibling soon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/05/princess-mary-makes-impassioned-appeal-for-gender-equality/" target="_self">Princess Mary makes impassioned appeal for gender equality</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/05/best-pictures-princess-mary-royal-wedding/">The best pictures from Princess Mary’s royal wedding</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/04/kate-and-williams-wedding-in-pictures/">Kate and William’s wedding in pictures</a>

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The world’s least visited countries revealed

7 travel mistakes everyone should make at least once