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Italian village offers $1 homes to Americans upset by US election results

<p>An Italian village in Sardinia, Italy is offering one-euro homes to Americans seeking a new start following the results of the 2024 U.S election that saw Donald Trump being re-elected as president. </p> <p>Ollolai has long been trying to persuade outsiders to move in to revive the community after decades of depopulation. </p> <p>Now, it's selling dilapidated houses for as little as one euro — just over a US dollar or $AU1.60 — to entice Americans to move abroad. </p> <p>Following the November 5 outcome, they have launched a website aimed at potential American expats, offering cheap homes in hopes that those disappointed by the result and seeking a fresh start will snap up one of their empty properties. </p> <p>"Are you worned (sic) out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?" the website read. </p> <p>"It's time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia."</p> <p>Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN that the website was specifically created to attract American voters in the wake of the presidential elections.</p> <p>The mayor loves the United States and is convinced Americans would be the best people to revive the community. </p> <p>"We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all," he said. </p> <p>"We can't of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card."</p> <p>The village is offering three tiers of accommodation: Free temporary homes to certain digital nomads, ($1.6) homes in need of renovations, and ready-to-occupy houses for prices up to $160,000.</p> <p>The mayor also set up a special team to guide interested buyers through every step of the process including finding contractors, builders and navigating required paperwork. </p> <p>"Of course, we can't specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he's the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country," Columbo added. </p> <p>"We have specifically created this website now to meet US post-elections relocation needs. The first edition of our digital nomad scheme which launched last year was already solely for Americans."</p> <p>Photos and plans of available empty properties will soon be uploaded to the website. </p> <p>The website has since received nearly 38,000 requests for information on houses, with most of them coming from the United States</p> <p>In the past century, Ollolai's population has shrunk from 2,250 to 1,300 with only a handful of babies born each year. </p> <p>Over the last few years, this has dropped 1,150 residents. </p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

Prince Philip's final phone call to King Charles revealed

<p>Prince Philip was known for his quick wit and sense of humour, and now his family have shared their favourite moments with him in the BBC documentary <em>Prince Philip: The Family Remembers</em>. </p> <p>In the documentary, King Charles revealed the cheeky remarks the Duke made in their final phone call just hours before his passing on April 9, 2021 at the age of 99. </p> <p>Charles recalled discussing the Duke's upcoming 100th birthday celebrations and having to raise his voice so his father could hear him better, saying: “We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there’s going to be a reception!” </p> <p>The Duke quipped: “Well, I’ve got to be alive for it, haven’t I?”</p> <p>King Charles fondly shared what he said to his father's cheeky remark, “I told him ‘I knew you’d say that!'”.</p> <p>In another part of the documentary, the monarch recalled the benefits of having young parents. </p> <p>“He was marvellous at arranging silly games. I mean, the fun of having obviously young parents was… there were lots of chasing around and mad things," he said.</p> <p>Prince William also shared some of his fond memories with his late grandfather, recalling the pranks they used to pull together, and one of them being squirting mustard all over the ceiling - much to the Queen’s annoyance.</p> <p> “He used to take the lid off [the tube] and put it in your hands … and then he’d squish your hands together to fire the mustard onto the ceiling," William said. </p> <p>“He used to get in a lot of trouble from my grandmother,” he added.</p> <p>William’s cousins, Princess Anne’s children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, also remembered the same prank. </p> <p>“He gets you to hold it in your hands and I can’t remember exactly what he says — but he ends up slamming your hands together… it goes all over the ceiling,” Zara said.</p> <p>Her brother Peter added: “I actually think the marks are still there.”</p> <p><em>Image: Canadian Press/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Family & Pets

The five best European Christmas markets

<p dir="ltr">A savvy traveller has shared her top five favourite Christmas markets in Europe, after visiting more than 100 festive markets. </p> <p dir="ltr">Originally from Texas, Helene Sula became enamoured with European festive traditions since moving to Heidelberg, Germany, in 2016. </p> <p dir="ltr">She told <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-13982839/100-Christmas-markets-favourite-five-Helene-Sula-Germany-France-UK-Austria.html">MailOnline Travel</a></em>, “Heidelberg was my first ever Christmas market and I was obsessed. I made it my mission to see as many as possible. The feeling was like being a kid at Christmas all over again. The magic felt real.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite her love for her local Christmas market, Helene shared the other four markets that have captured her heart, all while paying homage to the one that kicked off her love affair with Christmas festivities. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Cologne, Germany</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">According to Helene, the Christmas market in Cologne is not to be missed. </p> <p dir="ltr">The travel blogger said, “Cologne’s Christmas market near the cathedral is breathtaking. The towering Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral creates the perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The market is expansive, with plenty of food options - make sure to try the Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and mulled wine. It’s also great for families, with a skating rink and carousel.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Strasbourg, France</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The keen traveller said France always offers “authenticity” in their Christmas markets.</p> <p dir="ltr">Helene comments, “Known as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“The entire city is transformed into a festive wonderland, with stunning decorations, multiple market squares, and delicious local treats like tarte flambée and bredele cookies. The charm and authenticity of this market are unmatched.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Heidelberg, Germany</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Despite travelling all over the continent for Christmas festivities, Helene’s local market of Heidelberg is still one of her favourites. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Heidelberg holds a special place in my heart as it was the first Christmas market I visited after moving to Germany,” comments the traveller. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The market goes along the Hauptstrasse, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe! You'll wander through the beautiful historic old town, with the illuminated Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“The ice-skating rink and warm treats like bratwurst make this market feel intimate and magical. Also, get some fries!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Ribeauville, France</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">According to Helene, this historic market offers a step back in time to Christmas of years past.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said, “Ribeauville is a medieval-themed Christmas market, and it's one of the most unique I've ever visited.The town feels like it's straight out of a fairytale, with medieval music, costumes, and performances that transport you back in time.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“It's only open two weekends a year so you have to plan! I also recommend this as a family-friendly one, as it's great for kids!”</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Vienna, Austria</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The capital city of Austria is one of the largest in Europe, and is destined to impress anyone who attends. </p> <p dir="ltr">Helene explains, “Vienna’s Christmas markets are elegant and enchanting, with the market at Rathausplatz being my favourite. The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture combined with twinkling lights is truly magical.” </p> <p dir="ltr">“Try a Viennese sausage and a cup of punch, and enjoy ice skating at the nearby rink for a full festive experience.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Tourism hotspot in Italy attracts attention for selling strange souvenir

<p dir="ltr">Italy’s picturesque region of Lake Como has started selling a unique souvenir, making many people raise their eyebrows. </p> <p dir="ltr">The north Italian tourist hotspot has long been known for being the backdrop of many Hollywood films, while also hosting countless celebrity weddings, with many famous faces owning houses in the region. </p> <p dir="ltr">For those travelling to the stunning Lake Como and wanting to purchase a souvenir to remind them of their travels, you can now forgo the classic keyring or magnet for a more unique souvenir item.</p> <p dir="ltr">Communications company ItalyComunica says it has bottled the very air of Italy’s picturesque Lake Como and is selling these cans for €9.90 ($16 AUD) apiece.</p> <p dir="ltr">Each can is said to contain 400 millilitres of “100% authentic air” collected from Lake Como, with the website stating buyers can “Open it whenever you need a moment of escape, tranquillity, or simply beauty.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In an attempt to capitalise on the ever-growing visitor numbers, marketing specialist Davide Abagnale originally created the e-commerce site to sell dedicated Lake Como posters, before delving into the world of the unique souvenirs. </p> <p dir="ltr">His latest initiative of selling canned air aims to “create a souvenir that could be easily transported in a suitcase for tourists” and “something original, fun and even provocative.” </p> <p dir="ltr">Abagnale told <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/04/travel/lake-como-air-cans-on-sale-intl-scli/index.html">CNN</a></em>, “It’s not a product, it’s a tangible memory that you carry in your heart,” adding that once tourists are home and have opened the can, they can repurpose it as a souvenir pen holder or plant holder. </p> <p dir="ltr">Not everyone was first onboard with the idea, as Como mayor Alessandro Rapinese said it wouldn’t be his first idea for tourists, and would prefer they take home other souvenirs, like the silk scarves the area is known for.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a novel idea, but not for everyone,” he told <em>CNN</em>. “But as mayor of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, if someone wants to take some of their air home, that’s fine as long as they also take beautiful memories of this area.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: ItalyComunica/CNN/Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

Wimbledon champion calls out commentator's "disappointing" remarks

<p>Wimbledon tennis champion Barbora Krejcikova has called out a commentator for making "unprofessional" remarks about her live on-air. </p> <p>The Czech player was taking part in the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, which was broadcast on the Tennis Channel, when the comments were made by commentator Jon Wertheim.</p> <p>The 28-year-old player took to X to express her disappointment over the comments, writing, “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary."</p> <p>"This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in sports world. I’ve often chosen not to speak up, but I believe it’s time to address the need for respect and professionalism in sports media."</p> <p>“These moments distract from the true essence of sport and the dedication all athletes bring to the field."</p> <p>"I love tennis deeply, and I want to see it represented in a way that honours the commitment we make to compete at this level.”</p> <p>Wertheim responded to Krejcikova's posts, apologising for his comments and also explaining what happened. </p> <p>"During a Tennis Channel studio show on Friday, I made some deeply regrettable comments off-air," he said.</p> <p>"I acknowledge them. I apologise for them. I reached out immediately and apologised to the player.</p> <p>"What happened? I joined the show by Zoom. In rehearsal we were shown a graphic of a player who had just competed. It showed her at an angle that exaggerated her forehead."</p> <p>"A few moments later, I was told to frame up my Zoom. I looked at the low camera angle and joked that it made my forehead resemble the photo of the player in question."</p> <p>"Someone in the control room chimed in and I bantered back. Though this was a private rehearsal, this exchange inadvertently and without context made it to live air."</p> <p>"I realise I am not the victim here. It was neither professional nor charitable nor reflective of the person I strive to be. I am accountable. I own this. I am sorry."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

Readers response: What piece of travel memorabilia brings back the best memories for you?

<p>When we travel, many of us love to pick up a souvenir to remind us of our holidays and the destinations we loved. </p> <p>We asked our readers what piece of travel memorabilia brings back the best memories, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Jan Hall</strong> - Christmas Decorations! Then when I put my tree up it’s like a trip down memory lane, first one was 1973 from Singapore our first overseas holiday.</p> <p><strong>Debra Stone</strong> - A letter opener with a Paua shell on the handle. New Zealand wouldn't let us take it in our luggage, so we posted it home to ourselves!</p> <p><strong>Becky Murfet</strong> - In 1984 we went to Europe and I collected match boxes from different countries. Have them in a large glass bowl. Great to look at for memories sake.</p> <p><strong>Caron Castner</strong> - Stines from Germany.</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - A palm-sided wooden carved elephant from a side trip off my cruise from Singapore to Malaysia & Thailand and back to celebrate my 40th. It sits on my mantelpiece so to deliberately trigger good memories of a younger me.</p> <p><strong>Frank Nieuwenhuis</strong> - 2300 year old oil lamp bought in Israel.</p> <p><strong>Fay Russell</strong> - Turkish tea set. </p> <p><strong>Valma Blake</strong> - Of all the things I've bought on my travels, my favourite is my cat ornament collection that are decorated relative to the country or area I visited.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Prince William pops up in Robert Irwin's socials

<p>Prince William has made a surprise appearance on Robert Irwin's Instagram as the pair team up for an important award ceremony in South Africa. </p> <p>The Prince of Wales and the wildlife warrior posted a video from Cape Town as they take part in the annual Earthshot Prize Awards: an initiative founded by William, of which Irwin is an ambassador.</p> <p>“G’day, it’s Robert here, with, of course, Prince William,” Irwin began the video. “Lovely to see you. How are you enjoying South Africa so far?”</p> <p>“Good thanks, really good, having a lovely time so far, loving it,” the prince responded.</p> <p>“Robert, you’ve been a fantastic ambassador for us at the moment, so looking forward to the Prize on Wednesday – tune in!”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_C75lP9Wa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB_C75lP9Wa/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Irwin said that the event was “going to be amazing” before asking William, “We’re in South Africa, one of the most amazing countries and continents for wildlife – do you have a favourite African animal?”</p> <p>The future King pointed out it was a “really tough question”, adding, “My children ask me this regularly. I think it’s going to have to be the cheetah.”</p> <p>“Cheetahs, OK. Very cool. It’s chameleons for me, the unsung hero, I love them,” Irwin told him, before signing off the video, “Thanks so much for having me, for having us, Earthshot Week has been amazing so far and I cannot wait for tomorrow night … South Africa rules!”</p> <p>On the second day of Prince William's four-day tour of South Africa, he joined Irwin for a walk together towards Cape Town's Signal Hill, as the royal and the Aussie conservationist met with a variety of local park rangers and firefighters, with Irwin telling media afterwards that they had both “fallen in love with Cape Town”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em> </p>

International Travel

Baggage handler calls out crucial mistake at bag-drop

<p dir="ltr">A ramp agent for a major airline has revealed one crucial mistake that many people make when checking their luggage before they fly. </p> <p dir="ltr">Sharing all the details of the little-known trick on a lengthy Reddit thread, the baggage handler, who has years of experience working with American Airlines, noted an extra step that many people miss to ensure the safe arrival of their bags. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Your bag tag has three 'bingo' stickers with your itinerary on them. Take one off and stick it on your suitcase," the airline worker shared.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This way, even if the bag tag gets torn off at some point, we can still get it to its destination."</p> <p dir="ltr">The stickers look like small barcodes at the very end of the long luggage tag and can simply be pulled off and placed anywhere else on the suitcase.</p> <p dir="ltr">It can also be a good idea to keep one of these small tickets with you, whether on your boarding pass (in an area that doesn’t restrict important information), or simply on an old receipt. </p> <p dir="ltr">That way if your luggage unfortunately goes missing, you have the right barcode and number for your bags to be easily located, wherever they may be. </p> <p dir="ltr">Another thing the baggage handler mentions is the location of the luggage tag. </p> <p dir="ltr">While many signs indicate it should be placed around the side handle (if your case has one), the staff member suggests the top handle is better.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Having the tag on the top handle, which is the one that faces outward on the cart, makes it more likely for mistakes to be caught," he points out.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Tips

The most underrated Europe destinations to see in 2025

<p dir="ltr">When travellers usually decide to head to Europe on their next holiday, they tend to stick to the capital cities and major tourist attractions. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, there is a lot to be said for going off the beaten track and exploring hidden gems. </p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.timeout.com/europe/travel/most-underrated-travel-destinations-europe">Time Out</a> has made your next European getaway even easier, compiling a list of the 21 most underrated destinations to put on your 2025 travel bucket list. </p> <p dir="ltr">The influential guide shared their arguments for exploring the lesser known corners of Europe, writing, “This summer saw a series of anti-tourism demonstrations in European hotspots, as locals reached breaking point with years of overtourism; Amsterdam is cracking down on new hotels, Venice is set to double its tourist tax in 2025.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“So there's never been a better time to think outside the box for your travels – especially when so many incredible European spots are getting overlooked.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“These destinations have got everything you want from your next holiday, with the added bonus of far fewer people jostling to see the same attractions.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Coming in at number one on the list is the hidden gem of Ulcinj in Montenegro, which is located at the southern tip of the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the Time out guide, Ulcinj “provides a different vibe to the more celebrated spots up north. Ulcinj’s Old Town is arguably the most dramatically situated in the country, and its beaches provide excitement and serenity in equal measure.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the entire list of 21 underrated European destinations below. </p> <p dir="ltr">21. Ponza, Italy</p> <p dir="ltr">20. Pamukkale, Turkey</p> <p dir="ltr">19. Isles of Scilly, UK</p> <p dir="ltr">18. Landes, France</p> <p dir="ltr">17. Dordrecht, Netherlands</p> <p dir="ltr">16. Imotski Lakes, Croatia</p> <p dir="ltr">15. Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina</p> <p dir="ltr">14. Vilnius, Lithuania</p> <p dir="ltr">13. Faroe Islands</p> <p dir="ltr">12. Extremadura, Spain</p> <p dir="ltr">11. Tartu, Estonia</p> <p dir="ltr">10. Emilia-Romagna, Italy</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Cluj-Napoca, Romania</p> <p dir="ltr">8. Bergen, Norway</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Levi, Finnish Lapland</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Plovdiv, Bulgaria</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Gozo, Malta</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Gerês, Portugal</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Aarhus, Denmark</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1. Ulcinj, Montenegro</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

International Travel

How one elderly couple made their big move to Italy

<p>US couple Tony Smarrelli, 74, and his wife, Francine, 75, were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy when they decided to move to Italy for good. </p> <p>The Smarrelli's, who are retired elementary teachers from New York and both of Italian descent relocated to the picturesque coastal town of Scalea in southern Italy. </p> <p>“We were in St Mark’s Square (in Venice) when a quartet started playing (classic Italian song) Malafemmina,” Tony recalled the day they decided to make the big move. </p> <p>“It brought tears to my eyes, because my father would put on his Italian records every Sunday for dinner and would sing that song to my mother.”</p> <p>Looking to reconnect with their Italian roots, they purchased a 139 metre property with three bedrooms, a dining room and a walk-in-closet for for €150,000 ($A247,754) in November 2023.</p> <p>“We flew to Italy for the second time in 2023 and put an offer in for that home. We then secured our visas in the US in three hours, sold our home (in the US), packed up our belongings and flew back to Italy in December 2023,” Tony said.</p> <p>While their home in the peaceful coastal time was already livable when they bought it, the couple chose to renovate it, spending an extra €80,000 (about $A132,086) to retile the property, add a new plumbing and electric system, as well as two new bathrooms, an entire kitchen, doors, windows and screens.</p> <p>The property was renovated within four-months, and they said that a similar home in the US would have been nearly impossible for them to afford. </p> <p>“It would be easily $US1 ($A1.5) million to $2 million to live on a coast of South California or (a place with) any coastal views on the Eastern Seaboard,” Tony said. </p> <p>Tony's father and grandfather initially immigrated to the US in 1983 to make a better life for themselves, now 86 years later, Tony has returned to his homeland. </p> <p>“Some of my best friends said it takes a lot of guts to pick up and move to another country at 74 years of age.</p> <p>“I tell them it took guts for my father and grandfather to come to another country on a boat for eight weeks with no home, no work, very little money, no resources to make a better life for themselves,” Tony said.</p> <p>“In our modern world, it’s just a lifestyle change and for us, it was a good choice.”</p> <p>The couple said since their big move, they've cut back nearly y $3000 ($A4574) per month on expenses, which amounts to $36,000 ($A54,894) a year. </p> <p>The couple now spends about $1200 ($A1825) a month between the two of them.</p> <p>Back in the US, the couple's mortgage alone was $US1500 per month ($A2281)</p> <p>“Monthly expenses in the US before leaving were between $US4800 to $US5000 a month. In all we are about $US3000 less monthly living here in Italy,” Tony said. </p> <p>Tony plans to apply for an Italian citizenship, and while his father was naturalised as an American citizen before he was born, he plans to rectify this by appealing to a local court. </p> <p><em>Images: CNN</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

Readers response: What’s the most interesting cultural experience you've had while travelling?

<p>When travelling abroad, we are often exposed to new and fascinating cultures that can open our eyes to different ways of life.</p> <p>We asked our readers to share the most interesting cultural experience they've had while travelling, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said.</p> <p><strong>Sandra Beckett</strong> - Staying overnight in a Ger in Mongolia miles from anywhere, listening to Throat singing accompanied by two traditionally dressed musicians playing Horsehead fiddles. Also, travelling across Russia by train, visiting the Galapagos islands, Skara Brae in the Orkneys, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.</p> <p><strong>Denise Ryan</strong> - Listening to glorious classical music played in Havana’s Plaza de la Catedral and attending a stunning performance of Swan Lake in the Grand Theatre of Havana.</p> <p><strong>Deedee Cullum</strong> - Visiting Ypres in Belgium and staying the night so we could see the evening ceremony at the Menin gate.</p> <p><strong>Alison Davenport</strong> - 50 years ago visiting a Fijian village made me realise everyone didn't live like I did. Have been amazed at all travel experiences since.</p> <p><strong>Glenn Turton</strong> - Staying in a farmhouse in Normandy for a week. Visiting D-Day beaches and Mont St Michel from there and local villages and markets on the days between. Back to the farmhouse each night to cook local produce and sit by an open fire.</p> <p><strong>Karen Psaila</strong> - Sitting in a small ally sipping black sweet tea in Egypt looking at the pyramids and sphinx whilst camels are strolling by. Amazing.</p> <p><strong>Patricia Watson</strong> - Darwin. Spending a day with First Nation Women and Children in the bush and learning about food that grows and is edible in that area.</p> <p><strong>James Langabeer</strong> - This are my three top three most interesting cultural experiences.</p> <p>1. Japan's Tea Ceremony: Attending a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, Japan, where I learned about the intricate rituals and Zen Buddhism's influence.</p> <p>2. Indian Holi Festival: Celebrating Holi, the Festival of Colors, in Mumbai, India, surrounded by vibrant colors, music, and joyful locals.</p> <p>3. Moroccan Hammam: Experiencing a traditional Moroccan bathhouse (hammam) in Marrakech, where I discovered local customs and relaxation techniques.</p> <p><strong>Margaret Mason</strong> - Staying for a couple of days in a small, traditional village in China.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

The best budget-friendly travel destinations for 2025

<p dir="ltr">As many people continue to battle with the cost-of-living crisis, eager travellers are looking for a way to pinch their pennies on their next trip. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily, there are many destinations that are ideal for travellers on a budget. </p> <p dir="ltr">Travel app <a href="https://www.skyscanner.com.au/travel-trends/best-value">Skyscanner</a> has rounded up the ten best budget friendly places to go next year, with travel expert Jarrod Kris saying it's best to go off the beaten track for the best travel deals. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Aussies have experienced different ways of enjoying travelling over time, but one thing that remains consistent is the desire to find new destinations and to land a good bargain," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">He also said Aussies are getting more adventurous, adding, "We are certainly going beyond the obvious tourist destinations in search of a perfect spot to create memories."</p> <p dir="ltr">In terms of what makes a destination budget friendly, things like exchange rates, cost of visa, cost of tourist attractions and the overall costs of day-to-day living are taken into account, as well as the ever-changing airfares. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the top ten list of budget-friendly destinations below. </p> <p dir="ltr">10. Reykjavik, Iceland</p> <p dir="ltr">9. Bogota, Colombia </p> <p dir="ltr">8. Vientiane, Laos</p> <p dir="ltr">7. Chicago, USA</p> <p dir="ltr">6. Lyon, France</p> <p dir="ltr">5. Okinawa, Japan</p> <p dir="ltr">4. Budapest, Hungary</p> <p dir="ltr">3. Madrid, Spain</p> <p dir="ltr">2. Belfast, Northern Ireland</p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">1. Krabi, Thailand</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Jacinda Ardern receives Damehood at Windsor Castle

<p>Jacinda Ardern has been officially made a dame in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in London. </p> <p>The former New Zealand prime minister received one of the country's highest honours on Wednesday, The New Zealand Order of Merit, for her services to the state. </p> <p>She was appointed a Dame Grand Companion a few months after her shock resignation as prime minister in 2023, but only just formally received her damehood from Prince William at the investiture ceremony in London. </p> <p>Prince William and Princess Catherine posted a clip of the moment Ardern received her damehood in a social media post, where they called her a friend and extraordinary advocate. </p> <p>"It was a privilege to present you with this deserved award at Windsor today!" he wrote. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBMNQx0tPjp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBMNQx0tPjp/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Jacinda said she was honoured and humbled by her damehood. </p> <p>"I feel really humbled by the chance to be here with my family, and really I see it as an acknowledgement of them and of every person I worked with, and of every person who's supported me, and that includes a very large number of New Zealanders."</p> <p>The former New Zealand prime minister was in the UK for a meeting of the prince's Earthshot Prize, which she is a trustee first. </p> <p>She advocated for the movement behind the prize, saying: "About telling every single person out there that we don't have to wait, for this catastrophe to happen to us, that there are things we can do and that are being done."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

International Travel

2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year revealed

<p>The finalists of the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition have been revealed, with the talented photographers capturing the magic of the animal kingdom. </p> <p>The competition, run by the Natural History Museum, saw its largest number of entries yet, with 59,228 entries from 117 countries and territories.</p> <p>Shane Gross, a Canadian photojournalist, was the overall winner of Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his captivating image capturing the "magical underwater world of western toad tadpoles."</p> <p>Kathy Moran, Chair of the Jury and Editor said: "The jury was captivated by the mix of light, energy and connectivity between the environment and tadpoles. We were equally excited by the addition of a new species to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year archive."</p> <p>A few other winners included a photo of a "curious" leopard seal looking into the camera, a sleeping baby monkey, and a "wrestle" between an anaconda and caiman. </p> <p>Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said: "Wildlife Photographer of the Year's longevity is a testament to the vital importance and growing appreciation of our natural world."</p> <p>"We are delighted to feature such inspiring images in this year's portfolio - these are photographs that not only encourage further wildlife conservation efforts, but that spark the creation of real advocates for our planet on a global scale."</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Take a look at some of this year's best entries below.</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><em>Images: Wildlife Photographer of the Year</em></p>

International Travel

From cheeky thrill to grande dame – the Moulin Rouge celebrates 135 years of scandal and success

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/will-visconti-805914">Will Visconti</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p>When the Moulin Rouge first opened on October 6 1889, it drew audiences from across classes and countries.</p> <p>The Moulin offered an array of <em>fin-de-siècle</em> (end-of-the-century) entertainments to Paris locals and visitors. Located in <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/mont/hd_mont.htm">Montmartre</a>, its name, the “red windmill”, alluded to Montmartre’s history as a rural idyll. The neighbourhood was also associated with artistic bohemia, crime, and revolutionary spirit. This setting added a certain thrill for bourgeois audiences.</p> <p>From irreverent newcomer to a French institution, the Moulin Rouge has survived scandal, an inferno and found new ways to connect with audiences.</p> <h2>Red and electric</h2> <p>In 1889, the Moulin Rouge was not the only red landmark to open in Paris. The <a href="https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/history-and-culture/133-years-and-1083-feet#:%7E:text=The%20Tower%20would%20open%20to,Eiffel%20workshop%20in%20Levallois%2DPerret.">Eiffel Tower</a>, built as part of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/worlds-fair#ref1122093">Universal Exhibition</a> and originally painted red, had opened earlier that same year. What set them apart, however, was their popularity.</p> <p>The Moulin Rouge was an instant hit, capitalising on the global popularity of a dance called <a href="https://www.moulinrouge.fr/en/french-cancan-2/">the cancan</a>. Dancers like Moulin Rouge headliner <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portrait_de_la_danseuse_de_cancan_Louise_Weber_(1866-1929)_dite_la_Goulue_(%C3%A0_gauche)_et_de_Grille_d%27%C3%A9gout_(%C3%A0_droite),_da,_PH41845.jpg"><em>La Goulue</em> </a>(“The Glutton”, real name Louise Weber) were seen as more appropriate emblems for the city than the Tower, which many <a href="https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/130-years/artists-who-protested-eiffel-tower">considered an eyesore</a>.</p> <p>In an illustration from <em>Le Courrier Français</em> newspaper, a dancer modelled on a photograph of La Goulue holds her leg aloft, flashing her underwear with the caption “<a href="https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k1070090h/f1.image">Greetings to the provinces and abroad!</a>”.</p> <p>Every aspect of the Moulin spoke to the zeitgeist, from its design to the performances, the use of electric lights that adorned its façade, and its advertising.</p> <p>Its managers, the impresario team of <a href="https://www.moulinrouge.fr/en/the-great-periods/#:%7E:text=The%20masters%20of%20the%20place%20were%20Joseph%20Oller%20and%20Charles%20Zidler">Joseph Oller and Charles Harold Zidler</a>, had a string of successful venues and businesses to their names. They recognised the importance of modern marketing, using print media, publicity photographs, and <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cheret_Bal_au_moulin_rouge.jpg">posters</a> to spark public interest.</p> <p>Among the most iconic images of the Moulin is <a href="http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.339766">Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s 1891 poster</a>. At its centre is La Goulue, kicking her legs amid swirling petticoats.</p> <h2>She certainly can cancan</h2> <p>Found primarily in working-class dance halls from as early as the 1820s, the cancan became a staple of popular entertainment the world over.</p> <p>Part of the dance’s thrill lay in the dancers’ <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:La_Goulue_y_Valentin_le_D%C3%A9soss%C3%A9_bailando_en_el_Moulin_Rouge,_Th%C3%A9ophile_Steinlen.jpg">freedom of movement</a> and titillation of spectators, as well as its anti-establishment energy. Women used the cancan to thumb their nose at authority via steps like the <em>coup de cul</em> (“arse flash”) or <em>coup du chapeau</em> (removing men’s hats with a high kick).</p> <p>The cancan was not the only attraction at the Moulin. There were themed spaces, sideshows, and variety performances ranging from belly dancers and conjoined twins to <a href="https://www.weirdhistorian.com/le-petomane/">Le Pétomane</a> (“The Fartomaniac”) who was a flatulist and the highest-paid performer. People watching was equally popular.</p> <h2>Scandals, riots, and royalty</h2> <p>Over the years, the Moulin has been no stranger to controversy.</p> <p>In its early years, it cultivated an air of misbehaviour and featured in pleasure guides for visiting sex tourists.</p> <p>In 1893 it hosted the <a href="https://read.dukeupress.edu/french-historical-studies/article-abstract/33/1/69/9638/The-Art-of-Posing-Nude-Models-Moralists-and-the?redirectedFrom=PDF">Bal des Quat’z’Arts</a> (Four-Arts Ball) held by students from local studios. Accusations of public indecency were made against the models and dancers in attendance, and violent protests followed after the women were arrested.</p> <p>In 1907 the writer Colette appeared onstage at the Moulin in an Egyptian-inspired pantomime with her then-lover, <a href="https://daily.jstor.org/the-cross-dressing-superstar-of-the-belle-epoque/">Missy, the Marquise de Belbeuf</a>. When the act culminated in a passionate kiss, a riot broke out.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7N_dvUptKX8?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><figcaption><span class="caption">Historical footage shows the Moulin Rouge as it was.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Kicking on and on</h2> <p>Over time, the Moulin Rouge shows changed their format to keep pace with public taste, though the cancan remained. The venue hosted revues and operettas, and various stars including Edith Piaf, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli.</p> <p>Famous guests have included British royalty: from Edward VII (while Prince of Wales) to his great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, and her son, Prince Edward.</p> <p>Since its opening, the Moulin’s fortunes have waxed and waned.</p> <p>In 1915 the Moulin Rouge <a href="https://archive.nytimes.com/iht-retrospective.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/1915-fire-destroys-moulin-rouge/">burned down</a> but was rebuilt in 1921. Its famous windmill sails <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68895836">fell off overnight</a> earlier this year but were swiftly repaired.</p> <p>In the 1930s, it survived the Depression and rise of cinema (also <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0019186/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4">capturing the attention</a> of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025520/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3">several filmakers</a>). It also survived the <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/article/i-took-nazis-to-the-moulin-rouge-they-sent-me-to-auschwitz-s3lzxcwwn8q">Nazi occupation</a> of Paris in the 1940s.</p> <p>By the early 1960s, <a href="https://www.moulinrouge.fr/en/the-moulin-rouge/history/the-great-periods/#:%7E:text=Charles%20Trenet-,F%20FOR%20FORMIDABLE,-In%201962%2C%20Jacki">Jacki Clerico</a> was managing the Moulin’s show after his father had revamped the venue as a dinner theatre destination. The younger Clérico oversaw additions like a giant aquarium where dancers swam with snakes, and its now-famous “nude line” – a chorus of topless dancers – in its shows.</p> <p>In 1963, the Moulin Rouge struck upon a winning formula: revues, all named by Clérico with titles beginning with the letter “F” – from <em>Frou Frou</em> to <em>Fantastique</em> and <em>Formidable</em>. Since 1999, the revue <em>Féerie</em> (“Fairy”, also a <a href="https://dspace.library.uu.nl/bitstream/handle/1874/383977/Feeries.pdf?sequence=1">French genre</a> of stage extravaganza) has been performed almost without interruption.</p> <p>Ticket sales were boosted thanks to Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203009/">Moulin Rouge!</a> and more recently <a href="https://moulinrougemusical.com/new-york/home/">Moulin Rouge! The Musical</a>.</p> <p>Since COVID, the Moulin Rouge management have diversified. The windmill’s interior has been <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/the-iconic-moulin-rouge-windmill-reveals-a-secret-room-for-an-overnight-stay-with-airbnb/">rented out via AirBnB</a> and the Moulin’s <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/moulin-rouge-yes-we-can-can">dance troupe</a> has performed on France’s televised New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year, the Moulin Rouge and its dancers were part of the <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@saskyacnn/video/7398138810984320288?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7384693687676749320">Paris Olympics celebrations</a>, dancing in heavy rain.</p> <p>Though people have come to appreciate the Eiffel Tower too, the Moulin Rouge can still argue its status as the pinnacle of live entertainment in the French capital: immediately recognisable, internationally visible, and quintessentially Parisian.<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/239849/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/will-visconti-805914">Will Visconti</a>, Teacher and researcher, Art History, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-cheeky-thrill-to-grande-dame-the-moulin-rouge-celebrates-135-years-of-scandal-and-success-239849">original article</a>.</em></p>

International Travel

Breathtaking winners of the 2024 Panoramic Photo Awards

<p>The finalists of the 2024 Epson International Pano Awards have been revealed, with the talented photographers capturing the wonders of nature in all its glory. </p> <p>The annual contest is the world's largest competition dedicated to panoramic photography. </p> <p>With over 4,500 entries from more than one thousand professional and amateur photographers across 95 countries worldwide, all of them have captured the beauty of our planet. </p> <p>But the overall winner is Kelvin Yuen, from Hong Kong, who captured "astounding" photographs from China to Patagonia, with a drone shot of a lightning strike above China's Guilin karst formations landing him the title of 2024 Open Photographer of the Year. </p> <p>"On the day I took this photo, I woke up at 3am and was supposed to hike up for the sunrise. However, a heavy thunderstorm struck out of nowhere, so I decided to shoot it" he said of his winning shot, pictured above. </p> <p>David Evans, competition curator has praised all the entries from the 15th year of the Pano Awards. </p> <p>"The quality of entries is astounding, and I am endlessly fascinated by the spectacular windows to the world presented by highly talented photographers far and wide," he said. </p> <p>A few other photos that caught the attention of the judges include dolphins playing in Western Australia, a sunrise over Japan's Mount Fuji, and Norway's Northern Lights. </p> <p>Take a look at some of this year's best entries below.</p> <p><em>Images: The 15th Epson International Pano Awards</em></p>

International Travel

King Charles gives woman "the surprise of her life" on 87th birthday

<p>King Charles has given a woman "the surprise of her life" for her 87th birthday. </p> <p>Alice Ryce was visiting Dumfries House for her special day, when she bumped into the monarch who was walking around the grounds. </p> <p>The sweet interaction happened last week, but was only just shared to social media on Tuesday, and showed the birthday girl chatting with His Majesty. </p> <p>"Whilst enjoying a visit to the estate, which is open to the public, Alice unexpectedly met His Majesty, who was delighted to share in her special day," the caption in the video read. </p> <p>"The King was in Ayrshire to support the work of The King's Foundation, headquartered at Dumfries House. Happy birthday, Alice!"</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAQ8jRSIPFi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAQ8jRSIPFi/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dumfries House (@dumfrieshouse)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>King Charles was wearing a light coloured suit and surrounded by minimal staff and security. He also wore a pair of sunglasses and carried an outdoor walking stick. </p> <p>While it's not uncommon for those celebrating their 100th birthday to get a birthday message from the King, it's very rare for anyone else to receive a birthday message from the monarch, let alone chat with him. </p> <p>Just hours after the clip was posted it gained over 30,000 likes with hundreds of comments, many of them sending their birthday wishes to Alice.</p> <p>"How wonderful!! The King always seems so approachable and such a generous person, so glad to see him looking fit and healthy. And what a wonderful surprise for Alice on her birthday, one she’ll never forget! Happy Birthday Alice and God Save The King!!" one wrote. </p> <p>"Awe she must have been so happy to see you King Charles. What a lucky day for both of you," another added. </p> <p>"What a lovely surprise for Alice," a third wrote. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

200-year-old message in a bottle unearthed

<p>In a discovery that has the archaeology world buzzing (and possibly rolling its ancient eyes), a team of student volunteers in northern France has unearthed something rather unexpected during their dig at a Gaulish village.</p> <p>While they were hoping for the usual – ancient pottery shards, perhaps a coin or two – they instead stumbled upon what can only be described as the 19th-century equivalent of a DM in a bottle.</p> <p>The scene played out like a low-budget historical drama: volunteers painstakingly sifting through centuries-old dirt on the cliff-tops near Dieppe when, voilà! They found an earthenware pot containing a small glass vial, like something you might see in a vintage pharmacy, but with fewer essential oils and more existential surprises.</p> <p>Guillaume Blondel, the team leader and head of the archaeological service for the nearby town of Eu, was immediately intrigued. “It was the kind of vial that women used to wear around their necks containing smelling salts,” he explained, before casually dropping the bombshell: inside the vial was a note.</p> <p>Cue dramatic music.</p> <p>After what we can only assume was a long, suspenseful pause, Blondel and his team opened the note, which turned out to be written by none other than P.J. Féret, a 19th-century intellectual who clearly had a flair for both excavation and theatrics.</p> <p>The note, written with all the panache of a man who had just unearthed Caesar’s salad fork, read:</p> <p>"P.J. Féret, a native of Dieppe, member of various intellectual societies, carried out excavations here in January 1825. He continues his investigations in this vast area known as the Cité de Limes or Caesar’s Camp."</p> <p>Naturally, Blondel was floored. “It was an absolutely magic moment,” he said, no doubt imagining Féret winking at him from the beyond. “We knew there had been excavations here in the past, but to find this message from 200 years ago? It was a total surprise.”</p> <p>Local records confirm that P.J. Féret was indeed the real deal. He wasn’t just a dabbler in dirt – he was a notable dabbler in dirt who had conducted an earlier dig at the site in 1825.</p> <p>In a stroke of irony not lost on Blondel, he mused, “Most archaeologists prefer to think that there won’t be anyone coming after them because they’ve done all the work.” Féret, however, clearly believed in leaving a trail of breadcrumbs – or, in this case, a literal note in a bottle, just to remind future archaeologists that he got there first. Féret: 1, Modern Archaeology: 0.</p> <p>Of course, this whole affair raises some important questions: Did Féret expect someone to find this? Did he laugh to himself as he buried it, imagining Blondel’s reaction? Did Féret know how cliff erosion would eventually turn his humble Gaulish village into a treasure trove for future archaeologists? Or was he simply trolling them from the past?</p> <p>Whatever the case, Féret’s note may not have contained ancient secrets, but it certainly delivered some 19th-century sass. And if we’ve learned anything from this dig, it’s this: archaeology isn’t just about discovering the past – it’s also about being occasionally roasted by it.</p> <p>As Blondel and his team continue their emergency dig (which was ordered due to cliff erosion eating away at the site like a bad buffet), they’ve already uncovered a number of artefacts, mostly pottery, from around 2,000 years ago. But will any of <em>them</em> have the audacity to leave a note for the archaeologists of 2225?</p> <p>We’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, Féret is probably laughing somewhere in the afterlife, shaking his head and muttering, “Amateurs”.</p> <p><em>Images: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Guillaume Blondel / Facebook</span></em></p>

International Travel

"This is horrific": Queen icon calls out convincing scam

<p>Brian May has spoken out after becoming the target of a dangerous scam, urging people to be careful online. </p> <p>The guitarist of iconic rock band Queen was made aware of the scam by a fan, who sent him the TikTok of what seems to be May himself offering concert tickets at a discount. </p> <p>The video, which is actually AI-generated and has nothing to do with May or with Queen, shows the rockstar offering music fans the chance to see a concert from backstage. </p> <p>“I hope you’re all well out there,” says the fake Brian May in the video. “Some good news. Backstage tickets for my next show in your cities are now going for only $800, which were previously $2000. I’m only selecting 10 people in the comments, so if you’re ready to make payment, comment, ‘ready’.”</p> <p>May responded to the post publicly, sharing his horror and anger with fans over the “creepy” video, saying, “My God. This is horrific.”</p> <p>“I suppose this is now so easy to do – and there are always people who will sink to any depths to try to make a quick buck. Disgusting.”</p> <p>He continued, “Thanks for the alert dear (TikTok username) stereojazz. I’ve alerted our team and hopefully we can squash this.”</p> <p>Fans were quick to comment that they had almost been fooled by the convincing video. </p> <p>“That they abuse your beautiful personality for this scam hurts even more and is really scary. I hate it,” commented one. </p> <p>“It is insanely terrifying what AI can do these days,” wrote another.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Legal

The psychology of retirement: why do so many athletes struggle to call time?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-tillott-1462234">Sarah Tillott</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/diarmuid-hurley-1462235">Diarmuid Hurley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a></em></p> <p>Think back to when you met someone for the first time. One of the first questions you asked, or were asked, was likely: “what do you do for work?”</p> <p>It’s a polite, innocuous and socially ingrained way of getting to know more about a person. But it also demonstrates the central role of our professional lives as part of our personal identities.</p> <p>For professional athletes, their careers, exploits and recognition can become the defining aspect of their identity.</p> <p>So what happens when sporting careers end?</p> <p>The transition to retirement, across professions and countries, can be extremely tough to navigate.</p> <p>It can be especially difficult for elite sportspeople, who can experience retirement as a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029221001679?casa_token=L4g3UTN8T78AAAAA:VHqcgJN7jIpW82cp32TXq9gIcKFzD2jtf6Jc_OX-3fjpHVnowlp0p8fcqE01BVF3Qjx0bmiRz4T1">loss of identity</a>, connected to their sense of achievement, meaning and control in life.</p> <h2>How retirement impacts athletes</h2> <p>A common saying with many sportspeople is “<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jannfreed/2024/06/29/athletes-die-twice-retirement-as-a-death/">athletes die twice</a>” – once when they retire and again at their death.</p> <p>Former Wallaby Brendan Cannon <a href="https://www.impact.acu.edu.au/lifestyle/after-the-final-siren-helping-athletes-to-adapt-to-life-after-sport">has spoken of</a> this difficulty:</p> <blockquote> <p>[People] want to talk to you about what you used to be, and all you want to focus on is what you want to become.</p> </blockquote> <p>During the transition to retirement, elite athletes can be affected by how they got into their chosen sport, how long they stayed in the system and the variables that either accelerated or ended their careers.</p> <p>Other factors include whether they played a team or individual sport, male vs female pathways, whether their exit from sport was voluntary or involuntary and their age when retiring.</p> <p>My (Sarah) interviews with former professional athletes demonstrate the complexity of retiring from elite sport.</p> <p>To the public, William Zillman, former NRL star turned vet, seems to have it all together. But it didn’t come without hardship, pain and struggles in navigating the harsh terrain of retirement.</p> <p>When asked about his retirement, Zillman said: “[Being an NRL player was] all I knew.”</p> <blockquote> <p>I turned up to work each day, I was told what to do, how to do it and when to do it […] but when I left the system, I think I lost the ability to think for myself. I went from having all the help in the world to very little – it was tough.</p> </blockquote> <p>Retiring from high-performance sport can have profound effects on an athlete’s <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2020/10000/the_psychological_burden_of_retirement_from_sport.11.aspx/1000">physical and mental health</a>, as well as their social and professional development.</p> <p>While “regular people” usually retire in their 60s or 70s, an athlete’s retirement often occurs earlier, coinciding with crucial phases of career development and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10513329/">family planning</a>.</p> <p>Some have to adjust from being highly paid and highly managed to surviving on minimum wages with very little support.</p> <p>“It’s a recipe for disaster,” Ryan James, who considers himself one of the lucky ones, said.</p> <p>A former forward for the Gold Coast Titans, James has been working closely with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) with the aim to address some of the complex issues with the transition experience.</p> <p>James knows only too well the struggles some people in the system face as their careers begin to wind down:</p> <blockquote> <p>Many of our players come into the system from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds and while we have made a start, there is more we can be doing. Financial literacy and management is just one avenue we need to tackle. I’ve known too many retired, vulnerable players who were homeless, sleeping in cars with their young families. It’s devastating.</p> </blockquote> <p>It took former English captain turned NRL superstar James Graham a good part of 18 months to re-configure his identity:</p> <blockquote> <p>You come out feeling so lost and alone. Most of your life is spent training, connecting with mates, having a lot of routine and structure to almost nothing. It’s strange and confronting.</p> </blockquote> <h2>What are the major codes doing?</h2> <p>Across various sporting codes there are programs that aim to assist athletes to prepare for retirement.</p> <p>For example, <a href="https://www.rlpa.com.au/past-player-and-transition-program">the RLPA has a program</a> to support athletes who are transitioning.</p> <p>Other major professional Australian codes have similar programs, including <a href="https://www.aflplayers.com.au/app/uploads/2021/10/Player-Retirement-Scheme_Booklet_A5_4.pdf">the AFL</a>, <a href="https://www.thepfa.com/players/union-support/pension-scheme">Professional Footballers Association</a> (soccer) and <a href="https://auscricket.com.au/programs-community/past-player-programs/">cricket</a>.</p> <p>However, whether or not athletes choose to participate in these programs is usually at the discretion of the players.</p> <h2>The importance of planning, preparation and support</h2> <p>One of the key factors influencing how an athlete transitions into life after sport is how much they have <a href="https://theconversation.com/its-not-just-retiring-athletes-who-need-mental-health-support-young-sportspeople-need-it-too-230296">prepared for it</a>.</p> <p>Research with elite athletes from <a href="https://elevateaus.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/The-end-of-a-professional-sport-career-ensuring-a-positive-transition.pdf">the AFL, NRL and A-League</a> shows those who planned and prepared for life after sport and who had goals, direction and identities beyond sport, experienced more acceptance, autonomy (control) and optimism about the future.</p> <p>On the other hand, those who were unprepared or did not plan ahead experienced negative emotional and psychological states, and struggled to move on. This negative effect is even more pronounced for those who were forced to <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/fulltext/2020/10000/the_psychological_burden_of_retirement_from_sport.11.aspx/1000">end their career due to injury</a>.</p> <hr /> <p><iframe id="lQixA" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: 0;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lQixA/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h2>How to improve the situation</h2> <p>A recent <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10513329/">scoping review</a> explored the notion of retirement for professional athletes and their ability to adapt to life after sport.</p> <p>It summarised many areas that need more attention:</p> <p><strong>Make athletes aware of what’s ahead</strong></p> <p>Expect that when you leave, it may be hard. Reach out to your club, coach and support services and surround yourself with people who you can talk to and who may be able to help.</p> <p>Athletes should expect that it will take time to adjust, and this adjustment period is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of retirement. This adjustment period can also significantly reduce the initial negative impacts on their mental and physical health.</p> <p><strong>Tailored support programs</strong></p> <p>Developing tailored support programs that address the specific needs of different sports and athlete sub-groups can help mitigate the challenges associated with retirement.</p> <p>These programs might include career counselling, mental health support and opportunities for continuous involvement in the sports community.</p> <p><strong>A need for further research</strong></p> <p>There is a pressing need for more research to identify effective support mechanisms for retiring athletes. Understanding the types of support that facilitate a smoother transition can help in designing programs and interventions tailored to the unique needs of elite athletes.</p> <p>Additionally, mapping out the factors that aid or hinder the transition across different sports and athlete sub-groups would provide valuable insights.<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/234559/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sarah-tillott-1462234">Sarah Tillott</a>, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/diarmuid-hurley-1462235">Diarmuid Hurley</a>, Lecturer, Faculty of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-psychology-of-retirement-why-do-so-many-athletes-struggle-to-call-time-234559">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

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The psychology of retirement: why do so many athletes struggle to call time?