Category Archives: International Features

Explore the islands of Hong Kong, wildlife safaris, hot air ballooning in Arizona, Mexico’s marvellous beaches, Great Barrier Reef diving, Caribbean cuisine, Guyana’s Rupununi rainforest, Byzantine monasteries in Meteora and temples of Korea. A few of the exotic video experiences in the months ahead. (Photo: Heidelberg Marketing GmbH)

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Greece: The Monasteries of Metéora

Posted on July 24, 2013 by On Top Of The World


Stunning scenery and almost unbelievable architecture is found in the Metéora, Greek Orthodox monasteries built on top of great monolithic rock formations which rise above the small town of Kalabaka on the Thessalian plain in Greece. They were built during the 14th century by monks in their desire for seclusion and to be closer to God: the name Metéora meaning “in the heavens above”. The six Byzantine monasteries that remain are now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more information check out episode #63 in the International category.

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Korea & Japan – The Oriental Pottery Trail

Posted on July 24, 2013 by On Top Of The World


We’re on the trail of Oriental ceramics that have graced the homes of Korean Kings and Samurai warriors. Our Pottery Trail takes us from Icheon in Korea to the pottery capital of Japan at Imari on the Island of Kyushu. Along the way we meet the potters, see the traditional kilns, learn the secrets of creating porcelain and visit 400 year old graves that reveal the dark truth behind the abduction of Korean potters by a Japanese Lord. For more information check out episode #62 in the International category.

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The Azores: An introduction to the islands.

Posted on June 25, 2013 by On Top Of The World


Set in the Atlantic Ocean, midway between North America and Europe, nine Portuguese islands make up the Azores archipelago with a volcanic connection that makes them among the most beautiful in the world. Discovered in the 15th century by Portuguese navigators on their way to the new world they are still relatively unspoiled. We visit San Miguel, Terceira, Faial and Pico where our explorations reveal the beauty of the islands’ wild flowers, farmlands enclosed by stone hedges and hydrangeas, and a variety of volcanoes from young cones to collapsed craters and old chimneys. The exquisite baroque and colonial architecture of churches, town halls and city squares reflects a golden age of history when the islands were a vital link in important trading routes that crossed the Atlantic Ocean. For more information check out episode #61 in the International category and also see our in-depth features on the individual islands.

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Massachusetts, USA: Exploring Boston

Posted on June 24, 2013 by On Top Of The World


Universities, architecture, colonial and maritime history, witch burnings, wildlife and re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party are all revealed on walking tours in and around Boston in Massachusetts, USA.  For more information check out episode #60 in the International category.

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Spain: The Island of Menorca

Posted on June 20, 2013 by On Top Of The World


The Spanish Island of Menorca is located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the lesser-known Balearic Islands and a little off the tourism track which made it interesting from our point of view. Explorations reveal prehistoric ruins, burial caves, magnificent beaches, small towns, and the opportunity to experience local festivals in Ciutadella, the former capital city. For more information check out episode #58 in the International category.

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Hong Kong: A Tea House Tour

Posted on June 20, 2013 by On Top Of The World


The thousand-year old culture of drinking tea in Hong Kong is revealed as we visit a number of Tea Houses and learn the secrets of making, and the etiquette of drinking, a perfect cup of tea. It’s also a perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Asia’s World City when combined with lessons from the experts. For more information check out episode #57 in the International category.

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Guatemala: The Mayan City of Tikal

Posted on June 20, 2013 by On Top Of The World


Deep in the Guatemalan Jungle are the ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya, Tikal was built to honour Great King Moon Double Comb. Lord Chocolate, as he was also known, came to power around 700 AD when the cacao tree was worshipped by the Maya of Central America. The ruins of Tikal are located in the Mayan biosphere a 2400 sq km nature reserve that extends into Mexico and Belize and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. For more information check out episode #56 in the International category.

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Caribbean: Barbados – Off the beaten path

Posted on June 20, 2013 by On Top Of The World


Barbados, the Caribbean’s eastern-most island, is well known for its beautiful beaches and luxury resorts, but it’s worth getting off the beaten path and staying at some of the island’s smaller, independent hotels. Along with snorkeling and visiting attractions like Harrison’s caves, it gave us the opportunity to explore some of the walking trails that lead past Bathsheba along the old West Coast Railway line, learn more about the colonial history of the island and see some of the spectacular scenery along the way. For more information check out episode #55 in the International category.

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Finland: Exploring Helsinki

Posted on June 20, 2013 by On Top Of The World


Imagine a city of stately Russian grandeur where neo-classical buildings snuggle up beside edgy ultra-modern structures. Fill the whole place up with platinum blondes who love their cell phones almost as much as they revere Mother Nature and you’ve got Helsinki: a delightful city of contrasts and a great place to have an adventure. We explore the city on foot, by bicycle and coastal touring boat, make friends on the Pub Tram and visit the Church in the Rock, the Ateneum Art Museum and Senate Square. For more information check out episode #54 in the International category.

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Arizona, USA: Sonoran Desert Getaway

Posted on June 20, 2013 by On Top Of The World


A spring-time retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona includes adventure, recreational diversions, some spa treatments and a visit to Taliesen West, the home designed by architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. We also experience two exciting perspectives of the Sonoran Desert, one by hot-air balloon, and the second a jeep tour in which a Desert cowboy introduces us to the wild flowers, cactus plants and survival skills used by the early inhabitants. For more information check out episode #53 in the International category.

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