South America

Explore Rare Portuguese Literature at This Historic Library

The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a stunning library and cultural institution that houses the largest collection of Portuguese texts outside of Portugal. Founded in 1837 by a group of Portuguese immigrants, the library was established to promote Portuguese culture and literature in Brazil. The current building, designed… Continue reading Explore Rare Portuguese Literature at This Historic Library

South America

Ollantaytambo: A Key Incan Fortress in Peru’s Sacred Valley

The town of Ollantaytambo was established during the Reign of Pachacútec (1418–1471). While there were buildings here before that, the town grew dramatically under the rule of the Incas. At that time, Ollantaytambo was used as a checkpoint to control access to the Sacred Valley. This was also where maize was first domesticated before being… Continue reading Ollantaytambo: A Key Incan Fortress in Peru’s Sacred Valley

Africa

Discovering the Ngwenya Mine: Africa’s Ancient Mining Site

The Ngwenya Mine in Eswatini is one of the oldest mines in the world. It's located in the Barberton Mountain lands, northwest of Mbabane, and near the border with Mozambique. Ngwenya, which means crocodile, describes the shape of Eswatini’s (Swaziland’s) second-highest mountain, looming above the Ngwenya border post. The open-cast mine catalyzed industrial and economic… Continue reading Discovering the Ngwenya Mine: Africa’s Ancient Mining Site

Middle East

Exploring Failaka Island: A Hidden Gem in the Persian Gulf

Failaka Island is located in the Persian Gulf, about 20 kilometers northeast of Kuwait City. Failaka Island is developing a local tourist industry, with activities including fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, and other water sports.Failaka Island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. It was a… Continue reading Exploring Failaka Island: A Hidden Gem in the Persian Gulf