5 ways to boost your fitness in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year has come and gone and the Hong Kong community has ushered in the Year of the Rooster.

But, while everyone enjoyed the fireworks that lit up Victoria Harbour and the plethora of gifts and lai see packets they received, it’s now the time of year to shed the pounds after days of feasting on the not so healthy groups of the food pyramid.

That being said, we are not asking you to run the equivalent of the Hong Kong marathon every day or swim the distance of the annual cross-harbour race.

Instead, here are five simple and relaxing activities you can enjoy with your family that will enable you to get rid of any extra weight you gained during the festive period.

Badminton

Not only is this family friendly, but you can almost dictate the pace at which it is played. From rallies to games up to twenty one points, it’s your call on how much you want to do. In regards to where to play, Pacific Club in Tsim Sha Tsui and Aberdeen Marina Club are the places to get your game on in style.

In addition to this, you can also enjoy a serene view of the Hong Kong skyline. Plus, your family won’t have any reason to complain about why you spend so little time with them!

Golf

What’s better than soaking in some sun, having vast open scenic spots around you and competing in a calm round of golf. Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling, which has hosted the Hong Kong Open since 1959, and the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course in Sai Kung are two perfect places to do this. With luscious nine- and eighteen-hole courses prepared for beginners and advanced players, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon with the family and find out whether you are the next Tiger Woods or Lydia Ko!

Hiking

Sticking to the theme of beautiful scenery, hiking is another activity that is fun for the family and will surely get the heart pumping and the fat burning. With a number of hikes to choose from, including the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Dragon’s Back and the renowned Lion Rock hike, you may stumble upon old villages, breathtaking views, cooling rock pools and yes, even white sandy beaches. So why not reward all that hard work by soaking in some culture or wading in the cool, crystal clear waters.

Swimming

Speaking about wading in the water, another leisurely activity is a good, old-fashioned swim. Hong Kong has plenty of beautiful pools and private clubs to choose from, so there is no excuse not to dive in. Particularly splash-worthy is the Grand Hyatt’s rooftop pool, complete with sea view and the Conrad’s pool and deck in Admiralty. In addition to working on your cardio, you’ll be strengthening your core and building muscle. Even better, both these plush choices offer shaded cabanas, perfect for a post-work out relax.

Tai Chi

Have you ever looked out the window and seen groups of elderly people doing, what may seem like, weird movements to the drone of old-school Chinese songs blaring from a radio? If so, then what you are witnessing is the ancient tradition of Tai Chi.

Thought to have originated anywhere between 700 to 1500 years ago, the art of Tai Chi is used predominantly as a way to help alleviate stress and anxiety, while also finding inner peace.

Sounds good right? So why not give it a try, especially as the Hong Kong Tourism Board runs a Tai Chi class four days a week in front of the Museum of Art, which is a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Victoria Harbour.

Written by Bimal Mirwani

Zodiac tips for loved-up pairs ahead of Valentine’s Day

Are you and your partner a match made in heaven, or star-crossed lovers doomed from the start? Do your celestial signs align, both physically and emotionally? Let astrology be the judge.

Valentine’s Day has once again arrived, with swathes of loved-up pairs seeking to celebrate the day with a romantic rendezvous. Sometimes, though, a little extra-cosmological support is needed to make sure you and your lover are on the same celestial page. While some signs complement each other perfectly, others are less well matched, which could lead to emotional and physical strife.

When it comes to finding out how well suited you and your other half are – publically and behind closed doors – the zodiac’s pairings give a general idea of what to expect. Although no two people are the same, the various defining traits that are attributed to each sign can help guide you on your path to relationship satisfaction. Are you an attentive lover or is it adventure that you seek? Are you a passionate romantic or a coy wallflower? Perhaps it’s variety and the unexpected that you love the most? Read on for our comprehensive celestial compatibility guide to love, romance and everything inbetween…

Aries

March 21 – April 19
Relationship traits: Passionate, energetic, pursuer
Most compatible with: Leo, Libra, Gemini, Scorpio
Least compatible with: Cancer, Capricorn

Assertive Aries is the ram, the first sign of the zodiac and a fire sign. This makes you self-assured, extroverted and eager when part of a couple. More of an in-the-moment than a hearts-and-flowers sign, you like open, honest relationships with plenty of physical intimacy. You prefer to pursue rather than be pursued, and you’re not afraid to say exactly what you want. You are unabashedly fiery and confident which can sometimes come across as dominant; be gentle and thoughtful at times.

Aries Valentine’s Day Tip: Spoil your loved one with a special night just for them. It’s long overdue.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20
Relationship traits: Traditional, sensual and romantic
Most compatible with: Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer, Pisces
Least compatible with: Leo, Aquarius

As a Taurian, you value sensual pleasures more than other signs and have a heightened sense of smell, sound and touch. You can be a bit picky when it comes to choosing a partner, preferring to wait until the right person comes along. You are thoughtful and considerate when it comes to loving relationships and will express great consideration for the needs of others. You love being wooed, so potential love interests should wine and dine you for romantic success. A well-thought out gift may be coming your way.

Taurus Valentine’s Day Tip: Be spontaneous. Make a bit more effort than you usually would and be open to new ideas.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22
Relationship traits: Passionate, protective and elusive
Most compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, Pisces
Least compatible with: Aries, Libra

Known for their love of stability, Cancers seek faithful, loyal and loving partners. You are sensual and creative, but you’re also wary when it comes to new love interests. Once you feel secure, your confidence grows both emotionally and physically. You love romance and romantic gestures, especially dinner à deux. You are sometimes possessive of the ones you love, and often need lots of reassurance or loving words. Trust more and you’ll soon see how little substance your fears have.

Cancer Valentine’s Day Tip: Cook a romantic meal for two and shower your partner with praise.

Leo

July 23 – August 22
Relationship traits: Sensual, social and attentive
Most compatible with: Aries, Sagittarius, Leo
Least compatible with: Taurus, Scorpio

Known for their high libido and fiery nature, Leos are one of the most passionate signs of the zodiac. You have an intense and powerful chemistry that draws plenty of attention from the opposite sex. You love intimacy and are extremely attentive when it comes to physical interaction. However you also need constant reassurance from your partner in private, as well as in social situations. Sometimes you can be overly demanding so take a step back once in a while.

Leo Valentine’s Day Tip: Let your partner know you’re thinking about them too, with a thoughtful gift or trip away.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20
Relationship traits: Flirty, experimental and carefree
Most compatible with: Libra, Aquarius, Aries, Leo
Least compatible with: Virgo and Pisces

Geminis are renowned for their flirtatious side and are quite open when it comes to experimentation, or even mysterious trysts in new places. You have great communication skills and you look for fun, easygoing partners. In the past, you have flitted from one relationship to another, although you can also be loyal and loving. You can be somewhat indecisive at times, making it hard for your other half to address your needs. You need to be more assertive as it will help your relationship in the long run.

Gemini Valentine’s Day Tip: Spend time sharing thoughts, secrets and dreams with your partner.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22
Relationship traits: Sensitive, loving and intimate
Most compatible with: Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer, Scorpio
Least compatible with: Gemini, Sagittarius

Highly sensual, Virgos look for physical intimacy with their partners at all times. Forget fancy dinners or extravagant gifts, it is closeness with your beloved that you seek. You wear your heart on your sleeve and are immensely proud of your relationship. You often look for more extroverted star signs and love appearing in public as a Hollywood-perfect couple. Behind closed doors, however, you’re far more adventurous and ready to shake off your conventional image. Don’t be afraid to share your innermost thoughts.

Virgo Valentine’s Day Tip: Splash out and celebrate your loved-up status, perhaps at a special restaurant you’ve been meaning to try.

Libra

September 23 – October 22
Relationship traits: Coy, experienced and seductive
Most compatible with: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius
Least compatible with: Cancer, Capricorn

The most refined sign of the zodiac, Libras seek sophisticated tête-à-têtes with distinguished lovers. You are hyper-aware of your surroundings, so the setting is as important as the person, especially if they are a new partner. You are flirty and seductive, but also a tad secretive when it comes to socially romantic situations. You prefer to be tucked away than in a public setting and like to keep things discreet. Don’t be afraid to show your feelings, you may find it strengthens your relationship.

Libra Valentine’s Day Tip: Spill your heart. Your partner is used to you being secretive, so open up for a change.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21
Relationship traits: Fiery, communicative and experimental
Most compatible with: Cancer, Pisces, Gemini, Libra, Scorpio
Least compatible with: Leo, Aquarius

Many believe Scorpios to be untameable, thanks to their highly sensual, extroverted nature. Ardently amorous though you may be, you are also willing to listen to your partner – especially if they want to explore new avenues in your relationship. You also like to keep your lover on their toes, and aren’t afraid to let them know if you’re not satisfied. You like to give, but you also usually get what you want. Try to keep an open mind; your partner might be too shy to open up to you.

Scorpio Valentine’s Day Tip: Plan to do something with each other that you’ve never tried before.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19
Relationship traits: Considerate, romantic and intuitive
Most compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Least compatible with: Aries, Libra

Stable without being dull, Capricorns are one of the most loving and reliable signs of the zodiac. You are prepared to spend time making sure you and your partner are on the same page physically, and you also enjoy making romantic gestures. Sensuality and trust are both deeply crucial to you, especially when it comes to forming a bond with someone. Make sure you are giving off the right signals to your loved one and don’t be afraid to share your inner thoughts.

Capricorn Valentine’s Day Tip: Keep doing what you do best! If you’re feeling particularly amorous, light some candles and enjoy a couple’s massage to get into the romantic mood.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18
Relationship traits: Discerning, physical, receptive
Most compatible with: Gemini, Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Least compatible with: Taurus, Scorpio

Aquarians are notably fickle when it comes to giving bedroom preferences away. You pride yourself on your clear-headedness and rationale. Once you meet the right person, though, these scruples often fall by the wayside. You like to be mentally stimulated and that’s often the way to your heart. You like to explore, but you don’t like to be caged in. Finding the right physical and emotional match is important to you but make sure you aren’t being too judgemental about potential suitors – someone’s got their eye on you.

Aquarius Valentine’s Day Tip: Experiment more than you usually would. Your strict principles may be holding you back.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21
Relationship traits: Adventurous, affectionate and flirtatious
Most compatible with: Aries, Libra, Aquarius, Sagittarius
Least compatible with: Virgo, Pisces

Spontaneous Sagittarians are known for their affection and attentiveness. The perpetual wanderer, you love to meet new people and try new things. In relationships, you’re the one usually making suggestions and you are often flirty and, possibly, a bit promiscuous. You’re always up for an adventure, especially if it’s of a romantic nature. While your partner loves spending time with you, remember that alone time can also mean just enjoying each others’ company.

Sagittarius Valentine’s Day Tip: Harness your sense of adventure to your relationship by whisking your lover away on a romantic mini-break.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20
Relationship traits: Discreet, thoughtful and mysterious
Most compatible with: Scorpio, Cancer, Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Least compatible with: Gemini, Sagittarius

Playful Pisceans are a source of delight for their partners, and are keen to share interests and pursue adventures together. Moderately physical, you often rely on non-verbal communication with your other half, especially in intimate scenarios. You are very giving in your relationship and happiest when you are relaxing as a pair. You are also – at times – shy, as well as being incredibly loyal. Don’t be afraid to suggest new activities together, too. You need to make sure you don’t get stuck in a domestic rut; your partner may well think the same.

Pisces Valentine’s Day Tip: Vocalise more. Share you inner thoughts and you might be rewarded.

Written by Juliette Silver

The Last Laugh

As we emerge blinking into the bright lights of a new year, it’s worth reflecting on just how unimportant many of our everyday concerns and worries truly are. Back in Neanderthal times, some 40,000 years ago, fear and anxiety served a legitimate purpose. Our furrier forebears had to hunt for their food while at the same time avoid falling prey to the giant cave hyenas and sabre-toothed tigers who would hunt them in turn.

In modern society – save for residents of Aleppo and a number of other perilous locations – we have few immediate dangers, making our anxieties largely focused on less imminently terminal concerns – Why does my phone battery go flat so quickly? Do I really want to go out tonight? And, of course – Does my bum look big in this?

Our brains, unfortunately, haven’t evolved all that much, with our almost redundant worry gene obsessing over trivia and happenstance. Bereft of any true perils to ponder, fretting over such concerns can spiral out of control, with all true perspective lost amid an obsessive and continuous whirlwind of truly trivial terror.

If you find yourself avoiding situations for fear of almost impossible consequences or staying up all night wrangling with phantom anxieties, then it is time to face such crippling concerns head-on. You need to step back and expose your bubbling paranoia to the kind of rigorous scrutiny you have long been postponing.

Just as dark is the friend of fear – allowing shapeless phantom fiends to skulk in the shadows, the uncertainties of their shape and form endlessly accentuating the threat level – so light is the true recourse for those who want to be liberated. This does not, though, mean you have to drag your deepest demons into some floodlit field for the world to know.

No, the light you seek comes from within. You can shine it without recourse to company or ceremony. Indeed, solitude may be the ally you truly seek here. Give yourself time and space and let your fears run free, let consequence after consequence race through your mind, allowing all the very worst to happen, serially and untrammelled.

As your direst prognostications roam free – a domino-like collapse of the world you inhabit – tragedy turns to comedy, and the absurdity of your prefabricated woes restores apt perspective to your largely threat-free existence. Embrace your inner giant cave hyena. It is the punchline to the ultimate sanity-restoring gag.

Handmade sunglasses look to the future

Handmade in Berlin, the Titan 3D sunglasses, courtesy of Germany’s Onono brand, are crafted from a single sheet of titanium, leaving them entirely free of screws and creases. That, however, doesn’t mean they will fall apart after the first wear. Their design employs the use of a unique hinge system with a detachable clip – an innovation for which a patent is said to be pending. With their futuristic appearance, these shades are not only stylish, but also represent an industry first for crafted sunglasses. Their titanium frames are lightweight – only nine grams – and are also said to be wholly corrosion-resistant.

www.onono.com

Despite claims of ‘whitewashing’, Matt Damon remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars

Matt Damon – Hollywood’s Mister Nice Guy – is not happy. Famously, it takes a lot to rile the hero of the Jason Bourne movies, a man known for his relaxed attitude and sunny demeanour. Criticism over his latest would-be global blockbuster – director Zhang Yimou’s action adventure epic The Great Wall – has clearly ruffled his feathers.

The criticism is not, however, over the quality of his performance. Instead, the debate centres on whether he should have been included in the cast in the first place. The other stars of the movie, which sees a band of heroes fight to protect medieval China from an army of mythical monsters, are mostly of Chinese origin, including such worthies as Lu Han, Jing Tian, Hong Kong’s Andy Lau and Taiwanese-born Eddy Peng.

In certain quarters, Damon’s presence among them has been blasted as “whitewashing” – the practice of casting white actors in Asian roles. In the past, such transgressions have included Yul Brynner playing the Thai ruler Mongkut in The King And I, Mickey Rooney as a Japanese landlord in Breakfast At Tiffany’s and John Wayne’s take on Genghis Khan.

Among those commenting adversely on this latest example is Chinese-American actress Constance Wu. Inevitably taking to social media, she said: “We have to stop perpetuating the racist myth that only a white man can save the world. Our heroes don’t all look like Matt Damon.”

Damon claims the cast was “wounded” by the accusation and says that the charge is inaccurate. Although the film is set in China, he claims he was playing a character who clearly wasn’t supposed to be Chinese. He also points out that the film is a fantasy story, saying: “Look, if people see this movie and feel like there’s whitewashing involved in a creature feature that we made up, I will listen to that with my whole heart. I will think about that and I will try to learn from that.

“I will be surprised, though, if people see this movie and actually have that reaction. In fact, I will be genuinely shocked. As a progressive person, it’s a perspective I really do agree with. I try to listen and try to be sensitive. Ultimately, though, I feel you are undermining your own credibility when you attack something without seeing it.”

Damon’s rather bruised response to the row may reflect his lack of experience in dealing with controversy. Unlike many movie stars, he has demonstrated an enviable ability to steer clear of trouble throughout what has been a long and distinguished career.

It’s been some 20 years since he and Ben Affleck, his lifelong best friend and high school companion, burst on to the Hollywood scene in Good Will Hunting, an Oscar-winning classic. The two young actors not only played the main characters in this tale of a young maths prodigy, but they also wrote the screenplay.

Since then, he’s appeared in some 60 movies, including such critically acclaimed outings as Saving Private Ryan, Invictus and, more recently, The Martian. Indeed, the last two saw his performance nominated for an Academy Award.
Despite his more serious works, though, he is still probably best known for his portrayal of troubled tough guy Jason Bourne in a series of action films. In all, he’s starred in four – The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum and Jason Bourne, last year’s reprise of the franchise.

Bourne is a more complex figure than those typically found in action movies. When we first meet him, he’s a former CIA assassin suffering from amnesia, who is trying to trace his real identity while evading his erstwhile employers, who are now only too keen to eliminate him.

While the franchise has inevitably been compared to James Bond, Damon regards that as misleading. He says: “Bourne is much more relatable. Think about it. Bond is from the 60s, so he has the values of that time. He’s a misogynist and an imperialist. He swills martinis, kills people and cracks jokes about it.

“It’s so anachronistic that a whole comedy franchise – Austin Powers – grew up around the concept. At its heart, it asked if we wake up as a guy with those values, how ridiculous would we look in our world?

“Jason Bourne, though, is thoroughly modern. He’s an anti-establishment figure who doesn’t trust institutions. He’s a serial monogamist who’s only really loved one woman. Once she’s gone, he does nothing but think about her. And he always feels guilty for everything he’s done.”

The Bourne films, a hit with critics and audiences alike, turned Damon into a megastar. Indeed one publication calculated that, in terms of money earned at the box office, he is Hollywood’s most bankable performer.

These days, he is only too aware of just how indebted he is to Bourne, saying: “It’s incalculable how much these movies have helped my career. Suddenly it put me on a shortlist of people who could get movies made. Now, directors call me and that’s the best part of it.

“This has meant that I have been able to do films that had wonderful scripts but, on the face of it, were not going to be box office successes. I had the luxury of jumping into them because I knew I would later have another chance to play Bourne.”
Last year, nearly a decade after publicly declaring that he was finished with the role – memorably saying, after the release of The Bourne Ultimatum, “We have ridden that horse as far as we can” – he returned as an older, but no less troubled Bourne. While his memory was now restored, his relationship with the CIA was as fraught as ever.

This time around, preparing for the part was trickier. Recalling the rigour required, he says: “I trained a lot more than I ever had done before, largely because [director] Paul Greengrass really wanted me to be physically fit and lean.

“He said when we see Bourne in the first frame of the movie, if we look at his face and he seems like he’s lived well over the past 10 years, then we don’t have a movie. He told me I had to look like I’d suffered. And the only way to do that was to suffer.”

So suffer he did, enduring two high-intensity gym sessions every day for 10 weeks prior to filming. He also stuck to a strict diet of vegetables and protein for months on end.

He doesn’t appear to regret it, though, saying: “It was great to just slip into that old skin and be on set again. Doing another Bourne movie was exciting.”

This time, though, is it really the end? Typically cautious, he says: “The worst time to ask that question is right after we’ve just made one. My guess is it will be a while before we’ll even get around to talking about doing another one. They might have to reboot me before I bow out.”

Not that he doesn’t have enough to keep him occupied in the meantime. The Great Wall is just one of the projects he’s been involved with over the last 12 months. Downsizing, a quirky science fiction comedy, comes out later this year, as does Suburbicon, a dark crime drama courtesy of the Coen brothers. A little further down the line, filming has just begun on Ocean’s Eight, a movie that will see Damon reprise his role from the Ocean’s 11, 12 and 13 bank heist trilogy.

He’s also followed Ben Affleck into the director’s chair and has produced his first feature film – Manchester By The Sea. A New England based drama, it was released to widespread critical approval last year.

Explaining his recent whirlwind of activity, Damon says: “I got greedy. I hadn’t worked for a year and a half, and then I had the opportunity to work with Ridley Scott [director of The Martian], Zhang Yimou, Paul Greengrass and [Downsizing director] Alexander Payne. I just couldn’t say no.”

Given the whitewashing controversy, whether or not he should have said yes to appearing in The Great Wall remains something of a moot point. The criticism he’s received, however, seems to stem mostly from his homeland and not from China, where audiences largely seem bemused by the row.

And, rather than baulking at Damon’s involvement, Zhang suggests the film’s critics should take pride in just what the movie has achieved. He says: “For the first time, a film deeply rooted in Chinese culture, with one of the largest Chinese casts ever assembled, is being made for a world audience. I believe that is a trend that should be embraced by our industry.”

Fine sentiments indeed. It can be nothing but good news that China’s cinematic talents are being displayed on an international stage. If Damon’s presence in The Great Wall actually encourages American audiences to appreciate them, there will surely be very few left complaining.

Bidding for peace at Brazzaville Foundation’s auction and dinner

The Brazzaville Charitable Foundation’s Mid-Summer Night’s Dream themed auction and dinner, held in the prestigious surroundings of the Four Seasons Hotel, welcomed guests from around the world. This annual event, intended to promote peace in Southern Africa, was once again well supported by businesses and celebrities.

Click here to watch the video

Afternoon tea with a fragrant twist

Afternoon tea is the perfect way to unwind and treat yourself after a hard morning shopping or whatever you did to deserve it.

But, afternoon tea and fragrances are not something we would generally put together to entice weary shoppers to a hotel lobby. However, this hasn’t stopped the Signorina fragrance selection of Salvatore Ferragamo collaborating with the Lobby Lounge at Conrad Hong Kong.

Devised by Chef Luca de Berardinis from Nicholini’s, the savoury selections include Pappa al Pomodoro with burrata cheese – a classic bread and tomato soup – sandwiches with smoky unctuous eel and foie gras and red tuna carpaccio with guacamole.

Some of the afternoon tea selections allegedly entice the nostrils with their links to Salvatore Ferragamo fragrances. For example, the marinated salmon and salmon roe sandwiches are supposedly reminiscent of the pink Signorina Eau de Parfum of jasmine and roses.

If a flowery, fragrant afternoon tea is your thing, the Salvatore Ferragamo Fragrance inspired afternoon tea set will be served until 19 February between Mondays and Fridays.

Why UNESCO’s heritage sites make it on people’s bucket lists

Since time immemorial, adventurous folk have carefully folded their belongings into their Gucci luggage – or merely just tossed a few things into a backpack – with a burning ambition to set off and explore the globe. Chances are that, if you were ever one of these eager jetsetters, your choice of destination was almost certainly heavily influenced by UNESCO.

It is, after all, the organisation that reviews meritorious manmade edifices, extraordinary natural wonders and any other place of deep cultural significance. If it sees fit, it then awards them a prestigious world-heritage listing. Or not. In tourism terms, it’s a hugely valuable recognition, pretty much guaranteeing an endless stream of modern pilgrims will have it on their itinerary.

How did it all begin, though, for this most singular of organisations? Its roots go back to 1945, a time when the last bombs were being dropped and the final shots were being fired in mankind’s bloodiest ever conflict, World War II.

In November of that year, the representatives of 44 countries convened in battle-scarred London. Shell-shocked by six years of conflict, the nations vowed to work together to deliver a better tomorrow and a future free of such horrors. To this end, they swore to promote education, access to information, cultural protection and scientific endeavour.

By the end of the conference, 37 of the participating countries had agreed to form UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Today it is an agency supported by 185 nations and 10 associate members, with operations all across the world. This month, it is also celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Initially, UNESCO’s membership extended only to the World War II victors, as well as to those few nations that had remained neutral throughout the conflict. As time passed, however, one-time enemies began to come together, united by a common cause. Japan joined the organisation in 1951, followed by Germany in 1953. The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of colonialism on the African continent eventually led to the former Soviet republics and the newly sovereign African nations also pledging their support.

Its steadily growing membership numbers were a huge endorsement for the organisation. As founding members had so prophetically warned, however, it was not enough for governments to merely align themselves politically and economically. Lasting peace, in their words, could only stem from “the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.”

Ever mindful of this challenge, the organisation has extended its remit in line with the changing times, launching projects in support of gender equality, access to education and clean water, cultural preservation, environmental protection and increasing awareness of the realities of climate change.

Since 1948, UNESCO has also worked toward ensuring universal primary education for all children. Tackling illiteracy and improving access to education – particularly for girls – remain high among its priorities. Despite its efforts, though, nearly 17 percent of the world’s population remains illiterate, two thirds of them women. According to UNESCO’s own figures, across the world 122 million children are still unable to read or write.
To tackle this, the organisation is working to rebuild education systems in post-war regions. It sees this as about far more than just reconstructing schools, seeing a real need to restore confidence in the victims of war, while undoing the tangled roots of intolerance, terrorism and gender discrimination that still block the way to educational equality.

Over the years, UNESCO’s scope has widened, with its remit now extending to poverty eradication, HIV/AIDS prevention and ocean preservation. It has also taken on the protection of important cultural, historical and natural landmarks.

So successful has it been in this respect that the organisation has even been credited with saving the Pyramids – or, at the very least, preventing urban expansion from destroying the pharaohs’ sacred tombs. In 1995, it took action when an eight-lane highway threatened to cut across the plateau that was home to the Great Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids. Representatives of UNESCO stepped in, asking the Egyptian government to reconsider its plans. Tellingly, it listened and acted on UNESCO’s entreaties.

Similarly in 1997, when the sanctity of the Mount Kenya National Park was threatened by illegal logging and marijuana cultivation, UNESCO stepped in. It brought the issue to the attention of the Kenyan government. It responded immediately, ramping up security measures, launching community awareness campaigns and training forest guards.

Today, the number of UNESCO protected locations – now officially known as World Heritage Sites – number more than 1,000 and stretch across 165 countries. Italy is home to the highest number, with 51 Heritage Sites, closely followed by China with 50 – including the Summer Palace in Beijing, the Silk Road, the historic centre of Macau and, of course, the Great Wall.

Of these sites, 55 are still considered endangered. The at risk locations currently include the Everglades National Park in the US, the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls, and Bethlehem – said to be the birthplace of Jesus – in modern-day Palestine.

While it’s not yet formally listed as endangered, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is believed to be seriously imperiled by climate change and coral bleaching. Underlining the problem, the Australian government recently announced that 22 percent of the coral in the reef was already dead. In response, UNESCO has come out in support of the introduction of tree-clearing controls, an initiative designed to curb farm runoff pollution and reduced carbon emissions around the reef.

While this site still needs UNESCO’s unique brand of protection, a number of its previously designated locations have been preserved to the joy of travellers everywhere. A quick peruse of a few its Greatest Hits here provides both an apt celebration of its 70 years, while underlining the importance of its continuing mission.

Take a look at some amazing photos from the 2017 Sony World Photography Awards

If you’re suffering from the mid-week blues, then taking a few minutes out of your day to marvel at some jaw-dropping photos is exactly what you need.

The photos of a peacock in full bloom, an elephant riding a penny farthing and a man swimming are among the first selection of entries to the Sony World Photography Awards, the world’s largest photography competition.

If these photos light a creative spark inside you, photo entries for the 2017 competition close on 5 January and 10 January.

The full rundown of deadlines are:

5 January 2017 – Open competition – best single images across 10 categories
5 January 2017 – Youth competition – best single image responding to a set brief by a photographer aged 12 – 19
5 January 2017 – National Awards – best single image from over 60 countries entered into the Open competition
10 January 2017 – Professional competition – 10 categories judged upon a body of work

All entries to the Sony World Photography Awards are free at www.worldphoto.org.

The 2016 competition received a record-breaking 230,103 images from 186 countries.

The king of compact cameras

Given the ubiquity of smartphone cameras in these Instagram and Snapchat dominated times, it takes something truly outstanding to turn heads when it comes to compact photography. While it’s such names as Leica, Nikon and Canon that are most traditionally associated with high-end photography, it’s Sony that has been winning plaudits from the more serious snappers of late. Touted as the “king of compact cameras”, the Sony Rx1R II is said to stand head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to mirrorless compact cameras.

The camera features a 42MP BSI CMOS full frame sensor – an asset more commonly associated with DSLRs. It also boasts a Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F/2 lens with hybrid autofocus system, a pop-up 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and Wi-Fi connectivity, all housed in an elegant and compact package weighing a mere 500 grams. Indeed, it is impressive just how much cutting-edge technology Sony has managed to squeeze into the RX1R II.
While all this technology does not come cheap, it is comparitively more reasonably priced than its Leica equivalent, while also supposedly offering better functionality and performance. For those serious about their photography, but unwilling to lug a DSLR and a host of accessories around, the RX1R II may well have everything you need to get that perfect shot.