China's rural tourism industry saw a surge during the May Day Holiday
as infrastructure upgrades and themed attractions transform once-remote villages into bustling holiday destinations and engines for rural revitalization
The refreshing sounds of the countryside alternate with a bustling urban beat in the Greenville Symphony’s concert “Beethoven and Brazil.”
Music director Lee Mills conducts the two Peace Center performances
that feature contemporary Brazilian composer João Guilherme Ripper’s “Five Poems by Vinicius de Moraes” and Beethoven’s ever-popular Sixth Symphony
Mills is joined by soprano Tess Altiveros for Ripper’s “Five Poems by Vinicius de Moraes,” a piece that incorporates traditional Brazilian rhythms in a lyrical orchestral texture
1959) sets five poems by Vinicius de Moraes (1913-1980)
representing a different phase of the poet’s life,” Mills said
“He reflects on the various stages of life from birth to childhood
Altiveros will sing the work in Portuguese with a translation projected above the stage
Mills is a particular advocate of Brazilian music
having worked with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra for five years
“There so much great Brazilian music,” Mills said
“I’m always looking for a place to add some Brazilian music to a program.”
The performances conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No
unique among the composer’s works for its descriptive titles for each of the five movements
Beethoven sought to vividly convey his devotion to nature
“I think of (the) ‘Pastoral’ Symphony as an expression of unbridled enthusiasm and excitement,” Mills said
“Beethoven really loved being out in the country
Though there are moments of pastoral serenity in the work
Beethoven loved nature for its inspiring vigor
The concerts open with contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery’s “Starburst,” a 2012 work that evokes the idea of light and energy with its fast-moving
swirling textures and intense rhythmic drive
What: Greenville Symphony Orchestra: “Beethoven and Brazil”
Info: 864-467-3000 or peacecenter.org
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the redevelopment of County Square is one of the biggest — and the most important — developments in Greenville’s recent history
when you have a small piece of land and it doesn’t work out as intended
there’s a lot more at stake,” said Nancy Whitworth
the City of Greenville’s deputy city manager
“With this site and its sensitivity to the park and downtown
The county-owned property is more than 37 acres
equivalent in size to downtown Greenville’s core
and located within walking distance of Falls Park
and the Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail
Its redevelopment is expected to be a billion-dollar
the redevelopment of a block of South Main Street across from the Peace Center
the mixed-use development at the corner of North Main and Washington streets
the master planned urban community on Verdae Boulevard and Laurens Road on land once owned by the late reclusive textile magnate John D
at 1,100 acres and $1.5 billion when completed
and we’ve got to make sure to get it right,” said Greenville County Council Chairman Butch Kirven
County Square was not thought of as a part of Greenville’s downtown
But Falls Park opened in 2004 and Fluor Field two years later
planning started for the Swamp Rabbit Trail
a 22-mile multiuse trail that opened in 2009
Because the former mall that now houses county operations will be torn down
the developer and the county have a wonderful opportunity to design from the ground up
professor emeritus of city and regional planning at Clemson University and former member of the city’s planning commission and Design Review Board
“They have the opportunity to be creative and efficient
and make it an important part of Greenville
“Any time you double or triple the density of activities
it’s going to strain existing capacities,” he said
“They’ll have to have other ways to get there so you don’t have to get in a car
They’ll need to think carefully about the back streets
They need to make it attractive and feasible to walk with site lines and well-defined walking routes.”
who said the city hasn’t had discussions with the developer
said the city will be interested in how the development’s design will minimize impacts on traffic
The city will also look at other elements like parking
The development will likely require a zoning change
“There’s no opportunity to back-door anything.”
Kirven said County Square is more than an extension of downtown
“It’s a test bed to demonstrate how the future looks in an urban environment,” he said
“It’s a clean slate where we can design and create a smart urban environment for the future
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Nearly two decades after the idea for a Cancer Survivors Park grew from a high school senior project to beautify an area outside a local cancer treatment center
Greenville Cancer Survivors Park will hold its grand opening this weekend
A public ribbon cutting will be held at 11 a.m
“The Dedication to a Vision of Hope and Healing” will feature community leaders sharing the story about the creation of the park and plans for the Center for Hope & Healing
a space for community celebrations and survivorship programs
The ceremony will include recognition of the Greenville Health System
and other contributors who made the park possible
“The Garden Party,” will be held from 6 p.m
The fundraising soiree will feature music by Trey Francis
Guests at the party will be able to walk through the park and hear stories about the design and meaning
Tickets are $125 and are available at cancersurvivorspark.org/the-garden-party.php
Proceeds will benefit the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance’s education programs
A free Cancer Survivors Day Celebration will be held at the park from 1 p.m
Activities include walking tours of the park
A survivors recognition ceremony and photo are set for 2:32 p.m
Registration is requested but not required
“We are excited to be celebrating a significant milestone — the transformation of a challenged piece of property into a beautiful park
We still have much to do as we transition from bricks and mortar to a focus on incorporating the creative features
and resources that are the essence of our vision — creating a space for hope and healing,” said Kay Roper
executive director of the Cancer Survivors Park Alliance
As the functions of parks grow more complex
public-private partnerships have increased as a funding source
Greenville’s Unity Park is an example of many of the current trends in building urban parks — a greater reliance on public-private partnerships
the conversion of postindustrial sites into green space
and construction of facilities that accommodate fluctuation in water levels to help water quality and flooding issues
“Parks are no longer simply places for recreation
That’s why public-private partnerships are so important,” said Catherine Nagel
“Really where public-private partnerships shine is that they bring in more resources and skills.”
While Greenville has been known for public-private partnerships for downtown development projects such as the Hyatt
Mayor Knox White said Unity Park is the city’s first example of a true public-private partnership on a park
The city has earmarked $20 million in hospitality tax revenue for the new park over 10 years and wants private partners to contribute another $20 million
Separate from the city’s fundraising efforts is one led by Community Journals’ chairman and co-founder Doug Greenlaw to raise money for a veterans memorial in the park
Greenlaw is a founder of the Upstate charter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart
“Public-private partnerships have become a critical funding tool in the toolbox,” said Kevin O’Hara
vice president of urban and government affairs for the National Recreation and Parks Association
public-private partnerships are good for parks.”
Chicago’s Millennium Park was a result of a public-private partnership
Mayor Richard Daley originally proposed construction of a parking garage with a landscaped greenroof on land that had been parkland
The original plan financing called for $120 million from parking revenue bonds and $30 million from private resources
plans for the park had changed drastically
A cycle center provides heated bicycle parking
There are outdoor art galleries and a promenade
and the Pritzker Pavilion that hosts the Grant Park Musical Festival
Underneath the park is a 4,000 space parking garage
the park was the Midwest’s most popular tourist attraction
There’s a wide range of how park public-private partnerships are structured
“There’s a real range of public-private partnership models to consider,” she said
“The key is to fit the model to your community
Some cities have a strong base of philanthropic organizations
City Park would also mirror the trend in other cities where postindustrial sites are turned into parks and green space
those sites are on waterfronts and riverfronts
areas that some cities turned their backs on and became nasty places to which people didn’t want to go
a waterfront cargo yard was turned into one of New York’s signature parks
The city redirects real estate taxes from residential and commercial developments in the project zone
creating a self-sustaining revenue stream that is far less dependent on concessions and permits for special events than signature parks in other major cities
“Parks are helping to revitalize cities and put them on the map,” Nagel said
“It’s exciting that those projects are not just happening in the largest cities but in medium and small cities as well.”
A One-of-a-Kind Private Island Retreat Just an Hour from London
Imagine a place where history, nature, and luxury coexist on a private island escape less than 60 miles from London
a 380-acre estate nestled in the Blackwater Estuary off the Essex coast
is now available for purchase—and with it comes an opportunity few properties can match
Priced at $33.5 million and listed through Knight Frank
Osea isn’t just another high-ticket real estate listing; it’s an entire world unto itself
Once a strategic naval base during World War I
the island has evolved into a self-contained retreat for creatives
and anyone seeking sanctuary from the everyday
or an ancient Roman causeway revealed only at low tide
Osea Island offers a true departure from the outside world—without sacrificing modern amenities or comfort
At its core, Osea is a private compound built for flexibility, indulgence, and storytelling. The island features 38 standalone residences, including a grand Edwardian manor and a waterfront Captain’s House that practically demands a cinematic backdrop
These historic homes and cottages are complemented by facilities built for both leisure and large-scale hosting
and even a tennis court—all maintained with an eye for style and sophistication
The island also boasts a professional-grade recording studio
With a total of 90 bedrooms spread across the property
it can comfortably accommodate large groups without ever feeling crowded
And thanks to its distinct blend of countryside charm and coastal calm
it offers something uniquely English in tone but global in appeal
Osea’s appeal goes beyond its architectural footprint
The landscape itself is a major draw: wide-open fields
and secluded beaches form a backdrop that feels both cinematic and serene
There’s an undeniable storybook quality to the place
heightened by its historic roots and the sense of isolation it provides
and exclusive gatherings—making it an ideal acquisition for a buyer interested in more than just private living
It’s also a working environment for large-scale hospitality ventures
The island’s established reputation in the event and production industries makes it more than just a trophy property; it’s a potential revenue-generating investment that merges lifestyle with opportunity
Osea Island’s past only adds to its intrigue
Originally fortified for use by the British Royal Navy
the island has since undergone a meticulous transformation
But its past isn’t erased—it’s woven into the experience
Architectural details from different periods remain intact
and the island’s vintage sensibility feels refreshingly preserved rather than overly commercialized
For buyers interested in legacy properties
It’s not simply a patch of land with high price tags and sea views; it’s a rare mix of history
and functionality that offers a launching point for future ventures or a very private personal retreat
While the price point makes this a serious purchase
Osea’s scale and versatility support its valuation
or even a headquarters for an organization seeking a world-class offsite location
Its proximity to London only adds to the appeal
one could go from city meeting to countryside serenity—a logistical detail that makes the island not only desirable but also practical for both personal and professional use
For those who dream big—and have the means to match—Osea Island is more than a getaway
It’s a multi-use canvas waiting to be activated by the right visionary buyer
and a layered past that only enhances its modern-day offerings
this island represents a rare and compelling opportunity in the luxury real estate market
Interested buyers can learn more through Knight Frank
the exclusive listing agent handling the sale
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and a rare Israeli drone strike expose the fragility of postwar stability in one of Syria’s most volatile suburbs
[Damascus] In a significant escalation of unrest
the western Damascus suburb of Sahnaya has seen fierce armed clashes over the past two days between local factions and unidentified gunmen
marked by sectarian tension and growing lawlessness
Fighting broke out in the Ashrafiyat Sahnaya neighborhood
with combatants using light machine guns and RPGs
Drone activity was also reported—some believed to be locally operated
others allegedly Israeli—intensifying fears about deteriorating security in the Damascus countryside more than four years after major combat operations officially ended
From Jaramana to Sahnaya: Tension Ignites a Flashpoint
The crisis did not begin in Sahnaya itself but in the nearby city of Jaramana
A leaked audio recording insulting the Prophet Muhammad—allegedly made by a young Druze man—sparked widespread outrage
a city known for its sensitive mix of religious communities and a large population of displaced persons from conflict-ridden areas such as Daraya
Unidentified armed elements soon mobilized in Sahnaya
occupying rooftops in the Qaws-Bank district and firing on General Security checkpoints
According to the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency
the initial assault wounded three officers
The violence spread quickly to nearby streets and farmland
prompting authorities to impose a nighttime curfew as panic mounted
Despite videos circulating online showing gunfire and explosions
no group has claimed responsibility for the attack
A local source told The Media Line that the assailants appeared to be from tribal backgrounds
but were not affiliated with any known opposition or pro-government faction
This uncertainty has only deepened public concern
and fired on both security personnel and civilians
Although they reportedly withdrew temporarily by midday Wednesday
renewed gunfire later that evening suggested that government forces had not fully regained control
The Syrian Interior Ministry issued a stern warning
vowing to “strike with an iron fist” against those who threaten national stability
The Health Ministry confirmed that 11 people—both civilians and security forces—were killed
director of public relations at the Information Ministry
told The Media Line that a convoy of armed men tried to move from Ashrafiyat Sahnaya toward Jaramana but was intercepted by General Security forces
He also reported that gunfire targeted a vehicle arriving from Daraa early Wednesday
killing six passengers and pushing the casualty count higher
Local Mediation Efforts: Fragile and Incomplete
in coordination with the civil Druze movement “Men of Dignity,” formed a joint operations room with General Security to de-escalate the situation
A senior source said Daraya blocked the movement of any armed individuals from its territory and sealed the road linking Jdeidet Artouz to Sahnaya
The city’s civilian administration also issued a statement urging residents not to demonstrate “to preserve public safety,” reflecting the crisis’s volatile sectarian dimensions
neighborhoods in Damascus such as Al-Midan saw calls for calm
Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Karim Rajeh released a recorded message urging people to defend the Prophet Muhammad “with wisdom and reason
not with weapons”—an appeal aimed at easing religious tensions
the Israeli military announced it had conducted a “warning strike” using drones against what it called an “extremist group” allegedly planning to attack the Druze community in Sahnaya
The strike reportedly injured several people
though Syrian authorities have not confirmed the casualties
The Interior Ministry later acknowledged that two Israeli strikes hit the city Wednesday morning
with multiple explosions reported across the region
This marks a rare instance of direct Israeli involvement in a localized Syrian conflict—an intervention some analysts see as a warning sign of possible international escalation if the violence continues
authorities sealed off all access to Sahnaya
and movement inside the city was severely restricted
injured residents sought care at distant clinics
Sahnaya is home to more than 1.5 million people of diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds
making it a volatile flashpoint where localized unrest can easily spiral into wider sectarian conflict
Although Damascus and its suburbs have been relatively quiet in recent years
the events in Sahnaya reveal persistent instability and a lack of genuine reconciliation
Analysts warn that this flare-up could signal broader collapse
and the failure of authorities to impose lasting order
Israel’s involvement—even under the banner of prevention—adds a dangerous layer to the crisis
Foreign intervention could be used by regional actors to reopen sectarian and political fault lines within Syria
The violence in Sahnaya is more than a temporary flare-up—it is a warning
and the risks of unresolved grievances in a country still emerging from civil war
With multiple armed actors operating independently and weak central authority
towns like Sahnaya remain vulnerable to collapse
This episode shows the urgent need for long-term solutions: rebuilding trust
and fostering a national identity beyond faction and sect
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due to renovations that will last nine months
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Visiting New York's Hudson Valley often transports me to the French countryside
The region is only an hour from where I live, and many parts of it remind me of Normandy
which I visited as a child and as an adult
I loved my time exploring the historic French city's lush landscapes, sipping on fermented apples, tasting decadent cheeses, strolling through charming towns
A trip to Normandy isn't in the cards again for me anytime soon — so I've been excited to find the Hudson Valley has much of its gustatory
I've found many basic similarities between what the farmers and makers in the Hudson Valley and Normandy create
especially when it comes to cheese and hard cider
This drink is also huge in the Hudson Valley
Although its orchards and farmsteads are more scattered
I've found many of the Hudson Valley's cideries offer tasting experiences for families that exude the laid-back Northern French approach to hosting that hypnotized me in the first place
One of my favorite spots is Indian Ladder Farms
a century-old family farm that has classic ciders sourced from its 90-acre orchard
I was able to sip fresh cider outside in the sunshine while watching children (not all of them mine) frolic merrily in the countryside
cider can't be consumed in Normandy without cheese — and the Hudson Valley also produces some wonderful varieties
If I put on a blindfold and sat down to a plate of farmstead cheese and a glass of cider born and bred in the Hudson Valley
I'd swear I was back on vacation in Normandy
Like Normandy, the Hudson Valley is a great stop for history buffs.
Towns throughout the region have landmarks and museums dedicated to their roles in early American history and the Revolutionary War
One highlight is Kingston, established centuries ago in the shadow of the Catskill Mountains
which has preserved pre-revolutionary stone homes
The surrounding downtown area has many boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, too. A highlight is Le Canard Enchaine bistro
butter-soaked escargot and authentic tarte Tatin
another Hudson Valley town with great shopping
For stick-to-your-ribs French bangers in Cold Spring, try Brasserie Le Bouchon
which has red-and-white checked tablecloths
Beacon, Hudson, Rhinebeck, and Millbrook are also charming stops in the Hudson Valley with charming architecture
tucking into dinner — starting with a locally sourced cheese board
of course — while gazing out rolling green hills or a shining river transports me back to Northern France without the language barrier or passport requirements
Wildlife aplenty – both real and in bronze
revive and relax at this luxury hotel in a wooded riverside Perthshire estate
The staff at Dunkeld House Hotel in Scotland know how to greet guests well: with a dram of whisky and a smile
And it's a welcome I thoroughly appreciated
and a tram) to get to this gorgeous country house hotel
just outside the picturesque Perthshire town of Dunkeld
Dunkeld House Hotel
on the banks of the river Tay and once home to the Dukes of Atholl
makes an impression even before you step foot in the lobby: the entrance is at the end of a long driveway
and anticipation builds as you wind your way past massive lawns and thick wooded areas
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the hotel feels more like a (huge) private house
filled with cosy nooks where you can curl up with a book or have a quiet conversation with friends
Stained glass windows add a colourful touch to the wood-panelled reception area
an antler chandelier and a fireplace just waiting for a roaring blaze
The hotel's 100 rooms and suites are bright and airy
putting a modern spin on the traditional look in the reception and sitting areas
with patterned headboards and large illuminated bathroom mirrors
like the brass bell above the boat-shaped bed in the Bothy Suite
the stunning balcony view from the Duchess Suite (pictured above) or the in-room
freestanding rolltop bath in the Birnam Suite
I stayed upstairs in a spacious Superior Room
I curled up in one of the chairs and opened the windows
This turned out to be a wonderful people-watching spot: I spent several minutes watching guests arrive for a wedding
dressed to the nines in their finest kilts and gowns
Who needs to turn on the TV when there's a fashion show taking place down below
There is a delicate balance when it comes to filling a hotel room with amenities: you need the right amount of necessities and fun extras to make guests happy but not overwhelmed
with essentials like hair dryers and bottled water offered alongside Nespresso machines
The locally made shower gel and shampoo were especially lovely
tiled bathroom with a gorgeous fresh scent
Exploring the property is a must but carve out plenty of time: Dunkeld House Hotel sits on 280 acres of woodland
I made a beeline for the path along the river Tay and started strolling
and all I could hear was the rushing water and chirping birds
and I could imagine how this scene changed with the seasons: always beautiful
and the hotel offers guests several outdoor activities
archery and a Land Rover offroad driving experience
Those who prefer some indoor pampering can book a spa treatment
many of which use seaweed-based products from the Scottish organic skincare range
Popular choices include the Hot Stone Massage and the Luxury Seaweed Bath
a heated indoor pool (pictured above) and a hot tub
There is a lift to whisk you to and from the ground floor but I recommend taking the grand staircase instead
Gliding down from your room is more fun and really makes it feel as though you are making an entrance
refreshed from a good night's sleep and ready for some tea and a Scottish breakfast
There are also baskets of packaged snacks available
if you want to grab something for the road
the chefs create seasonal menu choices from Perthshire produce
haggis is also an option – in the form of bonbons
Discovering Perthshire, a Scottish wonderland
Scottish hospitality shines at these 7 hotels
Edinburgh, Scotland: where history ambles alongside the present
Afternoon tea in the Orangery (pictured above)
a conservatory-like space filled with floral upholstery
and windows out onto the lawn and river beyond
scones and an assortment of delicious sweet treats are presented on lovely serving plates and trays
along with the loose-leaf tea of your choice
and I was happy to box up the leftovers to enjoy later in my room
This was my first trip to the Scottish countryside (and Scotland in general)
and Dunkeld House Hotel made it an experience to remember
who went out of their way to answer questions
make suggestions and offer a smile when passing by in the halls
It's easy to become so enthralled by the gorgeous scenery and comfortable accommodation that you forget the outside world exists
It's the perfect place for truly getting away from it all
Catherine Garcia was a guest of Dunkeld House Hotel and Visit Scotland
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia, The Week USSocial Links NavigationCatherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014
Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly
NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others
She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
An infusion of funding brought about by the pandemic — and the opportunity to better assess its role and the needs of its population — has really strengthened the work that Countryside Public Health is doing
Countryside was as ready as it could be for the new virus
Before retiring and turning over the baton to co-worker Dawn Bjorgan
infectious disease expert Gloria Tobias had been monitoring the virus and its spread in China
She had local staff “practicing and practicing” for the response
there has been some distrust and disconnect about the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic
but Countryside saw nearly the opposite effect
Countryside realized early its important role as the source of information
It worked to improve its ability to provide the information everyone — from restaurant owners to law enforcement officers — needed
a good track record of working with partners in health care in the region
There were “bumps,” but those partners trusted Countryside Public Health and supported it
The infusion of funding the pandemic triggered allowed Countryside to increase its staffing from 30 to about 32 positions
and focus on its key service areas and better align staff members' responsibilities
New funding that resulted from the opioid crisis and subsequent legal settlement also has allowed Countryside to do more to educate people about substance abuse
as well as equip an educator to bring lessons to classrooms in the five counties
An emphasis on outreach to serve clients in some of the smallest and relatively remote corners of the rural counties with regular clinics has helped
So did the fact that more people were seeking health information during the pandemic
Countryside leveraged the trust people had in it
“It gave us an audience that we maybe didn’t have before,” Mills said
Mills takes advantage of multiple social media platforms
along with traditional newspaper and radio outlets
Keeping the attention of its audience in the days ahead may be more important than ever
“My growing concern as a public health leader right now is we’re going to see a rise in infectious diseases,” Auch said
She pointed to recent reports of cases of measles and pertussis in the country as reason for concern
Her agency works to communicate to the public the importance of vaccinations against infectious diseases
and offers clinics and referrals to get people vaccinated
The percentage of children ages 24-35 months who are up-to-date with vaccines in the five Countryside counties ranges from 59.7% in Chippewa to 77.2% in Lac qui Parle
The statewide vaccination rate for that age group is currently 63%
When Auch began her public health career 25 years ago
Auch pointed out that most young people do not have the firsthand experience of having known polio and other infectious diseases
they may not have a full understanding about the benefits of vaccines
She also noted there is currently a tension in the public discourse over the right to choose and a social obligation to keep others safe
Auch said public health has generally been considered underfunded for all of her career
Those concerns are growing today in the midst of federal and state cutbacks to health funding
Countryside receives about 28% of its funding from federal sources
as well as investment interest and opioid settlement funds
The funding is very much needed in this post-COVID era
as there remain a whole range of public health issues to address
and the numbers of people being injured and killed on the roads due to distracted driving and drinking and other substance use are among some of the concerns she cited
Countryside continues to maintain its readiness for the potential of another pandemic
or reduce our defenses and ability to respond to a pandemic
There was a lot to learn and do on the fly once COVID-19 arrived
the lesson of COVID-19 was clear for Countryside
Get to know their similarities and differences to nail these countryside schemes
We've all become slightly obsessed with rural interiors
And while country kitchen ideas are nothing new
there are two specific styles that homeowners and designers alike just can't get enough of – schemes inspired by the rural homes of France and England are full of characterful features
we've turned to designers who specialize in the looks to give us the lowdown
Here's everything you need to know before decorating your kitchen
They both echo their surroundings and have a sense of quiet history about them
which is what gives them that unique charm
whereas in France I’d instantly think of terracotta tiles,' he explains
French country kitchens stand out as the more rustic of the styles
They aren't overly polished or curated – there's a decidedly lived-in
almost collected feel about them that differs from English schemes
'French country kitchens are typically more rustic in feel, often made up of lighter colors and soft textures that suit the warmth and brightness of the Mediterranean light,' explains Lauren. 'The kitchen layout is often more traditional and separate
with kitchens leading out to shaded terraces or gardens rather than being part of one large open space,' she adds
As well as the way the kitchen flows with other spaces in the home
Benji notes there is a real difference in the way the structure of the kitchen is designed
notably in places where the climate is kind
you often see kitchens in beautifully proportioned rooms with lofty high ceilings and big windows giving out onto the countryside.'
It's often not quite the same in English country kitchens
where the proportions are usually much cozier
possibly because we have to withstand long
we want to hunker down in smaller spaces to try and keep warm,' he adds
It's not just the layout of the kitchens that differs here. French country kitchens epitomize the freestanding kitchen style
filled with unique furniture and an unfussy selection of pieces
came later to France – we’ve invested in built-in cabinetry for years
whereas the French happily lived with beautiful freestanding furniture to accommodate their culinary requirements
The deconstructed look in France is still so lovely
with armoires serving the purpose of storing crockery and even jars of confiture or tins of confit de canard,' says Benji
Where French country kitchens embrace a more rustic style
English country kitchens are slightly more polished
Think built-in kitchens with painted cabinets and deeper
a stark contrast to the lighter tones typical of French schemes
While the essence of French and English country kitchens is really similar
their location and how they function for everyday life make them really quite different
Even down to the details – the type of brick or stone used to build the homes
'The biggest difference lies in the way the spaces are planned and how they respond to their environment
English kitchens are often the centre of the home and built to support everyday family life
with open-plan layouts and extra rooms to manage the practicalities
with a simpler approach to storage and layout,' Lauren notes
Want to bring a dose of French country style into your kitchen? There are a few features, big and small, that can bring this more rustic aesthetic into your scheme, whatever your current kitchen style or color
'Some details I think of for a French country kitchen would be croissants on a plate under a glass domed cloche on the rustic freestanding sideboard
a linen bag hanging from a peg to hold the baguette
an array of copper pans hanging from hooks on the wall,' says Benji
A rustic freestanding wooden armoire is the perfect piece for additional kitchen storage in a French country kitchen
An antique or vintage design would fit right in
An authentic French country kitchen feels lived-in
Pot racks and wall hooks are commonplace in French country kitchens for hanging copper pans and even bundles of dried herbs
A ceiling-mounted design like this one is perfect for tall kitchens
English country kitchen decor has its own feel
but with that countryside aesthetic we all know and love
and even some moodier accessories to offer a nod to traditional decorating
It's not unusual to find a traditional wooden kitchen at the center of an English country kitchen – look to rich wood tones and classic turned legs
An English country kitchen will often feature traditional kitchen and tableware
or even open shelving will bring in the aesthetic
Any kitchen linens that nod to flora or botanical styles with a William Morris style feel right at home in an English country kitchen
The colors in this design feel very synonymous with the style
So, if you're wondering how to create a country kitchen
whether you're inspired by the English or the French way
'Both styles are rooted in traditional materials and a strong connection to their setting,' says Lauren
which is what makes these aesthetics so timeless and sought-after
While English and French schemes have some similarities, there are so many beautiful elements of country kitchens that make them unique
From the way the cabinets are designed to the color chosen and the decor introduced
it all comes back to the natural surroundings and how they influence the way of life
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups
While I love every part of interior design
kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most exciting to design
and playful decor elements to explore and experiment with
you will then be prompted to enter your display name
the one my husband and I took on a recent Sunday through quiet farmland near the Luxembourg border had rolling green hills
we ambled amid the stillness you get by wandering off the beaten path
most Sunday strolls don’t come with a four-legged
family-run trekking business in the bucolic village of Plütscheid that invites guests to explore the countryside with a leashed alpaca by their side
owner Dirk Laures sent a GPS pin via WhatsApp
about an hour and 30 minutes from Kaiserslautern and just 20 minutes from Spangdahlem Air Base
He greeted us warmly and led us into the corral
where each of us was paired with the alpacas he had chosen for us
I’ve always had a bad case of the Sunday scaries
and they’ve only intensified since our move to Germany
An alpaca hike seemed to check multiple boxes: a unique outdoor adventure
an easy Instagram flex and top-tier material for Monday’s inevitable “what did you do this weekend?” conversation
Our hike was a little under 3 miles and took just over 90 minutes
but Laures tailors the experience to match each group’s pace and preferences
The loop wound through open pastures and quiet back roads
meditative stroll while holding the leash of our respective alpaca wingmen walking alongside
The two walked shoulder to shoulder the entire time
Laures told us alpacas are highly social and prefer to move in pairs or groups
Their calming presence and uncanny sensitivity to human emotions make them ideal therapy animals
Spending time with alpacas can help ease post-traumatic stress disorder
but she warmed up quickly and followed my lead as we wandered through the open fields and winding country paths
There was something quietly affirming about being accepted by such an adorable
A recent unpleasant encounter with a camel had me worried the alpacas might be smelly or prone to spitting
And once we passed their silent vibe check
keeping them warm and dry even in cold or wet weather
Laures adopted his first alpaca after the death of his wife in 2023 led him to try an alpaca hike of his own
He said the animals have changed his life and those of his three children
He’s led solo visitors and teams of as many as 40
he brings the alpacas to senior homes and special events
though he’s hoping Alea will soon welcome a new cria
is expected to reach adulthood within the next year and start contributing to the herd’s future
which made the setting feel like our own private petting zoo with a scenic backdrop
sharing stories about his animals and answering all our questions
By the time we returned to the farm and watched the rest of the herd enthusiastically welcome Pico and Alea back into the corral
I wasn’t sure I believed in alpaca therapy when I started
but I definitely left with fewer worries and a full heart
Turns out that a leisurely stroll with Pico and Alea was the Sunday reset I didn’t know I needed
Hours: Hikes depart from Plütscheid on Fridays at 2 p.m
The reservation line is open daily from 8 a.m
Know before you go: No dogs allowed on hikes
By Andy Hamilton, originally published by Lowimpact.org
Andy Hamilton – ex of ‘Self-sufficientish’ has written books on foraging, and his new book New Wild Order is out now
Here’s his take on whether foraging is bad for the countryside and wildlife:
“Your lot will strip the countryside bare”
I wager he’d been waiting to say this to me for some time and was now itching for a fight
I’ve referred to myself a forager for around 20 years now and this little chestnut of a comment feels like it will never go away
I recently saw an article about how great foraging was
with the headline: “Excessive foraging prompts ban”
the idea is too solidified in the mind of the arguer and they are not ready to listen to a reasoned response
That’s what a thousand years of conditioning will do
The idea that foragers are an inherent evil
It certainly gathered pace during the enclosures
It was a way to undermine an act of defiance that saw the natives exercising their right to pick food for the table at no cost to themselves
Self-provisioning as a political act is to be free of the state and state rule
The easiest way to control a population is through their stomachs
If you can’t access game and forage food you can’t put food on the table
if you have to work you have to abide by the rules of your employer – you are no longer a free (wo)man
If you then head to the supermarket to get your food
the money you spend goes back into a chain that supports low wages
high-yield mono-cropping and cripples local businesses
I pick from the same small area frequently
I live in a city so many others also pick in the same area too
The local wildlife has not diminished because of our activity
drop the occasional berry which will help feed small mammals and grow new plants in new areas
I also look out for moth and butterfly eggs on the underside of leaves
I sprinkle the seed of local plants in areas that have been made barren by dog walker’s feet or the wheels of mountain bikes
I tread a path through wild garlic areas that doesn’t disturb the first shoots
If I see ground nesting birds I’ll leave that area well alone until I know the birds have fledged
When picking mushrooms I leave the bigger ones to spore
I leave ones that are particularly filled with maggots as these maggots become hoverflies
There are other human activities happening in the area
The effects of social distancing (remember that delight)
are still being felt as the dirt paths grew wider and plants got trampled
Whole areas are being cut up and turned into offices that remain empty
Road building and cars parking on verges have an impact too
there is the incessant tidying up of areas
Just as the blackberries were about to fruit in a wild spot near our kids school
someone decided to chop them all down and “clean up” the area
Birds became homeless and parents bought plastic wrapped sweets and crisps from the shop to make up for the lost free snacks
Our own hedge and grass verge at the back of our house is frequently cut
which means fewer grasshoppers and crickets and less food for the hedgehogs
I know all this as I tend to pick locally and have an intimate relationship with the land within a half mile from my house
I can see where tarmacked driveways and the building of outbuildings have caused ground water to swell
How badly thought-out pathways and the chopping down of trees also cause local floods
This is why I teach foraging and think it’s important
I want to see a system that supports the environment and the people within it
I want to see people actively engaged with their environment
falling in love with it and eating healthily
It’s hard to get all that across over a pint in a busy pub but perhaps you’ll read this
most foragers love what they pick in ways difficult to understand
we don’t strip the countryside bare – but your lifestyle might
shall we have a foraged beer each for the next round
By El Habib Ben Amara
liberate the mind — this is the triple revolution awaiting Algeria
By Chris Smaje, Small Farm Future
Pretty much the last nail in the coffin for the idea that there’s going to be a smooth transition out of fossil fuels and into renewables that can rescue the existing high-energy global economy in anything like its present form comes courtesy of Jean-Baptiste Fressoz and his 2024 book More and More and More: An All-Consuming History of Energy
By Richard Heinberg
They can decimate local insect populations
Resilience is a program of Post Carbon Institute
a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the world transition away from fossil fuels and build sustainable
Reposting Policy | Privacy Policy
If you look at the spot August feeder cattle contract and the spot June live cattle contract
the two charts nearly mirror each other over the last two months
the feeder cattle contracts haven't dared trade higher without the support of the live cattle complex
But as the calendar gets closer and closer to turnout season
the feeder cattle market may grow a bit more independent as it's seeing nearly unfathomable demand
Just last week -- mind you the holiday-shortened week for Easter -- the USDA National Weekly Feeder and Stocker Cattle Summary shared the nation's steers and heifers sold anywhere from $5 to $10 higher
with instances up to $13 higher in the South
But there were special highlights where prices were even higher as Russell Livestock Auction in Russell
reported Tuesday afternoon (4/22/2025) steers were trading $6 to $33 higher and heifers were trading anywhere from $12 higher to even sharply higher
I think it's especially interesting to note that heifer demand has been higher in recent sales as some buyers are hoping to buy heifers before breeding season
with the sole intention of trading them later this fall as bred females as they hope to capitalize on the high market
Although it's fun to highlight the incredible demand in the countryside right now for feeder cattle
you and I both know that the market isn't free and clear from any risk
The spot August contract reached a new contract high during the first week in April at $293.70 and Tuesday afternoon (4/22/2025) the market closed just $2.45 away from that threshold at $291.25
Which points to the unanswered question at this point: How are traders going to manage the market's resistance
there are plenty of landmines for traders to tiptoe around: any sort of trade/tariff news; fluctuations in boxed beef prices; the support/or lack thereof from the live cattle complex -- the list goes on and on
And while the market always has to balance its technical and fundamental factors -- I think there will be a time here in the immediate future where feeder cattle buyers have no choice but to fill their orders or sit the year out
which could give the feeder cattle complex enough fundamental support to silence some of the technical concerns
Maybe the feeder cattle complex will still trade in sync with the live cattle contracts
but I don't think whatever the feeder cattle contracts decide to do amid knocking on the door of technical resistance will lessen the rally currently taking place in the countryside
Feeder cattle buyers know turnout season is quickly approaching and it's hard to sell cattle next fall if you don't have them bought this spring
ShayLe Stewart can be reached at ShayLe.Stewart@dtn.com
Please correct the following errors and try again:
Showers this evening then scattered thunderstorms developing overnight
The Montgomery Countryside Alliance released a statement following the passing of SB 931/ HB1036
"We are heartsick to report that SB 931/ HB1036 -- The Renewable Energy Certainty Act has passed
opening up around 100,000 acres of farmland/forestland across the state to the siting of solar with no oversight from local jurisdictions -- missing an opportunity for Maryland to lead with thoughtful policies to balance renewable energy and thriving farms
prime soils and forests," the alliance said
"The bill directs the Public Service Commission to approve solar projects on 5% of each county's priority preservation areas (farmland and forest conservation areas) -- upending the decades of time and taxpayer funds spent to conserve these areas all across the state."
"we are still gathering the specifics on what this means for the Ag Reserve
but it is looking like 5,000 acres of the nation's most successful farmland protection zone will spend a generation under solar and battery storage
Efforts to amend the legislation to honor the unique zoning of the Reserve (and the similar long term preservation efforts of other counties) or reduce the percentage cap were unheeded by the very same representatives of the Ag Reserve's district."
The alliance also address how it plans to move forward despite this setback
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and how she navigated both unexpected wildlife and eccentric fellow travelers
in this episode there is a lot about the weather and there's mentions of cows and a bear called Arnie and lots and lots of pubs
who wrote about her solo walk for The Guardian newspaper
You might think that Britain isn't the place for the most intrepid hikes
Emma Lunn: I'd say a fairly fit 47-year-old with quite a bit of hiking experience behind me
I was absolutely knackered by the end of it
LA: Emma did what's known as the UK's Coast-to-Coast Walk. It crosses three national parks across the Lake District
on the Irish Sea and ended up on Yorkshire's East Coast
the 190-mile walk's been designated a national trail
EL: So the Coast-to-Coast starts in a town called St
When you start and you go and you dip your toe in the Irish Sea and you pick up a pebble off the beach and you carry it with you
and then you throw your pebble in the North Sea when you get to Robin Hood Bay on the other side
and you also have a little paddle on that sea as well
LA: How long did it take to do this and how long
how long would you ask them to factor in to their itinerary
LA: What time of year were you doing it in
I probably had about half an hour of rain in an entire fortnight
LA: I'd argue September is an oddly okay time of year
I feel like half the time summer disappoints and then September actually gets quite nice
so I booked my trip through a company that arranged all the accommodation for me and the logistics
so they moved my suitcase every night so I'd get to the next hotel or B&B and there my suitcase would be
LA: So you just had your little day pack that would have-
which is the choice of hikers in the Lake District
describe that for Americans and other listeners who might not know
EL: It's just pure sugar with a mint flavor
probably the least healthy thing I've ever eaten
but I definitely had some Kendal Mint Cake probably most days
I feel like its Michelin-starred restaurants were immortalized in The Trip with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon
Were you stopping to tuck into six-course meals or were you ...
Good old English pub grub and the places I stayed at overnight mostly included breakfast
which for Americans is basically fried everything
So I'd say typical English food and yeah
LA: Which something like a fry-up is good fuel for a hike
EL: And feel like you can justify it if you're off a 30-kilometer hike for the day as well
LA: What were a few highlights of areas that you passed through
Was there a particular sort of stretch of land or scenery that you could describe that really stuck with you in those moments when you were really on your own
EL: I think it's probably the second day when there was a choice of routes
I remember sitting on a summit up there thinking
and you could see from miles when the clouds cleared
and it was beautiful and I was on my own and I absolutely loved it
really hot and I really wasn't expecting it and it was pretty quiet on this walk
So when I came across a lake with no people
I didn't have my swimming stuff with me
but I stripped off and got in and hoped no one came along
LA: It's a journey like this that you find yourself giving yourself permission to do those sorts of things
LA: I think whether you are hiking or whatever sort of trip you're doing
to find the comfort of strangers every now and then
and I think the nice thing about being alone is I kind of make an effort to make myself open to connections and talk to people that maybe I wouldn't normally talk to or-
LA: You kind of end up meeting more people
I think if you travel as a couple or with friends
you tend to stick with them and if you're a couple
you talk to other couples maybe more than you do to solo people
It kind of pushes you out of your comfort zone in terms of social interaction
but when I go walking on my own suddenly I become much more confident and outgoing
LA: A few weeks ago we talked to the actor Tracee Ellis Ross
and she was saying one of the reasons why she loves doing things alone is it is when she feels most kind of out in the world
EL: And you can be almost a different version of yourself that no one knows anything about you
LA: It's almost like a sense of control over your own story
LA: The weather can turn fast in that part of the whole country and that part of the country
whether it was just letting people know where you were or making sure if you were on your own
I'd say I had quite a few things with me
And I'd left a lot my route with my family
I was putting things on Facebook every day and not just to show off about my trip but prove to my relations I'm still alive
this isn't actually because I care about content
I mean my mum had just died when I did the walk
but on previous trips we'd got my mum on Facebook because she was always asking my sister
Is she okay on the trip?" So eventually I started posting regularly when I was away so my mum could see that I was okay and after she died I carried on doing that as well
LA: In your Guardian piece you wrote of how you did this trip quite soon after your mum died
LA: Was that one of the driving kind of reasons to do it
EL: To be honest, I think I'd already booked it when she died, but it was definitely a good time to get away and I think a lot of people find that walking really helps grief
put into words why I think it helps so much to put one foot in front of the other
EL: That phrase is exactly what you have to do in both situations
And I suppose grief and walking is like a journey and you have to go through some difficult bits to kind of get to where you're going
did you feel there was an arc of grief taking place or do you think you can see the emotional journey that you took on this trip
but in other times on the trip obviously I felt like really
I know she would've been worried about me doing it though
LA: Her voice still in the back of your head
I could literally hear her voice in my head saying
"Be careful," at the points when I was scrambling down the rock face
what are some of the really British signifiers of those walks
Fences and the pubs and the little churches and houses that you go past when you pass through villages
I mean it's beautiful and it's green except it rains a lot in England
I think one of the really nice things about the Coast-to-Coast is there's honesty boxes where locals leave food and drinks and you leave money when you take the food and drink
I remember going through one place with an honesty fridge with cold drinks
The honesty boxes I really liked because it kind of brings out the best in you and I wouldn't dream of taking the food and not leaving the money
travelers would be that the UK's become very cards payment dependent
but on this kind of trip bring some cash as well
LA: I mentioned those cows at the beginning
We're back with EL on the Coast-to-Coast Trail in England
I remember walking for the hours and hours through kind of nothing
And then you get to the fourth-highest pub in the UK called the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge and then you're back in a lovely English pub having a pint or a cup of tea or whatever you want
And then you're back out on the bleak moors again for a few more hours
EL: The Bronte sisters to write their books
So Wuthering Heights and Heathcliff and all of that darkness
And the moors are so different to the Lake District
It's a real contrast to the beginning of the walk
I think I prefer the mountains and the lakes to the moors just because it is more exciting to scramble up and down and skinny-dip in lakes than walking kind of bleak nothingness for a long time
it kind of flattens out quite a lot more and it changes quite a bit
and it sounds strange that hiking is my hobby when my worst nightmare is walking through a field of cows
I suppose you've walked and hiked many places
did you say you'd gone to Kilimanjaro
EL: There's not many cows and lots of people on Kilimanjaro and lots of ..
so I actually felt pretty safe from the wildlife out there
I think my best hiking stories normally come from a little bit of chaos and a little bit of fear every now and again
And we got totally lost and ended up quite quickly on some farmland that we realized we weren't supposed to be on and a dog chased us off it
but I imagine you maybe be crossed over into some unexpected or weird places that maybe you weren't supposed to be on if there wasn't signage
once I tried to take a massive diversion to avoid some cows and it was kind of a choice of running across a train track
which is really dangerous and there was high fences and electric cables
LA: I recall in your story that you wrote about this with the Guardian
there was an encounter with an optically-clothed hiker who you very generously said it might have been to do with how warm it was
which is actually the highest point of the Coast-to-Coast at about 780 meters and there was quite a few people around and this guy turned up wearing a backpack and hiking boots and nothing else
And we're pretty sure he was what's known as the Naked Rambler
EL: He's a guy called Stephen Gough and he's an ex-Marine and he's well known for well
Was it a very polite aversion of the eyes or ..
"Are you sure it's the Naked Rambler?" And I say
"I didn't really look at his face."
either way he was rambling and he was naked
EL: It wasn't a creepy or disturbing experience like you'd expect a naked person to be
He didn't jump out and do anything crazy or weird
I was having a little break when I encountered him and I stood up to go put my backpack on at the exact time that he did too and he handed me his phone and he said
"Do you mind taking a picture of me?" And he posed on the side of the mountain as anyone else would and I took pictures of him with his phone
LA: I imagine there's quite a few characters that you encountered on this walk
whether it be where you were staying or pubs that you stopped by into
How much of this trail and this hike embodies some of the English eccentricity that I think people think of when they think the country
I think it brings out a lot of kindness in people when you're hiking
there's a Facebook group for the Coast-to-Coast
so I did a little introduction and have a little company toy tape with me and I introduced him and I put little picture of us and my name
And the next day I got halfway along and I got to this gate and there was a bag with my name on it
LA: And for people who haven't read your story
And my nephew gave him to me when my nephew was about 10
"Take him on your travels Auntie Emma." So off we went and he's been on my trips ever since
So the bag is there addressed to you and Bear
and had sweets and a drink in it and it had been left
by a local who did this all the time and it was lovely
LA: And that was the result of seeking out a community on Facebook that could give you some advice
And they'd also left another bag of treats for a couple that weirdly took a toy duck with them
LA: I think I've seen this duck couple on the internet
but the duck was the toy of their dog who died and it's kind of like a tribute walk to their dead dog who they loved
I come across this couple a little bit later on in the walk with this duck hanging out of their bag and the duck and the bear obviously made friends as did me and the couple who owned it and it was sort of really nice
So the fact that we'd both been left these little bags of sweets by the same person gave us a little bonding moment
LA: It seems like there is a way to do this cheaply
you can have a lot of experiences without throwing that much money at it
there's no need to come to London to do the Coast-to-Coast
You're better to flight to Manchester if you can
English trains unfortunately are really expensive
I'd say to cut costs a lot of the hotels I stayed at would make you a packed lunch
They could be quite affordable or you could go to supermarket and make your own packed lunch
I took a load of snacks in my big suitcase that moved along with me
you don't spend money on really anything else
So it can be quite a cheap trip in that way
You're not paying to go and do things or see things other than the walking
which is free as you go and the whole goal of the trip
LA: Emma talks about hiking the Camino de Santiago trail as well as many other international walks across mountains and across national parks
EL: I actually lived in Australia for a couple of years
And while I was there I moved there with my boyfriend at the time
but he didn't really like hiking as much as I did
so I quite often went off and did some kind of bush walk near Sydney on my own at weekends
So I'd done quite a lot of walking there
I'm a big fan of the Camino de Santiago
which is a network of routes across Europe
I've done four routes already and I'm off on a fifth one in a couple of months time at the Portuguese Camino
And it's about 650 kilometers and will take about four weeks
LA: What were some of the things that drew you to that route in particular
I've just become like a Camino addict and I've loved them all
It is cheaper than England for a start and sunnier and the Camino has such a lovely spirit of the Camino provides
whether that's food and drink and shelter or just interesting people to me
And I met some fascinating characters along the way and had some really amazing experiences
all I think is I want to do that again and then I'm planning the next one
I've done quite a lot of small group tours around the U.S
And I think my favorite one was some of the national parks including Yosemite
and I think the standout walk from that trip was walking up Half Dome in Yosemite
which is a really massive rock at a very steep angle
You're not actually attached to them and it's pretty dangerous
And I was really scared and it was totally worth it
LA: I mean the landscapes are so different
but how did those national parks contrast to British national parks
EL: I think for me the big thing in the U.S
I was scared of the brown bears and the black bears
I actually encountered a grizzly bear in the Canadian Rockies
it was about 10 of us and then we were maybe a hundred meters away from the bear or something
And he saw us and he went on his two hind legs and looked at us and we were kind of frozen in terror
And then we were backing off slowly and walking along a ridge and the bear was walking along the bottom of the ridge kind of tracking us
And our tour leader wasn't particularly calm
You've only got to outrun the slowest person in the group
LA: That is a very good way of thinking about it
But I think there was an older guy in the group and I looked at him and I thought
EL: I'm like you seem like a nice guy
but I'm leaving you here to be eaten by the bear
EL: We saw some of them when we were back in the minibus and they were crossing the road
And we were safely in the bus and that was much better
Instead of a blurred picture from a big distance with your hands shaking because you're terrified
LA: It's because you're fleeing the scene
LA: If people want to follow along with your travels and your writing
this was so lovely and just like a pleasant way to spend my afternoon
LA: Thank you for listening to Women Who Travel and you can find me on Instagram @lale_hannah
And special thanks to Jake Lummus for engineering support
Our show is mixed by Amar Lal at Macro Sound
And Chris Bannon is head of Condé Nast Global Audio
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Channeling Ziggy Stardust’s glam transcendence
Will Toledo resurrects the album as a grandiose narrative vehicle while marking his valiant stride into the rock canon
Many returning 1970s staples are slightly different from their original versions here: “Captain Kennedy”—inspired by Young’s 1971 encounter with the title’s figure
whose ship was felled by a German U-boat 30 years prior—becomes a bluegrass-style yarn
while the children’s choir on “Lost in Space” works moderately better here than some of the oddly placed production elements of his ’70s period and what was ultimately recorded for 1980’s Hawks and Doves
The majority of these 10 tracks were featured on Young’s LPs over the years with the only brand new song being “It Might Have Been,” which probably could’ve served as the title of this “lost album.” It’s the highlight by default
and sees the band tossing in a fiddle solo with relish
Young’s mood shifts: The intimate folk tracks “Human Highway” and “Field of Opportunity” are unadorned and rangy in the mix
which fits quite well for those classic prairie folk songs
An album full of Neil Young's alternative versions of existing songs isn’t quite as magical for archival enthusiasts
Homegrown and Chrome Dreams scratched that itch a lot better
whereas Oceanside Countryside is a pleasant and easygoing afternoon listen but not entirely essential for casual Young fans
There are no concrete reasons given by Young as to why it was put on the shelf while Comes a Time and other albums were released
and recording techniques are slightly askew
It’s still a lovely blend of folk sunshine and country earthiness and a reminder of Young’s fastidiousness as a songwriter
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Here are five great hotels worth adding to your “Tokyo-Kyoto+1” itinerary
2025 at 8:45 AM EDTBookmarkSaveTakeaways NEWHave you had the feeling recently that everyone you know has been (or is about to go) to Japan
Last December there was an almost 30% increase in international visitors from the previous year
and the government predicts that the country will double its annual onslaught of tourists to 60 million arrivals by 2030
you will quickly realize that there’s something of a standard itinerary for first-timers: Tokyo-Kyoto+1
A stay in hypermodern Tokyo followed by a visit to Kyoto’s Zen temples may not be groundbreaking
but there’s a reason both cities are on everyone’s list
They rank among the most compelling destinations on our planet
The sculptor-ceramicist presents a series inspired by and created from found natural objects in a New York exhibition
Then Let Them Go’ showcases Balkis’ minimalist ceramic sculptures
which take inspiration from the pastoral surroundings of the Basque Country
Balkis is inspired by the Pyrenean forests that surround her home and studio, and through which she hikes every day. She uses gathered materials: clay from the earth, stones as decoration, and sticks as tools. The ceramics exhibited in ‘Grasp The Mountains
Then Let Them Go’ also incorporate ferns
These pieces are elemental and earthy: the designer’s ‘tribute to the land’
‘By paying homage to the place that has welcomed me – its craggy mountains and fertile soil – my work becomes an act of tactile acknowledgement,’ says Balkis
‘Tethered to the territory where I live
my work is a conscious endeavour to find oneness with the land.’
The sculptures are organic in shape
with many taking on Balkis’ signature ‘Hodei’ form
with wide mouths and columnar bases that expand into fluid canopies
The colour palette is bleached and blanched
achieved by drying and reducing materials to create pale layered glazes
The designer manipulates the clay as much as she can without it collapsing – ‘pushing the limits of clay's potential’, in the words of Guild Gallery founder and curator Robin Standefer (of design firm Roman and Williams) – drying it in phases to prevent structural failure
and one which harks back to an earlier time: ‘The Basque mountains force the observer to return to a lost state of integrity
to act in accordance with the basic order of things.’
She moved from the big city to the Basque Country
escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Balkis’ work ‘[rehabilitates] the matter of the world’
‘Grasp The Mountains, Then Let Them Go’ will run until 21 June 2025, rwguildgalleryny.com
Anna Solomon is Wallpaper*’s Digital Staff Writer
working across all of Wallpaper.com’s core pillars
with special interests in interiors and fashion
she was Senior Editor at Luxury London Magazine and Luxurylondon.co.uk
where she wrote about all things lifestyle and interviewed tastemakers such as Jimmy Choo
Within Neil Young's Analog Original Series (AOS)
a collection of albums reproduced from the original analog master tape recordings (as was custom before digital audio workstations)
was a curious inclusion — a "lost" album recorded from May to December of 1977
intended as a follow-up to 1977's American Stars 'N Bars
The would-be prequel to 1978's Comes a Time includes demos and original mixes of "Human Highway" and "Field of Opportunity" (which appeared on that album)
as well as an acoustic demo of "Goin' Back." The name Oceanside Countryside is likely a reference to the two sides of the album — the first five songs (Side A) are solo performances by Young recorded in Florida
while the following four songs (Side B) were recorded in Nashville with a full bluegrass band
The album ends with an acoustic performance by Young on an early mix of "Pocahontas," which would later be featured on 1979's Rust Never Sleeps
Two standout tracks on the album are "The Old Homestead" featuring The Band's Levon Helms and the catchy "Dance Dance Dance" featuring the "King of the Cajun Fiddlers" Rufus Thibodeaux
I think I should have put it out back then." This is a laidback masterpiece filled with cunning lyrics and catchy tunes that gives the listener a glimpse into the writing and recording process of one of America's greatest musicians
GREAT FALLS — After a nearly two-hour standoff with law enforcement officers
an armed suspect has been taken into custody at Countryside Village mobile home park in Great Falls
The GFPD said that dispatchers received a report at about 11:15 a.m
that a resident inside a unit at Countryside Village appeared to be wearing body armor and had allegedly threatened someone with a rifle
The GFPD said in a news release that the suspect had recently displayed “threatening behaviors,” heightening concern
the Central Montana Regional High Risk Unit
consisting of officers from the GFPD and deputies from the Cascade County Sheriff's Office
the suspect surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody
The name of the suspect has not yet been released
We will update you if we get more information
2:29 pm) Law enforcement officers are responding to an incident at the Countryside Village mobile home park in Great Falls on Tuesday
The Great Falls Police Department said in a news release that officers are working to take a person into custody
The High-Risk Unit is among the responding teams
the road is blocked at 36th Avenue NE and Seventh Street NE
There is no word at this point on the identity of the person
People are advised to avoid the area if possible
or to expect traffic delays in the immediate vicinity
We will update you as we get more information
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Special guests in the front row included Keira Knightley
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