English: TORINO Turin is the capital of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the fertile agricultural plains east of the Alps and neighbouring Lombardia, Liguria, Valle D’aosta and France. This region has rich and diverse culinary traditions and a wide variety of locally cultivated ingredients and food produces. Not surprisingly, this is the cradle and global headquarters of the Slow Food movement. The region is also one of Italy’s industrial centres and home of world recognised food brands like Nutella, Lavazza or Martini. The House of Savoy, established in 1003 and one of Europe’s most influential royal families, made Turin their royal city and the grand architectural buildings, palaces and monuments of Turin showcase a fascinating illustration of that period. By 1720 Turin was the capital of the kingdom of Sardinia in a time when today’s Italy was a mix of kingdoms, republics, duchies and papal states. The Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification, has its historical, intellectual and political center in Turin. The city became the first capital of unified Italy in 1861, before Rome. …

English: HONSHU We often think of Japan as a heavily industrialised and urbanised country but beyond the megacities there is tranquil preserved wilderness. The forests, mountains, volcanoes and hot springs of the central island of Honshu are an essential experience. Breathing and contemplating the beauty of these landscapes helps the western mind to immerse itself in the Japanese appreciation of nature, Japanese aesthetic ideals and zen buddhism.   Português: HONSHU Normalmente pensamos no Japão como um país altamente industrializado e urbano mas para além das megacidades há regiões tranquilas de natureza preservada. As florestas, montanhas, vulcões e fontes termais da ilha central de Honshu são uma experiência essencial. Respirar e contemplar a beleza destas paisagens ajuda a mente ocidental a se imergir na apreciação japonesa da natureza, dos ideais estéticos japoneses e do Zen-budismo.

English: GOBI DESERT Time stands still in the Khongoryn Els sand dunes. It’s an unforgettable experience climbing to the top of these giant sand dunes. The ‘singing sands’ whistle with the blowing wind. The wind shapes the dunes into elegant curved and sharp edges and patterns. The 360 degree view of the Gobi desert’s vastness makes us feel minuscule. The Bactrian camels have adapted to the fierce environment of Mongolia’s Gobi desert. They have a ‘coat’ that protects them in winter and falls away with the warmer climate in summer. Temperatures are extreme, ranging from −40 °C in winter to 40 °C in summer. Beyond the dunes the bare landscape is rocky with sparse vegetation and limited water sources. These majestic animals have an impressive adaptability to the most inhospitable environments of hight mountains and freezing steppes and deserts. They were essential for the Silk Road caravans that crossed Asia.   Português: DESERTO DO GOBI O tempo estagna nas dunas de Khongoryn Els. É uma experiência inesquecível escalar até ao topo destas dunas gigantes. A ‘areia cantante’ …

English: BRETAGNE (Brittany) During the dark ages migrants from Ireland, Wales and southern England brought Breton, a Celtic language, into Brittany in the northwest of France. With the language came other influences still noticeable today in the architecture, people and cuisine. The history of Brittany goes further into the past with megalith sites dating as far back as 4500 BC. Vikings and other ‘visitors’ motivated the construction of fortresses and towns protected by strong walls made of granite. In these towns beautiful gothic cathedrals point high into the sky. Breton traders pioneered fishing expeditions to Newfoundland as early as the 16th century. Fresh fish and seafood are central to the Breton culinary heritage. It’s a memorable experience the savouring of mussels and oysters inside the walls of Saint-Malo. Brittany gave the world sweet filled crêpes and savoury filled Breton galettes made with buckwheat. A quintessential Breton experience in Brittany. Kouign Amann (Photo 1) is a delicious Breton speciality pastry that in its authentic recipe is made with multiple layers of alternating dough, butter and sugar …