Mexico's hidden 'bat volcano'
Bats are crucial to the local ecosystem in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They keep the pest population down by eating millions of insects every night and they also help to pollinate plants in the jungle.
Qasa Alom visits a hidden bat volcano, home to three million bats who sustain the local ecosystem.
This video is from The Travel Show, the BBC's flagship travel programme.
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Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
American spends week in Iran after visiting 197 countries and is blown away
Travel vlogger Drew Binsky has visited all 197 countries on Earth, but says he was moved by the welcome he received in Iran, and believes the country has an unfairly bad reputation Iran has been making headlines this week following the US's bombing of three nuclear facilities within the country. However, YouTuber Drew Binsky, who visited the Middle Eastern nation prior to the recent escalation with Israel, claims he experienced a side of Iran that Western media seldom portrays. Throughout his journey from the cosmopolitan city of Shiraz to the Kurdish-dominated territory in northern Iran, Drew was greeted with smiles and warm welcomes. Prior to the last Shah of Iran being overthrown in 1979, Iran was surprisingly westernised, with its capital, Tehran, often likened to Paris. But after Ayatollah Khomeini took power, Drew notes, many have come to see Iran as "a scary place to visit." Despite this, the globetrotter – who has visited all 197 countries – ranks Iran as one of his "favourite" destinations and believes the country is unjustly stigmatised. At the top of his list of things that surprised him were the people. "In my experience, the media overlooks the warmth of Persian people," he stated. "Iranians are really, really friendly and hospitable. You can see wherever we go, people come up to you. They talk to you. They want to know your ideas about Iran, and they are very friendly." Most locals Drew spoke with had never met an American before. One Iranian woman assured that Americans would receive a warm welcome if they chose to holiday in Tehran. 'Iran is safe,' she said. 'Don't let the news cheat you. If you travel to Iran, it's very economical, very safe, and people are very welcoming and nice to you. So you will have a nice stay in Iran. I can promise.' Iran undeniably has its dark side. According to the BBC, Iran carries out more executions than any other country except China, and homosexuality is banned. Iranian censorship is considered to be some of the most extreme worldwide. The Foreign Office advises against all travel to the country, warning UK nationals are at significant risk of "arrest, questioning or detention." The entire country is in the "red zone," with the government urging British nationals already in the country to "consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying." Yet, Drew remains a huge fan of the country and its breathtaking sights. One local who had welcomed Drew into his home for a traditional Iranian meal said that most Iranians realised there was no genuine reason for Iranians and Americans to fear each other. He said: "All the problems are between governments." Another Iranian man Drew interviewed echoed his words: "People are people everywhere... the problem is between our governments." Although one person told Drew he could well have been the only American in Iran, the country's tourism industry has seen a remarkable boom in recent years. In 2019, the country was listed as the world's third fastest-growing tourism destination, and Iran's tourism saw growth of 43% in 2023, attracting some six million foreign tourists.
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside UK's largest abandoned island that was bought for just £2 million
With white beaches and crystal-clear waters that could easily compete with the Maldives, this fascinating island was completely abandoned in 1961 - and is now undergoing a huge regeneration plan A huge island shrouded in dark history was abandoned more than 60 years ago, after the last remaining family flocked to the UK mainland. With spectacular sugar-like beaches, turquoise waters, and rich wildlife - you'd expect this picturesque isle to be a tourist magnet situated in the idyllic Caribbean. But, Taransay - which actually comprises of two islands connected together by an isthmus of sand - is located in the Outer Hebrides, the longest archipelago in the British Isles. Stranded just off the northwest coast of Scotland, civilisation on the island is believed to go all the way back to 300 A.D, when it was home to 'Celtic pagans'. According to The Taransay Fiddlers, their descendants converted to Christianity in the 700s and in the 900s the island was taken over by the Norse Vikings. "Throughout history it has been the site of fierce battles, such as in the Massacre of Taransay in 1544, when the Morrisons of Lewis invaded," the group states. "However, this act did not go unpunished as the people from the island of Berneray forced the invaders to a rock, where they were executed. This rock is now known as Sgeir Bhuailte – Smitten Rock." But, the population started to dwindle, and by 1961 only one family still lived on the island. That year, the MacRae's moved over to the mainland - and Taransay was predominantly used for sheep grazing. It wasn't until 2000 that the island shot to fame, after being used as the location for BBC's reality TV show Castaway - which attracted swathes of tourists from across the UK. Some 11 years later and the island was sold to Adam and Cathra Kelliher only a fortnight after going on the market for just £2 million. Factoring in inflation, this would be £2.9 million in today's money. But, instead of seeking permission to turn the island into a concrete jungle of hotels - the couple are determined to return the island back to its bronze age state. "When we took all the sheep off in 2019, there was an immediate explosion of flowers and wildlife, but then massive grasses started to smother that wildlife because there were not the mammals there to eat the grass," Cathra told the Times. "If we left it without helping it along by reintroducing mammals, then it would not necessarily turn out nicely. It is not just about leaving it; it is about undoing the damage we have done." Taransaay is now the focus of a regeneration project that aims to restore the flora and fauna back to a pre-pastoral era as well as preserve the rich human and archaeological heritage of the island. This six-step plan involves cleaning up the island, implementing more balanced grazing, supporting biodiversity, preserving human heritage, involving the local community, and helping mitigate the effects of climate change. Boat trips to the island will run regularly during the summer months, depending on the weather. The vessel leaves from Horgabost Beach on the Isle of Harris, starting at 9am, with only eight passengers per passage - and takes approximately 20 minutes.
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Wales Online
David Tennant's Around the World in 80 Days hailed as 'action-filled, fast-moving delight'
David Tennant's Around the World in 80 Days hailed as 'action-filled, fast-moving delight' The latest adaptation of Jules Verne's 1872 novel has been a huge hit with fans of historical period dramas and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now David Tennant in Around the World in 80 Days (Image: BBC / Slim 80 Days ) There have been countless adaptations of Jules Verne's widely loved 1872 novel, Around the World in Eighty Days. With a variety of creators trying to interpret the original material, some versions have triumphed, while others have not quite hit the mark. Thankfully, the most recent interpretation - a 2021 co-production by PBS and BBC - has turned out to be a tremendous success. The series was shot in South Africa, France, and the UK, with additional filming taking place in Romania. The programme first aired on La Une in Belgium in 2021, before making its BBC One debut in the UK on December 26, 2021. Before its premiere, it was announced that the show had been renewed for a second season pre-release. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . However, in October 2024, reports suggested that there were currently no plans to extend the series beyond its first season, reports Surrey Live. David Tennant assumes the character of Phileas Fogg in a grand retelling of Jules Verne's classic, with Ibrahim Koma playing Jean Passepartout and Leonie Benesch portraying Abigail Fix Fortescue. The narrative, while fictional, cleverly incorporates historical personas like Bass Reeves, Adolphe Thiers, and Jane Digby into its plot. The series has received a warm reception, boasting an 81 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, signalling robust admiration for the modern take on the epic journey in 'Around the World in 80 Days'. Article continues below Critics have weighed in with their thoughts, one lauding: "There's a reason that Jules Verne's novel has been made and re-made over the decades - it's a riveting adventure tale, and this version is no exception." Another showered acclaim, stating: "This new adaptation of Around The World In 80 Days more or less tells new stories that may have more parallels into the 21st century than the 19th. But it's also an action-filled, fast-moving delight." Despite the general positivity, some reviews were critical. A disenchanted reviewer noted: "It's ultimately a middling, entirely unnecessary new take on Verne's classic adventure novel, and its main cast seems aware they're starring in what amounts to an afterschool special." Some viewers praised the adaptation, sharing their thoughts with comments such as: "There is something about this time of year that demands a good, solid adaptation of a literary classic. Right on cue, here is Around the World in 80 Days for the entire family to enjoy." Fans also echoed similar feelings, with one expressing: "Nice cast, good work, I read the book and watched all the previous versions (also the anime). I like how it has changed." Many lavished praise on the 2021 rendition, as another enthusiast noted: "It's about time Jules Verne's famous story got the screen adaptation it deserves. Article continues below "Around the World in 80 Days is a fresh take on the timeless classic with a few tweaks to suit a modern audience. The cast is phenomenal. The writing, directing, cinematography, and production design are all brilliant and bring back memories of a time when TV productions weren't the c**p streaming services spit out nowadays." Yet, certain feedback was more reserved, with one viewer commenting: "A solid enough adaptation of the Verne classic, that does play it rather safe at times. It tries to tackle some important social issues along the way, but it does come across at times as rather forced and half baked."
