Latest news with #Albatross
West Australian
19-07-2025
- West Australian
Five showstoppers in France's lovely Languedoc
While perhaps not as globally well known as neighbouring Provence, the historic Languedoc region of France — since 2016, swallowed into the new, larger Occitanie region — is packed with breathtaking sights. Exploring here on our Albatross tour of France, we're especially beguiled by this quintet. As the inspiration for bestselling board games and mystery novels — have you read Kate Mosse's Languedoc trilogy, beginning with Labyrinth? — Carcassonne seems familiar even before you've first clasped eyes on the fairytale turrets of its imposing citadel. While the tight winding lanes of its historic core can feel like a tourist theme park — visitors heavily outnumber local residents and there are countless tourist-orientated gift stores, bars and eateries — there's more room and thrills on the ramparts. Running around the citadel for 1.6km, and punctuated with watch-towers, the walls offer fabulous vantage points over this hilltop old town and its brooding castle. You also overlook Carcassonne's sweeping, vineyard-blessed countryside and the bastide Saint-Louis, a lower-lying city district wedged between the River Aude and the Canal du Midi. Most of Carcassonne's present-day population reside, shop, eat and drink there and it's worth the walk down from the citadel. As well as French, you may hear Occitan, an endangered language spoken in chunks of southern France, northern Spain and Italy. There are bigger ancient amphitheatres on the planet, but none are as well preserved and beautifully restored as the corker gracing the centre of Nimes (formerly the Roman colony of Nemausus). A guided tour here showcases the heritage, including tales of gladiators battling wild animals before 24,000-strong crowds. Not just an incredible piece of architecture — with its symmetrical arches curving over two levels — the amphitheatre plays a key role in Nimes' cultural calendar, staging everything from live music concerts to sporting events. Other Roman relics dot the streets and squares of Nimes, which also has fetching medieval landmarks, contemporary museums and galleries, pretty parks with canals and fountains, and picturesque side streets and squares teeming with bistros, boulangeries and boutiques. Constructed to bring water to Nimes in the first century AD, the Pont du Gard is another magnificent remnant from the Romans' time in ancient Gaul (as France was known back in the day). You can admire this three-storey stone jewel from several perspectives, including on the footpath-laced cliffs above and down by the pebbly banks of the Gardon River, which the bridge spans. You can walk across it, too, peering up at the arches of a structure that formed part of an aqueduct stretching 50km. A modern visitor centre here has films and immersive exhibits detailing the construction of Pont du Gard, which, at 49m, was the highest Roman aqueduct in the world and ensured the people of Nimes had fresh water to drink and bathe in. This extraordinary viaduct was completed in 2004 and holds the title of the world's tallest bridge (for now at least; it will soon be usurped by China's Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge). Rising 343m above the Tarn Valley, taller than the Eiffel Tower, this cable-stayed stunner stretches nearly 2.5km, devised with steel and concrete by British architect Sir Norman Foster and French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux. Several lookouts offer breathtaking views of the viaduct, including an elevated platform accessible by a snaking, ascending path from the exhibition centre. Inside that you'll discover the technical aspects of the bridge and exactly why it was built here. Comprising four lanes, it gives drivers a much quicker route across the Tarn, which divides central France and the Mediterranean region. Previously, motorists would have found themselves gridlocked around the old stone bridge in the nearby town of Millau. Enclosed by over 1.5km of fortifications, this is one of France's best-preserved walled medieval port towns, perched at the cusp of the Camargue coastal region where Languedoc meets Provence. Its grid-like, mostly pedestrianised streets are a pleasure to stroll around, many lined with craft stores, cafes, restaurants and pretty houses with colourfully painted doors and window shutters. But it's also worth exiting one of the town's many gateways for a stroll on the boardwalks that thread towards the network of lagoons, canals and salt marshes that fringe Aigues-Mortes (which translates to 'dead waters' in English). Keep your eyes peeled for birds, including flamingos, flying above, and you may spot wild horses grazing or galloping in the nearby fields. Steve McKenna was a guest of Albatross Tours. They have not influenced this story or read it before publication. + Everywhere mentioned here is on the itinerary for Albatross' La Grande France tour, which begins in Paris and ends in Nice. The 2025 tour lasts 16 days and is priced at $10,987 per person (based on two sharing) or $14,087 (solo). There are departures on August 17 and August 31, 2025. For the 2026 itinerary, which has three extra nights and starts on May 17, June 7, August 23 and September 13, the tour costs $15,887 per person (twin) and $20,887 (solo). See + To help plan a trip to France, see
The Hindu
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Albatross Launches in Style! Grand Opening Celebration Wows Guests in Edison, NJ as World's Largest Indoor-Themed Mini Putting & Luxury Bowling Destination Is Now Open!
Edison, New Jersey – June 19, 2025 - Play and leisure reached exciting new heights as Albatross, the world's largest indoor-themed mini putting and luxury bowling destination, officially opened its doors yesterday in Edison, NJ. The highly anticipated grand opening celebration took place today drawing a crowd that included Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, local leaders, media, and special guests who gathered to mark the debut of this truly one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. Ideally situated at 991 US-1 in Edison—right next to Albatross' affiliate venue, the innovative Supercharged Entertainment, and directly across from TopGolf—Albatross sets a new benchmark for social entertainment in New Jersey. Spanning more than 50,000 square feet, it offers immersive themed mini putting, upscale bowling, elevated dining, craft cocktails, and vibrant nightlife—seamlessly blending competitive play with sophisticated leisure, all under one roof. 'Our grand opening was an incredible celebration, and we're thrilled to finally welcome guests into Albatross,' said Stephen Sangermano, President, Albatross NJ. 'This is more than just an entertainment venue—it's a social playground designed to be both unforgettable and unmatched. From mini putting and luxury bowling to craft cocktails, vibrant dining, and live DJs, there's truly nothing like it anywhere else.' 'Albatross is a game-changer for Edison—bringing world-class entertainment, over 350 jobs, and energy to our entire community,' said Edison Mayor Sam Joshi. 'It's truly exciting to welcome a destination that not only enhances our local economy, with estimated taxes of $175,000, but also gives families, friends, and visitors a new and exciting place to connect and have fun. We're proud Edison is home to such a dynamic and innovative venue.' ⛳ The world's largest indoor-themed mini putting course designed for both casual and competitive play 🎳 32 lanes of high-end luxury bowling for the ultimate game-night experience and competition of all levels 🍸 Handcrafted cocktails & elevated dining, blending bold flavors with a vibrant, social atmosphere 🎶 Live DJ's music & immersive entertainment to keep the energy going 🪩 Versatile & spacious private group event space suitable for all occasions and outings For information on pricing, gift cards, and group outings - please visit . The hours at Albatross: Mon to Thurs, 11am to 12m, Fri 11am to 1am, Sat 10am to 1am, and Sun 10am to 12m. Follow Albatross on Facebook , on Instagram , and on TikTok . 'This article is part of sponsored content programme.'
Otago Daily Times
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Tyler contingent gearing up for Winter Cup
Kelvin Tyler will spend plenty of time on the road over the next month as his trio of Winter Cup (1600m) hopefuls make their final preparations for the Grand National meeting. Talented wet-track gallopers Albatross, Master Marko and King Of The Castle will all contest today's Winter Cup Trial Gallagher Insurance (1400m) at Ashburton. The latter pair will resume off a short spell, while Albatross has made her presence felt in Canterbury recently, finishing a close-up second to race rival Conor O'Ceirin in the Amberley Cup (1400m) 10 days ago. The daughter of Sacred Falls returned to Tyler's Riverton base after the race, and he could not have been happier with her performance. "I thought it was a great effort. She really had no excuse as the winner had quite a bit of weight to carry and beat us fair and square," he said. "She's come through that really well. Hopefully, the track is nice and loose which she would appreciate, and I'd expect another good run really. "Master Marko had about three weeks off after his last run. He's come through the break well and he'll have a good hit-out before going to the Oamaru Cup and on to the Winter Cup. "King Of The Castle is in the same boat." The Oamaru Cup meeting will be held on July 20 and the Winter Cup at Riccarton Park on August 2. Alongside his topliners, Tyler has a strong contingent contesting the undercard races, including an in-form Vamos. The gelding had won two of his past three outings prior to racing at Riccarton, where he went down narrowly to Bella Luce over the mile distance. "I think Amber [Riddell, jockey] was kicking herself because she's ridden and won on him a few times, so she knows how he likes to roll and would've got going a bit earlier," he said. "He's got another decent weight tomorrow, having the claim brings us down to 57kg so he'll go a good race." Floor Moerman will take the reins aboard Vamos in the rating 75 Gary McCormick Transport Ltd (1600m), while Riddell guides the fortunes of Radiant Reach, as they shoot for three wins on the bounce in the McIntosh Catering (1600m) for 3 and 4-year-olds. Tyler has always rated Radiant Reach, who has found her sweet spot in the testing ground of late. "Maturity is always up there, but I think the wetter tracks are really helping her too. "I think she'll take a bit of beating, but the worst thing with her is she'll often beat herself when she's slow out of the gates. That's always a bit of a worry, but if she gives herself a fair start, she'll be hard to beat." Lightly-tried Proisir filly Return Flight will have her first trip away at the meeting, and Tyler is confident she can bring her strong form into the rating 65 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1200m). "Wet track won't worry her at all, so this is a winnable race for her," Tyler said. — News Desk By Jess de Lautour
Time of India
18-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Aralam named butterfly sanctuary, rat snake proposal put on hold
Kochi: The state wildlife board, chaired by the chief minister, has on Wednesday approved the renaming of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, recognizing it as Kerala's first butterfly sanctuary. The board, However, deferred a decision on declaring the Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa), locally known as Chera, as the official state reptile. Some members opined that more detailed research is necessary before making such a designation. The renaming of Aralam Sanctuary honours its role as a major destination during the annual mass migration of butterflies, particularly the Albatross species, which arrive in large numbers. Experts attribute this phenomenon to the sanctuary's unique climate and the presence of host plants. Situated in the valley of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges, Aralam benefits from mineral-rich water flowing from the hills, which collects along the riverbanks. These minerals are vital for butterflies before breeding. "We have recorded 5,000 to 12,000 butterflies passing a single point in just five minutes," said a forest department official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo "More studies are needed on their migration routes and whether they return." Several other proposals were also discussed at the meeting. The board agreed to approach the Union govt to provide legal heirs an additional opportunity to declare wildlife trophies that remained undisclosed following the death of certified owners. A proposal will be submitted for the construction of a ropeway to transport goods from Pamba to the Sabarimala shrine. Approval was also granted for 21 quarries and several integrated production units located outside but within 10km of various wildlife sanctuaries and eco-sensitive zones across Kerala. As part of ongoing tribal development efforts, the board decided to recommend five community centres and five roads within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary under the Forest Rights Act.
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
$95million superyacht Moonstone spotted off Gourock
The stunning Delta superyacht Moonstone, formerly known as Albatross, was first spotted in the Firth of Clyde shortly before 5am on Monday, June 16. (Image: George Munro) And eagle-eyed Chief Photographer George Munro was on hand to catch a glimpse of her. The 79.2-metre long vessel was built in 2016 when she was named Albatross, before being sold just 11 weeks after being put on the market. She made the trip to Inverclyde from Falmouth, in Cornwall, overnight. Members of our sister title Greenock Telegraph Camera Club were also on hand to mark the occasion with snaps of their own. (Image: Tommy Bamford - Greenock Telegraph Camera Club) (Image: Michael Deveny - Greenock Telegraph Camera Club) Moonstone has recently undergone a major re-fit at Damen Yachting's facility at Vlissingen, in the Netherlands. The refit included a seven-metre extension, a repainted hull, enhanced guest spaces and entertainment areas. This allowed for the addition of a beach club with a wellness centre, large outdoor pool, winter garden and enlarged exterior seating areas. Having originally measured 72.2 metres, Moonstone relaunched in March earlier this year with a seven-metre hull extension, where 10 metres had been removed and 17 metres added. Project manager Daan Langezaal said: "After months of work on this beautiful project, we proudly bid her farewell. "The collaboration with the owner's team ran like clockwork, and challenges were successfully overcome. A big thank you to everyone involved in this beautiful project."
