Latest news with #Cristo
NDTV
07-06-2025
- NDTV
From India-Nepal's Dharchula To Norway-Sweden: Borders Worth Travelling For
The world is a magnificent mosaic of cultures, landscapes, and stories. From snow-capped mountains to sun-drenched deserts, from bustling cities to quiet villages, every corner offers something unique. But sometimes, the most intriguing experiences lie not within countries-but between them. Borders are often seen as lines that divide. But in many places, they do the opposite - they connect. They tell tales of shared histories, cultural overlaps, and natural wonders that defy man-made boundaries. Some are marked by rivers, others by fences, and a few by nothing more than a change in language or cuisine. So, whether you are a curious traveller, a geography nerd, or someone who simply loves discovering the unexpected, here are 15 international borders that will make you rethink what it means to cross from one country into another. 15 Stunning International Borders That Go Beyond Lines On A Map: 1. India-Nepal: A Border That Feels Like Family At Raxaul-Birgunj, one of the busiest land crossings between India and Nepal, the atmosphere is anything but tense. Citizens of both countries cross over freely-no passport checks, just a warm welcome. One side serves Indian chai, and a few steps ahead, you will find steaming Nepali-style momos. But the real charm lies in Dharchula, a picturesque twin town split by the Kali River. On one side, it is Dharchula in Uttarakhand, India. On the other, it is also Dharchula, but in Nepal. A border that feels more like a bridge. 2. Argentina-Chile: A Mountain-Top Peace Pact At the summit of the Andes between Mendoza and Santiago stands the Cristo Redentor de los Andes-a towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, installed to commemorate peace after near-war tensions. Surrounded by snow, silence, and sheer altitude, it is a place that humbles even the most seasoned traveller. 3. USA-Canada: A Library That Divides A Town In Derby Line (Vermont) and Stanstead (Quebec), the international border runs through homes, streets, and even a shared library. Before stricter post-9/11 rules, residents crossed rooms, not borders. Today, it remains one of the quirkiest and most peaceful divides in the world. 4. Norway-Sweden: A Ski Track Through Nations Skiing from one country into another? Absolutely. In some parts of the Norway-Sweden border, there are no guards or barriers-just snowy forests and crisp, clean air. Ideal for nature lovers, it is the kind of border where your GPS works harder than immigration. 5. Belgium-Netherlands: Baarle's Baffling Border Welcome to Baarle, a town that looks like a jigsaw puzzle made by someone who gave up halfway. Belgian and Dutch enclaves are scattered throughout-sometimes mid-street, sometimes mid-house. Borderlines are marked on pavements, and some homes have two addresses depending on which door you use. 6. India-Bangladesh: The Tin Bigha Corridor Connecting the Bangladeshi enclave of Dahagram-Angarpota with mainland Bangladesh, the Tin Bigha Corridor is controlled by India and opened during specific hours. It is more than a border; it is a tug-of-war of identity and accessibility, wrapped in barbed wire and bureaucracy. 7. Germany-Poland: A River, A Bridge, A Shared Past In the twin towns of Gorlitz and Zgorzelec, a small pedestrian bridge spans the Neisse River. Once a site of wartime division, today it is a peaceful European crossing filled with street music, coffee shops, and quiet reminders of reconciliation. 8. Vatican City-Italy: Faith Flows Into Rome In St. Peter's Square, a simple line on the ground marks your entry into the world's smallest independent nation. Vatican guards stand quietly, tourists roam freely, and the border blends into the cobblestone charm of Rome. You walk from one of Christianity's holiest sites into the art-laden chaos of Italy-without even realising it. 9. Spain-Morocco: The Contrast At Ceuta In North Africa, the Spanish enclave of Ceuta meets Morocco-and the contrast is striking. From European-style avenues, you step into buzzing Moroccan bazaars within minutes. High fences and tight patrols guard this crossing, but the human hustle never really stops. 10. India-China: Nathu La's Cloud-Kissed Crossing Located on the ancient Silk Route, Nathu La Pass connects Sikkim in India with Tibet in China. At over 14,000 feet, this snowy border sees tricolours on one side, red flags on the other, and icy winds that don't care for politics. A special permit is required, but the views-prayer flags, military posts, and the chill of history-make it worth the effort. 11. Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina: The Triple Frontier Triangle At the meeting point of three nations, two rivers - the Iguazu and Parana - form a natural Y. Each country has its own lookout point, marked by colourful pillars and flags. But the best view is from above: waterfalls, green canopies, and three countries stitched together by nature. 12. Haiti-Dominican Republic: A Border Of Two Realities Even satellite images show the stark contrast-lush forests on the Dominican side, deforested stretches on Haiti's. On the ground, it is a bustling space of trade, chatter, and visible differences in policy and fortune. A border that tells a tale of two nations, side by side. 13. South Africa-Zimbabwe-Zambia: Border By The Falls Right where Victoria Falls roars in full might, three nations meet. You can stand in Zimbabwe, peer into Zambia, and if you plan your route, enter South Africa nearby. Rainbows form in the mist, and the thunder of the falls drowns out any conversation, or thoughts of division. 14. France-Italy: Through The Mont Blanc Tunnel Travel beneath Europe's tallest peak in the Mont Blanc Tunnel and emerge into another country. What begins in Chamonix, France ends in Courmayeur, Italy. It is efficient, scenic, and just a little surreal to drive under a mountain and arrive in a different culture. 15. India-Myanmar: The Melting Cultures At Moreh In Manipur's Moreh, the border feels more like a cultural handshake. Manipuri and Burmese communities share markets, wear similar fabrics, and even speak overlapping dialects. Cross into Myanmar's Tamu, and you'll find familiar spices and smiles. It is one of India's quieter, yet more harmonious frontiers. Which of these borders would you add to your travel wish list first? Let us know, and maybe pack your passport while you are at it.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Read Pope Leo XIV's first address from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica
In his first address Thursday, Pope Leo XIV spoke of peace, building bridges and helping people who are suffering. The themes of his speech seemed to suggest he would have continuity with his predecessor Pope Francis, whom Leo XIV thanked in his remarks. Standing on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica with a large crowd of people in St. Peter's square, Leo XIV spoke in both Italian and Spanish. Here's a translation of his speech: Peace be with you all! Dearest brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families, to all people, wherever they are, to all peoples, to the whole earth. Peace be with you! This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally. We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that morning of Easter Day. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail! We are all in God's hands. Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs his light. Humanity needs him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us too, and then each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always in peace. Thank you Pope Francis! I also want to thank all my brother cardinals who have chosen me to be the Successor of Peter and to walk together with you, as a united Church always seeking peace, justice, always trying to work as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ, without fear, to proclaim the Gospel, to be missionaries. I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian, who said: "with you I am a Christian and for you a bishop." In this sense we can all walk together toward that homeland that God has prepared for us. To the Church of Rome, a special greeting. We must seek together how to be a missionary Church, a Church that builds bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving, like this square, with open arms. All, all those who need our charity, our presence, dialogue and love. And if you will allow me a word, greetings to everyone and especially to my dear diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru, where a faithful people accompanied their bishop, shared their faith and gave so much, so much to continue to be a faithful Church of Jesus Christ. To all of you, brothers and sisters of Rome, of Italy, of the whole world, we want to be a synodal Church, a Church that walks, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always tries to be close especially to those who suffer. Today is the day of the Supplication to Our Lady of Pompeii. Our Mother Mary always wants to walk with us, be close, help us with her intercession and her love. So I would like to pray with you. Let us pray together for this new mission, for the whole Church, for peace in the world and let us ask this special grace to Mary, our Mother.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Vanessa Feltz threatens co-star Cristo Foufas with a 'thump' during heated debate about menopause on her new show
Vanessa Feltz clashed with her co-star Cristo Foufas as the pair engaged in a heated discussion about menopause on Tuesday's episode of her new show Vanessa. The presenter, 63, was speaking with Cristo about the change for women as they discussed that there should be more support in work places for those impacted such as medical leave. Radio and TV presenter Cristo said: 'It is a medical condition so there absolutely should be accommodations made for you at work... but what I will say is if that's the case for women we should also have something similar for the 'manopause'. Also on the show was Jenny Powell who then sarcastically asked him: 'Right well how are you suffering at the moment with your manopause?' He replied saying: 'I am at the age now where I have a drop in testosterone. You get more lethargic and tired and I know it's not as extreme as the menopause but...' A shocked Vanessa then interrupted him saying: 'As extreme!! Any minute now you are going to find yourself booted off my pink sofa. Jenny is being incredibly reserved by not giving you a right thump on the TV!' The presenter, 63, was speaking with Cristo about the change for women as they discussed that there should be more support in work places for those impacted such as medical leave Undeterred from Vanessa's point, Cristo then continued saying: 'I am not underplaying what women go through but if a man is genuinely lethargic and tired as a result of testosterone levels having dropped I think that is a valid reason to have some time off work - the same way I would never undermine a woman needing time off.' Vanessa then said: 'You need one appointment with you doctor to rectify that what time do you need off!?' He hit back saying: 'You have to wait months to have your testosterone tested...' Vanessa then cut in saying: 'For heaven's sake! I think how very dare you really!' She then quickly cut to another segment before the discussion got out of hand. Vanessa has previously described the times when she 'couldn't stand the thought of sex' as she negotiated hot flushes and hormonal changes that made her want to 'melt sob or screen' due to her menopause. Vanessa said she got her first hot flush when she was presenting her first ever Radio 2 Breakfast show in 2011 and is still going through menopause. The heated debate comes just a few days after Vanessa revealed the secret behind her weight loss after admitting she has battled with her body image for decades. Vanessa then cut in saying: 'For heaven's sake! I think how very dare you really!' She then quickly cut to another segment before the discussion got out of hand The former This Morning presenter has been candid about her challenges with her weight in the past, having fluctuated dramatically between sizes 10 and 22. Vanessa has described the 'turmoil' of dieting as soul-destroying, with her weight previously yo-yoing for 18 month periods as she came on and off eating plans. But in recent times, Vanessa has managed to sustain a slim figure. Just a couple of weeks ago, the presenter was pictured flaunting her impressive physique in a black dress for the press night of Queen of Candlelight at the London Palladium. And speaking in OK! magazine today, Vanessa has revealed the secret behind her sustained good looks. After being complimented on her figure, the 63-year-old replied: 'Oh that's very nice of you to say, thank you. 'What have I been doing? I don't know! I think it's because I'm working so much, to be honest. 'I'm just working seven days a week. I've got the new Vanessa show on Channel 5 every day at 12.30pm. Then I do LBC Saturdays and Sundays. 'Being busy and on my feet must be contributing to how I look.' It was only a couple of years ago that Vanessa's cheating ex-boyfriend, Ben Ofoedu, branded her a 'chubby blonde' in a cheap shot after their breakup. But just months later, the presenter was showing off a new-look and impressive figure, having lost 2st thanks to what she called a 'broken heart diet'. Vanessa admitted that following the split, which arose after allegations of Ben cheating were leaked to the press, she 'hadn't eaten for months'. 'That's the silver lining from a broken heart,' she said. Vanessa first slimmed from a size 22 to a size 10 between 1999 and 2000 but later put the weight back on. She lost 2st in 2004 but gained it again, and in 2007 she dropped 3st but it all returned and she ended up back at a size 22. Vanessa has been candid about her struggles with her weight in the past, having fluctuated between sizes 22 and 10. Pictured in 2009 Eventually in 2010, Vanessa had a gastric band bypass, which she said helped to keep her at a more steady weight. Vanessa did, however, reveal in late-2024 that she 'would not have had the surgery' if she had known about Ozempic. Ozempic is a drug used to manage Type 2 diabetes, which slows down how quick food is digested. A number of celebrities have admitted using the drug to bring about weight loss, including Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey and Sharon Osbourne. WHAT IS THE MENOPAUSE? Menopause is when a woman stops having periods, and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally. It usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. It is a normal part of ageing and caused by levels of the sex hormone oestrogen dropping. Some women go through this time with few, if any, symptoms. Others suffer from hot flushes, sleeping difficulties, mood swings and brain fog, which can last for months or years and might change over time. HRT replaces the hormones and is the main treatment used to treat symptoms — which can be severe and disrupt day-to-day life. Menopause happens when your ovaries stop producing as much of the hormone oestrogen and no longer release an egg each month.
