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Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
The world's 14 most mysterious destinations (plus five in Australia)
THE MYSTERY OF JACK THE RIPPER Where Whitechapel, London, England The backstory Over the years 1888 and 1889, at least five young women were murdered by an unidentified serial killer who stalked London's impoverished East End. He mostly preyed on sex workers, slitting their throats before mutilating them. A fearful public blasted the police for their 'incompetence' in never catching the killer. So who was he? There've been thousands of likely suspects over the years, but none ever confirmed. On the trail There are a number of walking tours of Whitechapel, visiting the location of each murder, and speculating about the killer and his victims. There's also a Jack the Ripper Museum on Cable Street. Make it happen Catch the overground train or one of three Tube lines converging at Whitechapel, and take a tour led by expert authors who've written books on the mystery. See THE MYSTERY OF THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE Where North Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda, Florida and Puerto Rico The backstory Also known as 'The Devil's Triangle', this is an area where about 50 ships, 20 planes and numerous people have vanished, seemingly into thin air. Is there some kind of deadly supernatural force – perhaps even emanating from the lost island of Atlanta, hidden below the water's surface? But analysts argue incidents may have been caused by the frequent tropical storms and hurricanes, and the Gulf Stream. On the trail Check out the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, which looks at the area's history and scientific explorations, take a Bermudaful Island Tour, or take a twilight cruise around the area, with the guide recounting the triangle's legends. Make it happen The US, Canada and UK all have direct flights to Bermuda and a number of cruises, such as Royal Caribbean, stop there. See THE MYSTERY OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT'S BODY Where Vergina, near Thessaloniki, Greece The backstory After Alexander the Great died in Babylon in 323 BC, the famed conqueror's body was placed in a coffin of hammered gold and buried by his general Ptolemy near Giza in Egypt. Later, it was moved to Alexandria, but more than 140 scientific expeditions have failed to find it. It's thought it was moved again, but its whereabouts is still unknown, with some experts believing it was reinterred near the tombs of his father, son and half-brother at Vergina, in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Tombs of Macedon in present-day Greece. On the trail Any search for the body could prove a long exercise, but what more fascinating a place to start than this? The Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) showcases the other tombs and the artefacts found in them, and offers clues to the burial practices of the time, with the archaeological site also open to the public. Make it happen Fly to Athens and then fly, catch a train or bus or drive the five and half hours to Thessaloniki, then another train or bus to Vergina, or there are tours from Thessaloniki. See THE MYSTERY OF WHO KILLED JFK Where Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas, US The backstory US president John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in 1963 while in a motorcade alongside his wife Jacqueline, and the assassination has been fuelling conspiracy theories ever since. These include that it was part of an elaborate plot to change US history, involving – variously – the CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, the KGB, the Cubans, the US military … and that the gunman did not act alone. Officially, Lee Harvey Oswald was named as the murderer, and was also shot dead two days later by nightclub operator Jack Ruby. On the trail There are direct flights to Dallas and once in the city, there are a number of tours visiting the Grassy Knoll in Dealey Plaza, the source of many of the conspiracy theories, the Sixth Floor Museum housed in the former Texas School Book Depository building from where Oswald took his shots, as well as his rooming house, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial. Where Easter Island/Rapa Nui, south-eastern Pacific Ocean The backstory The massive stone figures, or Moai, of remote Rapa Nui (a special territory of Chile), carved from volcanic rock, are up to 10 metres tall and weigh more than 80 tonnes, and date from AD 1300. But what do the 1000-odd statues of human heads and torsos mean, who made them, and how were they transported from the quarry to their present position? Ancient legend says the statues themselves walked. On the trail There are a number of published scientific papers on the island and its population, with theories that they died from the introduction of European diseases, or Polynesian rats eating their food and crops, or as a result of overpopulation. THE MYSTERY OF THE SHROUD OF TURIN Where Turin, Italy The backstory A length of linen cloth bears the faint image of a man who seems to have been crucified, so is believed by many to be Jesus' burial shroud. But is it real or a forgery, or simply coincidence? It's kept in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Turin and is rarely displayed to the public, but has been subjected to a battery of scientific tests, with any results always disputed. The late Pope Francis visited it in 2015 as a symbol of Christianity, but stopped short of declaring its authenticity. On the trail The shroud is stored in a bullet-proof, airtight container for its preservation, but visitors can go to the chapel where it's kept and see the photos and replicas at the Museum of the Shroud, a 10-minute walk away. A full-scale digital display is planned for the future. Make it happen Turin is 670 kilometres north of Rome and you can fly, drive, or catch a bus or train. There are tours to see the shroud's resting place, and visiting the cathedral is free. See THE MYSTERY OF THE ISLAND OF THE DOLLS Where Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico The backstory A creepy place among the canals, famous for the hundreds of dolls hanging from trees all over the island. Some locals believe the place is cursed and haunted, and refuse to visit. Its former owner is said to have discovered a drowned girl and the next day found a doll in the water, so hung it in a tree to ward off evil spirits, then collected and hung all the dolls he could find. He drowned in 2001 – eerily, at the same spot. On the trail Some visitors report the dolls move, with their eyes following them around, and they whisper to each other. It's therefore important to experience the place, and divine fact from fiction. Make it happen There are buses and trams for the 30-kilometre journey from Mexico City to Xochimilco, and then there are ferries or gondola-like boats rowed by locals. There are also tours that can be picked up. See THE MYSTERY OF THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA Where Giza, Egypt The backstory Everyone knows the Great Pyramid – the tallest human-made structure on Earth for nearly 4000 years – but no one knows how on Earth it could have been built in 2560 BC, with such heavy two-tonne blocks being moved to fit so precisely – or what it was for, beyond being the tomb of pharaoh Khufu. Did a tributary of the Nile once flow there? Why is there a recently discovered chamber inside? And where is Khufu's mummy? On the trail Before you go, check out the online Giza Project with its 3D reconstructions, documentaries such as the NOVA series about the pyramids, and any visiting exhibitions. See Make it happen In Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum first, then either take a tour to Giza, with some led by Egyptologists, or catch a taxi and find a tour guide there. Alternatively, visit Egypt as part of a tour, such as Abercrombie & Kent's The Wonders of Ancient Egypt or Trip-A-Deal's 11-day Unbeatable Egypt. See THE MYSTERY OF THE MARY ROSE Where Portsmouth, England Loading The backstory King Henry VIII's naval flagship, the Mary Rose, sank in 1545 with the loss of around 500 lives. But what caused the catastrophe? Was it a sudden squall that pushed it over, while gunports were open, letting water flood in? Or was it a lucky shot from a French cannon, or being top-heavy from bad loading? Even though it was salvaged in 1982, scientists continue to search for the answers. On the trail Head for the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth's historic dockyard where the hull and 19,000 Tudor artefacts are on display, along with guided tours and a 4D cinema film. There's also a behind-the-scenes tour available. Make it happen There are regular trains to Portsmouth from London Waterloo. Book a museum ticket in advance for £36 ($75). See FIVE CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN MYSTERIES TO INVESTIGATE Lake George, ACT Sometimes this lake, located 40 kilometres north-west of Canberra, is a magnificent body of water, sometimes green farmland, and at others, a parched dust bowl. Many people have died there, leading to legends about it being haunted and being visited by UFOs. Most experts now believe it's a very shallow lake that drains from the bottom and is subject to evaporation from above. See The Marree Man, near Marree, South Australia This giant 2.7 kilometre-tall figure of a man holding a boomerang or stick is etched into an outback plateau and was only discovered in 1998. No one knows who did it and why, with theories about aliens, Americans, an eccentric artist, local Aboriginal people and more. The site is closed, but it can be viewed from the air. See The Min Min Lights in Boulia, Queensland Ghostly lights, first recorded in 1838, have appeared before numerous drovers, farmers and travellers in the district over the years, and are said to have lured some to their deaths. Are they evil spirits, ghosts, UFOs, or sparks from geophysical elements in the ground, phosphorescence in marshes, or lightning? The Min Min Encounter is an equally weird animatronic show. See Loading The Sunbury Rings, Sunbury, Melbourne Ancient, 1400-year-old earth rings carved into the countryside were, at first, thought to be the result of some kind of mysterious natural, or supernatural, phenomenon. But now they are believed to be the work of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to point to secret and sacred ceremonial sites. They can be visited with permission from the local Aboriginal corporation. See
The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
The world's 14 most mysterious destinations (plus five in Australia)
THE MYSTERY OF JACK THE RIPPER Where Whitechapel, London, England The backstory Over the years 1888 and 1889, at least five young women were murdered by an unidentified serial killer who stalked London's impoverished East End. He mostly preyed on sex workers, slitting their throats before mutilating them. A fearful public blasted the police for their 'incompetence' in never catching the killer. So who was he? There've been thousands of likely suspects over the years, but none ever confirmed. On the trail There are a number of walking tours of Whitechapel, visiting the location of each murder, and speculating about the killer and his victims. There's also a Jack the Ripper Museum on Cable Street. Make it happen Catch the overground train or one of three Tube lines converging at Whitechapel, and take a tour led by expert authors who've written books on the mystery. See THE MYSTERY OF THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE Where North Atlantic Ocean between Bermuda, Florida and Puerto Rico The backstory Also known as 'The Devil's Triangle', this is an area where about 50 ships, 20 planes and numerous people have vanished, seemingly into thin air. Is there some kind of deadly supernatural force – perhaps even emanating from the lost island of Atlanta, hidden below the water's surface? But analysts argue incidents may have been caused by the frequent tropical storms and hurricanes, and the Gulf Stream. On the trail Check out the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, which looks at the area's history and scientific explorations, take a Bermudaful Island Tour, or take a twilight cruise around the area, with the guide recounting the triangle's legends. Make it happen The US, Canada and UK all have direct flights to Bermuda and a number of cruises, such as Royal Caribbean, stop there. See THE MYSTERY OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT'S BODY Where Vergina, near Thessaloniki, Greece The backstory After Alexander the Great died in Babylon in 323 BC, the famed conqueror's body was placed in a coffin of hammered gold and buried by his general Ptolemy near Giza in Egypt. Later, it was moved to Alexandria, but more than 140 scientific expeditions have failed to find it. It's thought it was moved again, but its whereabouts is still unknown, with some experts believing it was reinterred near the tombs of his father, son and half-brother at Vergina, in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Tombs of Macedon in present-day Greece. On the trail Any search for the body could prove a long exercise, but what more fascinating a place to start than this? The Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) showcases the other tombs and the artefacts found in them, and offers clues to the burial practices of the time, with the archaeological site also open to the public. Make it happen Fly to Athens and then fly, catch a train or bus or drive the five and half hours to Thessaloniki, then another train or bus to Vergina, or there are tours from Thessaloniki. See THE MYSTERY OF WHO KILLED JFK Where Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas, US The backstory US president John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in 1963 while in a motorcade alongside his wife Jacqueline, and the assassination has been fuelling conspiracy theories ever since. These include that it was part of an elaborate plot to change US history, involving – variously – the CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, the KGB, the Cubans, the US military … and that the gunman did not act alone. Officially, Lee Harvey Oswald was named as the murderer, and was also shot dead two days later by nightclub operator Jack Ruby. On the trail There are direct flights to Dallas and once in the city, there are a number of tours visiting the Grassy Knoll in Dealey Plaza, the source of many of the conspiracy theories, the Sixth Floor Museum housed in the former Texas School Book Depository building from where Oswald took his shots, as well as his rooming house, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial. Where Easter Island/Rapa Nui, south-eastern Pacific Ocean The backstory The massive stone figures, or Moai, of remote Rapa Nui (a special territory of Chile), carved from volcanic rock, are up to 10 metres tall and weigh more than 80 tonnes, and date from AD 1300. But what do the 1000-odd statues of human heads and torsos mean, who made them, and how were they transported from the quarry to their present position? Ancient legend says the statues themselves walked. On the trail There are a number of published scientific papers on the island and its population, with theories that they died from the introduction of European diseases, or Polynesian rats eating their food and crops, or as a result of overpopulation. THE MYSTERY OF THE SHROUD OF TURIN Where Turin, Italy The backstory A length of linen cloth bears the faint image of a man who seems to have been crucified, so is believed by many to be Jesus' burial shroud. But is it real or a forgery, or simply coincidence? It's kept in the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Turin and is rarely displayed to the public, but has been subjected to a battery of scientific tests, with any results always disputed. The late Pope Francis visited it in 2015 as a symbol of Christianity, but stopped short of declaring its authenticity. On the trail The shroud is stored in a bullet-proof, airtight container for its preservation, but visitors can go to the chapel where it's kept and see the photos and replicas at the Museum of the Shroud, a 10-minute walk away. A full-scale digital display is planned for the future. Make it happen Turin is 670 kilometres north of Rome and you can fly, drive, or catch a bus or train. There are tours to see the shroud's resting place, and visiting the cathedral is free. See THE MYSTERY OF THE ISLAND OF THE DOLLS Where Xochimilco, Mexico City, Mexico The backstory A creepy place among the canals, famous for the hundreds of dolls hanging from trees all over the island. Some locals believe the place is cursed and haunted, and refuse to visit. Its former owner is said to have discovered a drowned girl and the next day found a doll in the water, so hung it in a tree to ward off evil spirits, then collected and hung all the dolls he could find. He drowned in 2001 – eerily, at the same spot. On the trail Some visitors report the dolls move, with their eyes following them around, and they whisper to each other. It's therefore important to experience the place, and divine fact from fiction. Make it happen There are buses and trams for the 30-kilometre journey from Mexico City to Xochimilco, and then there are ferries or gondola-like boats rowed by locals. There are also tours that can be picked up. See THE MYSTERY OF THE GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA Where Giza, Egypt The backstory Everyone knows the Great Pyramid – the tallest human-made structure on Earth for nearly 4000 years – but no one knows how on Earth it could have been built in 2560 BC, with such heavy two-tonne blocks being moved to fit so precisely – or what it was for, beyond being the tomb of pharaoh Khufu. Did a tributary of the Nile once flow there? Why is there a recently discovered chamber inside? And where is Khufu's mummy? On the trail Before you go, check out the online Giza Project with its 3D reconstructions, documentaries such as the NOVA series about the pyramids, and any visiting exhibitions. See Make it happen In Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum first, then either take a tour to Giza, with some led by Egyptologists, or catch a taxi and find a tour guide there. Alternatively, visit Egypt as part of a tour, such as Abercrombie & Kent's The Wonders of Ancient Egypt or Trip-A-Deal's 11-day Unbeatable Egypt. See THE MYSTERY OF THE MARY ROSE Where Portsmouth, England Loading The backstory King Henry VIII's naval flagship, the Mary Rose, sank in 1545 with the loss of around 500 lives. But what caused the catastrophe? Was it a sudden squall that pushed it over, while gunports were open, letting water flood in? Or was it a lucky shot from a French cannon, or being top-heavy from bad loading? Even though it was salvaged in 1982, scientists continue to search for the answers. On the trail Head for the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth's historic dockyard where the hull and 19,000 Tudor artefacts are on display, along with guided tours and a 4D cinema film. There's also a behind-the-scenes tour available. Make it happen There are regular trains to Portsmouth from London Waterloo. Book a museum ticket in advance for £36 ($75). See FIVE CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN MYSTERIES TO INVESTIGATE Lake George, ACT Sometimes this lake, located 40 kilometres north-west of Canberra, is a magnificent body of water, sometimes green farmland, and at others, a parched dust bowl. Many people have died there, leading to legends about it being haunted and being visited by UFOs. Most experts now believe it's a very shallow lake that drains from the bottom and is subject to evaporation from above. See The Marree Man, near Marree, South Australia This giant 2.7 kilometre-tall figure of a man holding a boomerang or stick is etched into an outback plateau and was only discovered in 1998. No one knows who did it and why, with theories about aliens, Americans, an eccentric artist, local Aboriginal people and more. The site is closed, but it can be viewed from the air. See The Min Min Lights in Boulia, Queensland Ghostly lights, first recorded in 1838, have appeared before numerous drovers, farmers and travellers in the district over the years, and are said to have lured some to their deaths. Are they evil spirits, ghosts, UFOs, or sparks from geophysical elements in the ground, phosphorescence in marshes, or lightning? The Min Min Encounter is an equally weird animatronic show. See Loading The Sunbury Rings, Sunbury, Melbourne Ancient, 1400-year-old earth rings carved into the countryside were, at first, thought to be the result of some kind of mysterious natural, or supernatural, phenomenon. But now they are believed to be the work of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to point to secret and sacred ceremonial sites. They can be visited with permission from the local Aboriginal corporation. See
14-05-2025
- Politics
A look at the leading candidates for Poland's next president
WARSAW, Poland -- Poland holds a presidential election Sunday as the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda nears the end of his second and final term. If none of the 13 candidates wins at least 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held June 1 between the top two. All signs indicate it will be a showdown between Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki. While much of the power in Poland lies with the prime minister and legislature, the presidency is far more than ceremonial, with influence over foreign policy and military affairs and the ability to veto legislation. Here is a look at the top four candidates: Trzaskowski, a political ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has been leading in polls with support just above 30% — a clear edge over his two main rivals, both conservative nationalists. Supporters of the 53-year-old praise his pro-European stance and his role in modernizing Warsaw, which has seen significant infrastructure and cultural investment during his tenure. However, Poland remains a largely conservative, Catholic country. Trzaskowski's liberal views — particularly his support for LGBTQ+ rights and participation in Pride parades — alienate some voters outside urban centers. He also faces criticism over local governance, including allegations of inefficiency, controversial real estate management and perceived wasteful spending. In a runoff, he could expect the bulk of right-wing voters to coalesce behind the other candidate. Trzaskowski could also be vulnerable to voter apathy among centrists and progressives who are frustrated with Tusk's inability to deliver on key campaign promises, such as loosening Poland's strict abortion law. This is the second presidential campaign for Trzaskowski after Duda narrowly defeated him five years ago. Nawrocki, 42, is the candidate representing Poland's conservative Law and Justice party. The historian currently heads the Institute of National Remembrance, where he angered Russia with efforts to topple Soviet-era memorials. He previously directed the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk, putting his national conservative stamp on the institution. His academic work has focused on anti-communist resistance and organized crime in communist-era Poland. He is not a party member, and his candidacy represents the Law and Justice party's strategy to present a fresh face as it aims to regain influence. The party ruled for eight years but lost power to Tusk's coalition in 2023. Nawrocki's campaign has been marred by controversies. Journalists revealed that in 2018, under the pseudonym 'Tadeusz Batyr,' he published a book on a notorious gangster. In a television interview, Batyr — with his face blurred and his voice altered — praised Nawrocki's work without disclosing they were the same person. Separately Nawrocki, using his real identity, praised Batyr's work. Nawrocki also been linked to a scandal involving the acquisition of an apartment from an elderly pensioner named Jerzy. Allegations suggest Nawrocki promised to care for Jerzy in return but failed to fulfill the commitment, leading the man to end up in a state-funded retirement home. Nawrocki denies wrongdoing in both cases. At 38, Sławomir Mentzen has emerged as a prominent figure in the presidential race, leveraging his savvy use of social media platforms to connect with younger voters. His sleek videos and populist messaging have resonated with many young people, especially men. Mentzen also has been actively touring the country, aiming to broaden his appeal to older demographics. The rise of his Confederation party coincides with a broader surge of populist right-wing movements across Europe. However, Mentzen's political journey has not been without controversy. In 2019, he made headlines with a statement saying: 'We don't want Jews, homosexuals, abortion, taxes or the European Union.' While he later said the remark was taken out of context, it has continued to shadow him. Although the Confederation party has emphasized its free-market positions and distanced itself from some extreme elements, many Poles remain wary of Mentzen's past statements. He experienced an early surge in the polls that faded after he advocated for the introduction of tuition fees at state universities, a stance that proved unpopular given Poland's tradition of free higher education. He also has taken a hard-line position on abortion, opposing it even in cases of rape — a view that for many went too far. Mentzen is also a successful entrepreneur. He has degrees in economics and physics and owns a brewery in the central city of Torun that has produced beers with names such as 'White IPA Matters,' 'Hate Speech' and 'Bitcoin.' The 'White IPA Matters' beer had a marketing campaign featuring a Black bartender, triggering controversy. In a personal revelation, Mentzen disclosed in 2024 that he has autism. He shared that while he possesses strong concentration skills, he sometimes struggles with interpreting others' emotions. Szymon Hołownia, 48, is a former television personality who transitioned into politics, bringing charisma and a fresh face to the political scene. Once a seminary student, he became widely known as the co-host of Poland's version of 'Got Talent.' His political journey began in earnest with his candidacy in the 2020 presidential election, where he secured nearly 14% of the vote to finish third. In 2020, Hołownia founded the Poland 2050 movement, which evolved into a political party. In the 2023 election, the party joined forces with the conservative agrarian Polish People's Party to create the Third Way coalition, which then joined Tusk's coalition. Hołownia was elected as the speaker of the Sejm, Poland's lower house of parliament. His showman's flair energized Poles hungry for new faces in a political scene dominated by many of the same figures for decades, including Tusk. Captivated citizens began watching live sessions of parliament online, drawn by his energy and wit.
