Latest news with #NapoleonicWars
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Himeji Castle Forms Sister Castle Partnership with Austria's Schoenbrunn Palace; Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Yomiuri Shimbun Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, center, and Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto, right, at the signing ceremony for the sister castle partnership between Himeji Castle and Schoenbrunn Palace on May 24 in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. HIMEJI, Hyogo — A sister castle partnership has been established between Himeji Castle in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, and Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna. Schoenbrunn Palace is now the fourth sister castle of Himeji Castle. A ceremonial signing for the sister castle partnership was held at Himeji Castle with Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto and Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen in attendance on May 24. Van der Bellen's visit to Japan coincided with Austria's National Day event at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Both parties agreed to proactively promote tourism exchanges between the city and Austria. Schoenbrunn Palace is known for hosting the Congress of Vienna in 1815 after the Napoleonic Wars. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Courtesy of Himeji city government Schoenbrunn Palace in Vienna Last spring, when Austrian government officials visited Himeji Castle, also a World Heritage Site, they proposed the idea of a partnership to Himeji officials. A basic agreement was signed in November. 'I'm confident that the partnership will help promote exchanges in a variety of fields and strengthen the ties between Japan and Austria,' Kiyomoto said. Austrian President Van der Bellen expressed his hope to further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
Irish Post
4 days ago
- Irish Post
Tall stories and tall ships in delightfully offbeat Cornwall
THE thing about Cornwall is its offbeat options. It doesn't take long to find secluded beaches, hidden coves and remote cliffs. Legends too — and from the very top drawer of mythology. Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor is the home of Excalibur – although one has to qualify the word legend here. The Bodmin story is all about magical powers being transferred to King Arthur. Legend has now been downgraded to unexpectedly arriving at the office with custard doughnuts for everybody. But laidback Cornwall is happy enough with that. Tall stories and tall ships form a wonderful alchemy, along with history, geological happenstance, popular culture, and cuisine. They seem to have thought of everything. And that includes the ancient port of Falmouth. Most British towns today come with a motto: 'York; so good they named it once', type of thing. Falmouth's kicker is: 'The spirit of the sea'. Although succinct and accurate, it's not the whole story. There's a boho buzz going on here too, and a burgeoning culinary scene. Falmouth in Cornwall has been at the centre of maritime affairs for centuries The sea, of course, is an ever-present backdrop — the town has been at the centre of maritime affairs since navigation began. Its deep natural harbour made it strategically important, particularly from the 17th century onwards. The town grew rapidly after the construction of Pendennis Castle by Henry VIII in the 1540s, which defended the estuary. By the 1680s, Falmouth had become a key packet station handling mail ships between Britain and its empire. The town flourished during the Napoleonic Wars — which helped reshape not just Falmouth, but the whole of Europe, toppling monarchies, and spurring nationalism. And in an 1805 newsfeed, the latest goings-on at Trafalgar arrived via the schooner Pickle. The good news? 'England won'. The bad? 'Nelson's as dead as the proverbial dodo'. You can visit the precise spot where this news was imparted. Pendennis Castle in Falmouth Ship happens, if you get my drift CHARLES Darwin's boat HMS Beagle docked here on the Fal River. Before landing at Falmouth, Darwin spent five years on board, puzzling over wildlife and fossils. The theory of natural selection was on its way. Darwin got paid just £180 for the publication of On The Origin of Species, but was lucky enough. A respected editor read it and urged Darwin to write a book about pigeons instead. 'Everyone is interested in pigeons,' he observed helpfully. Editors, eh? Our voyage round the harbour was on board Jonik, a 1930s motor cruiser with just room for eight passengers; a ticket for the boat also gets you inside the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Eclectic is way too small a word for this place. Tucked away in Cornwall's charming harbour town, the museum is a delight for landlubbers and sea dogs alike. With boats hanging from the rafters — there's even a periscope poking above the roof — it's part museum, part nautical playground. Kids can hoist sails or climb aboard rescue craft, grown-ups can daydream about owning a yacht, and everyone learns something without even realising it. From voyages of exploration to tales to Cornish smugglers, it's a journey through seafaring history that doesn't take itself too seriously. Spanning five floors and housing 15 galleries, the museum also has its Tidal Zone for underwater views of the harbour and a 100-foot Look Out Tower for panoramic views of the harbour. The museum is currently hosting an exhibition on surfing. SURF! exhibition explores the history and cultural impact of surfing in Cornwall From vintage wave-chasers to modern-day surf heroes, an epic new exhibition SURF! surveys the last 100 years of the sport in Cornwall. Set against the backdrop of 422 miles of Atlantic-washed coastline, this, ahem, immersive journey uncovers how surfing shaped the region – and how Cornwall shaped global surf culture in return. From the 1920s pioneers paddling out on wooden bellyboards, to today's world-class athletes carving clean lines at Fistral, SURF! has the complete lowdown. Of course, you don't need a museum to appreciate matters nautical in Falmouth. Any stroll through the town will give you glimpses of the water through the opes – passageways with stone steps between buildings leading down to the water's edge. You'll see just about every type of craft here – yawls, ketches, sloops, gigs, pleasure cruises and working boats dredging for wild Fal oysters. This year sailing week is from Friday, August 8th - Sunday, August 17th. All manner of nautical matters will be taking place both on the water and the quayside, as well as a carnival on Saturday, August 9th. We wandered through the town on a spring day. The streets had a jaunty seaside air, with Falmouth's trademark fluttering bunting and a few murmurations of tourists here and there. Star quality shelter OUR destination and shelter for two days was the Star and Garter, a gastropub within a historic town house on Falmouth's high street. Outside, it looks like a classic smuggler's inn; inside are a handful of beautifully appointed apartments looking out across the Fal River. Here, I said to myself, is a place I'd like to relax in once in a while, maybe three or four times a week. There's a seriously good restaurant at the back of the ground-floor pub. The predictable nautical décor route of bits of boats everywhere has been eschewed in favour of leathery chairs, dark wood, candlelight, and mesmerising views across the harbour. If you have the great good fortune to be staying there, you only have to stumble up the stairs, after a memorably good dinner and cocktails, to your quarters – either the first-floor Starboard rooms, the second-floor Penthouse or the Crow's Nest in the attic. All have a kitchen, sofas and armchairs, views of the harbour and binoculars. There are also flat-screen tellies — I'm not sure if another type of television is available these days. But I suppose if you wanted one of those old televisions — huge box affairs with buttons saying odd things like 'vertical hold', the staff here are so helpful they'd probably see if they could get you one. The Star and Garter is a microcosm of Falmouth itself. It's a great place for dining, drinking, gazing at the sea, being happy. We'd go there as soon as possible, if we were you. Travel details Star and Garter, 52 High Street, Falmouth Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3QY For booking Jonik: Further information: See More: Cornwall, Travel
NDTV
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
Chicory In Coffee: A European Root That Changed South Indian Filter Coffee Forever
What comes to your mind when you imagine South Indian filter coffee? Perhaps it is the rich and earthy aroma, the frothy top, the stainless-steel tumbler and dabara set, and that deep, comforting flavour lingering long after the last sip. Isn't it unforgettable? Commonly known as kaapi, South Indian filter coffee is a harmonious blend of strength and smoothness, bitterness and sweetness. But have you ever wondered what makes it so distinct from your usual espresso or cappuccino? While the dark-roasted coffee beans, usually sourced from the hills of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, are undoubtedly the stars of the show, there is another, often overlooked ingredient that plays a crucial role in shaping the signature taste. That ingredient is chicory - a humble root that has quietly become the soul of South Indian filter coffee. Also Read: Why Is South Indian Filter Coffee Special? Know How To Make It Properly What Is Chicory: The Star Ingredient In South Indian Filter Coffee Chicory is a flowering plant from the dandelion family, native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is easily recognised by its bright blue flowers and coarse, hairy stems. While the leaves are used in salads, it is the root that gets roasted, ground, and blended with coffee. When roasted, chicory root develops a deep, nutty, and slightly caramelised flavour. The best part? Chicory is caffeine-free, naturally sweet, and adds a rich body to coffee, making it a perfect companion to the bold South Indian roast. Also Read: What Is Date Seed Coffee And Why Everyone Is Suddenly Obsessed With It Photo Credit: iStock How Chicory Found Its Way Into South Indian Filter Coffee: A Brief History Chicory's relationship with coffee began in 18th-century Europe, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, when France faced severe coffee shortages due to trade blockades. To stretch their limited supplies, the French began blending roasted chicory root with coffee. What started as a necessity soon became a preference. The blend was not only economical but also surprisingly delicious. During the British colonial era, this practice made its way to India through the British army's use of 'Camp Coffee'. According to the South Indian Coffee House's official website, this Scottish product was a mixture of 25% chicory extract, water, sugar, and just 4% dried coffee extract. Over time, Indian soldiers and civilians developed a taste for this unique blend. As coffee plantations flourished in the Western Ghats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Indian roasters began experimenting with chicory to create a more affordable and flavourful brew. According to a blog post on this experimentation led to the birth of South Indian filter coffee as we know it today. It is a blend typically made with 70-80% coffee and 20-30% chicory, brewed in a traditional metal filter and served with hot milk and sugar. Also Read: Is Your Decaf Coffee Really Caffeine-Free? A Nutritionist Reveals The Truth Chicory In Filter Coffee: Why This Blend Works So Well South Indian filter coffee owes much of its signature flavour to the addition of chicory. Here's why this blend has stood the test of time: 1. Enhanced Flavour: Nutty taste: With the addition of chicory, the filter coffee gets a unique and complex flavour profile. Roasted and ground chicory root brings a slightly woody and nutty taste with subtle caramel-like sweetness. Comforting flavour: Chicory also helps balance the natural bitterness of coffee, creating a milder, more rounded flavour, often described as earthy, rich, and comforting. This harmonious blend of flavours makes every cup of chicory-laced filter coffee a truly distinctive and enjoyable experience. 2. Health Benefits: Digestive support: Chicory root is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fibre known to promote gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria. Natural detoxifier: Known for its diuretic properties, chicory can help cleanse the digestive system and support internal detoxification. Antioxidant properties: Chicory contains natural antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Caffeine reduction: Chicory is naturally caffeine-free. Blending it with coffee reduces the overall caffeine content. 3. Economic: Chicory is significantly less expensive than coffee, making it a cost-effective way to extend coffee supplies without compromising on flavour. Photo Credit: Pexels The Conclusion: A Colonial Legacy Turned Culinary Tradition Chicory may have started as a wartime substitute, but in South India, it has become a culinary tradition. It is the ingredient that gives filter coffee its soul, warmth and the unique character. For a fool-proof South Indian filter coffee recipe, click here. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Chicory South Indian Filter Coffee Chicory In Coffee Show full article Comments
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Putin trolling Trump?
US president's attempted reset of peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv either failed or was just a show. From Russian leader's comments after Monday's chat, it's clear only a military defeat can stop him In the early 19th century, one of the founding fathers of modern war studies, German General and military historian Carl von Clausewitz commented, on the Napoleonic Wars, that '[t]he conqueror is always peace-loving […]; he would much prefer to march into our state silently […].' This has been and remains an observation that applies to most military aggressions. Though simple and understandable, Clausewitz's idea was initially ignored by most Europeans when interpreting Moscow's behaviour after the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2014. Read full story on TOI+ Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Local Norway
14-05-2025
- Business
- Local Norway
What's open and what's closed in Norway over the May 17th weekend?
Constitution Day is arguably Norway's favourite day, commemorating the signing and adoption of the Norwegian constitution in 1814. The constitution declared Norway an independent kingdom, and was an attempt to avoid being ceded by Sweden after the defeat of Denmark-Norway in the Napoleonic Wars. While Norway would once again enter a union with Sweden later that year, the constitution remained largely intact, and Norway-Sweden dissolved in 1905. These days, May 17th celebrations involve plenty of parades, parties and folk costumes and are a celebration of the country's national identity and values. As a result, the day is a public holiday, meaning that many stores, businesses and services shut up shop for the day. Given that the next day is also a Sunday, a decent amount of planning will be required to ensure the disruption doesn't affect you. What's closed on May 17th Pretty much all supermarkets will be closed, even in areas that normally allow stores to remain open on public holidays due to local rules relating to tourism. Supermarkets will also be closed on Sunday, although it'll be a lot easier to find convenience stores that typically remain open on Sunday. Leaving the May 17th/weekly grocery shop until Friday, May 16th, will be akin to leaving the Christmas food shop until December 23rd, so expect plenty of queues and busy shops if you leave it last minute. The more opportunistic shoppers may be able to pick up good discounts on goods with a sell-by date that falls over the May 17th weekend. Vinmonopolet, Norway's state-owned alcohol store, will also be closed nationwide. This is because the sale of alcohol is prohibited on public holidays and Sundays, meaning the last opportunity to buy beers, wines, and spirits from the wine monopoly before Monday will be 6pm on Friday, May 16th. The last chance to purchase drinks under 4.75 percent from supermarkets until Monday will be 8pm, Friday, May 16th. Advertisement Public services like libraries, municipal swimming pools, sports centres, and GP surgeries will be closed. Museums and galleries will close on May 17th. Kids' activities like football training or band practice will be cancelled too. What's open on May 17th? Bars and restaurants will be open on May 17th. Finding an available booking may prove troublesome, though, as many mid- to high-end establishments will likely have a set menu planned for the day. You will be able to just drop into most bars, though. Convenience stores selling the essentials will be open, as will some pharmacies. Out-of-hours doctor services at the legevakt will be available, and emergency A&E clinics will also be open if you need medical care. Public transport will operate on a reduced timetable during the day, and you can expect route diversions to accommodate for parades. READ ALSO: Have Norway's May 17th celebrations become too boozy?
