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Russian humour gains much of its wit from the inflection of the Russian language, allowing for plays on words and unexpected associations. As with any other culture's humour, its vast scope ranges from lewd jokes and wordplay to political satire.
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Some call it an architectural marvel—thin, buttery rounds of cake stacked high and stuck together with fudge frosting. Locals simply call it a Smith Island cake. Named after Maryland’s island in the Chesapeake Bay, where the recipe originated in the 1800s, Smith Island cake was declared the state’s official dessert in 2008. Taste the cake itself at the Smith Island Baking Company. Beyond the island, many places along Maryland’s Eastern Shore serve up the dessert, including the Watermen’s Innin Crisfield.
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1Milky Sea Phenomenon Milky Sea refers to the unique milky glow of the waters of the Indian Ocean. The ocean phenomenon occurs on account of bioluminescent bacterial action and in turn causes the water to turn blue, which appears to the naked eye as being milky white in colour in the darkness. The Milky Sea phenomenon has been documented to be in existence for over four centuries.
2Bioluminescence Bioluminescence is the light produced by marine creatures as a defence mechanism. Certain chemicals in the creatures’ body when counteracted with atmospheric oxygen results in the emergence of bioluminescent light
3Convergence of Baltic and North Seas This oceanic phenomenon has been a highly debated topic. The convergent point of the North and the Baltic Seas occurs in the province of Skagen in Denmark. However because of the differing rates of densities of the seas’ waters, the sea waters continue to remain separate in spite of their convergence. It is said that this ocean phenomenon finds a mention in the holy Koran.
4Steaming Black Sea Called as the ‘sea smoke’, the steam arising out of the Black Sea is caused due the humidity of the oceanic water counteracting with the coolness of the wind over the water’s surface. Apart from explaining the ocean mystery behind the steam rising from the Black Sea, experts have also proved that the phenomenon is quite common to even smaller water bodies.
5Green Flash The ocean phenomenon of green flashes occurs during sunset and sunrise. Usually seen for merely a couple of seconds, such green flashes are the result of the natural prismatic effect of the atmosphere of the earth. During sunset and during sunrise, the light cast by the sun gets diverged into multiple colours, which is seen by the emitting of the green flash.
6Baltic Sea Anomaly The Baltic Sea Anomaly was accidently discovered by a team of diving experts in the year 2011. The divers found a 60-metre thick circular entity nearly at a depth of 90 metres in the Baltic Sea. A track seemed to lead towards the entity, which the divers measured to be around 300-metres. Though various scientists have offered innumerable suggestions about the entity’s origins, the Baltic Sea anomaly still remains one of the unsolved intrigues and ocean mysteries of the world
7Brinicle Concentrated salt water escapes from within the frozen ice formed above the ocean’s surface and seeps into the depths of the water. However once the concentrated salt goes under the surface of the water, on account of natural processes it freezes and gets formed into brinicles. Brinicles occur in the frigid oceanic waters around the poles.
8Red Tide The occurrence of red tide is technically called as ‘Algal Blooming’ by scientists. The ocean phenomenon occurs when there is a rapid growth or blooming of algae in the oceanic waters. The presence of red tide is highly dangerous as these algae can be fatal to birds, animals and even humans
9Sea Foam The foaming of the seas is caused by the disturbance to the organisms present on the water surface due to the constant tidal action. Alternatively in certain cases, sea foam can also be caused due to disturbances caused by human activities like dispelling of waste toxicants into the oceanic water.
10Underwater Crop Circle Once regarded to be objects of high intrigue, the underwater crop circles have been explained to be a creative demonstration of puffer fishes’ quests for finding their mates. These underwater circles are have circumferences of over six feet and are often decorated with shells and other decorative items found at the bottom of the sea. The underwater crop circles were discovered under the waters of the Japanese island of Anami Oshima. Some consider these ocean mysteries as the work of aliens.
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1Temple Square Temple Square is the holy place of the Mormons. On this 10 acres square, with trees and flowerbeds, are the Mormon Temple, the Mormon Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, the Assembly Hall, several monuments, and information centers which supply information on the doctrines and the history of the Mormon faith.
Official site: http://www.templesquare.com/
2Mormon Temple The Mormon Temple, in the so-called "Mormon style", was built between 1853 and 1893. At each end of this huge granite structure are three towers, the highest of which, at the east end, bears a 13 ft high gilded figure of the angel Moroni. The temple may be entered only by Mormons.
Address: 50 West North Temple Street, Salt Lake City
Official site: https://www.lds.org/church/temples/salt-lake?lang=eng
3State Capitol At the north end of State Street, on Capitol Hill, which rises to a height of almost 300 ft above the city, is the Utah State Capitol. This Neo-Classical domed building houses the House of Representatives, Senate, and Supreme Court of Utah. It has a particularly fine interior, with its marble rotunda, the Golden Room (the Governor's reception room) and a small gallery with changing exhibits. Capitol Hill is located northeast of Temple Square at the end of State Street. Many of the city's attractions are located here, including the Marmalade Historic District.
Official site: https://utahstatecapitol.utah.gov/
4Mormon TabernacleThe Tabernacle is a massive oval building with a dome perched on 44 sandstone piers. The sober interior, with seating for over 6500 people, is noted for its fine acoustics. At the west end is the gallery for the celebrated Tabernacle Choir, and above it is the great organ.
Address: Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Official site: https://www.lds.org/locations/temple-square-salt-lake-city-tabernacle?lang=eng&_r=1
5This is the Place Heritage Park When, after the Mormons' 1,300 mile long trek, Brigham Young emerged from Emigration Canyon and saw the valley of his visions he exclaimed "This is the place!". This Is The Place Monument was created in 1947 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Mormons' arrival in Salt Lake Valley. The State Park of the same name also includes Old Deseret Village, a living history museum built to resemble a typical mid-19th century Mormon community.
Address: 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City
Official site: http://www.thisistheplace.org/
6Joseph Smith Memorial Building The Joseph Smith Memorial Building is located in Temple Square. It was built in 1911 and originally known as the Hotel Utah, but renamed in honor of the first president of the Mormon Church. Some of the decorative features include marble columns, art glass and a grand staircase. On site are the Legacy Theater, conference rooms, the FamilySearch Center, and restaurants.
Address: 52 North Main Street
Official site: https://www.lds.org/locations/temple-square-joseph-smith-memorial-building
7 Liberty Park With more than 80 acres, Liberty Park is Salt Lake City's largest public park and features a variety of recreational activities. This green space is a lovely nature retreat, with mature trees, a pond, a pool, and sports areas. The park is also home to the Tracy Aviary.
Address: 600 E 900 S, Salt Lake City
Official site: http://www.slcgov.com/cityparks/parks-liberty-park
8 Tracy Aviary On the south side of Liberty Park is the Tracy Aviary, with huge variety of birds from North America and other parts of the world. One of the world's oldest aviaries, it was established in 1938 by a local banker.
Address: 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City
Official site: http://tracyaviary.org
9Beehive House The Beehive House (1854) was Brigham Young's residence as Governor of Utah and leader of the Mormons and the home of his large family of 19 wives and 56 children. On the turret of the house is a beehive, the symbol of the industriousness of the Mormons, which also appears in the state's coat of arms.
Official site: https://www.lds.org/locations/historic-beehive-house
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Number 10 – Food! Crew love it when passengers leave behind an expensive box of chocolates purchased in duty-free. But I’m not talking delicious chocolates. One whole lobster wrapped in tin foil. Rotting fish, clearly caught weeks ago. Numerous bags of muscles/oysters. A 24 pack of raw hotdogs. Some turnip seeds. A big, fresh, green leek. A dead rabbit, which the lady came back for as she was making her sons favourite rabbit stew while she was visiting him, bless. Why, is it always the REALLY smelly things that people leave behind that stink out the whole cabin?
Number 9 – Baggage! Usually a dodgy fake designer number from a market seller in Asia. As some airlines charge ridiculous amounts to check in a bag, passengers will instead bring them onboard as hand luggage. This gives crew the headache of trying to find space for them all and woe betide us if said trolley bag is not in the locker right above their seat row. We get moaned at if we ask passengers to pop a tiny little bag under their seat. Fights erupt between grown adults when their bags get squashed or their neatly folded coat gets crushed, as the next passenger carelessly throws their case in to the locker. It’s a nightmare. Then after a few free wines and a couple of G&T’s, they forget they’ve even brought a bag with them and just stroll/stumble off. I had five, yes five, suitcases left after a flight once, all belonging to different people.
Number 8 – Clothing! A single flip-flop? A pair of trousers compete with belt? T-shirts, pairs of shorts and of course the usual coats and jackets. Most random though has to be the single and very expensive Christian Louboutin shoe. How the hell can you leave behind one shoe? Surely you would notice the limp you’d inevitably have as you disembarked, one foot six inches higher than the other. The female passenger in question, a minor TV ‘star’, had been enjoying the perks of first class and was rather worse for wear as she got off the aircraft at JFK. Blissfully unaware she was missing a shoe, the crew thankfully re-united her with the designer heel before she reached the top of the air-bridge.
Number 7 – Wedding Rings! So you’re a business man travelling away for an important meeting in Paris. You sit down in your expensive business class seat. You’re relieved to be getting away from the wife and kids for a few days. Well, she’s put on a few pounds and doesn’t put out like she used to. Suddenly you notice a gorgeous blonde sit down next to you. You start chatting, the chatting becomes flirting. Shit, you realise you still have your wedding ring on and she’s not wearing one. It comes off and you slip it into your seat pocket. At this point your dick has taken over and as you leave the plane the ring stays behind. Dirty bugger! Maybe the reason why your wife doesn’t put out is because you’ve piled it on yourself. And if you think you’re in with any chance with the blonde, think again. She’ll drop you as soon as you’ve carried her bags to the taxi rank. Best of luck trying to explain this one to your wife when you get home.
Number 6 – Underwear! Now, whether the passengers who left the wedding rings behind, are the same dirty beggars who left their underwear, who knows? But yes, both men and women’s discarded underwear have been left under seats and in seat pockets. Crotchless pants stuffed in a plastic bag. A lacy red bra in a seatpocket. Most disturbing are the stories of soiled underwear that gets left behind. You do realise, dear passengers, that most airlines have manifests, telling us the name of the dirty beggar who was sat in that seat? We know who you are!
Number 5 – Bodily Fluids!
This one really is disgusting. A full bottle of urine in a seat pocket. Seriously? There’s a toilet, just a few feet away from where your sweaty backside is seated, available for you to use when the seatbelt sign is off. God knows what people will do if Ryanair ever did start charging to use the loo. A UK-based trolley dolly told me they found semen, left in a sick bag in the seat pocket…..YUCK! What exactly about being sat, cramped up in a stinky old Boeing turns you on? Unless you’re a real plane geek of course. Although, quite how the crew member knew it was cum is a whole other story. Woman’s sanitary products, USED! Once again, left in the seat-pocket between the sick bag and inflight magazine; which of course is your own personal copy to take home with you should you wish. Menstrual pad does not however, come free with every copy. An extra-large Tena man, well used and abandoned on the floor of a lavatory. One of my pet hates is sick, in a sick bag, tucked neatly away in the seat pocket. Why the hell can’t people hand it to the crew as they get off, or if they’re that bloody embarrassed then take it with you. Not only are these vomit inducing and disgusting, they’re also a massive health hazard to crews who have to clean/security check the aircraft. Another reason why we should ALWAYS wear gloves!
Number 4 – Sex Toys!
Dildo’s, handcuffs, rampant rabbits and anal beads. Just some of the array of sex toys that passengers have forgotten. Of course, items such as this are never going to be claimed. Who in their right mind would call an airports lost property department asking if anyone’s handed in their vibrating vagina? Disturbingly though, some of these toys have apparently come to good use onboard our aircraft. Yes one of my fellow cart tarts told me of a dildo, discovered in a rear lav, covered in excrement. Clearly someone had fun on that flight! The mind boggles. This (rather small) cock ring pictured below was found after a flight from FAO. Stashes of porn magazines have been found over the years. A bundle of mags called ‘TV Times’ were left in an overhead locker. The trolley dollies quickly discovered TV meant transvestite, not television. A very famous male singer once left behind his personal porn stash after a flight to the US. I’m sure the ‘Candle In The Wind’ songwriter thought this would be highly amusing but we can assure you Mr R. Dwight, it was not.
Number 3 – A Refrigerator! An actual fridge, I kid you not. In a Sky-scanner online survey, 700 travellers were questioned regarding things they have left onboard. One of the more unusual things was a refrigerator. The poll also revealed that a third of items left behind are worth over £100, clearly some of our passengers have more money than sense. Sam Poullain, Skyscanner spokesman said “Having left my iPad behind on a plane recently, I know how easy it is to do and the frustration and hassle it causes, although it could have been a more awkward conversation with the airline had I lost one of the more embarrassing items our survey revealed”.
Number 2 – False Body Parts!
From false arms, legs and teeth to wigs and weaves of all colours and lengths. Various body parts have been left on board after our passengers have left us. My most shocking was a false leg, left after a domestic flight some years ago. Not sure how the hell they managed to walk off the aircraft, but to be honest I didn’t even know anyone onboard had a false leg. The last passenger had disembarked and I went off to do my security checks. There, sat in the overhead locker was a false leg, complete with trainer on the false foot. I was speechless. I’d not been in the airline very long and took said leg off to the purser to see what we were meant to do. Unfortunately she didn’t have a lost property bag big enough! It was handed to the ground crew and to this day I still don’t know whether anyone claimed it. False teeth regularly get lost by their careless owners, either left behind in the toilet or discarded on the meal tray, meaning a painstaking search through 200 odd mucky used trays to try to find it. One crew member told me that comedian Ken Dodd, left his false gnashers behind after flight to Berlin. Also, breast implants, yep you heard me right – a pair of breast implants; found stuffed in a plastic bag left underneath the seat.
Number 1 – Children!
One couple forgot their sleeping child before they’d even boarded, leaving him fast asleep under the seats of the departure lounge. It was only when the crew came to complete a head count and couldn’t understand why they were an infant down that the parents realised and dashed back up to the terminal. In another case of child neglect, a purser had just said farewell to the last of the passengers and went off to do her security checks. As she made her way towards the rear galley to get some gloves something caught her eye in row 8. Lying there, fast asleep, was a young girl. Stunned as to how her parents could have forgotten their own child she gently woke the sleeping girl. Immediately, the crew recognised her and knew who she’d been flying with. An odd American couple had been sat in the front row, while the little girl and her brother slummed it in row 8. Realising that her family were nowhere to be seen the girl began to cry, hysterically. The crew member calmed her down and told her that she would quickly reunite her with her mommy and daddy. Unfortunately, mommy and daddy had already gone through passport control and had just collected their luggage, when a disgusted airline rep grabbed them and asked if they had forgotten anything. It was only then they realised their daughter was missing. Unbelievably, the purser told me that the parents actually tried to blame the crew for failing to notice her straight away. A former airport dispatcher told me the story of a Wizz Air flight which had just landed from Katowice. Once the guests had disembarked the crew began cleaning and security checking the aircraft when suddenly, one of the girls let out a massive scream. Fast asleep in an overhead locker was a young baby. Moments later the new and very distraught mother, frantically returned to the aircraft. Once the seat belt sign had gone off she had leapt up and began getting all her shit together. While she was doing this, she had placed the sleeping child into the overhead locker. When she reached passport control it dawned on her that something was missing and she raced back to the plane where they were reunited before the baby had even woke up.
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1Jeddah Jeddah is hands down one of the best cities in Saudi Arabia for expats to live in. First of all, it is full of foreigners. You’ll find them scattered about in all the restaurants and coffee shops. It is also across the sea from Egypt and the entire African peninsula, so it is a great spot from which one can travel. Jeddah is also a coastal city, and although going to public beaches in swimwear is forbidden, you can drive to one of the many private beaches and enjoy a “normal” day out at the beach. Some great activities there are scuba diving in the Red Sea or deep sea fishing. On a last note, the Saudi religious police seem to turn a blind eye to the many activities in Jeddah. You’ll find plenty of house parties and open-minded folk. Many Saudis consider Jeddah Saudis far too liberal.
2Dammam
Another popular coastal city, albeit smaller than Jeddah, is Dammam. It does not look anywhere near as busy, and real estate is definitely cheaper. At about one million residents, I found it a little too small for my likes. There are many outer suburbs which add to the population, but the city looks rather decentralized. The big advantage is the fact the American compound ARAMCO is located in Dammam. ARAMCO is a full blown compound-town full of expats you can meet and hang out with. The compound itself is full of Western amenities. Another reason why Damamm is one of the best cities in Saudi Arabia for expats is the bridge which links it Bahrain. Every weekend, hordes of young Saudis drive down the twenty five kilometer bridge to to the tiny kingdom of Bahrain to party. Bahrain is the polar opposite of Saudi Arabia and is loaded with clubs, bars, and movie theaters. It is a definite welcome relief to the rigid rules across the bridge. Since getting Saudi visitor visas for friends is a little hard, you can get them to stop over in Bahrain and spend quality time together–which is a big plus.
3Riyadh As opposed to Jeddah and Dammam, Riyadh has no beach, nor is it anywhere near one. It is smack dab in the middle of the desert and can get very cold at night during the winter months. Riyadh also often gets hit by major sandstorms, which really plays a number on the sinuses and allergies You’ll find there is a little animosity between Riyadh Saudis and all other Saudis, since the former consider Riyadh the “conservative” seat of power. The religious police is a lot more prevalent in Riyadh and law is strictly enforced. Why do I then place Riyadh as one of the best cities in Saudi Arabia for expats? Because it is a huge metropolis with all the conveniences that major, modern cities possess. Although it’s traffic is hectic and disorganized, you can find almost everything you want along its sprawling streets and massive shopping malls.
4Medina Living in one of the two holy cities of Islam is an experience to behold. For those who love Arabian lore and culture, there is hardly any better place to explore religion than Medina. It is only a few hours away from the coastal city of Jeddah, and offers a decent amount of teaching jobs. Medina is a religious place and is meant for those looking to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabian or Muslim culture. For those looking for fun, Medina is most definitely not the place for you. The city itself is beautiful, with large domed minarets and a rich heritage. You will also find many coffee shops (including Starbucks), as well as plenty of venues to eat. It definitely caters to a more relaxed, pseudo-intellectual crowd. I also found Medina’s people to be very kind and welcoming to foreigners.
5Mecca Mecca is the largest of the Two Holy Cities of Islam and the place were over one billion Muslims pray towards every day. It is a mix of new and old. The expansive city looks archaic and dusty, yet the Abraj Al-Bait rises up from the center of the city in a show of modern defiance. It holds several world records, which include the biggest hotel in the world, the tallest clock tower in the world, and the world’s biggest clock face. It is absolutely massive; you need only look at photos to understand. Although Mecca is quite conservative, its people are very kind.
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1 Apple PieJust when you thought apple pie couldn’t get any better, this recipe raises the bar like no other. Truly our best-ever, make this classic for a get-together and you might not have any leftovers to bring home. Top off this warm, melt-in-your mouth pie with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a scoop of ice cream.
2 Almond Malai KulfiFirst up: This almond malai kulfi is like happiness condensed in a matki. To make it extra special, top it off with dry fruits and make sure it is absolutely chilled before serving. So creamy, so simple - it hits all the right notes.
3 Lemon TartSinful, rich and creamy, this recipe is the perfect finish to a meal. Tip: Make the lemon tart a day ahead, and store it in the refrigerator. Spruce it up with lemon rind, and trust us - this indulgent dessert really is as yummy as it looks.
4 Pistachio PhirniFlavoured with elaichi and pista, take phirni to a whole new level with this exquisite recipe. Serve chilled in mitti ke kasore for a festive occasion and bask in the glory. This phirni is made of sugar and love.
5 Fudgy Chewy BrowniesA balanced diet is a brownie in each hand - don’t you agree? Decadently rich, fudgy and chewy - bake a batch and be your family’s hero. These brownies are pure chocolate overload, perfect to bake on a lazy afternoon.
6 Low Fat TiramisuItalian and exceptional, this dessert recipe slashes the calories and is too good to be true. Top it off with cream, sprinkle with bitter chocolate, cocoa powder and voila! Your guilt-free dessert is ready to be devoured.
7 Coconut KheerThis kheer is made in an extra luxurious way featuring a blend of rich and coconut milk, spruced up with nutty caramel and rose petals. We assure you, it will be hard to have just one bite of this heavenly dessert!
8 Chocolate Coffee TruffleIf your chocolate addiction is real, this glorious recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy your all-time favourite treat. Well, two of your favourites - chocolate and… (drum roll please) coffee! The creamy center with that quintessential kick of caffeine is pure perfection. Indeed, great things do come in small packages.
9 Hot Cointreau SouffleSurprisingly low on calories and nothing short of spectacular, enjoy this deliciously delicate French classic the guilt-free way. Made minus the flour, milk and butter but with a kick of cointreau, we take this dressed up souffle to a whole new level.
10 Eggless Chocolate MousseIf chocolate is the answer… Who cares what the question is?! This mouth-watering mousse is everything you dream of, chocolate-y rich and silky smooth. Eggless and easy, a recipe that will satisfy even the most-serious chocoholic.
