Category: Bazaar News

The longest surgical procedure in history took place in 2001 and lasted 103 hours. It took place in Singapore, and the team separated a pair of conjoined twin sisters from Nepal who were born sharing a brain cavity. The girls were infants at the time of surgery and lived to be 7 years old.

The longest surgery ever performed

Ganga and Jamuna Shrestha were born in Nepal. They were conjoined twins who had no real chance at life without a wildly expensive surgery that required a team of highly skilled surgeons.

The team included 16 doctors – from neurologists to plastic surgeons – who worked around the clock and who doubted that the operation could be entirely successful.

An infant craniopagus

The surgery on the infant girls from Khalanga, a mountain village in Nepal is called a craniopagus and before that day, the longest surgery was around 30 hours.

The girls’ actual separation took place 88 hours into the surgery. The whole event lasted 52 hours longer than expected and surgeons had to take short naps in shifts in order to stay alert throughout the procedure.

According the The Guardian (cited below): “Claire Ang, one of the anaesthetists, said the team went through a whole gamut of emotions.

‘It varied from hysterical to euphoric and involved light-headedness, frustration and mood swings – from being very emotional to not caring at all and just wanting to sleep,’ she said.”

The paper also noted that the operation was made possible by advanced computer technology.

“The imaging software combines a series of scans of the babies’ brains to build a 3-D virtual model. The Singapore surgeons spent six months studying the brains and rehearsing. Wearing 3-D glasses, they manipulated the image by moving their hands, without buttons, keyboard or mouse.”

Survival

The girls did survive the surgery. Sadly, Ganga died of a chest infection at age 7. Jamuna is still alive.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Nepalese babies survive 103-hour operation” — The Guardian

We tend to find things more pleasant and attractive the more we see them. When it comes to people, we tend to find their faces more attractive the more familiar we are with them. This is called the “mere exposure effect” (or “familiarity principle”).

The mere exposure principle

By merely exposing our brains to the sight of a person, we can build pathways that make them seem more attractive to us over time. The familiarity alone is enough to make us feel better about them. (Of course, this isn’t always the case, especially when there’s bad behavior involved.)

Research on this effect goes back to the early 19th century when German Gustav philosopher and experimental psychologist Gustav Fechner and Edward B. Titchener, who studied the structure of the mind. However, early hypotheses were eventually rejected, and it wasn’t until the 1960s that they were revived.

In the 60s, Polish social psychologist Robert Zajonc found that the brain’s exposure to novel stimuli elicited a fear or avoidance response. In other words, new things make us nervous. The same is true in both humans and animals.

But he found that each time a person viewed that stimulus again, there was less fear and more interest in the object. And after repeated looks, the observing person or animal will begin to act more fondly towards the object that was once new.

The black bag experiment

Wikipedia sums up a critical experiment in 1968 best:

“Charles Goetzinger conducted an experiment using the mere-exposure effect on his class at Oregon State University. Goetzinger had a student come to class in a large black bag with only his feet visible. The black bag sat on a table in the back of the classroom. Goetzinger’s experiment was to observe if the students would treat the black bag in accordance to Zajonc’s mere-exposure effect. His hypothesis was confirmed. The students in the class first treated the black bag with hostility, which over time turned into curiosity, and eventually friendship. This experiment confirms Zajonc’s mere-exposure effect, by simply presenting the black bag over and over again to the students their attitudes were changed, or as Zajonc states “mere repeated exposure of the individual to a stimulus is a sufficient condition for the enhancement of his attitude toward it.”

This may have to do with perceptual fluency. In other words, our brain just have an easier time processing objects that they’ve already processed in the past.

However, when marketers try to use this to increase our familiarity (and propensity to buy something) by sticking it in our faces constantly, it doesn’t always work. In some cases, familiarity can breed hostility. — WTF fun facts

Source: “Mere-exposure effect” — Wikipedia

Do you want to know what are the disadvantages of Dual Citizenship? I do have dual citizenship, British – Filipino. Let me share with you some of the usual disadvantages of having dual nationality.

Being a citizen of another nation is a possibility that many people find pretty interesting. The ability to vote, access to free or low-cost healthcare and college education are just a few examples of the privileges only available to residents of several nations; hence, it is simple to comprehend why dual citizenship is an appealing alternative. But there are drawbacks to consider as well. There are a few drawbacks, some of which may be more significant to you than the benefits.

Read more about the benefits of dual citizenship.

Again, the concept of dual citizenship is likely to sound quite appealing to the majority of expatriates. However, before you make a final decision, it is essential to consider all the drawbacks.

Some of the drawbacks of having dual citizenship include, among other things, the possibility of being subject to double taxation, the lengthy and expensive process required to obtain dual citizenship, the responsibilities and obligations that you are required to complete, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two different countries.

My research has led me to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of the time-consuming and difficult procedure of getting dual citizenship status. The residents of each nation will be subject to the laws and guidelines exclusive to their country. Therefore, understanding them and receiving suitable direction from appropriately trained professionals will save you from financial hardship.

Allow me to assist you with that right now.

What is Dual Citizenship?

When a person possesses citizenship in two different nations simultaneously, they are said to have “dual citizenship” or “dual nationality.” On the other hand, as we will see, this is illegal in many countries. It is crucial to keep in mind that citizenship comes with both rewards and responsibilities.

Even if a person can have citizenship in several countries and enjoy the advantages of each, they may still be required to comply with the tax laws of one of those nations or perform national service if they hold more than one citizenship.

You will likely find it encouraging to learn that, according to the immigration laws of the UK, you can apply for dual citizenship in that country even if you are a citizen of another country. As a result, the United Kingdom has no limit on the number of citizenships an individual can have simultaneously.

Similarly, a citizen of the United Kingdom who applies for and is granted citizenship of another country does not need to renounce their British citizenship to keep their new citizenship.

In the United Kingdom, applying for dual citizenship is entirely voluntary.

Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship

1. Taxation

It is essential to take your time and plan well before making a move overseas. For example, there are double taxes.

As was mentioned up top, holding dual citizenship is an appealing proposition. You can travel freely between your old country and the one you live in now. Depending on where you decide to move, you and your kids can enjoy full legal rights in both nations. This might include anything from the ability to vote to the opportunity to get free health care and college education.

However, there are problems associated with it.

If you are a full citizen of two different nations, you can be subject to the tax rules of each of those countries. The United States is one of only two countries in the world, the other being Eritrea, that taxes its inhabitants globally, regardless of where they live. 

This is in contrast to most countries, which base their taxes on the location of the taxpayer’s primary residence. No matter where they live or what they do for a living, US citizens and permanent residents are required to file and pay taxes on their income.

Tax treaties have significantly reduced the incidence of double taxation in various nations, including Australia. However, despite a tax treaty, the Internal Revenue Service still compels you to submit a tax return in the United States each year (and no, you cannot renounce your citizenship in the United States for tax reasons!).

2. National Service

You are entitled to some national responsibilities if you have multiple citizenships. Suppose you are a legal citizen of a country with mandatory military service. In that case, you may lose your other citizenship if you are engaged in combat with a foreign military of a country in which you hold citizenship. 

This, however, is a rare situation and will most likely depend on the countries in which a person has citizenship. In the U.S., most dual citizens can fulfil their military obligations abroad without threatening their citizenship status.

On the other hand, the country’s legal system may ask you to serve as a jury member. Though it may not be necessary, you cannot say no if you are chosen to do it.

3. Multiple Passports

You can be subject to additional passport requirements when you hold dual citizenship. Anyone considered a “national” in the United States, which can mean they are a citizen or someone who owes permanent loyalty to the country, is required to have a passport to enter or exit the country. If you do not have access, you will not be able to travel outside of the United States.

Because of this, it could be challenging for some tourists to enter another country since the receiving nation might need them to provide evidence that they have used their other passports for travel purposes. Before pursuing dual citizenship, it is essential to consult an experienced legal professional to go through all of the duties associated with passports.

Read more about travelling with two different passports as a dual citizen. 

4. Citizen Protection

Although it is possible that an individual will not require consular protection while travelling outside of their home country, holding dual citizenship may cause some issues. Consular protection ensures that U.S. citizens can access the protections of their native state in the event of an emergency when travelling outside the country.

You may require assistance from an embassy. If:

• You either don’t have your identity card with you, or it gets stolen, possibly both.
• There is a severe disease or accident that occurs.
• In the event of your passing, they are obligated to inform your family.
• If there is a need for relief or emergency travel, often known as repatriation if a natural disaster or armed war occurs.

On the other hand, this can make things more difficult for individuals who hold dual citizenship. According to the Home Office, they cannot assist dual nationals in the country associated with their other nationality. For instance, Hong Kong has announced that it will no longer recognize dual nationality due to new regulations passed on the Chinese mainland.

When an individual with dual British and Chinese citizenship visits Hong Kong, they are solely considered to be of Chinese citizenship by the local government. Because of this, the British embassy would’ve been unable to support the travellers.

5. Security

People who have earned dual citizenship may be ineligible to serve in specific roles or offices within their respective governments. There are rules in place in many countries that restrict the issuance of security clearances to individuals with dual citizenship. Even though this problem won’t affect most public or private employment prospects, it might make it more difficult for people to run for political office.

In some instances, it has even required candidates for public office to renounce their dual citizenship to be eligible for election.

6. Complicated processes

On occasion, the procedure is simplified, while on other events, it is not. The process might take several years and be costly for individuals with dual citizenship. It is in your best interest to determine whether you require the services of an immigration lawyer and how much those services will cost.

Getting a second nationality is a good idea if you are considering staying in the country you are studying abroad or if you desire to find work in a number of different countries across the world. Check to see that your professional goals are compatible with the requirements for citizenship, as well as whether or not it is financially prudent to have the obligation of holding two nationalities.

In addition, you should investigate whether or not your host country permits dual citizenship in the first place. But it’s an option worth contemplating with accessibility to political and social rights, ease of travel, property rights, and infinite exposure to a fascinating culture.

7. Limited Assistance from Your Native Country

Those who hold citizenship in more than one nation are subject to both nations’ legal systems. A citizen of both countries has the right to be subject to the laws of either country. 

Identifying which country will have jurisdiction over your case can be difficult and time-consuming if you have done something wrong or are accused of having committed one. For example, if you are an original United States citizen and choose another country as your second citizenship and then get sued there, the United States government may provide you with limited support or almost no assistance at all.

8. Career Issues

You may face challenges if you pursue a profession in a government office that gives you access to confidential information because you have dual citizenship. There is a possibility that you will not be granted a security clearance to work in such sectors. On the other hand, if you are born into a family with dual citizenship, you may have to deal with fewer challenges than if you independently obtained dual citizenship.

9. Violations

When you apply for dual citizenship, checking your background is one of the most important things you require. Countries tend to do comprehensive background checks, which often include investigating your prior interactions with law police.

They look into your past to see if you have a criminal record, looking for substance abuse, visa fraud, domestic violence, and other offences. If it is discovered, it may result in expulsion.

10. Cost

When you hold two passports, you are responsible for paying the fees associated with both passports. The process of applying for citizenship in the United States costs approximately $3,000 in total expenses, and there is no assurance that the application will be approved. This is true even for people who already have dual citizenship. 

Many people choose to get legal assistance throughout the procedure, which further drives up the expense. There are advantages to incurring these costs, even if some believe the rewards may not justify the effort required to hold dual citizenship.

11. Political Access

The procedure of obtaining citizenship in the Philippines has undergone many recent modifications that have made it more challenging for specific individuals. The capacity to hold dual citizenship in a country may alter as a result of political shifts inside that country. You may be asked to renounce either one of your nations. 

It’s possible that you won’t be able to travel. If you have more than one citizenship in a given country, you will likely be unable to exercise all of the rights afforded to citizens of that country.

Even if both countries are in a secure political position, maintaining this status is never without its share of political complications.

Read more about how to apply for dual citizenship in the Philippine embassy.

What’s The Best Thing to Do?

Dual citizens are eligible for more benefits, including the opportunity to live and work in both of their countries of citizenship. It makes travel across countries easier and may also make property ownership and commercial opportunities more accessible. On the contrary hand, there are occasionally going to be some drawbacks. The most crucial one is the payment of taxes twice.

Because the regulations and laws regulating citizenship differ from country to country, holding dual citizenship can be a complicated process. This is because every nation has its immigration and tax regulations. Your circumstances will determine how these laws influence you and your family in particular ways. Consult with an immigration lawyer and/or a tax specialist who can examine your circumstances to help you make sense of the complexities.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Dual Nationality Allowed in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom, citizens are permitted to hold more than one nationality. This implies that if you become a citizen of the United Kingdom, you do not risk having your previous race taken away from you (unlike elsewhere). However, this could become a challenge if the nation from which you originally obtained your citizenship does not accept dual citizenship.

When you become a citizen of the United Kingdom, you run the risk of that country considering you to have given up your previous nationality; conversely, the authorities in your native country may refuse to acknowledge your dual nationality, which includes your citizenship in the United Kingdom.

For all these reasons, if you are considering applying for British citizenship, you must inquire with the relevant authorities in your home country about the possible repercussions of your obtaining British citizenship.

What are the Countries That Allow and Don’t Allow Dual Citizenship

• Countries with good laws let citizens of both countries enjoy the benefits and rights. This means that these citizens can get help from both countries, such as social security services, learn about the customs and cultures of both countries, and buy or get property in both countries. Different countries have different rules about having more than one citizenship.
• While holding citizenship in more than one country is more accessible in certain nations, others have stringent rules that prohibit it.
• The United Kingdom allows a person to hold more than one citizenship. This indicates that a person can have citizenship in the United Kingdom and any other country in the world.
• Dual citizenship is permitted for those who are born and raised in Australia. Becoming a citizen of the country is the only way for a legal resident to obtain dual citizenship. It is possible for a person who is a citizen of Australia to get citizenship in another nation just by getting married.
• Under German law, if you get permanent residency from a country that isn’t Switzerland or the EU without permission, you usually lose your German citizenship. But there are a few exceptions to this law for people from Costa Rica, Brazil, and Bolivia, among other countries. In August 2014, the German cupboard gave the go-ahead for young people to keep both German and foreign citizenship.
• For foreigners, it is almost impossible to become a citizen of the Philippines. Residency is much easier to get than it used to be. Filipinos who choose to get a second citizenship, on the other hand, do not lose their Filipino passport.
• The United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not say you can’t have more than one citizenship. Under US law, this status has been recognized for a long time, and a person can have and use their rights as a citizen of two different countries. The laws also say that a person does not give up their rights as a citizen of another country just because they are a citizen of one country. 
• India does not let people have two nationalities. It has, however, started a program called Overseas Citizenship of India. Under this program, a document that looks like a passport is given out. However, it does not grant citizenship of the country and cannot be used in place of a passport.
• Japan offers one of the most challenging ways to get into the country. It doesn’t let people have two citizens.
• Most of the time, Norway doesn’t let its citizens or people who have become Norwegian through naturalization hold more than one citizenship.
• Pakistan only lets people with citizenship from the UK, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the US, Belgium, Iceland, Switzerland, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Syria have dual citizenship.
• Russia lets people have dual citizenship, but they must tell the government about it.
• South Korea lets people with two passports live there. But citizens of more than one country have to tell the government about it within six months and follow the Nationality Act. North Korea, on the other hand, does not accept it.

“Fatbergs” are clogging sewers around the world. They are giant masses of oil and grease poured down drains that congeal around flushed waste like baby wipes. “Flushable” wipes and cooking grease are the biggest culprits.

The trouble with fatbergs

These solid masses in sewer systems can cause big problems. In fact, the largest fatberg found so far (in London) weighed 130 TONS! That’s similar to 11 double-decked busses – and once they congeal, they’re as hard as concrete.

London in particular has a problem with these masses because their narrow Victorian sewer systems have yet to be updated. But fatbergs are a problem everywhere that people wash grease down the sink and flush non-biological matter like wipes and tampons.

According to Newsweek, “Fatbergs are placing an increasing financial burden in cities throughout the world. Clearing “grease backups” costs New York City more than $4.65 million a year. The U.K. spends about $130 million annually clearing roughly 300,000 fatbergs from city sewers. Even a smaller city like Fort Wayne, Indiana, shells out $500,00 annually to get grease deposits out of sewers. And the cost is usually passed along to customers through their water bills.”

The price we pay

Fatbergs raise the price of our water bills and taxes. But if they’re not treated, they’ll back up sewage into the streets.

There are professionals who remove these globs for a living, but they’re not terribly well-compensated for such an important-yet-dirty job.

The best way to stop the creation of fatbergs is to stop putting things in sewers that don’t belong there. And as for the greasy blobs that already exist, we have found some use for them. According to Newsweek, “…a good use was found for the debris, which was once London’s biggest fatberg—it was chopped up and converted into nearly 2,700 gallons of biodiesel.” — WTF fun facts

Source: “What is a Fatberg? The Gross Grease Giants Threatening Cities” — Newsweek

Are you looking for the best things to do in Oxfordshire? Oxford, also known as the “city of dreaming spires,” is a lovely city that is full of interesting places to visit.

It doesn’t matter if you experience Oxford’s world-class heritage on a punt ride down the Cherwell, a candle-lit Evensong in a university chapel, or a visit to museums and galleries filled with ancient treasures; you won’t be able to deny the city’s reputation for its rich history.

You can go to hallowed halls and libraries where Nobel Prize winners, prime ministers, and literary giants spent their formative years; you can check out world-class museums; you can dine in the city’s finest restaurants, or you can wander the laneways and take in the atmosphere.

The best part is that many of the city’s most popular attractions do not charge admission fees. Alongside all of the commotion that the university generates, however, you will find a rich industrial past, meandering waterways that are begging to be explored by kayak or paddleboard, and a robust arts and music scene that gives this most conservative of cities a little bit of an edge.

Although I may be partial, I think Oxford is one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. Putting aside any preconceived notions, there are very few locations in the United Kingdom or Europe that can compete with the city’s stunning architecture and rich history.

Read more about them here: Best Places to Visit in the UK.

There is always something new to find in Oxford, some hidden location, regardless of how many times you’ve been there or how familiar you are with the city. Find out about some of Oxford’s most popular attractions as well as some of the city’s lesser-known gems. Are you prepared for an adventure? Let’s go.

Best Things to Do in Oxfordshire (UK)

1. Bicester Village

If going shopping is something that interests you, then a trip to Bicester Village is an absolute necessity for you. Although it is claimed that almost every outlet centre in the world sells luxury goods, the level of luxury that can be found in this place is unfathomable. 

Fendi, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and many other prestigious fashion houses are just some of the labels that can be found at Bicester Village’s over 160 different shops.

From Oxford, you can reach the outlet mall by taking the bus (which will take you 30 minutes) or the train (which will get you there in 15 minutes). It’s best to make appropriate preparations in advance because the weekends and holidays tend to be very busy times.

2. Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece that is hung with dinosaur skeletons, decorated with butterflies and beetles and is the permanent residence of Oxford’s fabled dodo.

Since its establishment in 1860, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History has grown into an important hub for the conduct of scientific research due to its extensive and illustrious collections. The much-loved structure that houses it is a vital icon for visitors all over the world.

The museum has the appearance of a cathedral, and its architecture is just as impressive as the extensive collection it houses. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History was originally established as the university’s centre for scientific study.

Over seven million scientific samples are currently housed in the museum; these include five million specimens of insects, half a million specimens of fossils, and half a million specimens of zoological life. A sizable catalogue of archival material relating to influential naturalists like Charles Darwin, William Smith, William Jones, and James Charles Dale is also housed here.

Have I already mentioned that there is no charge to enter?

It would be to your advantage if you did not overlook the beehive that is stashed away on the second floor. You will be able to observe a colony of European honey bees hard at work in this location. It is one of only a few observation hives in the UK, and it has glass sides so that you can watch the colony without risking harm to yourself or the bees.

3. Bridge of Sighs

Although I’m sure there are other Bridges of Sighs in other parts of the world (please don’t judge me), I was under the impression that this one was unique to Cambridge and Venice. Anyway, the actual name of the bridge is Hertford Bridge, and it is one of the attractions in the area that visitors should not miss.

It is said that the Bridge of Sighs got its name from the sound of students sighing as they crossed it after successfully completing their exams; however, this is something about which we are not entirely certain.

If the bridge had a name while I was there, it would be called the “Bridge of Cries,” after all the tears that were shed there. I swear the tests I took for my university were stressful.

When you take a walk around the city of Oxford, it is still one of the most important places to visit and without a doubt one of the most enjoyable things to do in Oxford.

4. Blenheim palace

If you have a thing for historic buildings like castles and palaces, you are going to adore the Blenheim palace.

Read more about the Beautiful Castles and Palaces in the UK.

The enormous Blenheim palace is located in the middle of extensive parkland and features both formal and landscaped gardens. It is now the residence of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and is also the site of ongoing celebrations and events. It is notable for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Visit this baroque pile in the countryside of Oxfordshire if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get a glimpse of how the other half lives. Even though it’s not a palace in the traditional sense, judging by its size and splendour, it looks like it could easily pass for one.

Learn about this National Treasure’s 300-year history as you explore its opulent State Rooms, visit the house where Winston Churchill was born, stroll through the parklands, get lost in the yew maze, see Ai Weiwei’s monumental Gilded Cage, and admire the portraits, tapestries, and exquisite furniture. All of this can be done while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the parklands.

Also, do not pass up the chance to go on the “Upstairs Tour” and get a sneak peek at the private apartments that belong to the Marlborough family. This is your chance to see where famous people like Sylvester Stallone, Bill Clinton, and Charlie Chaplin have stayed in the past.

Throughout the course of the year, Blenheim Palace plays host to a plethora of sporting and cultural events, thematic exhibitions, and guided tours, making it not only an important landmark but also a living, dynamic experience.

Each and every visit to Blenheim Palace is guaranteed to be an unforgettable and priceless experience for its guests.

If you go here, please be careful because it is one of the UNESCO Heritage sites in the UK. Are you interested in finding out about the UK’s 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites?

5. St. Martin’s Church Bladden, Oxfordshire – Burial Place of Winston Churchill

Churchill’s grave is in the churchyard of a small Anglican parish church in Oxfordshire. Many people would guess that he is buried at Blenheim, Chartwell, or one of London’s grand churches.

St. Martin’s Church is in the same parish as Blenheim Palace. Since Blenheim Palace is the family home of the dukes of Marlborough, most of the family’s non-royal members are buried there. Most dukes and duchesses are buried at the chapel at Blenheim Palace instead of at St. Martin’s Church.

People think that a church has been there since the 11th or 12th century, but most of the current St. Martin’s Church was built in 1891. The church is still going strong and has services every Sunday (visitors are welcome) and special events.

In 2015, an artist named Emma Blount made a beautiful stained glass window for the church that was called the Churchill Memorial Window. It was made to honour Winston Churchill.

Unlike the funerals of most people, Winston Churchill’s was thought about and planned for a long time before it happened. Earl Marshal Bernard Fitzalan-Howard, the Duke of Norfolk, was in charge of the planning for Operation “Hope Not.” It started in the 1950s and was given the code name “Hope Not.”

Churchill’s funeral would include three days of lying in state at Westminster Hall, an elaborate procession through London with his coffin on a gun carriage, a funeral ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a river transfer aboard the Havengore, a military fly-by, cranes dipping along the Thames, and then a transfer at Waterloo Station to a special train that took the coffin to Bladon.

The Churchill locomotive, which has been saved and is often shown at the National Railway Museum in York, pulled the funeral train. Most of the train cars have also been kept. At least one of the Pullman carriages, Perseus, is in use on the Belmond British Pullman train we rode.

On January 30, 1965, he was buried at Bladon in a private ceremony that only his family and close friends were invited to. This article from The Telegraph, which came out 50 years after his funeral, is a great way to learn more about what happened at his funeral.

Winston Churchill is buried near other Churchill-Spencer family members and next to his wife Clementine, who died in 1977. In the churchyard are also the graves of his parents, his brother Jack, his children, Consuelo Vanderbilt, and other relatives.

Churchill’s original tombstone had to be changed because visitors had broken it. St. Martin’s is an active church and graveyard, so please be polite when you visit the churchyard.

You shouldn’t miss the grave of Winston Churchill, his wife, his parents, his children, his brother, and other Spencer-Churchill family members when you go to St. Martin. All of the graves are outside, in a small cemetery behind the church. You should go inside the church if it is open to see the Churchill Memorial Window and a small exhibition.

6. University of Oxford Botanic Garden

The oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom and its surrounding 130 acres of woodland both contain a wide variety of plant and animal species from around the world.

More than 6,000 different types of plants are housed in Oxford’s botanic gardens and giant glasshouses. These plants include specimens used to cure heart and cancer concerns, along with carnivorous plants and tropical wonders. The gardens were founded 400 years ago with the purpose of cultivating plants for use in medical research.

Also, a ten-minute drive away is the Harcourt Arboretum, which should not be skipped if you want to view spring magnolias, rhododendrons, and bluebells in their full glory, as well as the autumnal glow of acers and redwoods.

The English bluebells, rhododendrons, azaleas, and Acer trees that can be found at Harcourt Arboretum contribute to its breathtaking natural beauty throughout the entire year. You are welcome to explore it, discover some of the oldest redwoods growing in the United Kingdom, and see a selection of rare and endangered trees from around the world starting to grow along with tranquil British woodland and wildflower meadows that are awash in colour.

7. Radcliffe Camera

Radcliffe Square has one of the best views. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, such as the medieval University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, the famous Bodleian Library, and the All Souls College, which was built in the 15th century. Radcliffe Camera, the round library in the middle of the square, is one of the most interesting buildings in the city.

You can’t go to Oxford and not see the Rad Cam, which is one of the most famous and possibly most photographed buildings in the city.

It was built in the 1700s and may be one of the oldest round libraries in England. I have to see the Rad Cam every time I go to Oxford. It has a certain something. I guess it would be like going to London to see Big Ben or Paris to see the Eiffel Tower.

Now, the only natural way to get into the Rad Cam is to go on one of the great tours of the Bodleian library and other important places nearby.

8. Broughton Castle

Lord and Lady Saye and Sele and their children live in Broughton Castle with their family. Sir John de Broughton built the first medieval manor house around 1300, and much of it still stands today.

It is on an island with a three-acre moat around it. Between 1550 and 1600, the castle got a lot bigger. At that time, it got beautiful plaster ceilings, beautiful panelling, and fine fireplaces.

William, the 8th Lord Saye, and Sele were very important to the country in the 1600s. He was against Charles I’s plans to rule without Parliament, and Broughton became a place where people who didn’t like the King could meet in secret. During the Civil War, William put together a regiment. He and his four sons fought at the Battle of Edgehill. The Castle was besieged and taken over after the battle.

In the Great Hall, there are weapons and armour from the Civil War and other times. People can also see the gatehouse, gardens, and park, as well as the nearby parish church of St. Mary, which was built in the 14th century and has many family tombs, memorials, and hatchments.

9. Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral is the most famous and grandest college in Oxford. It was the model for Hogwarts, and it is also where Oxford’s cathedral is located.

You might ask, “Why should I go?” Christ Church college in Oxford is a must-see if you are a huge Harry Potter fan (and really, who isn’t?) and love gothic architecture. If the beautiful buildings don’t get you, the history of Christ Church should, especially if you like politics, philosophy, science, or literature.

The list of graduates reads like a who’s who of famous world leaders, writers, and thinkers. Most of all, it’s interesting to look into the link between Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter.

Christ Church College has a lot more to offer than just Harry Potter, so stop by the Tom Tower, which is the main entrance, and listen to Great Tom ring 101 times every night at 9:05 pm. This means that the first 101 students who were accepted to the college used Oxford Time, which is 5 minutes behind the time that is now used, which is GMT. So, 5 minutes after 9 o’clock.

Oh, and it’s also the loudest bell in all of Oxford, so it’s hard to miss.

Don’t forget to go to the Great Hall to see the hidden door the dean used when he was late for dinner, which gave Lewis Carroll the idea for the rabbit hole, the long-necked firedogs, and the portrait of Henry VIII (which inspired the Queen of Hearts).

10. Aston Martin Museum

We also have a museum about Aston Martin cars. Can I say that the Aston Martin Museum is THE place for people who love the brand and want to learn more about it? They are the only museum that is all about Aston Martin.

They usually have 6-7 cars on display and a permanent exhibition of racing trophies and memorabilia, including Stirling Moss’s racing overalls and helmet, information about the history of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd, and cutaway engines to satisfy the curiosity of engineers of all ages.

I’m not sure how I feel about their quiz for kids, but I do know that it gets kids more interested in the museum.

The Aston Martin Museum also has a small gift shop with a variety of Aston Martin-related gifts, such as branded items from Aston Martin and 007/Bond in Motion, model cars, t-shirts, baseball caps, and more. There’s something for everyone, no matter how much money they have.

11. Uffington castle and White horse hill

You may also want to go to Uffington Castle, an Iron Age hillfort at the top of Whitehorse Hill. It is a large enclosure that is about 220 meters long and 160 meters wide. It is surrounded by a chalk-stone bank or inner rampart that is approximately 12 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, and it used to be lined with sarsen (sandstone) stones.

A grass-filled ditch about 3 meters deep and a second, smaller bank make up the outer rampart of Uffington Castle. From the west, you can get to the site by crossing a causeway between the ends of the inner wall that stick out. A gate would have closed this off.

Postholes and pits found during archaeological digs show that structures were built inside the enclosure while the hillfort was being used. At the very same time, nearby burial chambers have turned up pottery and coins.

The striking chalk-cut figure of a horse is 170 meters northeast of the hillfort and can be seen from several miles away.

From the tip of its tail to its ear, the White Horse is 111 meters long. It dates back to the later Bronze Age or Iron Age, between 1740 and 210 BC. It may have been a boundary marker or a sign of fertility, but no one knows for sure.

From at least 1677 until the late 18th century, a “scouring festival” was held every seven years at midsummer. During this time, people started cleaning the chalk outline of the horse and had a feast inside the hillfort.

Over time, the shape of the horse has changed. The current shape may only be a small part of the original aerial photo, which shows that a larger, more typical horse shape lies below. The shape has changed because the topsoil has shifted and been cut over and over again. At the moment, the head has a big “eye” and a “beak” that looks like a tusk.

Local legend says that the horse has something to do with St. George and the dragon. This is why the nearby hill is called Dragon Hill. This is a round hill that is approximately 10 meters high and has a flat top. It is likely that glaciers wore away the top of the hill, making it round.

Construction on the Barcelona basilica of La Sagrada Familia by controversial Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí began in 1882 and is slated for completion in 2026.

When the cornerstone for Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia, or The Church of the Holy Family, was laid in 1882, the church was supposed to be a typical, neo-gothic church — instead, the masterpiece of eccentric architect Antoni Gaudí is still under construction, 140 years later.

Named in tribute to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the church is considered a groundbreaking example of Catalan Modernism. As these photos of Sagrada Familia show, it is a phantasmagorical collage of natural forms and architectural feats.

Through the century that it’s taken to build it, Sagrada Familia has slowly morphed from a grandiose vision on paper to an iconic piece of architecture. It has gone through countless stone masons and artisans — and many architects since Gaudí’s death in 1926 — to become the awe-inspiring basilica that it is today.

Completion is scheduled for 2026; the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.

33 Photos Of La Sagrada Familia, The Magnificent Catalan Church That’s Taken Over 140 Years To Build

La Sagrada Familia, The Magnum Opus Of Antoni Gaudí

Before it became the masterpiece of young visionary Antoni Gaudí, Sagrada Familia was under the supervision of Spanish architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, whose original 1877 design was rather simple and traditional.

Funnily enough, Gaudí actually worked under del Villar on another project, years earlier. After disagreements with another architect on the job, del Villar abandoned Sagrada Familia and recommended Gaudí — then an ascendent designer — to take his place.

Gaudí immediately drew up new blueprints so grandiose that he eventually had to devote all of his focus to the construction of the church itself, which he did in 1914. He would spend his final decade preoccupied only with the basilica.

But by 1891, Gaudí realized that the temple would not be completed in his lifetime. Often asked about how long the church would take, Gaudí is said to have always replied, “My client is not in a hurry.”

Because of this, he decided to start construction of the exterior of the church first; nervous that donations might dry up once patrons could worship inside. In fact, donations did dry up for a while — for approximately 18 years during and after Spain’s Civil War. Anarchists set the incomplete church on fire, torching much of the workshop. But in 1954, construction restarted. By then, Gaudí was already long dead.

Indeed, when he died in 1926, the church was only about 20 percent complete.

A Vision Inspired By Nature

Tanatat pongphibool, thailand/Getty ImagesLa Sagrada Familia designed in the art-nouveau style. Once complete, it will be the tallest church of any kind.

As these photos of Sagrada Familia show, part of what makes this temple so breathtaking is its vast symbolism and parallels to nature, as was Gaudí’s signature style.

It is composed of five naves in the shape of a Latin cross. Four towers representing the 12 apostles extend from each of the three exterior facades; the Nativity, the Passion, and the Glory. The three entrances of the church even symbolize the three virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love.

With organic patterns and columns that resemble trees, Gaudí’s belief that nature is the work of God is a prevalent motif. Interestingly, he was not a devout Catholic when he began the project.

According to tour guide Onno Schoemaker, Gaudí had ultra-specific and detailed biblical scenes carved into the church’s facade because he knew much of Barcelona’s working class was illiterate at the time. “So Gaudí wanted to tell the story of Jesus through imagery, through sculptures and visual elements, rather than through text.” He explained.

Indeed, the front of the church is almost like a “storybook.” Within each of the three facades, “you get specific elements of Jesus’ life story.”

However, text is not completely absent from the design. Included in the themes are words from the liturgy; towers are inscribed with the words “Hosanna,” “Excelsis,” and “Sanctus.” When the Glory façade is finished, it will feature words from the Apostles’ Creed.

Modern Day Controversy Haunts Sagrada Familia

JordiRamisa/Getty ImagesThe stained glass windows at the entrance to the basilica.

Today, the church is nearly complete. But now, controversy surrounds it. Residents that live nearby feel crowded out, as the continued construction encroaches on their property lines.

Janet Sanz, deputy mayor for urban planning, the environment, and transportation, serves as a spokesperson for the residents. “How do we guarantee that the neighborhood isn’t converted into one giant souvenir stand? How do we keep traffic flowing? And when we already have a shortage, is destroying more housing the best solution?” She asked.

Not only this, but there’d been rumors that Sagrada Familia never acquired the proper building permits in the first place. “When I took office,” Sanz noted, “I asked my team to look into it, and we saw that for more than 130 years, they had been building without a license.”

La Sagrada Familia’s board members wanted to rectify this oversight. In addition to securing the permits and paying past construction taxes, they made a deal to cover costs with an additional $36 million over the next decade. This could provide increased security and a private metro entrance so the surrounding streets would be less clogged with tourists.

All those improvements would undoubtedly prove helpful because, in 2005, the Nativity façade and crypt were declared a UNESCO world heritage site. This increases interest and brings in even more tourism. Furthermore, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated La Sagrada Familia as a minor basilica in 2010 — increasing visitors even more.

Many on the construction team are deeply religious. Recreating Gaudí’s plans is a daunting task, but one they take profound meaning from. As current head architect Jordi Faulí remarked, “Somehow, Sagrada Familia lifts everyone so that they bring their best to it. It’s transcendent.”

---

After perusing these photos of Sagrada Familia, read about the Spanish bishop who resigned after falling in love with a satanic erotica writer. Then, check out this secret Knights Templar crypt found underneath a Polish church — and its possible connection to the Holy Grail.