oleh admin | Agu 21, 2025 | celebrities, photography, photojournalism, popular culture, style
The name Slim Aarons may bring back recollections of a photo album you previously noticed adorning the coffee table of a stylish acquaintance, along with the lyrics to a
Lana Del Rey
A song or a dreamlike painting showcasing sun-kissed arms and sparkling blue water hung on the wall of a hotel room.
However, the reality is that very little is officially known about Aarons.
As with many artists, he did not appear as the focus of his creations; instead, he served as the sharp observer who defined an influential style of photography that showcased the genuine elegance and opulence of upper-class life from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Renowned for capturing images of the wealthy, celebrities, and aesthetically pleasing individuals, Aarons would journey alongside his captivating models and society clients during the different seasons as they spent their holidays in the Alps and Mediterranean regions.
A Getty museum curator and writer of “Slim Aarons: The Essential Collection,” Shawn Waldron, stated to the Daily Mail that the photographer’s achievements were due to his unmatchable charisma.
“He simply entered the correct social groups in Hollywood and formed friendships with many actors and actresses. Hollywood directors admired him. He was truly a very charismatic and approachable individual,” Waldron stated.
He built his profession around what he described as “capturing appealing individuals engaging in pleasant activities within beautiful locations.”
This appealing group consisted of Hollywood actors, European nobility, fashion models, high society individuals, and U.S. political figures.
The photograph featuring actors Clark Gable, Van Heflin, Gary Cooper, and James Stewart—entitled “Kings of Hollywood”—is still well-known today.
He took an exclusive photograph of Marilyn Monroe at the height of her fame, seated on a sofa organizing her fan letters, dressed in a red silk nightgown edged with black lace in 1952.
An image he captured of Jacqueline Kennedy at the 1957 April in Paris Ball remains among the most widely shared photographs of the former First Lady.
Aarons was also photographed four years prior with American diplomat Michael Canfield during the Newport Casino Tennis Week in Rhode Island, and once more at a 1959 White House event.
It’s reasonable to assume the photographer definitely had connections at higher levels, and those relationships allowed him to travel extensively.
His photographs from summer holidays have reached the peak of what individuals desire for their “European summers.”
He was experiencing his optimal lifestyle long before the expression came into being.
However, Aarons’s life wasn’t always filled with happiness and luxury vehicles.
George Allen Aarons was born on October 29, 1916; the renowned photographer came from a family of Yiddish-speaking immigrants residing in a tenement located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
His mother faced mental health challenges and was hospitalized at a psychiatric facility when he was still a child, leading to him being cared for by various family members.
He felt resentment toward his father and maintained no connection with him, while his brother Harry took his own life, as stated in a 2016 documentary titled “Slim Aarons: The High Life.”
Nevertheless, Aaron’s life changed when he joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18.
He later worked as a photographer at the United States Military Academy, and subsequently served as a war correspondent during World War II — an experience that resulted in his receiving a Purple Heart.
Following the war, Aarons’s photographic focus shifted considerably from battlefields to shorelines.
I believe his story is somewhat of a traditional American tale,” Waldron stated. “He was
Entered the war under the name of George Aarons, and emerged as Slim Aarons, a renowned photographer.
“It somewhat resembles Gatsby, or Don Draper,” Waldron added.
He relocated to California and started taking photos of famous people.
They would bring me to one of their gatherings, as they were aware I wouldn’t cause them harm. I belonged among them.
Waldron stated that Aaron’s secret lay in not making his subjects appear unfavorable.
His camera captured gatherings and celebrations, seashores and vessels, peaks and estates.
His recreational spots were spread around the world in some of the most visually stunning locations: Beverly Hills, Palm Beach, Cannes, Haiti, and the Bahamas.
“Slam was an anthropologist using his camera,” says photographer Douglas Friedman.
He recorded an entire period.”
“He chronicled a whole epoch.”
“He captured an entire time span.”
“He preserved an entire age.”
“He noted down an entire generation.
A renowned photograph captured American society figure CZ Guest alongside a big Great Dane in 1955 at her Grecian-style temple pool located on the seaside property known as Villa Artemis in Palm Beach.
Numerous of his images were taken at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, featuring tourists enjoying champagne while wearing swimwear, water skiing, and relaxing on boats.
His photographs appeared in the high-quality pages of the era’s top publications — Life, Holiday, Town & Country, Travel + Leisure, and Vanity Fair.
He blended effortlessly into the upper class due to his low-key approach.
No designers or beauty experts were involved; he carried his own photographic gear and often worked alone without help.
He did not use flashy or strobe lighting; “I favor natural light,” he stated.
Aaron would come early for his photo sessions and remain until cocktail hour.
As a result, his noon photographs highlighted the brilliance and vividness of intense daylight, while his evening images portrayed the identical setting with the magical glow of golden hour.
As he integrated himself into the everyday habits of his upper-class clients, he gained their confidence and was welcomed into their most private spaces — bedrooms, backyard areas, vessels, and beyond.
He was extremely direct with his photographs,” Waldron remarked. “If you examine them, there’s no styling, no makeup artists involved.
He primarily targeted individuals in their residences, dressed in their usual attire, operating their personal vehicles, or found at their respective social gatherings.
Rita, his wife, served as one of his numerous inspirations; whenever he required an element of elegance in the scene, she would appear in the background clad in a vibrant red swimsuit.
One of his most renowned photographs featured Rita.
The photograph, captured during the winter of 1954, shows Rita lounging on a chaise longue within an expansive patio, surrounded by holiday decorations beside a tall Christmas tree overlooking the pool.
Rita passed away in 2023 at the age of 92 — 17 years following Aarons’ death caused by issues stemming from a heart attack and a stroke, as reported by their daughter Mary Aarons.
When questioned regarding her father’s heritage, Mary mentioned that upon viewing his photos, she finds it hard to accept they aren’t from today.
“What came first, the chicken or the egg? Is modern fashion inspired by him, or is it simply true that the style and appearance in his photographs seem current?” she said to Palm Beach.
Palmer
.
Waldron stated that the photographer’s enduring influence lies in the atmosphere he created, which many today attempt to copy—but for Aarons, it was genuine.
‘People lo
Live that laid-back, worry-free, never-ending summer… the good life. That’s what
people are trying to
“To capture and reimagine,” Waldron stated.
In 1997, Getty purchased all of Aarons’ collection while the photographer was still living. Aarons passed away in 2006 at the age of 89.
He made an agreement with Mark Getty only two years following the company’s establishment, and nearly twenty years later, Waldron continues to work extensively with Aaron’s legendary collection.
Read more
oleh admin | Agu 21, 2025 | General
Renowned Ghanaian TikTok creator Asafo Powers, along with his associate Mr. Amprah, widely recognized as Last Hero, has embarked on their inaugural visit to Dubai.
The pair recently went on a journey and posted clips from their adventure on online platforms. One video showed Asafo Powers along with his mentee filming a scene in the streets of Dubai.
The pair was thrilled as they explored the streets of an unfamiliar country, enjoying themselves. In another clip, several Emiratis were captured recording the well-known TikTok influencer as he strolled through Dubai alongside his companion, Last Hero.
View the video featuring Asafo Powers and Last Hero in Dubai:
oleh admin | Agu 20, 2025 | business, finance news, financial services, insurance, investing company news
Sri Lanka, August 19 – HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) along with its affiliate, HNB General Insurance Ltd (HNBGI), has achieved outstanding financial performance during Q2 2025, highlighting their dominant presence in the industry and demonstrating significant progress in crucial indicators, further securing their stable standing within the sector.
In the initial six months of 2025, the Group’s Gross Written Premium (GWP) went up by 30%, reaching Rs. 14.3 billion compared to Rs. 10.9 billion in 2024. Net profit after tax (PAT) saw an increase of 10% to Rs. 519 million (without considering the Life Insurance Surplus Transfer). Total assets amounted to Rs. 70.2 billion, marking growth from Rs. 62.4 billion during the same period last year. Investment earnings improved by 6% to reach Rs. 4.0 billion. The Group settled Rs. 3.8 billion in net claims and benefits, representing a rise of 15%, showcasing its robust dedication towards policyholders. Assets under management (AUM) expanded to Rs. 61 billion, with basic earnings per share increasing to Rs. 3.46 from Rs. 3.16.
“Our strategy has always been straightforward, expand our footprint while delivering greater value to our customers and strive to be consistent at it,” said Stuart Chapman, Chairman of HNB Assurance and HNB General Insurance.
this emphasis has allowed us to reinforce our standing in the marketplace and maintain the solid progress we’ve achieved over time, ensuring a favorable outlook for the future to create benefits for everyone involved.
HNB Assurance PLC achieved a 35% rise in gross written premium, reaching Rs. 8.6 billion during Q2 2025 compared to Rs. 6.4 billion in Q2 2024. The profit after tax for the life segment increased by 17%, amounting to Rs. 428 million (without considering the Life Insurance Surplus Transfer).
The Life Fund grew to Rs. 44.1 billion from Rs. 35.2 billion, highlighting sustained financial security. Total claims and benefits paid out went up by 33%, reaching Rs. 1.9 billion compared to Rs. 1.4 billion, while investment earnings climbed 8% to Rs. 3.6 billion.
“our emphasis on broadening our range of products and improving client support has produced remarkable outcomes,” stated lasitha wimalaratne, executive director/ceo of hnb assurance plc. “the double-digit expansion in our gwp, pat, and life fund, along with a substantial rise in settlements, reflects our dedication to our clients and our solid economic base.” hnb general insurance ltd (hnbgi) attained rs. 5.6 billion in gwp over six months, marking a 23% upsurge compared to 2024, and processed claim payments totaling rs. 2.1 billion.
The firm experienced a 23% overall increase, surpassing double the industry’s average of 11%. The non-automotive part of its business achieved the top growth rate within the sector at 35%, compared to a 4% rise in the broader market. This performance was largely fueled by the fire and engineering division, which saw remarkable growth of 49%, significantly outpacing the industry’s 4% figure.
“The key factors behind our success in leading the industry are the commitment of our team members and the robustness of our business strategy, focused on maintaining close alignment with new trends and changes happening in the General Insurance sector,” stated Sithumina Jayasundara, Executive Director/CEO of HNB General Insurance.
Our GWP has experienced significant growth, we have effectively handled our contractual obligations, and achieved a positive increase in earnings. Moreover, this quarter had an added highlight with the introduction of HNBGI NEXA, our artificial intelligence-driven chatbot, which clearly demonstrates that as we expand, we continue to improve.
oleh admin | Agu 20, 2025 | business, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Posted on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan on Monday held a meeting with the Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan, Alexandra Berg von Linde, at his office here on Monday to discuss bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and areas of mutual collaboration.
The Ambassador expressed condolences over the recent loss of lives and property in Pakistan caused by heavy rains and cloudburst incidents.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed his gratitude for the act, referring to it as a natural catastrophe, and emphasized the critical importance of unified actions to tackle the issues posed by climate change, according to a statement released on Monday. In the discussion, both parties examined ways to boost economic collaboration, particularly concentrating on improving trade relations.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s potential in textiles, ready-made garments, IT and technical education, mining, surgical goods, and sports equipment, noting that Swedish companies could greatly benefit from investing in these sectors. The Ambassador acknowledged Pakistan’s reputation in textile exports, noting that Swedish buyers consider Pakistani products among the best in the world. She added that many Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises are eager to explore opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the garment sector. A Swedish business delegation is expected to visit Karachi soon to interact with local manufacturers and explore export opportunities.
The Minister, Jam Kamal Khan, told the Ambassador that, for the first time ever in Pakistan’s history, the government—under the guidance of the Prime Minister—is slowly lowering import duties, with plans to reduce them to between 15 and 20 percent over the next five years. He mentioned that this strategy is designed to boost exports and facilitate access to high-quality goods not produced locally, thereby promoting value enhancement prior to resale. Additionally, he pointed out Pakistan’s advancements in regulatory improvements, including setting up the National Compliance Center (NCC), aimed at assisting domestic enterprises comply with both local and global requirements. He suggested holding workshops via the NCC to inform foreign firms and embassies about the procedures related to adherence to regulations in Pakistan.
Both sides identified mining, renewable energy, green technologies, vocational training, and skill development as areas for future collaboration.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s significant number of trained young people, particularly in the health sector, where Pakistani experts can assist in addressing gaps in Europe, such as nurse vacancies.
He further underscored that more than 40 Swedish companies, including global brands such as H&M and IKEA, are already sourcing from Pakistan, reflecting the strength of bilateral economic ties. He invited greater Swedish investment in renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing, IT, and infrastructure, while also encouraging Sweden’s participation in upcoming trade events in Pakistan, such as FoodAg 2025.
The Minister appreciated Sweden’s consistent support for Pakistan’s GSP+ status in the European Union and urged continued advocacy during the next review process. He also called for enhanced engagement between Pakistan’s central bank and Swedish financial regulators to address compliance-related banking issues faced by exporters.
Stressing Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening political, economic, and grassroots connections with Sweden, Jam Kamal Khan highlighted that both nations possess significant unexplored opportunities for collaboration.
oleh admin | Agu 20, 2025 | arrests, crime, government, police and law enforcement, politics
Published on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 6:25 AM
The leader of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, disclosed that a major terror plan targeting the Independence Day festivities on August 14 was effectively stopped by intelligence services.
At a press conference on Monday, Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti announced the arrest of Dr Muhammad Usman Qazi, a Grade-18 lecturer at BUITEMS University, accused of being a key facilitator for the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
“Should a professor turn into a terrorist, you can’t honor him with a garland,” stated Bugti during a press briefing conducted here, accompanied by high-ranking officials such as Additional Chief Secretary for Home Affairs Hamza Shafqaat, Acting Inspector General of Police Saeed Wazir, and spokesperson for the provincial government Shahid Rind.
CM Bugti warned that those aiding terrorist elements, regardless of their social or professional status, would be held accountable.
Bugti acknowledged the intelligence services for preventing the scheduled attack on August 14, describing it as proof of the government’s strong determination to combat groups opposing the state.
The Chief Minister stated that the public announcement of Dr Qazi’s detention aimed to deliver a clear warning against terrorism and those who support it. “The state is facing well-backed groups associated with banned organizations.”
He emphasized that the insurgency is not rooted in deprivation but is driven by a purely anti-state agenda. Expressing concern over the involvement of educated individuals in terrorism, Sarfraz Bugti revealed that Dr Qazi had provided a pistol to a female facilitator for targeted killings and had also played a role in facilitating a suicide attack at Quetta railway station.
The Chief Minister voiced alarm over the increasing use of women in terrorist networks and announced the formation of a special cell within the Home Department to counter extremism in educational institutions. He added that 2,000 public sector employees have been screened, with those under suspicion being placed on the Fourth Schedule.
CM urged parents to monitor their children and report any suspicious activity, and called on parliamentarians to lead efforts against those who misguide youth under the guise of “Balochiyat.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace but warned that violence and murder will not be tolerated. To promote positive engagement, the government is allocating Rs1 billion in scholarships for Balochistan students at Punjab University.
During the press conference, a video confession by Dr Qazi was shown to the media. In the video, he admitted to knowingly facilitating terrorist activities despite receiving respect and benefits as a government employee.
Having obtained his Ph.D from Peshawar University, Qazi stated that he joined the BLA at the behest of Dr. Haibatan, known as “Kalk,” and worked under the pseudonym “Ameer.” He kept in touch with BLA leader Bashir Zeb through Telegram.
Dr Qazi confessed to three major acts of facilitation including providing medical treatment to a regional commander known as “Sher Dil”, harboring two terrorists in his home, one of whom later carried out the Quetta railway station suicide attack and purchasing and supplying a pistol to a female facilitator for targeted killings
He further confessed to providing refuge to another extremist, Noman known as “Peerak,” for a period of eight days. Peerak intended to carry out a self-destructive assault during an event on August 14 but was apprehended prior to carrying out his scheme.
Dr. Qazi ended his statement by admitting his intentional participation in actions against the state and his position as an enabler for the BLA.
oleh admin | Agu 20, 2025 | armed forces, emergencies, humanitarian aid, military aircraft, pakistan
Released on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 5:34 AM
Continuing its tradition of answering the country’s needs during natural disasters, the Pakistan Air Force provided critical assistance in relief activities across flooded regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To this end, 48 tonnes of aid items organized by a non-governmental organization were transported via an Air Eagle B-737 plane from Karachi to Peshawar. Through setting up an aerial supply route, the PAF has facilitated the rapid delivery of crucial provisions to help relief initiatives in the waterlogged areas of Buner and Shangla. This shipment includes necessary dried foodstuffs, which will be handed out to impacted households under collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority.
This relief operation demonstrates the Pakistan Air Force’s long-standing dedication to supporting the nation, both in defending the skies of the country and offering prompt help to citizens during emergencies.
oleh admin | Agu 20, 2025 | environmental pollution, environmentalism, politics, waste collection, waste management
Posted on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 6:35 AM
The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, stated that Japan’s cutting-edge technology and techniques will be employed for managing wastewater and garbage in Punjab.
During her official trip to Japan, the chief minister toured the nation’s biggest sewage treatment plants located in Asahi, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Washimaku, and Yodogawa, according to a press release published here on Monday.
She received an extensive overview of garbage collection, sewage treatment, and waste management systems in Japan. Authorities mentioned that Yokohama, Japan’s second-biggest city, processes 1.5 million liters of wastewater each day at its Solid Waste and Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The site also manages multiple facilities that produce electricity from garbage, which is subsequently utilized to supply heat to nearby households.
The CM was also informed that Yokohama’s waste disposal system sorts reusable items using state-of-the-art automation, positioning the city as an international example of ecological responsibility even with its manufacturing-based economy.
Praising Japan’s excellent benchmarks, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated, “The environmental and city planning approach of Yokohama will be introduced in Punjab. Through the use of Japanese technology, our objective is to upgrade wastewater and garbage management, produce renewable power, and provide a lasting future for our citizens.”
In addition, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif mentioned that Yokohama and Punjab have reached an agreement on “city-to-city” collaboration across various fields such as environmental conservation and contemporary urban planning.
While visiting Yokohama, Japan’s major center for commerce, economy, and culture, the CM along with her team was provided an extensive overview of city planning at Yokohama City Hall, according to a statement released today.
She engaged in talks about improving the standard of road and structure development in Punjab to align with Japanese benchmarks and examined opportunities for collaboration between Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Yokohama.
The CM, who is presently visiting Japan on an official five-day trip, also examined possibilities for cooperation in operating a high-speed rail service connecting Lahore and Islamabad, as well as enhancing Punjab’s railway system. She received additional information about Japan’s newest gondola and aerial cable car initiatives.
PM Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted that Punjab stands to gain significantly from Japan’s knowledge in eco-friendly city development, waste management, and advanced transportation systems.
oleh admin | Agu 19, 2025 | air travel, air travel safety, flying, luggage, Travel
Travelers heading out this summer would do well to take notice of an obscure Ryanair baggage policy that might cause issues for them.
Airline staff measuring suitcase sizes using baggage gauges just prior to departure — this scene is one that many passengers fear.
Ryanair lets travelers carry an “individual item” at no cost, provided it meets specific dimensions.
Earlier, the measurements were 40x25x20cm but
Recently, their dimensions have been raised to 40x30x20 cm, in accordance with an update in EU regulations.
.
Nevertheless, travelers may face a charge of up to £70 if their luggage exceeds size limits.
However, they might be surprised by a regulation that few people are aware of regarding the low-cost carrier.
Ryanair enforces a no-cash policy at check-in counters, potentially leading to problems for certain passengers.
This implies that even if a traveler is willing to cover the cost, without having a card, they might still be unable to bring their luggage aboard.
A representative from Ryanair stated to The Daily Mail: “Our baggage policy is straightforward; if it fits inside our bag checker (which has more space than the specified limits), it can be carried onboard at no extra cost.”
If the item does not fit within our baggage size limits, you will incur a gate bag charge. Since our boarding gates operate without cash, gate bag charges can’t be settled with physical currency.
These charges are incurred by fewer than 0.1 percent of travelers who fail to adhere to our established baggage policies.
Of the 99.9 percent of our travelers who follow our regulations, we express gratitude and encourage them to continue flying without concern.
It arrives as it was reported
How Ryanair rewards employees for catching travelers attempting to bring large carry-on items aboard planes
— and they may earn as much as €80 per month simply by implementing the stringent regulations.
A disclosed pay stub reveals how a previous worker received a “gate bag bonus” for identifying luggage that exceeded the airline’s well-known strict dimensions.
A former employee stated that they received approximately €1.50 (£1.30) for each large bag they documented, as reported by The Sunday Times, though they mentioned that the monthly incentive had a limit.
Ryanair, which generated an impressive €13 billion in sales during the previous year, announced on Saturday that employees receive financial incentives for identifying luggage that violates regulations — resulting in travelers being billed as much as €75 per large bag discovered at the boarding area.
However, even though they confirmed the plan, the airline declined to specify the exact amount employees receive through this “gate bag incentive.”
In the meantime, Chelsea Dickenson, also recognized as @holidayexpert, has
Only shared with MailOnline Travel, she reveals her best advice for fitting a week’s vacation wardrobe into a 40x20x25cm suitcase.
.
An alternative strategy is to keep part of your baggage with you.
Previously, Chelsea mentions that she removed the padding from her travel pillow and placed some of her clothing inside it, and she has also worn a fishing vest, filling its pockets.
Read more
oleh admin | Agu 19, 2025 | events and festivals, tourist attractions, tourists, Travel, vietnam
Reservations for trips to Hanoi have risen by 40% in the southern region for the National Day military parade scheduled on September 2, celebrating 80 years of independence.
“I purchased my flight to Hanoi in early July and have already reserved my accommodation,” said Nguyen Ngoc Huong Trang, 28, from Ho Chi Minh City.
Trang participated in April’s Unification Day parade in Ho Chi Minh City and is currently traveling north to attend the National Day festivities.
Tourism agencies reported a significant increase in interest, mainly in southern regions. Accommodation availability in the downtown area is almost full, with lodging prices doubling or tripling. Certain last-minute tours are opting to stay beyond the city limits or in adjacent areas, only coming into Hanoi for short visits.
Pham Anh Vu, vice president of Du Lich Viet, stated: “The National Day procession will attract a surge of tourists from the southern region. This presents a chance for Hanoi’s tourism sector.”
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Ten helicopters performing a formation during rehearsal for Vietnam’s 80th Anniversary Day in Hanoi on July 30, 2025. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Giang Huy
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Approximately 60% of tourists coming from the southern region are opting for all-inclusive travel packages, as stated by Tran Thi Bao Thu, the marketing director at Vietluxtour.
Global attention is also increasing. Vietluxtour has noted higher reservations coming from Australia, South Korea, and Europe, with numerous travelers choosing longer vacation trips starting in Ho Chi Minh City going up to Hanoi.
Hanoi provides various opportunities for visitors: single-day urban excursions, rural journeys, culinary and cultural strolls through the streets, as well as evening sightseeing activities.
A highly favored package features a tour to the
Vietnam Military History Museum
and admission passes for a national performance.
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Tourists travel along rivers in Ninh Binh Province close to Hanoi. Image provided by Vietluxtour
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Hanoi remains the leading travel destination, although locations such as Hoi An City and Phu Quoc Island are also widely favored.
Tour packages combining Hanoi with beautiful spots such as Ninh Binh and Ha Long, featuring accommodations close to the procession, are generating significant attention.
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Law enforcement cars practice for the National Day march in Hanoi. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Giang Huy
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The tourism landscape of Hanoi is growing past traditional attractions. Emerging activities feature medicinal bath sessions in Ba Vi Village, agricultural site visits in Tich Loc Village, and cultural excursions along the city’s southern fringes.
Hanoi is further enhancing its allure during nighttime, offering 20 newly launched nocturnal tourist activities. Among them are the bell-chiming ceremony at Quan Thanh Temple and an authentic replica of a “subsidiary era” street near Truc Bach Lake, featuring the late U.S. Senator
John McCain
was brought down and captured during the Vietnam War.
This year, the city has welcomed 4.2 million foreign tourists, marking an increase of 22% compared to 2024. Meanwhile, income generated from tourism has risen by 15%, reaching VND73 trillion ($2.78 billion), as reported by the local Department of Tourism.
oleh admin | Agu 19, 2025 | europe, international travel, Travel, travel advice, travel in europe
A female traveler who has been to 26 cities across Europe has expressed her opinions about which places were the most challenging to visit, and which ones were the most enjoyable.
From
Birmingham
To Seville, American-born Charlie Seville has visited various cities across Europe.
She has currently categorized various locations according to her individual perspective regarding ‘food quality, atmosphere, cost-effectiveness, and general enjoyment’.
“These are simply my views derived from my personal travels throughout Europe,” Charlie commented with a
post
on her
TikTok
account,
@charliewallace64
.
Some of these perspectives could spark debate, yet that’s precisely what gives traveling an individual touch.
I have been to over 26 European cities, including both well-known ones and hidden treasures, and I’ve rated them from least to most favorable according to cuisine, atmosphere, cost-effectiveness, and general enjoyment. Feel free to share your opinion on which city should be placed higher (or lower)!’
The lowest-ranked location on Charlie’s list was Catania, Italy, which earned a score of just three out of ten.
She believed the city was “unrefined” and characterized it as “dilapidated, unclean, and unexpectedly difficult to locate good cuisine.”
Even though Charlie didn’t have many activities to engage in besides wandering through the downtown area, he observed that there were ‘stunning vistas of Mount Etna’.
The second-worst entry on Charlie’s list was actually nearer than expected — Birmingham.
With a rating of only 3.2 from ten, the tourist departed the city in the West Midlands, feeling let down.
“She didn’t leave much of an impression on me,” she wrote.
Charlie shared her opinion that it “lacks charm and unity,” and referred to the center as “unremarkable.”
Nevertheless, she recognized suggestions from individuals who return in December when the city becomes lively with vibrant and colorful Christmas fairs.
A different British city, Manchester, followed, achieving just 3.8 points out of ten.
Charlie felt disheartened by the “gray clouds, light rain, and freezing weather.”
She also believed the region’s highlights were “spread out across Greater Manchester, which is not convenient for tourists.”
A popular travel destination in Europe, Prague in the Czech Republic followed closely with an underwhelming score of four out of ten.
Charlie described it as “seemed highly overhyped” and mentioned it was “swamped with visitors.”
Numerous people come to the region to view Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, which the traveler found “did not live up to the excitement.”
Nevertheless, she mentioned “it was reasonably priced and contained intriguing pieces of history.”
In the meantime, Kraków, Poland came in at position 16, achieving an average rating of 6.3 out of 10.
Charlie recognized the Polish city as “cost-effective, easy to navigate on foot, and very appealing,” yet found it modest and capable of being explored within a few days.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Charlie rated Bath as 9.3 out of ten, praising its beauty extensively and placing it in third position.
“The sand-colored stone structures and expansive Georgian design contribute to the city’s enduring sophistication,” Charlie noted.
She mentioned that she adored “its rich personality” and praised the “independent shops, comfortable cafés, and several outstanding restaurants.”
Charlie’s list placed London in second position, achieving an outstanding rating of 9.6 out of 10.
Although he had lived in London for four years, Charlie maintained, “I’m still not bored.”
“It’s the greatest mixture of cultures, foods, fashions, and thoughts,” she wrote.
Although the city may sometimes feel “quick-moving and demanding,” Charlie highlighted “it still holds my heart.”
“There’s truly no place quite like this,” the traveler noted.
Number one on Charlie’s list was Seville, located in Spain, which received an impressive rating of 9.9 out of ten from the content producer.
She explained how the Spanish city “fully enchanted” her and praised the endless sunlight and vibrant environment.
“It’s genuine, cozy, and filled with heart. I’m already eager to come back,” she exclaimed.
It follows the release of a list by British people highlighting 30 aspects they love about Europe — with three out of four UK residents acknowledging they still consider themselves essentially European.
Brexit
.
A research carried out by
TUI
Seasoned travelers were invited to describe their favorite parts of Europe — including local cuisine, famous attractions, and secret spots.
Read more
