Category Archives: International Features

Explore the islands of Hong Kong, wildlife safaris, hot air ballooning in Arizona, Mexico’s marvellous beaches, Great Barrier Reef diving, Caribbean cuisine, Guyana’s Rupununi rainforest, Byzantine monasteries in Meteora and temples of Korea. A few of the exotic video experiences in the months ahead. (Photo: Heidelberg Marketing GmbH)

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Barbados: Coral – A Matter of Life and Death

Posted on March 31, 2015 by On Top Of The World


It could be said that the island of Barbados owes its existence to the extensive coral reefs that surround it and upon which it is built. But coral is an endangered species threatened by pollution, the actions of cruise ships, scuba divers, snorkelers and tourism. At the Bellairs Research Institute, a Canadian teaching lab founded by McGill University, marine biologists and research students are studying the reefs and determining what can be done to preserve the coral. This is an extended feature from our archives on “The Responsible Tourist”. For more information: check out episode #155 in the International category.

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Greek Mythology: Creation of the Seasons

Posted on March 30, 2015 by On Top Of The World


This feature was prompted by my visits to the archaeological sites in Northern Greece where I saw wonderful sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings depicting the ancient Gods and the important part that these deities played in the daily lives of the ancient Greeks. The story of Hade’s abduction of Persephone and the Creation of the Seasons was sparked by a little solitude during a visit one Autumn when the leaves were changing colours. The lovely Celtic music supporting this feature was created by Charles Guard from his Ellan Vannin collection on the Isle of Man. For more information: check out episode #151 in the International category.

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England & France: Cross-Channel Religious Connections

Posted on March 30, 2015 by On Top Of The World


During the dark ages the tribal peoples of Western Europe found a solution for their hatred and fear of one another in their acceptance of Christendom. Whatever wars they waged against each other, the doors of the Churches were open to every believer. In this feature we explore the religious institutions in Nord-Pas-de-Calais in France and Kent in England. Monks helped turn swamps into prime agricultural land, magnificent cathedrals were built, the miracles that occurred in Boulogne and Canterbury saw the start of the first tour operators, and Kings challenged the church for the wealth that found its way into religious coffers. This is part 4 of 4 in which we cross the English Channel to explore the Roman connection between Nord-Pas-de-Calais in France and Kent, in England. For more information: check out episode #157 in the International category.

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France: Bavay & Boulogne – Roman ruins revealed

Posted on March 30, 2015 by On Top Of The World


In the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France we visit two archaeological sites: Bavay, capital of the Nervii, and an important commercial centre from which Caesar marched forth on his conquest of Britain; and Boulogne, the harbor where the Roman Classis Britannica was stationed and where underground excavations revealed the foundations of the City’s Gallo-Roman walls. Painted walls, building foundations and artifacts from the sites reveal the significance of these two locations. This is part 1 of 4 in which we cross the English Channel to explore the Roman connection between Nord-Pas-de-Calais in France and Kent, in England. For more information: check out episode #156 in the International category.

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Israel: Reflections on Archaeology

Posted on March 6, 2015 by On Top Of The World


A look back at my visits to Acco, Beit She’an and Caesarea in Israel and the wealth of opportunities that exist for amateur archaeologists to explore as layer upon layer of civilization are peeled away. Acco, also known as Ptolemais and Acre during its tumultuous history, is two cities in one: the modern that goes about its business above ground, while the ancient is being skillfully revealed underground. Discoveries at Caesarea, the port city built by Herod the Great have unearthed a Roman temple, amphitheatre, hippodrome and aqueduct. While I was there history was rewritten with a discovery that gave credence to the writings of Josephus Flavius. Earthquakes at a strategic crossroads in the Jordan Valley were partially responsible for the frequent rebuilding of Beit She’an, once known as Scythopolis. Here archaeologists discover ruins built upon ruins and have the challenge of knowing what to keep and when to dig deeper. For more information: check out episode #149 in the International category.

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Europe: Portugal – Bones, Tiles & Castles

Posted on March 6, 2015 by On Top Of The World


Explorations of the Alfarma district lead us on the trail of painted tiles and their historical revelations of Portuguese lifestyle – a tradition that continues to this day. With Lisbon as our base we visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Evora and Sintra, spend time in the Chapel of Bones, and discover the extraordinary architecture of Queluz Palace and the Castle of Pena. For more information: check out episode #148 in the International category.

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Caribbean: Grenada – Treasures of the Past

Posted on March 6, 2015 by On Top Of The World


Stone axes, petroglyphs and other archaeological discoveries in Grenada support the belief of an Amerindian highway from South America through the Caribbean islands. At the former Pearls Airport site built on an early Carib settlement, we find ancient artifacts. Sir William Branch gives insight to the islands significance as a major producer of nutmeg oil and its role in medical history. For more information: check out episode #147 in the International category.

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Denmark: The Old Town, Aarhus

Posted on March 6, 2015 by On Top Of The World


Aarhus on the east coast of Jutland in Denmark is home to Den Gamle By, an open air museum, known as The Old Town. Here 75 buildings from across the country have been painstakingly reconstructed in the town’s Botanical Gardens to show what life was like from the 16th to 19th centuries. For more information: check out episode #146 in the International category.

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Germany: Pie in the Sky

Posted on February 20, 2015 by On Top Of The World


Hate airline meals? Perhaps there’s a good reason. Airlines have to prepare thousands of meals well ahead of flight time, concern themselves for taste, quality and food safety; and then serve the dishes out of a miniscule kitchen on board the aircraft. Launching a new menu took Lufthansa to greater heights when the airline decided to collaborate with Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute and investigate the science behind eating at 36,000 feet. The 2-year study is revealing. For more information: check out episode #145 in the International category.

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Florida, USA – A Retirement Home for Horses

Posted on December 31, 2014 by On Top Of The World


Abused, crippled, elderly, lame, blind and sick horses find sanctuary at Mill Creek Farm in Alachua County, North Central Florida at the Retirement Home for Horses. This equine heaven was started by Peter and Mary Gregory in 1983 and the farmland now comprises 335 acres where the horses are free to roam and enjoy their final years in peace. Peter passed away in March 2014 but his legacy of love and dedication continues with his wife and their son Paul, who, along with volunteers now look after 130 horses, 5 dogs and 2 cats. For more information: visit www.ontopoftheworld.net and check out episode #133 in the International category.

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