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National Geographic
5 hours ago
- National Geographic
Planning the next family trip? Look to Galveston
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Stretched along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, Galveston is where maritime history, ornate Victorian mansions and a decidedly Floridian beach-town vibe seamlessly blend. A popular choice among late-1800s holidaying elites and investors looking for new prospects, this barrier island became the richest city in the state, packing Southern charm and wild decadence into its gilded mansion-lined streets. Today, it's evolved into a year-round destination with things to do for all ages. It's the variety on offer that's especially appealing, from immersive museums and world-class animal education centres to attractions focusing on much more than just planet Earth. Plus, the relaxed Gulf-inspired dining scene is well-suited to kids, the city is manageable in size, and gentle Gulf breezes and occasional afternoon rains ensure temperatures stay comfortable. Here's why under-the-radar Galveston should be your next family getaway. Moody Gardens Pyramids are impossible to miss on the approach to Galveston. Photograph by Moody Gardens 1. Learn about animals at the Moody Gardens Pyramids The three pyramids rising high from the coastline, their glass exteriors glistening in the sun, are impossible not to notice upon your approach to Galveston — and yet even more eye-catching exhibits await inside. The pyramids are at the heart of Moody Gardens, a wildlife, education and nature centre with a focus on rescue and rehabilitation and programmes to save endangered species from extinction. The Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids offer a chance to learn about animals and their habitats, and feature exhibits to help kids (and adults) connect the dots between marine biology, animal conservation and human activity. In the Rainforest Pyramid, animals such as sloths and saki monkeys roam free, and tropical birds flit through the canopy; the Aquarium Pyramid's Coral Reef Lab is dedicated to researching and helping to protect Florida's coral reefs, which are facing a severe bleaching crisis. The third — Discovery Pyramid — features travelling exhibitions and immersive motion-simulator experiences. Friendly sloths are just some of the animals roaming free in the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid. Photograph by Visit Galveston 2. Tour the historic harbour Galveston's maritime heritage takes centre stage at the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship Elissa. Visitors can climb aboard the fully restored 1877 vessel and imagine life at sea during the Age of Sail, plying gruelling trade routes around the world. On shore, the Ship to Shore exhibit uses immersive technology — think motion platforms and multimedia storytelling — to bring to life Galveston's seafaring history, from immigration to storm survival. Afterwards, take time to wander the adjacent harbour, where working fishing boats and occasional cruise ships pass by. There are also options to join harbour or dolphin-watching tours, or visit a retired jack-up oil rig to understand the science and impact of oil production. 3. Become an astronaut for a day Just a 45-minute drive from Galveston, Space Center Houston is a must for any kids (or parents) interested in the universe. The official visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center — part museum, part training ground — is where astronauts prepare for their missions. Kids can touch Moon rocks, try out virtual reality spacewalk and space travel simulators, see a Saturn V rocket (used for the Apollo missions) and explore one of two original aircraft used to transport the iconic Space Shuttles. Daily tram tours take visitors to mission control and astronaut training facilities (VIP options grant even more behind-the-scenes access), while interactive exhibits make the science of space travel more accessible. There are also STEM-focused play areas and challenges to test young minds. And with special events, seasonal programming and visiting astronaut talks happening regularly, there's always something new to learn. Plan a whole day to make the most of your time here. Space Center Houston is where NASA astronauts train for future missions and visitors can get a closer look at what the process entails. Photograph by Space Center Houston, Aaron Rodriguez 4. Tour Galveston's historic mansions Galveston's past isn't just preserved — it's celebrated. For history-loving families, a visit to The Bryan Museum is a fascinating dive into Texas and American West heritage. Housed in a former orphanage, the museum's collection spans centuries and includes exhibits on cowboys, Native American culture and early settlers, all presented with striking visuals and thoughtful storytelling. Kids can marvel at historic weaponry, try on period clothing or follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries. Beyond the museum, Galveston's East End Historic District is dotted with grand Victorian homes, many open for tours. Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion are standouts offering not only an architectural wow-factor but also a glimpse into Galveston's gilded past. Walking tours of the district make for a gentle afternoon of exploring streets lined with trees and historic plaques. Finally, make time to stroll The Strand, once nicknamed the 'Wall Street of the Southwest' on account of it being a hub for bankers, brokers and cotton merchants. The Bryan Museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits on culture and heritage of Texas and the American West. Photograph by Visit Galveston 5. Indulge in Gulf food Gulf cuisine is rich in seafood, while Tex-Mex influences and casual dining make eating out with kids a breeze. Before exploring The Strand and the harbour area, start the day with breakfast at Star Drug Store. First opened in 1886 as Texas's first drug store, it's now a much-loved breakfast and lunch spot, serving hearty portions of fluffy pancakes and other classic breakfast plates, plus shakes and malts. For lunch near The Strand, kids and adults alike will love the Italian-influenced Riondo's Ristorante, offering crowd-favourite pastas and pizzas. If you're introducing the little ones to seafood, head to BLVD Seafood, which serves Gulf redfish, shrimp and soft-shell crab, all grilled or blackened, in a taco, wrap or bowl. Trendy Sugar & Rye is good for dinner, with a New Orleans-inspired menu of jambalaya, Cajun seafood pasta and gumbo (parents and adventurous young diners should try the Texas brisket onion soup). And if you get a chance for a parents-only evening, book at Rudy & Paco for impeccable service, a carefully curated wine list and an extensive menu of South- and Central American-influenced steak and seafood. The grilled Gulf red snapper in Creole sauce is a standout. A 15-minute drive from downtown Galveston, Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a great choice for families. The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, access to the Moody Gardens Pyramids, ropes course and zip-lines. The hotel's Palm Beach water park doubles the fun with a lazy river, wave pool and water slides. All 433 guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Family packages with two-day passes to Moody Gardens Pyramids from $486 (£357) per night for two adults and two children. This story was created with the support of Travel Texas and Visit Galveston. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
L'Orient-Le Jour
4 days ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Elissa: Hezbollah will not concede anything, we all know it
Create an account to see the results of the poll You can enjoy 3 free articles by creating an account Email Address Password I would like to receive special offers from L'Orient Today as well as selections of the best articles. Register By creating an account, you agree to the terms and conditions of use and our privacy policy. Register Or register with: Facebook Google Log in to your account to see the results of the polls E-mail Password Log in I forgot my password Log in with Facebook Log in with Google It was a bit after 8:30 p.m. when she finally muted the TV in her second home. 'Alright, I've heard enough, I'm ready for your questions,' Elissa said confidently, keeping one eye on the weather forecast. That evening, the Israeli strike on the Syrian Defense Ministry was making headlines, dominating most of the evening news just as it ended. Enough to put any idea of returning to Damascus out of her mind. 'I don't see myself going back there, not now, nor in the near future. I'm not at all ready,' stated the singer, who for a long time was persona non grata in Assad's Syria, subject to repression and constant censorship. A look back: Elissa: The Syrian regime wanted to take me to court With good reason: Born to a father from Deir al-Ahmar (Baalbeck) and a Syrian mother from Wadi al-Nasara, Elissa became a celebrated and... It was a bit after 8:30 p.m. when she finally muted the TV in her second home. 'Alright, I've heard enough, I'm ready for your questions,' Elissa said confidently, keeping one eye on the weather forecast. That evening, the Israeli strike on the Syrian Defense Ministry was making headlines, dominating most of the evening news just as it ended. Enough to put any idea of returning to Damascus out of her mind. 'I don't see myself going back there, not now, nor in the near future. I'm not at all ready,' stated the singer, who for a long time was persona non grata in Assad's Syria, subject to repression and constant censorship. A look back: Elissa: The Syrian regime wanted to take me to court With good reason: Born to a father from Deir al-Ahmar (Baalbeck) and a Syrian mother from Wadi al-Nasara, Elissa became a... You have reached your article limit When power pivots overnight in the Middle East, context is everything. Stay informed for $0.5/month only! Already have an account? Log in
Al Bawaba
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Elissa steals the spotlight dancing at Celio Saab and Zeina Katami lavish 3-day wedding bash
ALBAWABA - Elissa steals the spotlight with dance as Zeina Katami stuns in golden Elie Saab gown. Also Read Celio Saab and Zein Qutami's wedding date revealed The first wedding celebrations of Celio Saab, son of designer Elie Saab, kicked off in a joyful summer atmosphere, combining luxury with youthful energy, with the attendance of a number of celebrities close to the family. The celebrations will happen over three days. On July 17, there will be a pre-wedding party in Faqra. On July 18, there will be the actual wedding in Bkerke. That night, guests will go back to Faqra for the big evening. On July 19, there will be an afterparty at the same place to end the events. Elissa was one of the most famous people at the celebrations on the first day. Her stunning dancing and interaction made the mood extra special, and she even danced and waved her prayer beads to the crowd's cheers. The wedding on July 18 is sure to be a legendary event by all accounts. A small group of famous people from the Arab world and around the world who are friends with Elie Saab and his family will be there. For her first public appearance at her three-day wedding to Celio Saab, Elie Saab's son, Zeina Katami wore a beautiful, girly, and flowy gold Elie Saab dress. The dress was just the right amount of big and fancy, giving her a touch of calm luxury and well-balanced style. The dress had an interesting, flowing pattern. On the top, there were small, hand-embroidered details and crystals that gave it a bit of class without taking away from the overall look of the gown. The design features included eye-catching geometric cuts all over the top. Gold embroidery on the skirt flowed gently and caught the light, giving the skirt a soft movement and soothing beauty. The soft cape that Zeina wore from her neck down added a poetic and elegant touch to her outfit. The dress's simple style, which went well with the rest of it, added a feminine touch without drawing attention away from the other features. We were interested in Zeina Katami's diamond earrings because they were in the style of a chandelier and hung in a way that looked good with the design.
15-07-2025
Tunisia Pavilion: Partnership in Innovation, Science, and Technology for Saving Lives
Tunisia, on northern Africa's Mediterranean coast, boasts beaches and beautiful coral reefs, along with many world heritage archaeological sites, such as the ancient trading port of Carthage. The beautiful Tunisia pavilion epitomizes the country's sobriquet, Jewel of North Africa, featuring colorful traditional mosaics and jasmine, the national flower. When visitors step into the pavilion, they are enveloped in the sweet floral fragrance. The interior walls are filled with mosaic pictures and video footage which depict legendary Queen Elissa's founding of Carthage, the history of General Hannibal's campaign against Rome, landscapes of the Sahara, in the south of the country, and representations of Tunisia's modern scientific technologies. The pavilion's souvenir shop offers Tunisian products, including a range of carpets with intricate geometric patterns, colorful tableware, jasmine aromatic oil, and natural soap. It will surely arouse a longing to visit Tunisia. The Tunisia pavilion is located in the Saving Lives zone. ( See the official map for details.) Tunisia marks its national day on Wednesday, August 13, at the Expo National Day Hall. (© ) (Originally published in Japanese. Reporting and text by Uchiyama Ken'ichi and . Photographic assistance by Kuroiwa Masakazu of 96-Box. Banner photo © .)
See - Sada Elbalad
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Elissa to Perform Live in Lebanon on July 12
Yara Sameh Lebanese superstar, Elissa at the Casino du Liban, in Jounieh, Lebanon, on Saturday, July 12. She is set to present several of her popular and latest songs. The evening will also feature a performance by Adam. The acclaimed singer took to Instagram to promote the concert, saying: "Another night in Beirut…🥰❤️ See you all at Casino du Liban on July 12th!." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elissa (@elissazkh) Born on October 27, 1972, Elissa has been the highest-selling female Middle Eastern artist since 2005. She sold over 30 million albums worldwide. In 2005, she became the first Lebanese singer to be awarded the World Music Award for Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist, an award that she earned once again in 2006 and 2010. The singer is often referred to as 'Maliket El Ehsas' (Queen of Emotions) by fans and the media. Elissa's artistic journey began in 1992 when she won the silver medal in the Lebanese music competition 'Studio El Fan'. The singer's debut studio album, 'Baddy Doub' (I Want to Melt), was released by EMI Music Arabia in 1999. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
