Wednesday 5 May 2021

Best Places in Morocco

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Angkor Wat: Cambodia’s Most Iconic Temple

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Wishing Boys Health, Courage and Prosperity celebrates Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Day) today By Chandana Ranaweera

Japan is not just a country that is well-developed and reaching new heights of technological advancements every day. Many might recognise Japan for its cars, electronics, and robotics but apart from the material development, the country does possess a unique traditional and cultural heritage that dates many centuries back. Amidst all the modernity, the Japanese take time to honour their ‘Japanese festival in honor of the birth of children’. culture and heritage, and take pride in (By J.M.W. Silver) celebrating age-old festivals and performing unique cultural practices that have been passed down through These flags are called Koinobori flags generations. and hoisted over the roof of the house Lots of Japan’s festivals and on Tango no Sekku day. celebrations revolve around the Carp fish is another unique element seasonal changes the country of the Boys’ Day celebrations. Also experiences every year. The friendliest adopted from an ancient Chinese and most welcoming season of them legend which tells a story of a group of all – the spring – is the time when carps that swam upstream and Japan holds most of their festivals crossed a bridge over a river called which are a unique element of their Koga, the carp fish used in Tango no heritage. One such age-old traditional Sekku celebrations symbolise the festival is celebrated today in Japan resilience needed to overcome and this one, focuses and celebrates challenges. young boys of Japan. After putting up the Koinobori flags Japanese boys sing songs, just like What is Tango no Sekku? The day was dedicated to celebrating the festival is celebrated in every an axe and was able to wrestle and how girls sing on Hanamatsuri day. Every year on 5 May, Japan and recognising boys and fathers and household in Japan. defeat a large grizzly bear with ease. “Carp flags are waving over the roof celebrates Tango no Sekku which is was considered the counterpart of When Kintaro grew up his strength The biggest is for father ‘Boys’ Day’. It was one of the five or the Girls’ Day which is How is it celebrated? also grew and the word of this youth The smallest is for little brother annual ceremonies held at the imperial celebrated on 3 March every year. Just like it is in Hinamatsuri with an unusual strength spread. The Swim in the sky in glee, are the court and was celebrated in the fifth However, in 1948, the name of the celebrations, a display of unique news reached a samurai named carps” day of the fifth moon in the Chinese festival was changed from ‘Boys’ Day’ Japanese dolls on a special shelf is Yominsu Minamoto who wanted to On the Tango no Sekku day calendar. After Japan adopted the to ‘Children’s Day’ to include both girls arranged. On Hinamatsuri it is meet Kintaro. After being impressed by Japanese boys dress themselves up in Gregorian calendar, the and boys in celebrations as well as mothers who hand over the dolls to the Kintaro’s strength the samurai made colourful traditional Japanese wear day was set on 5 May. mothers to signify the qualities of the girls and on the Tango no Sekku it is him one of his followers and from then called kimono and visit their friends’ unity of family. fathers who present the special sets of on he was called Kintoki Sakata. The houses. The visitors are treated to a The festival was originally dolls to the boys of the family. Among Japanese often use the healthy and special sweetmeat unique to Boys’ Day celebrated in hopes of these dolls are the figures of Samurai strong Kintaro’s story as a model story called koshichi – a special rice bringing good health and warrior heroes, replicas of Japanese to encourage the young boys. The cake – and a sweet wrap where red prosperity to boys. The katana swords, spears, headgears, and Kintaro dolls that are exhibited during bean jam is wrapped in an oak leaf and traditional customs of the dolls of Kintaro. the festival are larger than other dolls, served. Apart from that another sweet this festival is said to symbolising the strength Kintaro meat called chimaki where sweets are have been adopted by Who is Kintaro? possessed. wrapped in bamboo leaves is also ancient Chinese Kintaro is the main character of served. practices and was Tango no Sekku. According to What are Koinobori flags? At the end of the day the celebrations originally celebrated only by Japanese folklore, Kintaro was a child Another unique element of Tango no are brought to a closure by the whole the Samurais of Japan as a hero. Literally translated to ‘golden Sekku celebrations is the special flags family getting together and wishing the family tradition for the boys child’ Kintaro was a giant boy who was the Japanese put up. Made out of young boys of the family a happy, in the family. Later on, the strong, healthy, and brave. He lived in colourful silk cloths or thin paper, healthy, and prosperous future. A speciale rice cake served practice of the festival spread to a forest and had wild animals as his these flags almost look like kites and (Translated by Sanuj on Tango no Sekku laymen families as well and currently, friends. He rode a bear while yielding takes the shape of colourful carp fish. Hathurusinghe) C2 WEDNESDAY 5 MAY 2021 SNEAK PEEKS LOOK Officially a Mom Play Date Ellie Gouldingand husband Caspar Jopling announced over the weekend on his Instagram Story that she has given birth to their first child. "Mum and baby both healthy and happy," he captioned a photo of a floral arrangement. "Extremely grateful." He continued, "I don't ever address the public attention that comes with Ellie's job. But during this magical and personal moment we would really appreciate being able to enjoy our privacy…thank you x." Ellie, 34, married Caspar, 29, in a star- studded wedding ceremony in August 2019. The art dealer popped the question to Ellie just one year prior. At the time, Caspar—who counts Princess Eugenie as a friend and shares many high-society pals in his home of England—gushed over his then bride to be in a sweet Instagram post. "I get to spend the rest of my life with this truly extraordinary and beautiful, beautiful person," he wrote at the time. "No one has ever made me feel fuller of life, knowledge, announced her pregnancy to the world in she shared with the magazine. "The happiness, or love. Hope, passion, a February interview with Vogue, in thought of getting pregnant didn't seem confidence, and more love. There is no which she revealed she was 30 weeks like it could be a reality." one I have ever been more complete along. "Becoming pregnant kind of made me with and there is no one I will ever feel "It was crazy because it was our one- feel human," the artist said. more complete with." The singer first year anniversary. That was not the plan," (eonline) Recently, Mandy Moore Instagram Story and added, introduced her two-month- "One the lookout for a fall..." old son Gus to Hilary Duff's Moore and Goldsmith, 35, five-week-old baby girl Mae welcomed their first child as the two moms captured earlier this year on 20 their kids' sweet play date February, while Duff and on Instagram. Koma, 33, added baby Mae Candid Confession Moore, 37, shared a to their family on 24 March. snapshot to her Instagram The couple also shares Rebel Wilson is continuing to include her fans Among those offering support in the comments Story that featured Gus and daughter Banks Violet, two, on her fertility journey. was Sharon Stone, who wrote, "Been there Mae adorably laying down and Duff is mom to son Luca The 41-year-old Bridesmaids actress took to repeatedly there is good news I have three next to each other. Mae was Cruz, nine. Instagram on 2 May to share a photo of herself beautiful sons." crying in the photo, while Both moms have looking forlorn while standing along the beach in In addition, Rebel's Pitch Perfect co-star Alexis Gus innocently looked out documented their post- front of a cloudy sky. In the caption, she said she Knapp commented, "So sorry my love. Been in the distance away from motherhood journey on their had gotten "bad news" earlier in the day and through it [broken-heart emoji]." Mae. respective social media implied it was related to her struggles with Earlier, Rebel had posted the same photo with "When August met Mae: a accounts. Last month, fertility. the simple caption, "missing you." She deleted it love story for the ages," the Moore shared an adorable "I got some bad news today and didn't have and replaced it with the version that includes the Moore wrote on the photo, snapshot to Instagram of anyone to share it with...but I guess I gotta tell longer message. Rebel had previously shared tagging her husband Taylor Gus happily enjoying what someone," she wrote. "To all the women out there details of her fertility journey with fans. During Goldsmith, Duff, 33, and the actress said is one of her struggling with fertility, I feel ya." an Instagram Live in December 2020, she said Duff's husband Matthew favourite at-home activities She continued, "The universe works in she'd decided prior to the coronavirus pandemic Koma. Duff reposted — a bath. mysterious ways and sometimes it all doesn't that not only was she not going to work a lot in Moore's photo on her own (people) make sense...but I hope there's light about to 2020, but she "was also freezing my eggs." shine through all the dark clouds." (eonline)

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut never minces her words. She’s always out there, speaking her heart out irrespective of others’ opinions. The actress Kangana Reflects made her Bollywood debut with ‘nepo gang’ who according to her, them, beauty was being fair. I was okay with that. My fair Gangster, which recently got it all so easily! But as for her, fair enough and I could have made complexion is the least of my completed 15 years. The beauty is her ‘fair complexion’ turned a a place for myself for three-four favourite things. There is so much now calling out filmmakers of her barrier in a way too! years, which anybody with a fair more to me as an individual and I time who just cared about the Kangana Ranaut in a complexion can. So, that was all was appalled to see that they complexion. conversation with an Indian daily that they wanted. They were didn’t care about that. They had As most know, Kangana has had revealed, “I tried to make my own willing to give me that shelf life in nothing to do with that. Now they her fair share of struggles. She place and that was a big struggle. return for the fair complexion.” must be surprised to see what was mocked a lot for her accent. If I had to settle for what they But she stood like a lone wolf, kind of a person I turned out to The Thalaivi actress even openly were giving me, I don’t think I taking the right path! Kangana be.” calls out Karan Johar and the would have come this far. For Ranaut continued, “But I was not (koimoi)

CRUSHING COPARENTING Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner pick their son Samuel up from swim lessons

KEEPING IT CASUAL Sara Sampaio takes a stroll in Los Angeles

BOAT BABES Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, RIDE OR DIE Melissa Gorga, Teresa Giudice, Kenya Moore, Cynthia Bailey and DWTS pros Sasha Farber Kyle Richards films Real Housewives: and Emma Slater revs their All Stars in Turks and Caicos engines on a motorcycle ride LOOK Culture wednesday 5 may 2021 c3 Angkor Wat: Cambodia's Most Iconic Temple A visit to Cambodia’s World Vishnu’s eight arms hold a mace, a Heritage Temples of Angkor complex spear, a disc, a conch and other is understandably high on the list for items. You may also see locks of hair many travellers. Angkor Wat is the lying about. These are offerings both ultimate expression of Khmer genius – from young people preparing to get an awe-inspiring temple that is married and from pilgrims giving stunning for both its grand scale and thanks for their good fortune. its incredible detail. Get to know a little about the history, meaning and Avenue features of this renowned and iconic The avenue is 475m long (1558ft) temple. and 9.5m wide (31 ft) and lined with naga balustrades, leading from What is Angkor Wat? the main entrance to the central Angkor Wat – built by Suryavarman temple, passing between two graceful II (r 1112–52) – is the earthly libraries and then two pools, the representation of Mount Meru, the northern one a popular spot from Mount Olympus of the Hindu faith which to watch the sun rise. and the abode of ancient gods. The Cambodian god-kings of old each Central complex strove to better their ancestors’ The central temple complex structures in size, scale and consists of three storeys, each made symmetry, culminating in what is of laterite, which enclose a square believed to be the world’s largest surrounded by intricately interlinked religious building. galleries. The Gallery of a Thousand The temple is the heart and soul of Buddhas (Preah Poan) used to house Cambodia and a source of fierce hundreds of Buddha images before national pride. Unlike the other the war, but many of these were Angkor monuments, it was never removed or stolen, leaving just the abandoned to the elements and has handful we see today. been in virtually continuous use since it was built. Towers The corners of the second and third Special features storeys are marked by towers, each of Angkor Wat topped with symbolic lotus-bud towers. Rising 31m (102ft) above the Western orientation third level and 55m (180ft) above the Symbolically, west is the direction ground is the central tower, which of death, which once led a large droppings also degrade the restored Like the other temple-mountains of consuming the labour of thousands. gives the whole grand ensemble its number of scholars to conclude that carvings over time. Angkor, Angkor Wat also replicates According to inscriptions, the sublime unity. Angkor Wat must have existed the spatial universe in miniature. The construction of Angkor Wat involved primarily as a tomb. This idea was The level of detail central tower is Mount Meru, with its 300,000 workers and 6000 elephants. Upper level supported by the fact that the Visitors to Angkor Wat are struck surrounding smaller peaks, bounded It was not fully completed. The stairs to the upper level are magnificent bas-reliefs of the temple by its imposing grandeur and, at in turn by continents (the lower immensely steep, because reaching were designed to be viewed in an close quarters, its fascinating courtyards) and the oceans (the Getting orientated the kingdom of the gods was no easy anticlockwise direction, a practice decorative flourishes. Stretching moat). The seven-headed naga at Angkor Wat task. Also known as Bakan that has precedents in ancient Hindu around the outside of the central (mythical serpent) becomes a Sanctuary, the upper level of Angkor funerary rites. Vishnu, however, is temple complex is an 800 metres symbolic rainbow bridge for Moat Wat is open to a limited number per also frequently associated with the long series of intricate and humankind to reach the abode of the Angkor Wat is surrounded by a day with a queuing system. west, and it is now commonly astonishing bas-reliefs – carvings gods. 190m-wide moat, which forms a giant accepted that Angkor Wat most likely depicting historical events and While Suryavarman II may have rectangle measuring 1.5 kilometres by Temple etiquette served both as a temple and as a stories from mythology. planned Angkor Wat as his funerary 1.3 kilometres. From the west, a As the temples of Angkor represent mausoleum for Suryavarman II. temple or mausoleum, he was never sandstone causeway crosses the a sacred religious site to the Khmer What does it mean? buried there as he died in battle moat. people, visitors are asked to dress Celestial nymphs Eleanor Mannikka explains in her during a failed expedition to subdue modestly. It is not possible to visit the Angkor Wat is famous for having book Angkor Wat: Time, Space and the Dai Viet (Vietnamese). Outer wall highest level of Angkor Wat without more than 3000 beguiling apsaras Kingship that the spatial dimensions The rectangular outer wall, which upper arms covered and shorts to the (heavenly nymphs) carved into its of Angkor Wat parallel the lengths of How was Angkor measures 1025 metres by 800 metres knees. Local authorities have visitor walls. Each of them is unique, and the four ages (Yuga) of classical Wat built? (3363ft by 2625ft), has a gate on each ‘code of conduct’ guidelines and a there are 37 different hairstyles for Hindu thought. Thus the visitor to side, but the main entrance, a 235 video to encourage appropriate dress, budding stylists to check out. Many Angkor Wat who walks the causeway The sandstone blocks from which metres-wide (82ft) porch richly as well as reminding tourists not to of these exquisite apsaras were to the main entrance and through Angkor Wat was built were quarried decorated with carvings and touch, sit or climb on the ancient damaged during efforts to clean the the courtyards to the final main from the holy mountain of Phnom sculptures, is on the western side. structures, to pay attention to temples with chemicals during the tower, which once contained a statue Kulen, more than 50km (31mi) away, There is a statue of Vishnu, 3.25 restricted areas, and to be respectful 1980s, but they are being restored by of Vishnu, is metaphorically and floated down the Siem Reap River metres (1066ft) in height and hewn of monks. the teams with the German Apsara travelling back to the first age of the on rafts. The logistics of such an from a single block of sandstone, Conservation Project. Bat urine and creation of the universe. operation are mind-blowing, located in the right-hand tower. (lonelyplanet) Paganism is the Oldest, Newest Religion When Christianity switched from a deal with the public, whose reactions persecuted fringe sect to the state can range from curiosity to outright religion of the Roman Empire in 415 harassment. BCE, those in the new monotheistic "I've been to outdoor events where mainstream came up with an insult for people have yelled rude things at the polytheistic ‘hicks’ who still Pagans who are practicing their worshipped the pantheon of Roman religion," says Calico. gods. They called them ‘pagans’ from the Latin word ‘paganus’ for ‘country Wicca and women's dweller.’ empowerment While most of the rites and practices of Pagan belief systems died out centuries Wicca is one of the largest and ago, some modern spiritual seekers have oldest religious movements in Modern recovered those ancient wisdom Paganism. This contemporary revival traditions and now proudly identify as of witchcraft was first popularised in Pagan. the United Kingdom in the 1950s with Modern Paganism (also called the writings of Gerald Gardner and Neopaganism, Contemporary Paganism later caught on in America, especially or just Paganism) is a revival movement within the women's empowerment that encompasses a wide and rich movement of the 1960s and 1970s. variety of polytheistic religious traditions: Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek The rise of heathenry and Roman practices, as well as Wicca In 1972, an Icelandic man named (modern witchcraft), Asatru (the worship Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson and some of Norse gods, goddesses and land The religious scholar Sabina structure, according to Magliocco: mentions an Ancient Egyptian ritual friends decided to revive the public spirits) and Druidism (an Indo- Magliocco wrote that the role of ritual in Setting the stage: This may mean called Navigium Isidis practiced by worship of the Norse gods, tapping European priesthood). Modern Paganism is to achieve symbolically cleansing the sacred area the Fellowship of Isis in Los Angeles. into texts and communal rites known With such a diversity of religious communion with nature, with the or drawing a circle around it. Ancient Egyptians honoured the as the ‘Old Way.’ That movement, now traditions and rituals, Modern Paganism deities, with the community and with Performing the ritual: Communing fertility goddess Isis every March called Asatru or Heathenry, has defies easy definition. The religious the inner self. She describes Modern with the gods through dance, music, when the Nile would flood its banks spread around the globe. Other Old scholar Michael Strmiska described Pagan rituals as ‘forms of communally guided meditation and so on. within and bring life to the valley. Instead of Norse religious revivals followed Modern Paganism as a collection of created artistic expression’ that often the sacred space. launching boats into the Nile, the including Theodism, Urglaawe, religious movements "dedicated to include drumming, dance, ceremonial Returning to reality: Thanking members of the Fellowship of Isis Irminism, Odinism and Vanatru. reviving the polytheistic, nature- fires, incense, and representations of the and dismissing the spirits/gods and make small boats out of ice (non- In writing his book on Asatru in worshipping pagan religions of pre- four elements (earth, air, fire and water). perhaps sharing food and drink with polluting) and release them into the America, Calico visited with kindred Christian Europe and adapting them for Although every Modern Pagan the other participants. Pacific Ocean carrying their wishes across the United States, where he the use of people in modern societies." religion has its own set of rituals, In Asatru, also known as and prayers to the goddess. estimates there are between 15,000 What Modern Pagans are there are some common themes. Heathenism or Heathenry, one of the You won't find Modern Pagan and 20,000 self-identified Heathens. definitely not is ‘historical reenactors,’ There are rituals marking the most common rituals involves the ‘churches’ in the sense of a building Asatru emphasises communal rituals says Jefferson Calico, a religion seasons, and the cycles of the moon ceremonial drinking of mead or ‘honey dedicated to worship. For starters, like the Blot and group study of the professor at the University of the and sun (solstices and equinoxes). wine,’ one of the oldest alcoholic Calico says, adherents prefer to ‘Lore,’ a library of Icelandic mythic Cumberlands, Kentucky, and author of There are rituals honouring specific beverages known to man. In the ritual worship outside where there's a direct stories and epics originally written in Being Viking: Heathenism in gods or goddesses, and nature spirits. known as Blot (Old Norse for connection with the natural world. Old Norse and now widely available in Contemporary America. There are rituals celebrating birth, ‘sacrifice’), members of the ‘kindred’ But there's also the issue of money. translation. One of the primary texts death, marriage and rites of passage. (community) pass around a horn filled Modern Pagans generally avoid asking is Havamal, a poem of traditional Pagan practice and rituals And there are rituals that call on with mead that's sacrificed to the gods for tithes, donations or dues that wisdom attributed to Odin that's a Unlike Judeo-Christian traditions that divine powers to heal, strengthen and accompanied by prayers to deities like would go toward the building of a powerful expression of Old Norse centre around biblical authority, clergy comfort individuals and entire Odin, Thor and Freya. A Blot can be permanent church or temple. religious philosophy. and codified belief systems, Modern communities. held anytime, preferably outdoors. The only problem with outdoor Paganism is all about the rituals. Most rituals have a three-part While not as common, Magliocco worship is that Pagans often have to (howstuffworks) c4 Wednesday 5 may 2021 travel LOOK LOOK travel Wednesday 5 may 2021 c5

A gateway to Africa, Morocco is a country of dazzling diversity. You’ll find rugged mountain ranges, rolling Rome’s Colosseum deserts, ancient cities, deserted beaches and warm hospitality. Epic landscapes carpet this slice of North Africa like the richly patterned rugs Restored you’ll lust after in the markets, and Morocco’s cities are some of the most exciting on the African continent. Fez The Fez medina is the maze to end all mazes. The only way to experience it is to plunge in head first. Don’t be Moulay Idriss Zerhoun afraid of getting lost – follow the flow of people to take you back to one of the two main thoroughfares, or ask a shopkeeper to point you in the right direction. It’s an adventure into a medieval world of hidden squares, warrens of workshops and colourful markets. Remember to look up and see intricate plasterwork, ornately carved cedarwood, dazzling mosaic tiles and curly Arabic calligraphy. High Atlas Mountains Mirleft The High Atlas Mountains are North Africa’s tallest mountain Exploring Glasgow with range, a trekker’s paradise from spring to fall. The range runs High Atlas Mountains diagonally across Morocco for almost 620 miles (1000km), encircling a 1930s Guidebook Marrakesh to the south and east from the Atlantic Coast just north of The writer tours his hometown in the Agadir to Khenifra in the northeast. Its saw-toothed peaks act as a weather barrier between the mild, Best Places U.K. using a vintage tourist guide Mediterranean climate to the north By Peter Ross tram, but these were discontinued in and the Sahara to the south. In its 1962, so there seems little point waiting highest reaches, snow falls from Glasgow is haunted by itself. Unlike for one. Instead, I stroll along gorgeous September to May, allowing for Edinburgh, whose every steeple and tree-lined Kelvin Way. Closed to traffic winter sports in Oukaimeden, while gable makes the past feel part of the since the start of the pandemic, it is so year-round rivers flow towards present, Glasgow is its own ghost. quiet I can hear a woodpecker busy in Marrakesh creating a network of In this city, which looks much more the trees. Glasgow is known as the ‘dear fertile valleys. Visitors to Rome’s ancient Colosseum Beneath it was a network of corridors new than the capital, history is glimpsed green place’ on account of its many Chefchaouen will soon get a chance to stand in the and rooms where the fighters waited from the corner of the eye; it is a shiver public parks, among which Kelvingrove in Morocco Draa Valley arena where gladiators once fought. before facing the crowd. on a late-autumn night as darkness falls is arguably the most popular. My Steep and cobbled, the infinitely over by a grand red-hued kasbah. Or The Italian Government recently Made of stone, the monumental on Duke Street and the brewery smell guidebook quotes a 19th-century song – Instagrammable blue-washed lanes amble down the riverside walk, shop announced plans to build a new floor for structure – Italy’s most popular tourist fills the air. Glaswegians are chronic “Let us haste to Kelvin Grove, bonnie of Chefchaouen’s medina tumble the souqs (markets), stroll to the and lope across the desert on a the Colosseum that will completed by attraction, bringing in 7.6 million nostalgists. We have a pretty lassie, O” – as evidence of its enduring down the mountainside in a shower Spanish Mosque on the hill or even trusty dromedary, savouring the 2023. Culture Minister Dario visitors in 2019 – had up to 70,000 straightforward relationship with the popularity, and Glaswegians have of red rooftops, wrought-iron venture into the surrounding silence, the stellar views and the Franceschini said this restoration will seats during its glory days. past: we just want to live there. continued to hasten there in the balconies and vivid geraniums. You Talassemtane National Park to camel’s gently swaying gait. Even if allow visitors “to see the majesty of the Completed in 80, the Colosseum All of which is why I am standing in decades since, often with a ‘kerry-oot’ could be content for hours just explore the Rif Mountains. your camel encounter leaves you monument” from its centre. witnessed gladiator battles the Necropolis, the city’s great Victorian despite a ban on outdoor consumption people-watching over a mint tea in Skoura knock-kneed, you’ll manage to Milan Ingegneria, an engineering and until 508 and underwent various cemetery, holding a tourist guide from of alcohol since 2008. the cafe-packed main square, lorded scramble to the summit of a sky-high architecture firm, won the €18.5m transformations over the centuries. In between the wars. The Ward, Lock & Co I must make haste myself to the next Like a carpet of green stretching dune at sunset and watch the desert contract to develop and install a the late 1800s, the floor was removed in guide to Glasgow, the Clyde and Robert landmark picked out by the book. “The across the Draa Valley, Skoura’s turn gold, pink and purple. The stars retractable wooden floor, which will be order for archaeologists to study the Burns country – ‘with appendices for Mitchell Library … opened in 1911,” the idyllic palmeraie (palm grove) is have never seemed brighter, and constructed within the next two years. labyrinth of tunnels underneath. The anglers, golfers and motorists’ – is a guide informs. “It is the largest free crisscrossed by a network of dirt with good reason: at Erg Chigaga, “It’s another step forward toward underground area reopened to visitors Fez little red book, published in 1930, with library in Scotland.” I am especially fond tracks and an age- you’re not only off the grid but also rebuilding the arena, an ambitious in 2010, but the floor was never fold-out maps and quaint adverts: of the Mitchell, in particular old khettara (underground irrigation several hours’ camel trek from the project that will aid the conservation of replaced. ‘Electric light throughout,’ tempts one of its psychedelic carpets, around which a system) that supports a surprising nearest street lights. the archaeological structures while For this latest project, the firm will the grander hotels. “Hot and cold water cult has grown. Those were laid in the bounty of produce that has Casablanca getting back to the original image of the develop a high-tech stage that can be in bedrooms.” Ward Lock guides to the 1980s, so would have been unknown to sustained generation after Colosseum,” Franceschini said. retracted to cover or uncover the U.K. first became available in the 19th Ward Lock. generation: tomatoes, mint, If anyone tells you there’s nothing He also spoke of the possibility of Colosseum’s subterranean chambers, century, when the railways created a However, the traveller from Somerset pomegranates, apricots, dates, figs, to see in Casablanca except the holding events in the amphitheatre providing additional protection from tourism boom. They are useful rather who owned my book would have had the alfalfa and almonds. Studded with Hassan II Mosque, they haven’t once the project is complete. rain and allowing better ventilation. than lyrical: their tone is that of a well- pleasure of admiring its great verdigris historic mud-brick kasbahs, Anti Atlas Mountains looked closely enough. A one-of-a- During the Roman Empire, the arena The floor will be made up of wooden informed and cheerful companion who, dome. This rhapsody in green is labyrinthine ksour (fortified villages) kind fusion of neo-Moorish and art- had a wooden floor covered with sand slats that can be turned to let in natural while keen to stick with the itinerary, emblematic of Glaswegian romanticism. and stylish guesthouses with farm- deco architecture dating from the and was the site where gladiators would light to the area below. knows a decent little place for a cup of Upon seeing this illuminated at night, to-fork restaurants, it makes the Anti Atlas Mountains early 20th century, when battle against each other or animals. (thenational) tea should refreshment be required. many citizens in Scotland have our own perfect place to linger and experience A sunburnt granite range leading Casablanca was the jewel of the I love using old books like this one to version of Woody Allen’s opening unhurried oasis life, barely changed to the Sahara, the Anti Atlas French colonies, fills the center with deepen the pleasure of travelling, so that monologue from Manhattan playing in for centuries. Mountains remain relatively Essaouira pleasing symmetry, sensuous curves I am not just visiting a place but a time. our heads. We idolise Old Glasgow out Draa Valley unexplored. The star attraction for and striking tilework, along with I picked up my copy for in a charity shop of all proportion. trekkers is the quartz massif of Jebel post-independence modernist and in Glastonbury, and wondered about “People love stories about how the city Roads now allow safe, speedy El Kest, the ‘amethyst out to the rolling countryside brutalist buildings. Some have been who had used it all those decades ago. used to be, but don’t look at how it is passage through the final stretches mountain,’ which you can walk to beyond, where olive groves produce a restored to their former glory while What drew them north? What sights did now,” says the writer Denise Mina, of ancient caravan routes from Mali through the Ameln Valley. Farming fragrant oil, are undeniably pretty, others are sadly neglected; take a Casablanca they enjoy? I want to see Glasgow as whose novel The Long Drop captured to Marrakesh, but beyond the rocky villages and crumbling kasbahs are especially in the evening light. guided walking tour to discover this that traveller from Somerset might have the dirty old town of the 1950s. “People found around Jebel Aklim, another Volubilis wonderful heritage. seen it, and to see what has changed. talk as if they’re ex-patriates of the city of the excellent trekking possibilities Mirleft The Necropolis is part of Ward Lock’s in which they still live.” Chefchaouen in this area of Amazigh shepherds. Amazigh king Juba II, whose wife suggested plan for a day out in Why do we find the past so seductive? The landscape has enough variety, was the daughter of Antony and You can surf all along Morocco’s Scotland’s biggest city. For the modern Norry Wilson, who runs the from palm-filled gorges to brooding, Cleopatra, was installed Atlantic coast, but one of the best tourist it is a good place to start, as it popular Lost Glasgow social media gorges glimpsed through car volcanic Jebel Siroua, to justify at Volubilis by the Romans. The places to catch a wave is Mirleft, a offers the best view of Glasgow’s accounts, believes it is the yearning windows, lies the Draa Valley of multiple treks. town became a thriving farming sleepy beach town where the medieval cathedral – far more pleasure of the just-out-of-reach: “So desert traders’ dreams. The rustling Essaouira community producing olive oil, mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Instagrammable than the one from much of the old city is gone. The middle date palms and cool mud-brick wheat and wine for the ancient With a string of pristine – and often Cathedral Square. The cemetery itself is of the picture is missing.” Vast areas castles of Zagora, Tamnougalt, Easy, breezy Essaouira is Morocco Roman army. Today you can still deserted outside of Moroccan a delight for those whose taste runs to were cleared in the 1960s and 70s to Timidarte and Agdz must once have at its most relaxed. Its long been a stand on the basilica steps, look out holidays – beaches and budget- tombs. “The most conspicuous make way for the M8 and high-rise seemed like mirages after two rich cultural mix, and today visitors over the same fertile fields and friendly guesthouses, it makes a low- monument on the summit,” says the flats, so anyone wanting to experience months in the Sahara. Fortifications are drawn by its honey-coloured survey his kingdom. A museum has key and less windy alternative to guide, “is that of John Knox in the city of yesteryear must do so with that once welcomed gold-laden ramparts, postcard-pretty harbour opened, and you can wander fairly Essaouira. Affordable his Geneva cap and gown.” the help of vintage books and caravans are now open to overnight and enormous swathes of golden freely around this UNESCO World outfit Spot-M takes out experienced The statue of the Protestant reformer photographs, and whatever clues guests, who wake to sand, where the omnipresent gusts Heritage site, pausing to peer at the and novice surfers for group and glowers from the skyline over a town remain in the built environment. fresh boufeggou dates, bread baked of wind – known locally as alizee – dazzling mosaics. individual lessons, and also runs that has little time these days for his fire ‘Glasgow Endures’ reads a homemade Skoura in earthen ovens and a slower pace create the perfect conditions for Erg Chigaga week-long surf camps with yoga and brimstone. Down the hill on Queen banner across the front of one such of life. windsurfing and kitesurfing. Stylish thrown in. Street, the statue of the Duke of clue: a grand Edwardian apartment riads, fresh seafood and a Leave the madding crowds behind (lonelyplanet) Wellington on horseback – focus of a block overlooking the motorway. The fascinating art scene complete the folk ritual in which revellers climb up sign refers to the ability of the citizenry picture. As any local will tell you, and place a traffic cone on his head – to suffer and survive anything, including Jimi Hendrix was a fan, and you›re has become a sort of funhouse reflection COVID-19, but what truly endures is bound to fall for it, too. of Knox. In a black-and-white photo of the Glaswegian spirit: that distinctive Moulay Idriss Zerhoun Rule Breakers the equestrian monument in my book, mix of fatalism and irreverence. there is no sign of this tradition, but of My last stop is Queen’s Park on the Named for Morocco’s most revered course that was Glasgow BC: Before south side. It’s in the increasingly saint, the holy little town of Moulay Cones. hipster-ish district of Govanhill, which Idriss Zerhoun contains the A particular pleasure of tourism in in 1930, as now, was the first port of call mausoleum of Moulay Idriss and is Not Welcome your own city this year is becoming for immigrants to the city. A walk one of the most important pilgrimage reacquainted with places reopening around these streets offers a banquet of spots in the country. In fact, it Bali to deport influencers after viral after lockdown. I visit Kelvingrove Art aromas from the takeaway food of many wasn’t until 2005 that non-Muslims Gallery and Museum on the day it nations and cultures. In the park, were permitted to stay overnight. It face mask prank welcomes back the public. This plumes of barbecue smoke perfume the straddles two hills and, whichever dramatic red sandstone palace is so early-evening air, and a woman plays Erg Chigaga side of town you›re on, the views Volubilis A pair of social media influencers are disrespect or encourage people not to much a part of the cheery, bohemian clarinet beneath an oak. Queen’s Park is across the green-tiled rooftops and being deported from Bali after posting a wear masks. ambience of Glasgow’s West End that it on a hill, and the climb, according to prank video that saw one of them “I made this video to entertain people gives the impression of always having Ward Lock, “may be regarded as a gentle sporting a painted-on face mask in because I’m a content creator and it is been there, yet in 1930 it was still a preliminary in Scottish mountaineering, public. my job to entertain people. However, I newish building with a growing but the extensive view from the summit Russian influencer Leia Se, who posts did not realise that what I did could collection. repays the trouble”. under the handle @lisha0902, and U.S.- actually bring a lot of negative My 1930 guide recommends going to The panorama is indeed worth the based Taiwanese YouTuber Josh Paler comments,” he added. see Rembrandt’s A Man in Armour, puff: far fewer factory chimneys than in Cross-Border Travel on Compassionate Grounds Lin, who has 3.4 million followers, Se applied the make-up after store which I do, but I also make a pilgrimage 1930, but still many steeples. Glasgow posted the video, which saw Se walking security initially turned her away for not to Salvador Dalí’s Christ of Saint John Cathedral is visible three miles north Travel on compassionate grounds well as the need for quarantine, said The compassionate grounds would countries share. The two leaders also discussed a facilitate cross-border travel in around a Bali supermarket with the wearing a mask, but the clip sparked of the Cross. A controversial acquisition and, next to it, with a little help from between Singapore and Malaysia will Singaporean Foreign Affairs Minister, refer to situations when people on “When a family crisis occurs, potential air travel bubble between the future, which will be done painted-on blue mask. outrage in Bali, where virus cases and in 1952, it is now considered a binoculars, the statue of John Knox be allowed from 17 May, amid Covid- Vivian Balakrishnan. either side request to make trips people want to get together. And Singapore and Malaysia, and digitally, noted Hishammuddin. In the video, which went viral, Lin deaths have been climbing. masterpiece and an honorary where, earlier, my journey through this 19 restrictions that ban the bulk of Dr. Balakrishnan made the across the border to be with those therefore, bearing in mind this very Hishammuddin said that in order to He added that for such travel to expresses surprise that few people seem “We plan to deport them,” said Head of Glaswegian in its own right. Visiting it is phantom city began. The stone cross-border movement. announcement together with his who are critically ill or to attend special close relationship between proceed, further negotiations with happen, the digital contact to notice Se’s flouting of the island’s Bali’s Legal and Justice Office, Jamaruli like seeing an old friend. May it never preacher, high on his graveyard plinth, The details of such travel Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri funerals. the people of Singapore and the the transport ministries of both tracing tools of both countries COVID-19 safety regulations. He has Manihuruk. “We have to wait until hang in a gallery empty of people for so looks out across a city much changed, arrangements will be released later, Hishammuddin Hussein, who was Dr. Balakrishnan said that the people of Malaysia, it is necessary to countries will be required. would need to be compatible with since deleted the clip and issued an flights to their respective countries are long again. but still hauntingly beautiful. but these will include steps like on a two-day official visit to move is necessary due to the have schemes like this,” said Dr They also talked about mutually each other. online apology. “The intention of this available – hopefully soon.” Ward Lock suggests getting around by (theguardian) testing visitors for the coronavirus as Singapore last week. “extensive ties” that the two Balakrishnan. recognising vaccine certificates to (straitstimes) video was not in any way meant to (thenational) C6 WEDNESDAY 5 MAY 2021 HISTORY LOOK

A green smudge in a sun-baked orange expanse, the modern oasis of Jubbah was once a lake, and may have appealed to the first Rock art found at Jebel um Sanman, on the west side of Jubbah, includes the earliest members of our species to leave Africa depiction of dogs on the Arabian Peninsula A Desert Oasis Hints at a Long History of Resilience On the Arabian Peninsula, Jubbah holds clues to how humans adapted in the past The oasis of Jubbah stands out water to wildlife, livestock, and as Green Arabia: For key periods years old, confirms that at least one westerly winds rushing across the flat like a smudged green footprint in the humans alike. Even in times of during the story of human evolution population of early humans passed desert hit the dark rock and break sea of dunes that is Saudi Arabia’s drought, the lake remained, and dispersal, climate patterns through. around it like water cleaved by a ship’s Nefud Desert. It’s fitting that the sustaining pastoral communities. shifted and this now sun-baked The paleolake at Jubbah, and the bow, leaving the basin unscathed. image was taken by a modern Rock art and evidence of hearths desertscape transformed into an oasis there today, exist courtesy of a Jebel um Sanman itself is home to explorer, an astronaut aboard the dotting its ancient shoreline suggest area of grasslands, rivers, and lakes. quirk of local geography. Due west of some of the most important early rock International Space Station: The site long-term human Researchers have found numerous the site, the massive sandstone art on the Arabian Peninsula, and is is a testament to changing climate occupation beginning about 10,000 sites with stone tools around formation known as Jebel um recognized by UNESCO. Some of the patterns, and to human resilience years ago. Our presence in the area Jubbah, suggesting Homo Sanman, or Jabel umm Sinman, rises petroglyphs are of humans hunting and exploration. may be considerably older, however. sapiens may have first left Africa via sharply up to 1,300 feet from the with dogs, and represent the earliest Thousands of years ago, when the The Nefud Desert is a region that this green corridor. In 2018, a desert floor. The mountain had been known depictions of our canine region was considerably less arid, archaeologists and partial human finger bone, found the protector of first the lake and now companions in the region. the basin was a lake, offering fresh paleoanthropologists refer to nearby and dated to at least 85,000 guards the oasis settlement. Powerful (atlasobscura) How Gerrymandering Began in the US

In March 1812, the Boston Gazette ran a so that every other district had a white political cartoon depicting ‘a new species of majority. monster: The Gerry-mander.’ The forked- Gerrymandering in the south fell off in the tongue creature was shaped like a early 20th century due to the success of contorted Massachusetts voting district that suppressing Black voters through poll taxes, the state’s Jeffersonian Republicans had the threat of lynching and other insidious drawn to benefit their own party. Governor tactics. Because the only people who could (and future vice president) Elbridge Gerry vote in southern states were white and usually signed off on his party’s redistricting plan in Democrats, the white Democratic February, unwittingly cementing his place in establishment didn’t feel it needed to the United States lexicon of underhanded manipulate districts to maintain its majority. political tricks. Federalist newspapers in 1960s ‘redistricting revolution’ Massachusetts reprinted the cartoon with its challenges gerrymandering portmanteau of ‘Gerry’ and ‘salamander,’ helping the new word to take off. Although the In fact, after the 1900 census, some states pronunciation has changed over time—Gerry’s didn’t change their districts at all until the name is pronounced like ‘Gary,’ but Americans 1960s. As more people moved to cities— now pronounce the word bearing his name like particularly Black Americans and ‘Jerry’-mander—the meaning has mostly immigrants—these states maintained districts remained the same: gerrymandering is when that gave disproportionate power to white, politicians redraw voting districts to benefit rural, non-immigrant Americans. their political party. The U.S. Supreme Court changed this in the 1960s with a series of court decisions known It existed before it had a name as the ‘redistricting revolution.’ Under Chief The practice of manipulating voting districts Justice Earl Warren, the court ruled that all to secure political power predates the fearsome state voting districts must have roughly equal Gerry-mander. In 18th-century England, populations. In addition, states must adjust political operatives created ‘rotten their federal congressional districts after every boroughs’ with only a few eligible voters, 10-year census so that each of the 435 making it easy for politicians to buy the members in the U.S. House of Representatives residents’ votes and gain seats in Parliament. represents roughly the same number of After English colonists founded the United people. States, gerrymandering “began almost Combined with the Voting Rights Act of immediately,” says Thomas Hunter, a political was the Jeffersonian Republicans’ thinly- When Black men won the right to vote after 1965, which protected Black Americans’ right science professor at the University of West drawn districts that allowed the party to lose the Civil War, gerrymandering was “taken up a to vote, these Supreme Court decisions Georgia. There’s evidence that Virginia, North them with only a small shift in political notch,” Hunter says. Southern states in ensured voters were more evenly represented Carolina and South Carolina drew districts to opinion. Once in power, the Federalists redrew particular drew districts to maximize the in their state legislatures and the U.S. House benefit some candidates over others in the late the districts. electoral advantage for the Democratic Party, of Representatives. (The court singled out 18th and early 19th centuries. Still, these The 1813 election inspired “cartoons showing which most white southern voters supported, the U.S. Senate as a unique institution whose gerrymandered districts were relatively the original Gerry-mander, but now showing it over the Republican Party, which most Black members didn’t need to represent the same ‘normal’-looking compared to what would come as a skeleton,” Hunter says. These cartoons voters supported. number of people.) But within a couple of later. suggested that the election “had killed off the This was when states started to draw more decades, computer technology made it easier “I think that what they did in Massachusetts monster.” ‘long stringy districts,’ he says. The goal of for political operatives to strategically map in 1812 really was on steroids compared to these was usually to concentrate as many districts to benefit their party under the new what had gone on before,” Hunter says. Gerrymandering increases when Black voters as possible into one district so rules. That’s because the 1812 Massachusetts black men win the vote that the rest of the districts would have a “You’ve got districting schemes after the gerrymandering was more brazen about white majority. 1990s that were completely unlike anything contorting districts into odd shapes to Though the Massachusetts monster was In 1874, South Carolina introduced the first you’d ever seen before,” Hunter says. North maximize a party’s gain. Even though the dead, the practice of gerrymandering continued non-contiguous voting district, but had to Carolina’s 12th District became known as the Jeffersonian Republicans received roughly 49 for over two centuries, usually increasing or change back to contiguous districts for the “I-85 district” because it basically ran along per cent of the vote, they won 29 of the 40 decreasing depending on the intensity of two- 1876 election because the U.S. House of the interstate highway, at one point growing seats in the state Senate. party competition at the time. There were fewer Representatives told the state it wouldn’t seat narrower than the highway itself. This led to a backlash against the state’s obvious instances of gerrymandering during any more members elected under such a Modern forms of gerrymandering continues, Jeffersonian Republican Party (not to confuse the so-called ‘Era of Good Feelings’ from 1815 system. In 1882, South Carolina created a ‘boa says Hunter, who adds, “In some ways it’s with the Republican Party, established in to 1825. Yet gerrymandering increased in the constrictor’ district that concentrated Black politicians picking their voters as opposed to 1854). The next year, the Federalists regained 1830s, after politicians established the Americans—who made up the majority of the voters picking their politicians.” control of the state legislature. Ironically, it rival Democratic and Whig parties. state’s population—into one winding district, (history) LOOK events wednesday 5 may 2021 c7 OPPO A54 Comes to Sri Lanka

OPPO, One of the entertainment without overcharge and over- ensure optimal comfort in leading global smart the frustrations of an discharge protections, the user’s hand, Smart device brand, announces underperforming short circuit and over Temperature Controluses the launch of OPPO A54 smartphone,” said CEO, current protection and a sensors to detect and in Sri Lanka. XINDA Lanka (OPPO Sri series of charging lower the temperature of A54’s attention to Lanka) Bob Li. protection designs to the rear cover of the design and great usability The Rear Cameras itself protect users’ charging phone, to reduce the risks is evident in both its feature a 13MP Main safety. of overheating. exquisite appearance and Camera, 2MP Macro Whilst Super Power A54 runs on a Mediatek how it helps to capture Camera for close range Saving Mode in A54 is a Helio P35 (MT6765) Octa- great looking shots. This shots, and 2MP Bokehfor life saver, the Triggering Core Processor. starts with the Material of brilliant bokeh shots that power saving strategies in HyperBoost improves the the Rear Cover, which blur the background and A54 will allow as much as performance and uses metallic material for highlight the subject of 85 minutes of chatting on smoothness of select apps its 3D panel, but the photo. A54 enhances WhatsApp and 91 or games by reallocating contributes to a stronger shots in all environments minutes of phone calls system resources which and less bendable with Dazzle Colour, even on only 5 per cent of will result in less lag, and structure but also a balancing the saturation battery life. Or even at better multitasking. With comfortable in-hand feel. and brightness. A54 also night, if the phone has its HD+ Screen, powered As a result, A54 weighs supports filming videos missed charging, A54’s by a LCD display not only about 192g and is 8.4mm including SLO-MO at Super Nighttime Standby does A54 offer a flicker- thin. To align the overall 720P at 90FPS with the conserves the battery life free user experience at look and feel of the phone, rear camera, and up to 10 so the next morning it’s low brightness that close attention is paid to video Filters including only reduced by as little reduces eye fatigue, but the Middle Frame Original, Gentle, Noon, as 1.79 per cent. with a Single Punch-Hole Process. Subtle and more. A54 now charges using Display, the screen is “A Series is designed to To boost the premium a Type-C Connector that large with an 89.2 per enhance or complement quality, the A54 had been plugs into the phone from cent screen-to-body ratio our users’ lifestyles and built to achieve the either end. More and a small aperture. OPPO A54 achieves just industry standard of IPX4 importantly it offers a OPPO A54 will launch this with a phone that Waterproof under the short circuit protector with 4GB RAM + 128GB manages to balance a laboratory setting that detects and stops a ROM. high-end performance condition. But this is just charge when it recognizes OPPO A54 will be with contemporary one of the Other Precision a rise in temperature or available at all OPPO design. Its large 5000mAh Quality Tests that even water in the outlets, Abans, Sinhagiri battery and 18W Fast ensuring five layers of connector. For an added and Dialog Showrooms Charge makes sure you’re protection. degree of safety, Island wide& via online fully powered to get you A54 will last up to 2.2 Optimized Night marketplaces including through your day. With days on a single charge, Chargingintelligently Buy Abans and Daraz.lk A54, you’ll also have or give 19.9 hours of charges A54 by charging and will come in two enough storage and YouTube video playback it to 80 PER CENT, before colours including Crystal memory to make sure or 23 hours on WhatsApp. later resuming it to fully Black and Starry Blue. that you’ll enjoy your A54 offers battery charge the phone. To EU’s FtF Strategy Works Towards Sustainable Systems

Ensuring sustainable food and resource-efficient future Lanka in moving towards the EU’s‘Farm to Fork’ security is a vital element of by 2050. sustainable farming. strategy. Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector As Sri Lanka gears up for its Launching the webinar,the Champa Magamage and the country’s economy at participation to the United Head of Cooperation at the EU (Horticultural Crop Research large. The COVID-19 Nations (UN) Food Systems Delegation to Sri Lanka and and Development Institute, pandemic has highlighted the Summit scheduled to be held the Maldives Frank Hess HORDI), Dr.Sumith (Registrar importance of a robust and in September 2021, the EU’s stated that“agriculture and of Pesticides), Disna resilient food system that can Farm to Fork Strategy rural development are among Rathnasinghe (Department of function in all circumstances provides useful guidance for key priorities of the EU’s Agriculture), and Ranmalee andcan ensure access to a improved food systems partnership with Sri Lanka. Gamage (GIZ Sri Lanka) sufficient supply of affordable consider in gall sustainability For nearly a decade, the EU addressed the current issues food for all. The current dimensions. has been supporting the faced by Sri Lanka’s agriculture pandemic is just one example. The ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy national authorities, local and food industry, including The increasing recurrence of as well as the agricultural communities and farmers to practical concerns and droughts, floods or new pests challenges and opportunities move towards a more regulatory efforts related to the are a constant reminder that faced by Sri Lanka, were the inclusive, modernised and use of chemicals in food, food our food systems must become subjects of the webinar ‘Farm sustainable agriculture.”Dr. labelling and certifications, and more sustainable and to Fork: How EU and Sri Lanka Olaf Heidelbach, lead speaker promotion of organic agriculture Café Kai Readies to resilient. are moving towards a more on behalf of the European practices. The European Union (EU) sustainable food Commission, explained the The presentations and the has developed its ‘Farm to system?’organised by the EU ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy by subsequent discussion Celebrate Mothers Fork’ (FtF) Strategy to support Delegation in Sri Lanka and highlighting that “when it highlighted that,while many sustainable food systemsin the EU-funded “Technical comes to integrating efforts have been already made, Enjoy special Mother’s Day gifts Europe and its partner Assistance to the environmental, social and Sri Lanka is still facing several and goodies at Hilton Colombo countries. This initiative maps Modernisation of Agriculture” economic sustainability in challenges in guaranteeing a new sustainable, inclusive programme (TAMAP). The event agriculture policy sustainable food security to its Discover a delicious assortment of homemade treats growth trajectory for the brought together a panel of developments,there are many people. Better access to and specially made for your mum at Café Kai, Hilton development of fair, healthy, experts that discussed the new similarities between the afford ability of safe, nutritious Colombo from today until 9 May. Choose from the and environmentally friendly strategic approach towards EU’sand the Sri Lankan food and high-quality food, capacity special range of Mother’s Day goodies including special food systems. The Farm to food system sustainability, the systems”.For these reasons, in implementing solutions cakes, cupcakes, chocolates, gift ideas, and special Fork Strategy is part of the EU’s role in contributing to the EU would like to identified, or better consumer Mother’s Day set menus to treat mom right! Visit Hilton EU’s ambitious Green Deal more resilient and sustainable collaborate with the Sri awareness are just few areas in Colombo’s official website to place your orders. that lays out a vision for a food systems, and challenges Lankan government to further which Sri Lanka could Contactless free delivery within Colombo 1 to 15 and sustainable climate-neutral and opportunities faced by Sri enhance the global impact of strengthen its strategy other selected areas. For more information contact Café framework for sustainable food Kai. system development. The World Food Programme (WFP), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in coordination with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture, will soon be launching a series of national consultations to prepare for Sri Lanka’s participation to the UN Food Systems Summit to be held in September 2021.In a recent policy brief on ‘Sustainable Food Systems’, WFP Sri Lankaprovides policy recommendations to deliver sustainable food systems, noting that the agricultural sector needs to transform and adapt its existing policies and practices in orderto move towards a sustainable food system which delivers economic, environmental and social benefits. The ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy serves as a powerful example forsuch a transition towards a more sustainable agriculture sector. For further information about this initiative, please visit the EU-Sri Lanka Rural Development website. c8 wednesday 5 may 2021 click LOOK

For the Perfect Day Bride and Groom Wedding Fair 2021 The Bride and groom Wedding Fair 2021 was held recently at BMICH. Held with the participation of experts, professionals, and reputed service providers in the wedding industry, the exhibition covered all areas of weddings, providing a comprehensive variety of bridal suppliers and service providers in Sri Lanka. The exhibition allowed the soon-to-be-married to have a detailed look into planning their big day in a hassle-free and convenient manner with all things necessary on offer under one roof. (SH) (Pix by Amitha Thennakoon)

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