Admont (Austria) (AFP) – Ancient monasteries in deepest provincial Austria do not normally feature on the bucket lists of the TikTok generation. Nor do libraries. But the Admont abbey library in the small Styrian town — which claims to be the largest monastic library in the world — is also the most Instagramable, with Baroque interiors so breathtaking they almost look like they have been Photoshopped.
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – To bring joy, environmental awareness, and Christmas spirit to the children who visit the Marine Aquarium of Rio de Janeiro (AquaRio), Brazilian diver Felipe Luna dressed as Santa Claus swims, feeds the fish, and plays with the visitors.
Hong Kong (AFP) – Assistants wielding multiple livestreaming mobile phones are now as crucial to Roshan Melwani’s tailor shop as the measuring tapes, needles and fabrics that have made his Hong Kong family business so famous.
Jerusalem (AFP) – In a video posted on his Twitter account, veteran politician and longest-serving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears talking on the phone to the Israeli President Isaac Herzog, informing him that he had formed a new Israeli government, returning to power as the head of the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history.
Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden tells Volodymyr Zelensky that Ukraine will “never stand alone,” during a joint press conference at the White House, in Washington, DC, with the Ukrainian president by his side.
Washington (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday directly appealed for long-term US support on his first foreign trip since Russia’s invasion, saying that his country is “alive and kicking.” SOUNDBITE
Hong Kong (AFP) – Hong Kong residents enjoy the festive atmostphere along the waterfront, taking photos in front of a giant Christmas tree with the backdrop of the city skyline. “This year it’s really important for me because out of the Covid-19, we can get together again,” says one visitor.
Grevena (Greece) (AFP) – Huddled around a campfire sharpening their work tools, a group of Greek lumberjacks take a badly needed break in an oak forest not far from the Albanian border. With petrol and gas bills increasing, loggers in northern Greece say they are doing their best to keep up with rising demand for wood, considered a more affordable option for people to heat their homes.
Crawley (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Ambulance staff at the UK’s state-run National Health Service (NHS) have walked out in the latest series of strikes to hit Britain over pay disputes with the government. “We’re all in it for the care of our patients, and we’re not getting to them on time” says paramedic Kirsten Reid on Crawley’s picket line. In London, members of the London Ambulance Service have trained British Armed Forces personnel to fulfil certain tasks when ambulance workers stage their walkout.
Cusco (Peru) (AFP) – Hundreds of demonstrators protest against the new Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and the Parliament in Cusco’s famous Plaza de Armas. “We are tired of all the abuse and mistreatment that they do to us” says one protester. The country is shaken by deadly demonstrations since former President Pedro Castillo’s arrest.
Terengganu State (Malaysia) (AFP) – Vehicles cross submerged streets in the Kelantan and Terengganu states in eastern Malaysia following monsoon-triggered flooding. At least five people were killed and over 70,000 rushed to evacuation centres in Malaysia after monsoon-triggered floods inundated the country’s north, authorities said Wednesday.
Dire Dawa (Ethiopia) (AFP) – Aspiring young performers practice in a faded hall with tattered carpets, hoping to earn a living and recognition. Despite meagre resources, the Dire Dawa Circus in the eastern Ethiopian city manages to teach young people discipline and hard work, even distinguishing itself at prestigious international festivals.
