Phnom Kulen: Cambodia's Hill That Predates Angkor Wat

 13°36'51.70"N 104°06'39.24"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   The worldwide famous Angkor Wat is the undisputed symbol of Cambodia. However, some 30 kilometers north of it, there lays the equally magnificent Phnom Kulen mountain range. Now serving as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been a sacred spot for both Hindus and Buddhists for centuries, while it is also considered the birthplace of the powerful ancient Khmer Empire. But besides its history, Phnom Kulen boasts as well a fairy-tale nature: from crystal-clear waterfalls to lush green hills and from incredible standing-up rocks to little rivers and streams. Let's get started!

Tophet of Salammbo: Ancient Carthaginian Burial Chamber

 36°50'28.42"N 10°19'22.25"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   Who doesn't know Carthage? The ancient civilization that wrote history by becoming Rome's big rival and by dominating the Mediterranean's trade routes! Located in the present-day city of Tunis, it is renowned for its great sophistication at the time, having excellent military officers, numerous trade partners and a fine political structure (Learn more). But what you might not know, is that, despite all this, Carthage had some quite primitive rituals. Therefore, today we're going to learn about the Tophet of Salammbo, which opened a new way of how we viewed this advanced civilization. Now, let us start.

Hahoe Village: South Korea's Traditional Capital

36°32'20.22"N 128°31'05.22"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   When you think of South Korea, you'll associate it with K-Pop, heavy technological industrialization, or even the tensions it has with the "other" Korea. However, beyond these modern elements, South Korea also has a traditional side where the most representative place is Andong Hahoe Village. This hamlet is said to be the capital of Korea's traditional culture as it stuns in architecture and festivals, and was even chosen as a highlight during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Korea. But maybe the most striking aspect is that the inhabitants are stuck in the past: the houses are made of mud, they cook with firewood instead of ovens, and a simple television would look otherworldly here.