...the creator of Father Christmas, Jenny Nyström, was born in Kalmar in 1854. ...Erik XIV had a secret escape route via the royal privy at Kalmar Castle. ...potato dumplings and Kalmar flounder are two well-known dishes from here. ...Gustav III had a royal distillery at Kalmar Castle. ...there are about 64,500 bolts in the Öland Bridge. ...Kalmar’s city arms are the Nordic region’s oldest. ...in Kalmar, there are two extremely rare handkerchief trees, that bloom in spring like fluttering white handkerchiefs. ...Kalmar has twice been awarded Europe’s finest architectural prize, Europa Nostra. ...you see only about one-third of the Öland Bridge. The remaining two-thirds was erected under the surface of the water. ...the Old Water Tower has been converted to attractive flats, which are somewhat difficult to furnish with their curved walls. ...'Kalmar' is an old Swedish word that means stony ground or stone embankment.

One of Nha Trang's most alluring attractions is the Po Nagar Cham Towers, an actively used site of religious significance to Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists; only 4 towers remain standing (researchers speculate there may have originally been up to 10). Constructed between the 7th and 12th centuries, the towers have a history that goes back to as early as the 2nd century AD when the location was first used for religious purposes. The complex teems with worshippers and visitors daily – you'll likely see some dozing on the hillside, others having a family picnic, and others yet enjoying a stylised performance at the on-site outdoor stage.

A giant sparkling-white Buddha sits atop a hill at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain, marking the location of a beautiful pagoda, one of Nha Trang's most notable sites. Walk through the mosaic-adorned halls and take the 152 steps that lead up to the pagoda; a spectacular view unfolds over Nha Trang in its entirety from up here. Footwear should be removed prior to entering the temples, and modest clothing covering the shoulders should be worn. Please note that the area is notorious for minor scam artists offering unsolicited services to tourists, which can be an annoyance.

The Grand Mosque of Kuwait is the nation's largest place of worship, a monumental structure capable of accommodating over 10,000 worshippers. Its striking design incorporates materials from around the world, including French stained glass, Italian marble and a central gold-plated dome. The mosque offers guided tours that provide insight into both its extravagant architecture, featuring the highest minaret in Kuwait, and Islamic culture. Visitors should note that appropriate attire, including provided abayas and headscarves for women, is required.