This week in travel news: a record-breaking temple has opened, one of Europes best cities is reinventing itself and a Japanese airplane encountered a weighty issue.
Like old times at the airport
Remember the days when you could accompany your friend or family member to their airport gate and bid them farewell? That privilege has become a rarity due to heightened security measures after the events of 9/11.
Starting from November 1, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will introduce Wingmate, a new initiative allowing select individuals who are not traveling themselves to obtain passes. These passes will grant them access to the secured area of the domestic section of the airport after going through the necessary security checks.
Other American airports like Tulsa, Detroit, Seattle, and New Orleans are also reintroducing this practice, not just Philadelphia. This comes as great news for individuals who wish to surprise their significant other with a marriage proposal at the airport.
Rice-a-rama
Jollof: A popular dish across West African countries, jollof is a flavorful one-pot rice meal prepared by cooking rice, onions, tomatoes, meat, and spices together in a single pot. Explore the gallery to discover other appetizing rice dishes from various parts of the world.
Zongzi: These sticky glutinous rice dumplings can be found in different variations throughout China. They are traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves before boiling and can be filled with either savory or sweet ingredients.
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Milchreis, a beloved classic in many German households, is a delightful rice pudding made with arborio, medium or long grain white rice. This creamy dessert is sweetened with cinnamon and sugar, and enhanced with a touch of vanilla extract.
Paella - a culinary treasure of Spain, the main protagonist of which is rice. This iconic dish, hailing from Valencia, has humble origins as a peasant meal and is traditionally crafted using bomba rice.
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Risotto, Italy's renowned rice delicacy, demands a skillful artistry of continuous stirring. Every Italian insists that risotto must be "all'onda" or "on the wave" – presenting a texture that gracefully cascades off the spoon.
Arancini is the quintessential Sicilian street food, known for its resemblance to an orange citrus fruit in both shape and color. These delightful rice balls are filled with a variety of delicious fillings, breaded, and fried to perfection.
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Biryani: Beloved across the Indian subcontinent and said to have originated in Iran, biryani is almost always on the menu for special occasions in India.
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Kabuli pulao, Afghanistan's renowned rice dish, is presented in a tempting heap on a platter, paired with succulent slow-cooked lamb and a harmonious blend of aromatic spices including cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin.
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Onigiri: A staple bento box snack, onigiri is made from steamed Japanese rice shaped into a triangular form and wrapped with the seaweed called nori.
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Nasi goreng, meaning "fried rice" in Indonesian and Malay languages, is a popular and satisfying dish served at street vendors and eateries across Indonesia. It is known for its affordability and ability to keep hunger at bay.
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Tahdig: Fans of crispy rice will enjoy this Persian specialty typically made with basmati rice, yogurt, saffron and sometimes an egg yolk.
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Kedgeree: Allegedly enjoyed by Queen Victoria, this fusion of Anglo-Indian flavors combines smoky haddock fillet, fragrant basmati rice, perfectly boiled eggs, and a medley of spices including cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
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Better version: Arroz Imperial is a beloved traditional rice dish in Cuba. It consists of layers of yellow rice, shredded chicken, mayonnaise (which adds both flavor and serves as a binding agent), and cheese. It is often prepared by baking it in the oven.
This classic side dish, known as Louisiana dirty rice, is best made with long grain rice sourced from the marshes of southern Louisiana. Traditionally, its distinct "dirty" color is achieved by incorporating finely chopped chicken livers or gizzards.
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Wali wa kukaanga: This is Kenya's answer to fried rice and translates to just that in Swahili. It may be served alongside a meat dish or all on its own.
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Bibimbap, meaning "mixed rice," is a delectable dish that showcases a delightful combination of rice served in a bowl, adorned with a vibrant assortment of meticulously crafted meats and artfully sliced vegetables.
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Thai fried rice: Thai fried rice, called khao pad, is a staple at home tables (not to mention from street food vendors) in the southeast Asian country.
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World's tastiest rice dishes
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Whether its paella, onigiri, arancini or jollof, one thing is clear: the world loves rice.
Rice, a dietary staple for over half of the global population, is available in various colors and textures, and its interpretations vary across different cultures.
Presenting a compilation of 20 outstanding rice dishes worldwide, this collection encompasses delicacies such as rice encased within a bamboo leaf, rice combined with coconut, or even rice shaped into delectable balls. Rest assured, after you peruse this list, your appetite will be thoroughly stimulated.
If thats the case, our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews website owned by CNN, can recommend some of the best rice cookers on the market.
Beauty and the beast
Established in 1550, Rudas Baths is a renowned thermal spa in Budapest that enjoys immense popularity. It offers a diverse range of facilities, including a spacious octagonal plunge pool, five smaller thermal pools, a sauna, steam room, and massage rooms.
Courtesy Rudas Baths
The Széchenyi Baths, built in 1913, are among Europe's largest and feature three expansive outdoor pools that remain open throughout the year, offering an ideal escape for cooling down on sweltering days.
Located at the base of Gellért Hill, within the renowned Gellért Hotel, the Gellért Baths were established in 1918 and continue to be regarded as one of Budapest's most stunning thermal bath complexes.
Courtesy Gellért Baths
Király Baths is one of the city's oldest spas, boasting a splendid pool topped with a magnificent cupola. It also offers a thermal pool, massage rooms, a sauna and steam room, along with a newly added Finnish sauna that comes with a refreshing cold plunge pool.
Lukács Baths, originally built in the late 19th century, underwent a transformation into a revered healing spa and treatment facility. The captivating inner courtyard boasts intricately engraved marble tablets, expressing heartfelt thanks from individuals who experienced healing and rejuvenation at this historic location.
Courtesy Lukács Baths
The Royal Spa at Corinthia Hotel Budapest, operating since 1886, is a prestigious spa retreat in Budapest. It offers a lavish experience with its magnificent 15-meter swimming pool, relaxation rooms, saunas, and a steam bath.
Indulge in a truly luxurious spa experience at The Spa, located within the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest. Offering stunning vistas of the city, along with a rejuvenating relaxation pool, invigorating sauna, separate steam rooms for both men and women, and a blissful whirlpool, this opulent spa is the perfect haven to unwind and spend your time in pure tranquility.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Veli Bej, also known as Császár Baths, underwent renovation in 2017. This thermal spa, constructed in the 16th century, boasts a stunning array of pools, including a grand octagonal hot water pool and four smaller pools. Renowned for its exquisite beauty during its time, Veli Bej stands as a testament to the historical significance of baths.
The Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget on Margaret Island is renowned for its luxurious amenities and use of water sourced from three natural springs. Located on the "Spa island of Budapest," this upscale hotel offers guests the opportunity to indulge in the therapeutic benefits of its thermal bath and enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget
Since 1919, Palatinus Baths has been the first destination in Hungary where visitors can enjoy outdoor bathing. At present, this establishment boasts 11 diverse pools along with an array of colossal water slides and a wave pool.
Where to soak in Budapest, Hungary's City of Spas
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These days, its one of Europes most popular cities for tourists, but postcard-pretty Budapest wasnt always a happy place.
In the wake of communism's downfall and the dismantling of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has undergone a remarkable transformation and revitalization.
However, rather than trying to conceal its history, the city embraces it. The trendy Ruin Bar district, the House of Terror Museum, and Memento Park, a sanctuary where Soviet statues retire from public display, now stand as significant highlights among Budapest's array of attractions.
As CNNs Richard Quest and Joe Minihane put it, Budapest "is a city steadfast in raising up its traditions and culture in the face of adversity."
Sacred site
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See inside the newly opened largest Hindu temple in the US
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CNN
The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the biggest Hindu temple in the United States, made a impressive entrance in New Jersey recently. Spanning over 180 acres, this majestic temple stands at a height of 191 feet and is constructed with 2 million cubic feet of stone. Moreover, it boasts an astonishing collection of 10,000 statues.
In case you missed it
Located in Robbinsville, New Jersey, approximately 62 miles southwest of New York City, BAPS is often referred to as the largest Hindu temple outside of India. However, this claim is subjective as the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia is larger in size, although it is not currently utilized for religious practices.Love locks are causing a problem at the Grand Canyon.
Endangered condors like to eat the keys.
Japan Airlines had to order an extra plane to carry sumo wrestlers.
"The middle seat was the toughest," one said.
A billionaire bought Leonardo da Vincis former vineyard.
No one knows if itll ever be open to the public again.
The solar eclipse coincided with the worlds biggest hot-air balloon festival.
Watch the celestial event here.