life
Surprising places on the Out of Eden Walk
National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has covered a lot of ground: some 14,000 miles — on foot — through 21 countries so far on his now 11-year-long Out of Eden Walk. And because he’s exploring the earth at a walker’s pace, he can see things people miss when traveling by plane, rail or car. Salopek tells Host Marco Werman about surprising places only a walker would discover.
‘What’s the greatest knowledge a person can have? Know thyself’: Morgan State University hosts banned book symposium in Cuba
The history of book bans in the US goes back to 1637 but has recently increased dramatically, nearly 200% during the 2023-24 school year. This rise is driven by conservative policies claiming many books have themes that go “against” American history. But are these books really problematic? The World’s Lex Weaver shares her experience attending a banned book symposium hosted by Morgan State University in Havana, Cuba, where authors and historians discussed their worries about the future of education.
Russia is offering higher pay to lure more military recruits
Along the front lines between Russia and Ukraine, battles are fierce and the casualty numbers are mounting. In response, Russia is doing everything it can to recruit new soldiers. Its main solution has been to offer financial incentives, including high salaries and signing bonuses.
Out of Eden Walk: South Korea’s love motels
National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek talks about his experience with South Korea’s so-called “love motels,” short-term rental hotels primarily used by couples for intimate encounters. In a country with a severe housing shortage, these motels provide privacy for young people who live by necessity with their parents. As Salopek discovered on his walk across the country, these budget rooms are also convenient for travelers.
The iconic Al-Hadba minaret has been restored in Mosul
The Al-Hadba minaret was part of the centuries-old Great Mosque of al-Nuri when it was destroyed in 2017 by ISIS. Now, a multi-year rebuilding effort involving the United Arab Emirates, UNESCO and local Iraqi craftsmen is complete. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Iraqi photojournalist Ali Al-Baroodi about the significance of the restoration and the ongoing efforts to restore Mosul’s old city.
