City Parks is a visually stunning and beautifully written book that celebrates park life around the world, featuring 50 of the world's greatest parks. It includes well-known parks like Central Park in New York and Phoenix Park in Dublin, as well as lesser-known ones in the Philippines, Australia, and provincial Britain. The book highlights parks that are historic, interesting, and cutting-edge, showcasing how they blend nature and architecture. With glorious photographs, the book serves as a record of innovative parks and the people who use them, inspiring readers to visit these green urban havens.

Christopher Beanland provides a comprehensive travel guide to Portugal, highlighting its popularity as a travel destination for 2022. The guide covers various regions including Lisbon, Madeira, Central Portugal, Algarve, Porto and the North, and the Azores. It details attractions, accommodations, and dining options, featuring places like Six Senses, Four Seasons The Ritz, and 100 Maneiras. The article also mentions the recent relaxation of UK's testing requirements, making travel to Portugal more accessible.

The article reviews three books about the history and cultural significance of swimming: 'Splash! 10,000 Years of Swimming' by Howard Means, 'Why We Swim' by Bonnie Tsui, and 'Lido' by Christopher Beanland. It discusses the evolution of swimming from ancient times to its modern-day cultural and personal impacts. The books cover topics such as the first-known depictions of swimming, the role of swimming in Greek warfare, the decline of swimming in Europe, and its resurgence with figures like Benjamin Franklin and Lord Byron. The article also touches on racial segregation in swimming in the USA and personal stories of swimmers. The review praises Tsui's book for its profound questions and narrative quality, while Means's book is noted for its compendium of facts but choppy storytelling. Beanland's book is appreciated for its photos and interviews with swimmers.

Brooklyn, New York, is undergoing a transformation with new high-rises, green initiatives like the Brooklyn Greenway project, and tech start-ups at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The borough offers a mix of traditional and futuristic experiences, including self-driving buses by Optimus. Virgin Atlantic has launched a new service to JFK airport, and there are various places to stay, dine, and enjoy, such as 1 Hotel, The Wythe, and Klein's at the Hoxton Hotel. For entertainment, the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club and Brooklyn Bavarian Biergarten are recommended.

Lyon is presented as an ideal destination for a long weekend, offering a blend of historical quirks, cultural landmarks, and culinary delights. The city's old town is noted for its silk weavers' houses and Resistance alleys. The Lumière Brothers' contributions to cinema are celebrated at the Institut Lumière. Architectural wonders include the Couvent de La Tourette and the Musée des Confluences. The Rhône riverbanks are a hub for leisure with the Centre Nautique Tony Bertrand. The restored Hôtel-Dieu houses the food hall Les Halles Grand Hôtel-Dieu and the new InterContinental Lyon Hôtel-Dieu, featuring chef Mathieu Charrois' Epona restaurant and a bar in the central dome.

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is undergoing significant modernization to attract visitors, including the Tirana 2030 project. The city offers various attractions such as the Dajti Ekspres cable car, parks, historical museums, and unique dining and drinking experiences. Accommodation options range from upscale hotels like The Plaza to boutique hotels like Theranda. Local cuisine can be enjoyed at restaurants like Era Vila, while Bunker 1944 offers a dive bar experience. Shopping includes malls and local shops on streets like Myslym Shyri. The Pyramid of Tirana is an architectural highlight, and the best views of the city can be seen from Dajti Mountain. Public transport is available, and euros are widely accepted.

Riga, Latvia's capital, is compared to Berlin due to its vibrant art and music scene, highlighted by the Riga Biennial of Contemporary Art. The city's Old Town, Bastejkalna Park, and the new Zuzeum gallery are key attractions. Accommodation options include the arty Pullman, Radisson, and the new Grand Poet hotel. Dining recommendations feature Pagalms and The Catch, while I Love You and Kanepes Cultural Centre are notable drinking spots. Shopping can be enjoyed at Randoms record shop and Kalnciema Iela market. Riga's jugendstil architecture is a must-see, and the city is accessible via trolleybus or on foot. Tips include using Euros, tipping 10%, and looking out for Berlin-style club nights.

Southampton, known for its transport links and as the home of Craig David and the Spitfire, is undergoing a transformation with new cultural offerings and modernization efforts. The £15m Studio 144 arts complex, including the John Hansard Gallery and Nuffield Southampton Theatres, is central to this change. The city is investing in local improvements, such as the £15m Thornhill Council Estate, and attracting tourists with new hotels like the Harbour Hotel and the upcoming Moxy by Marriott. Southampton's transport infrastructure continues to be a strong point, with 1.7 million cruise passengers annually, improvements promised by South Western Railway, and a conveniently located airport. Despite its rebranding efforts, Southampton retains its character, with historical buildings like the brutalist Wyndham Court still standing.

Pollution Pods, an art installation by Michael Pinsky, offers an olfactory journey through the recreated air of five cities—Trondheim, London, New Delhi, Sao Paulo, and Beijing—to highlight the global impact of consumerism on air quality. The installation, made from Norwegian spruce and PVC, is part of Trondheim's Starmus Festival and aims to evoke an emotional response about environmental care and consumer choices.

Villa I Giullari, a 16th-century villa located in the suburb of Pian dei Giullari in Florence, offers guests a luxurious stay with views of golden walls and emerald fields. The villa, which can accommodate six to 18 people, is situated close to the city yet provides a countryside experience. It features a mix of traditional and modern amenities, including a child-friendly pool and a well-appointed kitchen. Nearby attractions include the Uffizi Galleries and the Duomo. The nearest restaurant, Omero, is just a short walk away. The villa is available for rent through Tuscany Now and More, with prices starting from £2942 per week for six people.

The author recounts a visit to Washington State's Salish Lodge, the filming location for the iconic TV show Twin Peaks. The lodge, which embraces its connection to the show with themed merchandise and fan conventions, is situated near the Snoqualmie Falls and provides a perfect setting for fans. The author indulges in a 'damn fine cup of coffee' and cherry pie, reminiscent of the show's character Dale Cooper, while exploring the nearby towns of Snoqualmie and North Bend. Despite the constant rain and low cloud giving the area a murky edge, the author vividly captures the allure and mystery that made the location ideal for David Lynch's Twin Peaks.

Antwerp, a Belgian port city, is described through its juxtaposition of industrial reality and cultural vibrancy. The article explores the city's historical significance in trade, its architectural marvels like the Havenhuis designed by Zaha Hadid, and its cultural offerings including the Red Star Line Museum and the Museum an der Stroom. The city's fashion scene, modern art museum MHKA, and culinary delights are also highlighted. The author reflects on the city's international allure, well-run docks, and the role of trade in shaping such dynamic urban landscapes.

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, offers a rich cultural experience with its well-preserved Old Town and diverse districts. The city is known for its mix of Baltic, Nordic, Teutonic, and Russian influences in food, art, design, and music, exemplified by events like the Tallinn Music Week. Tallinn boasts modern amenities such as free wifi and a burgeoning tech scene, with Skype being a notable development from the city. Cultural landmarks include the Song Festival Grounds, the Estonian Architecture Museum, and various eateries and venues such as Umami restaurant, Levier Cakery, and F Hoone restaurant. The city also features historical sites like the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour and the TV Tower, showcasing its Soviet-era heritage.