 Snake swallows a toad. See the full video below. I saw something rather unusualA peaceful hiking break by a secluded pond took a wild turn when the grass started twitching. Leaning in closer, I witnessed an unforgettable, raw spectacle: a grass snake actively swallowing a toad alive. It was an intense, once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the unforgiving drama of nature. The grass snake and the toadIn Sweden, the common grass snake (snok) and the common toad (padda) share a tight ecological bond. Thriving near wetlands, lakes, and ponds, toads are a primary food source for these non-venomous snakes. Because grass snakes swallow their prey whole and alive, witnessing this dramatic, raw circle of life is a rare but classic Swedish nature encounter. Why doesn't the toad fight back or at least try to escape?Toads can't bite or claw, so their fight looks entirely passive. The toad freezes to avoid stimulating the snake’s hunting reflex, swells its body to block the snake's throat, and releases potent toxins. What looks like giving up is actually a high-stakes waiting game, hoping the snake gets disgusted or physically exhausted. Sadly for the toad, it rarely works.
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N Seoul TowerN Seoul Tower, opened in 1980 atop Namsan Mountain, is an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Seoul. Standing 236 meters tall, it features observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a colorful evening light display. It is famously known for its "love locks" trees, making it a popular romantic destination.
How to get to the towerWalking up to N Seoul Tower through Namsan Mountain Park takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Routes like the Namsan Dulle-gil Trail, Namsan Sky Forest Trail, and Namsan Northern Forest Trail offer scenic, paved paths and stairways. It is a steep but rewarding climb featuring city views, lush greenery, andrest areas along the way.
The viewN Seoul Tower offers an unmatched 360-degree panorama of Seoul, showcasing the modern skyline, Han River, and distant mountains. By night, the city transforms into a glittering sea of neon. The Love LocksAt the base, the famous roof terrace is packed with thousands of colorful "love locks." Couples attach personalized padlocks to the metal fences and snap photos by giant heart sculptures to symbolize eternal affection. What can you do there?Inside the plaza, you can explore immersive OLED digital art displays, browse themed gift shops, or dine at diverse restaurants—including n.GRILL, a fine-dining French eatery that rotates fully every 100 minutes for shifting skyline views. So finally, why should you visit The Seoul Tower?You should visit N Seoul Tower for its breathtaking 360-degree views, blending historic mountains with a futuristic neon skyline. The romantic "love locks" terrace offers a unique cultural tradition, while digital art installations and rotating fine dining make it an unforgettable, multi-sensory way to experience the heart of Seoul. Mt Hallasan, Jeju IslandMt. Hallasan is a dormant volcano at the heart of Jeju Island and South Korea's highest peak, 1950 m. Known for its diverse ecosystem and crater lake, the Yeongsil and Eorimok trails offer breathtaking alpine views without requiring a summit reservation. I hiked the Yeongsil-Eorimok Loop, but didn't reach the actual summitWhile the trail was technically straightforward, a decent level of physical fitness is essential to fully appreciate the journey. I was unable to reach the summit crater lake of Baengnokdam (1,950 m), as the path was closed at the Witse Oreum Shelter (1,700 m) for environmental protection. Consequently, I chose to descend via the scenic Eorimok trail. Despite missing the peak, the breathtaking views made it a deeply rewarding experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I did the DMZ tour!The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 4 km wide buffer strip established in 1953 to separate North and South Korea following the Armistice Agreement. Running 250 km across the peninsula, it is ironically one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders, symbolizing the unresolved conflict since a peace treaty was never signed.  Our group together with the North Korean defector dressed in black A YouTube video about my tour:First we visited the Imjingak Peace ParkFirst we visited the Imjingak Peace Park, located near the DMZ in South Korea, which was established in 1972 as a powerful symbol of hope for reunification. The site holds memorials and artifacts from the Korean War, including the Freedom Bridge, which was crossed by nearly 13,000 prisoners of war. It is a moving tribute to the divided nation.
Dora Observatory and the world’s most dangerous borderNext up we were visiting the Dora Observatory which provides a deeply impactful look at the Korean division. From the platform, you can visually trace the heavily mined border and see the North Korean countryside. The experience underscores the ongoing military tension and the palpable sense of unresolved conflict that makes the DMZ the world’s most dangerous, yet captivating, border. And then we have the Flagpole War...The South Korean flagpole at the DMZ is part of a famous "Flagpole War" with North Korea, symbolizing the military and propaganda contest between the two nations. Here are the key details:
 View over the border to North Korea and you can also see the famous South Korean flagpole Descending down in 3rd Infiltration TunnelVisitors can explore a portion of this clandestine passage, revealing the chilling military threat from North Korea. The tunnel is 2 meters wide and tall, and the walk is physically demanding. At its end, sightseers can peer through a barricade that marks the actual border with the North. But we were not allowed to take any photos down there sorry to say.  The 3rd infiltration tunnel entrance ConclusionThe DMZ tour, costing around €40, offered exceptional value. Highlights included seeing the actual border and peering into North Korea from Dora Observatory. The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel was memorable but challenging; the steep descent and limited air made it physically demanding. Meeting a North Korean defector provided a fascinating, unique perspective.
What is the purpose and why is it so hard to understand modern art?The purpose of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Seoul is to showcase and preserve Korean and international modern and contemporary art, acting as a cultural hub for diverse art forms and cross-disciplinary dialogue. Understanding modern art can be challenging because it often moves beyond traditional aesthetics to explore new materials, concepts, and societal themes, requiring viewers to engage with context, ideas, and intent rather than just visual appeal. The MMCA aims to make this process more accessible through exhibitions, educational programs, and by contextualizing Korean art within its social and historical development.  Why is it so hard to understand modern art? Ok, and was it worth a visit?Yes definitely! So don't miss the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)! Its diverse and intriguing exhibitions are genuinely captivating—I could easily have spent much longer than the two hours I was there. The area surrounding the museum is very delightful. I visited in early autumn when the gardens were beautifully adorned with flowers. The neighbourhood truly complements the museum, offering plenty of small art galleries and appealing, cozy coffee shops for a perfect break. It's a fantastic, easy half-day or full-day outing. Video about my visit to the museum, click on the video!
 The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre I visited The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in GlyfadaLocated by the sea in Glyfada, Archelon's Rescue Centre is a beacon of hope for sea turtles. Established in 1994, it provides crucial care for sick and injured turtles, aiming for their eventual release. During my visit, hearing about individual turtle stories and the challenges they face was incredibly moving. The passion of the staff and volunteers was palpable, inspiring deeper appreciation for marine conservation.  The commercial port of Piraeus I took a trip to Piraeus and it was nicer than I thought!Piraeus is Athens' bustling main port, serving as Greece's largest and a major Mediterranean hub. Historically, it was crucial for ancient Athens' naval power and trade. Today, it's the primary gateway to the Greek islands, connecting countless travelers and goods. Beyond its functional role, it offers a vibrant waterfront with restaurants and cultural sites like the Archaeological Museum.  I was impressed by the mighty Parthenon in the background Acropolis & Parthenon: A Memorable Athenian ExperienceMy visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens was truly impressive. Seeing these ancient structures, especially the majestic Parthenon, up close was a highlight. The site's historical importance and its commanding position above the city are quite remarkable. It's a significant landmark that showcases incredible ancient craftsmanship. I was very glad I got to experience it. Koh Larn is a convenient island escape even from BangkokKoh Larn, a picturesque Thai island just off the coast of Pattaya, beckons with its beautiful beaches and crystalline waters. Accessible via a frequent 45-minute ferry ride from Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier, it offers a convenient island escape. For those in Bangkok with limited time but a desire for a short island getaway, Koh Larn presents an excellent and easily reachable alternative for a few nights. I stayed a few nights at "Runa Runa The Best Guesthouse""Runa Runa The Best Guesthouse" lives up to its name! I recently enjoyed a great stay here, finding its location incredibly convenient—just a 5-minute walk from the pier. This also puts you within easy walking distance of several beaches, as well as a fantastic array of restaurants and bars. While breakfast isn't served on-site, countless options are available just around the corner. The guesthouse itself was spotlessly clean and fresh, and I appreciated their laundry service. All of this came at a very budget-friendly price. Highly recommend for a comfortable and well-located stay! |
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