Latest news with #Minos
The Herald Scotland
17 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Experience Greek isles and Roman nights on a stunning ten-night cruise
Then, board the luxurious Sun Princess for a seven-night full-board cruise across sparkling seas, soaking in coastal views, cultural treasures, and relaxing elegance onboard. From there, you'll head to Italy's third-largest city, Naples, a bustling metropolis that's rich in centuries-old culture and customs. Naples is also your gateway to the Isle of Capri, the fabled Amalfi Coast and the ruins of Pompeii, buried in ash by the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. With an arrival at 7am and a departure at 7pm, you'll have plenty of time to explore this wonderful city and all that it has to offer. The next day is spent at sea, where you can relax and enjoy the many facilities on board. Highlights include live poolside music, an array of food and drink options and a kids club to keep little ones busy. You'll then arrive at Chania, on the iconic Greek island of Crete. It's a centuries-old mix of Minoan myths, well-preserved Venetian mansions, a mesmerizing Old Town complete with labyrinthine passageways, and atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. But Chania may be best known as the gateway to the breathtaking 4,000-year-old Minoan ruins at Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos and the part man and part bull known creature as the Minotaur. And around every corner of this idyllic area, you'll find picturesque villages, breathtaking views and architectural wonders that will remain with you for a lifetime. After another day at sea, the next port of call is Kusadasi on Turkey's Anatolian Coast. In Kusadasi, picturesque whitewashed stone houses rise in tiers behind the market district and the palm-lined esplanade is the centre of town life, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the famous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. This stunning city was once a Roman provincial capital and is also home to several of Christendom's holiest sites, including the tomb of St. John the Apostle. You'll then get a full day (7am until 9pm) to enjoy the unique charm of the island of Mykonos. Needing absolutely no introduction, the white buildings of Mykonos must be one of the most-recognisable symbols of Greece. Your unforgettable journey with Orbis Travels – who have a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot – then concludes with a full day and night spent in Athens, where culture and history combine and the ancient Acropolis sits above the commotion of the modern city. Packed with busy shops and lively tavernas, Athens is the perfect place to round off your trip in style before flying back to the UK the following day. Departing on select dates from August, September 2025 and April to October 2026, this 10-night escape blends history, beauty, and leisure across two of Europe's most iconic cities. Call now on 0113 517 5272 Travel notes Price From £1,219 pp Return flights to Rome and out of Athens from Scottish Airports Departing on select dates from August, September 2025 and April to October 2026 Two nights in Rome at The Republic Hotel One night in Athens at Luwian Boutique Hotel THE SUN PRINCESS LUXURY and comfort are everything on board the luxurious Sun Princess, where Orbis passengers will enjoy a seven-night full-board cruise across sparkling seas, soaking in coastal views, cultural treasures, and relaxing elegance onboard. The Sun Princess includes an epic sphere atrium, first ever geodesic dome, innovative entertainment venues and premium suites. It is the newest and largest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, representing a bold leap into the future of cruising. This innovative vessel blends modern design, cutting-edge technology and unparalleled luxury. With spacious, light-filled interiors inspired by the sun, Sun Princess introduces exciting new venues like The Dome, a multi-level entertainment and relaxation space with a glass-enclosed pool by day and dazzling shows by night. Guests can indulge in world-class dining, from the casual delights of Alfredo's Pizzeria to special experiences like Love by Britto. Interior cabins are Sun Princess' most affordable option. Featuring twin beds or a queen-size bed, a desk with a chair, a flat-screen television, a spacious closet, a bathroom with a shower, a hair dryer and other bathroom amenities, a refrigerator and digital security safe, they're perfect for guests who just want a comfortable spot to recharge. Ocean View cabins offer a room with an expansive view. They feature all the same amenities as interior cabins but with the added benefit of a window that brings an airy openness to the room. During the day, you can enjoy a variety of activities. Princess Cruises has partnered with many exciting brands to provide the best onboard experience possible. Destination-themed activities like live performances, music and dance lessons and the chance to try local dishes will give you a deeper connection to the places you visit. Sun Princess' art gallery boasts an extensive collection of impressive artwork from world-class artists. And if you prefer shopping for clothes, accessories and beauty products, the shops of Princess, which can be found on Decks 7 and 8, offer a wide variety of options.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
RM13.5 mln Bung Sadung project to boost Serian's eco-tourism potential, says council chief
Minos (centre) listens to a briefing during his visit to the site. On his right is Ridu. KUCHING (June 18): A tourism project costing RM13.5 million will be implemented at Bung Sadung, a hill near the well-known Kampung Taee in Serian, according to Serian District Council (MDS) chairman Dato Peter Minos. He said Bung Sadung shares many similarities with the popular Bung Bratak in Bau, including huge trees and natural attractions at the hilltop. 'Personally, I see this as another project similar to Bung Bratak, although Bung Sadung is bigger at scale and slightly different in concept and design,' he said in a statement today. The statement followed his visit to the site of the access road to Bung Sadung, accompanied by Warisan Bung Sadung Serian Association (Pewaris) president Dato Sri Robert Jacob Ridu. Minos believes that once completed, the project will transform Bung Sadung into an iconic tourist attraction for nature lovers, much like Bung Bratak. 'It is a big challenge for MDS, but we can do it – with the cooperation of local communities, particularly the residents of Kampung Taee,' he added. According to Minos, the project is funded by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Coordination Agency (GKCDA), and was requested by Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, with MDS acting as the implementing agency. The Public Works Department (JKR), he added, is tasked to build the access road. 'I think the access road will be ready by June 2026, once agreement is given by all the affected landowners. Then, MDS will start to do its part, but planning is on-going.' Minos also said the project is in line with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's vision to turn Serian into an agricultural and tourism hub, or a 'mini New Zealand'. Bung Sadung eco-tourism Peter Minos Serian
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A cheeky condom from the 1800s steals the show at an Amsterdam museum
A rare condom dating from 1830 featuring an erotic print of a nun and three clergymen in provocative poses that went on display at the Rijksmuseum as part of an exhibit on 19th century prostitution and sexuality. It's an illustration that would be racy even by today's standards: A nun points her finger at a trio of clergymen, who raise their robes to reveal their aroused state. Her bare legs are splayed open, in a bizarre and humorous exchange. If that wasn't risqué enough, the drawing was printed on a condom nearly 200 years ago and is thought to have been circulated as a brothel souvenir. Likely made from a sheep's appendix, the early contraceptive is also inscribed with the words 'Voilà mon choix,' or 'This is my choice' - a tongue-in-cheek jab at celibacy. The yellowed, crinkled condom made its debut on Tuesday at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Perched on a tiny stand, it rests among other relics depicting 19th-century prostitution and sexuality in the museum's print room, which is dedicated to drawings and photographs across various media. 'Only two such objects are known to have survived to the present day,' the Rijksmuseum said in a release. 'It reveals that printing was being used in a wide range of contexts.' Curious readers can get a closer, possibly not-safe-for-work look here. The origin of the condom - or its derivatives - might date to around 3000 BC, when it was written that the mythological character King Minos of Crete protected his wife from the 'serpents and scorpions' in his semen by inserting a goat's bladder into her vagina before intercourse. It was said that Minos's mistress had died after having intercourse with him, leading him to seek further protection from disease. Other interpretations of the story suggest that Minos wore the goat's bladder himself. Some argue that condoms made from animal intestines have existed since at least the medieval age. In a lecture about the history of condoms, researcher Kate Stephenson said that the earliest evidence of condom use that she found was from 1564, when an Italian anatomist wrote about men using linen cloth made to fit over the penis. Another scholar documented similar methods a few years later, she added. The 1830 condom on display in the Netherlands 'embodies both the lighter and darker sides of sexual health, in an era when the quest for sensual pleasure was fraught with fears of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases - especially syphilis,' the Rijksmuseum wrote. Close-up photos on the museum's website show the intricate, etching-like nature of the drawing printed upon it. The museum says its inscription is also a parody of the Judgment of Paris, a Greek myth that tells of the Trojan prince choosing which of three goddesses - Aphrodite, Athena and Hera - is the most beautiful. Rijksmuseum curators purchased the condom six months ago at an auction. There were no other bidders, according to Artnet. The condom will be on display until the end of November, the museum said.
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Petronas using 'every trick under the sun' to undermine Sarawak's rights
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 Text Size: Bernama KUCHING: Political analyst Dato Peter Minos has accused Petronas of using 'every trick under the sun' to weaken Sarawak's control over its oil and gas resources, describing the national oil company's alleged tactics as unacceptable, DayakDaily reported. Minos said attempts to use the 'flawed' Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74) to erase Sarawak's rights, along with pressure campaigns against the State and its energy company Petros, must be opposed. 'Using flawed PDA74 to erase our rights is simply unacceptable. Applying pressure on Sarawak by underhanded tactics, like threats and press war, is also unacceptable,' he was quoted as saying. He stressed that oil and gas within Sarawak's territory and continental shelf rightfully belong to the State, under the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and by natural rights. 'We are not asking for the moon. We just want a bit more from our own oil and gas resources,' said Minos, urging Petronas to treat Sarawak with fairness. While acknowledging Petronas' role in national development, Minos reaffirmed the priority of Sarawak's rights. He called on Sarawakians to stand behind Petros in defending those rights. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Otago Daily Times
28-04-2025
- Otago Daily Times
A taste of Greece in Crete
This excerpt from Lonely Planet's 100 Weekends in Europe demonstrates Crete's combination of cultural and natural spectacles make it a perfect destination for a quick getaway. The largest of the Hellenic islands, Crete is a condensed version of Greece, and a weekend here offers a tantalising taster of its charms. Underwater caves, shipwrecks and diverse marine life will delight divers, while inland, hikers can enjoy scenic walks through the island's many gorges. Beach lovers head for the south coast's Preveli (with a freshwater strand as well as the sea), the palm-backed Vai at Crete's northeast tip or, in the southeast, the delightful Elafonisi, with pink-tinged sand and turquoise waters. History buffs won't be disappointed, either. The place where the legendary King Minos is said to have kept his minotaur, the Palace of Knossos was the former capital of the Minoans, whose legacy is preserved in the archaeological museum in the capital, Iraklio (Heraklion). The evocative Old Town of Hania (Chania), with its winding streets and Greek, Ottoman and Venetian architecture, leads to a waterfront promenade lined with pastel houses. Between the two, Rethymno is equally attractive, as is the fortified island of Spinalonga. And in the interior, venture into the tavernas and kafeneio (cafes) of remote villages to enjoy Cretan cooking and warm hospitality. Check out Cretan farmhouse living For a hands-on immersion into the traditions of rural Crete, take a trip to one of the island's working farms, many of which have opened up their doors to visitors. You can book in for a few hours or a day (or even overnight — many also offer accommodation); typical activities might include watching olive oil production, learning how to make local breads and cheeses, or taking a cooking class, as well as pitching in with herb picking and feeding the animals. Recommended Cretan farms include Agreco ( the ecotourism village Enagron ( and the Dalabelos Estate ( Follow a wine route Wine has been produced in Crete over four millennia, and this long tradition of winemaking is best explored by taking a tour of the island's wineries, the majority of which are located around Iraklio ( If you have a car (and a designated driver), it's easy to plot a route around the wineries, which offer tastings, tours and a wealth of information on the local grape varieties. Alternatively, take an organised wine tour with Made in Crete ( including transport, tastings and lunch. Paddle a sea kayak along the Cretan coast What could be more exciting than discovering the Cretan coastline from a kayak? Numerous operators rent kayaks with which you can explore the coast independently and organise guided excursions lasting a few hours or a full day; two-day excursions to discover the coves and cliffs that dot the southern coast are also available. Take a hike through gorgeous gorges Hiking through the many gorges that slice through the Cretan landscape is a must-do for hikers. Most make a beeline for the famous Samaria, but for less-frequented trails, head to the likes of Imbros Gorge, half as long as Samaria at 8km, and a two- to three-hour walk from end to end along a scenic one-time mule path. In the east of the island, Zakros Gorge offers a range of lovely walks along a meandering green river (dry in summer); the canyon walls are dotted with Minoan burial sites, earning Zakros its Valley of the Dead nickname. You can walk independently, but guided hikes are also available. More time? Gadvos: Anendyk Seaways ( offers summer ferries (around two hours from Hora Sfakion) between Crete and this southernmost of the Greek islands, a wild and unspoilt place with lovely beaches and a pine-and cedar-swathed interior. Lasithi Plateau: Dotted with windmills and overlooked by the peaks of the Dikti Mountains, this fertile plateau in eastern Crete's Lasithi Province is home to the Dikteon Cave where, according to legend, the earth goddess Rhea is said to have given birth to Zeus, safe from the clutches of his cannibalistic father Cronos. The artfully lit interior is a riot of impressive stalactites. Cretan raki While ouzo is very popular in other parts of Greece, in Crete it's all about raki. Also known as tsikoudia, this fragrant, clear spirit is distilled from strafylla, the pulp that remains after grapes are crushed and pressed to make wine. Similar to French marc and Italian grappa (though unlike Turkish rak, no anise is added here), Cretan raki is a popular aperitif, and you'll often be offered a glass to round off a meal at the island's tavernas. Production begins in October at the island's distilleries, and Cretan villages celebrate the event with tastings. If it's chilly, try rakomelo, flavoured with honey and cinnamon and often served warm. Practicalities How to get there: Crete has two international airports, in Hania and Iraklio. Low-cost airlines run to both from European cities and the UK. Where to stay: Inland, especially around Hania and Rethymno, staying on a farm offers an atmospheric alternative to the beachside hotels. Many offer farm-to-table meals too. The book 100 Weekends in Europe by Lonely Planet, $55 RRP. Available at Whitcoulls or contact
