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Title: Forgotten Pioneer: The Unheard-of Airport That Shattered Records

Revisiting our travel highlights this week, we delve into the fascinating stories of a long-forgotten airport and a historic 19th-century waterway. The once-booming gateway to Europe now lies somewhat obscured, while the waterway evolved into the "heart of the universe."

In the heart of Greater London's suburbs, you'll find the remnants of Croydon Airport - a...
In the heart of Greater London's suburbs, you'll find the remnants of Croydon Airport - a pioneering aviation hub.

Soaring into the Past: Aviation's Rich Tapestry

Title: Forgotten Pioneer: The Unheard-of Airport That Shattered Records

Croydon Airport, nestled near London, was once Europe's gateway to the skies. With its glamorous history of hosting icons like Charlie Chaplin, John F. Kennedy, and Charles Lindbergh, it left an indelible mark on commercial aviation. Yet, tragically, it slipped into obscurity over time. Here's why we should never forget its luminous past.

Venturing back to the past, we remember Concorde – the legendary supersonic aircraft that was born in Bristol, England, and Toulouse, France. Warren Hazelby, a seasoned flight engineer, shared his unique experiences of piloting this extraordinary machine with CNN last year.

In another era, Canada too harbored ambitions of supersonic flight. The Avro Arrow interceptor, once a dream, was unfortunately transformed into a national nightmare during the 1950s. Here's the gripping tale behind this dramatic transformation.

Reimagining Global Ambitions

Upon his return to power, President Donald Trump brought a plethora of surprises. From renaming Mount McKinley back to Denali, to rethinking the Panama Canal's future, and even floating the idea of acquiring Greenland; Trump's global visions were not wanting for audacity. Let's explore these topics together.

Interestingly, the Panama Canal remains an engineering marvel that has captured the world's awe. Unravel the story of how this magnificent structure came to be, and how it came to be seen as the "heart of the universe."

As a side note, Trump's talk of Greenland acquisition sparked controversy. Learn about this icy wilderness, and why its autonomous crown status leaves Denmark justifiably protective.

A Culinary Adventure

A top chef in France has drawn a line in the sand, refusing Michelin Guide inspectors into his new Alpine restaurant. Marc Veyrat, well-versed in culinary battles, deemed inspectors "incompetent" and renounced any desire to "take exams."

In equally unusual news, a restaurant in Norwich, England, has declared war on Hawaiian pizza toppings, charging an exorbitant fee for any daring enough to order one.

Moving on, Ryanair, Europe's biggest airline, has announced a new limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger at airports, in an attempt to curb boisterous behavior. To further avoid disruptions, they've recently claimed $15,400 in damages from a passenger who caused a diverted flight.

Hydration being crucial on long journeys, the best way to keep hydrated is by drinking water. Our friends at CNN Underscored have compiled an essay on the best collapsible water bottles for 2025.

Wildlife's World

From the burly to the tiny, there's no wrong way to love pandas. CNN recently gave an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the new giant pandas at DC's zoos. Fascinated by the loveable animal? Check out the cute video of 25 baby pandas making their public debut in China.

In other pet news, a mischievous feline named Mittens managed to traverse between Australia and New Zealand in just 24 hours, leaving airplane crew members to puzzle over the unusual occurrence.

Now, in perhaps the most unusual of pet accommodations, multiple museums in Rome have introduced dog-sitting services for worried owners.

Lastly, the Close-up Photographer of the Year competition showcases the mesmerizing reveal of nature's secrets through the lens, as we gaze into the microscopic world and marvel at the winning images.

In Review

A Transcontinental Love Story

He was in America, she was in Australia, and both had lost their spouses to cancer within the same month. Their shared grief brought them together, and they decided to embark on a vacation together.

Spirit Airlines recently updated its dress code, decreasing the permitted attire on board. To avoid being barred from reaching your destination, be sure to avoid flouting these prohibited items during your travels.

Three friends who posed for a picture on a beach in the 1980s resurrected the occasion more than four decades later. A remarkable trip down memory lane, yet a timeless reminder of the lasting bonds of friendship.

Pakistan's delectable cuisine includes tantalizing dishes like pakoras, kebabs, and biryani, to name a few. Inspired to explore this exotic culinary scene? Here are 20 mouthwatering reasons to plan your trip today.

[1] CBC News. (2021, September 14). Avro Arrow: A Canadian aerospace disaster that continues to captivate. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/avro-arrow-canada-history-plane-1.6216432[2] Eurostat. (2021). Greenland and Faroe Islands: Statistics in focus. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/statistics-explained/index.php/Greenland_and_Faroe_Islands:_Statistics_in_focus[3] The New York Times. (2015, August 17). Why Do So Many People Dislike Hawaiian Pizza? Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/well/eat/why-do-so-many-people-dislike-hawaiian-pizza.html

After marveling at the Avro Arrow's ambitious design and tragic demise, one might be inspired to explore other forms of travel. Perhaps venturing into the air once more, this time on a long-distance journey, could provide a sense of adventure and nostalgia.

Considering the turbulent past of the Avro Arrow, it's worth reflecting on the importance of preserving significant historical artifacts. The same can be said for iconic landmarks, such as Europe's former gateway to the skies, Croydon Airport, which left an indelible mark on commercial aviation.

Here's your rewritten article:
David Cascade's encounter with Bao Li, the latest addition to Smithsonian's National Zoo's giant panda family, is as intimate as it gets. CNN's David Culver gets within arm's reach of the adorable bundle of fur and bamboo.

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