Bridge over the Loire River, to Amboise, France (@ ESCUDERO Patrick/Hemis/Corbis)

Bridge over the Loire River, to Amboise, France (@ ESCUDERO Patrick/Hemis/Corbis)

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• This crossing is so stunning it looks like locals are expecting a visit from The Queen.""Well, it is In the former seat of the French royal court
• Not far from this bridge is the mooted 1519 resting place of the original Renaissance man.""Which world-famous painter also drew up plans for a helicopter and a tank?
• As any gephyrophobe will tell you, crossing bridges can be a dangerous business.""Perhaps they might also help us pronounce this odd affliction?
• During the 11th century, the Count of Anjou began fortifying this strategic point on the Loire River.""What do you think of his handiwork?

Toucan photographed at The Living Rainforest, Hampstead Norris, England, as part of Bing Help Your Britain

Toucan photographed at The Living Rainforest, Hampstead Norris, England, as part of Bing Help Your Britain

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• The Living Rainforest is home to 700 species of tropical plants and animals.""It welcomes about 80,000 visitors a year, including more than 20,000 children
• You could be forgiven for thinking this month\s Help Your Britain charity is based in the Amazon jungle.""The truth is rather closer to home
• This organisation\s mission is to help conserve the world\s disappearing forests and threatened ecosystems.""How do they make that happen?
• Does it look like something\s captured the attention of this colourful bird?""Toucan play at that game

Combine harvester gathers the wheat crop, England (@ Corbis Motion)

Combine harvester gathers the wheat crop, England (@ Corbis Motion)

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• Reaping, threshing and winnowing grain are carried out by this multi-purpose machine.""What sort of invention can combine all these tasks?
• Do you think watching this classes as entertainment for cattle grazing in nearby fields?""The French have a novel solution for bored cows
• The driver looks like he\s hard at it harvesting a bumper crop of golden grain.""Either that or he\s just blown his own cover
• Does this machine look familiar?""It reminds us of agriculture\s greatest pop icon

Claire Cashmore of Team GB in action at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, China (@ Guang Niu/Getty Images)

Claire Cashmore of Team GB in action at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, China (@ Guang Niu/Getty Images)

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• Team GB\s Claire Cashmore is ranked second fastest in the world this year in the S8 100m breaststroke.""After claiming three bronze medals in Athens and Beijing, she\s going for gold
• Who thought this summer of extraordinary sporting achievement was over?""You ain\t seen nothing yet
• Over the next 10 days, you can expect to be introduced to some truly heroic athletes.""The wheelchair rugby competitors have a particularly steely edge
• Today\s opening ceremony for the London 2012 Paralympics comes in the wake of its internationally acclaimed counterpart.""Shall we see what they\re up against?

Majlis Al Jinn, one of the world's largest cave chambers, Oman (@ Mark Daffey/Lonely Planet)

Majlis Al Jinn, one of the world's largest cave chambers, Oman (@ Mark Daffey/Lonely Planet)

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• Is this really the only way out of here?""It looks like someone\s left a trail of clues
• We can learn a lot about ourselves exploring deep underground caverns like this.""But what do they tell us about extra-terrestrials?
• Welcome to “the meeting place of the Jinns”.""This is about to get a whole lot spookier
• Today\s destination is bordered by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.""Shall we shed some light on this mysterious place?

Murray River National Park in Australia (@ Ignacio Palacios/Lonely Planet)

Murray River National Park in Australia (@ Ignacio Palacios/Lonely Planet)

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• The brilliant bend here captures just a fraction of the longest river on the continent.""Where is this 2,375km long waterway?
• Conservation efforts are on the rise in these parts, to protect endangered native animals and plants.""Who wouldn\t want to save this local resident?
• How about a bit of the Deep South while you\re Down Under?""We\re steaming ahead
• It looks like the sun\s setting on a truly stunning Australian day.""Don\t worry - this happens all the time around here

Boats in Brixham Harbour, Devon, England (@ Luca Da Ros/4Corners)

Boats in Brixham Harbour, Devon, England (@ Luca Da Ros/4Corners)

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• This fishing village was known as Briseham in the Domesday Book and had a population of 39.""With such stunning backdrops, it\s no wonder the place has changed
• Today\s destination looks to have all the necessary ingredients for a romantic getaway.""Would climbing into a coffin get you in the mood?
• A replica of Sir Francis Drake\s Golden Hind is among the boats moored in this harbour.""Shall we drop anchor for a bit?
• Across the bay from here is a seaside location grandly regarded as the English Riviera.""The town\s most famous hotel operates a strict ‘no riff raff\ policy

Iron staircase of Currituck Beach Lighthouse, North Carolina, USA (@ Peter Ptschelinzew/Lonely Planet)

Iron staircase of Currituck Beach Lighthouse, North Carolina, USA (@ Peter Ptschelinzew/Lonely Planet)

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• A great view is pretty much guaranteed from the top of this building, inside and out.""That\s if you make it up all 214 stairs
• Northern Carpetbaggers and local Scalawags were once in charge of this US region.""Where will you find the Tar Heel state?
• This landmark is capable of doing its own advertising, apparently.""Want to find out how it goes viral?
• There\s no doubt this super staircase is worth climbing.""We\ve got plenty more, if you\ve got the energy?

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (@ Clipcanvas)

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (@ Clipcanvas)

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• Spanning nearly 300 km², the beauty of nature cascades across this national park.""It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979
• Want to know what happens when calcium carbonate encrusts plants and bacteria?""You get water that looks as stunning as this
• “Imagine Niagara Falls sliced and diced and sprinkled over a vast and heavily forested canyon.”""Having trouble imagining such a glorious scene?
• The name of the country where you\ll find this is derived from the Latin Dux Croatorum.""What are we talking about?

Arrow crab on a sponge in the Caribbean Sea (@ Jurgen Freund/Aurora Photos)

Arrow crab on a sponge in the Caribbean Sea (@ Jurgen Freund/Aurora Photos)

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• Try to keep calm, you seem to be having a nightmare.""Actually, this is real
• This thing is not satisfied just looking like a horror film wannabe.""Does its spear-like nose remind you of a famous landmark?
• Want to see a scuba diver find one of these spindly-legged monsters?""Of course you do
• Stenorhynchus seticornis aren\t generally found in waters anywhere near the UK, thankfully.""Where do they call home?

Sheep on Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland (@ Maura Molloy)

Sheep on Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland (@ Maura Molloy)

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• Pink is all the rage on the side of this mountain.""But at which music festival will you find sheep which are bang on trend?
• This little flock looks like they\ve gone on strike.""Perhaps they learnt how to from an infamous local legend?
• Shepherding is a tradition that\s as old as the hills.""How about we give it a radical overhaul?
• As you can see, there\s not much going on around here.""It\s hardly surprising - the island is 87% peat bog

Ice fields at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (@ Oleg Bulanyy)

Ice fields at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (@ Oleg Bulanyy)

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• Before you is a sprawling ice field.""Which is actually just 200 miles from the equator
• This is one of the seven summits on a mountain climber\s to-do list.""Shall we try to conquer them all?
• Some scientists believe the “shining mountain” may lose its sheen within 20 years.""What are they worried about?
• We\re standing atop the tallest peak in Africa, which reaches nearly 6,000m above sea level.""Who wants to get high?

Wat Chai Wattanaram in Ayutthaya, Thailand (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

Wat Chai Wattanaram in Ayutthaya, Thailand (@ SIME/eStock Photo)

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• Behold “the temple of long reign and glorious era”.""Want to see more of the place\s epic history?
• The structure before you is said to symbolise a religious world view laid down centuries ago.""This may require further meditation
• Built in 1630, this temple is just one of many spectacular sights to be found around these parts.""Take a two-minute tour
• The ruling monarch here is the world\s longest-serving head of state.""Rama IX is a record-holder in which kingdom?

Seaplanes docked in Seattle, Washington, USA (@ John & Lisa Merrill/Danita Delimont)

Seaplanes docked in Seattle, Washington, USA (@ John & Lisa Merrill/Danita Delimont)

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• You\ll find these cool craft in a country that is today marking National Aviation Day.""That\s because it\s the anniversary of which high flyer\s birthday?
• Hitch a lift right here to get a great view of this city.""Or you could climb 160m to a spectacular observation deck
• These aircraft are equally at home on the water or in the sky.""But what about driving down the motorway?
• Back in 1916, a machine made of wood, wire and linen marked the start of an aerospace industry giant.""What was this formative plane?

Rows of ice pops (@ Flirt/Superstock)

Rows of ice pops (@ Flirt/Superstock)

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• These cool , colourful icy refreshments were invented by an 11-year-old over 100 years ago.""Epsicle, anyone?
• Frozen pop on a stick was launched at an amusement park in 1923.""Where did it first make people melt?
• This must go down as one of the greatest accidental discoveries in history.""What beats it?
• There\s an event in London this weekend that sounds like it was inspired by these things.""Kids reckon it can\t be licked

Sandboarders hiking up dunes for another ride, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA (@ Glenn Oakley/Aurora Photos)

Sandboarders hiking up dunes for another ride, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, USA (@ Glenn Oakley/Aurora Photos)

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• The US state featured today is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding.""In fact, the downhill fun never stops around here
• This is the newest national park in North America, containing the continent\s tallest sand dunes.""They\re formed from deposits of the Rio Grande
• Amazingly, it\s not unusual to spot a kangaroo in these parts.""Do you smell a rat?
• Hiking up loose, hot sand to an elevation of 230m looks like mission impossible.""Surely getting down is a lot easier?

Evening view of reflections in the Mersey river, Liverpool (@ McCoy Wynne / Alamy)

Evening view of reflections in the Mersey river, Liverpool (@ McCoy Wynne / Alamy)

comments,

• No wonder there\s a storm brewing - something truly seismic happened here exactly 50 years ago.""Which band sacked their drummer, paving the way for a teenager called Richard Starkey to takeover?
• Forget Manhattan - take a bite out of this skyline.""Taste good?
• We\re marking the formation of perhaps the most influential music act in history.""Not every day was fab - the anniversary of which notorious show passed recently?
• The Rolling Stones, Elton John, The Who, Queen and The Kinks are among the bands to play in this city\s most famous venue.""It\s a pretty cavernous place

Fritillary butterfly sitting on a blade of green grass (@ Clipcanvas)

Fritillary butterfly sitting on a blade of green grass (@ Clipcanvas)

comments,

• Butterflies like these are in decline in Europe and under a protection programme in the UK.""We\ve found an online environment where they\re thriving
• This insect had to go through an amazing transformation before landing here.""There\s no doubt, it\s an emerging star
• Which English artist made his name with controversial works featuring creatures like these, cows, sheep and sharks?""Some people claim he\s been winging it for years
• When it comes to floating, Euphydryas aurinia is one of the greatest.""But can it also sting?

Sheikh Zayed Bridge at night in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (@ spreephoto.de/Getty Images)

Sheikh Zayed Bridge at night in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (@ spreephoto.de/Getty Images)

comments,

• Thought to be the most intricate bridge ever built, this one\s named after the former President here.""Let\s cross it in style
• You\ll find the world\s fastest roller coaster near here.""Have you eaten?
• The designer of this marvel is a leading architectural figure who was recently made a dame.""She\s made of strong stuff
• The undulating design is intended to reflect the flowing sands found in deserts around these parts.""Shall we take a little tour?

The Basin in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire, USA (@ Danita Delimont/Getty Images)

The Basin in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire, USA (@ Danita Delimont/Getty Images)

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• We\ve been transported to a waterfall in North America\s Appalachian Mountains.""What do you think of the view?
• Old Man\s Foot, Lonesome Lake and The Old Man of the Mountain are among the attractions around here.""Sounds like a classic blues soundtrack - has anyone shot a video?
• A local hero used to live around here who was so famous that US Presidents came to visit him.""He had a very impressive profile
• “Live free or die” is the stark motto of the state we\re featuring today.""It\s a tough choice - shall we have a quick look around before deciding our fate?

Mo Farah crosses the finish line to win gold in the Men's 5000m Final, London, England (@ Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Mo Farah crosses the finish line to win gold in the Men's 5000m Final, London, England (@ Michael Steele/Getty Images)

comments,

• In an Olympics coloured by special Team GB displays, this one is surely the greatest.""Who\s the undoubted man of the Mo-ment?
• A 5,000 and 10,000m double makes this man “probably the greatest athlete we\ve produced”.""Which fellow Team GB track legend said this?
• Mo Farah and his wife are famously expecting twins together.""He already has a stepdaughter with which famous pop star\s name?
• After two gold medals, the athlete we\re featuring here looks almost invincible.""He\s also the only contestant to defeat which TV game show?

A detail of the Basketball Arena at the Olympic Park in Stratford, London, England (@ Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

A detail of the Basketball Arena at the Olympic Park in Stratford, London, England (@ Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

comments,

• The teams competing for a medal here today will almost be jumping through hoops for victory.""Who\s got the balls to win?
• This building can be found in an area earmarked for radical regeneration by Olympics bosses.""What\s their legacy?
• It\s a nice building, obviously, but surely the real wonder goes on inside?""You might even witness a sporting miracle
• This place might look like a work of art but that won\t stop it being pulled down after London 2012.""Don\t panic - it\s a real slam dunk for the future

Aerial of the Serpentine lake and Hyde Park in London, England (@ Andrew Holt/Getty Images)

Aerial of the Serpentine lake and Hyde Park in London, England (@ Andrew Holt/Getty Images)

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• The combined size of this park and the adjacent Kensington Gardens is more than Monaco.""That\s 253 hectares - shall we take a whistlestop tour?
• Have you heard about the woman who owns all the swans around here?""She must think she\s royalty or something
• “I\ve experienced big waves, jellyfish, weeds…a bloodied nose, a black eye and sore feet. It\s a tough sport.”""All in a day\s work for who?
• Looking forward to a few lengths in this lake today?""You might find the competition a little fierce

Dressage horse and rider (@ imagebroker.net/SuperStock)

Dressage horse and rider (@ imagebroker.net/SuperStock)

comments,

• Teams from across the world will be riding into view in London today.""Park here for the best seats
• Losgelassenheit, anlehnung, geraderichtung, takt, schwung and versammlung are key skills for these animals.""What are we talking about?
• The International Equestrian Federation consider this sport “the highest expression of horse training”.""That\s because it\s far from routine
• You\re looking at just a small snapshot of a beautiful and gracious event.""No more horsing around - want to see the big picture?

Night-time landscape view of the Water Polo Arena in Olympic Park, London (@ Paul Cunningham/Corbis)

Night-time landscape view of the Water Polo Arena in Olympic Park, London (@ Paul Cunningham/Corbis)

comments,

• It rains so much in this country that athletes often get wet in the pursuit of sporting excellence.""But which 2012 event considers it part of the game?
• Eight teams do battle in the quarter-finals taking place in this 5,000-seat venue today.""Hats off to them
• A stunning building like this is deserving of memorable feats to match.""What\s required to make a splash at the Olympics?
• One of the pre-Games favourites for this event went into it seeking a fourth straight gold medal.""Which country do they represent?

A golden snub-nosed monkey plays in a tree in Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China (@ Ma Xiaobo Photography China/Corbis)

A golden snub-nosed monkey plays in a tree in Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, China (@ Ma Xiaobo Photography China/Corbis)

comments,

• Success on the horizontal bar requires deep concentration.""Particularly when trying to keep an eye on an offspring as cute as this
• These might be golden animals but how much of a leap is required to go from this…""To this?
• Arboreal quadrupeds can usually be found hanging about in forested treetops.""How far from the local park are we talking?
• In these parts, there\s a chance you might also spot one of a few hundred extremely rare bears chomping on bamboo.""Behold a true giant

Exterior view of the shooting complex at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London, England (@ Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images)

Exterior view of the shooting complex at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London, England (@ Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images)

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• No, this isn\t NASA\s top secret, high-security, Moon-cheese research facility.""Actually, there are a lot of guns
• The 2012 Olympics have seen many new venues built across the country - could this be the coolest?""Check out our shooting gallery
• Amazing reactions are required for many of the shooting events that happen here.""But surely anyone could land a bullseye at this speed?
• This structure is meant to be temporary, unlike the massive, 236-year-old barracks across the lawn.""Which bird is in real danger around here at the moment?

Three dabbling ducks with their heads in the water, Saxony, Germany (@ S Meyers/Blickwinkel/age fotostock)

Three dabbling ducks with their heads in the water, Saxony, Germany (@ S Meyers/Blickwinkel/age fotostock)

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• We seem to have become embroiled in a series of daft tails.""Shall we dabble a bit further?
• Bottoms up!""Which cartoon bird also never ducked a challenge?
• These birds look like they\ve spotted gold.""Who else is thinking exactly the same thing today?
• Bobbing underwater with such synchronicity isn\t easy.""Particularly when the whole world is watching

ExCeL Centre Phase 2 East Entrance in London, England (@ Edmund Sumner/age fotostock)

ExCeL Centre Phase 2 East Entrance in London, England (@ Edmund Sumner/age fotostock)

comments,

• Wow! Have we stumbled across a parking spot for UFOs?""You won\t find any aliens here - but some of the people are super-human
• In this arena today, fans will be cheering on athletes who bring something truly exciting to the table.""Their aggressive use of a bat is totally legal
• You can see boxing, fencing, taekwondo, judo, weightlifting and wrestling here during the Olympics.""Which of these translates as “the gentle way”?
• This venue has hosted The Boat Show, Europe\s Star Wars Celebration and the British International Motor Show.""Need a lift?

Bradley Wiggins in action at London 2012 (@ Christophe Ena / Getty)

Bradley Wiggins in action at London 2012 (@ Christophe Ena / Getty)

comments,

• The cycling champion we\re celebrating has now claimed more Olympic medals than any other Brit.""He\s just swapped the yellow jersey for gold
• The London 2012 men\s road time trial course spanned a 44km route.""That\s 3,453km shorter than the colourful race he won last month
• Just days after triumphing in the Tour de France, Bradley Wiggins is victorious again.""Is he now a dead cert for this coveted prize too?
• When a cyclist is travelling at such high speeds, they need all the help they can get.""Does Team GB\s new hero have a secret weapon?