Tens of millions of red land crabs live on Christmas Island. They are the Island's keystone species, because they play a vital role recycling nutrients and shaping and maintaining the structure of the rainforest. At the beginning of the wet season (usually in October/November), most adult Red Crabs suddenly begin their spectacular migration from the forest to the coast, to breed and release eggs into the sea. Breeding is usually synchronised island wide. The rains provide moist overcast conditions for crabs to make their long and difficult journey to the sea. The timing of the migration breeding sequence is also linked to the phases of the moon, so that eggs may be released by the female Red Crabs into the sea precisely at the turn of the high tide during the last quarter of the moon. It is thought that this occurs at this time because there is the least difference between high and low tides. The sea level at the base of the cliffs and on the beaches, where the females release their eggs, at this time varies the least for a longer period, and it is therefore safer for the females approaching the water's edge to release their eggs. Sometimes there are earlier and later migrations of smaller numbers of crabs, but all migrations retain this same lunar rhythm. The main migration commences on the plateau and can last up to 18 days. Masses of crabs gather into broad "streams" as they move toward the coast, climbing down high inland cliff faces, and over or around all obstacles in their way, following routes used year after year for both downward and return migrations. Movement peaks in the early morning and late afternoons when it is cooler and there is more shade. If caught in open areas, in unshaded heat, the crabs soon lose vital body moisture and die. The crabs will migrate to the coast, where the males will dig mating burrows and they will mate. After mating, the males will commence their return migration. The females will brood their eggs for 12-13 days before emerging from the burrows to commence spawning. The females will commence their return migration immediately after spawning. The eggs hatch into free swimming larvae immediately after they are dropped into the sea. The larvae grow through several stages in the ocean for over four weeks before emerging from the sea to become tiny crabs.

Enjoy panoramic views of one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks from this glass-framed observation deck. Sitting 240 metres above the island, The View offers a full 360-degree panorama of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline. The space includes a café, exhibitions, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels, and a gift shop. For an even higher perspective, step up to The Next Level, 250 metres above ground, for the island’s highest vantage point and unobstructed views.

If you have your thoughts on a day trip, this is the perfect one. The medieval market town of Uzès is a treasure. Taken a round trip from Nîmes, including the Pont du Gard (just 20km away), and find yourself wander around antique shops and sit in shady squares sipping coffee. Make sure to see the old ducal castle and the Tour Fenestrelle, a local equivalent of Pisa’s Leaning Tower.

The beautiful Piazza dei Cavalieri, Knights' Square, was the political centre of the Republic of Pisa. During the 16th century. It was radically transformed by Giorgio Vasari and became the seat of the new military order of the Knights of St Stephen. The square is dominated by the Palazzo della Carovana, which today hosts the Scuola Normale Superiore, founded by Napoleon in 1810.