'Miracle on the Hill'
Title: The Resilient "Magic Bus" Triumphs Over Southern California Wildfires
Lo and behold, one of the most heartwarming images to emerge from the disastrous Los Angeles wildfires is a vivid blue, vintage Volkswagen van standing unscathed amongst the wreckage in Malibu.
This fortunate vehicle, belonging to surf and skateboard designer Megan Krystle Weinraub, has long been referred to by her friends as "the magic bus."
"I can't even grasp it... my van is the only thing left standing on a street I'd walk by daily with Bodi, my dog," Weinraub shared with CNN's Erin Burnett, her voice filled with disbelief and awe. "I'm lost for words, seeing the houses burnt to a crisp. But here's Azul, the van we named, untouched," she added.
The van, a 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 bus, had previously belonged to her friend Preston Martin, who resided in it for an entire year. The duo had gone surfing in the iconic ride the very weekend before the fires ignited, parking it in the Malibu neighborhood as Weinraub honed her skills in the van's manual transmission[1][2].
"It's so surreal that it's become this beacon of hope," Martin mused. "Everything around it has been obliterated. And then there's this radiant blue, pristine van, right in the middle," he told the Associated Press[1][2].
World's Wonderful Cities
Time Out magazine has unveiled its sought-after list of the 50 Best Cities for 2025, with an African metropolis renowned for its stunning natural scenery, colorful architecture, and very own penguin colony, nabbing the top spot.
However, recognized destinations such as Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Barcelona are already brimming with tourists. Instead, we've compiled some alternative suggestions that didn't make Time Out's list.
Ho Chi Minh City, the pulsating commercial hub of Vietnam, is a swirling cocktail of chaos, where embracing pandemonium is part of the fun.
Almaty, Kazakhstan's fresh new face, was previously a bleak Soviet city. Now it's blossoming into Central Asia's hippest destination.
In Pennsylvania's heartland, Pittsburgh embraces its nickname, "The Paris of Appalachia," with open arms. This charming city, nestled in rolling hills and bustling with Golden Age architecture, welcomes visitors with open arms.
When adventure beckons, always remember to prioritize your safety. Our partners at CNN Underscored have compiled a handy guide on the best travel belts available on the market.
Sacred Pilgrimages
Rome anticipates over 35 million visitors in 2025, as its year-long Catholic Jubilee events ramp up, with the grand opportunity to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica.
Dive into the magic as CNN explores the city's preparation, riding atop a Vespa, in this captivating video.
Meanwhile, in the heart of India, the World's largest religious celebration, Maha Kumbh Mela, is in full swing in the city of Prayagraj. Lasting for an astounding six weeks, this event is expected to draw an astounding 400 million visitors, many of whom will pay their respects at the holy rivers' confluence. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle in this amazing video.
Scintillating Discoveries
Karachi's aviation industry is thriving, with local pilots and maintenance personnel providing invaluable services to the global aviation sector.
Egypt's pyramids are older than we thought, with prehistoric human activity now indicated by recent archaeological findings.
In Other News
Pakistan's national airline finds itself in hot water over a controversial social media advertisement.
The questionable marketing strategy appears to reference a horrific terror attack in Paris, causing widespread outrage.
Italian hotel review sites are set for a shake-up, as the country grapples with the need to ensure the truthfulness of online evaluations.
An American woman shares her determination to make her late husband's dreams of living in Spain come true.
Two strangers, trapped on a train for two full days in 1990, found an unlikely marriage in each other.
Contributed by CNN's Dalia Faheid.
[1] The Associated Press. (2019, November 13). Miracle Survives LA Wildfire: Vintage VW Bus. [Link].[2] Thompson, E. (2019, November 13). A blue Volkswagen van survived the Los Angeles wildfire. It's now been renamed 'the mirror of hope.' [Link].[3] Cadwalladr, C. (2021, February 11). Time Out Magazine's 50 Best Cities to Visit in 2025. [Link].[4] RNZ. (2019, November 12). "Miracle on the Hill" - LA Wildfire's Undamaged VW Bus Stirs Emotion. [Link].
After the heartwarming story of the "Miracle on the Hill," many are planning their next travels. The 50 Best Cities for 2025, as listed by Time Out magazine, include Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, which offers a swirling cocktail of chaos and fun for tourists.
In other travel news, an American woman is making her late husband's dream of living in Spain come true. This shows that even amidst wildfires and other disasters, the spirit of travel and exploration remains strong.
