Nimble like the water nymphs in whose company they are always found in mythology and paintings of yore, dolphins dance through the sunlit water. Carving individual paths that crisscross yet never result in collisions, they leap through the water joyfully, it seems to me. Try as I might, it’s impossible to keep up with them, so I wait for the dolphins to come to me. And they do: spotted, bottlenose and common dolphins and even orcas, in pods numbering in the hundreds. I am just a short way off the Osa Peninsula, on the southern end of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Thick tropical forests cover most of the peninsula and extend almost till the ocean, leaving only a strip of beach. The Parque Nacional Corcovado, which occupies nearly half of the peninsula, hosts a diversity of wildlife in its thick rainforests, including big cats like jaguars and endangered giant anteaters, tapirs, and more. One of the peninsula’s more hidden spots is Bahía Drake, or Drake Bay, said to be named after sea captain and privateer Sir Francis Drake, who may even have left buried treasure here. It is a small place with a handful of restaurants, lodges and municipal buildings located around Playa Colorada, the town’s main beach. A few high-end resorts are tucked into the surrounding forest. Besides visits into the park from its San Pedrillo and Sirena gates, among the more popular activities here are the dolphin-watching tours. Visitors travel with experienced guides and marine biologists, making the trip both fun and informative, and taking care to ensure it is low-impact by following ethical practices like not chasing a pod. Some boats also have hydrophones on which visitors can listen to the mammals interacting underwater. Though I spotted hundreds of dolphins on my very first boat trip, I went out again, looking for a pod of spinner dolphins that locals told me is about 2,000-strong. I didn’t see them, but I did see the five-six orcas that probably drove them away. On one of the rides, we even spotted a humpback whale.
Leaping dolphins are a joyful sight but scientists still don’t fully understand why the mammals jump out of water. One theory is that this allows them to save energy and move faster.
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Osa Peninsula’s diversity-rich rainforests extend all the way up to the ocean.
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An underwater glimpse of a pod of spotted dolphins—the distinctive white spots are scattered along the middle and lower parts of their bodies
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A swimmer in the middle of a school of sardines. Dolphins are attracted to the large number of pelagic fish (those that live in the “open sea”—neither too close to the sea floor nor near the shore) in the bay.
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Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share information about the various dolphin species and their habits.
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Boat tours make a stop where guests can plunge into the water and snorkel safely with turtles and fish.
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Boat tours leave from Playa Colorada, Drake Bay’s main beach, which has a few small restaurants and B&Bs.
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In photos: Ramzan food markets in Delhi, Mumbai and Srinagar
On the eve of Ramzan, piles of essentials for sehri and iftar fill food markets
People shop on the eve of holy month of Ramadan near the Jama Masjid in Delhi on Monday, (Photo by Raj K Raj, Hindustan Times)
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A view of rows of watermelons in Navi Mumbai's Agricultural Produce & Livestock Market Committee (APMC) fruit market, readied to be sold during the holy month of Ramadan, starting from Tuesday, (Bachchan Kumar, HT PHOTO)
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Pineapples at the APMC fruit market on Monday, ahead of beginning of Holy month of Ramadan starting from Tuesday in Navi Mumbai, India, on Monday, March 11, 2024. (Bachchan Kumar, HT PHOTO)
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In Srinagar, a shop keeper sells varieties of dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan on 11 March. (Photo by Waseem Andrabi, Hindustan Times)
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In Srinagar, a road side vendor sells dates ahead of the holy month of Ramadan on 11 March.Photo By Waseem Andrabi /Hindustan Times)-- (Photo by Waseem Andrabi, Hindustan Times)
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Scientists spot unknown emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica
Using new satellite imagery, scientists have also revealed that some of these emperor penguins colonies are moving as melting ice from climate change threatens breeding grounds
This 2008-2009 photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows an adult emperor penguin and chicks on the sea ice at Halley Bay. The British Antarctic Survey said recently that the four newly found colonies likely existed for many years, but scientists hadn’t previously spotted them. ((Richard Burt/British Antarctic Survey via AP))
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FILE PHOTO: Emperor penguins are seen in Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica April 10, 2012. (REUTERS/Martin Passingham/File Photo)
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This undated photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows adult emperor penguins with a chick near Halley Research Station in Antarctica. (AP)
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This combination of satellite images provided by the E.U.'s Copernicus program via the British Antarctic Survey in January 2024 shows four new emperor penguin colony sites in Antarctica. (Copernicus/British Antarctic Survey via AP)
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Emperor penguins need stable sea ice for successful breeding. (File/Wikimedia Commons)
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Trends that ruled the runway at Paris
Styles that showed up again and again during the Paris Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2024 shows, and how to wear them
Exaggerated-Shoulder Pinstriped-Twill Jacket: If there’s one trendthat defines this season, it’s the exaggerated shoulder. Here, Saint Laurent’s exaggerated take on 1980s suiting. Available onMatchesfashion.com; around ₹2.15 lakh
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Balmain’s Women’s Spring-Summer 2024: Red and coral shades and 3D florals showed up again and again, such as in this polka-dot playsuit from the luxury house’s Spring-Summer collection at Paris. For more,Balmain.com
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Air Jordan ‘Tartan Swoosh’ Sneakers: It was time for tartan. Re-create the trend with the Air Jordan 1 Mid high-top sneaker featuring a “Tartan Swoosh”. Available on Farfetch.com; around ₹20,000
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Moon Phase Varsity Bomber: Street style continues to rule. Bring it home with this bomber from Off-White studio in Italy, established by the late Virgil Abloh. Available on Revolve.com; around ₹29,000
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Carson cropped high-rise flared jeans: Buttermilk yellow is the new white. Here, Veronica Beard's 'Carson' jeans cut in a flared shape in a vintage '70s styles made from pastel-yellow denim.
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Opera Stilettos: Gladiator sandals made a strong show, such as Gianvito Rossi’s nappa leather pair with a 105mm stiletto heel. Available onLuxe.Ajio.com; ₹99,000
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Nazar Mini Annacapri Coral Earrings: Red was everywhere. Channel its energy with Turkish designer Begüm Khan’s ‘evil eye’ earrings made with real coral. Available on Matchesfashion.com; around ₹1.25 lakh
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Valentie Tie: Ties are back in formal fashion. Here, Valentino’s slim wool and silk tie with a metal ‘V’ appliqué. Available on Valentino.com;around ₹40,000
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Source: A compendium of bright and beautiful objects
This week's covet list features bright colours and interesting textures
That Red Shirt: Fine Khadi shirt edged with hand-embroidered details on the panels and pockets in fire-engine red. Available on Khanijo.com; ₹16,900
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Periwinkle Bandhani Printed Co-ord Set: Batwing sleeve shirt pairedwith a smocked, slit skirt from Saaksha & Kinni. Available on Ensembleindia.com; ₹25,000
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Forest-Themed Floral Set: Floral jewellery, all the rage at celebrity weddings, made using a combination of fresh and artificial flowers andleaves. Available on Floralart.co.in; ₹12,000
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Serendib Cake Stand: Hand-painted fine bone china cake stand accented with 24-carat gold for those special celebrations. Available onGoodearth.in; ₹6,500
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In The Clouds Jug: Designer Jonathan Hansen’s lead-free crystal jug with an exquisite hand-engraved cloud motif. Available on Modaoperandi.com; $650 (around ₹54,000)
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Taylor Twins Moccasins: Quirky and stylish low-heeled, colour-blocked moccasins with a square toe from Camper.Available on 24s.com; ₹13,707
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A compendium of beautiful objects ahead of the festive season
All that glitters is gold in our covet list this week
Brown Dragon Zara Necklace: Statement neck piece from Mayabazaar by Rosalind Pereira made using zari yarn, brass chain and a dragonfly brass pendant. Available on Ogaan.com; ₹2,060
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Chand Mati by Anjul Bhandari: A new festive collection from thedesigner celebrating chikankari blended with earthy neutrals, taking inspiration from lunar luminescence. Enquiries on Anjulbhandari.in; price on request
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Hoop Set: Gold-tone metal hoops from Australian designer Charles Lichaa’s 8 Other Reasons. Available on Revolve.com; ₹5,160
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Half-Zip Merino Long-Sleeve Top: Made from merino wool, DistrictVision’s longsleeved tee is breathable, antimicrobial and thermoregulating, with a half-zip construction and shell patch pocket.Available on Matchesfashion.com; $275 (around ₹23,000)
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Dream Pumps: From New York-based brand Mansur Gavriel, lambskin pumps with a block heel and golden finish for chic comfort. Available on Shopbop.com; $495
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Block-Printed Soft Silk Shirt: Short, boxy shirt in 100% silk with an all-over pattern made using natural indigo dye through block printing.Available on 11-11.in; ₹16,900
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Source: A compendium of beautiful and luxurious objects
From an unusual blush lehenga to decadent Louboutins, this week's covet list has everything
Red Sole Ribbon Ankle-Wrap Stiletto Sandals: Hot pink Christian Louboutin sandals in napa leather and crepe satin ribbon for that decadent feel. Available on Neimanmarcus.com; ₹88,756
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Floral-Printed Plisse Leather Midi Skirt: Showcasing Balenciaga’s “Lily” print from this season, this midi skirt is made from flexible leather into an A-line silhouette. Available on Modaoperandi.com (on pre-order); $6,890 (around ₹5.64 lakh)
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Lehenga From Imperial Minimalism By Sarah & Sandeep: The designer duo’s fresh, functional take on wedding wear marries Indian and Western silhouettes. Available on Sarahsandeep.com; price on request
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Amethyst Ribbon Ring: A playful and delicate ring crafted in 18-carat gold, set with natural amethyst baguettes along the band, from Akansha Sethi. Available on Akanshasethi.com; around ₹1.3 lakh
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Micro Bon Bon: Jimmy Choo’s iconic Bon Bon bag is re-imagined in miniature using napa leather. Available on Row.jimmychoo.com; €595(around ₹53,550)
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Emerald Set Salt & Pepper: With a glam Art Deco aesthetic, this porcelain salt and pepper set from Vista Alegre will dress up any dining table. Available on Luxe.ajio.com; ₹9,800
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Photoessay: The dolphins of Drake Bay