Today we belatedly mark World Food Day, which was celebrated yesterday, October 16, in honour of the date in 1945 when the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization was established. The theme was ‘Food Prices – From Crisis to Stability,’ an attempt to spotlight the need for global practices that can prevent the devastating price upswings we have seen all over the world. We therefore look back at some of the fantastic local-food contributions that have been made on The Travel Word.

The French brought rugby to the Lao PDR in the 1960s. In response to burgeoning interest in the sport, in 2001 the Lao Rugby Federation was founded to provide a formal framework for all rugby union activities taking place in the Lao PDR, whether in the context of school, community or domestic and elite international rugby development. Of particular value to the LRF is Champa Ban Rugby, an important coaching and community outreach program.

When visiting Siem Reap, Cambodia, travellers usually make a visit to the Angkor Wat UNESCO World Heritage Site their first priority. Its hundreds of ancient temples comprise the largest religious monument ever built. But with so much on offer, it’s important to plan a way to revitalise weary limbs after long exciting days. Many travellers therefore also find rest, relaxation and rejuvenation to be key qualities of a complete Angkor experience.

In some cultures, taking a bath has always been a community affair. Thousands of years ago the Greeks and Romans popularised the practice. Today, hammams (Turkish bathhouses) across the Middle East and Mediterranean give spa enthusiasts a way to relive this ancient experience and to reap the numerous health benefits.