central europe

An annual survey by the watchdog Freedom House says authoritarian leaders and the influence of China and Russia are undermining democratic progress achieved since the end of the Cold War.

For hundreds of years, these boulders have warned about the consequence of devastating droughts — and documented them for posterity. One says "if you see me, weep."

Christmas carp is a holiday mainstay in many central European nations. Traditionally, it swims in the family tub for a day or two, sometimes becoming a sort of pet before it ends up on the plate.