It's nice to be revered, honoured, respected and acclaimed. To be regarded as the best. Even to be envied. That's what Japan, Germany, Canada, Italy and Switzerland are feeling as the latest Anholt Nation Brands Index ranks them as the five most admired countries on the planet. (Petra Hedorfer) Canada soars Right off the bat, the 30th annual index ...

The famous mural on a leftover part of the Berlin Wall. What a lip lock it was. A smooch that inspired a famous mural and is replicated on every souvenir possible from posters, postcards and mugs to keychains, tea towels and t-shirts. It's a reminder of communism, but also a symbol of freedom and even LGBTQ inclusivity. It's the 'My God, Help Me to...

Wendy screams 'DRINKO!' And Laurie, aka The Tequila Fairy, comes a-running, a 40-pounder of El Destilador Reposado held triumphantly over her head. Wendy knows the drill. She laughs, tips her head back, opens wide and The Tequila Fairy -- with an exaggerated look of shock -- pours a shot of Mexico's amber-hued national liquor directly down Wendy's ...

Burgundy is the home of classy Chardonnay and delicate Pinot Noir. Wine just happens to be grown in the most beautiful places in the world. "I have noticed that," said Margaux Laroche with a laugh. She should know. She is the seventh-generation owner and winemaker at Le Domaine D'Henri in Chablis, an appellation in France's stunning and renowned Bu...

Head to the Tijuca Rainforest for waterfalls and hiking Just like the Baroness d'Escragnolle, my wife is luxuriating in the cascade of the waterfall. Kerry raises her face to the cool tumble of water and flicks her hair, much like the 19th century aristocrat must have. This re-creation of nobility is happening at Baronesa Cascata, which translated ...

With a roar of engine and spray of Adriatic Sea, we race toward the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. The soundtrack on the speedboat is a bit of Putbull's 'Feel This Moment' and a bit of Duffy's 'Beggin' You For Mercy'. Thus, we ultimately realize speedboat is the most boss way to arrive at church. That's why my wife, Kerry, and I signed up for the...