The featured Ascendant Challenge changes weekly in Destiny 2, so here’s this week’s location, as well as where you can find it.
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Ascendant Challenge in Destiny 2 this week (March 11-18)
I lived in London on a houseboat with my son – it was great but cost £1.8k a month & a gross reason nearly made me quit
A WOMAN has opened up about the honest reality of living on a houseboat in London – including the gross reason she nearly quit.
Carla Cresswell, 29, and her son Crue loved watching glorious sunsets from their home on the water, but realised that life on land was better in some ways.
On her TikTok account @ccresswell95, she shared how she was left horrified when she had to deal with the boat’s sewage system.
Single mum Carla said she hadn’t been told that the sewage tank needed to be emptied every two weeks.
One day the waste started coming back up the toilet at 1am and she was forced to scoop sewage out for seven hours using a plastic bowl.
While some people move onto boats to save money on bills, Carla paid £1,800 a month for hers on the River Thames.
Another reason she started to rethink boat life was due to the maintenance the boat required.
Showing a slow-dripping shower, she explained: “When I forgot to refill my water and had to shower in this before work.”
The mum also said creepy crawlies were a huge negative and she would be infested by green flies at 9pm every evening.
However, she argued that the swarms of spiders helped to catch them.
In addition to this, a flock of loud Egyptian geese once took up residence on her roof.
The single mum was also worried about their safety while they lived on the boat.
She explained: “When my child and I saw the lights switch off and somebody run through our boat as we arrived home. Had to get the neighbour and police, turns out it was just a reflection!
“And when a rescue boat whizzed past her houseboat, the current of the river was so forceful that her mirror smashed.”
Carla stated that on the whole, the pros of boat life “outweigh the cons” and in one video she said: “I love my life and wouldn’t change it for the world!”
In another video, she added: “One minute you’re a single mum left to raise a toddler alone in London, the next you’re living in a houseboat with your (now) 6 year old and puppy living your best life. It gets better.”
Despite Carla recently leaving the boat to travel in Australia, she insisted she wouldn’t change it for the world.
Many people were impressed at the floating home, with one writing: “Can I get a tour? Always wanted to live on the canal.”
Another added: “Oh wow! Sounds challenging.”
Pros and cons of living on a house boat
Houseboats can be cheaper than buying a home on dry land but doesn’t come without risks.
You may be able to get a special type of mortgage for a boat, but it can be more difficult than getting a traditional home loan and have higher rates of interest.
You won’t pay stamp duty when buying a boat to live on, and you can move to a different location whenever you want without having to sell up.
You might even be able to live in a location where you wouldn’t be able to afford a bricks and mortar house.
But space can be more limited, and the value of houseboats can generally go down over time, like a car or motorbike.
A licence which you need from the canal and river trust can cost anywhere between £510 and £1,100 a year depending on the size of the boat.
There are likely to be ongoing costs for maintenance and mooring as well as fuel, a boat safety certificate and, of course, insurance.
There’s always something that needs to be done on a boat – from engine servicing to treating rust spots, not to mention emptying the toilet and filling the water tank.
Energy bills could be higher on the boat than a home as they are generally harder to insulate.
If your boat is moored permanently, it will typically be in the lowest tax band, with single occupants benefiting from a 25% reduction.
However, if you’re happy to move every two weeks as a ‘continuous cruiser,’ you won’t have to pay this
Where Man Utd’s incredible 100,000 stadium will rank among world’s biggest as ambitious plans revealed
MAN UTD have confirmed plans to build a stunning 100,000 seater stadium near Old Trafford.
The vision, billed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the ‘Wembley of the North’, will cost a staggering £2billion to create.
United have ambitiously proposed that it will be completed within five years.
While, the struggling club will fund the ground itself, while the UK government will help support the regeneration of the Trafford Park area around the stadium.
United’s planned stadium would become the largest in the UK – overtaking Wembley, which has a capacity of 90,000.
However, how does it compare to football stadia around the world? SunSport does the number crunching to tell you the biggest around the globe.
10. Estadio Azteca, 90,000
Found in Mexico City, the Azteca is the home of Club America and the Mexico national team.
It is the largest stadium in Latin America and sits at an altitude of 7,200 feet above sea level.
Steeped in history, it has hosted two World Cup finals – one won by Pele, another by Diego Maradona.
It also hosted the infamous England vs Argentina 1986 World Cup match, where Maradona scored the ‘Hand of Goal’, as well as the ‘Goal of the Century.’
It is currently under renovation to expand its seating from 87,523 ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
9. Wembley Stadium, 90,652
The home of football, Wembley is English football’s mecca.
The national team plays there, the cup finals and playoffs feature, while Oasis will be playing seven sold-out concerts from the summer.
It is currently the largest stadium in the UK, and second biggest in Europe.
The stadium was built by Australian firm Multiplex at a cost of £798 million – opening its gates in 2007.
Fun fact; it has the largest roof-covered seating capacity in the world.
8. King Salman International Stadium, 92,000
In its infant stages, the King Salman International Stadium is proposed to be the biggest stadium in Saudi Arabia.
It will play host to the 2034 World Cup final, set to take place inside the amazing Riyadh venue.
Designed by architecture studio Populous, it will have a capacity for 92,000 spectators.
Populous revealed: “The stadium will blend into its surrounding topography, with terrain and natural habitat forming part of the stadium’s roof.
“Aside from its aesthetic appeal, this design will provide effective shading and ventilation tailored to the desert climate.”
7. Lusail Stadium, 92,349
Construction began on Qatar’s Lusail Stadium in 2017, and it hosted only three friendlies before it opened for matches at the 2022 World Cup.
It is cooled using solar power and is claimed to have zero carbon footprint.
However, there are plans for the stadium to be reconfigured into a 40,000-seat stadium.
Excess seating will be removed and other parts of the building repurposed as a community space with shops, cafés, athletic and education facilities, and a health clinic.
6. FNB Stadium, 94,736
Nicknamed the Calabash, it is the home of football and rugby union.
The South Africa nationals teams of both sports use it, while the South African first division team Kaizer Chiefs also play there.
Incredibly, the Chiefs hold the record attendance, which is over the current capacity, of 94,807 for a match against the Orlando Pirates.
Again, it’s a venue that’s steeped in history.
It was the site of Nelson Mandela‘s first speech in Johannesburg after his release from prison in 1990, and served as the venue for a memorial service to him on 10 December 2013.
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5. Misr Stadium, 96,940
The Misr Stadium is Egypt’s entry into proceedings.
It is part of the Egypt International Olympic City, a large sports complex that has been under construction since 2015.
It will have a training ground, two indoor halls (one of them a 15,000-capacity arena), an Olympic-size swimming pool, and other buildings.
That’s being built with an eye toward the country’s possible bids for the Olympic Games or the World Cup.
4. Man Utd’s new stadium, 100,000
Set to be created by architects at Foster and Partners, the stadium would feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.
Three giant towers, inspired by the Red Devils’ trident, will dominate the skyline and hold up the “umbrella” – a sweeping glass and steel canopy above that will keep fans dry inside and outside what would be Britain’s biggest stadium.
Their own, tree-lined version of Wembley Way would stretch from beyond the current Holy Trinity statue, to well inside the existing Old Trafford with land currently used for a car park and freight terminal behind the Stretford End coming in to play.
3. Camp Nou, 105,000
Barcelona are currently reconstructing the Camp Nou to make it the biggest stadium in Europe.
They have invested a staggering £1.25billion into the project which will see the capacity rise to 105,000.
It was due to be completed in time for the club’s 125th anniversary last November.
There has been a fresh delay, though, according to Spanish sports news site Relevo, who report the earliest return is now slated to be October 2025.
While the report adds the stadium’s roof will not be installed until summer of 2026.
2. Hassan II Stadium, 115,000
Projected to be completed in 2028, Morocco’s Hassan II Stadium will be the biggest stadium in Africa.
It is named after the late King Hassan II, who ruled from 1961 to 1999.
The proposed Hassan II Stadium was used as a bargaining chip, when Morocco had aspirations of hosting the 2010 World Cup, then 2026 World Cup.
They lost both bids, but will now share the tournament with Spain and Portugal in 2030.
Estimated costs are around £400million, which seems pretty cheap for now, but will surely rise.
1. The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium, 150,000
The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea is the biggest in the world.
Officially, it can hold up to maximum of 113,281 spectators.
After a 2014 remodel which included the replacement of some bench seating with individual seats, observers estimated the capacity to be lower than its original build.
Still, in 2022 it was confirmed, if they so wish, The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium is still expandable to housing 150,000 fans.
It first opened in 1989, currently used for football matches, a few athletics events, and most often for the mass games of the Arirang Festival.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un held a 2022 New Year’s Eve party on the grounds there, while he has also delivered political speeches there too.
ITV commentator forced to cut short Derek Chisora’s Cheltenham interview after telling punters ‘put your house on it’
DEREK CHISORA shared a Cheltenham tip which forced ITV to cut short their interview with the boxer.
The heavyweight attended day one of the festival.
But he already had his mind on what is to come later in the week as he shared a tip for viewers.
Chisora, 41, told punters to back Ballyburn in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase on Wednesday.
He told viewers to “put your house on it”, prompting a quick intervention from the broadcaster.
Cameras cut away as an ITV commentator said: “No no don’t do that.”
Fans found the interaction amusing as Chisora caught the broadcaster off guard.
One reacted saying: “Derek Chisora going “bet your house on it” at Cheltenham and I just know the producer in the reporter’s ear is panicking going ‘SAY BET RESPONSIBLY’ 
”
Another added: “Derek Chisora just made Oli Bell and ITV racing s*** themselves 
”
A third wrote: “Derek Chisora saying put your house on Ballyburn Oli Bell quick to throw the bet responsibly in there.”
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And another commented: “As if they trusted Derek Chisora on live TV.
“‘PUT YOUR HOUSE ON IT!’, ‘No! No! Don’t do that!’ 
”
Shocking moment TV star model Aleska Génesis is arrested just MOMENTS after leaving ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ house
THIS is the shocking moment a TV star model was arrested just moments after exiting a popular reality show.
Aleska Génesis, 33, was met by Mexican authorities following her elimination from an American-Spanish version of Celebrity Big Brother, La Casa de los Famosos All Stars.
The footage shows the distraught model being led to a car before being driven to a women’s prison in Mexico City.
Génesis has been accused of being involved in a “gang-related theft” of luxury watches.
And this is not the first time the model has been taken into custody in connection with the case.
Génesis was stopped at Mexico City International Airport on January 20 last year after her name triggered an alert with immigration officials.
She, along with two other women, was accused of stealing three luxury watches from a property in the Mexican capital in October 2022.
The stolen watches were valued at more than 10 million MXN, or £380,500.
The items belonged to Mexican casino chain tycoon Francisco Javier Rodríguez Borgio.
Borgio was made aware that Génesis had allegedly tried to sell the the watches in Miami after being contacted by a friend.
Following her arrest last year, Génesis was taken to a women’s prison in Mexico City.
But she only spent a few hours there, as a judge ordered her release due to insufficient evidence.
Before entering La Casa de los Famosos All Stars, Génesis knew that there was a warrant for her arrest.
She managed to obtain a legal safeguard against the arrest, but it was no longer valid once she was voted out of the house.
On Monday, Génesis shared a story with her 8.1 million Instagram followers from a fellow Venezuelan model named Michell Roxana.
It read: “Today, I’m revealing the truth: There is no crime, no real evidence against us; just lies fabricated by Francisco Javier Rodríguez Borgio.
“There’s clear evidence that this is all a set-up by Borgio to harm and tarnish our image.”
Génesis is from Maracaibo, Venezuela, and has appeared in music videos for Anuel, Sebastián Yatra, and other famous artists.
‘How unrealistic can you get?’ – Fans spot wildly optimistic feature in hidden detail of Man Utd stadium plans
MANCHESTER UNITED fans have slammed an “unrealistic” feature in their new 100,000-seater stadium plans.
The Red Devils unveiled stunning images of the £2billion “Wembley of North” that will replace Old Trafford.
United’s new home will feature an umbrella design and a new public plaza that is “twice the size of Trafalgar Square”.
Architects at Foster and Partners also confirmed that there will be three towers to hold up the “umbrella” – with a sweeping glass and steel canopy acting as a roof for fans inside and outside the ground.
United have ambitiously predicted that the stadium will be finished within five years.
But fans have taken a sceptical view of a small feature seen in the computer generated images released today.
Above the stands is a huge wraparound scoreboard that reads that United are 3-0 up.
Fans were not convinced the scoreline would ever be true given the club are currently in the midst of a disastrous season, sitting 14th in the Premier League table.
One hilariously commented: “The most audacious thing from this new stadium project is the fact they’re assuming we’ll be 3-0 up at home.”
Another added: “How unrealistic can you get Man Utd haven’t been 3-0 up since Fergie retired.”
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The eye-catching stadium plans are part of a wider government-backed regeneration of the Trafford Park area.
There will be a Wembley Way-like path up to the stadium that includes plans for a three-storey museum and canal-side shops and restaurants to all be part of a huge fan park.
Approximately 17,000 homes are set to be built and the area will become a major hub of activity, creating 92,000 jobs.
Architect Lord Foster said: “The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.
“The outward-looking stadium will be the beating heart of a new sustainable district, which is completely walkable, served by public transport, and endowed by nature.
“It is a mixed-use miniature city of the future – driving a new wave of growth and creating a global destination that Mancunians can be proud of.”
For the designs to come to life, the current Old Trafford will be knocked down.
The decision to demolish the club’s spiritual home has been made by the Regeneration Task Force chaired by Lord Coe and including legend Gary Neville and mayor Andy Burnham.
United are currently in £1billion worth of debt and it is unclear how they plan on paying for the new stadium.
BlizzCon 2026 confirmed as Microsoft’s gaming mega event to reveal SECRET news about games loved by millions of players
ONE of the world’s biggest gaming festivals is coming back to life after a three-year wait.
BlizzCon – which is hosted by Microsoft-owned Blizzard – sees tens of thousands of gamers flocking to hear the latest gaming news.
And the next BlizzCon event is set to take place on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 in 2026.
The first BlizzCon took place all the way back in 2005, and it’s attracted top musical talent.
Closing Ceremony acts have included Metallica, Linkin Park, Muse, Blink 182, Ozzy Osbourne, Tenacious D, and The Offspring.
The event focuses on blockbuster games from Blizzard, which is part of Microsoft‘s Activision.
That includes titles from the Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, and Overwatch franchises.
The most recent event was BlizzCon 2023, which means there will have been a three-year gap between events.
Blizzard used to host BlizzCon every year, but breaks have become more frequent – with this being the longest gap.
“Our celebration of our universes, connection, and community is coming back to the Anaheim Convention Center next year,” Blizzard said.
“Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments.
“It’s important that we put on an event worthy of our community.
“For 2026, alongside BlizzCon staples like Opening Ceremony, in-depth panels, the Darkmoon Faire, friendly competition, hands-on gameplay, and more, we aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it.”
Gamers who attend usually get to claim a free goodie bag filled with merch – plus exclusive in-game items.
And they’ll get to hear the latest updates first about upcoming Blizzard games.
This is also one of the first BlizzCon events since tech giant Microsoft bought up Blizzard’s parent company Activision.
The buy-out happened less than a month before the 2023 BlizzCon, which meant it was still very fresh.
There’s no pricing for tickets yet, but a single entry cost $299 for the 2023 event.
Blizzard also hasn’t revealed when tickets will go on sale, but it’s usually a few months before the event.
WHAT GAMES TO EXPECT AT BLIZZCON 2026
BLIZZCON EVENTS SO FAR
Here's when previous BlizzCon events took place...
- 2005 – October 28-29
- 2006 – No event
- 2007 – August 3-4
- 2008 – October 10-11
- 2009 – August 21-22
- 2010 – October 22-23
- 2011 – October 21-22
- 2012 – No event
- 2013 – November 8-9
- 2014 – November 7-8
- 2015 – November 6-7
- 2016 – November 4-5
- 2017 – November 3-4
- 2018 – November 2-3
- 2019 – November 1-2
- 2020 – No event
- 2021 – February 19-20 (Online)
- 2022 – No event
- 2023 – November 3-4
- 2024 – No event
- 2025 – No event
- 2026 – September 12-13
Picture Credit: Microsoft / Activision Blizzard
So what can gamers look forward to at BlizzCon 2026?
Blizzard won’t reveal its exact plans ahead of time, but we can make some educated guesses.
World of Warcraft is one game into its Worldsoul Saga trilogy, which with Midnight and The Last Titan still to come.
It’s unlikely that all three will be out before BlizzCon 2026, but the event could be used to reveal what comes next.
Shooter hit Overwatch 2 came out in 2023, replacing 2016’s Overwatch.
There’s no word on whether an Overwatch 3 is in the works, but we’d expect to see major updates to the existing game at least. That could include new game modes, maps, and characters.
Hellish RPG Diablo 4 also launched in 2023, a lengthy 11 years after Diablo 3.
It feels far too soon for Diablo 5, but Blizzard has teased a new expansion for 2026 – following this year’s Vessel of Hatred.
There hasn’t been a new Starcraft game since 2010, unless you include expansion packs and 2017’s remaster of the original game.
So action-RPG fans will be hoping for Starcraft 3 to drop – or maybe some other game set in the sci-fi universe.
And we could also see big updates to other Blizzard games like card-battling hit Hearthstone or phone-friendly Warcraft Rumble.
Sadly Heroes of the Storm news seems unlikely, given that Blizzard ended development of the game back in mid-2022.
BLIZZCON TICKET PRICES OVER THE YEARS
Here's how general admission tickets have previously been priced...
- BlizzCon 2005 – $120
- BlizzCon 2007 – $100
- BlizzCon 2009 – $125
- BlizzCon 2010 – $150
- BlizzCon 2011 – $175
- BlizzCon 2014 – $199
- BlizzCon 2019 – $229
- BlizzCon 2023 – $299
- BlizzCon 2026 – TBC
Picture Credit: Microsoft / Activision Blizzard
Blizzard might also use the event to launch a brand new game or franchise.
Similarly, we might see Blizzard reveal more tie-ins with Microsoft products and services – including the Xbox.
We’ll find out for sure in 2026.
Golf tips, free bets and latest odds for the Players Championship
The Americans love the idea of a ‘three-peat’ – so they are getting very excited at the possibility of Scottie Scheffler making it three in a row at the Players Championship
That obviously depends on the world No 1 rediscovering last year’s sparkle, and there was little sign of that happening at Bay Hill last week.
Scheffler, the 5-1 favourite this week, finished in a tie for eleventh – not too shabby – but his woeful performance with the putter did little to inspire confidence.
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Players Championship betting tips
Second favourite Rory McIlroy is not a big fan of Sawgrass, so this could be a good week to avoid both of the Big Two – and the list of players who could step up is headed by Justin Thomas.
Thomas is looking much more like the player who won two USPGA titles despite a pretty mediocre performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week.
I’m willing to overlook that, as Bay Hill is not a course that Thomas has looked comfortable on in the past. But you cannot say the same thing about Sawgrass.
Thomas won here in 2021, and also has a share of third among some close calls here. So at 25-1, he looks to be the best value among those near the top of the market.
Shane Lowry looked like doing us a favour at similar odds when he led after 36 holes at Bay Hill, before slipping back to finish solo seventh.
He still rewarded each way support, and could do the same thing this week, at around 40-1.
The Irishman has clocked up three top 20s here in the last four years without really threatening the leaders – but in his current mood he should take a step forward.
The Players looks wide open this year, so it could also be worth taking a chance with a couple of longshots. And one who makes plenty of appeal is in-form Englishman Aaron Rai, who is 66-1 with some bookies.
The Wolverhampton golfer now lives across the road from Sawgrass, and plays a ton of practice rounds here. So he knows the course better than a lot of the home golfers.
Rai has been easing his way back towards the sort of form that brought him his breakthrough PGA Tour victory at the Wyndham Championship last year, finishing fourth in Mexico and matching Scheffler’s 11th place at Bay Hill.
Another 66-1 shot, Robert MacIntyre also finished in the logjam for 11th place last week. Even though he missed the cut at Sawgrass last year, he is another player whose game looks well suited to this course
It is hard to make a case for most of the players at three figure odds – but Cameron Young WILL put four good rounds together soon. At 150-1, or better, he could be worth a small interest.
***************************************************************
There is no event on the DP World Tour this week. But the LIV circus pitches up in Singapore, with Jon Rahm inevitably leading the market, at around 7-1.
But the hottest LIV players at the moment are Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton – and slight preference is for 9-1 shot Hatton
The English ace finished a shot ahead of Niemann last year in fifth place. That was his first look at the course, and he should be a few shots better this time.
Brooks Koepka won here a year ago, and 16-1 about him bouncing back to form is not to be sniffed at.
Sebastian Munoz looked like a player who would be winning before long when he finished joint runner-up – with Rahm – behind Adrian Meronk in Saudi Arabia. At 28-1, the Colombian golfer looks the each way pick.
And Sam Horsfield has shown enough glimpses of form to suggest he could be worth a small stake at 100-1.
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Teenager with one-in-a-billion ‘werewolf syndrome’ wins world record for ‘hairiest male face’
AN 18-year-old in India has made history by securing the Guinness world record for the hairiest male face.
Lalit Patidar has hair covering 95 per cent face due to a rare condition called hypertrichosis, or “werewolf syndrome”.
Triggered by a genetic mutation in most cases, it is believed to affect roughly one in 340 million people.
“Lalit is one of only around 50 documented cases reported worldwide since the Middle Ages, making him one in a billion,” Guinness World Records said on its website.
Despite facing stares from classmates as a child, the teenager from the central Madhya Pradesh state told the record-breaking site he embraces his uniqueness.
The teen even shares glimpses of his daily life on his YouTube channel, which has garnered over 108,000 followers.
Lalit recently travelled to Milan for Lo Show dei Record, where his record was officially confirmed. He has nearly 202 hairs per square centimetre on his face.
“It’s very rare that people are not treating me well,” he explained.
“Most people are good to me. It depends on the person.”
He added: “The first day of school wasn’t so good because the other kids were scared of me, but when they got to know me, they realised I’m not so different from them.”
After receiving the title, he said: “I am speechless. I don’t know what to say because I am very happy to get this recognition.”
Currently, the only way to manage the condition is by regularly trimming the hair.
Despite suggestions to remove it, Lalit confidently embraces his appearance, saying he likes himself just the way he is.
“I like how I am, and I don’t want to change my look,” he says.
Since 2023 almost a dozen cases of the bizarre syndrome have been reported in Europe.
Scientists say the unusual hair growth in newborns is likely linked to minoxidil, a popular over-the-counter hair-loss treatment.
CASES IN EUROPE
In April 2023, a baby boy began growing hair on his back, legs, and thighs over two months, triggering alarm among health experts.
This unusual case was reported by the Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarra in northern Spain.
It turns out that the baby’s hair growth was linked to his dad using minoxidil, the hair loss treatment, while off work looking after him.
The dad had been applying the lotion to his scalp, and once the baby stopped being exposed to it, the hair growth on his back, legs, and thighs started to fade.
After this case in Spain, the Centre found 10 more similar reports of “werewolf syndrome” in babies across Europe, all linked to minoxidil use.
What is hypertrichosis AKA 'Werewolf Syndrome'?
Hypertrichosis, known as 'werewolf Syndrome', is a rare and curious condition that causes excessive hair growth anywhere on a person's body.
It can affect both women and men.
The abnormal hair growth may cover the face and body or occur in small patches.
Hypertrichosis can appear at birth or develop over time.
The causes of hypertrichosis aren’t well understood, though there is a form of the disease that tends to run in families.
Congenital hypertrichosis may be caused by reactivation of genes that cause hair growth.
Evolution appears to have shut down the genes that cause excessive hair in humans because it served no value.
By a mistake that still has no known cause, these hair-growth genes appear to “turn on” while a baby is still in the womb, according to Healthline and MedicalNewsToday.
When it occurs in later life, it may be due to malnutrition, eating disorders, medications, cancer or an autoimmune condition.
Hypertrichosis has no cure or known prevention tool.
The risk of certain forms of acquired hypertrichosis may be lowered by avoiding certain medications, such as minoxidil.
Treating hypertrichosis involves the removal of hair through a variety of short-term methods including shaving, chemical epilation, waxing, plucking and hair bleaching.
Long-term solutions include electrolysis and laser surgery.
Source: Healthline
‘The perfect short haul April holiday’ – Morocco has 22 degree temps and 3-hour flights – what to eat and where to stay
OUR new Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots.
This week we’re shining the light on Morocco’s Marrakech where it’s a balmy 23C right now.
Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel, filled us in on her recent trip to the Moroccan city. She said: “I’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Marrakech and the city is as exciting as ever.
“We were sunbathing on the roof of our riad in the Medina in glorious 22 degree temperatures – and I loved the amazing desert landscapes just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
“Tourism is booming in the city and while the streets are as colourful and chaotic as ever, the influx of visitors has brought some gorgeous new bars, restaurants and stunning hotels.”
She added: “It pays to do your research and book restaurants and tours in advance though as even in February and the start of Ramadan, the souks were teeming and lots of places were fully booked.
“We did a three-hour food tour of the Medina with Get Your Guide and while stuffing ourselves on some fantastic street food I probably would never have had the courage to try on my own, he revealed the secrets of the city and its fascinating past.
“With six stops along the way, there was more than enough food and it cost just £35 each.
“My favourite stop was deep in the souks – a dish the locals love where beef is cooked in a dry frying pan with tomato, spices and eggs that is eaten by scraping the delicious dish straight from the pan.
“Also worth the money was our very special day in the Agafay Desert. An hour’s drive from the souks and we arrived at The White Camel, a luxury tented camp.
“After an afternoon of dune buggy fun we watched the sun set with a drink by their infinity pool before indulging in a fantastic four course meal.”
Lisa continued: “It cost just £170 for everything including the dune buggies, food, drink and transfers to and from the city.
“Two things to note though. Keep an eye out for the motorcyclists that whizz through the narrow streets of the Medina though – it’s the one thing that perhaps is ruining the charm of the city.
“And beware the henna ladies in the Jemaa el-Fnaa main square – they can be quite aggressive in dragging you to sit and have your hands painted and demand outrageous sums. Politely and firmly pull your hand back and avoid.”
Must see and do
You can’t go to this cultural city without experiencing the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square and all of its vibrant cafes and colourful stalls.
The square, in the heart of Marrakech, has been named a Unesco World Heritage site and it captures the city in a nutshell, making it ideal for first-timers.
Most of the cultural experiences are free to see, including musicians, snakecharming, above, and other street performers.
And make sure to visit one of the square’s many food stalls to pick up some maakouda – a traditional potato cake.
Hidden gem
Within the Kasbah district, you’ll find the Saadian Tombs. This historical landmark often gets overlooked by tourists, but is one of the city’s most beautiful spots.
The 14th-century site was discovered in 1917 and the tombs are some of the most lavish you’ll ever see, made from Italian Carrara marble, while the ceilings are decorated in pure gold.
Best view
With 360-degree views, the Nobu Hotel’s rooftop offers some of the best vistas.
Here, you’ll be able to watch the sun shimmer over the Atlas Mountains, while tucking into quality sushi or sipping on a cocktail – go for one of their signatures like the Atlas Breeze made with vodka, basil syrup, lime and ginger beer.
The best time to visit is at sunset, when you can listen to mellow tunes from a live DJ.
Rated restaurant
For traditional Moroccan dishes in a charming setting, head to Safran By Koya, a short walk from the Koutoubia mosque. It can be pricey but nails the classics.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to tajines – perhaps the tastiest is the slowcooked lamb one with caramelised dates and prunes (around £50).
For something a bit more lively, head to Le Azar which has live oriental music and belly dancers from Thursday to Saturday.
Tuck into mezze sharing dishes of lemon hummus, spit-roasted chawarma and freshly baked bread with dips.
Best bar
The boutique El Fenn hotel has a charming rooftop with red-striped cushions and heavily patterned sun loungers that are perfect for relaxing on while soaking up the rays and views of the Koutoubia mosque.
You can’t reserve a spot so arrive early. Sip on cocktails like the Marrakech Negroni made with spice-infused vermouth, Campari and gin.
Best hotels
Stay in Le Riad Berbere Marrakech, a very affordable and sweet little boutique hotel, north of the city centre.
Rooms are simple yet characterful with marble floors and huge tubs – some also have patios where you can spend tranquil mornings with a cuppa.
You’ll have many top attractions nearby including the Jardin Majorelle, which is a 25-minute stroll.
Rooms cost from £84 per night. See leriadberbere.hotels-marrakesh.com.
Here Are Our Top Picks for April
We've got some great recommendations for anyone planning a European break this April ...
“While I’ve been lucky enough to spend one week exploring the Amalfi Coast in the height of the summer, the crowds were unbearable. I learnt my lesson and on a second visit, I plumped for early April. Even though the weather wasn’t as sensational – and dips in the sea definitely weren’t on the agenda – it was warm enough for a light jacket. Make the most of exploring without the crowds and book visits to Pompeii and Herculaneum.” – Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter
“If you are wanting to find the best place in Spain where you can expect it to be hot in spring, then Seville is the very best option. Just a few hours by plane, it is one of the country’s hottest cities (so much so that you will want to skip it in the summer holidays, where temperatures can hit 40C). Enjoying highs of 24C in April, it is also one of Spain’s most beautiful locations, where you can find stunning old cathedrals and plazas as well as glasses of wine for a few euros.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
“Amsterdam has always been a top city to visit in spring, from the budget-friendly flights to the biking-friendly weather. April is also one of the top months to visit, with 80 per cent of the days set to be sunny. It’s also extra special because it’s tulip season. And just 35 minutes away from Amsterdam city centre is the biggest tulip display in the country. Keukenhof Tulip Gardens plant seven million flower bulbs by hand and the best time to see them all in bloom is in April. With 800 different varieties of tulips, it’s an experience not to be missed.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
“For fly-and-flop holidaymakers seeking faff-free travel with guaranteed sunshine, few holiday destinations beat The Canary Islands. I paid a visit to Gran Canaria for the first time this year – and it did not disappoint. The volcanic island is only a four-hour (ish) flight from the UK, yet it offers balmy weather that is worlds apart from those April showers back home, reaching highs of up to 23C in spring.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
“April is an exciting time to visit Ibiza, as the island is slowly coming out of its winter hibernation. Many of the big clubs like Pacha and Hï launch their summer season with grand opening nights towards the end of the month. While some of the day parties like O Beach and Ushuaïa don’t start until late April / early May, the more chilled beach clubs like Jockey Club start to reopen in May.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel
