From a Twitter fight between Nicki Minaj and Chris Whitty and a huge cargo ship stuck in the Suez Canal, Upday has rounded up the most surprising stories from the past 12 months.

2021 was a year of ups and downs for the British family.

British-born gymnast Danusia Francis, who competed for Jamaica at this summer’s postponed Games, scored a trip to Tokyo at the 2019 World Championships after narrowly missing out in 2012 and 2016.

London truly lights up at Christmas. When the weather turns cold and grey, the capital’s colorful holiday displays keep spirits high — even as the sun begins to set at 4 p.m. In late November-early December, Londoners usually celebrate the switch-on of London’s first Christmas lights with huge firework displays, Christmas carols, and even celebrity appearances. These events and holiday markets might have been cancelled this year, but the Christmas lights are still shining.

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world. But sticking to the city’s major tourist hotspots can mean missing out on some of the city’s best cuisine, local markets, and nightlife. Neighborhood-hopping is a great way to experience London’s multiculturalism. While some areas like Chinatown are obvious and easy to access, others require traveling further afield. These areas are often less touristy and offer more authentic representations of London life. Use this globally inspired neighborhood guide to travel the world within London.

I moved to London in September 2019. The first six months were ordinary; the next six were anything but. When the UK’s lockdown measures took effect in March, I realized that staying in London meant I would not see my family in Canada for some time. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the uncertainty surrounding travel makes homesickness worse. Whether an ocean away, or just across state lines, home feels further away than ever.

Netflix has struck reality TV gold with its latest hit, Love is Blind. On this dating show that makes relationships on The Bachelor seem conventional, strangers have the option to get engaged, but must do so within just 10 days – sight unseen. After “dating” from adjacent pods, contestants finally see each other face to face once they have popped the question. Four weeks later, couples walk down the aisle. “I dos” – and in some cases, “I don’ts” – are exchanged. When the show began streaming o

A noxious diet culture has surged in recent months, from the influx of home workouts on social and mainstream media to constant jokes about gaining the “Quarantine 15." Being stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic isn’t just a battle against boredom – it’s become downright dangerous for so many Canadians.

Portapique, a tiny rural community in Colchester County, Nova Scotia (NS), is the last place anyone would expect Canada’s deadliest mass shooting to take place – let alone during a global pandemic. But on 18 April, a gunman disguised as a police officer began a 12-hour killing spree, taking the lives of 22 people.

At five months old, Maple the Mastiff-mix has spent almost half her life in lockdown. Her owner, Mollie Millington, brought her home from the London rescue centre All Dogs Matter in mid-March, just a week before the UK’s social distancing measures began.

Eight Books to Get you Excited for your Next Travel Adventure Missing travel? You are not alone. In the age of social distancing, travel is out of the question for the immediate future. Cancelling a trip can be devastating, but more time at home means more time to make post-quarantine plans. If we can’t travel the world ourselves, reading about dreamy destinations and heart-pounding adventure might be the next best thing.