San Francisco Chronicle

GLOBETROTT­ER

- By Jeanne Cooper

Wildlife

Brigham City, Utah: The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near the Great Salt Lake is one of many U.S. wildlife preserves to talk turkey this week. Its family-friendly Turkey Days Open House, held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgivi­ng, includes crafts, exhibits and screenings of “My Life as a Turkey.” www.fws.gov/ be-arriver.

Landmark

Istanbul: It’s always Turkey Day for EarthCam’s newest webcam, which is trained on Hagia Sophia, the massive Byzantine church that dates to A.D. 360 and later became a mosque. The sounds of birds, distant cars and calls to prayer provide a soundtrack for the serene landmark, now a museum. www.earthcam.com.

Holiday

Brazil: On Nov. 20, 1695, Portuguese forces beheaded Zumbi, an abolitioni­st, warrior and leader of runaway slaves and free-born Afro-Brazilians in Palmares. Long a regional holiday, the anniversar­y of his death became a national holiday last year; it’s now called Black Conscience Day.

New tour

Nepal: See Mount Everest on two wheels — from a safe distance — on the new 12-day Himalayan Adventure Bike Tour, which traverses terraced farmlands, river gorges and hillside villages. Starting in March, the 12-day trip includes sightseein­g in Kathmandu on the Gorkha Trail, from $2,790 per person, excluding airfare. www.accesstrip­s.com.

New hotel

Mauritius: The green mountain of Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, towers over the new St. Regis Mauritius, a beachfront resort with 172 ocean-view rooms and suites. Guests can dine and drink at six venues reflecting Indian, Asian, British and other influences on the multiethni­c island. www. stregismau­ritius.com.

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St. Regis Mauritius
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Agencia Brasil
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Access Trips
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EarthCam

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