The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was named after Russian scientist and activist, Andrei Sakharov, and was established by the European Parliament in 1988 to recognize individuals and groups whose lives have stood for free thought and the defense of human rights. This segment focuses on the 2011 awards, where five Arab activists were honored.

Natalia takes us on a tour the beautiful San Pablo Lake in northern Ecuador, explaining to us about its many natural, sporting and leisure attractions.

As Spain celebrates its 25-year anniversary as a member of the European Union, let's take a look at its evolution over those years.

Meet Alejandro Hermann, a fascinating, world-renowned artist born of an Austrian father and French mother who studied in the best Parisian art schools and resides in Marbella, Spain.

Meet Joaquín Pérez, an award-winning Andalusian Nativity Scene sculptor.

An Ecuadorian player of the siku, a traditional Andean instrument, tells us how his music has taken him around the world.

The town of Olivares in Seville, Spain, has launched a set design workshop with the goal of teaching unemployed residents to create period decorations as a fun way to get to know their rich artistic heritage.

Taking organic meat to all the school dining rooms:
That is the main objective of the Campos company in Andalusia.

José Enriques, who works in the goat milk industry in Otavalo Ecuador, explains a bit about his typical day as well as the health benefits of goat milk.

Europea Abierta informs us about the European space program as well as its 2011 award for journalistic excellence.

Danny, an instructor at Outward Bound, an adventure school in Costa Rica, explains to us how experiencing an outdoor adventure may also constitute an internal journey which allows one to develop greater leadership skills and learn about oneself.

Meet Cesar Flores, the owner of the Kory Malku Andean shoe store in Otavalo, Ecuador.

Meet the volunteers of Faithful Friend Patrol, a dog rescue organization in Otavalo, Ecuador.

Natalia from Ecuador introduces us to the largely indigenous and extremely fascinating city of Otavalo, considered to be the "intercultural capital" of Ecuador.

Meet Manuel Leon, an Ecuadorian artist who makes effigies for the "Año Viejo" tradition which symbolically brings in the New Year by burning them as representations of the negative aspects of the past one.