Pedal power
Fancy a smoothie? Better get pedalling! In some parts of Guatamala there’s only sporadic power and so regular electric appliances aren’t much use. The Maya Pedal organization has the answer: They’ve found a way to power blenders, water pumps and soon perhaps even washing machines.
The world’s biggest pyjama party, the longest zombie fest … The Guinness Book of World Records is full of crazy things. One of the most recent entries is the world’s largest gathering of people wearing party hats. In January, 2018, 621 school students came together in Wakefield, England, to promote the Young Minds charity.
Miami, Bali, Barcelona? That’s where most people celebrate beach parties. Here are some ideas for a different experience somewhat off the beaten track.
Come on shore, it’s party time! Where? Right on the beach in Máncora, a former fishing village in Peru that has turned into a hot spot for surfers complete with a rousing party every day.
Dirty sand, unruly revelers – Kuta Beach in Bali has an infamous reputation. But never fear, the tiny island of Gili Trangwan, Asia’s own Ibiza, is only around 100 kilometers to the north and well known for its fantastic full-moon parties.
Most people associate parties on the Mediterranean with Barcelona, or maybe Tel Aviv. But Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has been a well-kept secret for a long time. The parties there are every bit as spectacular as elsewhere, but without the rowdy crowds.
The Denver Art Museum, one of the most important art museums west of Chicago, turns 125 this year. Rembrandt: From Painter to Printmaker will be showing through Jan. 6.
Culture clash
The words Happy Birthday are always welcome, aren’t they? Yes and no. Birthday traditions vary considerably around the world.
belated is bad
In China, it’s bad luck to wish someone a belated happy birthday. You celebrate on or before the big day, but never afterwards. On your birthday, you’re allowed to eat as many long noodles as you like, as they are a symbol of longevity.
sweet spoils
In Mexico, you celebrate your birthday with a piñata, a papier-mâché figure or decorated container filled with candy and hung on a rope. Birthday guests beat it with a stick until it breaks and releases its sugary contents.
everyone gets older
In Vietnam, no one congratulates you on your birthday or gives you a gift. Birthdays just aren’t celebrated, and your age isn’t important. Everyone turns one year older together at Tet, the Vietnamese new year’s festival.