Why is the Giant Rafflesia so special?

The Giant Rafflesia, which weighs up to 7 kg, boasts the biggest bloom in the world (the world record is 107 cm in diameter, and the average is around 1 m). What makes the flower even more special is that it takes 8-9 months to grow from bud to bloom, and the dark red petals are alive for a few days to a week only. Afterwards they decay to a black mass and you have to wait another year to see the magical spectacle. The Rafflesia is a parasite with no stem, leaves or roots, growing instead on a tropical vine.

Bud

Almost ready

In bloom

Rotten

When does the Rafflesia bloom?

Nobody knows when the flower will bloom, as the season changes from year to year depending on conditions. It’s a good idea to contact a local agency a few days prior to arriving – they can tell you if it’s the right time to see the Rafflesia. December and January seem to be the most likely months, but the bloom could happen any time.

Can you reach the Rafflesia in Khao Sok National Park without a guide?

The trails leading to the Rafflesia are in a way well marked, but the starting points are small, innocuous-looking paths by the roadside, which are kind of hidden on purpose. If you don’t know the starting point, you can’t get any farther.

At first, I was kind of annoyed that you must hire a guide (500-1500 baht for two hours depending on the agency and how big the group is) instead of getting there yourself. I initially thought they arranged it like this as a way of making money from foreigners, but I was proven wrong. The park rangers from Khao Sok take good care of the rare flowers – every bud is numbered and monitored through the year, and your guide makes sure you behave responsibly around the flower. You are not allowed to touch or, god forbid, pick the Rafflesia. If everyone could find the flowers on their own, the beautiful Rafflesia would undoubtedly suffer more damage.

How does the Rafflesia smell?

Before I visited the Rafflesia, I had read on the internet about how dreadful, life-endangering and dead-corpse-like the stench of the rotten flower was. Eager to try this lethal weapon on my own nose, I almost screamed out of excitement when I saw a dead Rafflesia on the way. But what a disappointment! There was nothing! I couldn’t understand why, as our guide spoke only Japanese (which I don’t speak), but after reading many blogs on the topic, I think I might be the first person in the world who has been spared the rotten-meat smell of this incredible plant.

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In many parts of the world the day of the summer solstice (21 June in the Northern Hemisphere) is special. Besides being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest in the Southern, this is also the day which marks the link between people, the Earth, and the Sun, and is celebrated with dances, bonfire, making wreaths, gathering healing plants and herbs, performing magic and mystical rituals…

Create a special celebration for the Summer Solstice this year, whether it be a traditional ritual or one you made up yourself.

Here are several unusual and fun summer solstice ideas:

Escape the city to greet the sun

Use every occasion to fill your smog-clogged lungs with fresh air. Choose a nature spot with a spectacular sunrise view to greet the first rays of the sun. Breathe in the smell of wild flowers, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, hear the birds’ songs. This is more practicing mindfulness than a ritual but still counts.

Sunrise © Nishan Joomun

Gather medicinal plants for their healing powers like a Bulgarian

In many places, the night of St. John (June 24) is considered a magical one when the medicinal plants double their power. Women wake up before the rooster crows to gather plants and hang them over the doorstep of their home to keep witches away (in case you have had any problematic witches in your life recently, now you know the remedy!). In Bulgaria, for example, the plants have to be 77. Additionally, a small flower bunch is left in a container of water to spend the night under the stars. This bouquet is kept throughout the year as a personal talisman.

Summer solstice medicinal plants © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Celebrate New Year like the Mapuche people in Chile

At these latitudes, the June solstice marks the shortest day of the year called We Tripantu. Eating, drinking, telling traditional stories and playing Mapuche folklore instruments is part of the party. Well, it sounds like a normal party but you can also counter any distrust pointing out that if someone doesn’t respect the Mapuche traditions, this is none of your business.

Four Mapuche kids to distract you from the drinking and eating topic.

Join thousands of sun worshippers at Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the places where the largest number of sun worshippers gather from all over the world. The monument was designed for summer solstice celebrations more than 1,000 years ago, plus you can join the event for free on the morning of June 21.

Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

Make flower wreaths like a Swedish

The Swedish express their summer joy by dancing around a high stake, adorned with flowers. They make wreaths, which the girls wear on their heads.

Burn a huge scarecrow like a Danish

In the whole of Scandinavia there is a tradition of making a huge bonfire during the night of the summer solstice. The Danish go to extremes as they burn up scarecrows.

Danish MIdsommer fire

Complete 108 sun salutations like the yogis

Enrich your yoga practice with a ritual observed in many places around the globe – completing 108 (1+8=9, a sacred number) sun salutations (surya namaskar) in a row.

Complete 108 salutations

Make up your own sun ritual

Maybe you feel like indulging in sun salutations while you burn your flower wreath in a New-Year bonfire near Stonehenge? It doesn’t really matter what you are doing as long as you put all your passion in it. If you have a fun summer solstice tradition, feel free to share it in the comment.

One more idea: Get dressed and watch the sunrise on the day of the Winter Solstice (between 21 and 23 December in the northern hemisphere) or right now if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What to do at Keukenhof

Before you head to the gardens, charge your batteries and bring a second memory card, because you’ll want to take thousands of photos. Besides walking around the flower beds (outdoors and in several pavilions), you can also take a flower photography course, take a canal boat tour or join a guided walking tour around Keukenhof. There’s also a retro-style labyrinth where you can lose yourself.

A special corner is dedicated to the favorite Dutch children book character Miffy the rabbit, and there’s even a mini zoo. Don’t miss the more than 120-year-old mill, whose squeaking stairs lead you up to a beautiful view. If you’re obsessed with treasure hunts like I am, take a map from the entrance and enjoy discovering the secrets of the park.

History in five sentences

Jacqueline, Countess of Hainaut in the 15th century, loved horticulture and had a special garden with herbs and spices for her castle’s kitchen. That’s where the name Keukenhof came from – meaning the ‘kitchen garden’. After changing ownership a few times, the area became an English-style garden in 1857 and a tulip garden in 1949. It was the idea of the then-mayor to create a special place where Dutch growers could showcase their tulip hybrids. Nowadays, more than 800,000 visitors tick off Keukenhof from their bucket list every year.

The 120-year-old mill in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Best time to visit Keukenhof

Keukenhof is open only two months a year, when the spring flowers bloom – usually between the end of March and mid-May (2018 dates: March 22 to May 13). The best time to visit is in the middle of April, because in March many of the flowers are still buds.

Three challenges for Keukehof:

1. Find the tulip Walk of Fame.

2. Climb the mill for a panoramic view of the park.

3. Find your way through the labyrinth.

Practicalities

If you’re coming from the Hague or Schipol Airport in Amsterdam, look online in advance to buy a combined bus and entry ticket (Keukenhof is a perfect day trip from Amsterdam). You’ll get a free map of the park from the ticket office. There’s free Wi-Fi all over the park, so you can share your photos as you explore. The walking lanes are 10 mi/15 km long, but you can’t ride a bike in the park. You can, however, rent a bike and explore the surrounding tulip fields outside the park. More information here.

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A piglet at the mini zoo in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Flowers in Keukenhof | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

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Here are our top 3 reasons to visit the Netherlands this spring:

#1 Cycling adventures

Cycling in Holland | © NBTC

One of the most important components of life in the Netherlands is cycling. Locals literally live on their fiets (bike). Bikes are used to get around in the city and between cities, transport your groceries, furniture, pets and even children.

So, it would be a shame not to explore the country on two wheels. It is indeed the only way to feel the true Dutch spirit. Rent a bike from one of the numerous rentals and hit the road. Whether you want to roam around big urban centers like Amsterdam and Rotterdam or discover the charms of the blossoming countryside, you can easily do so on a bicycle. The Netherlands has to offer 32,000 km of cycling paths that are waiting to be explored. Choose among the endless cycling roads and plan your trip with a handy cycle planner that is also available in English.

If you are in the mood for something new, why not try bicycle hitchhiking in Amsterdam? All you have to do is look for a bike with a yellow backie and shout “Backie!”.

#2 Endless fields filled with flowers

Cycling among tulips in Holland | © NBTC

In spring, the Netherlands turns into a paradise for every flower lover. March is the start of the crocus season, followed by the gentle daffodils and the fragrant hyacinths. Don’t miss on the iconic tulips that show their enchanting colors from mid-April to mid-May.

The best place to enjoy Dutch tulips is the Keukenhof or the world’s biggest flower exhibition, which is just 30 minutes away from Amsterdam. The garden is gorgeous in spring, showcasing over 7 million blooming bulbs, with a total of 800 varieties of tulips. The place is also hosting various flower-related events like a roses show, freesia show, and the world’s biggest lily show. Other major tulip farms are located in the Noordoostpolder and along the coast of the Hague and Leiden.

#3 Dutch café culture

A cafe in Holland | © NBTC

Dutch cafés are laid-back and social spaces to talk, drink and celebrate life. Most of them are located right by the famous Dutch canals or have a gorgeous green garden. Soak up some sun (which is rare and highly valued in the Netherlands) while enjoying a tasty snack and a cold beer. Opt for a traditional Heineken or one of the exquisite Belgian varieties that are among the local favorites. When food is concerned, locals worship the taste of deeply fried kibbeling (cod) that is dipped in a fresh garlic or tartar sauce. Sweet lovers can enjoy a delicious stroopwafel (a waffle consisting of two sheets of baked dough and a syrupy caramel layer in the middle) that is best washed down with a latte.

If your mouth is watering and you long for a trip across the flat and colorful fields of the Netherlands, it`s high time to start planning your Dutch trip. Happy traveling!

***

A passionate writer, journalist, and explorer, Yoana Hristova (www.yoanahristova.com) has worked and studied in Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Currently based in Bulgaria, she is always on the lookout for great stories that inspire us to travel, grow and discover what life has to offer.

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Every year in April, Istanbul turns into the capital of tulips. This is when millions of bulbs show up in the parks and gardens of the city and transform old Constantinople into a flowery fairy tale.

In 2017, more than 26.5 million tulips of 160 varieties were planted across Istanbul.

If you are visiting the colorful fiesta that is the Istanbul Tulip Festival, here’s some useful information on where to go and what to see.

When do tulips in Istanbul bloom?

The exact date depends on the weather from year to year, but in general you can expect the tulips to start blooming at the end of March or the beginning of April. The flowers flourish for several weeks, until the beginning of May.

Tulips in Istanbul | Daxis/Flickr

What are the dates of the Istanbul Tulip Festival?

Usually, the festival spans the whole month of April. However, as you will see from the information below, you don’t need to plan your visit around any exact dates, as special events and brilliant spring flowers grace the city throughout the whole month. Although it’s called a ‘festival’, it would better be described as a rather loose series of events (like concerts, art workshops, and exhibitions) taking place mainly in Emirgan Park. The festival doesn’t have an official website, so the best way to discover what’s going on is to ask the staff at your hotel/hostel.

Why is the tulip a symbol of Istanbul?

The tulip is one of the most recognizable symbols of Istanbul. The flower was imported centuries ago from Iran, and its arrival created a real fever among locals, who competed to grow the best and most unusual bulbs in their gardens. A rare bulb could cost an absolute fortune at the height of tulip popularity in the city. Tulips made their way from Istanbul to Europe where, especially in the Netherlands, they caused a similar craze.

Tulips in Istanbul | Nezih Durmazlar/Flickr

Which parks in Istanbul have the most beautiful tulip gardens?

Emirgan Park (or Emirgan Korusu) – with its colorful pavilions, millions of tulips and other spring flowers, plus its stunning views over the Bosphorus, this park is the headquarters of the festival. Open stages pop up in April to host musicians, actors and other performers. You will also see traditional marble drawing demonstrations, calligraphy, glass blowing, and photo exhibitions.

Göztepe Park – This is the other festival hot spot, with plenty of events on its schedule. It is located on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Beykoz Korusu – This is another green oasis in the Asian part of Istanbul. Here you can enjoy relaxing walks along the Bosphorus, with the strait on one side and lush greenery on the other.

Gülhane Park – More than a million tulips are planted here every spring.

Yıldız Park – This park is located close to Yıldız Palace, hence the name. It used to be the sultan’s private hunting ground, but today its thick forest areas and Ottoman pavilions are open for visitors.

Sultanahmet Square – The square next to Sultanahmet Mosque – one of the main attractions in Istanbul – turns into a carpet of flowers in spring.

Çamlıca Hill – This hill is a secret part of Istanbul that few tourists ever visit. If you don’t mind a bit of a climb, you will be rewarded with the sight of thousands of tulips on the way up and a magnificent vista from the top.

Here’s a map of the best tulip parks in Istanbul:

Read more: Keukenhof: where you can see more than 800 varieties of tulips in Holland

11 quotes about Istanbul that explain why everyone loves it

14 smells of Istanbul that always bring you back there

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A visit to the Rose Valley in Bulgaria in May and June is a must. You’ll see, touch and smell the oil-bearing roses, whose aroma has made them famous around the world, especially for visitors from China and Japan. It’s easy to understand why so many tourists travel thousands of miles to come here.

Why is the Bulgarian rose so special?

The oil-bearing rose Rosa Damascena, grown in the Rose Valley, is a symbol of Bulgaria recognized across the world. It possesses great beauty and a unique fragrance, and is widely recognized as the only rose capable of producing the highest quality rose oil. We can prove it: in almost every expensive French perfume there are several milligrams of Bulgarian rose oil.

Amazingly, the precious liquid is also used as the finest grease in NASA’s space shuttles.

The Rose Valley, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/203challenges.com

How to join the rose picking at the Rose Festival?

The peak season for visiting Kazlanak, from the end of May until the end of June, coincides with the town’s Rose Festival, which has been held for more than a century. During this time, the town’s streets fill with the sweet fragrance of roses. Roll up your sleeves and help pick the rose petals, or see how the precious oil is extracted from the roses. There’s only one condition – you have to get up before sunrise to take part in the work.

Ask at your hotel what’s the nearest rose-picking event (they are usually held in a different village every Saturday and Sunday morning during the Rose Festival).

Rose oil distillation facility in Kazanlak, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/203challenges.com

Don’t miss Kazanlak’s Rose Museum, which displays more than 10,000 exhibits related to rose oil production. It’s the only one of its kind in the Balkans and is located in the Rose Park in the city.

What else can you do in the Rose Valley?

Kazanlak was crowned the capital of the Rose Valley a long time ago, but centuries earlier Thracian kings ruled their empire from this area. The UNESCO-listed Tomb of Kazanlak, located in Tyulbeto Park in the town center, is a masterpiece of antiquity with its exceptional frescoes.

Just a few kilometers from the town, submerged beneath the Koprinka Reservoir, the ancient city of Seuthopolis – the capital of the Odrysian kingdom – lies in its watery grave. Spread across the foot of the mountains, the Valley of the Thracian Kings is home to more than 1,500 Thracian mounds. Some of the most impressive to visit are Golyama Kosmatka (the Tomb if Seuths III), Shushmanets and Ostrusha.

More information about the tombs’ opening hours, admission fees, etc., you will find here.

The bronze head of Seuth III found in Golyamata Kosmatka Mound near Kazanlak | © Maria Angelova/203challenges.com

Fun fact…

A phial (“muskal” in Bulgarian) is a measurement unit of rose oil, equal to 4.810 grams. Until World War I, the oil was measured in phials (as gold is weighed in carats). One phial of pure rose oil was considered equal to 24 carats of gold.

Food from roses

The rose is not only used for fragrances in the Rose Valley. You can find it served on the table as well. Don’t leave the area without tasting the aromatic rose jam made from the rose petals and the rose liqueur that is a trade mark of the Rose Valley. You can try them during your visit of the Ethnographic Complex Kulata in Kazanlak, part of the History Museum (information here).

Rose jam | © Maria Angelova/203challenges.com

How and when to visit the Rose Valley in Bulgaria?

The Rose Festival takes place during the whole month of June, so you can plan your trip in this month. The most impressive events are held on the weekends. Kazanlak is located 230 km (143 mi) from Sofia, and can be reached by train, by bus or by a rental car.

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