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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Travelling by train is one of the most exciting adventures you experience as a child. Choo-choo, creaking rails, swaying to the left and right, enjoying the constantly changing view through the window, running around the compartment (and why not in the whole train)…

It is even better when the train is designed especially for kids! Here are some of our favourite children’s railways in Europe. And what is best about the children’s railways is that they are not only for kids!

On to the railway top 5:

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway

This narrow-gauge train is pulled by two legendary steam engines – the Norfolk Hero and the Norfolk Heroine. This adventure on rails is a favourite fun time for the families visiting the North Norfolk coast.

Fares: Adult return GBP 9, child return GBP 7.

More detailed information is available here.

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Children’s Railway in Budapest

The Children’s Railway in Budapest was built after the WWII and initially it was called the Pioneer Railway. The train is driven by children under the supervision of an experienced adult engine-driver. The kids are also in charge of the ticket sale, the timetable and the traffic management. In other words, a real children’s kingdom. There are 7 railway stations along the route.

Fare: Adult return EUR 4.50, half the price for a child.

More detailed information is available here.

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Miniature Railway in Brockwell Park, UK

Miniature is the best word to describe this railway located at the British Brockwell Park. The track-gauge is only 18.5 cm wide. The train runs from Herne Hill (London) to the Brockwell Lido outdoor pool, and the other way round. Both kids and adults are welcome to take a ride. The railway is open from March until October.

Fare: GBP 1 for all.

More detailed information is available here.

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Little Yellow Train, France (maybe the country where tennis was born)

Well, this is not a train designed especially for kids but it is yellow and has panoramic coaches during the summer, and we are absolutely sure that every child will fall in love with it! In fact, the Little Yellow Train runs a regular route of the French railways, which starts from Villefranche de Conflent, located 50 km away from Perpignan. The most picturesque part of the route is in the beginning when the little yellow train is rolling and winding through woods, precipices, streams and two viaducts. At the final railway station in Latour-de-Carol you may take a more new-fashioned train to Toulouse or Barcelona. The route is 63 km long.

Fare: Return ticket EUR 41, or you may buy a return ticket to a previous station at the price of EUR 6.60.

More detailed information is available here.

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Children’s Railway in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This is one of the last functioning children’s two railways in the country. It is situated at the foot of the Mladezhki Halm Hill. The train is comprised of an engine and three carriages. The one-kilometre route passes through a bridge, which is built over a walkway, a level crossing with barriers and a tunnel. Right after the tunnel comes one of the funniest experiences for the passengers – going up the trestle, which is in the form of the number six. Next comes the Snow White station, and then the final Panorama station. At the Panorama station there is a brief break and the passengers have the chance to enjoy the incredible nature of the hill.

Fare: BGN 1 for all.

Useful information: The children’s railway in Plovdiv is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The first run is at 10:30 a.m., the last one –at 4:30 a.m.

More information is available here.

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Great Wall Marathon

How about running along one of the biggest attractions in the world? Run 42 km (26 miles) of the Great Wall Marathon in China. Despite the arduous course on the iconic Great Wall of China, you will be rewarded by its breathtaking panoramas. As the route leads you through the lower valley and into the villages, onlookers will be cheering and the festive atmosphere is a real energy boost!

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Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert

When you mention the Sahara Desert, a marathon of 251 km (155 miles) is hardly the first thing that comes to mind. What makes it even harder to believe is that under the baking sun, marathoners have to run the distance of six regular marathons in six consecutive days.

Marathon des Sables | tent86/Flickr

Antarctica Marathon and Half-Marathon

Where else can you run among seals, penguins, whales and icebergs? The 200 participants in Antarctica Marathon and Half-Marathon and their supporters have the unique opportunity to visit the ice continent and test their stamina while ticking off one of the continents from their to-race list. History and biology lectures and excursions to remote areas are among the bonuses of this trip.

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The Maldon Mud Race in the UK

Few marathon runners around the world boast the enthusiasm of those who take part in the Maldon Mud Race, along with the enormous amount of mud they get covered in. The race through the natural mud, which could easily be defined as a ‘swamp’, requires nerves of steel to complete the route of 400 m (1310 ft) – running, falling, getting up and even crawling.

The Maldon Mude Race | pg tips2/Flickr

Lake Baikal Ice Marathon, Russia

This extreme race is the regular distance of slightly more than 42 km (26 mi) but along the frozen surface of Lake Baikal, in conditions that only Siberia, Russia can offer in early March.

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Santa Speedo Run, Boston, USA

To run the annual Santa Speedo Run in Boston you need a Speedo-like bathing suit (holiday colors are preferred) and some Christmas flair (Santa hat, beard, Christmas socks, etc.). December weather in Boston is far from the temperature suitable for bathing suits, so the runners are allowed (recommended even) to have a drink or two before the run.

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Sometimes your dreams need a bit of help to come true…

You don’t have to wait for a shooting star to make your wishes come true. There are plenty of places around the world which were made for rubbing, grinding, leaving coins and gifts, with the sole purpose of your most intimate desires coming to life. Let’s see where, what and how.

1. Whatever you want: The Erawan shrine in Bangkok

The Erawan shrine was erected in 1956 as a part of the national hotel Erawan, to neutralize the bad karma which, according to the locals, was accumulated because the hotel’s foundations were laid on the “wrong” day. The series of fatal incidents on the construction site came to an end when an astrologist’s suggestion led to the creation of a statue of the Phra Phrom God. The sanctuary is easily noticeable, as it is always covered in flowers and candles. They say that you need to leave a gift if you want a wish of yours to come true. Often you can see dancers performing next to the shrine – they have been hired by people who are hoping to have their wishes fulfilled.

How much does it cost: It’s free – it is up to you what gift you ll leave.

2. Love: Juliet’s House

Juliet’s house is a classic, if your secret desire is love. It doesn’t matter that Juliet never actually existed, she has the world-famous power of lighting fires in people s hearts, and even keeping the flames alive. Or so it seems at the entrance of her house in Verona, where the walls have been covered by pieces of paper, with names and dreams on all kinds of languages. This paper wall has collapsed a few times due to its weight. Go a bit further inside the house, into the yard, and you can line up to rub Juliet’s right breast for luck.

How much does it cost: Entrance to the yard is free of charge.

3. Whatever you want: The Wishing Bridge

In Jaffa, Israel, they have a Wishing Bridge, with figurines of all the zodiac signs. People say that if you touch the figurine corresponding to your zodiac sign, and stare into the sea, your wish will come true.

How much does it coast: It’s free.

4. Health: The Iron Pillar of New Delhi

This pillar is more than 1,600 years old and even the fact that it still stands is a miracle in itself. It remains a mystery how an iron pillar has managed to survive this many centuries in such a humid climate without falling prey to corrosion. They say, however, that the pillar will take care not only of its own needs, but of yours as well. All you have to do is walk around it and think of your wish. The pillar is located in the yard of the Qutb Minar mosque.

How much does it cost: You have to pay 250 rupees (about 3 euros) to enter the Qutb complex.

5. Money: the Wish Tree on Isle Maree

In the Scottish lake Loch Maree, there are a few islands, one of which is home to century-old oak trees. One of those oaks is different – they say that it’s magical and whoever squeezes a coin under its bark, will become rich. You can probably imagine what the tree looks like today – with thousands of coins piercing its bark. The truth is, however, that the original Wish tree, in which even Queen Victoria left a coin, rotted away long ago due to copper poisoning brought about by the numerous coins in its bark. Its substitute will probably suffer a similar fate.

How much does it cost: About 20 euros for a boat trip to the island.

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Here’s a map of all the mentioned museums and galleries:

FREE MUSEUMS in London

#1 British Museum

Some of the greatest artifacts of human history are kept here – the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens, ancient Egyptian mummies and many more. Although the British Museum is free, a donation of £5 is recommended.

Opening hours: daily 10 am -5.30 pm (Fridays until 8.30 pm)

#2 Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is where you and your kids will find answers to almost every evolution or animal question. The huge whale skeleton and the dinosaurs exhibits are the superstars of this venue.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 5.50 pm

#3 Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasury of art, design, fashion, and furniture design from different periods and styles.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 5.50 pm (Fridays until 10 pm)

#4 Museum of London

The Museum of London is where you can delve into the history of London since prehistoric times by strolling among recreated city areas from different epochs.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm

#5 Museum of London Docklands

Make it a little bit more specific and explore the history of London as an important port and a trade hub. The Museum of London Docklands is located in a warehouse that is two centuries old.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm

#6 Science Museum

Science becomes alive in the 3D and 4D simulators of the Science Museum where you can experience an Apollo space mission. This is the most visited science museum in Europe and you will quickly see why.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm

#7 V&A Museum of Childhood

This museum houses an impressive collection of toys and games from the last five centuries.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 5.45 pm

#8 Horniman Museum and Gardens

Horniman Museum and Garden is a real treasure that contains an aquarium, anthropology and natural history collections, musical instruments and manicured gardens.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 5.30 pm

#9 Grant Museum of Zoology

This Victorian-style museum is full of skeletons, specimen in jars, and stuffed animals covering the whole animal kingdom.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 1 pm – 5 pm

#10 Bank of England Museum

Head to the Bank of England to delve into its history since its foundation in 1694 and learn about its famous customers through the centuries.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm

#11 Royal Air Force Museum

Spend a day among more than a hundred aircraft exhibited at the Royal Air Force Museum in London – entertaining for both kids and adults.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm

#12 Anaesthesia Museum

This quirky museum contains a collection of objects related to the history of pain relief and medicine.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 4 pm

#13 London Sewing Machine Museum

The London Sewing Machine Museum keeps a collection of 600 sewing machines, including the first Singer machine and machines owned by royalties. The museum only accepts visitors over 16 years.

Opening hours: Every first Saturday of the month 2 pm – 5 pm

#14 Queen’s House Greenwich

You have 22 rooms to visit and art from the last 400 years to explore at the Queen’s House in Greenwich.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 5 pm

#15 Kenwood House

Find a serene hidden gem in London at the Kenwood House. Kick back and unwind in the vast gardens or marvel at the Rembrandt’s self-portrait and other pieces of art hanging on the walls inside.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 4 pm

#16 Imperial War Museum

The Imperial War Museum in London focuses on both the conflicts causing wars and how people are affected by wars.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm

#17 Hogarth House

You can see many pieces of art from the artist William Hogarth in his restored country home.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 12 am – 5 pm

FREE GALLERIES in London

#18 National Gallery

The National Gallery contains a huge collection of Western European art from Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, Renoir, Rembrandt, and many more.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm (Fridays until 9 pm)

#19 National Portrait Gallery

If you want to browse through British history in faces, this is the best place to do it. The National Portrait Gallery will meet you face to face with queens, kings, and contemporary movie stars.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm (Thursdays and Fridays until 9 pm)

#20 Tate Modern

Immerse in the best modern art collection in Britain at the Tate Modern. You will see works of art by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol among the others.

Opening hours: daily 10 am – 6 pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 10 pm)

#21 Tate Britain

Tate Britain contains the biggest collection of British art since the 1500’s until nowadays.

Opening hours: Saturday – Thursday 10 am – 6 pm (Fridays until 10 pm) 

#22 Newport Street Gallery

Newport Street Gallery is where the artists Damien Hirst has open his personal art collection to the public. The collection includes works of art by Banksy, Francis Bacon, Pablo Picasso, Tracey Emin and many more.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm but check because the gallery is often closed for installations. 

Pinning this post is also free and it is also useful for your next London trip planning:

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Nudists often claim that they are completely satisfied with their bodies and feel better when they take their clothes off. But scientific evidence has been lacking until recently.

A new study by Goldsmiths, University of London, suggests that taking part in naturist activities not only makes people feel better about their bodies but enhances life satisfaction as a whole.

With negative body image being a major global problem nowadays, this study may be a good starting point for future research.

The authors of the study asked 850 British nudists to fill in a survey and found that those who spent more time naked had a more positive image about their bodies. What’s more, the longer and the more often they are naked, the more satisfied they are with their life.

“Body image dissatisfaction is a serious, global problem that negatively affects life satisfaction. Several claims have been made about the possible psychological benefits of naturist activities, but there has been very little empirical research into these benefits or any plausible explanations for them,” the authors of the study say.

“The more you participate in naturist activities, the greater life satisfaction – a relationship that is mediated by a more positive body image, and higher self-esteem.”

Although it is impossible to say if nudity makes people happier or self-esteem makes it easier for people to take part in nudist activities, these results are very encouraging.

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