Cheers to summer!

To letting go of control and making time irrelevant.

To unexpected encounters and friendships that start around a campfire.

Cheers to encounters around the fire! | Timothy Meinberg/Unsplash

To cliff jumping and night swimming.

Splash | Jakob Owens/Unspalsh

To the velvet touch of moss in the forest.

Moss | Stas Ovsky/Unsplash

To days that start at sunrise and finish at the next sunrise.

Sunrise on the day of the summer solstice | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

To warm nights and fireflies.

Fireflies at Ochanomizu Kobayashi Kiyochika

To swapping the bed for a portable hammock hung in the woods.

My summer bed | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

To the smell of hay and pine trees.

Hay time | Stephen Radford/Unsplash

To homemade cocktails and rooftop views.

Homemade summer cocktail | Aj Garcia/Unsplash

To finding the joy of challenging yourself!

Summer freedom | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

To saying “yes” more often.

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

Cheers to your best summer ever!

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Imagine yourself wandering through a city where bicycles outnumber cars, the canals dance like they’re practicing for a ballet, and the pastries are so good they might just make you weep. Welcome to **Copenhagen** in the summer! This charming city, teeming with history and innovation, transforms into a vibrant playground during the warm months. With more daylight than you’ll know what to do with, it’s the perfect time to experience all this capital of cool has to offer.

1. Explore Nyhavn: The Picture-Perfect Canals

You can’t visit Copenhagen without a trip to **Nyhavn**. This bustling waterfront neighborhood is the quintessential image of the city, with its brightly colored 17th-century townhouses lining the canal. Grab a cold beer or a traditional *Danish smørrebrød* (that’s an open-faced sandwich, if we’re getting fancy), and sink into a chair at one of the many outdoor cafés. The locals know how to relax; you should, too!

As you sip your drink, watch the flotilla of swans and pleasure boats that glide along the water. An idyllic afternoon here feels less like a tourist trap and more like a scene straight from a fairytale. Don’t forget to snap a selfie by the iconic wooden ships moored in the harbor—because if it’s not on Instagram, did you even go?

2. Tivoli Gardens: A Whimsical Escape

If you’re looking for thrills and nostalgia, look no further than **Tivoli Gardens**, the world’s second-oldest amusement park and a true gem of Copenhagen. Opened in 1843, this charming park is home to stunning gardens, delicious dining options, and thrilling rides that scream for your attention.

As you stroll through the magical landscapes, you might catch a glimpse of the park’s ornate **pavilions and lit-up rides**, a sight that’s even more enchanting as the sun sets. Trust us, the *Shooting Star* roller coaster will give you enough adrenaline to last the whole summer. The best part? The park hosts concerts and shows almost every night, so you can end your day with some live entertainment that’ll have you dancing in your seat.

3. Enjoy the Beach Life at Amager Strandpark

Yes, you read that right. You can hit the beach in Copenhagen! **Amager Strandpark** is a hidden gem that offers sandy beaches just a few kilometers from the city center. Here, you can dip your toes in the water, soak up the sun, or challenge your friends to a game of beach volleyball.

Feeling *active*? Rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide along the tranquil waters of the Øresund Strait. Or just grab a towel, lay back, and turn that summer tan up to levels previously seen only on Instagram influencers. Let’s be real; beach time is an essential part of any summer itinerary.

4. Discover the Hidden Gems of Freetown Christiania

Step into an alternative universe with a visit to **Freetown Christiania**, a bold neighborhood founded by a group of freethinkers in the 1970s. Picture a place where the art is as colorful as the people, street food is served with a side of creativity, and the atmosphere is as laid-back as a Sunday morning.

As you stroll through the vibrant streets filled with murals and funky shops, don’t be surprised if you encounter the occasional friendly local inviting you to join a drum circle. Just don’t ask about the “Green Light District”—that’s a story you’ll hear when you get there!

5. Feast at the World-Class Food Scene

Your taste buds are in for a treat in this city renowned for its **culinary scene**. Copenhagen is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including the world-famous **Noma**, which redefined the dining experience with its focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Don’t worry, you don’t have to dine at a star-studded restaurant to experience greatness; the street food scene is equally impressive!

Visit **CopenHot**, where you can enjoy your meal while savoring a soak in a hot tub on a boat, or check out *Torvehallerne*, a food market bursting with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and international flavors. Indulging in a traditional *Danish hot dog* on the go is practically a rite of passage. Step aside, Paris—there’s a new culinary capital in town!

6. Pedal Your Way Around the City

Copenhagen is a bike-lovers’ paradise, and summer is the best time to explore the city on two wheels. With over 390 kilometers of dedicated bike lanes, you’ll feel like a local as you navigate the charming streets, breezing past historical landmarks and cutting through serene parks.

Rent a bike and pedal over to **The Little Mermaid statue**, which is even more charming than you’d expect when you get up close. Just be prepared for the swarm of tourists snapping their obligatory snapshots. Remember, if you can’t beat them, join them!

7. Experience a Local Festival

Copenhagen comes alive with festivities in the summer, and there’s no shortage of local events you can partake in. From the *Copenhagen Jazz Festival* to the legendary *Copenhagen Carnival*, the city pulses with life, culture, and creativity during these months.

Don’t miss opportunities to mingle with locals, eat heavenly street food, and dance like nobody’s watching at open-air concerts. The sense of community during these festivals is infectious, and you may find yourself belting out Danish pop songs alongside your newfound friends.

Wrap-Up Your Danish Adventure

As your summer escapade in Copenhagen comes to an end, you’ll leave with a heart full of memories and a suitcase possibly a bit too heavy (thanks to those delectable pastries). From the canals of Nyhavn to the quirky streets of Christiania, Copenhagen offers an enchanting mix of charm, laughter, and adventure. So, pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to create some unforgettable stories in this Scandinavian wonderland. See you in the land of *hygge*!

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There’s no doubt life is better in flip-flops. If the first thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions the beach is a solitary bungalow on a remote island, here’s a challenge for you: find and enjoy some of the best city beaches in the world. Even amid the urban hustle and bustle, you can immerse yourself in the laid-back, cocktail-soaked, sea-breeze-infused atmosphere of these sandy dream lands.

Bruxelles Les Bains (Brussel Bad), Belgium

Beach time in Brussels | Stephane Mignon/Flickr

The capital of Belgium has its very own beach at Beco Quay (Quai de Beco) – every year for a month a real beach appears, featuring huge stretches of sand, palm-trees, exotic plants… Visitors play beach volleyball and beach soccer, or cool off by splashing about in fountains and pools.

Brygge Islands, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Brygge Islands | © Christian Alsing/ Visit Copenhagen

You may think you’re too far north to afford the luxury of going for a swim in the open, but that’s because you haven’t been to Brygge Islands – a wonderful free pool by the harbor in central Copenhagen. The water is clear and refreshing, but you probably won’t want to jump off the quay and into the water unless you visit in July or August.

Paris Plages (Paris Beaches), France

Beach along the Seine, Paris | Eric Huybrechts/Flickr

The closest coast is 200 km (124 mi) from Paris, but that doesn’t stop the French. For four weeks from late July, several tons of sand are pumped onto the Seine’s banks in the French capital. More than 2 km (1,5 mi) of sandy beaches invite all those citizens and guests who are exhausted from the heat to enjoy a Seine-side holiday. The beaches bustle with free classes, rollerbladers, cyclists, a mobile library and plenty of people enjoying other fun activities.

Repulse Bay Beach Hong Kong, China 

Repulse Beach, Hong Kong | Mark Lehmkuhler/Flickr

Escape from the madness of Hong Kong and discover the sun and golden sands that grace the southern part of the island. This oasis of calm is set against a background of modern buildings and mountain slopes. 

Venice Beach, Los Angeles, USA

Venice Beach, LA | DenisDenis/Flickr

This iconic beach is perfect not only for sunbathing, but also for renting roller skates or a bike. You can roll down a seven-mile bike alley to Will Rogers State Beach.

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If you’re fed up with boring mornings, here are 10 ways to make the start of the day a small celebration (I’ve tried most of them many times, while some are still on my list):

Sunrise date

Wake up at 4 am and drive to a beautiful sunrise spot – it could be a seashore, a cityscape or any kind of scenic spot you and your soulmate enjoy. Watch the new day dawning on a blanket and then take a nap. Of course, you can do the same with your best friend.

Sunrise in a balloon

It’s not something you can do every day, but for an extra special morning you can’t go past a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon.

Sunrise surfing

Grabbing your board and plunging into the deep blue is a surefire way to make your morning more exciting. If you haven’t tried surfing yet, photos like the one below should give you some inspiration.

Sunrise picnic

Pour some steaming coffee in a thermos, grab a few sandwiches for breakfast and head for your favorite picnic spot. Sometimes I drive for an hour to reach a remote mountain meadow just to hear the morning birdsong and enjoy the breaking dawn.

Rooftop sunrise

Do you have a friend with a magnificent rooftop terrace, or do you know a rooftop bar that organizes early morning events? Find the best view in the city and bring your coffee with you.

No-sleep sunrise

For those who cannot wake up early, we suggest a gentler option: if you don’t go to bed all night, you won’t need to hammer the alarm clock!

Kayaking at sunrise

Sneak out of your tent/bungalow and grab a kayak at dawn to catch the magical moment when the first rays of sunlight kiss the water’s surface. What I love most about these moments is the perfect serenity that surrounds you.

Sunrise from your tent

The best thing about camping is that you can wake up, peek through your unzipped tent to marvel at the sunrise, then immediately go back to sleep. Two of the year’s most special sunrises are the summer and winter solstice, when you can add a ritual from your country to add to the experience.

Sunrise swimming

It’s worth waking up early to start the day with a refreshing dip in the water (a sea, a river, an ocean or a pool – whatever you have close by).

Play a sunrise song

We all hear different melodies in our heads when dawn breaks, but here are a few of my suggestions for a special song to play as you watch the sunrise. If you can play a musical instrument, you can perform the melody yourself, or you can play it on your speakers to enjoy a special sunrise soundtrack:

Shine by Benjamin Francis Leftwich      Sunrise by Simply Red      Sunrise by Norah Jones     Sunrise by One Last Night      Bloom by The Paper Kites

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Celebrate the national day of a country – your own or another

You can start this by celebrating Independence Day on the 4^th of July, even if you’re not American. The celebration of different countries’ national days is a great way to honor foreign cultures and countries without actually traveling there. You can visit a friend from that particular country, organize a themed dinner with food from the country, go to a themed bar or restaurant, or have a movie marathon with movies made in or about that country. Some of the national days you can celebrate in July are:

• 4^th July – Independence Day (United States)
• 14^th July – Bastille Day (France)
• 20^th July – Declaration of Independence from Spain (Colombia)
• 21^st July – Belgian National Day
• 23^rd July – Revolution Day (Egypt)

Organize a trip for a friend

… or have a friend organize a trip for you. Let them know only the departure date and what clothes they should bring; everything else should be a surprise. Give them the tickets, the maps and a list of challenges they should complete on the day they depart.

You can choose to send them to a place they wouldn’t normally go (be prepared for some revenge in this case) or somewhere you know they’ve always wanted to go but for some reason haven’t been able to. We’re sure you can find a suitable place that is still affordable and worth visiting.

Go to an outdoor cinema

Nothing quite compares to the atmosphere of those warm summer nights in the city, and a night at an outdoor cinema is one way to make things even better. Fresh air, a few friends, a nice movie, popcorn, drinks and voilà! – you have the perfect recipe for an after-work chill session. If you have a backyard (or even just a balcony), you can get creative and organize your own open-air movie night.

Gather herbs and wild berries

It’s finally summer now and the last thing we want to think about are those cold winter days that seem so far away. But, as we’ve always learned from Game of Thrones, winter is coming and you’d better be prepared. One fun way to do this while it’s still warm is to gather herbs for your own personal blend of tea, or wild berries that you can use to make homemade jam. If you can’t identify herbs, download a mobile app that can do it for you, or hire a guide who can teach you how to do it.

When you get around to making your homemade jam, you can label the jars with not only the name of the berries, but also the place and the date when they were gathered, as well as a funny story that happened while you were gathering them. That way you will have not only some delicious jams, but also some heart-warming memories.

Rooftop challenge

If you’ve been following this website for a while, you might have noticed our obsession with sunrises. There is a reason for that – they are always absolutely stunning, and they offer the perfect opportunity to escape from the stresses of modern life for a while. Try this challenge and you will soon be obsessed, too.

So here it is: search the city for rooftop bars that offer early morning events and go to as many as possible. You can also do this by creating your own events on the rooftops of your friends’ buildings or any other rooftop you have access to. Compare them and choose the best one, then throw a party on the last day of the month to celebrate your newfound knowledge of the city’s rooftops. Make sure you’re prepared for a big night so you can greet the first sunrise of August; then, and only then, will you be ready for our August challenges!

Don’t forget to take with you things like tick clothes, wound dressing, food.

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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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7 Tips To Have A Smooth Traveling Experience This Summer

1. Pack efficiently and only bring necessary items.

Traveling during the summer season can be a fun and exciting vacation opportunity. However, the task of packing can often be daunting and overwhelming. One tip to ensure a smooth traveling experience is to pack efficiently and only bring necessary items. This means carefully planning your outfits and considering the weather conditions of your destination. It also includes minimizing the number of shoes and accessories you bring. By doing so, one will not only save time and effort but also avoid any additional baggage fees. Packing only the essentials allows you to enjoy your vacation without unnecessary stress or clutter.

2. Check in online and arrive at the airport early.

With the summer travel season in full swing, it’s important to remember that some preparation can go a long way in ensuring a great experience. One helpful tip is to check in online before heading to the airport. You can skip the long queues at the check-in counter and go straight to security. However, it’s important to note that arriving at the airport early is still essential. It will give you enough time to navigate any unexpected delays. So take the time to plan, and you’ll be rewarded with a stress-free travel experience.

3. Choose comfortable clothing and shoes for the trip.

When traveling, choosing the proper clothing and footwear can make a difference. Opting for comfortable clothing and shoes not only ensures that you’ll be able to move about freely and comfortably during your travels, but it can also make for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience overall. Whether you’re planning to explore urban cities or embark on a hiking adventure, consider packing items that are breathable, stretchy, and lightweight. Additionally, prioritize shoes that offer good support and cushioning – this can prevent foot fatigue and reduce the risk of blisters. You can set yourself up for a smooth and enjoyable journey thoughtfully.

4. Stay hydrated and bring snacks to avoid hunger.

Summer is a popular time for traveling, but navigating through all the logistical preparations can also be challenging. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth experience is to stay hydrated and bring snacks to avoid hunger. Dehydration may lead to fatigue, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms that can damage your trip. Bringing snacks can also help you stay satisfied in-between meals and prevent any unexpected hunger pangs. Whether taking a road trip or flying worldwide, prioritizing your hydration and nutrition needs is essential to making the most of your summer travels.

5. Be aware of the local regulations regarding Delta 9 THC in your travel destination.

As the summer approaches, many are preparing to travel to new and exciting destinations. However, it is essential to remember to research and be aware of the local regulations regarding Delta 9 THC. As more states and countries continue to legalize marijuana, it can be tempting to indulge in some of the local products. However, it is crucial to remember that laws vary widely, and what may be legal in one place may result in serious legal consequences in another. Researching beforehand can ensure a smooth, stress-free travel experience and avoid legal troubles.

6. Bring entertainment such as books, movies, or games.

As you pack your travel bags for a summer adventure, don’t forget to bring along some entertainment to keep you occupied during your travels. Whether you prefer a good book, a captivating movie, or a fun game, having something to immerse yourself in during long flights or car rides can make all the difference. Not only can these forms of entertainment help pass the time, but they can also transport you to different worlds and help you unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. So, load up your devices with your favorite titles or pack a few hard copies in your suitcase. With these entertainment options at your fingertips, your journey will be smoother and more enjoyable.

Final Words

Having a smooth traveling experience this summer ultimately comes down to proper planning, preparation, and a positive attitude. While some specific tips and tricks can enhance your trip, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By taking the time to thoroughly research your destination, invest in the right gear and accessories, and maintain a flexible mindset, you can ensure that your travel journey is as enjoyable as possible. Packing for your travel can be daunting, but approaching it with a sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace the unexpected may create some of the most precious memories of your life.

The post How Can You Have A Smooth Traveling Experience This Summer? appeared first on 203Challenges.

The date is 3 June every year.

The place – the remote village of Bulgari.

Accompanied by the sounds of the drum and bagpipes, the fire dancers – called nestinari, are stepping into the embers. They have been keeping the secrets of their mystic ritual for centuries – ever since the time when the Thracian priests were trying to connect with their gods.

This ritual is not just a dance in the embers. It unites legends, rituals, memories and prophecies for the future. What are the secrets of the nestinari and what happens in the beginning of June in the heart of Strandzha Mountain – join us on a journey through the secrets of the ancient rituals.

The five nestinari villages in Strandzha

Kosti, Kondolovo, Bulgari, Gramatikovo and Slivarovo – these are the last five nestinari villages. Every year, the people from these villages made a procession, bringing the icons of Saints Constantine and Helena to the Vlahov Dol area (located almost in the middle of the mountain). Each village had its own wooden bed, on which the icon was placed after being ritually washed. After that, they would perform a korban (animal sacrifice) and finally dance on the hot coals. Unfortunately, this tradition was interrupted in 1941.

Nowadays the last place in Bulgaria where nestinari dances are held is the village of Bulgari. The processions from the five nestinari villages to Vlahov Dol were started again a few years ago (on the last Sunday before 3 June), but the fire dance can only be seen in Bulgari.

Few people know that the nestinari ritual used to last seven full days. Due to the persecution of the nestinari it was shortened to three days, while today it lasts only one.

Not just dancing on fire

Many restaurants at Bulgarian the seaside have shows with dancers on embers but they have nothing to do with the original tradition. Since ancient times, divination is at the heart of the ritual. The nestinari community used to have its own secret life, guided by the lead nestinar. It was lead by a special nestinari calendar and mystic rituals and divination about the future were done throughout the whole year. The peak moment was the day of Sts. Constantine and Helena – 3 June.

It all began thousands of years ago…

Nobody knows exactly when our ancestors danced in the fire for the first time. It is known that thousands of years ago the ancient Thracian tribes performed rituals in the fire as part of their cult of the sun. The circle of fire on the ground was a reflection of the fire disc in the sky. At that time only the king-priest had the right to step on the coals and come into contact with the gods.

… from the pagan dances to the cult of Saint Constantine

Gradually, the pagan nestinari ritual began to Christianize. When the Roman emperor Constantine the Great proclaimed Christianity an equal religion in the fourth century, the nestinari dedicated their dance in the embers to him and his mother Helena as a token of gratitude. Over time the dance acquired some Christian elements, but it was never accepted by the church.

What exactly happens on 3 June?

On the day of Saints Constantine and Helena, early in the morning, the icons of the saints are brought out of the church and taken to the konak building in Bulgari village (a small building in which the main nestinar woman is preparing for the dance). The icons are then draped in red fabric and the nestinari procession heads to the chapel of Saint Constantine, which is located in the forest by the village. There the procession circles the chapel three times counterclockwise, the people pour themselves healing water from a spring and the icon is returned to the konak.

The main nestinar woman (or man) spends the entire day in the konak, where she focuses, prays and prepares to go into a trance. After dark, to the sounds of the drum and bagpipe, she begins making vocal sounds, through which she controls her breathing but also, it is said, communicates with the universe. The nestinari leave the konak in a solemn procession and do three rounds of the church and three rounds of the coals.

After that, the actual dance begins and it lasts 5-10 minutes. Starting from the oldest one, the nestinari pass barefoot through the fiery circle, with the icon in their hands. Finally, the nestinari horo (traditional folk dance) is danced around the fire and everyone else who knows the steps can also join the nestinari.

Nestinari melodies and dances

All fire dancing rituals are performed to the sounds of the holy drum (that is kept in the konak year-round) and the bagpipe. There are three nestinari melodies. The first one is played when the icons are taken from the church on the morning of 3 June. The second one – when the nestinari are getting ready to step into the fire. The third one – during the actual dance in the embers. It is interesting that the nestinari horo begins with the left foot – in Strandzha only two folklore dances start with the left foot, both of them ritual ones.

The last nestinari

In the past, the nestinari ritual used to be passed on through the generations. During the communist period it was forbidden by the authorities and the tradition was broken until the beginning of the 90s. Despite that in 1964 a film was made about the last two nestinari women – Babini Slatini (the film is kept in the town hall of Bulgari).

Nowadays the dances in Bulgari village are not performed by the children of the nestinari families.

In 2009, UNESCO entered nestinari dances in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Museum of nestinari

In 2014, The Road of the Nestinari visitor center was opened in Bulgari village. In it archival photos and objects tell about the past of the tradition.

The post Bulgaria fire dancing: Uncovering the secrets of the nestinari appeared first on 203Challenges.

Long post alert: This story will take you 14 minutes to read but I promise you’ll laugh, cry and cringe. You can, however, skip to the practicalities at the end if you want to.

When summer hits, you know it’s going to be hot. But sometimes it’s hot and you live in an apartment with no AC and every time you get back from work, you feel like you’re entering a giant blast furnace. You start sweating as soon as you thrust the key into the keyhole. Then you open the door and you’re knocked down by an even more potent heatwave from inside. It’s at this moment that you say to yourself “Enough’s enough!”.

In short, this sweaty scenario was exactly why I decided to evacuate myself from my home for a week this August, swapping my bed for a hammock in the forest. I’m not talking about a vacation here, just a normal working week in which I began every day (well, kind of every day) by jumping out of my hammock, making a campside coffee then heading to work in my inner-city office.

By the moonlight | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Day 1 (Sunday): First hammocking

As fearless and crazy as this idea might look at first sight, I have to admit that only the latter is accurate. The truth is that I love the forest but I hate bugs. Bugs are not my friends.

The solution: I bought a portable hammock with a mosquito net from a Chinese online store. Judging its comfort and glamor, I can only compare it to a canopy bed (prices start from only $20 if you’re interested). Besides being lighter than a tent, in many countries a hammock like this can be hung in national parks and other places where camping is forbidden (anyway, if you choose to stay in remote places like these, you know what NOT to do: don’t leave your trash, don’t pick rare flowers, don’t hunt for endangered animals etc.).

So, Day 1. I set off from the city to a nearby village with Lucho – my fearless travel and life partner and personal aviation mechanic (you never know when you’re gonna need one). The full moon was as bright as a street lamp and we didn’t even need to turn our headlamps on. After 30 minutes of walking, we found a perfect piece of forest to settle down in for the night. A short while before midnight, we were having dinner under the light of the moon and the stars (oh, how romantic, you should try it!) when we heard a piercing bird call that sounded like the blood-curdling screams of a damsel in distress. That gave us the heebie-jeebies and we were forced to gulp down two shots of vodka to regain courage. Then we tucked in our sleeping bags and watched the pine tops reaching each other somewhere high above us.

The light of the full moon woke us up a few times, but it could’ve been worse if we were, let’s say, werewolves. Thank god we’re not. Despite the interruptions, the gentle whiff of pine needles on the breeze proved that sleeping in the forest was actually a genius decision!

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

Day 2 (Monday): Lunar eclipse… almost

I spent the whole day following the weather forecast with my other fearless hiking and sleeping-in-the-forest-on-weekdays partner, Eva. The weatherman predicted heavy rain, a natural phenomenon very much at odds with our plan to scale a near 2,290-m (7500-ft) mountain peak and watch the partial lunar eclipse from there. Late in the afternoon, it started raining cats and dogs in the city, while the live cameras from the peak showed nothing better than chin-deep mud. “Let’s leave this for the weekend when we’ll watch the Perseids, too,” said Eva wisely. So we ended up peeking at the eclipse from our apartment windows, just like all the other boring city people around us.

©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Day 3 (Tuesday): Pause for a night sleeping in the blast furnace

Day 4 (Wednesday): Sleeping alone in the forest

For a third day in a row I came home thinking I’d be lazy and sleep in my bed, but things escalated. When I opened the door of my apartment a burst of scorching air burned me down and only a small pile of ashes fell on the doorstep. You imagined it. I had no choice.

10:30 pm. I took my hammock, a sleeping bag and breakfast for the next day and headed for another village close to my city. I gulped my shots of vodka early that night as this time I was going to be all by myself. It was going to be my first solo hammock night in the forest. A piece of cake! What could go wrong?!

Once I had arrived in the village, a pack of stray dogs started chasing me, which, let’s face it, was not a promising start to the night. After getting rid of the dogs, I entered the woods and 30 minutes later I found a perfect spot to hang my hammock. The air was pine-fresh and a brook was babbling somewhere nearby. What an idyll!

My hammock in the forest | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

I fell asleep almost immediately. Then, I woke up almost immediately. My sick mind was dreaming that a psychopath was leaning over me (let me remind you: I was a woman sleeping alone in the forest). As I mentioned, I’m not fearless at all, and there are worse things out there than bugs. I looked around – there was nobody, so I tamed my palpitations and fell asleep again almost immediately. Once again I woke up almost immediately after I had dreamt about another psycho. And this, my dear wannabe solo-hammocking enthusiasts, continued for the whole night! I had only one dream that didn’t involve a psycho, but it was just as terrifying: a fox took away my sandals and I had to walk barefoot back to the village.

In spite of the pines, the babbling river and the refreshing whiff of the wind, I had just endured the worst al fresco night of my life so far.

Morning coffee | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

However, I want to clarify that the night was not all psychos and sandal-loving foxes. For the first time I had the chance to really appreciate the net of the hammock. When I woke up for the last time in the morning, I saw that a forest spider had illegally used my hammock net as a base for his web. I imagined how, if it hadn’t been for the hammock net, I’d have woken up entangled in cobwebs from head to toe, with a giant spider staring directly into my eyes. Don’t judge me. I’ve seen too many thrillers in my life.

Now I’d like to take a moment to share my thoughts on meeting other people in the forest. The scariest of all encounters you can have in a dark forest at night is not a bear, a wolf or even a flock of hungry mosquitoes – it’s another human. What would a normal person be doing in the dark, more than an hour away from the nearest village? He must be a psychopath. Except for you, you are slightly adventurous but completely normal on the whole. Yet, sometimes people don’t get it and the roles swap. Especially when a father and son walk their puppy in the wood above their village at 6 in the morning and you jump out of the bushes with messy hair and bloodshot eyes because you haven’t drunk your coffee yet. Oh well, in this case you are the psycho and you can be sure that the father has squeezed the phone in his pocket ready to call 911 or, if necessary, is prepared to knock you down and drown you in the river.

Morning coffee and planning | ©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Day 5 (Thursday): Pause for another night sleeping in the blast furnace

Day 6 (Friday): The Perseids and sleeping on a mountain peak

I don’t want a fox to lick my nose while I sleep. I just don’t. Everybody has their irrational fears, and that’s (one of) mine. I’d bought a hammock with a net and now I was forced to sleep in a meadow (try to hang your hammock in a treeless meadow!). But being a part of a group of four (I’ve already mentioned Eva and Lucho, plus Ilko) dedicated to sleeping in the fresh air and watching the Perseid meteor shower, I decided to keep my fears to myself and daringly lie under the stars, stuffed in my sleeping bag and zipped up to the top, with only the tip of my nose poking out.

Earlier this evening, we’d hiked for more than an hour up in the mountains and had chosen a peak (1300 m/4200 ft) with a magnificent view of the surrounding area. We saw tens of blinking villages down in the valley, while the shooting stars above us were doing what they do best – they were leaving their bright trails in the sky while we were ticking off wishes from our lists. We ate dinner with no light other than the moon, laughed and ate home-grown tomatoes… And I slept like a log for the first time in a week.

For the record, no fox licked my face that night.

Day 7 (Saturday): Thunderstorm = sleeping in the blast furnace (again!)

Next days: all summer hammocking

After the first experimental nights, I’m sure sleeping in a hammock will turn into a summer tradition around these parts. Maybe it’ll go beyond summer, too. Has anyone come up with a winter hammock yet?!

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

Q&A: Practicalities

– How do you get there?

– This challenge was completed around Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and my destinations were the villages of Zheleznitsa, Simeonovo, and Yarlovo, between 5 and 50 km (3 and 30 mi) away form the city. I used both my car and public transportation to get to the villages, then relied on my own two feet to find a sleeping spot in the forest. Regardless of where you live, you can create your own hammock map with suitable locations around your home.

– Do you shower at all?

– In general or during this adventure? Yes, I take a shower at home before I head to the office. But even if I can’t make it, I have a bathroom in the office, so this is not an issue. Anyway, sleeping in the forest is more refreshing that you’d expect.

– How early do you wake up for work?

– It depends on a bunch of factors, but I usually wake up at 6 am, make some coffee and breakfast and get to the city before the morning rush hour. It’s a well-known fact that you sleep better in the forest (unless you dream about psychos 20 times per night).

– What’s in your backpack?

– A sleeping bag, a mat, a hammock with a mosquito net, gas stove + coffee, breakfast (I usually take a few tomatoes, bread and cheese), vodka (a shot before bed to pay homage to an old tradition), water, headlamp, cup, a long-sleeve blouse (I sleep with my shorts only) and a camera.

This was one of the 5 travel challenges for August 2017, inspired by the book “203 Travel Challenges”.

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You can download a printable version of the list here.

Summer vacation fun challenges list

IN NATURE

1. Immerse yourself in a lake (or the sea).

2. Bathe in a waterfall.

3. Make up a camping ‘team name’ for you and your group of friends.

4. Organize a night hike.

5. Plan a themed picnic.

6. Practice the Swedish nature concept gökotta.

7. Practice shinrin-yoku.

8. Try your hand at kayaking or sailing.

9. Test your nerves by cliff jumping.

10. Walk barefoot.

11. Sleep in a tent.

12. Pick berries.

13. Try rock climbing.

14. Venture into a cave.

15. Visit a national park.

16. Light a campfire.

17. Learn how to use a compass.

18. Go cycling.

19. Hug a tree.

20. See an animal you haven’t met in real life before.

21. Organize a treasure hunt.

22. Find a high place with a view (a rock, a skyscraper etc.) and enjoy the scenery with a drink.

23. Go stargazing (or hunt for shooting stars).

24. Spend a day in hammock.

IN THE CITY

25. Swim in a pool.

26. Visit a water park.

27. Taste all the ice cream in the city and judge which is the best.

28. Repeat for pizza.

29. Grab a book and spend an afternoon reading in a cafe.

30. Choose a book you’ve already read and give it to a random person.

31. Organize a surprise trip for a friend – just tell him or her what clothes to pack.

32. Visit a summer festival.

33. Walk through your neighborhood and choose a house at random. Jot down the address and send the owner a postcard with a kind message.

34. Take a photo on the stroke of every hour.

35. Visit a gallery. Prepare by looking up information and fun facts about the painters whose works you are going to see.

36. Join a volunteer organization.

37. Invite a friend from another city/country and play guide during his/her stay.

38. Pretend to be a tourist in your own city.

39. Research the history of your street and neighborhood.

40. Cook a foreign meal.

41. Say “yes” to every offer you get for a whole day.

42. Start learning a new language

43. Embark on a mystery trip. Let one friend drive while the other, with their eyes closed, navigates by saying something like: “Turn left, go right at the second exit”.

44. Get lost on purpose.

45. Close your eyes, turn the map of your region a few times and then point to a random place – your next destination!

46. Go on a solo day trip. Enjoy your own company.

47. Walk every street in your neighborhood or city.

48. Research your family roots.

49. Hitchhike to a neighboring town.

50. Looking for more creative travel ideas? We’ve compiled a book with 203 travel challenges for you to mix, stir and tweak to create your own personal adventures! No matter whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned traveler, you’ll find some inspiring ideas within.

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