Father's day around the world: customs and traditions

The dads are unique, so they deserve that once a year we pay tribute. Today , March 19, Father's Day is celebrated in Spain , but did you know that it is not celebrated in all countries of the world? Not even the same day! In this post we review some of the most curious celebrations of Father's Day and collect some information about Father's Day around the world.

 

Father's Day in the USA: Father's Day

The origin of this holiday in the United States dates back to June 10, 1910 when a woman, Sonora Smart, wanted to recognize the merit of her father. The man, a war veteran, was soon widowed and had to take care of running the family farm and raising his children. The gesture of Sonora became a vindication towards the father figure and after several years, specifically in 1972, President Richard Nixon declared it a national holiday. Since then, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. A curious fact is that the golf tournament 'United States Open' is scheduled to end precisely on Father's Day.

Father's Day in Germany: Herrentag or Männertag

It is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday and coincides with the day of Ascension. Father's Day in Germany is synonymous with fun for men. In fact, Männertag means "men's day" and many take the opportunity to make large barbecues in the garden or tour the taverns of the city. But the most typical custom of Father's Day in Germany is the so-called Bollerwagen. It is a traditional mountain expedition with carriages, tractors with trailers and wheelbarrows full of regional food and beer. Some even prepare their vehicle weeks before to have it ready for the occasion.

Father's Day in Japan: Chichi No Hi

As in the United States, Father's Day in Japan is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, although it is not a holiday in the country. In addition to regular gifts like sweets, food and premium drinks (Kobe steak, sake bottles) one of the most typical Father's Day gifts in Japan is the ceramic glasses with the engraved name. They are intended to serve tea or beer as this material helps to better preserve the temperature of the drink, whether hot or cold.

Father's Day in Nepal: Gokarna Aunsi

It is about the celebration celebrated by the Hindu community, the majority in the country. Father's Day, celebrated on August 25, is a strictly family holiday in Nepal. Young people buy gifts for adults and the elderly pay their respects to the ancestors by depositing flowers and praying prayers in temples dedicated to Shiva.

Father's Day in Italy: San Giuseppe

March 19 is also Father's Day in Italy. In some regions, for example, Sicily, the day of San Giuseppe is an event for the senses. The squares of the villages are filled with authentic banquets and the most typical dessert of this festival is tasted: the Zeppole di San Giuseppe . These are sweet fried rings filled with custard, fruits in syrup and covered with sugar.

And if you're still thinking about gifts for Father's Day and yours is a traveler, how about one of our courses for adults abroad ?

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7 reasons why studying in Sydney will change your life

It is the city of the sun, surfboards and barbecues on the beach: Sydney, Australia. If you have not been there yet, it is likely that this coastal city is at the top of your list. 

While traveling for pleasure or for work are good choices, one of the best ways to experience the relaxed lifestyle of Sydney is to live and study there. Here are 7 reasons to study in Sydney will change your life:

1. Beach hours

Do you want to surf before or after school? Sydney is your place. Australians love surfing and spend a lot of time on the beach. Only in Sydney you have more than 100 beaches to choose from. Surf fans are close to the magnificent beaches of Bondi, Bronte and Coogee. Do you prefer a sunset walk? Go to the beach of Cronulla, with miles of sand to walk. The number one rule in Sydney is not to leave the house without a swimsuit or bikini. You never know, you can always arrange a barbecue on the beach from one moment to the next.

2. Did someone say coffee?

Australians love coffee. Well, maybe that's going to be short. Australians are OBSESSED for coffee. As a result, Sydney is full of cafés that fill the districts of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Newtown, Chippendale and Brickfields. For the inhabitants of Sydney, coffee is a way of life. And new cafeterias are opened every few days, so you'll surely find in your neighborhood one that you can go to study or hang out with your friends.

3. Take your dose of vitamin D

Sydney has one of the best climates in the world. With its mild winters and a time similar to the Mediterranean, the city has an average of 340 sunny days per year, which makes it the ideal destination for sun lovers. Do not forget the sunscreen!

4. Sydney loves diversity

You will not be the first person to fall in love with Sydney. When you walk through its streets, you will see and hear the influence of cultures from all over the world. The nationalities with more representation in Sydney are the Italian, the Chinese, the Irish, the Lebanese, the Greek, the Indian and the German. The city loves to celebrate this wealth of diversity with countless festivals and festivals, such as the Chinese New Year festival ( #CNYSYD ) and the Indian Spring Festival (Vasant Panchami).

5. Respectful with the LGBTQ community

Sydney not only accepts international diversity, she is also the proud representative of one of the largest gay populations in Australia. When you walk down Oxford Street, you will find yourself on a street dedicated entirely to the LGBTQ community. In addition, the annual Mardi Gras parade of gays and lesbians celebrates the rainbow symbol throughout the city.

6. Day trips

Are you worried that you might get bored of the beach? No problem. Rent a car and, in a few hours, you can walk through the Blue Mountains, Jervis Bay, Port Stephens or the Royal National Park. Also, if you like wine tasting, the Hunter Valley is full of world-famous vineyards where you can try wine and learn.

7. Christmas on the beach

Ok, let's be honest. It may seem a bit strange to celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer, especially if you are used to hot chocolate by the fireplace during this time of year. But the truth is that it is not so bad to celebrate Christmas in the sun with a cold drink in your hand and a barbecue on the beach. Australians know well how to celebrate Christmas and who knows? The experience may change your life.

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The best places to visit in Sydney

If you fancy a trip to Australia, why not start with the second largest city in the country and see the best places to visit in Sydney? Sydney is full of emblematic places and beautiful beaches; Perfect places for Instagram and even more perfect to create wonderful memories.

If you've been thinking about going on an adventure and experiencing the relaxed lifestyle of Australia, you're in luck; We have compiled a must-see points of interest guide in Sydney. So, pour yourself a cup of tea, read and get ready to frantically start packing. Find below the best places to visit in Sydney:

1. Harbor of the Bay of Sydney

One of the best places to visit in Sydney is undoubtedly the historic Bay Bridge. The highest part is 134 meters above sea level, and adrenaline fans can participate in a BridgeClimb to enjoy the spectacular views from above. You can also swim under the giant steel; the Olympic North Sydney pool overlooks the bridge and may be the best outdoor Olympic pool there is.

2. Bondi Beach

Whether you want to tan in the sun or if you prefer to check surfing, Bondi Beach is the perfect setting. Enjoy the sea breeze on your skin, the white sand under your feet and the relaxing sound of the waves while sunbathing on one of Australia's most emblematic beaches. If you get hungry, you can go to The Bucket List , on the beach, to eat some fresh seafood.

3. Sydney Opera

With more than forty performances per week, the historic Sydney Opera House has an offer for all tastes. You can admire from the outside the architecture of the building -probably the most famous in the country- or admire the interior with a guided tour behind the scenes.

4. Chippendale neighborhood

Known for its cutting-edge creativity, Chippendale is full of options for art enthusiasts. In Abercrombie Street you can find galleries of contemporary art such as the Pompom gallery, where young artists exhibit their paintings, videos and modern artistic montages. If you want good cafes and restaurants, walk to Kensington Street and stop by Glider KS , a restaurant where espressos are fused with Asian food and you can take practically everything from coffee to freshly made cold pressed juices.

5. Carriageworks

Carriageworks , the most important multiartistic center in Australia, has a magnificent and varied artistic program. Go there for a week and choose between the different exhibitions to inject some culture into your day. The place transforms on Saturdays into a farmers' market, with fresh products from farmers and artisans from New South Wales. A must stop if you are looking for local ingredients to make a hearty home-cooked meal.

6. Royal National Park

If you want to spend a day in nature, look no further. The Royal National Park has a lot of options for nature lovers. Fishing in mountain streams filled with trout, an afternoon of bird watching (the park is home to more than 300 species of birds) or whale watching on the coast of New South Wales; Whatever your choice, prepare to spend an unforgettable day of adventures. Do not forget your camera, you will want to capture every moment.

7. Bare Island

Located on Botany Bay, the island got its name from an explorer who described it as a " small, bare island " ( small, bare island ). Fearing an invasion by Russia in 1885, British settlers built the Bare Island fort to protect Botany Bay (famously dubbed Sydney's back door). Today, it is a source of military pride that also appeared in the movie Mission: Impossible 2. Take a guided tour of this beautiful island and discover its rich and captivating history.

8. Glebe Markets

If you want to expand your wardrobe with some retro clothes, Glebe Markets is a must. Every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., bargain hunters can browse through the numerous food, clothing and craft stalls, and enjoy the fascinating music of street performers. The relaxed atmosphere of the Glebe district attracts students from a nearby university, which fill its bookstores, restaurants and bars. Do you need an energy injection after visiting the posts? Order a fat white at Sappho, a bookstore that is a coffee shop during the day and a wine bar at night.

9. financial district

The financial district, the core of Sydney's commercial and financial activity, is the favorite place for buyers and gastronomy enthusiasts. You can spend the afternoon shopping and go to Port Darling at night to eat something. In this charming neighborhood, as its name suggests, there are plenty of restaurants where you can discover cuisines from all over the world. The most revelers will enjoy in its crowded bars and with its varied offer of cocktails, all with beautiful views of the sea.

10. Lavender Bay

Three kilometers north of the financial district, is one of the most beautiful places in the city. The best of Lavender Bay is Wendy's secret garden. After the death of her husband, Wendy Whiteley channeled her pain transforming a neglected space near the train tracks into a magical and wonderful place. The plants and flowers scattered among the fig trees and ferns frame the beautiful view of the port; a truly unique experience.

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