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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6 magical spring destinations for your wish list

After hibernation and snow-covered mornings, spring is the perfect time to go out into the world and discover new things. With fantastic festivals, beautiful flowers and seasonal foods, spring is simply wonderful, perhaps even magical. To avoid missing anything, we have compiled a quick list of the 6 best travel destinations for this spring. To enjoy!

1. The Huntington Library of San Marino, California

The Huntington Library is magical all year round, but it is especially beautiful in spring, which is why it is one of the best travel destinations for this spring. It houses twelve landscaped spaces, such as the cactus garden, the rose garden and the Japanese garden, among others. In total, the entire ranch has more than 15,000 varieties of plants, and special events are organized coinciding with the explosion of spring. And the average temperature is nice, about 18 o C, so it's the ideal destination to escape a long winter. A short drive from Los Angeles or San Diego is a nice place to get away from the big city.

2. Tulips and much more in Portland, Oregon

When you think of the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States , it is normal to imagine rainy days, but wait to see the season of the tulips. Just 50 km south of Portland, you'll find 20 acres of colorful tulips. Do not miss the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Woodburn, reminiscent of Holland. Another lovely place in spring are the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens, botanical gardens that come to life at the end of March.

3. Hanami in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city that is at the top of the wish lists of many travelers. Tokyo has become the symbol of innovation thanks to its skyscrapers, its modern sense of fashion, its avant-garde cuisine and its technological capacity. The famous Shibuya pedestrian crossing is one of the most popular places for travelers, but every year, for two weeks in the spring, the focus is on the trees and it becomes one of the best travel destinations for spring. Two very recommendable places are the Meguro river or the Utsubukiyama park, where the cherry trees illuminate at night.

4. Paris in spring

Surely you've heard a thousand times how wonderful Paris is in the spring. Do not? Although it is one of the most charming places in the world all year round, the months of March to May, after the gray and cold winter, have a special magic. The city becomes a gallery of beautiful flowers, blue skies and Parisians dining outdoors. All the museums organize special exhibitions to celebrate the arrival of the station, and sports fans and music lovers arrive in droves for the Open de France and the Saint-Germain Jazz Festival.

5. National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC

When thinking of Washington DC , the normal thing is to think about the thrilling episodes of House of Cards or Scandal , but every year in March, the city shows its most delicate side. The streets are lined with beautiful pink flowers, since that's when the cherry trees begin to bloom. They were a gift that the Japanese chemist Jokichi Takamine made to Washington DC on behalf of Tokyo in 1912. People like it so much, that every year there is a month-long festival to celebrate its flowering.

6. Majorelle Garden of Marrakech, Morocco

You may imagine Morocco as a country of warm climate and golden sand, but this desert city is full of leafy oases. With 54 public gardens, Marrakech is reborn in the spring. The most famous is the Majorelle Garden. Designed by the French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over the course of almost 40 years, and later restored by fashion designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, it is a totally magical place.

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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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10 Reasons to Visit Toronto

I never thought a city could like me that much. When I was packing to go see a friend in Toronto, I was excited about the meeting, but not too much to know the city of Toronto. How wrong I was, it was very difficult for me to leave there!

Toronto is totally undervalued. I may like it even more than New York. I will explain why you should choose Toronto as your next destination (and take me with you).

1. Their habitants

The first thing I notice when I travel abroad is the warmth of the interaction with the locals. The people of Toronto are, in general, enormously kind, polite and pleasant. They have a warmth that makes you feel instantly at home. In addition, the diversity of the city is incredible, since one of every two inhabitants was born abroad. There it is possible to meet people and cultures from all parts of the world.

Tip: Try to start a conversation with someone at a bar or ask for directions. You'll be surprised how willing people are to talk or help.

2. Food

For me, the hardest thing when I was in Toronto was to choose what to eat. As is logical, the gastronomy of the city reveals its cultural and ethnic diversity. What do you want today? Indian food? China? Greek? How about a big pile of chips, cheese and gravy? The poutine has its origins in the French Canadian province of Quebec, but, being the unofficial national dish of Canada, it is also very popular in Toronto.

Tip : Do not you feel like trying out the poutine ? Wait until three o'clock in the morning. In addition to being delicious, many restaurants serve it late into the night.

3. Infinity of sports

Toronto is a dream for any sports fan. They have a professional team for each season! And, in addition, the tickets for the matches are quite affordable. You can watch the famous Maple Leafs take the ice, go to a Raptor NBA basketball game, or spend all afternoon watching baseball at the Blue Jays stadium. Whatever you do, it will be a good choice.

Tip : Canada's most popular sport is hockey, so tickets to Maple Leafs games can be somewhat expensive. If you want a more affordable alternative, go see the Raptors.

4. Open spaces

The city of Toronto is full of green spaces. There are parks in every corner, and many streets with large, leafy trees that are a real wonder in spring and summer.

Tip: The old city of Toronto is my favorite part of the city. It is full of large parks where you can spend all afternoon.

5. Cinema

Have you seen the TV series Suits ? The movie Bad Girls ? And The Incredible Hulk or Hairspray ? Do you want to know what all these productions have in common? You guessed it, they were all filmed in Toronto. When you recognize the locations of your favorite movie or series, you feel as if you are in their scenes.

Tip: Before you go, read this article about all locations of Toronto shootings .

6. Cleaning

In general, the size of a city is directly related to how dirty it is. Well, Toronto is against that trend and, in fact, it's the cleanest city I've been in. And, although I have not yet visited Vancouver , I would venture to say that it is the cleanest city in Canada.

Advice: Do not mess.

7. Culture

Party all night, sports all day, festivals, concerts ... Toronto is a constant flow of cultural activities.

Tip: If you like board games and coffee, go to Snakes & Lattes .

8. Road trips

One of the best jokes about Toronto is that there is nothing out of Toronto. Ok, that's true up to a point, but with a little dedication and a rental car, you can find great wineries, cabins, waterfalls and pretty villages a few hours away by car.

Tip : Do you fancy a one day trip? Go see the Niagara Falls and finish the day with a walk through the beautiful city of Hamilton.

9. Renowned art and artists

In addition to being a place where great films are made, Toronto is the place of origin of important artists. One of the most loved is Mr. Drake.

The people of Toronto love Drake and what he has done to promote the city. He even opened the hotel The Drake ; do not forget to go see it.

Tip : Drake rarely miss a game for the Raptors. Good time to go to basketball!

10. There are not too many tourists

Unlike other major American cities, Toronto has an extraordinarily low number of tourists. Or maybe the city is so big you can barely notice it. After having been in Barcelona, ​​it was quite a surprise.

Tip : Do typical tourist things. You can really enjoy them without crowds!

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8 Reasons to Visit Seoul

Seoul is on the crest of the wave of creativity. From fashion to food, architecture to art, the city has become a creative paradise for those who seek to make their mark. It is full of people who set trends and who have helped to create a city prepared for the future and that continues to respect its unique past.

 The temples and skyscrapers are mixed throughout the city, and their acclaimed chefs fuse the dishes of yesteryear with new and delicious trends of South Korean cuisine. It is a city designed for the curious, for those who can not sit still, and if you still have doubts, here are eight reasons to visit Seoul and for which Seoul should be your next tourist destination.

1. Dress to impress

Seoul has resurfaced as one of the world's most fashionable cities. Its Fashion Week, which exhibits the latest in urban style of the city's designer nursery, has become an essential event for fans of the sector. This influential event is held twice a year, in March and in October, and is the main event in which emerging and already established South Korean designers present their urban designs to fashion observers.

2. Discover the authentic Gangnam

The world may have only paid attention to Gangnam thanks to the success of Psy's K-pop song, but this modern neighborhood has long been at the forefront of the emergence of Seoul as the creator of international trends. If Seoul is the capital of Asia of the modern, Gangnam is its creative core. It has become the epicenter of Korean pop culture and business, and the district continues to be flooded with international companies. Gangnam also ranks first in Seoul's nightlife. Residents come here to relax after work in the many bars that fill its streets lit with neon lights. During the day, there are plenty of options to occupy time, such as shopping at the Korean boutiques, Lotte World and the Bongeun-sa Buddhist temple.

3. The adventure calls

The capital of South Korea has a population of about 10 million people, but it is not complicated to escape from the crowds and enjoy a large number of outdoor activities. If you want to add a good dose of adventure to your trip, go to the Bukhansen National Park, which is only 45 minutes by subway from downtown Seoul. There you will find hiking trails for all levels, such as the Bukhansanseong route, which leads hikers to the top of the highest mountain in South Korea, Baegundae. There are also several idyllic green spaces scattered throughout the city, including the Seoul Forest. , where you can make the perfect picture of spring cherry blossoms.

4. Eat

Although national music and television series have recently reached the landscape of international pop culture, Korean cuisine has long been a favorite with gourmets. And although there are koreantowns in every corner of the world, the best place to taste the authentic flavor of South Korea, are the streets of Seoul. Koreans do not like boring food and, here in Seoul, you can eat the best dishes of bulgogi , bibimbap and galbi .

5. Go back in time

It may be that the urban skyline of Seoul, always growing, can point to a city that looks to the future, but the city is awash in cultural gems that highlight its fascinating past. Go back in time by visiting the Five Great Palaces located in Jongno and Jung-gu, including the 14th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Changdeokgung Palace, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In other places you will also find perfectly preserved Buddhist temples, such as the famous Jogyesa and Bongeunsa.

6. Find yourself with the future

The constant search for innovation in Seoul has made the city a paradise of technology. It has the fastest internet connection speed in the world, a gigantic Digital Media City, and some of the largest companies in the technology sector, including Samsung. No matter where you come from, you will soon realize that the people of Seoul are already living in the future. From touchscreen mobile phones to tablets, Seoul workers do not just adopt the new technology, they create it.

7. You must know

Seoul has a "work hard, have a lot of fun" mantra that can challenge any city on the planet. When locals sign out after work, they head to places like Gangnam, Hongdae and Itaewon to enjoy a bottle or four of soju , a South Korean drink made with rice. No trip to Seoul is complete without a visit to a noraebang (which means song room). These popular karaoke establishments have been a pillar of Korean culture for decades and are found throughout the city of Seoul. When you feel ready to release your inner rock / pop star, you just have to look for a neon microphone in the window.

8. Go beyond the capital

Seoul is the perfect base to explore all that South Korea has to offer. It takes only one hour by plane to reach the city of Busan, the Miami of South Korea, and the island of Jeju, which is famous for its sunny beaches and volcanic landscapes. There are also excellent transport links to the famous Hwaseong Fortress (a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in Suwon), the Pocheon Art Valley (an idyllic park complex) and the Mangswolsa Mountain Temple (an ancient Buddhist temple of the Fortress). of Namhansanseong).

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5 things to do in Shanghai on a budget

Nihao! Or should I say hello! If you are reading this, it is most likely that you are underlining some tips from you to know what to do in Shanghai on a low budget. Shanghai is known as the East Paris, not because you're going to find macarons and baguettes around every corner, but because of its unique fusion of East and West. Shanghai is the largest and most prosperous city in China, and rivals other iconic cities, such as New York in terms of modernity and Paris for its aesthetic. Although like any other major city in the world, it can be quite expensive. But do not worry, because I have a list of the best things to do in Shanghai without putting you and your wallet in a bind.

1. Marriage market

Why spend hours in Tinder without finding love when you can have someone who finds true love for you? The marriage market is one of the perfect places in Shanghai to study profiles on Saturday or Sunday afternoons; Imagine a mix of agricultural markets and blind dates. And although most of the profiles do not have images or names, information about salaries and properties is usually available. Economic security is very important in China, so this information is essential for any union. It's an interesting experience, even if you're not thinking about getting married, because you can see the profiles and get to know first-hand the Chinese customs about marriage and courtship.

2. A great tourist attraction in Shanghai: Bund

The Bund or Waitan (outdoor beach in Shanghainese), as the locals call it, is a coastal area right in the center of Shanghai with fantastic views of the city, and is what you always imagined Shanghai would look like; an oriental Paris without the Eiffel Tower. It is one of the main tourist attractions of the city and, for architecture lovers, the 52 buildings that are here present a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Art Deco to Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic.

3. French Concession of Shanghai

From 1849 to 1956, this foreign concession in Shanghai was the main commercial and residential district. If you like Art Deco, there is no better place. You will understand the nickname "Eastern Paris" when you see the European-style coffee shops, the beautiful gardens and the small bars and restaurants of the district. You can also do a walking tour on your own to get to know the place between Xintiandi in the east, Tianzifang in the south and Fuxing Middle Road in the west. Do not miss going to Xintiandi, a pedestrian walkway with restaurants and luxury shops. In this area you will also find many shikumen houses, narrow alleys and cobblestone courtyards. And you can go to see the location of the first national congress of the Communist Party of China, which is now kept as a museum.

4. Art in Shanghai: Moganshan Street, 50

50 Moganshan Street, or "M50" as they call it the most modern, is known as the contemporary art district of Shanghai, and rightly so. Many famous local artists have left their mark, such as, for example, Ding Yi, Qu Fengguo and Wang Xingwei, among others. Many of the warehouses and factories have become art galleries, artist studios that you can visit for free. It is a true paradise for hipster.

5. Zhongshan Park tourist park

Although I love visiting urban points of interest, my favorite places in any big city are the parks and natural areas where you can get away from the hustle and, perhaps, do some exercise. The older generation in Shanghai is well aware of this and that is why Zhongshan Park is the ideal place to watch older people exercising with synchronized dance. If you're not ashamed, you should join them and try. After all, you're in Shanghai, right?

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