9 Wacky Festivals Celebrated in the Month of August

Two months ago we highlighted some very strangefestivals observed during the month of June. In this edition we look at some equally outlandish celebrations of August. Berlins Wasserschlacht Festival Wasserschlacht is the German word for water fight. Foam-rubber clubs are also used to hit and push the opposing side back to their side of the bridge. Later someone decided to bring in eggs, fruits and vegetables to the fight. The only rule is that they cannot be fresh – only rotten or cooked....

August 13, 2012 · 2 min · 307 words · Andrew Blackburn

Chinese Swimming Pools, the Most Crowded in the World

For most Chinese, pools are only a place to cool off, not to race. But the number of facilities is increasing as incomes rise and privately run gyms with pools proliferate. Some of these pools are massive. The pool covers an area of 30,000 square meters and accommodate up to 10,000 visitors at once. Another swimming pool in the Yao Stink district is able to accommodate a staggering 230,000 swimmers at one time....

August 9, 2012 · 1 min · 125 words · Christopher Lang

4 Amazing Shell Beaches Around the World

Here are 4 such unusual shell beaches in the world. The shells also forms the sea floor, stretching for hundreds of yards from the shoreline. They parade along the sands doubled over in a stance thats been dubbed the Sanibel Stoop. Many visitors and cruise passengers head over to inspect the bounty of shells washed up over the coastline. This beach is bevy of unique shells and conchs that are constantly changing and evolving the shoreline....

August 8, 2012 · 1 min · 105 words · Seth Dean

Adorable Rat Musicians by Ellen van Deelen

Deelen said she came up with the idea after seeing a tiny guitar for sale in a shop window. She claimed her pets are very intelligent who picked up the knack in no time. ‘They know exactly how to pose and both are really talented actors. We have a really good understanding. They always know what I am saying.’

August 6, 2012 · 1 min · 59 words · Edward Nguyen

Aerial Photos of Beaches by Gray Malin

People and objects become patterns creating repetition, shape and form. These photographs are a visual celebration of color, light, shapeand summer bliss. Also see: Day On The Beach by Kacper Kowalski [viaTrendland]

August 6, 2012 · 1 min · 32 words · Stephen Mendoza

Palindromo Meszaros Captures the Aftermath of Hungary’s Worst Toxic Spill

It took nearly a week to contain the spill and several weeks thereafter to cleanup. But every where the sludge touched, it left behind an indelible red line. “Sometimes people think that it is a conceptual installation when they start watching,” Meszaros says.

August 6, 2012 · 1 min · 43 words · Christopher Snyder

Ice Cave In Skaftafell, Iceland

Ice caves are temporary structures that appear at the edge of glaciers. They look amazingly beautiful from the inside. This particular cave is located on the frozen lagoon of the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Skaftafell, Iceland. However, this blue ice can be seen only under certain circumstances. It can be seen in ice-caves like this one and onfloating icebergsthat have recently rolled over. The cave is accessible through a 22-foot entrance on the shoreline....

August 4, 2012 · 1 min · 149 words · Donna Anderson

Magical Floating Faucet Fountains

The floating tap fountain is a clever illusion. The faucet remains surprisingly steady despite having no visible support and where is all this water coming from? The water goes up through the tube and exits at the top. The water column, which is usually turbulent, effectively hides the tube from view. Some are permanent installation, others are temporary art pieces. The one below is located at Aqualand, Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain....

August 4, 2012 · 1 min · 95 words · William Robertson

Seven Coloured Earths, Mauritius

The cause of their consistent spontaneous separation is yet to be explained. Photo credit The place has become one of Mauritius' main tourist attractions since the 1960s. Previously, visitors wee allowed to walk between the sand dunes when visiting the park. Curio shops in the area sell small test-tubes filled up with the coloured earths.

August 4, 2012 · 1 min · 55 words · Jason Park

Gruner See, Styria: A Park That Turns Into a Lake in Summer

It is a particular favourite site for hikers. The lake swells up to engulf the entire area including the park. The alpine grasses and flowers of the meadow are visible in full bloom under the water. One can even see benches, a bridge and walking trails.

August 3, 2012 · 1 min · 46 words · Helen Price

Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland

The uniqueness of these farms lie in the farmers ambition to build big. Nowhere in the world is such a collection of large farms as in Halsingland. The 18th and 19th centuries were prosperous for the farmers of Halsingland. Often the farmers would build more than one dwellings, sometimes housing several generations. These rooms were usually the most highly decorated in the farmstead. The subjects were often biblical but with the people depicted in the latest fashions of the time....

July 31, 2012 · 1 min · 93 words · Timothy Crane

Sunflower Festival in Zama, Japan

Zama is a city located in central Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, famous for its extensive sunflower fields. From late July through August more than half a million sunflowers are displayed at various locations around Zama. During the festival, visitors can enjoy music and entertainment, great food and buy farm fresh produce. The plants grow pretty tall - over 5 feet. Sunflower leaves arent wasted, either, being used for cattle feed and the fibrous stems for paper production....

July 31, 2012 · 1 min · 89 words · James Anderson

The Twist and Turns of Transfagarasan Road, Romania

The Transfagarasan starts at Bascov, near Pitecti. The road is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow. Depending on the weather, it may remain open until as late as November. Travellers can find food and lodging at several hotels or chalets (cabane) along the way. The northern section is used as a part of yearly cyclist competitions Tour of Romania. The Transfagarasan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 by the military forces....

July 31, 2012 · 1 min · 92 words · Zachary Bennett