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Preparing for exams? Give yourself the best chance with these top ten study tips, and try not to let the stress get to you! Remember: you've got this.

Give yourself enough time to study

Don't leave it until the last minute. While some students do seem to thrive on last-minute cramming, it's widely accepted that (for most of us) this is not the best way to approach an exam. To help sort out your time management, set up a timetable for your study. Write down how many exams you have and the days on which you have to sit them. Then organize your study accordingly. You may want to give some exams more study time than others, so find a balance that you feel comfortable with.

Organize your study space

Make sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes out. Have you got enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Are your computer games out of sight?

Try and get rid of all distractions, and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to focus as possible. For some people, this may mean almost complete silence, for others, background music helps. Some of us need everything completely tidy and organized in order to concentrate, while others thrive in a more cluttered environment. Think about what works for you, and take the time to get it right.

Use flow charts and diagrams

Visual aids can be really helpful when revising. At the start of a topic, challenge yourself to write down everything you already know about a topic - and then highlight where the gaps lie. Closer to the exam, condense your revision notes into one-page diagrams. Getting your ideas down in this brief format can then help you to quickly recall everything you need to know during the exam.

Practice on old exams

One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is to practice taking past versions. This helps you get used to the format of the questions, and - if you time yourself - can also be good practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.

Explain your answers to others

Parents and little brothers and sisters don't have to be annoying around exam time. Use them to your advantage. Explain an answer to a question to them. That will help you to get it clear in your head, and also to highlight any areas where you need more work.

Organize study groups with friends

Get together with friends for a study session. You may have questions that they have the answers to and vice versa. As long as you make sure you stay focused on the topic for an agreed amount of time, this can be one of the most effective ways to challenge yourself.

Take regular breaks

While you may think it's best to study for as many hours as possible, this can actually be counterproductive. If you were training for a marathon, you wouldn't try and run 24 hours a day. Likewise, studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks really helps.

Everyone's different, so develop a study routine that works for you. If you study better in the morning, start early before taking a break at lunchtime. Or, if you're more productive at nighttime, take a larger break earlier on so you're ready to settle down come evening.

Try not to feel guilty about being out enjoying the sunshine instead of hunched over your textbooks. Remember Vitamin D is important for a healthy brain.

Snack on brain food

You may feel like you deserve a treat, or that you don't have time to cook, but what you eat can really have an impact on energy levels and focus, so keep away from junk food. Keep your body and brain well-fuelled by choosing nutritious foods that have been proven to aid concentration and memory, such as fish, nuts, seeds, yogurt and blueberries. The same applies on exam day - eat a good meal before the test, based on foods that will provide a slow release of energy throughout. Sugar may seem appealing, but your energy levels will crash an hour later.

Plan your exam day

Make sure you get everything ready well in advance of the exam - don't leave it to the day before to suddenly realize you don't know the way, or what you're supposed to bring. Check all the rules and requirements, and plan your route and journey time. If possible, do a test run of the trip. If not, write down clear directions.

Work out how long it will take to get there - then add on some extra time. You really don't want to arrive having had to run halfway or feeling frazzled from losing your way. You could also make plans to travel to the exam with friends or classmates, as long as you know they're likely to be punctual.

Drink plenty of water

As a final tip, remember that being well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its best. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision, and also on the exam day.

Good luck!

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.
This article was originally published in February 2008 and was updated in May 2017.

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Preparing for exams? Give yourself the best chance with these top ten study tips, and try not to let the stress get to you during this period of exam preparation.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWoJCUUctcI

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet - GeeksforGeeks

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Your All-in-One Learning Portal: GeeksforGeeks is a comprehensive educational platform that empowers learners across domains-spanning computer science and programming, school education, upskilling, commerce, software tools, competitive exams, and more.

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Talk directly

Assuming that there is no threat of physical violence, talk directly to the person with whom you have the problem. Direct conversation is much more effective than sending a letter, banging on the wall, throwing a rock or complaining to everyone else.

Choose a good time

Plan ahead and allow yourselves enough time for a thorough discussion. Don't start talking about the conflict just as the other person is leaving to make dinner, for example. Try to talk in a quiet place where you can both be comfortable and undisturbed for as long as the discussion takes.

Plan ahead

Think about what you want to say ahead of time. Explain what the problem is and how it affects you.

Don't blame or name-call

Antagonizing the other person only makes it harder for him or her to hear you and understand your concerns. Don't blame the other person for everything or begin the conversation with your opinion of what should be done.

Give information

Don't interpret the other person's behavior. "You are blocking my driveway on purpose just to make me mad!" Instead, give information about your own feelings: "When your car blocks my driveway, I get angry because I can't get to work on time."

Listen

Give the other person a chance to tell his or her side of the conflict completely. Relax and listen; try to learn how the other person feels.

Show that you are listening

Although you may not agree with what is being said, tell the other person that you hear him or her and are glad that you are discussing the problem together.

Talk it all through

Once you start, get all of the issues and feelings out into the open. Don't leave out the part that seems too "difficult" to discuss or too "insignificant" to be important. Your solutions will work best if all issues are discussed thoroughly.

Work on a solution

When you have reached this point in the discussion, start working on a solution. Two or more people cooperating are much more effective than one person telling another to change. Be specific: "I will turn my music off at midnight" is better than a vague "I won't play my music anymore."

Follow through

Agree to check with each other at specific times to make sure that the agreement is still working... then really do it!

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https://stumblesafari.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-different-accommodation-options/

https://www.travelalerts.ca/blogs/h-pros-and-cons-different-types-of-accommodations/

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AditiVerse | Where Diversity Meets Creativity

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Types of Accommodations: Exploring the Benefits & Drawbacks

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Discover the advantages and disadvantages of different types of accommodations such as hotels, hostels, & more. Learn which option suits your travel needs best.

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https://www.genesis10.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog-inteview-prep-list.png?width=600&name=Blog-inteview-prep-list.png

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https://capitalizemytitle.com/zufalliger-themengenerator-zufallige-konversationsthemen/

https://hummustopia.de/gespraechsthemen/

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10 Möglichkeiten für ein besseres Gespräch

Sind Sie jemand, dem es schwer fällt, ein Gespräch mit jemandem aufzunehmen, den Sie gerade kennengelernt haben? Die Menschen sind heutzutage nicht mehr daran gewöhnt, persönliche Gespräche zu führen. Die Welt ist digital geworden und die Menschen geben sich damit zufrieden, online zu chatten. Wenn Sie sich jedoch persönlich mit Menschen treffen und mit ihnen sprechen, können Sie Rapport und Geschäftsbeziehungen aufbauen, die Ihnen zum Erfolg verhelfen. Lassen Sie sich von diesen 10 Möglichkeiten für ein besseres Gespräch leiten und helfen Sie Ihnen, Ihr Leben in vollen Zügen zu leben.

1. Lassen Sie Ihre Gedanken während des Gesprächs nicht irgendwohin schweifen

Mit anderen Worten, vermeiden Sie Multitasking. Konzentrieren Sie sich auf das laufende Gespräch und denken Sie nicht darüber nach, was Sie zum Mittag- oder Abendessen haben oder ob Sie später Take-outs bestellen sollten. Bleiben Sie in dem Moment, in dem Sie ein Gespräch führen. Ansonsten entschuldigen Sie sich und kümmern Sie sich um Ihre dringende Angelegenheit. Sie können sich für eine Rückkehr entscheiden, aber achten Sie darauf, dass Sie dem laufenden Gespräch Ihre volle Aufmerksamkeit widmen.

2. Vermeiden Sie unter allen Umständen ein Pontifikieren

Ein Gespräch ist eine Einbahnstraße. Wenn Sie Ihre Meinung sagen möchten und möchten, dass die anderen die Schönheit kennen, ohne dass sie antworten können, schreiben Sie einfach einen Blog oder halten Sie eine Rede. Niemand möchte mit jemandem sprechen, der alles zu wissen scheint. Sie müssen davon ausgehen, dass Sie in jedem Gespräch etwas lernen, damit Sie aufmerksam zuhören können. Manchmal müssen Sie Ihre eigene Meinung beiseite lassen, was möglicherweise nur zu einem Streit führt.

3. Stellen Sie keine geschlossenen Fragen, die mit Ja oder Nein beantwortet werden können

Es ist ratsam, dem Beispiel von Journalisten zu folgen, wenn Sie Ihre Fragen stellen. Vermeiden Sie Fragen, die mit Ja oder Nein beantwortet werden können, ohne die Antwort des Befragten ausführlich erläutern zu müssen. Sie können mit dem Warum, Wo, Wann, Was, Wer und Wie beginnen (5 W und 1 H). Wenn Sie dies tun, erhalten Sie eine detaillierte Antwort, die das Gespräch am Laufen hält.

4. Lassen Sie die Gedanken los, die Ihnen in den Sinn kommen

Sie müssen mit dem Fluss gehen. Während eines Gesprächs könnte jemand etwas erwähnen, das Sie dazu bringt, sich an bestimmte wichtige Ereignisse zu erinnern, die passiert sind. Sie sollten diese Gedanken loslassen und das laufende Gespräch nicht stören. Konzentrieren Sie sich auf das aktuelle Gespräch. Es ist in Ordnung, einzugreifen, solange dies dazu beitragen kann, den Punkt der Person zu stärken, die im Moment das Wort hat. Sie müssen es auch kurz machen.

5. Geben Sie offen zu, dass Sie etwas nicht wissen

Wenn Sie keine Kenntnisse über das Thema haben, geben Sie offen zu, dass Sie es nicht wissen. Warum darüber lügen? In der Tat kann es helfen, das Gespräch am Laufen zu halten, und Sie erhalten wertvolle Informationen und Kenntnisse. Es zeigt auch Ihre Ehrlichkeit und Ihr Interesse an dem Thema und dem Gespräch selbst.

6. Klingen Sie nicht so, als würden Sie mit ihren Erfahrungen konkurrieren

Die Personen, mit denen Sie ein Gespräch führen, sprechen möglicherweise plötzlich davon, ein Familienmitglied zu verlieren, und Sie werden plötzlich herausplatzen, dass Sie kürzlich auch eines verloren haben. Jemand anderes spricht möglicherweise über Arbeitsprobleme und Sie informieren ihn darüber, dass Sie mit Ihrem Chef nicht klar kommen. Unterschiedliche Personen haben unterschiedliche Erfahrungen, obwohl die Situationen gleich sein können. Während Empathie wichtig ist, sollten Sie Ihre Erfahrungen nicht mit denen anderer Menschen gleichsetzen und stattdessen zuhören und auf ihre reagieren. Wenn Sie Erfahrungen vergleichen, klingt es so, als würden Sie mit ihnen konkurrieren, indem Sie sie wissen lassen, wie viel Sie durchgemacht haben oder wie erstaunlich Ihr Leben ist.

7. Vermeiden Sie es, sich zu wiederholen

Jeder hat die Tendenz, das zu wiederholen, was er oder sie bereits gesagt hat, wenn er sich mit jemandem oder einer Gruppe von Menschen unterhält. Sie sollten dies vermeiden, da dies das Gespräch langweilig und uninteressant macht. Das Gespräch läuft nur ohne Fortschritt im Kreis, wenn Sie sich immer wieder wiederholen.

8. Besprechen Sie keine Details, wenn Ihre Zuhörer es nicht wissen möchten

Ein Gespräch mit anderen, insbesondere mit denen, die Sie gerade auf der Party getroffen haben, sollte lebhaft und unterhaltsam sein. Die Leute sind nicht wirklich daran interessiert, Daten, Namen, Jahre und andere Details des Themas zu erfahren, das Sie mit ihnen besprechen. Sie sind b. Geben Sie die Details an, wenn Ihr Hörer viele Vorteile daraus ziehen wird. Ansonsten machen Sie das Gespräch einfach und angenehm.

9. Sei ein guter Zuhörer

Um ein gutes Gespräch zu führen, müssen Sie zuerst ein guter Zuhörer sein. Die meisten Menschen würden lieber reden als zuhören, was keinen großartigen Dialog schafft. Wenn Sie ein unterhaltsames Gespräch führen möchten, müssen Sie sich anhören, worüber Ihre Gruppe spricht. Hören Sie gut zu, damit Sie die Diskussion besser verstehen und Ihre Antworten im Kontext des Gesprächs sinnvoll sind.

10. Machen Sie es kurz

Halten Sie Ihre Aussagen kurz, aber fleischig. Kommen Sie auf den Punkt und vermeiden Sie unnötige Erklärungen, die nur dazu führen, dass es sich hinzieht.

Sie müssen lernen, wie Sie ein Gespräch aufbauen, ohne jemanden zu beleidigen und Ihre Zeit zu verschwenden. Sie müssen auch davon absehen, Ihr Gespräch in ein langweiliges zu verwandeln.

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Zufälliger Themengenerator und Gesprächsstarter - Capitalize My Title

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Sie möchten einen Kaffee-Chat oder einen Zoom-Anruf führen und möchten einen zufälligen Gesprächsstarter? Haben Sie eine Schreibblockade und sind sich nicht sicher, was Ihr nächstes Schreibthema sein soll? Verwenden Sie unseren unten stehenden Generator für zufällige Themen, um Konversationsideen, Eingabeaufforderungen und mehr zu wecken!

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file://s-srv-dc/Le$/Downloads/describing%20people.pdf

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https://i.insider.com/57bf135809d29324008b470a

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Future Life -> goals, productivity, healthy living, starting a business etc. 

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Future Life -> goals, productivity, healthy living, starting a business etc. 

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https://www.livingwellspendingless.com/48-life-skills-everyone-learn/

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48 Essential Life Skills Everyone Should Learn | Life Skills to Master

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Do you have the skills it takes to get through everyday life or in the midst of a global crisis? It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the to-do’s of life that we don’t always take the time to learn the things we need to live “the good life.” Don’t miss the 48 life skills EVERYONE should know—even our…

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFesuPll5io

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Mobile Phones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDY3OsSrNk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Y_x6_YEnk

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AP General Stuff:

https://www.isb.bayern.de/schularten/realschule/leistungserhebungen/abschlusspruefungen/englisch/

GW:

https://www.isb.bayern.de/schularten/realschule/leistungserhebungen/abschlusspruefungen/englisch/guided-writing-bewertung/

Speaking:

https://www.isb.bayern.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Realschule/Leistungserhebungen/Abschlusspruefung/Englisch/Speaking_Test-Aufgaben/ST_MOCK_EXAMS_UPDATE.pdf

https://www.isb.bayern.de/schularten/realschule/leistungserhebungen/abschlusspruefungen/englisch/speaking-test-bewertung/

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bewertung von speaking test und guided writing der abschlussprüfung im fach englisch (realschule)

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ISB - Staatsinstitut für Schulqualität und Bildungsforschung

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Bewertung von Speaking Test und Guided Writing der Abschlussprüfung im Fach Englisch (Realschule)

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Bewertung von Speaking Test und Guided Writing der Abschlussprüfung im Fach Englisch (Realschule) - Für Speaking Test und Guided Writing stehen Begleitmaterialien sowie zentrale Bewertungsschemata zu Korrektur und Bewertung zur Verfügung.

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https://www.isb.bayern.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Realschule/Leistungserhebungen/Abschlusspruefung/Englisch/Speaking_Test-Aufgaben/lis_st_e10_part_1_2022.pdf

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https://www.gespraechsgenerator.de/

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Lass die Magie beginnen... Generiere ein Gesprächsthema

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z4aI_znhdI

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HOW TO COMPARE & CONTRAST PICTURES FOR CAMBRIDGE & OTHER OFFICIAL ESL EXAMS

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https://de.slideshare.net/VareliOlga/how-to-compare-and-contrast-two-images

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How to Compare and Contrast two images - Als PDF herunterladen oder kostenlos online ansehen

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https://teflpedia.com/Your_country_conversation_questions

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Your country conversation questions - Teflpedia

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How to Talk About Your Studies in English - Learn Spoken English

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https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=let%27s+talk+about+food

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https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=friends+thanksgiving

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faUYJ9fMiGg

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Kids Share Their Cultural Tradition | Show & Tell | Hiho Kids - YouTube

Kids Share Their Holiday Traditions | Kids Try | HiHo Kids - YouTube

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Kids Share Their Cultural Tradition | Show & Tell | Hiho Kids

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https://prosancons.com/media/pros-and-cons-of-youtube/

https://www.google.com/search?tbm=vid&q=pros+and+cons+about+youtube&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjC17DT7pP6AhUO3KQKHW90C4kQ8ccDegQIFRAD&biw=1280&bih=577&dpr=1.5

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YouTube is a great platform with diverse content and better control. There are so many things you can watch from YouTube-like promotional materials, viral videos, tutorials, entertainment content, website information, and a lot more.

A lot of things make YouTube great but there are a few drawbacks, let's look at them.

10 . Source of entertainment: YouTube can act as a source of entertainment for your whole family. There are plenty of movies, TV shows, Music videos, and other entertaining content you can access on YouTube.

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YouTube is a great platform with diverse content and better control. There are so many things you can watch from YouTube-like promotional materials, viral videos, tutorials, entertainment content, website information, and a lot more. A lot of things make YouTube great but there are a few drawbacks, let's look at them.

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https://zenhabits.net/25-ways-to-help-a-fellow-human-being-today/

...that is the link from the picture...

Many more ideas can be found here:

https://www.careelite.de/en/how-to-help-others-people/

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"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." - Dalai Lama

Too often the trend in our society is for people to be separated from either other, to be cut off from the great mass of humanity, and in doing so to be dehumanized a little bit more with each step.

Cars have taken us off the streets, where we used to greet each other and stop to chat. Cubicles have taken away a bit of the humanity in working, as have factories and even computers to some extent. Television has planted us firmly in our living rooms, instead of out with other people. Even movie theaters, where many people get together, cut us off from true conversation because we're staring at a big screen.

And while I'm not railing against any of these inventions (except perhaps the cubicle), what we must guard against is the tendency of that individuality to have us focused on ourselves to the exclusion of our fellow human beings. The tendency towards selfishness rather than giving, on helping ourselves rather than helping our brothers and sisters in humanity.

I'm not saying we're all like that, but it can happen, if we're not careful.
So strike back against the selfishness and greed of our modern world, and help out a fellow human being today. Not next month, but today.
Helping a fellow human being, while it can be inconvenient, has a few humble advantages:

1. It makes you feel better about yourself;

2. It connects you with another person, at least for a moment, if not for life;

3. It improves the life of another, at least a little;

4. It makes the world a better place, one little step at a time;

5. And if that kindness is passed on, it can multiply, and multipy.

So take just a few minutes today, and do a kindness for another person. It can be something small, or the start of something big. Ask them to pay it forward. Put a smile on someone's face.

Don't know where to start? Here's an extremely incomplete list, just to get you thinking - I'm sure you can come up with thousands more if you think about it.

1. Smile and be friendly. Sometimes a simple little thing like this can put a smile and warm feeling in someone else's heart, and make their day a little better. They might then do the same for others.

2. Call a charity to volunteer. You don't have to go to a soup kitchen today. Just look up the number, make the call, and make an appointment to volunteer sometime in the next month. It can be whatever charity you like. Volunteering is one of the most amazing things you can do.

3. Donate something you don't use. Or a whole box of somethings. Drop them off at a charity - others can put your clutter to good use.

4. Make a donation. There are lots of ways to donate to charities online, or in your local community. Instead of buying yourself a new gadget or outfit, spend that money in a more positive way.

5. Redirect gifts. Instead of having people give you birthday or Christmas gifts, ask them to donate gifts or money to a certain charity.

6. Stop to help. The next time you see someone pulled over with a flat tire, or somehow in need of help, stop and ask how you can help. Sometimes all they need is a push, or the use of your cell phone.

7. Teach. Take the time to teach someone a skill you know. This could be teaching your grandma to use email, teaching your child to ride a bike, teaching your co-worker a valuable computer skill, teaching your spouse how to clean the darn toilet. OK, that last one doesn't count.

8. Comfort someone in grief. Often a hug, a helpful hand, a kind word, a listening ear, will go a long way when someone has lost a loved one or suffered some similar loss or tragedy.

9. Help them take action. If someone in grief seems to be lost and doesn't know what to do, help them do something. It could be making funeral arrangements, it could be making a doctor's appointment, it could be making phone calls. Don't do it all yourself - let them take action too, because it helps in the healing process.

10. Buy food for a homeless person. Cash is often a bad idea if it's going to be used for drugs, but buying a sandwich and chips or something like that is a good gesture. Be respectful and friendly.

11. Lend your ear. Often someone who is sad, depressed, angry, or frustrated just needs someone who will listen. Venting and talking through an issue is a huge help.

12. Help someone on the edge. If someone is suicidal, urge them to get help. If they don't, call a suicide hotline or doctor yourself to get advice.

13. Help someone get active. A person in your life who wants to get healthy might need a helping hand - offer to go walking or running together, to join a gym together. Once they get started, it can have profound effects.

14. Do a chore. Something small or big, like cleaning up or washing a car or doing the dishes or cutting a lawn.

15. Give a massage. Only when appropriate of course. But a massage can go a long way to making someone feel better.

16. Send a nice email. Just a quick note telling someone how much you appreciate them, or how proud you are of them, or just saying thank you for something they did.

17. Show appreciation, publicly. Praising someone on a blog, in front of coworkers, in front of family, or in some other public way, is a great way to make them feel better about themselves.

18. Donate food. Clean out your cupboard of canned goods, or buy a couple bags of groceries, and donate them to a homeless shelter.

19. Just be there. When someone you know is in need, sometimes it's just good to be there. Sit with them. Talk. Help out if you can.

20. Be patient. Sometimes people can have difficulty understanding things, or learning to do something right. Learn to be patient with them.

21. Tutor a child. This might be difficult to do today, but often parents can't afford to hire a tutor for their child in need of help. Call a school and volunteer your tutoring services.

22. Create a care package. Soup, reading material, tea, chocolate ... anything you think the person might need or enjoy. Good for someone who is sick or otherwise in need of a pick-me-up.

23. Lend your voice. Often the powerless, the homeless, the neglected in our world need someone to speak up for them. You don't have to take on that cause by yourself, but join others in signing a petition, speaking up a a council meeting, writing letters, and otherwise making a need heard.

24. Offer to babysit. Sometimes parents need a break. If a friend or other loved one in your life doesn't get that chance very often, call them and offer to babysit sometime. Set up an appointment. It can make a big difference.

25. Love. Simply finding ways to express your love to others, whether it be your partner, child, other family member, friend, co-worker, or a complete stranger ... just express your love. A hug, a kind word, spending time, showing little kindnesses, being friendly ... it all matters more than you know.

How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world.
- William Shakespeare

Tell me who you are again?
I'm Leo Babauta, founder of Zen Habits. I transformed my life about 15 years ago, and have helped thousands of people change theirs through habit change and mindfulness training. I'm a vegan dad, a husband, and we're now living in San Diego. Read about my mission to change the world through uncertainty training.
ðŸ"¥Are you ready to join us in Fearless Living?
Commit Yourself to Practice in the 3 Core Pillars of the Fearless Path so you can step fully into your life ... to create a well-lived life of meaning:
Learn more about the Fearless Living Academy

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25 Ways to Help a Fellow Human Being Today - zen habits

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We answer some of your biggest questions!

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If you are "in a hurry" ...

More profound:

https://www.greenmountainenergy.com/why-renewable-energy/protect-the-environment

Most complex with further linking, videos, apps, questionnaire:

https://www.wwf.org.uk/thingsyoucando

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national oceanic and atmospheric administration

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Ten simple choices for a healthier planet.

# data[].attributes.body
to share
to comment - a comment
to depend >< independent
necessary - necessity
succed - success - sucessful
income = to earn money
incredible > you cannot believe it
to subscribe / subscriber
ad(vert)(isment)
a contract
difficulty = problem
recent +NOUN!! = short time ago
however >> but
to trap >> to catch
to appear > sth. that can be seen
often used as >> performance

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNVX7y-I2DU

When Elvis Presley comes up (around 5:00) sound has been muted due to copyright infringement.

1. Give an example for improper dress.

2. What was a popular drug?

3. What is “Catcher in the Rye”?

4. What was 50s new style of music?

5. Which three things were feared in black music?

6. Name three bad things, which adults thought were caused by R’n’R.

7. Who was thought to be the wirepuller (Drahtzieher) of the “R’n’R conspiracy”?

# data[].attributes.body
* economy (n) - economic (adj)
* to annouce > to say what will happen according to a plan
* different (adj) - difference (n) - to differ (v)
* dentist > a doctor for teeth (one tooth - two teeth)
* cream > sth. that could be on top of your cake --> whipped cream
* coin > 1,5,10,20,50 cents
* to / the rent > pay money for using sth.
* fork - knife - spoon = cutlery / silvery
* to subtract > take a number away from another number
* to / a leak > small hole
* cigarette... watch the spelling

# data[].attributes.body
* to spread - spread - spread
* decade - century - millenium
* to re`cord - a `record (Betonung
* to / a quote >> what sb. said
* nearly >> almost
* to promise > to say you will do sth.
* to swear, swore, sworn > it also means to use "bad" words.... -->
"schwören" UND "fluchen"
* tight >< wide
* beetle >> bug

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https://padlet.com/jo_genau/yae86866beil

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Please have a look at the attached pdf as well.

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Please have a look at the attached pdf as well.

# data[].attributes.body
* refund
* membership
* fee
* bill
* total
* a rate
* to cover
* to hire / to rent / to purchase
* charge
* bank account / bank transfer
* deposit
* access
* valid
* debit
* merchandise
* available / in stock
* in advance
* currency
* enterprise
* franchise
* negotiate
* tax
* vendor / vending
* retail / -er
* warranty

# data[].attributes.body
·  contamination

·  disposable

·  emission

·  endangered

·  environment - environmentalist

·  extinct (adj) extinction (n)

·  fossil fuel

·  global warming

·  greenhouse effect

·  habitat

·  herbicide

·  nuclear energy
--------------------------------------------------------------------   --> dict.leo.org

·  organic

·  pesticide

·  pollution

·  radiation

·  recycle

·  renewable

·  solar

·  sustainable

·  toxic waste

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9z0FNGKng4

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.liveworksheets.com/worksheets/en/English_as_a_Second_Language_(ESL)/Conditionals/CONDITIONALS_TEST_kg6500xu

https://www.liveworksheets.com/worksheets/en/English_as_a_Second_Language_(ESL)/Conditionals/Mixed_Conditionals__km7222na

https://www.liveworksheets.com/worksheets/en/English_as_a_Second_Language_(ESL)/Conditionals/CONDITIONALS_TEST_kg6500xu

https://www.ego4u.de/de/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences/exercises?05

https://www.englisch-hilfen.de/exercises_list/if.htm
(Übungen mit "1 Lücke"!!!)

https://www.ego4u.de/de/cram-up/grammar/conditional-sentences
(scroll down!)

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https://www.espressoenglish.net/12-english-phrases-for-describing-movies/

https://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/how-talk-about-movies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uerFSSBhko

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10 ways to help the planet:
https://learningapps.org/view1137333

Climate Change:
https://learningapps.org/view3385338

youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4H1N_yXBiA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7jpMG5DS4Q

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STiQ4BEV8ug

http://www.abipedia.de/linking-words.php

https://www.studienkreis.de/englisch/linking-words-verbindungswoerter/

# data[].attributes.body
https://ideas.ted.com/8-practical-ways-to-help-refugees/
In German but nice:
https://www.zeit.de/politik/2015-08/ehrenamtliches-engagement-fluechtlinge

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxset-GFh1Q

# data[].attributes.body
https://engelsklaslokaal.nl/en/listening-and-viewing-comprehension/ted-talk-the-magic-washing-machine/hans-rosling/

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/vocabulary.php

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Take a test! Do you have a healthy relationship with food? !!EMAIL CATCH!!!

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Take a test! Do you have a healthy relationship with food? !!EMAIL CATCH!!!

# data[].attributes.body
https://renfrewcenter.com/food-quiz/

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Moving into shared accommodation is a great option for university students - but despite the many benefits of having housemates, shared living isn't for everyone. If you're thinking of moving into a house, it is important to know the pros and cons of shared accommodation.

UniLodge has a heap of shared rooms available which you can search for here.

Pro - Built-in friends
Making friends as an adult isn't always easy, especially if you move away from your hometown to attend university. If you're eager to extend your social circle, moving into shared accommodation is a great way to meet new people. Even if you don't have much in common with your housemates, living in each other's pockets can help foster a sense of friendship.

Con - Badly behaved housemates
From stealing your food to playing loud music in the middle of the night, you never know what kind of bad habits your housemates might have. Even if you're already friends with the people you're planning to move in with, can you ever really know someone until you've lived with them?

Pro - Shared living costs
The cost of living is no joke these days, particularly in major cities where the rental market can be extremely competitive. Full-time students often have an especially hard time making ends meet, as they need to balance earning an income with getting good grades. Rather than paying rent and bills by yourself, share housing is a great way to reduce the cost of living.

Con - Fights over facilities
It's hard to remember that sharing is caring when your housemate has been in the bathroom for over an hour and you desperately need to use the toilet. Learning to compromise is a part of growing up, but it's easy for frustrations to boil over in shared accommodation. If you can't stand the thought of sharing parts of your living space with multiple people, you might be better off living alone.

Pro - Independence
If you're craving the freedom that comes with living away from home, share housing offers an easy path to independence. Going straight from living with family to having your own place can be daunting, but shared accommodation is the ideal compromise. You'll still have housemates, but without many of the constraints that come with calling your parents' place home.

Con - Leasing complexities
Are you and your housemates thinking of managing your property's lease without the help of an agent? This might sound like a good idea, but rental leases can involve complex logistics. If someone leaves unexpectedly you may need to cover the cost of their rent until a replacement can be found. There's also the issue of dividing up bond payments and covering the cost of any damage done to the property.

If you think you've got what it takes to thrive in a share house, UniLodge has multi-bedroom apartments available at many of our properties across Australia.

Find the perfect home away from home by browsing our locations in Australia and NZ today.

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The Pros and Cons of Shared Accommodation | UniLodge

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Thinking of moving into a share house? Discover the pros and cons of shared accommodation here before signing a lease.

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Are uniforms good or bad? (with subtitles)

# data[].attributes.body
a dish
to prepare (a meal)
recipe
to consist of
ingredients
flour
fry / boil -->
pan / pot
mustard
pickles <--> cucumber
salad <--> lettuce
onion
potatoes
mushrooms
pepperoni --> meat ! <->sweet / / chilli pepper

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There are few things I love more than joining in local festivals and celebrations when I travel.

Whether it be a religious gala, a celebration to mark the changing of the season, a rite to ward off evil or a ritual to manifest good fortune, taking part or just observing cultural traditions around the world can make for an unforgettable travel experience.

For this new post series, I've teamed up with more than 60 travel writers who share their favourite festivals, rituals and ceremonial experiences in their home countries or when travelling abroad.
Also read:
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

Incredible Cultural Traditions Around the World

Part 1 in the series looks at 16 beautiful and fascinating cultural traditions around the world - from Bali to Mexico, Finland to Ethiopia.

Canang Sari in Bali, Indonesia

Intricately woven palm frond baskets strewn around the streets will be one of the first things you notice upon arrival in Bali. The carefully placed bright-green baskets filled with colourful flowers, burning incense, and often scraps of food, picked at by the stray animals, became a symbol that will forever remind me of the island.

Stacked on top of temples, in doorways, and created daily for the past 1,000 years, this is a piece of ancient tradition that has stuck with the Balinese people through time.

Canang Sari is rooted in the Hindu religion. But for many Balinese I met, it has more to do with tradition than religion today. Even those who do not follow the Hindu faith still participate in the daily creation of the Canang Sari. Women are responsible for weaving and creating the offerings.

And what you use and where everything is placed has significance. For example, red betel nut is included as an offering to Shiva (one of the three main Hindu deities). As a sign for selflessness, coins can be added. And even the positioning of the coloured petals (at East, West, North, South) signifies prayers to different deities.

After the careful creation of the offering, it is placed on doorsteps, atop statues, motorbikes, and along the sidewalks. A jepun flower is used to sprinkle water over the top of the basket while a little prayer is spoken.

Prayers show gratitude and express the wish for another day of balance and peace in the world. This ritual is a tribute to the balance of positive and negative in the world that Bali is so fond of. Balinese gods of mythology, Barong/Rangda, and the black checkered colours tied to many statues and temples, are also symbols of this balance between good and evil.

Aside from simply watching the early morning streets fill up with these beautiful offerings, tourists can help craft them.

Strike up a conversation with your accommodation owner or host. Express interest in wanting to assist in the preparation of the Canang Sari, and most will be more than happy to teach you the tradition.
By Geena from Beyond the Bucketlist
Yi Torch Festival in Yunnan, China

High up in the mountains of China, in Yunnan Province, where most of China's ethnic minorities reside, you'll find the unique Torch Festival. For three days, torches burn outside homes and light up the hills as bearers walk in the surrounding area. The Torch Festival is celebrated not just by the Naxi ethnic people, but also by the Yi, Bai, Jino and Lahu.

During the festival, people are welcome to dance around the fire to express their wishes and pursue a good harvest year. The Yi ethnic group has worshiped fire for thousand of years. It's pretty cool to experience these ethnic celebrations that are aimed to drive evil out of their villages.

Celebrations are held on June 24 or June 25 in the Chinese Lunar Year. A three-day celebration takes place featuring different activities, including horse racing, bullfighting, archery, wrestling, tug-of-war, swing matches, and other forms of entertainment.

After the festival, tourists can take a breather and visit some of the off-the-beaten path destinations in China 's Yunnan Province, such as Napa Lake, the Old Town of Shangri-La, and the White Horse Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
By Pashmina from The Gone Goat
Midsummer Festivities in Finland

Midsummer is the celebration of summer and light that has a long history. In Finland, it is marked on a Friday (or in practice, the long weekend around it) between 20 and 26 June.

The key traditions include being close to nature with family and friends, going to a sauna and swimming in the lake or sea, and watching a bonfire. In the past, bonfires were believed to frighten evil spirits and demons away. Dinner is typically barbecue or salmon with dill and new potatoes, and fresh strawberries for dessert.

On the day before Midsummer, almost everyone flees from the city to their summer cottages in the countryside. This is not an ideal time to visit Helsinki unless you enjoy an almost desolated capital!

However, if you still plan to visit Finland around Midsummer and can't find a cottage to escape to, there is a traditional Midsummer celebration with a bonfire that tourists can join on Seurasaari island.

Midsummer is close to summer solstice. The sun doesn't set until closer to midnight, even in the southernmost point of Finland, while in the northern part of the country, the sun is up all night.

The temperature varies from year to year, but it's important to Finns to be outdoors as much as possible. If you're lucky enough to be invited along, it's a good idea to pack warm clothes and mosquito repellent just in case.

Midsummer traditions also include an element of magic, especially for single ladies. It's believed that if you collect seven wild flowers and place them under your pillow for the night, you'll meet your future husband in your dreams!
By Pia from Next Stop TBC
Durga Puja in West Bengal, India

Every year, West Bengal opens its arms to many visitors from all around the world for its annual festival of Durga Puja, also called Durgotsav.

This festival marks the victory of the goddess Durga in the battle with the deceiving and powerful demon, Mahishasura. Thus, the festival represents the victory of good over evil, and is celebrated grandly throughout the state.

I look forward to this festival every year as a chance to return to my hometown for a few days, meet my family and old friends, and enjoy those five days without a care in the world. Without thinking about sleep, we visit pandals (canopies) one after the other and stay out of house way past our bedtime.

As per the recorded history, the first grand worship of Goddess Durga is said to have occurred in the late 1500s when the landlords of Dinajpur and Malda initiated the first Durga Puja in West Bengal.

The credit of the origin of the community Puja goes to the 12 friends of Guptipara in Hoogly, West Bengal, who collaborated and collected donations from local residents to arrange the 'Baro-Yaari' Puja, or the 'Twelve-Pal' Puja, in 1790.

The modern Durga Puja has become a festival of creativeness. The pandals and the idol have changed into a medium to show creativity but at the same time preserve our culture and traditions.

This festival is not only about the rituals, but also about its people. The only tip for anybody visiting West Bengal for Durga Puja is to pre-book flights and accommodations, as it would be difficult to find vacant hotels closer to the date.

Visitors can hire a rental car or walk around on foot. I would urge visitors to participate in the Dhunuchi Nitra dance performed to impress the goddess, or in the Sindoor Khela, where married women smear auspicious vermilion on their forehead and on each other to pray for a happy marital life.
By Anwesha from Going Places With Anwesha
Timkat Festival in Ethiopia

Every January, the largest festival in the underrated country of Ethiopia takes place: The Timkat festival. The Timkat festival celebrates the Ethiopian Epiphany, the baptism of Jesus Christ. It is a highly important festival to the Ethiopian Orthodox people.

During the three-day festival, the baptism is re-enacted. Thousands of people dressed in white robes gather for spectacular processions, chanting, dancing and praying. On the first day, models of the Ark of the Covenant ( tabots) are carried to a body of water.

On the second morning, there are many ceremonies and prayers around the body of water involving priests in colourful robes, umbrellas, red carpets, and lots of incense. Finally, after the ceremonies, the church leader blesses the water. The Holy Water is then sprinkled on the attendants for their annual baptism.

The Timkat festival takes place from January 18th. The best places to visit the festival are Addis Abeba, Gondar and Aksum. However, Timkat is celebrated all throughout Ethiopia. I celebrated Timkat festival in Aksum, which I enjoyed as there were not so many other travellers.

Please keep in mind that Timkat is a highly important event for Ethiopian Orthodox people and that it is not a tourist attraction. Keep your distance, and don't disturb the ceremony with photography.

The ceremony is free to attend. If you get a chance to participate, Timkat festival will be a highlight of your Ethiopia travels.
By Manouk from Bunch of Backpackers
Hanal Pixán in Mexico

There are more than 40 diverse indigenous cultures in Mexico, and many celebrate a day at the beginning of November to honour loved ones who have passed away.

Hanal Pixán ('Food for the Spirits') is a celebration of the Day of the Dead by the Maya people who live in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Hanal Pixan altar always contains the traditional green cross, which the Spanish first introduced as a way to mesh Catholicism and the symbol of Ya'axhce, the Mayas sacred ceiba (baobab) tree.

The food is similar to Day of the Dead celebrations throughout Mexico, but with a twist: It includes pib, the huge, traditional tamales of Hanal Pixan, dulce de papaya, a candied papaya (replacing the traditional pumpkin sweet), and atole that is often laced with tropical coconut flavors.

At night, visitors can take part in the Paseo de Animas procession in Merida from the centre of town to the cemetery, where thousands of people gather with painted faces and dressed in traditional white clothing.

All ages are welcome to visit the numerous altars around the city honouring the deceased, and to learn about this important holiday. During the week, there are dances, skits, and puppet shows that share the history, plus contests for the best pib.
By Becky from Kid World Citizen
Buddha's Birthday in Seoul, South Korea

Buddha's Birthday is one of those few holidays in the South Korean year where almost everyone gets three days off (the day before, the day of, and the day after). It is celebrated on the eighth day of the lunar calendar's fourth month.

Perhaps the best place to observe and enjoy the festivities is in central Seoul, specifically the Jogyesa Buddhist temple. The religious will bathe a statue of the baby Buddha with a ladle of water over his head or donate to the monks. Tourists are free to do either, or simply walk around a very nicely decorated temple.

At night, the focus usually shifts to the Lotus Lantern Parade, one of the biggest spectacles Seoul has to offer. This parade runs along several of Seoul's biggest downtown streets, and always gets extremely crowded!

For a lower-key event, head to the lantern displays along Cheonggyecheon Stream. These are all free events open to the public, though some craft-making events may have a small fee.

Outside of Seoul, virtually every Buddhist temple will celebrate the holiday in some way. The bigger and more well-known the temple, the more likely they are to have a large celebration.
By Chris from Worthy Go
Mama Negra in Ecuador

Ecuador sits on the ring of fire and its volcanoes are a present reminder of the power of nature. The town of Latacunga sits below the almighty Cotopaxi, a volcano that is still active today.

In 1742, Cotopaxi was in a period of high activity and the locals feared for their town. They pleaded for their lives to the Virgin of Mercy, who is the patron saint of the volcano. Legend says that she was merciful and in return, the citizens celebrate her in the Mama Negra Festival annually.

Traditionally, there are two dates for the celebration. The first is the closest weekend to 23rd-24th September, and the second coincides with the independence of Latacunga on 11th November. The festival is a mix of traditions featuring African, Spanish and Mayan influences.

During the celebrations, locals dance in the street and parade splayed pig carcasses around the city. These heavy pigs are carried all day before being presented as offerings to the Virgin of Mercy.

Whilst it is a celebration that doesn't attract many tourists, locals are very keen to get travellers involved. Alcohol is handed to the crowds and bystanders are encouraged to take part in the parade. It may be an initially daunting spectacle, but it's sure to be a celebration you'll never forget!
By Sheree from Winging the World
Beehive Fireworks Festival in Yanshui, Taiwan

The Yanshui Fireworks Festival in Southern Taiwan has been called one of the most dangerous festivals in the world.

Once a year, the sleepy countryside village lights up with a two-day procession that involves hundreds of thousands of bottle rockets being shot not up into the air, but directly into crowds of participants at close range.

Locals travel from across the country in hopes of getting hit by one, which is considered good luck in Taiwanese culture.

The festival dates back to the late 19th century, when a cholera epidemic swept through the region. Local villagers paraded a statue of Guan Yu, the war god, through the neighbourhood, setting off firecrackers to ward off the evil spirits causing the disease.

It seemed to have worked, and an annual tradition was born. But over time, they began shooting the firecrackers and rockets in multiple directions at once from layered platforms resembling beehives, hence the name of the festival.

Anybody is welcome to join, but participants must wear full body protection, including a helmet. As my father and I learned when we took part in the event, once the bottle rockets start going off, you have to hop up and down to avoid rockets getting stuck when they strike you and lighting your clothing on fire. This happened to us a few times!
By Nick from Spiritual Travels
Lucia in Sweden

If you happen to be in Sweden in the middle of December, this is a must! Lucia, celebrated on the 13th of December, is one of Sweden's most popular Christmas traditions. The reason as to why it's celebrated isn't completely clear, even to the Swedes.

Saint Lucia's feast day is on the 13th of December and this day was also known as the darkest night in Sweden according to the old almanac. Maybe this is the reason behind this beloved tradition.

The Lucia celebration usually takes place in churches. A procession takes place involving a girl with a wreath of candles in her hair, followed by an entourage of girls, with candles in their hands, and boys that hold a star on a stick. Everyone is dressed in white gowns and sings Christmas songs for the audience.

The Lucia entourage usually performs rather early in the morning. Every time I'm back home in Sweden for Christmas, I make sure to go and watch Lucia - I've always thought of it as a very beautiful and cosy tradition.

As a tourist, there are different ways to join the celebration. The easiest would probably be to contact a church directly, but you can also ask at your hotel or closest visitor information centre. Lucia is celebrated all over the country and if you're visiting a bigger city, you'll most likely have plenty of options to choose between!
By Amanda from My Backpacker Life
Tak Bat in Luang Prabang, Laos

Alms ceremony in Luang Prabang.

Morning Alms Giving, also known as Tak Bat, is one of the most controversial tourist attractions in Luang Prabang, Laos. Tak Bat is a ceremony where monks collect their food for the day from the public as soon as the sun rises.

It has been a concern for the authorities in Luang Prabang in recent years due to disrespectful behaviour by some tourists.

The ceremony has been around since the 1600s and is considered holy by the locals. So if you're planning a visit to Luang Prabang or any part of Laos to observe Tak Bat, make sure you know the rules.

Watch the ceremony from a distance so that you don't disturb participants, never use your flash while photographing, and remain silent throughout the ceremony.

If you want to join the Alms Giving Ceremony, make sure you consult your hostel manager or locals first.
By Yen from Swing Abroad
Yi Peng (Loi Krathong) in Northern Thailand

Yi Peng (or Yee Peng) is a Buddhist festival primarily celebrated in Northern Thailand that features a ritual of releasing paper lanterns called khom loi.

Buddhists believe that the act of releasing a lantern during the full moon frees them of bad luck from the past year.

Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lanna kingdom, hosts the largest Yi Peng lantern festival in Thailand. Because the festival is based on the Thai lunar calendar, the exact dates of the lantern festival shift every year, but it typically falls around the full moon in November.

As you observe the festival, it is important to bear in mind that while the ceremonies are very beautiful, it is a significant religious festival for Buddhists. Tourists should dress appropriately, keep their voices down, and try to not obstruct people from releasing their lanterns.

Additionally, the volume of inorganic trash generated from Yi Peng is significant: The lanterns are mostly made of rice paper with a bamboo or wood frame and wire to hold the candle or flammable coil, and the vast majority of the lanterns end up on the ground, in trees and in the river after the festivities.

You may want to consider sticking to observing the religious ceremony rather than releasing your own lantern, especially if you are not Buddhist.

If you want to observe the Yi Peng lantern festival in Chiang Mai, head to Nawarat Bridge and all along the Ping River towards the south.

The best place to observe the Chiang Mai lantern festival is at Wat Chai Mongkhon, where monks help devotees and tourists release lanterns safely, or Wat Phantao in the Old Town.

Note that monks no longer release lanterns within the Old Town - instead they light them and hold onto floating lanterns using wire.
By Flo from Yoga Wine Travel
Fasching in Germany

If you are planning on traveling to Germany around January/February, be sure to check out a Fasching parade. These parades take place the week before Ash Wednesday, ending the night of Shroud Tuesday.

Fasching, also known as Karneval, is an entire week of festivities and parties ending with a huge parade with masked creatures, floats, bands and a bit of trickery.

Its history dates back to pagan times when it was a way of driving off the evils of winter and encouraging spring to arrive with plentiful crops. It is also associated with the festivals of the Christian church, where everyone would let loose a bit before Lent arrived.

Fasching is a child-friendly event, although some of the masks can be a bit scary. Parade participants throw out candy along the way.

If you have teenagers, be wary because they might get scooped up for a bit of fun (like carting them off, tying their shoes together or spinning them around). Each town and city has its own traditions, which makes the event that much more unique.
By Chelsea from Pack More Into Life
Festival of San Martino in Taviano, Italy

The Festival de San Martino (St. Martin of Tours) takes place on November 11th in Taviano, a tiny town in Puglia located in the 'heel' of Italy's boot.

The festival coincides with the vino novello (new wine of the season) harvest, much like other autumn festivals in towns throughout Italy's wine producing regions.

In Taviano, the Festival of San Martino recognises the patron saint of wine making, horsemen and horses, beggars, the poor and injured. Images of the beloved saint often depict him on horseback, sharing his cloak with a beggar, as legends say he cut his cloak in pieces in order to protect the man from the cold.

In Taviano, the Feast of San Martino begins in the early evening on St. Martin's Eve on November the 10th, when lights strung throughout Taviano's Old Town are illuminated in a spectacular sound and light show.

The hub of the festivities is the Piazza San Martino, a plaza dominated by a Baroque church built in 1635. The statue of San Martino is taken from its position within the church and hoisted on the shoulders of devotees at the head of a procession led by priests and dignitaries.

Brass bands parade throughout the cobblestone streets while residents and anyone else who wants to participate join in.

The festival is a mix of carnivale and Thanksgiving, with feasting on seafood, regional dishes and wines of the Salento region of Puglia along with much revelry throughout the narrow winding streets, bars, cafes and restaurants.
By Michele from A Taste for Travel
Bonfire Night in the United Kingdom

Bonfire night is one of the UK's more curious festivals. What has become a big family night out to watch spectacular fireworks displays (traditionally accompanied by a huge bonfire) has some rather ominous roots.

"Remember remember, the 5th of November" is a popular saying associated with the festival - but why should we remember the 5th of November? Why do we have fireworks on this date?

Because the 5th of November is the date the famous Gunpowder Plot, when Guy Fawkes and his accomplices planned to blow up London's Houses of Parliament and the then monarch King James I, was foiled.

The plot never came to pass; their treason was discovered and each of the plotters met a grisly end (Fawkes was famously hung, drawn and quartered). Over the centuries, what started as a raucous celebration of the downfall of the plotters has turned into the family-friendly event that we see today.

As the place where the plot originally happened, I think seeing the fireworks should be at the top of your London bucket list.

The city is full of places to watch the fireworks. Some of the displays, like those on Blackheath Common, are free, others like those at Battersea Park you have to pay for. It's worth checking ahead and getting to your chosen destination early as they do fill up.
By Julianna from The Discoveries Of
Shinbyu Ceremonies in Myanmar (Burma)

As I stood on the side of the road in a village somewhere near Bagan, I sensed something significant was happening. The sound of drums was approaching in the distance, beyond the large ornate gate painted in red and gold.

The procession was led by young women dressed in vibrantly coloured dresses spreading lotus flowers. And then, I caught my breath as a young boy dressed like royalty came through the gate in a gold horse drawn carriage.

There was a never-ending line of these young boys parading through the village. Some were resting on golden chairs atop the horses and others were in opulent carriages drawn by all different sorts of animals.

This was a Shinbyu Ceremony, where young boys are presented to the local monastery to become novice monks. This coming-of-age ceremony is part of the Theravada Buddhist tradition, believed to bring good fortune to a family, and is incredibly significant to Burmese culture.

The procession leads them to the monastery where the boys endure the ceremonious shaving of the head ( hsan cha) and trade in their silk robes for saffron-coloured ones.

After the families and their sons part ways (often for the first time in the boy's life), the village hosts a celebration. This includes a shared meal, dancing, and other performances.

Unexpectedly, as I was watching the procession, members of the village invited me to share in their meal. It was such an honour to be welcomed into this special celebration.

There is not a set date to experience Shinbyu as each local monastery selects a day. However, the New Year Festival period is a common time for these traditions to take place.

The date of the New Year Festival varies as it's based on the Burmese calendar, but usually falls in mid-April.
By Susan from This Big Wild World Also read: Have you ever experienced a local ritual or festival while you were travelling? What are your favourite cultural traditions around the world?
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More cultural travel inspiration

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60+ Cultural Traditions Around the World (Part 1)

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There are few things I love more than joining in local festivals and celebrations when I travel. Whether it be a religious gala, a celebration to mark the changing of the season, a rite to ward off evil or a ritual to manifest good fortune, taking part or just observing cultural traditions around the world can make for an unforgettable travel experience.