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Today, September 24, 2023, the Berlin Marathon will once again shake the streets of the German capital. Today, thousands of people gather here, whether Berliners, sports fanatics or tourists. The motto that unites us all here is: Fun and joy of running! Winter is slowly approaching, so there's nothing better than sprinting outdoors before the cold and wet set in again.

Have you ever experienced this fantastic event? Did you know that this marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors? No small feat, considering that the majors include marathons in Boston, Chicago, New York, Tokyo and London. In our opinion, there is something particularly appealing about this event: everyone can participate here, including wheelchair users and hand bikers.

They say the most important thing is to be there and not to win. We completely agree with this motto. Nevertheless, we should also name those who are record holders of this marathon. Runner Assefa Tigist holds the current record in the Berlin Marathon, which was set in 2022. The time was 2 hours 15 minutes and 37 seconds. The men's record is held by Eliud Kipchoge, also from 2022 with a time of 2 hours 1 minute and 9 seconds. What do you think about that? Are you ready for this challenge?

Get ready to string up those kites and dive into the sweetness of Makar Sankranti. A significant Hindu festival observed every year, its roots trace back to the Vedic texts, including the sacred Gayatri Mantra from the Rigveda. This occasion is celebrated across India with various multi-day festivities. It includes a burst of social festivities, from colourful decorations and joyful kite flying to lively fairs, bonfires and sumptuous feasts. In some regions, children go door-to-door singing songs and collecting treats, adding to the festive spirit.

A key ritual is taking a holy dip in rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri, believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings. People pray to Surya, the sun deity, expressing gratitude for their prosperity. A shared tradition in various parts of India is preparing sweets made with sesame (til) and jaggery (gud), symbolising unity, joy and harmony amidst diversity. Falling during the early stages of the Rabi crop cycle, Makar Sankranti also represents a time of relaxation, socialising and family bonding after months of hard work in the fields.

If you think a coastline is just a line where land meets sea, the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is here to change your mind. This UNESCO World Heritage Site along Germany's North Sea coast is a place where the tides redraw the landscape twice a day. When the tide retreats, it exposes vast mudflats, creating an ever-changing terrain that's home to an incredible ecosystem. With an area of 4,410 square kilometres, it is also the largest national park in Germany. It's a paradise for migratory birds like oystercatchers and red knots, seals and tiny creatures that thrive in the shifting sands. One of the best ways to experience the park is mudflat hiking. Guided tours let you walk across the seabed, squishing through the soft ground while learning about the creatures beneath your feet.