
Fireworks Festival Sparks Fire in Japan, Crew Jumps into the Sea
Fundacion Rapala – On Monday night, August 4, 2025, a fire broke out during the Minato Mirai Smart Festival in Yokohama, Japan. The blaze started when two fireworks barges caught fire, disrupting the summer celebration. Organizers confirmed that the fire injured one person, who received medical attention shortly afterward. Crew Members Jumped into the Sea to

Tourists Can See Egypt’s Mysterious ‘Portal to the Afterlife’
Fundacion Rapala – Archaeologists have made a major discovery at an ancient Egyptian tomb. They uncovered a 4,400-year-old granite structure believed to belong to Prince Userefre. The most striking feature is a giant pink granite door. Though it looks functional, the door doesn’t open. It stands tall at 4.5 meters, acting as a symbolic passage to

Mount Paektu in North Korea Earns UNESCO Global Geopark Recognition
Fundacion Rapala – Mount Paektu, a majestic stratovolcano on the border between North Korea and China, now holds the title of a UNESCO Global Geopark. This recognition marks a historic moment as it becomes North Korea’s first natural site to receive such global status. Known for its spiritual and geological importance, the mountain sits at the

Russia Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warning, Forces Sendai Airport to Close Temporarily
Fundacion Rapala – Sendai International Airport in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, closed temporarily on Wednesday morning, July 30, 2025, after authorities issued a tsunami warning. NHK World Japan reported that airport officials halted runway operations at 9:57 a.m. local time, which caused several flight cancellations to and from Sendai. The Japanese Ministry of Transport announced the

Spanish Lavender Fields Ask Tourists to Stay Away on Weekends
Fundacion Rapala – The once-serene lavender fields of Brihuega, Spain—famous for their Instagram-worthy landscapes—are now asking tourists to visit during weekdays instead of weekends. The overwhelming influx of visitors has begun to put serious pressure on the town’s infrastructure and residents. Massive Tourist Surge in July 2025 Drives Local Economy During July 2025 alone, over 100,000

Giant but Boneless: Whale Sharks Have No Hard Bones Like Humans
Fundacion Rapala – With a length that can reach up to 18 meters, the whale shark holds the title as the largest living fish in today’s oceans. However, did you know that despite its massive body, the whale shark does not have a single hard bone? Interestingly, this unique fact doesn’t apply only to whale sharks—it’s

Travel Expert Advises Against Wearing Headphones at the Airport — Here’s Why
Fundacion Rapala – For travelers, being at the airport marks a crucial phase before boarding their flight. It’s a moment that demands full attention, as important announcements, instructions, or warnings may occur at any time. Ensuring a smooth and trouble-free travel experience is often the goal, but surprisingly, one seemingly harmless item could jeopardize your journey. According

North Korea Opens New Beach Resort, But It’s Closed to Foreign Tourists
Fundacion Rapala – North Korea officially inaugurated the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone on July 1, 2025. Initially billed as a flagship project under Kim Jong Un to expand tourism, the resort spans a 4 km shoreline and includes hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and water parks. With a capacity for around 20,000 guests, this massive development signals North

Exploring Reef Resilience Through the Science of Coral Adaptation
Fundacion Rapala – Coral reefs are among the most breathtaking and valuable ecosystems on Earth. They harbor a quarter of all marine life and sustain over a billion people by providing food, income, and protection from coastal erosion. But these colorful underwater cities are under siege. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are pushing them to their

148-Pound Opah Hooked Off South Florida Waters
Fundacion Rapala – On June 15, Father’s Day turned extraordinary for a group of anglers off Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While deep-sea fishing for swordfish, they landed an incredibly rare 148-pound opah, also known as a moonfish. The team caught it at a depth of 1,800 feet, about 17 miles offshore near Port Everglades. The opah stretched