Romy News - 17 April 2024
Hello and welcome to a new episode of “Romy News”! It’s Wednesday and today, we’re going to talk about the Olympic flame, find out why our cheeks turn all red sometimes, and we’ll also take a little trip to discover Mexico. Let’s go!
Yesterday, on April 16th, the Olympic flame, this unique symbol of the Olympic Games, was lit in Greece! This marked the beginning of the countdown to the Paris Olympics in 2024. This little flame will travel thousands of kilometers from Greece to arrive in France on the day of the opening ceremony.
This happened in Olympia, a very ancient archaeological site in Greece, where the very first Olympic Games took place nearly 3000 years ago! It was in this mythical place, under the Greek sun’s rays, that priestesses ceremoniously lit the sacred flame during an ancient ritual. It felt like we had gone back to ancient Greece! The first person to carry this flame was Stefanos Ntouskos, a Greek Olympic rowing champion. He then passed it on to Laure Manaudou, our French swimmer who is also a champion. A truly historic moment filled with ancient traditions!
Next, the flame embarked on its incredible journey through Greece. It will travel there for 11 days, covering over 5000 km. The principle is simple: hundreds of relay runners, wearing Olympic white and blue uniforms, pass the torch to each other over a few hundred meters. This way, the flame travels from hand to hand, from city to city, crossing the Greek landscapes.
On April 26th, it will be the grand departure for France! The flame will board an old three-masted ship named Belem, a boat steeped in history as well. It will dock in Marseille on May 8th, then crisscross our country from city to city for nearly 3 months carried by all the relay runners.
What an adventure, isn’t it? This flame traveling thousands of kilometers, carried by ordinary people, to finally arrive in Paris and open the Games. Don’t hesitate to check with your parents if the flame passes near you, it would be great to see it! …
After following the exciting journey of the Olympic flame, let’s change the subject to answer a very interesting question from Léa, a 4th-grade student in Sarlat, who wonders why we blush.
Blushing is when our face and sometimes our neck turn all red. This happens when the small blood vessels just under our skin widen and allow more blood to pass through. Most of the time, we blush when we feel embarrassed, shy, or timid. But you can also blush when it’s very hot or after running fast.
Why does it happen? Our nervous system, which controls many things in our body without us thinking about it, triggers these changes in the blood vessels of the face. In awkward social situations, the brain sends a signal that causes blushing!
Blushing also helps our body cool down when it’s hot or after exertion. Some people blush more easily than others, it’s normal, bodies are a bit different.
Scientists think that blushing could even be an advantage. It may seem strange, but it helps show others our emotions without speaking. It helps us understand each other better and can strengthen our relationships. But some find this reaction embarrassing and would like to control it better.
Léa, look around you, you will surely see other people blushing! …
After exploring the mysteries of blushing, let’s dive into a new captivating topic. Like every Wednesday, I’m taking you to discover a country: today, Mexico! This North American country is a true treasure trove of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Together, we will explore its diverse geographies, rich history, vibrant traditions, and of course, its delicious cuisine.
Mexico is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, with a coast that stretches over 10,000 km. Imagine a country with mountains, deserts, and even tropical jungles! Big cities like Mexico City, the capital, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are bustling with activities. Did you know that Mexico is home to the largest variety of active volcanoes in the world, including the famous Popocatepetl, near the capital?
Mexico’s history dates back to before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The Aztecs and the Mayans, two powerful civilizations, had established imposing empires there. The conquest by Hernán Cortés in 1519 marked the beginning of three centuries of Spanish rule, until Mexico’s independence in 1821. The Mexican Revolution at the beginning of the 20th century was crucial, bringing forth heroic figures like Pancho Villa.
Mexican culture is a vibrant fusion of ancient traditions and Spanish influence. Festivals like DÃa de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo reflect this richness in colors and joy. Crafts, especially pottery and weaving, showcase the talent and creativity of Mexicans. Have you ever seen a piñata at a party? It’s a very popular Mexican tradition.
Now let’s talk about Mexican cuisine, known for its unique flavors and tasty dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. The secret? Generous use of corn, peppers, tomatoes, and lots of spices. And let’s not forget tequila and hot chocolate, drinks that are also part of Mexican identity. Mole, a complex sauce with over 20 ingredients, is considered the national dish.
Why not cook a Mexican dish with your parents, like tacos or enchiladas? It’s a great way to discover the cultural richness of Mexico and maybe find your new favorite dish! …
And that’s it, our exploration for today ends here! I hope you enjoyed our adventure, which took us from the mysteries of the Olympic flame to the colors and flavors of Mexico, not forgetting our discussion on why we blush. Impressive, all that we can discover, isn’t it? If you have any questions, anecdotes to share, or if something particularly interested you, feel free to let us know via Instagram. Your messages are always a pleasure to read, and I love learning about what fascinates you in our fascinating world. See you tomorrow!