Feeling stressed? Why not hug a cow?

A Dutch farm is offering cow cuddling as a form of therapy. Those who want a spot of “koe knuffelen” (or cow hugging) start by taking a tour of the farm before hugging one of the cows for up to three hours. The cow’s warmer body temperature and slower heartbeat is believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone released in social bonding.

Punters pay £360 to eat a meal on stationary plane

Diners have snapped up the chance to pay up to £360 per head to eat a meal on a stationary plane. Singapore Airlines offered sittings on-board two stationary A380 superjumbos, with meals at seats and the chance to watch a movie, as the plane sits on the tarmac. “Flights to nowhere” have proved popular in Asia and beyond, with the Taiwanese carrier EVA, Japan’s ANA and the Australian carrier Qantas offering options.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Peru opens site for single tourist

Peru has re-opened the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for a single Japanese tourist who had waited almost seven months to visit the citadel. Jesse Katayama had travelled Peru in March “with the dream of being able to enter,” the world heritage site, explained Culture Minister Alejandro Neyra. However, it closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Katayama said afterwards that this tour had been “truly amazing”.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––