Children Accidentally Burn Down 14th Century Castle: The Weekly Weird

This week, we’re pretty sure at least two kids in eastern Slovakia will never try smoking again (they burned down a castle—oops). Read on for details and a round-up of this week’s other bizarre travel stories!

• Usually when kids get caught smoking for the first time, the worst thing that can happen is that their parents make them smoke a whole pack to learn a lesson. Unfortunately for two boys in eastern Slovakia, their punishment was much worse. Reuters reports that the two boys, ages 11 and 12. were trying to light a cigarette when they accidentally set the grass on fire. The flames spread to a 14th century castle and caused extensive damage—the roof burned down, and three bells melted in the tower. Talk about a real-life anti-smoking PSA!
• Don’t confuse this island with the Isle of Man—it’s literally for men only. The Herald Sun reports that beer company XXXX Gold will be turning Australia’s Pumpkin Island into a men-only retreat. Groups of four men can win trips to the island. We’re a little confused by the concept, though—we’re pretty sure if men were asked what they would want to have on a deserted island, the answer wouldn’t be “three other men.”
• I swore I put on the parking brake! Delta maintenance workers got quite a shock this week when the plane they were working on suddenly rolled into an embankment. The plane’s engines were being worked on when apparently the brakes failed, causing the plane to start moving. Luckily, no passengers were aboard, and nobody was hurt.
• Will we have the leaning tower of Washington next? CNN reports that following last year’s earthquake in the nation’s capital, the Washington Monument appears to be sinking. (But only by one or two millimeters.)

Did you see anything weird during your travels this week? Leave a comment below!