beauty of nature - part II

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beauty of nature - part I

 

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10 Unusual and Unbelievable Underground Places

Thousands of unbelievable places to see with the best of all that is weird, amazing and bizarre in the world today. Open up a wonderland of curiosities you never knew existed and amaze your friends, your family, and yourself. Seeing is believing!

(All texts and photos were taken from the amazing collection of Strangest Books) 

 The Catacombs of Paris - Paris, France

Overcrowding in medieval cemeteries in the centre of Paris at the end of the 18th century led the government to the creation of subterranean mass graves. Over the course of 18 months, from 1785, the bones and rotting corpses of 6 million people were moved in large carts across the city at night to a new resting place. Here they are arranged in huge piles at the ‘Empire of Death', as it is commonly known. This network of about 200 miles of underground galleries contains millions of bones and the small part that is open to the public is certain to shock. 

The human bones - including countless skulls - are arranged in many configurations such as crosses, faces, wall ornamentation, or simply huge mounds. Not for those of a nervous disposition. 

 Coober Pedy - South Australia

Coober Pedy is one of the most unusual places in the world. It is a town where (due to the heat) approximately 80% of the population live and work underground. This is a mining town - opal mining to be precise - and following the early discovery of opals here by a teenager there has been a huge influx of miners since 1915. There are tunnels and associated pitfalls everywhere and mining still goes on here today. Other subterranean structures operating in the same manner as an above ground equivalent include a church, shops, pottery, art gallery, hotel, and other assortedoffices and businesses. Most unusual of all must surely be the golf course where not a single blade of grass can be seen. The fairways are bald and the greens are oiled sand! 

 Batu Caves - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

To reach the entrance to the massive Batu Caves you have to climb 272 rock steps, which can prove strenuous in the heat and with macaque monkeys vying for your attention; but this is exactly what over a million devotees do every January to celebrate the spectacular Hindu Festival of Thaipusam. This is a colourful celebration of Lord Subramaniam, a Hindu deity of youth, power and virtue, and is not for the squeamish. It may seem strange and bizarre to outsiders who see grown people piercing steel hooks into their chest, back and face, but this is one of the ways in which many penitents express their devotion. It is said that because they are in trance they cannot feel any pain. Surely a million people can't be wrong. 

 Radon Health Mine - Montana, US

The Radon Mine was originally used as far back as 1924 for silver and lead ore mining. In 1949, the by then abandoned mine was found to have the presence of radioactivity, and a visiting woman (for the purpose of stock investment) discovered her ailment had disappeared. Word spread and soon this was turned into a radon-therapy mine. Low dose radiation therapy is said to be beneficial in easing a multitude of ailments and even pets are treated in the radon-laden air here. They advise you to bring a blanket and pillow if you would like to sleep. Whatever next.

 Wieliczka Salt Mine - Krakow, Poland

This World Heritage Site is remarkable and is certain to astonish visitors as there is no comparable place in the world quite like it. The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been mined continuously since the Middle Ages and miners have carved elaborate underground rooms and intricate sculptures within the Miocene salt. There is a gigantic subterannean cathedral carved entirely from salt including the floor, walls and decorations, with even the glowing chandeliers being made from salt crystals. 

The Salt Mine in Wieliczka has always been extremely popular, from the 14th century when it was shown to the very privileged royal visitors, to today where a million visitors a year pour in to see the labyrinth of chambers, passages, and incredible structures made of salt. 

 Capuchin Catacombs - Sicily, Italy

There are numerous places to view mummified bodies if you are so inclined but the Capuchin Catacombs are without doubt the most gruesome place in the world to see them. Frequently referred to as the ‘Museum of Death' - and not without good reason as there are over 8,000 mummies dating back to the 16th century lining the walls of the catacombs here - this place is eerie, sombre and intriguing. The most bizarre aspect of it all is that they give off no smell whatsoever. The assembled ranks of the dead, many with quite elegant costumes that have decayed over the years, are mainly skeletons - although some still have mummified flesh, hair, and even eyes. 

A law passed by the Italian government in 1881 meant the catacombs were no longer allowed to continue with this mummification process, although special permission from the government saw the interring of a 2 year old child called Rosalia Lombardo in 1920. She is known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty' and it is said that her sister and other members of her family often visited her after her death. Her body is still perfectly intact to this day and she can be seen propped up in a glass case. 

 Milk Grotto Chapel - Bethlehem, Israel

The legends surrounding the Milk Grotto Chapel are many and varied and this is the place where, according to Christian tradition, the Holy Family took shelter during the Slaughter of the Innocents by Herod's soldiers. It is said that whilst Mary was breast-feeding the baby Jesus some of the milk was spilt onto the floor. This is supposed to have made the rock crumble and, as this was the milk that fed the Son of God, a remarkable pilgrimage cult has grown alongside the legend. Mothers - both Christian and Muslim - journey here to buy packets of the powdered white stone of the grotto which is said to increase the quality and amount of milk created by lactating mothers, by putting the powdery white stone into drinking water. As the white chalky rock resembles the colour of milk this seems reasonable, but in reality any benefits gained should be attributed to the calcium in the rock. Others take the rock home to place under their bed, but wouldn't it be easier, and cheaper, to simply order a few extra pints from your milkman? 

 Ithaa undersea restaurant - rangali island, maldives

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the first ever all-glass undersea restaurant in the world and its distinctive feature is the curved acrylic walls and roof which are 125mm thick. There are 5 of these acrylic arches which are sealed to each other and the structure with a special silicone sealant, and the structure itself was built in Singapore before being shipped to the Island on a massive barge; the barge being equipped with a giant crane to lower it into position in the sea. Incredibly, the structure weighed 175 tons, and a further 85 tons of sand was added to the belly of the structure to sink it into the sea. 

The project cost $5 million to complete which means an astronomical amount of dishes have to be served up to recoup investment costs. Submerged 16ft below sea level the restaurant offers panoramic underwater views, providing diners with a face-to-face experience of the stunning beauty of the Indian Ocean. 

 Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves - Otorohanga, New Zealand

A journey unlike no other you will ever experience is a subterranean boat trip into the spectacular Glow-worm Grotto of Waitomo Glow-worm Caves in New Zealand. The Waitomo network of limestone caves attracts up to a million visitors a year and their guided tour takes you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery. The acoustics in the Cathedral Cavern are world renowned, whilst other impressive cave formations include the Pipe Organ, Catacombs, and Tomo, which is a deep limestone shaft. 

The Glow-worm Grotto (as it is known) is spectacularly illuminated by a phenomenon known as ‘bioluminescence' which is produced by the females to attract males whilst in the final stage of their pupal development. Without this magnificent display the cave would be pitch-black. This cave has been known to the Maori population for centuries but it was only in the late 19th century that it was discovered by Europeans, and subsequently opened to the public in 1911. 

 London Dungeon - London, England

London Dungeon is Europe's largest ‘dark' visitor attraction and is appropriately sited under the bleak, foreboding arches of London bridge. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted and visitors see torture, execution, and macabre medieval madness along the way. The Dungeons are some of Europe's premier themed attractions offering visitors the opportunity to take a terrifying journey through the darker side of history. The Great Fire of London, a Boat Ride to Hell, and the Labyrinth of the Lost are all fantastic multi-million pound themed attractions amongst dozens of other exhibits and tableaux. Live actors add to the terror and excitement. There are many hideous instruments of torture to be seen in recreated settings, most of which are unbelievably sadistic and cruel. The dangerous streets of Whitechapel in Victorian London were the hunting grounds for notorious murderer and mutilator Jack the Ripper. One of the most infamous serial killers of all time, you can meet Jack at the London Dungeon. 

Source: oddee.com

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10 Oldest Trees in the World

Trees are among the oldest living beings on earth. There are a number of trees which are more than a millennium old and there may be a long list of those which are not even discovered yet. Trees do not grow like humans. Their thousand year old parts grow with the same speed as the new ones. One of the reasons for this long age is the transport system inside their body which helps fight the decay and bacterial attack.

Below is the list of 10 oldest trees in the world. The older the trees, the prettier they are.

Methuselah

A 4800 years old Great Basin Bristle-cone pine tree located in Methuselah alley, Navada. The tree could have been the longest but I had to be cut down in 1964 due to some problems.

Sarv-e-Abarkooh

Sarv-e-Abarkooh is a 4,000 years old cypress tree located in Iran. Also known as Zoroastrian Sarv. Iranis have different religious believes regarding this tree.

Llangernyw Yew

The ancient most Yew tree located in Wales. They are commonly found at cemeteries but this one is HUGE.

Alerce

This kind of trees are known to be in the world for over 35 million years. The oldest one left is 3600 years old. The wood of this kind of trees was so valuable for the local people that they used roof shingles made from these trees as money.

The Senator

The Bald Cypress known as ‘The Senator’ which is believed to be 3,400 to 3,500 years old. After being measure by Native Tree Society, it was of 5,100 cubic feet and longest of its kind.

 Patriarch

Also known as ‘Patriarca de Floresta’ tree of Brazil. One of the biggest trees in Atlantic Forest. It is said to be almost 3000 years old.

Alyshun

Known as the ‘Alishan Sacred Tree’ in Taiwan. It is really sacred for the Buddhists living in Taiwan and It is believed to be 3000 years old. Measured height is 55-60 meters.

Old Chestnut

Knows as ‘Tree of 100 Horses’ and the oldest Chestnut tree in the world is located in San D’Alfio, Linguaglossa road in Sicily. It is thought to be 2000 – 4000 years old.

General Sherman

Known to be the largest tree in the world by wood volume, with 275 ft tall and 102ft in circumference. It can be found in Sequoia National Park. It is said to be 2300 – 2700 years old.

Jhomonsugi

Located in Yakushima , Japan. This tree is belived to be the oldest one in the world with 16.4 girth and the trunk being too rotten.

Source: listphobia.com

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10 Most Dangerous Insects

It might not be the most tasteful of topics, especially after all the travelling we have been discussing, but I felt an urgent need to discuss this. I physically hate insects and I am sure you folks share the same feeling. This time around, we will be discussing ten fatally dangerous insects. You should know that there are around 900,000 different insects around the world. Please do not confuse these insects as being the deadliest animals, because that is a completely different category. It is just sad and really scary that something this small can actually kill you so when you encounter one of these bugs, be careful. I hope this list proves educative. Enjoy the read!

10. HOUSE CENTIPEDES

Their scientific name is Scutigera Coleoptrata. They originate from the Mediterranean and it is a very common bug. They look really weird, but they are actually good because they eat other insects and even some spiders. They are responsible for many deaths every year. Their bite will not hurt a normal person, but if you are allergic to the venom they produce, then you will be in serious trouble. These tiny things bite rarely, but it is never too bad to be careful now is it?

9. LOCUSTS

They are from the family of grasshoppers. They are not that deadly to humans really. They feed on plants and crops. They attack in swarms of several thousand insects. They are not trouble to humans in terms of death, but they do pose a financial threat considering the fact that they destroy millions of acres worth of crop ever year. They can also case plague. Locusts were the eighth during the Plagues of Egypt.

8. SIAFU

If you are stung by the bite of this thing, it is probably okay. You will not require a doctor or any treatment for that matter. It is said, however, that the young and old are very susceptible to a Siafu’s bite. It causes around 20 to 50 deaths every year. They will probably not bother you much, but if you destroy their colony or bug it, you are in for some trouble. They are very similar to ants and they live in colonies of around 20 million ants. These ants also have very strong jaws (just an added piece of information).

7. WASPS

Wasps and bees are something you will find absolutely anywhere. Anywhere with flowers, or anywhere it smell sweet. If you are not allergic to a wasp sting, then it is okay but if it is otherwise, then you have a problem. Around 53 people die to wasps because of allergic reactions to their sting. People with allergies need to stay clear because if you are stung you can go into anaphylactic shock and then can lead you to die.

6. GIANT HORNET

You probably did see a hornet at least once in your life. They don’t seem that scary because they are usually not that big. But the Asian Giant Hornet is on a whole other level. It has a wing span of three inches and is around 2 inches in length. The mere sting is 1/4^th of an inch. Around 70 people die every year because of these things. Their venom can damage soft tissue, cause discomfort and produce an odor that will attract other giant hornets. I would not want to be near one, ever.

5. FIRE ANTS

They are usually found in sand or soil. They feed on plants, crickets and other smaller insects. Their sting is very venomous and you can’t just provoke them and get away without a bite. Their sting feels like that particular body part is on fire which earns them their name as well. A few small stings from these insects can be cured, but if you are swarmed by a huge group of Fire Ants, chances are you will not live. They cause around 150 deaths every day and since they feed on plants, they destroy crops and cause damages worth millions of dollars.

4. TSE TSE FLY

These tiny guys feed on blood and that’s how they spread the disease by the name of trypanosomiases in humans. They bite you and pass it on through their mouths. These flies live in Africa and they kill around 250 to 300 thousand victims in a year. The disease they transmit is known as the Sleeping Sickness and it if is not treated immediately or timely, you necessary bodily functions will stop working and it is pretty much Game Over. There are around 34 different species of these flies and they look just like normal houseflies, so be careful and be careful again.

3. BEES

This is what you need to know about your everyday bee. They will not feel the need to sting you if you let them be. Unless you do something really stupid such as throwing a rock at their hive, they will not bother you. Besides, the poor things die once they sting. But the Africanized or Killer Bees, they are they are the problem. They will swarm over their victims in huge numbers and sting him/her/it to death. That happens with the slightest provocation. Stare at their nest and shout out, see what happens. Although, I would really advise you not to.

2. RAT FLEAS

Fleas are no bigger than your nail but they do carry harmful and at times, fatal, germs. Most famous one of those is the Yersinia Pestis Bacteria. This particular bacterium has been causing death in Europe since the fourteenth century and is known as ‘Black Death’. It killed nearly 350 to 375 million people between the years 1348 and 1350 (YES, two years). You can find fleas in a dog or a cat but none of those are as deadly as the fleas found on a rat. They are so very small (1/6^th or 1/8^th of an inch) and can still cause millions to die.

1. ANOPHELES MOSQUITO

I hate mosquitos, they are irritating, they buzz and they cause irritation. Besides, they feed on blood and that’s more than enough reason for me. They are disgusting and they lay eggs on stagnant waters. That can be handled; the problem arises when you come across a disease-carrying mosquito. They can cause you serious illness and in some cases death. The most common virus carried by these mosquitoes is Malaria and now another disease is coming up called ‘Dengue’. Please protect yourself from these mosquitos.

Source: smashinglists

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