Travel, Work, Life...!

The Bridge On The Mountain Aiguille Du Midi (3.842 m)

Noor — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:04:15 +0000

Have you ever seen any bridge on mountain, especially a rocky mountain where you can’t even imagine that there could be any bridge on any such place. Here I am showing you the bridge on the mountain Aiguille du midi.

Looking at the picture below, one cannot even imagine that a bridge can be built at such a place with such high and sharp mountains, but nothing is impossible.

Unable to locate the bridge? Take a look at the next picture.

All covered in snow, it must have been a nightmare to build this bridge.

And walking on this bridge will not be as easy too as the height at which it is built can give you creeps. But howsoever, it is one of the most amazing bridges of the world and the idea of its creation is extremely imaginative.

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Urban Wonders of the World: Amazing and Record-Setting City Roads and Streets

anney — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:15:38 +0000

It is the fact that everyone hates traffic, but how about trying to wind around 8 switchbacks in one city block? Or what if you imagine that you are crossing 12 lanes at a single intersection? Or how about thinking to park on a 38 degree incline? Here in this article I am telling you about the scariest, steepest, longest, widest, narrowest, most confusing and most crooked urban streets in the world that are rightly to be called as urban wonders of the world.

Lombard Street, San Francisco, United States

It is perhaps quite unsurprising to know that the so-called world’s most crooked road on a downhil angle is in San Francisco, United States. People are familiar to the Lombard Street for the one way section on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, at this place the roadway has eight sharp turns. Most of the people must have heard about the crazy races down the road.

The Intersection of Swindon, England

The world’s most confusing intersection is located at Swindon, England. It is the extremely surprising fact that this intersection is functional and it is actually designed in order to reduce overall congestion. Despite of all the facts, certainly it is an urban wonder and highly confusing to those who are using it for the first time.

Street of Dunedin, New Zealand

Dunedin, New Zealand features the world’s steepest street. As with many other parts of Dunedin, and indeed New Zealand, streets were build out in a grid pattern having no consideration for the terrain, usually by planners in London. In the case of Dunedin the result was a dizzying incline.

9 de Julio Avenue, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina, features the world’s widest avenue. 9 de Julio Avenue is over 300 feet wide. It fills a gap of an entire block in the city grid. Hence it has an incredible width. It often requires a few minutes to cross the avenue at street level, as all intersections have traffic lights. Having normal walking speed, it normally takes two to three green lights for the pedestrians to cross its twelve lanes of traffic.

Parliament Street

Exeter, England features the world’s narrowest street. Parliament Street is a 50m long street in Exeter, England. It links the High Street to Waterbeer Lane and it has been constructed in the 14th century. Formerly its name was Small Lane and when Parliament was derided by the city council for passing the 1832 Reform Bill it was renamed as Parliament Street. At its widest the street is approximately 45″ and at its narrowest it is less than 25″.

The Ancient Road of Giza, Egypt

The oldest paved road in the world is located at Giza, Egypt. It was built over 4,600 years ago, an ancient basalt quarry is connected to a lake adjoining the Nile by this route. The basalt being the source of transportation was used in the construction of the great pyramids of Giza. It was anticipated by the Ancient Egyptians that the pyramids would be lasting forever, but even they might be surprised if they would have known that this road still exists.

Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada

Only a part of Yonge Street can be claimed by Toronto, Canada can. Yonge Street is the longest street in the world. Canadians were concerned to have a military access routes in case if they have any conflict with the United States. Its construction was begun in the late 1700’s and it was constructed in parts, by local farmers and convicted drunks. Today, in Toronto the Yonge Street is a hub of activity.

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"Cahaba” – The Flipping Towboat

mudassir — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:01:40 +0000

This is one of the unbelievable but real life incidents. I have put the references at the end of the each picture; as you are seeing. You should stay to see these snaps deeply. I got these pictures floating around on the internet and thought of adding references to them for you. But unluckily, I cannot give credit to the original publisher because I didn’t find that information. However, enjoy the story!

Listen! Never try this at home as this is a professional captain on the job.

The towboat is coming near to the bridge having barges (loaded with coal) on it.

This snap will give you good idea about the speed of the running river. Just at or near to flood stage

Oh Shit! the bridge didn’t give a way and the towboat is still at speed. Also the boat is forcing backward as hard as possible to keep it from colliding the bridge. Notice here, the tug has freed itself from the barges.

But failed against the flow.

Uh Oh! The flow is turning the boat around towards its one side.

The cook thinks there is something wrong going on.

The boss will be really crazy now!

Captain? Is the boat insured?

Uh…. Boss? You are not going to believe what we have done!

Getting low; see the flag still flying there.

Have a close look; the wheelhouse door and the door in the second deck are opening. At the bottom right hand side of the snap you can observe that the bridge guardrail is still drowning.

See water pouring out of the upper bridge deck.

Here the water is pouring out of the second deck doorway.

The picture is showing that the working deck is still underwater, but trying to rise up.

Its amazing! See the smoke is still coming out of the exhausts. It not dead!!!

See the prop wash on the back of the tug. The boat is powering up.

This incident took place in April 28, 1979 at the old Rooster Bridge at Demopolis, Alabama. ‘CAHABA’ was the boat.

Captain Jimmy Wilkerson dropped two out of total 4 barges through the east span of the Rooster Bridge. He planned of running them around through the lift span and catching them from below. Pilot Earl Barnhart was on the boat assisting the two crew members in taking off safety wires, winch wires, etc.

River’s flow was fast; Wilkerson underestimated it, and reached too close to the bridge. This powerful flow laid the CAHABA onto the bridge. When its lower port deck went covered with water, the vessel rotated, went through the span, and came to earlier position once it cleared. Captain Wilkerson took safety at the sticks; but, at one stage he was sitting on the starboard pilot house door frame, when the port front pilot house window broke up; the whole area was filled with water.

Al Democrat was a photographer. He was from Linden and photographed when the CAHABA blew for a draw at the Rooster Bridge. These images were published in the Linden newspaper following the day on incidents.

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HQ Wallpapers 1600Ã—1200 – Travel – Part 15

Most Dangerous Bridges in The World

anney — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:05:16 +0000

There are a variety of reasons due to which a bridge can be considered to be dangerous; these may be that it’s very old, narrow, too high up above the land, over a quick river or if the wooden “floor” goes missing.

The thing that makes them dangerous is the fact that in spite of the condition of the bridge, they must have to be used; as many a time, probably these pathways are the main or even the only way for the local people of a small village to have an access to the bigger city. Among all the bridges, the the hanging bridges are the most popular bridges among tourists. Let us take a look at some of them.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a bridge that is suspended by ropes. It is located near Ballintoy, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Through this bridge the mainland is linked to the tiny Carrick Island. The National trust own as well as maintain this site, this bridge spans twenty metres and it is thirty metres above the rocks below. Nowadays the bridge is mainly a tourist attraction. In 2007 227,000 visitors visit this site. Now, in late October or early November this bridge is taken down every year, it depends on weather conditions, and it again put up in March.

Inca Rope Bridge

Inca rope bridges were simple suspension bridges that were put over canyons and gorges in order to provide access for the Inca Empire. This type of bridges was suitable for use since the Inca people did not use wheeled transport. On this bridge traffic was limited to pedestrians and livestock. These bridges were extremely important part on the Inca road system and they create excellent example of Inca innovation in the field of engineering. Frequently used by Chasqui runners who used to deliver messages throughout the Inca Empire.

Hussaini – Borit Lake, Pakistan

Probably one of the most instantly and easily recognizable pictures that you can see in books and promotional pictures of Pakistan is of the several suspension bridges that are used to cross the rivers in and around Northern Pakistan. And when we talk about that, one of the more famous day treks around the region is known as the Two Bridges trek which as suggested by the name sees you crossing two bridges on a five hour trek in the area that surrounds Passu and other neighboring villages before ending at Borit Lake. Itself the trek is probably more of a pleasant walk rather than a strenuous effort but the beautiful scenery that we can see while walking on that bridge is some of the best I’ve seen so far.

The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang Bridge

The Yangtze River, or Chang Jiang is the longest river in China as well as considered to be the longest river of Asia, and in the world it is the third longest, after the Amazon in South America and the Nile in Africa.

This river is about 6,385 km long (3915 mi) and it flows from its source in Qinghai Province, which is eastwards into the East China Sea at Shanghai.

The suspension bridge that you can see in the picture passes through this river and it serves as a path to cross the river on foot.

A Footbridge over the Kotmale Oya

The Kotmale Oya (or Kothmale Oya) is the name of a river in Sri Lanka. This river is a tributary of the the Mahaweli Ganga. The Kotmale begins as the Agra Oya, in the Horton Plains. The Nanu Oya flows into t as do the Dambagastalawa Oya, the Pundul Oya, and the Puna Oya. Shortly after passing through the town of Nawalapitiya the Kotmale flows into the Mahaweli Ganga. A footbridge is made over Kotmale Oya so that the people can cross the river.

The Bridge over the River Arun

The Arun River is the name of a river that flows through Nepal, Tibet, and China, becoming a tributary of the Ganges. The ancient boundary of Khambuwan and Limbuwan regions are demarcated by the Arun River. This river also has its importance in the folklore of Kiranti people of eastern Nepal. The bridge that you can see in the picture is suspended on the Arun River in order to cross the river.

Glen Nevis Wire Bridge

Glen Nevis is a scenic and popular glen in Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, having Fort William at its foot. On its southern part it is bordered by the Mamore range, and to the north side its border touches the highest mountains in the British Isles: Ben Nevis, Càrn Mor Dearg, Aonach Mòr, and Aonach Beag. Here you can find one of the three highest waterfalls in Scotland, Steall Falls. It is the place where the Allt Coire a’Mhail joins the Water of Nevis in the glen.

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Why You Must Visit San Pedro de Atacama

mudassir — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:30:04 +0000

San Pedro de Atacama is among the most visited location in all over Chile. It is surrounded by the Atacama Desert (the world’s driest region). Despite this fact, still there are many unique plants and creatures like flamingos, Llamas and Alpacas living here.

The town is present close to many other beautiful locations having significance for their archaeological, geographic and tourist point of views. Going there you should also go to see the tourist attractions here; some of the popular places are Pukara (prehispanic fortress) Quitor, Tulor village (more than 3,000 years old), the Tatio geysers, the Atacama salt lakes, Moon Valley and also the strikingly beautiful Inca towns of Toconao, Peine, Socaire, Talabre and Caspana.

This area is also known for discoveries of many mummies, called as the Mummies of Atacama.

The dryness of this desert area, plus the isolation and the saltiness of the soil are few major reasons causing the natural mummification of these dead bodies.

While reaching the center of this desert you will find the huge salt lake known as Salar de Atacama. It is having the honor to be the world’s 3rd largest salt flat and is known for inhabiting pretty pink flamingos.

Though there is a presence of water in this lake but, you should remember that this would be toxic to human body for having excessive salt ratio.

Some of the highest volcanoes present in the South America also come in this region as well as Atacama area is a land of wonderful volcanic hot springs with falls and pools. El Tatio Geysers are present above more than 4000-meters height from the sea level and are worth seeing at dawn. You can even enjoy dipping your feet in these thermal pools of Puritama.

Valle De La Luna, Moon Valley, is a place tourist should never miss. You will come across breathtaking scenery all over the desert area and also lots of beautiful canyons, caves and sand dunes. You will never forget the sunsets of the Moon Valley. Tourists love to do “sand board” down the dunes.

Hope you will visit San Pedro de Atacama when ever you go to Chile. It is an enchanting experience and will remain in memories for a whole life.

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Remotest Island On Our Planet

mudassir — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:15:26 +0000

What land would you suggest for an exile punishment of a person who ruined your country?

Definitely as far-off as could be possible on our planet! As it is not possible to send him into space but the location should be the remotest, inhabited island on our planet.

You may name many distant places, but all of them will be uninhabited, mostly barren and boring. But the life in this island is established in a very British way, so it would become difficult for punished man to mess it up so easily, one hopes.

Tristan da Cunha - the loneliest place on Planet

Do you know, what was the first step British took after sending Napoleon to St. Helena? Yes, they knew that the French will attempt to rescue him; therefore they annexed the closest chain of islands to keep them from doing so.

After all, who wouldn’t cross just 2430-km over rough and uncongenial seas with a mission to take back the Emperor himself? Yes, you got it, these islands of Tristan Da Cunha closest neighboring landmass of the island of St. Helena are just 2430-km aside.

The island is too small to be indicated on maps that’s why cartographers do not put it on their maps. As it is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean between African and South American continent, this particular location of this volcanic outcropping land honored it for being the remotest inhabited island on our earth and this comparison doesn’t exclude Antarctica and the North Pole.

One of the islands in this island group is said to be “Inaccessible”. As this family lives with the motto: “Our faith is our strength”

Capital: Edinburgh of the Seven Seas
Language: English.
Population: not more than 300 people.
Religions: Christianity – Anglican & Roman Catholic
Currency: Pound Sterling – GBP

Tristan Da Cunha is a homeland of 270 people cut off from rest of the world. Their economy is based on fishing. The weather is sub-tropical but it gets little bit variation in its temperature in different seasons.

If there were more cultivable land then it would have become a pleasant place to live but the only plain land is there at the northwestern portion of the island. The whole rest is comprised of mountains and rocks.

The archipelago is comprised of huge volcanic formations which erupted out of the South Atlantic Ocean approximately one million years ago. This group of islands is located closely adjacent to the crater of the very active volcano!

Almost fifty years ago, in 1961 a cone near this town, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, started erupting. It was sign of danger; entire community was evacuated to England. Two years later, a research was made and it was felt that damage was not severe, so the residents were asked to go back their homeland.

People living there face the full wrath of Atlantic storms many times in history: once the heavy blows of wind having speed of almost 190-km/h were so thrusting that they drove the grazing cattle from the fields into the sea. It is awesome to look out of window seeing deplorably mooing bovines sailing past and going in the waves.

Refreshment – away from all maddening crowds

Islands of Refreshment, this name today we know was given by a self-proclaimed ruler Jonathan Lambert. He called them with this name in 1811.
Lambert announced himself sovereign and sole possessor of these groups of islands. However, he ruled for a short time, as he drowned deep while enjoying fishing just one year after this declaration.

And the “refreshments” are here – Genuine Tristan Lobster Tails – these are the tastiest in the world!

Today this island is having a convenience store, a radio station which broadcasts the World Service 4 days each week, a little restaurant, a video-shop and a swimming-pool.

Tristan has been linked to the rest of the world by a telephone and a fax provided in the Administrator’s office. It is also visited by the RMS St. Helena once in the year as you might know that it is the world’s only mail ship.

The ship brings lot of other stuff also besides simply carrying mail. This includes canned food, videos, books, magazines and medical items. If you are the occasional visitor you can also board this ship.

Nobody knows the term of “Unemployment” here on Tristan. Each boy and girl is guaranteed to receive job on leaving school; if positions are not vacant they are specially created for them.

Recently, girls are getting keener to continue their education (especially at St. Helena) and young girls are forming more superior intellectual elite on this island as compared to males.

Here comes another native of these lands: yellow-nosed albatross chick

You know this character very well – Northern rock-hopper penguin. You loved it in an animated movie “Surf’s Up” some years ago. More than 90% of its world population lives here on Tristan.

Here is one more place for an intrepid explorer of “abandoned & haunted places” like you.

- Abandoned and grounded oil rig!

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Most Extreme Places in the World

Q. AB. — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:26:25 +0000

It is the fact that planet Earth is one of most beautiful planet in universe with large diversity of Nature. There are thousands of place on earth where we can see nature on its full extent. Beautiful green and snowy mountains, deserts, blue oceans different type of animals, birds, beautiful plants and so many species. No one can hold his tongue from appreciating the beauty and wonders of Nature. Though about Nature so much can be written but here below are the fascinating extremes of Earth, which makes mind hypnotized.

The World’s Largest Rock Formation

Ayers Rock is the world’s largest rock formation it’s also known as Uluru. That sandstone massive pillar is located in Australia with height of 1,142 ft. and almost 9.4km in basal circumference. The beauty of Ayers Rock is that it changes its colors from morning till sun set. Changing of its colors is because of the sunlight that strikes it at different hours of the day.

The World’s Most Active Volcano

The World’s current most active volcano is Kilauea that is 90% made of lava. This volcano is located in Hawaii.

The World’s Lowest Lake

The Dead Sea is the world’s lowest lake. It’s located between Israel and Jordan. Its density of water is high than all oceans in world contain highest level of salts in it. The amazing thing about Dead Sea is that if you swim in that you wont drown. That’s because of the high water density. There is no fish or any other sea species in it, that’s why its called Dead Sea because no life exists in it. Its 1,240 ft deep, 1,385 feet below sea level, 67 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide in the Jordan Rift Valley. It is considered as world’s saltiest bodies of water.

The World’s Largest Coral Reef

The world’s largest coral reef system is the Great Barrier Reef that is composed of more than 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. That coral reef is stretched almost 26,00 square kilometers over an area about 344,400 square kilometers in the Coral Sea, Australia. The reef is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1981.

The World’s Largest Cave Passage

Deer Cave is largest cave passage in world, located in Borneo. Several caves that are found in Mulu National Park includes this also. It’s almost 90 kilometers long and over 90 meters high and wide.

The World’s Longest River

The world’s longest river is Nile River, having history of thousands of years it flows through nine countries. The White Nile starts from Lake Victoria, Uganda and flowing journey through Sudan and Egypt. The Blue Nile starts from Lake Tana, Ethiopia and flows through Zaire, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. The Nile river flowing distance in east Africa is 5,584 km and it discharges an average of 65 million liters water in a second.

The World’s Highest Peak

The world’s highest peak is Mount Everest it’s called Everest in honor of Sir George Everest, its also called Sagamatha. Its height is 29,035 ft (8,850 m) above sea level; some people believe that it rises 4mm every year. Mount Everest is situated on the border between Sagamatha Zone, Nepal, Tibet and China.

The World’s Highest Water Falls

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the highest waterfall at 3,212 ft (879 m), with a clear drop of 2,647 ft (807 m). Water falling from such height gives a wonderful cloudy sight.

The World’s Hottest Place

The world’s largest desert is Sahara desert scattered on 9 million square kilometers covers most of North Africa. Sahara desert is the Earth’s hottest place where temperature frequently reaches 55-degree centigrade. The highest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 57.8 degree centigrade and that was recorded at Sahara desert in 1922.

The World’s Coldest Place

The world’s fifth largest continent area wise is Antarctica and on average of sea level height it’s the highest of all continents. Its area is almost 14.0 million square meters, 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice. It is driest, windiest and coldest continent its almost impossible for human to live there. The coldest temperature on Earth was minus 89.2 degree centigrade recorded at Antarctica continent.

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5 Tips For Saving Money by Traveling in Recession

Q. AB. — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:14:28 +0000

It is common that for traveling savings are made, but sometimes you cant save enough that you can see other countries and different cultures in other words lack of savings is big hurdle in traveling. But that’s old days story now you can still travel even in the recession. Before it was a dream for middle class person to travel by air, but now so many airlines, which offers cheap travel packages.

Tips To Find Cheap Travel Packages

To find cheap travel packages here are some tips.

1- Search Alternative Route for Cheap Flights

It depends a lot on searching alternative route to the destination. Search for flight status that you can get direct flight to the destination or combination of 2 flights. That is for the combination of 2 flights is lot cheaper than direct flight after that look for discounts for travel aids. Never travel in peak times because it’s hard to find any cheap flight in season months.

2- Internet Best Source for Searching Travel Discounts

There are plenty of websites on the internet in which you can find travel discounts. It is better to search the airline websites also to see their offerings about cheap flights. After your search make complete note of all cheap flights that will help to choose one that suits you more.

3- Consult Travel Agents

Travel agents are always more updated and haves more information about traveling which sometimes you cant find in websites so its better to consult any best travel agent also to get helpful information for cheap flights and travel discounts.

4- Visit Bucket Shops In Your Cultural Neighborhood

Mostly travel agents sell their discount travel tickets to these shops and you can get that ticket from these on a considerable price. But this is not for sure that visiting a bucket shop will help you 100%.

5- Important Thing To Find a Travel Discount

The best and most important thing which is needed to find travel discount is that you should have to be flexible, the more you are flexible the more you will get cheaper discounts on travel and if you are not flexible about dates then a little time search wont give you much about best travel discounts. In simple words patience is key to get a best travel discount flights.

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Top Ten Interesting Abandoned Places

Q. AB. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:37:50 +0000

There is so much written about supernatural things like ghosts, aliens etc. As I think being human sometimes there are some suspicious factors, which creates suspense in mind. So that suspense or fear makes us to know about that factor and that’s the thing which filmmakers used in movies to have good business. In my view curiosity is human nature we want to know unknown things. There is plenty of literature about ghosts and also so many movies made on same topic. But what’s the reality, where is the ghost city, and how that populated place became a ghost city?

Well there are factors that lead the populated towns or cities to become ghost cities or abandoned places for humans. There are plenty of ghost towns in America especially in southern and central states. According to a survey report there are 6,000 abandoned sites of settlement in Kansas alone. There are so many factors for not having population on those places anymore like lack of natural resources, no linking roads and no railway bypassing. But major factor for that can be a disaster, natural or human made. It was happened with Pattonsburg town. This town was founded in 1845, and till 1993 the town was flooded over 30 times. The residents were tired of floods so with help of Government they rebuilt new town 3 miles away that is now known as New Pattonsburg, leaving old Pattonsburg behind as a ghost town.

This topic is really interesting for me that’s why I listed my top 10 most interesting abandoned places on the planet hope to bring some real facts about the ghost cities which are totally fictional for other people. So here are the 10 most abandoned places of earth.

1 – Craco, Italy

Craco is called ghost town in Italy. It’s located in Basilicata and the province of Matera. It’s almost 25 miles away from the Gulf of Taranto just located at edge of Italy. This town was built on a hill, which allow for the farming of wheat and other crops. Archbishop Arnaldo, Bishop of Tricarico in 1060 A.D, owned Craco’s land. That religious relation with church had influenced the inhabitants so much throughout all the ages.

The population of Craco in 1891 was 2,000 people. And it was having so many problems like poor agriculture that made life hard to live there. So from 1892 to 1922 more than 1,300 people migrated from the town to North America. The major factor for such a large number of migrations of people was poor farming, earthquakes, landslides and adding fuel to fire the War. From 1959 to 1972 Craco got so much earthquakes and landslides. That’s why in 1963 the remaining 18,00 inhabitants were transferred from there to a near valley called Craco Peschiera and now original Craco is left alone with no human being living there.

2 – Pripyat, Ukraine

Pripyat is located in the Zone of alienation in Kieve Oblast, Ukraine near the border with Belarus. Its population was 50,000 and most of home in city was of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant workers. In 1986 because of the Chernobyl disaster the place was abandoned due to threat of radiation. Now that place is like a museum showing past glimpses of soviet life. But this place was looted heavily in beginning of 21st century even the toilet seats were stolen.

However after that Chernobyl disaster the place will not be safe for habitation of humans for several years, even after so many years it will be hard to consider it a healthy place to live there. When Chernobyl was going to be built, it was planned to built it just 25 km away from Kiev city afterwards the concerns were voiced at its closeness to the city so after a long debate it was build along Pripyat 100km away from Kiev that decision became wise later on which saved a larger city of Kiev from disaster.

3 – Yashima, Japan

In northwest of Takamatsu Yashima is located, Takamatsu is second largest city on Shikoku which is one the Japan’s major islands. This place is having a part in history of Japan; the famous battle of Genpei in 22nd March 1185 took place here. From so many things of Yashima at its top there is the Yashima Temple, which is well known Shikoku pilgrimage. That is the only thing there because of which so many people go to this strangely neglected geographical irregularity. But it was not like this always.

In mid eighties during the rise in Japanese economy the people of Takamatsu decided that the Yashima plateau was an excellent place to encourage tourism so they started investing their money on development of this sacred land. Six hotels, an aquarium, so many parks and trails were made there. Later on people realized that Yashima plateau was not an attractive place because of views of nearby rock quarry. So in result visitors numbers dropped and there was a loss of millions of Yen on inflated real estate deals, all hotels and shops were forced to shut down and also the cable care which used to transport to Yashima heights.

4 – Centralia, Pennsylvania

In 1841 Johnathan Faust opened Bull’s Head Taverns in Centralia, as Centralia was given the status of borough in 1866. The hard type coal was major industry for employment of the community till 1960s. In 1962 an exposed vein of coal got fire, which spread out rapidly underground, which lead the so many companies out of business. All attempts to extinguish fire were gone in vain and it continued to burn throughout 1960s and 1970s. Because of that continuous coal burning underground affected the health of people living there.

The inhabitants realized the problem that how serious it had been in 1979 when a gas station reported fuel temperature of 172 degrees Fahrenheit. In 1981 an incident provoked a widespread attention when a 12 years old boy almost plunged to his death as a 4 foot wide and 150 foot deep sinkhole suddenly opened beneath his feet. $42 million were spend for the moving of residents to the nearby Mount Carmel and Ashland in 1984. There were more than 1000 residents in Centralia in 1981, now only few left from them most are the priests. Underground fire is still burning and according to experts it will be continuously burning to next almost 250 years.

5 – Katoli World Taiwan

Katoli world is located in Dakeng Scenic area just outside of Taichung, Taiwan. This theme park was opened in mid eighties and it got a moderate success as being one of the few theme parks on the island of Taiwan. This park was closed because of a massive earthquake on September 21st, 1999. That quake was occurred after opening hours of the park, thousands of people were died in that quake but none was died inside park and larger area of park was destroyed. Later on that park was forced to close. Now that place is turning to rust now.

6 – Balestrino, Italy

About Balestrino there is no authentic information is available which can be found that when it was established. The records before the 11th century shows that the Benedictine abbey of San Pietro dei Monti owned Balestrino. On the upper part of the town there is a castle and on lower part a parish church. According to 1860 records about Balestrino population shows 800-850 people lived there. Most of them were farmers who farmed olive trees.

Numerous earthquakes struck the North West coast of Italy in the late 19th century. In 1887 a major earthquake destroyed some villages in that area but there is official record, which can show that quake affected the Balestrino also. This town was abandoned in 1953 because of geological instability and the population was transferred to a safer place to the west. Balestrino is completely abandoned place from last more than 50 years, now there are plans undergoing for redeveloping it.

7 – Gunkanjima, Japan

Hashima Island that is also called Gunkanjima is located 15 km away from Nagasaki. Its one among the 505 uninhabited islands in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1890 Mitsubishi bought this island for industrial purposes and started a project to retrieve coal from bottom of the sea. Japan’s 1st concrete buildings were build for the first time on this island in 1916. There was a block of apartments, which were made for the workers who work on that island.

The population grown so bigger in 1959 that the population density level got so high, 835 people per hectare for the whole island and 1,391 per hectare for residential district, that’s one of ever-highest densities ever, recorded worldwide. In 1960s petroleum replaced coal in Japan, because of that coal mines were closed all over Japan so as Hashima was closed also Mitsubishi in 1974. Now this island is having no population just empty down falling buildings, travel to the island is prohibited currently. The 2003 film “ Battle for Royale II” was having this island as location.

8 – Varosha, Cyprus

Varosha is located in Famagusta, Cyprus that’s the Turkish occupied city. Before invasion of Turkish forces in 1974, Varosha was a modern tourist area and was decorated as one of most luxurious holiday destinations. But after invasion citizens left the island with expectation that they will return after few days. The Turkish army wrapped barbed wire all around it and controlled it completely. No one is allowed to go there except from Turkish military or UN personnel.

There was the Annan Plan for return of the Varosha to Greek Cypriot control but Greek Cypriot voters rejected that plan with out realizing the actual fact. But its not ended yet Governments are planning together to make Varosha beautiful as it was before. Till now three concept hotels are designed by Laxia Inc. in 2010 it will be opened for the tourism by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

9 – San Zhi, Taiwan

San Zhi is located in the North of Taiwan. This futuristic pod village was planned and built for the luxurious treat for the rich. But during its construction some deadly accidents happened which caused halt in its construction work, because of lack of money and willingness work there was stopped permanently, leaving the alien like structures as it is in memory of those who lost their lives there. There was rumors also afterwards in surrounding areas that place is occupied by the ghost of those people who died there. So in result Government also haven’t taken any interest about this matter and kept the distance from bizarre happenings. As it seems that this project will never start again. May be they thinks that destroying homes of spirits is a bad thing.

10 – Bodie, California

Bodie is a truly American ghost town, it was founded in 1876 in beginning a small population there but later on mines from nearby area there attracted thousands and only after four years in 1880 its population became almost 10,000. There was 65 saloons in the main street of the town and also there was a Chinatown with hundreds of Chinese residents.

But with passage of time as the resources started reducing, that reduced the prominence of Bodie also. Almost for most of the 20th century Bodie was having permanent residents living there even in 1932 there was fire, which ravaged the much of town. Now there is no one living in Bodie. In 1961 it was designated a National Historic Landmark and in 1962 it became Bodie State Historic Park.

Most part of town had been decline today; only a small part of the town still survives. The interiors still remained the same as they were left. The visitors can walk in town streets its opened all of the year but the only road to Bodie remains mostly closed in winters due to heavy snowfall the whole road is covered with thick layers of snow, so perfect time to visit there is summer season.

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How Can You Save Money By Budgeting a Luxury Vacation?

Q. AB. — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:21:24 +0000

Everyone wants to travel for less surely also think for saving money on a luxury vacation, and then question comes in mind but how, where and what is the way to save money for a luxury vacation? Well its possible to save money for a luxury vacation, there are so many ways to save money while traveling and staying on luxury places. Here are the some simple tips from which you can easily save money for a great luxury vacation.

How to plan a luxury vacation?

For going on vacation plan it for off-season. Because of that you can get better deal on luxury vacation accommodations. There are so many benefits for going on vacation in off-season like there won’t be any crowded resorts and beaches and you will enjoy truly your vacation.

The air tickets gets so much cheaper in off season so you can save hundreds for flying to your favorite destinations like Europe, the Caribbean, Paris and the emerald isle of Ireland.

Spring vacation season is from April to May or till 1st week of June. So you can plan your off season vacation in September or at beginning of October.

Internet Best Source for Planning Vacation

The Internet is best source to find out the luxury hotels on beautiful locations, which offers luxury discounts. There are so many sites for hotel booking and travel packages. The sites give you full and complete information and rates of per night stay. For example if you plan a luxury vacation in Las Vegas there you can stay at luxury hotel with casino for as little as $89.

London, England will be a great place for vacation there you can stay in any 4 star hotel for only $69 that’s an off-season price of hotel while its $102 in season. There are so many facilities, which are provided by hotels. All the information along details is easily accessible on Internet. That’s why Internet is best source for planning a vacation.

Use of Online Coupons and Codes

Another way to save on luxury travel is to get online coupons and online codes. There you can also find luxury hotels like Hyatt and Hilton. They also offer codes for Beaches and Sandals resorts among many others. On website you can easily click on any hotel, villa, resort or condo which you like, there you will see the discounts which are waiting for you.

Luxury Airfare

It’s easy to find luxury airfare. You can inquire from airlines or ask any travel agent for a Y-up. Y-up deals are first class tickets that you can get at discounted rates. There are no requirements for Y-up tickets. For that help of a professional travel agent is always best. Though travel agents takes fee but they gives you best information about luxury hotels and airfare savings.

So that’s the simple tips from which you can have a luxurious vacation with plenty of saving which gives a relaxing peace of mind with not a heavy burden on pocket.