What number of of those information in regards to the world did you already know?
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Zhangjiajie, China.
Probably the most intriguing issues about travelling is discovering why issues are the way in which they’re at this time. From hidden secrets and techniques to unusual phenomenons, right here’s 20 issues in regards to the world that will sound absurd at first however are literally confirmed to be true information!
1) It snows within the Sahara Desert
Picture credit score: tonynetone by way of Flickr
Deserts are recognized to have very low precipitation. And if rainfall is uncommon, wouldn’t snowfall be even rarer? Nicely, the unimaginable occurred in 2018 and the Sahara Desert was coated in a blanket of white snow. Nevertheless, the snow solely lasted for a day earlier than melting beneath the recent solar.
The primary recorded snowfall was in 1979 — a snowstorm that lasted half an hour. Though temperatures drop to freezing within the night time, the shortage of moisture makes it nearly unimaginable to supply any snow. However who is aware of, you is perhaps fortunate sufficient to see it in your subsequent journey to the Sahara!
2) There are solely two nations on the planet the place Coca Cola doesn’t exist
Picture credit score: @neonbrand by way of Unsplash
You may assume Coca Cola is one thing you’ll find wherever on the planet however these two nations have been in long-term US commerce embargoes — North Korea since 1950 and Cuba since 1962.
Picture credit score: Eric Lafforgue by way of Flickr
Nevertheless, North Korea has made its personal darkish colored soda. They name it Ryongjin Cola or ‘Cocoa Glowing’. It has the same crimson packaging and cursive font, however does it have the identical nice style? 🤔 Tell us within the feedback if you happen to’ve tried it!
3) Sudan has essentially the most pyramids on the planet (not Egypt)
Nubian Pyramids in Sudan. Picture credit score: Christopher Michel by way of Flickr
Egypt and pyramids are nearly synonymous, however do you know there are pyramids in Sudan too? Nubia, a area in Sudan, has 255 pyramids — twice the quantity in Egypt!
After ruling Egypt’s twenty fifth dynasty, the Nubian pharaohs fled to Sudan and fashioned the Kushite kingdom, incorporating the Egyptian tradition of their new metropolis.
Egypt’s Nice Sphinx of Giza. Picture credit score: Viajejet
The Nubian pyramids aren’t as broadly visited as these in Egypt. So chances are high you’ll have the pyramids all to your self!
Picture credit score: @viajar_entre_viagens by way of Instagram
Jebel Barkal is essentially the most rewarding out of the 4 foremost websites. The pyramids there are well-preserved and stand beside a small mountain. Climb up the mountain simply earlier than sundown to catch beautiful views of the Nile!
4) Colombia’s brightest rainbow is in its river
Picture credit score: @micolombiaoficial by way of Instagram
Usually you’d discover rainbows within the sky, however the Caño Cristales, also referred to as the “River of 5 Colors”, beams brighter than any rainbow within the sky.
Situated in Colombia’s Serranía de la Macarena Nationwide Pure Park, this beautiful river owes its multi-coloured magnificence to the Macarenia Clavigera, a plant that lives within the riverbed. It’s greatest to go to between Might to November when the river weeds blossom in yellow, blue, inexperienced and crimson. They get brighter hues throughout this time because the waters are shallower, permitting extra daylight to achieve the crops.
5) The Sahara Desert was once a tropical rainforest
Picture credit score: @crystal_mirallegro by way of Unsplash
The Sahara once more?! Belief me, this one’s further cool.
The Sahara Desert is understood for being the world’s hottest desert. Nevertheless, simply 6,000 years in the past, this dry land was a lush rainforest with thick vegetation and excessive rainfall.
Though we didn’t witness the Sahara in full bloom, future generations may. If the world survives the subsequent 10,000 years, the identical fixed change in climate patterns may depart the Sahara wanting an entire lot completely different.
6) Macchu Pichu is an earthquake-proof metropolis
Picture credit score: Anton Ivanov
This historic Inca city rests on prime of two fault traces in Peru. Meaning earthquakes have been anticipated occasions. So how did they stay by means of it?
In reality, the Incans created a superb engineering approach referred to as ‘ashlar masonry’, the place rocks are lower to suit completely collectively with out mortar. This allowed the stones to maneuver as a replacement throughout an earthquake, earlier than settling again of their authentic positions. Genius or what?!
7) You can stroll from Russia to Alaska (on ice)
Picture credit score: Wikipedia
Between Russia and Alaska lies the Bering Strait. When it freezes up within the winter, you possibly can journey throughout, with 3.8km being the shortest finish.
Nevertheless, simply because it’s doable, doesn’t imply it’s authorized! Or protected, because the ocean winds are extraordinarily chilly and the ice beneath could shift.
In 2006, two adventurers set out from Alaska to cross the frozen path on foot. They crossed 90km in 15 days earlier than they have been detained in Russia for violating immigration legal guidelines.
*Professional-tip: Don’t do it!
8) China has just one timezone
Having a single timezone is ok if the solar rises and units on the similar time for everybody. Nevertheless, as Beijing is getting ready to go to mattress at midnight, people in Xinjiang are simply starting to look at the sundown.
That’s fairly wild contemplating how China is sort of the dimensions of america, which has six timezones! Apparently, China didn’t all the time function on Beijing time. Beijing Normal Time was solely established in 1949 — a choice by Chairman Mao Zedong within the identify of nationwide unity.
Earlier than that, in 1912, there have been 5 recognised timezones that have been 5 and a half to eight and a half hours previous Greenwich Imply Time.
Fortunately, working round one timezone is however a light inconvenience to the Chinese language. Nevertheless, travellers planning to backpack by means of China ought to put together for his or her physique clocks to get a little bit confused 🤪
Learn additionally: 2-Week China Itinerary — Rail Journey Throughout Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou
9) San Fransisco’s Golden Gate Bridge ‘speaks’
This is likely one of the newer information in regards to the world. In June 2020, San Francisco’s beloved Golden Gate Bridge began talking up about some amendments made to the railings on the bike path. Actually.
San Franciscans reported listening to eerie sounds from a number of kilometres away!
Metropolis officers defined it to be a case of excessive winds passing by means of the brand new handrails. The bridge is safer for customers when it faces much less wind resistance. Subsequently, the sound is an efficient signal that sturdy winds are passing by means of the bridge easily!
10) You possibly can go on a safari in Sri Lanka
Picture credit score: Wikimedia Commons
Kenya isn’t the one safari expertise — there’s one other place nearer to residence that’s half the value with its personal set of wonderful wildlife!
Lower than 4 hours away, in charming Sri Lanka, is Asia’s very personal Safari. On the open plains of Yala Nationwide Park, you’ll spot elephants, leopards, and even aquatic birds!
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Picture credit score: Wikimedia Commons
Or go to Wilpattu Nationwide Park to see axis deer and sloth bears! 🦌
The perfect time to go to could be between March and October — water ranges are decrease and also you’ll see extra animals come out to drink.
Picture credit score: @alexmustard1 by way of Instagram
One other cool truth about Sri Lanka is the annual sightings of migrating Blue Whales! Between December to April, witness the most important animals on the planet feed on krill within the Southern Coast.
The whales normally hand around in the waters by Mirissa. You’ll cross the city on the way in which to Yala Nationwide Park, so why not pop in for some whale watching earlier than your safari journey!
11) An actual-life Spirited Away bathhouse exists in Tainan
Picture credit score: @hsingfang20 by way of Instagram
Jiufen, Taiwan, is popularly referred to as the mountain village that impressed Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Nevertheless, down south in Tainan has a real-life duplicate of the famed bathhouse.
Situated within the Breezy Valley Artwork Village is the Breezy Village Guesthouse. It carefully resembles the long-lasting bathhouse, particularly with Yubaba greeting you on the entrance — don’t offend her or she’ll flip you right into a pig! 🐷
If you happen to’re an enormous Miyazaki fan, add each places to your subsequent Taiwan journey!
Learn additionally: 8D Taiwan Itinerary: Insider’s Information to Hidden Adventures from Taipei to Kaohsiung by way of THSR
12) Thailand has a competition to understand their monkeys
Each final Sunday of November, this competition in Lopburi celebrates the Monkeys in a Monkey Buffet Pageant.
In keeping with Sanskrit folklore, a heroic Monkey helped Prince Rama save his bride-to-be from the clutches of a ten-headed demon.
The resident monkeys of the Phra Prang Sam Yot temple are handled to 4,000 kilograms of fruits, greens, and Thai desserts — what a ramification! Locals additionally gown up as monkeys and carry out for his or her esteemed friends as they gobble down their royal feast.
Picture credit score: Chaiwat Subprasom by way of Reuters
This occasion is open to the general public however guests be warned — the monkeys can get aggressive and can steal something they get their fingers on!
Learn extra: Month By Month Information to 26 Most Epic Festivals Round The World
13) You’re all the time seven years behind in Ethiopia
St. George Church, Lalibela, Ethiopia. Picture credit score: Mulugeta Wolde by way of Unsplash
Right here’s some of the mindboggling information in regards to the world — after we welcomed 2020, Ethiopia was solely 4 months into 2012 🤯
Identical to the Gregorian calendar (the one most of us are on), the Ethiopian calendar marks Christ’s delivery as the place to begin. Nevertheless, following alternate calculations of the annunciation of Christ, the Ethiopian calendar is seven to eight years behind.
Happily, travellers aren’t affected by the distinction whereas they’re there. Trendy-day Ethiopia understands the Gregorian calendar and makes use of each calendars interchangeably. However if you happen to’re protecting receipts for reimbursements, the date printed may make it seem to be your journey was years in the past. To not fear although, all you must do is convert your dates!
Essentially the most attention-grabbing variations are the yearly holidays — in contrast to the remainder of the world, Ethiopia celebrates New Years on September eleventh and Christmas on January seventh (in Gregorian calendar).
14) France is essentially the most visited nation with 89 million annual vacationers
Primarily based on Singapore’s standard journey locations, I’d assume both Japan or Thailand to be essentially the most visited nation.
Surprisingly, earlier than COVID-19 made journey take a backseat, France was essentially the most visited nation on the planet. Aside from exploring town of affection, many travellers additionally cross by means of it on their strategy to Italy and Spain.
Is France one of many locations you propose to go to as soon as borders reopen?
15) These bats in Thailand are the world’s tiniest mammals
Don’t they appear to be french bulldogs with wings? Picture credit score: Matt Reinbold by way of Flickr
This could most likely be on the record of cutest information in regards to the world. Within the limestone caves of Sai Yok Nationwide Park are the world’s tiniest bats (and mammals)! Bat soup jokes apart, aren’t they cute? 😍
The main points get even cuter — they develop as much as 33mm and weigh solely 2g. That’s solely 1mm greater than Singapore’s 50 cent coin!
They have been first found in 1973 by Kitti Thonglongya, a Thai biologist, and are also referred to as Kitti’s hog-nosed bat.
16) In Sweden, you possibly can order Macs on skis
Picture credit score: Per-Olof Forsberg by way of Flickr
In Sweden, you don’t want a automobile to order from the drive-thru. However, you’ll want a pair of skis.
Everybody will get the Macadee munchies, particularly in damaging levels with boards in your toes. That’s why Sweden has blessed skiers with McSki since 1996 — the one ski-thru McDonald’s on the planet! Nothing warms you up greater than a field of nuggies after a troublesome day on the slopes. 🍟
17) There’s a village within the Netherlands with no streets, solely canals
Picture credit score: Mohamed Nedal by way of Fb
Venice isn’t the one city that will get round primarily by boat. Inside Giethoorn Village within the Netherlands, there aren’t any streets, solely footpaths and over 6km of canal.
The picturesque village is crammed with rustic cottages and surrounded by tall bushes — similar to a fairytale! Guests can both kayak by means of the scenic neighbourhood or journey a motorbike on the footpaths.
18) There’s a rock in Australia that’s greater than Ayer’s Rock Uluru
Picture credit score: @carnarvonvisitorcentre by way of Instagram
Once we speak about massive rocks in Australia, the famed Uluru is normally what involves thoughts — you possibly can even see it from house!
Nevertheless, there’s a good greater rock on the town. Mount Augustus is 2 and a half instances the dimensions of Uluru, and you must drive 54km to get round it!
However on the finish of the day, Uluru nonetheless is the biggest single rock formation on the planet, also referred to as a monolith whereas Mount Augustus’ huge stature could also be composed of many layers of sand and gravel.
If you happen to’re planning to street journey in Western Australia, remember to cease by this massive boy!
19) New Zealand has the steepest residential space on the planet
Picture credit score: Wikimedia Commons
San Francisco is named a metropolis of slopes, with its steepest avenue angling up at 27°. If you happen to assume that’s steep, attempt dwelling on Baldwin Road in New Zealand.
The residential avenue in Dunedin received the Guinness World File with its 38° slope. The sharp incline makes all the homes appear to be they’re sunken into the bottom. Don’t take our phrase for it, however we’re positive the residents have thighs of metal.🦵🏻
20) In Hawaii, you possibly can expertise sunny seashores and snowy mountains on the identical island
This is likely one of the extra fascinating information in regards to the world — greatest for final!
Hawaii solely has two seasons — Summer season and Winter but it surely truly has eight of the world’s 13 climates! At sea stage, the temperate not often rises above 32°C or drops beneath 16°C however within the mountains of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala, it snows fairly usually!
Learn extra: 13 Causes Why Everybody Ought to Go to Honolulu, Hawaii
Uncover extra loopy information in regards to the world
These attention-grabbing information in regards to the world make us realise how way more there may be to study and discover. Hopefully, because the world slowly recovers from COVID and borders reopen, we get to examine some locations off our bucket record within the coming 12 months. Within the meantime, we are able to begin planning our subsequent journey whereas ready for journey to be protected once more!
Even with all of the well-known sights on our bucket record, there are lots of loopy issues world wide we’ve but to find. I sit up for the day I contact a liquid rainbow or expertise 10 completely different climates all in the identical a day!
Did any of those information in regards to the world intrigue you? Share them with your folks and tell us within the feedback beneath how they react 🤪
