Okay, what is the not widely known attraction that blew you away?
Feb 15, 2011, 2:24 pm
#31
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And let's add Sri Lanka to the mix - places like Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are just amazing and the Kandy Esala Perahera is mindblowing
Feb 15, 2011, 3:50 pm
#32
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The "Lochmei Ha Geta'ot" (Ghetto Fighters) museum in Akko, Israel. It's smaller and more specific than the Holocaust Museum in DC, but that's exactly what makes it so much more personal.
Feb 15, 2011, 4:06 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2006
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajophoto/3000003349/
Škocjan caves, Slovenia
We loved this place. Amazing.
Škocjan caves, Slovenia
We loved this place. Amazing.
Feb 15, 2011, 4:56 pm
#35
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Ok, since I trashed the Grand Canyon in the "Most overrated" thread, I should atone for my sin by contributing here.
For me, a not-widely-known attraction that I loved was Hell's Gate, a geothermal attraction in Rotorua, New Zealand. I hadn't heard of it, but I got a free ticket when I bought my hangi tickets at the Visitor's Center. Because the hangi didn't start until the evening, I decided to kill time at Hell's Gate.
As a science geek, I was fascinated by the geothermal activity and its surreal effects on the landscape. I spent 2+ hours walking around the entire geothermal park, fascinated by the bubbling pools of sulfuric liquid and the erupting mud flows.
I guess it's nothing special compared to the Grand Canyon, but I went to the GC expecting a lot and left thinking "That's it?" and I went to Hell's Gate expecting a tacky tourist trap, and I left fascinated and amazed.
For me, a not-widely-known attraction that I loved was Hell's Gate, a geothermal attraction in Rotorua, New Zealand. I hadn't heard of it, but I got a free ticket when I bought my hangi tickets at the Visitor's Center. Because the hangi didn't start until the evening, I decided to kill time at Hell's Gate.
As a science geek, I was fascinated by the geothermal activity and its surreal effects on the landscape. I spent 2+ hours walking around the entire geothermal park, fascinated by the bubbling pools of sulfuric liquid and the erupting mud flows.
I guess it's nothing special compared to the Grand Canyon, but I went to the GC expecting a lot and left thinking "That's it?" and I went to Hell's Gate expecting a tacky tourist trap, and I left fascinated and amazed.
Feb 15, 2011, 5:22 pm
#36
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 7
Mike,
I completely agree about the Grand Canyon. I'm surprised you mention Hell's Gate. If you were fascinated by that, then I can't imagine how you haven't been to Yellowstone Yet. You could spend 2 weeks there and not see all that it has to offer. I would nominate Yellowstone in this thread, however, I am sure it is widely known....
I completely agree about the Grand Canyon. I'm surprised you mention Hell's Gate. If you were fascinated by that, then I can't imagine how you haven't been to Yellowstone Yet. You could spend 2 weeks there and not see all that it has to offer. I would nominate Yellowstone in this thread, however, I am sure it is widely known....
Feb 15, 2011, 5:27 pm
#37
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Rothenberg in the daytime: a tourist trap! Packed with pushy tourists, impossible to walk around without bumping into people.
Rothenberg in the late afternoon, evening and at night: what a gem! Tour buses are gone and most tourists with them. The shadows, the echoing of your shoes on the cobblestones, one of my favorite places in Europe. Play on the walls. The locals let their guard down. Just fabulous!
Rothenberg in the late afternoon, evening and at night: what a gem! Tour buses are gone and most tourists with them. The shadows, the echoing of your shoes on the cobblestones, one of my favorite places in Europe. Play on the walls. The locals let their guard down. Just fabulous!
Last edited by Gamecock; Feb 15, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Feb 15, 2011, 6:35 pm
#38
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I've been to many places that are justifiably well known. Of the lesser known places that I loved, I would have to say Algiers. Algiers is a drop dead gorgeous Mediterranean city steeped in white architecture with blue balconies. The Casbah has a far older arctitecture with alleyways and overhangs. There are hills and gardens, monuments and castles. Great food, great people. Roman ruins a short bus ride away and flights off into the desert oasis towns.
Feb 15, 2011, 8:08 pm
#40
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Taughannock Falls, outside of Ithaca, New York. It's well known locally, but not so much elsewhere. Because it is not a wide waterfall, it does not exude the power of the world's more famous falls, but the setting is extraordinarily beautiful. Here's one view; Google "Taughannock Falls" for others.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...nock_Falls.JPG
Taughannock Falls, outside of Ithaca, New York. It's well known locally, but not so much elsewhere. Because it is not a wide waterfall, it does not exude the power of the world's more famous falls, but the setting is extraordinarily beautiful. Here's one view; Google "Taughannock Falls" for others.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...nock_Falls.JPG
Feb 15, 2011, 9:14 pm
#42
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The Souk in Sana'a, Yemen. Great to immerse yourself in the market. I asked about the damage on the big wooden gates and was told it was a British cannonball from a hundred years ago. Not sure if it is true, but I really WANT it to be true!
The Rock Palace just outside Sana'a is pretty special also.
Is Hoi An in Vietnam well publicised as yet? Very special place, particular during a full moon when they ban traffic and light all the lanterns... magical.
The Rock Palace just outside Sana'a is pretty special also.
Is Hoi An in Vietnam well publicised as yet? Very special place, particular during a full moon when they ban traffic and light all the lanterns... magical.
Feb 15, 2011, 9:59 pm
#43
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Feb 15, 2011, 11:35 pm
#44
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Feb 15, 2011, 11:38 pm
#45
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Látrabjarg -- a lonely place at the western tip of Iceland. You walk the pathway along the edge of the cliff and look down at a hotel of millions of birds -- guillemot on one level, puffins on another, fulmars on another, etc. All flying happily into and out of the cliff rock. Below is the ocean; you can see seals playing. The pathway goes for 6 km until you're at the cliff's highest point, 440 meters above the water. The wind holds steady at 40 miles per hour. It's like something out of the Bible.
Seth
Seth