What City is really "HELL ON EARTH"?
Oct 2, 2006 | 11:57 am
#76
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Programs: DL estranged 1MMer and lifetime gold, F9/CO/NW/UA/AA once gold/plat now dust, Spirit RIP
Posts: 42,223
I think in the mid-70s "The Book of Lists" took a shot at this one, based on a lot of traveler reports. A coastal city in Colombia came out as #1, followed by Kotzebue, Alaska, followed by Doha, Qatar.
From personal experience I can't say too much for Kalibo, Philippines, Polonnawura, Sri Lanka or, sectionally, the Pettah part of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Though in a way the Chinatown section of Bangkok has a leg up because, while possibly interesting, the sidewalks are still horribly crowded and the vehicular traffic is so thick that the fumes suffocate the place. It really is a health hazard to be outside in that area for any length of time.
From personal experience I can't say too much for Kalibo, Philippines, Polonnawura, Sri Lanka or, sectionally, the Pettah part of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Though in a way the Chinatown section of Bangkok has a leg up because, while possibly interesting, the sidewalks are still horribly crowded and the vehicular traffic is so thick that the fumes suffocate the place. It really is a health hazard to be outside in that area for any length of time.
Oct 3, 2006 | 4:43 am
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB lifetime Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,819
Originally Posted by greenery
I am a strong believer in reincarnation. People that had it great in one life and blew it by being a terrible person- will be reborn in a terrible life in a city that is truly "HELL ON EARTH".
I read about how terrible many places are on this planet, but the true story about it is usually hidden behind political correctness.
I suspect that the travelers on Flyertalk have been to some terrible places and have some great stories to tell.
To start things off my vote goes to Lagos (in Africa).
I read about how terrible many places are on this planet, but the true story about it is usually hidden behind political correctness.
I suspect that the travelers on Flyertalk have been to some terrible places and have some great stories to tell.
To start things off my vote goes to Lagos (in Africa).
Arrived at the airport, could already tell I made a terrible vacation choice (hint: see post #16
)
Oct 3, 2006 | 6:14 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 612
Even though I live in San Francisco for the past 10 years, I'll still stand up for my old hometown of Houston. I love it there. If I wouldn't have moved across the country for love I'd still be there, but I do still visit. Best bang for your buck that I've seen anywhere in the United States.
I wasn't thrilled with Mobile, AL I'll have to say when we passed through there and stayed a night. And to be frank, I was never keen on New Orleans either, the grit in the air there made Houston seem like a fresh cool breeze wafting over you.
I wasn't thrilled with Mobile, AL I'll have to say when we passed through there and stayed a night. And to be frank, I was never keen on New Orleans either, the grit in the air there made Houston seem like a fresh cool breeze wafting over you.
Oct 3, 2006 | 7:13 pm
#80
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 114
If we restrict it to the US, I'd go with Camden.
Or literally, there's always Hell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Grand_Cayman
On edit: yeah, looks like I'm not the first person to point this one out.
Or literally, there's always Hell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Grand_Cayman
On edit: yeah, looks like I'm not the first person to point this one out.
Last edited by dismal_scientist; Oct 3, 2006 at 7:20 pm
Oct 3, 2006 | 7:18 pm
#81
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 114
Originally Posted by zaccaggie
houston, in august.
Last month, there was an article about Houston in a in-flight magazine (perhaps for SkyWest?) that stated:
"What's Houston's best kept secret? According to Burton, it's the city's magnificent outdoors. 'With the exception of a couple of hot and humid summer months, the year-round good weather makes it an outdoor enthusiast's paradise,' said Burton."
I laughed so hard, I think I may have peed a little.
Oct 3, 2006 | 7:23 pm
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: PHL (and sometimes BKK)
Programs: aa/ua gold; mar titanium. SPG till I die.
Posts: 15,649
Originally Posted by MileageAddict
Colon, Panama
Camden, New Jersey
Take your pick.
Camden, New Jersey
Take your pick.
Houston isn't hell on earth, by even my low standards. It's not the best place i've seen (in fact, i'm not sure it has many redeeming qualities) but it seems like a place that is indeed liveable.
New Orleans, after Katrina, may be the hell on earth people are talking about. Miles of abandon buildings.... and the mold, and the smell......
Oct 4, 2006 | 10:14 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,543
Originally Posted by dismal_scientist
If we restrict it to the US, I'd go with Camden.
Or literally, there's always Hell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Grand_Cayman
On edit: yeah, looks like I'm not the first person to point this one out.
Or literally, there's always Hell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Grand_Cayman
On edit: yeah, looks like I'm not the first person to point this one out.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell%2C_Michigan
and one I didn't know about until now:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell%2C_California
Oct 4, 2006 | 11:08 am
#86
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SNA
Programs: AAdvantage Gold, AS Mileage Plan, SPG Gold
Posts: 343
Hell
I don't agree that every city in Southern California could be classified as hell.
But I can say that most of the drivers here in Southern California drive like bats outta hell!
Steve
But I can say that most of the drivers here in Southern California drive like bats outta hell!
Steve
