We all have it in us to do some truly insane stuff. And everyone will agree that college is the ideal opportunity for such insanity. However, most students aren’t exactly grown-up to the point where they can just leap into their idea without being shoved out of the airplane. Fortunately, there’s always that one ballsy kid that convinces their university to say ‘yes’ to their outlandish scheme. And when the university nudges that idea into motion, the participants fall in like dominoes. Consequentially, a ton of people makes for an awesome event. Here are the Top 7 University Sanctioned Events in college history.
1. The Undie Run
A major yearly event at Arizona State, San Diego State, and several other crazy fun universities. The annual “Undie Run” is just what its name implies: a bunch of people (thousands actually) going for a mass jog in their undergarments. Boxers, bras, tighty whities, thongs, it all goes. Some universities have put up a fight regarding the safety of the event; however, the only thing that I can see being a ’safety’ issue is the concentrated mass quantity of hotness absolutely frying one’s brain.
2. Spring Fling (University of Pennsylvania)
Started in 1973, UPenn’s Spring Fling is legitimately the largest college bash on the East Coast. Ten to fifteen-thousand students descend upon this party like a hurricane. Spread out across Wynn Commons, College Green, and The Quadrangle (The Quad), Spring Fling is basically one massive mess of a day. There is alcohol, food, a carnival, stages for performing arts, and live concerts which have featured artists such as Wyclef Jean, Ben Folds, and Lucacris.
3. Marathon Monday (Boston University)
This event takes place during the annual Boston Marathon, which is a 26.2 mile race from Hopkinton to Boston that consists of men, women, wheel-chair bound racers, and even unregistered participants. A ton of competitors. Every year, BU students have a day off during Marathon Monday to spectate at the event. During the marathon, students relax on the sidelines by chowing down, sipping on a drink, and cheering on the runners.
4. The Harvard vs. Yale Football Game
Known to be more important than each team’s entire season record, the Harvard/Yale football game is an annual crowd pleaser because a) the rivalry is rooted in one of the first football games ever played between U.S. Colleges, and b) people get to witness a bunch of Einsteins drowning the brain cells that earned them the most prestigious education in the United States. Hey, if the students kill enough brain matter at this game, maybe they’ll end up being a bunch of dumbasses like the rest of us.
5. The Mifflin Street Block Party (University of Wisconsin)
Originating in 1969 as a dancing street protest against the Vietnam War, the Mifflin Street Block Party is an annual bash held on the first Saturday of May in Madison, Wisconsin. Up to 20,000 people show up to eat, watch live music, and throw a few back. The streets are suffocated with thousands of partiers, plenty of which will be migrating to the newly featured ’beer garden’ which comes equipped with its own DJ stage.
6. Spring Weekend (University of Connecticut)
Another ridiculous spring day, Spring Weekend takes places annually during April. Aside from the usual debauchery, the popularity of this event is earned by its consistent featuring of major music acts. Performers have included Outkast, 50 Cent, OAR, Dashboard Confessional, and Method man. The festivities typically take place at X-lot (a massive parking lot) as well as at the off-campus Celeron and Carriage House Apartments.
7. The Rivalry (Lehigh University and Lafayette University)
The annual Lehigh vs. Lafayette game hosts a rivalry that dates back to 1884. Consequentially, Lehigh and Lafayette are the subjects of the most played football rivalry in the United States. The wrinkles on this rivalry’s ass are so old that the original games between the two universities pre-date the existence of trophies. Additionally, ‘The Rivalry’ extends to all sports games played between the two universities. Having a kickass time at this game is a 126 year-old tradition, who would you be to break it?
Via: COED
With so many snowboards out there to choose from, the addition of all the new technology made available the past two seasons just makes life a whole lot more complicated. Cambers, reverse cambers, dead-flats, rockers, cambered-end rockers… It’s a zoo out there. To make your life easier we took a look at seven of the best boards for this season, researched the crap out of them, and helped breakdown some of the tech that goes along with them.
7. K2’s Slayblade ($550)
Meant for high speeds, the Slayblade is stiff from end to end and even from edge to edge. What I love about this board is that it’s your typical aggressive stiff board, but with a dead flat camber profile. This will give the board a much more forgiving, playful feel than other stiff boards out there. So, you can hang around the park, jib and play around, then just bomb it the hell out of there.
I haven’t tried this board personally but I can only imagine it as being something I would definitely be interested in. My riding is fast and aggressive but I have those days when I just want to spend hours in the park and my Burton Vapor just isn’t meant for that with its positive camber and pretty stiff core. I want to play around but still have the freedom to ride the chair to the peak and tear the mountain apart when I want to. A stiff dead flat like the Slayblade sounds just about right.
6. GNU’s Park Pickle ($490)
Have you ever noticed that when you’re bombing it down the mountain carving away slalom-style that turns on your toe edge are a w hole lot tighter than the turns you pull on your heel edge? The reason behind this is the fact that it’s impossible to dig your heel edge into the snow the way you can your toe edge. When I was first introduced to this board, I didn’t quite agree with that statement but then I took a closer look at the way I ride… My toe edge turns are so tight sometimes, my face skims inches away from the ground and I usually put my hand on the snow to get even more lean.
The guy’s at GNU came up with a great idea to counter this. The Park Pickle’s heel edge sidecut is one whole meter tighter than the toe edge, giving you that extra bit of digging power to make your turns nearly symmetrical. And guess what, it actually works! I tried this board at Mont Tremblant at the beginning of this month and difference is feelable. Mervin (the company that owns both GNU and Lib Tech) put the same banana reverse camber that you see in the Skate Banana into this board. They also added Magne Traction, softened the waist, and stiffened the tips for a perfectly balanced board. The board’s asymmetrical sidecuts doesn’t make it look weird or anything. You won’t even notice it.
5. Rome’s MOD ($550)
This solid board is designed for the more experienced, aggressive rider due to its conventional camber design. Camber boards are slightly raised in the midsection and run flat to the tips before they scoop up. This tech keeps the board very stable at high speeds. The MOD features a wider waist and mellower sidecut for nailing the landing on those giant jumps. Slightly scooped tips also alleviate the problem with most camber boards by helping you stay more floaty in powder.
With a camber design and stiffer middle area than most boards, this thing will stick with you through the good times and the bad. The board feels really nice on traditional piste but will be pretty smooth off of it.
4. Omatic’s EXTR-ECO (aka The Wigglestick, $390)
Omatic took a different direction with this board. Instead of throwing in a reverse camber or “rocker” tech on it they opted to keep the board dead flat from tip to tail. What they did do is play around with the stiffness of the board in different parts of it and add carbon fiber points to adjust its feeling. With their new BS technology (stands for Bowed Surface, no joke), Omatic have virtually eliminated any edge catching on rails with this board.
Carbon fiber V’s extending form the bindings to the edges help increase your stability when recovering from a jump or rail. They also help give a more dramatic pop to the board making it really fun to ride. The board’s flex is pretty soft in the middle of the board and stiffens as you go towards the tips for maximum control. I also love the “no such thing as a ‘green’ snowboard’ decal.
3. Burton’s Joystick ($530)
With a name like “Joystick” you know fun is just around the corner with this board. Had the chance to try out this board from a Burton demo tent early into the season and was thoroughly impressed with it. Featuring Burton’s “rocker” reverse camber design, this board is similar to the Skate Banana in it’s between-the-feet kinkness. The board’s got a slightly wider feel with tips that scoop up (technology similar to Morrow’s spoon).
The Joystick is very fun to ride, whether it be for jibs, jumps, or pipe attacks. The nice thing about it is that it is insanely forgiving, so you can go big trying new tricks on it. The scooped tips maintain the boards very free feel even when you lean hard on it. With a very balanced stiffness and quick edge-to-edge movement, the board can do pretty much whatever you want.
2. Ride’s DH2 ($500)
There’s been a lot of talk about the Ride DH2 among the snowboarding community for 2010. The board features a different kind of reverse camber technology with the board running flat underneath your feet and then kicking up outside the bindings. This allows for a fun, relaxed feel that makes it ideal for the pipe, jumps, and pressing rails.
Haven’t tried this board myself but fellow boarders out there have told me that apart from being incredible in the park, the board can be used with no problems for aggressive riding as well. Ride adds what it likes to call “Carbon Pop Rods” in each tip that give a lot of character to the feel of this board. Apart from being lightweight, it also has thicker steel edges to help with the wear and tear that happens from park riding over time.
1. Lib Tech’s “Skate Banana” ($490)
Although many snowboarding companies have been familiar with reverse camber technology for quite some time, you really have to give props to Lib Tech for reviving it with the Skate Banana. Over the past 2-3 seasons, the company has also been tweaking this board with minor adjustments just to make it better and better. I absolutely LOVE riding this board and so does everyone else who tries it.
The board features Lib Tech’s take on the “reverse camber” where the board is kinked upwards between the feet and from there runs flat to either end of the board. The result? A very loose, fun board that will have you jibbing around and pulling tricks like you never thought possible. Critics will say that this thing is unstable at high speeds but they’re wrong with this board cause the length of it from tip to tail will be on the snow when you carve. With eight contact points digging into the ice on a turn, you’ll also be more stable thanks to the Magne Traction tech.
Via: snowboardgo
For the most part, bridges offer people an easier way to commute from one place to another and are truly a blessing. These incredible and outrageously scary bridges from around the world shown here might be helpful in a sense, but if you have a fear of heights or any sort of the manner, these bridges will haunt you in your sleep. An unbelievable list of sky high vehicular bridges, super high suspension bridges, and creepy rope bridges; there is surely something here to cause you some chills or thrills.
Aiguille du Midi Bridge, France
A very, very small short bridge that connects two mountains might not seem scary at first glance, but take a larger exterior examination and you truly might just have a panic attack seeing how high up this structure really is. Aiguille du Midi in the French Alps is most certainly the most incredible connection in the world sitting at approximately 3842 m high. While delivering breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Mountain, this observational platform allows you to truly reach the stars.
Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado, US
The Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado in the United States holds the record for the tallest suspension bridge in the world with its roadbed towering at 1,053 feet (321 meters) above the ground below. You can walk or drive this bridge, at approximately 1,270 feet long it makes for a breathless journey. Built in 1929 for $350,000 weighing roughly 1500 tons, the cost today would easily exceed $15 million. Taking care of this aged bridge is no small feat either- the walkway alone is made of 1,270 planks of deck; about 250 are replaced annually.
Trift Suspension Bridge, Switzerland
One of the most beautiful places in the world is home to one of the most spectacular and intimidating bridges ever. The Trift Bridge sits directly above the Trift Glacier at 100 meters high, 170 meters long, and is considered to be one of the longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges in the Alps. You can hike or take the cable car to get to this impressive bridge which often times looks out to raging frozen waters and spectacular views.
Millau Bridge, France
One of the world’s tallest vehicular bridges elevated 1,125-ft above the Tarn Valley in southern France is the Millau Bridge. Driving over this bridge has got to be one most thrilling experiences of a lifetime and not a ride for those afraid of heights or bridges! Just somewhat taller than the Eiffel Tower, The Millau Bridge has a total length of 8,071-ft and extends 885.8 feet (270 meters) above the river below. Recently built and opened to the public in 2004 this bridge provides unimaginative views that pictures alone just can’t capture.
Capilano Suspension Bridge, Canada
A true tourist attraction, this long and incredibly high up suspension bridge has me very thankful I don’t have an extreme fear of heights. Noted as Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction, this bridge stretches 450 feet (137m) across and 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River. Beautiful views abound here, yet the height is incredibly overwhelming.
Canopy Walk in Kakum Nat’l Park, Ghana
The Kakum National Park offers a long sequence of hanging bridges throughout the forests covering known as the Canopy Walk. There are over 7 bridges that expand to a length of over 330 meters or 1,080 ft long and 40 meters or 130 feet high. The Canopy is made out of netting and wires and maintains safety inspection, however with the large number of visitors and incredible heights it just screams out scary to me. It does, however offer an incredible view of the forest if you can handle the heights and daring nature of walking high up in the trees.
Hussaini Hanging Bridge, Pakistan
Perhaps the most dangerous of all the bridges in the world is the Hussaini- Borit Lake Bridge. There is absolutely no way this is safe but is actually used on a regular basis by those attempting to travel to the larger cities in northern Pakistan. The bridge (if you can even call it that) is very old, missing planks, extremely narrow, and high above the lake. If you are searching for extreme thrills then this bridge might be a delight for you, however for the majority of visitors and locals alike the bridge is truly death-defying and fearful. It is not known exactly how many people may have become a casualty while crossing this treacherous structure, but more than enough so take heed.
Via: it THING
Successfully assembling your barbecue can feel like an architectural triumph, but creating skyscrapers, buildings and housing units that inspire street conversation as easily as conversation inside them is tremendous. To honor architects’ efforts, we’ve put together a list of the top 7 architecture capitals in the world. These are the cities whose architecture either has a strong, classic, ancient style, a modern or post-modern style, or a mix of both. Those architecture capitals that have a good balance of classic and modern style appear higher on our list.
7. Athens, Greece
The Acropolis, the site of early Greek civilization that also includes inspiration for our modern civilization, gives this city its architectural strength. You’ll see classic Greco-Roman columns supporting the Parthenon, plus ornate designs drawn into the tops of them. You’ll probably want to focus all your time here, but if you’re still hungry for more after this, check out the Academy of Athens -- a more modern version of classic Greco-Roman style -- plus the newly updated Athens Olympic Stadium. It’s no secret that this city’s attraction is its ancient architecture; for that it has earned a spot on our architecture capitals list.
6. Rome, Italy
Like Athens, Rome is an architectural highlight of early Western civilization. You know the classics: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Temple of Venus and Roma. These compete with slightly newer (but not by much) buildings like: St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II. While it’s not greatly known for modern buildings, Rome’s abundance of ancient, classic and renaissance architecture is more than enough to give this city a deserving place on our architecture capitals list.
5. Shanghai, China
China’s whipping its wheels of industry and Shanghai is one of its projects. The current scale of development is so extreme that construction approvals and decisions are being made in a matter of hours compared to months in Western countries. This explains the city’s Pudong district, considered the downtown core that includes the city’s tallest building, the Jin Mao Tower, plus the Oriental Pearl Tower, which is a mall, hotel and observation spot.
You’ll see more of the city’s past along its waterfront in The Bund area with more colonial architecture styles. Increasingly, this style is being displaced by modern pieces like the Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the future claim to the “world’s tallest” building -- the World Financial Center.
4. Berlin, Germany
Since the Wall fell in 1989, Berlin focused on transforming its buildings. Some of the most notable include: the Reichstag, the one-time Nazi parliament that was recreated with a glass dome on top; the once -abandoned Potsdamer Platz district was redesigned and now includes the impressive Sony Center; and the DaimlerChrysler quarter that was built from new in five years. Other additions are a new, modern British embassy, and Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind.
There is also plenty of classic architecture to see, like the neoclassical Altes Museum, the Bode Museum (a historically preserved building), and Das Rotes Rathaus (an old town hall).
3. Chicago, Illinois
More than just a great place for yummy hot dogs and die-hard sports fans, The Windy City is also considered the birthplace of modern American architecture. After the Great Fire in 1871 torched over 2,000 acres of buildings, Chicago largely had a blank slate to work from. Architects moved in and created some of the most memorable buildings in the world. To give you an idea what the city looks like, note that the word “skyscraper” was coined in this architecture capital.
The city’s landmarks include: the Sears Tower -- the U.S.’s tallest building; Wrigley Building -- a triangular office building that is the HQ for the chewing gum company; and Marina City -- the aptly named “corn on the cob” building that was featured on the album cover of alt-rock Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.
Additionally, “Starchitect” Frank Lloyd Wright has his Home & Studio here plus a large collection of his homes, and Frank Gehry created the centerpiece for the city’s huge Millennium Park.
2. Paris, France
Walking this city’s streets can feel like you’re in the middle of one big art museum. For all its medieval, renaissance, neoclassic and art nouveau buildings, Paris is also remarkable for its modern pieces that mix with its classic ones to remind people it is more than just a museum. In fact, former French President Francois Mitterrand felt so strongly about the idea that he sanctioned a modern architecture project called ”Grands Travaux” in the ‘80s to update the city’s classic style. The results include the Louvre’s glass pyramid entrance, plus other modern projects.
2008’s Pritzker Architecture Prize (considered architecture’s Nobel Prize) was awarded to Parisian architect Jean Nouvel. His pieces include Musee du quai Branly, a quirky modern building. If you’re a sucker for the classics, however, the list is endless: the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee d’Orsay... You may need a few trips to this architecture capital to see it all.
1. Barcelona, Spain
Are you snap happy with your camera? Then you’ll need to pack another memory card for this visit. Some of the greatest architects in the world, from past to present, have made this city’s bricks and mortar look like nothing else in the world. Start with the Hospital de Sant Pau and Palau de la Musica Catalana where you’ll find traditional work from late Catalan architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner. These buildings have both been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You should also check out work from the city’s other celebrated Catalan architect -- Antoni Gaudi. His more famous pieces include: Casa Mila, Park Guell and Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. From there, see the contemporary work of Santiago Calatrava at the Montjuic Communications Tower, plus Frank Gehry’s “Fish” at the opening of the city’s Olympic Port. Finally, stroll down Las Ramblas, a huge market street in the Gothic Quarter, and view its ancient buildings. For its variety of classic and modern architecture, Barcelona tops our architecture capitals list.
Via: AskMen.com
Picture perfect, nature’s unadulterated best, untouched paradise, visual magic expressions fall short before the majesty, beauty and tranquility that the stunning Norwegian Fjords have to offer.
It would be an absolute shame for every traveler and nature lover if they did not get to visit these magical lands that still look like they are engulfed in the purity that has been unaltered since the day they started taking shape way back in the last ice age. The Norwegian Fjords are not only the home to some of the world’s largest coral reefs and most fertile fishing grounds, but are a gateway to nature’s nirvana.
Delving into its seven best portals will take you on a journey like none other on the planet, and will leave you changed forever…
Sognefjord
The spectacular Sognefjord is the crowning glory of the Norwegian Fjords, when it concerns magnitude. Offering some amazing sights with the cliffs on either side of the water rising over 1000 meters into the sky vertically, it’s the second largest fjord in the world and the largest in Norway – 205 km.The fjord reaches a maximum depth of 1,308 m below sea level and it’s 4.5 km wide on average. On top of the Sognefjord is a power line with a span of 4597 m, making it a great tourist attraction and a journey that offers a magical route on the road to fairyland.
Hardangerfjord
Known for its great trekking spots and beautiful plant life, Hardangerfjord is the second largest fjord in Norway and the third largest on the planet at a length of 179 km. Starting at the south of the Atlantic at Bergen, it is easily accessible to tourists making its many serene sights and sounds popular among those visiting Norway. The charm of these wide and glorious fjord curves is hidden in its rich heritage, great sunsets and spectacular panorama. Hardangerfjord is far more touched by human settlements and unlike other fjords; its banks are often brimming with little towns and settlements.
The Lysefjord
A 40 km long fjord might not really sound spectacular in terms of length, but the extraordinary sights that it offers, the untamed charm that it exudes and the adrenaline rush it gives its visitors makes the Lysefjord arguably the most popular fjord in the world.
The main attraction of the fjord is the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), which towers an impressive 604 meters over the Lysefjord. Standing on top of the rock gives you a view that is unique and a hair-raising experience to say the least. Standing on Kjeragbolten and looking out over the Lysefjord is something that you would not want to miss either. The imposing Kjerag towers and the exhilarating Pulpit Rock make this famous fjord a must visit.
Geirangerfjord
Located in the county of Møre og Romsdal, in northwestern Norway, the 15 km long fjord is a World Heritage Site enlisted with UNESCO. The fjord is home to Brudesløret (the Bridal Veil) and De syv søstrene (The Seven Sisters); two of the most famous waterfalls diving into the Geirangerfjord.
Apart from the usual fjord trips and luxury cruises, you could get some action here with fishing, canoe trips, rafting, riding and summer skiing.
Nærøyfjord
Located in the heart of Western Norway, Nærøyfjord is an arm of the Sognefjord, and is a part of the county of Sogn og Fjordane. Also included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its unparalleled natural beauty and rich treasure of glorious sights and sounds, the17 km long fjord is surrounded by imperious mountains that are 1700 meters tall! This branch of Sognefjord is popular for kayaking and relaxed picnics on its more accessible shore at certain spots.
Trondheimsfjord
Renowned for its ice-free nature all around the year, Trondheimsfjord is an amazing marine ecosystem with at least 90 species of fish observed in and around these waters. Offering serene and calm moments with its relative inaccessible branches that can be explored by tourists with a little bit of extra effort and enthusiasm, the main part of the fjord is a rich commercial region.
Nordfjord
Famous for the trip to the Briksdalsbreen Glacier, Nordfjord offers a trip both into the historic and geographic best of the Norwegian Fjords. Located among the beautiful Geirangerfjord and the imperious Sognefjord, this 110 km long natural wonder offers a stunning ride from its glacial origin, all the way to the sea. Apart from fun activities like summer skiing, canoeing and rafting, one can also make a trip to the historical Selje Monastery.
Via: HotelClub
Hotels aren't the sum of travel, but the right hotel can bring magic to a journey. Friendly employees, amazing furnishings, and great locations can all make a good holiday great. And an exceptional view, above and beyond the rest, can stick in one's memory forever. Here are seven hotels strewn around the world, each with ridiculously stunning views.
7. The Intercontinental, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Stunning Hong Kong Harbor provides the world one of its most exciting skylines, and a harbourview room at the Intercontinental is one of the best places to glimpse it. From around HK$2600 ($335).
6. Campi ya Kanzi, Mtito Andei, Kenya
Campi ya Kanzi lies in a 400 square-mile are of Maasai-run land in southern Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro is 35 miles away from the camp site, which consists of six tented cottages and two suites. Suites run $1600 for two; single occupancy $900.
5. Sheraton Iguazú Resort and Spa, Iguazú Falls, Argentina
The only hotel inside the Iguazú National Park offers awe-inspiring views of the falls themselves. The Falls View rooms, all with balconies, are perfect for the view-minded. From $255.
4. Hotel de Crillon, Paris, France
Terribly exorbitant, yes-not sure that a room at this price point should ever be recommended-but the views are exquisite here. Do you best to nab a room with a view over the Place de la Concorde to the Eiffel Tower. From €630 ($875).
3. Hotel on Rivington, New York, New York
The corner king rooms at this Lower East Side outpost of extravagance have floor-to-ceiling glass walls affording astounding views of the city. Aim for a room on a higher floor. From $379.
2. Longitude 131, Ayers Rock Resort, Australia
The tents at Longitude 131 at Ayers Rock feature heart-stopping panoramic views of this most iconic of Australian sights. This is real fantasy territory, with rates well beyond feasibility for most. From A$4080 for two for two nights ($4095).
1. Shearwater Resort, Saba
Shearwater's Cottage Rooms, which overlook the resort's cliffside pool from an altitude of 2000 feet and sport views of the ocean and several neighboring islands (St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, and Nevis) are in a league of their own. See above for evidence. Shearwater's owners also recommend the views from their Ocean View Suite. Cottage Rooms from $175; Ocean View Suite from $250.
Via: GADLING
Caves are true underground museums. Primitive men used them as shelters, today we visit them, we study them, trying to learn more about these extremely beautiful art works of Mother Nature. Interesting things happen underground we should definitely take the time to see them. The beauty of a cave stand not only in its size, but in its interesting formations that can either rise from the ground or hang from the ceiling. Each cave is different and special, so visit as many of them as you can, to better understand what's going on underneath our feet.
7. Grotte de Dargilan, France
This natural cave was discovered in 1880 and is one of the largest in France. It's not so tall, but it has some interesting soft pink formations, which is why it is also called "the pink cave". It has different chambers with interesting names, like Chamber of Chaos, The Mosque or The Basins. It's a beautiful cave, that has kept it's natural look, not being spoilt by adding lights and paths. (image credit)
6. Fantasy Cave, Bermuda
One of Bermuda's secret treasures, Fantasy Cave is a beautiful cave, filled with interesting formations. The ceilings are decorated with colored straw formations and the walls are covered with mineral deposits which are a perfect imitation of frozen waterfalls. The cave was discovered and developed as a show cave in 1907. The pathways were rebuilt and lights were added, for an easy access of visitors. (image credit)
5. Luray Caverns, Virginia (USA)
A true natural landmark of the United States, containing incredible formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns can reach the height of a ten stories building, and they are filled with crystal clear pools. The cave's highlight is the stalacpipe organ, formed of stalactites which resonate when they are struck with rubber clappers, creating music of symphonic quality. This stalacpipe is unique in the world. (image credit)
The caves were discovered in 1878 by Andrew Campbell, who was searching the area together with three other men. They dug away loose rocks for four hours before sliding down a rope into the cave, discovering the largest series of caverns in Eastern America. The first scientists who examined the caves said in their report: “... it is safe to say that there is probably no other cave in the world more completely and profusely decorated with stalactite and stalagmite ornamentation than that of Luray.”
The 11 caverns are connected by paved pathways and one hour tours guide the visitors through the majestic rooms.
4. Aven Armand Cave, France
Aven Armand Cave was discovered in 1897 by Louis Armand. After a funicular ride you'll reach a 45 meters high and 60 meters wide chamber, 100 meters underground. You'll have a view of the whole cavern, with stalagmites rising several meters from the ground. The largest stalagmite in the world can be found here, 30 meters high. (image credit)
3. Reed Flute Cave, China
The verdant reeds growing outside the cave, used for making flutes, gave the cave its name. Entering the limestone cave, you'll discover another world, filled with various stalactites and stone pillars, illuminated by colored lights, creating a fairytale atmosphere. Along the 240 meters long cave you'll see different formations, each with its own story and unique name: Crystal Palace, Dragon Pagoda, Flower and Fruit Mountain. (image credit)
It is said that the cave is over 180 million years old, but it was discovered only in 1940s by a group of refugees and it is a show cave since 1962.
2. Cheddar Caves, England (UK)
Two caves form the Cheddar Caves: Gough's Cave, the largest one, discovered in 1890 by a sea captain named Richard Gough and the second one is Cox's Cave, discovered accidentally by local mill owner George Cox in 1837. One of his workers fell down through a whole in the cave's roof while he was collecting rocks. Gough's Cave stretches 0.4 kilometers (0.25 miles) underground and has enormous caverns, which is why it is referred to as 'the cathedral'. (image credit)
When Gough's Cave was blasted for exploration, archaeologists found the oldest complete skeleton in Britain. It is supposed to be 9,000 years old and it is referred to as Cheddar Man.
1. Crystal Ice Cave, California (USA)
Maybe you didn't think that there is such a thing as an ice cave in California, but there is. And it's spectacular. It's ice formations have strange shapes and they are really amazing. Because of the sensitive nature of the ice formations, the cave can only be visited by a small number of visitors at one time. From December through March, guided tours of no more than six visitors are available. This tour can last up to three hours or more and it is for people in a good physical condition. (image credit)
Via: explorra
