1. Chile's Marble Caves: A remote natural marvel, the marble caves in Chile comprise the Cathedral, Chapel, and Cave formations. These caverns, characterized by black and white columns and tunnels made of marble, have been sculpted by waves over millennia. Teaming up with turquoise waters, they create a captivating light display. Another seasonal transformation occurs in Colombia's Caño Cristales, known as the 'Liquid Rainbow.' This river showcases a vibrant palette of red, black, green, blue, and yellow for half of the year, owing to a unique underwater plant's interplay with sunlight and water.
2. Dawki's Crystal River: Nestled in India, the emerald and transparent River in Dawki is a kayaker's paradise. Its clear depths reveal pebbles, stones, and fish, while vibrant fishing boats appear to float on glass. Nearby lies one of the world's cleanest villages, known for diligent street cleaning and no tolerance for littering.
3. New Zealand's Blue Lake: Among the clearest lakes globally, Blue Lake offers a crystalline view akin to distilled water. Its shades of blue and violet, a rare sight, are attributed to water from an icy glacier lake. The local Maori people revere it as a site with special powers.
4. Luskentyre Beach in Scotland: Although resembling a tropical paradise with its white sand dunes and blue waters, Luskentyre Beach is actually situated in Scotland. Best admired during May and June due to limited sunlight during December, the beach has a unique charm.
5. Five-Flower Lake in China: Situated in Juizhaigou Valley, this lake transitions through various hues from yellow to emerald green, dark jade, light turquoise, and even coral. Its underwater hot springs prevent freezing and drying, leading to a local legend that suggests it's formed from fallen mirror pieces.
6. Diverse Valley Surroundings: The surrounding valley features iconic hills with above-ground caves, striking waterfalls, a rich bird population, and the presence of endangered species like giant pandas.
7. Pristine Southern Ocean: Adjacent to Antarctica, the Southern Ocean boasts the purest air quality globally. Its clarity is such that even DNA analysis yields minimal results. Antarctica itself captivates with blue glaciers, active volcanoes, and immaculate snowscapes.
8. Serene Mount Haleakalā: Meaning 'House of the Sun' in Hawaiian, Mount Haleakalā in Hawaii offers tranquility and minimal sound. Its unique formation over a million years, along with its unpredictable climate, makes it a distinct natural wonder.
9. Remote Edinburgh of the Seven Seas: Accessible by ship after a week's journey from South Africa, this isolated settlement is meticulously kept clean by its roughly 300 inhabitants, who treat each other as family.
10. Ancient Daintree Forest: The world's oldest rainforest, Daintree Forest in Australia houses a plethora of insect, butterfly, bat, and plant species.
11. Bazaruto Archipelago: With its unspoiled coral reefs and white sands, the Bazaruto Archipelago in the Indian Ocean remains protected due to its marine reserve status, allowing it to flourish with minimal tourist interference.
12. Mystical Bamboo Grove: A short train ride away from Kyoto, an emerald bamboo grove exudes an otherworldly atmosphere, with creaking and rustling sounds creating an enchanting auditory experience.
13. Great Bear Rainforest: Known for its ancient cedars, mossy waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia is home to unique creatures such as the cream-colored Kermode bear.
14. Hidden Pink Sand Beach: The pink sands of Barbuda's beach are a result of crushed corals with red organisms beneath. Its lack of public facilities contributes to its serene and clean environment.
15. Enigmatic Piccaninnie Ponds: Formed over thousands of years, Piccaninnie Ponds in Australia boasts an underwater cavern with stunning white walls, accessible to divers with a special permit.
16. Pristine Lapland: Finland's Lapland offers some of the world's cleanest air and captivating Northern Lights displays, with its snow-covered landscapes and abundant reindeer population.
17. Picturesque Plitvice Lakes: Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park draws visitors with its 16 interconnected clear and colorful lakes, creating a haven for diverse wildlife within an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
18. Mythical Giant's Causeway: Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption in Northern Ireland, this site features interlocking basalt stepping stones leading to the sea, shaped by local legends.
19. Extraordinary Badab-e Surt: Northern Iran's Badab-e Surt showcases unique terraces formed by mineral hot springs, creating an astonishing staircase-like pattern on the landscape.
20. Bolivia's Vibrant Laguna Colorada: The salty Laguna Colorada in Bolivia, tinted crimson by algae and minerals, is a haven for photographers, surrounded by high-altitude desert plains and volcanoes.
21. Enchanted River of the Philippines: Nestled behind mountains, the mysterious Enchanted River in the Philippines is home to colorful fish and unfathomable depths, attracting daring tourists.
22. Ever-Changing Pangong Lake: Situated in the Himalayas, Pangong Lake, the world's highest saltwater lake, undergoes dynamic color shifts and freezing in the winter, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
About the Creator
Was I a Model in Japan?
During my time in Nagoya I worked and lived at the strangely famous hostel and café Nagonoya. With its chequered floors and florescent lighting it felt quite dated, but I think that was supposed to be part of the charm. The dorms were always fully booked on weekends with domestic tourists and there was always a buzz in the downstairs café. Camera crews were constantly in and out of the place interviewing the Japanese staff members who worked the café. I think it had something to do with the egg sandwiches. At least that was what was on most of the merchandise, except for that one dishcloth with the owner’s face on it. Was I being employed by a local celebrity?
By Susanna Kiernan18 days ago in Wander
Spectating
I can't imagine dying like this, in a place like this; on a cold, dirty pavement with rush hour traffic screaming by and a crowd looking on while paramedics struggle to find space to move. Who could? Deep down we all think there should be a reason, a moment of clarity... or a family presence, at least. For this man, this boy, the rail thin woman lighting a cigarette in a faux fur jacket will have to do - she's been here since the start, her eyes tracking the movement of my shoulders as we fight to keep him on the right side of the line.
By S. A. Crawford3 days ago in Fiction
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