Top 7 Hidden Wonders of the World With Dylan Thuras (Atlas Obscura)
Jul 11, 2024
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Entrepreneur and travel junkie Dylan Thuras from Atlas Obscura shares hidden wonders and foods from around the world. He discusses dangerous hikes, mysterious art, bone churches, North American castles, and more. Discover unique travel destinations and culinary experiences across continents, from Antarctica's Blood Falls to Africa's miracle berries. Explore eerie attractions like the Bone Church, Bishop's Castle, and culinary traditions like lutefisk and butter sculptures.
Visit hidden wonder, Bishop's Castle for self-built adventure.
Experience Bone Church for unique perspective on mortality.
Explore Blood Falls in Antarctica, study extremophile bacteria.
Deep dives
Bishop's Castle in Colorado
Located in the mountains of Colorado, Bishop's Castle is a 16-story tall stone castle constructed single-handedly by Jim Bishop over 30 years. It features intricate details like hand-welded bridges and a fire-breathing dragon at the top. Visitors can explore the castle and experience a sense of adventure and awe in this unique self-built structure.
Kutna Hora Ossuary, Czech Republic
The Kutna Hora Ossuary, also known as the Bone Church, is a fascinating site in the Czech Republic where bones are artistically arranged in a church setting. Visitors encounter bone decorations, pyramidal stacks of bones, and even a bone chandelier, creating a visual representation of mortality and a different perspective on death and religion.
Blood Falls in Antarctica
Blood Falls, a three-story high frozen blood red waterfall in Antarctica, is a natural wonder caused by extremophile bacteria that thrive in iron-rich water trapped beneath a glacier. The mysterious process of iron oxidization gives rise to this unique phenomenon, allowing scientists to study alien-like life forms that offer insights into extreme survival strategies.
Miracle Berries and Milky Seas
The miracle berry, a red fruit from West Africa, alters taste perceptions by making sour foods taste sweet, offering a unique sensory experience. Satellite technology has confirmed the existence of Milky Seas, bioluminescent phenomena in the oceans off Africa and Java, where bacterial reactions create glowing patches, contributing to the mystery of nature's wonders.
Inspiring Dedication to Unique Projects
People who dedicate their lives to challenging and unconventional projects that may not bring financial rewards are discussed. Examples like Jim Bishop's castle, which faces challenges after the creator's passing, highlight the dedication required. Initiatives like Atlas Obscura aim to preserve such unique places through increased tourism interest, ensuring their longevity.
Cultural Heritage of Last Incan Bridge and Guinea Pig Cuisine
The Keshua Chaka, the Last Incan Bridge made entirely of grass, showcases a surviving piece of Incan infrastructure maintained through traditional ceremonies. This bridge, strong yet constantly rewoven, symbolizes the endurance of Incan heritage over centuries. Additionally, the tradition of eating guinea pig in Peru, highlighted by a historical painting depicting it in a traditional setting, reflects the evolution of once humble foods into elevated culinary experiences.
Do you want to get off the beaten path and visit obscure destinations?
Entrepreneur, podcaster, and travel junkie Dylan Thuras joins me to discuss some of his favorite lesser-known wonders and delicacies from all seven continents and why they’re worth the visit.
Dylan is the co-founder of Atlas Obscura, a global community of explorers who have together created a comprehensive database of the world’s most wondrous places and foods.
With his wealth of knowledge about unique points of interest around the world, Dylan covers where to go, how to get there, and what unexpected hidden treasures await you off the beaten path.
Which of these seven hidden wonders would you visit first? I'd love to hear what stood out, and I hope you will share by sending me an audio message.
*We're sharing previous episodes highlighting the most EPIC lists this month! Zero To Travel interviews are timeless, providing valuable insight whenever you listen.
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Tune In To Learn:
Why Atlas Obscura strives to maintain a global perspective
The most dangerous hike in the world that will lead you to the best tea in Asia
The fascinating scientific phenomena you can find in Africa and Antarctica
Where you can see one of the largest pieces of mysterious art in the world
Which bone church you should visit over other popular options
The North American castle that will take you back to the Middle Ages
An astonishing surviving piece of ancient Incan infrastructure
A surprising delicacy that was thought to be served at the Last Supper
