Up and Down We Go in This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.    The Wilstem Wildlife Park, Paoli, Indiana.  To be fair, this is a great hands on wildlife park and drive through safari, of which there are several.  However, this one is in southern Indiana.  Paoli is just north of the Hoosier National Forest and is closer to Louisville than to Indianapolis.  Take I-69 south toward Bloomington, catch State Road 37 and then follow Google.  That's about the best I can do to generalize its location.

The great thing about Wilstem is that not only can you stay at their lodging, eat with them and see the animals, all starting at a general admission fee for the day at $21, but there are several hands on encounters that you can add with 6 different kinds of animals.  They offer an experience with sloth, elephant, primates, otters, kangaroos, and giraffe.  These add on experiences start at only $10 apiece.

Once again, it's like being on the Serengeti, but it's Indiana.  It's not your normal animal experience, so don't miss this one.

https://www.wilstem.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wilstem/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g37423-d4363541-Reviews-Wilstem-Paoli_Indiana.html

https://www.discoversouthernindiana.com/listing/wilstem-wildlife-park/632/

https://www.visitindiana.com/blog/post/3-fun-animal-encounters-at-wilstem-wildlife-park/

2.    The Central Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System, Hong Kong.   We've all encountered all kinds of moveable walkways in all kinds of places from people movers in the airport to Subway entrances all over and even those escalators that take us across the strip in Las Vegas.  But, in Hong Kong they have something special.

This set of escalators and walkways; a system if you will, is covered and the longest of its kind in the world.  It's over 800 meters long and rises an estimated 135 meters in elevation from bottom to top.  Now, if you want, you can also walk this hill with steps and paths, but isn't this an amazing concept to help the masses get around?

From what I understand, it begins around Queen's Road Central and goes to Conduit Road.  I may be wrong about that, but it's on Honk Kong Island and it's been running and growing for almost 30 years.  Somewhere along the way it became somewhat of a tourist attraction and it's very busy on any given day.  But, if you're on Hong Kong Island,  check it out.  It's just one more unique thing in Hong Kong.

https://www.landmark.hk/en/visit/around-central/central-mid-level-escalator

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294217-d593159-Reviews-Mid_levels_Escalator-Hong_Kong.html

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/place-to-go/central-mid-levels-escalator.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygZQ3M3rHfA

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/mid-level-escalator-hongkong.htm?srsltid=AfmBOooEm0yrQ-r9Mm6QPYlXxr3DNn4EJ8UBIJJ_lc6BT7AIci6HPHvs

3.    The Edge Walk at CN Tower, Toronto, Canada.    I love towers and tall buildings.  So, why wouldn't I include a trip to CN Tower while visiting Toronto, one of the most diverse cities in the world?  It's a fascinating city with so many different neighborhoods, fabulous museums and on and on.  But, CN Tower has that little something extra in the fact that you can take a walk on the ledge outside the top of the tower.

For under $200 you can book your tour to be geared up, hooked up and with a guide walk along the edge of the outside of the top of the tower.  It's a perfectly safe way to get your adrenaline pumping and a great addition to any trip to Toronto.

https://www.cntower.ca/brave-the-edgewalk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX0Iv7_etjc

https://www.destinationtoronto.com/listing/edgewalk-at-the-cn-tower/30799/

https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca/articles/take-walk-on-the-edge-edgewalk-cn-tower

https://www.getyourguide.com/edgewalk-cn-tower-l160913/

4.    Zip World's Bounce Below Experience, Llechwedd, Wales.  Zip World is an operator of fun adrenaline pumping adventures with sites around Wales.  The underground one is slightly different.

In an old slate mine in Llechwedd, you can play on trampolines, slides, and play mini golf as well as take a tour of the cave.  It's honestly a great way to spend a less than perfect weather day while visiting the very wet country of Wales in the United Kingdom.  Zip World obviously has zip lines too and there's a train to ride somewhere.  It wasn't entirely clear what all facilities were in the Bounce Below Experience.  So, go for the trampolines and slide, and you may find a bunch of other stuff to do either underground or above at the site.

At any rate, cave experiences are great.  Trampolines are fun for the entire family.  Bounce Below is a great way to have a fun day, so check it out off the A470 in the countryside of northern Wales.  Most adventures are restricted to an hour.  Prices for individual adventures start around 29 pounds per person.  

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g674812-d8180401-r560119989-Zip_World_Llechwedd-Blaenau_Ffestiniog_Snowdonia_Eryri_National_Park_North_Wales.html

https://www.zipworld.co.uk/vouchers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPZ1zfUksKk

https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/north-wales/family-adventure-north-wales

https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/bounce-below

5.    Take a cruise on Paris' Saint-Martin Canal, Paris, France.    There are so many tours to take on the water in Paris.  Most people take the lighted boat tours on the Seine, but there's one area that isn't as well known as most.  Saint-Martin Canal is old world with tunnels and locks.  It's a bit different than your average look at the River Seine.

Venture into the old part of town and check out tunnels, swing bridges, lift bridges, locks, and even an underground vault.  You get to see the Bastille neighborhood, and several of the sites you'd see on the regular tour.  With this cruise you get so much more history, and for 23 Euros for adults and less for the rest, it's a bargain.  Your guide tells you all the great stories, and you get to see a part of Paris that a lot of tourists miss out on.

https://www.pariscanal.com/en/cruises-canals-paris/cruise-paris-seine-waterways-2/

https://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Romantic-Cruise-The-Old-Paris-on-the-Canal-Saint-Martin-2h30/d479-9511P45?m=28353&supag=68732031537&supca=1939178107&supsc=aud-2226856787438:dsa-647350163696&supai=660585468237&supdv=c&supnt=g&suplp=9003419&supli=&supti=aud-2226856787438:dsa-647350163696&tsem=true&supci=aud-2226856787438:dsa-647350163696&supap1=&supap2=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1p28BhCBARIsADP9HrNmgeyUv5fQK2xHst1o6w1SbmnFyp0kbQuUEvXZd2X670eL7HRVXyoaAgZIEALw_wcB

https://www.canauxrama.com/en/

https://www.getyourguide.com/canal-saint-martin-l27987/cruises-boat-tours-tc48/

https://www.parisunlocked.com/paris-neighbourhoods/canal-st-martin-and-republique/paris-canal-saint-martin-neighborhood-guide/

There you have it.  Just some up and down style ideas for if you need something original or extra to do while traveling.  Stay tuned for a great year of ideas, new things, travels and more and never forget that there are Adventures for Anyone around the world.  Enjoy!

A New Fast Five For a New Year and Some Out of the Way Spots!

 Welcome to 2025!  I have nothing but time on my hands for a bit, so I might catch up to all the great places I've been finding for you to try out an adventure!  Check out my first fast five of 2025!

1.    Haeundae Beach Train, Sky Capsule, and Busan Green Railway, Haeundae Beach, Busan, South Korea.    That's a mouthful, but Busan is a southern area of South Korea and Haeundae Beach is a popular destination with beautiful beach and view.  There's a greenway to walk and a lot of things to see and do along the shore. 

Therefore, the South Koreans have provided some interesting ways to navigate the area.  You can take many modes of transportation, but the latest and greatest are the Beach Train and the Sky Pods.  The Beach Train starts at around $5 for a ride and makes several stops along the way.  The Sky Pods run higher at $15 to $25 per ride, but you have your own private vehicle and it makes all the stops as well.

I don't know if you need to take these modes of transportation or not. I presume you can always walk and there is a greenway for that express purpose.  Busan is a great place to spend some beach time and get away from the hustle and bustle of Seoul, so don't miss out on the colorful and fun transports along the beach!

https://www.koreatodo.com/haeundae-blueline-park-and-green-railway

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297884-d21352651-Reviews-Haeundae_Blue_Line_Park-Busan.html

https://visitbusan.net/index.do?menuCd=DOM_000000302002001000&uc_seq=1026&lang_cd=en

https://www.bluelinepark.com/eng/skyCapsuleFare.do

https://awaytothecity.com/haeundae-sky-capsule-busan/

2.    The Pinnacles, Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo.    Well, this isn't the normal Adventure for Anyone.  This is true.  This is one of the most difficult hikes in all of Malaysia.   But, if you've already gone to Borneo, this isn't beyond your realm.

The hike is only 2.4 km long, but it does rise an impressive 1,200 meters during the hike.  Round trip is 4.8 km and it takes roughly 7.5 hours with ladders and ropes and all kinds of stuff.  It's not for the feint of heart, it's true, but the formations are rare and stab the sky at 50 meters or more high.  It's a one of a kind hike, so it shouldn't be missed if you can do it!

You can hire a guide for this hike or join a tour, of which there are several.  The Pinnacles are something you may only see in a few places on Earth.

It's far worth it to note that there are tons of things to do in Mulu National Park.  If the tough hike to the amazing view isn't for you, check out other activities.  It's a beautiful place.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/malaysia/sarawak/mulus-pinnacles

https://mulupark.com/pinnacles/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1483707-d2103294-Reviews-The_Pinnacles_Trail-Gunung_Mulu_National_Park_Sarawak.html

https://theplanetd.com/the-pinnacles-of-borneo-an-adventure-in-sarawak/

https://www.borneoecotours.com/tours/borneo-big-5/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp4O8BhAkEiwAqv2UqGWk_5C7WFLGCbSaKXFTL7wsMN9J9pkZAOehwTt7fpK75CQpHmHpIBoCkYcQAvD_BwE

3.    The Mystic Mountain Bobsled Experience, Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  There's not much that I love more than Jamaican Bobsleds.  I followed the story in the 90's and I've loved that story of never say die for a good portion of my life.  There's something about that Jamaican spirit that I can't get enough of.

That being said, at Mystic Mountain, they have what we call here in New England, a mountain coaster.  It's modeled after the Jamaican Bobsleds and it's a whole lot of fun.  As we all learned in "Cool Runnings" it's too warm to bobsled in Jamaica, but a mountain coaster?  That's perfect.

So, if you happen to be in the area by cruise ship, all inclusive or other style of resort, check out this culturally iconic bobsled run at Mystic Mountain!

https://www.viator.com/tours/Jamaica/Jamaica-Bobsled-Adventure-Tour/d34-14302P252

https://www.ncl.com/no/en/shore-excursions/OCJ_70/Sky-Explorer-Bobsled-Jamaica-Zipline?destination=Caribbean+Cruises&activities=Featured&priceRange=0+4000&sort=searchFeatured&sortOrder=desc&perPage=48&startingRecord=48&cid=PS_DIG_NA_PMX_GOO_NA_NA_DESTCAR_LFEXP-TESTA_NA_NAM&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp4O8BhAkEiwAqv2UqNbzVwQfwWZaBBrqDcPcJ3E0bqFrQ3A4VMSYJYHCvXIxE0Jj0IMp3BoCCLQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g147309-d13377127-Mystic_Mountain_Bobsled_Experience_From_Ocho_Rios_Pier-Jamaica.html

https://www.islandroutes.com/caribbean-tours/9832/jamaica-sky-explorer-and-bobsled-experience

https://jamaicagetawaytravels.com/product/sky-explorer-bobsled-tour-ocho-rios/

4.   Grindelwald, Berner Oberland, Switzerland.    This is my favorite region of Switzerland.  Grindelwald is a side trip out of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is one of my favorite places and views in the world.  But, while I've written numerous times about what you can do in Lauterbrunnen and its connecting areas, I've never mentioned the unique things you can do in Grindelwald.

In Grindelwald, they have Alpine tourism down to an art.  The summer is designed for people who don't want a huge amount of danger but want a bit of adventure.  These aren't adrenaline junkies or people who take part in extreme sports.  These are tourists, and Grindelwald knows how to entertain them.

Grindelwald has a glacier gorge or canyon that provides a lot of entertainment.  You can go on a canyoning tour, go bungee jumping and ziplining through the gorge.  It's incredible.  But if that's a bit much for you, there are other ways to enjoy the 300 meter high cliffs and raging water of the gorge. There's an easy 1 km walk along manmade walkways for example.  It's a beautiful walk, fairly flat and it will take you at least an hour, because there's so many amazing things to look at.

But, Grindelwald doesn't stop there.  They do have a cliff walk with a glass walkway over the gorge as well.  Once again, you can ride or drive up to the start and the walk is fairly flat but with some of the most amazing views you'll ever see.

Another thing that you can do in Grindelwald is take your pick of ways to enjoy the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.  You can take the cog railway all the way to the top of Europe.  Or, you can take the Gondola two thirds of the way up and the train through the tunnels to the top.  Once again, the views are amazing.

And finally, you don't have to hike up an Alp.  You can do it all downhill.  There are Trottibikes; bikes that you stand up on and coast that you can ride on the paved paths on the way down.  You can also hike, take mountain bikes and so much more.  

Grindelwald is a one of a kind village and there's so much to see and do.  By the way, in the winter you can also go skiing.  Just make sure that if you're visiting the area, don't miss this town.  They have some truly original ideas on great activities.

https://outdoor.ch/en/outdoor-activities/glacier-canyon-grindelwald/

https://bestthingstodoin.city/things-to-do-in-grindelwald-switzerland/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21470453705&utm_content=725078764023&utm_term=things%20to%20do%20in%20grindelwald&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp4O8BhAkEiwAqv2UqNWHYbbsZ6FXmnah5e3HjNgk5tUHc2fNWK19gQjWaMEl-88xKEa36xoCJugQAvD_BwE

https://www.getyourguide.com/grindelwald-l1613/ttd/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/guide-to-grindelwald-switzerland

https://grindelwald.swiss/en/discover/experiences/summer-activities.html

5.    Visit a Hammam in Marrakech, Morocco.  What is a Hammam?  You might have heard it called a Turkish Bath.  Similar, but still a little different.  There are many places from Hungary to Russia to Turkey to Morocco where you can take part in a bath.  Marrakech is known for being extraordinarily authentic.  These are the baths where you wear nothing, and may or may not get treatments with your bath.  It's a bath and spa in some cases and a steam and bath in others. 

Here's where the choice comes in.  The Moroccans define a local bath and a tourist spa as being different.  The tourist spas are used for treatments and purifying the soul and all that.  The local baths are quite different and should be tried.

The local spas are social pools and steam rooms, normally heated by a subterranean oven.  People visit them about once a week to hang out and socialize in the steam and baths.  They are largely geared for men and tend to be gender separate.  Also a way of enriching the soul.  They are still beautiful, and can be a far more authentic experience.  I'd give that a try.

But if you prefer, you can always make arrangements to visit a tourist bath and spa for the full experience you've probably seen on TV.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293734-Activities-c40-t250-Marrakech_Marrakech_Safi.html

https://www.onewanderfullife.com/hammam-in-marrakech-what-to-expect-as-a-first-timer/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/best-traditional-hammam-spa

https://www.skyetravels.com/hammam-for-men/

https://www.travelonatimebudget.co.uk/morocco/marrakech-hammams-what-to-expect/

There you have it.  2025 is off to a rockin start!  As always, these are just some side ideas for those of you who are looking to visit these areas.  That hike in Borneo is probably pretty tough, so think long and hard about that, but the rest of these ideas are for anyone.  You could even take a wheelchair along those walks in Grindelwald.  So, take time to look into the activities that might be a bit off the beaten path while traveling to exotic locations around the world.  Pick out something unforgettable and enjoy!