A New Fast Five Before I Head Off to do Some in Person Research For the Future!

 

1.  The Beehive Tombs of Oman.  We've all heard about pyramids and other famous burial and temple sights around the world.  We've heard all about Stonehenge, Mayan ruins and on and on.  However, you almost never hear about the prehistoric tombs that dot the landscape in the desert of Oman.

Bat, Al Khutm, and Al Ayn are some of the best known of these tombs that are 15 miles from the nearest town of Ibi.  There is an evolving knowledge of the tombs that are believed and tested to be anywhere from 4,000 to 7,000 years old and predating most other structures from ancient times across most of the world.  The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980's and has been connected to Mesopotamia.

Regardless of the history, the mythology, or the puzzle of the ancient civilization that put it there; if you happen to be in Oman, check it out.  I know that sounds highly unlikely, but reportedly Oman is a great vacation location.

https://theculturetrip.com/middle-east/oman/articles/omans-mysterious-beehive-tombs-are-an-archaeologists-dream

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/beehive-tombs-of-al-ayn-oman

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/434/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g15081723-d324112-Reviews-Archaeological_Sites_of_Bat_Al_Khutm_and_Al_Ayn-Maqabil_Ad_Dhahirah_Governorate.html

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1153995932485612

2.    Levada Nova Trail and Waterfalls, Madeira, Portugal.   Madeira is one of the wildest places I've ever seen and it lands directly on my bucketlist.  That being said, there are a lot of tricky, dangerous, long, hard trails to hike on the island.  They go to some magnificent views and waterfalls, but let's face it; this is supposed to be for anyone and those adjectives aren't in the spirit of this blog.

That being said, Levada Moinho to Levada Nova and the Waterfall is one of the easier hikes in that island country.  It's only five and a half miles, and it has minimal elevation gains.  In Madeira that's a short easy hike.  One of the things you will have along the way are amazing views, a tunnel, and the sculpted irrigation channels that are a staple in Madeira.

Madeira is one of the most mountainous islands I've ever seen and it's lush with forests and rainforest.  It's a great place to visit and they are also famous for their wine.  You really can't go there without taking some kind of a hike, so this one is less likely to have you laid up for a week after.

One caution.  This isn't something to run out and do right now.  There are currently some fire problems in the area and the trail is temporarily closed as of the beginning of August, 2024.  You can keep up to date on the state of the fires on the app AllTrails.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira--2/levada-do-moinho-a-levada-nova

https://madeira-travel.madere-leguide.com/levada-nova-levada-do-moinho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3W1tHYy4Ak

https://sayyestomadeira.com/en/levada-do-moinho-levada-nova/

https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers/activities/hiking/pr-7-levada-do-moinho/

3.    Khao Sok National Park, Thailand.  This is the 22nd National Park that was created in Thailand.  That's a lot of National Parks, but as anyone can see; Thailand is an amazing place.  Khao Sok is north of Phuket and despite the islands and the overwater bungalows, it's not on the shore.  It's on one of the biggest lakes in the country.  It's not entirely natural either.  There's a huge dam called the Ratchaprapha Dam making this reservoir; Cheow lan Reservoir.  

The national park is popular and definitely popular with tourists.  There are tons of activities in and around the park.  There's something for everyone.  Whether it's hiking, fishing and boating around the islands or staying in an over water bungalow; there's a lot of things to choose from.

I spend a lot of time reading and watching videos about Thailand, and I find the most amazing things.  I have to go there someday, but I really think I need a lot of time to appreciate everything there is to see in that amazing country.

https://www.thainationalparks.com/khao-sok-national-park  

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297917-d455332-Reviews-Khao_Sok_National_Park-Surat_Thani_Surat_Thani_Province.html

https://www.khaosok.com/when-to-visit/

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l2674/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20704891914&cq_con=153676434454&cq_term=khao%20sok%20national%20park&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=20704891914&adgroup_id=153676434454&target_id=aud-2176326283133:kwd-10947714342&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=e&ad_id=678624256057&keyword=khao%20sok%20national%20park&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl6-3BhBWEiwApN6_kjtgAmdr-kqgDY_c902hFueMUF1ADI3d_j3vgeHwZvCcAeh3BVTKthoC_68QAvD_BwE

https://www.booking.com/city/th/khao-sok.html

4.    Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), Thailand.  I know, Thailand again, but they have cool stuff.  North of Krabi, this cave temple was founded not too long ago for Asian traditions anyway.  Originally, monks used the cave to meditate, which was a great spot; quiet and out of the way.

Today, it's a sprawling temple on a mountaintop and is stunning.  The cave area is still part of the temple, as the original spot.  On the outside, you find all the normal trimmings with golden Buddha and Stupa, but it's the cave that has the original items.

There are tiger statues in the cave, and to be honest they kind of remind me of "Alice in Wonderland" a bit with the grins on some of the statues' faces.

However, it's a stunning location with great things to see.  Be aware, you have to climb steps to get there.  Good news; it used to be worse.  Bad news; there are still 1260 steps to climb to reach that gorgeous view.

https://www.jamiesphuketblog.com/2017/06/tiger-cave-temple-wat-tham-suea-krabi.html

https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/tiger-cave-temple-krabi-wat-tham-suea

https://www.weseektravel.com/tiger-cave-temple/

https://www.viator.com/Krabi-attractions/Tiger-Cave-Temple-Wat-Tham-Suea/d348-a2309

https://krabinature.com/tiger-cave-temple-wat-tham-seua/

5.    Campione, Italy, or should I say Switzerland?  Southern Switzerland and northern Italy are Alps and they are spectacular.  I can honestly say, I believe they are some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.  I might be biased after more than one trip to Switzerland.

Lake Lugano is one of those picturesque, beautiful spots in the world and along the southern shores of that lake, you'll find Campione.  The unusual part is that about a kilometer south of Campione is where you'll find the Italian Border.  The amazing historic town sits entirely inside Switzerland.

The town is known for its stunning views, a casino and amazing sights to see.  Just know that it's Italy, even though its in Switzerland.  I've been to the Alps multiple times.  I can tell you that there's no bad place to visit in the area.  But, if you want something a little different.  If you happen to be enjoying the south shore of Lake Lugano, take a stop in Campione and experience a little Italy along the way.

https://togetherinswitzerland.com/campione-ditalia-an-italian-village-surrounded-by-switzerland/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g946755-Campione_d_Italia_Province_of_Como_Lombardy-Vacations.html

https://www.lakelugano.info/campione.html

https://www.explore.com/1613066/unique-waterfront-italy-town-campione-italia-hilly-hidden-gem-surrounded-switzerland/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1fqinoNiZE

There's my fast five for this week.  My apologies for being a bit out of touch recently, what with some COVID and other things; it's been a bit complicated.  I'm better now, and I will probably also not post next week either, because I will be out getting some great content.  By the beginning of October, my life should calm down and I will have a lot of time to tell all of you about some great places to see and things to do.  In the meantime, always be looking for that special someplace or something.  Don't pass on opportunities.  Always take time to try an Adventure for Anyone and enjoy!