Surprising Travel Facts Around the World
1. Train Through a Building: The High Line, New York City
The High Line is a special park in New York City built on a former railway track.
- What It Is: It is an elevated park created from an old train line that used to carry cargo.
- Why It's Special or Useful: The park offers beautiful views of the city and is a great place for people to walk, enjoy nature, and see art.
- Famous or Real-World Example: The High Line is known as a unique space where greenery and urban life meet.
- Where It's Found: New York City, USA.
- Wow Fact: Some parts of the park allow you to see trains passing just below, combining nature and history in one spot!
2. Driver Side Switch: The Seikan Tunnel, Japan
The Seikan Tunnel is an impressive underwater tunnel that connects two islands in Japan.
- What It Is: This is the longest underwater tunnel in the world that allows trains to travel between islands, even during storms.
- Why It's Special or Useful: It helps people and goods travel safely between the islands when the waters are rough.
- Famous or Real-World Example: This tunnel is famous for being a marvel of engineering and allows trains to avoid dangerous waves.
- Where It's Found: Japan, connecting Honshu and Hokkaido islands.
- Wow Fact: Trains travel through the tunnel at a depth of 240 meters below the sea, making it an extraordinary journey!
3. A Bridge with a Drive Side Change: The A38 in England
The A38 road in England features a bridge known as the 'Forth Road Bridge' where drivers need to switch sides!
- What It Is: This is a major road bridge that connects two parts of Scotland over the Firth of Forth.
- Why It's Special or Useful: It is important because it allows easy access for vehicles traveling across the water.
- Famous or Real-World Example: The Forth Road Bridge is famous because it connects Edinburgh and Fife.
- Where It's Found: Scotland, United Kingdom.
- Wow Fact: When crossing the bridge, drivers have to switch sides due to different driving rules on either end!
4. The Glass Bridge: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, China
This bridge is an exciting place where people can walk above a stunning valley!
- What It Is: The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is a transparent bridge made entirely of glass.
- Why It's Special or Useful: It offers a thrilling experience for visitors, who can see the breathtaking views below their feet.
- Famous or Real-World Example: This bridge holds the record for the world's longest glass bridge!
- Where It's Found: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China.
- Wow Fact: When the wind blows, the bridge can sway slightly, making walking on it feel like an adventure!
5. The English Channel Tunnel: Eurotunnel
The Eurotunnel is a unique and exciting way to travel between England and France.
- What It Is: This is a railway tunnel that runs under the English Channel, letting trains transport passengers and vehicles.
- Why It's Special or Useful: It connects two countries and allows people to travel quickly between the UK and mainland Europe.
- Famous or Real-World Example: The Eurostar train travels through this tunnel, taking passengers from London to Paris.
- Where It's Found: Under the English Channel between England and France.
- Wow Fact: The tunnel is about 50 kilometers long, with a section that is 75 meters below sea level, making it one of the deepest tunnels!