Places on Earth that Don't Feel Real

 

The world can be a very lonely place at times, and there are some places in this vast universe that don't feel real to you at all. Here are seven of them that make me want to run away from everything I have ever known...

1. The Great Barrier Reef - Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the whole world. It's home to thousands of species of fish, coral, sea turtles, and many other creatures, making it an ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience nature without leaving their house.

However, despite its beauty, the Great Barrier Reef doesn't feel like a real place to visit, as it lacks the necessary elements that make up a true tourist destination, such as attractions, restaurants, or shopping. For example, there isn't any way to get around on foot, which makes it more accessible than many other destinations.

Additionally, while some people may find the area fascinating due to the colorful corals and tropical scenery, others may find it too crowded and overwhelming at times. Despite these limitations, the Great Barrier Reef remains a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation.

2. Antarctica - South America

The Antarctic Peninsula is located between Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, offering breathtaking views, pristine wildlife habitats, and rich history. However, despite its name, the continent does not actually feel like a real place to visit.

Unlike continents like Africa or North America, where visitors can explore historical sites, museums, and penguins, the Antarctic Peninsula is far too remote and inaccessible.

This lack of accessibility has led to the decline of tourism on the continent, with fewer visitors willing to spend time exploring the areas. Another factor contributing to this decline is the fact that only a few countries have had access to helicopters, which means that visitors can only see the most remote parts of the continent through small planes or boats. Thus, despite being considered "the last great frontier," the Antarctic Peninsula still feels distant from many visitors.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro - Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular attraction in Tanzania, featuring impressive rock formations, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. However, despite its scenic beauty, the mountain does not feel like a real place to visit.

Although visitors can hike and climb to various points on the mountain, they are unable to get off the ground and enjoy the sights from the air, a common travel method used by safari and trekking companies.

Furthermore, although visiting Mount Kilimanjaro offers opportunities for game drives, bush walks, and bird watching, it also limits opportunities for visitors to experience the local culture and traditional foods.

As a result, even though the mountain boasts stunning vistas and landscapes, it does not offer a truly authentic and meaningful experience for visitors.

4. The Grand Canyon - Arizona, USA

The U.S. National Park Service named the Grand Canyon after President Theodore Roosevelt, claiming it to be America's greatest national park. With over 13 miles of canyon walls, hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife, including giraffes, bison, and grizzly bears, the Grand Canyon provides a glimpse into the past and present of the country.

While the park may seem daunting for first-timers, it is well worth a visit for those interested in history and geography. However, the Grand Canyon does not feel like a real place to visit, as it lacks the essential features needed to create an immersive and meaningful experience for visitors.

Firstly, the grand canyon is separated into different sections, each of which is divided into smaller sections.

Visitors cannot wander freely among the multiple portions of the park without disrupting the flow of activities within each section. Secondly, unlike many other parks, the Grand Canyon is completely closed during certain hours, meaning that visitors are restricted to specific periods throughout the day.

Finally, while it may be possible to drive through the park via tour buses or aerial tours, these options are inconvenient for those who prefer to navigate by foot. Therefore, despite having been named after President Roosevelt, the Grand Canyon does not feel like a real place to visit, as it lacks the essential elements needed to create a truly memorable and meaningful encounter.

5. Niagara Falls - Canada

Although Niagara Falls is a popular attraction in Niagara Falls State Park, it doesn't feel like a real place to visit. There are several reasons why this falls is so different.

First and foremost, the falls are separated into three distinct zones, namely Horseshoe Falls (the largest falls), Three Sisters Falls (the second largest falls), and Sky Fall (the smallest falls). Each zone has different waterfalls and pools that are accessible by boat, but the actual falls themselves are not open to the public.

This distinction reflects the location of Niagara Falls, which lies in the heart of New York state and was constructed as part of the Catskill Canal construction in 1872. Because the falls are separated into different zones, visitors cannot interact with any individual or group of falls at once, making it difficult to participate in one of the more complex experiences available in the park.

Additionally, because visitors cannot go inside the falls themselves, they do not get a chance to witness the natural environment firsthand. Finally, because the falls are separated into different zones, there is no way to walk or hike the entire course of the falls.

These differences make it difficult for visitors to fully understand the significance of falling down the falls and experiencing the natural surroundings on their own. Therefore, despite being considered "the best place to see" for tourists, the falls do not feel real.

6. Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is a large American natural wonder located near the border of Montana and Wyoming. Although the park is famous for its natural wonders, the overall atmosphere at the park is rather uninspiring.

One of the main complaints about the park is the lack of variety. The number of animals and plants that are found in the park is limited, and the majority of visitors can only choose one animal species or plant. Moreover, even when visiting, the visitors are restricted to just one or two days per year, limiting their chances to meet new friends, make new memories, or visit cultural events.

In addition to this limitation, there are numerous challenges that make it impossible for visitors to truly appreciate the full value of the park. For instance, the cost of entry, parking, and transportation options are expensive compared to nearby cities, making it challenging to plan trips around visiting the park regularly.

Additionally, the lack of natural resources available makes it difficult for visitors to experience the natural beauty of the park firsthand, making it hard for them to connect with the natural landscape and learn more about the importance of preserving the natural heritage of the United States.

Because of this, the overall atmosphere at the park feels like a real place to visit, but it lacks the fundamental elements required to create an unforgettable and meaningful experience for visitors.

7. Kava Island - Hawaii Volcanoes

The Hawaiian islands, particularly Kauai, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu, are famous for their active volcanoes. Although the island is made up of hundreds of active volcanoes, the eruption of Mt. Bromley in 2004 is perhaps the most notable event that happened within the region.

Due to the impact of the volcanic activity on the land, the lava fields on Kava Island were transformed into lagoons filled with saltwater, creating perfect conditions for recreational fishing and diving. From a distance, the eruption looked almost insignificant, as the ocean floor remained untouched.

However, on closer inspection, it became clear that the eruption had created a massive sinkhole that had taken up residence in the middle of the Lava Pond. This sinkhole quickly expanded, eventually filling up with water and becoming a huge hole in the sand where the locals would use to catch seals and whales.

Despite the size of the sinkhole, the eruption did not leave much damage, since the land around the islands is relatively untouched by human occupation. Despite these advantages, the incident left the locals feeling frustrated, angry, and helpless. The residents of Kauai felt abandoned, and the government decided to take action to ensure that future occurrences would never happen again.

To prevent further harm, the government issued evacuation orders to the island, restricting tourists from entering the area. Although the eruption might have seemed minor compared to other events on the island, it was a significant setback for the locals, leading to years of negative media attention and frustration.

Therefore, despite the positive effect that the volcano had on the islands of Kauai and Hawaii, the overall atmosphere around the volcanic eruption on the Kava Island is rather disappointing, and therefore the eruption does not feel real to the viewers.