For Real Daredevils – The Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Do you like nature? Do you regularly hike in the mountains?! Eco-trails are your passion and the hours of walking and climbing do not scare you?! Think twice! Why? We are going to show you some eco-trails which are incredibly beautyfull, but real dangerous for the physical health of the visitors, too.
Top 3 of the Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Huashan Mountain, China
Unique place of great religious significance for more than 2 millennia. The first Taoist temple was built there 2300 years ago and since then the place and its surroundings have been among the favorites of travelers. There are many temples, but the most impressive is the network of long and dangerously steep paths leading to five peaks arranged in the shape of a flower.
And if you do not believe that it can be dangerous, we will note that in some places there is no real path, but just stiff wooden boards and carved grooves in the rock to support the legs. The only security is sticking to slightly rusted chains attached to the stone. So in case you are afraid of heights and you are not among the most careful people in the world, you better not go there.
The Way of the King (El Caminito del Rey), Malaga, Spain
So beautiful, but just as dangerous route, which was created in 1901 to provide access to hydropower workers to two waterfalls. Construction was completed in 1905. However, the path did not get its name until 1921, when Alfonso XIII passed through it.
Over time, the path became very dangerous, which is why the authorities decided to block access to it. It has been rebuilt and secured since April 2015, after being closed for more than a decade due to multiple deaths. It winds on dangerous rocks 100 meters above the river Guadalorse and is 3 km long (its width is only a meter).
Angels Landing, Utah, USA
One of the most popular trails in Zion National Park in Southwestern Utah in the United States. In ancient Hebrew, “zaion” means a sanctuary, a temple, but the place is more for lovers of strong adrenaline, rather than for meek religious people.
The eco-trail is about 4 km long and for the most part is not so scary. Towards the end, however, things change dramatically. Continuing means walking on a steep and narrow ridge with dangerous ravines on both sides. A set of chains are placed to help tourists, but even they can not bring you peace of mind. However, those who dare to cross the dangerous terrain receive an indescribable reward – one of the most stunning views in the world.
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The situation this year is not the most suitable for such distant destinations, but if you have a job in Sofia, we will be waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. With us you will not raise the adrenaline as with the most dangerous eco-trails, but you will satisfy your need for art experiences with our designer rooms. In addition, you will feed your eyes and stomachs with the amazing offers of the Simona restaurant. And, of course, everything is in line with the new conditions and safety requirements!
The Oldest Restaurants in the World (PHOTOS)
Nowadays, new restaurants are constantly appearing, offering a variety of menus and interesting interiors. However, according to research, 60% of them fail in the first year, and 80% of them – in the first 5 years. And yet there are some who have withstood the changes, competition and high demands of customers for many years. That’s why we present 7 of the oldest restaurants in the world, collected by the site oldest.org.
The Oldest Restaurants in the World
St. Peter Stiftskeller, Salzburg, Austria (803)
Would you believe that this place open for the first time in 803?! In fact, this is the year in which the restaurant was first mentioned by an English scholar who served Emperor Charlemagne. So it may have existed before. That is why St. Peter Stiftskeller is considered to be the oldest not only in Europe but in the whole world.
The building in which it is housed has undergone many renovations over time, but much of the original vision has been preserved because it is carved into the stone rocks. And here’s something else quite impressive – people like Mozart and Christopher Columbus had been eat in this inn.
However, do not adjust that you will now be greeted with dishes popular centuries ago. The restaurant serves traditional Austrian dishes with a modern European look from locally produced products. And if you want to try the specialties there, you will probably be able to book a table for the next day.
Zum Franziskaner, Stockholm, Sweden (1421)
Compared to St. Peter Stiftskeller Zum Franziskaner is brand new because it exists since 1421. It was founded by German monks, with the permission of King Eric of Pomerania. The food served in the restaurant combines the German roots of the founders with the aromas of the local Scandinavian cuisine.
However, we must make one clarification – Zum Franziskaner is not located in its original building. However, food and drink have remained the same as nearly 600 years ago. So here you can try a unique country sausage, Bavarian roast pork or venison with some of the typical German beers.
Honke Owariya, Kyoto, Japan (1465)
A little more than 40 years after the appearance of the Swedish Zum Franziskaner the Japanese had opened a similar place. Honke Owariya in Kyoto began operating in 1465 as a confectionery shop, moved from the Owari region. Initially, it became popular with its rice cakes, but gradually began to make Soba noodles (with high-quality buckwheat flour). The real secret of the special taste of this dish of theirs to this day is in the clear water of Kyoto, according to the team of the current restaurant.
La-Tour-d’Argent, Paris, France (1582)
This is a restaurant with Michelin stars – three at a time, but in 1996 it lost one of them, and ten years later it parted ways with another one star. The administration claims that among their former clients are King Henry IV. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Marlene Dietrich and Charlie Chaplin. One thing is for sure, the restaurant has been making Parisian dinners special since 1582.
Zur Letzten Instanz, Berlin, Germany (1621)
Another great place with an impressively long history. And for eating there you will not have to wait so long because you could usually book a table for the next day. Clients in the past included Napoleon Bonaparte, Ludwig van Beethoven, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Although the building is one of the oldest in Berlin, it was renovated in 1963 after being severely damaged during World War II. For this reason, the interior is not entirely authentic, but the current design reflects the style of the original tavern from 1621.
White Horse Tavern, Rhode Island, USA (1673)
The building was built in 1652 and in 1673 was sold to William Mace, who opened a tavern. As the building is quite large, it was used at times as a court, town hall and meeting place for the Rhode Island General Assembly. It even served to separate British and American troops during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).
The place was restored in 1954 with a donation from the Von Beren family, and the restaurant reopened in 1957.
Sobrino de Botín, Madrid, Spain (1725)
This is the restaurant that holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest in the world, although everyone else on our list dates from before this one. The reason for this is the fact that it is located in its original building, with an authentic interior from the 18th century.
It was originally named Casa Botin and was opened by a French chef named Jean Botin and his Austrian wife. The family had no children and therefore bequeathed the restaurant to Mrs. Botin’s niece. It was thus renamed Sobrino de Botin, as in Spanish sobrino means nephew. The list of famous guests includes Ernest Hemingway, Frederick Forsythe, Graham Greene and James A. Mitchener.
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If you live in Sofia or have a work here, welcome to the Simona restaurant and Art Hotel Simona. We can not boast of such a remarkable story, but on the other hand we have temptingly delicious dishes that will make eating an unforgettable experience.
… Because for us cooking is an art!
How to Travel all Around the World Without Leaving Your Home
For more than two months our country has been living in a pandemic due to the spread of the dangerous coronavirus. And although the extraordinary conditions closed us at home, the representatives of art found a way to reach us. So from the sofa in the living room we watched various theatrical performances that are definitely worth experiencing.
And because the times are special, it’s good to be careful where we go. That’s why we offer you to visit several great museums in different parts of the world and a few more top sights, but virtually.
Ideas for Virtually Museum Tours
Pinacoteca di Brera – Milan (works by Mantena, Giovanni Bellini, Bramante and Caravaggio, as well as many others);
Uffizi Gallery – Florence (canvases and sculptures by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and other famous artists);
Vatican Museums – Rome (from the 16th century, a complex of 11 museums with 5 galleries and 1400 halls)
Capitoline Museum – Rome (a complex of museums of art and archeology located around the square, designed by Michelangelo on the Capitoline Hill in Rome);
Markets of Trajan, Imperial Forum Museums – Rome (administrative center associated with the Forum of Emperor Trajan);
Ara Pachis Museum – Rome (created in honor of the triumphant return of Emperor Octavian Augustus from Spain and Gaul in 13 BC);
Archaeological sites of the Aventine – Rome (the southernmost of the seven hills of Rome);
Archaeological Museum – Athens (“Athens Louvre”, rich in exhibits);
Prado – Madrid (museum and art gallery, founded in 1819; shows over 1300 paintings);
Louvre – Paris (the most visited museum in the world);
British Museum – London (one of the largest and richest museums in the world);
Metropolitan Museum – New York (a complex of many art galleries, a museum of musical instruments, a gallery for professional photography and a library for research);
Hermitage – St. Petersburg (the largest museum in Russia);
National Art Gallery – Washington (established in 1937).
7 Historical Places to Visit Virtually
Eiffel Tower – With its impressive 300-meter height, this Parisian attraction can not go unnoticed. The best thing, however, is the view from the top floor of the tower.
Palace of Versailles – another place in France that deserves special attention. Enjoy this cultural monument, the great flower gardens, the exquisite architecture and the wonderful halls.
Tower Bridge – the symbol of London (UK). It is 244 m long and 65 m high.
The Statue of Liberty – if you find it impressive in American movies, just wait to see it up close.
Taj Mahal – a beautiful white marble mausoleum located on the south bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632, but this masterpiece continues to attract millions of tourists each year.
Machu Picchu – an architectural complex in southern Peru. It is the work of the Incas and includes palaces, temples and homes at 2,430 meters above sea level in the Andes.
The Egyptian Pyramids – the virtual tour will take you to a totally different from the familiar European world. But it is definitely worth visiting the tombs of the pharaohs and their wives from the Old and Middle Egyptian kingdoms.
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If you have a trip to Sofia, we are waiting for you in the artistic and cozy atmosphere of Art Hotel Simona. And know that you do not need to worry about your safety, because we have developed a special program Clean & Safe.
