Top Ten Weird and Wonderful Places

If you've ever wondered where the most weird and wonderful places in the world are, we have them. These are places where Soviet style communism still exists or where you can visit an indoor ski resort...in the desert! Read on for a number of places that might (or might not) deserve a visit!

 

Transnistria  To the East of the Dniester river in the small European country of Moldova lies a semi autonomous republic that still uses the old Soviet system of communism and retains it own parliament, military, police, postal system and currency. If being the only tourist in this tiny country doesn’t put you off then there's dirt-cheap workers canteens, numerous old tanks lying around on plinths, and for anyone from the UK, real Cadburys chocolate. For more information click here.

 

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan  The capital of Turkmenistan is not known as a tourist destination but the former Soviet outpost promises some wild times for anyone adventurous enough to travel there. The city hosts one of the largest markets in Central Asia and “The World of Turkmenbashi Tales”, an oddball Disneyland of Ferris wheels and roller coasters dedicated to the ideas of the former President, Saparmurat Niyazov. For more information on travelling to Turkmenistan click here.

 

Fly to Outer Space  And do it soon.  Virgin, the company that offers everything from trains to cola will become the first airline to offer space tourism. The new spacecraft developed as part of an international competition will take travelers to 60,000ft above the earth for a dirt cheap $200,000. For updates of how to buy your ticket click here.

 

Ski Dubai  Ever wanted to ski in the United Arab Emigrates? Thanks to Ski Dubai's indoor ski slope it’s possible. Claimed to be the largest in the world it features a chair life and a black diamond run so you’ll never feel short of an afternoon on the piste while you’re in the desert. If you’re interested in how it all works visit their site.

 

Smallest park in the world, Portland, Oregon  Mills End Park in Portland is officially the world’s smallest park, measuring just 0.6m (2ft) long. The park was first built in 1948 and was taken on by the city in 1976. The park occupies its generous expanses in the middle of the SW Naito Parkway and was reportedly built as a colony for leprechauns and snail racing.

 

Bunker love in Albania  In the tense times of the Cold War the colorful president of Albania, Enver Hoxha, decided to litter the country with 700,000 concrete and steel bunkers, just in case someone invaded. Now these monstrosities have become love nests, homes and anything else the people can think of. For more information on Enver Hoxha and his bunkers click here.

 

Montreal's underground city  Wander around downtown Montreal in Quebec, Canada and you will find very little, just the looming hulks of skyscrapers and the odd car. But most life scurries under the streets in an underground city connecting two metro stations. Shops, cafes, bars and everything you could hope for lives in this subterranean world.

 

Village of Unmarried People, Barwaan Kala, India  Due to the lack of any roads in this remote and mountainous region, the village of Barwaan Kala plays host to 169 bachelors and has become known locally as the “Village of Unmarried People”. Efforts to build a road to allow women to reach the village have been thwarted by politics and a nature reserve. Girls can read more, here.

 

Indoor Beach, Miyazaki, Japan  Getting a bit cold skiing in Dubai? Why not head down to the only indoor beach in Japan? Perfect temperatures are achieved year round and the water is free of salt and sharks. The beach is made of sanitized polished marble and the waves are timed perfectly. There are also surfing competitions for anyone interested. While currently closed for renovations, if you fancy a trip to this indoor ocean, visit the website here, which remains open.