New Zealand boasts some of the world’s most stunning nature, and the Sylvia Flats hot pools were high on that list. Located in Canterbury, a region in New Zealand’s south island, the Sylvia Flats Pools were a popular tourist destination for those looking to immerse themselves in relaxing, natural hot pools.
In an unfortunate twist of fate in 2017, a massive mudslide caused by bad weather destroyed the site, burying everything under huge rocks and trees. For those who never got to visit the famous Sylvia pools, you can head on to Maruia Hot Springs, in Lewis Pass Park, and enjoy a similar experience.
Lost City, FL
Way out in the middle of the 2,000 square mile area of the Florida Everglades lies the remains of bootlegger haven Lost City. Considering it was so easy to reach by boat and yet so hard for the authorities to get through the thick bush and wetlands, it was used to transport all kinds of shady goods.
In fact, rumor has it that Al Capone himself ran moonshine through Lost City. Another story of the land tells the tale of a failed hideout of Confederate soldiers being found (and killed) by the Seminole Indians.
Roy’s Motel Cafe
Roy’s Motel Café is an iconic little historic motel located off of Route 66 in Amboy, California. The area is, for the most part, a ghost town, these days. The site is no longer operational, but there is one dedicated woman rumored to still hang around and sell you a coffee if you show up and ask for it.
The Amboy area was created when a crater struck the area several thousand years ago, but the only reason anyone comes through these days is to snap a photo with the sign, which is still used in movies and commercials today.
The Original Shakespeare's Globe
The Globe theaters are a well-known institution in London. More than three of them have dotted the shores of the River Thames in the last 500 years. However, the original Globe theater is something forever lost in time. Built by William Shakespeare's playing company in 1599, the first-ever Globe was a majestic theater.
Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire during a live performance on June 29th, 1613. A second Globe Theater opened in the exact same spot one year later but was closed in 1642 by Puritans who were against artistic performances. Even though the legendary original Globe Theater was lost in a fire, you can still visit a modern version of it that opened in 1997 in London.
Porcelain Tower of Nanjing
The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing was a rare and beautiful structure built in the early 15th century by the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The tower had a 97ft octagon-shaped base and rose to the sky at a height of 260ft. Naturally, the glossy nine-story structure was a sight to be seen, and people flocked from all over the country to visit this architectural beauty.
The tower, located over the flowing Yangtze River in Nanjing, survived for more than four centuries before it was destroyed in the 1850s, by the Taiping Rebellion. The ruins were basically untouched until a businessman donated $156 million to rebuild the iconic Porcelain Tower in 2010. So, even if it's not the original, you may still be able to visit!