The Facts About Cocaine [Infographic]

Everything you ever wanted to know about cocaine, in infographic form

Via: Pharmacy Technician

Read more »

Magic tour in the small tunnels in Japan

I found a beautiful photographs are not a professional photographer about tunnels in Japan. Now I have to tell you and :-)

Shimobros - a young boy, who was born in Shibuya, Tokyo. His two main passions - motorcycles and tunnels have caused such intricate images.

Magic intricacies of small tunnels, scattered like a low-key rural trails in the Japanese prefecture of Chiba - it looks quite impressive;-)
Region of Japan - Chiba Prefecture, famous for the fact that there originated one of the biggest underwater tunnel in the world. This tunnel connects the cities of Kawasaki and Kisaradzu located on opposite sides of the strait.

However, the tunnel - not only a fascinating place Chiba, this tunnel is a lot of younger brothers, no such well-known, but, frankly, the same beautiful and carefully guarded by indigenous peoples.

Read more »

Top 10 Once in a Lifetime Experiences

Okay, some of the suggestions listed here on TopYaps can kill your bank, but what the heck, you can’t take your bank while leaving this world. The world functions on thrill, exhilaration and passion; if you’ve got the courage to look behind the curtain. And when you’ve got the courage, try to live in quest of completing these objectives that only a fistful of other folks have done in their lifespan.

1. Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest is possibly the most famous beer festival in the world.  The festival is the world’s largest fair, with over 6 million visitors attracted to the beer tents every year. But it is more than just large quantities of Bavarian Beer, lederhosen and beer halls.

Whilst Munich offers the famous steins (the drinking tankards) and German sausages, the true enjoyment factor comes from the generous German hospitality. Sitting amongst the locals you can chat and sing along to traditional German songs, all performed by Oompha Bands who perform to a crowd of thousands of happy drinkers, who in return cheer them on.

For other great stag party ideas then why not check out Red Seven? With destinations on offer around the world you can ensure an unforgettable stag weekend that really embraces foreign cultures.

2. Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland

The Fringe Festival has had a history of finding the comedians of the future. Many of the current British stars have emerged through the festival which has a knack for discovering and promoting fresh talent.

Edinburgh is a city with a great atmosphere which is further enhanced during the festival. During this time the city is rife with street acts and performers. It is an energetic place that is guaranteed to excite.

As for the Scottish people, they are friendly and hearty, and have an affinity for good humor and alcohol, two of the main themes of the festival. Whilst in Edinburgh embrace the culture and try their national dish of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties (Sheep’s offal, parsnips and potatoes).

3. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Rio Carnival has become synonymous with Brazil. Our perception of Brazilians seem to stem from this energetic, free-spirited parade. The colourful event is celebrated all over the country but Rio’s remains the biggest and most spectacular.

With the famous parades displaying a spectacular array of shapes and colors, the beat and energy of this event naturally encourages anyone who attends to throw themselves full-heartedly into the spirit of the Carnival. Recently voted the happiest city, it is easy to see why the people of Rio de Janeiro hold the most vibrant and famous of carnivals.

4. New Year Celebrations in Sydney Harbour, Australia

Possibly the best place to see in the New Year, the world famous fireworks display from the Sydney Harbour Bridge is now an iconic view just as much as the opera house that sits opposite.

The energetic personalities of the Australians, coupled with a great setting and climate, ensure you have the best New Year party possible. The crowds on the shore give the evening a electrifying atmosphere, however if you want to get a different perspective consider spending the evening on the water, with boats to hire or cruises to indulge in you can have a truly memorable occasion and get away from the crowded shoreline.

5. Boryeong’s Mud Festival on Daecheon Beach, South Korea

The Mud Festival in Boryeong, on Daecheon Beach, is an event which allows the most mature person to embrace their inner child. Rebelling against the famous maternal saying, “don’t get your clothes dirty”, this festival encourages smearing mud all over yourself.

You can equally justify your submersion into this culture of mud through the participants claim that the mud contains important minerals which reduce wrinkles and remove excess oils. Also, as any of you spa regulars will know, mud baths enhance blood circulation and encourage fresh skin growth.

Needless to say the modern day festival doesn’t revolve so much around well-being. There are competitive events including mud body painting, mud beauty contests and mud sculptures, though I imagine that all entrants into the sculpture event would resemble something from ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’.

6. Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan, Thailand

Haad Rin Beach is located in Koh Phangan, and has earned its reputation as the hot spot for hedonistic nightlife in Thailand, due to the fact that a party is held every time there’s a full moon. It is rumored that the Full Moon Party tradition started with a local throwing a farewell party for his Australian friend.

It proved to be such a popular concept that it now attracts anything from 8,000 to 30,000 party-goers every month. This is hardly surprising due to the white sandy beach setting, alcohol by the bucket and an amicable, bohemian attitude shared by all.

7. Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, China

The Chinese New Year is a lively affair where millions fill the streets to celebrate peace and happiness. It generally starts with a banquet which includes significant dishes, for instance prawns represents liveliness and happiness, whilst traditionally red clothing is also worn as this is intended to warn off any evil spirits.

In Hong Kong a spectacular fireworks display lights up the evening sky, and for New Years Day there are floats and traditional performers complimented by music and dragon dancers. Victoria Harbor, with its world-famous skyline, lends itself to the ideal backdrop for experiencing this oriental event which is steeped in heritage and a must-see!

8. The Festival of Light in Amritsar, Punjab, India

The Festival of Light, Diwali to the indigenous people, marks the commencement of the New Year for Hindus. This five day festival celebrates good over evil, light over dark. Each day of the festival brings its own meaning. The third day is where the ‘Festival of Light’ title has emerged as lamps and candles are lit, and fireworks are set off. Traditionally gifts are exchanged between the nearest and dearest.

Diwali is a celebratory event which demonstrates the warm and considerate nature of an entire culture. Amritsar, where the Golden Temple is located, is a great place to witness the third day of Diwali. The Temple is a site to behold on its own, although is enhanced to a phenomenal spectacle during the Festival of Light where you can experience a foreign culture at its best.

9. The Burning Man Festival in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA

The Burning Man is an annual event which places emphasis on community, creativity and self-reliance. The community turn up and create ‘Black Rock City’ which lasts for one week, after that the ‘citizens’ are proud to depart without a trace.

The community welcome all newcomers with open arms. Their ethos believes that the more active the participant is the more they will gain from the event.

This is a surreal phenomenon which sees the birth of a city and community, in a peculiar location, only to be returned to its original form just seven days later. This festival is all about the experience and to truly benefit from it you must throw yourself wholeheartedly into it.

10. The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain

Known to the locals as The Festival of San Fermin, due to the location. This internationally recognised event has grown massively since its believed origins back in the 13th century, and now attracts tens of thousands who wish to run with the bulls.

The running of the bulls allegedly originated from men using fear and excitement to hurry the process of taking cattle to market, although this quickly turned into a competition amongst them. Nowadays though the event is a lot more organised and isn’t just limited to farmers, in fact thousands now run through a barricaded course being chased by a thundering herd of bulls!

via: toptenz

Read more »

Snow Canyon Roads in Japan

300 meters above the sea level. Winter here lasts from November to April with the snow layer at times reaching 20 meters. A clear road runs through snow layers. 

Read more »

The History of New Year's Eve in Times Square

Every December 31, one of the biggest parties of the year happens at Times Square in New York City. People all over the world fly in to attend the live event, and millions more tune in to watch on TV and count down as the famous ball drops. Check out the graphic below to find out how the party in Times Square got started and also the changes that have happened over the years. If you've ever been to the New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square, leave a comment below and tell us all about it!

Read more »

Top 10 Horror Destinations

Travel is one of the most popular pastimes during holiday seasons but why not spice up your next trip by having a theme: a horror travel theme. This list looks at ten of the horror destinationson the face of the earth (many of which are unlikely to be known to the average person).

1.Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses, Kryzių Kalnas, located 12 kilometers north of the small industrial city of Siauliai (pronounced shoo-lay) is the Lithuanian national pilgrimage center. Standing upon a small hill are many hundreds of thousands of crosses that represent Christian devotion and a memorial to Lithuanian national identity. The origin of the first crosses is unknown, but despite repeated attempts by the occupying communists in the 20th century to destroy the hill and remove the crosses, they still come back in their thousands. You can view a panoramic image of the hill here. While the subject is not scary in itself, the concept of a hill with mysterious crosses appearing is a little disturbing.

2.Kostnice Sedlec

Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech’s Kutná Hora, has long been a popular place for burials, thanks to a monk who took part in the crusades and of Calvary rendered particles scattered here. In the 15th century a large church was built and as the cemetery was crowded because of the plague, the exhumation of the bodies began and they formed a sort of crypt. Around 1870′s a carpenter named Frantisek Rint made sculptures, candle holders and soldier’s shields out of these bones. This is one of the most popular destinations in the Czech Republic.

3.Château de Machecoul

The Château de Machecoul was home to Gilles de Rais (1404 – 1440), a Breton knight, the companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc, and a Marshal of France, but best known as a prolific serial killer of children. In 1434–35, he retired from military life, dabbled in the occult, and depleted his wealth by staging an extravagant theatrical spectacle of his own composition. Sometime between spring 1432 and spring 1433, the first child-murder occurred and was followed by similar crimes. The victims may have numbered in the hundreds. After raping the boys he kidnapped, he would slash their throats and masturbate in their blood and innards.

4.European Ossuaries

An ossuary is a chest, building, well, or site made to serve as the final resting place of human skeletal remains. They are frequently used where burial space is scarce. All over Europe ossuaries can be found and – fortunately for those of us with a love of the macabre – visited. Perhaps the most famous is the Catacombs of Paris which are a vast network of skeleton lined caverns beneath the streets of Paris. The photograph above comes from Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, a church in Rome, Italy, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII in 1626. The remains of over 4,000 friars can be viewed there. Some of the skeletons are intact and draped with Franciscan habits (as above), but for the most part, individual bones are used to create elaborate ornamental designs. This is but one of the many amazing (and spooky) ossuaries you can visit. You can view a large photo gallery and read more about ossuaries here. Be sure to check out the enormous human skeleton chandelier.

5.The Queen Mary, California

RMS Queen Mary is an ocean liner that sailed the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 for Cunard Line (then Cunard White Star Line). The Queen Mary was purchased by the city of Long Beach, California in 1967 and transformed into a hotel. The most haunted area of the ship is the engine room where a 17-year-old sailor was crushed to death trying to escape a fire. Knocking and banging on the pipes around the door has been heard and recorded by numerous people. In what is now the front desk area of the hotel, visitors have seen the ghost of a “lady in white.” Ghosts of children are said to haunt the ship’s pool.

6.Pripyat

Abandoned in 1986, Pripyat was the city founded in the Chernobyl for the nuclear power plant workers. It was evacuated after the unfortunate event and represents the sight of which the blood is chilling – roofs collapsed, water leaking, trees growing from the floor… Some people come here to take pictures and measure the radioactivity, but this adventure is better to be left to the experts.

7.Island of Dolls

This chinampa (floating garden), covered with hundreds of dolls is situated in La Xochimilco channel in Mexico. The dolls are hung from trees in order to keep the evil spirits away and to remember the death of the girl who drowned here. Judging by the words of Don Julian Santana Barer who has made an unusual “exhibition” dolls are living, but forgotten by their owners. Chinampa is accessible by boat, and the dolls are in place, although Don Barrera died in 1992.

8.Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is reputed to be one of the most haunted spots in Scotland. And Edinburgh itself has been called the most haunted city in all of Europe. On various occasions, visitors to the castle have reported a phantom piper, a headless drummer, the spirits of French prisoners from the Seven Years War and colonial prisoners from the American Revolutionary War – even the ghost of a dog wandering in the grounds’ dog cemetery.

9.Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo

First of all, these should be not confused with the many bone-houses in Europe (item 1). The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo are burial catacombs in Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. Today they provide a somewhat macabre tourist attraction as well as an extraordinary historical record. In 1599 the monks at the monastery mummified recently-dead brother Silvestro of Gubbio, and placed him into the catacombs. The bodies were dehydrated on the racks of ceramic pipes in the catacombs and sometimes later washed with vinegar. Some of the bodies were embalmed and others enclosed in sealed glass cabinets. Monks were preserved with their everyday clothing and sometimes with ropes they had worn as a penance. Originally the catacombs were intended only for the dead friars. However, in the following centuries it became a status symbol to be entombed into the capuchin catacombs. In their wills, local luminaries would ask to be preserved in certain clothes, or even to have their clothes changed at regular intervals. The catacombs were officially closed in 1880 but tourists continued to visit. The last burials are from the 1920s. One of the very last to be interred was Rosalia Lombardo, then two years old, whose body is still remarkably intact, preserved with a procedure that was lost for decades, but was recently rediscovered.

10.Winchester Mystery House

After losing her husband and young child, Sarah Winchester had become convinced that ghosts haunt her family because of the weapons produced by the Winchester family empire. To remove the curse, she moved to the unfinished farm and ordered that a new house was being built 24 hours a day. This construction, known as the Winchester Mystery House was not completed during her lifetime. Today, this ‘four-winged’ house with 160 rooms is opened for the visitors, and is located in San Jose, California. It represents a confusing layout, non-functional bathrooms and doors that silently emerge from the walls.

Read more »

15 Things You Didn't Know About Simpsons

The Simpsons, the longest running comedy in television history is an American animated television series created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. With its subversive humor and delightful wit, the series has made an indelible imprint on American pop culture, and the family members have become television icons.

Read more »

The history of the secret bombings - Phonsavan

Phonsavan (or Phonsavan) and the Plain Of Jars has probably one of the saddest stories in Laos. The city lies in a valley the borders Vietnam on the east. Phonsavan itself is not really worth a visit, it's still a rough dirt town with nothing much that makes you happy. However, the surrounding valley is spectacular for two reasons: the Plain of Jars and the crater holes as a result of heavy bombing.

Archaeologists believe that the jars were used 1,500–2,000 years ago, by an ancient civilization whose culture is now totally unknown.­

Read more »