10 Things You Didn’t Know About The United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom used to be two little islands that, until England was connected to France by the channel tunnel, were quite happy as a self contained unit, complete with their own laws and idiosyncrasies.  With history that goes back for what seems like forever, you have to expect one or two rules, regulations and laws that are going to be a little eccentric.

   There have been many rulers of this little island and as can be expected, all were keen to make their mark in one way or another – this is how the UK has ended up having so many ridiculously inane and archaic laws, a great amount of which, incredibly, are still applicable today.

   There are also some odd facts that you would not expect would apply to such a relatively small place as the United Kingdom.  Some are more believable than others, but nevertheless, all are true and the list below gives several examples, including some of the more ridiculous entries that the population of the UK has had to endure over the years.

1.  There’s a team dedicated to finding unbelievable UK laws

Image:  sbisson (Flickr)

Image:  Colin Smith (Wikipedia)

   As if to realise its own folly, the UK’s Law Commission has within it a unit called the Law Revision team.  These people have the less than enviable job of sifting diligently through historic, legal paperwork to find outdated and ridiculous laws.

   It is the team’s job to make some semblance of order to this legal lunacy, contemplating the future of these sometimes hilarious offerings and since 1965, the team have worked their way through mountains of paperwork and abolished around 2,000 laws.

2.  London has the world’s busiest airport system

Image:  Edward (geograph)

Image:  Ian Britton (freefoto)

    Strange as it may seem, London has the busiest city airport system in the whole world.  Although Heathrow is only the third busiest in the world alone, by passenger numbers, the airport systems records refer to the combined figures for all of the airports within the city or metropolitan area.

   To this end, London comes out at the top of the list as it has a total of six individual airports, although that figure pales into insignificance when you consider that there are in fact a total of 471 airfields and airports within the UK, along with 11 heliports.

3.  The UK is more than just England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Image:  David Dixon (geograph)

Image:  Wikipedia

   The UK – the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to give it its full title – is commonly thought to consist of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Although this is true, there is also the little matter of the overseas territories that come under its umbrella.

    In all, there is a total of 14 other UK territories, which are the long, distant remnants of the once mighty British Empire, which at one time spanned massive parts of the globe.  These territories vary in size drastically, from the British Antarctic Territory in Antarctica at 660,000 square miles to Gibraltar at a mere 2.5 square miles.

4.  The Queen isn’t freely allowed into London

Image:  Hywel Williams (geograph)

Image:  Ian Britton (freefoto)

  The sovereign of the United Kingdom you might imagine could, if they so desired, go anywhere in the country they wanted to.  Alas, this is not so, as even the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, cannot enter the City of London without the express permission of the Lord Mayor.

5.  It is divided into almost 100 individual counties

Image:  Wikipedia

Image:  Anthony Dodd (fotopedia)

   For what is, to all intents and purposes, a very small place, the UK has an absolute abundance of regional counties – 92 in total.  These range from the largest, Yorkshire in England at 6,066 square miles to Clackmannanshire in Scotland at a somewhat smaller 48 square miles.

  It doesn’t end there either, as within these boundaries there are Assemblies, Authorities, Councils, County Councils, District Councils, County Borough Councils, City Councils and City County Councils – and when you get passed these, you are then under the jurisdiction of Town Councils or Parish Councils – and each area has its own dedicated council building, generally one that is either rather elaborate or nothing more than a 1960′s concrete ‘block’.

6.  It’s home to the Lake District…which is only home to one lake

Image:  Malcolm Morris (geograph)

Image:  Neil Hanson (geograph)

  In the North West of England, you will find the Lake District National Park and within its boundaries, some of the most stunning scenery in the whole of the world. It has a total of 92 bodies of water, such as tarns, meres and reservoirs, but oddly enough, only one that is actually known as a lake – Bassenthwaite Lake.

   There are the likes of Derwent Water, Wast Water, Ullswater, along with Windermere, Thirlmere and Grasmere.  Then there are Alcock Tarn and Yew Tree Tarn – and plenty in between – but considering it’s called the Lake District, there’s just the one lake.

  Irrelevant of the names of the waters, however, the whole area is nothing short of awe inspiring.

7.  It has only had nine monarchs

Image:  ell brown (Flickr)

Image:  edsowden.wordpress.com

  Although the individual countries are centuries old, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was only born on the 1st May 1707, although it has been amended twice (first in 1801 and again in 1922).  During this period, there have only been nine monarchs on the throne as rulers of the kingdom. - four Georges (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th); two Edwards (7th and 8th); one William (4th), one Victoria and the current Queen Elizabeth (2nd).

8.  The UK sees tourists equivalent to 50% of its population

Image:  Nigel Chadwick (geograph)

Image:  Anthony Dodd (fotopedia)

   For what, in comparison to Australia or the United States, is a very small place, the UK has more than its fair share of overseas visitors.  It is estimated that somewhere in the region of 30 million people make the trip every year, more often than not for the sights as opposed to the weather.

   There is so much to see no matter which part of the United Kingdom you visit, but it is fair to say that London does attract the most tourists and it appears that it is the historical aspect that appeals to most, due largely to it having a considerably older history than many other countries in the world.

9.  Surfing is a popular pastime

Image:  Jim Champion (geograph)

Image:  Chris Allen (geograph)

    Believe it or not, you can actually go surfing in the UK and although you are not going to get the waves that you might in some of the more famous surfing locations around the world, it is a very popular pastime with a growing number of people who are more than keen to emulate their stateside cousins, particularly in the Devon and Cornwall regions of England.
Before you pack your board and shorts however, it is worth noting that the weather in the UK is probably going to be a little different to what you are used to if you’re an avid surfer – apparently the best time to surf in the UK is not the hot, balmy days of summer with the sun on your back, but the colder autumn months.

10.  The movies exaggerate.  A lot.

Image:  Oast House Archive (geograph)

Image:  Stephen Richards (geograph)

   Contrary to what appears to be popular belief, not everyone in the UK talks like the Queen or James Bond for that matter.  Neither does the normal person live in a house anything like what would be considered a castle, a manor or stately home.

The land is not crowded with grinding mills with folk doffing their hats or tugging their forelocks at the landed gentry and no matter what you have been told, everyone does not sound like Dick van Dyke in the film Mary Poppins, either.

Top Ten Places to Live in the World

   What does your ideal home look like? — Credit: d gypsy! (via Flickr)

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be? What do you find appealing about that location when compared with all of the other amazing places in this world? We’ve put together a list of the top ten places to live for people looking for certain things in their hometowns.
Before we get to our list of our picks for the top ten places to live, let’s start by figuring out what makes a location a good choice in the first place.

What Makes for a Great Place to Call Home?

   What would your ideal hometown look like? I’d bet it’s very different from my idea of the best place to live. And that’s okay. We all have different goals. We have different preferences and needs. And we’re in different places in our lives. So an area that one of us finds exciting, another might find threatening. A place one of us thinks of as tranquil and family-friendly might seem incredibly boring to another.

The key is finding the top places for you to live. It’s about figuring out what will make you happy and then finding locations that offer what you’re looking for.

   If you have children, your top places to live might include towns with plenty of safe playgrounds and entertainment. — Credit: Sam Howzit (via Flickr)

Here are some of the biggest things you might consider when trying to determine the top places to live.

• Weather — Most of us probably have climates that we like better than others. For example, I like to see the changing of the seasons with hot summers and snowy winters. Others prefer milder temperatures year-round. Some like it sunny most of the time. Others don’t mind more frequent rain. You might even prefer it to be cold all year long so you can ski whenever you’d like. Weather that makes some people happy can make others miserable. So for each of us, the best places to live likely have a climate we’d find enjoyable.
• Schools — If you have children, school systems might play an important role in choosing the top places to live. You might want outstanding public schools. You might want a good selection of private schools. You might want schools specifically tied to your religion. Or you might want to be around schools that focus on specialized teaching methods.
• Employment Opportunities — For some people, one of the biggest considerations is whether or not there are enough jobs available in their industry. The best place to live for them might be somewhere with abundant opportunities so they’d always have the option to move to a better job when they’re ready.
• Nightlife / Entertainment — Whether you’re young and single and looking for a good time at nightclubs or your idea of entertainment is a good theater, the ideal place for you to live will probably include the things you like to do for fun.
• Culture / History — Another thing to consider is how much culture or history a location has. For example, it might be important to you to have museums and a symphony nearby. Or maybe your idea of a great place to live is where you can stay in touch with your family’s history and heritage.
• Other Considerations — The examples above are far from the only things you might consider when deciding on the best places to live. Other considerations might include crime rates, the community atmosphere, whether or not a place is pet friendly, having access to hobbies like surfing or mountain climbing, healthcare options, home prices, general cost of living, and how “green” or healthy a town seems to be (like bike lanes so you can ride to work easily).

Now let’s get to our original list of the top ten places to live. Do you know of other places people might find appealing? Leave a comment and tell us why your hometown (or your favorite place) is also potentially one of the best places to live.

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   There are many factors that make the place we live the place we love to call home. Environment, weather, history, politics, economy, infrastructure, social climate, and entertainment all play a part. When choosing a place to live, your decision should be based on what issues are important to you. Finding the right combination of features is the key to loving where you live.
Healthcare and Tolerance – Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Meuse River, The Netherlands

In 2009 the Netherlands was named as having the best healthcare system in Europe by the Euro Health Consumer Index. Six criterion examined were patient rights and information, e-health, waiting times for treatment, outcomes, range and reach of services provided and pharmaceuticals. The Netherlands is additionally praised for its minimal bureaucracy and patient empowerment.
The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, has become infamous for its tolerance of the taboo. The Dutch believe that people should make moral decisions with little interference from government. Marijuana is legal. Tattoo parlors, sex shops, and the red light district draw tourists. Hostels are packed during the peak summer season.

  As far as culture, there are famous museums where you can see work by Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt. One can learn the story of Anne Frank, relax in beautiful parks and ride a bike almost anywhere. According to Claudio.Ar, “It is said that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice, more cafes than Vienna and more bridges than Paris. The tours let you discover them and other secrets of the city.”

Best Place for Singles – New York City, USA

Hudson River, New York

   In the mood for love? Although the cost of living is still high in New York, it has become slightly more affordable due to the recent economic downturn. In fact with many singles now unemployed, unmarried folks are taking advantage of their severance packages and enjoying all the city has to offer. With 35,000 restaurants, 3,800 bars, and 734 museums there is definitely plenty to do in New York City. The popular dating site, Match.com, has more active accounts in the NYC area than any other locale. Living in New York does, however require a high tolerance for crowds of people.

“The City That Never Sleeps” comes by its title easily. From piano bars to jazz lounges (and a few dozen dives of course), New York’s nightlife keeps the city hopping until early morning hours. Nightclubs like the Marquee feature world famous DJs for the partiers who love to dance. Other locals favor the Gotham Comedy Club, which Frommer’s guide declares New York’s “trendiest and most sophisticated comedy club.”

Whatever your interest, you’re sure to find it in New York City – day or night.
Mild Climate & English Speaking – Malta

Malta

  The island nation just 60 miles from Sicily, Republic of Malta, is a repeated winner of Quality of Life Index awards for best climate.
With a daily average of over five hours of sunshine, mild winters, and hot summers – Malta is considered ideal by many.
Diving, sailing, and colorful festivals abound. Golf and horseback riding are popular pastimes.

   There are few sandy beaches and yes – sometimes it does rain on the Maltese islands.
If it’s raining you can head indoors for opera, theater, music, and ballet at the Manoel Theatre in Valletta. The Manoel is the second-oldest theater in Europe.
The government is politically stable in Malta. Cost of living is low. Crime is minimal. Locals are hospitable. Travel is not difficult, despite island status.
If you lived in Malta you could check off each item on list, 101 Things to do while on Holiday in Malta.

Family-Friendly – Virginia, USA

Virginia

   The state of Virginia has beautiful shorelines and beaches. Virginia is very family and community oriented, with plenty of fairs, festivals, and community events. The people are diverse and friendly. Many of the schools are highly-ranked and offer plenty of extracurricular activities and elective courses to choose from.

  Virginia takes the health and safety of its children very seriously. According to the official Virginia government website, $515,405 was awarded to 17 projects that support youth substance abuse and violence prevention programs for 2010.
Check out this list of 57 Cool Places for Kids.
Low Cost of Living & Retirement – Brazil

   Brazil is the largest country in South America and therefore offers a broad range of opportunities for travel and diversity. From the Amazon jungles, to famous beaches, you will find the inhabitants friendly and hospitable. Although the nightlife is well known in Brazil, few are aware that Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are among the cheapest cities to live in (according to the Economist Intelligence Unit).

Want to pay off debt? Brazil is a good place to retire. Retirement visas are available with proof of income. It is common and legal for permanent residents to apply for Brazilian passports and keep their current citizenships and passports.

Brazilian health care is very good. You do not need to be a citizen to use the national health care system. Patients pay nothing out of pocket for most care. For the highest quality health care private market providers are also available – for a fee. Even so, the fees are much less than purchasing independent health insurance in the U.S. In general, you get more for your money in Brazil.
Due to the well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service industries, the economy of Brazil outweighs other countries in South America, and is quickly expanding its presence in international markets.
Simply Beautiful – Belize

Belize, considered one of the most beautiful countries in Central America, has it all. Belize touts great beaches, subtropical climate, diverse wildlife, and a low cost of living.

The scuba diving and snorkeling is fabulous. The gorgeous waterfalls underneath the Maya Mountains are rivaled only by the hundreds of colorful species of birds flying the skies.
Rent of a large house in Cayo district is only $300/month. Food at the local markets is very reasonably priced. The official language is English. The Retired Person’s Incentive Program starts at the ripe young age of 45 and allows tax free living.

Consider a snowbird lifestyle when it comes to living in Belize. The wet season is May to October. It rains all the time and there is a chance for hurricanes.
But I’d stay November through April in this beautiful land, which is just where I’d like to be rather than the cold snowy land I call home that time of year.
Stunning Scenery – Cape Town, South Africa

   Cape Town features some of the most beautiful beaches and fascinating attractions in all of Africa. Families enjoy swimming in the warm waters along the False Bay coast, where whale watching is also popular. Kids swarm to Boulders Beach to see the penguins, and for a small fee, even swim with them. The hallmark of Cape Town is Table Mountain, a gigantic slab of sandstone with breathtaking views, trails for hiking, and paragliding for the adventurous. (Cable cars are available for the not-so-adventurous.)

   The second most populated city in South Africa; Cape Town is known for being socially tolerant and culturally diverse. This coastal city is mild and rainy during the winter months, but dry and very warm the rest of the year. The bistros and restaurants offer a variety of world class cuisine to satisfy every palate, and are famous for their delicious wines. Clubs, lounges, and other entertainment venues make Cape Town ideal for the musically inclined.

   Thanks to the 2010 World Cup, business is booming in Cape Town. The real estate market is also on the upswing as more people relocate to this beautiful coastal city.
Economic Opportunities – Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt, Germany

    Those looking for a certain quality of life find their high standards met in Frankfurt, the economic capital of Germany. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange is the largest in Germany, and one of the world’s most important. According to the Mercer Quality of Living survey, Frankfurt has the highest concentration of jobs in Germany, with 922 jobs per 1,000 residents.

    Frankfurt inhabitants enjoy their city for more than its economic security. The museums, historical sites, and shopping districts are popular with the locals as well as tourists. Frankfurt is easy to travel in and out of, with one of the busiest airports in the world. Frankfurt Central Station is one of the biggest train stations in Europe, and few can resist the allure of the Autobahn. The views along the Main River are lovely, and Frankfurt is home to a number of beautiful landmarks such as the Imperial Cathedral, and the 50-acre Palmengarten flower garden.

  The cost of living is high, but is compensated with a low unemployment rate, easy transportation for business trips, and the fact that it is an industrial and financial powerhouse.  Germany’s businesses are booming.
Most Romantic – Paris, France

Eiffel Tower, Paris

  The air in Paris simply breathes romance. Not only is the enchanting ambience the perfect setting for romance, (who can see the Eiffel Tower without thinking of L’amour?) the cozy bistros and dimly lit restaurants are ideal for couples in love.

    Paris is not just for lovers; its rich heritage and stunning architecture draw millions. The Louvre, Palace of Versailles, and Notre Dame are just a few of the beautiful buildings that grace the Paris skyline. An incredible array of paintings and art are sure to please museum goers.

   As the fashion capital of the world, Paris is home to some of the most popular designers. Those looking for a career in fashion couldn’t find a more fitting place to study or work. The drawback for Parisians is a high cost of living. The good news is- Paris features some of Europe’s largest corporations, and researchers expect an increase in employment opportunities in the future. So for those who can swing it, the comfort and quality of the French life is a truly unforgettable experience. Not to mention, absolutely delicious.
Sizzling and Sexy – Miami, Florida USA

Miami, Florida

    Miami is known as the “Magic City” for good reason. With the sensual Latin flavor combined with its tropical location, Miami is home to an eclectic group of fun-loving people. Singles flock to Miami for the beaches and exciting nightlife, and then discover attractions and career opportunities that offer more than they were expecting.

  As the “Gateway to Latin America”, Miami is a city of diverse ethnicities. This sunny city is bursting with new developments, has surprisingly low rent and taxes, and an exceptional education system at the University of Miami.
Miami ranks highly with the Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network, which rates each city’s importance to the international economy. Professionals work in a number of fields including tourism, trade, and international banking. Sports and recreation enthusiasts adore Miami for the wide variety of watersports and boating activities. Everything from snorkeling to sailing, kayaking to kitesurfing; Miami’s beaches offer it all. For landlubbers, Miami features rock climbing walls, golf courses, and tennis courts. Wherever you travel, wherever you call home, remember to make the best of where you are. The people you meet, friends you make, experiences you acquire – those are the things that make life worth living.

Most Dangerous Bridges In The World: Rope Hanging Bridges.

   Are you afraid of bridges? I wouldn’t blame you if you were. While most bridges we see and travel across on a regular basis are soundly engineered and reasonably safe, not all bridges are alike.

    Bridges go far beyond the sturdy structures you drive across each day. And some of the world’s most dangerous bridges (not to mention scariest-looking ones) were intended for foot traffic. That’s what we’re going to explore here. But more specifically, we’re going look at hanging foot bridges — you know, the kind that leave you dangling above a rushing river, gorge, or some other bit of nature you wouldn’t want to come face to face with on a fall.

   Before we take a look at some of the most dangerous bridges in the world, let’s explore some of the basics about these rope-style hanging bridges.

A Bit of Background on Rope Hanging Bridges

    When you think of rope hanging bridges, what do you picture? One or two ropes like the makeshift bridges a young scout might set up on a camping trip? Or something more elaborate? Neither is right nor wrong. Hanging bridges come in a vast array of sizes and styles. Some aren’t even made with ropes. They might be made from vines or even tree roots.

   One thing these bridges have in common is that they’re primarily utilitarian. Rope bridges have been used throughout history to simplify travel. Herders would move their flocks from one plateau to another across them. Ancient peoples would connect their cliff-side villages with them. In the case of the old Incan handwoven bridges showcased below, even the Spanish conquistadors used them to transport things like canons, and they marveled at the engineering feat.

   If rope hanging bridges could support a cannon, they surely must be safe for you to walk across, right? Well, not so fast. Keep in mind that safety is subjective. Different rope hanging bridges were made in different ways. Some, like the Incan bridge, have been very well maintained whereas others have been left to the elements. Never assume by the way a bridge looks. Do some research before exploring these or other dangerous bridges to see if they’re still safe and in working order.

   And now let’s get to our list. In addition to our original list of the world’s most dangerous bridges which you can find below, we’ve added the following three new additions to excite your imagination (or perhaps strike a bit of fear). Enjoy.

Q’eswa Chaca (or Keshwa Chaca), Peru

This handwoven bridge is the last operational Incan rope bridge in existence. It has survived this long thanks to a group of families who meticulously maintain the bridge by making repairs every year (such as replacing support cables) as a way of honoring their ancestors.

Kotmale Footbridge, Sri Lanka

    This footbridge crosses the Kotmale Oya, a river in Sri Lanka. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about it despite (or perhaps because of) its apparent disrepair.

Vine Bridges of Iya Valley, Japan

   This addition to our list is thanks to a recommendation from our readers in the comments.

   Iya Valley is famous for its gorgeous mountains and the old vine bridges that span some of their valleys and rivers. Here’s a beautiful example of the kind of vine bridges you might encounter on a visit.

    let’s get to our original list of the world’s most dangerous bridges, featuring a collection of hanging rope bridges for your enjoyment.
Note: This post was originally published on May 11, 2009. It was updated with new content and additional photographs on its currently-listed publication date.
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    In an earlier post, we have discussed some of the roads that are listed among the most dangerous in the world … for driving.  Today, we’d like to acquaint you with some of the world’s most dangerous bridges that are meant only for walking.  These are the so-called rope hanging bridges. You can find a wide variety of these bridges in countries like India, Malaysia, Philippines, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, as well as in the interiors of some other countries.
A bridge can prove to be dangerous for a variety of reasons; either because it’s very old, narrow, too high up above the land, over a quick river or if the wooden “floor” goes missing.  What makes them dangerous is the fact that in spite of the condition of the bridge, they have to be used; as many a time, these pathways are the main or even the only way for the local inhabitants of a small village to reach a bigger city.   Among all the bridges, the most popular among tourists are the hanging bridges.  Let’s take a look at some of them.
   
 Before we start, I’d like to make a small note that this post is not meant to be scientific or a historical fact-sheet.   The intention is to provide some entertainment in the form of a picturesque fun post that may even hold a surprise element.  If you have ever seen or been on any such bridges, let us know and we’ll add it to the post.  Enjoy the post!

Hussaini – Borit Lake, Pakistan

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland

Aiguille du Midi at the Mont Blanc Mountain, France

Taman Negara National Park Bridge, Malaysia

That’s the world’s longest Canopy Walkway.

Hanging Bridge of Ghasa in Nepal

Siju Hanging Bridge, India

Some Hanging Bridge in India

Hanging Bridge at Thenmala, India

Just some bridge in Philippines

Repovesi nature park Valkeala, Finland

Arenal Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica

   A three kilometer hike through the Costa Rican rain forest. There are six suspension bridges, with the largest one at just under 100 meters long and 45 meters off the ground.

Hanging Bridge in Drake Bay, Costa Rica

Hanging bridge in Bohol, Philippines

Kambadaga, a village near Pita

Hanging Bridge at Trift Glacier, Switzerland

Kakum National Park Canopy Walkway

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