Some people are really careful about what they eat, try to cut down on fats and sugar to ensure a healthy life, others just don’t care and stuff themselves with all kinds of junk foods. But there’s another type of people, those that gamble with their lives for a rush of adrenalin or for a taste they find irresistible.

Here are the world’s deadliest delicacies:

Cassava

Cassava

Cassava crops are very common in Africa and South America because they have the ability to grow in unfertile soil and withstand long droughts extremely well. They are very hard to find in other parts of the world and are richer in carbohydrates than maize and cereal crops.

They do however have a major flaw, the ability to kill a person. Cassava roots contain cyanogenic glycosides that are converted into hydrogen cyanide by an enzyme called linamarase. This happens when the plant’s cells are ruptured, most often when it is eaten. That’s why Cassava has to be processed very carefully, if consumed raw it can cause death.

Ackee

Ackee

Ackee has become the national fruit of Jamaica, even though it is not native to the island. It was imported around 1780 from West Africa. Ackee fruits are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin A, zinc and protein and are an important ingredient in many Caribbean dishes.

Still, if you’re ever in Jamaica, don’t go stuffing your face with Ackee fruits, it may be the last thing you do. Unripe Ackee fruits contain dangerous alkanoid poisons that provoke serious vomiting, seizures and even fatal hypoglycemia. Even when ripe, Ackees are not eaten entirely, the shiny black seeds and the red shell are discarded, only the soft inside is edible.

Apples

Apple

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Entirely true, but, if you eat the seeds, he might stay away because there’s nothing he can do to help you.

Scientists have discovered that eating a large quantity of apple seeds is extremely hazardous to our health, because they contain a certain amount of cyanogenic glycoside, commonly known as cyanide. The amount of seed necessary to cause damage isn’t known yet, but the seeds of just one apple should have no negative effect on an adult. Children are more vulnerable however and should be taught to avoid eating the apple whole.

Symptoms of apple-seed intoxication include abdominal pains, vomiting, excessive sweating, coma and even death.

Snakes

Snake

Like scorpions, tarantulas and other spiders, snake poison is neutralized when the meat is cooked, so you shouldn’t be worried about side effects if you don’t eat them raw. However in China and other Asian countries, snake parts are sometimes eaten raw, like the snake blood, a delicacy many of us probably couldn’t stomach. The snake is gutted, the blood gathered in a small glass and then mixed with the bile.

Chinese believe this a powerful aphrodisiac that also has the power to cure sexual deficiencies. Normally there shouldn’t be any danger, since the venom is collected in the snake’s head, but it can sometimes be present in its blood. So if you’re going to try snake blood, make sure you say a prayer before.

Puffer fish

Puffer Fish

Definitely the world’s most popular toxic delicacy, the Puffer Fish may look funny but it’s definitely no joke. It contains high levels of tetrodotoxin, a powerful poison that paralyzes the muscles, eventually killing the victim through asphyxiation. The poison is present mostly in the liver, ovaries and skin and only licensed chefs are allowed to cook this dangerous meal. Seems only normal if we remember that, in medieval times, the chef had to share the client’s fate if he didn’t remove the poison correctly.

People die every year from fugu poisoning since there is still no cure for tetrodotoxin, all doctors can do is sustain the respiratory and circulatory systems until the poison wears off. Despite all this, Fugu is as popular as ever.

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Tombs and mausoleums may seem like dark, spooky places for some people, but some of them are amazing pieces of architecture of great historical value. Here are the 7 most important burial places in the world:

7. Westminster Abbey

Wesminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has often been referred to as the most beautiful cathedral in Britain and one of the most interesting holly places in the world. Throughout history, many English monarchs have been crowned and later buried here, but not many know that aristocrats and priests that served at Westminster also rest in the chapels surrounding it.

A great example of Gothic architecture at its finest, Westminster Abbey serves as eternal resting place for some of England’s greatest poets and writers. Geoffrey Chaucer, John Keats, John Milton, William Blake and many others are buried in an area known as “The Poets’ Corner”.

6. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Lenin Mausoleum

Inspired by other famous mausoleums like The Tomb of Cyrus the Great and The Step Pyramid, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular landmarks in Russia. This is where the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the first real leader of the Soviet Union.

Lenin’s body has been on public display from the year he died, in 1924, until present day and hundreds of thousands Russians come to pay homage to one of the world’s most controversial rulers, every year.

5. The Mausoleum of Hadrian

Mausoleum of Hadrian

Known also as Castel Saint Angelo, the Mausoleum of Hadrian was built in Rome between 135 and 139. It was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian himself, as a burial place for him and his family and his ashes were placed here after his death in the year 138. The remains of his wife Sabrina and his adopted son, Lucius Aelius, are also kept in the mausoleum.

After Hadrian’s death Romans started placing the remains of the following emperors in Castel Saint Angelo, until the year 217 when emperor Carcalla died.

4. The Pantheon

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best preserved building dating from the time of ancient Rome and its name is now applied generally to places where illustrious personalities are buried. It was built in the year 125, under the reign of Emperor Hadrian, but the design has often been credited to one of the most famous architects in history, Appollodorus of Damascus.

The Pantheon was used as a Catholic Church since the seventh century and started acting as a tomb during The Renaissance. Artists like the painter Raphael, the composer Arcangelo Corelli are buried here.

3. St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter Basilica

“The greatest of all churches of Christendom” is the burial place of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles and the first Bishop of Rome. Saint Peter is considered the most beautiful building of its age, from an architectural point and one of the holiest places in the world.

Saint Peter is believed to be buried under the altar of the basilica, along with 91 popes, artists and royalty like James Francis Edward Stuart, Roman Emperor Otto II or Queen Christina of Sweden.

2. The Great Pyramid of Giza

Great Pyramid of Giza

The only surviving structure of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in 20 years around the year 2560 BC, as a tomb for Egyptian King Cheops.

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most famous structures in the world and, along with the other pyramids of Egypt, it makes for one of the most beautiful tourist destinations on Earth. It was the tallest building in the world for 3,800 years, an amazing performance considering when it was built.

1. The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal

The finest example of Mughal Architecture, a complex style that combines Persian, Indian, Turkish and Islamic elements, Taj Mahal is “the jewel of Muslim art in India. It was built by Shah Jahan, emperor of the Mughal Empire, as a burial place for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

The white marble dome is the most popular part of the entire Taj Mahal complex and it houses the remains of both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

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The travel industry is on a continuous increase so there’s no surprise that more and more myths surface when it comes to going on holiday somewhere outside of your country – some true, some false. We’ve found the 10 most common travel myths and tried to debunk them in the article that follows.
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Two Star? Four Star? Five Star? The really nice hotels think that’s not even a hotel. The real hotels are seven stars. If you are looking to live like a king, then you need to stay where kings stay. For the rich and famous, anything less would be unthinkable. So when you are looking to live like a king and have your entourage join in, consider these places. Room start at a measly $7,500 dollars a night. But hey, you’re worth it.

The Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski- Sultan’s Suite ($7,500 per night)

Ciragan Palace Hotel

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The City of San Francisco is one of the most popular settlements in the USA and a world famous tourist destination. It has so many interesting landmarks that it’s hard to know what to visit, especially if time isn’t on your side, but there are some city sights you certainly don’t want to miss.

5. Union Square

Union Square

Throughout the years Union Square has become one of the most famous shopping districts in the entire world, and one of the largest in America. This is where you can find a large collection of big department stores, boutiques, art galleries, trinket shops and salons, basically any establishment that will gladly provide you with anything you desire, as long as there’s money in your pockets.

Union Square has been called the heart of San Francisco on several occasions and as such, it hosts all the city’s important events and celebrations. This is also where the Christmas festivities, private parties and concerts are organized.

4. Coit Tower

Coit Tower

Designed by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Howard and constructed atop Telegraph Hill, in 1933, Coit Tower is one of the most popular sights in San Francisco. It is a 64 meter high art deco creation, decorated with murals by 26 different artists and several other assistants. Most of the murals depict “leftist” political themes like the Great Depression.

Standing atop telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers great views of all the other major sights of San Francisco.

3. Fisherman’s Wharf

Fishermans Wharf

Known for its delicious seafood and historic waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is a place where anyone can find something to do. There are museums like the Musee Mechanique, The Fisherman’s Wharf Wax Museum or Ripley’s Believe or Not, street entertainers, souvenir shops and old restaurants where you can try fresh seafood specialties like Dungeness crab and clam chowder, while watching the fishermen arranging their fishing boats.

Although it doesn’t resemble the rest of San Francisco, it is the most popular attraction in “The City by the Bay”.

2. Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

The most internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge is considered one of the most beautiful examples of bridge design and engineering. It was constructed in 1937 to connect the city of San Francisco to Marin County and at that time it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It’s painted in International Orange, a color that helps it blend with the surrounding elements and makes it more visible in case of fog.

Golden Gate Bridge holds the honor of being “possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world” according to Frommer’s Travel Guide.

1. Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

Known as simply Alcatraz, or The Rock, Alcatraz Island first served as a lighthouse location, then as a military facility, then a feared prison and is now one of San Francisco’s most visited tourist attractions.

During 29 years of operating as a penitentiary, there have been no reports of inmates successfully completing their escape attempts, although many have tried. Criminals like the infamous Al Capone, Robert Stroud or James Bugler all served time here, and now tourists from all around the world come to visit their cells and find out what made Alcatraz escape-proof.

We can say Alcatraz went from being a place where no one ever wanted to go, to being an international travel destination, for which people buy tickets in advance.

So don’t waste time book your hotel in San Francisco today and check out these amazing sights of the City By The Bay.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

There’s something fascinating about each place on Earth but Peru has one of the most unique gifts of all - a cultural and natural treasure that has been fascinating people for millenniums.  Traveling between the mystical Andes and the legendary Amazonian jungle leads one to new human experiences. Here’s our pick for the 7 most fascinating things about Peru!

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