In 1971, Soviet geologists drilled into a massive gas cavern. The ground collapsed. Methane started leaking out. So they set it on fire.
They thought it would burn out in a few weeks. It’s still burning 50+ years later. The “Door to Hell” in Darvaza glows orange day and night.
You can camp nearby. You’ll hear the roar of the flames. It sounds like a dragon snoring. Insane photo op.
The Madidi Jungle's Bullet Ants
Bolivia’s Madidi National Park is stunning. It’s also home to the bullet ant. Its sting ranks as number one on the Schmidt Pain Index.
One scientist described it as “walking over flaming charcoal with a 3-inch nail in your heel.” The pain lasts 24 hours. You will scream uncontrollably.
Local tribes use them in coming-of-age rituals. You put your hands in gloves filled with ants. You dance for ten minutes. Then the real pain begins. Hard pass.
