Vasco da Gama
Vasco da Gama opened the sea route to India and changed the course of history forever. While schools teach us about his spices and sails, they often skip the darker chapters of his voyages. For instance, he started his career as a pirate hunter who seized French ships for the King. Furthermore, he once returned home with a cargo worth sixty times the cost of his entire expedition. Prepare to sail around the Cape of Storms.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame de Paris stands as the heart of France, both geographically and spiritually. While the world watched in horror as the spire fell in 2019, the cathedral has survived wars, revolutions, and riots for over eight centuries. For instance, the statues of kings on the facade were once beheaded by an angry mob who made a terrible historical mistake. Furthermore, the roof was affectionately known as “The Forest” because it contained a massive amount of ancient wood. Prepare to enter the sanctuary of the Hunchback.
Red Bull Air Race
The Red Bull Air Race combines low-altitude flying with extreme precision. While fans watch planes navigate an obstacle course at 230 miles per hour, they often miss the incredible engineering and physical demands behind the scenes. For instance, the famous pylons are made of a delicate material that rips instantly upon impact. Furthermore, many of these daredevil pilots hold regular day jobs flying passengers to their vacations. Prepare for takeoff with the aerial gladiators.