From Trash Cities to Cliffside Temples: The Incredible and Bizarre Places Humans Call Home

Humans are an amazing species, capable of adapting and living in some of the most bizarre and challenging places on Earth. While some people live in typical houses or apartments, others take "thinking outside the box" to a whole new level. From garbage-filled cities to tiny islands, let's take a look at some of the most unusual places where people actually call home!

1. The Garbage City - Manshiyat Naser, Egypt:

Picture living in a city where the streets are permanently buried in garbage. Welcome to Manshiyat Naser, situated in Sunny Cairo, Egypt. This city with low unemployment and cheap housing has become the unofficial dumping ground for Cairo's trash. The resourceful residents, known as the "zabaline" or trash people, recycle and reuse up to 85% of the garbage they sort. Though their work is unglamorous, it keeps Cairo a little cleaner and greener.

2. Sealand - The Smallest Nation in the World?:

Ever dreamed of living on a remote island? How about Sealand, an independent principality located on a metal platform off the UK coast? Sealand is smaller than a football field and claims to be a sovereign nation, but it's not officially recognized by any country. With a population of just a few people, Sealand has its own passports, currency, and even faced a failed invasion by mercenaries in 1978. Is it a real nation or just a quirky metal outpost in the ocean? You decide!

3. Underground Living in Coober Pedy, Australia:

Feeling the heat? Consider moving to Coober Pedy, a town in Australia where residents live underground. This unique way of life started when miners began sleeping and eating near valuable opal deposits to protect their claims. Over time, the rocky underground society grew, providing a cooler and more stable living environment. Today, Coober Pedy's residents enjoy a comfortable 72-degree temperature below the surface.

4. The Isolated Beauty of Elliðaey Island, Iceland:

Imagine living on a picturesque island with no neighbors, just you and the breathtaking scenery. Elliðaey Island, located off the Icelandic coast, is one of the most isolated places on Earth. With only one solitary residence, this tiny island offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Visitors can even rent the residence for a night, but getting there requires some effort.

5. Shoebox Apartments in Hong Kong:

Living in a small apartment is nothing new, but in Hong Kong, it reaches a whole new level. Subdivided housing units, often called "coffin apartments," cram dozens of people into a single room. These units can be as tiny as 15 square feet, making them one-tenth the size of a standard parking space. Despite their size, these shoebox apartments can be quite expensive, and the living conditions are less than ideal.

6. Whittier, Alaska - A Town Under One Roof:

Talk about living close together! The entire town of Whittier, Alaska, is located inside one building. Originally a U.S. naval base, Whittier was abandoned in 1966 and slowly transformed into a self-contained living ecosystem. With a population of approximately 214 people, this 14-story structure contains everything a community needs, from shops and hospitals to churches and a post office.

7. Santa Cruz del Islote - A Cramped Island Paradise:

Imagine living on an island the size of a football field, but instead of playing soccer, you have a close-knit community of around 600 people. Welcome to Santa Cruz del Islote, one of the most densely populated islands in the world. Despite its small size, the residents have a strong sense of community and gather weekly for music and dancing in the town square.

8. Miyake Jima - The Toxic Paradise:

Sometimes living in a beautiful location has its drawbacks. Miyake Jima, a picturesque island in Japan, sits near a stratovolcano that periodically releases deadly toxic gases. Residents are required to carry gas masks at all times to protect themselves from the sulfur dioxide emissions. The island's unique geography and cave-like interiors have been designed to protect against harsh wind and sunlight.

9. Centralia, Pennsylvania - The Town on Fire:

Centralia is a town that has been burning for over half a century. It all started with a trash fire that accidentally ignited an underground coal seam. This fire continues to burn to this day, causing the town's infrastructure to collapse, leading to the majority of its residents evacuating. Only a few stubborn souls remain, making Centralia almost a ghost town.

10. The Hanging Temple of Hengshan - A Test of Faith:

Clinging to the edge of a cliff face over 240 feet above the ground, the Hanging Temple of Hengshan in China is a breathtaking and gravity-defying structure. Built sometime between the 4th and 6th century, this unique temple represents a fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Despite its dizzying location, it is a place of tranquility and spirituality, attracting visitors from around the world.

11. The Pit of Mirny - Diamond Mine City:

Finally, we have the city of Mirny in Russia, a town that exists around an enormous hole in the ground. Once a bustling diamond mine, Mirny now remains with just a few residents. The pit is an astounding 1,722 feet deep and 3,900 feet wide, making it one of the largest man-made holes in the world. While the diamond mine has dried up, the town's incredible history and unique location continue to intrigue visitors.

So, if you ever find yourself complaining about your living situation, remember these fascinating places where humans have made homes in the most incredible and challenging environments. The resilience and adaptability of humanity are truly awe-inspiring, and these extraordinary places serve as a testament to the human spirit and creativity.