After finally getting out of the ark, Noah and his family were given another big task. Twice God told them, “Be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it” (Gen. 9:7). When they heard that, they likely understood it as we all do, as instruction to grow large families and settle all over the world. God had created a big, beautiful planet for his creation. Now it was time for lots of people to see, explore, and enjoy it.
Noah and his boys never could have dreamed of the ripple effect that came with repopulating the planet.
Every descendant of Noah is unique, and we don’t need National Geographic to see that the world is vast and filled with variety. More people in more places inevitably results in some strange and wonderful places being created or found. Every noteworthy location is going to have a story and history, and there’s more out there than Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, and Machu Picchu. Much, much more.
The Atlas Obscura Podcast, as the name suggests, is a guide to the less discussed, but no less fascinating places on the map. Every weekday, host Dylan Thuras takes us to mysterious, quirky, and interesting overlooked destinations. From an East Detroit art exhibit that takes up an entire city block, to the subterranean cisterns of Istanbul, and Sweden’s Disgusting Food Museum (open noon-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during the summer), there’s no question that Noah’s children are still doing the job.
First-hand experience is always best, so Thuras lets the curators, residents, and lovers of these locations give the histories and share their personal experiences with the places, which brings a special meaning to the very short episodes. Through the audio journeys we meet witches and scientists, museum workers, and a woman who enjoys buying eggs more than she does eating them. Really, it makes sense when you understand where she gets her eggs.
After being in lockdown for so long, it’s expected that the popular tourist locations will be flooded this summer with people anxious to get out. But travel is never cheap. So between crowded campgrounds and belt-tightening budgets, many of us will consider staying home instead. However, there might be another option. Atlas Obscura reintroduces us to this great, wide world, while also reminding us that points of interest are everywhere. Maybe in our own backyards. (Atlas Obscura)
About the Author
Trevor Denning is an alumni of Cornerstone University and lives, lifts weights, and spends too much time in his kitchen in Alma, Mich. His first short story collection is St. George Drive and Other Stories.