2004 World trip
During August to the
end of October 2002 I took a trip around the world to visit Urban Explorers
and Urban Exploration sites. Apart from a few minor hitches the trip went
well. I was able to meet many interesting people, all of whom were really
great hosts. I was also able to visit many great Urban Exploration sites.
Many other
Urban Explorers know I have been considering such a trip for quite some
time. As long ago as the middle of 2001 I began mentioning the idea. Serious
planning began at the start of 2002. At first I only planned a trip to Europe,
but with airfares for a round the world trip being similar to a trip to
Europe I decided to go all out.
I have
to admit, I wanted to do something that had not been done before. I had
been inspired by other Urban Explorers such as Jim Hollison and Shyx who
had traveled from the US to Europe to explore. I am sure others have done
similar trips. Meeting other Explorers was also a big goal, not just to
help keep costs down, but mostly to get to know people I had only ever got
to know in email lists and new groups. There were a lot of people I had
grown to like and respect for their achievements and conduct. These were
people who had done extraordinary things, seen amazing places, who were
innovators in the field of Urban Exploration. These were also people that
showed respect for others, and a maturity of character. These were friendly
people, willing to meet me and show me around a bit.
I think
it was the company, guidance, friendship, hospitality and knowledge of these
people that made the trip. I could have traveled and seen many sites on
my own, but it isn't the same. It was so good to be able to share ideas
and stories with other Explorers. It was nice to just head out exploring
with people who really had a passion for the hobby. I could see the enjoyment
was mutual. Some times it can be so hard to find a fellow explorer who is
really into it. It was also great to get out there and just explore! To
each and every person I met and stayed with, I extend a heartfelt thank
you. I had a great time, and it was a pleasure to get to know you all so
much better.
After
10 weeks of traveling around the world it is good to be home again. During
the trip I traveled around the world once on ten plane flights, two train
trips and about dozen bus trips, visiting ten countries. I have returned
with 3900 digital photos and 15 hours of video footage.
Videos avaliable here.
USA
  |
Site: |
Chicago -
Blues Brothers Mall |
| Rating: |
Excellent! |
| Pictures: |
151 |
| Comments: |
The massive abandoned mall in Harvey Illinois where the
movie 'Blues Brothers' was filmed. |
  |
Site: |
Saint Louis
- Armour meat works |
| Rating: |
Excellent!! - Brilliant |
| Pictures: |
36 |
| Comments: |
This is by far my favorite abandoned building in the world.
A huge building full of massive old machinery, trees growing on the
roof and more. Brilliant. Revisited in 2004 |
  |
Site: |
Detroit - Michigan
Central Station |
| Rating: |
Very good |
| Pictures: |
26 |
| Comments: |
Having seen pictures of this place online I really wanted
to see it in real life. The place is huge and well worth the trip. |
  |
Site: |
Detroit
- Fisher Body Works |
| Rating: |
Excellent |
| Pictures: |
132 |
| Comments: |
This huge factory once built the bodies for cars. Six
stories of enjoyment with a miniature railway on the top floor. |
  |
Site: |
Fort Wayne |
| Rating: |
Average |
| Pictures: |
22 |
| Comments: |
Even in a small town there are things to explore. |
  |
Site: |
Cincinnati
Subway |
| Rating: |
Very good |
| Pictures: |
54 |
| Comments: |
Adventures in the abandoned Cincinnati Subway |
  |
Site: |
Virginia Tech |
| Rating: |
Very good |
| Pictures: |
|
| Comments: |
More college tunnel exploration. This time In Virginia
Tech. |
  |
Site: |
New York |
| Rating: |
Average |
| Pictures: |
5 |
| Comments: |
Some pictures from my travels around the New York subway. |
  |
Site: |
New York |
| Rating: |
Excellent |
| Pictures: |
|
| Comments: |
Exploring an aircraft carrier and submarine in New York. |
England
  |
Site: |
London |
| Rating: |
Excellent |
| Pictures: |
|
| Comments: |
Exploring semi-abandoned tunnels under a still in use
mental hospital. |
  |
Site: |
Liverpool |
| Rating: |
Very good |
| Pictures: |
|
| Comments: |
The brilliant Williamson's tunnels in Liverpool. A bit
of an an exclusive tour thanks to the great team there. |
Scotland
  |
Site: |
Glasgow |
| Rating: |
Excellent!! |
| Pictures: |
29 |
| Comments: |
The brilliant abandoned Glasgow rail tunnels. Including
Botanic Gardens. |
Netherlands
  |
Site: |
Netherlands
- Rotterdam |
| Rating: |
Average |
| Pictures: |
5 |
| Comments: |
Just a few images from my Rotterdam walkabout. Please
note this was a great city, I just did not do much exploring there. |
Germany
  |
Site: |
Germany - Gronau |
| Rating: |
Excellent!! |
| Pictures: |
100 |
| Comments: |
A massive abandoned factory on the German border complete
with indoor gardens and more. |
France
  |
Site: |
Paris Catacombs |
| Rating: |
Excellent!! - Brilliant! - The best! |
| Pictures: |
221 |
| Comments: |
The holy grail of Urban Exploration, the Paris Catacombs. |
  |
Site: |
Paris
- Abandoned Metro stations |
| Rating: |
Very good |
| Pictures: |
21 |
| Comments: |
Paris has about 8 abandoned Metro stations. I photographed
5 of them. I had visited another 2 without realising it. |
Italy
 |
Site: |
Roman Catacombs |
| Rating: |
Very good |
| Pictures: |
None - 5 videos. |
| Comments: |
|
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