Global Destinations Where Visitors Are Strictly Off-Limits (禁止进入的)
In our times, we like to think that we can travel whenever and wherever we’d like. However, there are destinations around the globe that are simply off-limits. The reasons for these closures vary.
HEART REEF, AUSTRALIA
Located in Queensland’s Whitsundays, Heart Reef is a heart-shaped formation of coral nestled within Hardy Reef which was first discovered in 1975. As it’s a protected area, no one is allowed to swim or dive near Heart Reef. Luckily, it’s visible from above, so visitors can still take in this romantic natural formation by air.
SVALBARD SEED VAULT, NORWAY
While there are many seed vaults (种子库) around the world, perhaps the best known - and largest - is Norway’s Svalbard Seed Vault. It holds seeds from crops around the world as a safety measure against seed loss. As of June 2021, it held over 1 million different crop samples. The vault itself is closed to the public, thought ours bring groups to visit the entrance.
LASCAUX CAVES, FRANCE
The Lascaux Caves are one of the great treasures of pre-historic art. For about I5 years thousands of visitors a day entered the caves to enjoy the Paleolithic paintings, but by 1963 that had come to an end. The caves were closed to the public because the carbon dioxide generated by all the visitors caused green mold to cover the artwork. Since that time, art historians have worked diligently to restore balance in the caves.
SNAKE ISLAND, BRAZIL
As its name suggests, the island is completely filled with poisonous snakes. One to five snakes per square meter make the island their home, including the lethal Golden Lancehead viper. Native to the island, their venom becomes more poisonous as they mature. Due to their presence on the island, the Brazilian government strictly forbids visitors.
【小题1】How can you appreciate the romance of Heart Reef?| A．By car. | B．By bike. | C．By train. | D．By plane. |
| A．In 1975. | B．In2021. | C．In1948. | D．In 1963. |
| A．Heart Reef. | B．Snake Island. |
| C．Lascaux Caves. | D．Svalbard Seed Vault. |
