National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we dive into myth-inspiring places, from a walking tour of Bruges to a backdrop for Japenese anime. Visit the Devil in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, see the spirits born from Japan’s natural disasters, and so much more!

A view across Brugge-Zeebrugge Canal to the Belfry of Bruges in the Belgian city of Bruges

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES

PLAN TO WALK (OR BOAT) AMONG MAGIC

The Belgian city of Bruges (pictured above) is filled with magical wonders, from holy vials to storied works of art (plus, waffles, beer, and chocolate). See a few of its most famous landmarks and experience the myth behind each one. Here’s where to start.

ENIGMATIC EXCURSIONS

A scene from Star Wars where a Star Destroyer approaches the Death Star

PHOTOGRAPH BY AF ARCHIVE/ ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

THE REAL SCIENCE IN ‘STAR WARS’

With the newest addition to the famous franchise, we are diving back into the real science that inspired George Lucas’ historic series. Could the galactic feats in this series actually be done? From Darth Vader’s breathing and Star Destroyers (above) to the dual sunsets on Tattooine, we are taking a look at the real studies behind the “Star Wars” universe.

Related: 8 places to visit if you love Star Wars
Watch: ‘The Acolyte’ on Disney+ (See the trailer here.)

Postpone Cave in Slovenia from the underground train system

PHOTOGRAPH BY ZELJKO STEVANIC, XIHUA/ EYEVINE/ REDUX

A REAL ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’

… is in Slovenia? The long-tailed creatures are real beneath the limestone hills of Postojna, Slovenia. Considered one of the most biologically diverse caves in the world (pictured above), there are a myriad of wonders found here, most notably the sightless, translucent, aquatic salamanders that used to be considered the offspring of hidden dragons in Slovenia. See what they look like.

CAVING FOR DRAGONS

Related: These dragons don’t breathe fire, but they definitely exist

GOOD READS

How do real-life fairy rings exist?

Visit the Irish ‘Hell Caves’ that inspired Halloween

Why the myth of Atlantis won’t die

The Japanese folklore behind this famous anime

Who is Hanuman? A man, a myth, and a monkey?

How the mythical creatures in Japan’s Tohoku Region were born from natural disasters

See myths, monasteries, and mountains on this Greek island

How British storms revealed the site of an ancient ‘mythical’ Welsh forest

A Jersey Devil-like monster is portrayed in a 1697 illustration

ALBUM/AKG/LISZT COLLECTION

THE DEVIL IN THE PINE BARRENS

For centuries, stories of the Devil have haunted New Jersey. But where did they even come from? And why New Jersey? Garden State folklore involves many theories on the origin of the Jersey Devil (depicted above). Here are a few.

PERIL IN THE PINE BARRENS?

Related: The hellish history of the devil: Satan in the Middle Ages

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR
MYTHICAL ADVENTURE

You might be hunting for fairy-tale creatures and sci-fi magic, but your travel gear should keep you grounded.

By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave NationalGeographic.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.*

PHOTO COURTESY OF BACKCOUNTRY

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 Backpack

While you’ve got your head in the clouds, make sure your stuff is secure. This anti-theft backpack is made with recycled slash-resistant material; has self-locking zippers; an RFID-blocking pocket to keep your credit card info safe; and a hidden laptop compartment.

BUY NOW AT BACKCOUNTRY

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Fitbit Inspire 3 Health & Fitness Tracker

While you’re out exploring, don’t forget about your health and fitness goals. This tracking device feels comfortable worn as a wristwatch, and has a battery life of up to 10 days. In addition to sleep data, it monitors stress, temperature, and heart rate.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZAPPOS

Teva Hydratrek sandals

Inspired by tree frogs, this sandal is built to help wet feet stay put, while the quick-dry, traceable recycled webbing helps with durability. An added bonus for light packers: These are water sandals you can hike in. Available in both men’s and women’s sizes.

BUY NOW AT ZAPPOS

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZON

Anker Power Bank, 20,000mAh

To stay powered up while you’re on the road, you’ll need a portable charger. This popular Anker model allows you to charge two devices at once—and you can charge your cell up to 4-5 times, depending on what type of phone you have.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

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