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Can I Buy An Entire Town For Real?

Buying an entire town might sound unbelievable, but it’s actually possible! These places, once thriving with life, eventually became abandoned, and many are now up for sale. While ghost towns can be eerie, they also have a unique charm. There are thousands of such towns for sale in the U.S. alone, and their conditions vary greatly. Some still have a few residents, while others have been deserted for decades. The idea of owning an entire town sounds exciting, especially when considering the surprisingly affordable prices. However, purchasing a town isn’t as simple as buying a house.

Towns, in most cases, are unincorporated, meaning they aren’t part of a local government. This makes it difficult to secure a traditional loan from banks. While mortgages are available for homes, getting financing for a $200,000 ghost town is a different matter entirely. Even so, the possibility of owning a town is intriguing. If you have the funds to invest, there are some things you should consider. Many of these towns lack basic amenities like running water, electricity, and other essentials. In addition, many of the structures were built before modern safety codes were established, creating potential risks for future inhabitants.

For instance, in Utah, there’s a ghost town for sale for $199,000. The buildings are in poor condition, but the new owner could transform it into a tourist destination. Some ghost towns even have paranormal histories, with rumors of hauntings leading residents to abandon their homes. The price of these towns can drop significantly, with one town in California, Swans, selling for as little as $70,000 in 2013. But why are these towns for sale?

Many were initially built by companies for their employees working in gold or silver mines. These mining towns often had over 5,000 residents, but once the natural resources were depleted, the towns were abandoned. Years later, these once-thriving places would appear in real estate listings. For example, the famous ghost town of Swett in South Dakota, now for sale, includes not just land and buildings, but also a tavern, a gas station, and a local store.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of these abandoned towns that could catch your interest. In Italy, there’s a village called Arto. Barbara Fi’s family began purchasing houses there 30 years ago. Over time, they connected the 18 houses into one structure, preserving the historical nature of the village using old materials like stone and wood. The village, once home to only two elderly residents, now belongs entirely to Barbara’s family. They’ve even converted an old barn into a banquet hall and stone stables into a lounge. Such historic properties can be found in various parts of the world, offering unique opportunities for buyers.

Another intriguing option is a ghost town in Spain, which offers scenic landscapes and development opportunities. This rural town includes three rustic stone houses built over a century ago. While they need extensive renovations, these properties could be turned into boutique holiday home rentals. The town boasts century-old greenery, a fountain, and a stone oven, all surrounded by rolling fields, lush woodlands, and flat plains. It’s a beautiful location, just 15 miles from coastal towns and famous attractions.

Perhaps you’re drawn to the idea of becoming a mayor in a ghost town. Pierce, Arizona, may pique your interest. Founded in 1895, the town was originally built after gold was discovered in the area. The town flourished, and by the early 20th century, it boasted a blacksmith, restaurants, hotels, saloons, and even an attorney’s office. However, by 1927, mining activity waned, and the town eventually became abandoned in the 1940s. The town is now up for sale, with the chance to purchase not only the land but also historic buildings and artifacts from its general store, which is over 125 years old.

Another notable ghost town for sale is Wild Westtown in Colorado. Located at the base of the San Juan mountains, this town was a popular stop for miners seeking late-night refreshments. Today, the well-preserved historic buildings include various artisan businesses, commercial spaces, and even an old school photography studio. The property also features the original 1875 San Juan County Courthouse and a mine where tourists can try their hand at panning for gold and gems.

In Italy, the medieval hamlet of Sahal offers a castle, an 18th-century stately home, a four-story lookout tower from the 1220s, and a majestic park. This historic site is located between two Italian cities, Modena and Bologna, and offers a glimpse into the past. Sometimes, towns like Sahal are listed on sites like Craigslist or eBay, where deals for potential town buyers can be found.

So, when considering the purchase of a town, it’s essential to carefully review the fine print. Sometimes, a village may require significant investment to become functional. In these cases, ownership might be purely ceremonial, offering nothing more than a plaque or a key to the city. Even if you’re not planning to buy a town, the idea of owning one can spark curiosity. Who knows, maybe your next pastime will be looking for ghost towns for sale!

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Never Travel Without a Diaper, Here’s the Reason

If you've ever been pickpocketed, the harsh truth is you might have unknowingly made it easier for the thief. But don't worry—here are ultimate tips to prevent it from happening again. Scammers can be incredibly clever, using tactics to make you part with your money willingly. Before heading out, it's essential to research common scam techniques in your destination. For example, Paris has a well-known scam where individuals offer to help with Metro tickets.

The scam typically plays out like this: after a long flight, you arrive at the Metro station ready to buy tickets. A person in regular clothing may approach, offering assistance. However, these individuals are often scammers, not helpful locals. Instead of purchasing the "carnet" (a book of 10 Metro tickets) as promised, they might buy a child's single fare ticket and keep the extra money. The best way to protect yourself? Politely refuse assistance and buy tickets directly from legitimate machines, which offer multiple language options, or from an official kiosk.

Now, let's talk about worst-case scenarios. Imagine your belongings have been stolen, even in a public restroom where space is limited for your luggage. What are the two items you must never travel without? That's right—your passport and wallet. Always keep these essentials with you. To secure them, consider wearing clothing with internal pockets or use a pouch that stays in front of you. You could also use a small hook to lock your zippers together, making it difficult for thieves to access your bag.

There are countless travel accessories available online, but you can create your own safety solutions. For instance, instead of buying socks with pockets, you can layer two socks—one shorter and one taller—placing valuables between them for hidden security.

Researching your destination is crucial, not just for safety but also for understanding local laws and health requirements. Some exotic destinations may require vaccinations, so check health advisories in advance.

Be cautious about packing advice you find online. Some "pack your luggage with me" bloggers may suggest questionable methods, such as hiding valuables inside a diaper. This can attract suspicion during airport security checks and result in your belongings being held for inspection.

When traveling, avoid checking items you aren't prepared to lose. Statistics show that for every 1,000 checked bags, seven get lost. While many are eventually returned, it could take weeks or even months. I once had my bag lost after a European trip, and it took a month to locate it. Unfortunately, the delicious cheese I bought in Italy was no longer consumable.

Hotel security is another concern. While there are portable locks and safety gadgets available, space limitations in carry-on luggage can make it hard to pack them all. A simple trick? Use a towel from your hotel. Rolling it tightly and placing it under the door can create a barrier against under-door intrusions, though it's not a perfect solution.

Here's a surprising tip—keep a crayon in your wallet. Crayons are always ready to write, don't break easily, and won't run out of ink. Plus, they can help prevent your cards from bending or breaking inside your wallet.

Consider bringing two phones while traveling, especially abroad. This isn't just for communication but as a precaution against theft. Carry a decoy wallet and phone in your back pocket while keeping your primary wallet and phone securely in the front pocket. If confronted, you can hand over the decoy items, keeping your real valuables safe.

Surprisingly, attracting thieves isn't always about flashy accessories. Simply looking attractive and well-dressed can draw unwanted attention, especially for women. Thieves may assume a stylish appearance equates to wealth. To minimize risk, avoid overdressing while traveling. Plus, this approach leaves extra space in your luggage for souvenirs and allows you to donate old clothes at your destination, avoiding excess baggage fees.

A clever trick to deter thieves is using duct tape. Making your belongings look worn or shabby can make them less appealing. Thieves often target pristine, high-value items that are easier to resell. Cover your phone case, laptop, or backpack with worn tape to reduce its attractiveness.

Finally, some tourist spots are notorious for pickpocketing. For example, Rome's Trevi Fountain sees many thefts due to the large crowds. However, Barcelona is often cited as the world's pickpocketing capital. To protect yourself, secure your bags by looping the strap around a chair leg, keeping it on your lap, or placing it between you and a companion. This makes it more difficult for thieves to snatch your belongings.

Stay vigilant and enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Safe journeys!

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Why every restaurant has the same BORING desserts?

When dining out, you might notice a trend depending on the restaurant. The entrees and drinks can vary widely, but when the dessert menu arrives, the choices often feel repetitive. Cheesecake, chocolate lava cake, fruit pie, sorbet, or ice cream – these familiar options dominate the dessert lists at many establishments. Desserts in restaurants tend to feel uninspired, but it doesn't have to be this way. Effective menu curation can significantly impact a restaurant's success, as profit margins in the industry are notoriously tight.

Profit margins in the restaurant business are often lower than expected, with many aspiring restaurateurs entering the industry under the misconception that it's glamorous. Katherine Gordon, who teaches restaurant and culinary management at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York, explains that revenue primarily comes from food and beverage sales. However, expenses such as ingredients, staff salaries, rent, and utilities can quickly eat into those profits. After taxes, the remaining profit can be quite minimal. Therefore, the menu plays a critical role in maximizing profits, but pricing is a delicate balance. Charge too much, and customers may be deterred; charge too little, and profit potential is lost. Entrees often deliver the most profit, while drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – are relatively inexpensive to make and can be upcharged significantly, contributing to a substantial revenue stream.

However, beyond drinks and entrees, turning a profit becomes more challenging. Appetizers, for example, have an average profit margin of just 22%. Savvy restaurateurs can find ways to offset costs through strategies like cross-utilization of ingredients. For example, purchasing a whole chicken is often cheaper than buying individual parts. The chicken can be broken down for various menu items: breasts for salads, thighs for dinner dishes, and scraps for chicken tacos at the bar. The bones can be used to create a stock for soups and sauces, maximizing the use of every part of the ingredient.

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