Monday Ground Up: History Comes Alive At Ripley's In Gatlinburg

Robert Ripley was an eccentric man and an avid traveler. He took the world by storm visiting far off lands and unblemished territories and cultures. Places like India and the Orient were unconventional areas for the American traveler during the 19th century, however Ripley's obsession drove him to these areas to study the local customs and speak with people in the area.

His favorite location to visit was China, and considering the amount of oddities from that particular country in the museums, it surely shows his passion for the country. Over the years, Robert Ripley collected an amazing collection of oddities and stories that serve to entertain the public even today.

“I have traveled in 201 countries and the strangest thing I saw was man”
— Robert Ripley

Merry Christmas To All

Instead of the usual Christmas glitter graphic , I decided to compile some of my best shots and videos from the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies into a video. The music and composition is by my wonderful and dear friend Mary Gunderson of 1149 Productions. If you like to check out more of 1149 production's latest work, scroll down to the world music section.

I'd like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. You, my readers, are what make Ancient Digger so special.

Happy Halloween: Wacky Freaks At The Historical Ripley's In St. Augustine

 (actual shrunken head at Ripley's) Click on the head for more freaks! lol

On May 21st, I posted this bizarre travelogue on my website Travelsphere and it received an amazing response. Due to my schedule, I haven't been able to update the site, however I did want to share my trip to Ripley's in St. Augustine and the bizarre items I captured on film.

Robert Ripley was an eccentric man and an avid traveler. He took the world by storm visiting far off lands and unblemished territories and cultures. Places like India and the Orient were unconventional areas for the American traveler during the 19th century, however Ripley's obsession drove him to these areas to study the local customs and speak with people in the area.