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Baghdad counts on a giant Ferris wheel to attract tourists

by Jamie Rhein (RSS feed) on Aug 30th 2008 at 2:00PM

As a way to boost tourism in Baghdad, a giant Ferris wheel is being planned. Not just any Ferris wheel either, but one that is taller than the London Eye. Certainly, a huge wheel that brings people high up in the sky for all to see will give the message that Baghdad is a safe place to come for a holiday by the time it opens.

Considering that a company to build it is still being scouted out, and the funds still need to be raised, the Ferris wheel won't be opening any time soon.

The idea of sending people to great heights to promote the idea of safety is nothing new. This technique was also used by the Wright brothers in Pau, France in 1909 as a way to show that airplane travel was safe for everyone. Katharine, their sister, flew with Wilbur over the French countryside (see photo) to illustrate air travel safety, a necessary feat after a plane crashed killed someone.

In the Brisbane Times article that covers Baghdad's upcoming Ferris wheel venture are several other ways that Baghdad is currently offering its residence and people who visit there fun and relaxation.

Want more "weird"? Check out these weird hotels:

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, Iraq, News

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

masanddjs Aug 31st 2008 8:21PM

Oh yeah, that'll do it. I can hear the tourists buying their airline tickets now

stnsmok Sep 2nd 2008 3:16PM

You mean that the US isn't going to build this. Since when does the US not pay for everything.

Paul Sep 2nd 2008 3:14PM

Something else for the terrorists to blow up.

safetylid Sep 2nd 2008 9:00PM

Halliburton will do it for 1 billion dollars , and it will be up and running in no time. Just like the Iraqi infrastruture they rebuilt.

TravelGuy Sep 2nd 2008 9:05PM

I love to travel. I have been to the top of the world and to the bottom. I have been to more than 120 countries. I will, at this time, skip Iraq as a tourist destination for my family.

This Ferris Wheel leaves me unexcited. The Ferris Wheel was introduced to the world at the World's Colombian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. Bridgemaker George FerrisIt built it to rival the Paris creation of the Eiffel Tower, a landmark exhibition in 1889 in France.

I think they could come up with a more unique draw than a Ferris Wheel.

Perhaps the worlds largest shooting arcade would draw more attenion and interest.

marvinjwrm Sep 2nd 2008 5:49PM

Can't wait to go to Baghdad, me and my AK-47....

Tyggie Sep 2nd 2008 8:59PM

Yeah, let's just paint it bullseye colored and we can all go ride it. I don't think so.

jbjg24m Sep 2nd 2008 7:01PM

does AOL have any reports of its own anymore without all these others reporting on them for AOL??

john Sep 2nd 2008 8:58PM

OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH I can see an exploding IED from here!!!

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