Floating Swimming Pool Spotted in Brooklyn

by Justin Glow on

Is Germany too far away to swim in a floating pool? Turns out there’s one in Brooklyn, NY.

The “Floating Pool Lady” is located at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy on an old barge — very similar to the one in Berlin. However, Germany’s pool is stationary, while Brooklyn’s is free-roaming, with plans to swim to “pool-deprived Williamsburg or South Bronx, so residents there can take a dip,” according to the Brooklyn Paper.

What: The Floating Pool Lady
Where?: Brooklyn, NY — Between Piers 4 and 5 (near Furman and Joralemon Streets), two blocks north of Atlantic Avenue. (For now.)
Cost: Free!

(Thanks, cooketravel!)

Floating Swimming Pool Spotted in Germany

by Justin Glow on

Check out this floating swimming pool that was spotted on the Spree river in Berlin, Germany, where temperatures have been unseasonably warm. It’s called Badeschiff (“bathing ship”), and it’s an old barge that’s been converted into a public swimming hole. Unfortunately the Spree is much too polluted to swim in, hence the need for a floating pool.

I really like this idea, as swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans isn’t my favorite thing in the entire world. I mean, I jump in if i have to avoid looking like a wuss for abstaining, but I’d much rather swim in a pool. It would be especially neat if the floating pool had a glass bottom, or if it was attached to a working ship so that it could be transported to different places.


During the off season, the pool is covered.

Update: As of July 4, there’s one in Brooklyn, NY.

The World’s Craziest Sports

by Justin Glow on

Forbes Traveler is running an interesting story on what they’re calling the world’s craziest sports, including chess boxing, typewriter tossing, cheese chasing, camel wrestling, and something called kabaddi, an Asian sport that’s a mix between the popular children’s game of tag, and swimming — without the water. The game “involves trying to ‘tag’ members of an opposing team and making it back to your side of the court,” explains Forbes Traveler. “all while holding your breath.”

Or how about the World Series of Elephant Polo? “… this sport can look freakish. Elephants move surprisingly fast (remember that on your next walking safari), but they’re not exactly maneuverable.”

For even more bizarre sports from around the world, visit Forbes Traveler.