Inside Hookah - Online Hookah Lifestyle Magazine

Five or six miles from home there was a large hotel that was abandoned. Everything was exactly as it should have been, except that hotel hadn’t had any guest for about twenty years. The keys were still on the hooks by the front desk, the beds made, and all the silverware polished, waiting for dinner parties that would never come. It held a sense of mystery for me – finding what was around each corner, studying the ancient, enormous furnace in the basement from top to bottom and eager to learn all of its secrets and stories.

Years later I stumbled across something on the Internet: Urban Exploration, otherwise known as UE. There was a whole community of people dedicated to exploring the building and structures deemed forgotten or “off limits.” With no particular geographical bias, groups across the globe have organized to share their experiences and explore abandoned breweries, sanitariums, and even abandoned houses. The point is simply to explore. Their motto, borrowed from the Sierra Club, “Take only pictures, Leave only footprints.”

There are risks involved primarily that of a trespassing citation - and for those who decide to force their entry, a full fledged felony charge of breaking and entering – but also exposure to asbestos and the danger of decaying structures are also risks associated with UE. As the indulgence grows, so do crafty ways for managing risk: Asbestos can be mitigated with a P100-respirator to filter the asbestos, and the danger of a caving ceiling avoided with common sense and bringing a friend. Step lightly, carefully, and in most cases you will be fine.

If you have ever seen an old building, steam tunnel, or anywhere else you aren't supposed to go, UE can take you there. People have explored decommissioned missile silos, abandoned hotels, houses, foundries, steam tunnels, and even the Paris catacombs! I hope to see you out there. Happy Exploring!