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Top 10 most interesting place names

Friday 17 April 2009 12:07 BST
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Ever been attracted to or put off a place just by its name?

Travel website VirtualTourist.com (www.virtualtourist.com) has compiled a list of the "Top 10 Most Interesting Place Names."

1. Wee Waa, Australia

It may sound like the birthplace of Borat, but in reality it is the cotton capital of Australia and a great place to learn more about the history of the country.

2. Why, Arizona

Don't expect a town full of hyper-philosophical people. The name is a derivative of the town's distinctive Y-shaped intersection of two major highways.

3. Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Alberta, Canada

The name of this UNESCO world heritage site outside Fort Macleod refers to an ancient method of capturing bison.

4. Kissing, Germany

While not one of the world's most bustling tourist destinations, this town in Bavaria could be the ideal location for true romantics.

5. Try Again, South Africa

Giving new meaning to the term, "If at first you don't succeed". This is the perfect place for anyone looking for a second chance in life.

6. Slime, Croatia

Hard to believe that this rafting town has such an off-putting moniker. In fact, it's known for its beauty as well as its hospitality.

7. Roseberry Topping, England

It may sound like something you put on cake, but it's actually a stunning hilltop on the North York Moors with impressive views. Its name is derived from the Old Norse for Odin's rock or crag.

8. Hell, Cayman Islands

Known for its eerie rock formations, the town has good-naturedly set up a post office so that postcards can literally be sent from Hell.

9. Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

When the producers of the famous radio game show put out a call in 1950 for a town to name itself after the program and then host the show, this small spa city of about 7,300 people stepped up and changed its name from Hot Springs.

10. King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

It's generally agreed that a tavern established in the 1700s called "King of Prussia Inn" was the source of the name of this community of about 18,000 people.

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