HAUPTSTASSE, Switzerland – Remember Chariots of the Gods? The book was written by Erich Von Daniken. It was about how most of the world's ancient cultures were started by aliens. Why? He is a little vague on that. But it seems they were busy beavers, erecting pyramids in Egypt, temples in Mexico, landing strips in Peru and stone circles in Stonehenge, among other cool landmarks.
The book enjoyed stellar popularity. Since then, Mr. Von Daniken has published more than two dozen books, most with titles such as Gods from Outer Space; Odyssey of the Gods; Arrival of the Gods; The Return of the Gods; The Gods and Their Grand Design. You get the idea.
Mr. Von Daniken has been hugely successful at franchising his theories. He has sold more than 60 million books in 33 languages. His work has led to movies, TV shows, mass public lectures and books about the books. And, this year, the next logical step happened.
Nestled in a beautiful valley, surrounded by the postcard perfect Swiss Alps, Mr. Von Daniken opened his Mystery Park.
Billed as a place with "many questions but no answers," the Mystery Park is sure to spur debate. It is built like a giant wheel, with shops, restaurants and (alien-friendly) video games in the center. Spokes lead to seven multimedia "pavilions," each devoted to a high-tech exploration of a different mystery.
The whole thing is great fun. There are all the old standards that are sure to please the teen in everyone: 3-D glasses, black lights, smoke machines. And there are a few new tricks, including Flying-Carpet-Vision, in which images are projected below you. There is a live mariachi band in front of the Mayan pavilion. You can go for a ride in a virtual reality space shuttle. You can get your face laser-carved in plastic.
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