Wonders of the World Through A Traveller’s Eyes
Every time I think of the wonders of the world, I’ve been awestruck by its brilliance and its eventful years of existence. Sure, we have an official list of 7 wonders of the world, but don’t we all have our personal favourites? My name is Dana and I’ve been travelling around the world since my early 30s. And today, I’m here with a personal list of wonders of the world that amused me more than everything else. And here it goes.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Opera House is a marvellous architecture that is situated at the Bennelong Point on Sydney Harbour. Besides being perched on the world-famous harbour, the Opera House has many features to boast about. Standing side-by-side, the Opera House is shadowed, not literally, by the spectacular Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is estimated that more than 10 million people visit this UNESCO World Heritage site every year. One of the best ways to see the Opera House is a lunch cruise on the harbour that promises unique and breathtaking perspectives of the structure. Although there are so many waterfront restaurants and cafes surrounding the Opera House, a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise stands out in terms of offering the best views.
Great Wall of China, Huairou District, China
Also known as ‘Wan-li Ch’ang-ch’eng’ or 10,000-Li Long Wall, is an extensive bulwark in ancient China that is one of the most remarkable structures on the planet. It was built to prevent invasions and raids but did not prove its purpose in its time. The Great Wall of China is thought to be about 5,500 miles long. Although called a “wall,” it actually features two parallel walls for a long stretch with watchtowers and barracks dotting the bulwark.
Machu Picchu, Peru
An Incan site in Peru that was discovered in 1911, Machu Pichu is a secret Incan stronghold from the 16th century, when the natives rebelled against the Spaniards. Hiram Bingham, the one who discovered the site, believed it to be the home of the “Virgins of the Sun,” women who spent their whole lives under a vow of chastity. While many think it was a pilgrimage centre, many believed it to be a royal retreat.
Acropolis of Athens, Greece
This ancient citadel located in the city of Athens is home to the remnants of several ancient buildings of great historical and architectural significance. One of the most famous structures is Parthenon, an ancient temple that sits on the Acropolis. This was indeed an incredible experience for me and I was intrigued to learn how the Parthenon has been a temple, a church and even a mosque throughout its lifetime. Above the massive columns of Parthenon are hand-carved statues that showcase the stories of ancient gods and giants.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This volcanic archipelago situated in the Pacific Ocean is one of the world’s most incredible destinations for wildlife tours. The islands were formed through the repeated volcanic eruptions. The rugged mountain landscape is best known for its diverse array of flora and fauna, some of which are even endemic. It is said that Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was inspired after he visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 to observe its species.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
A symbol of Christianity for the entire world population, Christ the Redeemer is one of the newest seven wonders of the world. It is located at the summit of Mount Corcovado, which can be seen from anywhere and everywhere in Rio. The statue is built out of reinforced concrete laid in a mosaic of soapstone tiles and sits on a square stone pedestal atop the mountain’s summit.
