Let me take you back to a time when I was exploring Africa during a very interesting global event. People around the world were voting for the new seven wonders of the modern world. This contest aimed to celebrate the incredible achievements of humanity, replacing the long-lost wonders like the Colossus of Rhodes and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
As I watched skyscrapers pierce the sky and rockets launch into space, I couldn’t help but marvel at what humans have accomplished. It’s truly amazing what we can create!
The contest, started by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber, lasted over a year. Voting took place mainly online and via text messages. I’ll admit, the winners seemed a bit biased, likely influenced by hometown pride.
While I can’t decide on the top wonders myself, I have a soft spot for Petra in Jordan. Riding a horse through a narrow passageway that opens up to the stunning Treasury building was a highlight of my travels. It truly lived up to everything I had heard about it.
The pyramids in Giza, Egypt, also made the list. They’re incredible, but visiting can feel somewhat overwhelming. The crowds of tourists and vendors can take away some of the charm. The Great Sphinx nearby was a letdown too, with fast-food chains right next to it.
Chichén Itzá in Mexico, another winner, has a majestic feel. It’s the largest of the ancient sites in the Yucatán, complete with ballfields and baths. My grandmother often shared stories about “Colonel” Edward Thompson, a U.S. consul who unearthed treasures at Chichén Itzá long ago.
Latin America also shines with the towering Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and the breathtaking Machu Picchu in Peru. The mystery around Machu Picchu, built high in the Andes, leaves you wondering how the Inca people did it and why they abandoned it. I remember witnessing an avalanche there once, yet the hikers were miraculously unharmed.
In Rome, the Colosseum stands proudly, surrounded by historical gems like the Roman Forum. It’s like bumping into an old friend when you see it. I visited once during a special Easter service led by Pope John Paul II.
The Taj Mahal, a masterpiece built as a tomb by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, certainly earned its spot. We admired its beauty at both dawn and dusk, and the sight left us in awe. The intricate carvings and glowing marble were just as magnificent as I had imagined.
The Great Wall of China was the final wonder, impressive enough to be seen from space. I’ve visited it three times, always in the rain! Once, I explored the ruins at the wall’s far end, where it reveals the passage of time.
Reflecting on these wonders, I realize the voting didn’t reveal much. It simply confirmed that tourists flock to the popular spots highlighted in travel books.
Visiting these incredible places reignited my wanderlust. Just pass me a travel brochure — whether it’s Angkor Wat or the skyscrapers of Dubai — and I’m ready for the next adventure!
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