Okay, i've changed my blog's header pic..to of coz, what else, the Taj Mahal. But it looks grim and sorta eerie - thanks to my camera's dramatic effect. :-)
Because of the Taj, I got thinking of the Seven Wonders of the World..where the new ones are :-
picture courtesy of new7wonders.6te.net/1) Great Wall of China, China
Built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a stone-and-earth fortification created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols. The Great Wall is actually a succession of multiple walls spanning approximately 4,000 miles, making it the world's longest manmade structure.
(I was supposed to be able to see 2 wonders of the world back to back -the Great wall and the Taj, but our Beijing tour was canceled and we headed to Taiwan instead)
2) Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and cost approximately $250,000 to build - much of the money was raised through donations. The statue has become an easily recognized icon for Rio and Brazil.
(Brazil is just too far away...hate flying nowadays!)
3) Machu Picchu,Peru
Machu Picchu, an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2 towering Andean peaks, is thought by scholars to have been a sacred archaeological center for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain citadel was later abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter; most visitors visit by train from nearby Cusco.
(As above, if not for the flying, would definitely try to go)
4) Chichen ItzaYucatan Peninsula, Mexico
The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza. This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately 800 to 1200, and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. The most familiar ruin at the site is El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory.
(no interest*shrug*)
5)The Roman Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Rome's, if not Italy's, most enduring icon is undoubtedly its Colosseum. Built between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., it was in use for some 500 years. The elliptical structure sat nearly 50,000 spectators, who gathered to watch the gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles, including battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes and stone-robbers have left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, but portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2,000 years later.
(Overrated......... didnt like it, visited during backpacking days circa 2000)
6) Taj Majal, Agra, India
A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Majal was built between 1632 and 1648. Considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India, the white-marble Taj Majal actually represents a number of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian. The Taj Majal also encompasses formal gardens of raised pathways, sunken flower beds and a linear reflecting pool.
(Amazing....a must see!)
7)Petra, Jordan
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be early experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create an pseudo-oasis. A number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame.
(Could be overrated as well? It could be glam coz of Indy and the Holy Grail? Hmm)
From the original list- WIki said the Giza Pyramid of Egypt, the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, was granted an honorary site. This is a must see as well....Ppl i know who visited Egypt said its great..
And looking at the 13 finalists of the New Seven Wonders of the World, i'm going into boasting mode now...i've seen 4 of them!
1) The Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia,
(awesome!)
2) the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France,
(romantic)
3) Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto, Japan,
(zen-like)
4) Stonehenge, Amesbury, the UK..
(stones in a circle..hhehe..)
Uh hummm :-))
And the other finalists are :-
1)Acropolis, Athens, Greece;
2) Alhambra, Granada, Spain;
3) Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey;
4) Moai, Easter Island, Chile;
5) Red Square, Moscow, Russia;
6) Statue of Liberty, New York, USA;
7) Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia;
8) Timbuktu, Mali; and
9) Neuchwanstein, Germany.
Of the above, the one most likely i'll get to see will be the Statue of Liberty, as i'm hoping to visit my friend Ling in New York soon....But then again, its gonna take hourssss to get there...:-(
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Cy and me...
Its cliche...but it is the most beautiful building in the world!! I havent seen the whole world, but having traveled to some 20 odd countries (lemme check my facebook app where one can show off the number of countries traveled) so far, it is the most beautiful thing i've seen...
