"Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content..." - Helen Keller
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| (Ticking off my bucket list) |
Yes, over the years we made it to all the Seven Wonders of the World. Here's what I've learned after visiting them - the most memorable aren't always the biggest, the grandest, or even the best preserved. They're the places where you can still feel the effort, patience, ingenuity, and sheer determination of the people who built them. The places where history stops being words in a book and becomes something tangible.
1. Petra, Jordan (1994)
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| (The magnificent Al-Khazneh of Petra - The Treasury) |
I visited Jordan twice, a family trip in 1994 and with a tour group in 2011.
Back in November 1994, after completing our umrah, our family of eight was supposed to enjoy a three-day tour of Jordan. Unfortunately, our travel agent failed to make the necessary ground arrangements, leaving us stranded at Queen Alia International Airport.
Fortunately, the airport authorities came to our rescue. They arranged for us to stay at the airport transit hotel, where we were provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the entire three days. To our surprise, the hotel manager even arranged for a limousine to take us to many of Jordan's historical attractions.
We managed to visit several fascinating sites, and on the final day we made the three-hour drive to Wadi Musa to visit Petra, the spectacular ancient city carved directly into towering sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago. Its most iconic monument is the magnificent Al-Khazneh, better known as the Treasury.
The Treasury did not reveal itself gradually. One moment we were walking through the narrow sandstone gorge known as the Siq, and the next, it stood before us, glowing rose-red in the morning light. We simply stopped in our tracks, speechless, taking in one of the most breathtaking sights we had ever seen.
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| (The narrow sandstone gorge) |
2. The Colosseum, Italy (2003, 2004 & 2008)
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| (The Colosseum - 2004) |
In January 2003, hubby and I spent a week holidaying in Rome and Venice. I returned to Italy in 2004 to attend The Currency Conference in Rome. My hubby joined me afterwards, and together we enjoyed another week exploring Rome, Vatican City, Naples, Capri and Florence. Then, in March 2008, we were back in Italy once again, embarking on a memorable train adventure from Genoa through Pisa and Rome, before ending our journey in Palermo, Sicily, visiting historical attractions along the way.
Three visits to Italy, yet we always found time to return to Rome, the country's vibrant capital, where millennia of history blend seamlessly with the energy of modern city life.
Among the many historical landmarks we visited, the most awe-inspiring was the Colosseum, one of the Wonders of the World. Although only about one-third of the original structure remains intact, its immense scale and grandeur are still breathtaking.
Standing within the ancient amphitheatre, it was easy to let our imaginations wander back nearly two thousand years, when more than 50,000 spectators gathered to watch gladiatorial contests and grand public spectacles.
The area surrounding the Colosseum was always bustling with tourists and souvenir vendors, with young gypsy beggars weaving through the crowds. Despite the hustle and bustle, we thoroughly enjoyed admiring this remarkable monument and exploring the fascinating network of underground tunnels that once housed prisoners, gladiators and wild animals.
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| (Exploring the underground tunnel of the Colosseum) |
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| (The Colosseum - 2003) |
3. The Taj Mahal, India (2008)
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| (The majestic Taj Mahal) |
After a wonderful week in Kashmir, hubby and I flew to New Delhi and enjoyed a tour of India's famous Golden Triangle, exploring the cities of New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
Our journey culminated in Agra, home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, the iconic white marble mausoleum built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Widely regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of Mughal architecture, it is also a timeless symbol of love and devotion.
It was a cool December afternoon when we finally entered the vast complex that houses the Taj Mahal. Visiting this extraordinary monument had been a lifelong dream of mine. No photograph or documentary could have prepared me for that unforgettable first glimpse. Seeing it in person felt almost surreal, as if I had stepped into a dream.
We lingered in awe as the marble transformed with the changing light. The setting sun bathed the monument in a warm golden glow, while the beautifully landscaped gardens reflected its perfect symmetry. Standing before such an imposing yet graceful structure was a deeply moving experience. It was one of those rare moments when reality surpassed every expectation.
Like many visitors, I was fascinated by the enduring legend of the Black Taj Mahal. According to the tale, Shah Jahan intended to build a second mausoleum of black marble on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River as his own final resting place, with the two monuments connected by a grand bridge. Although the story is wonderfully romantic and has captured imaginations for centuries, most modern historians regard the Black Taj Mahal as a myth rather than historical fact.
The Taj Mahal is more than an architectural masterpiece - it is a monument to enduring love, artistic brilliance and human ambition. More than seventeen years later, I can still vividly remember that magical December evening when I stood before one of the world's most beautiful monuments, a dream finally fulfilled.
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| (The crowd waiting for the sunset) |
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| (The Taj Mahal - 2008) |
4. The Great Wall of China (2009)
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| (A steep climb to the watchtower) |
Over the years, we visited China several times, both for work and leisure. In October 2009, the two of us went on a private tour and spent a week exploring the imperial grandeur of Beijing. The vibrant capital is a vast metropolis where modern life blends seamlessly with a history spanning more than three millennia. Our days were filled with visits to iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and several other historical treasures.
One crisp autumn morning, we set off on a journey of more than 200 kilometres to visit the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Built over 2,000 years ago as a vast network of walls and fortifications to defend against nomadic invasions, the Great Wall remains one of the world's most remarkable engineering achievements. Its immense scale, architectural brilliance, and historical significance continue to captivate millions of visitors each year.
Our adventure began at the bustling Badaling section, the most visited and best-preserved part of the Wall. The initial climb seemed manageable, but it soon became increasingly demanding. The steep mountain slopes, uneven stone steps, and relentless ascent tested both our stamina and determination. Every step required greater effort as the climb grew more strenuous.
With tiring legs and fading energy, we pressed on, walking, climbing, and at times almost crawling our way uphill. Eventually, we reached one of the highest points accessible from the Badaling section. Stretching across the rugged mountain ridges like a mighty dragon, the Great Wall was an awe-inspiring sight. Exhausted and breathless, yet filled with a deep sense of accomplishment, we were proud to have conquered even a small stretch of this legendary monument.
From the watchtower, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling valleys and the endless chain of undulating mountains. It was a moment of quiet triumph, one that made every exhausting step of the climb worthwhile.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru (2017)
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| (Unforgettable memories amidst the ancient ruins) |
In October 2017, we embarked on a two-week journey through several Latin American countries - Argentina, Peru and Brazil. The region is blessed with an extraordinary collection of natural and man-made wonders. Although our time was limited, we were fortunate to visit some of its most iconic treasures.
From Lima, we flew to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. The moment we landed, the high altitude and thin mountain air played tricks with our sense of balance. From there, we travelled by bus to Pisac, our first stop in the Sacred Valley. We wandered through the colourful Pisac Market and explored the impressive Pisac ruins, walking slowly and taking measured breaths as our bodies adjusted to the elevation.
At over 3,400 metres above sea level, the air was crisp, thin and noticeably colder. We spent the night in the Sacred Valley, resting well after sipping a warm cup of coca tea, a traditional remedy believed to ease the effects of altitude sickness. Even so, several members of our group developed severe headaches and nausea, a reminder that the mountains demand both patience and respect.
The following morning began with a memorable 4.00 a.m. wake-up call. We boarded the panoramic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, enjoying breathtaking views as the train wound through the spectacular Andean landscape. From there, an eco-bus climbed the steep, winding road to Machu Picchu, followed by a short but challenging uphill walk that left our legs burning.
Then, as the morning mist slowly lifted, the ancient citadel revealed itself. No photograph, no documentary, and no travel brochure had prepared me for that first breathtaking sight.
Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, Machu Picchu is celebrated for its remarkable dry-stone construction, where enormous stones fit together perfectly without mortar. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, its temples, terraces and ceremonial structures reflect the ingenuity of the Inca civilisation and their profound understanding of engineering, astronomy and the natural landscape.
Who would have imagined that one day I would stand before one of the world's greatest wonders?
I simply stood there in silence, taking in the beauty that surrounded me. Some places leave you searching for words. Machu Picchu was one of them. It was a moment of quiet gratitude - one that will remain etched in my heart long after the journey ended.
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(A citadel high in the Andes Mountain)
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| (A guided tour of the Ancient city) |
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| (The ingenious Inca civilization) |
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| (Welcoming the world from the top of Corcovado) |
After visiting the spectacular Iguazu Falls, we flew to Rio de Janeiro to spend a few days before our journey home. One of the city's must-see landmarks was Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, standing majestically atop Corcovado Mountain.
There are several ways to reach the famous statue. Visitors can drive up the mountain, while the more adventurous may choose to hike the scenic trail from Parque Lage through the lush rainforest of Tijuca National Park. As for us, we opted for the more leisurely Corcovado Rack Railway, which climbs from Cosme Velho to the summit. Although trains depart every 30 minutes, the enormous number of visitors meant we had to wait quite some time before boarding. The 20-minute journey itself was delightful, winding through the dense tropical forest with glimpses of the surrounding landscape along the way.
When we finally reached the summit, we were greeted by an even larger crowd. Hundreds of visitors were eagerly photographing both the iconic statue and the breathtaking panorama of Rio de Janeiro below. Towering 30 metres high with outstretched arms, the imposing statue of Jesus Christ, constructed of reinforced concrete and clad in soapstone, has become the enduring symbol of Brazil.
The October 2017 afternoon was warm and humid, and we were soon sweating buckets as we patiently navigated through the sea of people in search of the perfect vantage point. After a little persistence, we managed to capture some memorable photographs. Looking out over Rio from the summit, with its golden beaches, dramatic mountains and sparkling bay, we agreed that the magnificent view alone made the wait and the crowds well worthwhile.
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| (The imposing statue of Jesus Christ) |
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| (A spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro) |
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| (The crowd at the viewpoint) |
7. Chichen Itza, Mexico (2025)
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| (A wet day at Chichen Itza) |
In June 2023, together with two fellow frequent travellers, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure through Central America. Our journey took us from the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the misty rainforests of Costa Rica, the vibrant heart of Mexico, and finally the timeless rhythm of Cuba. On our journey home, we transited through Caracas and Istanbul.
While staying in Cancún, Mexico, we joined a busload of tourists on a day trip to Chichén Itzá, the ancient Mayan city on the Yucatán Peninsula. The day began under bright blue skies as we visited the charming colonial town of Valladolid and the beautiful cenotes, the region's famous natural limestone sinkholes.
By the time we arrived at Chichén Itzá, our final destination, it was already late afternoon. The weather had changed dramatically. Heavy rain lashed the archaeological site as strong winds tugged at our umbrellas. With our trousers rolled up, we waded through ankle-deep puddles that quickly formed along the gravel paths leading to the ancient ruins.
There, standing proudly against the storm, was our first glimpse of El Castillo, the iconic pyramid that has earned Chichén Itzá its place among the New Seven Wonders of the World. From a distance, the pyramid appeared deceptively simple. Yet as our guide explained the remarkable phenomenon of the serpent-shaped shadow that appears during the equinoxes, we gained a deeper appreciation of the extraordinary astronomical and architectural knowledge possessed by the Maya centuries before the age of computers.
Undeterred by the relentless downpour, we explored nearly all the major structures within the vast archaeological complex. Soaked to the skin and splashing through muddy paths, we pressed on with smiles and excitement. The fierce Yucatán rain may have drenched our clothes, but it never dampened our spirits. In many ways, the storm made our visit even more memorable, adding an unexpected adventure to our encounter with one of the world's greatest wonders.
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| (Exploring the Mayan civilization in the heavy rain) |
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| (The last of the New Seven Wonders of the World) |
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