Part 4: The Original Natural Wonders of the World...

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better..." - Albert Einstein

(A pair of rugged hiking boots)

Of the original Seven Natural Wonders of the World, I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit three. Each one left a different impression. Some inspired awe with their sheer grandeur, while others became unforgettable because of the moments we experienced there.

1. Mount Everest, Nepal/China (2007)

We were on a 10-day adventure trip to Nepal, tracing the legendary Hippie Trails from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The road trip was an adventure in itself.

(Chartering a private 20-seater plane for the Everest tour)

To conclude the epic trip, in the early morning of May 2007, our small group of eight boarded a private scenic flight with Buddha Air from Kathmandu. Our 20-seater aircraft circled the Himalayan range twice, giving us the rare opportunity to photograph the magnificent peaks from every angle, including the majestic Mt. Everest up close.

For an unforgettable hour, we soared at around 25,000 feet, gazing out at an endless panorama of snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, shimmering lakes, winding rivers, and deep gorges. Although the morning was slightly cloudy, nothing could diminish the awe of witnessing the roof of the world unfold beneath us.

Some journeys are not measured by the distance we walk or by the height we climb, but by the wonder they leave in our hearts. That day, I didn't climb Mt. Everest - I touched it with my heart.

(A glimpse of Mt. Everest amidst the cloud) 

2. Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2007)

On a warm, humid afternoon in October 2007, we boarded the cable car to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, eager to take in the breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay and Rio's famous beaches. Rising from a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean, Sugarloaf Mountain offers one of the most spectacular vantage points in Brazil.

(A long cable car ride to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain)

The cable car journey is completed in two stages, each lasting only about three minutes. Yet, despite my having no fear of heights, the steep ascent, the swaying cabin, and the tightly packed crowd made the ride feel much longer. My anxiety grew with every metre we climbed. The moment we reached the summit, however, every uneasy moment was forgotten. Before us lay the magnificent Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, where shimmering waters meet dramatic granite peaks and the Atlantic coastline. It was easy to understand why this natural setting is regarded as one of the world's most distinctive and beautiful urban landscapes.

With a cup of vanilla ice cream each to soothe our dry throats, we made the return journey. The descent felt much quicker, the cabin was far less crowded, and before long we were back on solid ground - grateful for the unforgettable views and relieved to have our feet firmly on earth once again.

(A view of Sugarloaf mountain and the bay)

3. Aurora Borealis, Iceland (2018)

We visited Iceland in February 2018. Besides exploring Reykjavík, we joined the South Shore and Golden Circle tours, ticking off many of the country's breathtaking natural wonders from our bucket list. Yet there was one sight we longed for above all else - the elusive Aurora Borealis. At every stop, we looked hopefully toward the night sky, but the Northern Lights refused to appear. It seemed our dream would remain just that.

(Exploring the Ice Caves in Iceland)

Then, on our final night in Iceland, the alarm suddenly sounded. The Aurora had finally arrived. Everyone hurried outside into the freezing darkness. We caught a fleeting glimpse of the magical green lights dancing across the Arctic sky, but we couldn't capture them with our cameras. Some fellow travellers braved the deep snow and bone-chilling cold, venturing farther out to take clearer photographs of the mesmerizing display.

I stayed behind. Curled up beneath a thick blanket in my warm hotel room, nursing a fever and a runny nose, I scrolled quietly through the beautiful photos they shared. There was a twinge of disappointment, knowing I had missed the perfect shot.

Memories are meant to be treasured with our eyes rather than our cameras. I may not have brought home the perfect photograph of the Aurora, but I will always remember the wonder of seeing it dance across the Icelandic sky.

(Beautiful sunset in Reykjavik city)

(The Aurora, the elusive Northern Lights)

Some wonders are built by human hands. Others are sculpted by nature. But the greatest wonder is how they leave us feeling long after we've gone home.