February 10, 2010
Ok, this thing to do on the list of 101 Things to Do Before You Die is a list of iconic places to visit all around the world. So far, all I have marked off is the Roman Colosseum from my visit to Italy in January 2001. The other places that I have to visit before I can count this ONE thing as done are:
- Uluru (or Ayer’s Rock), Australia
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Sydney Opera House, Australia
- Great Wall, China
- Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Pyramids, Egypt
- Grand Canyon
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Taj Mahal, India
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
When we visited Rome in January 2001, I was dissapointed to see how much of the modern city had encroached upon the colosseum and the Roman Forum that was across the street. While the Roman Colosseum was an impressive structure from the outside, I had to habitually remind myself that it was built over 2,000 years ago with none of the modern conveniences of today’s technology. Once inside, it was difficult for me to visualize what it must have once looked like, as the original floor is no longer there. There were also lots of places within the building that you weren’t allowed to go. I may have gotten more out of it if I had taken a guided tour, but back then, I wasn’t interested in that type thing. (Nowadays, I will sign up for a guided tour in a heartbeat!) Outside of the colosseum are men dressed as Roman Centurians that you could take your photo with – I thought it was cheesy then and didn’t do it, but it would have been kind of funny and would have made a good photo.
So there are a LOT of Australia items on this list, huh? But I think this is a pretty comprehensive list of iconic places to visit, minus tall buildings, which is another thing to do. Its interesting that there aren’t any mountains to climb on the 101 Things to Do List – I’ve been thinking a lot about Mt. Kilimanjaro because it doesn’t require any climbing equipment, yet its the tallest mountain in all of Africa!
When we have our 10 hour lay over in San Francisco coming back from New Zealand, I think I’m going to try to make my way to the Golden Gate Bridge. What other places should I visit (either in a quick stop in San Fran or the world in general)
I think it’s missing Stonehenge and the Parthenon (or maybe that’s because I’m going to be seeing that in a couple of months). I’m totally jealous of your Colosseum.
And while I am awestruck every time by the Golden Gate, I think it’s cousin bridge the Bay Bridge gets the shaft. It hauls way more passengers every day but no one ever mentions it.
I’m trying to see what else you would want to see in SF: There’s fisherman’s wharf, the cable cars, the full house row, Ghiradelli square (ice cream!), Sutro Baths, etc etc…. And you’ll be able to see the Hollywood sign from the walk of fame so you can cross that off too.
I agree with Stonehenge-in fact, I think I should make it that I go to Stonehenge for the Summer Soltice. Wouldn’t that be awesome!? And yes, WHEN I go to Greece, the Parthenon/Acropolis of Athens will very much be high on my priority list.
There’s so much to do in San Fran, I’ll just have to make a return trip just for it. After 2 weeks running all over New Zealand and a 12 hour plane trip, we MAY be too tired to try to squish all of San Fran into 10 hours…but we can try!