Memorable Attractions

Memorable Attractions.

 

Immersing yourself into another world, for a day, a week, a month, can be a daunting task. Traveling, note I used the word traveling, not touring, is not for the faint-hearted. But an adventurous spirit, an open mind, a willingness to learn and adapt, and an appreciation for something other than the status quo will ensure that the experience is a positive and memorable one.

Flexibility is key when traveling. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary. Know that high expectations often lead to disappointment. And bear in mind that not all tourist’s attractions are created equal. If standing at the top of a steel structure, and looking down at a city is of no interest to you, then don’t waste hours standing in line to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower. By all means see the Eiffel tower, take a photo, and then spend the rest of your day exploring the city at your leisure.

While some attractions are meaningless tourists’ traps, Time Square in New York City is a great example, many do have meaningful historical and cultural significance. A great many may not appear on the tourist’s guide top ten list of things to do. But they are worth the time, effort, and money. A visit will leave a lasting impression. Your cultural and personal experiences will be greatly enhanced. Here is an abbreviated list of some of my favorite attractions.

 

Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula: Chichen Itza. Prepare to spend an entire day on this excursion. It’s not cheap either. From Cancun prices are in the vicinity of $70-$100, maybe even more. Tours can be arrange via your hotel. But once there, you’ll realize it is money well spent. Chichen Itza will challenge and quite possibly restructure your beliefs on ancient human intelligence and capabilities. It will leave you with more questions than answers. But most of all it will evoke admiration and a deep appreciation for the ancient Mayan Civilization and culture.

  

New York, Liberty Island. The Statue of Liberty. Lady Liberty is a symbol of hope. She is one of New York City’s biggest tourist attractions—deservedly so.  Liberty Island is beautiful. The views are spectacular. You won’t be disappointed. A reserve ticket for the ferry, Liberty Island and Ellis Island costs $25 adults, $16 kids. Unless you’re a contortionist, and like crawling up ridiculously tiny spaces, don’t waste time or money climbing to her crown or pedestal.

Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica. Michaelangelo’s Pieta, and the Sistine Chapel. Michaelangelo’s Pieta is hauntingly beautiful, and gut wrenching. This sculpture of the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of her adult son, will generate emotions, maybe even tears. It is an image that will remain etched in your memory.

The Sistine Chapel: Michaelangelo’s painting of the Creation and the Last Judgement will captivate you. Your eyes will remain glued to the ceiling for a considerable amount of time. And you will ask yourself over and over: how on earth did he manage to do that? You will walk away believing anything is possible. Tickets for both approx. 38 euros.

Spain, Granada: The Alhambra:  A palace complex built for the last Moorish Emirs of Southern Spain. It sits on a hillside overlooking the enchanting Andalucian city of Granada. A sprawling, well preserved palace and fortress, surrounded by lush, beautiful, gardens, dotted with fountains, private patios, and reflecting pools. It is said that the Spanish King was so enamored that when the Moors were finally expelled from Southern Spain in 1492, he built his palace right next to the existing one. A visit to Granada would not be complete without seeing this serenely, beautiful, place. Tickets: Adults 14euros, Kids12 and over 8 euros. Kids 12 and under free.

France, Paris Musee Rodin: There are no lines. You won’t have to fight your way through a throng of tourists to see him. And the euros you save here can be put to good use: wine. Auguste Rodin’s sculpture of ‘The Thinker,’ seats in the garden outside the Musee Rodin where visitors can admire him at their leisure.

Notable mentions: Michaelangelo’s David: At the Academia di Belle Arti in Florence. If you cannot make it to the Academia, or would rather not spend the money, there is a replica of David outside the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Westminster Abbey London:  Great Gothic architecture. If like me, you are a lover of English literature, you will want to visit Poet’s Corner, the final resting place of some of England’s greatest iterary masters. Price Adults $31 Kids $14.

Lugano Switzerland: It is not a painting or a monument that made this city so memorable. Rather it is the sheer natural beauty of the landscape. This is a city where the lake and mountain conspired to create one of the most gorgeous, natural, scenery I had ever seen. It is a view you will never tire of. And best of all, it is free! A personal gift from Mother Nature.

Pisa Italy: See the leaning tower, visit the church, and then let your legs take you on a journey through this charming city. Follow the maze-like cobblestoned streets and they will take you on an epicurean adventure. Some of the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten. The wine wasn’t bad either.

 

If anyone has memorable attractions they would like to share, please do!