The Seven New Wonders of the World

One hundred million votes determined the Seven New Wonders of the World in a rather unscientific study announced this month, July 2007. The campaign was launched in 1999, two hundred nominations came in, and the list was narrowed to 21 in 2006. Then people and organizations and even countries sent in their votes from all over the world. They could vote as often as they wished.

We've been fortunate enough to have visited all seven of these new wonders. Actually we've visited most of all 21 nominees. So far we're missing ... (more)

The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China snakes its way like a dragon for more than...

If you walk down the wall for about a quarter mile from the Badaling...

The Roman Colosseum, in Italy
The Colosseum was built 2,000 years ago and stands near downtown Rome, still...

Petra, in Jordan
The ancient city of Petra in Jordan, carved out of the rocks along the famous...

Up the stairs, and into the Treasury, and you can't go very far....

The Taj Mahal, in India
The beautiful Taj Mahal in India made the list. This is really a...

Chichen Itza, Mexico
This was the ancient capital of the Mayan empire. This step pyramid with a...

Christ the Redeemer , in Brazil
This statue towers over the beautiful Brazilian city of Rio de Janiero. It...

That afternoon, after the fog had lifted, our ship's photographer...

Machu Piccu, in Peru
Hidden high up in the mountains, safe from the marauding Spanish conquerors,...

Our daughter Betsy and one last look before we took the bus down the windy...

The Kiyomizu Temple, in Japan
On our very first visit to the Orient, 25 years ago, we stopped off in...

The Pyramids at Giza
Egyptian historians were furious when they heard about the contest to...

This pyramid was built 4,500 years ago, and when you get up close, it...

Red Square and the Kremlin, in Moscow
Another finalist in the big contest. It was the winner in another way:...

I've always enjoyed this shot - the brightly colored umbrellas...

Eiffel Tower, in France
Pat and I first visited Paris in 1974 and of course the Eiffel Tower that was...

Angkor Wat in Cambodia
The very top of the famous Angkor Wat. Still standing after 800 years,...

We climbed to the top level of Angkor Wat, leaving most of our travel mates...

The climb was well worth it. In addition to the views, I had a nice...

Stonehenge, in England
Britain's collection of giant stones is mysteriously arranged in a...

Statue of Liberty, in New York
I can't believe we lived in the New York area for four years and I never...

Sydney Opera House, in Australia
We were headed to Perth and our older son's wedding, when four of...

The Acropolis in Greece
Okay, you're right. This is not the Acropolis, one of the...

Easter Island, off the coast of Chili
Here's where we'll celebrate Thanksgiving 2007. I wonder if...

article published 07/18/2007

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Interesting article. Thanks.
— Chris and Rich Hanley, July 20, 2007

I think I liked the shot of you talking to the monk, one of the Best! That is one of the GREATEST things about traveling, meeting the other folks!!
— Eleanor Robb, July 19, 2007

Did you know,the Statue of Liberty was offered to the British, first, they turned it down! I am so glad they did, it has become such an enduring Symbol of our country!! I think the British and French have an ongoing "hostility" or lack of love!
— Eleanor Robb, July 19, 2007

As far as I know, the Pyramids were built by back-breaking labor, of hundreds of slaves, pushing the sand up and maneuvering (somehow!) it was a HUGE job, no one should ever "knock it" as an accomplishment! I don't see WHY they left it off, the New List!! Thanks for your pix and commentary, Bob!
— Eleanor Robb, July 19, 2007

Hi, Bob!
I'm not sure the world can limit itself to only "7" wonders. Why did we even change the original seven? The only Wonder I have been able to see were the pyramids in Egypt way back in the 80's. I wish historians could finally figure out how they were built. Pictures don't do them justice. Thanks for another great post. My best to your family.
— Chuck Posten, July 18, 2007

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