WOW Word-Of-the-Week #364: Wonder
July 25, 2011 by Susan Clarke
Wonder – inexplicable by the laws of nature; filled with curiosity.
Are you naturally inquisitive? Are you amazed by archeological sites like the Pyramids in Egypt and wonder how they were ever built? Do you find yourself filled with curiosity about the world as you get older?
“The meaning I picked, the one that changed my life: Overcome fear, behold wonder.” ~ Richard Bach
This week’s WOW has two different definitions on purpose. I am filled with curiosity about traveling and seeing the world. In the summer of 2007, more than 90 million people cast their votes to determine which architectural marvels in the world deserved to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There were a total of twenty-one landmarks vying for that title.
The Pyramiids of Giza
Of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, only the Great Pyramids in Giza, Egypt still stand. The pyramids were given an automatic spot after infuriated Egyptian officials said it was a disgrace to have to compete for something that had belonged to their country for so long. I agree!
It is our goal to see all twenty-one landmarks. Also, Chris and I have collectively seen a lot of the twenty-one, however, not together. So the rule is, we go back and see all of them – together! So far we have been to the Pyramids and two of the New Wonders – Chichen Itza and the Great Wall of China. As for the runner ups we have been to five of them – The Statue of Liberty, Sydney Opera House, the Acropolis, Hagia Sophia and the Eiffel Tower.
What I am really surprised about is how much I enjoy history and geography. I hated school! (Probably because they dictated what I should learn.) This week focus on what your wonders are. What subjects or hobbies are you curious about? Do you like watching the History or Discovery Channel? Do you have a desire to visit any of the Wonders of the World?
Reader Responses
“I have a goal of seeing the new 7 wonders as well. Rog and I climbed all over Chichen Itza. Were you able to climb their pyramids or was it blocked off by then? Fabulous place.” – Elaine
“I hope this finds you well. WOW is one of my favorite words. Every restaurant needs some. Cheers!” – Phyllis
Comments
One Response to “WOW Word-Of-the-Week #364: Wonder”
What a great idea for a travel theme. I recently had to travel around the US for work, and they bought an RV for me to do it in so I could bring my dogs. I was on the Lewis and Clark Trail and didn’t know it, I kept seeing T shirts and magnets in the stores with Lewis and Clark on it. I then started going to every museum about them, and camping in or close to their original camps. I hiked parts of the trail that are in State Parks. I looked at the statues in the various towns, and read the inscriptions. I watched the movies, and read the books. It was amazing what they did.
In school, it was 2 guys in a canoe going up a river.
I loved it too to be reminded that one of the miracles of the trip was that they were saved numerous times by Sacagawea- a 16 year old young Indian woman carrying a new born on her back the whole time, who served as guide, interpreter, food expert, diplomat, doctor- and basically made the trip successful- the whole time her French husband was getting paid. It was a pleasure to read about their adventure- and to have a look into the politics of the day.
You should take on the Silk Road Marco Polo traveled! There is an interesting book about that called “The Journeyer” by Gary Jennings. A fun adventure read for travelers. I read that one when I traveled all over Asia.
Safe travels.