The Tonys, the Emmys, the Grammys and, of course, the grand-daddy of them all: the Oscars. I LOVE award shows, and with the Emmy Awards kicking off statuette season next week, I’d like to join in on the fun with my own awards (I’m still trying to think of a cute “-y” name).
I wrote a couple of weeks ago about finally visiting the Rocky Mountains (something I’ve wanted to do forever). Seeing something so iconic, a symbol of the American West, got me thinking about other famous landmarks I’ve been lucky enough to see in person. I’m talking about those buildings or structures you’re practically required to pose in front of and snap a photo. So, here it is – my completely un-scientific, 100% subjective Globey Awards. The envelope, please!
Most surreal
Eiffel Tower: We’ve all seen the Eiffel Tower, whether it was in a black and white poster on a dorm room wall or as a backdrop in a romantic comedy. But when I finally saw it in person, it was goosebump-inducing. Paris was my third international trip, but catching my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower was one of those magical moments where I knew I was seeing something really special. I’ve been back a few times, and it’s one of those sights that always give me chills. Talk about the very definition of iconic.
Most impressive first-sighting:
Big Ben: I have a soft spot for Big Ben. The first time I saw it, I exited the tube station and just happened to look up, and there he was. It was jarring and amazing and I think I actually gasped when I realized what I was looking at. Extra points for a landmark where I can quote National Lampoon’s European Vacation. Look, Gigglers, Big Ben! Parliament!
Best Place to lose a Euro
Trevi Fountain: The saying goes, if you toss a coin into the fountain you’re sure to return to Rome. So I jostled for a prime spot in front of the gorgeous statues and watched my money disappear into the blue water. I haven’t been back to Rome yet, but I trust the tradition. All those tourists can’t be wrong, can they?!
Least like the Vegas version:
Venetian Canals: Okay, technically these are not icons, but what’s the first thing you think of when you think of Venice? Gondoliers, right? Striped shirts, large-brimmed hats, deep voices serenading lovers as they glide through the city. I’ve been lucky enough to stroll along the narrow streets and cross over ancient bridges while stopping to appreciate the way the sunlight hits the water and the silence of a city with no traffic noises. I’ve also seen the artificially blue water of the indoor canals in Las Vegas. Yeah…the real thing is better.
Hardest to get to in the snow:
Neuschwanstein Castle: So, King Ludwig’s fairytale castle rises out of the mountains and conjures images of Disney princesses and brave knights. But for me, now and forever, I’ll think of my long, slow, slippery climb up an icy hill. I was there in late winter, and while the castle looked ethereal in the ice and snow (and the weather made for some beautiful pictures), the conditions were not ideal for hoofing it up there.
Most Fun:
Manneken Pis: The famous statue of a little boy relieving himself is a fun, touristy photo op in Brussels. He’s regularly dressed in different outfits, so every visit offers something new. This is one of those slightly cheesy (but totally fun) things to do. You can’t spend all your time there eating chocolate and frites.
What are some of your favorite landmarks?
Image via Shutterstock
I have been to every single place you mentioned, except we didn’t go to downtown Brussels (we were driving around Belgium and the Netherlands and opted to skip downtown). The most surreal for me was the Colosseum in Rome. I ate cotton candy under the Eiffel tower, which was awesome. Oh, and last month I kissed the Blarney Stone! Living in Italy right now we get to see so many amazing places!!! Not sure how I’ll cope when we head back to North America…
Great list though, made me smile a lot
Thanks, Melanie! Enjoy every minute you have over there!
I had the same experience with the Big Ben!! We must of gotten out of the same tube station exit! I was looking up and there it was! It was amazing. Something came over me and I started to tear up. I’ve been dreaming about going to London, and seeing the Big Ben right in front of me, was just wow! Its a feeling that I will never forget.
As for the Eiffel Tower the trains were under construction and we didn’t have time to take a cab there. I did see it from a distance and started to tear up again! It’s crazy to have posters on your bedroom wall of these famous sights and then getting the chance to see them up close! Isn’t traveling wonderful?! I wish I could travel every month
Wasn’t that the best surprise ever? Definitely the best view upon exiting a tube station
Knowth monument in Ireland was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen. It’s even older than Stonehenge (5000 years!) and in the night of summer solstice, when the sun goes down, it shines exactly at the altar in the cave for a few minutes, through a very tiny spot in the wall. People even built houses on this monument during the Middle Ages and it’s still intact.
I’d love to see that!
My first glimpse of the Parthenon in Rome was a similar experience as your Big Ben encounter. I walked out of the metro, and there it was, all huge and crumbly and SO OLD. It was amazing.
Rome is amazing; I loved how you could walk down a street and stumble onto some ancient ruins!