This week's Top of the Heap: The Wonders of the World
I think all the wonders, natural and man-made, are amazing. But, ever since I was little, I have always been fascinated with The Hanging Gardens at Babylon. I think the story is magical and romantic, and sad... I love the idea of a mysterious garden; I was a big fan of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnette : ) ~ F
According to accounts, the gardens were built to cheer up Nebuchadnezzar's homesick wife, Amyitis. Amyitis, daughter of the king of the Medes, was married to Nebuchadnezzar to create an alliance between the two nations. The land she came from, though, was green, rugged and mountainous, and she found the flat, sun-baked terrain of Mesopotamia depressing. The king decided to relieve her depression by recreating her homeland through the building of an artificial mountain with rooftop gardens.
I think all of the Wonders are spectacular- but my favorite is the Grand Canyon. I have been there twice and it is the most amazing place I have ever been. Every second the colors seem to shift and change- the purples, pinks, tans, reds, browns, and a whole mixture of other colors are impressive. The Colorado River can be seen snaking its way between the rocks- a shock of turquois or green depending on the light. I was lucky enough to see the sunrise over the Canyon and also the sunset. Both were out of this world and I think everyone should see them some day. Sadly, I don't think pictures do the Grand Canyon justice- it really is so much more breathtaking in person. Sometimes when I am sitting at home or in school I stop and think about all that is going on around me and the fact that this majestic natural wonder is out in Arizona and Utah! Earth is a place of wonder and I can't wait to check out more of what it has to offer!
~ L
A powerful and inspiring landscape, the Grand Canyon overwhelms our senses through its immense size; 277 river miles (446km) long, up to 18 miles (29km) wide, and a mile (1.6km) deep.
Two excellent choices! I love the story of the hanging gardens too, and used to wish I had one. I've been to the Grand Canyon many times, but I haven't been since they built that see-through walkway. I cannot even imagine what it's like to stand on that.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna- Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post. I would love to go to the glass walkway, too. Although- it may be a bit scary. :)
DeleteI love these posts! You always bring up things I haven't thought about in forever but then remember how much I love! Like the wonders of the world! And The Secret Garden...that was my first "literary" read. I read it at age 10 and it holds such a special spot in my heart.
ReplyDeleteThanks! :0)
Thanks M. Christine- So glad you enjoy these posts. The Secret Garden is so wonderful! :)
DeleteThe Grand Canyon is on my list of places I would like to go! I also want to see the pyramids....one day.
ReplyDeleteI agree! The pyramids must be amazing!
Deleteused to love reading about the wonders of the world as a kid! those hanging gardens really do capture the imagination. thanks for a lovely reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! I have such a clear picture in my mind of what I think they looked like it was hard to pick a picture out for this post. I like the ones I chose, but I have yet to find any picture that compares with how I imagine them. ~ F
DeleteI would love to see the pyramids!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Lucia. They would be cool to see!
ReplyDeleteI saw the Grand Canyon as a small child for the first time and was just as awed when I took my own kids to see it when they were small. Yosemite Valley always stirs my heart as well.
ReplyDeleteLeslie- The Grand Canyon does sound amazing. Lizzy raves about it all the time. I hope to see it one day and I would be thrilled to see Yosemite Valley. I have heard it is beautiful.
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