...I too have been to all and while the tacky souveneir incursion is bothersome one needs only note that most of these places are where people could actually use the money form selling the souveniers. Also she suggest borabador in indonesia over angkor...what a joke. Now borabador is a fascinating place and well worth a visit but its hardly on the scale of angkor.
Disregard this moron.
...Yosemite (just not sure what all the fuss is about...its a big rock wall)
...grand canyon sky walk (glad I wasn't paying)
...kapilano suspension bridge (vancouver - really over $20 to walk across a bridge??)
....niagara falls ny (seriously you have one of the most famous tourist sites in the world- you couldn't spend 5$ to clean the place up?)
....rihjksmuseum (for a national museum from a country with so many prolific artists the van gogh blows this place away)
...forbidden city (get some furniture already!! - ok this one is tongue and cheek)
....most of london (seriously outside the tower you would think a city of this importance would have more examples of really impressive archetecture)
...and last but not least the piece de la resistance...CANCUN (possibly the worst place I have ever been - why has the worst aspects of America been re-created in a foreign country?)
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Despite the author's opinion of the 5 sites not being shared by me, I do agree with the alternatives offered. I have been to a couple and they deserve similar attention as the "big" sites.
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I remember our visit to the Colosseum well. As soon as my wife and I stepped out of our cab we were approached by an English speaking fellow and hustled over to a group of tourists for a guided tour before we even realized what was happening. I figured we were being scammed but it was hot and we went along with it.... and had an absolutely delightful and informative tour for a reasonable price. Plus, we got to jump the line by being in the group. A great time.
As an alternative to the Colosseum there's the arena in Verona. Unlike the Roman counterpart this is regularly used for concerts, operas and other performances. We saw Aida performed there a couple of months ago. Quite fascinating.
I had a similar tour guide experience at the Colosseum and I thought it was really cool - very informative. That guy is a moron for including it. ANY tourist site can be unpleasant if you're not in the right mood for it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HomerJ
....rihjksmuseum (for a national museum from a country with so many prolific artists the van gogh blows this place away)
I disagree with this one. I like the Rijksmuseum. It presents a view of the entire Dutch culture (e.g. all the delft exibits), not just Van Gogh. If I were to pick one, I think I like Van Gogh better, but the Rijksmusem is certainly interesting.
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The author complains about the crowds at Angkor and the Colosseum, then makes a snipe about how only a certain number of people are allowed into Machu Picchu each day. Hard to please this fellow!
...kapilano suspension bridge (vancouver - really over $20 to walk across a bridge??)
A reason exists that Vancouverites tell visitors to go to Lynn Valley instead. A free suspension bridge and you can go for a reasonable hike/walk as well. The Cap. Suspension Bridge is a tourist trap.
Let's be honest - most of the sites are crumbling and not too impressive. The main temples are somewhat interesting, but do not deserve anywhere near the top billing they are accorded as world-class destinations. Plus Siem Reap is not a nice town to visit.
I'm glad I traveled to a lot of popular spots years ago (the pyramids at Giza, Machu Picchu, the Colisseum, etc.), primarily because they are much more crowded now (versus 15-20 years ago). Crowds just turn me off; I don't feel like lining up behind a hundred people who then spend five minutes looking at the sight and then quickly run off to shop for junky souvenirs or eat at the McDonalds 100 feet away while some tour guide rushes you around the place.
About seven years ago I went to see the Bridge on the River Kwai (actual name is Kwai Noi) in Kanchanaburi Thailand. There were crowds of people yet the majority (younger people) were laughing, joking, running around taking snapshots of themselves. The only serious people were older Americans, British and Australians for the obvious reason.
So some places may seem overrated but in reality the observers don't do much thinking about the history or meaning behind these locations. I took it in slowly and pondered over the events there including visiting two cemeteries and a museum depicting the events of WWII POWs. Only then could I tune out all the din and noise of the other tourists.
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Stonehenge back in the day
I visited Stonehenge back in 1973. Back then it was totally open and we were able to walk around and through it. It was extremely impressive. Plus, it was a dreary, overcast day which lent an air of spookiness to the entire event. You could almost sense the Druids (or whoever built it) being present. It was quite memorable.
But now that it's closed off I'd agree that it's probably not worth the time.
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I beg to differ.
[quote=onepassaddict;12320610]Let's be honest - most of the sites are crumbling and not too impressive. The main temples are somewhat interesting, but do not deserve anywhere near the top billing they are accorded as world-class destinations. Plus Siem Reap is not a nice town to visit.[/QUOTE
It all depends on what you are looking for. I spent a wonderful 5 days in Siem Reap touring Angkor Wat and the other temples in 2003. I would happily go back there. Not a world-class destination? What do you define as a world-class destination? I love history, religion, and culture. Angor has all of that and more. I could spend a week at Angor and not be bored.
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[quote=ChinaShrek;12328619]
Quote:
Originally Posted by onepassaddict
Let's be honest - most of the sites are crumbling and not too impressive. The main temples are somewhat interesting, but do not deserve anywhere near the top billing they are accorded as world-class destinations. Plus Siem Reap is not a nice town to visit.[/QUOTE
It all depends on what you are looking for. I spent a wonderful 5 days in Siem Reap touring Angkor Wat and the other temples in 2003. I would happily go back there. Not a world-class destination? What do you define as a world-class destination? I love history, religion, and culture. Angor has all of that and more. I could spend a week at Angor and not be bored.
I completely agree. They are like a thousand years old, what do people want, new aluminum siding? I have been to a fair number of places and Angkor Wat to me is still among the most memorable.
As to the original article, maybe he should round his list out to 10 and include the Taj Mahal, Victoria Falls, the Louvre, and a few more. What a lame article.
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