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Star Date: May 2018 |
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Hello Dear Family & Friends!
Hello! Halo! (Universal greeting - works everywhere)
“Nature has created countless number of wonders, we've got a long way to go as man has created only seven wonders.” (Amit Kalantri - Indian Author)
In 400 BC historian Herodotus and several scholars, while in Alexandria, made the first list of the Seven Wonders of the World. Their known world was limited at the time, for venturing too far meant falling off the edge of the flat earth. Their list included:
The only ancient world wonder that still exists is the Great Pyramid of Giza. Medieval Age lists also included
Cairo Citadel
Exhilarating! It's hard to describe the thrill of climbing into the King's Chamber of the Great Pyramid or trekking up to Everest Base Camp and gazing on Mt. Everest looming above, or spotting the Treasury Al Khazneh after hiking into Petra through the Siq canyon. I grew up reading about such epic adventures in National Geographic. Soon I am transformed into a Tomb Raider or Indiana Jones or Mt. Everest climber, Beck, from Into Thin Air. Pinch me. I am here! This elation recharges even the most weary traveler. I once talked with a tourist who self righteously didn't go see the Pyramids at Giza "because everyone was going there". No matter how many people are visiting when you are there, these are must sees. They made the Wonders of the World lists for a reason. Everyone gazes in amazement because these special sites on our planet are not only magnificent but evoke excitement, show the ingenuity, resourcefulness and perseverance of mankind. They arouse questions as to the civilization, this world or 'other world' that constructed them. Try as we have, modern mankind is not able to replicate the Great Pyramids and thus many questions remain in the mysterious, ancient wonders of this planet. The New Seven Wonders of the World poll was done by a private group in 2007. The campaign was begun in 1999 by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber, with almost 200 nominations from around the world. The list of candidates was narrowed down to 21 by the start of 2006. The pyramids were assured of keeping their status in addition to the New Seven Wonders after indignant Egyptian officials said it was a disgrace they had to compete for a spot. The final round of the competition narrowed the field to 20 candidates, and 100 million people from every country in the world voted by internet or phone. "It's so exciting," said Tia B. Viering, spokeswoman for the "New 7 Wonders of the World" campaign. "There are not many things that could bring the world together like global culture ... this is really something that every single person in the world can be interested in." This is all about bringing people together, to appreciate each other ... to celebrate diversity," Viering said. Excitement turned to amazement as human nature prevailed once again. Nationalism reigned. Reports trickled in about the Brazilian Cell company that launched a campaign to "Vote for Christ. Vote for free" Vote for Christ the Redeemer Statue". The Jordanian royal family appealed to citizens to vote for Petra. Had people voted multiple times? In India radio and T.V. shows pushed people to vote for the Taj. Herodotus never had it so tough! When the dust had settled three lists were presented. Top Natural Wonders:
The other 13 finalists, listed alphabetically, were:
And (drum roll.....................) the winners were:
(Compliments of Wikipedia)
Hopefully in a couple of
hundred years there will be a new poll, probably highlighting many
of these ancient wonders, with a few new ones thrown in.
Organizations like UNESCO work to preserve these world treasures;
while wars blast a 3000 year old site with the blink of an eye.
(This happened with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon 'by mistake' in the
Gulf War!!) May all these magnificent sites be preserved. Tuk Tuk is home to the interesting and friendly Batak people. A long history of island life in Indonesia; the last 100 years has seen a changing lifestyle from supposed fierce warring cannibals to calm enterprising Christians; surrounded by the largest population of Muslims in the world. This is where we come to recharge our batteries. On our way back to Malaysia we stopped for a couple nights in busy, about to spontaneously combust Medan, capitol of Sumatra. We visited the Mesjid Raya Al Mashun, the impressive Maimun Palace - the Istana of the Sultanate of Deli and ate at the night market near our hotel. Fun but what a contrast to the quiet remoteness of our World Wonder Lake Toba. Do a little research, watch a few documentaries, and make your bucket list now! These ancient mysterious wonders and sites are calling to you.
And so it goes.........................................Next over the Malacca Straights to multi cultural diversity of Penang, Malaysia. Until next month Keep Smiling and remember to start working on your bucket list. We never know when we will kick that bucket so make your dreams a reality - NOW! Thanks for dropping us a note once in a while, we love to hear from you! Take care!
Love, Light & Laughter,
Travel notes: One US dollar =
14,550.20
Indonesian Rupiah
Lake Toba:
Wonderful place. Very
quiet, well run quality resort right on the lake. They don't
allow the loud music that other resorts tolerate on the weekend on
Tuk Tuk Peninsula. Great, reasonable food. The staff are friendly and helpful and
Nanda will solve any problem and help make your stay great. Great reasonable food.
Boat right to the resort from Parapat or the resort will drop you off at
the Tomok car ferry.
Address: Jalan
Lingkar Tuk-Tuk, Pulau Samosir, Kabupaten
Samosir, Sumatera Utara 22395
Bechuck:
Bechuck - fancy covered for 3 pax Panjaitan - Driver - old suburban 081264563314
Cargo bechuck - 50,000 rd
trip from Timbal:
Sumatra:
Bukit Luang - Garden Inn or Jungle
Inn Bande Ache - Great remote islands on the north coast West Coast - Niaz Island, surfing Airports: Fly into Medan
via Air Asia. Go outside to the left and ask for NICE
transport shared taxi (van). About 80,000 to 100,000rp per
person. Arrive by noon as the trip takes 4-5 hours and the
last boat crosses the lake to the resorts at 6:30. Airlines flying to Silangit Airport
Wings Air
Air Asia through KL to Silangit as of Nov 2018 Currently 400 to 500,000rp for transport, 1.5 hours, to Parapat, where you catch the boat over. Transport prices will get more reasonable as the market develops.
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