Have you ever visited a famous tourist attraction or one of the great world wonders and felt very underwhelmed? I have. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to fulfil one of my travel dreams by visiting the Taj Mahal. Up until the moment I saw the tomb from Mehtab Bagh, my expectations were through the roof.
I had read about and listened to people’s experiences of their visit. How they felt when they saw it for the first time and how it moved them to tears once they entered the complex. I had seen movies that showcased it a little – but I knew next to nothing about the Taj Mahal itself.
Despite my lack of knowledge, I expected to feel all the same emotions rushing through me once I saw it. Sadly, that didn’t happen. I didn’t feel overwhelmed with emotions that moved me to tears. My breath was not taken away. I was impressed by the details of the tomb, no doubt, but I just wasn’t mesmerized by it.
Later, I would talk to Mark about his visit and discover how different it was to mine. One thing clearly stood out. He knew much more about the Taj Mahal than I did and so he was able to appreciate it more. This brings me to the first point on how to properly appreciate the great wonders of the world or any other famous attractions.
What's Covered in this Post
Do your research
There is a reason why famous places are famous – and no, it’s not because they are perfect for Instagram photos. There is usually a rich history behind them. One that was forged from the throes of love or the thorns of war; built for exemplary bravery or by almost supernatural craftsmanship. The more you know about them, the more you’ll able to value them.
Go back in time
Try to imagine the era in which these structures were constructed or how they were formed (in the case of naturally occurring attractions). You will be fascinated. Take the Pyramids of Egypt for example, there are theories that they were not even constructed by humans!
The precision and symmetry of some of these structures will leave you amazed! If you imagine the era they came from and the technology available to them to be able to complete construction, you’ll definitely appreciate them more.
Visit more than once
I find that going back to the same place can sometimes alter your perspective. Maybe your first visit was a bit off, maybe your expectations were too wild or there were too many tourists… Maybe you had to wait in line for hours and you just couldn’t find the time to settle and take everything in.
Going back to the same attraction again (preferably at a less busy time) could give you a new sense of appreciation. In some cases, the initial expectation has worn off, along with the pressure to capture everything on camera. You find that you can now just simply enjoy being there and this makes a whole lot of difference.
Unleash your inner architect
If you’re inclined to appreciating architecture, you can’t help but wonder why certain materials were used for construction. How these attractions have stood the test of time, survived thefts, earthquakes and several other natural or man-made disasters. Think about the intricate details in each of them, again, think about the technology and tools available to attain such precision.
Some famous attractions like the Abu Simbel Temples were completely moved from their original locations. I find this fascinating, don’t you?
Finally, ask yourself ‘Who, What, When, Why and How?’
Who built these structures? Who were they built for?
What were they used for? What are they being used for now?
When were they constructed?
Why were they constructed in the first place?
How were these attractions constructed or formed? How long did it take? How old are they?
Ask yourself these questions, then think about the fact that you are actually there and you just might find yourself in awe and perhaps overwhelmed with emotions that bring you to tears….
Do you have any experiences visiting famous places, at home and abroad? Share them with me in the comment section below…
I agree with every single point especially researching and visiting more than once.
I notice that once I visit a place again, I’m also able to focus on what it’s about instead of struggling to get footage for the gram or blog.
The struggle between visiting a place for you and creating content… whew! We always have to find a balance, especially in cases where we don’t really have the luxury of visiting multiple times.
Love the suggestion about reading up before you go. I generally do that and have found thatt it helps connect better. I still think the crowds at Taj Mahal the first time was a little insane. I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit again three years later and go early. Now my default is to go early because crowds stress me out!
Oh, I absolutely agree with going early. Makes a whole lot of difference.
You know what?
As someone who has never been out of Nigeria but has big dreams to travel to world, this is one of the most informative posts I have ever read concerning travel (and trust me, I read a lot).
These come across as very practical tips to making the most out of the little or the huge, and I am here for that, always!
You are a really intelligent somebody, and I am always happy to read your posts, brings me so much joy!
Thank you for sharing, Amarachi!!
http://www.desireuba.wordpress.com
Thanks for your kind words, Desire. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your adventures when you begin. It’s going to be very exciting!
I don’t know why this post made me laugh. I think it’s because I imagined the corners of your smile flatten out as you approach the Taj Mahal, and ‘underwhelment’ sets in. I totally agree with researching and imagining the era. I always do this with the pyramids of Ancient Egypt. How on earth did they create such perfect structures?
Madeline
http://www.madelinewilsonojo.com
Haha, that might have happened during my visit! I was better prepared for the Pyramids of Egypt. The research will definitely help.