MEComposing

The concept actually saddened me a little bit, but it is true that of the original seven wonders, only the Pyramids of Giza remain.

So now, they're choosing the new seven wonders of the world. As of this writing, there are only 116 days left to vote... the new list will be announced during the Official Declaration Ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on July 07, 2007 (07-07-07).

I have already voted... I chose wonders from the old world, like the Pyramids of Giza, and Stonehenge: buildings, effigies, structures that continue to remain a mystery, that continue to fascinate, that are hard to replicate.

I'm sure i'd be in awe of, say, the Statue of Liberty, or the Eiffel Tower, or the Taj Mahal... but these structures, though they symbolize freedom, hope and love, will never elicit enough wonder. The Statue of Liberty IS a statue, the Eiffel Tower IS a tower, and the Taj Mahal IS a glorious resting place... but the Great Pyramid of Giza, supposedly a pharaoh's resting place, has yet to prove it was used as a tomb by King Cheops, and the Stonehenge remains an intriguing structure of unknown builders.

And, up to this time... wonders from the old world continue to amaze scientists and engineers because of the unique effort and planning that went in their construction. Heck, the Great Wall of China took centuries to make!

I am actually surprised that the Nazca Lines didn't make it in the final list, because it's also very wonderfully mystical and amazing.

And of course, it is quite sad that our own Banaue Rice Terraces was not included, since it's always been touted as the Eighth Wonder of the World (was it only in our country?). Then again, I have to be realistic. The NEW Wonders should be enduring... and our once beautiful rice terraces have been neglected as the Ifugaos took to new ways of being (the terraces are kinda high-maintenance, requiring back-breaking manual labor in the heat of sun and thinning ozone layer), and worms continue to flourish in and destroy the terraces. Sigh.

Anyway, my opinions are my opinions... but I really hope people around the world will vote, not because the structure is in their country or their continent... but because it is a true testament to ingenuity, beuty and mystique.

I made an icon at my sidebar... :) Have a say, people, and vote!