Tell us a favorite memory of your experience at a World Heritage Site. Perhaps that's where you learned to fish, saw ancient ruins for the first time or spent your honeymoon.
We will post your story below, along with an image if you wish. Email your memory (100 to 200 words) using our Contact Form. Just paste it in the Comments/Questions box. If you want to include a photo, please contact us for instructions.
Jot down that memory and send it in now! We can't post them all right away, so keep checking back.
Old City of Dubrovnik — Croatia
submitted by Jennifer Streetman, Broomfield, Colorado, USA
photo by Martin Streetman
I tend to think of history as colorful and illuminating — but well in the past. What moved me so ardently about Dubrovnik, Croatia is that its history is still raw, fresh, and at times suffocating.
Famous for centuries of independence earned by shrewd diplomacy and a feisty navy, the walled port city was under siege just 15 years ago by the Serbians during the horrific wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia. Seventy-percent of the buildings in the city were damaged in the war, but almost all have been restored.
Croatia has done a remarkable job at moving forward. A charming pride of ownership percolates from almost every restaurant, store, bar, and family-run apartment in this former communist country. Modern highways and well-stocked western-style restrooms abound – and yet, in many places, land mines make hiking a life-threatening proposition. Just a few kilometers inland there are still many structures, both occupied and abandoned, with bullet holes in the walls.
My favorite things about Dubrovnik? The Mediterranean climate and atmosphere, and the saying, "A fish must swim three times: in water, oil and wine." We ate little besides fresh seafood washed down with the lovely local wines.
The Archaeological Sites of Mycenae and Tiryns — Greece
submitted by Diana Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Our first impression upon approaching the ancient city of Tiryns in Greece was one of awe and wonder. How were the ancient Mycenaeans (1600 to 1200 BC) able to build the thick, immense city walls with the gigantic stone boulders? Where did the stones come from? How were they brought to the site and how were they raised up to 60 feet high? It was easy to believe they were engineered by the Cyclops, as later inhabitants determined. It was difficult to fathom the genius and skill the ancient Mycenaeans possessed almost a thousand years before the Acropolis was built.
The neighboring archaeological site of Mycenae also contains gigantic cyclopean walls, the most famous being the Lion Gate, an entrance of immense boulders topped by two huge sculpted lions. The famous Mask of Agamemnon was discovered here in a burial grave.
This brilliant golden death mask has been taken to the Athens Archeological Museum where all can enjoy its protected brilliance.
When it was found, it was mistakenly believed to belong to King Agamemnon, the famed leader of the expedition to attack Troy in Homer's Iliad.
Mystery and amazement permeate these World Heritage sites. Before leaving we stepped inside the Treasury of Atreus. This huge beehive shaped tomb is made of stones so perfectly fitted in the walls and domed ceiling that no mortar was required and they have remained in place for over 3,000 years!
The Archaeological Site of Epidaurus — Greece
Submitted by Ron Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
The best preserved Greek theatre is the wonderful 14,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre in Epidaurus, Greece. Although built in 500 BC, it offers "Stadium Seating" at its best. Its semicircular arrangement of stone bleachers is in excellent condition and Greek plays are still performed there in the summer.
I climbed up the 55 steep rows to the top where I sat to "relax" in a stone seat with stone back and armrests. As I looked down upon center stage, my wife appeared as a small spot, but as she spoke, I could hear her voice as clearly as if I were in the first row. Because of the architecture and location against a hillside, the acoustics would have been that great for any of the audience members.
The ancient town of Epidaurus was originally a center of healing where Greeks came for treatments and cures from many medical practitioners. The museum on the grounds contains a fascinating collection of ancient bronze medical instruments and surgical tools. The theatre was originally dedicated to the Greek God of Healing, Asklepios. The Greek dramas performed in the theatre were meant to be a kind of healing catharsis for the audience.
Yellowstone National Park, — USA
submitted by Bonnie Fatio, Geneva, Switzerland
The first World Heritage Site that I experienced is full of memories.
In 1955 our parents packed up the Buick, loaded us four children, and
headed to Yellowstone National Park. It was a wonderful adventure and education
for an 11 year old.
Wild animals roamed free. One day Mom was sweeping our cabin and a bear
strolled through the door! Either the bear thought the broom was a
ballistic missile or Mom's shrieks didn't resonate well with him,
because he backed out rapidly. Ooof!
It's Old Faithful that I remember most. There was something majestic
and wondrous in the power of Old Faithful and the overwhelming beauty of
the falling waters as they trailed to the ground.
It erupted tons of water every hour on the hour, and I never missed
seeing it if I could. Even without a watch I could anticipate when it
would gush forth with its fountain of water. Even while exploring the
flora and habitats of animals on nature hikes with the rangers, I always
managed to sight Old Faithful and watch in awe. I became Miss Faithful.
Geysers were a great education. When I asked Dad if the water was hot
enough to boil an egg, he wrapped an egg in his handkerchief, tied its
corners with a long string, and dropped it into one of the smaller
geysers in the park. It tasted like sulfur, but it was definitely
cooked. This was before we were aware of protecting our environment.
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone also fascinated me with its high
walls. Colors changed constantly with the strata and the light. And
climbing the steep wooden stairs and slippery paths was challenging.
Fishing Bridge remains a memory because as we all sat there with our
bait in the water and people around us kept pulling in fish by the dozens.
We caught NOTHING. But that was okay. All I cared about was getting
back to watch Old Faithful once again.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — USA
submitted by Debby Phelps, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
I remember vividly the "steam vents" or steaming fissures at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawai'i during a trip in 2004. My husband Rich commented on how hot the earth was below our feet. At first I thought he was imagining things, so he told me to "just touch the ground."
Then I placed my hands on the earth right below me and realized in total amazement that it was hot. What an event that was - a rather "once in a lifetime" moment of discovery. Suddenly you sense there's a very hot volcanic world gurgling right below your feet. Trust me, it is quite a humbling experience!
Independence Hall — USA
submitted by Carol O'Dwyer, Denver, Colorado, USA
I always wanted to visit Philadelphia. I was raised two hours from Philly, but somehow I never made it there. On a recent trip back East, I managed to spend one day in Philadelphia and visited Independence Hall. I was reminded of some things I'd learned in history class but that I'd forgotten.
It was truly an awesome experience to visit this place where history was made. It's been easy for me to get discouraged because of the current political climate. I left Independence Hall inspired by the greatness of our Founding Fathers (and our Founding Mothers who receive less recognition!) and asking myself the question "What can I do to preserve our precious freedom?"
