World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Sites (WHS) are a collection of cultural and natural wonders that deserve to be recognized by the world. They are the ultimate achievement of human creativity and nature’s wonders that are worth sacrificing some of our shopping and beach time to contemplate.
The Basics
No, World Heritage Sites are not a series of caves inhabited by superhero characters. They are places that contain invaluable assets for humanity, be it architecture, cultural importance, or natural beauty. WHSs are carefully chosen by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the selection process is more intense than trying to impress your in-laws.
The Humor
Once we hear the word “Heritage,” we quite often dismiss it as something boring and always leave it for another time. But think again! WHSs contain some of the most hilarious and absurd pieces of art and architecture that will have you shaking your head in wonder. Like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a tower that for decades has been leaning as if it had too much wine at the party, but it’s still standing. Or the Giant’s Causeway that looks like the result of a crazy game of Tetris. They are all worth seeing, laughing at, and probably taking a selfie with.
The Culture
WHSs are also an excellent opportunity to learn about different cultural backgrounds and their ways of life. Historical cities like Edinburgh, Salzburg, or Havana, will take you back in time to when people had to listen to music live or used handwritten letters as email. Visiting WHSs is like time-traveling, except you won’t encounter dinosaurs (yet). Besides, knowing about different cultural backgrounds always comes in handy during family gatherings when you run out of small talk.
The Environment
Nature is abundant and has provided us with some incredible natural beauty that’s worth protecting. If you’re feeling like David Attenborough, then visiting WHSs like the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, or Machu Picchu, will rekindle your love for nature. Visiting these sites is an opportunity to reflect on how much we need nature and how much harm we have done to it. Plus, you might even get a tan and some good food while you’re at it.
The Final Word
Visiting World Heritage Sites is not just about taking pictures to boost your Instagram account, but it’s also a chance to learn, laugh, and reflect about humanity and nature. It’s an opportunity to take a break from our daily routine and contemplate what really matters. So, next time you’re booking a vacation, make sure to include a visit to one of these sites, and who knows, you might even impress your smart neighbor who’s always talking about history and nature.