My 7 Wonders by Fraser McIntosh
Hi, I’m Fraser, a 22 year-old, University of Manchester graduate and Hulme resident. I stumbled across Chi-chi’s charity because I am interested in social media and fascinated by what it can achieve. As you’re here reading my words then we’ve already followed a relatively similar path; I navigated around this site wondering what I could do to help such a worthwhile charity, since I’ve no money to donate, writing this is my way of mucking-in.
The moment anyone is asked about their own 7 wonders it becomes a time for introspection and fiendishly tough decision-making. Should those 7 wonders be the most impressive sites I’ve seen? Have I even been to 7 ‘wonders’? Should I pick 7 sites that have had a profound effect on me? There is no universally accepted answer because it’s a personal matter open to our own emotions and perceptions. The 7 wonders that Chi-chi will visit are widely considered to be the most breathtaking, the types that inspire, exhilarate and captivate us. My 7 wonders, however, are limited to my world-view and experience. They are a mix of history lessons, life lessons and simple jaw-dropping wonderment.
My 7 wonders
The Reichstag Building, Berlin
Norman Foster's transparent dome sits atop the Reichstag building
Unquestionably it’s a beautiful structure, designed by our very own Norman Foster, but it’s the simple ideology behind it that makes the whole thing spectacular. Given the dark history that has scarred Berlin, renovating the Reichstag building would never be an easy feat. I was standing at the top by the glass dome reading a pamphlet, like so many given out at all tourist attractions. When I read that the glass dome represents the need for transparency in government and that it stands as a reminder to parliament that they are responsible to the German people, who are watching them, I realised I was standing on one of the most significant structures in the world.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
An 'Eye-full' at night
Deplored during its conception, its construction and still even today by locals, I still can’t help loving everything about it. The majesty of the Eiffel Tower owes a huge debt to the low cityscape of Paris, meaning it can be seen for miles around. I am entranced by it due to its arrogance. It stands unashamedly and even hideously against the backdrop of a beautiful city. No great historical anecdote could augment the star of a monument that epitomises none of the flair, beauty or romance of the city it stands in, yet still survives.
Sacré-Coeur, Paris
High and Mighty? Paris's Sacré Coeur Basillica
Walking through such an achingly beautiful building I’m struck not by an epiphany but by a gratitude to religion for providing such great buildings. Despite having no strong spiritual belief I still felt stronger having walked round the cathedral. It helps too that the limestone bleaches itself, with every new dousing of rainwater keeping the structure magnificently white. The views afforded by its height too lend this wonder an extra dose of sheer magnificence.
Lake Bled, Ljubljana
Failing to do it justice. Slovenia's beautiful Lake Bled and its castle.
Most notably this stunning lake enfolds an 11th century castle, but I don’t remember that at all. For me, the timing of this visit is unmistakably the reason it is in this list. A heat wave of scorching temperatures accompanied by the bluest and clearest skies I have ever seen shadowed my travels around Europe and reached its peak at Bled. I remember any photo I took failed wretchedly to capture the image that seduced my eyes. Standing by the shore trying like never before to memorise every little detail before me, was a desperate failure. The wonder of Lake Bled, was the moment the weather, friends and scenery convened to paint the most glorious picture I’ve seen.
The Danube, European river
A view of the Danube from Bratislava's SNP Tower
I’ve witnessed the Danube from various parts of Europe: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest and every time I plunged into reflection. I relish in the knowledge that this river continues to flow unceasingly irrespective of the latest scandals, gossip and tragedies that we concern ourselves with. It can be traced to its origins somewhere in Southwest Germany but who cares? I don’t. I just love to watch it, with a heightened awareness of ‘come what may, life will go on’.
The Warehouse Project, Manchester
Air-punching joy at The Warehouse Project, Manchester
A nightclub housed in a car park beneath Piccadilly train station is not a commonly cited ‘wonder’ in most peoples’ lists. The car park, though, is just the shell; the bricks and mortar. The real wonder is the innumerable amazing nights out, the hours of dancing with mates, the relationships formed and nurtured there; the bricks and mortar of my life. Manchester’s seasonal nightclub has been a hedonistic resort for thousands of people and has given me the nights out of my Manchester life. If the mark of a wonder is nostalgia-inducing joy, then WHP is top of my list.
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Even souvenir shops go the 'extra-Mile' on this beautiful street
Set in one of the UK’s most beautiful cities, the Royal Mile is a wondrous stretch that has a surprise on every corner. I consider the Mile to be, whether during the Fringe festival or in deepest winter, the closest muggles will ever get to a real life Diagon Alley. Bustling with shops and teaming with historic sights it links the commanding Edinburgh Castle with the Scottish parliament. Soaked in history and brimming with interest, The Royal Mile is permanently etched into my brain as an infinitely exciting place to be; to my mind there is nowhere else I’d rather be with time on my hands.
Disagree with my 7 or my idea of what a personal 7 wonders should be? Please feel free to comment and discuss below. I’d be delighted to read of your own personal favourites too. If you’d like to read about my time in Paris, as a year-abroad student then you can read my old blog about my 10 months in La France!
Related posts:
- This week on 7 Wonders in 7 Days
- This week on 7 Wonders in 7 Days
- Announcing our Final Finalist, Finally!
- Your Christmas II
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[...] of expanding the team, have you read the first blog post from our new social media intern, Fraser McIntosh? Pretty good for someone who has ‘probably the best potwasher on Twitter’ in his Twitter [...]
[...] you need any inspiration, here’s Fraser introducing himself to the project, along with his personal take on the 7 Wonders of the World; and here are my own modest [...]