Your favourite aesthetic travel moments...

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geekgal
geekgal

Hi all,

The next issue of Lonely Planet's Comet newsletter is the 'Art and Architecture Issue', wherein we get to share those man-made sights that live long in the heart and memory after you've returned home.

So what are you favourite experiences with art and/or architecture while travelling? Have you lingered (or gotten lost) in the Louvre? Scaled the Great Wall? Been hooked by Melbourne graffiti? Fossicked through ancient ruins? Or checked out the Burj Dubai as it grows into the world's tallest building?

Or maybe it's not about grandeur, but simple beauty. The cheesy portrait sketch you let yourself have done in Montmartre. The Indigenous art you bought while in Australia's Northern Territory. The handmade sculpture you were given as a token of appreciation. Or seeing an action flick in an old art deco palace?

Or even the funniest, most oddball looking building you've ever seen, anywhere!

Tell us your tales folks!

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websterella
websterella

Back in November I was in Rome. After drudging my way through the Vatican Museum I found the bathrooms. It was good thing because it took 3 hours to get through all those rooms and well, you know. Anyhow, as I was drying my hands I was looking out the windows of the ladies room which has very sturdy bars across it, thinking "wow, think of all the people who might have looked out of this window before me." I took a picture. It turned out to be a nice picture.

As I left the ladies room I walked up the only staircase available to me. Up ahead there was an ordinary door frame and the only egress available. As I approached I had to stop. Through this non-descript, small, ordinary door I could see one of the most awe inspiring works of art I've ever seen. The profound significance of this was not lost on me as the only thing I could do was gasp. I had to stop and brace myself before entering. I knew I'd be overwhelmed once I did.

Expecting the trumpets of heralds, I crossed the threshold onto what I assumed was the alter of the Sistine Chapel. Mouth agape, eyes wide I looked up. With my distended neck I turned in a circle in the spot until I realized I'd been standing all that time with my back to the Last Judgement.

It's at that time all I realized all I wanted to do was just sit in the spot I was standing in. That's when the kind security guard brought me back to earth, reminding me that I couldn't sit on the floor.

I doubt I was the first person he'd seen almost pass out. Probably not even the first that day.

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ben_hanscombe
ben_hanscombe

You know how famous buildings are always smaller in real life than you expected them to be? The Potala Palace wasn't.

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jackbootedthug
jackbootedthug

The Sears Tower wasn't either.

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ohwell
ohwell

Jordan - Petra - The Sync Joined a tour group two days before with a revolting slimy greasy guide who managed to have us all up in arms in 20 minutes so that we were not happy to obey any instruction as they were issued like commands and not suggestions. Open rebellion just about due.
Walked along the Siync. Told by guide to turn around as he pointed out something. Then asked us to step back two steps as we were in the wrong place. Grumpily did as requested muttering about stupid guide who got it wrong all the time - then he said - Oh sorry the birds have flown away - lets turn and go on and THERE (after our 180) RIGHT IN FRONT OF US - was the Treasury lit in the sunlight. Forgave him on the spot. Magic moment

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flatfoot
flatfoot

Tell us your tales folks!

We would if you didn't talk so long-windedly.

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niner
niner

She unexpectedly pulled up her shirt and bra as I was taking her picture at Mount Rushmore.

Tig ol bitties perfectly framed right next to Jefferson's nose.

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sncinspain
sncinspain

I concur with "Ohwell". I visited Petra for the second time in May of 2004 and, being the early bird I am, I walked through the Siq by myself in the very early morning light. Even though I had see the Treasury before, the fact that I was by myself made a difference and when I came to the end and caught sight of this oh so much photographed building, it was no less magical, just catching the first rays of the morning sun as it reflected from the opposite wall.

My enjoyment of that visit was doubled that same day when I joined a tour to walk through he Siq at night. Our guide was very good. Before we started the walk he explained that the ONLY way to enjoy it would be in complete silence so, no talking, no laughing, no mobile telephones, no nothing, just silence. The whole of the route of the Siq was illuminated by candles and as we walked though it wasn't hard to imagine oneself as part of an ancient procession and when we finally arrived at the Treasury, the whole of the courtyard was covered in hundreds and hundreds of candles giving the facade an unique aspect. Sorry if I use the word "magical" once again but that's what it was. Breathtaking.

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