Seven Ways to Wonder the World

One of the many things taken for granted today is the knowledge that wherever you travel someonewill have written a guide book, published a blog post or printed some photos about it. Nothing is truly unexplored (if you exclude the depths of the oceans, inhospitable to man’s air-soaked lungs, or the realms of space). This desire to record and share our findings on the earth’s crust is nothing new. While we have the advantage of technology to filer the world’s zeniths through to those who want them, this hunger to record our global highlights has been in evidence since as early as the 1^st century BC.

As people began moving around the planet the need to navigate using prominent landmarks grew in significance, the significance of these landmarks augmenting in association. It was through this need to find structure to the land’s journey over the planet and man’s desire to record those things that bore greater significance than the previous, we started to see the earliest form of guide books come into being. The title of one of the first you might actually already be familiar with: ‘The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’.

I’m sure you’ve also read it. But for those who haven’t, put the kettle on, open a packet of digestives and get stuck in:

• Great Pyramid of Giza
• Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• Statue of Zeus at Olympia
• Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
• Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus
• Colossus of Rhodes
• Lighthouse of Alexandria

It’s short. It’s sweet but the premise is simple: these are the top seven sights this planet has to offer that “arouses awe, astonishment, surprise; a marvel*”.Check them out.

Whether many people did or not is by the by, the important point for us as travelphiles is that people were starting to realise that our planet had some pretty cool things to see. Unfortunately for us, the pyramids of Giza near Cairo, Egypt are the only one of these ancient wonders still intact (earthquakes, fire and floods have unfortunately claimed the others to varying degrees…)

However, where the Hellenistic travellers of the 4^th Century began many have followed and today you’ll see an array of lists pertaining ‘Wonders’ in categories from ‘Underwater’, ‘Natural’, and ‘Industrial’ to ‘Medieval’ and even country specific.

There is yet however, (correct me if I’m wrong), a list that dictates the top nibbles and tipples you should encounter as you meander around the globe. Food and travel are intrinsically linked, so it got me thinking... just what should be the ‘Seven Culinary Wonders of the World?”

*Definition of ‘wonder’ in the Free Online Dictionary.

1.       Eating tapas with the locals in Spain

The best tapas bars are usually cosy (read: small), bustling (read: packed), without a visible menu (a blackboard behind the bar may offer a lifeline for the beginner) and loud. The atmosphere is part of the experience. The food is just enough to tease the taste buds and if you are stood in the street balancing your plates on a table by the wall you’ve more than likely found a local hideout. Tapas in Spain are one of those things that have to be done properly. Block out an evening, find your starting point then hit at least half a dozen before you call it a night. Pace yourself and brush up on your basic Spanish…

Where to Wonder: Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, Galicia and Spain’s many islands (think Tenerife, Ibiza or Majorca) offer the chance to get stuck in. Andalucía is however, where tapas originated. Head to Granada if you want to take it back to its roots…

2.       Firing up the BBQ on the beach in Australia

Any trip down under has to include a Barbie on the beach. Take a few tinnies, get some meat (sausages, burgers and steaks are advised) or shrimps and arm yourself with a bbq. Of course you don’t have to do it on the beach – the beauty of Australia is that there are many free bbq areas to enjoy - but for reasons most can comprehend the beach is a popular place to watch your food cook while you sip some cool amber nectar. Beaut!

Where to Wonder: Bondi Beach in Sydney, anywhere along the Sunshine Coast and Cairns are just a few places to crack open that Barbie…

3.       Learning to cook (and eat!) Thai Green Curry in Thailand

Thai food is delicious in its freshness and mouth-watering in its ability to mix flavours in a way that entertains the taste buds without obliterating them. Curry in Thailand will convert you. You may enter the country not believing in it, or even wanting to entertain its existence however, once this festival of flavours has passed the lips there is no turning back. It is at this point you should book yourself onto a cookery course - preferably one that includes Thai Green Curry. Upon your return home your friends will thank you.

Where to Wonder: Chang Mai is a popular place for cookery schools in Thailand and has a good selection (verified by my good self). Further south you can also try Phuket or even Bangkok itself.

4.       Sinking a pint of Guinness in any local pub in Ireland

For those that don’t know much about Ireland, aside from its lush, green countryside, rugged coastline, iconic dance shows (don’t tell me you’ve never seen ‘Riverdance’?) and myriad of folklore surrounding its historic core, Ireland is known as a country that likes a drink. One drink in particular stands above the rest; Guinness. More like a meal than a beverage, it has carved itself a reputation as a tipple of choice for many around the globe but its Ireland, and only Ireland where you’ll be tasting it on home turf – and that makes it taste all the sweeter. Fact.

Where to Wonder: Anywhere in Ireland will have a watering hole purveying this dusky dancing juice. Dublin however, also has the ‘Guinness Storehouse Factory’ so you can educate while you drink. Bonus.

5.       Filling up on flying fish in Barbados

Many islands are understandably known for the fishy fare that finds itself brought up from its protein rich shores. Perhaps one of the most mouth-watering however, is Barbados’ nation dish of flying fish and cou cou. Once caught these fish is stewed in gravy and herbs, garlic, tomato, onions and butter are added before serving next to a pile of cou cou (a polenta-like treat of carbs). Flying fish can also be battered, barbequed or steamed – and once those famous Bajan spices are added you’ve got a fish dish to write home about…

Where to Wonder: Barbados’ coastline is dotted with places to buy flying fish. Head to a restaurant or go to a snack bar on the beach front. Bajan cuisine at its best…

6.       Devouring pizza, pasta and gelato in Italy

If you’re planning an around the world trip Italy is one place that appears to have it all. History and culture in abundance, drop dead gorgeous costal resorts, Mediterranean climate (and attitude to life) and an outstanding contribution to dinner tables the world over. Pizza and pasta are without doubt better here than in any restaurant outside this boot-shaped nation. The pizza dough is light, the toppings fresh, pasta is creamy yet free from stodge and lasagne’s ooze with assurance that the mama that put them together knows how to fill a stomach well. Deserts of tiramisu, panna cotta and gelato (ice cream to you and I) make you wish you’d held off the crusty bread dipped in the highest quality olive oil… but you find a secret second stomach to ensure no morsel is left untouched.

Where to Wonder: Anywhere. Italy is like a sponge to those in search of good food. Be it Sicily, Rome, Florence, Venice or Milan you’ll not be far from a meal which makes you want to run into the kitchen to pocket the chef…

7.       Drinking Caipirinha’s in Brazil

A cocktail adopted by so many on drinks menus around the globe but native to one country alone: Brazil! Like so many things in this vibrant country caipirinha’s are trendy, cool and have a kick that gets you in all the right places.  Made from cachaça, sugar and lime, Brazil’s national drink is now as popular outside its perimeters as it is within.

Where to Wonder: It has to be Rio baby!

Kirsty Brown, My Destination
February 2012

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