Visited Unesco World Heritage Sites. So far: 63 documented
While many others have made a trip of a lifetime, Eric has made 63 trips to check out Unesco World Heritage Sites so far, and he’s still planning more.
Oddly enough, you can credit the Miss Universe pageant – held in Singapore in 1987 – for inspiring this Indiana Jones-like wanderlust in young Eric.
As a teen, he was mesmerised by the Parade of Nations while watching the pageant. Miss Brazil Jacqueline Meirelles’ costume (inspired by the country’s flag) fascinated him, and he was curious about Chile when Cecilia Bolocco was crowned the winner. It inspired him to start reading up about exotic countries and Unesco sites (a total of 1,092, since you asked). He was captivated by their histories and the reasons for their construction. “I had to rely on the books in the public library; there was no Internet then,” explained Eric.
It wasn’t until the early 2000s that Eric went full nuclear on his mission to visit as many sites as he could. As a teacher, he has long summer months to plan extensive trips to North America, Europe, and Australia, but he also used weekend breaks for short visits around Asia.
“Visiting a World Heritage Site transports a visitor back in time, and lets you marvel at its structure. The intelligence and creativity behind the construction of a heritage site never fails to amaze me,” he says.
He rates the ruins of Pompeii, Italy at the top of his list as he likes volcanoes. “It’s the most awe-inspiring; I had a chance to be near the crater of Mount Vesuvius, and I could not imagine how an eruption could be so catastrophic.”
Travel Tips:
“Visiting a World Heritage Site with a local or guide makes the visit more interesting as they share the tales behind it. These stories, which I always enjoy listening to, aren’t easily available through audio guides or search engines. If you also have a keen interest in Unesco World Heritage Sites, remember to read up before you go. Also, admire the structure from different angles. Let its beauty engulf you, and question how and why it is there – some of these places are still a mystery.”