The Treasury, Petra, Jordan
Dreaming of Distant Civilizations
Every now and then, I find myself drifting into another trip down memory lane—this time not to places I’ve been, but to the astonishing achievements of ancient civilizations. I watch those TV specials all the time, the ones that showcase the impossible feats of early engineers and builders. It’s hard not to marvel at Egypt’s colossal monuments, from the timeless pyramids to the Avenue of Sphinxes stretching toward Karnak.
Then there’s Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a temple complex so vast and intricate it feels like something out of a dream. And China’s Great Wall—recent discoveries reveal it spans an incredible 13,171 miles, far more than we once believed. These are the kinds of wonders that make you stop and shake your head in disbelief.
Chances of me ever visiting any of these sites are slim to none, at least in this lifetime. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t found marvels of my own, closer to home.
A Surprise in the Arizona Desert
One such wonder was Montezuma’s Castle in Arizona. I hadn’t planned the visit; it was simply something to do on vacation. But sometimes the unplanned moments become the most memorable.
Montezuma’s Castle
Walking along the curving path, I had no idea what awaited me. Then I rounded a bend—and there it was. A five‑story cliff dwelling tucked into a limestone alcove, impossibly high and impossibly well‑preserved. It may not have the heart‑stopping grandeur of the Grand Canyon, but as a man‑made marvel, it holds its own.
Built by the ancient Sinagua people, the structure’s rooms, balconies, and stonework speak to a level of ingenuity that still inspires awe. Visitors can no longer climb the ladders to explore the interior, but standing at the base was enough for me. It was a moment of quiet appreciation for the people who carved out a home in the cliffs long before our modern world existed.
A Glimpse of Ancient Mexico
Leaving the Southwest behind, I think back to one of my rare trips outside the U.S.—a short cruise to Mexico with my friend and fellow explorer, JR. We docked in Cozumel and were quickly herded onto a tour bus bound for Tulum.
We weren’t in Mexico long enough to soak in the full flavor of the country, but Tulum made every minute count. Ancient structures perched above the turquoise sea, their weathered stones whispering stories of the Aztec world. The combination of age, beauty, and mystery was almost too much to take in at once.
The Joy of Remembering
I may never stand beneath the pyramids or wander the halls of Angkor Wat, but revisiting these memories—both near and far—reminds me that wonder doesn’t always require a passport. Sometimes it’s waiting around a corner on a desert trail. Sometimes it’s a day trip from a cruise ship. And sometimes it’s simply found in remembering where we’ve been and imagining where we might go next.
