Okay listen, historical sites around the world have me in a chokehold lately and I’m not even exaggerating. I’m sitting here in my messy apartment in [somewhere in] the US, eating cold pizza at 2:17 p.m. on a random Thursday in January 2026, surrounded by three empty LaCroix cans and a blanket that smells vaguely like yesterday’s gym clothes, and all I can think about is how badly I need to stand in front of something that’s literally thousands of years old again. Like… how dare these stones just exist longer than my entire bloodline will ever exist, you know?
I used to be that annoying person who was like “eh, old rocks, whatever.” Then I went to a couple of these mind-blowing historical sites and my whole personality pivoted so violently I think I gave myself whiplash.
The Moment Machu Picchu Quietly Destroyed Me
First time I saw Machu Picchu with my own dumb eyes I cried. Not cute tears. Ugly, snotty, “I’m having an existential crisis in front of 200 Japanese tourists” tears. I was wearing the world’s worst hiking boots that gave me blisters the size of quarters, it was drizzling, my rain jacket was inside-out (classic), and yet… standing there looking at those perfect impossible terraces carved into a literal cloud forest, I felt so stupidly small and so stupidly grateful at the same time.
Historical sites around the world do that. They remind you that humans have always been dramatic, stubborn, beautiful idiots who decided to build impossible things just because they could.
Here’s the embarrassing part: I tried to take a TikTok “deep thoughts” video, slipped on wet stone, and almost ate shit in front of everyone. The video is still on my phone. I’ll never post it. But yeah… that’s me at one of the most insane historical landmarks on earth.
Petra at Sunrise Is Actually Unfair
Petra. Bro. I got there at like 4:45 a.m. because I’m extra and also cheap and wanted the sunrise pass. Walking through that narrow Siq slot canyon in the dark with only headlamps and Bedouin guides singing softly… chills. Actual chills. Then bam—the Treasury appears like it’s been waiting just to flex on you.
I stood there with my mouth open so long a fly flew in. True story. I’m not proud.
Historical sites around the world aren’t polite. They don’t ask permission to humble you. They just do it.
Also shoutout to the random Jordanian cat that adopted me for the entire day. She sat on my backpack like she owned it. Iconic.
Places I Still Haven’t Seen But Am Unhealthily Fixated On
- Angkor Wat at sunrise (yes I’m basic, sue me)
- The Pyramids of Giza when the tourists aren’t there (is that even possible anymore?)
- Pompeii (I need to stare at the plaster casts and ugly-cry again)
- Chichen Itza without the giant souvenir stands ruining the vibe (probably impossible)
I’m saving up aggressively for these because apparently my soul decided it needs more ancient vibes to function.
Final Rambling Thoughts While I Eat This Cold Pizza
Look, historical sites around the world aren’t just tourist traps. They’re time machines that make you feel simultaneously insignificant and wildly connected to every human who ever breathed before you. They make you cry, laugh, question your entire life choices, and then buy an overpriced magnet anyway.
So yeah. If you’re feeling stuck, broke, or just bored in the US like me right now… start planning that trip to one of these jaw-dropping, brain-breaking, soul-shaking historical locations. It’s worth the credit card debt. (Don’t tell my financial advisor I said that.)
Outbound Links
Machu Picchu official information and tickets (Peru Ministry of Culture / official site) https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/
Machu Picchu travel guide – UNESCO World Heritage listing https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274/
Petra official tourism site (Jordan Tourism Board) https://www.visitpetra.jo/
Petra – UNESCO World Heritage listing https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/326/
Angkor Archaeological Park – UNESCO World Heritage listing https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/668/
