Like many cultural landmarks around the world, the charm tends to fade away when overrun by tourists. And wherever the tourists are, there is money. This is why the site is filled with local vendors selling all kinds of cheesy memorabilia. Can you blame them?
Of course, there is a lot of poverty in Mexico and people have to make money somehow, but if you’re expecting a peaceful place to contemplate thousands of years of civilizations that have come and gone, you’re not going to find it there.
Fantasy: The Spanish Steps, Rome
You can't really miss ancient impressive landmarks in Rome. The city is basically one huge time capsule and every stone and wall is a piece of history, so it's likely that by the time you get to the stairs it's really just...stairs. You can go up and down the stairs from the piazza to the church. You can also sit on them. The world is your oyster.
By the looks of it though, it seems as if it is more of a place to sit on rather that than walk up and down on. Good luck trying.
Fantasy: Chichen Itza, Mexico
One of the New Seven Wonders, the Chichen Itza pyramid site is the largest pre-Columbian structure in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexic. In 1988 UNESCO even granted World Heritage Site status, so it's clearly an extremely significant structure. It is believed that the ancient city where it is located may have had a really diverse population.
This explains the different architectural styles of the site. You can find it in the Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico. You won't miss it!
Fantasy: Empire State Building, New York, USA
The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most beautiful and stately icons. The structure towers into the sky and has become one of the top tourist spots for those visiting New York and even the U.S. for the first time.
Most imagine when they first reach the top of the skyscraper, that they will easily access the most breathtaking views.
Reality: Empire State Building, New York, USA
Well, the reality for most excited visitors to the Empire State Building is that they could be among a crowd of other tourists who are trying to see from the top. You may have to wait to walk to the edge and see out over the Big Apple.
But, if you have the patience and the time available, the wait will be well worth it.