Describe a historic building you have visited
You should say where it was, what it looked like, what you learned there, and explain why you visited this historical building. I'm going to talk about the majestic Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca city tucked into the Andes mountain range. More than 7,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru. A symbol of the Inca Empire and built around 1450 AD, Machu Picchu was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. It was such a humbling experience. I had always seen pictures of Machu Picchu and studied about its significance in school, but experiencing it in person made me realize that the pictures do it absolutely no justice.
Upon arrival, you start to see intricate stone path walls and buildings surrounded by mountain ranges which frame the ancient city. There are irrigation systems and farming terraces extending down the mountains. Below it, there's a fast-flowing river. You can tell they built this city intelligently. Furthermore, there are llamas throughout the structure as well as tourists posing for selfies in every direction. The contrast between the bright green mountains with the stone city and agricultural terraces is truly breathtaking. On sunny days, you can even see snow-capped mountain ranges even further in the distance. In this incredible place, I did a tour to learn about the history of the Incas and the detailed work and planning that went into building this place.
For example, I learned that they supposed Machu Picchu was built to house the aristocratic class and that it was abandoned after the Spanish conquest. Furthermore, I learned that the Incas worshipped the sun and that they had technology way ahead of their time, which reflects in their stonework, irrigation system, farming system, etc. As I had always been fascinated by the Incas, I decided to take this trip with my family to see it in person. I'm so glad I did. What a magnificent place it was.
?Do people in your country often visit historical buildings
To be honest, not really. As the U.S. is a very new country, there aren't many historical places to visit. Furthermore, since people tend to enjoy visiting the coast or modern places more, historical places are losing their value. Moreover, people usually do not have a week of paid vacation per year, so they tend to visit family or take a family beach camping or mountain trip instead. Unfortunately, not too many people have the means, desire, nor the time to visit historical monuments.
?Do children like to go to that kind of place
I definitely think a child would be impressed by the site of Machu Picchu, but I don't think it would be the number one spot to take them. For example, there are steep drop-offs where a child could easily fall to their death. Secondly, it may be tiring for children to walk up the steep steps, and they could get bored during the several-hour tour. On the other hand, I think children would get a kick out of the llamas walking around the complex.
?Do you think people who damage historical relics should be put in prison
Yes, in most cases. It is just insane that someone would do such a thing. I think this is such a heinous crime for someone to destroy a piece of history. A person who would do such a terrible thing clearly doesn't understand the value of historical relics. However, before putting the person in jail, authorities should determine the reason for it. Perhaps the person would do such a thing as a way to seek vengeance for a historical event that deeply scarred them. Still, it is unacceptable for them to destroy it, but maybe the government should consider what historical landmarks mean to some.
